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Showing posts with label daughter of mine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label daughter of mine. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
A lesson on lectricons
This evening Lauren was trying to explain to C and I about "lectricons".
"Mom, dad, do you know about lectricons? They're very fast and they go from one place to the other."
She went on to demonstrate by scooting across the kitchen.
"Lectricons? You mean electrons?" I asked.
"Yeah, lectrons."
Then I thought, "Wow! What a great daycare progamme, the kids are learning some neat stuff these days."
"Do you know what they look like?" She asked.
Thinking back to grade 7 science class I began to answer, "Well, they're very small and-"
"Yeah, they're small and they're fast especially when they're running after gold."
"Gold?" I asked.
"Yeah, a pot of gold."
And the conversation suddenly became way less complicated than what I thought I was getting into.
"Ooooohhh!! You mean leprechauns!
"Yeah, lepritons... lectrons... lectricons..."
With a bit more practice she may have it sorted out by St. Patrick's Day.
"Mom, dad, do you know about lectricons? They're very fast and they go from one place to the other."
She went on to demonstrate by scooting across the kitchen.
"Lectricons? You mean electrons?" I asked.
"Yeah, lectrons."
Then I thought, "Wow! What a great daycare progamme, the kids are learning some neat stuff these days."
"Do you know what they look like?" She asked.
Thinking back to grade 7 science class I began to answer, "Well, they're very small and-"
"Yeah, they're small and they're fast especially when they're running after gold."
"Gold?" I asked.
"Yeah, a pot of gold."
And the conversation suddenly became way less complicated than what I thought I was getting into.
"Ooooohhh!! You mean leprechauns!
"Yeah, lepritons... lectrons... lectricons..."
With a bit more practice she may have it sorted out by St. Patrick's Day.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Party pooped
You know it's been a busy birthday party season when you've attended 3 in 4 days and by the end of it your child asks, "So, who's party are we going to next?"
Monday, July 25, 2011
Sleeping dry
Hey, have I mentioned yet that Lauren has been completely diaper free for at least a month?
The daytime diaper wearing has been done with for almost a year now, but we didn't try the overnight training until a few weeks ago. I suppose C and I were a little lazy and could have tried earlier, but it took us a while to get organized to go to the store and buy a water/liquid-proof matress cover for her bed.
Anyhoo, we did eventually, and after only two accidents, it's been dry sleeping ever since. Yay!
The daytime diaper wearing has been done with for almost a year now, but we didn't try the overnight training until a few weeks ago. I suppose C and I were a little lazy and could have tried earlier, but it took us a while to get organized to go to the store and buy a water/liquid-proof matress cover for her bed.
Anyhoo, we did eventually, and after only two accidents, it's been dry sleeping ever since. Yay!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Milestone
Lauren spent her first full night alone in her bed last night - hooray!
On Sunday morning when I was dressing her (and after she had already woken at 4am wanting to get into my bed) I asked what we could do to make her room more cozy. "Change the walls to pink", she said. Not an unreasonable request, but before we do the walls we need to fix the ceiling in her room which is beginning to peel, then fix the eaves outside before the spring rain comes. The fixit list never ends!
Anyway, hopefully last night really was the first of many nights in the big girl bed, and not just a fluke. I guess we'll see tonight...
On Sunday morning when I was dressing her (and after she had already woken at 4am wanting to get into my bed) I asked what we could do to make her room more cozy. "Change the walls to pink", she said. Not an unreasonable request, but before we do the walls we need to fix the ceiling in her room which is beginning to peel, then fix the eaves outside before the spring rain comes. The fixit list never ends!
Anyway, hopefully last night really was the first of many nights in the big girl bed, and not just a fluke. I guess we'll see tonight...
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Cold and flu season
Tis the season to cough and sneeze. The 3 of us have been doing just that for the last few weeks - hence the blog post hiatus. I think we've used up a small tree worth of tissue to plug our leaky nostrils and several jars of honey to soothe our sore throats.
Lauren's cough started at Thanksgiving, got a bit better, then came back in full force the day after Halloween. C got a call from daycare saying that she had a fever and ended up spending the rest of the week at home. As it turns out the whole daycare class had a severe cough. When Lauren finally returned 7 (of 16) kids were still absent.
We're all doing much better now, although I don't doubt that there will be another wave of something in the coming months. For now we'll catch up on rest and stock up on more tissue and honey.
Lauren's cough started at Thanksgiving, got a bit better, then came back in full force the day after Halloween. C got a call from daycare saying that she had a fever and ended up spending the rest of the week at home. As it turns out the whole daycare class had a severe cough. When Lauren finally returned 7 (of 16) kids were still absent.
We're all doing much better now, although I don't doubt that there will be another wave of something in the coming months. For now we'll catch up on rest and stock up on more tissue and honey.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Training day
Lauren had her first diaper free day at daycare today - yay! I see the light at the end of the, um, diaper?
She's been in training at home for a while but we decided with the daycare teachers last week that today we'd extend the training at school. I packed many extra pairs of pants and underwear in case of any accidents, but she made it back home in the same clothing she left with. I'm so proud. Her'es hoping the rest of the week goes just as well.
She's been in training at home for a while but we decided with the daycare teachers last week that today we'd extend the training at school. I packed many extra pairs of pants and underwear in case of any accidents, but she made it back home in the same clothing she left with. I'm so proud. Her'es hoping the rest of the week goes just as well.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Mashed potato meltdown
C committed a major faux pas this evening by serving mashed potato on the same plate as Lauren's meat balls and tortilla. Big mistake.
The plate is one of those kid friendly sectional kinds so the food items weren't even touching, but it didn't matter. Lauren took one look and burst into a screeching fit. She tends to do this when food that she doesn't like shares the same space as food she does like. We've told her countless times to just eat what she wants and leave the rest, but she'll just refuse to eat anything until the offending food is removed.
I eventually got a new plate and transferred everything minus the mash, but I'm not sure this is the right thing to do. Does this teach her that she can screech to get her way at the dinner table? How will she discover new foods if she won't even accept it being on her plate?
I don't like the "eat this or nothing" approach because Lauren doesn't have a big appetite to begin with. Not that I think she'll starve herself, but pasta again is better than nothing, right? Plus we've tried that approach a few times which resulted in her waking up at all hours of the night because of hunger. At 4am the only thing I have the energy to serve is cereal.
"Be persistent" is the phrase I hear over and over again when it comes to kids eating. Well, being persistent ain't easy, but I'll try.
The plate is one of those kid friendly sectional kinds so the food items weren't even touching, but it didn't matter. Lauren took one look and burst into a screeching fit. She tends to do this when food that she doesn't like shares the same space as food she does like. We've told her countless times to just eat what she wants and leave the rest, but she'll just refuse to eat anything until the offending food is removed.
I eventually got a new plate and transferred everything minus the mash, but I'm not sure this is the right thing to do. Does this teach her that she can screech to get her way at the dinner table? How will she discover new foods if she won't even accept it being on her plate?
I don't like the "eat this or nothing" approach because Lauren doesn't have a big appetite to begin with. Not that I think she'll starve herself, but pasta again is better than nothing, right? Plus we've tried that approach a few times which resulted in her waking up at all hours of the night because of hunger. At 4am the only thing I have the energy to serve is cereal.
"Be persistent" is the phrase I hear over and over again when it comes to kids eating. Well, being persistent ain't easy, but I'll try.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Unmentionables
This is too funny not to share.
I was in my bedroom yesterday sorting through laundry while Lauren was occupying herself by buzzing around and fiddling with whatever she could get her hands on.
She eventually grabbed my bra, hung one strap around her neck and lifted her shirt over one of the cups then delared proudly, "Look Mommy, I have boobies like you!"
I was in my bedroom yesterday sorting through laundry while Lauren was occupying herself by buzzing around and fiddling with whatever she could get her hands on.
She eventually grabbed my bra, hung one strap around her neck and lifted her shirt over one of the cups then delared proudly, "Look Mommy, I have boobies like you!"
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Biker mom
As Lauren and I were walking from the daycare playground this evening, a family came up behind us. "Where's your bike?" the dad asked. It took me a moment to register that he was talking to me. "It was raining this morning so I left it at home today." I replied. He and his wife nodded in acknowlegment. I've never spoken to this family before but I've seen them around the neighbourhood, and they've obviously seen me.
And there you have it. I am officially recognized as the mom with the bike. It's not the riding of the bike that's so special, but the action of me pushing the bike and the stroller with Lauren sitting in it at the same time. Because I ride my bike to and from work most days, the best technique to manage the last few minutes of the way from daycare to home is with stroller on my left and bike on my right. They're all on wheels so it's really not at all as awkward as it may seem, but it sure attracts a lot of attention from passers by.
I've been doing this simultaneous bike and stroller push for over a year now and still hear comments from people asking how I manage. "You sure have your hands full!" Or, "Wow, how are you doing that?!" I often get offers from people who want to help. A few months ago a woman riding by on a tandem bike stopped to ask if I was interested in a child bike seat. I had considered a bike seat before I came up with this push technique, but decided against it. Traffic is too busy where I live and if I were ever to get bumped by a car, Lauren would go down with me and I'm not willing to take that risk.
It makes me happy to know that there are so many thoughtful people in the neighbourhood, but to be honest, the best help is to stay out of my way. I just need a clear path down the sidewalk and I'm good to go.
Still, for all the attention, wanted or not, and the 10 minutes it takes to push us home, it's worth it to be outdoors on my bike.
And there you have it. I am officially recognized as the mom with the bike. It's not the riding of the bike that's so special, but the action of me pushing the bike and the stroller with Lauren sitting in it at the same time. Because I ride my bike to and from work most days, the best technique to manage the last few minutes of the way from daycare to home is with stroller on my left and bike on my right. They're all on wheels so it's really not at all as awkward as it may seem, but it sure attracts a lot of attention from passers by.
I've been doing this simultaneous bike and stroller push for over a year now and still hear comments from people asking how I manage. "You sure have your hands full!" Or, "Wow, how are you doing that?!" I often get offers from people who want to help. A few months ago a woman riding by on a tandem bike stopped to ask if I was interested in a child bike seat. I had considered a bike seat before I came up with this push technique, but decided against it. Traffic is too busy where I live and if I were ever to get bumped by a car, Lauren would go down with me and I'm not willing to take that risk.
It makes me happy to know that there are so many thoughtful people in the neighbourhood, but to be honest, the best help is to stay out of my way. I just need a clear path down the sidewalk and I'm good to go.
Still, for all the attention, wanted or not, and the 10 minutes it takes to push us home, it's worth it to be outdoors on my bike.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
I'm not lovin' it
I've been trying to avoid McDonald's like I've been trying to avoid the ice cream truck, and was doing a great job until two weeks ago. In the past two weeks we've been three time. THREE TIMES!! Not good.
Twice was during a road trip, and then again tonight while we were out shopping. It was right there inside the store so there was no other option for food. That's the thing about McDonald's - even when you'd prefer to eat elsewhere, it's there when you're desperate to feed your child.
'
Lauren has already learned that they serve her beloved chicken nuggets, but I don't think she associates the chicken nuggets with the golden arches. Considering we walk by the arches every day on our walk home from daycare, I think I just won't tell her. Until next year. Maybe...
Twice was during a road trip, and then again tonight while we were out shopping. It was right there inside the store so there was no other option for food. That's the thing about McDonald's - even when you'd prefer to eat elsewhere, it's there when you're desperate to feed your child.
'
Lauren has already learned that they serve her beloved chicken nuggets, but I don't think she associates the chicken nuggets with the golden arches. Considering we walk by the arches every day on our walk home from daycare, I think I just won't tell her. Until next year. Maybe...
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
The art of dinner conversation
Lauren has been keen about joining in on dinner conversation lately. Now she'll ask to participate which I take as a sign that she's maturing. In the not so distant past she would just whine or hum loudly to get our attention.
Yesterday C and I were discussing something when Lauren piped up "Mommy, talk to me!"
"OK", I said, "what do you want to talk about?"
"Let's talk about ice cream!"
This was amusing to me because she had started a conversation about ice cream the night before. I suppose ice cream talk never gets old. After we went around the table stating our favourite flavours it was time for another topic.
"Now lets talk about pizza!" She said. She very politely asked C and I what kind we liked then told us her preference. "My favourite is chocolate and chicken and meatball."
I doubt she would ever actually eat chocolate pizza with chicken and meat ball, but you never know with this kid, and it did make for interesting dinner conversation!
I wonder what we'll be talking about tonight.
Yesterday C and I were discussing something when Lauren piped up "Mommy, talk to me!"
"OK", I said, "what do you want to talk about?"
"Let's talk about ice cream!"
This was amusing to me because she had started a conversation about ice cream the night before. I suppose ice cream talk never gets old. After we went around the table stating our favourite flavours it was time for another topic.
"Now lets talk about pizza!" She said. She very politely asked C and I what kind we liked then told us her preference. "My favourite is chocolate and chicken and meatball."
I doubt she would ever actually eat chocolate pizza with chicken and meat ball, but you never know with this kid, and it did make for interesting dinner conversation!
I wonder what we'll be talking about tonight.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
And more on apples
Apples seem to be a recurring theme these days. Must be the change in season. This weekend Lauren and I spent some time in the burbs visiting family then ventured further out into the country on a spontaneous apple picking outing.
I've never been apple picking before so I wasn't sure what to expect. Armed with a map of the local area farms, my sister picked one at random and off we went.
To our surprise, Chudleigh's turned out to be quite the hot spot for outdoor family entertainment. There were giant slides and a straw maze; face painting and a farm animal petting/observation area; a giant sand pit and tire swings. And apples too of course! Lots of them!
After some mandatory play time we hitched a ride on the tractor wagon that took us deep into the orchard. The trees weren't as big as I expected, but just the right size for kids and adults alike to reach into the branches and pluck the perfect fruit.
Lauren's older cousins were thrilled to help her with the picking and Lauren was thrilled to be gallivanting in the country with her cousins.
All in all it was a nice break from the bustle of the city and a great way to kick off the harvest season.
I've never been apple picking before so I wasn't sure what to expect. Armed with a map of the local area farms, my sister picked one at random and off we went.
To our surprise, Chudleigh's turned out to be quite the hot spot for outdoor family entertainment. There were giant slides and a straw maze; face painting and a farm animal petting/observation area; a giant sand pit and tire swings. And apples too of course! Lots of them!
After some mandatory play time we hitched a ride on the tractor wagon that took us deep into the orchard. The trees weren't as big as I expected, but just the right size for kids and adults alike to reach into the branches and pluck the perfect fruit.
Lauren's older cousins were thrilled to help her with the picking and Lauren was thrilled to be gallivanting in the country with her cousins.
All in all it was a nice break from the bustle of the city and a great way to kick off the harvest season.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
A is for apple
If I ever figure out Lauren's eating habits, I'm sure it will be a very long time from now.
Every evening after dinner or for a snack on the weekends I offer a selection of fruit. She always says no to apple, but I keep offering anyway.
Yesterday on our way home from daycare she went snooping through my tote bag and found an apple then asked if she could eat it. I was shocked, so of course I said yes even though we were going to have dinner soon. She ate 3/4 of the apple before dinner, paused to eat dinner (pasta), then polished off an apple fruit cup for dessert.
I guess she just had a craving?!
Every evening after dinner or for a snack on the weekends I offer a selection of fruit. She always says no to apple, but I keep offering anyway.
Yesterday on our way home from daycare she went snooping through my tote bag and found an apple then asked if she could eat it. I was shocked, so of course I said yes even though we were going to have dinner soon. She ate 3/4 of the apple before dinner, paused to eat dinner (pasta), then polished off an apple fruit cup for dessert.
I guess she just had a craving?!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Home grown bagels
I love that Lauren enjoys helping me in the garden. It's not a big area by any means, but it's ours and there's enough space to dig and play and get messy or just sit and hang out.
She's curious now about the names of the different flowers and tools and has done a good job of remembering most things.
This evening she wanted to help with watering. After we filled the watering can together she said, "Mummy, I want to water the bagel."
"The bagel?! We don't have bagels out here." I replied. Strange request but imagination runs wild at this age so anything's possible.
"I want to water the bagel." She insisted. Then I saw that she was headed straight for the potted herbs.
"Ooooohh, the basil. You mean baay-sil?"
"Yes." She said. "The basil."
She's curious now about the names of the different flowers and tools and has done a good job of remembering most things.
This evening she wanted to help with watering. After we filled the watering can together she said, "Mummy, I want to water the bagel."
"The bagel?! We don't have bagels out here." I replied. Strange request but imagination runs wild at this age so anything's possible.
"I want to water the bagel." She insisted. Then I saw that she was headed straight for the potted herbs.
"Ooooohh, the basil. You mean baay-sil?"
"Yes." She said. "The basil."
Sunday, August 29, 2010
The tummy speaks again
It's routine on weekend mornings for Lauren to call out from her bedroom to let C and I know that she's awake. This morning after I lifted her from her bed her stomach let out a little gurgle.
In response to the gurgle Lauren said, "My tummy said, 'Hi, I am hungry and I want Cheerios'". "Oh!", I replied. "Ok, let's go to my bedroom first for a bit then we'll go downstairs for breakfast."
This isn't the first time the tummy has spoken, and I'm not sure why she sometimes refers to it in the 3rd person, but it's pretty darn cute.
C and I are always still groggy when Lauren wakes up, but we can usually squeeze in a light snooze while she flops around on our bed for a while or reads her books. If we're lucky she'll fall asleep again. This morning we weren't so lucky and I was coerced into a game of -"The lion is coming we have to hide under the blanket!"
So we spent several minutes hiding from the lion and were having a jolly old time when Lauren suddenly declared loudly, "I AM HUNGRY!! I WANT CHEERIOS!!"
Oops. Grogginess got the better of me and I forgot that the tummy had very politely asked for Cheerios a while ago. Experience has taught me that when Lauren is hungry it's best to get some food in her fast otherwise a meltdown is sure to follow. And that really ain't so cute, especially on a Sunday morning.
In response to the gurgle Lauren said, "My tummy said, 'Hi, I am hungry and I want Cheerios'". "Oh!", I replied. "Ok, let's go to my bedroom first for a bit then we'll go downstairs for breakfast."
This isn't the first time the tummy has spoken, and I'm not sure why she sometimes refers to it in the 3rd person, but it's pretty darn cute.
C and I are always still groggy when Lauren wakes up, but we can usually squeeze in a light snooze while she flops around on our bed for a while or reads her books. If we're lucky she'll fall asleep again. This morning we weren't so lucky and I was coerced into a game of -"The lion is coming we have to hide under the blanket!"
So we spent several minutes hiding from the lion and were having a jolly old time when Lauren suddenly declared loudly, "I AM HUNGRY!! I WANT CHEERIOS!!"
Oops. Grogginess got the better of me and I forgot that the tummy had very politely asked for Cheerios a while ago. Experience has taught me that when Lauren is hungry it's best to get some food in her fast otherwise a meltdown is sure to follow. And that really ain't so cute, especially on a Sunday morning.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
When all else fails, eat cheese
On the lunch menu today at daycare were egg sandwiches. I'm told that Lauren took 2 bites then refused the rest. I'm not surprised. Actually I'm surprised she even tried it at all.
Her disdain for egg goes back a long way. One day when she was just old enough to eat egg yolk I carefully separated it from the white and mashed it up into a paste and fed it to her. She spat it out. On the next try I mixed it with one of her favourite purees. She spat it out. On the next try I simply crumbled the yolk so she could finger it and feed herself. She mashed it into the feeding tray.
I gave egg a rest for a while, but one day thought that scrambled might be more appealing. She looked at it as if it was some nasty alien concoction then turned her head away.
Nowadays when I'm home and making lunch she'll ask, "We're not having egg?", which is her roundabout way of telling me that she really doesn't approve. Similar to, "We're not washing my hair?" Or, "I'm not going to bed?" Frankly, sometimes I think she's a little paranoid that the eggs are out to get her.
So today for lunch, Lauren did not eat her egg sandwich. BUT, she did eat a lot of cheese and some mango and strawberry. Hurray for little victories!
Her disdain for egg goes back a long way. One day when she was just old enough to eat egg yolk I carefully separated it from the white and mashed it up into a paste and fed it to her. She spat it out. On the next try I mixed it with one of her favourite purees. She spat it out. On the next try I simply crumbled the yolk so she could finger it and feed herself. She mashed it into the feeding tray.
I gave egg a rest for a while, but one day thought that scrambled might be more appealing. She looked at it as if it was some nasty alien concoction then turned her head away.
Nowadays when I'm home and making lunch she'll ask, "We're not having egg?", which is her roundabout way of telling me that she really doesn't approve. Similar to, "We're not washing my hair?" Or, "I'm not going to bed?" Frankly, sometimes I think she's a little paranoid that the eggs are out to get her.
So today for lunch, Lauren did not eat her egg sandwich. BUT, she did eat a lot of cheese and some mango and strawberry. Hurray for little victories!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Stinky Pinky no more
C finally managed to get Lauren's stuffed Pinky bear into the wash this weekend. The stuffed Mouton sheep got a bath too - bonus!
I don't think it would have been possible had Lauren not decided to take Teddy Bear to daycare on Friday instead of Pinky as is usual. That afternoon we went straight from daycare to the train station and off to Grandma's house while Pinky stayed home.
Pinky has a pretty tight schedule between being Lauren's chaperone at daycare by day and sleep buddy by night, so there's little chance to steal him away for a good washing.
Thankfully he got his chance and none too soon as he was getting really grubby, and really stinky.
I don't think it would have been possible had Lauren not decided to take Teddy Bear to daycare on Friday instead of Pinky as is usual. That afternoon we went straight from daycare to the train station and off to Grandma's house while Pinky stayed home.
Pinky has a pretty tight schedule between being Lauren's chaperone at daycare by day and sleep buddy by night, so there's little chance to steal him away for a good washing.
Thankfully he got his chance and none too soon as he was getting really grubby, and really stinky.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Mind your manners
Lauren's stomach has a mind of its own. I already know that it's particular about what it eats. But, sometimes when it grumbles she'll tell me that it's saying "hi". At least it's friendly!
Today at the dinner table it got an education in manners:
Lauren: My tummy is hungry for apple sauce but she doesn't know the magic word. Please!
The magic word works every time.
Today at the dinner table it got an education in manners:
Lauren: My tummy is hungry for apple sauce but she doesn't know the magic word. Please!
The magic word works every time.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Brand new day
First day at the new daycare today. We've been talking about it so much that Lauren was very exciting to go and squealed as we approached the building this morning.
Apparently she shed a few tears soon after we left, but she was fine moments later. I think seeing some of her pals there helped to make the unfamiliar more familiar.
Introduction is gradual so it was just two hours today, then 3.5 tomorrow, then a full day on Wednesday.
So far so good!
Apparently she shed a few tears soon after we left, but she was fine moments later. I think seeing some of her pals there helped to make the unfamiliar more familiar.
Introduction is gradual so it was just two hours today, then 3.5 tomorrow, then a full day on Wednesday.
So far so good!
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