 |
| Click to enlarge |
Friday, March 29, 2013
March 28, 2013 ~ Singing Up A Storm
Drawn In Thursdays is coming...I think. Let's see how busy I really am...
Billy has a love of singing. And thanks to daycare, he now knows lyrics to songs. This was the serenade I got on the car ride home yesterday.
"Twinkle little star,
Up up the world so high
Twinkle little star, twinkle twinkle little star,
Diamond in sky,
Twinkle little star!
Itsy bitsy spider
climbed up the spider spider
Down came the rain and
Itsy bitsy spider
Sun in sky and
Itsy bitsy spider
Cow jumped over the moon
A b c d f m g,
h and k j l and b,
w s,
p m b,
w s,
y and b
next time won't you sing with me...
twinkle little star,
up up in the world so high
twinkle little star!"
That's his song and he's sticking to it!
Billy has a love of singing. And thanks to daycare, he now knows lyrics to songs. This was the serenade I got on the car ride home yesterday.
"Twinkle little star,
Up up the world so high
Twinkle little star, twinkle twinkle little star,
Diamond in sky,
Twinkle little star!
Itsy bitsy spider
climbed up the spider spider
Down came the rain and
Itsy bitsy spider
Sun in sky and
Itsy bitsy spider
Cow jumped over the moon
A b c d f m g,
h and k j l and b,
w s,
p m b,
w s,
y and b
next time won't you sing with me...
twinkle little star,
up up in the world so high
twinkle little star!"
That's his song and he's sticking to it!
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
March 26, 2013 ~ No, Play That Other Song
Awhile back I posted about Billy's love of the Chattanooga Choo Choo. Here's the post.
He hasn't asked for it in awhile. Well, he started asking for it again. It's on a mix CD (hey, remember those?) that I keep in my car.
So, I played the 'Chatnaga' Choo Choo at his request. The next song to come on in order was Fly Me To The Moon.
"Mommy, I no wanna hear Fly Me To The Moon. I wanna hear Chatnaga Choo Choo!".
Wait... was that my toddler knowing the name of the next song and then asking for a different song?
"We just heard the Choo Choo song. Let's listen to something else."
"Um, Kalamazoo."
Wait, is that my toddler remembering the name of ANOTHER song on the same CD? Why, yes. Yes, it is.
This conversion actually happened on the way home from Gammy's. The reason I mention it here is that last night on the way home Billy again asked for the Choo Choo song. Then Fly Me To The Moon came on and he started singing along with it. His favorite line? "Baby, kiss me." He thinks that's just so funny. Then he requested Kalamazoo and started singing it BEFORE I put it on. Oh, yes. He remembers the lyrics to that one too. Well, mainly just the "zoo, zoo, zoo, zoo part." He sang the two songs the whole time between getting home and bed (which thankfully wasn't that long). He went off to bed singing, "baby, kiss me!"
He hasn't asked for it in awhile. Well, he started asking for it again. It's on a mix CD (hey, remember those?) that I keep in my car.
So, I played the 'Chatnaga' Choo Choo at his request. The next song to come on in order was Fly Me To The Moon.
"Mommy, I no wanna hear Fly Me To The Moon. I wanna hear Chatnaga Choo Choo!".
Wait... was that my toddler knowing the name of the next song and then asking for a different song?
"We just heard the Choo Choo song. Let's listen to something else."
"Um, Kalamazoo."
Wait, is that my toddler remembering the name of ANOTHER song on the same CD? Why, yes. Yes, it is.
This conversion actually happened on the way home from Gammy's. The reason I mention it here is that last night on the way home Billy again asked for the Choo Choo song. Then Fly Me To The Moon came on and he started singing along with it. His favorite line? "Baby, kiss me." He thinks that's just so funny. Then he requested Kalamazoo and started singing it BEFORE I put it on. Oh, yes. He remembers the lyrics to that one too. Well, mainly just the "zoo, zoo, zoo, zoo part." He sang the two songs the whole time between getting home and bed (which thankfully wasn't that long). He went off to bed singing, "baby, kiss me!"
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
March 25, 2013 ~ Sledding. Finally!
Well, it finally snowed. It's Spring and we got our first significant snowfall of the year. We'd given up hope, but here it is!
Unfortunately, Billy didn't gt to enjoy too much of it. I was sure that daycare was going to be closed. The schools were. But daycare opened, so Billy went off to school and I went off to work.
After work I dressed Billy up in his winter get-up with snow pants and everything. We grabbed the toboggan and headed for the hills. This was Billy's first ever attempt to go sledding. Rain had turned some of the snow to mush and lessened the amount, but we hoped to find enough on the hills to attempt a run or two.
What luck!
Kids had turned the snow-covered hill to mostly grass with earlier sledding fun, but there was enough left to get some sledding in. I thought Billy was going to be scared. It's a big hill. But he hopped right into the sled and was ready to go. he giggled the whole way down.
We went down the hill a few more times before he informed me, "Mommy, this time I go just me." That's right. He wanted to go all by himself.
Not going to hover, not going to hover...
So I put him in the sled, gave him a push and prayed for dear life.
He giggled the whole way down. "Again, Mommy!"
Yep. Again and again he went down that big hill all by himself we me chasing the sled down the hill on foot. He didn't want to go inside, but the lack of daylight sent us in.
Here's looking forward to next winter!
Unfortunately, Billy didn't gt to enjoy too much of it. I was sure that daycare was going to be closed. The schools were. But daycare opened, so Billy went off to school and I went off to work.
After work I dressed Billy up in his winter get-up with snow pants and everything. We grabbed the toboggan and headed for the hills. This was Billy's first ever attempt to go sledding. Rain had turned some of the snow to mush and lessened the amount, but we hoped to find enough on the hills to attempt a run or two.
What luck!
Kids had turned the snow-covered hill to mostly grass with earlier sledding fun, but there was enough left to get some sledding in. I thought Billy was going to be scared. It's a big hill. But he hopped right into the sled and was ready to go. he giggled the whole way down.
We went down the hill a few more times before he informed me, "Mommy, this time I go just me." That's right. He wanted to go all by himself.
Not going to hover, not going to hover...
So I put him in the sled, gave him a push and prayed for dear life.
He giggled the whole way down. "Again, Mommy!"
Yep. Again and again he went down that big hill all by himself we me chasing the sled down the hill on foot. He didn't want to go inside, but the lack of daylight sent us in.
Here's looking forward to next winter!
Monday, March 25, 2013
The Sunday Post ~ Twas The Night Before Easter
A revisit from last year's Easter post:
Twas the night before Easter
And all through the house
The eggs were all dyed
stripes and flowers and one even looked like a mouse.
The baskets were placed by the back door with care
In hopes that the Easter Bunny soon would be there.
The children were tucked all snug in their beds
while visions of chocolate bunnies danced in their heads.
And Pa in his PJs and I in my gown
Had finished our running and just settled down.
When in the kids' bedroom there arose such a clatter
We sprang from our seats to see what was the matter.
Away to their door I flew with all speed
They were back asleep after one had gotten up and peed.
A late dinner awaited out on the deck.
It was a little too chilly, but hey, "what the heck?"
When out in the garden there was a flash of white fur.
He ran by so fast it was all just a blur.
With a cottonball tail and ears so funny
I knew in a moment it was the Easter Bunny!
He hopped up the step and hopped up one more.
Then then all a sudden he hopped through the door.
His fluffy fur was as white as snow.
And around his neck he wore a pink and yellow polka-dot bow.
And on his head a he wore a tophat
It held all the candy- it must be a magic hat!
Oh how it wiggled, that small bunny nose
And how long those feet, with their cute bunny toes.
His ears on his head reached up so high
A wonder they couldn't reach to the sky.
He filled each basket one by one
Then wiggled his nose when he was all done.
Choclates and peeps and candy galore.
But I thought to myself, "there must be some more!"
Then for each basket a final touch-
That chocolate bunny we all love so much.
Now he was finished and turned with a jerk.
Off to the kitchen to finish his work.
From the fridge he took the bowl of dyed eggs.
Then hopped out into the yard on his white, fuzzy legs.
He hid each one in the garden with care.
Under rocks, behind trees- he hid them with flare.
Then he winked at us and wiggled his nose
And dashed away beneath the primrose.
But I heard him exclaim as he hopped out of sight
"Happy Easter to all, and to all a good night!"
The Sunday Post ~ Twas The Night Before Easter
And all through the house
The eggs were all dyed
stripes and flowers and one even looked like a mouse.
The baskets were placed by the back door with care
In hopes that the Easter Bunny soon would be there.
The children were tucked all snug in their beds
while visions of chocolate bunnies danced in their heads.
And Pa in his PJs and I in my gown
Had finished our running and just settled down.
When in the kids' bedroom there arose such a clatter
We sprang from our seats to see what was the matter.
Away to their door I flew with all speed
They were back asleep after one had gotten up and peed.
A late dinner awaited out on the deck.
It was a little too chilly, but hey, "what the heck?"
When out in the garden there was a flash of white fur.
He ran by so fast it was all just a blur.
With a cottonball tail and ears so funny
I knew in a moment it was the Easter Bunny!
He hopped up the step and hopped up one more.
Then then all a sudden he hopped through the door.
His fluffy fur was as white as snow.
And around his neck he wore a pink and yellow polka-dot bow.
And on his head a he wore a tophat
It held all the candy- it must be a magic hat!
Oh how it wiggled, that small bunny nose
And how long those feet, with their cute bunny toes.
His ears on his head reached up so high
A wonder they couldn't reach to the sky.
He filled each basket one by one
Then wiggled his nose when he was all done.
Choclates and peeps and candy galore.
But I thought to myself, "there must be some more!"
Then for each basket a final touch-
That chocolate bunny we all love so much.
Now he was finished and turned with a jerk.
Off to the kitchen to finish his work.
From the fridge he took the bowl of dyed eggs.
Then hopped out into the yard on his white, fuzzy legs.
He hid each one in the garden with care.
Under rocks, behind trees- he hid them with flare.
Then he winked at us and wiggled his nose
And dashed away beneath the primrose.
But I heard him exclaim as he hopped out of sight
"Happy Easter to all, and to all a good night!"
Palm Sunday Weekend 2013
You know what happens when I'm excessively busy? I don't make it to the computer to post. I've been busy at work, busy at home.
Actually, it's kind of a funny story for what was going to be Thursday's post. Billy kept telling me about the alligator under the bed and how he needed to put his shoes on and had to be careful. This was randomly in the car, so not even related to bedtime. I was telling the story on Saturday and come to find out that his rendition closely resembles a children's book about an alligator under the bed. Here I thought he was super inventive, but he was just telling me the story he heard at school most likely.
Friday was a boring day. Nothing to report.
Saturday we started our day with a pillow pile. I pulled all of the cushions off of the couch and we took turns diving into the pillows. He thought this was the best thing ever. We got to "swim" in pillows.
After that we broke out the play dough. Billy decided to use it to "paint" his nails.
Well, at least it's blue.
After nap we went shopping. Carter's was having a sale and I'm in the market for a decent Easter outfit. No luck on that. But Billy did get to pick out his very own shoes. They don't fit him yet- maybe another few months, although he wants to wear them starting yesterday.
Oh yes. They have a collection of balls down the side that light up when he walks. I did my best to capture the awesomeness that is the light up shoes in this picture. I think I failed miserably. They are silver and navy blue.
After the shopping adventure it was off to see Gammy.
I know what you're asking... wait, who's Gammy? We've got Grandma, and Nana (Peepop's wife) and dearly departed Grandmother. Gammy is a good friend of Grandma. You know how some of your parents' friends are around so often they feel like family? That's Gammy (as she's requested to be called). She's not the only close family friend that I grew up with, but a very dear one to be sure.
Our little afternoon visit ran on so late that Billy didn't get to bed until well after bedtime. That's okay, gabbing with Gammy was worth it. Besides, Grandma and Gammy don't get to see each other nearly enough.
~
Palm Sunday
Well, we opted to go to the kids Mass very early in the morning. Palm Sunday is perhaps the longest Mass of the year, so fortunately they kept it short. That's relative- it was still well over an hour, but at least it wasn't the full High Mass that I usually go to. Billy wouldn't not have cooperated.
He was very good for Mass. It helped that he had a palm frond to inspect and play with until Daddy took it away. Billy bopped the head of the lady in the pew in front of us. Unfortunately, Daddy bopped Billy in the nose in the process of extricating the palm frond. That sent him into high-pitched wails just in time for Communion. But he was very well-behaved otherwise. We did have to make two trips to the potty- both successful. And he kept asking about the smell (incense).
I think the big thing that kept him quiet was that he wanted to see baby Jesus. The last time we were in Church he did get to see baby Jesus in the beautiful nativity scene in one of the smaller chapels. But, Christmas is over and the Nativity scene long put away. I took him up to the altar to look at the crucifix instead.
"But, Mommy, that's big Jesus"
"I know. But that last time we were here was his birthday. Now he's big. He grew up."
Okay, well, he bought it- for now. How does one explain the mystery that is religion to a two-year-old?
I know! Let's ask the Easter Bunny.
We got home from Church and headed over to the annual neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt.
It was bitterly cold, but the kids showed up in force. They all ran around collecting as many eggs as they can. Since I was on the hiding committee, I kept Billy from collecting more than 10 so that all of the kids could get some. I swear all of the eggs were gone in less than 5 minutes.
Two boys and their grandma showed up late to the hunt and missed out. I asked Billy if he would be okay with sharing. He went up to the boys and handed each of them an egg from his very own basket. Then he went around offering up other eggs to other children to make sure than everyone got one. I didn't tell him to do it. I asked him if he wanted to share. He did it of his own accord.
He also got to visit with the Easter Bunny.
Yes, he's creepy. We're going to see if we can't get the bunny some better digs for next year. Despite that, Billy was SO excited to meet the bunny. He followed him (really a her) around until the Easter Bunny's mom picked him (her) up in a car and drove away.
You should see Billy's face when he talks about the meeting the Easter Bunny. Smile from ear to ear. He can't wait for the Easter Bunny to come by on Easter and fill his basket with candy.
Look, Ma! The Easter Bunny is real!
Actually, it's kind of a funny story for what was going to be Thursday's post. Billy kept telling me about the alligator under the bed and how he needed to put his shoes on and had to be careful. This was randomly in the car, so not even related to bedtime. I was telling the story on Saturday and come to find out that his rendition closely resembles a children's book about an alligator under the bed. Here I thought he was super inventive, but he was just telling me the story he heard at school most likely.
Friday was a boring day. Nothing to report.
Saturday we started our day with a pillow pile. I pulled all of the cushions off of the couch and we took turns diving into the pillows. He thought this was the best thing ever. We got to "swim" in pillows.
After that we broke out the play dough. Billy decided to use it to "paint" his nails.
After nap we went shopping. Carter's was having a sale and I'm in the market for a decent Easter outfit. No luck on that. But Billy did get to pick out his very own shoes. They don't fit him yet- maybe another few months, although he wants to wear them starting yesterday.
After the shopping adventure it was off to see Gammy.
I know what you're asking... wait, who's Gammy? We've got Grandma, and Nana (Peepop's wife) and dearly departed Grandmother. Gammy is a good friend of Grandma. You know how some of your parents' friends are around so often they feel like family? That's Gammy (as she's requested to be called). She's not the only close family friend that I grew up with, but a very dear one to be sure.
Our little afternoon visit ran on so late that Billy didn't get to bed until well after bedtime. That's okay, gabbing with Gammy was worth it. Besides, Grandma and Gammy don't get to see each other nearly enough.
~
Palm Sunday
Well, we opted to go to the kids Mass very early in the morning. Palm Sunday is perhaps the longest Mass of the year, so fortunately they kept it short. That's relative- it was still well over an hour, but at least it wasn't the full High Mass that I usually go to. Billy wouldn't not have cooperated.
He was very good for Mass. It helped that he had a palm frond to inspect and play with until Daddy took it away. Billy bopped the head of the lady in the pew in front of us. Unfortunately, Daddy bopped Billy in the nose in the process of extricating the palm frond. That sent him into high-pitched wails just in time for Communion. But he was very well-behaved otherwise. We did have to make two trips to the potty- both successful. And he kept asking about the smell (incense).
I think the big thing that kept him quiet was that he wanted to see baby Jesus. The last time we were in Church he did get to see baby Jesus in the beautiful nativity scene in one of the smaller chapels. But, Christmas is over and the Nativity scene long put away. I took him up to the altar to look at the crucifix instead.
"But, Mommy, that's big Jesus"
"I know. But that last time we were here was his birthday. Now he's big. He grew up."
Okay, well, he bought it- for now. How does one explain the mystery that is religion to a two-year-old?
I know! Let's ask the Easter Bunny.
We got home from Church and headed over to the annual neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt.
It was bitterly cold, but the kids showed up in force. They all ran around collecting as many eggs as they can. Since I was on the hiding committee, I kept Billy from collecting more than 10 so that all of the kids could get some. I swear all of the eggs were gone in less than 5 minutes.
Two boys and their grandma showed up late to the hunt and missed out. I asked Billy if he would be okay with sharing. He went up to the boys and handed each of them an egg from his very own basket. Then he went around offering up other eggs to other children to make sure than everyone got one. I didn't tell him to do it. I asked him if he wanted to share. He did it of his own accord.
He also got to visit with the Easter Bunny.
Yes, he's creepy. We're going to see if we can't get the bunny some better digs for next year. Despite that, Billy was SO excited to meet the bunny. He followed him (really a her) around until the Easter Bunny's mom picked him (her) up in a car and drove away.
You should see Billy's face when he talks about the meeting the Easter Bunny. Smile from ear to ear. He can't wait for the Easter Bunny to come by on Easter and fill his basket with candy.
Look, Ma! The Easter Bunny is real!
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
March 19, 2013 ~ The Easter Bunny Ate My Hair
First, that person formally known as Grandpop is now Peepop. Despite my best efforts, this is the name Billy has settled on. Peepop it is.
We knew this day would come. It was inevitable. The day when Billy would ask where Peepop's hair went.
"The Easter Bunny ate my hair," Peepop laughed.
Billy was very concerned. I could see his little toddler mind processing this. First, the Easter Bunny will bring candy, next the Easter Bunny will eat all of his hair and then disappear into thin air leaving me with a boon of chocolate and a bald spot. Way to combine Halloween with Easter, Peepop, with a mutant bunny that goes around eating hair off of unsuspecting heads.
"Um, actually, Buster ate his hair!" I piped in. Buster is Peepop's dog. Seemed a likely choice. He's been known to eat a shoe or twenty.
There was a quick exchange of glances before Peepop caught on. "Oh, yeah, Buster ate my hair!"
Better than warding off a horrible hair-eating hare with magical powers.
Now we only have to worry about locking Buster up at bedtime when Billy sleeps over at Peepop's.
We knew this day would come. It was inevitable. The day when Billy would ask where Peepop's hair went.
"The Easter Bunny ate my hair," Peepop laughed.
Billy was very concerned. I could see his little toddler mind processing this. First, the Easter Bunny will bring candy, next the Easter Bunny will eat all of his hair and then disappear into thin air leaving me with a boon of chocolate and a bald spot. Way to combine Halloween with Easter, Peepop, with a mutant bunny that goes around eating hair off of unsuspecting heads.
"Um, actually, Buster ate his hair!" I piped in. Buster is Peepop's dog. Seemed a likely choice. He's been known to eat a shoe or twenty.
There was a quick exchange of glances before Peepop caught on. "Oh, yeah, Buster ate my hair!"
Better than warding off a horrible hair-eating hare with magical powers.
Now we only have to worry about locking Buster up at bedtime when Billy sleeps over at Peepop's.
March 18, 2013 ~ Clowning Around
Yes, I'm a day late in posting. But I'm busy busy busy.
Daddy and Billy went to the grocery store together, so I didn't get to see much of Billy. When I finally did get to see him, this is what I saw:
Yep. School decided to paint up Silly Billy like a clown. With real clown makeup. And me without any baby oil (a real clown's secret to removing clown make up). We had to scrub it off with baby lotion instead.
It took two parents to get the makeup off, between stubborn makeup and a stubborn toddler.
Daddy and Billy went to the grocery store together, so I didn't get to see much of Billy. When I finally did get to see him, this is what I saw:
It took two parents to get the makeup off, between stubborn makeup and a stubborn toddler.
Monday, March 18, 2013
March 17, 2013 ~ Snoopy Sauce
We started the weekend with a jaunt down to the court to finally try out the motorcycle on the street. He wanted to really open it up and get it going to top speed (of 1.7 mph).
He did not want to come inside. It was chilly and cloudy, but he was having too much fun tooling around with his little bike. He really wanted to take it out on the road, but I have a strict court-only rule. We did take it over to the pool parking lot, but the gentle slope of the hill proved treacherous. So much for that.
Due to a mild salon fiasco I ended up missing the whole afternoon with Billy. That's a long story filled with gripe.
Unfortunately, it was a crappy afternoon so we were stuck inside.
Here's Billy showing off his feats of strength by carrying his box o' blocks. It's full and rather heavy.
Oh yeah, and check out the sweater. I let him have a sheet of stickers. Do you know what happens when you give a sheet of stickers to a 2 year old? This:
~
St. Patrick's Day!
The first thing that Billy wanted to do on St. Pat's Day was watch Brave. In fact, he's had no love for this movie (it's scary) and I didn't suggest it. He decided he wanted to watch it. Fitting for the day, I think. He even told me the music in it was "Ire-rish music."
It was another yucky day so we were cleaning. Billy is terrified of vacuum cleaners. He loves them, but he's terrified.
Billy is hiding in his chair and protecting his stuffed friends from scary old roomba.
After two days of crappy weather Billy had cabin fever. So, I decided that the best thing to do on a cold almost snowy (it was snowing nearby) day was to go out for ice cream.
"Billy, what kind to you want?"
"Um... the pink one!"
Of course, he wanted the pink one. That would be strawberry gelato. I figured that was a safe bet with him, since he loves strawberries and ice cream.
I got mint chocolate chip gelato and let him try mine. He ate his for awhile, but then decided he liked mine better and so I gave mine to him. He ate the rest of mine and when that ran out went back to the strawberry.
At this point he had the shivers. Time to put an end to the ice cream. I threw out that whole cup of strawberry. He wailed, "I want more ice cream!" but there was nothing for it. It was already thrown out and he was shivering.
When we got home we curled up under a blanket to watch the end of Brave. In the middle of the movie he said to me, "Mommy, I know like that smell. What's that smell?"
I smelled it. Smelled like wine. But, Daddy has been making his own wine as a hobby, so I thought nothing of it.
Just then Daddy bounded down the steps having just woken up from his nap. "What's that smell?" he asked. "Smells like wine," I repeated. I must be the special P.I. Nose around here.
A string of expletives came out of his mouth as he dashed towards his wine making area. The carboy, a glass container for brewing, had been sitting on a milk crate. The old crate had collapsed under the weight of the wine, sending approximately 5 gallons of wine gushing all over the laundry room floor and into the bathroom and guest room. There was glass everywhere.
I bet you're wondering why I am telling you this story? I'm getting there.
Billy really wanted to help with the clean up. But we had on shoes- he didn't. Also, he's two. He shouldn't be cleaning up a.) wine or b.) glass. So, I told him he had to have shoes and that we were too busy to put his shoes on (you know, with wine soaking into the carpet and all).
He ran upstairs to fetch his tennis shoes and brought them back down. He really wanted me to put them on him, but again, there was wine and glass everywhere, so I didn't want him helping and didn't want to break from cleaning.
"Put them on yourself!" I suggested.
And he did just that. In under five minutes. Foiled again! He got to "help" for being so big that he was able to put his shoes on all by himself for the very first time.
A small sigh for the wine that was lost. It was done, just needed to be bottled.
~
By the time we got everything cleaned up it was after bedtime but Billy hadn't eaten dinner yet. I sat him down to eat a favorite soup of mine- potato and leek soup. I call it vichyssoise (although generally vichyssoise is served cold but it's the same thing.) Billy decided the name was Snoopy Sauce. By the way, he doesn't like Snoopy Sauce and he was pretty sure I hid a potato in it (okay, maybe 3).
He gave his Snoopy Sauce to me and opted for leftover Mac Mac instead. Then, being well past his bedtime, it was off to the land of Land of Nod.
Due to a mild salon fiasco I ended up missing the whole afternoon with Billy. That's a long story filled with gripe.
Unfortunately, it was a crappy afternoon so we were stuck inside.
Oh yeah, and check out the sweater. I let him have a sheet of stickers. Do you know what happens when you give a sheet of stickers to a 2 year old? This:
~
St. Patrick's Day!
The first thing that Billy wanted to do on St. Pat's Day was watch Brave. In fact, he's had no love for this movie (it's scary) and I didn't suggest it. He decided he wanted to watch it. Fitting for the day, I think. He even told me the music in it was "Ire-rish music."
It was another yucky day so we were cleaning. Billy is terrified of vacuum cleaners. He loves them, but he's terrified.
After two days of crappy weather Billy had cabin fever. So, I decided that the best thing to do on a cold almost snowy (it was snowing nearby) day was to go out for ice cream.
"Billy, what kind to you want?"
"Um... the pink one!"
Of course, he wanted the pink one. That would be strawberry gelato. I figured that was a safe bet with him, since he loves strawberries and ice cream.
I got mint chocolate chip gelato and let him try mine. He ate his for awhile, but then decided he liked mine better and so I gave mine to him. He ate the rest of mine and when that ran out went back to the strawberry.
At this point he had the shivers. Time to put an end to the ice cream. I threw out that whole cup of strawberry. He wailed, "I want more ice cream!" but there was nothing for it. It was already thrown out and he was shivering.
When we got home we curled up under a blanket to watch the end of Brave. In the middle of the movie he said to me, "Mommy, I know like that smell. What's that smell?"
I smelled it. Smelled like wine. But, Daddy has been making his own wine as a hobby, so I thought nothing of it.
Just then Daddy bounded down the steps having just woken up from his nap. "What's that smell?" he asked. "Smells like wine," I repeated. I must be the special P.I. Nose around here.
A string of expletives came out of his mouth as he dashed towards his wine making area. The carboy, a glass container for brewing, had been sitting on a milk crate. The old crate had collapsed under the weight of the wine, sending approximately 5 gallons of wine gushing all over the laundry room floor and into the bathroom and guest room. There was glass everywhere.
I bet you're wondering why I am telling you this story? I'm getting there.
Billy really wanted to help with the clean up. But we had on shoes- he didn't. Also, he's two. He shouldn't be cleaning up a.) wine or b.) glass. So, I told him he had to have shoes and that we were too busy to put his shoes on (you know, with wine soaking into the carpet and all).
He ran upstairs to fetch his tennis shoes and brought them back down. He really wanted me to put them on him, but again, there was wine and glass everywhere, so I didn't want him helping and didn't want to break from cleaning.
"Put them on yourself!" I suggested.
And he did just that. In under five minutes. Foiled again! He got to "help" for being so big that he was able to put his shoes on all by himself for the very first time.
A small sigh for the wine that was lost. It was done, just needed to be bottled.
~
By the time we got everything cleaned up it was after bedtime but Billy hadn't eaten dinner yet. I sat him down to eat a favorite soup of mine- potato and leek soup. I call it vichyssoise (although generally vichyssoise is served cold but it's the same thing.) Billy decided the name was Snoopy Sauce. By the way, he doesn't like Snoopy Sauce and he was pretty sure I hid a potato in it (okay, maybe 3).
He gave his Snoopy Sauce to me and opted for leftover Mac Mac instead. Then, being well past his bedtime, it was off to the land of Land of Nod.
The Sunday Post- I Want A Dress!
Imagine for a moment that you are two. You're two, so you love shiny things and bright colors. You're two, so you love lots of decorations. You're two, so you have no concept of gender. Now, imagine being two and walking into a store to buy an Easter outfit.
For the girls there are beautiful dress in vibrant colors or pastels. Each one has more decoration than the next. The have glitter, iridescence, bows, embroidery, jewels and lots of other frills.
For the boys they have jeans to match either plaid dress shirts or rugby shirts, or polos with plaid shorts. Whomp, whomp.
And now imagine that you are two AND a boy. Imagine that sinking feeling when you realize that girls get all the cool colors and all of the fun shiny stuff. And you're a boy, so you're not allowed and you don't understand why because gender means nothing to you.
Billy wants an Easter dress.
Okay, stop right there. I'm not buying him a dress even if he wailed about it (and he did). Yes, I made him a pink hat because he asked for one and pink is his favorite color. But, no. I won't be buying him a dress.
However, this is where I launch into a tirade at the kids clothing manufacturers. The only places I have ever been able to find decent holiday garb for a boy have been in the boutique shops. No, I don't want my little boy to look like a girl. But I would like him to look festive.
Hoodies for Christmas?
Jeans for Easter???
What kind of example are we setting for our young men if this is the height of fashion to aspire to? That dressing up means hoodies and jeans? Those are great for the playground. But where are the holiday vests, the sweet little sweaters, the seersucker suits?
I'm not talking dressing little boys up like they are ready for a drag show. But what about some frills for the boys? Why not?
I have half a mind to start making my own clothes for my son, just so he can have some simple, yet elegant detailing that he desires.
For the girls there are beautiful dress in vibrant colors or pastels. Each one has more decoration than the next. The have glitter, iridescence, bows, embroidery, jewels and lots of other frills.
For the boys they have jeans to match either plaid dress shirts or rugby shirts, or polos with plaid shorts. Whomp, whomp.
And now imagine that you are two AND a boy. Imagine that sinking feeling when you realize that girls get all the cool colors and all of the fun shiny stuff. And you're a boy, so you're not allowed and you don't understand why because gender means nothing to you.
Billy wants an Easter dress.
Okay, stop right there. I'm not buying him a dress even if he wailed about it (and he did). Yes, I made him a pink hat because he asked for one and pink is his favorite color. But, no. I won't be buying him a dress.
However, this is where I launch into a tirade at the kids clothing manufacturers. The only places I have ever been able to find decent holiday garb for a boy have been in the boutique shops. No, I don't want my little boy to look like a girl. But I would like him to look festive.
Hoodies for Christmas?
Jeans for Easter???
What kind of example are we setting for our young men if this is the height of fashion to aspire to? That dressing up means hoodies and jeans? Those are great for the playground. But where are the holiday vests, the sweet little sweaters, the seersucker suits?
I'm not talking dressing little boys up like they are ready for a drag show. But what about some frills for the boys? Why not?
I have half a mind to start making my own clothes for my son, just so he can have some simple, yet elegant detailing that he desires.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
March 11, 2013 ~ Bribery
I'm not beneath bribery.
Yeah, that was me in the store bribing Billy with ice cream if he would just behave and stop throwing random stuff into the grocery cart or running willy nilly own the aisles.
It worked. So, when we got home he got dessert first. That's right. Ice cream with chocolate. Then he got dinner. No worries. He ate most of it.
Sometimes you've got to live a little. And sometimes you've got to bribe your kid to behave.
Just don't tell Daddy...
Yeah, that was me in the store bribing Billy with ice cream if he would just behave and stop throwing random stuff into the grocery cart or running willy nilly own the aisles.
It worked. So, when we got home he got dessert first. That's right. Ice cream with chocolate. Then he got dinner. No worries. He ate most of it.
Sometimes you've got to live a little. And sometimes you've got to bribe your kid to behave.
Just don't tell Daddy...
Monday, March 11, 2013
March 10, 2013 ~ Shamrocks and Stuff
We had a very busy weekend, but here are the highlights:
Billy got to meet Cub's new siblings. Congrats to that family again on their new additions. Billy really liked the babies. Poor Cub. Billy brought him a balloon to congratulate him on becoming a big brother.
Billy really wanted to hold the babies. He got a turn with each one. Yes, I have pics and they are adorable, BUT I never post pics of other kids on my blog. So you'll just have to imagine it.
On the car ride home Daddy asked Billy if he wanted a sister or a brother. Billy decided that he wanted a sister. Then he informed us that "we need go to store and buy a sister. Yeah. I want buy one." Apparently, babies come from the store.
~
We have POOP!
What's a toddler to do when potty training? Hold his poop. For days. Then poop in his pants. It's what you do.
Billy was making the "poop" face on Saturday so I whisked him off to the bathroom. He produced the tiniest turd known to man. But, poop is poop! So, he got a bag of gummi bears, a balloon and to put on make up for the first time AND by himself.
(We're trying to make poop a big deal so he'll want to poop more often in the potty.)
What do you think happens when a toddler puts on his own make up? THIS:
You should enlarge the photo so you can see the blue streak down the cheek.
Then, all dolled up he went to play on his computer. I couldn't resist.
I'm pretty sure if he ever runs for office or becomes a movie star that this will be the embarrassing photo from his past.
~
We also went with Grandma to the Shamrock Shindig at Pierce's Park (let's call it SS@PP for short). There's no better place in Baltimore for an Irish Festival than Pierce's Park.
Here Billy is playing the musical fence.
You probably can't tell from the photo that there's thousands of people there and lots of loud Irish music. What's that you hear, Billy? "Ire-Rish moo-kiss!" We're still working on the pronunciation. There were kids' activity and lots of booze. Although, we weren't imbibing since it was morning. He really wanted an ice cream, but there were only 4 food trucks that I saw and none seemed to have ice cream. Oh, well. Maybe at a summer festival- although it was so warm it felt like summer! He had a great time running around the park and we were glad to run into cousins. We heard even more cousins were there, but with so many people we never found them.
There was the St. Patrick's Day Parade after the SS@PP but we didn't stay to see it. Nap time called and wanted a tired toddler.
~
Billy would like to wish Baby M a happy first birthday! Sorry to miss it but we'll see you soon!
Billy got to meet Cub's new siblings. Congrats to that family again on their new additions. Billy really liked the babies. Poor Cub. Billy brought him a balloon to congratulate him on becoming a big brother.
Billy really wanted to hold the babies. He got a turn with each one. Yes, I have pics and they are adorable, BUT I never post pics of other kids on my blog. So you'll just have to imagine it.
On the car ride home Daddy asked Billy if he wanted a sister or a brother. Billy decided that he wanted a sister. Then he informed us that "we need go to store and buy a sister. Yeah. I want buy one." Apparently, babies come from the store.
~
We have POOP!
What's a toddler to do when potty training? Hold his poop. For days. Then poop in his pants. It's what you do.
Billy was making the "poop" face on Saturday so I whisked him off to the bathroom. He produced the tiniest turd known to man. But, poop is poop! So, he got a bag of gummi bears, a balloon and to put on make up for the first time AND by himself.
(We're trying to make poop a big deal so he'll want to poop more often in the potty.)
What do you think happens when a toddler puts on his own make up? THIS:
You should enlarge the photo so you can see the blue streak down the cheek.
Then, all dolled up he went to play on his computer. I couldn't resist.
~
We also went with Grandma to the Shamrock Shindig at Pierce's Park (let's call it SS@PP for short). There's no better place in Baltimore for an Irish Festival than Pierce's Park.
You probably can't tell from the photo that there's thousands of people there and lots of loud Irish music. What's that you hear, Billy? "Ire-Rish moo-kiss!" We're still working on the pronunciation. There were kids' activity and lots of booze. Although, we weren't imbibing since it was morning. He really wanted an ice cream, but there were only 4 food trucks that I saw and none seemed to have ice cream. Oh, well. Maybe at a summer festival- although it was so warm it felt like summer! He had a great time running around the park and we were glad to run into cousins. We heard even more cousins were there, but with so many people we never found them.
There was the St. Patrick's Day Parade after the SS@PP but we didn't stay to see it. Nap time called and wanted a tired toddler.
~
Billy would like to wish Baby M a happy first birthday! Sorry to miss it but we'll see you soon!
Friday, March 8, 2013
Thursday, March 7, 2013
February 6, 2013 ~ The Blizzard That Wasn't
So there we are, Tuesday night, sitting around the TV listening to the weathermen tell us about the 6-12 inches of snow we're getting. Billy was all excited.
Finally. Finally! Maybe he would get a chance to go sledding.
That's right. Despite all of the snowstorms we've had this winter, none of them have produced enough snow to sled. And if they did, it rained immediately after, washing away all of that good sledding snow. If I were a stay-at-home-mom, he probably would have been this year. But nope. All of the snow was gone by the time I got home with every single storm this year. Poor Billy.
So here was his chance! How can you go wrong with 6 inches of snow? That's more than enough. Perfect. The sleds are ready!
We were not shocked come Wednesday morning to see that every school district was closed at that our daycare was too. We were hugely let down to see only a dusting of snow on the grass. That, of course, meant that our places of employment were open, even if the schools were not. Someone had to stay home with Billy- that was me.
We waited expectantly for the snow to pile up so we could go out and play. Just around naptime we had enough on the ground that I thought by end of nap we would be ready to head on out to that winter wonderland. We were ready.
And then it rained. And the rain washed all of the snow away. Billy woke up and the snow was gone. Poor Billy! He wanted to go outside and play in the snow. Instead, we were stuck inside playing with his toys.
So, if you see an errant snow storm looking for a place to drop 3+ inches of snow- let it know that Billy would like it to come visit and stay long enough for the chance to go sledding.
Finally. Finally! Maybe he would get a chance to go sledding.
That's right. Despite all of the snowstorms we've had this winter, none of them have produced enough snow to sled. And if they did, it rained immediately after, washing away all of that good sledding snow. If I were a stay-at-home-mom, he probably would have been this year. But nope. All of the snow was gone by the time I got home with every single storm this year. Poor Billy.
So here was his chance! How can you go wrong with 6 inches of snow? That's more than enough. Perfect. The sleds are ready!
We were not shocked come Wednesday morning to see that every school district was closed at that our daycare was too. We were hugely let down to see only a dusting of snow on the grass. That, of course, meant that our places of employment were open, even if the schools were not. Someone had to stay home with Billy- that was me.
We waited expectantly for the snow to pile up so we could go out and play. Just around naptime we had enough on the ground that I thought by end of nap we would be ready to head on out to that winter wonderland. We were ready.
And then it rained. And the rain washed all of the snow away. Billy woke up and the snow was gone. Poor Billy! He wanted to go outside and play in the snow. Instead, we were stuck inside playing with his toys.
So, if you see an errant snow storm looking for a place to drop 3+ inches of snow- let it know that Billy would like it to come visit and stay long enough for the chance to go sledding.
~ The Baltimore Blizzard of 2013 ~
~ Never Forget ~
(Yep, nope. Already forgotten.)
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
March 4, 2013 ~ I Grew Up
Having not seen me for 3 days all Billy wanted to do was cuddle (in front of the Cats Movie, Mommy! ~ that would be the AristoCats).
He informed me, "I grew up." I laughed, to which he replied, "Now I done can use shape knife."
"Nope, not that grown up yet."
He waited awhile and decided, "I grew up. I climb up attic ladder."
Nope. Still not that grown up.
But the best part was Daddy in the shower. Billy could hear a loud bang in the shower. "What's that?"
"Daddy dropped the soap, probably."
"Oh. Daddy in shower. Daddy drop soap. Uh, oh. Daddy need time out. Nope. Daddy got booboo. Soap gave Daddy booboo. Daddy need yellow band-aid. I get Daddy yellow bandaid. I make Daddy better."
I assure you that Daddy didn't need a bandaid, but sure was confused when he walked into the room and Billy informed him that he was getting Daddy a yellow bandaid for his booboo.
He informed me, "I grew up." I laughed, to which he replied, "Now I done can use shape knife."
"Nope, not that grown up yet."
He waited awhile and decided, "I grew up. I climb up attic ladder."
Nope. Still not that grown up.
But the best part was Daddy in the shower. Billy could hear a loud bang in the shower. "What's that?"
"Daddy dropped the soap, probably."
"Oh. Daddy in shower. Daddy drop soap. Uh, oh. Daddy need time out. Nope. Daddy got booboo. Soap gave Daddy booboo. Daddy need yellow band-aid. I get Daddy yellow bandaid. I make Daddy better."
I assure you that Daddy didn't need a bandaid, but sure was confused when he walked into the room and Billy informed him that he was getting Daddy a yellow bandaid for his booboo.
Monday, March 4, 2013
March 3, 2013 ~ Planes and More Planes
Sometimes I don't post because I'm too busy at work. Sometimes because I'm too tired at the end of the day with chores and the daily routine. And sometimes it's because I'm not near a computer.
Thursday night I had to work late. Very late. Big project.
While I was at work, Daddy was tasked with providing me an empty suitcase (not an easy feat in our house). The result of that activity was this:
Billy decided he would go with me and packed himself into the suitcase. "Okay, Mommy. I'm ready to go!"
No worries, I didn't actually pack my son into a suitcase. Instead, he went to the Air and Space Museum with Daddy.
I'm not sure why he's carrying a christmas bow through the museum. Better not to ask these questions, right?
(above photos courtesy of Daddy)
I, however, was dealing with a different airplane. The kind you ride on to far off, tropical places. Unfortunately, this particular tropical locale was having a bout of winter. Possibly the only winter weekend for the whole year and I got lucky enough to be there for it. I painted my toes and packed my bathing suit, but both were for naught. Too cold for bare feet or swimming.
Despite the weather, we trekked to the beach anyway.
This picture means nothing to you, but everything to me. I have so many memories of this place, 30 year old memories that are still fresh. Grandpop caught lots of fish off of this pier. And Grandma warned my toddler self about climbing on those rocks. Well, Grandma, I climbed on them this weekend and came away unscathed! The last time I stood there was 1985. We would have continued to go there every year, but with great sadness, Grandma's aunt passed away and she was the reason to visit this particular piece of paradise.
Still on the pier, now the beach is behind me. I swam in that water (not this weekend), caught starfish and collected seashells (again not this weekend). Far in the distance is a little pink speck of a building. It's actually a massive hotel. I always knew it fondly as the "Pink Don".
Long, long ago I used to beg my parents to take me in the ice cream parlor on the first floor of the Pink Don. I am happy to report that the ice cream parlor is still there, and the ice cream is delicious!
Wait, who's that beautiful and very pregnant lady next to me? Billy's godmother. (It stands to reason that this particular trip had something to do with her).
Anyways, I didn't get to see Billy all weekend, but Daddy reports that he is still alive, so that's good. Right?
Thursday night I had to work late. Very late. Big project.
While I was at work, Daddy was tasked with providing me an empty suitcase (not an easy feat in our house). The result of that activity was this:
No worries, I didn't actually pack my son into a suitcase. Instead, he went to the Air and Space Museum with Daddy.
(above photos courtesy of Daddy)
I, however, was dealing with a different airplane. The kind you ride on to far off, tropical places. Unfortunately, this particular tropical locale was having a bout of winter. Possibly the only winter weekend for the whole year and I got lucky enough to be there for it. I painted my toes and packed my bathing suit, but both were for naught. Too cold for bare feet or swimming.
Despite the weather, we trekked to the beach anyway.
Long, long ago I used to beg my parents to take me in the ice cream parlor on the first floor of the Pink Don. I am happy to report that the ice cream parlor is still there, and the ice cream is delicious!
Anyways, I didn't get to see Billy all weekend, but Daddy reports that he is still alive, so that's good. Right?
Thursday, February 28, 2013
February 26, 2013 ~ The Secret of the Firehouse
Every day on our way home we pass the firehouse. The trucks are never out in the driveway, but we can see the shiny red fire engines through the big windows. Often, I turn down the road in front of the firehouse so Billy can get a better look and go home the back way.
Billy really wants to see inside of the firehouse.
I tell him, "Not today. It's dinnertime. The firemen are eating." Or "Not today. It's bedtime. The firemen are sleeping."
So, now when we drive past the firehouse Billy shouts, "Firemen, wake up!" He also asks me repeatedly if we can eat dinner at the firehouse.
Every day, without fail, even if we don't drive past the firehouse, Billy asks to see inside the firehouse.
Why?
What is going on in his toddler brain that makes him want to see inside it so bad? Shiny fire trucks? Firemen with cool hats? Hoses and ladders? The prerequisite dalmatian?
This week he says to me, "Mommy, I know Santa Claus is at the firehouse. We go see firehouse. Santa give me candy."
Now, you're probably thinking to yourself, "Why would Santa be at the firehouse? He's in the North Pole right now getting ready for Christmas, right?"
I told this to Billy.
"No, Mommy. Santa drives a fire truck. Santa at firehouse. We go see him. I get candy."
Let's look at this photo from December:
We have Santa Claus, a fire truck, and Santa passing out candy.
Oh, yes, folks. He wears a red suit, rides in a fire truck, has a cool hat, big black boots. Clearly, Santa is a fireman!
And I bet all of those people searching for Santa at the North Pole feel silly now. All along he's just been down at the local fire station doing his part for the community.
And now I know why Billy can't wait to get inside the firehouse.
Billy really wants to see inside of the firehouse.
I tell him, "Not today. It's dinnertime. The firemen are eating." Or "Not today. It's bedtime. The firemen are sleeping."
So, now when we drive past the firehouse Billy shouts, "Firemen, wake up!" He also asks me repeatedly if we can eat dinner at the firehouse.
Every day, without fail, even if we don't drive past the firehouse, Billy asks to see inside the firehouse.
Why?
What is going on in his toddler brain that makes him want to see inside it so bad? Shiny fire trucks? Firemen with cool hats? Hoses and ladders? The prerequisite dalmatian?
This week he says to me, "Mommy, I know Santa Claus is at the firehouse. We go see firehouse. Santa give me candy."
Now, you're probably thinking to yourself, "Why would Santa be at the firehouse? He's in the North Pole right now getting ready for Christmas, right?"
I told this to Billy.
"No, Mommy. Santa drives a fire truck. Santa at firehouse. We go see him. I get candy."
Let's look at this photo from December:
Oh, yes, folks. He wears a red suit, rides in a fire truck, has a cool hat, big black boots. Clearly, Santa is a fireman!
And I bet all of those people searching for Santa at the North Pole feel silly now. All along he's just been down at the local fire station doing his part for the community.
And now I know why Billy can't wait to get inside the firehouse.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)