We're on our last chapter of By the Shores of Silver Lake in the Laura Ingalls Wilder series; it's all set for bedtime. The last chapter is only about 4 pages, so I'm betting we start the next one before the kids will go to bed willingly. Laithe really wants to read Farmer Boy, but Guthrie is loathe to not hear about Laura. I think the only reason Laithe is keeps asking for it is because there's a boy on the cover. Which, if you must know is the exact reason I never read that one as a child. We did read Little House in the Big Woods, Little House on the Prairie, and On the Banks of Plum Creek though.
We started the series in late October and I'm surprised Guthrie is as in love with it as she is. I tried it about a year ago, maybe right before Guthrie turned 5, and she was not at all interested. I'm so glad I tried again! I'll be super curious to see if she likes the next few - as Laura gets older.
I've been very cautious to not show her too much of Laura's "real life" via the internet or heaven forbid the show. I have nothing against the show at all - in fact I think I've seen every episode. I just really want these characters and the locations to hold a strong space in her imagination for awhile. We did get out the atlas though and trace their journeys. Our trip across the great prairie this fall certainly helped with our imaginations. Having seen that wide open, somewhat barren space in person really set the stage.
I didn't really give the kids any background information about the Ingalls' life - just that they were a family that lived a long time ago. It wasn't until On the Banks of Plum Creek that Guthrie figured out they had no tv or "electrics." I'm not sure what tipped her off. We do frequent an Amish community outside of Iowa City - they have a great grocery store - so I guess it wasn't completely jarring when I talked about lighting lamps and having to use a wood stove to keep warm and traveling by horse and wagon or buggy. Or maybe it just didn't occur to her at all. I didn't question her too much about it.
I have edited out some of the content. I figure my kids have their whole homeschooling career to be taught about massacres and we don't need to start just yet. The racism has been interesting though, as has the corporal punishment, as has ma's requiring Laura to be a teacher. Really I would expect any chapter books we read to bring up subjects that we don't talk about in our every day lives. I would also expect us to be able to have discussions about values and differences of era and the Laura books really fit the bill for that.
Today Guthrie asked me if Ma and Pa ever argued. I said that they do, it just sounds different than when mom and dad do, or when her and Laithe do. She asked why and I talked about how Ma and Pa have a different relationship than mom and dad do and that Pa makes the final decisions in the family many, many times and Ma doesn't question him. She mused that it would be nice if I would just let John make most of the final decisions.
I mused that children should be seen and not heard. Ahem.
I think one of my favorite things about reading the series as a parent is that almost every chapter ends with the family going to bed. The chapter might include a number of days, or even weeks, but it almost always ends with pa getting out his fiddle and singing with the family until bedtime. We almost always read before bedtime and rest time and the few cliff hangers have resulted in excited kids and multiple chapters read, which isn't bad, but every night would be a bit much.
I think I'm going to try and convince Laithe to wait until after The Long Winter to read Farmer Boy because I really want to read it while it's cold, you know? And then maybe Guthrie will be interested in reading about Almanzo and his horses.
Though this totally sounds like a sponsored post it isn't. Although, the bindings on all of my books are falling apart, so if someone would like to make this a sponsored post, I would be all about it!
Showing posts with label toddler love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label toddler love. Show all posts
January 28, 2013
October 23, 2012
two and a half
This son of ours turned two and a half right before we left for Yellowstone. We totally missed it as it was the day Guthrie had to go to Urgent Care for her first of several urine tests. But then I feel like we made up for it because a few days later there were bison at eye level outside his window. There's a difference though between two and two and a half. A fairly significant one I'd say. A lot more talking, a lot more frustration, a lot more joy. A lot more knock knock jokes and cracking yourself up. A lot more secret jokes between you and your sister - and a lot less following her around I've noticed.
There 5 kids between the ages of 1 and 9 that live right in a row on our street- our house is in the middle. We were all out the other night, I was talking to the one year old's parents and it was pretty dark - because it was all of 7:00. I'm not entirely ready for this darkness just yet! Anyways, all of the kids were playing monster. There was supposedly a monster loose in our yard and they all gathered on our steps to shriek and hide. Except Laithe. Who pushed his way to the front and brandished his imaginary sword and, I believe, slayed the monster. He was very pleased with himself.
The year of two is certainly not the easiest. It's an all or nothing that reminds me of the newborn days. Is it just my kids or does the even keelness really not start until your past 5?
The same mom next door and I were musing about how neither of us were prepared for the sheer physicalness of boys. Everything is done at a run, loudly, with a joie de vivre or, you know, not. Everything must be climbed and explored and conquered; dragons slain.
He is a brave little monkey. Assuring us "Own Self! And I love to be able to say yes to him- because he hears his name called with a warning behind it altogether too much. That will pass.
Probably.
There are a few videos we'd like to get of him, but more and more he has the beginnings of self-consciousness. Last week he was breaking it down to a commercial during the football game and when he realized we were all paying attention to him he screamed out "No watch me!" and then when we all looked appropriately busy he recommenced with dancing that causes me to worry for him when he is tall and 14. And in public.
But for now, he loves to sing for almost anyone in his great big voice. So here you go:
And yes, he is playing with my sewing pins, lining them up in the table crevice. Got tired of saying, 'no, pins are dangerous' because really, they're not so much. i mean he did stab himself in the neck, but in the next breath said, 'yes, sharp' and totally crack up laughing. So, we're good to go I think. And he's singing a combo of "Sleep Eye" a Woody Guthrie song redone by Elizabeth Mitchell- awesome album - and the Witch Doctor song - you know, walla walla bing bang, with some extra humor thrown in because he's two and he's funny. Enjoy!
There 5 kids between the ages of 1 and 9 that live right in a row on our street- our house is in the middle. We were all out the other night, I was talking to the one year old's parents and it was pretty dark - because it was all of 7:00. I'm not entirely ready for this darkness just yet! Anyways, all of the kids were playing monster. There was supposedly a monster loose in our yard and they all gathered on our steps to shriek and hide. Except Laithe. Who pushed his way to the front and brandished his imaginary sword and, I believe, slayed the monster. He was very pleased with himself.
The year of two is certainly not the easiest. It's an all or nothing that reminds me of the newborn days. Is it just my kids or does the even keelness really not start until your past 5?
The same mom next door and I were musing about how neither of us were prepared for the sheer physicalness of boys. Everything is done at a run, loudly, with a joie de vivre or, you know, not. Everything must be climbed and explored and conquered; dragons slain.
He is a brave little monkey. Assuring us "Own Self! And I love to be able to say yes to him- because he hears his name called with a warning behind it altogether too much. That will pass.
Probably.
There are a few videos we'd like to get of him, but more and more he has the beginnings of self-consciousness. Last week he was breaking it down to a commercial during the football game and when he realized we were all paying attention to him he screamed out "No watch me!" and then when we all looked appropriately busy he recommenced with dancing that causes me to worry for him when he is tall and 14. And in public.
But for now, he loves to sing for almost anyone in his great big voice. So here you go:
And yes, he is playing with my sewing pins, lining them up in the table crevice. Got tired of saying, 'no, pins are dangerous' because really, they're not so much. i mean he did stab himself in the neck, but in the next breath said, 'yes, sharp' and totally crack up laughing. So, we're good to go I think. And he's singing a combo of "Sleep Eye" a Woody Guthrie song redone by Elizabeth Mitchell- awesome album - and the Witch Doctor song - you know, walla walla bing bang, with some extra humor thrown in because he's two and he's funny. Enjoy!
August 20, 2012
first day of school 2012
Guthrie
Grade: Kindergarten
Age: 5
Age: 5
School: Home
Outfit: Drop waist dress of hot pink and white stripes with floral skirt
ruffles. Rose accent on the shoulder (her favorite part). Black capri
leggings only decided on halfway through pictures because it was chilly.
Gold sequin sparkle shoes. (outfit was chosen with so much care that she wouldn't lay out her clothes last night for fear Dad would see them and not be surprised at breakfast this morning, hence a mother's obligation to record and describe it perfectly.)
Laithe
Age: 2
Grade: most pre of the preschool
School: Home
Outfit: Favorite firetruck shirt. Khaki shorts. Crocs, no back strap. The cause of much frustration.
possibly my favorite picture of the day.
their juxtaposed expressions pretty much sum them up.
and the day went accordingly!
mama's got her hands full!
wonderfully full!
check out our past years first day of school pics -- can you believe how little she was that first year?
August 2, 2012
peer pressure
G: no, give me your arm! i promise, it'll only sting for a little bit.
L: NOOOO!
G: come on, i'm serious.
*silence*
L: What the? pfft.
in 15 years i'm pretty sure this will be the sound of Laithe's first tattoo.
****
for the record, i still have no idea what that was about, but apparently it did only sting for a little bit.
June 24, 2012
knock, knock
Knock-knock
Who's there?
Car
Car who?
Guthrie.
I know. Awesome isn't it? Laithe made it up. Told ad nauseum and it's slightly less awesome.
I texted Melissa, after about 20 minutes of said knock-knock, that it would be funnier if I were drunk.
She said it probably wouldn't help much.
She's probably right.
In other news, Laithe sat on the potty.
This is a huge improvement over throwing the potty across the room don't you think?
But then he peed on the Hungry Hungry Hippo game.
You win some you lose some I guess.
Guthrie's best yet knock-knock:
Knock knock
Who's there?
Cash
Cash who?
Where's your nuts?
It's good puns are semi-lost on the young.
Who's there?
Car
Car who?
Guthrie.
I know. Awesome isn't it? Laithe made it up. Told ad nauseum and it's slightly less awesome.
I texted Melissa, after about 20 minutes of said knock-knock, that it would be funnier if I were drunk.
She said it probably wouldn't help much.
She's probably right.
In other news, Laithe sat on the potty.
This is a huge improvement over throwing the potty across the room don't you think?
But then he peed on the Hungry Hungry Hippo game.
You win some you lose some I guess.
Guthrie's best yet knock-knock:
Knock knock
Who's there?
Cash
Cash who?
Where's your nuts?
It's good puns are semi-lost on the young.
April 20, 2012
i take it back
Seems that object permanence is more of a learning curve than I'd realized.
See that kid with his eyes closed?
Closed eyes = invisibility.
Obviously the permanence doesn't apply to him.
See that kid with his eyes closed?
Closed eyes = invisibility.
Obviously the permanence doesn't apply to him.
March 26, 2012
guy?
Laithe's been dabbling in object permanence as of late.
Multiple times a day he'll run down the list of immediate family members asking where they are. He knows they exist now even if he can't see them or see their car. Or shoes. Ma, Da, Dietah, Guthrie, Amie? Pop Pop? Work? Home? School? Car? After I've told him where each person is he says "oh" all serious and with a tiny smile, like 'I know this makes you slightly crazy and I love it, but thank you because I feel like we're having a real conversation!' I love that he's figuring things out but heaven forbid John and I switch cars for the day. Oh the rigidity of toddlers.
Saturday though kind of took the cake. We're hitting our limit with Mediacom and had the repair man out one last time to see if they can make our internet better. So, what it's been 3 days? Here's how it goes now. Ma? Da? Guthrie? Amie? Dietah? Pop Pop? . . . Guy? Guy? Guy?
Guy being the cable guy and, dude I have no idea where he is. Except I've kind of started to make up this imaginary life for the cable guy. He's at home with his kids. He's driving around in his white van that you loved so much - with ladders! He's sleeping. He's grocery shopping. He's eating dinner. Just so I can give Laithe an answer.
We're not introducing Laithe to anyone new for at least 6 months. For my sanity more than his at this point I think.
Multiple times a day he'll run down the list of immediate family members asking where they are. He knows they exist now even if he can't see them or see their car. Or shoes. Ma, Da, Dietah, Guthrie, Amie? Pop Pop? Work? Home? School? Car? After I've told him where each person is he says "oh" all serious and with a tiny smile, like 'I know this makes you slightly crazy and I love it, but thank you because I feel like we're having a real conversation!' I love that he's figuring things out but heaven forbid John and I switch cars for the day. Oh the rigidity of toddlers.
Saturday though kind of took the cake. We're hitting our limit with Mediacom and had the repair man out one last time to see if they can make our internet better. So, what it's been 3 days? Here's how it goes now. Ma? Da? Guthrie? Amie? Dietah? Pop Pop? . . . Guy? Guy? Guy?
Guy being the cable guy and, dude I have no idea where he is. Except I've kind of started to make up this imaginary life for the cable guy. He's at home with his kids. He's driving around in his white van that you loved so much - with ladders! He's sleeping. He's grocery shopping. He's eating dinner. Just so I can give Laithe an answer.
We're not introducing Laithe to anyone new for at least 6 months. For my sanity more than his at this point I think.
March 2, 2011
One Year Old
Happy Happy Birthday to our sweet son.
You have brought so much to our family. You're kind of an incredible little guy. So focused on whatever has caught your attention, yet so completely aware of what is going on around you. So sure of yourself and your space. We watch you in a kind of awe.
We love your kisses and cuddles. We love you so very very much.
You have brought so much to our family. You're kind of an incredible little guy. So focused on whatever has caught your attention, yet so completely aware of what is going on around you. So sure of yourself and your space. We watch you in a kind of awe.
We love your kisses and cuddles. We love you so very very much.
October 10, 2009
happy 1st snowfall!!!
I woke up early this morning with a huge burst of energy. My inner voice said 'dude, take advantage of this one. get going on that Halloween costume.' So I started working on it and Guthrie started playing her new favorite thing - Wii Fit. John bought it for me this week and I was so excited and it has been completely taken over by our apparent exercise fiend. It doesn't help that it's so much fun!I was about to say, ok one more game and that's it when I looked up and outside and lo and behold SNOW!!! Are you kidding me?
It's the 10th of October.
Never in my life . . .
Just a few beautiful flakes that look so incongruous with our still green grass and barely turning yellow leaves.
Of course we had to go play.
In our pjs and winter accessories. (Good thing I got those out this week!)
Guthrie is SO excited. I can't imagine the level of thrill when she wakes up to it actually having covered the ground.
Forget the Halloween decorations I was planning on making with Guthrie this afternoon! I want to make snowflakes! But, that's kind of mostly ridiculous.Also we told Guthrie back in umm, May that she couldn't watch A Christmas Story until it at least snowed.
Guess what she asked for as soon as we came inside?Yeah, I'll never give that as a timeline again!
And we're suddenly unsure about going apple picking this afternoon. Either way, we'll probably remember this first snowfall for a long time! The baby seems to be super excited today too. There's been steady movement since I woke up with a huge amount of kicking while we were outside and Guthrie was screaming about the snow. When I was pregnant with Guthrie I could not wait until the weather turned cooler because that meant that Guthrie would be born soon. This time I've been significantly less impatient, but in my head I've been waiting for the snow to begin to welcome our winter baby. I had no idea the welcoming process would start so early!!
September 28, 2009
August 26, 2009
all things preschool
Three days down and two to go and we'll have completed the first week of preschool!
Here are the awaited front stoop pictures. Such a right of passage those obligatory- stand on the steps and don't move!- photos. I have a suspicion that the look of excitement kind of peaked this year. I also have a suspicion that I will try to remember to at least pick up the front porch before next year but that I probably won't.
She is very proud of her outfit and has been tearfully disappointed that she's not been able to wear the pink dress every day this week. Which, actually she thinks is just a really long shirt. We let her pick out everything for the day. In her backpack are Rar and Meow her school support system. Up to this point she's never really had a transitional object- you know, a blanket, a pacifier, a stuffed animal, something to keep something about her situation the same. About a month ago though Rar the tiger started making appearances more often. So, off to school he goes.
We had let her know the schedule for the morning several times over the weekend and she was still surprised and horrified when I said goodbye to her. There were many, many tears and her teacher finally pulled her into her arms and I walked out the door. They said she was fine after a little bit.
The second day was a little better. John was with me and he's a little more able to walk away than I am. I had to go stand out by the car.
The third day, this morning, was much better. I'm not sure if it was the promise (read: bribe) of a surprise after school if there were no tears or if she's just getting more used to it. Probably both.
Every day though upon pick up she's been thrilled and full of excitement about her day. My mom commented, after watching her yesterday afternoon, that she already seems to be talking more and I wonder if it's that she's got so much more to talk about. Her very own experiences.
Every day they send home a folder with communication and stuff in it and yesterday we got our first preschool pictures. A beetle and a stoplight. Guthrie has a special place in her heart for stop signs and stoplights. I was thrilled to get the pictures though. Again, such a right of passage.
And such a call for some sort of organizational tool!!
I know you're wondering how we did as the parents. John did good I think. Sad, but good. I however was a stinking mess. Like way more than Guthrie. I'm sure it's partly the head cold and pregnancy hormones along with my baby growing up.
I teared up (at minimum) at the following times:
- helping her get dressed
- before breakfast
- taking pictures
- driving into the school parking lot
- leaving Guthrie (duh)
- driving out of the parking lot
- driving to the coffee shop to meet my mom
- in the coffee shop bathroom
- in the actual coffee shop
- on the way home after coffee
- random times throughout the morning
- and finally when I got there a little early to pick her up and she didn't see me and watching her so carefully watch the other kids and listen to what her teacher was telling the class to do.
Told you - total mess.
Kathleen you're next. And Melissa I can't believe Zoe is starting Kindergarten next week.
I hope you survive a little better than I did :)
Here are the awaited front stoop pictures. Such a right of passage those obligatory- stand on the steps and don't move!- photos. I have a suspicion that the look of excitement kind of peaked this year. I also have a suspicion that I will try to remember to at least pick up the front porch before next year but that I probably won't.
She is very proud of her outfit and has been tearfully disappointed that she's not been able to wear the pink dress every day this week. Which, actually she thinks is just a really long shirt. We let her pick out everything for the day. In her backpack are Rar and Meow her school support system. Up to this point she's never really had a transitional object- you know, a blanket, a pacifier, a stuffed animal, something to keep something about her situation the same. About a month ago though Rar the tiger started making appearances more often. So, off to school he goes.
We had let her know the schedule for the morning several times over the weekend and she was still surprised and horrified when I said goodbye to her. There were many, many tears and her teacher finally pulled her into her arms and I walked out the door. They said she was fine after a little bit.
The second day was a little better. John was with me and he's a little more able to walk away than I am. I had to go stand out by the car.
The third day, this morning, was much better. I'm not sure if it was the promise (read: bribe) of a surprise after school if there were no tears or if she's just getting more used to it. Probably both.
Every day though upon pick up she's been thrilled and full of excitement about her day. My mom commented, after watching her yesterday afternoon, that she already seems to be talking more and I wonder if it's that she's got so much more to talk about. Her very own experiences.
Every day they send home a folder with communication and stuff in it and yesterday we got our first preschool pictures. A beetle and a stoplight. Guthrie has a special place in her heart for stop signs and stoplights. I was thrilled to get the pictures though. Again, such a right of passage.
And such a call for some sort of organizational tool!!
I know you're wondering how we did as the parents. John did good I think. Sad, but good. I however was a stinking mess. Like way more than Guthrie. I'm sure it's partly the head cold and pregnancy hormones along with my baby growing up.
I teared up (at minimum) at the following times:
- helping her get dressed
- before breakfast
- taking pictures
- driving into the school parking lot
- leaving Guthrie (duh)
- driving out of the parking lot
- driving to the coffee shop to meet my mom
- in the coffee shop bathroom
- in the actual coffee shop
- on the way home after coffee
- random times throughout the morning
- and finally when I got there a little early to pick her up and she didn't see me and watching her so carefully watch the other kids and listen to what her teacher was telling the class to do.
Told you - total mess.
Kathleen you're next. And Melissa I can't believe Zoe is starting Kindergarten next week.
I hope you survive a little better than I did :)
August 23, 2009
big day tomorrow
Yes, indeed.
Guthrie's First Day of School.
Ever.
The new dress that she picked out is washed and ready to go.
The backpack is packed, except for Rar the tiger.
The sausage patties are waiting for us in the fridge because Guthrie said, "Gus yike dis." I said, "Really? When did you have them?" "At Gus' house." Huh.
This is the new answer for everything. Apparently our house is home to many strange and parentally unknown activities. Like sausage patties.
And I completely can't sleep. I'm sure pregnancy will take over soon, but for now I'm awake.
What if she cries when I leave? Like really, truly cries? And will it be better if she just skips off without a backward glance?
This isn't just preschool for us, it's the first time she's ever been anywhere without a family member. The two times she's been babysat by friends I think she was too young to remember. So, I don't know. I'm all freaked out that somehow I've 'done her wrong' and should have exposed her to more babysitters or experiences without us. She's not even 3 years old yet though, so really how many experiences should she be having?
I was at a meeting with some co-workers last week and the one girl, with a son slightly younger than Gus, talked of leaving her son with her parents for monthly weekends beginning when he was 2 months old. She says it is the best thing for her marriage and for her son. And part of me wonders if I should be more like that, whatever 'that' is. But I'm not. As parents, John and I are just not like that. And I'm not judging her, please don't think that, because I know everyone in that situation is happy just like I know that everyone in this situation is happy. And that's good family life.
It just makes you reevaluate how you're doing things. You know? It didn't necessarily help that the other woman, after I said that John and I had not had a night away together since Gus has been born, said her and her husband hadn't either for several years and now they're divorced. She was quick to say, not that I think the same thing will happen to you! But the thought was obviously there on all our parts. I'm inclined to believe that divorce is complicated and while no weekends away might have been a symptom of the problem, it certainly wasn't the disease. I felt like I handled it ok and was happy to come home to find my husband and daughter napping together in what is, a majority of the time, still a family bed. And I was happy to join them and know that this stage won't last forever and I will cherish every second I can.
So, here's to new experiences and new friends and more independence on everyone's parts. I, for one, am looking forward to my weekly day off and a chunk of time to spend alone in the morning while Gus is at school. I think John is thinking the same for his Tuesday mornings. And I'm so looking forward to the things she is going to learn! How exciting!
One more thing and then I swear I will end the world's longest blog post not necessarily about preschool! We went to her classroom's open house last week and it was great. The classroom looked just like the kind of classroom I'd always wanted and could never have. And you know what it comes down to? Curriculum. How weird is that? In the curriculum I had to follow there were a certain number of things that had to be in the room at all times and within those certain things a specific number of items. Like blocks. 350 plain tan blocks of various sizes. 150 colored blocks of various sizes. Foam blocks. Wooden blocks. Plastic blocks.
I get the theory- provide enough choices for everyone and enough materials for multiple kids in a center. But it was chaos folks. Utter chaos. No one needs that many choices, let alone a 3 year old. My ability to focus in that classroom was nil - no wonder the kids had a hard time too.
Not so in Gus' new classroom. Simple shelves. Wooden toys. Clear boundaries and clear areas for specific tasks. Of course there's a big empty space for games and songs and creative play, but it's all just so manageable. I watched new kids come into my classroom for the first time and be completely overwhelmed. I watched all the new kids in Guthrie's classroom be able to navigate easily and focus on what interested them without getting distracted. When they were done they moved on. It was like watching a procession. I think I'm gonna like this Montessori thing. I might not agree with all of it, but I think the benefits will outweigh everything else. I'll let you know in a few months!
So, wish us luck. There will be pics tomorrow of course!
Guthrie's First Day of School.
Ever.
The new dress that she picked out is washed and ready to go.
The backpack is packed, except for Rar the tiger.
The sausage patties are waiting for us in the fridge because Guthrie said, "Gus yike dis." I said, "Really? When did you have them?" "At Gus' house." Huh.
This is the new answer for everything. Apparently our house is home to many strange and parentally unknown activities. Like sausage patties.
And I completely can't sleep. I'm sure pregnancy will take over soon, but for now I'm awake.
What if she cries when I leave? Like really, truly cries? And will it be better if she just skips off without a backward glance?
This isn't just preschool for us, it's the first time she's ever been anywhere without a family member. The two times she's been babysat by friends I think she was too young to remember. So, I don't know. I'm all freaked out that somehow I've 'done her wrong' and should have exposed her to more babysitters or experiences without us. She's not even 3 years old yet though, so really how many experiences should she be having?
I was at a meeting with some co-workers last week and the one girl, with a son slightly younger than Gus, talked of leaving her son with her parents for monthly weekends beginning when he was 2 months old. She says it is the best thing for her marriage and for her son. And part of me wonders if I should be more like that, whatever 'that' is. But I'm not. As parents, John and I are just not like that. And I'm not judging her, please don't think that, because I know everyone in that situation is happy just like I know that everyone in this situation is happy. And that's good family life.
It just makes you reevaluate how you're doing things. You know? It didn't necessarily help that the other woman, after I said that John and I had not had a night away together since Gus has been born, said her and her husband hadn't either for several years and now they're divorced. She was quick to say, not that I think the same thing will happen to you! But the thought was obviously there on all our parts. I'm inclined to believe that divorce is complicated and while no weekends away might have been a symptom of the problem, it certainly wasn't the disease. I felt like I handled it ok and was happy to come home to find my husband and daughter napping together in what is, a majority of the time, still a family bed. And I was happy to join them and know that this stage won't last forever and I will cherish every second I can.
So, here's to new experiences and new friends and more independence on everyone's parts. I, for one, am looking forward to my weekly day off and a chunk of time to spend alone in the morning while Gus is at school. I think John is thinking the same for his Tuesday mornings. And I'm so looking forward to the things she is going to learn! How exciting!
One more thing and then I swear I will end the world's longest blog post not necessarily about preschool! We went to her classroom's open house last week and it was great. The classroom looked just like the kind of classroom I'd always wanted and could never have. And you know what it comes down to? Curriculum. How weird is that? In the curriculum I had to follow there were a certain number of things that had to be in the room at all times and within those certain things a specific number of items. Like blocks. 350 plain tan blocks of various sizes. 150 colored blocks of various sizes. Foam blocks. Wooden blocks. Plastic blocks.
I get the theory- provide enough choices for everyone and enough materials for multiple kids in a center. But it was chaos folks. Utter chaos. No one needs that many choices, let alone a 3 year old. My ability to focus in that classroom was nil - no wonder the kids had a hard time too.
Not so in Gus' new classroom. Simple shelves. Wooden toys. Clear boundaries and clear areas for specific tasks. Of course there's a big empty space for games and songs and creative play, but it's all just so manageable. I watched new kids come into my classroom for the first time and be completely overwhelmed. I watched all the new kids in Guthrie's classroom be able to navigate easily and focus on what interested them without getting distracted. When they were done they moved on. It was like watching a procession. I think I'm gonna like this Montessori thing. I might not agree with all of it, but I think the benefits will outweigh everything else. I'll let you know in a few months!
So, wish us luck. There will be pics tomorrow of course!
August 13, 2009
like little women, only better
Do you remember the scene in Little Women where they've dressed up the cat? In a bonnet? And the cat just sits there and loves it? I always hoped that our cats would be like that. I doubted that they would allow themselves to be pushed in a stroller, but I hoped they would be companions to our kids.
Guthrie and Lt. O'Riley have this kind of tenuous relationship. There is much love between them, but it's obvious that, well, you know how kids can get kind of grabby. Riley's not the most laid back cat. In fact he's kind of aggressive. Like pet me NOW. I will sleep between your legs NOW. I will take over most of the couch/bed/floor or wherever you are NOW. But it seems that him and Gus have made a sort of pact, like ok I really want attention and you'll give it to me, but I'll have to put up with some obnoxious stuff like you tickling your face with my tail even though you're sitting two feet away from me. Zoe pretty much has nothing to do with Gus, but she's the most relaxed cat so this whole thing surprises me.
So, as I'm sitting here checking my mail Guthrie is intensely focused on getting Riley to do what she wants, which right now is to wear a ribbon as a belt.
I get up and go downstairs and ask if she's coming with me and she said, 'No, working.' And she is working hard because the cat does not like to accessorize.
I think he's kind of smug that at 9 lbs she cannot lift him at all- especially if he makes himself floppy. Which I think is super funny because I remember her doing that very same thing to me about a year ago. Karma can be funny sometimes.
I come back upstairs and he is still laying here. It's been at least 10 minutes now with this belt thing which is a feat of concentration for both Guthrie and the cat.
Finally he gets fed up and needs to clean himself and really I cannot blame him. She does seem to create what John has deemed 'baby grease'.
This is definitely a new record though and I'm sorry to say this Riley, but I see bonnets in your future!
And now she tells me no, she cannot put on new underwear because she must go talk to Wiwey. I'd love to be privy to that conversation.
Guthrie and Lt. O'Riley have this kind of tenuous relationship. There is much love between them, but it's obvious that, well, you know how kids can get kind of grabby. Riley's not the most laid back cat. In fact he's kind of aggressive. Like pet me NOW. I will sleep between your legs NOW. I will take over most of the couch/bed/floor or wherever you are NOW. But it seems that him and Gus have made a sort of pact, like ok I really want attention and you'll give it to me, but I'll have to put up with some obnoxious stuff like you tickling your face with my tail even though you're sitting two feet away from me. Zoe pretty much has nothing to do with Gus, but she's the most relaxed cat so this whole thing surprises me.
So, as I'm sitting here checking my mail Guthrie is intensely focused on getting Riley to do what she wants, which right now is to wear a ribbon as a belt.
I get up and go downstairs and ask if she's coming with me and she said, 'No, working.' And she is working hard because the cat does not like to accessorize.
I think he's kind of smug that at 9 lbs she cannot lift him at all- especially if he makes himself floppy. Which I think is super funny because I remember her doing that very same thing to me about a year ago. Karma can be funny sometimes.
I come back upstairs and he is still laying here. It's been at least 10 minutes now with this belt thing which is a feat of concentration for both Guthrie and the cat.
Finally he gets fed up and needs to clean himself and really I cannot blame him. She does seem to create what John has deemed 'baby grease'.
This is definitely a new record though and I'm sorry to say this Riley, but I see bonnets in your future!
And now she tells me no, she cannot put on new underwear because she must go talk to Wiwey. I'd love to be privy to that conversation.
August 4, 2009
visual aids
So, yesterday we saw our baby.
It's lovely and perfect.
Ok maybe it looks a little like a T-Rex right now, but that's normal, right?
Last meeting with the midwife we didn't hear a heartbeat so she recommended that we come back in a week just to try again. And we didn't hear it again -- which happened with Guthrie too -- so she asked us if it was ok to send us to get an ultrasound as I'd also had some spotting over the weekend. I don't mean to sound cocky or anything, but instinctually I was pretty sure everything was ok; neither of us were all that worried going into it.
John got a much better view of everything as the tech did both an internal and external ultrasound for some reason. I got to see about 30 seconds of the external one and I think that's just because I asked and sounded fairly irritated. I realize they have a job to do and that it's an important job, but dude, that's my kid in there. You shouldn't get to see it without me getting to see it! I grew it for Pete's Sake.
John asked for a picture at the end so we could show Guthrie- we looked at ultrasound pics of her that I found in what is officially now the pregnancy journal and she just looked and looked and kept asking questions "dis, Dus* nose?", so we thought it'd be kind of cool for her to see this. But the tech said that, "there's not much to see right now, you're better off waiting for your next ultrasound." I think they don't do many prenatal ultrasounds at this hospital - they don't have a birthing unit or anything. John's all "I bet she doesn't have kids" when we left because if she did she'd know that at this point, a blob would makes us excited. We were disappointed, but at the same time watching John's face as he saw our child for the first time is something I'll always remember. I know he puts up with a lot when I'm pregnant - the word volatile comes to mind- but I love how this brings us closer.
Even though I'm not sure the ultrasound was necessary it was still so amazing to get a visual confirmation of what we already knew.
I'm down to 1 pair of work pants that I can button and 2 elastic waist skirts. Good thing I work four days a week and Fridays we can wear jeans! I give myself a couple more weeks of this and then I'll need to go shopping for work appropriate pants I think. I was able to wear jeans and cargos all the time last time but this time I have to be "business casual." I think this means no yoga pants. Bummer.
What I'm really worried about is underwear. I know. These are the important things, right? I'd say that 99% of women just shove their undies down under their belly once it really starts to grow. Which was fine last time, but this time I'll have a somewhat sensitive scar to contend with down there. For now it's ok, but rumor has it that it'll start to grow and stretch and itch and ache and there may be some popping sensations.
Sounds fun, huh?
Kind of like Aliens?
So. . . does this mean maternity underwear??? Yikes. I had a couple pairs last time for afterwards and they're gigantic. Like they go for yards and yards above my pants.
These are the things that keep me up at night.
*Also Guthrie now calls herself Dus. At bedtime the other night- which remind me to post about bedtime because I'm loving it right now and I know I won't always love it so I should write it down so I can read it later! Anyways. At bedtime the other night we were talking about school and I asked her if she would like her new friends to call her Gus or Guthrie. After pondering for awhile she said Guthrie! For the first time!! It was awesome. And she hasn't said it ever again.
It's lovely and perfect.
Ok maybe it looks a little like a T-Rex right now, but that's normal, right?
Last meeting with the midwife we didn't hear a heartbeat so she recommended that we come back in a week just to try again. And we didn't hear it again -- which happened with Guthrie too -- so she asked us if it was ok to send us to get an ultrasound as I'd also had some spotting over the weekend. I don't mean to sound cocky or anything, but instinctually I was pretty sure everything was ok; neither of us were all that worried going into it.
John got a much better view of everything as the tech did both an internal and external ultrasound for some reason. I got to see about 30 seconds of the external one and I think that's just because I asked and sounded fairly irritated. I realize they have a job to do and that it's an important job, but dude, that's my kid in there. You shouldn't get to see it without me getting to see it! I grew it for Pete's Sake.
John asked for a picture at the end so we could show Guthrie- we looked at ultrasound pics of her that I found in what is officially now the pregnancy journal and she just looked and looked and kept asking questions "dis, Dus* nose?", so we thought it'd be kind of cool for her to see this. But the tech said that, "there's not much to see right now, you're better off waiting for your next ultrasound." I think they don't do many prenatal ultrasounds at this hospital - they don't have a birthing unit or anything. John's all "I bet she doesn't have kids" when we left because if she did she'd know that at this point, a blob would makes us excited. We were disappointed, but at the same time watching John's face as he saw our child for the first time is something I'll always remember. I know he puts up with a lot when I'm pregnant - the word volatile comes to mind- but I love how this brings us closer.
Even though I'm not sure the ultrasound was necessary it was still so amazing to get a visual confirmation of what we already knew.
I'm down to 1 pair of work pants that I can button and 2 elastic waist skirts. Good thing I work four days a week and Fridays we can wear jeans! I give myself a couple more weeks of this and then I'll need to go shopping for work appropriate pants I think. I was able to wear jeans and cargos all the time last time but this time I have to be "business casual." I think this means no yoga pants. Bummer.
What I'm really worried about is underwear. I know. These are the important things, right? I'd say that 99% of women just shove their undies down under their belly once it really starts to grow. Which was fine last time, but this time I'll have a somewhat sensitive scar to contend with down there. For now it's ok, but rumor has it that it'll start to grow and stretch and itch and ache and there may be some popping sensations.
Sounds fun, huh?
Kind of like Aliens?
So. . . does this mean maternity underwear??? Yikes. I had a couple pairs last time for afterwards and they're gigantic. Like they go for yards and yards above my pants.
These are the things that keep me up at night.
*Also Guthrie now calls herself Dus. At bedtime the other night- which remind me to post about bedtime because I'm loving it right now and I know I won't always love it so I should write it down so I can read it later! Anyways. At bedtime the other night we were talking about school and I asked her if she would like her new friends to call her Gus or Guthrie. After pondering for awhile she said Guthrie! For the first time!! It was awesome. And she hasn't said it ever again.
July 14, 2009
the Plop! the Plop!
We had a Plop come over our house a couple times last night! It was so exciting!!
It was big and blue and swung around the neighborhood during our evening walk.
Gus talked about it non-stop last night. She's been big into what's going on in the sky from day one so this was pretty cool.
It was big and blue and swung around the neighborhood during our evening walk.
Gus talked about it non-stop last night. She's been big into what's going on in the sky from day one so this was pretty cool.
*in case you were wondering, Plop is what happens when you can't say Blimp.
I hope she can never say Blimp.
I hope she can never say Blimp.
May 27, 2009
May 7, 2009
stream of consciousness
I've written about Guthrie's speech stuff before and I'm happy to report that she's doing really well. There's still a lot of frustration on both our parts because she's fairly frequently unintelligible, but at least she's unintelligible! She's still really intentional about her words, but I do notice she's babbling more. I feel like we kind of missed out on that whole baby babbling stage where there was the constant stream of almost nonsense words, but I've noticed that sometimes when Gus thinks she's alone or that no one is paying attention to her she talks constantly to herself or sings constantly. I love listening to her and her stream of consciousness. It mostly surrounds the events of the day and her family and friends. She lists everything out and is constantly taking stock of who is in her family or what her day has been like - we did this, then this, and then this. Given that she was so quiet for so long I absolutely love listening to her. I mean I think I would have anyways, but this is a really special gift to me.
The other day we were headed to Iowa City and had to stop at home first. Here's something weird - Guthrie HATES going home. About 4 blocks from our house she starts an increasingly vehement repetition of "no home no home NO HOME!!!" To say that it's irritating would be an understatement. So, we had to stop at home first. I'd prepared her for the horrific trip home that we'd have to make and I gave her a list of what we needed to do. I needed to change my clothes, pack a lunch, and get our bag of stuff. I said it maybe 3-4 times as we were nearing home and then you know what? She repeated it back to me.
This parenting moment was seconded only by hearing her say 'dude' for the first time. Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a crazy list maker. I have blank books full of them. In fact, I kind of count them as journals for the times in my life when I wasn't actually journaling. And I love flipping through a sketchbook looking for a blank page (to write a list on) and finding an old list. Mostly I write the same list over and over. Or slight variations on the same list.
Laundry
Grocery store
Dishes
Email
Pick Up
Bills
Vacuum
That's kind of my holy grail. In fact I believe that if these things are ever not on a list it's probably because you've put me in The Home, where I will still probably be making lists.
I particularly love reading old packing lists. Like the one I made for Europe or even camping trips. Or the one I made when we went to visit my grandparents in Oregon for the 1st time after Guthrie was born. That list was long. Then there are the sentimental ones. Like the one I made of things to bring with me to the hospital when I was having Guthrie. I pause to read through that one every time.
Given that Gus is already making lists for herself and repeating mine back to me I think we've got another list maker in the house. John will be so thrilled. Because down deep, secretly, possibly unconsciously he loves my lists too.
The other day we were headed to Iowa City and had to stop at home first. Here's something weird - Guthrie HATES going home. About 4 blocks from our house she starts an increasingly vehement repetition of "no home no home NO HOME!!!" To say that it's irritating would be an understatement. So, we had to stop at home first. I'd prepared her for the horrific trip home that we'd have to make and I gave her a list of what we needed to do. I needed to change my clothes, pack a lunch, and get our bag of stuff. I said it maybe 3-4 times as we were nearing home and then you know what? She repeated it back to me.
This parenting moment was seconded only by hearing her say 'dude' for the first time. Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a crazy list maker. I have blank books full of them. In fact, I kind of count them as journals for the times in my life when I wasn't actually journaling. And I love flipping through a sketchbook looking for a blank page (to write a list on) and finding an old list. Mostly I write the same list over and over. Or slight variations on the same list.
Laundry
Grocery store
Dishes
Pick Up
Bills
Vacuum
That's kind of my holy grail. In fact I believe that if these things are ever not on a list it's probably because you've put me in The Home, where I will still probably be making lists.
I particularly love reading old packing lists. Like the one I made for Europe or even camping trips. Or the one I made when we went to visit my grandparents in Oregon for the 1st time after Guthrie was born. That list was long. Then there are the sentimental ones. Like the one I made of things to bring with me to the hospital when I was having Guthrie. I pause to read through that one every time.
Given that Gus is already making lists for herself and repeating mine back to me I think we've got another list maker in the house. John will be so thrilled. Because down deep, secretly, possibly unconsciously he loves my lists too.
March 22, 2009
a little conversation
Last week I was dealing with the garbage can and composting and the alley cat that lives in our neighborhood came into our neighbor's backyard. We think she belongs to the people across the alley. She's white and very well taken care of although leery of John and I. Not so much leery of Guthrie. In fact she loves Gus. She'll come through the hole in our fence and immediately roll on her back so Guthrie can give her a belly rub. So white meow - a little side note, white was one of the first colors Guthrie could say and I would almost be willing to say that it's her favorite color. She hearts semi-trucks. A lot. Massive amounts of white that they are. -- so, white meow comes into the neighbor's backyard last week and Guthrie's just beside herself with excitement. A little irritated that she's on the other side of the chain link fence and so out of reach, but she stomps barefoot over to the squishy part of the yard so she can get as close as possible.
I continue doing my stuff. Aerating the compost and such and as I come back over to where I can see and hear Guthrie I get to hear their conversation. Guthrie is telling white meow about all the cats in her life. First it's Wriwee (O'Riley) and black meow (can't say Zoe yet or anything like it so she's relegated to black meow). I hear: blah, blah, blah, home, blah, blah, blah, nigh-night, blah, blah, blah Wriwee. I can only assume she's telling white meow a thrilling story of Riley and Zoe's lives as indoor cats. White cat is obviously enthralled. She's sitting stock still just staring at Guthrie. Sometimes her tail drifts around. Sometimes she gnaws on the branch next to her.
Then I hear: Febee died. Over and over for at least a minute. When that has apparently gotten through to everyone, she adds the details. Febee, Dietah (Gramma), home. No home. Dietah *sad noise* no happy. Febee died. Dietah happy now.
It was really really cool.
After a bit Guthrie turns around and runs back inside. White meow takes this as a sign the conversation is over and heads out of the yard. In fact the conversation was not over. Guthrie wanted to show white meow her Febee shoes. Last fall, in an attempt to get Gus to wear some slippers my mom told her the slipper she got her were from Febee. They've been good to have as I've discovered having a tangible reminder of Febee has helped Guthrie process Febee's death.
In the end, Gus was fairly upset that white meow hadn't followed directions and waited for the revealing of the Febee shoes. We haven't seen white meow since, but I'm wondering if next time she shows up she'll get to see the shoes.
This is what I love about being the parent of a two year old. Love, love, love. It's such an honor.
I continue doing my stuff. Aerating the compost and such and as I come back over to where I can see and hear Guthrie I get to hear their conversation. Guthrie is telling white meow about all the cats in her life. First it's Wriwee (O'Riley) and black meow (can't say Zoe yet or anything like it so she's relegated to black meow). I hear: blah, blah, blah, home, blah, blah, blah, nigh-night, blah, blah, blah Wriwee. I can only assume she's telling white meow a thrilling story of Riley and Zoe's lives as indoor cats. White cat is obviously enthralled. She's sitting stock still just staring at Guthrie. Sometimes her tail drifts around. Sometimes she gnaws on the branch next to her.
Then I hear: Febee died. Over and over for at least a minute. When that has apparently gotten through to everyone, she adds the details. Febee, Dietah (Gramma), home. No home. Dietah *sad noise* no happy. Febee died. Dietah happy now.
It was really really cool.
After a bit Guthrie turns around and runs back inside. White meow takes this as a sign the conversation is over and heads out of the yard. In fact the conversation was not over. Guthrie wanted to show white meow her Febee shoes. Last fall, in an attempt to get Gus to wear some slippers my mom told her the slipper she got her were from Febee. They've been good to have as I've discovered having a tangible reminder of Febee has helped Guthrie process Febee's death.
In the end, Gus was fairly upset that white meow hadn't followed directions and waited for the revealing of the Febee shoes. We haven't seen white meow since, but I'm wondering if next time she shows up she'll get to see the shoes.
This is what I love about being the parent of a two year old. Love, love, love. It's such an honor.
February 19, 2009
takin' after mom
So, I guess she's inherited the side lip chewing thing that her parents do.
Pair that with the Dorsten-tongue-sticking-out-when-focused thing and we should probably buy some stock in Burt's Bees Lip Balm.
February 5, 2009
make your choice
We've had some extra time on our hands this week.
Or extra downtime I should say.
Gus is still sick with this nasty cold.
I'm chomping at the bit to get out of the house, but don't want to expose her to the cold or to other people!
So, we're kind of stuck at home.
It's been mostly good - amidst all the crabby-assy-ness that being sick necessitates.
There have been a lot of cartoons this week, but also a lot of painting and coloring and cuddles.
And then there's this:
Here's an arial shot:
This started when we were working on our library, but it was never this extensive. The book habitrail can keep my two year old occupied for at least 30 minutes. That is almost forever in my world. It was a pleasant burst of creativity on her part. See how straight those lines are? I was so impressed.With all this semi-quiet time I've had a chance to catch up on some stuff.
We struggle with Guthrie telling us when she's hungry and usually 'I'm hungry, please can I have a snack?' ends up being 'I shall now throw myself on the floor screaming for your entertainment because you suck at ESP.' We try to keep on top of it, offering snacks and of course meals, but I'd really like her to be more self-sufficient. So I made her a snack box. I put goldfish, crackers, trail mix, fruit leather and the like in it. It's kept in the same cupboard as her utensils and dinnerware. Mostly she likes to pull it out and rifle through it. Occasionally she brings us something to open.
Never has she gone and gotten herself a snack.
Blast.
So, I dug through the annals of preschool teacherdom in my head and made some flash cards to add to the mix.
I added a bunch of perishables - yogurt, cheese, apples, you know, things that won't really do too well in the dark cupboard.I hate doing the,
do you want cheese?
no.
do you want apples?
no.
carrots?
no.
bananas?
no.
yogurt?
yep.
While I don't really like giving her all these choices; we're in that toddler pickiness phase and I hate throwing food away. Our compost bin is getting full. And I do think that choices are good. Makes her feel like she's got some control over her situation. The idea is that now I'll just be able to say, go pick something out and you can have it. That way she's got about 4 things to choose from and I don't have to stand in front of the fridge and search for something she can have. That's the theory at least.
And I plan on changing it up every week so there are some staples, but also some surprises. Possibly a reward for being so self-sufficient? Also I'm hoping it'll help her speech. She has to say what's on the card before she can have it. Given that the only food can say right now is apple I can kind of guess what she'll be eating a lot of!
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