The boys were playing downstairs so nicely this afternoon while I assembled the new-to-us swing. Then both boys came upstairs and I heard, "I'll get a car for Arnon, Stellan. Don't forget to get one for Patrick."
I asked the boys if they were playing with their friends in the basement. (I knew full well that no one else was in the house.)
"Oh, we're just pretending mom. Our friends are over and we're playing cars with them."
I love it! They have imaginary friends that are actually their real friends from school but they are still pretending that they are here. I guess it's time to schedule more play dates. :)
Friday, January 9, 2009
Smells....again
So Stellan made it clear that he does not like the smell of his dad's morning breath. The other day he made it clear what he does like....
1. Before helping the boys put their coats and shoes on for school I started the van to warm it up before heading out. The van was backed up to the garage since we unloaded the crib from it the night before. Because of this arrangement the exhaust fumes were coming into the open garage door. Apparently this rather noxious smell was pleasing to Stellan because he declared that he liked the smell. Weirdo.
2. While reading the boys their new Beatrix Potter books, Stellan started sniffing the book, over and over again. He then declared that he liked the smell and then proceeded to sniff the book while I finished reading it.
3. While taking a break from the aforementioned book sniffing, Stellan lifted his foot to his nose and took a deep breath. He also liked the smell of his own feet.
I just don't know what to say.
1. Before helping the boys put their coats and shoes on for school I started the van to warm it up before heading out. The van was backed up to the garage since we unloaded the crib from it the night before. Because of this arrangement the exhaust fumes were coming into the open garage door. Apparently this rather noxious smell was pleasing to Stellan because he declared that he liked the smell. Weirdo.
2. While reading the boys their new Beatrix Potter books, Stellan started sniffing the book, over and over again. He then declared that he liked the smell and then proceeded to sniff the book while I finished reading it.
3. While taking a break from the aforementioned book sniffing, Stellan lifted his foot to his nose and took a deep breath. He also liked the smell of his own feet.
I just don't know what to say.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Bedtime Stories
Our nightly bedtime routine usually includes at least one bed time story. We were running short on time last night so I quickly grabbed a book about Joseph and his colourful coat. I figured it was a Bible story so I could also get a quick moral lesson in as well. I was familiar with the story but had no idea how it would affect Jameson.
The story explains how Joseph was favoured by his father Jacob who gave his son a colourful coat. Joseph's 11 brothers were jealous and decided to turn against their brother. They took Joseph's coat, threw him in a pit and eventually sold him into slavery. (Yeah I know, not the most kid friendly material but heck, what nursery rhyme really is? One version of the 3 Little Pigs has the wolf eating the first two pigs. What about Hansel and Gretel? Little Red Riding Hood? Kind of scary stuff.) Joseph ended up in Egypt as an advisor to Pharaoh and (long story short) became well respected. His brothers ended up coming to Egypt during a time of famine (something Joseph warned the Pharaoh about thereby prompting him to store grain in preparation for the famine) to get some food. Joseph recognized his brothers and called out to them in love, instantly forgiving them.
We talked about jealousy and forgiveness. I could see that Jameson looked a bit concerned but figured he would get over it. Well, not so much. He ended up having nightmares, worrying that the brothers would come into his bed and throw him into a pit. I haven't heard Jameson cry in his sleep like that, ever. James ended up crawling in bed with him until he calmed down. Poor angel. (I often call the boys angels, rather endearing. Jameson looked at me the other day and said, "Uh, Stellan's not an angel. Angels appeared to the shepherds to tell them that baby Jesus was born.")
After the story Jameson looked at me and said, "I don't want the brothers to get me". Uh oh, this really scarred him. We explained that the brothers can't get him and mommy and daddy will protect him. We prayed about it too, hoping that all of this would alleviate his fears. We'll see at 3 this morning whether or not he starts crying again.
Tonight I chose to read "Peter Rabbit" to the kids before bed. Now I'm worried that Jameson is going to be scared of farmers.
The story explains how Joseph was favoured by his father Jacob who gave his son a colourful coat. Joseph's 11 brothers were jealous and decided to turn against their brother. They took Joseph's coat, threw him in a pit and eventually sold him into slavery. (Yeah I know, not the most kid friendly material but heck, what nursery rhyme really is? One version of the 3 Little Pigs has the wolf eating the first two pigs. What about Hansel and Gretel? Little Red Riding Hood? Kind of scary stuff.) Joseph ended up in Egypt as an advisor to Pharaoh and (long story short) became well respected. His brothers ended up coming to Egypt during a time of famine (something Joseph warned the Pharaoh about thereby prompting him to store grain in preparation for the famine) to get some food. Joseph recognized his brothers and called out to them in love, instantly forgiving them.
We talked about jealousy and forgiveness. I could see that Jameson looked a bit concerned but figured he would get over it. Well, not so much. He ended up having nightmares, worrying that the brothers would come into his bed and throw him into a pit. I haven't heard Jameson cry in his sleep like that, ever. James ended up crawling in bed with him until he calmed down. Poor angel. (I often call the boys angels, rather endearing. Jameson looked at me the other day and said, "Uh, Stellan's not an angel. Angels appeared to the shepherds to tell them that baby Jesus was born.")
After the story Jameson looked at me and said, "I don't want the brothers to get me". Uh oh, this really scarred him. We explained that the brothers can't get him and mommy and daddy will protect him. We prayed about it too, hoping that all of this would alleviate his fears. We'll see at 3 this morning whether or not he starts crying again.
Tonight I chose to read "Peter Rabbit" to the kids before bed. Now I'm worried that Jameson is going to be scared of farmers.
Sensitivity
My darling Stellan can be so sweet until it is the middle of the night or early in the morning. For some reason he only wants mommy at those times and it is rather irritating to have to get up being the only one to console him. The other morning he had to "go poo" and wanted mommy to help him. James, the loving husband who is willing to let his pregnant wife rest a little longer, thought he would try and help Stellan. Stellan would have no part of it, he started whining and throwing a fit saying that only mommy can do it. Me, being the loving daughter who wants to allow Ruth whatever precious sleep she can get, dragged myself out of bed and then dragged Stellan to the bathroom at the other end of the house so he wouldn't wake Ruth. Now I'm irritated and Stellan is upset. I put him on the toilet and he doesn't even poop. Grrrrrr....... I gathered my tired senses and sat down with Stellan to try and get to the bottom of the "only mommy will do" issue. I explained that daddy is just as good as mommy and tries to help out. Stellan looked at me, relieved to finally be able to explain himself. "Daddy forgot to brush his teeth so he stinks". Who can argue with that? We all have morning breath but James' must be particularly offensive to Stellan's sensitive little nose.
Pop
On New Year's Eve there was a large spread of food and drinks at Ruth's house. Jameson was eyeing the pop (I refuse to call it soda even if I live in the States) all night. At one point he looked at me and proclaimed, "My heart is telling me that I need to have some pop". Good try but he still didn't get any.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Bonding Time
Last night I had some alone time with Jameson before bed. (Stellan was not allowed to have story time and therefore went to bed early since he does not know how to behave at dinner time.)
We read a story together and then had a chance to chat. He started telling me about ways he was going to help me with the new baby. He wants to help her (he chose a girl but usually wants a girl) play, he'll bring her toys, he'll give her milk from the fridge (I clarified that one) and he agreed to bring her diapers too. He asked what size she needed, just to be sure. He also thought it would be a good idea to bring her a stuffed animal. That gave me an idea.
I suggested to Jameson that we go for a special Mommy and Jameson day after we get back from Canada. We could go out for breakfast and then go out and buy a stuffed animal for the baby. He was a bit hesitant and then asked if Stellan could come along. I told him that it would just be a special day for the two of us, Stellan could stay home with daddy. I don't think he liked the idea too much. I tried to entice him with muffins at Wegmans.
"So...we could have muffins and eat them upstairs at Wegmans?"
"Yes sweetie."
"And Daddy and Stellan could come too?"
He totally doesn't get the whole idea of a Mommy and Jameson day.
I tried to explain that Stellan could stay with daddy and then, on another day, I would take Stellan for a special day and he (Jameson) could stay with daddy.
"So you and Daddy would stay home with Stellan and I would go to Wegmans by myself? I would get lost."
We'll work on it.
We read a story together and then had a chance to chat. He started telling me about ways he was going to help me with the new baby. He wants to help her (he chose a girl but usually wants a girl) play, he'll bring her toys, he'll give her milk from the fridge (I clarified that one) and he agreed to bring her diapers too. He asked what size she needed, just to be sure. He also thought it would be a good idea to bring her a stuffed animal. That gave me an idea.
I suggested to Jameson that we go for a special Mommy and Jameson day after we get back from Canada. We could go out for breakfast and then go out and buy a stuffed animal for the baby. He was a bit hesitant and then asked if Stellan could come along. I told him that it would just be a special day for the two of us, Stellan could stay home with daddy. I don't think he liked the idea too much. I tried to entice him with muffins at Wegmans.
"So...we could have muffins and eat them upstairs at Wegmans?"
"Yes sweetie."
"And Daddy and Stellan could come too?"
He totally doesn't get the whole idea of a Mommy and Jameson day.
I tried to explain that Stellan could stay with daddy and then, on another day, I would take Stellan for a special day and he (Jameson) could stay with daddy.
"So you and Daddy would stay home with Stellan and I would go to Wegmans by myself? I would get lost."
We'll work on it.
I'm Back
I realize I'm getting to be really bad at this whole blogging thing. Truth is, I'm so tired at night I just want to sit and relax. So, here it is mid-morning and I'm stealing a few minutes to write something.
Jameson made me so angry this morning since he decided to fight (yet again) about his clothing options for about an hour. I need a little break right now so this can be therapeutic.
Updates in a nutshell...
My mom and her friend Desiree were here for 2 weeks over the Thanksgiving holiday. Went to NY for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. It was INSANE!!!! Glad I can say I did it but don't ever plan on doing that again. Had a nice turkey dinner on the day after Thanksgiving. James got up at 4:30 to do Black Friday shopping and we ended up with a new flat screen tv. Big hassle with installing it but now it is hanging and I'm very pleased with it. (Maybe if I feel like it at a later date I'll write more details, it is really a crazy story from start to finish.)
Went into the city with mom and Desiree for a girls day of shopping and sight seeing. I wore the wrong shoes and my feet ended up being so sore...miserable! Had a great time. Quite an experience being pulled into a back room in Chinatown to see additional knock off purses. My mom bought one but I resisted the temptation.
My mom bought Jameson the Leapfrog Tag Reading System. What a cool toy! Stellan got a new digital camera. They both love their new toys and generally share them quite nicely.
Had a good time but I was exhausted by the end of their visit.
Allison and Anabela came for the weekend. They spent most of their time in the city but I did pick them up at the train station on Friday night. Jameson and Stellan were beyond excited. Anabela inherited the new name "Auntie Bela". So cute how the kids translate what they hear. Allison was heroine for bringing Jr. cars. Jameson chose the Amp Energy car whereas Stellan has the Mountain Dew car. Jameson translates "Mountain Dew" into "A Tree Dude". So funny. I will credit my mother with putting the word "dude" into his vocab. I could think of better words.... Allison, Anabela and I went into the city on Saturday for a girl's day. It was FREEZING cold. The latte and red velvet cupcake at Dean and Deluca really helped to warm me up, yum. More shopping and sight seeing. Crazy busy around the tree, all the tourists who want to see it. I have to admit, pretty cool that the tree was cut down from an area about 30 minutes from my house. Kind of sad though. If only the city had the foresight to actually plant a tree in that spot years ago when they first started the tree lighting ceremony then they wouldn't have to needlessly cut down a huge tree every year. The one in Princeton is nice because it is actually growing there and has been for years. They string the lights on it at Christmas time and it still amazes the crowds.
Expecting a house full of guests on Friday. A bunch of guys are coming to see a performance of the Messiah in the city. They are quite excited about it and, truth be told, I'm just so excited to be able to stay home for a change. I never thought I would say it but I'm getting a bit tired of going into the city. It doesn't help that it is overrun with tourists (yes, I realize I fall into that category) and it's cold. I'll look forward to going again in the spring, if baby is a good baby.
That's been the past few weeks in a nutshell. Busy time of year but we really do enjoy the holidays. Heading back to Windsor/Harrow in a week. I won't lie, excited to see family and friends but not looking forward to the drive or seeing the actual city of Windsor. The boys keep asking about going to Canada, they can't wait.
Oh yes, can't help but add, so excited that my Christmas gifts are wrapped!! It took me three hours the other night but they are done. :) I would put them under the tree but I'm afraid that the boys would rip them open even though they are not for them. I would not be a happy camper.
Jameson made me so angry this morning since he decided to fight (yet again) about his clothing options for about an hour. I need a little break right now so this can be therapeutic.
Updates in a nutshell...
My mom and her friend Desiree were here for 2 weeks over the Thanksgiving holiday. Went to NY for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. It was INSANE!!!! Glad I can say I did it but don't ever plan on doing that again. Had a nice turkey dinner on the day after Thanksgiving. James got up at 4:30 to do Black Friday shopping and we ended up with a new flat screen tv. Big hassle with installing it but now it is hanging and I'm very pleased with it. (Maybe if I feel like it at a later date I'll write more details, it is really a crazy story from start to finish.)
Went into the city with mom and Desiree for a girls day of shopping and sight seeing. I wore the wrong shoes and my feet ended up being so sore...miserable! Had a great time. Quite an experience being pulled into a back room in Chinatown to see additional knock off purses. My mom bought one but I resisted the temptation.
My mom bought Jameson the Leapfrog Tag Reading System. What a cool toy! Stellan got a new digital camera. They both love their new toys and generally share them quite nicely.
Had a good time but I was exhausted by the end of their visit.
Allison and Anabela came for the weekend. They spent most of their time in the city but I did pick them up at the train station on Friday night. Jameson and Stellan were beyond excited. Anabela inherited the new name "Auntie Bela". So cute how the kids translate what they hear. Allison was heroine for bringing Jr. cars. Jameson chose the Amp Energy car whereas Stellan has the Mountain Dew car. Jameson translates "Mountain Dew" into "A Tree Dude". So funny. I will credit my mother with putting the word "dude" into his vocab. I could think of better words.... Allison, Anabela and I went into the city on Saturday for a girl's day. It was FREEZING cold. The latte and red velvet cupcake at Dean and Deluca really helped to warm me up, yum. More shopping and sight seeing. Crazy busy around the tree, all the tourists who want to see it. I have to admit, pretty cool that the tree was cut down from an area about 30 minutes from my house. Kind of sad though. If only the city had the foresight to actually plant a tree in that spot years ago when they first started the tree lighting ceremony then they wouldn't have to needlessly cut down a huge tree every year. The one in Princeton is nice because it is actually growing there and has been for years. They string the lights on it at Christmas time and it still amazes the crowds.
Expecting a house full of guests on Friday. A bunch of guys are coming to see a performance of the Messiah in the city. They are quite excited about it and, truth be told, I'm just so excited to be able to stay home for a change. I never thought I would say it but I'm getting a bit tired of going into the city. It doesn't help that it is overrun with tourists (yes, I realize I fall into that category) and it's cold. I'll look forward to going again in the spring, if baby is a good baby.
That's been the past few weeks in a nutshell. Busy time of year but we really do enjoy the holidays. Heading back to Windsor/Harrow in a week. I won't lie, excited to see family and friends but not looking forward to the drive or seeing the actual city of Windsor. The boys keep asking about going to Canada, they can't wait.
Oh yes, can't help but add, so excited that my Christmas gifts are wrapped!! It took me three hours the other night but they are done. :) I would put them under the tree but I'm afraid that the boys would rip them open even though they are not for them. I would not be a happy camper.
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