Out - Junie B.
In - Little House on the Prairie
---
Out - Ryan B.
In - Ryan F.
---
Out - Riding bikes
In - Jumping in the Jumpolene
---
Out - Club Soda Lemonade
In - Mango Lassi
---
Out - Dora the Explorer
In - Berenstain Bears
---
Out -- Two Ponytails
In - Topknots & Headbands
--
Out - Cinderella
In - Maria Von Trapp
--
Out - Taking naps
In - Going to Bed Early
--
Out - Swings
In - Ice Skating
Monday, December 31, 2007
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Three Best
Since much of my days is spent with two cyclones, I don't get out much. Here are my top three lists.
Movies--
1. La Vie En Rose
2. Juno
3 tie. Into the Wild
3 tie. Ratatouille
DVDs--
1. Lives of Others
2. Infamous
3. Children of Men
Books --
1. Harry Potter - Finale
2. Eat Pray Love
3. Thousand Splendid Suns
Books I Wish I Finished--
1. River of Doubt
2. Michaelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling
3. Magellan and the Circumnavigation of the World
Television
1. Damages - The most steady date with the TV in a LONG time - got other people to watch, then called them to discuss in detail the nuances of the previous episode.
2. End of the Sopranos - so glad it has limped out of it's misery
3. Project Runway Season III- Laura Bennett gave season 3 viewers a whole new type of heroine on PR
Three things I regret-
1. Not getting out Christmas cards.
2. Not having a better understanding of HTML so I can own my destiny on my website.
3. Not billing more hours in 2007 - The difference between a consultant and an employee. An employee will never go to their grave saying "I wish I'd worked more" a consultant might....
Sad that there are only these categories - did make it to the ballet once and opera once too - but one experience does not a ranking make. A guilty pleasure in 2008 may be watching Met performances at the theater...stay tuned and happy new year.
Movies--
1. La Vie En Rose
2. Juno
3 tie. Into the Wild
3 tie. Ratatouille
DVDs--
1. Lives of Others
2. Infamous
3. Children of Men
Books --
1. Harry Potter - Finale
2. Eat Pray Love
3. Thousand Splendid Suns
Books I Wish I Finished--
1. River of Doubt
2. Michaelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling
3. Magellan and the Circumnavigation of the World
Television
1. Damages - The most steady date with the TV in a LONG time - got other people to watch, then called them to discuss in detail the nuances of the previous episode.
2. End of the Sopranos - so glad it has limped out of it's misery
3. Project Runway Season III- Laura Bennett gave season 3 viewers a whole new type of heroine on PR
Three things I regret-
1. Not getting out Christmas cards.
2. Not having a better understanding of HTML so I can own my destiny on my website.
3. Not billing more hours in 2007 - The difference between a consultant and an employee. An employee will never go to their grave saying "I wish I'd worked more" a consultant might....
Sad that there are only these categories - did make it to the ballet once and opera once too - but one experience does not a ranking make. A guilty pleasure in 2008 may be watching Met performances at the theater...stay tuned and happy new year.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
The Current Earworm
This is a big file, it may take a minute or two to download.
Thanks to Ellie for adding sound.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Friday, December 21, 2007
Charlie Wilson's War Part II
Sure, I could be blogging on topic about how Ryan "Mr. Wants to Exchange Phone Numbers" has dumped my daughter to play with boys now, but I'd rather talk about Charlie Wilson's War.
Even movie critics such as Steven Hunter get what a miscasting job this is --
This movie probably gets the Washington process better than any since Otto Preminger's underrated "Advise & Consent" in 1962. It's not about men of virtue doing the impossible, but men of flaws doing the doable, but just barely. You don't want to look too carefully at the process, which is haphazard, greased by alcohol and a barter system of favors and flattery, big moneybags in the home state, and a lot of gumption and git-r-done ingenuity.
Charlie, a multi-term Democrat from rural Texas who was a low-ranking grad of the Naval Academy, is played by Tom Hanks, at his unchallenged but affable best. This may be a first: I would gauge Hanks as actually much less attractive than Wilson, a notorious rougue and ladies' man. That leaves the viewer with the occasional curiosity as to why she -- this could be any of several shes -- seems so attracted to Forrest Gump.
Now validated, I can move on. See the movie, better yet, read the book and give the part to Clive Owen as I instructed when I heard about this terrible casting atrocity!
Must sign off, I have promised a clue game with a certain soon to be five girl who has a playdate with the boy who's dumped her later today.
Even movie critics such as Steven Hunter get what a miscasting job this is --
This movie probably gets the Washington process better than any since Otto Preminger's underrated "Advise & Consent" in 1962. It's not about men of virtue doing the impossible, but men of flaws doing the doable, but just barely. You don't want to look too carefully at the process, which is haphazard, greased by alcohol and a barter system of favors and flattery, big moneybags in the home state, and a lot of gumption and git-r-done ingenuity.
Charlie, a multi-term Democrat from rural Texas who was a low-ranking grad of the Naval Academy, is played by Tom Hanks, at his unchallenged but affable best. This may be a first: I would gauge Hanks as actually much less attractive than Wilson, a notorious rougue and ladies' man. That leaves the viewer with the occasional curiosity as to why she -- this could be any of several shes -- seems so attracted to Forrest Gump.
Now validated, I can move on. See the movie, better yet, read the book and give the part to Clive Owen as I instructed when I heard about this terrible casting atrocity!
Must sign off, I have promised a clue game with a certain soon to be five girl who has a playdate with the boy who's dumped her later today.
Saturday, December 08, 2007
A New Photo Adventure
Juliette and I were at the Cathedral this morning taking pictures.
You can see the whole set at http://juliettegoesclick.blogspot.com.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Monday, December 03, 2007
Memorandum: Hello Teen Years
To: Blog Readers
From: Jennifer
Re: Juliette and Boys
Today I went to get Juliette and because of a variety of circumstances, was actually there early.
Mrs. R. offered Juliette the opportunity to leave early, and she begrudgingly came to the door. Meanwhile, Mrs. R. needed me to watch the class for 30 seconds while she ran down the hall to check something.
Juliette told me she wasn't ready to go. "Ok," I replied.
Then she asked for a pen. I told her I didn't have one handy.
Five minutes later, kids start filing out. No Juliette.
Her teacher told me she was busy.
Exchanging.
Phone.
Numbers.
With.
A.
Boy!!!!!!!!!!!
From: Jennifer
Re: Juliette and Boys
Today I went to get Juliette and because of a variety of circumstances, was actually there early.
Mrs. R. offered Juliette the opportunity to leave early, and she begrudgingly came to the door. Meanwhile, Mrs. R. needed me to watch the class for 30 seconds while she ran down the hall to check something.
Juliette told me she wasn't ready to go. "Ok," I replied.
Then she asked for a pen. I told her I didn't have one handy.
Five minutes later, kids start filing out. No Juliette.
Her teacher told me she was busy.
Exchanging.
Phone.
Numbers.
With.
A.
Boy!!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Evie in ballet
Hopping is very important. Don't ask me why, but Evie was born with springs so it comes naturally to her.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
The Gift that Keeps on Giving
Any good blogger will tell you that it is important to blog regularly or you will lose your audience. Knowing it has been awhile since I've posted, I apologize and offer the following post as an excuse.
Unsure of what to get that special someone this holiday season? Want a gift with real staying power??? Streptococcus pyogenes is the way to go. Here is our story, told backward for those of you who enjoyed Memento.
Last night, both girls receive their first dose of penicillin.
Yesterday 4 pm, both girls get tested for strep.
Yesterday noon, I get my first dose of penicillin.
Yesterday morning, I test positive for strep, the Dr. instructs the rest of the family be tested.
Monday. Killer sore throat.
Friday. Juliette throws up in the car halfway home from NH.
Thursday midnight. Evie is in the emergency room with hives as big as an egg covering her abdomen, she is given a clean bill of health. (No strep test administered, although the nurse on the phone sent us to the ER to rule out strep.)
Thursday afternoon, Thanksgiving dinner without the girls, who are both taking naps. (I prepare it, watch out gramma, grampa, auntie Heidi, & uncle Howard!)
Wednesday, high fever for Evie, hives for Juliette
Tuesday, high fever for Juliette, minimal hives for Evie.
Monday, high fever for Evie.
Sunday, hives for Evie.
Saturday, high fever for Juliette. A sore throat starts for me.
Friday - unknown exposure - was it a water fountain? A faucet? A doorknob???
Thursday - Life as we know it has not yet changed.
Unsure of what to get that special someone this holiday season? Want a gift with real staying power??? Streptococcus pyogenes is the way to go. Here is our story, told backward for those of you who enjoyed Memento.
Last night, both girls receive their first dose of penicillin.
Yesterday 4 pm, both girls get tested for strep.
Yesterday noon, I get my first dose of penicillin.
Yesterday morning, I test positive for strep, the Dr. instructs the rest of the family be tested.
Monday. Killer sore throat.
Friday. Juliette throws up in the car halfway home from NH.
Thursday midnight. Evie is in the emergency room with hives as big as an egg covering her abdomen, she is given a clean bill of health. (No strep test administered, although the nurse on the phone sent us to the ER to rule out strep.)
Thursday afternoon, Thanksgiving dinner without the girls, who are both taking naps. (I prepare it, watch out gramma, grampa, auntie Heidi, & uncle Howard!)
Wednesday, high fever for Evie, hives for Juliette
Tuesday, high fever for Juliette, minimal hives for Evie.
Monday, high fever for Evie.
Sunday, hives for Evie.
Saturday, high fever for Juliette. A sore throat starts for me.
Friday - unknown exposure - was it a water fountain? A faucet? A doorknob???
Thursday - Life as we know it has not yet changed.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
New Terms for Your Consideration
I just returned from my first work travel in two years and offer up the following terms that evolved as a result.
Grandparent hangover -- whenever grandma and grandpa go back home (or any very special spoiling friend) behavior and attitudes take a violent slide toward the dark side. This is something all parents of small children are aware of but until now, this phenomenon lacked the appropriate title.
Grandchild hangover -- this happens between the time you board the plane and before you can get to the chiropracter to to get your back and shoulders back in working order.
Safe place -- this isn't actually the room without windows in your house, it is the airplane after the door has shut and the plane is taxiing down the runway. THE KIDS CAN'T GET TO YOU HERE!!! AMAZING!!!!! This only happens when the proper caregiver is in place so you aren't feeling sad about leaving the babies behind.
Techslam -- Occurs at a conference or during a webex or conference call when participants use electronic methods to slam the speaker during the presentation itself. After the glaze of boredom sets in, laptops are opened and Blackberrys are wildly thumbed. Smirks quietly exchanged. To the speaker, it can look like the audience 1.) is conscienciously taking notes -or 2.) has an immediate issue that must be resolved but it is really everyone typing as fast as their fingers will let them mock the speaker's 1.) self-aggrandizing behavior, 2.) cluelessness, or 3.) lack of audience awareness.
Today's world is a tough place to be for a conference speaker, but sometimes an airplane is a great place to be!
Grandparent hangover -- whenever grandma and grandpa go back home (or any very special spoiling friend) behavior and attitudes take a violent slide toward the dark side. This is something all parents of small children are aware of but until now, this phenomenon lacked the appropriate title.
Grandchild hangover -- this happens between the time you board the plane and before you can get to the chiropracter to to get your back and shoulders back in working order.
Safe place -- this isn't actually the room without windows in your house, it is the airplane after the door has shut and the plane is taxiing down the runway. THE KIDS CAN'T GET TO YOU HERE!!! AMAZING!!!!! This only happens when the proper caregiver is in place so you aren't feeling sad about leaving the babies behind.
Techslam -- Occurs at a conference or during a webex or conference call when participants use electronic methods to slam the speaker during the presentation itself. After the glaze of boredom sets in, laptops are opened and Blackberrys are wildly thumbed. Smirks quietly exchanged. To the speaker, it can look like the audience 1.) is conscienciously taking notes -or 2.) has an immediate issue that must be resolved but it is really everyone typing as fast as their fingers will let them mock the speaker's 1.) self-aggrandizing behavior, 2.) cluelessness, or 3.) lack of audience awareness.
Today's world is a tough place to be for a conference speaker, but sometimes an airplane is a great place to be!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Gold
Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold.
Here is my golden friend, Kristin, with her daughter, Elisabeth, Juliette's golden friend.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Bowling Alone
Actually, a more appropriate title is "Eating Alone".
Today marked a rite of passage - Evie had her first extended day session. For the first time in my life, I had to prepare two boxed lunches and had lunch completely devoid of companionship on a regular school day since Evie became part of our family.
As I ate these questions occured to me.
Who will I blame for spots on my clothes from here forward?
Will I still have as many spots on my clothes?
Do I still need to exclusively shop at Target?
Why don't I get more accomplished, even when I don't read the paper?
Evie was having a blast - making a monkey mask and listening to stories. Juliette was listening to show and tell presentations and trying to finish her carrots before lunch time ran out, knowing there would be no treat in tomorrow's lunch if today's carrots weren't finished.
At home, things were eerily quiet.
Today marked a rite of passage - Evie had her first extended day session. For the first time in my life, I had to prepare two boxed lunches and had lunch completely devoid of companionship on a regular school day since Evie became part of our family.
As I ate these questions occured to me.
Who will I blame for spots on my clothes from here forward?
Will I still have as many spots on my clothes?
Do I still need to exclusively shop at Target?
Why don't I get more accomplished, even when I don't read the paper?
Evie was having a blast - making a monkey mask and listening to stories. Juliette was listening to show and tell presentations and trying to finish her carrots before lunch time ran out, knowing there would be no treat in tomorrow's lunch if today's carrots weren't finished.
At home, things were eerily quiet.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
5 things to love about Genevieve
1. Her sociability - she walks down the corridor of school greeting the moms of the children in hers and other classes.
2. Her love of marbles - she can contentedly play for hours with marbles, polished rocks or acorns.
3. Her ability to climb like a monkey in pursuit of anything her mother has put out of reach (she piles furniture together - think the mousetrap game.)
4. Her love of clothing, thereby confirming her as a female human rather than a simian.
5. Her happy chirpy demeanor! Evie is a joy to be around!!
2. Her love of marbles - she can contentedly play for hours with marbles, polished rocks or acorns.
3. Her ability to climb like a monkey in pursuit of anything her mother has put out of reach (she piles furniture together - think the mousetrap game.)
4. Her love of clothing, thereby confirming her as a female human rather than a simian.
5. Her happy chirpy demeanor! Evie is a joy to be around!!
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
5 things to love about Juliette
1. Her application of knowledge - mommy, give me carrots one day, red peppers the next carrots the next, because we are studying patterns.
2. Her smokin' bob.
3. Her helpful hands (like when I shut my skirt in the locked front door this morning and dropped the 27 posters I was holding, along with the notebook and purse and she helped me clean up.)
4. Her sense of justice - she will be a formidable force for fairness in the world.
5. Her love of all things musical, especially musicals "Doe, ,a deer, a female deer..."
2. Her smokin' bob.
3. Her helpful hands (like when I shut my skirt in the locked front door this morning and dropped the 27 posters I was holding, along with the notebook and purse and she helped me clean up.)
4. Her sense of justice - she will be a formidable force for fairness in the world.
5. Her love of all things musical, especially musicals "Doe, ,a deer, a female deer..."
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Why I may not seem like I'm paying attention
Note: up front, I must credit Brian Shaw with a similar post regarding my children and interruption last month, however the following is a completely accurate depiction of the goings on at my house this morning, without embellishment.
So every other Tuesday morning, I have a standing three-hour conference call with the biggest client I consult with. It is rare that I have to interact on the call, so most of the time I'm listening to the conversation with the mute button on.
This is never an ideal situation with two little ones at home, but it is even tougher with just one. Evie no longer has her sister to distract her for three hours, so she looks to her alpha female to entertain her, regardless of the dazed expression I have and the phone somewhere in range either next to my ear or on speaker.
This is what it was like this morning during the legislative update--
We are working on reauthorization... "Mommy! I'm hungry"
...working with key Senators ..."Mommy! I want peanut butter and jelly!!"
...educating their staffers as the turnover is so great since the last reauthorization "Peanut butter!! AND jelly!!"
is there a chance of a Presidential veto?? "Peanut butter! Cut in triangles!!!"
does anyone have any questions?? "Mommy! I have to go potty"
what is the reaction from the Department of..."Mommy, come wipe my bum!"
So every other Tuesday morning, I have a standing three-hour conference call with the biggest client I consult with. It is rare that I have to interact on the call, so most of the time I'm listening to the conversation with the mute button on.
This is never an ideal situation with two little ones at home, but it is even tougher with just one. Evie no longer has her sister to distract her for three hours, so she looks to her alpha female to entertain her, regardless of the dazed expression I have and the phone somewhere in range either next to my ear or on speaker.
This is what it was like this morning during the legislative update--
We are working on reauthorization... "Mommy! I'm hungry"
...working with key Senators ..."Mommy! I want peanut butter and jelly!!"
...educating their staffers as the turnover is so great since the last reauthorization "Peanut butter!! AND jelly!!"
is there a chance of a Presidential veto?? "Peanut butter! Cut in triangles!!!"
does anyone have any questions?? "Mommy! I have to go potty"
what is the reaction from the Department of..."Mommy, come wipe my bum!"
Monday, October 01, 2007
The Troubadour and the Jumpy Pirate
This is what Juliette brought for show and tell today. Unfortunately, you can't see the pants, thereby loosing the asthetic punch my theatre-performer to be launched with this outfit. See below for a glimpse, also note Evie's reaction--
Even when it looks like Evie is standing still, she is not!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
For those of you who think "I wish I could be the stay at home parent..."
I offer you an anecdote from this morning that will forever change your mind.
Five minutes before we are to leave for school, Juliette informs me she needs to go to the potty.
A few minutes pass. I call "time to leave" and am greeted with silence. Ominous silence.
Another minute passes. "Mommy! Something's wrong."
Indeed there was, keeping my beloved daughter's excrement company in the toilet bowl was their toothpaste cap.
Bless Juliette for recognizing flushing was not the thing to do in this instance. Nonetheless, there was the reality, cozied up to one another like two lonely forty-somethings a half hour before last call on Friday night.
Never forget this story when you are sorrowfully considering the greener grass of the stay at home parent.
Five minutes before we are to leave for school, Juliette informs me she needs to go to the potty.
A few minutes pass. I call "time to leave" and am greeted with silence. Ominous silence.
Another minute passes. "Mommy! Something's wrong."
Indeed there was, keeping my beloved daughter's excrement company in the toilet bowl was their toothpaste cap.
Bless Juliette for recognizing flushing was not the thing to do in this instance. Nonetheless, there was the reality, cozied up to one another like two lonely forty-somethings a half hour before last call on Friday night.
Never forget this story when you are sorrowfully considering the greener grass of the stay at home parent.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Yesterday
Two years ago yesterday, that delightful little package of energy known as Genevieve Elizabeth Manise was placed into her mother's arms.
She screamed.
I handed her to her father.
Juliette howled.
Evie howled.
Juliette howled louder.
This momentous occasion was a lesson in the value of earplugs, and was chronicled in dueling banjos a few days later.
What would our world be like without Evie? We cannot imagine. She is as amazing and chirpy as ever. A complete and total blessing - for which we are eternally grateful.
She screamed.
I handed her to her father.
Juliette howled.
Evie howled.
Juliette howled louder.
This momentous occasion was a lesson in the value of earplugs, and was chronicled in dueling banjos a few days later.
What would our world be like without Evie? We cannot imagine. She is as amazing and chirpy as ever. A complete and total blessing - for which we are eternally grateful.
Monday, September 17, 2007
One Down, Thirty-four to Go...
So, the first week of school is over. The girls love their new classrooms, teachers, classmates, lunchbags, and backpacks.
I let them wear dresses every day to school and felt like a homeschool mom when I'd take them to the park in dresses. Since my hair is long right now and I've never been one for much makeup, I felt like declaring my reliance on The Wall Street Journal, '80's pop music, and art-house movies to the casual observers at the park. I immediately went home and did my toes, but regretfully forgot my eyebrows.
Pop quiz--
1. The girls picked their lunchboxes based on which of the following features:
A. Character depiction
B. Color
C. Thermal retention/ cold retention
D. Bonus Features
E. A & B
F. A& C
G. A & D
H. They never saw their lunchboxes before the first day of school.
2. How many calls regarding food allergies in Evie's class did Jennifer field in relation to Evie's school b/d celebration?
A. none
B. One
C. Two
D. Three
E. Four or more
3. How many days has Juliette been the last one to be picked up by her mother since the first day of school?
A. none
B. One
C. Two
D. Three
E. Four or more
4. How many billable hours has Jennifer completed during school time since the first day of school?
A. none
B. Less than One
C. One to Two
D. Three to Four
E. Five or more ( HA HA HA - can't even type that one with a straight face!)
5. On a scale of minus ten to ten, how clean is the house compared to the day before school started?
Minus ten - exceptionally dirty - the roaches moved out.
Minus five - is that a dead mouse I smell?
Zero - laundry piled high on Daddy's dresser, just like always.
Plus five - one could eat off the floor in the kitchen
Plus ten - the windows are done! Someone call the newspaper!!
So dear reader, how well do you know us?
I let them wear dresses every day to school and felt like a homeschool mom when I'd take them to the park in dresses. Since my hair is long right now and I've never been one for much makeup, I felt like declaring my reliance on The Wall Street Journal, '80's pop music, and art-house movies to the casual observers at the park. I immediately went home and did my toes, but regretfully forgot my eyebrows.
Pop quiz--
1. The girls picked their lunchboxes based on which of the following features:
A. Character depiction
B. Color
C. Thermal retention/ cold retention
D. Bonus Features
E. A & B
F. A& C
G. A & D
H. They never saw their lunchboxes before the first day of school.
2. How many calls regarding food allergies in Evie's class did Jennifer field in relation to Evie's school b/d celebration?
A. none
B. One
C. Two
D. Three
E. Four or more
3. How many days has Juliette been the last one to be picked up by her mother since the first day of school?
A. none
B. One
C. Two
D. Three
E. Four or more
4. How many billable hours has Jennifer completed during school time since the first day of school?
A. none
B. Less than One
C. One to Two
D. Three to Four
E. Five or more ( HA HA HA - can't even type that one with a straight face!)
5. On a scale of minus ten to ten, how clean is the house compared to the day before school started?
Minus ten - exceptionally dirty - the roaches moved out.
Minus five - is that a dead mouse I smell?
Zero - laundry piled high on Daddy's dresser, just like always.
Plus five - one could eat off the floor in the kitchen
Plus ten - the windows are done! Someone call the newspaper!!
So dear reader, how well do you know us?
Monday, September 10, 2007
Happy First Day of School!!!
After a brief show tune we headed off for our first day. Watch out teachers, here we come!!
Friday, September 07, 2007
Hello Open House Farewell Summer
Today was open house at the girls' school. I offer the following highlights.
Juliette's teacher, Mrs. R, is the iconic figure that heads a cult of preschool parents. Every parent that has ever had Mrs. R speaks of her in hushed tones as if in reverent awe.
Juliette made a leaf with her name on it for the door. She is very excited that she has show and tell every week. Panda will be the first object. Juliette also found the classroom computer (heavens knows what that will bring in way of requests at home.), checked out the loft, and settled in with a gaggle of girls to do playdough with letter stamps.
Evie was playing with trucks when I went back to check on her. She had informed her teacher, Mrs. P, that she would prefer to be called "Princess Genevieve" over Evie or just plain Genevieve. She had scoped out the dress up clothes and has learned how to sign herself in to class.
After open house, we went ice skating. Then they both came home and took naps.
As we say goodbye to summer, I offer the following farewells.
Farewell to the kiddie pool. Hello dive team.
Farewell zuchinnis (bikinis). Hello speedo.
Farewell sleeping until 8 am. Hello rush to get breakfast, dressed, and on 66 while HOV is still in effect.
Farewell naps. Hello going to bed at 7:30.
Farewell "what are we going to do today Momma?", Hello "Nothing!" in response to my inquiry of what happened at school today.
Farewell peanut butter and jelly lunches. Hello hyper observance of nut allergies.
Farewell spur of the moment adventures. Hello cleaner house.
Juliette's teacher, Mrs. R, is the iconic figure that heads a cult of preschool parents. Every parent that has ever had Mrs. R speaks of her in hushed tones as if in reverent awe.
Juliette made a leaf with her name on it for the door. She is very excited that she has show and tell every week. Panda will be the first object. Juliette also found the classroom computer (heavens knows what that will bring in way of requests at home.), checked out the loft, and settled in with a gaggle of girls to do playdough with letter stamps.
Evie was playing with trucks when I went back to check on her. She had informed her teacher, Mrs. P, that she would prefer to be called "Princess Genevieve" over Evie or just plain Genevieve. She had scoped out the dress up clothes and has learned how to sign herself in to class.
After open house, we went ice skating. Then they both came home and took naps.
As we say goodbye to summer, I offer the following farewells.
Farewell to the kiddie pool. Hello dive team.
Farewell zuchinnis (bikinis). Hello speedo.
Farewell sleeping until 8 am. Hello rush to get breakfast, dressed, and on 66 while HOV is still in effect.
Farewell naps. Hello going to bed at 7:30.
Farewell "what are we going to do today Momma?", Hello "Nothing!" in response to my inquiry of what happened at school today.
Farewell peanut butter and jelly lunches. Hello hyper observance of nut allergies.
Farewell spur of the moment adventures. Hello cleaner house.
Monday, September 03, 2007
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Willard
So, I took the girls to see Ratatouille last Friday. Wait, let me start at the beginning.
Friday was, in the Manise house, the day of the year known as Black Friday. It is the last weekday of Bruce's month-long vacation.
We all know I love spending time with Juliette and Evie, but they love structure--which is not something I excel at unless I am being paid to do so.
So, Bruce comes home for a month in the summer and every day is a party. I can run errands, the girls have constant attention and someone who lets them chew gum and watch television when I am not around.
Black Monday, yesterday, is the saddest weekday of the year. The gum-reservoir has dried up and there will be no television until Jennifer has a conference call.
Anyways, so last Friday, realizing it was Bruce's last weekday home, I offered to take the girls to the movies. He does chores around the house during his month off, and it is remarkably easier to do this without "help."
Off to a darkened theater we went. I thought the girls would love the movie -- with the gastronomic themes and intelligent banter. This was no "feel the IQ points falling away" Happy Feet. Both girls love to cook. There were no killer whales - what better fun to have?
EXCEPT Evie is petrified of all things furry in the known world. I figured a cooking rat would be ok, because rats are small.
A fatal mistake.
Yes in real life rats are small. On a big screen in the fifth row, a rat is as tall as a building.
The screaming commenced.
And went on.
And on.
We called her father from the theater. He came and got her.
Juliette and I went back in to watch the rest, then Juliette wanted to know how much longer she had to stay.
So, Bruce ended up having some "help" with his last day of repair projects after all.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Random Thoughts on the Metro
There was consulting work to do, so I took the Metro to work today - first time in a couple of years since I typically drive and singularly support the parks and recreation division of the DC government with my traffic tickets. On this topic it is so easy to digress, back to random thoughts.
Does anyone wearing Brown University t-shirts ever wash their hair? Is it some sort of lower-level Ivy League requirement to not bathe for four years?
Homeless people outside of my train station I miss -- the guy who used to take a cab to his corner and once refused a banana because he didn't have teeth. -- the trumpeter who only knew about five songs and played them every day all day long. The random crazy population in the area is more diverse than ever. Is this a good thing? Are crazies more or less likely to get along with other crazies???
Tourists still stand on the left. What will it take to get these people to stand on the right?
IPods isolate.
Are there more children of commuters on the Metro, or do I just notice them more now that I have children?
Enough random thoughts. We return to cute pictures of girls soon!
Does anyone wearing Brown University t-shirts ever wash their hair? Is it some sort of lower-level Ivy League requirement to not bathe for four years?
Homeless people outside of my train station I miss -- the guy who used to take a cab to his corner and once refused a banana because he didn't have teeth. -- the trumpeter who only knew about five songs and played them every day all day long. The random crazy population in the area is more diverse than ever. Is this a good thing? Are crazies more or less likely to get along with other crazies???
Tourists still stand on the left. What will it take to get these people to stand on the right?
IPods isolate.
Are there more children of commuters on the Metro, or do I just notice them more now that I have children?
Enough random thoughts. We return to cute pictures of girls soon!
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Hi Everyone!
We are back from a visit to Grandma's house! Where she gave us these spiffy HK shirts!!
What should we do now?? Let's go find something to ransack, O.K.???Quiet, I'm still posing.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Don't Cry for Me, Argentina
While Momma and Juliette were driving all over the place this morning taking pictures of fountains, I got to go to the park, go out for breakfast, and play soccer with daddy.Don't worry about me, I had a blast!
You can see more about Momma and Juliette's latest photo adventure at:
http://juliettegoesclick.blogspot.com
I'll ask for a camera when I turn four too, but for now, I'd rather have pancakes with Daddy anyway.
Peace out.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Edward Tulane
I've really done it this time. Bitten off more than I can chew, I mean.
At a recent visit to the library, we picked up The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. It is a story about a rabbit (a "China" rabbit, Juliette would be quick to correct) who learns to love.
I did no advance research. We are 6 chapters in. Edward just spent 297 days AT THE BOTTOM OF THE OCEAN. No good for a little girl who is desperately trying to learn to swim.
It is such a good story, I found myself cheating on Juliette and reading the Amazon review to find out what happens.
NOT GOOD.
Edward's four year old owner dies in chapters to come. WHY, OH WHY don't I read Amazon reviews before impulse choosing at the library????
Is it too much to ask for a HAPPY CHILDREN'S story? This novel is almost biblical in it's associations with grief and suffering.
Do I say Edward Tulane needs to go back to the library and switch it out for that misbehaving misanthrope Junie B. Jones???? Do we skip the part about the four year old?
They write books on what to do about diaper rash, but there is no book to help with navigating the murkey waters of children's literature.
At a recent visit to the library, we picked up The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. It is a story about a rabbit (a "China" rabbit, Juliette would be quick to correct) who learns to love.
I did no advance research. We are 6 chapters in. Edward just spent 297 days AT THE BOTTOM OF THE OCEAN. No good for a little girl who is desperately trying to learn to swim.
It is such a good story, I found myself cheating on Juliette and reading the Amazon review to find out what happens.
NOT GOOD.
Edward's four year old owner dies in chapters to come. WHY, OH WHY don't I read Amazon reviews before impulse choosing at the library????
Is it too much to ask for a HAPPY CHILDREN'S story? This novel is almost biblical in it's associations with grief and suffering.
Do I say Edward Tulane needs to go back to the library and switch it out for that misbehaving misanthrope Junie B. Jones???? Do we skip the part about the four year old?
They write books on what to do about diaper rash, but there is no book to help with navigating the murkey waters of children's literature.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Saturday, July 14, 2007
I can't stand up on a motorcycle
Time: Saturday, 10:05 pm
Place: Dining Room and Evie's room
I'm working on what has to be the boringest part of editing a document, checking references. This particular document has more references than text. This is not an exaggeration.
Evie has recently learned to ride a two-wheeler with training wheels. She is excited and is narrating her progress via shouts from her room. (Imagine about a 30 second pause after every piece of punctuation.)
"Mommy? What are you doing? I ride my bicycle down the hill. I ride through the neighborhood."
"I'm not scared, I want to do it again tomorrow."
We then get off topic.
"Daddy isn't kind, Daddy laughs at me." (????? is she kidding?? she loves making daddy laugh!)
"I can touch my foot."
Then we get to the heart and soul of the matter before we break into our closing song.
"Mommy??? Do you like motorcycles? Can I ride a motorcycle when I get bigger? I can't stand up on the motorcycle, it wouldn't be safe."
Can you imagine why I don't feel like editing when I've got this comedy being broadcasted at me from the closest room?
Place: Dining Room and Evie's room
I'm working on what has to be the boringest part of editing a document, checking references. This particular document has more references than text. This is not an exaggeration.
Evie has recently learned to ride a two-wheeler with training wheels. She is excited and is narrating her progress via shouts from her room. (Imagine about a 30 second pause after every piece of punctuation.)
"Mommy? What are you doing? I ride my bicycle down the hill. I ride through the neighborhood."
"I'm not scared, I want to do it again tomorrow."
We then get off topic.
"Daddy isn't kind, Daddy laughs at me." (????? is she kidding?? she loves making daddy laugh!)
"I can touch my foot."
Then we get to the heart and soul of the matter before we break into our closing song.
"Mommy??? Do you like motorcycles? Can I ride a motorcycle when I get bigger? I can't stand up on the motorcycle, it wouldn't be safe."
Can you imagine why I don't feel like editing when I've got this comedy being broadcasted at me from the closest room?
Monday, July 09, 2007
If Men Ruled Etiquette
One more brief golf post.
As we boarded the bus for the tournament that first morning, I realized quickly we had landed in the world of men. Except for one other lone women, we were the only females on a fully-loaded tour bus.
Excitement was in the air.
The men were dressed to the nines.
Their version.
Khakis.
Golf shirt. From the most prestigious country club or sporting event most recently attended.
Baseball hat. From the second most prestigious country club or sporting event most recently attended. (To be in uniform would be tacky!)
Laniard. From the third most prestigious country club or sporting event most recently attended.
The bus laniards were ditched when we arrived at Congressional and everyone received their inaugural AT&T classic version. (Evie begged for mine throughout the day and on the bus ride home.)
When we got home and Bruce saw them, he immediately found a place of honor to hang it.
Guess what he'll be wearing the next time he goes to a tournament?
Life would be much more comfortable, let alone wedding attire, if men ruled the etiquette world.
As we boarded the bus for the tournament that first morning, I realized quickly we had landed in the world of men. Except for one other lone women, we were the only females on a fully-loaded tour bus.
Excitement was in the air.
The men were dressed to the nines.
Their version.
Khakis.
Golf shirt. From the most prestigious country club or sporting event most recently attended.
Baseball hat. From the second most prestigious country club or sporting event most recently attended. (To be in uniform would be tacky!)
Laniard. From the third most prestigious country club or sporting event most recently attended.
The bus laniards were ditched when we arrived at Congressional and everyone received their inaugural AT&T classic version. (Evie begged for mine throughout the day and on the bus ride home.)
When we got home and Bruce saw them, he immediately found a place of honor to hang it.
Guess what he'll be wearing the next time he goes to a tournament?
Life would be much more comfortable, let alone wedding attire, if men ruled the etiquette world.
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Lessons Learned from the 7th Green
We are just back from attending two days of the Congressional AT&T golf classic. For those of you who don't know, my Mom is a huge Tiger Woods fan. Huge.
So, here is what happens when you take two girls under the age of five to a golf tournament in Washington DC in July.
1. Rules are waived - no food no drinks no cell phone no nothing. We got in with food and drinks thanks to the little cuties (what - are we going to find something for them to drink at the Grey Goose Vodka tent? I think not!)
2. The Red Sea parts. We all know Tiger Woods is a big deal, right? You have no idea how big. There is a complete blog posting in my head called "The Tiger Woods Effect on Golf" which I have decided to spare you. Watching Tiger on a course is like watching a major prophet from the Old Testament with healing powers - everyone follows him. The hole is 5-10 people deep around the entire perimeter. We are talking a couple thousand. Just to watch what Tiger would do. Then to cheer or moan.
When you have little girls they get to go to the front of the pack and sit on the edge of the hole. The sound / motion guards don't yell at them to quiet down - instead they goad Evie into roaring by asking her who she is waiting for. She will then let loose with her tiger impression.
3. Going to the port-o-potty becomes a huge game of trying to get Evie to NOT TOUCH ANYTHING inside. Use your imagination.
4. Speaking of the potty. Juliette is just about guaranteed to have to REALLY REALLY GO RIGHT NOW after you have been waiting for Tiger to approach for an hour, he's finally coming, and she hasn't had a drop of liquid in four hours. It happened more than once.
5. Riding the bus to the tournament was the highlight. Standing in line for the bus (300 people deep) was only slightly less exciting because it became a game of bus-spotting.
All in all, there was a great deal of fun had by all!
After thinking about it and recouping after two such wonderful days, we will consider all offers to borrow the girls to attend any male-dominated sporting events if their mother can tag along too!
So, here is what happens when you take two girls under the age of five to a golf tournament in Washington DC in July.
1. Rules are waived - no food no drinks no cell phone no nothing. We got in with food and drinks thanks to the little cuties (what - are we going to find something for them to drink at the Grey Goose Vodka tent? I think not!)
2. The Red Sea parts. We all know Tiger Woods is a big deal, right? You have no idea how big. There is a complete blog posting in my head called "The Tiger Woods Effect on Golf" which I have decided to spare you. Watching Tiger on a course is like watching a major prophet from the Old Testament with healing powers - everyone follows him. The hole is 5-10 people deep around the entire perimeter. We are talking a couple thousand. Just to watch what Tiger would do. Then to cheer or moan.
When you have little girls they get to go to the front of the pack and sit on the edge of the hole. The sound / motion guards don't yell at them to quiet down - instead they goad Evie into roaring by asking her who she is waiting for. She will then let loose with her tiger impression.
3. Going to the port-o-potty becomes a huge game of trying to get Evie to NOT TOUCH ANYTHING inside. Use your imagination.
4. Speaking of the potty. Juliette is just about guaranteed to have to REALLY REALLY GO RIGHT NOW after you have been waiting for Tiger to approach for an hour, he's finally coming, and she hasn't had a drop of liquid in four hours. It happened more than once.
5. Riding the bus to the tournament was the highlight. Standing in line for the bus (300 people deep) was only slightly less exciting because it became a game of bus-spotting.
All in all, there was a great deal of fun had by all!
After thinking about it and recouping after two such wonderful days, we will consider all offers to borrow the girls to attend any male-dominated sporting events if their mother can tag along too!
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Monday, July 02, 2007
An open letter from Lucie and Cutie
Dear big people--
We are adjusting to our new bowls here in the dining room and thought it time to send you a short note.
Now that we are past the infatuation stage of our relationship, we have just a couple of requests.
1. Please keep your hands out of our bowls.
2. Likewise, please keep flotsam and jetsam out of our bowls. This includes -- dead insects except mosquitos (flies leave a bitter aftertaste), all princess items (we have no use for disney), and finally leaves and plant debris - please remember we are carnivores.
3. No tapping on the glass - if you want to visit us, please just stick your face near the bowl, we promise to swim over and say hello.
4. Keep the big guy away -- we can sense he is not crazy about animals.
5. We can smell the desire for a cat in Juliette. Continue to say no to this request. Cats are our mortal enemies and we were here first.
Thanks for listening. Remember, our royalty checks are due the fifth of every month - spread the love and keep the money coming - or at least the dried worms.
Sincerely,
Lucie and Cutie
We are adjusting to our new bowls here in the dining room and thought it time to send you a short note.
Now that we are past the infatuation stage of our relationship, we have just a couple of requests.
1. Please keep your hands out of our bowls.
2. Likewise, please keep flotsam and jetsam out of our bowls. This includes -- dead insects except mosquitos (flies leave a bitter aftertaste), all princess items (we have no use for disney), and finally leaves and plant debris - please remember we are carnivores.
3. No tapping on the glass - if you want to visit us, please just stick your face near the bowl, we promise to swim over and say hello.
4. Keep the big guy away -- we can sense he is not crazy about animals.
5. We can smell the desire for a cat in Juliette. Continue to say no to this request. Cats are our mortal enemies and we were here first.
Thanks for listening. Remember, our royalty checks are due the fifth of every month - spread the love and keep the money coming - or at least the dried worms.
Sincerely,
Lucie and Cutie
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Goggles
Make no mistake I am quick.
Juliette is quicker.
She had her second day of swimming lessons today. Second day ever.
Before going, she was lobbying me to wear goggles. There is the urban myth/national enquirer component of child rearing that influences me. Surely you have heard about the kid who almost died because she/he ate a small amount of hand sanitizer, or the kid who's crocs got stuck in the escalator? One I heard recently was a near drowning because a child had never swum without goggles and wasn't prepared when he/she fell in the pool.
"Learn to swim first" I told her "once you can swim you can have goggles in the pool." This decision was one part reaction to true story/urban myth, one part not wanting to give in just because one of her friends had goggles, and one part laziness because I didn't want to have to find the goggles.
So Evie and I dropped Juliette off at 9 am this morning (my former boss tells me it starts with sane times like 9 am and the next thing I know I'll be sitting at poolside at 5:30 am waiting for diving practice to be over.) Evie isn't one to sit around, so we played ball for about 5 minutes and then went to the other pool to watch dive practice. We came back around 9:07.
Juliette's teacher called to me - "Did you see Juliette swim??"
Right, I think to myself, she's probably blowing bubbles and kicking with her teacher's hand on her waist. "No, I missed it."
The teacher takes Juliette out about 10 feet from the pole and Juliette swims underwater, touches the pole and comes up.
"Now can I have my goggles, Momma???"
Juliette is quicker.
She had her second day of swimming lessons today. Second day ever.
Before going, she was lobbying me to wear goggles. There is the urban myth/national enquirer component of child rearing that influences me. Surely you have heard about the kid who almost died because she/he ate a small amount of hand sanitizer, or the kid who's crocs got stuck in the escalator? One I heard recently was a near drowning because a child had never swum without goggles and wasn't prepared when he/she fell in the pool.
"Learn to swim first" I told her "once you can swim you can have goggles in the pool." This decision was one part reaction to true story/urban myth, one part not wanting to give in just because one of her friends had goggles, and one part laziness because I didn't want to have to find the goggles.
So Evie and I dropped Juliette off at 9 am this morning (my former boss tells me it starts with sane times like 9 am and the next thing I know I'll be sitting at poolside at 5:30 am waiting for diving practice to be over.) Evie isn't one to sit around, so we played ball for about 5 minutes and then went to the other pool to watch dive practice. We came back around 9:07.
Juliette's teacher called to me - "Did you see Juliette swim??"
Right, I think to myself, she's probably blowing bubbles and kicking with her teacher's hand on her waist. "No, I missed it."
The teacher takes Juliette out about 10 feet from the pole and Juliette swims underwater, touches the pole and comes up.
"Now can I have my goggles, Momma???"
Friday, June 22, 2007
Mary Poppins & Sleeping with the Fishes
On Mary Poppins. We watched the first 40 minutes of Mary Poppins tonight. What is great about Mary Poppins is that she isn't your mom. She is some exciting exotic creature who enters on a windy day and upends routines.
What stinks about being a parent is that you can never be Mary Poppins in the eyes of your own children. Sure, you can steal lines "Spit Spot" and sing about a spoonful of sugar etc., but in order to be a Mary a fundamental is that you aren't also their Momma (Winifred).
Our children are fortunate to have many Mary Poppins-like figures in their lives. Essentially, anyone who isn't Momma can potentially play the role of Mary. There is no gender bias on fun.
Consequently, Uncle Gerald and Uncle Shane flew in on a cloud Monday night and our lives have been upended in a positive way ever since.
For example, our family has extended itself since the last post. We have two new members, Lucy and Cutie. They are beta fish. Lucy (blue) is Evie's and is quite aggressive. Cutie (Juliette's) had to be removed from Lucy's bowl and is awaiting her permanent digs.
Juliette wants to sleep with Cutie. Momma fears it is a bad precedent and might not be completely safe for Cutie, so we are keeping both fish in the dining room until all is settled. This is a clear indication of why Momma cannot ever be Mary. Sleeping with a fish is just the sort of thing Mary might think was a good idea.
Alas, we must love the Marys the winds blow us. But sometimes it is no fun to be Winifred.
What stinks about being a parent is that you can never be Mary Poppins in the eyes of your own children. Sure, you can steal lines "Spit Spot" and sing about a spoonful of sugar etc., but in order to be a Mary a fundamental is that you aren't also their Momma (Winifred).
Our children are fortunate to have many Mary Poppins-like figures in their lives. Essentially, anyone who isn't Momma can potentially play the role of Mary. There is no gender bias on fun.
Consequently, Uncle Gerald and Uncle Shane flew in on a cloud Monday night and our lives have been upended in a positive way ever since.
For example, our family has extended itself since the last post. We have two new members, Lucy and Cutie. They are beta fish. Lucy (blue) is Evie's and is quite aggressive. Cutie (Juliette's) had to be removed from Lucy's bowl and is awaiting her permanent digs.
Juliette wants to sleep with Cutie. Momma fears it is a bad precedent and might not be completely safe for Cutie, so we are keeping both fish in the dining room until all is settled. This is a clear indication of why Momma cannot ever be Mary. Sleeping with a fish is just the sort of thing Mary might think was a good idea.
Alas, we must love the Marys the winds blow us. But sometimes it is no fun to be Winifred.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Chicken Soup A La 2007
Juliette threw up in the car today and I have some sort of nasty head cold or bug.
So, after watching hours of Food Network and the movie A Little Princess, what did we have for dinner tonight?
I know you are thinking pho, which would be the best choice, but would require someone leaving the house who just isn't up to it.
Our first choice back up???
Why an Ess-A-Bagel of course. A plain one toasted with just a hint of cream cheese.
We're going to follow it up with ginger ale and hit the sack early.
Thanks to our homeopathic pharmacist, Ellie, for providing a nutritious, filling, stomach friendly dinner for us sick girls!
So, after watching hours of Food Network and the movie A Little Princess, what did we have for dinner tonight?
I know you are thinking pho, which would be the best choice, but would require someone leaving the house who just isn't up to it.
Our first choice back up???
Why an Ess-A-Bagel of course. A plain one toasted with just a hint of cream cheese.
We're going to follow it up with ginger ale and hit the sack early.
Thanks to our homeopathic pharmacist, Ellie, for providing a nutritious, filling, stomach friendly dinner for us sick girls!
Monday, June 11, 2007
Top 5 Ways Evie Will Greet a Stranger
1. Hi! I'm Evie, I'm a boy!!!
(to the new executive director at Jennifer's old company)
2. Hi! I'm Evie, I went poo poo in the potty!!!
(to the Rector at our church)
3. Hi Boys!! I'm Evie, let's play!!!
(to any random group of boys between ages 7 and 15 anywhere)
4. Hi, I'm Evie. Do you play football? I play soccer.
(to a 13 year old boy at a party last Saturday)
5. Hi George, I'm Evie!
(to her Curious George underwear)
(to the new executive director at Jennifer's old company)
2. Hi! I'm Evie, I went poo poo in the potty!!!
(to the Rector at our church)
3. Hi Boys!! I'm Evie, let's play!!!
(to any random group of boys between ages 7 and 15 anywhere)
4. Hi, I'm Evie. Do you play football? I play soccer.
(to a 13 year old boy at a party last Saturday)
5. Hi George, I'm Evie!
(to her Curious George underwear)
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Momma Envy
Last week the girls and I went to see Rocknoceros at a park in McLean. It was our first Rockno-fest after a long dry spell and we invited all of Evie's classmates to enjoy the ever-fun party.
The girls were delighted to see Coach, Willie-Bob, and Boogie Bennie (who remembered Evie by NAME!)
Once we were rocking away in the hot sunshine, I spotted one of Evie's classmates and her mom.
It was a 90 degree day, we were out under a humid, blazing sun. Amazingly, this woman looked as cool and crisp as if she were in the no-window section of the West Building enjoying Matisse cut outs in a dim room. Her hair was billowing and she had this wonderful relaxed smile. We'll call her Momma Y for the sake of the conversation below."
Me (all dripping with sweat in t-shirt) "Hi Momma Y! You look great - I didn't think you were going to be able to make it today!"
Momma Y "I wasn't sure either"
Me " You look fabulous, so cool and relaxed."
Momma Y "Oh, we just got back last night from vacation."
Bingo. This is what I need to assume a cool relaxed demeanor!
Me "Where did you go?"
Momma Y "We went to the Bahamas, for the first part of the week we were in a secluded resort and then we switched over to Atlantis. It was a great time."
Me, thinking to how Evie never sleeps at all on the first night in a new place - this is not hyperbole. "How did the girls do on the trip?"
Momma Y "Oh, we left them at home with my parents and the nanny."
Thud. All color drained out of my face excepting the green as absolute envy washed over me.
Now I know what I need to do to look cool and relaxed on a 90 degree day. Who is coming to take care of the girls????
Any volunteers????
Any?????????
The girls were delighted to see Coach, Willie-Bob, and Boogie Bennie (who remembered Evie by NAME!)
Once we were rocking away in the hot sunshine, I spotted one of Evie's classmates and her mom.
It was a 90 degree day, we were out under a humid, blazing sun. Amazingly, this woman looked as cool and crisp as if she were in the no-window section of the West Building enjoying Matisse cut outs in a dim room. Her hair was billowing and she had this wonderful relaxed smile. We'll call her Momma Y for the sake of the conversation below."
Me (all dripping with sweat in t-shirt) "Hi Momma Y! You look great - I didn't think you were going to be able to make it today!"
Momma Y "I wasn't sure either"
Me " You look fabulous, so cool and relaxed."
Momma Y "Oh, we just got back last night from vacation."
Bingo. This is what I need to assume a cool relaxed demeanor!
Me "Where did you go?"
Momma Y "We went to the Bahamas, for the first part of the week we were in a secluded resort and then we switched over to Atlantis. It was a great time."
Me, thinking to how Evie never sleeps at all on the first night in a new place - this is not hyperbole. "How did the girls do on the trip?"
Momma Y "Oh, we left them at home with my parents and the nanny."
Thud. All color drained out of my face excepting the green as absolute envy washed over me.
Now I know what I need to do to look cool and relaxed on a 90 degree day. Who is coming to take care of the girls????
Any volunteers????
Any?????????
Monday, June 04, 2007
kidwell farm
we took a trip out to the farm to visit with the lambs and piglets -- sheep don't seem as scary as they did last spring.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Happy Memorial Day and Random Thoughts
When is the last time you explained the thinking behind Memorial Day to a four year old? Actually, she had the opportunity to hear all about it from Charles Durning and Gary Sinese the other night when we took the girls to see the National Symphony Orchestra dress rehersal of their Memorial Day concert.
Both girls loved it. We made them leave against their will at 8:45. They wanted to stay to the bitter end. Both Charlie and Gary gave graphic depictions of the horror of war that were completely moving, but let's just say Juliette came away with a bunch of questions about death, the military, and war in general.
We've been dealing with the concept of death for a while -- the mommy version, "people either get a special kind of sick, old, or have accidents." Regrettably, I forgot to include man against man in the honed down version of ways to die and Bruce got an earful tonight about war.
I've never been so glad to put Evie to bed!
It is an awfully sobering topic, on a somber day that seldom gets more than a few minutes devoted to the root of the holiday.
We have been reminded by Juliette to be thankful for the sacrifices that were made by those we remember today.
Both girls loved it. We made them leave against their will at 8:45. They wanted to stay to the bitter end. Both Charlie and Gary gave graphic depictions of the horror of war that were completely moving, but let's just say Juliette came away with a bunch of questions about death, the military, and war in general.
We've been dealing with the concept of death for a while -- the mommy version, "people either get a special kind of sick, old, or have accidents." Regrettably, I forgot to include man against man in the honed down version of ways to die and Bruce got an earful tonight about war.
I've never been so glad to put Evie to bed!
It is an awfully sobering topic, on a somber day that seldom gets more than a few minutes devoted to the root of the holiday.
We have been reminded by Juliette to be thankful for the sacrifices that were made by those we remember today.
Monday, May 21, 2007
You are NOT my mother.
In a polite, civil, society, certain social norms must be observed. As you have children, some of those perceived polite norms come crashing down (of course we are talking bodily functions, appearance, etc.).
Other norms become code red areas akin to national security levels for an already overly charged mother.
An example of a perceived norm. Dinner on the table Sunday night, the ketchup bottle makes the noise all ketchup bottles do when nearing the end of their rope and your daughter blurts out "the ketchup bottle tooted" and dissolves into laughter. The whole family laughs. Perceived norm crashes to the floor.
An example of code red. Same child is caught climbing up the bookshelves at someone else's home. When the hostess commands your child to return to terra firma, said child replies " I don't have to do what you say. You are not my mother."
Screeeeecccchhhh. Halt. Wait just a moment?
Did I just hear what I think I heard?
At what age is the Fox boot camp show going to show up and take my child away to Idaho?
What happened to please and thank you? Have we just begun the descent into the slippery slope of adolescence?
Or, perhaps it is just because the little cheeky apple doesn't fall far from the proverbial tree.
Other norms become code red areas akin to national security levels for an already overly charged mother.
An example of a perceived norm. Dinner on the table Sunday night, the ketchup bottle makes the noise all ketchup bottles do when nearing the end of their rope and your daughter blurts out "the ketchup bottle tooted" and dissolves into laughter. The whole family laughs. Perceived norm crashes to the floor.
An example of code red. Same child is caught climbing up the bookshelves at someone else's home. When the hostess commands your child to return to terra firma, said child replies " I don't have to do what you say. You are not my mother."
Screeeeecccchhhh. Halt. Wait just a moment?
Did I just hear what I think I heard?
At what age is the Fox boot camp show going to show up and take my child away to Idaho?
What happened to please and thank you? Have we just begun the descent into the slippery slope of adolescence?
Or, perhaps it is just because the little cheeky apple doesn't fall far from the proverbial tree.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Happy Mother's Day, Gramma!
To celebrate you, I have asked Baby Panda to perform the most tricky trick ever!
Ta Dahhhhh!!!! Happy Mother's Day, Gramma!! We love you!!
Are you ready, Baby Panda???
Ta Dahhhhh!!!! Happy Mother's Day, Gramma!! We love you!!
Happy Mother's Day, Gramma!
To celebrate your day, I have composed a song--
Happy Mother's Day to you,
Happy Mother's Day to you.
You are the BEST GRAMMA!
Happy Mother's Day to you!!!
I'm going to flip upside down now to celebrate!
Thursday, May 10, 2007
They had a state dinner for Queen Elizabeth and Didn't Invite Us?
The invitation must have been lost in the mail. We had been practicing with our tiaras for a whole week prior. White tie!! Maybe it was our lack of sash that made them exclude us from the invitation list.
Clearly we need to check in with Mrs. Bush's social secretary. This cannot happen again.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
In the Closet
Quick, someone call our social worker. Juliette is in the closet.
Evie was there Sunday.
Are they being punished?
Is something amiss?
Does anyone recall a closet scene in Mommie Dearest??
It isn't punishment. Rather, it is prime real estate for napping. Sunday, Evie requested to take her nap in Mommy's newly cleaned, vacuumed closet.
I immediately sniffed the whiff of opportunity. "I don't know.... you can't have stories or songs if you nap in the closet, because there isn't room for Momma AND Evie in the closet."
"OK."
(Not having to read stories and sing songs is like a get out of jail free card.) I immediately agreed to the request.
Juliette overheard. "but I wanted to nap in the closet."
Nope, if I would even allow for two people, books and songs would be back on the bargaining table and there would be no win for me.
Juliette, in tears, "I never get to sleep in the closet".
Me-"Evie asked first, you can sleep in the closet another day."
Juliette- "Evie always gets to go first" - a bigger untruth has yet to be spoken in the town that inspired such famous lines as "I did not have sex with that woman" and "I am not a crook".
Me - "you will have to wait your turn, today is Evie's turn because she asked first."
Consequently, two days later, Juliette is in the closet. (Well on her way to being asleep.) There is something about the odor of leather and dry cleaning that puts them out quicker than benadryl. If we could bottle the sleep intoxication of the closet, Bruce and could easily quit our jobs and devote ourselves to the millions paid by parents desperate to have have their little angels drift off to sleep more easily.
Or, maybe, rather than bedrooms, we should give Juliette and Evie and the rest of the cherubs those little pod dorms to sleep in like the Picadilly hotel in London or the Hotel Akasaka in Tokyo. We could have some cubbies at the end for a couple of momma's shoes to simulate the closet environment more completely....
Until the construction begins, during nap the girls will be taking turns sleeping on the floor in my closet.
Evie was there Sunday.
Are they being punished?
Is something amiss?
Does anyone recall a closet scene in Mommie Dearest??
It isn't punishment. Rather, it is prime real estate for napping. Sunday, Evie requested to take her nap in Mommy's newly cleaned, vacuumed closet.
I immediately sniffed the whiff of opportunity. "I don't know.... you can't have stories or songs if you nap in the closet, because there isn't room for Momma AND Evie in the closet."
"OK."
(Not having to read stories and sing songs is like a get out of jail free card.) I immediately agreed to the request.
Juliette overheard. "but I wanted to nap in the closet."
Nope, if I would even allow for two people, books and songs would be back on the bargaining table and there would be no win for me.
Juliette, in tears, "I never get to sleep in the closet".
Me-"Evie asked first, you can sleep in the closet another day."
Juliette- "Evie always gets to go first" - a bigger untruth has yet to be spoken in the town that inspired such famous lines as "I did not have sex with that woman" and "I am not a crook".
Me - "you will have to wait your turn, today is Evie's turn because she asked first."
Consequently, two days later, Juliette is in the closet. (Well on her way to being asleep.) There is something about the odor of leather and dry cleaning that puts them out quicker than benadryl. If we could bottle the sleep intoxication of the closet, Bruce and could easily quit our jobs and devote ourselves to the millions paid by parents desperate to have have their little angels drift off to sleep more easily.
Or, maybe, rather than bedrooms, we should give Juliette and Evie and the rest of the cherubs those little pod dorms to sleep in like the Picadilly hotel in London or the Hotel Akasaka in Tokyo. We could have some cubbies at the end for a couple of momma's shoes to simulate the closet environment more completely....
Until the construction begins, during nap the girls will be taking turns sleeping on the floor in my closet.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Monday, April 30, 2007
Career Day
Career day is coming up in Evie's class. I don't have to ask her what she wants to be, because she told me on the way to school today.Momma, I want to ride a motorcycle inside the circle.
Does anyone know where I can find a crash helmet and motorcycle gear for a two year old in time for career day?
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
OT - Charlie Rose
Tonight, Charlie Rose is hosting President George Bush.
As you know from previous posts, I really like Charlie Rose's show. It is intelligent, thought-provoking and always an intelligent conversation about interesting topics.
Imagine my curiosity over this evening's program.
Many guests over the past year talk about the complications of the war in Iraq, this administration, and the troubled state of political discourse in the U.S.
What is tonight going to be like? What will Bush say? Will Charlie be nice (he's a Southerner, so yes) but will he hold back on hardball questions? Whatever made Bush decide to do Rose's show? What did Charlie have to agree to? Will it be completely done by script?
Last night they featured a whole hour on the Frost/Nixon play that just opened on Broadway. By the end of the hour, I was trying to figure out what basis I could lay for us to travel to NY and see the production.
Will I feel differently about Bush at the end of tonight's show? Will I see him more sympathetically?
With regard to television programming, I thought I was most looking forward to the return of the Sopranos, but it turns out I was wrong.
As you know from previous posts, I really like Charlie Rose's show. It is intelligent, thought-provoking and always an intelligent conversation about interesting topics.
Imagine my curiosity over this evening's program.
Many guests over the past year talk about the complications of the war in Iraq, this administration, and the troubled state of political discourse in the U.S.
What is tonight going to be like? What will Bush say? Will Charlie be nice (he's a Southerner, so yes) but will he hold back on hardball questions? Whatever made Bush decide to do Rose's show? What did Charlie have to agree to? Will it be completely done by script?
Last night they featured a whole hour on the Frost/Nixon play that just opened on Broadway. By the end of the hour, I was trying to figure out what basis I could lay for us to travel to NY and see the production.
Will I feel differently about Bush at the end of tonight's show? Will I see him more sympathetically?
With regard to television programming, I thought I was most looking forward to the return of the Sopranos, but it turns out I was wrong.
Friday, April 20, 2007
What isn't weird
It was a beautiful day in northern VA, temperatures were going to hit 72, there wasn't a cloud in the sky. Tulips and Kwanzaan Cherrys are in full bloom - yard sale and garden show signs were posted in anticipation for the weekend. Burl Ives was on the CD player as we ran errands.
Me - "Evie, what music do you want to listen to?"
Evie - "Christmas music."
Me - " Parumpumpum pum?"
Evie - "No. Holly Jolly"
Consequently Burl Ives.
And this isn't weird. Because my children love Christmas music all year long. A complete paradigm shift for seasonality. I'm not sure how it will impact me this holiday season. Will I even notice Christmas music? Unsure.
There are many shifts of thinking that are similar.
Eating at 5:30 isn't weird anymore. In fact, it ensures a pleasant meal from the finest restaurant like Ray's the Steaks (where we ate as a family tonight yum times four!) to Hong Kong Palace where we suck down the fantistic food. The children have a lower level of crazy at 5:30 and they are more likely to focus on food and not be running all over the place.
A temperature of 100 Degrees isn't much to fuss about. (103 is a different story!)
Having large plastic toys isn't that weird. (I can't believe I am even saying that one out loud!!!)
The list goes on.
Me - "Evie, what music do you want to listen to?"
Evie - "Christmas music."
Me - " Parumpumpum pum?"
Evie - "No. Holly Jolly"
Consequently Burl Ives.
And this isn't weird. Because my children love Christmas music all year long. A complete paradigm shift for seasonality. I'm not sure how it will impact me this holiday season. Will I even notice Christmas music? Unsure.
There are many shifts of thinking that are similar.
Eating at 5:30 isn't weird anymore. In fact, it ensures a pleasant meal from the finest restaurant like Ray's the Steaks (where we ate as a family tonight yum times four!) to Hong Kong Palace where we suck down the fantistic food. The children have a lower level of crazy at 5:30 and they are more likely to focus on food and not be running all over the place.
A temperature of 100 Degrees isn't much to fuss about. (103 is a different story!)
Having large plastic toys isn't that weird. (I can't believe I am even saying that one out loud!!!)
The list goes on.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Central
One of the biggest adjustments for me as a stay at home parent is the lack of fine dining in my life.
Many of you know I love a good meal, more than just a good meal, I especially love food that doesn't cost me a ton of money. I love expensive good food too, but I really love a "find" -- food that is rewarding without exacting usury. When Bruce and I went to Paris, we didn't do Michelen three stars, instead I dragged him to stand in line to go to Joel Robuchon's L'Atelier restaurant that had the atmosphere of a sushi bar (but he is a genius and inspiration to chefs around the world!)
When we went to L.A., it was In-N-Out burger. San Diego, Taco Surf. New York was a series of pizza places and an occasional upscale Italian adventure. NY always included bagels and hot dogs, natch.
While it doesn't happen all of the time in the land of stay at home mom, I am occasionally rewarded with a delicious repast with friends or Bruce worth noting. One of those meals was this evening.
Friends and I went to Michel Richard's new venue, Central. Michel Richard is famous for his restaurants around the world. He was trained as a pastry chef and definitely has a sense of humor. It is loud, my water wasn't refilled without request, and my knife mysteriously disappeared never to be replaced about a third of the way through the meal, but the food was great. It was a pleasure to be eating food so well thought through - onion tart, salad, and yes a hamburger were all way above average. And the dessert, well, it was truly a pleasure.
For those of you who live in D.C., Central is worth a visit. There are other restaurants downtown I frequent more regularly, but Central was truly a treat. Way more classy than Taco Surf, but not beyond an average budget.
Many of you know I love a good meal, more than just a good meal, I especially love food that doesn't cost me a ton of money. I love expensive good food too, but I really love a "find" -- food that is rewarding without exacting usury. When Bruce and I went to Paris, we didn't do Michelen three stars, instead I dragged him to stand in line to go to Joel Robuchon's L'Atelier restaurant that had the atmosphere of a sushi bar (but he is a genius and inspiration to chefs around the world!)
When we went to L.A., it was In-N-Out burger. San Diego, Taco Surf. New York was a series of pizza places and an occasional upscale Italian adventure. NY always included bagels and hot dogs, natch.
While it doesn't happen all of the time in the land of stay at home mom, I am occasionally rewarded with a delicious repast with friends or Bruce worth noting. One of those meals was this evening.
Friends and I went to Michel Richard's new venue, Central. Michel Richard is famous for his restaurants around the world. He was trained as a pastry chef and definitely has a sense of humor. It is loud, my water wasn't refilled without request, and my knife mysteriously disappeared never to be replaced about a third of the way through the meal, but the food was great. It was a pleasure to be eating food so well thought through - onion tart, salad, and yes a hamburger were all way above average. And the dessert, well, it was truly a pleasure.
For those of you who live in D.C., Central is worth a visit. There are other restaurants downtown I frequent more regularly, but Central was truly a treat. Way more classy than Taco Surf, but not beyond an average budget.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Cherry Blossoms
We went to see the Cherry Blossoms Tuesday. Juliette took some pictures.
You can visit them at her blog, http://juliettegoesclick.blogspot.com
To check them out, visit Juliette goes click!
Monday, April 09, 2007
The Easter Hangover
A portrait of post-holiday sugar overload disorder.
Hope you had a Happy Easter!
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Life isn't always a beach
We are at the beach in NC. Last night, we had a huge thunder and lightning storm. Crashing claps of thunder with brilliant light display. The cacaphony was really bad between 3 and 4 am. At 4, I gave up trying to sleep and decided to get some work done.
So, I come out of our bedroom only to discover the front door is wide open and it is raining in. Did the wind blow it open?
I immediately check on the girls in the room they are sharing. They are both sleeping on air mattresses on the floor to avoid falling out of the high bed in that room. Juliette is sleeping like an angel.
There is no sign of Evie.
She isn't in her bed.
She isn't on the floor next to her bed.
She isn't in the pile of pillows near her bed.
Panic wells. Where could she be? She wouldn't ever go out in such awful weather - only two houses away from the ocean, would she?
I wondered what I should do first - wake Bruce?
Check again?
She isn't in Juliette's bed with her, but I hear snoring.
I creep into the room and see a fragment of her fuzzy blue blanket.
She crawled under the big bed to escape the thunder and fell asleep.
Sigh.
So, I come out of our bedroom only to discover the front door is wide open and it is raining in. Did the wind blow it open?
I immediately check on the girls in the room they are sharing. They are both sleeping on air mattresses on the floor to avoid falling out of the high bed in that room. Juliette is sleeping like an angel.
There is no sign of Evie.
She isn't in her bed.
She isn't on the floor next to her bed.
She isn't in the pile of pillows near her bed.
Panic wells. Where could she be? She wouldn't ever go out in such awful weather - only two houses away from the ocean, would she?
I wondered what I should do first - wake Bruce?
Check again?
She isn't in Juliette's bed with her, but I hear snoring.
I creep into the room and see a fragment of her fuzzy blue blanket.
She crawled under the big bed to escape the thunder and fell asleep.
Sigh.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Sunday, March 25, 2007
OT - Random Thoughts
I've Bolded Key Elements so you can skip what BORES you!
Pop culture - saw Wordplay and Casino Royale while Bruce was away this weekend. Recommend them both.
Note - Bruce was AWAY THIS WEEKEND!!!!
I am not meant to be a single parent. In fact, I am quite sure that my little lovelies pray hard for their father's health every night for fear they would be left with only their mother.
Everything worth watching on network television is on hiatus. Hello, HBO and the Sopranos! You are coming back in the nick of time.
Owning your own business. Pearls definitely takes a back seat when consulting kicks in. No one should fear I will ever be the cover story on Entreprenuer magazine. However, knowing how many small businesses fail, I firmly believe self-discipline has to be the most critical element between success and failure rates of people owning their own business. The second most critical element has to be flexibility.
Speaking of the small business and consulting -- Doing your taxes when you are dealing with both is somewhere on par with getting your wisdom teeth pulled. Having turned it into a game with a spreadsheet, I cannot imagine how boring life would be without my Excel. Is there anything I can't quantify in those little boxes??? Ah, who remembers the naming process for Genevieve? You don't think we did that without several spreadsheets do you?
Frank Rich compared Alberto Gonzales to Fredo Corleone in today's New York Times! Politics aside - How hilarious is that??
Cherry blossoms are on their way! The precursor blossoms at the Pentagon were out late last week, any day now we'll be taking the girls down to the Tidal Basin for our annual pilgrimage.
Last Thursday, Juliette made her bed, made Evie's bed with Evie, made my bed. And when we got to the play area at Chik-fil-A, she told the big kids who were playing rough to be kind to Evie, because she was just a little kid.
Evie has mastered pedaling - thus she will soon be getting a bike of her own.
Bruce came back this afternoon. Hurray! I can honestly say I can't recall the last time I was so happy to see him!
Pop culture - saw Wordplay and Casino Royale while Bruce was away this weekend. Recommend them both.
Note - Bruce was AWAY THIS WEEKEND!!!!
I am not meant to be a single parent. In fact, I am quite sure that my little lovelies pray hard for their father's health every night for fear they would be left with only their mother.
Everything worth watching on network television is on hiatus. Hello, HBO and the Sopranos! You are coming back in the nick of time.
Owning your own business. Pearls definitely takes a back seat when consulting kicks in. No one should fear I will ever be the cover story on Entreprenuer magazine. However, knowing how many small businesses fail, I firmly believe self-discipline has to be the most critical element between success and failure rates of people owning their own business. The second most critical element has to be flexibility.
Speaking of the small business and consulting -- Doing your taxes when you are dealing with both is somewhere on par with getting your wisdom teeth pulled. Having turned it into a game with a spreadsheet, I cannot imagine how boring life would be without my Excel. Is there anything I can't quantify in those little boxes??? Ah, who remembers the naming process for Genevieve? You don't think we did that without several spreadsheets do you?
Frank Rich compared Alberto Gonzales to Fredo Corleone in today's New York Times! Politics aside - How hilarious is that??
Cherry blossoms are on their way! The precursor blossoms at the Pentagon were out late last week, any day now we'll be taking the girls down to the Tidal Basin for our annual pilgrimage.
Last Thursday, Juliette made her bed, made Evie's bed with Evie, made my bed. And when we got to the play area at Chik-fil-A, she told the big kids who were playing rough to be kind to Evie, because she was just a little kid.
Evie has mastered pedaling - thus she will soon be getting a bike of her own.
Bruce came back this afternoon. Hurray! I can honestly say I can't recall the last time I was so happy to see him!
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Getting ready for our ballet performance today
Yep, it is the last ballet class for Evie and Juliette today. We will post pictures later today or tomorrow.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Baaaaddd Mommy
Much of parenting occurs within the confine of your home. The private mommy. This mommy is only marginally referred to in group settings - "Mommy is grumpy" or "Mommy made popovers for breakfast."
Then, there is the semi-public mommy that can be found at the park, at the grocery store, the museum. People observing this mommy only see her once. People make flash judgements on this mommy all of the time. "She is such a good/bad mommy.....she does x, y, or z right or wrong"
Then, there is public mommy. You run into her every other day at school drop off or you play together publically. There is a fair amount of angst in my life over public mommy. This is where the real "good mommy/bad mommy" perception comes into play.
Why do I care what people think? I know, I know, I shouldn't but I do.
Minor bad mommy example - I went to a party and remembered flowers and my appetizer, but had no photographs of my children. A group of men wouldn't have cared, but this was a group of women.
Bad mommy.
Major bad mommy example -- sending a child to school with pink eye. In my defense, she had been on tobramycin for a day. The teachers let her into class, then she started clinging to me like it was the first day of school all over again. You could see it written all over their faces "Why is she insisting this poor ill child stay here?"
In my further defense, this child had sucked more one-on-one time with mommy in the past four days than since last year before school let out. We did art projects, stickers, played outside, ate treats, together ALL WEEKEND LONG. ALL WITHOUT HER SISTER!!!! We had already dropped her sister off in her class and she saw the golden opportunity to have MORE ALONE TIME WITH MOMMY. She felt fine, and was fine after I left. But up until I snuck away, you could see it in the teacher's eyes...
BAAAADDD Mommy!!!!!!
Then, there is the semi-public mommy that can be found at the park, at the grocery store, the museum. People observing this mommy only see her once. People make flash judgements on this mommy all of the time. "She is such a good/bad mommy.....she does x, y, or z right or wrong"
Then, there is public mommy. You run into her every other day at school drop off or you play together publically. There is a fair amount of angst in my life over public mommy. This is where the real "good mommy/bad mommy" perception comes into play.
Why do I care what people think? I know, I know, I shouldn't but I do.
Minor bad mommy example - I went to a party and remembered flowers and my appetizer, but had no photographs of my children. A group of men wouldn't have cared, but this was a group of women.
Bad mommy.
Major bad mommy example -- sending a child to school with pink eye. In my defense, she had been on tobramycin for a day. The teachers let her into class, then she started clinging to me like it was the first day of school all over again. You could see it written all over their faces "Why is she insisting this poor ill child stay here?"
In my further defense, this child had sucked more one-on-one time with mommy in the past four days than since last year before school let out. We did art projects, stickers, played outside, ate treats, together ALL WEEKEND LONG. ALL WITHOUT HER SISTER!!!! We had already dropped her sister off in her class and she saw the golden opportunity to have MORE ALONE TIME WITH MOMMY. She felt fine, and was fine after I left. But up until I snuck away, you could see it in the teacher's eyes...
BAAAADDD Mommy!!!!!!
Sunday, March 11, 2007
An Ode to Babysitters
There is nothing better than having your child wake up the morning after a parent night out and demand to know where the babysitter is.
Where is Miss Sarah?
Where is Auntie Beth?
Last night as Bruce and I were getting ready to leave, Evie was literally pushing me with all of her might, "Go away, Mama." Other parents might be disturbed by this, I say "Ok, see you later baby, " and give her a kiss.
"I am not a baby, I am a big girl, Mama."
Was the last thing I heard as I walked out the front door.
Last night was a big event for the girl's school, and it was interesting to see other parents sneak away to get home to put their kids to bed so the babysitter wouldn't have to. I contemplated a late night run to a movie, a bookstore, anything to not have to go home.
Alas, it was daylight savings time and considering my sleep track lately, we went home and crashed. Only to be woken to "Where is Miss Christine?????"
Where is Miss Sarah?
Where is Auntie Beth?
Last night as Bruce and I were getting ready to leave, Evie was literally pushing me with all of her might, "Go away, Mama." Other parents might be disturbed by this, I say "Ok, see you later baby, " and give her a kiss.
"I am not a baby, I am a big girl, Mama."
Was the last thing I heard as I walked out the front door.
Last night was a big event for the girl's school, and it was interesting to see other parents sneak away to get home to put their kids to bed so the babysitter wouldn't have to. I contemplated a late night run to a movie, a bookstore, anything to not have to go home.
Alas, it was daylight savings time and considering my sleep track lately, we went home and crashed. Only to be woken to "Where is Miss Christine?????"
Monday, March 05, 2007
Juliette, Evie, and the Snow Bear
We made a snow bear to celebrate last week's storm. There is only a 3 inch snowball of the snowbear left as of today.
Friday, March 02, 2007
Sorry, Ju Ju!
Evie is becoming quite a prolific talker. Juliette is the best at translating the Evie dialect, but Bruce and I probably catch 60-80% of what she is telling us.
She loves to make up songs about school and her life when we are taking turns singing in the car. This is some of her most incomprehensible speech. Every once in a while I'll catch a line about Mrs. Huggins or Eli or Tyler (she never sings about Helen, Juliana, or MacKenzie) but whatever she is singing, it is hilarious to her. She'll laugh hysterically halfway through a line of a song that even Juliette can't interpret.
This morning I caught her with her second favorite toy - bat - over her shoulder, approaching her sister from behind. Muttering "Sorry Ju Ju!"
She loves to make up songs about school and her life when we are taking turns singing in the car. This is some of her most incomprehensible speech. Every once in a while I'll catch a line about Mrs. Huggins or Eli or Tyler (she never sings about Helen, Juliana, or MacKenzie) but whatever she is singing, it is hilarious to her. She'll laugh hysterically halfway through a line of a song that even Juliette can't interpret.
This morning I caught her with her second favorite toy - bat - over her shoulder, approaching her sister from behind. Muttering "Sorry Ju Ju!"
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Sharing a Hotel Bed with Evie
Genevieve is, shall we say, an active sleeper. I had a pearl show in Pennsylvania where Bruce and I traded sharing our bed with each daughter.The first night, no one got to sleep before 12 am. Bruce had Evie that night and experienced what it was like to be 39 months pregnant as the only place Evie would go to sleep (thereby allowing the rest of us to sleep) was laying directly ontop of her father's belly. So, in his next life, Bruce now has the experience to come back as a pachyderm.
While Juliette is a calmer sleeper, she tends to occupy the center of the bed, thereby leaving you on the brink of the abyss of the hotel floor when you share with her.
Night two, Daddy had primed both girls for a switcheroo all day so Mumma got sandbagged after dinner.
Evie climbed into bed and became the Vetruvian man illustrated above. What Vetruvian lacks and Evie has is the three-dimensionality akin to the device they use to prepare astronauts for orbit.
Needless to say, Mumma probably won't make it all the way through the Academy awards tonight.
Go, Departed!!
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