This morning at daycare drop I was uncharacteristically not in a hurry and ended up chatting with another mom. Her son has autism and used to attend the daycare. This mom is always very friendly with me-I guess because we have that unspoken "there's something wrong with my kid" bond. Her son is three now (her younger son, age one is still in the infant room). I asked her how her older son was doing--he's in a self-contained classroom in the district, at the school Leo would attend if I hadn't created a bit of a stink and insisted he go to the Down syndrome concentrated school out of district.
She said he was doing ok. She's not thrilled with the program but she's trying to be more proactive about getting the things he needs. It's a struggle to get things done and also "be nice." And then she started on a whole other topic:
'We don't really have playdates, she said. "I feel bad. I know that other kids get asked to come over and play and we don't. I feel sort of like we're a dirty little secret. No one wants us to come over or invite us to their house or invite us to birthday parties."
Hmm. I never really thought about this. Ellie is still too young for playdates I guess. The ones we do have usually feel like they're more for me, where the kids and I hang out with friends who happen to have kids. But it's true if I really think about it, Leo doesn't get asked on a lot of playdates. There seem to be enough birthday parties but now that she mentioned it, he's only been invited to a handful of parties I can recall, in his whole life, that were not parties for kids with Down syndrome.
I never really considered the lack of playdates. Since I work full-time, the weekends are really all we have. I feel like the kids are social enough during the week-isn't every day for them kind of one big playdate?
But this did get me thinking. Is Leo excluded by his typical peers? Since he's my first, I don't have much to compare it to.
And then she asked me if we'd be interested in getting together some time. And I have to be honest, my first reaction was No. I realize this sounds bad. It's completely discrimanatory. But honestly? Leo spends enough time with non-typical kids. I really have no interest in getting together just because we have that lovely aforementioned bond.
And then this mom asked me if she could "ask me something personal."
I know from experience that this kind of lead up is either a) related to prenatal testing or b) how I got pregnant.
In this case it ended up being Option A. She wanted to know if I knew about the DS in advance.
I told her no and she immediately assumed I had no prenatal testing because you know the prenatal tests always catch everything (insert sarcastic tone here).
I quickly corrected her though. I had the Integrated Test, now I think known as the nuchal fold screening. It did come back slightly elevated for my age (1:350) but according to my OB, not high enough to technically warrant an amnio (in other words, the risk of amnio complications was higher than the odds that the baby had DS). The doctor went on to tell me this result translated into a one-tenth of one percent chance that the baby had DS. And also there was the "screen negative" result of my anatomy ultrasound, meaning the baby showed no markers and therefore tested negative for having DS, at least on-screen.
In other news: Don't ever ask me to trust statistics again.
Of course I know now that the only really fool-proof test is the amnio. But honestly, I don't think I really wanted to know with Leo. Neither did Erin. Not that I thought there was even a remote possibility that he actually had Down syndrome (I guess if I thought he had I would have gone ahead with the amnio).
"That must have been so hard, finding out at birth," she said.
I shrugged my shoulders. "Oh yeah, it was very hard, but in some ways now I think maybe it was easier than what you had to go through, thinking everything was OK and then...."
She nodded. "At first they thought it was hearing loss because he wouldn't respond to his name. They said it could also be autism. I prayed that I'd just have to learn sign language and that would be it."
We wrapped up the conversation. She didn't have a pen or paper to write down contact information. Would I go to her house if she actually ends up inviting us? Oh, probably.
Sometimes I think I'm really naive. Maybe Leo is being excluded. I feel better just not thinking about it. Our weekends are always busy, playdates or not.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Sweating, Gardening, Funny Doctor and A Reason I Put Up With It
Well we all survived the first, strange little heat wave of 2009. I kept having to pinch myself that it was April. I also forgot how cranky the heat makes me. I have no problem admitting I am so not a hot weather person. I mean it’s fine if all you have to do is sprawl next to the pool sipping margaritas or something, but life isn’t quite like that right now.
On a positive note, this summer, with a confidently mobile Ellie is going to be fun! Last summer she was still crawling and then started walking right around her first birthday (July) but even after that she was not “sturdy,” so there was lots of hovering around her, making sure she didn’t wipe out on the deck stair or tumble off the slide. Now, I can just deposit her and her brother in the backyard and be on my merry way! OK not exactly, but it’s a lot more relaxing. Oh, except for the CONSTANT FIGHTING OVER OUTSIDE TOYS.
I try not to let that bother me too much. And did I mention how refreshing white wine is in the heat?
And all those perennials I planted last year? The ones the damn dog did her best to destroy (to punish us for not walking her enough, she’s a smarty, that Ruby), THEY’RE COMING BACK! In little fits and starts and in some cases, pathetically, but there are definite signs of life. It warms my heart, as I’d written the yard off this year. Not enough time or money and with the dog and her destructive tendencies I felt like I’d be better off just burning a pile of cash than replacing all the plants she dug up last year. I’ll post some pictures when there is something worth showing.
In other exciting suburban news, we bought a push mower, which I’m quite excited about. We had to let the “gardener” go (thanks daycare price hike) so we’re going DIY. I have to say I’m not going to miss that infernal leaf blower the gardener used and I feel nice and “green” not using a gas mower. And I’m not just saying this because Erin is going to have to do all the work (I promise I’ll mow too Honey!).
To recap from last week, the doctor asked me a ton of questions and took a lot of blood. I’m supposed to get the results back today. He thinks my tiredness is related to “lifestyle,” (you know all the boozing and partying I do—why does lifestyle have a sort of seedy connotation?). Since I put the blame on my so called lifestyle squarely on my children, I joked with the doctor that perhaps I should consider getting rid of the kids.
“At the very least, you should drug them,” he answered.
I have to love a doctor with a sense of humor.
After my appointment I cut across Central Park to the West Side, where I catch my bus. I wish I’d had my camera. It was one of those quintessential New York spring days (if you’ve ever lived here you know that spring is about four days long and it’s not uncommon to go from cold and rain to unforgiving 90 degree humidity: Hi summer!). Needless to say, we appreciate our often short lived spring.
On Friday, the cherry blossoms were exploding, the tulips dancing, the row boats in the lake were bumper to bumper while there was a line for the motorized sail boats, which glided across the water like little ballerinas. There were baby strollers and nannies and mommys and giggling toddlers as far as the eye could see. But by far my favorite “snapshot” was the giant golden retriever sitting next to his “mom” on a bench, like he was person, or more like a regal king, admiring his kingdom.
The whole park seemed to be bathed in an ethereal, other worldly, perfect Manhattan- Woody Allenesque glow. Like I said, a camera was needed and pictures would have been worth a thousand words so I’ll shut up about it now. I’ll just say it was one of those days where it felt worth it, to put up with all the hassle--the grumpy, shoving people, the honking horns, the odiferous, crowded sidewalks--just to be in this glorious city. It can truly be a pain in the ass, but also: amazing.
On a positive note, this summer, with a confidently mobile Ellie is going to be fun! Last summer she was still crawling and then started walking right around her first birthday (July) but even after that she was not “sturdy,” so there was lots of hovering around her, making sure she didn’t wipe out on the deck stair or tumble off the slide. Now, I can just deposit her and her brother in the backyard and be on my merry way! OK not exactly, but it’s a lot more relaxing. Oh, except for the CONSTANT FIGHTING OVER OUTSIDE TOYS.
I try not to let that bother me too much. And did I mention how refreshing white wine is in the heat?
And all those perennials I planted last year? The ones the damn dog did her best to destroy (to punish us for not walking her enough, she’s a smarty, that Ruby), THEY’RE COMING BACK! In little fits and starts and in some cases, pathetically, but there are definite signs of life. It warms my heart, as I’d written the yard off this year. Not enough time or money and with the dog and her destructive tendencies I felt like I’d be better off just burning a pile of cash than replacing all the plants she dug up last year. I’ll post some pictures when there is something worth showing.
In other exciting suburban news, we bought a push mower, which I’m quite excited about. We had to let the “gardener” go (thanks daycare price hike) so we’re going DIY. I have to say I’m not going to miss that infernal leaf blower the gardener used and I feel nice and “green” not using a gas mower. And I’m not just saying this because Erin is going to have to do all the work (I promise I’ll mow too Honey!).
To recap from last week, the doctor asked me a ton of questions and took a lot of blood. I’m supposed to get the results back today. He thinks my tiredness is related to “lifestyle,” (you know all the boozing and partying I do—why does lifestyle have a sort of seedy connotation?). Since I put the blame on my so called lifestyle squarely on my children, I joked with the doctor that perhaps I should consider getting rid of the kids.
“At the very least, you should drug them,” he answered.
I have to love a doctor with a sense of humor.
After my appointment I cut across Central Park to the West Side, where I catch my bus. I wish I’d had my camera. It was one of those quintessential New York spring days (if you’ve ever lived here you know that spring is about four days long and it’s not uncommon to go from cold and rain to unforgiving 90 degree humidity: Hi summer!). Needless to say, we appreciate our often short lived spring.
On Friday, the cherry blossoms were exploding, the tulips dancing, the row boats in the lake were bumper to bumper while there was a line for the motorized sail boats, which glided across the water like little ballerinas. There were baby strollers and nannies and mommys and giggling toddlers as far as the eye could see. But by far my favorite “snapshot” was the giant golden retriever sitting next to his “mom” on a bench, like he was person, or more like a regal king, admiring his kingdom.
The whole park seemed to be bathed in an ethereal, other worldly, perfect Manhattan- Woody Allenesque glow. Like I said, a camera was needed and pictures would have been worth a thousand words so I’ll shut up about it now. I’ll just say it was one of those days where it felt worth it, to put up with all the hassle--the grumpy, shoving people, the honking horns, the odiferous, crowded sidewalks--just to be in this glorious city. It can truly be a pain in the ass, but also: amazing.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
If You're in Need of a Laugh
I might be the only human being on the planet who doesn't know about Cake Wrecks but in case I'm not, click here. The site's tagline is "when professional cakes go horribly, hilariously wrong." 'Nuff said.
Oh and this post in particular had me laughing so hard I was crying. I was actually worried coworkers might hear me and be concerned.
Oh and this post in particular had me laughing so hard I was crying. I was actually worried coworkers might hear me and be concerned.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Really
I have a semi-annual physical today. I don’t get one every year, I just figured it would be good to get checked out. I have been so tired lately, I mean extra tired. I know, I know, I can hear the laughter from here. As well as the groans. We’re all tired. But I’d be lying if I said I have this secret hope that the doctor is going to take one look at me and insist I be admitted to the hospital for exhaustion. Just for a couple of days—a long weekend maybe? Isn’t that what the celebrities do?
Honestly I think the doctor is going to laugh in my face and say you have two small children. Of course you are tired. Now go take a vitamin and drink some coffee and leave me alone Lady.
In other news, it’s going to be in the mid-80s here these weekend. Considering I turned the heat on this morning, that feels weird. But it will be fun. Maybe we’ll barbecue.
And since I’m being all random today: Last night during dinner the NPR station suddenly went all fuzzy (until the kids can actually voice their specific preferences we will listen to Fresh Air during dinner, dammit) so I switched over to iPod mode. Without thinking I played the soundtrack from “Really Rosie,” one of my all time favorite childhood films. It’s definitely one of the best things about being a parent, and really one of the most moving I think, to share things with your kids that you yourself enjoyed as a child. To see Leo boogying in his chair to “One Was Johnny” in between bites of grilled cheese, well I could not be happier. I know I’m a sap, but I did get a little teary-eyed.
And OMG it's on freaking YouTube. Of course it is. I can watch the WHOLE thing. Why am I just finding this out?
Side note: Wow the animation is REALLY bad (sorry, daughter of a former animator, I'm a bit of an animation snob, I come by it honestly).
I remember it like it was yesterday, toddling over to the Portland State University Film Department (my mom was a student and my dad was an instructor so I went to daycare at the university child care center) where we got to sit in a college classroom and watch movies on creaky projectors (can you imagine it now, in a time when kids have freaking DVD players in their rooms?—well not my kids but in theory some kids do…). That’s when I fell in love with Really Rosie and her tales of “Chicken Soup with Rice” and “Pierre.”
So. Much. Better. Than. Dora.
Honestly I think the doctor is going to laugh in my face and say you have two small children. Of course you are tired. Now go take a vitamin and drink some coffee and leave me alone Lady.
In other news, it’s going to be in the mid-80s here these weekend. Considering I turned the heat on this morning, that feels weird. But it will be fun. Maybe we’ll barbecue.
And since I’m being all random today: Last night during dinner the NPR station suddenly went all fuzzy (until the kids can actually voice their specific preferences we will listen to Fresh Air during dinner, dammit) so I switched over to iPod mode. Without thinking I played the soundtrack from “Really Rosie,” one of my all time favorite childhood films. It’s definitely one of the best things about being a parent, and really one of the most moving I think, to share things with your kids that you yourself enjoyed as a child. To see Leo boogying in his chair to “One Was Johnny” in between bites of grilled cheese, well I could not be happier. I know I’m a sap, but I did get a little teary-eyed.
And OMG it's on freaking YouTube. Of course it is. I can watch the WHOLE thing. Why am I just finding this out?
Side note: Wow the animation is REALLY bad (sorry, daughter of a former animator, I'm a bit of an animation snob, I come by it honestly).
I remember it like it was yesterday, toddling over to the Portland State University Film Department (my mom was a student and my dad was an instructor so I went to daycare at the university child care center) where we got to sit in a college classroom and watch movies on creaky projectors (can you imagine it now, in a time when kids have freaking DVD players in their rooms?—well not my kids but in theory some kids do…). That’s when I fell in love with Really Rosie and her tales of “Chicken Soup with Rice” and “Pierre.”
So. Much. Better. Than. Dora.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Touchstone
There are certain people in my life who either are or were touchstones. Life is just not lived unless I “check in” with them. Funny how, for better or for worse, this blog has become that for me. Even if I have nothing interesting to say, I want to say something.
I tend to not write when I’m tired because I feel boring and boy, I’m tired this week. Dizzying days at work, coupled with tricky, sleep challenged small people makes me, well, b-o-r-i-n-g. So I’ll do my best here, but this is mostly a Check-In.
I’m so late that it’s almost why bother talk about it but last weekend was nice. A little hectic, but nice. I seem to have a hard time finding a graceful compromise between “busy” and over-scheduled. I feel torn between staying home and just hanging out (because we all need it and the small people seem to revel in it, at least for a few hours) and making Lots of Plans. I find myself getting antsy, if we don’t have plans. At least some kind of plan that is not a chore (say, grocery shopping).
Needless to say, the weekend (the weekend? It's freaking Wednesday! Why am I talking about the weekend here? I dunno. I'm grasping. Or maybe I'm still recovering from it) was comprised of the following:
-Some playing at home (inside and out-gorgeous weather!)
-A glorious almost two hours of alone time at Costco. It's almost scary how much I enjoyed this. I was so relaxed I didn't even care that the lines stretched nearly into the pharmacy.
-Erin doing all the laundry (Love Her)
-Leo's first Special Olympics training camp (siblings can come too and Ellie loved it as much as Leo)
-A playdate in Brooklyn (summed up with the following info: crowded playground made me both miss and not miss the old 'hood, a parallel parking job that I will be talking about for months to come even though there were no witnesses to appreciate my greatness other than Leo and Ellie), the irony that the now suburban family (gulp) ventured to Brooklyn for the day and we somehow managed to yes, visit the McDonald's drive-thru (for ice cream for Leo, it was the only thing I could say that would get him to leave the playground). Yes I would have prefered supporting the local, hipster gelato shop but couldn't fit the double stroller through the door.
-A playdate on Sunday with old friends from Ellie's infanthood (all the moms who stayed home are all now back at work and our infants are now, well, toddlers capable of playdates). I give you said toddler (with no friends in sight but trust me they were there) hamming it up:
She started out camera-shy but quickly changed her tune.
Notice the mini chocolate chip muffin. A first. She held onto that thing for Dear Life.
Speaking of plans, Leo has become one scheduled boy. It’s fun that he’s getting older and can really “do” classes now (at least that’s the plan). I already mentioned taekwondo starts this week. He also has a class (9 a.m. Saturday! Whee! Who am I kidding, it’s not like we Sleep In or something) called “The Three C’s: Cooking, Crafts and Ceramics.” That, I cannot wait to see. I mean “C.” Ha. I told you I was tired.
I tend to not write when I’m tired because I feel boring and boy, I’m tired this week. Dizzying days at work, coupled with tricky, sleep challenged small people makes me, well, b-o-r-i-n-g. So I’ll do my best here, but this is mostly a Check-In.
I’m so late that it’s almost why bother talk about it but last weekend was nice. A little hectic, but nice. I seem to have a hard time finding a graceful compromise between “busy” and over-scheduled. I feel torn between staying home and just hanging out (because we all need it and the small people seem to revel in it, at least for a few hours) and making Lots of Plans. I find myself getting antsy, if we don’t have plans. At least some kind of plan that is not a chore (say, grocery shopping).
Needless to say, the weekend (the weekend? It's freaking Wednesday! Why am I talking about the weekend here? I dunno. I'm grasping. Or maybe I'm still recovering from it) was comprised of the following:
-Some playing at home (inside and out-gorgeous weather!)
-A glorious almost two hours of alone time at Costco. It's almost scary how much I enjoyed this. I was so relaxed I didn't even care that the lines stretched nearly into the pharmacy.
-Erin doing all the laundry (Love Her)
-Leo's first Special Olympics training camp (siblings can come too and Ellie loved it as much as Leo)
-A playdate in Brooklyn (summed up with the following info: crowded playground made me both miss and not miss the old 'hood, a parallel parking job that I will be talking about for months to come even though there were no witnesses to appreciate my greatness other than Leo and Ellie), the irony that the now suburban family (gulp) ventured to Brooklyn for the day and we somehow managed to yes, visit the McDonald's drive-thru (for ice cream for Leo, it was the only thing I could say that would get him to leave the playground). Yes I would have prefered supporting the local, hipster gelato shop but couldn't fit the double stroller through the door.
-A playdate on Sunday with old friends from Ellie's infanthood (all the moms who stayed home are all now back at work and our infants are now, well, toddlers capable of playdates). I give you said toddler (with no friends in sight but trust me they were there) hamming it up:
She started out camera-shy but quickly changed her tune.
Notice the mini chocolate chip muffin. A first. She held onto that thing for Dear Life.
Speaking of plans, Leo has become one scheduled boy. It’s fun that he’s getting older and can really “do” classes now (at least that’s the plan). I already mentioned taekwondo starts this week. He also has a class (9 a.m. Saturday! Whee! Who am I kidding, it’s not like we Sleep In or something) called “The Three C’s: Cooking, Crafts and Ceramics.” That, I cannot wait to see. I mean “C.” Ha. I told you I was tired.
Friday, April 17, 2009
I Know Where I'm Not Wanted and Also: Admitted Portrait Sucker
Ellie has a new caregiver at daycare-her beloved Ms. M. went back to work at the bank. I’ve been trying to get to know the new woman in Ellie’s room, nothing big, I've just been a little extra chatty with her in the morning. We were deep into a nice little conversation about what a good eater Ellie is (her words, not mine—I would agree she is game to try lots of things but at home she has a very short attention span with the kitchen table, she is the queen of up, down up, down and rarely finishes a meal).
But you know how kids are. There’s your kid and there’s the school version. Ellie’s school version sits calmly and quietly in her high chair while at home she kneels at the kitchen table and picks at her food, turns around and says "Hi Walter!" (our new goldfish) about a dozen times and drops her bottle about seventeen times.
So there was talk of her “good eating,” and how well she does with her utensils (the best in the class, according to Ms. M.)
And then, a little voice:
“Bye Mommy.”
And then a sheepish little grin.
I think someone was trying to tell me something. Yea yea Mommy, don’t you have to go to work or something? Don’t you know this is my time?
Can you beat that?
In other news, the daycare had school pictures this week. Leo’s preschool was on spring break so he's been at daycare full-time and was able to be photographed with Ellie for the “sibling portraits.” I’m curious to see how these turn out since Leo’s pictures from preschool were taken at the height of Leo’s "Bubba" (aka the accidentally very shaved head) look.
I know, I know, these school “portraits” rarely turn out well but I am a sucker for them—if they’re bad they are campy and if they’re good, well so be it. Also, my mom never wanted to get them and I think I am making up for it now-my kids will have every school year formally documented, dammit!
Anyway, Leo is now sporting a bit of a hipster ‘do (with product, of course) and I am loving it. I'm his mommy, so I can say this unapologetically: Leo has always had gorgeous hair. (Seriously when he was a baby and it was more strawberry blonde I had women stop me on the street and jokingly ask what number dye he uses so they can replicate it at the beauty parlor)
So, all reports are that Leo and Ellie were the best behaved pair during the photo sessions, the best listeners (especially Leo!) and that Leo was hugging and kissing on Ellie the whole time, melting hearts across the tri-state area. I so love it when the words “Leo” and “best behaved” appear in the same sentence.
Lastly, and completely unrelated to any of this, Leo starts Taekwondo next week. I can't wait.
But you know how kids are. There’s your kid and there’s the school version. Ellie’s school version sits calmly and quietly in her high chair while at home she kneels at the kitchen table and picks at her food, turns around and says "Hi Walter!" (our new goldfish) about a dozen times and drops her bottle about seventeen times.
So there was talk of her “good eating,” and how well she does with her utensils (the best in the class, according to Ms. M.)
And then, a little voice:
“Bye Mommy.”
And then a sheepish little grin.
I think someone was trying to tell me something. Yea yea Mommy, don’t you have to go to work or something? Don’t you know this is my time?
Can you beat that?
In other news, the daycare had school pictures this week. Leo’s preschool was on spring break so he's been at daycare full-time and was able to be photographed with Ellie for the “sibling portraits.” I’m curious to see how these turn out since Leo’s pictures from preschool were taken at the height of Leo’s "Bubba" (aka the accidentally very shaved head) look.
I know, I know, these school “portraits” rarely turn out well but I am a sucker for them—if they’re bad they are campy and if they’re good, well so be it. Also, my mom never wanted to get them and I think I am making up for it now-my kids will have every school year formally documented, dammit!
Anyway, Leo is now sporting a bit of a hipster ‘do (with product, of course) and I am loving it. I'm his mommy, so I can say this unapologetically: Leo has always had gorgeous hair. (Seriously when he was a baby and it was more strawberry blonde I had women stop me on the street and jokingly ask what number dye he uses so they can replicate it at the beauty parlor)
So, all reports are that Leo and Ellie were the best behaved pair during the photo sessions, the best listeners (especially Leo!) and that Leo was hugging and kissing on Ellie the whole time, melting hearts across the tri-state area. I so love it when the words “Leo” and “best behaved” appear in the same sentence.
Lastly, and completely unrelated to any of this, Leo starts Taekwondo next week. I can't wait.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Counting, I Love Yous, 'Late Night' Costco Runs and Chocolate
OK, I am finally coming up for some air.
A few things to share from the weekend:
-Yesterday morning as I was peering into the abyss otherwise known as the refrigerator I heard a small Ellie voice “one, doo, wee…” and turned to see her pointing at figures on a box of Clifford Crunch Cereal. The words probably weren’t that perfect (or that much like the actual numbers) but it was clear. She was definitely counting.
-We’ve been working on the sign for “I love you” with Leo for months.
He’s now doing it spontaneously. The other day he was calling to me with his usual, insistent urgency (Dee-Dee! Dee!). I was distracted and driving, and just a little frazzled. Finally I looked to see what all the fuss was about (and I'm sure called What is it Leo? in a not very sweet tone) and saw him in the rear view mirror, modeling a perfect “I love you” sign. Guilty mom moment for sure.
Speaking of the car, when they’re not aggravating the you-know-what out of each other in said car, Leo and Ellie are doing this.
Would you believe me if I said it was not initiated by anyone but them?
I leave you with this little bit of info. Friday night in a moment of desperation I took the kids to Costco (I think Ellie had four diapers left at home and she’d been “borrowing” from one of her classmates--sorry daycare classmate’s parents). Did I mention this was at night? After a long day of preschool and daycare and work? That means it’s about 6:30. The kids, well, Ellie mostly, begin their meteoric plummet to meltdownness right around that time, so taking them to the store, especially a full on sensory experience like Costco, well let’s just say it puts fear in my heart. Also I am very routine oriented (am I five?). Seriously, I like to do the same things the same way. During the week, a normal evening is pick-up, home, Dora or Diego for Leo while I make dinner and Ellie runs around whining "uppy." And then it's dinner, bath, bed. Deviation from that glorious path can make me a little sweaty and not in a good way.
But the kids did great. Leo now refuses to ride in the seat next to Ellie (our Costco cars have the double seats) but it was fine. This refusal to sit in the old "kid part" of the cart happened last time and at first I FREAKED, thinking he would do what he had done when he was younger: tried to crawl out, throw items from the cart. But no. He sat calmly and contentedly. Lesson learned there: give Leo a chance to surprise me, to realize he can mature. So back to Friday night, when he again sat sweetly in the cart, supervising where I put things. I swear he says “No, here!” (as in, don’t put the seltzer there, put it here) with the diction of the Queen of England.
We left Costco, a chill in the air, the sun beginning to set a bright, startling orangey-pink over the big box stores of Northern New Jersey. It was quite stunning, and I felt a little shiver of pride for how well we all did at big scary Costco After School.
Ellie started whining as we set off for home and I reached into the bag of Easter Crap from the daycare and presented her with an Easter basket. It looked to be a couple of plastic eggs and some stickers, nothing serious.
I guess I overlooked something.
By the way, in case there was any question, Ellie likes chocolate.
A few things to share from the weekend:
-Yesterday morning as I was peering into the abyss otherwise known as the refrigerator I heard a small Ellie voice “one, doo, wee…” and turned to see her pointing at figures on a box of Clifford Crunch Cereal. The words probably weren’t that perfect (or that much like the actual numbers) but it was clear. She was definitely counting.
-We’ve been working on the sign for “I love you” with Leo for months.
He’s now doing it spontaneously. The other day he was calling to me with his usual, insistent urgency (Dee-Dee! Dee!). I was distracted and driving, and just a little frazzled. Finally I looked to see what all the fuss was about (and I'm sure called What is it Leo? in a not very sweet tone) and saw him in the rear view mirror, modeling a perfect “I love you” sign. Guilty mom moment for sure.
Speaking of the car, when they’re not aggravating the you-know-what out of each other in said car, Leo and Ellie are doing this.
Would you believe me if I said it was not initiated by anyone but them?
I leave you with this little bit of info. Friday night in a moment of desperation I took the kids to Costco (I think Ellie had four diapers left at home and she’d been “borrowing” from one of her classmates--sorry daycare classmate’s parents). Did I mention this was at night? After a long day of preschool and daycare and work? That means it’s about 6:30. The kids, well, Ellie mostly, begin their meteoric plummet to meltdownness right around that time, so taking them to the store, especially a full on sensory experience like Costco, well let’s just say it puts fear in my heart. Also I am very routine oriented (am I five?). Seriously, I like to do the same things the same way. During the week, a normal evening is pick-up, home, Dora or Diego for Leo while I make dinner and Ellie runs around whining "uppy." And then it's dinner, bath, bed. Deviation from that glorious path can make me a little sweaty and not in a good way.
But the kids did great. Leo now refuses to ride in the seat next to Ellie (our Costco cars have the double seats) but it was fine. This refusal to sit in the old "kid part" of the cart happened last time and at first I FREAKED, thinking he would do what he had done when he was younger: tried to crawl out, throw items from the cart. But no. He sat calmly and contentedly. Lesson learned there: give Leo a chance to surprise me, to realize he can mature. So back to Friday night, when he again sat sweetly in the cart, supervising where I put things. I swear he says “No, here!” (as in, don’t put the seltzer there, put it here) with the diction of the Queen of England.
We left Costco, a chill in the air, the sun beginning to set a bright, startling orangey-pink over the big box stores of Northern New Jersey. It was quite stunning, and I felt a little shiver of pride for how well we all did at big scary Costco After School.
Ellie started whining as we set off for home and I reached into the bag of Easter Crap from the daycare and presented her with an Easter basket. It looked to be a couple of plastic eggs and some stickers, nothing serious.
I guess I overlooked something.
By the way, in case there was any question, Ellie likes chocolate.
Easter/Passover Finery and Stuffed Animal Massacring
I am slammin' busy right now but wanting to post these real quick. I didn't want anyone to think we'd been trampled by the Easter bunny or overcome by too much matzoh ball soup.
Here we are on our way to brunch Sunday morning. Everyone wanted to know if we had just come from church. Um, yea! Sure! (We went to synagogue on Saturday, does that count?)
Notice Dot the Dog. She is everywhere Leo is.
As everyone knows, our families live far, far away. My family doesn't do anything on Easter (obviously) but Erin's does. And I had a few moments of real sadness to think that the only people that got to admire our darling children in their Easter finery were at the local restaurant. It sure would be nice to be closer to the fam. But I digress.
Sunday was a great day. Gorgeous weather, good food, happy kids. What more can I ask for?
Monday I took off from work and successfully vacated about 20 stuffed animals (yea!) and approximately ten bags of miscellaneous junk from our basement (much of it toys! Yea!) for a local charity. It was a good day.
I am alive. Tired but alive. More soon.
Here we are on our way to brunch Sunday morning. Everyone wanted to know if we had just come from church. Um, yea! Sure! (We went to synagogue on Saturday, does that count?)
Notice Dot the Dog. She is everywhere Leo is.
As everyone knows, our families live far, far away. My family doesn't do anything on Easter (obviously) but Erin's does. And I had a few moments of real sadness to think that the only people that got to admire our darling children in their Easter finery were at the local restaurant. It sure would be nice to be closer to the fam. But I digress.
Sunday was a great day. Gorgeous weather, good food, happy kids. What more can I ask for?
Monday I took off from work and successfully vacated about 20 stuffed animals (yea!) and approximately ten bags of miscellaneous junk from our basement (much of it toys! Yea!) for a local charity. It was a good day.
I am alive. Tired but alive. More soon.
Friday, April 10, 2009
I Swore I Wouldn’t Go Here But…
I swore I wouldn’t get all potty training on you guys (so boring! Unless you’re doing it!) but I need some help. Ellie is showing a real interest in the potty again. She did this a few months ago but it didn’t go anywhere and I didn’t try too hard. But she suddenly hates wearing a diaper, putting it on her you’d swear I doused it in sulfuric acid or something. She’s ok once I get it on her but she loves not wearing it. Last night after dinner she was tugging at her diaper and I asked her if she had to go potty (well in our house it’s called a “Boppy”-Ellie’s word for it-don’t ask me). A few minutes later I heard Ellie saying “Uh oh, uh oh.” Upon inspection I saw that she had pooped ON the potty (the Fisher Price potty with the lid), that is, on the lid. By the way, why is there a lid on that potty? Really?
All this comes down to my question: I’ve heard from a few people to skip the Pull-ups altogether and go right to thick undies with a plastic cover over them. It’s said that they can’t feel when they’ve “gone” in the Pull-ups. I just don’t know. She seems so little but she also seems interested. I don’t want to miss a window if it’s there but I also don’t want to force it. I’ve also heard to potty train you’re supposed to like, stop your life for a weekend and not go anywhere and just potty potty potty.
Enough on that scintillating topic. I am boring even myself. But I’d love to hear any wisdom if you have some. And while I’m talking potty, I’m excited to report that Leo has started standing up to pee! A big day for our little man. As I type this I cringe to think of the time that he finds out I told the whole world about this day. I’m apologizing to your right now Leo, but I am so proud of you.
All this comes down to my question: I’ve heard from a few people to skip the Pull-ups altogether and go right to thick undies with a plastic cover over them. It’s said that they can’t feel when they’ve “gone” in the Pull-ups. I just don’t know. She seems so little but she also seems interested. I don’t want to miss a window if it’s there but I also don’t want to force it. I’ve also heard to potty train you’re supposed to like, stop your life for a weekend and not go anywhere and just potty potty potty.
Enough on that scintillating topic. I am boring even myself. But I’d love to hear any wisdom if you have some. And while I’m talking potty, I’m excited to report that Leo has started standing up to pee! A big day for our little man. As I type this I cringe to think of the time that he finds out I told the whole world about this day. I’m apologizing to your right now Leo, but I am so proud of you.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Be Gone With It
Thanks to everyone for the great comments on toy organization. I have a day off on Monday and a nice chunk of time set aside for some serious crap (toy and other things) editing. The donation pick-up is booked with a local charity and I am looking forward to streamlining things a bit. I particularly loved Cate’s suggestion to chuck stuffed animals and things that make noise. Seriously, what is up with stuffed animals? Where do they all come from and do they reproduce? I say, keep the ones that are really loved, you know like, for example this one:
Leo, pictured with Beloved dog Spot (excuse the dirty face, why do I also hold the photo sessions right after dinner?), dressed in Easter finery (yes those are tap shoes, just sent from Grandma Jerry, I think that’s a hint that Ellie is supposed to take dance classes).
And all the rest of you stuffed animals? Be gone with you! (I confess, I do tend to anthrapamorphize stuffed animals and lots of other non human things so parting is a little stressful.) They make me think of that heart breaking book The Velveteen Rabbit and I have to sort of shut down as I shove them all into a black trash bag. But getting rid of those retched battery operated toys-the Barney song book and the evil keyboard that I swear is possessed or haunted…such satisfaction I cannot tell you. I actually did a quick sweep of the playroom the other night and it already looks better. I toyed with holding a garage sale (I even involved Facebook on this one, goodness am I even capable of making an independent decision anymore?) but there’s just no time. And it’s not like the Brooklyn days when we actually had foot traffic. Our neighbors had a sale last weekend and granted their stuff was outrageously overpriced but I swear they hardly sold anything.
I actually filled one bag of crap from the playroom already, doing a quick sweep on Tuesday night. Speaking of the playroom, this is what I found when I went downstairs to check on Leo early yesterday morning (he likes to play down there when he wakes up early).
Nice tutu, don’t you think?
Leo, pictured with Beloved dog Spot (excuse the dirty face, why do I also hold the photo sessions right after dinner?), dressed in Easter finery (yes those are tap shoes, just sent from Grandma Jerry, I think that’s a hint that Ellie is supposed to take dance classes).
And all the rest of you stuffed animals? Be gone with you! (I confess, I do tend to anthrapamorphize stuffed animals and lots of other non human things so parting is a little stressful.) They make me think of that heart breaking book The Velveteen Rabbit and I have to sort of shut down as I shove them all into a black trash bag. But getting rid of those retched battery operated toys-the Barney song book and the evil keyboard that I swear is possessed or haunted…such satisfaction I cannot tell you. I actually did a quick sweep of the playroom the other night and it already looks better. I toyed with holding a garage sale (I even involved Facebook on this one, goodness am I even capable of making an independent decision anymore?) but there’s just no time. And it’s not like the Brooklyn days when we actually had foot traffic. Our neighbors had a sale last weekend and granted their stuff was outrageously overpriced but I swear they hardly sold anything.
I actually filled one bag of crap from the playroom already, doing a quick sweep on Tuesday night. Speaking of the playroom, this is what I found when I went downstairs to check on Leo early yesterday morning (he likes to play down there when he wakes up early).
Nice tutu, don’t you think?
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Acceptance
"Understanding that we couldn’t change him had changed us."
-Annie Lubliner Lehmann
This is from a touching piece in today's New York Times by a mother on coming to terms with her son's autism.
Click here to read it.
-Annie Lubliner Lehmann
This is from a touching piece in today's New York Times by a mother on coming to terms with her son's autism.
Click here to read it.
Stuff and Fears
Hey look! It’s our new playroom!
Oh, I kid. I only wish. I don’t know about you but we have
I know what you’re thinking, cue the violins, we are tugging at your heartstrings, aren’t we.
I went ahead and lost my mind, I mean to say, I bought the lot of Little People off Craiglist over the weekend. I also broke my rule which is one in, one out (bring one new toy in, put one toy away). This works well with clothes but since I stopped buying clothes I no longer have a problem with too many clothes. In fact I seem to lose at least one shirt a week to Little Miss Dirty Hands who likes to eat dinner while sitting on my nap and also staining me all over as she does this.
Oh and coincidentally that book Too Many Toys is one of the favorites in our house.
I tend to just put everything in the basement playroom (we have a few select, favorite toys upstairs in the living room where we spend the majority of time during the week): the Little People Barn and House, some cars and stuffed animals and of TONS OF BOOKS.
I know that kids don’t need so many toys, so much stuff. I doubt they even play with half of it. When I was a kid I only dreamed of a playroom. When we’re down in the playroom, half the time they just want me to read to them. But I want them to have more organized playtime. Less throwing and rifling and more actual play. There is just too much stuff.
Meanwhile I am now dreaming of Ikea containers and a day of blissful organization that will never come since I am unable to see any project through from beginning to end. All the while, I am trying to reconcile the fact that my house with children will never be organized. I need to be OK with this. I need to enjoy the time I have with them rather than cursing the chaos. And I know that this is not really about toys. I certainly can’t control these busy, messy little people that are now residents in my house, the same ones that listen to me maybe 10-20 percent of the time. But I can do my best to control their stuff, right? Oh sure.
If anyone has any wise toy organization wisdom they'd like to share. I would love to hear it. Really, really.
**********************************************************************************
In Leo news, we had a first last night. Leo was afraid and didn’t want to go to sleep. Filed right next to Your Kid Was Hurt And You Don’t Know What Happened has to be Your Kid Is Afraid But You Don’t Know Of What.
After a lot of questioning, Erin finally surmised that it was the dreaded smoke alarm. Leo is terrified of the smoke alarm that has gone off several times in the kitchen. There’s been one in his room since we moved in over two years ago but it seems that he noticed it last night for the first time. And last night he was inconsolable. He kept pointing to it and crying. No amount of hugs or cups of water would soothe him. We’ve had a couple of slip-ups of laying down to fall asleep with him and not wanting to go down that road again, I stood firm and let him whimper (after many, many hugs and lots of reassurance). And then an hour later #1 Mom couldn’t open the door to his room because he had fallen asleep in front of it, curled up in a little ball.
Poor guy.
Oh, I kid. I only wish. I don’t know about you but we have
I know what you’re thinking, cue the violins, we are tugging at your heartstrings, aren’t we.
I went ahead and lost my mind, I mean to say, I bought the lot of Little People off Craiglist over the weekend. I also broke my rule which is one in, one out (bring one new toy in, put one toy away). This works well with clothes but since I stopped buying clothes I no longer have a problem with too many clothes. In fact I seem to lose at least one shirt a week to Little Miss Dirty Hands who likes to eat dinner while sitting on my nap and also staining me all over as she does this.
Oh and coincidentally that book Too Many Toys is one of the favorites in our house.
I tend to just put everything in the basement playroom (we have a few select, favorite toys upstairs in the living room where we spend the majority of time during the week): the Little People Barn and House, some cars and stuffed animals and of TONS OF BOOKS.
I know that kids don’t need so many toys, so much stuff. I doubt they even play with half of it. When I was a kid I only dreamed of a playroom. When we’re down in the playroom, half the time they just want me to read to them. But I want them to have more organized playtime. Less throwing and rifling and more actual play. There is just too much stuff.
Meanwhile I am now dreaming of Ikea containers and a day of blissful organization that will never come since I am unable to see any project through from beginning to end. All the while, I am trying to reconcile the fact that my house with children will never be organized. I need to be OK with this. I need to enjoy the time I have with them rather than cursing the chaos. And I know that this is not really about toys. I certainly can’t control these busy, messy little people that are now residents in my house, the same ones that listen to me maybe 10-20 percent of the time. But I can do my best to control their stuff, right? Oh sure.
If anyone has any wise toy organization wisdom they'd like to share. I would love to hear it. Really, really.
**********************************************************************************
In Leo news, we had a first last night. Leo was afraid and didn’t want to go to sleep. Filed right next to Your Kid Was Hurt And You Don’t Know What Happened has to be Your Kid Is Afraid But You Don’t Know Of What.
After a lot of questioning, Erin finally surmised that it was the dreaded smoke alarm. Leo is terrified of the smoke alarm that has gone off several times in the kitchen. There’s been one in his room since we moved in over two years ago but it seems that he noticed it last night for the first time. And last night he was inconsolable. He kept pointing to it and crying. No amount of hugs or cups of water would soothe him. We’ve had a couple of slip-ups of laying down to fall asleep with him and not wanting to go down that road again, I stood firm and let him whimper (after many, many hugs and lots of reassurance). And then an hour later #1 Mom couldn’t open the door to his room because he had fallen asleep in front of it, curled up in a little ball.
Poor guy.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
A Year Ago Today
It’s been a whole year since I nervously clicked on “publish post” and sent my first blog entry out into the universe. It began profoundly enough (ha ha) with the wise and original words of:
‘Well I am finally doing it.’
I only wish I had done “it” sooner.
I wish I had started a blog that August afternoon in 2004, just a few weeks after Leo was born. I had just hung up the phone after speaking with a clueless person at a national Down syndrome organization who had been unable to connect me to any local families of children with Down syndrome. Did I mention this was in New York City? I lay on our bed sobbing, feeling utterly alone, convinced we were the only couple in New York who had a baby with Down syndrome.
Little did I know they were every where. And there were moms out there leading lives not that unlike mine. If I had known, it would have saved me a lot of heartache. It’s not that I didn’t know, I knew of course there were others, but those “others” felt abstract. When I stumbled upon the blogs of Cate and Jen and Tricia I felt like I had found myself. And then there is Amy. I discovered her later but Amy, truly, where do I begin?
These were people that were searching and wondering and thinking and hoping and laughing and cursing, just like me. They too were trying to wrap their heads around this whole Down syndrome thing. I drank their blogs up. In fact I read Cate’s from beginning to end in one day while I was on my pumping breaks at work. I laughed a lot and I also bawled.
Without getting too weepy or maudlin here, I will simply say that starting this blog has been one of the best things I have ever done, hands down. And finding you all is right there with it. I can’t tell you how much it means to spout off one of my rants and to find your incredible advice, your humor (always especially appreciated), your wisdom, your doses of reality and your perspective.
I’m not going to wallow in regret with how I wish I had started a blog sooner (but I do!), instead I will just emphasize how glad I am to be here. Now. With you all. I thank you for putting up with me and listening and sharing your lives with me. I thank you for telling me my children are cute and that everything I’m feeling on a given day is normal. I thank you for encouraging me to be patient and strong, and perhaps most of all, for never forgetting to remind me that wine is good.
I get an almost unspeakable feeling of glee when I see that someone has left a comment, so if you've never commented before, feel free to say hi now, and if you're a regular commenter I'd love to hear from you too.
‘Well I am finally doing it.’
I only wish I had done “it” sooner.
I wish I had started a blog that August afternoon in 2004, just a few weeks after Leo was born. I had just hung up the phone after speaking with a clueless person at a national Down syndrome organization who had been unable to connect me to any local families of children with Down syndrome. Did I mention this was in New York City? I lay on our bed sobbing, feeling utterly alone, convinced we were the only couple in New York who had a baby with Down syndrome.
Little did I know they were every where. And there were moms out there leading lives not that unlike mine. If I had known, it would have saved me a lot of heartache. It’s not that I didn’t know, I knew of course there were others, but those “others” felt abstract. When I stumbled upon the blogs of Cate and Jen and Tricia I felt like I had found myself. And then there is Amy. I discovered her later but Amy, truly, where do I begin?
These were people that were searching and wondering and thinking and hoping and laughing and cursing, just like me. They too were trying to wrap their heads around this whole Down syndrome thing. I drank their blogs up. In fact I read Cate’s from beginning to end in one day while I was on my pumping breaks at work. I laughed a lot and I also bawled.
Without getting too weepy or maudlin here, I will simply say that starting this blog has been one of the best things I have ever done, hands down. And finding you all is right there with it. I can’t tell you how much it means to spout off one of my rants and to find your incredible advice, your humor (always especially appreciated), your wisdom, your doses of reality and your perspective.
I’m not going to wallow in regret with how I wish I had started a blog sooner (but I do!), instead I will just emphasize how glad I am to be here. Now. With you all. I thank you for putting up with me and listening and sharing your lives with me. I thank you for telling me my children are cute and that everything I’m feeling on a given day is normal. I thank you for encouraging me to be patient and strong, and perhaps most of all, for never forgetting to remind me that wine is good.
I get an almost unspeakable feeling of glee when I see that someone has left a comment, so if you've never commented before, feel free to say hi now, and if you're a regular commenter I'd love to hear from you too.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Reunited And It Feels So Good
I haven’t had a chance to update everyone on the riveting case of the lost Dog. Leo’s beloved stuffed dog (who we just recently finally named “Dot”) went missing a few weeks ago). It was sad. Leo loved that thing. He would tuck it under his arm and carry it around, he often slept with it, he liked to try and feed it (I can't tell you how many times I had to throw it in the washing machine after having its nose covered in ketchup). After it went missing, every hour or so Leo would pathetically call out “Dog?” He helped me look for it. We scoured the playroom, opened every drawer in the house (Leo likes to hide things), I turned over couch cushions. Nothing.
And so I figured I would buy Leo a new one (I have no idea where this dog originally came from, in fact I think he swiped it from daycare). I scanned Google images for what felt like hours, trying different combinations, “spotted black dog Gund” (I thought it was made by Gund, turns out it was Ty) and “black and white dalmation stuffed dog.” I don’t recall what combination finally worked but what a thrill when the entire page of Google images brought up this smiling face:
I have to say, I just love the Internet. I mean, really. To think that on Tuesday morning I was on the phone with a sweet little old lady who owns a gift shop in Arlington Texas, who vowed to ship my order that same day when I told her my tale of woe, of my little boy and his lost, beloved Dog. And by Thursday afternoon, there was this:
Don’t mind me as I tell Leo some hair brained story about how Dog had to take a trip (sometimes when I talk to the kids stuff just comes out of my mouth and I don’t know where it came from).
I think he’s fine with this Dog, don't you?
And so I figured I would buy Leo a new one (I have no idea where this dog originally came from, in fact I think he swiped it from daycare). I scanned Google images for what felt like hours, trying different combinations, “spotted black dog Gund” (I thought it was made by Gund, turns out it was Ty) and “black and white dalmation stuffed dog.” I don’t recall what combination finally worked but what a thrill when the entire page of Google images brought up this smiling face:
I have to say, I just love the Internet. I mean, really. To think that on Tuesday morning I was on the phone with a sweet little old lady who owns a gift shop in Arlington Texas, who vowed to ship my order that same day when I told her my tale of woe, of my little boy and his lost, beloved Dog. And by Thursday afternoon, there was this:
Don’t mind me as I tell Leo some hair brained story about how Dog had to take a trip (sometimes when I talk to the kids stuff just comes out of my mouth and I don’t know where it came from).
I think he’s fine with this Dog, don't you?
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Have I Officially Lost it? And Also: "Move!"
A few things to share very quickly because it's been one of those days.
I have a small obsession (I guess trying to relive my early youth) with acquiring vintage (circa 1970s-scary that's considered vintage-hey, I'm vintage!) Fisher Price Little People items. I loved these as a child and spent hours playing with my castle, house, school, hospital, carousel...I could go on.
I still remember the day we saw the Little People castle at a garage sale. I think my dad burned rubber slamming the breaks and turning the car around to gather our booty. I must have stayed up all night playing with my new castle.
My mom held onto my Little People Stuff for a long time, it became a sort of joke after a while that we were saving them for my kids (this was when I was in my early twenties and kids seemed well, funny or at the very least, completely abstract, at the time). Eventually my mom moved in with my stepdad and with my permission, the Little People Stuff found a new home.
And I will always regret it.
I want Leo and Ellie to have this.
And this.
Because I'm sorry, but they just don't make them like they used to. I give you:
I mean, come on. How can you compare those, with these? These are just in a class by themselves.
And so in my quiet moments I sometimes surf eBay, mocking the prices (who would spend $50 for a house!) and kicking myself. Then I found all this for sale on Craiglist. All this, for $75. And it's local, so no shipping. It's not vintage, but it's a nice, diverse selection.
But we have been in Operation Spend No Money and we are doing really well with this actually. And so I wonder, is it worth it? Is it too much? I know the kids love the Little People they have. Or am I just going to be annoyed at myself for not getting what I really wanted in the first place? (which will cost a lot more than $75 by the way--what they are asking for the whole lot, pictured above). Leo has this funny obsession with Santa Claus. I think he would really dig the Little People Santa.
********************************************************************
In other news, Ellie has taken to yelling at me to "Move!" when we are stopped at red lights. Sometimes for emphasis she will throw in "Mommy!" So it becomes "Mommy, move!" Seriously, she is 21 months and she's ordering me around. When did this happen? I know, I know, this is just the beginning.
Speaking of cars, Leo has a fabulous new skill. He has taken to climbing into his own carseat. I'm waiting for it, but so far he hasn't tried to squirm into the back of the minivan enroute to the carseat. He seems to take great pride in this new skill and it is saving my sad back, which I love. Also, he likes to help with the buckle. Once he's all strapped in, he claps for himself and Ellie cheers for him too.
I'm laughing at myself as I reread this post. Yeah, I totally want the vintage Little People for Leo and Ellie. They are not for me at all.
I have a small obsession (I guess trying to relive my early youth) with acquiring vintage (circa 1970s-scary that's considered vintage-hey, I'm vintage!) Fisher Price Little People items. I loved these as a child and spent hours playing with my castle, house, school, hospital, carousel...I could go on.
I still remember the day we saw the Little People castle at a garage sale. I think my dad burned rubber slamming the breaks and turning the car around to gather our booty. I must have stayed up all night playing with my new castle.
My mom held onto my Little People Stuff for a long time, it became a sort of joke after a while that we were saving them for my kids (this was when I was in my early twenties and kids seemed well, funny or at the very least, completely abstract, at the time). Eventually my mom moved in with my stepdad and with my permission, the Little People Stuff found a new home.
And I will always regret it.
I want Leo and Ellie to have this.
And this.
Because I'm sorry, but they just don't make them like they used to. I give you:
I mean, come on. How can you compare those, with these? These are just in a class by themselves.
And so in my quiet moments I sometimes surf eBay, mocking the prices (who would spend $50 for a house!) and kicking myself. Then I found all this for sale on Craiglist. All this, for $75. And it's local, so no shipping. It's not vintage, but it's a nice, diverse selection.
But we have been in Operation Spend No Money and we are doing really well with this actually. And so I wonder, is it worth it? Is it too much? I know the kids love the Little People they have. Or am I just going to be annoyed at myself for not getting what I really wanted in the first place? (which will cost a lot more than $75 by the way--what they are asking for the whole lot, pictured above). Leo has this funny obsession with Santa Claus. I think he would really dig the Little People Santa.
********************************************************************
In other news, Ellie has taken to yelling at me to "Move!" when we are stopped at red lights. Sometimes for emphasis she will throw in "Mommy!" So it becomes "Mommy, move!" Seriously, she is 21 months and she's ordering me around. When did this happen? I know, I know, this is just the beginning.
Speaking of cars, Leo has a fabulous new skill. He has taken to climbing into his own carseat. I'm waiting for it, but so far he hasn't tried to squirm into the back of the minivan enroute to the carseat. He seems to take great pride in this new skill and it is saving my sad back, which I love. Also, he likes to help with the buckle. Once he's all strapped in, he claps for himself and Ellie cheers for him too.
I'm laughing at myself as I reread this post. Yeah, I totally want the vintage Little People for Leo and Ellie. They are not for me at all.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Photo Evidence
Sorry if this is too graphic for the squeamish but I wanted to post a picture of Leo's mystery abrasion. Amy made a good point. Our kids' skin is so sensitive, it's possible that it was a minor little scrape that just flared into something a bit more dramatic. And she's right about another thing, I find Leo's wounds (whatever they might be) often take a l-o-n-g time to heal.
Onto happier photos, namely, cute kid art.
Get it? March comes in like a lion...
and out like a Lamb.
Leo made this (not sure how much of it he actually made but I still think it's sweet). It's a mask, with the lion on one side and the lamb on the other. I imagine he put the cotton balls on and also painted.
Oh and happy April. No foolin'. (Seriously though, how did it get to be April?)
And to continue the non sequitur photo series...
There was an unexplained request to take a shirt off during dinner last night.
They don't call her Ellie Belly for nothing!
Onto happier photos, namely, cute kid art.
Get it? March comes in like a lion...
and out like a Lamb.
Leo made this (not sure how much of it he actually made but I still think it's sweet). It's a mask, with the lion on one side and the lamb on the other. I imagine he put the cotton balls on and also painted.
Oh and happy April. No foolin'. (Seriously though, how did it get to be April?)
And to continue the non sequitur photo series...
There was an unexplained request to take a shirt off during dinner last night.
They don't call her Ellie Belly for nothing!
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