R is being so funny about her pacifier. I can tell you right now that I am not sure why she still gets to keep that thing. I yanked poor A's out at 1 year old. And because it was a rule, A followed it, but she didn't like it. And here we are 2.2 and R still has hers. I am working it out, but it is so much easier to let her just have the thing at nap and bedtime. R knows she is winning the battle though. Here are a few moments:
I try to take the paci and she says (in her 2 year old voice) "Why are you doing this to me?????"
She comes out of nap the next day and says "here papa, put this in the paci cup.
The next, she tries to shove it in J's mouth. "J, paci for you. Yum yum."
I secretly hope J will not be a paci baby. B wasn't, A was, R is and J... no? Here is hoping.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Reading
I was looking up something on my computer and B saw a reading corps logo over my shoulder and got very very excited. She said: "Reading corps, Reading corps. I love reading, I love Mr. Justin, I love Anishinabe" and she did a little dance. She explained that Mr. Justin and Mrs. Blegen teach her to read and she can do it. I asked her if she wanted to try a book or flash cards. She chose the flash cards and read each and every one in my deck. When she didn't know a word (and she knew so many) she sounded out the word and you could see the "light bulb" flash on. F-i-sh... FISH!
It was a fun evening with B and she was so proud of what she had learned. She wanted me to tell her teachers thanks and that "she can't wait to read stories on her own because she is very curious about every book in the library."
Brendan insisted that she has always been able to read these things, but she waited for the moment when we could sit down and be awestruck. Because that is how her mama works. Wants big cheers and "way to go" moments.
Fine by me. WAY TO GO B!
Monday, March 5, 2012
Alone time
We had a unique opportunity that unfolded throughout the weekend. We didn't plan it, but each girl got alone time with us this weekend. Well. Alone time with us and baby J. That counts right?
First B had off on Friday. So big B and little B went to a new (to us) museum. It was an engineering museum (The Works) and B apparently had a great time building and playing with just her papa. I wasn't there, so I can't tell you what I found amazing about the day. She did say that she wanted to tag along with the other ladies in the AM while they went to the library. She had the day off and she "just wanted to spend special time with my sisters... okkkkkkkkk?"
On Saturday, B and A had an offer to hang out with one of Brendan's law school friends. She offered to pick them up, feed them dinner and take them off to the arboretum. Brendan had asked nana to take the other two, but timing was a little off, so R got to go out to dinner with us. Now the lady at moto-i wasn't so impressed to see R, but we had a great time with her. She is Ms. Personality. First, she was very concerned about the spicy bar peanuts that they left at the table. She ate them and did the "hot hot hot dance and spit routine." (cute, trust me). Then, the server came and asked if she could get us anything R said "YES, CLEAN PEANUTS!" Server not impressed. I decided (because R is the baby of the family I am sure) to order the dessert with dinner (mini donuts and ice cream!) so she would have something to really enjoy. I did remind myself that I would have never done that with B or A.
We also browsed a clothing store (bought stuff for the big ladies) and then over to the herkimer for second dniner. Here R was at her best. Every time something came on with a good beat, she would shout "BUCKET DRUMMING" and start to dance. There were games there too. I thought I was a genius. I got her some connect four. Put stuff in, dump it out. This was fun for a long time. But not for R. She was smart to say "what next?" "other game". And when I don't hear her, or she thinks I am not acting fast enough, she sticks her lips way out and talks (as if this will make it clearer). And if I still don't hear her, she will pinch my cheeks together so my lips go way out and say "otheeeeer gammmme." We built a few houses out of Jenga pieces for the Jenga piece family. Then came scrabble... AHHHHHHHHHHHHH. Anyway. It was a fun time to focus on the cute bean that is R.
So I mentioned, on the way to bed that B and R had alone time. What about A? Well, leave it to A to solve the problem for herself. I was trying to sneak out of the house at 6:30am on a Sunday to get some coffee, donuts and friend time. I got J ready. I decided I would take her with so I wouldn't worry the whole time if someone was planning to feed her milk in my absence. We had our coats on, stepping out the back door and A appeared silently. She is our PJ'd ninja. She can move up and down out of her bunk bed in a hurry. She can get out of that door without a squeak. The footies only enhance her stealthy-ness. She saw me and I put my fingers to my lips. I whispered in her ear (even though there was no risk of anyone hearing us) "if you get dressed quick, you can come get donuts with me." MAN did she move. We got clothes, we put them on and we ran to the car. All of this did mean that we were 14 minutes late for my AM date. But she was fun. She had mini donuts, and was sure to share them. Then, the beignets came. They were covered with more powdered sugar than you could imagine. A was just tickled. There were three, so she was passing them out. One for her, one for Sarah and one for me. Thankfully Sarah informed her that she was ordering her own. I wasn't up for sharing EVERYTHING :). She kept picking the sugar off the top, sprinkling and re-sprinkling hers, but not really eating (she already had 2 donut holes). I asked if she wanted to put it in the bag that held her donut holes and she said YEP. Turns out, she wanted to save it for B. When we got back (the rest of the house still sleeping) A said to B "I got you this. Mom took me out for donuts. I picked this special one that looked like the toy you wanted to buy, but in case you didn't like it, I saved this one too." What a nice little lady. We had a chance to sing in the car and chat a bit in public.
So while it was a long term goal for us to have time with each of the girls, I didn't know that we would ever have time for it. Turns out. We do and it was just as fun as I imagined it could be.
One of the best parts of it though was how much each girl thought of the other girls while we were out. They enjoyed being the star, but they made sure to save time or part of the adventure for their sisters. What little lovers.
First B had off on Friday. So big B and little B went to a new (to us) museum. It was an engineering museum (The Works) and B apparently had a great time building and playing with just her papa. I wasn't there, so I can't tell you what I found amazing about the day. She did say that she wanted to tag along with the other ladies in the AM while they went to the library. She had the day off and she "just wanted to spend special time with my sisters... okkkkkkkkk?"
On Saturday, B and A had an offer to hang out with one of Brendan's law school friends. She offered to pick them up, feed them dinner and take them off to the arboretum. Brendan had asked nana to take the other two, but timing was a little off, so R got to go out to dinner with us. Now the lady at moto-i wasn't so impressed to see R, but we had a great time with her. She is Ms. Personality. First, she was very concerned about the spicy bar peanuts that they left at the table. She ate them and did the "hot hot hot dance and spit routine." (cute, trust me). Then, the server came and asked if she could get us anything R said "YES, CLEAN PEANUTS!" Server not impressed. I decided (because R is the baby of the family I am sure) to order the dessert with dinner (mini donuts and ice cream!) so she would have something to really enjoy. I did remind myself that I would have never done that with B or A.
We also browsed a clothing store (bought stuff for the big ladies) and then over to the herkimer for second dniner. Here R was at her best. Every time something came on with a good beat, she would shout "BUCKET DRUMMING" and start to dance. There were games there too. I thought I was a genius. I got her some connect four. Put stuff in, dump it out. This was fun for a long time. But not for R. She was smart to say "what next?" "other game". And when I don't hear her, or she thinks I am not acting fast enough, she sticks her lips way out and talks (as if this will make it clearer). And if I still don't hear her, she will pinch my cheeks together so my lips go way out and say "otheeeeer gammmme." We built a few houses out of Jenga pieces for the Jenga piece family. Then came scrabble... AHHHHHHHHHHHHH. Anyway. It was a fun time to focus on the cute bean that is R.
So I mentioned, on the way to bed that B and R had alone time. What about A? Well, leave it to A to solve the problem for herself. I was trying to sneak out of the house at 6:30am on a Sunday to get some coffee, donuts and friend time. I got J ready. I decided I would take her with so I wouldn't worry the whole time if someone was planning to feed her milk in my absence. We had our coats on, stepping out the back door and A appeared silently. She is our PJ'd ninja. She can move up and down out of her bunk bed in a hurry. She can get out of that door without a squeak. The footies only enhance her stealthy-ness. She saw me and I put my fingers to my lips. I whispered in her ear (even though there was no risk of anyone hearing us) "if you get dressed quick, you can come get donuts with me." MAN did she move. We got clothes, we put them on and we ran to the car. All of this did mean that we were 14 minutes late for my AM date. But she was fun. She had mini donuts, and was sure to share them. Then, the beignets came. They were covered with more powdered sugar than you could imagine. A was just tickled. There were three, so she was passing them out. One for her, one for Sarah and one for me. Thankfully Sarah informed her that she was ordering her own. I wasn't up for sharing EVERYTHING :). She kept picking the sugar off the top, sprinkling and re-sprinkling hers, but not really eating (she already had 2 donut holes). I asked if she wanted to put it in the bag that held her donut holes and she said YEP. Turns out, she wanted to save it for B. When we got back (the rest of the house still sleeping) A said to B "I got you this. Mom took me out for donuts. I picked this special one that looked like the toy you wanted to buy, but in case you didn't like it, I saved this one too." What a nice little lady. We had a chance to sing in the car and chat a bit in public.
So while it was a long term goal for us to have time with each of the girls, I didn't know that we would ever have time for it. Turns out. We do and it was just as fun as I imagined it could be.
One of the best parts of it though was how much each girl thought of the other girls while we were out. They enjoyed being the star, but they made sure to save time or part of the adventure for their sisters. What little lovers.
Baby J
So, a while ago baby J spent 10 days in the hospital. Ok, it was 2 months ago. Seems like so long ago because it was like... 1/2 of her life here with us. Anyway. I knew she was sick, but she was showing more and more signs of not feeling good. Another time I will write up what that was like. Or I won't. It was a very out of body experience.
Anway. She is sick again. She is starting to show more signs of being unwell again. We are at the point where I try to decide what to do. I would like to take her in, but here are some real problems with taking her:
1) I was home alone with the kids all day yesterday. Do I take them all with me to urgent care? (now don't jump up and say "you should have called..........." I know I know.)
2) I am also (very?) sick. Do I pay two co-pays to figure out what we both are sick with?
3) If I find out what one or both of us has, I might have to miss work to stay home and take care of her (or me). I have one sick day at this point. We can be sick one day, but not two.
4) She can't really be sick again can she? We did it once.
5) What do I do about the other three coughing, snotty noses I have? Can't a doctor just decide to pass the meds around? They all have it. I am sure of it. Do I really need to pay $115 in co-pays just to get meds for the family? Heaven forbid they prescribe something, that cost doesn't include the prescription. If Brendan wants to join us, it would be even more.
Anyway. There are so many positive things that she is doing right now, it is hard to focus on the whole breathing part. Here is hoping rest, nana kisses and breastmilk is the prescription she was looking for, because for now, that is what I am giving her.
Anway. She is sick again. She is starting to show more signs of being unwell again. We are at the point where I try to decide what to do. I would like to take her in, but here are some real problems with taking her:
1) I was home alone with the kids all day yesterday. Do I take them all with me to urgent care? (now don't jump up and say "you should have called..........." I know I know.)
2) I am also (very?) sick. Do I pay two co-pays to figure out what we both are sick with?
3) If I find out what one or both of us has, I might have to miss work to stay home and take care of her (or me). I have one sick day at this point. We can be sick one day, but not two.
4) She can't really be sick again can she? We did it once.
5) What do I do about the other three coughing, snotty noses I have? Can't a doctor just decide to pass the meds around? They all have it. I am sure of it. Do I really need to pay $115 in co-pays just to get meds for the family? Heaven forbid they prescribe something, that cost doesn't include the prescription. If Brendan wants to join us, it would be even more.
Anyway. There are so many positive things that she is doing right now, it is hard to focus on the whole breathing part. Here is hoping rest, nana kisses and breastmilk is the prescription she was looking for, because for now, that is what I am giving her.
Responsible parenting
I realize that you could go down a crazy tangent about this situation. But lets just laugh about it for a moment OK?
I was at conferences and the teacher said "I have to tell you something..." my heart always sinks. Conferences are just like going to the principals office for me. I always feel like I am in trouble.
Anyway. She said the kids were all playing the game "lets get drunk and pass out." uh... I don't remember that game from my childhood, so I listened. She clarified, I rushed over to stop this and redirect, but B was on the scene. She told them that that wasn't how the game is played. Instead, B informed these troublemakers that they needed to make sure they all had a safe ride home first. And if they weren't safe to drive, they needed to have someone drive them home. You don't drink and pass out.
Good parenting?
Yeesh. 50 things wrong with that interaction including the pre-school teacher having to say "at school, we don't play drinking games..." At least B is organizing the carpool/sobercab.
I was at conferences and the teacher said "I have to tell you something..." my heart always sinks. Conferences are just like going to the principals office for me. I always feel like I am in trouble.
Anyway. She said the kids were all playing the game "lets get drunk and pass out." uh... I don't remember that game from my childhood, so I listened. She clarified, I rushed over to stop this and redirect, but B was on the scene. She told them that that wasn't how the game is played. Instead, B informed these troublemakers that they needed to make sure they all had a safe ride home first. And if they weren't safe to drive, they needed to have someone drive them home. You don't drink and pass out.
Good parenting?
Yeesh. 50 things wrong with that interaction including the pre-school teacher having to say "at school, we don't play drinking games..." At least B is organizing the carpool/sobercab.
Top Chef
So, I am sure you can imagine that our days are pretty hectic. We are running here and there, always a lot on our plate. So, when the dentist called to cancel my appointment, I was a little annoyed. These things aren’t easy to schedule. Don’t mess with a good thing. So I took the not-so-convenient offering they gave me. And then I cancelled it. They put me on this crazy short call list and then kept calling with same day appointments. The short story is, I had to say yes. I had to take an appointment because I hate voicemails. So I did. I went to the dentist after a full day of work. I could say yes because I knew Brendan was in charge. One thing led to another, I forgot my milk and had to go back to work, had to run an errand for Rachel, blah blah blah… not home from work until 6pm.
I walk in the door and poor Brendan looks like a ghost of himself. Jo is screaming, the girls are playing and the kitchen looks like someone tried to make a gourmet meal with only one hand. I grab the baby and feed her while he finishes the meal. We are all a bit crazed (the ladies like to eat about 4:30). Once we sit down (the two biggest in high chairs and #3 running free) B freezes. She says papa, come to the table. She has her palm open, face up, guiding him like a professional mediator.
It is “TOP CHEF” time papa. We will be the judges.
(me laughing hysterically. Her tone of voice and hand motions are all so adult through this)
B: I don’t like what you have done with the cauliflower here. It looks burnt.
Brendan: I put it in the oven. I thought it would be a nice change.
B: It smells like brussle sprouts.
Brendan: Is that a good thing?
B: I am not sure yet. On to the chickpea pancakes…
They go on and on for a while. Piece by piece. Brigid giving very specific concerns about her critique of the food. Then she asked A what she thought.
A:YAY PAPA!
Me: do you like the meat?
A: (hands over her head cheering) YAY PAPA GOOOD!
Me: How about the pancakes?
A: YAY Papa!!!!!!!!! (what a papa's girl)
So I turned to B. It looks like the judges are split. One likes it, one isn't so sure.
B: Mom, on Top chef, there are three judges. What do you think of dinner? I see yours has a sauce. Mine didn't have a sauce. Why are our plates different? You should think of this when you judge.
Me: I think papa knew that you didn't like mushrooms and was trying to be nice.
B: Were there mushrooms in the basket? You have to use what you have in the basket papa. What was in your basket contestent?
Brendan: uh... ahh... (looks to me) 'She watches too much tv."
B: That doesn't matter. We are judges. What do we say on the show? There are three judges and one guy that tells them to go. "you have been chopped, please pack your knives and go."
Brendan: (head down at table).
B: No, PACK YOUR KNIVES AND GO.
Never a dull moment. I can't even pretend to capture it, but her face/motions/realism with this was amazing. She was acting so adult and so theatrical it had me in stitches. Brendan was too puzzled at where she had seen enough of the shows to be able to recreate it so well. Oh, and maybe he hadn't recovered from the crying baby. How fun.
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