Want to know what the most annoying sound in the world is?

This plastic bag.  That's what.  And not the sound of the noise-making toys inside the bag, cause I can tune those out, I'm a Momma to a preschooler afterall.  Just the bag.  The sound this bag makes while it's being rummaged through.  The sound it makes when it's just being grabbed; squeezed; zip-locked; moved from side to side; put in the mouth (because for some reason, EVERYTHING goes in Nicky's mouth these days); whatever.  The fact that this bag was in existence in the back of the car in Nicky's hands while we drove down to San Antonio was the most annoying thing EVER.  It might also have had to do with the fact that we were driving in the rain, and extremely strong winds, and my nerves were completely shot, but wow - it almost put me over the edge.  I consider myself quite organized, and I love nothing more than putting smaller items into bags so that when put in a bigger bag they're easier to find.  However, I might need to re-think this tactic in the future.  If somebody out there would please create a sound-free bag for the storing of toys while on the go, that would be great.  Thanks. 

Oh Baby

Nicky and I stopped to go potty while we were driving to San Antonio for Christmas.  While in the bathroom, Nicky saw the baby changing table thingy and asked "what dat? dat for baby?".  I told him that yes, it was for babies and that was where Momma's and Daddy's would change babies' diapers.  He then says "i want baby."  "You want a baby?!", I replied.  "yep.  i want baby.", said Nicky with a big smile.  "I don't know about that buddy" was all I could think of to say at that moment.  Luckily, that was the moment Nicky decided to stick his hands all over the filthy changing table, wall and trash can in one fail swoop, causing me to freak out, thereby changing the subject.  Whew. 

Sidebar...why, oh why, must little boys put their hands all over EVERYTHING in the bathroom?!  So disgusting!  I freak out every time and scream "Don't touch that!"  "EW!"  "That's yucky!"  "Put your hands in your pockets and don't touch anything!"  This is why the taking of the child to the potty is Daddy's job.  I just can't handle it.

On the way home from San Antonio, the three of us were standing in line at a store.  We had the following conversation: 

Nicky:  i want a baby.

Daddy and I looked at each other with "huh?!" looks.  (Daddy had not yet heard the story from the Starbuck's potty.)

Daddy:  You have a baby; you have Felix.

Momma:  Yeah, and Lenny, and Shamu, and Bevo, and...

Nicky:  no.  not dat babies.  a baby.

Daddy:  Not a chance.

Nicky: oh.

Daddy and I exchanged a "wtf?!" look and changed the subject. 

Keep in mind, Kris and I have both agreed that Nicky will be an only child.  We had pretty much agreed on this before we brought Nicky home - Kris wanted 2 kids; I wanted none...1 is a good compromise!  Then there's the infertility factor, not to mention the fact that we had to take out a loan for the little Russky.  When you add it up, we can't afford more than one child.  Plus, I'll say it, I'm selfish.  I like to go and do things and see things and travel and eat out.  And call me crazy, but I like to do these things with my family - having more kids would mean we'd have to cut way back on the fun stuff.  Unless they start paying firemen a heck of a lot more, there would be no way we would be able to enjoy our current lifestyle if we added to our brood.  I'd have to quit my job to stay home...and unless staying home means laying around and watching tv all day, and doing generally nothing, then being a stay-at-home mom ain't gonna happen! 

So, my dear son, you can want a baby to your heart's content.  And, I understand your want, but, it's not gonna happen.  However, getting a puppy is a viable option...and if we gang up on your Daddy, we might have a chance!

Random Nicky

Daddy drove Nicky home from school in the snow today, and they had the following conversation:

Daddy: How was your day?

Nicky: (nothing but the sound of crickets chirping from the backseat)

Daddy: What did you have for lunch?

Nicky: (nothing but the sound of crickets chirping from the backseat)

Daddy: Were you sweet to your friends today? (i.e. did you bite anyone today?)

Nicky: i sorry. i don't want to talk. i lookin' at da road.

Hmm...either he didn't have a good day, or he was completely mesmerized by the snow...I think I'll go with the latter.  At least he was polite!

Best Snack EVER

This year Nicky and I made White Chocolate Christmas Chex Mix and put it in little gift boxes to deliver to our neighbors. I am completely unable to follow any recipe - I tend to add/change/delete ingredients to suit my liking - and this one was no different.  Instead of white chocolate I used almond bark, and instead of peanuts I used cashews (a far superior nut if you ask me).  I also added mint extract for a little "umpf", and let me assure you, it definitely makes this mix fabulous!  I made an extra batch, and figured we would take it to Nana's house for our Christmas gathering, however, at the rate Kris, Nicky and myself are going, there will be none left!  I almost brought it to work today to overnight to Nana just so we would keep our hands out of it!  It's soo good - something about the sweet/salty/minty/chocolatey combination is so addicting.  In fact, I'm posting this at work and all I can think about is going home to have a few bites (yeah right...more like several handfuls!)!  Nicky loves to "help cook" so it was a fun thing to do together, and the end result was delish - we will definitely make this snack an annual tradition!

(sidebar: If you notice in the picture above, Nicky's right hand is on the counter - exactly where I put it.  He accidently got some of the chex mix on the counter, floor, and on his hand.  He became very upset and concerned about who was going to clean it ("bliter get it?"  "man get it?" - not sure who this "man" is, but at some point we told him a "man" was going to clean up a mess somewhere, and that is now his go-to person for the cleaning up of messes).  I tried to explain to him that it was ok; I would clean it up in a minute; not to worry about it; etc.  Since he had some on his hand, it became completely immobile, and he just stood there with it sticking straight out like he was Bob Dole or something.  So I put his hand on the counter - where it stayed, in the exact position in which I placed it, until I was done taking the picture and picked it up to wipe it off.  Unfortunately, we're constantly reminded that you can take the child out of the orphanage, but not the other way around.  You see, growing up in the orphanage you have 2 outfits...and you do NOT get them dirty.  Any time Nicky gets dirty, he obsesses until he's clean...as if he's going to be punished.)

Hold up - this post was supposed to be fun, and somehow it went in a different direction there for a minute.  So, um, to sum up:  getting dirty is ok; cooking with Momma is fun; and Christmas Chex Mix is da bomb! :)

The Trains at NorthPark

A few weekends ago we took Nicky to see the Trains at NorthPark Mall in Dallas.  As a female, I'd have to say the trains were impressive.  As a dude, well, I'd probably tell you they rocked!  Nicky and Kris both seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves; I seemed to just be along for the ride. 

I tried to be overly enthusiastic for Nicky's sake, but I just lost steam after the first 10 minutes of standing in one spot looking at the same scenery and the same train coming and going (Nicky didn't want to move onto each next train set - once he was looking at one, he was there until we peeled him away.).  Now, this is not to say that it wasn't worth the money spent on the tickets, or the time we spent driving to the mall and fighting for a parking spot, because it was definitely well worth the time spent together.  Best of all, I convinced Kris to follow me into The Gap, and he was the best husband in the world...he allowed me to browse as he chased down, and entertained, a rambunctious 3 1/2 year old. (I became the proud owner of 2 turtleneck sweaters, one button-up shirt, and an awesome plaid skirt!)  We finished off the excursion with the purchase of a lemonade and sugar M&M cookie for Nicky...so, we were all satisfied!  However, I did tell Kris that going to see the trains could be a father-son trip going forward; it could be "their thing".  As much as I want to be the "cool mom", I'm just not as into trains as I tried to be, and there are some things that are better left to the male species.  Besides, since they would already be at the mall, they could use the time to buy my Christmas presents!  Kris agreed, so it looks like I've scored an afternoon to myself next year!  Yay!  It's a win-win!

(Nicky's so fascinated by the trains, he can't take his eyes off them!)