Moses and Henry play a classic game...
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Wish I could....and you're welcome
Henry has been using this phrase a lot lately to indicate something he really wants but is pretty sure it's not going to happen. Here's a few we can remember...
Wish I could climb on top of that car transporter.
Wish I could be big and have an iron.
Wish I could be grown up and go out there. (pointing to the living room at bedtime)
Wish I could be like Kitty and drink out of the sink.
Wish I could have a car and drive mommy to school.
Another thing I want to remember about Henry at the cusp of turning 3, is he is very polite. He says "Bless you mom" every time I sneeze and "Excuse me" when he does something biological and he says "You're welcome" after I say thank you. For example, when he comes over and gives me a kiss and I say, "Thank you buddy" he says, "You're welcome."
Wish I could climb on top of that car transporter.
Wish I could be big and have an iron.
Wish I could be grown up and go out there. (pointing to the living room at bedtime)
Wish I could be like Kitty and drink out of the sink.
Wish I could have a car and drive mommy to school.
Another thing I want to remember about Henry at the cusp of turning 3, is he is very polite. He says "Bless you mom" every time I sneeze and "Excuse me" when he does something biological and he says "You're welcome" after I say thank you. For example, when he comes over and gives me a kiss and I say, "Thank you buddy" he says, "You're welcome."
Wish I could....and you're welcome
Henry has been using this phrase a lot lately to indicate something he really wants but is pretty sure it's not going to happen. Here's a few we can remember...
Wish I could climb on top of that car transporter.
Wish I could be big and have an iron.
Wish I could be grown up and go out there. (pointing to the living room at bedtime)
Wish I could be like Kitty and drink out of the sink.
Wish I could have a car and drive mommy to school.
Another thing I want to remember about Henry at the cusp of turning 3, is he is very polite. He says "Bless you mom" every time I sneeze and "Excuse me" when he does something biological and he says "You're welcome" after I say thank you. For example, when he comes over and gives me a kiss and I say, "Thank you buddy" he says, "You're welcome."
Wish I could climb on top of that car transporter.
Wish I could be big and have an iron.
Wish I could be grown up and go out there. (pointing to the living room at bedtime)
Wish I could be like Kitty and drink out of the sink.
Wish I could have a car and drive mommy to school.
Another thing I want to remember about Henry at the cusp of turning 3, is he is very polite. He says "Bless you mom" every time I sneeze and "Excuse me" when he does something biological and he says "You're welcome" after I say thank you. For example, when he comes over and gives me a kiss and I say, "Thank you buddy" he says, "You're welcome."
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
A typical Tuesday....
6AM Eleanor wakes us both up by pooping. I take her clothes off and kiss all her fat rolls and make her giggle. Justin comes in to kiss her too and make her smile and then he leaves for work. I clean her up and then we chat, sometimes I read to her, she drinks, we cuddle and then she's usually back asleep in 30 to 45 min. Just in time for Henry to wake up around...
7AM He shouts WILL SOMEONE COME CHECK ON ME? Henry and I cuddle and then he pees, gets dressed, brushes his teeth and we read books. Next we eat breakfast at the table. Usually cereal or oatmeal, fruit, and yogurt. Then he runs to the stove and yells "MOM I SEE A NUMBER TWO!" and I get up and walk over to the stove and see that there is not any number 2, and I say, "That's an 8" and he says, "Can I watch TV now?" and I say, "sure" and then he does a dance of excitement that looks like something peewee herman would do and he runs to the back room and plops on the couch. I turn on PBS for Curious George and then as soon as I walk back into the kitchen he yells, "I WANT SOME SNACK!" and I bring him something ridiculously healthy b/c he will eat almost anything I give him, if the TV is on. Today was prunes with almonds and a brown rice cake.
He will watch TV for 30 min to one hour. If Eleanor wakes up while he's watching TV it's an hour, b/c I like to have alone time with her. I feed her, change her, dress her, talk to her, play with her, etc.
Next we played outside 30 min and then drove to the little grocery store to get some snacks.
11:00AM Storytime at the library. E fell asleep in the carrier which is only the second time that's happened but this was one of the very few times I went out knowing she needed a nap. She did great. I feel inspired. Henry made cascarones and participated in his first ever "show and tell" and played with his friend Aryn.
12:30 We went home for lunch and they both napped till 3. Then we went outside and played t-ball and catch and ate popsicles and popcorn and Justin came home and I made dinner (a rarity--he usually does---black bean noodles with vegetable stir fry) and then Justin took Henry back outside while I played with E inside and then at 6:30 Henry took a bath (30 min later than usual since he napped 30 min later than usual) and then I read to him while Justin rocked E to sleep in the other bedroom.
I read to him till 7:15 while he ate fruit and sat in my lap, and then we brushed teeth and he and I got in his bed and cuddled and he told me I was his sweet boy and he liked me, and then I kissed him goodnight. Then Justin and I watched a documentary about Capitalism.
7AM He shouts WILL SOMEONE COME CHECK ON ME? Henry and I cuddle and then he pees, gets dressed, brushes his teeth and we read books. Next we eat breakfast at the table. Usually cereal or oatmeal, fruit, and yogurt. Then he runs to the stove and yells "MOM I SEE A NUMBER TWO!" and I get up and walk over to the stove and see that there is not any number 2, and I say, "That's an 8" and he says, "Can I watch TV now?" and I say, "sure" and then he does a dance of excitement that looks like something peewee herman would do and he runs to the back room and plops on the couch. I turn on PBS for Curious George and then as soon as I walk back into the kitchen he yells, "I WANT SOME SNACK!" and I bring him something ridiculously healthy b/c he will eat almost anything I give him, if the TV is on. Today was prunes with almonds and a brown rice cake.
He will watch TV for 30 min to one hour. If Eleanor wakes up while he's watching TV it's an hour, b/c I like to have alone time with her. I feed her, change her, dress her, talk to her, play with her, etc.
Next we played outside 30 min and then drove to the little grocery store to get some snacks.
11:00AM Storytime at the library. E fell asleep in the carrier which is only the second time that's happened but this was one of the very few times I went out knowing she needed a nap. She did great. I feel inspired. Henry made cascarones and participated in his first ever "show and tell" and played with his friend Aryn.
12:30 We went home for lunch and they both napped till 3. Then we went outside and played t-ball and catch and ate popsicles and popcorn and Justin came home and I made dinner (a rarity--he usually does---black bean noodles with vegetable stir fry) and then Justin took Henry back outside while I played with E inside and then at 6:30 Henry took a bath (30 min later than usual since he napped 30 min later than usual) and then I read to him while Justin rocked E to sleep in the other bedroom.
I read to him till 7:15 while he ate fruit and sat in my lap, and then we brushed teeth and he and I got in his bed and cuddled and he told me I was his sweet boy and he liked me, and then I kissed him goodnight. Then Justin and I watched a documentary about Capitalism.
A typical Tuesday....
6AM Eleanor wakes us both up by pooping. I take her clothes off and kiss all her fat rolls and make her giggle. Justin comes in to kiss her too and make her smile and then he leaves for work. I clean her up and then we chat, sometimes I read to her, she drinks, we cuddle and then she's usually back asleep in 30 to 45 min. Just in time for Henry to wake up around...
7AM He shouts WILL SOMEONE COME CHECK ON ME? Henry and I cuddle and then he pees, gets dressed, brushes his teeth and we read books. Next we eat breakfast at the table. Usually cereal or oatmeal, fruit, and yogurt. Then he runs to the stove and yells "MOM I SEE A NUMBER TWO!" and I get up and walk over to the stove and see that there is not any number 2, and I say, "That's an 8" and he says, "Can I watch TV now?" and I say, "sure" and then he does a dance of excitement that looks like something peewee herman would do and he runs to the back room and plops on the couch. I turn on PBS for Curious George and then as soon as I walk back into the kitchen he yells, "I WANT SOME SNACK!" and I bring him something ridiculously healthy b/c he will eat almost anything I give him, if the TV is on. Today was prunes with almonds and a brown rice cake.
He will watch TV for 30 min to one hour. If Eleanor wakes up while he's watching TV it's an hour, b/c I like to have alone time with her. I feed her, change her, dress her, talk to her, play with her, etc.
Next we played outside 30 min and then drove to the little grocery store to get some snacks.
11:00AM Storytime at the library. E fell asleep in the carrier which is only the second time that's happened but this was one of the very few times I went out knowing she needed a nap. She did great. I feel inspired. Henry made cascarones and participated in his first ever "show and tell" and played with his friend Aryn.
12:30 We went home for lunch and they both napped till 3. Then we went outside and played t-ball and catch and ate popsicles and popcorn and Justin came home and I made dinner (a rarity--he usually does---black bean noodles with vegetable stir fry) and then Justin took Henry back outside while I played with E inside and then at 6:30 Henry took a bath (30 min later than usual since he napped 30 min later than usual) and then I read to him while Justin rocked E to sleep in the other bedroom.
I read to him till 7:15 while he ate fruit and sat in my lap, and then we brushed teeth and he and I got in his bed and cuddled and he told me I was his sweet boy and he liked me, and then I kissed him goodnight. Then Justin and I watched a documentary about Capitalism.
7AM He shouts WILL SOMEONE COME CHECK ON ME? Henry and I cuddle and then he pees, gets dressed, brushes his teeth and we read books. Next we eat breakfast at the table. Usually cereal or oatmeal, fruit, and yogurt. Then he runs to the stove and yells "MOM I SEE A NUMBER TWO!" and I get up and walk over to the stove and see that there is not any number 2, and I say, "That's an 8" and he says, "Can I watch TV now?" and I say, "sure" and then he does a dance of excitement that looks like something peewee herman would do and he runs to the back room and plops on the couch. I turn on PBS for Curious George and then as soon as I walk back into the kitchen he yells, "I WANT SOME SNACK!" and I bring him something ridiculously healthy b/c he will eat almost anything I give him, if the TV is on. Today was prunes with almonds and a brown rice cake.
He will watch TV for 30 min to one hour. If Eleanor wakes up while he's watching TV it's an hour, b/c I like to have alone time with her. I feed her, change her, dress her, talk to her, play with her, etc.
Next we played outside 30 min and then drove to the little grocery store to get some snacks.
11:00AM Storytime at the library. E fell asleep in the carrier which is only the second time that's happened but this was one of the very few times I went out knowing she needed a nap. She did great. I feel inspired. Henry made cascarones and participated in his first ever "show and tell" and played with his friend Aryn.
12:30 We went home for lunch and they both napped till 3. Then we went outside and played t-ball and catch and ate popsicles and popcorn and Justin came home and I made dinner (a rarity--he usually does---black bean noodles with vegetable stir fry) and then Justin took Henry back outside while I played with E inside and then at 6:30 Henry took a bath (30 min later than usual since he napped 30 min later than usual) and then I read to him while Justin rocked E to sleep in the other bedroom.
I read to him till 7:15 while he ate fruit and sat in my lap, and then we brushed teeth and he and I got in his bed and cuddled and he told me I was his sweet boy and he liked me, and then I kissed him goodnight. Then Justin and I watched a documentary about Capitalism.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
5 months old
Things I (Diane) want to remember about this time:When she is not happy about her situation she calls out a "ehhh" followed by her sticking out her tongue and blowing "thbbbbb" which is the same sound you make when you stick out your tongue and blow. So it sounds like, "I'm hungry but it's not urgent so it's cool--whenever you get around to it."
She will only fall asleep with a soft blanket touching her face.
She could be really tired or hungry but if Henry walks by--a HUGE smile spreads across her face.
When I am seconds from feeding her and she sees it's about to happen, she lets out a happy sound (it's almost like her polite laugh -- for when she's amused but not in hysterics, so it's like "ha ha" and she opens her mouth as wide as it will possibly open. It always makes me laugh. It's hard not to pause one moment longer just to see her hanging there with her mouth so wide open.
Her first feeding was a huge success. I had to make more...twice.
5 months old
Things I (Diane) want to remember about this time:When she is not happy about her situation she calls out a "ehhh" followed by her sticking out her tongue and blowing "thbbbbb" which is the same sound you make when you stick out your tongue and blow. So it sounds like, "I'm hungry but it's not urgent so it's cool--whenever you get around to it."
She will only fall asleep with a soft blanket touching her face.
She could be really tired or hungry but if Henry walks by--a HUGE smile spreads across her face.
When I am seconds from feeding her and she sees it's about to happen, she lets out a happy sound (it's almost like her polite laugh -- for when she's amused but not in hysterics, so it's like "ha ha" and she opens her mouth as wide as it will possibly open. It always makes me laugh. It's hard not to pause one moment longer just to see her hanging there with her mouth so wide open.
Her first feeding was a huge success. I had to make more...twice.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Can I bring my rat?
Just like people, each of Henry's toys gets their 15 minutes, and last week it was the rats turn and he wanted it at school, the grocery store, etc. Eleanor decided to get in on some of that action today.
Can I bring my rat?
Just like people, each of Henry's toys gets their 15 minutes, and last week it was the rats turn and he wanted it at school, the grocery store, etc. Eleanor decided to get in on some of that action today.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Milestones of the week....
Eleanor has been showing interest in food lately. Henry was eating at 4 months and he was a great eater right away and could sit up well and was grabbing food and utensils out of our hands, but E hadn't shown any of those signs till the last week or two. She will be 5 months in two days and is now able to sit up for a few moments at a time and can do it well with a pillow behind her. She's also opening her mouth when she sees us eat and is reaching out towards us while we eat. So, I gave her a creamy chunk of avocado the other day and she seemed to like it. I've given her carrot to gum on and apples to drool over but I haven't done rice cereal yet but I think we will start this weekend. I really wanted to wait till she was 6 months, as recommended, but I just get this vibe...she is ready.
Also in the past week, Henry discovered the joy of sticking your hand out the window while driving. He's always screamed at me for having the windows down but recently he's been okay with it and on Monday when we were driving to school I heard this joyful squeal from the back and saw his little hand flapping up and down in the wind. "It tickles mom!" "My hand is flyyyyyying!" I had a smile all day thinking about the boy doing that.
Also in the past week, Henry discovered the joy of sticking your hand out the window while driving. He's always screamed at me for having the windows down but recently he's been okay with it and on Monday when we were driving to school I heard this joyful squeal from the back and saw his little hand flapping up and down in the wind. "It tickles mom!" "My hand is flyyyyyying!" I had a smile all day thinking about the boy doing that.
Milestones of the week....
Eleanor has been showing interest in food lately. Henry was eating at 4 months and he was a great eater right away and could sit up well and was grabbing food and utensils out of our hands, but E hadn't shown any of those signs till the last week or two. She will be 5 months in two days and is now able to sit up for a few moments at a time and can do it well with a pillow behind her. She's also opening her mouth when she sees us eat and is reaching out towards us while we eat. So, I gave her a creamy chunk of avocado the other day and she seemed to like it. I've given her carrot to gum on and apples to drool over but I haven't done rice cereal yet but I think we will start this weekend. I really wanted to wait till she was 6 months, as recommended, but I just get this vibe...she is ready.
Also in the past week, Henry discovered the joy of sticking your hand out the window while driving. He's always screamed at me for having the windows down but recently he's been okay with it and on Monday when we were driving to school I heard this joyful squeal from the back and saw his little hand flapping up and down in the wind. "It tickles mom!" "My hand is flyyyyyying!" I had a smile all day thinking about the boy doing that.
Also in the past week, Henry discovered the joy of sticking your hand out the window while driving. He's always screamed at me for having the windows down but recently he's been okay with it and on Monday when we were driving to school I heard this joyful squeal from the back and saw his little hand flapping up and down in the wind. "It tickles mom!" "My hand is flyyyyyying!" I had a smile all day thinking about the boy doing that.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
This is a pretty devastating blow....
...to my community and to me personally. This place , Family Connections, is no more. I've written about it frequently on this blog --it's the non-profit agency in my neighborhood, with the toy and book lending library, story-times, and "baby rock-show". It's within walking distance from my house and Henry and I spent countless hours there. It was an impromptu meeting place for the stay-at-home moms b/c they had a playroom and it was a great place to show up randomly when it was raining or too hot or cold and I ALWAYS ran into someone (or many people) I knew. The staff members became friends as well and we knew each other by first names. The head librarian emailed me just 2 weeks ago asking if we had any extra fish in our tank that we could donate to theirs.
This is definitely like a death. I'm still in the shock/doubt stage of the grief process. I know I will be hitting anger real soon, especially after reading that the Executive Director is probably in Venezuela now sipping margaritas with the cool 1 million she stole. So let me try to expand on what an incredible blow this is to my community and me personally. I have been going there at least once a week for the last six years. First, as the activities coordinator at the Austin Children's Shelter. I used to check out their art supplies, get butcher paper, and check out books related to activities for young children. After I had Henry, I began going there to check out their baby toys and baby books. Everything was sanitized and it was a great way to have many toy-options and then taking them back when your kid was sick of them. They were mostly well-made, Montessori-type wooden, educational toys, not plastic blinking crap. I also joined their weekly play-group for children Henry's age. Each week they had a different speaker that addressed topics like nutrition, sleep, bonding, etc. The children crawled or toddled around and played while the moms commiserated and asked questions. It was a lot of fun and something to look forward to each week. When you're a SAHM, filling your day with people and activities is SO IMPORTANT for your sanity, and FC provided such an outlet for me. I made so many mom-friends there that I continue to have and rely on for support.
FC also had a very active Postpartum support group. When their therapist went on vacation, I subbed for her at their South location. Those women are luckily still able to meet but the therapist is working as a volunteer now.
I will especially miss their Friday programming. Each Friday the place filled to capacity for a children's live- music performance, or story-time/art activity. I have many many memories of Henry sitting in my lap, digging into his snack cup, while swaying to the music and then jumping up and down to catch the room-full of bubbles that followed every performance. I am so sad that Eleanor and I will not get to do that.
Since going back to work, I have relied on the FC library to check-out books related to my field. Sitting on my shelf at work right now, are 5 of their therapy and parenting books, all specifically dealing with childhood trauma (since that's mainly the type of kids I see). I have checked out every book they have (probably) related to sleep or nutrition and many many parenting books. I would never be able to afford all those books and the regular library would not have that type of selection. FC was made for child-care professionals, and for parents of young children. There is nothing else like that in this community and it's a loss for me professionally and personally. I hope someone steps in and fills this huge void.
Now I know how Norm felt...when Cheers closed.
This is definitely like a death. I'm still in the shock/doubt stage of the grief process. I know I will be hitting anger real soon, especially after reading that the Executive Director is probably in Venezuela now sipping margaritas with the cool 1 million she stole. So let me try to expand on what an incredible blow this is to my community and me personally. I have been going there at least once a week for the last six years. First, as the activities coordinator at the Austin Children's Shelter. I used to check out their art supplies, get butcher paper, and check out books related to activities for young children. After I had Henry, I began going there to check out their baby toys and baby books. Everything was sanitized and it was a great way to have many toy-options and then taking them back when your kid was sick of them. They were mostly well-made, Montessori-type wooden, educational toys, not plastic blinking crap. I also joined their weekly play-group for children Henry's age. Each week they had a different speaker that addressed topics like nutrition, sleep, bonding, etc. The children crawled or toddled around and played while the moms commiserated and asked questions. It was a lot of fun and something to look forward to each week. When you're a SAHM, filling your day with people and activities is SO IMPORTANT for your sanity, and FC provided such an outlet for me. I made so many mom-friends there that I continue to have and rely on for support.
FC also had a very active Postpartum support group. When their therapist went on vacation, I subbed for her at their South location. Those women are luckily still able to meet but the therapist is working as a volunteer now.
I will especially miss their Friday programming. Each Friday the place filled to capacity for a children's live- music performance, or story-time/art activity. I have many many memories of Henry sitting in my lap, digging into his snack cup, while swaying to the music and then jumping up and down to catch the room-full of bubbles that followed every performance. I am so sad that Eleanor and I will not get to do that.
Since going back to work, I have relied on the FC library to check-out books related to my field. Sitting on my shelf at work right now, are 5 of their therapy and parenting books, all specifically dealing with childhood trauma (since that's mainly the type of kids I see). I have checked out every book they have (probably) related to sleep or nutrition and many many parenting books. I would never be able to afford all those books and the regular library would not have that type of selection. FC was made for child-care professionals, and for parents of young children. There is nothing else like that in this community and it's a loss for me professionally and personally. I hope someone steps in and fills this huge void.
Now I know how Norm felt...when Cheers closed.
This is a pretty devastating blow....
...to my community and to me personally. This place , Family Connections, is no more. I've written about it frequently on this blog --it's the non-profit agency in my neighborhood, with the toy and book lending library, story-times, and "baby rock-show". It's within walking distance from my house and Henry and I spent countless hours there. It was an impromptu meeting place for the stay-at-home moms b/c they had a playroom and it was a great place to show up randomly when it was raining or too hot or cold and I ALWAYS ran into someone (or many people) I knew. The staff members became friends as well and we knew each other by first names. The head librarian emailed me just 2 weeks ago asking if we had any extra fish in our tank that we could donate to theirs.
This is definitely like a death. I'm still in the shock/doubt stage of the grief process. I know I will be hitting anger real soon, especially after reading that the Executive Director is probably in Venezuela now sipping margaritas with the cool 1 million she stole. So let me try to expand on what an incredible blow this is to my community and me personally. I have been going there at least once a week for the last six years. First, as the activities coordinator at the Austin Children's Shelter. I used to check out their art supplies, get butcher paper, and check out books related to activities for young children. After I had Henry, I began going there to check out their baby toys and baby books. Everything was sanitized and it was a great way to have many toy-options and then taking them back when your kid was sick of them. They were mostly well-made, Montessori-type wooden, educational toys, not plastic blinking crap. I also joined their weekly play-group for children Henry's age. Each week they had a different speaker that addressed topics like nutrition, sleep, bonding, etc. The children crawled or toddled around and played while the moms commiserated and asked questions. It was a lot of fun and something to look forward to each week. When you're a SAHM, filling your day with people and activities is SO IMPORTANT for your sanity, and FC provided such an outlet for me. I made so many mom-friends there that I continue to have and rely on for support.
FC also had a very active Postpartum support group. When their therapist went on vacation, I subbed for her at their South location. Those women are luckily still able to meet but the therapist is working as a volunteer now.
I will especially miss their Friday programming. Each Friday the place filled to capacity for a children's live- music performance, or story-time/art activity. I have many many memories of Henry sitting in my lap, digging into his snack cup, while swaying to the music and then jumping up and down to catch the room-full of bubbles that followed every performance. I am so sad that Eleanor and I will not get to do that.
Since going back to work, I have relied on the FC library to check-out books related to my field. Sitting on my shelf at work right now, are 5 of their therapy and parenting books, all specifically dealing with childhood trauma (since that's mainly the type of kids I see). I have checked out every book they have (probably) related to sleep or nutrition and many many parenting books. I would never be able to afford all those books and the regular library would not have that type of selection. FC was made for child-care professionals, and for parents of young children. There is nothing else like that in this community and it's a loss for me professionally and personally. I hope someone steps in and fills this huge void.
Now I know how Norm felt...when Cheers closed.
This is definitely like a death. I'm still in the shock/doubt stage of the grief process. I know I will be hitting anger real soon, especially after reading that the Executive Director is probably in Venezuela now sipping margaritas with the cool 1 million she stole. So let me try to expand on what an incredible blow this is to my community and me personally. I have been going there at least once a week for the last six years. First, as the activities coordinator at the Austin Children's Shelter. I used to check out their art supplies, get butcher paper, and check out books related to activities for young children. After I had Henry, I began going there to check out their baby toys and baby books. Everything was sanitized and it was a great way to have many toy-options and then taking them back when your kid was sick of them. They were mostly well-made, Montessori-type wooden, educational toys, not plastic blinking crap. I also joined their weekly play-group for children Henry's age. Each week they had a different speaker that addressed topics like nutrition, sleep, bonding, etc. The children crawled or toddled around and played while the moms commiserated and asked questions. It was a lot of fun and something to look forward to each week. When you're a SAHM, filling your day with people and activities is SO IMPORTANT for your sanity, and FC provided such an outlet for me. I made so many mom-friends there that I continue to have and rely on for support.
FC also had a very active Postpartum support group. When their therapist went on vacation, I subbed for her at their South location. Those women are luckily still able to meet but the therapist is working as a volunteer now.
I will especially miss their Friday programming. Each Friday the place filled to capacity for a children's live- music performance, or story-time/art activity. I have many many memories of Henry sitting in my lap, digging into his snack cup, while swaying to the music and then jumping up and down to catch the room-full of bubbles that followed every performance. I am so sad that Eleanor and I will not get to do that.
Since going back to work, I have relied on the FC library to check-out books related to my field. Sitting on my shelf at work right now, are 5 of their therapy and parenting books, all specifically dealing with childhood trauma (since that's mainly the type of kids I see). I have checked out every book they have (probably) related to sleep or nutrition and many many parenting books. I would never be able to afford all those books and the regular library would not have that type of selection. FC was made for child-care professionals, and for parents of young children. There is nothing else like that in this community and it's a loss for me professionally and personally. I hope someone steps in and fills this huge void.
Now I know how Norm felt...when Cheers closed.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
A lot happened (for everyone) today...
Eleanor woke up at 6:30. We ate, changed and played in bed till Henry woke up at 7:15 ("I WANT SOMEONE TO CHECK ON ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"). Then Eleanor sat on my hip while Henry and I got dressed, ate breakfast, and played. Then I put Eleanor down for her morning nap. Chela arrived at 8:30 and I took a shower and ate and got myself ready for the day.
At 9:30 I drove Henry to school, a little earlier than usual b/c I had a hair appointment at 10:00 (Justin still has not said anything even though I cut 3 inches off, plus highlights.) Halfway there, I noticed that instead of putting Henry's lunch box in his cubby, I put my milk bottles, which is also in a small black cooler with a strap.
As soon as my hair was done I raced back to Henry's school on the other side of town, getting stopped twice by train-crossings (by the same train). When I walked in the teachers both looked at me, very confused. "I guess you didn't get my voicemail?" Ohgod.ohgod.ohgod. Where's Henry?
"He fell down and face planted on the cement. His dad came and got him."
I drove home, sort of like a maniac, worried about my little boy. I HATE those damn Crocs. They are not good shoes for little kids. I've heard of dentists saying they've had an increase in chipped teeth b/c of the popularity of Crocs. I don't like Henry wearing them except when he's playing in the yard but he begged me to wear them to school today and I relented, knowing, just knowing he'd fall.
I came home and the little boys face looked awful. It looks like someone traced a sidewalk on it. His hand is scuffed up too and he has an egg on his forehead. I coddled Big Time.
I did not have much time b/c I had a 1:00 client. Chela cooked up something awesome that she paid for with her own money!? It sort of broke my heart that she did that. She commutes 30 min. from her little town and then gets dropped off at the grocery store at 6:30AM and waits there for two hrs. before taking a bus to our hood and then walking 5 blocks in the rain, with her groceries, to our house. That's a whole other post. Chela loves Eleanor and Eleanor loves her.
I got to work and dealt with probably some of the most intense clients I've ever had. I can't say too much but there's never a dull moment. I only see child victims of crime so you can use your imagination. But 4 hrs at my work feels like 5 minutes. My head spins sometimes as one family leaves and another walks in. It's just back to back. It's like some kind of counseling game-show I'm on.
I decided to call home and see how the boy was doing. Justin informed me that he got the boy a real bike. One with training wheels. Henry was hysterical b/c he wanted to ride his bike, but it had to be put together and that could not happen while dad was also taking care of Eleanor. I asked dad to put Henry on the phone and we had a real-deal conversation about this pickle. Henry and I have never talked on the phone before. It was amazing. We really talked. His voice is deep for a little boy!:-)
I got home at 6:00. Dad is a super-hero. My little boy was riding his bike. I felt like boo-hooing. Dad tells me, "Eleanor is rolling over like nobody's business". I felt like boo-hooing again. But not really. It's exciting for Justin. I've seen her roll over but only on the bed or from front to back, which is really more like falling. I've never seen her roll back to front on the floor. He videotaped it though. And Henry riding his bike for the first time. Good dad.
At 9:30 I drove Henry to school, a little earlier than usual b/c I had a hair appointment at 10:00 (Justin still has not said anything even though I cut 3 inches off, plus highlights.) Halfway there, I noticed that instead of putting Henry's lunch box in his cubby, I put my milk bottles, which is also in a small black cooler with a strap.
As soon as my hair was done I raced back to Henry's school on the other side of town, getting stopped twice by train-crossings (by the same train). When I walked in the teachers both looked at me, very confused. "I guess you didn't get my voicemail?" Ohgod.ohgod.ohgod. Where's Henry?
"He fell down and face planted on the cement. His dad came and got him."
I drove home, sort of like a maniac, worried about my little boy. I HATE those damn Crocs. They are not good shoes for little kids. I've heard of dentists saying they've had an increase in chipped teeth b/c of the popularity of Crocs. I don't like Henry wearing them except when he's playing in the yard but he begged me to wear them to school today and I relented, knowing, just knowing he'd fall.
I came home and the little boys face looked awful. It looks like someone traced a sidewalk on it. His hand is scuffed up too and he has an egg on his forehead. I coddled Big Time.
I did not have much time b/c I had a 1:00 client. Chela cooked up something awesome that she paid for with her own money!? It sort of broke my heart that she did that. She commutes 30 min. from her little town and then gets dropped off at the grocery store at 6:30AM and waits there for two hrs. before taking a bus to our hood and then walking 5 blocks in the rain, with her groceries, to our house. That's a whole other post. Chela loves Eleanor and Eleanor loves her.
I got to work and dealt with probably some of the most intense clients I've ever had. I can't say too much but there's never a dull moment. I only see child victims of crime so you can use your imagination. But 4 hrs at my work feels like 5 minutes. My head spins sometimes as one family leaves and another walks in. It's just back to back. It's like some kind of counseling game-show I'm on.
I decided to call home and see how the boy was doing. Justin informed me that he got the boy a real bike. One with training wheels. Henry was hysterical b/c he wanted to ride his bike, but it had to be put together and that could not happen while dad was also taking care of Eleanor. I asked dad to put Henry on the phone and we had a real-deal conversation about this pickle. Henry and I have never talked on the phone before. It was amazing. We really talked. His voice is deep for a little boy!:-)
I got home at 6:00. Dad is a super-hero. My little boy was riding his bike. I felt like boo-hooing. Dad tells me, "Eleanor is rolling over like nobody's business". I felt like boo-hooing again. But not really. It's exciting for Justin. I've seen her roll over but only on the bed or from front to back, which is really more like falling. I've never seen her roll back to front on the floor. He videotaped it though. And Henry riding his bike for the first time. Good dad.
A lot happened (for everyone) today...
Eleanor woke up at 6:30. We ate, changed and played in bed till Henry woke up at 7:15 ("I WANT SOMEONE TO CHECK ON ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"). Then Eleanor sat on my hip while Henry and I got dressed, ate breakfast, and played. Then I put Eleanor down for her morning nap. Chela arrived at 8:30 and I took a shower and ate and got myself ready for the day.
At 9:30 I drove Henry to school, a little earlier than usual b/c I had a hair appointment at 10:00 (Justin still has not said anything even though I cut 3 inches off, plus highlights.) Halfway there, I noticed that instead of putting Henry's lunch box in his cubby, I put my milk bottles, which is also in a small black cooler with a strap.
As soon as my hair was done I raced back to Henry's school on the other side of town, getting stopped twice by train-crossings (by the same train). When I walked in the teachers both looked at me, very confused. "I guess you didn't get my voicemail?" Ohgod.ohgod.ohgod. Where's Henry?
"He fell down and face planted on the cement. His dad came and got him."
I drove home, sort of like a maniac, worried about my little boy. I HATE those damn Crocs. They are not good shoes for little kids. I've heard of dentists saying they've had an increase in chipped teeth b/c of the popularity of Crocs. I don't like Henry wearing them except when he's playing in the yard but he begged me to wear them to school today and I relented, knowing, just knowing he'd fall.
I came home and the little boys face looked awful. It looks like someone traced a sidewalk on it. His hand is scuffed up too and he has an egg on his forehead. I coddled Big Time.
I did not have much time b/c I had a 1:00 client. Chela cooked up something awesome that she paid for with her own money!? It sort of broke my heart that she did that. She commutes 30 min. from her little town and then gets dropped off at the grocery store at 6:30AM and waits there for two hrs. before taking a bus to our hood and then walking 5 blocks in the rain, with her groceries, to our house. That's a whole other post. Chela loves Eleanor and Eleanor loves her.
I got to work and dealt with probably some of the most intense clients I've ever had. I can't say too much but there's never a dull moment. I only see child victims of crime so you can use your imagination. But 4 hrs at my work feels like 5 minutes. My head spins sometimes as one family leaves and another walks in. It's just back to back. It's like some kind of counseling game-show I'm on.
I decided to call home and see how the boy was doing. Justin informed me that he got the boy a real bike. One with training wheels. Henry was hysterical b/c he wanted to ride his bike, but it had to be put together and that could not happen while dad was also taking care of Eleanor. I asked dad to put Henry on the phone and we had a real-deal conversation about this pickle. Henry and I have never talked on the phone before. It was amazing. We really talked. His voice is deep for a little boy!:-)
I got home at 6:00. Dad is a super-hero. My little boy was riding his bike. I felt like boo-hooing. Dad tells me, "Eleanor is rolling over like nobody's business". I felt like boo-hooing again. But not really. It's exciting for Justin. I've seen her roll over but only on the bed or from front to back, which is really more like falling. I've never seen her roll back to front on the floor. He videotaped it though. And Henry riding his bike for the first time. Good dad.
At 9:30 I drove Henry to school, a little earlier than usual b/c I had a hair appointment at 10:00 (Justin still has not said anything even though I cut 3 inches off, plus highlights.) Halfway there, I noticed that instead of putting Henry's lunch box in his cubby, I put my milk bottles, which is also in a small black cooler with a strap.
As soon as my hair was done I raced back to Henry's school on the other side of town, getting stopped twice by train-crossings (by the same train). When I walked in the teachers both looked at me, very confused. "I guess you didn't get my voicemail?" Ohgod.ohgod.ohgod. Where's Henry?
"He fell down and face planted on the cement. His dad came and got him."
I drove home, sort of like a maniac, worried about my little boy. I HATE those damn Crocs. They are not good shoes for little kids. I've heard of dentists saying they've had an increase in chipped teeth b/c of the popularity of Crocs. I don't like Henry wearing them except when he's playing in the yard but he begged me to wear them to school today and I relented, knowing, just knowing he'd fall.
I came home and the little boys face looked awful. It looks like someone traced a sidewalk on it. His hand is scuffed up too and he has an egg on his forehead. I coddled Big Time.
I did not have much time b/c I had a 1:00 client. Chela cooked up something awesome that she paid for with her own money!? It sort of broke my heart that she did that. She commutes 30 min. from her little town and then gets dropped off at the grocery store at 6:30AM and waits there for two hrs. before taking a bus to our hood and then walking 5 blocks in the rain, with her groceries, to our house. That's a whole other post. Chela loves Eleanor and Eleanor loves her.
I got to work and dealt with probably some of the most intense clients I've ever had. I can't say too much but there's never a dull moment. I only see child victims of crime so you can use your imagination. But 4 hrs at my work feels like 5 minutes. My head spins sometimes as one family leaves and another walks in. It's just back to back. It's like some kind of counseling game-show I'm on.
I decided to call home and see how the boy was doing. Justin informed me that he got the boy a real bike. One with training wheels. Henry was hysterical b/c he wanted to ride his bike, but it had to be put together and that could not happen while dad was also taking care of Eleanor. I asked dad to put Henry on the phone and we had a real-deal conversation about this pickle. Henry and I have never talked on the phone before. It was amazing. We really talked. His voice is deep for a little boy!:-)
I got home at 6:00. Dad is a super-hero. My little boy was riding his bike. I felt like boo-hooing. Dad tells me, "Eleanor is rolling over like nobody's business". I felt like boo-hooing again. But not really. It's exciting for Justin. I've seen her roll over but only on the bed or from front to back, which is really more like falling. I've never seen her roll back to front on the floor. He videotaped it though. And Henry riding his bike for the first time. Good dad.
Choices
Last night Henry and I were playing monster trucks and he let me pick which one I wanted to be...sort of.
Henry: "Which one do you want, Dad?" (holding up El Toro Loco and Taz.)
Me: "I'll take Crazy Bull."
Henry: "Which one do you want, Dad?" (now only holding Taz)
Me: "I'll take Taz."
Henry: "Which one do you want, Dad?" (holding up El Toro Loco and Taz.)
Me: "I'll take Crazy Bull."
Henry: "Which one do you want, Dad?" (now only holding Taz)
Me: "I'll take Taz."
Choices
Last night Henry and I were playing monster trucks and he let me pick which one I wanted to be...sort of.
Henry: "Which one do you want, Dad?" (holding up El Toro Loco and Taz.)
Me: "I'll take Crazy Bull."
Henry: "Which one do you want, Dad?" (now only holding Taz)
Me: "I'll take Taz."
Henry: "Which one do you want, Dad?" (holding up El Toro Loco and Taz.)
Me: "I'll take Crazy Bull."
Henry: "Which one do you want, Dad?" (now only holding Taz)
Me: "I'll take Taz."
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
This is the look she always has when Henry pays attention to her...
This was taken about 30 seconds after Henry woke up from his nap. Dad was holding E and saw that the cat got out so he gave Eleanor to Henry to hold. I was in the other room and had my camera, about to put some pictures on the computer, and I walked by and saw these two...cute-ing it up.Henry takes his job as big brother VERY seriously when you give him jobs, like giving E her paci, or getting her hat for me or a diaper, etc. He also spontaneously likes to hug and kiss her when he walks by her. He likes to make her laugh, probably b/c it's not hard to do, and sometimes, he just wants nothing to do with her and says, "Stop bothering me, Eleanor!" if she's smiling at him and he's in his Big Grump mode. She pretty much gazes at him constantly, smiling and giggling at his antics. She does not like it when he roars like a dinosaur/dragon, though. It makes her jump or cry and it makes my blood boil...b/c he does it so loudly you could probably hear it from the outside.
But I think he loves her and I KNOW she loves him.
This is the look she always has when Henry pays attention to her...
This was taken about 30 seconds after Henry woke up from his nap. Dad was holding E and saw that the cat got out so he gave Eleanor to Henry to hold. I was in the other room and had my camera, about to put some pictures on the computer, and I walked by and saw these two...cute-ing it up.Henry takes his job as big brother VERY seriously when you give him jobs, like giving E her paci, or getting her hat for me or a diaper, etc. He also spontaneously likes to hug and kiss her when he walks by her. He likes to make her laugh, probably b/c it's not hard to do, and sometimes, he just wants nothing to do with her and says, "Stop bothering me, Eleanor!" if she's smiling at him and he's in his Big Grump mode. She pretty much gazes at him constantly, smiling and giggling at his antics. She does not like it when he roars like a dinosaur/dragon, though. It makes her jump or cry and it makes my blood boil...b/c he does it so loudly you could probably hear it from the outside.
But I think he loves her and I KNOW she loves him.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Thursday, April 8, 2010
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