We're back. You didn't know we left? Well, we did. We snuck off to Washington, D.C., for a little family vacation.
What did we do? We went to museums, and kicked some snow around, and ate Trader Joe's macaroni and cheese, and watched Monsters, Inc.... and what? What's that, you say?
You say our vacation sounds EXACTLY like stuff we can do here at home in little ol' New York City? Hmmmm. OK, busted. You're right.
But there, you see, someone came in every single day and tidied up after us. They made our beds, gave us new clean towels, ran the dishwasher....yes, dish washer.....and OMG SQUEEEEEE there was a washer and a dryer IN THE APARTMENT we rented. I though I'd died and gone to heaven. I came home with MORE clean clothes than I left with! (so my jeans were dirty...sue me, I was on vacation and everyone has a cold so if I stunk they wouldn't have even noticed! so there, ha!). Yes, I know. It was nirvana.....a constantly cleaned environment with cleaning appliances at my fingertips.....an anal-retentive's nirvana, but nirvana none the less!
We went to the Smithsonian and saw Dorothy's ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz. Man, that Judy Garland had tiny feet - size 5! Monkey's face was priceless when she figured out what we were standing in line for all that time.
We went to the Museum of Natural History, saw the White House, the Capital, Washington Monument, the reflecting pool (minus the Octopus from Night of the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonium, a movie Nana just gave us for Christmas), kicked around on the Mall, and generally just farted around. It was nice.
The girls really bonded. They wrestled, battled over toys, tickled each other, and had a lot of fun. Monkey told us, in a heart-breakingly precious moment, that she couldn't wait for Jellybean to get older so they could walk and hold hands together. I know! Seriously sweet. I'm going to bottle that feeling and try to break it out when they're 15 & 13 and scratching each other's eyes out.
As we rolled into town today, after a seriously hassle-free trip back (in comparison to our death march on the way there - ugh), M asked Monkey what her favorite part of the vacation was.
"Playing in her closet" was the answer. Of course it was.
Showing posts with label fun. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fun. Show all posts
Friday, January 1, 2010
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Bodies in motion
Monkey went to a birthday party (in a Sukkah - how fun was that!) the other night.
I tried SO HARD to get a non-blurry photo of the dancing and joyful madness when they played musical chairs. I kept deleting the ones I didn't like.....
And then I realized that the blurry ones were actually better!
Here they are dancing (like pogo sticks):
And here they are playing musical chairs:
I know, I got dizzy too!
I tried SO HARD to get a non-blurry photo of the dancing and joyful madness when they played musical chairs. I kept deleting the ones I didn't like.....
And then I realized that the blurry ones were actually better!
Here they are dancing (like pogo sticks):
And here they are playing musical chairs:
I know, I got dizzy too!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Sisters
On the ride home from school today, an adorable little boy and his father boarded the bus and sat down by us.
Monkey perked up and said "hello Paul" immediately. The father and I shook hands and figured out that our kids were in class together, and as as our brief conversation faded away the two kids were giggling and chortling and playing a silly word game that - really - didn't make any sense to us. But they were having a blast.
They laughed and giggled and leaned into one another, resplendently unaware of how every single adult on the bus was watching them. When Paul and his father departed the bus, Monkey knelt on her seat to press her face to the glass and say goodbye over and over again. Meanwhile Paul was waving furiously at us as the bus drew past him. An elderly woman across from me caught my eye and smiled.
As Monkey settled down from the excitement of seeing her friend, she leaned in a bit closer to me. And Jellybean, nestled against me in her Ergo baby carrier, did something I have never seen her do before.
She leaned away from me, closing her eyes and resting her cheek against Monkey's back, snuggling against her sister. It was unbearably tender. Jellybean doesn't really "kiss" people - she shows affection by gently touching her forehead to you. It is a benediction, a moment of grace. And she's never done that to her older sister before. Until today, on the bus, as her sister's cheeks were flushed with excitement from frolicking with her friend.
I think these two are going to be great friends.
Sometimes, commuting is the best part of the day. (Sometimes)
Monkey perked up and said "hello Paul" immediately. The father and I shook hands and figured out that our kids were in class together, and as as our brief conversation faded away the two kids were giggling and chortling and playing a silly word game that - really - didn't make any sense to us. But they were having a blast.
They laughed and giggled and leaned into one another, resplendently unaware of how every single adult on the bus was watching them. When Paul and his father departed the bus, Monkey knelt on her seat to press her face to the glass and say goodbye over and over again. Meanwhile Paul was waving furiously at us as the bus drew past him. An elderly woman across from me caught my eye and smiled.
As Monkey settled down from the excitement of seeing her friend, she leaned in a bit closer to me. And Jellybean, nestled against me in her Ergo baby carrier, did something I have never seen her do before.
She leaned away from me, closing her eyes and resting her cheek against Monkey's back, snuggling against her sister. It was unbearably tender. Jellybean doesn't really "kiss" people - she shows affection by gently touching her forehead to you. It is a benediction, a moment of grace. And she's never done that to her older sister before. Until today, on the bus, as her sister's cheeks were flushed with excitement from frolicking with her friend.
I think these two are going to be great friends.
Sometimes, commuting is the best part of the day. (Sometimes)
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Her inner Tarzan
A few weekends ago, back when we were still familiar with that giant yellow ball of gas in the sky known as the sun (it's been raining here a lot. A LOT), we spent some quality family time in Riverside Park.
We had wandered over to dinner at the Hudson Beach Cafe, which overlooks/is adjacent to a manmade beach wtih a volleyball court and gymnast rings.
Kids were swinging back and forth, back and forth, moving from one ring to the next with the casual confidence of olympic gymnasts. They made it look easy.
Monkey was enthralled. So, without thinking about it too hard, M brought Monkey over and stood in line with her. When it was her turn, he lifted her up to hold a ring, and swung her back and forth. My only objection was that she was swinging over the upturned garbage can used as a launching point. (you know, if she dropped on it that would hurt more than the sand)
So when it was her turn again, M brought her out to the second ring, and she swung back and forth there. And I do mean swing. She was making it look easy.
Until she let go. And dropped 5 feet down, onto the hard packed sand. Ow. She cried, we comforted her, and she got over it. Home we went for a good bath before bedtime.
Only then, during the bath, did I realize just how hard she had hit the sand. She still had sand shoved up into her nose.
She is one tough toddler.
We had wandered over to dinner at the Hudson Beach Cafe, which overlooks/is adjacent to a manmade beach wtih a volleyball court and gymnast rings.
Kids were swinging back and forth, back and forth, moving from one ring to the next with the casual confidence of olympic gymnasts. They made it look easy.
Monkey was enthralled. So, without thinking about it too hard, M brought Monkey over and stood in line with her. When it was her turn, he lifted her up to hold a ring, and swung her back and forth. My only objection was that she was swinging over the upturned garbage can used as a launching point. (you know, if she dropped on it that would hurt more than the sand)
So when it was her turn again, M brought her out to the second ring, and she swung back and forth there. And I do mean swing. She was making it look easy.
Until she let go. And dropped 5 feet down, onto the hard packed sand. Ow. She cried, we comforted her, and she got over it. Home we went for a good bath before bedtime.
Only then, during the bath, did I realize just how hard she had hit the sand. She still had sand shoved up into her nose.
She is one tough toddler.
Monday, June 22, 2009
out of the mouth of babes
This past Saturday night we drove out to Westchester to a birthday party. The birthday boy, as opposed to our more normal routine, was not an insane toddler, but rather M's boss. He has a lovely home, with a really nice wife, three kids, and an adorable little floppet of a puppy. The party was fun. The food (an assortment of Turkish items) was really good, there was plenty of wine and soda to go around, and there was even live music.
The live music was my favorite part. It was two guys with acoustic guitars, and they were awesome! I got to rock out to some Supertramp with Jellybean. She totally dug it, and was fascinated by the two musicians playing their guitars. If I could have put a lighter in her hand she would have been all over it. "Give a Little Bit" is officially her favorite song now. Come on now, rock out with me.... I think it cracked the musicians up that I was singing along with them...but come on, it was Supertramp!
Monkey could have cared less about the music, she got obsessed *cough sputter cough* OBSESSED I TELL YOU with.....a nasty piece of work called "My Pretty Pony." Ah, gawd, I think I just threw up in my mouth.
The funniest moment of the entire party came when we were getting into the car to drive home. I commented on the house, saying I liked it, and Monkey piped up with "Yeah, I want one!".....I about fell over laughing. M glowered and told Monkey to "stop egging your mother on...". It was hilarious.
Ok, I have two babes asleep right now. I need to go listen to some more Supertramp before they wake up! Happy Monday all.....
The live music was my favorite part. It was two guys with acoustic guitars, and they were awesome! I got to rock out to some Supertramp with Jellybean. She totally dug it, and was fascinated by the two musicians playing their guitars. If I could have put a lighter in her hand she would have been all over it. "Give a Little Bit" is officially her favorite song now. Come on now, rock out with me.... I think it cracked the musicians up that I was singing along with them...but come on, it was Supertramp!
Monkey could have cared less about the music, she got obsessed *cough sputter cough* OBSESSED I TELL YOU with.....a nasty piece of work called "My Pretty Pony." Ah, gawd, I think I just threw up in my mouth.
The funniest moment of the entire party came when we were getting into the car to drive home. I commented on the house, saying I liked it, and Monkey piped up with "Yeah, I want one!".....I about fell over laughing. M glowered and told Monkey to "stop egging your mother on...". It was hilarious.
Ok, I have two babes asleep right now. I need to go listen to some more Supertramp before they wake up! Happy Monday all.....
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).
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!
Friday, December 26, 2008
MMM, tasty
What is it about Christmas that brings out the child in us? I think that yesterday I ate my bodyweight in homemade cookies (thanks Nana!), hard candy, frango mints, etc. etc. etc. Heck of a way to lose the baby fat but....oh...it was soooooo good!
We had a wonderful Christmas. It was just - the best.
Monkey was hilarious. She had so many presents that by the end of the day we were actually imploring her to open the rest of them. Since she had helped open everyone else's presents she was had present-fatigue. Who knew that could even exist! We all resolved to be more judicious in giving her presents next year. (ten bucks the grandparents can't do it! grandparents are awesome....)
Meanwhile Jellybean continued to pig out, too. She's doing a good job of her job of eating, sleeping and pooping. Way to go kid! We still don't know what color her eyes will be....yes, it takes a few weeks, but I can't resist holding her face to the light and peering into her beautiful eyes to try and figure it out! They started out with that newborn blue haze, but now are grey. She has a chance of blue eyes since M's mom (Nana) has blue eyes, as do I, but we shall see....
My little brother and his wife G continue with the awesome (OH YOU ARE SUCH SHITS YOU TWO!) presents to Monkey. This time? BONGOS! My neighbors are sooo going to hate me.
We had a wonderful Christmas. It was just - the best.
Monkey was hilarious. She had so many presents that by the end of the day we were actually imploring her to open the rest of them. Since she had helped open everyone else's presents she was had present-fatigue. Who knew that could even exist! We all resolved to be more judicious in giving her presents next year. (ten bucks the grandparents can't do it! grandparents are awesome....)
Meanwhile Jellybean continued to pig out, too. She's doing a good job of her job of eating, sleeping and pooping. Way to go kid! We still don't know what color her eyes will be....yes, it takes a few weeks, but I can't resist holding her face to the light and peering into her beautiful eyes to try and figure it out! They started out with that newborn blue haze, but now are grey. She has a chance of blue eyes since M's mom (Nana) has blue eyes, as do I, but we shall see....
My little brother and his wife G continue with the awesome (OH YOU ARE SUCH SHITS YOU TWO!) presents to Monkey. This time? BONGOS! My neighbors are sooo going to hate me.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Bread and Jam
All I can tell you is that laughing when you are more than 35 weeks pregnant is a fun adventure. Your belly moves up and down and you can't breath. And that is, in and of itself, also funny. So you laugh some more....
Why was I laughing? Well, if you must know: Monkey loves bread and jam. So much so that I had to ask her to BLOW her nose.....................
..........you know, so I could get the jam out. She was eating it a bit - um - exuberantly this morning.
Why was I laughing? Well, if you must know: Monkey loves bread and jam. So much so that I had to ask her to BLOW her nose.....................
..........you know, so I could get the jam out. She was eating it a bit - um - exuberantly this morning.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Weekend of Adventure
Saturday we tried to make it to Darien, CT to see close friends of ours and their three kids. We wanted Monkey to meet their twin daughters (not too different in age) and their son, and we were looking forward to just hanging out with friends.
Alas and alack, it was not meant to be. In the midst of the parking lot also known as the freeway south of Stanford, Monkey puked all over herself. At the first available turnoff we hit a CVS for some (more) wipes, paper towels, and a clean Hanes tshirt (you know, boys underwear). And home again, home again, jiggity jig we went.
Sunday was much more fun. M's company had its family picnic up in Tarrytown. Back in the car we went (and yes, I had washed the puke off the carseat) and boy was it worth it!
The company went all out, renting those inflatable obstacle courses you see at Church picnics or the carnivals that pass through town. Monkey jumped and jumped and jumped and jumped. And then jumped some more. She loved it.
Lunch and four tattoos later, we were all in the car, covered in cotton candy and happy as clams. I wish we could do that every weekend!
Alas and alack, it was not meant to be. In the midst of the parking lot also known as the freeway south of Stanford, Monkey puked all over herself. At the first available turnoff we hit a CVS for some (more) wipes, paper towels, and a clean Hanes tshirt (you know, boys underwear). And home again, home again, jiggity jig we went.
Sunday was much more fun. M's company had its family picnic up in Tarrytown. Back in the car we went (and yes, I had washed the puke off the carseat) and boy was it worth it!
The company went all out, renting those inflatable obstacle courses you see at Church picnics or the carnivals that pass through town. Monkey jumped and jumped and jumped and jumped. And then jumped some more. She loved it.
Lunch and four tattoos later, we were all in the car, covered in cotton candy and happy as clams. I wish we could do that every weekend!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Milwaukee, or where the dinosaurs roam
We spent this past weekend with probably our closest friends in the world, in their lovely home (don't believe the hype about the "crapshack") in Milwaukee, WI.
We had a blast.
Their daughter, aka Bunny, is obsessed with dinosaurs. She's also 8 months older than Monkey and, um, freakishly smart. So watching the two of them interact was awesome. And gave us a preview of what life will be like with two ankle biters/insane toddlers in the apartment.
Bunny would flip about which particular (anklyosauraus, for example) dinosaur Monkey was not allowed to touch and which she "didn't want to share"....Monkey would shrug like, ok, damn woman, I can't say that word so you can have your dinosaur all to yourself. Relieved, Bunny would recant her toddler ways and offer the toy up for inspection. It was hilarious! And adorable. Thankfully, Bunny is good at sharing and Monkey was really more obsessed with the rubbery lizards than the actual dinosaurs, so it all worked out well. But for the first ten minutes of our visit I thought it might get ugly.
Also, at first they did the whole parallel play thing. But soon, they were having actual conversations. To wit:
Bunny: What 'cha got?
Monkey: Got my blanket.
Bunny: Oh, ok.
I know, it doesn't sound like two geniuses in the making, but trust me...it was cool. They had a conversation! Like two kids do! Like OMG BFF!!! Awesome, all around.
We had a blast.
Their daughter, aka Bunny, is obsessed with dinosaurs. She's also 8 months older than Monkey and, um, freakishly smart. So watching the two of them interact was awesome. And gave us a preview of what life will be like with two ankle biters/insane toddlers in the apartment.
Bunny would flip about which particular (anklyosauraus, for example) dinosaur Monkey was not allowed to touch and which she "didn't want to share"....Monkey would shrug like, ok, damn woman, I can't say that word so you can have your dinosaur all to yourself. Relieved, Bunny would recant her toddler ways and offer the toy up for inspection. It was hilarious! And adorable. Thankfully, Bunny is good at sharing and Monkey was really more obsessed with the rubbery lizards than the actual dinosaurs, so it all worked out well. But for the first ten minutes of our visit I thought it might get ugly.
Also, at first they did the whole parallel play thing. But soon, they were having actual conversations. To wit:
Bunny: What 'cha got?
Monkey: Got my blanket.
Bunny: Oh, ok.
I know, it doesn't sound like two geniuses in the making, but trust me...it was cool. They had a conversation! Like two kids do! Like OMG BFF!!! Awesome, all around.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Two new (FUN) games in the Insane Household
So Monkey has two new games. She'd like to explain them to you....
1) Sneak up behind Ollie, our beloved geriatric (and, um, maybe not smart) cat and flick the hair on the top of her ears. Watch her ears twitch. Scream with delight. Repeat 300 times and act offended/traumatized when Ollie tries to bite you.
2) March up to mommy and yank up her shirt (preferably while in public). Attempt to push her distended belly button back into her stomach. Scream with delight. Repeat 300x. Act offended/traumatized when Mommy insists you desist.
What fun games do your insane toddlers like to play?
1) Sneak up behind Ollie, our beloved geriatric (and, um, maybe not smart) cat and flick the hair on the top of her ears. Watch her ears twitch. Scream with delight. Repeat 300 times and act offended/traumatized when Ollie tries to bite you.
2) March up to mommy and yank up her shirt (preferably while in public). Attempt to push her distended belly button back into her stomach. Scream with delight. Repeat 300x. Act offended/traumatized when Mommy insists you desist.
What fun games do your insane toddlers like to play?
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Repeat 300x
In case you were wondering what our weekends are like, imagine this conversation 300times an hour. All. Day. Long.
Monkey: Ready?
Mommy and/or Daddy: Sure. Ready for what?
Monkey: PLAYGROUND!
Sometimes this even starts before we lift her out of her crib in the morning, as she is scrubbing sleep from her eyes and pushing her hair back from her face.
Monkey: Ready?
Mommy and/or Daddy: Sure. Ready for what?
Monkey: PLAYGROUND!
Sometimes this even starts before we lift her out of her crib in the morning, as she is scrubbing sleep from her eyes and pushing her hair back from her face.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Statistics
• Number of attendees at Monkey's birthday party yesterday morning: 17 (including the guest of honor and her parents)
• Number of screaming banshee toddlers in attendance: 6
• Number of cupcakes baked & decorated: 24
• Number of cupcakes lost in the sprinkler: 1
• Number of cupcakes dumped on the ground: 3
• Number of cupcakes Monkey personally consumed in lieu of a real lunch: 2
• Number of toddlers that were stripped down to just their diapers in the sprinkler by the end of the party: 2
• Number of possibly inappropriate books/toys received: 3
• Number of toddlers that attempted to (cough* steal* cough!) leave the party with Monkey's new tambourine: 3
• Number of photos I took: L*ord only knows, but my camera was groaning by the time I was done with it...
• Amount of fun that was had? Unmeasurable.
• Number of screaming banshee toddlers in attendance: 6
• Number of cupcakes baked & decorated: 24
• Number of cupcakes lost in the sprinkler: 1
• Number of cupcakes dumped on the ground: 3
• Number of cupcakes Monkey personally consumed in lieu of a real lunch: 2
• Number of toddlers that were stripped down to just their diapers in the sprinkler by the end of the party: 2
• Number of possibly inappropriate books/toys received: 3
• Number of toddlers that attempted to (cough* steal* cough!) leave the party with Monkey's new tambourine: 3
• Number of photos I took: L*ord only knows, but my camera was groaning by the time I was done with it...
• Amount of fun that was had? Unmeasurable.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
On the bus
Monkey is definitely over this virus, as she is back to her normal high jinks.
Last night we went to one of our favorite sushi restaurants on the UWS. There are other, fancier places that get higher Zagats and Chowhound ratings, but this one is always in the #2 spot so the sushi rocks - but really, we go there because the waitstaff is just so cool with Monkey. Even the sushi chefs took time to tell her what they were doing.
To get home, we take the M11 bus up Amsterdam, which works well - when it shows up. Maybe 4 or 5 M7 buses passed by our stop before the first M11 showed. Annoying.
So the bus arrives, and it is already well past Monkey's bedtime. She squirmed and chattered the whole way home - and was generally in a pretty good mood despite the late hour.
We sat in the handicapped/elderly seats because of Monkey and the stroller. Oh and me being 5 months pregnant. But about two stops before our stop, an elderly gentleman got on the bus. M immediately got up and offered him the seat. The gentleman smiled graciously, nodded his head and when he sat down, said thanks to Monkey.
I told Monkey in a sotto voice that we always give up our seat to grandpas and grandmas, since they needed the seat more than us.
When we got up to leave the bus, Monkey blurted out "BYE GRANDPA!" to this elderly gentleman. Earning not only the biggest smile I've ever seen on a stranger's face, but also - the entire bus started to laugh! (and that is a tough, tough crowd).
I'm guessing she made that guy's night.
Last night we went to one of our favorite sushi restaurants on the UWS. There are other, fancier places that get higher Zagats and Chowhound ratings, but this one is always in the #2 spot so the sushi rocks - but really, we go there because the waitstaff is just so cool with Monkey. Even the sushi chefs took time to tell her what they were doing.
To get home, we take the M11 bus up Amsterdam, which works well - when it shows up. Maybe 4 or 5 M7 buses passed by our stop before the first M11 showed. Annoying.
So the bus arrives, and it is already well past Monkey's bedtime. She squirmed and chattered the whole way home - and was generally in a pretty good mood despite the late hour.
We sat in the handicapped/elderly seats because of Monkey and the stroller. Oh and me being 5 months pregnant. But about two stops before our stop, an elderly gentleman got on the bus. M immediately got up and offered him the seat. The gentleman smiled graciously, nodded his head and when he sat down, said thanks to Monkey.
I told Monkey in a sotto voice that we always give up our seat to grandpas and grandmas, since they needed the seat more than us.
When we got up to leave the bus, Monkey blurted out "BYE GRANDPA!" to this elderly gentleman. Earning not only the biggest smile I've ever seen on a stranger's face, but also - the entire bus started to laugh! (and that is a tough, tough crowd).
I'm guessing she made that guy's night.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Card-carrying Republican? OH NO
Tonight Monkey M and I were hanging out in the living room playing with blocks. After Monkey had dismantled our towers eight gazillion times, her attention wandered.
She moved into her corner of toys, and after strewing things about, came back to where I was and sat down. In her arms was the Fat Cat "kitty hoot" catnip doll of Newt Gingrich. Yes, Newt Gingrich. (here, go to http://www.fatcatinc.com/html_site/cats.shtml and search for Newt - he's "retired" but you can still see the image). We bought it years ago and got a lot of pleasure (and laughter) out of the fact that our cat, Ollie, was kicking Newt's ass. We are proud of our card-carrying Democrat of a cat.
So Monkey sat down with Newt. And then, unprompted, she brought Newt up to her chest and patted him, like a baby.
I think the neighbors heard M, practically jumping out of his skin to say "NO".....
I think it is funny that M was disturbed by her behavior not because she was cuddling a 7 or 8 year old chewed up cat toy (that at one point in time turned green with catnip juice, Ollie drooled on it so much), but that.....she hugged a Republican. Snort.
She moved into her corner of toys, and after strewing things about, came back to where I was and sat down. In her arms was the Fat Cat "kitty hoot" catnip doll of Newt Gingrich. Yes, Newt Gingrich. (here, go to http://www.fatcatinc.com/html_site/cats.shtml and search for Newt - he's "retired" but you can still see the image). We bought it years ago and got a lot of pleasure (and laughter) out of the fact that our cat, Ollie, was kicking Newt's ass. We are proud of our card-carrying Democrat of a cat.
So Monkey sat down with Newt. And then, unprompted, she brought Newt up to her chest and patted him, like a baby.
I think the neighbors heard M, practically jumping out of his skin to say "NO".....
I think it is funny that M was disturbed by her behavior not because she was cuddling a 7 or 8 year old chewed up cat toy (that at one point in time turned green with catnip juice, Ollie drooled on it so much), but that.....she hugged a Republican. Snort.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Sand Angel
Friday Monkey went back to the pediatrician to follow up on her upper respiratory viral infection and resulting inhaler - and got the BEST report I could hope for - "clear lungs." Phew! With asthma in the family (both sides) and living near Harlem that has the highest rate of asthma in the city, I was worried. So, for now, relief. And, after tonight - no more inhaler! Whee!!!!!
After the appointment with the doctor (which ended about 3:30pm), Monkey and I walked home through the park. With a 2 hour detour in a sandbox. Yes, two FULL hours in the sandbox. It was a perfect sunny day, 80 degrees out, slight wind, and no humidity. Exactly the kind of weather you want, and rarely get, at least here in NYC.
The sandbox was a hit. Monkey had fun playing by herself, and also with others. From time to time she would approach other kids and hand them a toy - as if to say here, take this, enjoy. She's become very social that way and it is fascinating to me. I attribute it to the montessori daycare.
Monkey was so completely filthy that at one point I took off her shirt, and shook it upside down to get (most of) the sand out of a pocket. And then yes, put that filthy shirt back on her....after all, she was going right back into the sand!
M wasn't with us - he was winging his way to Nebraska to bury his grandpa Bernie Hoerle. Rest in peace, Grandpa. We'll miss you. We were really sad to hear that he passed away Wednesday morning - but since it was unexpected, he didn't suffer through a long illness. And at almost 88 years of age, he'd lived a long, full life.
I was thinking about this, about life & death, as I sat in the brilliant sun and watched my beautiful daughter play in the sand - full of life, healthy and happy. Monkey was on her back throwing sand into the air, and started making snow (ok, sand) angels. I thought "how appropriate" to make an angel....
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