Here's a few pics of a little practice we had in the yard. We had a lot of fun!
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Slugger
Forgive me, Lisenas. I'm not a big baseball fan and I never played baseball except for family picnics. I'll try to encourage William as best I can, but I'll need your help to have him carry on in the tradition of Nate and Jon! :)
Here's a few pics of a little practice we had in the yard. We had a lot of fun!
Here's a few pics of a little practice we had in the yard. We had a lot of fun!
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Daddy is a jerk.
Anne conveyed this story to me yesterday.
She was driving with the kids in the back seat, going to Midtown. Somehow she ended up in the wrong lane and was having trouble getting over to the right because one car was essentially pacing her.
She she mutters "come on, I have to get over, J E R K". (spelled out)
Imagine the angelic voices coming from the back seat.
"Mommy what does J E R K spell?" - Mary Grace
"Oh nevermind..." - Mommy
"J E R K spells Jerk! Mommy what does jerk mean?" - Mary Grace
"Eh, um. Jerk means silly..." - Mommy
"Oh, so Daddy is a jerk!" - Mary Grace
"Well..." - Mommy
I wasn't even there!
She was driving with the kids in the back seat, going to Midtown. Somehow she ended up in the wrong lane and was having trouble getting over to the right because one car was essentially pacing her.
She she mutters "come on, I have to get over, J E R K". (spelled out)
Imagine the angelic voices coming from the back seat.
"Mommy what does J E R K spell?" - Mary Grace
"Oh nevermind..." - Mommy
"J E R K spells Jerk! Mommy what does jerk mean?" - Mary Grace
"Eh, um. Jerk means silly..." - Mommy
"Oh, so Daddy is a jerk!" - Mary Grace
"Well..." - Mommy
I wasn't even there!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Final Fling at Seabreeze Amusement Park
This year, as in past years, Chris Lori and Sarah came to visit for the Seabreeze Final Fling weekend. It's the weekend after Labor Day where the park reopens for one last time, mostly for season pass holders and their friends and family.
Arriving at around 2, we made our way immediately to the Tilt-A-Whirl, Mary Grace's favorite ride. William hasn't been very interested in this one but decided to give it a go since we had special guests. Here's a few good shots from the designated non-rider, Anne.
The rest of the day was filled with lots of exciting rides, patient kids as the others rode adult rides, fun at the park and lazy river and unhappy kids who may be outgrowing the kiddy car ride.
I will always remember the first time we put Mary Grace on that ride and the excitement on her little face. Same goes for William, but seeing them ride together is just priceless :)
The best part of the day (for William) was when he wanted to play the spray the water into the fish-mouth game. You know where you have a squirt gun that shoots water into a little hole, and whomever's fish gets to the top first wins? Well William was so determined and focused that he won! We were all so proud of him, and he even got to pick out his own prize; a blue stuffed-animal clown fish.
Arriving at around 2, we made our way immediately to the Tilt-A-Whirl, Mary Grace's favorite ride. William hasn't been very interested in this one but decided to give it a go since we had special guests. Here's a few good shots from the designated non-rider, Anne.
The rest of the day was filled with lots of exciting rides, patient kids as the others rode adult rides, fun at the park and lazy river and unhappy kids who may be outgrowing the kiddy car ride.
I will always remember the first time we put Mary Grace on that ride and the excitement on her little face. Same goes for William, but seeing them ride together is just priceless :)
The best part of the day (for William) was when he wanted to play the spray the water into the fish-mouth game. You know where you have a squirt gun that shoots water into a little hole, and whomever's fish gets to the top first wins? Well William was so determined and focused that he won! We were all so proud of him, and he even got to pick out his own prize; a blue stuffed-animal clown fish.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Daddy's Macaroni and cheese...
Anne was busy reorganizing Mary Grace's room tonight and William comes into the kitchen where I was cooking, saying he's hungry. Mary Grace chimes in "I'm hungry too".
I respond "how about macaroni and cheese?"
"Yeah!"
So I make it up. Elbows, 2 slices american cheese, milk and butter. Same recipe as Anne uses (minus a Jessica Sienfeld sneaky vege addition).
William eats about half, then states "This is the worst macaroni and cheese EVER!" We all chuckled over that as he ate a slice of my homemade bread instead.
Thankfully, Mary Grace ate hers up.
I respond "how about macaroni and cheese?"
"Yeah!"
So I make it up. Elbows, 2 slices american cheese, milk and butter. Same recipe as Anne uses (minus a Jessica Sienfeld sneaky vege addition).
William eats about half, then states "This is the worst macaroni and cheese EVER!" We all chuckled over that as he ate a slice of my homemade bread instead.
Thankfully, Mary Grace ate hers up.
Friday, September 10, 2010
First day of Kindergarten for Mary Grace
We've been prepping Mary Grace all summer about going into Kindergarten and she's been very excited for it. This week it finally happened!
Her first day of school was September 7, and the bus was to arrive at 7:44am. She had already gone into school to meet her teacher and see her new classroom the week before school. Uniforms were all purchased, supplies all delivered, lunch and snacks packed. All that remained was sending my baby girl away on a bus.
Mary Grace, of course, approached school with no apprehension or fear. Just a great big smile and hugs for William. It probably helped that she knew that her a few of her neighbor friends would also be riding the bus, but for the first time she did remarkably well.
In fact, we could barely keep her off the bus!
Just to make Mom feel better, Anne followed the bus to school and took this nice photo as proof that she did in fact arrive at school. Whew!
Once Mary Grace got in she had a great first day of school and even got back on the bus and came home. Bonus!
Her first day of school was September 7, and the bus was to arrive at 7:44am. She had already gone into school to meet her teacher and see her new classroom the week before school. Uniforms were all purchased, supplies all delivered, lunch and snacks packed. All that remained was sending my baby girl away on a bus.
Mary Grace, of course, approached school with no apprehension or fear. Just a great big smile and hugs for William. It probably helped that she knew that her a few of her neighbor friends would also be riding the bus, but for the first time she did remarkably well.
In fact, we could barely keep her off the bus!
Just to make Mom feel better, Anne followed the bus to school and took this nice photo as proof that she did in fact arrive at school. Whew!
Once Mary Grace got in she had a great first day of school and even got back on the bus and came home. Bonus!
Monday, September 06, 2010
Niagara Falls; the conclusion
After a fun and very full day, we packed everything up in the car, including a big bonus; our niece/cousin Sarah took up our offer to come stay for the weekend! It was a little cramped in the back seat with Sarah sandwiched between the two kids seats, but off we were. For about 5 minutes.
We had just started the movie (Babe, on the iPad), when we heard an odd noise coming from the back seat, following by Sarah SCREAMING "OH MY GOD, HE's THROWING UP!". Poor William was hurling all over himself. Emergency pull over into a parking lot and two more hurls leading to a little boy COVERED in stinky yuck.
Anne jumps to the rescue, removing William from the seat and getting his clothes off. I called for reinforcements (Chris and Lori) and we headed back to Chris and Lori's to start the cleanup effort. Bath, laundry, seat hose-down and car cleanup behind us, we set off again just over an hour later. William slept on my lap in the back seat all the way home.
Thankfully, whatever made him sick was not longlasting, as he woke the next morning perfectly healthy. It was a beautiful weekend for us and we took advantage of a few Rochester institutions; Saturday afternoon we spent at the pool at Midtown and Sunday afternoon at Strong Museum. Both were loads of fun for all involved. Sadly, Monday was Sarah's return trip back to Buffalo. Anne met Chris half way in Batavia where they had dinner.
The kids are looking forward to our upcoming overnight guests next weekend for Seabreeze Friends and Family day as well as the Clothesline Art festival at the MAG.
Finally, tomorrow is an ultra-exciting day, Mary Grace's first day of kindergarten! She'll be riding the school bus for the first time ever. Blog forthcoming.
We had just started the movie (Babe, on the iPad), when we heard an odd noise coming from the back seat, following by Sarah SCREAMING "OH MY GOD, HE's THROWING UP!". Poor William was hurling all over himself. Emergency pull over into a parking lot and two more hurls leading to a little boy COVERED in stinky yuck.
Anne jumps to the rescue, removing William from the seat and getting his clothes off. I called for reinforcements (Chris and Lori) and we headed back to Chris and Lori's to start the cleanup effort. Bath, laundry, seat hose-down and car cleanup behind us, we set off again just over an hour later. William slept on my lap in the back seat all the way home.
Thankfully, whatever made him sick was not longlasting, as he woke the next morning perfectly healthy. It was a beautiful weekend for us and we took advantage of a few Rochester institutions; Saturday afternoon we spent at the pool at Midtown and Sunday afternoon at Strong Museum. Both were loads of fun for all involved. Sadly, Monday was Sarah's return trip back to Buffalo. Anne met Chris half way in Batavia where they had dinner.
The kids are looking forward to our upcoming overnight guests next weekend for Seabreeze Friends and Family day as well as the Clothesline Art festival at the MAG.
Finally, tomorrow is an ultra-exciting day, Mary Grace's first day of kindergarten! She'll be riding the school bus for the first time ever. Blog forthcoming.
Monday, August 30, 2010
We finally went to Niagara Falls!
I've been trying to motivate the family to go on a daytrip to Niagara Falls all summer long. Checking out the calendar I noticed that there are just a few weeks left of summer so I scheduled a day off and announced my intentions. So on Friday, August 27, off we went.
We had a brainstorm to invite Sarah along for the fun and were psyched when she said yes. So after about an hour and a half drive to Buffalo, then the falls, we arrived.
Our first stop was Goat Island for a great view of the American falls. We took photos from two vantage points, then headed back towards the car for lunch.
After lunch, we proceeded to the Maid Of The Mist! After watching it ferrying people towards the falls, we were all very excited for the ride. At only $15ish or adults, it was a steal. Kids 5 and under are free, too!
The approach to the American Falls gave a great view and we took advantage of the photo opportunities. Then we proceeded towards the Canadian Falls, where the mist was so thick that we all got soaked! It was the best part of the ride though. I'll always remember Sarah and I screaming "I'm on top of the world" with our hands up in the air. LOL.
Even the kids enjoyed it, although William cinched up his raincoat as tight as he could to keep from getting wet. This from my boy who takes every single opportunity to get wet and play with water when at home. Towards the end of the boat ride, he asks me "When are we going to see Niagara Falls?". "This is it, silly!".
After we disembarked, Sarah and I climbed the steps on a path that leads right up to the edge of the falls, where we got even wetter than we did on the boat. Luckily we still had our raincoats from the boat ride on! Sarah remarked that the enjoyed that part of the experience more than the boat. You must do it, if you go. Here's Sarah getting soaked!
So the major stops visited and dinnertime approaching, we decided to head back to Buffalo for dinner with Grandpa.
Next post about the rest of the evening and weekend.
We had a brainstorm to invite Sarah along for the fun and were psyched when she said yes. So after about an hour and a half drive to Buffalo, then the falls, we arrived.
Our first stop was Goat Island for a great view of the American falls. We took photos from two vantage points, then headed back towards the car for lunch.
After lunch, we proceeded to the Maid Of The Mist! After watching it ferrying people towards the falls, we were all very excited for the ride. At only $15ish or adults, it was a steal. Kids 5 and under are free, too!
The approach to the American Falls gave a great view and we took advantage of the photo opportunities. Then we proceeded towards the Canadian Falls, where the mist was so thick that we all got soaked! It was the best part of the ride though. I'll always remember Sarah and I screaming "I'm on top of the world" with our hands up in the air. LOL.
Even the kids enjoyed it, although William cinched up his raincoat as tight as he could to keep from getting wet. This from my boy who takes every single opportunity to get wet and play with water when at home. Towards the end of the boat ride, he asks me "When are we going to see Niagara Falls?". "This is it, silly!".
After we disembarked, Sarah and I climbed the steps on a path that leads right up to the edge of the falls, where we got even wetter than we did on the boat. Luckily we still had our raincoats from the boat ride on! Sarah remarked that the enjoyed that part of the experience more than the boat. You must do it, if you go. Here's Sarah getting soaked!
So the major stops visited and dinnertime approaching, we decided to head back to Buffalo for dinner with Grandpa.
Next post about the rest of the evening and weekend.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Boy got ink.
Turn your back on a 4 year old boy coloring with markers for one second and this is what you get!
First harvest
A big part of the end of winter and the beginning of spring is a Saturday afternoon of planting seeds with the kids. This year we planted a multitude of flowers and vegetables, but as always, tomatoes are king.
We planted 10 salvaged seeds from a pack of organic seeds we bought in 2008. I wasn't sure they would be viable, but up they came and slowly they grew. While my brothers family was enjoying July tomatoes, ours were still small and green.
In early August, we got a few, but then they all went crazy! Here's a picture of the first harvest, most which went into 10 jars of salsa which we'll enjoy all winter long.
The shopping cart is what the kids harvested into. :)
We planted 10 salvaged seeds from a pack of organic seeds we bought in 2008. I wasn't sure they would be viable, but up they came and slowly they grew. While my brothers family was enjoying July tomatoes, ours were still small and green.
In early August, we got a few, but then they all went crazy! Here's a picture of the first harvest, most which went into 10 jars of salsa which we'll enjoy all winter long.
The shopping cart is what the kids harvested into. :)
Sunday, August 22, 2010
At the Rock Wall playground
One of the things we haven't done a lot of this summer is go to the playground. So to correct this situation, we piled up the kids into the wagon and headed off to what the kids call "The Rock Wall Playground".
It's actually two playgrounds at a school down near Berkely and Milburn streets. I can never remember the name of the school though. :)
We arrived an instantly made a new friend, a very nice little girl whose name escapes me. After playing on the slide, the "submarine", the monkey bars, and the swings, we headed over to the little kids playground where you can see Mary Grace sitting on the Rock wall. (Nate, you were at this playground with us a few years ago!)
It's actually two playgrounds at a school down near Berkely and Milburn streets. I can never remember the name of the school though. :)
We arrived an instantly made a new friend, a very nice little girl whose name escapes me. After playing on the slide, the "submarine", the monkey bars, and the swings, we headed over to the little kids playground where you can see Mary Grace sitting on the Rock wall. (Nate, you were at this playground with us a few years ago!)
Monday, August 09, 2010
Want to buy some kettle corn?!
This weekend, we leveraged the additional traffic in the neighborhood for some old-fashioned entrepreneur-ism in the form of a kettle corn stand. "50¢ Kettle Corn" reads the sign that Mary Grace made all by herself!
The kids had a great time manning the stand (Mary Grace dressed in her Arial princess costume) while Anne and I observed from the front porch. Most of our customers were neighbors, but some were friendly strangers, like the guy that gave Mary Grace a $1 tip, or the folks who bought 3 bags (exhausting all our inventory and forcing Daddy back to the kitchen to make more).
Mary Grace was the sales person and accounts receivable and William was in product fulfillment and the treasurer.
They made over $11, of which the majority was spent the next day at the Park Avenue Festival on jewelry and kids inflatable "rides".
What a fun Park Ave Fest weekend we had!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Slip-sliding fun
Here's a little fun that I missed as a result of being on the clock...
We got the kids a Slip-n-slide and they struggled to make a go of it in our yard. Anne decided (wisely) to take it to her mom's house where there's a nice big hill in the yard. Toss in the introduction of the term "mighty fine push" and we're good to go!
Slip-n-slid + downhill+ two under the age of 5 + one fun-loving teenager =
Do you love the part where mommy over-reacts to the incidental contact? :)
We got the kids a Slip-n-slide and they struggled to make a go of it in our yard. Anne decided (wisely) to take it to her mom's house where there's a nice big hill in the yard. Toss in the introduction of the term "mighty fine push" and we're good to go!
Slip-n-slid + downhill+ two under the age of 5 + one fun-loving teenager =
Do you love the part where mommy over-reacts to the incidental contact? :)
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
An awesome summer afternoon at Seabreeze
This afternoon was a perfect storm of summer fun. Afternoon off from work, family visiting from Arizona, friends visiting from NJ, perfect weather, and a trip to Seabreeze amusement park.
We've been building the kids up for a ride on the log flume, and we all decided today would be the big day. But first, we headed to the water park for some splashing around.
After starting at the worlds slowest water slide, we moved on to the spray park (with a slightly less lethargic water slide), then on to the wave pool. We all had fun in the wave pool, but I think William enjoyed relaxing in the surf with cousin Nate the most (lots of whales in the next shot too!)
Next, it was time for the log flume. Daddy and William in the front and Mary Grace and Nate in the back. Up the hill we go and as we cross the top I hear from behind me "I don't want to go". LOL, too late now!. So down we go to a screaming 5 year old. Once we get to the bottom, both kids agree that they definitely don't like the Log Flume and will not be on that ride ever again!
We met up with NJ friends at this point and took a few first-time rides on the Lazy River.
Lazy River, being a complete opposite of the Log Flume was the kids favorite. We rode twice in a row (not counting a potty break), and they wanted to try again! Alas, there was much more amusement park to enjoy.
We move on to the kid rides, and rode the Teacups, the little cars, airplanes, boats, Carousel, etc. I got to go on a few grown up rides too with cousin-Nate. Woohoo, finally! Thanks Nate!
The fun continued with a drive out to Lyons to have dinner with the rest of the family from Arizona, where the kids kept telling everyone how much they enjoyed the Lazy River.
As we drove home, I commented, on what a perfect summer day it was.
We've been building the kids up for a ride on the log flume, and we all decided today would be the big day. But first, we headed to the water park for some splashing around.
After starting at the worlds slowest water slide, we moved on to the spray park (with a slightly less lethargic water slide), then on to the wave pool. We all had fun in the wave pool, but I think William enjoyed relaxing in the surf with cousin Nate the most (lots of whales in the next shot too!)
Next, it was time for the log flume. Daddy and William in the front and Mary Grace and Nate in the back. Up the hill we go and as we cross the top I hear from behind me "I don't want to go". LOL, too late now!. So down we go to a screaming 5 year old. Once we get to the bottom, both kids agree that they definitely don't like the Log Flume and will not be on that ride ever again!
We met up with NJ friends at this point and took a few first-time rides on the Lazy River.
 |  |  |
Lazy River, being a complete opposite of the Log Flume was the kids favorite. We rode twice in a row (not counting a potty break), and they wanted to try again! Alas, there was much more amusement park to enjoy.
We move on to the kid rides, and rode the Teacups, the little cars, airplanes, boats, Carousel, etc. I got to go on a few grown up rides too with cousin-Nate. Woohoo, finally! Thanks Nate!
The fun continued with a drive out to Lyons to have dinner with the rest of the family from Arizona, where the kids kept telling everyone how much they enjoyed the Lazy River.
As we drove home, I commented, on what a perfect summer day it was.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Surprising response from William
Last night I was getting ice cream out for everyone when I dropped a zippy cup on the floor.
Since William was right there I asked him if he would pick it up for me.
His response?
Ey-ey Captain!
It caught me off guard because I've never heard him reply to a question with a quote like that. He probably heard it on Sponge Bob Squarepants and integrated it into his vocabulary.
Now things are going to get really interesting!
Since William was right there I asked him if he would pick it up for me.
His response?
Ey-ey Captain!
It caught me off guard because I've never heard him reply to a question with a quote like that. He probably heard it on Sponge Bob Squarepants and integrated it into his vocabulary.
Now things are going to get really interesting!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Daddy, I look like a queen
No, it wasn't Mary Grace saying that. It was William.
We've been encouraging the kids to get dressed by themselves and it's been working out well. Last night, William picked out his pajamas. He choose the puppy pjs that are a year old now and he's outgrown them. But that's what he wanted to wear, so that's what he got.
So when he noticed that the tops were a little too short to cover his belly button, he started pulling them down. This led to the collar getting stretched downwards.
He looked down, and observing that he could see the top of his chest, he noted "Aww, I look like a queen". It took a few seconds to sink in, but I'm pretty sure he was referring to this queen, from the Strong Museum Royal Ball this past spring. Note how her top got pulled down, likely because her belly button was showing.
We've been encouraging the kids to get dressed by themselves and it's been working out well. Last night, William picked out his pajamas. He choose the puppy pjs that are a year old now and he's outgrown them. But that's what he wanted to wear, so that's what he got.
So when he noticed that the tops were a little too short to cover his belly button, he started pulling them down. This led to the collar getting stretched downwards.
He looked down, and observing that he could see the top of his chest, he noted "Aww, I look like a queen". It took a few seconds to sink in, but I'm pretty sure he was referring to this queen, from the Strong Museum Royal Ball this past spring. Note how her top got pulled down, likely because her belly button was showing.
Monday, June 14, 2010
What my kids are made of
Last night I was telling William the nursery tale about what little boys are girls are made of. My memory was failing me and all I could come up with was:
Frogs and snails and puppy dog tails.
"What is Mary Grace made of?"
Mary Grace is made of sugar and spice and everything nice!
No, Daddy. Mary Grace is made of apple juice and I'm made of salami.
Apparently, William remembered that Anne told him and Mary Grace about what she craved (and ate in excess) during pregnancy. :)
Frogs and snails and puppy dog tails.
"What is Mary Grace made of?"
Mary Grace is made of sugar and spice and everything nice!
No, Daddy. Mary Grace is made of apple juice and I'm made of salami.
Apparently, William remembered that Anne told him and Mary Grace about what she craved (and ate in excess) during pregnancy. :)
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Lead-up to a dance recital
The kids have been taking dance lessons since the fall. They love their instructor "Miss Kim" and while Mary Grace has taken a big interest, William's interest has been lackluster.
About mid-winder, Mary Grace stated that she doesn't need to go to dance class anymore because she knows all the moves now. Luckily, we convinced her that there was a lot of new stuff to learn and that she should continue on.
We're now heading towards their first dance recital, and this weekend we had their pictures taken in their costumes. It was adorable to see all the kids in Mary Grace's class all made up. Here's a few photos we took ourselves when we got home. Hope you love them as much as we do!
About mid-winder, Mary Grace stated that she doesn't need to go to dance class anymore because she knows all the moves now. Luckily, we convinced her that there was a lot of new stuff to learn and that she should continue on.
We're now heading towards their first dance recital, and this weekend we had their pictures taken in their costumes. It was adorable to see all the kids in Mary Grace's class all made up. Here's a few photos we took ourselves when we got home. Hope you love them as much as we do!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Skinny dipping
This afternoon I set up a little pool in the yard for the kids. Upon seeing this, William instantly stripped down to his birthday suit and jumped in. He ended up putting on swimming trunks at Mom's insistence, but both Mary Grace and William stripped down immediately after swimming time.
They spent the rest of the afternoon playing naked and we just finished a naked dinner. It's the first naked dinner since last summer and it was well planned since we had homemade sauce (which inevitably gets on the kids clothes).
Tomorrow will be the Memorial Day parade followed by Memorial Day celebration at Midtown (including lots of frolicking at the pool)
Loving summer with a 4 and 5 year old! (and my wonderful wife!).
They spent the rest of the afternoon playing naked and we just finished a naked dinner. It's the first naked dinner since last summer and it was well planned since we had homemade sauce (which inevitably gets on the kids clothes).
Tomorrow will be the Memorial Day parade followed by Memorial Day celebration at Midtown (including lots of frolicking at the pool)
Loving summer with a 4 and 5 year old! (and my wonderful wife!).
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Stick and Stone collectors
When the kids were really young and we used to go for walks in the neighborhood in the stroller, or even in the wagon. This inevitably led to collecting of sticks that we found laying on the ground (sadly, it was originally my idea to collect sticks).
Mary Grace took this a step further and collected leaves and nuts.
William, being a boy was more interested in collecting rocks. He would get very attached to them and cry if we didn't keep them.
Recently, Anne found Williams "buddy" (a teddy bear backpack with an optional leash) that we had put away over a year ago, and in going through it, she found a nice big baby rock in the pocket. :)
Mary Grace took this a step further and collected leaves and nuts.
William, being a boy was more interested in collecting rocks. He would get very attached to them and cry if we didn't keep them.
Recently, Anne found Williams "buddy" (a teddy bear backpack with an optional leash) that we had put away over a year ago, and in going through it, she found a nice big baby rock in the pocket. :)
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Little phrases of the moment
We've noticed that both kids have little signature phrases that they like to say. A few that come to mind right now are:
William: "What'cha say?" He says that both when he didn't hear you and when he wants to confirm that the thing he's doing is ok.
William: parent name! parent name! parent name! parent name! parent name! He'll repeatedly and continually call out either Mommy! or Daddy! until you respond. We're trying to work with him on this, encouraging to just ask the question but so far it's not taking.
Mary Grace: "I don't mind". Used for any situation she's flexible on. For example, eating frozen french fries rather than homemade.
Mary Grace: "I need to tell Mommy if I can have a treat". She confuses ask/tell. She'll tell you a question and ask you a statement.
William: "What'cha say?" He says that both when he didn't hear you and when he wants to confirm that the thing he's doing is ok.
William: parent name! parent name! parent name! parent name! parent name! He'll repeatedly and continually call out either Mommy! or Daddy! until you respond. We're trying to work with him on this, encouraging to just ask the question but so far it's not taking.
Mary Grace: "I don't mind". Used for any situation she's flexible on. For example, eating frozen french fries rather than homemade.
Mary Grace: "I need to tell Mommy if I can have a treat". She confuses ask/tell. She'll tell you a question and ask you a statement.
Monday, May 24, 2010
William is making great strides
William's efforts are finally paying off as he makes great strides in everything he tries. He knows all his letters, can put together puzzles, tries almost any food offered to him, and knows right from wrong (although he seems to prefer to do wrong lol).
I'm noticing that Mary Grace seems to be becoming a little more independent. Tonight I noticed her in her playhouse in the yard working on an activity while the rest of the family was sitting on the back porch.
Both kids are looking forward to a wonderful summer full a dance recital, cousins visiting from Arizona, swimming at Midtown and going on rides at Seabreeze. I sure hope it's everything their little hearts desire!
Here's a photo of the kids at their family birthday party in March.
I'm noticing that Mary Grace seems to be becoming a little more independent. Tonight I noticed her in her playhouse in the yard working on an activity while the rest of the family was sitting on the back porch.
Both kids are looking forward to a wonderful summer full a dance recital, cousins visiting from Arizona, swimming at Midtown and going on rides at Seabreeze. I sure hope it's everything their little hearts desire!
Here's a photo of the kids at their family birthday party in March.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Naughty girls
Tonight we had Mary Grace's BFF (and her family) over for play and dinner. All seemed to go pretty well and at one point the girls locked themselves in Mary Grace's room and CLEANED UP. Weird, I know.
A little silence goes by and both girls come downstairs with a powerful coconut smell. Our guest is nearly naked and covered in a red balm of some sort. All the parents rush over and ask what happened. Mary Grace, sensing impending discipline answers "I don't remember". When pressed harder for an answer, she sticks with her first instinct and repeats "I really don't remember!"
We finally get to the truth; they were in the bathroom playing with Avon Kids Bath Body Paint and our guest thought it would be fun to apply it to herself. Liberally.
Lucky for us, she was heading home for a bath shortly anyway. :)
A little silence goes by and both girls come downstairs with a powerful coconut smell. Our guest is nearly naked and covered in a red balm of some sort. All the parents rush over and ask what happened. Mary Grace, sensing impending discipline answers "I don't remember". When pressed harder for an answer, she sticks with her first instinct and repeats "I really don't remember!"
We finally get to the truth; they were in the bathroom playing with Avon Kids Bath Body Paint and our guest thought it would be fun to apply it to herself. Liberally.
Lucky for us, she was heading home for a bath shortly anyway. :)
Thursday, May 13, 2010
I love you
I noticed that when I tell Mary Grace that I love her, she doesn't respond that she loves me. Now, I know that she does love me, but all the same, it IS nice to hear! (And I have observed her telling Mommy that she loves her.)
I mentioned it to Anne one night and she queried Mary Grace about it. Mary Grace responded that she doesn't say it because she's shy. In other words, she loves me so much that she's embarrassed to say it. I'm ok with that.
Anne later suggested that rather than saying "I love you" to me, Mary Grace could say "me too" in response to me telling her that I love her. So now, every night, I tell Mary Grace I love her and she responds with "me too". I'm cool with that too.
However, yesterday, I got this card in my email, which I'll treasure for a while, I think.
I mentioned it to Anne one night and she queried Mary Grace about it. Mary Grace responded that she doesn't say it because she's shy. In other words, she loves me so much that she's embarrassed to say it. I'm ok with that.
Anne later suggested that rather than saying "I love you" to me, Mary Grace could say "me too" in response to me telling her that I love her. So now, every night, I tell Mary Grace I love her and she responds with "me too". I'm cool with that too.
However, yesterday, I got this card in my email, which I'll treasure for a while, I think.
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
Brothers and Sisters
Mary Grace:
Mommy, did I tell you that William hurt me 90 times today, and he just kicked me with his foot.
He was hitting me with his feet like this (pushes her foot into his forehead, bumping his head into the wall. No tears.)
He hurt my nose when he was climbing on me.
I don't remember what else he did.
Mommy, did I tell you that William hurt me 90 times today, and he just kicked me with his foot.
He was hitting me with his feet like this (pushes her foot into his forehead, bumping his head into the wall. No tears.)
He hurt my nose when he was climbing on me.
I don't remember what else he did.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Mary Grace explaining the toilet seat rule to William
"William - When you finish going to the bathroom, you have to put the toilet seat down because it's more comfortable that way for me and mommy. You and daddy have a different kind of coo-coo so we can't stand up."
I asked her afterwards who was responsible for changing the position of the toilet seat and got an immediate "William is". Apparently, the brainwashing has already begun :)
I asked her afterwards who was responsible for changing the position of the toilet seat and got an immediate "William is". Apparently, the brainwashing has already begun :)
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Mary Grace meets the queen at Strong Museum's Royal Ball
We had a fantastic time at the Royal Ball at the Strong Museum last weekend. There were so many activities that we stayed for an unprecedented 3+ hours. Here's one of my favorite moments:
There was a line of little princesses waiting to meet her royal majesty, the Queen. Of course we got in line. As we were waiting we noticed that the little girls were curtsying and I didn't know if Mary Grace knew how. Unfortunately, Daddy didn't know how either. So I explained it to her as best I could based on observation. Then came the big moment
By the way, while we were waiting in line, William asked if he could go see the Spider Man exhibit that was just down the hall. I didn't see the harm, so told him to make sure he can see me (and thus, I could see him). As I was trying to explain curtsying, I lost sight of him and he was MIA for a good 5 minutes while we waited in line.
Here are a few photos from the afternoon as well
Princess Mary Grace and Prince William on the royal (Lego) throne.
At the royal hair salon, getting a french braid
The prince enjoying a snack after making his own crown.
There was a line of little princesses waiting to meet her royal majesty, the Queen. Of course we got in line. As we were waiting we noticed that the little girls were curtsying and I didn't know if Mary Grace knew how. Unfortunately, Daddy didn't know how either. So I explained it to her as best I could based on observation. Then came the big moment
By the way, while we were waiting in line, William asked if he could go see the Spider Man exhibit that was just down the hall. I didn't see the harm, so told him to make sure he can see me (and thus, I could see him). As I was trying to explain curtsying, I lost sight of him and he was MIA for a good 5 minutes while we waited in line.
Here are a few photos from the afternoon as well
Princess Mary Grace and Prince William on the royal (Lego) throne.
At the royal hair salon, getting a french braid
The prince enjoying a snack after making his own crown.
Thursday, April 08, 2010
She wants to take the bus next year?!
We're faced with a dilemma. Mary Grace will be starting kindergarten next year, which is every day from 8-2:15. William will still be in 3-day pre-K. That means a lot of travelling back and forth to school.
So we asked Mary Grace if she wanted to take the school bus, fully expecting the answer would be No. What a surprise that she said yes! We've still got to work out the details, but that may be an answer to our problems!
Now we have to try to get the parents to be ok with putting our little girl onto a bus. Right now that's not sitting well with me. :(
So we asked Mary Grace if she wanted to take the school bus, fully expecting the answer would be No. What a surprise that she said yes! We've still got to work out the details, but that may be an answer to our problems!
Now we have to try to get the parents to be ok with putting our little girl onto a bus. Right now that's not sitting well with me. :(
Friday, April 02, 2010
Mary Grace's fashion sense
Over the last year or so, Mary Grace has become more and more restrictive with her clothing choices. At first, it was certain colors that she refused to wear. Then she refused to wear jeans. Lately it has degraded to her only wanting to wear dresses. Today she wants to wear an "Eastery" dress while decorating Easter eggs.
So when I overheard this little gem, I had to blog it.
We were all discussing William going to Joe's boy-only birthday party, and since Anne would be working, who would be taking care of Mary Grace. We discussed several options, including neighbors, friends, etc., then Anne said "Maybe Mary Grace can just come to work with me". The first words out of my girl's mouth upon hearing this were "Ohh, what would I wear?!".
Classic girly-girl.
So when I overheard this little gem, I had to blog it.
We were all discussing William going to Joe's boy-only birthday party, and since Anne would be working, who would be taking care of Mary Grace. We discussed several options, including neighbors, friends, etc., then Anne said "Maybe Mary Grace can just come to work with me". The first words out of my girl's mouth upon hearing this were "Ohh, what would I wear?!".
Classic girly-girl.
Monday, March 22, 2010
What is Wine?
Sorry for the microblog, but better that than nothing...
William just pulled out the wine VacuVin and asked what it was. I told him and Mary Grace asked , what is wine? I told her it was grape juice that goes through a process that makes it alcohol. She then asked what alcohol was. It's like beer, and if you drink too much of it, it makes you goofy. And she said, "goofy...like silly?" and I said yeah, and she said, "oh, is that how Daddy got to be so silly?" I said, yep, that's how!
Birthday party post coming next.
William just pulled out the wine VacuVin and asked what it was. I told him and Mary Grace asked , what is wine? I told her it was grape juice that goes through a process that makes it alcohol. She then asked what alcohol was. It's like beer, and if you drink too much of it, it makes you goofy. And she said, "goofy...like silly?" and I said yeah, and she said, "oh, is that how Daddy got to be so silly?" I said, yep, that's how!
Birthday party post coming next.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Friday, March 05, 2010
Words that Mary Grace can write.
She can write her name, she loves to write the word LOVE and she can write Mama and Didi!
William is showing interest in letters now, and has started writing letters out too.
William is showing interest in letters now, and has started writing letters out too.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
One of MG's early performances.
Before becoming America's favorite ballerina, rock star and fashion model, Mary Grace had humble beginnings in a small city in Western New York. Shown here is a video clip taken right after her 5 year old birthday party where she demonstrates her budding skills in a spontaneous song/dance performance. Note her advanced dancing, rhythm and spontaneous song writing skills, in their earliest recorded form. Who knew that she would grow up to be America's sweetheart?
Mary Grace's birthday party
For her 5th birthday (!), Mary Grace decided on a Barbie themed party. She had all her girlfriends from school, play dates and the neighborhood over for 2 hours in the afternoon. A total of 15 under 8 for two hours means LOTS of fun!
The kids started with coloring pages and tattoos while we waited for everyone to arrive. We moved on to "pin the pony on Barbie" and "the jellybean game" (guessing how many jellybeans were under a cup using only yes/no questions). After that, we all sang Happy Birthday to Mary Grace and had cake and ice cream back in the dining room.
We did a little Barbie Saves The Nutcracker on TV while we got prepared for gifts, then opened some wonderful presents! That took us to 3:00pm, and we gave out gift bags to all the girls and said our good-byes.
I think Mary Grace didn't stop smiling the whole time, she LOVED it.
William had about 10 crying fits because he wanted it to be his birthday too. It was a good lesson for us and the other parents :) He'll get his moment in the spotlight in two months.
So, just like that, my baby girl is 5. People always tell you how quickly it goes by, but you never really get it until it happens to you. I've got to learn to live in the moment more.
So tonight, I read to Mary Grace for half an hour at bedtime and was rewarded with a nice long snuggle.
The kids started with coloring pages and tattoos while we waited for everyone to arrive. We moved on to "pin the pony on Barbie" and "the jellybean game" (guessing how many jellybeans were under a cup using only yes/no questions). After that, we all sang Happy Birthday to Mary Grace and had cake and ice cream back in the dining room.
We did a little Barbie Saves The Nutcracker on TV while we got prepared for gifts, then opened some wonderful presents! That took us to 3:00pm, and we gave out gift bags to all the girls and said our good-byes.
I think Mary Grace didn't stop smiling the whole time, she LOVED it.
William had about 10 crying fits because he wanted it to be his birthday too. It was a good lesson for us and the other parents :) He'll get his moment in the spotlight in two months.
So, just like that, my baby girl is 5. People always tell you how quickly it goes by, but you never really get it until it happens to you. I've got to learn to live in the moment more.
So tonight, I read to Mary Grace for half an hour at bedtime and was rewarded with a nice long snuggle.
 | Sharing some kettle corn before the party |
 | The birthday cake, made by Mommy! |
 | Getting ready to sing Happy Birthday and blow out the candles |
 | Posing with one of her favorite presents! My daughter, the rocker! |
Friday, February 12, 2010
A dead car battery and a funny answer to a question.
Anne was leaving for the gym tonight and discovered that the battery in the CR-V was dead. A little investigation revealed that a dome-light was left on... for days! Recounting the last time she drove it, she realized that it wasn't even night-time, so how did the dome-lights get turned on?
An innocent question to the kids "Were either of you playing with the lights in the car?" Both kids replied "No". Then, she asks William "Are you sure you weren't playing with the lights in the car?"
"No Mommy, I wasn't playing with them... I just turned them on!"
An innocent question to the kids "Were either of you playing with the lights in the car?" Both kids replied "No". Then, she asks William "Are you sure you weren't playing with the lights in the car?"
"No Mommy, I wasn't playing with them... I just turned them on!"
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Valentines for mommy
Tonight at KidTown, the kids made Valentines for their mommy. Mary Grace was very proud of hers and ran to show me at pickup time. She wrote LOVE in it, all by herself and signed it (MG).
William, not to be outdone, wrote "I love you Mommy". At least that what I knew he intended to write; it was actually a bunch of lines and circles. When he asked "What did I write?", and I responded with "I love you Mommy!", his face lit up as he asked "REALLY?!". My response, yup, that what I see and that's what mommy will see.
They ran into the house, so proud to give them to Mommy. Love those two...
William, not to be outdone, wrote "I love you Mommy". At least that what I knew he intended to write; it was actually a bunch of lines and circles. When he asked "What did I write?", and I responded with "I love you Mommy!", his face lit up as he asked "REALLY?!". My response, yup, that what I see and that's what mommy will see.
They ran into the house, so proud to give them to Mommy. Love those two...
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Kids who already think they know more than parents.
Last night I was getting ready to read a book to William. I opened the book and started reading. He said "no daddy, you missed a page". I said, "nope, this is the first page". So he takes the book from me and starts flipping it around, checking all the pages, trying to pry the cover of the book in half to create a second page, then returns to flipping it all over the place. Finally, he puts the book down and goes into his cuddle/sleep position. I start to get up and he says, "Aren't you going to read the book to me?" This time, he didn't complain about skipping the first page. Passive admission of defeat. :)
Next, I go to read to Mary Grace. She picks a Leap Frog colors book. On the first page, there's a picture of Leap the frog. I ask what's his name? Mary Grace says she doesn't know. I told her it's Leap. She responds that "No, his name isn't Leap". We go back and forth a few times until Mommy walks in. I pick up the book and ask her "What's his name?" She responds "Leap!" I say "See, Mary Grace?" Her response... Change the subject. Again, passive admission of defeat!
My favorite is that Mary Grace thinks "uf" is a word. A sentence that starts with "If" is apparently pronounced actually "uf". We've told her repeatedly and she keeps using it.
Next, I go to read to Mary Grace. She picks a Leap Frog colors book. On the first page, there's a picture of Leap the frog. I ask what's his name? Mary Grace says she doesn't know. I told her it's Leap. She responds that "No, his name isn't Leap". We go back and forth a few times until Mommy walks in. I pick up the book and ask her "What's his name?" She responds "Leap!" I say "See, Mary Grace?" Her response... Change the subject. Again, passive admission of defeat!
My favorite is that Mary Grace thinks "uf" is a word. A sentence that starts with "If" is apparently pronounced actually "uf". We've told her repeatedly and she keeps using it.
Monday, January 11, 2010
ecarG yraM
Part of being a parent is the pride and fun of going through your children's never ending flow of artwork. Some of the better pieces I take to work and hang on my cube wall so I can look at it from time to time with glowing pride. We also hang it on the fridge and the walls in the kitchen.
Anne, Mary Grace and I were going through some of her recent artwork (all very good) and noticed one that she signed (yes, she writes her name now), but we didn't recognize what she wrote. We kept looking and realized that it was her name, except the letter were written from right to left, rather than left to right!
We explained the mistake, and got her normal response to situations where we try to explain what she did wrong... No, she did it right and we were wrong!
Regardless, we're quite proud of the writing and artistic talents of our little angel.
Not to leave out William, he has been bringing home a lot of big wonderful paintings too, and we're going to set up a wall in his bedroom to display his artistic talents!
Anne, Mary Grace and I were going through some of her recent artwork (all very good) and noticed one that she signed (yes, she writes her name now), but we didn't recognize what she wrote. We kept looking and realized that it was her name, except the letter were written from right to left, rather than left to right!
We explained the mistake, and got her normal response to situations where we try to explain what she did wrong... No, she did it right and we were wrong!
Regardless, we're quite proud of the writing and artistic talents of our little angel.
Not to leave out William, he has been bringing home a lot of big wonderful paintings too, and we're going to set up a wall in his bedroom to display his artistic talents!
Saturday, January 09, 2010
Lets stay up late and eat kettle corn!
Tonight I suggested that we stay up late and eat kettle corn and watch TV. The four of us huddled together on the couch and chomped away while watching kid-friendly YouTube videos. Then William started snoring. Mary Grace decided to take this opportunity to peel the Elmers glue off of his hand. Then Mommy put him to bed. A few minutes later, the night owl said "I'm tired, I want to go to sleep too...". And so ended a day that started with Music Class at Kidtown, haircuts for William and Daddy and a new craft table in the basement.
PS - Kettle corn = 2 tbsp oil, 1/3 cup popcorn, 1/4 cup sugar. All ingredients in kettle, turn heat on, then pop away.
PS - Kettle corn = 2 tbsp oil, 1/3 cup popcorn, 1/4 cup sugar. All ingredients in kettle, turn heat on, then pop away.
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
The need to match
Every night when Mary Grace is getting ready for bed, she has to pick out which pajamas to wear. The inevitable question is "which pajamas is William wearing". The answer to this question determines which pajamas Mary Grace wears. For example, William was wearing his new "Cars" pajamas, meaning Mary Grace had to wear her Dora.
I measured Mary Grace last night and she grew about 1/4 inch since October. We were talking about her current height compared to the first measurement we took and I was informed that she's going to be taller than me soon.
I measured Mary Grace last night and she grew about 1/4 inch since October. We were talking about her current height compared to the first measurement we took and I was informed that she's going to be taller than me soon.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Another movie with the kids
Our first movie experience was Madagascar 2 some time ago. Today we decided to catch "The Princess And The Frog" matinee. We got there just as the theatre was filling up, so ended up with decent seats (especially considering the seats taken in the front two rows by those arriving later). Previews, then movie starts, then we break out the snuck-in kettle corn. This reminded me of walking to the Kensington theatre with my brothers and my Mom would make us all popcorn that we would sneak in.
About halfway through the 1.5 hour movie, William says "I want to leave now". I thought the issue would be either bathroom or falling asleep. I coaxed him into staying and he really started enjoying it. I think he was the loudest laugher in the whole theatre!
The movie ended on a very up note and the kids really enjoyed it. My only complaint is that it seems that every movie we see lately wants to introduce the topic of death. We really don't want to go there with a 4 and 3 year old. Otherwise, great movie.
Afterwards, we decided to go to Champs for dinner and were pleasantly surprised that on Tuesdays, kids eat free! Bonus! We had a nice dinner, then William fell asleep in the car as soon as he got to his seat.
Enjoying my week off.
About halfway through the 1.5 hour movie, William says "I want to leave now". I thought the issue would be either bathroom or falling asleep. I coaxed him into staying and he really started enjoying it. I think he was the loudest laugher in the whole theatre!
The movie ended on a very up note and the kids really enjoyed it. My only complaint is that it seems that every movie we see lately wants to introduce the topic of death. We really don't want to go there with a 4 and 3 year old. Otherwise, great movie.
Afterwards, we decided to go to Champs for dinner and were pleasantly surprised that on Tuesdays, kids eat free! Bonus! We had a nice dinner, then William fell asleep in the car as soon as he got to his seat.
Enjoying my week off.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Santa's lap!
We've finally had a successful Santa visit with both kids! Up until this year, Mary Grace has been too scared of Santa to sit on his lap but reluctantly posed last year because her cousin Catie was with her. Remember a few years ago when she would say "I care Santa!".
Apart from the untimely loudspeaker announcement at the mall, I made a wonderful video of their visit. I included a transcript to help you know what was said.
Mommy: Do you want to tell Santa what you want?
Mary Grace: A barbie van
William: I want Bendaroos
Daddy: One at a time; did you catch that Santa Clause?
William: A mean dinosaur that doesn't stomp and doesn't roar, bendaroos and that's it
Santa: Wow, have you guys been good this year
Mary Grace: Yup!
Santa: I think so, have you been helping Mommy and Daddy out around the house?
Mary Grace: Yup!
Santa: Wonderful; you guys got your toys picked up for Santa?
Mary Grace: Yup!I was playing with all my puzzles last day!
Santa: That's alright, just so long as you pick them up after your done playing with them, ok?
Santa: Tell Santa, have you and your brother been fighting?
William: Yup!
Santa: Well, no more fighting; Santa's watching!
Santa: ...something about my elves...?
Santa: Can you wave to Daddy and say Merry Christmas?
Mary Grace and William: Merry Christmas!
Santa: Merry Christmas; Ho ho ho ho!
Apart from the untimely loudspeaker announcement at the mall, I made a wonderful video of their visit. I included a transcript to help you know what was said.
Mommy: Do you want to tell Santa what you want?
Mary Grace: A barbie van
William: I want Bendaroos
Daddy: One at a time; did you catch that Santa Clause?
William: A mean dinosaur that doesn't stomp and doesn't roar, bendaroos and that's it
Santa: Wow, have you guys been good this year
Mary Grace: Yup!
Santa: I think so, have you been helping Mommy and Daddy out around the house?
Mary Grace: Yup!
Santa: Wonderful; you guys got your toys picked up for Santa?
Mary Grace: Yup!I was playing with all my puzzles last day!
Santa: That's alright, just so long as you pick them up after your done playing with them, ok?
Santa: Tell Santa, have you and your brother been fighting?
William: Yup!
Santa: Well, no more fighting; Santa's watching!
Santa: ...something about my elves...?
Santa: Can you wave to Daddy and say Merry Christmas?
Mary Grace and William: Merry Christmas!
Santa: Merry Christmas; Ho ho ho ho!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Who's William's BFF?
I asked William "Who is your best friend at school?"
He responded "Joe!"
"Who is your second-best friend at school?"
"Nothin!"
Anne and I chuckled at how cute that was, then he said
"I mean nobody!"
Chuckle time is over, and proud parent mode kicks in!
He responded "Joe!"
"Who is your second-best friend at school?"
"Nothin!"
Anne and I chuckled at how cute that was, then he said
"I mean nobody!"
Chuckle time is over, and proud parent mode kicks in!
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Who has a brain the size of a walnut?
Tonight we were practicing reading hour (since William's teacher said he has trouble focusing during reading time) and in the midst of it, the book we were reading was addressing the things that all people have in common. One item was a brain. So Anne asks William "Who has a brain the size of a walnut"?
William stood there thinking and thinking, then cautiously responds "Jonny?". Dumbfounded, we asked him to repeat what he said, and he came back with "Nate and Jonny?".
He must have misunderstood the question, but we got a giant kick out of it.
Hope you did too Nate and Jon!
William stood there thinking and thinking, then cautiously responds "Jonny?". Dumbfounded, we asked him to repeat what he said, and he came back with "Nate and Jonny?".
He must have misunderstood the question, but we got a giant kick out of it.
Hope you did too Nate and Jon!
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
SNOW!
I love the excitement in the little ones about things we take for granted as adults. I was up early this morning and while having breakfast, I heard the stomp of William getting out of bed upstairs. Then a couple of careful steps as he approached the window. The the stomp-stomp of jumping with excitement. Then the gallop of hooves as he raced excitedly downstairs all the while screaming SNOW! SNOW! SNOW!
I got a big hug, then an unfortunate question - "Can we go outside and play in the snow?" "I'm sorry William, but I have to go to work now!"
Pesky responsibilities; I would have liked to play in the first snow with my boy. But I keep telling myself that there will be plenty more opportunities.
I got a big hug, then an unfortunate question - "Can we go outside and play in the snow?" "I'm sorry William, but I have to go to work now!"
Pesky responsibilities; I would have liked to play in the first snow with my boy. But I keep telling myself that there will be plenty more opportunities.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Thanksgiving 2009
This year we had Thanksgiving at Mama's house. The last thanksgiving of the aughts was a great success. The kids were nice and hungry, William tried a bunch of new food (sweet potatoes, squash), Mary Grace ate a bunch of turkey (with Ranch dressing of course...), and everyone had a great time. In addition we also had stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, and of course, Mama's wonderful rolls. It was a feast.
As if that wasn't enough, we also had a pumpkin pie and an apple pie, both which were outstanding!
The weekend was a success remodel-wise too, as I finished the electrical work and got ready to hang the drywall on the ceiling.
Posing with "gobbles"
"Fill 'er up"
Mama and Mary Grace
As if that wasn't enough, we also had a pumpkin pie and an apple pie, both which were outstanding!
The weekend was a success remodel-wise too, as I finished the electrical work and got ready to hang the drywall on the ceiling.
Posing with "gobbles"
"Fill 'er up"
Mama and Mary Grace
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Cute Poppy
The kids have discovered the cereal Corn Pops, which they cutely call "Poppies". William told me yesterday while looking at the box and reading the letter "Look Daddy, P O P S spells Poppies!".
Mary Grace on the other hand made a pet out of a little poppy. She found a tiny little one that was shaped like a seashell. I didn't know it was her new pet. While I was washing dishes, she handed it to me, and thinking she had found it on the floor or something, I ate it.
Once I saw the look of fear wash over her face, I realized I had made a great mistake. Then the crying began as she ran to Mommy crying "Daddy ate my poppy!". So we searched through several bowls of poppies looking for a suitable replacement pet, but didn't find one.
Good thing for me about 1 hour later, all was forgiven and forgotten. She has since found a new pet, twin small poppies. Now that I know that a piece of cereal can be a pet, I'll be a lot more careful...
Mary Grace on the other hand made a pet out of a little poppy. She found a tiny little one that was shaped like a seashell. I didn't know it was her new pet. While I was washing dishes, she handed it to me, and thinking she had found it on the floor or something, I ate it.
Once I saw the look of fear wash over her face, I realized I had made a great mistake. Then the crying began as she ran to Mommy crying "Daddy ate my poppy!". So we searched through several bowls of poppies looking for a suitable replacement pet, but didn't find one.
Good thing for me about 1 hour later, all was forgiven and forgotten. She has since found a new pet, twin small poppies. Now that I know that a piece of cereal can be a pet, I'll be a lot more careful...
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Incompatible games
Mary Grace and William sometimes play really well together. Sometimes, however, it doesn't go so well. Imagine observing this:
Mary Grace is playing with her Ponyville. She has Pinky Pie and Minty and Star Song and the others. They're having a birthday party for one of the ponies. It's a great party until William joins in. William brings his dinosaur to join in the fun. Of course, being a dinosaur, the first thing it wants to do is jump around and knock all the ponies over, disrupting the party. The dinosaur proceeds to get into an epic battle with one of the ponies, at which point Mary Grace is running crying for a parent to intervene.
She calls this "playing naughty", as in, "No William, I don't want you to play naughty!"
Now imagine the other side. William has a franken-toy setup involving trains running over dinosaurs, blocks acting as the bowser trying to beat everyone else, and even pull-back cars running through the whole disaster. Mary Grace brings her Barbie doll into this, suggesting they could all work together to throw a surprise party for another Barbie.
There's no term for this intervention, but again, it ends up in a brawl of some sort requiring parental intervention.
Sometimes they play well, other times not so much!
Mary Grace is playing with her Ponyville. She has Pinky Pie and Minty and Star Song and the others. They're having a birthday party for one of the ponies. It's a great party until William joins in. William brings his dinosaur to join in the fun. Of course, being a dinosaur, the first thing it wants to do is jump around and knock all the ponies over, disrupting the party. The dinosaur proceeds to get into an epic battle with one of the ponies, at which point Mary Grace is running crying for a parent to intervene.
She calls this "playing naughty", as in, "No William, I don't want you to play naughty!"
Now imagine the other side. William has a franken-toy setup involving trains running over dinosaurs, blocks acting as the bowser trying to beat everyone else, and even pull-back cars running through the whole disaster. Mary Grace brings her Barbie doll into this, suggesting they could all work together to throw a surprise party for another Barbie.
There's no term for this intervention, but again, it ends up in a brawl of some sort requiring parental intervention.
Sometimes they play well, other times not so much!
Monday, November 16, 2009
It's ok to post Halloween photos before Thanksgiving
Trust me, it's ok.
For Halloween, Mary Grace dressed as a witch and William wanted to be Spiderman. Mommy did an amazing job of finding both costumes on the cheap, in like-new condition, and the costumes were awesome!
Here are some of the photos we took on the magical trick-or-treating night of October 31! The kids had a blast showing off their costumes to all the neighbors and and the adults had a blast watching the kids and consuming drinkables from the beer wagon!
The night started out chilly with a cold breeze but as we moved from house to house it seemed to warm up for us. We trick or treated for about an hour, then headed back to the house to eat some pumpkin seeds and inventory the goodies.
The kids are still enjoying the loot and now expect a piece of candy after every meal, even breakfast. Mary Grace, the perennial bird-like eater has adopted a strategy of eating half or less of her meal then trying to fill up on candy afterward. Yes, she is our little negotiator.
William has learned to climb up onto the counter-tops where he stands up to reach the candy on the upper shelves of the cabinets. Cannonball, as our ex-neighbors Mike and Doris nicknamed him.
We're all looking forward to the upcoming holiday!
For Halloween, Mary Grace dressed as a witch and William wanted to be Spiderman. Mommy did an amazing job of finding both costumes on the cheap, in like-new condition, and the costumes were awesome!
Here are some of the photos we took on the magical trick-or-treating night of October 31! The kids had a blast showing off their costumes to all the neighbors and and the adults had a blast watching the kids and consuming drinkables from the beer wagon!
The night started out chilly with a cold breeze but as we moved from house to house it seemed to warm up for us. We trick or treated for about an hour, then headed back to the house to eat some pumpkin seeds and inventory the goodies.
The kids are still enjoying the loot and now expect a piece of candy after every meal, even breakfast. Mary Grace, the perennial bird-like eater has adopted a strategy of eating half or less of her meal then trying to fill up on candy afterward. Yes, she is our little negotiator.
William has learned to climb up onto the counter-tops where he stands up to reach the candy on the upper shelves of the cabinets. Cannonball, as our ex-neighbors Mike and Doris nicknamed him.
We're all looking forward to the upcoming holiday!
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
William's sleepy time
William inevitably asks Mommy or I to lay with him after he's read a story. So once the book gets put down, the lights get dimmed and I snuggle with the little cutie and we talk about what we did today and what is going on tomorrow. Then about 30 seconds of silence before William is asleep. I'm not joking here. 30 seconds.
He asks "will you lay with me" like it's a big deal... Sure, honey - anytime!
He asks "will you lay with me" like it's a big deal... Sure, honey - anytime!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Mary Grace's new song
Mary Grace came home from school all excited about the new song she learned at school. Here it is:
(It degraded to some silliness at the end...)
(It degraded to some silliness at the end...)
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Apple picking and pumpkin patching 2
Faced with a beautiful Sunday afternoon and nothing terribly pressing on our calendar, we opted to head out to G&S Orchards, at 825 Atlantic (crossing of Lincoln Rd in Walworth). It's about a 15 minute drive from the house and completely worth it.
We initially opted not to take a whole bushel, but cost made it more economical. We got a lot more apples than we need, but the cost was still about $20. The kids did great picking apples but had to be reminded to gently place them into the bags and not to pick up apples off the ground. We ended up with 4 varieties and made sure to eat at least one of each variety to ensure they were up to our high standards.
Next, we rolled the wagon down to the pumpkin patch for some pumpkin picking. After much careful examination, William settled on a nice big beauty, and Mary Grace chose "the littlest pumpkin" (based on a book we have). I steered her towards a larger, easier to carve pumpkin and she too got a nice one.
Anne wanted to get one too, so she picked a green one with the intention of carving our house number into it.
On the way back to pay for all the loot we selected, we noticed three years old is apparently the age when a child falls on a rotten pumpkin. Happened to Mary Grace last year and William this year. William couldn't care less though, while Mary Grace was quite upset and crying. Trusty mommy's emergency diaper bag to the rescue once again with a spare pair of pants.
On the way home we realized we hadn't had lunch yet, so we stopped at the new Bay/Goodman pizza on Atlantic and Browncroft and had a nice pizza lunch.
A wonderful fall afternoon was had by all, and here's the evidence:
We initially opted not to take a whole bushel, but cost made it more economical. We got a lot more apples than we need, but the cost was still about $20. The kids did great picking apples but had to be reminded to gently place them into the bags and not to pick up apples off the ground. We ended up with 4 varieties and made sure to eat at least one of each variety to ensure they were up to our high standards.
Next, we rolled the wagon down to the pumpkin patch for some pumpkin picking. After much careful examination, William settled on a nice big beauty, and Mary Grace chose "the littlest pumpkin" (based on a book we have). I steered her towards a larger, easier to carve pumpkin and she too got a nice one.
Anne wanted to get one too, so she picked a green one with the intention of carving our house number into it.
On the way back to pay for all the loot we selected, we noticed three years old is apparently the age when a child falls on a rotten pumpkin. Happened to Mary Grace last year and William this year. William couldn't care less though, while Mary Grace was quite upset and crying. Trusty mommy's emergency diaper bag to the rescue once again with a spare pair of pants.
On the way home we realized we hadn't had lunch yet, so we stopped at the new Bay/Goodman pizza on Atlantic and Browncroft and had a nice pizza lunch.
A wonderful fall afternoon was had by all, and here's the evidence:
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Happy Birthday Mama
We celebrated Mama's birthday on Monday at our house. We had a nice dinner, then leftover birthday cake from a lunch party for Mama, Aunt Rose and Didi. Happy birthday to everyone!
First rainbow ever!
Walking out the back door to go straighten the garage in anticipation of our first new bathroom appliance, the tub, I noticed it was sunny-raining. As I walked down the steps I saw this!
I quickly hurried back inside and excitedly gathered up the kids. They had never seen a real rainbow up in the sky before. So we all went out in the chilly October air and watched the rainbow!
Mary Grace was quick to point out that in cartoons, if you find the end of the rainbow, you'll find a treasure! As usual, William agreed and even repeated the statement!
I quickly hurried back inside and excitedly gathered up the kids. They had never seen a real rainbow up in the sky before. So we all went out in the chilly October air and watched the rainbow!
Mary Grace was quick to point out that in cartoons, if you find the end of the rainbow, you'll find a treasure! As usual, William agreed and even repeated the statement!
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Sleep talking
Every once in a while, Mary Grace wakes up in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep. I always wake up when I hear the little pitter-patter of her running into our bedroom, straight to my side of the bed. I'm expected to lift the covers and she climbs in and we fall asleep.
That usually lasts about an hour, when she starts tossing and turning, slowly pushing me towards Anne's side of the bed. At that point I get "influenced" to take Mary Grace back to her bed, where she sleeps soundly for the rest of the night.
Last night was one of these events. So I'm sound asleep when Mary Grace starts talking about Cinderella's carriage. I can't remember exactly what she said, but it was obvious she was having a Disney Princess dream...
Finally back to sleep and about a half hour later, Mary Grace is YELLING "Lets go for a hay-ride! Hahaha". I was chuckling at that one, but Anne wasn't so amused. So off to her own bed my little girl went. And a smile on my face I have everytime I think about it.
Hope it happens again tonight!
That usually lasts about an hour, when she starts tossing and turning, slowly pushing me towards Anne's side of the bed. At that point I get "influenced" to take Mary Grace back to her bed, where she sleeps soundly for the rest of the night.
Last night was one of these events. So I'm sound asleep when Mary Grace starts talking about Cinderella's carriage. I can't remember exactly what she said, but it was obvious she was having a Disney Princess dream...
Finally back to sleep and about a half hour later, Mary Grace is YELLING "Lets go for a hay-ride! Hahaha". I was chuckling at that one, but Anne wasn't so amused. So off to her own bed my little girl went. And a smile on my face I have everytime I think about it.
Hope it happens again tonight!
That TV is going to rot your brain!
I remember my mom saying that to us as kids, especially on those marathon TV nights when Battlestar Galactica or The Six Million Dollar Man was on. I now have proof that she was right.
William and Mary Grace were watching some kids show we Tivo'ed on TLC back when we still had cable. Anne walked in as a commercial was playing and asked "What are you guys watching?" William responded "It's the Wonder Hanger - It holds 6 winter coats!"
Most of the programming they watch is commercial free now, so those rare commercials they do see really carry a lot of influence!
William and Mary Grace were watching some kids show we Tivo'ed on TLC back when we still had cable. Anne walked in as a commercial was playing and asked "What are you guys watching?" William responded "It's the Wonder Hanger - It holds 6 winter coats!"
Most of the programming they watch is commercial free now, so those rare commercials they do see really carry a lot of influence!
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
One
Counting the number of illnesses the kids encounter this cold/flu season.
Mary Grace started feeling sick after school. She fell asleep snuggling with Mommy and when she woke up, signs of a stomach bug surfaced. Between "bouts", she was pretty normal, but the "bouts" lasted well into the evening.
She was awake at 11, 3:30 and 6:30, then finally got up at 7:15, seemingly back to her peppy, excited, loud-talking self. Unfortunately, her fever kicked in at 100.5 and while she's keeping down clear liquids, she's still not 100%.
William and his iron stomach are fine, although he felt a little warm this morning.
Mary Grace started feeling sick after school. She fell asleep snuggling with Mommy and when she woke up, signs of a stomach bug surfaced. Between "bouts", she was pretty normal, but the "bouts" lasted well into the evening.
She was awake at 11, 3:30 and 6:30, then finally got up at 7:15, seemingly back to her peppy, excited, loud-talking self. Unfortunately, her fever kicked in at 100.5 and while she's keeping down clear liquids, she's still not 100%.
William and his iron stomach are fine, although he felt a little warm this morning.
Thursday, October 01, 2009
William's artsy side
Lately, William has been getting much better at coloring and painting. He's brought home some wonderful artwork from school and it we can see the improvements that each one brings.
Last night, I went to pick up the kids from KidTown and William looked at me all disappointed. I asked what was wrong and he said that he wanted to finish his coloring before he left. He immediately went to work coloring in his firetruck so that he could give it to mommy when we got home. He was very serious and intense, it was adorable.
He did a fine job and we'll be proudly displaying it on the refrigerator!
Last night, I went to pick up the kids from KidTown and William looked at me all disappointed. I asked what was wrong and he said that he wanted to finish his coloring before he left. He immediately went to work coloring in his firetruck so that he could give it to mommy when we got home. He was very serious and intense, it was adorable.
He did a fine job and we'll be proudly displaying it on the refrigerator!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Snowy Owls no more
Mary Grace recently had her first field trip this year, to the zoo. I saw a big poster outside of her class where each child noted their favorite animal. I already knew before reading that she loves the snowy owls.
Sadly, the snowy owls were nowhere to be seen and their display area was even gone. Anne emailed the zoo only to learn that the snowy owls had passed away.
Should we treat this as a lesson for Mary Grace and tell her what happened, or maybe tell her a white liem like "the snowy owls don't live at our zoo anymore"...
We're not looking forward to the devastation either way.
Sadly, the snowy owls were nowhere to be seen and their display area was even gone. Anne emailed the zoo only to learn that the snowy owls had passed away.
Should we treat this as a lesson for Mary Grace and tell her what happened, or maybe tell her a white liem like "the snowy owls don't live at our zoo anymore"...
We're not looking forward to the devastation either way.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
William and the Lion
William tells us after his first day of school that there's a boy named Lion! We doubted him so we asked, "do you mean Ryan?" His response was no, his name is Lion. The next school day, we found out that there is a Ryan, and that's the boy William was calling Lion. Honest mistake :)
William is definitely verbalizing a lot more and often going on and on with a long story about something he saw, usually a TV show or video game. We typically understand about 50%, but he gets so excited telling us his story (all the while, fidgeting in some way, usually shaking one or two legs) that we have to feign a surprised excitement at the end. We're looking forward to understanding > 85%.
At bedtime, the routine has been augmented my laying down with him until he falls asleep. That generally takes less than one minute though, so no harm done... :)
Finally, the kids have started ballet lessons. Here's a photo from their first day! Video to come soon!
William is definitely verbalizing a lot more and often going on and on with a long story about something he saw, usually a TV show or video game. We typically understand about 50%, but he gets so excited telling us his story (all the while, fidgeting in some way, usually shaking one or two legs) that we have to feign a surprised excitement at the end. We're looking forward to understanding > 85%.
At bedtime, the routine has been augmented my laying down with him until he falls asleep. That generally takes less than one minute though, so no harm done... :)
Finally, the kids have started ballet lessons. Here's a photo from their first day! Video to come soon!
Friday, September 18, 2009
William and Mommy
William has started school, as we all know. What you all don't get to see however is just how adorable that little boy is, all dressed in school clothes, carrying his Iggy beanie baby and his school bag, with a little half smile on his face.
He climbs into the car and keeps that look up all the way to school. It's a kind of a combination of worry and pride.
Today I watched him saying goodbye to mommy. He's still doing the reverse wave since we haven't told him otherwise. So there he is waving to mommy with his palm pointing towards his face, then moving on to blowing kisses.
William's relationship with his mommy is something I think I could sit back and watch with fascination and loving pride all day long.
He climbs into the car and keeps that look up all the way to school. It's a kind of a combination of worry and pride.
Today I watched him saying goodbye to mommy. He's still doing the reverse wave since we haven't told him otherwise. So there he is waving to mommy with his palm pointing towards his face, then moving on to blowing kisses.
William's relationship with his mommy is something I think I could sit back and watch with fascination and loving pride all day long.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
First day of school for William and summer roundup
While for Mary Grace school is now old-hat, today was William's first day at preschool. He got a gentle introduction to his new classroom, new fellow students and his new teachers! Here's a photo of the kids outside just before they entered.
The kids were so excited when I saw them at lunchtime. Mary Grace loves her newly redecorated/remodeled classroom and William enjoyed meeting the other kids and playing with our neighbor, his buddy, Joe.
Anne and I were asking the kids if they had a good summer and what was their favorite part. It ended up with us making a list of all the things we did and saying, we should post that on the blog.
Visit from all the Arizonians
Weekend visit to the Thiel family (first road trip)
Monday night swim parties at the Matzkys
Tuesday night swim lessons at Midtown (first swim lessons for William)
Weekend swimming and kidtowning at Midtown
Swimming in our backyard pool too!
Bike rides to the playground
Swimming in the waves at Durand-Eastman beach
Wednesdays with Didi and Catie
Multiple trips to Seabreeze
Our weekend trip to Buffalo (first time in a hotel)
Selling kettle corn Park Ave fest weekend
Leslie and Tim's wedding (first wedding)
(more to come, I'm sure)
The kids were so excited when I saw them at lunchtime. Mary Grace loves her newly redecorated/remodeled classroom and William enjoyed meeting the other kids and playing with our neighbor, his buddy, Joe.
Anne and I were asking the kids if they had a good summer and what was their favorite part. It ended up with us making a list of all the things we did and saying, we should post that on the blog.
Visit from all the Arizonians
Weekend visit to the Thiel family (first road trip)
Monday night swim parties at the Matzkys
Tuesday night swim lessons at Midtown (first swim lessons for William)
Weekend swimming and kidtowning at Midtown
Swimming in our backyard pool too!
Bike rides to the playground
Swimming in the waves at Durand-Eastman beach
Wednesdays with Didi and Catie
Multiple trips to Seabreeze
Our weekend trip to Buffalo (first time in a hotel)
Selling kettle corn Park Ave fest weekend
Leslie and Tim's wedding (first wedding)
(more to come, I'm sure)
Monday, September 07, 2009
What a weekend!
We had a great labor day weekend, filled with fun activities for both the kids and the parents. We started Saturday afternoon with an Auragen reunion, seeing all my old friends from 3+ years ago. The kids played on the playground, played batting the ball and played "soccer-ball". Everyone had a lot of fun.
Sunday, Daddy pushed for a day at the beach, so off to Durand-Eastman (aka "The Ocean") beach we went. We packed beach toys and a snack and arrived after lunch. William immediately set to work on the sand while Mary Grace wanted to look for beach glass. Next, we decided to brave the elements and go swimming. The wind was blowing and there were waves out at the sandbar. I took the kids individually out to the waves and either held them or just held their hands as we tried jumping over the crashing waves. It was the first time both kids enjoyed the water at the beach. Mary Grace got a little scared at the end, but William wore his perma-grin up until the moment I told him we had to go. Hope next year our first visit to the beach won't be on the second-last day of summer. :(
And Monday, the Daddy took the kids to Midtown to go swimming and for an event "games on the pool deck". The games turned out to be some dollar-store crafts, a little disappointing, but the kids enjoyed it. After our first craft (pipe-cleaner spiders and butterflys), we went swimming for almost an hour. We all started to get cold, so we got out and lounged with Roxanne, Katie, and Hurley girl. The kids got juice boxes, Daddy got a beer and we broke out the second craft.
Back home by 4:30 for dinner, then closed the weekend with some miscellaneous activities leading to bedtime. Sadly, the camera stayed home for all the events, so I'm posting some older, but recent photos of the kids at the pool.
Sunday, Daddy pushed for a day at the beach, so off to Durand-Eastman (aka "The Ocean") beach we went. We packed beach toys and a snack and arrived after lunch. William immediately set to work on the sand while Mary Grace wanted to look for beach glass. Next, we decided to brave the elements and go swimming. The wind was blowing and there were waves out at the sandbar. I took the kids individually out to the waves and either held them or just held their hands as we tried jumping over the crashing waves. It was the first time both kids enjoyed the water at the beach. Mary Grace got a little scared at the end, but William wore his perma-grin up until the moment I told him we had to go. Hope next year our first visit to the beach won't be on the second-last day of summer. :(
And Monday, the Daddy took the kids to Midtown to go swimming and for an event "games on the pool deck". The games turned out to be some dollar-store crafts, a little disappointing, but the kids enjoyed it. After our first craft (pipe-cleaner spiders and butterflys), we went swimming for almost an hour. We all started to get cold, so we got out and lounged with Roxanne, Katie, and Hurley girl. The kids got juice boxes, Daddy got a beer and we broke out the second craft.
Back home by 4:30 for dinner, then closed the weekend with some miscellaneous activities leading to bedtime. Sadly, the camera stayed home for all the events, so I'm posting some older, but recent photos of the kids at the pool.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
William falls asleep in the most uncomfortable position EVER!
William really loves to watch me play Nintendo or Super Nintendo games on the computer. He even helps out on the simpler levels.
One afternoon, we were playing and he I sensed he was getting tired because he laid his heavy little head on my arm as I was playing. He shifted from one side to the other a few times, so I asked if he was tired and wanted to take a nap. Oh course, he replied "no, I'm not sleepy".
I suggested he could close his eyes and take a quick nap, and he was amenable to that. I swear, 5 seconds later, he was out. Cold.
Luckily, I had the camera on my desk, so I snapped the following evidence.
Then I carried him down to his big-boy bed where he proceeded to take a 2-hour power nap. That boy is such a cute napper. Look at that angelic little face!
One afternoon, we were playing and he I sensed he was getting tired because he laid his heavy little head on my arm as I was playing. He shifted from one side to the other a few times, so I asked if he was tired and wanted to take a nap. Oh course, he replied "no, I'm not sleepy".
I suggested he could close his eyes and take a quick nap, and he was amenable to that. I swear, 5 seconds later, he was out. Cold.
Luckily, I had the camera on my desk, so I snapped the following evidence.
Then I carried him down to his big-boy bed where he proceeded to take a 2-hour power nap. That boy is such a cute napper. Look at that angelic little face!
Friday, August 28, 2009
The Nemo incident
Tonight the kids were taking a bath. Yes, they still bathe together. They were all washed up and just playing nicely so I walked out of the bathroom to get the towels. Next thing I hear Mary Grace screaming and crying and William holding onto the Nemo toy he had just hit Mary Grace in the face with, repeating "sorry, sorry, sorry".
This isn't the first time something like this has happened. Mary Grace seems to be the peace lover and William the war-starter. I admit, I lost my patience and yanked him out of the tub, wrapped him in a towel and carried him down to his room, put him in his bed and closed the door. We were both pretty upset.
Anne came up to help with William and I went back up to check on Mary Grace. Mary Grace was happy as a clam now. I asked what happened, and she said that William accidentally hit her in the face with the Nemo toy when they were playing. Oh jeez, I feel like a heel now.
Then Anne came up with William, and William's story was that he hit her with the Nemo toy on purpose when she squirted some water at him. Wait, what?! Mary Grace proclaiming William's innocence and William proclaiming his guilt?
Regardless, Daddy had to eat some humble pie and apologize to William. Judging how Mary Grace was crying and carrying on, I thought she was genuinely hurt, but there wasn't a mark on her. That girl is destined for Hollywood.
My boy and I finished the night bed buddies and snuggled until he fell asleep, so it's all good. Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!
This isn't the first time something like this has happened. Mary Grace seems to be the peace lover and William the war-starter. I admit, I lost my patience and yanked him out of the tub, wrapped him in a towel and carried him down to his room, put him in his bed and closed the door. We were both pretty upset.
Anne came up to help with William and I went back up to check on Mary Grace. Mary Grace was happy as a clam now. I asked what happened, and she said that William accidentally hit her in the face with the Nemo toy when they were playing. Oh jeez, I feel like a heel now.
Then Anne came up with William, and William's story was that he hit her with the Nemo toy on purpose when she squirted some water at him. Wait, what?! Mary Grace proclaiming William's innocence and William proclaiming his guilt?
Regardless, Daddy had to eat some humble pie and apologize to William. Judging how Mary Grace was crying and carrying on, I thought she was genuinely hurt, but there wasn't a mark on her. That girl is destined for Hollywood.
My boy and I finished the night bed buddies and snuggled until he fell asleep, so it's all good. Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
You're silly daddy!
I figured I better blog this before it becomes a forgotten memory.
Right after Mary Grace started pre-school, she started saying to me "You're silly, Daddy!", not immediately after doing something silly either. She would say it with no rhyme or reason, just to say it. At first I wondered if maybe her teachers were saying it to her, then I wondered why she was saying it.
Anyway, it got to be really common, and slightly annoying until I figured out that it really means "I love you, Daddy!". So I explained that to Mary Grace, and now whenever she says "You're silly, Daddy", I respond with "Awww, I love you too Mary Grace!". And she immediately comes back with "That's not what it means!".
Well, I think my interpretation is correct, so I'm sticking with it!
Right after Mary Grace started pre-school, she started saying to me "You're silly, Daddy!", not immediately after doing something silly either. She would say it with no rhyme or reason, just to say it. At first I wondered if maybe her teachers were saying it to her, then I wondered why she was saying it.
Anyway, it got to be really common, and slightly annoying until I figured out that it really means "I love you, Daddy!". So I explained that to Mary Grace, and now whenever she says "You're silly, Daddy", I respond with "Awww, I love you too Mary Grace!". And she immediately comes back with "That's not what it means!".
Well, I think my interpretation is correct, so I'm sticking with it!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
William and those pesky Ls
So William still says most of his L words with W instead. As in Wunch instead of Lunch, Wemon instead of Lemon, etc. We started correcting him once we discovered he could say the L sound, but I think he's learned a lot of the words with W, and old habits are hard to break, even for a 3 year old...
One word we still allow, and will probably always allow with the W however, is Love. I wuv you Mommy. It's far too adorable!
Speaking of that particular statement, Mary Grace has started saying "I love you Mommy" whenever she is about to get into trouble for doing something naughty. It's really cute, but I don't get the logic behind it. Is she thinking that saying the magical phrase will make the consequence go away? Again, so cute, it probably even works sometimes!
One word we still allow, and will probably always allow with the W however, is Love. I wuv you Mommy. It's far too adorable!
Speaking of that particular statement, Mary Grace has started saying "I love you Mommy" whenever she is about to get into trouble for doing something naughty. It's really cute, but I don't get the logic behind it. Is she thinking that saying the magical phrase will make the consequence go away? Again, so cute, it probably even works sometimes!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Sorry doesn't cut it, William!
(03:14:50 PM) Anne: Mary Grace just told William that sorry doesn't cut it after he hurt her and then apologized!
(03:15:14 PM) Rick: in those words?
(03:15:39 PM) Anne: "sorry doesn't cut it, William" is what she said
(03:15:43 PM) Rick: hehe
(03:15:56 PM) Rick: who says that?
(03:16:37 PM) Anne: maybe me?
Mary Grace and William are both picking up on the things we say. With Mary Grace, I'll say something that she's never heard before and look at her and she's got that faraway stare going and I just know she's processing and storing the information.
(03:15:14 PM) Rick: in those words?
(03:15:39 PM) Anne: "sorry doesn't cut it, William" is what she said
(03:15:43 PM) Rick: hehe
(03:15:56 PM) Rick: who says that?
(03:16:37 PM) Anne: maybe me?
Mary Grace and William are both picking up on the things we say. With Mary Grace, I'll say something that she's never heard before and look at her and she's got that faraway stare going and I just know she's processing and storing the information.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Mr. Timmy Tiptoes
Mary Grace's favorite bedtime story is The Tale Of Timmy Tiptoes, by Beatrix Potter. Our next-door neighbor gave Mary Grace a big book of all of Beatrix Potter's stories and that is her favorite by far. Both her and her brother love to sing the two songs "Who's been digging up MY nuts" and "Little bit 'a bread and NO cheese".
Tonight we read the story again and I keep thinking about my little girl growing up and looking back on these moments and said to myself "self - you need to write this in the blog!". Check.
Tonight we read the story again and I keep thinking about my little girl growing up and looking back on these moments and said to myself "self - you need to write this in the blog!". Check.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Stealthy bed changer and giggles.
Mary Grace has been occasionally coming into our room at night to sleep for whatever reason. Daddy doesn't mind so much except that she's a major bed hog! Either Anne or I end up carrying her back into her own bed after an either short or long time (which is directly related to her bed-hog-edness.
Last night we were very pleasantly awoken to Mary Graces's giggles as she slept between us. It seems she was having a very happy dream, although she has no recollection of it.
"Look at the flowers on those cukes!"
This reminds me that I have to have Anne record a tickle session with the kids, so that we have a recording of their little giggles.
Last night we were very pleasantly awoken to Mary Graces's giggles as she slept between us. It seems she was having a very happy dream, although she has no recollection of it.
"Look at the flowers on those cukes!"
This reminds me that I have to have Anne record a tickle session with the kids, so that we have a recording of their little giggles.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Popcorn sale during Park Avenue Festival
Anne and the kids had a great idea to open up a stand and sell something in front of our house during the Park Avenue Festival this year. It was decided that homemade kettle corn would be the item to sell, at the low,low price of $0.50 per bag.
So Anne made a sign and set up a table with two chairs and an umbrella and we waited.
And waited.
Their friend Katie came by with her dad and we made our first sale - 2 bags! After that, we had a mix of neighbors and strangers, all perfectly happy to buy bags of kettle corn for .50. Some even contributed to the cause and gave $1.
William got a little confused during all of this and tried to give people money as they were walking past the house.
At several points, Anne had to go inside and pop more popcorn when we ran out. At one point, a tipsy couple came by and the woman said to Mary Grace "Oh, you want some money?" and proceeded to give her a few dollars. Thank you very much!
Soon, the trickle of people stopped and the kids started playing in the front yard instead, picking leaves off of bushes and pulling weeds out of the lawn. Daddy was left with a few bags of kettle corn, which he gladly ate.
Notes for next year: Start before 2:30pm on Sunday. We totally missed out on a large customer base
Also, educate the kids on selling rather than eating. They got bored and ate a large portion of their profits!
So Anne made a sign and set up a table with two chairs and an umbrella and we waited.
And waited.
Their friend Katie came by with her dad and we made our first sale - 2 bags! After that, we had a mix of neighbors and strangers, all perfectly happy to buy bags of kettle corn for .50. Some even contributed to the cause and gave $1.
William got a little confused during all of this and tried to give people money as they were walking past the house.
At several points, Anne had to go inside and pop more popcorn when we ran out. At one point, a tipsy couple came by and the woman said to Mary Grace "Oh, you want some money?" and proceeded to give her a few dollars. Thank you very much!
Soon, the trickle of people stopped and the kids started playing in the front yard instead, picking leaves off of bushes and pulling weeds out of the lawn. Daddy was left with a few bags of kettle corn, which he gladly ate.
Notes for next year: Start before 2:30pm on Sunday. We totally missed out on a large customer base
Also, educate the kids on selling rather than eating. They got bored and ate a large portion of their profits!
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Carousel Protocol
One of the things that I've done with the kids since they were old enough to do it is to take them on carousel rides. Mary Grace has been riding the one at Strong Museum regularly, as has William.
It's been a while since I've been to Strong Museum, so I didn't realize there were protocol changes. I do remember the last time we rode, that I wasn't allowed to put my arm around her anymore.
So the ride starts and I casually put my hand over her hip, being the overprotective dad and all, I didn't want her to slip off. So my hand quickly gets brushed off of her and rests on the horse. Mary Grace looks back at my hand and pushes it again, this time all the way back to the tail.
We go around again and she looks back and sees my hand on her horses tail and asks "Could you take your hand off my horse?"
So I obediently follow her directions and focus all my overprotectiveness on my little boy instead. Now he better not try to pull that until he's 10!
Didi, you've been warned. :)
Uncle Ricky and the kids at the Strong Museum Carousel
It's been a while since I've been to Strong Museum, so I didn't realize there were protocol changes. I do remember the last time we rode, that I wasn't allowed to put my arm around her anymore.
So the ride starts and I casually put my hand over her hip, being the overprotective dad and all, I didn't want her to slip off. So my hand quickly gets brushed off of her and rests on the horse. Mary Grace looks back at my hand and pushes it again, this time all the way back to the tail.
We go around again and she looks back and sees my hand on her horses tail and asks "Could you take your hand off my horse?"
So I obediently follow her directions and focus all my overprotectiveness on my little boy instead. Now he better not try to pull that until he's 10!
Didi, you've been warned. :)
Uncle Ricky and the kids at the Strong Museum Carousel
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)