Tuesday, July 07, 2009
The Nap Time Card
Go directly to nap time. Do not pass gas and laugh hysterically. Do not collect yourself into a corner, become trapped by your bed, and then yell "Hep, Mommy!"
Monday, July 06, 2009
Mini Road Trip
The kids and I drove 65 miles on an errand today. That's about 170 miles round-trip. The kids did really well. I did let them watch the Curious George movie on the way down.
We met up with some really nice people, dropped off and sold some furniture, and had ice cream at Fenton's. Yes, that place from Up. I've been going there with my family and friends since the 1970s. James and his sister shared a huge scoop of vanilla. After a few bites, James was more interested in feeding myself and a friend of mine who'd come with us to the ice creamery. This was before he found the hand crank in the table umbrella's pole. Luckily, the way he was spinning the handle did nothing to the umbrella. I love places that think about the fact that kids will be sitting in their restaurant.
After that, we visited a former work place of mine. It had been a couple of years since they'd seen the kids, and they were very friendly and asked lots of questions about how James was doing. In contrast to the family gatherings this weekend, the kids were relaxed and chatted naturally with everyone right from the start. I don't know, maybe it was that special Fenton's ice cream? ;-)
One smart fellow gave the kids one ballon each. It became the favourite thing for the next 4 hours. These were simple rubber balloons that had not even been blown up. James asked for a RED one, and then asked me to blow it up for him. "Puts air in, Mommy?" was how he put it. He then proceeded to play volleyball all over the department, getting several people to play with him.
My daughter used her pink one to hold air, which she would then release to either make disgusting (therefore funny) noises or blow air on (1) her face or (2) her brother's legs. This held entertained kids for over two hours. I have never heard them both laugh so hard all through a car trip like that. I am so glad they like car trips!
We met up with some really nice people, dropped off and sold some furniture, and had ice cream at Fenton's. Yes, that place from Up. I've been going there with my family and friends since the 1970s. James and his sister shared a huge scoop of vanilla. After a few bites, James was more interested in feeding myself and a friend of mine who'd come with us to the ice creamery. This was before he found the hand crank in the table umbrella's pole. Luckily, the way he was spinning the handle did nothing to the umbrella. I love places that think about the fact that kids will be sitting in their restaurant.
After that, we visited a former work place of mine. It had been a couple of years since they'd seen the kids, and they were very friendly and asked lots of questions about how James was doing. In contrast to the family gatherings this weekend, the kids were relaxed and chatted naturally with everyone right from the start. I don't know, maybe it was that special Fenton's ice cream? ;-)
One smart fellow gave the kids one ballon each. It became the favourite thing for the next 4 hours. These were simple rubber balloons that had not even been blown up. James asked for a RED one, and then asked me to blow it up for him. "Puts air in, Mommy?" was how he put it. He then proceeded to play volleyball all over the department, getting several people to play with him.
My daughter used her pink one to hold air, which she would then release to either make disgusting (therefore funny) noises or blow air on (1) her face or (2) her brother's legs. This held entertained kids for over two hours. I have never heard them both laugh so hard all through a car trip like that. I am so glad they like car trips!
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Wading in the Creek
On a recent visit to a ranch, James got to wade in the creek. He was so into exploring and walking around in his bare feet.
His sister liked crawling around on the hot rocks. He enjoyed splashing in cool water and letting the current tug at his legs.
He also liked that he got to wander on his own (kind of):
The world looks different out in the country.
His sister liked crawling around on the hot rocks. He enjoyed splashing in cool water and letting the current tug at his legs.
He also liked that he got to wander on his own (kind of):
The world looks different out in the country.
Saturday, July 04, 2009
SOOC Saturday: Explorer
I really like this picture. All the patterns of circles and lines in the background make me think that this might be how James first hears things around him that are so difficult for him to filter and process: conversations, cars, phones ringing, and other children yelling. And here he is, moving away from the white noise. Stepping out to explore on his own.
For more SOOC Saturday pictures and stories, visit Melody at Slurping Life.
Friday, July 03, 2009
Friday Free Day
More fun at the pool!
Today was one of those rare days of unscheduled simple pleasures. We all woke up late and refreshed. James and I enjoyed the back yard under leafy branches and cool (from overnight fog) clear skies. We had conversations about little things.
I had conversations with James. Woah! This seemed like a lightyears-away dream last summer, and here we are doing it!
James seemed a little anxious because today was not fitting into any of his patterns: Daddy was here and not at work. No SHAPE visitors were coming by. There was no school bus. And we weren't hurrying to get anywhere. What was going on?
I tried to explain the ideas of "holiday," "summer vacation," and "free day" to James. We made up a picture chart of what we were doing that day. He and my daughter kept going over to look at it and seemed reassured. It helped my husband and I as well!
I had a nice workout in the late morning while my husband took the kids to lunch and then took them swimming. It was the high point of their day. My daughter kept going underwater (a new skill, and we are so proud of her!) and James seemed to want to only put his feet and lower legs into the water today. I was glad I slathered sunscreen all over his exposed areas. I took him around the pool in my arms, but we mostly spotted airplanes and splashed by the steps.
Afterward, we enjoyed snowcones! It was 2 for the price of 1 this afternoon, and we had the lime and cherry flavours to prove it. James and I took turns feeding each other. He was so tickled to be feeding Mommy. He also ate 3 bananas from the Take One Free platter by the check-in counter and an oatmeal raisin cookie.
Summer is here! It's really here!
Today was one of those rare days of unscheduled simple pleasures. We all woke up late and refreshed. James and I enjoyed the back yard under leafy branches and cool (from overnight fog) clear skies. We had conversations about little things.
I had conversations with James. Woah! This seemed like a lightyears-away dream last summer, and here we are doing it!
James seemed a little anxious because today was not fitting into any of his patterns: Daddy was here and not at work. No SHAPE visitors were coming by. There was no school bus. And we weren't hurrying to get anywhere. What was going on?
I tried to explain the ideas of "holiday," "summer vacation," and "free day" to James. We made up a picture chart of what we were doing that day. He and my daughter kept going over to look at it and seemed reassured. It helped my husband and I as well!
I had a nice workout in the late morning while my husband took the kids to lunch and then took them swimming. It was the high point of their day. My daughter kept going underwater (a new skill, and we are so proud of her!) and James seemed to want to only put his feet and lower legs into the water today. I was glad I slathered sunscreen all over his exposed areas. I took him around the pool in my arms, but we mostly spotted airplanes and splashed by the steps.
Afterward, we enjoyed snowcones! It was 2 for the price of 1 this afternoon, and we had the lime and cherry flavours to prove it. James and I took turns feeding each other. He was so tickled to be feeding Mommy. He also ate 3 bananas from the Take One Free platter by the check-in counter and an oatmeal raisin cookie.
Summer is here! It's really here!
Thursday, July 02, 2009
James and the Cat
James was early today because the cat got him up by meowing outside his door. I persuaded James to play quietly in bed for an hour and I got a nice rest while he did that. I tossed the cat outside, after feeding her a bit, so she won't go after the wrens and mockingbirds.
James does not like this cat. I am not sure why. He liked our other cat, who was old and gentle (and not too bright). Maybe he distrusts a smaller animal that can move more quickly than he can?
The cat would love to be friends. She jumps up next to him on the sofa. This freaks out James, however, and he will kick her off the sofa, if I am not there to stop him. I am trying to teach him to pet her softly, but it's uphill work.
What really puzzles me is that if any of the cat's fur touches him, he yells "OWWW!!" This is one of the softest, fluffiest cats I have ever had, BTW.
And: James loves his Nana's cat. Who is elderly and slow-moving. And a relentless moocher and lap grabber. Hmmmmmm.
James does not like this cat. I am not sure why. He liked our other cat, who was old and gentle (and not too bright). Maybe he distrusts a smaller animal that can move more quickly than he can?
The cat would love to be friends. She jumps up next to him on the sofa. This freaks out James, however, and he will kick her off the sofa, if I am not there to stop him. I am trying to teach him to pet her softly, but it's uphill work.
What really puzzles me is that if any of the cat's fur touches him, he yells "OWWW!!" This is one of the softest, fluffiest cats I have ever had, BTW.
And: James loves his Nana's cat. Who is elderly and slow-moving. And a relentless moocher and lap grabber. Hmmmmmm.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Special Exp. Wednesday: The Swinger
One of the first things my husband and I loved about this house was its back yard. It was meant for children to play in, with a lawn, fruit trees, and enclosed swing set play area. Best of all for us was no house towering over us on the other sides of any fences, so it feels really private.
This is the first year that both kids really have played in the yard. I was so happy to see them enjoying it that I grabbed my camera. One of those low-key moments that I hope to look back on for many years to come.
First, James has been using the swing set! The kid who screamed if you tried to get him anywhere near a swing, up until a year ago, is now heading outside several times a day to swing, in his own unique style:
And when he gets bored of that, he and his sister play together in the sand box with purple sand:
Visit more special moments at Special Exposure Wednesdays.
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