"When I'm a Dad I'm going to drink beer at a St. Patrick's day party."
Little does he know that Dad hasn't attended any good St. Patrick's day parties since a certain someone was born.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
The Very Hungry 5-Year Old
The little guy came home from daycare today and immediately started rooting around the kitchen for food. He ate one yogurt, two pieces of raisin bread and three cherry tomatoes but he was still hungry (just like the Very Hungry Caterpillar).
I didn't want him to spoil his dinner, so I tried to distract him by playing some games. The game very quickly ended up back in the kitchen where he proceeded to wolf down a banana and a plum. I tried once again to distract him by dancing him around the kitchen, but the phone rang. By the time I returned to the kitchen he was polishing off a piece of bread smothered an inch thick with peanut butter. But he was still hungry.
Luckily that's when the pizza delivery man arrived.
Yet he still only weighs 40 lbs. Where does it all go?
I didn't want him to spoil his dinner, so I tried to distract him by playing some games. The game very quickly ended up back in the kitchen where he proceeded to wolf down a banana and a plum. I tried once again to distract him by dancing him around the kitchen, but the phone rang. By the time I returned to the kitchen he was polishing off a piece of bread smothered an inch thick with peanut butter. But he was still hungry.
Luckily that's when the pizza delivery man arrived.
Yet he still only weighs 40 lbs. Where does it all go?
Monday, February 21, 2011
Little Mr. Sticky Fingers
Last night, I brought home a giant homemade chocolate chip cookie from my friend's house. I thought about that cookie all day. I was going to heat it for 10 seconds in the microwave and then eat it with a fork. I even contemplated buying a small container of vanilla ice-cream to compliment the gooey chocolate. Mmmm....cookie.
Unfortunatley the little guy found the cookie and gobbled it down. This was despite my careful efforts to put it in a spot I thought was out of reach of his small hands. There was a little pile of crumbs on the counter that marked the spot where the crime took place.
I cannot begin to tell you how disappointed I am! And it doesn't help that hubby and the little guy laughed about it.
Grrrr....
Unfortunatley the little guy found the cookie and gobbled it down. This was despite my careful efforts to put it in a spot I thought was out of reach of his small hands. There was a little pile of crumbs on the counter that marked the spot where the crime took place.
I cannot begin to tell you how disappointed I am! And it doesn't help that hubby and the little guy laughed about it.
Grrrr....
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Yes, I'm still alive
I bet you thought I had given up on my blog. I'd like to reassure you that I haven't. It has just been a rough couple of months. Forgive me for not elaborating but it's deeply personal.
The last couple of months haven't been all bad, though. We had a wonderful visit from Amma at Christmas followed by a family holiday in Seattle and Whistler. While in Whistler I did something I never thought I'd be brave enough to do -- I went ziplining. Over treetops, jagged rocks and an icy creek. My god it was fun! And terrifying. The little guy was in ski lessons while I was out hanging from that very thin line. When he heard what I had done he said, "Mom, can I go ziplocking too?" Too cute.
The ski lessons in Whistler have paid off in a big way. The little guy has become an amazing skier and totally fearless. He likes to say, "Mom, I have skills now." And he really does! On Sundays he takes ski lessons. Since returning from Whistler they've bumped him up multiple levels because he's heads and tails above the other kids. As a result he is feeling really good about himself and his abilities. Hubby is thrilled, of course. Skiing is his favourite thing to do in the world and now he has someone to share his passion with. I like skiing too but I'm far to timid to be a good ski companion.
In other news, the little guy has his first loose tooth. It is now dangling by a thread and he likes to jiggle it with his finger. This totally creeps me out. Makes me shiver just thinking about it. It won't be long until the tooth fairy makes her first appearance in our home. Frankly, I can't wait!
Speaking of our home, we are converting from baseboard electric to gas on Wednesday. The gas line has been installed, holes drilled etc... The switch is going to cost us a fortune, but will pay for itself very quickly. The cost of heating this place is out of this world!!! Plus, we are contemplating selling this place in the next year or two so it's a good investment. Just to give you an idea of how complicated it was to bring gas into the condo -- the line had to be run through our neighbour's basement, through another neighbour's storage room, through the sprinkler room, across the parking garage, and up though the ceiling of the garage to our balcony. Yah, it's going to cost us a fortune. Thank goodness March is a three pay month because our trip to Whistler is also going to be on this month's bill. Gulp. And did I mention that we may be buying a new car this month too....
That's it for now. I have lots more to share for another day. Don't worry -- you won't have to wait two months for my next update. I promise!
The last couple of months haven't been all bad, though. We had a wonderful visit from Amma at Christmas followed by a family holiday in Seattle and Whistler. While in Whistler I did something I never thought I'd be brave enough to do -- I went ziplining. Over treetops, jagged rocks and an icy creek. My god it was fun! And terrifying. The little guy was in ski lessons while I was out hanging from that very thin line. When he heard what I had done he said, "Mom, can I go ziplocking too?" Too cute.
The ski lessons in Whistler have paid off in a big way. The little guy has become an amazing skier and totally fearless. He likes to say, "Mom, I have skills now." And he really does! On Sundays he takes ski lessons. Since returning from Whistler they've bumped him up multiple levels because he's heads and tails above the other kids. As a result he is feeling really good about himself and his abilities. Hubby is thrilled, of course. Skiing is his favourite thing to do in the world and now he has someone to share his passion with. I like skiing too but I'm far to timid to be a good ski companion.
In other news, the little guy has his first loose tooth. It is now dangling by a thread and he likes to jiggle it with his finger. This totally creeps me out. Makes me shiver just thinking about it. It won't be long until the tooth fairy makes her first appearance in our home. Frankly, I can't wait!
Speaking of our home, we are converting from baseboard electric to gas on Wednesday. The gas line has been installed, holes drilled etc... The switch is going to cost us a fortune, but will pay for itself very quickly. The cost of heating this place is out of this world!!! Plus, we are contemplating selling this place in the next year or two so it's a good investment. Just to give you an idea of how complicated it was to bring gas into the condo -- the line had to be run through our neighbour's basement, through another neighbour's storage room, through the sprinkler room, across the parking garage, and up though the ceiling of the garage to our balcony. Yah, it's going to cost us a fortune. Thank goodness March is a three pay month because our trip to Whistler is also going to be on this month's bill. Gulp. And did I mention that we may be buying a new car this month too....
That's it for now. I have lots more to share for another day. Don't worry -- you won't have to wait two months for my next update. I promise!
Monday, December 13, 2010
A letter to Santa
The little guy is too terrified to sit on Santa's lap. Instead, he just gazes down at him at him from the upper level of the mall. I think that's probably about as close as we're going to get.
"How is Santa going to know what you want for Christmas," I asked the other day.
"I'll write him a letter," he said.
So that's just what we did. Here is the little guy's letter to Santa (composed with a little help from Mom and Dad).
*******************
Dear Santa,
I have been good this year. I want the cow trailer that has a momma cow, and the trailer is red, for Christmas. I like cows.
I love you Santa, and the way you say "Ho Ho Ho!"
You will get a cookie and milk here, and a carrot for your reindeers.
Love,
The Little Guy
P.S. The trailer has a door that opens and closes. And it's red. It has a handle.
*******************
The part at the end was added later because he wanted to make sure that Santa had an exact description of the toy.
For several weeks he had been telling us that he wanted Playmobile and Thomas trains from Santa. But when we took him to a toy store this weekend so he could point out the Playmobiles he liked the best, he saw the trailer with the cow. It was love at first sight. Now, none of the other toys matter because this is "the one". I have to say that it is pretty cool. Take a look.
"How is Santa going to know what you want for Christmas," I asked the other day.
"I'll write him a letter," he said.
So that's just what we did. Here is the little guy's letter to Santa (composed with a little help from Mom and Dad).
*******************
Dear Santa,
I have been good this year. I want the cow trailer that has a momma cow, and the trailer is red, for Christmas. I like cows.
I love you Santa, and the way you say "Ho Ho Ho!"
You will get a cookie and milk here, and a carrot for your reindeers.
Love,
The Little Guy
P.S. The trailer has a door that opens and closes. And it's red. It has a handle.
*******************
The part at the end was added later because he wanted to make sure that Santa had an exact description of the toy.
For several weeks he had been telling us that he wanted Playmobile and Thomas trains from Santa. But when we took him to a toy store this weekend so he could point out the Playmobiles he liked the best, he saw the trailer with the cow. It was love at first sight. Now, none of the other toys matter because this is "the one". I have to say that it is pretty cool. Take a look.
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
A love letter to my little boy on his 5th birthday
I've taken the idea of writing a love letter from Danigirl. It's a nice way to mark a milestone.
************************
Dear Little Guy,
I can't believe that you are 5-years old already! That makes you such a big boy. I know that you've been looking forward to this birthday for months. Lately, virtually every sentence that comes out of your mouth starts with, "When I'm five I'm going to...."
In the last year you have done a lot of growing up. You went from being incredibly timid on the play structure to a total daredevil. Last year you had a very hard time following instructions in gymnastics class. This year, you are a role model to the other kids. Last year, you were shy and socially awkward. You still are sometimes in new situations but, once you've eased in, you are so outgoing and fun to be with.
Recently I spied on you outside your classroom. I watched you hanging out with the other kids. I could tell that they all love hanging out with you. When I ask you about your day at school it's like pulling teeth trying to get any details. Spying on you for five minutes told me so much. It's quite obvious that you love school. For you it's a place of laughter and fun and discovery.
You have the best imagination of any kid I know. If I put you in an empty room with some mundane objects, you would find a way to transform the space into a magical wonderland. And even though you have oodles of toys, you are just as happy to play with a coaster, a rock or a piece of string. My favourite was the day you found a bunch of bowls and an empty aquarium and created your very own frog exhibit like the one at the Museum of Nature. Or the "simple machine" you made out of lego, a stack of toilet paper rolls and a plunger.
These days you can't get enough of your Playmobiles, farm animals and building blocks. I can't walk into a room without tripping over a farm, or a a crocodile pond, or an animal transport vehicle of some sort. I actually hate cleaning up at the end of the day because I feel like I'm destroying a piece of art!
We are so proud of how well you are doing at school! You have a natural aptitude for reading and writing. Last year you had a hard time writing your name in a straight line. Now you can write out sentences with perfectly formed letters. But, even more amazing, is that you know how to read a lot of words. Wow! The teacher also says you are so good with the other kids. You always go out of your way to make sure that no one is left out of the group. The teacher said that this was unusual for a kid your age. When there are disagreements, the teacher says you suggest ways that everyone can cooperate.
I don't remember having a best friend at your age, but you seem to have several of them. SM, of course, being the best friend of all. Both of you have been going to the same home daycare since you turned 1. You fight all the time but hard feelings never last long (even after the biting incident last summer). The two of you are inseparable.
You used to be hesitant to try new foods but we've made a lot of progress over the last year. There are still some things you won't touch (like sauce) but you will always at least take one bite (with persuasion). Avacado rolls, hamburgers and "steak on the bone" are your favourite meals next to peanut butter on toast. If I let you, you would eat peanut butter exclusively. Thankfully, despite your fussiness, we can always count on you to eat your fruits and vegetables. I don't think you've ever met one that you don't like.
Although it usually takes some convincing, once we get you into the great outdoors you love it. We go hiking and canoeing all the time in the warmer months. You love seeing nature up close and are always jumping into the bush to catch a frog or a butterfly.
If you could have three wishes, they would be to:
1) stay home and play all day
2) eat treats to your heart's content (you've inherited my sweet tooth)
3) be surrounded by family (grandparents, cousins, mom and dad) and friends ALL the time
I could go on and on, but I need to save some material for future blog posts. But what you need to know is that Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you and we love you more than anything in the world.
************************
Dear Little Guy,
I can't believe that you are 5-years old already! That makes you such a big boy. I know that you've been looking forward to this birthday for months. Lately, virtually every sentence that comes out of your mouth starts with, "When I'm five I'm going to...."
In the last year you have done a lot of growing up. You went from being incredibly timid on the play structure to a total daredevil. Last year you had a very hard time following instructions in gymnastics class. This year, you are a role model to the other kids. Last year, you were shy and socially awkward. You still are sometimes in new situations but, once you've eased in, you are so outgoing and fun to be with.
Recently I spied on you outside your classroom. I watched you hanging out with the other kids. I could tell that they all love hanging out with you. When I ask you about your day at school it's like pulling teeth trying to get any details. Spying on you for five minutes told me so much. It's quite obvious that you love school. For you it's a place of laughter and fun and discovery.
You have the best imagination of any kid I know. If I put you in an empty room with some mundane objects, you would find a way to transform the space into a magical wonderland. And even though you have oodles of toys, you are just as happy to play with a coaster, a rock or a piece of string. My favourite was the day you found a bunch of bowls and an empty aquarium and created your very own frog exhibit like the one at the Museum of Nature. Or the "simple machine" you made out of lego, a stack of toilet paper rolls and a plunger.
These days you can't get enough of your Playmobiles, farm animals and building blocks. I can't walk into a room without tripping over a farm, or a a crocodile pond, or an animal transport vehicle of some sort. I actually hate cleaning up at the end of the day because I feel like I'm destroying a piece of art!
We are so proud of how well you are doing at school! You have a natural aptitude for reading and writing. Last year you had a hard time writing your name in a straight line. Now you can write out sentences with perfectly formed letters. But, even more amazing, is that you know how to read a lot of words. Wow! The teacher also says you are so good with the other kids. You always go out of your way to make sure that no one is left out of the group. The teacher said that this was unusual for a kid your age. When there are disagreements, the teacher says you suggest ways that everyone can cooperate.
I don't remember having a best friend at your age, but you seem to have several of them. SM, of course, being the best friend of all. Both of you have been going to the same home daycare since you turned 1. You fight all the time but hard feelings never last long (even after the biting incident last summer). The two of you are inseparable.
You used to be hesitant to try new foods but we've made a lot of progress over the last year. There are still some things you won't touch (like sauce) but you will always at least take one bite (with persuasion). Avacado rolls, hamburgers and "steak on the bone" are your favourite meals next to peanut butter on toast. If I let you, you would eat peanut butter exclusively. Thankfully, despite your fussiness, we can always count on you to eat your fruits and vegetables. I don't think you've ever met one that you don't like.
Although it usually takes some convincing, once we get you into the great outdoors you love it. We go hiking and canoeing all the time in the warmer months. You love seeing nature up close and are always jumping into the bush to catch a frog or a butterfly.
If you could have three wishes, they would be to:
1) stay home and play all day
2) eat treats to your heart's content (you've inherited my sweet tooth)
3) be surrounded by family (grandparents, cousins, mom and dad) and friends ALL the time
I could go on and on, but I need to save some material for future blog posts. But what you need to know is that Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you and we love you more than anything in the world.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
As easy as 1,2,3
Well, sort of.
The little guy is incredibly strong willed. Especially when he's angry. Or hungry. Or both. Usually the two go hand in hand. And even though he has a snack at daycare right before we pick him up, he is often in a foul mood on the way home. This is usually about the time he becomes bossy, rude and whiney. None of the distraction techniques work. Food doesn't work either. No matter what we offer him, it is the "wrong" snack. Nothing we say or do helps. It just adds fuel to the fire. So how, after we've all had a long day, do we shift the negative to positive?
Quite simply, we count to three.
This is the same strategy we use to get him to cooperate when we ask him to get dressed in the morning. Or to get ready for bed. Or to pick up his toys. 95 per cent of the time, we never actually make it past two. Because he knows that if we actually get to three that he is going to lose some of his special privileges (i.e. watching a bit of television before bed).
We tried the counting method in the past, but it never really worked. But now, as he approaches his 5th birthday, it works like magic. The key was to just follow through a couple of times to let him know we mean business.
The amazing thing is that he actually likes it when we count to three. It helps him to regain control when he's having trouble focusing (i.e. getting dressed in the morning). Also, when he gets into a negative frame of mind, it helps to turn the tide so we can actually enjoy ourselves and do fun things. And, of course, he's getting a lot more positive feedback because he's more cooperative these days.
Yay for parenting strategies that work!
The little guy is incredibly strong willed. Especially when he's angry. Or hungry. Or both. Usually the two go hand in hand. And even though he has a snack at daycare right before we pick him up, he is often in a foul mood on the way home. This is usually about the time he becomes bossy, rude and whiney. None of the distraction techniques work. Food doesn't work either. No matter what we offer him, it is the "wrong" snack. Nothing we say or do helps. It just adds fuel to the fire. So how, after we've all had a long day, do we shift the negative to positive?
Quite simply, we count to three.
This is the same strategy we use to get him to cooperate when we ask him to get dressed in the morning. Or to get ready for bed. Or to pick up his toys. 95 per cent of the time, we never actually make it past two. Because he knows that if we actually get to three that he is going to lose some of his special privileges (i.e. watching a bit of television before bed).
We tried the counting method in the past, but it never really worked. But now, as he approaches his 5th birthday, it works like magic. The key was to just follow through a couple of times to let him know we mean business.
The amazing thing is that he actually likes it when we count to three. It helps him to regain control when he's having trouble focusing (i.e. getting dressed in the morning). Also, when he gets into a negative frame of mind, it helps to turn the tide so we can actually enjoy ourselves and do fun things. And, of course, he's getting a lot more positive feedback because he's more cooperative these days.
Yay for parenting strategies that work!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)