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'.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
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!!!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Monday, February, 15, 2010
We put our house back up on the market this evening. THis time, it is with a ton of anxiety, trepidation, insecurity and uncertainty. Last time it was with confidence and expectations. Better without expectations, I guess!!! Hopefully, we have good news soon.
There is an iphone commmercial lately with Cat Stevens' song, "If you want to sing out, sing out" with many verses. We also make up our own all the time. But Jack came up with the best one a few weeks ago: "If you want to be free, be free..... and if you want to be 4, be 4". He followed that up with "If you want to say 'yes', say 'yes please'.... and if you want to say 'no' say 'no thank you'."
Jack and Tommy were in the basement changing the light fixutre in the laundry room. Jack got bored of the project and started goofing around by climbing into the hampers. After a minute, Tommy heard "ummm, a little help in here!!!" and turned to see Jack's feet kicking around at the top of the hamper... his head and body inside if it.
Jack and Mallie were riding in their carseats in the back of the van. We were chit chatting about the up-coming weekend when I told them that Dad had rented the Transformers movie. Jack burst out laughing from his gut and yelled "HAHAHAHAHHA!!!!!! How do you like that Mallie!!!!!!"
Mallie potty trained herself in about one day. She needed not one m&m, sticker or verbal praise. It was remarkable. She's fascinated by her own potty skills though. One time, I had her on the potty and we were nose to nose. She told me, with eyes wide open, "Tinkle coming out! Now I toot! Toot again! Now more tinkle!" It was apotty play by play!
Mallie was doing the dishes at the kitchen sink the other day. Jack wanted to climb up and she was thrilled that he wanted to do something that she was doing. THey stood there next to each other and she exclaimed., "Jack, you so awesome!" and he replied, "yeah, I know".
Mallie speaks unbelievably sweetly to Annie. She loves to have her sit on her lap. I was reading books to them the other day and Annie started fussing on my lap and squirming. SHe moved over into Malli'es lap and Mallie couldn't have been more proud!!!
Annie has a pretend cry. Ask her how she cries and she scrunches up her nose and does a high pitched, "wahhh!' We all think this is very funnY!
She also loves motioning to Head Shoulders Knees and Toes! She actually sings the tune too sometimes!!!
Jack came home from school the other day and I told Annie to tell him about her "Mini Movers class" She went right up to him and started babbling and moving her arms around. Then she started trying to sing one of the songs. It was so cute how proud she was of herself!
When we play Mallie's princess movie, Annie pretends to laugh and look back at Jack and Mallie to see if they are laughing. It's like she doesn't want o miss a funny part and she tries to be the first to laugh. It's sooooo cute and a little sad that she wants to be cool in front of her brother and sister!
Annie also sings 'I know you" from Sleeping Beauty (or hums it) when she holds one of Mallie's princesses.
Annie is on day 3 of being off of her bottles. SHe adjusted much better than her mother. I was having a hard time not giving a ba-ba to someone... as it's been about 4 years!!!
Jack likes Ella D. from school. He told me that he liked her and wanted to hold her hand. He told Tommy that he did hold her hand, she asked why he was holding her hand and he replied 'because I like you". He brought home a piece of paper from the writing center with her name on it and said that she made it for him. I think he has a little romance going!
Jack was singing "this old man" the other day and sang, "with a six-pack patty shack..." and then "with a snick-snack patty whack".
Jack calls Alice in Wonderland "Allison Wonderland". Mallie calls Jasmin from Alladin, "Jazz Man".
When I took Mallie to the potty the other day, she went potty then exclaimed, "Yesssss! I potty training!!!"
There is an iphone commmercial lately with Cat Stevens' song, "If you want to sing out, sing out" with many verses. We also make up our own all the time. But Jack came up with the best one a few weeks ago: "If you want to be free, be free..... and if you want to be 4, be 4". He followed that up with "If you want to say 'yes', say 'yes please'.... and if you want to say 'no' say 'no thank you'."
Jack and Tommy were in the basement changing the light fixutre in the laundry room. Jack got bored of the project and started goofing around by climbing into the hampers. After a minute, Tommy heard "ummm, a little help in here!!!" and turned to see Jack's feet kicking around at the top of the hamper... his head and body inside if it.
Jack and Mallie were riding in their carseats in the back of the van. We were chit chatting about the up-coming weekend when I told them that Dad had rented the Transformers movie. Jack burst out laughing from his gut and yelled "HAHAHAHAHHA!!!!!! How do you like that Mallie!!!!!!"
Mallie potty trained herself in about one day. She needed not one m&m, sticker or verbal praise. It was remarkable. She's fascinated by her own potty skills though. One time, I had her on the potty and we were nose to nose. She told me, with eyes wide open, "Tinkle coming out! Now I toot! Toot again! Now more tinkle!" It was apotty play by play!
Mallie was doing the dishes at the kitchen sink the other day. Jack wanted to climb up and she was thrilled that he wanted to do something that she was doing. THey stood there next to each other and she exclaimed., "Jack, you so awesome!" and he replied, "yeah, I know".
Mallie speaks unbelievably sweetly to Annie. She loves to have her sit on her lap. I was reading books to them the other day and Annie started fussing on my lap and squirming. SHe moved over into Malli'es lap and Mallie couldn't have been more proud!!!
Annie has a pretend cry. Ask her how she cries and she scrunches up her nose and does a high pitched, "wahhh!' We all think this is very funnY!
She also loves motioning to Head Shoulders Knees and Toes! She actually sings the tune too sometimes!!!
Jack came home from school the other day and I told Annie to tell him about her "Mini Movers class" She went right up to him and started babbling and moving her arms around. Then she started trying to sing one of the songs. It was so cute how proud she was of herself!
When we play Mallie's princess movie, Annie pretends to laugh and look back at Jack and Mallie to see if they are laughing. It's like she doesn't want o miss a funny part and she tries to be the first to laugh. It's sooooo cute and a little sad that she wants to be cool in front of her brother and sister!
Annie also sings 'I know you" from Sleeping Beauty (or hums it) when she holds one of Mallie's princesses.
Annie is on day 3 of being off of her bottles. SHe adjusted much better than her mother. I was having a hard time not giving a ba-ba to someone... as it's been about 4 years!!!
Jack likes Ella D. from school. He told me that he liked her and wanted to hold her hand. He told Tommy that he did hold her hand, she asked why he was holding her hand and he replied 'because I like you". He brought home a piece of paper from the writing center with her name on it and said that she made it for him. I think he has a little romance going!
Jack was singing "this old man" the other day and sang, "with a six-pack patty shack..." and then "with a snick-snack patty whack".
Jack calls Alice in Wonderland "Allison Wonderland". Mallie calls Jasmin from Alladin, "Jazz Man".
When I took Mallie to the potty the other day, she went potty then exclaimed, "Yesssss! I potty training!!!"
Monday, January 11, 2010
Monday, January 11th, 2010
A new year and a new decade! It has been a long time since I blogged last. Life has sped up in the last few months. Between Jack's school, our house sale (then the sale falling apart), unexpectd home improvements, the holidays and Mallie's school, I have been so exhausted at the end of each day that I can barely speak, let alone write. But I am missing out on recording stories, so I want to write as much as I can today!
Mallie started Preschool Playschool at RRHS. Her high school 'helper' is named April and Mallie LOVES her. I think she is so proud of being a big girl at school and enjoys the one on one attention. She comes to the car at the end of each session being so proud of her craft that she made and so excited to tell us about her song she sang or the snack she ate. I love thinking of her at school because she is ready for that attention and ready for some independence.
We've been giving Jack and Mallie showers lately instead of baths. It's much easier and quicker to bathe them this way. Mallie LOVES her showers and is like an adult in there rinsing her hair under the running water. Jack was a wimp at first and hated the water in his eyes. But he has come around. Annie hates the shower and clings to me like a little monkey in there as soon as a drop of water hits her toe. Tommy was in the bathroom the other day, shaving before his shower. Annie went in there and was getting into things. I heard him telling her, 'No, Annie, don't go in the trash.' or "Don't go in the potty". And she would whine or chat at him and then get into something else. Finally, he said, "OK Annie, do you want to come in the shower?" at which point, she spun around on one foot and came running out of the bathroom and never looked back!
A while back, we were at Bohlken Park and I was pushing Jack on the swings. On our walk to the park, we went past a statue of Jesus in someone's yard. Jack asked a few questions about that.... then remembered it as he was swinging. He announced at the top of his lungs, "I LOVE SWINGS AND I LOOOOOVE JESUS!!!"
The holidays provided a few opportunities for Jack to confuse the names of Christmas characters. Snoopy became "Stoopey" and the Grinch is now "the Grunch".
At Target a month or two ago, Jack announced to me that he likes "Ella D." and wants to hold her hand. While trying to keep my composure, I asked him if he had already held her hand. He replied that he wanted to, but she said 'no'. I told him that he must always ask before holding people's hands and that maybe another time she would let him hold her hand- and if not, then that was ok, too. He seemed to be pondering that for a while....and I haven't heard much else about Ella D. since.
I was giving the kids a bath a while ago and they were playing with the new shark toys Yaya and Papa brought from California. All of a sudden, Jack punched one of them in the nose and said, "BAM! Just like Uncle Brian!" I asked what he was talking about and he said that Uncle Brian had punched a shark in the nose while he was swimming in the ocean. I immediately called Uncle Brian to ask him why he had not told me about this amazing story and he said that he had told Jack that months ago and couldn't believe he remembered it. But Jack remembers everything!!!
Jack answered the phone a few weeks ago and brought it to me, saying that it was 'the guy who is fixing our wall'. John Weedan was on the line and was laughing that Jack knew it was him. He said, "I can't believe he knew it was me! I didn't tell him it was me! He must've read the caller id!" To which I replied, "Ummmmm, he can't read! He recognized your voice!" This was remarkable because Jack had only met Mr. Weedan one time before this!
We were in the grocery store the other day and Jack saw a Folger's can of coffee. He said, "Look Mom! Birdseed!" I could not figure out what he was talking about, but then remembered that my dad keeps his birdseed in an old folger's can!
Mallie dressed up like a cowgirl for Halloween. Everytime someone asked her what she was, she said 'A Cowgeeeeriol!"
Mallie is OBSESSED with princesses!!!! She wanted a Sleeping Beauty doll for Christmas, and got one. SHe also wanted to buy a set of princess figurines with her gift card from Christmas (after MUCh deliberation in the aisle at Target, that is.) That night, she couldn't fall asleep and came downstairs to play. We opened her princess set and she stood at the couch, making the princesses dance and singing, in the highest voice possible, "I KNOOOOOOW YOOOOU, You walked with me OOOOONNCE UpOOOOON a Dweeeeeem!!!" SHe did this for at least 1/2 hour and Tommy and I could not stop laughing.
We had people over one night and Mallie was being a little crabby. When I took her up for bed, she looked up at me and said, "You are my favorite Mommy in the whole, wide world". Kind of made up for the evening.... not to mention making my whole month!
When Mallie gets out of her bath, and is all shivery, she wiggles around and says, "I'm weawy, weawy chiwwy!" Then when we wrap her up in her towel, she says, "I all nice and snuggy".
Mallie is in full-out mothering mode. She loves Annie and is so sweet with her. She loves getting Annie to laugh by playing peek a boo or snuggling her tummy. The other night, she walked around behind ANnie as she walked from wall to wall in the living room, holding her shoulders and 'helping' her walk (even though Annie needs no help in that department). They did this for at least 20 minutes. Normally, Annie would be totally annoyed that someone was touching her while she was walking around, but I think she enjoyed the attention from her big sis because she walked around very seriously and slowly like that without a peep!
Mallie and Annie are both obsessed with Finn, too. Mallie runs right up to him and yells, "Finnegan Beginnagin!!!" SHe never calls him just 'Finn', it's always "Finnegan". Annie always runs right up to him and squats down to his face and rubs his head. I feel kind of bad for Finn because Annie MUST be annoying, thinking that he is a baby or something.
Annie is starting to talk, slowly. I would say she understands almost everything you say to her. She follows direction with no problem. So far, she's saying 'All done (Dahl Dah!)", 'Bah! (Bye)', "bee booo (peek a boo)". SHe knows some of her animal sounds (snake, cat, dog, cow, fish) and some of her body parts (feet, tummy, hair, mouth). She holds up one finger for how old are you and says "Dah di! while holding her hands above her head when asked how big she is.
Annie is climbing on everything!!! About a month ago, I walked in the living room to find her on top of the piano. But this week, she has really mastered climbing on the chairs and tables. It is a pain!!!
She loves to try to copy her brother and sister. She is trying to play Jack's wii video games by swinging the controller the way he does and yelling, "OHHHHHHHH!" just like he does when he goofs up! She is stamping her feet when we come in from outside, even though I carry her to and from the car. And she loves to dance with them to any kind of music. She usually swings just one arm and walks around in a circle.
Listening to Annie talk is one of my favorite things to do. She may not have many words, but she knows exactly what she is saying and she uses PERFECT intonation in her voice, so it sounds like her own little language. I love replying to her with, 'Oh, really?" or "What else happened?" and she'll go on forever with more of her 'story'. She even uses hand gestures!! :)
Mallie started Preschool Playschool at RRHS. Her high school 'helper' is named April and Mallie LOVES her. I think she is so proud of being a big girl at school and enjoys the one on one attention. She comes to the car at the end of each session being so proud of her craft that she made and so excited to tell us about her song she sang or the snack she ate. I love thinking of her at school because she is ready for that attention and ready for some independence.
We've been giving Jack and Mallie showers lately instead of baths. It's much easier and quicker to bathe them this way. Mallie LOVES her showers and is like an adult in there rinsing her hair under the running water. Jack was a wimp at first and hated the water in his eyes. But he has come around. Annie hates the shower and clings to me like a little monkey in there as soon as a drop of water hits her toe. Tommy was in the bathroom the other day, shaving before his shower. Annie went in there and was getting into things. I heard him telling her, 'No, Annie, don't go in the trash.' or "Don't go in the potty". And she would whine or chat at him and then get into something else. Finally, he said, "OK Annie, do you want to come in the shower?" at which point, she spun around on one foot and came running out of the bathroom and never looked back!
A while back, we were at Bohlken Park and I was pushing Jack on the swings. On our walk to the park, we went past a statue of Jesus in someone's yard. Jack asked a few questions about that.... then remembered it as he was swinging. He announced at the top of his lungs, "I LOVE SWINGS AND I LOOOOOVE JESUS!!!"
The holidays provided a few opportunities for Jack to confuse the names of Christmas characters. Snoopy became "Stoopey" and the Grinch is now "the Grunch".
At Target a month or two ago, Jack announced to me that he likes "Ella D." and wants to hold her hand. While trying to keep my composure, I asked him if he had already held her hand. He replied that he wanted to, but she said 'no'. I told him that he must always ask before holding people's hands and that maybe another time she would let him hold her hand- and if not, then that was ok, too. He seemed to be pondering that for a while....and I haven't heard much else about Ella D. since.
I was giving the kids a bath a while ago and they were playing with the new shark toys Yaya and Papa brought from California. All of a sudden, Jack punched one of them in the nose and said, "BAM! Just like Uncle Brian!" I asked what he was talking about and he said that Uncle Brian had punched a shark in the nose while he was swimming in the ocean. I immediately called Uncle Brian to ask him why he had not told me about this amazing story and he said that he had told Jack that months ago and couldn't believe he remembered it. But Jack remembers everything!!!
Jack answered the phone a few weeks ago and brought it to me, saying that it was 'the guy who is fixing our wall'. John Weedan was on the line and was laughing that Jack knew it was him. He said, "I can't believe he knew it was me! I didn't tell him it was me! He must've read the caller id!" To which I replied, "Ummmmm, he can't read! He recognized your voice!" This was remarkable because Jack had only met Mr. Weedan one time before this!
We were in the grocery store the other day and Jack saw a Folger's can of coffee. He said, "Look Mom! Birdseed!" I could not figure out what he was talking about, but then remembered that my dad keeps his birdseed in an old folger's can!
Mallie dressed up like a cowgirl for Halloween. Everytime someone asked her what she was, she said 'A Cowgeeeeriol!"
Mallie is OBSESSED with princesses!!!! She wanted a Sleeping Beauty doll for Christmas, and got one. SHe also wanted to buy a set of princess figurines with her gift card from Christmas (after MUCh deliberation in the aisle at Target, that is.) That night, she couldn't fall asleep and came downstairs to play. We opened her princess set and she stood at the couch, making the princesses dance and singing, in the highest voice possible, "I KNOOOOOOW YOOOOU, You walked with me OOOOONNCE UpOOOOON a Dweeeeeem!!!" SHe did this for at least 1/2 hour and Tommy and I could not stop laughing.
We had people over one night and Mallie was being a little crabby. When I took her up for bed, she looked up at me and said, "You are my favorite Mommy in the whole, wide world". Kind of made up for the evening.... not to mention making my whole month!
When Mallie gets out of her bath, and is all shivery, she wiggles around and says, "I'm weawy, weawy chiwwy!" Then when we wrap her up in her towel, she says, "I all nice and snuggy".
Mallie is in full-out mothering mode. She loves Annie and is so sweet with her. She loves getting Annie to laugh by playing peek a boo or snuggling her tummy. The other night, she walked around behind ANnie as she walked from wall to wall in the living room, holding her shoulders and 'helping' her walk (even though Annie needs no help in that department). They did this for at least 20 minutes. Normally, Annie would be totally annoyed that someone was touching her while she was walking around, but I think she enjoyed the attention from her big sis because she walked around very seriously and slowly like that without a peep!
Mallie and Annie are both obsessed with Finn, too. Mallie runs right up to him and yells, "Finnegan Beginnagin!!!" SHe never calls him just 'Finn', it's always "Finnegan". Annie always runs right up to him and squats down to his face and rubs his head. I feel kind of bad for Finn because Annie MUST be annoying, thinking that he is a baby or something.
Annie is starting to talk, slowly. I would say she understands almost everything you say to her. She follows direction with no problem. So far, she's saying 'All done (Dahl Dah!)", 'Bah! (Bye)', "bee booo (peek a boo)". SHe knows some of her animal sounds (snake, cat, dog, cow, fish) and some of her body parts (feet, tummy, hair, mouth). She holds up one finger for how old are you and says "Dah di! while holding her hands above her head when asked how big she is.
Annie is climbing on everything!!! About a month ago, I walked in the living room to find her on top of the piano. But this week, she has really mastered climbing on the chairs and tables. It is a pain!!!
She loves to try to copy her brother and sister. She is trying to play Jack's wii video games by swinging the controller the way he does and yelling, "OHHHHHHHH!" just like he does when he goofs up! She is stamping her feet when we come in from outside, even though I carry her to and from the car. And she loves to dance with them to any kind of music. She usually swings just one arm and walks around in a circle.
Listening to Annie talk is one of my favorite things to do. She may not have many words, but she knows exactly what she is saying and she uses PERFECT intonation in her voice, so it sounds like her own little language. I love replying to her with, 'Oh, really?" or "What else happened?" and she'll go on forever with more of her 'story'. She even uses hand gestures!! :)
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