STELLAN: When I'm 16 I'm going to drive a bus and I'm going to go faster and faster and faster.
JAMESON: Yeah, but the cops will pull you over.
STELLAN (sighing): OK, I'll slow down.
Who needs music when you have preschool conversations?
Friday, September 5, 2008
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Well Child Visit
We headed to the pediatrician today for the boys' well child visits. Before going we had to get a urine sample from each boy. That was an interesting challenge. They both went in the potty where it was easy to dump into the waiting containers. Jameson's "wasn't working" at first but he eventually managed to get some out.
When we got to the office the we dropped off the samples (something that I'm totally not used to but I think it's a great idea. They are able to do 10 tests on the urine to check for overall health.) in the lab then met with the nurses who took the boys' height and weight measurements. Jameson is 38 lbs, 40.75 inches. Stellan is 32 lbs, 37.25 inches. Bang on average.
The next step was for the boys to have their vision tested. Stellan was first. He looked at a page that had the shapes on it. He positively identified each of them; a house, an "O" (circle), a heart (or apple), and a square. He had to put on a pair of plastic, lensless glasses with one of the lenses blacked out. The nurse then moved back and Stellan had to identify the shrunken shapes. She pointed to the first and he said, "apple". She pointed to the second and he said "orange". (He was way off. Totally not getting them right.) When she pointed to the third he said, "I no no, Ooo tell me". (translation: "I don't know, you tell me"). We were in trouble.
During the doctor's consultation he decided it would be wise to have him rechecked, in case he was just fooling around. Well, he failed again. Now he is to go to the pediatric opthamologist. Honestly, I'm not surprised. James is blind as a bat and has been forever. After all, Stellan looks just like James he was most likely to be as blind as him too. I called the pediatric opthamologist and have an appointment scheduled for December 1st. Yep, that's right, 3 months from now. I will be calling every Monday to check for cancellations or else finding a new doctor. I expect he'll be wearing glasses before long and I have to say, he'll look pretty cute in them. It'll just be a challenge to keep them on his little head. I anticipate he'll look like little Aidan from Jon and Kate Plus 8. So sweet.
During the consultation the doctor asked the boys what their favourite food were. "Racamoni and Cheese". Why couldn't Stellan mention his favourite breakfast food, oatmeal? It just sounds so much better. Sheesh.
Both boys needed to get flu shots. Jameson obviously had a memory lapse as to what shots really were like because he offered to go first. Once he got poked he quickly remembered what they were like and started crying; I call that a reality hit. He got over it quickly but I anticipate that he won't be the first to volunteer next time. Stellan didn't love it but didn't cry; what a trooper.
Well, we're good for another year. Hopefully we won't have to be back until then....wishful thinking!
When we got to the office the we dropped off the samples (something that I'm totally not used to but I think it's a great idea. They are able to do 10 tests on the urine to check for overall health.) in the lab then met with the nurses who took the boys' height and weight measurements. Jameson is 38 lbs, 40.75 inches. Stellan is 32 lbs, 37.25 inches. Bang on average.
The next step was for the boys to have their vision tested. Stellan was first. He looked at a page that had the shapes on it. He positively identified each of them; a house, an "O" (circle), a heart (or apple), and a square. He had to put on a pair of plastic, lensless glasses with one of the lenses blacked out. The nurse then moved back and Stellan had to identify the shrunken shapes. She pointed to the first and he said, "apple". She pointed to the second and he said "orange". (He was way off. Totally not getting them right.) When she pointed to the third he said, "I no no, Ooo tell me". (translation: "I don't know, you tell me"). We were in trouble.
During the doctor's consultation he decided it would be wise to have him rechecked, in case he was just fooling around. Well, he failed again. Now he is to go to the pediatric opthamologist. Honestly, I'm not surprised. James is blind as a bat and has been forever. After all, Stellan looks just like James he was most likely to be as blind as him too. I called the pediatric opthamologist and have an appointment scheduled for December 1st. Yep, that's right, 3 months from now. I will be calling every Monday to check for cancellations or else finding a new doctor. I expect he'll be wearing glasses before long and I have to say, he'll look pretty cute in them. It'll just be a challenge to keep them on his little head. I anticipate he'll look like little Aidan from Jon and Kate Plus 8. So sweet.
During the consultation the doctor asked the boys what their favourite food were. "Racamoni and Cheese". Why couldn't Stellan mention his favourite breakfast food, oatmeal? It just sounds so much better. Sheesh.
Both boys needed to get flu shots. Jameson obviously had a memory lapse as to what shots really were like because he offered to go first. Once he got poked he quickly remembered what they were like and started crying; I call that a reality hit. He got over it quickly but I anticipate that he won't be the first to volunteer next time. Stellan didn't love it but didn't cry; what a trooper.
Well, we're good for another year. Hopefully we won't have to be back until then....wishful thinking!
Orientation
Today was preschool orientation. It was supposed to be for just Stellan and the other 3 year olds but I had no one to watch Jameson so he got to tag along. I lost the paper with the information that told me when to arrive so I had to wing it. I figured that it would start at 9:30 since that is when school starts. I pulled into the parking lot about 9:25. The lack of other vehicles should have been my first clue. I walked in with the boys and ran into the preschool coordinator. She confirmed that it was orientation day but it didn't start until 10. Okee dokee. We headed out to the van and went for a drive. I was going to take them to McDonald's to play in the play land but I didn't have any socks for them and wasn't about to let them go barefoot. So we drove and looked at houses. I like doing it, the kids tolerated it.
We got back to the school and a packed parking lot just before 10. Jameson needed to poo so the washroom was our first pit stop. I still need to work on getting him to wipe himself....
On the way in I had to remind the kids that they were only allowed to walk. Then I asked them, "What are you going to do in preschool?" Jameson responded, "Play, share, be nice". So cute! Stellan just looked at me blankly. He'll figure it out one day, hopefully soon.
We headed into Stellan's classroom where there were many cute little kids and just as many parents. Quite a full room. The boys immediately started playing with the trains, what else. They eventually wondered over to the play dough and the painting centres.
We didn't get to stay long since we had to head to the pediatrician for the well-child visits. Stellan was not too pleased when we had to leave and started to through a small fit. I explained that I would tell Mrs. Browne that he wasn't ready for school if that was the way he was going to act. That quickly put a stop to the behaviour. :)
We got back to the school and a packed parking lot just before 10. Jameson needed to poo so the washroom was our first pit stop. I still need to work on getting him to wipe himself....
On the way in I had to remind the kids that they were only allowed to walk. Then I asked them, "What are you going to do in preschool?" Jameson responded, "Play, share, be nice". So cute! Stellan just looked at me blankly. He'll figure it out one day, hopefully soon.
We headed into Stellan's classroom where there were many cute little kids and just as many parents. Quite a full room. The boys immediately started playing with the trains, what else. They eventually wondered over to the play dough and the painting centres.
We didn't get to stay long since we had to head to the pediatrician for the well-child visits. Stellan was not too pleased when we had to leave and started to through a small fit. I explained that I would tell Mrs. Browne that he wasn't ready for school if that was the way he was going to act. That quickly put a stop to the behaviour. :)
Monday, September 1, 2008
New York City
We headed back into the city on Saturday with Glenn, Erika and Morgan. James decided that driving would be a good option since we had never done it before and traffic was supposed to be much diminished on the weekends.
We made it from our house to the city in about an hour. Then the fun began. It was recommended that we park at the Port Authority, supposedly good rates. We found the Port Authority after a few hair raising turns but then had the adventure of trying to find parking. I have to say, I was so thankful that it was James driving and not me. I was still scared for my precious van though.
We drove around for a bit looking for this garage we had heard about. Not sure what garage we were supposed to find but we did end up finding one right near where we were. We were impressed, only $18 for the day. (Shocking that $18 is a deal.) We hauled out all of our stuff (four adults, three children, three strollers, bags, purses and jackets for the threatening rain). We got the kids buckled in and headed out. I have to say, the boys were so wonderful considering they are not typically stroller kids; they much prefer exploring on their own. It's as if they know they have to behave while we are in the city, there are just no other options.
We walked to Times Square (Erika wanted to see what all the hype was) and then hopped on the subway to head down to South Ferry Seaport. Due to the three strollers we had to use the door rather than the turn style. James swiped the card and then opened the door. The attendant started yelling at us but we couldn't understand him. He then continued to try to get our attention over the loud speaker but we just simply could not hear nor understand him. James eventually realized that this man wanted to get our attention and headed back to the gate. Well, we forgot to swipe the card four times for the four adults. Oops. Then he threatened that, if the police were there, they would have given James a ticket. Yeah, whatever, just let us on the subway.
As always the kids were thrilled to be on the subway; it never seems to lose it's thrill. Morgan was a bit indifferent.
We made it to South Ferry and grabbed a quick lunch (yummy fish and chips for me!). There is a great view of the Brooklyn bridge and some man-made waterfalls. What a gorgeous day. We headed back to the subway to head up to Central Park. On the walk to the subway Stellan conked out. That dear boy must have been so tired. Not only did he sleep through the streets of NY, he also slept through the descent to the subway, the entire subway ride, the ascent to street level, and part of our walk through Central Park. What a trooper! I wish I could have had a peek at his dreams during that time. Morgan also was a trooper and slept through the entire thing.
When Stellan woke up, the boys went on a carousel ride in Central Park. I told James to make sure to get the boys on horses that actually move up and down. Sure enough, when I checked on them, Jameson was on a stationary horse. Sheesh. He moved him and away they went. The boys loved it. (OK, Stellan needed to be convinced that it was fun.)
We continued our walk through the park and then headed out to Fifth Ave on our way to the subway. What a gorgeous area! I would hate to imagine the price of an apartment in that location. I would have to say that living there would make New York City life a bit easier to tolerate; especially having a view of gorgeous Central Park.
We got back to the car, programmed the GPS (my birthday gift to James...just in time) and headed home. What a long but wonderful day. I'm always so proud of the boys, they do so well. I'm sure they'll be big city boys one day.
We made it from our house to the city in about an hour. Then the fun began. It was recommended that we park at the Port Authority, supposedly good rates. We found the Port Authority after a few hair raising turns but then had the adventure of trying to find parking. I have to say, I was so thankful that it was James driving and not me. I was still scared for my precious van though.
We drove around for a bit looking for this garage we had heard about. Not sure what garage we were supposed to find but we did end up finding one right near where we were. We were impressed, only $18 for the day. (Shocking that $18 is a deal.) We hauled out all of our stuff (four adults, three children, three strollers, bags, purses and jackets for the threatening rain). We got the kids buckled in and headed out. I have to say, the boys were so wonderful considering they are not typically stroller kids; they much prefer exploring on their own. It's as if they know they have to behave while we are in the city, there are just no other options.
We walked to Times Square (Erika wanted to see what all the hype was) and then hopped on the subway to head down to South Ferry Seaport. Due to the three strollers we had to use the door rather than the turn style. James swiped the card and then opened the door. The attendant started yelling at us but we couldn't understand him. He then continued to try to get our attention over the loud speaker but we just simply could not hear nor understand him. James eventually realized that this man wanted to get our attention and headed back to the gate. Well, we forgot to swipe the card four times for the four adults. Oops. Then he threatened that, if the police were there, they would have given James a ticket. Yeah, whatever, just let us on the subway.
As always the kids were thrilled to be on the subway; it never seems to lose it's thrill. Morgan was a bit indifferent.
We made it to South Ferry and grabbed a quick lunch (yummy fish and chips for me!). There is a great view of the Brooklyn bridge and some man-made waterfalls. What a gorgeous day. We headed back to the subway to head up to Central Park. On the walk to the subway Stellan conked out. That dear boy must have been so tired. Not only did he sleep through the streets of NY, he also slept through the descent to the subway, the entire subway ride, the ascent to street level, and part of our walk through Central Park. What a trooper! I wish I could have had a peek at his dreams during that time. Morgan also was a trooper and slept through the entire thing.
When Stellan woke up, the boys went on a carousel ride in Central Park. I told James to make sure to get the boys on horses that actually move up and down. Sure enough, when I checked on them, Jameson was on a stationary horse. Sheesh. He moved him and away they went. The boys loved it. (OK, Stellan needed to be convinced that it was fun.)
We continued our walk through the park and then headed out to Fifth Ave on our way to the subway. What a gorgeous area! I would hate to imagine the price of an apartment in that location. I would have to say that living there would make New York City life a bit easier to tolerate; especially having a view of gorgeous Central Park.
We got back to the car, programmed the GPS (my birthday gift to James...just in time) and headed home. What a long but wonderful day. I'm always so proud of the boys, they do so well. I'm sure they'll be big city boys one day.
Labour Day
We had such a lovely Labour Day! Glenn, Erika and Morgan left in the morning for their long drive home. (I do not envy them...so glad to be the one staying put.) We packed a picnic lunch and headed out to the park. It was Stellan's choice and he chose the Lake Park (aka Mercer County Park). While we were eating our lunch (I had a selection of cheeses and olives, what a delightful meal!) we noticed many paddle boats out on the lake. That was enough motivation for us, we finished lunch and headed out to rent a boat. The boys were excited (OK, Stellan needed to be persuaded to be excited) as we put on our life jackets. I wanted to be a good example and wear my life jacket too but it was just too warm and uncomfortable. Bad mommy moment.
We took our seats and James and I got to work. Now let me just say, it looks much easier than it actually is. We started feeling the burn right away. It was also quite warm out on the lake with the sun beating down on us and limited breezes. Oh well, great family time together.
We were going around the lake at break neck speed (yeah right). I liked it best when we would rest so I could drag my foot in the refreshing water. Jameson and Stellan were quite persistent and wanted to help with the pedaling. Stellan was the first to give it a try but he was much too short. He was pleased to sit and steer. His method of steering didn't accomplish much but it was entertaining to watch. He would take the "wheel" and move it all the way to the left and then quickly move it all the way to the right. Then he would repeat the action. He thought he was doing a marvelous job. So cute.
Jameson sat on my lap and decided to take a turn at pedaling. With James' help he was able to do quite well. What a great little helper.
They took a break for a while and then decided to help out again. By this point I wanted to relax a bit on the water but they were rather insistent. This time Stellan wouldn't be appeased with just steering, he wanted to pedal. James slid down in his seat and put a life jacket on his lap, this provided a suitable place for Stellan to sit while bringing him close enough to the pedals. Now it was Jameson's turn to steer. He did a bit better than Stellan but not much.
We headed back to the dock much warmer than we started out. Not quite the relaxing ride I was expecting but fun nonetheless. Next time I think we'll try a row boat, it should be easy enough eh?
After dinner we decided to head into Princeton and treat the boys to ice cream at Thomas' Sweets. Since the flavours are constantly changing we all had to wait in line in order to decide what we would enjoy for the evening. The boys have no problem deciding the flavour, it's always vanilla for them. They just have to decide between a cone or a cup. Jameson much prefers the cup but we tried to convince him that the cone would be much neater. Once Stellan made the proclamation that he would be having his ice cream in a cup, Jameson decided it was a good idea too.
I was torn between three flavours, Amaretto, Drambuie and Ginger Snap. After a quick taste test I decided on the ginger snap; an excellent choice. We sat out on the lawn and enjoyed our treats. What a delightful way to end a terrific day. :)
We took our seats and James and I got to work. Now let me just say, it looks much easier than it actually is. We started feeling the burn right away. It was also quite warm out on the lake with the sun beating down on us and limited breezes. Oh well, great family time together.
We were going around the lake at break neck speed (yeah right). I liked it best when we would rest so I could drag my foot in the refreshing water. Jameson and Stellan were quite persistent and wanted to help with the pedaling. Stellan was the first to give it a try but he was much too short. He was pleased to sit and steer. His method of steering didn't accomplish much but it was entertaining to watch. He would take the "wheel" and move it all the way to the left and then quickly move it all the way to the right. Then he would repeat the action. He thought he was doing a marvelous job. So cute.
Jameson sat on my lap and decided to take a turn at pedaling. With James' help he was able to do quite well. What a great little helper.
They took a break for a while and then decided to help out again. By this point I wanted to relax a bit on the water but they were rather insistent. This time Stellan wouldn't be appeased with just steering, he wanted to pedal. James slid down in his seat and put a life jacket on his lap, this provided a suitable place for Stellan to sit while bringing him close enough to the pedals. Now it was Jameson's turn to steer. He did a bit better than Stellan but not much.
We headed back to the dock much warmer than we started out. Not quite the relaxing ride I was expecting but fun nonetheless. Next time I think we'll try a row boat, it should be easy enough eh?
After dinner we decided to head into Princeton and treat the boys to ice cream at Thomas' Sweets. Since the flavours are constantly changing we all had to wait in line in order to decide what we would enjoy for the evening. The boys have no problem deciding the flavour, it's always vanilla for them. They just have to decide between a cone or a cup. Jameson much prefers the cup but we tried to convince him that the cone would be much neater. Once Stellan made the proclamation that he would be having his ice cream in a cup, Jameson decided it was a good idea too.
I was torn between three flavours, Amaretto, Drambuie and Ginger Snap. After a quick taste test I decided on the ginger snap; an excellent choice. We sat out on the lawn and enjoyed our treats. What a delightful way to end a terrific day. :)
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