Did you hear my buckle click?

My children reached a new level of independence recently.  My 4 yr old got a car seat that uses the regular seatbelt, so she can buckle herself in (most of the time).  My 2 yr old caught on and can now buckle the chest buckle by himself.  Every time they get in the car, each of them will ask "Did you hear my buckle click?"  In fact, my 4 year old will sometimes even take the car keys before I get out of the house, unlock the car, open the door, and they'll both climb into their seats and buckle themselves.  Wow. 

I'm not sure I'm ready for this.  It's great to think they can do things by themselves, but it's also nice to know that I can make sure they're safely buckled in.  As my husband said, "Next thing you know, she'll be taking the car along with the car keys".  There's something to be said about having some control over your children while they're little.

"Mom, there's something in my pants."

I had the following conversation with my 2 year old the other day.
"Mom, there's something in my pants." 
"Is it poop?"
"No."
"Is it pee?"
"No."
"What is it?"
"I like to carry it around with me."
He then lifted his shirt to show me his Thomas the Tank Engine magnets tucked into the waistband of his pants and diaper.  Apparently I need to make sure he wears pants that have pockets. 
You gotta love toddlers and their creativity!

I am so not one of those mom

I am so not one of those moms at the parks.  You know who they are.  You've seen them.  Or maybe you are one of them.  The ones that come with their hair perfectly styled, makeup on, and wearing cute trendy clothes.  They're pushing an expensive stroller with one child.  Their one child is dressed in a cute new matching outfit, complete with cute new shoes (and cute hair accessories for the girls).  They look like they are reading for the photo shoot to appear in the next month's issue of Baby or Parenting magazine.

Sometimes I tell myself it's just because they only have one kid so they have time and money to spend on preparing for an outing to the park.  Then I remember that even when I only had one kid I was never one of those moms.  Then I remember I was never one of those young adults or teenagers either.  Then I remember how thankful I am that my mom wasn't one of those moms, and that when I was growing up I never felt that pressure from my family to look "perfect".   There are so many things that compete for my time.  I guess fashion and cosmetics are losing that competition.  And I'm fine with that.

The Human Cheerio Vacuum

Why is it that my 1 year old, when given Cheerios on her high chair tray, immediately proceeds to throw them on the floor one by one. If I try to hand her one to eat, she refuses it. However, if I'm trying to sweep the floor, and have a large pile of dirt that includes a Cheerio in the stack, she immediately tries to grab it and put it in her mouth. I find myself having to cover the stack of dirt/Cheerios with the broom until I can grab the dustpan and sweep it up. Otherwise, the human Cheerio vacuum will lunge for it and eat it, no matter how old or disgusting it is.