Speed Bump Chronicles

Halloween 2011

Sean Genovese — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 01:08:55 +0000

Conversations with Kaitlyn: Make It Purple

Sean Genovese — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 01:58:05 +0000

A few months ago, I began the long and tedious process of pressure washing and staining our over 2,000 square feet of wood fence. Since the project has been occupying a lot of daddy's free time that would ordinarily be spent with the girls, I tried to get Kaitlyn involved. She was excited at the idea of getting to help daddy and arrived for work wearing her best painting clothes. I gave her a brush and a nearly empty can of paint and told her "paint all the low spots."

It's worth noting that the night before, I repainted her finger nails while mommy was at work. After about fifteen minutes on the fence, Kaitlyn noticed she had gotten paint on a few areas besides the fence, including her nails and hands. I told her not to worry, the paint would come off her nails and they would still be fine. "But daddy, I need to go in now and take a bubble bath." That was the last time she volunteered to paint the fence.

A few weeks later, after making some more progress--and getting plenty of paint on my own nails--I asked Kaitlyn if she thought I was doing a good job.

Pointing to the spot she worked on, I said "Doesn't the fence look nice?"

"No, it's ugly" she responded.

When I pressed her on why she thought it was ugly, here's what she had to say, rather defiantly:

"I wanted purple, then it would be pretty."

I never thought I'd be thankful for my HOA, but without it, I'd probably be repainting the fence.

The Case of the Dog Food Mischief

Sean Genovese — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 03:05:02 +0000

One of the nice things about living in my house is that I never have to concern myself with feeding the dog. Between mommy and the girls, the job somehow just gets done. Every now and then though, Detective Daddy has to get involved.

Almost two years ago, I walked in on the crime scene below.

I guess you could say that incident gave me a head start when I recently found the following scene:

This time I launched a full scale investigation. I've issued a BOLO for "because" and "I don't know", suspected to be hiding out together. They are not considered dangerous, but they are quite elusive and highly mischievous.

Allow me to present, Exhibit A.

My Girls Like To Dance

Sean Genovese — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 16:26:23 +0000

Sporting some trendy new dance moves, Kaitlyn and Alyssa bust a move in the media room. The girls bring new meaning to "head banging".

Is This How Rachael Ray Started Out?

Sean Genovese — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 22:03:54 +0000

From Speed Bump Chronicles

Things K Does #10

Sean Genovese — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 02:04:17 +0000

Yesterday Kaitlyn attended the first day of a week long vacation Bible School. Mommy, being a little worried, showed up about 20 minutes early to pick her up. Today, on their way to day #2, the following conversation took place:

K: Mom, don't pick me up in the classroom, it's embarrassing!

A few minutes later, in the cafeteria...

Mommy (to the teacher in the cafeteria): Do I walk her to the classroom or is she OK here?

K: No mommy, don't walk me to the classroom. Bye!

Where Every Face Is On Parade

Sean Genovese — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 01:12:21 +0000

"Princess Kaitlyn" has become a normal part of life around our house. My daughter spends more time in her dress up clothes than her real, outside clothes. The other night was no exception. As I sat watching the news, Princess Kaitlyn announced to me that she was off to a masquerade party. Sometimes I forget I'm talking to a three year old. I fully expect to see "Phantom of the Opera" on her Christmas list this year.

Kaitlyn Is Three!

Sean Genovese — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 03:02:53 +0000

Kaitlyn Is Famous

Sean Genovese — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 04:49:30 +0000

A recent project for one of my classes required the production of a YouTube video. The assignment was to create a video to generate awareness of a new--in our case fictional--idea, good, or service. Of course I used all the assets at my disposal.

Fun With Phrases

Sean Genovese — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 03:21:37 +0000

Yesterday was a busy day. I left the house before 7AM and didn't get back until almost 9PM. As a result, I didn't see the girls at all, except when I peered into their rooms to catch a glimpse of their peaceful slumber before I went to bed myself. Since I left again this morning before they were awake, by the time I got home this afternoon I hadn't really seen them for nearly 36 hours. I was excited to be home and, as with most weekdays for the past few months, I arrived just in time for my wife to leave for work. As we exchanged hellos and goodbyes, she gave me a quick "state of the house":

Kaitlyn was wearing big girl panties and went potty all day on the toilet like a big girl.
Could you please clean and fill the dog's water dish (like I asked you to do last week)?

Not quite an hour later I was watching a YouTube video about Bob Hope. It was a happy, lighthearted clip. The toddler was kneeling in the chair next to me, leaning against the table. With every new face that appeared on the screen, she wanted to know who it was. "Bob Hope. Barbara Walters. That's Bob Hope again," etc. Suddenly I heard a dripping sound, followed by a small reluctant voice saying "daddy, I need to go pawwwty." Not three minutes prior I had asked her, "do you have to go potty?" and the answer was not simply "no" but "NO!" Feeling less light hearted, it was time for phrase Number 1.

I sent the half naked toddler upstairs to get some new pants while I cleaned up the mess. Why can't she ever pee on the tile? After about five minutes she wasn't back yet. I went up to investigate. She was in the closet with the door closed. I uttered phrase Number 4, followed by "Are you KIDDING ME?!"

I would like to say I remained calm, but we were hurtling towards a Number 6.

A little while later, with fresh diapers, both girls were playing together in the play room. I decided to check on them and discovered they migrated to the laundry room. Kaitlyn was getting the dog more food and Alyssa was eating it...again.

It's So Nice When Kaitlyn Feeds The Dog

Did I mention that in between cleaning up the pee on the carpet and discovering the toddler in the closet I cleaned out and refilled the dog's water bowl? Number 7? Anyone?

I just love these evenings I get to spend relaxing with my girls.

Number 10.