SaZoo!

I'm in a jolly mood this moment. I think it's because I just listed our Thomas the Train ride-on & track on craigslist.com. It's an awesome toy, but we just don't have room for it in our new house. I love getting rid of things almost as much as I enjoy finding them for great deals. It's such a weight lifted off me when I sell and give our things away. I'm all for finding a home for "stuff" where's it's going to be most enjoyed. If it's not getting love around here, it's time to find a home where it's appreciated. Now that I got that out . . . ;)

We had quite the adventure this morning. Nate, Will and I went to the Santa Ana Zoo this morning with my friend, Kimberly, and her two-year-old, Kelli, and one-year-old, Daniel. Kimberly's parents, who are wonderful people, joined us - thank you for grandparents!

I love doing things with Kimberly because she's going through the same things I am. The more moms I know, the happier I am. I'm able to feel a bit more normal when going through the "interesting" things I go through because all the other moms are dealing with it, too. There are no perfectly behaved children and even the most eager-to-please have breakdowns, too. In fact, no mom with an out of control child need to apologize for their display to me. I'm always happy to see another kid in full-throttle tantrum mode. It's just a reminder that my crazy tots are going through the same phases other kids their age go through.

Will was being his fairly good natured self today, but Nate, not so much. I don't know if it was from being overly excited, tired, or what, but he had a few full-blown breakdown tantrums at the zoo. I had to really pour on the patience (oh, it's so hard to keep my composure but I'm trying so hard!!). I wanted to bop my little wild animal, but I know it would only justify his kicking me in the chins. He actually has scrapes on his legs from throwing himself down so hard on the ground. In front of a hundred (easily) other people and kids. His face was brilliant red, sweat streaking, tears spraying, and why? I'm not sure. I can't remember one thing that triggered an attack.

One episode began in the women's restroom. There was a fairly long line (of course) and for some reason Nate refused to come out of the bathroom stall when we were done. I tried to talk to him "normally" but he went into immediate fit mode and collapsed on the nasty bathroom floor. I "assisted" him out of the stall using the patented lift-the-kid-by-the-arm-under-the-armpit-area and let the next cross-legged lady use the bathroom. Nate then collapsed again and tried to crawl/curl up under the sink behind the garbage can. I had to wash his hands on two occasions before we got out of the bathroom because he kept throwing himself on the ground.

Needless to say, he had a time out against the bathroom wall (where he did eventually regain control of himself), and then . . . where did Will go? He'd just followed us out of the bathroom and while I was placing Nate in a time out he had just disappeared. There were people and kids everywhere. We were right next to the playground, restaurant, etc. I told Nate to stay put while I scanned the kids as quickly as I could. I ran back into the bathroom. Not there. I had a man check the men's room. Not there. I scanned the playground. Not there. I hollered to my friends who began looking. He seemed to have vanished. A terrible, terrible feeling for any mom. Eventually, Kimberly's dad spied him a hundred feet away or so heading to the exit. He was recovered and came trotting back with a great big smile. Oh, William! We'd had enough of the zoo. It was time to head home.

Will's big boy bed is working great. When we use the box spring and the mattress on his bed frame, it is amazingly high. It's like we're training an 18 month old to sleep on the second deck of a bunk bed. I was a bit worried, but now I'm thrilled. Will's too apprehensive (after a face-dive he realized it's a pretty serious distance to the ground) to get off the bed on his own. We get the enjoyment of playing on his bed with him and the benefit of having him contained, to the same affect of a crib. He is finally sleeping really well - about 12 hours a night and 2-3 in the afternoon. He's been sleeping through the night most nights, too. Which is awesome for Rick and me. This is one of the perks of having the kids so close in age. We see the light and it is beautiful!