Do you feel like the holidays are confused? Everyone was in the grocery store today buying cartfuls of feasts with Christmas music playing in the background. I still have bowls of Halloween candy floating around, table dressed for Thanksgiving and a baby incessantly playing Christmas carols. Welcome to Hallowthankmas.
Normally I try to avoid stores at all costs the day before and after Thanksgiving, but the need for a birthday cake drove me to the store. So Billy and I were mixed in with all of the last minute holiday cooks trying to pick up a cake. Such is life.
We got in to the box of old baby toys today. When I say old, I mean old to him. They are the smaller toys, the rattles, the teething rings that he used to play with so much before he was mobile. They long ago became boring and I tucked them away. But absence makes the heart grow fonder, so we played the whole afternoon away with the old toys. I wonder if he even remembers them.
For dinner we had mac'n'cheese. He decided that squeezing his hand in the bowl of pasta was much more fun than actually eating it. I'm sure it's got a pretty cool texture. Makes a great mess. What little boy wouldn't want that?
He had another tantrum at Going-To-Bed-Time. I'm wondering if we are starting a new behavior trend- and not one that I want. He screams and calls and if I go in he is standing up in the crib, usually throwing toys and blankets onto the floor. The binky, of course, is the first victim of the tantrum, which only sends him into further screams. He wants me to rock him to sleep until he is so deep asleep that he doesn't notice me put him down. Often that is more than an hour. That's just not going to happen. Every night I rock him for 15 minutes, but I don't want to establish a routine of longer bedtime rituals. That would impact my dinnertime and the short amount of time for chores in the evening. I am contemplating, however, of moving his bedtime to a little later so he is more tired by the time he gets to his crib. Then again, I don't want a tired, cranky baby either. It's a quandary.
Billy and I wish you all a happy Thanksgiving and hope your table is plentiful and tasty. Until next time...Go Ravens!
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
November 22, 2011 ~ Not My German Baby
Every parent dreads when their child finally learns the word "no". After that there's no turning back. The most common word you'll hear from your child is "no". Well, Billy has learned "no"... sort of.
"Nein!"
Yeah, that's right. My little baby has decided he's German. And his favorite word is "nein!" I have NO idea where he picked that up. I don't speak German. Daddy doesn't speak German. The daycare ladies are from India so I don't think they speak German. My baby isn't German... but apparently he can speak it!
Today was an icky horribly rainy day. For some reason in this town whenever it rains everyone forgets how to drive. It took me an hour and 45 minutes to get from work to daycare. To all the drivers that clogged the highways today- daycare charges for being late. Thanks for costing me money. Thanks for costing me an hour of time I could have spent with my son instead of in my car. Thanks for nothing.
So since an hour of time was lost driving, there was only time for story time an dinner before bed.
After dinner I gave Billy a piece of pumpkin pie. I would post a pic but Daddy is running a work program on the main computer. SO I Will have to describe it. I put the whole piece on his tray. Next thing I know he picks up the whole piece of pie and chomps down right on the center of it. He went for the thicker part of the wedge first. Then he decided to be civilized and put it down and try to use his spoon. After stabbing it a few times to no avail, he went back to picking up the whole piece and devouring fat side first. Nothing was left when he was done. Pie=yum.
At bed time we played with his night light. It is a projector that displays and image of the solar system on the ceiling. He has discovered that if he waves his hand in front of the projector, his shadow appears on the ceiling. He makes shadow puppets with his hands in the light. He thinks this is the coolest thing.
After the night light Billy wanted to cuddle. I tried to do the normal bedtime routine, but he definitely needed some Mommy time. There was a bit of a tantrum, but given that he was good for the rest of the day I relented and rocked him for a long time until he was sleeping in my arms. You know, it's not bad to be loved like that. It's ok with me.
"Nein!"
Yeah, that's right. My little baby has decided he's German. And his favorite word is "nein!" I have NO idea where he picked that up. I don't speak German. Daddy doesn't speak German. The daycare ladies are from India so I don't think they speak German. My baby isn't German... but apparently he can speak it!
Today was an icky horribly rainy day. For some reason in this town whenever it rains everyone forgets how to drive. It took me an hour and 45 minutes to get from work to daycare. To all the drivers that clogged the highways today- daycare charges for being late. Thanks for costing me money. Thanks for costing me an hour of time I could have spent with my son instead of in my car. Thanks for nothing.
So since an hour of time was lost driving, there was only time for story time an dinner before bed.
After dinner I gave Billy a piece of pumpkin pie. I would post a pic but Daddy is running a work program on the main computer. SO I Will have to describe it. I put the whole piece on his tray. Next thing I know he picks up the whole piece of pie and chomps down right on the center of it. He went for the thicker part of the wedge first. Then he decided to be civilized and put it down and try to use his spoon. After stabbing it a few times to no avail, he went back to picking up the whole piece and devouring fat side first. Nothing was left when he was done. Pie=yum.
At bed time we played with his night light. It is a projector that displays and image of the solar system on the ceiling. He has discovered that if he waves his hand in front of the projector, his shadow appears on the ceiling. He makes shadow puppets with his hands in the light. He thinks this is the coolest thing.
After the night light Billy wanted to cuddle. I tried to do the normal bedtime routine, but he definitely needed some Mommy time. There was a bit of a tantrum, but given that he was good for the rest of the day I relented and rocked him for a long time until he was sleeping in my arms. You know, it's not bad to be loved like that. It's ok with me.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
November 21, 2011 ~ Total Toddler Meltdown
This morning began with Billy throwing his strawberries on the floor. He thinks it's funny to watch Buddy clean up the mess. Mommy and Daddy don't think it's funny, although we do appreciate that Buddy cleans up the toddler food messes around here.
Daddy witnessed the initial event and me verbally punishing Billy followed by a rap on the back of the hand. (We use a light smack to the back of the hand when he is being really bad. It only hurts his feelings.) In defiance Billy picked up more berries and tossed them. No! Then Billy got mad and threw his sippy and tried to toss the entire contents of his tray. Daddy picked up the cup and held it in place so he couldn't throw it. Initiate Total Toddler Meltdown.
You would have thought we removed his hand or something with the screaming that went on, face red, vocal chords reaching epic heights. He wailed for 20 minutes over not being able to throw food on the floor. Even the binky didn't appease him. He had to just calm down on his own. Eventually, he realized he was hungry and decided to eat the strawberries that weren't sacrificed to the dog.
Dinner was a repeat. He wanted to throw baked beans around the kitchen. While I don't mind him making a dinner mess, I'm trying to keep things clean for Thanksgiving. I wouldn't let him hold the beans- he could use a spoon, but no hands. When he tried to use his hands anyway and I took the bowl away... initiate Toddler Meltdown (take two).
And what happened at bedtime? Take Three! Yeah, he threw every animal and blanket out of his crib in a tantrum. Binky two- to his dismay after he realized he wanted that. Luckily, he wore himself out with all that screaming, so it wasn't hard to get him to sleep after that last tantrum.
Let's hope tomorrow brings a happier, better-behaved Billy.
Daddy witnessed the initial event and me verbally punishing Billy followed by a rap on the back of the hand. (We use a light smack to the back of the hand when he is being really bad. It only hurts his feelings.) In defiance Billy picked up more berries and tossed them. No! Then Billy got mad and threw his sippy and tried to toss the entire contents of his tray. Daddy picked up the cup and held it in place so he couldn't throw it. Initiate Total Toddler Meltdown.
You would have thought we removed his hand or something with the screaming that went on, face red, vocal chords reaching epic heights. He wailed for 20 minutes over not being able to throw food on the floor. Even the binky didn't appease him. He had to just calm down on his own. Eventually, he realized he was hungry and decided to eat the strawberries that weren't sacrificed to the dog.
Dinner was a repeat. He wanted to throw baked beans around the kitchen. While I don't mind him making a dinner mess, I'm trying to keep things clean for Thanksgiving. I wouldn't let him hold the beans- he could use a spoon, but no hands. When he tried to use his hands anyway and I took the bowl away... initiate Toddler Meltdown (take two).
And what happened at bedtime? Take Three! Yeah, he threw every animal and blanket out of his crib in a tantrum. Binky two- to his dismay after he realized he wanted that. Luckily, he wore himself out with all that screaming, so it wasn't hard to get him to sleep after that last tantrum.
Let's hope tomorrow brings a happier, better-behaved Billy.
Monday, November 21, 2011
November 20, 2011 ~ Touchdowns and Baked Beans
Billy has discovered that toys with strings can be pulled behind him. This is new an exciting. He has three pull toys, but his current favorite is a lamb on wheels from my cousin.
Here is Billy pulling his lamb. You might notice the Wii remote on the floor. Billy decided that, since it comes with a string, it must be a pull toy. After a few tries it was not as fun as the lamb, so he pulled the lamb in circles around the Wiimote.
Since it was morning I was drinking my coffee. He watched me carefully as I stirred my mug. He thought this was highly interesting. So he tried to sneak the spoon from me and stir my coffee for me when I wasn't looking. Best way to resolve this situation?
He spent twenty minutes stirring his own mug. Is that an original Care Bears mug you might be asking? Yes, it's from my youth. He loves it. He even put his binky in the mug and carried the mug around with him.
When it came time for lunch he still wanted to have the mug and spoon with him. So, I let him keep them in his hand. The result?
I'm not sure how he managed this, but I eventually had to untangle the spoon and binky for him.
After naptime it was time to watch the Ravens game. Billy had on his purple and so did I. He doesn't freak out anymore when I cheer, which is good. I think he's just learned that Mommy is silly when it comes to football. Daddy isn't a big fan, so he's usually not watching the game. When the Ravens got a touchdown I did the arms up move in celebration. A few moments later the Ravens had the ball again and had a really good play. I clapped and cheered. Billy threw his arms in the air into the "touchdown" pose and looked at me, "now?" It was too cute to tell him there wasn't a score.
After watching some football Billy wanted to go help Daddy.
Billy is helping Daddy rake the leaves, although in the photo it looks like he's directing Daddy to the leaves. Billy got tired of it quick. He fell and rolled a little down the hill. He didn't like that one bit. He didn't cry, but he didn't want to go down the hill anymore.
For dinner Billy got to try a new food. Baked beans! Not only that, but I made baked bean casserole. He was super excited about it and refused to eat anything else he thought it was so good. Lucky for him, there's plenty left over.
After Billy went to bed I was going through an old box and I found something. A little silver cup. A baby cup. The man it belonged to was born in 1855. Unfortunately, his old daughter died young so I guess that's how his cup ended up with my family line. Last summer Billy and I stood on his grave. We were out looking for family records in cemeteries. I don't have a morbid cemetery thing, I just think sometimes the best records are the ones written in stone. I've been working on the family tree. I wonder how this man would feel that a baby cousin born 160 years after him could use his little cup? Maybe someday some distant posterity will find Billy's little silver cup. What will they think?
Since it was morning I was drinking my coffee. He watched me carefully as I stirred my mug. He thought this was highly interesting. So he tried to sneak the spoon from me and stir my coffee for me when I wasn't looking. Best way to resolve this situation?
He spent twenty minutes stirring his own mug. Is that an original Care Bears mug you might be asking? Yes, it's from my youth. He loves it. He even put his binky in the mug and carried the mug around with him.
When it came time for lunch he still wanted to have the mug and spoon with him. So, I let him keep them in his hand. The result?
I'm not sure how he managed this, but I eventually had to untangle the spoon and binky for him.
After naptime it was time to watch the Ravens game. Billy had on his purple and so did I. He doesn't freak out anymore when I cheer, which is good. I think he's just learned that Mommy is silly when it comes to football. Daddy isn't a big fan, so he's usually not watching the game. When the Ravens got a touchdown I did the arms up move in celebration. A few moments later the Ravens had the ball again and had a really good play. I clapped and cheered. Billy threw his arms in the air into the "touchdown" pose and looked at me, "now?" It was too cute to tell him there wasn't a score.
After watching some football Billy wanted to go help Daddy.
Billy is helping Daddy rake the leaves, although in the photo it looks like he's directing Daddy to the leaves. Billy got tired of it quick. He fell and rolled a little down the hill. He didn't like that one bit. He didn't cry, but he didn't want to go down the hill anymore.
For dinner Billy got to try a new food. Baked beans! Not only that, but I made baked bean casserole. He was super excited about it and refused to eat anything else he thought it was so good. Lucky for him, there's plenty left over.
After Billy went to bed I was going through an old box and I found something. A little silver cup. A baby cup. The man it belonged to was born in 1855. Unfortunately, his old daughter died young so I guess that's how his cup ended up with my family line. Last summer Billy and I stood on his grave. We were out looking for family records in cemeteries. I don't have a morbid cemetery thing, I just think sometimes the best records are the ones written in stone. I've been working on the family tree. I wonder how this man would feel that a baby cousin born 160 years after him could use his little cup? Maybe someday some distant posterity will find Billy's little silver cup. What will they think?
Saturday, November 19, 2011
November 19, 2011 ~ Me and My Shadow
Billy is my shadow. I use this to my advantage. I don't have to worry about where he's running off to, because he's always running to me. If I get up and walk into the kitchen, he gets up and follows right behind me. Sometimes he even cries if I don't beckon him to come with me. I think he must always worry that I'm leaving him, so he is my constant shadow.
Billy was in a Mommy mood today. All he wanted was to be with me. He was quiet and subdued from his normal self. And extra tired. He didn't eat very much and I suspect some teething might be going on, since he would cry every time he bit down on an animal cracker. Could just be a bruise- there's no too yet. We'll see.
He was so tired today that he fell asleep at 10:30 and had no complaint going to sleep. By for he was done in again and I had to put him down. He cried and cried. I'm not a fan of the Cry It Out (CIO) method. I let him cry for 5 minutes and then if he's still keeping up the rant I go check on him, but if he winds down then I wait until he stops before I make sure he fell asleep. I also hate letting him cry himself to sleep, but to keep him on schedule it's sometimes necessary.
So after five minutes of shrieking I went in with a binky and milk in hand. He was still laying down, but his binky was gone. I picked him up, gave him his binky and some milk. Then I went through the old routine I used to use to settle him and get him to sleep so many months ago. I'm glad to know that it still works and that I still have that magic sleep spell when it comes to my son. In less than five minutes I had him snoring in my arms and back in the crib for a good nap. I don't get to coddle him anymore- my toddler never sits still and gets put down awake now. I miss those days of infant Billy sleeping in my arms.
Billy was in a Mommy mood today. All he wanted was to be with me. He was quiet and subdued from his normal self. And extra tired. He didn't eat very much and I suspect some teething might be going on, since he would cry every time he bit down on an animal cracker. Could just be a bruise- there's no too yet. We'll see.
He was so tired today that he fell asleep at 10:30 and had no complaint going to sleep. By for he was done in again and I had to put him down. He cried and cried. I'm not a fan of the Cry It Out (CIO) method. I let him cry for 5 minutes and then if he's still keeping up the rant I go check on him, but if he winds down then I wait until he stops before I make sure he fell asleep. I also hate letting him cry himself to sleep, but to keep him on schedule it's sometimes necessary.
So after five minutes of shrieking I went in with a binky and milk in hand. He was still laying down, but his binky was gone. I picked him up, gave him his binky and some milk. Then I went through the old routine I used to use to settle him and get him to sleep so many months ago. I'm glad to know that it still works and that I still have that magic sleep spell when it comes to my son. In less than five minutes I had him snoring in my arms and back in the crib for a good nap. I don't get to coddle him anymore- my toddler never sits still and gets put down awake now. I miss those days of infant Billy sleeping in my arms.
Friday, November 18, 2011
November 18, 2011 ~ The Music (lil) Man
When I picked u Billy today at daycare I got to talk to his teachers for awhile. Often they are gone by the time I arrive and he is playing with children of mixed age groups, because he is usually the last to be picked up. They told me a little story about Billy today.
He was playing with a friend in his class that is several months older. The older friend called out, "Billy". Billy turned around and called out the older friend's name. So, he's not just making sounds, he's got names. w00t!
When we got home he was very fussy and just wanted to be held (a clear sign of not feeling well) so I put on some dance music. We danced around the room together with him in my arms. This always settles him. When he was very tiny this was how I would get him to settle on those very fussy days. It still works. After a few songs and some salsa and cha chas he relaxes and puts his head on my shoulder. Often, however, he cries when I stop if I haven't danced long enough with him (according to his preference). When he was ten pounds it was no big deal to dance cha chas around the room for half an hour. Now that he's 25 pounds it's a lot harder to keep up the pace with a toddler in my arms. Beats paying for a gym, right?
Dinner went by without fuss, thanks to a serenade of classic folk songs from the Fridge Farm (Farmer in the Dell, Skip To My Loo, Oh Susanna, etc). He loves those little songs, especially when I sing the lyrics. He bobs his heads, smiles and giggles. It's the good life- good food, good music.
After dinner he wanted to sit and listen to his Elmo Christmas book umpteen times and then moved on to the music from his standing table. He always wants me to sing along, even when I'm not sure of the lyrics or I don't know the song. It's been a VERY long time since I've heard all of these old children's classics- I was a kid when I heard them last!
Just before bed I gave him a sippy with milk while he was still playing. He decided to attempt balancing it on his push cart. He would gently sit it down and slowly release his hands to ensure it would stay. Then he would test how fast he could push and how much he could turn without the sippy falling off. It fell off every time and every time he would put it back on and continue testing the parameters of teetering a sippy on a push cart.
And then it was time for bed. After I got him ready he was playing over by the crib. I turned out the lights, walked over to the rocker and asked, "are you ready for bed". After a moment of silence I suddenly heard the sound of a toddler racing down the dark hall in escape. I'm going to take that as a "no". I had to chase him down and bring him. Then I tried to rock him and give him bottle. He was more interested in climbing over me to get to the floor lamp behind the chair. "Can you give Mommy a hug?" I asked. He continued to climb. "Please?" He arched back and bumped his head to mine and giggled. Yup, that was a Billy hug with trouble in progress.
After he went to bed I bought him some music in iTunes. He needs some new stuff. So I got him the 50 classical pieces apparently everyone should know (I know about half) and some operatic pieces. I'll see how he likes them tomorrow. He loves to always have music playing, so I think this will be a big hit with him.
He was playing with a friend in his class that is several months older. The older friend called out, "Billy". Billy turned around and called out the older friend's name. So, he's not just making sounds, he's got names. w00t!
When we got home he was very fussy and just wanted to be held (a clear sign of not feeling well) so I put on some dance music. We danced around the room together with him in my arms. This always settles him. When he was very tiny this was how I would get him to settle on those very fussy days. It still works. After a few songs and some salsa and cha chas he relaxes and puts his head on my shoulder. Often, however, he cries when I stop if I haven't danced long enough with him (according to his preference). When he was ten pounds it was no big deal to dance cha chas around the room for half an hour. Now that he's 25 pounds it's a lot harder to keep up the pace with a toddler in my arms. Beats paying for a gym, right?
Dinner went by without fuss, thanks to a serenade of classic folk songs from the Fridge Farm (Farmer in the Dell, Skip To My Loo, Oh Susanna, etc). He loves those little songs, especially when I sing the lyrics. He bobs his heads, smiles and giggles. It's the good life- good food, good music.
After dinner he wanted to sit and listen to his Elmo Christmas book umpteen times and then moved on to the music from his standing table. He always wants me to sing along, even when I'm not sure of the lyrics or I don't know the song. It's been a VERY long time since I've heard all of these old children's classics- I was a kid when I heard them last!
Just before bed I gave him a sippy with milk while he was still playing. He decided to attempt balancing it on his push cart. He would gently sit it down and slowly release his hands to ensure it would stay. Then he would test how fast he could push and how much he could turn without the sippy falling off. It fell off every time and every time he would put it back on and continue testing the parameters of teetering a sippy on a push cart.
And then it was time for bed. After I got him ready he was playing over by the crib. I turned out the lights, walked over to the rocker and asked, "are you ready for bed". After a moment of silence I suddenly heard the sound of a toddler racing down the dark hall in escape. I'm going to take that as a "no". I had to chase him down and bring him. Then I tried to rock him and give him bottle. He was more interested in climbing over me to get to the floor lamp behind the chair. "Can you give Mommy a hug?" I asked. He continued to climb. "Please?" He arched back and bumped his head to mine and giggled. Yup, that was a Billy hug with trouble in progress.
After he went to bed I bought him some music in iTunes. He needs some new stuff. So I got him the 50 classical pieces apparently everyone should know (I know about half) and some operatic pieces. I'll see how he likes them tomorrow. He loves to always have music playing, so I think this will be a big hit with him.
November 17, 2011 ~ The Animal Cracker Kiss
I was home sick today (thank you daycare plague) so I picked up Billy early from daycare.
Today was another day of his just wanting to sit in my lap. Now when I say sit, I don't mean the sedate cuddling kind of sitting together. Nope. When Billy sits in my lap it's like trying to hold on to a greased monkey that thinks you're hiding a banana. His nickname is Squirmy.
Today we spent some time playing in the formal rooms of the house. We played Fee Fi Fo Fum around the dining room table (where I thump-crawl and in a baritone voice say the rhyme and Billy runs away squealing gleefully). Then he played with my piano music box for awhile. And then he spent a good twenty minutes enjoying sitting in the big boy chair.
He also spent some time watching mommy's video on youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8TDTLqQFGY This is a submission for a site I belong to. He watched it three times and then I made him stop. That brought tears. Apparently, he likes Mini-Mommy in the screen.
He refused dinner altogether (thank you daycare plague) so he was on the floor while Buddy ate his own dinner. Normally, Billy is confined in the high chair while Buddy eats. Billy decided it was an opportune time to try and pat Buddy on the head. He hovered over the bowl and every time Buddy came to get food Billy would pat him and Buddy would run away. I was on the phone so I was trying to separate them, but I only had one hand. Eventually, Buddy got tired and snapped at Billy (just a warning, no bite). I know Buddy, he won't bite family, but sometimes when he's really upset he'll let you know. I yelled at both of them and punished Buddy. I'm trying to teach Billy not to touch dog bowls, but he just wants to play with his puppy. My concern is that if Billy is around another less friendly dog he won't know to be more cautious, since Buddy won't bite him.
After the dog incident we played in the den. I had to sing Elmo's Christmas book umpteen times (with Squirmy in my lap). Then we played with Evil Airplane for awhile. He's figured out the remote control part to it and isn't afraid of it anymore. Although he cries if it rolls away from him. He really wanted music today so here is a picture of Billy playing with his standing table.
Just for kicks the last photo is from when Billy first got his standing table back in April.
Since he wouldn't eat dinner I gave him animal crackers in case he was hungry. He did eat those. I don't want him to think he can skip dinner for snacks, but I know he's not feeling well and honestly crackers were the only thing I ate today, so I can't blame him. Anyway, he decided to invent the Animal Cracker Kiss. He would half chew an animal cracker, climb in my lap and try to give me an open-mouthed kiss on the chin. (HE only gives open---mouthed kisses and usually on the cheek or nose). It would have been TOTALLY disgusting if he weren't so darn cute. For that reason I'll say it was only mildly disgusting.
Today was another day of his just wanting to sit in my lap. Now when I say sit, I don't mean the sedate cuddling kind of sitting together. Nope. When Billy sits in my lap it's like trying to hold on to a greased monkey that thinks you're hiding a banana. His nickname is Squirmy.
Today we spent some time playing in the formal rooms of the house. We played Fee Fi Fo Fum around the dining room table (where I thump-crawl and in a baritone voice say the rhyme and Billy runs away squealing gleefully). Then he played with my piano music box for awhile. And then he spent a good twenty minutes enjoying sitting in the big boy chair.
He also spent some time watching mommy's video on youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8TDTLqQFGY This is a submission for a site I belong to. He watched it three times and then I made him stop. That brought tears. Apparently, he likes Mini-Mommy in the screen.
He refused dinner altogether (thank you daycare plague) so he was on the floor while Buddy ate his own dinner. Normally, Billy is confined in the high chair while Buddy eats. Billy decided it was an opportune time to try and pat Buddy on the head. He hovered over the bowl and every time Buddy came to get food Billy would pat him and Buddy would run away. I was on the phone so I was trying to separate them, but I only had one hand. Eventually, Buddy got tired and snapped at Billy (just a warning, no bite). I know Buddy, he won't bite family, but sometimes when he's really upset he'll let you know. I yelled at both of them and punished Buddy. I'm trying to teach Billy not to touch dog bowls, but he just wants to play with his puppy. My concern is that if Billy is around another less friendly dog he won't know to be more cautious, since Buddy won't bite him.
After the dog incident we played in the den. I had to sing Elmo's Christmas book umpteen times (with Squirmy in my lap). Then we played with Evil Airplane for awhile. He's figured out the remote control part to it and isn't afraid of it anymore. Although he cries if it rolls away from him. He really wanted music today so here is a picture of Billy playing with his standing table.
Just for kicks the last photo is from when Billy first got his standing table back in April.
Since he wouldn't eat dinner I gave him animal crackers in case he was hungry. He did eat those. I don't want him to think he can skip dinner for snacks, but I know he's not feeling well and honestly crackers were the only thing I ate today, so I can't blame him. Anyway, he decided to invent the Animal Cracker Kiss. He would half chew an animal cracker, climb in my lap and try to give me an open-mouthed kiss on the chin. (HE only gives open---mouthed kisses and usually on the cheek or nose). It would have been TOTALLY disgusting if he weren't so darn cute. For that reason I'll say it was only mildly disgusting.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
November 16, 2011 ~ Five Firsts
Billy has a new vocal range. It's not a squeal. It's not a scream. It's the Kitten Squeak, a gentle high-pitched coo of happiness. He was very happy today because I heard that noise over a fifty times in the two hour period before bed.
It's funny that he's feeling so happy because both he an I are sick again. Not a cold, but a stomach virus. It's just proof that when you have the energy of a toddler, almost nothing can keep you down. I know he's not feeling well because he only ate half of the food I sent with him to daycare and about half what he would normally eat for dinner. My appetite has been the same. It's rough, since Mommy's don't get (a chance to be) sick.
I have been teaching Billy about magnets, since he has several toy magnets. I show him what they will stick to and what they won't. Today, for the first time, he took his magnets from the fridge and put them on the oven. Then he tested on his own the magnetic properties of the oven glass and the cabinets. He concluded that the oven and fridge were the places to play.
Today in the bath he, for the first time, he squeezed a squirt toy under water and then lifted it out and squirted water everywhere (to a chorus of Kitten Squeaks). Every time I've tried squirt toys with him up to this point he was either been afraid or indifferent. Not only was he thrilled with them today, but he figured out how to use them.
Also in the bath he lined up all of the yellow and orange toys on the tub. He tried every toy in his grasp, but rejected all of the toys except the yellows and oranges. The others were pushed off of the edge to be played with another day. This is the first time he has ever selectively picked colors.
And lastly, for the first time today, I saw him shiver. When he got out of the bath he was shivering. Not that it stopped him. He streaked around, shivering, pointing Pooh, Tigger and Eeyore in his room. A pair of PJs fixed the problem.
After a day of many firsts Billy curled up with his Elmo Christmas Carols book. It could have easily have been Christmas Eve. Billy was in his green footed pajamas. The book singing merrily.
It's funny that he's feeling so happy because both he an I are sick again. Not a cold, but a stomach virus. It's just proof that when you have the energy of a toddler, almost nothing can keep you down. I know he's not feeling well because he only ate half of the food I sent with him to daycare and about half what he would normally eat for dinner. My appetite has been the same. It's rough, since Mommy's don't get (a chance to be) sick.
I have been teaching Billy about magnets, since he has several toy magnets. I show him what they will stick to and what they won't. Today, for the first time, he took his magnets from the fridge and put them on the oven. Then he tested on his own the magnetic properties of the oven glass and the cabinets. He concluded that the oven and fridge were the places to play.
Today in the bath he, for the first time, he squeezed a squirt toy under water and then lifted it out and squirted water everywhere (to a chorus of Kitten Squeaks). Every time I've tried squirt toys with him up to this point he was either been afraid or indifferent. Not only was he thrilled with them today, but he figured out how to use them.
Also in the bath he lined up all of the yellow and orange toys on the tub. He tried every toy in his grasp, but rejected all of the toys except the yellows and oranges. The others were pushed off of the edge to be played with another day. This is the first time he has ever selectively picked colors.
And lastly, for the first time today, I saw him shiver. When he got out of the bath he was shivering. Not that it stopped him. He streaked around, shivering, pointing Pooh, Tigger and Eeyore in his room. A pair of PJs fixed the problem.
After a day of many firsts Billy curled up with his Elmo Christmas Carols book. It could have easily have been Christmas Eve. Billy was in his green footed pajamas. The book singing merrily.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
November 15, 2011 ~ Up On The Rooftop
Today Billy needed lots of Mommy affection in the form of sitting in my lap. When I pulled out his box of blocks, he had me sit in front of them and then plopped into my lap to play with the blocks from there. Every toy I suggested had be be able to hang out with Billy in Mommy's lap. If I got up, he wanted to be picked up.
I decided to break out Elmo's Christmas book. Ok, ok, I know. November belongs to the turkey and the Fat Man has to wait until December. But since Christmas is now everywhere (I work in advertising so we've been working on Christmas since August). It was less about the subject matter and more about the fact that the book sings.
Grandma bought the book for him last Christmas. It has buttons with pictures of Sesame Street characters, and each button plays a different Christmas carol. Very luckily for Mommy, the pages of the book has the lyrics written out. It's not that I don't know a lot of carols by heart, but this book uses some really old carols that I don't know so well.
Well, the Count's song is "Up On The Rooftop". And let me tell you, Billy fell in love with this one particular song. Mommy had to sing it over and over while he swayed like Stevie Wonder- still sitting in my lap. When the song would end he'd push the button to start all over again. He even ripped the binky right out of his mouth so he could try to sing along. (all of the words are yah, yah, yah).
Just wait until reindeer really are up on the rooftop. Imagine what he'll do then!
I decided to break out Elmo's Christmas book. Ok, ok, I know. November belongs to the turkey and the Fat Man has to wait until December. But since Christmas is now everywhere (I work in advertising so we've been working on Christmas since August). It was less about the subject matter and more about the fact that the book sings.
Grandma bought the book for him last Christmas. It has buttons with pictures of Sesame Street characters, and each button plays a different Christmas carol. Very luckily for Mommy, the pages of the book has the lyrics written out. It's not that I don't know a lot of carols by heart, but this book uses some really old carols that I don't know so well.
Well, the Count's song is "Up On The Rooftop". And let me tell you, Billy fell in love with this one particular song. Mommy had to sing it over and over while he swayed like Stevie Wonder- still sitting in my lap. When the song would end he'd push the button to start all over again. He even ripped the binky right out of his mouth so he could try to sing along. (all of the words are yah, yah, yah).
Just wait until reindeer really are up on the rooftop. Imagine what he'll do then!
Lullaby- Billy's Favorite
Sung to Brahm's Lullaby
Go to sleep, baby.
Time to sleep deeply.
Go to sleep, baby.
Time to dream sweetly.
Mommy loves you,
Her little sprite.
Mommy loves you.
Go to sleep tonight.
Go to sleep, baby.
Time to sleep deeply.
Go to sleep, baby.
Time to dream sweetly.
Daddy loves you,
His little sprite.
Daddy loves you.
Go to sleep tonight.
Go to sleep, baby.
Time to sleep deeply.
Go to sleep, baby.
Time to dream sweetly.
Buddy loves you,
His little sprite.
Buddy loves you.
Go to sleep tonight.
I wrote these lyrics for him.
Go to sleep, baby.
Time to sleep deeply.
Go to sleep, baby.
Time to dream sweetly.
Mommy loves you,
Her little sprite.
Mommy loves you.
Go to sleep tonight.
Go to sleep, baby.
Time to sleep deeply.
Go to sleep, baby.
Time to dream sweetly.
Daddy loves you,
His little sprite.
Daddy loves you.
Go to sleep tonight.
Go to sleep, baby.
Time to sleep deeply.
Go to sleep, baby.
Time to dream sweetly.
Buddy loves you,
His little sprite.
Buddy loves you.
Go to sleep tonight.
I wrote these lyrics for him.
November 14, 2011 ~ Having a Ball
And...back to work.
I didn't get to spend much time with Billy today, even though the shoot is done. We had to go buy diapers, so a trip to Sam's ate into our afternoon time together.
When we got home Billy decided he wanted to play with his ball that his Great Aunt and Uncle gave him for his birthday. It's the first time he's wanted to play with it unprompted. He tested bouncing it on different surfaces and tried the floor in every room in the house. He decided the kitchen was best for playing with the bouncing ball- probably because there's no carpet in there. We bounced and bounced and bounced the ball. Buddy joined in, but I had to remind the sharp-toothed sweetheart to go play with his own toys.
So Buddy went to his toy basket and rooted around for just the perfect toy. He likes to do this. Billy watched with great interest. After Buddy finally found the toy he was looking for, he went to the other side of the room to gnaw on it. Billy then went over to Buddy's basket, shoved his head into the toys just as Buddy did and started to root around. It was pretty funny. It sure made Billy laugh. After that I grabbed a tug-of-war toy of Buddy's and invited Buddy to come over and play. Buddy did for a few minutes then walked away. Billy picked up the toy, handed it to me and then sat down in my lap, bouncing up and down in excitement for Buddy to "do it again!" So Buddy came over and tugged and grred and Billy squealed and grred back.
For dinner I served up enchiladas. Don't ever say this kid isn't cultured when it comes to food. This week alone he's had Japanese, Indian, Italian and Mexican. After dinner I fixed us a piece of pumpkin pie to share. Yum! I couldn't resist. I love pumpkin pie. And...so does Billy! More Mommy, more! Tears when it was done but quickly off to play.
Big Lil Man is drinking from a glass all by himself. He even picked it up and put it down without making a mess. We're getting close to trying to drink from big boy cups. After some water it was off to bed with milk in a sippy cup.
Yes, you heard me. Sippy cup. All of the bottles are put away and now I guess I can't call him the baby anymore- no more bottles!
I didn't get to spend much time with Billy today, even though the shoot is done. We had to go buy diapers, so a trip to Sam's ate into our afternoon time together.
When we got home Billy decided he wanted to play with his ball that his Great Aunt and Uncle gave him for his birthday. It's the first time he's wanted to play with it unprompted. He tested bouncing it on different surfaces and tried the floor in every room in the house. He decided the kitchen was best for playing with the bouncing ball- probably because there's no carpet in there. We bounced and bounced and bounced the ball. Buddy joined in, but I had to remind the sharp-toothed sweetheart to go play with his own toys.
So Buddy went to his toy basket and rooted around for just the perfect toy. He likes to do this. Billy watched with great interest. After Buddy finally found the toy he was looking for, he went to the other side of the room to gnaw on it. Billy then went over to Buddy's basket, shoved his head into the toys just as Buddy did and started to root around. It was pretty funny. It sure made Billy laugh. After that I grabbed a tug-of-war toy of Buddy's and invited Buddy to come over and play. Buddy did for a few minutes then walked away. Billy picked up the toy, handed it to me and then sat down in my lap, bouncing up and down in excitement for Buddy to "do it again!" So Buddy came over and tugged and grred and Billy squealed and grred back.
For dinner I served up enchiladas. Don't ever say this kid isn't cultured when it comes to food. This week alone he's had Japanese, Indian, Italian and Mexican. After dinner I fixed us a piece of pumpkin pie to share. Yum! I couldn't resist. I love pumpkin pie. And...so does Billy! More Mommy, more! Tears when it was done but quickly off to play.
Big Lil Man is drinking from a glass all by himself. He even picked it up and put it down without making a mess. We're getting close to trying to drink from big boy cups. After some water it was off to bed with milk in a sippy cup.
Yes, you heard me. Sippy cup. All of the bottles are put away and now I guess I can't call him the baby anymore- no more bottles!
Monday, November 14, 2011
November 13, 2011 ~ Just Put It On Your Head
This morning's breakfast quickly deteriorated into a full out tantrum. I took his binky away. Dear God- no! If he has his binky while he's eating then he plays with his food instead of eating it. So I swiped it to give him a chance to focus on his milk and fruit and cheerios. This started the crying. Then he started flailing his arms so that food was flying everywhere. I put a quick stop to that, which produced loud screaming and red face. So...
I picked up the sippy cup and bowl of fruit and put both of them on my head. In the midst of crying he looked at me, paused, started laughing, then went back to crying. Are you sure? I made the bowl and sippy cup do a little jig on my head. Ok, peals of laughter. When it comes to my kid, the trick is ALWAYS put it on your head. Solves almost any problem.
From breakfast we went to play in the living room. I gave him a music box shaped like a piano to look at. It plays Fur Elise, so I wound it up for us to listen to. He was thrilled that the lid of the piano opened to show a jewelry compartment, containing a manufacturer's card. He put the card in, took it out, repeat. This went on for a few minutes until he got bored. Then he started looking around for something else to put in the piano. We don't keep toys in the living room, so there wasn't anything at hand to grab. Did that deter him? No, he yanked the sock right off of his foot and shoved it into the piano. Hmm, but now his foot was cold. So he took it back out and handed it to me to put on his bare foot.
What next? Well, he decided he wanted to take a bath. He walked over to the tub and climbed right in. This is the first time he has ever gotten into the tub himself. I would show you a photo of fully-clothed Billy standing in the tub trying to figure out how to turn on the faucet, but Daddy is obsessed with Call of Duty 3 right now so photos will have to wait until tomorrow. Anyway, he kept trying to get the water into the tub, but it wasn't bath time. So then he decided to try playing with the sink. His stool is tucked under the sink and he has now figured out how to step up on the stool with it under there and hang off the edge of the sink so he can reach the faucet. Danger for two reasons: a) he could fall b) he can freakin' reach the faucet in the bathroom without aid. Yikes.
After naptime and a quick visit from Grandma we went outside to play on his trike, but he didn't want to take a turn around the court. Nope. He wanted to watch Daddy mow. Much cooler. At first he was terrified of the mower, but then he decided it was cool. He even started picking up sticks and taking them to Daddy to help. I kept picking up Billy and dragging him away from the mower. There were also airplanes and a huge raven soaring in the sky to look at. Pretty cool.
Then we went inside to watch the Ravens game and have a snack. Billy decided that the cheese and crackers would be more fun to feed to Buddy than to eat himself. He would take a bite and then feed the rest to Buddy. This is just his sneaky scheme to try to touch Buddy. Buddy does not like to be grabbed and pulled, so he stays just out of Billy's reach at all times. Of course, Billy invents new ways to get to Buddy. And Buddy, forever on a diet, will do anything to get more food. (He's a 40lb cocker spaniel who should weigh 30lb and no matter what I do never loses weight). After snack he started yawning so I asked him if he wanted a nap. He came over and pushed me. I scooted. He pushed again, I scooted again. Then he grabbed my back. Ok, got the picture. I put him to bed and he went straight to sleep. He was asking me to carry him in to his crib.
After Nap 2 Billy wanted to watch the game in Daddy's lap. Nothing else would do. Daddy sat with him while dinner cooked on the grill. We ate before the game was over- probably a blessing not to have to watch the misery on the field. We rarely all eat together but at Billy's request (yes, he asked with pointing and grunts) we all sat at the table to eat. He got to have the same meal as Mommy and Daddy, which is also rare. I try to feed him low sodium, low processed, low sugar foods and often give him fresh fruit or some kind of vegetable undoctored. I don't freak out if he does get to eat junk, but I try to avoid it. Daddy and I, however, eat more junky food than we should. But that's the life of working parents.
I'll post pictures tomorrow!
I picked up the sippy cup and bowl of fruit and put both of them on my head. In the midst of crying he looked at me, paused, started laughing, then went back to crying. Are you sure? I made the bowl and sippy cup do a little jig on my head. Ok, peals of laughter. When it comes to my kid, the trick is ALWAYS put it on your head. Solves almost any problem.
From breakfast we went to play in the living room. I gave him a music box shaped like a piano to look at. It plays Fur Elise, so I wound it up for us to listen to. He was thrilled that the lid of the piano opened to show a jewelry compartment, containing a manufacturer's card. He put the card in, took it out, repeat. This went on for a few minutes until he got bored. Then he started looking around for something else to put in the piano. We don't keep toys in the living room, so there wasn't anything at hand to grab. Did that deter him? No, he yanked the sock right off of his foot and shoved it into the piano. Hmm, but now his foot was cold. So he took it back out and handed it to me to put on his bare foot.
What next? Well, he decided he wanted to take a bath. He walked over to the tub and climbed right in. This is the first time he has ever gotten into the tub himself. I would show you a photo of fully-clothed Billy standing in the tub trying to figure out how to turn on the faucet, but Daddy is obsessed with Call of Duty 3 right now so photos will have to wait until tomorrow. Anyway, he kept trying to get the water into the tub, but it wasn't bath time. So then he decided to try playing with the sink. His stool is tucked under the sink and he has now figured out how to step up on the stool with it under there and hang off the edge of the sink so he can reach the faucet. Danger for two reasons: a) he could fall b) he can freakin' reach the faucet in the bathroom without aid. Yikes.
After naptime and a quick visit from Grandma we went outside to play on his trike, but he didn't want to take a turn around the court. Nope. He wanted to watch Daddy mow. Much cooler. At first he was terrified of the mower, but then he decided it was cool. He even started picking up sticks and taking them to Daddy to help. I kept picking up Billy and dragging him away from the mower. There were also airplanes and a huge raven soaring in the sky to look at. Pretty cool.
Then we went inside to watch the Ravens game and have a snack. Billy decided that the cheese and crackers would be more fun to feed to Buddy than to eat himself. He would take a bite and then feed the rest to Buddy. This is just his sneaky scheme to try to touch Buddy. Buddy does not like to be grabbed and pulled, so he stays just out of Billy's reach at all times. Of course, Billy invents new ways to get to Buddy. And Buddy, forever on a diet, will do anything to get more food. (He's a 40lb cocker spaniel who should weigh 30lb and no matter what I do never loses weight). After snack he started yawning so I asked him if he wanted a nap. He came over and pushed me. I scooted. He pushed again, I scooted again. Then he grabbed my back. Ok, got the picture. I put him to bed and he went straight to sleep. He was asking me to carry him in to his crib.
After Nap 2 Billy wanted to watch the game in Daddy's lap. Nothing else would do. Daddy sat with him while dinner cooked on the grill. We ate before the game was over- probably a blessing not to have to watch the misery on the field. We rarely all eat together but at Billy's request (yes, he asked with pointing and grunts) we all sat at the table to eat. He got to have the same meal as Mommy and Daddy, which is also rare. I try to feed him low sodium, low processed, low sugar foods and often give him fresh fruit or some kind of vegetable undoctored. I don't freak out if he does get to eat junk, but I try to avoid it. Daddy and I, however, eat more junky food than we should. But that's the life of working parents.
I'll post pictures tomorrow!
Saturday, November 12, 2011
November 12, 2011 ~ Argh, Mateys!
I was woken up this morning by a very excited toddler Attack Hugging me. Daddy got up with him early and fed him waffles. He apparently ate two all by himself. Then, after letting me sleep for awhile, Billy just had to come wake Mommy up. He's very excited to see me around again.
This morning's movie while playing was finding Nemo. Daddy bought it for him yesterday. He didn't pay any attention to it with Daddy, but this morning he thought it was pretty cool. He really likes the fish. When I pointed to the screen I named the two fish that were talking, Marlin and Dory. He looked at me and said Arlin Doh. He also pointed to a duck today and said, "Ack, ack!" Speaking is not far away.
I'm not really sure what to count as his first word. For months now he's been saying "mamamama" and "dadadada". But he doesn't stop at Mama and Dada and we're trying to get him to say Mommy and Daddy instead. Mid September he parroted "God bless you" perfectly. Clearly, he didn't understand what he was saying. But now he can point to an animal and if you ask him what that animal says he will tell you. The cow says "moo" (he got the m today), the duck says "ack ack", the lamb says "ba-a-a-a", the pig says "oy, oy", the goat says "ma-a-a-a" and the Buddy says "awf, awf". You tell me, has he said his first word or is that yet to come?
So after naptime we went outside to play on the trike until Grandma arrived for a visit. When she got here I ran out to buy a birthday present for the party later. Grandma tells me that he played with his standing table the whole time I was gone because he got to sit in Grandma's lap. She stayed after I got back to watch him eat his pasta for lunch- and be coy about it. He's such a flirt.
Then it was time to go to the birthday party. We went to see his good friend T turn 3. T is one of Billy's best friends. T's party was pirate themed. Unfortunately for Billy, the party was geared for older kids and the gym was full of neat things for older kids to play with, but he had fun anyway. We couldn't really join in the party festivities, but Billy ran around chasing balls and bubbles and had a merry time climbing on the mats.
After play time came the food. Billy got to sit next to T and the table. All of the kids got a little snack plate with fruit and pretzels. Billy ate all of the grapes and then tried the pretzels. He's liked those. T noticed that Billy didn't have any more grapes, so he went and got more for Billy. It was really sweet. Then came the cake. I let Billy have some, but he decided he wanted the grapes more. He turned his nose up at the cake. So Mommy ate Billy's piece.
When the party was done Billy got to take home a white balloon and a treasure box with pirate ducks inside. I tied the balloon to the leg of a stuffed animal so he could reach the short string. Billy thinks that balloon is a really cool toy, but he wishes the animal wasn't tied to the string. The paper treasure box was probably the biggest hit of the day. You can put things in and take them out and put them back in again. The toys ducks clearly spent the afternoon going in and out of the treasure chest.
For dinner Grandpop came over and we went to get Chinese at a fancy place in Hunt Valley. At that point Billy was full from the party and tired from the activity. He wasn't interested in the edamame and steamed dumplings- both of which he loves. He finally got so tired that he laid his head down on the table right in his food and tried to go to sleep. That didn't work out so well, so Mommy boxed up her dinner (which I still haven't eaten) and walked Billy down to see the live piano. When Grandpop was done eating we headed home. Billy was sound asleep by the time we got home and didn't wake up when we transferred him from the car to the crib.
He sure had a long and busy day. Happy birthday T! And argh to all Billy's mateys!
This morning's movie while playing was finding Nemo. Daddy bought it for him yesterday. He didn't pay any attention to it with Daddy, but this morning he thought it was pretty cool. He really likes the fish. When I pointed to the screen I named the two fish that were talking, Marlin and Dory. He looked at me and said Arlin Doh. He also pointed to a duck today and said, "Ack, ack!" Speaking is not far away.
I'm not really sure what to count as his first word. For months now he's been saying "mamamama" and "dadadada". But he doesn't stop at Mama and Dada and we're trying to get him to say Mommy and Daddy instead. Mid September he parroted "God bless you" perfectly. Clearly, he didn't understand what he was saying. But now he can point to an animal and if you ask him what that animal says he will tell you. The cow says "moo" (he got the m today), the duck says "ack ack", the lamb says "ba-a-a-a", the pig says "oy, oy", the goat says "ma-a-a-a" and the Buddy says "awf, awf". You tell me, has he said his first word or is that yet to come?
So after naptime we went outside to play on the trike until Grandma arrived for a visit. When she got here I ran out to buy a birthday present for the party later. Grandma tells me that he played with his standing table the whole time I was gone because he got to sit in Grandma's lap. She stayed after I got back to watch him eat his pasta for lunch- and be coy about it. He's such a flirt.
Then it was time to go to the birthday party. We went to see his good friend T turn 3. T is one of Billy's best friends. T's party was pirate themed. Unfortunately for Billy, the party was geared for older kids and the gym was full of neat things for older kids to play with, but he had fun anyway. We couldn't really join in the party festivities, but Billy ran around chasing balls and bubbles and had a merry time climbing on the mats.
After play time came the food. Billy got to sit next to T and the table. All of the kids got a little snack plate with fruit and pretzels. Billy ate all of the grapes and then tried the pretzels. He's liked those. T noticed that Billy didn't have any more grapes, so he went and got more for Billy. It was really sweet. Then came the cake. I let Billy have some, but he decided he wanted the grapes more. He turned his nose up at the cake. So Mommy ate Billy's piece.
When the party was done Billy got to take home a white balloon and a treasure box with pirate ducks inside. I tied the balloon to the leg of a stuffed animal so he could reach the short string. Billy thinks that balloon is a really cool toy, but he wishes the animal wasn't tied to the string. The paper treasure box was probably the biggest hit of the day. You can put things in and take them out and put them back in again. The toys ducks clearly spent the afternoon going in and out of the treasure chest.
For dinner Grandpop came over and we went to get Chinese at a fancy place in Hunt Valley. At that point Billy was full from the party and tired from the activity. He wasn't interested in the edamame and steamed dumplings- both of which he loves. He finally got so tired that he laid his head down on the table right in his food and tried to go to sleep. That didn't work out so well, so Mommy boxed up her dinner (which I still haven't eaten) and walked Billy down to see the live piano. When Grandpop was done eating we headed home. Billy was sound asleep by the time we got home and didn't wake up when we transferred him from the car to the crib.
He sure had a long and busy day. Happy birthday T! And argh to all Billy's mateys!
Friday, November 11, 2011
November 11, 2011 ~ 3 And Out ~ Haribo! It's A Wrap!
It is Day 3 of not getting to see Billy except briefly in the morning. We are finally done shooting, and after spending two days watching kids act, I can now watch my own kid. Filming is probably one of the hardest but most visible parts to my job. We've been working non-stop on this shoot for over a month and now it's a wrap. All that's left is the clean up. And now I can get back to my family.
Daddy tells me that Billy has learned his animal sounds. He has a book of farm animals and when he sees the animal on the page he makes the noise before Daddy does. He's still working on some of them. The cow says "ew!" and the pig says "oy!" Who ever heard of a Jewish pig? I have yet to see this for myself, but I will report when I do.
Sorry for the short post, but after 3 grueling 16 hour work days on my feet and not getting to see my son, I don't have a lot of details to report.
Side Note:
What was I doing? We just wrapped a commercial for Haribo Gummi Bears. The set was prop and mechanics heavy. Funny enough, Gummi Bears don't look like anything when you try to photograph them to make props. So, I've spent the past month learning how to photograph them and make them look their best. Then I spent a week with a large format printer making huge prints of piles of bears. This week we assembled the bags for the shoot. Each bag is handcrafted, made of a folded acetate sheet with a gold lamay layer on it and then taped together. Then the interior of the bag has to be reinforced and colored gold. Finally, Gummis are glued to an acetate sleeve (all either forward facing or side facing) and the sleeve is then slipped into the bag. It's an arduous and expensive process. When you see the commercial you'll realize that everything in the prop-laden set is handmade.
Here's a link to the previous Haribo spot we made that ran in England:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrGJ0vO_NXs
This was shot in Harford Co. Md. I love the sheep in the background- yes, we rented a herd of sheep. I made most of the blurry props in the background.
Daddy tells me that Billy has learned his animal sounds. He has a book of farm animals and when he sees the animal on the page he makes the noise before Daddy does. He's still working on some of them. The cow says "ew!" and the pig says "oy!" Who ever heard of a Jewish pig? I have yet to see this for myself, but I will report when I do.
Sorry for the short post, but after 3 grueling 16 hour work days on my feet and not getting to see my son, I don't have a lot of details to report.
Side Note:
What was I doing? We just wrapped a commercial for Haribo Gummi Bears. The set was prop and mechanics heavy. Funny enough, Gummi Bears don't look like anything when you try to photograph them to make props. So, I've spent the past month learning how to photograph them and make them look their best. Then I spent a week with a large format printer making huge prints of piles of bears. This week we assembled the bags for the shoot. Each bag is handcrafted, made of a folded acetate sheet with a gold lamay layer on it and then taped together. Then the interior of the bag has to be reinforced and colored gold. Finally, Gummis are glued to an acetate sleeve (all either forward facing or side facing) and the sleeve is then slipped into the bag. It's an arduous and expensive process. When you see the commercial you'll realize that everything in the prop-laden set is handmade.
Here's a link to the previous Haribo spot we made that ran in England:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrGJ0vO_NXs
This was shot in Harford Co. Md. I love the sheep in the background- yes, we rented a herd of sheep. I made most of the blurry props in the background.
November 10, 2011 ~ The Daycare Plague
Today is another day without Billy. I got to see him briefly in the morning, but that was it. We have a major production going on at work and I have to be there to coordinate things. Unfortunately, that means I don't get to see my family.
This morning I was holding Billy and pointed at my chest and said, "Who am I? Mommy?" I'm trying to get him to talk. He pressed his forefinger right into the spot I pointed to. Then I said, "Who are you? Are you Billy?" and I pointed at him. Then he pressed his finger into his chest, same as he did with me and kept pointing to himself. Yeah, he knows.
He is finally on the mend from the Daycare Plague. I had to take him to the doctor on Tuesday morning because I suspected me needed some medicine for him. His bad cold became an ear infection and he was all congested. But with a few days of medicine in him he is on the mend. He, in fact, loves his medicine. This morning he grabbed the vial out of my hand, shoved it in his mouth and sucked it dry. Then he asked for more. Which, of course, resulted in a tantrum since I couldn't give him more. Hey, better than force-feeding.
I call it the Daycare Plague. It's the sniffles that make my toddler a total grumpy pants. It strikes at least once a month during cold/flu season and is sure to infect me and grandma as well. Daddy is less susceptible to colds. Everyone tells me that it's good for him to be sick now, because it means his immune system will be great by the time he gets to school so he'll miss less school. Here's what I say to that: BULLSH*T. Sorry for the bad language. But if x number of years of exposure to illness ensured not getting sick in the future, then I wouldn't be catching Billy's colds. I would have become immune from 12 years of school and 4 years of college. It's just not the case. Some kids catch all of the germs and some don't. Mine catches them all. It's the Daycare Plague.
This morning I was holding Billy and pointed at my chest and said, "Who am I? Mommy?" I'm trying to get him to talk. He pressed his forefinger right into the spot I pointed to. Then I said, "Who are you? Are you Billy?" and I pointed at him. Then he pressed his finger into his chest, same as he did with me and kept pointing to himself. Yeah, he knows.
He is finally on the mend from the Daycare Plague. I had to take him to the doctor on Tuesday morning because I suspected me needed some medicine for him. His bad cold became an ear infection and he was all congested. But with a few days of medicine in him he is on the mend. He, in fact, loves his medicine. This morning he grabbed the vial out of my hand, shoved it in his mouth and sucked it dry. Then he asked for more. Which, of course, resulted in a tantrum since I couldn't give him more. Hey, better than force-feeding.
I call it the Daycare Plague. It's the sniffles that make my toddler a total grumpy pants. It strikes at least once a month during cold/flu season and is sure to infect me and grandma as well. Daddy is less susceptible to colds. Everyone tells me that it's good for him to be sick now, because it means his immune system will be great by the time he gets to school so he'll miss less school. Here's what I say to that: BULLSH*T. Sorry for the bad language. But if x number of years of exposure to illness ensured not getting sick in the future, then I wouldn't be catching Billy's colds. I would have become immune from 12 years of school and 4 years of college. It's just not the case. Some kids catch all of the germs and some don't. Mine catches them all. It's the Daycare Plague.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
November 9, 2011 ~ A Day Without Billy
If you're a working parent, then chances are there will be days when you work through the night. This, of course, means that you don't get to see your kid(s). Today is one of those days.
This morning I got to see him shoving fistfuls of strawberries into his mouth along with a smattering of cheerios. I took him to daycare and kissed him goodbye and that was all of the Billy time I got today. I called to wish him goodnight, but it's not like he can have a real conversation. I'm not sure he even understands why the voices coming out of the phone sound like his favorite people. He might just think it's a toy.
So, instead of playing with my little man, I worked late and tomorrow I will have to work late again. It's very hard knowing that I won't get to see him again. Honestly, it's probably one of the toughest parts about being a working Mom. I cherish that short amount of time each night between when I pick him up at daycare and when he goes to bed. If Daddy picks him up, then I might only get to see him for an hour before bed. So each minute is important. When those minutes are taken away by work, it's tough, especially since the timing of things at work are outside of my control.
Billy is sleeping soundly now, binky in mouth, laying on his back, probably dreaming about animal crackers and Buddy. Excuse me while I go check on him again- I'll take whatever Billy time I can get!
This morning I got to see him shoving fistfuls of strawberries into his mouth along with a smattering of cheerios. I took him to daycare and kissed him goodbye and that was all of the Billy time I got today. I called to wish him goodnight, but it's not like he can have a real conversation. I'm not sure he even understands why the voices coming out of the phone sound like his favorite people. He might just think it's a toy.
So, instead of playing with my little man, I worked late and tomorrow I will have to work late again. It's very hard knowing that I won't get to see him again. Honestly, it's probably one of the toughest parts about being a working Mom. I cherish that short amount of time each night between when I pick him up at daycare and when he goes to bed. If Daddy picks him up, then I might only get to see him for an hour before bed. So each minute is important. When those minutes are taken away by work, it's tough, especially since the timing of things at work are outside of my control.
Billy is sleeping soundly now, binky in mouth, laying on his back, probably dreaming about animal crackers and Buddy. Excuse me while I go check on him again- I'll take whatever Billy time I can get!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
November 8, 2011 ~ Hungry, Hungry Billy!
Grandpop and I were talking today about Thanksgiving and he mentioned that he wasn't counting Billy in the total number of people eating Thanksgiving dinner, since Billy eats so very little. Really? Let's have a look at what Billy eats in an average day:
Breakfast~
A Mommy-sized handful of cheerios
6oz of fruit or 6oz of yogurt
4oz milk
Breakfast 2 (or elevenses if you're a hobbit)~
6 oz of fruit or yogurt, whichever he didn't have with breakfast 1.
4oz water
Lunch~
Half a sandwich or a 6oz bowl of pasta
6oz of veggies or fruit
4oz milk
Afternoon Snack 1~
6oz of veggies or fruit
4oz water
Afternoon Snack 2~
Mommy-sized handful of crackers or cheerios
Dinner~
10-12oz of food, usually a main course with 1-2 side dishes (usually fruit and veggie)
4oz water or juice
Bedtime~
4oz milk
Remember, he's only 23 pounds and is still a little guy. Think about how much food you eat in a day and try to determine ounce-wise how much that is. He's like a hummingbird, eating his body weight (slight exaggeration) every day. He is 1/5 my weight and eats 1/2 to 3/4 the amount I consume every day. That's a hungry, hungry Billy!
Trust me, Grandpop, he'll be able to hold his own when the turkey is on the table.
Drumstick anyone?
Breakfast~
A Mommy-sized handful of cheerios
6oz of fruit or 6oz of yogurt
4oz milk
Breakfast 2 (or elevenses if you're a hobbit)~
6 oz of fruit or yogurt, whichever he didn't have with breakfast 1.
4oz water
Lunch~
Half a sandwich or a 6oz bowl of pasta
6oz of veggies or fruit
4oz milk
Afternoon Snack 1~
6oz of veggies or fruit
4oz water
Afternoon Snack 2~
Mommy-sized handful of crackers or cheerios
Dinner~
10-12oz of food, usually a main course with 1-2 side dishes (usually fruit and veggie)
4oz water or juice
Bedtime~
4oz milk
Remember, he's only 23 pounds and is still a little guy. Think about how much food you eat in a day and try to determine ounce-wise how much that is. He's like a hummingbird, eating his body weight (slight exaggeration) every day. He is 1/5 my weight and eats 1/2 to 3/4 the amount I consume every day. That's a hungry, hungry Billy!
Trust me, Grandpop, he'll be able to hold his own when the turkey is on the table.
Drumstick anyone?
Monday, November 7, 2011
November 7, 2011 ~ Baby's Best Friend
Buddy probably won't admit it, but he and Billy are best friends. At least, according to Billy they are.
Buddy is a full 9.5 years older than Billy and considers himself the older sibling. He was, to be blunt, not thrilled about this bald, screaming interloper. And I can't blame him. He used to be the baby, pampered daily, walked, played with, spoiled rotten. I used to groom him biweekly and take him to parks to play ball. Now, he's lucky if he's fed on time. I bought him toys all of the time. Now I have to yell at him to leave Billy's toys alone. He used to cuddle in my lap every evening. Now he has to wait his turn until Billy goes to sleep. No, Buddy was definitely not thrilled about having a baby in the house.
Billy, on the other hand has always been in love with Buddy. Who doesn't love a fuzzy, panting mop that lumbers around lazily? Who better to Attack Hug? When Billy was just a tiny thing, barely able to move, he used to follow Buddy with his eyes, enchanted. As soon as he could crawl he was crawling after Buddy. When he started to control his coos better he started imitating Buddy's bark. Now that he can walk and play, he plays with Buddy and his toys. They even play tug'o'war.
No, Buddy definitely won't admit it. But now he has a playmate that will gladly play tug'o'war until bedtime and throw toys for him. Someone to romp through the yard with. Yes, Buddy definitely has a friend. A best friend. Just don't tell Billy.
(both photos taken today)
Buddy is a full 9.5 years older than Billy and considers himself the older sibling. He was, to be blunt, not thrilled about this bald, screaming interloper. And I can't blame him. He used to be the baby, pampered daily, walked, played with, spoiled rotten. I used to groom him biweekly and take him to parks to play ball. Now, he's lucky if he's fed on time. I bought him toys all of the time. Now I have to yell at him to leave Billy's toys alone. He used to cuddle in my lap every evening. Now he has to wait his turn until Billy goes to sleep. No, Buddy was definitely not thrilled about having a baby in the house.
Billy, on the other hand has always been in love with Buddy. Who doesn't love a fuzzy, panting mop that lumbers around lazily? Who better to Attack Hug? When Billy was just a tiny thing, barely able to move, he used to follow Buddy with his eyes, enchanted. As soon as he could crawl he was crawling after Buddy. When he started to control his coos better he started imitating Buddy's bark. Now that he can walk and play, he plays with Buddy and his toys. They even play tug'o'war.
No, Buddy definitely won't admit it. But now he has a playmate that will gladly play tug'o'war until bedtime and throw toys for him. Someone to romp through the yard with. Yes, Buddy definitely has a friend. A best friend. Just don't tell Billy.
(both photos taken today)
Sunday, November 6, 2011
November 6, 2011 ~ The Billy Attack Hug
Be warned! It can come out of no where. All of a sudden the full weight of a toddler comes flying at you to embrace you with love and bruising. Anyone within 100ft of Billy is not safe from the Attack Hug. If you are of the canine persuasion, especially if your name is Buddy, you are the most vulnerable to the Attack Hug. Mommy is a favorite victim for the ferocious affection.
Billy woke me up before the sun today so I tried to bring him into the big bed and have us both sleep a little later, especially because it's Daylight Savings. After several Attack Hugs it was clear that neither of us were going to get any sleep. So, I got up and made him pancakes for breakfast.
The Evil Happy Airplane strikes again! I moved this evil, cute little toy to another shelf so Billy could still get to it if he wanted it, but so that is wouldn't be with the other toys. He's afraid to go near it... Well, he found it on the new shelf and kept pointing at it. He decided that he wanted to walk past that particular shelf but he couldn't take his eyes off of Evil Airplane and ran head first into the easy chair. He got knocked flat on his bum. But Billy was not to be deterred. He discovered that if he pushed on the books on that shelf from one end they would fall on Evil Airplane. So he pushed on the books several times today.
I would like to be able to contain Billy in the den sometimes when I don't want to chase him from one end of the house to the other. It's not all of the time, just once and awhile. So we bought an inexpensive baby gate today. He's already figured out how to undo it. Awesome.
We also bought a 10lb jug of animal crackers. OMG. I think they must be made of baby crack. I gave him a few and he thought they we so good that he continued to try to lift the 10lb container until he did manage to pick it up and move it around the room in an attempt to open it. (Remember, when you're a toddler, 10lb is nearly half your weight). He flat out refused to eat dinner and kept pointing to the jug. Mommy was firm. No more animal crackers, not in your soup, no loop-da-loop.
I think he must be dreaming of animal crackers.
Billy woke me up before the sun today so I tried to bring him into the big bed and have us both sleep a little later, especially because it's Daylight Savings. After several Attack Hugs it was clear that neither of us were going to get any sleep. So, I got up and made him pancakes for breakfast.
The Evil Happy Airplane strikes again! I moved this evil, cute little toy to another shelf so Billy could still get to it if he wanted it, but so that is wouldn't be with the other toys. He's afraid to go near it... Well, he found it on the new shelf and kept pointing at it. He decided that he wanted to walk past that particular shelf but he couldn't take his eyes off of Evil Airplane and ran head first into the easy chair. He got knocked flat on his bum. But Billy was not to be deterred. He discovered that if he pushed on the books on that shelf from one end they would fall on Evil Airplane. So he pushed on the books several times today.
I would like to be able to contain Billy in the den sometimes when I don't want to chase him from one end of the house to the other. It's not all of the time, just once and awhile. So we bought an inexpensive baby gate today. He's already figured out how to undo it. Awesome.
We also bought a 10lb jug of animal crackers. OMG. I think they must be made of baby crack. I gave him a few and he thought they we so good that he continued to try to lift the 10lb container until he did manage to pick it up and move it around the room in an attempt to open it. (Remember, when you're a toddler, 10lb is nearly half your weight). He flat out refused to eat dinner and kept pointing to the jug. Mommy was firm. No more animal crackers, not in your soup, no loop-da-loop.
I think he must be dreaming of animal crackers.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)