report from the childcare:
** What We Did Today **
Date: July 30th, 2009
This morning we spent our breakfast time eating French toast and applesauce, combined with lots of “Why did the chicken cross the road?” jokes. We had a lot of creative and silly answers – ask your child for a sample! Jokes have been very prevalent in everyday conversation and add a fun element to our classroom.
During free play we enjoyed coloring pictures with markers and crayons, along with trying out our fine motor skills with hole punchers and scissors. The group also built very detailed and elaborate block structures which evolved into a runway/stage for a rock band. This sparked ideas of a dance party, so after cleaning up we popped in some Wiggles and had a crazy time moving to “Hot Potato”, “Fruit Salad” “D-O-R-O-T-H-Y” and “Rock-a-Bye-Your-Bear”. A good time was had by all.
Outside the children all stayed busy pumping gasoline into friend’s tricycles, digging under the rock climber, flying paper airplanes and reading books on the porch. It was exciting to be on our playground in the morning after two days without!
This afternoon we are looking forward to enjoying chocolate milk with our snack. It was an exciting topic of conversation throughout the day, and the children all have plans as to how they are going to mix the syrup in with their milk. ☺
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
on our own
sometimes they surprise you.
r has been working through a new emotional and social development stage. when he is disappointed. he no longer rolls on the ground. instead he either says "nobody likes me," "you are not my mommy/friend anymore," or "i never get to XX." those are preferable to the claw hands and hitting he was doing last week. it is clearly a stage that kids go through. i have seen it on the playground. i somehow probably thought that he was not going to go through this stage. i tried to point out to him, that it is great when he uses his words (rather than hitting) to express how he feels. but that also when his friends act like this, he does not like their moodiness. so he might want to think about that. so far we have tried reassuring him that we love him. but i think what he wants is not to reassured but to get what he wants. don't we all. still this week has been better than last week. so i am grateful.
at pick-up, we took it nice and slow. r was grumpy right away with some thing i did that apparently rubbed him the wrong way. but i ignored it and stayed chipper which worked well. they ran around, played on the buttons, and listened to a book. and then both complied with getting their shoes de-sanded, using the bathroom, and washing up. but k had the biggest tantrum i have ever seen when i did not permit her to put the cap on her own water bottle. but r held it together and waited patiently. he was just terrific. since he had started with his own grousing, this was a wonderful display of calm and coolness.
k whimpered all the way to the parking lot while holding her friend's hand. r explored with his friend and we all managed to get to the car. after a few unexpected phone calls and assurances that there would only be cooperation from now on, we headed out to the noodle restaurant. both kids were great and ate their food with minimal difficulty. in fact, we had a nice time talking and eating. they both ate well. r did not fidget. being in a different place allows him to sit and eat, unlike at home where he can't hold it together at dinner. afterwards we went on our adventures: getting gas. swimming class, and cookies with milk on the back porch. i did not get to watch r's swimming class much as both kids had bms right after the other. but he did well enough to move on to level 3 according to the observer. so we will celebrate that soon. we saw our friend moon in the parking lot.
both kids were getting snarky on the way home from class but managed to hold it together for just a little longer. we made it home. each kid picked a book. we read and then everyone got tucked in. the last 15 minutes before dad got home were rough as they were exhausted. but i am proud of them -- they were great!
r has been working through a new emotional and social development stage. when he is disappointed. he no longer rolls on the ground. instead he either says "nobody likes me," "you are not my mommy/friend anymore," or "i never get to XX." those are preferable to the claw hands and hitting he was doing last week. it is clearly a stage that kids go through. i have seen it on the playground. i somehow probably thought that he was not going to go through this stage. i tried to point out to him, that it is great when he uses his words (rather than hitting) to express how he feels. but that also when his friends act like this, he does not like their moodiness. so he might want to think about that. so far we have tried reassuring him that we love him. but i think what he wants is not to reassured but to get what he wants. don't we all. still this week has been better than last week. so i am grateful.
at pick-up, we took it nice and slow. r was grumpy right away with some thing i did that apparently rubbed him the wrong way. but i ignored it and stayed chipper which worked well. they ran around, played on the buttons, and listened to a book. and then both complied with getting their shoes de-sanded, using the bathroom, and washing up. but k had the biggest tantrum i have ever seen when i did not permit her to put the cap on her own water bottle. but r held it together and waited patiently. he was just terrific. since he had started with his own grousing, this was a wonderful display of calm and coolness.
k whimpered all the way to the parking lot while holding her friend's hand. r explored with his friend and we all managed to get to the car. after a few unexpected phone calls and assurances that there would only be cooperation from now on, we headed out to the noodle restaurant. both kids were great and ate their food with minimal difficulty. in fact, we had a nice time talking and eating. they both ate well. r did not fidget. being in a different place allows him to sit and eat, unlike at home where he can't hold it together at dinner. afterwards we went on our adventures: getting gas. swimming class, and cookies with milk on the back porch. i did not get to watch r's swimming class much as both kids had bms right after the other. but he did well enough to move on to level 3 according to the observer. so we will celebrate that soon. we saw our friend moon in the parking lot.
both kids were getting snarky on the way home from class but managed to hold it together for just a little longer. we made it home. each kid picked a book. we read and then everyone got tucked in. the last 15 minutes before dad got home were rough as they were exhausted. but i am proud of them -- they were great!
Monday, July 20, 2009
more photos
as the evening consisted of high melodrama by r and wilting by k, there is little to report. luckily, there was some bike riding. but most of the time, r was just plain out of sorts. and it was barely tolerable.
so in lieu of more fun stories to share, here are some more photos.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
relaxed saturday
dad worked this morning so the kids and i slept in. we woke up, hung out, and made pancakes. after breakfast was consumed and messes cleaned up, the kids decided to stay inside for a little while and play. we looked at photographs they have have been taking and played with them on the computer (removing red eye and wrinkles!). r said that i looked the same age as he did once we retouched one of my photos. that was kind of funny and disturbing.
we then went outside to ride bikes. and by then dad came home. we went for a 2 block bike ride. by the end, both kids were tired of riding and wanted to come home. it was a pleasant walk and it would be nice if we could do it nightly. we hit a rough moment transitioning to our next event. but finally managed to hit the road. with a picnic in hand, we drove around the parks and then settled on going to the sculpture garden. it was good fun. everyone ate cheese, bread, and chips and then ran around the sculptures avoiding wedding parties. r was a little manic without his nap, while k settled into the stroller more contentedly. on our final errand, we picked up our veggies and headed home.
the kids and i watched chicken run while dad made dinner. everyone had a pleasant dinner while dad read a story out loud. we did some coloring and then headed upstairs for reading and bed. both kids were quite tired. k was asleep immediately.
it was a pleasant day. cold but nice.
now i am up late working while i can. but i did get some things organized.
i am also including part 1 of the photographs from our fourth of july adventure at masee and tom's.
more pictures to follow!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
thank you says the birthday girl
i asked k in her sleep this morning: whose birthday is it today. she replied "it's mine."
she had a wonderful day with balloons, pastries, pizza, boating, chocolate cake, water play at the lake with masee and tom, cutie cat and many wonderful people calling to wish her a happy birthday (sorry to those who did not get a chance to speak with her -- talking on the phone require the alignment of a certain frame of mind, happy temperament, and lack of more immediate activity)
congratulations to uncle tom on a terrific triathlon.
our k is now three. a growing girl whose sense of self is clear and joyous.
we had a good day and i need to post photos soon.
she had a wonderful day with balloons, pastries, pizza, boating, chocolate cake, water play at the lake with masee and tom, cutie cat and many wonderful people calling to wish her a happy birthday (sorry to those who did not get a chance to speak with her -- talking on the phone require the alignment of a certain frame of mind, happy temperament, and lack of more immediate activity)
congratulations to uncle tom on a terrific triathlon.
our k is now three. a growing girl whose sense of self is clear and joyous.
we had a good day and i need to post photos soon.
Friday, July 10, 2009
last day of being two...
report from the child care center:
After breakfast we played in the classroom with blocks, magnet boards, color paddles and dramatic play. We enjoyed dressing up as doctors and caring for baby dolls as well as each other with stethoscopes, bandages, vitamins, slings and blankets. It was a busy and active area for all! We also spent this time making pictures for Khayaal’s birthday book. Many kind messages went out with the beautiful drawings! For group, Khayaal chose a brown cake and we counted out three candles to put on top. She didn’t want to blow the candles out, so we did it together as a group! Then we read Benny Bakes a Cake and the birthday book before eating popsicles in the classroom. When we had finished, we grabbed hats and headed outside to the warm playground. The rest of preschool had taken today as their pool day so we had the entire playground to ourselves! We took this time to play in the water tables, run around on the climber, build an “ice cream shop” near Bernie the Bus, and race tricycles. We also had the important task of helping Kathy clean off large wooden blocks to be used in the play castle. Several children used wet, soapy rags to wipe off years of dust from the blocks and talked about how they would use them to build later in the day.
This afternoon we will spend much of our time outdoors in the sunshine. We will also spend time at the activity tables with play dough and open art, as well as some more free play.
report from parents:
r and his friend mira urgently requested a playdate. both of their last days are quickly approaching and they are inseparable. there is much love between them -- it is hard to imagine one with out the other at the center these days. as KG approaches, r has mentioned that he wishes he could go to mira's school. and mira has cried about being separated from her ro. they are generous and kind with each other. not to mention imaginative, exuberant, and empowered. anyway, the playdate invitation was to our house. apparently the kids have been talking about it all week because it was soon reported that there was a birthday party for k on friday night. so the pressure kicked it. i stayed home half the day to clean and cook. dinner was simply and revolved around farm veggies. but there was much to be done anyway for some reason. i picked up k while dad went to pick up r and mira. all three came running with joy when i arrived. it was quite adorable. one of the teachers came to talk to me about and r and k. she said that k had had a lovely birthday and had been celebrating everyone's birthday in her play. she also asked the class to help her with the candles and enjoyed her popsicle. she seemed quite happy prancing around with tanisha while i was there. bethany also mentioned that r had had a urine accident and that he had chosen his nice clothes out of his cubby because he was going to a party. (apparently we are having a party tonight.) he also said that it makes you feel good to celebrate and that sometimes it is good to continue to celebrating even after the party ends so that you feel good. he said that he likes to wear dresses to parties because it makes it feel special.
the kids had a great time running around at the house. august looked so much better. it was a relief to see him. k enjoyed the chocolate pastries that were brought in her honor. everyone ran around outside for a while before it got buggy and time to go home. after a long time getting settled, things are mostly quiet... tomorrow is k's first day of being 3 and a triathlon for uncle tom.
After breakfast we played in the classroom with blocks, magnet boards, color paddles and dramatic play. We enjoyed dressing up as doctors and caring for baby dolls as well as each other with stethoscopes, bandages, vitamins, slings and blankets. It was a busy and active area for all! We also spent this time making pictures for Khayaal’s birthday book. Many kind messages went out with the beautiful drawings! For group, Khayaal chose a brown cake and we counted out three candles to put on top. She didn’t want to blow the candles out, so we did it together as a group! Then we read Benny Bakes a Cake and the birthday book before eating popsicles in the classroom. When we had finished, we grabbed hats and headed outside to the warm playground. The rest of preschool had taken today as their pool day so we had the entire playground to ourselves! We took this time to play in the water tables, run around on the climber, build an “ice cream shop” near Bernie the Bus, and race tricycles. We also had the important task of helping Kathy clean off large wooden blocks to be used in the play castle. Several children used wet, soapy rags to wipe off years of dust from the blocks and talked about how they would use them to build later in the day.
This afternoon we will spend much of our time outdoors in the sunshine. We will also spend time at the activity tables with play dough and open art, as well as some more free play.
report from parents:
r and his friend mira urgently requested a playdate. both of their last days are quickly approaching and they are inseparable. there is much love between them -- it is hard to imagine one with out the other at the center these days. as KG approaches, r has mentioned that he wishes he could go to mira's school. and mira has cried about being separated from her ro. they are generous and kind with each other. not to mention imaginative, exuberant, and empowered. anyway, the playdate invitation was to our house. apparently the kids have been talking about it all week because it was soon reported that there was a birthday party for k on friday night. so the pressure kicked it. i stayed home half the day to clean and cook. dinner was simply and revolved around farm veggies. but there was much to be done anyway for some reason. i picked up k while dad went to pick up r and mira. all three came running with joy when i arrived. it was quite adorable. one of the teachers came to talk to me about and r and k. she said that k had had a lovely birthday and had been celebrating everyone's birthday in her play. she also asked the class to help her with the candles and enjoyed her popsicle. she seemed quite happy prancing around with tanisha while i was there. bethany also mentioned that r had had a urine accident and that he had chosen his nice clothes out of his cubby because he was going to a party. (apparently we are having a party tonight.) he also said that it makes you feel good to celebrate and that sometimes it is good to continue to celebrating even after the party ends so that you feel good. he said that he likes to wear dresses to parties because it makes it feel special.
the kids had a great time running around at the house. august looked so much better. it was a relief to see him. k enjoyed the chocolate pastries that were brought in her honor. everyone ran around outside for a while before it got buggy and time to go home. after a long time getting settled, things are mostly quiet... tomorrow is k's first day of being 3 and a triathlon for uncle tom.
Friday, July 3, 2009
looooong day
dad is plowing through to the end of an article. thank goodness. this is the article that has been a thorn in his side for about a year. and it is close. but he was up until 3 am or so working on it last night (and watching a trashy television series about Henry the VIII -- "The Tudors"). Sufficient to say he could not wake up this morning. but no matter as i was on kid duty today. as the center was closed and the kids were in my hands, i had a day chockfull of adventures. so first r and i headed to OT where he did some great gross motor work and some handwriting practice. he was frustrated making Zs but his Xs and Ys were steady. his Ws were definitely messy. Zs are odd in that they are one (if not the only letter) that goes across first and not down.
afterwards, we went and picked up daddy's buddy. dad and daughter had had a leisurely morning and got into dad's work in great spirits. i picked her up and off went dad to wrestle with figures and meet with katie. and i headed off on my quest with the two kids in tow. now mind you, there are plenty of places to go with children. the problem is that we live in a city where everyone goes to things during the weekend so that all venues are packed with families during the summer and especially holiday weekends. well we got to como town and zoo and there was not one parking spot to be found. in fact, there were several dozen cars circling each parking spot and were still find no spots. as i had two little children by myself, i did not relish the idea of parking far away and walking there with both in tow. so mom was persistent and secured one at the edge of tolerability. the lure of rides was enough to get them there. but of course, as we finally arrived inside, hand in hand, the day started heating up and children started wilting. nonetheless, we managed to get everyone in various lines and on various rides. since it is not a huge park, it is rather manageable for the kids. and since we only go about once a year, the kids got to go on about 5 rides. they had a good time and i will try to post pictures soon. what is interesting is how quickly they are growing. the difference between 2&4 and 3&5 is noticeable. yikes. we are entering big kid territory on one end. at the same, i had to hold r back because r could not go by himself on some rides and k could not be left behind by herself. the children were also really really well behaved and great listeners. no one ran off or whined. the only little bit of whining came around lunch time. and the lure of mini-donuts is too much for r to resist.
after lunch and climbing around in the big play structure, we shared some mini donuts (not as good as before) and then headed back to the car. both kids were hot and tired. this led to some quiet and impending crankiness. k was definitely in her missing-nap-time-mode. she was clingy and pissy. we managed to make it to auntie hot hot's house for some replenishment and rest before we headed out to see UP together.
r and k have not been to many films. i believe the last two were Wall-E and horton hears a who. we have been working on having r adjust to conflict and cope with fear when watching films and it has been slowly improving. the premise of UP does not imply much frightening evil. but there are some scary dogs and an obsessive and deadly explorer. both did ok for the most part as the story is quite charming, especially the relationship between the man and the woman in the film. but r really started becoming overwrought towards the end as the chase scenes and "violence" began. he did ok but was definitely crying. auntie hot hot did an excellent job of helping him manage and talk through his emotions. oddly enough, prior to this he kept repeating that he was bored but did not want to leave. it is an interesting response he has. both kids clearly enjoyed the movie and it is apparent that r is getting better at understanding and watching the films. nonetheless, it is also obvious that he is still learning how to cope.
two very tired children came home with mom who had a massive migraine at this point. i lay down while dad heated up dinner and the kids played outside cooperatively together. dinner went more or less smoothly. afterwards the kids were a bit touchy but managed not to breakdown completely. eventually, after some water play (pipes and hoses) and a bath, both settled into reading with a parent. i am hoping that they are exhausted and will sleep deeply tonight.
afterwards, we went and picked up daddy's buddy. dad and daughter had had a leisurely morning and got into dad's work in great spirits. i picked her up and off went dad to wrestle with figures and meet with katie. and i headed off on my quest with the two kids in tow. now mind you, there are plenty of places to go with children. the problem is that we live in a city where everyone goes to things during the weekend so that all venues are packed with families during the summer and especially holiday weekends. well we got to como town and zoo and there was not one parking spot to be found. in fact, there were several dozen cars circling each parking spot and were still find no spots. as i had two little children by myself, i did not relish the idea of parking far away and walking there with both in tow. so mom was persistent and secured one at the edge of tolerability. the lure of rides was enough to get them there. but of course, as we finally arrived inside, hand in hand, the day started heating up and children started wilting. nonetheless, we managed to get everyone in various lines and on various rides. since it is not a huge park, it is rather manageable for the kids. and since we only go about once a year, the kids got to go on about 5 rides. they had a good time and i will try to post pictures soon. what is interesting is how quickly they are growing. the difference between 2&4 and 3&5 is noticeable. yikes. we are entering big kid territory on one end. at the same, i had to hold r back because r could not go by himself on some rides and k could not be left behind by herself. the children were also really really well behaved and great listeners. no one ran off or whined. the only little bit of whining came around lunch time. and the lure of mini-donuts is too much for r to resist.
after lunch and climbing around in the big play structure, we shared some mini donuts (not as good as before) and then headed back to the car. both kids were hot and tired. this led to some quiet and impending crankiness. k was definitely in her missing-nap-time-mode. she was clingy and pissy. we managed to make it to auntie hot hot's house for some replenishment and rest before we headed out to see UP together.
r and k have not been to many films. i believe the last two were Wall-E and horton hears a who. we have been working on having r adjust to conflict and cope with fear when watching films and it has been slowly improving. the premise of UP does not imply much frightening evil. but there are some scary dogs and an obsessive and deadly explorer. both did ok for the most part as the story is quite charming, especially the relationship between the man and the woman in the film. but r really started becoming overwrought towards the end as the chase scenes and "violence" began. he did ok but was definitely crying. auntie hot hot did an excellent job of helping him manage and talk through his emotions. oddly enough, prior to this he kept repeating that he was bored but did not want to leave. it is an interesting response he has. both kids clearly enjoyed the movie and it is apparent that r is getting better at understanding and watching the films. nonetheless, it is also obvious that he is still learning how to cope.
two very tired children came home with mom who had a massive migraine at this point. i lay down while dad heated up dinner and the kids played outside cooperatively together. dinner went more or less smoothly. afterwards the kids were a bit touchy but managed not to breakdown completely. eventually, after some water play (pipes and hoses) and a bath, both settled into reading with a parent. i am hoping that they are exhausted and will sleep deeply tonight.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
speedy week
this week has been a balance of high and low moments. some things are getting easier while others are getting more complex. r has worked out some dawdling (well just a little) and he and i are making progress on it.
however, both kids have "discovered" anger. k has been hitting and pushing another friend at school. and r, i believe, threatened to punch me when i asked him to finish his shower and get out. this display of anger and aggression on both of their parts is important in developing autonomy, sense of control, and articulations of their feelings. the idea is now to help them channel these things in productive ways. today k happily reported that she did not push or hit her friends or teachers. i gave her great kudos for that. and r was pretty much on track most of the day and i told him that he earned extra cooperation stars. both were happy with the positive feedback. i am also learning how to give them feedback -- not just good job. but that is very mature/responsible/kind/etc. of you. it shows me how much you have grown and how ready you are to be a preschooler/kindergartner. they really respond and blossom with such feedback. i am also trying to be more mindful and present when i am with them. i think i get impatient waiting for them to finish their tasks or play when we are transitioning. and i have to say there are times when it is difficult to get excited about seeing the 40th hole he has dug this week. but i do try to remember to engage and find out his/her perspective. it is not always obvious or easy to do.
r had a great swimming class and will begin the next round next week. dad biked to work. i tried to work out but it irritated my sore spots today. after the quick medical procedure i had monday, i have not gotten back to my old self and therefore am a little uncomfortable these days. waiting it out... but i think the procedure has to repeated 2-4 times. ouch!
the kids dug for fossils today. k did not eat much dinner but enjoyed her school lunch. on the other side, r loved his dinner and declared it the best meal he has ever eaten (green bean casserole, broccoli frittata, and rice). it was nice.
tomorrow we let dad work and i have the kids all day. i have been trying to finish some writign and it is going so slow. i am very very close to being done with another project. if i can just be focused and plow through...
however, both kids have "discovered" anger. k has been hitting and pushing another friend at school. and r, i believe, threatened to punch me when i asked him to finish his shower and get out. this display of anger and aggression on both of their parts is important in developing autonomy, sense of control, and articulations of their feelings. the idea is now to help them channel these things in productive ways. today k happily reported that she did not push or hit her friends or teachers. i gave her great kudos for that. and r was pretty much on track most of the day and i told him that he earned extra cooperation stars. both were happy with the positive feedback. i am also learning how to give them feedback -- not just good job. but that is very mature/responsible/kind/etc. of you. it shows me how much you have grown and how ready you are to be a preschooler/kindergartner. they really respond and blossom with such feedback. i am also trying to be more mindful and present when i am with them. i think i get impatient waiting for them to finish their tasks or play when we are transitioning. and i have to say there are times when it is difficult to get excited about seeing the 40th hole he has dug this week. but i do try to remember to engage and find out his/her perspective. it is not always obvious or easy to do.
r had a great swimming class and will begin the next round next week. dad biked to work. i tried to work out but it irritated my sore spots today. after the quick medical procedure i had monday, i have not gotten back to my old self and therefore am a little uncomfortable these days. waiting it out... but i think the procedure has to repeated 2-4 times. ouch!
the kids dug for fossils today. k did not eat much dinner but enjoyed her school lunch. on the other side, r loved his dinner and declared it the best meal he has ever eaten (green bean casserole, broccoli frittata, and rice). it was nice.
tomorrow we let dad work and i have the kids all day. i have been trying to finish some writign and it is going so slow. i am very very close to being done with another project. if i can just be focused and plow through...
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