Nolan's favorite show is Backyardigans. The rest of us rather enjoy watching it too. The songs are cute and the characters don't talk to you like you are an idiot. Nick Jr. has been airing Backyardigans at 8 p.m., which is perfect. It ends at 8:25, Nolan turns the TV off, and the boys go to bed.
Clearly, no one explained to the programming geniuses at Nick Jr. how important routines are to preschoolers. A few weeks ago, they moved Backyardigans to 7 p.m. This was very tragic. The boys are rarely inside at 7:00. I certainly am not going to call them inside to turn the television on. Nolan was struggling with bedtime, since his show was gone. His routine was in shambles.
So I DVR'd every episode for a few weeks. Now we have about 20 episodes on the DVR. Genius. How did we ever live without that gadget? So, whenever Nolan asks, I can turn on an episode of Backyardigans. He can even pick which episode he wants to watch.
He's still confused, though. The other night, he was watching an episode while his big brothers were at a carillon concert with Daddy. The show ended and Nolan wandered down the hall. All he said was, "But Mama, I don't want to take a nap yet." ('Take a nap' means bedtime in Nolan's language). I was puzzled. It wasn't bedtime, and I hadn't mentioned anything about sending him there. Then I realized...the episode was over. In his mind, it was bedtime. I laughed and turned on another episode for him. He thought it was a special privilege.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
I'm Five Now!
Saturday, Sam turned five. He was much more interested in being a year older than he was in getting gifts (one of the reasons why I truly appreciate his quirkiness!). I was up early on Saturday to go to yoga with Brianna, but he was already up eating breakfast. I slipped down the hall, wrapped my arms around him, and whispered in his ear, "Happy Birthday, Sam!" He looked at me for a split second, let out a gasp, and shouted, "TJ, I'm FIVE now!" It was so cute.
After agonizing over what to buy him, Sam's favorite gift is a metal watering can I grabbed at Flowerland on Thursday. Go figure. He also likes his Lego set that he got, and is trying to copy TJ and create things.
On Sunday, I asked Sam what he wanted for lunch. He always says the same thing: a hot cheese sandwich (which you can make by preparing a genuine grilled cheese sandwich, or by making a cheese sandwich and microwaving for 10 seconds, or by toasting bread and slapping cheese on it. He's not picky). Usually, he and Nolan split a sandwich. But on Sunday, Sam came up to me and very quietly said, "Mom, I am five now. Five-year-olds eat a whole sandwich all by themselves."
Of course, I got a kick out of that. Bill and I decided to go for it and we made a whole hot cheese sandwich for Sam to eat all by himself. He proudly inhaled the entire thing and then informed Nolan that when HE turns five, he can have a whole sandwich too.
That night, my mom stopped by. They had been camping an extra week at Cran-Hill, so she hadn't seen Sam on his birthday. She wished Sam a happy birthday and asked Sam if he was different, now that he was five. Sam very seriously said yes. He informed her that five-year-olds can jump off of stuff, and on to stuff.
I have no idea what he will be jumping on or off of. I'll keep you posted.
After agonizing over what to buy him, Sam's favorite gift is a metal watering can I grabbed at Flowerland on Thursday. Go figure. He also likes his Lego set that he got, and is trying to copy TJ and create things.
On Sunday, I asked Sam what he wanted for lunch. He always says the same thing: a hot cheese sandwich (which you can make by preparing a genuine grilled cheese sandwich, or by making a cheese sandwich and microwaving for 10 seconds, or by toasting bread and slapping cheese on it. He's not picky). Usually, he and Nolan split a sandwich. But on Sunday, Sam came up to me and very quietly said, "Mom, I am five now. Five-year-olds eat a whole sandwich all by themselves."
Of course, I got a kick out of that. Bill and I decided to go for it and we made a whole hot cheese sandwich for Sam to eat all by himself. He proudly inhaled the entire thing and then informed Nolan that when HE turns five, he can have a whole sandwich too.
That night, my mom stopped by. They had been camping an extra week at Cran-Hill, so she hadn't seen Sam on his birthday. She wished Sam a happy birthday and asked Sam if he was different, now that he was five. Sam very seriously said yes. He informed her that five-year-olds can jump off of stuff, and on to stuff.
I have no idea what he will be jumping on or off of. I'll keep you posted.
Friday, July 22, 2011
P.S.
Sam just asked me if we could go out tonight and look at other people's campers. Alas, I cannot think of a legal and non-obnoxious way to do that. He'll just have to wait for an RV show.
Latest Obsession
Sam has a new obsession. No, it hasn't replaced sprinklers, it is something else for him to think about when there aren't any sprinklers around. Sam was fascinated when we got a trailer hitch installed on the mini van. He started noticing how many other vehicles had trailer hitches. Then, the process of picking up our rented trailer was interesting to him. He started paying attention to the other types of trailers we saw. Now, he's just plain obsessed. Trailers, pop-ups, fifth wheels, motor homes...he loves them all.
He shouts whenever he sees one on the road. It's July. It's Michigan. We're less than 30 miles from Lake Michigan. And today is Friday. While we were out running errands this morning, there were a lot of excited shouts coming from the back of the van. TJ loves to camp, so he can get on board with Sam's obsession. And if his big brothers are excited, Nolan is excited too. It was a rather noisy morning of errands.
Maybe we should take the boys to the next RV show that's in town. Then they can explore the insides of every type of trailer imaginable.
He shouts whenever he sees one on the road. It's July. It's Michigan. We're less than 30 miles from Lake Michigan. And today is Friday. While we were out running errands this morning, there were a lot of excited shouts coming from the back of the van. TJ loves to camp, so he can get on board with Sam's obsession. And if his big brothers are excited, Nolan is excited too. It was a rather noisy morning of errands.
Maybe we should take the boys to the next RV show that's in town. Then they can explore the insides of every type of trailer imaginable.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Sam and Bill
One of our annual events while camping is Hobo Pie night. We aren't very imaginative. We just cut up everything you could possibly want on a pizza, and then make pizza hobo pies. Brianna suggested that next year we splurge on cheddar cheese, so people can make ham and cheese hobo pies if they want to. Woah. Craziness. We also make yummy dessert hobo pies with pie filling. One the pie is made, you put frosting on the top and it melts. Heaven.
My boys love hobo pie night...just as much for the experience of cooking dinner in the fire pit, as for eating the hobo pies. Sam had trouble with the name, though. He kept asking if he could make or eat a "moto pie".
My children have learned their phenomenal listening skills from their Dad. They all have this uncanny ability to look at me, interact with me, respond to what I'm saying, and yet not hear a word of it. I have learned over the years to repeat important things, or have them repeat things back to me.
The other night, I was trying to get Bill's attention. Our conversation went like this:
Me: "Okay, here's what we're going to do. Are you focused?"
Bill: "No. But I'm listening."
For some reason, that struck me as hilarious. I forgot what I was going to say! Apparently, I wasn't focused either!
My boys love hobo pie night...just as much for the experience of cooking dinner in the fire pit, as for eating the hobo pies. Sam had trouble with the name, though. He kept asking if he could make or eat a "moto pie".
My children have learned their phenomenal listening skills from their Dad. They all have this uncanny ability to look at me, interact with me, respond to what I'm saying, and yet not hear a word of it. I have learned over the years to repeat important things, or have them repeat things back to me.
The other night, I was trying to get Bill's attention. Our conversation went like this:
Me: "Okay, here's what we're going to do. Are you focused?"
Bill: "No. But I'm listening."
For some reason, that struck me as hilarious. I forgot what I was going to say! Apparently, I wasn't focused either!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Camping
This is our annual camping week at Cran-Hill. We've been going there every summer since I was 13 (the first year my parents owned a camper). You do the math. That's a lot of summers.
My boys are definitely growing up, and it's very obvious on our camping adventure this year. TJ is everywhere. He's been good about telling us where he is going. He loves having his bike along, and the freedom and independence it offers. He makes friends easily, and was thrilled to be reunited with his dear friend Annaliese, whom he met last year while camping (lots of us stick to the same week each year, so there are many familiar faces). TJ comes back to our lot when he is supposed to, and checks in on occasion. I have no issues with his independence as he is very careful to avoid all bodies of water unless an adult is present.
Sam is growing up. I don't know who gave him permission to do so, but he's growing up just the same. The little boy who was so afraid of everything now goes across the street to the bathroom by himself, and usually remembers to wash his hands when he is finished. He then brings the used paper towel back in case Grandma wants to put it in the firepit. He rode a pony like it was no big deal. He got in the lake up to his shoulders. He's socializing and making friends. I can't tell you how proud and relieved I am!
Nolan isn't quite sure what to make of our camping trip. He has no recollection of previous trips. He is having fun, but he keeps asking if it's time to go home yet. He loves the playground and even allowed Uncle John to push him on the big swings. He's been doing pretty good with pottying and limiting his accidents. Grandma told him he was not allowed to wet the bed (we have a rented pop-up camper we are using), so Nolan has been staying dry at night. He rode his pony and waved at the bystanders like he was English royalty. He tried a s'more (but couldn't finish it) and could eat banilla ice cream until the sun goes down. Oh, and in case you ever wondered, the definition of a twist ice cream cone (according to Nolan) is as follows:
"There's banilla ice cream, and there's chocwate ice cream. And you know what's INSIDE the chocwate ice cream? Banilla!!"
My boys are definitely growing up, and it's very obvious on our camping adventure this year. TJ is everywhere. He's been good about telling us where he is going. He loves having his bike along, and the freedom and independence it offers. He makes friends easily, and was thrilled to be reunited with his dear friend Annaliese, whom he met last year while camping (lots of us stick to the same week each year, so there are many familiar faces). TJ comes back to our lot when he is supposed to, and checks in on occasion. I have no issues with his independence as he is very careful to avoid all bodies of water unless an adult is present.
Sam is growing up. I don't know who gave him permission to do so, but he's growing up just the same. The little boy who was so afraid of everything now goes across the street to the bathroom by himself, and usually remembers to wash his hands when he is finished. He then brings the used paper towel back in case Grandma wants to put it in the firepit. He rode a pony like it was no big deal. He got in the lake up to his shoulders. He's socializing and making friends. I can't tell you how proud and relieved I am!
Nolan isn't quite sure what to make of our camping trip. He has no recollection of previous trips. He is having fun, but he keeps asking if it's time to go home yet. He loves the playground and even allowed Uncle John to push him on the big swings. He's been doing pretty good with pottying and limiting his accidents. Grandma told him he was not allowed to wet the bed (we have a rented pop-up camper we are using), so Nolan has been staying dry at night. He rode his pony and waved at the bystanders like he was English royalty. He tried a s'more (but couldn't finish it) and could eat banilla ice cream until the sun goes down. Oh, and in case you ever wondered, the definition of a twist ice cream cone (according to Nolan) is as follows:
"There's banilla ice cream, and there's chocwate ice cream. And you know what's INSIDE the chocwate ice cream? Banilla!!"
Friday, July 8, 2011
Sam's grocery list
Before dinner this evening, Sam was outside with Bill. This is a typical occurrence. Bill was out grilling brats, Sam was out inspecting the sprinklers (wow, is our lawn green!) and chattering away to his Dad. While they were out there, Bill helped Sam pick our first cucumber of the season. It was the perfect cucumber...the kind you can't find at any store in January. Sam was extremely proud of the cucumber. He carried it around for 15 minutes, until Bill finally took it away and put it in the fridge.
Sam has been eagerly looking forward to our annual camping trip at Cran-Hill. We leave in two days. He's been talking about it endlessly, which is interesting, because he normally only gets that excited about sprinklers. After having me admire the cucumber, he wanted to know if we could bring it camping and eat it there. I agreed with him that he had a very good plan.
This weekend is Sam's turn to accompany me to the grocery store. I told him that instead of going shopping on Sunday, we had to go a day early, so we would have all the food we needed for camping. Sam gave me a huge grin and said, "But you know what we don't need to buy? A cucumber!!!"
Sam has been eagerly looking forward to our annual camping trip at Cran-Hill. We leave in two days. He's been talking about it endlessly, which is interesting, because he normally only gets that excited about sprinklers. After having me admire the cucumber, he wanted to know if we could bring it camping and eat it there. I agreed with him that he had a very good plan.
This weekend is Sam's turn to accompany me to the grocery store. I told him that instead of going shopping on Sunday, we had to go a day early, so we would have all the food we needed for camping. Sam gave me a huge grin and said, "But you know what we don't need to buy? A cucumber!!!"
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Silly boys
Tonight we went to visit my newest niece and nephew, Alyssa and Emmett, and to drop off some food for their parents. On the way there, Sam was admiring the street lights on Lake Michigan Drive...you know, the plain, old ugly ones. He said, "Mom? Those street lights are so lovely." I laughed. On the way back home, I took a picture so that you could see how lovely they are:
Also on the way there, Sam commented on 'what a nice part of town this is'. He said this as we were going past the train yard at Hall Street. I wouldn't walk by myself in that part of town, but to him, it's beautiful because the trains are plentiful.
Then the boys had their first opportunity to see Alyssa. They weren't able to see her in the hospital, because she spent her first 24 hours in the NICU. Dan took Bill and I down to see her, but we left the boys with Grandma Ellen. Anyway, for some reason, I thought they'd be interested in meeting a new cousin. Nope. TJ smiled at her, took her picture, and that was all the attention she got from her cousins. They were more interested in the toys, the deck, Ruby the dog...poor Alyssa. I suppose she might as well get used to it.
We got home just before 9:00 and the boys were tired. I unbuckled Nolan and told him that in just four days, we'd be camping! I asked him if he was excited. His response was "No. I'm too tired."
I scooped up my too-tired boy and as I carried him in the house, he whispered in my ear:
"Mama. We have to remember not to pee in our beds."
I will try to remember.
Also on the way there, Sam commented on 'what a nice part of town this is'. He said this as we were going past the train yard at Hall Street. I wouldn't walk by myself in that part of town, but to him, it's beautiful because the trains are plentiful.
Then the boys had their first opportunity to see Alyssa. They weren't able to see her in the hospital, because she spent her first 24 hours in the NICU. Dan took Bill and I down to see her, but we left the boys with Grandma Ellen. Anyway, for some reason, I thought they'd be interested in meeting a new cousin. Nope. TJ smiled at her, took her picture, and that was all the attention she got from her cousins. They were more interested in the toys, the deck, Ruby the dog...poor Alyssa. I suppose she might as well get used to it.
We got home just before 9:00 and the boys were tired. I unbuckled Nolan and told him that in just four days, we'd be camping! I asked him if he was excited. His response was "No. I'm too tired."
I scooped up my too-tired boy and as I carried him in the house, he whispered in my ear:
"Mama. We have to remember not to pee in our beds."
I will try to remember.
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