So, today, being a holiday and all, I was preparing a big meal for our family. Normally, because I have an impatient toddler, I make food with a combined prep + cook time of under twenty minutes. This minimizes the amount of stress in my life so that I don't have to hear Billy whine the whole time about being hungry.
Today I was making a more complicated meal than normal. Nothing terribly fancy. No, that would have meant hours or days of prep work. I've done Thanksgiving before... not that level of prep. Daddy was responsible for the burgers, but I was handling everything else. So, over an hour of prep time for everything. With a one-year-old this is asking a LOT.
I prepped for prepping by bringing boxes of toys into the kitchen. I'm skilled at cooking in an obstacle course, but less skilled at removing a screaming, clingy toddler from me while pouring boiling water out of a pan. So, distractions. It's the name of the game.
I neglected to take into account that Billy likes food. LIKES food. Who needs toys when there's food? He told me he was hungry. No problem. This is good. Perfect, even. He will be confined to the high chair eating and busy (read distracted!) while I prep. I'm all for this. He wants apple. Even better- it's already cut up and ready to go. I love it when a plan comes together.
Or not.
Billy has tossed his apple to Buddy. All of it. I remind him that we don't feed Buddy. Then he asks for rice. I'm not cooking rice, but have it ready to go. I heat it up, add butter and serve. Voile!
Or not.
Suddenly, it's like fireworks on the Fourth of July. Only, instead of pretty, sparkly lights, tiny kernels of rice fly everywhere in an outward exploding fashion. Billy giggles and tells me he's feeding Buddy. Major scolding. Not to mention, Buddy doesn't like rice. Don't feed Buddy!
But Billy insists that he's hungry. So I break down and go for the treats. Really, he doesn't deserve them, but maybe he will be distracted for 5 minutes so I can get stuff done. And...raisins fly around the room. Buddy loves raisins. Of course, because they are poisonous to dogs. LOTS of scolding. Don't feed Buddy!
So Daddy comes in and makes him a quesadilla for dinner and tries to give it to him. He looks at it, doesn't take a single bite, and tosses it on the floor. Don't feed Buddy!
At this point I give up on the food. I take it away and plop him on the floor. Look! Toys! Beepbeeps and Neeyowums and a book! Forget it. He stands by make leg, pulling on my pants whining for food. He spends the next fifteen minutes begging me for an egg. This is problematic, since I am currently cooking eggs, but not the way he's used to and not for him to consume stand alone. They are being hardboiled to add to a salad, not sunny-side up like he's used to. Once they are done though, he continues to harass me for an egg, so I give him a slice. Bring on the refrain. You know it's coming. Don't feed Buddy! Yup. One bite and off to the belly of Princess Fuzzy Butt (Daddy's new nickname for Buddy since he needs a haircut).
And of course, Billy then proceeds to whine for more food.
So I do what any good Mom would do. I play the Mother's Day card. I send Daddy off to the store and make him take Billy. It's amazing how much you can get done without a whining weight attached to your hip. Dinner was done and I sat down to a cocktail with plenty of time to spare.
Bring on dinner.
We all sit down to eat. I fix Billy a plate with only a small amount of food on it, hoping that if he chucks it he won't be able to toss too much to the dog. He did chuck cheese at Buddy, which I gave him to keep him quiet while we served up. C'est la vie. He whined for his hamburger. "Mine!" Then threw it to the dog. Don't feed Buddy!
But, of course, he couldn't get enough watergate salad. Two seconds flat and it was gone. Then he went around the table asking for up from each adult, hoping to swipe the watergate off of their plate. Grandma was a sucker, but I swallowed all of mine down before he could snarf it from my plate. He didn't like that too much, but I made it, so I get to eat it. And enough sugar before bed, already.
I'm all for sharing, but Buddy got more food out of Billy today than his usual doggy dinner, and a lot of it stuff I'd prefer he never eat, especially the stuff that makes him sick. I just can't figure out how to convince Billy... don't feed Buddy!
Monday, May 14, 2012
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Happy Mother's Day!
To all the Moms, Moms-To-Be and other wonderful women, here's wishing you a happy and wonderful Mother's Day!
Today Billy got to try out his new slide from Grandma, a late Christmas present, since the stores were sold out of slides back in December. He was in such a hurry to try it out he barely let me put it together. Then I set it up in the yard and massive amounts of fun ensued.
So, the first couple of runs he was completely naked going down the slide. We had been playing with the water table and, well, soaked everything. So, he decided to go down on his belly, feet first. I think this was probably a very wise manly decision. I wouldn't know for certain, but seems that way. About the fourth time climbing the ladder, he stopped at the top and turned the slide into a water slide. Ok, quick! Grab the baby, fetch the cleaner and a fresh diaper and off to try again.
Second round he had a diaper on. I decided to sit and go down feet first. He flew so fast that his head fell back onto the slide and he flew off the end. Wow. That's a fast slide. Ok, time to HOLD the baby going down. So, I kept a hand on him the whole time and it worked out. Each time he landed with a thud on his bum, giggling from fun. Who doesn't love to slide?
So, from Billy to the super-most-awesomest-slide-buying-Grandma-in-Billy's-whole-world...
Happy Mother's Day!
Today Billy got to try out his new slide from Grandma, a late Christmas present, since the stores were sold out of slides back in December. He was in such a hurry to try it out he barely let me put it together. Then I set it up in the yard and massive amounts of fun ensued.
So, the first couple of runs he was completely naked going down the slide. We had been playing with the water table and, well, soaked everything. So, he decided to go down on his belly, feet first. I think this was probably a very wise manly decision. I wouldn't know for certain, but seems that way. About the fourth time climbing the ladder, he stopped at the top and turned the slide into a water slide. Ok, quick! Grab the baby, fetch the cleaner and a fresh diaper and off to try again.
Second round he had a diaper on. I decided to sit and go down feet first. He flew so fast that his head fell back onto the slide and he flew off the end. Wow. That's a fast slide. Ok, time to HOLD the baby going down. So, I kept a hand on him the whole time and it worked out. Each time he landed with a thud on his bum, giggling from fun. Who doesn't love to slide?
So, from Billy to the super-most-awesomest-slide-buying-Grandma-in-Billy's-whole-world...
Happy Mother's Day!
Friday, May 11, 2012
The Saturday Post ~ Mother's Day
This weekend I'm going to switch it up and do my Sunday post on Saturday.
Still looking for that awesome Mother's Day gift?
Here are some ideas. If you're young, go for the homemade cards and other homemade gifts. But if you're the Dad buying the gifts, think outside of the chocolates box. Moms work extra hard to make sure everyone is fed, clothed, living in a clean house and generally happy and healthy. Thank your Mom in a way that takes some of the everyday stress out of her life.
Here's what I would like:
That pile-o-dishes to magically wash themselves
That pile-o-laundry to magically wash, dry, fold and put itself away
100% clean house without me lifting a finger
Not wiping other people's butts for a day
A massage- for all of those attack hugs
But I'll take with gratitude the flowers Billy brought home for me today from school with a handmade card. It's all the thanks I need.
Still looking for that awesome Mother's Day gift?
Here are some ideas. If you're young, go for the homemade cards and other homemade gifts. But if you're the Dad buying the gifts, think outside of the chocolates box. Moms work extra hard to make sure everyone is fed, clothed, living in a clean house and generally happy and healthy. Thank your Mom in a way that takes some of the everyday stress out of her life.
Here's what I would like:
That pile-o-dishes to magically wash themselves
That pile-o-laundry to magically wash, dry, fold and put itself away
100% clean house without me lifting a finger
Not wiping other people's butts for a day
A massage- for all of those attack hugs
But I'll take with gratitude the flowers Billy brought home for me today from school with a handmade card. It's all the thanks I need.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
May 10, 2012 ~ Daddy Gas
This evening Billy kept shouting, "Daddy gas! Daddy gas!!!"
Now, I bet you're thinking that Billy was taking issue with stinky farts. Well, I think most people take issue with that, but that's not what he was talking about.
Let's learn Billy:
Daddy gas=Daddy's cutting the grass!
Yes, apparently mowing the lawn is very interesting. I took Billy outside (oush-shide) so he could watch Daddy fire up the mower. It sprang to life with a loud rumble that had Billy quaking. "Mommy, insh-shide!" Billy will do anything- ANYTHING- to be outside at all times. Asking for inside is like an adult asking for a root canal. "Mommy, insh-shide!" Yeah, those mowers are pretty scary.
But watching from the safety of the window was pretty cool. He pulled up a chair to watch Daddy mow the back and then got to stand at the front window (it's lower) and watch the whole front mowing entertainment.
A few times the mower cut out. "More?" he asked me every time, expectantly, using his sign language too. Really, mowing is so exciting he wanted more.
He even told Grandma on the phone about fifty gazillion times that "Daddy gas!"
To Billy's great dismay, Daddy ran out of grass to cut. Well, our yard is only so big. But no worries, the grass will grow again. And when that happens, "Daddy gas!"
Now, I bet you're thinking that Billy was taking issue with stinky farts. Well, I think most people take issue with that, but that's not what he was talking about.
Let's learn Billy:
Daddy gas=Daddy's cutting the grass!
Yes, apparently mowing the lawn is very interesting. I took Billy outside (oush-shide) so he could watch Daddy fire up the mower. It sprang to life with a loud rumble that had Billy quaking. "Mommy, insh-shide!" Billy will do anything- ANYTHING- to be outside at all times. Asking for inside is like an adult asking for a root canal. "Mommy, insh-shide!" Yeah, those mowers are pretty scary.
But watching from the safety of the window was pretty cool. He pulled up a chair to watch Daddy mow the back and then got to stand at the front window (it's lower) and watch the whole front mowing entertainment.
A few times the mower cut out. "More?" he asked me every time, expectantly, using his sign language too. Really, mowing is so exciting he wanted more.
He even told Grandma on the phone about fifty gazillion times that "Daddy gas!"
To Billy's great dismay, Daddy ran out of grass to cut. Well, our yard is only so big. But no worries, the grass will grow again. And when that happens, "Daddy gas!"
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
May 8, 2012 ~ Billy's First Field Trip
We went to the zoo.
Ok, there is only one word for a field trip involving and entire daycare. Zooey. And I'm not talking about the animals.
Before we even left the house Billy knew something was up and his entire routine was off. This devolved into two epic meltdowns, including one over Mommy's outfit. Apparently, he didn't like my shirt. I wore it anyway and the fashion police never showed, so it couldn't have been that bad.
I asked him what he wanted to see at the zoo. "Grandpop!" Well, already in for disappointment. I think Billy thinks Grandpop lives at the zoo. Grandpop usually refers to his house as the circus, not a zoo.
When we got to the zoo the keepers made up wait around a lot outside- I guess for head counts. For adults, this lined-up mass chaos is just boring. For a one-year-old it is excruciating. Bring on epic meltdown number three prior to ten a.m. The other kids in his class were melting down too. It's a little too much waiting for the Under Two Club.
But we finally made it into the zoo and walked around with his class. We did the petting zoo where a donkey tried to drink out of Billy's sippy cup. But he got to pet that same donkey while it licked his cup. No worries, Billy didn't drink after the donkey. He also got to pet some goats, and hug one very patient goat.
This pic would be the highlight. Billy got to ride a camel. He was all excited to get on it after another girl in his class went for a camel ride. But then we got on it and he was suddenly terrified. He started to whimper in fear, but I kept coaxing him to pet the nice Mr. Camel, who was letting us ride him. The funny thing was, when we got off the camel he talked on and on about it, all excited. I have no idea what he said, since most of what he says is unintelligible, but he was thrilled- after the fact.
Note to self: field trips with the Under 2 Club- pass.
Ok, there is only one word for a field trip involving and entire daycare. Zooey. And I'm not talking about the animals.
Before we even left the house Billy knew something was up and his entire routine was off. This devolved into two epic meltdowns, including one over Mommy's outfit. Apparently, he didn't like my shirt. I wore it anyway and the fashion police never showed, so it couldn't have been that bad.
I asked him what he wanted to see at the zoo. "Grandpop!" Well, already in for disappointment. I think Billy thinks Grandpop lives at the zoo. Grandpop usually refers to his house as the circus, not a zoo.
When we got to the zoo the keepers made up wait around a lot outside- I guess for head counts. For adults, this lined-up mass chaos is just boring. For a one-year-old it is excruciating. Bring on epic meltdown number three prior to ten a.m. The other kids in his class were melting down too. It's a little too much waiting for the Under Two Club.
But we finally made it into the zoo and walked around with his class. We did the petting zoo where a donkey tried to drink out of Billy's sippy cup. But he got to pet that same donkey while it licked his cup. No worries, Billy didn't drink after the donkey. He also got to pet some goats, and hug one very patient goat.
This pic would be the highlight. Billy got to ride a camel. He was all excited to get on it after another girl in his class went for a camel ride. But then we got on it and he was suddenly terrified. He started to whimper in fear, but I kept coaxing him to pet the nice Mr. Camel, who was letting us ride him. The funny thing was, when we got off the camel he talked on and on about it, all excited. I have no idea what he said, since most of what he says is unintelligible, but he was thrilled- after the fact.
Note to self: field trips with the Under 2 Club- pass.
Monday, May 7, 2012
May 7, 2012 ~ Mine! Mine! Mine!
Think seagulls in Finding Nemo... "mine! mine! mine!"
Over the past week or so Billy has developed a new word and a new habit...mine. Now, I'm not talking about him grabbing something from me and running off screaming "mine!" I'm sure we'll get there, but that's not what I'm talking about.
Today we were playing with Noah's Ark on the sofa. He wanted to play with the lion. So he took all of the other animals and shoved them behind his back, and when he ran out of room he shoved the rest under his butt. I, of course, was given one to play with. They work very hard on sharing at daycare, so he always makes me play with a toy.
Yesterday we were playing with crayons and he had to hold all of them to his chest except the one he was coloring with. It made it very difficult to switch colors. He did the same thing with his sidewalk chalk the day before. He held the chalk to his chest and colored with one hand. It's not easy holding 5 sticks of fat sidewalk chalk at once, especially when your hands are teeny tiny.
He's also big on hiding toys behind his back now. He got a new choo choo and if he thinks I'm going to take it away (say, for naptime) he hides it behind his back and says mine. He also does this with food. He took his loaded spoon of yogurt and hid it behind his back. Or, all over his back and the high chair. Wasn't really all that hidden, what with the giant mess.
The only thing I can think is that the kids at daycare must snatch any toy as soon as it hits the ground. I can't convince him when we're home alone that I'm not going to take his toys. That no one is going to take his toys. They're his. But, he's not convinced.
So, in case you weren't sure, Billy just wants you to know, "mine!"
I will now commence hiding this blog behind my back. "Mine!"
Over the past week or so Billy has developed a new word and a new habit...mine. Now, I'm not talking about him grabbing something from me and running off screaming "mine!" I'm sure we'll get there, but that's not what I'm talking about.
Today we were playing with Noah's Ark on the sofa. He wanted to play with the lion. So he took all of the other animals and shoved them behind his back, and when he ran out of room he shoved the rest under his butt. I, of course, was given one to play with. They work very hard on sharing at daycare, so he always makes me play with a toy.
Yesterday we were playing with crayons and he had to hold all of them to his chest except the one he was coloring with. It made it very difficult to switch colors. He did the same thing with his sidewalk chalk the day before. He held the chalk to his chest and colored with one hand. It's not easy holding 5 sticks of fat sidewalk chalk at once, especially when your hands are teeny tiny.
He's also big on hiding toys behind his back now. He got a new choo choo and if he thinks I'm going to take it away (say, for naptime) he hides it behind his back and says mine. He also does this with food. He took his loaded spoon of yogurt and hid it behind his back. Or, all over his back and the high chair. Wasn't really all that hidden, what with the giant mess.
The only thing I can think is that the kids at daycare must snatch any toy as soon as it hits the ground. I can't convince him when we're home alone that I'm not going to take his toys. That no one is going to take his toys. They're his. But, he's not convinced.
So, in case you weren't sure, Billy just wants you to know, "mine!"
I will now commence hiding this blog behind my back. "Mine!"
May 6, 2012 ~ A Grand Outing
Today was the big opening of Pierce's Park and I would like to congratulate my cousins on the park and all of their hard work. It's a beautiful space and a wonderful addition to downtown.
Mayor Rawlings-Blake gave a speech.
Then, Pierce's wife gave a speech.
A huge crowd was gathered for the ribbon cutting. Too many for me to get a good photo, so forget that. The speeches were given in front of the musical fence. Once the kids were allowed to go play Billy tried out the fence.
Notice the path. The bricks have homophones written on them.
Billy also loved the willow tunnel. He ran through it several times. ABC2News filmed him running through it and told me he would be in the news story, but the story only got a few seconds of airtime and the footage wasn't there. If they post it on their website I will post a link here.
Billy had a fabulous outing to the park. I think I would take him there regularly, if it weren't so far from home. But he really enjoyed it, so we'll be sure to go back.
At home Billy got to try out a new toy. Blogger has decided to be lame and not let me post any more pics into this post, so I'll post those later. We got him a water table for outside. He soaked himself, the deck, attempted to soak Buddy and dunked his head several times. My pasta pot even ended up in the water table as part of the fun. He giggled for an hour and kept himself busy and soaked the whole time.
He had a good day.
Me?
Woke up with a spider on my nose. Cooked lunch and dinner. Did 5 loads of laundry. Vacuumed the lower level. Took out the trash. Emptied the dishwasher. Separated his outgrown clothes and put them away. Cleaned up the kitchen, bedroom, Billy's room and den. Assembled his water table. Assembled Daddy's new sports caddy. Bought three new books. Attended the grand opening of Pierce's Park. Played with Billy. Blogged. Yeah, I think I'm going to go to bed now...
Mayor Rawlings-Blake gave a speech.
Then, Pierce's wife gave a speech.
A huge crowd was gathered for the ribbon cutting. Too many for me to get a good photo, so forget that. The speeches were given in front of the musical fence. Once the kids were allowed to go play Billy tried out the fence.
Notice the path. The bricks have homophones written on them.
Billy also loved the willow tunnel. He ran through it several times. ABC2News filmed him running through it and told me he would be in the news story, but the story only got a few seconds of airtime and the footage wasn't there. If they post it on their website I will post a link here.
Billy had a fabulous outing to the park. I think I would take him there regularly, if it weren't so far from home. But he really enjoyed it, so we'll be sure to go back.
At home Billy got to try out a new toy. Blogger has decided to be lame and not let me post any more pics into this post, so I'll post those later. We got him a water table for outside. He soaked himself, the deck, attempted to soak Buddy and dunked his head several times. My pasta pot even ended up in the water table as part of the fun. He giggled for an hour and kept himself busy and soaked the whole time.
He had a good day.
Me?
Woke up with a spider on my nose. Cooked lunch and dinner. Did 5 loads of laundry. Vacuumed the lower level. Took out the trash. Emptied the dishwasher. Separated his outgrown clothes and put them away. Cleaned up the kitchen, bedroom, Billy's room and den. Assembled his water table. Assembled Daddy's new sports caddy. Bought three new books. Attended the grand opening of Pierce's Park. Played with Billy. Blogged. Yeah, I think I'm going to go to bed now...
Saturday, May 5, 2012
The Sunday Post ~ A Day in the Park
I'm in advertising, so plugging things is what I do. If you're friends with me on facebook, then you already know what I'm plugging, because I've been posting all week. But I haven't mentioned it on my blog. Here's my plug for Pierce's Park.
I hope you'll come out this Sunday to see the grand opening of Pierce's Park. It's a family park in Harbor East. And when I say family, it's not only for the family, but by my family.
My cousins have worked very hard creating this park, even working on it with their own hands, and now all of their hard work has come to fruition. I can't wait to see what they've done.
The Park honors the memory of my cousin, Pierce John Flanigan, III... or P3 as we sometimes called him. He was a very nice man, a lover of sports and outdoors, of poetry and reading and of cars and roads. He was also influential around Baltimore. He died suddenly a few years ago.
Please come honor his memory and walk through his park.
I hope you'll come out this Sunday to see the grand opening of Pierce's Park. It's a family park in Harbor East. And when I say family, it's not only for the family, but by my family.
My cousins have worked very hard creating this park, even working on it with their own hands, and now all of their hard work has come to fruition. I can't wait to see what they've done.
The Park honors the memory of my cousin, Pierce John Flanigan, III... or P3 as we sometimes called him. He was a very nice man, a lover of sports and outdoors, of poetry and reading and of cars and roads. He was also influential around Baltimore. He died suddenly a few years ago.
Please come honor his memory and walk through his park.
May 4, 2012 ~ Girls' Night Out
First, let me wish you a happy Star Wars Day. (May the Fourth be with you!)
Tonight was girls' night out. I didn't actually get to see much of Billy today because he had separate plans with the boys for dinner. We briefly tromped through the backyard, enough for the Buddy bombs to attack my shoes before heading out. I have no idea how boys' night went, since they are both passed out.
We ladies went to see the Hunger Games, after booze and fried, delicious yumminess. The movie was decent. We both agree though, that a key component from the book was missing. When watching I didn't notice, but I read the book, so I already knew all of the back story. I won't give it away so I don't spoil the book or movie. However, that key component we think is probably the special sauce that made the books so amazing. I wonder how someone viewing the movie without reading the books first would feel?
Well, I liked it anyway. It was a very good rendition of the book, even minus the secret sauce. I guess the story is just that good.
Tonight was girls' night out. I didn't actually get to see much of Billy today because he had separate plans with the boys for dinner. We briefly tromped through the backyard, enough for the Buddy bombs to attack my shoes before heading out. I have no idea how boys' night went, since they are both passed out.
We ladies went to see the Hunger Games, after booze and fried, delicious yumminess. The movie was decent. We both agree though, that a key component from the book was missing. When watching I didn't notice, but I read the book, so I already knew all of the back story. I won't give it away so I don't spoil the book or movie. However, that key component we think is probably the special sauce that made the books so amazing. I wonder how someone viewing the movie without reading the books first would feel?
Well, I liked it anyway. It was a very good rendition of the book, even minus the secret sauce. I guess the story is just that good.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
May 3, 2012 ~ The Microwave Saga
It's been a week since my microwave went up in smoke, and we finally have a new one. It's been a bumpy week. Yesterday I wanted to make Billy a sweet potato for him to have with his dinner. This takes 6 minutes in the microwave, which I didn't have. So, I stuck it in the oven ahead of dinner. (Yes, I actually planned that- go me). I gave it 40 minutes. Well, that lil ole potato that would take 6 minutes in a microwave took 2.5 hours in the oven to cook. Needless to say, Billy didn't get to eat that potato for dinner.
Daddy and I had leftovers. I had to heat them in the oven, which took 20 minutes. It would have taken 1 minute per dish in the microwave.
Seriously, thank God for microwaves. What would I do without them? And now I have a shiny new one with more wattage than a small city. I would have settled for a non-shiny one with 1/4 of the power, but Daddy has the Tim Allen theory on all things electronic.
So, it's official. I'm back in the modern kitchen. Yay! And that concludes the microwave saga.
Daddy and I had leftovers. I had to heat them in the oven, which took 20 minutes. It would have taken 1 minute per dish in the microwave.
Seriously, thank God for microwaves. What would I do without them? And now I have a shiny new one with more wattage than a small city. I would have settled for a non-shiny one with 1/4 of the power, but Daddy has the Tim Allen theory on all things electronic.
So, it's official. I'm back in the modern kitchen. Yay! And that concludes the microwave saga.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
May 1, 2012 ~ A Dollop of Daisy?
Today for dinner I cooked quesadillas. Yay uno de Mayo! Look, I'm going to eat Mexican food all week because it's a great excuse to eat Mexican food all week. I served it up with a dollop of sour cream, which, happens to be Daisy, but that's not my point.
How would you eat a quesadilla?
I look at it like Mexican pizza. Triangular. Yummy. AND I get to dip it into sour cream, which is CLEARLY the best part. So, I usually bite off the tip of the triangle first. You?
Ok, now what would you do if you were a one-year-old?
First, examine this trangular thing. Cheese you say? I see no cheese. What to do? Bite a hole through the middle looking for the cheese. Oh, look! There it is. Mom wasn't lying. There is cheese in this thing.
Oooh. What is this white blob on my plate? I must investigate.
So, Billy stuck his spoon into the sour cream to get a bit of it. He still wasn't so sure about the whole dipping the quesadilla part, even if he is a pro with french fries and ketchup. When he lifted the spoon the whole glob came up of the plate. The WHOLE glob. He looked at it on his spoon. Hrm. What to do now?
Yes, that would be the dollop going in his mouth. (With me yelling, "No, silly! Stop!)
Did he like it?
Oh yeah. He even took the second bite and ate the rest of it right off of the spoon.
Well, clearly now would be the time to eat the rest of the quesadilla or feed it to the dog. Several attempts to feed it to the dog proved futile so he opted to eat it instead. "More, more!" didn't get him more sour cream, so I guess he figured he might as well eat what was left on his plate.
Ok, so now we have a clean green plate. Well, clean except for the dregs of the sour cream that stuck to the plate. I would look at that as done and put my plate in the sink. Billy? First he dipped his strawberries in it, but decided he didn't want any more strawberries. Then?
He decided that if it was so good to eat, it must be good to wear.
How would you eat a quesadilla?
I look at it like Mexican pizza. Triangular. Yummy. AND I get to dip it into sour cream, which is CLEARLY the best part. So, I usually bite off the tip of the triangle first. You?
Ok, now what would you do if you were a one-year-old?
First, examine this trangular thing. Cheese you say? I see no cheese. What to do? Bite a hole through the middle looking for the cheese. Oh, look! There it is. Mom wasn't lying. There is cheese in this thing.
Oooh. What is this white blob on my plate? I must investigate.
So, Billy stuck his spoon into the sour cream to get a bit of it. He still wasn't so sure about the whole dipping the quesadilla part, even if he is a pro with french fries and ketchup. When he lifted the spoon the whole glob came up of the plate. The WHOLE glob. He looked at it on his spoon. Hrm. What to do now?
Yes, that would be the dollop going in his mouth. (With me yelling, "No, silly! Stop!)
Did he like it?
Oh yeah. He even took the second bite and ate the rest of it right off of the spoon.
Well, clearly now would be the time to eat the rest of the quesadilla or feed it to the dog. Several attempts to feed it to the dog proved futile so he opted to eat it instead. "More, more!" didn't get him more sour cream, so I guess he figured he might as well eat what was left on his plate.
Ok, so now we have a clean green plate. Well, clean except for the dregs of the sour cream that stuck to the plate. I would look at that as done and put my plate in the sink. Billy? First he dipped his strawberries in it, but decided he didn't want any more strawberries. Then?
He decided that if it was so good to eat, it must be good to wear.
He rubbed it all through his hair in a stripe right down the center like a skunk. Apparently, I didn't know that sour cream works as hair gel too, and Billy was feeling his tresses needed some taming.
Yeah. Let's skip the bath and go straight to the hosing down!
April 30, 2012 ~ Before and After: Grocery Store
Before, at the grocery store:
Billy kicking, screaming, "No! No! No!" having major tantrums, trying to break things, crawling out of the cart, "Apple!" hitting, biting, crying, whining, throwing things and me holding my head in shame as I try to bring a small person under control. Can someone please explain to me the magic that turns a perfectly well-behaved small person into a raving monster when passing through the doors of a grocery store? And it doesn't matter which store, they all seem to have these magical doors that make little monsters.
Today I came prepared with a monster kit. Animal crackers, Tigger, 2 spoons, a binky, milk and water. And I asked him to behave himself before we went in the store and he agreed. Did it work?
After receiving the contents of the monster kit, at the grocery store:
Billy calming nomming on crackers and quietly pointing to and naming things he recognizes, sitting still, behaving himself, calm and collected, handing me his binky when he didn't want it (instead of throwing), asking for it back, letting me know something fell from the cart, not throwing a single thing, not screaming even once, sweet little baby.
The Grocery Store Monster has been tamed...for now!
Billy kicking, screaming, "No! No! No!" having major tantrums, trying to break things, crawling out of the cart, "Apple!" hitting, biting, crying, whining, throwing things and me holding my head in shame as I try to bring a small person under control. Can someone please explain to me the magic that turns a perfectly well-behaved small person into a raving monster when passing through the doors of a grocery store? And it doesn't matter which store, they all seem to have these magical doors that make little monsters.
Today I came prepared with a monster kit. Animal crackers, Tigger, 2 spoons, a binky, milk and water. And I asked him to behave himself before we went in the store and he agreed. Did it work?
After receiving the contents of the monster kit, at the grocery store:
Billy calming nomming on crackers and quietly pointing to and naming things he recognizes, sitting still, behaving himself, calm and collected, handing me his binky when he didn't want it (instead of throwing), asking for it back, letting me know something fell from the cart, not throwing a single thing, not screaming even once, sweet little baby.
The Grocery Store Monster has been tamed...for now!
Sunday, April 29, 2012
April 29, 2012 ~ That's The Way The Ball Bounces
This morning I gave Billy a new toy. A bright yellow bouncy ball. Wow was that a big hit.
He tossed it around his room on the wood floor, chasing it madly around the room. What did he do as soon as he caught it? Bounce it again, of course and go chasing after it again. Poor Buddy wanted to go get it too, but this is Billy's ball.
We went to the family room and Billy tried it out on the carpet. Ooh, the ball rolled under the sofa. Mom! Yeah, yeah I'm coming. So I fetched it and gave it back to him. So what does he do? Intentionally throws it under the sofa. Mom! The ball might have disappeared to a high place for a while after that.
Soon enough, like some crazy radar, he figured out where I stashed it and relentlessly begged me for the ball. I'm not really sure how he identifies where I hide things out of sight. He just seems to KNOW.
So, I gave it back to him. He then tried to shoe it into Buddy's mouth. I guess he was trying to make Buddy play with it? Didn't work. So he went back to bouncing. But the ball doesn't run wild on carpet like it does on the wood floor. What to do?
Throw it under the sofa. Mom!
He tossed it around his room on the wood floor, chasing it madly around the room. What did he do as soon as he caught it? Bounce it again, of course and go chasing after it again. Poor Buddy wanted to go get it too, but this is Billy's ball.
We went to the family room and Billy tried it out on the carpet. Ooh, the ball rolled under the sofa. Mom! Yeah, yeah I'm coming. So I fetched it and gave it back to him. So what does he do? Intentionally throws it under the sofa. Mom! The ball might have disappeared to a high place for a while after that.
Soon enough, like some crazy radar, he figured out where I stashed it and relentlessly begged me for the ball. I'm not really sure how he identifies where I hide things out of sight. He just seems to KNOW.
So, I gave it back to him. He then tried to shoe it into Buddy's mouth. I guess he was trying to make Buddy play with it? Didn't work. So he went back to bouncing. But the ball doesn't run wild on carpet like it does on the wood floor. What to do?
Throw it under the sofa. Mom!
The Sunday Post ~ Oh Say Can I...SS200!
I'd like to tell you a story. Stop me if you've heard this one... actually, you've probably heard this one. But if you're anything like me, probably not since fourth grade.
Let's set the scene.
It's 1814 and the British have just sacked Washington D.C., burning and looting some of the more notable buildings, like the White House. The government and President have fled. The British are gaining momentum with new troops recently sent, the sacking of D.C. and the surrender of Alexandria. The had hoped to have a turning point in the War of 1812 and set there sights on Baltimore, a major commercial port and home to numerous privateers (aka pirates) that were attacking British merchants ships.
The Brits brought land and sea forces to bring down Baltimore. Several thousand troops were deployed to attack by land. They drove Baltimore's defenses back to the major defense line that is now part of Patterson Park. But the Baltimoreans proved to be more difficult to subdue than the British had originally thought. The Brits had also lost their commanding officer to a sharpshooter during one of the initial battles in Baltimore. In order to win, the Brits severely needed artillery support from their fleet waiting out in the bay.
That brings to a prisoner aboard a truce ship on the Patapsco River. Francis Scott Key could only watch as the sun set over the city of Baltimore. The British fleet was bombarding Fort McHenry, the main defense for Baltimore Harbor and famous for it's star shape. The fleet bombed the fort all through the night. At dawn, he looked out to the fort and the American flag was still flying. He was inspired to write a poem, that later became our national anthem. The British gave up, retreated, and it was considered a major turning point in the war.
Oh, yeah... by the way, that flag had 15 stars and 15 stripes. And the stars were all rotated slightly to one side or the other, not like our current stars whose top points all point straight up. This rotation is the "spangled" part.
So, anyway. SS200, aka Star-Spangled 200. This year marks the 200th Anniversary of the War of 1812. This is a big deal for the City of Baltimore and for the whole country. This week ads for the SS200 started showing up to announce the kick-off dates for the celebration. They're really cool ads, I wonder which agency did those? Actually, the planning has been in the works for awhile. If you've noticed the new MD license plates, you'll see the flag flying over the bricks walls of Ft. McHenry while the bombs burst in the air.
June 13-19, 2012 ~ Sailabration!
It's the big celebration and you should be there. The celebration will include a parade of tall ships and military vessels from around the world- a LOT of tall ships. There will be fireworks. The Blue Angels will be there. Sailboat races in the harbor and lots of other activities. And this is just the start. Come see!
http://www.starspangled200.com/
Let's set the scene.
It's 1814 and the British have just sacked Washington D.C., burning and looting some of the more notable buildings, like the White House. The government and President have fled. The British are gaining momentum with new troops recently sent, the sacking of D.C. and the surrender of Alexandria. The had hoped to have a turning point in the War of 1812 and set there sights on Baltimore, a major commercial port and home to numerous privateers (aka pirates) that were attacking British merchants ships.
The Brits brought land and sea forces to bring down Baltimore. Several thousand troops were deployed to attack by land. They drove Baltimore's defenses back to the major defense line that is now part of Patterson Park. But the Baltimoreans proved to be more difficult to subdue than the British had originally thought. The Brits had also lost their commanding officer to a sharpshooter during one of the initial battles in Baltimore. In order to win, the Brits severely needed artillery support from their fleet waiting out in the bay.
That brings to a prisoner aboard a truce ship on the Patapsco River. Francis Scott Key could only watch as the sun set over the city of Baltimore. The British fleet was bombarding Fort McHenry, the main defense for Baltimore Harbor and famous for it's star shape. The fleet bombed the fort all through the night. At dawn, he looked out to the fort and the American flag was still flying. He was inspired to write a poem, that later became our national anthem. The British gave up, retreated, and it was considered a major turning point in the war.
Oh, yeah... by the way, that flag had 15 stars and 15 stripes. And the stars were all rotated slightly to one side or the other, not like our current stars whose top points all point straight up. This rotation is the "spangled" part.
So, anyway. SS200, aka Star-Spangled 200. This year marks the 200th Anniversary of the War of 1812. This is a big deal for the City of Baltimore and for the whole country. This week ads for the SS200 started showing up to announce the kick-off dates for the celebration. They're really cool ads, I wonder which agency did those? Actually, the planning has been in the works for awhile. If you've noticed the new MD license plates, you'll see the flag flying over the bricks walls of Ft. McHenry while the bombs burst in the air.
June 13-19, 2012 ~ Sailabration!
It's the big celebration and you should be there. The celebration will include a parade of tall ships and military vessels from around the world- a LOT of tall ships. There will be fireworks. The Blue Angels will be there. Sailboat races in the harbor and lots of other activities. And this is just the start. Come see!
http://www.starspangled200.com/
Friday, April 27, 2012
April 27, 2012 ~ Fine Dining With Baby
Grandpop took us out to a very fancy dinner tonight. No, actually fancy. Like, the waiter was wearing a tux fancy. Yeah, that fancy.
Billy decided to break out his big boy shoes today and show off. He sat well-behaved at the table (who is this kid?). He drank water from a footed glass (no, seriously...who IS this kid). And he genteely ate his tiramisu (really, Grandpop?) with a fork.
Yes, that's right. No screaming. No getting up from the table, minus a brief stretch of the legs after a 2 hour dinner. He only threw toys a few times and only raised his happy voice a few times. It was unusual.
Maybe it was the outfit. He got to wear a new shirt today. He loved it so much that he whispered "wow" over and over this morning while gently touching the new shirt. And Grandpop gushed over his new shoes. He was definitely feeling dressed up.
Nope. I'm pretty sure an aliene clone went to the restaurant with us. No other way to explain it.
Billy decided to break out his big boy shoes today and show off. He sat well-behaved at the table (who is this kid?). He drank water from a footed glass (no, seriously...who IS this kid). And he genteely ate his tiramisu (really, Grandpop?) with a fork.
Yes, that's right. No screaming. No getting up from the table, minus a brief stretch of the legs after a 2 hour dinner. He only threw toys a few times and only raised his happy voice a few times. It was unusual.
Maybe it was the outfit. He got to wear a new shirt today. He loved it so much that he whispered "wow" over and over this morning while gently touching the new shirt. And Grandpop gushed over his new shoes. He was definitely feeling dressed up.
Nope. I'm pretty sure an aliene clone went to the restaurant with us. No other way to explain it.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
April 26, 2012 ~ FML...The Microwave Edition
My microwave died tonight. I could care less about the machine itself, but how am I supposed to live for another week until Daddy has time to go out shopping with me to buy a new one? Yes, I could go get one myself, but Daddy would kill me if I bought something that plugged in without his input.
Look, I know people can live without microwaves. Hell, I was three when we got our first one. BUT... Grandma was used to living without a microwave. She'd never had one before. It falls into the category of living without a car. If you're used to having one, then getting by without it a major life adjustment. Or living without electricity? 100 years ago people did it without any problem. But they were used to life like that and the infrastructure existed to support an energy-free lifestyle. For example, having milk delivered daily. I've only ever heard of a milk man. Do you know how I would bend over backwards to have someone deliver milk to my door? (Yes, I could pay through the nose to have a grocery delivery service- but that's still not fresh milk).
Even without a kid it's going to be a rough go, but I also have an impatient toddler that wants his dinner when he wants it and I mean now. This means having to heat everything in the oven or stovetop AND more dishes for all of the bakeware and pots to do that. FML. That's just what I need. I made popcorn today (the final microwaved item around here for awhile) and had to heat the butter in a saucepan on the stove.
I think I'm just going to pretend that it's 1950. It's no big deal to be without the microwave. I cook dinner all of the time anyway. I'll just have my maid clean up the dishes and the extra pots. And, being 1950 I'm magically a SAHM and didn't have to work today so I have bundles of energy. Oh wait. Crap. I'm exhausted because I did work today. And I don't have a maid. FML.
Look, I know people can live without microwaves. Hell, I was three when we got our first one. BUT... Grandma was used to living without a microwave. She'd never had one before. It falls into the category of living without a car. If you're used to having one, then getting by without it a major life adjustment. Or living without electricity? 100 years ago people did it without any problem. But they were used to life like that and the infrastructure existed to support an energy-free lifestyle. For example, having milk delivered daily. I've only ever heard of a milk man. Do you know how I would bend over backwards to have someone deliver milk to my door? (Yes, I could pay through the nose to have a grocery delivery service- but that's still not fresh milk).
Even without a kid it's going to be a rough go, but I also have an impatient toddler that wants his dinner when he wants it and I mean now. This means having to heat everything in the oven or stovetop AND more dishes for all of the bakeware and pots to do that. FML. That's just what I need. I made popcorn today (the final microwaved item around here for awhile) and had to heat the butter in a saucepan on the stove.
I think I'm just going to pretend that it's 1950. It's no big deal to be without the microwave. I cook dinner all of the time anyway. I'll just have my maid clean up the dishes and the extra pots. And, being 1950 I'm magically a SAHM and didn't have to work today so I have bundles of energy. Oh wait. Crap. I'm exhausted because I did work today. And I don't have a maid. FML.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
April 24, 2012 ~ Big Boy Bedtime
Tonight at bedtime I let Billy pick out the stories for me to read to him. He doesn't get stories every night and he doesn't always get to pick them. But he loves it when he gets to pull the books off of the shelf and find he one he wants to here.
First up... "Elmo book!" Actually, it a book about Sesame Street monsters and doesn't include Elmo. I think it might even be from before Elmo moved to Sesame Street. But according to Billy, any muppet-like creature is Elmo, regardless of size, color or monsteriness. He sits down in my lap on the floor, as usual, and I read his book to him. Well, most of it. He got bored 6 pages in to the 10 page book.
Next up... "Truck book!" This would be Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site. It's one of his favorites. But would he sit in Mommy's lap? Oh no. Billy is a big boy. He noisily dragged his Billy-sized rocking chair over next to Mommy and sits down. He waves at me like an old business tycoon used to getting his way. "Read on, Mummy dearest, read on." He's never sat in the rocking chair for a story.
First comes the crane. "Mommy, isha truck truck!" Yes. I keep reading. "Mommy, Pooh!" Yes, the crane has a teddy bear. All stuffed animals are Pooh, regardless of size, color or general poohiness. Then we read about another truck. "Mommy, Mommy!" he tugs on my arm. "Isha truck truck!" It is a truck truck. You're right.
Ok wait. Hold on. He's awake again. Let me go put him back to bed. Ok I'm back. Whew. Easy Peasy bad to sleepy.
Next up, the dump truck. He falls asleep and starts to snore. I affect the best zzzzzzzzzzz I can manage. Billy breaks into fits of giggles. Well, I probably looked pretty silly.
Here comes the bulldozer. I read all about it and get to the part where he makes noise. As load as I can without screaming I ROAARRR!!! Billy leaps out of his chair and falls into my lap as fast as he can. He wraps his arm tightly around me and picks his feet up off the floor, tucking them under him as though the floor might just crawl up and bite him. He huddles in a little ball curled against my chest. Better watch out for Mr. Bulldozer. He might just leap off that page and come get you, looking all cute and cuddly as he does.
We read about the last truck while he's still in my lap and then send them all off to bed. And then it's time for him to go to bed too, still cuddled up in my lap.
Maybe he's not quite a big boy yet.
First up... "Elmo book!" Actually, it a book about Sesame Street monsters and doesn't include Elmo. I think it might even be from before Elmo moved to Sesame Street. But according to Billy, any muppet-like creature is Elmo, regardless of size, color or monsteriness. He sits down in my lap on the floor, as usual, and I read his book to him. Well, most of it. He got bored 6 pages in to the 10 page book.
Next up... "Truck book!" This would be Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site. It's one of his favorites. But would he sit in Mommy's lap? Oh no. Billy is a big boy. He noisily dragged his Billy-sized rocking chair over next to Mommy and sits down. He waves at me like an old business tycoon used to getting his way. "Read on, Mummy dearest, read on." He's never sat in the rocking chair for a story.
First comes the crane. "Mommy, isha truck truck!" Yes. I keep reading. "Mommy, Pooh!" Yes, the crane has a teddy bear. All stuffed animals are Pooh, regardless of size, color or general poohiness. Then we read about another truck. "Mommy, Mommy!" he tugs on my arm. "Isha truck truck!" It is a truck truck. You're right.
Ok wait. Hold on. He's awake again. Let me go put him back to bed. Ok I'm back. Whew. Easy Peasy bad to sleepy.
Next up, the dump truck. He falls asleep and starts to snore. I affect the best zzzzzzzzzzz I can manage. Billy breaks into fits of giggles. Well, I probably looked pretty silly.
Here comes the bulldozer. I read all about it and get to the part where he makes noise. As load as I can without screaming I ROAARRR!!! Billy leaps out of his chair and falls into my lap as fast as he can. He wraps his arm tightly around me and picks his feet up off the floor, tucking them under him as though the floor might just crawl up and bite him. He huddles in a little ball curled against my chest. Better watch out for Mr. Bulldozer. He might just leap off that page and come get you, looking all cute and cuddly as he does.
We read about the last truck while he's still in my lap and then send them all off to bed. And then it's time for him to go to bed too, still cuddled up in my lap.
Maybe he's not quite a big boy yet.
Monday, April 23, 2012
April 23, 2012 ~ Freaking Me Out
I'm not the Mom who calls the doctor after hours. It's just not my thing. I'm a natural worrier, but I work really hard at not freaking out. Okay, I am freaking out.
This afternoon Billy started doing this thing with his eyes. He tracks them over to one side- so far that all I can see are the whites and then shakes his head and looks at me. Then he carries on with whatever he's doing. I've seen him do it before, usually when eating, and very rarely. He's always fine right after so I never bothered to worry before. But he did it all afternoon.
Have you ever stared into your baby's eyes and seen only the whites?
He's fine otherwise. But he's freaking me out. And I relented and called the doctor. I've only ever called the doctor once before after hours and that resulted in a trip to the hospital. You can read all about it in my post A Trip To The Hospital. I waited until after he went to bed. No use freaking him out over nothing- if it is nothing.
The doctor thinks it's probably nothing. At least, not worth a trip to the ER today. I have to try to get video of the behavior to show her, which she would then show to a neurologist if necessary. But she said not to worry. It's probably him trying to purposely freak me out. Awesome. But don't worry.
So I've checked on him every hour because I'm worried. Isn't that what I'm supposed to do?
This afternoon Billy started doing this thing with his eyes. He tracks them over to one side- so far that all I can see are the whites and then shakes his head and looks at me. Then he carries on with whatever he's doing. I've seen him do it before, usually when eating, and very rarely. He's always fine right after so I never bothered to worry before. But he did it all afternoon.
Have you ever stared into your baby's eyes and seen only the whites?
He's fine otherwise. But he's freaking me out. And I relented and called the doctor. I've only ever called the doctor once before after hours and that resulted in a trip to the hospital. You can read all about it in my post A Trip To The Hospital. I waited until after he went to bed. No use freaking him out over nothing- if it is nothing.
The doctor thinks it's probably nothing. At least, not worth a trip to the ER today. I have to try to get video of the behavior to show her, which she would then show to a neurologist if necessary. But she said not to worry. It's probably him trying to purposely freak me out. Awesome. But don't worry.
So I've checked on him every hour because I'm worried. Isn't that what I'm supposed to do?
Sunday, April 22, 2012
April 22, 2012 ~ This Weekend in Photos
I will give ten points to the commentor that tells the best story based on the photos. The points don't actually count for anything, except awesomeness. :)
And yes, he's wearing Caps gear. For Daddy...Go Caps!
The Sunday Post ~ Little Tykes Swing Review
Last year around this time I purchased the Little Tykes 2-1 Swing. Same as the one on this link:
http://www.amazon.com/Little-Tikes-Snug-Secure-Swing/dp/B001G92I04
This is, by far, one of my son's favorite toys. We have it tied into a tree in our back yard. It's a go-to toy for outside play. And this from a kid that hated his baby swing.
Here's why we love it:
~ Easy to clean: We let it live outside all summer long. Besides catching leaves on the seat it stays clean. And because it's plastic, I can just wipe it down and it's ready to go.
~ Easy to attach harness: Seriously, one of the things I hate most about all of the child safety gear are the harnesses. And kiddo doesn't like them either. Some are better than others. This one is a cinch to use and he's snugly in the swing without issue. He even helps, which is great.
~ Well made: We left it outside all spring, summer and fall and it's not discolored and the ropes are in perfect shape. After a cleaning it looked just as it did right out of the box, even after 8 months outside. That's pretty durable.
~ It's a swing...what's not to love?
Ok, seriously, here are some of the downsides:
If you leave it outside, like we do, it catches leaves and other tree debris. It also fills with rainwater to make a nice leaf soup. It can get pretty gross. It's still easy to clean, but when you head out to swing, a toddler doesn't want to wait to wash it down and let it dry. I'm going out on a limb here and say that's going to be a typical problem with a bucket seat. Also, it only comes with the swing and no other hardware for hanging it, which has led Daddy to create some interesting knot arrangements in our tree with a piece of rope. I wish it did come with a hanging pack.
Our son really loves this swing. He spent the afternoon in it, giggling on every upswing. As far as toys go, this one definitely gets a two-thumbs-way-up from me.
http://www.amazon.com/Little-Tikes-Snug-Secure-Swing/dp/B001G92I04
This is, by far, one of my son's favorite toys. We have it tied into a tree in our back yard. It's a go-to toy for outside play. And this from a kid that hated his baby swing.
Here's why we love it:
~ Easy to clean: We let it live outside all summer long. Besides catching leaves on the seat it stays clean. And because it's plastic, I can just wipe it down and it's ready to go.
~ Easy to attach harness: Seriously, one of the things I hate most about all of the child safety gear are the harnesses. And kiddo doesn't like them either. Some are better than others. This one is a cinch to use and he's snugly in the swing without issue. He even helps, which is great.
~ Well made: We left it outside all spring, summer and fall and it's not discolored and the ropes are in perfect shape. After a cleaning it looked just as it did right out of the box, even after 8 months outside. That's pretty durable.
~ It's a swing...what's not to love?
Ok, seriously, here are some of the downsides:
If you leave it outside, like we do, it catches leaves and other tree debris. It also fills with rainwater to make a nice leaf soup. It can get pretty gross. It's still easy to clean, but when you head out to swing, a toddler doesn't want to wait to wash it down and let it dry. I'm going out on a limb here and say that's going to be a typical problem with a bucket seat. Also, it only comes with the swing and no other hardware for hanging it, which has led Daddy to create some interesting knot arrangements in our tree with a piece of rope. I wish it did come with a hanging pack.
Our son really loves this swing. He spent the afternoon in it, giggling on every upswing. As far as toys go, this one definitely gets a two-thumbs-way-up from me.
Friday, April 20, 2012
April 20, 2012 ~ Chasing Shadows
This evening Daddy set out to make a mockery of knot tying by rehaning the baby swing in the tree. I had asked him to do it so that the swing was more secure... I was just expecting the boy scout in him to have a better rig. But anyway, as soon as he was done and wanted Billy to try it out, Billy lost interest and ran out to the front yard.
I thought he wanted to see the BeepBeeps. Nope. Those are boring today. Let's chase shadows! He ran down the sidewalk screaming "aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhh!" after his own shadow. When he was done he turned around and ran back the other way. "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!" Down the hill. "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahh!" Around the bend. "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!" Back up the hill. "Aaaaaa..." Oh, wait. Mommy pick me up, running up the hill sucks.
Yeah, right. Running up the hill is no problem at all. I can do it barefoot with a 25 pound weight strapped to me. And I did.
The moral of the story? Don't chase your shadow if you can't run back up the hill. :P
I thought he wanted to see the BeepBeeps. Nope. Those are boring today. Let's chase shadows! He ran down the sidewalk screaming "aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhh!" after his own shadow. When he was done he turned around and ran back the other way. "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!" Down the hill. "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahh!" Around the bend. "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!" Back up the hill. "Aaaaaa..." Oh, wait. Mommy pick me up, running up the hill sucks.
Yeah, right. Running up the hill is no problem at all. I can do it barefoot with a 25 pound weight strapped to me. And I did.
The moral of the story? Don't chase your shadow if you can't run back up the hill. :P
Thursday, April 19, 2012
April 19, 2012 ~ Prehistoric Baby
How is it possible that men are born like cavemen? Is it really ingrained? Even Daddy for all of his education and worldliness has a man cave where he goes to do battle with computerized foes. Are we just cave people walking around in suits and heels?
So there I am this morning dropping Billy off at daycare. It's the usual toddler chaos. Here I think that he's going to play with the BeepBeeps on the floor. Instead he runs over to a cute little girl on the other side of the room. She's just standing there. Now, in my head I see this going down: he runs up, does the cute little foot shuffle and then maybe offers a toy or says "hay-yo!" It would be so cute, wouldn't it?
So what does Billy do?
He runs over to that cute little girl in her pigtails and punches her right in the chest. She just stands there deciding whether or not to cry. I, or course, run over and scold him. Seriously? Seriously. So, then I tell him to go over and apologize. So he runs up and gives her a big hug. I'm pretty sure he engineered the whole event just to get to the hugging part.
And here I am imagining Billy's ancestor 40,000 years ago wandering through the woods of Europe. Ooh, he spots a cave woman walking along in her very sexy ill-fitting animal skins. He walk up to her. "You pretty. Me like you." Crash! He whacks her over the head and then drags her off to his favorite cave to make him mammoth stew and raise his brood of cave babies.
We all knew that kid on the playground that would pull a girl's hair to get her attention. I was just hoping that wasn't MY kid.
So there I am this morning dropping Billy off at daycare. It's the usual toddler chaos. Here I think that he's going to play with the BeepBeeps on the floor. Instead he runs over to a cute little girl on the other side of the room. She's just standing there. Now, in my head I see this going down: he runs up, does the cute little foot shuffle and then maybe offers a toy or says "hay-yo!" It would be so cute, wouldn't it?
So what does Billy do?
He runs over to that cute little girl in her pigtails and punches her right in the chest. She just stands there deciding whether or not to cry. I, or course, run over and scold him. Seriously? Seriously. So, then I tell him to go over and apologize. So he runs up and gives her a big hug. I'm pretty sure he engineered the whole event just to get to the hugging part.
And here I am imagining Billy's ancestor 40,000 years ago wandering through the woods of Europe. Ooh, he spots a cave woman walking along in her very sexy ill-fitting animal skins. He walk up to her. "You pretty. Me like you." Crash! He whacks her over the head and then drags her off to his favorite cave to make him mammoth stew and raise his brood of cave babies.
We all knew that kid on the playground that would pull a girl's hair to get her attention. I was just hoping that wasn't MY kid.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Book Reviews
I'm an avid reader. I usually read a book a week, even with a toddler. Before Billy I usually read two.
So, I'll be leaving my comments over on the discussion board after I finish each book. Sorry, I don't often get to the NYT list books that are current. I read everything from modern mysteries to historical romance.
I just posted my thoughts on Wicked. Stay tuned for more posts on the Hunger Games Trilogy, Don't Let's Go To the Dogs Tonight, We Bought A Zoo, Water For Elephants, Sarah's Key and the other dozen or so books I've read this year.
My comments are on the discussion board, located here:
discussion board
So, I'll be leaving my comments over on the discussion board after I finish each book. Sorry, I don't often get to the NYT list books that are current. I read everything from modern mysteries to historical romance.
I just posted my thoughts on Wicked. Stay tuned for more posts on the Hunger Games Trilogy, Don't Let's Go To the Dogs Tonight, We Bought A Zoo, Water For Elephants, Sarah's Key and the other dozen or so books I've read this year.
My comments are on the discussion board, located here:
discussion board
April 17, 2012 ~ Baby's got a new pair of shoes
Yep. New shoes. Sorry, no pics yet.
Inevitably, Billy has changed size again. This time he changed shoe size, clothing size and diaper size all at once. It's a cornucopia of new things around here. Like the new outfit from yesterday (see yesterday's post).
I swear, every time I turn around the kid has outgrown something. I'm always ripping clothes off of him because they are too small, even though they fit yesterday before I washed them and the zillion times before that. And of course, once it's ripped off and tossed into the "Don't Fit" pile (read: entire floor of his closet) he starts screaming and running around madly wanting to put the too tight clothes back on. Sometimes, he wins and goes to school with his belly hanging out like he's nine months preggo. Then I wash them and hide them before he freaks out again.
So today we introduced new shoes. These are shoes to make Pierce S. proud. (If you don't know who that is, then you're not my cousin.) Red plaid with navy blue accents. I can't describe men's shoes. So I'm probably making them sound crappy when they're super cute.
Anyways, he wanted to go "oush-shide" and was carrying around his old shoes. I had his socks. I broke open the new box of shoes. Ooooooooooooooooooooh! Quickly he chucks his old shoes over his shoulder. So yesterday. We sit down and I put them on. More oooooooooooooooohs! Immediately, he has to try them out.
Smack. Smack. Smack. I have a vision of a clown stomping. They're so big. He's so small! (In a not-so-much-anymore kind of way).
Ok, imagine you're one. You've got new shoes. What do you do? Clearly, the first thing to do is smack smack over to your old shoes and... stomp on them! Take that, too small shoes! Ha! And that! "Ok, Billy, enough shoe carnage." Wait, they're still twitching. A few more stomps for good measure. Alright, got 'em!
And now the question for the day: put those old shoes (now dead and mangled thanks to a thorough toddlering) in the "Don't Fit" pile or in the trash pile. Hmm.
Oh yeah, and when I tried to take the shoes off at the end of the day? Massive tantrum. Tears. "Noooooooooooooooo! Shoooooooooooooooes! Miiine!"
I think he likes them. Glass slipper? ruby slippers? Nope. Plaid shoes.
Inevitably, Billy has changed size again. This time he changed shoe size, clothing size and diaper size all at once. It's a cornucopia of new things around here. Like the new outfit from yesterday (see yesterday's post).
I swear, every time I turn around the kid has outgrown something. I'm always ripping clothes off of him because they are too small, even though they fit yesterday before I washed them and the zillion times before that. And of course, once it's ripped off and tossed into the "Don't Fit" pile (read: entire floor of his closet) he starts screaming and running around madly wanting to put the too tight clothes back on. Sometimes, he wins and goes to school with his belly hanging out like he's nine months preggo. Then I wash them and hide them before he freaks out again.
So today we introduced new shoes. These are shoes to make Pierce S. proud. (If you don't know who that is, then you're not my cousin.) Red plaid with navy blue accents. I can't describe men's shoes. So I'm probably making them sound crappy when they're super cute.
Anyways, he wanted to go "oush-shide" and was carrying around his old shoes. I had his socks. I broke open the new box of shoes. Ooooooooooooooooooooh! Quickly he chucks his old shoes over his shoulder. So yesterday. We sit down and I put them on. More oooooooooooooooohs! Immediately, he has to try them out.
Smack. Smack. Smack. I have a vision of a clown stomping. They're so big. He's so small! (In a not-so-much-anymore kind of way).
Ok, imagine you're one. You've got new shoes. What do you do? Clearly, the first thing to do is smack smack over to your old shoes and... stomp on them! Take that, too small shoes! Ha! And that! "Ok, Billy, enough shoe carnage." Wait, they're still twitching. A few more stomps for good measure. Alright, got 'em!
And now the question for the day: put those old shoes (now dead and mangled thanks to a thorough toddlering) in the "Don't Fit" pile or in the trash pile. Hmm.
Oh yeah, and when I tried to take the shoes off at the end of the day? Massive tantrum. Tears. "Noooooooooooooooo! Shoooooooooooooooes! Miiine!"
I think he likes them. Glass slipper? ruby slippers? Nope. Plaid shoes.
April 16, 2012 ~ Going Carters Cute
First off, a big super duper thank you with an extra dose of awesomeness to Grandma. She rocks. It's true.
So, I've been trudging through the wilderness of baby clothes for about a year and a half now, trying to make sense of it all. Every company seems to have different sizes. Styles are completely different. Some clothes are for long babies, some for fat babies, some for short babies. I mean, seriously, what DOES 0-6 months mean? Zero, that oh-so-cute-I'm-a-week-old-and weigh-7-pounds. Versus 6 months old, which could mean 15-20 pounds. The best I've seen is the 0-12 month size. I think they just couldn't figure out what size baby would fit into that and shot for the moon. I'm going to go out on a limb here- clothes for a newborn aren't going to fit a one-year-old. At least, in my world. Maybe baby clothes manufacturers live in a different reality.
So, here's my plug for my favorite brand. They have always fit Billy in the age range suggested (when you know how to read it aka 3months= 0-3 months). Are super cute. And while pricey sometimes, I'm always able to come up with a bargain. Let's face it: Billy looks cutest in Carters. Oh, and I'm not being paid to say it either.
So, I've been trudging through the wilderness of baby clothes for about a year and a half now, trying to make sense of it all. Every company seems to have different sizes. Styles are completely different. Some clothes are for long babies, some for fat babies, some for short babies. I mean, seriously, what DOES 0-6 months mean? Zero, that oh-so-cute-I'm-a-week-old-and weigh-7-pounds. Versus 6 months old, which could mean 15-20 pounds. The best I've seen is the 0-12 month size. I think they just couldn't figure out what size baby would fit into that and shot for the moon. I'm going to go out on a limb here- clothes for a newborn aren't going to fit a one-year-old. At least, in my world. Maybe baby clothes manufacturers live in a different reality.
So, here's my plug for my favorite brand. They have always fit Billy in the age range suggested (when you know how to read it aka 3months= 0-3 months). Are super cute. And while pricey sometimes, I'm always able to come up with a bargain. Let's face it: Billy looks cutest in Carters. Oh, and I'm not being paid to say it either.
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| Mommy's little fan |
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| Cutest. Hat. Ever. |
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| My favorite onsie of all time. |
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| 28, as in the year he'll graduate high school... |
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| Love this dinosaur shirt. And who doesn't love plaid pants? |
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| Rockin the Carters |
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| today |
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| today |
Now, we've had plenty of other cute clothes from other companies. But after the cuteness of today's new outfit, you have to admit, sometimes it's worth going Carters cute.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
April 15, 2012 ~ When Billy goes missing...
Every weekend Daddy and I take turns on who gets to sleep in. This morning was my turn. Since Billy will usually break down the door to get to me, Daddy decided to take him out for breakfast around 9:30. Awesome, I get quiet and I get to sleep in. What more can a girl want?
I got up, made myself some french toast and coffee and ate breakfast out on the porch with my book. It was warm, there was a nice breeze and I was uninterrupted. I was apparently sitting still enough that I got to see a badger wander through the yard (Buddy, you're a terrible guard dog!) and a red-headed woodpecker was only a few feet from me (don't peck on my house, you gorgeous bird!) It was a lovely morning.
But, I really can't sit still all that long. I opened up all of the windows, cranked the stereo and started cleaning the house from top to bottom. It's hard to clean with a Billy around- takes twice as long- but I was cranking through the chores. Even got two loads of laundry done.
By now it was Billy's naptime. "Huh...where are my guys?" I thought. But Daddy isn't good with time and is probably out running an errand or looking at tools in the hardware store and not watching the clock. "No biggie." I clean until I'm tired of cleaning. I still need to vacuum, but if Daddy comes in with a sleepy Billy I don't want the noise to jar him awake (and it's happened before). Besides, it's a great excuse to avoid vacuuming. Again.
So I grab my book and go back out to the porch to read more. By now I'm watching the clock. Still no boys. So I call Daddy. No answer. So, I read more, wait a half hour and call again. No answer.
Ok, so now we're overdue for a nap by an hour and a half. So, I start checking around. The big diaper bag is still here. Both strollers? Still here. The trike aka the Green Piece of Awesome? Still here. That's one awfully long breakfast. So I call again. Still no answer.
A cornucopia of emotions and thoughts run through my head as two hours past naptime approaches. Is Daddy a big dork who doesn't have his phone on him? I might have thought something stronger than "dork", but let's keep it classy. Are they ok? What the hell are they doing? Has my baby had a diaper change or slept? Are they in a ditch? Kidnapped by men wearing blue gloves from the Alliance? Ok, probably not that last part.
We had plans for this afternoon, so there's no way Daddy would want to miss out- those were his plans. Where is he? Where is Billy? Why won't they/can't they/don't they answer? I call again. Still nothing.
So, I do the only thing that a grown woman can think to do when her husband and son went out for breakfast and it's nearing dinner. I called my Mom. Grandma talked me off the ledge and then called up Daddy herself. He answered immediately. Grandma never calls him, so if she's calling he picks up.
After breakfast Daddy took Billy to the camping store where he had some money to spend there (only usable at that store). He saw a hiking harness for a baby, thought it was cool and bought it. Then he decided to try it out. So they went hiking. And he got lost on the trail. In the woods. Out of cell phone range. Grandma called when they had just made it back to the car, which was in cell phone range.
So, as it turns out, Daddy is a big dork. Again, I might have used some stronger vocabulary, but I think I just won't mention that string of niceties here. He was stunned that I was worried.
"I thought I'd give you the day off," he said.
"Without telling me? We had plans. How about a phone call. I was worried. It's late."
"What, did you think I ran off with our kid?"
"No, your iPad is still here."
"Oh. I'm sorry."
And we're back to that big dork. It's a good thing he's cute.
So, we did get to our plans later today. Billy got to try fresh squeezed lemonade. His thoughts? "Yummy!" His exact word. And at dinner he also bit me and drew blood during a tantrum.
All in all, a stellar day. But, hey... at least the hives are finally gone!
I got up, made myself some french toast and coffee and ate breakfast out on the porch with my book. It was warm, there was a nice breeze and I was uninterrupted. I was apparently sitting still enough that I got to see a badger wander through the yard (Buddy, you're a terrible guard dog!) and a red-headed woodpecker was only a few feet from me (don't peck on my house, you gorgeous bird!) It was a lovely morning.
But, I really can't sit still all that long. I opened up all of the windows, cranked the stereo and started cleaning the house from top to bottom. It's hard to clean with a Billy around- takes twice as long- but I was cranking through the chores. Even got two loads of laundry done.
By now it was Billy's naptime. "Huh...where are my guys?" I thought. But Daddy isn't good with time and is probably out running an errand or looking at tools in the hardware store and not watching the clock. "No biggie." I clean until I'm tired of cleaning. I still need to vacuum, but if Daddy comes in with a sleepy Billy I don't want the noise to jar him awake (and it's happened before). Besides, it's a great excuse to avoid vacuuming. Again.
So I grab my book and go back out to the porch to read more. By now I'm watching the clock. Still no boys. So I call Daddy. No answer. So, I read more, wait a half hour and call again. No answer.
Ok, so now we're overdue for a nap by an hour and a half. So, I start checking around. The big diaper bag is still here. Both strollers? Still here. The trike aka the Green Piece of Awesome? Still here. That's one awfully long breakfast. So I call again. Still no answer.
A cornucopia of emotions and thoughts run through my head as two hours past naptime approaches. Is Daddy a big dork who doesn't have his phone on him? I might have thought something stronger than "dork", but let's keep it classy. Are they ok? What the hell are they doing? Has my baby had a diaper change or slept? Are they in a ditch? Kidnapped by men wearing blue gloves from the Alliance? Ok, probably not that last part.
We had plans for this afternoon, so there's no way Daddy would want to miss out- those were his plans. Where is he? Where is Billy? Why won't they/can't they/don't they answer? I call again. Still nothing.
So, I do the only thing that a grown woman can think to do when her husband and son went out for breakfast and it's nearing dinner. I called my Mom. Grandma talked me off the ledge and then called up Daddy herself. He answered immediately. Grandma never calls him, so if she's calling he picks up.
After breakfast Daddy took Billy to the camping store where he had some money to spend there (only usable at that store). He saw a hiking harness for a baby, thought it was cool and bought it. Then he decided to try it out. So they went hiking. And he got lost on the trail. In the woods. Out of cell phone range. Grandma called when they had just made it back to the car, which was in cell phone range.
So, as it turns out, Daddy is a big dork. Again, I might have used some stronger vocabulary, but I think I just won't mention that string of niceties here. He was stunned that I was worried.
"I thought I'd give you the day off," he said.
"Without telling me? We had plans. How about a phone call. I was worried. It's late."
"What, did you think I ran off with our kid?"
"No, your iPad is still here."
"Oh. I'm sorry."
And we're back to that big dork. It's a good thing he's cute.
So, we did get to our plans later today. Billy got to try fresh squeezed lemonade. His thoughts? "Yummy!" His exact word. And at dinner he also bit me and drew blood during a tantrum.
All in all, a stellar day. But, hey... at least the hives are finally gone!
Saturday, April 14, 2012
The Sunday Post ~ Easter Grass, My Ass
I can only imagine that the person who invented those colorful strands of cellophane for Easter basket bottoms must be a man. Maybe it was a woman, but I'm going with a guy. My husband always tells me when I'm irked about something to write an angry letter. (This hot and humid weather really sucks. So write an angry letter!)
Mr. Inventor of plastic Easter grass, here's my letter:
I am not a fan. Sure, that plastic grass that cost only a buck looks nice at the bottom of my son's Easter basket. If only it would stay at the bottom of my son's Easter basket. No, I'm pretty sure it's breeding. Little plastic strands hiding under the sofa, disappearing into the patterns of the rugs and sticking to the undersides of stuffed animals. Your grass is so light that it wafts through the house with the greatest of ease. But the real insipidness of it is the material itself. The plastic clings to everything- almost like it's made out of cling wrap. You didn't make it out of cling wrap did you? Easter was a week ago and those clingy little strands of Easter refuse are still turning up like a bad penny. I'm not amused.
Sincerely,
Easter grass, my ass... it's Easter trash
Mr. Inventor of plastic Easter grass, here's my letter:
I am not a fan. Sure, that plastic grass that cost only a buck looks nice at the bottom of my son's Easter basket. If only it would stay at the bottom of my son's Easter basket. No, I'm pretty sure it's breeding. Little plastic strands hiding under the sofa, disappearing into the patterns of the rugs and sticking to the undersides of stuffed animals. Your grass is so light that it wafts through the house with the greatest of ease. But the real insipidness of it is the material itself. The plastic clings to everything- almost like it's made out of cling wrap. You didn't make it out of cling wrap did you? Easter was a week ago and those clingy little strands of Easter refuse are still turning up like a bad penny. I'm not amused.
Sincerely,
Easter grass, my ass... it's Easter trash
April 13, 2012 ~ Lucky Friday the 13th
I guess most people consider Friday the 13th to be an unlucky day. There's some historical context to the date, but not much to the superstition. How much bad has really happened to you on a Friday the 13th?
It's a lucky day for me.
Grandma was born on a Friday the 13th. That's lucky for me, because without her, there's no me.
I had my first date with my now husband on Friday the 13th and he proposed to me on a subsequent Friday the 13th... Foreboding? Well, we have a Billy and an upcoming anniversary. Definitely lucky days for me.
So today? Just a normal day. We played outside.
And Grandma dropped by and Daddy came home early. Those were certainly pleasant events- nothing unlucky there. We had a good day all around.
The funniest thing to happen today was that Billy pointed at Grandma, "Baba! Baba!" Then he ran over to her and tried to lift up her shirt. He wanted to see her belly button. (baba, or more usually bell-ba). Yep, Grandma's got one too.
So, Happy Friday the 13th. Hope it was a lucky one for you!
It's a lucky day for me.
Grandma was born on a Friday the 13th. That's lucky for me, because without her, there's no me.
I had my first date with my now husband on Friday the 13th and he proposed to me on a subsequent Friday the 13th... Foreboding? Well, we have a Billy and an upcoming anniversary. Definitely lucky days for me.
So today? Just a normal day. We played outside.
And Grandma dropped by and Daddy came home early. Those were certainly pleasant events- nothing unlucky there. We had a good day all around.
The funniest thing to happen today was that Billy pointed at Grandma, "Baba! Baba!" Then he ran over to her and tried to lift up her shirt. He wanted to see her belly button. (baba, or more usually bell-ba). Yep, Grandma's got one too.
So, Happy Friday the 13th. Hope it was a lucky one for you!
Thursday, April 12, 2012
April 12, 2012 ~ Budball: the newest, hottest game... Coooooool!
Billy and Buddy have invented a new game, sure to be a smash hit (to them)!
Requirements:
~ Two teams and one ref. One team is comprised of a toddler. The other team is of the canine persuasion.
~ Two tennis balls
~ An obstacle course, and if you don't have on in your house, then a room like an obstacle course, with say... a sofa and toys everywhere
How It Works:
The ref randomly throws both balls up into the air and out towards the obstacle course. The two teams chase after the balls. Once a team gets a ball, they may chase after the second ball. A team can steal an already caught ball from the other team. If one team doesn't have a ball and becomes sad about it, the other team must automatically give up a ball. Once the balls are caught and the chasing ends, the balls are returned to the ref to begin a new round. Sometimes, the ref needs to chase down one or both teams to retrieve the balls.
The result of this game is a hilarity of flying fur, bouncing balls and a giggling Billy.
Requirements:
~ Two teams and one ref. One team is comprised of a toddler. The other team is of the canine persuasion.
~ Two tennis balls
~ An obstacle course, and if you don't have on in your house, then a room like an obstacle course, with say... a sofa and toys everywhere
How It Works:
The ref randomly throws both balls up into the air and out towards the obstacle course. The two teams chase after the balls. Once a team gets a ball, they may chase after the second ball. A team can steal an already caught ball from the other team. If one team doesn't have a ball and becomes sad about it, the other team must automatically give up a ball. Once the balls are caught and the chasing ends, the balls are returned to the ref to begin a new round. Sometimes, the ref needs to chase down one or both teams to retrieve the balls.
The result of this game is a hilarity of flying fur, bouncing balls and a giggling Billy.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
April 10, 2012 ~ Watching the News
Today Billy wanted to color so he was sitting at the coffee table with his crayons (crow-yos). On the news they were talking about the issues in Syria and Turkey. Images of tanks on dusty terrain came up. He jumped up and ran over to the tv, "beepbeep! beepbeep!" But then they suddenly showed images of men shooting off guns.
"No. No. Billy. Uh, oh. No. No." I said to him.
He came over and sat down at the coffee table and watched intently. It seemed he realized the gravity of what he was watching. "No, no," he whispered to himself.
Then they showed a photo of the leader of Syria and began talking about his negative points regarding the ongoing strife in the region.
"That is a naughty man. No, no. Ok?"
"Mommy. No, no."
Then there were more war images and he continued to rant, "no, no!"
(Score 1 for the mom team. We're working on the violence=bad thing. It's a little to hard to explain to a toddler the economic, social and political motivations to war. But at least he now believes violence is a real "no, no!")
Next the news started talking about the East Coast wild fires.
"Oooh.... hot!" he yelled at the tv.
"Uh, oh. Hot! No, no." I said.
"Hot! No, no, " he repeated.
Then he got really emphatic with each new image of the fires. "Mommy, no, no!" his voice cracking a little.
"Ooooh! Beepbeep!" Yeah ok, on to the pictures of fire trucks. All things with wheels are beepbeeps, and all beepbeeps are cool.
Then a commercial came on.
"Mommy, hot!"
"No. Not hot." I don't remember what it was for. Could have been denture paste or toilet bowl cleaner. Something mundane, anyway.
"Mommy, hot! Coooooooooooooooooool." He said it with swagger.
Look out folks. We're in trouble now.
"No. No. Billy. Uh, oh. No. No." I said to him.
He came over and sat down at the coffee table and watched intently. It seemed he realized the gravity of what he was watching. "No, no," he whispered to himself.
Then they showed a photo of the leader of Syria and began talking about his negative points regarding the ongoing strife in the region.
"That is a naughty man. No, no. Ok?"
"Mommy. No, no."
Then there were more war images and he continued to rant, "no, no!"
(Score 1 for the mom team. We're working on the violence=bad thing. It's a little to hard to explain to a toddler the economic, social and political motivations to war. But at least he now believes violence is a real "no, no!")
Next the news started talking about the East Coast wild fires.
"Oooh.... hot!" he yelled at the tv.
"Uh, oh. Hot! No, no." I said.
"Hot! No, no, " he repeated.
Then he got really emphatic with each new image of the fires. "Mommy, no, no!" his voice cracking a little.
"Ooooh! Beepbeep!" Yeah ok, on to the pictures of fire trucks. All things with wheels are beepbeeps, and all beepbeeps are cool.
Then a commercial came on.
"Mommy, hot!"
"No. Not hot." I don't remember what it was for. Could have been denture paste or toilet bowl cleaner. Something mundane, anyway.
"Mommy, hot! Coooooooooooooooooool." He said it with swagger.
Look out folks. We're in trouble now.
Monday, April 9, 2012
April 9, 2012 ~ A Misery of Hives
I hate being sick and I've caught the daycare plague yet again. The lack of breathing I can handle. What I can't tolerate is the part that's not the daycare plague. Hives. A lot of hives. A misery of hives. If hives had a group name like cows in herds or gaggles of geese, it would definitely be a misery of hives.
I have no idea what I'm reacting to. Trees? Maybe. The new sheets? Maybe. A food? I dunno. All I know is that the hives vanished at work and returned within an hour of being home. I'm turning into one giant hive. So, I'm going to keep this short and go tend to my misery.
Besides, super tired baby meant super whiny baby. He'll be more fun tomorrow.
I have no idea what I'm reacting to. Trees? Maybe. The new sheets? Maybe. A food? I dunno. All I know is that the hives vanished at work and returned within an hour of being home. I'm turning into one giant hive. So, I'm going to keep this short and go tend to my misery.
Besides, super tired baby meant super whiny baby. He'll be more fun tomorrow.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Easter in Photos 2012
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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!
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.)
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