Memories of Us: Quick Takes on a Wednesday

1. My husband and I upgraded to the iPhone 4 this weekend. We were still using the iPhone 3G. We were both beyond frustrated with how slowly everything was working. Apparently our phones were so old and decrepit and OUTDATED that the newer software pretty much wasn't compatible with them anymore. Part of me thinks, "Eh, three years is a decent life for a phone" but the other, more frugal part of me thinks, "What the hell! That thing was expensive. It should last FOREVER!" We toyed with the idea of just going with the 3GS instead of the 4 because it was 75% cheaper, but we feared that, as quickly as Apple seems to come out with newer gadgets and updates, the 3GS would likely be outdated long before we would be ready to buy new phones again. Anyway, so we are happy owners of the newest generation iPhone now. On the way home as I was examining my pretty white new iPhone and noticed for the first time that Apple had added a second (front) camera, a flash, and the ability to record video (in HD no less) I exclaimed in shock to Jamie, "Holy crap Jamie! Our old phones were ARCHAIC!"

2. I think grocery shopping alone with the boys is one of the hardest parts of having two kids under two. Jake is only a month or two away from being able to sit in the cart, which may or may not be better than my current method of wearing him in the Baby Bjorn. At this point, I shop in fear of the moment that Will is going to start acting up (throwing things, attempting escape, etc) because having Jake strapped to my front severely limits my ability to manhandle an unruly toddler. Also, unloading groceries onto the conveyor belt at the check out is hard to do with Jake grabbing everything as it passes within reach. So, NOT having to wear Jake will be an improvement. However, sitting Jake in the cart will ALSO cause problems since it means Will is going to have to SHARE driving wheel privileges and will most likely be in bodily contact with his brother for extended periods of time. Plus, Jake seems to enjoy being worn. He just hangs out, sucking on his bib, observing things, holding onto my fingers when the opportunity arises. Who knows how he'll act once he's sitting in the cart like a big boy. Anyway, shopping with the both of them is hard and will likely continue to be hard. Also, shopping with them is expensive. Because I shop QUICKLY. So, forget coupons and bargain hunting. I do my best, but I think coming out ALIVE is more important at this point than saving a few dollars.

3. Both boys sleep through the night now. I wish we could let them share a room. It would be nice to have a place for guests to stay. But they have pretty much the exact opposite nap schedule. Jake naps from about 8:30 to 10:30. Will naps from 11 to 2. Jake naps from about 1:30 to 3:30. Thus, sharing a room wouldn't work at this point. Also not happening at this point? A life. If you will notice, we are trapped at home until nearly 4 every day because somebody is always sleeping. I spend my days trying to keep the awake kid quiet enough to let the other kid sleep. Also, I get ZERO free time during the day. Anyway, at least I get to sleep at night. Which is actually kind of HUGE. Thank you sons.

4. I HATE HATE HATE the dryer in this house. We couldn't use our own dryer because this house requires a gas dryer. On a side note, while I enjoy cooking with gas, I kind of hate having a gas powered furnace, water heater, and dryer. Our utility room (where all those things are located) and the upstairs hallway literally stink when anything is being heated. Anyway, so I don't like the gas powered dryer. But only in part because it is gas powered. I mostly hate the dryer because it has a buzzer that sounds MULTIPLE times as it dries clothing (Seriously. It buzzes 3 times. To tell you the clothes are "kind of dry" "mostly dry" and "seriously, they are dry now and I'm about to turn off"). But the worst part. You can't turn the freaking buzzer off. What kind of idiot designs a dryer with a mandatory buzzer? You know what this means? This means that I don't get to do laundry between 8:30 and 4 because the damn buzzing dryer will wake up a sleeping kid. I can do laundry from 6-8:30 and 4-7. But you know what? I FORGET to do laundry during those times because those are the times when I have two awake and demanding children to take care of. AND the damn laundry room is upstairs. I hate you, buzzing gas dryer. I hate you so much.

5. Will has suddenly fallen in love with my jogging stroller (which, coincidentally, I've only ever actually JOGGED with like, twice). To his credit, it does look like a pretty sweet and comfy ride, what with the rubber tires and shock absorbers. I think his new found love though has more to do with seeing Jake ride in it. Now any time Will sees the garage door open, he sneaks out there and climbs into the stroller. And sits there. And waits. Occasionally calling out orders to "Come here and push me in the stroller" which in reality sounds a little more like "BOOOOO!!!" That is Will speak for "Do what I want!" And when that doesn't work, he smiles at me and says "Buttie." Which means "Push the button." This is him trying to get me to push the button to open the garage door, presumably so I can push him in the stroller. I believe this is a toddler attempt to TRICK me into doing what he wants. Clearly he hasn't figured out the art of deception quite yet.

6. Will thinks he's a big boy. WAY too big to use a booster seat.
Cook books are okay though.

7. Will has clearly accepted that Jake is a member of our family and is becoming quite the protective and loving big brother. I almost can't handle the cuteness.