This weekend was mixed. Big guy was under the weather. So, we did a lot of relaxing, hanging out, and watched Monsters, Inc. like a thousand times! But the high points came on sunday night and monday morning. Sunday night big guy ended up passing out after an exhausting day from 4-6:30. Upon his waking up, we had some cheez its and yogurt. Then after a viewing of Monsters, Inc. again, we went up for a bath. Hubs was sitting on the closed potty so he could get big guy undressed for the bath like every night, when big guy started yelling at him to "get up!" I came in because a lot of times big guy is trying to avoid taking his clothes off. But big guy kept yelling at hubs. So, I made hubs stand up and big guy looks at me and says, "mommy, pee pee!" I said, "you have to go pee pee?" Big guy responded, "yes mommy!" So, I plopped him on the potty and he peed!!!! First. Pee. Pee. On. The. Potty. It was awesome. We clapped and danced. it was just awesome.
Following a great night of sleep, big guy woke up in great spirits. When we got up I asked big guy if he wanted to sit on the potty and he said no, of course. But I said that we couldn't go downstairs until I went on the potty. Then I said again, "are you sure you don't want to sit on the potty? You pee peed last night on the potty." He looks at me and says, "yes, mommy. Potty." Ok, I take off the diaper and he sits nice and calmly, then says, "no pee pee mommy." so, not a pee pee, but definitely a try, which in my book is success because normally he screams anytime I mention the potty like I've just shredded his favorite toy or something. And then the best part of the morning happened. I was saying my normal: goodbye, I love you, have a good day. big guy looked at me and said clear as a bell: "I love you, mommy!" cue giant smile and heart melting.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Awesome weekend
This weekend was one of those awesome weekends. Saturday big guy and I went to the toys r us to go get our educational board games. And something startling about big guy, he's old enough to start playing some board games. One game we got was memory. Which big guy plays on an iPad app, but I wanted some real cards and more of them. He's actually really good at the game of memory. He handles the one on the app which has eight cards with no problem, but we played tonight with sixteen with no problem. Anyway, following the toys r us, we went to the Home Depot. Which is big guys new favorite place to go. We were doing a follow up trip to purchase an above ground planted for some veggies. We scored some organic soil and a free bag of popcorn. Surprisingly big guy tanked the whole bag, even though we had just eaten a huge pancake and bacon breakfast! Big I think that's a boy thing!
Following big guy and I both napping, we got up and hubs grilled us some hot dogs. We had some corn and chips on the side. Big guy tanked a dog, then ate about a pound of corn. Following dinner, big guy and I walked to the local bakery to get some cupcakes. Big guy brought his little plastic shopping cart with us on the walk. It was so cute because after he ordered his cupcakes and put them in his cart, he was like, bye bye and tried to escape. Then after discussing how we had to pay, he wouldn't even let me out my brownies into his cart! He was like, "no mommy, my cupcakes!" Then we stopped at the park and ate a cupcake, while playing for a bit. We headed home and then big guy slept awesome!
Today we had our normal Sunday brunch of bagels, cream cheese, eggs, turkey ham, and chocolate chip muffins. And big guy tanked it all! We went to the zoo after that to meet up with gmom C, pop pop J, and uncle I. We had so much fun. It was a little chilly upon arrival, but we stayed in the sun. We saw the cheetah, tortoises, fed some ducks, pet a goat, talked to the chickens, showed the family our favorite monkeys- squirrel monkeys, and saw all the napping big cats. Probably the most fun was riding the carousel and train. An overall wonderful trip. Big guy drifted to sleep in the car, but woke up when we got home and he realized hubs was home.
We watched the polar express and played our fishing game. Then we went for some burritos and chips. We also bought big guy a new pair of sunglasses, since I lost his at the zoo. He was pretty devastated. I walked all over the children's zoo looking for them but no luck. After dinner, we played a new Mickey Mouse interactive app on the iPad and just hung out. Big guy was pretty tired still from the shortened nap. And he was talking so much in bed I actually had to tell him to be quiet because it was time for bed. But I wouldn't have him any other way. His talking makes me smile everyday. And he was in such good spirits this weekend. Like he's this little person all of a sudden who listens to directions and is interested in doing new and interesting things. It was just an amazing weekend! And I'm so excited for summer now!
Following big guy and I both napping, we got up and hubs grilled us some hot dogs. We had some corn and chips on the side. Big guy tanked a dog, then ate about a pound of corn. Following dinner, big guy and I walked to the local bakery to get some cupcakes. Big guy brought his little plastic shopping cart with us on the walk. It was so cute because after he ordered his cupcakes and put them in his cart, he was like, bye bye and tried to escape. Then after discussing how we had to pay, he wouldn't even let me out my brownies into his cart! He was like, "no mommy, my cupcakes!" Then we stopped at the park and ate a cupcake, while playing for a bit. We headed home and then big guy slept awesome!
Today we had our normal Sunday brunch of bagels, cream cheese, eggs, turkey ham, and chocolate chip muffins. And big guy tanked it all! We went to the zoo after that to meet up with gmom C, pop pop J, and uncle I. We had so much fun. It was a little chilly upon arrival, but we stayed in the sun. We saw the cheetah, tortoises, fed some ducks, pet a goat, talked to the chickens, showed the family our favorite monkeys- squirrel monkeys, and saw all the napping big cats. Probably the most fun was riding the carousel and train. An overall wonderful trip. Big guy drifted to sleep in the car, but woke up when we got home and he realized hubs was home.
We watched the polar express and played our fishing game. Then we went for some burritos and chips. We also bought big guy a new pair of sunglasses, since I lost his at the zoo. He was pretty devastated. I walked all over the children's zoo looking for them but no luck. After dinner, we played a new Mickey Mouse interactive app on the iPad and just hung out. Big guy was pretty tired still from the shortened nap. And he was talking so much in bed I actually had to tell him to be quiet because it was time for bed. But I wouldn't have him any other way. His talking makes me smile everyday. And he was in such good spirits this weekend. Like he's this little person all of a sudden who listens to directions and is interested in doing new and interesting things. It was just an amazing weekend! And I'm so excited for summer now!
Practicing our P
Big guy had an evaluation the Friday after spring break for speech. Though he speaks great and often with me, he hasn't been using his words at school. So, we went for a speech evaluation just to see how everything is going. Our lovely evaluator was ms K really thought he had a great vocabulary. She at first suggested that we check back in six months, to which I made a face. I explained that in one way, it was good to hear that because I felt validated in my thinking that his speech was fine. Yes, I think he is on the slower side of forming sentences, but he has a lot of words and totally understands everything. But I was nervous bc at school he hasn't been talking very much and his teacher was concerned.
So, following my face giving explanation, ms K gave big guy the articulation test. On the scale of normal from 85-115, big guy got an 83. Not bad. But combined with my concerns, she suggested 2X a week for six weeks and then to revisit. Which in some ways made me feel better bc some letters he says totally wrong, like words ending in P, the letter F and a couple other weird things. I was told I had to wait for the insurance company to Ok us before I could schedule our appointments.
I called the following Tuesday just to check in about how long the whole "waiting for the insurance to Ok" thing took. The lovely receptionist put me on hold and yay, we had just gotten approved. We sat and scheduled the next month for appointments! No joke!
So far we've had three appointments and big guy has improved so much in that time period, it really is amazing. We've been working on our words that end in P and B. And after each session we are given homework, a word or group of words to practice. The fun part of speech therapy is that big guy gets to play the whole time. Games abound all with the purpose of being rewarded for trying to say the word right. We learned how to end our words with a "pah" sound. After our first two visits, big guy was reluctant to practice at home. He would get frustrated with me, so I just kept it casual.
Then I thought, well, lets make it like at speech. I'll make it a reward system. So, we had speech this Thursday with ms K and on Friday it was gorgeous out. We went to the park with the sand, so we naturally took off our shoes and ran barefoot. Mr squeaky who is shaped like a hedgehog came with us and squeaks really annoyingly. But when big guy kept putting him down the slide, I started only giving it back after we would practice the word UP. Big guy was hesitant at first, then worked with me for a little bit at least.
So, on Saturday we went to the toys r us and bought some board games. Matching and this annoying fishing game under the pretense of learning. So today we were playing the fishing game and I wouldn't give the fishing rod over to big guy until he practiced our words. And you know what- he started practicing and saying them correctly!!! It was so awesome. We were clapping and cheering. He was smiling and giving high fives. It was a really amazing moment. And I realized that not only was I proud of him for saying and trying the words, but he was really proud of himself. It was just a great moment! And before we went to bed, he kept it up!
I think the amazing thing about having children is that the whole thing is a miracle. From conceiving a child, to watching them grow, and that they learn so much every day. Like how one learns to speak - moving muscles to make sounds- just by listening to others speak. It's a miracle. And it's ok that we need a little help because now we can get it right.
So, following my face giving explanation, ms K gave big guy the articulation test. On the scale of normal from 85-115, big guy got an 83. Not bad. But combined with my concerns, she suggested 2X a week for six weeks and then to revisit. Which in some ways made me feel better bc some letters he says totally wrong, like words ending in P, the letter F and a couple other weird things. I was told I had to wait for the insurance company to Ok us before I could schedule our appointments.
I called the following Tuesday just to check in about how long the whole "waiting for the insurance to Ok" thing took. The lovely receptionist put me on hold and yay, we had just gotten approved. We sat and scheduled the next month for appointments! No joke!
So far we've had three appointments and big guy has improved so much in that time period, it really is amazing. We've been working on our words that end in P and B. And after each session we are given homework, a word or group of words to practice. The fun part of speech therapy is that big guy gets to play the whole time. Games abound all with the purpose of being rewarded for trying to say the word right. We learned how to end our words with a "pah" sound. After our first two visits, big guy was reluctant to practice at home. He would get frustrated with me, so I just kept it casual.
Then I thought, well, lets make it like at speech. I'll make it a reward system. So, we had speech this Thursday with ms K and on Friday it was gorgeous out. We went to the park with the sand, so we naturally took off our shoes and ran barefoot. Mr squeaky who is shaped like a hedgehog came with us and squeaks really annoyingly. But when big guy kept putting him down the slide, I started only giving it back after we would practice the word UP. Big guy was hesitant at first, then worked with me for a little bit at least.
So, on Saturday we went to the toys r us and bought some board games. Matching and this annoying fishing game under the pretense of learning. So today we were playing the fishing game and I wouldn't give the fishing rod over to big guy until he practiced our words. And you know what- he started practicing and saying them correctly!!! It was so awesome. We were clapping and cheering. He was smiling and giving high fives. It was a really amazing moment. And I realized that not only was I proud of him for saying and trying the words, but he was really proud of himself. It was just a great moment! And before we went to bed, he kept it up!
I think the amazing thing about having children is that the whole thing is a miracle. From conceiving a child, to watching them grow, and that they learn so much every day. Like how one learns to speak - moving muscles to make sounds- just by listening to others speak. It's a miracle. And it's ok that we need a little help because now we can get it right.
Best. Spring. Break. Ever.
big guy and I had the best spring break ever. it was just an amazing week for a bunch of reasons. Clearly having off for nine days is the biggest reason, but closely followed by the fact that grandma dino came to spend six of those days with us!
Friday was my bday- the big 31! and dino arrived in the afternoon. both big guy and I were super juiced! I had to go get some extra shredded cheese for the tacos I was making for dinner and big guy chose to hang with dino instead of coming with me. Just to give you an idea about how much big guy loves his dino!! Following our taco dinner, we sang happy birthday with some cupcakes I purchased, which of course thrilled big guy, as big guy's love of chocolate cake had reached epic proportions at this point.
Saturday we relaxed and Sunday we ventured to the academy of natural sciences. Both Dino and big guy loved the butterflies, the upstairs kid play area and checking out all the cool bugs! Apparently tarantulas are very delicate and their limbs fall off if dropped/thrown- if you need an interesting fun fact or ever are faced with one!
Monday had Dino visiting friends, while big guy and I ran errands and since the weather was semi nice, we cleaned out the sand table. Why clean the sand table you ask? Well, some cat who shall remain nameless, decided to use it as a potty all winter when I forgot to out the lid on. Yuck. But big guy and I had fun washing the table, as there were a lot of bubbles and hose spraying.
Tuesday, dino was with friends again, so big guy and I continued our awesome fun of getting sand for the table and then of course spending hours playing with it outside. Dino surprised us by showing up for dinner, so I whipped us up something yummy for dinner and continued relaxing. We also dyed some Easter eggs- which big guy and Dino share a love of making crafts! He especially enjoyed the pink, such, as that is big guys go to color.
Wednesday we finally got Dino all to ourselves and we took her to Longwood gardens! Big guy loved the kid fountain zone. We got thoroughly soaked and spent probably an hour in the conservatory. Following an epic and I mean epic meltdown following a shirt change, we finally made it outside to go check out the bell tower. Big guy and I attempted to walk to the top but then he got upset when drink wasn't following us, so we just listened for their music, which was actually quite lovely. We then had a healthy and tasty lunch in the cafe and stopped in the gift shop, of course!
Thursday was Dino's last day. After crying from her departure, we took big guy to get some bagels, as conveniently, hubs took the day off as well. We then discovered big guys favorite new meal- mini chocolate chip muffin, everything bagel toasted with egg whites, turkey ham, and cheese with a side of cream cheese. And he eats every bite! Then we relaxed the rest of the day.
Friday big guy and I ventured to the zoo! And we arrived with the rest of the tri-state area who had off from work! It ended up being a perfect visit. It was warmish, but really sunny. We rode the train, the carousel, ran around the tree house and o yeah, saw some animals! We payed particular attention to the African animals, zebras and giraffes. The hippos were inside, which was sad bc we had been reading the book- but not the hippopotamus a lot. But we still talked about them.
Saturday we enjoyed the weather and did several practice Easter egg hunts using our recently dyed eggs. Big guy loves Easter, it might be his favorite holiday. Something about hiding and finding eggs. Seeing all their colors. Getting to collect them. It's just awesome. And he's really good at finding eggs. Then it of course descended into throwing the eggs into the street and then getting upset that they were broken. We had many long conversations about the broken eggs with sad faces.
Sunday was Easter but the weather was totally yuck. So, it was actually good that we did all those practice hunts. We went to uncle E and aunt K's house in the afternoon. We ate lots of food and watched bad movies. Then bc it was raining, they did an inside egg hunt just for big guy. It was hilarious as he made gmom J carrying his basket for him so he could use two hands to collect eggs. Following a gorging of chocolate candy, we took a bath and headed home.
Though spring break was over that week, I felt like it was really long but in a great way. Big guy was relaxed, talking up a storm. He was in good spirits everyday and was pretty much up,for anything. He ate like a champ every day and slept well. It was just a great way to spend a week!
Friday was my bday- the big 31! and dino arrived in the afternoon. both big guy and I were super juiced! I had to go get some extra shredded cheese for the tacos I was making for dinner and big guy chose to hang with dino instead of coming with me. Just to give you an idea about how much big guy loves his dino!! Following our taco dinner, we sang happy birthday with some cupcakes I purchased, which of course thrilled big guy, as big guy's love of chocolate cake had reached epic proportions at this point.
Saturday we relaxed and Sunday we ventured to the academy of natural sciences. Both Dino and big guy loved the butterflies, the upstairs kid play area and checking out all the cool bugs! Apparently tarantulas are very delicate and their limbs fall off if dropped/thrown- if you need an interesting fun fact or ever are faced with one!
Monday had Dino visiting friends, while big guy and I ran errands and since the weather was semi nice, we cleaned out the sand table. Why clean the sand table you ask? Well, some cat who shall remain nameless, decided to use it as a potty all winter when I forgot to out the lid on. Yuck. But big guy and I had fun washing the table, as there were a lot of bubbles and hose spraying.
Tuesday, dino was with friends again, so big guy and I continued our awesome fun of getting sand for the table and then of course spending hours playing with it outside. Dino surprised us by showing up for dinner, so I whipped us up something yummy for dinner and continued relaxing. We also dyed some Easter eggs- which big guy and Dino share a love of making crafts! He especially enjoyed the pink, such, as that is big guys go to color.
Wednesday we finally got Dino all to ourselves and we took her to Longwood gardens! Big guy loved the kid fountain zone. We got thoroughly soaked and spent probably an hour in the conservatory. Following an epic and I mean epic meltdown following a shirt change, we finally made it outside to go check out the bell tower. Big guy and I attempted to walk to the top but then he got upset when drink wasn't following us, so we just listened for their music, which was actually quite lovely. We then had a healthy and tasty lunch in the cafe and stopped in the gift shop, of course!
Thursday was Dino's last day. After crying from her departure, we took big guy to get some bagels, as conveniently, hubs took the day off as well. We then discovered big guys favorite new meal- mini chocolate chip muffin, everything bagel toasted with egg whites, turkey ham, and cheese with a side of cream cheese. And he eats every bite! Then we relaxed the rest of the day.
Friday big guy and I ventured to the zoo! And we arrived with the rest of the tri-state area who had off from work! It ended up being a perfect visit. It was warmish, but really sunny. We rode the train, the carousel, ran around the tree house and o yeah, saw some animals! We payed particular attention to the African animals, zebras and giraffes. The hippos were inside, which was sad bc we had been reading the book- but not the hippopotamus a lot. But we still talked about them.
Saturday we enjoyed the weather and did several practice Easter egg hunts using our recently dyed eggs. Big guy loves Easter, it might be his favorite holiday. Something about hiding and finding eggs. Seeing all their colors. Getting to collect them. It's just awesome. And he's really good at finding eggs. Then it of course descended into throwing the eggs into the street and then getting upset that they were broken. We had many long conversations about the broken eggs with sad faces.
Sunday was Easter but the weather was totally yuck. So, it was actually good that we did all those practice hunts. We went to uncle E and aunt K's house in the afternoon. We ate lots of food and watched bad movies. Then bc it was raining, they did an inside egg hunt just for big guy. It was hilarious as he made gmom J carrying his basket for him so he could use two hands to collect eggs. Following a gorging of chocolate candy, we took a bath and headed home.
Though spring break was over that week, I felt like it was really long but in a great way. Big guy was relaxed, talking up a storm. He was in good spirits everyday and was pretty much up,for anything. He ate like a champ every day and slept well. It was just a great way to spend a week!
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
The importance of cake
Since big guy's birthday, cake has become very important. We have a lot of conversations about cake. Chocolate cake in particular. And big guy is obsessed with singing happy birthday. so much so that anytime we have cake/cupcakes, we get out a candle and sing. On my bday, I bought some fancy cupcakes and of course we sang. the night before, as big guy was laying in bed, we were talking about how my bday was the next day. Here is our conversation:
Me: Tomorrow is mommy's birthday!
Big guy: Mommy, Luke eat cake?
Me: yes, we can eat cake tomorrow!
Big guy: chocolate cake?
Me: yes, I like chocolate cake, too!
Cue the clapping! As if there were any doubt he was my child. It was solidified that he belongs to me by his love for anything chocolate!
thomas the train cupcakes
Ok, so hubs had this brilliant idea that instead of a cake, I should make cupcakes. He wanted me to decorate each cupcake as a train, but I googled "thomas the train cupcakes" and got inspired. Below are my pictures of each stage. Prepare to be impressed!!
Begin with drawing train tracks on poster board
add toy engine to front and make the cargo cars
add oreo wheels, cupcakes, and other cargo. I did pretzels sticks and candy
Overall shot of finished product!
Up close shot of candle cupcake
What big guy did to them following consumption of cupcakes. For some reason the oreo wheels enraged him! Free the oreos!
3rd bday party
We had big guy's bday party a week after his birthday. the day was a definite success! people came over around 3:30 and we quickly started hanging out. With big guy of course in the spot light showing off his toys and talking to family. I had prepared the greatest bday cupackes which are on the next post, because they are so cool, they deserve their own post!! anyway, we got pizza with onion rings and did an immense amount of eating. everyone had brought appetizer foods, so we never ran out of good stuff. Following eating and more playing, we opened presents. big guy of course got too much stuff. a basketball hoop set, more train stuff, books. clothes. Then we sang happy birthday, which big guy is obsessed with singing and blew out the candles. Then we turned on some basketball, while boys played video games, and the women hung out and talked. A good time was had by all!!
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