Chanukah 2009
Was a success. Autumn received a few more rooms for her dollhouse and two new Barbie dolls which she calls “Bobbidolly.” She also received a book and new movie from her big brother Ronin. Ronin received several series books, Tag books, Spiderman, a monster house spooky set for his cars, and a doctor’s kit.
Ronin said, “Mommy I want a doctor’s kit for my birthday because I want to be a doctor.” Every Jewish mother’s dream right? And I never asked him about this, I never pushed or even suggested.
I said, “If you want to be a doctor you can. Maybe a pediatrician?”
“Like Dr. Amler, Mommy. I like him and he wears really nice ties like Daddy.” Said Ronin.
“Ronin if that is what you want – if I may make a suggestion, Ronin?”
“Yes Mommy, I know, not a surgeon, they work too hard and have to be in school for too long, and they don’t get to spend as much time as they want with their kids.” Said Ronin.
“That’s right baby. Be a doctor if you want and be happy but make sure that you have a wonderful quality of life, okay?” I said.
“Okay Mommy.” Said Ronin.
Lately, Ronin has been taking really good care of his sister, Autumn. When she cries, he runs right over to calm her down. He kisses and pats her head. He even sings to her.
“Daddy, Autumn is my best friend.” Says Ronin.
“Ronin, where are you? Love you” says Autumn.
Ronin rushes over to kiss her. She squeals in delight.
When Ronin is calming her down, she looks back at him and forgets why she was crying in the first place. Autumn now carries on full conversations with all of us and speaks incessantly to the cats and any other animals around.
“Joss, where you go? Why under the bed? Come and play with me.”
“Yoda, no running! Sit down. C’mon and play with me?”
“Leno, come here. I play with you and pet you. On tail. Soft. Mommy says.”
The chatter is endless. Thank goodness. Right?
Friday, December 18, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Conversations with Autumn and Ronin
Autumn:
“This is my daddy” says Autumn in the grocery store. Now I thought she was shy and had a serious case of stranger-danger but that appears to have cleared up completely! She engages everyone around her.
“Good Morning Mommy, what you doing?” she says.
“I am getting you some clothes to wear.” I say.
“I want pants and shirt and socks!” She says.
“Socks? But you will just take them off.” I say.
And then she smiles, looks down at the floor momentarily, and then looks up and guffaws! “I funny, Mommy. I silly too.” She says.
Ronin:
Last night when I was putting Ronin to sleep – he starts to tell me about his day.
“Mommy, each morning Miss. Jen asks us what job we want for the day.”
“What is your favorite job?” I ask.
“I like to be a lunch helper, more than a snack helper but Caboose is very important.”
“Tell me about Caboose. Did you get to be a caboose today?” I ask.
“No not today. Caboose is important because Caboose is the last to leave the classroom, they have to close the door and (big emphasis) turn off the light. Also they have to make sure to keep everyone in the line and moving forward. This is very important.”
“What job did you have today?” I ask.
“I was line leader. It is not that important but I am the best listener. That was why I got a prize today.”
“I am very proud of you for listening. I am glad that you help the teacher and enjoy school.” I said.
“This is my daddy” says Autumn in the grocery store. Now I thought she was shy and had a serious case of stranger-danger but that appears to have cleared up completely! She engages everyone around her.
“Good Morning Mommy, what you doing?” she says.
“I am getting you some clothes to wear.” I say.
“I want pants and shirt and socks!” She says.
“Socks? But you will just take them off.” I say.
And then she smiles, looks down at the floor momentarily, and then looks up and guffaws! “I funny, Mommy. I silly too.” She says.
Ronin:
Last night when I was putting Ronin to sleep – he starts to tell me about his day.
“Mommy, each morning Miss. Jen asks us what job we want for the day.”
“What is your favorite job?” I ask.
“I like to be a lunch helper, more than a snack helper but Caboose is very important.”
“Tell me about Caboose. Did you get to be a caboose today?” I ask.
“No not today. Caboose is important because Caboose is the last to leave the classroom, they have to close the door and (big emphasis) turn off the light. Also they have to make sure to keep everyone in the line and moving forward. This is very important.”
“What job did you have today?” I ask.
“I was line leader. It is not that important but I am the best listener. That was why I got a prize today.”
“I am very proud of you for listening. I am glad that you help the teacher and enjoy school.” I said.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Autumn turns 2
Autumn’s 2nd birthday party was awesome.
Ronin sported a black eye that he gave himself while jumping up and down on the couch. Autumn wore a beautiful new dress that my mom and grandma picked out!
I brought Autumn to mom’s at 11:30am so she could play and have a little lunch. She ate some turkey and had a lovely 2+ hour nap. I decorated the joint in Elmo fantastic-ness!! Between the hats, Elmo cupcakes and the 65 degree weather – all the kids had a blast!! They played outside and inside, downstairs and upstairs and everyone seemed to have a great time. Autumn walked around like she owned the joint and had no problem making herself happy. She ate pizza, fruit, cake, cupcakes, veggies, and almost everything else that she could get her hands on. Ronin devoured blueberries and strawberries. Autumn stole Nathaniel’s Elmo hat and made him cry and giggled at all the kids playing (and Spike the dog – hide himself away.) Diana and Phil were amazing as per usual -- always helping out to make things easier. Steve and Tamar and beautiful Romy and delicious Nathan (spitting image of Steve) were there is fine form. Tom and Amanda brought the kids and Ronin was so thrilled to see Nathaniel. Rachel schlepped from Montclair, NJ with both kids in tow and it was so good to see her. Her daughter, Amelia, lost her first tooth on an Elmo’s cupcake!!!! Grandma Barbara got a “squishy” hug from Ronin and several kisses!! And mom was covered in kisses from the kissy-friend Ronin!
Autumn made out like a bandit – soccer ball, Barbie, doll and clothes, coloring book from my mom. Tamar got her an awesome princess and prince little people castle, Diana and Phil are all about the educational toys and Tom and family got her an elmo/ sesame street microwave oven that Ronin was loving this morning! She still has yet to receive a doll house (Sean, Mom, myself) and animal clinic (Poppa Mike and Nanna Julie) which we will break out on Friday!
I am so happy that she was thrilled and we made a little 2 year super happy!!
And as I was leaving for work this morning – all I could hear was, “I love balloons!! I love them!!” from Autumn
Ronin sported a black eye that he gave himself while jumping up and down on the couch. Autumn wore a beautiful new dress that my mom and grandma picked out!
I brought Autumn to mom’s at 11:30am so she could play and have a little lunch. She ate some turkey and had a lovely 2+ hour nap. I decorated the joint in Elmo fantastic-ness!! Between the hats, Elmo cupcakes and the 65 degree weather – all the kids had a blast!! They played outside and inside, downstairs and upstairs and everyone seemed to have a great time. Autumn walked around like she owned the joint and had no problem making herself happy. She ate pizza, fruit, cake, cupcakes, veggies, and almost everything else that she could get her hands on. Ronin devoured blueberries and strawberries. Autumn stole Nathaniel’s Elmo hat and made him cry and giggled at all the kids playing (and Spike the dog – hide himself away.) Diana and Phil were amazing as per usual -- always helping out to make things easier. Steve and Tamar and beautiful Romy and delicious Nathan (spitting image of Steve) were there is fine form. Tom and Amanda brought the kids and Ronin was so thrilled to see Nathaniel. Rachel schlepped from Montclair, NJ with both kids in tow and it was so good to see her. Her daughter, Amelia, lost her first tooth on an Elmo’s cupcake!!!! Grandma Barbara got a “squishy” hug from Ronin and several kisses!! And mom was covered in kisses from the kissy-friend Ronin!
Autumn made out like a bandit – soccer ball, Barbie, doll and clothes, coloring book from my mom. Tamar got her an awesome princess and prince little people castle, Diana and Phil are all about the educational toys and Tom and family got her an elmo/ sesame street microwave oven that Ronin was loving this morning! She still has yet to receive a doll house (Sean, Mom, myself) and animal clinic (Poppa Mike and Nanna Julie) which we will break out on Friday!
I am so happy that she was thrilled and we made a little 2 year super happy!!
And as I was leaving for work this morning – all I could hear was, “I love balloons!! I love them!!” from Autumn
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Conversations with my almost 2 year old Autumn
“Good morning Mommy. Look at me – I’m Autumn.” Autumn says.
“Good Morning Autumn. What to come out of the crib and play.” I ask.
“Want to come out. (Begins to jump up and down frantically) I want my friend (as she grabs her purple elephant) and Elmo and Cat and Coon (that would be her new raccoon toy.)
“Should we get you dressed?” I say
“No, no, I want to play 'go sleepy!'” (This is when she climbs into my bed and snuggles under the covers and pretends to sleep.)
“Want to go see daddy and Ronin downstairs?” I ask
“Yes! I love Ronin. Want to play.”
“Good Morning Autumn. What to come out of the crib and play.” I ask.
“Want to come out. (Begins to jump up and down frantically) I want my friend (as she grabs her purple elephant) and Elmo and Cat and Coon (that would be her new raccoon toy.)
“Should we get you dressed?” I say
“No, no, I want to play 'go sleepy!'” (This is when she climbs into my bed and snuggles under the covers and pretends to sleep.)
“Want to go see daddy and Ronin downstairs?” I ask
“Yes! I love Ronin. Want to play.”
Friday, October 9, 2009
Incentive Program at school
They have started a new incentive program at Ronin’s school in order to reign in bad behavior. To also help the kids realize that there are consequences for actions taken and good behavior will be rewarded.
Ronin explains the system as such:
"GREEN means you are good, YELLOW means you are being a little bad and RED means that you are so bad you get a note sent home. That's not good mommy." So I asked him what he thought about it and he said "I like cars mommy." Not what I was going for but it also made me see what he had grasped from the lesson.
This made me think of my dad.
To tell a funny story ... my dad was born in
Monday, September 21, 2009
BEWARE GREEN AV
There is a new virus that is posing as virus protection software. It is called Green AV, and here is how it works. A message is sent that appears to come from your own computer, warning you that a virus has infected the computer. If you click their OK button you are giving a company called Green AV access to your computer. Files are installed that allow them to take over a small section of your internet explorer window, the size of a pop-up blocker warning. The only thing you can do to remove this button is either A) buy the recommended internet security software that Green AV sells, or B) uninstall the program that you never realized they had installed to begin with.
I went to the Green AV website, found their Contact Us section, and sent them an email threatening them with legal action if they did not remove the virus they installed from my computer. No sooner had I hit the "send" button but a reply came back with a link to quickly uninstall the virus. Clearly they had anticipated people demanding that they remove the virus.
The really funny thing is that, while writing this post, perhaps five minutes after doing a google on "Green AV", and coming up with their website in the first five results, this time there is no sign of the Green AV website, but plenty of security warnings about this new type of virul marketing. I sure hope the government gets involved, because this clearly fits the definition of a virus, and they should be fined for each and every computer that has been infected. Create a site for people to add their names to the list of infected, and I imagine that would be the end of this egregious of a disregard for both the letter and intent of the law.
I went to the Green AV website, found their Contact Us section, and sent them an email threatening them with legal action if they did not remove the virus they installed from my computer. No sooner had I hit the "send" button but a reply came back with a link to quickly uninstall the virus. Clearly they had anticipated people demanding that they remove the virus.
The really funny thing is that, while writing this post, perhaps five minutes after doing a google on "Green AV", and coming up with their website in the first five results, this time there is no sign of the Green AV website, but plenty of security warnings about this new type of virul marketing. I sure hope the government gets involved, because this clearly fits the definition of a virus, and they should be fined for each and every computer that has been infected. Create a site for people to add their names to the list of infected, and I imagine that would be the end of this egregious of a disregard for both the letter and intent of the law.
Monday, August 24, 2009
More Ronin-isms & Autumn-isms
Ronin-isms:
Why is no one not talking to me?
I had a dream and there was a monster and I grabbed my sous gun I shot souses at him until he went away. I was scared.
I went to that store when I was older when I lived in Montreal.
Conversation:
“Mommy, tell me about Africa. “
“Ronin I have never been to Africa. “
“Yes you did. You were with me when I made that penguin costume for Halloween!”
Autumn can count to 10. She seings the ABC and knows more of the letters. She lvoes to say Mommy Daddy Ronin Baby and identify the family. She says "Ronin where are you? I coming!" Ronin is her favorite. She loves to swim and asks to "go swimming? In water?" I can submerge her and she loves it!
Why is no one not talking to me?
I had a dream and there was a monster and I grabbed my sous gun I shot souses at him until he went away. I was scared.
I went to that store when I was older when I lived in Montreal.
Conversation:
“Mommy, tell me about Africa. “
“Ronin I have never been to Africa. “
“Yes you did. You were with me when I made that penguin costume for Halloween!”
Autumn can count to 10. She seings the ABC and knows more of the letters. She lvoes to say Mommy Daddy Ronin Baby and identify the family. She says "Ronin where are you? I coming!" Ronin is her favorite. She loves to swim and asks to "go swimming? In water?" I can submerge her and she loves it!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Ronin-isms
Ronin and I have these great conversations lately.
He tells me about what Montreal was like when he was a baby studying Japanese.
Or how pirates are not bad people because they are kids and sometimes kids do bad things by accident.
Or how Leno the cat is his best friend and that he would like her to come with us in the car so she can stick her head out the window – since dogs like to do that. He knows since he has seen it.
Sometimes he wants to give baby Autumn a treat, like his Strawberry snacks but cannot since it is a “potty food” and you only get to eat “potty food” if you are potty trained.
Or when he eats a piece of bologna and rolls it up … he asks if Poppa Mike eats his bologna that way as well? And we say yes he does. Ronin says, “I know that is how it is done!”
He tells me about what Montreal was like when he was a baby studying Japanese.
Or how pirates are not bad people because they are kids and sometimes kids do bad things by accident.
Or how Leno the cat is his best friend and that he would like her to come with us in the car so she can stick her head out the window – since dogs like to do that. He knows since he has seen it.
Sometimes he wants to give baby Autumn a treat, like his Strawberry snacks but cannot since it is a “potty food” and you only get to eat “potty food” if you are potty trained.
Or when he eats a piece of bologna and rolls it up … he asks if Poppa Mike eats his bologna that way as well? And we say yes he does. Ronin says, “I know that is how it is done!”
Monday, June 22, 2009
Meh Meh
One day I was running a bath for Ronin. He comes in looks at the bath and says in the smallest sweetest voice, "Is that my pond?"
And I said "Are you a creature that lives in a pond?"
And he says in a sqeaky little voice "Yes and I need to back to my home."
I said, "as soon as the water is ready you can."
And he says "Meh Meh"
and I said, "are you a Meh Meh creature?"
And he said, "Meh Meh"
and I said "Meh Meh" and he turns around and sticks out his tushy and says, "Do you want to see my tail?"
And I said "YES!"
So whenever Ronin is feeling super loving, cozy, and affectionate he will turn to me and say "Meh Meh" and I know exactly what he needs. A hug and kiss from his Mama.
And I said "Are you a creature that lives in a pond?"
And he says in a sqeaky little voice "Yes and I need to back to my home."
I said, "as soon as the water is ready you can."
And he says "Meh Meh"
and I said, "are you a Meh Meh creature?"
And he said, "Meh Meh"
and I said "Meh Meh" and he turns around and sticks out his tushy and says, "Do you want to see my tail?"
And I said "YES!"
So whenever Ronin is feeling super loving, cozy, and affectionate he will turn to me and say "Meh Meh" and I know exactly what he needs. A hug and kiss from his Mama.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Updates at last
It has been too long. They both do so much. Ronin says to me,
"Mommy I have a new freckle on my hand. The sun gave it to me for you to love." Where does he come up with this?
Or last night he says, "Sometimes kids can tell their mommies that they don't like something their mommies made." And I said, "Yes you can always tell me. What don't you like?" And he says, "Your Macaroni and Cheese isn't good." Okay. "I love your chili mommy."
And then there is Autumn. Who says "READY! GO!" And races down the hallway. Or starts to dress Elmo (Melmo) and tells him to "sit down" and "shirt." She runs to get her "shoes" and wants to go "outside" and play nonestop with "chalk" and "balls" and to see the "flowies" even though she can says "flower". She is stubborn and passionate. She raised her hand to me yesterday when she wanted more blueberries and stomped her foot. Not being able to hold her Elmo while she eats is a great offense.
And Ronin loves her although I see more jealousy. He wants to hide her Elmo from time to time. But if she is crying he will "read her a story or sing her a song" to help calm her down.
She adores Ronin the most. He is her favorite person in the world.
"Mommy I have a new freckle on my hand. The sun gave it to me for you to love." Where does he come up with this?
Or last night he says, "Sometimes kids can tell their mommies that they don't like something their mommies made." And I said, "Yes you can always tell me. What don't you like?" And he says, "Your Macaroni and Cheese isn't good." Okay. "I love your chili mommy."
And then there is Autumn. Who says "READY! GO!" And races down the hallway. Or starts to dress Elmo (Melmo) and tells him to "sit down" and "shirt." She runs to get her "shoes" and wants to go "outside" and play nonestop with "chalk" and "balls" and to see the "flowies" even though she can says "flower". She is stubborn and passionate. She raised her hand to me yesterday when she wanted more blueberries and stomped her foot. Not being able to hold her Elmo while she eats is a great offense.
And Ronin loves her although I see more jealousy. He wants to hide her Elmo from time to time. But if she is crying he will "read her a story or sing her a song" to help calm her down.
She adores Ronin the most. He is her favorite person in the world.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Update on Autumn
Autumn speaks nonstop. She is so loud. She is 100% my daughter.
She laughs easily. She thinks Ronin is hilarious. She loves to cuddle with her stuffed animals. She plays with them and tells them to “sit down.” She will move her stuffed animals all around the house. When she wakes in the morning she will hand me toys to take with me when I take her. She loves her brown bear, pink elephant, grey elephant, 2 ducks, Ronin’s cat and horse. She wants to sleep with all her toys all the time. She asks for her bottle by name (there is no need for ba-ba here.) She loves all animals and calls all 4-legged furies Leno (even Spike to his dismay.) She loves Elmo and calls him Melmo. She is physical just like Ronin but she possesses true problem solving skills. She will assess a situation and then focus really hard and on the task at hand and then complete it. She loves to dance and when she hears music she spins around and says “dancing”. She now raises her hands in the air to try to snap her fingers.
She can say cow and moo, horse and neigh, cat and meow. Sometimes she seems to speak full sentences like “can I have that?” “what is that?” “where is my bear?” She can say monkey, bear, out, car, nose, belly, shoe, Vovo, Daddy, Mama, Maimee (which seems to be my nickname,) sousy (pacifier) when referring to Ronin, hi, goodbye, wanna, no wanna and so much more. She knows where her belly and nose are. She tries to dress herself now (this must be hard-wired for us women.) In the bath last night she took these rings for the dolphins to sit in and placed them on her wrists like bracelets. She is stubborn and assertive and so VERY cute.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
New expressions from Ronin and Autumn
Autumn:
She can now say Duck, Yeah, Yuck, Cat, Sit down, Quack, Shoe, Oy Vey, No!, What's that? and That! She points to everything and says that! that! until someone gives it to her. She loves her stuffed animals and loves to cuddle with them and her brother. Ronin makes Autumn laugh the most!
Ronin:
The other day we were trying to get Ronin to take off his clothese for a bath and he was feeling particulary stubborn and he said, "I am a man and I say No!"
I am still laughing about that one!
She can now say Duck, Yeah, Yuck, Cat, Sit down, Quack, Shoe, Oy Vey, No!, What's that? and That! She points to everything and says that! that! until someone gives it to her. She loves her stuffed animals and loves to cuddle with them and her brother. Ronin makes Autumn laugh the most!
Ronin:
The other day we were trying to get Ronin to take off his clothese for a bath and he was feeling particulary stubborn and he said, "I am a man and I say No!"
I am still laughing about that one!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Ronin gets his first haircut
I had such a wonderful weekend. I went to sleep last night exhausted and fully satisfied that our family time this weekend was great and that everyone was happy.
Sunday morning started off with Ronin jumping around full of energy. Sean left early to see a student and I made the kids’ breakfast. Ronin ate a banana, a bagel with cream cheese and a golden apple. Autumn ate fruit and oatmeal and milk and apple juice. After I finished feeding Autumn, Ronin wanted me to read him a Diego story “on my lap.” Ronin climbed up on me and sat down on my left leg. Autumn saw this and cried. I told her to come over and she said “over” and walked to me. She climbed up and sat down on my right knee. I was covered and children and felt complete. I am a GREAT mommy and I enjoyed it fully. All the snuggling is rewarding. We read a story and Autumn rolled all over me. She finally settled against my chest, behind Ronin’s head where she sucked on her thumb and twirled Ronin’s hair. He didn’t mind at all. After the story was over, Ronin wanted a second and a third story. I wanted him to feel important so I made sure that I gave him special attention. I told Autumn that right now is story time for Ronin so she had to wait. “Yes Mama I patience daddy tell me,” and I said “Yes Ronin I see that you are being patient and now Autumn is learning too!” After the stories Ronin took Autumn’s grocery cart and played with his Thomas train. Autumn and I played with Ronin’s Dora and Diego dolls and I turned off the TV and played Sean’s new AM Gold compilation as we thought that Autumn would enjoy the music. And there was dancing by all!!
After about 20 minutes, Ronin asked us to turn off the music and “make it quiet as Thomas was sleeping!” So we all ENJOYED the silence for about twenty minutes and the only sounds we all heard were Autumn saying, “Wow” and “Yeah” and her famous “Takei!! Takei!!” We all want to know what that means.
I looked at the time I realized that I wanted to get us going in about forty-five minutes so I asked Ronin if he would like a yogurt. He said, “with fresh blueberries please” this was my cue. I made Ronin his yogurt and he said, “okay Mama we have to be quiet, Thomas is sleeping, and when he say beep-beep I know he is awake.” While we are in the kitchen, Ronin said “beep-beep Thomas is awake now.” I said “okay Ronin what do you want to do with your yogurt?” And then he sries from the kitchen “Thomas I hear you. It’s okay. Don’t worry, I come and get you after I finish my yogurt. Okay?” It was very cute. It showed me that he does listen to everything Sean and I say and he totally internalizes it. While Ronin ate his yogurt, Autumn had some blueberries and I bundled the kids up and tossed them into the car to go see Vovo and get Ronin his first BIG BOY haircut at 3 years old.
The road trip was fairly uneventful which was great. Autumn passed out after about 20 minutes and Ronin played his car toy that Nanna Julie and Grandpa Tim bought him that helps him read stories from Leapfrog. Midpoint along the way Ronin took off his sneakers and wanted me to put them back on – which I informed him I couldn’t accomplish while driving and he bought the excuse and we traveled on.
We picked up my mom who came fully supplied with toys and snacks for the kids and off we went to the Scarsdale village to Happy Kids Haircuts. Ronin walked and greeted everyone. There was another family there but the stylist too Ronin right away. He sat in an old fashioned fire engine and watched an episode of Dora on the Mickey Mouse television set. He was thrilled and enjoyed the entire experience. I took pictures and video and documented the event. Ronin then told us that he was ready for Pizza. So off the Italian Village we went.
Ronin was a total delight and drank two apple and grape juice boxes and ate his pizza. Vovo gave me him a new toy Thomas train named Annabelle(?). He must have dropped the train on the floor like fifteen times over a thirty minutes. Autumn kept grabbing at his pizza while I fed her apples, bananas and squash (as she is a tad blocked up.) She also tossed her milk all around and made a mess but my mom and I laughed and laughed and had a great time with the kids. Ronin hugged and kissed my mom several times and told her every story he could think of while he had her as a captivated audience.
The ride home was quick and easy and when we got back I tossed Autumn up for a nap (she slept for 3 hours!) and Ronin went up for a nap after he ate another golden apple and blueberry fruit bar.
Sean and I woke the kids at 4:30pm. We played some more and enjoyed every minute out of our weekend. The kids bathed together and laughed and splashed. And I slept soundly.
Sunday morning started off with Ronin jumping around full of energy. Sean left early to see a student and I made the kids’ breakfast. Ronin ate a banana, a bagel with cream cheese and a golden apple. Autumn ate fruit and oatmeal and milk and apple juice. After I finished feeding Autumn, Ronin wanted me to read him a Diego story “on my lap.” Ronin climbed up on me and sat down on my left leg. Autumn saw this and cried. I told her to come over and she said “over” and walked to me. She climbed up and sat down on my right knee. I was covered and children and felt complete. I am a GREAT mommy and I enjoyed it fully. All the snuggling is rewarding. We read a story and Autumn rolled all over me. She finally settled against my chest, behind Ronin’s head where she sucked on her thumb and twirled Ronin’s hair. He didn’t mind at all. After the story was over, Ronin wanted a second and a third story. I wanted him to feel important so I made sure that I gave him special attention. I told Autumn that right now is story time for Ronin so she had to wait. “Yes Mama I patience daddy tell me,” and I said “Yes Ronin I see that you are being patient and now Autumn is learning too!” After the stories Ronin took Autumn’s grocery cart and played with his Thomas train. Autumn and I played with Ronin’s Dora and Diego dolls and I turned off the TV and played Sean’s new AM Gold compilation as we thought that Autumn would enjoy the music. And there was dancing by all!!
After about 20 minutes, Ronin asked us to turn off the music and “make it quiet as Thomas was sleeping!” So we all ENJOYED the silence for about twenty minutes and the only sounds we all heard were Autumn saying, “Wow” and “Yeah” and her famous “Takei!! Takei!!” We all want to know what that means.
I looked at the time I realized that I wanted to get us going in about forty-five minutes so I asked Ronin if he would like a yogurt. He said, “with fresh blueberries please” this was my cue. I made Ronin his yogurt and he said, “okay Mama we have to be quiet, Thomas is sleeping, and when he say beep-beep I know he is awake.” While we are in the kitchen, Ronin said “beep-beep Thomas is awake now.” I said “okay Ronin what do you want to do with your yogurt?” And then he sries from the kitchen “Thomas I hear you. It’s okay. Don’t worry, I come and get you after I finish my yogurt. Okay?” It was very cute. It showed me that he does listen to everything Sean and I say and he totally internalizes it. While Ronin ate his yogurt, Autumn had some blueberries and I bundled the kids up and tossed them into the car to go see Vovo and get Ronin his first BIG BOY haircut at 3 years old.
The road trip was fairly uneventful which was great. Autumn passed out after about 20 minutes and Ronin played his car toy that Nanna Julie and Grandpa Tim bought him that helps him read stories from Leapfrog. Midpoint along the way Ronin took off his sneakers and wanted me to put them back on – which I informed him I couldn’t accomplish while driving and he bought the excuse and we traveled on.
We picked up my mom who came fully supplied with toys and snacks for the kids and off we went to the Scarsdale village to Happy Kids Haircuts. Ronin walked and greeted everyone. There was another family there but the stylist too Ronin right away. He sat in an old fashioned fire engine and watched an episode of Dora on the Mickey Mouse television set. He was thrilled and enjoyed the entire experience. I took pictures and video and documented the event. Ronin then told us that he was ready for Pizza. So off the Italian Village we went.
Ronin was a total delight and drank two apple and grape juice boxes and ate his pizza. Vovo gave me him a new toy Thomas train named Annabelle(?). He must have dropped the train on the floor like fifteen times over a thirty minutes. Autumn kept grabbing at his pizza while I fed her apples, bananas and squash (as she is a tad blocked up.) She also tossed her milk all around and made a mess but my mom and I laughed and laughed and had a great time with the kids. Ronin hugged and kissed my mom several times and told her every story he could think of while he had her as a captivated audience.
The ride home was quick and easy and when we got back I tossed Autumn up for a nap (she slept for 3 hours!) and Ronin went up for a nap after he ate another golden apple and blueberry fruit bar.
Sean and I woke the kids at 4:30pm. We played some more and enjoyed every minute out of our weekend. The kids bathed together and laughed and splashed. And I slept soundly.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Conversations with a 3 year old
“Mama can you talk to me?" Says Ronin as I am tucking him into bed on Saturday night.
“Sure, baby – what do you want to talk about?” Ronin then stands up, climbs out of his bed and sits on the rocking chair.
"Mama, I drinking water in my chair."
"Yes I see that."
“Mama I talk to you about my big boy bed.”
“Do you like your big boy bed, Ronin?”
“I love my bed, Mama. Let’s buy Vovo a big boy bed – just like mine.”
“You think she would like that?”
“I think so!” (His new expression he says all the time when he is in agreement. “But not with a Thomas blanket. Vovo no like that like Ronin. We use pictures from the party and make a new blanket for her and Baby Autumn and Mommy and Daddy. New pictures for everyone.”
“I think that sounds nice Ronin.”
“Yes I am nice and I share with baby Autumn.”
“Sure, baby – what do you want to talk about?” Ronin then stands up, climbs out of his bed and sits on the rocking chair.
"Mama, I drinking water in my chair."
"Yes I see that."
“Mama I talk to you about my big boy bed.”
“Do you like your big boy bed, Ronin?”
“I love my bed, Mama. Let’s buy Vovo a big boy bed – just like mine.”
“You think she would like that?”
“I think so!” (His new expression he says all the time when he is in agreement. “But not with a Thomas blanket. Vovo no like that like Ronin. We use pictures from the party and make a new blanket for her and Baby Autumn and Mommy and Daddy. New pictures for everyone.”
“I think that sounds nice Ronin.”
“Yes I am nice and I share with baby Autumn.”
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Ronin's 3rd Birthday Party
Ronin had his 3rd birthday party at Tumble Bugs in Scarsdale, NY. He was so excited that he barely slept the night before. We arrived there at 11:30am (party for 12noon) and he danced around the room waiting “to tumble MAMA. I need to tumble.” Trying to keep him in the waiting area as the previous party wrapped up was quite the feat on Sean’s behalf. Autumn was super good chilling in her stroller as she was still riding the waves of a cold and on Amoxicillin (although fever free for 2 days.) The first two people to arrive were my mom and Celina. Ronin ran over to his “VOVO and Celina are here for my party MAMA. They come for me.”
A side note: Ronin has just started calling me MAMA again as that is what Autumn calls me and there seems to be a slight vying for power going on between to the two of them.)
Two more children arrived from Ronin’s school and we call headed towards the gym to start the fun. My mom waited for all the other children and friends and directed them into the party area.
Ronin couldn’t have been happier. Seriously. “MAMA I am so happy. I love you and daddy and Vovo and Baby Autumn and Celina so much. Are you happy too?” Ronin loved the slide, the trampoline, the rings, and the mats “the most!” About 20 minutes into the party all the kids sat in a circle and said their names and ages. Ronin pointed out his sister and his Vovo and loved holding court in the middle of the circle. When everyone wished him happy birthday he said “Thank you!”
Autumn enjoyed the mats and the trampoline and she danced whenever she could keep her balance. I had Celina there to help her out as she was still getting over her cold and I wanted to make sure she didn’t mix too much with all the other children and germs. I also wanted to make sure I could take pictures and video. I have a lot of pictures and video to share.
Towards the end of the party Ronin disappeared into the party room to eat some pizza as he was “very hungry, MAMA, I have the growlies in my belly.” He also loved the Thomas the Train cake and the rings that Vovo picked out for all the kids.
A side note: Ronin has just started calling me MAMA again as that is what Autumn calls me and there seems to be a slight vying for power going on between to the two of them.)
Two more children arrived from Ronin’s school and we call headed towards the gym to start the fun. My mom waited for all the other children and friends and directed them into the party area.
Ronin couldn’t have been happier. Seriously. “MAMA I am so happy. I love you and daddy and Vovo and Baby Autumn and Celina so much. Are you happy too?” Ronin loved the slide, the trampoline, the rings, and the mats “the most!” About 20 minutes into the party all the kids sat in a circle and said their names and ages. Ronin pointed out his sister and his Vovo and loved holding court in the middle of the circle. When everyone wished him happy birthday he said “Thank you!”
Autumn enjoyed the mats and the trampoline and she danced whenever she could keep her balance. I had Celina there to help her out as she was still getting over her cold and I wanted to make sure she didn’t mix too much with all the other children and germs. I also wanted to make sure I could take pictures and video. I have a lot of pictures and video to share.
Towards the end of the party Ronin disappeared into the party room to eat some pizza as he was “very hungry, MAMA, I have the growlies in my belly.” He also loved the Thomas the Train cake and the rings that Vovo picked out for all the kids.
Ronin's 3rd Birthday Party
Ronin had his 3rd birthday party at Tumble Bugs in Scarsdale, NY. He was so excited that he barely slept the night before. We arrived there at 11:30am (party for 12noon) and he danced around the room waiting “to tumble MAMA. I need to tumble.” Trying to keep him in the waiting area as the previous party wrapped up was quite the feat on Sean’s behalf. Autumn was super good chilling in her stroller as she was still riding the waves of a cold and on Amoxicillin (although fever free for 2 days.) The first two people to arrive were my mom and Celina. Ronin ran over to his “VOVO and Celina are here for my party MAMA. They come for me.”
A side note: Ronin has just started calling me MAMA again as that is what Autumn calls me and there seems to be a slight vying for power going on between to the two of them.)
Two more children arrived from Ronin’s school and we call headed towards the gym to start the fun. My mom waited for all the other children and friends and directed them into the party area.
Ronin couldn’t have been happier. Seriously. “MAMA I am so happy. I love you and daddy and Vovo and Baby Autumn and Celina so much. Are you happy too?” Ronin loved the slide, the trampoline, the rings, and the mats “the most!” About 20 minutes into the party all the kids sat in a circle and said their names and ages. Ronin pointed out his sister and his Vovo and loved holding court in the middle of the circle. When everyone wished him happy birthday he said “Thank you!”
Autumn enjoyed the mats and the trampoline and she danced whenever she could keep her balance. I had Celina there to help her out as she was still getting over her cold and I wanted to make sure she didn’t mix too much with all the other children and germs. I also wanted to make sure I could take pictures and video. I have a lot of pictures and video to share.
Towards the end of the party Ronin disappeared into the party room to eat some pizza as he was “very hungry, MAMA, I have the growlies in my belly.” He also loved the Thomas the Train cake and the rings that Vovo picked out for all the kids.
A side note: Ronin has just started calling me MAMA again as that is what Autumn calls me and there seems to be a slight vying for power going on between to the two of them.)
Two more children arrived from Ronin’s school and we call headed towards the gym to start the fun. My mom waited for all the other children and friends and directed them into the party area.
Ronin couldn’t have been happier. Seriously. “MAMA I am so happy. I love you and daddy and Vovo and Baby Autumn and Celina so much. Are you happy too?” Ronin loved the slide, the trampoline, the rings, and the mats “the most!” About 20 minutes into the party all the kids sat in a circle and said their names and ages. Ronin pointed out his sister and his Vovo and loved holding court in the middle of the circle. When everyone wished him happy birthday he said “Thank you!”
Autumn enjoyed the mats and the trampoline and she danced whenever she could keep her balance. I had Celina there to help her out as she was still getting over her cold and I wanted to make sure she didn’t mix too much with all the other children and germs. I also wanted to make sure I could take pictures and video. I have a lot of pictures and video to share.
Towards the end of the party Ronin disappeared into the party room to eat some pizza as he was “very hungry, MAMA, I have the growlies in my belly.” He also loved the Thomas the Train cake and the rings that Vovo picked out for all the kids.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Pumpkin Chocolate
Pumpkin Chocolate (pronounce Chocolate with a Spanish accent). This has become a character in Ronin mind who helps him take baths – someone who likes to bake and play with his trains – a confident who has a head of a pumpkin and loves blueberry cakes. I think this is Ronin’s new imaginary friend.
Ronin’s imagination has taken off. There are dragons in the closet and we have to use the Monster-Be-Gone and sing the song to ensure that no monsters (dragons, trolls, and monsters) can escape his closet. This has become increasingly tiresome as Ronin has transitioned to the big-boy bed where he gets up at will and either hovers over me (where I can hear him sucking on a sous) at 4am waiting for everyone to wake up and play with him. Or he presses his soft little warm hand on my shoulder and whispers, “mommy I awake now.” Sometimes I find his asleep on the floor next to me. Then there is the play for me to join him in his bed and he promises to go back to sleep but he never does. So I am now researching gates for his door. A woman has to sleep.
Ronin’s imagination has taken off. There are dragons in the closet and we have to use the Monster-Be-Gone and sing the song to ensure that no monsters (dragons, trolls, and monsters) can escape his closet. This has become increasingly tiresome as Ronin has transitioned to the big-boy bed where he gets up at will and either hovers over me (where I can hear him sucking on a sous) at 4am waiting for everyone to wake up and play with him. Or he presses his soft little warm hand on my shoulder and whispers, “mommy I awake now.” Sometimes I find his asleep on the floor next to me. Then there is the play for me to join him in his bed and he promises to go back to sleep but he never does. So I am now researching gates for his door. A woman has to sleep.
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