Park Playdates

Last week's wind and rain has been replaced by sunny blue skies and warm air.  I've been cutting Gianna's nap short in the mornings in order to do some house hunting and errand running. Oh, and let's face it:  hitting Starbucks.  But the babies have enjoyed Starbucks. I have proof.  And, they have enjoyed a couple of park playdates, too.

Enjoying the lights in Starbucks.

Bode mixing his yogurt parfait.

Mommy happy, babies happy.

Bode wore this hat for the first year of his life. Gianna? --Not a fan.

All his toys are being played with by others.



After holding a squirming Gianna for 10 minutes, I finally let her crawl around in the sandbox. Eeek!

Bode brought his construction trucks to the sandbox at the park. This of course attracted the attention of all the boys in the park.  Bode wasn't sure about sharing his toys. I could see the confusion/anger flash over his face when other boys helped themselves to his toys.  After my gentle reminder that it is  a requirement  fun to share with strangers friends at the park, he just let the boys play with the trucks.  I hope that he remains "sweet" like this for awhile. Dammit. I just jinxed myself again, didn't I?

I am dreading the time when Bode becomes more aware of, and participates in, every day things like, not sharing, yelling, pushing, etc.  I know that it's all a part of growing up. But man, he is just so sweet, so pure and good right now.

A few weeks ago, we were at the park. I was leaning on the edge of a play structure, watching Bode.  This little boy walked right up to me and screamed in my face, "GET OUT OF MY WAY!" I blinked, took a deep breath, and calmly replied, "I am not in your way."  I wasn't. I wasn't in anyone's way. This kid was just out of control. I immediately began looking for the responsible adult.  Then the boy did it again. He ran right up to me and yelled, "GET OUT OF MY WAY!" This time, Bode witnessed it and laughed out loud.  I told Bode that we don't yell at people.  But of course, Bode repeated "Get out of my way!" several times. Every time, I would remind him that this was not an acceptable way to talk. He thought it was funny. I was really angry about how this boy yelled, and that Bode witnessed it and thought it was okay, funny even, to talk like that. I worry about Bode changing from sweet boy to this...other...kind of boy. This kind of behavior is what prevents me from enrolling Bode into preschool.  Well, that and the fact that I can't stand the idea of being apart from him. Maybe it is inevitable. Maybe I will read this post one day and laugh and laugh at my naivete.

Today, we went house hunting (again).  There was a fabulous park in the neighborhood. It even had a dog park attached! Too bad I didn't bring Priscilla with us. We stopped and enjoyed the swings. We also watched the doggies in the dog park part. Bode really wanted to go in there. He loves dogs so much!

A similar play structure as our park, but still fun for Bode.

Without socks. Daddy would not approve.

At least her head is covered.

Tire swing = big fun

Removing her hat in the shade.

Do you have any fun weekend plans? I am hoping that we put together a summer list. Do you put together a summer list? Here are a few things I've thought of that I would like to do this summer:  eating ice cream at an ice cream parlour (a first for Bode!), a picnic in the park, the farmer's market, and a visit to the zoo (another first).
Oh, and there are also two major birthdays up ahead!!! I can't believe I have made it this long without an obsessive post about the birthdays!  Here is a hint:



Gianna, one day old

Looking at that pic of Gianna and Bob makes me weepy.
Happy weekend!
xo

P.S. Bob, I know that you don't approve of Gianna being without socks/shoes. But we were in the car forever, and you know that the car seat gets really hot for her. So I let her go sockless while I drove to San Jose. Then we stopped at this park. I didn't realize that I didn't have her socks/shoes with me until we were like 5 miles away from our car (ok, not really 5 miles but it would seem like 5 miles if I had to haul everyone back to the car for a stupid pair of socks). (Oh, and will you please pick up some coffee the next time you are out?) (Oh, and this is how we communicate now, through this blog. Love you!).

P.P.S. to all who are concerned about the above, I am just kidding! (about the communicating through the blog part, not the socks part.)

P.P.P.S. It is really just a way for me to test to see if Bob is reading this blog.

P.P.P.P.S. Kidding!

Before and After

Bode got a haircut today.  Once again, I let his hair get too long. I have got to get better about getting his hair cut.  Here are the "before" shots:

June 7, 2011

He was so good while getting his haircut. When we walked in, the stylist asked me his name, and he replied, "Bode," then she asked him how old he is and he said, "Two." He sat quietly while she cut his hair and followed her directions on where to turn his head, etc. The stylist even turned to the other stylist in the next chair over, and said, "Can you believe this? He's so good!"  Yes, I am bragging.  I need to record this so that the next time, when he's an absolute terror, I can read this post and remember the good times! Maybe it was the promise of a muffin after the haircut for "good behavior" but somehow, I doubt it.  The haircut seemed. to take forever (all that hair that she had to cut off) and Bode never squirmed.

Here are the "after" shots. His hair is completely butchered. I hate the way hair looks right after being cut. It's got a "raw" quality to it. I tried fluffing it so that it didn't look so severe. 

Do you know the blueberry muffin man?

The weekend

"Cheeseburger, cheeseburger."

On Thursday, I packed the babies, a lunch box of snacks, milk, and a big bottle of water into the car. We went searching for a new home.  After viewing three houses, I was completely discouraged and exhausted (meanwhile, the babies were laughing it up in the backseat). We came back to our little town and I treated Bode to a cheeseburger lunch.  This boy loves to eat out. It is so much fun taking him places. I hope that he is always like that. (Did I just jinx myself?)

On Friday, we stayed home. I refused to do any more driving. Plus, it was rainy and cool.  We stayed inside and played "Bus" (where Bode and Gianna "ride" a playhouse bus around the house).

Main Street Burgers  = Saturday night fun!

On Saturday, we did our usual: errands, a walk, naps.  Bob had evening plans and so I was psyching myself up to "solo parent" at church.  But then Bob joined us anyway.  It was the way it should be: family in church together.  Bob had to leave early to attend his meeting.  Bode, Gianna and I walked in the rain (!) to our favorite burger spot in Los Gatos (Uncle Craig knows the place!).  I missed Bob and wished that he could join us, but I didn't miss him enough to NOT get burgers, if you know what I mean. A girl has got to eat! And Bode loves hanging out in restaurants, it seems (see above).

Digging for worms.

Playing construction.

Construction trucks on the move.

On Sunday, Bode and I took a walk around our neighborhood while Bob stayed home with a napping Gianna.  It was strange to push the "single" stroller around.  Afterward, we weeded our little garden and dug up worms and roly-poly bugs.  We played construction with his construction trucks and Duplo blocks.

But the BEST part was still to come.  We put Bode down for an early nap so that we could attend our town's annual picnic. He didn't sleep. But we went anyway.  This is Bode's third year to attend. This was the best year because Bode could enjoy it.  He loved all the sights and sounds of the picnic.  This was the first year that he was able to play in the bounce house. The first year he was able to ride a pony. The first year that he rode the train. Many "firsts" that I have been excited to watch him enjoy.

On the "train" with Daddy.

The bounce house. He didn't know what to do, and loved being bounced around while the others jumped.

Giddyup.

But this one?  This one is slowly showing her sass. You put her down on the ground and she crawls away from you at breakneck speed. We sat down for our picnic lunch (thank you, firemen) and she decided to help herself to Bode's meal.  First, she grabbed his hotdog. Then she went for his bun. And then?  Then she kept grabbing his beans.  Whole fistfuls of beans. She tore up the bun that I gave her to eat. She ate the watermelon, though. She knows a good thing when she sees it. Gianna was such a mess after lunch. And of course, Mother of the Year did not pack any spare clothes. So we walked around the picnic all covered in beans and barbequed chicken, thanks to little Miss Mia Sasspants.

Gimme that!

Mmm. Watermelon.

Little crumb snatcher, as my dad would say.

Our little hobo child with the filthy socks, who steals food right off her brother's plate.

I didn't immediately notice Gianna grabbing Bode's food because I was busy eating. I was starving by the time I got through the food line and smiled at all the good-looking hard-working firemen serving the picnic food.  I handed plates of hot dogs, beans and salad to Bode and Bob. Then I plopped down on the ground and started inhaling my food.  Those of you who know me, know that I am not exaggerating when I say that I was inhaling food.  At one point, I took a bite of hamburger (veggie burger) and swallowed.  It got stuck in my throat. I tried to swallow, no go. I tried coughing.  I sat and breathed through my nose for a second and thought about my options.  I remember thinking, "Well, Heather, if you're going to choke, this is the place to do it."  There were, after all, about 15 firemen/paramedics in front of me.  I stood up, hoping gravity would work the burger down my throat. Bob looked at me and asked, "What's going on?"  (and, dear readers, please don't mistake this for a concerned, what-is-wrong-with-the-love-of-my-life question. No, this was a casual, almost blase, "Why are you disturbing my peace" inquiry) I coughed and coughed.  And shrugged. Then it cleared. Thank God. It cleared.  I vow to chew my food from now on. I encourage you to do the same (unless you want to attract the attention of a good-looking hard-working fireman).

When we returned home, the babies went immediately into the bathtub. I knew that at least one of them needed a good scrubbing. Bode was so exhausted from the picnic that he asked me if he could go to bed while we were eating dinner!  Now that is a first.

Happy boy.

Bode: 32 months

Dear Bode,

The big news is, you're potty training. You are doing so well.  You have received several stickers, and already have added 6 "potty training surprise" cars to your collection.  Without going into (potentially) embarrassing detail, I will only report: so far, so good.

Over the past month, you've started calling us "Mom," and "Dad."  I have no idea where this came from. It is disconcerting to have my 2 year old call me "Mom" regularly.

You have a funny facial expression now.  It comes out at random times,  so I don't know what prompts the expression.  I'm really not sure what the expression means. It may mean that you think I am silly, you may be annoyed, or that you aren't sure 'what' is expected of you in a particular instance. I am trying to capture this expression on camera but as usual, I don't have my camera around when you make this particular expression.  If I get it on film, I am posting it and taking notes! I'm sure like a lot of things, it will be a fleeting memory of your toddler years.

You like saying, "I'm sorry" or "Sorry," but you don't use it in the correct context.  You might sneeze, and then say, "Sorry, Mom" or I might say that we need to do something, and you'll reply, "Sorry, Mom."  It took me awhile to figure this one out: you picked this up because I apologize to you when I bump your head while putting you in the car seat, and stuff like that. I think I am saying, "I'm sorry," more than I know I am, and you've added it to your vocabulary.

You still love your sister like crazy. And you love that you make her so happy. You still like to play "I Gianna" and revert somewhat. In fact, I was concerned that the potty training was not going to happen once you remembered that Gianna is in diapers.  But you seem to be handling the potty training well, on your own. You still enjoy crawling around and reminding me to carry you sometimes because you are also my baby.

Happy 32 months, Bode.

Love,
Mommy

Mia Gianna: 11 months



May 30, 2011

 Dear Gianna,

I have not been dedicating a lot of time to your "development," as far as singing songs, reading, and playing games. I think this is because I am confident that you are learning a lot by watching your older brother. And you seem happy to just observe us.  In fact, you are often on my hip, and very much a part of everything going on in the house.   

Suddenly, you are vocal and have opinions.  You might protest if I take a second too long picking you up from your crib.  You might protest when I put you down in your crib. You protest (sometimes) when I hand you over to Daddy. You always protest when you are crawling to me and  I just happen to walk away.  But even with the protests, you are always quick to smile.

I am enjoying  introducing you to new finger foods. Right now, you love Cheerios, puffs, bagels, bananas, and peaches. 

Your second tooth is slowly making an appearance, alongside your first tooth. You will soon have the lower "front gate" teeth in place.

You are starting to pull up on things now.  And you like to crawl over to the window, pull up on the windowsill, and look outside.

You are fast approaching a year old. Yesterday I was looking at photos from your birth. You were so tiny! You were beautiful then, just like you are today. This morning, I held you close, gave you lots of kisses, and whispered "don't grow, don't grow."  But I know that you have a mind of your own, and a lot of growing up ahead of you.  Happy 11 months, my lovely G.
love,
Mommy
xo

Memorial Day

Do you know about the red poppies that are sold by disabled vets?  When I was a little girl, my mom always bought them.  I didn't know much about it, but I liked wearing the red paper flower with the thin green wire stem on my lapel.  Today, they are still made and sold by vets.  But I haven't seen them since I was a little girl.

They have an official name, Buddy Poppy. You can learn more about them here.  On this page there is also the poem, In Flander's Field, which I remember reading in elementary school.  Again, I didn't know what the poem was about at the time, but I remember feeling that this poem was about something very important and getting goosebumps. I still get goosebumps reading it today. 

To everyone who served, and to everyone who is serving our country today:  thank you, thank you.
xo

Day 2 of Potty Training

This morning, Bode and I had a date. He wore a diaper and a winning smile. Just kidding. Well, he did wear a diaper out, but he also had on a nice outfit. Bob stayed home while Gianna napped.  Bode and I went to the park, the bagel shop, and Starbucks.  I miss hanging out with my happy little guy!  We have so much fun together.  And I really notice how much he has grown when I have time alone with him.  I guess it is because I think back to the time before Gianna and I can think about how much he has changed since then.  And while I'm on the subject, (sniff), I did cry on the way to the store yesterday for big boy underwear. I just can't believe that we are here already.  Potty training. It just breaks my heart to think about how fast he is growing.

Bode, age 2 going on 21.

Day 2 of potty training is going well.  There was one accident this morning, but it was my fault for not watching the clock. 

Perhaps he is a little too familiar with the staff at Starbucks.

Here he is laughing with another little girl in the adjoining booth at the bagel shop. Flirt!



Swinging is still his all-time fav at the park.



As far as rewards go, Aunt Dawnie suggested that I use a reward chart.  The new deal is this: Bode uses the potty and he gets a sticker. For every 5 stickers, he gets a surprise (a car, or whatever new thing I can find in my hidden (quickly diminishing) stash). Bode is not sure about this new deal. Every time he goes potty, he asks for a car. I'm trying to emphasize the game aspect of the reward chart, as well as playing up the special big boy potty stickers. And before you feel bad for him, he has already gotten a car today! I didn't expect him to fill that reward chart so quickly. I'm rethinking the 5 stickers. Not really. I can't change it up now. I guess 2 cars a day is better than 10 cars a day, right?  I wish I could reward him with outings, and not things. But right now, this is the way it goes and it is working.

Last, a quick apology for the horrid iPhone photos. I know it is a drag to read this blog and squint at these fuzzy photos of Bode and Gianna.  I swear, I am cursed when it comes to computers and cameras. It must be mercury in retrograde. Or my rising sign. Or something.  I am working on it, and promise to post better photos soon.  Thanks for stopping by!

xo