Baby fever is hitting our house. Between me being unable to move, the kids' excitement for their new brother, the chores and errands to get ready for the new guy, and the general disbelief and entertainment for all at my HUGE stomach, very little time goes by around here without talk of 'the new baby'. Mallie has been the biggest proponent of helping me get ready. She has helped me haul boxes from the attic, do laundry, fold laundry, organize toys and put things away. She is THRILLED that this is happening and is definately going to someone I rely on in a big way in a few weeks. I am so proud of her maternal instinct and tender little heart. She genuinely loves babies, and I am very happy that she's going to get her very own soon! :)
Annie is also excited. Her last words to me every night before I leave her room (through her pacifier) are, "Mom, can I hold the new baby when he comes out of your tummy?" It's definately on her mind. She will go one of two ways when the baby comes. Either I will see her flourish and become a real big sister who is proud and excited to help. Or she will regress and have a hard time with me dividing my attention. We shall see. And Jack, will get a kick out of this baby for sure. But he will probably be disappointed with how little he will be able to do at first and a little impatient with me, since he is expecting to play a huge game of baseball with me upon my arrival home from the hospital.
The Easter season was enlightening for Jack this year. He had a hard time with the living stations of the cross they saw at school on Good Friday. He told his teacher that he cried a little bit when they nailed Jesus to the cross, and she told him that she cried a little bit too. He spent a lot of time thinking about Jesus' death, almost to the point of me wondering if we exposed him to too much. But he really has an interesting way of thinking things out and a definate spiritual side that helps him understand more about that subject than other kids his age.
When Mallie refers to 'the next thing' i.e., the next Christmas, her next birthday, etc., she calls it the third. Tonight she asked me how old she will be on the third birthday. She's been talking about 'the Third Christmas' since the day after Christmas. Between this and her 'yesternight' phrase, she has her whole time sequencing vocabulary figured out! :)
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Jack had a fun day playing with his friend Xavier today. He was so incredibly excited before we dropped him off. He kept saying, "This is going to be GREAT Mom!" We dropped him off before the girls' gymnastics class and Xavier's mom dropped them off here to play after lunch. The boys seem to get along great and they didn't have any problems finding things to do. Jack's highlight of the day was 'warring' with Xavier at his house and coming up behind him and shooting him. He's told me the story 50 times and although I still don't understand the thrill, it's fun to see him so pumped about a new buddy!
After the playdate, I told Jack he could spend the money he's been saving, his 'chore money', to buy a new toy to play with during his spring break this week. (this was obviously partly to save my own sanity, but also because he's been talking about Batman toys forever and doesn't really have any to play with). We pulled into Toys R Us (or the Toy Tore, as Mallie calls it) and Jack's first comment was, "Mom, why do they spell Toys R Us with an R and not with the word 'are'?" I thought this was very perceptive of him and it totally reminded me of something my sister would say. She hates stupid abbreviations like that! :)
Annie and Mallie have been very interested in the new baby. They love to feel my tummy and seem astonished at how big it is getting. Mallie watched me pull my 'over the tummy' maternity leggings on the other day and the look on her face was priceless. When I asked her what waas the matter, she said, "Whoa!!!! That new baby is getting really, really big!" Just before I put her to bed tonight, I was on my knees in the hallway, and she came up to me and hugged 'the new baby' and nuzzled her little nose all over it. Every night before I give Annie her goodnight kiss, she holds on to me and says, "Mom, can I hold your new baby when he comes out of your tummy?" It's her last words to me every day.
I had my OB appointment on Wednesday afternoon at 1:20. I dropped Mallie off and Annie and I headed to Dr. Jhaveri. As I pulled into the parking lot, the receptionist at the office called to move the appointment back 2 hours b/c the doctor had a delivery. So, this meant I had to bring all 3 kids with me. After another lady named Erin barged in front of me when they called 'Erin', we were left to wait in the waiting room for over an hour. The kids were very well-behaved, but by the time we actually saw the doctor, things were falling apart. They got to help hold the instrument to hear the baby's heart, and made many loud comments as I re-clothed myself after the doctor left the room, (i.e., 'Mommy! I can see your butt!!!") Very embarrassing and the point of the story is I will try not to bring everyone with me to the OB in the future! :)
Mallie just asked me as I put her to bed, if someone is making a story about us. I asked her what she meant and she said "I think God is making up a tory about you and me and Jack and Daddy and Annie". I thought it was so cute and I asked her if it was going to be a happy story or sad story and she said, "A happy tory!!!"
Tom and Mary came over today because they were watching Abby and needed a little break. Annie was thrilled to have them sitting on the couch as a captive audience for anything that came to her mind. She started a very lengthy and colorful story about 'huge reindeer' in her backyard that were 'caring' her 'really a lot'. She also was taking care of a baby doll named 'Bian' who was 'growing up' (throwing up) and needed a bucket and to take a bath.
Annie had a bit of a rough time at gymnastics today. I am noticing that she gets nervous and a little embarrassed at any class I take her to (i.e. story time, etc.) and gymnastics is no exception. When it is time to do the warm ups and stretches, she gets quiet and clingy, and then the emotion turns to anger. I am never sure how to handle her when she is like this, but ignoring the anger seems to work. However, being that we pay a little more than I normally have for gymnastics class, I feel the need to push her a little more. She wasn't thrilled with me during class and was pretty whiny and angry (hitting me several times and yelling at me). Not sure if we'll be renewing Annie for the next session. Mallie is still doing great though and LOVES it. I suggested she sign up for the next older class, in which the kids go by themselves without moms. She was not a fan of the idea.
Annie's favorite word these days is 'stinkerpot', or as she pronounces it, 'tinkerpot'. And everything is a 'tinkerpot'. I am, Mallie is, Tommy is, yogurt, TV shows, the car, school, etc. She says it at least 5000 times a day. It is extremely annoying.
We were listening to the Star Wars theme in the van today. Jack told me, "Do you hear that low part Mom? That's the cello!" When I asked him how he knew that, he said he remembered learning about the cello at this ONE music class I took him to when he was 3, right after Annie was born at the Beck Center, focusing on the cello. I am still in shock that he remembers this. And it made me realize that all of those field trips we took when he was so little made an impression and I should probably be doing just as many for the girls.
On our way home from the toy store tonight, after buying a new Batman, Batmobile and super heros, Jack said we needed to go back to the store to return the toys. I asked him why and he said he had given up playing with cars and super heroes for Lent.
After the playdate, I told Jack he could spend the money he's been saving, his 'chore money', to buy a new toy to play with during his spring break this week. (this was obviously partly to save my own sanity, but also because he's been talking about Batman toys forever and doesn't really have any to play with). We pulled into Toys R Us (or the Toy Tore, as Mallie calls it) and Jack's first comment was, "Mom, why do they spell Toys R Us with an R and not with the word 'are'?" I thought this was very perceptive of him and it totally reminded me of something my sister would say. She hates stupid abbreviations like that! :)
Annie and Mallie have been very interested in the new baby. They love to feel my tummy and seem astonished at how big it is getting. Mallie watched me pull my 'over the tummy' maternity leggings on the other day and the look on her face was priceless. When I asked her what waas the matter, she said, "Whoa!!!! That new baby is getting really, really big!" Just before I put her to bed tonight, I was on my knees in the hallway, and she came up to me and hugged 'the new baby' and nuzzled her little nose all over it. Every night before I give Annie her goodnight kiss, she holds on to me and says, "Mom, can I hold your new baby when he comes out of your tummy?" It's her last words to me every day.
I had my OB appointment on Wednesday afternoon at 1:20. I dropped Mallie off and Annie and I headed to Dr. Jhaveri. As I pulled into the parking lot, the receptionist at the office called to move the appointment back 2 hours b/c the doctor had a delivery. So, this meant I had to bring all 3 kids with me. After another lady named Erin barged in front of me when they called 'Erin', we were left to wait in the waiting room for over an hour. The kids were very well-behaved, but by the time we actually saw the doctor, things were falling apart. They got to help hold the instrument to hear the baby's heart, and made many loud comments as I re-clothed myself after the doctor left the room, (i.e., 'Mommy! I can see your butt!!!") Very embarrassing and the point of the story is I will try not to bring everyone with me to the OB in the future! :)
Mallie just asked me as I put her to bed, if someone is making a story about us. I asked her what she meant and she said "I think God is making up a tory about you and me and Jack and Daddy and Annie". I thought it was so cute and I asked her if it was going to be a happy story or sad story and she said, "A happy tory!!!"
Tom and Mary came over today because they were watching Abby and needed a little break. Annie was thrilled to have them sitting on the couch as a captive audience for anything that came to her mind. She started a very lengthy and colorful story about 'huge reindeer' in her backyard that were 'caring' her 'really a lot'. She also was taking care of a baby doll named 'Bian' who was 'growing up' (throwing up) and needed a bucket and to take a bath.
Annie had a bit of a rough time at gymnastics today. I am noticing that she gets nervous and a little embarrassed at any class I take her to (i.e. story time, etc.) and gymnastics is no exception. When it is time to do the warm ups and stretches, she gets quiet and clingy, and then the emotion turns to anger. I am never sure how to handle her when she is like this, but ignoring the anger seems to work. However, being that we pay a little more than I normally have for gymnastics class, I feel the need to push her a little more. She wasn't thrilled with me during class and was pretty whiny and angry (hitting me several times and yelling at me). Not sure if we'll be renewing Annie for the next session. Mallie is still doing great though and LOVES it. I suggested she sign up for the next older class, in which the kids go by themselves without moms. She was not a fan of the idea.
Annie's favorite word these days is 'stinkerpot', or as she pronounces it, 'tinkerpot'. And everything is a 'tinkerpot'. I am, Mallie is, Tommy is, yogurt, TV shows, the car, school, etc. She says it at least 5000 times a day. It is extremely annoying.
We were listening to the Star Wars theme in the van today. Jack told me, "Do you hear that low part Mom? That's the cello!" When I asked him how he knew that, he said he remembered learning about the cello at this ONE music class I took him to when he was 3, right after Annie was born at the Beck Center, focusing on the cello. I am still in shock that he remembers this. And it made me realize that all of those field trips we took when he was so little made an impression and I should probably be doing just as many for the girls.
On our way home from the toy store tonight, after buying a new Batman, Batmobile and super heros, Jack said we needed to go back to the store to return the toys. I asked him why and he said he had given up playing with cars and super heroes for Lent.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Monday, March 15th, 2011
Today on the way home from picking Jack up from school, he saw a big group os kids walking home from St. Angela's. He said, "Hey! Look at that big group of graders walking across the street!" He calls them 'graders' becaues they are the 'big kids' and not the kindergarteners (in grades). But for a minute I wondered if he was calling them 'greaters' as if they are bigger and better!? Either way, he will be a grader next year, and when I told him that he got a big smile on his face! :)
If there is music playing, no matter what time or where we are, if I ask Jack to 'Dance it out', he stops whatever he is doing and gets his groove on. He can definately feel the beat and enjoys making me laugh with this.
Once of my favorite things that Jack says is when he is pretending to be upset and challenge what Tommy or I says. He says, "Oh yeah!?? You think so?" For some reason, this always makes me laugh. I think mostly because he knows he's kidding and tries to be serious about it.
We were reading the other night and Jack mistook the word 'chickens' for 'kickens'. This may have been the funniest thing he's ever done (for himself). He could not stop laughing and had tears rolling down his cheeks.
Mallie has been wheeling and dealing us over the past couple of weeks. We have been having problems getting the kids to shake hands at the sign of peace in church...so for better or worse, we've starting bribing them. Tommy told them they would get a quarter for each person they shook hands with. It worked for Jack, but when we asked why Mallie did not shake anyone's hand after church, she replied, "I will just find another way to get my money". When we tell her that if she doesn't finish her dinner, she will not have anything else to eat for the rest of the night, she replies, "Oh, that's OK, I will just eat in the morning." She's got it figured out. And she's only 3.
Mallie and Annie's favorite game is 'Mrs. Patton and Mrs. Rapps'. They play in my closet, wearing my high heels and walking around calling each other Mrs. Patton and Mrs. Rapps. There isn't much more to the game than that. But it sure occupies their time!
The girls started gymnastics class last week. They seem to really love it and took very little time to warm up to it and hae a great time. Even the teacher was impressed with how quickly they jumped in and how well they did. They look too cute in their pink tights and leotards that Yaya got them for Christmas.
The kids are just getting over a week's worth of illness. Jack got sick last Monday and we determined on Thursday that he had strep throat. On Friday, I took the girls for their strep tests and both were positive. Annie is still getting over it and had a fever all day today. When Annie is sick, she definately milks it. She tells us a million times a day 'I so sick." "I so sick in my tummy.' 'I need my medicine in my tummy.' 'I grow up' (which is her way of saying that she threw up). She also does these fluttery, half-opened eyes.
Annie calls paper towels 'wiper towels', the remote is the 'gamote control', the tv is the 'tvt'.
Mallie helped me make dinner tonight and announced to everyone that we were having 'beef tew!"
If there is music playing, no matter what time or where we are, if I ask Jack to 'Dance it out', he stops whatever he is doing and gets his groove on. He can definately feel the beat and enjoys making me laugh with this.
Once of my favorite things that Jack says is when he is pretending to be upset and challenge what Tommy or I says. He says, "Oh yeah!?? You think so?" For some reason, this always makes me laugh. I think mostly because he knows he's kidding and tries to be serious about it.
We were reading the other night and Jack mistook the word 'chickens' for 'kickens'. This may have been the funniest thing he's ever done (for himself). He could not stop laughing and had tears rolling down his cheeks.
Mallie has been wheeling and dealing us over the past couple of weeks. We have been having problems getting the kids to shake hands at the sign of peace in church...so for better or worse, we've starting bribing them. Tommy told them they would get a quarter for each person they shook hands with. It worked for Jack, but when we asked why Mallie did not shake anyone's hand after church, she replied, "I will just find another way to get my money". When we tell her that if she doesn't finish her dinner, she will not have anything else to eat for the rest of the night, she replies, "Oh, that's OK, I will just eat in the morning." She's got it figured out. And she's only 3.
Mallie and Annie's favorite game is 'Mrs. Patton and Mrs. Rapps'. They play in my closet, wearing my high heels and walking around calling each other Mrs. Patton and Mrs. Rapps. There isn't much more to the game than that. But it sure occupies their time!
The girls started gymnastics class last week. They seem to really love it and took very little time to warm up to it and hae a great time. Even the teacher was impressed with how quickly they jumped in and how well they did. They look too cute in their pink tights and leotards that Yaya got them for Christmas.
The kids are just getting over a week's worth of illness. Jack got sick last Monday and we determined on Thursday that he had strep throat. On Friday, I took the girls for their strep tests and both were positive. Annie is still getting over it and had a fever all day today. When Annie is sick, she definately milks it. She tells us a million times a day 'I so sick." "I so sick in my tummy.' 'I need my medicine in my tummy.' 'I grow up' (which is her way of saying that she threw up). She also does these fluttery, half-opened eyes.
Annie calls paper towels 'wiper towels', the remote is the 'gamote control', the tv is the 'tvt'.
Mallie helped me make dinner tonight and announced to everyone that we were having 'beef tew!"
Thursday, February 17, 2011
February 17th, 2011
I am sitting downstairs in our new house, listening to the kids playing in Jack's room. They LOVE the house...and so do I. We had a couple of move-in/ new-house glitches that we've had to overcome. And besides the fact that I was in early stages of pregnancy and had very little energy or patience for those, we've taken them as paar for the course. It's totally worth it, and will be even more so once the weather really warms up and we can enjoy both the outdoor aspects of the house along with the indoor, and the new neighborhood. We are thrilled.
The kids are changing and growing every day and never cease to amaze/ amuse me. They also, lately, never cease to exhaust/ drive me crazy. I've been in a definate funk for several months, which has been compounded by the exhaustion of pregnancy and the winter duldrums. Very hard for me to see out of the fog sometimes and I find myself staring into space a lot. I'm not worried about myself, except for the time I'm wasting feeling like this. There isn't much I can do about it while I am pregnant, so we'll see how much the spring/ summer help, along with my state of mind post-baby and reassess a new plan of attack then. That is enough for me right now, to know that it won't be forever that I'll be feeling this way. I just hope it's enough for the kids because they have been dealing with distant and crabby mom for a pretty long time. I don't want them forming memories of me sitting on the couch or staring out the window or planted in front of the computer as an escape. They are my life and the worst part of feeling like this is the helplessness and guilt of not being able to be the mom I want to be for them. Again, I would never allow this to go on, so we'll keep looking ahead to better times!
I'll fill you in on them now. We'll start with Jack. He is doing great with school. We are past the adjustment to being at school all day. It was kind of rough for a month or two or three. But now he seems to love it. He was his class 'VIP' a couple of weeks ago and was literally chomping at the bit to get to school every day that week. Other things that excite him like that are buying lunch at school (twice a month), the teacher/ student charity volleyball game, Winter Wipeout on TV, his basketball games on Saturday mornings, and seeing his cousins. He's a happy go lucky kid and I know how blessed I am to have him.
Mallie is doing better in school lately. She's amazingly shy and barely speaks while she is there. She seems to love it though and readily gets out of the car to go. I planned her class' Valentine's party this week and when I am at school, she wants me in her sight. She had a couple of melt-downs when I had to leave the room for a minute. But, overall she is getting better there. Mallie is very in to getting dressed by her big self these days. She is extremely capable and I can trust that if I leave an outfit out for her, it will be on her quickly and correctly.....unlike her brother who dilly-dallies, gets distracted and when the final product appears, needs to be re-done. Mallie even goes so far as to help Annie get dressed, as well. Annie has been going to her for help on many things. Mallie is extremely patient and nurturing. I rarely hear a peep out of her. She goes along with the flow and is very pleasant.
Annie is going through a bit of a terrible 2 phase. She is very angry a lot of the time, exclaiming 'Dang it!' or "I HATE_____!" or 'Not again!!" She dropped her naps several months ago, even though she still needs them desperately. 90% of our problems are from the hours between 3-7 when she is exhausted and nothing is right. She's very fiesty and is in the stage where no matter what is given to her is wrong and she lets you know it with a loud yell. I am working on redirecting and punishing, but the lack of energy is hampering that. Annie is also very funny and she knows it. Although it is totally inappropriate, her favorite word is 'Poopies' and she says it a minimum of 2000 times a day. She also has a soft side and is extremely interested in the new baby in my tummy. She tells me several times a day in a very high pitched voice, "There's a new baby in you tummy and he's gonna come out and i gonna hold him right after sissy and it's gonna be soooo cute!'.
Mallie and Annie are attached at the hip. They are best buddies and really look out for each other. They play really well and one of my favorite past times is sitting outside their door and listening to their conversations. This will only be getting better because ANnie moved into Mallie's bedroom in a big girl bed last night, so I can only imagine the conversations as they fall asleep!
The kids are changing and growing every day and never cease to amaze/ amuse me. They also, lately, never cease to exhaust/ drive me crazy. I've been in a definate funk for several months, which has been compounded by the exhaustion of pregnancy and the winter duldrums. Very hard for me to see out of the fog sometimes and I find myself staring into space a lot. I'm not worried about myself, except for the time I'm wasting feeling like this. There isn't much I can do about it while I am pregnant, so we'll see how much the spring/ summer help, along with my state of mind post-baby and reassess a new plan of attack then. That is enough for me right now, to know that it won't be forever that I'll be feeling this way. I just hope it's enough for the kids because they have been dealing with distant and crabby mom for a pretty long time. I don't want them forming memories of me sitting on the couch or staring out the window or planted in front of the computer as an escape. They are my life and the worst part of feeling like this is the helplessness and guilt of not being able to be the mom I want to be for them. Again, I would never allow this to go on, so we'll keep looking ahead to better times!
I'll fill you in on them now. We'll start with Jack. He is doing great with school. We are past the adjustment to being at school all day. It was kind of rough for a month or two or three. But now he seems to love it. He was his class 'VIP' a couple of weeks ago and was literally chomping at the bit to get to school every day that week. Other things that excite him like that are buying lunch at school (twice a month), the teacher/ student charity volleyball game, Winter Wipeout on TV, his basketball games on Saturday mornings, and seeing his cousins. He's a happy go lucky kid and I know how blessed I am to have him.
Mallie is doing better in school lately. She's amazingly shy and barely speaks while she is there. She seems to love it though and readily gets out of the car to go. I planned her class' Valentine's party this week and when I am at school, she wants me in her sight. She had a couple of melt-downs when I had to leave the room for a minute. But, overall she is getting better there. Mallie is very in to getting dressed by her big self these days. She is extremely capable and I can trust that if I leave an outfit out for her, it will be on her quickly and correctly.....unlike her brother who dilly-dallies, gets distracted and when the final product appears, needs to be re-done. Mallie even goes so far as to help Annie get dressed, as well. Annie has been going to her for help on many things. Mallie is extremely patient and nurturing. I rarely hear a peep out of her. She goes along with the flow and is very pleasant.
Annie is going through a bit of a terrible 2 phase. She is very angry a lot of the time, exclaiming 'Dang it!' or "I HATE_____!" or 'Not again!!" She dropped her naps several months ago, even though she still needs them desperately. 90% of our problems are from the hours between 3-7 when she is exhausted and nothing is right. She's very fiesty and is in the stage where no matter what is given to her is wrong and she lets you know it with a loud yell. I am working on redirecting and punishing, but the lack of energy is hampering that. Annie is also very funny and she knows it. Although it is totally inappropriate, her favorite word is 'Poopies' and she says it a minimum of 2000 times a day. She also has a soft side and is extremely interested in the new baby in my tummy. She tells me several times a day in a very high pitched voice, "There's a new baby in you tummy and he's gonna come out and i gonna hold him right after sissy and it's gonna be soooo cute!'.
Mallie and Annie are attached at the hip. They are best buddies and really look out for each other. They play really well and one of my favorite past times is sitting outside their door and listening to their conversations. This will only be getting better because ANnie moved into Mallie's bedroom in a big girl bed last night, so I can only imagine the conversations as they fall asleep!
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Still living with Yaya and Papa. Things are still going well, despite the fact that we had planned to be in a new house by the time school started. School started this week. Jack is now a kindergartener. It's been an unbelievably emotional week for mom. Second-most for Jack, and third-most, I would have to say, for Annie. Everyone else seems to be fine.
I took Jack, Mallie and Annie to Jack's kindergarten Open House on Monday. As Annie ran around the room, tearing the darling teacher's decoration off the walls and I tore after her, trying to limit her damage as much as possible, Jack and Mallie worked to put his supplies in the appropriate areas and look through his new books. When I saw Jack's name tag taped onto his desk, I nearly lost it. I held back the tears by telling myself that this was just the OPEN HOUSE. At least, wait until tomorrow's orientation to completely make a fool of myself (and Jack).
Orientation Day. We are driving down Lorain Rd. toward Auntie's to drop the girls off so I can take Jck to orientation....and it hits me. This is the last day I have my kid all to myself... to do whatever we want to do without the thought of early bedtime for school tomorrow, or looming homework..... I am now a parent of a school kid. The little guy I propped up in his high chair and feed cheerios and turkey to for lunch is now going off to luch at school, with his lunch bag. (For some reason, this lunch thing is REALLY killing me. The thought of him, sitting there, by 'his big self' (as Mallie would say), at a table, eating a packed lunch, seems So terribly cold and institutional. I hate it to this minute, so I will stop thinking about it.) We get to Auntie's and get out of the car...I'm already crying and I hear her say, "oh Buddy! You look so handsome for school!: and then it comes even harder. Uncontrollable now and ugly. She sees this and tries to calm the situation in her way, which usually works, but it's over by now. And she knows it, and starts crying herself. 'Ok, ok, what is it?' she asks in a hushed tone with the two of us smooshed into her back hallway. 'I just realized it's my last day with him!!'......WAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
Anyway, he walks into his class on orientation day... sits down without missing a beat, gets out his crayons and starts his worksheet. I am left standing on the out-skirts, just staring, in awe and with pride. He'll occasionally look up and grin with a thumbs-up. I'm trying to keep it together. The most agonizing 5 minutes of my life. He is so stinking cute. So smart. So ready. And I'm the one that is not.
Great set up to the first actual day. Luckily Tommy sensed (by sensed I mean listened to me tell him that I was going to be a disaster and needed him home) my emotions and took a day off of work for Jack's first day. We drove Jack to school together on Wednesday. He requested that we go in Tommy's car and 'listen to some Irish music' on the way there. He was pumped. More than pumped. The pictures speak for themselves (arms in the air over his head, open mouthed laughs in the front yard, showing off his bookbag). We pulled into the parking lot behind a bus and I secretly thanked God that we'd haave 10 more seconds with him while all those kids filed out. Finally, it was his turn and he jumped out of the car and darted for the door. "a-Hem!' i said....He stopped and turned around with a grin and then turned back for the door. "Please, a quick hug!' I begged! He ran back, tapped my thigh with his head and was off. A fifth grader was there to help him. He hesitated and then went in...... I was doubled over. ugggggg.
Day 2. I was crying again after drop-off. Not as bad as Day 1, but sad. When I picked him up, I could tell something was a little off. He said he hated his teacher. Turns out she had to talk to him for talking in the hall. He blurted out "that's the art area!" when his class passed the art room in the hall. Not according to rules. He was devastated. I couldn't get him to coddle him in the car on the way home, so I made up for it by grilling him about every little detail of the story when we got home. Jack gets uncomfortable when being grilled. There's a turn-off valve for him and when it's off, it's off. Didn't know this. He turned it off and I kept grilling, so he started making stuff up. He came down from his bath and said, "Mom, I'm worried about my teacher." My heart said, OH MY GOD!! YOU POOR BABAY!!!!!!!!!! LET'S TALK ALL ABOUT IT!!!!!" So, when he was done talking about the fact that he was spoken to sternly in the hallway, and I kept grilling....here are the answers I got: "I painted on my face", "I wrote all over my hands", "My card was turned to Blue and I got a ten minute time-out". "My teacher ws yelling right in my face, really loud, like Daddy yells........ PLEASE tell me what you would do!??? Because if it were me (and it was) you would email the teacher and try to figure what the 'f' is going on!!!!!! Yep.....I sure as heck did!!! Former 1st grade teacher....emailing her child's teach about non-issues on the 2nd (which in teacher language= busiest and most chaotic day of the year).... no problem Mrs. Arsena.....Mrs. Gilbride will keep you busy all year.
Return email from Mrs. Arsena went something as follows: "Oh my gosh! We haven't even used paint yet this year! Jack is doing great in class!:) We are all learning about not talking in the halls, but he has not been in trouble at all yet. If he was writing on his hands, I didn't notice it! What an imagination!!" oh, uh.....yeah..... nevermind. (i've now used my one allotted concerned correspondence to the teacher for the year on the 2nd stinking day of school.....crap).
Jack IS wiped out after school and today (saturday). I notice that he's definately low on enegery. It's a HUGE difference from preschool. I think it'll take a few weeks, but once he adjusts, the sky's the limit!!!!
Annie has been pretty upset this week. I'm not sure it's the fact that her 'Jackie' isn't here all day...but it is coincidental. She loves her Jack and asks about him immediately when she wakes up. Once she finds 'Sissy' she's ok, though. She and Mallie usually eat their breakfasts together and then disappear into the living room to play for at leat and hour while I clean up the kitchen and upstairs. They have a ball togehter. There is definately an ending point for the happy play though. They start getting bored, and then it's time for an outing. Things go unbeliveabley smoothly while Jack is at school. I feel like I am missing something the whole time.
A few weeks ago, Mallie and Annie started this intense pretend play together. They talk jibberish to each other at 100 miles an hour. They use hand motions and intonation as though they know exactly what they are talking about. Back and forth. Their babies are a huge source of imagination....along with accessories from the dress-up drawer. They are very good little buddies.
Annie has started imitating Spider Man. We call it 'spider ann'. She will run into a room, stop in the middle, squat down and hold out her arms and hands and make a 'whooshing' sound as though she is spraying out webs. She also does a great slider impression by doing the same squating action and sticking out her tummy and swishing it around. In fact, most ofher dance moves involve that squatting move....or a frontwards, backward stepping action. She in talented! :)
Annie's best word lately are 'Bitch--ell" (mitchell) Dinn-a-din (Finnegan), 'book' (milk), deep-ee-deeps (blankets) and 'pacey-pac', (pacifier)
Mallie is certainly becoming her own little person. I am not sure that I have documented the chicken story, but when we were living on Northwood, we were ridng bikes down the street when she stopped at a neighbor's driveway, saw a small group of sparrow and shouted at them, .'OUTTA MY WAY YOU CHICKENS!!!!" and drove away on her princess bike.
Here speech is endlessly amusing to me. She's leaving off the first consonant of words...so skirts are 'kirts', school is 'chool', and smoothies are 'moothsies'. She wants to do everything 'by her big self'.
I took Jack, Mallie and Annie to Jack's kindergarten Open House on Monday. As Annie ran around the room, tearing the darling teacher's decoration off the walls and I tore after her, trying to limit her damage as much as possible, Jack and Mallie worked to put his supplies in the appropriate areas and look through his new books. When I saw Jack's name tag taped onto his desk, I nearly lost it. I held back the tears by telling myself that this was just the OPEN HOUSE. At least, wait until tomorrow's orientation to completely make a fool of myself (and Jack).
Orientation Day. We are driving down Lorain Rd. toward Auntie's to drop the girls off so I can take Jck to orientation....and it hits me. This is the last day I have my kid all to myself... to do whatever we want to do without the thought of early bedtime for school tomorrow, or looming homework..... I am now a parent of a school kid. The little guy I propped up in his high chair and feed cheerios and turkey to for lunch is now going off to luch at school, with his lunch bag. (For some reason, this lunch thing is REALLY killing me. The thought of him, sitting there, by 'his big self' (as Mallie would say), at a table, eating a packed lunch, seems So terribly cold and institutional. I hate it to this minute, so I will stop thinking about it.) We get to Auntie's and get out of the car...I'm already crying and I hear her say, "oh Buddy! You look so handsome for school!: and then it comes even harder. Uncontrollable now and ugly. She sees this and tries to calm the situation in her way, which usually works, but it's over by now. And she knows it, and starts crying herself. 'Ok, ok, what is it?' she asks in a hushed tone with the two of us smooshed into her back hallway. 'I just realized it's my last day with him!!'......WAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
Anyway, he walks into his class on orientation day... sits down without missing a beat, gets out his crayons and starts his worksheet. I am left standing on the out-skirts, just staring, in awe and with pride. He'll occasionally look up and grin with a thumbs-up. I'm trying to keep it together. The most agonizing 5 minutes of my life. He is so stinking cute. So smart. So ready. And I'm the one that is not.
Great set up to the first actual day. Luckily Tommy sensed (by sensed I mean listened to me tell him that I was going to be a disaster and needed him home) my emotions and took a day off of work for Jack's first day. We drove Jack to school together on Wednesday. He requested that we go in Tommy's car and 'listen to some Irish music' on the way there. He was pumped. More than pumped. The pictures speak for themselves (arms in the air over his head, open mouthed laughs in the front yard, showing off his bookbag). We pulled into the parking lot behind a bus and I secretly thanked God that we'd haave 10 more seconds with him while all those kids filed out. Finally, it was his turn and he jumped out of the car and darted for the door. "a-Hem!' i said....He stopped and turned around with a grin and then turned back for the door. "Please, a quick hug!' I begged! He ran back, tapped my thigh with his head and was off. A fifth grader was there to help him. He hesitated and then went in...... I was doubled over. ugggggg.
Day 2. I was crying again after drop-off. Not as bad as Day 1, but sad. When I picked him up, I could tell something was a little off. He said he hated his teacher. Turns out she had to talk to him for talking in the hall. He blurted out "that's the art area!" when his class passed the art room in the hall. Not according to rules. He was devastated. I couldn't get him to coddle him in the car on the way home, so I made up for it by grilling him about every little detail of the story when we got home. Jack gets uncomfortable when being grilled. There's a turn-off valve for him and when it's off, it's off. Didn't know this. He turned it off and I kept grilling, so he started making stuff up. He came down from his bath and said, "Mom, I'm worried about my teacher." My heart said, OH MY GOD!! YOU POOR BABAY!!!!!!!!!! LET'S TALK ALL ABOUT IT!!!!!" So, when he was done talking about the fact that he was spoken to sternly in the hallway, and I kept grilling....here are the answers I got: "I painted on my face", "I wrote all over my hands", "My card was turned to Blue and I got a ten minute time-out". "My teacher ws yelling right in my face, really loud, like Daddy yells........ PLEASE tell me what you would do!??? Because if it were me (and it was) you would email the teacher and try to figure what the 'f' is going on!!!!!! Yep.....I sure as heck did!!! Former 1st grade teacher....emailing her child's teach about non-issues on the 2nd (which in teacher language= busiest and most chaotic day of the year).... no problem Mrs. Arsena.....Mrs. Gilbride will keep you busy all year.
Return email from Mrs. Arsena went something as follows: "Oh my gosh! We haven't even used paint yet this year! Jack is doing great in class!:) We are all learning about not talking in the halls, but he has not been in trouble at all yet. If he was writing on his hands, I didn't notice it! What an imagination!!" oh, uh.....yeah..... nevermind. (i've now used my one allotted concerned correspondence to the teacher for the year on the 2nd stinking day of school.....crap).
Jack IS wiped out after school and today (saturday). I notice that he's definately low on enegery. It's a HUGE difference from preschool. I think it'll take a few weeks, but once he adjusts, the sky's the limit!!!!
Annie has been pretty upset this week. I'm not sure it's the fact that her 'Jackie' isn't here all day...but it is coincidental. She loves her Jack and asks about him immediately when she wakes up. Once she finds 'Sissy' she's ok, though. She and Mallie usually eat their breakfasts together and then disappear into the living room to play for at leat and hour while I clean up the kitchen and upstairs. They have a ball togehter. There is definately an ending point for the happy play though. They start getting bored, and then it's time for an outing. Things go unbeliveabley smoothly while Jack is at school. I feel like I am missing something the whole time.
A few weeks ago, Mallie and Annie started this intense pretend play together. They talk jibberish to each other at 100 miles an hour. They use hand motions and intonation as though they know exactly what they are talking about. Back and forth. Their babies are a huge source of imagination....along with accessories from the dress-up drawer. They are very good little buddies.
Annie has started imitating Spider Man. We call it 'spider ann'. She will run into a room, stop in the middle, squat down and hold out her arms and hands and make a 'whooshing' sound as though she is spraying out webs. She also does a great slider impression by doing the same squating action and sticking out her tummy and swishing it around. In fact, most ofher dance moves involve that squatting move....or a frontwards, backward stepping action. She in talented! :)
Annie's best word lately are 'Bitch--ell" (mitchell) Dinn-a-din (Finnegan), 'book' (milk), deep-ee-deeps (blankets) and 'pacey-pac', (pacifier)
Mallie is certainly becoming her own little person. I am not sure that I have documented the chicken story, but when we were living on Northwood, we were ridng bikes down the street when she stopped at a neighbor's driveway, saw a small group of sparrow and shouted at them, .'OUTTA MY WAY YOU CHICKENS!!!!" and drove away on her princess bike.
Here speech is endlessly amusing to me. She's leaving off the first consonant of words...so skirts are 'kirts', school is 'chool', and smoothies are 'moothsies'. She wants to do everything 'by her big self'.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Friday, june 18th, 2010
We are officially out of our Northwood house and living with Yaya and Papa. So far, 5 days into it, we are all having a wonderful time! The kids are so excited every time we return home to run inside and yell for Papa or Yaya. The are getting so much attention and there seems to be a non-stop stream of activities going on here. The summer is going to fly by.
Jack graduated from Safety Town today. He seemed to enjoy it. Particularly driving the cars around the small town. He had two teenage kids as his 'helpers' and seemed to enjoy them, too.
Yesterday, Mallie was riding her bike up and down the driveway yelling, 'Hibernation Coming FrooOo!" When I asked her what she was tlaking about, she replied, "Hibernation! I'm waking up the bears that are sweeping, you know, HIBERNATION!?" That cleared it up!
Annie has decided that naps are not for her anymore. The problem is that she would be ready for a nap in the afternoon....but will not fall asleep until 10:30pm if she takes one. Luckily, Annie doesn't get too crabby when she gets tired. However, she does get slap-happy. You can look at her with raised eyebrows at bed time and she erupts into hysterics with tears in her eyes. If you kiss her little neck, you would think she was going to die of laughter. It's my favorite time with her. She'll also say, "Mooooommmmmeeeee!"
Jack is completely into super heroes right now. Papa brought some comic books home for him yesterday and he's in heaven. He and Papa have also been having a competition over the NBA play-offs this week. Jack's a big fan of Kobe and the Lakers and Papa liked the Celtics. Jack was thrilled to let Papa know that his team won it all last night! :)
This summer is the "Summer of Responsibility". We are working on dressing ourselves, making our beds, Brushing our teeth, cleaning up after ourselves and clearing our places after we eat. We even have a song that goes to the tune of "Comet, it makes your mouth turn green".... "Summer, of responibility!....summer of responsibility. Summer....It's not a bummer, when you have some jobs to do" Sometimes the kids will run off when they are finished eating and I'll have to call them back to clear their places. Mallie always runs back and says, "Oh yeah, it's summer of responsibility!!" And then sings the song. :)
Jack graduated from Safety Town today. He seemed to enjoy it. Particularly driving the cars around the small town. He had two teenage kids as his 'helpers' and seemed to enjoy them, too.
Yesterday, Mallie was riding her bike up and down the driveway yelling, 'Hibernation Coming FrooOo!" When I asked her what she was tlaking about, she replied, "Hibernation! I'm waking up the bears that are sweeping, you know, HIBERNATION!?" That cleared it up!
Annie has decided that naps are not for her anymore. The problem is that she would be ready for a nap in the afternoon....but will not fall asleep until 10:30pm if she takes one. Luckily, Annie doesn't get too crabby when she gets tired. However, she does get slap-happy. You can look at her with raised eyebrows at bed time and she erupts into hysterics with tears in her eyes. If you kiss her little neck, you would think she was going to die of laughter. It's my favorite time with her. She'll also say, "Mooooommmmmeeeee!"
Jack is completely into super heroes right now. Papa brought some comic books home for him yesterday and he's in heaven. He and Papa have also been having a competition over the NBA play-offs this week. Jack's a big fan of Kobe and the Lakers and Papa liked the Celtics. Jack was thrilled to let Papa know that his team won it all last night! :)
This summer is the "Summer of Responsibility". We are working on dressing ourselves, making our beds, Brushing our teeth, cleaning up after ourselves and clearing our places after we eat. We even have a song that goes to the tune of "Comet, it makes your mouth turn green".... "Summer, of responibility!....summer of responsibility. Summer....It's not a bummer, when you have some jobs to do" Sometimes the kids will run off when they are finished eating and I'll have to call them back to clear their places. Mallie always runs back and says, "Oh yeah, it's summer of responsibility!!" And then sings the song. :)
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Wednesday, March 24th, 2010
Since last time, our house is still on the market, the weather is warming up a little (we can play outside 3-4 days a week- a HUGE improvement), and we are gearing up for Easter, spring and then SUMMER!
We also experienced the 2010 Olympics on TV. It really helped me through what I consider the most depressingly, bone-chilling days of the year. It was awesome to have each night to look forward to- a new event with exhuberent, young athletes. I loved watching with Jack. He and I stayed up late in my bed one night watching the speed skating with Apollo Ono. He was TOTALLY into it and really understood the excitement. We were both jumping up and down in bed yelling 'Go America!!!!" Soooo exciting! And of course, with excitement comes disappointment. I don't think anyone in this country, including poor, losing U.S. goal tender Ryan Miller could have possibly been more disappointed than my little Jack when the American hockey team lost in overtime to Canada. Jack insisted on watching the last period of the game in the basement by himself. Tommy and I were watching it upstairs. We could hear him yelling "Come on America!!! Go America!!" When he finally realized that Canada had beat the U.S. (there was a short time delay, as he didn't quite understand the actual game itself and was relying on the announcers), we heard "I HATE CANADA!!! This is horrible!!!" Basically, for the following hour and a half, Jack sobbed, uncontrollably, while he professed his hatred for our most amicable neighbors to the north. At the hour mark, I started becoming slightly alarmed at his emotional state and expressing so to Tommy. Tommy told me I had no idea how boys react to sports and that I'd better get used to it- especially living in Cleveland. So, I guess this was my first taste of sports-induced heartache. Of course, I understand it to a certain extent- but I also have a smaller tolerance for it and would really like to snap back to reality after 15-20 minutes. But that was not to be that night. Nearly 2 hours post-game, JAck was still glommed onto the TV footage of Ryan Miller's expression at the medal ceremony- "WHY IS HIS MOUTH TURNING LIKE THAT!!!??? HE LOOKS REALLY DISAPPOINTED!!! WAHHHH!"
In addition to sports-induced emotional turmoil, we are experiencing some church-induced problems as well. NO ONE understands how to behave in church. Jack is almost there- on a good day. But on a day after a rough night sleep or an especially long hoily, he's lost to the demons. Mallie is not even close. She thinks she is on our walk into mass- and is a great actress- has us TOTALLY convinced that today's the day- she really gets it! And then about 20 minutes in, she's bored and cannot shut her little adorable mouth to save her soul (literally). Annie- well, that's just ridiculous to talk about. Why we even bring her is a very long, complicated story involving delicate intricacies of our marriage, child-rearing philosophies and spirituality. And if I did tell you, you'd for-sure direct me to the nearest therapist. So, she comes with. And boy does she make herself known. Anyway, two Sunday's ago, the Gilbride's made an especially loud and obnoxious showing at St. Angela's and on the way out, Tommy announced that the older two would be spanked in return for their ridiculousness. This started a cacophony of shrieks, sobs, and basic freaking-out from the older two. A minute later, I also announced to Tommy that I was starving and we had to go to lunch before going home for spankings. So, amidst the sobs, he back-tracked a bit and announced that 'instead of going home for spankings, we are going to get Mommy some food. This is your chance to redeem yourself. I EX-PECT THE VER-EEEE BEST BEEEE-HAAAAAAVE-YOUR from you!!!" Somehow, this stopped the emotional debacle going on in the back seat. There was a moment of silence, and then Jack broke back into crying.... "What!!? What did you say? Why did you say it like that? Beee-haaave-YOUR??? I don't get it?? It's like you changed it at the end there? Why did you say it like that???! WAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" And, having this hilarious detail pointed out to her, the Bird broke out in hysterical laughter: ""HA HA HA !!!! Daddy!! That so funny! Why you say it like that!? That funny!!! hahahhaaha!" They are only 4 and 2. We are so screwed.
OK, and now, speaking of screwed.... Annie has decided that she isn't a huge fan of mine anymore. That little nugget used to laugh until she cried at almost everything I pulled out of my back pocket. I was her FAVORITE! Now, not so much. In the last 3 days, she has really turned on me. It's like she realized how hard I was trying (which I do, I try try REALLY hard to get her to smile because she's the cutest damn thing I've ever seen). And now she's too cool for me or something. DEPRESSING. Anytime I look at her or say "I'm gonna get you!' or tickle her feet or ANYTHING that used to be fool-proof....I get an arm-swing away from me and a 'Naaaa!" Breaks my heart every time. I'll admit it. But has it stopped me? NO! In fact, I've probably doubled my efforts, which is leading to a real divide in my and Ann's realtionship over the past 3 days. I need to back off- I know this in my head. But I LOVE HER!!! And I love the way her little teeth look in her little funny mouth when she laughs at me!!! I will get her back. Mark my words.
Mallie was riding around on her tricycle, in circles, in the middle of Jack and my soccer game in the driveway this afternoon. Very annoying. But to make herself even more conspicuous, she was announcing, over and over again: "WATCH OUT!! BUUURRD COMING FROOOO! BURD COMING FROO!"
Due to several small events over the past few weeks, Jack is now showering by himself, like a 20 year-old, after the girls take their bath together. Although a small change in the routine, I am having a hard time adjusting (surprise, suprise) and just thought it was note-worthy enough to make the blog.
Mallie had a very hard time giving up her pacey 3 weeks ago. Although, the great actress that she is, she seemed gung-ho about giving it to Auntie's new baby, once the time actually came, her tune changed. For a few nights, she was crying for the pacey. Then we started letting her fall asleep in our bed, which worked fine. We took her back into her bed when we were ready to turn in. But, then, we needed to start cracking down a little more (because she was not falling asleep so fast and ended up going to bed with us at 11 and staying in bed all night!) So for the last week, she has been sobbing and beside herself at bedtime. Not a good time for a break down-given my patience level and willingness to give in (or freak out at her). I talked to Brooke about it yesterday and we came up with a game plan. I would go buy her a few CHEAP special gifts, wrap them up and put them in a bag. Each night Mallie went to sleep without crying, she could wake up, open a present and enjoy. Brooke came up with the gist of this plan. I just did it out of deperation...I definately didn't have high hopes. But I presented this plan to Mal as though it was the secret to some super treasure last night. I even whispered for dramatic effect. And she went with it. Not a peep. Out cold. All night. And this morning- she opened up her nail polish!!!!! AWESOME!!! And tonight, again, she was shaking with anticipation with what might be her special treasure tomorrow morning. Brooke's a genius!!!
We also experienced the 2010 Olympics on TV. It really helped me through what I consider the most depressingly, bone-chilling days of the year. It was awesome to have each night to look forward to- a new event with exhuberent, young athletes. I loved watching with Jack. He and I stayed up late in my bed one night watching the speed skating with Apollo Ono. He was TOTALLY into it and really understood the excitement. We were both jumping up and down in bed yelling 'Go America!!!!" Soooo exciting! And of course, with excitement comes disappointment. I don't think anyone in this country, including poor, losing U.S. goal tender Ryan Miller could have possibly been more disappointed than my little Jack when the American hockey team lost in overtime to Canada. Jack insisted on watching the last period of the game in the basement by himself. Tommy and I were watching it upstairs. We could hear him yelling "Come on America!!! Go America!!" When he finally realized that Canada had beat the U.S. (there was a short time delay, as he didn't quite understand the actual game itself and was relying on the announcers), we heard "I HATE CANADA!!! This is horrible!!!" Basically, for the following hour and a half, Jack sobbed, uncontrollably, while he professed his hatred for our most amicable neighbors to the north. At the hour mark, I started becoming slightly alarmed at his emotional state and expressing so to Tommy. Tommy told me I had no idea how boys react to sports and that I'd better get used to it- especially living in Cleveland. So, I guess this was my first taste of sports-induced heartache. Of course, I understand it to a certain extent- but I also have a smaller tolerance for it and would really like to snap back to reality after 15-20 minutes. But that was not to be that night. Nearly 2 hours post-game, JAck was still glommed onto the TV footage of Ryan Miller's expression at the medal ceremony- "WHY IS HIS MOUTH TURNING LIKE THAT!!!??? HE LOOKS REALLY DISAPPOINTED!!! WAHHHH!"
In addition to sports-induced emotional turmoil, we are experiencing some church-induced problems as well. NO ONE understands how to behave in church. Jack is almost there- on a good day. But on a day after a rough night sleep or an especially long hoily, he's lost to the demons. Mallie is not even close. She thinks she is on our walk into mass- and is a great actress- has us TOTALLY convinced that today's the day- she really gets it! And then about 20 minutes in, she's bored and cannot shut her little adorable mouth to save her soul (literally). Annie- well, that's just ridiculous to talk about. Why we even bring her is a very long, complicated story involving delicate intricacies of our marriage, child-rearing philosophies and spirituality. And if I did tell you, you'd for-sure direct me to the nearest therapist. So, she comes with. And boy does she make herself known. Anyway, two Sunday's ago, the Gilbride's made an especially loud and obnoxious showing at St. Angela's and on the way out, Tommy announced that the older two would be spanked in return for their ridiculousness. This started a cacophony of shrieks, sobs, and basic freaking-out from the older two. A minute later, I also announced to Tommy that I was starving and we had to go to lunch before going home for spankings. So, amidst the sobs, he back-tracked a bit and announced that 'instead of going home for spankings, we are going to get Mommy some food. This is your chance to redeem yourself. I EX-PECT THE VER-EEEE BEST BEEEE-HAAAAAAVE-YOUR from you!!!" Somehow, this stopped the emotional debacle going on in the back seat. There was a moment of silence, and then Jack broke back into crying.... "What!!? What did you say? Why did you say it like that? Beee-haaave-YOUR??? I don't get it?? It's like you changed it at the end there? Why did you say it like that???! WAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" And, having this hilarious detail pointed out to her, the Bird broke out in hysterical laughter: ""HA HA HA !!!! Daddy!! That so funny! Why you say it like that!? That funny!!! hahahhaaha!" They are only 4 and 2. We are so screwed.
OK, and now, speaking of screwed.... Annie has decided that she isn't a huge fan of mine anymore. That little nugget used to laugh until she cried at almost everything I pulled out of my back pocket. I was her FAVORITE! Now, not so much. In the last 3 days, she has really turned on me. It's like she realized how hard I was trying (which I do, I try try REALLY hard to get her to smile because she's the cutest damn thing I've ever seen). And now she's too cool for me or something. DEPRESSING. Anytime I look at her or say "I'm gonna get you!' or tickle her feet or ANYTHING that used to be fool-proof....I get an arm-swing away from me and a 'Naaaa!" Breaks my heart every time. I'll admit it. But has it stopped me? NO! In fact, I've probably doubled my efforts, which is leading to a real divide in my and Ann's realtionship over the past 3 days. I need to back off- I know this in my head. But I LOVE HER!!! And I love the way her little teeth look in her little funny mouth when she laughs at me!!! I will get her back. Mark my words.
Mallie was riding around on her tricycle, in circles, in the middle of Jack and my soccer game in the driveway this afternoon. Very annoying. But to make herself even more conspicuous, she was announcing, over and over again: "WATCH OUT!! BUUURRD COMING FROOOO! BURD COMING FROO!"
Due to several small events over the past few weeks, Jack is now showering by himself, like a 20 year-old, after the girls take their bath together. Although a small change in the routine, I am having a hard time adjusting (surprise, suprise) and just thought it was note-worthy enough to make the blog.
Mallie had a very hard time giving up her pacey 3 weeks ago. Although, the great actress that she is, she seemed gung-ho about giving it to Auntie's new baby, once the time actually came, her tune changed. For a few nights, she was crying for the pacey. Then we started letting her fall asleep in our bed, which worked fine. We took her back into her bed when we were ready to turn in. But, then, we needed to start cracking down a little more (because she was not falling asleep so fast and ended up going to bed with us at 11 and staying in bed all night!) So for the last week, she has been sobbing and beside herself at bedtime. Not a good time for a break down-given my patience level and willingness to give in (or freak out at her). I talked to Brooke about it yesterday and we came up with a game plan. I would go buy her a few CHEAP special gifts, wrap them up and put them in a bag. Each night Mallie went to sleep without crying, she could wake up, open a present and enjoy. Brooke came up with the gist of this plan. I just did it out of deperation...I definately didn't have high hopes. But I presented this plan to Mal as though it was the secret to some super treasure last night. I even whispered for dramatic effect. And she went with it. Not a peep. Out cold. All night. And this morning- she opened up her nail polish!!!!! AWESOME!!! And tonight, again, she was shaking with anticipation with what might be her special treasure tomorrow morning. Brooke's a genius!!!
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