from my friend mary heather who took r for a walk:
"I forgot to tell you about a very cute Rohanism today. We passed a group of people on the trail and I said "hello". Rohan's greeting was "Hello, whoever you are.""
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
spring in the midwest part 2
i hope yesterday's blog was interesting despite the typos. sorry for the errors. i rarely have time to go back through and edit things. last night, dad and i oozed onto the couch and hung out. he did some required training modules while i finished up some class prep. the kids slept. as we made it past midnight, dad fell asleep and i kept tippy-tapping on the keyboard finishing blogs, etc.
everyone made it to a bed. stink was a crabby last night and was unhappy if someone touched her while sleeping. our weekends have been so busy that she has been missing her weekend naps. yesterday she caught a catnap which notably improved her disposition in the evening. r never mastered the catnap.
this morning, r and dad were downstairs first. a rarity. k was up at the usual time but she was happy to snuggle and play in bed. dad and r were downstairs playing haroun and the sea of stories by building a machine to collect stories and store it in data pods. this was a diverted development as he originally seemed to be making guns. k made a nice foam bead necklace for herself while r played. nobody seemed all that hungry for breakfast. neither k nor r really wanted to eat so there was no forcing. dad and r read haroun after our aborted meal. k and i worked on her necklace.
as everyone finished up with the snuggling and relaxing, we gathered ourselves together and headed out to play. there is a park that i have wanted to go to for a while out in bloomington. we looked it up and moseyed on over. the playground was an elaborate structure that is usually more typical of the indoor playgrounds around here. r was quite timid about going up. he whimpered up pretty much the whole first climb. k and i split off as we explored various routes. dad certainly reported that r continued to feel insecure. more importantly, from my perspective, is that he did not stop. he continued climbing for over an hour. he gained confidence slowly but was always wary. dad and i think it was really good for him. he is afraid of the climbing not because of the heights, but because of the shakiness that requires strength and balance. it was like a massive OT session in the sun. we had a nice break by the lake looking at the ducks, collecting rocks, and talking about lake water.
we stopped for a quick shopping trip at trader joes. then mom had another fit of energy and did some spring cleaning. i put away the groceries, dad fixed roomba, and the kids played. the kids were then special helpers swiffering the kitchen floor. once they decided to play outside, i got on my hands and knees and mopped the floor. i just love the feel of really clean floors. a few more loads of laundry, and the kids came back in. dad cooked and assembled. k and r, as usual, nibbled my food and ignored theirs. r and dad consumed more ham and bread. k was definitely feeling the absence of her nap. she was very out of sorts. the kids watched some dvd (peep) before heading up for bathtime. it was then r's turn to lose his ability to manage and was incredibly labile.
by the way, when we were in the car today, the radio show "wait, wait, don't tell me was one." the first question was about bacon! apparently bacon scientists (not dad) have proved that what makes bacon taste good is the combination of sugar, fat, and amino acids (dad said, duh). bacon scientists also have proved the bacon helps a hangover. the next question was based on a different study that suggests that chocolate helps improve math solving skills. (a good advertisement for bacon covered chocolate!)
while dad gave the kids a bath, i frantically put away laundry, picked up clutter, and tried to change our sheets as k had peed on them this morning. this accident did lead her to wear her underwear all day long. ( i also said that if she did not use her potty and wore diapers then i would return her underwear). well not only did it lead to her wearing her underwear but using the potty every 20 minutes when she remembered. so k pretty much wore underwear all day long except for when we went to the playground. we are pretty sure this is what she does at school. funny monkey. i noted today that she always refers to r as "my rohan." i asked her if r was hers. and she said yes, he is my brother. i asked if r is mine too. and she said, yes. daddy's rohan, mommy's rohan." but i really am tickled by her adoration of him. they were mostly kind again to each other. if we keep them entertained and exhausted, they get along fairly well together.
hopefully spring will stay. we are enjoying it.
everyone made it to a bed. stink was a crabby last night and was unhappy if someone touched her while sleeping. our weekends have been so busy that she has been missing her weekend naps. yesterday she caught a catnap which notably improved her disposition in the evening. r never mastered the catnap.
this morning, r and dad were downstairs first. a rarity. k was up at the usual time but she was happy to snuggle and play in bed. dad and r were downstairs playing haroun and the sea of stories by building a machine to collect stories and store it in data pods. this was a diverted development as he originally seemed to be making guns. k made a nice foam bead necklace for herself while r played. nobody seemed all that hungry for breakfast. neither k nor r really wanted to eat so there was no forcing. dad and r read haroun after our aborted meal. k and i worked on her necklace.
as everyone finished up with the snuggling and relaxing, we gathered ourselves together and headed out to play. there is a park that i have wanted to go to for a while out in bloomington. we looked it up and moseyed on over. the playground was an elaborate structure that is usually more typical of the indoor playgrounds around here. r was quite timid about going up. he whimpered up pretty much the whole first climb. k and i split off as we explored various routes. dad certainly reported that r continued to feel insecure. more importantly, from my perspective, is that he did not stop. he continued climbing for over an hour. he gained confidence slowly but was always wary. dad and i think it was really good for him. he is afraid of the climbing not because of the heights, but because of the shakiness that requires strength and balance. it was like a massive OT session in the sun. we had a nice break by the lake looking at the ducks, collecting rocks, and talking about lake water.
we stopped for a quick shopping trip at trader joes. then mom had another fit of energy and did some spring cleaning. i put away the groceries, dad fixed roomba, and the kids played. the kids were then special helpers swiffering the kitchen floor. once they decided to play outside, i got on my hands and knees and mopped the floor. i just love the feel of really clean floors. a few more loads of laundry, and the kids came back in. dad cooked and assembled. k and r, as usual, nibbled my food and ignored theirs. r and dad consumed more ham and bread. k was definitely feeling the absence of her nap. she was very out of sorts. the kids watched some dvd (peep) before heading up for bathtime. it was then r's turn to lose his ability to manage and was incredibly labile.
by the way, when we were in the car today, the radio show "wait, wait, don't tell me was one." the first question was about bacon! apparently bacon scientists (not dad) have proved that what makes bacon taste good is the combination of sugar, fat, and amino acids (dad said, duh). bacon scientists also have proved the bacon helps a hangover. the next question was based on a different study that suggests that chocolate helps improve math solving skills. (a good advertisement for bacon covered chocolate!)
while dad gave the kids a bath, i frantically put away laundry, picked up clutter, and tried to change our sheets as k had peed on them this morning. this accident did lead her to wear her underwear all day long. ( i also said that if she did not use her potty and wore diapers then i would return her underwear). well not only did it lead to her wearing her underwear but using the potty every 20 minutes when she remembered. so k pretty much wore underwear all day long except for when we went to the playground. we are pretty sure this is what she does at school. funny monkey. i noted today that she always refers to r as "my rohan." i asked her if r was hers. and she said yes, he is my brother. i asked if r is mine too. and she said, yes. daddy's rohan, mommy's rohan." but i really am tickled by her adoration of him. they were mostly kind again to each other. if we keep them entertained and exhausted, they get along fairly well together.
hopefully spring will stay. we are enjoying it.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
spring in the midwest
spring does not come in dribs and drabs, but leaps and bounds. today was a day full of high energy, constant motion, and relaxation.
there are two kinds of tired. tired that comes from lack of sleep, working constantly, continually going from task to task. then there is the kind where you are tired because you have had a relaxing, satisfying, and rich day. yesterday we were the first kind. today we are the second.
dad and i fell asleep fairly early last night as we both have been sleep deprived trying to do taxes, refinancing the house, prepping for class, kid duty, and finish some research projects. dad never made it out of the big blue recliner last night and i went downstairs, accomplished a few minor tasks, and was too tired to contemplate much else. i soon was ready to fall asleep on the couch too. so i dragged myself upstairs, woke dad up, gathered k and then we all collapsed back asleep.
the morning found us awake and more or less refreshed. it was a rare day where we had dad all too ourselves. and mom had a full agenda in mind. the beginning of the day involved lots of high energy rolling around and jumping all over, including parents, the floor, and the bed. though k insisted that we eat in the car on the way to a hike, we made it to breakfast where r and dad played backgammon. r was curious about the game so did dad taught it to him. he understood it fairly well and enjoyed the play. he did not enjoy, however, losing. tears welled up and it was clear that it was difficult for him. we talked again about how everyone has to win and lose. it does not feel very good sometimes. but that there is always another game. so dad and r played again. this time r won. he was thrilled. k had a good time drawing and talking to mom while the boys played. after everyone consumed some food, we headed back out for our next event. our first choice for our next destination, a local park, was packed with a community egg hunt complete with a pony, lamb, and a goose. we decided to avoid the 50+ kids and head to a quieter playground. we more than hour running around, climbing structures, coming down slides, swinging, hanging out, playing with static electricity (mom's corduroy pants on the slide led to an electrifying kiss), see-sawing, and generally enjoying the beautiful sunshine and warm air. after a potty break, we headed out to the heart of the beast theater -- the headquarters for the annual mayday parade. mom has been waiting 15 years (more or less) to march in the parade with her kids. this is the year. r decided he wanted to be a jellyfish! and k is unsure but has mentioned a jellyfish, a seahorse, and a birdie. there was organized chaos inside. but eventually we found the right area and then began the long process of assembling the necessary components. dad finished the wire parts for r's jellyfish hat while k and i selected the various fabrics that were be the tentacles. we hope masee will appreciate r's selection!
our day did not stop here! no sir. we gathered tired children and went home for a potty break and snack. r worked on his robot, mom looked up parks, and kids and parents noshed. then masee called. she announced an opportunity to meet the newest member of the desai-sullivan family -- cutie kitty (k's name for him) AKA gunther the kitten. masee and uncle tom have acquired a small social kitten who is curious and friendly. only 2 months old, he is a tiny orange sprite who inquisitively explored the living room and dining room at our house. masee, can you send a picture and i will post it. masee and uncle tom acquired the kitty from a no-kill-shelter. what a wonderful place. k was utterly enthralled by the kitten and pronounced it a cutie every 5 minutes if not more frequently. kitty seemed to like the attention and purred contentedly. r was a little tired from no-nap and not quite as focused. but he played string with the kitty and also created an obstacle course for him. it was hard to explain why he might not want to go on the obstacle course to the preschooler. but much fun was had by all as kitty chased ribbons, strings, quarters, a ball, and a leaf. we all enjoyed his visit immensely. it was hard to let the little furball go to his new home.
but he did leave. once again, the kids received a little energy snack (including some serrano ham for r), and then once shoes and coats were back on, we headed out for our next adventure to go hiking. we headed to theodore wirth park. i had picked the quaking bog trail for a hike. well k fell asleep in the car and had to be strollered. then the quaking bog trail seemed less like a good choice. but we did it, the trail did not just go around the bog, but into it. it was very interesting to see this lowland and walk on it on water. but we could hear frogs and see ducks. k woke up while we were on one of the higher trails. we walked around for a little longer. at some point, r complained that his legs hurt so he also climbed into the stroller. this left dad pushing the 100 lb stroller up leafy hills. dad's legs must have hurt too! but all in all it was wonderful to be outside. and the warm sun and bright sunlight were balms today.
after a short drive around town with the kids content in the back seat, we drove by kenwood elementary school. this is the school that r has gotten into for the fall. it is near lake of the isles. it is a performance art magnet and a nice school. it starts at 7:30. we still prefer barton which has a more comfortable fit for r, we believe. but currently we are low on the waiting list there. we really prefer st paul schools -- especially museum magnet and expo. so keep your fingers crossed.
after driving around we got some dinner and took it home. while we were driving around dad introduced the expression "so hungry i could eat a horse." dad explained that it is an expression that means you are very hungry and can eat a lot. but some people do eat horse. mom added that if you were really hungry you could also say eat a house (in case you were a termite). r commented that he was not hungry enough to eat a horse or a house, but maybe half a raccoon or squirrel. (we enjoyed this statement.) everyone ate a happy dinner. while dad did lots of dishes and mom cleaned the dining room and did a little laundry, the kids played. soon running around kids were upstairs avoiding pajamas while parents attempted to herd them in the right direction. books were read, teeth were brushed. and now the house is quiet.
by the way, this past week, dad and r went to a new behavioral pediatrician. what was a 1 hr appt stretched into a 3hour appt. dad will have to post some details but it sounds like it was a good meeting. she listened to our issues, watched r, and again told us that r is not on the spectrum and also that he does not have adhd. dad talked about sleep issues, executive control, transitioning, prepping for KG. and it seemed to go well. we hope it goes well and shall see her again in may.
that is all for now. i have some taxes too finish.
there are two kinds of tired. tired that comes from lack of sleep, working constantly, continually going from task to task. then there is the kind where you are tired because you have had a relaxing, satisfying, and rich day. yesterday we were the first kind. today we are the second.
dad and i fell asleep fairly early last night as we both have been sleep deprived trying to do taxes, refinancing the house, prepping for class, kid duty, and finish some research projects. dad never made it out of the big blue recliner last night and i went downstairs, accomplished a few minor tasks, and was too tired to contemplate much else. i soon was ready to fall asleep on the couch too. so i dragged myself upstairs, woke dad up, gathered k and then we all collapsed back asleep.
the morning found us awake and more or less refreshed. it was a rare day where we had dad all too ourselves. and mom had a full agenda in mind. the beginning of the day involved lots of high energy rolling around and jumping all over, including parents, the floor, and the bed. though k insisted that we eat in the car on the way to a hike, we made it to breakfast where r and dad played backgammon. r was curious about the game so did dad taught it to him. he understood it fairly well and enjoyed the play. he did not enjoy, however, losing. tears welled up and it was clear that it was difficult for him. we talked again about how everyone has to win and lose. it does not feel very good sometimes. but that there is always another game. so dad and r played again. this time r won. he was thrilled. k had a good time drawing and talking to mom while the boys played. after everyone consumed some food, we headed back out for our next event. our first choice for our next destination, a local park, was packed with a community egg hunt complete with a pony, lamb, and a goose. we decided to avoid the 50+ kids and head to a quieter playground. we more than hour running around, climbing structures, coming down slides, swinging, hanging out, playing with static electricity (mom's corduroy pants on the slide led to an electrifying kiss), see-sawing, and generally enjoying the beautiful sunshine and warm air. after a potty break, we headed out to the heart of the beast theater -- the headquarters for the annual mayday parade. mom has been waiting 15 years (more or less) to march in the parade with her kids. this is the year. r decided he wanted to be a jellyfish! and k is unsure but has mentioned a jellyfish, a seahorse, and a birdie. there was organized chaos inside. but eventually we found the right area and then began the long process of assembling the necessary components. dad finished the wire parts for r's jellyfish hat while k and i selected the various fabrics that were be the tentacles. we hope masee will appreciate r's selection!
our day did not stop here! no sir. we gathered tired children and went home for a potty break and snack. r worked on his robot, mom looked up parks, and kids and parents noshed. then masee called. she announced an opportunity to meet the newest member of the desai-sullivan family -- cutie kitty (k's name for him) AKA gunther the kitten. masee and uncle tom have acquired a small social kitten who is curious and friendly. only 2 months old, he is a tiny orange sprite who inquisitively explored the living room and dining room at our house. masee, can you send a picture and i will post it. masee and uncle tom acquired the kitty from a no-kill-shelter. what a wonderful place. k was utterly enthralled by the kitten and pronounced it a cutie every 5 minutes if not more frequently. kitty seemed to like the attention and purred contentedly. r was a little tired from no-nap and not quite as focused. but he played string with the kitty and also created an obstacle course for him. it was hard to explain why he might not want to go on the obstacle course to the preschooler. but much fun was had by all as kitty chased ribbons, strings, quarters, a ball, and a leaf. we all enjoyed his visit immensely. it was hard to let the little furball go to his new home.
but he did leave. once again, the kids received a little energy snack (including some serrano ham for r), and then once shoes and coats were back on, we headed out for our next adventure to go hiking. we headed to theodore wirth park. i had picked the quaking bog trail for a hike. well k fell asleep in the car and had to be strollered. then the quaking bog trail seemed less like a good choice. but we did it, the trail did not just go around the bog, but into it. it was very interesting to see this lowland and walk on it on water. but we could hear frogs and see ducks. k woke up while we were on one of the higher trails. we walked around for a little longer. at some point, r complained that his legs hurt so he also climbed into the stroller. this left dad pushing the 100 lb stroller up leafy hills. dad's legs must have hurt too! but all in all it was wonderful to be outside. and the warm sun and bright sunlight were balms today.
after a short drive around town with the kids content in the back seat, we drove by kenwood elementary school. this is the school that r has gotten into for the fall. it is near lake of the isles. it is a performance art magnet and a nice school. it starts at 7:30. we still prefer barton which has a more comfortable fit for r, we believe. but currently we are low on the waiting list there. we really prefer st paul schools -- especially museum magnet and expo. so keep your fingers crossed.
after driving around we got some dinner and took it home. while we were driving around dad introduced the expression "so hungry i could eat a horse." dad explained that it is an expression that means you are very hungry and can eat a lot. but some people do eat horse. mom added that if you were really hungry you could also say eat a house (in case you were a termite). r commented that he was not hungry enough to eat a horse or a house, but maybe half a raccoon or squirrel. (we enjoyed this statement.) everyone ate a happy dinner. while dad did lots of dishes and mom cleaned the dining room and did a little laundry, the kids played. soon running around kids were upstairs avoiding pajamas while parents attempted to herd them in the right direction. books were read, teeth were brushed. and now the house is quiet.
by the way, this past week, dad and r went to a new behavioral pediatrician. what was a 1 hr appt stretched into a 3hour appt. dad will have to post some details but it sounds like it was a good meeting. she listened to our issues, watched r, and again told us that r is not on the spectrum and also that he does not have adhd. dad talked about sleep issues, executive control, transitioning, prepping for KG. and it seemed to go well. we hope it goes well and shall see her again in may.
that is all for now. i have some taxes too finish.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
weekend update
our thoughts are with my cousin pritesh who is in the hospital fighting a serious bacterial infection.
things around here have been hectic but manageable. the weekend was quite busy. r had a morning scan on saturday. the kids and i had plans. we thought we were going to make puppets/masks with gabe and natty but both older children balked so we ran around the park instead. r and gabe were moderately interested in each other and natty was torn between k and the big boys. k was also befriended by another child who really wanted to play with k. k was friendly for a while holding hands with her new friend down the slide. the kids were mostly parallel playing but it was still fun. we then headed out to auntie hot hot's for snacks and adventures. k was very proud to use the potty there. and then dad joined us for a short outdoor adventure. r really enjoyed his time with auntie hot hot. they had all kinds of discussions about plants and trees as they walked along. auntie hot hot is a good friend of both the kids and the parents.
k fell asleep in the car and had a nice nap upstairs. r hung out with me for a short time while dad worked on our malfunctioning toilet. we invited several of the kids over for playdates: mira was dropped off by her mom who has a book deadline. r and mira had fun hiding his animals and books for awhile. they got along well and reviewed the rules. they stretched them a little but were very cooperative in their play. k warmed up to mira nicely this time. at one point, mira and r wanted me to read a book with them. all three kids cuddled on the couch and we read together. k initiated hugs with mira and mira was very tickled by k's attention. managing the 3 kids was much less work as they mostly seemed to work things out among themselves.
natty and gabe arrived shortly after 5 and we began the process of ordering pizza and getting dinner on the table. tracey managed the kids while i did the food. dad finished working on the toilet about half way through dinner after another trip to the hardware store. r and gabe had some conflict. it was easy to note that r had quite a temper. he is not a mellow child when he does not get what he wants. both moms had to talk to their eldest sons about their behaviors. both also complied. at least, the center trains them well in terms of responsible interactions with each other. r came back to report that gabe smiled. he also went and volunteered some jokes. there was some nice demonstration of negotiation and consideration. the pizza and ice cream eating went well though our kids were clearly tired at the end and needed a bed time. so by 7:45 all the guests headed home and we headed upstairs shortly after. of course, it took a good bit of time to get everyone to sleep. but eventually little snores were heard.
in the morning, no one wanted to get up despite plans for an exciting day. there was snow on the ground. snow! in april! we managed to rouse ourselves and get out of the house in some kind of orderly fashion. for some reason, r had a horrible time trying to get dressed. but we made it. breakfast was in the car on the way to the birthday party at "pump it up" a kid's inflatable jumping indoor playground. we got there on time. and a good time was had by all. k was quite shy at first, despite the presence of her friend ella. r was exhibiting some of his unaware social skills with a friend again noted dad. his inability to read social cues to back off when a child wants it is troubling. not sure what to do with this. i just think he is not as advanced in his social development as some of his peers and he has trouble "getting it" with our explicit directions and assistance.
we made it home. after potty, lunch, and reading time, we headed out to our second big adventure, a performance of shadow puppets called circo luna at the children's theater. k was extremely tired but held up well. it was an italian duo who used shadow puppets of various animal characters. it was quite well done. dad said that r was enthralled. he loved the performance and seemed to be at the edge of his seat. k definitely liked it, was a little scare, and very tired. she is also coughing and has a runny nose. so it is clear that she is coming down with something. sigh. nevertheless, the 45 minute performance was perfect for the kids and a good time was had by all.
for dinner r insisted that we find a pancake restaurant as that has been his request all weekend long. it took mom a few minutes and one phone call to find a place that serves pancakes at 5:30 pm on a sunday. but find one we did. dad did a great job of keeping r on track despite it being the witching hour. both kids were happy and managed more or less to be on reasonable behavior at the restaurant considering how tired they were. much food was consumed by all: pancakes, eggs, bacon, english muffin, hash browns, and corn bread, as well as some risotto and salad for grown ups. plenty of left overs for tomorrow.
bath time went smoothly. k was exhausted. mom changed everyone's sheets. soon kids were pj'ed, teeth were brushed, and books were read. k was asleep by 8:45 after an exhausting day and despite some coughing seems to be doing well. r took forever. reading stopped around 8:30 or 8:40. but dad reports that kiddo was awake until about 10! yikes.
we do not have a school for next year and are on wait lists. i am not sure how this works but it sure will be an interesting ride. we have also heard of a few more families leaving the center because of all this crazy business. it is quite a mess...
by the way, there was much discussion of star wars with gabe and at the bday party as the cake had a luke skywalker and darth vader on it. r was very excited and wanted the figures but was reminded that he has some. he and gabe are excited about making lightsabers. mom suggested flashlights as a base. so there is certainly much evocation of rocky mama in all of these conversations. i think the other kids are jealous when r and k talk about how rocky mama knows a lot about star wars. and has star wars stuff too of course. there is some on going work on coloring pictures for rocky mama's bday cards too still.
additionally there was a phone call to the bacon fairy. both kids called their masee to request more treats and bacon. k added that she missed masee and gave her hugs and kisses. k also listed all the people who love her in her family:
mommy, daddy, r, masee, uncle tom, rocky mama, nana, nani, grandma sue, james, and grandma joyce. smart girl.
things around here have been hectic but manageable. the weekend was quite busy. r had a morning scan on saturday. the kids and i had plans. we thought we were going to make puppets/masks with gabe and natty but both older children balked so we ran around the park instead. r and gabe were moderately interested in each other and natty was torn between k and the big boys. k was also befriended by another child who really wanted to play with k. k was friendly for a while holding hands with her new friend down the slide. the kids were mostly parallel playing but it was still fun. we then headed out to auntie hot hot's for snacks and adventures. k was very proud to use the potty there. and then dad joined us for a short outdoor adventure. r really enjoyed his time with auntie hot hot. they had all kinds of discussions about plants and trees as they walked along. auntie hot hot is a good friend of both the kids and the parents.
k fell asleep in the car and had a nice nap upstairs. r hung out with me for a short time while dad worked on our malfunctioning toilet. we invited several of the kids over for playdates: mira was dropped off by her mom who has a book deadline. r and mira had fun hiding his animals and books for awhile. they got along well and reviewed the rules. they stretched them a little but were very cooperative in their play. k warmed up to mira nicely this time. at one point, mira and r wanted me to read a book with them. all three kids cuddled on the couch and we read together. k initiated hugs with mira and mira was very tickled by k's attention. managing the 3 kids was much less work as they mostly seemed to work things out among themselves.
natty and gabe arrived shortly after 5 and we began the process of ordering pizza and getting dinner on the table. tracey managed the kids while i did the food. dad finished working on the toilet about half way through dinner after another trip to the hardware store. r and gabe had some conflict. it was easy to note that r had quite a temper. he is not a mellow child when he does not get what he wants. both moms had to talk to their eldest sons about their behaviors. both also complied. at least, the center trains them well in terms of responsible interactions with each other. r came back to report that gabe smiled. he also went and volunteered some jokes. there was some nice demonstration of negotiation and consideration. the pizza and ice cream eating went well though our kids were clearly tired at the end and needed a bed time. so by 7:45 all the guests headed home and we headed upstairs shortly after. of course, it took a good bit of time to get everyone to sleep. but eventually little snores were heard.
in the morning, no one wanted to get up despite plans for an exciting day. there was snow on the ground. snow! in april! we managed to rouse ourselves and get out of the house in some kind of orderly fashion. for some reason, r had a horrible time trying to get dressed. but we made it. breakfast was in the car on the way to the birthday party at "pump it up" a kid's inflatable jumping indoor playground. we got there on time. and a good time was had by all. k was quite shy at first, despite the presence of her friend ella. r was exhibiting some of his unaware social skills with a friend again noted dad. his inability to read social cues to back off when a child wants it is troubling. not sure what to do with this. i just think he is not as advanced in his social development as some of his peers and he has trouble "getting it" with our explicit directions and assistance.
we made it home. after potty, lunch, and reading time, we headed out to our second big adventure, a performance of shadow puppets called circo luna at the children's theater. k was extremely tired but held up well. it was an italian duo who used shadow puppets of various animal characters. it was quite well done. dad said that r was enthralled. he loved the performance and seemed to be at the edge of his seat. k definitely liked it, was a little scare, and very tired. she is also coughing and has a runny nose. so it is clear that she is coming down with something. sigh. nevertheless, the 45 minute performance was perfect for the kids and a good time was had by all.
for dinner r insisted that we find a pancake restaurant as that has been his request all weekend long. it took mom a few minutes and one phone call to find a place that serves pancakes at 5:30 pm on a sunday. but find one we did. dad did a great job of keeping r on track despite it being the witching hour. both kids were happy and managed more or less to be on reasonable behavior at the restaurant considering how tired they were. much food was consumed by all: pancakes, eggs, bacon, english muffin, hash browns, and corn bread, as well as some risotto and salad for grown ups. plenty of left overs for tomorrow.
bath time went smoothly. k was exhausted. mom changed everyone's sheets. soon kids were pj'ed, teeth were brushed, and books were read. k was asleep by 8:45 after an exhausting day and despite some coughing seems to be doing well. r took forever. reading stopped around 8:30 or 8:40. but dad reports that kiddo was awake until about 10! yikes.
we do not have a school for next year and are on wait lists. i am not sure how this works but it sure will be an interesting ride. we have also heard of a few more families leaving the center because of all this crazy business. it is quite a mess...
by the way, there was much discussion of star wars with gabe and at the bday party as the cake had a luke skywalker and darth vader on it. r was very excited and wanted the figures but was reminded that he has some. he and gabe are excited about making lightsabers. mom suggested flashlights as a base. so there is certainly much evocation of rocky mama in all of these conversations. i think the other kids are jealous when r and k talk about how rocky mama knows a lot about star wars. and has star wars stuff too of course. there is some on going work on coloring pictures for rocky mama's bday cards too still.
additionally there was a phone call to the bacon fairy. both kids called their masee to request more treats and bacon. k added that she missed masee and gave her hugs and kisses. k also listed all the people who love her in her family:
mommy, daddy, r, masee, uncle tom, rocky mama, nana, nani, grandma sue, james, and grandma joyce. smart girl.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
bacon fairy
sometime today some bacon was deposited in our refrigerator by the bacon fairy.
apparently it was well appreciated by dad as when i arrived home from boston tonight, the kitchen smelled like bacon.
the fact that i brought home some serrano jambon (spanish ham) for dad just makes it all that more clear how much we are enabling him.
apparently it was well appreciated by dad as when i arrived home from boston tonight, the kitchen smelled like bacon.
the fact that i brought home some serrano jambon (spanish ham) for dad just makes it all that more clear how much we are enabling him.
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