1. Amelia was snuggled up in bed with me this morning. It was early - somewhere between 6:30 and 6:45am. I heard Gemma stirring in her room. Half awake, I asked Amelia if she wanted to go and play with Gemma for a few minutes.
Amelia replied that she didn't need to go and play with Gemma. "William is on Gemma patrol right now."
2. We went to Culver's for lunch this weekend. With a kids' meal, you get a ticket for a free scoop of ice cream. William picked mint chip ice cream and Amelia picked chocolate with M&M's. Gemma didn't get one as I make the 3 kids split the 2 meals. Gemma just picked at her food and I assumed she wouldn't want much ice cream. William and Amelia both shared a few little bites with Gemma. When William put a taste of his flavor into her mouth, Gemma got a funny look on her face.
I asked her, "What flavor is that in your mouth? What does it taste like?"
"TOOTHPASTE!" is what she replied.
From then on, when she wanted another bite of ice cream from William, she would request the toothpaste kind.
3. Amelia had a soccer game this evening.
John and I watched the game and kept one eye on Gemma and William.
William entertained himself by chasing around 2 four year old boys in a game of modified tag. Gemma did her best to get in the way of the boys and when that didn't work, she would roll down a small hill or pull up hunks of grass.
I turned to see Gemma dump a huge handful of grass on one of the smaller boys playing with William. It was a huge handful. She giggled and ran away. The boy looked at William. William just shrugged. The boy leaned over and pulled a tiny handful of grass. He walked toward Gemma. William turned to see this boy dump 3-4 blades of grass on Gemma's arm. William was not pleased.
He walked over to the boy and informed him that he needed to leave alone his little sister. He told the boy he shouldn't put grass on Gemma again.
It is good to know that while the kids terrorize each other, they still care about each other.
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Denver
We are busy busy around here! I just got back on Friday to a work related trip to Denver for 4 days! This is a HUGE deal as I have not ever been away from Amelia or Gemma overnight. being that Amelia is now 6, this was a pretty big event!
I left Tuesday morning and came home Friday afternoon.
In November, at a staff meeting, the director of our program asked who would be interested in going to a conference in Denver, Colorado. All the names of people willing to go were thrown into a bucket. It didn't even really occur to me that I might be selected to go out of all the people in our program.
I was very surprised to find out in February that I was selected to go - I was then scrambling away to see if I really COULD make it happen. There were a lot of details to iron out in order to make it happen. I had a lot of help - I have to first say a huge, huge thank you to my husband for being so supportive. He works full time and works very hard to provide for our family. On the other hand, I get paid 8 hours a week to work at a job. I care very deeply about my job and I think the work I am doing is absolutely critical. However, while I am passionate about my job, I can also see that my job is not what is keeping the roof over our family's heads.
When John heard that I was selected to go to this conference and I wanted to attend, John didn't need to be convinced. There wasn't any real discussion. He told me we would figure it out and make it work so I could go. He is 100% supportive of my job and work. It feels so great to know that while I am not bringing home a lot of money, my husband respects the work I do and how important it is to me. He was willing to take 4 vacation days so I could attend a work conference - even if I didn't get paid anything to go.
That brings me to a second round of thank yous. When we found out I was picked to travel and John was going to miss work, I talked it over with my parents. They were able to juggle their many responsibilities around and come to help for a few days. They have a lot going on with work and a move on the horizon. However, when they heard about this opportunity, they rearranged things so John wouldn't miss as many days of work. (It does work out for them as now we will have vacation days to come and visit them this summer).
They made sure the kids got where they were supposed to be, put kids on the bus and followed an incredibly detailed schedule I left for them. Knowing the kids were in such good hands with my parents and their dad let me really relax and enjoy myself at this conference. I did miss the kids, but I wasn't worried about them. I knew they were being cared for and that was a very good feeling!
We also had our childcare provider help a little extra as well. When she heard about this opportunity, she said she could watch Gemma all of the days I would be gone. She didn't want me to miss out either! We didn't end up needing as much help, but it is good to know it is there.
I am so fortunate to have such a supportive "team" on my side! Thanks to everyone who helped make this trip happen!
I left Tuesday morning and came home Friday afternoon.
In November, at a staff meeting, the director of our program asked who would be interested in going to a conference in Denver, Colorado. All the names of people willing to go were thrown into a bucket. It didn't even really occur to me that I might be selected to go out of all the people in our program.
I was very surprised to find out in February that I was selected to go - I was then scrambling away to see if I really COULD make it happen. There were a lot of details to iron out in order to make it happen. I had a lot of help - I have to first say a huge, huge thank you to my husband for being so supportive. He works full time and works very hard to provide for our family. On the other hand, I get paid 8 hours a week to work at a job. I care very deeply about my job and I think the work I am doing is absolutely critical. However, while I am passionate about my job, I can also see that my job is not what is keeping the roof over our family's heads.
When John heard that I was selected to go to this conference and I wanted to attend, John didn't need to be convinced. There wasn't any real discussion. He told me we would figure it out and make it work so I could go. He is 100% supportive of my job and work. It feels so great to know that while I am not bringing home a lot of money, my husband respects the work I do and how important it is to me. He was willing to take 4 vacation days so I could attend a work conference - even if I didn't get paid anything to go.
That brings me to a second round of thank yous. When we found out I was picked to travel and John was going to miss work, I talked it over with my parents. They were able to juggle their many responsibilities around and come to help for a few days. They have a lot going on with work and a move on the horizon. However, when they heard about this opportunity, they rearranged things so John wouldn't miss as many days of work. (It does work out for them as now we will have vacation days to come and visit them this summer).
They made sure the kids got where they were supposed to be, put kids on the bus and followed an incredibly detailed schedule I left for them. Knowing the kids were in such good hands with my parents and their dad let me really relax and enjoy myself at this conference. I did miss the kids, but I wasn't worried about them. I knew they were being cared for and that was a very good feeling!
We also had our childcare provider help a little extra as well. When she heard about this opportunity, she said she could watch Gemma all of the days I would be gone. She didn't want me to miss out either! We didn't end up needing as much help, but it is good to know it is there.
I am so fortunate to have such a supportive "team" on my side! Thanks to everyone who helped make this trip happen!
Monday, April 20, 2015
Amelia's first tooth!
Monday, April 13, 2015
Amelia's party
Beedo
Gemma has this word. Beedo. Beeee-dough. The kids have different opinions about where this word originated from. I honestly have no idea. But, she says it all the time.
Gemma! What are you coloring?
Her: oh, just a Beedo.
Hi Gemma!
Her: Beedo!
Gemma, what do you have?
Her: oh nothing. Just a Beedo (it can be anything in her hand from a cookie to a stuffed animal.)
(Softly singing)
Beedo, beeeeeedo, Beedo
(Fist pump) Beedo!
It has gotten so the other kids are using it as well. Last week at dinner, I asked Gemma which fruit she would like on her plate.
Her reply: Beedo.
Suddenly, William and Amelia are saying Beedo, Beedo in sing songy voices back and forth to each other. The dissolve into laughter at the hilarity of this word. Beedo.
John and I try to talk about our day, upcoming advice. I cannot hear what he is saying over all the Beedo-ing. We ask, demand and then threaten the kids to quiet down. Nothing can keep themMyron Beedo- ing at each other. It is irresistible.
John and I give up on conversation and eat our dinner. The kids don't eat as they are cackling, giggling and Beedo-ing at each other.
Parenting: it isn't what you thought it would be.
Sent from my iPhone
Gemma! What are you coloring?
Her: oh, just a Beedo.
Hi Gemma!
Her: Beedo!
Gemma, what do you have?
Her: oh nothing. Just a Beedo (it can be anything in her hand from a cookie to a stuffed animal.)
(Softly singing)
Beedo, beeeeeedo, Beedo
(Fist pump) Beedo!
It has gotten so the other kids are using it as well. Last week at dinner, I asked Gemma which fruit she would like on her plate.
Her reply: Beedo.
Suddenly, William and Amelia are saying Beedo, Beedo in sing songy voices back and forth to each other. The dissolve into laughter at the hilarity of this word. Beedo.
John and I try to talk about our day, upcoming advice. I cannot hear what he is saying over all the Beedo-ing. We ask, demand and then threaten the kids to quiet down. Nothing can keep themMyron Beedo- ing at each other. It is irresistible.
John and I give up on conversation and eat our dinner. The kids don't eat as they are cackling, giggling and Beedo-ing at each other.
Parenting: it isn't what you thought it would be.
Sent from my iPhone
Good night
Tonight John was putting Gemma to bed while I did other chores. Sunday nights do not have a shortage of chores to get ready for the week ahead. John was reading with Gemma and I heard talking and some laughing. It was getting late, so I stuck my head to tell Gemma goodnight and give her a kiss.
When I walked into her room, I found John asleep on Gemma's bed. Gemma was in the middle of her floor surrounded by a pile of books. John woke up when I giggled. He sheepishly said, "she was picking out another book for us to read...I just shut my eyes for a moment..."
Sent from my iPhone
When I walked into her room, I found John asleep on Gemma's bed. Gemma was in the middle of her floor surrounded by a pile of books. John woke up when I giggled. He sheepishly said, "she was picking out another book for us to read...I just shut my eyes for a moment..."
Sent from my iPhone
Saturday, April 11, 2015
William
William is tucked in and supposed to be sleeping for the night. I am upstairs doing Important Things (reading a book), when he starts calling us.
"Dad, dad, dad," he calls urgently. I internally groan as dad is not available. I'm envisioning a giant bug or some broken light fixture. I don't move yet as I have unofficially clocked out for the evening (hahaha to that! You don't ever really clock out).
He starts calling again.
I ask him what he needs.
He replies he needs someone to come RIGHT NOW.
I make my way to his room and I am a little crabby. I want to read my book and park myself on the couch until I can't keep my eyes open anymore.
Instead, I'm going downstairs and find William in the doorway of his room with a giant smile on his face. He is bobbing his head in time with the best of some music coming from his room.
"Mom! MOM! You have to hear this! I LOVE THIS SONG! Quick! It's on the radio! I just love it and I want you to hear it!"
I take two steps into his room and start laughing.
The radio is playing "I wear my sunglasses at night".
Isn't this song great mom?
Yes, William. Yes, it is great.
Sent from my iPhone
"Dad, dad, dad," he calls urgently. I internally groan as dad is not available. I'm envisioning a giant bug or some broken light fixture. I don't move yet as I have unofficially clocked out for the evening (hahaha to that! You don't ever really clock out).
He starts calling again.
I ask him what he needs.
He replies he needs someone to come RIGHT NOW.
I make my way to his room and I am a little crabby. I want to read my book and park myself on the couch until I can't keep my eyes open anymore.
Instead, I'm going downstairs and find William in the doorway of his room with a giant smile on his face. He is bobbing his head in time with the best of some music coming from his room.
"Mom! MOM! You have to hear this! I LOVE THIS SONG! Quick! It's on the radio! I just love it and I want you to hear it!"
I take two steps into his room and start laughing.
The radio is playing "I wear my sunglasses at night".
Isn't this song great mom?
Yes, William. Yes, it is great.
Sent from my iPhone
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Gemma
Gemma is very funny. She daily says things that make us laugh!
1. Gemma came in our room one morning. I pulled her in to bed with me while I woke up to snuggle with me.
She was not excited about the snuggling.
"Mom! Mom! The sun is up! The sun is up! Yoot at the window! See? The sun is up! You get up too!"
2. At dinner recently, one of the kids asked about who had more owies: mommy or daddy.
So, John and I started trading old war stories about our injuries. We talked about what behavior caused the injury and then what the end result was. Gemma became increasingly upset as we talked and laughed about our childhoods. Finally she couldn't take it anymore.
John: and then I needed stitches right here (pointing).
Gemma: no! No, daddy! I was there and I saved you with my super tape! I gave you a big hug!
John: no, I went to the dr...
Gemma: (interrupting) NO! I held your hand and then you were al better! All better!
John: oh. I guess I forgot! You came and helped me up and gave me a hug?
Gemma: yes! Then you are okay daddy!
John: you are right! You came and helped me!
And so it continued. Every injury, Gemma swept in to save us from injury and then accompanied us for medical treatment. Usually, she would go ahead and provide the medical treatment herself.
Sent from my iPhone
1. Gemma came in our room one morning. I pulled her in to bed with me while I woke up to snuggle with me.
She was not excited about the snuggling.
"Mom! Mom! The sun is up! The sun is up! Yoot at the window! See? The sun is up! You get up too!"
2. At dinner recently, one of the kids asked about who had more owies: mommy or daddy.
So, John and I started trading old war stories about our injuries. We talked about what behavior caused the injury and then what the end result was. Gemma became increasingly upset as we talked and laughed about our childhoods. Finally she couldn't take it anymore.
John: and then I needed stitches right here (pointing).
Gemma: no! No, daddy! I was there and I saved you with my super tape! I gave you a big hug!
John: no, I went to the dr...
Gemma: (interrupting) NO! I held your hand and then you were al better! All better!
John: oh. I guess I forgot! You came and helped me up and gave me a hug?
Gemma: yes! Then you are okay daddy!
John: you are right! You came and helped me!
And so it continued. Every injury, Gemma swept in to save us from injury and then accompanied us for medical treatment. Usually, she would go ahead and provide the medical treatment herself.
Sent from my iPhone
Thursday, April 2, 2015
More conversations
We arrived at a restaurant last weekend after the baby shower and met my sister's husband and everyone's favorite nephew, Andy for dinner.
Zelda was delighted to see her brother. After she was done squealing over his appearance, she turned to Gemma and Amelia and said:
Where your Andy?
(Where is your brother?)
Sent from my iPhone
Zelda was delighted to see her brother. After she was done squealing over his appearance, she turned to Gemma and Amelia and said:
Where your Andy?
(Where is your brother?)
Sent from my iPhone
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