Do you ever have those days when you feel you are swimming against the current and slipping further and further from your destination? I am having one of those weeks, possibly months.
The problem is that Alpha parenting Bobo style comes with a lot of rules and rigamarole. I seem to be missing all the baselines.
-4 servings of vegetables per day? not even close. Do green apple jacks count?
1 hour of exercise or movement per day? Well...I run up and down the stairs at least 87 times daily. My kids, not so much.
Less than 30 minutes of tv per day. Ptyaw whatever!
Grooming: Jacob's hair is so long, one might call it a mullet.
Potty Training: He wore underwear for 10 days before I gave up and put him back in pull-ups. I just could not keep up with the laundry, or deal with his tantrums, and I quote, "I will NEVER use the potty! I HATE going potty!" Arrgh, he might be the urban legend kid who does actually go to kindergarten, if not college, in his diapers.
I could deal with all of the aforementioned stuff if I could point to my boys and say they are sweet well-adjusted darlings. But, lately, I feel like I am raising two spoiled, whinining boys with too much sense of entitlement. My goal for the new year is to raise the respect in the house and give the boys the opportunity for gratitude. I have no idea how to do this and am open to any ideas.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Monday, November 26, 2007
Still fuming in DC
We got back from Barcelona last week and headed straight to Miami for Thanksgiving where we spent the last week. I will highlight more about our Barcelona trip, but now I need to write about an incident that happened today at the airport.
Jacob and I sat down on the floor in an open space by the gate of our airplane this morning. There were no seats left and a nice big open space by the window to see planes. Nate came and sat down near us and the boys had one of their silly conversations, this one about birthday presents. Something Nate said angered Jacob, and he shouted, "NO!"
An older man (late 60s) sitting on a chair in front of us, talking on his cell phone was startled and yelled back at Jacob. In a mean voice with an angry face. This I could tolerate, since Jacob did shout quite loudly and startled everyone in the vicinity.
What shocked, hurt and angered me, was what the man did next. He never got off his phone and continued making call after call. In his normal, speaking voice less than 2 feet away from me, he described my "awful" child who "keeps screaming," (Jacob wasn't) and "the mother..." this part, I honestly did not hear, but I am sure it was something less than flattering about me.
There were many, many young children on the flight, and he started complaining that the flight was full of children. Sadly for him, he did not get the memo that the rest of us got, telling us parents of young children to always fly the Monday after Thanksgiving, never the Sunday after.
I was so tempted to engage him in a debate, but I knew it was a lose-lose conversation. Instead I caught his eye and gave my best glare that let him know I could hear him perfectly and knew he was speaking about me. Honestly, what is worse, a screaming two year old or a fully grown adult with no manners? Jacob will outgrow his screaming. This man will never outgrow his intolerance or rudeness if he has not done so yet.
Plus, now I feel a bit bad for the man. He obviously has no grandchildren, since every grandparent would have sympathized with a child who had to be worken up for an early flight. It must have been a lonely Thanksgiving for him and a bleak future Christmas.
Jacob and I sat down on the floor in an open space by the gate of our airplane this morning. There were no seats left and a nice big open space by the window to see planes. Nate came and sat down near us and the boys had one of their silly conversations, this one about birthday presents. Something Nate said angered Jacob, and he shouted, "NO!"
An older man (late 60s) sitting on a chair in front of us, talking on his cell phone was startled and yelled back at Jacob. In a mean voice with an angry face. This I could tolerate, since Jacob did shout quite loudly and startled everyone in the vicinity.
What shocked, hurt and angered me, was what the man did next. He never got off his phone and continued making call after call. In his normal, speaking voice less than 2 feet away from me, he described my "awful" child who "keeps screaming," (Jacob wasn't) and "the mother..." this part, I honestly did not hear, but I am sure it was something less than flattering about me.
There were many, many young children on the flight, and he started complaining that the flight was full of children. Sadly for him, he did not get the memo that the rest of us got, telling us parents of young children to always fly the Monday after Thanksgiving, never the Sunday after.
I was so tempted to engage him in a debate, but I knew it was a lose-lose conversation. Instead I caught his eye and gave my best glare that let him know I could hear him perfectly and knew he was speaking about me. Honestly, what is worse, a screaming two year old or a fully grown adult with no manners? Jacob will outgrow his screaming. This man will never outgrow his intolerance or rudeness if he has not done so yet.
Plus, now I feel a bit bad for the man. He obviously has no grandchildren, since every grandparent would have sympathized with a child who had to be worken up for an early flight. It must have been a lonely Thanksgiving for him and a bleak future Christmas.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
An easy day in Barcelona
We took it easy today and stayed in pjs for brunch in the apartment. Everyone needed a day respite from our hectic touring schedule. Around noon, we headed to a playground a few blocks from our apartment. The boys played for an hour, while we chatted it up with another American family on holiday from an army base in Germany. Nate was delighted to have an english-speaking playmate.
After the playground we headed toward Passeig de Gracia for lunch. Panicked by the boys increasing whinging, I made the very poor decision to eat at the Chicago Pizzeria. They had a kids menu and it was very casual. Well, despite the crowds of locals, the food was inedible. In fact, the lump of greasy cheese is still sitting in my stomach several hours later.
To digest properly, we walked across the street to a Gaudi designed building. Formally known as Casa Mila, nicknamed La Pedrera, for its stone/cave-like appearance. The boys protested, but once we were inside, their imaginations were caught by the undulating walls and mosaics. We had to circle the roof deck 3 times, after which, I was a bit queasy. The replica of a 1920's apartment particularly struck them. "Mommy, look at the kitchen! I found the old toilet! Is this the kid's room? We have a tricycle like that!"
By the time we exited the building it was time for siesta and afternoon snacks at the local patisserie. Jacob tried one of every pastry. Nate had nothing. "So there!"
Mom has a bit of an eye infection, and my cheesy dinner and lunch are still sitting heavy in my stomach, so we will see what is on the agenda for tomorrow.
After the playground we headed toward Passeig de Gracia for lunch. Panicked by the boys increasing whinging, I made the very poor decision to eat at the Chicago Pizzeria. They had a kids menu and it was very casual. Well, despite the crowds of locals, the food was inedible. In fact, the lump of greasy cheese is still sitting in my stomach several hours later.
To digest properly, we walked across the street to a Gaudi designed building. Formally known as Casa Mila, nicknamed La Pedrera, for its stone/cave-like appearance. The boys protested, but once we were inside, their imaginations were caught by the undulating walls and mosaics. We had to circle the roof deck 3 times, after which, I was a bit queasy. The replica of a 1920's apartment particularly struck them. "Mommy, look at the kitchen! I found the old toilet! Is this the kid's room? We have a tricycle like that!"
By the time we exited the building it was time for siesta and afternoon snacks at the local patisserie. Jacob tried one of every pastry. Nate had nothing. "So there!"
Mom has a bit of an eye infection, and my cheesy dinner and lunch are still sitting heavy in my stomach, so we will see what is on the agenda for tomorrow.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Days 5-7 in Barcelona
Matt started Tech Ed so he has been escaping with the laptop before I wake up and returning after we sleep, so blogging has been on hiatus. He got back early tonight so here goes.
I can't remember where we left off, but on Sunday we took the Bus Turistic up to Parc Guell, a Gaudi fantasy. The boys wanted more hiking, but they loved the mosaic Salamander fountain. It was a lovely day, and the rest of Barcelona joined us in Parc Guell. It made the people watching fun, but it was quite crowded.
Jacob is getting used to the time zone so we are able to pack more into our days now. On Monday we wandered over to La Rambla and wandered the streets of the Barri Gotic. My parents had recommendations for a certain restauarant in the neighborhood. My dad got his roast chicken and the boys had french fries. We played hide and seek in Placa Reial and found a playground in the middle of Place Sant Michele. Unfortunately, we were unable to find any of the markers of the Jewish Ghetto. I think you need a tour guide, and we just can't seem to get out of the apartment early enough to make the 10 am tour.
After lunch we headed over to the Richard Meir designed Contemporary Art museum. The building was fabulous, like walking in a sculplture. The art was a bit modern for my taste. The boys were downright frightened of several of the installation pieces. Though, one large, brightly colored Miro sculpture caught Jacob's attention. He sat on the ground for 15 minutes and sketched it. Nate was very helpful and stood over him, making comments such as, "That looks nothing like it." or "That's the wrong color." Like a true artist, Jacob ignored the critics.
Dinner that night was an exercise in frustration as we are finding most nights in Barcelona. Dinner at 8:30 is just too late for my boys. Tapas bars offer very little in the way to eat for the kosher minded and the toddler inspired. After wandering the street near our apartment for 20 minutes with whining boys, I gave up and made them scrambled eggs and cheese in the microwave in the apartment. I had bread and Nutella (no complaints on my end!)
Tuesday was Picasso day. We were up and out of the house after stopping in a cafe for some of the famed Barcelona chocolate drink. Jacob was covered in chocolate much to the amusement of the little old ladies sitting next to him. It was a true eating day for him as he spent the whole day complaining about being hungry. At each stop (every 30 minutes or so,) he ate a Clementine, apple or chips. In total today, in addition to his meals, Jacob ate 4 clementines, 2 whole apples, 1 bag of potato chips, 1 cube of cheese, 1 croissant and 1 Kinder egg. He is the very Hungry Caterpillar.
We toured the Museu Picasso. The paintings were nice, but I was most impressed with the building. The Museu is housed in 3 ancient homes connected. The outside facades look postively medievil, but the insides were 100% modern. After the Museu, we headed to Parc de la Ciutadella. The boys enjoyed this more, though Nate was determined we should rent a row boat and row the pond. I put the kibosh on this plan, as it has been more than 17 years since I have rowed a boat, and I could see us stranded in the middle, and Jacob in the dirty water. We found a playground and the boys played for an hour while the grown-ups basked in the sun and made dinner plans.
The Parc is next to the Born neighborhood, which is ultra trendy and hip. As such, the restaurants correspond. Since it was only 4, we had to kill some time. A choice had to be made between the Museu de Xocalata (chocolate!) or Museu de Zoologica. It was a tough choice, but we went for animals. I think we were the only visitors to this musuem in a long time. It is a dusty old hallway with loads of taxidermy animals. The boys were thrilled! They spent a long time examining the animals and skeletons.
Then it was time to go search the circuitous streets of the Born looking for an Asian restuarant called Wushu. Despite the guide book's assurance, Wushu was closed till 8 pm, a disappointing discovery after a long time wandering around lost. No worries though, we found a cafe for croissants and cappucino. Then we wandered the streets killing time before dinner at Udon a noodle bar we found in our rambles. Udon was great, similar to Wagamamma in London. The boys were THRILLED to have edamame and soba noodles after a week of tomatoes and cheese.
Now we are back at the apartment, and the boys collapsed into bed.
Today's kinder egg sorpresas were: a tiny yellow car and a silly yellow bat eraser.
I can't remember where we left off, but on Sunday we took the Bus Turistic up to Parc Guell, a Gaudi fantasy. The boys wanted more hiking, but they loved the mosaic Salamander fountain. It was a lovely day, and the rest of Barcelona joined us in Parc Guell. It made the people watching fun, but it was quite crowded.
Jacob is getting used to the time zone so we are able to pack more into our days now. On Monday we wandered over to La Rambla and wandered the streets of the Barri Gotic. My parents had recommendations for a certain restauarant in the neighborhood. My dad got his roast chicken and the boys had french fries. We played hide and seek in Placa Reial and found a playground in the middle of Place Sant Michele. Unfortunately, we were unable to find any of the markers of the Jewish Ghetto. I think you need a tour guide, and we just can't seem to get out of the apartment early enough to make the 10 am tour.
After lunch we headed over to the Richard Meir designed Contemporary Art museum. The building was fabulous, like walking in a sculplture. The art was a bit modern for my taste. The boys were downright frightened of several of the installation pieces. Though, one large, brightly colored Miro sculpture caught Jacob's attention. He sat on the ground for 15 minutes and sketched it. Nate was very helpful and stood over him, making comments such as, "That looks nothing like it." or "That's the wrong color." Like a true artist, Jacob ignored the critics.
Dinner that night was an exercise in frustration as we are finding most nights in Barcelona. Dinner at 8:30 is just too late for my boys. Tapas bars offer very little in the way to eat for the kosher minded and the toddler inspired. After wandering the street near our apartment for 20 minutes with whining boys, I gave up and made them scrambled eggs and cheese in the microwave in the apartment. I had bread and Nutella (no complaints on my end!)
Tuesday was Picasso day. We were up and out of the house after stopping in a cafe for some of the famed Barcelona chocolate drink. Jacob was covered in chocolate much to the amusement of the little old ladies sitting next to him. It was a true eating day for him as he spent the whole day complaining about being hungry. At each stop (every 30 minutes or so,) he ate a Clementine, apple or chips. In total today, in addition to his meals, Jacob ate 4 clementines, 2 whole apples, 1 bag of potato chips, 1 cube of cheese, 1 croissant and 1 Kinder egg. He is the very Hungry Caterpillar.
We toured the Museu Picasso. The paintings were nice, but I was most impressed with the building. The Museu is housed in 3 ancient homes connected. The outside facades look postively medievil, but the insides were 100% modern. After the Museu, we headed to Parc de la Ciutadella. The boys enjoyed this more, though Nate was determined we should rent a row boat and row the pond. I put the kibosh on this plan, as it has been more than 17 years since I have rowed a boat, and I could see us stranded in the middle, and Jacob in the dirty water. We found a playground and the boys played for an hour while the grown-ups basked in the sun and made dinner plans.
The Parc is next to the Born neighborhood, which is ultra trendy and hip. As such, the restaurants correspond. Since it was only 4, we had to kill some time. A choice had to be made between the Museu de Xocalata (chocolate!) or Museu de Zoologica. It was a tough choice, but we went for animals. I think we were the only visitors to this musuem in a long time. It is a dusty old hallway with loads of taxidermy animals. The boys were thrilled! They spent a long time examining the animals and skeletons.
Then it was time to go search the circuitous streets of the Born looking for an Asian restuarant called Wushu. Despite the guide book's assurance, Wushu was closed till 8 pm, a disappointing discovery after a long time wandering around lost. No worries though, we found a cafe for croissants and cappucino. Then we wandered the streets killing time before dinner at Udon a noodle bar we found in our rambles. Udon was great, similar to Wagamamma in London. The boys were THRILLED to have edamame and soba noodles after a week of tomatoes and cheese.
Now we are back at the apartment, and the boys collapsed into bed.
Today's kinder egg sorpresas were: a tiny yellow car and a silly yellow bat eraser.
Friday, November 09, 2007
Day 4 in Barcelona
The jet lag is wearing off, and the fun is beginning. We took a tour bus up a hill to Montjuic today. Some believe the juic in the word stems from the ancient Catalan word for Jew. Makes sense, as there is an ancient Jewish cemetary up there.
We stopped at the Fundicion Joan Miro. The boys played in the sculpture garden then Nate and Grandma toured the art with sketch pads and colored pencils in hand. I am biased, but Nate is a talented artist. He was able to sketch one of Miro's sculptures quite accurately.
When the boys were done with culture, we hopped back on the bus and headed to the ports. We got off at the Aquarium, which was wonderful. The hands-on kids area was just what my boys love. The climbed on giant turtle sculptures, drove a submarine and slid down a water tube.
In fact, they loved the aquarium so much, Jacob had a MAJOR tantrum on the way out. Picture a sobbing, kicking, rolling on the ground tantrum, yelling, "I DON'T WANT TO LEAVE! LET'S GO BACK TO THE QWARUM!"
We ignored the tantrum and the stares from the horrified onlookers and found an all-you-can-eat buffet for dinner. It was on par with CiCi's pizza, but the Haagen Dazs after was wonderful as always. Though, in the US HD is $$$ enough, add in the lousy exchange rate from dollars to Euros and ice cream cost more than dinner.
On a sad note, our trusty Maclaren stroller strap broke rendering it nearly unpushable. Matt, our trusty handyman does not have proper tools to fix it. We may suck it up and buy a second stroller at Le Corte Ingles. Oh, yes, I forgot to mention that Nate whined so much about walking yesterday, we ran into the department store and spent 50 Euro on a umbrella stroller.
It was not in our budget, but we may have to go spend another 50 for another stroller if we cant fix this temporarily. zoiks.
Tomorrow the zoo.
Oh, also I am going to start a kinder egg tally at the bottom of each day. Today I will catch you up on previous Kinder egg toys:
Day 1: Nate- Oscar boy, Jacob- Ana girl
Day 2: Nate- flying helicopter, Jacob- race car
Day 3: Nate- another flying helicopter, Jacob- strange double log faces
Day 4: Nate- computer guy, Jacob- a rocket car
We stopped at the Fundicion Joan Miro. The boys played in the sculpture garden then Nate and Grandma toured the art with sketch pads and colored pencils in hand. I am biased, but Nate is a talented artist. He was able to sketch one of Miro's sculptures quite accurately.
When the boys were done with culture, we hopped back on the bus and headed to the ports. We got off at the Aquarium, which was wonderful. The hands-on kids area was just what my boys love. The climbed on giant turtle sculptures, drove a submarine and slid down a water tube.
In fact, they loved the aquarium so much, Jacob had a MAJOR tantrum on the way out. Picture a sobbing, kicking, rolling on the ground tantrum, yelling, "I DON'T WANT TO LEAVE! LET'S GO BACK TO THE QWARUM!"
We ignored the tantrum and the stares from the horrified onlookers and found an all-you-can-eat buffet for dinner. It was on par with CiCi's pizza, but the Haagen Dazs after was wonderful as always. Though, in the US HD is $$$ enough, add in the lousy exchange rate from dollars to Euros and ice cream cost more than dinner.
On a sad note, our trusty Maclaren stroller strap broke rendering it nearly unpushable. Matt, our trusty handyman does not have proper tools to fix it. We may suck it up and buy a second stroller at Le Corte Ingles. Oh, yes, I forgot to mention that Nate whined so much about walking yesterday, we ran into the department store and spent 50 Euro on a umbrella stroller.
It was not in our budget, but we may have to go spend another 50 for another stroller if we cant fix this temporarily. zoiks.
Tomorrow the zoo.
Oh, also I am going to start a kinder egg tally at the bottom of each day. Today I will catch you up on previous Kinder egg toys:
Day 1: Nate- Oscar boy, Jacob- Ana girl
Day 2: Nate- flying helicopter, Jacob- race car
Day 3: Nate- another flying helicopter, Jacob- strange double log faces
Day 4: Nate- computer guy, Jacob- a rocket car
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Hola from Barcelona!
I am posting today from Barcelona! On Monday, Matt, Nate, Jacob, my parents and I hopped on a plane (ok, 3 planes) and flew to Barcelona where we wil stay for 10 days. The boys were marvelous on the plane. It was a night flight, and they played for an hour or so then fell asleep for the rest of the flight.
Now that we are here, I am rethinking the whole trip. Jacob is not handling jet lag well. It is 11:30 pm now, and he is still up singing in bed after sleeping in the stroller through dinner.
Nate is not handling culture shock well. Today at the playground, he complained the swings here don't work as well as at home. He whined about the food choices. He whined about the lack of toys stores selling Go Diego Go products.
I am not handling the whining very well.
Once the jet lag wears off, I am sure we will have some fun, but right now the 10 days are stretching rather endlessly in front of me.
Keep checking back in for more updates and a travel log.
Adios and Lilah Tov! or "Boker Tov, Good Night!" as Jacob would say.
Now that we are here, I am rethinking the whole trip. Jacob is not handling jet lag well. It is 11:30 pm now, and he is still up singing in bed after sleeping in the stroller through dinner.
Nate is not handling culture shock well. Today at the playground, he complained the swings here don't work as well as at home. He whined about the food choices. He whined about the lack of toys stores selling Go Diego Go products.
I am not handling the whining very well.
Once the jet lag wears off, I am sure we will have some fun, but right now the 10 days are stretching rather endlessly in front of me.
Keep checking back in for more updates and a travel log.
Adios and Lilah Tov! or "Boker Tov, Good Night!" as Jacob would say.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Brows
I can't stop looking in the mirror; embarrassing but true. A few weeks ago, I was getting a bikini wax before my Costa Rica Trip. I confessed to the aesthetician I had never waxed, shaped, plucked or in anyway touched my eyebrows. Silence filled the room for a few seconds, then she roughly pushed my head back on the table and got busy with her tweezers.
Ten minutes and a few tears later, she announced, "There! Happy Anniversary," and shoved a mirror in my face. Now I had never had gorilla brows or tweezers would have met my face a while ago. So, I was underwhelmed by the difference she had made. I thanked her and went on my merry way.
A few days ago, I noticed a stray eyebrow hair. Then another, and another. I booked it to Elizabeth Arden where I shoved my head back on the table and endured some more reshaping. Now I am addicted. The subtle arch and thinning of my brows makes such a difference in the feminity of my face. So I keep passing mirrors and peeking at my brows. You can be sure that plucking/shaping will now be an integral part of my beauty routine.
Ten minutes and a few tears later, she announced, "There! Happy Anniversary," and shoved a mirror in my face. Now I had never had gorilla brows or tweezers would have met my face a while ago. So, I was underwhelmed by the difference she had made. I thanked her and went on my merry way.
A few days ago, I noticed a stray eyebrow hair. Then another, and another. I booked it to Elizabeth Arden where I shoved my head back on the table and endured some more reshaping. Now I am addicted. The subtle arch and thinning of my brows makes such a difference in the feminity of my face. So I keep passing mirrors and peeking at my brows. You can be sure that plucking/shaping will now be an integral part of my beauty routine.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Got Milk?
This little anecdote should really go on my friend of a friend's blog, Mamma Knows Breast, but its going on mine. So Hah!
Last night while reading bedtime stories, Jacob reached over and put his hand down the collar of my shirt to squeeze my breast. Before I could stop him, he removed his hand and announced, "Mmmm, I want some milk!" Then he made his little fist into a cup and pretended to drink.
Now, the reaching for my breast was pretty funny, but when he made the cup with his hand and pretended to drink... well that just did it for Nate and me. We lost it and giggled for 10 minutes.
Last night while reading bedtime stories, Jacob reached over and put his hand down the collar of my shirt to squeeze my breast. Before I could stop him, he removed his hand and announced, "Mmmm, I want some milk!" Then he made his little fist into a cup and pretended to drink.
Now, the reaching for my breast was pretty funny, but when he made the cup with his hand and pretended to drink... well that just did it for Nate and me. We lost it and giggled for 10 minutes.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Even the best laid plans.
If any of you were at Imagination Stage today for the 12:30 production of Jungle Book, the shrieking, crying kid was mine. Matt is out of town (surprise surprise) so I decided to treat the boys to a day at the theater seeing the Jungle Book. Nate is really into the jungle, so I figured it would be a great first play.
Well, I was right about Nate. He was excited and so happy when the show began. I neglected to take Jacob into account. Usually Jacob saves his tantrums for home and can sit on my lap quietly when in public. Not today.
Oh no, today Jacob began to yell as soon as the lights dimmed. Before the first line of the play could even be uttered, Jacob stole the thunder by shouting, "I HATE THIS. THIS IS SCARY!!! LET"S GO HOME!!!" Jacob has some speech articulation issues, but let me assure you everyone in theater understood him perfectly.
Nate was a champ. He desperately wanted to stay, but willingly followed us into the little soundproof glass room Imagination Stage has for just these cases. You can hear the actors, but they can't hear you.
Unfortunately we were not alone in the glass room. A women took her 2 grandchildren to the theater. Now even Nate knows that there is no talking during a play. I guess this women forgot that rule, because she felt the need to paraphrase and act as narrator for EVERY line in the play. I shushed her twice to no avail.
After twenty minutes we gave up and left the play. The theater was so nice and exchanged our 3 tickets for 2 tickets next Sunday. Jacob will stay home with a babysitter.
Oh well, so much for my special date with the boys.
Well, I was right about Nate. He was excited and so happy when the show began. I neglected to take Jacob into account. Usually Jacob saves his tantrums for home and can sit on my lap quietly when in public. Not today.
Oh no, today Jacob began to yell as soon as the lights dimmed. Before the first line of the play could even be uttered, Jacob stole the thunder by shouting, "I HATE THIS. THIS IS SCARY!!! LET"S GO HOME!!!" Jacob has some speech articulation issues, but let me assure you everyone in theater understood him perfectly.
Nate was a champ. He desperately wanted to stay, but willingly followed us into the little soundproof glass room Imagination Stage has for just these cases. You can hear the actors, but they can't hear you.
Unfortunately we were not alone in the glass room. A women took her 2 grandchildren to the theater. Now even Nate knows that there is no talking during a play. I guess this women forgot that rule, because she felt the need to paraphrase and act as narrator for EVERY line in the play. I shushed her twice to no avail.
After twenty minutes we gave up and left the play. The theater was so nice and exchanged our 3 tickets for 2 tickets next Sunday. Jacob will stay home with a babysitter.
Oh well, so much for my special date with the boys.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Soccer Mom Goes Shopping
Other possible titles for this blog include:
-I would do anything for love, and I will do that
-The Girl Next Door
-A little bit of Naughty in Nice Bethesda
As some of you may know, Matt (my hubbie) has a slipped disc. He is more or less bed-ridden unless he is on a red-eye to Redmond. Today his doctor recommended a special wedge pillow to alleviate some of the pressure in his lower back. One might think you could buy such a pillow at The Healthy Back Store, but no, the good doc had another store in mind.
Generally, you need to be 18 years or older to enter these types of stores. Or, one has the option of ordering a wedge pillow from the back of such fine periodicals such as Playboy or Penthouse.
Matt really wanted the pillow tonight, so I volunteered (was coerced) into going into Bethesda to the sex toys shop. Strangely, the shop is in the heart of Bethesda, right across from Tel Aviv Cafe and next to California Tortilla. And, even more strangely, many, many couples were out for dinner on Monday night. I had been hopeful to park in front of the store, run in & run out. Sadly, parking was only available nearly a block away.
So I entered the store and selected the pillow after an agonizing choice between scarlet, leopard print or purple. (I chose black). Then, I figured, as long as I was there, I might as well pick up a few toys for later, when Matt's back is better. (And some because his back isn't better!)
I left the store and could barely stifly my grins and giggles. Picture me, walking amongst lots of couples and respectable people carrying a GIANT wedge pillow. There was no disguising the shape of it or the store I purchased it in. I had an answer ready if I got any strange looks or questions. "Yoga Mat," would be my response as I made the incredibly long walk back to my car.
Additionally, I chose to jaywalk across the street to shorten my trek. I looked both ways very carefully, because I envisioned getting hit by a car and having the police search through my bag to look for identification. How embarrassing when they discovered a purse full of sex toys!
I made it safely home, and Matt validated the trip, because he said the pillow offered instant relief. Plus- I will make the argument that the sex toys are tax deductible for work purposes. I am writing a romance novel after all. Any CPAs out there who can answer! ;-)
-I would do anything for love, and I will do that
-The Girl Next Door
-A little bit of Naughty in Nice Bethesda
As some of you may know, Matt (my hubbie) has a slipped disc. He is more or less bed-ridden unless he is on a red-eye to Redmond. Today his doctor recommended a special wedge pillow to alleviate some of the pressure in his lower back. One might think you could buy such a pillow at The Healthy Back Store, but no, the good doc had another store in mind.
Generally, you need to be 18 years or older to enter these types of stores. Or, one has the option of ordering a wedge pillow from the back of such fine periodicals such as Playboy or Penthouse.
Matt really wanted the pillow tonight, so I volunteered (was coerced) into going into Bethesda to the sex toys shop. Strangely, the shop is in the heart of Bethesda, right across from Tel Aviv Cafe and next to California Tortilla. And, even more strangely, many, many couples were out for dinner on Monday night. I had been hopeful to park in front of the store, run in & run out. Sadly, parking was only available nearly a block away.
So I entered the store and selected the pillow after an agonizing choice between scarlet, leopard print or purple. (I chose black). Then, I figured, as long as I was there, I might as well pick up a few toys for later, when Matt's back is better. (And some because his back isn't better!)
I left the store and could barely stifly my grins and giggles. Picture me, walking amongst lots of couples and respectable people carrying a GIANT wedge pillow. There was no disguising the shape of it or the store I purchased it in. I had an answer ready if I got any strange looks or questions. "Yoga Mat," would be my response as I made the incredibly long walk back to my car.
Additionally, I chose to jaywalk across the street to shorten my trek. I looked both ways very carefully, because I envisioned getting hit by a car and having the police search through my bag to look for identification. How embarrassing when they discovered a purse full of sex toys!
I made it safely home, and Matt validated the trip, because he said the pillow offered instant relief. Plus- I will make the argument that the sex toys are tax deductible for work purposes. I am writing a romance novel after all. Any CPAs out there who can answer! ;-)
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Catch Up
First I'm gonna whine a bit. I'd like to have a really good excuse for not blogging in the last month, but I dont. Let's just say camp ended, my babysitter left town and Matt took an endless business trip. By the time night rolled around, I was too tired to blog. I spent the evening surfing my TIVO and working on my book.
Yes, you read correctly, my book. For the last few months I have been diligently writing a Romance Novel. (Think bare chested male model ripping the bodice off glorious female.) It is my dream to finish a manuscript. I am quite a slow writer. I suppose it adjusts for the fact that I am an incredibly fast reader. I ponder over every word selection, much as one chooses a chocolate at the confectionary at Whole Foods. (You know the counter).
So, in between writing and watching the kids, we took a trip to Miami. Nate turned 5 years old and had an Animal Science Birthday party. No dissections took place, thank you very much. I will try to post pictures of the cupcakes later, because they were award-winning fabuloso. Matt and I celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary. We left the kids with my in-laws for 6 glorious days while we relaxed at a resort in Costa Rica.
It was hard leaving the boys. I had never done it for more than a day. I cried on the airplane, but by day 2, I loved sitting down to a meal and staying seated. I did not have to jump up 14 times for juice, napkin, more anything! People waited on me and I loved it!
So that's been my life for the last month. School starts in a few days, and I can hardly wait. The boys have wonderful teachers, and it looks to be a great year.
Yes, you read correctly, my book. For the last few months I have been diligently writing a Romance Novel. (Think bare chested male model ripping the bodice off glorious female.) It is my dream to finish a manuscript. I am quite a slow writer. I suppose it adjusts for the fact that I am an incredibly fast reader. I ponder over every word selection, much as one chooses a chocolate at the confectionary at Whole Foods. (You know the counter).
So, in between writing and watching the kids, we took a trip to Miami. Nate turned 5 years old and had an Animal Science Birthday party. No dissections took place, thank you very much. I will try to post pictures of the cupcakes later, because they were award-winning fabuloso. Matt and I celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary. We left the kids with my in-laws for 6 glorious days while we relaxed at a resort in Costa Rica.
It was hard leaving the boys. I had never done it for more than a day. I cried on the airplane, but by day 2, I loved sitting down to a meal and staying seated. I did not have to jump up 14 times for juice, napkin, more anything! People waited on me and I loved it!
So that's been my life for the last month. School starts in a few days, and I can hardly wait. The boys have wonderful teachers, and it looks to be a great year.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
No Harry Potter Spoilers- I promise
It would be remiss of me not to mention the major event of the last week, since many of you know me to be a HUGE Harry Potter fan. Of course I finished it within 12 hours of its release, but I promise, no spoilers. The release of Deathly Hallows was a large event, in part because it caused many fans to reflect on the last ten years of their life since the first book came out. (or whenever they became a fan)
I first read Harry Potter in 1998. I read book 1 & 2 in a weekend. Matt & I were on vacation when book 3 came out and we sat by the pool in Palm Beach and read. When we moved to Pasadena, I attended the midnight release party for Book 4 and stayed up all night reading. We were back in DC for books 5 & 6 and Matt waited on line for me at Borders. I had a new baby and was not waiting up. Same goes for book 7. There was no midnight party for me nor, reading till dawn.
Thus, my earlier point about the reflection of life's changes since Philosopher's/Sorcerers Stone. I know many teenagers and young adults are reading The Deathly Hallows and reflecting on their accomplishments similar to Harry's at age 17. Though there are no O.W.L.s for them or battles with Dark Wizards, there are SATs, college applications and first jobs to contend with. All are big changes from the Bar mitzvahs, acne and driving tests they had while reading the earlier books.
For adults the changes are not as pronounced, but they are there.The vacation we took for Book 3 was to celebrate my Grandmother's 80th birthday. She has since passed away. I had no children for Books 1-4. I had one child for books 5 & 6. For book seven, I have two children, and not just babies; children old enough to recognize Harry Potter on the cover of the book and in all the posters around town.
I have a feeling we have not heard the last of JK Rowling and her wonderful world of wizardry. I can't wait to see where I am in life when we next meet up with the next Hogwarts generation
I first read Harry Potter in 1998. I read book 1 & 2 in a weekend. Matt & I were on vacation when book 3 came out and we sat by the pool in Palm Beach and read. When we moved to Pasadena, I attended the midnight release party for Book 4 and stayed up all night reading. We were back in DC for books 5 & 6 and Matt waited on line for me at Borders. I had a new baby and was not waiting up. Same goes for book 7. There was no midnight party for me nor, reading till dawn.
Thus, my earlier point about the reflection of life's changes since Philosopher's/Sorcerers Stone. I know many teenagers and young adults are reading The Deathly Hallows and reflecting on their accomplishments similar to Harry's at age 17. Though there are no O.W.L.s for them or battles with Dark Wizards, there are SATs, college applications and first jobs to contend with. All are big changes from the Bar mitzvahs, acne and driving tests they had while reading the earlier books.
For adults the changes are not as pronounced, but they are there.The vacation we took for Book 3 was to celebrate my Grandmother's 80th birthday. She has since passed away. I had no children for Books 1-4. I had one child for books 5 & 6. For book seven, I have two children, and not just babies; children old enough to recognize Harry Potter on the cover of the book and in all the posters around town.
I have a feeling we have not heard the last of JK Rowling and her wonderful world of wizardry. I can't wait to see where I am in life when we next meet up with the next Hogwarts generation
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Office Politics
Gossip seems to be human nature. In sixth grade it's all about who likes each other. In eleventh grade, it's who slept with each other. Same goes for college. When you graduate to an office environment, bed-partners remains a top subject, but in the interest of professionalism, much discussion occurs about work-place politics. Cubicle placement, firings, hirings, promotions etc... all come under the scrutiny of employees.
So what happens when women, who have been in the workplace leave? What do they discuss? Well, as one of those women, I can tell you...Pre-school politics. We hash it all under our plastic, safety microscopes. In fact, I just recieved an email, hot off the presses, about class placement in Nate's preschool.
One teacher left for personal reasons. The director shifted around classes and teachers and class names. There will be emails and phone calls flying tonight regarding the changes and hypothesis about class placement and the right place for our child.
So, for all those worried about women leaving the workforce in droves. Do not fear. We are keeping our skills sharpened for our eventual return.
So what happens when women, who have been in the workplace leave? What do they discuss? Well, as one of those women, I can tell you...Pre-school politics. We hash it all under our plastic, safety microscopes. In fact, I just recieved an email, hot off the presses, about class placement in Nate's preschool.
One teacher left for personal reasons. The director shifted around classes and teachers and class names. There will be emails and phone calls flying tonight regarding the changes and hypothesis about class placement and the right place for our child.
So, for all those worried about women leaving the workforce in droves. Do not fear. We are keeping our skills sharpened for our eventual return.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Can a 4 year old be sexist?
I am not sure whether it is developmental or a precursor of things to come, but Nate has become a bit of a sexist pig lately. For example, today he announced, "Boys are faster runners than girls." When discussing his upcoming birthday party, he is quite clear that he wants no "girl" things in the goody bags. "Nothing pink or princess!," he announced with disdain dripping from each syllable uttered. When picking colors for cups or shovels etc... he chooses BLUE, cause pink is for girls! He is also taking it into more serious actions, by choosing only to play with boys at school. He wants nothing to do with the girls. I know this is a stage most boys and girls reach, but I am a bit concerned about his emphatic nature regarding gender.
I am trying to fight this by reminding him that some girls like pink and some like blue. Some boys like pink and some like blue. I really dont know where his stereotyping is coming from. Both Matt & I try to be really careful about gender roles and expectations. Yet, somehow gender pervasive myth has crept into Nate's vocabulary.
It may be the shows he watches on tv, but somehow I dont think so. His favorite show is Bindi the Jungle girl- a reality show about Bindi Irwin, heir apparent to the Croc hunter. Clearly, a strong female character. His superhero fetish isn't contributing either. He knows Wonderwoman can kick some serious butt. So where do kids get their ideas? Where is Nate learning that all girls like princesses, pink and tea parties?
Should I back off and attribute this to typical (almost) 5 year old behavior? Or, do I fight battle after battle reminding him that it is ok for girls to play soccer and boys can dance like Angelina Ballerina? Any thoughts? Ideas?
I am trying to fight this by reminding him that some girls like pink and some like blue. Some boys like pink and some like blue. I really dont know where his stereotyping is coming from. Both Matt & I try to be really careful about gender roles and expectations. Yet, somehow gender pervasive myth has crept into Nate's vocabulary.
It may be the shows he watches on tv, but somehow I dont think so. His favorite show is Bindi the Jungle girl- a reality show about Bindi Irwin, heir apparent to the Croc hunter. Clearly, a strong female character. His superhero fetish isn't contributing either. He knows Wonderwoman can kick some serious butt. So where do kids get their ideas? Where is Nate learning that all girls like princesses, pink and tea parties?
Should I back off and attribute this to typical (almost) 5 year old behavior? Or, do I fight battle after battle reminding him that it is ok for girls to play soccer and boys can dance like Angelina Ballerina? Any thoughts? Ideas?
Thursday, July 05, 2007
My Poor Baby
Jacob had surgery today. He had ear tubes put in and his adenoids removed. Poor little guy. We debated how much to tell him prior to the surgery. Since he is only 2 1/2, we did not think he would understand much, so we just told him we were going to the doctor, and Dr. Jack would fix his ears.
Several friends' children had this done, and they warned the hardest part was seeing them go under the anaesthesia. We only have one car, so Matt & I had to juggle responsibilties on surgery day. I thought about it, and I chose the cowardly route. I just did not think I could watch one of my babies get put to sleep. Matt took Jacob & I waited at home with Nate. Once Nate was picked up, I raced to the hospital in time to be there when Jacob woke up.
Is there anything worse than seeing your child sick? And thank god I don't know from truly sick.
OK, I am off. It has been a tiring day getting covered in tears and vomit.
Several friends' children had this done, and they warned the hardest part was seeing them go under the anaesthesia. We only have one car, so Matt & I had to juggle responsibilties on surgery day. I thought about it, and I chose the cowardly route. I just did not think I could watch one of my babies get put to sleep. Matt took Jacob & I waited at home with Nate. Once Nate was picked up, I raced to the hospital in time to be there when Jacob woke up.
Is there anything worse than seeing your child sick? And thank god I don't know from truly sick.
OK, I am off. It has been a tiring day getting covered in tears and vomit.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
I am still here
Matt just teased me that the last time I posted we only had one kid! Well, it has only been a a few weeks, and nothing much is new.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
things to do
DC is an amazing city. No matter your interests, it has something for you. This past year my family has really taken advantage of our city's amenities, and I thought it would be useful to my local readers to highlight some of our favorites.
INDOOR:
1. The Building Musuem- A large, beautiful building with hands-on kids activities.
2. The Natural History Museum- Hall of Mammals is great. Dinosaurs can be a bit scary.
3. Leland Community Center- Sorry DC, Montgomery county takes the prize for this clean community center that offers up affordable sports, arts and toddler programs. Additionally, they have open gym time and a nice playground.
4. Noyes Children's Library- Again, sorry DC, Montgomery county libraries have more books, cleaner spaces and librarians that know children's books.
5. Rock Creek Nature Center & Plantetarium- They have nice children's programming.
6. Family Days at any of the art museums. They are free and it is a Fabulous way to introduce young children to art museums. Our Favorites are National Gallery- East Wing, (the IM Pei building) and the Corcoran.
7. Free theater Saturday mornings at the National Theater.
8. Chuck E Cheese- during the week at 9 am, before the crowds get there
Outdoor- Although, most people do not think of DC as a nature lovers paradise, Rock Creek Park and the Potomac offer up an amazing amount of hikes even our toddlers can do.
1. Hains Point
2. Roosevelt Island- only go in the spring or Fall. Summer is too hot & buggy
3. Any of the trails in Rock creek, particularly ones leading into...
4. The National Zoo
5. Great Falls- MD side
6. Clemyjontri park- this is the BEST park I have ever been to. Period. Full stop.
7. Watermine Water park in Herndon, VA
8. Eating popsicles at the Scupture garden in between the National Gallery of Art & Natural History Musuem- though Hirshorn scultpture garden is nice too.
9. Homestead Farm for apple or berry picking.
Places to cool off on hot DC summer days:
1. See above- Watermine park
2. Spray fountains next to Clydes & Giffords ice cream on Wisconsin Ave & Western
3. The fountain in the circle of the Hirshorn Museum. It goes low, then high, then LOOK OUT!
4. The Avalon movie theater- Saturday morning children's matinees. The best are the days they show Scholastic DVDS.
ok, sorry to my most loyal readers, all who live outside of the Beltway (like thousands of miles outside), but this list was on my mind. Does anyone have any places to contribute that I missed?
-Linda
INDOOR:
1. The Building Musuem- A large, beautiful building with hands-on kids activities.
2. The Natural History Museum- Hall of Mammals is great. Dinosaurs can be a bit scary.
3. Leland Community Center- Sorry DC, Montgomery county takes the prize for this clean community center that offers up affordable sports, arts and toddler programs. Additionally, they have open gym time and a nice playground.
4. Noyes Children's Library- Again, sorry DC, Montgomery county libraries have more books, cleaner spaces and librarians that know children's books.
5. Rock Creek Nature Center & Plantetarium- They have nice children's programming.
6. Family Days at any of the art museums. They are free and it is a Fabulous way to introduce young children to art museums. Our Favorites are National Gallery- East Wing, (the IM Pei building) and the Corcoran.
7. Free theater Saturday mornings at the National Theater.
8. Chuck E Cheese- during the week at 9 am, before the crowds get there
Outdoor- Although, most people do not think of DC as a nature lovers paradise, Rock Creek Park and the Potomac offer up an amazing amount of hikes even our toddlers can do.
1. Hains Point
2. Roosevelt Island- only go in the spring or Fall. Summer is too hot & buggy
3. Any of the trails in Rock creek, particularly ones leading into...
4. The National Zoo
5. Great Falls- MD side
6. Clemyjontri park- this is the BEST park I have ever been to. Period. Full stop.
7. Watermine Water park in Herndon, VA
8. Eating popsicles at the Scupture garden in between the National Gallery of Art & Natural History Musuem- though Hirshorn scultpture garden is nice too.
9. Homestead Farm for apple or berry picking.
Places to cool off on hot DC summer days:
1. See above- Watermine park
2. Spray fountains next to Clydes & Giffords ice cream on Wisconsin Ave & Western
3. The fountain in the circle of the Hirshorn Museum. It goes low, then high, then LOOK OUT!
4. The Avalon movie theater- Saturday morning children's matinees. The best are the days they show Scholastic DVDS.
ok, sorry to my most loyal readers, all who live outside of the Beltway (like thousands of miles outside), but this list was on my mind. Does anyone have any places to contribute that I missed?
-Linda
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
To Gift or not to gift. That is the question.
I can't remember who was called the "Me" generation, but it seems that my generation is trying to help our children become the "Give-back" generation. I think it is a positive and wonderful thing that my children are expected to give Tzedakah (roughly translated as charity or justice) each week at their school, have made sandwiches for the homeless and marched in various rallies and fundraisers around town. We are trying not to spoil our children and to give them a sense of appreciation at their good fortune.
However, are we going too far when we disallow presents at birthday parties? A few months ago, my sister-in-law attended a "birthday party" in her hometown of Denver. I put the birthday party in quotes, because there were no invitations. An email was sent telling guests to meet at the Denver Children's museum. The birthday family did not rent the party room, they did not have a birthday cake, and they requested no presents. All this fuss, just for a three year old! My 3 year old niece was confused; she walked into the Museum's party space where another toddler was celebrating with cake and invited herself to celebrate with them.
Recently we attended 2 birthday parties where it was requested that no birthday presents be given. At one party, we were instructed to bring a wrapped book for an exchange. Each child left the party with a new book- goody bags and birthday presents taken care of! At the other party, the invitation clearly stated no presents, but each party guest left with a treasure box full of goodies.
So, what's going on here? Are modern-day parents, frightened of articles in Parenting magazines about 10 year olds with iPods, PS2s, X-Boxes and cell phones, reacting by shunning gifts. Are we so worried that we are spoiling our own children, we won't allow others to give them gifts?
Could it be simply that playrooms are full to the brim with more toys than our children can possibly play with. I know I certainly don't want more toys to have to clean up. So, now, what is a parent to do? Personally, I want others to buy my kids gifts for their birthdays. My boys take such pleasure in unwrapping them. Plus, it has been a whole year since their toys were updated, and they have gone through a lot of developmental changes. The 40 piece puzzles need to upgrade to 100 pieces, Candyland should be swapped for Scrabble, and Bob the Builder is out; make way for soccer balls.
Granted, buying presents for a whole class is an expensive proposition. Perhaps the money spent buying a stranger's child a present would be better spent buying one for my own children, whose interests and closet I am familiar with.
Nate's party invitations will go out in a month or so, and I don't want to be the only venal mom not putting a "no gift" policy on his invitation. Any thoughts? What is going on in your community.
However, are we going too far when we disallow presents at birthday parties? A few months ago, my sister-in-law attended a "birthday party" in her hometown of Denver. I put the birthday party in quotes, because there were no invitations. An email was sent telling guests to meet at the Denver Children's museum. The birthday family did not rent the party room, they did not have a birthday cake, and they requested no presents. All this fuss, just for a three year old! My 3 year old niece was confused; she walked into the Museum's party space where another toddler was celebrating with cake and invited herself to celebrate with them.
Recently we attended 2 birthday parties where it was requested that no birthday presents be given. At one party, we were instructed to bring a wrapped book for an exchange. Each child left the party with a new book- goody bags and birthday presents taken care of! At the other party, the invitation clearly stated no presents, but each party guest left with a treasure box full of goodies.
So, what's going on here? Are modern-day parents, frightened of articles in Parenting magazines about 10 year olds with iPods, PS2s, X-Boxes and cell phones, reacting by shunning gifts. Are we so worried that we are spoiling our own children, we won't allow others to give them gifts?
Could it be simply that playrooms are full to the brim with more toys than our children can possibly play with. I know I certainly don't want more toys to have to clean up. So, now, what is a parent to do? Personally, I want others to buy my kids gifts for their birthdays. My boys take such pleasure in unwrapping them. Plus, it has been a whole year since their toys were updated, and they have gone through a lot of developmental changes. The 40 piece puzzles need to upgrade to 100 pieces, Candyland should be swapped for Scrabble, and Bob the Builder is out; make way for soccer balls.
Granted, buying presents for a whole class is an expensive proposition. Perhaps the money spent buying a stranger's child a present would be better spent buying one for my own children, whose interests and closet I am familiar with.
Nate's party invitations will go out in a month or so, and I don't want to be the only venal mom not putting a "no gift" policy on his invitation. Any thoughts? What is going on in your community.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
The birds and the bees
No, the boys have not asked me the magic question yet, but I can feel it coming any day. Nate and I have been playing a RPG (Role Play Game) on the computer about a zoo. We get to place animals in the zoo together and eventually baby animals are born. Nate has learned that there must be a boy animal and a girl animal and they "mate." So far, no questions for the definition of mate. What will I say? He is WAAY too young for the whole answer. His naivete and youth was emphasized for me yesterday during a silly conversation with his brother. It went something like this:
Nate: "Jacob, is Ducky Dino a girl or boy?" (Ducky Dino is Jacob's Lovey)
Jacob: "Ducky Dino is a tyrannosaurus Rex."
Nate: "But is he a girl T-Rex or a boy T-rex?"
Me: "Nate, I don't think Jacob knows the difference between boys & girls yet." (yet strangely, he knows the difference between a T-rex and an Ankylosaurus)
Nate: ponders this for a long second as if he understood the responsibility of answering one of life's more complex problems to his baby brother, and says, "Jacob, girls have (insert long pause Nate thinking deeply, me waiting with bated breath) ponytails. Boys don't. So, is Ducky Dino a girl or a boy?"
Jacob: "He's a T-Rex!"
Nate: "Jacob, is Ducky Dino a girl or boy?" (Ducky Dino is Jacob's Lovey)
Jacob: "Ducky Dino is a tyrannosaurus Rex."
Nate: "But is he a girl T-Rex or a boy T-rex?"
Me: "Nate, I don't think Jacob knows the difference between boys & girls yet." (yet strangely, he knows the difference between a T-rex and an Ankylosaurus)
Nate: ponders this for a long second as if he understood the responsibility of answering one of life's more complex problems to his baby brother, and says, "Jacob, girls have (insert long pause Nate thinking deeply, me waiting with bated breath) ponytails. Boys don't. So, is Ducky Dino a girl or a boy?"
Jacob: "He's a T-Rex!"
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Pregnant, or just plain fat?
I am going to make like Valerie Bertinelli and come out with it. I am getting a tiny bit fat. After Jacob, I just never lost the pregnancy pooch. It is to the point that I have had a few questions about whether I am expecting again. I seem to carry all my weight in my belly and c-sections didn't help.
It says something about the view of fat in America or my self-esteem, that I think I would prefer telling people I am 4 months pregnant rather than saying I am just plain FAT! Ok, I am motivated now, I am off to ride the exercise bike.
It says something about the view of fat in America or my self-esteem, that I think I would prefer telling people I am 4 months pregnant rather than saying I am just plain FAT! Ok, I am motivated now, I am off to ride the exercise bike.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
And some more funny quotes from the boys
I apologize for this, since I don't usually use my blog as a forum to tell anecdotes about my children. Only grandparents usually enjoy these. But....since my mom is my most avid blog reader, I include these. So here goes:
Silly things the boys did or said today to make me laugh:
This morning I went to put on my diamond hoop earrings that I had left on my nightstand. They were not there. I shrugged it off assuming they were in my top secret, hidden, jewlery box (if you are a robber reading this, don't even THINK you'll find it). I did not bother to get them since I was late picking the boys up at school.
I did not give the earrings a second thought until bedtime tonight when Nate said, "Doesn't Momma Jaguar look beautiful?" Without looking, I replied in the affirmative. But then, Nate added, "She's wearing earrings, just like you do." Well, my head spun to look, and sure enough, there were my diamond huggies, perfectly clipped in his stuffed animal's ears. Matt & I laughed, because they were both there and undamaged. Then I found my junk jewlery box and swapped the good stuff for some plastic rhinestones.
________________________________
Jacob: "I'm not Jacob, I'm a volcano!"
______________________________________________
Dr. Williams: Hi, I'm Dr. Jack, who have we got here?
Jacob: I'm SUPREMO Guy! (Picture him shouting this, wearing his large plastic Duck hat and white gardening gloves)
Silly things the boys did or said today to make me laugh:
This morning I went to put on my diamond hoop earrings that I had left on my nightstand. They were not there. I shrugged it off assuming they were in my top secret, hidden, jewlery box (if you are a robber reading this, don't even THINK you'll find it). I did not bother to get them since I was late picking the boys up at school.
I did not give the earrings a second thought until bedtime tonight when Nate said, "Doesn't Momma Jaguar look beautiful?" Without looking, I replied in the affirmative. But then, Nate added, "She's wearing earrings, just like you do." Well, my head spun to look, and sure enough, there were my diamond huggies, perfectly clipped in his stuffed animal's ears. Matt & I laughed, because they were both there and undamaged. Then I found my junk jewlery box and swapped the good stuff for some plastic rhinestones.
________________________________
Jacob: "I'm not Jacob, I'm a volcano!"
______________________________________________
Dr. Williams: Hi, I'm Dr. Jack, who have we got here?
Jacob: I'm SUPREMO Guy! (Picture him shouting this, wearing his large plastic Duck hat and white gardening gloves)
Guiding Light 2: the feminist trakt
I took the boys to their sports class the other day. It is a mixed gender class, and at this age, the boys and girls are totally equal in abilities. If anything, the girls seem to have more hand/eye coordination. After class, on line for the water fountain, I heard one of the fathers joke to his 5 year old son, "Are you crying like a little girl?"
I stopped, annoyed that such blatant sexism still existed. I debated internally, 'should I say something?' I realized the dad probably did not realize how damaging that type of comment is. I was hopeful that no little girls in the vicinity heard.
Another time, I was at the toy store, and a little boy, maybe 2 years old, asked his father if he could get the broom and vacum cleaner playset. His father's response was, "that's a girl's toy." I nearly bit a hole in my tongue trying not to get in his face about it. "WHY is a broom a girls toy?" First, I did not realize that girls had to play with certain toys and boys had another set. Second, WHY are cleaning items in the female domain?
I will say that motherhood has opened my eyes to the hardwired differences between male & female. There are certain things that many, not all, boys seem to gravitate to naturally. But in general, Fathers, please think before speaking to your sons? Comments that equate weakness with little girl (throwing like a, crying like a, running like a little girl) are wrong.
I stopped, annoyed that such blatant sexism still existed. I debated internally, 'should I say something?' I realized the dad probably did not realize how damaging that type of comment is. I was hopeful that no little girls in the vicinity heard.
Another time, I was at the toy store, and a little boy, maybe 2 years old, asked his father if he could get the broom and vacum cleaner playset. His father's response was, "that's a girl's toy." I nearly bit a hole in my tongue trying not to get in his face about it. "WHY is a broom a girls toy?" First, I did not realize that girls had to play with certain toys and boys had another set. Second, WHY are cleaning items in the female domain?
I will say that motherhood has opened my eyes to the hardwired differences between male & female. There are certain things that many, not all, boys seem to gravitate to naturally. But in general, Fathers, please think before speaking to your sons? Comments that equate weakness with little girl (throwing like a, crying like a, running like a little girl) are wrong.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Guiding Light
No, not the soap opera. Strangely, I never got into Soaps, despite being addicted to trashy romance novels and being home during the day. I refer to guiding light as the role I see parents should play in their childrens' lives.
The period we live in is one of extreme political correctness, particularly in Washington, D.C. Somehow, liberal and Democrat have become synonymous with an open mindeness and a wariness to promote any single lifestyle or morality over another. So loathe are we to offend anyone, we often don't even know what beliefs we do stand for anymore. There is no black and white, just one big melting pot of gray.
This liberalism has translated itself into parenting. I don't just mean parents who are unwilling to discipline their children for fear of hindering creative souls or being the bad-guy. I also see parents shying away from offering a moral compass or guiding light.
For example, when children are under the age of 5, and older, I strongly believe that parents have the right and the responsibility to monitor and control details of their lives. This pertains to television programs, movies, playdates, toys and activities. Do not assume, because your child sounds like a rational, articulate adult that they actually are. Just because they can give you a five paragraph essay on why they want to see the new Spiderman movie, does not mean they are ready for it. It is ok to say no.
Lessons Matt and I try to teach our children:
1. Religion is important, not just spiritual belief, but every day practice. We teach this by sending them to a Jewish school, keeping a kosher home and observing a Sabbath meal.
2. Taking responsibility for your actions is key. I tell them all the time that I am more angry if they lie about writing on the wall with crayon then them writing on the wall. The lesson is then followed through by handing him a Magic Eraser and making them attempt to clean their mess up.
3. We live in a Community. We are part of a lot of different communities- our family, our school, our neighborhood and our city. It is important to be a giving and active member of all communities.
4. A sense of humor. Life is wacky- have fun.
The period we live in is one of extreme political correctness, particularly in Washington, D.C. Somehow, liberal and Democrat have become synonymous with an open mindeness and a wariness to promote any single lifestyle or morality over another. So loathe are we to offend anyone, we often don't even know what beliefs we do stand for anymore. There is no black and white, just one big melting pot of gray.
This liberalism has translated itself into parenting. I don't just mean parents who are unwilling to discipline their children for fear of hindering creative souls or being the bad-guy. I also see parents shying away from offering a moral compass or guiding light.
For example, when children are under the age of 5, and older, I strongly believe that parents have the right and the responsibility to monitor and control details of their lives. This pertains to television programs, movies, playdates, toys and activities. Do not assume, because your child sounds like a rational, articulate adult that they actually are. Just because they can give you a five paragraph essay on why they want to see the new Spiderman movie, does not mean they are ready for it. It is ok to say no.
Lessons Matt and I try to teach our children:
1. Religion is important, not just spiritual belief, but every day practice. We teach this by sending them to a Jewish school, keeping a kosher home and observing a Sabbath meal.
2. Taking responsibility for your actions is key. I tell them all the time that I am more angry if they lie about writing on the wall with crayon then them writing on the wall. The lesson is then followed through by handing him a Magic Eraser and making them attempt to clean their mess up.
3. We live in a Community. We are part of a lot of different communities- our family, our school, our neighborhood and our city. It is important to be a giving and active member of all communities.
4. A sense of humor. Life is wacky- have fun.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Oh Say can you Say
It is so fun living with a 2 and 4 year old. They keep me on my toes and make me laugh with the things they say. For example a list of funny conversations & comments today include:
Nate: "Does Grandpa keep kosher?"
Me: "No"
Nate: "Well crackers are kosher."
Me: "Yes"
Nate: "And Grandpa keeps crackers."
Jacob: "I'm not Jacob, I'm the Captain!"
Nate: "When Jacob gets sick & dies, can I take a bath alone."
Me: "God Forbid!" If you want a bath alone so badly, just ask.
Nate: "I mean when we're old."
Jacob: (Marching and stamping his feet) "I'm a Gallimimus!"
Nate: "Does Grandpa keep kosher?"
Me: "No"
Nate: "Well crackers are kosher."
Me: "Yes"
Nate: "And Grandpa keeps crackers."
Jacob: "I'm not Jacob, I'm the Captain!"
Nate: "When Jacob gets sick & dies, can I take a bath alone."
Me: "God Forbid!" If you want a bath alone so badly, just ask.
Nate: "I mean when we're old."
Jacob: (Marching and stamping his feet) "I'm a Gallimimus!"
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Screw Up #87
I screwed up yesterday, but I truly blame the media. The weatherreporters were reporting news of a great storm coming in today. Filled with schadenfreude, they talked of ice, delay and general mayhem.
So sure were they of this storm, I went to the supermarket and sent Matt to Child's PLAY (the best toy store in DC) to stock up on some new games if we were going to be stuck indoors for 2 days.
Stupid me told Nate where Daddy had gone and what he had bought, so now there is no storm, and Nate is begging whining and pleading to see the new games. oy va voy, do I give in and let him play. WHY did I tell him anything. I can never keep my big mouth shut!
OK, Nate's turn to type:
NATE JAGUAR MATT SUPERMAN JACOB BOB
So sure were they of this storm, I went to the supermarket and sent Matt to Child's PLAY (the best toy store in DC) to stock up on some new games if we were going to be stuck indoors for 2 days.
Stupid me told Nate where Daddy had gone and what he had bought, so now there is no storm, and Nate is begging whining and pleading to see the new games. oy va voy, do I give in and let him play. WHY did I tell him anything. I can never keep my big mouth shut!
OK, Nate's turn to type:
NATE JAGUAR MATT SUPERMAN JACOB BOB
Monday, February 12, 2007
Poor baby
I am sure everyone here has heard the news about Anna Nicole Smith's death. The whole thing is so strange- first her son dies just a few days after she gives birth, then she dies. I am curious about the cause of death.
My guess is that the grief over her son's death combined with post-partum depression did her in. Though it is hard for me to imagine not fighting for your life when you have a new baby to take care of.
Now of course, the big question is who gets custody of the baby girl. Forgive me for cynicism, but I can almost see the dollar signs in the claimants eyes, not genuine concern for a baby with no mommy and fathers of dubious claims.
It is so frustrating to me, I almost want to jump in, divide the money between everyone wanting a stake, and just take the baby out of the mess and raise her away from the Meshuggah. I would think everyone would thank me, as no one seems to actually want to raise the baby, just her money.
If this travesty of parenting and family ties continues, I think we can reliably look forward to news stories 18 years hence about Anna Nicole's progeny getting into scrapes.
My guess is that the grief over her son's death combined with post-partum depression did her in. Though it is hard for me to imagine not fighting for your life when you have a new baby to take care of.
Now of course, the big question is who gets custody of the baby girl. Forgive me for cynicism, but I can almost see the dollar signs in the claimants eyes, not genuine concern for a baby with no mommy and fathers of dubious claims.
It is so frustrating to me, I almost want to jump in, divide the money between everyone wanting a stake, and just take the baby out of the mess and raise her away from the Meshuggah. I would think everyone would thank me, as no one seems to actually want to raise the baby, just her money.
If this travesty of parenting and family ties continues, I think we can reliably look forward to news stories 18 years hence about Anna Nicole's progeny getting into scrapes.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
slugs
ZAslug slug slugabed. It is cold and rainy, and we are on the couch and have not moved. Nate is curled up next to me, and we're snuggling and watching tv. He has a cold, so I am using it as an excuse to hang out on the couch for hours at a time. Lazy daze. So lazy, I am going to let him do a blog entry:
zzzannmzzzqqxxxxrrrrr66555aaaaeeeqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqlinfdhnnnnhh hhhhhhhhh.
Very good Nate. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzaaazzanmsssssssszzzqqq1aa5nbbmopiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiyyyyyyyyyyyeasssssssssssssssss eeeessq
zzzannmzzzqqxxxxrrrrr66555aaaaeeeqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqlinfdhnnnnhh hhhhhhhhh.
Very good Nate. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzaaazzanmsssssssszzzqqq1aa5nbbmopiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiyyyyyyyyyyyeasssssssssssssssss eeeessq
Monday, January 22, 2007
Where to begin
Boys & Girls, calm yourselves I am back from winter hiatus. Back along with all the great shows like Heroes, Ugly Betty and Battlestar Galactica. We nearly had a big problem since Blogger finally integrated with Google, requiring a sign in using Google passwords. I do have one, but it took a while to remember it.
I am finding more and more that I am losing my mind- not going insane or anything, just losing my memory. It started when I was pregnant with Nate. I just got more absent-minded. After he was born it got really bad, and I could not remember or focus on anything other than his last nursing schedule. It got a little better, but now I just feel as though my brain has gone slightly spongy.
I can recite the name of every member of Bob the Builder's team, recognize every child in Nate's class and name at least 17 different species that reside in the rainforest. However, I have lost the ability to remember any computer/internet account password. I don't remember what I am doing in a room half the time, even though I am sure I walked in to do something purposeful. I throw a load of laundry in, forget it is there and don't remember until days later. I rarely know what day of the week it is, even though I need to since we have a different activity & schedule each day that rely on me being somewhere to pick or drop a child off.
Is this because I am not working and don't have an Outlook calendar in front of me 9 hours a day, or are there mothering hormones that cause my brain to do this? Or, is there something more insidious going on and I should get on Alzheimers meds now!
Matt is getting annoyed with me since he thinks I am just not concentrating or listening. But truly, I am. I just can't seem to hold onto a thought more than a few minutes. And, while many of you may be sniggering about my reckless high-school/college extra-curricular activities; let me remind you that, "It is one thing to spark up a doobie and get laced at parties, but it is quite another to be fried all day. "
Is anyone else experiencing this "Mom" brain, or do I need to call a doctor. What kind of doctor do you call anyway for memory loss? Email me answers, since I won't remember any phone calls!
I am finding more and more that I am losing my mind- not going insane or anything, just losing my memory. It started when I was pregnant with Nate. I just got more absent-minded. After he was born it got really bad, and I could not remember or focus on anything other than his last nursing schedule. It got a little better, but now I just feel as though my brain has gone slightly spongy.
I can recite the name of every member of Bob the Builder's team, recognize every child in Nate's class and name at least 17 different species that reside in the rainforest. However, I have lost the ability to remember any computer/internet account password. I don't remember what I am doing in a room half the time, even though I am sure I walked in to do something purposeful. I throw a load of laundry in, forget it is there and don't remember until days later. I rarely know what day of the week it is, even though I need to since we have a different activity & schedule each day that rely on me being somewhere to pick or drop a child off.
Is this because I am not working and don't have an Outlook calendar in front of me 9 hours a day, or are there mothering hormones that cause my brain to do this? Or, is there something more insidious going on and I should get on Alzheimers meds now!
Matt is getting annoyed with me since he thinks I am just not concentrating or listening. But truly, I am. I just can't seem to hold onto a thought more than a few minutes. And, while many of you may be sniggering about my reckless high-school/college extra-curricular activities; let me remind you that, "It is one thing to spark up a doobie and get laced at parties, but it is quite another to be fried all day. "
Is anyone else experiencing this "Mom" brain, or do I need to call a doctor. What kind of doctor do you call anyway for memory loss? Email me answers, since I won't remember any phone calls!
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