Tonight was a rare occasion where all four of us had dinner together. The reason this rarely occurs in our house is because our darling Smiley goes to bed super early. Jealous.
But tonight we tried something different and so I ate my meal with a high-chaired Smiley on my left and a sitting-on-his-knees Turbo to my right.
Nothing noteworthy until Smiley started getting a little overtired. She began to giggle every time I turned to look at her. So I did the most natural thing and kept doing it. I made a dramatic, in-your-face turn in her direction and she squealed with delight.
Turbo, not to be excluded, caught on to the fun and started leaning over me to get as close to her as possible. He'd lean over and say a single word and she would laugh.
This 'single word' I mention? It wasn't one particular word repeated with each lean-over, but rather it was a different word with each turn and appeared to be whatever word leapt to Turbo's mind. He'd pause a moment in between words to see what would come to him.
The first word: "Snowman!"
Smiley giggled.
Next word: "Water!"
Smiley giggled again (I wish I'd caught this on camera, but there are some moments that are better left as is, uninterrupted).
Other words that made the cut: Jakey (friend from school), milk, Thomas (the train), Logan (another friend from school).
Then Turbo said, "Shaun the Sheep!"
This time when Smiley laughed, Turbo observed, "She likes Shaun the Sheep."
Huh. I had no idea that one way to gauge someone's interest in a television show was to shout the name of the show in their face as loudly as you can.
Cheers!
Magnum PI!
So... do you like those shows? Are you laughing?
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
So Busted
Turbo and Smiley each require different methods for falling asleep at night.
Smiley is tired at 6 PM, and so when I bring her, all jammied-up, to their room at night, she all but dives into her crib and snuggles in for a long night of, usually, uninterrupted sleep. I barely get to snuggle with her. (A-hem, except for last night, when I gave up trying to get her back to sleep and brought her into our bed around 11:30 PM).
Turbo, on the other hand, has always wanted to sleep next to me. I guess I should be flattered, and I've mostly loved it. He gets into bed around 8:30 PM, and while we've had some success off and on for him to fall asleep on his own, it really seems to work better if one of us in snuggled in his bed with him.
Turbo is 3 years old now. It took a very, very, very, very long time for this kid to sleep on his own through the night. And it took an even longer time (forever +1?) for him to be able to fall asleep quickly.
But we're there. And I'm grateful.
I think I've mentioned it before that I sometimes tell little fibs to Turbo, finding an excuse to exit his warm, snuggly bed before he's completely asleep, and then he graciously falls asleep on his own without my help. I love those nights, as I am able to leave his room before I get all bleary-eyed myself and can't do anything for my "me time" except to fall face first into my own bed.
Last week, I thought I'd pulled it off again. Not so fast, mom. Here is the replay:
[in Turbo's bed]
Me: "I forgot to brush my teeth. I'll be right back."
Turbo: "And then you'll come and sleep in my bed?"
Me: "Uh-huh." And I exit, feeling confident and sure of myself.
Ten minutes later, I'm in front of my computer, browsing Facebook or window-shopping online, when I catch a glimpse of Turbo out of the corner of my eye, coming at me, rubbing his eyes.
"Mom, it's wake up time?"
Erm, um, quickly scramble for an excuse and get back into bed with him.
Smiley is tired at 6 PM, and so when I bring her, all jammied-up, to their room at night, she all but dives into her crib and snuggles in for a long night of, usually, uninterrupted sleep. I barely get to snuggle with her. (A-hem, except for last night, when I gave up trying to get her back to sleep and brought her into our bed around 11:30 PM).
Turbo, on the other hand, has always wanted to sleep next to me. I guess I should be flattered, and I've mostly loved it. He gets into bed around 8:30 PM, and while we've had some success off and on for him to fall asleep on his own, it really seems to work better if one of us in snuggled in his bed with him.
Turbo is 3 years old now. It took a very, very, very, very long time for this kid to sleep on his own through the night. And it took an even longer time (forever +1?) for him to be able to fall asleep quickly.
But we're there. And I'm grateful.
I think I've mentioned it before that I sometimes tell little fibs to Turbo, finding an excuse to exit his warm, snuggly bed before he's completely asleep, and then he graciously falls asleep on his own without my help. I love those nights, as I am able to leave his room before I get all bleary-eyed myself and can't do anything for my "me time" except to fall face first into my own bed.
Last week, I thought I'd pulled it off again. Not so fast, mom. Here is the replay:
[in Turbo's bed]
Me: "I forgot to brush my teeth. I'll be right back."
Turbo: "And then you'll come and sleep in my bed?"
Me: "Uh-huh." And I exit, feeling confident and sure of myself.
Ten minutes later, I'm in front of my computer, browsing Facebook or window-shopping online, when I catch a glimpse of Turbo out of the corner of my eye, coming at me, rubbing his eyes.
"Mom, it's wake up time?"
Erm, um, quickly scramble for an excuse and get back into bed with him.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Stealth Underwear
Last week Turbo had an urge to hide all his underwear from his little sister.
He exited the bathroom at a run, hands full of his underwear and found a fabulous hiding spot... in our hallway.
"Mom," he whispered to me, conspiratorially, "This is the secret spot so Smiley won't get them."
 |
| Super secret hiding spot |
Setting an Alarm
Even though my darling Smiley gets up before my alarm on most days, I still set the alarm M-F just in case we luck out and have a rare moment of her sleeping a bit longer. It's a tall order, for one who goes to bed by 6:30 PM each night. But a mama can hope, can't she?
I have to stay, I still get a thrill out of not setting my alarm on weekends.
There is something so delicious and full of hope on a Friday or Saturday night, that my kids might sleep in on a weekend morning.
Doesn't happen, but I still have that little moment of hope each Friday and Saturday night.
Am I what you call a glass-is-half-full kind of gal?
I have to stay, I still get a thrill out of not setting my alarm on weekends.
There is something so delicious and full of hope on a Friday or Saturday night, that my kids might sleep in on a weekend morning.
Doesn't happen, but I still have that little moment of hope each Friday and Saturday night.
Am I what you call a glass-is-half-full kind of gal?
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Lime Leader
Have I mentioned before that Turbo loves to direct? I hope he will grow up to use his skills for good rather than for bossiness... he's kind of a bossypants these days. :)
Turbo learned a new term at school, one that suits him beautifully: Line Leader. Or, as he calls it, "Lime Leader."
Since I don't get to spend my days at preschool I am guessing here on what it means, but I'm pretty sure it means you get to be the one in charge of telling people what to do. Or, maybe, it's just the first person in a long line of kids doing exactly what the teacher tells them to do... only don't tell Turbo.
Here is how it plays out at home.
"Mom, I'm the lime leader."
I dutifully stand behind him.
Turbo then leads me around the house, or through the Museum of Flight, or wherever the director mood strikes. It's kind of fun, having a name for what he's naturally good at.
The other morning Turbo, having taken forever to go potty in the morning (mom = late for work), finally departs the bathroom and declares himself the Lime Leader. I stand behind him, hoping we're on our way down to the breakfast table, when he says to me:
"Now, kiss my back."
Me: "Um, what?"
Turbo, pointing to his bottom, "Kiss my body."
Me: "Why?"
Turbo: "Cuz that's what you do."
Reminds me, I should probably call the school to find out what that's all about.
Turbo learned a new term at school, one that suits him beautifully: Line Leader. Or, as he calls it, "Lime Leader."
Since I don't get to spend my days at preschool I am guessing here on what it means, but I'm pretty sure it means you get to be the one in charge of telling people what to do. Or, maybe, it's just the first person in a long line of kids doing exactly what the teacher tells them to do... only don't tell Turbo.
Here is how it plays out at home.
"Mom, I'm the lime leader."
I dutifully stand behind him.
Turbo then leads me around the house, or through the Museum of Flight, or wherever the director mood strikes. It's kind of fun, having a name for what he's naturally good at.
The other morning Turbo, having taken forever to go potty in the morning (mom = late for work), finally departs the bathroom and declares himself the Lime Leader. I stand behind him, hoping we're on our way down to the breakfast table, when he says to me:
"Now, kiss my back."
Me: "Um, what?"
Turbo, pointing to his bottom, "Kiss my body."
Me: "Why?"
Turbo: "Cuz that's what you do."
Reminds me, I should probably call the school to find out what that's all about.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving
I'm going to have to regroup and post more details about this great weekend, but, for now, as I can barely support my sleepy head on these tired shoulders, I will simply share what Turbo said so eloquently this evening.
"Happy Thanksgiving is aaaaaaaaaaaaaall done."
He said this as he was enjoying his dinner of a bowl full of Ruffles potato chips and a cup of juice. I looked him in the eye and said, "This is a special day, so you can have all these chips for dinner. We're not going to have chips for dinner again."
He looked thoughtful, then said, "Mom, this is our last chips. Happy Thanksgiving is all done now."
And then the "aaaaaaaaaaall" done version came loudly, several times over.
I love my kid. He's got spunk.
"Happy Thanksgiving is aaaaaaaaaaaaaall done."
He said this as he was enjoying his dinner of a bowl full of Ruffles potato chips and a cup of juice. I looked him in the eye and said, "This is a special day, so you can have all these chips for dinner. We're not going to have chips for dinner again."
He looked thoughtful, then said, "Mom, this is our last chips. Happy Thanksgiving is all done now."
And then the "aaaaaaaaaaall" done version came loudly, several times over.
I love my kid. He's got spunk.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
That's Classy
I forgot my gym bag in the car last night, which meant my make-up was outside as I was getting ready for work this morning.
The contemplation went like this: put on boots and a raincoat over my jammies and fetch the make-up, or wait until my husband woke and risk being late for work.
I chose not to be late for work (employer = proud), and that meant that I had to dress in my Uggs, bathrobe, and a winter coat over top of that saucy little outfit.
On time, yes. Hot and classy, oh yeah.
The contemplation went like this: put on boots and a raincoat over my jammies and fetch the make-up, or wait until my husband woke and risk being late for work.
I chose not to be late for work (employer = proud), and that meant that I had to dress in my Uggs, bathrobe, and a winter coat over top of that saucy little outfit.
On time, yes. Hot and classy, oh yeah.
Monday, November 21, 2011
He's Doing Math
I've always liked math, so tonight's little surprise from Turbo has got me excited beyond measure.
Turbo has long used the number 5 as a replacement for whatever number something might actually be. Before he could accurately count, he'd say everything was "five." Five Cheerios, five books, five more minutes of his favorite movie...
Since he's been able to count, we hear this less and less, but it still surfaces. The other day at preschool there were 7 of something on a tray and the teacher asked, "how many?" and Turbo glanced, waved his hand over the objects, and declared, "1,2,3,4,5." She asked him to try again, and when he counted he got it right. Sigh, I was so proud.
But it gets better.
Tonight, Turbo asked to read books with his "heavy duty diggers" - or, as he calls them, "heady-duty diggers" - and while it was a little LOUD during story time, as much from my own laughter as from the sirens on the fire engine, we made it work.
Before story time, Turbo said, "I want 5 heady-duty diggers in mama's bed for books" and I said OK.
He ran up and down the stairs twice, ending up with 3 trucks in our bed, and I said to him, "Is that all of them?"
Turbo said, "No. Five more." He started to head back downstairs, then stopped, turned back, and paused to think.
Then he held up 2 fingers and declared, "No. Two more." and then ran back down the stairs as fast as he could.
I checked the bed again. 3 trucks.
Did he just do math????? Oh, my heart just geeked out a little bit.
Turbo has long used the number 5 as a replacement for whatever number something might actually be. Before he could accurately count, he'd say everything was "five." Five Cheerios, five books, five more minutes of his favorite movie...
Since he's been able to count, we hear this less and less, but it still surfaces. The other day at preschool there were 7 of something on a tray and the teacher asked, "how many?" and Turbo glanced, waved his hand over the objects, and declared, "1,2,3,4,5." She asked him to try again, and when he counted he got it right. Sigh, I was so proud.
But it gets better.
Tonight, Turbo asked to read books with his "heavy duty diggers" - or, as he calls them, "heady-duty diggers" - and while it was a little LOUD during story time, as much from my own laughter as from the sirens on the fire engine, we made it work.
 |
| 5, count them, 5 trucks in bed for story time. |
Before story time, Turbo said, "I want 5 heady-duty diggers in mama's bed for books" and I said OK.
He ran up and down the stairs twice, ending up with 3 trucks in our bed, and I said to him, "Is that all of them?"
Turbo said, "No. Five more." He started to head back downstairs, then stopped, turned back, and paused to think.
Then he held up 2 fingers and declared, "No. Two more." and then ran back down the stairs as fast as he could.
I checked the bed again. 3 trucks.
Did he just do math????? Oh, my heart just geeked out a little bit.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Soft Spoken
My husband has a calming, peaceful voice. I have always loved the rich, deep timbre and could listen to him for hours.
As I type this, having taken a rare moment to return to my beloved blog, I can't quite make out the words my husband is saying to our son during bath time. The closed door and the bathroom fan compete and drown him out.
What I can hear, in all its glory, is Turbo's part of the conversation.
At the top of his lungs: "NO! I'M NOT LISTENING!" about 6 times in a row.
Forgive the all caps, but the situation required it. :)
As I type this, having taken a rare moment to return to my beloved blog, I can't quite make out the words my husband is saying to our son during bath time. The closed door and the bathroom fan compete and drown him out.
What I can hear, in all its glory, is Turbo's part of the conversation.
At the top of his lungs: "NO! I'M NOT LISTENING!" about 6 times in a row.
Forgive the all caps, but the situation required it. :)
Monday, November 7, 2011
Moonshadow
Turbo is not really comfortable with all this early darkness that comes at the end of a day at school. I think he was a little confused with where the sun had gone, but thank goodness the moon was bright and shiny in the sky as we exited his preschool.
Gasp. Then, "Mom. Look. The moon is right there."
And then he dawdled for his obligatory 2 minutes before he got settled into his car seat.
As we drove home, the moon followed us.
"Mom!"
"Yes?"
"The moon is following us home?"
"Yes."
Ah, the magic of it all. I love, love, love bearing witness to first discoveries.
Later tonight, as we were reliving the magic of that moment, I told him I know a song for just this occasion. I broke into song with, "Yes, I'm being followed by a moonshadow. Moonshadow, moonshadow..."
But before I could really show off my vocal pipes, he piped in with, "No. Don't sing."
Sigh. My own kid won't let me sing. What a turkey!
Gasp. Then, "Mom. Look. The moon is right there."
And then he dawdled for his obligatory 2 minutes before he got settled into his car seat.
As we drove home, the moon followed us.
"Mom!"
"Yes?"
"The moon is following us home?"
"Yes."
Ah, the magic of it all. I love, love, love bearing witness to first discoveries.
Later tonight, as we were reliving the magic of that moment, I told him I know a song for just this occasion. I broke into song with, "Yes, I'm being followed by a moonshadow. Moonshadow, moonshadow..."
But before I could really show off my vocal pipes, he piped in with, "No. Don't sing."
Sigh. My own kid won't let me sing. What a turkey!
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Where's a Camera When You Need One?
I hope I can adequately describe the scene at dinner tonight. This is one of those fleeting moments that would be better conveyed in video rather than in the written word, but I shall do my best.
I made homemade pizza for dinner. Turbo used to love pepperoni and olives, but now he makes it very clear, in case I've forgotten from the last time we had pizza, "Mom, I don't like olives. Just pepperoni."
"Yes, Turbo, I know, but thanks for reminding me."
And tonight was even more fun because he helped make it. I carefully used the back of a spoon to spread out the pizza sauce and Turbo kept slapping his spoon on the sauce, sending it splattering in all directions and laughing, "This is more fun."
In splattering the sauce he got some on his hands, which he made me immediately wipe off, several times, thankyouverymuch, and I mention that because it makes the next part of this story even more funny. At least to me. And my husband. It's fun to laugh at dinner, especially if you and your spouse are enjoying a private moment that the kids don't really get.
Here's what happened.
Toward the end of the meal, Turbo realized he had a little sauce on his arm. The location of the sauce is a crucial part of this tale, so I hope I get it right... it was a pencil-eraser-sized spot on the sort-of-inside of his arm, between his elbow and shoulder. And it was juuuuust out of reach.
Turbo exclaimed, "Mom, there's sauce on my arm!" and as I leaned in to wipe it off, he started trying to lick it off. So I backed off to watch the show unfold.
As mentioned, the sauce was just out of reach and so began a series of arm twists that had my husband and I rolling with laughter. Didn't he know it was his own arm he was twisting to get at this spec of pizza sauce?
He kept going in! Twist left, nope. Twist right, nope. We were in tears from laughter and he didn't even notice us as he was so intent on this near futile exercise.
He eventually got the sauce.
I hope he didn't sprain his tongue.
I made homemade pizza for dinner. Turbo used to love pepperoni and olives, but now he makes it very clear, in case I've forgotten from the last time we had pizza, "Mom, I don't like olives. Just pepperoni."
"Yes, Turbo, I know, but thanks for reminding me."
And tonight was even more fun because he helped make it. I carefully used the back of a spoon to spread out the pizza sauce and Turbo kept slapping his spoon on the sauce, sending it splattering in all directions and laughing, "This is more fun."
In splattering the sauce he got some on his hands, which he made me immediately wipe off, several times, thankyouverymuch, and I mention that because it makes the next part of this story even more funny. At least to me. And my husband. It's fun to laugh at dinner, especially if you and your spouse are enjoying a private moment that the kids don't really get.
Here's what happened.
Toward the end of the meal, Turbo realized he had a little sauce on his arm. The location of the sauce is a crucial part of this tale, so I hope I get it right... it was a pencil-eraser-sized spot on the sort-of-inside of his arm, between his elbow and shoulder. And it was juuuuust out of reach.
Turbo exclaimed, "Mom, there's sauce on my arm!" and as I leaned in to wipe it off, he started trying to lick it off. So I backed off to watch the show unfold.
As mentioned, the sauce was just out of reach and so began a series of arm twists that had my husband and I rolling with laughter. Didn't he know it was his own arm he was twisting to get at this spec of pizza sauce?
He kept going in! Twist left, nope. Twist right, nope. We were in tears from laughter and he didn't even notice us as he was so intent on this near futile exercise.
He eventually got the sauce.
I hope he didn't sprain his tongue.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Turbo Quotes
Tonight was chock full of Turboisms, and I'm almost too tired to type, but I wanted to get a few down before they become lost in a cloud of was-that-just-a-dream sort of thoughts.
"I like to eat lots of treats every day." He repeated this three times, with the last delivery in direct eye contact with Mom, and his arms spread wide for extra emphasis.
"Well, actually, I think I want to watch a movie." When did my kid start using 'actually'?
Turbo has decided he wants to be a cowboy for Halloween. I ordered a Sheriff Woody hat off of Amazon and it came tonight! I have never seen Turbo's eyes light up so big, nor his smile be so genuine and happy and filled with glee. Pure joy. I see lots of dress-up dates in our future.
He put the hat on and asked, "How do we get on Halloween?" <-- he knows about the candy part.
And my favorite of the night was probably this one: "Ouch, I hurt my foot. I need a battery."
"I like to eat lots of treats every day." He repeated this three times, with the last delivery in direct eye contact with Mom, and his arms spread wide for extra emphasis.
"Well, actually, I think I want to watch a movie." When did my kid start using 'actually'?
Turbo has decided he wants to be a cowboy for Halloween. I ordered a Sheriff Woody hat off of Amazon and it came tonight! I have never seen Turbo's eyes light up so big, nor his smile be so genuine and happy and filled with glee. Pure joy. I see lots of dress-up dates in our future.
He put the hat on and asked, "How do we get on Halloween?" <-- he knows about the candy part.
And my favorite of the night was probably this one: "Ouch, I hurt my foot. I need a battery."
Monday, October 24, 2011
A Girly-Girl is Born
Smiley has been into my shoes lately. And my hair.
My curly hair, wet or dry, has caught her attention and she now reaches for it and tangles her chubby fingers in my hair whenever I am holding her. I think it might be because she is noticing that her own brown, curly hair is starting to sprout from her previously bald and perfect head.
When she tugs on my hair, I imagine her thoughts to be, "Oh, wow! You are beautiful mommy," or "I wish I had your luxurious locks... who's your stylist?" But, I suspect, it's probably more like, "Hee hee, when I pull hard she makes a funny face."
And then there are the shoes.
The other day I donned a favorite pair of mary janes (with heels, of course, I'm not an infant) and as I was buckling them up to head out for work, her eyes lit up and she toddled over to me and stared at my feet. She picked up the one that hadn't made it onto my foot yet, and expressed a little frustration when I retrieved it from her mouth.
I finally got my two shoes on, and asked her, "Well, what do you think?"
Then she stomped on my mary janes with her Stride Rites.
My curly hair, wet or dry, has caught her attention and she now reaches for it and tangles her chubby fingers in my hair whenever I am holding her. I think it might be because she is noticing that her own brown, curly hair is starting to sprout from her previously bald and perfect head.
When she tugs on my hair, I imagine her thoughts to be, "Oh, wow! You are beautiful mommy," or "I wish I had your luxurious locks... who's your stylist?" But, I suspect, it's probably more like, "Hee hee, when I pull hard she makes a funny face."
And then there are the shoes.
The other day I donned a favorite pair of mary janes (with heels, of course, I'm not an infant) and as I was buckling them up to head out for work, her eyes lit up and she toddled over to me and stared at my feet. She picked up the one that hadn't made it onto my foot yet, and expressed a little frustration when I retrieved it from her mouth.
I finally got my two shoes on, and asked her, "Well, what do you think?"
Then she stomped on my mary janes with her Stride Rites.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Sinner
This is how you know it's been a while since you took your kid to church, or said his nightly prayers with him.
Me: "Let's say your prayers."
Turbo: "OK."
Me: "Now I lay me down to sleep, etc, etc. etc.... God bless mommy and daddy. God bless Turbo and God bless Smiley..." And so on and so forth through all our aunts and uncles and cousins and pets.
Then I decided to throw in some of his friends from school for good measure.
Me: "God bless Taylor and Yaman and Kurt and Amaya. Amen."
Turbo: "Who's 'Amen'?"
Me: "Let's say your prayers."
Turbo: "OK."
Me: "Now I lay me down to sleep, etc, etc. etc.... God bless mommy and daddy. God bless Turbo and God bless Smiley..." And so on and so forth through all our aunts and uncles and cousins and pets.
Then I decided to throw in some of his friends from school for good measure.
Me: "God bless Taylor and Yaman and Kurt and Amaya. Amen."
Turbo: "Who's 'Amen'?"
Friday, October 21, 2011
Shaun The Sheep
We're celebrating Turbo's birthday tomorrow and I asked him what kind of cake he wanted. He answered the same way each time I asked him over the course of a week. Are you ready for it?
Turbo: "A green cake with Shaun the Sheep."
So I found this one online:
I'm pretty sure I can do it... just kidding!
Maybe this one?
I'm about to head to bed and the cake is fully baked and halfway frosted with the first smooth-over layer of icing. I'm going to bed and in the morning, he'll either have something beautiful to eat, or something that looks like this:
Because, truth be told, he gave me an out on the drive home from preschool today. He changed his tune ever so much and said he wanted M&Ms on the cake.
I did not ask clarifying questions to learn if he wanted the M's with Shaun the Sheep. I'm no fool.
Turbo: "A green cake with Shaun the Sheep."
So I found this one online:
Maybe this one?
 |
| Could happen, I did make a round cake after all |
I'm about to head to bed and the cake is fully baked and halfway frosted with the first smooth-over layer of icing. I'm going to bed and in the morning, he'll either have something beautiful to eat, or something that looks like this:
 |
| Plan B |
Because, truth be told, he gave me an out on the drive home from preschool today. He changed his tune ever so much and said he wanted M&Ms on the cake.
I did not ask clarifying questions to learn if he wanted the M's with Shaun the Sheep. I'm no fool.
Supernanny to the Rescue
Sometimes the chaos in this house makes me feel like Supernanny might show up at my door any second and help us get back on track.
But we do OK and always seem to find our center again. And our smiles. And the 3-yr-old yelling ceases.
Phew! :)
But we do OK and always seem to find our center again. And our smiles. And the 3-yr-old yelling ceases.
Phew! :)
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
I Won't Let You Down
Last night I wanted to sleep. But this little moment with Turbo was worth the lapse in rest.
Turbo called out to me in his sleep and I went to his bed after his usual and irresistible, "Mom, sleep with me."
I crawled into bed with him for a minute and he snuggled in and whispered, "Mom."
Me: "Yeah?"
Turbo: "I won't let you down."
Me: "You won't?"
Turbo: "No, I won't."
And then he fell back asleep.
I smiled and smiled.
Very profound... unless he was talking about not letting me down from a tree or something, in which case that's just not nice, dude.
Turbo called out to me in his sleep and I went to his bed after his usual and irresistible, "Mom, sleep with me."
I crawled into bed with him for a minute and he snuggled in and whispered, "Mom."
Me: "Yeah?"
Turbo: "I won't let you down."
Me: "You won't?"
Turbo: "No, I won't."
And then he fell back asleep.
I smiled and smiled.
Very profound... unless he was talking about not letting me down from a tree or something, in which case that's just not nice, dude.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Someone Left the Cake Out in the Rain
Turbo has been full of spit and vinegar lately and I've had these weird combo-emotions of frustration+giggles because he's so dang funny. But he's also turning three this week, and some of you may know how trying a three-year-old can be.
His mantra this week is, "No, I don't want to fill-in-the-blank!"
And, of course, it's always wildly amusing to have your kids spew back at you the very words you tried to put out there as parents.
Last night in the hallway, with zero intentions of going to bed:
Turbo: "No, I am not going to brush my teeth!"
Me: "OK. That's fine. Don't brush your teeth, but that means no books in mommy's bed. You have to go straight to bed."
Turbo: "Stop talking to me like that! It hurts my ears."
And then he gave me a look as if to ask, did I use that properly?
Me: "What hurts your ears, honey?"
Turbo: "Um... something." [touches ear] "Something hurts my ears." He genuinely tried to think of something that was hurting his ears and came up blank.
Tonight in mommy's bed, with zero intentions of settling in for books:
Me: "Want me to sing you a song? I know good songs."
Turbo: "No. Sing bad songs."
Me, smiling: "OK... Someone left the cake out in the rain..." -- I'm thinking I'm very clever here, as this song made it into Dave Barry's Book of Bad Songs, which I gave as a gift to a friend, and said friend returned the favor with a CD of these terrible songs. So, I'm going along, having my own adult moment outside of Turbo's world, and then I was quickly reminded that we'd been talking all week about somebody's birthday cake:
Me, smiling: "Someone left the cake out in the rain..."
Turbo, looking concerned: "Uh-oh!"
side note: I don't believe I have ever used these two phrases together, "Stop talking to me like that. It hurts my ears." The 'hurts my ears' one has definitely escaped my lips when Turbo decides to yell and scream as loudly as he can. Charming child o' mind. The other one... I'm not as sure about, but it does sound a wee bit familiar.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Not So Smiley
Oh my word. This has been a really tough couple of weeks. Very cranky, sick kids and very little sleep for mom and dad. The sleep deprivation reminds us of having a newborn in the house. Ugh.
Last week I stayed home from work for 3 days while Turbo weathered a virus that caused sores in his mouth - he couldn't eat because they were so painful. :( The virus is said to be mild, so you just manage the symptoms, and the biggest concern is dehydration. It started to get bad enough that I was tracking urine output so that he didn't go 8-12 hours without a pee. It's a scary situation, but he turned the corner just in time.
Some funny things happened over those 3 days too. One is that Turbo saw M&Ms on the table and excitedly asked if he could have some. I knew they'd hurt his mouth, so I told him this and I'm pretty sure he ignored the warning cuz he tucked right in. They did hurt his mouth, poor guy, but the good news is that I had ice water on hand and he ended up drinking a ton of water just to get those chocolates down. He got fluids (score one for mama), and he got treats (score one for Turbo).
The best - or worst, depending on how judgy you are :) - was on the 3rd day, when he was crossing into wellness, but was still very skeptical of what he could put in his mouth. I let him eat marshmallows for dinner. As many as he wanted. When your kid hasn't eaten in 3 days, you just want him to remember that food will not hurt him. He swallowed them down with chocolate milk. Mother of the year, right here.
Oh, did I mention chocolate milk? He's nearly 3 years old, and I think it's pretty remarkable that I've avoided chocolate milk until now. In fact, a few weeks ago I had a glass of Ovaltine for breakfast and offered it to him and he sneered at me and said, "I don't like that. That's your coffee."
During the sickness I tried a hundred different options for fluid intake: popsicles, ice cream, milkshakes, warm water, cold water, anything with a straw and my stubborn little cutie wasn't going for any of it. He really was miserable. But he knows what chocolate is, and when I asked him if he wanted to try chocolate milk, he looked at me to see if I was kidding. "You mean this stuff comes in chocolate?!?" his eyes seemed to say.
So, yeah, chocolate milk was the gateway to wellness for Turbo.
Fast forward a week later and Smiley is sick. Only she can't talk and doesn't know how to use a straw and is sooo miserable (sad) and cuddly (sweet) and since I took so much time off for Turbo, my husband stayed home with her. Today I did stay home and she played some, but only if I remained in the room with her. Accessible. Otherwise, she cried and wandered around trying to find me.
She's been sick for 3 days too. Finally, I tried ibuprofen (we'd been using Tylenol) and whammo! I got a smile 23 minutes later. Why on earth hadn't I tried this before? She played fairly happily for a couple of hours - still needing me nearby, but not as much. I actually got some dishes done.
Then she saw some Cheerios on the counter pointed her chubby little finger and said, "da" which we're pretty sure means "that" as she points and "da's" all the time now.
She ate a good amount. Phew! I think the key is that since all the sores in her mouth are near the front, something like a sippy cup really hurts, but finger food she can squeeze past the opening and happily munch away. She was so happy I even let her walk around with her cup o' Cheerios.
And she finally smiled. Oh, my sweet angel, it's good to see you.
And now she is even napping. Alone - for the first time in about 5 days. My body is wrecked for holding her in chairs and on couches and in bed (nights have been awful too). I think we're finally seeing the light and can't wait to get back to some sense of normalcy.
And sleep. Please let us all sleep tonight.
So, that's where I've been. Too tired to write. I've missed it and hope to be back in it.
Last week I stayed home from work for 3 days while Turbo weathered a virus that caused sores in his mouth - he couldn't eat because they were so painful. :( The virus is said to be mild, so you just manage the symptoms, and the biggest concern is dehydration. It started to get bad enough that I was tracking urine output so that he didn't go 8-12 hours without a pee. It's a scary situation, but he turned the corner just in time.
Some funny things happened over those 3 days too. One is that Turbo saw M&Ms on the table and excitedly asked if he could have some. I knew they'd hurt his mouth, so I told him this and I'm pretty sure he ignored the warning cuz he tucked right in. They did hurt his mouth, poor guy, but the good news is that I had ice water on hand and he ended up drinking a ton of water just to get those chocolates down. He got fluids (score one for mama), and he got treats (score one for Turbo).
The best - or worst, depending on how judgy you are :) - was on the 3rd day, when he was crossing into wellness, but was still very skeptical of what he could put in his mouth. I let him eat marshmallows for dinner. As many as he wanted. When your kid hasn't eaten in 3 days, you just want him to remember that food will not hurt him. He swallowed them down with chocolate milk. Mother of the year, right here.
Oh, did I mention chocolate milk? He's nearly 3 years old, and I think it's pretty remarkable that I've avoided chocolate milk until now. In fact, a few weeks ago I had a glass of Ovaltine for breakfast and offered it to him and he sneered at me and said, "I don't like that. That's your coffee."
During the sickness I tried a hundred different options for fluid intake: popsicles, ice cream, milkshakes, warm water, cold water, anything with a straw and my stubborn little cutie wasn't going for any of it. He really was miserable. But he knows what chocolate is, and when I asked him if he wanted to try chocolate milk, he looked at me to see if I was kidding. "You mean this stuff comes in chocolate?!?" his eyes seemed to say.
So, yeah, chocolate milk was the gateway to wellness for Turbo.
Fast forward a week later and Smiley is sick. Only she can't talk and doesn't know how to use a straw and is sooo miserable (sad) and cuddly (sweet) and since I took so much time off for Turbo, my husband stayed home with her. Today I did stay home and she played some, but only if I remained in the room with her. Accessible. Otherwise, she cried and wandered around trying to find me.
She's been sick for 3 days too. Finally, I tried ibuprofen (we'd been using Tylenol) and whammo! I got a smile 23 minutes later. Why on earth hadn't I tried this before? She played fairly happily for a couple of hours - still needing me nearby, but not as much. I actually got some dishes done.
Then she saw some Cheerios on the counter pointed her chubby little finger and said, "da" which we're pretty sure means "that" as she points and "da's" all the time now.
She ate a good amount. Phew! I think the key is that since all the sores in her mouth are near the front, something like a sippy cup really hurts, but finger food she can squeeze past the opening and happily munch away. She was so happy I even let her walk around with her cup o' Cheerios.
And she finally smiled. Oh, my sweet angel, it's good to see you.
And now she is even napping. Alone - for the first time in about 5 days. My body is wrecked for holding her in chairs and on couches and in bed (nights have been awful too). I think we're finally seeing the light and can't wait to get back to some sense of normalcy.
And sleep. Please let us all sleep tonight.
So, that's where I've been. Too tired to write. I've missed it and hope to be back in it.
Monday, October 3, 2011
A Very Special Day at Daycare
Poor Smiley has the same cruddy virus that kept her brother out of preschool last week (for 3 looooong days). It was the first time her report card has read something other than, "happy" and "smiley." (See, it's not just me who calls her that.)
Today they circled: "sad" and "crying" and "cuddly."
Poor pumpkin. :(
But on the other hand, it mustn't have been too bad, for when I was getting her into her jammies I noticed she had glitter all over her chest.
Oh my. Thanks for the surprise, Smiley!
Today they circled: "sad" and "crying" and "cuddly."
Poor pumpkin. :(
But on the other hand, it mustn't have been too bad, for when I was getting her into her jammies I noticed she had glitter all over her chest.
Oh my. Thanks for the surprise, Smiley!
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Diaper by Flashlight
You'd think with two kids, one who is now potty trained and one who is a year old, that I would have seen almost everything with diapers. Not true, my friends, not true.
I've just returned from a new one: I changed a poopy diaper by light of a flashlight.
Not because we had a power outage, not because we're conserving electricity, but because of the following story.
Today was a wonderful and weird day. Smiley had her 1-year shots yesterday so was a little cranky sleeping last night and today was mostly happy with a few bouts of more-than-usual tired. Turbo was fine until about 4:45 PM.
We had spent a lovely afternoon in Bellingham visiting some great friends (love you guys!), enjoying their park-like yard, and petting bunnies and kitties. Turbo seemed tired when we got into the car and within 20 minutes or so was asleep. Not typical, but he'd had only a short nap earlier, so perhaps he was making up for that.
Smiley is the one who got more and more cranky (although she napped too), and so around 4:45 PM we pulled into a Mexican restaurant and got some dinner.
I don't know if you've had the same experiences with bringing in 2 small children into a restaurant, but we usually get seated in the very back of the place, next to no one. This time it worked out for us.
In the end, the dinner went like this: Smiley was really only happy if she could practice walking and so we did laps with her around the place. She was happy, but mom and dad didn't enjoy much leisure in their meal (very typical, right parents?). Turbo seemed fine at first, but then kept asking to go potty and then couldn't really deliver and so spent the meal laying in my lap while I ate one-handed. I asked him if his tummy hurt and he said 'yes' and so I immediately shoveled some food in, packed it up and tried to get out of there before we had a vomiting episode. That is one restaurant experience I do not want to have!
All was well, but Turbo was getting whinier and looking sicker as we got closer to home.
Long story, cut short... neither kid is feeling all that well today. By the time Turbo was ready for bed he was running a good fever and really needy for mommy and so I was the one to put him into bed. Thank goodness, because while I was feigning sleep as Turbo drifted off with one hand cupping my face (sigh, so sweet), I overheard the undeniable grunts of a Smiley pooping in her diaper.
Here's the shocker, she didn't wake up. She is known, at home and at 3 different daycares, for waking up immediately if she has a BM while sleeping. But no waking.
So I recruited Dad to help me and together we quietly took care of business in the hallway outside the bedroom, Dad with the flashlight helping me so that the overhead light won't wake her fully.
But she did open her eyes, and she saw her darling Daddy looking down at her and she cooed.
She loves her Daddy.
ps - to our friends in B'ham, the kids were feeling great at your house, so thanks for a wonderful afternoon! Glad they waited until after we left to take a turn.
pps - please wish us all a good night's sleep tonight.
I've just returned from a new one: I changed a poopy diaper by light of a flashlight.
Not because we had a power outage, not because we're conserving electricity, but because of the following story.
Today was a wonderful and weird day. Smiley had her 1-year shots yesterday so was a little cranky sleeping last night and today was mostly happy with a few bouts of more-than-usual tired. Turbo was fine until about 4:45 PM.
We had spent a lovely afternoon in Bellingham visiting some great friends (love you guys!), enjoying their park-like yard, and petting bunnies and kitties. Turbo seemed tired when we got into the car and within 20 minutes or so was asleep. Not typical, but he'd had only a short nap earlier, so perhaps he was making up for that.
Smiley is the one who got more and more cranky (although she napped too), and so around 4:45 PM we pulled into a Mexican restaurant and got some dinner.
I don't know if you've had the same experiences with bringing in 2 small children into a restaurant, but we usually get seated in the very back of the place, next to no one. This time it worked out for us.
In the end, the dinner went like this: Smiley was really only happy if she could practice walking and so we did laps with her around the place. She was happy, but mom and dad didn't enjoy much leisure in their meal (very typical, right parents?). Turbo seemed fine at first, but then kept asking to go potty and then couldn't really deliver and so spent the meal laying in my lap while I ate one-handed. I asked him if his tummy hurt and he said 'yes' and so I immediately shoveled some food in, packed it up and tried to get out of there before we had a vomiting episode. That is one restaurant experience I do not want to have!
All was well, but Turbo was getting whinier and looking sicker as we got closer to home.
Long story, cut short... neither kid is feeling all that well today. By the time Turbo was ready for bed he was running a good fever and really needy for mommy and so I was the one to put him into bed. Thank goodness, because while I was feigning sleep as Turbo drifted off with one hand cupping my face (sigh, so sweet), I overheard the undeniable grunts of a Smiley pooping in her diaper.
Here's the shocker, she didn't wake up. She is known, at home and at 3 different daycares, for waking up immediately if she has a BM while sleeping. But no waking.
So I recruited Dad to help me and together we quietly took care of business in the hallway outside the bedroom, Dad with the flashlight helping me so that the overhead light won't wake her fully.
But she did open her eyes, and she saw her darling Daddy looking down at her and she cooed.
She loves her Daddy.
ps - to our friends in B'ham, the kids were feeling great at your house, so thanks for a wonderful afternoon! Glad they waited until after we left to take a turn.
pps - please wish us all a good night's sleep tonight.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Actually, Turbo
Tonight the word "actually" was used in sentence by Turbo. One of the most overused words these days, if you ask me, so I guess it's not too surprising that he picked it up. But still, it's like he started preschool and now he wants to grow up way too fast.
The context was when we were reading this David Shannon book:
On one of the pages there is a Santa ornament on the tree. Turbo pointed to it and asked, "What's that?"
"That's Santa Claus," I replied.
And Turbo said, "It's actually a pornament." (Yes, he said 'pornament,' that's not a typo.)
ps - I've you've never had the pleasure of reading these David Shannon books, I highly suggest you pick one or two up. There is almost always a naked picture of David streaking somewhere he shouldn't. The gist: David gets told, "no" a lot. :)
The context was when we were reading this David Shannon book:
On one of the pages there is a Santa ornament on the tree. Turbo pointed to it and asked, "What's that?"
"That's Santa Claus," I replied.
And Turbo said, "It's actually a pornament." (Yes, he said 'pornament,' that's not a typo.)
ps - I've you've never had the pleasure of reading these David Shannon books, I highly suggest you pick one or two up. There is almost always a naked picture of David streaking somewhere he shouldn't. The gist: David gets told, "no" a lot. :)
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Smiley Cuddles
Forgive me if this sounds like a complaint, but Smiley is such a good sleeper that she can no longer snuggle before bedtime. It's awful to realize some of the best cuddles (sleepy time ones) are gone or going away.
She has been sleeping on her tummy, and often flat on her face, since she was 4 months old. There was no turning this one back onto her back, believe me I tried. At 4 months she was still in the co-sleeper right next to my side of the bed and so when she started flipping over like that, I had to cease swaddling and start sleeping with one eye open.
When you give birth to a baby in the Back-to-Sleep era, it's a bit of a heart stopper when your child wants to sleep on their tummy that early. But the experts (and this mama) also believe that when they can turn over on their own, they are ready.
Babies sleep better, more soundly, on their tummies. They also sleep with their round little butts in the air and I have loved every sneak-into-the-bedroom glimpse of that round little butt.
Turbo was not a good sleeper. He is now, and we often have to wake him in the morning for school. Oh, the sweet irony. With Turbo, we were also first time parents, so I have to accept that I might have been part of that problem. So when Smiley was born, I was bound to do it right and while I think she did most of the work, I also think it helped that I set the stage for a sound night's sleep.
I digress. The point of this post is to lament the passing of bedtime snuggles with my little Smiley.
I bless you, little darling, for going to sleep easily, for sleeping through the night (barring any teething unpleasantness), but I also miss you and your cuddles.
Good thing she still climbs to her perch on my left shoulder during daylight hours. Let that never cease.
She has been sleeping on her tummy, and often flat on her face, since she was 4 months old. There was no turning this one back onto her back, believe me I tried. At 4 months she was still in the co-sleeper right next to my side of the bed and so when she started flipping over like that, I had to cease swaddling and start sleeping with one eye open.
When you give birth to a baby in the Back-to-Sleep era, it's a bit of a heart stopper when your child wants to sleep on their tummy that early. But the experts (and this mama) also believe that when they can turn over on their own, they are ready.
Babies sleep better, more soundly, on their tummies. They also sleep with their round little butts in the air and I have loved every sneak-into-the-bedroom glimpse of that round little butt.
Turbo was not a good sleeper. He is now, and we often have to wake him in the morning for school. Oh, the sweet irony. With Turbo, we were also first time parents, so I have to accept that I might have been part of that problem. So when Smiley was born, I was bound to do it right and while I think she did most of the work, I also think it helped that I set the stage for a sound night's sleep.
I digress. The point of this post is to lament the passing of bedtime snuggles with my little Smiley.
I bless you, little darling, for going to sleep easily, for sleeping through the night (barring any teething unpleasantness), but I also miss you and your cuddles.
Good thing she still climbs to her perch on my left shoulder during daylight hours. Let that never cease.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Report Cards
When your kids go to daycare, you get daily report cards when you pick them up at the end of the day. On some level, this is a huge waste of paper, but the truth is, the info on the paper is quite important to the parents. The hippie in me just wishes they could transmit electronically, ya know?
For example, when you have an infant, you need to know what they ate and when they last ate. You also need to know if they napped and how well they slept. All of this info is valuable if you're going to be potentially stuck in a commute - the last thing you want is a hungry, cranky baby wailing from the back seat. It really messes up your time for listening to NPR.
There are also "Incident Reports." This is what you get when your child has been injured during the day.
Now, please don't worry. The worst that we've ever seen is a scratch or a scrape and an occasional bruise. Pretty good, actually, when you consider kids are running around all day with little biters and hitters whom we are told to call "friends."
Picking up Smiley tonight I saw an "Incident Report" near her sign-out sheet. I didn't worry as I skimmed it. Long story short, she was bitten. But I did think the detailed account of the event was pretty funny. Here it is, exactly as it they wrote it:
My two favorite parts are 1) she was in the library (doesn't that bring hilarious visuals to mind - like a smoking jacket and a pipe?), and b) the biter was talked to (what does one say to a young toddler that they will truly absorb? But thanks for your crime prevention, folks.). The 'curiously bit her' part is actually pretty cute too.
The injury is surprisingly big. It's a dime-sized red welt on the back of her neck. When I saw it, I asked, "Exactly how long did this child's teeth hang on to my baby?"
But it's all good. She's fine. I'm sure it won't be the worst we'll see.
For example, when you have an infant, you need to know what they ate and when they last ate. You also need to know if they napped and how well they slept. All of this info is valuable if you're going to be potentially stuck in a commute - the last thing you want is a hungry, cranky baby wailing from the back seat. It really messes up your time for listening to NPR.
There are also "Incident Reports." This is what you get when your child has been injured during the day.
Now, please don't worry. The worst that we've ever seen is a scratch or a scrape and an occasional bruise. Pretty good, actually, when you consider kids are running around all day with little biters and hitters whom we are told to call "friends."
Picking up Smiley tonight I saw an "Incident Report" near her sign-out sheet. I didn't worry as I skimmed it. Long story short, she was bitten. But I did think the detailed account of the event was pretty funny. Here it is, exactly as it they wrote it:
Smiley was in the library playing next to another child when that child leaned over and curiously bit her on the back of the neck.
Children were separated, child who bit was talked to while Smiley was comforted, area was cleaned and ice was applied.
My two favorite parts are 1) she was in the library (doesn't that bring hilarious visuals to mind - like a smoking jacket and a pipe?), and b) the biter was talked to (what does one say to a young toddler that they will truly absorb? But thanks for your crime prevention, folks.). The 'curiously bit her' part is actually pretty cute too.
The injury is surprisingly big. It's a dime-sized red welt on the back of her neck. When I saw it, I asked, "Exactly how long did this child's teeth hang on to my baby?"
But it's all good. She's fine. I'm sure it won't be the worst we'll see.
Not For Lack of Material
I miss blogging! It's been difficult to post any real content recently. Life is busy, but that's not anything new. I think life just accelerated all of a sudden and 'busy' became something to strive for.
While I'd sit at dinner each night, I'd often find great things to write about - Turbo gives me lots of material at dinner time - but by the end of the day I was spent. Unable to sit my butt down anywhere but in my bed or on the couch.
I secretly hope you've missed my blog too. :)
Here is a little gem from tonight. Oh, thank you, Turbo, for being the awesome kid that you are.
Turbo and I were in the bathroom tonight getting ready for bed. Have I mentioned to you that it takes forever for this dawdler to get on his PJs and brush his teeth? Oy vey. I've found peace with it by ignoring the clock and gently and consistently reminding him of the task at hand. I admit I've sometimes run screaming from the bathroom at the end of it all with a, "He's all yours!" to my husband.
Tonight we had spare time, so I sat back, relaxed, and watched the Turbo Show unfold.
As we were heading into the final stretch - jammies on, teeth brushed - I noticed a bit of black gunk in the corner of his left eye. My first thought was oh-no-he's-got-some-horrible-disease (do we ever stop worrying about our kids?), but that thought left my brain quickly, as I've gotten used to these freak moments of worry and find it easy to flick them away now.
Because of my amazing skill at being relaxed during the Turbo Show, Turbo was very willing to explore this new find with me. Amazing what a strong-willed child will be open to if you give him room to breathe.
I said, "Turbo, there is some dirt in your eye. Let me take a look."
He hopped onto my lap (me, sitting on the toilet), and I got out a hand-held mirror so we could look at his eye closely. The mirror served no help at all, since Turbo held it smashed against his eyeball and said to me, "Look. I'm holding the mirror to my face." Yes, sweetie, and thank you.
When I was finally able to fish out the black gunk - which, in the end, looked suspiciously like dark green crayon flakes - I showed it to Turbo on the tip of my finger.
"Look," I said. "This was in your eye."
"Oh." He said. And then:
"Now eat it!"
I guess if you're someone who eats your own boogers, then anything you dig out of your eye is also worth taste testing.
While I'd sit at dinner each night, I'd often find great things to write about - Turbo gives me lots of material at dinner time - but by the end of the day I was spent. Unable to sit my butt down anywhere but in my bed or on the couch.
I secretly hope you've missed my blog too. :)
Here is a little gem from tonight. Oh, thank you, Turbo, for being the awesome kid that you are.
Turbo and I were in the bathroom tonight getting ready for bed. Have I mentioned to you that it takes forever for this dawdler to get on his PJs and brush his teeth? Oy vey. I've found peace with it by ignoring the clock and gently and consistently reminding him of the task at hand. I admit I've sometimes run screaming from the bathroom at the end of it all with a, "He's all yours!" to my husband.
Tonight we had spare time, so I sat back, relaxed, and watched the Turbo Show unfold.
As we were heading into the final stretch - jammies on, teeth brushed - I noticed a bit of black gunk in the corner of his left eye. My first thought was oh-no-he's-got-some-horrible-disease (do we ever stop worrying about our kids?), but that thought left my brain quickly, as I've gotten used to these freak moments of worry and find it easy to flick them away now.
Because of my amazing skill at being relaxed during the Turbo Show, Turbo was very willing to explore this new find with me. Amazing what a strong-willed child will be open to if you give him room to breathe.
I said, "Turbo, there is some dirt in your eye. Let me take a look."
He hopped onto my lap (me, sitting on the toilet), and I got out a hand-held mirror so we could look at his eye closely. The mirror served no help at all, since Turbo held it smashed against his eyeball and said to me, "Look. I'm holding the mirror to my face." Yes, sweetie, and thank you.
When I was finally able to fish out the black gunk - which, in the end, looked suspiciously like dark green crayon flakes - I showed it to Turbo on the tip of my finger.
"Look," I said. "This was in your eye."
"Oh." He said. And then:
"Now eat it!"
I guess if you're someone who eats your own boogers, then anything you dig out of your eye is also worth taste testing.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Dinner by Whole Foods
I'm not cooking this week.
Life has been a bit over-packed with happenings and stress and so in planning this week's meals, I through out any kind of plan and went to Whole Foods and bought food that someone else had made. Steak, meatloaf, chicken... all looking yummy because someone else had done the prep work and the cooking.
This week it's all about reheating.
Amen.
Life has been a bit over-packed with happenings and stress and so in planning this week's meals, I through out any kind of plan and went to Whole Foods and bought food that someone else had made. Steak, meatloaf, chicken... all looking yummy because someone else had done the prep work and the cooking.
This week it's all about reheating.
Amen.
Smiley Walks!
It's official. Our little just-turned-one-year-old finally started walking for real. It's pretty exciting around here.
She is overjoyed with herself and very, very aware that she has accomplished something nifty. She's got a little gleam in her eye like she's seen behind the curtain and knows a few more secrets now.
It's funny that it took her this long, not that I'm complaining, because she was steady on her feet about a month and a half ago. She barreled through most of the early physical developments faster than most, but she held onto this one a little bit longer. Maybe it was a birthday present to herself.
And now she's showing off a little too, walking around with a sippy cup and leaning back for a drink of water while walking. That's pretty talented if you ask me.
But then I'm her mama, so I'm wearin' it proud today anyway.
She is overjoyed with herself and very, very aware that she has accomplished something nifty. She's got a little gleam in her eye like she's seen behind the curtain and knows a few more secrets now.
It's funny that it took her this long, not that I'm complaining, because she was steady on her feet about a month and a half ago. She barreled through most of the early physical developments faster than most, but she held onto this one a little bit longer. Maybe it was a birthday present to herself.
And now she's showing off a little too, walking around with a sippy cup and leaning back for a drink of water while walking. That's pretty talented if you ask me.
But then I'm her mama, so I'm wearin' it proud today anyway.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Missing You
Not quoting song lyrics by John Waite, but rather feeling an ache to spend time with Turbo.
Tonight I had to work from home. I got to put Smiley to bed, cram a slice of leftover pizza in my mouth, and then came upstairs to get cranking on this project. I'm actually making great progress on something that was a bit stuck, so I'm pleased with my work.
But I missed a lot tonight. Daddy played with Turbo outside after dinner (summer is waning, we have to take advantage), Daddy watched Shaun The Sheep on the couch with Turbo (although Daddy also snuck away to do dishes, so I can't really say I missed that part), and Daddy read books and put Turbo to bed.
Right now Daddy is snuggling with Turbo in that little twin bed and I'm sitting here with a cool breeze on my left arm, not cozy, not cuddling with anything warm.
It's OK, of course, because this is how it goes sometimes.
But I missed Turbo tonight.
Extra hugs in the morning to make up for it.
Tonight I had to work from home. I got to put Smiley to bed, cram a slice of leftover pizza in my mouth, and then came upstairs to get cranking on this project. I'm actually making great progress on something that was a bit stuck, so I'm pleased with my work.
But I missed a lot tonight. Daddy played with Turbo outside after dinner (summer is waning, we have to take advantage), Daddy watched Shaun The Sheep on the couch with Turbo (although Daddy also snuck away to do dishes, so I can't really say I missed that part), and Daddy read books and put Turbo to bed.
Right now Daddy is snuggling with Turbo in that little twin bed and I'm sitting here with a cool breeze on my left arm, not cozy, not cuddling with anything warm.
It's OK, of course, because this is how it goes sometimes.
But I missed Turbo tonight.
Extra hugs in the morning to make up for it.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
My Foot Feels Sick
This morning after breakfast, Turbo stood on the kitchen floor, held up his right foot and declared:
"My foot feels sick. I need a piggyback to watch Shaun the Sheep on the couch."
"My foot feels sick. I need a piggyback to watch Shaun the Sheep on the couch."
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Smiley's Favorite Song
Smiley has a favorite song. If you sing it, if you play it on one of her Fisher Price toys, she will smile and bounce and dance.
I'll give you a hint: the song has every letter of the alphabet in it.
I'll give you a hint: the song has every letter of the alphabet in it.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Muffins Save Hands
"Dad, don't burn your hands! I'll get you two muffins."
Let me explain.
Daddy cooked dinner tonight, which means dinner was grilled out back. Yummy grilled chicken and grilled asparagus - delish!
Early on in the process, Dad was cleaning the lit grill using a paper towel (yikes!), and I said calmly, "Be careful that you don't burn yourself."
Turbo took a cue from me and gasped, "Dad, don't burn your hands! I'll get you two muffins."
And then Turbo sprinted into the house to return with these:
If I bend my brain a little I can see where "oven mitt" might be confused with or sound like "muffins," but this innocent mistake was paired with an intense gasp and mad dash into the house. I couldn't help but laugh out loud.
You see, we've been playing kitchen with Turbo's new prize for getting fully potty trained. Shh, secret... this was really a gift to mom and dad to give him something age appropriate so he'd stop being Godzilla knocking over all his sister's toys.
Thank you, Turbo, for your urgency in preventing Daddy from becoming a burn victim.
My husband and I are lucky that we get to laugh almost every single day with our darling little Turbo.
Let me explain.
Daddy cooked dinner tonight, which means dinner was grilled out back. Yummy grilled chicken and grilled asparagus - delish!
Early on in the process, Dad was cleaning the lit grill using a paper towel (yikes!), and I said calmly, "Be careful that you don't burn yourself."
Turbo took a cue from me and gasped, "Dad, don't burn your hands! I'll get you two muffins."
And then Turbo sprinted into the house to return with these:
 |
| "Oven Mitts" sounds like "Muffins" (sometimes) |
If I bend my brain a little I can see where "oven mitt" might be confused with or sound like "muffins," but this innocent mistake was paired with an intense gasp and mad dash into the house. I couldn't help but laugh out loud.
You see, we've been playing kitchen with Turbo's new prize for getting fully potty trained. Shh, secret... this was really a gift to mom and dad to give him something age appropriate so he'd stop being Godzilla knocking over all his sister's toys.
 |
| New toy! We call it 'green kitchen.' |
Thank you, Turbo, for your urgency in preventing Daddy from becoming a burn victim.
My husband and I are lucky that we get to laugh almost every single day with our darling little Turbo.
Little Mynah Birds
Kids are wonderful mimics. I'm not always aware of some of my own catch phrases until I hear them repeated back to me.
Unbeknownst to me, I say, "Let's check it out" a lot. It's pretty cute coming from Turbo, like last week when I said, "Do you want to go play in the backyard?" And Turbo replied, "Yeah! Let's go check it out."
Last night was a new one for me. I was running late on making dinner, so was considering going for a plan B, even though I didn't have an actual plan B. I said out loud that I was going to make dinner, and Turbo declared that he was going to help me (didn't ask, of course, just informed me instead).
I opened the fridge door and as I was about to speak these exact same words, Turbo beat me to it and said, "Hmm. What have we got in here?"
Little mimics!
Unbeknownst to me, I say, "Let's check it out" a lot. It's pretty cute coming from Turbo, like last week when I said, "Do you want to go play in the backyard?" And Turbo replied, "Yeah! Let's go check it out."
Last night was a new one for me. I was running late on making dinner, so was considering going for a plan B, even though I didn't have an actual plan B. I said out loud that I was going to make dinner, and Turbo declared that he was going to help me (didn't ask, of course, just informed me instead).
I opened the fridge door and as I was about to speak these exact same words, Turbo beat me to it and said, "Hmm. What have we got in here?"
Little mimics!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
You Can Only Like Your Job So Much
This one is dedicated to all the mamas who have to spend time away from their babies to go to work.
There are some advantages to work, of course - we own our home and couldn't afford it otherwise and we really, really love our home. Our kids are able to go to some pretty decent daycares/preschools and we've met some great teachers that have helped us teach our kids and the schools gives them access to lots of other fun kids and a huge variety of toys we could never afford. And, to be honest, there are days when I'm grateful for the break from the kids. They are cute and all, but can also be a handful and too much of a good thing can wear on ya at times.
But I also ache to be with my babies. Sometimes being away from my baby girl nearly busts my heart wide open. She is growing up so fast, nearly walking and beginning to form words like "ball" and "da-da."
The best part of my day is walking into her preschool to see her face light up as she squeals with delight at the sight of me and slaps her happy little palms as fast as she can to greet me with a tug on my legs and an expectant please-hug-me-now expression. And her smile. Her 5-toothed, dimpled, wonderful, infectious smile.
I like my job.
I love my babies.
There are some advantages to work, of course - we own our home and couldn't afford it otherwise and we really, really love our home. Our kids are able to go to some pretty decent daycares/preschools and we've met some great teachers that have helped us teach our kids and the schools gives them access to lots of other fun kids and a huge variety of toys we could never afford. And, to be honest, there are days when I'm grateful for the break from the kids. They are cute and all, but can also be a handful and too much of a good thing can wear on ya at times.
But I also ache to be with my babies. Sometimes being away from my baby girl nearly busts my heart wide open. She is growing up so fast, nearly walking and beginning to form words like "ball" and "da-da."
The best part of my day is walking into her preschool to see her face light up as she squeals with delight at the sight of me and slaps her happy little palms as fast as she can to greet me with a tug on my legs and an expectant please-hug-me-now expression. And her smile. Her 5-toothed, dimpled, wonderful, infectious smile.
I like my job.
I love my babies.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Ava Lus
Turbo speaks pretty well these days, pronouncing most words very clearly. There are still a few gems that aren't perfected and I really like them all. It keeps him young for me. :)
Two of my favorites:
Ava-lus = all of us. He uses this one a lot as he's getting the concept of 'our family' and distinguishing between times when he's hanging out with just Dad, or with 'all of us.'
Breck-fix = breakfast. I almost hope this one never corrects itself.
Two of my favorites:
Ava-lus = all of us. He uses this one a lot as he's getting the concept of 'our family' and distinguishing between times when he's hanging out with just Dad, or with 'all of us.'
Breck-fix = breakfast. I almost hope this one never corrects itself.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
With Careful Consideration
On Turbo's first day of preschool, his teacher earned big points by squatting down to his eye level and asking if she could play cars with him. He was holding a blue Lightning McQueen car at the time.
My shy little sweetie warmed right up.
The best part of this exchange to me was how carefully Turbo considered her request.
Teacher: "Oh! Is that a car? Can I get a car too and play with you?"
Turbo, leaning on me for moral support, looked thoughtful for a moment, then confidently nodded his head, saying:
"Yeah. Sure."
I love how he gives serious attention to all requests made of him.
My shy little sweetie warmed right up.
The best part of this exchange to me was how carefully Turbo considered her request.
Teacher: "Oh! Is that a car? Can I get a car too and play with you?"
Turbo, leaning on me for moral support, looked thoughtful for a moment, then confidently nodded his head, saying:
"Yeah. Sure."
I love how he gives serious attention to all requests made of him.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
First Day of Preschool
Somebody did not want to go to 'big boy school' today. I think this photo pretty much sums it up.
For the past few days, I've been talking about what a big boy he is, and that pretty soon he was going to go to a big boy school. It was all very theoretical, and he nodded along and made brief comments like, "yeah." I didn't really see the point in overdoing it.
Wednesday was our last day at the school Turbo has been at since he was 12 months old. He's now almost 3. For an entire year, he's been with one of the best teachers around. I got pretty choked up to say good-bye to her. If Turbo were just going to a new classroom, it wouldn't have been the tearful, huggy farewell that it was, but today Turbo not only started preschool, he did it at a new place he'd never been to before.
Turbo is not a lover of new environments. He takes a while to warm up, which is totally OK and kind of endearing. So, I knew I'd have to be a little bit of a Pollyanna to show my enthusiasm and hope he'd ride that wave of good cheer.
Yesterday, while saying good-bye to Miss Aura, I told Turbo he'd be going to a new 'big boy' school tomorrow. That's when his tune changed. His "yeah" turned to an emphatic, "no!" And not just once either.
Usually Dad drives Turbo to school (and I take in Smiley - oh, the joys we'll have when they are both at the same school!). This morning I told Turbo I was going to take him to school. Didn't mention the new school, but he was onto me. These are the types of comments I heard throughout the morning:
"I don't want to go to new school."
"I want to stay here with you." and "You want to stay here with me?"
"I don't want the new boy Turbo school." <-- this was my favorite. :)
I'll skip forward here a bit because it took forever to get him dressed this morning. It was like trying to put clothes on cooked spaghetti. If he wasn't running away from me, he was sliding down the floor, or the stairs, or in any other form that prevented the clothes from making their way to his body. I wondered briefly if the school has a 'clothing optional' policy, but in the end we found success. Good thing I told my work crew I'd be in a little late today.
We arrived in the parking lot of the shiny new building. I turned off the car, turned my can-do, smiling face toward the back seat and was greeted with a narrow-eyed boy saying, "This gonna be bery, bery bad."
Smile, mama. Don't show any doubts in your decision to yank your kid out of his comfortable world. You're doing the right thing. He'll be fine.
Me: "Turbo, it's going to be so great! You get to run around outside, and ride trikes!"
Nothing.
I tried again: "They have fish! You want to go see fish?"
His eyes lit up, "Yeah! A green fish?"
"Sure, let's go!" oh, please let them have a green fish.
I came around to Turbo's door, unbuckled the little cutie, and we headed toward the front doors, hand in hand. After a couple of tentative steps, he paused.
"I think it's gonna be really, really, really... happy."
For the past few days, I've been talking about what a big boy he is, and that pretty soon he was going to go to a big boy school. It was all very theoretical, and he nodded along and made brief comments like, "yeah." I didn't really see the point in overdoing it.
Wednesday was our last day at the school Turbo has been at since he was 12 months old. He's now almost 3. For an entire year, he's been with one of the best teachers around. I got pretty choked up to say good-bye to her. If Turbo were just going to a new classroom, it wouldn't have been the tearful, huggy farewell that it was, but today Turbo not only started preschool, he did it at a new place he'd never been to before.
Turbo is not a lover of new environments. He takes a while to warm up, which is totally OK and kind of endearing. So, I knew I'd have to be a little bit of a Pollyanna to show my enthusiasm and hope he'd ride that wave of good cheer.
Yesterday, while saying good-bye to Miss Aura, I told Turbo he'd be going to a new 'big boy' school tomorrow. That's when his tune changed. His "yeah" turned to an emphatic, "no!" And not just once either.
Usually Dad drives Turbo to school (and I take in Smiley - oh, the joys we'll have when they are both at the same school!). This morning I told Turbo I was going to take him to school. Didn't mention the new school, but he was onto me. These are the types of comments I heard throughout the morning:
"I don't want to go to new school."
"I want to stay here with you." and "You want to stay here with me?"
"I don't want the new boy Turbo school." <-- this was my favorite. :)
I'll skip forward here a bit because it took forever to get him dressed this morning. It was like trying to put clothes on cooked spaghetti. If he wasn't running away from me, he was sliding down the floor, or the stairs, or in any other form that prevented the clothes from making their way to his body. I wondered briefly if the school has a 'clothing optional' policy, but in the end we found success. Good thing I told my work crew I'd be in a little late today.
We arrived in the parking lot of the shiny new building. I turned off the car, turned my can-do, smiling face toward the back seat and was greeted with a narrow-eyed boy saying, "This gonna be bery, bery bad."
Smile, mama. Don't show any doubts in your decision to yank your kid out of his comfortable world. You're doing the right thing. He'll be fine.
Me: "Turbo, it's going to be so great! You get to run around outside, and ride trikes!"
Nothing.
I tried again: "They have fish! You want to go see fish?"
His eyes lit up, "Yeah! A green fish?"
"Sure, let's go!" oh, please let them have a green fish.
I came around to Turbo's door, unbuckled the little cutie, and we headed toward the front doors, hand in hand. After a couple of tentative steps, he paused.
"I think it's gonna be really, really, really... happy."
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Fast Learner
Tonight as Turbo announced to Dad that he had to poop, the immediate next sentence was as follows, unedited.
"What can I eat and what can I watch?"
"What can I eat and what can I watch?"
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Hand Me Downs
We love hand-me-down clothes!
Kids grow out of clothes so fast, especially in the first year, and there is no way to wear out all the clothes we assembled from loving friends and family. I love it when I have someone to share Smiley's or Turbo's outgrown clothes with. There are a few moms that I pass clothes down to, but my favorite trading partner is Melanie, because we send the same clothes (and some new ones) back and forth to each other several times. You can't beat that for practicality. Thanks, Mel!
This good-looking pile of threads is from a new mom friend at Smiley's daycare. Her little darling is younger than Smiley and when I mentioned we that seemed to be out of a few key pieces, she brought these adorable clothes to the daycare the very next day. This photo was taken so that I can remember which clothes need to go back to her daughter. Clever, eh?
I do have to say, though, that once Turbo hit 18 months old - wearing 24-month clothes, btw - his pace slowed considerably. Not because he stopped growing, but because he started running everywhere and all the time, and sometimes forgot to eat. He grew taller and has thinned out. Most of his clothes these days are 3T, some even 4T. Big kiddo!
Goodwill is also a great place for kid clothes - except for pajamas. My theory is that kids wear those longer and do wear them out, so there are fewer to go around - either that, or parents are too embarrassed to donate clothes with poopy blowout histories. :)
Kids grow out of clothes so fast, especially in the first year, and there is no way to wear out all the clothes we assembled from loving friends and family. I love it when I have someone to share Smiley's or Turbo's outgrown clothes with. There are a few moms that I pass clothes down to, but my favorite trading partner is Melanie, because we send the same clothes (and some new ones) back and forth to each other several times. You can't beat that for practicality. Thanks, Mel!
 |
| Smiley is picking out her next day's outfit. She's very selective. |
This good-looking pile of threads is from a new mom friend at Smiley's daycare. Her little darling is younger than Smiley and when I mentioned we that seemed to be out of a few key pieces, she brought these adorable clothes to the daycare the very next day. This photo was taken so that I can remember which clothes need to go back to her daughter. Clever, eh?
I do have to say, though, that once Turbo hit 18 months old - wearing 24-month clothes, btw - his pace slowed considerably. Not because he stopped growing, but because he started running everywhere and all the time, and sometimes forgot to eat. He grew taller and has thinned out. Most of his clothes these days are 3T, some even 4T. Big kiddo!
Goodwill is also a great place for kid clothes - except for pajamas. My theory is that kids wear those longer and do wear them out, so there are fewer to go around - either that, or parents are too embarrassed to donate clothes with poopy blowout histories. :)
Time Check
I know exactly how long it takes me to run through a bottle of vanilla extract: 2 years.
My sister got married around 2 years ago, and brought me back this yummy bottle o' vanilla from her honeymoon in Mexico. I probably don't bake as much as I did before having kids, but my current pace appears to be 1 bottle = 2 years.
Turbo starts a new school this week, and I wanted to bake some goodies to show my affection and deep appreciation for his wonderful teachers. Turbo has been with his current teacher for an entire year, and we really lucked out. This woman is patient and dear and the perfect match for how long it took Turbo to potty train. We will miss you, Miss Aura!!
Tonight I made a double batch of fudge brownies (from Better Homes and Garden, page 124) and I had exactly 2 teaspoons left, both of which were needed and lovingly dumped into the vat of chocolate-y goo that will soon be cooled and cut into squares for Turbo's teachers and his school staff. We're changing schools now too, since Turbo is going into preschool.
He's going to be smarter than me very, very soon. I can feel it.
My sister got married around 2 years ago, and brought me back this yummy bottle o' vanilla from her honeymoon in Mexico. I probably don't bake as much as I did before having kids, but my current pace appears to be 1 bottle = 2 years.
Turbo starts a new school this week, and I wanted to bake some goodies to show my affection and deep appreciation for his wonderful teachers. Turbo has been with his current teacher for an entire year, and we really lucked out. This woman is patient and dear and the perfect match for how long it took Turbo to potty train. We will miss you, Miss Aura!!
Tonight I made a double batch of fudge brownies (from Better Homes and Garden, page 124) and I had exactly 2 teaspoons left, both of which were needed and lovingly dumped into the vat of chocolate-y goo that will soon be cooled and cut into squares for Turbo's teachers and his school staff. We're changing schools now too, since Turbo is going into preschool.
He's going to be smarter than me very, very soon. I can feel it.
The 5:33 Wake-Up Call
My daughter is a good sleeper. For that I am grateful on a daily basis. After going through a rough year and a half with my son, I know the good stuff when I see it.
I say that so this next comment doesn't come across as a complaint.
She wakes up at the same time every morning. Pretty much on the dot. I hear a few babbling sounds on the monitor close to my bed, always relieved when they are happy sounds - crying means it's in the middle of the night - and so I know it's time to wake.
I give it a few minutes, then check the clock: 5:33 AM.
I bring her to bed with me, where she 'reads' books or animal flash cards. What I am most happy about is that we get to cuddle with these flash cards, in a warm bed mind you, for a good 20 to 30 minutes. This gives a tired mama a little time to adjust to the dawning of a new day.
When she starts throwing the flash cards overboard, it's time to get moving.
I love this gentle morning wake ups, even if it is really, really early.
I say that so this next comment doesn't come across as a complaint.
She wakes up at the same time every morning. Pretty much on the dot. I hear a few babbling sounds on the monitor close to my bed, always relieved when they are happy sounds - crying means it's in the middle of the night - and so I know it's time to wake.
I give it a few minutes, then check the clock: 5:33 AM.
I bring her to bed with me, where she 'reads' books or animal flash cards. What I am most happy about is that we get to cuddle with these flash cards, in a warm bed mind you, for a good 20 to 30 minutes. This gives a tired mama a little time to adjust to the dawning of a new day.
When she starts throwing the flash cards overboard, it's time to get moving.
I love this gentle morning wake ups, even if it is really, really early.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Evacuation Complete
With apologies to my sister who will cringe at this topic...
You know you're nearing potty training completion when your child flees from the bathtub to go poop, then returns to the tub to keep playing.
It's so much better than a few yuck-o experiences we've had along the way. :)
You know you're nearing potty training completion when your child flees from the bathtub to go poop, then returns to the tub to keep playing.
It's so much better than a few yuck-o experiences we've had along the way. :)
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Name Is Guy
This guy's name is Guy. Let me explain.
Turbo and I went to get the mail the other day. We walked our usual walk, down the driveway, looked for cars, crossed the street, etc.
On the return trip we want a little crazy. OK, not really crazy, but I'm trying to be dramatic here. Instead of returning via the driveway, we took a small detour through our front garden area.
Oh, the magic of wandering off the beaten path.
The above action figure was sticking out of the dirt in our recently weeded flower bed and I had to look twice before I could believe that an actual tiny face was staring up at me.
"Turbo! Come look!"
He hurriedly came to my side and gasped dramatically, "What's that?"
"It's a little man," I said.
"Oooh. Can I play with him?"
So we bring him inside to clean him off a little, all the while I'm trying to balance being a safe mom and a fun mom (how swallow-able is this dude or his little parts? it's been in the ground for how long? This could be a really fun discovery... etc.). As the little action figure is soaking in some sudsy water, Turbo decides to let Daddy in on our cool discovery.
Turbo, "Dad. Look!"
Dad: "Cool. Who is that, Turbo?"
Turbo: "It's a guy."
Dad: "What's his name?"
Turbo pauses thoughtfully. Then, "Name is Guy."
 |
| Found buried in our yard. Dinosaur is just here for color. :) |
Turbo and I went to get the mail the other day. We walked our usual walk, down the driveway, looked for cars, crossed the street, etc.
On the return trip we want a little crazy. OK, not really crazy, but I'm trying to be dramatic here. Instead of returning via the driveway, we took a small detour through our front garden area.
Oh, the magic of wandering off the beaten path.
The above action figure was sticking out of the dirt in our recently weeded flower bed and I had to look twice before I could believe that an actual tiny face was staring up at me.
"Turbo! Come look!"
He hurriedly came to my side and gasped dramatically, "What's that?"
"It's a little man," I said.
"Oooh. Can I play with him?"
So we bring him inside to clean him off a little, all the while I'm trying to balance being a safe mom and a fun mom (how swallow-able is this dude or his little parts? it's been in the ground for how long? This could be a really fun discovery... etc.). As the little action figure is soaking in some sudsy water, Turbo decides to let Daddy in on our cool discovery.
Turbo, "Dad. Look!"
Dad: "Cool. Who is that, Turbo?"
Turbo: "It's a guy."
Dad: "What's his name?"
Turbo pauses thoughtfully. Then, "Name is Guy."
Sunday, August 21, 2011
The Two Step
Smiley is almost walking! Have I mentioned that before? We're very excited and so proud of her.
Today is Sunday and I had to go into the office for most of the day. We're having gorgeous weather here, it's almost 90 degrees out and sunny, so you can imagine how excited I was to be stuck in an office. I confess, for every bio break today, I also did a lap around the soccer fields. Come to mama, Vitamin D!
While I was at work, making the most of my situation and making some good progress on a few important tasks, I had this momentary fear that this would be the day she started walking. And that I would miss it.
Denial. Anger. Acceptance. I went through all that pretty quickly and was able to shrug it off. These things happen, and while it would be a bummer to miss it, it's not the end of my world.
When I got home, all the chaos of mommy finally arriving, and daddy's relieved look, and Smiley hollering for me, and Turbo showing me his black eye (more on that later), I sort of forgot about my premonition that we'd see some kind of milestone today.
And then... ta dum! We were in the kitchen and Smiley was laughing and playing and then she stood up on her own (she did that twice yesterday too). She sort of bopped up and down in a kind of dance and gave me a quizzical look like, "Hey, I'm not falling on my butt." Then she smiled.
I backed away from her quickly and beckoned her to come, "C'mon, baby! C'mere!" And held my hands just out of her hands' reach.
She took a step!
And smiled.
And took another step!
And smiled again as she threw herself on mama and was smothered in kisses.
I didn't miss it. It wasn't full-on walking, but it was awesome to see that look on her face. That's why I didn't want to miss this. Now I know it'll be OK if she takes a lot more steps at daycare, or with daddy, or in her crib at 3 AM, because I saw those first surprised looks on her face and that is all I needed.
The rest is up to her.
Today is Sunday and I had to go into the office for most of the day. We're having gorgeous weather here, it's almost 90 degrees out and sunny, so you can imagine how excited I was to be stuck in an office. I confess, for every bio break today, I also did a lap around the soccer fields. Come to mama, Vitamin D!
While I was at work, making the most of my situation and making some good progress on a few important tasks, I had this momentary fear that this would be the day she started walking. And that I would miss it.
Denial. Anger. Acceptance. I went through all that pretty quickly and was able to shrug it off. These things happen, and while it would be a bummer to miss it, it's not the end of my world.
When I got home, all the chaos of mommy finally arriving, and daddy's relieved look, and Smiley hollering for me, and Turbo showing me his black eye (more on that later), I sort of forgot about my premonition that we'd see some kind of milestone today.
And then... ta dum! We were in the kitchen and Smiley was laughing and playing and then she stood up on her own (she did that twice yesterday too). She sort of bopped up and down in a kind of dance and gave me a quizzical look like, "Hey, I'm not falling on my butt." Then she smiled.
I backed away from her quickly and beckoned her to come, "C'mon, baby! C'mere!" And held my hands just out of her hands' reach.
She took a step!
And smiled.
And took another step!
And smiled again as she threw herself on mama and was smothered in kisses.
I didn't miss it. It wasn't full-on walking, but it was awesome to see that look on her face. That's why I didn't want to miss this. Now I know it'll be OK if she takes a lot more steps at daycare, or with daddy, or in her crib at 3 AM, because I saw those first surprised looks on her face and that is all I needed.
The rest is up to her.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Sweet Little Lies
There is a scene in Sleepless in Seattle where Meg Ryan is on a plane sitting next to one of the Ephron sisters (the screenwriters), and So-and-So Ephron observes that Meg's character looks anguished over something.
Ephron says, "Don't you hate flying?" To which Meg replies, "Yes, and I just told the most awful one to the man I'm about to marry. Do you think any lie is a betrayal?"
I'm contemplating this question as I realize I'm in a pattern of telling Turbo little white lies. I believe they are all for the greater good, usually for better sleep, and yet I think part of me does feel a little guilty. Or maybe not. I'm sure it's not the last time I'll have to fib to my kids. They don't get to know all the secrets this young, do they? Santa, anyone?
For example, the lie I seem to be saying these days is, "I'll be right back." It goes a little something like this.
Middle of the night cries from Turbo, "Mommyyyyyyyyyyy. Mommyyyyyyyyy!"
I quietly enter Turbo's room (which he shares with Smiley, by the way... tricky), and soothe him back to what I think is full-on sleep and as I'm trying to creep slowing out of the room, he cries out again, "Mommyyyy. Come my bed."
Now, I could repeat all my magical soothing work, which I've done countless times over the nearly 3 years he's been in our lives, but instead I tiptoe back to his bed, lean down to kiss him, smooth the wispy hair from his forehead and whisper:
"Mommy has to go potty, Turbo. I'll be right back."
or
"Mommy has to take out her contacts. I'll be right back. You wait here."
And it works pretty much every time. He believes I'm coming back, so it settles him and I don't have to stick around for the (potentially) really long haul where I sometimes fall asleep myself in an uncomfortable, squashed-in-a-twin-bed position.
But, luckily, he's a great sleeper now so this doesn't even happen that often. I wish I could go back to the mom I was when Turbo was 8 months old and reassure myself that his awful sleep habits would not last. Sometimes I miss those late night snuggles with 8-month-old Turbo.
Luckily, I have another one. And she's a great snuggle buddy.
Ephron says, "Don't you hate flying?" To which Meg replies, "Yes, and I just told the most awful one to the man I'm about to marry. Do you think any lie is a betrayal?"
I'm contemplating this question as I realize I'm in a pattern of telling Turbo little white lies. I believe they are all for the greater good, usually for better sleep, and yet I think part of me does feel a little guilty. Or maybe not. I'm sure it's not the last time I'll have to fib to my kids. They don't get to know all the secrets this young, do they? Santa, anyone?
For example, the lie I seem to be saying these days is, "I'll be right back." It goes a little something like this.
Middle of the night cries from Turbo, "Mommyyyyyyyyyyy. Mommyyyyyyyyy!"
I quietly enter Turbo's room (which he shares with Smiley, by the way... tricky), and soothe him back to what I think is full-on sleep and as I'm trying to creep slowing out of the room, he cries out again, "Mommyyyy. Come my bed."
Now, I could repeat all my magical soothing work, which I've done countless times over the nearly 3 years he's been in our lives, but instead I tiptoe back to his bed, lean down to kiss him, smooth the wispy hair from his forehead and whisper:
"Mommy has to go potty, Turbo. I'll be right back."
or
"Mommy has to take out her contacts. I'll be right back. You wait here."
And it works pretty much every time. He believes I'm coming back, so it settles him and I don't have to stick around for the (potentially) really long haul where I sometimes fall asleep myself in an uncomfortable, squashed-in-a-twin-bed position.
But, luckily, he's a great sleeper now so this doesn't even happen that often. I wish I could go back to the mom I was when Turbo was 8 months old and reassure myself that his awful sleep habits would not last. Sometimes I miss those late night snuggles with 8-month-old Turbo.
Luckily, I have another one. And she's a great snuggle buddy.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Who Bite This?
Gourmet meal tonight, frozen pizza. But in my defense, it's been a rough week and it was Paul Newman's yummy pepperoni pizza. Nom, nom, nom.
Turbo did his typical trick of sitting down with us, taking one bite and announcing, "I'll be right back," and before I could finish chewing my food to say something parental, such as, "Hey, young man, please come finish your dinner," he's already deep into dramatic play in the next room. At least he's visible from the kitchen table, so i'm kind of parenting, right?
Turbo had 1 slice of pizza on his plate, cut down the middle for 2 smaller slices. He had taken one nibble out of one and left the other untouched.
I was trying not to eat too much pizza, so I stopped at 2 pieces. But then, hmm, Turbo's slices were just sitting there... so I grabbed one and bit off the yummy point.
My husband said, "He's gonna freak out, you know."
Me: "Oh, please."
A few minutes later, Turbo decided to grace us with his preschool presence and picked up his pizza (the one I stole from; eek!) and started to take a bite and then pulled it back out of his mouth to study it.
After a short pause, he said, "Who bite this?" and then he looked suspiciously back and forth between my husband and me.
Gulp. To lie or not to lie here.
Me: "I did. I took a bite."
And then he gave me this look, while advancing on the slice for his own bite, as if to say, "I can see I'm gonna have to keep an eye on you."
Totally busted!
Turbo did his typical trick of sitting down with us, taking one bite and announcing, "I'll be right back," and before I could finish chewing my food to say something parental, such as, "Hey, young man, please come finish your dinner," he's already deep into dramatic play in the next room. At least he's visible from the kitchen table, so i'm kind of parenting, right?
Turbo had 1 slice of pizza on his plate, cut down the middle for 2 smaller slices. He had taken one nibble out of one and left the other untouched.
I was trying not to eat too much pizza, so I stopped at 2 pieces. But then, hmm, Turbo's slices were just sitting there... so I grabbed one and bit off the yummy point.
My husband said, "He's gonna freak out, you know."
Me: "Oh, please."
A few minutes later, Turbo decided to grace us with his preschool presence and picked up his pizza (the one I stole from; eek!) and started to take a bite and then pulled it back out of his mouth to study it.
After a short pause, he said, "Who bite this?" and then he looked suspiciously back and forth between my husband and me.
Gulp. To lie or not to lie here.
Me: "I did. I took a bite."
And then he gave me this look, while advancing on the slice for his own bite, as if to say, "I can see I'm gonna have to keep an eye on you."
Totally busted!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Love Songs to Children
I've come to believe that most love songs are written from a mother to her children. With a few lusty exceptions, most love songs apply. Love is love, and I have never experienced so much love as I have for my babies.
"I want to hold you 'til the fear in me subsides" - works perfectly for a mom heading back to work after enjoying maternity leave.
"You're just too good to be true; can't take my eyes off of you." - when my daughter was first born, it was nearly impossible for me to stop staring at her. Same thing with my son, but I think knowing we were only going to have 2 kids, made me stare longer and more intensely at baby #2.
"It must be is love, love, love." by Madness. Yes, with madness we love our babies.
"Whenever two or more of you are gathered in His name, there is love."
I could go on, and on, and on.
Edit: I woke up this morning realizing all my song choices were very dated. So in keeping with that theme, I will entertain you with another beauty... with a South Park twist. :)
"Lovin' you is easy cuz you're beautiful. Do-do-do'n-do-dooo... Aaa-aa-aa-aa-aa."
"I want to hold you 'til the fear in me subsides" - works perfectly for a mom heading back to work after enjoying maternity leave.
"You're just too good to be true; can't take my eyes off of you." - when my daughter was first born, it was nearly impossible for me to stop staring at her. Same thing with my son, but I think knowing we were only going to have 2 kids, made me stare longer and more intensely at baby #2.
"It must be is love, love, love." by Madness. Yes, with madness we love our babies.
"Whenever two or more of you are gathered in His name, there is love."
I could go on, and on, and on.
Edit: I woke up this morning realizing all my song choices were very dated. So in keeping with that theme, I will entertain you with another beauty... with a South Park twist. :)
"Lovin' you is easy cuz you're beautiful. Do-do-do'n-do-dooo... Aaa-aa-aa-aa-aa."
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Special Treat
We've been giving Turbo 'special treats' - and calling them that - for every BM in the potty. There have been a few other times we've awarded him 'special treats' too, and they are usually some TV time or M&Ms. It's not too terribly often we pull these out, but often enough.
Btw, I've been trying to figure out the best way to wean Turbo off of any rewards for potty training. I think he might actually be there, but I need a plan. Any ideas?
So, last night I'm giving Turbo a bath and he announces he wants his "5 chocolates and 5 marshmallows," which usually means he needs to poo. Since it's so close to bedtime, I tell him that we can't have chocolates after bath. This is how the rest of that conversation goes.
Turbo: "But I need a special treat."
Me: "Well, I'll give you hugs and kisses as a special treat."
Turbo: "No. That's not a special treat."
Thanks a lot, kiddo. LOL.
Btw, I've been trying to figure out the best way to wean Turbo off of any rewards for potty training. I think he might actually be there, but I need a plan. Any ideas?
So, last night I'm giving Turbo a bath and he announces he wants his "5 chocolates and 5 marshmallows," which usually means he needs to poo. Since it's so close to bedtime, I tell him that we can't have chocolates after bath. This is how the rest of that conversation goes.
Turbo: "But I need a special treat."
Me: "Well, I'll give you hugs and kisses as a special treat."
Turbo: "No. That's not a special treat."
Thanks a lot, kiddo. LOL.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Boy Genius
This is one of my favorite t-shirts. It's also one of the most comfy shirts I own, so I tend to wear it a lot around the house.
Tonight Turbo let me know that his reading skills are coming along. He pointed to each word and read aloud, one word at a time:
I've never been more proud.
Tonight Turbo let me know that his reading skills are coming along. He pointed to each word and read aloud, one word at a time:
 |
| "Turbo. Poop. Pee." |
I've never been more proud.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Be Patient, Mom
Homemade chili for dinner tonight, with cornbread muffins. Yum! A shout out to my own mom for the outstanding recipe. You gotta love a soup recipe that calls for a little red wine.
Turbo, ever unadventurous when it comes to food (yawn), would only eat the corn muffins. He also pulled one of his in and out of the kitchen routines, where he eats a few bites, leaves to go play with toys, returns for another couple of bites. We don't usually let this go on too long, but I was happy to have an adult conversation with my husband tonight, so it was kind of helpful to have Turbo in the other room.
The third time Turbo tried to exit the dinner table, I finally said, "Hold up there, pal. Are you going to finish your dinner?"
Turbo: "Yes. I'm going to eat my muffin and my milk and my other muffin. You can eat the chili."
Me: "You need to come eat your food, or I'm going to clean it up."
Turbo: "In a moment, mom."
[pause to play with a toy]
"Be patient."
8 Hours of Sleep
I always laugh when I read health articles about the importance of getting 8 hours of sleep. Most of them (dare I say 'all'?) tell you that you need to get 8 hours, and if you're not getting 8 hours then you need to adjust your priorities so that you can get your full 8 hours of sleep each night. Oh, and sleep more on weekends if you can't get 8 each weeknight, so as to refill your sleep deficit.
Oh, really.
Hey, Turbo and Smiley, there are some Cheerios in the cupboard and milk is in the fridge. Banana on the kitchen counter, if you can reach it. Mama's sleepin' in.
But, seriously, I do agree that sleep is really important. It was never more clear to me than when I was feeding a newborn round the clock. You stumble, you hurt, your eyes sting. You struggle for words when you speak to your friends and family. You say, "bring me the ketchup," when what you really mean is, "hand me the baby."
Yep. Sleep, good uninterrupted sleep, fixes a lot of little gaps in my daily skill set.
I only wish some of these health articles would come with some sort of warning label: "Warning: Does not apply to you if you are pregnant, or have children in your house. You may skip this article and move on to watching more birth-without-pain videos, or more online episodes of the Backyardigans."
But last night... ahh... 8 hours, baby!
Thank you, Smiley. Thank you, Turbo. Mama likes sleep.
Let's hope I'm as lucky tonight. I got Zumba tomorrow and I loves me some Zumba. Zumba requires sleep.
Oh, really.
Hey, Turbo and Smiley, there are some Cheerios in the cupboard and milk is in the fridge. Banana on the kitchen counter, if you can reach it. Mama's sleepin' in.
But, seriously, I do agree that sleep is really important. It was never more clear to me than when I was feeding a newborn round the clock. You stumble, you hurt, your eyes sting. You struggle for words when you speak to your friends and family. You say, "bring me the ketchup," when what you really mean is, "hand me the baby."
Yep. Sleep, good uninterrupted sleep, fixes a lot of little gaps in my daily skill set.
I only wish some of these health articles would come with some sort of warning label: "Warning: Does not apply to you if you are pregnant, or have children in your house. You may skip this article and move on to watching more birth-without-pain videos, or more online episodes of the Backyardigans."
But last night... ahh... 8 hours, baby!
Thank you, Smiley. Thank you, Turbo. Mama likes sleep.
Let's hope I'm as lucky tonight. I got Zumba tomorrow and I loves me some Zumba. Zumba requires sleep.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Smiley Update
It hardly seems fair to my little darling Smiley baby girl that I write so much more about her brother than I do about her. But let's just say that I have given my kids both incredibly accurate nicknames on this blog.
Smiley is doing great. She is almost walking and not even 11 months old. Turbo walked around 13 months, on Thanksgiving day. He was in no hurry back then, but now... well, that's a different story. Smiley is much faster at all the physical stuff.
And she is sooo sweet and sooo much fun to cuddle with.
She goes to sleep around 6 PM and wakes around 5 AM. And pretty much sleeps through the night. I don't know what I did to deserve such a good sleeper. It's during these sleep hours that we get a lot of Turbo blog-worthy activity.
I'm about to head to bed now, so that I am as rested as I can be when she starts "babababa-ing" in her crib in the morning, summoning me from my dreamy state. I can't wait to bring her into my bed and let her quietly wake up as she babbles and snacks on her toys.
I love you, Smiley. See you in our dreams.
Mama
Smiley is doing great. She is almost walking and not even 11 months old. Turbo walked around 13 months, on Thanksgiving day. He was in no hurry back then, but now... well, that's a different story. Smiley is much faster at all the physical stuff.
And she is sooo sweet and sooo much fun to cuddle with.
She goes to sleep around 6 PM and wakes around 5 AM. And pretty much sleeps through the night. I don't know what I did to deserve such a good sleeper. It's during these sleep hours that we get a lot of Turbo blog-worthy activity.
I'm about to head to bed now, so that I am as rested as I can be when she starts "babababa-ing" in her crib in the morning, summoning me from my dreamy state. I can't wait to bring her into my bed and let her quietly wake up as she babbles and snacks on her toys.
I love you, Smiley. See you in our dreams.
Mama
Cupcakes For Dinner
Cupcakes For Dinner!
Cupcakes For Dinner!
Turbo has been asking to go to "the cupcake store" all week. Dad finally gave in and, boy, is this house happy. Or, maybe it's just a sugar high.
The last time my two guys made this trek was for my birthday a couple of months ago. At that time it was raining, pouring really, with lightning and thunder. You can see how that might make an impression on a kid. Dad reports when they arrived tonight after school, Turbo asked if they were going to see thunder. Good memory, kiddo!
At daycare today, Turbo talked about the cupcake store all day long. As he was eating snacks with his pals he said, "I'm going to have cupcakes for dinner." Oh, what his teachers must think of us parents.
We got him to down some mac & cheese (in which I cleverly hid some pureed carrots. Ha! Take that, Turbo), and then we settled into the important business of choosing which cupcake we got to each.
Now, when I say 'choose' you probably know what actually went down. If you've been reading about Turbo, you know he likes to give directions, so Dad and Mom didn't get to choose anything.
We were assigned cupcakes.
Luckily, they were all delicious and Turbo ate only the frosting.. of my mint/chocolate cupcake, thankyouverymuch. But I snuck a couple of hearty bites in anyway.
After dinner, I sent the boys into the backyard to run, run, run.
My poor husband nearly got a side ache from running after so much sugar, but Turbo took to it like he was born to eat cupcakes and run.
Tomorrow we shall run some more and eat nothing but raw vegetables and lean boiled chicken, right?
Cupcakes For Dinner!
Turbo has been asking to go to "the cupcake store" all week. Dad finally gave in and, boy, is this house happy. Or, maybe it's just a sugar high.
The last time my two guys made this trek was for my birthday a couple of months ago. At that time it was raining, pouring really, with lightning and thunder. You can see how that might make an impression on a kid. Dad reports when they arrived tonight after school, Turbo asked if they were going to see thunder. Good memory, kiddo!
At daycare today, Turbo talked about the cupcake store all day long. As he was eating snacks with his pals he said, "I'm going to have cupcakes for dinner." Oh, what his teachers must think of us parents.
We got him to down some mac & cheese (in which I cleverly hid some pureed carrots. Ha! Take that, Turbo), and then we settled into the important business of choosing which cupcake we got to each.
Now, when I say 'choose' you probably know what actually went down. If you've been reading about Turbo, you know he likes to give directions, so Dad and Mom didn't get to choose anything.
We were assigned cupcakes.
Luckily, they were all delicious and Turbo ate only the frosting.. of my mint/chocolate cupcake, thankyouverymuch. But I snuck a couple of hearty bites in anyway.
After dinner, I sent the boys into the backyard to run, run, run.
My poor husband nearly got a side ache from running after so much sugar, but Turbo took to it like he was born to eat cupcakes and run.
Tomorrow we shall run some more and eat nothing but raw vegetables and lean boiled chicken, right?
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
I Have No Poker Face For That
Last night's dinner was Sloppy Joe's. I served it open-face atop garlic-dusted, toasted kaiser rolls, with a side of steamed carrots. A pretty tasty meal, my husband and I thought.
But Turbo was a little suspicious and wouldn't touch it. I decided to risk a new parenting maneuver (new for me, at least) in not letting him leave the table until he took one bite. I knew he wouldn't eat the carrots, so we put two forkfuls in front of him - one with sloppy joe + carrots, and one with just sloppy joe fixins. He picked the one we expected, and we thought we solved the problem.
A lot (and I mean, a LOT) of back and forth and delay tactics later, Turbo finally realized I was serious and picked up the fork.
He stared at the sloppy joe mixture and seemed to be contemplating something profound. We leaned in to hear the oracle speak. Turbo pointed at the food on the fork, and at that moment I heard the words that no cook wants to hear:
"No! This is poop!"
He said what?!? My husband and I burst into uncontrollable laughter. There is no way to keep a straight face for something that funny and unexpected.
Lesson learned: Maybe spend a little less time talking about the potty.
But Turbo was a little suspicious and wouldn't touch it. I decided to risk a new parenting maneuver (new for me, at least) in not letting him leave the table until he took one bite. I knew he wouldn't eat the carrots, so we put two forkfuls in front of him - one with sloppy joe + carrots, and one with just sloppy joe fixins. He picked the one we expected, and we thought we solved the problem.
A lot (and I mean, a LOT) of back and forth and delay tactics later, Turbo finally realized I was serious and picked up the fork.
He stared at the sloppy joe mixture and seemed to be contemplating something profound. We leaned in to hear the oracle speak. Turbo pointed at the food on the fork, and at that moment I heard the words that no cook wants to hear:
"No! This is poop!"
He said what?!? My husband and I burst into uncontrollable laughter. There is no way to keep a straight face for something that funny and unexpected.
Lesson learned: Maybe spend a little less time talking about the potty.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Patience and Motivation
Be warned: I am going to talk about poop.
To whomever is the Patron Saint of Poop, you have answered my prayers and I thank you for this glimmer of hope that my life will someday soon be diaper-free. At least for Turbo. Smiley is still under 12 months... but I hear girls are easier, so, what do you think, she'll be ready at 12 months + 1 day? ;)
Last Sunday we saw a major turn of events in this house. As previously mentioned, we had great success right away with Turbo staying dry and peeing in the potty. BM's not so much. But whatever, I have a lot of patience.
Well, 3 weeks later and I've had it up to here with patience. Just effing poop in the damn potty whydon'tcha. That was my inside voice; on the outside, I was still able to keep it together like a cheerleader smiling through the last quarter of a losing championship game.
I had been offering motivational brides in exchange for some poo action. M&M's, extra movie watching... none of it was working.
So, finally, last Sunday I took Turbo shopping at Target. I had this brilliant idea that maybe if I got him a new Thomas the Train character he'd be motivated that way.
I steered the cart down an aisle with Thomas & Friends, Toy Story 3, and Cars 2. Whoa. Turbo had never seen this merchandising world. His eyes darted around, soaking it all in. He said things like, "Mom! Look! Thomas! Is that my Thomas?" and before I could answer, he'd spot something else and exclaim, "Mom! Look! Woody & Buzz! Can I have that?" And on, and on.
It was so cute to see Turbo's eyes light up at seeing his favorite DVD characters prancing in front of his innocent little face. And my hopes for a successful bribe soared.
We settled on a small package of 2 action figures, Woody & Buzz, and I told him he could hold the package, but couldn't open it to play with them until he pooped in the potty. I saw the deal click in his brain and thought, maybe, just maybe, this will work.
That evening he went potty, with the unopened Woody & Buzz in hand, and it finally happened.
"Mom! Look! I pooped in the potty! Can I open it now?"
"Yes!" and I swear, I almost cried and nearly took a photo. No photo! Don't worry. :)
I knew he wouldn't be in Pull-Ups forever, but I swear it was starting to feel like it might never happen. Every day is not perfect, but every night since then he has done his doody (hee hee) in the potty.
There is hope and its name is Woody & Buzz (& Zurg). Did I mention on the walk up the stairs to that triumphant poo, Turbo asked for Zurg too. I would have agreed to anything at that point. I made a special trip to get Zurg on my lunch break the next day.
Worth. Every. Penny.
To whomever is the Patron Saint of Poop, you have answered my prayers and I thank you for this glimmer of hope that my life will someday soon be diaper-free. At least for Turbo. Smiley is still under 12 months... but I hear girls are easier, so, what do you think, she'll be ready at 12 months + 1 day? ;)
Last Sunday we saw a major turn of events in this house. As previously mentioned, we had great success right away with Turbo staying dry and peeing in the potty. BM's not so much. But whatever, I have a lot of patience.
Well, 3 weeks later and I've had it up to here with patience. Just effing poop in the damn potty whydon'tcha. That was my inside voice; on the outside, I was still able to keep it together like a cheerleader smiling through the last quarter of a losing championship game.
I had been offering motivational brides in exchange for some poo action. M&M's, extra movie watching... none of it was working.
So, finally, last Sunday I took Turbo shopping at Target. I had this brilliant idea that maybe if I got him a new Thomas the Train character he'd be motivated that way.
I steered the cart down an aisle with Thomas & Friends, Toy Story 3, and Cars 2. Whoa. Turbo had never seen this merchandising world. His eyes darted around, soaking it all in. He said things like, "Mom! Look! Thomas! Is that my Thomas?" and before I could answer, he'd spot something else and exclaim, "Mom! Look! Woody & Buzz! Can I have that?" And on, and on.
It was so cute to see Turbo's eyes light up at seeing his favorite DVD characters prancing in front of his innocent little face. And my hopes for a successful bribe soared.
We settled on a small package of 2 action figures, Woody & Buzz, and I told him he could hold the package, but couldn't open it to play with them until he pooped in the potty. I saw the deal click in his brain and thought, maybe, just maybe, this will work.
That evening he went potty, with the unopened Woody & Buzz in hand, and it finally happened.
"Mom! Look! I pooped in the potty! Can I open it now?"
"Yes!" and I swear, I almost cried and nearly took a photo. No photo! Don't worry. :)
I knew he wouldn't be in Pull-Ups forever, but I swear it was starting to feel like it might never happen. Every day is not perfect, but every night since then he has done his doody (hee hee) in the potty.
There is hope and its name is Woody & Buzz (& Zurg). Did I mention on the walk up the stairs to that triumphant poo, Turbo asked for Zurg too. I would have agreed to anything at that point. I made a special trip to get Zurg on my lunch break the next day.
Worth. Every. Penny.
Friday, July 29, 2011
It's All About Perspective
Last winter we had a little snow. Too little for any real fun, but we did what we could with what we got. For the couple of snow days we had around here, Turbo and daddy got all bundled up and walked around in the winter wonderland that was our neighborhood.
Those days were quiet and beautiful and very, very bright. Crunch, crunch, crunch goes the snow under the boots.
Infant Smiley and I stayed nice and warm in the house during those treks, and so it seemed only fair to greet the red-nosed lads with something warm to drink when they came back inside.
Hot cocoa for all. Yum!
Tonight, in, a-hem, late July, Turbo says to us as we're trying to get him to go to bed, "Can I have cocoa?"
Dad bends down and whispers in his ear, "Yes. The next time it snows you can have cocoa." Dad and Mom give each other knowing looks. We got this one, that's right. He'll probably forget about it by then.
2 seconds later...
"Dad! It's snowing!"
Um, no, it's not, but A for effort, Junior.
Those days were quiet and beautiful and very, very bright. Crunch, crunch, crunch goes the snow under the boots.
Infant Smiley and I stayed nice and warm in the house during those treks, and so it seemed only fair to greet the red-nosed lads with something warm to drink when they came back inside.
Hot cocoa for all. Yum!
Tonight, in, a-hem, late July, Turbo says to us as we're trying to get him to go to bed, "Can I have cocoa?"
Dad bends down and whispers in his ear, "Yes. The next time it snows you can have cocoa." Dad and Mom give each other knowing looks. We got this one, that's right. He'll probably forget about it by then.
2 seconds later...
"Dad! It's snowing!"
Um, no, it's not, but A for effort, Junior.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
1, 2, 3... Pasta!
Imagine you are a swimming pool and a small child is running at you to perform his very best cannonball right on top of you.
That's what I felt like tonight, as Turbo asked me to lie on the floor next to the coffee table. I should have had some kind of clue of what was coming, but in my sleep-deprived state, I laid down obediently and awaited my next instructions.
Turbo climbed onto the coffee table and before I could think to say, 'no,' I am suddenly the recipient of a tiny cannonball butt flying in my direction, with the war cry:
"1, 2, 3... Pasta!"
That's what I felt like tonight, as Turbo asked me to lie on the floor next to the coffee table. I should have had some kind of clue of what was coming, but in my sleep-deprived state, I laid down obediently and awaited my next instructions.
Turbo climbed onto the coffee table and before I could think to say, 'no,' I am suddenly the recipient of a tiny cannonball butt flying in my direction, with the war cry:
"1, 2, 3... Pasta!"
Monday, July 25, 2011
This Is Why I Have Kids
This morning I took both kids to daycare. It's not always easy since we're potty training Turbo, and we have 2 different daycares, and Smiley has to get dropped off first. I have to balance driving safely with getting there fast enough so Turbo doesn't pee his pants. Or worse. Tick-Tock.
This morning when I was about 10 minutes away from Smiley's daycare, Turbo calls out from the back seat, "Mom! I'm holding Smiley's hand."
I smile. Sure you are. "That's great, honey,"I say.
When I pull into the parking lot, I turn around and this is what I see:
My breath caught and I nearly cried from the dear and darling sweetness of it all.
They stayed like this for the photo op and I actually had to pry their hands apart to get Smiley out of her car seat.
It's moments like this that make me so grateful to have been given the gift of these children.
This morning when I was about 10 minutes away from Smiley's daycare, Turbo calls out from the back seat, "Mom! I'm holding Smiley's hand."
I smile. Sure you are. "That's great, honey,"I say.
When I pull into the parking lot, I turn around and this is what I see:
They stayed like this for the photo op and I actually had to pry their hands apart to get Smiley out of her car seat.
It's moments like this that make me so grateful to have been given the gift of these children.
Finding Time
Goodness, it's been a long week.
I have had several winning blog topics cross my path this past week, but we had a little sleep problem creep up in my house and it just goes to show you (or me, rather) that a lack of sleep affects everything.
I think Smiley is teething. At least I hope that's what is going on with her. Other than her 6-9 month obligatory I-will-not-sleep-well phase, she's been a pretty good sleeper. I've come to rely on this. Sure, she wakes a wee bit early around 5 AM, but she also wakes with smiles and endless chatter and is good for about 20 minutes of warm snuggles in our bed. I need those 20 minutes to pry my eyelids open.
Last night it felt like we had a newborn in the house. I could travel to Hawaii with the bags under my eyes. Ugh.
It was Sunday, so I was finishing making Smiley's food supply for the week - blend some soup, chop some carrots and egg yolks and bananas, and mix the pumpkin+apple+cilantro+chili power that she loves.
Around 10 PM, when I was just sitting down to write her schedule out for the daycare (new routine just started, so notes are helpful), Smiley decided she was no longer interested in sleep and would rather stand up, hold the railing and holler, "MOOOOOOOOMMYYYYYYYY!" -- or at least that is what my special decoder ring told me.
2 hours of me trying a bottle, cuddles, rocking, walking, teething gel, and even telling her firmly to go to sleep (it was worth a shot, right?), I gave in and assumed she was hurting somewhere.
We walked downstairs, where my poor, bleary-eyed husband was washing bottles and Smiley is looking downright perky to be up so late hangin' with Ma and Pa. She actually giggled. But, then, I giggle when I'm that exhausted too.
Tylenol to the rescue and she was asleep within 30 minutes and I crawled into my own bed. Relax.
Not so fast, mom. Now it's Turbo's turn to cry out. I think he did pretty well for 2 hours of nearly non-stop crying and super loud noises from his baby sister.
Back to work I go.
I finally got in my own bed around 3:30 AM.
See. Newborn stuff.
Zzz.
I have had several winning blog topics cross my path this past week, but we had a little sleep problem creep up in my house and it just goes to show you (or me, rather) that a lack of sleep affects everything.
I think Smiley is teething. At least I hope that's what is going on with her. Other than her 6-9 month obligatory I-will-not-sleep-well phase, she's been a pretty good sleeper. I've come to rely on this. Sure, she wakes a wee bit early around 5 AM, but she also wakes with smiles and endless chatter and is good for about 20 minutes of warm snuggles in our bed. I need those 20 minutes to pry my eyelids open.
Last night it felt like we had a newborn in the house. I could travel to Hawaii with the bags under my eyes. Ugh.
It was Sunday, so I was finishing making Smiley's food supply for the week - blend some soup, chop some carrots and egg yolks and bananas, and mix the pumpkin+apple+cilantro+chili power that she loves.
Around 10 PM, when I was just sitting down to write her schedule out for the daycare (new routine just started, so notes are helpful), Smiley decided she was no longer interested in sleep and would rather stand up, hold the railing and holler, "MOOOOOOOOMMYYYYYYYY!" -- or at least that is what my special decoder ring told me.
2 hours of me trying a bottle, cuddles, rocking, walking, teething gel, and even telling her firmly to go to sleep (it was worth a shot, right?), I gave in and assumed she was hurting somewhere.
We walked downstairs, where my poor, bleary-eyed husband was washing bottles and Smiley is looking downright perky to be up so late hangin' with Ma and Pa. She actually giggled. But, then, I giggle when I'm that exhausted too.
Tylenol to the rescue and she was asleep within 30 minutes and I crawled into my own bed. Relax.
Not so fast, mom. Now it's Turbo's turn to cry out. I think he did pretty well for 2 hours of nearly non-stop crying and super loud noises from his baby sister.
Back to work I go.
I finally got in my own bed around 3:30 AM.
See. Newborn stuff.
Zzz.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Sweet Lullabies
While reading bedtime books to Turbo tonight, he specifically asked for a book of songs.
I slowly opened the book to "Ba Ba Black Sheep" and as I began singing, this is how we rather quickly finished the book.
Me: sweetly, "Ba ba black sheep, have you any wool?"
Turbo: "YES!"
And then he turned pages as fast as he could until the book was closed.
There is a reason his nickname is Turbo.
NEXT!
I slowly opened the book to "Ba Ba Black Sheep" and as I began singing, this is how we rather quickly finished the book.
Me: sweetly, "Ba ba black sheep, have you any wool?"
Turbo: "YES!"
And then he turned pages as fast as he could until the book was closed.
There is a reason his nickname is Turbo.
NEXT!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Bossypants
Turbo is sometimes known around here as "The Director." He directs much of our activity with favorite phrases like, "No. You stay there," and "Daddy, you want to eat Wheaties," (even if my husband is in the middle of scrambling eggs).
His new trick is related to potty training. Our bathroom is on the upper level of our house, requiring a stair climb to go to the potty. His new little routine goes a little something like this:
Turbo: "Mom, you stay at the bottom and ask me, 'Turbo, can I come up?'"
I oblige, but am also certain to correct his grammar (it's never too early, right?), "May I come up too, Turbo?"
Turbo: dramatic pause whilst he considers the request, and finally, "Yes, you can come up, mom."
Tonight I was reading books to Turbo in our bed - some extra cuddling before he heads off to his own bed (favorite thing!). We read an old GoldenBook copy of Dumbo, and Three Bears & Goldilocks, and sang some songs. I love this time with him. Blissful sigh.
When my husband came to fetch him to take him to his own room, Turbo turns to me and says, "Mom, you stay here and read your books."
Done and done (except for this little blog post - shh, don't tell Turbo).
His new trick is related to potty training. Our bathroom is on the upper level of our house, requiring a stair climb to go to the potty. His new little routine goes a little something like this:
Turbo: "Mom, you stay at the bottom and ask me, 'Turbo, can I come up?'"
I oblige, but am also certain to correct his grammar (it's never too early, right?), "May I come up too, Turbo?"
Turbo: dramatic pause whilst he considers the request, and finally, "Yes, you can come up, mom."
Tonight I was reading books to Turbo in our bed - some extra cuddling before he heads off to his own bed (favorite thing!). We read an old GoldenBook copy of Dumbo, and Three Bears & Goldilocks, and sang some songs. I love this time with him. Blissful sigh.
When my husband came to fetch him to take him to his own room, Turbo turns to me and says, "Mom, you stay here and read your books."
Done and done (except for this little blog post - shh, don't tell Turbo).
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