“Burt-day to you”
Kevin did a great job documenting The Big 2 below. I did some documenting of my own en route to Greenwich...
“Burt-day to you…burt-day to you…burt-day to you…” Harry’s melodic little voice rang out from the living room Saturday morning. Kevin, his mom and I all looked at each other. Is he singing “Happy Birthday to you?” He was indeed! How cool is he!?
Such was the case when the big number 2 candle was lit at The Little Gym on Saturday. Harry joined right in with the singing. Little Dude is in the loop! The candle magically went out as well, though I suspect one of the members of the “inner circle” had a little something to do with that.
I am stuck at the airport waiting for a flight to White Plains that is now leaving later than the original time of arrival, so we may as well start at the beginning…Saturday, April 22, 2006 Harrison Everett McDermott turned 2! He had been properly versed in knowing how old he would turn, that there would be cake and that his friends would show up for his birthday- even Dora and Boots and Diego! That is, a paper banner with Dora, Boots and Diego that seemed to suit Harry just fine. Harry also knew no one was working on Saturday, and that was the most important part.
Harry was permitted to hang out in his PJs and watch Dora for an extra hour. We skipped Daddy’s homemade banana pancakes to instead meet the Wileys/Deckers at the Sheraton in Old Town for some waffles. After breakfast, we took a little walk towards Old Town but turned around when the rains got heavy. This was not a problem for Harry, though. He LOVES to walk in the rain. Provided it is not freezing, I don’t mind so much either.
Our intention was to give Harry some time to nap so he wouldn’t be Mr. Cranky Pants, but since PopPop arrived with a new basketball hoop and Grandmom arrived shortly after that didn’t really happen. After some quiet time with Dora and Mimo we headed to the gym, caravan style.
Harry was a little thrown off to see Zayne, Tyler and Hunter at the gym when we arrived. More and more people showed up that didn’t belong at the gym. Finally Lance arrived. Lance has been to the gym before. Things started to make sense! Well, a little. Harry still looked a little confused when the activities started, but, bells are bells. It was “time to stop and play” with the bells…and then put them away…and then do warm up laps. Harry obliged, still looking confused. A few minutes later he was really thrown for a loop: ALL OF HARRY’S DAYCARE FRIENDS ARRIVED! Menike & Johnny and Solan, Sage and his dad, Renee (or “Honey” as she has now decided to be called, thanks to Harry!) and her parents, Aisha and her mom. Harry and Solan, to put it bluntly, proceeded to beat the &^%$ out of each other, basically – especially once the pool noodles came out. I think they were meant to be “dance partners” but Harry and Solan decided it was more fun to beat each other with them. I had no idea that those two were so violent! It seems to be only with each other! I suppose he comes by it honestly, considering his dad is a goalie and his mom used to pay good money to get pounded on (Krav Maga, we call it). Once friend Hannah showed up, Harry’s smile never left his face.
The gym has been rather hit or miss lately. Harry likes to do what Harry likes to do. Harry likes balls and bubbles. Harry likes playing peekaboo in the donut mat. Harry does not like waiting in line. Luckily, birthday gym did not involve waiting in line. Kids got to be kids. Since most of Harry’s friends are a little bit older, they all follow directions pretty well. Harry gave into peer pressure and also played along, even participating in parachute activities…holding the handles, walking in circles…
When it was time to break for cake, I was worried Harry wouldn’t leave the room. Luckily, the big kids charge. One minute Hannah was directing Harry to cake, the next minute he is seated at a table surrounded by Solan, Dominic, Hannah and Isabella, all of the kids are wearing hats, Harry has his special birthday hat on…the instructors had everything under control. SO MUCH EASIER THAN A PARTY AT HOME!
After cake the kids were able to play a little longer and then Harry helped to hand out his monkey themed gift bags. He had had the time of his life, all thanks to his favorite people being there, especially “Uncle Kris.” I think Harry was as happy to see Kris that day as Bailey was the time Kris tied squeaky toys to himself for Halloween!
Later, we had Pizza and opened presents. Dominic and Isabella helped open gifts- total assembly line...Team Lightyear sweatshirt from Aunt Toni…bathtub crayons from Linda and Charlie…Bathtub Dora that Lance picked out just for Harry…Play-doh and puzzles from Mackenzie…a new train table from Grandma Patty as well as his first Thomas train from Isabella and Dominic and his first Thomas video from Zayne. After touring DC with the Wileys/Deckers (where we saw lots of “Airplanes” and the big “El-phent” at the natural history museum…and rode the train) Harry even spent some time playing with his sand toys from Kayla on the living room floor, quietly singing to himself.
Harry is an awesome little boy. He loves his friends and it meant so much to him that they were at his party. And you know it’s been a good party when you find yourself asleep in the doorway…as did Harry at 7:00 PM Saturday night. He pulled himself together a little while longer though and ended up in bed before 8:00.
So, Harry is 2 now. He had his 2 year check up today, He weighed in at 29 lbs, 15.8 ounces. I thought he weighed more than this actually. His weight is 75th percentile. His height is 33 inches. They claim. I've got to say, the nurse didn’t spend too much time on this. He was pretty squished up, I thought. I suspect he could be as much as 34 or 35 inches, which may bump him out of the 25th percentile for height. Maybe, maybe not.
Developmentally, he is right on track. Except he can’t jump. But, he is a little white man. We don’t expect to much. Apparently, like father like son. It’s a thorn in my side but we are working on it!
All in all, things couldn't be better in Harry's world! He is currently looking forward to his own airplane ride to Disney next week.
Journaling the last month before Harry's arrival into the world, and wherever that takes us.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Worlds Colliding -- Redux
Harry's 2nd birthday party, hosted this year by the Little Gym of Springfield, was an absolute blast. With kids on the roster from daycare, play dates, and extended family along with their assorted parents, caretakers, guardians, and extended families, made for a great crowd of familiar faces for Harry, even if some were new to his parents (great to meet you all!).
You see, Harry has particular crowds to hang with wherever he goes these days. Family at the beach, kids at daycare, neighborhood kids, our own friends' kids… you get the idea. Saturday, they all showed up at the same place at the same time, with nothing to do but run around in a padded room, then eat Cake!!!
The looks on Harry's face were priceless each time someone new came in the door. Running in circles at his own version of a full sprint, only to double take with that adrenaline-crazed/suddenly confused look of
"… hey wait a minute, I know you! But not from here, what are you doing HERE? Who cares!!! We're all here!! Come run with us! BLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"
Now you'd think with all of this going on, family in from out of town, lots of faces at the house, and unwrapping galore, that not having a nap would be grounds for certain meltdown and absolute disregard for instruction and order at the party. Not so! Harry did incredibly well throughout (of course with plenty of willing assistants to help him at every turn), and even stayed up for an extra half hour while the grown-ups all had dinner back at the house.
Follow that up with a weather-challenged walking tour of the National Mall on Sunday with the Wiley/Decker clan, and it made for quite a weekend. Unfortunately, poor Belle Decker didn't get as much enjoyment out of the Metro rides as her brother Dom Jr. and Harry did (sitting together on the train SO politely and well-behaved… EXCELLENT!!!)… hope she's feeling better soon.
Thanks again to everyone who was able to make it down & to the party! We had a great time seeing you all, and think we can confidently say that Harry enjoyed everything as well. For those who weren't able to, we certainly look forward to the next time we get to share an afternoon together, on the slide or on the beach, I'm sure Harry's grin will be just as big!
Harry's 2nd birthday party, hosted this year by the Little Gym of Springfield, was an absolute blast. With kids on the roster from daycare, play dates, and extended family along with their assorted parents, caretakers, guardians, and extended families, made for a great crowd of familiar faces for Harry, even if some were new to his parents (great to meet you all!).
You see, Harry has particular crowds to hang with wherever he goes these days. Family at the beach, kids at daycare, neighborhood kids, our own friends' kids… you get the idea. Saturday, they all showed up at the same place at the same time, with nothing to do but run around in a padded room, then eat Cake!!!
The looks on Harry's face were priceless each time someone new came in the door. Running in circles at his own version of a full sprint, only to double take with that adrenaline-crazed/suddenly confused look of
"… hey wait a minute, I know you! But not from here, what are you doing HERE? Who cares!!! We're all here!! Come run with us! BLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"
Now you'd think with all of this going on, family in from out of town, lots of faces at the house, and unwrapping galore, that not having a nap would be grounds for certain meltdown and absolute disregard for instruction and order at the party. Not so! Harry did incredibly well throughout (of course with plenty of willing assistants to help him at every turn), and even stayed up for an extra half hour while the grown-ups all had dinner back at the house.
Follow that up with a weather-challenged walking tour of the National Mall on Sunday with the Wiley/Decker clan, and it made for quite a weekend. Unfortunately, poor Belle Decker didn't get as much enjoyment out of the Metro rides as her brother Dom Jr. and Harry did (sitting together on the train SO politely and well-behaved… EXCELLENT!!!)… hope she's feeling better soon.
Thanks again to everyone who was able to make it down & to the party! We had a great time seeing you all, and think we can confidently say that Harry enjoyed everything as well. For those who weren't able to, we certainly look forward to the next time we get to share an afternoon together, on the slide or on the beach, I'm sure Harry's grin will be just as big!
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Worlds Are Colliding…
So we're pretty much on the eve of Harry's second birthday. Two years ago, he changed our lives irrevocably (for the better of course) by beginning his own. Trying to think back to what it was like before his arrival while sitting at a keyboard is one thing. Having parts of it come crashing into your psyche at the hands of electronic media is another entirely.
Let's try to set the stage here…
Lately Harry's day has expanded from what may have appeared as observational, to full-on participatory. He 'gets into' conversations now… for example, the tone of his voice changes appropriately when asking a question, or to when he expresses his subtle distaste for something like Brussel Sprouts. When they sing the Blues Clues song on TV, he sings along (in his own lyrical version) while bopping away with his oversized teddy bear (which seems a milestone in and of itself).
So the last 2 years, shows have been dominated by (and check our Tivo if you don't believe me) Sesame Street, Blues Clues, Dora the Explorer, Go Diego Go, and the entire Baby Einstein DVD collection.
Last night, courtesy of ye olde NETFLIX queue, threw in a DVD of the Dave Matthews Band performing in Central Park from a few years back. I forgot how much I liked them. I forgot how much fun their shows used to be, before they got big. Before seeing them in concert meant wading past kids (okay-pre-pubescent teens) making out in the restroom, just to take a leak. Back when it mattered that they weren't serving beer at the show (thanks to the GMU Patriot Center, TCBY was the best you were gonna do). In college, especially around the time Kim and I began dating, I was a certified Dave-head.
We thought out loud to ourselves, remember when Dave concerts were good? That was a long time ago...
Later in the evening, Tivo had hung onto a past favorite from our pre-parent days… The West Wing. Used to be a weekly fix for us -- to see where in town they were filming, and if we knew anyone in the background. Last week's episode was the show's funeral for Leo McGarry, echoing the real-life passing of John Spencer. Granted, neither of us have watched the show with our old fervor in quite some time, so most of the plotlines were fuzzy at best, but this one had lots of familiar faces, and it was good to see everyone again… like old friends.
We thought out loud to ourselves, remember when West Wing was good? That was a long time ago...
This morning, we took a subtle turn from the norm. Where one episode of Blues normally segues neatly into Dora the Explorer, today we switched back over to the DMB DVD of central park. Funny enough, one of my favorite songs came on -- Granny -- so I go to be the one singing and bopping along to the TV.
Harry walks up to the TV… points at Dave and says… "Daddie?"
Um… not quite bud, but thanks for the confidence vote on the singing ability.
That exchange has been sitting with me all day… was wondering when the real father-son sharing was going to begin.
Sounds like it just did.
So we're pretty much on the eve of Harry's second birthday. Two years ago, he changed our lives irrevocably (for the better of course) by beginning his own. Trying to think back to what it was like before his arrival while sitting at a keyboard is one thing. Having parts of it come crashing into your psyche at the hands of electronic media is another entirely.
Let's try to set the stage here…
Lately Harry's day has expanded from what may have appeared as observational, to full-on participatory. He 'gets into' conversations now… for example, the tone of his voice changes appropriately when asking a question, or to when he expresses his subtle distaste for something like Brussel Sprouts. When they sing the Blues Clues song on TV, he sings along (in his own lyrical version) while bopping away with his oversized teddy bear (which seems a milestone in and of itself).
So the last 2 years, shows have been dominated by (and check our Tivo if you don't believe me) Sesame Street, Blues Clues, Dora the Explorer, Go Diego Go, and the entire Baby Einstein DVD collection.
Last night, courtesy of ye olde NETFLIX queue, threw in a DVD of the Dave Matthews Band performing in Central Park from a few years back. I forgot how much I liked them. I forgot how much fun their shows used to be, before they got big. Before seeing them in concert meant wading past kids (okay-pre-pubescent teens) making out in the restroom, just to take a leak. Back when it mattered that they weren't serving beer at the show (thanks to the GMU Patriot Center, TCBY was the best you were gonna do). In college, especially around the time Kim and I began dating, I was a certified Dave-head.
We thought out loud to ourselves, remember when Dave concerts were good? That was a long time ago...
Later in the evening, Tivo had hung onto a past favorite from our pre-parent days… The West Wing. Used to be a weekly fix for us -- to see where in town they were filming, and if we knew anyone in the background. Last week's episode was the show's funeral for Leo McGarry, echoing the real-life passing of John Spencer. Granted, neither of us have watched the show with our old fervor in quite some time, so most of the plotlines were fuzzy at best, but this one had lots of familiar faces, and it was good to see everyone again… like old friends.
We thought out loud to ourselves, remember when West Wing was good? That was a long time ago...
This morning, we took a subtle turn from the norm. Where one episode of Blues normally segues neatly into Dora the Explorer, today we switched back over to the DMB DVD of central park. Funny enough, one of my favorite songs came on -- Granny -- so I go to be the one singing and bopping along to the TV.
Harry walks up to the TV… points at Dave and says… "Daddie?"
Um… not quite bud, but thanks for the confidence vote on the singing ability.
That exchange has been sitting with me all day… was wondering when the real father-son sharing was going to begin.
Sounds like it just did.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Ob, Brother! Instead of banning all things bad, why not just market all things good, and provide more healthy alternatives? Government subsidized produce carts? When zie Germans visited, the availability of healthy choices was the biggest difference they found between Germany and the good ol' USA.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Getting flak again for not having posted anything insightful in a while, so will do my best in this or perhaps an upcoming post or two, to dig in deep.
As I'm sure everyone knows, we're all coming up on the big #2 this weekend, and it's amazing to try to look back to see where we've gone in the last 12 months.
We've moved into a new house, moved into the minivan era, and moved another year closer to pre-school. Harry learns more words every day, sometimes more quickly than I'm even aware he knows them. Kim says these stories need to be documented better, so here goes:
Harry and I were watching Dora a week or so ago after a hard day at daycare and stuck in the server room, so I will admit, I wasn't paying too close attention to today's plotline, however I did notice that the first stop of the daily adventure was the big red hill. Harry immediately looks at me and adamantly proclaims..
"ssshick-un."
I think he could sense my confusion, because he quickly reiterated...
"SSSHICK-un"
Huh?
"sssSSShick-un... sshICK-un"
"Chicken?"
Cue the big dimply grin... "sshick-un."
Hmm... chicken. Wonder when he picked that up. Ah, hold on a sec...
"Big Red Chicken?"
Grin now grows exponentially... "SSHICK-un!"
"No Harry... that's the big red HILL. It kind of looks like the big red chicken, but it's just a hill."
"sssshick-un."
So off Dora and Boots go on their adventure of the day, and I start to doze off while little man takes it all in. A few minutes go by, and here it comes again:
"sssSSShick-un!! sshICK-un!"
Sure enough, there's Boots climbing up the big red hill, which quickly stand up and shakes him off, as it's (who else but...) The Big Red Chicken.
"SSSHICK-un." with a very satisfied look.
Yup... Big red chicken it is.
Lesson learned, never question a cartoon's plotline to someone who A) actually watches & pays attention and B) does so every 97 times they watch it.
As I'm sure everyone knows, we're all coming up on the big #2 this weekend, and it's amazing to try to look back to see where we've gone in the last 12 months.
We've moved into a new house, moved into the minivan era, and moved another year closer to pre-school. Harry learns more words every day, sometimes more quickly than I'm even aware he knows them. Kim says these stories need to be documented better, so here goes:
Harry and I were watching Dora a week or so ago after a hard day at daycare and stuck in the server room, so I will admit, I wasn't paying too close attention to today's plotline, however I did notice that the first stop of the daily adventure was the big red hill. Harry immediately looks at me and adamantly proclaims..
"ssshick-un."
I think he could sense my confusion, because he quickly reiterated...
"SSSHICK-un"
Huh?
"sssSSShick-un... sshICK-un"
"Chicken?"
Cue the big dimply grin... "sshick-un."
Hmm... chicken. Wonder when he picked that up. Ah, hold on a sec...
"Big Red Chicken?"
Grin now grows exponentially... "SSHICK-un!"
"No Harry... that's the big red HILL. It kind of looks like the big red chicken, but it's just a hill."
"sssshick-un."
So off Dora and Boots go on their adventure of the day, and I start to doze off while little man takes it all in. A few minutes go by, and here it comes again:
"sssSSShick-un!! sshICK-un!"
Sure enough, there's Boots climbing up the big red hill, which quickly stand up and shakes him off, as it's (who else but...) The Big Red Chicken.
"SSSHICK-un." with a very satisfied look.
Yup... Big red chicken it is.
Lesson learned, never question a cartoon's plotline to someone who A) actually watches & pays attention and B) does so every 97 times they watch it.
Monday, April 17, 2006
No Fight!
About 8:00 last night I had a slight problem. I was literally stuck in the shower. Door would not open. Kevin was shop-vac'ing water from the basement and could not hear me, and the reason he was shop- vac'ing was because our plumbing issues have returned, so I couldn't even hang out under the hot water. I was freezing and stuck. I knew I might wake Harry, but all I could do was scream for Kevin at the top of my lungs. I could hear Harry on the monitor and he was awake and curious but didn't seem scared. I guess my screaming and combined banging at the door for 15 minutes lead to one obvious conclusion: we were fighting.
Once released, Kevin and I sat down with Harry and tried to explain the situation. He was pretty confident we weren't fighting, and seemed to understand the door was stuck. I did my best to not create any phobios of tubs or water or doors. But, what's the deal with "No fight?"
How does Harry know what fighting is?
It occurred to me as I was nodding off that his version of fighting may be different. Perhaps it is Harry and Sage yelling at each other and Menike saying "No, no, fight!" All in all, made for an interesting evening.
About 8:00 last night I had a slight problem. I was literally stuck in the shower. Door would not open. Kevin was shop-vac'ing water from the basement and could not hear me, and the reason he was shop- vac'ing was because our plumbing issues have returned, so I couldn't even hang out under the hot water. I was freezing and stuck. I knew I might wake Harry, but all I could do was scream for Kevin at the top of my lungs. I could hear Harry on the monitor and he was awake and curious but didn't seem scared. I guess my screaming and combined banging at the door for 15 minutes lead to one obvious conclusion: we were fighting.
Once released, Kevin and I sat down with Harry and tried to explain the situation. He was pretty confident we weren't fighting, and seemed to understand the door was stuck. I did my best to not create any phobios of tubs or water or doors. But, what's the deal with "No fight?"
How does Harry know what fighting is?
It occurred to me as I was nodding off that his version of fighting may be different. Perhaps it is Harry and Sage yelling at each other and Menike saying "No, no, fight!" All in all, made for an interesting evening.
Friday, April 14, 2006
Good News
It looks like Harry will be able to stay with Sage and Aisha while Menike is away. At least, I am assuming Sage and Aisha. Kevin picked Harry up yesterday while I waited for Comcast to not show with our new modem (new email address to follow) and came back with the news that Menike found a place for "the three of them." I know Menike was worried about Harry the most, I guess since Hunter is still a baby and the other kids are nearing 3. This will be good. There will be some normalcy at least.
In other news, it looks like Harry has 2 new cousins: Mia and Sophia Munn. They arrived a little early but seem to be doing well so far! Best wishes Ward and Lauren!
It looks like Harry will be able to stay with Sage and Aisha while Menike is away. At least, I am assuming Sage and Aisha. Kevin picked Harry up yesterday while I waited for Comcast to not show with our new modem (new email address to follow) and came back with the news that Menike found a place for "the three of them." I know Menike was worried about Harry the most, I guess since Hunter is still a baby and the other kids are nearing 3. This will be good. There will be some normalcy at least.
In other news, it looks like Harry has 2 new cousins: Mia and Sophia Munn. They arrived a little early but seem to be doing well so far! Best wishes Ward and Lauren!
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Preparedness
Harry, how old are you going to be?
"2!"
Harry, what are we having at your birthday?
"Cake."
Now, if only we can prepare him for Menike's 4 week trip to visit her mother in Sri Lanka (who is not doing so well) and being without his friends. Luckily, we are on vacation f or one of teh weeks, and Harry may understand "Vacation" by then.
Harry, how old are you going to be?
"2!"
Harry, what are we having at your birthday?
"Cake."
Now, if only we can prepare him for Menike's 4 week trip to visit her mother in Sri Lanka (who is not doing so well) and being without his friends. Luckily, we are on vacation f or one of teh weeks, and Harry may understand "Vacation" by then.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Little Experiment
While shopping for a car seat that will fit on a plane at Babies R Us, I decided to see if my worst nightmares had come true. Standing in front of the video section, face to face with a big purple dinosaur, I said "Harry, who's this?" Harry's response: "Barney." He didn't even have to stop and think. Barney. HE KNOWS WHO HE IS!!!! Kevin said I looked like I'd been kicked in the knees (or something to that effect). I guess as hard as you try, you can't protect your kids from the evils of the world. We can only steer them in the right direction. "Look, Harry! Diego!"
While shopping for a car seat that will fit on a plane at Babies R Us, I decided to see if my worst nightmares had come true. Standing in front of the video section, face to face with a big purple dinosaur, I said "Harry, who's this?" Harry's response: "Barney." He didn't even have to stop and think. Barney. HE KNOWS WHO HE IS!!!! Kevin said I looked like I'd been kicked in the knees (or something to that effect). I guess as hard as you try, you can't protect your kids from the evils of the world. We can only steer them in the right direction. "Look, Harry! Diego!"
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Seen and Heard
Today when I picked Harry up at Menike's, I saw 3 tots swinging side by side. Harry, Aisha and Sage.
Harry came running over to say hello. So did Aisha! I was the proud recipient of not 1 but 2 hugs!
"Wheee! Wheee! Wheeee! Swings!" While passing the park at Park Fairfax.
"1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11." While swinging at the park.
Kim: "Who's my favorite little boy?"
Harry: "Meeee!" proudly pointing at himself.
"All done!" The entire time daddy mowed the lawn.
"Puppy? Puppy!" At any house that showed any sign of a dog.
Today when I picked Harry up at Menike's, I saw 3 tots swinging side by side. Harry, Aisha and Sage.
Harry came running over to say hello. So did Aisha! I was the proud recipient of not 1 but 2 hugs!
"Wheee! Wheee! Wheeee! Swings!" While passing the park at Park Fairfax.
"1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11." While swinging at the park.
Kim: "Who's my favorite little boy?"
Harry: "Meeee!" proudly pointing at himself.
"All done!" The entire time daddy mowed the lawn.
"Puppy? Puppy!" At any house that showed any sign of a dog.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Seen and Heard
"Flowers!" Spring in DC.
"Squirrels!" Like Tico.
"Cheers!" Glasses tink.
"Where's Daygo?" Formerly: Haiku. Actual: Diego.
What we're learing: Sharing. Taking Turns.
Kim: "Harry, Grandmom will change your diaper and then you can go for a wagon ride."
Harry: "No, MaMa's Turn."
My turn (again) to change Harry's diaper.
Apparently now whenever Harry prefers I do something, whether it be give him hugs, give him a bath, color, get more "Mimo," it is now "MaMa's Turn."
Channelling Lionel Barrymore, but with a modern day twist. Harry sits in his jogger, blanket covering him (his choice), cover up...chatting like a grown u p to PopPop for at least 10 minutes on the cell as we walk down the street.
Kim: "Do you know Kayla?"
Harry: "Yeah."
Kim: "It's Kayla's birthday Tuesday."
Harry: "Yeah!"
Kim: "Kayla's your cousin."
Harry: "Yeah."
Kim: "And Dominic's cousing."
Harry: "YEAH!"
"Flowers!" Spring in DC.
"Squirrels!" Like Tico.
"Cheers!" Glasses tink.
"Where's Daygo?" Formerly: Haiku. Actual: Diego.
What we're learing: Sharing. Taking Turns.
Kim: "Harry, Grandmom will change your diaper and then you can go for a wagon ride."
Harry: "No, MaMa's Turn."
My turn (again) to change Harry's diaper.
Apparently now whenever Harry prefers I do something, whether it be give him hugs, give him a bath, color, get more "Mimo," it is now "MaMa's Turn."
Channelling Lionel Barrymore, but with a modern day twist. Harry sits in his jogger, blanket covering him (his choice), cover up...chatting like a grown u p to PopPop for at least 10 minutes on the cell as we walk down the street.
Kim: "Do you know Kayla?"
Harry: "Yeah."
Kim: "It's Kayla's birthday Tuesday."
Harry: "Yeah!"
Kim: "Kayla's your cousin."
Harry: "Yeah."
Kim: "And Dominic's cousing."
Harry: "YEAH!"
Friday, April 07, 2006
Doo-Doo-Doo-Doo-Doo- Dora
I ordered Harry's cake today! A Dora the Explorer cake. I think it may be the greatest thing he has ever seen. He talks about Dora NON-stop, and the cake is so bright and colorful. Lots of greens and oranges and purples and yellows. And it's a Monkey Theme, so Boots is there too.
The women at the bakery were Spanish and it was neat to hear them say "Dora" over and over. They sounded like Dora's mom. I can't roll my Rs the way they do. Harry can. Anyway, I, at least, felt like they were excited about the little Latina girl on my cake. That was neat, too.
It is Spring. The evil cold chill that makes my bones freeze is leaving. Everything is neat these days! But the cake is truly awesome!
I ordered Harry's cake today! A Dora the Explorer cake. I think it may be the greatest thing he has ever seen. He talks about Dora NON-stop, and the cake is so bright and colorful. Lots of greens and oranges and purples and yellows. And it's a Monkey Theme, so Boots is there too.
The women at the bakery were Spanish and it was neat to hear them say "Dora" over and over. They sounded like Dora's mom. I can't roll my Rs the way they do. Harry can. Anyway, I, at least, felt like they were excited about the little Latina girl on my cake. That was neat, too.
It is Spring. The evil cold chill that makes my bones freeze is leaving. Everything is neat these days! But the cake is truly awesome!
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Susan Sarandon: Political Jesus Fish?
I was at my site in Toledo today discussing what a dull movie Brokeback Mountain is. I suggested An Unfinished Life has equally pretty scenary and better acting, though I did not necessarily mean Jennifer Lopez (who I do like but do not view as a great actress). My coordinator stated that Lopez was fabulous in Shall We Dance. "It's a good movie, even if Susan Sarandon is in it." I don't like Susan Sarandon. "Me neither." Hmmm...this seemed like code.
Are we free to speak republican? Is their a bigger and more annoying liberal activist than Sarandon? Liberal is great but annoying is, well, annoying.
Sure, there are pictures of W hanging on the wall, but I figured there was a strong possibility that it could be a joke. In the crowds that I associate with it is very likely that the W pic could function as a dart board! Plus, it's not polite to talk politics. Another thing, it sometiems seems as though a good majority of W supporters, myself excluded, are religious zealots or otherwise crazy freaks! Having a picture of the president on your wall and not working at the DOD could likely stick a person in the crazy category, and if the person I depend on to fax me updates and take care of patients is crazy, I don't think I want to know.
So, I didn't ask who she voted for. She's in the pharmaceutical business too, and the industry is dependant on republicans at the moment. Research funding is important. Without funding there will be no more new life saving medicines. That is a far longer story. I digress.
My point was just that mentioning like or dislike for Sarandon seemed to be the equivalent of sketching a line or two in the sand. A much less "disgusting" way of figuring out who is on what side before making any comments on current events.
I was at my site in Toledo today discussing what a dull movie Brokeback Mountain is. I suggested An Unfinished Life has equally pretty scenary and better acting, though I did not necessarily mean Jennifer Lopez (who I do like but do not view as a great actress). My coordinator stated that Lopez was fabulous in Shall We Dance. "It's a good movie, even if Susan Sarandon is in it." I don't like Susan Sarandon. "Me neither." Hmmm...this seemed like code.
Are we free to speak republican? Is their a bigger and more annoying liberal activist than Sarandon? Liberal is great but annoying is, well, annoying.
Sure, there are pictures of W hanging on the wall, but I figured there was a strong possibility that it could be a joke. In the crowds that I associate with it is very likely that the W pic could function as a dart board! Plus, it's not polite to talk politics. Another thing, it sometiems seems as though a good majority of W supporters, myself excluded, are religious zealots or otherwise crazy freaks! Having a picture of the president on your wall and not working at the DOD could likely stick a person in the crazy category, and if the person I depend on to fax me updates and take care of patients is crazy, I don't think I want to know.
So, I didn't ask who she voted for. She's in the pharmaceutical business too, and the industry is dependant on republicans at the moment. Research funding is important. Without funding there will be no more new life saving medicines. That is a far longer story. I digress.
My point was just that mentioning like or dislike for Sarandon seemed to be the equivalent of sketching a line or two in the sand. A much less "disgusting" way of figuring out who is on what side before making any comments on current events.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Because I Said So
Where’d it go (the water in the tub).
What happened? (it’s dark out).
What’s that? (thunder).
Harry asks so many questions these days. I struggle to remember that the earth rotates, or I explain that the bathwater travels to the ocean so the fish can swim, or to come up with some explanation for thunder. I remember Helen Hunt’s character Jamie Buchman in an episode of Mad About You giving an explanation taken from her environmental science professor at Yale. I don’t remember what the explanation was. I do remember Paul Reiser’s character mentioning something about the gods bowling. I could tell Harry that.
Most likely, I won’t need to. Because seems to be just fine. Because! When I was a kid, I hated that response! I swore I would never use it! But I ended up with a kid that is okay with it. Go figure.
I suppose it is just his age, and maybe my explanatiosn are too elaborate. Maybe this is just a practice period so I can figure out the answers in time for when he really needs to learn them.
People never stop learning. I learned just the other day that ACK is the airport code for Nantucket. I learned in 2001 that people who shoe horses are called ferriers. It came up in conversation today. Today I also learned that Mommy Wars rage in Germany, too. Zie Germans are just like me.
I played tour guide for a woman from Germany today. She had my haircut and color, she wore similar clothing, she had a 2 year old child with a Snoedel-like “lovey” and she had similar reasons for continuing to work but refusing to participate in other activities that took her away from her daughter, hence, slightly more flab. She was pretty cool. It was a neat experience and I was reminded that a lot of the people I work with are just like me, regardless of where they live. That is also kind of neat.
The people I work with…that leads me to another point: I suspect Harry may tell his kindergarten class I am a flight attendant. In the past week Harry has both picked me up from and dropped me off at the airport (with Kevin’s help). It is AWESOME! I LOVE that he shouts "MOMMY!!!!" as though I am the most important person one the planet. I lalso ike that he can get an image in his head of what work means, even if it is ever so basic. Right now he understands that I get on a plane. He sees them in the sky and says “Mommy Plane!” He wants to know “Me?”, “Me Plane?”, “Go see Mickey?”. Wait a second...do you think he thinks going to work is like going to Disneyworld? WAIT! That might be a GOOD thing!!!Now I'm thinkin'! Even if I didn't remember the earth rotates on it's axis.
Where’d it go (the water in the tub).
What happened? (it’s dark out).
What’s that? (thunder).
Harry asks so many questions these days. I struggle to remember that the earth rotates, or I explain that the bathwater travels to the ocean so the fish can swim, or to come up with some explanation for thunder. I remember Helen Hunt’s character Jamie Buchman in an episode of Mad About You giving an explanation taken from her environmental science professor at Yale. I don’t remember what the explanation was. I do remember Paul Reiser’s character mentioning something about the gods bowling. I could tell Harry that.
Most likely, I won’t need to. Because seems to be just fine. Because! When I was a kid, I hated that response! I swore I would never use it! But I ended up with a kid that is okay with it. Go figure.
I suppose it is just his age, and maybe my explanatiosn are too elaborate. Maybe this is just a practice period so I can figure out the answers in time for when he really needs to learn them.
People never stop learning. I learned just the other day that ACK is the airport code for Nantucket. I learned in 2001 that people who shoe horses are called ferriers. It came up in conversation today. Today I also learned that Mommy Wars rage in Germany, too. Zie Germans are just like me.
I played tour guide for a woman from Germany today. She had my haircut and color, she wore similar clothing, she had a 2 year old child with a Snoedel-like “lovey” and she had similar reasons for continuing to work but refusing to participate in other activities that took her away from her daughter, hence, slightly more flab. She was pretty cool. It was a neat experience and I was reminded that a lot of the people I work with are just like me, regardless of where they live. That is also kind of neat.
The people I work with…that leads me to another point: I suspect Harry may tell his kindergarten class I am a flight attendant. In the past week Harry has both picked me up from and dropped me off at the airport (with Kevin’s help). It is AWESOME! I LOVE that he shouts "MOMMY!!!!" as though I am the most important person one the planet. I lalso ike that he can get an image in his head of what work means, even if it is ever so basic. Right now he understands that I get on a plane. He sees them in the sky and says “Mommy Plane!” He wants to know “Me?”, “Me Plane?”, “Go see Mickey?”. Wait a second...do you think he thinks going to work is like going to Disneyworld? WAIT! That might be a GOOD thing!!!Now I'm thinkin'! Even if I didn't remember the earth rotates on it's axis.
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