How A Bruiser Earns His Name

Being a mother shows you strength and perseverance a woman never knew she had, being a mother of boys brings about even more challenges and obstacles a woman never thought possible, and finally, a mother to Bruisers earns you membership to a club where dues are paid in E.R. visits and stories that are shared for years.

I don't think all boys are created the same.  I talk with some  boy mom's who look at me cross-eyed when war stories are shared.  So, perhaps my club is small, and membership is not necessarily a badge to wear proudly. But, seeing as how I seem to be the local chapter's president I feel compelled to share my stories.

This brings me to a day in the life of Gavin.  One day.

Gavin was climbing on Steve's back, my boys' often regard Steve as a jungle gym, he seems to happily oblige.  After reaching the summit (Steve's head) the descent went all wrong and Gavin fell, his mouth hit a miniature grocery chart.  This resulted in causing his front tooth to become somewhat of a back tooth.  The immediate bruising and swelling was even more evident this wasn't your everyday busted lip.  Steve's previous experience as an athletic trainer with the Brahma's hockey team has made him well-equipped to handle such situations. He man-handled his tooth back into somewhat of its original position and applied pressure to the rest of the injured area.  No need for a doctor here.

Later on that same day, (I would like for the courts to note I was at work and not present) Harrison and Gavin were supposed to be quietly watching a movie before bed. I suppose during the intermission the Bruisers decided to start a rowdy game of wrestling.  Wrestling is nothing new in our house, nor is Gavin's famous 'finishing move' he lovingly calls 'booty-face.'  For those who aren't sure what 'booty-face' is, please reference the picture below.

 

Yes, it is exactly as it looks.  He puts his booty on your head and bounces up and down while he yells, "booty-face, booty-face!"  Harrison is often the receiver of Gavin's antics and usually takes it pretty well.  Something snapped in Harrison during that wrestling match, Gavin must not have honored Harrison's request to "stop", because the next thing heard was a blood curdling scream coming from Gavin.  Harrison pulled a 'Mike Tyson', except he didn't bite Gavin's ear, he bit his.....uh.....please look below, a picture explains it better.

Through a thick layer of pants and undies, Harrison bit hard enough to draw blood.  This warranted a call to me at work, "uh, Gretch, we have a little situation here."  Having no idea what to do I had Steve call the after-hours nurse while I referenced my good friend, Google.  I was even more disturbed when Google presented me with little answers- man, Google always tells me what to do! 

The after-hours nurse gave Steve a list of things to look for and if those symptoms didn't appear a trip to the pediatrician could wait until Monday morning.  Ya, Monday morning, when I was available to take him in.  It was really embarrassing having to explain to the doctor how both things happened in one day.  The doctor's advice to Gavin?  "Come up with a different 'finishing move."  Amen! 

And, that, my friends, is why my boys are Bruisers.

GOAL!!!

Harrison is going to play soccer this Spring.  Steve and Harrison have been diligently practicing,  he's been working on his dribble, his speed, and agility, to name a few.  Steve also felt it necessary to teach him the importance of acting like a soccer player, too.  You know, like taking off your shirt after making a really big goal while your name is yelled, "Haaarrrriiiissssoooonnnn Berggggman!!"  

Clearly, Harrison needs a little more practice with speed of clothing removal, check 'em out below....

Beanie-Baby Expert

Harrison: "Mom, I know why your allergies have been sooo bad.  It's because Beanie-Baby has a nose and every time he sneezes, you sneeze.  Yep, that's why.  I know everything there is to know about Beanie-Baby.  Just ask me and I'll tell you the answer."

Swells With Pride

Steve: "Harrison, stop whining, I want you to grow up to be a man (Steve then flexes his arm muscles to elicit a manly look.)  A man, like a football player or a wrestler.

Harrison: "Dad, ugh, I already told you, I want to be a dancer number one, then a garbage man number two, then a football player, number four a wrestler, and number five a pitcher."

Steve: "A dancer, huh?"

 Just so we're all on the same page I uploaded a little video of Harrison's dancing skills.  Every little boy should have a dream, right?  What kind of mother would I be to squash that at such a young and fragile age?

 I mean, it's not like he's 'Gabby, the Next Tina Turner'

How Could I Forget?!

The other thing I really, really, love about winter is the view it gives me to downtown!  Once the trees bloom my view will be barely visible,  but all winter long I'm able to sit at my dining room table and watch the sun set on this pretty skyline. Throw in a cup of coffee (or tea these days) and it's pure serenity.   Now, how could I have forgotten that?!

It's A Numbers Game

Hours of sleep I had before the first puking child came into our bed :1

Hours between the first upchucked child and the second pukey child climbing into our bed :1

Total number of times Gavin barfed :6

Total number of times Harrison ralphed (Yes, I am trying to list all the different names for vomit. Really, I have a tab opened with a list of all the names) :3

Number of Wal-Mart sacs sacrificed to catch the spewed chunks :4

Amount of laundry in need of washing :4 bath towels, 3 sets of sheets, 8 dish towels, 5 blankets, 3 sets of pajamas, and 2 pillows.

Total number of hours of sleep I got :5  (this may be enough for some, but not nearly enough for me)

Total number of hours of sleep for Steve : a lot more!  Somehow, after the first couple rounds of chum he managed to sleep through the noise and commotion.  One day I hope to be as talented as Steve.

After the final blow-out the amount of prayers I said that the sun would rise to bring a new day free of the regurge :okay, so,  I don't really know this number, but it was a lot!  I'm thrilled to report my prayers were answered!  What little food was eaten stayed down all day.

Parenting is made up of the good, the bad, and the oh-let's-not-do-this-again.  This night was definitely the latter of the three.

I Heart Winter

I love the winter.  Although, this year the cold has been bothering me more than normal, I still enjoy all the things that winter brings.  Here's what I have on the top of my list:

1. Making big fires in the fireplace.  And, an added bonus when you roast marshmallows and make s'mores.
2. Soup.  I love making soup, eating soup, and having it as left-overs is even better.  Something about soup in the summer just isn't quite as appealing.
3. Taking really warm baths at night before bed.  I do this year-round, but in the winter it's especially nice getting out of a warm bath, into warm clothes, and finally a warm bed and husband to snuggle with.  Snuggling definitely increases in the winter....maybe that's why more babies are conceived in winter months.
4. Winter clothes are better than summer, for sure.  I love all the scarves, jackets, and hats.  Although, if you wear a hat you're pretty much committed to it because of the ferocious hat-head it causes.  Small drawback for such a cute look.  
5. Playing in the snow.  Unfortunately, we haven't had any stick yet, but we did enjoy just watching it fall.  I have my fingers crossed for a remake of last year.

 

Gavin was trying to 'beat up' the snow.  For anyone keeping track, he has on a Spider Man costume under his jacket.