Getting on track!

Monday:

Today we let Mike have the car and we got around with just the train and my 2 good feet!!!  Well we also had the help of the BOB. We were up just a little after Mike left for work but it still took almost 2hrs to get ready to go. I'm going to have to seriously cut that down this week...we use to get up and out of the door in less than 30min back in the day. But that was when Lino was eating oatmeal or waffles in the car and finishing it at daycare. I think if we get up at 7:30 and make him focus on eating and not playing we should have enough time to eat, get clothes on and leave to drop daddy off at work before he has to go to school. I sure hope we have enough time because that's what I'm going to start doing tomorrow!!!!  Anyway, we go out the door a little later than I wanted and I knew the train would be leaving at 11 or 11:15 and since it was already 10:33 I knew I needed to run. So I ran...jogged actuslly...to the train station in about 20 min. That's pretty good time considering I stopped at all the crosswalks and waited for the green man (I told Lino we could walk unless the green man was lit so he made sure to remind me when I was running). Lino liked the jog and I didn't die so it was all good. Thankfully the train to Midleton leaves at 15 past the hour so we had just enough time to get our ticket & pee before the train left. 

Once we got on the train, Lino's face was glued to the window pretty much the whole time except for the couple times he was excited about seeing something and he wanted me to look at it. 

Lino told me on the train ride that "we don't live in the mud we live in Ireland" I told him no we don't live in the mud. He was like "yeah we stay in the hotel because that's where our shoes are, our chicken nuggets, our toys, all of our stuff!"  I was like "yup". It's just amazing how kids comprehend things...he never stops amazing me. 

Shaun was taking a nice nap so I thought I might have a min to myself...nope. The lady across from us started talking to me after I told her we were from America.  She was all beat up and she explained she had just got out of the hospital because her man had beat her up and got her evicted from her house and took her car & money and she needed money for a can so she started begging me. I told her I only had a few euros and that I needed them for the boys for the day and that we were in a hotel so I just didn't have anything to give and she beggeded me for my €5 for about 10min. Told me she would pay me back if I gave her the hotel and name and my name...that weirded me out a little. I didn't give her any money and I kind of felt bad and kind of didn't. I didn't know if I should believe her or not and my American ways kicked in and I didn't give her anything. Such a hard decision for me...I usually am all about giving but I just didn't feel right...I hope she was OK.  After that I checked the address to where we were going...a fundraiser event to raise money for slings for the Midleton library...or maybe Cork. It's a cool little concept. This group, baby wearing mums, they buy different slings and let moms rent them out from the library. It's nice because you can rent out a new sling that you might be interested in buying and try it out to see if it works for you and return it to the library. It kind of gives you the chance to test drive before buying...neat. So the house was actually really close to the train station which was sweet...so a quick walk and we were there. We spent a few hrs there actually, I wasn't expecting to stay so long but I was enjoying the conversation with the other moms. I didn't get to try on any slings because Lino was just all over the place...he ate so much sugar it was unreal. I really think that is his issue lately, since we have been here he has increased his sugar consumption by about 75% and it just keeps him bouncing off the wall all day. I really have to cut that back...somehow...but it's going to be hard because all the kids here eat nothing but sugar all day it seems like. Cakes, candies, marshmallows, more candies...it's crazy. I've found myself giving Lino a cupcake or donut every time we go to the supermarket too and we never did that before...anyway another bad habit we have to break quickly or I might have to be committed. So he was bouncing 1000miles a min so I had to keep my eyes on him and there were at least 100 bees/wasp outside so I was just panicked...I hate these stinking bees. One mommy to be actually got stung...that freaked me out even more. I'm sure they will have another event like this so I'm not to worried. I'm happy with the Moby for right now so I have time before I need something else. Lino was starting to have a melt down and I had to put him into time out so I knew it was time to go. So when we were about to leave the hostess asked me how we came to move to Ireland and I told her our story. Another mom near by asked if we looked at her house and after she told me what house I told her yes...we were actually really interested in her house but it was a little further away than the Glounthaune house so we went with that one but its just crazy that I'm meeting her at this sling event...Cork is so small. So we talked for a little while and I found out she was able to rent it out to someone else from America which was cool. I gave her my number to pass along to her tenets because they have 2 kids around the same age as ours...maybe I can help her get introduced to some of these groups. But, we had a good day and even got a couple pics taken of us for the sling group page...

Oh and I found out that one of the moms there was reading my blog too...I had to laugh. I really didn't think people would read this mess but I guess I was wrong. And I really had no idea it was so "not private" when I started it...I was totally ignorant to the whole blog world honestly...still learning a lot. 

After the sling event I was going to go to Midleton city center to get lunch but Lino was restless so decided to go back to the train station and go to the Glounthaune park and pick up a sandwich at Fitzpatrick's on the way to the park. So once we got to the train station in Glounthaune I had to pull the stroller up the stairs because this is one of the only stations that doesn't have an elevator for handicap access (or stroller access)...I knew this already from out last trip here. So I was prepared to push pull and drag the stroller but one of the station workers must have saw me dragging the stroller (and Shaun) up the stairs and he came to help me. He kept asking me if I had any help and I was like nope it's just me...he couldn't believe it. Then he told me that if I ever came in the rain that I should take the train all the way back to Cork and get on the train coming to Glounthaune and get off then because the train would be on the opposite side of the track and it wouldn't be so dangerous. He said I could get on and off without paying again as long as I told the conductor that he said it was ok...I told him thanks. That was nice of him. I hope I never have to take the train in the rain but I guess it's more than possible here...so that was good to know. So we walked to Fitzpatrick and got a sandwich and scones then went to the park to eat. Lino must have really liked the sandwich or was just hungry because I didn't have to fight him to much to eat. Shaun was not happy about not having something to chew on so I gave him a rice cake...I bought some plain organic rice cakes why we got our sandwich because Shaun was throwing a fit when Lino was eating his chips and raisins at the train station so I had a feeling he was going to want something too if we were eating...and he did. He gnawed the heck out of that rice cake and he was as happy as a peach!

Rice cake face!!!!!

After we were done with our late lunch we went to go play!!!!  I decided to let Shaun play on the soft part of the playground so that I could help Lino out without Shaun getting kicked. I hardly put him on the floor because we are in the apt and I'm crazy about the floors so I was a little shocked when I sat him down and he just sat there. He is really sitting up by his self...I can't believe it. I know he's old enough to be doing it but it just seems like yesterday he was just born...time flies so quickly. Anyway, before his 5mo birthday Shaun has checked off another mile marker...SITTING UP!!!!!

Lino playing on a ride with some girl. This is not the way you are suppose to ride this thing but it is of you are Lino...

Since we got to the park late and Mike wasn't too far from us we stayed at the park until he got off. Plus we were going to go see the car we were suppose to see on Sat. Mike got there a little later than he had planned but it worked out because Lino was ready to go. So we wet to see the car in Blarney, 15 min away and we really liked it. I mean we both really liked it, it's a little more than we wanted to spend but it's in good condition, not too big but can fit the BOB and a suitcase in the boot (aka trunk) which none of the cars could do that...except the Santa Fe's we saw and there is plenty of room for 5 adults if we take the car seats out. So we said we would think about it then we decided to give the owner and offer before we left (even tho we didn't have cash). She didn't seem to like our offer so we will wait a couple days to see what happens...might just have to spend the few extra euros and get it because its perfect for what we need.  On the drive back to the apt I got a txt from one the cars I really liked last week...the owner wanted to know if we were still interested...she must be in a hurry to sell. We are interested but need to decide what we want to do about getting a second car or not...we probably will but we might just wait until Nov if we can...we will see. 

At home we made a quick dinner, I sliced my hand open while washing dishes, put the boys in bath then bed (9:30) and we tried to discuss what's the issue with #1 taking 2hrs to get ready in the morning...neither one of us have a clue...just need to get him to focus and get him to sleep earlier so he can get up at 7:30 so he has time to piddle around in the morning. Plus Mike will start helping me get him ready so that will help...lets see...I'll try it out tomorrow!!!

Tuesday:

I am sore from my mini run yesterday :-/ Well Lino slept until around 7...in his bed so that was nice. Shaun on the other hand wanted nothing to do with sleeping his his bed...but he did spend 1/2 the time in his bed...more than he normally does. So Lino didn't get enough sleep last night...I know this because he went to sleep around 10:30 and was up before 7...not enough time for him...plus he was super cranky. Mike was trying to make a bowl of cereal and Lino was having a fit about it and didn't want him to have it...a pure fit...so Mike had to put him in timeout. Otherwise, I wanted to see of I could get him fed and ready to go in a hr but he wasn't interested in eating...ok...but he put his clothes on with little fight. I figured we would lit Mike have the car and we would hang out at the apt during the day then let Lino nap and take a walk after his nap but Mike reminded me about the coffee morning so I decided to take him to work. 

We got back to the apt and I made me some breakfast and Lino ate 1/2 of it...go figure. Then to the coffee morning...  The house was really close to the city and I must have taken the city route because I was all over the place...a 7min drive became a 15min drive...but we made it. Today's host was actually an American from Arizona and she has been living in Cork for 9 or 11yrs...I can't remember now. She was really nice and had a nice garden (aka backyard). She had a bunny rabbit in a cage in the back and all the kids were trying to pet her...Lino decided to take her out of the cage so we had to chase her down...the poor rabbit was scared out of her mind. She kept running back to her cage but we didn't open the door so she would run the other direction...finally we got the message and just opened the gate for her to go in. Oh Lino...  I guess he had a good time but he was so antisocial...it was just weird. He seems to be a lot more antisocial vs how he was at home. I wonder if its a bit of culture shock...whatever it is I hope it's just a phase. He is usually such a social butterfly I would hate for him to loose that great quality. Maybe smaller groups would be better??? Who knows. So we left there and Lino had eaten at least 4 brownes so I wasn't sure if he was going to take a nap or not but I knew he needed one. I got an invite to go to Rebecca's house in the afternoon so I figured after Lino's nap we would go. After our short car ride to the apt Lino was out cold so I knew it would be easy to get him to lay down for a nap...I just needed to get a diaper on him... Wrong decision...I put the diaper on him and he wasn't feeling going to sleep, even tho he was tired. So we went round and round about nap time and finally he just laid in the bed and after about 25min he went to sleep...and that's she Shaun woke up. They never nap together...oh well. So I let him get a 45min nap in then I woke him up so we could go. He didn't want to eat so it was easy enough to get out the door. We went searching for the house with the directions I had got from Rebecca and I couldn't find it. The funny part is that this is the same house that our friend Jason & Mara lived in when the were in Ireland a couple years ago. And Mike has tried to go to their house for dinner and he couldn't find it (and he was with a taxi driver). So I knew it wasn't going to be easy...I guess I could have called her but I wanted to find it on my own.  A hour later I found it...whew...it's actually not that hard to find once you know where you're at. I actually think our house might be harder to find...maybe. Even tho I was late she was still welcoming and Lino was excited to play. She has a boy around Lino's age so lots of dump trucks, cars and trains to play with...heavenly. We stayed for about a hr then left to get Mike. Somehow I was able to convince Lino that the toys were going to stay right where we left them so when we come back he could keep playing...can't believe he bought that. Do a fairly easy exit from the house of toys!  I learned more about the playgroups, coffee mornings and mom

& tot groups so it was worth the trip. Then back home...Mike took Lino for a jog and I made tacos. They turned out ok but the flavor is way different from what it taste like in America. I used the old elapaso seasoning (even tho at home I never use that one) and it just had a different flavor. But they were find and since Lino really didn't eat much he killed his taco. After dinner the boys had a little FaceTime with Nini to catch up on things. Lino had a nice conversation with her...crazy how things have changed... He use to not talk a whole lot on FaceTime but now he's ok with it I guess. It's great...just crazy how quickly kids adapt. Then it was bath and bed. It's tough being mommy because everyone wants a piece of me. Even tho Mike tried to help, Lino demanded that I read his bed time story and even tho Shaun was crying and Mike told him he would read his book I had to read and nurse Shaun at the same time...talk about multi-tasking. Then Mike finished the bed time but Lino likes to take daddy to the edge so he dragged out going to sleep for as long as he could...he came up with every excuse he could think of...monsters under the bed, monsters outside, need to pee pee, need a special car, need to give mommy hug...whatever he could think of. It's just crazy how different they are with mommy vs daddy...sometimes it's good and sometimes it's not...all in all it's just different.  Time for me to go to sleep too...I'm pooped for some reason today :-0

Wednesday:

I can't believe it...Mike and I had the whole bed to ourselves last night. Both boys slept in their beds...until around 7am!!!! What a wonderful night of sleep...thank God Lino is getting back on his schedule.  Lino woke Shaun up but it was ok because he looked like he was about to get up anyway. Then he cuddled with him for a little and Mike was able to get a cute pic of them in Shaun's pack & play

Since we were up, we went ahead and took Mike to work. Lino made sure to tell daddy to be careful of the big trucks because they will hit you...that's exactly what we tell him...amazing.  We got home and I timed how long it took for us to get ready...45min : -/ need to work on that a little. But Lino was in a good mood and you could tell he was well rested so I knew we were going to have a good day.   So we took a walk to the city center for a little shipping.  Lino was actually not to bad, he ran off a few times but way better than he has been. He did freak me out once when he went up the moving walkway without me then ran once he got to the top floor. I couldn't find him for a min but when I turned around and saw the Thomas toy car I knew he would be in it and there he was. I had a nice talk with him and he didn't do that again...he scared the crap out of me.  While we were upstairs I ran into Alex, one of my to mommy friends friend...She went to Fota with us last Friday. She is a really nice lady and I can't believe she gets around without a car...with 2 kids...it's just amazing. Anyway we will probably get together at some point for a play date.  She was in a hurry because she was catching the bus to somewhere for a play date so it was just a quick chat. Before we could leave the Dunnes Stores Lino had to ride another ride...and I'm using the word ride loosely. I didn't put any money in the machines I just let him sit on them for 1min each...that meant it took forever to get him out of the store but at least I didn't have to spend €10 on silly rides that just go back & forth for 1min. Anyway, here is the last one he got on...he was in love with it so he got 2min to sit on it. 

Then off to Tesco to find some stuff for a recipe I use to make at home and it was a shopping adventure for sure.. I knew they wouldn't have everything I needed and I didn't know what to expect but it was interesting...like a tresure hunt almost. I got what I could and got a few new things to see how they would work in it...guess we will see how it turns out.  Then I went to get some post cards and I let Lino run around in the little courtyard area in front of the opera house. He looked at me like I was crazy when I told him to run around...so that's exactly what he did...he ran in a circle...such a goof ball that Lino. But he played and I tried to find an An Post location...aka a post office. I really couldn't understand the web map but I thought there was an office on the way back to the hotel so I just figured we would try that and if it didn't work we would call around to find one. So we walked back and there was an office on the way so I mailed my first mail...whoop whoop!  We got back to the apt and I thought Lino might be tired but he wasn't really interested in napping so I finished the clothes and did some cooking for tomorrow's dinner and Lino entertained Shaun while I cooked. It's so cute to see the brothers playing and entertaining each other. Lino was hitting his head in Shaun's high chair then saying boo or surprise I can't remember then Shaun would crack up laughing and Lino would fall to the ground...then repeat that about 100x. It was great!  Once I was done and it was 3 I told Lino lets go to the park. At first he wasn't interested but I was able to convince him that it was boring in the house so we needed to get out and do something. By the time we made it to the park he was sleep...as expected. But I woke him up anyway and of course he was cranky so I had to carry him while I had Shaun in the sling...geeze o peez o. We didn't have much time but I know he doesn't like the Glanmire park as much so I knew we would be ok. I had invited Martha and the boys but I didn't realize she was back to work already so it was just us. We will have to have Martha and the crew over for dinner  once we get all moved into the house...I kind of miss her...crazy. So Lino played for about 20min then he wanted to walk along the trail so we did that until it was time to go. I told him it was time I get daddy from work and he was like "did daddy make money for me?"  Hahahahah...I had to laugh...then I told him yes. He is so smart. But before we went to get Mike I had to go to the Ballycotton Seafood shop to get fish for dinner...fish sticks then Supervalu for a few more things...I really can't focus when I have both boys with me shopping. I either need a list and a harness for them or a list and a tranquillizer for them..,otherwise I spend 45min I'm the store shopping...25min of that is spent chasing after Lino or yelling him no or stop, 10min is spent remembering what I was suppose to get and the last 10min is actually spent shopping...talk about being inefficient. I need a six sigma improvement plan or something...hahaha. Anyway, I forgot a few things plus I had to get Mikes special bread so we went there. Lino asked me before we got into the store what was he going to get for his special treat??? I was like what special treat??? "My treat for being a good boy mommy!"  Oh God, have we really created a monster???  But he was so good today so I couldn't say no. So we got our crap and got out of there by the time I got to Mike Lino was sleep again and I had remembered 2 things I needed for the store...this is where a list and a tranquillizer would come in handy...oh well I guess we will have to go back for a 3rd visit in one day.  

We got Mike, got Petrol, went back to the store and went to the apt. Mike informed me that we got our first piece of mail at our house this week which was exciting and funny since we aren't even there yet and he also told me we could move into the house any time next week!!!!  So exciting...except Mike can't take off any next week because of end of the month work stuff...total bummer. I guess I could do it on my own but that would be a beating to have to direct the movers by myself and watch the boys.  So I think we will wait until Mon the 2nd to get all our crap moved in. We will probably start taking some of the stuff we have at the apt to the house this weekend but otherwise we will be in the apt at least another week. At least the end is in sight...I can't wait. So since Lino missed his nap and we were afraid he would go to sleep in the stroller Mike went for a run without the boys and Lino helped me make dinner. He added a little too much seasoning salt to the mix and I added a little too much to the egg wash so the fish sticks came out a little salty but otherwise good. Since its Wed its daddy's turn to do bath and bed so I got a few min to myself...only a few but it was nice.  Bed time was a little bit of a challenge for Mike tonight because Lino wanted to test him on everything...it's just so amazing how different kids act with each parent. They know exactly what they can and can't get away with depending on the parent...that's just crazy. But in the end daddy won...  Now for a few min of no kid time then off to bed. The days just keep flying by...it's hard work being a stay home mom...I'm just pooped from doing a few things even tho today I felt like I got a lot done there is still so much that I could have done. I guess I will find a happy balance at some point...until then I'll just keep pressing on.

Thursday:

Another good sleeping night for the Cutaia family.  Everyone slept in their beds until the morning and we all got up at 7:30...well Shaun was up a little before that and he was happy happy happy so I just let him lay there and babble on...so cute. Mike helped me with the boys so we actually got Lino ready in like 30min...minus putting clothes on so that was nice. But somehow Lino got ahold of the iPad and started watching a movie while eating breakfast so it was a fight to get him to do anything.  He knows there is no TV in the morning...he saw a small window of opportunity and he took advantage of it...he's quick!  Anyway, to work and Lino reminded daddy again to be careful of the cars and trucks...so thoughtful that Lino :-)   Then back to the apt so I could get Shaun ready to go, eat and to figure out what we were going to do for the day.  I thought there wasn't going to be a coffee morning for today so I had planned to go to the farmers market at Mahon Pt and meet up with some moms but I saw last min that there was a coffee morning...decisions decisions.  And on top of that Mike told me last night that he needed the car so that he could go to Carrigaline so I wasn't going to be able to stay out long regardless of my decision.  Since I didn't have the address to the coffee morning I decided to go to the farmers market. So we pittled around for a little then headed out Lino tried to direct me on which way to go...I can't believe he can recognize the roads already. He wasn't exactly right in his direction but he knew we were heading towards the tunnel so that was cool. Once we got to the mall it was already super busy...the market had only been open a hr...craz...It was completely packed!!  So we found Annett then walked around for a few min and Lino found a chocolate muffin that he had to have so I got that. There is just so much stuff at the market it's overwhelming. So many sweets and treats and junk and everything looks amazing!!!!  Thankfully I didn't have much cash so I was able to get out of there with just the muffin for Lino. Lino wasnt to impressed with the market so we headed inside and he played on the moving walkway for about 20min. He just ran up and down the ramp and laughed his little head off...he was having so much fun.  I was finally able to get him to leave and I saw my friend Christina so I talked to her for a min then we went back down to the market to find Annett and let her know we were going to the play area upstairs.  The last time I went to the "play area" here I spent €5 for 30min of play...today I found the right play area that was free!   The boys had a good hr of play...hopefully wearing themselves out. 

 

So we had to cut the fun short because we had to go get Mike and take him to the Carrigaline plant. Before we left the mall I stopped to get Mike a chocolate muffin like the one Lino had because I knew he would like it and I got me an apple spice cake or something delicious then I got a pie from Una's...I was planning to eat it when I got home from taking Mike to the other plant.  This morning Mike had told me that he would just stay at the Carrigaline plant for the rest of the day so I was just going to go back to the apt and hang out for the afternoon. But when I picked him up he said he had to go back to his plant and that he would only be in Carrigaline for 30-45min...seriously????  Well since I had only planned enough time to drop him off I told him we would sit and wait for him if he would keep it under 45min. He said he could be late and he could take us to the apt but I felt bad and didn't want him to be late plus Lino was napping so I figured this would be the best opportunity for Lino to actually nap today so it wasn't a big deal. So we waited in the car for about 4min...Lino & Shaun were out so I decided to close my eyes too...Family Nap Time!!!!!  I think I got a power 15min which was nice and surprisingly refreshing. Then we took Mike back and I decided to go back to Mahon Pt since it was already late. So Lino played for another hr or so and Shaun got a little play time too. They like this place...I could see us coming here once a week when it's rainy season :-/

Lino was semi ok with leaving the play area which was nice so I thought we might go by Tesco really quick to see if we could find Mike a new cup for water because he keeps leaving his at work or at home so I figured he should just have one in both places so he didn't have to worry about it. As easy as that task sound it was almost a nightmare because while Lino was ok with leaving the play area he wasn't ok with not stopping at every toy car in the mall. I played along for the first 5 but when he got to the bus and the other 3 kids that were playing on it he didn't want to leave. I tried and tried and he even told me to set the timer (I set the timer for time out or for his last few min to do something) so I set the timer and he still wouldn't leave. I even walked off but since he was so busy playing he didn't even notice (usually that's a pretty sure way to get him to come running after me). So last resort was pulling him off the ride :-00. He was kicking and screaming like I was trying to kill him and the other parents were looking at me the same way...at that point I really didn't care. So I dragged him to the restroom because he had been holding his pee for at least 10min, I made him pee and he finally calmed down. And he asked me if he was going to get a special treat at the store...is he crazy???? I reminded him of his most recent tantrum and told him when he doesn't listen to mommy he can't get special treats because that's not nice.  He begged and begged and promised me that he wouldn't ever be bad again and he wouldn't talk back to mommy and he would listen...blah blah blah. Anyway, he was at least good from that point on so we were able to make a quick run thru Tesco...and they didn't have the cup I was looking for (of course). But Lino found a little toy car and said that was his special treat...even tho I said he couldn't have one he begged and promised me the world so I let him get it. He had €0.50 euros from something else so I told him he had to lay for it himself and he gladly did (I had to pick up the extra cost of course but at least he used some of his own money). Overall he was really good so I couldn't complain...another car added to the car collection. So we went to get Mike and the traffic was a little heavy but not that bad. We got there a little later than what I had told him I would be there but I had no idea he wasn't ready...we sat in the car for a hr waiting on him...with no word for him at all. Then Lino was getting antsy and kept asking where daddy was and saying he would be here in 2min. I kept telling him he must be busy and he was like "is he busy making money for me?"  I just love it when he says that...hahaha. Finally I pulled into the Pepsi parking lot and let the boys get out...Shaun had enough and was over sitting. Mike finally texted to say he was coming and sorry and I sent him a picture of Shaun crying...hahaha.  While we waited Lino "drove" the car for a min but the had to go pee and I was stuck...didn't want him to pee in the parking lot and get Mike in trouble and I really couldn't take him anywhere else close without him having an accident so I let him pee in the parking lot but I think I covered it up pretty well. You couldn't tell exactly what he was doing...at least I don't think. Then not even 5min later he tells me he has to poop...shit!!! Well he can't poop in the parking lot sooooooooo...I texted Mike and told him he needed to poop. So we walked over to the entrance because I figured Mike would be coming out soon and he did...I gave him the look of "sorry but you have to take him poop" and he just took Lino back in. I think Lino was more excited about going thru the security gate than going poop. Thankfully no accidents!!!!!   So 1.5hrs later we were able to leave. Mike had a crazy day at work and we got to share thoughts on his issues...it's kind of nice that we worked in the same field (food) because we can talk about work and the other person actually understands what's going on. Anyway, lets just say it was a crazy day and Mike needed a drink once we got to the apt...but I think he was kind of excited that he was really getting to take charge...even tho he wasn't trilled about the issue.  Since we got home so late Mike didn't go for a jog and thankfully I already had dinner ready from yesterday's prep so we were able to eat pretty quickly. Then a quick bath for the boys and bed...Lino was pooped so he tried to give a little fight but was out cold within 10min!

Bees & Wasp or Texas Fire Ants????

Rainy start to the weekend...Lino was up restless early this morning...around 630 or 7 I think. He tried to sleep more but it didn't seem to work then he wanted Mike to go watch cartoons with him...I was shocked. He actually wanted daddy and not mommy...thank God. So they got up and Shaun and I stayed in the bed for another hr...it was a quick hr too. We finally got our lazy butts up and got ready for the days adventure. We had planned to go to Liberty Grill for brunch because I heard they had the best brunch in Cork city then we were going to go see another car...hopefully the last one. We talked about walking there since it was close to city center but since  it was raining I just assumed we would walk. But Mike was excited about walking, God only knows why, so I tried to be a good wife and said we could walk. He had went outside to do something and he came back in and said it was only sprinkling so it shouldn't be bad...so he had me convinced that I wouldn't get drenched like we did when we walked to dinner a few weeks ago. So we got the boys all strapped into the BOB and I put my hooded jacket on, it's not a rain coat...I don't have one and they are super expensive here (at least I think so) so I haven't bought one but I might be buying one this weekend. We pack the umbrella and a jacket for Lino just in case and Mike go outside with shorts and a polo shirt...no jacket or even umbrella...he loves the rain. We start out and the rain was coming down harder than a drizzle but not all out raining either. We go about 3 min and I was starting to get soaked...5 min later Mike pulls out the umbrella because he's getting soaked too. Five min after that we looked at each other and the bus that just picked up some wet people and we shook our heads at each other. Almost in unison we said, maybe we can take the bus back...OMG...we were all wet at this point and regretting the decision to walk in the rain. So I told Mike to go back and get the car and I would wait with the boys at the bus stop for him. It seemed like only 5 min passed and the rain had went from down pour to sunshine...oh the weather in Ireland. I knew Mike was laughing about it too but I still wanted the car...you just never know when the clouds are going to open up and the rain start streaming out. Lino didn't understand why we weren't going anymore...he was upset his little stroll was cut short. Shaun didn't seem to care one way or the others tho

Waiting at the bus stop for Mike

Shaun gave me a little smile when I asked him of he was all wet

So in true Irish form, Mike pulls the car over and parks illegally so that we could pack everyone up in the car. I thought Mike might be annoyed with me a little since the rain had stopped and I made him get the car but he wasn't. He was happy I made the effort!!! How sweet...I knew he wanted to walk and I know he doesn't mind the rain at all so I wanted to give it a try but I knew I would be super cranky if I kept getting wet. Anyway he was happy I tried and I was happy he didn't make me keep going :-).  So a 5 min car ride later and we were downtown. The restaurant was close to where we parked so if it started raining again we wouldn't get completely soaked. So I knew this place was popular and small but I didn't expect such a que. The guy inside said a 10min wait but it was more like 30min I think...since the rain had stopped we stated outside and waited. Plus Lino could run around outside before it was time to sit and eat. This is us enjoying a quick moment...my phone camera was all fogged up because of all the rain when we were walking...anyway it makes the picture have a little character. 

The wait was more than wort it...I had French Toast with bacon bananas, Mike had Eggs Benedict something and Lino had pancakes. And no one had anything left on their plates!! Really good food and pretty good price for city center...a definite repeater. I know it's American food but it was good!

Enjoying brunch with the boys

We finish brunch and we took a walk to this chocolate cafe or something that Mike found at the Midleton farmers market. It took us a while to find it because google maps suck but eventually we did. Mike got a coffee and a huge brownie and Lino got a brownie too...for being good...but he wasn't really that good but whatever. Lino and Mike love their chocolate...it's pretty cute. So we make it back to the car and I call the car people to see if its ok if we still come by, even tho we are a hr later than I had originally told them. No one answered and I sent a text with no response either so we just went back to the apt. Lino fell asleep on the 7min drive to the hotel so we just let him nap in the car and we chatted a little and enjoyed the boys being sleep. We decided since we weren't going to see the car and since the weather had cleared up we would go visit a new park today. So we took a drive to the Douglas play park...we also had planned to get take out which was near there so it all worked out. The park wasn't too crowded when we got there but after a little while it did get a bit busy. It was a nice park with a park area too. They had the zip line like Carrigaline so Lino was happy.  The park was really nice but the bees and wasp were ridiculous!!!!!! I spent the first hr running away from those stupid things and they kept going by Shaun in the stroller and freaking me out that the other moms were just laughing at me. I absolutely hate bees/wasp...HATE!!!!  They are every freaking where in Ireland. Every place we go there are a million of them. I don't know if it's because of all the flowers in bloom or of its something else but it's really bad and really annoying!!! I don't know which is worse, bees/wasp or Texas fire ants???  I can spray for the fire ants and usually know where they are so that I can avoid them but these bees...there seems to be no excaping them. I guess the only good thing about the bees/wasp is that if you get stung it's usually only one sting...with fire ants it's like a hundred little bites at once. Just the thought of a fire ant attack makes me want to cry. And you can't even stop those little bastards from biting you either...water doesn't work...you just have to pick them off...and they can bite multiple times...and the aftermath is miserable too...days of itching and being on fire and swelling...shear terror and misery.  Anyway, not sure which is worse but I'm guessing its fire ants so I shouldn't complain too much about the stinking bees/wasp!!!

We ended up spending 3hrs there I think and I made some mommy friends...well I talked to a bunch of mommies which was cool. It rained a couple of times while we where there but we sat in the rain like true Irish people and withing a few min the rain would pass...still need to get use to that. I let Shaun play a little too and he seemed to enjoy the belly time. I think I'm a little crazy because I felt more comfortable with him being on the ground at the playground than I would with him on the floor in the apt...what's wrong with me???  For some reason I have this thing about hotel rooms being germ havens so I don't like to get to close to anything if I don't have to...but at the park (a place where I know there are a billion snot nose kids and all there germs running around) I'm ok with sitting on the ground and letting my baby roll around on the ground too...what's wrong with me??? Who does that??? Oh well...like I said, Shaun enjoyed it and I made sure nothing went into his mouth :-)

After I took this pic some kid came over to look at Shaun. He was a 5yr old kid and he was pretty nice to him but he licked Shaun's forhead...I guess as a show of affection...and his mom didn't stop him...I was a little weirded out but it happen so fast so I couldn't do anything to stop it. Weird. 

After over 3hrs of play we were hungry so we went to find this Take Away place that everyone talks about...It's called KC and it's suppose to be some American that opened a restaurant in Douglas. It's just a burger place I guess but the burgers are suppose to be the best around. Mike said that sometime the que for food is over 40min long...that's crazy for take-away. Well the place was close to where we were at and we must have got there before the dinner rush because it wasn't a bad line at all. 

Even tho there was a little line when we got there they basically take your order as soon as you step imto the door and then you wait for your food to be ready. They wrap your order up in sheets of paper...it's a weird but yet unique way to do take-away. It took a out 15min to get our food then we had to find a place to eat it...so we went back to the Douglas mall.  They have little benches there and a restroom so it was a good place to take a break. I got this spicy pork blend over mayo chips...pretty tasty...Mike got a Cajun burger and chips...really good and Lino got a hamburger that he ate all but one bite of. All of that for under €16...what a score!!!!  The food was good and the price was more than affordable so we will definitely be back. I couldn't believe Lino ate all his hamburger too...if he liked it that much we know it had to be good. 

So back to the apt for the night...Lino went down really easy thank God...not even a whimper I don't think. Now hopefully his car seat cover will be dry in the morning so we can go to Supervalu...only time will tell.  The sling box wasn't working worth a crap so no TV for us...that means good old fashion talking for the night...scary thought for us but we will make it thru I guess. 

Such a good day with the boys...even tho it's not that exiting to go to the park we all had a blast. The amount of quality time we are spending with the family is so much more than what we did when we were in Texas it's amazing. I really love our days out...even if its at a park...I just love being with my boys!!! Love them all so much. 

Sunday:

Up by 7 today with Shaun...think he was ready to get his diaper changed but not really ready to wake up but it was sunny so he opened his eyes...oh well. We sat up and played for a little while then he went back to sleep and I thought I might be able to get a quick nap in to...quick it was...he barely slept 30min so that means I may have slept 10-15. Then Lino was up around 9 and Mike 9:30. We didn't have anything to make for breakfast so it was 3 bowls of cereal...cool for me because easy/no prep and easy clean-up. We sat around most if the morning and finally decided that since the weather was nice, then, that we would take a stroll then go to the city for coffee & brownies at this chocolate store that Mike is in love with the coffee...and brownies (sorry Paula)...called O'Conill's.  We walked the same path Mike jogs when he has the boys with him. We got to see the Heineken plant that's just down the street and I got to pee on the sidewalk!!!  I had to pee so bad and there are no public restrooms so I had no choice. I'm just worried about the bush I rubbed up against...if it was poisonous that's going to make an interesting GP visit for some ointment...fingers crossed! We walked about 2 miles then headed to the city center. Mike was all messed up with the directions and had us all over the place. I tried to tell him where it was at but he wasn't listening...I love him but he has a horrible sense of direction. Since its a chocolate shop and I'm not too big on chocolates I stopped to get me a muffin to munch on while Mike and Lino ate their brownies...but Lino wanted my muffin of course so I was SOL...typical. We get there and have our snack and Lino was taking advantage of the fact that you could get a little sample of chocolate drops when you go inside...so he kept going to the restroom and saying that he got chocolate as his treat for going potty...smart little kid.  Then we went across to the Crepe shop and split a crepe...we were hungry since we only had cereal 4hrs and a long walk ago ;-). Lino actually ate some which is a surprise for him but it was good so I guess that makes since.  Shaun was feeling a little left out since we were all eating solid food and all he had was milk so he snatched a ginger biscuit out of my hand. He was so happy about that biscuit he wouldn't let it go. Thankfully it was really hard so he basically used it as a teething biscuit and he let the saliva dissolve it...oh Shaun Shaun...growing up way to quickly 

Then back to the apt!!!

We made it back just before the rain started coming down and I was able to being in the clothes that I had outside before they got drenched...that's the thing about air drying your clothes outside here...you have to be close by in order to bring them inside if its starts raining. I mean it could only rain for 5min but it will be down pour for that 5min and cause you to have to rewash everything...such a tricky task. Luckily we were able to save them...I would have been pissed if I had left before the rain started...we hung out for a little while Lino watched a show...he was being a pain about leaving before the show was over so we just let him finish it. Then we all piled up on Mike for a little family love time...

Then we went to do our Sunday shopping. We had decided that we were going to get take out today because Lino was in a busy busy mood...didn't want to pin him down in a restaurant for 2hrs. So we thought it would be a good idea to try take out close to the house so we went to the Indian restaurant by the Supervalu. I had no idea if it was good or not...u just knew there was a big restaurant there. So we went in to place our order before getting our groceries...there was no one there, not a giod sign...but it was only 5 so maybe they will get busier later.  Lino had fell asleep in the car on the 10min drive there so he was super cranky. The lady gave hi a sucker to try and shut him up...it worked of course. We placed our order and got our groceries. Lino knows that everytime we go to the Supervalu he will get a "special treat" if he is good but he was being a pain when we first got there because he wanted to get the euro out of the cart with the cart key but it wasn't working and he was pissed at us because of it. I had to threaten him a couple times before he found his happy place and calmed down...crazy kid. Then he started in about his special treat...I was going to tell him no since he had been such a pain in the butt but I was to tired to fight him. I'm starting to notice that I get really stressed and agitated when we are shopping with him...he is just running around like a wild child and I feel like I have no control at all. Then I have to look out for Shaun because who knows if he's going to be happy or not or way to eat or whatever so it's a constant battle. Mike told me to just chill and relax but I can't...I don't know why...I'm just stressed at the grocery store. I need to find a way to get Lino to calm down while we shop or I might have to kill him :-)  So I gave him his treat and we ran out the door.  We spent a good 45min in there and when I went to get the food they were just finishing it up...perfect timing.  We put the groceries away and ate dinner. Lino actually seemed to enjoy his Tikka Masala...he ate quite a bit and Mike had super spicy Vindaloo that he loved but he was on fire the whole time so I'm not sure how he actually enjoyed it...I had Biryani that was so so and Shaun had white rice because again he was having a fit when we were eating and he wasn't.

Intensely trying to pick up the rice

It wasn't the best Indian food we've had but it wasn't the worst. We love going to have Indian food so it's going to be critical to find a place that we like...this one was a keeper...at least for now. Then we all watched Cars 2...I kind of cheated and fast forwarded the movie a little in order to speed up the bed time process...I think Lino might have noticed the second time but he wasn't exactly sure what I did she he didn't complain...SWEET!!!!!  I was enjoying a glass of wine during the movie and Lino decided to take a drink too...I just knew he wouldn't like it but he came back for a second drink...these are itty bitty drinks, almost like 2 drops of wine they are so small.  Then I told him that was enough and he snuck one last gulp before I could get my glass. I couldn't believe it...he can't like it that much, it's not sweet?? Mike says he has a sophisticated palat so that was why...ok, whatever. But he held that drink in his mouth for a little while and wasn't about to swallow so I made him spit it out...I reminded him that be didn't like that so don't ask for any next time. Not sure if he agrees but it was funny watching him trying to drink it.  Then bath!!!!! During their bath I tried to FaceTime with my mom but for some reason we couldn't connect...the phone just kept saying "connecting" but it really wasn't...oh well. We will have to find another time to connect. Lino was really tired so it was either going to be easy to put him to bed or a huge fight...thankfully it was pretty easy. He asked of I could sit with him and I told him no and he settled with me standing in the hallway...ok...but Shaun was giving Mike fits of hell so I had to get him...that just messed up the deal I had with Lino...oh boy. So Mike & I switched and he had to go back thru the negotiations with Lino before getting him to go back into the bed. It only took a few min and he was in the bed and within 10-15min he was sleep.  Maybe 30 min later Shaun was out then Mike and I wasn't too far behind him. 

We had a lovely weekend and continue to make progress on getting Lino back on his schedule...thank God!!!  Hopefully only 2 more weeks in this apt before we move...maybe sooner!

Running on empty...running blind!!!!

Monday:

Another night of terror with the boys. Lino was in our bed by 2:30am and he was determined to sleep on top of my face!!!! I have no idea why he felt the need to be so close to my face but he did then he wanted to be next to Shaun...well basically on top of Shaun so that was another battle. I tried to put a pillow between him and I but after about an hr he was on top of the pillow...oh brother. Lino is a mess...he is in for a rude awakening when we get to the house. Mike and I already said we are going to have bedtime boot camp for both boys...it's going to be a nightmare I'm sure but it will be worth it in the end. 

Lino was up by 8am (even tho he didn't go to bed until after 11) so we took Mike to work so we could have the car...and he wouldn't have to leave work to come get us. We did our normal morning routine but while I was brushing my teeth Lino decided to pick up Shaun from the bed and...well, he kind of dropped him. Thankfully it wasn't that far from the bed to the floor and the floor was carpeted...that's so horrible. I'm such a horrible mommy...poor Shaun. I felt so bad, I was right there and not even 5sec and he was on the floor. It must not have hurt too bad because he didn't cry for long, after I picked him up it was only a min later that he stopped crying. What a start to the day. Geeze o peez o. After that nightmare of a start we headed to the play park in Glounthaune to meet up with my friend Annett and her 2 kids. Lino had fell asleep by the time we got there so he was a little cranky at first but eventually he warmed up. We stated there for a while and Lino did a little exploring in the bushes (well he actually went for a wee and wanted to climb). 

I think Lino had a good time and once the park quieted down a little he was able to get a little one on one time with his new friend Poly so that made all the difference. 

We made plans with Annett to go to Fota sometime this week or next so that will be loads of fun...can't wait. The rest of the night was pretty uneventful.  I tried to go to bed around 11 and after I put Shaun in his bed I finished up some laundry and a few other things and as soon as I got close to the bed he woke up...seriously Shaun?!?!?  He didn't even want anything but to know I was there...I had to hold him for like 30min before he would let me put him back down again...oh Shaun. 

Tuesday:

Lino was actually in the bed before Shaun...shocker...but still a nightmare.  Lino was up before Mike went to work so we all got up...can't wait until we have a car for me. So on the quite drive to work Mike tries to start some conversation by saying "I'm tired!" It took a sec for his comment to register, since I'm a little sleep deprived these days, then I have him the look of death. Are you serious??? Is he really complaining about being tired??? I don't freaking believe this. He was like "what?? Why are you looking at me like that?" I told him "you are out of your mind complaining to me about being tired, you have no right or room to complain about being tired...you go to bed at freaking 10 and sleep until 7:30...is 9.5hrs not enough?" His response, "hey I get up when Lino gets into the bed". At this point I could have drove the car into the nearby river...the nerve of him...when Lino gets into the bed Mike gets out of the over crowded bed and goes right back to sleep in Lino's bed...where it's nice and quite and peaceful...no foot sandwiches for late night snack, no rib kicks by a 3yr old and no baby attached to his boob all night...nothing but a bed and several pillows. So after I unloaded on him I told him if he ever complained to me about being tired I would kill him...and I will make sure it was painful. What an ass...but I think he got the point.  So after our great conversation to work I took the boys back to the apt and got them ready for the play date. Today we went to the city coffee morning. We spent pretty much the whole morning there. The lady has 3 boys so tons of cars, planes swords and stuff for Lino. Even tho there were a lot of kids there and a few his age, he still seemed to play mainly by himself. Maybe that's just his MO...idk...but he had a good time. So much so that he had an accident...I knew he was going to. I was able to catch him the first time and convinced him he needed to pee but the next time I missed him. I know he didn't want to stop laying and that was the reason he had an accident but its still a little frustrating. Oh well, no reason crying over pee pee accidents, so otherwise he was good and didn't want to leave.  I had to bribe him with brownies to leave the toy cars and to get into the car...such a battle.  Then, since we were close to Carrigaline I decide to stop by the Lidl to see if they have the dressing that we like...we are obsessed with finding this dressing. Even tho we looked when we were here a couple weeks ago I wanted to double check...and of course they didn't have it. Oh well. Next to Tesco. On the way there Lino fell asleep as expected to of course the good mother that I am I let him sleep in the car...the kid needed a nap :-)  He slept for about an hr and I looked for cars with Shaun. Once he woke up from his nap it was WWIII...he didn't want to walk or get into the cart/trolley...he wanted me to hold him but I wasn't able to with Shaun. So we sat outside the store for 20min while he screamed...eventually he found his zin and he sat in the cart...it's just amazing how strong of a will he has at 3. I am constantly amazed and annoyed by his strength. So we did our shopping and Lino played with the motorized cars and we headed back to the apt. On the drive back Lino kept directing me on how to drive. 

Lino: "Go mommy!!!!"

Me: "I can't go Lino there is a car in front of me"

Lino: "So...Go mommy...I said GO"

Me: "Lino if I go I'm going to crash into this car. You don't want mommy to crash do you?"

Lino: "Go mommy...you don't want Lino to be mad?"

I guess I can't argue with that kind of logic...but don't worry I waited for the car to go...hilarious.

We were only home for long enough for me to make a sandwich for Mike & Lino then we were out the door to get Mike.  But before we left Lino was smothering Shaun with kisses and I got a cute pic...

We had to drive to Fermoy to see 3 cars...hopefully one will be the one. When we got Mike the first thing Lino said to him was "did you make money daddy??" Mike, "yes".  Lino, "can I see it?"  Hahahaha....we died laughing...at such a young age he already eats the money in his hands. Then the conversation continued about why daddy has to work and Lino told Mike it was so he could have chicken nuggets and French fries...hahaha. That's what tell Lino every morning when we drop Mike off at work...cute. So we discussed cars on the way to Fermoy and tried to narrow down the lists that we have been working on...not easy...probably have another 15 cars to pair down...ugh. So the first car we saw, Ford Fusion was nice but too small and wasn't screaming buy me. The next car, Ford Focus was really nice, clean but small...but I really liked it and it drove good and gets good gas mileage...a true contender. Then the Opel, another nice car...not a appealing outside but a good car, more room inside and cheaper...another contender. Oh, forgot to mention that the Focus owner came 30min earlier and I thought I had messed up my appointments so I had to call the Opel guy to say it was going to be a little while...he was nice and just waited for us...he was in the same parking lot as us already. I felt bad...but it wasn't my fault the Focus lady was just messed up...oh well. So on the test drive of the Opel, Lino decided to take a poop in his pants in the car...he was "driving" the car. So when I got back I saw shorts and wipes all tossed around the car and Mike was just shaking his head. I couldn't believe it...Mike couldn't believe it. What is up with this kid today????  So embarrassing too. Anyway, we headed back and decided that even tho the Focus was a yr younger and a little nicer on the outside that the Opel was a better deal...not a done deal yet but we are getting closer.  We get back and since Lino had a poop accident that meant he had to take a shower...he hates showers. So kicking and screaming he got cleaned then was in the bed. I still had stuff to do so I didn't lay down with him...plus I'm kind of over that. So I read him a book and he stayed in his bed for a while but not long. While he was in the bed I fed Shaun and Mike told me "why don't you lay down?"  I was like, sure...are you going to breastfeed Shaun for me?" His response "Uh no...I mean after". Thanks Mike...I plan to go to sleep after Shaun is sleep...thanks. Hahahaha...he was trying but it was a little funny.  So It took over 45min of screaming and crying and hugs and stomps and fits and more hugs and more kisses and more fits and beig tucked into bed and checking for monsters before I was able to convince him to stay in the bed. I basically stood in the hallway where he could hear me and see my shadow but didn't see me. I stood there until he went to sleep which wasn't long after he finally got into the bed. Mike had tried to keep him in the room but Lino just thought he was playing with him so it wasn't very effective. Once Lino laid down, Shaun started fussing. Mike was holding him and rocking him but Shaun was looking at me like "help me!!! Don't leave me with daddy!" So I took him to see if he was hungry or what and he shut up and started playing with his hand...really Shaun???  So since I wasn't sure of Lino was sleep I gave Shaun back to Mike, he seemed to be calm at that point, and not 2min later Shaun was screaming again...guess he just wanted mommy. Sometimes it's a little much for EVERYONE to want mommy...why don't they want daddy??? I told Mike, no one likes daddy...what's up with that???? He just laughed. So since I was calming both kids, I politely hinted to Mike that the dishes needed to be washed...he didn't like my hint but at least the dishes got washed.  Let's see what's in store for my sleep tonight...

Wednesday:

Well poor Shaun was starting to get sick yesterday and during the night he was just not comfortable. He had a little congestion and a runny nose so he didn't sleep much at all...I think it's allergies because I was a little stuffy yesterday too. Lino slept in his bed until around 5 which was nice but then it was all down hill from there. I was nursing Shaun and he wanted to get between us...I think he just wanted to cuddle with me but I couldn't. Then he was smashing Shaun trying to get to me so I kept trying to move him over and hold his hand but that wasn't good enough. He would move my hand, grab one if Shaun's limb (any would do) and try to toss it over his shoulder...oh brother. So the tug of war ensued...I finally had enough and moved him (Lino) over and he didn't like that. After about 20min of fighting and screaming he was done with me and went to get in the bed with Mike...at least that is what I thought...he came back to collect all of his car bombs (as I like to call them) then was gone again. I was just praying he would go back to sleep with Mike. By this point Shaun was up so I went to get a diaper for him as found Lino in the kitchen playing...so much for getting any sleep. So up at 6 it was...I think at that point I was so tired I wasn't tired anymore. I noticed my BF Gina had texted me so I texted her back to see f she was up...she was. We had a good laugh about the situation and she gave me crap about letting Lino run all over me and reminded me who was boss. It's so hard when you are tired to stand your ground but she was right, you really have to or else it will just get worse. So after calling me a pre postal nut case I felt much better...I miss that girl...love you Gina!  So trying to have a different view on things I finished making Lino's breakfast and started to make mine so that we could be ready to go by the time Mike woke up...but I didn't realize it was already 7:15. So Lino was eating but running around like a maniac and getting food all over the place so I told him to sit on his bottom and eat...bad decision. He was not feeling that so we fought about that.  He screamed and woke up Mike of course and Mike gave me this look of disgust and I thought "if he says anything about being tired I really will feed him to the pigs"...but he didn't, he just shook his head. So then I told him to put his clothes on so that was another fight and I was done so I had to put him in timeout and took all his toys...he didn't like that at all but enough was enough...Mike helped me out with that one and I got ready to go. By the time I was ready Lino must have found his zin because he was ready too. What a morning already. So we couldn't heaven get out of the hotel parking lot because of some parking disaster...we sat there for probably 15min waiting while the staff and random guest tried to help clear the congestion...seriously??? A 5 car jam up??? And I have a screaming 3yr old in the back telling me to "GO!!" He would not stop yelling at me and I told him we would crash but that didn't seem to bother him. Only in Ireland. 

After that little delay we dropped Mike off (with the direction of Lino...he doesn't like it when we stop...even if there is a big semi in front of us). Then we headed to Midleton to meet up with Christina, a mom I met at my first coffee morning, so that we could follow her to Ballymaloe for Gymboree. By the time we got to Midleton Lino was out cold...as expected. I needed cash and coffee so I decided to go to the bank to get money...I parked right by the ATM and left them in the car to sleep. Since there are no drive-thru coffee places I opted out on the coffee...but I was half tempted to leave them in the car to get me a mega super sized one...it was one of those mornings. Since we were early I just took the time to chill for a moment but Shaun interrupted that...so I blogged and entertained him until Christina got there. Then we took the crazy road to Ballymaloe...did I say CRAZY!!! Mike and I actually went there in May when we were house hunting and I drove and I almost peed my pants. The road is so narrow and the speed limit is 80/km ph!!! Well I think that's fast for that road...so I wasn't really looking forward to the drive but today we took a different route. Nice!!! NOT!!!!!  This road was even worse because it was filled with pot holes!!!! And Christina was driving like a bat out of hell and I was having a hard time keeping up to her...she was driving the speed limit but I was freaking out anyway. But we made it there safe and sound...whew :-)  Lino was still sleep and I had already warned Christina that he was in a mood and tired so I tried to be careful with waking him up...prayer for a hard reset of his internal computer. But no such luck, he got out of the car screaming but then he saw we were on a farm and he perked up...not bad. In the class he was kind of hesitant but I think he liked it ok. I could see us coming back again but probably not every week. Shaun had a good time too I think...he got to bang toys and wood sticks on the floor so he was happy. It ended up being a good time, good quality time with both boys. But I do need to get Lino some Irish snacks...he was eating everyone else's snack...raisins, juice boxes, some Areo snack or something like that (they said it was yogurt but it just looked like a sugary chocolate cake with cream to me). Then before we could leave he had to spend about 20min looking at the tractors and all the grain in the barn...good times. 

After leaving the farm I didn't want to go back to the apt because we only had about and hr or so before we were suppose to meet the owner of the learning school that Lino will be going to so we went to The Elm tree and shared a plate if chicken goujons and chips (aka chicken nuggets and french fries). I thought Lino might go to sleep on the way there but no...so a quick late lunch to off to Joan's!  I was really impressed with myself because I was able to get to her house with no issues and I've only been there one other time, in May!!! Anyway, Lino got a chance to have a look around at the school and play with some of the toys. He seemed to really like it and he liked Joan too so that was great. Almost too great...I couldn't get him to leave he loved it there so much. I had to pick him up and put him in the car kicking and screaming...so embarrassing. But I have a good feeling about this place so I'm very glad we were able to get him in. It's going to be a nice little break for me and a good chance for him to make friends his age and close to our house...win win for everyone. Then back to the apt to get dinner prep'ed and off to get Mike. No cars to see today...a nice break. 

Lino asked Mike the normal let me see the money question and directed me to run a few red lights...the norm. Mike decided not to go for a run today because he said he was going to give me a break...ok...so he sat with the boys for 30min and watched TV...I mean sat!

I told him to go jogging because Lino was into the TV and wasn't going to be an issue and I knew Shaun would just sit with him the whole time but he insisted that he would/was helping me. The funny part was that it was suppose to be a break for me but Shaun kept getting tossed back to me and Mike kept smothering me with kisses so not really the kind of break I was thinking about...but anyway it was good & helpful actually...every min helps. Today was Mikes turn for bath and bed and since Shaun was all congested it was just Lino...a little break. I told Mike he needed to read Lino a story and not lay down with him anymore but he didn't agree...he thinks we should wait until we get into the house to go back to the old routine.  I really don't know what to do but I know I can't lay down with him every night and deal with Shaun and not get any sleep during the night... something has to change and fast. Neither one of us want to fight him but we don't know what to do to get him to go back to the old way. It's rough...parenting is so rough...

Thursday:

Lets just say a lot of tears and crying this morning (from all 4 of us). We all ended up in the bed this morning, Mike was trying not to leave me abandoned to fend off Lino by myself but when I realized we had been sleeping like that for a while I was annoyed (just tired and cranky, nothing is the right thing). So I got up and went to Lino's bed and tried to sleep...I thought that might be a better solution but not even 20min later Lino comes in looking for me...seriously??? Why do you need mommy to sleep with you and how the heck did you know I was gone?? Then a few min later Mike comes in to get Lino and take him back to the other room because at this point I'm completely exhausted. He goes kicking and screaming and screams for me for God knows how long until I give in...it's freaking 5am...I know we are going to get a noise complaint. I go back and he just falls out in the bed, from exhaustion his self, and makes sure he has skin contact with me and Mike. So I try to leave because at this point Shaun was up but he felt me move so I had to sit there for another 20min and wait for him to get in to his deep sleep before I was able to sneak out of the bed...and before Shaun woke him up again. Now it's 5:30 or so and I'm up with Shaun for another hr at least. I text my BF for moral support then head back to bed...to try and get some sleep. I can't believe how bad it's getting with his sleeping. I just want him to sleep and be happy but it seems almost impossible. I know he is starving for my attention and with Shaun here he's not getting it like he wants. It's so hard to balance having more than one kid, especially when you have spoiled your first like we did with Lino. It sucks for right now but I know we have to give him that structure and make sure that we give him plenty of quality time too...just have to keep at it. So even tho we had planned to go to the coffee morning then I was going to take him to the mall to play Mike took the car and we just stayed at the apt. It was really gray and rainy anyway so it was a good day to stay in. Lino got up around 9 I think...not exactly sure because I hate looking at the clock...it just reminds me of how much sleep I didn't get. So we got up. The morning was going pretty good, I made Lino sausage, a peanut butter sandwich and he had 1/2 of my cereal (he didn't eat the PB sandwich) then I let him watch TV because I was tired and he hasn't watched much TV at all since he's been here. So while I was cleaning up I noticed him making a funny face and I asked him if he was ok...then I recognized that face...the face of "I'm taking a crap in my diaper" face!!!! Seriously Lino??? You haven't done that in for ever, why today????? So his punishment for pooping in the diaper was a shower...he hates to take showers. And he had poop all over his butt...I got most of it but he had to wash the rest so I told him to wash his self off...he didn't like that at all. So we went round and round about who was going to wash the poop off ad in ally I left him in the shower with the towel and told him to wash and I would come back when he was done. I guess he wanted o test me because it took a little while before he would do it but finally he did...stubborn kid. I couldn't believe he pooped in his pants. So I got him all change into clothes and let him go on with the day...to tired to fight to much about it. We watched this stupid kid show over and over and over and over again...he couldn't get enough and I just wanted to barf but whatever. The whole time it looked like he needed to pee and I told him to go potty before he had an accident but he kept telling me he didn't need to go...ok. But in the end he stood by the TV and peed his pants...waited too long or just trying to get my attention I don't know but not ok. So back in the shower he went...did I say he is really stubborn???? Because he is so stubborn and strong willed its crazy. At this point my BF had told me to put him back in diapers if he wanted to act like that but I just couldn't do it...I told him he needed to go to bed because I could tell he was tired. Surprisingly I didn't have to fight with him too much...a few screams of protests then he was out like a light.  It's amazing...if I stuck to my guns about something he picks up on it really quickly...I think this having to lay down with him to go to sleep might be close to being out the window!!! Now if only Shaun would go to sleep I might have a little break...but Shaun doesn't go to sleep until a hr later and at that point it could have been any moment before Lino woke up so instead of me trying to get a nap only to be woke up by Lino after 15min I decided to get dinner ready and let Gina finish cussing me out for being so soft and letting Lino run over me. I'm sure she is right I just don't know what to do...or how to so it...I'm so tired these days that I know my patience is on a short supply...I need to be in a better state of mind in order for it to work. But if I don't put my foot down now I'll never be in a better state of mind...what a vicious circle. 

As my friend Gina would say...take a picture of them while they sleep to remind yourself why you didn't kill them...so peaceful. 

 

Then my sister text me pictures of my niece getting ready for the first day of 2nd grade. I can't believe she is going to the 2nd grade already. Guess it gives me hope that one day my little monsters will not be so restless...but then the won't be babies either and I love my little babies. Such bitter sweet moments being a parent. 

Lino slept a solid 2hrs...nice! Then was pretty nice and happy so maybe we will have a good afternoon I told myself. I asked him if he wanted to be a big boy and put underwear on or if he wanted to keep his diaper on and after a little discussion he wanted the diaper off. I told him if he had anymore accidents it would be back in the diaper...not sure how much that really meant to him because he kind of doesn't care about wearing a diaper but anyway it worked. So I let him watch more TV because we only had a little time before Mike wad going to pick us up...had to look at more cars.  I made him another PB sandwich to go (he loves them because we love them...and I had made him one for lunch but he didn't really eat it...it ended up being my lunch) and we left. 

The first car we saw was close to city center but because of traffic it took forever to get there. The car was actually pretty nice and Mike liked it a lot so I'm glad we went to see it. Then we took a long drive to Cahir to see a car...honestly it wasn't worth it but we went. The drive was nice...even tho it was rainy.

Once we got there I called the guy to see where we were meeting and I got no answer. I called him 2x and send a couple text messages with no response...uh oh...we were worried that we drove a hr for nothing. So while we waited Mike went to get a few things at the Supervalu and got Lino a juice drink that he drank in like 5min...it's going to be a long ride home...and finally I was able to reach him. Actually the guy selling the car is over seas and his brother was who we were meeting to see the car, I had called the owner to see if he could reach his brother...didn't want it to be a wasted trip. The car was ok but the outside was all banged up so not at the top of our list. So we headed back and the owner started texting me about the car...he wanted some feedback...interesting...I guess it's because it's been for sale for almost 2 months so he's trying to figure out what the issue is. The rest of the ride home was uneventful. We had to stop like 3x for Lino to go pee on the side of the motor way because of all that juice he had and he still had an accident...just too much liquid at one time. Bath and bed went fairly easy and Lino barely fussed at all about going to sleep. I read his book and stood in the hallway for a minute and he was out...and I was in the bed soon after. Early night (before 11) for everyone...hopefully that means a good night of rest...fingers crossed. 

Friday:

OMG...it's a miracle...Lino slept in his bed until 6:30...and Shaun slept...well he slept better than he has been sleeping and I am actually rested. It's amazing!!! Even tho by 7 Lino was fussing at us to get up it was nice to not have him in the bed kicking us and putting car bombs in the bed at 2 o'clock in the morning. Maybe one small step towards sanity. So we got up...Lino & Mike had cereal while I got ready and we took Mike to work. Well we had to convince Lino to leave the apt...he was watching some Irish carton and they were speaking Irish but he didn't seem to care...he was so into it...but finally he left. We had to come back to the apt to change Lino's cloths and to gather all out crap for the day then we were out again. Today the plan was to go to the play group in the morning and meet up with Annett and her friends at Fota around noon. We were all in track in the morning until I realized I had no snacks for Lino...I had snacks but I knew he would want the snacks the other kids would be eating so I needed to get different ones. So we stopped at SuperValu "quickly" before going to the playgroup. But nothing we do is quick, it took 40min to get 5 items...Lino really slows you down...plus it still takes a min to find everything so I have to go down the aisle a couple times to find what I want. While we were shopping I saw Conor, Martha's husband so we chatted for a while. I had invited her to Fota. It didn't hear from her...probably busy with the boys getting ready for school to be back in...oh well...maybe we will catch up wit her on Sunday. Since it took so long at the store I decided to ex the playgroup and go to the playground instead...plus the playgroup was €4 and I knew we would have to leave after 45min so I didn't want to fight Lino. The park worked out and we had fun. We left there and I stopped at Fitzpatrick's to get me a sandwich & Lino some popcorn before heading to Fota. I almost had to kill Lino in the store because he was running around the place like a mad man...too much freaking energy. But we made it to Fota at the same time as some of the others ladies we were meeting. So we all got in on one membership pass which is pretty cool. There were 3 adults, two 3yr olds and 2 babies...sweet. A membership is like €160 but it sounds like most moms split it with another mom so it makes it kind of worth it to have one...I need to find a mom to split a membership with because I could see this being a regular place to visit with the boys. Annett wasn't there yet so we let the kids play in the sand playground until she got there. Shaun and Lino had a ball...Shaun was amazed by the sand...his first time in sand...they definitely need a bath tonight!!!!

Lino showing Shaun how to handle the sand

Shaun enjoying playing in the sand. 

So we strolled around for a while, stopped to feed the ducks and went to another playground before I had to leave...had to get Mike so that we could drive to Clonakilty to see yet another car...I think this is just an excuse to drive all over Co Cork ;-)  The park was really nice and it's amazing how close you are to the animals...totally a new experience for me. Being at the park with both boys was a new experience for me too...Lino tries to take advantage of me when I'm dealing with Shaun.  A couple times he actually ran off and I had to find him...if I was still in the states I might have lost my mind because it only takes a sec for some crazy nut case to grab him but here it doesn't seem to be nearly as bad. People were actually helping me...like when he ran off from the sand pit, one of the dads saw me telling him to stay close and I turned around to do something with Shaun and when I turned back around he was gone. The dad told me where he went and apparently was watching him...thank God. Then on the way out Lino was chasing a bird (because he thinks he can catch birds) and he ran the opposite direction of where we were going and I didn't realize it until a few sec later but he had already ran under one of the wooden fences to try and get the stupid bird. I had to leave Shaun in the stroller and run to get him...on my lord. So I strapped him down because I couldn't take it. Then we stopped at then enterence to see the Cheeta feeding but Shaun was getting fussy so we didn't really get to see it.  But what we did see was cool...they put the meat on a rope and reel and the Cheeta's have to run catch the food. Kind of cool but I couldn't see much of it and couldn't get a picture...maybe next time. All in all a good day and it only cost me €3 (parking)!!!

Bison...super close...it was cool. 

Feeding the ducks with Alex, Paly and Alana. 

Beautiful day...Giraffes in the field. 

So of course we were late to get Mike, but he was ok with it because he knew Lino was having fun at Fota...once we got him we got right on the road to Clonakilty...and Lino was out after about 2min of getting Mike...as expected. He had to be tired after today...a nap will do him some good. It was suppose to be a 50mim drive but with all the traffic it took over a hr. The car was really nice and had low mileage but the price was a little higher than we would like. We ended up taking to the couple for a little while after driving it...they were nice, the we went back home. It's so funny, we drive a hr to see a car for less than 30min...it's absolutely crazy but I guess that's what we do. We got home and Mike made a quick garlic & oil pasta for dinner then bath for the boys and Mike went to get wine for me (I deserved it after this week) and since its Friday we let Lino watch Wreck it Ralph before bed. Then Mike read him a story and I think he whimpered once but then he was out like a light...sweet!!!! Once the boys were out, Mike and I had some alone time...I finished my blog for the week and he read his book...sometimes it's nice to have those alone time nights.  A really nice end to a horrible week. I pray we have a good weekend...meaning Lino and Shaun sleep!!!!  Guess we will wait and see.