Ahhhh spring. A time of germs

Our house has been living with the flu for the last two weeks. Our doctor was shocked at the positive flu screen because he thought the flu season ended about three weeks ago. Donnie had it first and then me. It made for a wonderful spring break.

Last night I commented that we are finally starting to be a healthy family again. I only cough at night and Donnie seems fine.

I forgot to knock on wood.

Donnie woke me up at 2:00 AM and told me he was sick. At 2:30 he vomited on Stevie's bed. At 2:45 I cleaned up Stevie's bed.

At 6:00 AM Stevie wet the bed.

I need a laundry fairy.

Scenes from our couch while watching American Idol

Scene: Ryan Seacrest is talking to one of the contestants.

Donnie: Hey, he looks like Barack Obama.

Juris Mommy: Who?

Donnie: That guy talking? (indicating Ryan Seacrest)

Stevie: No, Barack Obama is bald.

Donnie: No, I don't think he is.

Stevie: Who cares? I am going to make Daddy into a good singer.

Good News

Two years ago I wrote this. We had just learned that Donnie had been wait listed at the school we really wanted him to go to. I was devastated. I went to public school in this state, and I wanted my kids to have a better education than I had. The day we found out there was a spot for him is still one of the happiest memories of my adult life.

This year was Stevie's turn. We were a little concerned about him, because although two years ago they told us he was a lock for the school -- things have changed. I have heard from a few parents about siblings not getting in because they weren't ready. We already know that Stevie is a bit of a handful. He is my loving, but hyperactive little man. On the day he went for his testing he had a double ear infection. Don's assessment was that he was abnormally quiet -- the school would never know what hit them. Unfortunately, it meant that is verbal score was way down.

Yesterday we got a big fat envelope in the mail from the school. I remembered that when you were applying for college the big envelope was good because it had all that paperwork you had to fill out. When it comes to the Bar Exam the big envelope is bad -- it has all the paperwork you have to fill out to take the test again. I had a glimmer of hope. Kindergarten is more like college than the Bar Exam . . .right?

It turns out I was right. Stevie got in! For the first time in three years I will have two kids at the same school. No more driving through 3 counties to pick everyone up from school before 6:00. Wait, I will still have to drive through 3 counties, but now I won't have to make a stop along the way.

I know I haven't been venting to all of you about how scared I was that he wouldn't get in. I should have been venting to you. After all, dear readers, you are the people who understand all this Mommy business. You are all doing it with me.

Life is good.

Welcome home, Mommy!!

Monday I left Don alone with the boys for a couple of days. I was going to a conference and I didn't return until last night. At work I missed a probation day, and two plea/motions days for the jury trial calendar that I am in charge of. My co-workers were trilled.

At home I missed Donnie's choir concert. As you can imagine, Donnie was thrilled, too.

Last night I returned home to find Don and the boys all in bed. Don had a migraine. Donnie had a headache, a stomachache, a cough and a fever.

Today I am home taking care of a sick Donnie. I had to teach him that if he is too sick to go to school then he is too sick to play video games. It's a hard lesson, but I think he will live after watching Star Wars a few hundred times.

Did I mention that my co-workers are thrilled again?

This is what my co-workers did yesterday to someone who called in sick a few days in a row. No, it's not a broom cupboard. This was a cubicle. I don't even what to think about what my office looks like.

Happy 38th Birthday Ewan!

I set aside this day every year to wish a very happy birthday to one of the most brilliant and attractive actors of our day, Ewan McGregor. I used to refer to him as "my boyfriend," but as we have both been happily married for a number of years, I would say that part of our relationship is over. (It might also have something to do with the idea that if I ever came face to face with him I would either burst into tears or lose all ability to speak. Not a great way to start a relationship).

Happy Birthday, Ewan.

I am always out of pocket, but I know you understand why.

I know you will understand. I know you will, because when you read the article posted below I know each and every one of you will be angry at the question and give a big "amen sister!" to the answer.



The only thing this wonderful columnist left out was the tendency people have to make moms feel irrelevant and uncool. The tendency people have of insinuating that our kids are a burden somehow. These are people who often say they are our friends. In my experience they aren't. They are more often those people who flutter on the fringe of your circle of real friends. That group of four or five women that you trust and confide in. The fringe players are the ones who don't show up to the daily lunches in your office or at the park, they are the ones who show up for the parties or big events. And there is always at least one comment aimed at making you feel bad for having kids.

But guess what? I don't. I can't. Because these guys?
These two crazy little boys? They sing the lyrics to "Rent" with me in the car. They hug me when they can tell I need it. They notice when I get a new haircut and tell me I look pretty.


These three guys? They make cards for me. They notice when I am not feeling well and send me off to bed with hugs, kisses and tea. They are my entire life.


These two faces shine like this when they are looking at me. I am not irrelevant. I am not uncool. And they are not annoying burdens. I work the 9+ hours that the woman who asked the question works. I spend my day in court with half the room hating me because I am a prosecutor. I spend my mornings, nights and weekends living the life that the author describes. I love it. I wouldn't change a thing.

I miss you ladies, but I am quietly keeping up with you.

My Backup Singer

We have been talking a lot about the musical "Wicked" in the last few weeks. I have been a fan since I read the book almost 10 years ago, and I think I have expressed in the past what the music means to me.

The kids have heard the music almost daily since I bought the CD in 2003 -- whether because it was playing or because I sing it around the house. We get a kick out of singing the end of "Defying Gravity" together. Donnie calls it "the exciting part" where Elphaba lets loose on the Wizard.

Stevie and I were singing it together last night while I was changing out of my suit after work. Suddenly he did something he had never done before. Instead of both of us singing the Elphaba part, he took backup. It was so cute. He sang the Glinda parts and then took on the citizens of Oz.

For me it was cool for a couple of reasons. The first is that he is really getting an ear for music. There is a lot going on in that part of the song, and he has been able to isolate portions of the song that are more in the background. But, selfishly, the best reason for me is now I have a backup singer. Stevie has become my Pip!

Verdicts

As a prosecutor, I have known the satisfaction that comes from hearing "guilty, guilty, guilty". That is, guilty on all three counts that I have charged. I don't think I have ever done better than that. I have had cases with more charges, but I have never had guilty on all counts on a case with more than three counts.

I can not imagine what it felt like to hear "guilty" thirteen times when the defendant you are prosecuting is OJ Simpson.

We usually go out for cupcakes right after a victory and then have drinks that night. That would have to be a huge freaking cupcake and someone should just give that prosecutor their own bar.

I'll bet you thought I forgot about you!

It's been a while. Again.

2008 started out pretty rough for our little family. I have been pretty lucky to have some great people around me to hash it all out with, because I haven't had any time to sit down and write about it.

Things are starting to settle at home, but work is insane suddenly. Remember when I was a new attorney? Suddenly I am in charge of a courtroom. It's been a big change, but I am learning how to to it. I have never been a supervisor before, but I have a great team and I really think that after our first jury trial calendar we are going to find our groove.

The boys are doing great. Donnie just started the 1st grade and Stevie is in pre-k. We found a good place for him after they closed his old school. It has been a difficult adjustment, but he is so keen to learn and be ready for kindergarten at his big brother's school.

This is going to be a short post. Here are a couple of pictures to catch you up on how much they have grown.

Donnie and Stevie sharing a moment at the bowling alley on Donnie's 7th birthday. Those guys really have become buddys this year.


The great bike graduation. Donnie had his training wheels removed and Stevie went from the Radio Flyer trike to "Lighting McQueen" the fastest little red two wheeler on earth.


Stevie's school had Clown Day a couple of weeks ago. Stevie is so silly most of the time that I am pretty sure he would have posed like this even if he weren't in the clown makeup.



Donnie bobbing for apples at his 7th birthday party. He has become obsessed with Star Wars, and he wanted all of the kids to wear their Star Wars costumes. He is a Clone Trooper. I think he looks kind of handsome!

I came into the living room and couldn't find Stevie. Suddenly my picnic basket began to giggle. He had climbed inside and closed the lid. I still can't believe he fit!

April Fool's, Mommy!

Scene: It is 7:40 AM, Stevie and I are on the highway driving to his school. I am mentally preparing for a trial I have today. Stevie is singing his favorite song from Idina Menzel's new CD. Suddenly, it gets quiet.

Stevie: (quietly) Mommy. Mommy, I don't feel well. I think I'm . . . .

The next thing I hear is the sound of retching and vomiting all over the back of my car.

I freak out and look in the backseat while yelling: WHAT???!!!

I am met with this face. And a giggle.

"April Fool's, Mommy!"

He's four years old. By the time he is 14 he will be having elephants delivered to me while I am in court.