Kieran finally had one full good week at camp. He even tried for his belt test (they pre-test the day before) and was told he was not ready. He was OK and did not blow his stack. There was one incident where he kissed another camper (a boy) who got into his personal space. Said Kieran "I thought it would be funny." It was kiddo. Not only because you kissed this boy but also because the counselor who witnessed it went to the owner of the camp and said "I don't know what to say here."
Ms. Jen did great. She commended Kieran for keeping his cool but reminded him that it is best to keep our germs to ourselves. I still think it's funny and reminds me of the time that his cousin, Zack also kissed a classmate (I think he was in Kindergarten). I don't even remember why though I want to say it was a "kiss and make up" thought, but I could be wrong.
Amelia is too much into everything. Hard to keep up with her energy, into-everything-ness and defiance. She does want to try and potty train - asks to go on the potty but does nothing. I was going back through our blog and realized that Kieran started this way too. So, perhaps, in a year's time we'll be done with diapers. I'd say we'd save money at that point but she eats us like a fiend now, I don't expect that to let up as she grows.
Kieran is getting chased by girls and Ken and I got our first "EEEEEEEEEEEEEWW!" from him when we kissed the other day. (Which is funny because we kiss goodbye almost every morning in front of him). So, I think I'm going to need advice soon on having a talk about why girls are trying to kiss him and whatnot. He already asked why all the girls chase him, I said maybe they like him or maybe they just like running. I suggested that maybe he let himself be caught. He did not like that idea.
Today we had a great day celebrating my dad and Uncle Gary's birthday at a bowling alley. It was funny - the kids were all on one lane (we had a total of 6 kids bowling) by the end of our 2 hours they were down to 2 - just Kieran and Zack. The rest went to play in the arcade. Kieran started the day by my old method of throwing the ball in between his legs but finished by actually bowling. I was really impressed that he took to it and kept at it even though he did not have a great start to the day. Amelia had everyone there admiring her loving nature as she went from person to person giving kisses and hugs, getting tickled. When Eve and Sofia came in, she went right to them and asked to be picked up again and again. Though we have not seen them often she went straight for them and enjoyed hanging with 'the girls'. Tonight I am beat, but happy. Kids had a good time, I had a good time, no one shed any blood (well, maybe Becca but that doesn't count because she wasn't there), and everyone napped (except me). That's all for now folks, gotta get Amelia to bed. Love to all, blog again eventually.
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Mia and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Checkup
OK, I don't mean that the doctor found anything wrong. So for those who were freaking out from the title, you can stop now.
No, I mean that after she was measured (standing up against the wall!) and weighed (standing up on the scale!) we went into the doctor's office. The nurse came over to measure her head circumference. And this set my girl off. She screamed and cried. The ENTIRE visit. It was hard to even hear the doctor over her crying.
She is doing fine, she's hitting all the right developmental milestones. She's got at least 20-25 words in her vocabulary, she's putting 2-3 words together, she can stack blocks, she can climb and go down stairs. All the things they look for. The sobbing stopped entirely by the time I hit the elevator. I don't know if she remembered the shots she got last time (no shots this time) or if she was grumpy from waking up early from her nap. Whatever it was, she was done when we left.
Her stats are relatively unchanged. 50th percentile for weight, 25th percentile for height and 5th percentile for head circumference.
She is also starting to ask to go to the potty so I am tentatively excited about the prospect of not needing diapers in another 6 months. But, I don't want to jinx it and she only goes to the bathroom on the potty every 3rd or 4th time so....we'll see.
That's all for now. Thanks for reading!
No, I mean that after she was measured (standing up against the wall!) and weighed (standing up on the scale!) we went into the doctor's office. The nurse came over to measure her head circumference. And this set my girl off. She screamed and cried. The ENTIRE visit. It was hard to even hear the doctor over her crying.
She is doing fine, she's hitting all the right developmental milestones. She's got at least 20-25 words in her vocabulary, she's putting 2-3 words together, she can stack blocks, she can climb and go down stairs. All the things they look for. The sobbing stopped entirely by the time I hit the elevator. I don't know if she remembered the shots she got last time (no shots this time) or if she was grumpy from waking up early from her nap. Whatever it was, she was done when we left.
Her stats are relatively unchanged. 50th percentile for weight, 25th percentile for height and 5th percentile for head circumference.
She is also starting to ask to go to the potty so I am tentatively excited about the prospect of not needing diapers in another 6 months. But, I don't want to jinx it and she only goes to the bathroom on the potty every 3rd or 4th time so....we'll see.
That's all for now. Thanks for reading!
Tuesday, July 09, 2013
Where Does the Time Go?
Grandma came to visit this past weekend and both kids had a blast. Kieran actually managed a semi-good day at camp on Monday (though his listening left a lot to be desired, he kept his hands to himself). As usual, Grandma spoiled the kids rotten. Mia stayed up until 9, Kieran until 10. Watching movies, walking around and going shopping (Grandma's favorite past time).
At dinner last night, Kieran asked us why Grandma likes to shop so much. It was a very good observation, and I was quiet a moment and let Ken answer (after all, it's his mom). So he explained that when Grandma was growing up, she didn't get a lot of new things. When Kieran asked why her parents did not get her anything Ken explained that her dad was not around. We then explained that Grandma's mom didn't have the money to do a lot of shopping and that she just wasn't very nice. Kieran thought about it a bit and then we changed the subject. I think it is funny what he 'gets' and what he doesn't. In some ways he is such a kid still - loves stuffed animals (had Grandma buy him 2) and in others he's getting to be so grown-up. Like noticing what people do.
Amelia, on the other hand, is simply joyful. She typically wakes up happy (though she doesn't go to bed the same way). Her speech is getting clearer by the day. This morning, Ken went to the gym and I got up when Mia did. We're sitting downstairs watching Sesame Street when Ken walked in. "Hi Daddy!" she exclaimed. It was clear as day. And it's obvious to me that she is making a real effort to be understood. I vaguely remember this stage with Kieran, when he understood a lot of words and some of what he would say to me would come out garbled (to me). I'm watching her and noticing that she's starting to get frustrated when I don't understand right away what she's trying to tell me. Kieran was much the same way (though his temper is a lot shorter than hers - more like me, sadly).
So, sitting here this morning, in the aftermath of a whirlwind weekend I'm left wondering - where did the time go? Kieran is 6.5 (don't you dare forget the half!) and Amelia is 2. Seems like just yesterday it was only me and Ken bumping around. In some ways I can barely remember what life was like before the kids. In others it seems that not a ton has changed, just gotten a lot better. Really looking forward to the rest of this ride.
At dinner last night, Kieran asked us why Grandma likes to shop so much. It was a very good observation, and I was quiet a moment and let Ken answer (after all, it's his mom). So he explained that when Grandma was growing up, she didn't get a lot of new things. When Kieran asked why her parents did not get her anything Ken explained that her dad was not around. We then explained that Grandma's mom didn't have the money to do a lot of shopping and that she just wasn't very nice. Kieran thought about it a bit and then we changed the subject. I think it is funny what he 'gets' and what he doesn't. In some ways he is such a kid still - loves stuffed animals (had Grandma buy him 2) and in others he's getting to be so grown-up. Like noticing what people do.
Amelia, on the other hand, is simply joyful. She typically wakes up happy (though she doesn't go to bed the same way). Her speech is getting clearer by the day. This morning, Ken went to the gym and I got up when Mia did. We're sitting downstairs watching Sesame Street when Ken walked in. "Hi Daddy!" she exclaimed. It was clear as day. And it's obvious to me that she is making a real effort to be understood. I vaguely remember this stage with Kieran, when he understood a lot of words and some of what he would say to me would come out garbled (to me). I'm watching her and noticing that she's starting to get frustrated when I don't understand right away what she's trying to tell me. Kieran was much the same way (though his temper is a lot shorter than hers - more like me, sadly).
So, sitting here this morning, in the aftermath of a whirlwind weekend I'm left wondering - where did the time go? Kieran is 6.5 (don't you dare forget the half!) and Amelia is 2. Seems like just yesterday it was only me and Ken bumping around. In some ways I can barely remember what life was like before the kids. In others it seems that not a ton has changed, just gotten a lot better. Really looking forward to the rest of this ride.
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Happy (a few days late) 2nd Birthday Amelia
See? This is what happens when you're a second child. Sorry, kiddo, but you know that mom typically tells it like it is.
OK, this is more like what happens when your mom has a lot of craziness going on during the week and is only able to blog on the weekend while you're napping. By the way - keep up the whole napping thing. As long as you can. When you're a grown up, you start to miss it. Oh, and I get a lot done while you nap.
So, we did a small celebration at my mom's house before your actual birthday. On Thursday when you turned 2, you, me and Kieran all got to eat cake. Which was nice. Kieran made sure we sang to you (several times) and then you began singing to your cake. Right now when you see cake, you start saying "Happy...!" like you're going to begin the song. Seriously cute.
Anyway, I have no amazing wisdom to drop down from above. Just know that we all adore you, even Kieran who sometimes doesn't like what you do or gets annoyed by you. The cats have tolerated your attempts at petting quite well and your love of music is still strong.
This weekend with just you, me and your brother is fun. So far you two have been wonderful. Let me get the errands out of the way so that now all we have to do is play. The only thing I ask for your birthday is a little more sleeping in time. While your dad is gone, I set my alarm to 4:45 am. This is not an hour that my eyes should see, mind you. On Friday you did not even let me sleep that late. Today I managed a whole 15 minutes (enough time to shower and dress) before you awoke at 5. I guess, for now, I'll take it. But can you start imitating your brother and sleep in now and again?
That's all for now, my little girl. Happy second birthday.
OK, this is more like what happens when your mom has a lot of craziness going on during the week and is only able to blog on the weekend while you're napping. By the way - keep up the whole napping thing. As long as you can. When you're a grown up, you start to miss it. Oh, and I get a lot done while you nap.
So, we did a small celebration at my mom's house before your actual birthday. On Thursday when you turned 2, you, me and Kieran all got to eat cake. Which was nice. Kieran made sure we sang to you (several times) and then you began singing to your cake. Right now when you see cake, you start saying "Happy...!" like you're going to begin the song. Seriously cute.
Anyway, I have no amazing wisdom to drop down from above. Just know that we all adore you, even Kieran who sometimes doesn't like what you do or gets annoyed by you. The cats have tolerated your attempts at petting quite well and your love of music is still strong.
This weekend with just you, me and your brother is fun. So far you two have been wonderful. Let me get the errands out of the way so that now all we have to do is play. The only thing I ask for your birthday is a little more sleeping in time. While your dad is gone, I set my alarm to 4:45 am. This is not an hour that my eyes should see, mind you. On Friday you did not even let me sleep that late. Today I managed a whole 15 minutes (enough time to shower and dress) before you awoke at 5. I guess, for now, I'll take it. But can you start imitating your brother and sleep in now and again?
That's all for now, my little girl. Happy second birthday.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Magical Memory
I wanted to commit this memory to the blog before it faded too much. The weekend was wonderful celebrating Father's Day but really, my best day was Friday.
Kieran came to the office with me and was angelic. Did not complain or get upset for having to sit for 8 hours while I worked. We dropped off and picked up Amelia without incident. Ken got home just a tad bit before us and we all went for a walk after dinner since it was so nice outside. We stopped and got cat food and on the way back home walked past a new ice cream shop that opened about a block from our house.
They were having a kids night. Kieran begged for us to stay, even suggesting he'd give up going to the fireworks later that night (it was Flag Day) at Fort McHenry. We stayed for an hour or so when I told him it was time to go. I offered to still let him go to the fireworks which he was excited about. So, after talking with Ken, grabbing a few things from the house, Kieran and I set out. (Mia had already gone to bed by the time we'd gotten back from the ice cream shop)
We walked halfway there and waited for the bus to take us the rest of the way. The sun was setting and the fireflies started to come out. Kieran's been addicted to Wild Kratts and they had an episode on fireflies, so he's all about it. I taught him the trick to catching them (bring your hand up from underneath, not from the sides). We got on the bus and all he could talk about was the fireflies.
After we arrived at the Fort, I high-tailed it over to find a good spot, worried the fireworks would begin any minute. Luckily, I found a nice spot near a small batch of trees that provided excellent grounds for lightning bug catching. Kieran had a very smart plan and brought along a hat that lit up so I knew where he was in the dark. I let him wander pretty far away to go play and catch lightning bugs. Then, when the fireworks started, I showed him that if he laid down and looked at the sky, the fireworks would seem like they were coming right at him. He loved that too.
It was pretty late by the time we trudged back to the bus, but Kieran was nearly wired for sound (so was I). He'd had an amazing day - more excited by the bugs than the fireworks. The whole evening was just so magical. No fighting, no fussing - just enjoying each other's company and watching him have a blast.
Kieran came to the office with me and was angelic. Did not complain or get upset for having to sit for 8 hours while I worked. We dropped off and picked up Amelia without incident. Ken got home just a tad bit before us and we all went for a walk after dinner since it was so nice outside. We stopped and got cat food and on the way back home walked past a new ice cream shop that opened about a block from our house.
They were having a kids night. Kieran begged for us to stay, even suggesting he'd give up going to the fireworks later that night (it was Flag Day) at Fort McHenry. We stayed for an hour or so when I told him it was time to go. I offered to still let him go to the fireworks which he was excited about. So, after talking with Ken, grabbing a few things from the house, Kieran and I set out. (Mia had already gone to bed by the time we'd gotten back from the ice cream shop)
We walked halfway there and waited for the bus to take us the rest of the way. The sun was setting and the fireflies started to come out. Kieran's been addicted to Wild Kratts and they had an episode on fireflies, so he's all about it. I taught him the trick to catching them (bring your hand up from underneath, not from the sides). We got on the bus and all he could talk about was the fireflies.
After we arrived at the Fort, I high-tailed it over to find a good spot, worried the fireworks would begin any minute. Luckily, I found a nice spot near a small batch of trees that provided excellent grounds for lightning bug catching. Kieran had a very smart plan and brought along a hat that lit up so I knew where he was in the dark. I let him wander pretty far away to go play and catch lightning bugs. Then, when the fireworks started, I showed him that if he laid down and looked at the sky, the fireworks would seem like they were coming right at him. He loved that too.
It was pretty late by the time we trudged back to the bus, but Kieran was nearly wired for sound (so was I). He'd had an amazing day - more excited by the bugs than the fireworks. The whole evening was just so magical. No fighting, no fussing - just enjoying each other's company and watching him have a blast.
Thursday, June 06, 2013
The Bully and The Tooth
So my post yesterday was prophetic in a way, since there was a LOT of action with Kieran.
He lost his first tooth at school. They gave him a certificate, made sure it was in a bag and he got a sticker. He was the first one in his class to lose a tooth. He's very proud. So proud, in fact, that he required me to write a note to the tooth fairy apologizing, but saying he wanted to keep his tooth to remember. The tooth fairy thought that was a very nice thing, so she gave him $5. Hey, it's a first tooth.
After school, as many of you know, Kieran goes to an aftercare program called Fitness Fun and Games. He'd been having a lot of trouble keeping his hands to himself and showing off his martial arts skills (inciting others to not keep their hands to themselves) but that had mostly gone after a new director took over.
There is another after-care program that runs from the recreational center attached to the school. Yesterday on the playground one of the rec center kids came over to where Kieran and his friends were playing. This kid began stating that while "everybody else likes Gracie, I don't." (Gracie is one of Kieran's best friends) Kieran and his friends walked away but this kid followed them and then started saying "Stop following me." but Kieran retorted "You're following us." It sounds like the kid came over and bothered them off and on for awhile. Finally, the kid was looking at the friends and said "I could beat you and you and you.." pointing at each one. Kieran got up and basically told him to prove it, because he did not think that the kid could beat him.
The director told me she had to 'pull Kieran off' the other kid. She was not angry about the incident, stating that if someone had bothered her that much she'd probably react in a similar manner. After talking with Kieran about it the only thing I asked he do differently next time is to talk to an adult. He did everything else right. He tried ignoring the kid, he tried walking away, and finally he stood up for himself. He said he blocked the other boy's kicks and was able to kick him (from the description it was a front kick about waist high on the other boy).
Kieran originally told me the other boy 'started it' but while talking with me, he realized that he was the one who began the physical confrontation, however, I'm not entirely sure I blame him for the way he reacted. He had done everything (mostly) we asked of him and he was really just trying to get the kid to leave him and his friends alone.
The director has promised to keep an eye out for this kid and asked Kieran to come find her or another adult if that kid bothers him again.
He lost his first tooth at school. They gave him a certificate, made sure it was in a bag and he got a sticker. He was the first one in his class to lose a tooth. He's very proud. So proud, in fact, that he required me to write a note to the tooth fairy apologizing, but saying he wanted to keep his tooth to remember. The tooth fairy thought that was a very nice thing, so she gave him $5. Hey, it's a first tooth.
After school, as many of you know, Kieran goes to an aftercare program called Fitness Fun and Games. He'd been having a lot of trouble keeping his hands to himself and showing off his martial arts skills (inciting others to not keep their hands to themselves) but that had mostly gone after a new director took over.
There is another after-care program that runs from the recreational center attached to the school. Yesterday on the playground one of the rec center kids came over to where Kieran and his friends were playing. This kid began stating that while "everybody else likes Gracie, I don't." (Gracie is one of Kieran's best friends) Kieran and his friends walked away but this kid followed them and then started saying "Stop following me." but Kieran retorted "You're following us." It sounds like the kid came over and bothered them off and on for awhile. Finally, the kid was looking at the friends and said "I could beat you and you and you.." pointing at each one. Kieran got up and basically told him to prove it, because he did not think that the kid could beat him.
The director told me she had to 'pull Kieran off' the other kid. She was not angry about the incident, stating that if someone had bothered her that much she'd probably react in a similar manner. After talking with Kieran about it the only thing I asked he do differently next time is to talk to an adult. He did everything else right. He tried ignoring the kid, he tried walking away, and finally he stood up for himself. He said he blocked the other boy's kicks and was able to kick him (from the description it was a front kick about waist high on the other boy).
Kieran originally told me the other boy 'started it' but while talking with me, he realized that he was the one who began the physical confrontation, however, I'm not entirely sure I blame him for the way he reacted. He had done everything (mostly) we asked of him and he was really just trying to get the kid to leave him and his friends alone.
The director has promised to keep an eye out for this kid and asked Kieran to come find her or another adult if that kid bothers him again.
Wednesday, June 05, 2013
A Break in the Action
We've been going non-stop since February with activity after activity. From tournaments in March to a piano recital this past weekend. Kieran has been crazy busy and when we're not at his activities we're enjoying the benefits of living downtown - walking to the Science Center, enjoying the Urban Beach days (DJ, toys for the kids, food trucks, etc), festivals, and whatever else we can find to entertain ourselves (for FREE) on the weekends.
This weekend is the first in a looooong time that we have no real planned activities. Kieran has a baseball game on Saturday and Kendo on Sunday but there is no tournament, recital or family event to attend. I am hopeful this means we can get some of the house cleaned up since my mother-in-law is coming in a few weeks and the house is a complete disaster. Mostly that means picking up things and putting them away, recycling the five tons of paper we have from Kieran's worksheets from this school year and general cleaning. Oh, and giving the dog a bath. DEFINITELY giving the dog a bath.
Not much is new since my last post. Amelia is surprisingly slow at talking. She's got a lot of words but only recently started putting a few words together (Mommy, sit! Up, please!). I admit we've been bad about forcing her to use her words and Kieran just wants to help so he gets what she wants when she points or uses only one word. Now that I realize it, we'll fix that. I expect that she'll be quite talkative once she's got it down.
Her birthday is at the end of the month and I still don't know what I'm going to do. Ken will be out of town on her actual birthday and the weekend after that most folk are out of town for the fourth of July holiday. Don't know if I'll need to do two parties (one when Ken is here and one when he's out) or if we'll forge forward with the 6th knowing most folk won't make it. But I have to figure that out pretty quickly.
Kieran is looking forward to summer camp and we've got to get him set up quick too. I think he needs new shoes and possibly some swimsuits. I need to have him try those on this weekend. Hm. My weekend isn't looking so 'free' anymore...
After this weekend we have another crazy busy one next weekend, one more 'restful' weekend before true summer craziness sets in.
But I don't know that I'd trade the craziness of being busy for having nothing to do. While it can be frustrating to not have the time to get things done around the house, it is wonderful to be able to enjoy time with the family each and every weekend.
This weekend is the first in a looooong time that we have no real planned activities. Kieran has a baseball game on Saturday and Kendo on Sunday but there is no tournament, recital or family event to attend. I am hopeful this means we can get some of the house cleaned up since my mother-in-law is coming in a few weeks and the house is a complete disaster. Mostly that means picking up things and putting them away, recycling the five tons of paper we have from Kieran's worksheets from this school year and general cleaning. Oh, and giving the dog a bath. DEFINITELY giving the dog a bath.
Not much is new since my last post. Amelia is surprisingly slow at talking. She's got a lot of words but only recently started putting a few words together (Mommy, sit! Up, please!). I admit we've been bad about forcing her to use her words and Kieran just wants to help so he gets what she wants when she points or uses only one word. Now that I realize it, we'll fix that. I expect that she'll be quite talkative once she's got it down.
Her birthday is at the end of the month and I still don't know what I'm going to do. Ken will be out of town on her actual birthday and the weekend after that most folk are out of town for the fourth of July holiday. Don't know if I'll need to do two parties (one when Ken is here and one when he's out) or if we'll forge forward with the 6th knowing most folk won't make it. But I have to figure that out pretty quickly.
Kieran is looking forward to summer camp and we've got to get him set up quick too. I think he needs new shoes and possibly some swimsuits. I need to have him try those on this weekend. Hm. My weekend isn't looking so 'free' anymore...
After this weekend we have another crazy busy one next weekend, one more 'restful' weekend before true summer craziness sets in.
But I don't know that I'd trade the craziness of being busy for having nothing to do. While it can be frustrating to not have the time to get things done around the house, it is wonderful to be able to enjoy time with the family each and every weekend.
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