For St. Patrick's Day, we held our traditional party. Liam helped daddy make the Soda Bread this year. Daddy made a new delicious kind with onions in it. On Sunday, 30 of our friends arrived for the feast. We had fun eating, catching up and eating some more.
Daddy went to Liam's school on St. Patrick's Day to share his Irish culture. He first visited Liam's classroom, where he talked about Irish money and the flag, and even leprechauns. Apparently, the preschoolers are very interested in leprechauns. Ms. Mickaelski read the class as story about Liam the Leprechaun... so naturally they all wanted to know more about these creatures! Liam's class then had a green party, with grapes, broccoli, jello, cookies and pea pods on the menu.
Daddy went to help the big kids prepare their traditional Irish meal. He also taught them a little about Irish culture.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
Birthday Weekend
For Liam's third birthday party, he asked to visit the fire station in our neighborhood. I didn't know that fire stations offered tours to kids, but luckily I ran into a fire fighter while serving jury duty, and he enlightened me.
We visited the brand-new station with a handful of Liam's friends. They wouldn't have had a better time at Disneyworld! They ran around the living quarters, asked questions about the kitchen and tv room, and then crawled all over the inside of 2 fire trucks, an emergency response bus and an ambulance. They tried on boots and used the intercom that firefighters use in the fire truck. Liam's favorite bit of trivia is that the fire truck has no keys. A button is used to start the truck.
Before the fire station, we ate pizza and cake at home. Daddy made a fantastic fire engine cake. It almost looked too good to eat!
Some people would stop after the rollicking fun of a toddler party. They would do sensible things like clean up, prepare for the week ahead, do dishes. Not us.
On Sunday, we woke early and headed north to Vancouver, for the last day of the Olympic Games. The only Olympic Event remaining was the USA vs. Canada hockey game. Tickets were very expensive, and we had no interest. We drove up for the experience of being in Vancouver while all the world was watching. As a bonus, Liam got the birthday celebration of a lifetime.
So when we arrived, we took the Sky Train into the city center. (Parking cost $4 and the train $9.) For Liam, the train in itself was an event. We then strolled the Olympic sites, including the free exhibitions. We quickly learned that everyone was crowed around televisions watching the hockey game. Until the game ended, the city had almost come to a standstill, with a few exceptions.
Above the town square, people zipped across a free zipline. Free ice skating was also very popular. We tried getting skates, but had to wait for the one pair small enough to fit Liam.
While we waited, we walked down to the waterfront. Sadly, many of the sites were hard to find, closed or blocked because of the game. It didn't matter to us though. We walked and watched all the crazy hockey fans, pouring out of pubs at commercial breaks, watching tiny TVs through restaurant windows, gathering by the hundreds outside any outdoor screen. We didn't need to watch the game; when something good happened (for Canada), the streets echoed with cheers. When the US tied the game near the end, we knew what happened as well. It was at that point we all decided to become Canadians for the day.
If we let on to our American status, we might get into trouble, especially if Canada lost. Canadians seem too nice to harm anyone, but given our rather neutral position on the outcome of the hockey game, we thought cheering for Canada would at least be more fun. We also were starting to consider the party that would follow such a victory. Around 2pm, we had the sensible discussion about leaving, to get out before it all went crazy. But then we didn't. Liam really wanted to ice skate. And really, is there a better a place to learn ice skating than in Canada?
So we arrived back at the rink, just as the overtime started. The covered outdoor rink, located below the town square where thousands of fans were watching the game, remained closed until the game ended. As soon as the game ended, a mascot ice skating show would begin.
When the game ended, and Canada won in overtime, the city erupted with happy people. From that point on, all we saw were happy people cheering; wearing and waving the Canadian flag. The show continued, and Liam adored every second. The Olympic Mascots, along with high-school age ice skaters demonstrated hockey, figure skating, ice dancing, and speed skating. They also explained the culture of the Pacific Northwest with magical skating creatures like jellyfish and other sea life.
Finally, after the long wait, we had to stand in line again to get skates. In line, Liam developed admirers, who gave him a special Olympics pin when they learned it was his birthday. They also gave us ideas about what to do after skating.
Liam and Mommy skated for about 30 minutes. At first, he was totally unstable on the ice. But once he had a blue stabilizer (like a walker used by seniors) he was a little less unstable. He was still discouraged, given that his tiny ankles could hardly hold him up. But after watching others, and a little explanation from Mom, Liam learned to glide in tiny motions. I used my skates as a backstop, so he wouldn't fall. After twenty or more times around the oval, he was so tired.
Getting him off the ice was an ordeal, and he let us know how unhappy he was in typical three-year-old style. But after a few minutes, he rebounded and was ready to see more.
Hunger set in around 3PM. But by this time, it took ages to walk a mile. Cars now flooded many of the streets, all with windows rolled down, horns blaring, inching along at turtle speed.
The three of us walked to a part of town we knew pretty well. Though we would have loved to grab a nice meal, we opted for a McDonalds because lines everywhere were crazy. After a few chicken nuggets and chocolate milk, we walked over to see the Olympic flame. Then we took the train over to the LiveSite.
By the time we made it to the LiveSite, stood in line to get in and went through metal detectors, it was dark. The closing ceremony had begun and was being broadcast at the LiveSite on the biggest screen I'd ever seen. Hundreds of people sat on the lawn, under blankets, watching the closing ceremonies. Everyone we met at this stage was a Canadian, perhaps because it was the last day.
The line for the Coca Cola Pavilion was Disney-style, with several twists and turns, both inside and out. Liam had an abundance of energy at this point, and demonstrated his dancing skills to entertain the crowd. The people in line ahead of us gave Liam a red Canadian tee shirt, which he put on over his jacket. From that point on, Liam looked like, and believed he was a Canadian. Every ten minutes or so, all day, he would yell, "Go Canada!" so the tee-shirt only fueled his faux patriotism.
By this stage, our pin collection was also growing. At the Olympics, pins are given out freely at the venues and events. After the games they become valuable.
The Coca Cola Pavilion was amazing, but too noisy for Liam. We watched a short movie, and then the screen turned into a sliding door, which opened to reveal the "inside" of the huge tent. We were told that because it was the last night, everyone who got stamps would be given collector glowing Coke bottles at the end. These supposedly had a value of $50 on eBay. To get stamps, we each had to chug a 4-oz bottle of Coke from an aluminum can, chilled to the ideal temperature. This was Liam's first Coke, and he liked it of course. After the fact, we realized the caffeine gave all of us the push to get to the car at the end of the night.
After the bottle was empty, we had to get 2 stamps by completing activities. So we decided to pose for a photo with the mascot polar bear and have our photo taken with the torch. Liam wanted to hold the torch himself, but it was heavy and awkward, so we all helped. The other activities were computer games and sport simulations. We skipped those.
Then we took the empty Coke cans, now with stamps for each activity, on the bottom over to the recycle station, where you put the empty bottle in, and it shot up through tubes overhead, and into the ceiling. Thirty seconds later, a glowing bottle returned in the same fashion. It was darned cool.
We hoofed it back to the train, and then made it back to the car by 9PM. Liam walked for most of the day, and didn't get tired until after we crossed back into the US. We paid for parking, train, chicken nuggets and ice skate rental. In total, less than $30.
Here's the cliche...
Parking: $4 CAN, 2 train tickets $9 CAN, Lunch: $11 CAN.
Being in Canada on the day the hockey team won the Gold Medal: Priceless.
We visited the brand-new station with a handful of Liam's friends. They wouldn't have had a better time at Disneyworld! They ran around the living quarters, asked questions about the kitchen and tv room, and then crawled all over the inside of 2 fire trucks, an emergency response bus and an ambulance. They tried on boots and used the intercom that firefighters use in the fire truck. Liam's favorite bit of trivia is that the fire truck has no keys. A button is used to start the truck.
Before the fire station, we ate pizza and cake at home. Daddy made a fantastic fire engine cake. It almost looked too good to eat!
Some people would stop after the rollicking fun of a toddler party. They would do sensible things like clean up, prepare for the week ahead, do dishes. Not us.
On Sunday, we woke early and headed north to Vancouver, for the last day of the Olympic Games. The only Olympic Event remaining was the USA vs. Canada hockey game. Tickets were very expensive, and we had no interest. We drove up for the experience of being in Vancouver while all the world was watching. As a bonus, Liam got the birthday celebration of a lifetime.
So when we arrived, we took the Sky Train into the city center. (Parking cost $4 and the train $9.) For Liam, the train in itself was an event. We then strolled the Olympic sites, including the free exhibitions. We quickly learned that everyone was crowed around televisions watching the hockey game. Until the game ended, the city had almost come to a standstill, with a few exceptions.
Above the town square, people zipped across a free zipline. Free ice skating was also very popular. We tried getting skates, but had to wait for the one pair small enough to fit Liam.
While we waited, we walked down to the waterfront. Sadly, many of the sites were hard to find, closed or blocked because of the game. It didn't matter to us though. We walked and watched all the crazy hockey fans, pouring out of pubs at commercial breaks, watching tiny TVs through restaurant windows, gathering by the hundreds outside any outdoor screen. We didn't need to watch the game; when something good happened (for Canada), the streets echoed with cheers. When the US tied the game near the end, we knew what happened as well. It was at that point we all decided to become Canadians for the day.
If we let on to our American status, we might get into trouble, especially if Canada lost. Canadians seem too nice to harm anyone, but given our rather neutral position on the outcome of the hockey game, we thought cheering for Canada would at least be more fun. We also were starting to consider the party that would follow such a victory. Around 2pm, we had the sensible discussion about leaving, to get out before it all went crazy. But then we didn't. Liam really wanted to ice skate. And really, is there a better a place to learn ice skating than in Canada?
So we arrived back at the rink, just as the overtime started. The covered outdoor rink, located below the town square where thousands of fans were watching the game, remained closed until the game ended. As soon as the game ended, a mascot ice skating show would begin.
When the game ended, and Canada won in overtime, the city erupted with happy people. From that point on, all we saw were happy people cheering; wearing and waving the Canadian flag. The show continued, and Liam adored every second. The Olympic Mascots, along with high-school age ice skaters demonstrated hockey, figure skating, ice dancing, and speed skating. They also explained the culture of the Pacific Northwest with magical skating creatures like jellyfish and other sea life.
Finally, after the long wait, we had to stand in line again to get skates. In line, Liam developed admirers, who gave him a special Olympics pin when they learned it was his birthday. They also gave us ideas about what to do after skating.
Liam and Mommy skated for about 30 minutes. At first, he was totally unstable on the ice. But once he had a blue stabilizer (like a walker used by seniors) he was a little less unstable. He was still discouraged, given that his tiny ankles could hardly hold him up. But after watching others, and a little explanation from Mom, Liam learned to glide in tiny motions. I used my skates as a backstop, so he wouldn't fall. After twenty or more times around the oval, he was so tired.
Getting him off the ice was an ordeal, and he let us know how unhappy he was in typical three-year-old style. But after a few minutes, he rebounded and was ready to see more.
Hunger set in around 3PM. But by this time, it took ages to walk a mile. Cars now flooded many of the streets, all with windows rolled down, horns blaring, inching along at turtle speed.
The three of us walked to a part of town we knew pretty well. Though we would have loved to grab a nice meal, we opted for a McDonalds because lines everywhere were crazy. After a few chicken nuggets and chocolate milk, we walked over to see the Olympic flame. Then we took the train over to the LiveSite.
By the time we made it to the LiveSite, stood in line to get in and went through metal detectors, it was dark. The closing ceremony had begun and was being broadcast at the LiveSite on the biggest screen I'd ever seen. Hundreds of people sat on the lawn, under blankets, watching the closing ceremonies. Everyone we met at this stage was a Canadian, perhaps because it was the last day.
The line for the Coca Cola Pavilion was Disney-style, with several twists and turns, both inside and out. Liam had an abundance of energy at this point, and demonstrated his dancing skills to entertain the crowd. The people in line ahead of us gave Liam a red Canadian tee shirt, which he put on over his jacket. From that point on, Liam looked like, and believed he was a Canadian. Every ten minutes or so, all day, he would yell, "Go Canada!" so the tee-shirt only fueled his faux patriotism. By this stage, our pin collection was also growing. At the Olympics, pins are given out freely at the venues and events. After the games they become valuable.
The Coca Cola Pavilion was amazing, but too noisy for Liam. We watched a short movie, and then the screen turned into a sliding door, which opened to reveal the "inside" of the huge tent. We were told that because it was the last night, everyone who got stamps would be given collector glowing Coke bottles at the end. These supposedly had a value of $50 on eBay. To get stamps, we each had to chug a 4-oz bottle of Coke from an aluminum can, chilled to the ideal temperature. This was Liam's first Coke, and he liked it of course. After the fact, we realized the caffeine gave all of us the push to get to the car at the end of the night.
After the bottle was empty, we had to get 2 stamps by completing activities. So we decided to pose for a photo with the mascot polar bear and have our photo taken with the torch. Liam wanted to hold the torch himself, but it was heavy and awkward, so we all helped. The other activities were computer games and sport simulations. We skipped those.
Then we took the empty Coke cans, now with stamps for each activity, on the bottom over to the recycle station, where you put the empty bottle in, and it shot up through tubes overhead, and into the ceiling. Thirty seconds later, a glowing bottle returned in the same fashion. It was darned cool.
We hoofed it back to the train, and then made it back to the car by 9PM. Liam walked for most of the day, and didn't get tired until after we crossed back into the US. We paid for parking, train, chicken nuggets and ice skate rental. In total, less than $30.
Here's the cliche...
Parking: $4 CAN, 2 train tickets $9 CAN, Lunch: $11 CAN.
Being in Canada on the day the hockey team won the Gold Medal: Priceless.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Big Kid School
In early January, Liam started preschool at Spring Valley Montessori. His first day went so well that he didn't notice Mom & Dad leave, didn't want to come home at the end of the day!
After the first week, his teacher said it's like he's been there his whole life. He enjoys following the rules, which is good, because Montessori school has a few more than the average school. For example, the children in Liam's class, despite being small, do everything on their own, from preparing their snack to cleaning up when they are done.
On the Saturday after we first started at Spring Valley, Liam helped me put away his clean laundry. I offered him a choice of a reward for getting all the clothes in the right places. He could have had chocolate (his favorite treat) or a sticker. But Liam asked for a small box. We found several that were too big or too small. Finally he showed us one that was the right size. We thought he would put his growing car collection in the box, like a garage.
Instead, we found Liam sweeping the floor and using the box as a dustpan. When I asked where he learned that, he said, "we do this every day at school."
So within the first three weeks, Liam has started reading a few words. The important part is that he really wants to read. At home we just read to him. Sometimes he tries to read along, especially with books he knows well. He also knows the months and days of the week, and has picked up a love for puzzles. He could put together his 10-piece puzzle so well that he picked out two new ones. One has 24 and the other 60 pieces. He can do the 24 on his own and needs only a little help with the 60-piece.
Now you might think this is bragging. Maybe it is. I write the blog, so I get to brag. But my conclusion is that there's little in life as rewarding as seeing your child figure out something new... especially if it's challenging, and they get it independently. Watching Liam learn new things every day is terribly interesting!
As for independence, that could be Liam's middle name. He's in the stage where doing it himself is really the only workable option. Even if it's too heavy, like a gallon of milk, or too complicated, like opening a package, he does his best. The other day he suggested that he's old enough to stay home alone. He reminded me that soon he will be three, which is much older than two. He also thinks that when he's three, he can drive the car and become a dentist astronaut who sometimes makes pizza. His imagination is beautiful.
So here is a photo of Liam at school, in French class. Liam is the little guy in front wearing red and blue stripes. He's likely learning to say Janvrier 'John-vree-ay' (January) which he pronounces John Deer.
http://www.springvalley.org/events/2010_French_Program.htm
After the first week, his teacher said it's like he's been there his whole life. He enjoys following the rules, which is good, because Montessori school has a few more than the average school. For example, the children in Liam's class, despite being small, do everything on their own, from preparing their snack to cleaning up when they are done.
On the Saturday after we first started at Spring Valley, Liam helped me put away his clean laundry. I offered him a choice of a reward for getting all the clothes in the right places. He could have had chocolate (his favorite treat) or a sticker. But Liam asked for a small box. We found several that were too big or too small. Finally he showed us one that was the right size. We thought he would put his growing car collection in the box, like a garage.
Instead, we found Liam sweeping the floor and using the box as a dustpan. When I asked where he learned that, he said, "we do this every day at school."
So within the first three weeks, Liam has started reading a few words. The important part is that he really wants to read. At home we just read to him. Sometimes he tries to read along, especially with books he knows well. He also knows the months and days of the week, and has picked up a love for puzzles. He could put together his 10-piece puzzle so well that he picked out two new ones. One has 24 and the other 60 pieces. He can do the 24 on his own and needs only a little help with the 60-piece.
Now you might think this is bragging. Maybe it is. I write the blog, so I get to brag. But my conclusion is that there's little in life as rewarding as seeing your child figure out something new... especially if it's challenging, and they get it independently. Watching Liam learn new things every day is terribly interesting!
As for independence, that could be Liam's middle name. He's in the stage where doing it himself is really the only workable option. Even if it's too heavy, like a gallon of milk, or too complicated, like opening a package, he does his best. The other day he suggested that he's old enough to stay home alone. He reminded me that soon he will be three, which is much older than two. He also thinks that when he's three, he can drive the car and become a dentist astronaut who sometimes makes pizza. His imagination is beautiful.
So here is a photo of Liam at school, in French class. Liam is the little guy in front wearing red and blue stripes. He's likely learning to say Janvrier 'John-vree-ay' (January) which he pronounces John Deer.
http://www.springvalley.org/events/2010_French_Program.htm
Monday, January 11, 2010
Visiting Austin & New School
Liam and Mommy went on an adventure right after Christmas. Baby Ethan, Liam's youngest cousin, was born on Christmas Day. Liam and Ethan became good buddies in Ethan's first week of life.
Liam wanted to bring his tiny cars (Matchbox) on the plane. We put them in his little backpack, which he carried. TSA had fun trying to figure out what it was! They told Liam that he was lucky to have so many cars to play with on the plane. Typical toddler, Liam said. "I know." Before the plane took off, Liam got to sit in the pilot's seat. He 'flew' the plane using the special instruments and handles the pilots use. I swear the smile nearly broke his face in half.
In Texas, we saw a whole bunch of people. Auntie Katie looked really good for having just had a baby! We also met Aaron and Little Ronnie, and Uncle Ronnie too. One day we drove from Austin to San Antonio, and we met up with Liam's Nana. She planned a fun-filled day with trains and the zoo and a boat ride at the end. Back at her house, she gave him cookies and milk while he watched cartoons in bed. He stayed up way past his bedtime and I'm sure, felt like some sort of prince. He loved it!When we got home from Texas, Liam started big kid school. So far, he loves school.
(More photos soon).
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Christmas Cousin
Welcome to Ethan Cash Andrade... Liam's cousin, born on Christmas Day 2009. He weighed 8 pounds, 4 ounces and measured 21 inches long. In a few days Liam and Mommy will go on an adventure to Austin to meet little Ethan.
Liam's first Christmas at home was eventful. We spent a lot of time hanging out with friends -- and of course, Santa visited our house. Liam was so excited to see what was in his Christmas stocking, hung on the doorknob of his room. Then when he opened his taxi car wash and tiny car ramps, he really needed nothing else. He opened the rest of his gifts merely as a favor to us... though he was quite happy with the other gifts too.
In church, Liam was the only little child, seeing as most people go to the Christmas Eve service. When the pastor asked the congregation for characteristics of Jesus, Liam shouted out, "He a baby!" Then Liam started mooing, because there were cows in the manger. Luckily he's loved by everyone at church, so it was cute.
On Christmas, Liam weighed about 36 pounds and was about 36 inches tall. Compared to Liam, Baby Ethan is tiny.
Liam's first Christmas at home was eventful. We spent a lot of time hanging out with friends -- and of course, Santa visited our house. Liam was so excited to see what was in his Christmas stocking, hung on the doorknob of his room. Then when he opened his taxi car wash and tiny car ramps, he really needed nothing else. He opened the rest of his gifts merely as a favor to us... though he was quite happy with the other gifts too.
In church, Liam was the only little child, seeing as most people go to the Christmas Eve service. When the pastor asked the congregation for characteristics of Jesus, Liam shouted out, "He a baby!" Then Liam started mooing, because there were cows in the manger. Luckily he's loved by everyone at church, so it was cute.
On Christmas, Liam weighed about 36 pounds and was about 36 inches tall. Compared to Liam, Baby Ethan is tiny.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Pink School Bus With 5 Engines
Hello Liam,Tonight is Christmas Eve, the first one you might be able to remember. Our friends came over, and we had a nice dinner. Then we went over to church, but there were too many people, so we drove around looking at pretty lights instead. We'll go again in the morning. Right now you are so interested in the story of Baby Jesus and Mary that I wouldn't want to deprive you of your last opportunity to hear the story (until next year).
We volunteered at church for a few days in the week before Christmas. You helped pack boxes for more than 50 families in need. Together with other people from church, we wrapped presents, packed bags of groceries and then helped the families load it all into their cars. Each family received a week's worth of groceries, including a turkey or ham, three presents per person and home made Christmas cookies. They also could 'shop' in a special room full of toys and clothes, so they could give other people gifts too. We had lots of fun, and I think you saw how important it is to help others.
You learned to sing "Away in a Manger" at Sunday School (well, Granny helped you remember the words) and you sang in the Christmas Performance a few weeks ago. There were three songs, and you remembered the words to all three, but you preferred to dance (disco style) to the third Baby Jesus lullaby.
You asked Santa for a pink school bus with five engines on it. Santa emailed us a few days later to let us know that school buses aren't pink. He offered to bring you a yellow school bus, but you already have two. So you modified your request, and Santa contacted some friends of his in Hong Kong. They started working on your very special request, but Santa is worried that you won't get what you want for Christmas: A city bus that bends in the middle. You have also asked Santa for a Car Wash for your tiny cars. Lately, you have been most excited to play with this present, so perhaps Santa knows that this is would you would really like.The thing you are most excited about though, isn't Santa or Christmas. It's that you will have a new cousin very soon. You are so excited to meet the new baby.
For now, though, it's night time, and you will see your present from Santa in the morning. With any luck, you'll also get a new baby cousin for Christmas too!
Merry Christmas Little Bean!
Love,
Mommy
Friday, December 18, 2009
Getting Ready for Santa
We met Santa a few weeks ago at the Community Center. Liam sat on Santa's knee, with only a little reluctance. This was his first encounter, and it went well.
The following day, Granny & Grand Dad, Daddy & Mommy, Joya and Suri all drove to a train station near Mt. Rainier, and we took a train to see Santa's workshop. Liam knew what to expect, and he even showed Suri how to sit quietly, and he encouraged her to not be afraid.
On both occasions, Liam asked Santa for a pink school bus with five engines. Santa thought Liam said Scuba, and wasn't sure what to make of the pinkness factor. We received an email from Santa explaining to Liam that the elves don't make school buses in pink because all school buses are yellow. Liam considered this, and changed his request. Now he wants a toy "bendy bus" that he has seen in downtown Seattle... they are called articulated buses, the kind that bend to go around corners. Let's all hope that Santa and the elves can figure that one out!
Liam has also been practicing "Away in the Manger" for the preschool portion of the Christmas show. For a while he recited the song like poetry -- adding in extra sweets, because "Baby Jesus have a really sweet, sweet head." Frequently the hay is also sweet.
He sang last Sunday, in front of a packed house. He knew the words to the first two songs, and then danced in a shake-your-booty fashion to the third Baby Jesus lullaby. Of course, he's the smallest kid on stage, and hamming it up in his own little way. It's easy to see how he stole the hearts of everyone!
He's learning words to some Christmas songs -- he especially likes The First Noel. He sing/shouts "Noel, noel, noel, no-el," in a high-pitched baby wolf voice through the whole song... and every other Christmas song too. He wanted to know why we don't sing "Jingle Bells" in church, and I explained that we sing hymns in church. "Jingle Bells" is a nice song, but it's not in the hymnal.
The following day, he was singing "Jingle Bells, jingle bells, jingle bells..." and he kept asking if I had a urinal. (He used a child-size urinal at the mall that day, so I assumed the two were unrelated.) It took a while to understand that he wanted to learn the words to "Jingle Bells." If "Jingle Bells" isn't in the 'him'nal, it was in the 'her'nal.
Good grief!
Oh, that's another surprise Christmas bonus. Liam LOVES Charlie Brown Christmas. It's old, and full of sarcasm and their mouths don't match the words, but he watches it over and over. When I was little we got to see it one time a year, if we caught it on live TV. Not, thanks to DVR, Liam watches Snoopy decorate his dog house nearly every day. And he laughs every time. This is his favorite part. He tries to dance like them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUQX2B67KL4&feature=related
The following day, Granny & Grand Dad, Daddy & Mommy, Joya and Suri all drove to a train station near Mt. Rainier, and we took a train to see Santa's workshop. Liam knew what to expect, and he even showed Suri how to sit quietly, and he encouraged her to not be afraid.
On both occasions, Liam asked Santa for a pink school bus with five engines. Santa thought Liam said Scuba, and wasn't sure what to make of the pinkness factor. We received an email from Santa explaining to Liam that the elves don't make school buses in pink because all school buses are yellow. Liam considered this, and changed his request. Now he wants a toy "bendy bus" that he has seen in downtown Seattle... they are called articulated buses, the kind that bend to go around corners. Let's all hope that Santa and the elves can figure that one out!
Liam has also been practicing "Away in the Manger" for the preschool portion of the Christmas show. For a while he recited the song like poetry -- adding in extra sweets, because "Baby Jesus have a really sweet, sweet head." Frequently the hay is also sweet.
He sang last Sunday, in front of a packed house. He knew the words to the first two songs, and then danced in a shake-your-booty fashion to the third Baby Jesus lullaby. Of course, he's the smallest kid on stage, and hamming it up in his own little way. It's easy to see how he stole the hearts of everyone!
He's learning words to some Christmas songs -- he especially likes The First Noel. He sing/shouts "Noel, noel, noel, no-el," in a high-pitched baby wolf voice through the whole song... and every other Christmas song too. He wanted to know why we don't sing "Jingle Bells" in church, and I explained that we sing hymns in church. "Jingle Bells" is a nice song, but it's not in the hymnal.
The following day, he was singing "Jingle Bells, jingle bells, jingle bells..." and he kept asking if I had a urinal. (He used a child-size urinal at the mall that day, so I assumed the two were unrelated.) It took a while to understand that he wanted to learn the words to "Jingle Bells." If "Jingle Bells" isn't in the 'him'nal, it was in the 'her'nal.
Good grief!
Oh, that's another surprise Christmas bonus. Liam LOVES Charlie Brown Christmas. It's old, and full of sarcasm and their mouths don't match the words, but he watches it over and over. When I was little we got to see it one time a year, if we caught it on live TV. Not, thanks to DVR, Liam watches Snoopy decorate his dog house nearly every day. And he laughs every time. This is his favorite part. He tries to dance like them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUQX2B67KL4&feature=related
Saturday, November 14, 2009
GwannyGwandDad/Vacation
Just after Halloween, Liam's grandparents arrived from England. Liam was so tired, he fell asleep in his chair before we went to the airport to get them. Once we were at the airport, he recognized Granny & Grand dad and ran to them to say hello. He was so excited to see them both.
It only took a few days for him to get used to them being around. He learned that teatime is at 10 and 2, and toast with marmalade is nice. Liam grew especially fond of Grand dad's stories, and often told Grand dad who would be in the story. Most often it was Liam, Christopher Robin, Curious George, Spiderman, and some of Liam's friends.
It only took a few days for him to get used to them being around. He learned that teatime is at 10 and 2, and toast with marmalade is nice. Liam grew especially fond of Grand dad's stories, and often told Grand dad who would be in the story. Most often it was Liam, Christopher Robin, Curious George, Spiderman, and some of Liam's friends.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Train Table for a Big Boy!
When Liam was a bit smaller, he was promised a train table. Liam had to work very hard to earn his train table. The agreement was the Liam could have his train table when he had no more diapers and no more accidents. A boy who knows how to take a break from playing to go use the potty is old enough to take care of a very nice toy, with lots of pieces, like a train set. (Liam also considered that with all this talk about potty *training* there must be a train involved somewhere.)
So this week, realizing that Liam hasn't had an accident in several weeks, Liam asked for his train table. Last night, we went to the store and picked out the one he wanted. It had to have a crane, just like his friend Carter's set. This morning, Liam was very patient while he and Daddy put the table together, and set up the track. He's proud of himself and he loves playing with his new toy!
Tonight Liam will go out trick-or-treating dressed as a dragon. The librarian thought he looked a bit like a Wild Thing from 'Where the Wild Things Are'. He loves to roar.
Tomorrow Liam will be 2 years and 8 months old. He is three feet tall, weighs 33 pounds, and is potty trained.
So this week, realizing that Liam hasn't had an accident in several weeks, Liam asked for his train table. Last night, we went to the store and picked out the one he wanted. It had to have a crane, just like his friend Carter's set. This morning, Liam was very patient while he and Daddy put the table together, and set up the track. He's proud of himself and he loves playing with his new toy!
Tonight Liam will go out trick-or-treating dressed as a dragon. The librarian thought he looked a bit like a Wild Thing from 'Where the Wild Things Are'. He loves to roar.
Tomorrow Liam will be 2 years and 8 months old. He is three feet tall, weighs 33 pounds, and is potty trained.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
October Adventures
The pumpkin farm seems to call children to it in the crisp days of October. The weather held nicely through the early days, but we had all kinds of maladies and challenges to contend with in early October.
For starters, learned a costly but valuable lesson at the end of September. Curious Liam reached up and touched the hot stove while Mommy & Daddy weren't paying attention. He wanted to help make dinner, and of course he thinks he's big enough to figure it out now. He pushed his chair over to the stove, and the next we heard was screaming and crying. Luckily the burns to two fingers weren't terrible. And while painful, they healed without scarring.
October was also challenging, because we took Liam out of daycare. He asked to stay with our friend Erica while Mommy taught classes. The idea was that he would take a nap in the afternoon, so Mom could get some work done. That rarely happened. However, we made it through, and at the end of the month, Mommy started a non-teaching session. It was an easy decision to keep Liam home for the rest of the year once we learned Granny and Grand dad will visit in November.
Of course, October a the month children look forward to, with Halloween parties, trick-or-treating and hayrides on the agenda. This year, Liam dressed up as a Dragon. He and Mom went out on Halloween night, collected candy, and saw the neighbors in costumes.
We went to the neighborhood Halloween Party. All was fun, but then afterward, there was news that some of the kids at the party had come down with the H1N1 Swine Flu Virus. I didn't get Liam vaccinated specifically for this virus because I thought the virus itself would mutate, or Liam would get the infection before we could get 2 doses in. I worried for a few days that he might get sick... but all was ok. We were still on the heels of the hand/foot/mouthinfection disaster of September, so all of us had lower immunity, and lots of dread about getting sick again.
As we reach the end of the month though, everyone is still fairly healthy.
So as mentioned, a trip to anywhere was out of the question in the early month. As the weekends in October became darker, wetter and colder, we realized the need to get to the pumpkin farm, if only to ride the tractor around in a circle. Liam, keenly phobic of anything that might hurt him, didn't want to carve a pumpkin (knives too pointy and dangerous).
Our first try was a Saturday afternoon. Perfect weather, plenty of time... and Liam fell asleep hard five minutes from the farm. On the second try, he forced himself to stay awake... but this time the weather didn't cooperate. The pumpkin farm was a cold, rainy, muddy mess. We had fun anyway.
Liam adopted a small pumpkin and we drew a face on him. He suggested that the pumpkin's mouth should be missing two teeth, just like his!
For starters, learned a costly but valuable lesson at the end of September. Curious Liam reached up and touched the hot stove while Mommy & Daddy weren't paying attention. He wanted to help make dinner, and of course he thinks he's big enough to figure it out now. He pushed his chair over to the stove, and the next we heard was screaming and crying. Luckily the burns to two fingers weren't terrible. And while painful, they healed without scarring.
October was also challenging, because we took Liam out of daycare. He asked to stay with our friend Erica while Mommy taught classes. The idea was that he would take a nap in the afternoon, so Mom could get some work done. That rarely happened. However, we made it through, and at the end of the month, Mommy started a non-teaching session. It was an easy decision to keep Liam home for the rest of the year once we learned Granny and Grand dad will visit in November.
Of course, October a the month children look forward to, with Halloween parties, trick-or-treating and hayrides on the agenda. This year, Liam dressed up as a Dragon. He and Mom went out on Halloween night, collected candy, and saw the neighbors in costumes.
We went to the neighborhood Halloween Party. All was fun, but then afterward, there was news that some of the kids at the party had come down with the H1N1 Swine Flu Virus. I didn't get Liam vaccinated specifically for this virus because I thought the virus itself would mutate, or Liam would get the infection before we could get 2 doses in. I worried for a few days that he might get sick... but all was ok. We were still on the heels of the hand/foot/mouth
As we reach the end of the month though, everyone is still fairly healthy.
So as mentioned, a trip to anywhere was out of the question in the early month. As the weekends in October became darker, wetter and colder, we realized the need to get to the pumpkin farm, if only to ride the tractor around in a circle. Liam, keenly phobic of anything that might hurt him, didn't want to carve a pumpkin (knives too pointy and dangerous).
Our first try was a Saturday afternoon. Perfect weather, plenty of time... and Liam fell asleep hard five minutes from the farm. On the second try, he forced himself to stay awake... but this time the weather didn't cooperate. The pumpkin farm was a cold, rainy, muddy mess. We had fun anyway.
Liam adopted a small pumpkin and we drew a face on him. He suggested that the pumpkin's mouth should be missing two teeth, just like his!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Taking a Break
School has been an important part of Liam's life since he was 9 months old. We've always called daycare 'school' so Liam might connect his time away from home with learning. He's benefited from the help of a few really good teachers, and we were lucky that he enjoyed spending his days with his friends and teachers at daycare.
At the end August, Liam's school director decided to move most of the children up a level. This was announced mid-August, and by early September, the change would be complete. However, Liam really didn't feel ready to move up. Not many two-and-a-half year olds would be able to tell his parents that he wasn't ready, but Liam is so verbal that he not only explained his problem, but he offered a solution.
Liam loves to talk about everything. He's now speaking in full sentences, holds meaningful conversations (at least they are meaningful to him) and he shares his feelings like they matter to everyone. With this comes a very sensitive side; Liam's afraid of many things. So while it sounds like Liam would be ready for the fun times in Preschool A, he was scared of the big kids, the new teacher and a variety of real (and imagined) things lurking in the new classroom.
What's a parent to do? We tried to help him to accept the new situation and to overcome his fears. After a few weeks, we saw that the stress was changing his sweet personality. He imagined scary things (like bears and bunnies) on the ceiling and on the roadside. Getting him to go into daycare was a daily low point. When I finally observed the class for a few minutes, immediately I knew what was wrong. The children were older, the classroom was chaotic, and the teacher shouted at the children.
So we evaluated the situation and decided it was time for Liam to take a break. Liam suggested that he could stay with Erica (our friend and neighbor) while I worked, and he would let me work when he and I were home together. He also suggested that he could go to Mommy's school because he's big enough now, or he could stay home alone. When I asked what he would do at home, alone all morning, his eyes got real wide. After a long thought, he said, "Read lots of books. And watch a little TV or something."
He's two.
So two days a week, Liam has been spending his early mornings with Erica and Kaile, who is a year younger than Liam. One morning when we both had to go in early, Liam suggested he could make himself breakfast and walk to Erica's by himself.
He's two, but he thinks he's twelve.
On Mondays, he hangs out with Carter and Krysti, who he refers to as "My Carter" and "My Kwisti." She watched Liam when he was about 5-9 months old, and he still remembers it. One morning on the way to her house, he said, "Remember when Kristi came to our house and Carter and I would stand at the baby gate and yell like this 'aaaaaaaaahhhh' like that?" In fact I did remember, and was only a little surprised that Liam did too. My sweet memory was interrupted by the voice in the back seat that added, " He still yells like that. But now it's funner."
At the end August, Liam's school director decided to move most of the children up a level. This was announced mid-August, and by early September, the change would be complete. However, Liam really didn't feel ready to move up. Not many two-and-a-half year olds would be able to tell his parents that he wasn't ready, but Liam is so verbal that he not only explained his problem, but he offered a solution.
Liam loves to talk about everything. He's now speaking in full sentences, holds meaningful conversations (at least they are meaningful to him) and he shares his feelings like they matter to everyone. With this comes a very sensitive side; Liam's afraid of many things. So while it sounds like Liam would be ready for the fun times in Preschool A, he was scared of the big kids, the new teacher and a variety of real (and imagined) things lurking in the new classroom.
What's a parent to do? We tried to help him to accept the new situation and to overcome his fears. After a few weeks, we saw that the stress was changing his sweet personality. He imagined scary things (like bears and bunnies) on the ceiling and on the roadside. Getting him to go into daycare was a daily low point. When I finally observed the class for a few minutes, immediately I knew what was wrong. The children were older, the classroom was chaotic, and the teacher shouted at the children.
So we evaluated the situation and decided it was time for Liam to take a break. Liam suggested that he could stay with Erica (our friend and neighbor) while I worked, and he would let me work when he and I were home together. He also suggested that he could go to Mommy's school because he's big enough now, or he could stay home alone. When I asked what he would do at home, alone all morning, his eyes got real wide. After a long thought, he said, "Read lots of books. And watch a little TV or something."
He's two.
So two days a week, Liam has been spending his early mornings with Erica and Kaile, who is a year younger than Liam. One morning when we both had to go in early, Liam suggested he could make himself breakfast and walk to Erica's by himself.
He's two, but he thinks he's twelve.
On Mondays, he hangs out with Carter and Krysti, who he refers to as "My Carter" and "My Kwisti." She watched Liam when he was about 5-9 months old, and he still remembers it. One morning on the way to her house, he said, "Remember when Kristi came to our house and Carter and I would stand at the baby gate and yell like this 'aaaaaaaaahhhh' like that?" In fact I did remember, and was only a little surprised that Liam did too. My sweet memory was interrupted by the voice in the back seat that added, " He still yells like that. But now it's funner."
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Birthday Wishes
September is one of the most popular month to be born. In our world, a lot of happy birthdays go out during this month. Liam now knows how to sing "Happy Birthday" though he most frequently sings the song to himself.
In honor of the September birthdays, Astronaut Liam sends his love.
IN ORDER
Nina Simone, Daddy, Karry, Auntie Lynda, Nana, and Auntie Katie. Great-grandpa comes soon too, in October.
In honor of the September birthdays, Astronaut Liam sends his love.
IN ORDER
Nina Simone, Daddy, Karry, Auntie Lynda, Nana, and Auntie Katie. Great-grandpa comes soon too, in October.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Autumn, Not Fall
We are starting to see the weather change, and with the colder nights comes a little color in the trees. The school buses are back on the roads, and the pumpkin decorations are starting to show up. Summer must be over.
Liam asked about the seasonal change, so we learned the new word -autumn. He doesn't like the word fall. He says it sounds like it hurts.
He eagerly anticipates Kindergarten, watching the littlest students at the elementary school lining up outside every morning. In his mind, he's ready. All he needs is a lunchbox and someone to sign him up. We often discuss the requirements; being able to write his name, for example. "You need to be four-and-a-half years old to go there," I tell him. He simply throws out the age requirement, "I big boy now." I should probably add using verbs to the list, but for now, his caveman sentences are endearing.
Our plan is to enroll him at a nearby Montessori Preschool in January. At one point, my goal was to enroll him in Preschool so that he would start in September, when he turned two-and-a-half. In fact, he wasn't quite ready to make that transition, given the changes he's working through at daycare right now. At this school, the children make their own snacks every day. Liam equates this to being able to eat whatever he wants for snack. He plans to eat goldfish crackers and apple juice every day. He tells me this every day. I think he is in for a rude awakening.
Snack seems to be a constant attraction in his world. Sunday school started at church this week. He was not very excited about going until he learned that he gets to eat a snack at Sunday school. Once he sucked down a juice box and devoured several handfuls of crackers, he decided we could come back again. But as we were leaving, just to be sure, he asked, "Is there snack every time?" Smart kid.
Liam asked about the seasonal change, so we learned the new word -autumn. He doesn't like the word fall. He says it sounds like it hurts.
He eagerly anticipates Kindergarten, watching the littlest students at the elementary school lining up outside every morning. In his mind, he's ready. All he needs is a lunchbox and someone to sign him up. We often discuss the requirements; being able to write his name, for example. "You need to be four-and-a-half years old to go there," I tell him. He simply throws out the age requirement, "I big boy now." I should probably add using verbs to the list, but for now, his caveman sentences are endearing.
Our plan is to enroll him at a nearby Montessori Preschool in January. At one point, my goal was to enroll him in Preschool so that he would start in September, when he turned two-and-a-half. In fact, he wasn't quite ready to make that transition, given the changes he's working through at daycare right now. At this school, the children make their own snacks every day. Liam equates this to being able to eat whatever he wants for snack. He plans to eat goldfish crackers and apple juice every day. He tells me this every day. I think he is in for a rude awakening.
Snack seems to be a constant attraction in his world. Sunday school started at church this week. He was not very excited about going until he learned that he gets to eat a snack at Sunday school. Once he sucked down a juice box and devoured several handfuls of crackers, he decided we could come back again. But as we were leaving, just to be sure, he asked, "Is there snack every time?" Smart kid.
Monday, September 7, 2009
End of Summer
Bye-Bye Summer
Liam's birthday marks the start of spring. Mommy's birthday bridges the gap between Mother's Day and Memorial Day. Daddy's birthday closes summer out, falling once every seven years on Labor Day itself.
So the third summer of Liam's life is nearly over. It seems summer was created with children in mind; warm, sunny days for playing outside, evenings that linger, bathed in light until well after bedtime. Liam took every advantage of playing and staying up well past his 8PM bedtime whenever possible. It seems as though this summer was his first opportunity to play like a big kid. He played in his playhouse, kicked around a soccer ball, and learned to enjoy hiking in the woods. It seemed every day was filled with new adventures for Little Bean.
Early this summer, Liam couldn't make it up the ladder on the playground in front of the house by himself. Not only did he figure it out on his own, but he also showed his friends how. With practice, all things eventually are possible.
Liam also explored on back of a bicycle for the first time. Thanks to a new bike seat, he gets a great view of the neighborhood. "Faster, Daddy, faster," the backseat driver shouts.
With each passing day, Liam's vocabulary -- and imagination -- grew. Our little boy who once wailed when his needs were under met now explains in full detail that he wants his milk in the pink sippy cup with an orange lid, and if possible he'd like the milk to be chocolate milk.
Most of what he tells us about is really important. Yesterday, for example, he deducted that octopuses don't travel by train because there isn't any water inside for them to live in. Right now he likes to figure out what animals eat, and where they live. Squirrels live in trees and eat acorns, just like Piglet, he announced a few days ago. But then he wondered why Piglet lives in a tree, if in fact he is a pig. Rules are the foundation of a two-and-a-half year-old's existence.
Liam was helping me put away groceries. Fruits go in the fruit bowl; meats go in the meat drawer; cereals go in the cupboard. "Where do treats go?" Liam asked holding the dried apricots he loves so much. I didn't respond right away, so he answered for me. "I know, treats go in Liam's tummy!"
This summer, Liam's been working on more than just his vocabulary. Thanks to a great teacher at school, and lots of practice on behalf of everyone, Liam is nearly out of diapers. As soon as Liam is accident-free most of the time, Liam gets to go to Montessori School. He's very excited.
We look forward to fall, including Halloween and Thanksgiving. Summer is fun, but so are the other seasons!
Liam's birthday marks the start of spring. Mommy's birthday bridges the gap between Mother's Day and Memorial Day. Daddy's birthday closes summer out, falling once every seven years on Labor Day itself.
So the third summer of Liam's life is nearly over. It seems summer was created with children in mind; warm, sunny days for playing outside, evenings that linger, bathed in light until well after bedtime. Liam took every advantage of playing and staying up well past his 8PM bedtime whenever possible. It seems as though this summer was his first opportunity to play like a big kid. He played in his playhouse, kicked around a soccer ball, and learned to enjoy hiking in the woods. It seemed every day was filled with new adventures for Little Bean.
Early this summer, Liam couldn't make it up the ladder on the playground in front of the house by himself. Not only did he figure it out on his own, but he also showed his friends how. With practice, all things eventually are possible.
Liam also explored on back of a bicycle for the first time. Thanks to a new bike seat, he gets a great view of the neighborhood. "Faster, Daddy, faster," the backseat driver shouts.
With each passing day, Liam's vocabulary -- and imagination -- grew. Our little boy who once wailed when his needs were under met now explains in full detail that he wants his milk in the pink sippy cup with an orange lid, and if possible he'd like the milk to be chocolate milk.
Most of what he tells us about is really important. Yesterday, for example, he deducted that octopuses don't travel by train because there isn't any water inside for them to live in. Right now he likes to figure out what animals eat, and where they live. Squirrels live in trees and eat acorns, just like Piglet, he announced a few days ago. But then he wondered why Piglet lives in a tree, if in fact he is a pig. Rules are the foundation of a two-and-a-half year-old's existence.
Liam was helping me put away groceries. Fruits go in the fruit bowl; meats go in the meat drawer; cereals go in the cupboard. "Where do treats go?" Liam asked holding the dried apricots he loves so much. I didn't respond right away, so he answered for me. "I know, treats go in Liam's tummy!"
This summer, Liam's been working on more than just his vocabulary. Thanks to a great teacher at school, and lots of practice on behalf of everyone, Liam is nearly out of diapers. As soon as Liam is accident-free most of the time, Liam gets to go to Montessori School. He's very excited.
We look forward to fall, including Halloween and Thanksgiving. Summer is fun, but so are the other seasons!
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Daddy's Big Birthday!
Liam,
I met your Daddy when he was 28, while we both studied at Syracuse University. Back then he had a scruffy beard and only wore clothes suitable for hiking in the forests of Central New York. Even then he only had memories of hair, but he was handsome nonetheless.
Today he's a bit less scruffy, which you and I both take responsibility for. He spent most of the day today mucking about in crawlspaces, the garage and the laundry room, doing his best to add networked cables to our cozy home.
Yesterday, you and I went shopping to find gifts for Daddy. You picked out gummy worms for him, and wrapped them up, with only a little help from me. Then, this morning, as soon as you remembered, you brought over the package and proudly told Daddy that the worms wanted to get out. He opened the gift and thanked you, and then we each ate one gummy worm in bed, while we were all still half asleep. You demanded more worms, but then became reasonable when Daddy wanted to save some for later.
After you watched Curious George and Word World, we went downstairs for a nice breakfast. The rain pounded the ceiling, so we turned on the fire to keep us warm. Granny & Grand dad called after breakfast, so we talked for a while.
We've been inside all day. The rain and wind outside have picked up, and really, the only reason to go out would be to get wet. You're snug in your bed right now, listening to Peter and the Wolf, which you love. You get scared when the wolf comes, and you're sad when the wolf eats the duckie. So far, you haven't made it to the end yet, so you don't know that duckie is set free by the wolf, as Peter drags him back to the woods by his tail. Sometimes you like to be the wolf, and Mommy is the kitty and Daddy is the bird. Other times, you insist on being Peter.
When you wake up, you're going to visit Krysti, Dave and Carter, while Mommy and Daddy go to dinner with our friends. We'd love to take you with us, but you will have more fun watching a movie with Carter.
I just wanted to let you know about today, so that you can always know how much you are loved.
Love,
Mommy
I met your Daddy when he was 28, while we both studied at Syracuse University. Back then he had a scruffy beard and only wore clothes suitable for hiking in the forests of Central New York. Even then he only had memories of hair, but he was handsome nonetheless.
Today he's a bit less scruffy, which you and I both take responsibility for. He spent most of the day today mucking about in crawlspaces, the garage and the laundry room, doing his best to add networked cables to our cozy home.
Yesterday, you and I went shopping to find gifts for Daddy. You picked out gummy worms for him, and wrapped them up, with only a little help from me. Then, this morning, as soon as you remembered, you brought over the package and proudly told Daddy that the worms wanted to get out. He opened the gift and thanked you, and then we each ate one gummy worm in bed, while we were all still half asleep. You demanded more worms, but then became reasonable when Daddy wanted to save some for later.
After you watched Curious George and Word World, we went downstairs for a nice breakfast. The rain pounded the ceiling, so we turned on the fire to keep us warm. Granny & Grand dad called after breakfast, so we talked for a while.
We've been inside all day. The rain and wind outside have picked up, and really, the only reason to go out would be to get wet. You're snug in your bed right now, listening to Peter and the Wolf, which you love. You get scared when the wolf comes, and you're sad when the wolf eats the duckie. So far, you haven't made it to the end yet, so you don't know that duckie is set free by the wolf, as Peter drags him back to the woods by his tail. Sometimes you like to be the wolf, and Mommy is the kitty and Daddy is the bird. Other times, you insist on being Peter.
When you wake up, you're going to visit Krysti, Dave and Carter, while Mommy and Daddy go to dinner with our friends. We'd love to take you with us, but you will have more fun watching a movie with Carter.
I just wanted to let you know about today, so that you can always know how much you are loved.
Love,
Mommy
Friday, August 7, 2009
Old Car, New Car
As one does with an older car, we evaluated the life left in her, and what the repairs would cost. In the end, we were somewhat concerned that the airbag didn't go, and that in another crash, Liam would be without side-impact airbag protection. Once upon a time, our main interests in a car were costs; now we consider the unimaginable first. Ahh... parenthood.
So as the dog days of July (all four of them here in Seattle) stretched out to the end, we dragged Liam from one car dealer to another. We tried Toyotas and Minis, Fords and Hondas, and even one car that outsmarted us, before we found our choice: the 2009 Honda Fit Sport in tidewater blue.
One day while Liam was at school, Mommy and Daddy set out to purchase the car. This process is meant to make even the strong weary, with negotiation tactics thrown from both the dealer and the buyer. Luckily, we had done our homework. The first dealer wanted to throw in nearly a thousand dollars in extras. Bah! We did not want $250 floor mats, so we walked away.
At dealer #2, we walked in, named our price, and owned our new car within an hour, sans floor mats. Daddy picked Liam up from school in the new car, which of course Liam wanted to drive right away. The two stopped by the old red car on the way home, to grab her old floor mats (reduce, reuse, recycle) and even she was gone a few days later.
A man who had recently rebuilt a green car, just like our red car, while he was unemployed. He was now going to help his unemployed neighbor fix red car, so he too would have a car when the economy picks up.
It was only when we pulled out the paperwork to sell red car that we noticed an interesting coincidence. The MSRP for our 1993 Honda Accord matched the MSRP of the 2009 Honda Fit Sport to the penny.
While it was difficult to part with the car we drove for so much of our life out here in Seattle, in the end, she will help someone else with a fresh start. We fondly remember taking her on the ferry, over to Orcas Island, for our wedding. She drove tiny Liam home from the hospital on his third day of life. She owed us nothing; and we owed her reprieve from the junkyard, if only for a few years more.
Our new car has already brought us on an adventure; up to Sunrise at Mount Rainier. Liam prefers the new car to Mommy's car, even though both cars are essentially new. I know we'll have more adventures in both cars as time ticks by. If we're lucky, we might even get a few more in this summer...
Friday, July 24, 2009
Birthday Cakes and Motorbike Races
Happy Birthday Suri & Devin!
Liam has been preparing for his friends birthdays for a while. If Liam had his way, every day would be Liam's birthday. He would never have to go to another child's birthday party, because all the parties would be for him, at his house. At least this was how he felt until last week.
Tuesday was Suri's 2nd birthday, and today is D's 2nd birthday. (Yes, Liam's two best friends were born a few days apart, but unfortunately we didn't know Suri back then.) We went to Suri's to celebrate on Tuesday afternoon. Liam had fun playing with Suri's cousins and neighborhood friends. The day would have been perfect had Liam not exploded in the car on the way home. (I think this may be his way of telling us that his medicine needs adjusting, or perhaps he doesn't need it anymore?)
Just before Suri's birthday, Liam figured out that birthday parties are fun, even if he is not the guest of honor. He also realized that his friends get gifts too. So after Suri's party, Liam asked if we could get Devin a Red Step 2 Motorcycle, just like Liam's for Devin's birthday. There was only one thing on Liam's mind at the time, I'm sure: motorcycle races.
The best part about racing motorcycles would have to be the crashing. Both boys enjoyed the first pre-ameteur, back-alley motorbike race, sponsored by Step2 and Huggies.
Liam won the first heat, mostly because Devin was getting used to the bike. D won the second heat, perhaps because Liam was riding in the wrong direction. The bikes malfunctioned in the third heat, with both bikes curiously beeping and honking in unison. In the last heat, both boys got of the bikes and had to be coaxed back on by the bystander daddies. The bikes required tow trucks, and had to be parked in the garage overnight.
Two years ago, Liam was sitting up and eating solid food (well that cereal stuff, if you call that food) and Baby D was still alienlike. Liam started walking around the time that D started to crawl. Even six months ago, there was a substantial difference between the boys, but not so much anymore. After the motorcycle races, they came inside and made towers out of bristle blocks, chatting away for nearly 20 minutes.
The differences between them now are minimal -- mostly personality based now. They do the same things, eat mostly the same foods, speak the same language. Even in size, Liam is still a tiny bit taller, but that's it.
Suri's a different story. She and D are the same age but she's tiny compared to Liam and Devin. I have a feeling they will all catch up by three.
Tonight Liam said his prayers, like always. But he added a thank you to God for giving him his friends, and his motorbike, and for birthdays.
Motorbike races:
On July 24th Liam weighed about 31 pounds and he calls himself a big boy. He can sing the ABC song on his own, with only a little help.
Liam has been preparing for his friends birthdays for a while. If Liam had his way, every day would be Liam's birthday. He would never have to go to another child's birthday party, because all the parties would be for him, at his house. At least this was how he felt until last week.
Tuesday was Suri's 2nd birthday, and today is D's 2nd birthday. (Yes, Liam's two best friends were born a few days apart, but unfortunately we didn't know Suri back then.) We went to Suri's to celebrate on Tuesday afternoon. Liam had fun playing with Suri's cousins and neighborhood friends. The day would have been perfect had Liam not exploded in the car on the way home. (I think this may be his way of telling us that his medicine needs adjusting, or perhaps he doesn't need it anymore?)
Just before Suri's birthday, Liam figured out that birthday parties are fun, even if he is not the guest of honor. He also realized that his friends get gifts too. So after Suri's party, Liam asked if we could get Devin a Red Step 2 Motorcycle, just like Liam's for Devin's birthday. There was only one thing on Liam's mind at the time, I'm sure: motorcycle races.The best part about racing motorcycles would have to be the crashing. Both boys enjoyed the first pre-ameteur, back-alley motorbike race, sponsored by Step2 and Huggies.
Liam won the first heat, mostly because Devin was getting used to the bike. D won the second heat, perhaps because Liam was riding in the wrong direction. The bikes malfunctioned in the third heat, with both bikes curiously beeping and honking in unison. In the last heat, both boys got of the bikes and had to be coaxed back on by the bystander daddies. The bikes required tow trucks, and had to be parked in the garage overnight.
Two years ago, Liam was sitting up and eating solid food (well that cereal stuff, if you call that food) and Baby D was still alienlike. Liam started walking around the time that D started to crawl. Even six months ago, there was a substantial difference between the boys, but not so much anymore. After the motorcycle races, they came inside and made towers out of bristle blocks, chatting away for nearly 20 minutes.
The differences between them now are minimal -- mostly personality based now. They do the same things, eat mostly the same foods, speak the same language. Even in size, Liam is still a tiny bit taller, but that's it.
Suri's a different story. She and D are the same age but she's tiny compared to Liam and Devin. I have a feeling they will all catch up by three.
Tonight Liam said his prayers, like always. But he added a thank you to God for giving him his friends, and his motorbike, and for birthdays.
Motorbike races:
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| 07-09 Motorbike |
On July 24th Liam weighed about 31 pounds and he calls himself a big boy. He can sing the ABC song on his own, with only a little help.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Harry Potter and the Helicopter Teeter Totter
Friday night Liam's Daddy went to see the new Harry Potter movie with Devin's Daddy. After Liam was in bed, a phone call was made to arrange the details. Liam obviously overheard the discussion.
Shortly after Daddy left, Liam toddled into Mommy's room, blankie in tow. He wanted to know why Daddy was going to the park.
"Daddy go Teeter Totter?" Liam's favorite attraction at the froggie park is the helicopter-themed teeter totter.
I didn't get the connection at first. I told him Daddy went out for a little while. Daddy was not at the park, back in bed.
Liam grudgingly crawled back in bed.
Twenty minutes later, the sun had gone down and it was dark in Liam's room. He appeared again.
"Mommy, Liam scared. Daddy at teeter totter too long. Dark outside. Daddy lost."
I still didn't get the Harry Potter/Teeter Totter connection. He was upset though. I took him to the front porch, where first we drank milk, and then I planned to rock him to sleep. It was too hot upstairs.
He did not fall asleep, insisting that we were waiting for Daddy to come home. I could hear TV on inside, where I heard a commercial for the new Harry Potter movie. It was then that I understood Liam's confusion.
Liam thought Daddy went to play on the Teeter Totter with Brian. The park closes at dark, so when Daddy didn't appear after sunset, something was wrong. Come to think of it, there might be something odd about two grown men teetering and tottering for hours in the dark.
I thought about explaining the confusion to Liam, but had no way to explain Harry Potter without making him sound fun (which he is), in which case Liam would want to know all about Harry Potter.
You're asking why not introduce him to HP? We currently have a long list of phobias, including bears, dinosaurs, alligators, bunnies, big things, bumpy roads, thunder, dentists (rightly so) and Batman. Do we need to add a Whomping Willow or a three-headed dog? Not yet.
Shortly after Daddy left, Liam toddled into Mommy's room, blankie in tow. He wanted to know why Daddy was going to the park.
"Daddy go Teeter Totter?" Liam's favorite attraction at the froggie park is the helicopter-themed teeter totter.
I didn't get the connection at first. I told him Daddy went out for a little while. Daddy was not at the park, back in bed.
Liam grudgingly crawled back in bed.
Twenty minutes later, the sun had gone down and it was dark in Liam's room. He appeared again.
"Mommy, Liam scared. Daddy at teeter totter too long. Dark outside. Daddy lost."
I still didn't get the Harry Potter/Teeter Totter connection. He was upset though. I took him to the front porch, where first we drank milk, and then I planned to rock him to sleep. It was too hot upstairs.
He did not fall asleep, insisting that we were waiting for Daddy to come home. I could hear TV on inside, where I heard a commercial for the new Harry Potter movie. It was then that I understood Liam's confusion.
Liam thought Daddy went to play on the Teeter Totter with Brian. The park closes at dark, so when Daddy didn't appear after sunset, something was wrong. Come to think of it, there might be something odd about two grown men teetering and tottering for hours in the dark.
I thought about explaining the confusion to Liam, but had no way to explain Harry Potter without making him sound fun (which he is), in which case Liam would want to know all about Harry Potter.
You're asking why not introduce him to HP? We currently have a long list of phobias, including bears, dinosaurs, alligators, bunnies, big things, bumpy roads, thunder, dentists (rightly so) and Batman. Do we need to add a Whomping Willow or a three-headed dog? Not yet.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Vacation & Big, Big Booms
June 26th- July 2nd
We managed to escape the city for a few days at the end of June. Having heard great things about the vacation town of Lake Chelan, we packed up and headed out for our 5th Anniversary. Our friends Joya, Suri, Kaylin and Cara were nice enough to join us!
We played at the park and visited a petting zoo/farm. Liam and Cara met goats, ducks, and piggies, and a very hungry horsie. Liam was afraid of the big animals, especially once the horse tried to eat Liam's pants!
The condo we rented was right on Lake Chelan, with several swimming pools and a sandy beach. Joya and Kaylin watched the kids while Mommy & Daddy went out for a delicious anniversary dinner. (Thanks!) Hard to believe five years went by so fast. (We also can't believe how small our friends Cara, Imants and Alnis were back then!)
After our friends went home, we went on an adventure to Stehekin (pronounced Sta-hee-kin), which is located in North Cascades National Park, right at the top of Lake Chelan. No roads lead there, so everyone who visits takes the Lady of the Lake ferry. Liam loved being on the ferry!
At Stehekin, a little village in the Mountains, we had a magical day. We took Liam on his first hike. It was a steep mountain path with a fantastic view of the mountains and lake. He enjoyed hiking and walked by himself in all but the muddy parts.
We taught Liam to play Poohsticks on the bridge over a fast-moving mountain stream. Pooh Sticks is a British tradition, taken from The House at Pooh Corner,
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| Vacation: Lake Chelan |
We managed to escape the city for a few days at the end of June. Having heard great things about the vacation town of Lake Chelan, we packed up and headed out for our 5th Anniversary. Our friends Joya, Suri, Kaylin and Cara were nice enough to join us!
We played at the park and visited a petting zoo/farm. Liam and Cara met goats, ducks, and piggies, and a very hungry horsie. Liam was afraid of the big animals, especially once the horse tried to eat Liam's pants!
The condo we rented was right on Lake Chelan, with several swimming pools and a sandy beach. Joya and Kaylin watched the kids while Mommy & Daddy went out for a delicious anniversary dinner. (Thanks!) Hard to believe five years went by so fast. (We also can't believe how small our friends Cara, Imants and Alnis were back then!)
After our friends went home, we went on an adventure to Stehekin (pronounced Sta-hee-kin), which is located in North Cascades National Park, right at the top of Lake Chelan. No roads lead there, so everyone who visits takes the Lady of the Lake ferry. Liam loved being on the ferry!
At Stehekin, a little village in the Mountains, we had a magical day. We took Liam on his first hike. It was a steep mountain path with a fantastic view of the mountains and lake. He enjoyed hiking and walked by himself in all but the muddy parts.
We taught Liam to play Poohsticks on the bridge over a fast-moving mountain stream. Pooh Sticks is a British tradition, taken from The House at Pooh Corner,
That was the beginning of the game called Poohsticks, which Pooh invented, and which he and his friends used to play on the edge of the Forest ... One day Pooh and Piglet and Rabbit and Roo were all playing Poohsticks together. They had dropped their sticks in when Rabbit said "Go!" and then they had hurried across to the other side of the bridge, and now they were all leaning over the edge, waiting to see whose stick would come out first.
Needless to say, Liam enjoyed Poohsticks, perhaps because the stream was swift, so the sticks appeared quickly, or perhaps because he was able to understand the simple rules and play on his own. This was essentially the first game Liam played, with rules and a winner. Pretty soon, we can read Liam the Winnie-the-Pooh stories. I've been careful not to spoil them by introducing the Disney era characters, though he recognizes multiple versions of both Pooh and Piglet.
After lunch, we rented bikes and rode a few miles around the northern perimeter of the lake. After a well-deserved ice cream, we biked back and caught the ferry home. We thought we would all struggle with a 4-hour ferry ride back, but the time flew. Liam played with other kids on board. We all had a great time.
We finished our vacation with a walk and an ice cream in downtown Chelan. Liam came across a wood-carved statue of a bear, taller than he was. At first he liked the bear... but then he was scared of the bear. We heard about the scary bear much of the way home.
Home is, in fact a wonderful place, especially in the summer. We came home, sorted out a big mess involving our dogsitter, our car and an accident. More on that to come in a future post.
Our vacation ended with a bang, literally, with the 4th of July. We met our friends at the park in Auburn. Liam and Devin played in bouncy houses and pet the animals at the petting zoo. Liam even mustered enough courage to ride a pony, which in the past he was too scared to do. After dinner in our garden with the neighbors, we all went over to Lake Tapps, which is about 10 minutes from our house. The people there set off their own shows, each one trying to outdo the neighbors. Instead of a scripted 30-minute show, we watched a sky filled with patches of exploding color, for around an hour. With the mountain as a backdrop, and plenty of room for three toddlers to roam, I couldn't help but think it was the best possible place.
Liam was enchanted by the "Big, big booms" so much that he didn't want to leave. Driving home, along the perimeter of Lake Tapps, we continued to hear Booms all the way home. Once we were home, we looked out the window of our bedroom, which overlooks Pacific, Milton, and Fife all the way out to the Port of Tacoma. To the distance in the North, we could make out the shadows of the Olympics. All across this vista, we watched the continual carpet of color exploding. Liam called these "tiny booms" and we watched until we fell asleep.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Summer's Arrival
May and June are nearly history, and the blog has remained empty.
In truth, we have all been ridiculously busy. Since mid-May, we've celebrated Zoe's Birthday, Mother's Day, Mommy's birthday, Memorial Day, Father's Day and this week, Family Day, previously known as Mommy & Daddy's Anniversary. We have also celebrated special occasions with others, with a few more later in the summer.
A few of the highlights:
Mother's Day - We went to a park and ate a picnic lunch.
Mommy's Birthday - Mommy & Liam went to the zoo. The flowers were in bloom, and Liam had a conversation with a Walrus named ET, who was hanging out at the front of his enclosure.
WALRUS to LIAM: Pptthhhhhh!
LIAM to WALRUS: Pptthhhhhh!
WALRUS to LIAM: Pptthhhhhh!
LIAM to WALRUS: Pptthhhhhh!
Much to Liam's enjoyment, this exchange continued three or four times.
Memorial Day: Liam's new playhouse! Despite the mortgage crisis, we were able to find a starter starter house for Liam. It fits nicely at the end of our the garden. The Flex Car also got an upgrade... to a PackerMobile.
Liam is too cute these days. He loves to talk and imagine crazy-cool things. For example, we drive by a water tower every day. He lets us know that chickens live in there. Not farm chickens though; they're swimming chickens. (Duh.)
He also still watches the cows on the playground and now and then he pulls a bird from his ear. A froggie lives in our garden (sometimes we hear him). Sometimes Liam stands at his window and talks to the Froggie. At least once, the froggie was serenaded with the Farm Song (Old MacDonald).
Liam has also gotten good at climbing. He likes to tell us when he's "Too High Mommy." That means he's climbed so high that he's afraid to get down on his own.
With the change of seasons comes thunderstorms. Luckily they are rare so close to the mountains. "Liam no like dun-der, boom-boom, like that." He hides in his blanket fort until the weather clears. New irrational fears are common at this age, but at times it gets comical. Daddy took Liam for a hike the other day. As sometimes happens, they encountered a squirrel.... a scary squirrel. Liam was so scared he clung to Daddy. Since then, Liam has also confessed fear of bunnies, especially ones that go hop-hop, like that. It's hard to keep from laughing when woken in the middle of the night to quash the fear of bunnies munching on grass. From time to time we have to tell the cows outside to be quiet. The mooing keeps Liam awake.
Now that Mommy's finally done grading way too many exams and essays, we get to enjoy time together. As mentioned above, Friday marks the 5th celebration of a beautiful day on Orcas Island. It seems only fitting to include Bean in the celebration this year (and every year now that he's old enough.) So for our first Family Day celebration, we're heading out to Lake Chelan. We will take our time getting there, enjoying the mountain views as we drive four hours into the heart of Washington State. We may have lunch in Leavenworth, a German-themed town in the mountains.
We're taking friends with us too. Joya, Suri and Kaylin are going with us. They will hang out with Liam while Mommy and Daddy celebrate 5 years of marriage. Granny and Grandad are treating us to dinner, and what a treat it will be to eat our own food, from our own plates while it is still hot.
In truth, we have all been ridiculously busy. Since mid-May, we've celebrated Zoe's Birthday, Mother's Day, Mommy's birthday, Memorial Day, Father's Day and this week, Family Day, previously known as Mommy & Daddy's Anniversary. We have also celebrated special occasions with others, with a few more later in the summer.
A few of the highlights:
Mother's Day - We went to a park and ate a picnic lunch.
Mommy's Birthday - Mommy & Liam went to the zoo. The flowers were in bloom, and Liam had a conversation with a Walrus named ET, who was hanging out at the front of his enclosure.WALRUS to LIAM: Pptthhhhhh!
LIAM to WALRUS: Pptthhhhhh!
WALRUS to LIAM: Pptthhhhhh!
LIAM to WALRUS: Pptthhhhhh!
Much to Liam's enjoyment, this exchange continued three or four times.
Memorial Day: Liam's new playhouse! Despite the mortgage crisis, we were able to find a starter starter house for Liam. It fits nicely at the end of our the garden. The Flex Car also got an upgrade... to a PackerMobile.
Liam is too cute these days. He loves to talk and imagine crazy-cool things. For example, we drive by a water tower every day. He lets us know that chickens live in there. Not farm chickens though; they're swimming chickens. (Duh.)He also still watches the cows on the playground and now and then he pulls a bird from his ear. A froggie lives in our garden (sometimes we hear him). Sometimes Liam stands at his window and talks to the Froggie. At least once, the froggie was serenaded with the Farm Song (Old MacDonald).
Liam has also gotten good at climbing. He likes to tell us when he's "Too High Mommy." That means he's climbed so high that he's afraid to get down on his own.
With the change of seasons comes thunderstorms. Luckily they are rare so close to the mountains. "Liam no like dun-der, boom-boom, like that." He hides in his blanket fort until the weather clears. New irrational fears are common at this age, but at times it gets comical. Daddy took Liam for a hike the other day. As sometimes happens, they encountered a squirrel.... a scary squirrel. Liam was so scared he clung to Daddy. Since then, Liam has also confessed fear of bunnies, especially ones that go hop-hop, like that. It's hard to keep from laughing when woken in the middle of the night to quash the fear of bunnies munching on grass. From time to time we have to tell the cows outside to be quiet. The mooing keeps Liam awake.
Now that Mommy's finally done grading way too many exams and essays, we get to enjoy time together. As mentioned above, Friday marks the 5th celebration of a beautiful day on Orcas Island. It seems only fitting to include Bean in the celebration this year (and every year now that he's old enough.) So for our first Family Day celebration, we're heading out to Lake Chelan. We will take our time getting there, enjoying the mountain views as we drive four hours into the heart of Washington State. We may have lunch in Leavenworth, a German-themed town in the mountains.
We're taking friends with us too. Joya, Suri and Kaylin are going with us. They will hang out with Liam while Mommy and Daddy celebrate 5 years of marriage. Granny and Grandad are treating us to dinner, and what a treat it will be to eat our own food, from our own plates while it is still hot.
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