This year tradition held true. We went over to Kim and Jay's to visit with Ruby, give out candy, and let Aidan go around to some houses. Again this year, he loved it. He went around to each house, held up his bucket, and, in the most adorable voice, requested, "Trick or treat?"
Random people in the street and on the sidewalk stopped to adore his Shamu costume. Aidan would refer to small groups of kids as "friends" and would insist that we go around with them. We found a nice family with a mom and five kids that was willing to put up with us. We walked around with them for a few houses but when they went the opposite way and we had to get back, Aidan started to cry. It was pretty sad. He seems to be drawn to the social aspects of trick or treating. He's such an extrovert!
So, looking to next year, Aidan really needs to go with at least one other kid. A group might be best, but we'll take what we can get. I suppose Ruby may be old enough to go next year, so that's something to look forward to. Too bad we don't have a baby machine-- he could have a sibling! [Insert evil laugh here!]
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
More Than Our Fair Share of Stress
What a crazy week it's been and it's only Tuesday! First thing Monday morning I began making peanut allergy related preparations for our upcoming weekend trip to Houston. I ordered a book for Cass on peanut allergy. I called the allergist to request a letter stating that we needed to bring the Epi-pen on the plane. You never know what security is going to allow! Last, Jason called the airline to let them know of Aidan's allergy.
Wouldn't you know it, Continental is one of the few airlines that does not accommodate peanut allergy needs. Even though the Department of Transportation says that peanut allergy is a disability and airlines have to accommodate, the peanut council lobbied congress to put barriers in place keeping it optional for the airlines. Although some do comply, Continental does not. Aidan's doctor says not to risk it. We are getting a refund and are looking for tickets on another airline. We're extremely frustrated.
Just when I thought my Monday stress quota was fulfilled, we had a fire in the house. There was no fire damage, just a lot of smoke and dust. Most of the dust was from the fire extinguisher that I used to fight back the raging inferno. We've had to clean a whole lot. I'll spare you the details of how or why this fire occurred. If you want a full rundown, you should call Jason. He'd be happy to fill you in on the details. Make sure he gives you the version where he caused the fire to begin with, dismantled the smoke detectors, and essentially almost burned the house down with me in it. In his defense, it was a series of incredibly stupid mistakes. Or so he says. Most of our friends are suspicious of the way the facts seem to point to premeditation. As our friend Paul put it, "I've seen Law & Order episodes based on less evidence than that!"
Tonight we're taking Shamu trick-or-treating in the rain and then we'll come home to our dusty, smoky house. I think I've had more than I can handle for a few days. Let's hope nothing else crazy happens!
Wouldn't you know it, Continental is one of the few airlines that does not accommodate peanut allergy needs. Even though the Department of Transportation says that peanut allergy is a disability and airlines have to accommodate, the peanut council lobbied congress to put barriers in place keeping it optional for the airlines. Although some do comply, Continental does not. Aidan's doctor says not to risk it. We are getting a refund and are looking for tickets on another airline. We're extremely frustrated.
Just when I thought my Monday stress quota was fulfilled, we had a fire in the house. There was no fire damage, just a lot of smoke and dust. Most of the dust was from the fire extinguisher that I used to fight back the raging inferno. We've had to clean a whole lot. I'll spare you the details of how or why this fire occurred. If you want a full rundown, you should call Jason. He'd be happy to fill you in on the details. Make sure he gives you the version where he caused the fire to begin with, dismantled the smoke detectors, and essentially almost burned the house down with me in it. In his defense, it was a series of incredibly stupid mistakes. Or so he says. Most of our friends are suspicious of the way the facts seem to point to premeditation. As our friend Paul put it, "I've seen Law & Order episodes based on less evidence than that!"
Tonight we're taking Shamu trick-or-treating in the rain and then we'll come home to our dusty, smoky house. I think I've had more than I can handle for a few days. Let's hope nothing else crazy happens!
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Our Halloween Adventures (So Far)
Our Halloween started early this year. Jason and I were trying to figure out if Halloween is now a holiday season like Christmas or if it's just our imagination. We kicked it off on Friday with the Fall Carnival at Aidan's school. It's a church, so they couldn't call it Halloween (this cracks me up). All the kids dressed up and played games. It's a big deal to us and both Jason and I have taken off work early to attend for the last two years. He was so cute in his Shamu costume (picture above) and the class got bags of peanut-free candy when they got back to their room.
When we got home from the party, there was a Halloween package from Rebecca waiting for Aidan. Among other things, it contained a dinosaur egg. Coolest thing any of us had ever seen! We immediately put the egg in a glass of water to watch it grow. Aidan was so funny! He'd look at it and then turn away and say, "Oh, Mommy! I'm scared!" Then he'd laugh and ask to see it again. The next morning the egg had crackled all over. By mid-afternoon, the head of the dinosaur was poking out the top of the egg. We were all so excited! Mommy had to help deliver the dinosaur by breaking the egg shell and now Aidan has a new rubber dinosaur toy. He loves to claim to be scared by it.
On Saturday night we went to party with Cassie and Quinn Oney in Frankfort. Aidan had a lot of fun with stickers, painting, eating, and watching the bigger kids break the pinata. We are always some of the last to leave but Aidan had a blast with Cassie and Quinn. Cassie and Aidan pushed Quinn around in a cardboard box and made Choo-choo noises. It was rather appropriate since Quinn's costume was Thomas the Tank Engine.
On Sunday we carved our pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns and set them out on the porch. Then we roasted their seeds! Aidan had roasted pumpkin seeds at school last week, so he kept saying, "I wanna eat him seeds!" You'd think that the carving, lighting, and eating would be the highlight for him but it was not.
The big fun on Sunday was looking for the Mole Men under the house next door. Now, most of you will need a little background on the Mole Men Myth, and although I don't know the whole story, I'll sure try to tell you what I know. Long ago, in what seems like a different lifetime now, before Jason and I were seriously dating, and before the Rinaldo grandchildren were ever thought of, Jason's dad and siblings came for a visit. On that visit we went to Mammoth Cave. It was there that I first heard the stories of the Mole Men.
Apparently Grandpa Lenny has a history of scaring children with stories of Mole Men who live underground and lurk. I've been fortunate enough to have been spared the most scary of the stories, but Rebecca had nightmares for years from the stories. In Aidan's case, Jason has spared him the fear by making it more mysterious than scary.
The Mole Men live under the house next door, where Aidan's friend Mary once lived. The rental management company had left the crawl space door open, and Jason was trying to distract Aidan from nursing, and so the adventure began. They looked all around for the Mole Men. They left money for them. Jason said that they were doing an experiment to see if the money would still be there when they went back later. Aidan was so excited that he'd come inside to tell me about it and then ask to go back to see them. Aidan even had the idea to leave some grapes for them to eat.
We had to run out last night to my office and when we got into the car Aidan said that the Mole Men had gotten Mary. You see, Mary's family moved while we were in D.C. and he never got a chance to say goodbye. So now he thinks that the Mole Men got Mary. It's sort of funny but also pretty sad. He must really miss her.
Once it got dark and the door to the crawl space was closed (by Daddy, but Aidan didn't know), the Mole Men went to sleep. Aidan said they were naked and didn't want us to see them. But you'd better believe that he was up bright and early this morning asking to see the Mole Men!
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
What's With All The Toys?
Disclaimer: This entry is not intended to deter anyone from giving Aidan toys. Personally, I'm already making my toy list for the holidays.
There's not a lot to tell. Aidan has been so full of energy. He wakes up smiling and ready to go play. He's constantly asking to play. When I ask him what he did at school he says, "Play." He definitely is having a good time. That's for sure.
Most of the time he wants to play ball of some sort. If there is not a ball available, he will use some other random object that he can call a ball. The rule in the house is if it's something he wouldn't want to get hit in the head with, he can't throw it. For the most part, this rule deters injury of the mommy and daddy. From time to time, however, we get hit pretty hard with even the softest of balls in just the right spot on the face and boy does it hurt!
Even Mr. Potato Head has become a sport. When he gets tired of rearranging the parts, he just starts throwing the parts toward their storage container. This form of basketball, taught to him by his father, drives me crazy. It results in little parts all of the room, under the bed, in the bed, in the closet, etc.
For this and various other reasons, I have recently acquired plastic storage containers for storing all toys with small parts. So far this system has kept me sane but I figure it's just a matter of time before all the little pieces are strung all over the house. I can see it now: Lego's in under my pillow, little people under the kitchen table. Not so difficult to imagine since that's how it was just two weeks ago before the new storage containers.
The good news: just as the infant Aidan outgrew clothes every 3 months, toddler Aidan outgrows toys almost as quickly. He's been getting toy hauls twice per year: August birthday and December holidays. This works out nicely since by the time one rolls around the last haul is a little dated. What I can't understand is that despite our efforts to clean out and give away the old toys that are no longer developmentally appropriate every six months or so, we are still overrun with toys. How does this happen?
Well, I have a theory. I think that has he ages the toys get bigger and involve more parts. Definitely more parts. So they take up more space. Maybe overall he actually has fewer toys but it feels like more because there's no space. I even had Jason hang a shelf in his room to put the toys on. And then there's the corner stuffed-animal hammock. And all of those plastic storage containers: art supplies, matchbox cars, little people, fridge phonics, trains, bath toys, you name it. Jason accused me of getting obsessive compulsive and asked me if I was going to pull out my label maker. His teasing made me decide to leave my label maker in the drawer. Maybe I'll label the containers when he's in Orlando next month. I wonder if he'll notice when he gets back....
There's not a lot to tell. Aidan has been so full of energy. He wakes up smiling and ready to go play. He's constantly asking to play. When I ask him what he did at school he says, "Play." He definitely is having a good time. That's for sure.
Most of the time he wants to play ball of some sort. If there is not a ball available, he will use some other random object that he can call a ball. The rule in the house is if it's something he wouldn't want to get hit in the head with, he can't throw it. For the most part, this rule deters injury of the mommy and daddy. From time to time, however, we get hit pretty hard with even the softest of balls in just the right spot on the face and boy does it hurt!
Even Mr. Potato Head has become a sport. When he gets tired of rearranging the parts, he just starts throwing the parts toward their storage container. This form of basketball, taught to him by his father, drives me crazy. It results in little parts all of the room, under the bed, in the bed, in the closet, etc.
For this and various other reasons, I have recently acquired plastic storage containers for storing all toys with small parts. So far this system has kept me sane but I figure it's just a matter of time before all the little pieces are strung all over the house. I can see it now: Lego's in under my pillow, little people under the kitchen table. Not so difficult to imagine since that's how it was just two weeks ago before the new storage containers.
The good news: just as the infant Aidan outgrew clothes every 3 months, toddler Aidan outgrows toys almost as quickly. He's been getting toy hauls twice per year: August birthday and December holidays. This works out nicely since by the time one rolls around the last haul is a little dated. What I can't understand is that despite our efforts to clean out and give away the old toys that are no longer developmentally appropriate every six months or so, we are still overrun with toys. How does this happen?
Well, I have a theory. I think that has he ages the toys get bigger and involve more parts. Definitely more parts. So they take up more space. Maybe overall he actually has fewer toys but it feels like more because there's no space. I even had Jason hang a shelf in his room to put the toys on. And then there's the corner stuffed-animal hammock. And all of those plastic storage containers: art supplies, matchbox cars, little people, fridge phonics, trains, bath toys, you name it. Jason accused me of getting obsessive compulsive and asked me if I was going to pull out my label maker. His teasing made me decide to leave my label maker in the drawer. Maybe I'll label the containers when he's in Orlando next month. I wonder if he'll notice when he gets back....
Monday, October 23, 2006
Is The Weekend Over Already?
Well, we had a lot of fun this weekend. On Friday we had dinner with Kim, Jay, and little Ruby. Jason and I got a lesson in what normal babies are like. Ruby was so sweet and happily played with her toys while we had a nice dinner. At first Aidan was crazy but then he bumped his head on the wall (Jason's fault, by the way) and was completely docile after that. Not sure if it was due to brain damage but it sure calmed him down. I had yelled at Jason for it when he bumped but once we saw how calm it made Aidan, Jason said he'd do it from now on when we were eating. I'd almost take him up on it.
On Saturday I slept in while Jason and Aidan made pancakes. When I got up I was informed that they wanted to visit the aquarium (a regular thing for us since we have annual passes) and I was to go too. I happily blew off work (although I was stressed about it) and went along. We had a really good time but I think the aquarium must be restocking or remodelling, as there were fewer fish this time. Aidan, as usual, enjoyed every minute of it.
Sunday we stayed home most of the day. We got tickets for our flight to Houston in 3 weeks. Stupidly, we told Aidan we were going to see Rebecca and he got very excited. He doesn't understand the concept of 3 weeks. He'll be disappointed everyday that we don't go.
Yesterday Jason was telling me about Rebecca's tennis lessons and it turned into a short discussion of how Cass had played tennis and such. Not any huge discussion or fanfare. Just Jason informing me of what is going on with Rebecca. Later at bath time we were all in the bathroom while Aidan swam and splashed around. He picked up a toy that he held like a racket and used another toy as the ball and declared it "tennis." Jason asked him who plays tennis and Aidan said, "Me." "Who else plays tennis?" Aidan promptly stated, "Becca!" Goes to show what they pick up on. He doesn't miss a beat!
On Saturday I slept in while Jason and Aidan made pancakes. When I got up I was informed that they wanted to visit the aquarium (a regular thing for us since we have annual passes) and I was to go too. I happily blew off work (although I was stressed about it) and went along. We had a really good time but I think the aquarium must be restocking or remodelling, as there were fewer fish this time. Aidan, as usual, enjoyed every minute of it.
Sunday we stayed home most of the day. We got tickets for our flight to Houston in 3 weeks. Stupidly, we told Aidan we were going to see Rebecca and he got very excited. He doesn't understand the concept of 3 weeks. He'll be disappointed everyday that we don't go.
Yesterday Jason was telling me about Rebecca's tennis lessons and it turned into a short discussion of how Cass had played tennis and such. Not any huge discussion or fanfare. Just Jason informing me of what is going on with Rebecca. Later at bath time we were all in the bathroom while Aidan swam and splashed around. He picked up a toy that he held like a racket and used another toy as the ball and declared it "tennis." Jason asked him who plays tennis and Aidan said, "Me." "Who else plays tennis?" Aidan promptly stated, "Becca!" Goes to show what they pick up on. He doesn't miss a beat!
Friday, October 20, 2006
All I Want Is For Him To Be Healthy!
We're on a slippery slope. Jason says it's nothing to worry about but I know this is how it all starts. Last night for dinner we had spinach, mushroom, and cheese quesadillas. Aidan wouldn't eat it, although he did try it. He's eaten it in the past but lately I've noticed that he has rejected foods that he previously would eat. I'm told this is normal for toddlers. Anyway, he wouldn't eat it and to avoid Aidan's 4 AM hunger pangs causing him to wake up, Jason gave him cereal...and a popsicle! Jason doesn't see it as a big deal but I'm seeing us in a year making separate meals of chicken nuggets and french fries just for him. Or worse-- we'll be cooking all meals based solely on what he'll eat. I think we all have to bend a little, so I'll work on making our meals a little more suitable for his tastes (but still healthy) as well as giving him more variety. He'll have to learn that we all eat what we get rather than what he thinks he'd prefer. These are the moments of development that affect life long eating habits. This is serious!
Oh, and did you hear that kids who don't sleep are at a higher risk for obesity? It's so interesting to me how our current culture demands that the mother constantly be concerned with such issues. If it's not the dangers of obesity, it's the problem of ADHD. Which, by the way, has also been linked to lack of sleep. And we all know that ADHD is linked to learning difficulties. So let's get this straight. Kids who do not sleep well, regardless of the cause (e.g., overgrown tonsils, disruptive household, over scheduling, light sleeper by nature), will either be lethargic and become obese or they will be hyperactive and be diagnosed with ADHD. And all of this is the mother's responsibility. Ever heard of a bell curve? It's unnatural to have a population tightly centered around average.
Since we have a culture that requires over scheduling, decreased hours of sleep (at the turn of the century people slept A LOT), and overeating, just how do the experts hold the mothers responsible? Oh, because they work and working dads have nothing to do with it. I see.
Anyway, now I find myself in this world where pressure is coming in from all sides. He sees McDonald's commercials and asks to go. There's pressure to enroll him in activities from the moment he is born (although he is not currently enrolled in anything). And I'm trying to work against that force to teach him good, healthy eating habits (which I struggle with myself, by the way), the importance of physical activity, and all the normal stuff like colors/counting/ABCs/etc. All of this while working. And Dad is not held responsible for this. And we cannot factor in child temperament as an excuse for any setbacks. Hmmm...I think there's something wrong with the system.
Oh, and did you hear that kids who don't sleep are at a higher risk for obesity? It's so interesting to me how our current culture demands that the mother constantly be concerned with such issues. If it's not the dangers of obesity, it's the problem of ADHD. Which, by the way, has also been linked to lack of sleep. And we all know that ADHD is linked to learning difficulties. So let's get this straight. Kids who do not sleep well, regardless of the cause (e.g., overgrown tonsils, disruptive household, over scheduling, light sleeper by nature), will either be lethargic and become obese or they will be hyperactive and be diagnosed with ADHD. And all of this is the mother's responsibility. Ever heard of a bell curve? It's unnatural to have a population tightly centered around average.
Since we have a culture that requires over scheduling, decreased hours of sleep (at the turn of the century people slept A LOT), and overeating, just how do the experts hold the mothers responsible? Oh, because they work and working dads have nothing to do with it. I see.
Anyway, now I find myself in this world where pressure is coming in from all sides. He sees McDonald's commercials and asks to go. There's pressure to enroll him in activities from the moment he is born (although he is not currently enrolled in anything). And I'm trying to work against that force to teach him good, healthy eating habits (which I struggle with myself, by the way), the importance of physical activity, and all the normal stuff like colors/counting/ABCs/etc. All of this while working. And Dad is not held responsible for this. And we cannot factor in child temperament as an excuse for any setbacks. Hmmm...I think there's something wrong with the system.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Daddy's Home
Jason finally got home on Tuesday night. He called around 9:30 to say he was at the airport. Since Aidan was up and showing no signs of tiredness, we were eager to meet him and bring him home. I closed my phone and told Aidan we were going to pick up Daddy. He was so excited that he started running around the house screaming, "Aidan's shoes! Aidan's shoes!" It was pretty warm out so I just grabbed him up in his diaper and pj shirt and put him in the car. He was confused at first about not being dressed or shoed, but got over it pretty quickly.
We did a lot of fun things while Jason was gone. Nana visited. We went to the arboretum, the orchard, Krispy Kreme, Chickfila, the mall. And what does he tell Daddy about as soon as he sees him? The car wash. I had to laugh. I'd even forgotten that we'd gone to the car wash. As we watched "Aidan's car" being bathed through the viewing window, he said, "I wanna go in there." He meant he wants to ride in the car. One of his Caillou episodes is about a trip to the carwash, so Aidan knows that it's possible to ride along for the wash. Maybe next time.
We did a lot of fun things while Jason was gone. Nana visited. We went to the arboretum, the orchard, Krispy Kreme, Chickfila, the mall. And what does he tell Daddy about as soon as he sees him? The car wash. I had to laugh. I'd even forgotten that we'd gone to the car wash. As we watched "Aidan's car" being bathed through the viewing window, he said, "I wanna go in there." He meant he wants to ride in the car. One of his Caillou episodes is about a trip to the carwash, so Aidan knows that it's possible to ride along for the wash. Maybe next time.
Monday, October 16, 2006
So Busy Without Daddy
Boy, did we have a busy weekend. Jason's been in NYC and I called in my reinforcement, the Nana-nator! Aidan was so happy to have her here. They spent the day together on Saturday while I got in a few hours of work. On Saturday night we visited the UK Arboretum, where they were having their fall event. Aidan painted a pumpkin, had his face painted, and learned about all kinds of bugs. We saw a tarantula, a black widow, and lots of other assorted, non-poisonous bugs. It was interesting but very cold.
On Sunday, before Nana went back home, the three of us visited the orchard. Aidan picked out his pumpkin and I was able to get a couple of mums for the porch. We also picked up some apples and pears. The highlight was out behind the barn. There was a petting zoo that contained a kangaroo, a couple of camels, some goats, some llamas, some horses, and some other stuff that I'm having trouble remembering. Aidan was so funny feeding the animals. He'd hold his hand out full of food and when the animals would start eating, it would tickle and he'd start squirming and pull his hand away. It was pretty darn cute!
The orchard also had a play area set up with a big slide for the kids. Aidan went down it three times. On his last trip down, he got sideways and went down the rest of the way on his cheek. It burned him a little but the mark was gone this morning (thank goodness-- today is picture day at school). I was glad he wasn't seriously hurt but I was also glad that we had a reason to cease our activity on the slide. Hell, if not for the accident, we may have been there all day!
Last night Aidan and I were a mess. We had one mishap after another. But finally he went to sleep at 10:30 after we laid down on the couch to watch Shrek 2. (Well, I watched it. He fell asleep right away.) True to our pattern for last night, I started to smell a dirty diaper after he'd already fallen to sleep. This never happens anymore. He's not soiled a diaper at or after bedtime since he was an infant. I don't know what the deal was, but of course, I had to change him. I envy those parents who say they could play ping pong on their child's head and not wake them up. My little guy woke up screaming the moment I touched him to change him. After not long, I was able to get him to sleep in his bed and he stayed there for a few hours until he woke me at 4 AM to come lay with me on the couch. I love sleep and I'm just not able to get any since becoming a mother. It's just not fair!
Overall, I'd say we're looking forward to Daddy's return tomorrow night. I don't know how single parents do this. We have been having a lot of fun despite our mishaps (we tripped some breakers; broke a light; messed up a picture; and had a few minor injuries). Our list of fun activities include the car wash, Krispy Kreme, and Wal-Mart. He's helped with housework and food preparation. He feeds Simon every night right after we eat. He's such a good boy and a great helper!
Last night before bath I gave him the empty shampoo bottle and asked him to put it in the recycler. I've been discussing the recycling with him but I doubted he was listening or understood. He took the bottle and trotted off into the other room, so I decided to follow to see what he did. Without hesitation he took it straight to the recycling container and put it in there then returned to the bath to help select bath toys. I can't believe how big he is! As he splashed around in the tub and we played I had to sit back and look at how long he is. He's going to be a man before we know it!
On Sunday, before Nana went back home, the three of us visited the orchard. Aidan picked out his pumpkin and I was able to get a couple of mums for the porch. We also picked up some apples and pears. The highlight was out behind the barn. There was a petting zoo that contained a kangaroo, a couple of camels, some goats, some llamas, some horses, and some other stuff that I'm having trouble remembering. Aidan was so funny feeding the animals. He'd hold his hand out full of food and when the animals would start eating, it would tickle and he'd start squirming and pull his hand away. It was pretty darn cute!
The orchard also had a play area set up with a big slide for the kids. Aidan went down it three times. On his last trip down, he got sideways and went down the rest of the way on his cheek. It burned him a little but the mark was gone this morning (thank goodness-- today is picture day at school). I was glad he wasn't seriously hurt but I was also glad that we had a reason to cease our activity on the slide. Hell, if not for the accident, we may have been there all day!
Last night Aidan and I were a mess. We had one mishap after another. But finally he went to sleep at 10:30 after we laid down on the couch to watch Shrek 2. (Well, I watched it. He fell asleep right away.) True to our pattern for last night, I started to smell a dirty diaper after he'd already fallen to sleep. This never happens anymore. He's not soiled a diaper at or after bedtime since he was an infant. I don't know what the deal was, but of course, I had to change him. I envy those parents who say they could play ping pong on their child's head and not wake them up. My little guy woke up screaming the moment I touched him to change him. After not long, I was able to get him to sleep in his bed and he stayed there for a few hours until he woke me at 4 AM to come lay with me on the couch. I love sleep and I'm just not able to get any since becoming a mother. It's just not fair!
Overall, I'd say we're looking forward to Daddy's return tomorrow night. I don't know how single parents do this. We have been having a lot of fun despite our mishaps (we tripped some breakers; broke a light; messed up a picture; and had a few minor injuries). Our list of fun activities include the car wash, Krispy Kreme, and Wal-Mart. He's helped with housework and food preparation. He feeds Simon every night right after we eat. He's such a good boy and a great helper!
Last night before bath I gave him the empty shampoo bottle and asked him to put it in the recycler. I've been discussing the recycling with him but I doubted he was listening or understood. He took the bottle and trotted off into the other room, so I decided to follow to see what he did. Without hesitation he took it straight to the recycling container and put it in there then returned to the bath to help select bath toys. I can't believe how big he is! As he splashed around in the tub and we played I had to sit back and look at how long he is. He's going to be a man before we know it!
Friday, October 13, 2006
The Fireman
Yesterday when I picked Aidan up from school his teacher was reading a book about manners. I quickly recognized that there was a reason for this and that Aidan probably needed to stay there and listen to the rest of the story. When story time was over, his teacher told me that all of the kids were getting in trouble that day and that Aidan was at the top of the list. As we've known for some time, he's a little space invader. He loves to touch and pester other people but doesn't want anyone invading his space or touching his toys. Ah, the joys of parenting!
After the we finally got home from school (after the story and the talk with the teacher), Nana was waiting for us. Aidan saw her from his car seat and started beaming. He couldn't wait to get to her. They played for a while before we went out to dinner with Daddy. He's so happy that she is here visiting us while Daddy is in NYC. She even took him to school this morning!
I found out that I was completely wrong about the fire truck on Monday. On his school calendar it said he'd be learning about the fire truck but I guess they were just talking about it because the truck will be there today. Jason was told that because the firemen will be in full equipment, the teachers have been preparing the kids all week so that they won't be scared.
Can you imagine? Some nice fireman jumps off the truck with big black boots, rubber pants and jacket, a full face mask, and a huge helmet with a visor. The kids suddenly get these looks of sheer terror on their faces and start pushing one another to see who can hide behind the teacher or run into the building. I can see it vividly. I figure some of this will happen regardless of how much preparation has gone on and I'd love to go by there today to see it!
After the we finally got home from school (after the story and the talk with the teacher), Nana was waiting for us. Aidan saw her from his car seat and started beaming. He couldn't wait to get to her. They played for a while before we went out to dinner with Daddy. He's so happy that she is here visiting us while Daddy is in NYC. She even took him to school this morning!
I found out that I was completely wrong about the fire truck on Monday. On his school calendar it said he'd be learning about the fire truck but I guess they were just talking about it because the truck will be there today. Jason was told that because the firemen will be in full equipment, the teachers have been preparing the kids all week so that they won't be scared.
Can you imagine? Some nice fireman jumps off the truck with big black boots, rubber pants and jacket, a full face mask, and a huge helmet with a visor. The kids suddenly get these looks of sheer terror on their faces and start pushing one another to see who can hide behind the teacher or run into the building. I can see it vividly. I figure some of this will happen regardless of how much preparation has gone on and I'd love to go by there today to see it!
Thursday, October 12, 2006
To Potty or Not To Potty?
Well, apparently Aidan used the potty at school yesterday. I've suspected that he's getting closer to using it again. I'll give you the recap on the ongoing potty saga.
A while back Aidan did very well for a week or so on the potty. He was having a lot of fun peeing in the potty and we all speculated that it may have originated from competition with an older boy at school who was potty training. Then, one day, out of the blue, he pooped in the potty. I was so proud! It surprised us both and I think I may have praised him a little bit too much. After that he seemed to have performance anxiety. I tried not to pressure him but it was hard not to. Eventually I accepted the fact that he had decided that the potty was not for him. After all, I don't think I've ever run across an otherwise developmentally normal teenager who didn't use the potty. He'd pick it up later.
Since that time Aidan has been on the potty here and there. Usually his attempts do not result in actual urination or bowel movement. Usually he just sits there long enough to get a sticker on his chart. Maybe once in the last couple of months has he peed on the potty for us. And from time to time I've noticed that his daily report from school has said, "Sat on the potty."
Lately I've noticed that he's disinterested in diaper changes. I always point out that if he hates his diapers, they can be avoided if he'd use the potty instead. In the past few weeks we've had a number of conversations about who uses the potty. Does Mommy use the potty? Yes. Does Daddy use the potty? Yes. Does Simon use the potty? No. Does Aidan use the potty? No. Secretly I've hoped that this new interest would result in behavioral curiosity.
This morning as I was getting Aidan's backpack ready for school, I pulled out and read his daily report from yesterday. It had a big checkmark on the "wet diaper" line, followed by the statement, "On the potty!" Good for him, I thought. Now if I can just avoid pressuring him to do it at home!
A while back Aidan did very well for a week or so on the potty. He was having a lot of fun peeing in the potty and we all speculated that it may have originated from competition with an older boy at school who was potty training. Then, one day, out of the blue, he pooped in the potty. I was so proud! It surprised us both and I think I may have praised him a little bit too much. After that he seemed to have performance anxiety. I tried not to pressure him but it was hard not to. Eventually I accepted the fact that he had decided that the potty was not for him. After all, I don't think I've ever run across an otherwise developmentally normal teenager who didn't use the potty. He'd pick it up later.
Since that time Aidan has been on the potty here and there. Usually his attempts do not result in actual urination or bowel movement. Usually he just sits there long enough to get a sticker on his chart. Maybe once in the last couple of months has he peed on the potty for us. And from time to time I've noticed that his daily report from school has said, "Sat on the potty."
Lately I've noticed that he's disinterested in diaper changes. I always point out that if he hates his diapers, they can be avoided if he'd use the potty instead. In the past few weeks we've had a number of conversations about who uses the potty. Does Mommy use the potty? Yes. Does Daddy use the potty? Yes. Does Simon use the potty? No. Does Aidan use the potty? No. Secretly I've hoped that this new interest would result in behavioral curiosity.
This morning as I was getting Aidan's backpack ready for school, I pulled out and read his daily report from yesterday. It had a big checkmark on the "wet diaper" line, followed by the statement, "On the potty!" Good for him, I thought. Now if I can just avoid pressuring him to do it at home!
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
So Much Play!
Not much to report. Jason and I are both really stressed about work. Aidan has had a little cold all week. Must be the frequent changes in weather. He's not been sleeping well, so he slept with me last night. Jason is leaving for NY on Friday morning early and Nana should be here tomorrow to help out with Aidan. He'll be very excited to see her.
Nana will be pretty tired by the end of the weekend. He just wants to play all the time. This morning before school (like most mornings) he wouldn't let me put his clothes on because he wanted to play with us. He says, "No, Mommy play me." I'm trying to teach him to say "with me" but he's not quite there yet. After we finally organized his toys the other night, he is able to play much easier because we now know where all of the parts are to things. Thank goodness for ziploc bags and plastic storage boxes! Little Ruby was able to take some toys off our hands that Aidan had outgrown. Nana says that she'll take some to Jamie also. So nice to watch those things go out of my house and to another happy home!
Nana will be pretty tired by the end of the weekend. He just wants to play all the time. This morning before school (like most mornings) he wouldn't let me put his clothes on because he wanted to play with us. He says, "No, Mommy play me." I'm trying to teach him to say "with me" but he's not quite there yet. After we finally organized his toys the other night, he is able to play much easier because we now know where all of the parts are to things. Thank goodness for ziploc bags and plastic storage boxes! Little Ruby was able to take some toys off our hands that Aidan had outgrown. Nana says that she'll take some to Jamie also. So nice to watch those things go out of my house and to another happy home!
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Timmy's Chicken Pox
There's a little boy in Aidan's class named Timmy. Aidan calls him "Tippy" but that's beside the point. Anyway, apparently Timmy came to school yesterday and after he arrived they realized that he has the chicken pox. Not a problem for us since Aidan has been vaccinated but it apparently made for an interesting day at school. The kids got to learn all about chicken pox and read a book about it.
At the end of the day when Jason went to pick Aidan up Ms. Kathy, the teacher, asked the class, "Who can tell me what happened to Timmy today?" Reportedly all of the kids looked up at her in silence as if they were clueless about who Timmy was, let alone what may have happened to him. Aidan was the only child who announced that Timmy has the chicken pox! Ms. Kathy was giving Aidan the opportunity to show off for his daddy. These sorts of observations go a long way in winning over the teachers there. We are constantly getting comments on how well he remembers and predicts stories in books, how he notices things that happen and then talks of it later, how he finds humor in the most mundane situations, and how athletic he is.
If these traits continue to outshine his peers, he could develop into quite a well-rounded individual. Let's face it, it's rare that you have a socially savvy athlete who is also smart. Hell, socially capable smart kids are rare enough, adding in the athleticism just takes it one step further. Of course, he could go anywhere from here but I'm holding out for well-rounded!
At the end of the day when Jason went to pick Aidan up Ms. Kathy, the teacher, asked the class, "Who can tell me what happened to Timmy today?" Reportedly all of the kids looked up at her in silence as if they were clueless about who Timmy was, let alone what may have happened to him. Aidan was the only child who announced that Timmy has the chicken pox! Ms. Kathy was giving Aidan the opportunity to show off for his daddy. These sorts of observations go a long way in winning over the teachers there. We are constantly getting comments on how well he remembers and predicts stories in books, how he notices things that happen and then talks of it later, how he finds humor in the most mundane situations, and how athletic he is.
If these traits continue to outshine his peers, he could develop into quite a well-rounded individual. Let's face it, it's rare that you have a socially savvy athlete who is also smart. Hell, socially capable smart kids are rare enough, adding in the athleticism just takes it one step further. Of course, he could go anywhere from here but I'm holding out for well-rounded!
Monday, October 09, 2006
The Weekend
Things have been really crazy at our house. It's the downside of a dual-career household, I guess. Jason worked late every night last week. He worked all day on Saturday and most of the day on Sunday. And he still didn't get all of his work done. And, of course, I didn't get any work done but I did get to spend some time with Aidan. And Jason and I both get to start our week off so stressed out that we can't think straight enough to get anything done now either!
Because Jason has been gone so much and when he is around we've been tag-teaming childcare, Aidan became very clingy on Sunday. Whenever Jason was near Aidan would not let go of Mommy for fear that she was on her way to do something. It made me feel bad for him that his parents are often so busy that there is no time when the three of us are just together. I guess I thought last week in D.C. would last but he's long forgotten about that family time we had together so long ago. Because of my own work and Aidan's anxiety, I've decided not to go with Jason to New York. Nana will be here to help too, so Aidan will be happier than if both Jason and I were gone. As soon as Jason gets back from NYC we will plan an outing for the three of us.
On Saturday Aidan and I found ourselves at the YMCA swimming and playing basketball. We have a good time there and it's usually not too crowded, which has become a major issue for me. Afterward we tried to go to Chickfila for lunch but it was so packed that I couldn't go in there. To be perfectly honest, sometimes it's difficult for me to manage Aidan in public by myself. My anxiety about that fact is exacerbated by crowds. Aidan was upset that we couldn't eat there but I was relieved when he was satisfied with the much quieter, even if less healthy, McDonald's.
On Saturday evening Jason was still working and Uncle Stevie called to say that he was singing just outside of Lexington. I knew that Stevie could help with Aidan if it was more than I could handle, so we went out to see Stevie's group perform. Aidan had never seen Stevie on stage before and he had an overwhelmed look on his face the entire time.
We got there just in time to hear the group being introduced and Aidan jumped up on my lap. We were outside, so I wasn't sure how long Aidan would stay put. He stared at his uncle up there singing and didn't make a peep. I was amazed at his sustained attention. The first time the horse drawn buggy went by Aidan didn't even notice. The second time, closer to the end of the show, the horses came closer to the stage and caught Aidan's eye. He immediately asked to see the horses. I told him we'd go as soon as Uncle Stevie's show was over. He turned and continued to listen. After the song was over, he asked again. I repeated that the show would be over soon and we'd go then. After the next song, he asked again and was told the same thing. Finally, a few song later, the show was over and Uncle Stevie went with us to visit the horses. Aidan was so excited to pet the horses and was beaming! He's talked non-stop about that since then.
Other than all of us being a little out of sync and off schedule, I'd say Aidan is doing pretty well these days. His language development continues to amaze us. It's so fascinating to watch how he picks up and uses new words and then transitions into complete sentences. Today at school the fire truck is visiting. He'll be very excited and I can't wait to hear all about it when I see him this afternoon!
Because Jason has been gone so much and when he is around we've been tag-teaming childcare, Aidan became very clingy on Sunday. Whenever Jason was near Aidan would not let go of Mommy for fear that she was on her way to do something. It made me feel bad for him that his parents are often so busy that there is no time when the three of us are just together. I guess I thought last week in D.C. would last but he's long forgotten about that family time we had together so long ago. Because of my own work and Aidan's anxiety, I've decided not to go with Jason to New York. Nana will be here to help too, so Aidan will be happier than if both Jason and I were gone. As soon as Jason gets back from NYC we will plan an outing for the three of us.
On Saturday Aidan and I found ourselves at the YMCA swimming and playing basketball. We have a good time there and it's usually not too crowded, which has become a major issue for me. Afterward we tried to go to Chickfila for lunch but it was so packed that I couldn't go in there. To be perfectly honest, sometimes it's difficult for me to manage Aidan in public by myself. My anxiety about that fact is exacerbated by crowds. Aidan was upset that we couldn't eat there but I was relieved when he was satisfied with the much quieter, even if less healthy, McDonald's.
On Saturday evening Jason was still working and Uncle Stevie called to say that he was singing just outside of Lexington. I knew that Stevie could help with Aidan if it was more than I could handle, so we went out to see Stevie's group perform. Aidan had never seen Stevie on stage before and he had an overwhelmed look on his face the entire time.
We got there just in time to hear the group being introduced and Aidan jumped up on my lap. We were outside, so I wasn't sure how long Aidan would stay put. He stared at his uncle up there singing and didn't make a peep. I was amazed at his sustained attention. The first time the horse drawn buggy went by Aidan didn't even notice. The second time, closer to the end of the show, the horses came closer to the stage and caught Aidan's eye. He immediately asked to see the horses. I told him we'd go as soon as Uncle Stevie's show was over. He turned and continued to listen. After the song was over, he asked again. I repeated that the show would be over soon and we'd go then. After the next song, he asked again and was told the same thing. Finally, a few song later, the show was over and Uncle Stevie went with us to visit the horses. Aidan was so excited to pet the horses and was beaming! He's talked non-stop about that since then.
Other than all of us being a little out of sync and off schedule, I'd say Aidan is doing pretty well these days. His language development continues to amaze us. It's so fascinating to watch how he picks up and uses new words and then transitions into complete sentences. Today at school the fire truck is visiting. He'll be very excited and I can't wait to hear all about it when I see him this afternoon!
Friday, October 06, 2006
Goodnight, Moon!
So every night we read the same book thousands of other households read before bed, Goodnight Moon. In case you are not one of those households, it's about a little bunny who tells everything goodnight before going to bed. A minor player in the book is the "quiet old lady whispering hush," who sits knitting in the rocking chair in the bunny's room. She is named and wished goodnight but doesn't get higher billing than any other object in the bunny's room. She's a mysterious figure who at first is not present and then appears. She says nothing but "hush" and doesn't tuck the bunny in. She just sits there, knitting, even after the lights go out. It makes you wonder, though, is she his mother? His grandmother?
I must admit that I didn't pay her much attention. I hardly noticed her. But Aidan noticed her and one night last week he pointed her out. He wanted to know about the "girl whispering hush." The next night when we started reading he frantically started flipping the pages to find her. I explained that she doesn't come in until later. He wanted to skip ahead. The next night we got the book out and he pointed out that on page 3 her rocking chair and knitting materials are there but she is absent. Where is she? He really needed to know! Since then when I ask him which book he wants to read, he says the "girl whispering hush."
I'm not sure what his fascination is with her. Maybe it's because he has such fear of sleeping. Recently I told him to close his eyes and go to sleep. He said he was scared. When I asked him what of he said, "something get me!" I assured him I'd be there to watch over him and if he needed us in the middle of the night, he could call for us and we'd come to him. And we do. Every time. So maybe he equates the "quiet old lady whispering hush" with someone watching over him. And maybe that's a very appealing concept!
I must admit that I didn't pay her much attention. I hardly noticed her. But Aidan noticed her and one night last week he pointed her out. He wanted to know about the "girl whispering hush." The next night when we started reading he frantically started flipping the pages to find her. I explained that she doesn't come in until later. He wanted to skip ahead. The next night we got the book out and he pointed out that on page 3 her rocking chair and knitting materials are there but she is absent. Where is she? He really needed to know! Since then when I ask him which book he wants to read, he says the "girl whispering hush."
I'm not sure what his fascination is with her. Maybe it's because he has such fear of sleeping. Recently I told him to close his eyes and go to sleep. He said he was scared. When I asked him what of he said, "something get me!" I assured him I'd be there to watch over him and if he needed us in the middle of the night, he could call for us and we'd come to him. And we do. Every time. So maybe he equates the "quiet old lady whispering hush" with someone watching over him. And maybe that's a very appealing concept!
Thursday, October 05, 2006
It's Definitely His Foot
Aidan has developed the ability to verbally express when he doesn't like something.
At one point this morning he sat in his highchair, eating his breakfast, watching PBS. He asked for his most requested show, Caillou. I told him that Kipper was on and that he should watch that. His response was, "No, don't like it Kipper the dog!" Since I'd never heard him express himself in this way before, and since I was so proud of him, I searched on demand for Caillou. He was pretty happy to watch his favorite show and I was pretty happy to see that he's secure enough to know what he wants and how to get it. Not that there's much chance that those genes would have passed him by!
Later in the morning when I was rushing to get him ready to go, he was resisting my attempts to put his socks on. As I finally got one sock on his squirmy little foot, he started screaming as if he'd been beaten. I asked him why he was screaming and he screamed, "Mines foot, Mommy! Sock off! No sock! Don't like it!" Yes, he's asserting himself very well. I guess in his mind he had been beaten-- into emotional submission. If I thought that the teacher wouldn't have cared, I would have just taken him to school without shoes and socks in hopes that he'd learn the reasons we wear them. Unfortunately, I was too hurried for a philosophical exercise.
Although this newfound skill is annoying and defiant, I can't help but admire him. I mean, it's adorable to hear him assert that it's his foot and he should be able to dictate what happens to it. After all, I once owned a bumper sticker that read, "Keep your laws off my body!" He is his own being, not owned by anyone. My job is to teach him the smart choices of what to do with his body, mind, and spirit. I'm not of the mind that he "belongs" to me. Just that the creators of the universe have loaned him to me and have given me the responsibility of loving him, enjoying him, and teaching him how to navigate the world. Hopefully I'm up for the job!
At one point this morning he sat in his highchair, eating his breakfast, watching PBS. He asked for his most requested show, Caillou. I told him that Kipper was on and that he should watch that. His response was, "No, don't like it Kipper the dog!" Since I'd never heard him express himself in this way before, and since I was so proud of him, I searched on demand for Caillou. He was pretty happy to watch his favorite show and I was pretty happy to see that he's secure enough to know what he wants and how to get it. Not that there's much chance that those genes would have passed him by!
Later in the morning when I was rushing to get him ready to go, he was resisting my attempts to put his socks on. As I finally got one sock on his squirmy little foot, he started screaming as if he'd been beaten. I asked him why he was screaming and he screamed, "Mines foot, Mommy! Sock off! No sock! Don't like it!" Yes, he's asserting himself very well. I guess in his mind he had been beaten-- into emotional submission. If I thought that the teacher wouldn't have cared, I would have just taken him to school without shoes and socks in hopes that he'd learn the reasons we wear them. Unfortunately, I was too hurried for a philosophical exercise.
Although this newfound skill is annoying and defiant, I can't help but admire him. I mean, it's adorable to hear him assert that it's his foot and he should be able to dictate what happens to it. After all, I once owned a bumper sticker that read, "Keep your laws off my body!" He is his own being, not owned by anyone. My job is to teach him the smart choices of what to do with his body, mind, and spirit. I'm not of the mind that he "belongs" to me. Just that the creators of the universe have loaned him to me and have given me the responsibility of loving him, enjoying him, and teaching him how to navigate the world. Hopefully I'm up for the job!
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Aidan's Retirement Plan
Well, we finally had our appointment with the attorney this morning for estate planning in the unlikely event that we have some unfortunate accident. I've been really on edge about it ever since we had Aidan. It's so irresponsible to not have our affairs in order. Without everything in writing, we can't be sure where he'll end up or whether he'll have enough money for college.
It was stressful for me to sit there and talk about all of the scenarios and contingencies. This guy was so thorough! We went there thinking that we would just allow the executor to decide how to set up Aidan's trust if/when it is necessary but quickly found out that trusts are something that we should take care of now. My favorite part is that he can't cash it out until he's 65! That's right, it's his retirement plan. I'm very glad that we made that decision.
I continue to be amazed at these tough decisions that we have to make on Aidan's behalf. I don't ever remember anyone telling me this part of it. That I'd be forced to choose who would raise him, who would be kissing him goodnight. Granted, it's unlikely that both Jason and I will die earlier than post-retirement, but you just never know. Accidents happen. Fatalities occur. Houses burn down. Planes crash. People eat puffer fish. You just never know.
Hopefully Aidan will never have to worry about any of it. Odds are he'll always have both parents to depend on, to ask for money, to fight with. He may never know how we set him up to get his inheritance at retirement. He'll never need anyone else to tell him how much we loved him when he's being kissed goodnight. But I can sleep better knowing that he's going to be well taken care of-- just in case!
Monday, October 02, 2006
Back On Track
After some time relaxing yesterday, we're back on track today. Aidan slept pretty well with only one short wake up fairly early in the night. We woke him this morning to let him know it was time to go back to school. He specifically asked that Daddy take him. We dressed him in a t-shirt we bought on our trip so that he can tell all of his friends about his trip to the zoo. Jason said that Aidan was so happy to see his friends that he ran right into the room, started playing, and never looked back.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Home Again
The remainder of our trip was uneventful, we were all extremely tired. Aidan did considerably better on the drive home. We stopped in Morgantown to have dinner with Jody and Jereme before driving the rest of the way. I just preferred doing the drive all in one day rather than staying over and dragging it out. Plus it gave us Sunday to unpack and get settled.
In Morgantown we had about a half hour wait for dinner, which gave Aidan some running around time. He deserved it. The child loves to run and play. He's getting more and more difficult to manage in restaurants and since that's all we did this past week, we're burned out. We came home to no groceries, so we had no choice but to grab dinner out again today. We went to a Japanese sushi bar. It was pretty quiet until we got there. A major issue is his voice. Aidan is incredibly chatty for a boy of his language ability and he seems to only know one volume. Repeating "We're using our inside voices" over and over doesn't seem to work at this age. I think we won't be taking him out for a while-- too hard on Mommy and Daddy.
While on vacation we started the Time Out chair method and it was quite effective. At home we've been sending him to his room. That method has had mixed results. Because we couldn't put him in his room there, we had no choice but to put him in chair and then ignore him. He hated it! First thing today we pulled out the giraffe chair he got from Grandpa Lenny for his birthday. We've given it a prominent place in the dining room corner. He only had to use it once today but it was effective for eliminating the behavior. Let's hope it continues to be effective.
In Morgantown we had about a half hour wait for dinner, which gave Aidan some running around time. He deserved it. The child loves to run and play. He's getting more and more difficult to manage in restaurants and since that's all we did this past week, we're burned out. We came home to no groceries, so we had no choice but to grab dinner out again today. We went to a Japanese sushi bar. It was pretty quiet until we got there. A major issue is his voice. Aidan is incredibly chatty for a boy of his language ability and he seems to only know one volume. Repeating "We're using our inside voices" over and over doesn't seem to work at this age. I think we won't be taking him out for a while-- too hard on Mommy and Daddy.
While on vacation we started the Time Out chair method and it was quite effective. At home we've been sending him to his room. That method has had mixed results. Because we couldn't put him in his room there, we had no choice but to put him in chair and then ignore him. He hated it! First thing today we pulled out the giraffe chair he got from Grandpa Lenny for his birthday. We've given it a prominent place in the dining room corner. He only had to use it once today but it was effective for eliminating the behavior. Let's hope it continues to be effective.
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