Have you ever noticed that when you have a kid, hardly anything annoys you about other people's kids?
I mean sure the rude ones grate under your skin.... kinda like nails on a chalkboard.
But I saw a little girl running from a car to the playground today and the mother was frantically running after her to keep up. I couldn't help but giggle at the scene. It was just sweet to me. Before kids, Mr. and I would see a kid do that and say "why can't they keep their kids under control?" Now it is funny and adorable when the child screams "Let's play tag mommy!" and takes off. The mother to her credit, was very fast to catch up and took it all in stride.
Also, have you noticed that things regarding children on TV hits you like a cement bag to the gut?
Seriously, any time news stories or shows about children in danger happens the tears well up and the blubbering starts or the unnerving feeling sinks in. And the sentimental commercials.... forget it. Hallmark ads are the worst. And the ASPCA ads with Sarah McLaughlin - those ads I had to shut off when I was pregnant because I would really be a mess once they were over.
Also, have you noticed that after a tantrum a toddler can snuggle up on your lap and all is forgiven?
That one shocked me too.
Friday, November 2, 2012
Disney and Star Wars
Many people are asking me what I think about Lucasfilm and Disney.
Holy crap it is AWESOME!
Now before I am berated by geeks everywhere.... let's face it, we wanted this. We wanted Lucas to step aside and hand the franchise over to a new generation. We wanted him to stop changing movies for the worse (I'm looking at you the end of the original trilogy). We wanted someone who will return their movies to their former glory. But also the opportunity to tell a story without injecting horrible new characters (Jar Jar) and a studio who knows what to do with the talent to make the movies actually watchable.
And... you know.... maybe release a certain Christmas special on DVD.
And for those of you out there worried about the Disnification of Star Wars or Indy - The Avengers was the first Marvel Movie distributed under the Disney/Marvel agreement.
One could only hope for so much awesome for Star Wars.
2015 the boy will be about 4 years old. Hopefully we can take him to the movies to see them. Because money has it he is a geek... Like his parents before him...
See what I did there?
Holy crap it is AWESOME!
Now before I am berated by geeks everywhere.... let's face it, we wanted this. We wanted Lucas to step aside and hand the franchise over to a new generation. We wanted him to stop changing movies for the worse (I'm looking at you the end of the original trilogy). We wanted someone who will return their movies to their former glory. But also the opportunity to tell a story without injecting horrible new characters (Jar Jar) and a studio who knows what to do with the talent to make the movies actually watchable.
And... you know.... maybe release a certain Christmas special on DVD.
And for those of you out there worried about the Disnification of Star Wars or Indy - The Avengers was the first Marvel Movie distributed under the Disney/Marvel agreement.
One could only hope for so much awesome for Star Wars.
2015 the boy will be about 4 years old. Hopefully we can take him to the movies to see them. Because money has it he is a geek... Like his parents before him...
See what I did there?
Thursday, November 1, 2012
An Almost 17 Month Old's Favorite Things
This is Monkey.... Monkey likes the following:
- Sesame Street (Particularly: The Count, Cookie and "Elmu")
- Cookies
- Dancing
- Thomas the Tank Engine
- Mater
- Getting into things he doesn't belong in
- Coloring
- Art Projects
- Doc McStuffins
- Jake and the Neverland Pirates
- Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
- Reading
- Food!
- Yogurt covered raisins
- Visiting the Zoo or the Farm
- Pumpkins
- Ghosts that say "Boo"
- Animals
- Playing with Stuffed animals
- Learning new things
- Making food with Mommy
Tricks or Treats!
First, I hope that everyone in the path of Sandy is good and safe. We here at Musings are fine. We were home for a few days, but everyone is back to their daily schedule.
Now on to Halloween... Because that doesn't stop for hurricanes, tropical storms, post tropical storms, super storms and the like.
This is the Monkey all ready for going Trick or Treating. We went out as a family of pirates. I don't want to brag, but the boy is smart. Our first house he was timid. Since he couldn't say trick or treat, I said it for him and the folks were great at understanding what we were doing. By the end, he was attempting to say trick or treat, telling people that ghosts say boo and thanking people for the candy.... that Daddy and I have confiscated. (17 months is too young for lots of candy).
But he got it. He really did. And he loved seeing the kids in their costumes, the lights and the fun Halloween scenes. I don't believe people who say that kids under 2 do not understand what they are told about the holidays. Because he knows what happens on Halloween and more importantly to say his please and thank you. This makes me even more excited about teaching Mikey about being thankful at Thanksgiving, giving at Christmas and all about the big jolly guy with the beard and the presents. Because he gets it.
We only did about 10 houses, but every moment is a memory that is treasured forever.
Monday, October 15, 2012
We do what we must....
Dear Monkey,
Everyday, but some days more than others, I miss you when I leave you to go to work. I always feel that you are getting jipped by not getting to see Daddy and I as much as you probably want to. Trust me Buddy; we wish the very same thing. Today was one of those days. It is very hard to work when I think of you and wonder what you are doing.
Unfortunately, we both need to work to keep a roof over our head, food in our tummys and health insurance in case we get sick. These things are very important to keep you healthy and strong. But know that when we are home with you; we love to play, go to fun places and be with you.
My wish is that someday you will look at your childhood and remember how Mommy taught you how to make cookies or daddy playing animals on the living room floor (and how his piggy is the best). It is our goal to give you every experience we can so your childhood is the best ever.
So Mommy and Daddy both have to work. Someday you will learn that some Mommies or Daddies get to stay at home with their kids and play all day. You may be a little jealous. Remember this my little guy, we are working for the good of all of us. Be proud of your Mommy and Daddy because what we do we do for you.
But always know that deep down it breaks our heart to leave you to work - even if you are happy when we go.
Love,
Mommy
Everyday, but some days more than others, I miss you when I leave you to go to work. I always feel that you are getting jipped by not getting to see Daddy and I as much as you probably want to. Trust me Buddy; we wish the very same thing. Today was one of those days. It is very hard to work when I think of you and wonder what you are doing.
Unfortunately, we both need to work to keep a roof over our head, food in our tummys and health insurance in case we get sick. These things are very important to keep you healthy and strong. But know that when we are home with you; we love to play, go to fun places and be with you.
My wish is that someday you will look at your childhood and remember how Mommy taught you how to make cookies or daddy playing animals on the living room floor (and how his piggy is the best). It is our goal to give you every experience we can so your childhood is the best ever.
So Mommy and Daddy both have to work. Someday you will learn that some Mommies or Daddies get to stay at home with their kids and play all day. You may be a little jealous. Remember this my little guy, we are working for the good of all of us. Be proud of your Mommy and Daddy because what we do we do for you.
But always know that deep down it breaks our heart to leave you to work - even if you are happy when we go.
Love,
Mommy
Friday, August 31, 2012
Forming the Bond
This week is the rather inconvenient (at least to us) week that day care is closed as they transition from day camp format back to school. Having to take so much time for medical stuff has left me strapped time off wise, and so I searched for babysitters.
I am so lucky to have a family that loves this little guy so much. My dad (Monkey's Grampa) and his Auntie have had him for two days and Monkey's grandma (my mom) had him on her usual Thursday. My dad heard I was trying to find coverage, and immediately told me I didn't have to worry, he would watch the little guy.
It is amazing the effect a grandfather (or grandmother) has on a child. It happened with my Grampy and I and I can see it happening with my Dad. I have recieved pictures of the little guy with his Grampa on the ride on lawn mower, reading or watching TV and sharing a snack. Whenever he spots my Dad enter the house, he freaks out (in the best way possible) and runs for a hug. Then he drags his Grampa to play with something or points to the door, sure that they will be going on another adventure.
And he forgets all about his Mommy. Not a hug. Not a kiss. Just a waive and a "Bye".
That is not a bad thing, honestly, it makes me happy. I see my Dad around my son and it triggers flashbacks of how close I was with my Grampy. The unabashed joy they have at being together is a vision I treasure and will treasure always.
We recently took a trip to Maine with the Monkey's Nana, Monkey's Grampa, Monkey's Great Nana and Monkey's Great Beepa. I was looking through the photos the other day, and the joy on every one's face when around Monkey was visible. Even my Nana, who has Alzheimer's, enjoyed every second with him. But more importantly I have the memory of my Dad I will keep in my heart forever.
It was late afternoon on Saturday, and my dad had been working on something in the cellar with my great grandfather. We were playing outside when we heard the rumble of an engine. Up the drive came my dad on the four wheeler. My dad asked"Do you mind if I take him for a ride?" He seemed almost shocked when I told him, "Sure, go ahead but be careful." And off they went. Both Monkey and his Grandpa as happy as ever as they drove down the driveway and off into the fading day. When they drove back up the driveway, my son was squealing with delight, and my dad had a huge grin on his face. "MO!" screamed my son, signing please. My dad looked overjoyed, "do you mind if I take him again?" And they off they went, looking for deer. They returned and we had dinner. When we were done, my dad and Monkey went off on yet another ride looking for deer. They drove up the driveway on the way back to the house and I can see them both genuinely grinning.
I hope he learns a lot from my Dad. He is a pretty incredible guy.
Someday, when I am much older, he will be ditching his Mommy and his Grampa to play with his friends, go on a date, leave for college. My hope for him is that his children have the bond with his grandparents that my son has with his. So lucky I tell you!
I am so lucky to have a family that loves this little guy so much. My dad (Monkey's Grampa) and his Auntie have had him for two days and Monkey's grandma (my mom) had him on her usual Thursday. My dad heard I was trying to find coverage, and immediately told me I didn't have to worry, he would watch the little guy.
It is amazing the effect a grandfather (or grandmother) has on a child. It happened with my Grampy and I and I can see it happening with my Dad. I have recieved pictures of the little guy with his Grampa on the ride on lawn mower, reading or watching TV and sharing a snack. Whenever he spots my Dad enter the house, he freaks out (in the best way possible) and runs for a hug. Then he drags his Grampa to play with something or points to the door, sure that they will be going on another adventure.
And he forgets all about his Mommy. Not a hug. Not a kiss. Just a waive and a "Bye".
That is not a bad thing, honestly, it makes me happy. I see my Dad around my son and it triggers flashbacks of how close I was with my Grampy. The unabashed joy they have at being together is a vision I treasure and will treasure always.
We recently took a trip to Maine with the Monkey's Nana, Monkey's Grampa, Monkey's Great Nana and Monkey's Great Beepa. I was looking through the photos the other day, and the joy on every one's face when around Monkey was visible. Even my Nana, who has Alzheimer's, enjoyed every second with him. But more importantly I have the memory of my Dad I will keep in my heart forever.
It was late afternoon on Saturday, and my dad had been working on something in the cellar with my great grandfather. We were playing outside when we heard the rumble of an engine. Up the drive came my dad on the four wheeler. My dad asked"Do you mind if I take him for a ride?" He seemed almost shocked when I told him, "Sure, go ahead but be careful." And off they went. Both Monkey and his Grandpa as happy as ever as they drove down the driveway and off into the fading day. When they drove back up the driveway, my son was squealing with delight, and my dad had a huge grin on his face. "MO!" screamed my son, signing please. My dad looked overjoyed, "do you mind if I take him again?" And they off they went, looking for deer. They returned and we had dinner. When we were done, my dad and Monkey went off on yet another ride looking for deer. They drove up the driveway on the way back to the house and I can see them both genuinely grinning.
I hope he learns a lot from my Dad. He is a pretty incredible guy.
Someday, when I am much older, he will be ditching his Mommy and his Grampa to play with his friends, go on a date, leave for college. My hope for him is that his children have the bond with his grandparents that my son has with his. So lucky I tell you!
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Wow... really that long!
So I have been attending to Mommy duty, health issues and an increasingly busy summer schedule... but it has been a long time readers, and hopefully I am back for a long blog haul.
What has been going on? Everything. Summer began with Monkey's First Birthday. It was a beautiful day at a beautiful venue with all of his friends and family surrounding us. We have spent weekends on the Cape, and more recently spent 5 days enjoying nature in Maine. We visited the lake, the beach, Ediville Railroad, Providence Children's Museum, Acton Fair, and York's Wild Animal Kingdom.
Health wise; at Monkey's Birthday, Monkey's Grampa had a stroke. Everything is ok, but it scared the bejebus out of us. He was in the hospital a couple weeks later for low iron, and again everything worked out and he is doing good now. Two weeks after Monkey's Party, we found out my Ulcerative Colitis was a misdiagnosis, and that the correct diagnosis is either Chrones or IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). I had a capsule endoscopy, and I will get the results from that next week. The new medicine that I am on is allowing me the ability to eat some of my triggers without an issue. I can now order ice cream without feeling like I was stabbed in the stomach. The CPAP machine is doing wonders for me. So awesome.
Mostly the Summer has been spent making memories of our lives as a family of three. Every second is precious as we are busy with the day to day, and quality time is at a premium. So sometimes it is as easy as having a Wiggly Dance Party at home or taking a ride to the beach.
Monkey is thriving. This week is the vacation week at daycare and when he goes back, he will be in a new classroom with new teachers. Just like at a school. We are sad to not be dropping off in his old classroom, but as he is walking and talking, it is time. He is walking like a toddler - or a drunken sailor - but his balance steadies daily. His vocabulary grows daily. Monkey now says: mama, daddy, Min, kitty, Moo, blue, Roo, Pooh, Papa, Nana, baba (Bottle), Mikey, yummy and as of the weekend - duck. He loves to play trucks, and push his large Thomas around the house. He still loves the Wiggles and Thomas, but is really into Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Jake and the Neverland Pirates and Doc McStuffins when we watch TV. He is curious about everything. He has even started asking the question "Why?".
As for me, I have a to do list a mile long, and I don't usually get to sit down until 9:30 or so every night. I am tired, and some times I want Mommy alone time.... or to read a book. But I don't want life any other way.
What has been going on? Everything. Summer began with Monkey's First Birthday. It was a beautiful day at a beautiful venue with all of his friends and family surrounding us. We have spent weekends on the Cape, and more recently spent 5 days enjoying nature in Maine. We visited the lake, the beach, Ediville Railroad, Providence Children's Museum, Acton Fair, and York's Wild Animal Kingdom.
Health wise; at Monkey's Birthday, Monkey's Grampa had a stroke. Everything is ok, but it scared the bejebus out of us. He was in the hospital a couple weeks later for low iron, and again everything worked out and he is doing good now. Two weeks after Monkey's Party, we found out my Ulcerative Colitis was a misdiagnosis, and that the correct diagnosis is either Chrones or IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). I had a capsule endoscopy, and I will get the results from that next week. The new medicine that I am on is allowing me the ability to eat some of my triggers without an issue. I can now order ice cream without feeling like I was stabbed in the stomach. The CPAP machine is doing wonders for me. So awesome.
Mostly the Summer has been spent making memories of our lives as a family of three. Every second is precious as we are busy with the day to day, and quality time is at a premium. So sometimes it is as easy as having a Wiggly Dance Party at home or taking a ride to the beach.
Monkey is thriving. This week is the vacation week at daycare and when he goes back, he will be in a new classroom with new teachers. Just like at a school. We are sad to not be dropping off in his old classroom, but as he is walking and talking, it is time. He is walking like a toddler - or a drunken sailor - but his balance steadies daily. His vocabulary grows daily. Monkey now says: mama, daddy, Min, kitty, Moo, blue, Roo, Pooh, Papa, Nana, baba (Bottle), Mikey, yummy and as of the weekend - duck. He loves to play trucks, and push his large Thomas around the house. He still loves the Wiggles and Thomas, but is really into Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Jake and the Neverland Pirates and Doc McStuffins when we watch TV. He is curious about everything. He has even started asking the question "Why?".
As for me, I have a to do list a mile long, and I don't usually get to sit down until 9:30 or so every night. I am tired, and some times I want Mommy alone time.... or to read a book. But I don't want life any other way.
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