Winding down - although there are a few more presents unwrapped, but boxes not opened. Gotta ease into it - a few more days before they go back to daycare.
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Busy, busy, busy.
The boy takes a quiet moment, just for himself at Uncle G and Auntie R's place on Christmas Eve.
G&R (Uncle and Auntie, not Axl and company) have two dogs that the boy just loves. Puppy. PUPPY!!!
G&R (Uncle and Auntie, not Axl and company) have two dogs that the boy just loves. Puppy. PUPPY!!!
That's gonna leave a mark
I found out that the boy, with a lego traincar, at about two paces, thrown with a full body turn ... even by a 2 year old ... can hurt.
Monday, December 19, 2005
I think she has something to say ...
The girl has moved beyond crayons and markers to "oil pastels". Walmart does not stock enough fabric-gard for what is about to ensue.
Some times, being nurturing parents is bloody (I almost typed "bloddy") hard.
Some times, being nurturing parents is bloody (I almost typed "bloddy") hard.
Squishing your head
I am squishing your head - in the advanced, one-handed, upside down technique.
(I take so many pictures, that sometimes one gets by me.)
(I take so many pictures, that sometimes one gets by me.)
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Rules are Rules.
Can't recall if I've used that title before and too lazy to check.
This (3rd hand) was the conversation between the girl and mom coming home from day-care on Friday.
"Mommy, I learned a new rule today"
`What was that?`
"You're not supposed to put your hair in the toilet."
`Did you put your hair in the toilet?!?`
"No, Morgan did. And we learned you're not supposed to put your whole head in the toilet either"
'Who did that?`
"Meagan did."
`Well why did they do that?!?`
"'Cuz Stephanie told them to. But I didn't do it because I know that only pee and poo is supposed to go in the toilet."
Later on - the story changed a bit, because when I asker the girl why she didn't do the same, she said "Because I know I would get in trouble."
I wonder how early someone can apply for Mensa.
This (3rd hand) was the conversation between the girl and mom coming home from day-care on Friday.
"Mommy, I learned a new rule today"
`What was that?`
"You're not supposed to put your hair in the toilet."
`Did you put your hair in the toilet?!?`
"No, Morgan did. And we learned you're not supposed to put your whole head in the toilet either"
'Who did that?`
"Meagan did."
`Well why did they do that?!?`
"'Cuz Stephanie told them to. But I didn't do it because I know that only pee and poo is supposed to go in the toilet."
Later on - the story changed a bit, because when I asker the girl why she didn't do the same, she said "Because I know I would get in trouble."
I wonder how early someone can apply for Mensa.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Time flies
Over a week with no update ... must be the start of crazy season.
So, how the h*ll does this guy find the time to do this?
http://www.youtube.com/?v=fRf7JbpMOBs
(Don't worry, it's clean.)
So, how the h*ll does this guy find the time to do this?
http://www.youtube.com/?v=fRf7JbpMOBs
(Don't worry, it's clean.)
Monday, November 28, 2005
Quick update
Last week's "innocent bystander" returned to the scene of the ballet class, but for some reasons could not be persuaded to stay and join the class. (This photo was taken much later following the class.)
Meanwhile, the boy and I stayed home trying to build up both our toddler toboggan-run as well as our snow fort which, at this point, is not much more than a sad levy.
Meanwhile, the boy and I stayed home trying to build up both our toddler toboggan-run as well as our snow fort which, at this point, is not much more than a sad levy.
Oh yeah ...
... And the boy was crowned King of all Super Bounce Ball. All things fragile beware - your time is nigh!
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
No mistakin ...
The boy got a much needed haircut and was actually civil about it.
In today's local news - a fireworks store catches fire. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get my bowling ball, 'cuz there's a tugboat that needs sinking.
In today's local news - a fireworks store catches fire. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get my bowling ball, 'cuz there's a tugboat that needs sinking.
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Girlie-girl
The girl was treated to some nail polish today.
This was as a reward, because earlier in the day at her ballet class, she and another girl collided. Her nose was bleeding and the other girl was cut on the forehead and ended up going home.
The girl stayed and finished her ballet class, and no one makes fun of her tu-tu any more.
This was as a reward, because earlier in the day at her ballet class, she and another girl collided. Her nose was bleeding and the other girl was cut on the forehead and ended up going home.
The girl stayed and finished her ballet class, and no one makes fun of her tu-tu any more.
Art Gallery
The girl is very enamoured with her scissors and our tape. On the negative side, our kitchen is a lot darker than it used to be. On the plus side, birds do not go slamming into our windows.
Snow day
It got to about 6 above today. Perfect snowman building weather. Only, we didn't have much snow in our yard. For some reason, our landscaping causes more run-off than all our neighbours. Still, we managed to get two guys up.
Then afterwards, as depicted here, the boy did some tai-chi with the bigger one.
Then afterwards, as depicted here, the boy did some tai-chi with the bigger one.
Rodney King
In this photo, we find the boy giving me several boots to the head. He got me about five times, but I still managed to take the picture.
Santa Claus Parade
For the second year in a row, we made it out to the Santa Claus Parade. This time, we staked out a spot about halfway through the parade route. Last year, we were near the end and it took forever for all the floats to go by.
In retrospect, I think the paradites "save themseleves" for the last few blocks.
The kids did ok - it was about -15 with the windchill.
In retrospect, I think the paradites "save themseleves" for the last few blocks.
The kids did ok - it was about -15 with the windchill.
Sgt York
This would have been way cooler if he wasn't such a studious driver. Last year, a bunch of us from work did some go-karting. It was fun, except for the loaner helmets and realizing aftewards how sweaty you got in them.
A Christmas Classic
Visions of that orange syrup stuff they used to feed us at Chinese school ... are dancing in my head and likely still through certain arteries.
The big guy himself.
Actually anti-climatic. They must have been a bit behind schedule because he was moving pretty fast.
Neither the Mayor nor the Premier were out glad-handing either.
Neither the Mayor nor the Premier were out glad-handing either.
Pooped
The side of the boys crib broke, so the girl let him bunk with her for the night. Yeah - she's still sleeping in the tent.
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Stages of development
Every time we take our kids to the doctor, I can't help but reference the developmental chart on the wall and "scoring" the kids, e.g. how many words, what motor co-ordination, what social skills, etc ... (actually, as I type this - I realize I should probably chart myself as well).
One thing about the boy that is specifically different from the girl ... he's physical. He likes to run at you, grab you, pinch your nose and often when you're holding him - he flails his arms around and usually ends up hitting you.
The other night, when I was holding him and he was flailing, I had to tell him, "no". Usually, this causes him to slow down or stop - often followed by a bit of a sulk. This night, he deliberately and distinctly reached around and cuffed me on the back of the head.
I could not have been more proud.
Every time we take our kids to the doctor, I can't help but reference the developmental chart on the wall and "scoring" the kids, e.g. how many words, what motor co-ordination, what social skills, etc ... (actually, as I type this - I realize I should probably chart myself as well).
One thing about the boy that is specifically different from the girl ... he's physical. He likes to run at you, grab you, pinch your nose and often when you're holding him - he flails his arms around and usually ends up hitting you.
The other night, when I was holding him and he was flailing, I had to tell him, "no". Usually, this causes him to slow down or stop - often followed by a bit of a sulk. This night, he deliberately and distinctly reached around and cuffed me on the back of the head.
I could not have been more proud.
Monday, November 14, 2005
Things to expect ...
This pic is a few days old, but I'm just using it as a placeholder. What I really want to say is ...
The boy has been soaking up new words for a few weeks now - so he's getting comfortable repeating words in the right context. This means that for the past few days, and probably for a few weeks more, if the girl was any indicator, I can look forward to being greeted when I come home by the boy stomping to the door from where ever he is - yelling "Da-da. Da-da. Da-da. Da-da.".
I love this part!
The boy has been soaking up new words for a few weeks now - so he's getting comfortable repeating words in the right context. This means that for the past few days, and probably for a few weeks more, if the girl was any indicator, I can look forward to being greeted when I come home by the boy stomping to the door from where ever he is - yelling "Da-da. Da-da. Da-da. Da-da.".
I love this part!
Friday, November 11, 2005
More good news / bad news
For a few days, I was able to say that I had started Christmas shopping. This thing (that the girl is riding) was an impulse buy when I saw it in a toy-store during a lunch break. It's powered by momentum that is initiated by turning the steering wheel, so you just need to keep turning to keep moving. Easy to use and steer. Very cool.
Except ... we had a few really nice days, so I brought it out for the kids to play with. So now my christmas stock is back down to zero.
BTW - just set up my PVR - using the Diamond XtremeTV USB external tuner. The hardware works well enough, but the really great thing is that it's bundled with SnapStream Beyond TV and Beyond Media software. Pretty much turns my desktop into a Media Center. Now I just need more drive space. 43 more shopping days.
Except ... we had a few really nice days, so I brought it out for the kids to play with. So now my christmas stock is back down to zero.
BTW - just set up my PVR - using the Diamond XtremeTV USB external tuner. The hardware works well enough, but the really great thing is that it's bundled with SnapStream Beyond TV and Beyond Media software. Pretty much turns my desktop into a Media Center. Now I just need more drive space. 43 more shopping days.
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Cross-border shopping
Brought back a bunch of trinkets like this when I was in Florida in October. This "superball" has a light in it that flashes for a while after it's been bounced. Batteries cannot be replaced. The "superball" is in quotes because it actually doesn't bounce that high for it's size.
Four bucks.
Four bucks.
Some of the boy's favourite things #1
From this photo:
He likes to click lamps off/on. I think it's more the off/on part and not so much the clicking, because he likes grandma/grandpa's touch lamp.
He likes to stack coasters on the floor.
He likes to flip the vacuflow-cover. I caught him trying to stuff something down the vacuflow the other day, but it's only happened once, as far as I know, so I don't think that constitutes a "favourite".
Also present, although not necessarily visible - he likes to NOT tell us when his pants are full.
He likes to click lamps off/on. I think it's more the off/on part and not so much the clicking, because he likes grandma/grandpa's touch lamp.
He likes to stack coasters on the floor.
He likes to flip the vacuflow-cover. I caught him trying to stuff something down the vacuflow the other day, but it's only happened once, as far as I know, so I don't think that constitutes a "favourite".
Also present, although not necessarily visible - he likes to NOT tell us when his pants are full.
Monday, November 07, 2005
Woodshop
This is the swing that Grandpa made for us. We like to sit out there just lounging around, until the girl demands we go "supersonic".
We've also got a rocking horse (a unique piece, b/c Grandpa swore he's never doing another one of those again), matching animal-shaped clothes stands for the kids, several toy cars and trucks, and most recently, a glider for the front porch.
Hmmm, just typing all that - maybe we should up our insurance. It's front of mind, just because it's that time of year when everyone who gets a cent of our financial services bid-nezz starts calling around this time, in advance of trying to coax more fund/investment business from us in a few months. They mistake me for someone with disposable income. Ha! Disposable diapers maybe.
We've also got a rocking horse (a unique piece, b/c Grandpa swore he's never doing another one of those again), matching animal-shaped clothes stands for the kids, several toy cars and trucks, and most recently, a glider for the front porch.
Hmmm, just typing all that - maybe we should up our insurance. It's front of mind, just because it's that time of year when everyone who gets a cent of our financial services bid-nezz starts calling around this time, in advance of trying to coax more fund/investment business from us in a few months. They mistake me for someone with disposable income. Ha! Disposable diapers maybe.
Day after ....
It's becoming a ritual - the day after Halloween - the girl gets a bunch of costumes from sale bins. This is Belle. She got several other Princesses, none of which I can distinguish from each other, save the singularity of colour. Kinda like a visual cacophny of bride's maids dresses.
Sunday, November 06, 2005
Kinda like Cher ...
Each day, the girl goes through an average of 3 wardrobe changes, usually including - what we make her wear; a dress she puts on as soon as she gets home; and usually one of her umpteen dozen princess dresses.
She calls this style - Amish-Pippi.
She calls this style - Amish-Pippi.
Baker
Jess made this snow man cookie to take to grandma's. Not to share, just to show. She pretty much at it all herself.
Monday, October 31, 2005
Kids these days ...
(The scene) - Halloween night. I've got distribution duty.
*Ding-Dong*
"Hey, it's the Dark Knight. Happy Halloween," I say.
"I'm not a dark knight. I'm Batman," says the kid brought up on Blues Clues and Caillou.
I huck the minimum allotment of sugar at the boy - barely fighting the urge to confiscate rather than bestow. But I have taken a vow; uttered the oath ...
*Ding-Dong*
"Hey, it's the Dark Knight. Happy Halloween," I say.
"I'm not a dark knight. I'm Batman," says the kid brought up on Blues Clues and Caillou.
I huck the minimum allotment of sugar at the boy - barely fighting the urge to confiscate rather than bestow. But I have taken a vow; uttered the oath ...
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Half full / Half empty
We had a really great week of weather. I even put my clubs back into my car just in case. But it was a full work week!
We just threw up some Halloween decorations under the wire. It's supposed to be a nice Halloween day, so we should get lots of kids coming by. We'll see how long the boy holds out this year. As you can see, he's working on his bite. (That one hurt - about as painful you can get without actually breaking skin.)
We just threw up some Halloween decorations under the wire. It's supposed to be a nice Halloween day, so we should get lots of kids coming by. We'll see how long the boy holds out this year. As you can see, he's working on his bite. (That one hurt - about as painful you can get without actually breaking skin.)
Fall Visitors
Past 2 years around this time, a family of deer - both parents and two doe (does? doh?) - find their typical food around the river gets scarce. So they spend more time in our/our neighbours yards. They're always cutting through our yards in the summer anyways, but now they linger and forage.
Last year - we lost a few new trees because they like the young sap. Tried it - not sure why. Maybe it's an acquired taste. We'll see how it goes this fall. Frankly, there's a neighbour three yards down with a veritable "Uncle Willy's" of Fawn Fare. (Isn't that where Deanna used to work in the mall?)
Last year - we lost a few new trees because they like the young sap. Tried it - not sure why. Maybe it's an acquired taste. We'll see how it goes this fall. Frankly, there's a neighbour three yards down with a veritable "Uncle Willy's" of Fawn Fare. (Isn't that where Deanna used to work in the mall?)
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Must be some sort of protest.
So it's been a few weeks and - except when I was out of town for a few days - she's slept in her tent every night.
BTW - Thanks J, for the head's up on the new Florida shoot first law. I was there for a conference/a few meetings and Goofy never made a move for that bulge in his vest.
BTW - Thanks J, for the head's up on the new Florida shoot first law. I was there for a conference/a few meetings and Goofy never made a move for that bulge in his vest.
Scary grin
There has to be a reason she's smiling like this. No tatoos on her brotherWhen we figure it out, I'll let you know.
Saturday, October 15, 2005
Doing fine, thank you.
For those of you wondering how the girl is doing ... healing well. Very little scabbing. And for some reason, she has no interest in scratching or picking at it.
Who's kid is this?!?!
Who's kid is this?!?!
Boo
Took the kids to the Zoo today. They've opened up their annual Boo At The Zoo. Lots of staff in various costumes and sets of houses and caves, etc ...
There were some odd things that I don't ever recall seeing before though.
There were some odd things that I don't ever recall seeing before though.
More odd things.
I imagine these represent something from H. Potter or L.O.T.R? Anyone recognize these from a narrative description?
Even more odd things ...
It's all about product placement.
I guess I'm just not up on the latest fads and who's hot/who's not. I'm guessing this guy is a somebody, 'cuz he has a posse. Or is that plural? What is it if there's only one - possum?
I guess I'm just not up on the latest fads and who's hot/who's not. I'm guessing this guy is a somebody, 'cuz he has a posse. Or is that plural? What is it if there's only one - possum?
Look, I made my own blog!
Leanne doesn't do rides. I "made her" ride with me once on a roller-coaster in Minnesota. I thought she was just kidding when she said she got scared, but she literally screamed the whole ride. We got off the ride and heard one little girl tell her mom "... that's her, she's the one ...".
So this is why it will always be me with the kids on any rides.
So this is why it will always be me with the kids on any rides.
Okay - it's getting late.
I don't know how Leanne got this shot. We actually had a lot of fun on that ride.
Gymkids
That's the girl, doing star jumps on the trampoline. Excuse me ... I gotta go look up how many times a second a hummingbird can flap it's wings ...
Holy Tomatos
This is just to give you a sense of how prodigious a green thumb Leanne has ... and how much sunlight we get on the South side of our house. I mean, c'mon. Martha Stewart could sail in that thing.
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