Loving My Boy

Bijon's birth story...

2011-01-22T13:47:00.001-08:00

I posted Bijon's birth story over at my other blog: http://www.primalandgreenoc.blogspot.com/

xo,
Laura

It's the thought that really does count...

2010-11-08T17:15:00.000-08:00

Noah totally melted my heart today, and cracked me up!

I told him it was my birthday tomorrow and that we are going to go out for breakfast. I told him all I want for my birthday is pancakes and he immediately said, "No! That's junk food! You can't have that! You'll get sick." I reminded him that we can have treats once in awhile, like on our birthdays or other special occasions but he was still adamant about my not having pancakes. I then realized that he was worried about me, that I might get sick and that the real reason he didn't want me to have pancakes was because he was afraid I might get sick. I asked him if that was the case, and he responded "yes" right away. I assured him that I am really healthy and that I only eat junk food once in awhile so that I stay healthy. He was then OK with my having pancakes :)

Then he said it was silly that I want pancakes for my birthday because that's not a present. I told him that I don't want any presents, but he was once again adamant that he needed to get me a present LOL. So I asked him what he would get me if he could go buy a present and he said "a bunny!" and then he said, "No Hello Kitty! A Hello Kitty doll! Yeah! That's what you would like!"

The fact that my four year old could come up with something I would like so quickly (he knows I love anything Hello Kitty) totally melted my heart. It truly was the thought that counted :)

Social Butterfly / Sewing Superhero

2010-10-20T12:13:00.000-07:00

Lately I am in awe at how friendly and sociable Noah is. Everywhere we go, he seeks out friends and wins them over so easily. He loves, loves interacting with other kids and adults of all ages and gender. It's amazing how when kids are ready to socialize, they let you know. "Mommy, where are the kids?" is a common question I hear when we go to a park and there aren't any other kids to play with. If there is only one other child, whether 18 months old or eight years old, he *will* befriend them. And if they ignore his request for friendship, his little heart is broken and torn in pieces. In preschool, his teacher says he is friends with *everyone*. It's so fun to watch his social skills develop!

Just last week, we were at a birthday party and one of Noah's favorite friends was there. Noah and this friend are both very spirited and their moods, whether up or down, can be very synergistic. We're talking either full on belly laughs or full-on playground brawling. So this little boy kept hitting Noah and normally Noah would fight back furiously, but on that day, something beautiful happened. Noah said, "_____ why are you hitting me? I'm your friend." This is something we've been working on for quite some time...learning to calm down and use our words instead of being reactive with our bodies. I think (hope) we've entered a new frontier.

On another note, I love natural consequences...we as adults can talk about sharing until we're blue in the face with a child, but the best lessons come from other children, right? Noah was playing with another friend and didn't want to share his toy. I don't make him share, but usually just gently coax him into it by pointing out how it makes the other child feel when he does or doesn't share, and reminding him of how good we feel when other people share with us. So back to the story...Noah was adamant about not sharing a brand new toy he just received (understandably) and the other little boy said, "I don't want to play with you." Noah, now that friendship is more valuable than "things", was heartbroken and said tearfully, "Why not! Why don't you want to play with me?" and the other little boy said, "Because you won't share with me." So what did Noah do? He said Oh! and immediately gave the other boy his toy. I didn't even have to get involved...love those natural consequences :)

Oh and yes, Noah is still obsessed with superheros. He wears his costumes (yes, costume(s). He got some birthday money and decided to spend it on more superhero costumes.) He was wearing his spiderman costume so much that I was having to sew it daily. It was actually turning into an annoyance because he would examine the costume every morning upon rising and before I could even open my eyes, he would demand I sew any slight holes he found. But anyway, on the positive side, somehow his costumes have led to an unexpected hobby - sewing! Who would have thought? Noah knows how to sew now because he gained an interest by watching me sew his costume day after day. He wanted to sew it on his own, so I let him and he did alright! I decided to take him to Joann's fabric store to get some kid sewing supplies and projects. Of course he scoffed at the kid section and immediately found an adult sewing starter kit. He clenched it closely to his chest (while donning his spiderman costume) and we picked out some scrap fabric and buttons.

When we got home, I just gave him all the supplies (including a very sharp needle which he quickly mastered without any finger pricks...you can't say I don't let that kid take risks LOL!). I threaded the needle and let him go to town. I was curious to see what he would come up with all on his own, without my input. He cut out lots of pieces of scrap fabric and sewed them to a larger piece of fabric. Then he decided it was going to be a jacket. He showed me where to cut the arm holes and then with my gentle guidance, he sewed four buttons on it after which I cut button holes. He made his own little jacket at four years old. Watch out, Project Runway! My little sewing superhero. Dang I need a camera so I can upload pictures of all this good stuff!

Buttons, Bows and Belts

2010-09-04T13:59:00.000-07:00

Those are the things Noah is into right now:) He is *very* determined. Did I mention he's determined? And persistent? And a perfectionist? If it is not perfectly perfect the way he wants something, he WILL keep doing whatever he's doing over and over again until it is just right. Simon calls it "stick-to-it-iveness". Their little catch phrase is "If you stick to it, you can do it." I like it!

Except on those mornings when we really need to be somewhere on time and Noah takes a good 5-10 minutes extra getting ready because the velcro was not lined up perfectly on his shoes. Actually, as I'm typing this, maybe it doesn't really make us that late, it just feels like an eternity when you're sitting there, tight-lipped, allowing your child the time to work through his own frustrations and not just rushing in to fix it for him. I try so hard not to rush him and to respect his wishes, but sometimes I just want to scream, "Just put on your dang shoes and let's go!" Patience is a virtue...and I have to constantly remind myself to practice what I preach. If I expect him to be patient and tolerant, I have to model it.

Attempting to tie bows is another biggie around here (he can do the first criss-cross step, but is still working on the "bunny ears").

Buttoning the tiniest of buttons has been a huge, frustration-provoking breakthrough! Talk about fine motor skills! He "helps" daddy get ready in the morning by buttoning all the tiny buttons on his work shirt and pants, then fastens his belt for him. What would Simon do without him???!! I've even had to put on one of daddy's shirts to let Noah button it up in the morning because Simon had to leave in a rush and Noah was super bummed out that he didn't get to button his buttons.
And wearing a belt, just like daddy is a huge thrill :) Even to bed...how many people do you know that sleep in jeans and a belt? His "skinny jeans", which he picked out all on his own (which is fascinating to me because I always buy him loose, comfy clothes so he can move about freely) and his big boy belt are the new "pajamas" apparently LOL! It looks so uncomfortable, but hey, it's his body!

Oh and his spiderman costume came and he wears it every single day. I've already had to sew it three times. (And I'm not a very good sewer LOL). He is so proud of that costume. I wonder how long before my little spiderman retires and moves on to something else? So far his obsessions have gone from hot wheels cars, to Cars movie cars, to Cat in the Hat, and now Spiderman. I can't wait to see what other phases lie ahead of us!

Superheroes

2010-08-16T15:40:00.000-07:00

I wondered when and if the time would come, and now it has. I officially have a superhero fanatic on my hands. Noah saw "Spiderman" at grandma's and is now hooked. It's all about Spiderman...wanting to watch the movie over and over again, acting out spiderman wherever he goes, finding spiderman-ish things everywhere (like at twirly park, all the ropes to climb on are now "spiderwebs"). He even got a blow-up spiderman doll at the fair, who slept with us last night in our bed LOL. I use to be so worried about movies and characters, but it's actually pretty cool to see how he incorporates different aspects of the movie and character into all his play. He is inspired by the superhero and uses scenarios from the movie as a jumping off point for more imaginative play.

Also, one of Noah's favorite things to do these days is play dress up, so we are eagerly awating his spiderman costume to come in the mail. He asks constantly when it will come. If he approaches this like his Cat in the Hat costume, I have a feeling I won't have to worry about buying clothes for awhile! He wore the Cat costume *everywhere* to the point where I forgot he was wearing it unless a stranger commented on it. The other day, in burning hot weather, Noah wore his Tigger costume to the mall to buy new shoes. I wish I had a picture of him skipping through the mall in his too-small Tigger costume, hiked up his crotch and bum bum and ready for a flood, with light-up green tennis shoes. WOW.

I love this independent, creative stage of his life. It's really neat to just sit back and let his own "fashion sense" and personal identity evolve. I don't ever want to be one of those moms who tells her child what to wear or how to wear their hair, etc. I love to see him blossom and develop all on his own, according to his own tastes and preferences. I think that's so important. Hehe last week he wore his too-small, tight-in-the-crotch favorite monster shorts pajamas, flip-open monkey sunglasses, my old pastel flower purse, and his fake ugg boots to the library. He was so confident and thought he looked so cool (he really did;) and couldn't give a hoot about what other people thought of him. Oh yeah, and his red painted nails. I hope he always thinks for himself and marches to the beat of his own drum.

Thoughts on Cats... and Death

2010-07-10T17:52:00.000-07:00

Today's scrumptious visit to Sprinkle's led to an unexpected converstation regarding death between Noah and Grandma. Lately I've been in awe over how much Noah's mind seems to be expanding and his ability to communicate complex thoughts with such enthusiasm and articulation.

The converstation went somewhat like this:

Noah: (making a strange whining sound)

Grandma: You sound like a cat.

N: I am a cat.

Me: What's your name?

N: Lucy. (My mom's cat is named Lucy) But Prissy is gone forever. She is dead. (Prissy is my mom's cat who recently passed). Otis misses her because she was his mommy. And now he doesn't get to see her anymore. Never again. (Otis is Prissy's kitten).

G: Oh yes. I miss her too.

N: Where did she go?

G: I'm not really sure. She's somewhere in the universe. I think that maybe one day when I die I will get to see her again.

Me: That's what some people think, Noah. Some people think that when you die you will get to see all the loved ones who also died.

N: Maybe she went to a place where all cats who die go. That would be so cool. If they went to a place where they are normal again. What did she look like when she died?

G: She looked like she was sleeping.

N: Why did she die?

G: She was very old and tired. She didn't want to eat or move anymore. She was ready to let her body rest.

N: I think they should have a store where the man keeps all the cats who died and he makes them normal again so we can go see them. That would be really really cool.

G & Me: That would be cool, wouldn't it.

So that's the gist of it. I felt like time stood still. Noah has been asking a lot of questions about death lately, which makes me think I should buy a book about all the different things people think happen to you when you die so that he can form his own opinions. I don't want to give him some standard answer...I want him to know there are many different viewpoints in the world.

One night a few weeks ago, he put it together that I might die one day. His voice cracked and he sounded like he was going to freak out and cry about it. I had to be honest and tell him that everybody dies and that one day mommy was going to die too, that it's just what happens. But that we are alive right now and can enjoy each other right now. He understood and quickly got over it. Then today, he said that it would be OK if I died because daddy would take good care of him. I was kind of surprised and at the same time relieved that he felt like it would be OK and that he would be in good hands if something were to happen to me:)

this book sounds like a good one. Especially since it covers all living things, not just people. Because Noah is also very concerned about dying flowers. Whenever I have some in a vase and they start to die, he is very concerned and almost upset that someone cut the flowers, since he knows that once you cut flowers, they begin dying.

Anyway, this is just one of those deep conversations I just had to record. I'm thinking of taking him to a cemetary as well because whenever we drive by one, it spurs a conversation about death and burying the body, and he seems very interested. Maybe I will take him to my Grandma's grave. Hmmm.

First Baby Gift

2010-06-04T20:53:00.000-07:00

Our first gift to the baby was chosen by Noah. So sweet. We were at Target, passing by the baby section, not even looking or shopping for baby stuff, and Noah randomly picked up a tiny onesie, asking what it was. When I told him, he said, "Oh! I think the baby will really like that. We should get it for him." And he put in in the cart. Luckily it is gender-neutral, as we won't find out the sex until next week. Little things like that just melt my heart :)

New Pet

2010-06-04T20:48:00.000-07:00

Noah has a new pet. We went for a walk yesterday and he spotted a huge, hairy caterpillar on the sidewalk. It looked like a feather to me. He immediately had to pick the creature up, ever so gently, and let him crawl up and down his arm, around on his back, up on his neck, up and over his head! It was amazing! Of course it was now his pet. He had to take him home. Daddy would want to see it. What will we name him? "Charris" Noah replied. His name is Charris. "I want him to sleep with me in my bed. I think he will like my bed, do you mommy? And he'll want to jump on the trampoline with me."

So we took him home, looked on the internet to find out how to build a caterpillar habitat, and Noah played with him for two hours straight. I remembered we had a butterfly habitat from my mom. Perfect! We made it nice and homey and caterpillar-friendly. The only problem was getting Noah to part with Charris. We had to remind him that Charris's job is to become a butterfly, and that he will need to stay in his home to do so. He will need to be left alone so that he can build his cocoon. So we went on You Tube and looked at tons of videos on how caterpillars build cocoons, and the whole process of metamorphosis. He was so excited!

So today we woke up and couldn't find Charris. Oh, there he is! He's already building his cocoon under one of the flowers we placed in his home :)

Birthday Boy

2010-06-01T21:21:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my little baby is already four...I look at him and think, wow, he's a little boy now...there's nothing baby about him anymore. It's bittersweet...each stage brings new fun adventures and experiences (and challenges of course) but each exciting milestone also reminds me of how far he's come from that little guy I first locked eyes with four years ago:) It makes me happy and sad at the same time...we can never get that time back and I am reminded to live fully in each fleeting moment.

Just Saturday, I went shopping for new clothes for Noah, and I was in total denial about how big he's grown. I would look at smaller sizes and think, that's his size. But it wasn't! And when I looked at the size he now wears, my eyes welled up with tears. I asked my mom if she thought it was just pregnancy hormones and she said - no, that sometimes she looks at me or my brother and feels the same way - that was my little baby!

Speaking of pregnancy, I'm pregnant! Since this blog is about Noah, I'll talk a little about how he feels about the pregnancy. It's all super sweet and heartwarming. I'm really glad we waited this long to have another one because I feel in my heart that he is fully open to sharing me now (at least as much as a four year old can tolerate!) He talks about how my belly is growing and lifts up my shirt to gently rub my tummy (with his soft little hands, so sweet). He tells people that he's going to have a baby. He's convinced it's going to be a "brother baby" and I asked him how he would feel about having a sister. He said the funniest thing the other night while we were having pillow talk. He said, "No mommy. It certainly isn't dignified." I cracked up! I have a feeling he will welcome a boy or girl, though. Randomly while we are doing something together like playing on a slide or counting, he tells me he will teach the baby those things. He talks about sharing nummies with the baby. Even though he barely nurses since I became pregnant, he is sure that one side will be his and the other will be the baby's when the baby comes. Tandem nursing might be in our future, who knows!

Noah requested not to have a party for his fourth birthday because he didn't want to share his cupcakes or cake with any other kids (speaking of sharing LOL). He gave me very specific instructions regarding the decor and flavors of his cupcakes and cake. "Vanilla cake with white frosting with M & M's, cars, Cat in the Hat, candles, and Hershey's kisses." He said all he wanted for his birthday was to be able to eat cupcakes and cake all day...he asked, I delivered. He did not have one bite of real food from the moment he woke up. And I didn't make the healthy version either! Surprisingly, he didn't have one meltdown the whole day. Grandma got him a huge trampoline for his birthday (a godsend while I'm pregnant and have little energy to walk to the park twice a day, thanks Grandma!!!). Keeping with tradition, we had a fun bonfire at the beach with Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle John and Cynthia. I love our family!

Oh yeah, when he woke up the day of his birthday, I had to tell Noah that it was indeed his birthday. He was so excited and said, "I'm four?? Right now? Like Roman? It's my birthday!" Now all he talks about is turning five. He is so eager to grow up. I remember feeling like that. He wants to be a big boy. Slow down little one! I need you to stay little for at least a little while longer!!!!

xoxoxoxo precious boy...

First Train Ride, Trip to Zoomar's

2010-04-25T21:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went on a fun little adventure with a few friends from our homeschool group. Noah rode a real train for the first time and it was so much fun watching his eyes sparkle with excitement. Sharing firsts with children is definitely one of the best parts of parenting. You get to experience something that by now, as an adult, you have taken for granted, all over again through your child's fresh, innocent eyes.

The reason we decided on a trip to Zoomar's petting zoo is because Noah is really intrigued lately with animals, especially little ones he can hold and touch. Boy did he get his fill yesterday! It was really weird because the night before, he asked me to tell him a story and I happened to make one up about a little bunny who was so hungry, looking for food, when a little boy found him and took him home. Little did I know, Noah would find a bunny house at Zoomar's and spend 45 minutes gently petting, holding, and feeding bunnies. That was all he really wanted to do there. That, and ride on a cool oldschool teeter totter with a bunch of sweet kids. I think I'm clairvoyant or something, in regards to the bunny story, because I had no idea they would have bunnies at Zoomar's!

I was secretly really proud of how gentle Noah is with little animals. Some of the other kids were really rough with the bunnies and treated them like objects. Noah was really gentle the whole time and very concerned about the bunnies' well-being. Not that I'm taking credit for his actions or anything, but I do feel like we try to instill and model a certain level of respect for all living creatures. So it was heartwarming to see that yesterday.

I love our little family adventures!

Christmas in Mammoth

2010-01-02T16:56:00.000-08:00

We just spent nine days in Mammoth, enjoying a white Christmas and many fun activities! We bought Noah a cool new sled and had lots of fun in the meadow pulling him around and we all, including Noah, attempted snowboarding on the sled. We spent way too much money at Sledz, where Noah and Simon shot down the mountain on an inner tube together. They both had a blast:) Mammoth got about a foot of snow while we were there, so Simon enjoyed some fresh powder on his snowboard. I stayed behind this trip as funds were low. I did, however, try cross country skiing, which was a ton of fun and a really good workout.

We also rented a little snowboard (so cute!) and took Noah up to the mountain, found a small hill, and let him go at it. He rocked on the snowboard! He was totally fearless and really wanted to feel it out on his own. We're going to get him a lesson next time we're up there to teach him some basics. It was a lot of fun watching him tear it up on his little snowboard. We also did the usual gondola ride and ice cream at the village. Simon and I also had some alone time, enjoying crisp winter walks together and indulging in Irish faire at the Auld Dubliner, our favorite restaurant in Mammoth. We were lucky to have Uncle John's girlfriend Cynthia come up on Christmas Day. Noah loves her and loved bugging her and Uncle with endless requests to play with him (which they thankfully welcomed and accommodated:)

All in all a pretty fun trip as usual! We're so lucky to be able to spend time in Mammoth with our family.

Summer in Mammoth!

2009-12-06T16:25:00.000-08:00

This post is a little late, but I really want to blog about our summer fun in Mammoth! We stayed for a week in August and had a blast. Simon and I went mountain biking (we biked alllll the way down Mammoth Mountain!) We paid for a two hour long lesson with a pro, which was totally worth the money...he took us to the head of the lines and actually stayed with us for four hours total. It was grueling and very technical, but totally worth it.

Noah loves Mammoth...he asks to go nearly every day and always has a blast. A few weeks ago, he was sick, and do you know what he said would make him feel better? Going to Mammoth! This year was special because he was old enough to take part in some of the mountain activities like zip lining and rock wall climbing. He was so fearless! Until he got to the top of the rock wall and then looked down. He had a look of panic. I don't think he was paying attention to how high he was going during his ascent. Of course we also rode the gondola (which Noah *loves*) and ate way too much ice cream.

We are so lucky to have Grandma and Grandpa's condo to stay in and that they freely give their time watching Noah so that Simon and I can have some fun couple time. We couldn't have gone mountain biking or out to dinner at the local pub without their help watching Noah. We can't wait to go back in a few weeks for Christmas!

Disneyland!

2009-05-27T21:05:00.001-07:00

So we broke down and got annual passes to Disneyland. We were going quite a bit the past month, averaging twice a week! The ticket attendants never believed Noah wasn't three, although now we actually do need to purchase a pass for him since his birthday already passed. Noah loves riding the train, visiting Goofy's house, riding Pirates of the Caribbean, the Rockets, and Dumbo. He's been on Pinnocchio, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, the Tea Cups, and I think that's it so far. Oh yeah, he *loves* Tarzan's tree house. That exhibit will give you some buns with all the stair climbing!

He's actually tall enough to ride almost all the rides, but I don't know if he's emotionally ready. We took him on a small roller coaster in Toon Town, but I think it slightly freaked him out. Maybe because daddy told him to hold up his hands? I think that made him feel insecure. I know it makes me insecure on rides when I hold up my hands.

So we are Disneyland locals for sure now!

Farmer's Market

2009-05-27T21:00:00.000-07:00

Every Thursday, Noah and I head on down to the Costa Mesa Farmer's Market. We both love our trips there. We start out at the Kettle Corn stand, head on over to the hummus stand, and then load up on fruits and veggies, sometimes eggs. Then we stroll over to Centennial Farm and visit the goose and windmill, enjoying the rest of our kettle corn. Noah's a little apprehensive around the loud honking goose but is intrigued nonetheless. If it's open, we visit the farm, or else Noah pushes the stroller back and forth around the fairgrounds. After the farmer's market, we head to a park and enjoy our hummus and fresh pita bread. Yum! We really enjoy our Thursdays and look forward to the farmer's market every week:)

That was easy!

2009-05-27T20:48:00.000-07:00

So Noah is potty trained! Whew! After he turned three, I decided it was time. We had read lots of books, talked a lot about using the potty, and he dabbled in going pee in the toilet here and there. So basically I just told him we weren't going to wear diapers anymore (except during nap and night time) and he was down. He did ask for diapers here and there, but I prompted him to just go in the toilet. After a few accidents the first few days, and some delays in going #2 on the toilet, he got it. Just like that. No rewards, lots of praise, and a few accidents and then two weeks later, we are fully potty trained. I guess you would call it potty learned. So the combo for us was: Noah was ready, I was ready, we put slight pressure on him, and we took the diapers away completely. Now he can hold it like a champ and go anywhere. Even went #2 at Starbuck's the other day. I have to admit, I thought it would be a lot more time consuming, stressful, and drawn out. Not so! Congratulations big man!

Three!!!

2009-05-27T20:32:00.000-07:00

Did I mention Noah turned three? "I'm a big boy" is his favorite phrase. Let me tell you a little about his birthday...

We had a little pre-birthday celebration at the Waldorf school. It was so sweet...I was a weepy mess and Noah was so proud. He happily followed Ms. Uschi to his little "throne" and wore a beautiful handmade flower crown along with a little cape. Ms. Uschi told a traditional Waldorf birthday story, detailing how he made it to Earth, while Ms. Rusty played beautiful music on her guitar. Then Noah paraded in front of his classmates, was given a handmade birthday card from Ms. Uschi, and all the children brought Noah a flower. He happily accepted them. Sooooo sweet. I had to explain to him that my tears were tears of joy, as he was quite concerned that I was crying. Then, after blowing out the candles, he devoured the cupcakes I made for the class. He was pretty stoked on those cupcakes!

So that was Friday. I spent most of the night baking his cake after he went to bed that night. Noah wanted a "chocolate cake with white frosting, with hotwheel cars and m & m's". So that's what he got! I'll post pics later. I also spent the better part of the night decorating with some cool hotwheels decorations I found...a Happy Birthday banner, Hotwheels hanging cars, a Hotwheels sticker book and tatoos, along with the traditional birthday ring he just loves playing with every year (and blowing out the candles over and over again).

Might I add that this year was so much fun, as Noah is fully aware it is his birthday. Weeks prior, he was telling everyone his birthday was coming up, holding up three fingers as he professed his age of coming, and waking up most mornings wondering if it was indeed his birthday.

So Saturday he woke up to his little decorations, to which he replied over and over, "Wow! Wow!" Then, to his delight, I made him pancakes with vanilla ice cream on top. Could this day get any better? Yes! He opened his new all natural wooden tool set and Daddy showed him the ropes. Then, our neighbors, the Currens (Jen, Gavin, Tegan, and Camryn), came with us to the Waldorf May Faire. Noah ate cookies, made a paper kite and ran around with the kids. Then it was nap time so he could rest up for the bonfire later that evening. We headed to the beach around 6:00pm with our neighbors and grandma and grandpa. Noah had fun with the girls (as usual!) and roasted hot dogs and smores. He loves bonfires as do we!

Then we headed home for the final treat of the day...mama's homemade cake (Noah couldn't believe his eyes and couldn't decide what to focus on...the cars, m &m's, or frosting, so he dove right into the frosting, took off a few m&m's, and rode the cars through the frosting!) We all sang Happy Birthday and he blew out the candles on the cake and the birthday ring. After inhaling the cake, he played with the kids and his new awesome tree fort (from grandma) then settled in for a long, well-deserved rest.

Happy Birthday sweet boy! We loooooove you...you brighten our lives. xoxoxoxoxoxo

Boy's Best Friend

2009-04-25T17:02:00.000-07:00

Noah is becoming quite attached to Oliver. I think they're both getting over their little jealousy thing they had going with each other. Noah loves to go to the doggie beach and chase Oliver around. And a trip to the park just isn't the same without Oliver to run around in the grass with. Noah asks where Oliver is frequently throughout the day and is moving beyond pestering him to caring for him and showing him some love. I even caught him a few times having a one-sided conversation with Oliver. When I asked Noah if he was talking to Oliver, he replied (embarrassed), "No, Oliver doesn't talk." It's pretty cute seeing them cuddle on the chair together too.

Waldorf Playgroups

2009-04-25T16:42:00.001-07:00

Every Friday morning from 8:45 am - 11:00 am, Noah and I go to the Waldorf Playgroups. Noah loves his teacher, Ms. Uschi, a sweet German lady who really has a way with children. It was a little difficult in the beginning for Noah to adjust to a more structured environment and sit still when necessary, but now he's really blossoming and knows the routine. Here's a rundown of what we do there:

The children come in and take off their shoes, then have about a half hour of free play. The toys are all natural, beautifully simple, and mostly handmade. Lots of open, imaginative play things. While the tots are playing, the mamas work on some sort of craft...we've made spiders, sun babies, silks, knitted hens, boats from pods, acorn gnomes, felted gnomes, and apple stamped paper, to name a few. I'd love to post pictures soon. When the dusty gnome comes out, it is time to clean up all the toys and crafts.

Then it is time for handwashing and snack. Snacks are brought in by the parents and are usually organic, wholesome foods. After snack, the kiddos go outside for some free play. There's a sandbox, beautiful gardens to skip through, and haystacks to toddle across. When Ms. Uschi plays her flute it is time to go inside for circle and story time. We all gather in a circle and sing songs with movement. Ms. Rusty sings along and plays beautiful music on her guitar and kinderharp. Then the children sit on a silk rainbow and are encouraged to quietly sit still and listen to a story, which usually relates to the season or an event coming up. The story is uniquely told by heart by Ms. Uschi and usually includes a scene with crafted items Ms. Uschi has lovingly made by hand.

Lastly, the children dance to the goodbye song and then go outside to the big playground and play with the next playgroup. Noah and I have a ritual of going to Starbuck's afterward for a little hot or cold treat. We both really look forward to our Fridays at the Waldorf school:)

Catching up

2009-04-17T19:04:00.000-07:00

So here we are...I am having a hard time journaling every day so I'll just do the best I can! That's a more reasonable goal!

Noah's been quite a handful lately. Screaming every time he's upset, saying the S word, and basically showing me that he is indeed turning three in a few weeks. Ah the peaceful time we've been enjoying since the last six-month disequilibrium arose is coming to an end. I haven't been keeping my temper in check either, so we've entered this vicious cycle where he yells, I tell him we don't yell, then I lose it and end up yelling...the very thing I'm getting on him about. It's so hard sticking to the whole no-punishment-gentle parenting-thing. I feel like he does need consequences, but it's hard to draw the line between consequence and punishment. I read that I'm just suppose to walk away, as opposed to sending him away, when he disrespects me and explain to him that I don't want to be around him when he treats me like that. But that's kinda like punishment to me. I don't know. It's getting sooooo old repeating myself day after day...Noah time to get dressed, time to eat, time to take a nap, time to brush your teeth, time to get in the car, time to leave. He'll even say, "Let's go left." and I'll think I'm giving him what he wants and being flexible by going left. Then he wants to do the complete opposite. I give up! I am so exhausted from trying to empathize and keep up with his whirlwind moods and very vocal way of expressing frustration that by the time it's time for a break, I don't even have the energy to do something fun.

On a positive note, I saw videos of baby Noah last night that totally melted my heart. Here I go being Debbie Downer again...I also felt guilty...that I didn't really remember a lot of it. I also felt very anxious watching times when he was frustrated. I've had a really hard time dealing with Noah's way of expressing frustration from the time he was born...he gets frustrated very easily and is very loud, whiny and vocal about it...always has been. When he's this upset, he doesn't want my help...wants to figure it out himself...so I try to empathize with him, let him know I understand his frustration. But he's so damn loud that he can't even hear me trying to attempt to verbalize his feelings of frustration. I just feel so helpless and lost lately. I feel like I'm not a very good parent lately...not very patient or setting a good example and like he doesn't really like me. I feel like I'm always the bad guy and always resorting to yelling. Not good. I want another baby, but lately I don't know how I'm going to handle it. I pray to God I get a mellow one this time around...

Monday 3/30/09

2009-03-30T22:50:00.000-07:00

Today was kinda uneventful. We went to Tot Time at this gymnastics place, which Noah loves. They have trampolines, big foam pits to jump in and swing across on ropes, and all good things rough and rumble. Noah had fun running around and goofing off with a little sweet boy named Asher. I actually found myself bored today, since Noah usually wants me to be his little shadow everywhere he goes. This makes me even more ready for a baby! Did I mention I have baby fever?!

The rest of the day was spent eating too much, cleaning, doing laundry, and trying to get Noah to take a nap. Then Uncle came over to watch Noah while I visited my ND. That was very uplifting! She was so encouraging and supportive of us trying to have another baby. Then I brought home some yummy Greek food and put that tired litte boy to bed. Daddy was home early tonight from teaching so we had some nice time to spend together with Noah asleep and all. A pretty good day all around! :)

Oh yeah! We have two little red strawberries in our garden! So excited! Noah can't wait to try them!:)

This is what we planted so far:

spinach
strawberries
collards
cauliflower
celery
red leaf lettuce
artichoke
basil
cilantro

Sunday 3/29/09

2009-03-29T21:39:00.000-07:00

Oops! Missed yesterday! Not much to report, though. Kind of a rough day yesterday...Daddy went surfing and to the gym and I took Noah to the park with Oliver. Noah rode his bike. When we got there, Noah ran around a bit and then proceeded to run away from me, ignoring my requests to stay near me or come back. Lugging his bike around with a stubborn doggy was not fun and I wasn't in the mood to chase Noah around. So we ended up going back home early. Noah went to the beach, as it was a beautiful day, with Daddy while I got my hair cut and worked out at the gym. When I got back, Noah was still asleep with Daddy on the chair so I had a few hours to myself. Then they picked up Mother's for dinner (yum!) and Daddy went out while Noah and I played with the cars and watched figure skating. My little Saturday night date!

Today, Sunday, we went to Disneyland! What a treat that was. We rode the carousel, Pinnochio, and Pirates of the Caribbean. Noah was super patient, especially compared to the last time we went. He really understands so much now and it's getting a lot easier to take him places. I guess that's why I have baby fever! I feel like we might actually be able to handle it now. We have season passes to Disneyland now so I'll have much more to report about our D-land adventures in the future I'm sure! When we got back from Disneyland, I took Noah for a run in the BOB and then we went to the park. Noah had a blast playing tag and hide and go seek with some really sweet children so he was happy! And I was happy seeing him have so much fun with other kids...he really needs that now and it's such a treat to watch him interact with other kids. Love that kid...

Friday 3/27/09

2009-03-27T23:58:00.001-07:00

I'm going to try something new...journaling our daily life. I've procrastinated because I thought I'm too far behind so why bother, but now I'm just going for it. Better late than never. Noah had playgroup today at the Waldorf School. He's been waking up so late and basically does the opposite of whatever I ask him to do (get dressed, eat, get in the car, etc.) so we're always at least ten minutes late. But we got there and Noah had a blast (I did too!). We made a cute little knitted hen and Noah made a new friend, Luke. His mama, Mango, is a sweetheart and takes care of all the plants at the school. She's teaching me a few things with her green thumb. Noah is really doing well at school...knows the routine now and follows it. He especially likes snack time! He's known as the muffin man because he just loves all things muffins and gets super excited when they're served up as snack! Noah is learning that he can actually play with other children and that it's actually quite fun! Maybe even more fun than mommy or daddy or the other adults in his life who he's become so accustomed to playing with. It's so neat to see him blossom in this area. He's quite affectionate too...wrestling, hugging, even looked like he tried to plant one on Luke today! So cute and innocent. I'm so excited for him. His current friends, whom he asks for by name quite often, are Gavin, Aidan and Jay.

Noah didn't take a nap today (like most days lately, or he goes down wayy to late for a nap). Some cousins from Canada stopped by, Jacque, Mike, their son Steven, and his friend Brett. They are lovely and down to earth, so easy to be with. Noah was really tired really early so we put him down to bed. He's still crashed out next to me right now. We ordered pizza for dinner, yum!, and Mommy and Daddy got to watch Milk on demand since Noah went down early. I'm so lucky to have such a wonderful husband and family...my son is so bright and energetic and just glows with enthusiasm. It's contagious. Simon listens to me go on and on about life and all my plans, hopes, worries, excitements and for that I am so grateful. Sometimes a girl just needs to get it all off her chest! Especially when Noah gets pretty possessive of me any time I try to have a conversation with an adult in his presence. But he's getting better. I know I'll miss these days when I was his world:)

Itsy Bitsy Yoga

2009-02-28T19:21:00.001-08:00

Last week Noah and I tried out this cute little mommy and me yoga class in Laguna Beach with some friends. Noah was slightly distracted in the class, but would do the poses with a little encouragement from the sweet, patient instructor. I bought a book with yoga routines for toddlers and began incorporating one of the routines into our home life. Noah loves it! He asks to do yoga all the time, specifically downward dog, lunge, and warrior poses. He's pretty good at it! I learned some poses that are suppose to calm "spirited" children (like Noah!) and help digestion and sleep. I'm excited to share something I am passionate about with him and it's great to have yet another bonding activity for us to enjoy together during our sometimes long days. I hope it instills a respect for the mind-body connection in him and that he can build on this foundation with healthy outlets later in life. We're so lucky to be able to do things like this together!

Potty Learning...

2009-02-28T19:15:00.000-08:00

Noah is learning to use the potty! He is 33 months old now. We've been talking about it for a long time, reading books, using encouragement (and trying to avoid the whole "training" thing) and now he is actually motivated and making the connection! It's very exciting and I'm proud of him for learning all on his own, on his own terms. He's been going around the house nakey for awhile, having a few accidents here and there and going in the toilet once in awhile with some encouragement, but about 95% of the time, he goes to the toilet on his own. Sometimes when we put his pants on or undies, he forgets and the connection is somewhat lost, but in the familiar places (home, parks) he definitely has the connection. He even went #2 the other day, which I was worried might never happen! Here's a funny story. The other day we were at a park with no bathrooms and I told Noah he could go on the grass. He pulled his pants down right in front of two teenagers and proceeded to release himself! They were mortified and embarrassed, while Noah and I were super excited!

I can't believe how fast my little guy is growing up...

Valentine's Day

2009-02-13T14:48:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day and I've decided to continue my tradition of giving Noah a book as a gift every year. This year I bought him On the Night You Were Born. Last year I bought him I Love You Every Little Bit. I guess I'm keeping it mushy as long as I can!

Noah is really enjoying the Waldorf playgroups. We made Valentines to give out to the other kids and Noah's teachers, Ms. Uschi and Ms. Lorna. Noah used watercolors to paint red hearts, then we glued white doilies on them together. Daddy cut out the hearts and then tied little silver sparkly bows on each Valentine, along with a little message. I'll post them later:) This was so much more fun and meaningful than just buying some Valentines at the store to hand out. This was also our week to bring snack so we made some cute little heart-shaped banana muffins, hard boiled eggs, and strawberries. Unfortunately, Noah is getting over a cold, so we could not be there to celebrate the festivities. Bummer:(