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| What did the Easter Bunny leave? |
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| What's this? |
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| My men in their Easter finery |
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| I found an egg! |
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| Let's hunt for more eggs! |
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| Is there an egg under here? |
Happy Easter, Have a Good Passover, Hello Spring!
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Easter in Photos 2012
Saturday, April 7, 2012
The Sunday Post ~ Twas The Night Before Easter
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!"
copyright Sharon White Hove 2012
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!"
copyright Sharon White Hove 2012
April 6, 2012 ~ Gone Zooey
Well, I was going to write a really sober post about the importance of today. Good Friday, Passover, Opening Day, landmark dates in my own life...
But I'm going to skip the somber and go right for the trip to the zoo today. Who wants to talk about religion anyway? j/k
Grandpop and I took Billy to the zoo today. He hasn't been since he was a little thing and probably has no memory of it. They had a big Easter thing at the zoo today for kids, but we went after- Billy's too young for that stuff anyway.
First up... giraffes.
But I'm going to skip the somber and go right for the trip to the zoo today. Who wants to talk about religion anyway? j/k
Grandpop and I took Billy to the zoo today. He hasn't been since he was a little thing and probably has no memory of it. They had a big Easter thing at the zoo today for kids, but we went after- Billy's too young for that stuff anyway.
First up... giraffes.
This one was eating so we got a nice view of his butt. So we went over to look at the other giraffe. He was standing next to the window. When Billy saw him all of the color drained from his face. The walls of the enclosures don't go to the ceiling so the giraffes can lean over. It did. Oh, the terror! But no screaming. I mean, Mommy wasn't afraid and Grandpop wasn't afraid. I had forgotten how tall they are in person. Must seem giant-sized to a pint-sized guy.
Then it was off to the elephants. They were swinging their trunks and dancing around for food. Billy pointed to each one, and again, and again. Boy, were they cool.
But, when you go to the zoo it's not to see the big animals. Oh, no. Big, scary, cool. But not why you go to the zoo. Every Billy knows the real reason you go to the zoo is to see MONKEYS!!! Before we even got up to the monkey house Billy started pointing and saying, "ee, ee!" No, there weren't any monkeys outside. And I don't think he can read yet- wait, I hope he can't read yet. There was only one monkey in the monkey house. Everybody else had gone in to dinner. But Billy pointed and said, "ee, ee!" (Recall that to Billy all things are known by what sound they make.)
Ok, one monkey is boring. So we went over to the chimpanzee exhibit next to the monkey house. I know chimps aren't monkeys, but since Billy seems to think all things round are balls and all things with wheels are Beepbeeps, let's just go with the "hey, at least it's in the same family" concept. The chimps were running and playing right in front of the window. He watched a pair scale the fenced wall. He was thrilled. THRILLED! Monkeys. That's what zoos are for.
Next to the chimp exhibit the same metal fence was enclosing some bamboo. Billy decided to try out his "monkey" skills and scale the fence like the chimps. It didn't work out. No opposable big toes. I think I'm ok with this...
And totally on theme and totally by accident, here's a video from this morning:
Friday, April 6, 2012
April 5, 2012 ~ Keep On Clicking
You know, now that Billy is 18 months old, it occurs to me that I've taken.. oh, roughly 3,000 photos of him since he was born. That's a lot of photos. Probably more than have ever been taken of me in my whole life. Hell, probably double. I've taken so many that my computer is running out of room. Yeah, that many.
The funny thing is that I don't think I'm the 'clickiest' Mom out there. Just average. But digital makes it so easy to just keep popping off more shots until you get the perfect one. Of course, when it's your kid, every little thing is cute and you keep on clicking away.
I think back to the days of film. When I went to Ireland I shot a whopping 72 rolls of film. Granted, it was a photographic walkabout. So, there's that. You don't even want to know how much it cost to develop all of those rolls. Ok, I might have been the 'clickiest' on that trip. And I sure love to take pictures. But even that can't compare with the amount of pictures of just one small person that I have taken over a year and a half.
I think digital makes us all photo crazy. Seriously, there might be 10 really great photos of me as a small child. And my Mom has a photography degree. These days it's not a picture that's worth a thousand words, it's a word worth a thousand pictures. I see people taking photos everywhere with all sorts of devices. And it's instant gratification. Like a polaroid, but without all of the shaking. Instant. Who cares about a bowl of cereal? Ok, well, that potato photo on facebook this morning was totally worth it.
Meanwhile, you're probably wondering why this photo nut hasn't been posting photos either here or on facebook. You know, when you move it's the small things that disappear. Not my cameras. Those I can locate. Nope. Try, the battery chargers. Yup. Totally lost. Just found one yesterday. I possibly took a total of 25 photos in March to try to preserve the battery life so I could keep on clicking.
But now the charger is found and I can return to my click-mania. I know what you're thinking... "nut job!" Yeah, but he's just so cute!
The funny thing is that I don't think I'm the 'clickiest' Mom out there. Just average. But digital makes it so easy to just keep popping off more shots until you get the perfect one. Of course, when it's your kid, every little thing is cute and you keep on clicking away.
I think back to the days of film. When I went to Ireland I shot a whopping 72 rolls of film. Granted, it was a photographic walkabout. So, there's that. You don't even want to know how much it cost to develop all of those rolls. Ok, I might have been the 'clickiest' on that trip. And I sure love to take pictures. But even that can't compare with the amount of pictures of just one small person that I have taken over a year and a half.
I think digital makes us all photo crazy. Seriously, there might be 10 really great photos of me as a small child. And my Mom has a photography degree. These days it's not a picture that's worth a thousand words, it's a word worth a thousand pictures. I see people taking photos everywhere with all sorts of devices. And it's instant gratification. Like a polaroid, but without all of the shaking. Instant. Who cares about a bowl of cereal? Ok, well, that potato photo on facebook this morning was totally worth it.
Meanwhile, you're probably wondering why this photo nut hasn't been posting photos either here or on facebook. You know, when you move it's the small things that disappear. Not my cameras. Those I can locate. Nope. Try, the battery chargers. Yup. Totally lost. Just found one yesterday. I possibly took a total of 25 photos in March to try to preserve the battery life so I could keep on clicking.
But now the charger is found and I can return to my click-mania. I know what you're thinking... "nut job!" Yeah, but he's just so cute!
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
April 3, 2012 ~ Mom's Night Off
It's rare that I get any time to myself. Now, don't get me wrong... I still made dinner, took Billy for a bike ride and did an hour's worth of chores all after work, plus an early start for Billy's check-up this morning. But, I decided it was high time to have some time...for myself.
I took a bubble bath. It's been literally years since I've taken a bubble bath. Too much to do, too many toys in the tub. I want to say some time in 2009? It's about time.
And I treated myself to a cup of tea. I ran out of my favorite tea over six months ago, but since it's a specialty tea I can only get it at select stores that I never go to- except to get this tea. I finally made it there and had a cup. Yum! (African Red Bush with Lemongrass)
And I read a book. No, not the whole book.
Ah, bubble bath, tea and book. So if I stay on schedule, I'll enjoy you all again in... 2015!
And your Billy moment for the day:
"Billy, are you tired?"
"No."
"Would you tell me if you were tired?"
"No."
"Do you want to read a book?"
Thinks about it for a moment... "yes."
I took a bubble bath. It's been literally years since I've taken a bubble bath. Too much to do, too many toys in the tub. I want to say some time in 2009? It's about time.
And I treated myself to a cup of tea. I ran out of my favorite tea over six months ago, but since it's a specialty tea I can only get it at select stores that I never go to- except to get this tea. I finally made it there and had a cup. Yum! (African Red Bush with Lemongrass)
And I read a book. No, not the whole book.
Ah, bubble bath, tea and book. So if I stay on schedule, I'll enjoy you all again in... 2015!
And your Billy moment for the day:
"Billy, are you tired?"
"No."
"Would you tell me if you were tired?"
"No."
"Do you want to read a book?"
Thinks about it for a moment... "yes."
Monday, April 2, 2012
April 2, 2012 ~ Jumping In Crib
Let's set the scene:
The room is all dark except for the planets glowing overhead from our planetary projector. Vivaldi's violins set the scene as spring and the sounds of waterfalls on distant African shores waft through the air. It's night; it's bedtime.
In the crib are all of the luvies a toddler could hope for. They line the edge of the crib. Blankets too. Soft ones, thin ones, heavy ones. And a baby pillow.
"More milk?" I ask as I rock him?
"No! Elmo book!" (Actually a Sesame Street book without Elmo in it, possibly from BEFORE Elmo...) Remember, it's dark. But he tries to read the "Elmo book" anyway. He gives up when he can't see the pictures. Oh, wait. Now the milk is appealing.
I put him down iin his crib after our usual bedtime routine. He lays down and is quiet while I walk out. Seconds later- screaming. So I go back in and he is sitting in his crib asking for a "MeMe". Not to be confused with a meme... MeMe is his binky. Then he wants his lamb, which is in the other room. Oh, and yellow bear too. I try to find his favorite- Tigger, but I think Tigger might have been left at church (OMG...no!!!).
"Will you lay down?"
"No!"
He stood up and asked to be picked up.
"No. It's bedtime."
Just then a lively classical tune was playing. He started dancing a jig in his crib. That got him to thinking...'if I can dance, can I bounce?' Hopping is his new thing. He loves to hop. So he walked to the center of the crib and started jumping up and down, giggling hysterically.
Cribs: not just for sleeping anymore.
He's finally asleep... what time is it?
The room is all dark except for the planets glowing overhead from our planetary projector. Vivaldi's violins set the scene as spring and the sounds of waterfalls on distant African shores waft through the air. It's night; it's bedtime.
In the crib are all of the luvies a toddler could hope for. They line the edge of the crib. Blankets too. Soft ones, thin ones, heavy ones. And a baby pillow.
"More milk?" I ask as I rock him?
"No! Elmo book!" (Actually a Sesame Street book without Elmo in it, possibly from BEFORE Elmo...) Remember, it's dark. But he tries to read the "Elmo book" anyway. He gives up when he can't see the pictures. Oh, wait. Now the milk is appealing.
I put him down iin his crib after our usual bedtime routine. He lays down and is quiet while I walk out. Seconds later- screaming. So I go back in and he is sitting in his crib asking for a "MeMe". Not to be confused with a meme... MeMe is his binky. Then he wants his lamb, which is in the other room. Oh, and yellow bear too. I try to find his favorite- Tigger, but I think Tigger might have been left at church (OMG...no!!!).
"Will you lay down?"
"No!"
He stood up and asked to be picked up.
"No. It's bedtime."
Just then a lively classical tune was playing. He started dancing a jig in his crib. That got him to thinking...'if I can dance, can I bounce?' Hopping is his new thing. He loves to hop. So he walked to the center of the crib and started jumping up and down, giggling hysterically.
Cribs: not just for sleeping anymore.
He's finally asleep... what time is it?
Sunday, April 1, 2012
April 1, 2012 ~ Eggs, Palms and Potato Chips
So, this weekend we took Billy to a warm location with palms and fed him eggs and potato chips. Haha, no. April Fools! (I'm the one fooled- I'd like to be in a tropical location...)
We started this morning with pancakes. I made pancakes and juice for Billy. Juice is always a big hit. The pancakes? One bite for me... the rest to Buddy, one bite for me, the rest to Buddy. So on and so on, until I gave up and no more pancakes. The juice set off a sugar high and Billy literally did jigs around the house, singing to himself.
Then we had a trip to Church. It's Palm Sunday, the first day of Holy Week and the day we get our palms (actual palm fronds). We gave Billy his own palm, grabbed a pew and hoped for the best. But he would not sit still. Daddy and I took turns walking him around Church. I really wanted to listen to the Mass since Cardinal O'Brien was saying it, but with a toddler, I got to hear very little.
Anyway, we discovered that Billy is obsessed with the statue of St. Vincent de Paul, who is holding a small child. He just wanted to stare at it. Daddy incorrectly informed him (unbeknownst to me) that the child was baby Jesus. So, Billy started calling the child baby Jays. He even tried multiple times to give his Yellow Bear to the baby.
After Church it was on to the Easter Egg Hunt in our neighborhood. We joined all of the kiddies to run around the field picking up eggs. Billy didn't quite get it. I would have to walk over and point at the egg. Then he would come over and pick it up and run around. Ooh, stick! Sticks are way more exciting than plastic eggs filled with candy. Somehow, Billy found an egg with a sticker in it. This meant he won a prize. I did not find it. I did point out the sealed egg for him to pick up, but had no idea of the contents. He is currently sleeping with the little lamb that he won, refusing to let go of it. He loves it! He also got to meet the Easter Bunny. Did you know how scary he is? At least he gives out awesome little lamb prizes.
After the egg hunt Grandma came over. Wait, did I hear a nap in there somewhere? He's one, where's the nap??? Yeah, no nap. We snuck in lunch. Be he refused to sleep. No nap. Super baby.
So, Grandma came over and brought with her a late lunch for herself. Bad move Grandma! Billy stole my lunch today and then went on to steal Grandma's! He ate ALL of her potato chips. He started with a few, kept going back over to her to get more, got the bag, ate everything out of the bag (single serving bag), then started sneaking them off of her plate. Yep. Poor Grandma.
We also got outside today. Billy helped pull ivy out of the garden. He wanted to be a big help and tromped right through the garden to give Daddy a hand. He pulled and pulled at the ivy (to no avail). And then ran around picking up the loose pieces to help Daddy put them in a bag.
Super Baby did finally crash at 5:30 and slept until 7. At least he got that nap in there somewhere. It's been a busy day!
We started this morning with pancakes. I made pancakes and juice for Billy. Juice is always a big hit. The pancakes? One bite for me... the rest to Buddy, one bite for me, the rest to Buddy. So on and so on, until I gave up and no more pancakes. The juice set off a sugar high and Billy literally did jigs around the house, singing to himself.
Then we had a trip to Church. It's Palm Sunday, the first day of Holy Week and the day we get our palms (actual palm fronds). We gave Billy his own palm, grabbed a pew and hoped for the best. But he would not sit still. Daddy and I took turns walking him around Church. I really wanted to listen to the Mass since Cardinal O'Brien was saying it, but with a toddler, I got to hear very little.
Anyway, we discovered that Billy is obsessed with the statue of St. Vincent de Paul, who is holding a small child. He just wanted to stare at it. Daddy incorrectly informed him (unbeknownst to me) that the child was baby Jesus. So, Billy started calling the child baby Jays. He even tried multiple times to give his Yellow Bear to the baby.
After Church it was on to the Easter Egg Hunt in our neighborhood. We joined all of the kiddies to run around the field picking up eggs. Billy didn't quite get it. I would have to walk over and point at the egg. Then he would come over and pick it up and run around. Ooh, stick! Sticks are way more exciting than plastic eggs filled with candy. Somehow, Billy found an egg with a sticker in it. This meant he won a prize. I did not find it. I did point out the sealed egg for him to pick up, but had no idea of the contents. He is currently sleeping with the little lamb that he won, refusing to let go of it. He loves it! He also got to meet the Easter Bunny. Did you know how scary he is? At least he gives out awesome little lamb prizes.
After the egg hunt Grandma came over. Wait, did I hear a nap in there somewhere? He's one, where's the nap??? Yeah, no nap. We snuck in lunch. Be he refused to sleep. No nap. Super baby.
So, Grandma came over and brought with her a late lunch for herself. Bad move Grandma! Billy stole my lunch today and then went on to steal Grandma's! He ate ALL of her potato chips. He started with a few, kept going back over to her to get more, got the bag, ate everything out of the bag (single serving bag), then started sneaking them off of her plate. Yep. Poor Grandma.
We also got outside today. Billy helped pull ivy out of the garden. He wanted to be a big help and tromped right through the garden to give Daddy a hand. He pulled and pulled at the ivy (to no avail). And then ran around picking up the loose pieces to help Daddy put them in a bag.
Super Baby did finally crash at 5:30 and slept until 7. At least he got that nap in there somewhere. It's been a busy day!
The Sunday Post ~ Toddlers vs. Cats
So, you've successfully killed your houseplants and are now looking to get something bigger. You're probably wondering if you should go to the pet store and get something like a cat, or maybe pick up a toddler at the local toddler store. Before you bring a new little creature into your home, here's a handy-dandy comparison.
Disclaimer:
(This is not meant to taken seriously. It is a running joke between a friend and myself. She being a cat owner, and me being a mom. Toddlers cannot be purchased in stores. No houseplants were harmed in the making of this post.)
Disclaimer:
(This is not meant to taken seriously. It is a running joke between a friend and myself. She being a cat owner, and me being a mom. Toddlers cannot be purchased in stores. No houseplants were harmed in the making of this post.)
Friday, March 30, 2012
March 30, 2012 ~ Hot!
Today at dinnertime Billy waited patiently in his high chair for the mysterious food cooking in the pot on the stove. I had given him a plastic cup, cheerios, milk and a BeepBeep to keep him occupied. He gladly filled the cup with cheerios and then dumped it. Then repeated, remembering to shove a few in his mouth along the way.
Finally, the food was ready and boy, was it worth the wait. Out came a steaming, tasty bowl of...spaghetti!
Ooh, yum!
I sat it down in front of him with a fork and a spoon. He immediately dug right in. First with the spoon, then with his hand.
"Hot!" he cautioned. Nope. Not hot. Warm.
He went back to the spaghetti, studying it carefully. It's not so easy to eat. It won't stick to plastic and it's squirmy in your hands. He tried several methods to get the spaghetti into his mouth.
"Momma," he said, handing me the fork. Meaning, "Mommy, you do it."
I fed him a few spoonfuls and then handed the fork back to him. He tried a few more times, gave up and went back to eating with his hands. Now, I'm sure you're saying to yourself, "toddlers love to eat with their hands." True. He loves his edible finger paint (aka yogurt). Anything fried is awesome. But spaghetti is slippery, slimy and ooey-gooey red. He didn't want it on his hands.
"Momma," he asked, handing the fork back to me. So I fed him the rest of his bowl.
I suppose you could ask him why he wanted my help, when he normally refuses my help with feeding. Maybe it's the texture. Maybe he was so hungry that he didn't want to work for it. Maybe Mommy does it best. I'd like to think that my little boy wanted Mommy's help just because. But if I actually asked him, I imagine the only thing he would say is, "hot." And you guess is as good as mine as to what that means over a bowl of tepid spaghetti.
Finally, the food was ready and boy, was it worth the wait. Out came a steaming, tasty bowl of...spaghetti!
Ooh, yum!
I sat it down in front of him with a fork and a spoon. He immediately dug right in. First with the spoon, then with his hand.
"Hot!" he cautioned. Nope. Not hot. Warm.
He went back to the spaghetti, studying it carefully. It's not so easy to eat. It won't stick to plastic and it's squirmy in your hands. He tried several methods to get the spaghetti into his mouth.
"Momma," he said, handing me the fork. Meaning, "Mommy, you do it."
I fed him a few spoonfuls and then handed the fork back to him. He tried a few more times, gave up and went back to eating with his hands. Now, I'm sure you're saying to yourself, "toddlers love to eat with their hands." True. He loves his edible finger paint (aka yogurt). Anything fried is awesome. But spaghetti is slippery, slimy and ooey-gooey red. He didn't want it on his hands.
"Momma," he asked, handing the fork back to me. So I fed him the rest of his bowl.
I suppose you could ask him why he wanted my help, when he normally refuses my help with feeding. Maybe it's the texture. Maybe he was so hungry that he didn't want to work for it. Maybe Mommy does it best. I'd like to think that my little boy wanted Mommy's help just because. But if I actually asked him, I imagine the only thing he would say is, "hot." And you guess is as good as mine as to what that means over a bowl of tepid spaghetti.
March 29 ~ One More Hug
I dropped off Billy today at daycare, and just like every morning he didn't want to get down out of my arms. But then one of his friends had a toy he wanted and he hopped down to go get it. It was a little dog that belonged to another girl in the class. Suddenly, one of the kids started screaming for Billy to return it to its owner.
On a side note I have to say how weird it is for Billy to be in this class. All of the other students are vocal and can speak in full sentences. Some are fully potty trained. Billy is very talkative but we're still at "cackcack" for any bird and "beepbeep" for anything that has wheels. It's not like, "hey, Miss X, can I have some milk?" The best Billy could do is point and say "moo."
Anyways, now there's a kid screaming at Billy. So I lean down and I ask him, calmly, if he would return it to its owner. Mind you, the screaming kid was not the owner. The owner was preoccupied with a tea cup and couldn't care less. But Billy dutifully walked over to her and handed her the little dog and went to find another toy. The screaming stopped and everyone was happy. I didn't have to ask Billy twice and he didn't look to the adults for direction. He got it.
Then it was time for me to leave.
I tried to duck out the door, but he started crying (as usual) and ran to me. So I picked him up to give him his One More Hug. Head on my shoulder, arms wrapped tightly around my neck, and knees death-gripping my waist. He didn't want Mommy to go. But he knew it was his One More Hug, so when I put him down he didn't complain. Instead, he grabbed a toy and was off to the races.
When I was putting him to bed tonight he started screaming in his crib. That's actually unusual for him. So, I went back in to give him One More Hug. That's all he wanted. I held him for a few moments and then put him back to bed. He laid down without a sound and went straight to sleep.
Thank God for the One More Hug. It makes Billy a happy little boy.
On a side note I have to say how weird it is for Billy to be in this class. All of the other students are vocal and can speak in full sentences. Some are fully potty trained. Billy is very talkative but we're still at "cackcack" for any bird and "beepbeep" for anything that has wheels. It's not like, "hey, Miss X, can I have some milk?" The best Billy could do is point and say "moo."
Anyways, now there's a kid screaming at Billy. So I lean down and I ask him, calmly, if he would return it to its owner. Mind you, the screaming kid was not the owner. The owner was preoccupied with a tea cup and couldn't care less. But Billy dutifully walked over to her and handed her the little dog and went to find another toy. The screaming stopped and everyone was happy. I didn't have to ask Billy twice and he didn't look to the adults for direction. He got it.
Then it was time for me to leave.
I tried to duck out the door, but he started crying (as usual) and ran to me. So I picked him up to give him his One More Hug. Head on my shoulder, arms wrapped tightly around my neck, and knees death-gripping my waist. He didn't want Mommy to go. But he knew it was his One More Hug, so when I put him down he didn't complain. Instead, he grabbed a toy and was off to the races.
When I was putting him to bed tonight he started screaming in his crib. That's actually unusual for him. So, I went back in to give him One More Hug. That's all he wanted. I held him for a few moments and then put him back to bed. He laid down without a sound and went straight to sleep.
Thank God for the One More Hug. It makes Billy a happy little boy.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Drawn In Thursdays: Hygiene Enforcer #6
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| Click to Enlarge |
Been wondering about Drawn In Thursdays? I draw all of the cartoons myself and every one is based on something Billy has done in real life. Enjoy!
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
March 27, 2012 ~ The Magic Healing Strip Returns
This morning Billy was very upset. He was rambling on about something that was bothering him. Only, I'm not fluent in Toddler, so I had no idea what he was saying. It could have been the meaning to life and I wouldn't know. That's ok... I don't think he can count to 42. (Don't get the reference? click here)
He started pulling up his pants legs. Oh, I get it! His booboos on his knees are bothering him. He's noticed that his Magic Healing Strips (band-aids) are missing. Of course, they've been gone for more than a day. I guess observant might not make the list of personality traits...
Ok. Back to Mommy General (that medical center in my kitchen). I plunk him down and give his knees a good look. The one knee is completely healed. There's no sign of the Big Bonk from a few days ago. Must be nice to be young and heal so fast, huh? The other one still has a big, old, ugly scab on it. If you're a boy it's a big, old, awesome, gorgeous scab.
Honestly, the scab is looking good and doesn't need any more treatment. But if something will make Billy feel better, then ok. I applied special Magic Healing Strips that look like crayons. He got a red crayon one. Ooooh. All better.
That's all he wanted. Can't get better without a Magic Healing Strip. :)
He started pulling up his pants legs. Oh, I get it! His booboos on his knees are bothering him. He's noticed that his Magic Healing Strips (band-aids) are missing. Of course, they've been gone for more than a day. I guess observant might not make the list of personality traits...
Ok. Back to Mommy General (that medical center in my kitchen). I plunk him down and give his knees a good look. The one knee is completely healed. There's no sign of the Big Bonk from a few days ago. Must be nice to be young and heal so fast, huh? The other one still has a big, old, ugly scab on it. If you're a boy it's a big, old, awesome, gorgeous scab.
Honestly, the scab is looking good and doesn't need any more treatment. But if something will make Billy feel better, then ok. I applied special Magic Healing Strips that look like crayons. He got a red crayon one. Ooooh. All better.
That's all he wanted. Can't get better without a Magic Healing Strip. :)
Monday, March 26, 2012
March 26, 2012 ~ You Know That Mom in the Grocery Store?
You know that mom in the grocery store?
You know the one. The one with the screeching child who refuses to behave? The one that everyone stares at and asks themselves, "can't she just control her kid?" The one with the look on her face that says she'd rather be having a triple root canal instead of taming toddler tantrums?
Yeah. That was me today.
Every other week I take Billy to the grocery store. So, it's not like this is a new thing. But his behavior today was brand new. Let's go through my quick trip that ended up taking an hour...
Would he sit in the cart? No. Bellowing at the top of his lungs- yep. Ok, so I carry him. We walk into the store and he starts patting his belly, meaning "I'm hungry." Awe. Some. The grocery store is kind of like "water, water everywhere, but not a drop to drink."
Of course, first stop: veggies. He sees tomatoes. "Mommy, apple!" and reaches to get them. Then there's avocados. "Mommy, apple!" and reaches for those. Of course, I'm holding him and he's squirming to get down and get the "apple!" Onions, potatoes, artichokes, peaches and lettuce were also all renamed "apple." He tried to eat the grapes and strawberries when I put them in the cart. And, of course, he wanted the actual apples that I picked up, because he kept saying that he wanted apples. If fruit weren't priced by the pound I probably would have given him one. So then he decided that we needed romaine. Ok, not actually, but it was a good price so I let it stay in the cart. Then he decided that he wanted fresh green beans. He doesn't like green beans. Except today. In the store. Can't have them? Screaming, kicking, wailing on the sticky floor. Oh, yeah. Oh, and the potatoes? He actually tried to eat one raw. Yum!
Then I let him push the cart around to calm him down. He was very upset by the nice lady who had grapes in her cart. She was, apparently, not allowed to buy grapes. At least, according to Billy.
Down, down, down to the dairy aisle. Milk. No problem. Ok, except the twenty-five pound dead weight in my arms. Whatever. On to the yogurt. Can't live without Chobani. It's his must-have. In the words of Billy: uh, oh.
I started adding different flavors to the cart. All of a sudden he grabbed one and clung to it for dear life. "Mine!" I could almost hear him say. He wouldn't let go, but I figured that if it would placate him, who cares if he holds it?
Then it was down the freezer aisle for frozen peas. "Why can't I open the freezer doors?" tantrum. Oh, yeah. On the floor, writhing, wailing. "Gimme, gimme" tantrum right there. So. Friggin. Awesome. Pick up crazy alien monkey baby and haul him off to the mac'n'cheese aisle.
Ooh, the blue box. Oh yeah. He knows that box. "Just behave and I'll make you mac'n'cheese when we get home!" I plead. So, he starts grabbing blue boxes and chucking them into the cart. The more the merrier in his mind, right? He was adding them as fast as I could put them back on the shelves.
And cue the long line at the registers.
I'm back to holding him, which makes unloading the cart and paying a real feat. He still wouldn't let go of the yogurt. Not for his life. That was his. HIS.
So, I somehow get him out of the store, in the car, groceries in the car and the cart to the cart stand. I settle into the driver's seat and breath a sigh of relief. "Phew!" We made it out alive. (Because if the other patrons didn't kill us over the many screaming moments-not all listed here...)
It's then that I hear a weird sucking noise.
Ok. So imagine that you're a toddler. A hungry toddler. And you've been cuddling with a Chobani yogurt for the past half hour. What do you do? Clearly, you sink your teeth into the top of the container, puncturing a hole. And then what? Well, clearly you suck the yogurt out of your new handy, dandy hole in the lid.
And, ok. Have to take that away. OMG. Loss of yogurt brought on a new tirade. I believe I may have heard Billy's entire vocal range in the various screams that propelled us the whole way from the store to home.
So how was your day?
You know the one. The one with the screeching child who refuses to behave? The one that everyone stares at and asks themselves, "can't she just control her kid?" The one with the look on her face that says she'd rather be having a triple root canal instead of taming toddler tantrums?
Yeah. That was me today.
Every other week I take Billy to the grocery store. So, it's not like this is a new thing. But his behavior today was brand new. Let's go through my quick trip that ended up taking an hour...
Would he sit in the cart? No. Bellowing at the top of his lungs- yep. Ok, so I carry him. We walk into the store and he starts patting his belly, meaning "I'm hungry." Awe. Some. The grocery store is kind of like "water, water everywhere, but not a drop to drink."
Of course, first stop: veggies. He sees tomatoes. "Mommy, apple!" and reaches to get them. Then there's avocados. "Mommy, apple!" and reaches for those. Of course, I'm holding him and he's squirming to get down and get the "apple!" Onions, potatoes, artichokes, peaches and lettuce were also all renamed "apple." He tried to eat the grapes and strawberries when I put them in the cart. And, of course, he wanted the actual apples that I picked up, because he kept saying that he wanted apples. If fruit weren't priced by the pound I probably would have given him one. So then he decided that we needed romaine. Ok, not actually, but it was a good price so I let it stay in the cart. Then he decided that he wanted fresh green beans. He doesn't like green beans. Except today. In the store. Can't have them? Screaming, kicking, wailing on the sticky floor. Oh, yeah. Oh, and the potatoes? He actually tried to eat one raw. Yum!
Then I let him push the cart around to calm him down. He was very upset by the nice lady who had grapes in her cart. She was, apparently, not allowed to buy grapes. At least, according to Billy.
Down, down, down to the dairy aisle. Milk. No problem. Ok, except the twenty-five pound dead weight in my arms. Whatever. On to the yogurt. Can't live without Chobani. It's his must-have. In the words of Billy: uh, oh.
I started adding different flavors to the cart. All of a sudden he grabbed one and clung to it for dear life. "Mine!" I could almost hear him say. He wouldn't let go, but I figured that if it would placate him, who cares if he holds it?
Then it was down the freezer aisle for frozen peas. "Why can't I open the freezer doors?" tantrum. Oh, yeah. On the floor, writhing, wailing. "Gimme, gimme" tantrum right there. So. Friggin. Awesome. Pick up crazy alien monkey baby and haul him off to the mac'n'cheese aisle.
Ooh, the blue box. Oh yeah. He knows that box. "Just behave and I'll make you mac'n'cheese when we get home!" I plead. So, he starts grabbing blue boxes and chucking them into the cart. The more the merrier in his mind, right? He was adding them as fast as I could put them back on the shelves.
And cue the long line at the registers.
I'm back to holding him, which makes unloading the cart and paying a real feat. He still wouldn't let go of the yogurt. Not for his life. That was his. HIS.
So, I somehow get him out of the store, in the car, groceries in the car and the cart to the cart stand. I settle into the driver's seat and breath a sigh of relief. "Phew!" We made it out alive. (Because if the other patrons didn't kill us over the many screaming moments-not all listed here...)
It's then that I hear a weird sucking noise.
Ok. So imagine that you're a toddler. A hungry toddler. And you've been cuddling with a Chobani yogurt for the past half hour. What do you do? Clearly, you sink your teeth into the top of the container, puncturing a hole. And then what? Well, clearly you suck the yogurt out of your new handy, dandy hole in the lid.
And, ok. Have to take that away. OMG. Loss of yogurt brought on a new tirade. I believe I may have heard Billy's entire vocal range in the various screams that propelled us the whole way from the store to home.
So how was your day?
Sunday, March 25, 2012
March 25, 2012 ~ Road Trip!
Today we headed north on a long road trip to meet a new member of the human race. It's about time! I've been waiting to meet the little cutie. I spent all morning packing the car with the Just-In-Case essentials and getting Billy ready for his long car ride. If I've learned anything from driving over the mountains with my little guy or heading to the beach, it's that long car rides equal screaming Billy. But, I came prepared.
We left right at naptime.
Zonk! He slept half of the way there. Unfortunately, Daddy had to take a call from a very close relative. Daddy was speaking very loud so that he could be heard on the speakerphone and that woke Billy up. So, We played Find The Binky the rest of the way there. Oh, you don't know that one? It's where Billy throws his binky in the car and then cries because he wants his "meemee". (Yes, my son came up with his own name for his binky. And yes, I'm pretty sure it's short for "give it to me now...me. Or something like that).
He was curious about this new little person that he got to meet. When the new Mommy held Lil Baby down so Billy could see he walked up and pointed to the little bundle of joy and said, "baby." He was very gentle, almost timid. He offered toys several times to the new Mom (presumably for the baby).
He vacillated between crying and cooing at the moon the whole way home, only falling asleep when we were minutes from our door. I'll have to ask him tomorrow, but I think he had a good day.
Oh, and PS: somebody LOVES Mythbusters. No, seriously, LOVES. "Caar!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Then the car goes boom and Billy laughs. Yep. Here the water goes boom. Guys, you have a new fan. :)
We left right at naptime.
Zonk! He slept half of the way there. Unfortunately, Daddy had to take a call from a very close relative. Daddy was speaking very loud so that he could be heard on the speakerphone and that woke Billy up. So, We played Find The Binky the rest of the way there. Oh, you don't know that one? It's where Billy throws his binky in the car and then cries because he wants his "meemee". (Yes, my son came up with his own name for his binky. And yes, I'm pretty sure it's short for "give it to me now...me. Or something like that).
He was curious about this new little person that he got to meet. When the new Mommy held Lil Baby down so Billy could see he walked up and pointed to the little bundle of joy and said, "baby." He was very gentle, almost timid. He offered toys several times to the new Mom (presumably for the baby).
On the ride home we didn't want to stop for food but Billy was starving. So we did the drive thru. I sat in the back with Billy to feed him one bite at a time. (No choking!) I handed him the cup of french fries, and like any grown American eating in the car, he immediately shoved the cup between his legs to hold it in place and began chowing down. Then I hand fed him his hamburger, my little prince, and his water. He vacillated between crying and cooing at the moon the whole way home, only falling asleep when we were minutes from our door. I'll have to ask him tomorrow, but I think he had a good day.
Oh, and PS: somebody LOVES Mythbusters. No, seriously, LOVES. "Caar!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Then the car goes boom and Billy laughs. Yep. Here the water goes boom. Guys, you have a new fan. :)
Saturday, March 24, 2012
The Sunday Post- Vigilance and My Scariest Moment Ever
Last weekend I was still too upset to relate the tale of the day, so I posted pictures. Here's what happened:
It was afternoon. Daddy was doing home improvement in the other room and I was feeding Billy his afternoon snack. I had cut up lots of nice, ripe strawberries for Billy to eat. He was devouring everything on his plate and I knew he'd be asking for more. So, I got up and went to the fridge and pulled out more strawberries.
I looked over at him just then because I always try to have my eye on him but can't from inside the fridge. Maybe 10 or 15 seconds had gone by. He was choking. It wasn't his usual gag then spit it out and keep eating routine. His color had changed. There were tears of panic streaming down his face.
This was the most frightening moment of my life.
I called for Daddy and rushed over to help Billy. "Spit it out!" I shouted. Because sometimes Billy forgets. But nothing. He was really choking. I leaned him over his tray and began slapping his back with solid, hard thumps. One at a time. I heard air. So, I reached in his mouth, and using the "hook" maneuver I learned in CPR class back in 1997, I fished out the strawberries from his throat.
He was crying. Silently. No wailing. No wah. Just tears. Streaming down his face. I held him tightly to me while he calmed down, hiccuping into my shoulder.
A few minutes later, the contents of his stomach returned, ending his terrible ordeal. He was fine after that and went along to play with no problem.
What happened?
He filled his mouth with strawberries. Then, the first hiccup arrived while his mouth was full. The reflex to suck in on the first hiccup got several pieces of strawberry to lodge in his throat. Even though they were cut up, they stuck together to form a plug- clearly evident when I pulled them out of his mouth.
The only thing I can say is that vigilance is key. If I hadn't been paying attention for a few minutes I would be writing a very different post. And with a one year old, he's old enough to get into serious trouble, but doesn't yet understand the dangers.
It was a terrible moment in my life and and I hope to never experience anything like that again. I just keep seeing his tears of panic, real panic, that no baby should have to experience. It's what I see when I close my eyes. I can't get the image out of my head.
I don't have anything pithy to say about this and I don't have any advice. Just... be vigilant.
It was afternoon. Daddy was doing home improvement in the other room and I was feeding Billy his afternoon snack. I had cut up lots of nice, ripe strawberries for Billy to eat. He was devouring everything on his plate and I knew he'd be asking for more. So, I got up and went to the fridge and pulled out more strawberries.
I looked over at him just then because I always try to have my eye on him but can't from inside the fridge. Maybe 10 or 15 seconds had gone by. He was choking. It wasn't his usual gag then spit it out and keep eating routine. His color had changed. There were tears of panic streaming down his face.
This was the most frightening moment of my life.
I called for Daddy and rushed over to help Billy. "Spit it out!" I shouted. Because sometimes Billy forgets. But nothing. He was really choking. I leaned him over his tray and began slapping his back with solid, hard thumps. One at a time. I heard air. So, I reached in his mouth, and using the "hook" maneuver I learned in CPR class back in 1997, I fished out the strawberries from his throat.
He was crying. Silently. No wailing. No wah. Just tears. Streaming down his face. I held him tightly to me while he calmed down, hiccuping into my shoulder.
A few minutes later, the contents of his stomach returned, ending his terrible ordeal. He was fine after that and went along to play with no problem.
What happened?
He filled his mouth with strawberries. Then, the first hiccup arrived while his mouth was full. The reflex to suck in on the first hiccup got several pieces of strawberry to lodge in his throat. Even though they were cut up, they stuck together to form a plug- clearly evident when I pulled them out of his mouth.
The only thing I can say is that vigilance is key. If I hadn't been paying attention for a few minutes I would be writing a very different post. And with a one year old, he's old enough to get into serious trouble, but doesn't yet understand the dangers.
It was a terrible moment in my life and and I hope to never experience anything like that again. I just keep seeing his tears of panic, real panic, that no baby should have to experience. It's what I see when I close my eyes. I can't get the image out of my head.
I don't have anything pithy to say about this and I don't have any advice. Just... be vigilant.
Friday, March 23, 2012
March 23, 2012 ~ That Bloody Sidewalk
This morning while getting in the car we saw one of our very nice neighbors walking his dogs. He has two very big dogs. He waved hello and kept on walking. Billy waved back, "hi!" It's his new word and he loves to say it when he meets people now.
So, we're standing there beside my car with Billy waving and the neighbor now down the street.
Suddenly, Billy took off down the driveway at a run. Now, our driveway is a pretty steep hill, but he had no problems handling the incline. Then he rounded the corner, still running, still no problem. Then he got to the sidewalk. You know, that nice, flat, easy to run down walkway. Ker-splat! Down he went. It was apparently so easy that it tripped him up.
I rushed over to him (actually, I had been running after him, but running down a steep incline in heels is no small feat). I scooped him up and he was bleeding from the knees. Poor guy.
Time to head to Mommy General, that oh-so-comforting medical center located conveniently in my kitchen. I sat him down in a kitchen chair so that I could get a good look at those knees in the light. He put his finger on the scrape and said weakly, "Mommy, uh-oh." I cleaned his wounds, applied the Magic Healing Stickers (band-aids) and a kiss to each knee to make it all better.
I don't think he was convinced.
The whole time in the car on the way to school he kept touching the Magic Healing Stickers and saying "uh-oh. Oh, no." I explained he had to leave the MHS alone and let them do their magic, but it was just too much for the Boy Who Didn't Cry.
But, he's all better now. And tomorrow, I've got a surprise for him. I have fancy Magic Healing Stickers that look like crayons. Ooooooooooooh.
So, just be warned. Those straight and even sideways are treacherous!
So, we're standing there beside my car with Billy waving and the neighbor now down the street.
Suddenly, Billy took off down the driveway at a run. Now, our driveway is a pretty steep hill, but he had no problems handling the incline. Then he rounded the corner, still running, still no problem. Then he got to the sidewalk. You know, that nice, flat, easy to run down walkway. Ker-splat! Down he went. It was apparently so easy that it tripped him up.
I rushed over to him (actually, I had been running after him, but running down a steep incline in heels is no small feat). I scooped him up and he was bleeding from the knees. Poor guy.
Time to head to Mommy General, that oh-so-comforting medical center located conveniently in my kitchen. I sat him down in a kitchen chair so that I could get a good look at those knees in the light. He put his finger on the scrape and said weakly, "Mommy, uh-oh." I cleaned his wounds, applied the Magic Healing Stickers (band-aids) and a kiss to each knee to make it all better.
I don't think he was convinced.
The whole time in the car on the way to school he kept touching the Magic Healing Stickers and saying "uh-oh. Oh, no." I explained he had to leave the MHS alone and let them do their magic, but it was just too much for the Boy Who Didn't Cry.
But, he's all better now. And tomorrow, I've got a surprise for him. I have fancy Magic Healing Stickers that look like crayons. Ooooooooooooh.
So, just be warned. Those straight and even sideways are treacherous!
Thursday, March 22, 2012
March 22, 2012 ~ The Magic Spoon
Perhaps you didn't know, but spoons have magical powers. Not just any old spoon, though. Plastic spoons. Brightly colored ones. Don't believe me? Ask Billy.
Every morning we walk into the kitchen and he shouts, "spoo!" and runs to open the "spoo drawer". He knows. The day can't start without a Magic Spoo. Most days, he requires two or even three Magic Spoos before breakfast.
This little plastic spoons aren't just spoons. They instill courage. They give Billy the power to take on a full flight of stairs, to endure a diaper change, to (egad!) go without a binky.
And spoons are so useful, too. Not just for eating. They're great for conducting music, for testing properties of toys with holes in them, for using as a drumstick on Buddy's bum. And they deliver oh-so-yummy-yogurt right into your mouth. Seriously, magic.
Still not convinced?
These Magic Spoos have the ability to quiet a screaming, kicking I'm-Being-A-Brat-Because-I'm-One-And-That's-What-I-Do-Boy. Yes. Instant calm. All from a spoon.
Now that's Magic.
Every morning we walk into the kitchen and he shouts, "spoo!" and runs to open the "spoo drawer". He knows. The day can't start without a Magic Spoo. Most days, he requires two or even three Magic Spoos before breakfast.
This little plastic spoons aren't just spoons. They instill courage. They give Billy the power to take on a full flight of stairs, to endure a diaper change, to (egad!) go without a binky.
And spoons are so useful, too. Not just for eating. They're great for conducting music, for testing properties of toys with holes in them, for using as a drumstick on Buddy's bum. And they deliver oh-so-yummy-yogurt right into your mouth. Seriously, magic.
Still not convinced?
These Magic Spoos have the ability to quiet a screaming, kicking I'm-Being-A-Brat-Because-I'm-One-And-That's-What-I-Do-Boy. Yes. Instant calm. All from a spoon.
Now that's Magic.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
March 20, 2012 ~ Over The River And Through The Woods...
...To Grandmother's house we go!
Billy, Buddy and myself went to dinner at Grandma's today. Billy got to sit in a Big Boy Chair to eat his dinner. He shoved fistfuls of watergate salad into his mouth, spoon at the ready but left unused. He also got cut fruit, carrots, brown bread and steamed shrimp. He nommed on the shrimp but gave up. So, he decided to dip his fruit into the ketchup on his plate instead of the shrimp.
What he really wanted was more watergate and a cookie. When he didn't get what he wanted, he cautiously wandered around Grandma's and played with some of the toys there. This worked for awhile until he realized he was still hungry.
He got more watergate. He got more watergate on the table, the chair, the floor, his shirt, his pants, his arms, Mommy, Grandma... yeah. But he enjoyed it. Then came dessert.
Ooh... cherry pie. I was only going to give him a bite, but he devoured an entire piece by himself and then wanted mine too. Cherry pie might be the way to his heart. Keep that in mind for any girls that might be looking for a boyfriend in about thirty years. Maybe forty. We'll see.
Grandma sure had a huge feast set for us. Thanks Grandma! We came home full and sticky. But, I guess if you're One, you didn't really enjoy your food unless you're a complete mess and sticky from head to toe.
Billy, Buddy and myself went to dinner at Grandma's today. Billy got to sit in a Big Boy Chair to eat his dinner. He shoved fistfuls of watergate salad into his mouth, spoon at the ready but left unused. He also got cut fruit, carrots, brown bread and steamed shrimp. He nommed on the shrimp but gave up. So, he decided to dip his fruit into the ketchup on his plate instead of the shrimp.
What he really wanted was more watergate and a cookie. When he didn't get what he wanted, he cautiously wandered around Grandma's and played with some of the toys there. This worked for awhile until he realized he was still hungry.
He got more watergate. He got more watergate on the table, the chair, the floor, his shirt, his pants, his arms, Mommy, Grandma... yeah. But he enjoyed it. Then came dessert.
Ooh... cherry pie. I was only going to give him a bite, but he devoured an entire piece by himself and then wanted mine too. Cherry pie might be the way to his heart. Keep that in mind for any girls that might be looking for a boyfriend in about thirty years. Maybe forty. We'll see.
Grandma sure had a huge feast set for us. Thanks Grandma! We came home full and sticky. But, I guess if you're One, you didn't really enjoy your food unless you're a complete mess and sticky from head to toe.
Monday, March 19, 2012
March 19, 2012 ~ The Tale of the Zebra Toy
Billy has an entire room full of toys, but he is fascinated with Buddy's toys. He knows a few of Buddy's favorites, since they are always laying around. But today Buddy dragged out an old toy that he rarely plays with. It's a little clunky for him, not his favorite and really it requires me to play with him.
The Zebra.
This is no ordinary zebra. This is a big, stuffed zebra with rope handles on both of its sides. It has stubby arms and legs, perfect for chewing. And a big fluffy nose, perfect for tearing at. All in all, it's a perfect tug-o-war toy with the handles for me to hold on to and the limbs and nose for Buddy to attack.
Well, Buddy just HAD to have Zebra today. He pulled it out and dropped it at my feet expectantly. So, Billy ran over and snatched it up. He hugged it and cuddled with the slobbery, chewed-upon dog toy. Yup.
"Give Buddy his toy."
"No!" He ran away cuddling the Zebra.
Buddy began barking furiously in his high-pitched,"I'm not getting what I want!" bark. You know, like Billy's high-pitched "I'm not getting what I want!" cry.
I took the toy from Billy and gave it to Buddy. This started Billy shrieking. You know, that aforementioned cry. Dilemma: Buddy gets his toy and Billy shrieks; Billy gets the toy and and Buddy barks like crazy. I'm suddenly reminded of the parable about cutting it in half...
So, Billy got the toy back. But Buddy had decided to play tug-o-war with Billy if he couldn't have the toy by himself. Buddy is totally on the Share Wagon. He tried to tug and tug and yank it free. But Billy missed that wagon. He clung to it tighter and shrieked louder.
"It's Buddy's toy. You have to let him have it."
Rinse. Repeat. Yeah, that went on for several minutes.
Then, in a huff over Buddy's barking and my refusal to come to his aid, Billy threw the Zebra with all of his might. Buddy bounded after it and brought it right back to Billy. Oh, wait... Buddy will play with me? This got Billy into throwing it a few times. But then he gave up on the throwing and just let Buddy have the toy.
Poor Buddy. His payment for getting his toy back was to be chased around the room in an endless game of tag. Billy would run up, "tag him" by slapping his back and cause Buddy to run away. Then Billy ran after him and repeated once Buddy was temporarily cornered. I had to separate them with a baby gate. Which brought on more shrieking from Billy until he saw his bouncy ball.
And that is the tale of the Zebra.
The Zebra.
This is no ordinary zebra. This is a big, stuffed zebra with rope handles on both of its sides. It has stubby arms and legs, perfect for chewing. And a big fluffy nose, perfect for tearing at. All in all, it's a perfect tug-o-war toy with the handles for me to hold on to and the limbs and nose for Buddy to attack.
Well, Buddy just HAD to have Zebra today. He pulled it out and dropped it at my feet expectantly. So, Billy ran over and snatched it up. He hugged it and cuddled with the slobbery, chewed-upon dog toy. Yup.
"Give Buddy his toy."
"No!" He ran away cuddling the Zebra.
Buddy began barking furiously in his high-pitched,"I'm not getting what I want!" bark. You know, like Billy's high-pitched "I'm not getting what I want!" cry.
I took the toy from Billy and gave it to Buddy. This started Billy shrieking. You know, that aforementioned cry. Dilemma: Buddy gets his toy and Billy shrieks; Billy gets the toy and and Buddy barks like crazy. I'm suddenly reminded of the parable about cutting it in half...
So, Billy got the toy back. But Buddy had decided to play tug-o-war with Billy if he couldn't have the toy by himself. Buddy is totally on the Share Wagon. He tried to tug and tug and yank it free. But Billy missed that wagon. He clung to it tighter and shrieked louder.
"It's Buddy's toy. You have to let him have it."
Rinse. Repeat. Yeah, that went on for several minutes.
Then, in a huff over Buddy's barking and my refusal to come to his aid, Billy threw the Zebra with all of his might. Buddy bounded after it and brought it right back to Billy. Oh, wait... Buddy will play with me? This got Billy into throwing it a few times. But then he gave up on the throwing and just let Buddy have the toy.
Poor Buddy. His payment for getting his toy back was to be chased around the room in an endless game of tag. Billy would run up, "tag him" by slapping his back and cause Buddy to run away. Then Billy ran after him and repeated once Buddy was temporarily cornered. I had to separate them with a baby gate. Which brought on more shrieking from Billy until he saw his bouncy ball.
And that is the tale of the Zebra.
March 18, 2012 ~ This Weekend In Photos
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| Hiding in his fort. (He's smiling at you!) |
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| Walking in Mommy's flipflops. |
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| "Hello? Hold the bread." |
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| Dressed for the holiday. |
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| Waving "byebye" to every car. |
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Sunday Post ~ Erin Go Bragh!
Once upon a time there was a young man living in Ireland. When his parents died, by Irish law he inherited everything, being the oldest male heir. But he didn't want to leave his younger siblings destitute. So, he gave the farm to them. Then he stole the family horse and rode it to the coast to sell it for passage to America. He had heard that in America the streets were paved with gold. But when he arrived, he found that the streets weren't paved at all. So, he started a paving company and paved the roads.
That's the story of how Billy's Irish ancestor got here. Is it true? Well, the Irish are fond of exaggeration, but maybe there's a kernel of truth in there.
Today let's remember all of our Irish immigrants and the hardships they suffered to get here. In honor of them let's all celebrate in the time-honored Irish way. Drink a Guinness (or Bailey's). Slainte!
That's the story of how Billy's Irish ancestor got here. Is it true? Well, the Irish are fond of exaggeration, but maybe there's a kernel of truth in there.
Today let's remember all of our Irish immigrants and the hardships they suffered to get here. In honor of them let's all celebrate in the time-honored Irish way. Drink a Guinness (or Bailey's). Slainte!
March 16, 2012 ~ Chicken Catchacookie
Imagine you're one. Now imagine that you're presented with dinner. You have a chicken tender, french fries, apple slices, carrots, cheerios (because no meal is complete without cheerios), a graham cracker (because you screamed for cacas) and an oreo cookie. What do you do?
Clearly, the first thing to do is to shove as many fries in your mouth as you think will fit, which turns out to be more than actually do fit. There's the whole nearly choking on fries and then spitting them into the bib pocket. No biggie.
Ooh. Oreos. Okay. The oreo wins. Clearly, what's better than dessert first? Well, almost first? Let's shove the whole thing in our mouth. Hrm. I think it must need something. But what? I know! Chicken! I bet you thought I would say graham cracker. Nope, chicken!
Then, it's time to make a science experiment out of the graham cracker and some water. Uh, oh! Mush. Yuck. Lots of tears until Mommy brings another graham cracker. Yay!
Oops. Out of oreo to mix with chicken. Oh well. Mommy, all done!
Clearly, the first thing to do is to shove as many fries in your mouth as you think will fit, which turns out to be more than actually do fit. There's the whole nearly choking on fries and then spitting them into the bib pocket. No biggie.
Ooh. Oreos. Okay. The oreo wins. Clearly, what's better than dessert first? Well, almost first? Let's shove the whole thing in our mouth. Hrm. I think it must need something. But what? I know! Chicken! I bet you thought I would say graham cracker. Nope, chicken!
Then, it's time to make a science experiment out of the graham cracker and some water. Uh, oh! Mush. Yuck. Lots of tears until Mommy brings another graham cracker. Yay!
Oops. Out of oreo to mix with chicken. Oh well. Mommy, all done!
Thursday, March 15, 2012
March 15, 2012 ~ Sleepless in Baltimore
Well, part of the movie was filmed here, so it works.
Billy was up extra late yesterday so I put him to bed a few minutes early today. This is standard around here. If he's up extra late then he gets an earlier bedtime the next day.
But after an hour I could still hear him banging around in his crib. This could mean only one thing: he was still awake.
I don't know why he couldn't sleep. Maybe it's the new room. Maybe it's waiting up for Daddy. Maybe it's the Ides of March. Et tu, Billy?
I went in prepared for battle. I had a binky, milk and classical music. But he didn't cry. He didn't even sit up. He was just laying there peacefully, trying to fall asleep. I gave him the binky, rocked him.
Only a few months ago he would have been crying so loud that Canada could hear him. Being left alone was a total No Go. So to have him quietly hang out in his crib for over an hour is a huge change in his demeanor.
I just checked on him again. Not sound asleep yet, but lightly sleeping and happy as a clam.
Binky, milk and classical music. Works every time.
Billy was up extra late yesterday so I put him to bed a few minutes early today. This is standard around here. If he's up extra late then he gets an earlier bedtime the next day.
But after an hour I could still hear him banging around in his crib. This could mean only one thing: he was still awake.
I don't know why he couldn't sleep. Maybe it's the new room. Maybe it's waiting up for Daddy. Maybe it's the Ides of March. Et tu, Billy?
I went in prepared for battle. I had a binky, milk and classical music. But he didn't cry. He didn't even sit up. He was just laying there peacefully, trying to fall asleep. I gave him the binky, rocked him.
Only a few months ago he would have been crying so loud that Canada could hear him. Being left alone was a total No Go. So to have him quietly hang out in his crib for over an hour is a huge change in his demeanor.
I just checked on him again. Not sound asleep yet, but lightly sleeping and happy as a clam.
Binky, milk and classical music. Works every time.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
March 13, 2012 ~ Green Piece of Awesome Rides Again!
When Billy discovered that the Green Piece of Awesome (aka his tricycle) made it to the new house he hugged it. Yes, he hugged it. Never underestimate the awesomeness of the trike.
Today was so nice that we just had to take it for a spin. We don't live on a court any more, so his usage of the GPA has to be more closely monitored. I decided that we would go for a walk. I pushed him down the hill and up the hill and into a court. We met some neighbors and got invited to join in the bike mayhem later when the weather is warmer. (Apparently, the court is kid central).
He was THRILLED with riding his trike up and down the hills. He even tried to pedal, but he's still just a little too short. He can only get one foot on the pedals at a time. This, of course, resulted in him damaging the only pair of shoes that fit.
But if a day spent out on the Green Piece of Awesome heps him make the new place feel like home, I think I can sacrifice a pair of shoes.
Today was so nice that we just had to take it for a spin. We don't live on a court any more, so his usage of the GPA has to be more closely monitored. I decided that we would go for a walk. I pushed him down the hill and up the hill and into a court. We met some neighbors and got invited to join in the bike mayhem later when the weather is warmer. (Apparently, the court is kid central).
He was THRILLED with riding his trike up and down the hills. He even tried to pedal, but he's still just a little too short. He can only get one foot on the pedals at a time. This, of course, resulted in him damaging the only pair of shoes that fit.
But if a day spent out on the Green Piece of Awesome heps him make the new place feel like home, I think I can sacrifice a pair of shoes.
March 12, 2012 ~ A Big Bump
While I was making dinner tonight Billy was playing in the kitchen. We now have a drawer beneath the wall over that houses all of our tupperware. Billy has decided to love pulling all of the pieces out and then putting them all back in the drawer. It's great fun. I would prefer if the drawer would stay neat and the items clean, but well, he can't break them. Better than playing with the pyrex or juggling knives, right?
Why is it that kids always hurt themselves as soon as you turn your back? It's like Murphy's Law, only this is kid specific. I think I'm going to call it Billy's Law: Billy will attempt feats of near certain death any time my attention is distracted.
So, anyway Billy was playing with the tupperware and I was measuring out ingredients. Pause. Moment of silence followed by screaming. Yep. It's the silent part when you know you're in for it. Quiet equals trouble.
What happened? Contrary to popular belief, I don't actually have eyes in the back of my head. So, I didn't see it happen. But I'm pretty sure that he slammed his hand in the drawer and in the process of trying to remove the owie, slammed his head into the oven. At least we weren't at the old house with the old oven- he would have been burned on his face. (Of course, knowing that oven was a safety hazard I never let Billy near it).
He got an owie on his hand and his forehead. He cried and cried until he suddenly saw a new toy and ran over to it, completely forgetting his pain. The only remnant was the red splotchy mark where I iced his head.
In other news he is now official a Two. They have moved him up at daycare. But, Billy... you're still a One to me.
Why is it that kids always hurt themselves as soon as you turn your back? It's like Murphy's Law, only this is kid specific. I think I'm going to call it Billy's Law: Billy will attempt feats of near certain death any time my attention is distracted.
So, anyway Billy was playing with the tupperware and I was measuring out ingredients. Pause. Moment of silence followed by screaming. Yep. It's the silent part when you know you're in for it. Quiet equals trouble.
What happened? Contrary to popular belief, I don't actually have eyes in the back of my head. So, I didn't see it happen. But I'm pretty sure that he slammed his hand in the drawer and in the process of trying to remove the owie, slammed his head into the oven. At least we weren't at the old house with the old oven- he would have been burned on his face. (Of course, knowing that oven was a safety hazard I never let Billy near it).
He got an owie on his hand and his forehead. He cried and cried until he suddenly saw a new toy and ran over to it, completely forgetting his pain. The only remnant was the red splotchy mark where I iced his head.
In other news he is now official a Two. They have moved him up at daycare. But, Billy... you're still a One to me.
Monday, March 12, 2012
March 11, 2012 ~ Settling In
Whoever thought to move with a toddler should be shot. Oh wait... no, don't shoot me.
When you have a baby you start babyproofing one step at a time. Of course, we immediately got the childproof locks for the cabinets. And we got rubber bumpers for the coffee table long before he could move. But we started by proofing things about a foot off of the ground. Then when he started crawling more we proofed up to two feet. By the time he was walking we had more things proofed to meet his specific attempts at death.
But in a new house, we're still learning the house ourselves and Billy is quickly figuring out all of the best ways to possibly get hurt before we do. It's a major adjustment.
We now have stairs, so we now have lots of gates. That has been a major adjustment. Billy hates being trapped on one floor, when before he could run the length of the house. Buddy, too. They are both not fans of the gating system. We've been teaching Billy to use the stairs, but honestly, I think it's Buddy that needs the most training.
Next up... doors. Yep. Suddenly, this week Billy has learned to open doors. Which one does he want to open? The one to the Utility Room so he can get into Daddy's tools, the alcohol, climb behind the water heater (ever tried to pry a toddler from behind a water heater???) and fall down the giant drain. I gave up. There's no lock on the door and he can open it with ease. No worries, I'm not going to let anything happen to him. I've just gated that doorway. Now he can open the door to see in but can't get to the oh-so-tempting dangers. Score one for Mommy.
Electrical sockets. Yeah. At the old house we had every socket fixed with covers or had replaced them entirely with the safety sockets. I've done some but the rest are still packed and I haven't found them yet. So what does he try to do? Swipes an Allen wrench from Daddy and tries to shove it into the socket. Awe. (not!) Some.
Showers. The old house he didn't like the shower stall all that much. But here the doors are brand new and glass. They make and excellent thing to bang on with any heavy toy he can find. He even managed to kick one free of its track today. How does he find t his stuff?
Yeah, we're playing major catch up trying to beat Billy to the dangers.
Next time I think to move with a toddler, shoot me. Good thing I don't plan on moving again!
When you have a baby you start babyproofing one step at a time. Of course, we immediately got the childproof locks for the cabinets. And we got rubber bumpers for the coffee table long before he could move. But we started by proofing things about a foot off of the ground. Then when he started crawling more we proofed up to two feet. By the time he was walking we had more things proofed to meet his specific attempts at death.
But in a new house, we're still learning the house ourselves and Billy is quickly figuring out all of the best ways to possibly get hurt before we do. It's a major adjustment.
We now have stairs, so we now have lots of gates. That has been a major adjustment. Billy hates being trapped on one floor, when before he could run the length of the house. Buddy, too. They are both not fans of the gating system. We've been teaching Billy to use the stairs, but honestly, I think it's Buddy that needs the most training.
Next up... doors. Yep. Suddenly, this week Billy has learned to open doors. Which one does he want to open? The one to the Utility Room so he can get into Daddy's tools, the alcohol, climb behind the water heater (ever tried to pry a toddler from behind a water heater???) and fall down the giant drain. I gave up. There's no lock on the door and he can open it with ease. No worries, I'm not going to let anything happen to him. I've just gated that doorway. Now he can open the door to see in but can't get to the oh-so-tempting dangers. Score one for Mommy.
Electrical sockets. Yeah. At the old house we had every socket fixed with covers or had replaced them entirely with the safety sockets. I've done some but the rest are still packed and I haven't found them yet. So what does he try to do? Swipes an Allen wrench from Daddy and tries to shove it into the socket. Awe. (not!) Some.
Showers. The old house he didn't like the shower stall all that much. But here the doors are brand new and glass. They make and excellent thing to bang on with any heavy toy he can find. He even managed to kick one free of its track today. How does he find t his stuff?
Yeah, we're playing major catch up trying to beat Billy to the dangers.
Next time I think to move with a toddler, shoot me. Good thing I don't plan on moving again!
Sunday, March 11, 2012
The Sunday Post ~ Baby Boom
Seems like everybody is having a baby these days. For a long time only a few of my friends had children and now it seems like they're all pregnant with either number one or number two. Everywhere I look on the streets I seem to run into pregnant women.
What's going on? Who knows. There must be something in the water.
But I would like to personally welcome a new little angel to the world and congratulate her new parents. I'm so excited for you all. Here are a few things to look forward to:
~ Forget sleep. Sleeping was part of your old life. Welcome to Zombieland.
~ Everything pink. If you're me and LOVE pink, then this is awesome. If you're not a fan of pink, well... better learn to love it!
~ Having conversations about different types of bodily fluids and thinking it's totally normal to talk about it. Then realizing you can't think of anything else to talk about because your whole day was consumed by diapers and spit up.
~ No the dirty bottles aren't breeding, even if they seem to be multiplying.
~ The bestest little smiles in the whole wide world. Yes, I said bestest.
~ Snuggles and cuddles and lots of joy.
Congrats to all of the new parents out there and good luck!
What's going on? Who knows. There must be something in the water.
But I would like to personally welcome a new little angel to the world and congratulate her new parents. I'm so excited for you all. Here are a few things to look forward to:
~ Forget sleep. Sleeping was part of your old life. Welcome to Zombieland.
~ Everything pink. If you're me and LOVE pink, then this is awesome. If you're not a fan of pink, well... better learn to love it!
~ Having conversations about different types of bodily fluids and thinking it's totally normal to talk about it. Then realizing you can't think of anything else to talk about because your whole day was consumed by diapers and spit up.
~ No the dirty bottles aren't breeding, even if they seem to be multiplying.
~ The bestest little smiles in the whole wide world. Yes, I said bestest.
~ Snuggles and cuddles and lots of joy.
Congrats to all of the new parents out there and good luck!
Friday, March 9, 2012
March 9, 2012 ~ Toy Mayhem
One of the benefits of the new house is a playroom for Billy. He's got all of his toys together in one spot. The only thing is, there's not enough toy storage. I only have the one small shelf and the basket and the tub. The result? Toy mayhem.
Daddy assembled Billy's new play table and it's the only clean thing in the room. There's toys everywhere else. Billy just walks in and stares at the mess. I've given up. I have to buy storage before I even try to clean it up.
Billy's solution?
He crawls up onto his new play table and sits there in the only clean space surveying the mass chaos from his seat on high. Toys are not welcome on his table of solace.
Yup. I better get some storage fast. I think they're breeding!
Daddy assembled Billy's new play table and it's the only clean thing in the room. There's toys everywhere else. Billy just walks in and stares at the mess. I've given up. I have to buy storage before I even try to clean it up.
Billy's solution?
He crawls up onto his new play table and sits there in the only clean space surveying the mass chaos from his seat on high. Toys are not welcome on his table of solace.
Yup. I better get some storage fast. I think they're breeding!
Crazy Creative Corner- Custom Apparel
Do you want to know how to make a custom shirt for your little one that's inexpensive and easy?
Here's how I made this shirt:
1. Buy a plain shirt. I got this one on sale at Babies'R'Us for 5 dollars.
2. Find or create your design.
Ok, it helps that I'm a designer. Here are the key points to remember. Keep it simple. Pick 2-3 colors. Use at least one color as an outline. Measure the area on the shirt that you want your design to occupy. It will be smaller than you think!
3. Buy felt squares in the colors you've picked. I bought one 8.5x11 felt piece in each color at Joann Fabrics and I already had the thread in different colors. The felt pieces are about 30 cents each.
4. Pin a printout of the design to the outer color. For this art that would be the red. Then, carefully cut out the paper and felt at the same time around the outside edge of the red. Now you have your red piece.
5. Pin the printout now to the next color. For this design that would be the white. Then, carefully cut out the paper and felt at the same time around the outside edge of the white. Now you have your white piece.
6. Pin the printout now to the next color. For this design that would be the blue. Then, carefully cut out the paper and felt at the same time around the outside edge of the blue. Now you have your blue pieces.
7. Now sew the inner color to the middle color (blue to the white). Then sew the blue and white piece to the red. I just used a whip stitch. You could also glue them together (with fabric glue, not Elmer's).
8. Now you have an applique ready to attach to your shirt. Sew it on and you're done!
This took me 2 hours and under $7 to accomplish.
Here's how I made this shirt:
1. Buy a plain shirt. I got this one on sale at Babies'R'Us for 5 dollars.
2. Find or create your design.
Ok, it helps that I'm a designer. Here are the key points to remember. Keep it simple. Pick 2-3 colors. Use at least one color as an outline. Measure the area on the shirt that you want your design to occupy. It will be smaller than you think!
3. Buy felt squares in the colors you've picked. I bought one 8.5x11 felt piece in each color at Joann Fabrics and I already had the thread in different colors. The felt pieces are about 30 cents each.
4. Pin a printout of the design to the outer color. For this art that would be the red. Then, carefully cut out the paper and felt at the same time around the outside edge of the red. Now you have your red piece.
5. Pin the printout now to the next color. For this design that would be the white. Then, carefully cut out the paper and felt at the same time around the outside edge of the white. Now you have your white piece.
6. Pin the printout now to the next color. For this design that would be the blue. Then, carefully cut out the paper and felt at the same time around the outside edge of the blue. Now you have your blue pieces.
7. Now sew the inner color to the middle color (blue to the white). Then sew the blue and white piece to the red. I just used a whip stitch. You could also glue them together (with fabric glue, not Elmer's).
8. Now you have an applique ready to attach to your shirt. Sew it on and you're done!
This took me 2 hours and under $7 to accomplish.
Yet Again...
And again, we have no internet (or phone or TV) because our appt was rescheduled. Normally, I would try to post daily from work instead, but we've been so busy at work that I can't even begin to contemplate how I would fit that in. I get home so late even Daddy is sleeping, so that's been this week. Add to that the fact that I can't find any matching clothes (because they are all packed) and it's been a real bang up week.
Billy's favorite thing about the new house is the window in his bedroom. It is low enough that he can see out without a stool or even tiptoes. It's thrilling for him to watch the world go by. "Look, Mommy! Dog! Woof, woof." That was what he told me he saw. He wouldn't stop telling me until I came over to look at the neighbor walking his dogs. It's very exciting stuff. He also gets to see cars, trucks and even the occasional school bus. "Woooow!" he says.
Just by the fact that he can talk in sentences (like the one above, which is verbatim) means that he has to move up to the next room in daycare. Either next week or the week after he will officially be in the "Twos" room. Poor Billy will be leaving his best friend behind in the "Ones". She's not ready to move up. He is only just 17 months, so I'm thinking it's maybe a bit early to be moving him, but daycare seems to think he'll be bored with the babies now that he can talk more. I guess we'll see.
So until Verizon figures out how to get me plugged in (I"m dying without being able to troll my favorite boards, surf my fav sites and think up excellent words in Words With Friends) I'm going to be stuck randomly posting, not regularly posting.
I apologize profusely for my lack of internet resources. I hope by next week to be back on the interwebs officially and able to catch up with my posts.
Thanks for being patient!
Billy's favorite thing about the new house is the window in his bedroom. It is low enough that he can see out without a stool or even tiptoes. It's thrilling for him to watch the world go by. "Look, Mommy! Dog! Woof, woof." That was what he told me he saw. He wouldn't stop telling me until I came over to look at the neighbor walking his dogs. It's very exciting stuff. He also gets to see cars, trucks and even the occasional school bus. "Woooow!" he says.
Just by the fact that he can talk in sentences (like the one above, which is verbatim) means that he has to move up to the next room in daycare. Either next week or the week after he will officially be in the "Twos" room. Poor Billy will be leaving his best friend behind in the "Ones". She's not ready to move up. He is only just 17 months, so I'm thinking it's maybe a bit early to be moving him, but daycare seems to think he'll be bored with the babies now that he can talk more. I guess we'll see.
So until Verizon figures out how to get me plugged in (I"m dying without being able to troll my favorite boards, surf my fav sites and think up excellent words in Words With Friends) I'm going to be stuck randomly posting, not regularly posting.
I apologize profusely for my lack of internet resources. I hope by next week to be back on the interwebs officially and able to catch up with my posts.
Thanks for being patient!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Reminder!
Just a reminder that regular posting will resume tomorrow with the next installment of...
Drawn In Thursdays!
What will cartoon Billy do next???
Drawn In Thursdays!
What will cartoon Billy do next???
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
And Now We Return To Your Regularly Scheduled Program...
On Thursday...
That's right. Billy posts will return on Thursday.
We're off the grid until then. It only takes Verizon 5 days to remedy their own mistake. Until then, no phones, no internet and very limited TV. Yep, ABC, the channel channel, a spanish channel, QVC and public broadcast.
By Thursday my posts might be a little crazy... I'm going out of my head without Nat Geo and the Science Channel! Only an infusion of Mythbusters can save me now...
Anyway, look for Billy posts to return Thursday. See you then!
That's right. Billy posts will return on Thursday.
We're off the grid until then. It only takes Verizon 5 days to remedy their own mistake. Until then, no phones, no internet and very limited TV. Yep, ABC, the channel channel, a spanish channel, QVC and public broadcast.
By Thursday my posts might be a little crazy... I'm going out of my head without Nat Geo and the Science Channel! Only an infusion of Mythbusters can save me now...
Anyway, look for Billy posts to return Thursday. See you then!
Monday, March 5, 2012
Posting Postponed!
Oh the "joys" of FiOS.
We have no internet, so there will be no regular posting until FiOS can figure their out their bum from their head.
We waited 7 hours for them to show up. I confirmed with them 24 hours before they were supposed to arrive. Did they arrive? No.
Why?
The technicians called the number they were supposed to connect to see if we were home. They couldn't reach us, because the number was disconnected, so they cancelled the appointment. They were supposed to be here all day, so who knows what they decided to really do... maybe they went to the zoo to see the monkeys...
It took an hour on the phone with customer care to determine that the problem was that we weren't answering our phone that the technicians hadn't come out to connect. Really? Really.
So, they told us they would call us back sometime this week to schedule an appointment.
We're still waiting on the phone call to SCHEDULE the damn appointment.
I bet they called the number they haven't connected yet.
We have no internet, so there will be no regular posting until FiOS can figure their out their bum from their head.
We waited 7 hours for them to show up. I confirmed with them 24 hours before they were supposed to arrive. Did they arrive? No.
Why?
The technicians called the number they were supposed to connect to see if we were home. They couldn't reach us, because the number was disconnected, so they cancelled the appointment. They were supposed to be here all day, so who knows what they decided to really do... maybe they went to the zoo to see the monkeys...
It took an hour on the phone with customer care to determine that the problem was that we weren't answering our phone that the technicians hadn't come out to connect. Really? Really.
So, they told us they would call us back sometime this week to schedule an appointment.
We're still waiting on the phone call to SCHEDULE the damn appointment.
I bet they called the number they haven't connected yet.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
The Sunday Post ~ Go Crib Review
A lot of people that I know personally have been asking me about my portable crib. So, here's my product review on the Go Crib. I would like to mention that I have not been contacted by the manufacturer and am receiving no compensation for my review.
I apparently don't take photos of Billy sleeping, so this is the best I've got. Here we are at the beach with Billy asleep in the portable crib (and Uncle Alex passed out in front of it).
When Daddy bought this expensive item I said, "what the heck is that??? We don't need that! We have a Pack'n'Play!" Ok, ok... maybe Daddy is right sometimes. Just don't tell him- it might go to his head.
The first time we used it was our camping trip in western West Virginia. It was a grueling 5 hour car ride with a screaming baby (popping ears from driving over mountains=unhappy camper...teehee). We arrived after dusk and had to set up our tent and gear in the dark. Fortunately, the rest of our group was there, so at least we had a fire to see by. But we had a cranky baby ready for bed in the middle of the woods.
After Daddy got the tent set up it took only 10 minutes in the dark with first time use to get the whole thing set up and Billy into it. Getting him to sleep was a whole different matter...
A few weeks later we took it to a festival with our friends and Billy's girlfriend. He and his gf played in it and then napped together in it in the middle of the festival. The best part there was since its carrying case is a small lightweight backpack, it was no problem to lug it into the festival. And the case holds the included foot pump, so everything goes with you when you take it places to set it up easily.
In July we hauled it to Florida on an airplane for a wedding. We used it in the hotel room instead of getting a hotel provided crib. It was great. I had no trouble getting it through security and brought it with me as my carry-on. I knew it was clean and safe and he was already familiar with it.
We also took it to the farmhouse for a month and he slept in it the whole time. I only had to re-inflate it once in the whole month. He was comfortable in it the whole time. That's not to say that I could always get him to go to sleep...
We also took it with us every time we went to the beach so Billy could sleep under the umbrella. He had no trouble sleeping on the beach. And it was easy to haul. Although, I have to admit that it leaks air more now that it's been exposed to sand (won't stay inflated for more than a week now). The zip-down flap on the side also gave Billy the ability to climb in and out of it by himself. He hated the sand, but didn't mind sitting in the Go Crib, so he was in and out. It locks, so you can keep the kid in when you want, or open it up to let them have free reign.
So there it is. If you're a parent on the go, the Go Crib is awesome to own. We couldn't survive without it. Daddy and I both highly recommend it.
But where can you get it? We've only seen it available at REI and on Amazon.com. The baby stores don't seem to carry it.
Check it out:
Go Crib on Amazon.com
I apparently don't take photos of Billy sleeping, so this is the best I've got. Here we are at the beach with Billy asleep in the portable crib (and Uncle Alex passed out in front of it).
When Daddy bought this expensive item I said, "what the heck is that??? We don't need that! We have a Pack'n'Play!" Ok, ok... maybe Daddy is right sometimes. Just don't tell him- it might go to his head.
The first time we used it was our camping trip in western West Virginia. It was a grueling 5 hour car ride with a screaming baby (popping ears from driving over mountains=unhappy camper...teehee). We arrived after dusk and had to set up our tent and gear in the dark. Fortunately, the rest of our group was there, so at least we had a fire to see by. But we had a cranky baby ready for bed in the middle of the woods.
After Daddy got the tent set up it took only 10 minutes in the dark with first time use to get the whole thing set up and Billy into it. Getting him to sleep was a whole different matter...
A few weeks later we took it to a festival with our friends and Billy's girlfriend. He and his gf played in it and then napped together in it in the middle of the festival. The best part there was since its carrying case is a small lightweight backpack, it was no problem to lug it into the festival. And the case holds the included foot pump, so everything goes with you when you take it places to set it up easily.
In July we hauled it to Florida on an airplane for a wedding. We used it in the hotel room instead of getting a hotel provided crib. It was great. I had no trouble getting it through security and brought it with me as my carry-on. I knew it was clean and safe and he was already familiar with it.
We also took it to the farmhouse for a month and he slept in it the whole time. I only had to re-inflate it once in the whole month. He was comfortable in it the whole time. That's not to say that I could always get him to go to sleep...
We also took it with us every time we went to the beach so Billy could sleep under the umbrella. He had no trouble sleeping on the beach. And it was easy to haul. Although, I have to admit that it leaks air more now that it's been exposed to sand (won't stay inflated for more than a week now). The zip-down flap on the side also gave Billy the ability to climb in and out of it by himself. He hated the sand, but didn't mind sitting in the Go Crib, so he was in and out. It locks, so you can keep the kid in when you want, or open it up to let them have free reign.
So there it is. If you're a parent on the go, the Go Crib is awesome to own. We couldn't survive without it. Daddy and I both highly recommend it.
But where can you get it? We've only seen it available at REI and on Amazon.com. The baby stores don't seem to carry it.
Check it out:
Go Crib on Amazon.com
Friday, March 2, 2012
March 2, 2012 ~ Our Last Night At Home
Right now Billy is all snuggled in his crib for his last night in his first home. Tomorrow night he will sleep in a new home, although I can't swear that the crib will be set up.
He was very upset watching his nursery furniture leave his room and head out to the truck. And he didn't want to go to sleep in his room, probably because it doesn't look like his room anymore. It's a lot to take in for a little man and he doesn't understand what's going on.
Boy will he get a big surprise in the morning. Everything gone. And then, everything will reappear in a brand new place. What an adventure!
But I am so lucky to have Billy sleeping in his crib, healthy if not happy.
~
Right now, in the Johns Hopklns Children's Hospital there is a little girl fighting for her life. She weighs less than a pound and wears a diaper the size of a dollar bill. She's in an incubator and her stay will be a long one. I don't know her name and she's one of many. Right now they are running their annual drive to raise money to buy comfort items for the 100,000 children they treat every year. Consider donating.
~
I have no idea if my internet will be up and running, so for the next few days please forgive me if I can't post regularly. I hope to have everything up and running as soon as possible.
He was very upset watching his nursery furniture leave his room and head out to the truck. And he didn't want to go to sleep in his room, probably because it doesn't look like his room anymore. It's a lot to take in for a little man and he doesn't understand what's going on.
Boy will he get a big surprise in the morning. Everything gone. And then, everything will reappear in a brand new place. What an adventure!
But I am so lucky to have Billy sleeping in his crib, healthy if not happy.
~
Right now, in the Johns Hopklns Children's Hospital there is a little girl fighting for her life. She weighs less than a pound and wears a diaper the size of a dollar bill. She's in an incubator and her stay will be a long one. I don't know her name and she's one of many. Right now they are running their annual drive to raise money to buy comfort items for the 100,000 children they treat every year. Consider donating.
~
I have no idea if my internet will be up and running, so for the next few days please forgive me if I can't post regularly. I hope to have everything up and running as soon as possible.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
March 1, 2012 ~ The Language Leap
Today Billy took some major strides in language.
This morning he called Tigger by name. I didn't even know that he knew Tigger's name. But he said, "Mommy, Tig!" and pointed at the fluffy little orange thing.
Then, getting out of the car he pointed and said, "Choo! Choo!" The train was zooming past. I've heard him say this before, but always prompted.
After dinner he walked over to the counter, pointed up, and made the hand sign for "more." I have been trying to teach him this but have never seen him actually do it.
I can't explain, but today he made a mental leap. He is picking up more vocabulary words and making connections between one object and another. It might seem small, but the jump between prompting and verbalizing without prompting is a big leap in my mind.
Of course, I can't prove any of this. If I prompt him to say something in front of others he shuts up like a clam. No, really...I swear. He talks, he talks!
This morning he called Tigger by name. I didn't even know that he knew Tigger's name. But he said, "Mommy, Tig!" and pointed at the fluffy little orange thing.
Then, getting out of the car he pointed and said, "Choo! Choo!" The train was zooming past. I've heard him say this before, but always prompted.
After dinner he walked over to the counter, pointed up, and made the hand sign for "more." I have been trying to teach him this but have never seen him actually do it.
I can't explain, but today he made a mental leap. He is picking up more vocabulary words and making connections between one object and another. It might seem small, but the jump between prompting and verbalizing without prompting is a big leap in my mind.
Of course, I can't prove any of this. If I prompt him to say something in front of others he shuts up like a clam. No, really...I swear. He talks, he talks!
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
January 28, 2012 ~ What Are We Doing Tonight, Brain?
Billy is on his way to taking over the world.
This morning of his on volition he climbed up into the desk chair. Climbed up by himself, a feat only accomplished in that past two days. The swinging and twirling of the desk chair make it difficult to climb into.
Anyway, he wanted to play on the computer. He started pressing buttons until he was opening windows and typing things into them. He didn't know what he was doing, but to the untrained observer he looked like a computer genius. He was able to pull up the "Find" window and search through files using keywords. He even got himself into the program files.
And by himself, I mean that I provided no assistance at all. He even figured out how to maneuver the mouse by himself and use it to open things. Don't believe me?
He's so proud of himself. Yep. He's my little computer genius.
"So, what are we doing tonight, Brain?"
"The same thing we do every night, Pinky. Try to take over the world!"
(Don't get the reference? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animaniacs)
Oh, yeah. And it's kind of a big day... we bought a house. WE BOUGHT A HOUSE!
This morning of his on volition he climbed up into the desk chair. Climbed up by himself, a feat only accomplished in that past two days. The swinging and twirling of the desk chair make it difficult to climb into.
Anyway, he wanted to play on the computer. He started pressing buttons until he was opening windows and typing things into them. He didn't know what he was doing, but to the untrained observer he looked like a computer genius. He was able to pull up the "Find" window and search through files using keywords. He even got himself into the program files.
And by himself, I mean that I provided no assistance at all. He even figured out how to maneuver the mouse by himself and use it to open things. Don't believe me?
He's so proud of himself. Yep. He's my little computer genius.
"So, what are we doing tonight, Brain?"
"The same thing we do every night, Pinky. Try to take over the world!"
(Don't get the reference? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animaniacs)
Oh, yeah. And it's kind of a big day... we bought a house. WE BOUGHT A HOUSE!
Monday, February 27, 2012
February 27, 2012 ~ The Potato Strikes Again!
If you are a personal friend of mine then you have probably heard the tale of the Golden Potato...you may have even seen the Golden Potato. If you have no idea what I'm talking about then let me summarize: Daddy+potato+alcohol+2008=HILARITY.
Anyway, yesterday Billy decided he wanted to play with a potato. I couldn't get him to leave it alone. It was a little white potato. Well, he decided it was a ball. He bounced it. He rolled it. He tried to get Buddy to play fetch with it. Yep. Potatoes are like balls.
Well, I've been trying to teach Billy to clean up his toys. Most of the time he puts his toys in the right bin and then refuses to let go and pulls them right back out and continues to play. It's a work in progress.
So, today, when I went to fry up that little white potato for Billy to eat tomorrow, do you know what I found? A tennis ball. Buddy's tennis ball. In the potato bin. Apparently, if a potato is like a ball, then a ball belongs with the potatoes. Yes, a Buddy toy full of slobber in with my food. Ooh, yum!
And now for your daily moment of cute...
Buddy got in trouble today for eating half of Billy's cracker right out of his hand. Billy was telling me a tale in toddlerspeak and not watching his cracker-filled hand. Buddy waited patiently for the moment to strike. Billy looked up in abject horror as half of his cracker vanished down the gullet of the cuddly beast. Then he went right back to babbling incessantly.
Buddy got some serious punishment for taking food from a baby.
After a few minutes I thought it was high time for Buddy to be forgiven.
"Billy, go tell Buddy that you love him. Go on," I pushed. I wasn't expecting anything to happen.
But just then, cuteness occurred. For weeks now, Billy has a new habit. If you ask him for a kiss, he will stick out his neck and present his cheek- aka, 'you may give me a kiss, my loyal subject'. It's very cute and quite humorous. Well, he walked over to Buddy and presented his cheek. Buddy's response? He walked away. So, Billy followed him and continued to present his cheek. Buddy relented and was treated to having Billy gently rub his cheek all over Buddy's cheek and Buddy's side.
Don't ever doubt. They are BFFs.
Anyway, yesterday Billy decided he wanted to play with a potato. I couldn't get him to leave it alone. It was a little white potato. Well, he decided it was a ball. He bounced it. He rolled it. He tried to get Buddy to play fetch with it. Yep. Potatoes are like balls.
Well, I've been trying to teach Billy to clean up his toys. Most of the time he puts his toys in the right bin and then refuses to let go and pulls them right back out and continues to play. It's a work in progress.
So, today, when I went to fry up that little white potato for Billy to eat tomorrow, do you know what I found? A tennis ball. Buddy's tennis ball. In the potato bin. Apparently, if a potato is like a ball, then a ball belongs with the potatoes. Yes, a Buddy toy full of slobber in with my food. Ooh, yum!
And now for your daily moment of cute...
Buddy got in trouble today for eating half of Billy's cracker right out of his hand. Billy was telling me a tale in toddlerspeak and not watching his cracker-filled hand. Buddy waited patiently for the moment to strike. Billy looked up in abject horror as half of his cracker vanished down the gullet of the cuddly beast. Then he went right back to babbling incessantly.
Buddy got some serious punishment for taking food from a baby.
After a few minutes I thought it was high time for Buddy to be forgiven.
"Billy, go tell Buddy that you love him. Go on," I pushed. I wasn't expecting anything to happen.
But just then, cuteness occurred. For weeks now, Billy has a new habit. If you ask him for a kiss, he will stick out his neck and present his cheek- aka, 'you may give me a kiss, my loyal subject'. It's very cute and quite humorous. Well, he walked over to Buddy and presented his cheek. Buddy's response? He walked away. So, Billy followed him and continued to present his cheek. Buddy relented and was treated to having Billy gently rub his cheek all over Buddy's cheek and Buddy's side.
Don't ever doubt. They are BFFs.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
February 26, 2012 ~ 3 Parenting Fails and a Parenting Wail
One Sunday, three FAILS.
1. Billy is learning his food words. Every meal he points to each item on his plate and I tell him what it is. Then he repeats the word for me the best that he can. This morning he had Cheerios, apples, bread and milk. He repeated each one. But five minutes later he picked up the soda bread and said (in perfect English with perfect pronunciation) "apple". No, "bread." Then at dinner he had some regular bread. He picked it up, showed it to Daddy and said (in perfect English with perfect pronunciation)"apple!" FAIL.
2. While playing with his toys he picked up his football and shoved it in his mouth. It was really cute until he put it down, walked over to a Buddy ball and shoved that in his mouth. We're still working on separation of toys...apparently, not very well. FAIL.
3. Billy was playing with something he knew he wasn't supposed to pick up because it was too heavy/dangerous/notmadeforbabies. He suddenly dropped it, possibly on his foot, and yelled (in perfect English with perfect pronunciation) "f*ck!" FAIL.
And a parenting wail...
This evening I decided to take a shower to have a fifteen minute break after a long day with my Crankypants (teething again, argh!). I climbed in to the nice steamy water for my relaxing break for the day. Just then, I heard the patter, patter, patter of little feet. Billy came bounding into the bathroom, followed by Daddy, followed by Buddy. Billy started slapping the glass, so I played our tapping game with him (I tap with my hand and leave it there and then he repeats). Then I kindly asked Daddy to make everyone leave so I could have some privacy. A minute later I heard the patter, patter, patter of little feet.
"Honey, he only wants Mommy, so we're going to play in the bathroom."
There I am, just trying to shampoo my hair like any normal woman with a Daddy and a baby and a dog there for company. Then I see Billy waving his binky over the open toilet. Dear God, please don't let him drop his binky in the toilet! But, I was saved by poop! Yes, Billy decided just then to let fly and Daddy had to rush him out for a diaper change. Phew! The binky was saved, I knew I had 5 minutes to myself and Daddy got stuck with a stinkeroo. But, of course, as soon as he had a new diaper, I had an audience again.
And that was my nice, relaxing, 15 minute time to myself. Yup.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
The Sunday Post- Sing About Poo
Today I'll just leave you with Billy's two favorite diaper changing songs:
I'm a Stinky Baby
(I'm A Little Teapot)
I'm a stinky baby
yes I am
better change me fast as you can
better change me quick as can be
'cause I pooped and I'm stinky
Super Pooper
(Abba's Super Trooper)
Super pooper
wipes are going to find me
but I won't be blue
it's not the thing to do
'cause in my diaper there is poo
I'm a Stinky Baby
(I'm A Little Teapot)
I'm a stinky baby
yes I am
better change me fast as you can
better change me quick as can be
'cause I pooped and I'm stinky
Super Pooper
(Abba's Super Trooper)
Super pooper
wipes are going to find me
but I won't be blue
it's not the thing to do
'cause in my diaper there is poo
Friday, February 24, 2012
February 24, 2012 ~ Drink Your Peas
At dinner Billy had peas and some other things but he didn't want to eat any of it. Nope. Forget it. Instead he started screaming for my glass of water.
"Mommy, meh! Meh!" pointing wildly at the water.
Ok, ok, I gave him the water. But it was immediately obvious that the glass was in serious danger of losing its life. So, I got a plastic mug out of the cabinet and filled it with water. Oh, boy. That mug could have been made of gold.
First he spilled water all down his front. Then he drank from it. But let's not stop there.
All good food and drink must inevitably become a science experiment. Why eat your peas when you can drink them? He started throwing peas into his water and tried to drink it. Then he screamed when I took the cup away and replaced it with pea-free water.
Clearly, he wanted his pea water.
"Mommy, meh! Meh!" pointing wildly at the water.
Ok, ok, I gave him the water. But it was immediately obvious that the glass was in serious danger of losing its life. So, I got a plastic mug out of the cabinet and filled it with water. Oh, boy. That mug could have been made of gold.
First he spilled water all down his front. Then he drank from it. But let's not stop there.
All good food and drink must inevitably become a science experiment. Why eat your peas when you can drink them? He started throwing peas into his water and tried to drink it. Then he screamed when I took the cup away and replaced it with pea-free water.
Clearly, he wanted his pea water.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
February 23, 2011 ~ A Lenten Appeal (Don't Do That!)
Taking a toddler to Church and expecting them to behave is a lot like jumping in to a tank of hungry sharks and expecting them not to bite. Sometimes I think the sharks might be easier to handle.
I made the (unwise) decision to take Billy to Ash Wednesday Mass. Because I work, I took him to the evening Mass, which is also the most crowded. Billy, purse, diaper bag, Car Kitty and myself grabbed a pew in the back. Immediately, he wanted into the diaper bag to see what goodies I had brought him.
Now, thinking ahead, I had removed all of the usual toys from the bag. I usually keep rattles, noise makers and other plastic items that would either sing or make loud noises when banged against the wooden pews. I replaced them with soft toys, hoping that new toys would keep him occupied and that soft toys meant he could bang them against the pew to his heart's content.
I unzipped the bag and on top was his parrot puppet.
"Caca!" he happily screamed in the middle of solemn Mass. In hindsight, naming the parrot Crackers may not have been the best choice.
This would be when I started to sink down in the pew.
Then we pulled out a book. He tried to get the attention of the girl in front of us by throwing the book at her. Ok, time to move.
I picked up Billy, my purse, the diaper bag, Car Kitty and Crackers and went to stand in the side aisle. I rocked Billy on my hip.
"Look!" he points to the stained glass.
"Shh! Billy." I appealed to him to be quiet.
"Uh, oh. Mommy." He points to the prayer candles. Then he wags his finger. "No! No!"
The choir then started singing so I walked him up to see them. Unfortunately, they were out of sight behind the altar for the Mass (which is not standard) so we couldn't see them. Instead I took him in to a side chapel, hoping to keep his attention. He looked around and then pointed up and said, "ah!"
This was followed by an "ah, ah, ah" echo resonating in the chapel. He looked at me stunned.
"Aah! AAH! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!" He screamed in delight.
Oh. My. God. I sprinted to the back of the Church and out the doors.
In the lobby were several parents with toddlers and all of the short people were talking loudly in toddler-speak. Well, we officially banished ourselves to the lobby with the other parent rejects, unable to keep their happy kids quiet.
I think we'll just pray at home from now on.
I made the (unwise) decision to take Billy to Ash Wednesday Mass. Because I work, I took him to the evening Mass, which is also the most crowded. Billy, purse, diaper bag, Car Kitty and myself grabbed a pew in the back. Immediately, he wanted into the diaper bag to see what goodies I had brought him.
Now, thinking ahead, I had removed all of the usual toys from the bag. I usually keep rattles, noise makers and other plastic items that would either sing or make loud noises when banged against the wooden pews. I replaced them with soft toys, hoping that new toys would keep him occupied and that soft toys meant he could bang them against the pew to his heart's content.
I unzipped the bag and on top was his parrot puppet.
"Caca!" he happily screamed in the middle of solemn Mass. In hindsight, naming the parrot Crackers may not have been the best choice.
This would be when I started to sink down in the pew.
Then we pulled out a book. He tried to get the attention of the girl in front of us by throwing the book at her. Ok, time to move.
I picked up Billy, my purse, the diaper bag, Car Kitty and Crackers and went to stand in the side aisle. I rocked Billy on my hip.
"Look!" he points to the stained glass.
"Shh! Billy." I appealed to him to be quiet.
"Uh, oh. Mommy." He points to the prayer candles. Then he wags his finger. "No! No!"
The choir then started singing so I walked him up to see them. Unfortunately, they were out of sight behind the altar for the Mass (which is not standard) so we couldn't see them. Instead I took him in to a side chapel, hoping to keep his attention. He looked around and then pointed up and said, "ah!"
This was followed by an "ah, ah, ah" echo resonating in the chapel. He looked at me stunned.
"Aah! AAH! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!" He screamed in delight.
Oh. My. God. I sprinted to the back of the Church and out the doors.
In the lobby were several parents with toddlers and all of the short people were talking loudly in toddler-speak. Well, we officially banished ourselves to the lobby with the other parent rejects, unable to keep their happy kids quiet.
I think we'll just pray at home from now on.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
February 21, 2012 ~ Adventures In Grandpop Babysitting
Tonight was another late night for me at work so Grandpop volunteered to babysit. I got everything ready for him. I wrote a list with the schedule on the board. I prepared enough healthy food for the Russian army for both he and Billy. I had everything for bedtime laid out and ready. Grandpop only had to watch Billy for an hour before bedtime, so I expected it to go easily.
How did it go?
~ Grandpop was initiated with an Epic Poo.
~ Cheese and crackers appear to be the main course from dinner...
~ Billy went to bed over an hour past his bedtime.
But the gentlemen had fun together despite having to pry Billy from me on the way out the door. I guess every kid deserves a little spoiling from their grandpop.
How did it go?
~ Grandpop was initiated with an Epic Poo.
~ Cheese and crackers appear to be the main course from dinner...
~ Billy went to bed over an hour past his bedtime.
But the gentlemen had fun together despite having to pry Billy from me on the way out the door. I guess every kid deserves a little spoiling from their grandpop.
Monday, February 20, 2012
February 20, 2012 ~ How To Lose An Intellectual Debate To A One-Year-Old
For lunch today I gave Billy some grapes with his science experiment, *ahem* I mean peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
He held one up to me and asked, "ball?"
"No honey that's a grape."
"Ball," he said, matter-of-factly and shoved it in his mouth with a smile.
"No. It's a grape. Can you say 'grape'? Grah-ape."
He held up another one. "Bah-all."
"Ok, it looks like a ball. But it's a grape."
He picked up another one and bounced it off of his tray. "Ball!" I don't think I realized that grapes bounce. Apparently, they do.
"Yes, it bounces like a ball, but it's a grape."
He grabbed another one and rolled it across his tray. "Mommy, ball. Buh-all!"
"Yes, it rolls like a ball and is round like a ball and bounces like a ball. But it's a grape."
At this point he had shoved all of them in his mouth (at once) and there were no more on his plate.
"Do you want more grapes?"
"NoNo. Mo(re) ball!"
"Ok, fine. More ball." And that's how he got another bowl of ripe, juicy, red, fruity balls that I like to call 'grapes'.
He held one up to me and asked, "ball?"
"No honey that's a grape."
"Ball," he said, matter-of-factly and shoved it in his mouth with a smile.
"No. It's a grape. Can you say 'grape'? Grah-ape."
He held up another one. "Bah-all."
"Ok, it looks like a ball. But it's a grape."
He picked up another one and bounced it off of his tray. "Ball!" I don't think I realized that grapes bounce. Apparently, they do.
"Yes, it bounces like a ball, but it's a grape."
He grabbed another one and rolled it across his tray. "Mommy, ball. Buh-all!"
"Yes, it rolls like a ball and is round like a ball and bounces like a ball. But it's a grape."
At this point he had shoved all of them in his mouth (at once) and there were no more on his plate.
"Do you want more grapes?"
"NoNo. Mo(re) ball!"
"Ok, fine. More ball." And that's how he got another bowl of ripe, juicy, red, fruity balls that I like to call 'grapes'.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
February 19, 2012 ~ Going Strawberry Blonde
Mealtime is always an adventure for a toddler- new tastes, new textures... what's not to love? Well, yesterday for lunch Billy decided it was high time to experiment with his food.
What to do with a PB&J? An adult would probably just eat his sandwich and go away contented with lunch. Not Billy. First, he pulled the sandwich apart to examine the innards. Next, he investigated the properties of peanut butter by getting a big dollop of it on each pointer finger and holding those fingers up in front of his face for a good look. Now, I bet you're expecting him to lick the PB from his fingers and say, "yum, yum!" But where's the fun in that? He looked hard at those fingers covered in peanutty goo and then shoved them in his ears. Ha! Bet you weren't expecting that! What? You didn't hear what I said? Maybe it's because you've got peanut butter in your ears.
Also for lunch he had strawberries. Billy loves strawberries. But in the spirit of science he couldn't just eat the strawberries. No, not Billy. He decided that he wanted to change his hair color by rubbing the strawberries all through his hair. Brings new meaning to "strawberry blonde".
Today was an epic blueberry day. Billy ate two bowls full of blueberries. He also learned how to say blueberry. "BooBah!" Since he learned to say "boobah" it's all he wants to eat. I made him stop after a reasonable number. But, come to find out that Daddy also gave him blueberry yogurt. I came home to find him, the highchair, the floor and his clothes covered in blueberry yogurt.
Note to self: limit blueberry intake. blue bum. That's all I'll say.
So let's review the weekend: a bum stained blue, hair dyed strawberry, and peanut butter in the ears.
What to do with a PB&J? An adult would probably just eat his sandwich and go away contented with lunch. Not Billy. First, he pulled the sandwich apart to examine the innards. Next, he investigated the properties of peanut butter by getting a big dollop of it on each pointer finger and holding those fingers up in front of his face for a good look. Now, I bet you're expecting him to lick the PB from his fingers and say, "yum, yum!" But where's the fun in that? He looked hard at those fingers covered in peanutty goo and then shoved them in his ears. Ha! Bet you weren't expecting that! What? You didn't hear what I said? Maybe it's because you've got peanut butter in your ears.
Also for lunch he had strawberries. Billy loves strawberries. But in the spirit of science he couldn't just eat the strawberries. No, not Billy. He decided that he wanted to change his hair color by rubbing the strawberries all through his hair. Brings new meaning to "strawberry blonde".
Today was an epic blueberry day. Billy ate two bowls full of blueberries. He also learned how to say blueberry. "BooBah!" Since he learned to say "boobah" it's all he wants to eat. I made him stop after a reasonable number. But, come to find out that Daddy also gave him blueberry yogurt. I came home to find him, the highchair, the floor and his clothes covered in blueberry yogurt.
Note to self: limit blueberry intake. blue bum. That's all I'll say.
So let's review the weekend: a bum stained blue, hair dyed strawberry, and peanut butter in the ears.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
The Sunday Post ~ Leggo the Leggins
Once upon a time I tried the whole leggins fashion. I was 10. It wasn't a good look. I would post some terribly awkward cute kiddie pics of myself, but the fashion was so horrifyingly ugly on me that I pretty sure that I burned all of those pics. And if I didn't I should have.
Later in life I returned to the leggins fashion- as exercise clothes. I had a whole workout wardrobe and thought I looked pretty chic. Except in the leggins. I went with them for comfort. But there were serious camel toe issues. Let's just acknowledge that elephant in the room. Too big and they wouldn't stay on, just right in size and whoosh! Riding up. It's an ugly sight.
So, much to my chagrin, this year the fashion rolled around for leggins with the tunic look. I wore this style back in the nineties, albeit with electric eighties prints and matching neon designs on the t-shirts. The rule in fashion is if you wore it before, you can't wear it again. So I plan on ignoring the latest fashion trend. Camel toe just isn't a good look for me.
On some ladies leggins look great (hey G... I'm talking to you!) Those are the fit right/right body type pants. On other ladies I have to wonder. I saw a grandmother in Target the other day wearing leggins. I saw more of where her "sun don't shine" than I ever wanted to see on a stranger. Some things are better left put away. Then there are the girls trying to pass off see-through tights for leggins. I feel like breaking into grade school rhyme when I see that... "I see London, I see France, I can see your underpants!"
I get it. I was a teenager once. But I have to wonder about the grown women going out in public proudly toting their camel toe like a Prada handbag. Really ladies?
Where will fashion take us next? I just hope that next year's look isn't butt crack.
Later in life I returned to the leggins fashion- as exercise clothes. I had a whole workout wardrobe and thought I looked pretty chic. Except in the leggins. I went with them for comfort. But there were serious camel toe issues. Let's just acknowledge that elephant in the room. Too big and they wouldn't stay on, just right in size and whoosh! Riding up. It's an ugly sight.
So, much to my chagrin, this year the fashion rolled around for leggins with the tunic look. I wore this style back in the nineties, albeit with electric eighties prints and matching neon designs on the t-shirts. The rule in fashion is if you wore it before, you can't wear it again. So I plan on ignoring the latest fashion trend. Camel toe just isn't a good look for me.
On some ladies leggins look great (hey G... I'm talking to you!) Those are the fit right/right body type pants. On other ladies I have to wonder. I saw a grandmother in Target the other day wearing leggins. I saw more of where her "sun don't shine" than I ever wanted to see on a stranger. Some things are better left put away. Then there are the girls trying to pass off see-through tights for leggins. I feel like breaking into grade school rhyme when I see that... "I see London, I see France, I can see your underpants!"
I get it. I was a teenager once. But I have to wonder about the grown women going out in public proudly toting their camel toe like a Prada handbag. Really ladies?
Where will fashion take us next? I just hope that next year's look isn't butt crack.
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