Riding Low and High

One thing I (usually) love about Caroline is that once she decides to do something, she puts her entire self into it.  100% commitment.  100% focus.  100% energy.  >100% intensity. She can be quite a force, when she chooses to be.  Trust me.

So yesterday after dinner, Caroline finally realized that almost every single piece of Memorial Parade candy she had collected had food dye in it, and she would not be able to eat it.  And, she was upset.  Really upset. In fact she was crying so hard and so loudly with her head tilted back so far that I don't think it could be called crying anymore.  It was keening, a full-bodied lament for lost candy.  Although I did have some sympathy for her, I certainly did not have sufficient patience to handle the volume or level of sadness that the 17 pieces of stale sugar had caused. 

However, in my most recent attempt to yell less, I looked into my parenting playbook and called the oldest trick in the book:  Redirection.  I picked Caroline up, carried her like a little child and said, let's go outside and look at the pretty flowers. She actually went along with this approach since she had exhausted herself.  We looked at all the pretty flowers, and talked about the flower names and the colors.  She calmed herself down.  And, THEN, I had my best parenting idea ever.  I told Caroline we were going to go practice riding her two-wheeler, just her and me.  Her face immediately brightened and we took her bike up to the little dead-end street near our house. 

After doing the whole run/walk hunched over beside her holding the handle bars and seat, she seemed to be getting more stable.  I (mercifully) switched to a more upright stance holding just the seat.  "Are you still holding on, Mom?" she kept asking.  "Yes, of course I am!" I answered.

Then after just one or two more passes, I wasn't holding on anymore.  She took off giggling down the street all alone.   

Since all she still needed with was getting started (one-two-three PUSH), we ran back home to get the rest of the family to show off her new skill.  We waited and waited "forever" (actual time, 2 minutes), for everyone to arrive, but Caroline didn't want to wait for Dad anymore, so she kicked off all by herself and zipped off.

And, that's how Caroline learned how to ride a two-wheeler in all of 15 minutes.  In flip-flips and a yellow skirt, naturally.

Oh, and 5 minutes later, Abby taught her how to corner on rails.

Maybe it won't be such a bad summer after all.

Bridging

On Thursday, Abby "bridged" from Daisy Girl Scouts to Brownie Girl Scouts and received her new brownie uniform.  She was pretty excited about the whole experience (and also about the brownies at the reception), which made me happy since I was in charge of organizing and running the event for two Daisy troops. I wanted the ceremony to be short and fun, but still a little meaningful. Not to dwell too much on the brownies at the reception, but they were some seriously good brownies.  One of the other moms made them -- you take a box of brownie mix and cook it following the directions on the box for half of the time.  Then, pull the pan out of the oven, crumble 6 graham crackers, 1.5 cups of mini marshmallows, and some Hershey bars onto the top of the brownies, and pop them back into the oven for 15 minutes.  Holy Moley.  Smores on top of brownies.  Definitely something worth remembering.  As was the ceremony, of course, I hope.  Grandma and Pops graciously babysat Ben and Caroline so I didn't have any extra helpers at the Bridging Event or Awards Ceremony afterwards.

I find that volunteering always seems like a good idea until the actual week of the event hits, and then all the extra errands and work send me a little too close to the edge. Running errands with Ben is just plain exasperating with all the touching and escape attempts.  Caroline and Abby are able to walk around stores with me now without needing to handle and/or request all the merchandise, but we're just not there with Ben yet.  So, what should be a five minute stop to Staples to pick up blue posterboard for a pond turns into at least 15 minutes of me saying "No".  And, why does EVERY STORE have to put candy at the checkout? Just to torture the moms?  Lollipops and chocolate at Staples?  Entire candy display and full selection of dried meat products at Kinko's?  No thanks! Just office products, please?!

A less celebrated but still noteworthy transition event this week:  our little robins fledged their nest!  Although I initially thought there was only one little robin, there were actually three babies, who had their heads peeking out of the nest all week.  It seemed like things were getting pretty tight in the nest, and sure enough, they took off yesterday.  Unfortunately, we didn't get to watch the first attempt at flying -- but I happened to catch one of the babies (see the juvenile plumage) standing on the edge of the nest.  I can't help but wonder what kind of things go through its little bird brain before it tests its wings for the first time.  Do birds get scared?  Have self doubt? Or just trust their instinct?  Based on the length of time it was standing on the edge, it seemed to me that it was thinking about something...

Getting Read to Take the Plunge

Happy Birthday to Ben!

Three years ago today we were given the precious gift of a baby boy.  Our family would not be complete without his daily antics, sound effects, and giant smiles.  As Ben emphatically stated this morning, "I'm not a baby anymore. I'm Spiderman."  We love you, buddy!

"Big" Ben

"Little" Ben

Baby Ben

Graduation Day

Caroline graduated from preschool this morning with a little bit of pomp and circumstance.  She and I made her cardboard graduation cap on Muffins with Mom day.   Although I thought I might get a bit teary during the big event, Ben's stellar behavior ensured that I did not.

Caroline's teacher took the time to say a few words about each of her 16 students.  Her characterization of Caroline was very accurate -- she loves music, learns (most) of the words to songs very, very quickly, she's a chatterbox, bright, confident, and social.  The teacher's predictions for Caroline's future:  1) Appearance on American Idol; 2) Broadway Star; or 3) Actress/Performer.  Ha!   (I should note that Caroline has been serenading her teachers all year with various rock and pop songs learned all year, most recently some songs from the TV show Glee. She's also been spending a lot of time singing/dancing in the mirrors around the house.)

Caroline and some of her classmates attended to Kindergarten orientation yesterday afternoon, which included meeting the teachers, visiting the classrooms, and riding the bus around the parking lot. Although I know that she is a bit sad about leaving this class behind, she is now very excited about Kindergarten.  Unfortunately she was under the impression that Kindergarten would be starting soon -- you can only imagine her reaction when I told her the first day of Kindergarten was over 90 days away!  That's an eternity to a 5-year old (and her mom).

Cat Rat Sat Mat Bat Pat

Today, offically, I started teaching Caroline to read.  We've been working on letter sounds for a while ("pre-reading"), and I think that she has the sounds down (usually), so now it's time for the next step.  Real words. 

I used the Hooked on Phonics program with Abby, so I'm going to try this approach with Caroline too. She's a very different style of learner than Abby, at least based on how she learned her letter sounds. So, I plan to give the phonics approach a try for a month or two, and then see where we are.  I want this to be a fun process for her and something for us to do together.  I remember it was frustrating for Abby at times, but she was very enthusiastic about the process overall.  Caroline seems similarly enthusiastic. 

Lesson 1 - the AT family.  So far, so good.  However, I have to admit that I had forgotten how much patience this process requires, both from me and also from the student.

Wish us luck!! 

Heard and Seen Around the House

It's Sunday morning and Frank Sinatra's Coffee Song is playing right now on the radio. Scott likes to listen to Sunday mornings with Sinatra, with Sid Mark on 1210AM.  After 10+ years this seems normal to me now, but clearly this program is geared for older generations and/or people with Italian heritage based on the advertising.  Current sponsors are for the program include great deals on caskets, wills, life insurance, medicare, Pica's restaurant, and Cento Fine foods.  Lest you think I exaggerate, please check out the sponsors on Sid's site (http://www.soundsofsinatra.com/). 

Have you ever heard the Coffee Song?  It's peppy and fun!  It's one of the family favorites -- and it's about coffee (one of my favorites)!  You know who really loves coffee?  Ben.  If you ever come over, keep a close eye on your mug or wonder boy will sneak over to your cup and drain it.  You think 2-year olds are active?  Try a 2-year old on a few sips of caffeine.  I learned my lesson the hard way on that one. 

In other news, it must be getting close to Emmy time at our house since the kids are making their respective cases for lead actor/actress in dramatic series.  However, it's hard to stay in the character of devoted mother when the kids tweak their expected lines into something unexpected.

Ben (pathetic, sad voice) :  "Mom, I have a cold."
Mom:  "I'm sorry to hear that buddy."
Ben (even more sad):  "Mom, I have a stuffy nose."
Ben (close to tears):  "Mom, I have tea for two."

Caroline (after rousing game of tickling):  "Let's eat breakfast now, I'm staaaarving."
Dad:  "Ok, let's head down for pancakes."
Carline (Shakespearean tone):  "Ooooh Grief!"

Without my even noticing exactly when, Abby has passed the line of childhood when you stop using words in charming and unexpected ways (sad!).  She's a master of her vocabulary nowwith more words being added all the time. 

Abby (irritated):  "Caroline, stop being so impulsive!"
Caroline (looking confused) :  "What?"
Mom:  "Abby, do you know what impulsive means?
Abby (authoritatively and accompanying eye roll):  "Yes, Mom.  Impulsive means acting without thinking first.." 
Mom (thinking wistfully):  Goodbye Abbyisms!  Sniff, sniff...

Fortunately, we still haven't passed the line on visusal surprises for all the kids.  We never really know what to expect when the kids round the corner in terms of clothes.  The combinations of strips, prints, polka dots and colors are always surprising (and at times jarring).  But, the real question is whether or not the kids will be wearing clothes or not.  Ben surprised me a few days ago with pajama pants, yellow rubber rain boots, a winter snow cap with ear flaps and no shirt.  I didn't even know Ben could take his shirt off!

Finally, guess what was at the bird feeder this morning eating suet?  BLUEBIRDS!  I didn't title the blog BLUEBIRDS so you're eyes wouldn't glaze over from too much birding news.  But, I'm absolutely thrilled at the prospect of seeing bright bluebirds in the yard this summer.  We're still a couple of years from taking the kids on long woodland hikes, so I have to enjoy my nature close to home.  I never could have hoped for bluebirds at the old house.  I think some nest boxes might be a good Easter week project.

New Shopping Buddy

This weekend Caroline is at grandma's and pop's house getting some much needed one-on-one attention and a special 5th birthday celebration. Happy Birthday Caroline!!!

Down one child for the evening, Abby (7 yrs old) wanted to have some special one-on-one time for herself with me. I offered several suggestions, but Abby was emphatic that she wanted to go to the mall to go shopping. Is this the same child that I CLEARLY remember having temper trantrums when we went shopping? I don't mean the mini-tantrums. I mean the intense long-lasting kind of tantrums that you end up carrying the horizontal screaming child out to the car while all the strangers shake their heads and make the 'tsk tsk' noises at you. Ok, in fairness to Abby, those tantrums were years ago, but still, what a transformation!

Abby is now a young lady. More often than not she's funny and hip and a little bit sassy (in a good way) and now...wants to shop! I'm a little torn by the shopping. On one hand, the green environmental scientist in me wants to teach her to conservation and a deep appreciation of natural resources. On the other hand, it's been so long since I've had a pleasurable shopping experience...

So, we went shopping (window shopping) at our local mall, which happens to be the King of Prussia Mall, the largest mall on the East Coast. For the most part, I let Abby decide where to go. She had some interesting choices and it was fun to join her. We ended up at Pottery Barn Kids (for toys), the toy store (for more toys), the kid hair cut place (for toys and a sword fight), Eddie Bauer (mom's choice), the Lego store (Legos), Claire's (head bands), Build-A-Bear (stuffed toys), and Godiva Chocolates (also my choice). Whew! I'm glad Abby was toy-focused and not ready to try on fashions. I don't want her to grow up too fast!!

At the end of the excursion, I purhased Abby one luscious piece of Godiva chocolate right from the display case. This was necessary in order to carry on the family tradition. When my mom and I went shopping, she would buy me a single piece of chocolate (unless a 3 piece minimum was required) at the end of our trips. Abby had never had "gourmet" chocolate before and I taught her to savor it appropriately. (I have since learned that Godiva chocolates have food dye in them, so I'm going to have to think about whether or not to continue this tradition in light of the whole petroleum thing. What to do??)

Overall, the shopping trip was delightful! Abby didn't whine to buy anything. We simply walked, played, and chatted uninterrupted for hours and got a little exercise to boot.

I think I have found a new shopping buddy!!

Construction and Robots

This weekend we built a new twin-sized bed for our middle daughter Caroline, who had been sleeping in a toddler-sized bed. I must admit, we (mostly me) spent an inordinate amount of time trying to find just the right bed and dresser combination. I always feel a little bad for Caroline who has hand-me-down everything. Even though this is completely a normal thing for a younger sibling, I thought this is the chance to find her something special that is just for her. I spent hours and hours looking at beds online, in catalogs, at stores, etc. etc., to find just the right furniture for her.

It turns out that furniture is surprisingly expensive, especially children's furniture, and a lot of it is kind of ugly. I wanted something with clean timeless lines, but still on the feminine side. I also wanted the furniture to not be too "kidsy" so I don't feel the need to replace it when she gets older. Although I almost bought some "real" (i.e., solid wood) furniture from a Young America dealer, I decided to go with the IKEA Hemnes line: a white daybed, double dresser, and dressing table.

After agonizing over the furniture decision, after all the shopping, and after the much-anticipated construction, I really thought Caroline would be excited about the new furniture. At the big unveiling Caroline was hysterical because Abby might touch her Polly Pockets, and "could I please get Ben out of my room". I wasn't expecting to be showered with thanks, but a little smile would have been nice. Oh well. Clearly after 7 years of parenting, my expectations are still too high. Back to teaching gratitude....

Although I still need to assemble the the dressing table, the bed and dresser are already in use. I may still replace the black stone knobs that come with the kit with some pink faux-crystal knobs to make it a little more "girly", but I liked how everything turned out and I really enjoyed the price.

As an aside, I must admit that love assembling IKEA furniture. There is something very satisfying about building things, even from a kit with pre-drilled holes. It was an extra challenging project since we got so much "help" sorting and re-arranging all the hardware from our kids.

Ben, our baby (at 2 1/2) happily received Caroline's toddler bed, and he was ecstatic about the some new robot-themed bedding. He was emphatic that he no longer wanted to sleep in the crib.
So, on Saturday night Ben slept in the "big boy robot bed" and the crib has been cast aside, just another piece of baby paraphernalia that we no longer need. I thought I would get a little teary about the idea of no longer having a baby, but that did not happen. I am happy to have an adorable little boy and not a baby. I like that he can talk to me and laugh with me and tell horrible knock-knock jokes. I love that he calls me a "sweetie pie" and "his favorite, favorite mommy in the whole wide world". I do not miss nighttime feedings and baby spoons and spit-up. I really like toddler-sized Ben.

(I am not ready to give up footed sleeper and sippy cups yet or board books and Little People toys, but perhaps the next milestone will be the end of diapers? Dare I hope?)