Roasted Teddy Bear. Yum.
Just don't tell Chipmunk what his sister did to his bear.
Showing posts with label Sonja and Friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sonja and Friends. Show all posts
12.23.2008
12.10.2008
Why We Love Costco
After spending an hour or so looking for Chipmunk's teddy bear, we left Costco resigned to the fact that we would never see "Bear Bear" again. Today Matt called and they had found the bear and kept it for us to pick up.
Besides the cheap hot dogs, that is why we love Costco.
Besides the cheap hot dogs, that is why we love Costco.
10.10.2008
October Is In Full Swing!
I actually got an early start on costume-making this year. I figured that with two costumes to put together (and my shotty tailoring skills), I better not procrastinate.
Matt finally got his little jedi. I vetoed his "St@r Wars" votes the last two years for Bear, but this year he got his wish for Chipmunk.
This was the first year we let Bear choose her own costume. Even before we could come up with some suitable choices she decided she would be a "pink PIN-cess!"
She picked out her own fabric, too. Pink and shiny.
Oh, and we can't forget the little friends...
Looks like October is in full swing!
Matt finally got his little jedi. I vetoed his "St@r Wars" votes the last two years for Bear, but this year he got his wish for Chipmunk.
This was the first year we let Bear choose her own costume. Even before we could come up with some suitable choices she decided she would be a "pink PIN-cess!"
She picked out her own fabric, too. Pink and shiny.
Oh, and we can't forget the little friends...
 |
| From 2008 |
 |
| From 2008 |
Looks like October is in full swing!
9.03.2008
Little Friends are Hard to Find
Sometimes you just don't know what will become your child's best friend and comfort. Bear has her Sonja. Sonja is the ragged, gray, fraying love of her life. It would devastate her if she were to ever disappear. It was disheartening enough to watch her cry after Sonja fell in a mud puddle. Because of this, and here's our little secret, we actually have two Sonja dolls. When Bear started becoming attached we luckily found Sonja still available at our local toy store. So we took the advice of a friend and started alternating Sonja dolls unbeknownst to our little girl.
Recently, a friend of ours found another Sonja doll and gave it to us to use somehow. So now our count is at three, but one of them is pristeen. I guess we could wash it a few times, run it over with the car, drag it through a sandbox to give it that timeworn look and throw that one in the mix, but for now we'll keep it shiny and new just in case.
Chipmunk has a little brown beanie bear that he's been becoming attached to. Whenever he gets his hands on it, he shoves the little brown nose into his mouth. When he's tired, he rests his head against the belly and in bed he rolls his arm around the tiny bear body. So we decided that perhaps we better look for at least one other. I think Matt just ordered three of them. Sounds crazy, I know, but we had to do quite some searching for this little brown bear. According to it's maker's website, it's RETIRED! So I think he figured that we bite the bullet now instead of searching later for a retired toy bear.
So that's our secret. We've got multiples.
Shhh...don't tell our kids.
Recently, a friend of ours found another Sonja doll and gave it to us to use somehow. So now our count is at three, but one of them is pristeen. I guess we could wash it a few times, run it over with the car, drag it through a sandbox to give it that timeworn look and throw that one in the mix, but for now we'll keep it shiny and new just in case.
Chipmunk has a little brown beanie bear that he's been becoming attached to. Whenever he gets his hands on it, he shoves the little brown nose into his mouth. When he's tired, he rests his head against the belly and in bed he rolls his arm around the tiny bear body. So we decided that perhaps we better look for at least one other. I think Matt just ordered three of them. Sounds crazy, I know, but we had to do quite some searching for this little brown bear. According to it's maker's website, it's RETIRED! So I think he figured that we bite the bullet now instead of searching later for a retired toy bear.
So that's our secret. We've got multiples.
Shhh...don't tell our kids.
5.27.2008
Outdoor Babies
My kids just tend to do better when we go out. I just have to bite the bullet and pack up the car everyday so we spend some happier moments out of the house. Bear seems to be happy wherever we go as long as Sonja is there with her. Chipmunk seems to like being in outdoorsy settings. Today at the Farmers' Market he wouldn't nap, but was enjoying himself and laughing whenever the wind blew upon his face. Funny baby.
I just have such a hard time motivating myself to pack them both up into the car with all their numerous necessary accouterments.
Here's our morning at the park on Monday.
Bear enjoyed climbing. Although Dad was helping her, she would periodically yell over to me, "Yook, Mommy! Climbing!"
Why don't parks have sand anymore? What is this wooded junk covering the playground floor? Regardless, Bear seemed to enjoy throwing it around.
Chipmunk enjoyed the park in his own way, feeling the wind blow into his face.
The clouds were looking a little ominous after a while, so we couldn't spend too long, but at least our babies got to have some outdoor time.
I just have such a hard time motivating myself to pack them both up into the car with all their numerous necessary accouterments.
Here's our morning at the park on Monday.
Bear enjoyed climbing. Although Dad was helping her, she would periodically yell over to me, "Yook, Mommy! Climbing!"
Why don't parks have sand anymore? What is this wooded junk covering the playground floor? Regardless, Bear seemed to enjoy throwing it around.
Chipmunk enjoyed the park in his own way, feeling the wind blow into his face.
The clouds were looking a little ominous after a while, so we couldn't spend too long, but at least our babies got to have some outdoor time.
5.19.2008
Liars
My mom always tells me that our kids have this knack for making liars out of us. I often write about how my kids are little "troublemakers," yet when we go out, or are in the midst of other people, my kids are little angels. Bear, of course, is the charmer, smiling her cute little smile, waving hello, sharing Sonja, and of course, being her wonderful little self. Chipmunk is super-mellow, smiles at anyone, and loves to chat up a storm if you get him in the right mood.
So no one but us sees the pouting, crying, temper tantrums, whining and all in all everyday fussing. I guess if there are no witnesses, then we can't prove we actually have 2 little "troublemakers." I guess we'll just have to live as supposed liars.
So no one but us sees the pouting, crying, temper tantrums, whining and all in all everyday fussing. I guess if there are no witnesses, then we can't prove we actually have 2 little "troublemakers." I guess we'll just have to live as supposed liars.
5.12.2008
Overshadowing
Every Mother's Day our church has child dedications. Yesterday we dedicated Chipmunk...he is young, but we figured, hey, now is as good a time as any. So we stood up in front of the congregation as a family and read our prayer to God for Chipmunk. It was good for us to remember that raising our kids isn't just making sure they're fed and washed, but teaching them values and character and the importance of spiritual care.
Our church is a decent size, so it can be rather daunting standing up in front and having all eyes focused on you. Then again while I was reading our prayer, most of the congregation was focusing their attention on Bear. From the corner of my eye I noticed her walk up to our pastor and proudly announce, "Doh-dya!" as she handed Sonja over to him. There was some snickering from the pews and I could see people smiling. When I finished reading, our pastor introduced Sonja to the whole congregation much to the delight of Bear.
After service ended quite a number of people came up to remark how "not shy" Bear was. True. Most dedications I've witnessed the older siblings are trying their best to become permanently attached to their parents' legs. Bear wandered around the stage as if she owned it.
So even though the dedication was supposed to be for Chipmunk, Bear apparently stole the show. Sometimes I wonder if their sibling relationship is going to be like that with Bear "overshadowing" her brother most of the time and Chipmunk just going along with whatever Bear does.
It reminded me of a time four years ago when my sister, my cousin (along with her husband and their then three kids at the time), and I visited our mutual fifth grade teacher who was retiring after thirty something years. It was amazing to see how after all these years she still loved kids and treated them with so much respect. I was in awe of her teaching skills most especially watching her interact with my cousin's two oldest. They were inspecting a strange something she had on display and the 6 year old asked what it was. Instead of just telling him she asked, "what do you think it is?" His response was "a feather." And instead of ignoring the 4 year old who was watching quietly a couple of feet away, she turned to him and asked, "and how about you?" He said, "a feather." Then she did something that really struck me. She said, "that's what your brother thinks, but what do you think it is?" The 4 year old looked at it again, thought about it and said, "I guess it looks like a snake." She smiled and told them it was the shed skin of a snake. She then bent down to the 4 year old's level, tapped him on the nose, smiled and said, "you are your own person...you make sure that you always say what you think and not what your brother thinks, okay?" It was very important to her that each kid expressed their own opinion, not just that day with my cousin's kids, but also as we were her students.
Needless to say, I'm curious to see how things will turn out with Bear and Chipmunk. Perhaps one of these days Chipmunk will develop his own strong personality and fight it out with his sister...or perhaps he'll be the quiet type who keeps his thoughts to himself allowing his sister to overshadow who he is. If that's the case, I'll have to learn how to create teachable moments as my fifth grade teacher did in order to help out Chipmunk's thoughts and opinions. Sibling dynamics. Interesting. I guess we'll just have to wait and see how things progress with them. I'll be sure to keep you all posted.
Our Mother's Day family picture
Our church is a decent size, so it can be rather daunting standing up in front and having all eyes focused on you. Then again while I was reading our prayer, most of the congregation was focusing their attention on Bear. From the corner of my eye I noticed her walk up to our pastor and proudly announce, "Doh-dya!" as she handed Sonja over to him. There was some snickering from the pews and I could see people smiling. When I finished reading, our pastor introduced Sonja to the whole congregation much to the delight of Bear.
After service ended quite a number of people came up to remark how "not shy" Bear was. True. Most dedications I've witnessed the older siblings are trying their best to become permanently attached to their parents' legs. Bear wandered around the stage as if she owned it.
So even though the dedication was supposed to be for Chipmunk, Bear apparently stole the show. Sometimes I wonder if their sibling relationship is going to be like that with Bear "overshadowing" her brother most of the time and Chipmunk just going along with whatever Bear does.
It reminded me of a time four years ago when my sister, my cousin (along with her husband and their then three kids at the time), and I visited our mutual fifth grade teacher who was retiring after thirty something years. It was amazing to see how after all these years she still loved kids and treated them with so much respect. I was in awe of her teaching skills most especially watching her interact with my cousin's two oldest. They were inspecting a strange something she had on display and the 6 year old asked what it was. Instead of just telling him she asked, "what do you think it is?" His response was "a feather." And instead of ignoring the 4 year old who was watching quietly a couple of feet away, she turned to him and asked, "and how about you?" He said, "a feather." Then she did something that really struck me. She said, "that's what your brother thinks, but what do you think it is?" The 4 year old looked at it again, thought about it and said, "I guess it looks like a snake." She smiled and told them it was the shed skin of a snake. She then bent down to the 4 year old's level, tapped him on the nose, smiled and said, "you are your own person...you make sure that you always say what you think and not what your brother thinks, okay?" It was very important to her that each kid expressed their own opinion, not just that day with my cousin's kids, but also as we were her students.
Needless to say, I'm curious to see how things will turn out with Bear and Chipmunk. Perhaps one of these days Chipmunk will develop his own strong personality and fight it out with his sister...or perhaps he'll be the quiet type who keeps his thoughts to himself allowing his sister to overshadow who he is. If that's the case, I'll have to learn how to create teachable moments as my fifth grade teacher did in order to help out Chipmunk's thoughts and opinions. Sibling dynamics. Interesting. I guess we'll just have to wait and see how things progress with them. I'll be sure to keep you all posted.
Our Mother's Day family picture
3.14.2008
Numbers
30 - the number of minutes it takes to pack 2 kids into the car
19 - the number of times I told Bear to stop waking up her brother this morning
17 - the number of diapers I changed yesterday
9 - the number of times Chipmunk woke up out of a sound nap suddenly, usually from snorting (stuffy nose)
8 - the number of times Bear lost Sonja and ran through the house screaming for her
6 - the number of dirty outfits I changed yesterday
5 - the number of hours Chipmunk was up last night crying
4 - the number of Curious George episodes I had to watch today
3 - the number of hours of sleep I got last night(in 3 different parts)
2 - the number of kids in this house with colds involving stuffy noses
1 - the number of tired moms in this house
19 - the number of times I told Bear to stop waking up her brother this morning
17 - the number of diapers I changed yesterday
9 - the number of times Chipmunk woke up out of a sound nap suddenly, usually from snorting (stuffy nose)
8 - the number of times Bear lost Sonja and ran through the house screaming for her
6 - the number of dirty outfits I changed yesterday
5 - the number of hours Chipmunk was up last night crying
4 - the number of Curious George episodes I had to watch today
3 - the number of hours of sleep I got last night(in 3 different parts)
2 - the number of kids in this house with colds involving stuffy noses
1 - the number of tired moms in this house
11.27.2007
Thanksgiving Weekend
Hope that all of you out there had wonderful holiday weekends.
I was trying to think of a way to cleverly sum up our weekend, but as I have been Mrs. Scatterbrain lately, cleverness just isn't my thing. Other than that, I'm sure that Matt will tell you that I have been "nesting" to full capacity...at least until a week or so ago when I hit a wall...and now I've just been doing a lot of complaining.
But back to Thanksgiving weekend...
After watching my mom madly shop for and cook mass quantities of eats, we had a wonderful dinner with family. Bear managed to eat half of the grape tomatoes on her own and half a box of tangerines. As usual, she entertained everyone with her silly antics. Pictures will have to come later.
Saturday was Bear's first trip to Disneyland to help celebrate Auntie R's birthday. She had this look on her face most of the day:
Bear was overwhelmed and couldn't believe that she was seeing her cartoon heroes in person. She managed to give Goofy, Mickey and Minnie a kiss. She even shared Sonja with Mickey. That lucky mouse.
We managed to get on a few rides. Surprisingly, Bear can ride more rides than I can at this point. We stuck with the ones that we all could ride. Here she is "Finding Nemo" and riding the "Choo Choo."
That was our weekend in a nutshell.
I was trying to think of a way to cleverly sum up our weekend, but as I have been Mrs. Scatterbrain lately, cleverness just isn't my thing. Other than that, I'm sure that Matt will tell you that I have been "nesting" to full capacity...at least until a week or so ago when I hit a wall...and now I've just been doing a lot of complaining.
But back to Thanksgiving weekend...
After watching my mom madly shop for and cook mass quantities of eats, we had a wonderful dinner with family. Bear managed to eat half of the grape tomatoes on her own and half a box of tangerines. As usual, she entertained everyone with her silly antics. Pictures will have to come later.
Saturday was Bear's first trip to Disneyland to help celebrate Auntie R's birthday. She had this look on her face most of the day:
Bear was overwhelmed and couldn't believe that she was seeing her cartoon heroes in person. She managed to give Goofy, Mickey and Minnie a kiss. She even shared Sonja with Mickey. That lucky mouse.
We managed to get on a few rides. Surprisingly, Bear can ride more rides than I can at this point. We stuck with the ones that we all could ride. Here she is "Finding Nemo" and riding the "Choo Choo."
That was our weekend in a nutshell.
11.19.2007
Emotions
There are those people in life that no matter how angry or mad you get, they always seem to turn it around in an instant.
Bear is like that. She has this way of making anger and sadness melt away.
Like any human being, I do get angry...at her, especially when I've asked her 10 times in a row not to touch something, or when I'm trying to keep her away from something potentially dangerous and she just chooses to endanger herself again and again.
But she has this way of always turning those situations around...and somehow I end up laughing with her, hugging her, enjoying the moment where a few minutes ago I was ready to pop out a vein.
Throughout our day together, I have to keep myself from bursting out laughing because of all the silly things she does when she thinks I'm not looking. Her most recent antic is to yell "Abre! (is that how it's spelled?)" at the most random times, imitating her favorite tv character Dora when she wants things to "Open" like the door, a book, or even at laundry as she throws it up in the air.
Other times when I'm feeling blue, she tries to cheer me up in her own special ways. Often that means offering Sonja or her cup of juice to me. Sometimes if I have to cry, she sits in my lap and cries with me. Once she even offered Sonja's hand to me, because for her sucking on Sonja's hand is comforting.
And I feel for her when she cries...Somehow a broken dish or spilled milk all over the floor just doesn't matter when your child is whimpering and feeling bad for what she did. The comforting hug always comes first...clean up comes later.
So wiping up all sorts of biological messes, finding irreversible pen marks on favorite books, waking up in the middle of the night of an already shortened sleep, is nothing. Realizing that your child needs you and you love your child, is absolutely something.
Bear is like that. She has this way of making anger and sadness melt away.
Like any human being, I do get angry...at her, especially when I've asked her 10 times in a row not to touch something, or when I'm trying to keep her away from something potentially dangerous and she just chooses to endanger herself again and again.
But she has this way of always turning those situations around...and somehow I end up laughing with her, hugging her, enjoying the moment where a few minutes ago I was ready to pop out a vein.
Throughout our day together, I have to keep myself from bursting out laughing because of all the silly things she does when she thinks I'm not looking. Her most recent antic is to yell "Abre! (is that how it's spelled?)" at the most random times, imitating her favorite tv character Dora when she wants things to "Open" like the door, a book, or even at laundry as she throws it up in the air.
Other times when I'm feeling blue, she tries to cheer me up in her own special ways. Often that means offering Sonja or her cup of juice to me. Sometimes if I have to cry, she sits in my lap and cries with me. Once she even offered Sonja's hand to me, because for her sucking on Sonja's hand is comforting.
And I feel for her when she cries...Somehow a broken dish or spilled milk all over the floor just doesn't matter when your child is whimpering and feeling bad for what she did. The comforting hug always comes first...clean up comes later.
So wiping up all sorts of biological messes, finding irreversible pen marks on favorite books, waking up in the middle of the night of an already shortened sleep, is nothing. Realizing that your child needs you and you love your child, is absolutely something.
11.06.2007
Bear's Rules to Live By
1) TV Theme songs are for dancing.
2) When playing with toys, it's more fun to pour out the whole box of toys and then pick one.
3) Stickers are for adorning the front door.
4) When traveling from room to room, I must carry Sonja, a blanket, a cup of water, and Snoopy.
5) When I find something new to play with I will drop Sonja, blanket, cup of water and Snoopy.
6) If mommy does it, I must do it too.
7) If there's a mess, just leave it. It magically goes away when I wake up the next morning.
8) Food is more fun to eat when it gets all over the place.
9) Things that happen on Dor@ the Explorer are what really happens in life.
10) What mommy and daddy tell me to do are just guidelines, there's always a loophole.
2) When playing with toys, it's more fun to pour out the whole box of toys and then pick one.
3) Stickers are for adorning the front door.
4) When traveling from room to room, I must carry Sonja, a blanket, a cup of water, and Snoopy.
5) When I find something new to play with I will drop Sonja, blanket, cup of water and Snoopy.
6) If mommy does it, I must do it too.
7) If there's a mess, just leave it. It magically goes away when I wake up the next morning.
8) Food is more fun to eat when it gets all over the place.
9) Things that happen on Dor@ the Explorer are what really happens in life.
10) What mommy and daddy tell me to do are just guidelines, there's always a loophole.
10.26.2007
10.10.2007
Traditions...
I've been pulling my hair out trying to decide how to dress Bear for Halloween this year. The reason being that I would love to continue to make Bear's costume again for her. So needless to say, time is running out to make a decision. Last year she was a darling little piggy. This year (only being her second Halloween) I'm stumped.
The reason I'm so adamant about wanting to make Bear's costume myself is because most of the costumes I wore growing up were handmade by my mom. She labored every year at the sewing machine so that my siblings and I could dress up as we pleased. Some of the costumes I remember were quite intricate...the pink flapper dress, the angel costume complete with satin wings and a halo, even the baby bumblebee and wings that my sis wore. So since I now have my mom's old sewing machine, I would love to continue the tradition of homemade Halloweens.
Matt and I have been going back and forth over how to dress Bear. He really wanted to dress her as a Jawa. I wasn't so enthused. He also came up with the idea to dress Bear up in a Sonja costume which most people laugh at the idea (I laughed too - hey, it's funny). Other suggestions are to dress her as some kind of animal, like a bear, a jedi (so I don't have to dress her as a Jawa but it's still Star Wars related), some kind of ballerina or princess to appease her girly-girl nature, or I could just dress her in her purple fairy skirt and wings although I may have to censor her.
So I'm looking for suggestions...any ideas?
The reason I'm so adamant about wanting to make Bear's costume myself is because most of the costumes I wore growing up were handmade by my mom. She labored every year at the sewing machine so that my siblings and I could dress up as we pleased. Some of the costumes I remember were quite intricate...the pink flapper dress, the angel costume complete with satin wings and a halo, even the baby bumblebee and wings that my sis wore. So since I now have my mom's old sewing machine, I would love to continue the tradition of homemade Halloweens.
Matt and I have been going back and forth over how to dress Bear. He really wanted to dress her as a Jawa. I wasn't so enthused. He also came up with the idea to dress Bear up in a Sonja costume which most people laugh at the idea (I laughed too - hey, it's funny). Other suggestions are to dress her as some kind of animal, like a bear, a jedi (so I don't have to dress her as a Jawa but it's still Star Wars related), some kind of ballerina or princess to appease her girly-girl nature, or I could just dress her in her purple fairy skirt and wings although I may have to censor her.
So I'm looking for suggestions...any ideas?
9.28.2007
Being One's Own...
The most common comment we've gotten recently about Bear is "She's soooo independent!" This being said as she is running away from us and running towards other people to say "hi" and show off her Sonja doll. Like today, we went to the mall and she just had to go through the red door (T@lbots). She even started waving to people who were trying to enter or leave the store probably hoping one of them would let her through. Earlier at brunch, the waitress came to take our order and Bear promptly pointed to the menu and told her "Meat...Wice(rice)."
What can I say? She definitely has her own opinions. As much as people tell me that it's a good thing, I find myself battling her day by day. "Do you want to wear the pink or the blue shirt today?" "NO BOO (Blue), NO PICK (Pink)...Dess(Dress- pointing into the closet)." "Eat your sandwich, Bear." "NO, EAT APO-DOS (applesauce)." My cousin even bought her this really cute purple fairy style skirt with wings, and Bear loves it, but she insists taking everything else off in order to wear them. So Bear runs around practically naked with a see-through skirt, a diaper and a pair of wings. So I've been trying to take a picture of her in her little outfit, so I can send it to my cousin, but uh...yeah.
As I've spent the greater part of my life trying to find and accept my own opinion, to avoid being so wishy-washy, it's such a weird concept to me that Bear is just so innately opinionated.
I would never want to squash her opinions, nor the charisma she has. I mean seriously, it took me almost 30 years before I could find my own voice. Although I do realize that my opinions were always there, I just never expressed them because I was just afraid of what people thought of me. So I guess it took me 30 years before I realized that no one really cares, and if they do, then well I shouldn't care. I am just trying to be my own.
And that is something that Bear has shown me well...It's important to just be your own...and not lose yourself to others. And it's important to appreciate others as they are. Otherwise, what's the point of God creating us each so differently?
What can I say? She definitely has her own opinions. As much as people tell me that it's a good thing, I find myself battling her day by day. "Do you want to wear the pink or the blue shirt today?" "NO BOO (Blue), NO PICK (Pink)...Dess(Dress- pointing into the closet)." "Eat your sandwich, Bear." "NO, EAT APO-DOS (applesauce)." My cousin even bought her this really cute purple fairy style skirt with wings, and Bear loves it, but she insists taking everything else off in order to wear them. So Bear runs around practically naked with a see-through skirt, a diaper and a pair of wings. So I've been trying to take a picture of her in her little outfit, so I can send it to my cousin, but uh...yeah.
As I've spent the greater part of my life trying to find and accept my own opinion, to avoid being so wishy-washy, it's such a weird concept to me that Bear is just so innately opinionated.
I would never want to squash her opinions, nor the charisma she has. I mean seriously, it took me almost 30 years before I could find my own voice. Although I do realize that my opinions were always there, I just never expressed them because I was just afraid of what people thought of me. So I guess it took me 30 years before I realized that no one really cares, and if they do, then well I shouldn't care. I am just trying to be my own.
And that is something that Bear has shown me well...It's important to just be your own...and not lose yourself to others. And it's important to appreciate others as they are. Otherwise, what's the point of God creating us each so differently?
8.15.2007
Mommy got ditched
Last Saturday Bear and I attended the "Saturday Party" celebrating the end of VBS week at our church. This is the day where all the kids invite their families to come and watch them perform songs, view a slideshow of the week's activities, and then enjoy a lunch together. I wheeled Bear to the front once the performance started and within a minute she said, "Dow (Down)."
A minute later she saw one of the moms (we'll call her J) who helps out in the nursery, pointed at her with a smile and said, "Heeeey!" Then Bear promptly ran over to where J was sitting with her daughter and husband climbed up onto the pew next to her and sat there for the remainder of the performance.
So I sat all alone. Bear ditched me. Actually, it is quite funny, so I'm not upset even if you are laughing at my misery.
One time, I thought she was returning to me, so I held out my arms to her. She quickly grabbed Sonja from the stroller and ran back to sit with J. Ha ha.
So I watched her as she applauded each of the kids. I watched as she screamed in enjoyment at the slideshow. I watched as she attempted to dance to each of the songs, but I watched all of this from afar.
I'm glad that Bear is so comfortable running up and sitting with other people (people she knows...not strangers). Lately, she has been much more comfortable at church, too. I often lose her because she's visiting other friends and families. I think she mingles at church more than Matt or I ever do.
So even if I do get ditched by my own daughter, I always know that in the end she'll come running back to me asking to be picked up and held. I will gladly oblige.
A minute later she saw one of the moms (we'll call her J) who helps out in the nursery, pointed at her with a smile and said, "Heeeey!" Then Bear promptly ran over to where J was sitting with her daughter and husband climbed up onto the pew next to her and sat there for the remainder of the performance.
So I sat all alone. Bear ditched me. Actually, it is quite funny, so I'm not upset even if you are laughing at my misery.
One time, I thought she was returning to me, so I held out my arms to her. She quickly grabbed Sonja from the stroller and ran back to sit with J. Ha ha.
So I watched her as she applauded each of the kids. I watched as she screamed in enjoyment at the slideshow. I watched as she attempted to dance to each of the songs, but I watched all of this from afar.
I'm glad that Bear is so comfortable running up and sitting with other people (people she knows...not strangers). Lately, she has been much more comfortable at church, too. I often lose her because she's visiting other friends and families. I think she mingles at church more than Matt or I ever do.
So even if I do get ditched by my own daughter, I always know that in the end she'll come running back to me asking to be picked up and held. I will gladly oblige.
7.30.2007
San Diego
Our little family doesn't travel much. We're just not the traveling type...we're not opposed to it, we just like being home...except recently I started getting a little sick of being home...so I suggested that we should at least take a short trip. So we did.
Good ol' San Diego...It was a really busy weekend in SD. C0mic-con was going on as well as Americ@n Idol auditions. Everywhere we went we saw people with name badges from the convention or armbands from the auditions. Matt participated in one of the two...you can take your guess on which one.
Here are some highlights of our trip...
UCSD...One of the best places in the world...
This is one of my favorites photos from the trip...they have the same smile
Bear enjoying a smoothie
A "Dar" (Star) that Bear was fascinated with at the tidepools at Se@ World
Bear playing at Sh@mu's Happy Harbor
We had a great time. Although one of us ended up rather gloomy looking by the end of the trip.
Guess it's time to do laundry again.
Good ol' San Diego...It was a really busy weekend in SD. C0mic-con was going on as well as Americ@n Idol auditions. Everywhere we went we saw people with name badges from the convention or armbands from the auditions. Matt participated in one of the two...you can take your guess on which one.
Here are some highlights of our trip...
UCSD...One of the best places in the world...
This is one of my favorites photos from the trip...they have the same smile
Bear enjoying a smoothie
A "Dar" (Star) that Bear was fascinated with at the tidepools at Se@ World
Bear playing at Sh@mu's Happy Harbor
We had a great time. Although one of us ended up rather gloomy looking by the end of the trip.
Guess it's time to do laundry again.
7.08.2007
Catch Up
I haven't really posted much about what we've been doing these days. It's been more stories rather than events...so here's a little catch up on our summer.
1) Weddings - ah yes...wedding...we had some good friends of ours tie the knot this summer and it's been great celebrating with them. Here's Bear picking flowers at one of the weddings...
Congratulations to our dear friends, M & B and D & C!
2) 4th of July fun - We hung out with some of our family, ate lots of food, watched Bear down a bowl full of tomatoes and played fun games like B0ggle. Later on we went to watch the fireworks, where Bear and her friend S were running around sharing Cheet0s. Once the fireworks started, Bear started to cry a little, but soon calmed once Sonja came near.
3) Retreats - went on a church retreat this past weekend and we tried to introduce Bear to the swimming pool. We thought that she would like it, especially since she loves the bath so much. Instead she cried the whole 20 minutes in the pool and Daddy tried his hardest to entertain her. Here she is all dry and happy away from the scary pool.
Perhaps we'll have to try the pool again another time.
Well, now you're caught up with us...we hope you're all enjoying yourselves as well!
1) Weddings - ah yes...wedding...we had some good friends of ours tie the knot this summer and it's been great celebrating with them. Here's Bear picking flowers at one of the weddings...
Congratulations to our dear friends, M & B and D & C!
2) 4th of July fun - We hung out with some of our family, ate lots of food, watched Bear down a bowl full of tomatoes and played fun games like B0ggle. Later on we went to watch the fireworks, where Bear and her friend S were running around sharing Cheet0s. Once the fireworks started, Bear started to cry a little, but soon calmed once Sonja came near.
3) Retreats - went on a church retreat this past weekend and we tried to introduce Bear to the swimming pool. We thought that she would like it, especially since she loves the bath so much. Instead she cried the whole 20 minutes in the pool and Daddy tried his hardest to entertain her. Here she is all dry and happy away from the scary pool.
Perhaps we'll have to try the pool again another time.
Well, now you're caught up with us...we hope you're all enjoying yourselves as well!
6.13.2007
Bear Speaks
Lately, Bear has been extra verbal...we don't always understand what she's telling us, but she's trying to tell us something. If we don't get it, she waves her arms around and yells louder. That still doesn't help us. Nor does it help with her impending frustration.
She has always been fairly expressive vocally. Her voice raises an octave when she talks to Sonja or smaller babies. When she's angry, she yells. When she is really hungry and yelling for "muuuuuhhhhh!"(more) she will roar like a tyrannosaurus rex. Seriously.
She just started stringing words together. Yesterday in the car, I heard, "ma ma, peez bhup" (Mommy, please cup). Today she told me, "boo boo pah-ee" as she was sitting on her potty. This morning she said, "sid chae beow" (sit chair bear) when she found her pooh bear sitting in her booster seat or "boon bap" (spoon rice) when she was shoveling rice at lunch.
I just need to learn to be patient to listen to what Bear is trying to tell me...or I need to hire a translator. Anyone out there speak Baby?
She has always been fairly expressive vocally. Her voice raises an octave when she talks to Sonja or smaller babies. When she's angry, she yells. When she is really hungry and yelling for "muuuuuhhhhh!"(more) she will roar like a tyrannosaurus rex. Seriously.
She just started stringing words together. Yesterday in the car, I heard, "ma ma, peez bhup" (Mommy, please cup). Today she told me, "boo boo pah-ee" as she was sitting on her potty. This morning she said, "sid chae beow" (sit chair bear) when she found her pooh bear sitting in her booster seat or "boon bap" (spoon rice) when she was shoveling rice at lunch.
I just need to learn to be patient to listen to what Bear is trying to tell me...or I need to hire a translator. Anyone out there speak Baby?
5.05.2007
Toddler Strategy
Matt and I have been more and more tired these days. Raising a toddler sometimes feels like you are raising a herd of wild animals. But not just any wild animals...wild animals who strategize and game plan. We've come to familiarize ourselves with some of Bear's tactics.
The Bait & Switch: Once bathtime is over, we have a toddler who does not want to come out of the tub. Her tactic, when we reach in, she quickly pulls the switcheroo by grabbing our hands and pushing a rubber ducky in instead.
Misdirection: Bear knows which household items she shouldn't play with (namely: the bathroom cabinets). Her strategy is to point us towards her room as if she wants to play there. Once we enter, she asks us to retrieve an item. Once our back is turned, she makes a beeline for the bathroom cabinets. Tricky.
Misinformation: This is similar to misdirection, except it involves the phone. Bear hands me the phone, cries out "Da Dee" (yes, she finally started calling daddy something other than his first name). After asking about 10 times, I call Matt, but by the time Matt answers, Bear is halfway across the apartment making mischief. And I feel like a sucker.
Emotional Manipulation: I don't know how she does it, but this kid can get about anything she wants. She seems to know the right emotion to "act" for each person she comes in contact with. With "Da Dee" she gives him the "oh-so-cute" smile and giggles, races up to the door to greet him when he comes home, and promptly will ask him for something that I just told her "no" to about 5 minutes ago. With Auntie R, she is utterly persistent. She will repeat herself over and over again, until Auntie finally gives in. With Granny, she gives the hugs and kisses - and somehow Granny always seems to show up with little gifts for her. With Grandma & Grandpa, she does the "fake cry" whereupon Grandma & Grandpa will instantly swipe her out of our hands to comfort her and give her whatever she wants. Even with the general public, she pretends to be shy and gives this mischievous smile, shows them Sonja, and says, "Doh Dya"...and I always hear how "she's such an angel"...And somehow she works her charm and by the time we leave a restaurant, all the surrounding tables are waving and saying goodbye to Bear (seriously! It happens all the time!).
So beware, take heed and don't fall for her "evil genius" strategies. And if you are one of those out there who have been victimized by Bear's charisma and charm, we sympathize with you for being duped by our toddler...If you haven't yet...uh, don't say we didn't warn you.
The Bait & Switch: Once bathtime is over, we have a toddler who does not want to come out of the tub. Her tactic, when we reach in, she quickly pulls the switcheroo by grabbing our hands and pushing a rubber ducky in instead.
Misdirection: Bear knows which household items she shouldn't play with (namely: the bathroom cabinets). Her strategy is to point us towards her room as if she wants to play there. Once we enter, she asks us to retrieve an item. Once our back is turned, she makes a beeline for the bathroom cabinets. Tricky.
Misinformation: This is similar to misdirection, except it involves the phone. Bear hands me the phone, cries out "Da Dee" (yes, she finally started calling daddy something other than his first name). After asking about 10 times, I call Matt, but by the time Matt answers, Bear is halfway across the apartment making mischief. And I feel like a sucker.
Emotional Manipulation: I don't know how she does it, but this kid can get about anything she wants. She seems to know the right emotion to "act" for each person she comes in contact with. With "Da Dee" she gives him the "oh-so-cute" smile and giggles, races up to the door to greet him when he comes home, and promptly will ask him for something that I just told her "no" to about 5 minutes ago. With Auntie R, she is utterly persistent. She will repeat herself over and over again, until Auntie finally gives in. With Granny, she gives the hugs and kisses - and somehow Granny always seems to show up with little gifts for her. With Grandma & Grandpa, she does the "fake cry" whereupon Grandma & Grandpa will instantly swipe her out of our hands to comfort her and give her whatever she wants. Even with the general public, she pretends to be shy and gives this mischievous smile, shows them Sonja, and says, "Doh Dya"...and I always hear how "she's such an angel"...And somehow she works her charm and by the time we leave a restaurant, all the surrounding tables are waving and saying goodbye to Bear (seriously! It happens all the time!).
So beware, take heed and don't fall for her "evil genius" strategies. And if you are one of those out there who have been victimized by Bear's charisma and charm, we sympathize with you for being duped by our toddler...If you haven't yet...uh, don't say we didn't warn you.
4.12.2007
Tidbits...
I realize that I haven't been posting as much as I would like to. For those of you faithful readers out there, I'm sure that you're bored seeing the same thing on our site day after day. I just don't like writing any old thing...I strive to have purpose and thoughtfulness in my writings. Unfortunately, today is not one of those days. Here are some tidbits...
CRAFTSY
Lately I've been finding myself being "craftsy." In some ways it's a release for me. After running after a toddler all day, I find I have this need to create...so lately, I've been knitting, sewing, papercrafting, cooking, etc. I probably would be playing my guitar as well if it wouldn't wake up Baby Bear. I know it's not that out of character for me (for those of you who do know me), but seriously I actually recovered a chair. I crocheted a small hammock so I could hang up all of Bear's stuffed toys. I knit a dress for Baby Bear, and I'm considering creating a wall hanging for Bear's room. Perhaps I've finally gone insane.
NOT SO BABY BEAR
Baby Bear is no longer a "Baby." I'll probably have to start referring to her as "Bear Cub" or just plain "Bear." She's toddling around, talking up a storm (of which we understand a quarter of it), and asserting her independence here and there. I catch Matt every so often looking at Bear and saying, "She's not a baby anymore," with a sad look in his eye. *Sigh*
TODDLER TRAUMA
Last week Bear had a traumatic experience. We were in a parking lot when Bear lost her grip on Sonia. Sonia fell flat on her back into a mud puddle. Bear just looked at her muddy Sonia and started crying. Matt took the doll inside to wash her off, but as she was still dirty, we couldn't return Sonia to Bear. So the whole car ride home she cried, intermittently shouting out, "Doh-Dya!, Doh-Dya!" Poor kid. So needless to say we did some laundry that afternoon, and by bedtime Sonia was back into Bear's waiting little arms...
CRAFTSY
Lately I've been finding myself being "craftsy." In some ways it's a release for me. After running after a toddler all day, I find I have this need to create...so lately, I've been knitting, sewing, papercrafting, cooking, etc. I probably would be playing my guitar as well if it wouldn't wake up Baby Bear. I know it's not that out of character for me (for those of you who do know me), but seriously I actually recovered a chair. I crocheted a small hammock so I could hang up all of Bear's stuffed toys. I knit a dress for Baby Bear, and I'm considering creating a wall hanging for Bear's room. Perhaps I've finally gone insane.
NOT SO BABY BEAR
Baby Bear is no longer a "Baby." I'll probably have to start referring to her as "Bear Cub" or just plain "Bear." She's toddling around, talking up a storm (of which we understand a quarter of it), and asserting her independence here and there. I catch Matt every so often looking at Bear and saying, "She's not a baby anymore," with a sad look in his eye. *Sigh*
TODDLER TRAUMA
Last week Bear had a traumatic experience. We were in a parking lot when Bear lost her grip on Sonia. Sonia fell flat on her back into a mud puddle. Bear just looked at her muddy Sonia and started crying. Matt took the doll inside to wash her off, but as she was still dirty, we couldn't return Sonia to Bear. So the whole car ride home she cried, intermittently shouting out, "Doh-Dya!, Doh-Dya!" Poor kid. So needless to say we did some laundry that afternoon, and by bedtime Sonia was back into Bear's waiting little arms...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)