So the other day, Monkey totally made me giggle when she insisted that an advertisement featuring Madonna was actually me. It made me giggle because, well, Madonna isn't wearing any pants in the photo, and *blush* because, as a teenager, I was told more than once that I look like Madonna.
Since I think Madonna looks pretty damn good for her age, this inadvertent compliment by Monkey made me smile.
So this evening, when the magazine with this advertisement on its back was on the kitchen table (making its way to the recycling bin), her insistence once again that this was me made me smile.
Randomly I decided to rip the back off of the magazine to let Monkey hold it.
As I handed it to her, she decided to do twelve other things at once and the piece of paper floated gently down to the ground.
As the paper settled onto the floor under her chair she said "oh oh, the old lady fell on the floor."
Ouch.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
No babynapping allowed
My aunt Marcia came to visit this past Saturday night. She was in town to see her daughter, Heather. After an enjoyable dinner, we came home in time to put both the girls to bed. (That's the benefit of early-bird eating, you get home early, too. Hmmm, maybe these senior citizens are onto something?).
Marcia was carrying Jellybean around the apartment, and went in to Monkey's apartment to say good night and good bye.
Monkey took her words literally and objected, telling Marcia "Please leave Jellybean" behind!
It's good to know she's polite to babynappers.
Marcia was carrying Jellybean around the apartment, and went in to Monkey's apartment to say good night and good bye.
Monkey took her words literally and objected, telling Marcia "Please leave Jellybean" behind!
It's good to know she's polite to babynappers.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Music
Monkey has deemed the "Easy Listening" station on our cable as the "baby music" channel and will often request it. I think it is hilarious that she thinks babies like musak.
Actually, the bitter truth is that she won't let us listen to anything else if Jellybean is around. And, well, since Jellybean can't even roll over yet, much less leave the apartment....yeah, we listen to it A LOT.
So now, g*d help me, I find myself humming along to such classics as originally performed by Enya, Journey, and the like....only no words, and UGH do they stick in my head.
Actually, the bitter truth is that she won't let us listen to anything else if Jellybean is around. And, well, since Jellybean can't even roll over yet, much less leave the apartment....yeah, we listen to it A LOT.
So now, g*d help me, I find myself humming along to such classics as originally performed by Enya, Journey, and the like....only no words, and UGH do they stick in my head.
Friday, February 20, 2009
All things Olivia
So Monkey is seriously channeling Olivia these days.
In the last ten minutes she has asked me to make her a red soccer shirt (from Olivia and the Missing Toy) and told me that she is going to Egypt (same book).
In the last ten minutes she has asked me to make her a red soccer shirt (from Olivia and the Missing Toy) and told me that she is going to Egypt (same book).
Um, thanks? I think?
Sometimes you get wonderful compliments from your kids. Sometimes, well, it's not clear...
Like yesterday, when Monkey asked me what I was doing in this photo. And insisted that no, it really WAS me. And all I could do was laugh.
Apparently she thinks her mother likes to not wear pants and yank her legs in the air. Um. Yeah. I'm all for the no-pants thingy, just not with fish net stockings.
STANDARDS, people, standards.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Why, howdy neighbor!
Monkey's daycare is closed this week. It's "winter break".....not that they didn't just have a break a few weeks back or anything. And not that spring break isn't just right around the corner...but I digress.
Like I said, school is closed and, since it is wicked cold out there (at least cold enough to preclude extended forays, like the playground) we are INSIDE all the time. Ok, not all the time, but enough that Monkey needs to burn off some energy the old fashioned way - by pissing off the neighbors.
I didn't know whether to laugh or cry when, at 9:30am this morning, a polite young woman clearly still in her PJs knocked on our door to introduce herself and point out that, in case I didn't know this, they could hear every....single....footstep....on.....the....floor...........and................................... my child had been running for what seemed like hours.
Whoops. Nice to meet you. Sorry about the noise.
Oh, and by the way? Next time you start SHRIEKING and jumping up and down because The Bachelor show is, like, omigod, just so amazing? Remember I can hear you too. Snort - the Bachelor. She looked SOOO embarrassed to admit she watched it! Heh.
Like I said, school is closed and, since it is wicked cold out there (at least cold enough to preclude extended forays, like the playground) we are INSIDE all the time. Ok, not all the time, but enough that Monkey needs to burn off some energy the old fashioned way - by pissing off the neighbors.
I didn't know whether to laugh or cry when, at 9:30am this morning, a polite young woman clearly still in her PJs knocked on our door to introduce herself and point out that, in case I didn't know this, they could hear every....single....footstep....on.....the....floor...........and................................... my child had been running for what seemed like hours.
Whoops. Nice to meet you. Sorry about the noise.
Oh, and by the way? Next time you start SHRIEKING and jumping up and down because The Bachelor show is, like, omigod, just so amazing? Remember I can hear you too. Snort - the Bachelor. She looked SOOO embarrassed to admit she watched it! Heh.
Friday, February 13, 2009
If we had a porch, he'd be on it with a shotgun
Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. The single most over-rated Hallmark "holiday" on the calendar. A day that people (mostly women, bien sur) beat themselves up over. And some men (cough cough M) dislike the coercion.....being forced to be romantic on a given day seems false, and therefore is annoying. I don't disagree.
But I confess, I do like the Valentine Day cards. The funny and endearing ones are the best. Even better is the heartfelt sentiment inside (penned by M, not the card company....).
And the reason I like it? Simple. It is nice to have someone pay attention to you and tell you that they think you are special.
Monkey is learning this lesson quite early in life.
She came home from school today with a Valentine's Day card from a boy. Ari gave it to her. I think this is adorable.
Of course, then I realized that Ari is a pre-schooler, an "older" boy at school. He isn't even in Monkey's classroom! That means he's sweet on her from time spent together on the playground at the park, or in the gym at school.
I can't wait to tell M when he gets home. But I'm thinking that maybe I should leave out the older part.
But I confess, I do like the Valentine Day cards. The funny and endearing ones are the best. Even better is the heartfelt sentiment inside (penned by M, not the card company....).
And the reason I like it? Simple. It is nice to have someone pay attention to you and tell you that they think you are special.
Monkey is learning this lesson quite early in life.
She came home from school today with a Valentine's Day card from a boy. Ari gave it to her. I think this is adorable.
Of course, then I realized that Ari is a pre-schooler, an "older" boy at school. He isn't even in Monkey's classroom! That means he's sweet on her from time spent together on the playground at the park, or in the gym at school.
I can't wait to tell M when he gets home. But I'm thinking that maybe I should leave out the older part.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Imagination
I think that Monkey has a creative imagination. Pretty amazing, at two and a half, to hear the things that come out of her mouth. As she "reads" her books out loud to me, she often is able to retell the actual story from memory. The words aren't the precise ones from the text, but she'll parrot phrases and get the gist of it.
But then, some times, she goes out on a creative limb and makes up her own story. Lately these usually involve babies and diapers. Oh and bottles. You know, the stuff she sees here at home with Jellybean.
But every so often her made-up stories are these long, rambling, fantastical voyages of the imagination, complete with dramatic flourishes with her hands and waving of her arms. (I can't imagine where she gets this dramatic streak....)
But the funniest part is when she looks at me for confirmation and asks me a question. Because often, I have NO freakin' clue what she is talking about. Tonight it was a story about either slopes, or soap, or something that sounds like that.....I've no idea. But Monkey thought it was the best story ever.
When she finished it she threw her hands in the air and fell back on her bed. As if to say she'd just finished the great American novel and it knocked her socks off. She cracks me up.
But then, some times, she goes out on a creative limb and makes up her own story. Lately these usually involve babies and diapers. Oh and bottles. You know, the stuff she sees here at home with Jellybean.
But every so often her made-up stories are these long, rambling, fantastical voyages of the imagination, complete with dramatic flourishes with her hands and waving of her arms. (I can't imagine where she gets this dramatic streak....)
But the funniest part is when she looks at me for confirmation and asks me a question. Because often, I have NO freakin' clue what she is talking about. Tonight it was a story about either slopes, or soap, or something that sounds like that.....I've no idea. But Monkey thought it was the best story ever.
When she finished it she threw her hands in the air and fell back on her bed. As if to say she'd just finished the great American novel and it knocked her socks off. She cracks me up.
15 lbs of baby
My friend Michelle had her twins on Monday. They weighed in at 7 lbs 11 ounces (that is Frick) and 8 lbs 3 ounces (that one is Frack). Both are healthy boys, and they'll be named next Monday at their bris (hence the continued use of their in utero nicknames).
HOLY COW. That is a lot of baby to be carrying around.
And to think my back hurt from wee little 6 pound Jellybean!
HOLY COW. That is a lot of baby to be carrying around.
And to think my back hurt from wee little 6 pound Jellybean!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Green Eyed Monster
One of the most common questions M and I answer these days is how Monkey is behaving now that Jellybean has arrived. This question comes in many different formats and forms, but basically, everyone wants to know if Monkey is jealous.
And the short answer is, sometimes.
The long answer is that 98% of the time, Monkey loves being the big sister. She parrots the things we say but with her childish inflection and doe-eyed wonder at the world.....so things like "she's awake" and "look, Jellybean" convert from mundane sentences to the most adorable little vignettes of domesticity ever. When she tells you that the name of her baby doll is "jellybean" you want to just squeeze her tight and hope that her joy and wonder rub off on you - joy by osmosis!
But then, occasionally, things don't go quite as swimmingly.
Last week I was invited to participate in Monkey's school day for an hour - all the parents were invited to come in. They called it "work with your child" and it was a fun way to see what her life is like at school. Of course, being the dork that I am, all I could think about was the scientific principle (the name escapes me right now) that, by being present to observe the phenomena, you change it with your presence. But I digress.
Monkey and I arrived at school, and her day started. Taking off of coats and snowboots, putting her name on the fridge, putting away her lunch, all her normal chores. Then....books! (of course) Lots and lots of books.
Mama, read this. Mama read this. And this. And THIS. AND THIS. Sensory overload on books.
We were having a grand old time when her friend Nomi wandered over to give me a hug. Nomi always hugs me, so this is no big deal. But on this morning, Monkey was just.....not.....having.....it.
She announced, with a good deal of force, "no, walk away. MY mommy!" and then, in case her point was not clear, she took Nomi by the shoulders and showed her on her way. You know, with a polite shove.
She has to share at home. By god, she was NOT going to share at school, too.
And the short answer is, sometimes.
The long answer is that 98% of the time, Monkey loves being the big sister. She parrots the things we say but with her childish inflection and doe-eyed wonder at the world.....so things like "she's awake" and "look, Jellybean" convert from mundane sentences to the most adorable little vignettes of domesticity ever. When she tells you that the name of her baby doll is "jellybean" you want to just squeeze her tight and hope that her joy and wonder rub off on you - joy by osmosis!
But then, occasionally, things don't go quite as swimmingly.
Last week I was invited to participate in Monkey's school day for an hour - all the parents were invited to come in. They called it "work with your child" and it was a fun way to see what her life is like at school. Of course, being the dork that I am, all I could think about was the scientific principle (the name escapes me right now) that, by being present to observe the phenomena, you change it with your presence. But I digress.
Monkey and I arrived at school, and her day started. Taking off of coats and snowboots, putting her name on the fridge, putting away her lunch, all her normal chores. Then....books! (of course) Lots and lots of books.
Mama, read this. Mama read this. And this. And THIS. AND THIS. Sensory overload on books.
We were having a grand old time when her friend Nomi wandered over to give me a hug. Nomi always hugs me, so this is no big deal. But on this morning, Monkey was just.....not.....having.....it.
She announced, with a good deal of force, "no, walk away. MY mommy!" and then, in case her point was not clear, she took Nomi by the shoulders and showed her on her way. You know, with a polite shove.
She has to share at home. By god, she was NOT going to share at school, too.
Friday, February 6, 2009
No shirt, no shoes, no service....
My beautiful niece HP turns 2 tomorrow. Happy birthday!
And, it turns out, she's an insane toddler too. Guess it runs in the family.
What, you ask, is she up to?
Well, apparently she won't let her daddy, my brother N, read to her if he doesn't have a shirt on.
She'll pat his chest and say "no" or "wrong." Hee
And, it turns out, she's an insane toddler too. Guess it runs in the family.
What, you ask, is she up to?
Well, apparently she won't let her daddy, my brother N, read to her if he doesn't have a shirt on.
She'll pat his chest and say "no" or "wrong." Hee
A Norwegian Holiday
My mom was visiting this past week. M had to travel for work so she came out to help with the two girls. We had to beg, a lot, to get her to come out and visit, as you can imagine! She loved every minute of it.
Well, maybe not EVERY moment.
See, I took this opportunity to get a lot of work done around the apartment - basically, my mom went on a Norwegian holiday.
This, for those of you who haven't heard this expression before, is where you go visit a friend or family member....and they put you to work!
We:
* bleached the walls and ceiling in the bathroom
* primed the walls and ceiling in the bathroom
* rearranged the junk drawer
* wrapped and mailed presents for cousins HP and E
* did several loads of laundry
* had multiple doctors appointments (for me and also Jellybean, who has pinkeye - just like her big sister. ugh)
* did tons of other stuff
I am SO happy! We puttered around and really accomplished a lot! I know, I know, only someone as anal as me would be thrilled to do chores - but the ugly black mildew on the walls and ceiling of my bathroom is gone! My bathroom is pretty again! Wheee!! Thanks Grandma.
Well, maybe not EVERY moment.
See, I took this opportunity to get a lot of work done around the apartment - basically, my mom went on a Norwegian holiday.
This, for those of you who haven't heard this expression before, is where you go visit a friend or family member....and they put you to work!
We:
* bleached the walls and ceiling in the bathroom
* primed the walls and ceiling in the bathroom
* rearranged the junk drawer
* wrapped and mailed presents for cousins HP and E
* did several loads of laundry
* had multiple doctors appointments (for me and also Jellybean, who has pinkeye - just like her big sister. ugh)
* did tons of other stuff
I am SO happy! We puttered around and really accomplished a lot! I know, I know, only someone as anal as me would be thrilled to do chores - but the ugly black mildew on the walls and ceiling of my bathroom is gone! My bathroom is pretty again! Wheee!! Thanks Grandma.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
You'd think the view from the back would be better at a bris...but no.
This past Sunday Monkey and I attended the bris and simchat bat (baby naming for a girl) for the twin siblings of one of her best friends from school, an adorable little girl named Nomi.
M stayed home to watch Jellybean (no man is ever clamoring to watch a bris) and Monkey and I headed out for the ceremony and celebration. We got there early, and Monkey was thrilled to run around with Nomi.
We sat towards the back for the actual event, since Monkey was a little geeked up from running around and I needed to be able to make a quick exit in case she was too loud.
What I should have done was taken a seat in the first row of pews.
Then, I wouldn't have had to have Monkey stand on my lap so she could get a better view, and she wouldn't have yelled "what's he doing" at the precise moment the mohel leaned over to make the cut.....
oy, talk about timing.
M stayed home to watch Jellybean (no man is ever clamoring to watch a bris) and Monkey and I headed out for the ceremony and celebration. We got there early, and Monkey was thrilled to run around with Nomi.
We sat towards the back for the actual event, since Monkey was a little geeked up from running around and I needed to be able to make a quick exit in case she was too loud.
What I should have done was taken a seat in the first row of pews.
Then, I wouldn't have had to have Monkey stand on my lap so she could get a better view, and she wouldn't have yelled "what's he doing" at the precise moment the mohel leaned over to make the cut.....
oy, talk about timing.
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