Archive for April, 2012

Weekend Outings

Monday, April 30th, 2012

From Monday Mom – Neetika:
Now that spring has sprung and Haley is an active toddler, we’re looking to introduce her to new activities and experiences. I find myself listening closely to the local radio station and scouring the Internet to find things to do as a family. I have lived in this area for a really long time, but there are so many attractions I’ve largely ignored until now. Through Haley, I’m beginning to appreciate all of the fun stuff that’s available to our community!

A few weeks ago, we went to an historic mansion just a few miles away. When I heard it opened up for the season, the only thing I could remember about the place was seeing its photo in a calendar. My husband and I looked it up online and found that in addition to the house tour, the grounds of the mansion include a pond and gardens. They also have activities for kids. When we drove up to the place (which had one of those old-fashioned driveways that fits a horse and buggy and that’s about it!), we were stunned by how many cars we saw. It turned out to be people attending a morning yoga class on the meadow- there had to be at least 150 people there! Who knew?

Once we made it up to the home we saw that there weren’t nearly as many people there. Most of the guests were young families as well. Haley was being her fidgety self, so we opted to explore the house on our own rather than subject the other visitors to her fussiness on a tour. The house was grand and interesting. We knew of the family name because they contributed part of their fortune to the university where my husband went to graduate school. It was nice to learn some more about them. Haley didn’t really appreciate the history lesson, but that’s okay.

We then went out to the gardens. On the pond, we saw some ducks. This is very exciting because “duck” or “du!” is one of three words Haley can say, so she pretty much freaked out and wanted to grab them. We also brought a soccer ball that she loved kicking around. We ended the day with a packed picnic lunch. It was a really lovely day.

My husband and I were recently talking about the number of weekends we have with Haley before she’s all grown up. There are disturbingly few. And over 50 of them are already gone! Hopefully, we will continue to try to make the most of all of them.

Born to Run

Friday, April 27th, 2012

From Friday Mom – Jaime:
I hate to lose. It doesn’t matter what I’m doing, debating with a Red Sox fan on whose team is going to deeper in the baseball post-season, arguing a motion, or trying to complete a crossfit workout of the day first.

The only time winning doesn’t matter to me is when I run. I don’t do races to win them. I don’t have a shot in the world at that! But they make me feel good. I enjoy it, even the bad runs. They make you appreciate the good ones that much more. And, as much as I laugh at my dad every time he says it, I’ve learned that he was right – anytime you start and finish a race in the same day, it’s been a good one.

It was really cool as I was signing up for my first race that Andrew asked me to find a kid race for him too. Every time I signed myself up for another run, he’d ask if I’d found one for him. Last Sunday was the day of the big race.

I had reservations about letting him do it. On Saturday, Andrew raced a friend repeatedly through a big inflatable obstacle course and every time he didn’t win, Andrew hysterically bawled over it. He is a little speed demon and, admittedly, there aren’t a lot of kids his age who are faster than him.

But he got so upset and cried so much that I really had reservations about letting him do the fun run the next day. I tried telling him that there would be older kids running with him and that they might be faster. I tried explaining that I have yet to win a single race and I’m totally cool with that. My dad came over with all the medals from all the races that he’s run in (and lost). We tried to explain that finishing is winning – not what place you cross the finish line. Andrew said he understood. Then he got mad we were harping on it…

He was so excited to head to the race, give his name at the registration table, get his race shirt and pin the number to it. He was running in the 5 and under heat, which consisted of the last straightaway of the 5k course. The kids played Simon Says until it was time for them to run. It was freezing. It was starting to rain. But Andrew was still strutting around the starting line checking out the competition and you just knew he was thinking, “I know I’m faster than YOU. And YOU. And especially YOU.”

When the race started, Andrew did awesome. He was one of the first 5 kids in the lead. But no one was really sure how far they were supposed to run and he started to slow down… He maybe finished 10th, which is incredible.

Until he went ballistic that he didn’t come in first. That he didn’t get his medal first. Because he thought I wasn’t really watching him. He cried the entire walk to the car and the entire ride back.

In the days since then, he’s woken up from naps telling me “I was faster than all the little kids” only to start crying because the big kids “beat him up” and finished first. After leaving it alone for a few days, tonight I showed him the video I took during the race.

He’s watched it 7 times already. He showed Hubby. And I think he’s finally proud of his performance, instead of being upset by it.

He really wants to do another. I’d love for him to do it. But how do you convince someone – the kid of two litigators whose entire job is to win – that winning isn’t the only thing? That sometimes just getting through it is a reward in and of itself?

I haven’t figured that one out yet, but we’ll get there. Have a great weekend everyone

Painting with a Twist

Wednesday, April 25th, 2012

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
The topic of Tate’s music class over the last few weeks has been staccato and legato.  Tate practices moving fast and slow, up and down with short notes or long slurring notes.  Whether we’re singing, dancing, clapping or bouncing, Tate is learning the differences of fast and slow articulation in music.

Last week’s assignment was to make “track art.”  We picked out several different size cars and trucks and applied paint to their wheels.   Then, on a piece of paper, Tate drove the cars all over in different directions and different speeds to demonstrate smaller wheels have skinnier tracks and larger wheels have wider tracks. While making his tracks, Tate sang a song and would push the car back and forth to the beat of his song.  It was hysterical listening to him sing.  It sounded more like a rap.  He raced the cars all over the paper creating quite a piece of abstract art.  It’s one of those pieces I’ll hang on to for awhile.

I thought the activity was fun and a great idea because it’s something different for him to do with paint as well as a learning experience.  Cars dipped in paint definitely held his attention.  He loves to paint and get messy.  What child doesn’t?

Today in class we looked at each child’s track art and discussed what was different about each one and what was similar.  The children had fun showing each other how special their own painting was.  Next week’s assignment is to make our own drum.  I can’t wait to see what ideas Tate will come up with.

Abnormal Behavior

Monday, April 23rd, 2012

From Monday Mom – Neetika:
After a year of developing in a fairly normal fashion, Haley is starting to exhibit some interesting and unique personality traits. It’s really funny to see behavior that models her father (mischievousness), her mother (stubbornness), and that is all her own.

We keep Haley’s toys in a fabric bin in the corner of her room. There are also a couple oversized stuffed animals there. I often bring out these items for Haley to play with. She loves hugging her big teddy bear and pulling items out of the box. Lately, a new game has emerged. Haley now walks directly into that corner, turns around and stands there. She doesn’t look around; she doesn’t try to climb on the nearby loveseat. She just stands there and looks at you. It is the oddest thing!

Haley is also starting to show signs of OCD. She loves cleaning things. She’ll grab any piece of cloth or napkin or white paper she sees and begin rubbing the ground or table with it. Nothing is ever clean enough for her! This is definitely the result of Haley watching her grandmother do chores. Another favorite activity is vacuuming. Good luck to you if you were planning to vacuum and Haley sees you. She insists on helping. As it turns out, one year olds are not so skilled at the task.

Haley often laughs maniacally, like a mad scientist, and no one knows why. She also loves to pray. We showed her how to fold her hands in prayer, and she can’t get enough of it. Sometimes when she’s breastfeeding, she’ll stop suddenly, look up at me with a big smile, and grasp her hands together. She’s so religious! This delights my mother to no end.

We’re really enjoying all of Haley’s quirks. So far, toddlerhood is pretty entertaining!

Once Upon a Time (or Nana to the Rescue)

Friday, April 20th, 2012

From Friday Mom – Jaime:
This month at daycare, they are teaching the kids about fairy tales. One of the rooms has a giant beanstalk in the middle of it. Another is painted up with various Cinderella scenes. Each day this week has had a different theme. Andrew has been very excited to bring his favorite car from Cars into school on Monday, even though he promptly broke the fin off Carla Veloso. (Yes, I realize this has nothing to do with the whole fairy tale thing). He gets to wear his favorite pirate shirt today as they learn about Peter Pan.

But yesterday… Yesterday was “dress as your favorite fairy tale character” day. This was a day clearly geared for the girls in the class. They all have Disney princess dresses…or at least some dress up costume where they can CLAIM they are their favorite princess.

But what are you supposed to dress a boy in???

I found out about this lovely dress up day as I was (almost) late picking up Andrew from daycare at 6. “MOMMY! TOMORROW IS LIKE HALLOWEEN AT SCHOOL!” So I asked Andrew what he wanted to be. “CAPTAIN AMERICA!”

Um…Okay…That’s not quite a fairy tale character. What fairy tale character would you like to be?

Tinker Bell.

My jaw dropped. In my head I’m thinking something like: Seriously? Tinker Bell? TINKER BELL? You’re a BOY. Shoot. How do I explain that this is a girl thing, not a little boy thing? Hold on… Should I explain that to him? Do I let him do it anyway? Wait a minute…WHAT am I thinking? I am NOT spending MONEY on a Tinker Bell costume for my little boy. Um…. how do I get out of this one????

So I called my mom. Yeah, I played the Nana card. She couldn’t talk him out of Tinker Bell either. So as Hubby and I were eating dinner, she took him over to Party City and constructed such a cool costume for him as Prince Charming.

It was awesome. He was psyched to wear it. Actually, he told us that all the little girls were going to be princesses and they were going to LOVE him and want to MARRY him because he’s the prince charming. (Then he told me that I was a frog and had to hop around the house until I caught him so he could give me a kiss and turn me back into a princess)

His favorite part of the costume was his scepter, which he proceeded to tell everyone was a lance and tried to run at everyone like he was a knight on horseback in a joust. (Note to Hubby: Maybe it wasn’t the BEST idea getting him hooked on Full Metal Jousting.)

Surprisingly, Andrew was the only Charming in the class. And, true to his prediction, all the princesses LOVED him. Most of the little boys were in their Halloween costumes. We had Batman, a dragon, a dog and a couple parents who gave up completely and didn’t dress their kids up at all.

So, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my mom for saving the day and picking out the “coolest costume EVER.” And to everyone else – have a great weekend!

Trying Twos

Wednesday, April 18th, 2012

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
Tate is quickly approaching the age of two.  So far, he has grown and developed into a wonderful little boy.  His smiles, kisses and “I wuv u’s” all melt my heart.  He lightens up the room with his charming glow and ability to make everyone laugh.  However, along with turning two (soon) comes the “terrible twos” or as I like to say the “trying twos.”

Having already experienced this stage of development with Jack, I can remember feeling very frustrated and never wanted to leave the house.  Before leaving the house, I knew Jack would have a fit being in the stroller, wanting nothing to do with being in his car seat or have a crying fit if not allowed to have all 100 Thomas trains that were hanging on the sales shelf.  It was a trying time, especially for a first time parent.

Tate, on the other hand wears, his heart on his sleeve – and in his voice, in his stamping feet and his crocodile tears.  He is sweet as can be one minute and the next he is screaming at the top of his lungs.  I mean shrieks so loud they are ear piercing and his face turns red.  He insists on doing exactly what you’ve told him not to do (with a huge grin on his face) or he’ll throw himself down on the floor throwing a tantrum if he doesn’t get what he wants.  I know two year olds like to test limits and are curious.  I have no problem letting his curiosity shine.  I want him to learn about everything we deal with on a daily basis. I’m not sure if I feel these trying times are a little worse because I’ve forgotten just how hard it was with Jack, or if my patience is rapidly diminishing, or maybe a little of both.

I’ve read books and articles trying to find the best ways to handle these fits.  The best technique that seems to help at the moment (and with Jack at this age) is distraction.  Offering another toy or taking him outside to play usually calms Tate down to where he can take a deep breath and try to express in words what is wrong.  His demands alternate between frustration and amusement for me.  I know it’s a stage because Jack thankfully grew out of it, but in the midst of the mayhem it can be very hard not to have a tantrum myself.  Please share any other techniques that have worked for you.  I’m sure in a few years I’ll think about these little fits and laugh.  Hopefully Tate will, too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tate is quickly approaching the age of two.  So far, he has grown and developed into a wonderful little boy.  His smiles, kisses and “I wuv u’s” all melt my heart.  He lightens up the room with his charming glow and ability to make everyone laugh.  However, along with turning two (soon) comes the “terrible twos”.  I like the term trying twos.

Having already experienced this stage of development with Jack, I can remember feeling very frustrated and never wanted to leave the house.  Before leaving the house, I knew Jack would have a fit being in the stroller, wanting nothing to do with being in his car seat or not allowed to have all 100 Thomas trains that were hanging on the sales shelf.  It was a trying time, especially for a first time parent.

Tate on the other hand wears his heart on his sleeve- and on his voice, on his stamping feet and his crocodile tears.  He is sweet as can be one minute and the next he is screaming at the top of his lungs.  I mean shrieks so loud they are ear piercing and his face turns bright red.  He insists on doing exactly what you’ve told him not to do (with a huge grin on his face) or he’ll throw himself down on the floor throwing a tantrum if he doesn’t get what he wants.  I know two year olds like to test limits and are curious.  I have no problem letting his curiosity shine.  I want him to learn about everything we deal with on a daily basis. I’m not sure if I feel these trying times are a little worse because I’ve forgotten just how hard it was with Jack or if my patience is rapidly diminishing or maybe a little of both.

I’ve read books and articles trying to find the best ways to handle these fits.  The best technique that seems to help at the moment (and with Jack at this age) is distraction.  Offering another toy or taking him outside to play usually calms Tate down to where he can take a deep breath and try to express in words what is wrong.  His demands alternate between frustration and amusement for me.  I know it’s a stage because Jack thankfully grew out of it, but in the midst of the mayhem it can be very hard not to have a tantrum myself.  I’m sure in a few years I’ll think about these little fits and laugh.  Hopefully Tate will, too.

 

 

 

Screen Time

Monday, April 16th, 2012

From Monday Mom – Neetika:
I am guilty. I admit it. Lock me up and put me away. I let my child watch TV. In case you’ve forgotten, she’s very young—only one wonderful year old. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, she should not be watching any TV at all until she is two years old. Even when children do watch TV, it should be strictly limited. I don’t do that either. It’s on a lot.

Haley’s exposure to TV began innocently enough. A few minutes of a show kept her still long enough for me to feed her dinner. It stopped her screaming if I had to place her in the playard and run to the bathroom. Now, however, we have it on purely for her entertainment. If you add on the time she spends watching Sesame Street videos on youtube, we’re blowing any reasonable screen time limits out of the water.

I guess I should feel worse about this, but my dirty little secret is that I don’t.

I’m not sure why that is. Maybe because she doesn’t actually watch it that much when it’s on—only when she’s captive in her high chair or a song comes on. She spends a lot of time doing other things, like kicking a soccer ball with remarkable precision and “reading” her board books. Plus, I watched a lot of TV growing up, and I turned out pretty great.

I realize this is a completely ridiculous justification. While I’m making excuses, also please let me divert some of the blame to my parents. They are really the ones who started having the TV on more often—probably because when they would be watching her and she’d fuss, it was an easy form of distraction. I don’t know what it is with grandparents, but they need her happy all the time. When she starts whining with me, I shrug and say, “Sorry kid, life is pain.”

I suppose the reason I allow this TV watching to continue is that I don’t honestly believe in the harmful effects. I keep her far from the screen and the volume low to protect her eyes and ears. But in terms of content, I think it helps more than it hurts. At some point, she may start learning things. PBS Kids and Nick Jr. are MUCH more educational than anything I had when I was little. As I mentioned, she only really seems to care about the songs, anyway. Perhaps once she is more interested, I will begin to set limits. Life is painful that way.

How do they do it?

Friday, April 13th, 2012

From Friday Mom – Jaime:
As a lawyer, my job is to solve other people’s problems. It’s messy. it’s hard. But I absolutely love it. And, actually, if I’m doing my job really well, I psych out the problems and figure out a way to steer the client around a potential landmine before they blow themselves up with it…

Parenting is like another planet. I don’t see most of the landmines before I’m firmly entrenched in them. And, as good as I am at solving other people’s problems, the mystery of how to get Andrew to eat something other than one of the old standbys is still a total mystery.

But every few days he comes home from school and tells me about the taste test he did. His new teachers have somehow convinced the world’s most picky, stubborn eater to try (AND ENJOY!) stuff like broccoli and carrots. The carrot experiment was apparently to get the kids to experience the different textures of the same food (hard and soft, depending on whether the carrots were raw or cooked). Andrew proclaimed that he liked crunchy best and that he would actually eat five…no! TEN!…carrots if I made them for him.

The kid won’t even look at broccoli if I try to feed it to him. They managed to get him to chow down on it. I’m still not sure how broccoli and chocolate worked together in a taste test… Or why anyone would think to put the two together… But hey, they somehow managed to get him to eat a green vegetable.

Even our own taste tests that we do in the house are met with stringent opposition. So what is it about doing one at daycare that makes it not only worth trying, but fun? And good?

I just don’t get it.

But I’m now going to turn to much happier subjects… Today is the home opener at Yankee Stadium and I cannot wait! There’s nothing better than blowing off work (on a motion day, no less) to catch a ballgame with my sister, uncle, hubby and especially my dad.

Go Yankees! And have a great weekend everyone.

V is for Vegetable

Wednesday, April 11th, 2012

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
Jack’s class has a weekly, “letter of the week.” This week is the letter V.  When we reach the letter Z the school year is over.  It’s hard to believe how quickly this year is coming to an end.

Today, Jack’s class is having a veggie tasting party.  What a great idea.  I would love to see how many veggies Jack tries and actually swallows.  He no longer eats the veggies he liked as a toddler.  Lately, I’m even having a hard time getting him to eat his carrot sticks, which he once loved.

Although I’m a little skeptical, I think the tasting party just might be a success.  By placing the students in a different setting, they might be more willing to try new vegetables.  Hopefully the vibrant colors, a large selection and some yummy dips will be more appealing to Jack.  I know it works with my husband.  He’ll try something new if it’s cooked or presented in a new way other than my usual steamed varieties.

Also, Tate’s taste buds are changing for the worse, too.  I know it happens around this age, but I thought for sure he would hang on to eating up his veggies for a bit longer.  He’s experienced what a chocolate chip cookie tastes like and doesn’t want anything but a “coooookie.”  I can’t be too upset since I’m the one who passed along the sweet tooth gene.

I’m anxious to hear how many kinds of veggies Jack tasted.  It would be a miracle to hear him ask for a pepper in his salad and not peanut butter chips.

 

 

Poor Baby

Monday, April 9th, 2012

From Monday Mom – Neetika:
Haley’s dad was sick last week. Sure enough, Haley and I eventually caught his cold. It’s no fun at all! I felt so sorry for Haley. Her nose was stuffed up, and she HATED when we used the suction bulb to clear it out. She’d let out the most pathetic coughs and wake herself up in the night. Luckily, she never had much of a fever.

It’s a challenge to take care of a sick baby who can’t tell you how she’s feeling or what she needs. But I learned it’s a much bigger challenge to be a sick mom with a sick baby. Usually, if Haley needs me, day or night, I am in prime form, ready to care for her. It doesn’t matter how tired I am. When I am feeling sick and debilitated, it’s a whole new ballgame. Fatigue and soreness slowed me down a great deal. I admit it— it was very frustrating. Just when I was able to lie down and rest following a fit of coughing, Haley woke up miserable and needed to be cuddled and rocked. And just when I would have her settled down, I’d sneeze suddenly, wake her, and have to start the whole process over again.

My mom and my husband stepped in quite a bit to help Haley through her illness. We survived. There are only a few mild lingering symptoms remaining. As unfortunate as it is to have illness invade your home, you have to keep everything in perspective and count your blessings. We are lucky to be healthy and safe. I might be annoyed by all the sniffles, but they also remind me to be grateful for my almost perfectly healthy child.