Today, we hosted a little friend from preschool on a play-date. The girls had a great time....My favorite part....
I served the girls a little snack of yogurt, apples, and oranges. While sitting at the table, Mo started talking about her princess placemat....how pretty is is, how these are her favorite princesses.....
E's response...."We don't have placemats at our house. We aren't messy eaters."
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Santa Land, 2010
We made our annual trip to see Santa. We had a good time. We went on a Monday, so there was no-one there, Mo was a little shy at first, so she had time to kind of get used to the big guy.....she sat on his lap and had a nice conversation. All in all, a nice Santa trip. I think the thing that notice more this year....is how independent Mo has gotten. As you can see from the first couple of Santa pictures, she is dressed super cute....I picked out really nice outfits for her to wear......
Christmas, 2008
Or even this wonderful outfit....Christmas, 2009...she even let me put in a ponytail for this one.
Now, look to this year.....this is most definitely a "Mo Outfit"....down to wearing her shoes on the wrong feet (because she likes it that way)......
Christmas, 2008
Or even this wonderful outfit....Christmas, 2009...she even let me put in a ponytail for this one.
Now, look to this year.....this is most definitely a "Mo Outfit"....down to wearing her shoes on the wrong feet (because she likes it that way)......
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Christmas Counting Cones
I have wanted to do a cool advent calendar for a while now.....I don't really like the store bought ones.....too kitchy, or too religious. But, I wanted something that Mo could do to 'count down' to Christmas Eve. I did an internet search, and found some amazingly creative ones...I mean.....there are people out there that have mad craft skills.
So, I decided to take a few of the ideas, and put them together into this idea. Here is what I did. I got fancy holiday paper, and made cones (harder than you think with cardstock). I also got a tag maker (this was really just an excuse to buy one), and made tags with numbers on them for each day in December. Here is a finished cone.
Then, using clothespins, I hung them on a ribbon that is draped around our dining room. The cones aren't very big, but with 24 of them, it covers 3 walls of our dining room.
You can put anything you want inside the cones. This year, I have put little notes.....each one telling Mo one thing to do that day to get ready for the holidays.....ex. Drink Hot Cocoa, Listen to Christmas Music, Go look at holiday lights.
It looks so pretty......I love that it counts down the days, and doubles as decoration too. I might add more pretty things to the cones after the holidays...to make them even more festive, but I think they are pretty darn cute.
I think we can re-use these year after year, putting new and different things inside the cones.
So, I decided to take a few of the ideas, and put them together into this idea. Here is what I did. I got fancy holiday paper, and made cones (harder than you think with cardstock). I also got a tag maker (this was really just an excuse to buy one), and made tags with numbers on them for each day in December. Here is a finished cone.
Then, using clothespins, I hung them on a ribbon that is draped around our dining room. The cones aren't very big, but with 24 of them, it covers 3 walls of our dining room.
You can put anything you want inside the cones. This year, I have put little notes.....each one telling Mo one thing to do that day to get ready for the holidays.....ex. Drink Hot Cocoa, Listen to Christmas Music, Go look at holiday lights.
It looks so pretty......I love that it counts down the days, and doubles as decoration too. I might add more pretty things to the cones after the holidays...to make them even more festive, but I think they are pretty darn cute.
I think we can re-use these year after year, putting new and different things inside the cones.
Love Handles
So, our house is for sure a 'work in progress.' Lately, I have been obsessing over the cabinet hardware in the kitchen......I never really liked the hardware, but it was not a big deal.
But over the past few months, I have grown to genuinely HATE the stupid handles. I think maybe I spent too much time in the house while my foot was healing. Every time I walk in the kitchen, I can only see the hideous handles......they mock me....
Honestly, I think the cabinets and counter tops are pretty shiteous as well, but they are too expensive to replace (right now)....
So, I finally replaced the pulls. After weeks of searching the internet, we settled on these......mostly, they were cheap, but they also look great in the kitchen....
They are a little more square than they look in the picture....but I really like them. Maybe, I will start to love my kitchen again....
Probably not....I'll just start obsessing over the ugly counter tops and back splash.
But over the past few months, I have grown to genuinely HATE the stupid handles. I think maybe I spent too much time in the house while my foot was healing. Every time I walk in the kitchen, I can only see the hideous handles......they mock me....
Honestly, I think the cabinets and counter tops are pretty shiteous as well, but they are too expensive to replace (right now)....
So, I finally replaced the pulls. After weeks of searching the internet, we settled on these......mostly, they were cheap, but they also look great in the kitchen....
They are a little more square than they look in the picture....but I really like them. Maybe, I will start to love my kitchen again....
Probably not....I'll just start obsessing over the ugly counter tops and back splash.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Speaking of birthdays
So, to piggy back on the earlier post. Mo also had a birthday party she was invited to this weekend. The mom said about 5-6 girls from preschool would be there. It sounded like real girly birthday fun......they made necklaces, magic potions, etc....
I assumed all the parents would stay at the party with their kids......boy was I wrong. Every single parent left.....every single one.
I looked around, the party was going well.....the girls were having a great time....the mom clearly had it all under control. I was just in the way.
I took a deep breath and left. I left my child at a stranger's house, for the second time in 2 days.
For the next couple, play dates are going to have to be here at our house......to ease my nerves!
I assumed all the parents would stay at the party with their kids......boy was I wrong. Every single parent left.....every single one.
I looked around, the party was going well.....the girls were having a great time....the mom clearly had it all under control. I was just in the way.
I took a deep breath and left. I left my child at a stranger's house, for the second time in 2 days.
For the next couple, play dates are going to have to be here at our house......to ease my nerves!
Birthday Parties and Playdates
So, Mo is getting invited to play dates and birthday parties by kids from her new pre-school....which is wonderful. I love that she is making new friends, but it has really tested my etiquette of kid socializing in ways that I never expected.
Case in point, on Friday, Mo got invited over to E's house for a play date. Both girls were super excited about it when I picked Mo up the day before. I have never met the parents. They seem nice enough on the phone, but I DON"T KNOW THEM. Now I don't go as far as my cousin Amy who says, "I assume everyone is a child predator," but at the same time.....do I feel comfortable leaving my child at the house of people I have never met? No!
They invited Mo over for a play date, but I am sure they don't expect to entertain me while I stay to watch over my child.
So, I did the grown-up thing, and lied. I told them that Mo can be shy and nervous in new places (total lie)...and that I would stay just to make sure she was comfortable (total, total lie). As we walked into the house, Mo runs in and says "show me your room" and takes off, and we don't see her again. Busted.
The dad was very nice and offered me some tea, which I accepted. We had a nice conversation for about 1 hour. I could tell he was ready to get some stuff done around the house. I felt like this was a nice family, in a regular house, with normal people. So, I left.....I know, I left.
I went to the store, picked up one thing and came right back. I was gone about 35 minutes. Mo was bummed the play date ended so early, but I felt like 35 minutes was enough time to be in a stranger's house by herself.
Am I glad that she had a great play date? Yes!
Do I think that future play dates could occur? Yes!
Did I pepper her with questions about the play date after I left? Yes!
Is there some of my cousin Amy in me? Yes, I couldn't help myself and asked if the Dad came down to play with them...he did not.
Mo was happy as a clam afterward, and talked about much fun it was, and how E is now her bestest friend. I breathed a sigh of relief that it was all over.
PS. I am not as bad as my friend K, who actually ran a background check on a family when her daughter was invited over for a play date.
Case in point, on Friday, Mo got invited over to E's house for a play date. Both girls were super excited about it when I picked Mo up the day before. I have never met the parents. They seem nice enough on the phone, but I DON"T KNOW THEM. Now I don't go as far as my cousin Amy who says, "I assume everyone is a child predator," but at the same time.....do I feel comfortable leaving my child at the house of people I have never met? No!
They invited Mo over for a play date, but I am sure they don't expect to entertain me while I stay to watch over my child.
So, I did the grown-up thing, and lied. I told them that Mo can be shy and nervous in new places (total lie)...and that I would stay just to make sure she was comfortable (total, total lie). As we walked into the house, Mo runs in and says "show me your room" and takes off, and we don't see her again. Busted.
The dad was very nice and offered me some tea, which I accepted. We had a nice conversation for about 1 hour. I could tell he was ready to get some stuff done around the house. I felt like this was a nice family, in a regular house, with normal people. So, I left.....I know, I left.
I went to the store, picked up one thing and came right back. I was gone about 35 minutes. Mo was bummed the play date ended so early, but I felt like 35 minutes was enough time to be in a stranger's house by herself.
Am I glad that she had a great play date? Yes!
Do I think that future play dates could occur? Yes!
Did I pepper her with questions about the play date after I left? Yes!
Is there some of my cousin Amy in me? Yes, I couldn't help myself and asked if the Dad came down to play with them...he did not.
Mo was happy as a clam afterward, and talked about much fun it was, and how E is now her bestest friend. I breathed a sigh of relief that it was all over.
PS. I am not as bad as my friend K, who actually ran a background check on a family when her daughter was invited over for a play date.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Missing "Our Target"
So, I know Target shows up in many of our posts (I promise we shop other places)....but this was just too good to pass up.
Last year at this time, Cascade Station was opening up. Cascade Station is a shopping center with lots of stores, a few restaurants, etc.... It is super close to our house....I mean we can get there in less that 10 minutes. It had been open for a while, but there weren't really a lot of stores that you wanted to go to.....they had IKEA, but you can't shop there all the time.
Last November, right before the holiday season, Target opened up at Cascade Station. We were stoked. Close to home....a place where we WANT to shop. The best part, nobody knew about it. I mean, the place was EMPTY. All holiday season, nobody was ever there. We always got great parking, right up front. Never waited in line. There were so many people working there and they would always ask "Are you finding everything?" at least 5 times a shopping visit. I made plenty of last minute XMAS runs there....and NEVER was there more than 10 people in the store.
Cut to this weekend....our Target is no longer a secret. The place is packed, in fact....all of Cascade Station is packed. We tried to zip up there, and got stuck in traffic! Tried to eat lunch, and were told it would be a 45 minute wait.
You know it is bad....when as were were battling the traffic and the people....Scout says, "I sure do miss last year when the Target was just ours."
Last year at this time, Cascade Station was opening up. Cascade Station is a shopping center with lots of stores, a few restaurants, etc.... It is super close to our house....I mean we can get there in less that 10 minutes. It had been open for a while, but there weren't really a lot of stores that you wanted to go to.....they had IKEA, but you can't shop there all the time.
Last November, right before the holiday season, Target opened up at Cascade Station. We were stoked. Close to home....a place where we WANT to shop. The best part, nobody knew about it. I mean, the place was EMPTY. All holiday season, nobody was ever there. We always got great parking, right up front. Never waited in line. There were so many people working there and they would always ask "Are you finding everything?" at least 5 times a shopping visit. I made plenty of last minute XMAS runs there....and NEVER was there more than 10 people in the store.
Cut to this weekend....our Target is no longer a secret. The place is packed, in fact....all of Cascade Station is packed. We tried to zip up there, and got stuck in traffic! Tried to eat lunch, and were told it would be a 45 minute wait.
You know it is bad....when as were were battling the traffic and the people....Scout says, "I sure do miss last year when the Target was just ours."
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Happy Halloween
We had a nice Halloween. Mo was really jazzed for it....in fact, I was OVER Halloween before we even got close to sunset tonight!
Mo was a black kitty (although, halfway through trick-or-treating, she decided she was a panther). This is a costume that I actually made. I am showing several pictures so you can see the whole thing. I couldn't get one picture that showed the whole outfit!
We went out knocking on doors for about an hour. I was pleased that I was able to go with her for about half of that. One goal I had was to be able to walk with her this Halloween, and at least I was able to do some. Scout took her back out after I just couldn't walk anymore.
Of course, we had one melt down tonight, when I zipped up her fleece jacket and caught the zipper on her neck.......not a happy kitty!
We didn't get as many trick-or-treaters at our house.....seems like more came last year. Not sure why, it was a perfect night......warm-ish, no rain.....very nice. I think our house even looked 'spooky.'
Now, let the Holiday season begin.....I already saw XMAS stuff out in the stores......fasten your seat belts......
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Blog Reader
One of my newest obsessions to do....is to surf blogs. If you look at the top of the blog, there is a button that says "Next Blog." If you press it, blogspot will take you to some random blog. I love to keep hitting that button and see where I end up. I have come across some really cool blogs with poetry, photography, and other art. Some are written in languages, I can't even begin to decipher.
I have realized that all blogs come in 3 categories.
1. Family blogs....this is by far the most of all the blogs I hit on....tons of families, smiling kids, it is funny to look at 30 different family blogs, and see that each one has posted pictures from a pumpkin patch trip!
2. Religious....I don't know why this surprised me, but there are a ton of religious blogs out there....
3. Everything else.....craft, sewing, knitting, writing, art, schools, neighborhood associations, if you can think of it, there is a blog for it....
That about sums it up. Try it some time.....but be prepared....it will suck an hour out of your evening, just like that!
I have realized that all blogs come in 3 categories.
1. Family blogs....this is by far the most of all the blogs I hit on....tons of families, smiling kids, it is funny to look at 30 different family blogs, and see that each one has posted pictures from a pumpkin patch trip!
2. Religious....I don't know why this surprised me, but there are a ton of religious blogs out there....
3. Everything else.....craft, sewing, knitting, writing, art, schools, neighborhood associations, if you can think of it, there is a blog for it....
That about sums it up. Try it some time.....but be prepared....it will suck an hour out of your evening, just like that!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Keeping busy....
So, while Mo is in preschool, I have been keeping busy. Today, I felt very productive.....I got this idea from a pretty cool blog (www.prettyhandygirl.com)....I saw it, and I stole it!!! I hope it lasts through Thanksgiving.....I may try to add a scary mask on Halloween night.....Scout says that looks Martha Stewart (not Ladies Home Journal).....
So, what do you do when you buy an entire flat of strawberries from some guy on a street corner...you make freezer jam!!! I have never made it before, but Scout and I did it together, and it was super easy!
So, what do you do when you buy an entire flat of strawberries from some guy on a street corner...you make freezer jam!!! I have never made it before, but Scout and I did it together, and it was super easy! 
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
time-outs....
I knew I was in trouble today. Mo was really, really sassy today, so I put her in time-out. She went somewhat willingly, and was very quiet in time-out.
I start thinking....she is being really quiet, she is really thinking about what she did. After a few minutes, I tell her it is ok for her to come out.
"Not right now Mom, I need to finish my book."
I start thinking....she is being really quiet, she is really thinking about what she did. After a few minutes, I tell her it is ok for her to come out.
"Not right now Mom, I need to finish my book."
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Lookie, Lookie, Lookie
...here comes Cookie......
This is Cookie, the guinea pig. He is the class pet at Mo's pre-school. He is able to go home on the weekends with a student. This was our weekend. It has been lots of fun having him. Mo has been making sure he has water, food and yummy veggie treats. He prefers pear and carrots. Our biggest fear was the dogs, but they could care less about him.....here is Cookie getting the love....
Scout thinks either he was really good in a past life to get to go to people's houses, and eat all the yummy treats he can.....or he was really bad in a past life and has to be in a 4 year old preschool class!!!!.
This is Cookie, the guinea pig. He is the class pet at Mo's pre-school. He is able to go home on the weekends with a student. This was our weekend. It has been lots of fun having him. Mo has been making sure he has water, food and yummy veggie treats. He prefers pear and carrots. Our biggest fear was the dogs, but they could care less about him.....here is Cookie getting the love....
Scout thinks either he was really good in a past life to get to go to people's houses, and eat all the yummy treats he can.....or he was really bad in a past life and has to be in a 4 year old preschool class!!!!.
Here kitty kitty....
Here is Mo
Here is Mo modeling her Halloween costume. We didn't do the whiskers yet....but as you can see she is a little black kitty. Yes, this is the dress that I made.....it looks good, if you don't get too close. On actual Halloween night, she will wear black pants and a black turtleneck under it....so the fleece dress should help to keep her warm. She loved posing for this picture....
Couldn't resist putting this picture in.....this is the face I see A LOT during the day!
Here is Mo modeling her Halloween costume. We didn't do the whiskers yet....but as you can see she is a little black kitty. Yes, this is the dress that I made.....it looks good, if you don't get too close. On actual Halloween night, she will wear black pants and a black turtleneck under it....so the fleece dress should help to keep her warm. She loved posing for this picture....
Couldn't resist putting this picture in.....this is the face I see A LOT during the day!
Mo's Blackberry
Mo has been really interested in the days of the week and on what day things happen. She is constantly asking....what are we doing tomorrow? Is today a school day? So I made this for her....
It is just a small whiteboard. I used Sharpie to mark the lines and write the days of the week (so that will stay). I use dry erase pens to record the events. We do it together and talk about what is happening. Every night before bed, she gets to move the little kitty magnet to the next day.
She loves 'checking her schedule' to see what is happening. Long time readers will love that Target is scheduled into her week!
Crafty.....
So, one of the side effects of this whole foot injury is that I have LOADS of time on my hands. I have cleaned out some closets....(Scout hates this, because this means she has lots of bags to carry up and down stairs).....I have organized the pantry and fridge.....and I have been able to do some crafting...
So, I had a few goals. I wanted to learn how to sew. I have a machine, but I have never used it. Our school librarian came over and showed me how to use it.....my first project.
A throw pillow. I was so impressed with myself. The fabric pattern is actually straight....I only had to rip out the seams and do it over a few times. All in all it went well.....
My next project.....Mo's Halloween costume....didn't go as smoothly. I was making a little simple A-line dress......at one point, I sewed the back to the front, but the front was inside out.....and to top it all off, I sewed the arm holes closed....so I had to make that one 2 times!!!!
My other crafty project was this.....
I thought it would be a cute Halloween decoration....and it is, but it is more "Ladies Home Journal" than it is "Martha Stewart". I used Halloween candy to do the ball. We shall see how long it lasts...
Next project....curtains....
So, I had a few goals. I wanted to learn how to sew. I have a machine, but I have never used it. Our school librarian came over and showed me how to use it.....my first project.
A throw pillow. I was so impressed with myself. The fabric pattern is actually straight....I only had to rip out the seams and do it over a few times. All in all it went well.....My next project.....Mo's Halloween costume....didn't go as smoothly. I was making a little simple A-line dress......at one point, I sewed the back to the front, but the front was inside out.....and to top it all off, I sewed the arm holes closed....so I had to make that one 2 times!!!!
My other crafty project was this.....
I thought it would be a cute Halloween decoration....and it is, but it is more "Ladies Home Journal" than it is "Martha Stewart". I used Halloween candy to do the ball. We shall see how long it lasts...
Next project....curtains....
Saturday, October 9, 2010
The Foot....
The foot is doing much better. I am actually wearing shoes....granted they are extra wide shoes to accommodate my extra wide foot. But, at least they match! I can walk around, sometimes with a cane, sometimes without. The mornings are better for me. At night, I hobble around the house like an old woman.
I am starting to see a light at the end of this tunnel. I can't believe how much better it is since just a month ago. Makes me wonder what I can do in one more month.
Major milestones the past month.....
walking to the end of the block and back (next, trying to walk around the block)
walking in the grocery store....not riding on the scooter
walking up the stairs with no help from a cane or banister....
As much as I dissed physical therapy in the beginning....they have really helped me. I don't think I would be anywhere close to where I am today without them.
I am starting to see a light at the end of this tunnel. I can't believe how much better it is since just a month ago. Makes me wonder what I can do in one more month.
Major milestones the past month.....
walking to the end of the block and back (next, trying to walk around the block)
walking in the grocery store....not riding on the scooter
walking up the stairs with no help from a cane or banister....
As much as I dissed physical therapy in the beginning....they have really helped me. I don't think I would be anywhere close to where I am today without them.
Code Words
As a teacher, I have developed code words over the years when discussing children with parents...
If I say...your child is working their heart out....I might mean, but not progressing as much as I would like....
or....
Right now, you child is more interested in the social aspects of school.......I really mean, your child will not stop talking...
So, how do I take it when Mo's teacher tells me....your daughter is very 'enthusiastic'. enthusiastic? ENTHUSIASTIC? I have this image of Mo running, screaming, looking like a whirling dervish in the classroom.
I guess I am not that surprised.
If I say...your child is working their heart out....I might mean, but not progressing as much as I would like....
or....
Right now, you child is more interested in the social aspects of school.......I really mean, your child will not stop talking...
So, how do I take it when Mo's teacher tells me....your daughter is very 'enthusiastic'. enthusiastic? ENTHUSIASTIC? I have this image of Mo running, screaming, looking like a whirling dervish in the classroom.
I guess I am not that surprised.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
light bulb moment...
So, I have been a teacher for 15 years. I never understood why parents freaked out when their kids got dirty at school. I always figured maybe they couldn't afford many clothes, and wanted to keep the ones they had in good shape. I also thought for a while it was a 'status' thing.....keeping your things nice.....now I know why...it is laundry.....doing all that freakin' laundry is such a pain.
Everyday this week, I have sent Mo to school in one outfit, and she comes home in a totally different one. Usually it is her extra set of emergency clothes. But today, she came home wearing clothes she had to borrow from school. Her extra set of clothes in a plastic bag along with the clothes from this morning....so 2 dirty outfits.
Why, you ask....
At Mo's preschool, they have this huge courtyard which is basically a huge sandbox. Mo has discovered the joy of getting dirty....not just dirty, but really, really, really filthy dirty. I am convinced she gets her pants soaking wet, and then rolls in the sand....putting handfuls in her pockets. It is really too much.
Scout and I have to hand wash all these sandy clothes before they can even go in the washer. We could have our own sandbox with all the stuff coming out of these clothes. It is past ridiculous.
Everyday this week, I have sent Mo to school in one outfit, and she comes home in a totally different one. Usually it is her extra set of emergency clothes. But today, she came home wearing clothes she had to borrow from school. Her extra set of clothes in a plastic bag along with the clothes from this morning....so 2 dirty outfits.
Why, you ask....
At Mo's preschool, they have this huge courtyard which is basically a huge sandbox. Mo has discovered the joy of getting dirty....not just dirty, but really, really, really filthy dirty. I am convinced she gets her pants soaking wet, and then rolls in the sand....putting handfuls in her pockets. It is really too much.
Scout and I have to hand wash all these sandy clothes before they can even go in the washer. We could have our own sandbox with all the stuff coming out of these clothes. It is past ridiculous.
Mo turns 4.
Here are the long over-due photos from Mo's 4th birthday. I usually take many more pictures. But I was on crutches and in cast. So I could only take pictures from a chair. But still, looking at the pictures reminded me just how big our baby is getting. Feeling very grateful that we are here to witness her life surrounded by such good friends.....
Friday, October 1, 2010
Pre-School
Last night, we went to Parent Night at Mo's preschool. I have done tons of parent nights as a teacher....but I have never sat in the little chairs and listened to a parent night presentation for my own child!!! I was so excited to go, and nervous....
It went great. They explained what I thought they would talk about.....art, literacy, play, music.....talked about the vision of the school, and how Mo's daily schedule flows. It was very nice. I refrained from asking all the teacher-y questions I was DYING to ask. Scout said I only asked one silly question, which I felt was pretty good.
The reality check of the evening came when the teachers were talking about the kid's writing. They encourage the kids to "write" stories about their life. The teachers will also write down the stories that the children tell. They were recounting a story about a little boy and his mom on the way to yoga class and the funny thing that they saw.....
Mo's stories always (ALWAYS) revolve around going to Target and buying stuff.
Should I be worried that Target is worth recording in a story? I will think about it later, when we are on our way to Target.
It went great. They explained what I thought they would talk about.....art, literacy, play, music.....talked about the vision of the school, and how Mo's daily schedule flows. It was very nice. I refrained from asking all the teacher-y questions I was DYING to ask. Scout said I only asked one silly question, which I felt was pretty good.
The reality check of the evening came when the teachers were talking about the kid's writing. They encourage the kids to "write" stories about their life. The teachers will also write down the stories that the children tell. They were recounting a story about a little boy and his mom on the way to yoga class and the funny thing that they saw.....
Mo's stories always (ALWAYS) revolve around going to Target and buying stuff.
Should I be worried that Target is worth recording in a story? I will think about it later, when we are on our way to Target.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Second Surgery
My second surgery has been scheduled for next Friday......out-patient. I have been told that it is a much easier surgery, recovery is not as bad as the first one. I should be up and walking the next day.
On one hand, I am excited they are taking the screws out.....means I am healing, and my foot is well enough to support itself without the screws helping....
On the other hand......not looking forward to being down for the count again....I mean, I just did this surgery thing. I hope I don't back-slide too much.
On one hand, I am excited they are taking the screws out.....means I am healing, and my foot is well enough to support itself without the screws helping....
On the other hand......not looking forward to being down for the count again....I mean, I just did this surgery thing. I hope I don't back-slide too much.
Physical Therapy, Part II
Well, after 2 weeks of physical therapy, I am able to walk on one crutch, and it sort of looks like I am really walking. Before, when I tried, I had this weird, hopping thing going on. But now, it looks smooth, and I look like I am really walking. I do think physical therapy is helping....it is restoring my confidence, and I am working those muscles in my foot and getting stronger....
...but the magic elixir has been going to the pool. Just getting in the pool and swimming has loosened up my foot more than anything. I practice walking in waist to chest high water...which is no easy task. I practice standing on both my feet with equal weight....you don't think you will forget how your feet work, but you do! So, I am really re-learning how to stand and how to walk....the water is perfect!!!
Also, the big news.......Mama is DRIVING! I have this special shoe that I wear in the car, and I can drive.....I can take Mo to the park....silly to think that I am driving around the corner, but it has opened up a whole new level of freedom for us.
LOVES IT......
...but the magic elixir has been going to the pool. Just getting in the pool and swimming has loosened up my foot more than anything. I practice walking in waist to chest high water...which is no easy task. I practice standing on both my feet with equal weight....you don't think you will forget how your feet work, but you do! So, I am really re-learning how to stand and how to walk....the water is perfect!!!
Also, the big news.......Mama is DRIVING! I have this special shoe that I wear in the car, and I can drive.....I can take Mo to the park....silly to think that I am driving around the corner, but it has opened up a whole new level of freedom for us.
LOVES IT......
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Physical Therapy
So, I have been in the boot for 4 weeks, and last week got the go ahead to start putting weight on the foot, which is a load of crap. After not walking for 8 weeks, it is HARD to just start walking like I never stopped. My leg is so weak, that everytime I try to stand on it, my knee buckles. My foot feels strange....doesn't hurt, more like electric shocks that go through it. I have no confidence, or desire to really push myself.....too afraid.
Tomorrow, I start physical therapy. I am going 3 times a week for 6 weeks....I am hopeful that they can help me get over this hurdle. I want to have more mobility....I don't expect miracles, just able to get out of the house. I feel very stuck here, and I know Mo feels that a well. During the week, we can only leave if someone takes us, and that doesn't happen too often. Although, people have been great about coming over and visiting. It just isn't the same when we have the urge to go do something, and we really can't!
Will let you know how PT goes.....I am sure I will be cussing after I come home....
Tomorrow, I start physical therapy. I am going 3 times a week for 6 weeks....I am hopeful that they can help me get over this hurdle. I want to have more mobility....I don't expect miracles, just able to get out of the house. I feel very stuck here, and I know Mo feels that a well. During the week, we can only leave if someone takes us, and that doesn't happen too often. Although, people have been great about coming over and visiting. It just isn't the same when we have the urge to go do something, and we really can't!
Will let you know how PT goes.....I am sure I will be cussing after I come home....
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Wonderful Day
Week 5 after the "injury"
I went to the doctor and got x-rays and the dreaded pink cast off. Before I went, I was hoping that my foot was healing, but you don't really know until they take the x-rays. I was also hoping I could get a removable cast. I wasn't naive enough to think I was ready to walk on it, but I was planning on talking the doctor into to put on a boot by PROMISING I wouldn't walk on it.....cross my heart.
I also knew there was a possibility that I would be put into another hard cast anywhere from 4 to 7 more weeks. That possibility was weighing on me. I didn't think I could handle not even being half way done with the cast.
No convincing needed! After looking at the X-Rays.....my foot is looking better than good. Healing nicely. The doctor (on his own, no begging at all) gave me the boot. I can take it off to work on range of motion with my ankle, and to shower. I can take it off to sleep. I am almost giddy!
I can start walking, with the boot on, in 3 weeks. So, I will have almost a full month of walking before I go back to school.
When I got home from the doctor....I took that thing off, and just enjoyed letting my leg feel air. It was brilliant! Took a nice long bath last night, and scrubbed all the grossness off my leg....and shaved it! I am still too scared to touch my foot, so I just ran water over it. It was glorious.
I went to the doctor and got x-rays and the dreaded pink cast off. Before I went, I was hoping that my foot was healing, but you don't really know until they take the x-rays. I was also hoping I could get a removable cast. I wasn't naive enough to think I was ready to walk on it, but I was planning on talking the doctor into to put on a boot by PROMISING I wouldn't walk on it.....cross my heart.
I also knew there was a possibility that I would be put into another hard cast anywhere from 4 to 7 more weeks. That possibility was weighing on me. I didn't think I could handle not even being half way done with the cast.
No convincing needed! After looking at the X-Rays.....my foot is looking better than good. Healing nicely. The doctor (on his own, no begging at all) gave me the boot. I can take it off to work on range of motion with my ankle, and to shower. I can take it off to sleep. I am almost giddy!
I can start walking, with the boot on, in 3 weeks. So, I will have almost a full month of walking before I go back to school.
When I got home from the doctor....I took that thing off, and just enjoyed letting my leg feel air. It was brilliant! Took a nice long bath last night, and scrubbed all the grossness off my leg....and shaved it! I am still too scared to touch my foot, so I just ran water over it. It was glorious.
Empty Nest
The babies have flown away. At first, 3 left...then the next day the other 2. It was fun watching them grow and get big. We knew they were close to leaving. You could see them in there fluttering their little wings.
Also, there seemed to be a ton of birds around our back deck...of all kinds. We were out there, and at least 10 birds were hovering around. I think it was the little bird village calling out to the babies to come on out......
Also, there seemed to be a ton of birds around our back deck...of all kinds. We were out there, and at least 10 birds were hovering around. I think it was the little bird village calling out to the babies to come on out......
Sunday, July 11, 2010
The babies are growing
Here are the baby birds....not such babies any more. They are flapping their wings, and getting ready to leave the nest. We have sure enjoyed having them on the deck.
A picture of summer.....
Here is a good picture of what our summer looks like...
Mo having fun in the backyard....here playing in her kiddie pool...
Me, sitting on the deck in my cast.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
How to parent on one foot.
So, it has been 3 weeks since my injury. I have a hard fiberglass cast on which is super heavy, but I am able to get around better and better on my crutches. The worst part is trying to parent Mo. This was suppose to be our summer of fun. Last summer, we were moving, and the summer was dedicated to that.
This summer I had plans of hanging in the park, swimming, meeting new kids in our neighborhood, and really enjoying the time together. Now, none of those things are really happening. I can't get on the floor to do puzzles, or to play games, so we have had to get creative.
We play on the bed, and at the dining room table.....we sit and snuggle a bunch! We have done lots of crafts.....I can sit on the back deck and watch as she plays in the backyard. But that is really the extent of what I can do with Mo.....
Our solution, we have hired our next door neighbor's grandson (who is 15). He is coming over 2-3 times a week, and just having fun with Mo. He can go upstairs into her playroom (I can't)....he can walk her to the park to play (I can't)...he can do all the things I can't. Plus, he is a teen-ager, with his own skateboard.....this is a big draw for Mo.
He starts tomorrow.....
This summer I had plans of hanging in the park, swimming, meeting new kids in our neighborhood, and really enjoying the time together. Now, none of those things are really happening. I can't get on the floor to do puzzles, or to play games, so we have had to get creative.
We play on the bed, and at the dining room table.....we sit and snuggle a bunch! We have done lots of crafts.....I can sit on the back deck and watch as she plays in the backyard. But that is really the extent of what I can do with Mo.....
Our solution, we have hired our next door neighbor's grandson (who is 15). He is coming over 2-3 times a week, and just having fun with Mo. He can go upstairs into her playroom (I can't)....he can walk her to the park to play (I can't)...he can do all the things I can't. Plus, he is a teen-ager, with his own skateboard.....this is a big draw for Mo.
He starts tomorrow.....
The accident
I recognize this has taken a while to post, but I really have not felt up to writing about it.....
So, the accident. The actual fall wasn't that impressive. I was standing at the bottom of one step.....and by one step, I mean, one actual step. The next thing I new, I was falling. I was standing behind a student, and I tried to avoid him. I think I twisted my body in a weird way, and made the fall even worse.
I knew right away that it was broken. It just felt 'broken.' My principal took me to the hospital, and within 3 hours, I was in surgery. None of us realized how bad it was until I was headed into surgery. This was the first time we had talked to the orthopedic surgeon. That was when we got the news.....
Liz Franc fracture.....where the metatarsals on the top of the foot are all dislocated. These bones are very hard to heal. The biggest problem associated with it is long term arthritis in the foot. The rehab is incredibly long for this injury. I am in a hard cast for 9-11 weeks, and can't put any weight on my foot. Then I am in a walking boot for 4-6 months. I will be in physical therapy for a while. The doctor said it would be a year before I feel close to normal, and I may never be back to where I was before the injury.
All from one little step.
So, the accident. The actual fall wasn't that impressive. I was standing at the bottom of one step.....and by one step, I mean, one actual step. The next thing I new, I was falling. I was standing behind a student, and I tried to avoid him. I think I twisted my body in a weird way, and made the fall even worse.
I knew right away that it was broken. It just felt 'broken.' My principal took me to the hospital, and within 3 hours, I was in surgery. None of us realized how bad it was until I was headed into surgery. This was the first time we had talked to the orthopedic surgeon. That was when we got the news.....
Liz Franc fracture.....where the metatarsals on the top of the foot are all dislocated. These bones are very hard to heal. The biggest problem associated with it is long term arthritis in the foot. The rehab is incredibly long for this injury. I am in a hard cast for 9-11 weeks, and can't put any weight on my foot. Then I am in a walking boot for 4-6 months. I will be in physical therapy for a while. The doctor said it would be a year before I feel close to normal, and I may never be back to where I was before the injury.
All from one little step.
Friday, June 18, 2010
I am broken....
So, 9 days ago, at school. I broke my foot.....I did more than just break it. The top bones are all dislocated and had to be surgically re-aligned. And I broke about 5-6 bones in there. It is really bad. I will write more details later...Frankly, it has just been hard going to the bathroom.
My mom is here helping us, and we couldn't do this without her.
My mom is here helping us, and we couldn't do this without her.
Bird Update
We have 5 eggs....we tried to get a better look and take a picture, but mama bird got MAD....and chirped up away. We will try to get some good pictures later.
Our birds are House Finches......very exciting.
Our birds are House Finches......very exciting.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
911 - Emergency
Quite an exciting afternoon....I was out, Scout and Mo were home. Mo was playing with her polly pockets when somehow....she got a polly pocket shoe up her nose! These suckers are small....see the picture...that little blue thing is the shoe...
Scout said she looked up her nose, and could barely see it....it was so far up there. About that time, our neighbor came by to drop something off.....Scout recruited her to help out. They decided they would try tweezers to pull it out. While Scout was looking for tweezers, the neighbor asked Mo to try blowing her nose. Mo gave it one big blow, and that sucker flew right out.
Scout said she looked up her nose, and could barely see it....it was so far up there. About that time, our neighbor came by to drop something off.....Scout recruited her to help out. They decided they would try tweezers to pull it out. While Scout was looking for tweezers, the neighbor asked Mo to try blowing her nose. Mo gave it one big blow, and that sucker flew right out.
Wild in the City
Today, we discovered we are all about to become grandmas. There is a lovely bird family making a nest in this basket we have hanging on the deck. There is a fishing basket we brought back from Mexico, and just have hanging out there. I guess it is protected from all the rain and looks like a cozy place to make a nest.
We watched as the female bird would get grass, straw and stuff and bring it back to the nest. The male would sit on our railing and twitter to her....and then they would go off together and come back.
Here is a fuzzy pic of the male.
We are hoping that they lay eggs, and we can watch the babies grow up. We need to figure out what kind of bird that are.....to be continued.
We watched as the female bird would get grass, straw and stuff and bring it back to the nest. The male would sit on our railing and twitter to her....and then they would go off together and come back.
Here is a fuzzy pic of the male.
We are hoping that they lay eggs, and we can watch the babies grow up. We need to figure out what kind of bird that are.....to be continued.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Stage Mother
There have been many times that I have been humbled as a parent, Mo never ceases to remind me just who is in charge (her) and who really has their act together (again, her). I am always surprised when I have one of those mother-of-the-year moments. Our adventure on Saturday was just one of these times.
Mo has been in ballet/tap class since last September. Our year-end recital is in a couple of weeks. She is doing a tap dance dressed as a bumblebee (I know, can you see the cuteness). This past Saturday was picture day. She was to arrive at dance class in her costume with the picture envelope filled out. Didn't really seem like that big of deal.
Also, please remember, I do this kind of thing for a living. I have done at least 2 picture days every school year, for the past 15 years. I organize plays, programs, and graduations. I coordinate field trips and parent events.....still didn't help.
The morning of Picture Day, we woke up early...ate a nice breakfast...relaxed....now, we have about 45 minutes to get ready and get going out the door....plenty of time.
I got the brilliant idea that I should give Mo a bath...her hair will look so shiny in the pictures. I didn't think we spent too much time in the bath, but when we get out, we have 15 minutes left to get out the door.
I ask Mo to put on her new, black tights while I get her bumblebee costume ready. I take it out and I realize that there is a 'stinger' that has to be stuffed and attached (somehow) to the back of her costume.....as I am realizing this, I look over at Mo (who has proudly put on her black tights)....who of course sat in the dog bed while she was putting them on....she is covered from the waist down in dog hair.
I try to brush her off while I am frantically searching for something, anything to stuff the stinger with....my best choice is our stash of plastic grocery bags.....then another frantic search for safety pins to attach the stupid thing.
Now, we are officially late. We should've left 5 minutes ago. But, we are at least dressed.
I realize that Mo's hair is still wet...can't do anything with it until it is dried. The hair dryer has been missing since we moved, so that is out. I decide that we just have to get in the car and go.
As we are driving, I roll down all the windows, turn up the heat, and instruct Mo to shake her head in front of the open window.....I know, stellar parenting....
We arrive, late, covered in dog hair, limp stinger that is halfway falling off....but our hair is dry! I put on her antennae headband and send her into class.....
Can't wait to see these pictures.
Mo has been in ballet/tap class since last September. Our year-end recital is in a couple of weeks. She is doing a tap dance dressed as a bumblebee (I know, can you see the cuteness). This past Saturday was picture day. She was to arrive at dance class in her costume with the picture envelope filled out. Didn't really seem like that big of deal.
Also, please remember, I do this kind of thing for a living. I have done at least 2 picture days every school year, for the past 15 years. I organize plays, programs, and graduations. I coordinate field trips and parent events.....still didn't help.
The morning of Picture Day, we woke up early...ate a nice breakfast...relaxed....now, we have about 45 minutes to get ready and get going out the door....plenty of time.
I got the brilliant idea that I should give Mo a bath...her hair will look so shiny in the pictures. I didn't think we spent too much time in the bath, but when we get out, we have 15 minutes left to get out the door.
I ask Mo to put on her new, black tights while I get her bumblebee costume ready. I take it out and I realize that there is a 'stinger' that has to be stuffed and attached (somehow) to the back of her costume.....as I am realizing this, I look over at Mo (who has proudly put on her black tights)....who of course sat in the dog bed while she was putting them on....she is covered from the waist down in dog hair.
I try to brush her off while I am frantically searching for something, anything to stuff the stinger with....my best choice is our stash of plastic grocery bags.....then another frantic search for safety pins to attach the stupid thing.
Now, we are officially late. We should've left 5 minutes ago. But, we are at least dressed.
I realize that Mo's hair is still wet...can't do anything with it until it is dried. The hair dryer has been missing since we moved, so that is out. I decide that we just have to get in the car and go.
As we are driving, I roll down all the windows, turn up the heat, and instruct Mo to shake her head in front of the open window.....I know, stellar parenting....
We arrive, late, covered in dog hair, limp stinger that is halfway falling off....but our hair is dry! I put on her antennae headband and send her into class.....
Can't wait to see these pictures.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Questions
Mo is great at conversation.....she loves talking to people. It is very true that she has never met a stranger.....she really can talk to just about anybody!
We were at the community center for swim class the other night. There is a woman with a bird on her shoulder (if you are from Portland, this is not an unusual sighting)....Mo was interested and went over to talk. The woman was really nice and was telling her all about the bird...how old it was....its history, information about the breed. You could tell she took being a parrot owner very seriously, and was acting as a spokesperson for parrot owners all over the world....
After this little informational talk, I asked Mo if she had any questions. Mo looked at the woman, very seriously, and asked, "Are you a pirate?"
We were at the community center for swim class the other night. There is a woman with a bird on her shoulder (if you are from Portland, this is not an unusual sighting)....Mo was interested and went over to talk. The woman was really nice and was telling her all about the bird...how old it was....its history, information about the breed. You could tell she took being a parrot owner very seriously, and was acting as a spokesperson for parrot owners all over the world....
After this little informational talk, I asked Mo if she had any questions. Mo looked at the woman, very seriously, and asked, "Are you a pirate?"
Monday, April 26, 2010
Artist
Every year, Scout and Mo paint birdhouses to go in the backyard. I am not sure how it started, but it is time for this year's creation....
Look at this sweet face....
Also, we had sod laid in the backyard.....it looks so pretty. Will post more pictures when the plants are all in....
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Friends, Friends, 1,2,3
Mo has been making friends for ever....she is just very social. But turning three, she is PICKING who she wants to be her friend.... Scout and I have no input at all. It has been interesting.....not knowing some random family, but your child loves their child, and vice versa.....and now all of a sudden, you are getting to know this random family.
We have met some people who have now become our friends....and I am grateful that Mo brought us together.......but I can see the day coming where Mo likes the kid, and we don't like the adults......that will be fun....
We are also smack dab in the 'playdate' schedule. Mo wants to have them....her friends want to have them. They talk about them, make plans for them....and then she gets mad at Mama and Mema when we don't go along with the plans......but overall, the playdates have been wonderful. All the girls we have had over have just been delightful....and they all play so well together.....
just one more new phase to get used to.....
Mo and the twins....
This is her new bestie......We will call her "A" on th blog.....they could be sisters....
We have met some people who have now become our friends....and I am grateful that Mo brought us together.......but I can see the day coming where Mo likes the kid, and we don't like the adults......that will be fun....
We are also smack dab in the 'playdate' schedule. Mo wants to have them....her friends want to have them. They talk about them, make plans for them....and then she gets mad at Mama and Mema when we don't go along with the plans......but overall, the playdates have been wonderful. All the girls we have had over have just been delightful....and they all play so well together.....
just one more new phase to get used to.....
Mo and the twins....
This is her new bestie......We will call her "A" on th blog.....they could be sisters....
Better Bento
Here is the bento from today......it turned out really nice!!! I got some fancy little skewers in the mail with zoo and ocean animals on them....super cute. This picture is much better, as well.
And to be totally honest.....didn't do a bento lunch yesterday....just too much effort....She took mac n cheese leftovers.....
And to be totally honest.....didn't do a bento lunch yesterday....just too much effort....She took mac n cheese leftovers.....
Monday, April 19, 2010
The negotiator
Mo has mastered the fine art of negotiation. I try to let her have choices in many areas of her life....what she wears, what she plays, giving in to the things that it doesn't matter to me.
But some things are non-negotiable....like going to bed, brushing teeth, and eating dinner. But she still tries.....and is sneaky about it too.
Mo: I want a treat.
Me: No, tonight is not a treat night.
Mo: Why?
Me: Because, we had treats last night....we are taking a night off.
Mo: Pretty please, pretty please, pretty please.....cherry on top?
Me: No.
Mo: I will eat even more dinner if I can have a treat.
Me: No.
Mo will then turn on some major puppy dog eyes on Scout. This usually works.
But some things are non-negotiable....like going to bed, brushing teeth, and eating dinner. But she still tries.....and is sneaky about it too.
Mo: I want a treat.
Me: No, tonight is not a treat night.
Mo: Why?
Me: Because, we had treats last night....we are taking a night off.
Mo: Pretty please, pretty please, pretty please.....cherry on top?
Me: No.
Mo: I will eat even more dinner if I can have a treat.
Me: No.
Mo will then turn on some major puppy dog eyes on Scout. This usually works.
Bento Box Lunch
This weekend, I took this amazing class on making bento lunches for kids. The woman who teaches the class is originally from Japan, and is starting a cooking school to teach people how to cook home style Japanese food.
I learned all sorts of fancy things.....I can turn a hard boiled egg into a bunny, I learned how to make a hot dog into an octopus or a crab. These were the cutsie things....but the thing that really got me going, is trying to find more balance in Mo's lunch. Instead of putting a lot of a just a few things....I am trying to put just a few bites of many different things. To expand her food horizons.
First day, and she ate EVERYTHING in there. Including, food that she normally won't touch.
This bento has.....pan friend tofu squares, edamame and corn skewers, turkey and cheese skewers, cucumber and tomato salad, strawberries, and orange slices. Sorry about the picture quality......cellphone photos are not the best.
So much fun and slightly addictive....I can see a support group in my future.
I learned all sorts of fancy things.....I can turn a hard boiled egg into a bunny, I learned how to make a hot dog into an octopus or a crab. These were the cutsie things....but the thing that really got me going, is trying to find more balance in Mo's lunch. Instead of putting a lot of a just a few things....I am trying to put just a few bites of many different things. To expand her food horizons.
First day, and she ate EVERYTHING in there. Including, food that she normally won't touch.
This bento has.....pan friend tofu squares, edamame and corn skewers, turkey and cheese skewers, cucumber and tomato salad, strawberries, and orange slices. Sorry about the picture quality......cellphone photos are not the best.
So much fun and slightly addictive....I can see a support group in my future.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
The trials and tribulations of working moms...
For the most part, we do ok getting up and out of the house in the morning. We have our routine, and it is down to the minute. If anything goes wrong, it sets off a chain reaction that can (and does) get us off schedule. I try to do as much as I can the night before.....we lay out clothes, we make lunches....but sometimes, things happens that just throw a wrench in the whole sha-bang...
Case in point...
1. The other day, after a long day at work and at daycare....we were changing into our PJs and I realized Mo was wearing 2 pairs of underwear.....It took me a minute to figure out what happened, then I remembered rushing to put her clothes on that morning, and just putting her new underwear on without taking off the ones from the night before. Daycare must think I am extra protective of my daughter's private parts.
2. We arrived a daycare a bit late the other day....and I realized I managed to get her in the car, with all her things, except shoes. I had carried her out of the house and put her in the car....and forgot to get her shoes. I wish I could say this was the first time....it has happened before. Poor kid, couldn't go outside to play. Lucky, both were rainy days.
Case in point...
1. The other day, after a long day at work and at daycare....we were changing into our PJs and I realized Mo was wearing 2 pairs of underwear.....It took me a minute to figure out what happened, then I remembered rushing to put her clothes on that morning, and just putting her new underwear on without taking off the ones from the night before. Daycare must think I am extra protective of my daughter's private parts.
2. We arrived a daycare a bit late the other day....and I realized I managed to get her in the car, with all her things, except shoes. I had carried her out of the house and put her in the car....and forgot to get her shoes. I wish I could say this was the first time....it has happened before. Poor kid, couldn't go outside to play. Lucky, both were rainy days.
Wake Up Call
The past few weeks, I have noticed that Mo's clothes are way too small for her. All of a sudden, she has just shot up....her pants were seriously 2-3 inches too short. Today, we were at Target, and thought we would pick up a few things.
We kept looking for things her size, and were having a really hard time. Then it dawned on us....we are no longer shopping in the infant/toddler section. We have moved to the other side of the store.....for big girls! Over in that section, we found a ton of stuff her size, but it seemed so old......a bunch of Hannah Montana, and "I love Rock-n- Roll" shirts....no cute cupcake or ladybug shirts.
We are not in Kansas anymore....
We kept looking for things her size, and were having a really hard time. Then it dawned on us....we are no longer shopping in the infant/toddler section. We have moved to the other side of the store.....for big girls! Over in that section, we found a ton of stuff her size, but it seemed so old......a bunch of Hannah Montana, and "I love Rock-n- Roll" shirts....no cute cupcake or ladybug shirts.
We are not in Kansas anymore....
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Lights, Camera, Action!
Mo's pretend play has taken on a slight "directive" tone. Some might call it bossy.....but we like to think of it as she is flexing her directorial muscles for when she goes to Hollywood!
Lately, her scenario of choice is where she is the baby, I am the mommy, Scout is the mema......and we are trying to figure out what our baby's name is. Mo's dialogue coaching goes something like this....
"Mommy, you the mommy. Mema, you the mema.....and I am your little baby. Mema, you want to name me 'Shabby', but Mommy, you say, 'No, no, no, no....we will name her Mo.' "You ready.....ok, go."
This goes on for HOURS.....and we play it almost every day......every once in a while, I will add a line, or Scout will change the name....and Mo, will give us a sideways look, and say "No...that's not how you do it."
Lately, her scenario of choice is where she is the baby, I am the mommy, Scout is the mema......and we are trying to figure out what our baby's name is. Mo's dialogue coaching goes something like this....
"Mommy, you the mommy. Mema, you the mema.....and I am your little baby. Mema, you want to name me 'Shabby', but Mommy, you say, 'No, no, no, no....we will name her Mo.' "You ready.....ok, go."
This goes on for HOURS.....and we play it almost every day......every once in a while, I will add a line, or Scout will change the name....and Mo, will give us a sideways look, and say "No...that's not how you do it."
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Love and Snuggles
Last night, Mo was so snugly. We were reading books before bed, and she just curled up as close as she could and snuggled into my neck.....she kept saying, "I love you so much, Mommy." It was a very special moment. I was telling her how special she was, and how lucky I was to be her Mommy.......then the other shoe dropped....
Mo: Mommy, I will still love you when I am a teenager.
Me: Yes, baby....and I will love you no matter how big you get.
Mo: When I am a grown-up, I will still see you..........when I can. You know, I'll be busy.
Let's just hope she puts us in a good nursing home.
Mo: Mommy, I will still love you when I am a teenager.
Me: Yes, baby....and I will love you no matter how big you get.
Mo: When I am a grown-up, I will still see you..........when I can. You know, I'll be busy.
Let's just hope she puts us in a good nursing home.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
The Hipster Chuckie Cheese
For those of you who do not live in Portland.....there are a few things that reign supreme here......good food, funky restaurants, and micro brews. All of these things, Scout and I enjoyed before having Mo.
Now, when we go out to eat.....the thinking has changed.......we have a checklist that determines if where we go....
1. Do they have a kiddie menu?
2. Do they get the kid's food out fast?
3. Will Mo be sufficiently entertained while we are there?
We aren't that choosy......I mean, really....
Tonight, we went to a local brew pub in our neighborhood...we heard it had great food, and a kid's play area. We thought it might be the perfect place for all of us.....kid friendly, but not a kid restaurant.
We walked in and got seated, but honestly, the first thing that hit me was the noise level. There were about 10 kids in there.....and they were all SCREAMING. One kid was throwing a full out tantrum in the back (why the parents didn't take them out, I will never know). If we hadn't been so hungry, we would have left....but we decided to tough it out.
As our meal went on, we watched kids in the play area taking toys from each other, and screaming. Toys were flying through the air. Parents would sometimes intervene, but most of them were kicked back, drinking their micro brews. It was every kid for themselves. Mo wouldn't even go into the play area, it freaked her out too much. It was a free-for-all!
We made it through dinner....food was ok, not great...we left with most of our hearing intact. Safe to say....we will not go back.
Now, when we go out to eat.....the thinking has changed.......we have a checklist that determines if where we go....
1. Do they have a kiddie menu?
2. Do they get the kid's food out fast?
3. Will Mo be sufficiently entertained while we are there?
We aren't that choosy......I mean, really....
Tonight, we went to a local brew pub in our neighborhood...we heard it had great food, and a kid's play area. We thought it might be the perfect place for all of us.....kid friendly, but not a kid restaurant.
We walked in and got seated, but honestly, the first thing that hit me was the noise level. There were about 10 kids in there.....and they were all SCREAMING. One kid was throwing a full out tantrum in the back (why the parents didn't take them out, I will never know). If we hadn't been so hungry, we would have left....but we decided to tough it out.
As our meal went on, we watched kids in the play area taking toys from each other, and screaming. Toys were flying through the air. Parents would sometimes intervene, but most of them were kicked back, drinking their micro brews. It was every kid for themselves. Mo wouldn't even go into the play area, it freaked her out too much. It was a free-for-all!
We made it through dinner....food was ok, not great...we left with most of our hearing intact. Safe to say....we will not go back.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Star Wars
Mo has never seen Star Wars.....it isn't something that Scout or I talk about on a regular basis.....but somehow, Star Wars has sneaked its way into Mo's world.
There are 2 boys at daycare who love Star Wars, and must play it often, because Mo really knows the characters, the plot, the premise......so scary. Lately, she wants to be Luke Skywalker, and have us be the bad guy (Darth Vader)....now, don't be fooled, Mo stays true to the "playing mommy" that she loves so much..........just look at the picture.
So, the balloon is the light saber.....and Luke Skywalker is protecting the baby......because for some reason Darth Vader wants to take the baby. It is funny to see her weave her interests together in a way that makes sense to her.
Also, this weekend, we went to a birthday party with a Star Wars theme.....on the way home.....as Mo was opening up her Star Wars crayons.....she said "Star Wars is ADORABLE."
There are 2 boys at daycare who love Star Wars, and must play it often, because Mo really knows the characters, the plot, the premise......so scary. Lately, she wants to be Luke Skywalker, and have us be the bad guy (Darth Vader)....now, don't be fooled, Mo stays true to the "playing mommy" that she loves so much..........just look at the picture.
So, the balloon is the light saber.....and Luke Skywalker is protecting the baby......because for some reason Darth Vader wants to take the baby. It is funny to see her weave her interests together in a way that makes sense to her.
Also, this weekend, we went to a birthday party with a Star Wars theme.....on the way home.....as Mo was opening up her Star Wars crayons.....she said "Star Wars is ADORABLE."
Monday, February 15, 2010
Slumber Party
Mo has wanted to have a sleepover with the twins from daycare for a while now. Keep in mind, the twins are 5, and have been on sleepovers before. They had been talking about it, and Mo totally bought into the idea of sleeping at their house. For about 2 weeks, when I would arrive at daycare, all 3 girls break out in choruses of "Please, can we have a sleep over, please, please, please."
So, we gave in......for several reasons......first, Mo really wanted to do it. We talked it over, she knew what a sleepover was (you have dinner, then you sleep, then you have breakfast). Plus, she was so excited....it was all she talked about for 2 weeks. But the real reason......I wanted to sleep in so bad on a weekend morning, it wasn't even funny!
So, we took her over on Saturday night. She packed her bag, and ran into the house, and started playing right away. We said our good-byes....and left. We had a wonderful dinner, and went to see Avitar. So far, so good.
We were about 30 minutes away from finishing the movie....when we got the first text....."Simone misses you, and can't sleep." .......followed by "She wants to come home." So, just as the final battle scene was starting, we left the movie theater to pick up our homesick little girl. She wasn't crying or anything, she just couldn't sleep in someone else's house. She wanted her Mama and Mema.
On the way home, Mo said "Playdates are so much better than sleepovers."
So, we gave in......for several reasons......first, Mo really wanted to do it. We talked it over, she knew what a sleepover was (you have dinner, then you sleep, then you have breakfast). Plus, she was so excited....it was all she talked about for 2 weeks. But the real reason......I wanted to sleep in so bad on a weekend morning, it wasn't even funny!
So, we took her over on Saturday night. She packed her bag, and ran into the house, and started playing right away. We said our good-byes....and left. We had a wonderful dinner, and went to see Avitar. So far, so good.
We were about 30 minutes away from finishing the movie....when we got the first text....."Simone misses you, and can't sleep." .......followed by "She wants to come home." So, just as the final battle scene was starting, we left the movie theater to pick up our homesick little girl. She wasn't crying or anything, she just couldn't sleep in someone else's house. She wanted her Mama and Mema.
On the way home, Mo said "Playdates are so much better than sleepovers."
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Funny Valentines
This year, we made home-made valentines for Mo's friends at daycare. They have a small party, and even though I don't believe the kids really have any clue what valentine' day is all about.....THEY LOVE THE CARDS......THEY LOVE THE EXCHANGING OF CARDS.....Mo is all about it.
Here are the valentines we made......please note, I am not the craftiest person (I want to be, but I really am not. That is why the edges are a bit messed up).....and I only had to make 7 of these, so I could afford to be more ambitious than if I had to make 25.
I traced the heart on poster board, and then poked holes around the edges. Mo then used yarn to "sew" the heart. Each card looks different.
It took all week to make just 7 of these. Mo was only into doing 1 or 2 at a time. We also made heart soap (leftover from a school project I brought home and made it).
Mo is ready to give her valentines to her friends. I know she will have a great time. I just wish these holidays were frozen in time. She is at such a great age, I am not ready to let any of these moments pass.
Here are the valentines we made......please note, I am not the craftiest person (I want to be, but I really am not. That is why the edges are a bit messed up).....and I only had to make 7 of these, so I could afford to be more ambitious than if I had to make 25.
I traced the heart on poster board, and then poked holes around the edges. Mo then used yarn to "sew" the heart. Each card looks different.
It took all week to make just 7 of these. Mo was only into doing 1 or 2 at a time. We also made heart soap (leftover from a school project I brought home and made it).
Mo is ready to give her valentines to her friends. I know she will have a great time. I just wish these holidays were frozen in time. She is at such a great age, I am not ready to let any of these moments pass.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
feelings....
I love my job, I really do, but on days like today, I wish I was a stay at home mom or at the very least, I had a job where I could go in an hour late and no-one would care. As it is, our mornings are so scheduled and so early, that if any one thing happens, we are screwed.
This morning, I woke Mo up and carried her downstairs....she didn't want to wake up. She REALLY didn't want to wake up. She just started crying, and yelling that she wanted to go back to bed. She was really upset....didn't even want to be held. I finally got her to sit in my lap, and I just rocked her, and tried to soothe her. I asked her if she felt ok, her response....."I am feeling fragile."
Out of the mouth of babes. She was fine......just feeling fragile. I totally know what she means. Those days when it just doesn't seem worth it to get out of bed. As a grown-up, I can deal with it, and just go on with my day. But when you are 3, it is not so easy to deal with those feelings.
What I wanted to do was to take it down a notch this morning. Take our time getting ready, maybe even have some playtime or a special stop at the coffee shop. But, I can't have a class full of kindergarteners waiting for me.....so that was a no-go. As it was, everything ended up fine....after about 10 minutes of some cuddling, Mo was ready to eat breakfast.
But, it just hurt my heart to see her feeling 'fragile' and not be able to take care of her the way she needed. The way I needed to care for her.
This morning, I woke Mo up and carried her downstairs....she didn't want to wake up. She REALLY didn't want to wake up. She just started crying, and yelling that she wanted to go back to bed. She was really upset....didn't even want to be held. I finally got her to sit in my lap, and I just rocked her, and tried to soothe her. I asked her if she felt ok, her response....."I am feeling fragile."
Out of the mouth of babes. She was fine......just feeling fragile. I totally know what she means. Those days when it just doesn't seem worth it to get out of bed. As a grown-up, I can deal with it, and just go on with my day. But when you are 3, it is not so easy to deal with those feelings.
What I wanted to do was to take it down a notch this morning. Take our time getting ready, maybe even have some playtime or a special stop at the coffee shop. But, I can't have a class full of kindergarteners waiting for me.....so that was a no-go. As it was, everything ended up fine....after about 10 minutes of some cuddling, Mo was ready to eat breakfast.
But, it just hurt my heart to see her feeling 'fragile' and not be able to take care of her the way she needed. The way I needed to care for her.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Sick Day
Not for us, but for our daycare provider, Shirley. Yesterday, when Shirley called to say she was sick, Scout and I had to think fast. We decided that Mo would go to school with me for a little bit in the morning, and Scout would go to work get some stuff done, and then come get her and take her home.
Some people would think taking your small child to your kindergarten classroom wouldn't be that bad. Mo is 3 (and a half), she should be able to just fit right in, right? Except, half of my kindergarteners are already 6, and the rest are just about to turn 6. So, the age gap is pretty huge. Also, Mo doesn't understand that she has to share me with all the other kids. When I am reading a story to the class, she wants to be in my lap (where she always sits when I read a story)....she wants to talk to me when I am giving directions to the class, and doesn't want to wait.
I think if I had a regular job, it may (?) be easier, I could set her up with a video, and call it good. But, for some reason, I have a hard time balancing being a teacher and a mom at the same time.
Overall, she did very well. While the kids were working on their reading work, she was working in playdough and the dollhouse. She loved the outside recess, and the little girls in my class loved playing "mama" to her. It all worked out.....it was just an interesting day.
Some people would think taking your small child to your kindergarten classroom wouldn't be that bad. Mo is 3 (and a half), she should be able to just fit right in, right? Except, half of my kindergarteners are already 6, and the rest are just about to turn 6. So, the age gap is pretty huge. Also, Mo doesn't understand that she has to share me with all the other kids. When I am reading a story to the class, she wants to be in my lap (where she always sits when I read a story)....she wants to talk to me when I am giving directions to the class, and doesn't want to wait.
I think if I had a regular job, it may (?) be easier, I could set her up with a video, and call it good. But, for some reason, I have a hard time balancing being a teacher and a mom at the same time.
Overall, she did very well. While the kids were working on their reading work, she was working in playdough and the dollhouse. She loved the outside recess, and the little girls in my class loved playing "mama" to her. It all worked out.....it was just an interesting day.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Making it up as I go along....
A week or so ago, Scout and Mo were playing birthday party for her baby. This is a game that we play ALL THE TIME!
Scout asked Mo, "How old is your baby?"
Mo answered "One."
So, Scout goes to put 1 candle on the pretend birthday cake. Mo says she wants all the candles put on the birthday cake.
Scout: " That's not how it works. You have to match the candles to how old the baby is."
Mo: " That's not how I work. Put 'em all on there."
Scout asked Mo, "How old is your baby?"
Mo answered "One."
So, Scout goes to put 1 candle on the pretend birthday cake. Mo says she wants all the candles put on the birthday cake.
Scout: " That's not how it works. You have to match the candles to how old the baby is."
Mo: " That's not how I work. Put 'em all on there."
Good Friends, Good Times
Some dear friends of ours came over last month with their darling daughter, Baby R. Mo LOVES it when Baby R. comes to visit. She loves on her, kisses her, wants to be the mama. I think Baby R. loves Mo too, her smile is a mile wide when Mo plays with her. So sweet.
Birthday Parties
For each one of Mo's birthday parties, we have done the same thing. We take over our local park, pick up some pizzas, and I make a cake. We invite about 4 kiddos, and they run around the play structure. The whole thing lasts about an hour. It has been easy, relaxed, and fun.
In the past month, Mo has been invited to 2 birthday parties. Both of them have been at these inflatable, bouncy warehouses. They are fun. Everyone has a great time. It is really a nice set-up. The kids play on the bouncing things, and slides....then they go into the party room for presents, pizza and cake. Party over.
The problem is now Mo knows what a birthday party could potentially be. I am afraid that the bar has been raised and her little neighborhood park birthday will no longer do. At first, I was bummed....thinking about planning and coordinating some big, themed party. But, I realized, we have such a short window where we will even be allowed to attend her birthday party. I want to enjoy it while we can.
Another thing we have started doing which I love, love, love.......I bought a bunch of plain brown gift bags......and Mo adds her own decorative flair. She loved painting these for the twins' birthday. She really thought about what color should go on each bag. So, not only did the twins get a present, but also a work of art.
In the past month, Mo has been invited to 2 birthday parties. Both of them have been at these inflatable, bouncy warehouses. They are fun. Everyone has a great time. It is really a nice set-up. The kids play on the bouncing things, and slides....then they go into the party room for presents, pizza and cake. Party over.
The problem is now Mo knows what a birthday party could potentially be. I am afraid that the bar has been raised and her little neighborhood park birthday will no longer do. At first, I was bummed....thinking about planning and coordinating some big, themed party. But, I realized, we have such a short window where we will even be allowed to attend her birthday party. I want to enjoy it while we can.
Another thing we have started doing which I love, love, love.......I bought a bunch of plain brown gift bags......and Mo adds her own decorative flair. She loved painting these for the twins' birthday. She really thought about what color should go on each bag. So, not only did the twins get a present, but also a work of art.
Snow, Snow, Snow
This post is really late......but I just uploaded a bunch of pictures, and wanted to post some really great ones.
Right after Christmas, we got this really sudden snowstorm. It wasn't forcasted, in fact....it seemed like it took everyone by surprise. We got about 3-4 inches in a mater of hours, and by the next day, it was gone. We still got to go out and enjoy some good snow time....
Snow pig...
Right after Christmas, we got this really sudden snowstorm. It wasn't forcasted, in fact....it seemed like it took everyone by surprise. We got about 3-4 inches in a mater of hours, and by the next day, it was gone. We still got to go out and enjoy some good snow time....
Snow pig...
Monday, January 18, 2010
Cookies and Cleaning
We are having a lazy day off.....decided to make cookies. Mo is great at helping. She pours the ingredients in and mixes them up. She is even getting pretty good at cracking eggs. But her favorite is cleaning up afterwards. She can "wash" dishes forever! I know it wastes water, but, hey.....it makes her happy....so who am I to say no......the proof is in the pudding.
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