We need to work on how well Monkey says certain things.
Fork, for example. She keeps dropping the "r" and it's f'ing hilarious. Lord help her.....but each time she does it her father and I snigger.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Pepperbuns
No, that isn't Monkey's new nickname, or even her pornstar name (which, btw, would stink - she'd be Miss Oliver Street. Mine is a wee bit better, I'm Puff Holdridge...but I digress). No, pepperbuns is Monkey's new culinary concoction.
Let me start out by explaining that she is a true toddler with idiosyncratic dining preferences:
She LOVES biryani. But, she refuses to eat macaroni and cheese. She loves frozen waffles for breakfast. But, only if they are still frozen.
Like I said, she's a toddler.
However last night was a new one, even for her.
M came home from work and was eating dinner. Monkey, post-bath, wanted to join Daddy at the table and eat a hotdog bun (aka one of her favorite foods on earth). And, since she is a reliable mimic, she wanted to do what Daddy was doing and put freshly ground pepper on her food, too. So she did. She used the pepper mill and put WAY too much pepper on her bun. And ate it.
Ta dah! Pepperbuns. Um - eeeuw.
Ten bucks says I could get her to eat it again, tonight.
Let me start out by explaining that she is a true toddler with idiosyncratic dining preferences:
She LOVES biryani. But, she refuses to eat macaroni and cheese. She loves frozen waffles for breakfast. But, only if they are still frozen.
Like I said, she's a toddler.
However last night was a new one, even for her.
M came home from work and was eating dinner. Monkey, post-bath, wanted to join Daddy at the table and eat a hotdog bun (aka one of her favorite foods on earth). And, since she is a reliable mimic, she wanted to do what Daddy was doing and put freshly ground pepper on her food, too. So she did. She used the pepper mill and put WAY too much pepper on her bun. And ate it.
Ta dah! Pepperbuns. Um - eeeuw.
Ten bucks says I could get her to eat it again, tonight.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Trump card
Jellybean has started smiling.
Now, pediatricians will tell us (cough cough Heather) that this is most likely caused by gas, and not a response to our smiles.
But honestly? I don't care
SHE SMILED AT ME! That's what my heart sings, every time I see her smile.
And my heart trumps science.
Now, pediatricians will tell us (cough cough Heather) that this is most likely caused by gas, and not a response to our smiles.
But honestly? I don't care
SHE SMILED AT ME! That's what my heart sings, every time I see her smile.
And my heart trumps science.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Hmmm, that wasn't what we meant
Monkey is a creative little bugger. My parents always joked that if you want to know how to do everything, hire a teenager because they think they have all the answers. I think a reasonable addendum is if you need a negotiator, use a toddler. Lord, they work hard to get what they want!
The other night we were eating fish and chips (baked french fries) for dinner. Monkey ate all of her chips and two bites of her fish...and then wanted more chips. Of course.
So the haggling began. You know the drill - no more X until you do Y, yadda yadda. But Monkey resisted. She did not want to eat any more fish. So she'd ask again. She even sweetened the pot by tacking on the "puhleeze" without being reminded. Alas, her parents were stubborn and refused to give in.
So she switched tactics. She turned to me with her gorgeous doe-eyes, batting her long lashes, and with a sweet sweet smile she asked, in dulcet tones, if we could "share." Lord almighty, we about leaped out of our chairs with pride! Sharing!
But then - ahem - she offered her fish to ME and asked for my chips in return.
Oh.
The other night we were eating fish and chips (baked french fries) for dinner. Monkey ate all of her chips and two bites of her fish...and then wanted more chips. Of course.
So the haggling began. You know the drill - no more X until you do Y, yadda yadda. But Monkey resisted. She did not want to eat any more fish. So she'd ask again. She even sweetened the pot by tacking on the "puhleeze" without being reminded. Alas, her parents were stubborn and refused to give in.
So she switched tactics. She turned to me with her gorgeous doe-eyes, batting her long lashes, and with a sweet sweet smile she asked, in dulcet tones, if we could "share." Lord almighty, we about leaped out of our chairs with pride! Sharing!
But then - ahem - she offered her fish to ME and asked for my chips in return.
Oh.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Raw
These days my emotions are a little bit closer to the surface than usual. I noticed this after Monkey was born, too. No, not post partum or even the baby blues - my skin is just a little bit thinner than usual. I feel more sadness AND joy.
I find it harder to watch news about sick kids or lost puppies. When I"m nursing Jellybean often I'll catch a few minutes of daytime tv....and if the show has a lost, sick or dead child - I can NOT watch it. It makes me too sad. I remember after Monkey was born I was taking one of my first walks with her around the neighborhood, and when I walked past the homeless guy that "resides" on a nearby corner...I cried. All I could think was that he was someone's baby, too - someone's baby was sleeping on the street, dirty and hungry.
Some of it has to do with being tired from lack of sleep, But it is more than that. It is way more than that. It is about being close to the miracle of life. Watching my infant daughter breathe, in and out, in and out, makes my heart swell with love and wonderment. Listening to the joy in my insane toddler's voice when she yells "daddy's home!" and grins ear to ear makes me grateful to be alive.
When I was pregnant with Monkey, my father kept talking about the "miracle of life." I kind of wrote that off as something people say. And, truth be told, I was suffering from a bad attitude because I really don't like to be pregnant.
But the thing is? My dad was right. It really is a miracle.
I find it harder to watch news about sick kids or lost puppies. When I"m nursing Jellybean often I'll catch a few minutes of daytime tv....and if the show has a lost, sick or dead child - I can NOT watch it. It makes me too sad. I remember after Monkey was born I was taking one of my first walks with her around the neighborhood, and when I walked past the homeless guy that "resides" on a nearby corner...I cried. All I could think was that he was someone's baby, too - someone's baby was sleeping on the street, dirty and hungry.
Some of it has to do with being tired from lack of sleep, But it is more than that. It is way more than that. It is about being close to the miracle of life. Watching my infant daughter breathe, in and out, in and out, makes my heart swell with love and wonderment. Listening to the joy in my insane toddler's voice when she yells "daddy's home!" and grins ear to ear makes me grateful to be alive.
When I was pregnant with Monkey, my father kept talking about the "miracle of life." I kind of wrote that off as something people say. And, truth be told, I was suffering from a bad attitude because I really don't like to be pregnant.
But the thing is? My dad was right. It really is a miracle.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right?
The second child always gets treated differently. It is just the way of the world. Now, this isn't to say that they are loved any less....they just aren't as coddled.
And their baby albums are a lot lighter! (this is known as "2nd child syndrome" and afflicts grandparents across the world as they impatiently await baby photos of grandchild number two....only to realize they have no photos of their OWN second child! whoops)
When Monkey was born we treated her like she was made of spun glass. Fragile beyond comprehension.
When Jellybean was born we treated her like the precious, but tough, infant she is.
When I trimmed Monkey's teensy weensy fingernails and cut her finger, that single drop of blood was a dire emergency - sure to scar her for life and demanding round the clock vigilance and medical attention.
When I accidentally cut Jellybean's finger I smiled and wiped off the blood.
When Monkey was accidentally knocked in the face by a toy, I broke into a sweat and started to check pupil size...you know, to make sure she hadn't sustained an injury to her brain.
When Jellybean was accidentally knocked in the face by a garbage can tipped over onto her by her big sister.....well, we dusted both kids off and went on our way.
And their baby albums are a lot lighter! (this is known as "2nd child syndrome" and afflicts grandparents across the world as they impatiently await baby photos of grandchild number two....only to realize they have no photos of their OWN second child! whoops)
When Monkey was born we treated her like she was made of spun glass. Fragile beyond comprehension.
When Jellybean was born we treated her like the precious, but tough, infant she is.
When I trimmed Monkey's teensy weensy fingernails and cut her finger, that single drop of blood was a dire emergency - sure to scar her for life and demanding round the clock vigilance and medical attention.
When I accidentally cut Jellybean's finger I smiled and wiped off the blood.
When Monkey was accidentally knocked in the face by a toy, I broke into a sweat and started to check pupil size...you know, to make sure she hadn't sustained an injury to her brain.
When Jellybean was accidentally knocked in the face by a garbage can tipped over onto her by her big sister.....well, we dusted both kids off and went on our way.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Stay at home moms & dads, I salute you
Yesterday was MLK day, so Monkey's school was closed. M had to go to work, so I was home with the two girls all day long. And, since Jellybean is still not allowed into crowds....we spent the entire day in the apartment. We did not leave. We did NOT get to go out and play in the gorgeous snow. We DID get cabin fever.
But, we also had a lot of fun.
The morning was spent making cupcakes. Now, more batter ended up on the floor, the walls, and in Monkey's stomach than in the cupcake pans...but it was a success.
Then, naptime! And that wasn't a success. Monkey managed to spend over two hours in her room before she closed her eyes and finally, finally fell asleep. She was channeling the Beastie Boys.....you know, NO SLEEP TIL BROOKLYN and YOU GOTTA FIGHT, FOR THE RIGHT, To PARTY.....................trust me.
But eventually she slept.
And then, post-nap, her friend Daniel came over. Now, Daniel is Monkey's oldest friend. We met his parents in our birthing class. And Daniel is a lovely, well mannered and enjoyable kid. (His parents are awesome, too).
Daniel and Monkey shrieked and giggled and tore the apartment apart.....forts were built, cupcakes were consumed, and everyone had a blast.
M came home from soccor last night and put me to bed. I didn't get to nap with all the chaos and caring for both Monkey and Jellybean (during the brief time that Monkey slept, Jellybean ate....so no nap) so I was beyond tired. But this was an honest tired.
I was exhausted from having so much fun. And boy, am I impressed at all the parents and caregivers that are at home all the time. You guys work HARD!
But, we also had a lot of fun.
The morning was spent making cupcakes. Now, more batter ended up on the floor, the walls, and in Monkey's stomach than in the cupcake pans...but it was a success.
Then, naptime! And that wasn't a success. Monkey managed to spend over two hours in her room before she closed her eyes and finally, finally fell asleep. She was channeling the Beastie Boys.....you know, NO SLEEP TIL BROOKLYN and YOU GOTTA FIGHT, FOR THE RIGHT, To PARTY.....................trust me.
But eventually she slept.
And then, post-nap, her friend Daniel came over. Now, Daniel is Monkey's oldest friend. We met his parents in our birthing class. And Daniel is a lovely, well mannered and enjoyable kid. (His parents are awesome, too).
Daniel and Monkey shrieked and giggled and tore the apartment apart.....forts were built, cupcakes were consumed, and everyone had a blast.
M came home from soccor last night and put me to bed. I didn't get to nap with all the chaos and caring for both Monkey and Jellybean (during the brief time that Monkey slept, Jellybean ate....so no nap) so I was beyond tired. But this was an honest tired.
I was exhausted from having so much fun. And boy, am I impressed at all the parents and caregivers that are at home all the time. You guys work HARD!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
ARGH
Ok, so this week I've puked my guts out (and oh, that feels great when recovering from a c-section), had a fever of 103, then survived on a diet of bananas, rice, apples and tea since my intestines were on revolt, then popped a HUGE cold sore (first in 20 years) because the fever just freaked my immune system out, which caused all the lymph nodes on one side of my head to swell and ache like a mo-fo.......and then? then do you know what happened????? the insult that actually made me cry because I just HAD IT WITH THIS WEEK ALREADY?????
I killed my cell phone by dropping it into a nice, refreshing glass of diet coke.
I killed my cell phone by dropping it into a nice, refreshing glass of diet coke.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
The sweet smell of???
Ok, so Jellybean has a serious case of diaper rash. The kind that makes me check with not one, but two, pediatricians about what to do. The sight of open sores on your one month old's raw bottom is enough to make anyone feel bad, and when you change the diapers on that little raw little butt about 12 times a day (ok, maybe 10 now) you REALLY feel bad.
So, I figured out which diaper rash cream has the highest content of zinc oxide, the better to protect her poor tushie and let it heal. And the winner is? Boudreaux's Butt Paste. I know, nice name, right?
But the thing is? It is really working!
The only problem? It boasts of a "pleasant scent"....and honestly, it kind of smells like vanilla.
My problem with this, you might ask? Jellybean's butt smells ever so much like....a.....cupcake.
I find that to be rather disconcerting.
So, I figured out which diaper rash cream has the highest content of zinc oxide, the better to protect her poor tushie and let it heal. And the winner is? Boudreaux's Butt Paste. I know, nice name, right?
But the thing is? It is really working!
The only problem? It boasts of a "pleasant scent"....and honestly, it kind of smells like vanilla.
My problem with this, you might ask? Jellybean's butt smells ever so much like....a.....cupcake.
I find that to be rather disconcerting.
B.R.A.T.
B.R.A.T.
Nope, not talking about my kids. Although, WOW, Monkey threw a whopper of a tantrum last night. More about that later.
No, BRAT refers to the diet I am on....bananas, rice, apples and tea. I managed to catch the nastiest stomach flu I have ever had, ever. And BRAT is the diet the doctor recommended to combat the - ahem - symptoms. Yummy. But - huzzah!!!!!!! I successfully avoided going to the ER (negotiated with my doctor on that one...) And, even better - I didn't puke on Jellybean! And let me tell you, that was an accomplishment. Trust me on this one. It got bad enough that I was scared at my ability to care for Jellybean (I almost dropped her when I tried to stand up and couldn't) and made M come home from work. Never done that before. Hope I never have to do it again. Also hope to avoid a fever of 103 again....that sucked. And god did it feel good when I finally showered off the stink of fever-sweat.
But, huzzah! I didn't throw up on Jellybean while nursing! And so far, no one else is sick. I have my fingers crossed that they continue that way. I about jump out of my skin every time Jellybean spits up a bit....
And, I have to tell you, Monkey has been so damn sweet to me. The other night, when M was explaining to Monkey that I was sick, she gave me the most amazing sweet look and then.....offered me her blankie and favorite baby doll. I about cried from happiness...that was the most amazing gesture. She really thought it would make me better, since it makes her feel better. Who knew that an insane two year old could be empathetic? She amazes me.
The empathy isn't the only thing that amazes me. It also amazes (and pleases, to tell you the truth) that the ULTIMATE possible punishment we can mete out to Monkey is....removing her books! Yow. Who knew! (last night she threw herself on the floor screaming and kicking, you know, because I told her that her toothbrush has to stay in the bathroom and, well, it went downhill from there...stellar performance, worthy of an academy award, and by far the biggest tantrum she's thrown yet). Taking away her books was the straw that broke the camel's back.....got to say, I love that she loves her books that much!
And, finally, I just want to note how wonderful M has been to me. Have I mentioned how much I love him lately? Well, I should.
Nope, not talking about my kids. Although, WOW, Monkey threw a whopper of a tantrum last night. More about that later.
No, BRAT refers to the diet I am on....bananas, rice, apples and tea. I managed to catch the nastiest stomach flu I have ever had, ever. And BRAT is the diet the doctor recommended to combat the - ahem - symptoms. Yummy. But - huzzah!!!!!!! I successfully avoided going to the ER (negotiated with my doctor on that one...) And, even better - I didn't puke on Jellybean! And let me tell you, that was an accomplishment. Trust me on this one. It got bad enough that I was scared at my ability to care for Jellybean (I almost dropped her when I tried to stand up and couldn't) and made M come home from work. Never done that before. Hope I never have to do it again. Also hope to avoid a fever of 103 again....that sucked. And god did it feel good when I finally showered off the stink of fever-sweat.
But, huzzah! I didn't throw up on Jellybean while nursing! And so far, no one else is sick. I have my fingers crossed that they continue that way. I about jump out of my skin every time Jellybean spits up a bit....
And, I have to tell you, Monkey has been so damn sweet to me. The other night, when M was explaining to Monkey that I was sick, she gave me the most amazing sweet look and then.....offered me her blankie and favorite baby doll. I about cried from happiness...that was the most amazing gesture. She really thought it would make me better, since it makes her feel better. Who knew that an insane two year old could be empathetic? She amazes me.
The empathy isn't the only thing that amazes me. It also amazes (and pleases, to tell you the truth) that the ULTIMATE possible punishment we can mete out to Monkey is....removing her books! Yow. Who knew! (last night she threw herself on the floor screaming and kicking, you know, because I told her that her toothbrush has to stay in the bathroom and, well, it went downhill from there...stellar performance, worthy of an academy award, and by far the biggest tantrum she's thrown yet). Taking away her books was the straw that broke the camel's back.....got to say, I love that she loves her books that much!
And, finally, I just want to note how wonderful M has been to me. Have I mentioned how much I love him lately? Well, I should.
Monday, January 12, 2009
So much to say
Hmmmm, so apparently a week has blown by and I haven't posted a thing. Man, you'd think I was busy with a one month old or something, wouldn't you! heh.
So, Jellybean is officially a porker. Well, as much of a porker she can be, given that she was born at and continues to be in the 10-20% range of height and weight. But she has a double chin! And she's grown well over an inch! Enough to actually outgrow her very first outfit. And did I mention she's perfect? And no I AM NOT BIASED how dare you think that?
Last night Heather was over and doing a fantastic job of spoiling me (homemade manicotti for my birthday dinner) and an even more fantastic job of keeping Jellybean awake...and she was commenting on the double chin. What is is about babies that make their double chins so damn cute? Seriously! I mean, fast forward even 3 years and it no longer looks good! (and let me tell you, I see enough double chins on kids to make me sad.....Harlem has a serious epidemic of childhood (and adult) obesity. But I digress.)
Monkey continues to rock as a big sister. She adores Jellybean and only occasionally loses her shit when she can't sit in my lap at the PRECISE moment that I am nursing Jellybean. You know, because that is when she NEEDS mommy. Not when my lap and hands are free....naw, that would be too easy.
OK got to go. Jellybean's grunting and groaning and kvetching has escalated.
So, Jellybean is officially a porker. Well, as much of a porker she can be, given that she was born at and continues to be in the 10-20% range of height and weight. But she has a double chin! And she's grown well over an inch! Enough to actually outgrow her very first outfit. And did I mention she's perfect? And no I AM NOT BIASED how dare you think that?
Last night Heather was over and doing a fantastic job of spoiling me (homemade manicotti for my birthday dinner) and an even more fantastic job of keeping Jellybean awake...and she was commenting on the double chin. What is is about babies that make their double chins so damn cute? Seriously! I mean, fast forward even 3 years and it no longer looks good! (and let me tell you, I see enough double chins on kids to make me sad.....Harlem has a serious epidemic of childhood (and adult) obesity. But I digress.)
Monkey continues to rock as a big sister. She adores Jellybean and only occasionally loses her shit when she can't sit in my lap at the PRECISE moment that I am nursing Jellybean. You know, because that is when she NEEDS mommy. Not when my lap and hands are free....naw, that would be too easy.
OK got to go. Jellybean's grunting and groaning and kvetching has escalated.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
The trouble with cats
Sometimes you get a lot of trouble with cats. See my best friend's blog, here, about that very topic...
And sometimes, Ollie really is a lot of trouble. Every time I bring the comforter into the local drycleaners/laundry spot they ask me..."again? the cat threw up again?" and shake their head. If I could get the dang thing dried in our machines downstairs I'd do it myself...but they are too small, so the local business thrives off of cat puke. Good to know I'm doing my part to help out the economy, right?
But lately, Ollie hasn't been sick. She hasn't been trouble. Just ask Monkey! She constantly reminds us that "Olie's not sick. She doesn't have to go to the doctor" and breaks my heart with her doe-eyed expression of love when she says this. (It really worried her when Ollie was sick...)
But still, when we brought Jellybean home we worried that it might be too much. That she would just not thrive....that we would lose our beloved cat.
And, she's thrived. Not only that, I think the cat is THRILLED! Because I am company - I am someone to PLAY WITH ALL NIGHT! She even sits on the chair when I nurse Jellybean at night and purrs and purrs and purrs. And purrs.
And last night? Well, she stood on top of the boppy, leaned in to sniff Jellybean's head.....and then licked her! I about fell over laughing....that was the last thing on earth I expected the cat to do.
Now, either the cat really likes her.....or the small bit of formula that had dribbled down Jellybean's face tasted good. Let's just pretend that the cat really likes her and leave it at that. I'd hate to think my cat is trying to eat my kid's face....
And sometimes, Ollie really is a lot of trouble. Every time I bring the comforter into the local drycleaners/laundry spot they ask me..."again? the cat threw up again?" and shake their head. If I could get the dang thing dried in our machines downstairs I'd do it myself...but they are too small, so the local business thrives off of cat puke. Good to know I'm doing my part to help out the economy, right?
But lately, Ollie hasn't been sick. She hasn't been trouble. Just ask Monkey! She constantly reminds us that "Olie's not sick. She doesn't have to go to the doctor" and breaks my heart with her doe-eyed expression of love when she says this. (It really worried her when Ollie was sick...)
But still, when we brought Jellybean home we worried that it might be too much. That she would just not thrive....that we would lose our beloved cat.
And, she's thrived. Not only that, I think the cat is THRILLED! Because I am company - I am someone to PLAY WITH ALL NIGHT! She even sits on the chair when I nurse Jellybean at night and purrs and purrs and purrs. And purrs.
And last night? Well, she stood on top of the boppy, leaned in to sniff Jellybean's head.....and then licked her! I about fell over laughing....that was the last thing on earth I expected the cat to do.
Now, either the cat really likes her.....or the small bit of formula that had dribbled down Jellybean's face tasted good. Let's just pretend that the cat really likes her and leave it at that. I'd hate to think my cat is trying to eat my kid's face....
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Um, no thank you
Monkey is exceptionally polite. It is something that we require from her, and we refuse to acknowledge requests without the requisite "please" at the end (or beginning) of the sentence.
And today, instead of Monkey being the little mynah bird, I'm the one imitating her.
How? By saying, um, no thank you. To what? Resolutions!
That is right. I am not making any new year's eve resolutions. Instead I am going to just live life as best I can, love my family and friends, and be me. Nothing sacred or mind-blowing there.
This way? I SO SUCCEED! :-)
What, you never set goals low so you'd be happy you met them? Pshhaw. Considering how high my standards are, I"m letting myself off easy!
PS I am having a kickass birthday. Shopping at bloomies, hanging with M and the girls, eating salted caramel - life is good!
And today, instead of Monkey being the little mynah bird, I'm the one imitating her.
How? By saying, um, no thank you. To what? Resolutions!
That is right. I am not making any new year's eve resolutions. Instead I am going to just live life as best I can, love my family and friends, and be me. Nothing sacred or mind-blowing there.
This way? I SO SUCCEED! :-)
What, you never set goals low so you'd be happy you met them? Pshhaw. Considering how high my standards are, I"m letting myself off easy!
PS I am having a kickass birthday. Shopping at bloomies, hanging with M and the girls, eating salted caramel - life is good!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)