Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Friday, August 23, 2013
Quick Kieran Stories
A variety of stories, all of which happened yesterday or today.
Yesterday was Sneak a Peek at Your Seat night at Kieran's school. It's a great event, the kids get to see their friends, meet their teacher, see their new classroom, locker, etc. Kieran's new teacher seems great and I'm excited for the new year. He, however, made us go in and out of her classroom no less than 4 times while he waited for his best friend, Tobin to arrive. Luckily, his teacher doesn't have them sitting next to each other.
On our walk back from that, Kieran and I were talking about eating too much and gaining weight. He suggested that I'd have another baby in my belly from that. I told him no, that his dad and I are done having kids. He looked at me, disappointed. When I asked him about it, he said he'd like to us to have five kids (I did not ask if that was five more or just five total). Why five? He shrugged and said "Then, I'd always have someone to play with."
As if seeing his new classroom was not enough excitement, Ken got to take Kieran to the Ravens preseason last night against North Carolina. They had a good time, but the funniest part was Kieran looking over the program for the game. He came to a page that had the Ravens cheerleaders on one side and a woman in a bikini on the other. He stopped, did a double-take and then smiled and pointed for his dad to see. When asked why he liked it, he could not articulate an answer. Yeah, our boy is growing up.
Finally, this morning on the way to his last day of karate camp for the summer, Kieran and I were playing our alphabet game. I started this when he was learning his letters as a way for his to play in the car. You spot a a letter and then move on to the next. This morning, Kieran wanted to make it more challenging so instead of just spotting the letter you had to spot a thing (or an emotion) that began with the letter (ex. A = arrows, b = bushes, bus, c= cars, etc). We got to X and Kieran suggested that we allow ourselves to spot something that contains the letter instead of something that starts with it. I agreed and told him I saw he was "excited" about camp today. I said I didn't think we'd see any x-ray machines or xylophones on our way to camp. Then he said it would be strange to see a xylophone on the side of the road. Or one that was a car. I asked if it would make noise/music any time you went over a bump. This made him laugh. "Oh mom," he said, "you crack me up."
It's what I do, kiddo.
Yesterday was Sneak a Peek at Your Seat night at Kieran's school. It's a great event, the kids get to see their friends, meet their teacher, see their new classroom, locker, etc. Kieran's new teacher seems great and I'm excited for the new year. He, however, made us go in and out of her classroom no less than 4 times while he waited for his best friend, Tobin to arrive. Luckily, his teacher doesn't have them sitting next to each other.
On our walk back from that, Kieran and I were talking about eating too much and gaining weight. He suggested that I'd have another baby in my belly from that. I told him no, that his dad and I are done having kids. He looked at me, disappointed. When I asked him about it, he said he'd like to us to have five kids (I did not ask if that was five more or just five total). Why five? He shrugged and said "Then, I'd always have someone to play with."
As if seeing his new classroom was not enough excitement, Ken got to take Kieran to the Ravens preseason last night against North Carolina. They had a good time, but the funniest part was Kieran looking over the program for the game. He came to a page that had the Ravens cheerleaders on one side and a woman in a bikini on the other. He stopped, did a double-take and then smiled and pointed for his dad to see. When asked why he liked it, he could not articulate an answer. Yeah, our boy is growing up.
Finally, this morning on the way to his last day of karate camp for the summer, Kieran and I were playing our alphabet game. I started this when he was learning his letters as a way for his to play in the car. You spot a a letter and then move on to the next. This morning, Kieran wanted to make it more challenging so instead of just spotting the letter you had to spot a thing (or an emotion) that began with the letter (ex. A = arrows, b = bushes, bus, c= cars, etc). We got to X and Kieran suggested that we allow ourselves to spot something that contains the letter instead of something that starts with it. I agreed and told him I saw he was "excited" about camp today. I said I didn't think we'd see any x-ray machines or xylophones on our way to camp. Then he said it would be strange to see a xylophone on the side of the road. Or one that was a car. I asked if it would make noise/music any time you went over a bump. This made him laugh. "Oh mom," he said, "you crack me up."
It's what I do, kiddo.
Monday, August 19, 2013
Vacation, at Last and Other Stories
We finally took a (very small) vacation this summer. Went to Hersheypark. I don't think I have been since I was 10 or younger. Ken had never been (and was not thrilled about the idea of going to a park that was dedicated to sweets). The kids had a BLAST. Though we got delayed in getting there because of traffic, we spent an amazing 7 hours at the park. Amelia loved the carousel (which she rode at least 4 times) but hated the water park. Kieran and I waited in line for one of the big waterslides for about 45 minutes and loved every minute of it while we poured/shot water on those below us (or got shot/dumped on from those above us). Kieran rode the Comet coaster and a bunch of smaller rides with his sister (and some without her or us, which I think he loved). He is still wearing his "Reese's" bracelet, that identified how tall he is and which rides he could ride. I think if it ever falls off (or requires to be cut off) he is going to be devastated.
Ken and I had fun and learned a few things from this trip. I think we'd go again next year (time and money allowing) and do it differently.
In the meantime, we've done something crazy and gotten a foster dog. Chewy (formerly Armand) needed a short-term foster to be rescued from the local shelter. He's nothing but skin and bones and has been very sweet. He has Lyme's disease (which is treatable and not communicable to us or Devin). Devin is enjoying having another dog to play with. The cats have not forgiven Ken. I'm not sure they ever will. He's a good dog, but I am definitely looking forward to him moving on to either a long-term foster or his forever home (we've been "shopping" him around the neighborhood) as two dogs is just too much for me. Thankfully, Ken agreed to take on all the dog walks while Chewy is around.
And now various stories....
Yesterday the dogs had been playing (loudly) and Ken told them "Enough!". They quieted down and laid down. Ken went to use the bathroom and while he was gone the dogs started playing again. I let them play as they were fine but it escalated a bit (aka got noisy) and just as I stood up to tell them to "Knock it off," Ken came back in the room. They both settled very quickly and looked at Ken as if to say "I don't know what she's talking about. We've just been sitting here quietly this whole time." Ken and I could not stop laughing at how the dogs really thought they had pulled one over on him.
Then this morning, I was changing Amelia for daycare. I had her diaper off and was trying to get her new one on when she got up and ran into her closet giggling. I don't care if she goes bare butt for awhile but I saw her straining as if to poop. Quickly I grabbed her and ran to Kieran's room (where the bathroom is) and put her on the toilet. Immediately she says "All done potty." I told her no and to sit there for a few minutes longer. Then I smell poop. I look in the toilet - no poop. Then, I look down. *sigh* She missed the toilet by about 2 steps and I stepped into it. Had to clean her, the floor and carpet as well as my shoes. Got all that done, got her and Kieran downstairs where I started packing Kieran up to go. Then, right as Ken left to walk the dogs one last time, she looks at me and says "Poo," which typically means she's just gone. Sure enough, she pooped again in her fresh pull-up. I will be very happy when potty training is done.
Yesterday evening I took Kieran to the park to play with some of his friends (there was a concert in the park and most kids/parents from his school hang there). He brought a pin for his friend, Gracie. He gave it to her and then quickly ran away. I think our boy may have a small crush. Anyway, after playing for about an hour, it was time for Gracie to head home. First she told her dad she'd sleep in the park, then she insisted that Kieran was going to come and sleep over. Kieran was good with the idea but her dad (and I) were not. He was pretty angry by the time we got home but eventually apologized to me. His sass level has increased quite a bit and I let him know that he's got to work on the back-talk he gives me (and other adults). It is OK for him to tell me he's too angry to talk, but it's not OK for him to backtalk me. He promises to work on it. I guess it's better than his hitting/kicking/biting.
That's all, blog again sometime....
Ken and I had fun and learned a few things from this trip. I think we'd go again next year (time and money allowing) and do it differently.
In the meantime, we've done something crazy and gotten a foster dog. Chewy (formerly Armand) needed a short-term foster to be rescued from the local shelter. He's nothing but skin and bones and has been very sweet. He has Lyme's disease (which is treatable and not communicable to us or Devin). Devin is enjoying having another dog to play with. The cats have not forgiven Ken. I'm not sure they ever will. He's a good dog, but I am definitely looking forward to him moving on to either a long-term foster or his forever home (we've been "shopping" him around the neighborhood) as two dogs is just too much for me. Thankfully, Ken agreed to take on all the dog walks while Chewy is around.
And now various stories....
Yesterday the dogs had been playing (loudly) and Ken told them "Enough!". They quieted down and laid down. Ken went to use the bathroom and while he was gone the dogs started playing again. I let them play as they were fine but it escalated a bit (aka got noisy) and just as I stood up to tell them to "Knock it off," Ken came back in the room. They both settled very quickly and looked at Ken as if to say "I don't know what she's talking about. We've just been sitting here quietly this whole time." Ken and I could not stop laughing at how the dogs really thought they had pulled one over on him.
Then this morning, I was changing Amelia for daycare. I had her diaper off and was trying to get her new one on when she got up and ran into her closet giggling. I don't care if she goes bare butt for awhile but I saw her straining as if to poop. Quickly I grabbed her and ran to Kieran's room (where the bathroom is) and put her on the toilet. Immediately she says "All done potty." I told her no and to sit there for a few minutes longer. Then I smell poop. I look in the toilet - no poop. Then, I look down. *sigh* She missed the toilet by about 2 steps and I stepped into it. Had to clean her, the floor and carpet as well as my shoes. Got all that done, got her and Kieran downstairs where I started packing Kieran up to go. Then, right as Ken left to walk the dogs one last time, she looks at me and says "Poo," which typically means she's just gone. Sure enough, she pooped again in her fresh pull-up. I will be very happy when potty training is done.
Yesterday evening I took Kieran to the park to play with some of his friends (there was a concert in the park and most kids/parents from his school hang there). He brought a pin for his friend, Gracie. He gave it to her and then quickly ran away. I think our boy may have a small crush. Anyway, after playing for about an hour, it was time for Gracie to head home. First she told her dad she'd sleep in the park, then she insisted that Kieran was going to come and sleep over. Kieran was good with the idea but her dad (and I) were not. He was pretty angry by the time we got home but eventually apologized to me. His sass level has increased quite a bit and I let him know that he's got to work on the back-talk he gives me (and other adults). It is OK for him to tell me he's too angry to talk, but it's not OK for him to backtalk me. He promises to work on it. I guess it's better than his hitting/kicking/biting.
That's all, blog again sometime....
Wednesday, August 07, 2013
Quick Update
Not a whole lot to report. Amelia had been sleeping very poorly and in the morning told Ken "neck hurt". After two days of that we took her to the doctor (yes she cried that entire visit as well). Doctor did a quick Strep test but found nothing. Said maybe she was getting over something and that was what was causing all the sleep issues. While there, Ken saw a black spot on the back of her upper front teeth that both he and the doctor could not get off. 'Oh crap!' we thought 'cavity!'.
Took her to the dentist (she complained/cried most of that visit too, but not as loudly as the doctor's office), thankfully no cavity. But at least it did get us to recognize we had not been brushing her teeth as we should have. That problem is solved.
Kieran has been doing well at camp these past few weeks, but as school draw closer I can tell it gets harder for him to keep it together as he is super-excited to see his friends again. We went to a friend's birthday party last weekend and the funniest part of that was that one of his friends that he hasn't seen all summer, Tobin, was spotted by Amelia. She got crazy-excited, ran over to him and gave him a huge hug. Kieran was pretty much ignored by her from that point forward during the party. Pretty funny - but it just goes to show that we'll have to keep a close eye on Kieran's friends around Mia as she gets older (and her too, as I think she may now have her first crush).
OK back to it. Love to all, blog again eventually.
Took her to the dentist (she complained/cried most of that visit too, but not as loudly as the doctor's office), thankfully no cavity. But at least it did get us to recognize we had not been brushing her teeth as we should have. That problem is solved.
Kieran has been doing well at camp these past few weeks, but as school draw closer I can tell it gets harder for him to keep it together as he is super-excited to see his friends again. We went to a friend's birthday party last weekend and the funniest part of that was that one of his friends that he hasn't seen all summer, Tobin, was spotted by Amelia. She got crazy-excited, ran over to him and gave him a huge hug. Kieran was pretty much ignored by her from that point forward during the party. Pretty funny - but it just goes to show that we'll have to keep a close eye on Kieran's friends around Mia as she gets older (and her too, as I think she may now have her first crush).
OK back to it. Love to all, blog again eventually.
Saturday, July 27, 2013
A Good Week
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.
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.
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.
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