Today, the boys and I went to lunch with Ama. It was a buffet and the boys had a blast stuffing their respective mouths full of buffet-esque food. The food was everywhere...the table, their faces, their clothes, I even found some while changing B later. Anyway, after they had finished their "main" courses, I brought them each a few cubed slices of various colored jello. M has had jello before, but I can't recall whether or not B has. Regardless, it was a big hit with both boys and when B had finished shoveling in his last piece, he turned to me and said, "Mo jejo." (More jello). His first sentence. I was/am so proud of him.
Fifteen minutes later, we said goodbye to Ama and B said his second ever sentence. "Bu-bu Myma." (Bye-bye Ama) Could you just die from the cuteness?...admit it, you could.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
Lately, I've been teaching B the names of the parts of his head. He has learned to point to his hair, nose, eyes and mouth when asked. He especially loves pointing to his eyes and then trying to poke out my eyeballs...at that point he giggles hysterically and then tries all over again. The kid has a mean streak.
Tonight the four of us ate dinner together and I was showing Papa Bear B's new skill of identifying his different facial features. When asked to show where his eyes are, B fluttered his eyes and then smiled a huge, proud smile. P.B. was thrilled. When asked where his nose was located, B pointed to it with his food-covered index finger. When asked where his mouth was, B picked up his fork and put his food in his mouth. I started to ask B to show P.B. where his hair was when the much wiser-than-mama parental figure indicated that filthy hands and hair were not a good combination.
Tonight the four of us ate dinner together and I was showing Papa Bear B's new skill of identifying his different facial features. When asked to show where his eyes are, B fluttered his eyes and then smiled a huge, proud smile. P.B. was thrilled. When asked where his nose was located, B pointed to it with his food-covered index finger. When asked where his mouth was, B picked up his fork and put his food in his mouth. I started to ask B to show P.B. where his hair was when the much wiser-than-mama parental figure indicated that filthy hands and hair were not a good combination.
The Second Egg Hunt
Yesterday, the boys went on their second egg-hunt of the week. This time, I determined not to stress out for M over the whole thing and just let him do what he wanted. There were a ton of kids this time, because this playgroup is much bigger and M waited in eager anticipation to begin gathering his treats. When the organizers said to go, M ran with all the rest of the kids. I was so proud as he began to gather his eggs while I followed with B in one arm and the video camera in the other.
As M stopped after finding the first batch of eggs, I am embarrassed to report that I am caught on film urging him to go find some more. The funny part is that M had stopped to check out the trees or something of that elk. He literally just stopped in the middle of the event and started looking around...I'm not positive that he was looking for eggs. Well, that's him.
After I urged him to gather more eggs, I had to tell him that he had gathered enough and that it was time to stop...I wanted to make sure that all the kids got their fair share. M wouldn't stop. Again, so proud:)
M and B sat down to enjoy the gooey goodness of M's hard work. It was then that I noticed that a bird had taken a big old crap on M's head. I hear that's good luck. That's what I told myself as I scrubbed it off his hair with wet wipes and then poured antibacterial hand cleaner over his head.
As M stopped after finding the first batch of eggs, I am embarrassed to report that I am caught on film urging him to go find some more. The funny part is that M had stopped to check out the trees or something of that elk. He literally just stopped in the middle of the event and started looking around...I'm not positive that he was looking for eggs. Well, that's him.
After I urged him to gather more eggs, I had to tell him that he had gathered enough and that it was time to stop...I wanted to make sure that all the kids got their fair share. M wouldn't stop. Again, so proud:)
M and B sat down to enjoy the gooey goodness of M's hard work. It was then that I noticed that a bird had taken a big old crap on M's head. I hear that's good luck. That's what I told myself as I scrubbed it off his hair with wet wipes and then poured antibacterial hand cleaner over his head.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Egg Hunting
Yesterday, the boys went a-hunting for candy filled plastic eggs. Don't judge me...it was a Spring egg-hunt, nothing more. Last year, M was very hesitant and barely collected any eggs because he is so cautious and observant and the other kids would come over and grab the eggs he was trying to collect and he simply allowed it. Obviously this is simply his personality, but it makes me feel badly for him, like he's getting walked over or taken advantage of. I'm sure it doesn't bother M at all, but just watching him makes me want tobeat all of the other kids to the perimeter and
let my baby grab what he wants. I never claimed
to be rational.
Well, this year M knew what the multi-colored plastic eggs were as soon as he saw them on the kitchen counter. He began incessantly bugging me about touching them, holding th
em, opening them etc. I used these opportunities to be the worst kind of soccer mom in the world...I began "coaching" him on how to grab the eggs when we went on the hunt and to run around and grab as many as he could. (Just a note, this makes no sense for a number of reasons. First of all, if M is having fun, who really cares how many eggs he collects. Second, it's not like I'm really going to let him eat the candy from a bunch of eggs. Lastly, why do I care this much about something so unimportant? I guess I should think about this and work on it.) Anyway, M kind of nodded while his eyes turned glazed and he continued trying to figure out how to get his hands on the candy-filled-eggs. I wonder if he wanted the eggs or the candy inside more.
em, opening them etc. I used these opportunities to be the worst kind of soccer mom in the world...I began "coaching" him on how to grab the eggs when we went on the hunt and to run around and grab as many as he could. (Just a note, this makes no sense for a number of reasons. First of all, if M is having fun, who really cares how many eggs he collects. Second, it's not like I'm really going to let him eat the candy from a bunch of eggs. Lastly, why do I care this much about something so unimportant? I guess I should think about this and work on it.) Anyway, M kind of nodded while his eyes turned glazed and he continued trying to figure out how to get his hands on the candy-filled-eggs. I wonder if he wanted the eggs or the candy inside more. On the way to th
e park, I handed the boys their baskets (NOT Easter baskets) and once again instructed M on what he was supposed to do. We arrived at the park and all the kids gathered to wait for the hunt to begin while some of the moms hid the eggs. The anticipation was palpable and the kids could barely sit still...all except for M who waited patiently. Seriously, all the other kids got up and ran towards where the eggs were hidden and I had to once again remind M to shuffle or he wouldn't get any. Once again I ask, what in the world is wrong with me. M is slow. He does everything slowly and doesn't seem bothered by much at all. Why can't I just leave him
be?
e park, I handed the boys their baskets (NOT Easter baskets) and once again instructed M on what he was supposed to do. We arrived at the park and all the kids gathered to wait for the hunt to begin while some of the moms hid the eggs. The anticipation was palpable and the kids could barely sit still...all except for M who waited patiently. Seriously, all the other kids got up and ran towards where the eggs were hidden and I had to once again remind M to shuffle or he wouldn't get any. Once again I ask, what in the world is wrong with me. M is slow. He does everything slowly and doesn't seem bothered by much at all. Why can't I just leave himbe?
With my constant prodding and pushing, M managed to collect about a dozen eggs and had the time of his life stuffing his face with sugary delights. B, who I would have thought would be more aggressive, was apparently too young to understand and
just stood in place watching the goings-on. He finally managed to pick up one egg and was thrilled to share the goodies of M's hard work. The boys had fun playing in the park afterwards and the bulk of their spoils remains in the trunk of the car...hopefully to never be remembered.
just stood in place watching the goings-on. He finally managed to pick up one egg and was thrilled to share the goodies of M's hard work. The boys had fun playing in the park afterwards and the bulk of their spoils remains in the trunk of the car...hopefully to never be remembered.Tuesday, March 4, 2008
M at 3
Things I want to remember about M at 3 years old:
1)His sentences regularly consist of 3 to 8 words. (Yesterday, he used a 10 word sentence.)
2)He doesn't like any vegetables, but loves a variety of fruit and his favorite food is pot stickers.
3)His appetite has finally shrunk down to a manageable size and B regularly eats more than M.
4)He must have a night-light on to sleep at night and is afraid to go into any room if it is dark.
5)He likes to build space ships with his legos and says, "Ready, set, go. Blastoff!"
6)He can count to ten and then says, 11, 12, 14, 17, 19 or some variation of this.
7)He knows all of his rainbow colors including white and black.
8)He can identify many animals and knows what sounds they make, he knows what some of them eat and also what some of the do (i.e. swim, run, etc.)
9)He knows that he is three and can hold up three fingers to indicate such.
10)He tells me what he wants, when he wants it and how he wants it.
11)He can use the toilet, but is currently revolting.
12)He loves animals.
13)He can put on his underwear and pants by himself but almost always puts them on backwards.
14)He can wash his own hands, dry them afterwards and brush his own teeth. (The quality of the job done on the last item is debatable.)
15)He can put on his own shoes and socks. The shoes are invariably placed on the wrong foot.
16)He loves to say, "No, mommy I do it myself."
17)He grabs toys out of B's hands with great frequency and really pushes his brother around.
18)If he perceives that I or anyone else has harmed B, he gets very protective and will tell that person to leave B alone. He tells me to say sorry to B and give him a hug.
19)He still carries his "blankie" with him everywhere and likes to suck on it.
20)He loves firetrucks, garbage trucks, and tractors. He also loves the Care Bears.
21)He loves books and reading. They are probably his favorite toy.
22)He can say "cheers" in three languages, and almost cracks the glasses in each language.
23)He loves his guitars, drum and annoying kids' music cd's.
24)He now asks to go to school to see his teacher, Ms. Wendy. He loves P.E. with Ms. Tammy and music with Ms. Jan.
25)When he's upset with Papa Bear he tells P.B. to go to work. When he's upset with me, he tells me to go to Target.
1)His sentences regularly consist of 3 to 8 words. (Yesterday, he used a 10 word sentence.)
2)He doesn't like any vegetables, but loves a variety of fruit and his favorite food is pot stickers.
3)His appetite has finally shrunk down to a manageable size and B regularly eats more than M.
4)He must have a night-light on to sleep at night and is afraid to go into any room if it is dark.
5)He likes to build space ships with his legos and says, "Ready, set, go. Blastoff!"
6)He can count to ten and then says, 11, 12, 14, 17, 19 or some variation of this.
7)He knows all of his rainbow colors including white and black.
8)He can identify many animals and knows what sounds they make, he knows what some of them eat and also what some of the do (i.e. swim, run, etc.)
9)He knows that he is three and can hold up three fingers to indicate such.
10)He tells me what he wants, when he wants it and how he wants it.
11)He can use the toilet, but is currently revolting.
12)He loves animals.
13)He can put on his underwear and pants by himself but almost always puts them on backwards.
14)He can wash his own hands, dry them afterwards and brush his own teeth. (The quality of the job done on the last item is debatable.)
15)He can put on his own shoes and socks. The shoes are invariably placed on the wrong foot.
16)He loves to say, "No, mommy I do it myself."
17)He grabs toys out of B's hands with great frequency and really pushes his brother around.
18)If he perceives that I or anyone else has harmed B, he gets very protective and will tell that person to leave B alone. He tells me to say sorry to B and give him a hug.
19)He still carries his "blankie" with him everywhere and likes to suck on it.
20)He loves firetrucks, garbage trucks, and tractors. He also loves the Care Bears.
21)He loves books and reading. They are probably his favorite toy.
22)He can say "cheers" in three languages, and almost cracks the glasses in each language.
23)He loves his guitars, drum and annoying kids' music cd's.
24)He now asks to go to school to see his teacher, Ms. Wendy. He loves P.E. with Ms. Tammy and music with Ms. Jan.
25)When he's upset with Papa Bear he tells P.B. to go to work. When he's upset with me, he tells me to go to Target.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Back Off...Those Fries Are Mine!
Late last Friday afternoon, after finishing playing at the park, the boys and I drove into Dublin to meet Papa Bear for dinner. We picked up P.B. and then drove around for a while looking for somewhere to eat...as usual it was very well organized. P.B. suggested Popeye's Chicken to which I adamantly refused on the fact that it looks just as gross as KFC. So, as the boys started whining and all of our tempers began to fray, P.B. made the decision that we should all go to Burger King. I know, just as awful as Popeye's.
P.B. took M to the front of the restaurant to order and I took B with me to find a table. The boys were very excited; M because he knows what fast food is and B because everything is exciting to a 16 month old. Anyway, P.B. ordered chicken nuggets and french fries for the boys. I know what you're thinking...a very healthy meal:)
To my knowledge, B has never had fries before, but M has and they are definitely a favorite of his. P.B. poured the cup of fries out onto the paper-covered tray and allowed the boys to grab freely from them. It was like B had found Nirvana. I have never seen a person, or anything else for that matter, eat so voraciously. He stuffed those taters into his mouth like he hadn't eaten in weeks, but I can tell you that he had just consumed a full snack about two hours earlier. The boys dipped those fries into ketchup and ranch dressing (my fault for opening the dressing) and made an absolute mess of themselves.
The fun really started when the supply of fries began to dwindle. The boys were seated on opposite sides of the table with the tray in between them. B started to pull the tray towards himself and away from M. M was not going to stand for this and began pulling the tray towards himself. Fearing that the remaining fries would end up on the ground, I put a portion on a napkin in front of each boy. Apparently B thought that this was not enough and started to deposit the remaining fries from the tray onto his napkin. M started complaining loudly about this injustice and tried to grab some of the fries back from B. I was now scared that there would be a fry revolt, so I divvied up all of the remaining fries to each boy and hoped this would end the problem. Instead, both boys crammed the fries into their mouths and started complaining/crying/begging for more.
P.B. ended up buying more french fries and I am left wondering what the heck is in those things that makes two toddlers act like lions in the wild fighting over their kill.
P.B. took M to the front of the restaurant to order and I took B with me to find a table. The boys were very excited; M because he knows what fast food is and B because everything is exciting to a 16 month old. Anyway, P.B. ordered chicken nuggets and french fries for the boys. I know what you're thinking...a very healthy meal:)
To my knowledge, B has never had fries before, but M has and they are definitely a favorite of his. P.B. poured the cup of fries out onto the paper-covered tray and allowed the boys to grab freely from them. It was like B had found Nirvana. I have never seen a person, or anything else for that matter, eat so voraciously. He stuffed those taters into his mouth like he hadn't eaten in weeks, but I can tell you that he had just consumed a full snack about two hours earlier. The boys dipped those fries into ketchup and ranch dressing (my fault for opening the dressing) and made an absolute mess of themselves.
The fun really started when the supply of fries began to dwindle. The boys were seated on opposite sides of the table with the tray in between them. B started to pull the tray towards himself and away from M. M was not going to stand for this and began pulling the tray towards himself. Fearing that the remaining fries would end up on the ground, I put a portion on a napkin in front of each boy. Apparently B thought that this was not enough and started to deposit the remaining fries from the tray onto his napkin. M started complaining loudly about this injustice and tried to grab some of the fries back from B. I was now scared that there would be a fry revolt, so I divvied up all of the remaining fries to each boy and hoped this would end the problem. Instead, both boys crammed the fries into their mouths and started complaining/crying/begging for more.
P.B. ended up buying more french fries and I am left wondering what the heck is in those things that makes two toddlers act like lions in the wild fighting over their kill.
The Case of The Swarming Birds
Last Tuesday, I took the boys to visit Ama and Agong in the afternoon. The boys love walking to the park right around the corner from their grandparents' house, so we try to make a trip there pretty frequently. The weather was fairly mild that day and I brought some crackers to feed the ducks, so I knew the boys would be pretty excited.
We walked to the duck pond with fairly frequent stops so that M could pick up sticks and throw pebbles into the stream. About halfway to the pond, we had to stop to let B get out of the stroller so that he too could pick up sticks and pebbles. What should have been a ten minute walk to the pond turned into something like 45 minutes...walking with young boys is always an adventure.
When we finally made it to the pond, I asked the boys if they wanted to feed the ducks...of course, they did. I gave M a baggy of crackers and the ducks and geese waddled over to him. I gave B a baggy, too, but he was too enthralled with watching the birds swarm that he forgot all about the crackers. Both boys were squealing with laughter and pointing out all the birds. The birds were very mellow and we didn't feel swarmed or invaded at all; even the biggest, meanest goose wasn't being too pushy. In a minute it will become clear why I mention this.
After the feeding was through, the boys chased the ducks around for a good fifteen minutes. They had a great time...I can't say the same for the poor birds. I'm not sure they actually enjoy having two unpredictable boys chasing and screaming at them.
Anyway, two teenagers approached us and asked if we wanted a bag of bread to feed the birds because they were done. They said that the geese had been chasing them...this probably should have raised a red flag for me, but it didn't. I told them that would be great and began to hand the boys some torn up pieces of bread. B was very happy and began to eat a piece...that kid always wants to eat. As soon as the birds caught wind of the bread in our possession, there was a rampage. Every bird in the vicinity, probably around a hundred, swarmed in and were basically trying to eat the bread right out of the boys' hands. B started crying and M yelled at the biggest, meanest goose, "You go away! You are a bad goose! You leave us alone, bad goose!"
While trying not to laugh at M's words, I was trying to shoo off some of the more aggressive birds. Some of them were actually fighting with each other over the bread. It was a bit tense as I picked up B and Ama tried to get M to a different location so the birds weren't completely encircling us. We quickly emptied the bag of bread and moved away so that the foul would leave us alone, me holding B and M hiding behind Ama's legs. Since I doubt we were actually in any danger, it was fairly humorous for me and Ama. Apparently there was no lasting trauma for the boys because as soon as the bread was gone and the birds had settled down, my little munchkins started chasing the smaller ducks again.
It would seem that while crackers pose mild enjoyment for the birds, bread is like crack to them and they can't get enough. Lesson learned...until next time.
We walked to the duck pond with fairly frequent stops so that M could pick up sticks and throw pebbles into the stream. About halfway to the pond, we had to stop to let B get out of the stroller so that he too could pick up sticks and pebbles. What should have been a ten minute walk to the pond turned into something like 45 minutes...walking with young boys is always an adventure.
When we finally made it to the pond, I asked the boys if they wanted to feed the ducks...of course, they did. I gave M a baggy of crackers and the ducks and geese waddled over to him. I gave B a baggy, too, but he was too enthralled with watching the birds swarm that he forgot all about the crackers. Both boys were squealing with laughter and pointing out all the birds. The birds were very mellow and we didn't feel swarmed or invaded at all; even the biggest, meanest goose wasn't being too pushy. In a minute it will become clear why I mention this.
After the feeding was through, the boys chased the ducks around for a good fifteen minutes. They had a great time...I can't say the same for the poor birds. I'm not sure they actually enjoy having two unpredictable boys chasing and screaming at them.
Anyway, two teenagers approached us and asked if we wanted a bag of bread to feed the birds because they were done. They said that the geese had been chasing them...this probably should have raised a red flag for me, but it didn't. I told them that would be great and began to hand the boys some torn up pieces of bread. B was very happy and began to eat a piece...that kid always wants to eat. As soon as the birds caught wind of the bread in our possession, there was a rampage. Every bird in the vicinity, probably around a hundred, swarmed in and were basically trying to eat the bread right out of the boys' hands. B started crying and M yelled at the biggest, meanest goose, "You go away! You are a bad goose! You leave us alone, bad goose!"
While trying not to laugh at M's words, I was trying to shoo off some of the more aggressive birds. Some of them were actually fighting with each other over the bread. It was a bit tense as I picked up B and Ama tried to get M to a different location so the birds weren't completely encircling us. We quickly emptied the bag of bread and moved away so that the foul would leave us alone, me holding B and M hiding behind Ama's legs. Since I doubt we were actually in any danger, it was fairly humorous for me and Ama. Apparently there was no lasting trauma for the boys because as soon as the bread was gone and the birds had settled down, my little munchkins started chasing the smaller ducks again.
It would seem that while crackers pose mild enjoyment for the birds, bread is like crack to them and they can't get enough. Lesson learned...until next time.
Give Him a Time-out
The following story was relayed to me by Papa Bear.
Yesterday, P.B. was out in the back yard playing with the boys and Scooby. They were climbing on the play structure and chasing balls...I hope you can figure out who was doing which activity. Anyway, apparently M got in the way of Scooby chasing a ball and since the latter has no idea how to stop himself from his desired destination, M got knocked over in the fray. M immediately started crying hysterically, although according to P.B., he was not hurt. With tears streaming down his face, M cried to P.B., "Scooby hurt me! You put him in time-out!"
P.B. said okay and told Scooby to sit down. I'm SURE Scooby learned his lesson.
Yesterday, P.B. was out in the back yard playing with the boys and Scooby. They were climbing on the play structure and chasing balls...I hope you can figure out who was doing which activity. Anyway, apparently M got in the way of Scooby chasing a ball and since the latter has no idea how to stop himself from his desired destination, M got knocked over in the fray. M immediately started crying hysterically, although according to P.B., he was not hurt. With tears streaming down his face, M cried to P.B., "Scooby hurt me! You put him in time-out!"
P.B. said okay and told Scooby to sit down. I'm SURE Scooby learned his lesson.