First Haircut!

Yesterday was  a big day - Nico got his first haircut!  Nico has never said that he didn't like his hair or wanted it cut. He liked his hair. Outside of Nico, I am probably the only one that loved his long, shaggy 'do. 

A few weeks ago, Bode was complaining about his hair style (the lady really did a bad cut) and how he wanted another haircut.  I explained to him that the only way to 'fix' the hair style was to get it cut super-short. Bode did not want to do that, but continued to complain about his hair. And then, Nico started chiming in about his own hair.  "Mom, I reeeeally need a haircut!" Nico would whine like some desperate 13 year old fashionista begging to go to the mall.  I would question him, because I felt that Bode was influencing Nico.  But Nico maintained that  he wanted his hair cut short.  

So I made an appointment. And I have to say, his hair was looking particularly unkempt and gnarly on haircut day.  

Is he looking at me like, "Please, woman, do something with my hair!"

I wasn't very emotional but I did tell the stylist that this is HIS FIRST HAIRCUT OMG PLEASE BE GENTLE AND I LOVE HIM SOOOOO MUCH. I also explained that since it was his first hair cut,  I would have my big camera in her face the whole time and that I wanted every scrap of hair that she cut from his precious head.  And then I took out a gallon-sized Ziploc bag from my purse to show her that I meant every.single.piece.of.hair. I told her that I was making a pillow out of Nico's hair as a memento. (just kidding)

Nico was great.  He loved sitting in the "Lightning McQueen" car and watching "Cars" while the lady cooed about how sweet he is and how adorable. I snapped photos and watched the transformation.

The hair stylist cut off all the length before getting into the nitty-gritty styling.

The hair stylist asked me if I wanted a "big boy cut" or something else.  I asked Nico, "A short haircut, right, Nico?" and he mumbled "Yeah," (still glued to "Cars").  She proceeded to cut and then said, "you know, you could keep some of that surfer-boy shag. I mean, he still has a lot of curl in his hair and it would be cute. And there's always time, Mom, for the big boy cut."  So of course, I said, "Yes."  And this is what he looks like now:

Nico is very happy.  I love his haircut but I am having a hard time adjusting. My mind still pictures long-haired Nico. So when I see this short haired, darker-haired boy, I do a double-take.  Also, I think he looks like Bode with the short 'do.

Everyone loves his new look. RWF was so happy when he saw that Nico (finally!) got his haircut. And everyone has complimented Nico on the new style.  It's a big boost for Nico, and I love that he feels good about his new look. 

xo

Three

Dear Nico-baby,

Happy 3rd birthday!  You are so much fun and so full of love. You make everyone you meet (and you've never met a stranger) happy.  People love to stop and say Hello to you, and these people walk away with smiles and a lightness in their footsteps.  

Your big brother loves to tell you stories and get your agreement on everything. "Right, Neec?" he will ask, and you will respond, "uh huh," whether you have an opinion or not. Your sister is a a big help to you, watching your every step and fastening your car seat buckle. Your dad laughs at your pronunciation of words because you sound like you still live in New York, saying  "cawr," (car), "buttah," (butter), and "hod," (hard).  You love running around your backyard and kicking the soccer ball around. You love soccer so much that we cheated and got you into a 3-5 year old class, instead of the 2-3 age group that you probably belonged in at the time of registration.  But as I told the soccer coach, you've got 2 big sibs, and you act and move a lot older than most 2-3 year olds (that don't have sibs). This year, we went to an African drumming celebration, and this show left a big impression on you.  You always ask me, "Mom, do you remember the drumming guys?" and I always say, "Yes, yes, I do," and you will start a "drumming" noise and make your own tune. "Tuka" is my special nickname for my little drummer boy. You like being called "Tuka," but if someone asks you your name, you will say, "Nico-baby." Yes, it is "Nico-baby," because your sibs will call you this, too. And you are still a baby in that you love to be carried in my arms (but you are getting too heavy!). 

I love your love of life, and your easy smile. And your drumming? --that is the music of my heart. I love you, sweet boy. May your 3rd year be big and fun!

Mommy

xo

Happy 2nd Birthday, Nico!

Photos by Blue Lily Photography. Thank you, Wendy!

Dear Nico,

Happy Birthday to you!

You are such a joy.

We love you so much!

xo

Nico rocks!

Nico is getting so big, sitting in chairs unassisted. Last night, we were getting the children ready for bed, and he sat down in one of the little rocking chairs (gifted by their grandma).  I'm still so in awe whenever he does something new.  I called out to RWF, "Do you have your phone?!!" I wanted this recorded.  We shot a quick video, and I grilled Nico on what sounds different animals make while he rocked. But, because it was (dangerously) close to bedtime, Bode and Gianna were screechy and whiney in the background. It's kind of hard to hear Nico. I might post it anyway.  But for now, here are some pics of the big boy rockin' in the rocking chair.

Nico is now officially 21 months! I need to write a 20/21 months post for Nico! He has made a bunch of leaps over the past month, most notably talking up a storm and being opinionated!

Our summer mornings are spent at the swimming pool for Bode and Gianna's lessons. They are doing so great at swimming.  It makes me excited to think that they just might get the whole swim thing down before summer's end. But I may be getting ahead of myself.  

After swim lessons, we usually run an errand, stop at Starbuck's, and then we are home for naps.  I can never motivate myself to take them anywhere in the afternoons!  I really need to get it together. This summer has been pretty lame so far.

Happy Wednesday.

xo

PSA: the Brothers McGee FOUND

This is a PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

When we last saw them, the Brothers McGee were located in the East, and looked like this:

Scary, mean, and fierce!

Through extensive investigation, they have been located again. Apparently, they are now on the loose in the Northwest. 

Be on the look-out for these two brothers, known as "Eyelashes," (or "lashes") and "Cheeksy." 

Though the smaller of the two, "Eyelashes" may in fact be the mastermind of the dangerous duo. He often uses the code word, "Bobo!" when getting his brother's attention. He may also be heard shouting, "Day! Day!" though we are not sure what this means. Investigators think that "Day!" means, "I want that!" but this is still inconclusive.

Eyelashes spotted in front of his hideout

"Cheeksy," seen here (below) with his back to the camera, may be working odd jobs in the neighborhood. DO NOT be fooled by his big, cheeksy grin and no matter how politely he asks, do not give him money, ice cream or toys.  He is, no doubt, plotting something serious. He can often be heard making blasting noises and talking excitedly about space or fast cars. We are not sure what these code words mean, yet.

Cheeksy in a neighborhood, with an unidentified source (may be his sister, "G")

If you do happen to spot these two brothers running around, please report them to their mother immediately! For more information, please go here.

END OF PSA.

xo

The Graduates

The morning of graduation

Bode and Gianna's graduation went very well and  was a pretty "dignified" ceremony for such little people (well, almost...).  The ceremony was filled with a lot of spirit and love as well.

The two classes walked to the bridge, Bode's older class taking a longer route, while the younger children in Gianna's class got the shorter, more simple route so that they met up on opposite sides of the bridge. The parents met early and walked over to stand on a hill at the side of the bridge, awaiting the graduates. The two classes met up at just the same time, a feat that the teachers smiled about,  calling over to each other, "Can you believe we met up at the same time?!" and "So unlike last year!"  

The "ceremony" began with Gianna's class singing a song called "We are All the Leaves of One Tree."  Hearing their sweet, baby voices singing the words and using their tiny hands to mime leaves, ocean waves, and stars was almost too much for me to handle.  It was then that I started to cry (silently).  But I held it together, lips clamped together in a smile as I watched the little friends all singing together.

Then the procession began, with the preschool children who were leaving the school walking across first.  Next, Gianna's friends who graduated to Kindergarten.  And last, Gianna (and friends) were supposed to walk across....except...the first boy got scared, ran over to his mother and hid his face in her legs the whole time.  This set the tone for the next graduate, Gianna's friend Kate, who cried out, "Mama!" and then started bawling.  Kate's mother ran over to her and held her. I knew Gianna was next, and I was just willing her to be the strong, fearless girl-child she is and to show her friends how to do it. When Gianna's turn came,  Gianna looked at her teacher, and then turned around and scanned the crowd for me. Finding me, she ran over to me and refused to cross the bridge!  I whispered, "Go on, Gianna, Mr. Trent and Bode are on the other side waiting for you."  But it was too much after her other friends had cried, and she refused to move. ("And they all fall down," I thought.)  Her teacher smiled, turned her attention back to the bridge, and nodded to the Kindergarten teacher, Traci, to start her ceremony.  

So next, the Kindergartners went: those who were leaving the school for new adventures and then those who were graduating (but staying).  When his name was announced, Bode practically skipped over the bridge, a happy smile across his face.

Only I wasn't there to give him a hug. :(   At the start of the Kindergarten ceremony, I had slipped on the muddy embankment, and had fallen -"Boom!" as Nico says - right on my behind.  Two fathers helped me up, each taking one of my arms and lifting me, standing, back to my feet. I was wearing Nico in a backpack and even though we were fine, Nico was startled and was crying loudly.  So I had walked away from the parent group so that everyone could enjoy the ceremony.  I was watching from a distance, but I still feel bad that I wasn't "right there" for Bode when he crossed.  Luckily, I had quieted Nico enough that I could run over to Bode and give him a hug soon after he had crossed over!  

(It is so hard to be a single parent! I feel for single parents everywhere. I feel so bad, always having to divide my time amongst three needy loves! Luckily, Bode is pretty forgiving. Gianna takes it more personally, or at least, lets me know that she *knows* when I am absent, or less than present.)

After the ceremony, we all walked back together to the school for a picnic lunch.  Of course, all the children ran around and played with each other while the parents exchanged memories, tears, and "Can you believe it's over?" laments.

Gianna dances on stage, Nico contemplates someone else's froggy boot, and the boys play Legos.

We stayed too long. In fact, we were the last ones to leave!  Gianna was over-tired and refused to budge.  Unfortunately (or fortunately), Miss Kelly, her teacher, still had to "work" after graduation, because it was up to Miss Kelly to encourage Gianna to go home. ;)  I already had my hands full with Nico, Bode, last-minute school stuff, and picnic supplies. So it was Miss Kelly who asked Gianna to be a big strong helper (to me) and walk by herself up to the car!

Nico wants to hula like everyone else, but he is too tiny.

And now we are on summer break.  And while I am so happy to put away the lunch boxes and backpacks, I'm wondering what to do with these two school children!

xo

Nico: 19 months

Dear Nico,

The big news is, you've stopped breastfeeding.  Woo hoo!  I love you more than anything but the breastfeeding, especially after 12 months (and beyond!)...not so much.  It has been a rough month, in the breast feeding department.  You've been a bit emotional with me. You want to be held a lot.  It was hard for you to stop something that was so natural for your whole little life. The nighttime bedtime routine has been altered dramatically. And yes, we've hired baby sitters strategically-timed for those nighttime routines to stop.  I've been very emotional, too. The crying at night has been brutal for me. When your "Dada" is home, I've had to ask him to help me. He's had to tell me that you're okay, that you're not going to be damaged, and that yes, you are ready to stop. He's had to assure me that I'm doing the right thing, that everything is okay and that yes, it is time. Over and over. I need to hear it all the time because my mind & heart make me doubt my decision. Your daddy has to go into your room in the early morning hours to soothe you, because I can't.  I have felt so mean to you, avoiding you and avoiding our usual routines. I feel like a traitor and a mean mommy. I feel like you look at me and can't believe that I would do this to you. I know that this is partly my mind & emotions at play here. It took a long time, but we finally got over the hump. It was also hard for me to stop because it is such a huge END to my time as a (breastfeeding) mother.  And while I'm happy to be "free," I'm also sad to say goodbye to this time in my life (forever!). The END.

But enough about me.  You're doing great.  You are still drinking lactose-free milk. But you're eating cheese and not having any horrible reactions.  So that makes me think that one day, you'll be free to drink milk and eat cheese, ice cream and all the other yummy dairy goodness that lies out there for consumption.

You love looking at yourself in the mirror, recognizing that it is you, and not just another baby.  You call yourself "Day."  When you see yourself in the mirror, or if I show a photo that you're in, you'll point, smile, and say, "Day!"

When you wake up in the morning, you call for me, "Mama, mama..." and when I come into your room, you announce, sometimes sullenly, "go night-night" as if to say, "Okay, I did it, I slept. Now let me get up now."

The book, "Goodnight Moon," by Margaret Wise Brown, is your latest obsession.  You will find it and then find me, and say, "ree" (read).  You always smile and laugh at the same places, and you look at me each time you do, like we share a secret.  If I read it once, I have to read it a dozen times, because as soon as I close the book, you say, "Again."  When I insist that I have a million things to do, as I did this morning, you cry.  And I relent, again, doing a speed-reading version, "inthegreatgreenroomtherewasatelephoneandaredballoon..." because I can't say No.

I love that you love a good book, and I look forward to reading many more with you. 

Happy 19 months.

Love,

Mommy

Early in the morning

Sometimes,  I like these early morning quiet moments with him, waiting for the sun.

Happy 1st of May to you.
xo

Nico: 18 months

Dear Nico,

Wow - you are now a year and a half old.  That is amazing because it feels like you've been with us forever, and yet...you have only been here for a year and a half.  And you have done so much in that year and a half!

Your most favorite thing to do these days is to go outside and splash in the puddles.  We have many puddles to splash around here, and you think it's the bomb!  Your favorite place is at Bode and Gianna's school because there are really big, really deep puddles in the woods.  Every morning, along with your brother and sister, you put on rain gear: rain jacket, rain pants and rain boots.  You love it.  "Boot? Boot? BOOOOT!" you'll demand once Bode and Gianna start gearing up.  "Yes, sir!" I reply as I sit down with you on the kitchen floor, and begin the very official business of putting on your rain gear and boots.  You also love being outside. We play in the backyard every day. You might say, "Outside? Outside?" to make sure that I know where we are going.  "Yes, sir!" I reply and take you out the door.

We started swim lessons a few weeks ago. You could leave it, I think.  But you are such a good sport, and put up with the changing of clothes, the cold water, and the (stupid!) water games that we play with your teacher.  You don't like being handed off to your swim teacher. You'll cry for a minute, but then, stop, and just put up with it (her) until you're handed back to me. I put you in swim lessons because I had a nightmare.  And now that the horror of this nightmare  has faded, I'm ready to ditch the swim lessons, too.  I don't like the cold, the wet, and the bother for either of us.  So once this class is over, we won't be back. We won't be back until you decide that you're ready, or  when you're a little bit older and can deal with the cold, and verbalize things better.

You enjoy all the B word things and say them so well: balls, bagels, books (flipping through them by yourself, pulling them off the shelf, or throwing them), bites (yogurt bites),  baths, and babies!  Your vocabulary is great - thank you, sibs!!!  You have two great teachers who love to play with you, and their chatter is a constant lesson to you. I can only imagine how much your brain "records" throughout the day. 

You are starting to carry cars around in your little hands.  You go, "Brrrm! Brrrm!" to make car noises. You'll watch cars go on the road, and repeat, "Brrrm!"  Cars are what you play with when I am cooking, or when you have a minute to yourself. You'll drag them across the floor, or push them violently away to make them "go" but they'll skitter and crank across the floor, because you don't have the coordination yet to have them "glide" across the floor.

Your little personality is wonderful. You are such a happy guy, and you smile easily.  I think that you're going to have a very easy, mellow temperament.  I hope so, as this will serve you well in life!

We have started a parent-child class this week. It is a mixed aged class and there are two baby girls in there who are 6 months.  You really enjoyed squatting in front of these babies and just smiling at them. It's pretty funny to watch.  There are also some older children in the class (2 years), too, and I'm not anxious for you to pick up new skills from them! I want you to stay just the way you are right now.  Yesterday, we had a little talk. I asked you, "Nico, will you please stay like this at 18 months for awhile?" and you said, "Okay."  You said it so easily, so readily and I was happy that we had an agreement. But a second later, I realized that I did not define "awhile" and therefore, even though we had an agreement, you could easily grow, and become 19 months...next week.

But most of all, you love me! You and me, baby, we are so close. I understand what you are saying, and what you want/need more easily than anyone. You want me before anyone else. And I love it that way.  At nap time, or at night, when you wake up, it's almost a curse, because you cry, "Mama, mama..." and Daddy will joke, "He's calling for you." When I  have a baby sitter watch you and your siblings, you get so sad. You'll cry and cry. And I'll cry inside, too. I usually time it so that I put you down for a nap before the errand. That way, you sleep through the sitter and I'm home by the time you wake up! See how easy I make your life?  No drama for my baby! Not yet, anyway. Maybe when you are a little older.  

You have become a hugger.  You will give "Anna" a hug when you see her. And then you might go over to "Bobo" and give him a hug as well.  You love your "Dada" and enjoy wrestling and tickle matches with him.  You also pat "Pa'dah" (Priscilla) and often tell me "Pa'dah outside" when she's out, or "Pa'dah night-night" when you see her sleeping.  

We are a very busy family and often on the road, but you make these excursions so easy right now.  Thank you for being so agreeable,  skipping naps and full meals for car rides, and always sitting patiently while your brother and sister do gymnastics or swim. 

Happy 18 months, Nico. It has been a wonderful year and a half for all of us!
Love,
Mommy
xo

So true

Cleaning and scrubbing can wait 'til tomorrow,
For babies grow up, we've learned to our sorrow,

So quiet down, cobwebs. Dust, go to sleep.

I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep.

-author unknown*

Sir Nicholas is a teething monster.  He is keeping us up at night, or waking us at super early morning hours.  We are surviving.  I keep telling myself that this goes so fast, just hold onto him!

I don't know the author of this poem. But if you do, please let me know so that I may credit properly.

Happy weekend.

xo

A good meal

Yesterday afternoon, Bode, Gianna and I were sitting around the kids' table coloring when Bode announced, "Mommy, I want to donate Gianna."  I laughed out loud.  But he was serious.  "I want to know what it's like on my own," he continued. "No you don't!" I protested.  "Yes, I do. I want to donate her to somebody else."  At the second mention of being given away, Gianna started wailing.  "I don't want to be donated!" she cried.  I switched seats so that I could hold her and reassure her that she was not being dumped into some roadside donation bin.  Then I addressed Bode.  "Bode, you don't mean that. You wouldn't last  5 seconds without Gianna."  "I want to know what it's like on my own.  I want to be the only one."  he insisted.

I changed the subject to dinner, and the donation of Gianna was no longer discussed.

We made Ginger Chicken with Asparagus.  I found it in one of my food magazines, and it wasn't even a featured recipe. It was an advertisement for McCormick Ground Ginger (I guess I might as well mention the brand since I tried the recipe?).  I used real ginger. And my two monkeys/sous chefs helped out.  Not only did they help me, but they demonstrated such good will to each other, sharing and talking while they chopped and stirred.  All was well, and dinner was delicious.

Step 1:

Hand the monkeys kid-friendly knives (found on amazon here) and have them chop the asparagus into bite-sized pieces. 

Step 2:
While the monkeys are on veggie detail, chop 4 chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. Then mince ginger and garlic.

Step 3:

Have the monkeys pour soy sauce, oil, and broth into a measuring cup.  This teaches them pouring skills as well as how to measure ("Fill it to the 2, Gianna.").  Have one monkey add the minced ginger and garlic to the marinade. The monkeys then take a very, very long time taking turns stirring the marinade.  This goes on forever until you realize that the poor neglected chicken breasts are never going to marinate for an hour if you don't rush this bit along.  Tell the older monkey to pour the marinade over the chicken pieces.  Put the chicken in the fridge while it marinates.

Step 4:  

When the two chimps joke about eating the raw asparagus, dare them to eat one.  They will think that they are being funny and daring, eating the raw asparagus. But you know better. You just tricked them into eating a raw vegetable!  

Step 5: 

While they consume half the (raw) asparagus, ask the monkeys if they want white rice or brown rice.  When the eldest monkey states that he wants brown rice, ask him what the difference is between white and brown rice.  Be secretly pleased and think, "He's so smart," when he answers that brown rice is chewier and more grain-y than white rice, and then remember that yes, he is a smart alec when he adds, "Oh, it's also BROWN. And white rice is...WHITE!" Like, duh.  Then start water on stove to make brown rice.  

Step 6:

Realize that the baby chimp has woken up from his nap and has been crying for attention for how long (???) while you were reading recipes and the other monkeys were stirring the marinade (forever).  Run to baby chimp's room and find him like this:

Hug, kiss and pat baby chimp over & over until he ceases to cry.  Then take him out of his sleepy sack,  change his diaper and put him in pants/socks. Bring him out to the kitchen to bond with his other chimp family members.

Step 7:

While chicken continues to marinade, try to ignore the crazy monkey behavior that occurs in the "witching hour" known to all mothers.

Note: baby monkey is fine and not psychologically harmed from crib abandonment

Step 8:

Take chicken out of fridge.  Continue to ignore crazy monkey behavior but direct all monkey behavior out of the kitchen while you heat up oil in large skillet.  Once monkeys have vacated kitchen, sauté  chicken and then asparagus.  Mix asparagus into chicken mixture so that everything is coated in yummy gingery sauce. Plate chicken/asparagus/rice onto divided plastic plates for all monkeys to eat.  Once food has cooled slightly, call monkeys back into kitchen to sit at monkey table and eat dinner.  Enjoy the meal that was prepared as a family (a family that loves each other very much and would never donate one another!).

Happy Friday!

xo