And so it begins

No, not potty training. What has begun is the dearth of answers.....prompted by the little three-letter word dreaded by all parents - that's right, "why." (four letter words? hell, no problem...)

You know....

Why is the sky blue?
Why did Mike Mulligan and MaryAnn dig the canals?
Why is there a bus on the street?
Why is there a plane in the sky?
Why did the people get off the bus?
Why
Why Why WHY WHY WHY

First, you give the scientific answers. The sky is blue because that is the wavelength of light reflected.

Then, you make answers up. Mike Mulligan and MaryAnn dug the canals because that is their job. Or the bus is on the street so people can get places and that lady is hungry for her supper.

But then your answers beget more questions. Why does that lady want her supper? She's hungry. Why?

And, folks, eventually you are left with the exasperated "dunno" answer. Eventually, all the "whys" wear you down to a wordless nub of a human being.

And that's when it gets interesting. You know, in your heart of heart, that what ever you say will prompt another question. And, you know, that she'll remember and possibly even repeat the things you've said outloud.

So, how do you make up creative answers that satiate her curiosity, entertain yourself (and anyone eavesdropping next to you on the bus), and maybe JUST MAYBE let you move the conversation forward?

Inquiring minds want to know.

And then.....nothing

So, since the latest and greatest experience in potty training????


N.O.T.H.I.N.G.




This kid is taking her own damn sweet time.

Monkey's first autograph

Yesterday we took Monkey to The Great Children's Read on the Columbia University Campus. It was awesome. The fields were full of kids, listening to authors reading their very own books outloud, dancing to They Might Be Giants, and generally geeking out about literacy.

Monkey had a grand old time. We were fortunate enough to listen to John Bemelmans Marciano read Madeline and the Cats of Rome. (John is the grandson of Ludwig Bemelmans, who wrote the original Madeline). And then, armed with a copy of the book (purchased right there in the Target book tent - got to show Target some love if they are promoting literacy!!), we stood in line and had the author autograph the book. It was SO COOL! (and yes, I'm a geek)
We were fortunate enough to get to chat with the author for a bit, and M told him that Monkey loved the original Madeline so much she had much of it memorized. I'm pretty sure that the guy thought M was full of it, since he promptly asked Monkey what Madeline said to the tiger in the zoo. And, sure enough - she said poo poo! (the appropriate answer). This got a good laugh out of the author. I'm sure he gets sick of people telling him how much they loved his grandfather's books, even if they did provide him with the opportunity to write his own book - but this brought a big smile to his face.

So, Monkey got her first autograph. I'm just happy it is in a book, by an author, and not some hipster rockstar wannabe signing her chest with a sharpie.......... that can be her second autograph.

Made mama whoop for joy!

Eons ago we thought the potty training might have started, but that was...um....March, and now it is October. You know, seven months ago.

Since then we've been offering Monkey the potty, talking about using the potty, and reading a book about potty training a lot. Not every single day, but often. We never forced the issue because, well, she's a pig-headed stubborn child (like both her parents) and forcing the issue would only guarantee tantrums and a flat-out refusal to cooperate. And I'd like her to be potty trained before she goes to college.

Every single time I asked Monkey if she wanted to use the potty she'd say no. Not interested, thank you.

But last night? For the first time that I recall, she actually ASKED to use the potty. So, naked (since she was about to get into the bath), she sat on the potty. And by potty, I mean the actual toilet with a little insert to make sure she doesn't fall in. She refuses to sit on the (shudder) Elmo potty chair I bought for her...and that's fine with me. We use the insert and the rest of it is now a step stool, so it works.

Well, she didn't pee. But she did ask for toilet paper and to flush the toilet. Which is something she only gets to do if she USES the potty (i.e., pees or poops). So after a few minutes of nothing happening, I took her off the potty. And she asked to sit on the potty. So, naked she sat on the potty. And asked for toilet paper and to flush the toilet. Which....oh, you get the point. We repeated this behavior for another 25 minutes or so.

And then, just when I was thinking this might be a pointless exercise and she was yanking my chain for the fun of it.....she peed in the potty! I literally whooped for joy. Man, a few years back if you would have told me that watching my daughter pee all over everything (because she kind of peed ON the insert, instead of INTO the toilet) would make me this happy I would have told you to pound sand. Seriously - like who would actually think this is a big deal? Well, fast forward to our life and honestly - it really was awesome. And I really did whoop for joy.

And then? Because we strive to fulfill all stereotypes of first-time parents who think their child walks on water? We called BOTH sets of grandparents and had Monkey tell her story. Yup. Good times, good times.

Here's hoping she does it again before another 7 months go by...........

A rose by any other name....

We are not telling anyone what the possible names are for BabyGirlCarter#2. That way, no one can vote or veto or crinkle their nose with distaste or exclaim that they've selected that name for their putative child. By the time everyone meets her, the name will be a done deal and no longer a point of discussion.

But, for the purpose of this blog, let's pretend that we are considering a few names: Ima, Ura, Edna, and Apple. (and no, these aren't even CLOSE to what we're contemplating. quit trying to guess)

Last night over a nutritious dinner of peaches and (soy) hotdogs, Monkey and I were talking. I asked her what we should name her baby sister.

Me: Should we name your baby sister Ima?
Monkey: NO!!!!!!!!! Big frown.

Me: Eyes wide with surprise. Chuckle. Ok, should we name your baby sister Ura?
Monkey: NO!!!!!!!!!!!! Vigorous head shake and pursing of lips.

Me: Hmmm, ok. How about Edna?
Monkey: NO. Dayum, woman, what's with the awful names?

Me: Fine. How about Apple?
Monkey: Apple. APple. APPle. APPLe. APPLE! APPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Folks, we have a winner. At least for ten seconds last night.