May 18, 2011
Went to the zoo this morning and met up with Brandin and Danna. That was nice to get out of the house and do something fun with other people. It can be a little hectic trying to stay together but today worked out well. It was a gorgeous day which was so uplifting. It was also school field trip day which meant that tons of school kids were at the zoo (note to self: do not come on this day ever again). It did not make me any more excited for those years in my future.
We had a picnic lunch on the grass. Some of the big kids were doing gymnastics. One boy would do a cartwheel and land in the splits. Jacob was trying to copy him, which was hilarious. Then he moved on to work on his front rolls which are really quite good. He goes right over the top most times.
Practiced some guitar during naptime. Played outside after nap. Jacob was having a wonderful time playing frisbee and throwing balls around. I just love that kid so much and watching him play and laugh is so fun. That's one of the best rewards of this job. That and when he hugs me or tells me "Gacob love Mommy." Wonderful.
Fraser came home early today - 6 o'clock! It gave me a chance to go to the gym which was fantastic. Nothing turns around a low mood better than a brisk workout. I felt like a new woman after that. Thank you, endorphins!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Day 233
May 17, 2011
Jacobisms:
He puts his hands out to the side and up in the air as he's asking, "Where our paintbrushes?"
We were talking about the sun going down at one point.
"Sun goes down, den stars come out. Stars light up the sky. Like at Grammy and Grampa's house."
"That's right," I said. "Grammy and Grampa live out in the country so you can see lots of stars out there. And you got to see them when we were there. Remember the night we went sledding on the Pabst Smear and then you had a bath."
"Sponge bath," he said.
"Yep, a sponge bath. Then you got to go outside and see some stars coming out."
"Big Dip and Little Dip."
"The Big Dipper?"
"Uh-huh."
"Yea, there's the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper."
At the park today, he's picking up rocks.
"Gacob love rocks. Gacob have a collection."
I love it when that kid comes out with the words that seem too big for a two and a half year old. It just goes to show that you should use whatever language you want and kids will get the meaning of it through its context. They are brilliant little beings, their brains just taking everything in. The good, the bad and the ugly.
Went to the library this morning ("Gacob love going to library"). Biked to the park this afternoon - the day turned out nicer than "they" had predicted which was a pleasant surprise. Late day for Fraser. At least having daylight so late in the evenings makes it feel better for me.
Jacobisms:
He puts his hands out to the side and up in the air as he's asking, "Where our paintbrushes?"
We were talking about the sun going down at one point.
"Sun goes down, den stars come out. Stars light up the sky. Like at Grammy and Grampa's house."
"That's right," I said. "Grammy and Grampa live out in the country so you can see lots of stars out there. And you got to see them when we were there. Remember the night we went sledding on the Pabst Smear and then you had a bath."
"Sponge bath," he said.
"Yep, a sponge bath. Then you got to go outside and see some stars coming out."
"Big Dip and Little Dip."
"The Big Dipper?"
"Uh-huh."
"Yea, there's the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper."
At the park today, he's picking up rocks.
"Gacob love rocks. Gacob have a collection."
I love it when that kid comes out with the words that seem too big for a two and a half year old. It just goes to show that you should use whatever language you want and kids will get the meaning of it through its context. They are brilliant little beings, their brains just taking everything in. The good, the bad and the ugly.
Went to the library this morning ("Gacob love going to library"). Biked to the park this afternoon - the day turned out nicer than "they" had predicted which was a pleasant surprise. Late day for Fraser. At least having daylight so late in the evenings makes it feel better for me.
Day 232
May 16, 2011
Played outside in the feeble, but still present, sunshine. We met another neighbour, Rose, a Korean woman who always waves to us and smiles so nicely when she and her husband drive up to their house across from ours. We chatted about the weather and things. It was nice. She was very sweet.
Had a whole home day today. I'm attempting to lessen my days of driving. It seems like every day we go somewhere. That is becoming very expensive not to mention the regular hazards of adding more carbon to the atmosphere. So, we putzed about here doing things. It was nice.
Jacobisms:
"Orange J" for orange juice
We were picking up blocks and putting them away and I was singing "Pickin' up the blocks and puttin' em in the basket" to the tune of Pickin' Up the Paw Paws. I get to the last line and I pause. Jacob fills it in with "won't you be my darlin'".
I said, "Let's put some music on. Some fun, relaxing music."
Jacob said, "Like some bluegrass."
Played outside in the feeble, but still present, sunshine. We met another neighbour, Rose, a Korean woman who always waves to us and smiles so nicely when she and her husband drive up to their house across from ours. We chatted about the weather and things. It was nice. She was very sweet.
Had a whole home day today. I'm attempting to lessen my days of driving. It seems like every day we go somewhere. That is becoming very expensive not to mention the regular hazards of adding more carbon to the atmosphere. So, we putzed about here doing things. It was nice.
Jacobisms:
"Orange J" for orange juice
We were picking up blocks and putting them away and I was singing "Pickin' up the blocks and puttin' em in the basket" to the tune of Pickin' Up the Paw Paws. I get to the last line and I pause. Jacob fills it in with "won't you be my darlin'".
I said, "Let's put some music on. Some fun, relaxing music."
Jacob said, "Like some bluegrass."
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Day 231
May 15, 2011
Let's see.... I got to work on my sewing project. Got the whole top part together. I don't actually have fabric for the bottom yet so, it'll be on pause for a bit.
Ate a lot of smoked fish.... mmm..... delicious. We smoked some trout, mackeral and salmon yesterday. Jacob had half the trout last night and some corn on the cob. He had more corn on the cob tonight.
We talked to Uncle Jeff and Aunt Nicole on Skype for the first time today. We got to see little Charlie. WHAT a cutie! Very adorable. Jacob thought he was fascinating: eating his own hands like Charlie was doing, asking "Where did dat boy go?" when the camera panned away from him. It was sweet. It'll be nice to see those guys more often now that they have Skype too.
I also started practicing my G chord and C chord. And yes, my fingers are tingling :)
Let's see.... I got to work on my sewing project. Got the whole top part together. I don't actually have fabric for the bottom yet so, it'll be on pause for a bit.
Ate a lot of smoked fish.... mmm..... delicious. We smoked some trout, mackeral and salmon yesterday. Jacob had half the trout last night and some corn on the cob. He had more corn on the cob tonight.
We talked to Uncle Jeff and Aunt Nicole on Skype for the first time today. We got to see little Charlie. WHAT a cutie! Very adorable. Jacob thought he was fascinating: eating his own hands like Charlie was doing, asking "Where did dat boy go?" when the camera panned away from him. It was sweet. It'll be nice to see those guys more often now that they have Skype too.
I also started practicing my G chord and C chord. And yes, my fingers are tingling :)
Day 230
May 14, 2011
I had wanted to get out of the house today but Jacob wanted none of it. So... as usual with kids, I had to rearrange my plans for the day. Instead, I decided to start making a picnic blanket. I'm using old sheets from my parents'. One could say "vintage". It's a fun and easy project and makes me think of my mom, and that makes me smile.
Fraser took the boy out on some errands. When they came back, Jacob had something for me - a belated birthday present. It was a beginning guitar book. The funny thing is just two days ago I almost mentioned to Fraser that I wanted to start looking at second hand stores for a guitar. I've just been feeling like wanting to have more music in our lives. A long time ago, I asked my dad for his beautiful, 12 string Martin but he wouldn't part with it, telling me that he was going to finally learn to play it. Well, that was about 8 years ago and that guitar hasn't been touched. A moment later, Fraser comes around the corner with an actual guitar for me! I couldn't believe my eyes!
Fraser said that I had mentioned something to him at some point in the not-too-distant past. Sometimes he surprises me with the things he pays attention to. This is a very good gift. I can't wait to trim my nails and get the calluses started!
Another present came in the mail too! I guess with the celebration of my birthday and Mother's Day in one weekend, it's nice to stretch the celebrating out. This gift was the newest Harry Potter. Oooh... I can't wait to watch it!
Jacob tonight while drinking some milk from the fridge: "Dis milk tastes like..... juice. Weird."
Friday, May 13, 2011
Day 229: Eagles, Bald
May 13, 2011
Friday, Friday, Friday! Even though this week has felt short in most ways, I'm glad it's almost over. Hopefully the weather will be nicer this weekend for some outdoor adventures.
Jacob and I went to the museum this morning ("Gacob LOVE going to musee-mums") to play and to go to a little class I signed us up for. It's just a little 45 minute class called Science Tots. The museum was totally insane today - lots of school groups. A madhouse. I had to lay the smack down about taking turns to this one girl, probably about 8, giving Jacob the frowny face when we wanted to play with one of the toys. The way I also heard her talk to another classmate makes me feel like she was having a really bad day or she's kind of a queen "B". I know I can't protect him from all mean people, and I know equally that part of life is learning to deal with these people while understanding they don't make you who you are. And man, sometimes I just want to slap a kid.
A beautiful, sunny day! Windows open, fresh spring air coming in. Jacob and I actually had a little picnic outside the museum before we came home. It just lifts the spirits so much to eat outdoors. The food tastes better, the sun makes you feel like anything is possible, visions of picnic blankets laid out for lounging just fills the mind. Maybe summer will be everything everyone says it is out here; they all say it makes up for the rest of the year. Today, I'm feeling like that could possibly be true.
Oh my god! I just looked out back for some reason and up above the open space, directly behind us, were two BALD EAGLES soaring around!! I dashed inside to get the camera, pulling off my new puffer (a flash diffuser) and cursing about not having the telephoto lens on the camera. I snapped off several pictures the best I could. Then, one of the eagles starts a dive toward the ground. I'm about to have a birding orgasm right now, especially if he catches somethin. I can't even get a focus on him before he levels out. He's really close now. I snap several more shots - I'll worry about how they look later. Just get tons of photos while you can (the miracle of digital photography!). When I think it's safe enough to take a break, I race inside and grab the camera bag with the telephoto lens. I'm screwing and unscrewing lenses, thinking, I have GOT to get better at this transition. I did get a few shots with the telephoto but by this point, the eagles are farther off anyway. Whoa. That was awesome.
We got to play in the sunshine after naptime. I was planning on going to the park but my partner did not agree. So, we hung out in our front yard and the neighbours came over for a little happy hour beer. That was much better. Jacob just loves playing with Liam and Riley (the older kids) while he and Charlie just feel frustrated with each other. Jacob did end up with a pretty bad skinned knee. The kid barely cried. Then, when he fell on it AGAIN, he lifts up his knees, sucks his breath in through his teeth, and says, "Ow. Ow. Ow. Owie." No crying. Just coming to me for a little kiss and hug. No band aid for this one. I think he just has a high pain tolerance. Not much bothers him.
It was nice to watch the kids play while having some grown up time. It's great to have some folks to hang out with. Just chill, have a beer, shoot the sh*t. You know, neighbourly things.
Jacob and I went to the museum this morning ("Gacob LOVE going to musee-mums") to play and to go to a little class I signed us up for. It's just a little 45 minute class called Science Tots. The museum was totally insane today - lots of school groups. A madhouse. I had to lay the smack down about taking turns to this one girl, probably about 8, giving Jacob the frowny face when we wanted to play with one of the toys. The way I also heard her talk to another classmate makes me feel like she was having a really bad day or she's kind of a queen "B". I know I can't protect him from all mean people, and I know equally that part of life is learning to deal with these people while understanding they don't make you who you are. And man, sometimes I just want to slap a kid.
A beautiful, sunny day! Windows open, fresh spring air coming in. Jacob and I actually had a little picnic outside the museum before we came home. It just lifts the spirits so much to eat outdoors. The food tastes better, the sun makes you feel like anything is possible, visions of picnic blankets laid out for lounging just fills the mind. Maybe summer will be everything everyone says it is out here; they all say it makes up for the rest of the year. Today, I'm feeling like that could possibly be true.
We got to play in the sunshine after naptime. I was planning on going to the park but my partner did not agree. So, we hung out in our front yard and the neighbours came over for a little happy hour beer. That was much better. Jacob just loves playing with Liam and Riley (the older kids) while he and Charlie just feel frustrated with each other. Jacob did end up with a pretty bad skinned knee. The kid barely cried. Then, when he fell on it AGAIN, he lifts up his knees, sucks his breath in through his teeth, and says, "Ow. Ow. Ow. Owie." No crying. Just coming to me for a little kiss and hug. No band aid for this one. I think he just has a high pain tolerance. Not much bothers him.
It was nice to watch the kids play while having some grown up time. It's great to have some folks to hang out with. Just chill, have a beer, shoot the sh*t. You know, neighbourly things.
Day 228
May 12, 2011
Is it bad when you come downstairs in the morning while the heat's on and it smells like crayons? Hmm.... Thank you, Jacob, for that lovely air freshener.
Oh, cooking... the challenge is, it happens all the time, doesn't stop, and is always needed. Sigh. Sometimes, I just want to stop cooking entirely, not think about it again, buy everything from a store. The whole process gets to feeling like a chore. Other times, it feels more like a craft, something I'm practicing, experimenting with, learning about. That's when it's fun. Then and when the food comes out tasting really delicious. The times when the food comes out so-so can be downright discouraging. It's all about practice, though, and boy, am I getting enough of that these days.
I've been reading a book by Mark Bittman called Food Matters . He talks about Americans' eating habits as their related to health, the environment, money. His premise pretty much is eat more vegetables and fruits, more whole grains, less meat, little crap. Okay. I like that, in theory. I did try two of his recipes: an asparagus, sun-dried tomato and edamame stir fry and a meat and grain meatloaf. The first recipe is good. The second leaves something to be desired, maybe just more seasoning. I couldn't even pull the wool over Jacob's eyes.
"Mommy get Gacob a loaf of meat," he says.
"Yea, sweetie, it's this on your plate," I say, pointing to the pile of meatloaf that, to be fair, looks a little interesting with turkey, bulgar and spinach mixed together. "It's turkey meat."
"Gacob have plain turkey meat," he says.
Sigh.
"Alright, I'll get you some meatballs."
We played outside in the sunshine this afternoon. Jacob was "following Shilo kitty through the bushes." Yes, through the bushes. All of them that he could. I told him to be careful not to scratch his eyes. The grown up in me sighs, but the kid in me can't be upset with his inquisitiveness and the delight he gets from tromping through bushes much bigger than himself. I remember those days from my childhood (only vaguely sometimes). Sometimes I wish I could let go of my practical adult notions and join him. Other times I just like to watch and gather my pleasure from his laughter and joy.
The boy went to bed at 8:30 tonight but did not go to sleep till almost 10!! Besides the fact that I cannot understand that, it is absolutely adorable to listen to him up there. He'll play his music machine on his bed (best $1.99 Goodwill purchase ever!), sing parts of songs, talk to himself, go over things from the day, talk in gibberish. It's really hilarious to listen to. So, at least he's not screaming, coming out of his room or still up racing around. He's going through his own processing, whatever that needs to be on different days.
Is it bad when you come downstairs in the morning while the heat's on and it smells like crayons? Hmm.... Thank you, Jacob, for that lovely air freshener.
Oh, cooking... the challenge is, it happens all the time, doesn't stop, and is always needed. Sigh. Sometimes, I just want to stop cooking entirely, not think about it again, buy everything from a store. The whole process gets to feeling like a chore. Other times, it feels more like a craft, something I'm practicing, experimenting with, learning about. That's when it's fun. Then and when the food comes out tasting really delicious. The times when the food comes out so-so can be downright discouraging. It's all about practice, though, and boy, am I getting enough of that these days.
I've been reading a book by Mark Bittman called Food Matters . He talks about Americans' eating habits as their related to health, the environment, money. His premise pretty much is eat more vegetables and fruits, more whole grains, less meat, little crap. Okay. I like that, in theory. I did try two of his recipes: an asparagus, sun-dried tomato and edamame stir fry and a meat and grain meatloaf. The first recipe is good. The second leaves something to be desired, maybe just more seasoning. I couldn't even pull the wool over Jacob's eyes.
"Mommy get Gacob a loaf of meat," he says.
"Yea, sweetie, it's this on your plate," I say, pointing to the pile of meatloaf that, to be fair, looks a little interesting with turkey, bulgar and spinach mixed together. "It's turkey meat."
"Gacob have plain turkey meat," he says.
Sigh.
"Alright, I'll get you some meatballs."
We played outside in the sunshine this afternoon. Jacob was "following Shilo kitty through the bushes." Yes, through the bushes. All of them that he could. I told him to be careful not to scratch his eyes. The grown up in me sighs, but the kid in me can't be upset with his inquisitiveness and the delight he gets from tromping through bushes much bigger than himself. I remember those days from my childhood (only vaguely sometimes). Sometimes I wish I could let go of my practical adult notions and join him. Other times I just like to watch and gather my pleasure from his laughter and joy.
The boy went to bed at 8:30 tonight but did not go to sleep till almost 10!! Besides the fact that I cannot understand that, it is absolutely adorable to listen to him up there. He'll play his music machine on his bed (best $1.99 Goodwill purchase ever!), sing parts of songs, talk to himself, go over things from the day, talk in gibberish. It's really hilarious to listen to. So, at least he's not screaming, coming out of his room or still up racing around. He's going through his own processing, whatever that needs to be on different days.
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