9.30.2006
Best Baby Ever.
Tonight Rebekah didn't have any other babysitting jobs so she sat for us, and we went to a movie. We took Jane. I love going to the movies with her, she's such a good & easy baby. I know when we sit down everyone sitting within 3 rows of us quietly groans. I also know that at the end of the movie, when we stand up to leave, they remember she's there & realize that she hasn't made a sound. Often people comment to us on how quiet she was, or how good she is. My secret weapon is just to let her nurse constantly, but she really is a darling good little baby.
9.27.2006
Pricey, but worth it.
I'll be hard pressed to get pictures of Rebekah on here, as she is in a hide-from-the-camera stage of life .... but here's what she's up to. She's a SUPER kid. Some days she thinks I'm an idiot, but mostly she likes me. As far as teenagers go, I think we're pretty lucky.
She has been really enjoying tennis, it helps that she thinks the coach is a riot. She'll keep up with lessons in the off-season, and says she wants to be on the team again next year. As soon as tennis finishes (and along with it the 2+ hour daily practices and games) she is gung-ho to join the history club.
She got a new mac-book, and our mac expert neighbor helped her to get it working perfectly (thanks Travis,) so she's loving that. The best part is she can watch movies on it in her room for sleep-over's, and we don't have to share the TV! The worst part is - she can watch movies on it in her room. However, as long as she's a minor and living in my house, she'll have to access the internet only through our family computer - which she understands.
She had her first session with her math tutor tonight. I'm really happy with who we have - her teacher from last year. I'm thrilled (1) because I think she's an amazing teacher and was really instrumental in getting Rebekah to love math and do so well last year (2) She knows the curriculum, and actually also taught the honors class last year, so she knows exactly what Rebekah missed, and (3) She knows Rebekah & Rebekah likes her. We are paying her the discounted rate (for students from her school) of $80 / hour. As far as I can tell, most tutors around here charge about $100 / hour! (I'm sure it's less in less expensive areas - you know, back West.) A lot of the teachers tutor. I'm glad, since we'll be benefiting from it, but it makes me sad to think that they need to supplement their income that way. A sad reflection on society and how little we value teachers (and might I extend that to nurses,) who get paid so little to perform a job that has such far reaching and crucial impact ....
OK, back to Bek. She is also keeping up our deal to practice piano an hour a day (in exchange for dropping her chorus class), and I'm hoping that will make a big difference in her progress, and confidence level on piano. She babysits just about every weekend, and is raking in the money (I often have to ask for a loan.) However, we have had her step up her rate of college savings since she blew a bunch of money on the mac-book, with frequent and ominous warnings that college is "only 5 years away."
So, overall I am surprised how busy & expensive it is to raise a teenager. Rick and I were talking about it the other night - how different it is to when we were kids. I just think this is what the world is like now, and what it requires. I hope our efforts help her get into a great college and give her a boost to a wonderful life - but more than anything I just hope she's happy. She really is wonderful, and I'm crazy about her.
She has been really enjoying tennis, it helps that she thinks the coach is a riot. She'll keep up with lessons in the off-season, and says she wants to be on the team again next year. As soon as tennis finishes (and along with it the 2+ hour daily practices and games) she is gung-ho to join the history club.
She got a new mac-book, and our mac expert neighbor helped her to get it working perfectly (thanks Travis,) so she's loving that. The best part is she can watch movies on it in her room for sleep-over's, and we don't have to share the TV! The worst part is - she can watch movies on it in her room. However, as long as she's a minor and living in my house, she'll have to access the internet only through our family computer - which she understands.
She had her first session with her math tutor tonight. I'm really happy with who we have - her teacher from last year. I'm thrilled (1) because I think she's an amazing teacher and was really instrumental in getting Rebekah to love math and do so well last year (2) She knows the curriculum, and actually also taught the honors class last year, so she knows exactly what Rebekah missed, and (3) She knows Rebekah & Rebekah likes her. We are paying her the discounted rate (for students from her school) of $80 / hour. As far as I can tell, most tutors around here charge about $100 / hour! (I'm sure it's less in less expensive areas - you know, back West.) A lot of the teachers tutor. I'm glad, since we'll be benefiting from it, but it makes me sad to think that they need to supplement their income that way. A sad reflection on society and how little we value teachers (and might I extend that to nurses,) who get paid so little to perform a job that has such far reaching and crucial impact ....
OK, back to Bek. She is also keeping up our deal to practice piano an hour a day (in exchange for dropping her chorus class), and I'm hoping that will make a big difference in her progress, and confidence level on piano. She babysits just about every weekend, and is raking in the money (I often have to ask for a loan.) However, we have had her step up her rate of college savings since she blew a bunch of money on the mac-book, with frequent and ominous warnings that college is "only 5 years away."
So, overall I am surprised how busy & expensive it is to raise a teenager. Rick and I were talking about it the other night - how different it is to when we were kids. I just think this is what the world is like now, and what it requires. I hope our efforts help her get into a great college and give her a boost to a wonderful life - but more than anything I just hope she's happy. She really is wonderful, and I'm crazy about her.
9.26.2006
New Glasses
About a week ago, I took Emily in to get her eyes tested. Not that I thought she couldn't see well, but Rick and I require "corrective lenses" and Rebekah was 5 when she got hers, so I just thought the odds were that she would need them.
The whole way there in the car, she was complaining "I see fine," "I don't need to get my eyes tested," "I don't want to get glasses," and so on. THEN, we got there. While we waited she tried on several pairs and she checked herself out in the mirror and it became "OOOH, I hope I need glasses."
Well, she did need them. Barely. The optometrist said she's a little far-sighted, and it will probably self correct as she grows (since people generally become a little more near-sighted as they grow.) We maybe could have even not worried about getting the glasses, but he said she could use them for reading, coloring, writing and computer work (close-up stuff.) Since she's practicing reading and writing, and spends HOURS coloring - we got them. FYI - he also said kids should get their eyes routinely tested at 9 months, 3 years and 5 years. (I'm not taking the babe. I'll take Jacob when he's 3.)
They actually arrived at the optometrist last Friday, but I didn't have a chance to collect them until today. She was very excited, and I think she looks really sweet in them.
Here's a picture of Jacob, because he has to have his picture taken too and copies EVERYTHING Emy does.
9.22.2006
Bedtime
Once or twice a week, I resolve to do 2 things (1) Floss my teeth each night, and (2) Go to bed by 11:30pm. Invariably, I accomplish neither. I don't even make it 48 hours past the resolution.
This coming week I intent to do both, even if I only last a week. I'll see if I feel any better for it, and let you know if it's worth it (Dan - I know, I know, the teeth thing is worth it!) Since it's 11:42 right now, this will be a short post.
This coming week I intent to do both, even if I only last a week. I'll see if I feel any better for it, and let you know if it's worth it (Dan - I know, I know, the teeth thing is worth it!) Since it's 11:42 right now, this will be a short post.
And now, Jacob's life begins ...
So, we really miss Emily, but I feel like now Jacob gets to have a life of his own, instead of always being dragged along to Emily's things. We're doing co-op singing time on Tuesdays, he has a gym class on Wednesdays, and today we started our little co-op preschool group. Jacob & three of his friends make up the cute group. They'll meet each Thursday for 2 hours, and we'll each host once a month.
To be perfectly honest, I had pretty low expectations for how it would go. I did one with Emily when she was this age, but wasn't sure if he was ready for it. There were a few predictable tussels over toys, or taking a turn on the swing / slide - but overall we had a really fun morning. It was RED day, so the boys wore red and we sorted red frogs, painted red apples, made apple prints, and talked about cool red things (like fire engines, stop signs and trucks.) They had a yummy snack and we played outside for the last 1/2 hour. I'm looking forward to it for him, for the things he'll learn and the socializing he'll do. I'm also looking forward to a little bit of a break for me ... Maybe Jane's life can get started now too!
9.19.2006
Morning Tea
I don't miss Australia too often. Most of my extended family is now in the US, and life with my own family is wonderful, busy and exhausting. Occasionally I hear or read something about The Land Down Under, and experience a pang of "homesickness." I miss it more whenever I talk to my sisters.
Yesterday I received a surprise e-mail from a high school friend. I was SUPER excited to re-connect with her, and hope to be able to get together when we are down there next year. However, it did start me thinking a lot about the people & things I miss from home.
One of my smaller sorrows, is the lack of a ritual morning tea in the US. Taking a break mid-morning to have a soothing hot drink and some delicious biscuits (cookies) or a lovely pastry always seemed to me to be a reward for making it that far into your day, and who couldn't use that?
Since it's impractical for an entire workforce to take a break at the same time, morning tea is generally staggered, and various employees take a break at different times. When I was working, it was always a surprise to look forward to. Who would be having morning tea when I did, and whom would I spend extra time with that day? If you know me, you know that having someone to talk to is a prize in itself, but on days that a favorite person was muching and sipping at the same time as me, I felt even more rewarded.
Over the past 16 years in the US, this is what my morning tea has degenerated into -
(1) Make a cup of "Mother's Milk Tea" (breastfeeding support - it's not really mother's milk), while the kids are eating breakfast.
(2) Notice the cold mug after Rebekah heads out the door, and pop it in the microwave.
(3) Walk past the microwave, after putting Emily on the bus, and remember it's there. Heat it again.
(4) Head off to whichever morning activity Jacob has that day.
(5) Come home for lunch. Discover tea in microwave, and toss it out.
(6) Make a new cup.
(7) Put Jacob into bed. Re-heat 2nd cup of tea, and drink it while begging Jane to fall asleep at the same time Jacob is napping.
I think for now, the closest I'm going to get to a good morning tea, is watching the "Koala Brothers" enjoy theirs. Five years from now, when Jane starts kindergarten, I'm re-instituting morning tea in my house, and you're all invited.
Yesterday I received a surprise e-mail from a high school friend. I was SUPER excited to re-connect with her, and hope to be able to get together when we are down there next year. However, it did start me thinking a lot about the people & things I miss from home.
One of my smaller sorrows, is the lack of a ritual morning tea in the US. Taking a break mid-morning to have a soothing hot drink and some delicious biscuits (cookies) or a lovely pastry always seemed to me to be a reward for making it that far into your day, and who couldn't use that?
Since it's impractical for an entire workforce to take a break at the same time, morning tea is generally staggered, and various employees take a break at different times. When I was working, it was always a surprise to look forward to. Who would be having morning tea when I did, and whom would I spend extra time with that day? If you know me, you know that having someone to talk to is a prize in itself, but on days that a favorite person was muching and sipping at the same time as me, I felt even more rewarded.
Over the past 16 years in the US, this is what my morning tea has degenerated into -
(1) Make a cup of "Mother's Milk Tea" (breastfeeding support - it's not really mother's milk), while the kids are eating breakfast.
(2) Notice the cold mug after Rebekah heads out the door, and pop it in the microwave.
(3) Walk past the microwave, after putting Emily on the bus, and remember it's there. Heat it again.
(4) Head off to whichever morning activity Jacob has that day.
(5) Come home for lunch. Discover tea in microwave, and toss it out.
(6) Make a new cup.
(7) Put Jacob into bed. Re-heat 2nd cup of tea, and drink it while begging Jane to fall asleep at the same time Jacob is napping.
I think for now, the closest I'm going to get to a good morning tea, is watching the "Koala Brothers" enjoy theirs. Five years from now, when Jane starts kindergarten, I'm re-instituting morning tea in my house, and you're all invited.
9.14.2006
The Wave
Jane has learned how to raise her hands above her head. She spent about 15 minutes the other day doing it over & over again. It looked like she was trying to start the wave.
Seasons
The seasons are just the right length for me. I am sooo excited when each one begins, and by the time I'm sick of it - it's just about over. I love them all, but if I had to choose a favorite, it would be Autumn (Fall). I love the colors of the leaves changing, I love the cool crisp mornings with clear blue sky, I love that you can wear layers (but still don't have to look like you're venturing to the arctic), it's just all pretty great.
I also get happy that I can use my oven and not turn our house into a sauna (if we ever leave NY, it will be the weather that drives us away.) Emily is taking the snack for her kindergarten class tomorrow, and I have a batch of pumpkin choc chip cookies in the oven right now (Sara P's recipe - the BEST.) It brings me such joy when the house is warm and smells like cinnamon and nutmeg. For having not grown up in the US, I also really love Halloween and Thanksgiving, and knowing that they are coming makes me giddy.
I also get happy that I can use my oven and not turn our house into a sauna (if we ever leave NY, it will be the weather that drives us away.) Emily is taking the snack for her kindergarten class tomorrow, and I have a batch of pumpkin choc chip cookies in the oven right now (Sara P's recipe - the BEST.) It brings me such joy when the house is warm and smells like cinnamon and nutmeg. For having not grown up in the US, I also really love Halloween and Thanksgiving, and knowing that they are coming makes me giddy.
Farewell to Summer
Last Friday Rick came home early from work and we took the kids to the pool. I had been the previous day with them too, but Jacob discovered the big pool that day and kept bolting for it. Then I (with Jane asleep in the sling) would do the 100 yard dash after him, catching him right before he reached the edge.... I was pretty glad Rick could come with us the next day.
The pool was cold, but the kids didn't seem to mind. We had arranged to meet a few friends, but there was hardly anyone else there, so the kids & their friends had the run of the place. It closed the following day. This week has really been Fall weather, so I'm glad we got to go one last time.
Pockets
Jacob recently discovered he has pockets. They are super fun to put stuff into, and you can look really big and cool when you walk around with your hands in them.Though, they can be tricky to locate.
OCD
This has been a hectic week. Everything is in full swing - school, tennis, swimming, piano, singing time, gymclass, soccer, PTA meetings, doctors appointments. Keeping up with these kids is - well, a full time job!
Despite all the busyness, and late nights I have had a wonderful sense of well-being all week. I was pondering it today, and trying to figure out why (so it could be continued.) What I've decided is, I really am my father's daughter. I LOVE being organized. The summer was wonderful, and having no set schedule or plan for the day with a new baby and 3 other kids was helpful. Now, I'm happy to have the routine back again.
I love knowing where I'm supposed to be and when. I love having a to do list that is totally predictable, even though I never am able to complete it. I love getting all the kids to all their stuff, and ON TIME. I love to look at our schedule and see that the kids have balanced and interesting activities. I'm happy I am providing an enriched environment for them. I love knowing that a week from Thursday I need to make a crock-pot dinner, because it's my turn to drive to swimming. I have a sense that it's a little OCD, but it's just so comforting.
Perhaps I should seek professional help.
Despite all the busyness, and late nights I have had a wonderful sense of well-being all week. I was pondering it today, and trying to figure out why (so it could be continued.) What I've decided is, I really am my father's daughter. I LOVE being organized. The summer was wonderful, and having no set schedule or plan for the day with a new baby and 3 other kids was helpful. Now, I'm happy to have the routine back again.
I love knowing where I'm supposed to be and when. I love having a to do list that is totally predictable, even though I never am able to complete it. I love getting all the kids to all their stuff, and ON TIME. I love to look at our schedule and see that the kids have balanced and interesting activities. I'm happy I am providing an enriched environment for them. I love knowing that a week from Thursday I need to make a crock-pot dinner, because it's my turn to drive to swimming. I have a sense that it's a little OCD, but it's just so comforting.
Perhaps I should seek professional help.
9.13.2006
While Changing Jane's Diaper
The trouble with almost-2-year-olds, is that they are fast & resourceful.To be perfectly honest, I am out-matched, and he knows it.
9.12.2006
Broken Record
Here’s what I’ve said today.
More than once.
Be soft.
We don't hit in our family.
Hurry, we'll be late.
You are so stinkin' cute.
Gentle with the baby.
I love you.
Jacob, be soft!
Need to nurse?
Where's the (phone, keys, burp cloth, my wallet)?
BE SOFT!!
9.11.2006
A Big Week of Firsts
This has been a busy week for us. School started here again, which means my little Emily is off to kindergarten. She was SOOO excited. They have a "phase in", so she went on Wednesday for 1/2 an hour, and we stayed with them. Ridiculous I know, but I spent the whole 1/2 hour choking back tears! Tuesday will be her first full day ... she will love it, but I will miss her so, she's a lot of fun to be with.
I was planning on driving her for the first week, but she was dying to take the bus (several of her friends also ride it), and to be honest driving was a hassle. I pulled into the wrong circle (the one JUST for busses), the Principal meets you at the car and gets the child out for you, but Emily's seat is in the middle (to separate J & J) and blocked by Jane's, so they had to walk to the other side to get her. Jane was SCREAMING the whole time, and I ended up pulling out of the circle and parking on the street to nurse her .... So the next day when Emily begged to ride the bus, I relented.
Emily also lost her first tooth just before school started. She bit into a bagel, and said she saw blood on it. When I checked her loose tooth, it was barely hanging by a thread. I turned to get a tissue to be able to grip it, and pull it - but heard a squeal - she had accidentally popped it out herself. We put the special "tooth fairy" pillow case on her pillow, and her tooth under it, which made her stay awake for ages, because she was "so worried that I'll knock it off the bed in my sleep, and the tooth fairy won't be able to find it." The tooth fairy almost forgot about it, but fortunately her husband reminded her just in time!
As if lost teeth & school weren't enough, Emily also started soccer this week. Here they have to be 5 by August to play, so she hasn't been old enough until now. Rick is coaching her team, and she loves it already (although the whole thing was almost ruined by the too big shirt and shorts, and the "hot socks". She really can't understand why they don't make better fitting, cuter uniforms.) The best part was definitely the ice cream at the end. Jacob was frustrated not to be able to join in too. Rebekah had gone to the lake with friends, but will be able to stay home next week while he naps. Soccer might be easier Jacob free!
Rebekah also started back at school - eighth grade - WOW! She is only about an inch shorter than me now, and everywhere we go people think she's my nanny (she would argue she is.) She made honors math this year. Since she didn't do it last year, we're getting her a tutor to catch her up a little. She had great grades last year, and we're hoping this is the springboard to AP classes in high school and college credit. I also let her drop chorus, on the condition that she increase her piano practice to 1 hour a day. Also, she started on the high school tennis team. She has had one practice with the team, and reported that she "sucks" - of course she does, they're all high school kids! If she has fun, gets better and gets exercise, I'm happy.
And what will Jacob be doing now that he's lost his darling Emy to play with??? I'm sure he'll find something to occupy his time ....
I was planning on driving her for the first week, but she was dying to take the bus (several of her friends also ride it), and to be honest driving was a hassle. I pulled into the wrong circle (the one JUST for busses), the Principal meets you at the car and gets the child out for you, but Emily's seat is in the middle (to separate J & J) and blocked by Jane's, so they had to walk to the other side to get her. Jane was SCREAMING the whole time, and I ended up pulling out of the circle and parking on the street to nurse her .... So the next day when Emily begged to ride the bus, I relented.
Emily also lost her first tooth just before school started. She bit into a bagel, and said she saw blood on it. When I checked her loose tooth, it was barely hanging by a thread. I turned to get a tissue to be able to grip it, and pull it - but heard a squeal - she had accidentally popped it out herself. We put the special "tooth fairy" pillow case on her pillow, and her tooth under it, which made her stay awake for ages, because she was "so worried that I'll knock it off the bed in my sleep, and the tooth fairy won't be able to find it." The tooth fairy almost forgot about it, but fortunately her husband reminded her just in time!
As if lost teeth & school weren't enough, Emily also started soccer this week. Here they have to be 5 by August to play, so she hasn't been old enough until now. Rick is coaching her team, and she loves it already (although the whole thing was almost ruined by the too big shirt and shorts, and the "hot socks". She really can't understand why they don't make better fitting, cuter uniforms.) The best part was definitely the ice cream at the end. Jacob was frustrated not to be able to join in too. Rebekah had gone to the lake with friends, but will be able to stay home next week while he naps. Soccer might be easier Jacob free!
Rebekah also started back at school - eighth grade - WOW! She is only about an inch shorter than me now, and everywhere we go people think she's my nanny (she would argue she is.) She made honors math this year. Since she didn't do it last year, we're getting her a tutor to catch her up a little. She had great grades last year, and we're hoping this is the springboard to AP classes in high school and college credit. I also let her drop chorus, on the condition that she increase her piano practice to 1 hour a day. Also, she started on the high school tennis team. She has had one practice with the team, and reported that she "sucks" - of course she does, they're all high school kids! If she has fun, gets better and gets exercise, I'm happy.
And what will Jacob be doing now that he's lost his darling Emy to play with??? I'm sure he'll find something to occupy his time ....
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