Congrats to the winner of a Tiny Bird Clutch! My friend Lori won, and we haven't seen each other in a long time, so it's a good excuse to get together.
Last night my sister came over after work and we prepped and primped for a Mad Men theme party. I'll admit, I stared at myself in the mirror a little too much. My sister was getting dressed and yelled over to the bathroom, "Okay, are you ready for the lipstick?" "Uh, is that what I'm supposed to be doing right now?" "I didn't realize you were still just staring at yourself in mirror." A little forgiveness here, I don't get dressed up, and I most certainly don't wear heels.
Obviously for a Mad Men party, we needed red lipstick. Jesse just so happens to be a lipstick pro. I just so happen to never wear lipstick. She gave detailed instructions, and repeated several times, that red lipstick is serious and I had to be very careful. And there's no laughing allowed. Right. I went to work, and asked her to check my progress: "What is wrong with you, did you forget where your lips are?" Maybe. She took over, and I tried really hard to pick a focal point (like in pilates or yoga) and concentrate (this was serious, after all) so that I wouldn't laugh. It kind of worked. In the end, I had red lips, and also managed to smudge red lipstick up by my eye, but it all worked out. And, this is where I tell you that I do not have a picture. I know, Sarah, you told me to take a picture, and I regret that I didn't.
This is also where I tell you that on the way to the party, I checked myself once again, in a mirror, and said, "I look really weird." "You don't look weird. You look good, you just aren't used to it." That's what sisters are for. Thanks for making me laugh, Jesse.
My sister and I don't get to spend very much time together anymore, so it was great to hang out, get dressed up, look good for a change, or weird, I don't know, attempt to mix a Manhattan (so gross), and sample many desserts.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Aren't you excited? It's my first GIVEAWAY!
We had this grand plan to go somewhere and cut down our own tree (for the first time) and go on a horse drawn carriage ride, and sing Christmas Carols and drink hot chocolate (okay, I lied about the singing part, but still, it was going to be an entire "tree getting" event), but instead, the weather was crummy, and we went to Lowes. Come on, somebody has to buy the trees there.
Just so you know, this is the earliest we have ever bought a Christmas tree. Walter and I tend to think it's funny to go the week of Christmas, to find the cheapest, scrawniest tree, and then laugh at it after it's set up. We're cool like that.
Considering tree options...
My children refused to take a picture with me, but Stella readily agreed...
Isaac, trying to put on reindeer ears...
A very special friend of mine, Emily, recently wrote a guest post on a different blog, that you can read here. Also, thank you for the birthday wishes! I had a very nice day, and Walter cleaned out my car for me, so I've been enjoying a cleanliness that I am quite unfamiliar with. I do admit, I peer in the car parked next to mine and then say to myself, "Ooooh, my car is cleaner!" Don't worry, random messy car people, we'll be on the same playing field soon enough.
I also want to thank my mom and my mother-in-law for calling the day before my birthday to remind me that my birthday was going to be the next day. I do forget a lot of things these days, so I appreciated the reminder. It's entirely possible that I'm getting a little senile. Tonight, I said to my parent's dog, "It looks like you have a Stella nose on your hair." Decipher that one. And yesterday, because we have two small cars, we had to take both cars in order to get our tree, so Walter parked next to mine and we all got out and I said to Isabella, "We don't touch other people's cars, you need to move away from their car." She was touching Walter's car.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
29
I don't have much time, I'm writing this as I'm sitting on the beach sipping a margarita. I'm also wearing a bikini (to show off my six pack, obviously) and a floppy hat. Nah, just kidding. I wish! Oh, and there isn't a six pack to show off to anyone, just some stretch marks. Or, in Walter's kinder words, birth marks.
Today is my birthday. You guessed it, I'm 29 (I had to say that, just in case you didn't read the title). I'm twenty-nine, I have two kids, and I've been married for almost eight years. That is crazy. Talk about not wanting to waste time!
A few thoughts about this past year:
1. I used to be able to go the whole night without getting up to pee. After two kids, this is no longer possible.
2. I fail at baking. This isn't anything new, but I made banana bread a couple days ago and the kids helped, after it was done Isabella said, "I forgot to tell you that I just don't like banana bread anymore."
3. I love our house. It's nothing fancy, but I don't need fancy. It's the perfect house for us.
4. You know you have a good friend when you can yell across your house, "Hey Michael, can you jiggle the handle on the toilet a few times after you flush!" Yep.
5. I'm so thankful for Isabella, and I know she'll be an amazing young woman some day.
6. Coffee is not worth drinking without some good half and half. Don't you dare use fat-free half and half. First of all, it's bad for you (read the ingredient list) and secondly, it ruins the flavor of the coffee.
7. Gotta have some raw sugar with that cup of coffee.
8. When Walter makes repetitive noises or chews up a mint, it feels like worms are crawling across my brain.
9. Some people have the ability to talk all day long, without stopping. Example: Isabella
10. Some day I really want my own room. It must be sound-proof so that I can't hear what's going on outside, and it must have a lock. A claw-foot bathtub would be nice too.
11. I'm tired of listening to my husband snore.
12. Ever since I got my hair cut, I can't stand it. From now on, I'll have long hair. So if I ever ask you, "Should I cut my hair? Wouldn't it look cute short?" Say, "NO!"
13. I'm almost past the idea that sleeping in, or taking naps, is a waste of time. Since having Isaac, I've come to grips with the fact that I need sleep whenever I can get it.
14. I have the most amazing friends.
15. I can't crochet. But I can knit.
16. I appreciate that my friends still come to my book club, even though I'm rarely prepared.
17. My kids are really amazing little people, and they make me laugh.
18. I lose my patience more than I want to.
19. I love getting holiday toy catalogs in the mail.
20. I'm a really bad business person, and have no desire to run my own photography business. But I do like second shooting (check out some new blog posts here).
21. This year I resigned from being a La Leche League Leader. It was too much for me, but I still firmly believe in the mother-baby relationship and the importance of breastfeeding. I do wish that Isaac and I had had a better breastfeeding experience, especially since he was my last baby.
22. I am content knowing that we will not have anymore children. I just hope one of my friends has another baby because I wouldn't mind breathing in that new baby smell.
23. Music in the morning helps my kids get ready for the day.
24. I miss my grandpa. Today, I will listen to an old voice mail of my grandma and grandpa singing Happy Birthday, to me.
25. I'm going to write a book. I'm going to write a book. Walter doesn't believe me, but if I say it enough, it will happen. Or, if I write enough words it will happen.
26. I can't keep my car clean. It just isn't possible. If they ever start a television series called "Car Hoarders", you can nominate me.
27. I'm getting better at returning books to the library on time. You know what I don't understand? Why are librarians so mean when I have a fine. I mean, for real, they should be glad I have a fine. Instead of being grumpy about it and acting like I'm a book criminal, they should say, "Oooohh, looks like you have a fine! Thank you for supporting our library! You're awesome!"
28. Bridesmaids should not, I repeat, should not wear strapless dresses. Ladies, do yourself a favor, keep everything in place and look better at the same time, in a dress with straps. Just my personal opinion. Unless of course you weren't blessed on top, and then you just might be able to get away with the strapless look.
29. As I told Walter the night before Thanksgiving, we are so blessed, and I realize that more each day.
Now, back to my imaginary margarita.
Today is my birthday. You guessed it, I'm 29 (I had to say that, just in case you didn't read the title). I'm twenty-nine, I have two kids, and I've been married for almost eight years. That is crazy. Talk about not wanting to waste time!
A few thoughts about this past year:
1. I used to be able to go the whole night without getting up to pee. After two kids, this is no longer possible.
2. I fail at baking. This isn't anything new, but I made banana bread a couple days ago and the kids helped, after it was done Isabella said, "I forgot to tell you that I just don't like banana bread anymore."
3. I love our house. It's nothing fancy, but I don't need fancy. It's the perfect house for us.
4. You know you have a good friend when you can yell across your house, "Hey Michael, can you jiggle the handle on the toilet a few times after you flush!" Yep.
5. I'm so thankful for Isabella, and I know she'll be an amazing young woman some day.
6. Coffee is not worth drinking without some good half and half. Don't you dare use fat-free half and half. First of all, it's bad for you (read the ingredient list) and secondly, it ruins the flavor of the coffee.
7. Gotta have some raw sugar with that cup of coffee.
8. When Walter makes repetitive noises or chews up a mint, it feels like worms are crawling across my brain.
9. Some people have the ability to talk all day long, without stopping. Example: Isabella
10. Some day I really want my own room. It must be sound-proof so that I can't hear what's going on outside, and it must have a lock. A claw-foot bathtub would be nice too.
11. I'm tired of listening to my husband snore.
12. Ever since I got my hair cut, I can't stand it. From now on, I'll have long hair. So if I ever ask you, "Should I cut my hair? Wouldn't it look cute short?" Say, "NO!"
13. I'm almost past the idea that sleeping in, or taking naps, is a waste of time. Since having Isaac, I've come to grips with the fact that I need sleep whenever I can get it.
14. I have the most amazing friends.
15. I can't crochet. But I can knit.
16. I appreciate that my friends still come to my book club, even though I'm rarely prepared.
17. My kids are really amazing little people, and they make me laugh.
18. I lose my patience more than I want to.
19. I love getting holiday toy catalogs in the mail.
20. I'm a really bad business person, and have no desire to run my own photography business. But I do like second shooting (check out some new blog posts here).
21. This year I resigned from being a La Leche League Leader. It was too much for me, but I still firmly believe in the mother-baby relationship and the importance of breastfeeding. I do wish that Isaac and I had had a better breastfeeding experience, especially since he was my last baby.
22. I am content knowing that we will not have anymore children. I just hope one of my friends has another baby because I wouldn't mind breathing in that new baby smell.
23. Music in the morning helps my kids get ready for the day.
24. I miss my grandpa. Today, I will listen to an old voice mail of my grandma and grandpa singing Happy Birthday, to me.
25. I'm going to write a book. I'm going to write a book. Walter doesn't believe me, but if I say it enough, it will happen. Or, if I write enough words it will happen.
26. I can't keep my car clean. It just isn't possible. If they ever start a television series called "Car Hoarders", you can nominate me.
27. I'm getting better at returning books to the library on time. You know what I don't understand? Why are librarians so mean when I have a fine. I mean, for real, they should be glad I have a fine. Instead of being grumpy about it and acting like I'm a book criminal, they should say, "Oooohh, looks like you have a fine! Thank you for supporting our library! You're awesome!"
28. Bridesmaids should not, I repeat, should not wear strapless dresses. Ladies, do yourself a favor, keep everything in place and look better at the same time, in a dress with straps. Just my personal opinion. Unless of course you weren't blessed on top, and then you just might be able to get away with the strapless look.
29. As I told Walter the night before Thanksgiving, we are so blessed, and I realize that more each day.
Now, back to my imaginary margarita.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
apoll
Hmmmm...I'm experiencing a brain freeze.
Yesterday, Isabella and Isaac spent most of the day arguing over a miniature pink duck. I know, ridiculous. I threatened numerous times to throw it in the trash. My experience with a Cabbage Patch doll didn't last long for this very same reason. My sister and I wouldn't stop arguing over it, so my dad threw it in the trash. That was the end of that.
Isabella brought her phonic's homework sheet to me last night and saw that she wrote: Isabella is 5. (And next to the picture of an apple): apoll ....so cute. She usually asks me if she spelled the word correctly, and I say, "You did a really good job sounding it out!" And then she says, "I knew it! I never get anything right! I'm never going to be able to spell!" She's too much like me; has to have it perfect the first time and then goes into a self deprecating spiel. So I'm glad she left it at apoll.
Yesterday, Isabella and Isaac spent most of the day arguing over a miniature pink duck. I know, ridiculous. I threatened numerous times to throw it in the trash. My experience with a Cabbage Patch doll didn't last long for this very same reason. My sister and I wouldn't stop arguing over it, so my dad threw it in the trash. That was the end of that.
Isabella brought her phonic's homework sheet to me last night and saw that she wrote: Isabella is 5. (And next to the picture of an apple): apoll ....so cute. She usually asks me if she spelled the word correctly, and I say, "You did a really good job sounding it out!" And then she says, "I knew it! I never get anything right! I'm never going to be able to spell!" She's too much like me; has to have it perfect the first time and then goes into a self deprecating spiel. So I'm glad she left it at apoll.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Be the advocate your child deserves.
When I was in fifth grade, I began the year with a team of really bad teachers. In fact, when I stumbled on a multiplication fact, in front of the entire class, my teacher told me I wouldn't "learn math until the cows came home." How disheartening and embarrassing to hear something like that. From then on, I sat through math classes pleading (in my mind) with the teacher not to call on me to answer a question in front of the class. My mom fought to have me removed from that class. I'm sure she met with the teachers and the principals more times than I know about, but ultimately, she told the principal that if I wasn't removed from that team of teachers, she would pull me out of school and home school me for the rest of the year. I was moved to a different team, and the rest of fifth grade went well, or at least as I remember it.
My mom taught us the importance of advocating for your child. I have been tried and tested in this department of parenting since the moment Isaac was born. It's pretty simple. Here is a little person whom you love with all of your heart and soul, who has no voice or power of words with which to express their needs, and you fight for them. You are your child's voice. With that comes great responsibility. If you feel that something is wrong, and the people who need to listen aren't listening, find someone who will! I've been Isaac's voice, and I've been Isabella's at times, but she hasn't required nearly as much fighting for.
When Isaac was placed on my chest for the very first time, we knew nothing other than the fact that his head was misshapen. We had no idea what a roller coaster ride we were in for. Now, I think back to all of the testing he went through. Much of it very uncomfortable. I think of lying on an exam table pleading with him to nurse so that we would make it through whatever test he was enduring. Sweating. I remember sweating, as I held him so many times as he cried and cried at the doctor's office. Most of the tests were to determine why he was so constipated all the time. And every one of them came back normal. Which was great, but trust me, when you're searching, you want to find an answer.
When we did finally find the answer, and found out that this would be something he would carry with him his entire life, it was so hard. But then pretty much everything we'd been through was explained. And I finally knew my mission. That's pretty simple too (in writing at least), do everything possible to give him the chance to succeed. That's my mission. That is the reason we have multiple appointments each week; that is the reason I push him to respond with a sign or a sound; that is the reason why he has to have time-outs just like any other kid; that is the reason I talk to him just like I always talk to Isabella; that is the reason he isn't just on formula 24/7 (more on a blended diet in another post).
I will be very honest with you. If you are the parent of a child with special needs, you can't sit back and watch the show. Nothing will happen if you do that. The services for your child, don't just line up at the door. Ask questions, do your research, talk to other parents, and stay informed. Before you go to an important appointment, spend some time writing down questions, or things you need to share with that particular doctor. Use that time as wisely as you can. My recommendation, make a medical binder with tabs for each physician where you can keep any information given to you by that doctor. Make sure you have each physician's business card taped to the inside of the binder. I also keep a list of Isaac's recent words/sounds, and signs, that way, if anyone asks I'm not sitting there trying to remember everything, I just hand them the paper. If your child is on a blenderized diet and you have an upcoming GI appointment, keep track of what they are getting through the tube for a week (calories, proteins, fats, etc.) that way you can account for their diet. Trust me, people tend to get weird when you choose the road less traveled. Take video clips of your child meeting certain therapy goals, so that you can show what you are working on at home.
Most importantly, be upfront with the doctors in your life. Just tell them, "this is what I feel is important for my child, what do you suggest, and how can we work on this together." When I met with Isaac's new ENT, I told him upfront, I'm not leaving today without scheduling a tonsillectomy. I guess at that time I wasn't really suggesting we work on anything together. But my point is, I knew that was the next step, and look at the vast improvements it has made to have his tonsils out.
Trust me, I'm not trying to say I'm perfect, I've just found a method to this madness that works for us, and I would like to encourage you to do the same for your child.
Good Morning!
I love her eye lashes.
Stella is wearing her cone again. Don't worry, Grandma, she's fine, just some itchy skin issues going on. As you can see, she is well cared for by her little doctors.
How about a stuffed animal, Stella?
Or two?
"I see you, Charlotte!"
Isabella, reading to Isaac while I finished getting ready for our morning of therapy appointments.
Using an iPad at Speech Therapy.
The idea behind this post came from the most amazing compliment I received from Isaac's feeding therapist. She and I have had differing opinions on many occasions and I've recently decided to stop feeding therapy and start a different feeding approach with his OT. But she said that if she were a child in Isaac's situation, she would want me for a mom, because if something isn't working, I don't continue doing it anyway, I move on and find a new way to approach it. Hearing that, means the world to me. We've been on quite the journey over the past two and a half years, and I know many of you reading this have a child with special needs, and you have been on a similar journey or even a harder, more complex journey, with your child. Just remember, you're doing a great job, and you're doing everything you possibly can.
Stay strong,
Sierra
My mom taught us the importance of advocating for your child. I have been tried and tested in this department of parenting since the moment Isaac was born. It's pretty simple. Here is a little person whom you love with all of your heart and soul, who has no voice or power of words with which to express their needs, and you fight for them. You are your child's voice. With that comes great responsibility. If you feel that something is wrong, and the people who need to listen aren't listening, find someone who will! I've been Isaac's voice, and I've been Isabella's at times, but she hasn't required nearly as much fighting for.
When Isaac was placed on my chest for the very first time, we knew nothing other than the fact that his head was misshapen. We had no idea what a roller coaster ride we were in for. Now, I think back to all of the testing he went through. Much of it very uncomfortable. I think of lying on an exam table pleading with him to nurse so that we would make it through whatever test he was enduring. Sweating. I remember sweating, as I held him so many times as he cried and cried at the doctor's office. Most of the tests were to determine why he was so constipated all the time. And every one of them came back normal. Which was great, but trust me, when you're searching, you want to find an answer.
When we did finally find the answer, and found out that this would be something he would carry with him his entire life, it was so hard. But then pretty much everything we'd been through was explained. And I finally knew my mission. That's pretty simple too (in writing at least), do everything possible to give him the chance to succeed. That's my mission. That is the reason we have multiple appointments each week; that is the reason I push him to respond with a sign or a sound; that is the reason why he has to have time-outs just like any other kid; that is the reason I talk to him just like I always talk to Isabella; that is the reason he isn't just on formula 24/7 (more on a blended diet in another post).
I will be very honest with you. If you are the parent of a child with special needs, you can't sit back and watch the show. Nothing will happen if you do that. The services for your child, don't just line up at the door. Ask questions, do your research, talk to other parents, and stay informed. Before you go to an important appointment, spend some time writing down questions, or things you need to share with that particular doctor. Use that time as wisely as you can. My recommendation, make a medical binder with tabs for each physician where you can keep any information given to you by that doctor. Make sure you have each physician's business card taped to the inside of the binder. I also keep a list of Isaac's recent words/sounds, and signs, that way, if anyone asks I'm not sitting there trying to remember everything, I just hand them the paper. If your child is on a blenderized diet and you have an upcoming GI appointment, keep track of what they are getting through the tube for a week (calories, proteins, fats, etc.) that way you can account for their diet. Trust me, people tend to get weird when you choose the road less traveled. Take video clips of your child meeting certain therapy goals, so that you can show what you are working on at home.
Most importantly, be upfront with the doctors in your life. Just tell them, "this is what I feel is important for my child, what do you suggest, and how can we work on this together." When I met with Isaac's new ENT, I told him upfront, I'm not leaving today without scheduling a tonsillectomy. I guess at that time I wasn't really suggesting we work on anything together. But my point is, I knew that was the next step, and look at the vast improvements it has made to have his tonsils out.
Trust me, I'm not trying to say I'm perfect, I've just found a method to this madness that works for us, and I would like to encourage you to do the same for your child.
I love her eye lashes.
Stella is wearing her cone again. Don't worry, Grandma, she's fine, just some itchy skin issues going on. As you can see, she is well cared for by her little doctors.
How about a stuffed animal, Stella?
Or two?
"I see you, Charlotte!"
Isabella, reading to Isaac while I finished getting ready for our morning of therapy appointments.
Using an iPad at Speech Therapy.
Stay strong,
Sierra
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Nikita
Walter and I spend a fair amount of time making fun of the shows my brother and sister get so invested in, and then inevitably, we end up copying them and start watching the same show. It has happened with Mad Men, Damages, and now Nikita.
Nikita is amazing. I'm not kidding, you should watch her. If only I could simultaneously break someone's neck with my legs while climbing on their back and shoot a different person. Nikita says things like:
Michael, let me know when it's clear. I'm going to run over there and scale that wall. Sounds like a plan. Even though that wall is as smooth as a piece of paper and you have nothing but your two bare hands to do it with.
Be ready to randevu in one hour. Randevu is our new favorite word, and we use it often.
After watching Nikita for a few weeks, I suggested to Walter that he and I take some martial arts classes together. You know, a good bonding experience for us, and a fun way to spend time together. Or so I thought. Walter didn't think it was a good idea, so I attempted reverse psychology: You can pick, martial arts, or ballroom dancing. I thought surely the mere idea of taking a dance class would make up his mind. Nope. My tricks didn't work. Instead, we bond over our nightly viewing of Nikita as she plans to take down Division and hunt down all of the black boxes.
*********************************************************************************
Oh my goodness! Blogger keeps putting my pictures out of order and it is so annoying! Oh well, I'm sure you don't care.
Meet Lucy, my parent's new dog. I have heard her name and everything about her approximately 300 million trillion bazillion times. Isabella is in love.
Here is Isaac, who has been torturing us for over a week. I do feel bad for him, he has a terrible cough that the doctor wouldn't do anything about and we have not slept in a very long time. This morning I was sure a truck ran me over last night. And unlike Nikita, I didn't bounce up off the pavement with my super tight pants and high boots on, ready to give this day a run for its money. I'll save that for another day.
Blah Blah Blah, yes, I've tried to give him some homeopathic cough medicine. Please, come over to my house if you think you can charm him into believing that any substance coming near his lips is not the kiss of death.
A Thanksgiving Day walk with just my girl (and Lucy)...
This is a classic Isaac picture. I love it. It's him, captured at the perfect moment. Tongue, and dainty fingers, and sideways glance. Perfect.
Coloring faces on acorns...
We're bonding.
Some good news! There are grants out there that will often supply an iPad to children with disabilities. I applied to one and wrote a long letter all about Isaac, and they called me the day before Thanksgiving to let me know that Isaac is one of the recipients. We are so excited and grateful for the opportunity to help Isaac communicate more effectively. I'll let you know when we get it, and all about the process.
Also, if you are parent and have school-age children, or soon-to-be school-age children, you must read this book: The Good School: How Smart Parents Get Their Kids the Education They Deserve by Peg Tyre. Seriously, buy it today. It is mind boggling and an eye opener to what is going wrong in our schools (public, private, or charter, it doesn't matter, there are questions you need to ask). This is also a great resource if you are homeschooling. She writes about what you need to watch for in areas like Reading and Math and how they should be approached in order to offer the most success. Is your child not doing well with reading? Read this book! Is your child getting a dumbed-down math education and you're worried they may never succeed in Algebra? Read this book! Okay, I'm done.
Friday, November 23, 2012
Duck, Duck, GOOSE!
Isabella suggested we play Duck, Duck, Goose, I had to tell her that we needed a few more people than the two of us to play. I suggested Red-light, Green-light which she happily agreed to. It's amazing the things that make kids laugh. I simply stood by the living-room window and she stood in the dining-room and I yelled out "red-light!"..."green-light!" and she thought it was hilarious. Isaac...not so much. He's been in a particularly bad mood this week (he has a pretty bad cold), so instead of joining in, he walked around in a sad circle and cried. Maybe he just really wanted to play Duck, Duck, Goose? Who knows.
Speaking of ducks, I grew up with what my family lovingly calls, The Duck Blanket. Last Sunday I saw that my mom had place my duck blanket in the dog crate. I mean really, the nerve! It is now safely at home with me, don't worry. Anyway, when we were little my sister and I spent hours playing cars on the duck blanket. I mean, hours. My sister says this was her fondest childhood memory. I would have to agree. The morning after we brought it home from my parent's house, I excitedly announced to Isaac and Isabella, "Hey guys! Let's play cars!" We had fun until Isaac decided that no one but he and I could touch the blanket. This meant that any time Isabella touched the blanket he would start flapping his arms and cry. We put away the duck blanket. But I do hope they have as much fun playing cars as my sister and I did.
I am at my parent's house as I write this, so I don't have Isabella's list of things she is thankful for. The things that I can remember off the top of my head are:
Isaac
houses
roofs
rain
umbrellas
mommy and daddy
that everyone is different
Jesus
Stella
books
toys
clothes
Isaac made a list too. His list included (or I would assume)...
feeding tubes
mommy and daddy, but mostly mommy
sign language
Mario
the Wii
Isabella
books
dinosaurs
monsters
cars
trains
pacifiers
Isabella is on the verge of catching the cold that Isaac has. Thankfully she can blow her nose and I don't have to sneak up behind her and jam a tissue on her face and quickly swipe it away as she screams. During Isaac's nap on Tuesday, we read two chapters of Ramona the Pest. Isabella began pointing to words that she knew, and I told her that she could probably sound out many of the words in the book. Apparently she was under the impression that she wouldn't be able to read chapter books until after I "pass away". I certainly hope she's reading chapter books before then.
I hope you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Isaac enjoyed (or at least I think he did) a turkey dinner via his feeding tube. In case you were wondering, I am not shopping today. When I was talking to Sarah on the phone earlier, she thought I said that I was going shopping, and said that if I did, I would surely end up in a mental institution by the end of the day. She knows me too well.
Speaking of ducks, I grew up with what my family lovingly calls, The Duck Blanket. Last Sunday I saw that my mom had place my duck blanket in the dog crate. I mean really, the nerve! It is now safely at home with me, don't worry. Anyway, when we were little my sister and I spent hours playing cars on the duck blanket. I mean, hours. My sister says this was her fondest childhood memory. I would have to agree. The morning after we brought it home from my parent's house, I excitedly announced to Isaac and Isabella, "Hey guys! Let's play cars!" We had fun until Isaac decided that no one but he and I could touch the blanket. This meant that any time Isabella touched the blanket he would start flapping his arms and cry. We put away the duck blanket. But I do hope they have as much fun playing cars as my sister and I did.
I found a Thanksgiving activity on Pinterest where she went on a "Journey to the New World" by picking up these various cards and we read them and answered the discussion questions. She had fun with it but honestly, I think Charlie Brown did a better job explaining Thanksgiving than I did.
I am at my parent's house as I write this, so I don't have Isabella's list of things she is thankful for. The things that I can remember off the top of my head are:
Isaac
houses
roofs
rain
umbrellas
mommy and daddy
that everyone is different
Jesus
Stella
books
toys
clothes
Isaac made a list too. His list included (or I would assume)...
feeding tubes
mommy and daddy, but mostly mommy
sign language
Mario
the Wii
Isabella
books
dinosaurs
monsters
cars
trains
pacifiers
Isabella is on the verge of catching the cold that Isaac has. Thankfully she can blow her nose and I don't have to sneak up behind her and jam a tissue on her face and quickly swipe it away as she screams. During Isaac's nap on Tuesday, we read two chapters of Ramona the Pest. Isabella began pointing to words that she knew, and I told her that she could probably sound out many of the words in the book. Apparently she was under the impression that she wouldn't be able to read chapter books until after I "pass away". I certainly hope she's reading chapter books before then.
I hope you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Isaac enjoyed (or at least I think he did) a turkey dinner via his feeding tube. In case you were wondering, I am not shopping today. When I was talking to Sarah on the phone earlier, she thought I said that I was going shopping, and said that if I did, I would surely end up in a mental institution by the end of the day. She knows me too well.
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