Monday, January 30, 2006
We're Back!!!
There is so much to tell. I don't know if I have time to write everything in one post, but we'll see.
First of all, it was a great VISIT/TRIP; "vacation" really isn't the appropriate word. I'll tell you the items that made it a challenge, and then move on and end on the happy notes.
The first night, Josh came down with the flu, the second night Caleb, the third night myself. Robert had the cold/flu when we got there, but the fourth night he had to go via ambulance to the ER for problems breathing; this gave us a little scare. I stubbed my toe and nearly ripped the nail right off, but as it is now, it just hurts really bad a week after the fact even just to walk. On the return flight, it was delayed by 2 hours so I had to manage two kids waiting for the extra time in addition to the normal 1 1/2 hours. And all of this on top of my mom having just got out of surgery on her foot, being in a cast (which we called her "Super foot" and being in a wheelchair and needing assistance. So Challenging is the word. But end of complaints!
It was a great trip. I had been worried about going through security with two kids, one of which can and sometimes does run off, and a bunch of stuff. But I received great and kind help from the security personnel, both in Seattle and in Sacramento. They were patient and didn't try to rush me. The flights were fine with the kids. Going down, Josh slept the first 40 minutes, and then was happy and awake the rest of the trip. Caleb and I talked and snacked and played with the various toys I brought. He told me about 15-20 minutes from landing "Me done flying" and then tugged on his seat belt and said "Me stuck" with a little whimper of frustration. I told him we weren't on the ground yet and let him look out the window for a little bit to watch as we descended a bit. And to explain it more, I took out his toy airplane and explained and demonstrated landing to him. As long as I kept talking and showing it to him, he didn't feel "stuck" without a reason. On the return flight, Josh slept the entire way with the exception of the last 15 minutes in which I nursed him so that his ears wouldn't hurt because of the congestion he had (and it was time and I didn't want to sit in the car in the parking garage). He did great on the plane. Caleb also slept the entire way, only opening his eyes twice to ask if we were there yet or to see out. Then he went directly back to a much needed nap. So other than the delayed flight time, the airport experiences didn't scare me off of traveling with 2. I'm looking into flying down again the first part of April. This trip proved to me that Caleb and Josh need to see the California grandparents more, and vise versa.
I should tell you about the extra positives at the airport. In Seattle for our wait, they have a play structure that Caleb likes. It is a great place for him to get some wiggles out before the flight. It is such a great idea that I can't understand why all airports wouldn't invest the $200 in something like it. But he had a good time with the little girl that was also playing on the equipment. And on the way back, with the extra 2 hours delayed... I was really worried, but I shouldn't have been. The double stroller is a dream to take. I pushed Caleb up to a window and he looked out for 15-20 minutes and asked questions "that man doing?" (everyone is a man, he doesn't use "woman" yet, but in this case most of the ground crew were men anyways.) After the outside lost interest we played with the stickers Grammy Dahl sent with us. We played hide and seek/hunt with them. He found them all and asked to do it again. Anything is a success when he asks to do it again. Then he spotted a boy twenty feet off. He went over and growled/roared at him. I called Caleb back and told him that wasn't the way to win friends and influence people. So I offered to Caleb to take a sticker or two to the little boy, which he did and ran back to me; the first sticker he handed the boy, the second sticker he stuck on the boy's shirt himself. Then I told him to tell the little boy his name. So off he runs again (or chugs or struts, or this new arm swinging hunched forward walk he's experimenting with) to the little boy and says "me Caleb, me Caleb", and then he comes back. So I gave him a couple of the toy cars that we had in the toy back and told Caleb to go ask the little boy to play with him. He ran over and said "play me, play me" then handed the car to the little boy and walked off. I hear the little boy said "look what that boy gave me"; the father of course said no, that Caleb wanted to play with him. The father and I had made eye contact and a couple chuckles over the course of all this interaction. So then the boys played cars for a while. The only stressful time is when the little boy got tired and went to nap on the floor, but Caleb wasn't done playing with him. Caleb tried to take his coat/pillow, tried to lay down in the little boys' spot, get right in his face and talk and pat him on the shoulder. All of this went on when I was trying to change Josh, help him to fall asleep despite him fighting sleep, give both boys cold medication, and then change Caleb's diaper also. I ended up getting our little staked out picnic area all picked up and doing a lap or two in the stroller. Which put Josh to sleep and we parked at another window and looked out for the next 20 minutes again. So it was a funny and not to bad wait.
Caleb warmed up FAST to Papa Bishop, and connected deeply too. Of course, it was only the last 2 days that he got his Papa's straightened out. For the entire first part of the trip he called Papa Bishop, Dahl. And when he finally said Bishop the first time it came out (pardon the cuss) "Bi-shit"; but his tongue practiced it and it finally ended up being "Bizs-hop". Papa Bishop, despite having the cold, played well and kept up with all the activities Caleb had going. Caleb really likes playing with Papa. And the connection was there, that anytime he could see papa he asks "Papa doing?" or "Papa come me?"; even at the airport to go home he wanted Papa to go with us. Caleb was really concerned for Papa when the ambulance came for Robert. He wanted to know what "that man doing?" in terms of all the medical staff. Caleb saw all the tubes and mask etc when they wheeled Robert out, and again at the hospital. Caleb didn't show signs of distress other than observation and asking questions the whole time. The only thing was when we were allowed into the ER room he was too shy to hold Papa's hand, but once we left the room he was very upset that he didn't hold Papa's hand. He got to go back later and he got to sit on the gurney and hug Papa and say good night. That made him feel better; especially when we left Robert at the hospital and went home. Of course there was all the explanations of what is going on, what he sees so that he doesn't get scared. EKG connectors were stickers. We was glad to see Papa in the morning; I brought Robert home about 1:30 in the morning.
I'll tell you about the other activities, but the absolute HIGHLIGHT of the week was Papa Bishop's idea. CHUCK E. CHEESE. Caleb has become a devotee with lightning speed. I told Robert I if I have to now decorate Caleb's room with Chuck E. Cheese paraphenalia it was his fault (teasing of course.) Papa Bishop hit a major home run with Caleb with this idea. Caleb was interested from the moment the car was parked, and his excitement just built. We could barely keep him from running off before we were let in. He stripped off his shoes and went for the tube and slide play structure first; he needed help the first few times, and then he met a little girl who either helped him, or he was showing off for, but he didn't need me after that. He tried the toddler slide and arcade/ride on toys, and then he discovered everything else. The idea of money and tokens now has a purpose in his mind. He takes the tokens sometimes reverently and other times with a fast gimmie, then he plugs them in and waits to see what will happen. He really liked a ride in Monster truck on hydraulics. This thing moves, shifts and bounces to a height of 5 to 5 1/2 feet in the air. The next thing that he discovered with relish was the "Skeeball" game. He didn't always bowl the ball, he didn't always keep it in his lane, and most of the time he stood in the lane...but he had a great time. And tickets, boy we had to play the games for tickets. There were several that he liked. But the miracle that brought a smile of pleasant irony to my heart, when it came time to exchange the tickets for prizes... the first things he saw were a ball and a frog. He said ball and I had to ask "Are you sure? You have so many balls?"; he then chose a frog, and then he went back to the ball. Nothing else was interesting to him, he got exactly what he wanted because we were just one ticket shy, which they graciously fudged for us. He loved the music, the hyper fun excitement, the other kids, the big mechanical singing mouse. Did I mention that he didn't eat much...too much to do, go go go. Did I mention that we had to leave for the sake of the babies and everyone else and had to go back a second day?! A promise is a promise, so despite the 45+ minutes wait we (especially and thank you Robert) endured. Caleb woke up Friday morning and went into to see Grammy and Papa, the first words out of his mouth were "Me go Chuck E. Cheese". He also told me "me like papa biz-hop, me like pap biz-hop house, me like chuck e. cheese." I also heard "papa come me, chuck e. cheese." Gee, do you think that Chuck E. Cheese made an impact on my son?! All I can say is $5.50 all you can eat salad... Because with the frequency that Caleb will want to return, I can't afford the carbs pizza has to offer.
As standard operating procedure dictates, "Keep Caleb busy", therefore I went equipped with ideas and resources for activities. We indulged Caleb in 2 different inflatable jumpy house places, the mall provided a playground to burn off energy after we got our picture taken, and a craft night happened, and a stop at the dollar store for a couple toys. It all worked to keep him inside of constructive behaviors while we were down there. Although he tormented Skeeter (my mom's basenji) with the vigor that he does Zuma; Skeeter won't be missing him anytime soon. One of the toys that Caleb spent a good deal of time with was a train set that my mom has at her house. It is a special train set with a special place in my mom's heart. It is one that she's kept for 25 years, one that my brother Jeff played with. I think that it means something special for her to see the next generation, her little grandson now play with a toy that her little son once played with.
Caleb did his level best to eat them out of house and blueberries. He wanted them with nearly every meal. (With the exception of eating at Chuck E. Cheese.) Caleb cuddled with my mom and Robert both frequently, when he wasn't stripping himself naked and running around silly. We bought him a potty so that the training wouldn't be interrupted. Caleb swam in her "pool", aka garden/spa tub. He helped their friend take down the Christmas tree/put away ornaments. We watched Baby Einstein so much that it won't be missed for a while! (by my parents, I still have to see it upon request here at the house) Caleb got a wonderfully soft and pretty Winnie the Pooh blanket, and a great book for his collection. And Papa treated him to a couple cheese burgers.
We saw my grandmother Dyer. He calls her "Guh- grammy-ammy Dyer"; she brought him a stuffed bear which he held a bit. He was feeling pretty tired and sick when she saw him so he wasn't quite so animated. But he still knows who she is and talks about her.
We also got to see my Cousin Meghan and her daughter Alexandra and my Aunt Sunny. Caleb accepted my cousins as his very emphatically and quickly. It could be because the first time he met them was at Chuck E. Cheese. However with my Aunt, he was more interested in her little Chihuahua that sat on her chest. I had a wonderful visit with them. I liked talking babies with Meghan, I wished we could have talked more but things came up that night.
Everyone had a great, activity filled, exhausting week. We are very tired, but had a GREAT time. There are so many little stories I'll just have to type them as I remember them. Like when Caleb asked "papa doing?' and in this instant papa was using the potty... when Robert came out Caleb said "good job pee pee potty papa". And Caleb thought it was very funny when my mom came back from the restroom (after struggling with the wheelchair) and she said whew, I did it...and I gave her one of Caleb's gold star reward stickers that came with his potty.
Josh had a good time. He talked and talked with everyone who would hold him. He sits and smiles a whole bunch. Grandma got lots of time with him because they both needed to sit. He is a very good baby with lots to say and objects to stuff in his mouth! I think that he brought delight to the grandparents.
Well, that's all for now. I should note that Caleb has rediscovered the joys of Baby Einstein, and he requests them now just as much as "pooh".
I'll have to post pictures soon, until then, bye.
There is so much to tell. I don't know if I have time to write everything in one post, but we'll see.
First of all, it was a great VISIT/TRIP; "vacation" really isn't the appropriate word. I'll tell you the items that made it a challenge, and then move on and end on the happy notes.
The first night, Josh came down with the flu, the second night Caleb, the third night myself. Robert had the cold/flu when we got there, but the fourth night he had to go via ambulance to the ER for problems breathing; this gave us a little scare. I stubbed my toe and nearly ripped the nail right off, but as it is now, it just hurts really bad a week after the fact even just to walk. On the return flight, it was delayed by 2 hours so I had to manage two kids waiting for the extra time in addition to the normal 1 1/2 hours. And all of this on top of my mom having just got out of surgery on her foot, being in a cast (which we called her "Super foot" and being in a wheelchair and needing assistance. So Challenging is the word. But end of complaints!
It was a great trip. I had been worried about going through security with two kids, one of which can and sometimes does run off, and a bunch of stuff. But I received great and kind help from the security personnel, both in Seattle and in Sacramento. They were patient and didn't try to rush me. The flights were fine with the kids. Going down, Josh slept the first 40 minutes, and then was happy and awake the rest of the trip. Caleb and I talked and snacked and played with the various toys I brought. He told me about 15-20 minutes from landing "Me done flying" and then tugged on his seat belt and said "Me stuck" with a little whimper of frustration. I told him we weren't on the ground yet and let him look out the window for a little bit to watch as we descended a bit. And to explain it more, I took out his toy airplane and explained and demonstrated landing to him. As long as I kept talking and showing it to him, he didn't feel "stuck" without a reason. On the return flight, Josh slept the entire way with the exception of the last 15 minutes in which I nursed him so that his ears wouldn't hurt because of the congestion he had (and it was time and I didn't want to sit in the car in the parking garage). He did great on the plane. Caleb also slept the entire way, only opening his eyes twice to ask if we were there yet or to see out. Then he went directly back to a much needed nap. So other than the delayed flight time, the airport experiences didn't scare me off of traveling with 2. I'm looking into flying down again the first part of April. This trip proved to me that Caleb and Josh need to see the California grandparents more, and vise versa.
I should tell you about the extra positives at the airport. In Seattle for our wait, they have a play structure that Caleb likes. It is a great place for him to get some wiggles out before the flight. It is such a great idea that I can't understand why all airports wouldn't invest the $200 in something like it. But he had a good time with the little girl that was also playing on the equipment. And on the way back, with the extra 2 hours delayed... I was really worried, but I shouldn't have been. The double stroller is a dream to take. I pushed Caleb up to a window and he looked out for 15-20 minutes and asked questions "that man doing?" (everyone is a man, he doesn't use "woman" yet, but in this case most of the ground crew were men anyways.) After the outside lost interest we played with the stickers Grammy Dahl sent with us. We played hide and seek/hunt with them. He found them all and asked to do it again. Anything is a success when he asks to do it again. Then he spotted a boy twenty feet off. He went over and growled/roared at him. I called Caleb back and told him that wasn't the way to win friends and influence people. So I offered to Caleb to take a sticker or two to the little boy, which he did and ran back to me; the first sticker he handed the boy, the second sticker he stuck on the boy's shirt himself. Then I told him to tell the little boy his name. So off he runs again (or chugs or struts, or this new arm swinging hunched forward walk he's experimenting with) to the little boy and says "me Caleb, me Caleb", and then he comes back. So I gave him a couple of the toy cars that we had in the toy back and told Caleb to go ask the little boy to play with him. He ran over and said "play me, play me" then handed the car to the little boy and walked off. I hear the little boy said "look what that boy gave me"; the father of course said no, that Caleb wanted to play with him. The father and I had made eye contact and a couple chuckles over the course of all this interaction. So then the boys played cars for a while. The only stressful time is when the little boy got tired and went to nap on the floor, but Caleb wasn't done playing with him. Caleb tried to take his coat/pillow, tried to lay down in the little boys' spot, get right in his face and talk and pat him on the shoulder. All of this went on when I was trying to change Josh, help him to fall asleep despite him fighting sleep, give both boys cold medication, and then change Caleb's diaper also. I ended up getting our little staked out picnic area all picked up and doing a lap or two in the stroller. Which put Josh to sleep and we parked at another window and looked out for the next 20 minutes again. So it was a funny and not to bad wait.
Caleb warmed up FAST to Papa Bishop, and connected deeply too. Of course, it was only the last 2 days that he got his Papa's straightened out. For the entire first part of the trip he called Papa Bishop, Dahl. And when he finally said Bishop the first time it came out (pardon the cuss) "Bi-shit"; but his tongue practiced it and it finally ended up being "Bizs-hop". Papa Bishop, despite having the cold, played well and kept up with all the activities Caleb had going. Caleb really likes playing with Papa. And the connection was there, that anytime he could see papa he asks "Papa doing?" or "Papa come me?"; even at the airport to go home he wanted Papa to go with us. Caleb was really concerned for Papa when the ambulance came for Robert. He wanted to know what "that man doing?" in terms of all the medical staff. Caleb saw all the tubes and mask etc when they wheeled Robert out, and again at the hospital. Caleb didn't show signs of distress other than observation and asking questions the whole time. The only thing was when we were allowed into the ER room he was too shy to hold Papa's hand, but once we left the room he was very upset that he didn't hold Papa's hand. He got to go back later and he got to sit on the gurney and hug Papa and say good night. That made him feel better; especially when we left Robert at the hospital and went home. Of course there was all the explanations of what is going on, what he sees so that he doesn't get scared. EKG connectors were stickers. We was glad to see Papa in the morning; I brought Robert home about 1:30 in the morning.
I'll tell you about the other activities, but the absolute HIGHLIGHT of the week was Papa Bishop's idea. CHUCK E. CHEESE. Caleb has become a devotee with lightning speed. I told Robert I if I have to now decorate Caleb's room with Chuck E. Cheese paraphenalia it was his fault (teasing of course.) Papa Bishop hit a major home run with Caleb with this idea. Caleb was interested from the moment the car was parked, and his excitement just built. We could barely keep him from running off before we were let in. He stripped off his shoes and went for the tube and slide play structure first; he needed help the first few times, and then he met a little girl who either helped him, or he was showing off for, but he didn't need me after that. He tried the toddler slide and arcade/ride on toys, and then he discovered everything else. The idea of money and tokens now has a purpose in his mind. He takes the tokens sometimes reverently and other times with a fast gimmie, then he plugs them in and waits to see what will happen. He really liked a ride in Monster truck on hydraulics. This thing moves, shifts and bounces to a height of 5 to 5 1/2 feet in the air. The next thing that he discovered with relish was the "Skeeball" game. He didn't always bowl the ball, he didn't always keep it in his lane, and most of the time he stood in the lane...but he had a great time. And tickets, boy we had to play the games for tickets. There were several that he liked. But the miracle that brought a smile of pleasant irony to my heart, when it came time to exchange the tickets for prizes... the first things he saw were a ball and a frog. He said ball and I had to ask "Are you sure? You have so many balls?"; he then chose a frog, and then he went back to the ball. Nothing else was interesting to him, he got exactly what he wanted because we were just one ticket shy, which they graciously fudged for us. He loved the music, the hyper fun excitement, the other kids, the big mechanical singing mouse. Did I mention that he didn't eat much...too much to do, go go go. Did I mention that we had to leave for the sake of the babies and everyone else and had to go back a second day?! A promise is a promise, so despite the 45+ minutes wait we (especially and thank you Robert) endured. Caleb woke up Friday morning and went into to see Grammy and Papa, the first words out of his mouth were "Me go Chuck E. Cheese". He also told me "me like papa biz-hop, me like pap biz-hop house, me like chuck e. cheese." I also heard "papa come me, chuck e. cheese." Gee, do you think that Chuck E. Cheese made an impact on my son?! All I can say is $5.50 all you can eat salad... Because with the frequency that Caleb will want to return, I can't afford the carbs pizza has to offer.
As standard operating procedure dictates, "Keep Caleb busy", therefore I went equipped with ideas and resources for activities. We indulged Caleb in 2 different inflatable jumpy house places, the mall provided a playground to burn off energy after we got our picture taken, and a craft night happened, and a stop at the dollar store for a couple toys. It all worked to keep him inside of constructive behaviors while we were down there. Although he tormented Skeeter (my mom's basenji) with the vigor that he does Zuma; Skeeter won't be missing him anytime soon. One of the toys that Caleb spent a good deal of time with was a train set that my mom has at her house. It is a special train set with a special place in my mom's heart. It is one that she's kept for 25 years, one that my brother Jeff played with. I think that it means something special for her to see the next generation, her little grandson now play with a toy that her little son once played with.
Caleb did his level best to eat them out of house and blueberries. He wanted them with nearly every meal. (With the exception of eating at Chuck E. Cheese.) Caleb cuddled with my mom and Robert both frequently, when he wasn't stripping himself naked and running around silly. We bought him a potty so that the training wouldn't be interrupted. Caleb swam in her "pool", aka garden/spa tub. He helped their friend take down the Christmas tree/put away ornaments. We watched Baby Einstein so much that it won't be missed for a while! (by my parents, I still have to see it upon request here at the house) Caleb got a wonderfully soft and pretty Winnie the Pooh blanket, and a great book for his collection. And Papa treated him to a couple cheese burgers.
We saw my grandmother Dyer. He calls her "Guh- grammy-ammy Dyer"; she brought him a stuffed bear which he held a bit. He was feeling pretty tired and sick when she saw him so he wasn't quite so animated. But he still knows who she is and talks about her.
We also got to see my Cousin Meghan and her daughter Alexandra and my Aunt Sunny. Caleb accepted my cousins as his very emphatically and quickly. It could be because the first time he met them was at Chuck E. Cheese. However with my Aunt, he was more interested in her little Chihuahua that sat on her chest. I had a wonderful visit with them. I liked talking babies with Meghan, I wished we could have talked more but things came up that night.
Everyone had a great, activity filled, exhausting week. We are very tired, but had a GREAT time. There are so many little stories I'll just have to type them as I remember them. Like when Caleb asked "papa doing?' and in this instant papa was using the potty... when Robert came out Caleb said "good job pee pee potty papa". And Caleb thought it was very funny when my mom came back from the restroom (after struggling with the wheelchair) and she said whew, I did it...and I gave her one of Caleb's gold star reward stickers that came with his potty.
Josh had a good time. He talked and talked with everyone who would hold him. He sits and smiles a whole bunch. Grandma got lots of time with him because they both needed to sit. He is a very good baby with lots to say and objects to stuff in his mouth! I think that he brought delight to the grandparents.
Well, that's all for now. I should note that Caleb has rediscovered the joys of Baby Einstein, and he requests them now just as much as "pooh".
I'll have to post pictures soon, until then, bye.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
"Good Job Buzz!"
Yep, Buzz Lightyear flushed the toilet and sent it's contents "To infinity and beyond". Caleb helped of course.
Through no fault of his own, Jockey brother became a butt-head. That's right Caleb's butt on Jockey's head; did I mention that Caleb had just used the potty in a manner requiring toilet paper.... YUCK. (But I made the mistake of laughing as a knee jerk reaction, and Caleb thought that meant "repeat funny action")
We had fun at Tessa's Birthday dinner. Caleb and Tessa eventually warmed up to each other and at the end of the night they were hugging until they toppled onto each other, which eventually turning into wrestling and "ring around the rosy/I'm going to land on top of you". Tessa seemed very happy with the gifts she received, at the very least she liked them enough to want to keep them away from Caleb. Tessa looked very cute in the lacy shaw we gave her and her party Tiara. The greatest thing though is Tessa used the potty and when everyone made a big congratulatory noise, she began to sing a pee in the potty song! We gave her My little pony Underwear, which she put on, at the time it was over her tights, but that's where it starts. And then the cousins had pee-offs, Caleb (of course, butt naked) and Tessa raced each other upstairs to see who could use the potty. Whatever works, I say!
So we are off to California today. I pray right now for a CALM, QUIET plane trip; and if the Lord can manage, smooth transitions in the airports! And Lord if you could please manage it, please don't let their be any potty/clothing accidents at inconvient times?
Ok, so Bye for now. If I can access the blog, and if there is a story that just can't wait, I might update before Sunday night/Monday....If not, the stories will just have to wait and the next blog will be a long one!
Yep, Buzz Lightyear flushed the toilet and sent it's contents "To infinity and beyond". Caleb helped of course.
Through no fault of his own, Jockey brother became a butt-head. That's right Caleb's butt on Jockey's head; did I mention that Caleb had just used the potty in a manner requiring toilet paper.... YUCK. (But I made the mistake of laughing as a knee jerk reaction, and Caleb thought that meant "repeat funny action")
We had fun at Tessa's Birthday dinner. Caleb and Tessa eventually warmed up to each other and at the end of the night they were hugging until they toppled onto each other, which eventually turning into wrestling and "ring around the rosy/I'm going to land on top of you". Tessa seemed very happy with the gifts she received, at the very least she liked them enough to want to keep them away from Caleb. Tessa looked very cute in the lacy shaw we gave her and her party Tiara. The greatest thing though is Tessa used the potty and when everyone made a big congratulatory noise, she began to sing a pee in the potty song! We gave her My little pony Underwear, which she put on, at the time it was over her tights, but that's where it starts. And then the cousins had pee-offs, Caleb (of course, butt naked) and Tessa raced each other upstairs to see who could use the potty. Whatever works, I say!
So we are off to California today. I pray right now for a CALM, QUIET plane trip; and if the Lord can manage, smooth transitions in the airports! And Lord if you could please manage it, please don't let their be any potty/clothing accidents at inconvient times?
Ok, so Bye for now. If I can access the blog, and if there is a story that just can't wait, I might update before Sunday night/Monday....If not, the stories will just have to wait and the next blog will be a long one!
Monday, January 23, 2006
Good news!
Well, playgroup wasn't as expected, but it still had good results. They have been improving the boys and girls club, and today they started painting the gym, as a result, we were in a small "classroom". It doesn't have as many toys or activities, but it still went well. I found out the greatest thing from one of the moms. This information makes the whole day worth it. She told be about a gymnastics place IN MONROE that has drop-in open gym hours. They have day and evening times, and nearly every day. PLUS, they have a parents night out schedule for Fridays that Caleb qualifies for. And it isn't expensive. ($4/hr). I'm so excited to give another opportunity for fun to Caleb! We'll see when we can go after I get back from California. I'm just pleased to know of another activity for Caleb!
I've been looking into activities for Caleb in California. I think that I've found a few that he'll enjoy...but I'll save the ideas and of course the stories for when I get back! You'll just have endure the suspense until then.
Well, playgroup wasn't as expected, but it still had good results. They have been improving the boys and girls club, and today they started painting the gym, as a result, we were in a small "classroom". It doesn't have as many toys or activities, but it still went well. I found out the greatest thing from one of the moms. This information makes the whole day worth it. She told be about a gymnastics place IN MONROE that has drop-in open gym hours. They have day and evening times, and nearly every day. PLUS, they have a parents night out schedule for Fridays that Caleb qualifies for. And it isn't expensive. ($4/hr). I'm so excited to give another opportunity for fun to Caleb! We'll see when we can go after I get back from California. I'm just pleased to know of another activity for Caleb!
I've been looking into activities for Caleb in California. I think that I've found a few that he'll enjoy...but I'll save the ideas and of course the stories for when I get back! You'll just have endure the suspense until then.
"Pony rides for everyone!"
Tessa's (Caleb's cousin) had her birthday party on Sunday. Caleb loved it. He ran around in the park, he saw goats and horses, and even milked a fake cow; for some reason this held a specific fascination for a few of the kids (Tessa included). But of course the absolute highlight was the ponies. Thank you Tessa for having a birthday, and for loving ponies, and for Tessa's mom and dad for putting 2 and 2 together for a great event. Caleb was really excited. We dressed for the occasion in his western clothes and cowboy boots. I should have guessed that we wouldn't be the only ones clever enough to dress accordingly, but I'm proud that I was organzied enough to get Caleb into pony riding garb. He waited patiently, although his little head drooped when he thought he was next and really he was not quite next. But when the time came he let the little pony, Penny, sniff his hand and up he went right on top. He pet her and bounced and nodded his head as her gait bobbed him. He was in near awe as the trail led him through a forested area; it was paved of course, so not too rugged for this wild man's first trip out. He's ridden a pony before, but this time it was a "trail" ride, not just in circles. He liked it a bunch. After he got off the pony he strutted around and said "me ride pony"! He looked very cute. Here's the picture. (Pay no attention to the baby-fat carrying person standing next to him.)
Tessa's (Caleb's cousin) had her birthday party on Sunday. Caleb loved it. He ran around in the park, he saw goats and horses, and even milked a fake cow; for some reason this held a specific fascination for a few of the kids (Tessa included). But of course the absolute highlight was the ponies. Thank you Tessa for having a birthday, and for loving ponies, and for Tessa's mom and dad for putting 2 and 2 together for a great event. Caleb was really excited. We dressed for the occasion in his western clothes and cowboy boots. I should have guessed that we wouldn't be the only ones clever enough to dress accordingly, but I'm proud that I was organzied enough to get Caleb into pony riding garb. He waited patiently, although his little head drooped when he thought he was next and really he was not quite next. But when the time came he let the little pony, Penny, sniff his hand and up he went right on top. He pet her and bounced and nodded his head as her gait bobbed him. He was in near awe as the trail led him through a forested area; it was paved of course, so not too rugged for this wild man's first trip out. He's ridden a pony before, but this time it was a "trail" ride, not just in circles. He liked it a bunch. After he got off the pony he strutted around and said "me ride pony"! He looked very cute. Here's the picture. (Pay no attention to the baby-fat carrying person standing next to him.)
It goes without saying that Tessa had a fantastic time. Her real birthday is today. We are fortunate to get to see her on the actual day. And since she can't read, I'll tell you that I'm very excited to give her our gifts. Of course there is the standard "toy". But I'm proud of and most excited about the "My Little Pony"(Her favorite) patterened pillowcases and pillows with lace and bows on them. I made them and who better to lavish creativity on that a beautiful, cheerful niece who will appreciate PONIES!!!
I look forward to tonight; but for night now, off to playgroup where I hope to have a great time with the other moms and Caleb might burn off sufficient steam!
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Guess what Caleb is into now...
Well, a few things it turns out.
The first new thing is a soccer program for little guys. He liked it. It was lots of running around and trying to get along with other kids. And from what I am told, everyone is also potty training and after class they all trudged into the bathroom more or less together. I can just picture it now. Fortunately, Grammy took Caleb and I got things done like a crazy whirlwind. Boy does it feel good to get things accomplished. Caleb talks alot about Grammy and Papa Dahl and their house. And he tells me that he had a good time. The wonderful thing is that when he came home he hugged me and said that he missed me and that I was pretty. It is so nice to hear those things and know that it comes just from his pure little heart. He also told Josh that he loved and missed him too, ahhhhh.
The other fascination that Caleb has developed is with jewelry. He started talking about mine, and then he wanted to wear mine. When he started trying to pull my jewelry off my fingers or to snap my necklace, I decided that it was time for his own. Knowing that Daddy wouldn't like "prissy, girl" jewelry, I was delighted to find some that was suitable. I had to go to the toe rings because they start small and then you can clamp them down, perfect for little fingers. I got a Celtic patterned silver one. And at the dollar store I was very pleased to find a cross on a cord, also with a Celtic pattern. I'm not totally into Celtic, but it better than something that it pink and says "princess" on it! He really likes it. He takes it on and off and sometimes just carries it around. He puts the ring on his finger and then puts his hand on his hip and looks down at it to see what he looks like. It is funny to watch him develop his self-image and decide what looks cool to him. I guess that this is where it starts. I'm trying to let him discover things without my input (until he comes to an inappropriate conclusion... like putting the toe ring on that extra "boys-only" finger). That was the same day that Caleb announced to me that I don't have a "wiener" (Mike's choice word for the boys parts), Thank you Caleb for letting me know, yes it is a very sad thing that I'm missing out on, better luck next time.
Ok, so on with Josh talk.
Josh has officially been introduced to the Baby Einstein products. So far he has seen Baby Beethoven and Baby Bach. He LOVED them. He watches and talks to the tv. He laughs and coos and then watches some more. He really likes them. What a hit, and for me I got some housework done so I'm loving them too!
Josh is starting to do things on his own. He reaches out and tries to pet Zuma (who has a licking fetish for the baby) and Cosmo (who loves to have his ears gently tugged, which Josh is quite accommodating). He is impressing me when he takes his pacifier out of his mouth and then returns it with efficiency. I used to think that he was going to be left handed, and I was going to put that in the blog. But then in the last week he has really started to use his right hand, and use it first. So the bottom line is the jury is still out, but his motor skills are developing nicely.
Josh is also well on his way to starting to sit on his own. He can sit for a little bit, but then he just leans to far and topples over. So he can sit, but not without supervision. I think he is doing great and I'm trying to teach the skills for crawling too! If he is going to grow fast, I want him to be able to do things rather than be frustrated with boredom.
Lastly, Josh's new Christmas toy. It came in a big box and required adult assembly. Well, it has been out and Josh likes it. It makes noise, lights up and it is quite colorful. He will be able to stand and hold onto it with in the next 6 weeks I'm guessing. The funniest thing however, happened a few nights ago. All of the sudden, just after midnight I started hearing the music start playing, which is quite chipper and noisy for the middle of the night. Then the cat darted upstairs quickly. The cat had gone down to investigate this new toy and moved something on it and it burst into song and lights. He must have gotten startled judging my the way he leapt up the stairs. It was something to laugh at in the middle of the night, but the most funny is that the cat goes down there at least every other night to play again and again! So it is the gift that keeps on giving.
Well, I'd like to keep telling stories, but my big guy is getting tired of me sitting here. More next time.
TTFN.
Well, a few things it turns out.
The first new thing is a soccer program for little guys. He liked it. It was lots of running around and trying to get along with other kids. And from what I am told, everyone is also potty training and after class they all trudged into the bathroom more or less together. I can just picture it now. Fortunately, Grammy took Caleb and I got things done like a crazy whirlwind. Boy does it feel good to get things accomplished. Caleb talks alot about Grammy and Papa Dahl and their house. And he tells me that he had a good time. The wonderful thing is that when he came home he hugged me and said that he missed me and that I was pretty. It is so nice to hear those things and know that it comes just from his pure little heart. He also told Josh that he loved and missed him too, ahhhhh.
The other fascination that Caleb has developed is with jewelry. He started talking about mine, and then he wanted to wear mine. When he started trying to pull my jewelry off my fingers or to snap my necklace, I decided that it was time for his own. Knowing that Daddy wouldn't like "prissy, girl" jewelry, I was delighted to find some that was suitable. I had to go to the toe rings because they start small and then you can clamp them down, perfect for little fingers. I got a Celtic patterned silver one. And at the dollar store I was very pleased to find a cross on a cord, also with a Celtic pattern. I'm not totally into Celtic, but it better than something that it pink and says "princess" on it! He really likes it. He takes it on and off and sometimes just carries it around. He puts the ring on his finger and then puts his hand on his hip and looks down at it to see what he looks like. It is funny to watch him develop his self-image and decide what looks cool to him. I guess that this is where it starts. I'm trying to let him discover things without my input (until he comes to an inappropriate conclusion... like putting the toe ring on that extra "boys-only" finger). That was the same day that Caleb announced to me that I don't have a "wiener" (Mike's choice word for the boys parts), Thank you Caleb for letting me know, yes it is a very sad thing that I'm missing out on, better luck next time.
Ok, so on with Josh talk.
Josh has officially been introduced to the Baby Einstein products. So far he has seen Baby Beethoven and Baby Bach. He LOVED them. He watches and talks to the tv. He laughs and coos and then watches some more. He really likes them. What a hit, and for me I got some housework done so I'm loving them too!
Josh is starting to do things on his own. He reaches out and tries to pet Zuma (who has a licking fetish for the baby) and Cosmo (who loves to have his ears gently tugged, which Josh is quite accommodating). He is impressing me when he takes his pacifier out of his mouth and then returns it with efficiency. I used to think that he was going to be left handed, and I was going to put that in the blog. But then in the last week he has really started to use his right hand, and use it first. So the bottom line is the jury is still out, but his motor skills are developing nicely.
Josh is also well on his way to starting to sit on his own. He can sit for a little bit, but then he just leans to far and topples over. So he can sit, but not without supervision. I think he is doing great and I'm trying to teach the skills for crawling too! If he is going to grow fast, I want him to be able to do things rather than be frustrated with boredom.
Lastly, Josh's new Christmas toy. It came in a big box and required adult assembly. Well, it has been out and Josh likes it. It makes noise, lights up and it is quite colorful. He will be able to stand and hold onto it with in the next 6 weeks I'm guessing. The funniest thing however, happened a few nights ago. All of the sudden, just after midnight I started hearing the music start playing, which is quite chipper and noisy for the middle of the night. Then the cat darted upstairs quickly. The cat had gone down to investigate this new toy and moved something on it and it burst into song and lights. He must have gotten startled judging my the way he leapt up the stairs. It was something to laugh at in the middle of the night, but the most funny is that the cat goes down there at least every other night to play again and again! So it is the gift that keeps on giving.
Well, I'd like to keep telling stories, but my big guy is getting tired of me sitting here. More next time.
TTFN.
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Caleb wants to use the phone.
Yes, he has a message for just about anyone whom we are talking to on the phone. "Me pee pee potty, _____" and fill in your name. He's even picked up one of the other phone in the house and said that to a telemarketer!
Well, today he wanted to call Nick. Nick was not available, but he wanted to tell Nick the same message. Of course when we were visiting yesterday, he told Nick the same message in person like the proud little boy that he is as he ran from the bathroom into the family room.
The other funny thing that I forgot to mention last night is that Matthew had a very special song that he sang for Josh. He picked up Josh's hands and clapped them together singing "I'm a pretty boy, I'm a pretty boy, a very pretty boy". Josh loved it and was smiling and cooing in response!
Mike prefers "handsome", but I don't think that that fits into the song too well. It was nice to see the affection between the cousins.
Today, Caleb and Josh shared their first bath. Caleb is really into baths again, and he finally got to share his current love with his favorite "Jockey Brother". They both had a great time as you can see from the smiles.
And Caleb was really interested in making sure that Josh was very clean. Especially his tummy and his bum.
Caleb really is the "big helper".
That's all for now. Good evening.
Yes, he has a message for just about anyone whom we are talking to on the phone. "Me pee pee potty, _____" and fill in your name. He's even picked up one of the other phone in the house and said that to a telemarketer!
Well, today he wanted to call Nick. Nick was not available, but he wanted to tell Nick the same message. Of course when we were visiting yesterday, he told Nick the same message in person like the proud little boy that he is as he ran from the bathroom into the family room.
The other funny thing that I forgot to mention last night is that Matthew had a very special song that he sang for Josh. He picked up Josh's hands and clapped them together singing "I'm a pretty boy, I'm a pretty boy, a very pretty boy". Josh loved it and was smiling and cooing in response!
Mike prefers "handsome", but I don't think that that fits into the song too well. It was nice to see the affection between the cousins.
Today, Caleb and Josh shared their first bath. Caleb is really into baths again, and he finally got to share his current love with his favorite "Jockey Brother". They both had a great time as you can see from the smiles.
And Caleb was really interested in making sure that Josh was very clean. Especially his tummy and his bum.
Caleb really is the "big helper".
That's all for now. Good evening.
Friday, January 13, 2006
Oh boy has it ever been a busy few days!
Caleb has been running around saying "me big helper", and he really is! And he is even taking to opening doors for me like a little gentleman.
Caleb went to Grammy and Grandpa Dahl's house on Wednesday after playgroup. He wasn't there 10 minutes before he was whisked off to Wiggle Worms, his gymnastics class. He did so great there, I am told that he was invited to skip SUPER Wiggles and go straight to Mighty Mights, that is until he found out that he was just 2.5 not 3 years old. I guess he is doing jumps in the air and touching his toes and then landing back on his feet. That's amazing; Mike says that it is from all the pratice of drop kicking me from the back of the couch.
He had a great afternoon and evening playing with Grammy and Grandpa, and he spent the night. Thursday he went swimming and played in the Daycare in the morning, then he lunched with Mike and Grandpa. By "lunched", I mean that he fell asleep in time for them to have a quiet lunch. He took another nap back at their house, and then was brought out to Monroe in time for dinner .
Caleb, Grammy, Grandpa, Josh and I went to dinner. I have to sum up the meal by saying that I was in the restroom (for CALEB'S! benefit) for the majority of the dinner. He kept wanting to use the facilities...with sucess I might add. But it was miracle that food actually had time to enter my mouth. It was nice all in all, and I'd rather him have potty success than me a meal. The old adage comes to mind "change their diaper now, and you'll do it again in an hour...Teach them to potty and you'll never sit through a movie, meal, or road trip again." Ok, I made that up, but you can't tell me it isn't true.
In the time that I had 1/2 duty I felt productive. I returned somethings and got Caleb a new hat. He is so proud of it because it is just like Daddy's! He was almost in tears once when he thought that we was going to have to leave it at home! Pretty cute.
Caleb has been running around saying "me big helper", and he really is! And he is even taking to opening doors for me like a little gentleman.
Caleb went to Grammy and Grandpa Dahl's house on Wednesday after playgroup. He wasn't there 10 minutes before he was whisked off to Wiggle Worms, his gymnastics class. He did so great there, I am told that he was invited to skip SUPER Wiggles and go straight to Mighty Mights, that is until he found out that he was just 2.5 not 3 years old. I guess he is doing jumps in the air and touching his toes and then landing back on his feet. That's amazing; Mike says that it is from all the pratice of drop kicking me from the back of the couch.
He had a great afternoon and evening playing with Grammy and Grandpa, and he spent the night. Thursday he went swimming and played in the Daycare in the morning, then he lunched with Mike and Grandpa. By "lunched", I mean that he fell asleep in time for them to have a quiet lunch. He took another nap back at their house, and then was brought out to Monroe in time for dinner .
Caleb, Grammy, Grandpa, Josh and I went to dinner. I have to sum up the meal by saying that I was in the restroom (for CALEB'S! benefit) for the majority of the dinner. He kept wanting to use the facilities...with sucess I might add. But it was miracle that food actually had time to enter my mouth. It was nice all in all, and I'd rather him have potty success than me a meal. The old adage comes to mind "change their diaper now, and you'll do it again in an hour...Teach them to potty and you'll never sit through a movie, meal, or road trip again." Ok, I made that up, but you can't tell me it isn't true.
In the time that I had 1/2 duty I felt productive. I returned somethings and got Caleb a new hat. He is so proud of it because it is just like Daddy's! He was almost in tears once when he thought that we was going to have to leave it at home! Pretty cute.
Then today was filled with a good deal of activity as well. First, Caleb and I finished our "mountain" making. The paper mache had dried and it was time to paint it. Let's just say that the "mountian", looks a little like Mt. St. Helens crater and all, with a little buddy on the side. It was messy, but fun. Caleb was naked anyways, which turned out to be a blessing from above.
(I smudged out the boy parts since this is going on the web, but be assured, it was covered in paint too!)
So we ended up here...
And my guess that "floating" wasn't too far away was right. He really likes to float and just lay in the tub. I know where he gets that from; I was like that as a kid and could relax to the point of falling asleep. But this bath gave Caleb time to play with his new soap crayons. This is his 4 or so package of them. Grammy Dahl got him started, we've kept him going, and this last package was bought with gift money from Great Grandma Dyer. He's thrilled. I'm hoping it will help him spell someday!
The greatest thing of all happened after naps today. We drove up to see Nick, Tyler, Matthew and Auntie Barb.... and to play at JUNGLE PLAYLAND. What a home run for Caleb from start to finish! He was so excited to see the boys. He wrestled with Matthew, watched a train simulator and went down the slides with Tyler, and his "idol" Nick...he sat with while eating pizza and cookies, he went down the slides, he climbed around every where. He had such a great time. He even was worried when we were departing from Jungle Playland that he hadn't gotten a chance to say good-bye. So we went back to their house and he got to play for another hour and a half and then said his cute good-byes! I think he would have wanted to stay if I'd asked. Of course, Mel and Rene showed up so we also got to see them for a few minutes. Which if Caleb stayed over would have meant that he and Nick could have camped out somewhere together! A 2 yr old's dream: Camping out is the object of his facination.
Not to leave Jockey out of the picture, Matthew was really interested in the baby. He wanted to rock him and hold him. It was really cute. My oldest loves Barb's oldest and her youngest took a liking to my youngest. Cousins are so great! And I had a great time talking to Barb about mommy stuff. Again, again, I am thinking already!
So here are some pictures of our Jungle Playland adventure!
Well, that's it for now. It's kind of late, but I didn't want another day to go by without me updating everyone on what fun we are up to!
More soon, I hope!
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Well, that sucks for Mommy....
Josh deciding to only suck on mommy that is. Yeah, I thought he was going to be a bi-fed baby but no, he's a real deal dude. And don't try to trick him with the real deal in a bottle, he knows!
One of these days I'll have enough energy to get Josh on schedule during the day in order to force his natural clock to sleep all the way through the night... sigh, I can dream. Right now we are just trying to get him to fall asleep on his own. This is a stressful thing to let him cry while he figures out how. Caleb even runs in and wants to help by sharing his shirt and making sure to stick the pacifier into Josh's mouth. (Caleb calls the Pacificer and "ssfire".) An item for the list of "what I never imagined I'd have to say"... "don't put the pacifier in your butt".
Josh will roll over from his tummy to back any time that he wants to now. I'm still waiting for the back to tummy to be an all the time occurrence to call it officially though. When Josh did roll over I was sure to cheer for him, and Caleb was adorable when he leaned over and kissed Josh's head and said "Good job, Jockey Brother".
Caleb and I did a major craft project for the first time today. We did paper mache. He has so many little plastic animals, I thought it was time to build a mountian or something for them to play on. So, Caleb and I got very gooey and now we are waiting for the project to dry. He did very good, although he definitely doesn't like to have his hands sticky, dirty, or yucky for very long. He decided before we were quite through that he couldn't stand having dirty hands. Well, there are worse things than wanting to be clean! I hope that we have a good mountian after the project is dry and painted. But if not, hey I've wasted just about 15 cents of flour, water, and white glue. It was fun, and I'm glad that Caleb's mommy is a little crafty and can introduce these experiences to him.
Caleb made huge progress today in the bath tub. He LAID down. This has been something that I have worked on with him for MONTHS! He finally had the trust enough to lay down. He liked listening to me tap or scratch on the tub when his ears were under water. He did great and I'm very proud of him. Next is floating, and then we can work on floating in the swimming pool.
Caleb is great with Josh when he is nice. They like laughing at each other! It is so great to see the two brothers playing with each other. Of course, Josh's responses to Caleb lately have been to laugh, smile and stick his tongue out... which makes Caleb laugh more and the cycle continues. Caleb climbed up on my lap today and said "me brother Jockey". He's finally getting that not only is Jockey a brother but he is also. It's also funny that Josh isn't just Jockey, he is always "Jockey brother". And Caleb's new name for himself, because he is having some difficulty pronouncing his name, is "Big C Mickel" (as in nickel with an M) Mike started it, and it is cute.
Other strange things that go on: Caleb has started to pull chairs over to the counters of the kitchen and climb up on them. I caught him trying to use the sink as a bidet (forgive the spelling, but you know the french butt washing toilet.); he told me "me clean bum mom"...what was it that I said about being clean?!
And another item for "the list": "caleb don't put q-tips in Zuma's butt"
A breakthrough has occurred. We have discovered that Caleb doesn't like to have "TIME OUT" in a "TIME OUT CHAIR" especially if that chair is in the other room. He wants to be with us and he wants to be good. So when something is inappropriate and we have warned him, he sits in the chair and has it explained to him and then he can think about it. It is working so good. And he stays in the chair, which I think shows a sign of respect for the parents and rules. Cheers for success.
Well, I'm sure that I'll think of more things to write as soon as I click done, but I'll just have to update more later.
Josh deciding to only suck on mommy that is. Yeah, I thought he was going to be a bi-fed baby but no, he's a real deal dude. And don't try to trick him with the real deal in a bottle, he knows!
One of these days I'll have enough energy to get Josh on schedule during the day in order to force his natural clock to sleep all the way through the night... sigh, I can dream. Right now we are just trying to get him to fall asleep on his own. This is a stressful thing to let him cry while he figures out how. Caleb even runs in and wants to help by sharing his shirt and making sure to stick the pacifier into Josh's mouth. (Caleb calls the Pacificer and "ssfire".) An item for the list of "what I never imagined I'd have to say"... "don't put the pacifier in your butt".
Josh will roll over from his tummy to back any time that he wants to now. I'm still waiting for the back to tummy to be an all the time occurrence to call it officially though. When Josh did roll over I was sure to cheer for him, and Caleb was adorable when he leaned over and kissed Josh's head and said "Good job, Jockey Brother".
Caleb and I did a major craft project for the first time today. We did paper mache. He has so many little plastic animals, I thought it was time to build a mountian or something for them to play on. So, Caleb and I got very gooey and now we are waiting for the project to dry. He did very good, although he definitely doesn't like to have his hands sticky, dirty, or yucky for very long. He decided before we were quite through that he couldn't stand having dirty hands. Well, there are worse things than wanting to be clean! I hope that we have a good mountian after the project is dry and painted. But if not, hey I've wasted just about 15 cents of flour, water, and white glue. It was fun, and I'm glad that Caleb's mommy is a little crafty and can introduce these experiences to him.
Caleb made huge progress today in the bath tub. He LAID down. This has been something that I have worked on with him for MONTHS! He finally had the trust enough to lay down. He liked listening to me tap or scratch on the tub when his ears were under water. He did great and I'm very proud of him. Next is floating, and then we can work on floating in the swimming pool.
Caleb is great with Josh when he is nice. They like laughing at each other! It is so great to see the two brothers playing with each other. Of course, Josh's responses to Caleb lately have been to laugh, smile and stick his tongue out... which makes Caleb laugh more and the cycle continues. Caleb climbed up on my lap today and said "me brother Jockey". He's finally getting that not only is Jockey a brother but he is also. It's also funny that Josh isn't just Jockey, he is always "Jockey brother". And Caleb's new name for himself, because he is having some difficulty pronouncing his name, is "Big C Mickel" (as in nickel with an M) Mike started it, and it is cute.
Other strange things that go on: Caleb has started to pull chairs over to the counters of the kitchen and climb up on them. I caught him trying to use the sink as a bidet (forgive the spelling, but you know the french butt washing toilet.); he told me "me clean bum mom"...what was it that I said about being clean?!
And another item for "the list": "caleb don't put q-tips in Zuma's butt"
A breakthrough has occurred. We have discovered that Caleb doesn't like to have "TIME OUT" in a "TIME OUT CHAIR" especially if that chair is in the other room. He wants to be with us and he wants to be good. So when something is inappropriate and we have warned him, he sits in the chair and has it explained to him and then he can think about it. It is working so good. And he stays in the chair, which I think shows a sign of respect for the parents and rules. Cheers for success.
Well, I'm sure that I'll think of more things to write as soon as I click done, but I'll just have to update more later.
Monday, January 09, 2006
Keeping Caleb busy is a sanity saver.
Today I took Caleb to Playgroup. It was so nice not to have him jumping on me or getting too close to hurting Joshua. It was a nice hour and a half that was the only reason why I still feel half normal on a Monday after a not so great night of sleep. Thank the Lord that playgroup started up again today! I'm even enjoying it more and more because the other moms are talking to me now. I guess it takes a while to settle into their group. Well, I signed up for 2006 (I'm so happy it is only $20 for the year!) and I look forward to spend more sanity saving days at playgroup.
Today of all things, Caleb fixated on a whistle. He wants to blow it, even or especially in the car. He does do well at blowing it quietly in the car, for as long as a 2.5 yr old can remember what quiet is. But bless playgroup again, he took the whistle in with him, and it was laying around when the toys got picked up, thus we didn't walk out with it! Small favors mean so much somedays!
Caleb as always is making me laugh (or cry) at every turn. I'll share a story of a laughing moment. Of course everyone knows that we are potty training. Well, let's speak in code and say that he is having 2ndary success (2 being an operative number). We were so excited with his success. We gave him candy, we cheered, we swung him around in the air. He was very happy at us being happy. He runs over and tells Joshua, which is funny, but a mom's hope is that Josh gets the idea sooner than 2.5 yrs old and follows suit. But the most hilarious thing is, I took the little potty's catch basin to the toilet to dispose of "things" and Caleb came with. I'm glad that he came with because I want him to know where it is eventually suppose to go, and for him not to be afraid of the flushing which some kids are prone to. Well, he came and watched and then I let him flush. I dropped the lid down and he then picked the lid up. I'm thinking he wants to see it swirl away, fine I think, and suddenly he says "Bye-bye poop", and I'm not sure if I saw a hint of a wave. I laughed out loud. I know he didn't ever hear that from me!
Ok, enough stories about poop, although from my understanding there is a certain predisposition to this subject for the Dahl family... usually during dinner, but nobody's perfect...
Moving on. A little story about Josh. I know a few months ago I proudly announced that Josh had his Daddy and Papa Dahl's tongue, being a short and rectangular shaped. I might have spoken too soon and incorrectly. You be the judge:
Today I took Caleb to Playgroup. It was so nice not to have him jumping on me or getting too close to hurting Joshua. It was a nice hour and a half that was the only reason why I still feel half normal on a Monday after a not so great night of sleep. Thank the Lord that playgroup started up again today! I'm even enjoying it more and more because the other moms are talking to me now. I guess it takes a while to settle into their group. Well, I signed up for 2006 (I'm so happy it is only $20 for the year!) and I look forward to spend more sanity saving days at playgroup.
Today of all things, Caleb fixated on a whistle. He wants to blow it, even or especially in the car. He does do well at blowing it quietly in the car, for as long as a 2.5 yr old can remember what quiet is. But bless playgroup again, he took the whistle in with him, and it was laying around when the toys got picked up, thus we didn't walk out with it! Small favors mean so much somedays!
Caleb as always is making me laugh (or cry) at every turn. I'll share a story of a laughing moment. Of course everyone knows that we are potty training. Well, let's speak in code and say that he is having 2ndary success (2 being an operative number). We were so excited with his success. We gave him candy, we cheered, we swung him around in the air. He was very happy at us being happy. He runs over and tells Joshua, which is funny, but a mom's hope is that Josh gets the idea sooner than 2.5 yrs old and follows suit. But the most hilarious thing is, I took the little potty's catch basin to the toilet to dispose of "things" and Caleb came with. I'm glad that he came with because I want him to know where it is eventually suppose to go, and for him not to be afraid of the flushing which some kids are prone to. Well, he came and watched and then I let him flush. I dropped the lid down and he then picked the lid up. I'm thinking he wants to see it swirl away, fine I think, and suddenly he says "Bye-bye poop", and I'm not sure if I saw a hint of a wave. I laughed out loud. I know he didn't ever hear that from me!
Ok, enough stories about poop, although from my understanding there is a certain predisposition to this subject for the Dahl family... usually during dinner, but nobody's perfect...
Moving on. A little story about Josh. I know a few months ago I proudly announced that Josh had his Daddy and Papa Dahl's tongue, being a short and rectangular shaped. I might have spoken too soon and incorrectly. You be the judge:
Josh has taken up the habit in the last few days to sticking his tongue out. Sometimes it is because it is an exploration thing, sometimes it is in response to Caleb's tongue or laughing, and other times it is just plain funny and inconvenient... like when I'm trying to feed him. Well, I am just glad that he is showing personality at such a young age. Gosh I love this little cuddly guy.
Well, that's all for now.
Friday, January 06, 2006
Today was a good day for Caleb.
He got up early and snuggled with Daddy downstairs. Then he and Daddy went to Mcdonalds and played on the play equipment. He had a good time. And he got a "Narnia" Beaver in his happy meal, which he was sure to show me how it works. What was really great was that he would sit and cuddle with me on the couch after he had played and ran his wiggles out! It was nice to see the steady calm side of my engergizer bunny; I'm sure tomorrow he'll be fully recharged for more! I better start looking for things to do.
Then after naptime, we got ready and drove to the new Quest Children's Museum in the Factoria Mall. It was a free day! For FREE I am willing to put up with a cacphony of noise and a near constant state of chaos. Caleb had fun climbing in their "backyard" area on the leaf structure/slide. He also experienced a Big Mac truck, their water exhibit and the treehouse. Thanks Daddy for doing the leg work today. Mommy and Josh (in the Bjorn carrier) could do little more than watch and talk. Daddy kept up with the two year old like a pro; I didn't even see him break a sweat.
It was a great time, although I would bet that we would have more of a learning and opportunity to really experience things if there were less people. Sometime I'll have to go on a day that I can afford to pay. Until then, we had more fun than we paid for this evening! (You know this mommy, always looking for the Free good time for her little guys!)
Caleb wouldn't go to bed tonight in a regular diaper. Everytime that I mentioned that it was bed time and time to put on a diaper he ran to the potty and told me he was going to use it. Well, since I know he isn't going to run to the potty in the middle of the night I had to be creative. So tonight Caleb is wearing a Buzz Pull-up diaper; this is a special treat because the others are just plain old white. AND he is wearing big boy Buzz underwear OVER the diaper. Then he would go to bed... But not before telling me that "Buzz fly me bum" (Buzz is flying on my bum)!
Caleb is getting more and more personality in his talking. He says miss you, no talking mommy, no bother me daddy, Jockey brother awake, me wake mommy, asks for fi-min (vitamins), no me like it, had fun play more tomorrow ETC. He is just so great and innocent in what he says. I think that the best mirror of life is in a child's eyes. They can see the simple or the obvious that busy and super focused adults miss. I love Caleb's insight and I try to learn lessons from it.
Well, I should learn from Caleb to have a regular bedtime. Towards that effort, I'll say good night.
He got up early and snuggled with Daddy downstairs. Then he and Daddy went to Mcdonalds and played on the play equipment. He had a good time. And he got a "Narnia" Beaver in his happy meal, which he was sure to show me how it works. What was really great was that he would sit and cuddle with me on the couch after he had played and ran his wiggles out! It was nice to see the steady calm side of my engergizer bunny; I'm sure tomorrow he'll be fully recharged for more! I better start looking for things to do.
Then after naptime, we got ready and drove to the new Quest Children's Museum in the Factoria Mall. It was a free day! For FREE I am willing to put up with a cacphony of noise and a near constant state of chaos. Caleb had fun climbing in their "backyard" area on the leaf structure/slide. He also experienced a Big Mac truck, their water exhibit and the treehouse. Thanks Daddy for doing the leg work today. Mommy and Josh (in the Bjorn carrier) could do little more than watch and talk. Daddy kept up with the two year old like a pro; I didn't even see him break a sweat.
It was a great time, although I would bet that we would have more of a learning and opportunity to really experience things if there were less people. Sometime I'll have to go on a day that I can afford to pay. Until then, we had more fun than we paid for this evening! (You know this mommy, always looking for the Free good time for her little guys!)
Caleb wouldn't go to bed tonight in a regular diaper. Everytime that I mentioned that it was bed time and time to put on a diaper he ran to the potty and told me he was going to use it. Well, since I know he isn't going to run to the potty in the middle of the night I had to be creative. So tonight Caleb is wearing a Buzz Pull-up diaper; this is a special treat because the others are just plain old white. AND he is wearing big boy Buzz underwear OVER the diaper. Then he would go to bed... But not before telling me that "Buzz fly me bum" (Buzz is flying on my bum)!
Caleb is getting more and more personality in his talking. He says miss you, no talking mommy, no bother me daddy, Jockey brother awake, me wake mommy, asks for fi-min (vitamins), no me like it, had fun play more tomorrow ETC. He is just so great and innocent in what he says. I think that the best mirror of life is in a child's eyes. They can see the simple or the obvious that busy and super focused adults miss. I love Caleb's insight and I try to learn lessons from it.
Well, I should learn from Caleb to have a regular bedtime. Towards that effort, I'll say good night.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Caleb is a little happy tazmanian devil...
He whirls around making just the same messes. As I'm cleaning up one mess he is off making another. I could catch up with him if I could freeze time.
Caleb and Josh stayed with Grammy and Papa Dahl yesterday while Mike and I went out for Mike's one day, belated birthday dinner. It was a nice dinner, a special treat. This was the second time that both Josh and Caleb stayed with the grandparents. I think that everyone had a good time, but the report came back that both Grammy and Papa were needed to watch Josh and Caleb. Even teams is the best approach, hence the decision not to have more kids ourselves. Caleb was running around quick like a bunny getting into things. And Josh is an attention monger. He loves to be played with and misses the attention if he isn't done playing.
Josh is really finding more and more objects interesting. It is nice to see that his world is expanding a little bit. I'd like to let Josh play on the floor a bit more and have more tummy time so that he can learn to roll and crawl... but Caleb will jump over him, head butt him, throw things at him. It's just so difficult to have tummy time unless I'm hovering over Josh. It's not safe to even leave Josh on the floor so that I can use the restroom, unless Caleb is sleeping of course. Then there are the times that Josh finally gets to sleep for a much needed nap (and a much needed break for me) and Caleb thinks that Josh should be awake and does everything that he can think of to wake the baby.
Potty training continues. Success is good as long as Caleb's naked. However, I don't want to mention what kind of mess happens when there's an accident in his "big boy" underwear. Some days I wish I was the babysitter and I could just hand that messy child back to the parent.
Caleb has done surprisingly well with our family's recent loss. However the one crack was when I was sleeping and he hadn't seen me in an hour or so and he sudden thought that I was "gone" and began to cry. Luckily I was upstairs and could reassure him quickly. I have a strong little boy if he is understanding "gone" and handling it so well with regard to our beloved pet. And though I hate seeing Caleb upset, it is a little nice to see that he would miss me.
Caleb says he misses me or Mike periodically. The first time he said it, it just melted my heart. The other great things to hear were "I love you" and "Mommy, me proud you". It just makes me happy and confident in what I am doing in Caleb's life every time I think of what he said.
Well, back to keeping up with my little whirl wind.
He whirls around making just the same messes. As I'm cleaning up one mess he is off making another. I could catch up with him if I could freeze time.
Caleb and Josh stayed with Grammy and Papa Dahl yesterday while Mike and I went out for Mike's one day, belated birthday dinner. It was a nice dinner, a special treat. This was the second time that both Josh and Caleb stayed with the grandparents. I think that everyone had a good time, but the report came back that both Grammy and Papa were needed to watch Josh and Caleb. Even teams is the best approach, hence the decision not to have more kids ourselves. Caleb was running around quick like a bunny getting into things. And Josh is an attention monger. He loves to be played with and misses the attention if he isn't done playing.
Josh is really finding more and more objects interesting. It is nice to see that his world is expanding a little bit. I'd like to let Josh play on the floor a bit more and have more tummy time so that he can learn to roll and crawl... but Caleb will jump over him, head butt him, throw things at him. It's just so difficult to have tummy time unless I'm hovering over Josh. It's not safe to even leave Josh on the floor so that I can use the restroom, unless Caleb is sleeping of course. Then there are the times that Josh finally gets to sleep for a much needed nap (and a much needed break for me) and Caleb thinks that Josh should be awake and does everything that he can think of to wake the baby.
Potty training continues. Success is good as long as Caleb's naked. However, I don't want to mention what kind of mess happens when there's an accident in his "big boy" underwear. Some days I wish I was the babysitter and I could just hand that messy child back to the parent.
Caleb has done surprisingly well with our family's recent loss. However the one crack was when I was sleeping and he hadn't seen me in an hour or so and he sudden thought that I was "gone" and began to cry. Luckily I was upstairs and could reassure him quickly. I have a strong little boy if he is understanding "gone" and handling it so well with regard to our beloved pet. And though I hate seeing Caleb upset, it is a little nice to see that he would miss me.
Caleb says he misses me or Mike periodically. The first time he said it, it just melted my heart. The other great things to hear were "I love you" and "Mommy, me proud you". It just makes me happy and confident in what I am doing in Caleb's life every time I think of what he said.
Well, back to keeping up with my little whirl wind.
Monday, January 02, 2006
I love two year olds. Caleb in particular.
Caleb wanted me to take more pictures of him... the pattern continues. Well, I'm a little tired of taking pictures of a little nudist boy wrapped in a t-shirt. I told him that I would take pictures of him if he put on his Buzz costume. So as a result I got some good pictures of him wearing it...the first time he wore it, didn't go so well.
Caleb wanted me to take more pictures of him... the pattern continues. Well, I'm a little tired of taking pictures of a little nudist boy wrapped in a t-shirt. I told him that I would take pictures of him if he put on his Buzz costume. So as a result I got some good pictures of him wearing it...the first time he wore it, didn't go so well.
My little, hands on his hips, boy. Very proud to be Buzz at the moment. Of course he had to lay down next to Josh on the play mat (under it's arches and all), while wearing his costume, to show Josh how to play with the items that dangle.
And when I was down loading pictures from Saturday, this picture stood out as a really good one.
Our Dahl Matriarch. She's very proud of my little boys. I'm so delighted that the boys and GG are developing a relationship with such happy memories, not every person gets the opportunity to know someone from four generations back. Caleb plays wonderfully with GG once he warms up (as he must for each time they see each other). And this Saturday I was very touched that GG was singing German lullabyes and nursery songs to Josh. She cares and loves for my little ones with such kindness and gentleness. The joy is mutual between her and the boys. I like the thought of a heritage being instilled in my little guys. They will of course be Americans, but they also have a rich history and to be introduced to it in such a personal way is touching. My hope is that GG will be able to sit down with the boys and some of her old photo albums and be able to show them and tell them about her life. (You know, before cell phones, Ipods, MP-3 players, and microwaves.)
I am blessed, and so are Caleb and Josh to have such wonderful family members that are willing to share themselves and their time. Auntie Birdie takes time to talk to Caleb and lets him feed her bird too many treats. Grammy takes Caleb for socialization and activities that give me a break. Tessa is fun to laugh with and of course tease, sometime unmercilessly. Grandpa Dahl is always willing to play and go for walks with Caleb. GG plays catch and gitch-ya with Caleb. Papa Bishop is great to play, go to the park or or even just watch Tv with, until they both need naps in the afternoon. Grandma Bishop gets on the floor and wrestles with him. Everyone of course leaps in line to hold Josh and hopes for one of his blazing smiles; he frequently obliges.
The love, support and prayers from all the family are priceless. Thank you.
In Loving Memory of Ike (1996-2005)
Ike passed immediately when struck by a hit and run vehicle New Years Eve at approximately 9:30pm. He had a wonderful night seeing the family, playing with the other dogs and children, running around the pool deck as Mike and Caleb played. The night couldn't be topped by anything but going to heaven.
Ike passed immediately when struck by a hit and run vehicle New Years Eve at approximately 9:30pm. He had a wonderful night seeing the family, playing with the other dogs and children, running around the pool deck as Mike and Caleb played. The night couldn't be topped by anything but going to heaven.
We remember a beloved friend, constant companion, Mike's first "son", a unique personality, patient with children and puppies, kind to others, obedient, a comfort in times of trouble, playful and goofy, reliable, trustworthy, exhuberant, a cuddler and frequent sleeping companion to Mike. Ike multiplied the joy of circumstances and events such as walks, camping, swimming, work, and family get togethers. He provided a sense of security to his family at home, emotionally, and to Mike at Gold Creek. Ike bridged the span of Mike's childhood to adulthood, from being single to marriage, and from being an only "child" to being a "sibling" to Mike's sons. His long life, full of happy memories, will be cherished in the hearts of those who knew him and love him.
Please pray for my immediate family, and for any who had an attachment to Ike, perhaps yourself; that the Lord would stand in the gap with comfort, peace, and inner incomprehensible joy that only He can provide.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
