I'm not that old, really I'm not. But sometimes I feel like I'm older than the crusty old man that has possession of my husband's body (I swear, L is 75 at heart -- most people are young at heart; he's old at heart).
I was perusing a toy catalog the other day because it was there, and I was really annoyed about the toys in it. Matchbox cars and race track have always held great appeal for me; I had tons of the cars when I was little, but my parents always denied me the race track. I was checking out the latest in car tracks for kids, and I noticed a trend apparent in seemingly all toys: sound effects. The new tracks come with 20 sound effects. Huh? Most of the fun is creating your own car revving noises and crashing explosion sounds. But 20 of them?! Built in? I can no more come up with 20 appropriate built-in sounds for a race track than I can do a Sarah Palin imitation. Where is the imagination?
I mentioned this to a friend of mine, and he told me that his kids have a Sit'n'Spin. (Oh, how I coveted that back in the day too) And the Sit'n'Spin has sound effects! He said he was floored by that when he realized it. What is a Sit'n'Spin doing with sound effects?
My skepticism of the need for sound effects was brought to light yesterday when we went to a local open gym. There were four or five different toddler bikes to ride, and Peanut jumped on them right away. One had Sesame Street characters pictured on it, so she went straight to it. Unfortunately, Peanut didn't put any miles on the bike. Instead, she sat there transfixed by the -- you guessed it -- sound effects that happen when you push buttons. No wonder our kids are obese! They never even get the bikes out of the garage. Why should they, when all their entertainment is supplied by just sitting on the thing?
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Kidless night
Before we came to visit my parents, L's mom, who lives in the same area, asked me if she could have the kids stay with her on their own one night. I thought that sounded like fun -- for them and her -- and they're old enough now that they can handle being with a grandparent without L and me.
Tonight was that such night. I had told Jellybean that we would be visiting Grandma and staying overnight, but I left out the part that I wouldn't be there with her. She gets anxious sometimes when we have babysitters, and since we weren't going to Grandma's until dinner time, I wanted her to be able to have an enjoyable day without stewing about her evening. I feel bad for having to fool her, but I truly believe it saved her some stress.
I took the girls over to Grandma's house with promises of a good time, which I know they'll have. When we got there, I saw a sign on the front door: "Welcome Jellybean and Peanut to Favorites Night!" Grandma has spent a week or more preparing this extravaganza to have all their favorite activities, foods, colors, etc. I can't believe all the thought she put into their visit -- when I left, she had covered the dining room table in big-roll paper, and the girls were coloring and painting all over it.
When I told Jellybean I was leaving, her bottom lip popped out and she whined, "No!" But by the time I was walking out the front door -- less than five minutes later -- she yelled dismissively, "Bye, Mama!" I called a while later, and Grandma said that Peanut hardly noticed that I left. This, from the child who spent entire evenings crying with babysitters when we went out for the evening.
As I got in the car to drive away, it hit me that I missed them already. I'm eager for a full night's sleep without waking up at 6 a.m. (must be the time change, ugh), but I've missed their little faces and voices this evening. I'll be glad to see them in the morning -- maybe even happier to see them than they will be to see me!
Tonight was that such night. I had told Jellybean that we would be visiting Grandma and staying overnight, but I left out the part that I wouldn't be there with her. She gets anxious sometimes when we have babysitters, and since we weren't going to Grandma's until dinner time, I wanted her to be able to have an enjoyable day without stewing about her evening. I feel bad for having to fool her, but I truly believe it saved her some stress.
I took the girls over to Grandma's house with promises of a good time, which I know they'll have. When we got there, I saw a sign on the front door: "Welcome Jellybean and Peanut to Favorites Night!" Grandma has spent a week or more preparing this extravaganza to have all their favorite activities, foods, colors, etc. I can't believe all the thought she put into their visit -- when I left, she had covered the dining room table in big-roll paper, and the girls were coloring and painting all over it.
When I told Jellybean I was leaving, her bottom lip popped out and she whined, "No!" But by the time I was walking out the front door -- less than five minutes later -- she yelled dismissively, "Bye, Mama!" I called a while later, and Grandma said that Peanut hardly noticed that I left. This, from the child who spent entire evenings crying with babysitters when we went out for the evening.
As I got in the car to drive away, it hit me that I missed them already. I'm eager for a full night's sleep without waking up at 6 a.m. (must be the time change, ugh), but I've missed their little faces and voices this evening. I'll be glad to see them in the morning -- maybe even happier to see them than they will be to see me!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Safe travels
I haven't posted for a while because of a busy week last week and a trip at the end of the week. The girls and I are now at my parents' house for about 10 days. L will join us later this week to make it a family affair.
This past weekend was my first time flying with both girls by myself -- and also Peanut's first time on a plane. I was anticipating it but not thoroughly dreading it. The two-hour flight is so much shorter than the 12+-hour car trip it usually takes to visit my parents.
The only worry in the back of my mind was getting through security, with all the shoe removal and bag juggling. I did a bit of research on the TSA website and actually found it quite helpful. One tip I capitalized on was that many kids resist putting their shoes and possessions on the X-ray conveyor (read: complete meltdown tantrums in the security line) because they think they'll never get their stuff back. TSA recommends discussing the security procedures with your children before you get to the airport so they'll know what to expect. I know that really helped with Jellybean.
I was pleasantly surprised with how helpful and supportive the TSA and airline employees were all down the line. For example, when I went to grab our stuff off the airport security conveyor, one of the TSA employees already had set up my stroller and had it ready for me to put Peanut in. I thanked them for being so kind. The girls got genuinely friendly attention from the flight attendants on the plane, and the pilot gave them a "trading card" with a picture of our plane on it, which they both loved.
The flight itself went very smoothly for the girls. We spent most of the time coloring, as soon as we could put our tray tables down. They got restless about the last 15-20 minutes, but luckily I had spare snacks, so I plied them with those until we landed.
They were so happy to see Grandma and Grandpa outside our gate that they took off running up the jetway. Jellybean really has been looking forward to the trip, and it's been interesting to me how much Peanut can comprehend now. She seemed to get it too, that we were flying on an airplane to see Grandma and Grandpa.
Update on the dentist: Jellybean did very well at the dentist last week. She didn't want anything to do with the suction tool (does anyone like that thing?), so the hygienist just skipped that and made do. No cavities and no worries, and they let her pick from a basket of toys when we left, which she thought was way cool. I "forgot" to bring that bouncy ball to Grandma and Grandpa's house...
This past weekend was my first time flying with both girls by myself -- and also Peanut's first time on a plane. I was anticipating it but not thoroughly dreading it. The two-hour flight is so much shorter than the 12+-hour car trip it usually takes to visit my parents.
The only worry in the back of my mind was getting through security, with all the shoe removal and bag juggling. I did a bit of research on the TSA website and actually found it quite helpful. One tip I capitalized on was that many kids resist putting their shoes and possessions on the X-ray conveyor (read: complete meltdown tantrums in the security line) because they think they'll never get their stuff back. TSA recommends discussing the security procedures with your children before you get to the airport so they'll know what to expect. I know that really helped with Jellybean.
I was pleasantly surprised with how helpful and supportive the TSA and airline employees were all down the line. For example, when I went to grab our stuff off the airport security conveyor, one of the TSA employees already had set up my stroller and had it ready for me to put Peanut in. I thanked them for being so kind. The girls got genuinely friendly attention from the flight attendants on the plane, and the pilot gave them a "trading card" with a picture of our plane on it, which they both loved.
The flight itself went very smoothly for the girls. We spent most of the time coloring, as soon as we could put our tray tables down. They got restless about the last 15-20 minutes, but luckily I had spare snacks, so I plied them with those until we landed.
They were so happy to see Grandma and Grandpa outside our gate that they took off running up the jetway. Jellybean really has been looking forward to the trip, and it's been interesting to me how much Peanut can comprehend now. She seemed to get it too, that we were flying on an airplane to see Grandma and Grandpa.
Update on the dentist: Jellybean did very well at the dentist last week. She didn't want anything to do with the suction tool (does anyone like that thing?), so the hygienist just skipped that and made do. No cavities and no worries, and they let her pick from a basket of toys when we left, which she thought was way cool. I "forgot" to bring that bouncy ball to Grandma and Grandpa's house...
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Open wide
You may or may not know this about me: I have very healthy teeth and have never had a cavity. I needed a check-up, so I made my appointment and scheduled L to be with the kids.
Jellybean is 3 now, and that's the recommended age for a first dentist visit (according to our more lenient pediatrician; some say age 1, which I think is insane). So I thought this would be a good time to talk to her about the dentist and how easy it is, to get her primed for her first visit.
I explained that a dentist is a doctor for your teeth and told her how my appointment would go. I'd go in and open my mouth, and the dentist and the "nurse" would look in my mouth and see all my teeth. Then the dentist would tell me, "Your teeth look great! See you next time."
Except (and you may have figured this out by now) that's not how it went for me at the actual visit. Yes, I had a cavity. A tiny one, but it still counts. In all my efforts to care for my toddler and newborn in the past 18 months, I had neglected my dental hygiene a wee bit too much. And now I was going to pay for it -- literally, because we don't have the best dental insurance.
So I had to schedule my filling visit, which I did. Then I had to figure out how to handle this with Jellybean. I have a feeling that her first dental appointment will fill her with a great deal of anxiety -- a new place, people sticking fingers in her mouth. I don't want her to think that she'll have to come back the following week like I did and then, on top of it, have a numb weird mouth for a few hours like I did. So we did what we thought we had to do: We lied. When I was gone last week to get my filling, we told her I was running errands. I don't like covering up things like this, but it's for her own good -- and all the rest of us too.
Jellybean's appointment is in a few days. I told her about it today, thinking she would be excited because she had been so interested in the dental topic. For a second she smiled, then she got a worried look and whimpered, "Mama..."
All I can do is hope for the best. And maybe a little bribery. I don't ever resort to that, but I think a dentist visit is the ideal such occasion.
Jellybean is 3 now, and that's the recommended age for a first dentist visit (according to our more lenient pediatrician; some say age 1, which I think is insane). So I thought this would be a good time to talk to her about the dentist and how easy it is, to get her primed for her first visit.
I explained that a dentist is a doctor for your teeth and told her how my appointment would go. I'd go in and open my mouth, and the dentist and the "nurse" would look in my mouth and see all my teeth. Then the dentist would tell me, "Your teeth look great! See you next time."
Except (and you may have figured this out by now) that's not how it went for me at the actual visit. Yes, I had a cavity. A tiny one, but it still counts. In all my efforts to care for my toddler and newborn in the past 18 months, I had neglected my dental hygiene a wee bit too much. And now I was going to pay for it -- literally, because we don't have the best dental insurance.
So I had to schedule my filling visit, which I did. Then I had to figure out how to handle this with Jellybean. I have a feeling that her first dental appointment will fill her with a great deal of anxiety -- a new place, people sticking fingers in her mouth. I don't want her to think that she'll have to come back the following week like I did and then, on top of it, have a numb weird mouth for a few hours like I did. So we did what we thought we had to do: We lied. When I was gone last week to get my filling, we told her I was running errands. I don't like covering up things like this, but it's for her own good -- and all the rest of us too.
Jellybean's appointment is in a few days. I told her about it today, thinking she would be excited because she had been so interested in the dental topic. For a second she smiled, then she got a worried look and whimpered, "Mama..."
All I can do is hope for the best. And maybe a little bribery. I don't ever resort to that, but I think a dentist visit is the ideal such occasion.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Wine favorites
I've had a really big response to my entries about wine here and here, so I thought I'd post some of our old stand-bys that we have on hand most frequently. Most of these are $10-$12 per bottle and are easy to find.
Whites:
Bonny Doon Pacific Rim dry riesling -- don't be scared away by riesling. Just try this one.
Oregon pinot gris, specifically Willamette Valley Pinot Gris and King Estate Pinot Gris -- these may be a bit pricier, but they won't disappoint.
Reds:
Ravenswood Zinfandel -- a great restaurant wine, goes perfectly with any meal.
Guenoc Petite Syrah -- fruity and jammy and a good complement to a substantial meal.
Echelon Pinot Noir -- versatile as any pinot and fabulous texture.
One thing I should note for full disclosure: I am not a fan of chardonnay or merlot particularly. (In fact, the line in "Sideways" when Paul Giamatti says, "I am NOT drinking merlot," could have and should have been written by me. L jabbed me with his elbow in the movie theater.) You won't see me recommend those types of wines in general. If I do, we can all be surprised together.
Whites:
Bonny Doon Pacific Rim dry riesling -- don't be scared away by riesling. Just try this one.
Oregon pinot gris, specifically Willamette Valley Pinot Gris and King Estate Pinot Gris -- these may be a bit pricier, but they won't disappoint.
Reds:
Ravenswood Zinfandel -- a great restaurant wine, goes perfectly with any meal.
Guenoc Petite Syrah -- fruity and jammy and a good complement to a substantial meal.
Echelon Pinot Noir -- versatile as any pinot and fabulous texture.
One thing I should note for full disclosure: I am not a fan of chardonnay or merlot particularly. (In fact, the line in "Sideways" when Paul Giamatti says, "I am NOT drinking merlot," could have and should have been written by me. L jabbed me with his elbow in the movie theater.) You won't see me recommend those types of wines in general. If I do, we can all be surprised together.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Boy plans
It is a fact that men make social plans differently than women. I'm not man-bashing; it's just true. My husband has told me, and he has proven it many times over.
Take last week, for instance. Our neighbor invited L to play guitar one night. So, that was the extent of my knowledge. "Fine, you're going to play guitar. That should be fun!"
Just making conversation, I asked, "Where are you going? Like a studio or someone's house?"
L: "Don't know. Boy plans."
Me: "Is it a big group or small group?"
L: "Don't know. Boy plans."
You get the idea. So the next day, L told me it was even bad by boy plan standards. They were going to a guy's house, and they didn't have directions or his phone number, and they only barely knew where he lived.
I bring up boy plans right now because I'm living in the midst of yet another set of boy plans tonight. L's buddy from law school, John, is in town for the night because he has some business here tomorrow. I didn't know for sure until this afternoon that he was coming (it had been a possibility for a couple weeks), and I (we) didn't know any details of his visit.
L and John are out on the town now after John had dinner with us. The only question remaining is whether John is staying the night here. L invited him to do so a couple weeks ago when we found out about the potential visit. L has not asked him since then if he is actually staying. That must violate some tenet of the boy planning.
So I guess I will find out in the morning if we have a houseguest or not. I'll make sure to wear my long pajamas tonight just in case.
Take last week, for instance. Our neighbor invited L to play guitar one night. So, that was the extent of my knowledge. "Fine, you're going to play guitar. That should be fun!"
Just making conversation, I asked, "Where are you going? Like a studio or someone's house?"
L: "Don't know. Boy plans."
Me: "Is it a big group or small group?"
L: "Don't know. Boy plans."
You get the idea. So the next day, L told me it was even bad by boy plan standards. They were going to a guy's house, and they didn't have directions or his phone number, and they only barely knew where he lived.
I bring up boy plans right now because I'm living in the midst of yet another set of boy plans tonight. L's buddy from law school, John, is in town for the night because he has some business here tomorrow. I didn't know for sure until this afternoon that he was coming (it had been a possibility for a couple weeks), and I (we) didn't know any details of his visit.
L and John are out on the town now after John had dinner with us. The only question remaining is whether John is staying the night here. L invited him to do so a couple weeks ago when we found out about the potential visit. L has not asked him since then if he is actually staying. That must violate some tenet of the boy planning.
So I guess I will find out in the morning if we have a houseguest or not. I'll make sure to wear my long pajamas tonight just in case.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Gym time
No, I'm not going to the gym for my own exercise regimen. I'll divulge the secret to my slight weight loss another day.
It was rainy this morning, so I knew I had to find something fun and active for the girls and me. Per the recommendation of a neighbor, we went to a local gymnastics gym playtime. Man, was it fun! The girls were completely exhausted from all the trampolining (or attempted trampolining, in Peanut's case), balancing and swinging -- and I moved quite a bit too, trying to keep track of both of them.
I have wondered since the Olympics how watching gymnastics affected them. Besides learning to "sell" their landings when they fall or jump, I was curious if any of the fanfare and (hopefully) athleticism would stick with them. As it turns out, the fanfare stuck with Jellybean.
On the way to the gym this morning, Jellybean asks me, "Will the audience clap for us at the gym?"
Me: "Um, well, there might not be an audience there today. But I'll clap for you when you do things."
Jellybean: "No, I don't want YOU to clap for me. I want the audience to clap."
Me: "Oh, okay."
It was rainy this morning, so I knew I had to find something fun and active for the girls and me. Per the recommendation of a neighbor, we went to a local gymnastics gym playtime. Man, was it fun! The girls were completely exhausted from all the trampolining (or attempted trampolining, in Peanut's case), balancing and swinging -- and I moved quite a bit too, trying to keep track of both of them.
I have wondered since the Olympics how watching gymnastics affected them. Besides learning to "sell" their landings when they fall or jump, I was curious if any of the fanfare and (hopefully) athleticism would stick with them. As it turns out, the fanfare stuck with Jellybean.
On the way to the gym this morning, Jellybean asks me, "Will the audience clap for us at the gym?"
Me: "Um, well, there might not be an audience there today. But I'll clap for you when you do things."
Jellybean: "No, I don't want YOU to clap for me. I want the audience to clap."
Me: "Oh, okay."
Saturday, October 4, 2008
My new career
I am pleased to announce that I am realizing my lifelong dream: to perform regularly for an audience. Yes, it's true! My performances consist of singing and dancing, and so far my reviews have been very good.
My repertoire is very large at this point -- some day I hope to narrow it down so it's not so taxing on my brain, body and voice. But for now, I will have to incorporate lots of variety to keep it interesting and a bit less predictable.
My most requested song today was "Row, row, row your boat." That was from Peanut. Oh, did I mention she's in my audience? And so is Jellybean. Well, actually they ARE my audience.
You didn't think I actually had a big paying gig going with hoardes of people showing up. Not yet anyway.
My repertoire is very large at this point -- some day I hope to narrow it down so it's not so taxing on my brain, body and voice. But for now, I will have to incorporate lots of variety to keep it interesting and a bit less predictable.
My most requested song today was "Row, row, row your boat." That was from Peanut. Oh, did I mention she's in my audience? And so is Jellybean. Well, actually they ARE my audience.
You didn't think I actually had a big paying gig going with hoardes of people showing up. Not yet anyway.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Switching seasons
Every weekend for the past three or four weeks, I've wondered if THAT week would be the week the climate forced us into the long-sleeved wardrobe. Both girls' fall clothes were biding their time in the basement until the weather changed.
Thankfully, this past weekend I stayed on top of the weather forecast for the week, and I retrieved those clothes on Sunday. We are officially in the throes of fall here.
In past years -- this stint of living here and the last time we lived here -- fall was merely the gateway to winter and all it has to offer (she says sarcastically). But this year, for some reason, I am embracing fall and appreciating it as its own unique season (duh, I know). I really am feeling this way, not forcing myself to do so. This feeling happened on its own; I assume it must be a rite of passage for all Michiganders at some point.
Jellybean keeps saying that she loves winter and winter is her favorite season. Part of me says to myself, "Ha! Wait until it's 30 degrees and cloudy in March." But another part of me realizes that winter can be fun, especially if I see it through a child's eyes: sledding, snowmen, hot chocolate. I felt that way about the beach this summer with the kids. I've been to beaches before and enjoyed myself, but you really LIVE the beach when you're there with a kid. I think playing outside in the winter can be that way too.
This winter will be Peanut's first real experience with winter (she dabbled last year, but it's hard when you can't walk), so that will help me to live it with a fresh perspective.
In the meantime, both girls love their "new" fall clothes.
Thankfully, this past weekend I stayed on top of the weather forecast for the week, and I retrieved those clothes on Sunday. We are officially in the throes of fall here.
In past years -- this stint of living here and the last time we lived here -- fall was merely the gateway to winter and all it has to offer (she says sarcastically). But this year, for some reason, I am embracing fall and appreciating it as its own unique season (duh, I know). I really am feeling this way, not forcing myself to do so. This feeling happened on its own; I assume it must be a rite of passage for all Michiganders at some point.
Jellybean keeps saying that she loves winter and winter is her favorite season. Part of me says to myself, "Ha! Wait until it's 30 degrees and cloudy in March." But another part of me realizes that winter can be fun, especially if I see it through a child's eyes: sledding, snowmen, hot chocolate. I felt that way about the beach this summer with the kids. I've been to beaches before and enjoyed myself, but you really LIVE the beach when you're there with a kid. I think playing outside in the winter can be that way too.
This winter will be Peanut's first real experience with winter (she dabbled last year, but it's hard when you can't walk), so that will help me to live it with a fresh perspective.
In the meantime, both girls love their "new" fall clothes.
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