Today we attended church with our Chicago congregation for the last time. Next week we will be in town, but the regular church meetings will not be held so that we can participate in our church's General Conference.
In the middle of the main meeting today the congregation sang a hymn. A fairly well known hymn in our church called I'll go where you want me to go. I have always really liked this song, but it turned on me today and made me cry. The first verse initially made me think of the fact that Arkansas doesn't sound very cool and is no "mountain height" or anything. And I might have laughed at Arkansas.
Then came the clincher: "But if by a still, small voice he calls to paths I do not know, I’ll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in thine, I'll go where you want me to go."
I'm not trying to say that I have a calling to go to Arkansas, but I have a calling to be a mother, wife, friend and a myriad of other things and dang it, I'll be living in Arkansas while I work to fulfill those callings! And I don't know those paths! And they're right by the Ozarks! I love the imagery of putting my hand in the Lord's and moving forward. My hope and prayer is that I can do that very thing.
When we left Atlanta I was sad because I was leaving people and places and a life that I loved. I mean, we had a dishwasher in our house and a Trader Joe's only two traffic lights away! What could be better? But, I really didn't love Atlanta specifically. I knew Atlanta and was very happy there, but I loved the people (and TJ's). And those people were relatively settled and I knew we would see them again and probably soon. We've actually been back twice since our move and been able to see those old friends.
But, Chicago is different. So many friends we've made here have already moved far away. And many more of them will move in the coming months. There are definitely friends we've made in Hyde Park who are here for the long term, but in reality the majority of our friends will be gone in 3 years.
I also sort of fell for Chicago hard. It's such a beautiful city. The only summer we spent here was magical. Our "golden summer". The boys would pile into the stroller each morning and we'd go to one of the many nearby parks, or the beach, or a museum almost every day. And it makes me sad to leave. There, I said it. (For the hundredth time.) For the record, Chicago is also cold, inconvenient, and hard work and I've whined about it plenty. But now that it's all over I've got nothing but love.
We have put together a schedule for the next week and a half in order to maximize our visits to people and places and so the good-bye is in full swing. It all feels very real. So begins and ends another wordy, emotional moving post.
I'd like to leave you with a video. One you have to watch. You just have to. It's from Muppets take Manhattan when "the gang" has realized that they have to leave the big city and find real jobs because their dreams of hitting it big on Broadway haven't materialized. I find a lot of parallels to my life. For real. Watch it. Please. All of it.
Somehow I know, we'll meet again
Not sure quite where and I don't know just when
You're in my heart, so until then
It's time for saying goodbye.
Maybe we'll all come back some day and finally hit it big. Finally.
Showing posts with label For momma. Show all posts
Showing posts with label For momma. Show all posts
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Sunday, February 06, 2011
An end and a beginning
Long, overly-sentimental post below. You've been warned.
In two short months we are moving. From Chicago. Gasp. And we are moving to, um, to, um oh I'd better just spit it out...to Arkansas!
Matt is graduating from the University of Chicago in March and we are unexpectedly and happily heading south. We are so very grateful that Matt got a great job in Little Rock. A job that is just what he wants to do. A job that will allow him to come home by 5:30 most nights. And a job that will pay for a moving company to pack up my house and move us. Woot woo!
All that aside, I am still a little stunned about the, um, locale. I mean, Arkansas? It just has never, ever, ever been on my radar. When our friends, the Clives, got a job at the Walmart head offices and moved there (to an Arkansas city 3 hours from Little Rock) it crept onto the edge of my radar, but only the edge. Waaaay out there.
I really already wrote about this two years ago (below the pics of my bathing babies). And let me just say, for those of you who linked over and read that post, that the Arkansas news feels like New Jersey. A lot! It came from way out of left field. It's also missing the "cool factor" and the years long preparation that Chicago and Atlanta had so it's even harder to embrace it sight unseen.
But really, I think the hardest part is that I am someone who puts down roots, dang it! It almost hurts to think of leaving because I have worked hard to belong here. And to love it here. Not that I do either all that well... I can see myself in a cartoon form with a big hand pulling me out of the ground with a bunch of little roots at my feet. Each one is labeled with things I'll miss. And each is screaming in agony. (Drama!) Hyde Park Produce, the Metra train into the city, tree lined streets, cool old homes and architecture, the sailboats on the lake, the Museum of Science and Industry, the lake, the skyline, the restaurants, museum campus, the tot lot, the parks (oh, the parks!), our day to day rhythms and routines, apartment building living, Jacob's school, our church congregation, our community of friends, the view from our window, walking everywhere we go...so very much! The length of this list aside, it's virtually impossible for me to describe what I'll miss. But waves of emotion are breaking over me. Tears might be falling.
Additionally, with Jacob starting kindergarten and the birth of Benjamin, our third child, we are a very different family than the one that moved here. Matt and I are now thirtysomethings (young ones!). And our family is growing up. Cue more sentiment. Moving means we are moving into a new phase of family life. A phase I welcome, but that I can't believe has come. When we moved here little Nico had just barely learned how to walk. More roots screaming in agony...
A few pictures of our first moments in Chicago at the park outside of our building.
And while, again, it hurts to move we are honestly barely fitting into the life we built here two and a half years ago. Throwing the kids into the stroller and taking the train into town just isn't as realistic with a school aged kid, a preschooler, and a baby with unflinchingly rigid sleeping and feeding needs. Also, all sentiment aside, this growing family (when the mother is being realistic) is very ready to welcome the many wonderful things this move will bring. The least of which include a dishwasher, washer/dryer and back yard. Oh who am I kidding, and a garage, central heat and air, wall to wall carpet, a garbage disposal, and a garbage can that isn't 8 floors away. I'd by lying if part of me isn't thrilled to move.
But, when I research Little Rock I honestly wonder if they even have the internet. Information is pretty sparse. And then the panic starts. What is Little Rock like? Will the kids make friends? Will I make friends? Will our house be nice? Will we like the school? How long will we live there? WHAT ARE WE DOING?!?!! (gasp, pant.)
As I mentioned before, and I will take this to the bank, I remember when New Jersey didn't feel like home. I remember when Atlanta didn't feel like home. I remember when Chicago didn't feel like home. And I remember the beautiful moments when they suddenly felt like home. It's hard to believe that my Chicago life, that I was terrified to enter, is now my welcome, comfortable world that I am heartbroken to leave. Matt jokes that home is where your underwear drawer is. Not where you grew up, but where you're living right now. The place where you live, labor, love AND store your underwear. We are so fortunate to have so much to bring with us on our journey to Arkansas: family, the gospel, relationships, memories, traditions...so much! (Do I add an underwear joke here? Or is it too much? Hmmm.) It's just hard to realize that those things are enough. But, they are. Moving to a new city has a wonderful way of helping you realize what matters most.
And now, with no beautifully choreographed conclusion paragraph, and before I get too sentimental (too late!), I give you our Chicago Bucket List. A lot of it we've done before. None of it is terribly unique, but here she is:
1. Architectural boat tour (I've already done this, but Matt hasn't, and it was awesome!)
2. Adler planetarium (I've heard mixed reviews of this, but I think my space-centric kids will enjoy it. And somehow, we've never gone!)
3. Ice Skating on the Midway
4. Go to a taping of Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me (Already bought the tickets! It's funny, when we moved here this was high on our list of things to do...two years later and we're barely squeaking it in.)
5. Garfield Conservatory
6. Our regular museum revisits: MSI, Children's, Notebaerte (I want to see if the kids are still terrified of the butterfly haven. Especially the ones "with eyes". The horror! They've shunned the haven every time we've visited.), the Art Institute, the Field, Lincoln Park Zoo. The Works! I don't know if this is a realistic goal, but I'm up for the challenge. Jacob might start really playing hooky.
7. Trader Joe's (This has always been at our disposal, but it's been a pain to go and so we haven't utilized it enough. If you can imagine, Little Rock doesn't have one!)
8. This restaurant (chilaquilis, pupusas, oh my!) and a few others both new and old to us
9. Buckingham Fountain one last time (when it thaws)
10. Millennium Park (another revisit, but this was a fairly regular haunt our only summer in Chicago...memories!)
11. Dinner in Chinatown
More things will probably crop up, but for now we'll leave it at that.
Thanks for listening. (sob.)
An extra, when we were driving into the neighborhood on our first day we told Jacob there was a park next to our building. He was so excited and when we got out of the car he asked, "Is that the park?!"
Um, no sweetie. So cute.
In two short months we are moving. From Chicago. Gasp. And we are moving to, um, to, um oh I'd better just spit it out...to Arkansas!
Matt is graduating from the University of Chicago in March and we are unexpectedly and happily heading south. We are so very grateful that Matt got a great job in Little Rock. A job that is just what he wants to do. A job that will allow him to come home by 5:30 most nights. And a job that will pay for a moving company to pack up my house and move us. Woot woo!
All that aside, I am still a little stunned about the, um, locale. I mean, Arkansas? It just has never, ever, ever been on my radar. When our friends, the Clives, got a job at the Walmart head offices and moved there (to an Arkansas city 3 hours from Little Rock) it crept onto the edge of my radar, but only the edge. Waaaay out there.
I really already wrote about this two years ago (below the pics of my bathing babies). And let me just say, for those of you who linked over and read that post, that the Arkansas news feels like New Jersey. A lot! It came from way out of left field. It's also missing the "cool factor" and the years long preparation that Chicago and Atlanta had so it's even harder to embrace it sight unseen.
But really, I think the hardest part is that I am someone who puts down roots, dang it! It almost hurts to think of leaving because I have worked hard to belong here. And to love it here. Not that I do either all that well... I can see myself in a cartoon form with a big hand pulling me out of the ground with a bunch of little roots at my feet. Each one is labeled with things I'll miss. And each is screaming in agony. (Drama!) Hyde Park Produce, the Metra train into the city, tree lined streets, cool old homes and architecture, the sailboats on the lake, the Museum of Science and Industry, the lake, the skyline, the restaurants, museum campus, the tot lot, the parks (oh, the parks!), our day to day rhythms and routines, apartment building living, Jacob's school, our church congregation, our community of friends, the view from our window, walking everywhere we go...so very much! The length of this list aside, it's virtually impossible for me to describe what I'll miss. But waves of emotion are breaking over me. Tears might be falling.
Additionally, with Jacob starting kindergarten and the birth of Benjamin, our third child, we are a very different family than the one that moved here. Matt and I are now thirtysomethings (young ones!). And our family is growing up. Cue more sentiment. Moving means we are moving into a new phase of family life. A phase I welcome, but that I can't believe has come. When we moved here little Nico had just barely learned how to walk. More roots screaming in agony...
A few pictures of our first moments in Chicago at the park outside of our building.
And while, again, it hurts to move we are honestly barely fitting into the life we built here two and a half years ago. Throwing the kids into the stroller and taking the train into town just isn't as realistic with a school aged kid, a preschooler, and a baby with unflinchingly rigid sleeping and feeding needs. Also, all sentiment aside, this growing family (when the mother is being realistic) is very ready to welcome the many wonderful things this move will bring. The least of which include a dishwasher, washer/dryer and back yard. Oh who am I kidding, and a garage, central heat and air, wall to wall carpet, a garbage disposal, and a garbage can that isn't 8 floors away. I'd by lying if part of me isn't thrilled to move.
But, when I research Little Rock I honestly wonder if they even have the internet. Information is pretty sparse. And then the panic starts. What is Little Rock like? Will the kids make friends? Will I make friends? Will our house be nice? Will we like the school? How long will we live there? WHAT ARE WE DOING?!?!! (gasp, pant.)
As I mentioned before, and I will take this to the bank, I remember when New Jersey didn't feel like home. I remember when Atlanta didn't feel like home. I remember when Chicago didn't feel like home. And I remember the beautiful moments when they suddenly felt like home. It's hard to believe that my Chicago life, that I was terrified to enter, is now my welcome, comfortable world that I am heartbroken to leave. Matt jokes that home is where your underwear drawer is. Not where you grew up, but where you're living right now. The place where you live, labor, love AND store your underwear. We are so fortunate to have so much to bring with us on our journey to Arkansas: family, the gospel, relationships, memories, traditions...so much! (Do I add an underwear joke here? Or is it too much? Hmmm.) It's just hard to realize that those things are enough. But, they are. Moving to a new city has a wonderful way of helping you realize what matters most.
And now, with no beautifully choreographed conclusion paragraph, and before I get too sentimental (too late!), I give you our Chicago Bucket List. A lot of it we've done before. None of it is terribly unique, but here she is:
1. Architectural boat tour (I've already done this, but Matt hasn't, and it was awesome!)
2. Adler planetarium (I've heard mixed reviews of this, but I think my space-centric kids will enjoy it. And somehow, we've never gone!)
3. Ice Skating on the Midway
4. Go to a taping of Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me (Already bought the tickets! It's funny, when we moved here this was high on our list of things to do...two years later and we're barely squeaking it in.)
5. Garfield Conservatory
6. Our regular museum revisits: MSI, Children's, Notebaerte (I want to see if the kids are still terrified of the butterfly haven. Especially the ones "with eyes". The horror! They've shunned the haven every time we've visited.), the Art Institute, the Field, Lincoln Park Zoo. The Works! I don't know if this is a realistic goal, but I'm up for the challenge. Jacob might start really playing hooky.
7. Trader Joe's (This has always been at our disposal, but it's been a pain to go and so we haven't utilized it enough. If you can imagine, Little Rock doesn't have one!)
8. This restaurant (chilaquilis, pupusas, oh my!) and a few others both new and old to us
9. Buckingham Fountain one last time (when it thaws)
10. Millennium Park (another revisit, but this was a fairly regular haunt our only summer in Chicago...memories!)
11. Dinner in Chinatown
More things will probably crop up, but for now we'll leave it at that.
Thanks for listening. (sob.)
An extra, when we were driving into the neighborhood on our first day we told Jacob there was a park next to our building. He was so excited and when we got out of the car he asked, "Is that the park?!"
Um, no sweetie. So cute.
Sunday, October 03, 2010
Who's with me?
I just started attending a book group and the first book we discussed was The Scarlet Pimpernel. If you haven't read the book I recommend it. It's nothing fancy, but definitely an enjoyable read (although if I have to hear about Marguerite's tiny hands and feet one more time...).
As I read the book I had a real hankering to see the movie version that I watched repeatedly as a teenager. Heck, that a lot of us watched repeatedly as teenagers. Needless to say, by the end of the book that movie had to be seen. At least 10 years had passed since the last time I'd watched it. When I proposed a movie night Matt asked, "Is this the movie where he says 'Sink me'?" Yes, Matt, it is.
As Matt and I were waiting for the movie to start I turned to him and said, "By the way, the Scarlet Pimpernel is hot."
Matt was shocked by my claim and said that that was the first time he'd ever heard me call anyone "hot". I am naturally so demure, you see? Anyway, after watching the movie Matt was totally underwhelmed by the Scarlet Pimpernel's hotness.
And I couldn't believe it. I told him categorically that girls my age watched that movie a ton and that we en masse find the Scarlet Pimpernel super duper hot. Especially in the "ruggedly handsome" scene. If you've seen the movie you know what I'm talking about. You know.
If you don't know, here it is. Sigh.
Even with the feathered hair and bad make-up, it's just undeniable, no? (Sorry it's embedded funny.)
Matt still doesn't believe that I am not the only girl in the world who feels this way. After a healthy debate I said, "I bet if I put a poll on my blog there would be tons of girls who would agree with me." Matt said, "Do put a poll on your blog!" with skepticism and doubt in every word.
Ok, bring it.
So you 25 to 35 year old female readers of my blog, who's with me? If you are with me, let Matt know! It's just that important...
By the way, if you haven't seen this movie, or it's been a while, I encourage you to watch it. For more than just the hotness. You won't be sorry.
As I read the book I had a real hankering to see the movie version that I watched repeatedly as a teenager. Heck, that a lot of us watched repeatedly as teenagers. Needless to say, by the end of the book that movie had to be seen. At least 10 years had passed since the last time I'd watched it. When I proposed a movie night Matt asked, "Is this the movie where he says 'Sink me'?" Yes, Matt, it is.
As Matt and I were waiting for the movie to start I turned to him and said, "By the way, the Scarlet Pimpernel is hot."
Matt was shocked by my claim and said that that was the first time he'd ever heard me call anyone "hot". I am naturally so demure, you see? Anyway, after watching the movie Matt was totally underwhelmed by the Scarlet Pimpernel's hotness.
And I couldn't believe it. I told him categorically that girls my age watched that movie a ton and that we en masse find the Scarlet Pimpernel super duper hot. Especially in the "ruggedly handsome" scene. If you've seen the movie you know what I'm talking about. You know.
If you don't know, here it is. Sigh.
Even with the feathered hair and bad make-up, it's just undeniable, no? (Sorry it's embedded funny.)
Matt still doesn't believe that I am not the only girl in the world who feels this way. After a healthy debate I said, "I bet if I put a poll on my blog there would be tons of girls who would agree with me." Matt said, "Do put a poll on your blog!" with skepticism and doubt in every word.
Ok, bring it.
So you 25 to 35 year old female readers of my blog, who's with me? If you are with me, let Matt know! It's just that important...
By the way, if you haven't seen this movie, or it's been a while, I encourage you to watch it. For more than just the hotness. You won't be sorry.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Want to play?
And now it's time for another exciting round of "Can you see the baby in this picture?"!!!
Prepare yourselves because this round incorporates the eye-trickery of stripes.
Did you see him?
I love this game...and this baby.
*This stripey day happened by accident. Benjamin's wearing a new onesie Grandma G got him and I'm wearing one of the two things summer things that fit me right now...a knit skirt. And it's hot in Chicago right now so summer stuff is my only option. Sigh.
Prepare yourselves because this round incorporates the eye-trickery of stripes.
Did you see him?
I love this game...and this baby.
*This stripey day happened by accident. Benjamin's wearing a new onesie Grandma G got him and I'm wearing one of the two things summer things that fit me right now...a knit skirt. And it's hot in Chicago right now so summer stuff is my only option. Sigh.
Saturday, May 08, 2010
Do these stripes make me look fat?
No, really, do they?
I know, it's a lot to take in all at once. I'm pretty much a little heavier than I was with Nico and a little lighter than I was with Jacob...however, maybe the stripes are bulking me up. Or, maybe that's just the baby.
My mom is here. The baby is almost here. We are excited.
Monday, March 22, 2010
And Baby Makes Five
In about a month and a half lil' baby Hutch will be making his (or her) appearance. We are genuinely excited to have a newborn again. I love my newborn babies. Both Matt and I do. And that's saying a lot because there were a number of reasons not to enjoy them (emergency c-sections after long labors, nursing problems, colic). But they were delightful in their own ways and I cherish my memories of those first few months. A truly miraculous time.
I'm getting so excited to meet this baby. I just can't wait to see their face. To know if it's a boy or a girl. To have a name figured out. To feel that beautiful, smooth newborn skin. To know if it will have hair or not. I will be a little shocked to have a bald baby. A precedent for hair has been set and I'm comfortable with it.
Additionally, I'm feeling nervous about adding a third child to our family. What the heck is it going to be like? Um, I guess I can answer that: crazy. It will be crazy. For a while. Standards will be lowered. Sleep will be missed. And it will be OK. It will be great. Crazy, but great.
For now I'll focus on enjoying these last weeks of pregnancy. All of the kicks, gasps for breath, and trips to the bathroom. Preparing our house for a baby and then an imminent summer internship move. Preparing myself physically and emotionally for what's headed my way. Preparing the boys for their new addition. And enjoying sleep. Lots and lots of sleep. And hopefully a few good dates with Matt.
So, here's to baby number three! We are so very excited to have you coming our way.
Here I am at 32 weeks. Hugeness has come. More is on the way.
I'm getting so excited to meet this baby. I just can't wait to see their face. To know if it's a boy or a girl. To have a name figured out. To feel that beautiful, smooth newborn skin. To know if it will have hair or not. I will be a little shocked to have a bald baby. A precedent for hair has been set and I'm comfortable with it.
Additionally, I'm feeling nervous about adding a third child to our family. What the heck is it going to be like? Um, I guess I can answer that: crazy. It will be crazy. For a while. Standards will be lowered. Sleep will be missed. And it will be OK. It will be great. Crazy, but great.
For now I'll focus on enjoying these last weeks of pregnancy. All of the kicks, gasps for breath, and trips to the bathroom. Preparing our house for a baby and then an imminent summer internship move. Preparing myself physically and emotionally for what's headed my way. Preparing the boys for their new addition. And enjoying sleep. Lots and lots of sleep. And hopefully a few good dates with Matt.
So, here's to baby number three! We are so very excited to have you coming our way.
Here I am at 32 weeks. Hugeness has come. More is on the way.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Holy Halloween, Matt Man!
We Hutches were superheroes this Halloween. You might wonder, "Why superheroes? Why now?"
Well, it was basically a chance for me to make the kids wear those darn capes! And it worked! Jacob said about a month ago that he wanted to be Superman for Halloween. I told him (through gritted teeth...still bitter about the capes) that Superman wears a cape, so he would have to wear one. He quickly said never mind.
But the superhero bug had bitten him and soon enough he started to get excited about donning his cape and being CAPTAIN JACOB! Nicholas became NICO MAN, Matt became MATT MAN and I became ROBYN. Get it? Matt Man and Robyn? Genius.
Here they are wearing their masks. Masks that Nicholas tore off quickly and that Jacob miraculously wore the whole time!
This Halloween involved 3 rounds of trick or treating, 3 Halloween parties, and lots of candy. Oh, too much candy! But we had a great time. We went trick or treating first at Matt's school on Friday night. The boys were in heaven. Jacob pretty much floated from office to office beaming and saying, "Happy Halloween!" to anyone who would listen. Here's the one picture I took that night and I think it captures the tone of the evening beautifully.
Trick or treating round 2 happened in our building (after an awesome party in our building that morning) on Saturday. Everyone should be jealous of trick or treating in an apartment building. Soooo warm!
Follow me, follow me to candy!
And yes, their Halloween bags were brown paper sacks. Handmade only goes so far in our household.
Round 3 was a trunk or treat at our church. I can stomach a trunk or treat in a big city (why does Provo, Utah have them!?!), but I didn't take pictures because there's just not much to a trunk or treat. The Halloween party afterward inside the church was wonderful. It was especially gratifying to win the "Best Family Costume" prize! What did we win, you ask? A piece of paper that said, "Best Family Costume"! Woot woo! But, considering that we had just received 5 pounds of candy in the parking lot I think the piece of paper was prize enough.
After the church party we went home and practiced our angry faces. Like, you know, superheroes have to get angry when they are chasing the bad guys.
Apparently really angry.
Like, really angry. (Nice dental work Matt!)
Here's my favorite Halloween 2009 picture.
Brothers are sweet.
Sunday, August 02, 2009
I need your help
I am currently in the process of picking a new double stroller. You may wonder why I would be interested in a double stroller having a 4 year old and a 2 year old. Allow me to explain. Or enumerate.
1. I use my car typically once every week to week and a half. Sometimes I go long enough between car uses that I have a hard time opening the doors. Like the car is offended and has sealed itself against me. Yeah, that's right! We spend so much time on Hyde Park streets that I sometimes feel like I'm on Sesame Street. I can tell you the people in my neighborhood because they're "the people that you met when you're walking down the street". Each day I run into at least one person that I know. At least. We walk to the market, we walk to the park, we walk to church.
2. Hyde Park sidewalks have a lot of character. Bumps, twists, turns, uneven surfaces...awful.
3. Sometimes, given our urban environment, I really need a place for Jacob to go. Like in a stroller. Jacob has lately become an excellent walk alongside me kind of guy. That being said, places like crosswalks (people here don't really care to yield much) and the train platform are places where I want him stowed away. Plus, he's still very willing to sit in the stroller. Especially when there are snacks involved.
4. My back is killing me! I have a Graco stroller that is killing me softly. It has lots of storage (which I'll miss) and a cup holder (which I'll miss more) but aside from that it's trouble for my back.
So, Matt and I have narrowed our research down to two types of stroller. The Phil & Teds Classic or the City Mini. I CAN'T MAKE UP MY MIND!!!! Anyone who spends time with me is likely rolling their eyes at this post. This has been an obsession of mine for easily 2 months--try 6. But, as you can see, given the price tag I'm afraid of getting the wrong one. I am not an expensive baby gadget purchaser...so again the help would be appreciated. My uncertainty rivals the great winter coat debate of '08. (Remember those days Mardee and LuAnn? They were awesome, right?)
Without further ado (to the two people who actually stuck through all of that rambling) here's a link to a comparison of the two strollers. You can read the comparisons and then click on the pics for more details.
Please save me from my indecision (misery). Help.
Take the survey or leave a comment...or both!
1. I use my car typically once every week to week and a half. Sometimes I go long enough between car uses that I have a hard time opening the doors. Like the car is offended and has sealed itself against me. Yeah, that's right! We spend so much time on Hyde Park streets that I sometimes feel like I'm on Sesame Street. I can tell you the people in my neighborhood because they're "the people that you met when you're walking down the street". Each day I run into at least one person that I know. At least. We walk to the market, we walk to the park, we walk to church.
2. Hyde Park sidewalks have a lot of character. Bumps, twists, turns, uneven surfaces...awful.
3. Sometimes, given our urban environment, I really need a place for Jacob to go. Like in a stroller. Jacob has lately become an excellent walk alongside me kind of guy. That being said, places like crosswalks (people here don't really care to yield much) and the train platform are places where I want him stowed away. Plus, he's still very willing to sit in the stroller. Especially when there are snacks involved.
4. My back is killing me! I have a Graco stroller that is killing me softly. It has lots of storage (which I'll miss) and a cup holder (which I'll miss more) but aside from that it's trouble for my back.
So, Matt and I have narrowed our research down to two types of stroller. The Phil & Teds Classic or the City Mini. I CAN'T MAKE UP MY MIND!!!! Anyone who spends time with me is likely rolling their eyes at this post. This has been an obsession of mine for easily 2 months--try 6. But, as you can see, given the price tag I'm afraid of getting the wrong one. I am not an expensive baby gadget purchaser...so again the help would be appreciated. My uncertainty rivals the great winter coat debate of '08. (Remember those days Mardee and LuAnn? They were awesome, right?)
Without further ado (to the two people who actually stuck through all of that rambling) here's a link to a comparison of the two strollers. You can read the comparisons and then click on the pics for more details.
Please save me from my indecision (misery). Help.
Take the survey or leave a comment...or both!
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
So, I Made Some Capes
I was so excited.
I found some University of Alabama fabric (roll tide) at the bottom of my sewing bin. I bought a half yard of it way back when I only had one child. Because it was an odd cut of fabric I had to make up a pattern and be pretty creative. Very fun and also very time consuming.
Oh, who am I kidding, it felt pretty nightmarish a lot of the time. I'm a novice with sewing and I'm also a perfectionist. Perfectionism is a burden at any time, but couple it with pretty basic sewing skills and making two simple capes can seem pretty soul crushing.
That being said, the night after I finished the capes I felt so sad that my project was done. Little did I know that learning so much and being so focused on a task for my children was edifying me and filling me up. Each night I thought of the boys and how they'd love the capes. I was giddy about how much they'd love them. I was so used to sitting at the machine, cutting, thinking, measuring, ironing, gasping in terror, and unpicking that I am anxious to get sewing again.
With all of the cape making and the day dreaming of my boys leaping tall buildings in a single bound I forgot one thing. Jacob. In his own bull-headed way he won't wear his. The child who two weeks ago was holding pieces of paper up to his shoulders and saying, "I'm Superman!". Won't...wear...it.
Sigh.
So, here is Nicholas in his cape. He's still not sold so I haven't rushed to sew the velcro on the ties (for safety). But at least he'll wear it, right?
Super Nico!
Even super heroes get their feelings hurt.
Anyone interested in a child's cape with a J on it? I think I know of one is that is completely not being used. Sigh, siiiiigh.
I found some University of Alabama fabric (roll tide) at the bottom of my sewing bin. I bought a half yard of it way back when I only had one child. Because it was an odd cut of fabric I had to make up a pattern and be pretty creative. Very fun and also very time consuming.
Oh, who am I kidding, it felt pretty nightmarish a lot of the time. I'm a novice with sewing and I'm also a perfectionist. Perfectionism is a burden at any time, but couple it with pretty basic sewing skills and making two simple capes can seem pretty soul crushing.
That being said, the night after I finished the capes I felt so sad that my project was done. Little did I know that learning so much and being so focused on a task for my children was edifying me and filling me up. Each night I thought of the boys and how they'd love the capes. I was giddy about how much they'd love them. I was so used to sitting at the machine, cutting, thinking, measuring, ironing, gasping in terror, and unpicking that I am anxious to get sewing again.
With all of the cape making and the day dreaming of my boys leaping tall buildings in a single bound I forgot one thing. Jacob. In his own bull-headed way he won't wear his. The child who two weeks ago was holding pieces of paper up to his shoulders and saying, "I'm Superman!". Won't...wear...it.
Sigh.
So, here is Nicholas in his cape. He's still not sold so I haven't rushed to sew the velcro on the ties (for safety). But at least he'll wear it, right?
Super Nico!
Even super heroes get their feelings hurt.
Anyone interested in a child's cape with a J on it? I think I know of one is that is completely not being used. Sigh, siiiiigh.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Mom, Chicago, Fun!
My mom came to visit us a few weeks ago. It was so much fun to spend time with her and to enjoy the city together. I loved Atlanta, but it's not quite the destination that Chicago is. I mean, the Coke museum is great, but how many of you even knew there was a Coke museum? (It's awesome by the way...especially the international tasting section at the end!)
Anyway, Chicago's got a bit more glitz to it. Most days of mom's visit we jumped on the train or bus (I make it sound easier and breezier than it is, but it's not bad!), got to town and then got to do something pretty cool.
Here's just one of those cool things we got to do. Really cool. Like amazingly cool.
A river tour!
The day we did this tour was pretty much the nicest day of her trip. Clear blue skies, warm weather and lots of sun. Perfect to enjoy the views.
Cool pic mom took, huh?
Cool kid on my lap, huh?
Pack your knife and fork and stay tuned for more about Hilda's trip to the big city! We love you mom.
Anyway, Chicago's got a bit more glitz to it. Most days of mom's visit we jumped on the train or bus (I make it sound easier and breezier than it is, but it's not bad!), got to town and then got to do something pretty cool.
Here's just one of those cool things we got to do. Really cool. Like amazingly cool.
A river tour!
The day we did this tour was pretty much the nicest day of her trip. Clear blue skies, warm weather and lots of sun. Perfect to enjoy the views.
Cool pic mom took, huh?
Cool kid on my lap, huh?
Pack your knife and fork and stay tuned for more about Hilda's trip to the big city! We love you mom.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Here's my best excuse for not blogging lately
I know, will I ever stop complaining about no dishwasher?
Probably not.
New blogs to come!
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Church
This year marks my spiritual rebirth. That's right, Nico's in nursery at church! No more toting him to my classes. No more parceling out the toys and snacks carefully so as not to run out by the last hour of church. Just quiet Relief Society and Sunday School meetings followed by an uneventful Sacrament Meeting. And since our new ward has so many rowdy kids and also is very appropriate snacks friendly in the chapel...well, you can imagine how free I feel.
This freedom hasn't come easily. January was pretty rough. Jacob wanted to go back to nursery, because really, who would want to leave nursery? Toys, treats, a 5 minute lesson; what's not to love? So he wanted us to stay with him in class or to just sit in the hall. Nicholas was weepy and edgy throughout nursery. Missing his angel mother, he was. And once other parents came to pick their kids up he pretty much lost it. And when Nico loses it it's LOST. We were feeling like Sunday success was still a long way off.
Slowly Nicholas has adjusted, and, though still not sold on the idea, he is reasonably happy in nursery. Again, the food and toys are very, very persuasive.
But Jacob...
Then our friend Eryn helped give me the guts (and idea) to be tough with Jacob. Real tough.
Two Sundays ago Jacob was fighting going to Sunbeams yet again. He wanted Matt to take him because Matt is a (really cute) pushover. J.J. knows I can play hardball. So I took him.
He immediately began his fight. So, I gave him a choice:
You can either go to Sunbeams without mommy or we can stand outside with no coats.
He immediately chose going outside. This particular Sunday he was wearing a short sleeved golf shirt (because he peeled his sweater off as soon as he got his coat off). I was wearing a cute and warm turtle neck sweater.
Game on.
We stood outside for about 2 minutes. It was about 25 degrees outside. (Do you still think I'm a good mother?) He began to pump his fists and grunt. Hardy har. I asked him, very respectfully mind you, if he wanted to make another choice. He grunted again and pointed at the building.
"OOooooh, you want to go to class? Oh, OK baby. Let's go."
And he hasn't looked back since.
Just about everyone who serves in the Primary has come up to me with stars in their eyes to tell me how Jacob is a changed man (this has been 2 Sundays of success). It feels great to tell them how I punished him with weather. Let's hope this heat waves leaves by Sunday!
Here are my boys on their first days of Sunbeams and Nursery.
Righteous!
This freedom hasn't come easily. January was pretty rough. Jacob wanted to go back to nursery, because really, who would want to leave nursery? Toys, treats, a 5 minute lesson; what's not to love? So he wanted us to stay with him in class or to just sit in the hall. Nicholas was weepy and edgy throughout nursery. Missing his angel mother, he was. And once other parents came to pick their kids up he pretty much lost it. And when Nico loses it it's LOST. We were feeling like Sunday success was still a long way off.
Slowly Nicholas has adjusted, and, though still not sold on the idea, he is reasonably happy in nursery. Again, the food and toys are very, very persuasive.
But Jacob...
Then our friend Eryn helped give me the guts (and idea) to be tough with Jacob. Real tough.
Two Sundays ago Jacob was fighting going to Sunbeams yet again. He wanted Matt to take him because Matt is a (really cute) pushover. J.J. knows I can play hardball. So I took him.
He immediately began his fight. So, I gave him a choice:
You can either go to Sunbeams without mommy or we can stand outside with no coats.
He immediately chose going outside. This particular Sunday he was wearing a short sleeved golf shirt (because he peeled his sweater off as soon as he got his coat off). I was wearing a cute and warm turtle neck sweater.
Game on.
We stood outside for about 2 minutes. It was about 25 degrees outside. (Do you still think I'm a good mother?) He began to pump his fists and grunt. Hardy har. I asked him, very respectfully mind you, if he wanted to make another choice. He grunted again and pointed at the building.
"OOooooh, you want to go to class? Oh, OK baby. Let's go."
And he hasn't looked back since.
Just about everyone who serves in the Primary has come up to me with stars in their eyes to tell me how Jacob is a changed man (this has been 2 Sundays of success). It feels great to tell them how I punished him with weather. Let's hope this heat waves leaves by Sunday!
Here are my boys on their first days of Sunbeams and Nursery.
Righteous!
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
I can't believe I'm doing this. A GIVE-AY-WAY?
My sister, then my cousin, then my other cousin, then my sister-in-law all posted this within a few days. I felt conflicted about it because I feel like my creative juices are pretty much congealed right now, but I like gifts! Dern the fine print of tag-dom! What's a girl to do.
I grappled with it all day and finally submitted to the allure of gifts made by some very talented people.
I have brainstormed and feel confident that my offerings will be rock star items. Nothing flashy like a rock star, but cool and useful. Because I feel that rockers are hard core AND useful.
So, despite my concerns, I give you...THE TAG.
Here are the tagging instructions: The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you. This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:
1- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make.
2- What I create will be just for you.
3- It'll be done this year. (might be a little while)
4- You have no clue what it's going to be. It may be a story. It may be poetry or an article on properly cleaning your face before a masque. I may draw or paint something. I may bake you something and mail it to you. Who knows? Not you, that's for sure!
5- I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.
The catch?
Oh, the catch is that you must re-post this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog. The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me! Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it!
Let me say that I won't be making anything strange, but that it very well might take me a year to get it to you.
I recognize that this evil catch might shoo some of the faint hearted away, but really, no biggie. It's just one less awesome thing I will create. The universe's loss.
And yours.
I grappled with it all day and finally submitted to the allure of gifts made by some very talented people.
I have brainstormed and feel confident that my offerings will be rock star items. Nothing flashy like a rock star, but cool and useful. Because I feel that rockers are hard core AND useful.
So, despite my concerns, I give you...THE TAG.
Here are the tagging instructions: The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you. This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:
1- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make.
2- What I create will be just for you.
3- It'll be done this year. (might be a little while)
4- You have no clue what it's going to be. It may be a story. It may be poetry or an article on properly cleaning your face before a masque. I may draw or paint something. I may bake you something and mail it to you. Who knows? Not you, that's for sure!
5- I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.
The catch?
Oh, the catch is that you must re-post this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog. The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me! Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it!
Let me say that I won't be making anything strange, but that it very well might take me a year to get it to you.
I recognize that this evil catch might shoo some of the faint hearted away, but really, no biggie. It's just one less awesome thing I will create. The universe's loss.
And yours.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Radiators: For anything you want to keep...warm
Our apartment is heated with radiators. They are found in every room and give very toasty warmth. Unless they are set to come on too infrequently by the leasing office. Oh, did I mention we have no control of our heat?
Because they are hot to the touch ours all have covers. The radiators themselves aren't masterpieces like the above picture, but they have their own coolness by the sheer fact that they look, um, cool. The covers un-cool them pretty quickly.
Despite their looks, the covers get pretty piping hot themselves and so we have started using them for a variety of purposes. Some of them accidental. I took all of these pictures on the same day and didn't stage one of them. If it were summer (I'm afraid of my clutter starting a fire) there would also be a picture of the one in my room covered in papers. A natural and lovely extension of my desk.
And so I give you, our well used radiators!
A wipe warmer.
A drying rack.
Best of all...a towel warmer. So warm and delightful.
And lastly, they are also the backdrop to touching scenes of occasional sharing. Very occasional.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Oh thank you, thank you
Grandma Jan, Natalie & Jackson came for a whirlwind, wonderful visit this week. I am so grateful that they could come. It made my solitary week (while Matt was visiting firms along the eastern seaboard) not only bearable, but truly delightful.
They brought their lovely selves to my home, but they also brought back my enthusiasm for where we live and what we're doing. It's been all too easy to get mired in the inconveniences that abound here. My guests continually acknowledged that while this life is challenging it's also unique and exciting and "so big city"!
They also helped me realize how well I've gotten to know the place. We ventured into town (under the tutelage of my more city savvy friend Luann) one night without the kids and I was amazed to see that (with Luann's sage advice) I really did know where I was going! It was empowering.
That night we shivered our way down the Magnificent Mile to see the river. Exploring together. We thought we looked like this, but we really looked like this.
(By the way, Lorelai would freeze to death if she were really out in the winter dressed like that. You call that bundling up? Please!)
When we got to the river we were stunned (and oddly disgusted) to see that it was full of sheets of ice. Don't...fall...in.
Crazy Chicago.
Just running errands around Hyde Park left Natalie in raptures about city life. The architecture, the produce market, even the somewhat dirty snow! I guess I'm just going to have to believe the Tribune's assessment of my neighborhood:
"When you're bored with the usual...head to Hyde Park, Chicago's multicultural melting pot of cool."
That's us!
They brought their lovely selves to my home, but they also brought back my enthusiasm for where we live and what we're doing. It's been all too easy to get mired in the inconveniences that abound here. My guests continually acknowledged that while this life is challenging it's also unique and exciting and "so big city"!
They also helped me realize how well I've gotten to know the place. We ventured into town (under the tutelage of my more city savvy friend Luann) one night without the kids and I was amazed to see that (with Luann's sage advice) I really did know where I was going! It was empowering.
That night we shivered our way down the Magnificent Mile to see the river. Exploring together. We thought we looked like this, but we really looked like this.
(By the way, Lorelai would freeze to death if she were really out in the winter dressed like that. You call that bundling up? Please!)
When we got to the river we were stunned (and oddly disgusted) to see that it was full of sheets of ice. Don't...fall...in.
Crazy Chicago.
Just running errands around Hyde Park left Natalie in raptures about city life. The architecture, the produce market, even the somewhat dirty snow! I guess I'm just going to have to believe the Tribune's assessment of my neighborhood:
"When you're bored with the usual...head to Hyde Park, Chicago's multicultural melting pot of cool."
That's us!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
To Natalie
As per your comment: I am here. We are here. We are well.
But, in order to walk to the library or the store or the other store or the bus stop or the church pictured below is the minimum effort I have to put out (to say nothing of putting my own coat, hat and scarf on).
Oh, and the boys' gloves (not pictured above) are just about as crazy making as really crazy stuff. They come off just about as fast as I can put them on. Glove on. Glove off. Repeat.
Apparently the creative juices to blog equal the strength to bundle two small children. It seriously feels like "The Christmas Story" every day around here. My struggles are especially disheartening when my friends with a Chicago winter under their belts scoff at this even being that cold. Gulp.
So, I have had lots I've wanted to blog about. But when the ideas enter my head I am either getting ready to go out, I am out, or I've just gotten back. And honey, my mind is pretty lax around those times.
The thought of you, Jackson and Grandma Jan coming is warming the cockles of my heart. We can hit the museums, hit the Magnificent Mile or just sit around, talk and eat fudge and candied pecans. You'll be warm, you'll be happy. And I can't wait!
Thank you for caring. Thank you to you both for coming. It's the best Christmas present ever.
Here's the new view from our window.
Oh, and for the uninitiated I give you the Bundle me.
But, in order to walk to the library or the store or the other store or the bus stop or the church pictured below is the minimum effort I have to put out (to say nothing of putting my own coat, hat and scarf on).
Oh, and the boys' gloves (not pictured above) are just about as crazy making as really crazy stuff. They come off just about as fast as I can put them on. Glove on. Glove off. Repeat.
Apparently the creative juices to blog equal the strength to bundle two small children. It seriously feels like "The Christmas Story" every day around here. My struggles are especially disheartening when my friends with a Chicago winter under their belts scoff at this even being that cold. Gulp.
So, I have had lots I've wanted to blog about. But when the ideas enter my head I am either getting ready to go out, I am out, or I've just gotten back. And honey, my mind is pretty lax around those times.
The thought of you, Jackson and Grandma Jan coming is warming the cockles of my heart. We can hit the museums, hit the Magnificent Mile or just sit around, talk and eat fudge and candied pecans. You'll be warm, you'll be happy. And I can't wait!
Thank you for caring. Thank you to you both for coming. It's the best Christmas present ever.
Here's the new view from our window.
Oh, and for the uninitiated I give you the Bundle me.
Sunday, November 09, 2008
The smell of roses reminds me of home
The walkway to my parents' front door is lined with prolific rosebushes. The smell and look of the late autumn roses were the first things I noticed when we arrived last week.
The boys and I returned from a wonderful 10 days in Utah last night. Since we just moved from our Atlanta home of 5 years, Utah felt even more like home than usual. I felt like a sponge determined to soak up the golden fall afternoons that greeted us. To say nothing of the memories upon memories to be enjoyed in my parents' house. I can be painfully sentimental.
A friend of mine told me to be careful of what I choose bring into my home because in 15 years my kids will cling to the outdated wreath I got at Target because "it's a tradition" or some such nonsense. How true says the girl who was determined to take a picture of every little Halloween decoration in her parents' house.
I still feel like a suburb kid in a city kid's life, so it was delightful to rake leaves and pick apples (or listen to Mom and Jana pick apples with the kids and laugh their heads off while I tried to kick a stubborn cough that turned out to be bronchiolitis--who knew!).
I was able to have sweet one on one time with each of my parents, my sister, and my Grandma...as well as see some dear friends and family. I especially loved my last night there when Dad made baked apples (in the microwave!), Mom insisted that we watch the Parent Trap (her favorite movie) and we basked in some old time familial togetherness.
I love my family. I love where I come from. I love the shared history of our little family. We're not perfect, but there's a lot of love and joy to be had. I am grateful for my sweet sister Jana and my wonderful parents. I am crying. I am so grateful for it all.
Sigh.
And, on a related note, if the smell of roses reminds me of home, the sight of this guy reminds me of Halloween!
(Mom and Dad have had this ghostie hanging in their front window every October for as long as I can remember. And that spectacular rose is one of mom and dad's roses.)
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Thank you Sid
Get ready folks. In this season of endorsements this is me officially endorsing a television program. Sid the Science Kid to be exact. I almost wrote an ode to Sid, but then I realized that one ode is enough for any blog.
Sid the Science Kid follows this kid named Sid, ya dig? Every morning he has an experience that puzzles him (i.e. "Why can I smell my brother's stinky diaper down the hallway?"). He then goes to school and talks about it with his class. Teacher Suzy then miraculously teaches an entire lesson on the topic. With visual aids that would take time to prepare. Like weeks to prepare in some cases. But somehow...she knew to leave a pumpkin to rot in case Sid was curious about decay (which he has been). They spend some time in the lab, they play with their ideas, there's a song, and then Sid goes home with his weirdo Grandma (she really is weird) and discusses it with his parents.
My reasons for loving Sid boil down to three points. And please don't scoff until you've heard me out.
1. It makes me a better parent. No, wait, let me explain!
I notice moments when I could be showing something new to the boys (particularly Jacob at this age) rather than shooing them away. A good example is when I recently made ice. Jacob asked me "Wwwwwwwwwhat you doin'?". The, "never you mind" answer was on my lips when I felt a stroke of genius. Sid genius. I told Jacob that I was making ice, which is when you turn water into ice...blah, blah, blah. He loved it. And he loved it when I called him to the kitchen a few hours later to "investigate" how our ice was progressing. It's all about the investigating, and the comparing, and the contrasting and so forth.
They also did a show about estimating, which lead to The Great Overestimation of 2008. I gave Jacob 8 carrot sticks and asked him to estimate how many I'd given him. He poked around in the bowl and decided on 27. Hmmmm.
I also deeply love Curious George (which also focuses on math and science). But Sid doesn't sugar coat the science with stories like George does, they actually admit that, hey kids, we're going to teach you something! And it's reproduceable at home. Unlike on George when he accidentally becomes part of a flying trapeze group or goes to space (twice!). Just not as likely as finding a mushy banana and wondering why it turned so gross (the decay lesson). I'm not so much concerned about my kids becoming more scientific than the Japanese or anything, but I like the straightforward approach to it all because then Jacob can do it too. It's empowering for him.
So, yes, I love Sid because it helps me see opportunities to be a more engaging, teaching parent.
2. I also love Sid because Jacob loves it.
We really try to limit TV (our success varies day to day) but to see Jacob take positive, interesting things away from it makes me happy. Not like dumb ol' Dragon Tales. I deeply dislike those dragons.
3. Sid has finally brought Jacob around to art.
After every experiment they always draw their observations in their journal. So, one day I pulled out a notebook and wrote JACOB on it and told him it was his journal. All day he's begging to draw in it. In fact, it's pretty much out and ready to be drawn in all day long. I feel like it's a nice place for him to return to during the day. Sort of to regroup and process for a minute and then move on to something else.
This might not seem like much, but Jacob has never taken that kindly to art of any kind. I felt so disturbed by his complete dislike for it all. I mean, play-doh, finger paints, watercolors, crayons, markers -- you name it, he didn't want to do it.
He just loves it now. Sometimes Nico joins in too (although ever since the below experience mainly with Colorwonder markers). And as I type this I actually have a tear of joy in my eye. It's delightful to have a little artist in residence. Jana (mother of the artsy kidlets) has been telling me this for years and I am finally witnessing it.
So, behold my little artistic scientists. Sigh.
Definitely the Colorwonder. (What rock star eye makeup.)
So, please give Sid the Science Kid a shot. I thought it looked dumb too and see how I'm eating my words?
That is all.
Sid the Science Kid follows this kid named Sid, ya dig? Every morning he has an experience that puzzles him (i.e. "Why can I smell my brother's stinky diaper down the hallway?"). He then goes to school and talks about it with his class. Teacher Suzy then miraculously teaches an entire lesson on the topic. With visual aids that would take time to prepare. Like weeks to prepare in some cases. But somehow...she knew to leave a pumpkin to rot in case Sid was curious about decay (which he has been). They spend some time in the lab, they play with their ideas, there's a song, and then Sid goes home with his weirdo Grandma (she really is weird) and discusses it with his parents.
My reasons for loving Sid boil down to three points. And please don't scoff until you've heard me out.
1. It makes me a better parent. No, wait, let me explain!
I notice moments when I could be showing something new to the boys (particularly Jacob at this age) rather than shooing them away. A good example is when I recently made ice. Jacob asked me "Wwwwwwwwwhat you doin'?". The, "never you mind" answer was on my lips when I felt a stroke of genius. Sid genius. I told Jacob that I was making ice, which is when you turn water into ice...blah, blah, blah. He loved it. And he loved it when I called him to the kitchen a few hours later to "investigate" how our ice was progressing. It's all about the investigating, and the comparing, and the contrasting and so forth.
They also did a show about estimating, which lead to The Great Overestimation of 2008. I gave Jacob 8 carrot sticks and asked him to estimate how many I'd given him. He poked around in the bowl and decided on 27. Hmmmm.
I also deeply love Curious George (which also focuses on math and science). But Sid doesn't sugar coat the science with stories like George does, they actually admit that, hey kids, we're going to teach you something! And it's reproduceable at home. Unlike on George when he accidentally becomes part of a flying trapeze group or goes to space (twice!). Just not as likely as finding a mushy banana and wondering why it turned so gross (the decay lesson). I'm not so much concerned about my kids becoming more scientific than the Japanese or anything, but I like the straightforward approach to it all because then Jacob can do it too. It's empowering for him.
So, yes, I love Sid because it helps me see opportunities to be a more engaging, teaching parent.
2. I also love Sid because Jacob loves it.
We really try to limit TV (our success varies day to day) but to see Jacob take positive, interesting things away from it makes me happy. Not like dumb ol' Dragon Tales. I deeply dislike those dragons.
3. Sid has finally brought Jacob around to art.
After every experiment they always draw their observations in their journal. So, one day I pulled out a notebook and wrote JACOB on it and told him it was his journal. All day he's begging to draw in it. In fact, it's pretty much out and ready to be drawn in all day long. I feel like it's a nice place for him to return to during the day. Sort of to regroup and process for a minute and then move on to something else.
This might not seem like much, but Jacob has never taken that kindly to art of any kind. I felt so disturbed by his complete dislike for it all. I mean, play-doh, finger paints, watercolors, crayons, markers -- you name it, he didn't want to do it.
He just loves it now. Sometimes Nico joins in too (although ever since the below experience mainly with Colorwonder markers). And as I type this I actually have a tear of joy in my eye. It's delightful to have a little artist in residence. Jana (mother of the artsy kidlets) has been telling me this for years and I am finally witnessing it.
So, behold my little artistic scientists. Sigh.
Definitely the Colorwonder. (What rock star eye makeup.)
So, please give Sid the Science Kid a shot. I thought it looked dumb too and see how I'm eating my words?
That is all.
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