I think we've found a winner. This morning, hubby and I toured an alternative school in our area. We were really impressed with everything we saw. The students all looked happy and engaged. There were no desks set up in rows - the kids had a lot more freedom to move around. All of the classrooms were flooded with natural light.
The principal showed us some of the cool projects students were working on, including designing and building (inside the school) a scaled down version of a high energy-efficient house. They also have a number of community projects underway such as developing plans for a new walking bridge across the canal, and planting a community garden at a near-by historic site.
Parents are encouraged to volunteer whenever they can and to bring their own talents into the classroom. For example, one of the current pupil's parents is an artist. This parent has led an amazing school-wide art project. The artist painted a gigantic mural of the schoolyard and had every single student in the school created a self portrait that could be cut out and pasted onto the mural. It looked incredible! While we were touring the school we noticed at least three or four parents volunteering while we were there, being put to work.
The building itself was very appealing. None of the classrooms were perfectly square or rectangular. They were all different shapes and sizes. In addition to having windows along the outside walls, there were windows looking into the hallways.
We've decided to register him at this school, even though it means putting him on a school bus. Ideally we'd like it if he was picked up from home in the morning and then bussed to his caregiver's house when class ended. That way he could have an easy going afternoon in an environment in which he feels at home. The other options would be to enroll him in the daycare that is attached to the school (if we can get in -- I'll blog about this another day), or have him bussed to his nursery school.
I'm so relieved we've found a good school. I think he'll be very happy and challenged there.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Fun times
A couple of weeks ago we took the little guy into a pet store and he saw a little girl carrying some guppies in a plastic bag. Afterwards I heard a lot of, "Mom, can I have a bag of fish?" Well, we've found the perfect solution. We put all of his toy fish and marine creatures into the sink and give him a ziplock bag.
It's a little hard to tell but he's actually caught a hammerhead shark and some tunas in his ziplock. Later we transferred them into a tupperware container full of water and called it his aquarium. The giant shark in the sink was a little too big and dangerous to catch in that little tiny bag.
Daddy turned a paper bag into an astronaut helmet the other day. This kept him busy for a long time (or at least until the bag ripped beyond repair.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
I'm so mad
Today I found a notice from the city's public health office in my son's backpack. His nursery school sent it home on behalf of the city. The notice said that there was no proof of my son's vaccinations on record and that he would be removed from nursery school on March 9 if we failed to provide documentation that he's had his shots.
First of all, he's had his vaccinations.
Second, before threatening to ban him from nursery school, they could have called. And why exactly did they wait until the 11th hour before sending me this form?
Third, the form had me listed as the parent, but with the wrong last name. They put hubby's last name on the form instead of mine. I could have forgiven this error if they hadn't also spelled his last name wrong.
Fourth, they completely botched the little guy's name (no wonder they can't find his records!). They had his middle name listed as his last name, and his last name (spelled wrong) as his middle name.
And finally, I'm pretty sure I provided proof of vaccination to the nursery school when I registered him last fall. Couldn't the nursery school have just shared this information?
I'm going to call the public health office tomorrow to let them know exactly how I feel. The whole thing is just so stupid!
First of all, he's had his vaccinations.
Second, before threatening to ban him from nursery school, they could have called. And why exactly did they wait until the 11th hour before sending me this form?
Third, the form had me listed as the parent, but with the wrong last name. They put hubby's last name on the form instead of mine. I could have forgiven this error if they hadn't also spelled his last name wrong.
Fourth, they completely botched the little guy's name (no wonder they can't find his records!). They had his middle name listed as his last name, and his last name (spelled wrong) as his middle name.
And finally, I'm pretty sure I provided proof of vaccination to the nursery school when I registered him last fall. Couldn't the nursery school have just shared this information?
I'm going to call the public health office tomorrow to let them know exactly how I feel. The whole thing is just so stupid!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Capturing nature's beauty
For someone who has never taken a photography class, hubby certainly has a natural talent for photography. I've been sorting through our photos from the couple of years and have come across some incredible pictures. These ones in particular are worth a thousand words.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Potty training update #543
I have a bit of progress to report, but the toilet training continues to be an uphill battle. I'm happy to say that he now only wears underwear on weekends and in the evenings. And, If we bring the toilet seat with us when we go out in public, or to someone else's house, he'll actually sit on it and do pees.
Number 2 is a whole other matter. He'll hold it in for as long as humanly possible (which can't be good). Even if we sit him on the toilet and read him a dozen books, he still chickens out. So, by the time he can't hold it any longer he's so worked up and nervous about it we end up caving in and letting him wear a diaper. Today he threw a diaper on the floor and lay on top of it and begged me to do it up (so I did).
No change at daycare or nursery school. We've switched to pull-ups but he still won't ask to use the toilet. I'm praying for a miracle.
Number 2 is a whole other matter. He'll hold it in for as long as humanly possible (which can't be good). Even if we sit him on the toilet and read him a dozen books, he still chickens out. So, by the time he can't hold it any longer he's so worked up and nervous about it we end up caving in and letting him wear a diaper. Today he threw a diaper on the floor and lay on top of it and begged me to do it up (so I did).
No change at daycare or nursery school. We've switched to pull-ups but he still won't ask to use the toilet. I'm praying for a miracle.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
25 things about the little guy
I had so much fun doing my list the other day that I thought I'd do one for the little guy as well. Here it goes:
1. He'd like nothing more than for me or hubby to stay home and read books to him all day long.
2. Lately he's been obsessing about the fact that he used to live in my tummy. He's very worried that it's dark in there and that he didn't have his teetee (his special blanket).
3. His current fascination is with outer space and marine creatures.
4. From the time he was born he's been the most adaptable of travelers. He absolutely loves going to new places and is able to make himself feel right at home in a cottage, hotel or wherever else we might be staying.
5. If he chose his wardrobe, everything in it would be made of fleece.
6. He's terrified of moss.
7. If patience is a virtue, he isn't very virtuous.
8. He's the type of kid who is able to play peacefully (for the most part) with pretty well any other kid.
9. Every single day he begs me to take him to the "green store" for a cookie. Almost every day I disappoint him.
10. Much to my delight, he loves to sleep in and lounge around in bed (by sleeping in I mean until 7:30).
11. Baths are fun as long as there is "no water on the head" and "just a play play."
12. He thinks that all hubby and I do at work is eat lunch. When he imitates us in the morning by making his own lunch he says, "Bye, I'm going to work to have my lunch!"
13. He knows his ABCs and 1,2,3s pretty well now, however when he's counting he often gets mixed up and says "twelve-teen."
14. It usually takes a solid 20 minutes for him to adapt to any new situation. I'm not always sure if it's just that he's shy or if he's just wary of new things.
15. If there is a camera in the room he turns into a complete and total ham.
16. I'm pretty sure that an emergency vehicle has never passed by our house unnoticed.
17. He is truly an "urban baby" who enjoys eating sushi, hanging out at coffee shops and exploring the local arts and culture scene.
18. In the summer he practically lives outside. In the winter he hibernates.
19. He is adamant that he is not a garcon.
20. When asked, he freely admits that he's a goof-a-man.
21. None of his toys require batteries because they all run on his vivid imagination.
22. The only time he looks like me is when he's mad (or so hubby likes to say). Other than that he is the spitting image of his father.
23. When it comes to sports he's a natural athlete (at least he gets something from my side of the family).
24. His diet consists mostly of shreddies, fruits and vegetable.
25. He is the snuggliest little guy in the entire world which means that hubby and I never suffer from a shortage of hugs.
1. He'd like nothing more than for me or hubby to stay home and read books to him all day long.
2. Lately he's been obsessing about the fact that he used to live in my tummy. He's very worried that it's dark in there and that he didn't have his teetee (his special blanket).
3. His current fascination is with outer space and marine creatures.
4. From the time he was born he's been the most adaptable of travelers. He absolutely loves going to new places and is able to make himself feel right at home in a cottage, hotel or wherever else we might be staying.
5. If he chose his wardrobe, everything in it would be made of fleece.
6. He's terrified of moss.
7. If patience is a virtue, he isn't very virtuous.
8. He's the type of kid who is able to play peacefully (for the most part) with pretty well any other kid.
9. Every single day he begs me to take him to the "green store" for a cookie. Almost every day I disappoint him.
10. Much to my delight, he loves to sleep in and lounge around in bed (by sleeping in I mean until 7:30).
11. Baths are fun as long as there is "no water on the head" and "just a play play."
12. He thinks that all hubby and I do at work is eat lunch. When he imitates us in the morning by making his own lunch he says, "Bye, I'm going to work to have my lunch!"
13. He knows his ABCs and 1,2,3s pretty well now, however when he's counting he often gets mixed up and says "twelve-teen."
14. It usually takes a solid 20 minutes for him to adapt to any new situation. I'm not always sure if it's just that he's shy or if he's just wary of new things.
15. If there is a camera in the room he turns into a complete and total ham.
16. I'm pretty sure that an emergency vehicle has never passed by our house unnoticed.
17. He is truly an "urban baby" who enjoys eating sushi, hanging out at coffee shops and exploring the local arts and culture scene.
18. In the summer he practically lives outside. In the winter he hibernates.
19. He is adamant that he is not a garcon.
20. When asked, he freely admits that he's a goof-a-man.
21. None of his toys require batteries because they all run on his vivid imagination.
22. The only time he looks like me is when he's mad (or so hubby likes to say). Other than that he is the spitting image of his father.
23. When it comes to sports he's a natural athlete (at least he gets something from my side of the family).
24. His diet consists mostly of shreddies, fruits and vegetable.
25. He is the snuggliest little guy in the entire world which means that hubby and I never suffer from a shortage of hugs.
The school debate continues
We just got back from an orientation night for one of the elementary schools in our neighbourhood. I didn't like the teacher or the principal. Bad vibes all around. Guess we'll strike that one off the list. Next week we're going to tour an alternative school to see if we like it any better.
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On a completely unrelated topic, check out this photo of the little guy. Whenever I look at it I can clearly see what he's going to look like as an adult. He looks 3 going on 23 in this photo. Watch out ladies!
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On a completely unrelated topic, check out this photo of the little guy. Whenever I look at it I can clearly see what he's going to look like as an adult. He looks 3 going on 23 in this photo. Watch out ladies!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
25 things about me
You may have seen a lot of these flying around on Facebook lately. Since I was tagged by a friend, I've decided to put this on my blog instead (like some other bloggers I know). If you have a blog, consider yourself tagged!
Here it goes:
1. I'm a tomboy (probably because I grew up with two big brother). I don't know how to operate a tube of lipstick or a curling iron.
2. I wish I was more like my Grandma. She was a saint and, even though she died many years ago, I still miss her every single day.
3. Writing is my passion. I'm lucky that I have lots of opportunities to write at home and at work.
4. When I was a kid I dreamed of being a news broadcaster when I grew up (strange given my shyness problem). It only took me a few weeks of studying journalism to change my mind.
5. I'm a very adventurous eater and I can't stand eating at chain restaurants that cater to the lowest common denominator. I am very fortunate to have my own live-in chef. I do the shopping, hubby does the cooking.
6. I'm a coffee snob and proud of it.
7. I have a wonderful circle of friends. Not a big circle. But a close circle.
8. My first crush was a boy named BJ who played hockey with my brother. When I was three I used to follow him right into the boy's locker room. To this day, my face turns red every time I bump into him.
9. One of my favourite things about being a parent is getting to do all the kid stuff again.
10. When I read, I like to escape as far as possible from my own reality. This might explain why I am such a huge fan of Larry McMurtry's Lonesome Dove series.
11. I recently grew almost two inches (I used to be under 5 feet). Nobody believes me but it's true! The same thing happened to my aunt when she was in her 30s.
12. I'd pay a million dollars for a pair of pants that I didn't have to get hemmed. And, I'd buy those pants in every colour that was available.
13. Speaking of sewing, I'm the most "uncrafty" person on the face of the Earth. I couldn't sew in a straight line to save my life and get bored any time I need to following instructions.
14. I love to jog, but only in fair weather. In the winter I hibernate at the gym (sometimes...).
15. When I was pregnant I felt better than I ever have in my entire life. I used to be plagued by a lot of gastrointestinal issues, but my son cured me. I think he must have kicked something back into its proper place when he was in the womb.
16. Even though I love travelling the world, I'm just as content to go on wilderness or country adventures close to home.
17. My biggest pet peeve are people who are rude and inconsiderate.
18. The thing I miss the most about where I grew up is going to the cottage every weekend. Some day soon I hope to have my own cottage.
19. I'm always worried about money and feel guilty every time I make a purchase. The only thing I don't feel guilty about buying is Starbucks coffee.
19. When I was a kid my grandfather taught me how to wiggle my ear. Now, any time I'm embarrassed my ear wiggles involuntarily.
20. Whenever I have an opportunity to make a wish, I always wish for the same thing. I'm pretty sure everyone in my family has the same wish too. Maybe if we all wish hard enough it will come true.
21. Dogs make me happy. I love to watch them run around and play. I miss how my dearly departed Springer Spaniel (Fred) used to come great me at the door every day. He could always cheer me up even when I was in the crappiest of moods.
22. Cooked carrots are my favourite food. When hubby and I moved in together he commented to me, "Do we have to have cooked carrots every night for dinner?" to which I replied, "Yes, yes we do."
23. I'm missing the "cleaning" gene. Unfortunately so is hubby. I have to invite people over for dinner periodically just to force myself to clean the house.
24. I have the most terrible bathroom humour. It comes from my dad's side of the family. When I get together with my dad or one of my brothers in particular, the conversation quickly turns to farts and poop.
25. I'm a health nut with a sweet tooth. Every day after lunch and dinner I have to eat something sweet or I go crazy.
Now it's your turn!
Here it goes:
1. I'm a tomboy (probably because I grew up with two big brother). I don't know how to operate a tube of lipstick or a curling iron.
2. I wish I was more like my Grandma. She was a saint and, even though she died many years ago, I still miss her every single day.
3. Writing is my passion. I'm lucky that I have lots of opportunities to write at home and at work.
4. When I was a kid I dreamed of being a news broadcaster when I grew up (strange given my shyness problem). It only took me a few weeks of studying journalism to change my mind.
5. I'm a very adventurous eater and I can't stand eating at chain restaurants that cater to the lowest common denominator. I am very fortunate to have my own live-in chef. I do the shopping, hubby does the cooking.
6. I'm a coffee snob and proud of it.
7. I have a wonderful circle of friends. Not a big circle. But a close circle.
8. My first crush was a boy named BJ who played hockey with my brother. When I was three I used to follow him right into the boy's locker room. To this day, my face turns red every time I bump into him.
9. One of my favourite things about being a parent is getting to do all the kid stuff again.
10. When I read, I like to escape as far as possible from my own reality. This might explain why I am such a huge fan of Larry McMurtry's Lonesome Dove series.
11. I recently grew almost two inches (I used to be under 5 feet). Nobody believes me but it's true! The same thing happened to my aunt when she was in her 30s.
12. I'd pay a million dollars for a pair of pants that I didn't have to get hemmed. And, I'd buy those pants in every colour that was available.
13. Speaking of sewing, I'm the most "uncrafty" person on the face of the Earth. I couldn't sew in a straight line to save my life and get bored any time I need to following instructions.
14. I love to jog, but only in fair weather. In the winter I hibernate at the gym (sometimes...).
15. When I was pregnant I felt better than I ever have in my entire life. I used to be plagued by a lot of gastrointestinal issues, but my son cured me. I think he must have kicked something back into its proper place when he was in the womb.
16. Even though I love travelling the world, I'm just as content to go on wilderness or country adventures close to home.
17. My biggest pet peeve are people who are rude and inconsiderate.
18. The thing I miss the most about where I grew up is going to the cottage every weekend. Some day soon I hope to have my own cottage.
19. I'm always worried about money and feel guilty every time I make a purchase. The only thing I don't feel guilty about buying is Starbucks coffee.
19. When I was a kid my grandfather taught me how to wiggle my ear. Now, any time I'm embarrassed my ear wiggles involuntarily.
20. Whenever I have an opportunity to make a wish, I always wish for the same thing. I'm pretty sure everyone in my family has the same wish too. Maybe if we all wish hard enough it will come true.
21. Dogs make me happy. I love to watch them run around and play. I miss how my dearly departed Springer Spaniel (Fred) used to come great me at the door every day. He could always cheer me up even when I was in the crappiest of moods.
22. Cooked carrots are my favourite food. When hubby and I moved in together he commented to me, "Do we have to have cooked carrots every night for dinner?" to which I replied, "Yes, yes we do."
23. I'm missing the "cleaning" gene. Unfortunately so is hubby. I have to invite people over for dinner periodically just to force myself to clean the house.
24. I have the most terrible bathroom humour. It comes from my dad's side of the family. When I get together with my dad or one of my brothers in particular, the conversation quickly turns to farts and poop.
25. I'm a health nut with a sweet tooth. Every day after lunch and dinner I have to eat something sweet or I go crazy.
Now it's your turn!
I corrupted a seeing eye dog
but not intentionally! I was at the gym today at lunch pumping a little iron. Virtually every time I'm there I end up working out right next to a blind man and his giant, happy, friendly Saint Bernard. I enjoy watching the dog while I'm doing cardio to help pass the time. I've often noted that, while he's very good at him job, the dog does have a bit of a mischievous streak. Often, he gets restless and starts looking for attention by wagging his tail at passersby. And sometimes he lets out a loud bark when something interesting catches his eye. He is a dog, after all.
Today, while I was doing my leg press exercise I could see the dog watching me from the foot of the machine. When I caught his eye I couldn't help but smile. Well, that was all the encouragement he needed. He ran around the side of the machine, gave me a lick on the face, a quick snuffle, and then quickly ran back to the spot he was supposed to be sitting. His owner was none the wiser. When I started my second rep, he did it again! And then again on my third rep! Out of respect for his owner I didn't pat the dog or talk to him or anything. Although I admit that I may have smiled at him a few times and shot him some admiring glances.... But even if I hadn't, he obviously sensed that I was a sucker for dogs.
After I moved on to some more distant machines I watched the dog do the same thing to someone else! I guess all work and no play makes him a dull boy.
Today, while I was doing my leg press exercise I could see the dog watching me from the foot of the machine. When I caught his eye I couldn't help but smile. Well, that was all the encouragement he needed. He ran around the side of the machine, gave me a lick on the face, a quick snuffle, and then quickly ran back to the spot he was supposed to be sitting. His owner was none the wiser. When I started my second rep, he did it again! And then again on my third rep! Out of respect for his owner I didn't pat the dog or talk to him or anything. Although I admit that I may have smiled at him a few times and shot him some admiring glances.... But even if I hadn't, he obviously sensed that I was a sucker for dogs.
After I moved on to some more distant machines I watched the dog do the same thing to someone else! I guess all work and no play makes him a dull boy.
Monday, February 16, 2009
More winter fun
As I was downloading my pics yesterday, I came across some more good winter pics. Enjoy!
A little fun on a cold winter's day.
Showing off his new skating helmet.
A little fun on a cold winter's day.
Showing off his new skating helmet.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Conquering the mountain
This weekend marked another first for the little guy -- his first time downhill skiing. It turns out that he's a natural.
We signed him up for for a 2-hour lesson that included ski rentals, and a full day lift ticket. Although he seemed gung ho on the idea of skiing, we prepared for the worst and hoped for the best. Often, he's pretty wary of new situations and new people. Couple that with his intense dislike of the outdoors in the winter, we figured it could all go very badly. It turns out that we had no reason to be concerned. The second he saw all of the other kids skiing he couldn't get to the top of the bunny hill fast enough! When he finished his first run he was smiling, laughing and high fiving his instructor. And, by the end of his lesson he was skiing down the hill by himself.
It was such a great weekend for all of us. We lucked into finding an awesome deal on just about the last vacant cottage near the ski resort. I literally spent hours looking for places to stay. Right as I was about to give up I came across an ad for a tiny little cottage at around 1:00 pm. We were on the road by 3:00 pm. The cottage was nothing to write home about but it was clean and comfy and had a wood stove.
Here are a few pics.
Here he is with his gorgeous ski instructor (no wonder he warmed up to her so fast) eagerly getting back in line to go back up the hill after his first run.
Wipe out! Much of the day was spent just like this.
The little guy with his instructor and the other child in his class. The other child's mother disappeared shortly after the lesson began and the poor little fellow cried the entire time she was gone. It was absolutely heartbreaking.
Up we go again! Going up the hill on the conveyor belt was almost as fun as skiing down.
Here is daddy chasing the little guy down the hill. Although he was good at getting down the hill on skis, he had no idea how to slow down or steer. We took turns running down the hill after him. Daddy's favourite quote of the day was, "No dad, you don't understand. I need to go too fast!"
The fun didn't end when we got home.
We signed him up for for a 2-hour lesson that included ski rentals, and a full day lift ticket. Although he seemed gung ho on the idea of skiing, we prepared for the worst and hoped for the best. Often, he's pretty wary of new situations and new people. Couple that with his intense dislike of the outdoors in the winter, we figured it could all go very badly. It turns out that we had no reason to be concerned. The second he saw all of the other kids skiing he couldn't get to the top of the bunny hill fast enough! When he finished his first run he was smiling, laughing and high fiving his instructor. And, by the end of his lesson he was skiing down the hill by himself.
It was such a great weekend for all of us. We lucked into finding an awesome deal on just about the last vacant cottage near the ski resort. I literally spent hours looking for places to stay. Right as I was about to give up I came across an ad for a tiny little cottage at around 1:00 pm. We were on the road by 3:00 pm. The cottage was nothing to write home about but it was clean and comfy and had a wood stove.
Here are a few pics.
Here he is with his gorgeous ski instructor (no wonder he warmed up to her so fast) eagerly getting back in line to go back up the hill after his first run.
Wipe out! Much of the day was spent just like this.
The little guy with his instructor and the other child in his class. The other child's mother disappeared shortly after the lesson began and the poor little fellow cried the entire time she was gone. It was absolutely heartbreaking.
Up we go again! Going up the hill on the conveyor belt was almost as fun as skiing down.
Here is daddy chasing the little guy down the hill. Although he was good at getting down the hill on skis, he had no idea how to slow down or steer. We took turns running down the hill after him. Daddy's favourite quote of the day was, "No dad, you don't understand. I need to go too fast!"
The fun didn't end when we got home.
Friday, February 13, 2009
What a week
It has been a hellish week. Not only have I had a nasty cold all week, I've been on call until every night until 11:00 pm as part of a week-long emergency preparedness exercise at work. Whoever designed this exercise obviously didn't have small children. The bulk of the calls and emails I had to reply to were smack dab in the middle of family time.
Last night, I had to sit in on a conference call at 6:15 pm. It's a good thing I was able to mute the line because all hell broke loose in the background. The second that the little guy realized that he wasn't going to get my full attention, he had a full on temper tantrum. Despite hubby's best efforts to keep him busy and happy while I worked, he managed to burst into the room and started yelling, "Mommy, I need you!" I felt awful shooing him out of the room, especially since my call was about a fake emergency situation. As daddy escorted him away I could hear cries of, "I want my Mommy!"
Thankfully, I will be able to take some compensatory time off for the overtime. I'd like to take a day off in the next few weeks to just hang out with him and do something fun.
Thank God it's Friday! Bring on the weekend.
Last night, I had to sit in on a conference call at 6:15 pm. It's a good thing I was able to mute the line because all hell broke loose in the background. The second that the little guy realized that he wasn't going to get my full attention, he had a full on temper tantrum. Despite hubby's best efforts to keep him busy and happy while I worked, he managed to burst into the room and started yelling, "Mommy, I need you!" I felt awful shooing him out of the room, especially since my call was about a fake emergency situation. As daddy escorted him away I could hear cries of, "I want my Mommy!"
Thankfully, I will be able to take some compensatory time off for the overtime. I'd like to take a day off in the next few weeks to just hang out with him and do something fun.
Thank God it's Friday! Bring on the weekend.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
His special day
The little guy goes to a co-operative nursery school, which means that parents have to take turns volunteering in the classroom. The days that you are scheduled to volunteer are referred to as your child's "special day." And for good reason! A special day comes with number of special privileges including: getting to feed the classroom fish, bringing a toy from home for show and share, picking the circle time song etc...For a three-year old this is all very exciting.
For parents the day is special too because it's an opportunity to share in your child's nursery school experience, meet the other kids, get feedback from the teachers as so on. It's also a lot of work. Each special day comes with a number of duties that include preparing a snack for all of the kids in the room, and doing a long list of chores (washing dishes, cleaning toilets, sweeping floors etc). Not that I'm complaining, though. Far from it. The nursery school simply couldn't operate without parent involvement.
Hubby and I take turns volunteering for special days. Today, it was his turn. The little guy was beside himself with excitement. The morning, he must have changed his mind about 50 times about what toy he was going to bring for Show and Share. Finally, he settled on his space shuttle.
Hubby was absolutely amazed at some of the feedback he got from the teachers. They seem to know everything about him because he's such a chatter box. He talks their ears off about absolutely everything - what he ate for breakfast, what toys he likes to play with, what he did on the weekend.... We had no idea that he did this because normally he's pretty reserved in group settings. Also, whenever we try to get information out of him about his day, it's like pulling teeth trying to get him to tell us anything! I play 20 Qs every single day on the way home in an attempt to piece together what he's been up to all day.
The fact that he speaks so free and easily indicates to us that he must feel really comfortable with his teachers and the other kids. I have to admit that I'm a bit worried that he has absolutely no filters when it comes to choosing topics of conversation. Hopefully he's not repeating any embarrassing stories :-)
For parents the day is special too because it's an opportunity to share in your child's nursery school experience, meet the other kids, get feedback from the teachers as so on. It's also a lot of work. Each special day comes with a number of duties that include preparing a snack for all of the kids in the room, and doing a long list of chores (washing dishes, cleaning toilets, sweeping floors etc). Not that I'm complaining, though. Far from it. The nursery school simply couldn't operate without parent involvement.
Hubby and I take turns volunteering for special days. Today, it was his turn. The little guy was beside himself with excitement. The morning, he must have changed his mind about 50 times about what toy he was going to bring for Show and Share. Finally, he settled on his space shuttle.
Hubby was absolutely amazed at some of the feedback he got from the teachers. They seem to know everything about him because he's such a chatter box. He talks their ears off about absolutely everything - what he ate for breakfast, what toys he likes to play with, what he did on the weekend.... We had no idea that he did this because normally he's pretty reserved in group settings. Also, whenever we try to get information out of him about his day, it's like pulling teeth trying to get him to tell us anything! I play 20 Qs every single day on the way home in an attempt to piece together what he's been up to all day.
The fact that he speaks so free and easily indicates to us that he must feel really comfortable with his teachers and the other kids. I have to admit that I'm a bit worried that he has absolutely no filters when it comes to choosing topics of conversation. Hopefully he's not repeating any embarrassing stories :-)
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Speaking of school
Do you think he looks ready? Here he is wearing mismatched pjs, rubber boots and a gigantic backpack filled with miscellaneous household objects he figures he'll need to bring to school (like daddy's 2 foot long level). Pretending to go to school is one of his favourite games. He often jams my backpack full of "lunch" items. Basically anything that isn't strapped down in the kitchen goes into his lunch. The other day I found two lemons, a package of cherry tomatoes, 3 kiwis, 2 pears (both with bites in them), a can of chickpeas and a full loaf of raising bread in his lunch bag. When he's all loaded up he cries, "I'm going to school! Bye" and heads for the front door.
Monday, February 09, 2009
The school debate begins
Last week was junior kindergarten registration week, only no one told me. Is this something that all parents are supposed to naturally know about? I don't remember reading it in any of my parenting handbooks. I mean, September is still many months away. Am I the only one out there who totally missed the boat on this one?
The thing the sucks the most about missing registration week is that I am now scrambling to figure out what to do. If I don't act fast, he might not get a spot. For the past couple of nights I've been frantically working through all of the possible scenarios. But none of them are without fault.
The first dilemma: location. Neither of the two public schools in my area are close to our house, which means we would have to put him on a school bus. He won't be four until the end of November which means he's still going to be a baby in the fall. We can't just ship him off to school on a big, scary bus can we???
The second dilemma: timing. JK only goes from 8:00 - 10:30 am, so you need to have a childcare plan for the rest of the day. Can I bus him to my caregiver's house? That's something I'll have to figure out. Should I send him to the school that has a daycare located in the same building? If I do that, won't he be overwhelmed by spending so much time in an institutional setting?
The third dilemma: Alternative vs. regular public school. On this issue I'm leaning towards the alternative school. The classroom sizes are smaller, I agree with their teaching philosophy and I've heard great things about the staff. All around I think it would be a loving, nurturing environment. Plus there is a daycare right in the building. I haven't ruled out the regular public school option but I'm a little wary of it because of some stories I've heard.
The fourth dilemma: English or French. We've weighed all the pros and cons and have come out in favour of English. Both hubby and I feel it is really important that he get a good grounding in his first language before going into late French immersion. Almost everyone I know thinks this is a stupid idea but it's the right decision for us. I just know too many people who have gone through early French immersion who can't write well in either English or French.
The fifth dilemma: to go or not to go. JK is optional and we're seriously thinking of opting out. Right now the little guy goes to a wonderful nursery school three mornings a week. If we bumped that up to 5 days a week, would it really be much different than JK? I really doubt it. Also, it would allow him to spent one more year with his caregiver who we all absolutely adore. I like the idea of him spending his afternoons at her home instead of in an institutional daycare. This option is definitely the most expensive. Nursery school combined with daycare is pretty darn expensive.
I guess it comes down to where we think he'll be the happiest. Next week we are going to tour the alternative school and feel it out. I'll keep you posted on what we decide.
The thing the sucks the most about missing registration week is that I am now scrambling to figure out what to do. If I don't act fast, he might not get a spot. For the past couple of nights I've been frantically working through all of the possible scenarios. But none of them are without fault.
The first dilemma: location. Neither of the two public schools in my area are close to our house, which means we would have to put him on a school bus. He won't be four until the end of November which means he's still going to be a baby in the fall. We can't just ship him off to school on a big, scary bus can we???
The second dilemma: timing. JK only goes from 8:00 - 10:30 am, so you need to have a childcare plan for the rest of the day. Can I bus him to my caregiver's house? That's something I'll have to figure out. Should I send him to the school that has a daycare located in the same building? If I do that, won't he be overwhelmed by spending so much time in an institutional setting?
The third dilemma: Alternative vs. regular public school. On this issue I'm leaning towards the alternative school. The classroom sizes are smaller, I agree with their teaching philosophy and I've heard great things about the staff. All around I think it would be a loving, nurturing environment. Plus there is a daycare right in the building. I haven't ruled out the regular public school option but I'm a little wary of it because of some stories I've heard.
The fourth dilemma: English or French. We've weighed all the pros and cons and have come out in favour of English. Both hubby and I feel it is really important that he get a good grounding in his first language before going into late French immersion. Almost everyone I know thinks this is a stupid idea but it's the right decision for us. I just know too many people who have gone through early French immersion who can't write well in either English or French.
The fifth dilemma: to go or not to go. JK is optional and we're seriously thinking of opting out. Right now the little guy goes to a wonderful nursery school three mornings a week. If we bumped that up to 5 days a week, would it really be much different than JK? I really doubt it. Also, it would allow him to spent one more year with his caregiver who we all absolutely adore. I like the idea of him spending his afternoons at her home instead of in an institutional daycare. This option is definitely the most expensive. Nursery school combined with daycare is pretty darn expensive.
I guess it comes down to where we think he'll be the happiest. Next week we are going to tour the alternative school and feel it out. I'll keep you posted on what we decide.
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Am I a boy?
The little guy is always asking, "Mom, am I a boy?" When I say yes, he then goes on to ask me the sex of virtually every other person he knows.
Tonight as I was putting him to bed he said, "Mom, I'm a boy but I'm not a garcon." I replied, "Yes you are. Garcon is the French would for boy. Tu es un garcon."
For some reason he always gets really mad at me when I speak to him in French. This time was no exception.
"Mom, don't talk Spanish!" (he's obviously watching too much Dora)
"I was speaking French, not Spanish," I assured him.
When I asked him who had told him he was un garcon he told me A-RG (the little girl from the home daycare he goes to) said he was a garcon whale shark. So I told him that he should tell her that she was a fille whale shark.
Kids are too funny!
********************
I've been running in to a new parenting challenge these days. The little guy is becoming quite the escape artist. He thinks it's absolutely hilarious to run away from me in public places and head straight for the door.
In the past he wasn't strong enough to actually open the door so the behaviour didn't freak me out quite so much. But now he is able to actually escape outside....in the winter...with no jacket on...into parking lots. You see why this has me concerned?
Last week after playgym, hubby went outside to pull the car around while the little guy and I suited up. I knew there was a chance he would make a break for it based on events from weeks past, so I made him hold me hand and stay close. I also instructed him firmly that he needed to stay with mommy. Wouldn't you know it, he bolted the second I let go of him for a second to zip up my boot. For those of you who know me, I'm a pretty darn fast runner. But the little guy is Ben Johnson on steroids fast (I'm only slightly exaggerating here).
Within seconds he was around the corner, down the hall and out the back of the building (hubby was pulling the car around the front of the building). My heart was pounding out of my chest as I ran out of the building after him and watched him sprint into a parking lot full of cars. I grabbed his arm and yanked him back from the parking lot. This is about the time I completely forgot all of the wisdom from my Elizabeth Pratley parenting books on "anger management". Boy did I ever yell at him. Normally I'd feel remorseful about this but, quite frankly, it was important at the moment for him to see how upset I was about the danger he had put himself into. What if I hadn't seen where he had gone and caught him in time? Being the typical 3-year old that he is, he thought my wild eyed yelling was all very funny. (Has this ever happened to you? Seriously, is there anything more infuriating?)
His laughter died off pretty quickly when we discovered that there were no handles on the outside of the doors. Our choices were to bang on the window and hope that someone noticed us, or to walk around to the front of the building. I decided to take him on a walk. It was very cold that night and he is what you could call a "cold weather wimp." I figured that it would teach him a good lesson, particularly since the recreation centre is gi-normous. We literally had to walk a full city block in the icy cold wind to get around to the front. The little guy protested loudly and burst into tears. I explained to him that we wouldn't be in such a mess if he had listened and stayed with mommy like I had asked. While the yelling didn't work, the cold walk seemed to drive my point home.
I was convinced that this experience had cured him of his running away habit. But no. He's done it three or four times since.
I was mentioning this to a friend of mine over the weekend and she said, "Why don't you get him a leash?" She was dead serious. I've always felt hatred and contempt for parents who put their kids on leashes.
"That's so humiliating!" I replied.
"That's the whole point," she said. "Make him walk on a leash for a few days and he'll never run away again."
She does raise a good point....but there is not way I'm going that route. Frankly I think it would be more humiliating for me than it would be for him.
Does anyone have any suggestions on how to deal with runaways?
Tonight as I was putting him to bed he said, "Mom, I'm a boy but I'm not a garcon." I replied, "Yes you are. Garcon is the French would for boy. Tu es un garcon."
For some reason he always gets really mad at me when I speak to him in French. This time was no exception.
"Mom, don't talk Spanish!" (he's obviously watching too much Dora)
"I was speaking French, not Spanish," I assured him.
When I asked him who had told him he was un garcon he told me A-RG (the little girl from the home daycare he goes to) said he was a garcon whale shark. So I told him that he should tell her that she was a fille whale shark.
Kids are too funny!
********************
I've been running in to a new parenting challenge these days. The little guy is becoming quite the escape artist. He thinks it's absolutely hilarious to run away from me in public places and head straight for the door.
In the past he wasn't strong enough to actually open the door so the behaviour didn't freak me out quite so much. But now he is able to actually escape outside....in the winter...with no jacket on...into parking lots. You see why this has me concerned?
Last week after playgym, hubby went outside to pull the car around while the little guy and I suited up. I knew there was a chance he would make a break for it based on events from weeks past, so I made him hold me hand and stay close. I also instructed him firmly that he needed to stay with mommy. Wouldn't you know it, he bolted the second I let go of him for a second to zip up my boot. For those of you who know me, I'm a pretty darn fast runner. But the little guy is Ben Johnson on steroids fast (I'm only slightly exaggerating here).
Within seconds he was around the corner, down the hall and out the back of the building (hubby was pulling the car around the front of the building). My heart was pounding out of my chest as I ran out of the building after him and watched him sprint into a parking lot full of cars. I grabbed his arm and yanked him back from the parking lot. This is about the time I completely forgot all of the wisdom from my Elizabeth Pratley parenting books on "anger management". Boy did I ever yell at him. Normally I'd feel remorseful about this but, quite frankly, it was important at the moment for him to see how upset I was about the danger he had put himself into. What if I hadn't seen where he had gone and caught him in time? Being the typical 3-year old that he is, he thought my wild eyed yelling was all very funny. (Has this ever happened to you? Seriously, is there anything more infuriating?)
His laughter died off pretty quickly when we discovered that there were no handles on the outside of the doors. Our choices were to bang on the window and hope that someone noticed us, or to walk around to the front of the building. I decided to take him on a walk. It was very cold that night and he is what you could call a "cold weather wimp." I figured that it would teach him a good lesson, particularly since the recreation centre is gi-normous. We literally had to walk a full city block in the icy cold wind to get around to the front. The little guy protested loudly and burst into tears. I explained to him that we wouldn't be in such a mess if he had listened and stayed with mommy like I had asked. While the yelling didn't work, the cold walk seemed to drive my point home.
I was convinced that this experience had cured him of his running away habit. But no. He's done it three or four times since.
I was mentioning this to a friend of mine over the weekend and she said, "Why don't you get him a leash?" She was dead serious. I've always felt hatred and contempt for parents who put their kids on leashes.
"That's so humiliating!" I replied.
"That's the whole point," she said. "Make him walk on a leash for a few days and he'll never run away again."
She does raise a good point....but there is not way I'm going that route. Frankly I think it would be more humiliating for me than it would be for him.
Does anyone have any suggestions on how to deal with runaways?
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Halloween in February
Another better late than never photo. Here is the little guy dressed up in his dragon costume (which he thought was a dinosaur).
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Apple picking
Here are some photos from our last blast of fall at the apple farm. As you can see, the little guy ate his weight and more in apples :-)
Monday, February 02, 2009
The fall fair circuit
Again, a little out of date but what the heck?
I love this photo! The little guy clapped with excitement after watching a performer do a high dive onto a crash mat.
Nothing like a little drive out in the country.
We visited many a reptile show on the fall fair circuit. Here we are with a giant snake. I actually touched it!!!
I love this photo! The little guy clapped with excitement after watching a performer do a high dive onto a crash mat.
Nothing like a little drive out in the country.
We visited many a reptile show on the fall fair circuit. Here we are with a giant snake. I actually touched it!!!
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Underwater wedding - better late than never!
Okay, so I am almost a year late posting these photos. What can I say? We were have some major photo storage problems that we've only just resolved. The good news is that you're going to see a lot more photos on my blog from now on, starting today.
Here are a few pics from my cousin's wedding last February in the tropical tank at Sea World in San Antonio. It was such a cool wedding as you can probably guess from the photos.
All dressed up in his little wedding outfit that cost me a fortune and he only ever wore once.
Although Sea World was closed the week of my cousin's wedding, the staff were nice enough to let us have a quick visit with the dolphins. They were so happy to have visitors!
The bride and groom mark their union with an underwater kiss.
The groomsmen stayed on dry land during the ceremony.
Much to the little guy's pleasure the kind staff at Sea World gave him his balloon back after the wedding. There is a strict "no balloon" policy at the park because a balloon landing in a dolphin tank can be deadly.
Here are a few pics from my cousin's wedding last February in the tropical tank at Sea World in San Antonio. It was such a cool wedding as you can probably guess from the photos.
All dressed up in his little wedding outfit that cost me a fortune and he only ever wore once.
Although Sea World was closed the week of my cousin's wedding, the staff were nice enough to let us have a quick visit with the dolphins. They were so happy to have visitors!
The bride and groom mark their union with an underwater kiss.
The groomsmen stayed on dry land during the ceremony.
Much to the little guy's pleasure the kind staff at Sea World gave him his balloon back after the wedding. There is a strict "no balloon" policy at the park because a balloon landing in a dolphin tank can be deadly.
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