Giselle
We drove to Philly on Sunday to visit friends and family. Harry got to hang out with PopPop and Aunt Toni and his best friends Dominic and Belle while Kevin and I lunched with my high school chums. Usually just Shelly and Melissa, we actually had a party of 9 this year.
It is always nice to catch up with everyone, and hopefully we will make it to Baltimore for a mid-year gathering in late Spring. I may be getting together for other events prior, including a trip to see Giselle, probably at the Academy of Music. As the case may be, I tend to see the same productions over and over. I am beginning to think it is not just by choice. It is the forces at work. The last ballet I saw was Giselle at the Kennedy Center. I mentioned to D'Lynn that this was years ago. It was, in fact, nearly 15 years ago with Leanne. And I drove! I was an adult! We were in college! And that was 15 years ago. Crazy.
Saturday I turn 33. I have hardly remembered that it was my birthday, so I hope Paul is not offended that I forgot his as well (I was reminded in time but still no gift to speak of). I think I will take us rock climbing at Sport Rock. I usually buy a gift for myself as well, or do a little something, so I think that is what it will be this year.
I started celebrating for myself when I was 16. I think my mom took her gifts back that year, so rather than be upset, I ordered myself a dozen yellow balloons. I made myself happy, and it's been a tradition ever since. Back then I would get upset if things didn't go my way. They always had when I was little, so it was hard to accept as I grew older. I eventually learned to just not expect things. I do my best. My overall goal is just to not be disappointed. It works for me. And actually, these days, mostly all I hope for is time to relax! I have so much more time to hang out with Kevin and Harry now. For the most part, I am doing what I want to be doing and I have the things that I want to have. But a trip to the movies or a day of rock climbing would be awesome...at least until I can teach Harry to climb (I so cannot wait!).
Journaling the last month before Harry's arrival into the world, and wherever that takes us.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Tuesday Night. The Rules.
Mommy: Okay, I have to go upstairs now. You aren't going to sleep with me here.
Harry: You have to stay here with me in my room. That's the rules.
Mommy: Oh, really?!
Harry: (big dimples and grin)
Mommy: Good night, Harrison. See you in the morning!
Harry: (More dimples and a big yawn)
Wednesday Night. Same Thing.
Don't get me wrong. I love to cuddle with Harry, but he doesn't need me to get to sleep, and I don't want to create an obstacle that doesn't exist. Plus, I was sick and didn't want to breathe on him more than I had to. I escaped by saying I would come back to check on him at regular intervals. During one such occasion, Harry wanted me to sing a song. I tried his Top 5 favorites but he didn't like any and cut me off with "My no like that song" each time I got 3 words out. Actually, more like 2 1/2 words. So, I decided to tell a story orally. The grand tradition of oral story-telling. Well, I figured Good Night, Moon would get shot down. The only other option I had was, gasp, "Twas the Night Before Christmas." This appealed to the tike and at the end of each line, with big eyes, he asked "Then whah happened?" or "whah happened next?"
Yes, Virginia, I guess there is going to have to be a Santa Claus. My entire family has accepted that we were not going to bring Santa into Harry's life (or they at least play along, and Santa still goes to PopPop's house) but I was blind-sided by our well-meaning neighbor asking a million and one questions TO Harry regarding whether he'd sent letters to Santa, or emails, or when he was expecting he would show up, or whether we'd made a visit....Ugh! I quickly and hopefully subtly added that "Santa goes to PopPop's house" since, well, "We are never home on Christmas anyway." You know what? I think I give up. Maybe it is the Christmas songs that have been playing in my car for teh past two weeks. Or the cute little tree that I just saw, that is just slightly taller than Harry. That's not to hard to set up. And I just recently learned that all trees die. I did not know this. I KNOW MANY THINGS BUT THIS IS NOT ONE OF THEM!!!!! Jews get trees. I think we might too. Just be happy about it, okay! But no one is sitting on Santa's lap. And just to add a little variety we may refer to him as the "Jolly Old Elf." (Don't worry, I am sure that won't last long either.)
So, Harry didn't have any answers about Santa, but he did tell Trey that he was going to Uncle Kris's for Christmas. He said he would see Casey. He also said he would see the babies. He also told Trey that PopPop was coming to his house and bringing his swingset and his blue car. Then, before running off, he told Trey to be careful with his outside lights because they were hot.
Mommy: Okay, I have to go upstairs now. You aren't going to sleep with me here.
Harry: You have to stay here with me in my room. That's the rules.
Mommy: Oh, really?!
Harry: (big dimples and grin)
Mommy: Good night, Harrison. See you in the morning!
Harry: (More dimples and a big yawn)
Wednesday Night. Same Thing.
Don't get me wrong. I love to cuddle with Harry, but he doesn't need me to get to sleep, and I don't want to create an obstacle that doesn't exist. Plus, I was sick and didn't want to breathe on him more than I had to. I escaped by saying I would come back to check on him at regular intervals. During one such occasion, Harry wanted me to sing a song. I tried his Top 5 favorites but he didn't like any and cut me off with "My no like that song" each time I got 3 words out. Actually, more like 2 1/2 words. So, I decided to tell a story orally. The grand tradition of oral story-telling. Well, I figured Good Night, Moon would get shot down. The only other option I had was, gasp, "Twas the Night Before Christmas." This appealed to the tike and at the end of each line, with big eyes, he asked "Then whah happened?" or "whah happened next?"
Yes, Virginia, I guess there is going to have to be a Santa Claus. My entire family has accepted that we were not going to bring Santa into Harry's life (or they at least play along, and Santa still goes to PopPop's house) but I was blind-sided by our well-meaning neighbor asking a million and one questions TO Harry regarding whether he'd sent letters to Santa, or emails, or when he was expecting he would show up, or whether we'd made a visit....Ugh! I quickly and hopefully subtly added that "Santa goes to PopPop's house" since, well, "We are never home on Christmas anyway." You know what? I think I give up. Maybe it is the Christmas songs that have been playing in my car for teh past two weeks. Or the cute little tree that I just saw, that is just slightly taller than Harry. That's not to hard to set up. And I just recently learned that all trees die. I did not know this. I KNOW MANY THINGS BUT THIS IS NOT ONE OF THEM!!!!! Jews get trees. I think we might too. Just be happy about it, okay! But no one is sitting on Santa's lap. And just to add a little variety we may refer to him as the "Jolly Old Elf." (Don't worry, I am sure that won't last long either.)
So, Harry didn't have any answers about Santa, but he did tell Trey that he was going to Uncle Kris's for Christmas. He said he would see Casey. He also said he would see the babies. He also told Trey that PopPop was coming to his house and bringing his swingset and his blue car. Then, before running off, he told Trey to be careful with his outside lights because they were hot.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Reflections... Looking back on another holiday weekend, as things really set in for the mayhem that becomes and continues to be, Christmastime.
This year was particularly quieter than it seems to have been in years' past. We did the annual trek to South Jersey and back on Turkey Day. This year, we brought with us happy news of the healthy arrival of the Wagner Twins (see photo below), instead of Kim's special recipe Cranberry Sauce (please note, that contrary to popular belief and request, her version most certainly does NOT include the ring impressions from the inside of the can).
We made it up in record time for the third Thursday, and without event. Harry was elated to see everyone at each of his stops, regardless of the fact he had seen most if not all of them just 2 weeks prior for Dom'nic's birthday bowling bash. Only 3 stops in total (4 if you count going back to pick up Bailey), and we were home again that evening with time to spare for ourselves.
I still think the quote of the trip was:
"... Harry please don't hit Bailey with your potato."
Quality time spent together for he remainder of the weekend; a jaunt to Ikea for some new shelving to get the new playroom together, a sunny afternoon hike on a new trail that'd been under our noses this entire time, and even story time at the bookstore with Lance.
Reflections of a different sort this evening. We're in the process of migrating the home computer from an old Dell PC o a new shiny iMac. One of the greater tasks and intended uses will be compiling the multimedia efforts that are doing so well documenting Harry's existence... and by default our own.
Imported the photos from the year so far, and it's amazing. When they get pulled in, they each flash up on the screen for abut a half a second each, in something vaguely representing chronological order. It's increadible to see this pass in front of you so quickly. In the course of about 15 minutes, I vividly was able to re-live his year so far.
I had this happen once before, when I pulled my own pictures from the recesses of the Dell, which at that point had been comprised of the 2 laptops worth of photos accumulated while still with the Capitals, and anything else I had come up with at home over the last 4 years. That was one thing. Those weren't really that important... lots of hockey & BMW pictures culled from the web... but interesting nonetheless.
These were important. These were the memories, however fresh, that even for a fleeting second, were right at the front of the brain. I could immediately recall waht was going on in the background when I took that picture, where I was standing when Kim did, or what I was likely doing while she was out with the camera.
Things that seem so long ago, like swimming lessons at the Rec Center. Things that seem like they lasted forever, like Harry's cast, that went flashing by in a matter of a minute or so. These are the things from my own childhood that I can't for the life of me recall.
Kim's always been on me for not being able to remember anything about being a kid in my family. I don't really know why I don't recall as much as she does, because we do have pictures to prove that I indeed was once a kid... it's just that the peripheral memory has never been there, so to have it thrust upon you, even if it's only images of the last 11+ months, it's an incredible feeling.
It'll be even more interesting when I get some time to load the previous years' pics...
This year was particularly quieter than it seems to have been in years' past. We did the annual trek to South Jersey and back on Turkey Day. This year, we brought with us happy news of the healthy arrival of the Wagner Twins (see photo below), instead of Kim's special recipe Cranberry Sauce (please note, that contrary to popular belief and request, her version most certainly does NOT include the ring impressions from the inside of the can).
We made it up in record time for the third Thursday, and without event. Harry was elated to see everyone at each of his stops, regardless of the fact he had seen most if not all of them just 2 weeks prior for Dom'nic's birthday bowling bash. Only 3 stops in total (4 if you count going back to pick up Bailey), and we were home again that evening with time to spare for ourselves.
I still think the quote of the trip was:
"... Harry please don't hit Bailey with your potato."
Quality time spent together for he remainder of the weekend; a jaunt to Ikea for some new shelving to get the new playroom together, a sunny afternoon hike on a new trail that'd been under our noses this entire time, and even story time at the bookstore with Lance.
Reflections of a different sort this evening. We're in the process of migrating the home computer from an old Dell PC o a new shiny iMac. One of the greater tasks and intended uses will be compiling the multimedia efforts that are doing so well documenting Harry's existence... and by default our own.
Imported the photos from the year so far, and it's amazing. When they get pulled in, they each flash up on the screen for abut a half a second each, in something vaguely representing chronological order. It's increadible to see this pass in front of you so quickly. In the course of about 15 minutes, I vividly was able to re-live his year so far.
I had this happen once before, when I pulled my own pictures from the recesses of the Dell, which at that point had been comprised of the 2 laptops worth of photos accumulated while still with the Capitals, and anything else I had come up with at home over the last 4 years. That was one thing. Those weren't really that important... lots of hockey & BMW pictures culled from the web... but interesting nonetheless.
These were important. These were the memories, however fresh, that even for a fleeting second, were right at the front of the brain. I could immediately recall waht was going on in the background when I took that picture, where I was standing when Kim did, or what I was likely doing while she was out with the camera.
Things that seem so long ago, like swimming lessons at the Rec Center. Things that seem like they lasted forever, like Harry's cast, that went flashing by in a matter of a minute or so. These are the things from my own childhood that I can't for the life of me recall.
Kim's always been on me for not being able to remember anything about being a kid in my family. I don't really know why I don't recall as much as she does, because we do have pictures to prove that I indeed was once a kid... it's just that the peripheral memory has never been there, so to have it thrust upon you, even if it's only images of the last 11+ months, it's an incredible feeling.
It'll be even more interesting when I get some time to load the previous years' pics...
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
"oneuhponatime"
...as in: "oneuhponatime there was daddy bear, mama bear and baby bear."
Translation: "Once upon a time there was a papa bear, a mama bear, and a baby bear."
Harry reads to us now. I am so proud! He hasn't memorized the words, and he isn't reading the letters, but, more important, he tells a story based on each page...and each page is a new story that begins "oneuhponatime."
When it came to Goldilocks he remembered her name, he knew the bears made "oatmeal, " went outside, "Oh, no!" Goldilocks breaks the chair, etc..."The End." He even stopped to ask what I thought would happen next. "What happen next?" Shoulders shrugged, one palm in the air.
In Curious George and the Rocket Ship he noted the "Spaceship" and commented that George received a letter...he even counted "5-4-3-2-Blast Off!"
Yes, this is a proud moment indeed.
...as in: "oneuhponatime there was daddy bear, mama bear and baby bear."
Translation: "Once upon a time there was a papa bear, a mama bear, and a baby bear."
Harry reads to us now. I am so proud! He hasn't memorized the words, and he isn't reading the letters, but, more important, he tells a story based on each page...and each page is a new story that begins "oneuhponatime."
When it came to Goldilocks he remembered her name, he knew the bears made "oatmeal, " went outside, "Oh, no!" Goldilocks breaks the chair, etc..."The End." He even stopped to ask what I thought would happen next. "What happen next?" Shoulders shrugged, one palm in the air.
In Curious George and the Rocket Ship he noted the "Spaceship" and commented that George received a letter...he even counted "5-4-3-2-Blast Off!"
Yes, this is a proud moment indeed.
One more reason I am glad I'm not flying anymore.
And the kid was 22 months old. That is more 2 than 1.
Fine, nurse in public. Whatever.
But if you are unhappy with the way an establishment handles your public exposure, is it fair to the rest of us to have a couple of dozen boobs thrown in our faces? Why not boycott the establishments instead? No one wants screaming kids in Starbucks anyway.
And the kid was 22 months old. That is more 2 than 1.
Fine, nurse in public. Whatever.
But if you are unhappy with the way an establishment handles your public exposure, is it fair to the rest of us to have a couple of dozen boobs thrown in our faces? Why not boycott the establishments instead? No one wants screaming kids in Starbucks anyway.
Monday, November 20, 2006
Heartbreaking
I took Harry for is flu shot on Saturday. He didn't want to go to the doctor. He wanted a different doctor, one that wouldn't look at his leg or make him lay down.
I told him he would see a nurse and I could hold him. He said that was okay. However, wouldn't you know he got jabbed in his "bad" leg. He told the nurse "My leg hurts" and then he told me "My can't walk no more." Physically, he could walk just fine. And I am sure his leg did hurt. But he convinced himself that he broke his leg again. He was very distraught on the way home, and once he got there only played with his "broken leg toys" which included puzzles and a keyboard. He stayed in one spot on the floor, even when Noah came over to play. He even begged Noah to get his Mimo since he couldn't move. "Please. PLEASE get my Mimo. PLEASE." Sigh. I wanted to cry myself.
Luckily, with the help of some pizza and Noah playing with his toys, he started running around and giggling. Thanks to the Coltons for fixing Harry's leg!
As for the PTSD issue...it is upsetting. Especially for me, since Harry won't let me wear anything remotely resembling a lab coat, no matter how cold I am!
I took Harry for is flu shot on Saturday. He didn't want to go to the doctor. He wanted a different doctor, one that wouldn't look at his leg or make him lay down.
I told him he would see a nurse and I could hold him. He said that was okay. However, wouldn't you know he got jabbed in his "bad" leg. He told the nurse "My leg hurts" and then he told me "My can't walk no more." Physically, he could walk just fine. And I am sure his leg did hurt. But he convinced himself that he broke his leg again. He was very distraught on the way home, and once he got there only played with his "broken leg toys" which included puzzles and a keyboard. He stayed in one spot on the floor, even when Noah came over to play. He even begged Noah to get his Mimo since he couldn't move. "Please. PLEASE get my Mimo. PLEASE." Sigh. I wanted to cry myself.
Luckily, with the help of some pizza and Noah playing with his toys, he started running around and giggling. Thanks to the Coltons for fixing Harry's leg!
As for the PTSD issue...it is upsetting. Especially for me, since Harry won't let me wear anything remotely resembling a lab coat, no matter how cold I am!
Friday, November 17, 2006
Motivation
I left the house today at 8:30 with eyeliner, stockings, a skirt and heels on. Polished ones!
Meeting for work you ask? Nope! Meeting for preschool! I pulled out all of the stops, and was almost ready to offer a $2000 bribe for a playground shade. (Harry's money of course). I wasn't sure if it would get us in, or if we'd be black balled. It's a fine line.
It is not that we are just crazy and obsessive...every preschool around here has a wait list! And to find one that offers before and after care, allows diapers, and doesn't teach kids about Santa is harder than getting into Yale. But, we have been on the list at this school for a while. They THINK we will get in by August or September. Cross your fingers!
I left the house today at 8:30 with eyeliner, stockings, a skirt and heels on. Polished ones!
Meeting for work you ask? Nope! Meeting for preschool! I pulled out all of the stops, and was almost ready to offer a $2000 bribe for a playground shade. (Harry's money of course). I wasn't sure if it would get us in, or if we'd be black balled. It's a fine line.
It is not that we are just crazy and obsessive...every preschool around here has a wait list! And to find one that offers before and after care, allows diapers, and doesn't teach kids about Santa is harder than getting into Yale. But, we have been on the list at this school for a while. They THINK we will get in by August or September. Cross your fingers!
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Sam I Am
Harry has made friends with a new Ty stuffed dog that has been in his collection since before he was born. He is a super soft brown and white beagle looking dog that Harry has named Sam. "This is my friend Sam." Sam joined us for dinner and story time, but even though Sam was hungry, Harry ate is cookies. Sam is cuddled up next to him right now.
Oh, and as for the pronunciation of Sam, it ain't Jesse Jackson's version. He sounds a bit more like John Houseman, explaining how Smith Barney made money the old fasioned way.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Success!
Yes, Kevin finally posted!!!!
Just kidding...I meant to give an update on the success of the big boy bed. Somehow I actually managed to wake up at 5:30 today and I was downstairs when Harry awoke an hour later. I heard a tiny little "help me" and was relieved to hear that, since he didn't make a peep all night. I went in and he was all smiles, sitting on the end of the bed with his guys.
Mommy: How was the big boy bed, Harry? How did you sleep.
Harry (in typical fashion): Good. My do play-doh now.
Now, if only potty training will prove as easy!
Yes, Kevin finally posted!!!!
Just kidding...I meant to give an update on the success of the big boy bed. Somehow I actually managed to wake up at 5:30 today and I was downstairs when Harry awoke an hour later. I heard a tiny little "help me" and was relieved to hear that, since he didn't make a peep all night. I went in and he was all smiles, sitting on the end of the bed with his guys.
Mommy: How was the big boy bed, Harry? How did you sleep.
Harry (in typical fashion): Good. My do play-doh now.
Now, if only potty training will prove as easy!
Sunday, November 05, 2006
It's been a while since I've posted much, which is not to say there hasn't been anything going on, or worth mentioning. On the contrary, things have been so busy the last few weeks, that getting something down in writing has unfortunately been far from the top of the agenda.
Harry's been very much 2 lately. s you may have heard, 3 of the other kids at daycare left for pre-school in a 3 or 4 week period recently, so now it's him and an infant. great for plenty of one-on-one attention all day, but as we were discussing today, it seems like this has gotten him nothing but his way, with no need really to share, wait his turn, or anything that remotely resembles a need to have manners. This has obviously carried over to everyday life at home, or it likely wouldn't have come up.
The fact that we can safely say that I'm at least as stubborn as he is, makes for some interesting "discussions" about when and which jacket needs to be worn, as the weather is beginning
to turn... you get the idea.
However, then there are those moments that really show how much his brain is growing and absorbing... my vocalized frustrations with assembling his new big-boy bed from IKEA today were immediately met with him running in from 2 rooms away...
"wha' sa matter daddy... my come and help... my help you."
While he certainly seems to be able to throw his version of a meltdown/tantrum on a whim, he also seems to be able to rationalize certain things when he feels like it. Kim was gone for more training for the new job this past week, and every day that I showed up to pick him up from daycare at the end of the day, I could hear him shouting a little louder that "My mommy's here!!!" from the other side of the door, only to be a little less diisappointed each time that it was still only me. Fully expecting the tears to flow and the uncontrollable wails to begin, it was reassuring that he was dealing with it all in his own way.
Of course, the screams of excitement when we made the clubhouse turn on Friday afternoon, and Kim's work car was back in its rightful spot in the driveway didn't come close to those that filled the house when he saw her inside!
So tonight's Harry's first night in his twin bed. Luckily (depending on how you look at it), he hadn't napped at all for the whole weekend, and had done quite a bit, so he was exhausted. At this moment, he's been fast asleep in essentially the same spot. It'll be even more interesting to see what happens when he wakes up tomorrow... if he calls us from bed (over the monitor) or comes to the stairs...
Harry's been very much 2 lately. s you may have heard, 3 of the other kids at daycare left for pre-school in a 3 or 4 week period recently, so now it's him and an infant. great for plenty of one-on-one attention all day, but as we were discussing today, it seems like this has gotten him nothing but his way, with no need really to share, wait his turn, or anything that remotely resembles a need to have manners. This has obviously carried over to everyday life at home, or it likely wouldn't have come up.
The fact that we can safely say that I'm at least as stubborn as he is, makes for some interesting "discussions" about when and which jacket needs to be worn, as the weather is beginning
to turn... you get the idea.
However, then there are those moments that really show how much his brain is growing and absorbing... my vocalized frustrations with assembling his new big-boy bed from IKEA today were immediately met with him running in from 2 rooms away...
"wha' sa matter daddy... my come and help... my help you."
While he certainly seems to be able to throw his version of a meltdown/tantrum on a whim, he also seems to be able to rationalize certain things when he feels like it. Kim was gone for more training for the new job this past week, and every day that I showed up to pick him up from daycare at the end of the day, I could hear him shouting a little louder that "My mommy's here!!!" from the other side of the door, only to be a little less diisappointed each time that it was still only me. Fully expecting the tears to flow and the uncontrollable wails to begin, it was reassuring that he was dealing with it all in his own way.
Of course, the screams of excitement when we made the clubhouse turn on Friday afternoon, and Kim's work car was back in its rightful spot in the driveway didn't come close to those that filled the house when he saw her inside!
So tonight's Harry's first night in his twin bed. Luckily (depending on how you look at it), he hadn't napped at all for the whole weekend, and had done quite a bit, so he was exhausted. At this moment, he's been fast asleep in essentially the same spot. It'll be even more interesting to see what happens when he wakes up tomorrow... if he calls us from bed (over the monitor) or comes to the stairs...
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....
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