Kroger Meltdown

It was bound to happen. I'm surprised it took this long. In the five years I've been a parent, I've never experienced the full grocery store meltdown. Sure, we have some crying and fussiness but NEVER a full out temper tantrum. Until today...

As Maddie and I were walking into the grocery store, a woman stopped me to tell me my daughter was "just precious." Another woman called out to her friend to look at the cute little girl.

Doesn't she look SO sweet? She was happy and smiling as we ran into the grocery store.

It was smooth sailing through the produce section, deli counter, and organic aisle. Turns out she likes ham. Good to know! We were having a good time chatting about the different items and marking them off the list. So fun!

It all started going downhill as we were leaving the meat section. You see, I wouldn't give her my pen. I tried to appease her by offering to let her hold the grocery list or items we were purchasing but she wasn't having it. I, of course, was not going to give her the pen.

By the time we got to the milk aisle she was screaming at me. I tried to ignore her. Other grocery store shoppers tried to be helpful by talking to her and trying to distract her. Silly people! She then started screaming at them too. You can go here if you would like to get an idea of what it sounded like. You will only need to watch the first six seconds.

I tried to remain calm. This child's poor behavior was not a reflection on my parenting skills. Right? However, when she started to push me away from the cart and yelling, "NO, MOMMY!" I had had enough. I parked the cart, took her out of it, and carried her screaming out of the store. Oh, my! I strapped her into her car seat and she screamed some more. I called Dan to come get her. She continued to scream even after Dan arrived to take her home.

I went back into the store, got the cart, and finished shopping. (I only had three aisles left to go, ugh!!) I was rattled and shaken. Maddie had been well fed, not sick, and not due for a nap for two hours. Where did I go wrong? Then I remembered - I have a two-year old.

When I got home, she asked if I would play with her and her Little People. I took this opportunity to remind her that she hadn't been very nice to me in the grocery store and I really didn't feel like playing. She said she was sorry and kissed my hand. Shut-up!

She is lucky she is so dang cute!

Halloween 2010

It seems like I take a hiatus from blogging every year during the fall. It's my busy season at home and work (and this season was extremely busy) and that leaves me little time to think about documenting life. However, it just seems wrong to not update the blog with the Halloween 411. So, here are some photos from the day:

It was a perfect fall day in the ATL. It was 72 degrees when we left to go trick or treating. Shut up! This Chicago girl appreciates the wonderful weather. I do NOT take it for granted!!

Luke was Iron Man. His costume was totally awesome!


Maddie was Snow White. It's her favorite princess at the moment.


Iron Man led the way and Snow White was right behind him.


One of my favorite moments was Maddie running to catch-up with the boys.
So different from last year. She was not about to be left behind :)


I hope your Halloween was a good one!

She is just too cute!

Alright, you may go back to your regularly scheduled day!

Luke is 5!

Today we celebrated the Luke-man's fifth Birthday...

Can you believe how big he is? I know I say this every year, but I can't believe he is five. It seems like yesterday we were calling him the "Angry Burrito." As a baby, he hated to be swaddled and would get so mad. However, he couldn't handle the responsibility of his own hands and they would attack him while he tried to sleep. Such a catch-22 but I digress...

This year Luke had his first friend party. He has been going to more and more parties and I knew he would really want to have one with his friends too. So, we partied down at Monkey Joe's.

This was the best shot I could get of Luke playing with his friends. I finally gave up trying and decided to wait until they were sitting for cake.

Speaking of cake, here is the pic. This year's theme was Scooby-Doo. Dan has introduced the kiddos to the DVDs and they love watching those "meddling kids" :)

Luke with Monkey Joe. I had heard that an adult dressed as a character could create panic in a child and I am here to report this rumor has been confirmed. Monkey Joe left the party room and order was quickly restored.

Then it was back to the house to open gifts with the Mancini's and have more cake. Can you have too much cake? I submit to you that you cannot :)

Luke on his big-boy bike. How fun is that?
Happy birthday, my sweet boy. You are one loved little dude!

Do you like jokes?

It's Luke's favorite question at the moment. He is going through the phase where he is trying to figure out the whole humor thing. If you're asked this question by Luke, please brace yourself for the following type of "joke":

Luke: Why did the chicken cross the road?
Innocent bystander: Why did the chicken cross the road?
Luke: Because he wanted to get to the parking lot.
Luke: Bah-ha-ha!!

He is so silly!!

Consider yourself warned :)

I fart!

On our way to Florida, we stopped at a Ruby Tuesday's for dinner. Right before the waiter comes to our table, Maddie passes gas.

Waiter: "Is there anything else I can get for you guys?"
Dan and I: "Nope, we're good."
Maddie looks right at the waiter as if to have a request and says: "I fart! I fart!"

Which would be extremely funny except for the fact that when she says the word fart it sounds like she is cussing like a sailor. Yeah, not so funny anymore... Or, is it?

So-Gee

That is how you say...

stroller in two-year-old. Don't ask me, I'm just reporting the facts :)