I wonder who's messing them up!?! Hmmmm.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Oh Blogger, Where Art Thou?
I'm straightening my couch cushions. It just keeps me too busy to blog.
I wonder who's messing them up!?! Hmmmm.
I wonder who's messing them up!?! Hmmmm.
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
My Artist
After years of art time consisting of 5 minutes of erratic scribbling I am so happy to say that things have changed. Overnight.
Jacob spent twenty focused, chatty minutes at the table with his art supplies.
And the result is intelligible!
Allow me to explain his picture. Trust me, he explained it to me at length -- I'm an expert.
Note the armless person at the top of the picture. That's Jacob. He's in an airplane. Apparently an invisible airplane. Doesn't his neck look more like a thorax? Anyway...he's flying above his city. To the left there's an orange building. Not as big as the "serious tower" (Sears), but big. Next to that are assorted cars. The cutest cars in the world. And then to the right there's a green tunnel.
Isn't this amazing?!? Bravo J.J.! He's now producing ridiculous amounts of art. Which is producing ridiculous amounts of guilt in mom as she hangs each piece in the balance. To keep or not to keep. Sigh.
Jacob spent twenty focused, chatty minutes at the table with his art supplies.
And the result is intelligible!
Allow me to explain his picture. Trust me, he explained it to me at length -- I'm an expert.
Note the armless person at the top of the picture. That's Jacob. He's in an airplane. Apparently an invisible airplane. Doesn't his neck look more like a thorax? Anyway...he's flying above his city. To the left there's an orange building. Not as big as the "serious tower" (Sears), but big. Next to that are assorted cars. The cutest cars in the world. And then to the right there's a green tunnel.
Isn't this amazing?!? Bravo J.J.! He's now producing ridiculous amounts of art. Which is producing ridiculous amounts of guilt in mom as she hangs each piece in the balance. To keep or not to keep. Sigh.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
In the quiet moments
I find Nicholas doing this kind of thing.
What a show off! I am in love with this face.
Nicholas is so darling. He is a sunshine boy. I am grateful to have such a determined, bright, funny boy. I just love seeing his little face working things out.
Here's a conversation Matt & Nicholas had a few weeks ago when Nico was in the tub.
Matt: You're naked!
Nicholas: I not naked, I Nico.
Touche Nicholas, touche.
What a show off! I am in love with this face.
Nicholas is so darling. He is a sunshine boy. I am grateful to have such a determined, bright, funny boy. I just love seeing his little face working things out.
Here's a conversation Matt & Nicholas had a few weeks ago when Nico was in the tub.
Matt: You're naked!
Nicholas: I not naked, I Nico.
Touche Nicholas, touche.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
My Heart is Breaking
Nay, broken.
That's right folks, it's back to school time around here. Or, just "to school time" for Jacob as this is his first time attending preschool.
I have been dreading this day for a long time. I enjoy having him home with me. And I enjoy setting our own schedule. He also just doesn't seem old enough. Four shmore, I say. I don't look at newborn pictures of Jacob and marvel at how grown up he is. The pictures that kill me are from when he was about a year old. Like this.
In my head Jacob is still this age. I think I need to have my head examined. Look at that big boy!
When we first arrived he was very prim and proper (see above photo). He just didn't seem sure of what to do. Prim and proper is not usually his style, so I was a little worried about the good-bye. Jacob is not a big fan of change. Or saying good-bye. I was prepared for the worst.
For the first day of class the parents were supposed to stay for 30 minutes while the kids played. I had NOT counted on this. I was ready to drop him off nice and quick, like ripping off a band-aid. But I had to linger and ponder the momentousness of the occasion.
But, Nico is the one who made me cry.
The teacher had the kids line up against the fence for a red light/green light activity. (Isn't he so cute?)
After they played one round Nicholas jumped out of my hands and positioned himself RIGHT next to Jacob. He simply wouldn't leave his side. Cue heart break. I started thinking, "They love each other!", "They need each other!" and "How can I separate them?!"
They truly are the best of friends and the worst of enemies and I hadn't thought about how they (especially Nicholas) would feel about the separation. Obviously Nicholas was not having it.
For story time Nicholas found Jacob's side and didn't want to leave it. I even tried to pick him up and take him to the other side of the group, but he ran back around the whole circle and plopped down with Jacob again.
Then the teacher, who I think wanted to make us all cry, read this horrible book. It's all about saying good-bye on a child's first day of school. We've had it Jacob's whole life and I couldn't quite believe that the moment had come for Jacob and I to exchange our own kissing hands. Sob.
I actually held it together the entire 30 minutes. For Jacob. I kept looking at the other parents and thinking, "Are you as broken up as I am?" They looked fine. I hope I looked fine too.
Now, you might be wondering why I'm not writing much about Jacob's emotions. Pretty much because once he broke the ice he was all in. He was LOVING it.
The teacher asked rhetorically, "Aren't we all excited for preschool?" Jacob said in his loudest voice to the whole group, "Do you know what I'm going to learn? I'm going to learn about books and numbers and all kinds of things! Yeah!" A lot like this. I think some parents were jealous of his enthusiasm...there were a few weepy kids.
As the kids were lining up to enter the school there was a moment when Jacob lost me from sight in the group of people. I could see him looking for me and so I called out to him. He saw me and gave me the happiest, sweetest little smile-filled wave. I pumped my fist in the air and waved back. Then, surrounded by kids with sad or indifferent faces, he did his little happy dance. Fists pumping up while hopping from foot to foot. So darling. He was ready.
Even though I broke down crying to my kind friend Tracy the minute I left the school grounds (darn you Nico!) I couldn't help but feel that my boy was growing up and that it was going to be OK (eventually).
That's right folks, it's back to school time around here. Or, just "to school time" for Jacob as this is his first time attending preschool.
I have been dreading this day for a long time. I enjoy having him home with me. And I enjoy setting our own schedule. He also just doesn't seem old enough. Four shmore, I say. I don't look at newborn pictures of Jacob and marvel at how grown up he is. The pictures that kill me are from when he was about a year old. Like this.
In my head Jacob is still this age. I think I need to have my head examined. Look at that big boy!
When we first arrived he was very prim and proper (see above photo). He just didn't seem sure of what to do. Prim and proper is not usually his style, so I was a little worried about the good-bye. Jacob is not a big fan of change. Or saying good-bye. I was prepared for the worst.
For the first day of class the parents were supposed to stay for 30 minutes while the kids played. I had NOT counted on this. I was ready to drop him off nice and quick, like ripping off a band-aid. But I had to linger and ponder the momentousness of the occasion.
But, Nico is the one who made me cry.
The teacher had the kids line up against the fence for a red light/green light activity. (Isn't he so cute?)
After they played one round Nicholas jumped out of my hands and positioned himself RIGHT next to Jacob. He simply wouldn't leave his side. Cue heart break. I started thinking, "They love each other!", "They need each other!" and "How can I separate them?!"
They truly are the best of friends and the worst of enemies and I hadn't thought about how they (especially Nicholas) would feel about the separation. Obviously Nicholas was not having it.
For story time Nicholas found Jacob's side and didn't want to leave it. I even tried to pick him up and take him to the other side of the group, but he ran back around the whole circle and plopped down with Jacob again.
Then the teacher, who I think wanted to make us all cry, read this horrible book. It's all about saying good-bye on a child's first day of school. We've had it Jacob's whole life and I couldn't quite believe that the moment had come for Jacob and I to exchange our own kissing hands. Sob.
I actually held it together the entire 30 minutes. For Jacob. I kept looking at the other parents and thinking, "Are you as broken up as I am?" They looked fine. I hope I looked fine too.
Now, you might be wondering why I'm not writing much about Jacob's emotions. Pretty much because once he broke the ice he was all in. He was LOVING it.
The teacher asked rhetorically, "Aren't we all excited for preschool?" Jacob said in his loudest voice to the whole group, "Do you know what I'm going to learn? I'm going to learn about books and numbers and all kinds of things! Yeah!" A lot like this. I think some parents were jealous of his enthusiasm...there were a few weepy kids.
As the kids were lining up to enter the school there was a moment when Jacob lost me from sight in the group of people. I could see him looking for me and so I called out to him. He saw me and gave me the happiest, sweetest little smile-filled wave. I pumped my fist in the air and waved back. Then, surrounded by kids with sad or indifferent faces, he did his little happy dance. Fists pumping up while hopping from foot to foot. So darling. He was ready.
Even though I broke down crying to my kind friend Tracy the minute I left the school grounds (darn you Nico!) I couldn't help but feel that my boy was growing up and that it was going to be OK (eventually).
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
In Town
The boys and I took the train into town.
We played at Crown Fountain.
We skipped and pranced.
We met daddy and headed over to a concert at Millennium Park.
We ate Subway sandwiches.
And then we made funny faces while we listened to the orchestra.
Daddy's shoes!
Mommy's sunglasses!
Nicholas's legs!
Nico yelling "cheese!"
Daddy imitating Nico's "cheese!"
Daddy trying to block Nico's "cheese!" in a (vain) attempt to not disturb our fellow concert-goers.
A monkey popping his neck!
Oh yeah, and Grandma Jan wanted to know where Nico picked up this crinkled smile.
I have no idea.
We played at Crown Fountain.
We skipped and pranced.
We met daddy and headed over to a concert at Millennium Park.
We ate Subway sandwiches.
And then we made funny faces while we listened to the orchestra.
Daddy's shoes!
Mommy's sunglasses!
Nicholas's legs!
Nico yelling "cheese!"
Daddy imitating Nico's "cheese!"
Daddy trying to block Nico's "cheese!" in a (vain) attempt to not disturb our fellow concert-goers.
A monkey popping his neck!
Oh yeah, and Grandma Jan wanted to know where Nico picked up this crinkled smile.
I have no idea.
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!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Sunday, July 19, 2009
10 Gigs of Photos and now I've got to blog them!
The boys and I have been in Utah for the past three weeks. We had a wonderful trip. We missed Matt so much, but it was nice to not feel so rushed cramming 3 weeks worth of stuff into 1 week (which is our usual very prudent approach to visits). Summer in Utah is the best. We spent time with family, friends, sprinklers, ice cream cones, and did a lot of big wheel riding at my old elementary school.
And, as the title of this post suggests, we took photos. Lots and lots of photos. My dad is a great photographer and recently got himself a great camera. Those two greats created 2 jump drives of pictures.
I'll start whittling away at all of my Utah data with this little bit of sweetness. Three years changes a lot.
Gideon & Jacob - 2006
2009
Aaaaawwww.
And, as the title of this post suggests, we took photos. Lots and lots of photos. My dad is a great photographer and recently got himself a great camera. Those two greats created 2 jump drives of pictures.
I'll start whittling away at all of my Utah data with this little bit of sweetness. Three years changes a lot.
Gideon & Jacob - 2006
2009
Aaaaawwww.
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