Doing what he does best... being 2.
Journaling the last month before Harry's arrival into the world, and wherever that takes us.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Friday, October 27, 2006
Harry turned 2.5 years old on Sunday.
I had him telling everyone "It's my half birt-day!"
Since the 2.5-3 year olds are in a separate class at The Little Gym, I had decided that 2.5 was a magic number. Boy was I wrong! They only separate these kids because they have to!
I realized Harry would probably not be potty trained, and he might not be reading novels, but I thought he would suddenly follow directions and cooperate. Apparently I like to kid myself. He does these things as well as Bailey. That is to say, he hears and understands, but he picks and chooses what he wants to do.
I don't make him wear a jacket if he doesn't want to, but this seems to be a problem for Kevin and Menike. Other issues arise spontaneously, but for the most part he is good. He is more advanced then he was at 2, but there was not a magical change that happened overnight. It's all gradual. Duh. I should know this.
Harry is getting bigger. He walks up stairs half of the time without using his hands and has good balance. He knows how to pause Tivo (rather than just un-pausing) when it is time for dinner. Letting Bailey in is old-hat. He is happy to stay in the yard by himself (it's cold out there! I sit at the door and watch).
Here are the Babycenter.com updates:
Your 29-Month-Old
Your child is becoming increasingly good at matching words with the objects they describe. She can name a few body parts, some colors, and even a friend or two. You can help her improve her verbal skills by giving her details. If she says "Dog sleep," for example, you might say, "Yes, Spot is curled up and fast asleep on the chair." She can't imitate your complex language patterns just yet, but she's learning more all the time.
Yes, we have always done that. Now we encourage him to ask for things in proper sentences. "More Mimo" doesn't work anymore. We suggest "Mommy, may I have some more Mimo, please?" and in return we get "Mommy more mimo please!" Often I just say "Use a sentence" and, suprisingly, he has never, to my knowledge, asked what a sentence is. Collective Unconscious? I am becoming a disbeliever in that. I think we pass things on without realizing it.
How your toddler's growing: Your toddler is probably able to put on a piece or two of clothing by herself and name a few body parts. She may also be able to identify a color or a friend by name. As she grows more aware of what others are thinking and feeling, she'll become more interested in interacting and playing with other children instead of just alongside them.
Shirts happen. Gloves happen. His new Crocs end up on his feet, too. I still think we are a ways off from getting his pants up. That seems more complicated.
Harry can name all of his friends, body parts and colors, and he likes to play WITH other kids...which is why I am bummed he has no one to play with at daycare. I encourage Hunter every day to just start walking already!
How your life is changing:
Conversations with your baby are a wonderful opportunity to help build her verbal skills. For instance, if she says "Car go," you might say, "Yes, that red car is going down the street very quickly." She won't be able to imitate your bigger words or complex sentences just yet, but she's learning from your example.
I love having conversations with Harry. It's like talking to a foreigner. It's fascinating!
Parent Tip: Toilet Training Will Come in Time "If your child isn't toilet trained yet, don't get upset. My son wasn't ready until he was almost three, and then he really got into it. It might help to give him a book or video explaining the process — that was useful for us." — Lizzie
Harry knows when he's going and how to use the potty, he just got board with it. Honestly, so did I. Diapers are easier!
Have a good weekend. I am off to buy my Select Comfort Sleep Number bed tomorrow. Let me know if you have any information on this. I have slept on a lot of beds and this is what I am going with. Bye Bye neck pain!
I had him telling everyone "It's my half birt-day!"
Since the 2.5-3 year olds are in a separate class at The Little Gym, I had decided that 2.5 was a magic number. Boy was I wrong! They only separate these kids because they have to!
I realized Harry would probably not be potty trained, and he might not be reading novels, but I thought he would suddenly follow directions and cooperate. Apparently I like to kid myself. He does these things as well as Bailey. That is to say, he hears and understands, but he picks and chooses what he wants to do.
I don't make him wear a jacket if he doesn't want to, but this seems to be a problem for Kevin and Menike. Other issues arise spontaneously, but for the most part he is good. He is more advanced then he was at 2, but there was not a magical change that happened overnight. It's all gradual. Duh. I should know this.
Harry is getting bigger. He walks up stairs half of the time without using his hands and has good balance. He knows how to pause Tivo (rather than just un-pausing) when it is time for dinner. Letting Bailey in is old-hat. He is happy to stay in the yard by himself (it's cold out there! I sit at the door and watch).
Here are the Babycenter.com updates:
Your 29-Month-Old
Your child is becoming increasingly good at matching words with the objects they describe. She can name a few body parts, some colors, and even a friend or two. You can help her improve her verbal skills by giving her details. If she says "Dog sleep," for example, you might say, "Yes, Spot is curled up and fast asleep on the chair." She can't imitate your complex language patterns just yet, but she's learning more all the time.
Yes, we have always done that. Now we encourage him to ask for things in proper sentences. "More Mimo" doesn't work anymore. We suggest "Mommy, may I have some more Mimo, please?" and in return we get "Mommy more mimo please!" Often I just say "Use a sentence" and, suprisingly, he has never, to my knowledge, asked what a sentence is. Collective Unconscious? I am becoming a disbeliever in that. I think we pass things on without realizing it.
How your toddler's growing: Your toddler is probably able to put on a piece or two of clothing by herself and name a few body parts. She may also be able to identify a color or a friend by name. As she grows more aware of what others are thinking and feeling, she'll become more interested in interacting and playing with other children instead of just alongside them.
Shirts happen. Gloves happen. His new Crocs end up on his feet, too. I still think we are a ways off from getting his pants up. That seems more complicated.
Harry can name all of his friends, body parts and colors, and he likes to play WITH other kids...which is why I am bummed he has no one to play with at daycare. I encourage Hunter every day to just start walking already!
How your life is changing:
Conversations with your baby are a wonderful opportunity to help build her verbal skills. For instance, if she says "Car go," you might say, "Yes, that red car is going down the street very quickly." She won't be able to imitate your bigger words or complex sentences just yet, but she's learning from your example.
I love having conversations with Harry. It's like talking to a foreigner. It's fascinating!
Parent Tip: Toilet Training Will Come in Time "If your child isn't toilet trained yet, don't get upset. My son wasn't ready until he was almost three, and then he really got into it. It might help to give him a book or video explaining the process — that was useful for us." — Lizzie
Harry knows when he's going and how to use the potty, he just got board with it. Honestly, so did I. Diapers are easier!
Have a good weekend. I am off to buy my Select Comfort Sleep Number bed tomorrow. Let me know if you have any information on this. I have slept on a lot of beds and this is what I am going with. Bye Bye neck pain!
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Insight
Harry made his 4th plane trip of the year this weekend. His 5th overall. He is a regular pro now. Thanks to his new Crocs, which he picked out for himself in his favorite color brown, he was able to get his shoes off, put his rollerbag on the belt and walk through security all by himself. He did puke 3 times on the way to Chicago, but hey, who doesn't sometimes. Besides, we think it was ice cream related.
On the way back, after an hour in the terminal of Harry running around in circles making airplane sounds with his little airplane up in the air, we finally headed home. There were a few other kids on the plane as well. One was crying, which Harry pointed out. This was followed up with "He wants his Mommy." Interesting.
By the way...congrats Meg and Riley on a great run! Me...I did not run. I just wasn't into it to begin with, it was 37 degrees, and my IBS flared big time. Oh well. One of my new team members at work also did not run due to an injury 3 weeks ago. It's fun, but at this age, you really do need to train!
Harry made his 4th plane trip of the year this weekend. His 5th overall. He is a regular pro now. Thanks to his new Crocs, which he picked out for himself in his favorite color brown, he was able to get his shoes off, put his rollerbag on the belt and walk through security all by himself. He did puke 3 times on the way to Chicago, but hey, who doesn't sometimes. Besides, we think it was ice cream related.
On the way back, after an hour in the terminal of Harry running around in circles making airplane sounds with his little airplane up in the air, we finally headed home. There were a few other kids on the plane as well. One was crying, which Harry pointed out. This was followed up with "He wants his Mommy." Interesting.
By the way...congrats Meg and Riley on a great run! Me...I did not run. I just wasn't into it to begin with, it was 37 degrees, and my IBS flared big time. Oh well. One of my new team members at work also did not run due to an injury 3 weeks ago. It's fun, but at this age, you really do need to train!
Friday, October 20, 2006
SOMEONE PLEASE TALK ME DOWN OFF OF THE LEDGE!!!!!
IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME SINCE I HAVE HAD A FULL BLOWN PANIC ATTACK, BUT I THINK I AM GETTING CLOSE AT THE MOMENT. I AM FLASHING BACK TO A JIMMY BUFFET CONCERT...OR WAS IT PHISH? THERE WAS ALSO A VERY HOT HFSTIVAL WHERE I WAS SURROUNDED BY LOTS OF VERY TALL PEOPLE. AND THE RAFTING INCIDENT. NOW, I HAVE THE CHICAGO MARATHON. REMEMBER THAT MARATHON I HAVE BEEN TRAINING FOR? PROBABLY NOT, BUT I JUST DID! YES, I HAVE BEEN IN DENIAL. I REFERENCE IT OCCASIONALLY BUT I DON'T REALLY TALK ABOUT IT.
Okay, deep breaths.
Chicago Marathon is in 2 days. I haven't run in about 2 months. I was doing well, got up to at least 10 or more miles...then Harry broke his leg, I got braces (they hurt!), started a new job, had IBS flares, had too much work training, have a 2 year old that I want to spend all of my free time with...But marathons are fun. I want to run! I want to finish. I want to know how to get to the finish line from the 13.1 mile marker!
I need to go pack. My flight leaves in 2 hours.
IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME SINCE I HAVE HAD A FULL BLOWN PANIC ATTACK, BUT I THINK I AM GETTING CLOSE AT THE MOMENT. I AM FLASHING BACK TO A JIMMY BUFFET CONCERT...OR WAS IT PHISH? THERE WAS ALSO A VERY HOT HFSTIVAL WHERE I WAS SURROUNDED BY LOTS OF VERY TALL PEOPLE. AND THE RAFTING INCIDENT. NOW, I HAVE THE CHICAGO MARATHON. REMEMBER THAT MARATHON I HAVE BEEN TRAINING FOR? PROBABLY NOT, BUT I JUST DID! YES, I HAVE BEEN IN DENIAL. I REFERENCE IT OCCASIONALLY BUT I DON'T REALLY TALK ABOUT IT.
Okay, deep breaths.
Chicago Marathon is in 2 days. I haven't run in about 2 months. I was doing well, got up to at least 10 or more miles...then Harry broke his leg, I got braces (they hurt!), started a new job, had IBS flares, had too much work training, have a 2 year old that I want to spend all of my free time with...But marathons are fun. I want to run! I want to finish. I want to know how to get to the finish line from the 13.1 mile marker!
I need to go pack. My flight leaves in 2 hours.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Some fun anecdotes over the last few days...
This past Saturday night was Harry's first extended foray into an evening hockey game at Verizon Center where got to see the opening night pomp and circumstance that is Washington Capitals Hockey (Thanks Tamar for pumping up the volume louder than necessary). Although the advertised moon-bounce seemed like a good idea and selling point, the DC101 tent kept Harry's hand firmly planted over his ears throughout. Trooper that he was, made it through the opener, the dark arena, the loud music, the player intro's & subsequent crowd roaring, and was then completely entranced by the game itself. Somehow I managed to cover his ears when the horns sounded at Alexander Semin's 1st goal of 3 that night, without even spilling anyone's drink... a moment I was dreading, but somehow overcame. Net effect was, he had a blast and actually made it through to the first intermission, the debacle that was the parking garage when trying to get out early, and even stayed awake for the 9th street tunnel. Harry loves tunnels.
Harry and I spent Columbus Day visiting the lands of my youth with pop-pop Magoo. We started off at the new home of the PHBA, which Harry quickly warmed to (pun intended, it was much hotter than I expected when we arrived in PA) once he was offered a cookie by the Rad Man. The new space offered a great running-around room, and many doors to promptly close himself behind (thankfully none actually DID lock on him). We then took a spin through the Unionville countryside, or what's left of it, and collectively pointed out as many horsies and cows that we could find... However no sheep or piggies on this trip. Point of note that when we finally spotted a bull, Harry promptly noted "Benny!" which lead to an immediate explanation to Mr Magoo of the extended cast of Dora The Explorer. A healthy romp in the park, a long tricycle ride ride around West Chester interrupted only by a stop at New Haven Pizzeria, a thorough search of Dean Street looking for "My Meghan," only to conk out for good on the way back to drop Magoo at PHBA Headquarters (he didn't want to wake little man, so he snuk out of the car). He's such a good sleeper.
Back to school on Tuesday, but as may or may not have been mentioned, over the course of the last month or 2, 3 of the 4 kids at daycare have gone off to pre-school, leaving Harry as the lone big-kid with only baby Hunter to impart his ways upon, at least until Hunny's infant sister begins her tenure. I picked him up Tuesday, only to be greeted with a pronounced scowl and subsequent pout for the better part of the ride home (can't image where he got that lower-lip from). When pressed, he finally ceded "my miss my friends." Kid's got a big heart.
Today however, was much better. At pickup time, he was all smiles and extremely chatty. We discussed the events of the previous few days, and came up with the following summations:
Did you have fun today bud?
(big smile)
So yes, you had fun today?
My have fun at hockey games...
You liked the hockey game?
(HUGE smile)
Did you have fun at Magoo's?
My have fun at hockey games...
My like poppop m'goo.. my give me cookie. he go home.
Did you like the cookie?
YEAH! white cookie.
What did you see when we were up there?
Horsies... 'n' cows. no piggies sheep. no my Meghan.
So tonight, he's in the tub and playing with his new bar of soap (compliments of some hotel). He's a bit distraught as the previous bar was a leftover from the last Disney trip, and had been engraved with Mickey's face. This one was smooth, but he decided that he was going to draw Mickey on himself with his fingernail. Pretty resourceful I thought, but somewhere along the line, he changed his drawing.
Who's that bud? (assuming to get 'Mickey' as the answer)
My drawing mommy... and daddy... and ME!
Excellent!
and uncle Kris!
Uncle Kris is on your soap?
YEAH!!
That's very cool bud, I'll be sure to let him know... you should thank him for the hockey tickets next time you talk to him.
My have fun hockey game...
That's when I get to have the big smile again.
This past Saturday night was Harry's first extended foray into an evening hockey game at Verizon Center where got to see the opening night pomp and circumstance that is Washington Capitals Hockey (Thanks Tamar for pumping up the volume louder than necessary). Although the advertised moon-bounce seemed like a good idea and selling point, the DC101 tent kept Harry's hand firmly planted over his ears throughout. Trooper that he was, made it through the opener, the dark arena, the loud music, the player intro's & subsequent crowd roaring, and was then completely entranced by the game itself. Somehow I managed to cover his ears when the horns sounded at Alexander Semin's 1st goal of 3 that night, without even spilling anyone's drink... a moment I was dreading, but somehow overcame. Net effect was, he had a blast and actually made it through to the first intermission, the debacle that was the parking garage when trying to get out early, and even stayed awake for the 9th street tunnel. Harry loves tunnels.
Harry and I spent Columbus Day visiting the lands of my youth with pop-pop Magoo. We started off at the new home of the PHBA, which Harry quickly warmed to (pun intended, it was much hotter than I expected when we arrived in PA) once he was offered a cookie by the Rad Man. The new space offered a great running-around room, and many doors to promptly close himself behind (thankfully none actually DID lock on him). We then took a spin through the Unionville countryside, or what's left of it, and collectively pointed out as many horsies and cows that we could find... However no sheep or piggies on this trip. Point of note that when we finally spotted a bull, Harry promptly noted "Benny!" which lead to an immediate explanation to Mr Magoo of the extended cast of Dora The Explorer. A healthy romp in the park, a long tricycle ride ride around West Chester interrupted only by a stop at New Haven Pizzeria, a thorough search of Dean Street looking for "My Meghan," only to conk out for good on the way back to drop Magoo at PHBA Headquarters (he didn't want to wake little man, so he snuk out of the car). He's such a good sleeper.
Back to school on Tuesday, but as may or may not have been mentioned, over the course of the last month or 2, 3 of the 4 kids at daycare have gone off to pre-school, leaving Harry as the lone big-kid with only baby Hunter to impart his ways upon, at least until Hunny's infant sister begins her tenure. I picked him up Tuesday, only to be greeted with a pronounced scowl and subsequent pout for the better part of the ride home (can't image where he got that lower-lip from). When pressed, he finally ceded "my miss my friends." Kid's got a big heart.
Today however, was much better. At pickup time, he was all smiles and extremely chatty. We discussed the events of the previous few days, and came up with the following summations:
Did you have fun today bud?
(big smile)
So yes, you had fun today?
My have fun at hockey games...
You liked the hockey game?
(HUGE smile)
Did you have fun at Magoo's?
My have fun at hockey games...
My like poppop m'goo.. my give me cookie. he go home.
Did you like the cookie?
YEAH! white cookie.
What did you see when we were up there?
Horsies... 'n' cows. no piggies sheep. no my Meghan.
So tonight, he's in the tub and playing with his new bar of soap (compliments of some hotel). He's a bit distraught as the previous bar was a leftover from the last Disney trip, and had been engraved with Mickey's face. This one was smooth, but he decided that he was going to draw Mickey on himself with his fingernail. Pretty resourceful I thought, but somewhere along the line, he changed his drawing.
Who's that bud? (assuming to get 'Mickey' as the answer)
My drawing mommy... and daddy... and ME!
Excellent!
and uncle Kris!
Uncle Kris is on your soap?
YEAH!!
That's very cool bud, I'll be sure to let him know... you should thank him for the hockey tickets next time you talk to him.
My have fun hockey game...
That's when I get to have the big smile again.
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Monday, October 02, 2006
No O-Pops
Kevin and I have been a little bit concerned that everyone has left Menike's to go to preschool! These days, it's just Harry and Hunter. Hunter turned 1 in late August. He is not walking yet, but he is trying, and he was doing a great job of stealing Harry's soccer ball today!
It may sound backwards to some of you, but Kevin and I LIKED that Harry got to spend the day with 3 older kids. I personally think it has increased his vocabulary and helped to make him more mature. He is cooperative at times, and follows directions and knows what is expected of him at certain times of the day. Plus, he LOVES playing with other kids. He likes running, and imaginative play, and dancing and singing and playing music. Other people choose to have a nanny for their kids, and yeah, that would be easier, but I think going to Menike's each day, and meeting different people and having activity around him has been better for Harry.
Now that Menike has a hand for each kid, she seems to be taking more outings. Normally this would concern me. I think I am over that a bit. Kevin has seen the kids walking down the street and says they seem orderly. Menike walks them down the street or to the park. At least twice they have gone to the bank. Harry likes it because he gets lollipops...normally. Today they were out, but the manager promised he would have more tomorrow. Luckily, I had two in my purse, one for Harry and one for PopPopJohnny (Menike's husband. Harry calls him PopPop. He has more PopPops than I can count.) They also went to the library and read books. Yaaaay! So, as Kevin expected, Menike anticipated Harry's need for entertainment and has planned accordingly. Renee is coming to visit on Thursday and Friday. And Renee's sister, or "My sister" as Harry calls her, starts next week. She's a baby. Curious to see how this works. Mostly, curious to see if Harry will accept Hunter as a big kid now. Hunter has always been the baby. Hmmm....
Kevin and I have been a little bit concerned that everyone has left Menike's to go to preschool! These days, it's just Harry and Hunter. Hunter turned 1 in late August. He is not walking yet, but he is trying, and he was doing a great job of stealing Harry's soccer ball today!
It may sound backwards to some of you, but Kevin and I LIKED that Harry got to spend the day with 3 older kids. I personally think it has increased his vocabulary and helped to make him more mature. He is cooperative at times, and follows directions and knows what is expected of him at certain times of the day. Plus, he LOVES playing with other kids. He likes running, and imaginative play, and dancing and singing and playing music. Other people choose to have a nanny for their kids, and yeah, that would be easier, but I think going to Menike's each day, and meeting different people and having activity around him has been better for Harry.
Now that Menike has a hand for each kid, she seems to be taking more outings. Normally this would concern me. I think I am over that a bit. Kevin has seen the kids walking down the street and says they seem orderly. Menike walks them down the street or to the park. At least twice they have gone to the bank. Harry likes it because he gets lollipops...normally. Today they were out, but the manager promised he would have more tomorrow. Luckily, I had two in my purse, one for Harry and one for PopPopJohnny (Menike's husband. Harry calls him PopPop. He has more PopPops than I can count.) They also went to the library and read books. Yaaaay! So, as Kevin expected, Menike anticipated Harry's need for entertainment and has planned accordingly. Renee is coming to visit on Thursday and Friday. And Renee's sister, or "My sister" as Harry calls her, starts next week. She's a baby. Curious to see how this works. Mostly, curious to see if Harry will accept Hunter as a big kid now. Hunter has always been the baby. Hmmm....
Honey, I'm Home!
It is 12:38 and I have been home for some time now. Yet, I had a site visit today. I left my house at 8:40, got to Georgetown Hospital early, finished adding my numbers to my new (as of June) cell phone, met with co-monitor, finished visit...I am home. Home! No more airplanes! (for the most part).
So, I explained to Harry today that now I don't take airplanes to work. I work in hospitals and Doctors offices like Dr. Wimberly. Kevin added that now I am part of the Evil Empire. Way to get the kid to like doctors again!
This is a big transition for me to only have local travel. I feel like I am working one job now instead of two. But on top of that, I don't have the added stress of making sure every moment I spend with Harrya nd Kevin and, yes, even Bailey is quality time. Our time together is still vitally important to me, but Iam more relaxed about it. I am even making a concerted effort to leave teh house for social calls with other people- voluntarily! Neat, huh?
It is 12:38 and I have been home for some time now. Yet, I had a site visit today. I left my house at 8:40, got to Georgetown Hospital early, finished adding my numbers to my new (as of June) cell phone, met with co-monitor, finished visit...I am home. Home! No more airplanes! (for the most part).
So, I explained to Harry today that now I don't take airplanes to work. I work in hospitals and Doctors offices like Dr. Wimberly. Kevin added that now I am part of the Evil Empire. Way to get the kid to like doctors again!
This is a big transition for me to only have local travel. I feel like I am working one job now instead of two. But on top of that, I don't have the added stress of making sure every moment I spend with Harrya nd Kevin and, yes, even Bailey is quality time. Our time together is still vitally important to me, but Iam more relaxed about it. I am even making a concerted effort to leave teh house for social calls with other people- voluntarily! Neat, huh?
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