The Who once recorded a song about a Magic Bus.... right now, I am singing that tune with the words about the Magic Fork. You probably saw that in my previous post, and wondered if I had lost my mind, no?
There was a reason for it, I can assure you. B-Boy has graduated to using a fork instead of his hands most of the time. He still uses his hands to eat, especially when he gets frustrated, but will enthusiastically eat with a fork and spoon when able.
When we knew he was ready, we bought him a set of 3 toddler sized forks with nice fat, blue, rubber handles made by Nuk. He loves the forks because he finds it easy to stab his food and shove it in his mouth. On days when the stabbing is unsuccessful, he will hand me the fork to load it up, and then I hand it back to him so he can get the food in his mouth himself. Then we repeat with him uttering "Ga?".
But that is not why Neb and I love the fork.
We respect the fork...
We call them the "Magic Forks".
If B-Boy is not eating, or diggin' his meal, we have a trick up our sleeve that works about 95% of the time. We hand him a Magic Fork. Voila! B-Boy will start eating.
We respect the power of the Magic Fork so much, that when we went to buy more and discovered that they were now being manufactured by Gerber... we drove all over to find a set made by Nuk. It took multiple trips to several Targets and Walmarts, but we eventually did find them. YAY!
So we love the Magic Forks, and show them the respect they deserve for helping us get food into B-Boy. He gets so proud of himself when he uses them!
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Ode to the Magic Fork
Sung to the tune "Magic Bus" by The Who
Every day I get in the chair (Let's eat, with the Magic Fork)
To eat a meal that you prepared (Let's eat, with the Magic Fork)
I'm so nervous, I just sit and smile (Let's eat, with the Magic Fork)
I start to feel like a crocodile (Let's eat, with the Magic Fork)
Thank you, Mommy, for getting me here (Let's eat, with the Magic Fork)
The food looks yummy, I have no fear (Let's eat, with the Magic Fork)
I don't want to use no spork (Let's eat, with the Magic Fork)
Can I have my Magic Fork? (Let's eat, with the Magic Fork)
Nooooooooo!
I don't care how much you made (Let's eat, with the Magic Fork)
I wanna eat with my Fork applesauce today (Let's eat, with the Magic Fork)
Magic Fork, Magic Fork, Magic Fork
Magic Fork, Magic Fork, Magic Fork
Give me baked beans (Magic Fork)
I won't take peas (Magic Fork)
Goes like cheese (Magic Fork)
It's Fork-time please(Magic Fork)
Magic Fork, Magic Fork, Magic Fork, Magic Fork
I want it, I want it, I want it...(You can't have it!)
Think how much food I'll eat...(You can't have it!)]
I want it, I want it, I want it, I want it ... (You can't have it!)
Fruit and vegitables every day
Just to eat my Mommy's way
Protien and grains each day
'Cause my Daddy, that's what he say
Magic Fork, Magic Fork, Magic Fork, Magic Fork, Magic Fork...
I want the Magic Fork, I want the Magic Fork, I want the Magic Fork...
I said, now I've got my Magic Fork (Let's eat, with the Magic Fork)
I said, now I've got my Magic Fork (Let's eat, with the Magic Fork)
I eat all that I can shove (Let's eat, with the Magic Fork)
Each time I show you some love (Let's eat, with the Magic Fork)
I want it, i want it, I want it, I want it ...
Every day I'll clean my plate (Let's eat, with the Magic Fork)
As I shove food in with my Magic Fork (Let's eat, with the Magic Fork)
Every day I get in the chair (Let's eat, with the Magic Fork)
To eat a meal that you prepared (Let's eat, with the Magic Fork)
I'm so nervous, I just sit and smile (Let's eat, with the Magic Fork)
I start to feel like a crocodile (Let's eat, with the Magic Fork)
Thank you, Mommy, for getting me here (Let's eat, with the Magic Fork)
The food looks yummy, I have no fear (Let's eat, with the Magic Fork)
I don't want to use no spork (Let's eat, with the Magic Fork)
Can I have my Magic Fork? (Let's eat, with the Magic Fork)
Nooooooooo!
I don't care how much you made (Let's eat, with the Magic Fork)
I wanna eat with my Fork applesauce today (Let's eat, with the Magic Fork)
Magic Fork, Magic Fork, Magic Fork
Magic Fork, Magic Fork, Magic Fork
Give me baked beans (Magic Fork)
I won't take peas (Magic Fork)
Goes like cheese (Magic Fork)
It's Fork-time please(Magic Fork)
Magic Fork, Magic Fork, Magic Fork, Magic Fork
I want it, I want it, I want it...(You can't have it!)
Think how much food I'll eat...(You can't have it!)]
I want it, I want it, I want it, I want it ... (You can't have it!)
Fruit and vegitables every day
Just to eat my Mommy's way
Protien and grains each day
'Cause my Daddy, that's what he say
Magic Fork, Magic Fork, Magic Fork, Magic Fork, Magic Fork...
I want the Magic Fork, I want the Magic Fork, I want the Magic Fork...
I said, now I've got my Magic Fork (Let's eat, with the Magic Fork)
I said, now I've got my Magic Fork (Let's eat, with the Magic Fork)
I eat all that I can shove (Let's eat, with the Magic Fork)
Each time I show you some love (Let's eat, with the Magic Fork)
I want it, i want it, I want it, I want it ...
Every day I'll clean my plate (Let's eat, with the Magic Fork)
As I shove food in with my Magic Fork (Let's eat, with the Magic Fork)
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Why we love to swing
In my previous post, I talked about swinging with B-Boy on the big kid swing and how much I cherished the moment.
But there is another reason for that, and I thought I would share the back story with you.
Neb and I met in grad school in Lubbock, Texas. It was a stressful program, and Neb and I were the only two students pursuing that specific degree, out of all the other folks in our major. We "got" what the other person was going through, and that was really nice to have!
One way that we would cope with the stress was to go to a park and find a set of swings. We would each sit down on one and pump as hard as we could, so that we could swing REALLY high. We would stare up at the stars and just be. The sky was always REALLY dark in Lubbock, and the stars would just shine so intensely there.
There was something quite relaxing about it all. Sometimes we would talk about what we were going through, what was troubling us, or about a problem we were working on. Sometimes we wouldn't say a word. I always felt better when I left.
"Going to Swing" became a common activity, and Neb was always a good sport about going when I needed it. What a catch, huh?
I personally consider myself pretty lucky to have found him... but don't tell him that, or I will NEVER hear the end of it!
But there is another reason for that, and I thought I would share the back story with you.
Neb and I met in grad school in Lubbock, Texas. It was a stressful program, and Neb and I were the only two students pursuing that specific degree, out of all the other folks in our major. We "got" what the other person was going through, and that was really nice to have!
One way that we would cope with the stress was to go to a park and find a set of swings. We would each sit down on one and pump as hard as we could, so that we could swing REALLY high. We would stare up at the stars and just be. The sky was always REALLY dark in Lubbock, and the stars would just shine so intensely there.
There was something quite relaxing about it all. Sometimes we would talk about what we were going through, what was troubling us, or about a problem we were working on. Sometimes we wouldn't say a word. I always felt better when I left.
"Going to Swing" became a common activity, and Neb was always a good sport about going when I needed it. What a catch, huh?
I personally consider myself pretty lucky to have found him... but don't tell him that, or I will NEVER hear the end of it!
Just a Swingin'
Today was a great day. B-Boy is starting to feel better, his cough is reduced in both frequency and length, and so we decided to take him to the park to get some fresh air. We had so much fun, we went twice!
The park was mostly empty when we got there the first time. B-Boy had a blast on all the slides, and flew down the swirly slide many times. He even made a friend who clapped for him when he got to the bottom of one of the smaller slides. It was contagious, and soon B-Boy clapped with him.
Later in the day, we scoped out a new location. The elementary school near our house has a playground for the Kindergarten, First and Second grade kids. We decided since the day had warmed up to such a beautiful one that we would see what it was like.
I left my camera at home, so I am not able to share a view of it with you. But I'll just say this, B-Boy loved it. There were several small slides for the younger kids, which B-Boy had fun with. There was also an area for the older children, and space for those in between. The large tube slide was a bit scary for him, so after we went down it together, he was done with it. He really like the intermediate area, the slides were bumpy, and one of them had rumble strips to slow him down. He really liked that one.
The playground even had a sort of see-saw area, with 4 poles spread out from the center circle. A metal saddle was attached to the end of each pole, and you could sit and bounce on it. I sat on one side, and Neb sat on the other until B-Boy let us know he wanted to get on too. Neb held him to get him used to it and then slid off so B-Boy could ride by himself. Neb put B-Boy's hands on the handle, and his feet on the bar beneath it. He smiled, so proud of himself!
He also did really well when Neb let go. He bounced up and down, holding on to the handle and holding himself upright. We bounced for a good while, and then moved on to a large porch swing (minus the porch!).
We sat on the swing as a family, with B-Boy in the middle. He looked around as we swung, and was very calm. The swing made a really loud SQUEAKING noise, which he found really interesting. When we stopped, he clapped as if to say "YAY! That was fun!". It was a great moment, but that is not my favorite moment of the day.
I took him over to the big kid swing and sat down.
I put B-Boy on my lap facing me. He held on as I started to swing. At first, Neb said B-Boy looked a bit scared, but then the rhythm of the swinging calmed him down and he put his head down on my shoulder. He was so relaxed and "gooshie" (our family's word for what babies do when you hold them and they sink right into you). B-Boy is not often gooshie, so those moments are always quite treasured.
When we stopped swinging, B-Boy clapped. He really like it. So, I started swinging again. When I stopped and put him on the ground, he clapped again. When he realized that we were done, he got upset and tried to crawl back into my lap. So, I picked him up and let him swing facing out. I am not sure which one he like more! Neb got on the swing next to us, and B-Boy found it quite amusing every time we moved past him.
It was hard to stop swinging, both because we had fun and because B-Boy would get upset when I would put him down. We ended up distracting him by running over to the rumble strip slide, putting him at the top, and encouraging him to slide down.
All in all, it was a great day. We hope yours was a fun as ours was!
The park was mostly empty when we got there the first time. B-Boy had a blast on all the slides, and flew down the swirly slide many times. He even made a friend who clapped for him when he got to the bottom of one of the smaller slides. It was contagious, and soon B-Boy clapped with him.
Later in the day, we scoped out a new location. The elementary school near our house has a playground for the Kindergarten, First and Second grade kids. We decided since the day had warmed up to such a beautiful one that we would see what it was like.
I left my camera at home, so I am not able to share a view of it with you. But I'll just say this, B-Boy loved it. There were several small slides for the younger kids, which B-Boy had fun with. There was also an area for the older children, and space for those in between. The large tube slide was a bit scary for him, so after we went down it together, he was done with it. He really like the intermediate area, the slides were bumpy, and one of them had rumble strips to slow him down. He really liked that one.
The playground even had a sort of see-saw area, with 4 poles spread out from the center circle. A metal saddle was attached to the end of each pole, and you could sit and bounce on it. I sat on one side, and Neb sat on the other until B-Boy let us know he wanted to get on too. Neb held him to get him used to it and then slid off so B-Boy could ride by himself. Neb put B-Boy's hands on the handle, and his feet on the bar beneath it. He smiled, so proud of himself!
He also did really well when Neb let go. He bounced up and down, holding on to the handle and holding himself upright. We bounced for a good while, and then moved on to a large porch swing (minus the porch!).
We sat on the swing as a family, with B-Boy in the middle. He looked around as we swung, and was very calm. The swing made a really loud SQUEAKING noise, which he found really interesting. When we stopped, he clapped as if to say "YAY! That was fun!". It was a great moment, but that is not my favorite moment of the day.
I took him over to the big kid swing and sat down.
I put B-Boy on my lap facing me. He held on as I started to swing. At first, Neb said B-Boy looked a bit scared, but then the rhythm of the swinging calmed him down and he put his head down on my shoulder. He was so relaxed and "gooshie" (our family's word for what babies do when you hold them and they sink right into you). B-Boy is not often gooshie, so those moments are always quite treasured.
When we stopped swinging, B-Boy clapped. He really like it. So, I started swinging again. When I stopped and put him on the ground, he clapped again. When he realized that we were done, he got upset and tried to crawl back into my lap. So, I picked him up and let him swing facing out. I am not sure which one he like more! Neb got on the swing next to us, and B-Boy found it quite amusing every time we moved past him.
It was hard to stop swinging, both because we had fun and because B-Boy would get upset when I would put him down. We ended up distracting him by running over to the rumble strip slide, putting him at the top, and encouraging him to slide down.
All in all, it was a great day. We hope yours was a fun as ours was!
18 Wheels makes B-Boy smile!
B-Boy loves 18 wheeler trucks. They make him smile... and wave.
We first noticed this affection for the large trucks on our trip back from Florida in December. He has held the affection ever since.
We have a lengthy commute to work in the morning, and a lot of it is on the interstate. This means that we see lots of 18 wheeler trucks. Every time we pass one (yep, Momma has a tendency to drive fast!), B-Boy gets a Big Ol' Grin on his face.
I am not sure what about the truck makes him happy, but he really really really likes them.
I usually say "B-Boy, do you see the truck?" as we approach one. As we pass it, B-Boy will wave to tell the truck "hi!" and "bye-bye!". We also count the number that we pass... and we talk about what kind of truck it is.
Oh, a MILK truck! A flatbed truck! A dump truck! A McDonald's delivery truck!
I look forward to him speaking more about them, and I am sure that will come before we know it. If this keeps up, guess what B-Boy is gonna be for Halloween? :)
We first noticed this affection for the large trucks on our trip back from Florida in December. He has held the affection ever since.
We have a lengthy commute to work in the morning, and a lot of it is on the interstate. This means that we see lots of 18 wheeler trucks. Every time we pass one (yep, Momma has a tendency to drive fast!), B-Boy gets a Big Ol' Grin on his face.
I am not sure what about the truck makes him happy, but he really really really likes them.
I usually say "B-Boy, do you see the truck?" as we approach one. As we pass it, B-Boy will wave to tell the truck "hi!" and "bye-bye!". We also count the number that we pass... and we talk about what kind of truck it is.
Oh, a MILK truck! A flatbed truck! A dump truck! A McDonald's delivery truck!
I look forward to him speaking more about them, and I am sure that will come before we know it. If this keeps up, guess what B-Boy is gonna be for Halloween? :)
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Let's go!
Yesterday, B-Boy was home sick. It was his second time being out of daycare, which is great considering he is almost 17 months old. His teacher called me Monday at the end of the day, saying his cough had gotten worse, and that his breathing was really labored and raspy.
I was able to get him in to see his doctor right away (the best part of having both on-site daycare AND on-site healthcare!). She was concerned with his breathing, so she started him on breathing treatments. B-Boy did not like it at first, but eventually realized it helped him breathe better and calmed down. As a matter of fact, the next day, he actually fell asleep during his breathing treatment after lunch. It was pretty funny, but kinda sad because he was just that tired. Poor guy!
He was really upset that he wasn't going to daycare. I don't know how he knew he was supposed to go, but he did. We fed him like we normally do, but after he ate, instead of going to the garage to leave, we went to the living room to play.
B-Boy ran to the door of the garage and kept hitting it to emphasize we should leave. When that didn't work, he started waving. Hello parents... don't you see I want to go to daycare???? He has started waving as a way to tell us "Let's go!" or "Please leave, I want to be alone" and "I am tired of doing this, let's do something else!". For example, when I picked him up from daycare to go to the doctor, he was READY to leave... but I needed to talk to the teacher to find out some information to tell the doctor (how he ate, his temperature, his disposition, etc.) He stood at the door, and when I didn't open it right away, he started waving. The longer we stood there, the harder he waved. "Let's go. I am ready to do something else Mom."
And then there was last night, when I was putting him to bed. I think he was REALLY tired, and ready to go to sleep because after I changed him, he started waving at me. "Please leave Mom! I am ready to go to sleep!" It's kind of funny, in a I-am-trying-not-to-be-offended sort of way.
But I am getting sidetracked... B-Boy must have stood at the door to the garage for at least 20 minutes waving so we would leave. And when Neb left to go to work, B-Boy had a meltdown. He wanted to go too.
Fast forward to the late afternoon. B-Boy was just up from his nap, and found a lime green gift bag. B-Boy thought the handles were really cool to hold, and he started carrying it around. At first, it was in his hand, dragging along the floor. Then he moved it up his arm, carrying it like a purse.
He then walked over to the door and started waving. Yep, he wanted to go outside. I debated for a few minutes. On the one hand, it was a bit chilly and he IS sick... but on the other hand, the fresh air might do him some good. I finally decided that I would bundle him up in his favorite warm hoodie, and let him go out for just a few minutes.
I opened the garage door, and B-Boy walked to the car. I explained we weren't going anywhere, and then opened the big garage door. B-Boy took one step out (still clutching his green bag) and felt the cold air. At that point, he decided that the garage was a fun place to play, even if the door was open.
I snapped a few photos, but he changed how he was holding the bag.
He played for a few minutes with his shopping cart toy, and then wanted to come back inside.
The good news: B-Boy is starting to sound better. and I was able to snap a photo of him with his lime green "purse" today. Hee-hee.
I was able to get him in to see his doctor right away (the best part of having both on-site daycare AND on-site healthcare!). She was concerned with his breathing, so she started him on breathing treatments. B-Boy did not like it at first, but eventually realized it helped him breathe better and calmed down. As a matter of fact, the next day, he actually fell asleep during his breathing treatment after lunch. It was pretty funny, but kinda sad because he was just that tired. Poor guy!
He was really upset that he wasn't going to daycare. I don't know how he knew he was supposed to go, but he did. We fed him like we normally do, but after he ate, instead of going to the garage to leave, we went to the living room to play.
B-Boy ran to the door of the garage and kept hitting it to emphasize we should leave. When that didn't work, he started waving. Hello parents... don't you see I want to go to daycare???? He has started waving as a way to tell us "Let's go!" or "Please leave, I want to be alone" and "I am tired of doing this, let's do something else!". For example, when I picked him up from daycare to go to the doctor, he was READY to leave... but I needed to talk to the teacher to find out some information to tell the doctor (how he ate, his temperature, his disposition, etc.) He stood at the door, and when I didn't open it right away, he started waving. The longer we stood there, the harder he waved. "Let's go. I am ready to do something else Mom."
And then there was last night, when I was putting him to bed. I think he was REALLY tired, and ready to go to sleep because after I changed him, he started waving at me. "Please leave Mom! I am ready to go to sleep!" It's kind of funny, in a I-am-trying-not-to-be-offended sort of way.
But I am getting sidetracked... B-Boy must have stood at the door to the garage for at least 20 minutes waving so we would leave. And when Neb left to go to work, B-Boy had a meltdown. He wanted to go too.
Fast forward to the late afternoon. B-Boy was just up from his nap, and found a lime green gift bag. B-Boy thought the handles were really cool to hold, and he started carrying it around. At first, it was in his hand, dragging along the floor. Then he moved it up his arm, carrying it like a purse.
He then walked over to the door and started waving. Yep, he wanted to go outside. I debated for a few minutes. On the one hand, it was a bit chilly and he IS sick... but on the other hand, the fresh air might do him some good. I finally decided that I would bundle him up in his favorite warm hoodie, and let him go out for just a few minutes.
I opened the garage door, and B-Boy walked to the car. I explained we weren't going anywhere, and then opened the big garage door. B-Boy took one step out (still clutching his green bag) and felt the cold air. At that point, he decided that the garage was a fun place to play, even if the door was open.
I snapped a few photos, but he changed how he was holding the bag.
Whew, I am tired. I gotta sit down!
Let's go SHOPPING!
He played for a few minutes with his shopping cart toy, and then wanted to come back inside.
Don't judge me people! The bag is a cool color!
The good news: B-Boy is starting to sound better. and I was able to snap a photo of him with his lime green "purse" today. Hee-hee.
Bye-Bye! Let's GO!
Duk!
B-Boy has a new word, and he used it today.
"Duk!"
And no, it does not mean what you think. It is not referring to a Duck. Those are Quack-Quack-Quacks, also known as Kitty Cats.
So what is "Duk"? Good question. Let me explain it by telling you what he was doing when he used it.
This morning, I went in to see B-Boy. He was standing in his crib, and when I approached, he crouched down still holding on to the side. I peeked over the edge and he grinned up to me as he popped up to standing. He repeated this several times, and it occurred to me that it might be a good time to teach him a new word. When he crouched, I said "Down!". When he popped up, I said "Up!" After a few times, B-Boy started saying "Duk!" every time he popped UP.
So that's it, Duk means Up. He even showed Neb he got a new word. We'll see if it sticks.
"Duk!"
And no, it does not mean what you think. It is not referring to a Duck. Those are Quack-Quack-Quacks, also known as Kitty Cats.
So what is "Duk"? Good question. Let me explain it by telling you what he was doing when he used it.
This morning, I went in to see B-Boy. He was standing in his crib, and when I approached, he crouched down still holding on to the side. I peeked over the edge and he grinned up to me as he popped up to standing. He repeated this several times, and it occurred to me that it might be a good time to teach him a new word. When he crouched, I said "Down!". When he popped up, I said "Up!" After a few times, B-Boy started saying "Duk!" every time he popped UP.
So that's it, Duk means Up. He even showed Neb he got a new word. We'll see if it sticks.
Hugs for everyone!
B-Boy really enjoys giving hugs. Getting them? Not so much, but he really likes giving them!
His favorite hug to give is to run up to your legs, throw his arms open, wrap them around your legs, and then lean in to give you a quick hug.
He will even run over to you if you are at his eye level (either by sitting on the floor, or by squatting down to him). If your legs are separated, he will throw open his arms, lean into your neck and hug you. Granted, it does not last very long, but it is a hug.
And if you ask him for a hug? He knows what that means, and will run over and give you one. It's really sweet.
Today, I saw B-Boy give a different kind of hug for the first time. I picked up B-Boy from his classroom at daycare so that I could take him to the doctor (more on that later). One of his friends came over to say hello... you might remember him... his name is Kid'N and he was in B-Boy's first class. He is also in B-Boy's current class.
He grabbed my pants leg as B-Boy ran over. He grabbed Kid'N's arm, and I thought he was going to move it so that Kid'N was NOT TOUCHING HIS MOMMA.
Instead, B-Boy swung around, and then he hugged Kid'N. I was shocked, as I had not seen him hug another child before. He had recieved them, but I had not witnessed him giving one before. It was really cute... and Kid'N seemed to appreciate the affection. He is a sweet kid too... with two older sisters, so I am sure he is quite used to getting lots of hugs!
So cheers to B-Boy, he shares his love!
Here's to hoping you get to experience a B-Boy hug soon.
His favorite hug to give is to run up to your legs, throw his arms open, wrap them around your legs, and then lean in to give you a quick hug.
He will even run over to you if you are at his eye level (either by sitting on the floor, or by squatting down to him). If your legs are separated, he will throw open his arms, lean into your neck and hug you. Granted, it does not last very long, but it is a hug.
And if you ask him for a hug? He knows what that means, and will run over and give you one. It's really sweet.
Today, I saw B-Boy give a different kind of hug for the first time. I picked up B-Boy from his classroom at daycare so that I could take him to the doctor (more on that later). One of his friends came over to say hello... you might remember him... his name is Kid'N and he was in B-Boy's first class. He is also in B-Boy's current class.
He grabbed my pants leg as B-Boy ran over. He grabbed Kid'N's arm, and I thought he was going to move it so that Kid'N was NOT TOUCHING HIS MOMMA.
Instead, B-Boy swung around, and then he hugged Kid'N. I was shocked, as I had not seen him hug another child before. He had recieved them, but I had not witnessed him giving one before. It was really cute... and Kid'N seemed to appreciate the affection. He is a sweet kid too... with two older sisters, so I am sure he is quite used to getting lots of hugs!
So cheers to B-Boy, he shares his love!
Here's to hoping you get to experience a B-Boy hug soon.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Ball!
Tonight, B-Boy said a new word.
He was in the bath, playing with his basketball toy. We had found a rim that attaches to the tub wall with suction cups. It came with three small rubber balls, in various colors. B-Boy really likes those balls. They are soft, squishy and fun to play with.
B-Boy would toss one out of the tub, where Neb would retrieve it and toss it back. Each time, Neb would ask "Can you say Ball? It's a ball. Do you want the ball?" Eventually, B-Boy responded "Ball!"
He then kept saying it.
So he now has another word to add to his list. I can't wait to see him use it without prompting!
He was in the bath, playing with his basketball toy. We had found a rim that attaches to the tub wall with suction cups. It came with three small rubber balls, in various colors. B-Boy really likes those balls. They are soft, squishy and fun to play with.
B-Boy would toss one out of the tub, where Neb would retrieve it and toss it back. Each time, Neb would ask "Can you say Ball? It's a ball. Do you want the ball?" Eventually, B-Boy responded "Ball!"
He then kept saying it.
So he now has another word to add to his list. I can't wait to see him use it without prompting!
That's one hungry boy!
B-Boy is going to eat us out of house and home. Mark my words, when he is a teenager, we will be in trouble.
We are going to start saving now, forget college... we need a food budget. Why, you ask?
This morning, Neb made breakfast. Baby boy ate as much as I did! He ate two eggs in scrambled form, a piece of toast, some pears, and three handfuls of Product 19. (And don't forget the milk he drank!)
Tonight, we decided to stop at McDonald's after we left the park. B-Boy missed the afternoon snack at daycare so that we could leave early... so we decided to get him dinner as soon as we could. We ordered him the big kids meal of 6 chicken nuggets and a bag of apple slices.
B-Boy ate it all.
And then? He wanted more. So we got him some applesauce. He was then a full boy! Neb and I couldn't stop shaking our heads...
Can you?
We are going to start saving now, forget college... we need a food budget. Why, you ask?
This morning, Neb made breakfast. Baby boy ate as much as I did! He ate two eggs in scrambled form, a piece of toast, some pears, and three handfuls of Product 19. (And don't forget the milk he drank!)
Tonight, we decided to stop at McDonald's after we left the park. B-Boy missed the afternoon snack at daycare so that we could leave early... so we decided to get him dinner as soon as we could. We ordered him the big kids meal of 6 chicken nuggets and a bag of apple slices.
B-Boy ate it all.
And then? He wanted more. So we got him some applesauce. He was then a full boy! Neb and I couldn't stop shaking our heads...
Can you?
That's no Day at the Park.. Yes it is!
Today, we had a fantastic day.
The high temperature today was supposed to be 75 degrees, and it did not disappoint.
Neb and I decided that we would pick B-Boy up early and head to the park down by our house, which we did. It was an absolutely gorgeous day, and there were lots of parents there with their kids. So many, that Neb and I were surprised at all the activity.
We took B-Boy over to the slide, and he climbed up immediately. He then sat down, scooched himself forward on his bottom to the edge of the slide and then slid down to the bottom. He had so much fun that he ran back to steps immediately to do it again. This was repeated many, many times.
He then noticed the big swirly slide that was attached to the slide he had been using. And, he wanted to go on it.
Neb tried to distract him with a game of tic-tac-toe... but he doesn't know that game yet. He persisted, and so, I lifted him up and took him down the big swirly slide.
And he loved every second of it.
So much so, that he got back up to go again. I lifted him up, put him down at the edge, and he slid down by himself, with some help from the side by Neb. The next time? He sat down on his own and scooched to the edge himself. And then down he went.
He did this many, many, many times... and had a lot of fun.
We also pushed him in the swing, but he didn't find it quite as fun as the last time we were there.
I was watching B-Boy and was also struck by how much B-Boy resembled GatorGirl at that moment. He got this intense look, and the way his jaw was set in concentration- it reminded me of her so much! I was able to snap a photo, I can't wait to hear what my Dad thinks about that.
We then went over to the other slide area, which had a tube kids can crawl through that ended at a bumpy slide that was actually two lanes, side by side. Two kids can go down at one time, one in each line. It was pretty nifty... and B-Boy had a blast crawling through the big yellow tube. There was another little boy there and they would go down the slide side by side together.
We were there for about an hour, and had a fantastic time. A great way to end the week, and I am so happy we were able to enjoy the beautiful day as a family.
Aside, I have to share this amusing moment at the park...
While B-Boy was going down the first slide over and over again, a Mom came over with a little boy and a baby on her hip. She started talking to us, and asked if we had ever taken swim lessons at our neighborhood pool. When I said we had, she said "I thought so, your baby is the baby that could swim!" Yep, that's him!
The high temperature today was supposed to be 75 degrees, and it did not disappoint.
Neb and I decided that we would pick B-Boy up early and head to the park down by our house, which we did. It was an absolutely gorgeous day, and there were lots of parents there with their kids. So many, that Neb and I were surprised at all the activity.
We took B-Boy over to the slide, and he climbed up immediately. He then sat down, scooched himself forward on his bottom to the edge of the slide and then slid down to the bottom. He had so much fun that he ran back to steps immediately to do it again. This was repeated many, many times.
This is going to be SO fun!
He then noticed the big swirly slide that was attached to the slide he had been using. And, he wanted to go on it.
Neb tried to distract him with a game of tic-tac-toe... but he doesn't know that game yet. He persisted, and so, I lifted him up and took him down the big swirly slide.
And he loved every second of it.
So much so, that he got back up to go again. I lifted him up, put him down at the edge, and he slid down by himself, with some help from the side by Neb. The next time? He sat down on his own and scooched to the edge himself. And then down he went.
He did this many, many, many times... and had a lot of fun.
Weeeeeeeeeee!
We also pushed him in the swing, but he didn't find it quite as fun as the last time we were there.
Those kids are doing some cool stuff...
I wonder when I get to do that!
I was watching B-Boy and was also struck by how much B-Boy resembled GatorGirl at that moment. He got this intense look, and the way his jaw was set in concentration- it reminded me of her so much! I was able to snap a photo, I can't wait to hear what my Dad thinks about that.
We then went over to the other slide area, which had a tube kids can crawl through that ended at a bumpy slide that was actually two lanes, side by side. Two kids can go down at one time, one in each line. It was pretty nifty... and B-Boy had a blast crawling through the big yellow tube. There was another little boy there and they would go down the slide side by side together.
I am having SO much fun at the park!
You should go to a park near you... it's fun!
We were there for about an hour, and had a fantastic time. A great way to end the week, and I am so happy we were able to enjoy the beautiful day as a family.
Aside, I have to share this amusing moment at the park...
While B-Boy was going down the first slide over and over again, a Mom came over with a little boy and a baby on her hip. She started talking to us, and asked if we had ever taken swim lessons at our neighborhood pool. When I said we had, she said "I thought so, your baby is the baby that could swim!" Yep, that's him!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Bye-Bye Bath
B-Boy is practicing his sounds more and more.
On the way in to work yesterday, he started saying "Oh-Oh-Oh" quite a bit. We then practiced what cows say... "MOOOOooooo!" B-Boy liked saying that a lot!
He also mimics me with the answer to the question "B-Boy, what do ducks say?" I pause and say "Quack-Quack-Quack". B-Boy then starts making the noise with me.
And speaking of noises, we have a book with ducks on the cover (which is what first caused me to make the noise when I read it to him). When B-Boy sees the book (no matter where it is), he makes the "Quack-Quack-Quack" noise. We also have a touch and feel board book about dogs... and one of the pages has a velvety nose. The line on the page reads "Curious puppies like to find new things!". When I read the page, I lean down to his neck and make sniffing noises. He immediately laughs, and now when he sees that book, he starts making sniffing noises. It makes me giggle every time!
But that's not what I really wanted to tell you. Tonight B-Boy said a two word phrase for the first time. (I don't count All Done because I think he thinks that is one word.) We gave B-Boy a bath and afterward, Neb emptied the tub while I dried him off. I said "Say Bye-Bye Bath! B-Boy, can you say Bye-Bye Bath?"
And then he.... waved. Which is what he normally does for bye-bye.
But tonight, he waved and said "Bye-bye Bath!"
Nicely done B-Boy.
On the way in to work yesterday, he started saying "Oh-Oh-Oh" quite a bit. We then practiced what cows say... "MOOOOooooo!" B-Boy liked saying that a lot!
He also mimics me with the answer to the question "B-Boy, what do ducks say?" I pause and say "Quack-Quack-Quack". B-Boy then starts making the noise with me.
And speaking of noises, we have a book with ducks on the cover (which is what first caused me to make the noise when I read it to him). When B-Boy sees the book (no matter where it is), he makes the "Quack-Quack-Quack" noise. We also have a touch and feel board book about dogs... and one of the pages has a velvety nose. The line on the page reads "Curious puppies like to find new things!". When I read the page, I lean down to his neck and make sniffing noises. He immediately laughs, and now when he sees that book, he starts making sniffing noises. It makes me giggle every time!
But that's not what I really wanted to tell you. Tonight B-Boy said a two word phrase for the first time. (I don't count All Done because I think he thinks that is one word.) We gave B-Boy a bath and afterward, Neb emptied the tub while I dried him off. I said "Say Bye-Bye Bath! B-Boy, can you say Bye-Bye Bath?"
And then he.... waved. Which is what he normally does for bye-bye.
But tonight, he waved and said "Bye-bye Bath!"
Nicely done B-Boy.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Fun Outside
The weather has turned a bit warmer, and that meant that we could all go outside to play!
I decided B-Boy needed a new outside toy to play with. I found a cute toy push mower that makes a motor noise when you push it... and if filled, will release bubbles out the side when pushed fast enough. It was really windy, so the bubbles popped almost immediately, so that part of the toy will need to be saved for another day. B-Boy thought the motor sound was really cool... and he had a good time pushing the mower around.
We had a blast, and Neb spent some quality time blowing bubbles with him. B-Boy chased them around and tried to catch them. It was so sweet to watch them together.
I have a 5 minute video I took while we were playing, but will have to share it another time.
I decided B-Boy needed a new outside toy to play with. I found a cute toy push mower that makes a motor noise when you push it... and if filled, will release bubbles out the side when pushed fast enough. It was really windy, so the bubbles popped almost immediately, so that part of the toy will need to be saved for another day. B-Boy thought the motor sound was really cool... and he had a good time pushing the mower around.
Oh hi folks! Did you see my new mower?
Daddy says he is trying to help me practice...
but I don't know why, do you?
Mowin' the yard... I'm mowin' the yard...
I like to sing... while mowin' the yard!
Now where did this shopping cart come from?
Daddy says we have to move things like sticks out
of the way before we mow. This one is REALLY big!
We had a blast, and Neb spent some quality time blowing bubbles with him. B-Boy chased them around and tried to catch them. It was so sweet to watch them together.
Bubbles! YAY!
Wait, I am not that tall Daddy!
This is much better! Blow Daddy! More bubbles!
And I hope you will give me extra credit for not using the caption on the picture above that I wanted to... is it me or does it look like B-Boy is tooting bubbles? :)
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Update on Progress
B-Boy is making fast progress with lots of stuff. This post will attempt to catch you up on what he is doing now.
- His teachers have noticed how B-Boy answers questions as "Yes!". If you recall, B-Boy says "Yeah Yeah!". I was talking to his teacher, and she told me she asked him if he wanted more Goldfish crackers to eat. His answer was "Yeah Yeah!" which made her giggle. She said she had not had a child answer like that before. Yes, it makes me laugh too... Neb and I have started answering each other this way too. It makes us smile. Try it at home... it's fun. Trust me.
- For his first birthday, GatorGrandpa gave B-Boy a stuffed puppy. Well, it is a pillow with a puppy's head and velcro that attaches in the middle turning the pillow into a puppy. B-Boy loves it, and usually lays on it when he is tired. If I ask him "B-Boy, where is your puppy?", he now will walk over, pick it up, and bring it to me. It's wild that he now knows what a puppy is and that it is what I wanted.
- B-Boy can now tell us when he is "All Done". It sounds more like "Ga Done" but it is consistent and used mostly when he is finished eating or taking a bath. (It is nice to see that he doesn't think you only say it with food!)
- B-Boy loves his sit-and-ride toys. He has two of them, and usually sits on them in one place, or pushes himself backwards. Moving forward has been difficult, as he didn't quite get how to do it, or that it could be done without Neb or I pushing him. This week, B-Boy figured out how to push himself forward on his ATV-like ride on toy. He is having a ball on that now, as it has almost become a brand new toy to him!
- B-Boy is quite ticklish. I cannot resist tickling him when his belly is exposed, because then he starts laughing. I adore his laugh... it is contagious, and makes me want to make him laugh again. Whenever I see his tummy, I say "I see your tummy!" and then begin tickeling him. If I simply say "I see your tummy!", he now will start giggling. Which brings me to what I wanted to share with you. The other night, B-Boy was going to bed. He was crawling up the stairs, and his shirt pulled up so I could "see his tummy!" When I said so, he stopped crawling, stood up and then pulled his shirt up all the way. He had a big ol' grin on his face as if to say "You can't get it from there! HA!". He knows what his tummy is!
- And now for my favorite new skill... When we get home, one of the first things we do is put B-Boy's milk away. We open the cooler, put the bottle that still has milk in it into the refrigerator, put the icepack in the freezer, and the empty bottle in the sink. B-Boy wants to be more independent, doing more of what he knows he can do. He watches us do this routine every day, and he finally decided he wanted to participate. He picked up the empty, dirty bottle while I was putting the other one in the refrigerator. B-Boy walked over to the sink and held the bottle up in the air. I was really surprised, and walked over to the sink. I tapped the edge and said "B-Boy, can you put it in the sink? Right here? In the sink? B-Boy, can you put the bottle in the sink?" And then he did. He put his dirty dishes in sink. This one will come in handy in the future- now if someone could just teach us! :)
So that is the update for the day! I hope you enjoyed catching up with B-Boy's adventures and progress!
Taking off his shoes and socks
On Monday, B-Boy did something new at school.
His teacher told me that he took off his shoes and socks! (Yes, he does this in the car, when we DON'T want him to... but this is the first time he did so when it was desired!) All the kids take off their shoes and socks right before they take a nap. B-Boy sat down with the other kids and took his own shoes and socks off. He hasn't done it at home yet, but it's only a matter of time!
Too cool! Yay!
His teacher told me that he took off his shoes and socks! (Yes, he does this in the car, when we DON'T want him to... but this is the first time he did so when it was desired!) All the kids take off their shoes and socks right before they take a nap. B-Boy sat down with the other kids and took his own shoes and socks off. He hasn't done it at home yet, but it's only a matter of time!
Too cool! Yay!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
More.... and Milk.
We have been working with B-Boy to get him to communicate more. One way we have been doing this is to give him a snack when he asks for it. Usually, he will hand us something and say "GA!" or point to something and say "GA!" to let us know he wants it. My rule: if he asks for it, he can have it.
Eventually, that won't be the rule. But for now, we want him to know that he can trust us- and that he is being heard. That concept is so very important to help him grow up feeling loved and understood.
But I am getting off topic now, aren't I? Let's get back to the fun part...
B-Boy signed for the first time! We have been working on it for a while, mostly signing things like More and Milk. We would see that he would want "more applesauce" or "more milk" and sign it to him before giving him more. He mostly laughed at us - "Silly parents!"
Last week, I started putting his hands together to make the sign for "more" before giving him what he wanted. He thought that was HILARIOUS... or frustrating. He would either laugh or yell in response to having his hands put together.
But then we came home the other day, and he ran over to get the yogurt melts from his snack area. I gave him some by putting them on the corner of the kitchen table and then started to put his milk away. When I turned around, all the yogurt melts were gone.
B-Boy was pointing to the bag, and grunting to let me know he REALLY wanted some. I paused and said "More? You want more?". Then, he did it. B-Boy signed "More!" in his own way. He pointed to his open hand over and over. "More?", I asked.
"Yeah, yeah!" said B-Boy.
And then he got more. He did this several more times before the night was through.
Later, he signed milk. He had just finished drinking some milk with his breakfast, and I asked him if he wanted "More Milk?". He then signed "Milk!" to me.
It was adorable, and fun to see him communicate in a new way. It looks like it is time to brush up on more signs!
Eventually, that won't be the rule. But for now, we want him to know that he can trust us- and that he is being heard. That concept is so very important to help him grow up feeling loved and understood.
But I am getting off topic now, aren't I? Let's get back to the fun part...
B-Boy signed for the first time! We have been working on it for a while, mostly signing things like More and Milk. We would see that he would want "more applesauce" or "more milk" and sign it to him before giving him more. He mostly laughed at us - "Silly parents!"
Last week, I started putting his hands together to make the sign for "more" before giving him what he wanted. He thought that was HILARIOUS... or frustrating. He would either laugh or yell in response to having his hands put together.
But then we came home the other day, and he ran over to get the yogurt melts from his snack area. I gave him some by putting them on the corner of the kitchen table and then started to put his milk away. When I turned around, all the yogurt melts were gone.
B-Boy was pointing to the bag, and grunting to let me know he REALLY wanted some. I paused and said "More? You want more?". Then, he did it. B-Boy signed "More!" in his own way. He pointed to his open hand over and over. "More?", I asked.
"Yeah, yeah!" said B-Boy.
And then he got more. He did this several more times before the night was through.
Later, he signed milk. He had just finished drinking some milk with his breakfast, and I asked him if he wanted "More Milk?". He then signed "Milk!" to me.
It was adorable, and fun to see him communicate in a new way. It looks like it is time to brush up on more signs!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
B-Boy and his Red Balloon
On Saturday, B-Boy went to a birthday party for the first time... for someone other than himself!
My friend Cat has a son (we call him Jambuca) who is EXACTLY nine months older than B-Boy, to the day. This has been fun for me because I get an advanced sneak peek into what is coming for B-Boy. It's quite rewarding! But I am getting off track here...
Jambuca had a birthday party on Saturday, and we were all invited. He was turning TWO years old, and I cannot believe he is already that old. When we arrived, we put B-Boy down to run around. He was amazed at all the fun new stuff that Jambuca and his sister have, and immediately started playing with all those marvelous toys! Needless to say, he had a giant smile on his face for a large chunk of the time that we were there.
There were several kids B-Boy's age there, and B-Boy eventually warmed to playing with them. Jambuca's Dad was showing some of them a Curious George Jack in the Box. He would crank the handle while the music played, and then POP! Curious George would then pop up out of the box.
B-Boy loved it. While most of the other kids were scared of it, B-Boy figured out when the monkey would pop up, and would bounce excitedly until he did. He would then cheer and laugh... and then try to slam the monkey back into the box so it could start again.
It was really funny... and then he grabbed the box and started carrying it around. All that activity made him tired, and soon it was time to go home. Cat stopped us to give B-Boy a goody bag at the door, and the BEST goodbye gift EVER- she came over with a large bunch of mylar balloons and told B-Boy to pick one.
B-Boy was drawn to a shiny red star shaped one with a long white string. He batted it quite a bit and really enjoyed hitting it. Later, when we got home, B-Boy ran back and forth from the kitchen to the living room and back, all the while holding his red balloon. (He did this so much, I could only snap a photo when he collapsed on the floor!)
He even enjoyed pulling it into his tunnel\hut - although it took him a little time to figure out how to get it in there. He crawled in holding the string, realized the balloon was not in there too, and crawled out. He then stood up, pulled the string down to grasp it closer to the balloon and then crawled back in. He did this three times before he was able to pull the balloon into the hut. (It was fascinating to watch his thought process.)
And there he played with it for a good while. I think he decided the hut was the balloon's house, because he left it in there to sleep.Night night red balloon!
My friend Cat has a son (we call him Jambuca) who is EXACTLY nine months older than B-Boy, to the day. This has been fun for me because I get an advanced sneak peek into what is coming for B-Boy. It's quite rewarding! But I am getting off track here...
Jambuca had a birthday party on Saturday, and we were all invited. He was turning TWO years old, and I cannot believe he is already that old. When we arrived, we put B-Boy down to run around. He was amazed at all the fun new stuff that Jambuca and his sister have, and immediately started playing with all those marvelous toys! Needless to say, he had a giant smile on his face for a large chunk of the time that we were there.
There were several kids B-Boy's age there, and B-Boy eventually warmed to playing with them. Jambuca's Dad was showing some of them a Curious George Jack in the Box. He would crank the handle while the music played, and then POP! Curious George would then pop up out of the box.
B-Boy loved it. While most of the other kids were scared of it, B-Boy figured out when the monkey would pop up, and would bounce excitedly until he did. He would then cheer and laugh... and then try to slam the monkey back into the box so it could start again.
It was really funny... and then he grabbed the box and started carrying it around. All that activity made him tired, and soon it was time to go home. Cat stopped us to give B-Boy a goody bag at the door, and the BEST goodbye gift EVER- she came over with a large bunch of mylar balloons and told B-Boy to pick one.
B-Boy was drawn to a shiny red star shaped one with a long white string. He batted it quite a bit and really enjoyed hitting it. Later, when we got home, B-Boy ran back and forth from the kitchen to the living room and back, all the while holding his red balloon. (He did this so much, I could only snap a photo when he collapsed on the floor!)
Did you meet my new friend?
He's RED!
He even enjoyed pulling it into his tunnel\hut - although it took him a little time to figure out how to get it in there. He crawled in holding the string, realized the balloon was not in there too, and crawled out. He then stood up, pulled the string down to grasp it closer to the balloon and then crawled back in. He did this three times before he was able to pull the balloon into the hut. (It was fascinating to watch his thought process.)
And there he played with it for a good while. I think he decided the hut was the balloon's house, because he left it in there to sleep.Night night red balloon!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Happy Groundhog Day!
Groundhog Day is one of our favorite holidays. Why? Because we like things that are different... and it is one of the few holidays that hasn't been overly commercialized- who feels guilty for not getting someone a "Happy Groundhog Day" card? Noone, except maybe the folks in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.
We have a fun tradition in our family for this holiday. We make groundhog shaped cookies using the official Spicy Groundhog recipe from Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. I got the cookie cutter nine years ago, and have been making them ever since.
We also watch the movie "Groundhog Day", which we often quote. The movie cracks us up.
Last year, B-Boy took a lot of energy- and so the cookies did not get made. Instead, I made him a little costume for his Groundhog Day photo. He was just too cute.
This year, I decided not to do the costume mostly because B-Boy immediately takes anything off of his head. Hats don't last long on B-Boy, and I frankly did not want to waste my efforts! (But don't worry, we will try again next year when B-Boy is more receptive to direction!)
I did, however, make the cookies. YUM! They taste like a spicy gingerbread molasses cookie. I made a double batch so Neb could take them into work. I just love the expressions on my coworkers face when I wish them a Happy Groundhog Day, and then offer them a cookie. It is quite amusing! Then they eat the cookie and forget that they think I am crazy. HA!
I saved a cookie for B-Boy. I normally don't give him many sweets, but this day was special.
B-Boy chomped the groundhog's head, and thought it tasted really good. He then ate the torso... and showed me after each bite how he was progressing. He would hold out the cookie as if to say "Look how good I am eating this!!!!"
He eventually got to the bottom, and was finished. All in all, I think that he really liked the cookie.
I am sorry I can't share a cookie with you! Perhaps you can come visit... I would be happy to make them for you.
We have a fun tradition in our family for this holiday. We make groundhog shaped cookies using the official Spicy Groundhog recipe from Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. I got the cookie cutter nine years ago, and have been making them ever since.
We also watch the movie "Groundhog Day", which we often quote. The movie cracks us up.
Last year, B-Boy took a lot of energy- and so the cookies did not get made. Instead, I made him a little costume for his Groundhog Day photo. He was just too cute.
This year, I decided not to do the costume mostly because B-Boy immediately takes anything off of his head. Hats don't last long on B-Boy, and I frankly did not want to waste my efforts! (But don't worry, we will try again next year when B-Boy is more receptive to direction!)
I did, however, make the cookies. YUM! They taste like a spicy gingerbread molasses cookie. I made a double batch so Neb could take them into work. I just love the expressions on my coworkers face when I wish them a Happy Groundhog Day, and then offer them a cookie. It is quite amusing! Then they eat the cookie and forget that they think I am crazy. HA!
I saved a cookie for B-Boy. I normally don't give him many sweets, but this day was special.
B-Boy chomped the groundhog's head, and thought it tasted really good. He then ate the torso... and showed me after each bite how he was progressing. He would hold out the cookie as if to say "Look how good I am eating this!!!!"
 |
| Well HELLO little Groundhog... I am told you are TASTY! |
Crunch!
Mmmmm!
GA! Look how much I ate!
He eventually got to the bottom, and was finished. All in all, I think that he really liked the cookie.
I am sorry I can't share a cookie with you! Perhaps you can come visit... I would be happy to make them for you.
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