Thursday, September 30, 2010

Goodbye Zoe. We love you.

On Tuesday we said goodbye to a loyal friend and family member, Zoe.
After 13 great years with us, we parted ways.
One year ago, we said goodbye to Pinner, another loyal friend.
DH and I have never been without a pet in our home.
The place feels a bit empty and I sometimes swear I hear Zoe rummaging in the kitchen.
DH and I talked about this before the time came and we said we'd wait until TG was a bit older before we thought of adding another four legged friend into our household again.
There is an eerie weight lift but a strange emptiness.
I don't know if DH feels the same.
I'm glad we took Zoe with us to our last family vacation and I'm glad she was able to enjoy a little last adventure before her big adventure up in the sky.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Super Woman where did you come from?

Today not only did I work full speed through a 10 hour day, I also picked up party hat supplies for my daughter, went to the shoe store to research a cheap pair of formal shoes for her, I also made meals for the week (beef stew, spinach quiches, meatballs in slow cooked tomato sauce)[thank you slow cooker & timer oven], made dinner, leftover turkey stew with cous cous & steamed veggies, spent time with DH and read three bedtime books to TG.
Where did the energy come from?

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Clockwork

My kid has an internal clock to rival Big Ben.
Like clockwork, regardless of where we are, she becomes super clingy and asks to go home or have privacy at 6:30pm.
It's so strange.
Today while her playmate was over, she turned to me and said, ok, bye bye and in Chinese starting saying she wanted to eat then go to bed.
I felt awful but the mom understood as TG also does this at her place at 6:30 on the nose. She turns to her friend and says ok, bye bye and in Chinese asks to go home.
I wonder if this will continue as she grows.

Monday, September 27, 2010

No whale. E no dark.

Headed over to the museum with a friend and her son. Highlight of the trip was TG eating an entire slice of homemade spinach quiche and DH passing on the whale because her friend was not keen on the dark Biodiversity hall.
She seems to have a strong sense of empathy.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Words to Live By

Tell them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, ready to share, thus accumulating as treasure a good foundation for the future, so as to win the life that is true life. -- 1 Timothy 6:18-19

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Trains and Buses

Checked out the transit museum today. TG called it the Metrocard train museum. Kid was in awe at the token display. She also had a blast driving the buses.

If you want to see how much smaller we were in the recent past, check out the seats in the old timey cars.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Technological advances

I live in an age where I have the fortune to have a million photos of my growing child in digital format.
If a printed image gets damaged, I have the ability to print a new version.
Here's the snag, all those pictures take up space and reside in aging technology.
All I can do is back them up and pray that future technology will accept the format.
However I've not hit a point where I no longer have space on my backup.
So what do I do?
Of course, I'll buy a new backup drive but what do I do with the old drive? Do I back up that back up just in case that fails?
It's vicious.
I lost most of my wedding photos because of a failed backup.
What am I suppose to do?
Sure I can load them onto a website but the compression rate will degrade the files.
Argh

Thursday, September 23, 2010

The kitchen is closed

Note to all dads. If there is a plate of pasta on your child's table or placemat, don't eat it.
A certain mom may have placed it there to cool.
Also, if that certain mom is making another batch of pasta to replace that pasta and you see it draining in a colander, do not 'pick' at it.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Swipe the Metrocard?

My daughter thinks everything can be purchased with a swipe of a metrocard (nyc mass transit pass).
If life was that simple.
She also thinks everything costs $1.00.
I'd take the $1.00 over the Metrocard idea anytime.
As it stands now, my child has an empty Metrocard sitting in her wallet. To avoid confusion, we've labeled everyone's Metrocard.
At the Easter Parade last year, she saw the Metrocard inspired fashion attire and went absolutely bonkers. She was thrilled and wanted to touch the Metrocard top hat and dress. I think she may be the only person in NY who is fond of the logo.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Words to Live By

I urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received,
with all humility and gentleness, with patience,
bearing with one another through love,
striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit
through the bond of peace:
one Body and one Spirit,
as you were also called to the one hope of your call;
one Lord, one faith, one baptism;
one God and Father of all,
who is over all and through all and in all.

But grace was given to each of us
according to the measure of Christ's gift.

And he gave some as Apostles, others as prophets,
others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers,
to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry,
for building up the Body of Christ,
until we all attain to the unity of faith
and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood,
to the extent of the full stature of Christ. -- Eph 4:1-7, 11-13

Monday, September 20, 2010

Think like a two year old

TG: Daddy, what that?
DH: I think that's Saturn, honey.
TG: {pause} Space.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Playing ball on the street like a NYC kid should

We made for yesterday's lack of family day by making today count.
We went to Battery Park City and enjoyed the day playing sports, making recyclable music instruments, watching the boats pass by and staring at the Statue of Liberty.
TG loved playing in the closed city street. She learned about bowling and hockey. She 'drove' around in her push cart. She played basketball with us. We played pretend choo choo train with a hula hoop.
We made a horn and a shaky can.
We listened to some country rock music and jazz music and saw an accordion. We saw a tap dancer and listened to a jazz singer.
Afterwards we went home and gave TG a much needed bath. It had been a few days since we gave her a bath and DH was certain a protective shell had formed on our daughter.
She slept 13 hours straight, waking up once for a brief diaper change.
This allowed us a few good hours of vegging time for DH and I. We sat on our couch, snacking on plums and clearing out our DVR for the new fall season.
It was a very good day.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Cleaning Day Part II

Today we skipped a family outing to finish our fall cleaning.
Yesterday was so successful, we continued today.
In the am I took TG to go bike riding in her new balance bike while DH mopped and vacuumed the house. In the pm, I took over cleaning and finished dusting and reorganizing the bathroom, hallways, bedroom, bedroom closets, dining room and living room play area bins.
I think it's time for the Christmas cleanup. I made a mental list of toys and stuff I want to donate to make room for Christmas. I plan to head to Target next week and pick up some storage bins for the summer clothes and other items to store.
TG is still holding up with the cleaning. She's helping out a little more and even though she's clingy, she seems to be a little more understanding.
I'm also taking alot of breaks in between to sit with her and work on puzzles, nurse, etc.
The nursing has helped. I nurse for a bit and then tell her that I need to do some things she can help me with.
I know DH doesn't approve but it really does help.

Friday, September 17, 2010

C is for Cleaning

Today is brought to you by the letter 'C'.
My daughter is learning about the letter 'C' and I decided today was the day that I would actually get some kind of cleaning done.
I'll have you know that my first goal is a big one. I'm cleaning out my kitchen cabinets.
Actually it isn't so big as 80% of my kitchen is still in storage. Still we've accumulated a lot of crap in the past 2 years. The kitchen has become the place I store anything potentially a safety hazard for a 2 year old. I now understand why the crap drawer is usually located in the kitchen of any house.
So far TG is doing well with the idea. She's helped me sweep and she even used her dust pan to pick up cereal (C).
I hope I can get a really solid cleaning done.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

My toddler wants the umbilical cord to be reattached

The clingyness has not ended. It has gotten to the point now where I cannot do anything and I have pulled out the Ergo.
I realize this is a phase and I realize that if I stop and just give her a little of my attention, tantrums do not appear.
I'm not angry. I'm just tired. I really am tired.
I know this also stems from a growth spurt and a molar teething issue.
I'm about to run out to get some chamomile for her teeth.
My house is looking worse and worse and I think if I don't do something soon, I'm going to snap. I went beyond caring a few days ago which means I'm going to plateau again soon.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Little treasures: walking hand in hand with your spouse

Usually, I plan for weeks for something cool for my husband's birthday.
Nowadays, he's lucky if I have the chance to email him a Happy Birthday.
This year, I figured I'd give him something that we really really deserve.
I arranged for a playdate for my daughter and dropped her off and we went to eat dinner together sans child.
It is the first time in 2 years we have had dinner together outside without our child.
We only had 90 minutes but it was the best 90 minutes ever. We walked home hand in hand. We even had time to go vote in our primary election.
Of course, we saw everyone in our neighborhood.
Days later, I had moms telling me they were so jealous seeing us together sans toddler.
When I told them it was the first time in 2 years we did that, they didn't feel so jealous.
We now have a special place in our hearts for our neighborhood mexican restaurant.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Shrimp Every Day!

TG is eating proteins and a few veggies again.
I gave up trying.
I put my dinner of spinach, salad and shrimp on the table and went into the kitchen to get a drink.
When I returned, my daughter was stabbing my shrimp with a fork saying, "Hungry." She popped whole shrimps into her mouth!
I was in such shock and I didn't want to jinx it so I held my breath, didn't say a word and just ate in silence next to her.
She finished 5-6 whole shrimps.
For a 25 lbs, 2 year old toddler, I think that's huge.
Heck, I'm contemplating making shrimp everyday if she eats like this more often.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Focus

I'm so exhausted but I've been on pure focus.
At work and at home, I'm in survival mode. I prioritize what needs to get done and I focus on said items until completion.
I have not time to stop and contemplate better ways to do things. I just do.
It's going to be a week of this I believe.
The house looks as if a tornado came by but it's so nutty and there is so many things that need to be done that I really don't care.
Even my emails are terse. I only hope that folks realize I'm not being rude.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Words to Live By

Trust in the LORD and do good that you may dwell in the land and live secure. - Psalm 37:3

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Vacation, Family Style

My child is existing on a beige diet. Plain white pasta, not even whole wheat. No veggies; she spit out the tomatoes she normally likes. No meat; DH tried to sneak in a piece of pork but she called him out and that led to no more eating for the rest of the day.
I'm just doing deep breathing exercises and nursing like a fiend. Since she's not eating anything, she's been at the milk bar every chance she gets. I'm not so concerned as at least I have the nursing to make me feel as if she's getting some sustenance.
As for Z, she's not eating as much either. After the initial fears, which we chalk up to her thinking we were going to the vet, she settled in and even met some of the farm animals. The donkey and her didn't get along but I think she's smitten with a horse. Go Z.
DH and I are doing well. We had a rough start at the beginning. DH isn't the easiest to be around when he is ill. I suppose going to the farm country during Fall allergy season was a bad thing. Duly noted.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Words to Live By

Let no one deceive himself. If any one among you considers himself wise in this age, let him become a fool so as to become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in the eyes of God, for it is written: "He catches the wise in their own ruses," and again: "The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain." - 1 Corinthians 3:18-20

Thursday, September 09, 2010

We're going on a trip.

We are off on a road trip to see railroad trains.
TG loves the railroad and since DH has a few days off, we're making a quick tour of Dutch Country.
We're bringing along the dog for the first time.
I think our daughter loves this idea. She keeps talking about how Z is in DiDi Car (her name for our car).
I doubt this will help the klingon stage my daughter is at but I need a break from the everyday.
I'm also, wait for it, not packing any homemade foods. I have a container of bunny crackers, a container of daddy crackers (whole wheat pita chips) and that is all.
Will I crack? Will this put me over the edge? We'll find out.

Wednesday, September 08, 2010

Words to Live By

Neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who causes the growth. The one who plants and the one who waters are equal. For we are God's co-workers; you are God's field, God's building. -- 1 Corinthians 3:7-9

Tuesday, September 07, 2010

It's all about Mommy

This past Labor Day was a stressful one for me.
My daughter has decided all of a sudden to cry for everything and anything.
She cries when I leave her.
She cries when she doesn't get her way.
She cries when she can't express herself.
She cries just to cry.
She either can't always express her needs and frustrations and feelings or just decides crying is her only means of communication.
I know. I know. Welcome to the toddler years.
I get it.
I've read the books.
Still, there is nothing like a crying child with absolutely no reason for the crying fit to make you feel like the worst mom ever.
You second guess your decisions.
You go through your list of what could be the issue (hunger, tired, diaper, etc).
Then you go through the horrible, maybe if I didn't do this when she was an infant questioning period.
This period is only made worse when a spouse or family member says something completely unhelpful like, "Well you wanted to attachment parent. This is what you get." or "If she wasn't so attached to you and your breasts, she wouldn't be like this."
So today, my daughter fell off the dining room chair. Not her high chair but a standard chair. I saw her fall and it was in the midst of a tantrum. She wasn't hurt. I knew that. Still, I didn't rush to her and let her cry it out. I knew the crying wasn't because of pain. My kid has fallen off higher objects at the playground, dusted herself off and just let it be. Heck, this very morning, she was pushed rather hard to the ground by her friend and instead of crying. She gave him a mafia death look and sat there for 2 minutes trying to figure out what to do next. As her friend was placed into time out. She got up and walked over to where he was in time out and asked if he was ok.
So my kid has empathy. I'm proud of that but clearly she has empathy for her playmates and not her mommy. If she did, she'd know that a holiday weekend packed with nonstop hip to hip bonding was just too much for me. At one point, she wouldn't stop conversing with me while I was on the toilet. "TG, mommy is on the potty. I'll be out soon.""Mommy on the potty?""Yes""Poopie in the potty.""Yes.""Let me see.""No""Daddy poopy in the potty?""Later""Ok."{silence}{knock on door}"Who is it mommy?""TG is that you knocking?""mhmm. Go bye bye?""Not yet.""I see go bye bye.""When you potty, TG."
The hardest part about this is right now, I know it's me she wants for everything and as tiring and exhausting as that may be, I need to savor it. One day soon, she's going to want Daddy for everything.

Monday, September 06, 2010

Words to Live By

Our soul waits for the LORD, who is our help and shield. For in God our hearts rejoice; in your holy name we trust. - Psalm 33:20-21

Sunday, September 05, 2010

She's not cooking? Gasp!

Some might say I'm sadistic but I've decided that I am not preplanning or packing anything for this small getaway we are planning.
This momma is burnt and she needs to getaway. Unfortunately getaways these days involve toddler activities and not ashrams and retreat centers.
Still, it will be nice to getaway from the daily life for just a bit.
Because of this, I have decided I will not pack any of my child's favorite foods like I normally do. Every day my bag is filled with enough food to feed a small toddler for the entire day. Every day, my child has moved further and further away from her usual pasta, tomatoes, squash and apples. All it is now is cheese. It used to be jack cheese and cheddar cheese. Now it's mozzarella cheese and only mozzarella cheese.
It's painful for me.
I know she's growing and pooping and still nursing so she's getting nutrients but this desire to eat cheese, crackers and water as her primary sustenance is killing this cooking momma.
I've read this is a phase and to let it go. Besides, the French exist on practically the same diet.
Where did my child go who loved salmon and chicken and squash?
Therefore, I've decided I will not kill myself making a ton of food she will not eat anyhow. This is supposed to be a semi-relaxing mini-vacation.
Stay tuned to see if I survive.

Saturday, September 04, 2010

Words to Live By

Neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who causes the growth. The one who plants and the one who waters are equal. For we are God's co-workers; you are God's field, God's building. -- 1 Corinthians 3:7-9

Friday, September 03, 2010

Labor Day seems busier than usual

I am so exhausted but like most parents, I'm trudging on.
Actually, I'm sure I've been more exhausted but I'm still exhausted.
It's a busy labor day weekend filled with family visits and birthday parties.
I'm trying to go with the flow and not let my OCD get the better of me.
I think it's survival tactics.

Thursday, September 02, 2010

Words to Live By

The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in love.
The LORD is good to all, compassionate to every creature. - Psalm 145:8-9

Wednesday, September 01, 2010

Finders Keepers, right?

I love my husband very much but I'm pretty sure that his real name is 'Forgetful Jones'.
Actually that's my name for him which I say endearingly and with a very bad drawl.
I have this game I play every time he leaves the house. If I played this game with alcohol, I'd be plastered 24/7.
No matter what, my husband will always return within 15 minutes to find something he forgot or misplaced.
If I am home, he will call me to 'throw it out the window'.
If I am home, he will call me or text me to find said item(s).
If I am not home, he will text me to ask me if I have seen said item(s).
He's called me while I was at the woman doctor's feet up in the stirrups, to ask if I knew where the extension cords were.
He's texted me while I was on the bus to ask if I've seen TG's sunscreen.
He's texted me to tell me that he's left his canteen in the recycling area of our building and to please bring it upstairs.
This forgetfulness has lead to him buying:
2 very expensive pairs of headphones (both within 3 days of purchase)
3 pairs of expensive sunglasses (b/c the cheap $10 pairs I buy have 'glare')
3 stainless steel canteens
and a slew of other things
This all during the span of 3 months (the summer).
We're not made of money. Forgetting the monetary issue, our planet really doesn't need us to consume more than necessary.
I bought him 7 programmable locator swatches for his things. He spent an entire week programming them and using them and then systematically took them off his things because 1) they were too bulky and 2) "our daughter keeps reprogramming them."
So I'm left to be the 'finder of things'.
So far, TG is a finder as well. I only pray she stays a finder and not a forgetful.