I am so inexplicably sad. Michael switched to a twin bed this weekend, and he never looked back. He watched his dad disassemble it without an issue and then happily jumped on the new bed when it was put together. Andrew and Lily were soooooo excited for him...it almost made me cry. He went to bed Saturday night with no issues and slept 11 hours. He napped for almost 3 hours on Sunday, with no issues getting to sleep. And again with the 11 hours last night. I hear him in there talking and singing. He looks so small in that big bed. But he's not really that small anymore. He's growing up.
So the crib is gone. Pushed into a corner of the basement for the first time. It's been up in our house for 8 years...not that long, I guess. But I feel like it is the end of an era. I'm feeling very over-dramatic and "girly" about it. I'm having a crisis of mortality. Like, "Oh my God, I will never have another baby and will soon be dead."
Of course, 15 minutes after the new bed was up, Jeff and I were sitting at the kitchen table and I was holding back tears. Upstairs, the 3 kids started screaming and fighting over who got to be under the cover and someone pushed someone else into the wall and then Andrew growled and scared somebody, etc etc. Listening to the endless fighting I actually thought, "How long until they leave for college?"
So I know that I am romanticizing this whole crib thing. There are many not so nice memories surrounding this piece of furniture. Like cleaning vomit off of each rung after a stomach virus. Or creeping out after lying the baby down, hoping that they would just stay asleep for the love of God.
I love watching my kids get older. They get more interesting and more fun with each passing year. But, oh, how I love babies. How I loved MY babies especially. So I'm a little sad. And really really wishing I lived closer to our siblings so I could steal future nieces and nephews to satisfy my baby cravings. And to give me an excuse to keep this crib around. ;) Sara? Chad? Andrea? Any of you want to move to PA?
Monday, February 28, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
P.P.S. I love libraries
Don't worry. It will take more than one cranky librarian to make me swear off libraries. I love libraries.
I love libraries so much that I worked in one in high school. Shelving books. Still one of my favorite jobs ever.
I love libraries so much that when I quit teaching, I took a job as a school librarian for a private school in California. For very very low pay. It is the job I held the longest in my life.
I love libraries so much that the library system here in PA was one consolation when we moved here. (Louisville's was not so great).
I love libraries so much that my book club expressed concern for me this month. See, the book we are reading has such a long hold list, that the library basically tells you it is unavailable. I saw one of my fellow book-clubbers and she asked how in the world I would read the book if I couldn't check it out from the library. She knows I don't buy books. (I am borrowing it from another book clubber who bought it and finished it already).
I love libraries so much that last year when my closest library was having funding/staffing problems, I went on every free Saturday I had to help shelve books, proof their shelves, etc.
I love libraries so much that there is nothing I like to do more than slowly peruse the shelves...and when I need a time out from my family, you will often find me there.
I love libraries so much that I drag my children there each and every week. And to mix things up a bit, I try to occasionally go to a different branch. Which is what happened yesterday. My usual branch knows and loves my kids (and me, since I volunteer there). My usual branch wouldn't blink an eye if Michael had a screaming fit while we were waiting to check out (has happened). Yesterday was especially frustrating because Lily and Michael were actually being very well behaved.
Experiences like yesterday are not uncommon, unfortunately. It doesn't dissuade me from going, because I go frequently enough to have many many more good experiences than bad. But for my friends who NEVER take their kids? If this was their experience on their first visit? I can see why you wouldn't vote to fund the libraries. And so I'm angry at librarians and staff who are "put out" by patrons...because they are writing their own unemployment check.
Also, librarians who read this blog (and I know there are several)...a question. Why not put a separate check out desk in the children's area? A self-checkout even? Then we could check out books while the children continue playing with the puzzles/computers/puppets. And we wouldn't have to worry about controlling our children in the lines at the front of the library where there are escape doors and sensitive elderly patrons, etc etc. Just curious.
And I'll go back. Maybe not to that particular branch. But I'll go back. If only to return Elephant and Piggie's Can I Play Too...which we've already read 15 times in the last 12 hours.
I love libraries so much that I worked in one in high school. Shelving books. Still one of my favorite jobs ever.
I love libraries so much that when I quit teaching, I took a job as a school librarian for a private school in California. For very very low pay. It is the job I held the longest in my life.
I love libraries so much that the library system here in PA was one consolation when we moved here. (Louisville's was not so great).
I love libraries so much that my book club expressed concern for me this month. See, the book we are reading has such a long hold list, that the library basically tells you it is unavailable. I saw one of my fellow book-clubbers and she asked how in the world I would read the book if I couldn't check it out from the library. She knows I don't buy books. (I am borrowing it from another book clubber who bought it and finished it already).
I love libraries so much that last year when my closest library was having funding/staffing problems, I went on every free Saturday I had to help shelve books, proof their shelves, etc.
I love libraries so much that there is nothing I like to do more than slowly peruse the shelves...and when I need a time out from my family, you will often find me there.
I love libraries so much that I drag my children there each and every week. And to mix things up a bit, I try to occasionally go to a different branch. Which is what happened yesterday. My usual branch knows and loves my kids (and me, since I volunteer there). My usual branch wouldn't blink an eye if Michael had a screaming fit while we were waiting to check out (has happened). Yesterday was especially frustrating because Lily and Michael were actually being very well behaved.
Experiences like yesterday are not uncommon, unfortunately. It doesn't dissuade me from going, because I go frequently enough to have many many more good experiences than bad. But for my friends who NEVER take their kids? If this was their experience on their first visit? I can see why you wouldn't vote to fund the libraries. And so I'm angry at librarians and staff who are "put out" by patrons...because they are writing their own unemployment check.
Also, librarians who read this blog (and I know there are several)...a question. Why not put a separate check out desk in the children's area? A self-checkout even? Then we could check out books while the children continue playing with the puzzles/computers/puppets. And we wouldn't have to worry about controlling our children in the lines at the front of the library where there are escape doors and sensitive elderly patrons, etc etc. Just curious.
And I'll go back. Maybe not to that particular branch. But I'll go back. If only to return Elephant and Piggie's Can I Play Too...which we've already read 15 times in the last 12 hours.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Dear...
Dear librarian,
I am so sorry to have troubled you with my need to check out books. Even though you were clearly sitting at the counter where people go to check out books. I could tell you were irritated by your exasperated sigh as I put my pile of books in front of you. I know it was bothersome to watch my children stand patiently while we waited...they did skip around a bit as they waited to get their video back from you. And I completely understand why you snapped at my 2 year old when he pushed the giant blue handicap button down at his eye level to open the door. Obviously that is not there to open the door and you are so good to point out that he is brutishly strong and could break it.
So sorry for the inconvenience.
Sincerely,
Loves libraries but hates (some) librarians
PS. If you hate children so much, please just remove the children's section entirely. Then we will stop bringing them to your precious library. However, we may still need to check out adult books so that will not solve all your problems.
I am so sorry to have troubled you with my need to check out books. Even though you were clearly sitting at the counter where people go to check out books. I could tell you were irritated by your exasperated sigh as I put my pile of books in front of you. I know it was bothersome to watch my children stand patiently while we waited...they did skip around a bit as they waited to get their video back from you. And I completely understand why you snapped at my 2 year old when he pushed the giant blue handicap button down at his eye level to open the door. Obviously that is not there to open the door and you are so good to point out that he is brutishly strong and could break it.
So sorry for the inconvenience.
Sincerely,
Loves libraries but hates (some) librarians
PS. If you hate children so much, please just remove the children's section entirely. Then we will stop bringing them to your precious library. However, we may still need to check out adult books so that will not solve all your problems.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Why there are no pictures of Andrew
I have a feeling that as my blogging life goes on, there will be fewer and fewer pictures of the kids. Mostly I think this because when I ask my 7 year old to let me take a picture of him, I get results like this:
And when I try to take pictures of the 4 year old when the 7 year old is around, they often turn out like this:
Occasionally I get a good shot. Like when I ask to see the gap newly formed in the top row of teeth:
But more often than not, I get pictures like this:
Most days I'm happy if it just turns out like this:
And not this:
Good thing he's cute...is all I'm sayin'. Too bad there won't be much photographic evidence of it.
Oh, wait. Here's one.
And when I try to take pictures of the 4 year old when the 7 year old is around, they often turn out like this:
Occasionally I get a good shot. Like when I ask to see the gap newly formed in the top row of teeth:
But more often than not, I get pictures like this:
Most days I'm happy if it just turns out like this:
And not this:
Good thing he's cute...is all I'm sayin'. Too bad there won't be much photographic evidence of it.
Oh, wait. Here's one.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
A budding artist
Michael just drew this picture. Isn't it cute? Don't you just love baby drawings?
I asked him what it is a picture of. In his words, (from left to right) it is a Daddy, a cute baby, a Mike, and a giant ghost. They are scared of the ghost.
Actually, if I used Michael's actual words it would read like this: "Ma, dih a da, a coo bay-ee, a My, an a gi-an go. Day ah scee oh go."
So you can see we still have a ways to go speech wise with this boy. He is adding a second syllable onto certain words...which is very exciting. Except that when he adds the second syllable, he now leaves out the middle sound. So the word "funny" went from "fuh" to "fuh-ee". And he now knows we want something at the end when we ask him to repeat a word. So he just adds a /p/ to the end. Of anything.
Here's a recent conversation with Michael:
Michael: Ma! I wa toe. I wa toe!
Me: You want a toe?
Michael: Toe-p
Me: You want taupe?
Michael: Toe-t. I wa toe-t
Me: You want tote? Can you show me what you want?
Michael amiably takes my hand and pulls me into the kitchen. He points at the sink (?) I finally figured out he wanted toast.
Tomorrow Michael will be evaluated by the IU...Intermediate Unit. I think that's what it stands for. When he turns 3, he will no longer be eligible for services through the Early Intervention. I don't know that anything we've done in speech therapy has helped him...maybe he's just progressing with age. He's still nearly unintelligible without context clues. But he's doing better.
And he never gets frustrated...which floors me. We have conversations like the one above several times a day, and he just never gets mad when we don't understand him. He's just such a easy-going, lovable little sweet pea. And so smart. I really just want his teachers to understand him next year. I don't want people to underestimate him because he can't speak clearly. I know they'll love him...he's too lovable and charismatic. I want them to know he's smart too. ;)
I asked him what it is a picture of. In his words, (from left to right) it is a Daddy, a cute baby, a Mike, and a giant ghost. They are scared of the ghost.
Actually, if I used Michael's actual words it would read like this: "Ma, dih a da, a coo bay-ee, a My, an a gi-an go. Day ah scee oh go."So you can see we still have a ways to go speech wise with this boy. He is adding a second syllable onto certain words...which is very exciting. Except that when he adds the second syllable, he now leaves out the middle sound. So the word "funny" went from "fuh" to "fuh-ee". And he now knows we want something at the end when we ask him to repeat a word. So he just adds a /p/ to the end. Of anything.
Here's a recent conversation with Michael:
Michael: Ma! I wa toe. I wa toe!
Me: You want a toe?
Michael: Toe-p
Me: You want taupe?
Michael: Toe-t. I wa toe-t
Me: You want tote? Can you show me what you want?
Michael amiably takes my hand and pulls me into the kitchen. He points at the sink (?) I finally figured out he wanted toast.
Tomorrow Michael will be evaluated by the IU...Intermediate Unit. I think that's what it stands for. When he turns 3, he will no longer be eligible for services through the Early Intervention. I don't know that anything we've done in speech therapy has helped him...maybe he's just progressing with age. He's still nearly unintelligible without context clues. But he's doing better.
And he never gets frustrated...which floors me. We have conversations like the one above several times a day, and he just never gets mad when we don't understand him. He's just such a easy-going, lovable little sweet pea. And so smart. I really just want his teachers to understand him next year. I don't want people to underestimate him because he can't speak clearly. I know they'll love him...he's too lovable and charismatic. I want them to know he's smart too. ;)
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Valentine's P.S.
Jeff came home from work late last night. He had read my blog at work, so knew his car would be filled with stuff. But he didn't let on, and the kids were so excited and thrilled that we'd "surprised" him. The kids were jittery with their sugar high and somewhat more difficult to put to bed. It took 20 minutes instead of 15 ;) I was upstairs reading with Andrew and I heard dishes clinking. I thought how nice it was for Jeff to clean up the kitchen for me on Valentine's Day.
Imagine my surprise to come downstairs to lights out and candles lit. Champagne on ice and gift bag sitting on the table. Inside the bag was a box of chocolates from our local chocolatier and a mug from the same place.
And so my Valentine and I sat sipping champagne and eating very high end chocolates while talking and reminiscing and playing footsie under the table.
It was absolutely romantic and delightful. Valentine's Day? Jeff for the win!
Imagine my surprise to come downstairs to lights out and candles lit. Champagne on ice and gift bag sitting on the table. Inside the bag was a box of chocolates from our local chocolatier and a mug from the same place.
And so my Valentine and I sat sipping champagne and eating very high end chocolates while talking and reminiscing and playing footsie under the table.
It was absolutely romantic and delightful. Valentine's Day? Jeff for the win!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Valentine's Day
Ah, Valentine's Day. I like to think of it as an excuse to have a little fun in an otherwise dreary month. An excuse to deck your house with cheery red decorations and act silly and lovey-dovey when the world is cold and white and dreary.
It is not like this every year.
I remember the year that I was once again without a Valentine. Fifteen years ago today, I threw in the towel and decided that I would never have a boyfriend. That I was going to stop waiting for it to happen. That I was going to do things that I'd been waiting to have a boyfriend to do. Like learn to swing dance. The day after Valentine's day, I called a friend of mine and asked him to be my partner so I could learn to swing dance. Funny thing...that friend has been my Valentine ever since ;)
I remember the year that Valentine's day was very painful. See, eight years ago today, it was my due date. For the baby that we lost at nearly 9 weeks gestation. And by the time the due date came around, I STILL wasn't pregnant again. And I remember going to church that week and changing my prayers. I stopped praying for a baby...because it just wasn't happening. And I prayed to accept that I was not in control of this. I understood that this was going to be or not going to be...I couldn't keep being heartbroken about it and I needed to move to acceptance. And 2 weeks later, I found out that I was pregnant again...with my Andrew.
And I remember fondly my first Valentine's Day as a married woman. I was miserable teaching, I was horribly sad being away from my family, I was depressed as all get out. And I knew that Jeff didn't like Valentine's Day, so all I asked was that he enjoy a nice dinner with me. And I came home from work and cooked a dinner (a real novelty at the time) and announced that dinner was ready. Jeff was on the phone and wouldn't get off. So I ate dinner alone. Pissed and sad and wondering where my life was going. And I left to get some party things for my class party the next day. Oh, and I may have left a passive aggressive note on the dinner table. When I got home, Jeff was gone. I sat on the floor and started grading papers. Jeff came back a bit later...with a diamond ring that he'd just ran out and bought out of guilt. Seriously. Who does that? And I thanked him and then told him I couldn't accept it. That I'd always look at it and know that he'd bought it for me because he felt guilty...not because he actually wanted to get it for me. And I made him return it that night. Who does that? And Jeff had to drive back to the mall and give it back to the same woman he'd bought it from 45 minutes earlier. I can't even imagine the embarrassment of that moment. We laugh about it now...but it wasn't funny that day.
This year, I planned to make him a fabulous hot breakfast. And then Lily got me up at 2 and Andrew got me up at 3...and I slept through the alarm. I apologized to him for being a loser. And Jeff covered me with kisses and hugged me tight and didn't even grope me. Now that's love. So I've got to think on my feet. I've decided that later today, the kids and I are going to go to the train station and find his car and fill it with cards and chocolates and other Valentine's Day paraphernalia. So he can be totally embarrassed when he gets off the train tonight. ;)
I get to go watch Andrew's Valentine's Day play today...The Little Red Hen's Valentine Wish. And the kids get to eat their candy treats all day with no restrictions...a little tradition of our own. Tonight I'm making a dinner that everyone will eat. And Jeff and I will enjoy a little mint Bailey's and watch a movie when the kids go to bed.
It's a good Valentine's Day this year. I hope yours is too.
It is not like this every year.
I remember the year that I was once again without a Valentine. Fifteen years ago today, I threw in the towel and decided that I would never have a boyfriend. That I was going to stop waiting for it to happen. That I was going to do things that I'd been waiting to have a boyfriend to do. Like learn to swing dance. The day after Valentine's day, I called a friend of mine and asked him to be my partner so I could learn to swing dance. Funny thing...that friend has been my Valentine ever since ;)
I remember the year that Valentine's day was very painful. See, eight years ago today, it was my due date. For the baby that we lost at nearly 9 weeks gestation. And by the time the due date came around, I STILL wasn't pregnant again. And I remember going to church that week and changing my prayers. I stopped praying for a baby...because it just wasn't happening. And I prayed to accept that I was not in control of this. I understood that this was going to be or not going to be...I couldn't keep being heartbroken about it and I needed to move to acceptance. And 2 weeks later, I found out that I was pregnant again...with my Andrew.
And I remember fondly my first Valentine's Day as a married woman. I was miserable teaching, I was horribly sad being away from my family, I was depressed as all get out. And I knew that Jeff didn't like Valentine's Day, so all I asked was that he enjoy a nice dinner with me. And I came home from work and cooked a dinner (a real novelty at the time) and announced that dinner was ready. Jeff was on the phone and wouldn't get off. So I ate dinner alone. Pissed and sad and wondering where my life was going. And I left to get some party things for my class party the next day. Oh, and I may have left a passive aggressive note on the dinner table. When I got home, Jeff was gone. I sat on the floor and started grading papers. Jeff came back a bit later...with a diamond ring that he'd just ran out and bought out of guilt. Seriously. Who does that? And I thanked him and then told him I couldn't accept it. That I'd always look at it and know that he'd bought it for me because he felt guilty...not because he actually wanted to get it for me. And I made him return it that night. Who does that? And Jeff had to drive back to the mall and give it back to the same woman he'd bought it from 45 minutes earlier. I can't even imagine the embarrassment of that moment. We laugh about it now...but it wasn't funny that day.
This year, I planned to make him a fabulous hot breakfast. And then Lily got me up at 2 and Andrew got me up at 3...and I slept through the alarm. I apologized to him for being a loser. And Jeff covered me with kisses and hugged me tight and didn't even grope me. Now that's love. So I've got to think on my feet. I've decided that later today, the kids and I are going to go to the train station and find his car and fill it with cards and chocolates and other Valentine's Day paraphernalia. So he can be totally embarrassed when he gets off the train tonight. ;)
I get to go watch Andrew's Valentine's Day play today...The Little Red Hen's Valentine Wish. And the kids get to eat their candy treats all day with no restrictions...a little tradition of our own. Tonight I'm making a dinner that everyone will eat. And Jeff and I will enjoy a little mint Bailey's and watch a movie when the kids go to bed.
It's a good Valentine's Day this year. I hope yours is too.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Recently heard...
Lily was lying on a couch during a playgroup this week. She was holding a play phone up to her ear and was chatting to an imaginary friend. I overheard her saying, "Yah, I think it's a spa day."
Michael interuppted Jeff and I smooching in the kitchen. Jeff picked him up and we gave him a sandwich kiss. Michael looked at me very seriously and said, "Ma? Da is yo fren?" (Mom? Dad is your friend?). We smiled and agreed. Later in the week, Jeff came home from work and Michael came running to find me. "Ma! Yo fren is here!"
Andrew was saying goodbye to me before I left on my trip. He hugged me and said with a twinkle in his eye, "Have a good time with your imaginary friends, Peace and Quiet."
Michael interuppted Jeff and I smooching in the kitchen. Jeff picked him up and we gave him a sandwich kiss. Michael looked at me very seriously and said, "Ma? Da is yo fren?" (Mom? Dad is your friend?). We smiled and agreed. Later in the week, Jeff came home from work and Michael came running to find me. "Ma! Yo fren is here!"
Andrew was saying goodbye to me before I left on my trip. He hugged me and said with a twinkle in his eye, "Have a good time with your imaginary friends, Peace and Quiet."
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Returned
I'm back. I've been back. But for the first time in a long time, I'm at a loss for words. I just don't know how to sum up my trip to CA. How I walked out of the airport in San Diego and felt the warm sunshine on my face...and immediately called Jeff to tell him I was ready to move back. And then 15 minutes later when I was pleading with my father to slow down and spare my life on the freeways IhavethreechildrenwhoneedmefortheloveofGod...I called Jeff back and told him nevermind.
It was renewing and fabulous to be in sunny warm weather. It was refreshing to sit in restaurants without a diaper bag of entertainment and to have complete conversations with other adults. It was thoroughly and unbelievably relaxing.
And the wedding...oh, the wedding. Friday night I got to mingle and mix with the bride and her family and friends. Such nice, welcoming, friendly people. I got to visit with Elizabeth and get a first impression of her husband. I enjoyed imagining being wealthy as I sat on her in-laws porch and looked down at the beach...yes, their house was right on the beach...divine.
The next day my parents and I hiked around a little bit and just soaked in some fresh Vitamin D. Then that night was the wedding. Such a touching and beautiful ceremony overlooking the Pacific. The reception was unlike anything I've ever experienced. More silverware than I've ever seen. Multiple courses...one of which was a tiny dollop of sherbet sitting on my own individual ice swan. Oh, yes. I'm serious. Hilarious and friendly staff. Infused vodka. Never heard of it? Me neither. I don't think they sell it at Applebee's. ;) Etc etc etc. Fabulous.
Sunday was more walking around a beach town. Then we drove to another beach town and I met up with my good friend Pamela. We ate a huge lunch and then waddled around the little boardwalk. We talk every week on the phone, so it wasn't so much catching up and enjoying being a few thousand miles closer as we chatted.
I even enjoyed the flights to and from. I read almost 2 whole books. The Swan Thieves, by Elizabeth Kostovo...excellent, but hurt my brain a little. And I still have a little left in The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest.
So congrats to my friend who now has one of the longest names I've seen ;) And thanks for letting this poor pale under socialized old friend come and witness the beginning of your married life. It was a blast!
Thanks also to Jeff and my MIL who held down the fort while I was gone. Of course. ;) I'm trying my hardest not to complain about life this week...lest Jeff hit me across the head with a 2x4. ;)
It was renewing and fabulous to be in sunny warm weather. It was refreshing to sit in restaurants without a diaper bag of entertainment and to have complete conversations with other adults. It was thoroughly and unbelievably relaxing.
And the wedding...oh, the wedding. Friday night I got to mingle and mix with the bride and her family and friends. Such nice, welcoming, friendly people. I got to visit with Elizabeth and get a first impression of her husband. I enjoyed imagining being wealthy as I sat on her in-laws porch and looked down at the beach...yes, their house was right on the beach...divine.
The next day my parents and I hiked around a little bit and just soaked in some fresh Vitamin D. Then that night was the wedding. Such a touching and beautiful ceremony overlooking the Pacific. The reception was unlike anything I've ever experienced. More silverware than I've ever seen. Multiple courses...one of which was a tiny dollop of sherbet sitting on my own individual ice swan. Oh, yes. I'm serious. Hilarious and friendly staff. Infused vodka. Never heard of it? Me neither. I don't think they sell it at Applebee's. ;) Etc etc etc. Fabulous.
Sunday was more walking around a beach town. Then we drove to another beach town and I met up with my good friend Pamela. We ate a huge lunch and then waddled around the little boardwalk. We talk every week on the phone, so it wasn't so much catching up and enjoying being a few thousand miles closer as we chatted.
I even enjoyed the flights to and from. I read almost 2 whole books. The Swan Thieves, by Elizabeth Kostovo...excellent, but hurt my brain a little. And I still have a little left in The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest.
So congrats to my friend who now has one of the longest names I've seen ;) And thanks for letting this poor pale under socialized old friend come and witness the beginning of your married life. It was a blast!
Thanks also to Jeff and my MIL who held down the fort while I was gone. Of course. ;) I'm trying my hardest not to complain about life this week...lest Jeff hit me across the head with a 2x4. ;)
Monday, January 31, 2011
California dreamin'
We moved to Cincinnati when I was 9. The moving truck came to our house on my birthday, in fact. I was...ahem...NOT happy.
But there was a delightful Australian family that lived across the street from our new house. They had a daughter, Elizabeth, who was 2 years younger than me. However, I was always a bit behind the curve of girls my age, so it was a perfect fit.
I have loads and loads of memories growing up with Elizabeth. I remember swimming for hours and hours in her pool, playing mermaids or trying to bounce each other off the inflatable rafts. Playing "house" or "doctor" or any of the countless pretend games in my basement (where does Lily get it from, I wonder?). Reading through her voluminous collection of Berenstain Bears books. Walking her dog Aussie around the neighborhood barefoot...returning with stained toe nails because of popping tar bubbles with our toes. Worrying horribly when she and her mother were in a traumatic car accident and she got countless stitches in her forehead. Sitting around her kitchen table, listening to Elizabeth seamlessly switch from an American accent to an Australian one (depending on if she was talking to me or her parents). Eating Nutella (happily) and Vegemite (unhappily). Playing a card game and laughing uncontrollably because she looked so ridiculous after her face swelled up from a bee sting. Watching a snake eat a baby bird a tree by her house. Dressing up with make-up and crazy hair styles and trying to fool the neighbors into thinking we were new to the neighborhood (but we looked so different! How could they tell it was us???).
Need I go on?
Elizabeth and her family moved to San Diego when I was a junior in high school. We had grown understandably apart as we got older...once I became a band geek and she a solid athlete, we had less in common. But there never was a time I didn't enjoy her company.
I went and visited her in San Diego during winter break my junior year of college. We had a great time exploring Del Mar and taking a trolley tour of San Diego and playing games and doing puzzles. I remember thinking, "This is such a nice place to visit...I certainly wouldn't want to live here."
One year later, I found out that I would be moving (near) there. And Elizabeth and her family were our adopted family in many ways once Jeff and I were living in Orange County. I have pictures of Elizabeth holding Andrew as a baby.
And then we moved away. And I haven't even talked to Elizabeth. Very negligent...how life gets in the way. But I knew everything happening with her...since our mothers are still the best of friends.
So I already knew she was getting married when I received her wedding invitation in October. I was surprised to be invited...which Elizabeth apparently knew I would be, since she included a sweet personalized note. And I mentioned to Jeff that as crazy as it seemed, I really wanted to go witness my childhood friend get married. And he dug up some unused frequent flyer miles and told me I should do it.
And so on Friday I am going. It will be nice to enjoy the sunny weather of California, nice to have a weekend away from the kids. It will be nice to mooch off my parents like a teenager and nice to relax and enjoy a long flight cross country. But it will be especially nice to revisit my happy childhood with an old, special friend and her family.
But there was a delightful Australian family that lived across the street from our new house. They had a daughter, Elizabeth, who was 2 years younger than me. However, I was always a bit behind the curve of girls my age, so it was a perfect fit.
I have loads and loads of memories growing up with Elizabeth. I remember swimming for hours and hours in her pool, playing mermaids or trying to bounce each other off the inflatable rafts. Playing "house" or "doctor" or any of the countless pretend games in my basement (where does Lily get it from, I wonder?). Reading through her voluminous collection of Berenstain Bears books. Walking her dog Aussie around the neighborhood barefoot...returning with stained toe nails because of popping tar bubbles with our toes. Worrying horribly when she and her mother were in a traumatic car accident and she got countless stitches in her forehead. Sitting around her kitchen table, listening to Elizabeth seamlessly switch from an American accent to an Australian one (depending on if she was talking to me or her parents). Eating Nutella (happily) and Vegemite (unhappily). Playing a card game and laughing uncontrollably because she looked so ridiculous after her face swelled up from a bee sting. Watching a snake eat a baby bird a tree by her house. Dressing up with make-up and crazy hair styles and trying to fool the neighbors into thinking we were new to the neighborhood (but we looked so different! How could they tell it was us???).
Need I go on?
Elizabeth and her family moved to San Diego when I was a junior in high school. We had grown understandably apart as we got older...once I became a band geek and she a solid athlete, we had less in common. But there never was a time I didn't enjoy her company.
I went and visited her in San Diego during winter break my junior year of college. We had a great time exploring Del Mar and taking a trolley tour of San Diego and playing games and doing puzzles. I remember thinking, "This is such a nice place to visit...I certainly wouldn't want to live here."
One year later, I found out that I would be moving (near) there. And Elizabeth and her family were our adopted family in many ways once Jeff and I were living in Orange County. I have pictures of Elizabeth holding Andrew as a baby.
And then we moved away. And I haven't even talked to Elizabeth. Very negligent...how life gets in the way. But I knew everything happening with her...since our mothers are still the best of friends.
So I already knew she was getting married when I received her wedding invitation in October. I was surprised to be invited...which Elizabeth apparently knew I would be, since she included a sweet personalized note. And I mentioned to Jeff that as crazy as it seemed, I really wanted to go witness my childhood friend get married. And he dug up some unused frequent flyer miles and told me I should do it.
And so on Friday I am going. It will be nice to enjoy the sunny weather of California, nice to have a weekend away from the kids. It will be nice to mooch off my parents like a teenager and nice to relax and enjoy a long flight cross country. But it will be especially nice to revisit my happy childhood with an old, special friend and her family.
Friday, January 28, 2011
5 more years until I have this fight?
I just drove to pick up Andrew from school. Because he wanted me to, that's why.
I followed a bus as it dropped off the remainder of its middle school students before it headed to Andrew's school for the next set of kids.
I saw 25 kids get off at various stops...give or take 2.
One of these children was wearing a winter coat. A total of ONE out of TWENTY-FIVE.
4 children were wearing t-shirts, and nothing else.
We have 19 inches of snow on the ground, and it just started snowing again early this afternoon.
One coat.
4 t-shirts.
Conclusion?
Teenagers are idiots. And I am not ready to pick my battles yet.
I followed a bus as it dropped off the remainder of its middle school students before it headed to Andrew's school for the next set of kids.
I saw 25 kids get off at various stops...give or take 2.
One of these children was wearing a winter coat. A total of ONE out of TWENTY-FIVE.
4 children were wearing t-shirts, and nothing else.
We have 19 inches of snow on the ground, and it just started snowing again early this afternoon.
One coat.
4 t-shirts.
Conclusion?
Teenagers are idiots. And I am not ready to pick my battles yet.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
How does anyone shovel with kids around?
So we got 19 inches of snow last night. Guess what that means? No school. Also? Jeff can't go to work, because it is going to take 10 hours to dig out our cars. However, he will still work in the basement. So...3 kids at home for the umpteenth day, but required to be quiet so Daddy can work.
Excuse me while I go scream into a pillow.
Right now Jeff is taking a shift with the shoveling. When you have 3 small children, it is not an option for both of you to go out and shovel together. There is nothing efficient about shoveling when you have children. Yesterday, I had to shovel out the 4-6 inches by myself because the snow didn't come down until after Jeff had left. It went something like this...
Excuse me while I go scream into a pillow.
Right now Jeff is taking a shift with the shoveling. When you have 3 small children, it is not an option for both of you to go out and shovel together. There is nothing efficient about shoveling when you have children. Yesterday, I had to shovel out the 4-6 inches by myself because the snow didn't come down until after Jeff had left. It went something like this...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
8:15 am- Since Jeff left for work at 6:15, about 3-4 inches of snow had fallen. So Giselle must go shovel out her car to take Andrew to the bus stop or even all the way to school. Giselle gets her boots on.
8:16 am- Snow-dar goes off in the 2 year old. The 4 year old also wants to go out in it. Giselle drags out the boots, snow pants, snow mittens, and hats.
8:30 am- We finally all get outside. Lily and Michael immediately begin fighting over our 1 kids' shovel. Andrew gets a broom to sweep off the windows of the van. Giselle begins shoveling paths behind her car.
8:32 am- Mike gets pushed into a snow bank by Lily in the struggle for the shovel. Giselle must go break up fight.
8:34 am- Giselle resumes shoveling.
8:35 am- Andrew begins crying because snow has gotten on his hands. Giselle realizes he never put on his gloves and goes to help him clean off his hands.
8:37am- Giselle resumes shoveling.
8:38 am- Lily slips in a slick spot and falls on her bum. She cries hysterically despite the fact she has 16 solid inches of padding between her butt and the ground. Giselle goes to help her get up. In the mean time, Michael takes the kid shovel, climbs up on top of a mound of snow, and begins pushing newly shoveled snow back onto the driveway.
8:39 am- Giselle hears her neighbor snickering.
8:40am- Giselle begins shoveling again, after a strict talk with Michael and Lily about shoveling the opposite side of the driveway than Mommy.
8:41 am- Michael begins crying when his mitten gets lost in a snow bank. Giselle must go find the mitten and put it back on. Lily takes this opportunity to take back the kid shovel. Michael screams anew at the injustice. Giselle takes the kid shovel and puts it in time out. She realized that she has only shoveled half of what she needs to.
8:42-8:58am- More of the same. Shovel a row, break up a fight. Shovel a row, help someone in trouble. Finally get enough snow shoveled that we can get in the car and leave.
8:59 am- Try not to scream at the kids to get in the car...but fail. Once in the car, children begin peeling off snow gear. Ice hits their skin and crying begins anew.
9:30am- Finally get back home after taking Andrew to school. Roads were shitty. School is only 5 minutes away, and it took me 30 minutes to get there and back.
10:30 am- Get a phone call that school is being dismissed early. Andrew will be sent home in 90 minutes.
10:31 am- Giselle cries.
8:15 am- Since Jeff left for work at 6:15, about 3-4 inches of snow had fallen. So Giselle must go shovel out her car to take Andrew to the bus stop or even all the way to school. Giselle gets her boots on.
8:16 am- Snow-dar goes off in the 2 year old. The 4 year old also wants to go out in it. Giselle drags out the boots, snow pants, snow mittens, and hats.
8:30 am- We finally all get outside. Lily and Michael immediately begin fighting over our 1 kids' shovel. Andrew gets a broom to sweep off the windows of the van. Giselle begins shoveling paths behind her car.
8:32 am- Mike gets pushed into a snow bank by Lily in the struggle for the shovel. Giselle must go break up fight.
8:34 am- Giselle resumes shoveling.
8:35 am- Andrew begins crying because snow has gotten on his hands. Giselle realizes he never put on his gloves and goes to help him clean off his hands.
8:37am- Giselle resumes shoveling.
8:38 am- Lily slips in a slick spot and falls on her bum. She cries hysterically despite the fact she has 16 solid inches of padding between her butt and the ground. Giselle goes to help her get up. In the mean time, Michael takes the kid shovel, climbs up on top of a mound of snow, and begins pushing newly shoveled snow back onto the driveway.
8:39 am- Giselle hears her neighbor snickering.
8:40am- Giselle begins shoveling again, after a strict talk with Michael and Lily about shoveling the opposite side of the driveway than Mommy.
8:41 am- Michael begins crying when his mitten gets lost in a snow bank. Giselle must go find the mitten and put it back on. Lily takes this opportunity to take back the kid shovel. Michael screams anew at the injustice. Giselle takes the kid shovel and puts it in time out. She realized that she has only shoveled half of what she needs to.
8:42-8:58am- More of the same. Shovel a row, break up a fight. Shovel a row, help someone in trouble. Finally get enough snow shoveled that we can get in the car and leave.
8:59 am- Try not to scream at the kids to get in the car...but fail. Once in the car, children begin peeling off snow gear. Ice hits their skin and crying begins anew.
9:30am- Finally get back home after taking Andrew to school. Roads were shitty. School is only 5 minutes away, and it took me 30 minutes to get there and back.
10:30 am- Get a phone call that school is being dismissed early. Andrew will be sent home in 90 minutes.
10:31 am- Giselle cries.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
And eye appointment and an auntie
We've had a lot of togetherness lately. Which doesn't leave me for much blog fodder. That I wish to bore you with, anyway.
(Lily is taking an x-ray of her patient Michael...not using him as an arts-n-crafts table)
We had a blast with Auntie A...all the kids competed for her attention. She was eternally patient with them and played more mind-numbing games than should really be possible. She endured a snow day. She went to a basketball game for 5-7 year olds. She tolerated the mall with a 4 year old. She read countless children's books. So thanks for coming, Andrea! You made what could have been a looooooong winter week so much fun. ;)
(Lily is taking an x-ray of her patient Michael...not using him as an arts-n-crafts table)
Last week...Wednesday to be exact...Lily had her first ever eye appointment. She had done mediocre on the little eye exam at her 4 year old well visit last fall. Which wouldn't really concern me normally, since they give it to the kids in the weight/height check hallway, while lots of other kids are being ushered to their rooms. It is in a main traffic area, which I think is a very flawed design. However, Lily is also excruciatingly clumsy. And although all things point to genetics, I thought it best to just make sure it wasn't her vision making her run head first into walls.
It's not. She has 20/20 vision, which is actually better than expected at 4 years old (20/30 is considered perfectly normal). The doctor checked her for all sorts of other eye problems that can cause clumsiness. Negative. Lily's problems are not fixable with a simple pair of eye glasses. Perhaps when genetic infusion is invented...
My new neighbor, whom I am NOT stalking, watched Michael for me. So it was just Lily and me. And she was fabulous. She did NOT want to go get her eyes checked, and had a 20 minute fit when I told her earlier in the morning. But by the time we got to the office, she was so cooperative and fabulous. Even when they put the dilation drops in her eyes. She charmed the snot out of all the patients in the waiting area. I had brought a Highlights hidden picture book for her to keep her busy, because I am eye-doctor-retarded and didn't think about the fact that she couldn't enjoy it when her eyes were dilated. So she announced, "I can't do this because of my funky eyes." And then proceeded to dance and sing around the waiting area, completely oblivious to the audience...just floating around in her imaginary world. It was completely and utterly charming.
A few days later, my little sister showed up. She had frequent flyer miles to use up, and she chose to use them to come visit us. Suck-ah!
Lily quickly invited her into the fold...
We had a blast with Auntie A...all the kids competed for her attention. She was eternally patient with them and played more mind-numbing games than should really be possible. She endured a snow day. She went to a basketball game for 5-7 year olds. She tolerated the mall with a 4 year old. She read countless children's books. So thanks for coming, Andrea! You made what could have been a looooooong winter week so much fun. ;)And finally, since I can't seem to get my pictures to download in any sort of order... Michael and Lily celebrated the fact that Michael is finally sitting at the big table instead of a high chair...by using the booster seats as toys. Now we can never find the booster seats when we need them...since they are always being dragged all over the house as "cat beds" or "airplane seats" or "furniture for the play house." -sigh- Healthy imaginations are great. :)
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
At least my house is clean...
Andrew has no school again today. Last week there was a snow day on Wednesday and then a teacher in-service day on Friday. Yesterday was MLK day and today...another snow day. Ugh. Just ugh.
But as the title suggests...at least my house is clean. I am seriously avoiding the children. Well, not really, but I swear that at least 60% of the time if I am elbow deep in a cleaning project they happily play alone. It is at the mere whiff that I am not working my tail off that they jump on me like a puppy on a chicken bone.
So my house is clean. Except for the floors. Because what is the point of mopping floors when the dog is coming in with snowy feet every hour?
My little sister is coming for a visit on Thursday. Good news: weather should be fine by then. Bad news: All this "togetherness" with my children may lead to me foaming at the mouth and acting like I need to be committed. If I ever want another niece or nephew, I've got to pull it together and make it look like this parenting thing is The. Best. Decision. Ever. Which it is. Except on consecutive snow/sick days. :)
So...off to look busy again. The children are starting to notice that I'm sitting down...no! I can't play neighbor again. I'm busy...dusting the floor boards. See how busy I am!?!
But as the title suggests...at least my house is clean. I am seriously avoiding the children. Well, not really, but I swear that at least 60% of the time if I am elbow deep in a cleaning project they happily play alone. It is at the mere whiff that I am not working my tail off that they jump on me like a puppy on a chicken bone.
So my house is clean. Except for the floors. Because what is the point of mopping floors when the dog is coming in with snowy feet every hour?
My little sister is coming for a visit on Thursday. Good news: weather should be fine by then. Bad news: All this "togetherness" with my children may lead to me foaming at the mouth and acting like I need to be committed. If I ever want another niece or nephew, I've got to pull it together and make it look like this parenting thing is The. Best. Decision. Ever. Which it is. Except on consecutive snow/sick days. :)
So...off to look busy again. The children are starting to notice that I'm sitting down...no! I can't play neighbor again. I'm busy...dusting the floor boards. See how busy I am!?!
Monday, January 17, 2011
And the award goes to...
It's been several weeks since Christmas, and I think it is time. Time to award the prize for Most Loved Christmas Gift.
In a surprise twist this year, each of the children love the same gift. It's like winning a triple award.
This gift creates much havoc in our house. There are many tears while fighting over the privilege to play with it. Andrew spends a long time assembling it. Michael and Lily push and shove to get a good position. Andrew is the overlord of play, hoarding pieces.
Drum roll please.....
It's the trains.
My mother bought Michael a wooden train set from Costco for Christmas. Michael is frequently found in this position...
...spooning with his trains.
Occasionally, the three of them will get along enough to have a blast playing with the train set together. Moments after this picture was taken, Lily's trains stalled, and Michael had a fit because he couldn't chug through. He kicked his leg, knocking over the bridge. Andrew proceeded to scream at the top of his lungs and threaten to "Never build another train track again." The screaming scares Lily and Michael, who dissolve into wails.
Good times.
Honorable mentions...
In a surprise twist this year, each of the children love the same gift. It's like winning a triple award.
This gift creates much havoc in our house. There are many tears while fighting over the privilege to play with it. Andrew spends a long time assembling it. Michael and Lily push and shove to get a good position. Andrew is the overlord of play, hoarding pieces.
Drum roll please.....
It's the trains.
My mother bought Michael a wooden train set from Costco for Christmas. Michael is frequently found in this position...
...spooning with his trains.
Occasionally, the three of them will get along enough to have a blast playing with the train set together. Moments after this picture was taken, Lily's trains stalled, and Michael had a fit because he couldn't chug through. He kicked his leg, knocking over the bridge. Andrew proceeded to scream at the top of his lungs and threaten to "Never build another train track again." The screaming scares Lily and Michael, who dissolve into wails.Good times.
Honorable mentions...Horsehead on a stick. I got one for Lily and one for Michael. Andrew has commandeered Michael's and he and Lily gallop around our house. Lily is the cutest in her pink cowboy hat (which I totally forgot we had).
Honorable mention for Michael...
Honorable mention for Michael...Well, the pillow pet is popular, but Michael gets the award for "best sport". Because his toys were the hit this Christmas, and he is constantly having to share them with his older siblings. Poor guy. Next year I'm only going to get him gifts...
And finally, this has nothing to do with gift awards, but it is a shot of all Lily's favorite things.
And finally, this has nothing to do with gift awards, but it is a shot of all Lily's favorite things.Shadow and her night-night. Found cuddling together on the couch. Lily was just about beside herself when she found them snuggled up. Shadow is trying to send me a message... Owners take note: I am a 13 pound California dog. Not only do you torture me with multiple small children, you move me to a God-forsaken cold place where I am neck deep in snow each time I take a pee. I am taking this treasured toy hostage until you turn the thermostat above 67 degrees. In the meantime, I am creating a warm spot with it. Sincerely, Shadow. 
Friday, January 14, 2011
Dr. Jekyll
This girl. Oh! This girl of mine.
I had a teacher conference at her school yesterday. My first chance to sit down and talk about Lily with the people who spend 2 1/2 hours, 3 times a week with her.
Here's what they said, "Lily is a delight! She is so smart and eager to share. We can always depend on Lily to have the answer to our questions. Like last week when we talked about houses made of ice and she immediately raised her hand and said 'Igloo!' She is kind and loving towards her classmates and happily plays with anyone...although she prefers the girls. She sticks up for herself when another student takes something from her, but she never instigates trouble. She never protests any activity and is eager to try new things. She prefers pretend play over coloring and crafts, but again, she never gives us any protest. She has age appropriate writing skills. If we could have a class full of Lilys, it would be the most perfect class ever."
Wait. Are you talking about this girl?
Are you talking about the girl that fights me tooth and nail about going to school each morning? The girl who at the time of this writing has already had 2 screaming fits about whether she has to wear pj's to school today for their Hibernation Party (it is 6:30am)? The girl who snatches toys from her brothers and laughs evilly and then screams in indignation when they reciprocate? The same girl?
Yes, it seems that Lily is the model student. She is Dr. Jekyll at school, while often Mr. Hyde at home. Which is preferable, I suppose. And I'm proud of her. I predict that she will be our most successful child. She is smart, but also willing to try new and difficult things. She sticks up for herself while simultaneously winning over the authority. Watch out world! Here comes Lily!
In other news, Lily has been really enjoying her little brother. To the point that they exclude Andrew many times. Perhaps we should have another baby to even things out. This odd-number always seems to leave someone out. Lily and Michael love to play cat and trains and baby. And Lily gets to boss Michael around...which she loves. When she plays with Andrew, he is in charge and threatens to stop playing if Lily tries to assert any opinions.
Right now, the large male I call "Andrew" is doling out bug toys to the loud female I call "Lily". The small male, "Mike" is currently out of the picture. We'll see how the female deals with being short-changed in the toy distribution.
At least they don't throw feces at each other like apes do. I should add yet. They don't throw feces yet.
How did this blog post disintegrate so quickly? Wasn't I supposed to be talking about Lily? Not throwing poo?
My Lily. My strong-willed, opinionated, mood-changing, observant, loving, imaginative girl. How she melts my heart when she out of the blue compliments her dad's hair cut. Or when she comes up from my mom's basement with no prompting and says, "Thank you so much for cleaning up the basement. It is really nice." Or when she cheers on her little brother if he adds an end sound on a word. Or when she runs into the room, throws up her hands, and sings dramatically, "Everybody DANCE NOW!"
I had a teacher conference at her school yesterday. My first chance to sit down and talk about Lily with the people who spend 2 1/2 hours, 3 times a week with her.
Here's what they said, "Lily is a delight! She is so smart and eager to share. We can always depend on Lily to have the answer to our questions. Like last week when we talked about houses made of ice and she immediately raised her hand and said 'Igloo!' She is kind and loving towards her classmates and happily plays with anyone...although she prefers the girls. She sticks up for herself when another student takes something from her, but she never instigates trouble. She never protests any activity and is eager to try new things. She prefers pretend play over coloring and crafts, but again, she never gives us any protest. She has age appropriate writing skills. If we could have a class full of Lilys, it would be the most perfect class ever."
Wait. Are you talking about this girl?
Are you talking about the girl that fights me tooth and nail about going to school each morning? The girl who at the time of this writing has already had 2 screaming fits about whether she has to wear pj's to school today for their Hibernation Party (it is 6:30am)? The girl who snatches toys from her brothers and laughs evilly and then screams in indignation when they reciprocate? The same girl?
Yes, it seems that Lily is the model student. She is Dr. Jekyll at school, while often Mr. Hyde at home. Which is preferable, I suppose. And I'm proud of her. I predict that she will be our most successful child. She is smart, but also willing to try new and difficult things. She sticks up for herself while simultaneously winning over the authority. Watch out world! Here comes Lily!
In other news, Lily has been really enjoying her little brother. To the point that they exclude Andrew many times. Perhaps we should have another baby to even things out. This odd-number always seems to leave someone out. Lily and Michael love to play cat and trains and baby. And Lily gets to boss Michael around...which she loves. When she plays with Andrew, he is in charge and threatens to stop playing if Lily tries to assert any opinions.
-
It's like Lord of the Flies over here, people. It is amazing the negotiation and cooperation skills that they are learning from each other. And perhaps the odd number forces them to balance...if Andrew is being too bossy to Lily, then she'll just leave and go play with Michael. So Andrew has to find the perfect amount of pressure to manipulate Lily in order to control her but not lose her to Michael. Okay, so 3 kids is good. Phew.
-
Really, I feel like Jane Goodall over here.
Right now, the large male I call "Andrew" is doling out bug toys to the loud female I call "Lily". The small male, "Mike" is currently out of the picture. We'll see how the female deals with being short-changed in the toy distribution.
At least they don't throw feces at each other like apes do. I should add yet. They don't throw feces yet.
How did this blog post disintegrate so quickly? Wasn't I supposed to be talking about Lily? Not throwing poo?
My Lily. My strong-willed, opinionated, mood-changing, observant, loving, imaginative girl. How she melts my heart when she out of the blue compliments her dad's hair cut. Or when she comes up from my mom's basement with no prompting and says, "Thank you so much for cleaning up the basement. It is really nice." Or when she cheers on her little brother if he adds an end sound on a word. Or when she runs into the room, throws up her hands, and sings dramatically, "Everybody DANCE NOW!"-
-
Oh! How I love my 4 year old!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Catch up on Andrew
Oh, my. Blogging just hasn't been in the cards in 2011 yet. Neither has calling my sisters, or reading books or cross-stitching. I don't know what I've been doing, but it has certainly been keeping me busy ;)
So let's catch up on Andrew.
Here's the goon before Christmas. He created (with mechanical help from his Dad) a Power point presentation for a school project, and this was a shot he wanted to include. Just in case the class forgot who was giving the presentation, I suppose. I like it now, because it clearly shows his little baby teeth...on New Year's he lost one of those front ones, and his smile is forever changed...
The Tuesday before we left, Andrew's class put on a play, The Gingerbread Caper. It was kind of instead of a traditional holiday party. I love it. He was so stinkin' cute. He gave the intro and ending as well as his part in the middle. His teacher told me later that she hadn't planned on an intro or ending, but mentioned it during the last run through. Andrew raised his hand and said, "I'll take care of it." She didn't even know what he was going to say. Mr. Confidence. Remember when his problem in preschool was mixing with the other kids? Whew. We've come a long way, baby.
At Grandma's we made Gingerbread cookies on Christmas Eve. Andrew is at such a fun age. He is patient and agreeable and really creative. He isn't bashful about his talents. He is just a delight. Here is his fishing gingerbread man.
Despite getting quite lanky and large, Andrew still likes to cuddle. It's like having a Great Dane who thinks he is a lap dog. We often lose circulation to our legs, but who could say no to this cute (big) kid?
This is Andrew and his men's body wash. When shopping with his Dad for other family gifts, he fell in love with this scent. Jeff took Lily back to the store and got it for him. So now my 7 year old proudly smells like a 40 year old man. Lovely.
Playing at Enter-Train-ment park. Again, he is just so much fun to interact with...the scavenger hunt was superb with him.
Here's the tooth gap...
And I might brag a little more about this kid's brain. His math skills are...incredible. We do not work with him on math, although we do ask him to figure stuff out as we go about our days. Like Jeff took him shopping for his little brother for Christmas. Andrew picked out two cars that were $5.99 each. He asked Jeff what 99 + 99 was. Jeff asked him if he could figure it out. Andrew thought for a few moments, went up to the cashier and said, "This will be $11.98". Once Jeff picked his jaw up off the floor, he asked Andrew how he did it. Andrew said, "Well, I know 100 + 100 is 200, so 99 + 99 is 198." No mention of the adding it to the dollars, but whatev's.
So let's catch up on Andrew.
Here's the goon before Christmas. He created (with mechanical help from his Dad) a Power point presentation for a school project, and this was a shot he wanted to include. Just in case the class forgot who was giving the presentation, I suppose. I like it now, because it clearly shows his little baby teeth...on New Year's he lost one of those front ones, and his smile is forever changed...
The Tuesday before we left, Andrew's class put on a play, The Gingerbread Caper. It was kind of instead of a traditional holiday party. I love it. He was so stinkin' cute. He gave the intro and ending as well as his part in the middle. His teacher told me later that she hadn't planned on an intro or ending, but mentioned it during the last run through. Andrew raised his hand and said, "I'll take care of it." She didn't even know what he was going to say. Mr. Confidence. Remember when his problem in preschool was mixing with the other kids? Whew. We've come a long way, baby.
At Grandma's we made Gingerbread cookies on Christmas Eve. Andrew is at such a fun age. He is patient and agreeable and really creative. He isn't bashful about his talents. He is just a delight. Here is his fishing gingerbread man.
Despite getting quite lanky and large, Andrew still likes to cuddle. It's like having a Great Dane who thinks he is a lap dog. We often lose circulation to our legs, but who could say no to this cute (big) kid?
This is Andrew and his men's body wash. When shopping with his Dad for other family gifts, he fell in love with this scent. Jeff took Lily back to the store and got it for him. So now my 7 year old proudly smells like a 40 year old man. Lovely. 
Playing at Enter-Train-ment park. Again, he is just so much fun to interact with...the scavenger hunt was superb with him.
Here's the tooth gap...
And I might brag a little more about this kid's brain. His math skills are...incredible. We do not work with him on math, although we do ask him to figure stuff out as we go about our days. Like Jeff took him shopping for his little brother for Christmas. Andrew picked out two cars that were $5.99 each. He asked Jeff what 99 + 99 was. Jeff asked him if he could figure it out. Andrew thought for a few moments, went up to the cashier and said, "This will be $11.98". Once Jeff picked his jaw up off the floor, he asked Andrew how he did it. Andrew said, "Well, I know 100 + 100 is 200, so 99 + 99 is 198." No mention of the adding it to the dollars, but whatev's.
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He is also doing multiplication (last night he figured out 6x6), and asking lots of questions about fractions.
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He's smart. I had a conference with his teacher yesterday to discuss what the school has to offer as far as accelerated tracks. I'm pretty sure she thinks I am a psycho parents who drills Andrew with flashcards every extra second of his life. She'll know the truth when she gets Lily in a few years ;)
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He also continues to show amazing empathy for others. He came home last week with another boy's lunch box because he'd forgotten it at school. He wanted me to drive it to his house, because, "B. packs such big lunches it won't all fit in a little paper bag. He NEEDS this lunch box, Mom." I love his big heart.
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And his sense of humor continues to develop. He actually understands my sarcastic jokes a bit now. Like the other night at dinner we were all discussing imaginary friends. Lily was saying she has one and Andrew confirmed that he also had one. I said that I had 2 imaginary friends. Andrew asked me what their names were. I said, "Peace and Quiet." Andrew starts chuckling as he figures out the joke. He kept repeating it as he explained it to himself.
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Ah, how I love my 7 year old!
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
Catch up
No, I did not resolve to stop blogging in 2011. It's just so overwhelming to try and capture memories from the holidays after waiting so long to write about them. So let's catch up...
Dec. 23- Andrew skips school and we drive to Ohio.
Dec. 24- Hang out at G-ma and G-pa's. Run out to buy a stinkin' baby tree for Andrew. Make giant gingerbread people. Wrap all the gifts that I had sent to Ohio. Wonder how it will all get back to PA. Go to church. Put kids to bed and have wine and shrimp cocktail with in-laws. Lovely night.
Dec. 25- Wonderful, long, lazy gift-giving day. I do wish that we opened presents slower like my family used to. I still don't know what Uncle Chad got Andrew. It was lost in the tornado of wrapping paper. I mean, the gift wasn't lost. I just didn't witness it getting opened. Also, Lily was super excited about the gift she and Andrew made for Grandma (a recordable book from Hallmark...she and Andrew sang the whole thing). But she missed seeing Grandma open it, because everyone just kind of tears into things at once. Every year I say we're going to go slower the next year. And then it happens again. Enthusiasm :) Linda also made a delicious spread for Christmas dinner. And I didn't have to cook it...this traveling thing might not be so bad...
Dec. 26- Drive to Columbus to celebrate my parents' 40th wedding anniversary. You can read all about it in my sister's blog. She has copies of the photo shoot we did with my folks before hand. And a shot from their wedding. We all had such a good time and I am forever grateful for my sisters...who did all the work. I just showed up. ;)
Dec. 27- We drove down to my parents' after the party. Andrew stayed behind to spend the night with Colin. He had a blast...and apparently woke up at 6 am and told Kate all the morning "rules" of our house. Like he doesn't get fed until 7, etc. No secrets with a 7 year old. Once in Cincinnati with the rest of us, we celebrated Colin's 6th birthday (the same day as my parents' anniversary). We opened more gifts and had birthday cake. We ate Skyline. We had Montgomery Inn for dinner (take-out). Lily had a major pooping issue that interrupted my dinner.
Dec. 28- We had a day full of errands and fun little trips. Lily went to Tangled with my mom and I...a "girl's" day. Andrew went shopping with Pepere and bowling afterwards. Jeff stayed home with Michael. We had Skyline again. And Jeff and I went on a date that night...to Montgomery Inn. We stopped at Kroger on the way home and picked up pints of Graeter's. It is no wonder we each gained 7 pounds over the holidays.
Dec. 29- We went to Michael's heaven...Enter-TRAIN-ment Station in West Chester. It was...awesome. Room after room of model trains...and we had a sheet with a scavenger hunt on it. So you go through really looking for things. In the middle of it all is a huge play area with things for kids age 2-12. Really really cool. We stopped at La Rosa's on the way home. We had a lighter dinner. Andrew and Pepere played a lot of Wii Madden 2011. Okay, so Andrew played a lot and Dad watched a lot.
Dec. 30- We packed up and went back to the in-laws. The kids were re-united with all their toys. We went to a b-ball game of Jeff's second cousin that night. Andrew loved it. Michael was traumatized by the buzzer. That boy is just not interested in sports like Andrew always was. He did enjoy driving his cars in the stands, though.
Dec 31- We tried to round up all our stuff in preparation for the next day. Jeff's cousin from out of town came over with his two baby girls and had lunch with us. We went to a park, since it was 50 degrees out. We had steak for dinner. Yum. I played Andrew's new DS game while the in-laws "watched" basketball (read: slept).
Jan. 1- We left to go back to PA. There was barely enough room for all 3 children in the car. We only stopped twice the whole trip. A new record. Due to this, we made it home in only 8 hours. We dumped the car out into our living room and enjoyed being home.
Jan. 2- Day of clutter madness. Desperately putting away Christmas decorations, filing away toys, grocery shopping, etc. Kids ignore all the new toys and go back to playing cat. Why do we get them anything, again?
Jan. 3- Jeff back to work, Andrew back to school. Lily desperate for playmates and attention. Giselle going crazy. You know, normal re-adjusting routine.
And we're caught up.
Dec. 23- Andrew skips school and we drive to Ohio.
Dec. 24- Hang out at G-ma and G-pa's. Run out to buy a stinkin' baby tree for Andrew. Make giant gingerbread people. Wrap all the gifts that I had sent to Ohio. Wonder how it will all get back to PA. Go to church. Put kids to bed and have wine and shrimp cocktail with in-laws. Lovely night.
Dec. 25- Wonderful, long, lazy gift-giving day. I do wish that we opened presents slower like my family used to. I still don't know what Uncle Chad got Andrew. It was lost in the tornado of wrapping paper. I mean, the gift wasn't lost. I just didn't witness it getting opened. Also, Lily was super excited about the gift she and Andrew made for Grandma (a recordable book from Hallmark...she and Andrew sang the whole thing). But she missed seeing Grandma open it, because everyone just kind of tears into things at once. Every year I say we're going to go slower the next year. And then it happens again. Enthusiasm :) Linda also made a delicious spread for Christmas dinner. And I didn't have to cook it...this traveling thing might not be so bad...
Dec. 26- Drive to Columbus to celebrate my parents' 40th wedding anniversary. You can read all about it in my sister's blog. She has copies of the photo shoot we did with my folks before hand. And a shot from their wedding. We all had such a good time and I am forever grateful for my sisters...who did all the work. I just showed up. ;)
Dec. 27- We drove down to my parents' after the party. Andrew stayed behind to spend the night with Colin. He had a blast...and apparently woke up at 6 am and told Kate all the morning "rules" of our house. Like he doesn't get fed until 7, etc. No secrets with a 7 year old. Once in Cincinnati with the rest of us, we celebrated Colin's 6th birthday (the same day as my parents' anniversary). We opened more gifts and had birthday cake. We ate Skyline. We had Montgomery Inn for dinner (take-out). Lily had a major pooping issue that interrupted my dinner.
Dec. 28- We had a day full of errands and fun little trips. Lily went to Tangled with my mom and I...a "girl's" day. Andrew went shopping with Pepere and bowling afterwards. Jeff stayed home with Michael. We had Skyline again. And Jeff and I went on a date that night...to Montgomery Inn. We stopped at Kroger on the way home and picked up pints of Graeter's. It is no wonder we each gained 7 pounds over the holidays.
Dec. 29- We went to Michael's heaven...Enter-TRAIN-ment Station in West Chester. It was...awesome. Room after room of model trains...and we had a sheet with a scavenger hunt on it. So you go through really looking for things. In the middle of it all is a huge play area with things for kids age 2-12. Really really cool. We stopped at La Rosa's on the way home. We had a lighter dinner. Andrew and Pepere played a lot of Wii Madden 2011. Okay, so Andrew played a lot and Dad watched a lot.
Dec. 30- We packed up and went back to the in-laws. The kids were re-united with all their toys. We went to a b-ball game of Jeff's second cousin that night. Andrew loved it. Michael was traumatized by the buzzer. That boy is just not interested in sports like Andrew always was. He did enjoy driving his cars in the stands, though.
Dec 31- We tried to round up all our stuff in preparation for the next day. Jeff's cousin from out of town came over with his two baby girls and had lunch with us. We went to a park, since it was 50 degrees out. We had steak for dinner. Yum. I played Andrew's new DS game while the in-laws "watched" basketball (read: slept).
Jan. 1- We left to go back to PA. There was barely enough room for all 3 children in the car. We only stopped twice the whole trip. A new record. Due to this, we made it home in only 8 hours. We dumped the car out into our living room and enjoyed being home.
Jan. 2- Day of clutter madness. Desperately putting away Christmas decorations, filing away toys, grocery shopping, etc. Kids ignore all the new toys and go back to playing cat. Why do we get them anything, again?
Jan. 3- Jeff back to work, Andrew back to school. Lily desperate for playmates and attention. Giselle going crazy. You know, normal re-adjusting routine.
And we're caught up.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Christmas
We arrived. We have had Christmas. It was wonderful and exhausting and wonderful.
Highlights:
--Christmas Eve service (at 6:30pm)...Lily calling out during the candlelit Silent Night, "Put it out. I want to go home."
-- Waking up Grandma and Grandpa at 6:30am Christmas morning. Andrew was nicely and quietly wishing them a Merry Christmas. Lily went to her Grandma's side of the bed and said, "He ate the cookies. He drank the milk. He left us presents. Now GET UP!"
-- Lily opening her first present from Santa. Instant tears and break-down. "He didn't get me the princess castle. I don't want this!" Until I hugged her and gently suggested that we give it to a child that didn't get very many presents this year. Suddenly it was, "It's okay that I didn't get the castle. This will be fun."
-- Waking Michael up so he could have the joy of seeing all the presents under the tree. Andrew and Lily were dragging him here there and everywhere, shoving presents in his face and forcing his reaction. He was WAY overwhelmed. Whining and lying on top of boxes in tired defeat. But he rallied after breakfast.
--Andrew getting a live tree. Seriously. Santa is an amazing fellow. Andrew couldn't have been happier. Weirdo.
--Children fighting over the same toys. Children using the most annoying noisy toys ever made. Me kicking myself because I was the one who bought the stupid annoying toys. My MIL and FIL high-fiving each other that they were not to blame.
-- Food. Lots and lots of food. I think Lily at 2 things THE ENTIRE DAY that weren't candy. That's it. Only 2 things in the 13 hours she was awake.
And we're off tomorrow to celebrate my parents' 40th wedding anniversary and party-down with the other side of the family.
Merry Christmas!
Highlights:
--Christmas Eve service (at 6:30pm)...Lily calling out during the candlelit Silent Night, "Put it out. I want to go home."
-- Waking up Grandma and Grandpa at 6:30am Christmas morning. Andrew was nicely and quietly wishing them a Merry Christmas. Lily went to her Grandma's side of the bed and said, "He ate the cookies. He drank the milk. He left us presents. Now GET UP!"
-- Lily opening her first present from Santa. Instant tears and break-down. "He didn't get me the princess castle. I don't want this!" Until I hugged her and gently suggested that we give it to a child that didn't get very many presents this year. Suddenly it was, "It's okay that I didn't get the castle. This will be fun."
-- Waking Michael up so he could have the joy of seeing all the presents under the tree. Andrew and Lily were dragging him here there and everywhere, shoving presents in his face and forcing his reaction. He was WAY overwhelmed. Whining and lying on top of boxes in tired defeat. But he rallied after breakfast.
--Andrew getting a live tree. Seriously. Santa is an amazing fellow. Andrew couldn't have been happier. Weirdo.
--Children fighting over the same toys. Children using the most annoying noisy toys ever made. Me kicking myself because I was the one who bought the stupid annoying toys. My MIL and FIL high-fiving each other that they were not to blame.
-- Food. Lots and lots of food. I think Lily at 2 things THE ENTIRE DAY that weren't candy. That's it. Only 2 things in the 13 hours she was awake.
And we're off tomorrow to celebrate my parents' 40th wedding anniversary and party-down with the other side of the family.
Merry Christmas!
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