This was taken almost a month ago (Sept 5) and I have not had a chance to post it yet, but this might be my favor moments of E ever captured. It's just sooooo her. The left handed blueberry mining, the curious reaction to the odd sounds of her dad and brother playing, remembering the waffle, forsaking the waffle, the gleeful realization I'm filming her, the scream...
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
I love every second of this video...
This was taken almost a month ago (Sept 5) and I have not had a chance to post it yet, but this might be my favor moments of E ever captured. It's just sooooo her. The left handed blueberry mining, the curious reaction to the odd sounds of her dad and brother playing, remembering the waffle, forsaking the waffle, the gleeful realization I'm filming her, the scream...
Monday, September 27, 2010
Fun with public transportation
Yesterday, the whole fam went downtown intending to go to the Pecan Street Festival. But, it was a complete madhouse when we got there and we couldn’t find parking even remotely close. So we went to the Children’s Museum instead. After about an hour, Eleanor was ready for a nap, but Henry was still having a good time. So, Diane and E headed home and Henry and I planned on just catching the bus a little later. Thanks to Uncle Karl hooking me up with a smart phone recently, the bus schedule was just a few clicks away. Unfortunately, I wasn’t paying attention during those few clicks to the part where it told me our bus stop was under construction and we would need to go to another stop on a different street, so after walking about eight blocks with Henry on my back, we sat at the wrong stop for a little while. For whatever reason, this particular stop (Brazos & 6th, for those following at home) is always occupied by the most vagrant of vagrants. Yesterday was no exception. Henry has been in a really friendly mood lately, talking to any and every passerby that he sees…so I was really hoping he wouldn’t take this opportunity to network, which thankfully he did not. But, after waiting a few minutes, I checked the schedule again and this time noticed the warning. So, we moved on to our new stop right in time to watch one extremely drunken fellow picking a fight with another less drunk but still completely wasted gentleman. Lots of loud, drunken swearing and fist waving ensued and I did my best, “Hey, look over there at that thing that isn’t two bums fighting” routine before deciding we just needed to probably find a different stop. As we were walking away, Henry said, “That guy in the black shirt was MAD.” That much was certain.
When we got on the bus, I started to relax a little and was relieved to be through the bum gauntlet that downtown can often be….but that lasted all of about 30 seconds before some woman behind us started screaming at another passenger. Swears ensued and it started getting pretty hostile (I never looked back to see what was going on, hoping my disinterest would rub off on Henry, so I have no idea what it was about). The agitator got off the bus a few blocks away, but made sure to swear at and flip off (with both hands waving wildly) the other passenger a few more times after getting off the bus (which fortunately took place directly outside our window).
A few stops later, a woman in a wheelchair got on, so we had to move from the front of the bus to the very back….where the only open seats were next to a young guy in his 20s with his face pressed against the window completely unconscious. This was not the, “I sure am tired…think I’ll catch a little nap” sort of sleep, but the “I’ve consumed waaaaaaay too much of whatever it was I was enjoying and suddenly everything turned dark” variety. I quickly whipped out my phone and Henry and I started playing as many games as I could download quickly for the rest of the trip home. As we were walking home, he said, “That man who was asleep was funny.” Yes, that whole experience was funny, Henry….and even funnier the closer we got to home.
When we got on the bus, I started to relax a little and was relieved to be through the bum gauntlet that downtown can often be….but that lasted all of about 30 seconds before some woman behind us started screaming at another passenger. Swears ensued and it started getting pretty hostile (I never looked back to see what was going on, hoping my disinterest would rub off on Henry, so I have no idea what it was about). The agitator got off the bus a few blocks away, but made sure to swear at and flip off (with both hands waving wildly) the other passenger a few more times after getting off the bus (which fortunately took place directly outside our window).
A few stops later, a woman in a wheelchair got on, so we had to move from the front of the bus to the very back….where the only open seats were next to a young guy in his 20s with his face pressed against the window completely unconscious. This was not the, “I sure am tired…think I’ll catch a little nap” sort of sleep, but the “I’ve consumed waaaaaaay too much of whatever it was I was enjoying and suddenly everything turned dark” variety. I quickly whipped out my phone and Henry and I started playing as many games as I could download quickly for the rest of the trip home. As we were walking home, he said, “That man who was asleep was funny.” Yes, that whole experience was funny, Henry….and even funnier the closer we got to home.
Fun with public transportation
Yesterday, the whole fam went downtown intending to go to the Pecan Street Festival. But, it was a complete madhouse when we got there and we couldn’t find parking even remotely close. So we went to the Children’s Museum instead. After about an hour, Eleanor was ready for a nap, but Henry was still having a good time. So, Diane and E headed home and Henry and I planned on just catching the bus a little later. Thanks to Uncle Karl hooking me up with a smart phone recently, the bus schedule was just a few clicks away. Unfortunately, I wasn’t paying attention during those few clicks to the part where it told me our bus stop was under construction and we would need to go to another stop on a different street, so after walking about eight blocks with Henry on my back, we sat at the wrong stop for a little while. For whatever reason, this particular stop (Brazos & 6th, for those following at home) is always occupied by the most vagrant of vagrants. Yesterday was no exception. Henry has been in a really friendly mood lately, talking to any and every passerby that he sees…so I was really hoping he wouldn’t take this opportunity to network, which thankfully he did not. But, after waiting a few minutes, I checked the schedule again and this time noticed the warning. So, we moved on to our new stop right in time to watch one extremely drunken fellow picking a fight with another less drunk but still completely wasted gentleman. Lots of loud, drunken swearing and fist waving ensued and I did my best, “Hey, look over there at that thing that isn’t two bums fighting” routine before deciding we just needed to probably find a different stop. As we were walking away, Henry said, “That guy in the black shirt was MAD.” That much was certain.
When we got on the bus, I started to relax a little and was relieved to be through the bum gauntlet that downtown can often be….but that lasted all of about 30 seconds before some woman behind us started screaming at another passenger. Swears ensued and it started getting pretty hostile (I never looked back to see what was going on, hoping my disinterest would rub off on Henry, so I have no idea what it was about). The agitator got off the bus a few blocks away, but made sure to swear at and flip off (with both hands waving wildly) the other passenger a few more times after getting off the bus (which fortunately took place directly outside our window).
A few stops later, a woman in a wheelchair got on, so we had to move from the front of the bus to the very back….where the only open seats were next to a young guy in his 20s with his face pressed against the window completely unconscious. This was not the, “I sure am tired…think I’ll catch a little nap” sort of sleep, but the “I’ve consumed waaaaaaay too much of whatever it was I was enjoying and suddenly everything turned dark” variety. I quickly whipped out my phone and Henry and I started playing as many games as I could download quickly for the rest of the trip home. As we were walking home, he said, “That man who was asleep was funny.” Yes, that whole experience was funny, Henry….and even funnier the closer we got to home.
When we got on the bus, I started to relax a little and was relieved to be through the bum gauntlet that downtown can often be….but that lasted all of about 30 seconds before some woman behind us started screaming at another passenger. Swears ensued and it started getting pretty hostile (I never looked back to see what was going on, hoping my disinterest would rub off on Henry, so I have no idea what it was about). The agitator got off the bus a few blocks away, but made sure to swear at and flip off (with both hands waving wildly) the other passenger a few more times after getting off the bus (which fortunately took place directly outside our window).
A few stops later, a woman in a wheelchair got on, so we had to move from the front of the bus to the very back….where the only open seats were next to a young guy in his 20s with his face pressed against the window completely unconscious. This was not the, “I sure am tired…think I’ll catch a little nap” sort of sleep, but the “I’ve consumed waaaaaaay too much of whatever it was I was enjoying and suddenly everything turned dark” variety. I quickly whipped out my phone and Henry and I started playing as many games as I could download quickly for the rest of the trip home. As we were walking home, he said, “That man who was asleep was funny.” Yes, that whole experience was funny, Henry….and even funnier the closer we got to home.
Developmental updates....
Not much change going on yet. Eleanor at ten months old seems right on target with her speech/language development. She says mama, uh-oh, up, and lots of ba-ba, whatever that means. She is always talking. She is also always yelling. She is not crawling yet, which I know is not a true developmental milestone, but instead of trying to crawl, she just yells at the top of her lungs till we give her the toy she wants or we pick her up. There are days when her floor time is very little b/c she is being carried so much, as to avoid her screaming and then Henry's screaming.
I think if it was just her we could handle the screams and she would just have to deal but Henry gets so mad when she's yelling and then they are both yelling. I know some babies never crawl and perhaps she will be one of those babies. She can get on all fours, scoot, turn around and move about but just...not crawling. She likes to stand up on her knees and she likes to stand on her feet. She loves to hold on to things and bounce up and down--baby dancing. She's also a big clapper. She will clap anytime she hears music, when she's happy to see someone, or we sing.
She still has no teeth. Not one. You can see them. Her gums are all lumpy. But they are not pushing through. I read on the innerwebs that some babies don't get teeth as late as 15 months. I suppose it's not a bad thing. She can eat whatever she wants. She just sucks on everything so long that it turns to mush (crackers, pretzels, bread, etc.). She can eat pretty much anything (but is pickier than Henry). I send her to school with a lunch box full of food and the other baby who is two weeks older and has four teeth is still getting jarred baby food. I wonder if it's just easier and that's why parents do baby food so long???? I mean, real food is a terrible mess. I am constantly wiping the floor beneath E and wiping her down. Her lunches are usually something like: chick peas with cucumber, tofu with some kind of pureed fruit drizzled over it (or I send plain yogurt with the fruit puree mixed in), and then a dish of cut up grapes or peach, pear, or avocado...something like that. And she always gets cheese and crackers. I just buy a block of organic cheese, slice it and then toss in 1 or 2 whole wheat crackers. She eats ALL of that.
Her breakfast right now is O's with almond milk on her tray, and then some cut up fruit or berries. Her dinner is whatever we're eating.
Sleep is still pretty outstanding. I guess it's b/c she has no teeth? She goes to sleep between 6:30 and 7:00 and wakes 12 hours later, w/o a peep. Naps are two a day, usually 9:30 and sometime between 12 and 1, depending on the length of the morning nap. But about 3 hours worth of sleep during the day.
Now, on to Henry (if you're still with me here...and I don't expect many are b/c this is some boring info but this is my online baby book so gotta include it.)
Henry is going through some sleep stuff right now, pretty much related to having to wake up to pee. He is still going to bed at 7 but will wake at 6 or 6:30 b/c he has to pee and then he can't fall back asleep (or he wakes even earlier b/c he has wet his bed--which really is not fun).
He always takes a nap at home. An hour and a half or two hours but he's struggling at school to nap. I'm not sure if it's b/c they go down so late (a full hour later than he naps at home) and by then he gets his second wind? But on those days he's a mess and we have to tolerate him till bedtime and then he falls asleep the second his head hits the pillow.
More on Henry later. I have to pack lunches.
I think if it was just her we could handle the screams and she would just have to deal but Henry gets so mad when she's yelling and then they are both yelling. I know some babies never crawl and perhaps she will be one of those babies. She can get on all fours, scoot, turn around and move about but just...not crawling. She likes to stand up on her knees and she likes to stand on her feet. She loves to hold on to things and bounce up and down--baby dancing. She's also a big clapper. She will clap anytime she hears music, when she's happy to see someone, or we sing.
She still has no teeth. Not one. You can see them. Her gums are all lumpy. But they are not pushing through. I read on the innerwebs that some babies don't get teeth as late as 15 months. I suppose it's not a bad thing. She can eat whatever she wants. She just sucks on everything so long that it turns to mush (crackers, pretzels, bread, etc.). She can eat pretty much anything (but is pickier than Henry). I send her to school with a lunch box full of food and the other baby who is two weeks older and has four teeth is still getting jarred baby food. I wonder if it's just easier and that's why parents do baby food so long???? I mean, real food is a terrible mess. I am constantly wiping the floor beneath E and wiping her down. Her lunches are usually something like: chick peas with cucumber, tofu with some kind of pureed fruit drizzled over it (or I send plain yogurt with the fruit puree mixed in), and then a dish of cut up grapes or peach, pear, or avocado...something like that. And she always gets cheese and crackers. I just buy a block of organic cheese, slice it and then toss in 1 or 2 whole wheat crackers. She eats ALL of that.
Her breakfast right now is O's with almond milk on her tray, and then some cut up fruit or berries. Her dinner is whatever we're eating.
Sleep is still pretty outstanding. I guess it's b/c she has no teeth? She goes to sleep between 6:30 and 7:00 and wakes 12 hours later, w/o a peep. Naps are two a day, usually 9:30 and sometime between 12 and 1, depending on the length of the morning nap. But about 3 hours worth of sleep during the day.
Now, on to Henry (if you're still with me here...and I don't expect many are b/c this is some boring info but this is my online baby book so gotta include it.)
Henry is going through some sleep stuff right now, pretty much related to having to wake up to pee. He is still going to bed at 7 but will wake at 6 or 6:30 b/c he has to pee and then he can't fall back asleep (or he wakes even earlier b/c he has wet his bed--which really is not fun).
He always takes a nap at home. An hour and a half or two hours but he's struggling at school to nap. I'm not sure if it's b/c they go down so late (a full hour later than he naps at home) and by then he gets his second wind? But on those days he's a mess and we have to tolerate him till bedtime and then he falls asleep the second his head hits the pillow.
More on Henry later. I have to pack lunches.
Developmental updates....
Not much change going on yet. Eleanor at ten months old seems right on target with her speech/language development. She says mama, uh-oh, up, and lots of ba-ba, whatever that means. She is always talking. She is also always yelling. She is not crawling yet, which I know is not a true developmental milestone, but instead of trying to crawl, she just yells at the top of her lungs till we give her the toy she wants or we pick her up. There are days when her floor time is very little b/c she is being carried so much, as to avoid her screaming and then Henry's screaming.
I think if it was just her we could handle the screams and she would just have to deal but Henry gets so mad when she's yelling and then they are both yelling. I know some babies never crawl and perhaps she will be one of those babies. She can get on all fours, scoot, turn around and move about but just...not crawling. She likes to stand up on her knees and she likes to stand on her feet. She loves to hold on to things and bounce up and down--baby dancing. She's also a big clapper. She will clap anytime she hears music, when she's happy to see someone, or we sing.
She still has no teeth. Not one. You can see them. Her gums are all lumpy. But they are not pushing through. I read on the innerwebs that some babies don't get teeth as late as 15 months. I suppose it's not a bad thing. She can eat whatever she wants. She just sucks on everything so long that it turns to mush (crackers, pretzels, bread, etc.). She can eat pretty much anything (but is pickier than Henry). I send her to school with a lunch box full of food and the other baby who is two weeks older and has four teeth is still getting jarred baby food. I wonder if it's just easier and that's why parents do baby food so long???? I mean, real food is a terrible mess. I am constantly wiping the floor beneath E and wiping her down. Her lunches are usually something like: chick peas with cucumber, tofu with some kind of pureed fruit drizzled over it (or I send plain yogurt with the fruit puree mixed in), and then a dish of cut up grapes or peach, pear, or avocado...something like that. And she always gets cheese and crackers. I just buy a block of organic cheese, slice it and then toss in 1 or 2 whole wheat crackers. She eats ALL of that.
Her breakfast right now is O's with almond milk on her tray, and then some cut up fruit or berries. Her dinner is whatever we're eating.
Sleep is still pretty outstanding. I guess it's b/c she has no teeth? She goes to sleep between 6:30 and 7:00 and wakes 12 hours later, w/o a peep. Naps are two a day, usually 9:30 and sometime between 12 and 1, depending on the length of the morning nap. But about 3 hours worth of sleep during the day.
Now, on to Henry (if you're still with me here...and I don't expect many are b/c this is some boring info but this is my online baby book so gotta include it.)
Henry is going through some sleep stuff right now, pretty much related to having to wake up to pee. He is still going to bed at 7 but will wake at 6 or 6:30 b/c he has to pee and then he can't fall back asleep (or he wakes even earlier b/c he has wet his bed--which really is not fun).
He always takes a nap at home. An hour and a half or two hours but he's struggling at school to nap. I'm not sure if it's b/c they go down so late (a full hour later than he naps at home) and by then he gets his second wind? But on those days he's a mess and we have to tolerate him till bedtime and then he falls asleep the second his head hits the pillow.
More on Henry later. I have to pack lunches.
I think if it was just her we could handle the screams and she would just have to deal but Henry gets so mad when she's yelling and then they are both yelling. I know some babies never crawl and perhaps she will be one of those babies. She can get on all fours, scoot, turn around and move about but just...not crawling. She likes to stand up on her knees and she likes to stand on her feet. She loves to hold on to things and bounce up and down--baby dancing. She's also a big clapper. She will clap anytime she hears music, when she's happy to see someone, or we sing.
She still has no teeth. Not one. You can see them. Her gums are all lumpy. But they are not pushing through. I read on the innerwebs that some babies don't get teeth as late as 15 months. I suppose it's not a bad thing. She can eat whatever she wants. She just sucks on everything so long that it turns to mush (crackers, pretzels, bread, etc.). She can eat pretty much anything (but is pickier than Henry). I send her to school with a lunch box full of food and the other baby who is two weeks older and has four teeth is still getting jarred baby food. I wonder if it's just easier and that's why parents do baby food so long???? I mean, real food is a terrible mess. I am constantly wiping the floor beneath E and wiping her down. Her lunches are usually something like: chick peas with cucumber, tofu with some kind of pureed fruit drizzled over it (or I send plain yogurt with the fruit puree mixed in), and then a dish of cut up grapes or peach, pear, or avocado...something like that. And she always gets cheese and crackers. I just buy a block of organic cheese, slice it and then toss in 1 or 2 whole wheat crackers. She eats ALL of that.
Her breakfast right now is O's with almond milk on her tray, and then some cut up fruit or berries. Her dinner is whatever we're eating.
Sleep is still pretty outstanding. I guess it's b/c she has no teeth? She goes to sleep between 6:30 and 7:00 and wakes 12 hours later, w/o a peep. Naps are two a day, usually 9:30 and sometime between 12 and 1, depending on the length of the morning nap. But about 3 hours worth of sleep during the day.
Now, on to Henry (if you're still with me here...and I don't expect many are b/c this is some boring info but this is my online baby book so gotta include it.)
Henry is going through some sleep stuff right now, pretty much related to having to wake up to pee. He is still going to bed at 7 but will wake at 6 or 6:30 b/c he has to pee and then he can't fall back asleep (or he wakes even earlier b/c he has wet his bed--which really is not fun).
He always takes a nap at home. An hour and a half or two hours but he's struggling at school to nap. I'm not sure if it's b/c they go down so late (a full hour later than he naps at home) and by then he gets his second wind? But on those days he's a mess and we have to tolerate him till bedtime and then he falls asleep the second his head hits the pillow.
More on Henry later. I have to pack lunches.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Philosophers' Rock
Yesterday, we took Eleanor on her first ride on the Zilker Zephyr. On the way back to the car, we stopped so they could play on Philosophers' Rock.
Philosophers' Rock
Yesterday, we took Eleanor on her first ride on the Zilker Zephyr. On the way back to the car, we stopped so they could play on Philosophers' Rock.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
Henry's first dance class
This is really bad video but we were standing in a dark hallway peering through a tiny window with all the other nervous parents, next to a sign that read "NO PARENTS ALLOWED!" or something to that effect. My friend Debby went in b/c she could tell her son needed to pee and she got scolded.
Henry loved it. The fact that he didn't run screaming when the door closed behind him made me feel so proud of him. My little boy is growing up. Doesn't need his mama to hold his hand all the time anymore. Sniff.
More dance stories to come. Thursday was his first time and he will go every week for one hour, until he doesn't want to anymore.
Henry's first dance class
This is really bad video but we were standing in a dark hallway peering through a tiny window with all the other nervous parents, next to a sign that read "NO PARENTS ALLOWED!" or something to that effect. My friend Debby went in b/c she could tell her son needed to pee and she got scolded.
Henry loved it. The fact that he didn't run screaming when the door closed behind him made me feel so proud of him. My little boy is growing up. Doesn't need his mama to hold his hand all the time anymore. Sniff.
More dance stories to come. Thursday was his first time and he will go every week for one hour, until he doesn't want to anymore.
If you want more pictures...
If you want more pictures...
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
What the...
Here's two weird guy stories and one parenting woe-is-me story.
1. A really old man ( hoary if your studying for your GRE) was sitting at an outdoor table behind us at Central market. We (Henry, Eleanor and I) were eating tacos and he was reading a book and throwing food at the grackles. Eventually we became surrounded by grackles, which is a problem at CM and why they ask you not to feed the birds. Henry has a particular obsession with scaring birds and loves to roar and run after them. This hoary man who looked (and sounded) like someone cast in a holocaust film barked, "Vy don't ju be nice to za birds?" which caused Henry to collapse onto the ground and sob uncontrollably. I did my "That made you really sad when the man asked you to be nice to the birds" and he did his "Yeeeeeeeahhhhh" and then he stood up and was all better again. We finished our tacos and I got E out of her high chair and put her back in my Ergo carrier but not before giving her a few kisses and the man said, "I sink you love her too much!"
2. The house across the street is occupied by an older woman and her adult son. They are ridiculously friendly. Very very nice people. The sort who you give your name to and they never forget it and always say it when they see you ("Nice day, isn't it Diane?"). Well, I was returning home from dropping Henry off at school the other day and as I was getting Eleanor out of her car seat, I heard the son across the street say something to me. It sounded like he said, "Do you like being lean, Diane?" Because I have long suspected this man was MR (high functioning, think Forest Gump) it would not have surprised me if this was his question, and because I was wearing a new shirt that was quite flattering (if I do say so) I said, "Yes" with a large, amiable grin on my face. Then, it got very very quiet. Awkwardly quiet. I said, "What was that?" and he popped up up from underneath his car and said, "You like being mean? I didn't think ya'll were those kind of people." "Excuse me?" I was completely and totally dumbstruck. I was standing on my lawn with Eleanor, wondering where the cameras were, and then he said, "I don't wish to discuss this!" and he threw his wrench on the ground and turned and went into his house, slamming the door behind him. I stood on the lawn staring at his house wondering what in gods name just happened.
The mother came over later and talked to me (Justin came home from work and went over there to see what the heck) and she told us that he was a paranoid schizophrenic w/ bipolar disorder and was in the midst of a 3 day manic episode.
3. There are 15 kids in Henry's class. Seven of the children are boys. One of these boys is a hitter while the other 14 are sweet as could be. Henry likes this boy a lot and spends a lot of time playing with him, but he gets tired of being hit by him and asked me if I would ask his teacher if this boy could go to another class. This makes my inner mama-bear come out in full force but I don't really know what to do about it. Leave it alone--he's gotta learn how to navigate this stuff (might be too early for that)? Talk to the teacher(s)? Talk to the parents? Teach Henry karate? It's not even really fair--this boy is massive for his age and since he's a year older, he's like a head taller. I really just want to call the parents but how awful would that feel (for them) and how dumb would I probably sound? (very)
1. A really old man ( hoary if your studying for your GRE) was sitting at an outdoor table behind us at Central market. We (Henry, Eleanor and I) were eating tacos and he was reading a book and throwing food at the grackles. Eventually we became surrounded by grackles, which is a problem at CM and why they ask you not to feed the birds. Henry has a particular obsession with scaring birds and loves to roar and run after them. This hoary man who looked (and sounded) like someone cast in a holocaust film barked, "Vy don't ju be nice to za birds?" which caused Henry to collapse onto the ground and sob uncontrollably. I did my "That made you really sad when the man asked you to be nice to the birds" and he did his "Yeeeeeeeahhhhh" and then he stood up and was all better again. We finished our tacos and I got E out of her high chair and put her back in my Ergo carrier but not before giving her a few kisses and the man said, "I sink you love her too much!"
2. The house across the street is occupied by an older woman and her adult son. They are ridiculously friendly. Very very nice people. The sort who you give your name to and they never forget it and always say it when they see you ("Nice day, isn't it Diane?"). Well, I was returning home from dropping Henry off at school the other day and as I was getting Eleanor out of her car seat, I heard the son across the street say something to me. It sounded like he said, "Do you like being lean, Diane?" Because I have long suspected this man was MR (high functioning, think Forest Gump) it would not have surprised me if this was his question, and because I was wearing a new shirt that was quite flattering (if I do say so) I said, "Yes" with a large, amiable grin on my face. Then, it got very very quiet. Awkwardly quiet. I said, "What was that?" and he popped up up from underneath his car and said, "You like being mean? I didn't think ya'll were those kind of people." "Excuse me?" I was completely and totally dumbstruck. I was standing on my lawn with Eleanor, wondering where the cameras were, and then he said, "I don't wish to discuss this!" and he threw his wrench on the ground and turned and went into his house, slamming the door behind him. I stood on the lawn staring at his house wondering what in gods name just happened.
The mother came over later and talked to me (Justin came home from work and went over there to see what the heck) and she told us that he was a paranoid schizophrenic w/ bipolar disorder and was in the midst of a 3 day manic episode.
3. There are 15 kids in Henry's class. Seven of the children are boys. One of these boys is a hitter while the other 14 are sweet as could be. Henry likes this boy a lot and spends a lot of time playing with him, but he gets tired of being hit by him and asked me if I would ask his teacher if this boy could go to another class. This makes my inner mama-bear come out in full force but I don't really know what to do about it. Leave it alone--he's gotta learn how to navigate this stuff (might be too early for that)? Talk to the teacher(s)? Talk to the parents? Teach Henry karate? It's not even really fair--this boy is massive for his age and since he's a year older, he's like a head taller. I really just want to call the parents but how awful would that feel (for them) and how dumb would I probably sound? (very)
What the...
Here's two weird guy stories and one parenting woe-is-me story.
1. A really old man ( hoary if your studying for your GRE) was sitting at an outdoor table behind us at Central market. We (Henry, Eleanor and I) were eating tacos and he was reading a book and throwing food at the grackles. Eventually we became surrounded by grackles, which is a problem at CM and why they ask you not to feed the birds. Henry has a particular obsession with scaring birds and loves to roar and run after them. This hoary man who looked (and sounded) like someone cast in a holocaust film barked, "Vy don't ju be nice to za birds?" which caused Henry to collapse onto the ground and sob uncontrollably. I did my "That made you really sad when the man asked you to be nice to the birds" and he did his "Yeeeeeeeahhhhh" and then he stood up and was all better again. We finished our tacos and I got E out of her high chair and put her back in my Ergo carrier but not before giving her a few kisses and the man said, "I sink you love her too much!"
2. The house across the street is occupied by an older woman and her adult son. They are ridiculously friendly. Very very nice people. The sort who you give your name to and they never forget it and always say it when they see you ("Nice day, isn't it Diane?"). Well, I was returning home from dropping Henry off at school the other day and as I was getting Eleanor out of her car seat, I heard the son across the street say something to me. It sounded like he said, "Do you like being lean, Diane?" Because I have long suspected this man was MR (high functioning, think Forest Gump) it would not have surprised me if this was his question, and because I was wearing a new shirt that was quite flattering (if I do say so) I said, "Yes" with a large, amiable grin on my face. Then, it got very very quiet. Awkwardly quiet. I said, "What was that?" and he popped up up from underneath his car and said, "You like being mean? I didn't think ya'll were those kind of people." "Excuse me?" I was completely and totally dumbstruck. I was standing on my lawn with Eleanor, wondering where the cameras were, and then he said, "I don't wish to discuss this!" and he threw his wrench on the ground and turned and went into his house, slamming the door behind him. I stood on the lawn staring at his house wondering what in gods name just happened.
The mother came over later and talked to me (Justin came home from work and went over there to see what the heck) and she told us that he was a paranoid schizophrenic w/ bipolar disorder and was in the midst of a 3 day manic episode.
3. There are 15 kids in Henry's class. Seven of the children are boys. One of these boys is a hitter while the other 14 are sweet as could be. Henry likes this boy a lot and spends a lot of time playing with him, but he gets tired of being hit by him and asked me if I would ask his teacher if this boy could go to another class. This makes my inner mama-bear come out in full force but I don't really know what to do about it. Leave it alone--he's gotta learn how to navigate this stuff (might be too early for that)? Talk to the teacher(s)? Talk to the parents? Teach Henry karate? It's not even really fair--this boy is massive for his age and since he's a year older, he's like a head taller. I really just want to call the parents but how awful would that feel (for them) and how dumb would I probably sound? (very)
1. A really old man ( hoary if your studying for your GRE) was sitting at an outdoor table behind us at Central market. We (Henry, Eleanor and I) were eating tacos and he was reading a book and throwing food at the grackles. Eventually we became surrounded by grackles, which is a problem at CM and why they ask you not to feed the birds. Henry has a particular obsession with scaring birds and loves to roar and run after them. This hoary man who looked (and sounded) like someone cast in a holocaust film barked, "Vy don't ju be nice to za birds?" which caused Henry to collapse onto the ground and sob uncontrollably. I did my "That made you really sad when the man asked you to be nice to the birds" and he did his "Yeeeeeeeahhhhh" and then he stood up and was all better again. We finished our tacos and I got E out of her high chair and put her back in my Ergo carrier but not before giving her a few kisses and the man said, "I sink you love her too much!"
2. The house across the street is occupied by an older woman and her adult son. They are ridiculously friendly. Very very nice people. The sort who you give your name to and they never forget it and always say it when they see you ("Nice day, isn't it Diane?"). Well, I was returning home from dropping Henry off at school the other day and as I was getting Eleanor out of her car seat, I heard the son across the street say something to me. It sounded like he said, "Do you like being lean, Diane?" Because I have long suspected this man was MR (high functioning, think Forest Gump) it would not have surprised me if this was his question, and because I was wearing a new shirt that was quite flattering (if I do say so) I said, "Yes" with a large, amiable grin on my face. Then, it got very very quiet. Awkwardly quiet. I said, "What was that?" and he popped up up from underneath his car and said, "You like being mean? I didn't think ya'll were those kind of people." "Excuse me?" I was completely and totally dumbstruck. I was standing on my lawn with Eleanor, wondering where the cameras were, and then he said, "I don't wish to discuss this!" and he threw his wrench on the ground and turned and went into his house, slamming the door behind him. I stood on the lawn staring at his house wondering what in gods name just happened.
The mother came over later and talked to me (Justin came home from work and went over there to see what the heck) and she told us that he was a paranoid schizophrenic w/ bipolar disorder and was in the midst of a 3 day manic episode.
3. There are 15 kids in Henry's class. Seven of the children are boys. One of these boys is a hitter while the other 14 are sweet as could be. Henry likes this boy a lot and spends a lot of time playing with him, but he gets tired of being hit by him and asked me if I would ask his teacher if this boy could go to another class. This makes my inner mama-bear come out in full force but I don't really know what to do about it. Leave it alone--he's gotta learn how to navigate this stuff (might be too early for that)? Talk to the teacher(s)? Talk to the parents? Teach Henry karate? It's not even really fair--this boy is massive for his age and since he's a year older, he's like a head taller. I really just want to call the parents but how awful would that feel (for them) and how dumb would I probably sound? (very)
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Bedtimes w/ Henry...
The most hysterical things come out of Henry's mouth at bedtime right before we're about to say goodnight. Typical examples are when he squeezes me tightly and says, "I will always keep you safe." Tonight he added "comfortable" in addition to safe (so that's good) and he will also say, "I will always protect you." These are not things we've specifically said to him but I suppose he gathers that we will do these things for him so he is just reciprocating, I guess:-)
I have a toy Jesus and not sure where I got it or who gave it to me (I also have toy Jung --his leg is missing--that my sister in law gave to Henry) but anyway, Henry really likes this toy Jesus because he has wheels for feet and H likes anything with wheels. The other night we were reading books and Henry asked me what was the name of the toy man. I was about to kiss him goodnight and he said, "Can I cuddle with Jesus?" and I chuckled, "yeah sure" and then he said, "I love Jesus."
Henry has told us about one of his dreams recently. His dad was in the ocean and one of his eye balls was floating away. It comes up a lot, "...but you didn't have an eye. It was in the water."
Last night as I was leaving, Henry started to whimper and I said, "What's wrong?" and completely out of the blue he said, "I don't have a dog." I reminded him that he had a kitty and lots of friends and neighbors with dogs but when Justin went in to say goodnight he told a similar tale of woe. J and I hoped we could escape this adult life w/o ever having to own a dog but you can't really deny a boy his dog. We'll wait 5 years though. Most (ethical) people won't sell a dog to a family w/ small children.
I have a toy Jesus and not sure where I got it or who gave it to me (I also have toy Jung --his leg is missing--that my sister in law gave to Henry) but anyway, Henry really likes this toy Jesus because he has wheels for feet and H likes anything with wheels. The other night we were reading books and Henry asked me what was the name of the toy man. I was about to kiss him goodnight and he said, "Can I cuddle with Jesus?" and I chuckled, "yeah sure" and then he said, "I love Jesus."
Henry has told us about one of his dreams recently. His dad was in the ocean and one of his eye balls was floating away. It comes up a lot, "...but you didn't have an eye. It was in the water."
Last night as I was leaving, Henry started to whimper and I said, "What's wrong?" and completely out of the blue he said, "I don't have a dog." I reminded him that he had a kitty and lots of friends and neighbors with dogs but when Justin went in to say goodnight he told a similar tale of woe. J and I hoped we could escape this adult life w/o ever having to own a dog but you can't really deny a boy his dog. We'll wait 5 years though. Most (ethical) people won't sell a dog to a family w/ small children.
Bedtimes w/ Henry...
The most hysterical things come out of Henry's mouth at bedtime right before we're about to say goodnight. Typical examples are when he squeezes me tightly and says, "I will always keep you safe." Tonight he added "comfortable" in addition to safe (so that's good) and he will also say, "I will always protect you." These are not things we've specifically said to him but I suppose he gathers that we will do these things for him so he is just reciprocating, I guess:-)
I have a toy Jesus and not sure where I got it or who gave it to me (I also have toy Jung --his leg is missing--that my sister in law gave to Henry) but anyway, Henry really likes this toy Jesus because he has wheels for feet and H likes anything with wheels. The other night we were reading books and Henry asked me what was the name of the toy man. I was about to kiss him goodnight and he said, "Can I cuddle with Jesus?" and I chuckled, "yeah sure" and then he said, "I love Jesus."
Henry has told us about one of his dreams recently. His dad was in the ocean and one of his eye balls was floating away. It comes up a lot, "...but you didn't have an eye. It was in the water."
Last night as I was leaving, Henry started to whimper and I said, "What's wrong?" and completely out of the blue he said, "I don't have a dog." I reminded him that he had a kitty and lots of friends and neighbors with dogs but when Justin went in to say goodnight he told a similar tale of woe. J and I hoped we could escape this adult life w/o ever having to own a dog but you can't really deny a boy his dog. We'll wait 5 years though. Most (ethical) people won't sell a dog to a family w/ small children.
I have a toy Jesus and not sure where I got it or who gave it to me (I also have toy Jung --his leg is missing--that my sister in law gave to Henry) but anyway, Henry really likes this toy Jesus because he has wheels for feet and H likes anything with wheels. The other night we were reading books and Henry asked me what was the name of the toy man. I was about to kiss him goodnight and he said, "Can I cuddle with Jesus?" and I chuckled, "yeah sure" and then he said, "I love Jesus."
Henry has told us about one of his dreams recently. His dad was in the ocean and one of his eye balls was floating away. It comes up a lot, "...but you didn't have an eye. It was in the water."
Last night as I was leaving, Henry started to whimper and I said, "What's wrong?" and completely out of the blue he said, "I don't have a dog." I reminded him that he had a kitty and lots of friends and neighbors with dogs but when Justin went in to say goodnight he told a similar tale of woe. J and I hoped we could escape this adult life w/o ever having to own a dog but you can't really deny a boy his dog. We'll wait 5 years though. Most (ethical) people won't sell a dog to a family w/ small children.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Highlights from Ms. Cindy's class this week...(Henry's teacher)
Well, according to our question of the day, most of us like rainy days. We'll see how we feel about that at the end of this rainy week. We did have a good inside day. We started our family unit today. We read The Family Book and talked about ways families are alike and ways they are different. We are working on a family collage. We hunted for pictures in the magazines that made us think of families. We cut them out and will glue them together. This is a great activity to use to open conversations.
To release some energy we went into Kleberg Hall and played Simon Says. We had fun acting out different animals as we worked on our listening skills. We also had fun working together as a group to keep the beanbags bouncing on the parachute and not fall on the floor.
This morning we enjoyed sharing our family photos and talking about some of the things our families like to do together. Last Friday, we picked an ornamental gourd from our garden and put it in our discovery table. We cut it open today to examine the insides. We talked about different uses for gourds. I have one from 2 years ago that we keep in with the instruments. Now that it is dry, it makes a great shaker.
Today was the first day of Spanish class. I will post the list of who goes when. There are 2 different class times and the classes are mixed with older and younger friends. Next week we will start our music class on Tuesdays and movement on Fridays. Chapel will begin on Sept. 23rd. Have a good evening. Looks like the rains are on their way out.
Highlights from Ms. Cindy's class this week...(Henry's teacher)
Well, according to our question of the day, most of us like rainy days. We'll see how we feel about that at the end of this rainy week. We did have a good inside day. We started our family unit today. We read The Family Book and talked about ways families are alike and ways they are different. We are working on a family collage. We hunted for pictures in the magazines that made us think of families. We cut them out and will glue them together. This is a great activity to use to open conversations.
To release some energy we went into Kleberg Hall and played Simon Says. We had fun acting out different animals as we worked on our listening skills. We also had fun working together as a group to keep the beanbags bouncing on the parachute and not fall on the floor.
This morning we enjoyed sharing our family photos and talking about some of the things our families like to do together. Last Friday, we picked an ornamental gourd from our garden and put it in our discovery table. We cut it open today to examine the insides. We talked about different uses for gourds. I have one from 2 years ago that we keep in with the instruments. Now that it is dry, it makes a great shaker.
Today was the first day of Spanish class. I will post the list of who goes when. There are 2 different class times and the classes are mixed with older and younger friends. Next week we will start our music class on Tuesdays and movement on Fridays. Chapel will begin on Sept. 23rd. Have a good evening. Looks like the rains are on their way out.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Welcome Theo!
My childhood besty since 5th grade had her baby! She is a hero of labor. Truly one for the books. We were texting at 10PM about her water breaking but she had no contractions and by 1:45 Theo was born! By the time she got to the Brooklyn Birthing Center she was fully dilated--woh! He's beautiful and I can't wait to meet him (someday.....).Congrats to Marci and Jay!
Welcome Theo!
My childhood besty since 5th grade had her baby! She is a hero of labor. Truly one for the books. We were texting at 10PM about her water breaking but she had no contractions and by 1:45 Theo was born! By the time she got to the Brooklyn Birthing Center she was fully dilated--woh! He's beautiful and I can't wait to meet him (someday.....).Congrats to Marci and Jay!
Monday, September 6, 2010
Hanging out...(Video)
(Dear loved ones of an older generation -- the pics we post with arrows on them are videos:-)
And for the record, Henry is chewing gum, not sand.
And for the record, Henry is chewing gum, not sand.
Hanging out...(Video)
(Dear loved ones of an older generation -- the pics we post with arrows on them are videos:-)
And for the record, Henry is chewing gum, not sand.
And for the record, Henry is chewing gum, not sand.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
A Bedtime Happy Birthday, For Uncle Karl
I told him to make a face like Uncle Karl
I accidentally woke her for this but you're just that special.A Bedtime Happy Birthday, For Uncle Karl
I told him to make a face like Uncle Karl
I accidentally woke her for this but you're just that special.Friday, September 3, 2010
Today at school...from H's teacher
Good Afternoon,
Well, Mother Nature played right into our hands. We were planning on playing with water and mud just like the children in Preschool to the Rescue. So, we enjoyed an extra long inside time playing with blocks, painting red and yellow pictures, racing cars, and having an indoor picnic in the home center. We also played several rounds of freeze dance. Every time the music stopped we would make a face to express a certain emotion. We'll be talking about our emotions and how we look when we feel a certain way. This is a good way for them to be able to pick up on each others cues and lessen conflict.
The rain stopped by the time we got ready for lunch. So, we were able to go outside and play with the mud puddles that were left behind. We drove the cars into the muddy sand. Then made mud pies and mud cakes. We had a blast.
Today at school...from H's teacher
Good Afternoon,
Well, Mother Nature played right into our hands. We were planning on playing with water and mud just like the children in Preschool to the Rescue. So, we enjoyed an extra long inside time playing with blocks, painting red and yellow pictures, racing cars, and having an indoor picnic in the home center. We also played several rounds of freeze dance. Every time the music stopped we would make a face to express a certain emotion. We'll be talking about our emotions and how we look when we feel a certain way. This is a good way for them to be able to pick up on each others cues and lessen conflict.
The rain stopped by the time we got ready for lunch. So, we were able to go outside and play with the mud puddles that were left behind. We drove the cars into the muddy sand. Then made mud pies and mud cakes. We had a blast.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
The latest developments...
I suppose a lot has been going on lately but we're both too exhausted to keep up. Henry and Eleanor are developing at the speed of light. I have been doing a poor job documenting Henry's cognitive and social development over the last 6 months and now I no longer remember when things began. For instance, he can spell his name. He can identify at least half of the written alphabet. The first word he ever read (besides his name) was probably about 6 weeks ago and it was "Boy". I have a book w/ boy in the title and it was lying on the floor and he said, "B O Y boy". He can identify several written numbers and count objects up to about 8 and can count to 20 by rote. He loves books, like most preschoolers. He likes to sit quietly and turn the pages. Or he will "read" the books to us by memory. He understands concepts like tallest, biggest, fastest, same, more, etc. His speech is understandable to probably anyone, even our half deaf neighbor across the street (Henry's a bit on the loud side) and he uses and understands prepositions like on, in, under, above, below, etc. He can recite the words to several songs. We always have music playing and he enjoys singing along. His favorite songs are the old Disney classics (Hi Ho, Bippity Boppity Boo, Unbirthday song, Never smile at a Crocodile, Aristocats, etc.) He uses past, present and future tense but still makes some mistakes. He is very friendly and outgoing but prefers to approach as opposed to being approached. He HATES it when someone initiates affection with him (besides his parents, of course). He will either shout, "NO!", run and hide, or say, "I don't like that!" if someone comes at him with open arms ready to cuddle. BUT, if you wait, and let him come to you, he will be very friendly and affectionate. He likes to talk to himself, his toys, Eleanor, the cat, when he is by himself. He still uses his lovie (a tattered sheet we used to swaddle him in as a baby) but has quit the paci (sometimes we let him use his sister's baby paci for the occasional nap but he does not need it to sleep). And the last thing I can think of is he has learned the fine art of buttering someone up. For example, yesterday he came up to me and wrapped his arms around me and said, "I love you mom. You're my best friend today." I said thanks and then he said, "Can I have a snack while I watch TV?"
The hardest part about this age (for me) is the sensitivity. Any remote amount of frustration on our part reduces Henry to tears. He will say, "Be my friend!" or he will ask, "Are you mad at me? Please don't be mad at me." So, say I've asked him to come get in the bath 3 times and now I am using a firm voice, he will say, "Are you mad?" The other occupational hazard of mothering a 3 year old is the constant questions that really have no good answer. "Why is that dolphin jumping?" "Why do cats have paws?" etc.
Eleanor. She is all about ME (or us..she's the same w/ her dad). She has kicked it up several notches too in terms of difficulty. I can no longer just leave her on the floor with some blocks and then go clean the house, like I could before. She just yells for me. I remember this phase with Henry and it's not fun. I pretty much have to carry her around with me all over the house or I will have to hear lots of yelling which irritates Henry and causes him to yell back. And then I want to walk out the front door. So, instead, I just keep her on my person at all times. YAY!
A quick note about food. Henry is a really good eater. He will eat almost anything we eat. He gets at least 10 servings of fresh fruits/veggies a day (which is why we're poor). "Hey, that's my broccoli!" is an actual quote from him. Yesterday we went to a local farm to get some eggs and things and he ate 14 or 15 cherry tomatoes and probably 10 raw green beans in the car on the way home. And guess what? His sister HATES vegetables. She will spit them right out. Doesn't matter if it's pureed, cut up, jarred, fresh, powdered, frozen, she will refuse. I can get her to eat a small amount of avocado, small amount of sweet potato, she will "chew" on green beans, and that's about it. She will eat any fruit though. I made beets tonight after the kids were asleep so we'll see how that goes tomorrow. She summarily rejects anything green (won't even pick up a pea) so since beets are red I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
There's more to say about E but I'm going to wait. It's past 10 and this is already long enough.
The hardest part about this age (for me) is the sensitivity. Any remote amount of frustration on our part reduces Henry to tears. He will say, "Be my friend!" or he will ask, "Are you mad at me? Please don't be mad at me." So, say I've asked him to come get in the bath 3 times and now I am using a firm voice, he will say, "Are you mad?" The other occupational hazard of mothering a 3 year old is the constant questions that really have no good answer. "Why is that dolphin jumping?" "Why do cats have paws?" etc.
Eleanor. She is all about ME (or us..she's the same w/ her dad). She has kicked it up several notches too in terms of difficulty. I can no longer just leave her on the floor with some blocks and then go clean the house, like I could before. She just yells for me. I remember this phase with Henry and it's not fun. I pretty much have to carry her around with me all over the house or I will have to hear lots of yelling which irritates Henry and causes him to yell back. And then I want to walk out the front door. So, instead, I just keep her on my person at all times. YAY!
A quick note about food. Henry is a really good eater. He will eat almost anything we eat. He gets at least 10 servings of fresh fruits/veggies a day (which is why we're poor). "Hey, that's my broccoli!" is an actual quote from him. Yesterday we went to a local farm to get some eggs and things and he ate 14 or 15 cherry tomatoes and probably 10 raw green beans in the car on the way home. And guess what? His sister HATES vegetables. She will spit them right out. Doesn't matter if it's pureed, cut up, jarred, fresh, powdered, frozen, she will refuse. I can get her to eat a small amount of avocado, small amount of sweet potato, she will "chew" on green beans, and that's about it. She will eat any fruit though. I made beets tonight after the kids were asleep so we'll see how that goes tomorrow. She summarily rejects anything green (won't even pick up a pea) so since beets are red I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
There's more to say about E but I'm going to wait. It's past 10 and this is already long enough.
The latest developments...
I suppose a lot has been going on lately but we're both too exhausted to keep up. Henry and Eleanor are developing at the speed of light. I have been doing a poor job documenting Henry's cognitive and social development over the last 6 months and now I no longer remember when things began. For instance, he can spell his name. He can identify at least half of the written alphabet. The first word he ever read (besides his name) was probably about 6 weeks ago and it was "Boy". I have a book w/ boy in the title and it was lying on the floor and he said, "B O Y boy". He can identify several written numbers and count objects up to about 8 and can count to 20 by rote. He loves books, like most preschoolers. He likes to sit quietly and turn the pages. Or he will "read" the books to us by memory. He understands concepts like tallest, biggest, fastest, same, more, etc. His speech is understandable to probably anyone, even our half deaf neighbor across the street (Henry's a bit on the loud side) and he uses and understands prepositions like on, in, under, above, below, etc. He can recite the words to several songs. We always have music playing and he enjoys singing along. His favorite songs are the old Disney classics (Hi Ho, Bippity Boppity Boo, Unbirthday song, Never smile at a Crocodile, Aristocats, etc.) He uses past, present and future tense but still makes some mistakes. He is very friendly and outgoing but prefers to approach as opposed to being approached. He HATES it when someone initiates affection with him (besides his parents, of course). He will either shout, "NO!", run and hide, or say, "I don't like that!" if someone comes at him with open arms ready to cuddle. BUT, if you wait, and let him come to you, he will be very friendly and affectionate. He likes to talk to himself, his toys, Eleanor, the cat, when he is by himself. He still uses his lovie (a tattered sheet we used to swaddle him in as a baby) but has quit the paci (sometimes we let him use his sister's baby paci for the occasional nap but he does not need it to sleep). And the last thing I can think of is he has learned the fine art of buttering someone up. For example, yesterday he came up to me and wrapped his arms around me and said, "I love you mom. You're my best friend today." I said thanks and then he said, "Can I have a snack while I watch TV?"
The hardest part about this age (for me) is the sensitivity. Any remote amount of frustration on our part reduces Henry to tears. He will say, "Be my friend!" or he will ask, "Are you mad at me? Please don't be mad at me." So, say I've asked him to come get in the bath 3 times and now I am using a firm voice, he will say, "Are you mad?" The other occupational hazard of mothering a 3 year old is the constant questions that really have no good answer. "Why is that dolphin jumping?" "Why do cats have paws?" etc.
Eleanor. She is all about ME (or us..she's the same w/ her dad). She has kicked it up several notches too in terms of difficulty. I can no longer just leave her on the floor with some blocks and then go clean the house, like I could before. She just yells for me. I remember this phase with Henry and it's not fun. I pretty much have to carry her around with me all over the house or I will have to hear lots of yelling which irritates Henry and causes him to yell back. And then I want to walk out the front door. So, instead, I just keep her on my person at all times. YAY!
A quick note about food. Henry is a really good eater. He will eat almost anything we eat. He gets at least 10 servings of fresh fruits/veggies a day (which is why we're poor). "Hey, that's my broccoli!" is an actual quote from him. Yesterday we went to a local farm to get some eggs and things and he ate 14 or 15 cherry tomatoes and probably 10 raw green beans in the car on the way home. And guess what? His sister HATES vegetables. She will spit them right out. Doesn't matter if it's pureed, cut up, jarred, fresh, powdered, frozen, she will refuse. I can get her to eat a small amount of avocado, small amount of sweet potato, she will "chew" on green beans, and that's about it. She will eat any fruit though. I made beets tonight after the kids were asleep so we'll see how that goes tomorrow. She summarily rejects anything green (won't even pick up a pea) so since beets are red I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
There's more to say about E but I'm going to wait. It's past 10 and this is already long enough.
The hardest part about this age (for me) is the sensitivity. Any remote amount of frustration on our part reduces Henry to tears. He will say, "Be my friend!" or he will ask, "Are you mad at me? Please don't be mad at me." So, say I've asked him to come get in the bath 3 times and now I am using a firm voice, he will say, "Are you mad?" The other occupational hazard of mothering a 3 year old is the constant questions that really have no good answer. "Why is that dolphin jumping?" "Why do cats have paws?" etc.
Eleanor. She is all about ME (or us..she's the same w/ her dad). She has kicked it up several notches too in terms of difficulty. I can no longer just leave her on the floor with some blocks and then go clean the house, like I could before. She just yells for me. I remember this phase with Henry and it's not fun. I pretty much have to carry her around with me all over the house or I will have to hear lots of yelling which irritates Henry and causes him to yell back. And then I want to walk out the front door. So, instead, I just keep her on my person at all times. YAY!
A quick note about food. Henry is a really good eater. He will eat almost anything we eat. He gets at least 10 servings of fresh fruits/veggies a day (which is why we're poor). "Hey, that's my broccoli!" is an actual quote from him. Yesterday we went to a local farm to get some eggs and things and he ate 14 or 15 cherry tomatoes and probably 10 raw green beans in the car on the way home. And guess what? His sister HATES vegetables. She will spit them right out. Doesn't matter if it's pureed, cut up, jarred, fresh, powdered, frozen, she will refuse. I can get her to eat a small amount of avocado, small amount of sweet potato, she will "chew" on green beans, and that's about it. She will eat any fruit though. I made beets tonight after the kids were asleep so we'll see how that goes tomorrow. She summarily rejects anything green (won't even pick up a pea) so since beets are red I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
There's more to say about E but I'm going to wait. It's past 10 and this is already long enough.
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