PISSED.

This will not be a nice post. I'm not feeling nice. I'm feeling like I could take a certain someone by the hair and twirl them around and around in the motion of an old-fashioned sprinkler. For those of you that are easily offended, and may just disagree with what I will be saying because it's going to be crass and trashy...just skip this post and go look at someone else's blog. You may just want to anyway because this is will take an incredible amount of time, as well. But I'm documenting this, and it's gonna be very involved, cause I'm not holding back.

Today I went to a "mandatory meeting" at Cherry Creek School. Apparently I have neglected to take the supposed THREE letters they sent me seriously, and "most-likely just as many" phone calls that they've made, telling me they need me to be there or face dire consequences. Between you and me, I never received said letters. Or phone calls. In fact, I have proof because I have all my phone records. However, it's my word against theirs as far as the letters go. And guess what? They're not believing me. It's been a craptastic day, but a five hour nap, and some severe emotional over-eating later, I'm ready to talk about it.

Let me first admit that I'm not keen on all the new laws they've passed within the last year on Public Education here in Utah. I guess they put an insert in the yearly manual they send each child's parents in July, before the school year starts. But, after reading it two years in a row, I had memorized all the words of wisdom therein such as: "Don't drop your children off at the North entrance, as it's a busy intersection without a cross walk", or "Please be prompt in picking children up after school, as it's a liability for both the school and the parents should children be left at the building unattended". So I naturally thought that it was old hat--that despite there would be some new days off during the year, the information would pretty much be the same, and mainly I'd keep it around for reference. It's not like they put, "PLEASE READ IN ITS ENTIRETY, AS NEW LAWS THAT WILL AFFECT YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN HAVE BEEN PUT INTO PLACE". And maybe that's me being ignorant, but I think that it would have been beneficial to all if they would have done that.

Yesterday I received a call from the school. It was a message from a member of the school district in charge of attendance, and the reason she was calling was that I had failed to show to three previous mandatory meetings regarding the attendance of my children. They have missed 15 days of school, ten of which were unexcused absences. Should I miss the meeting the next morning at 9:30 a.m., my case will be handed over to the state and from there, I could face a monetary fine, or jail time. WTF?
Needless to say, I called right back. This is when I was told that I could have avoided the whole involvement of the school district, if I would have just shown up when I received the notes I was supposedly sent. I expressed my concern about NOT receiving anyTHING regarding any of this, and was politely contradicted, because certainly the school system wouldn't make the mistake of not telling me about each individual meeting. The weird thing is...when someone tells me in a phone message that I'm such a crap mom that there's a possibility that I'll need to do some jail time, I'll call back. And I'd remember if someone wrote that to me in a letter. I'm quirky that way.
So I told her that I'd for sure be there, because though I had better things to do, going to court instead wasn't a preferable option for me.
So today I showed up at five minutes till. I saw that including myself, there were about four other adults waiting to attend this meeting as well. This made me feel better because I had a little solidarity--apparently I'm not the only mother in the entire school that just "doesn't take her children to school for funsies".
The principal was the conductor of the meeting. He specified that the meeting taking place was "by Law", mandatory. And he reiterated that about twelve times. He apologized to all of us, saying that though attendance is important, he doesn't necessarily agree with the way this new law is being carried out. So, the law is this: Children are not to have more than 5 unexcused absences a YEAR. If they are sick, they need a doctor's note. If they are going on vacation, it needs to be verified by the principle as to whether it's excused or not. If there is a family emergency, the school MUST know. The child's teacher, the principal, and the office MUST know, so as to be sure that it will be excused. The same goes for if there are extenuating circumstances within the family, or some sort of problems with addiction that may encumber attendance. When a child is sick, you need to call AND personally talk to someone within two days of the illness and missed day, or else an excused absence isn't possible. This is to save your own ass, as things, information, can get lost, and then it's just your word against theirs. Though they aren't having any problems in school, and their report cards and teachers confirm this, should Riley or Cole accumulate one more unexcused absence this year, I will need to attend court, pay a 50.00 fine for each kid, and be put on a probationary thing where I have to check in with some kind of social worker every two weeks, explaining what my schedule is like, how we are doing, and whether or not I'm getting my children to school on time or just there, period.

So, let me explain WHY my children have missed this much school. But first off, let me also say that it used to be that 15 unexcused days a semester was the limit...and now it's five days the entire year. My kids get sick. CONSTANTLY. Now, I know why. When Riley tells me, at least once a month, about someone puking at their desk, I now get it. Everyone is so FREAKING paranoid with this new law, that they will send their kids to school regardless of whether or not they are sick. My baby got RSV because my kids brought it home from other kids. If Riley or Cole are snotty and continually coughing, I would keep them home. And the same if they had a fever. I thought by doing this I was being a good parent. And guess what? It would happen often--I've posted about the woes of having continually sick kids. It's not fun. Would I prefer a janitor to clean up my kid's vomit rather than myself? Yeah, honestly I would. I just thought that that particular task was my job as a mother; not the job of the school. But now, I've been forced to re-evaluate my previous ideas of what a Mother's job is. And now I'll be sending my children to school whether or not they're sick or contagious. Because I don't want to go to court. I don't want to be fined 1000 dollars per child and up to two months of jail time because I didn't feel right about sending them out to infect other kids. And what kind of an effing Nazi law is this that won't allow me the decision making rights of whether or not to send my kids to school? Regardless of grades, regardless of how they act towards their teachers and classmates, it's all about whether or not they are THERE. That's B.S. in it's truest form. A big, reeking pile of it. Honestly? I feel pretty violated. It's hard enough for me when I feel like my mothering is being questioned. However, when it's not just questioned, but I'm punished for it? I feel like all my rights are being ripped out from under me.

For those of you that don't know, Jeff and I are taking the kids to Vegas all next week. We've had it planned for the last two months. Made reservations. This is the first vacation as a family that we've ever had. We've never been able to before, as we never had the means or the time. Not that we have a lot of either right now--we're just going to Vegas for heaven's sake. But we are doing it as a family, and I was so excited for this. After the meeting, I had to explain my "situation" to the principal, so he could tell me whether or not it would be excused. I'd already arranged for the kid's homework and such while we were gone, but that wasn't enough. The principal had to give me the okay. I'm thankful that he's not a prick...otherwise, we would have had to cancel. However, I didn't get out of an uncomfortable pause and a look that kinda said, "you do realize you're making it harder on your children, don't you?"

So that's what we now deal with as parents. It's not just the fear of drugs or friends that are bad influences or bullies anymore. It's also the possibility of the school taking your concern for your children's health as a sign of vigilantism toward their attendance.
Regardless, I'm going to go to Vegas with Jeff and my babies. And we are going to enjoy an entire week of shopping and swimming, and riding roller coasters and visiting aquariums and probably a little bit of gambling, too. All the while knowing that school is going on WITHOUT them. And I refuse to let them make me feel guilty. Because my kids are smart and they are nice and healthy...and they'll have their homework done before we leave early Monday morning. But in all honesty, is this fair? I realize there are circumstances where some kids DON'T get to school. Some parents are the type where they don't give a flying eff. But does that make it right to "fix" that problem in this way? Does it make any sense that I'm so pissed? Just asking.

Updates

So, book club. I thought I'd branch out and choose a fun, short novel that I hadn't read before. I chose the book, He's Just Not That Into You. Not only wast NOT
fun, but it wasn't a novel, either. Essentially it was a self-help guide for clueless, dating females. Not only was I embarrassed for the this being my choice in the first place, but the advice was for the exceptionally dumb...and that's putting it at nicely as possible. Next time I'm just going to go with something I know: Vampires, Werewolves, and romance. Those three subjects never disappoint. Consider yourselves warned, Bookclubbies.
And the dinner? Well, it was good. But, that's no thanks to me. I went to Sam's Club and got a couple manicotti dinners and dressed them up to 'look' like I made them. (You know, transferred them into a different dish and added cheese). I tried to prepare myself to gracefully take credit for the meal, as I feel like I was entitled, because at least I have enough sense to admit that there was no way it would have been edible had I attempted to make it myself. But then there were comments like: "this is really good", and "how do you make this?" So I totally caved and had to admit that I had no idea. But it's prettier if you add some mozzarella cheese to the top and stick it in the oven for an additional 15 minutes. Rats. I tell little lies all the time, (read: exaggerations and diversions), so you'd think I'd be better at it. But no. The guilt and the lack of quick thinking always screws me up.
What's worse? I invited a couple girls to come over early and just visit...but I so grossly underestimated how much time my faux meal would take that they had to help me prepare it before everyone showed up to agree with me that I chose the worst book ever. Ugh.
Other than that, it was a successful night. The food was good, (cause I didn't make it), we exchanged bad dating stories, (like when my date broke my nose and made me drive home alone with a concussion), and set up our next get together, which will be so much more relaxing, because I won't be in charge.

After all my girls left for the night, my man and kiddos came home. Thanks to Kyle for babysitting. Cole was hungry and wanted me to fix him some "Smorgs". Which, coincidentally, is asparagus. And we've told him the correct name a bazillion times, but he refuses to conform. In fact, I thought he was saying, "smores", and so after accepting that Cole wouldn't say "asparagus", I decided that I'd play along, saying, "Would you like me to make you some smores?" He just rolled his eyes and said, "They're SMORGES, mom. SMORE--GS, SMORE--GS." Whatever. Talking to that kid is like talking to a rock. There's no way to reason--is it because he's stubborn? I seriously can't figure it out. It's funny, but at the same time he drives me insane.
K. I know this post was random and unorderly, but I have to jet. I have to get Riley to school on time today, or suffer dire consequences. I'll tell you all more about it later, as I will find out tomorrow what the deal is. Let's just say I'm in hot water with Riley and Cole's school, and I'm ready to fight the system. Like I said, more details later.

Back in the Game.

Word-Up, Suckas.

So, my posts about nothing-much-happening-but-the-watching-of-my-children days, are over. I have actually been busy...busy doing stuff other than the usual, that is. And some days, I seriously think it's going to kill me. I've now officially started my exercise regime up, again. This time it's earlier, and much more diverse. I start my day with a 3 mile brisk walk. At 5:30 am. In theory, it sounds like a great idea, but in reality, I'm finding out, this is just insanity. But I'm doing it--as I said before my previous method of some kind of weight-loss osmosis was deeply flawed, as results just weren't happening.
After my walk, I make sure I'm home so Jeff can leave for work, and while the kiddos blissfully sleep, I subject to myself to more torture that is the Wii Fit. After my little Mii tells me that I'm not ANYWHERE near the weight I want to be, I try to do activities each morning for at least 15 minutes--or credits, I should say, as it's always more than 15 minutes, and then get some use out of my ab-roller. Not that I foresee a huge change from this, but at least it makes me feel better about myself. Let me just say, I'm glad I had kids sooner rather than later...as the body just doesn't bounce back the way it did nine years ago. This getting older stuff isn't too bad most days...but in this instance, I'm feeling the anger towards things like "elasticity loss", and "droopage". Anyway, that's that.
I've been singing Flight of the Conchord's "Hurt Feelings", lately. It's quickly becoming my theme song. Thanks to Amazon.com, I got to download it for free, so now I know ALL the words, rather than just the, "I've got hurt feelings, I got hurt feelings", part. This makes my mental daily montages much more interesting. I love that show soooo much and they're thinking this might its last season. Does anyone know if that's because of the ratings, or if it's just because coming up with two songs an episode has got to be severely difficult? Let me know. I don't want to be unnecessarily angry, you see.
Because of the early mornings, and the late nights--as Jeff insists that it's proof of my love if I stay up with him, any free second I have is spent trying to nap, instead of being online. Fortunately though, I'm getting more accustomed to these hours and not feeling like death for 90% of the day. So I should be back to more regular posts--at least once a week. This is my goal, anyway.
Tomorrow I'm hosting my bookclub. I'll let you know whether it was successful, or not, as I'm sure the anticipation of these details will keep you awake at night. Book club is something I look forward to each month...but that's when everyone else does it. I'm always stressed about picking a crappy book, and showing my true cooking skills with the dinner that I prepare...which are also crappy. So wish me luck. Despite all, we WILL be eating a lot...anyway, I will. So that makes my outlook more positive. Hasta for now.

Muff's blog

Hey everyone that reads my blog. K. There's like a couple of you that I don't know, and that's okay, because I totally blog-stalk too. And the reason I know this is because I'm an avid checker of my little map thing, and there's a few states on there that I'm clueless as to whom it could be. Anyway, I have emailed most of my family members about this, but I don't want to leave my--and this is how I like to think of you--Quietly Appreciative Fans, out. (Actually, I don't want to leave ANYONE out, it's that good). I got some pictures done of my little Sydney, by my sister, Muff. Her blog is Desisto Digitals. Anyway, you can see my little Squishy Squid here. She's the second baby down, in the polka dot dress. The first baby is Brandi's, a mutual friend of ours. Anyway, be sure to check it out, and click on the picture, so you can get the full effect! Ahhh...it just makes me so happy. :)

Some Stories.

I hope you all aren't sick of Cole stories, but remember: my blog and kinda my journal, and my decision. I've got to remember this stuff, because it's completely priceless. Anyway, here goes:

Lately Cole has decided that he needs to take a treat to Kindergarten each day. He tells me that at recess, the kids are allowed to eat a treat, and he STARVES when he doesn't bring something. This is regardless of whether he eats right before he leaves or not, he just needs to put something in his backpack to eat later, otherwise, "why have a backpack if it doesn't carry good stuff?"
So his treat of choice lately has been Skittles. "They're chewy and fruity, mom, that's why it's my favorite. You know I like lots of fruit." I explained to him that Skittles aren't in fact REAL fruit, but he won't hear of it. As far as he's concerned, he'll go along with my rule of eating something good for breakfast and lunch in order to get a treat for school, but he's really being healthy by choosing something with so much fruit flavor...and color. Anyway, a few days ago I told Cole to brush his teeth before we left, and he had to do a good job, and he had to brush his tongue, too. Now, he's under the impression that I'm a complete idiot. He'll go into the bathroom, and shut the door and from there, I'm supposed to believe that he's brushing teeth with great aplomb. When he comes out, he'll flash me a grimace, in which I'm supposed to see the "obvious" fruit of his labors. But sometimes I throw a gigantic wrench into his plans. And on that particular day I did. I told him to come closer so I could get a close-up of his chompers, and what did I find? Left over goo from his Chicken and Stars lunch, and bad baby-boy breath to boot. I then told him that he needed to go brush again and this time do a good job, and not to fib about doing it in the first place. His reply was a whine and, "but I just always forget". So I came up with an excellent idea and told him that in order to remember the next time I tell him to brush his teeth, he's going to look back on this particular day and remember that when he doesn't do a good job, I don't let him take a treat to school. "WHAT?" "I don't get the Skittles?" I had to listen to a few renditions of that question in addition to some tears and more whining, but eventually he calmed down when I told him that the next day we could go back to the Skittles priviledge if he brushed the right way. (Yes, in my house I am referred to as, The Teeth Nazi. I embrace this so-called dis with pride).
So he put his bag of Skittles on my dresser for the next day and we got Syd in her seat in the car, and then buckled him in. Then he said, "My friends are gonna be really mad that I didn't bring my Skittles today." I told him that they'd just have to deal, and that now he'll REALLY remember to brush his teeth. We drove in silence for a while and Cole goes: "It's just that, when I'm eating my Skittles, I like to share. And my friends like Skittles, too. And they say if I give them some Skittles, they'll give me a dollar. But you know what? They never DO give me a dollar. I should have a thousand dollars, but I didn't even get one. I hope they bring my dollars today. Then I'll have to sell some Skittles tomorrow, too. Now they'll know I need my dollars."
Cole's been faux selling his candy at recess. Nice.

Today Cole told me, "Mom, I want to make you have another baby." (I thought that it was cute he wanted another baby--but Yikes. Just hearing those words in that order out of his mouth was way too disturbing). I told him that boys can't make their moms have babies and then he said, "well, then DAD needs to make you have another baby, and it needs to be a boy so Syd can have a little brother like Riley has a little brother. And then I'll have a little brother, too". (I'm wondering how he came to the conclusion that boys make girls have the babies....I'm wondering if Riley tells him bits and pieces of stuff. I would ask, but it's just waaaay too complicated for me to explain to a five year old just yet--especially one that is as thoughtful and curious as Cole. Jeff and I had to tell him that there are NO more babies coming to this family, that Syd is our last, and there is no possible way that we'll even get a surprise like Syd was. He kind of tuned us out, as we were trying to explain. So I'm thinking that that particular subject will be brought up again.

Lastly, is a story about Riley. Now she's really quiet, and she's a private person. I don't tell a lot of stuff about her, because I know she wouldn't want me to. It's really hard for me, because a lot of the time my lack of "Riley" stories makes it look like I don't think she's funny, or I just forget to mention her. That's not it. Even her humorous stories have to be kept pretty quiet, as she hates the limelight and would just rather go her own way and do her own thing all the while being inconspicuous. Sound like anyone?
I've been buying books for her, lately. She's told me that she's got some favorite types of books to read and I got all excited, because I love to read, and I imagine that this is a way we can do some bonding. So I bought her some of the books she requested, and then I bought some books that I thought looked good. We were both in the living room reading one of our books, (and I really need to start keeping my books in my room, because some of the covers are a bit, er, skanky, and my kids are noticing). I asked what Riley's book was about, and she goes: Well, it's kinda not really interesting". I asked her why it wasn't interesting, and she said: "Well, because this is one of the books that you got me, and I read the last page, and it just wasn't a very interesting story--the ending just sucked." I asked why she read the last page first and she said, "It's just the way I know if I like a book or not." I told her that she needs to give her books a chance and a lot of the time what's on the cover isn't the best part of the book, and she needs to read from front to back, because sometimes it's what's in the middle of the book that makes it the most interesting. Then she said, "Well, what are you reading?" I kind of paused and said, "oh, just a story with vampires and fighting and adventure...." and she goes, "And scary, kissing people?" I was so busted. She then said, "so, is your book really good in the middle?" I told her yes, and she goes: "does your book have any of what's on the cover in it?" uh...I again told her, yes. Before she could ask anymore questions I told her I had something that I had to do upstairs where I promptly ditched said book and brought down an Entertainment Weekly, instead.

Back-talking.

Well, to all those that read my last post, I'm making my little sis, the fabulous Muff, from Desisto Digitals, take Sydney's 3 month pictures. She and I actually have an appointment set up for this coming Saturday, and Muff's got some exceptional ideas, as usual. Yes, Syd's dancing shoes WILL make an appearance, so just wait--I'll post those proofs of adorability, soon. Also, I'm going to respond to my commenters now, as it's Monday tomorrow and I thought I'd alleviate some of your impending boredom by typing up a few things. You're Welcome.

To the person that commented about the shoes--the baby-heel pioneer, if you will. (The Thomas'), I would love to read your blog, but everytime I type the name of it in, Blogger gives me some weird re-routing-type thing. Or says that there's a possibility that you aren't a real person. I believe that you are, just realize that I'm not being a terrible snob and avoiding your blog after your kind invitation. I'll keep trying, for sure. I'm always game for a gazing at cutie-pie babies all dressed up. And I hope that doesn't sound scary...cause I re-read it a couple times, and I realize it could be taken that way.

Shauna--I never used to lock my door before marrying Jeff. Being from WY and all, there was never really a reason to. I also used to NEVER shut my bedroom shade for any reason whatsoever, and now I realize just how, er, unthoughtful that was. Luckily I only had like, two neighbors within a five mile radius. So hopefully I never ruined anyone's dinner or anything. I don't know, I'd like to say that all my paranoia comes from Jeff, but I'm going to say the real reason and knowingly sound really old: It's a different world now than it was then. And now I'm a parent.

Amy, they are kind of Simpsonesque, huh? Another addition to my thinking they're fabulous. Syd kind of reminds me of a cartoon sometimes, too, so it fits. ;)

Erinn, I could totally see the news program's complaint being legit if these little shoes were actual heels. Cause, that would be dangerous. However, as you said, they're soft little shoes that Jeff pointed out, are similar to Miss Piggy's. Muppet shoes, if you will. And I have always admired Miss Piggy's fashion sense. Perhaps that says something about MY fashion sense, but I'm being honest, even so. (I mean, did you see my Labyrinth post? I'm all about The Muppets).

Kelli, Kass, Kory, Kyle: (I feel pretty clever for putting all the "K" people into a group, btw). I love the blue boots, I love baby shoes (Obviously) and with her short hair in barretts, Syd WOULD be a fantastic flapper, and I love cartoons, as well. Love, love, love. I wouldn't be adverse to seeing babies in wigs. And I kind of wish I could find some baby-fishnet stockings. I know that seems creepy, but I think that paired with the little shoes, would also be heelarious. :)

Moriah. Thanks for the gift. I am all about having my kiddos wear stuff that I could never wear. And I'm totally unrepentant. Also, Riley doesn't hate me for it, surprisingly enough. In fact, she asks about what I used to dress her in, and the more ridiculous it is, the more happy it makes her. (The same goes for pet names and such). She takes it as a sign of my love--the more humiliating, the more of an adoring mother I am. I realize that that's not the normal reaction, but I lucked out with Riley, and I'm hoping that with her support, I'll luck out with Syd, too.

Sharon, what the Heel? You are still the queen of really bad puns. And maybe I'm a little jealous. ;)

Anyway, you all know I love the comments. So I just thought I'd respond, as last time I did, I totally wrote an entire novel in the comments section, and I had to sit there for a loooong time to finish it, or I would have lost all that I had typed. And in the process, I neglected two of my children and ignored my husband. Do you see the devotion I have, here? Someone should give me an award. Just overlook the bad parts and you'll see I'm right.

Feeding my Fetish.

A little background information to get this party started: I was in the shower today and I heard someone pounding on our door downstairs--it was that loud. I'd taken Riley to school already, and I heard Cole run up the stairs and throw the door open to my bathroom yelling: "MOM! SOMEONE'S AT THE DOOR!" Of course it couldn't have happened five minutes earlier or five minutes later, it had to be right when I was shampooing my hair and just couldn't even think of going to see who it was. Cole told me that he was going to go ask who it was, and I told him not to, only to hear him running down the stairs again. And then back up. The door to the bathroom again slammed into the wall behind it as Cole yelled, "It's the Post Office!" I thought that was weird. I said,"you didn't open the door, did you?" And he told me he didn't. I started to tell him not to open the door and I'd take care of it when I was finished, and in the middle of my sentence, I heard him clomping down the stairs again, and....silence. Okay, I'm kind of a paranoid person. I tried finishing up as fast as I could and at the same time listened to hear any tell-tale sounds of the front door being opened or closed. And because it remained quiet, I worried that it was too quiet, and had to forgo shaving the armpits, in fear of Cole letting some scary psychotic people that would steal all of our pathetic earthly possessions, or a million times worse, take my babies. My imagination sometimes get the best, or worst, of me. Anyway, I wrapped up in two towels and went to go check on Cole, as Syd was asleep in her crib in our room. Safe and sound mind you. Looking into our living room, Cole was doing his usual: watching SpongeBob with a mouthful of Legos--something I've told him time and time again NOT to do. So I first told him not so nicely to get the toys out of his mouth, and then asked him if the "Post Office" person said anything else. Cole said no, and went back to watching his cartoon. (After he made a big show of me being a moron, because I was freaking about the Legos--again). Anyway, I went to the door and looked through the peephole and saw a box on the step. So, because I'm inconspicuous and such, I opened the door, grabbed the unassuming box, and managed to do so without flashing my trashy neighbor...who was NOT watching her dogs in MY yard while taking one of her smoke-breaks. Soooo much resentment towards that woman. Anyway, I hadn't ordered anything online in a while...so I was clueless as to what it could be.
This is what it held:
I mean, can you believe those? I should have taken a picture while they were all packaged up, because they came in this little swanky plastic carrying case that looked like some sort of boutique packaging, but I was too excited to touch and hold them. I about died, HOW CUTE ARE THEY? My dear friend, Moriah, sent these for Sydney. Every time I've had a baby, she's sent me something that was so adorable and different, and this time I swear she outdid herself.
I couldn't wait to show Riley. She and I share a fetish for shoes--especially for babies. (Especially if it's something that we wouldn't wear on our own feet...what is a baby good for if not to dress them up in outlandish stuff that when it's small is fabulous, however, when it's er....ginormous, it's hideous?) When Riley got home, I told her to go look on my bed at what came in the mail today and I heard a loud, shrill squeal, followed by: "OHHHHH! THOSE ARE SOOO CUTE!" She asked where I got them and I told her from Moriah. Riley goes, "that must be why YOU never buy cute shoes for Syd. Because everyone else just gives them to you." (This has kind of been a source of contention between Riley and I when we go shopping. She seems to think I should buy Sydney all the shoes we both love regardless of the fact that most will only fit her for two months..If that). I thought about what she said though, and actually, she's right. Syd has been the recipient of numerous pairs of shoes; all soo cute, and the ones I'm going to show are the ones that fit her now. So for those of you that have given me shoes and they aren't shown, it's just because they don't fit Syd yet, not because I don't like them and such. I want that made clear. Also, for those of you that are thinking, "What the crap? This entire post is about baby shoes?" Well, yeah. Deal.

These were given to me from my sisters-in-law Wendy and Kim. They dropped them off one day while I was still on bedrest, and Riley just opened the door, took the loot, and I'm sure nicely slammed the door in their faces...one of the couple of embarrassing moments that occurred during the time I was made to stay in my room. But I was really excited to have Syd eventually wear them, because I knew she'd totally rock them. See how right I was? Another pair she's been wearing are some Kelli made for her:
These are obviously for days Syd is feeling a bit more rugged, yet also fashionable. Riley and I have more fun than we should dressing her up, and between the two of us, Syd's going to hate that even more than her big sister. Maybe now Riley will feel my pain when she rejects my efforts in cutely clothing her, still. That would be what we call sweet revenge, my friends. So, here's my last shoe picture, for those of you that may be griping and can't understand the finer things in life--awesome shoes, duh. (And I know for a fact that my husband, man that he is, DOES appreciate shoes more than the average guy, and I love him a little more just for that. I got him some new shoes this week, and he's been wearing them with pride--because they are just that wonderful. So if you wanna be cool like Jeff, I suggest you focus on this post and LOVE every bit of it. I would have posted a picture of him wearing his new shoes, but he would have been overshadowed by these last pictures of Syd, and we just can't have that).
Could. You. Just. Die? My only regret is that I don't have an evening gown for her to complete the ensemble. A big shout out to Moriah, for making this possible. :) And, I've just got so many stories this week, but I'll post later, as while I'm trying to entertain you all with my little gem of a daughter, I'm neglecting said daughter at this very moment, and she's not enjoying Cole's loud company nearly as much as you would think. So, adios amigos! Happy Thursday.