Sunday Storytime

First Banana Split

Before

After

Worms and Roly Poly Bugs

Ashlawn Science Fair - March 2012

Ashlawn has an annual science fair that Zoe and Mia participated in this year.

They wanted to learn more about what magnets stick to. They collected all types of different things and then held them to the magnet. I was surprised that when they tried sticking one magnet to another magnet, Zoe shared that she thought "north will stick to south but not to north." That is the language they must be learning in school about positive and negative attraction. Zoe also shared that if you hold a magnet under a tray that is holding something metal, you can make the metal move. Mia was happy to share that north can't stick to north and south can't stick to south, and that magnets can stick to metal.

On the afternoon of the fair, Zoe and Mia started to feel ambivalent about standing by their project and answering questions. Once they got comfortable though, they really enjoyed it. In front of each project was a paper for observers to leave notes. The girls enjoyed collecting lots of positive feedback from others. I was a "judge" and enjoyed asking questions about projects and leaving notes for the kids.

Overall, it was a great experience to practice with science and to practice talking to other people about it.

Congratulations Zoe and Mia!

Kid Speak - Zoe and Mia

On a recent road trip, Zoe said:

Can someone please just pull the car over and let me run next to it.

After finding a gold $1 coin from the tooth fairy, Zoe exclaimed:

Now, I need to collect 3,018 more and I can buy a car.

Mia, waving a wand all around me:

Mom, I'm turning you in to a princess. Don't move or I won't be able to concentrate.

Mia, from the back seat:

Mom, drive as fast as you can. My stomach is telling me it's so hungry it's going to explode.

Mia, at bedtime:

Mom, I love you. I love you. I love you...I'm making your heart really big. I love you more than infinity.

Ski Day

Turns out kids don't need all that much snow to have an awesome time on skis. That's a good thing because we've had very little snow this year, but certainly enough to keep the ski school functional. Zoe and Mia had a ski lesson today at Liberty in PA. They got to use the magic carpet, or as Mia likes to call it, the magic mat, and then also went up the small chair lift. Zoe is making turns and Mia has great balance and can go straight.
When we went to pick them up, they were coming down from the chair lift and were skiing holding hands. Putting aside the notion that skiing holding hands probably isn't the best way to learn or the safest, it sure is cute. This is one of my favorite pictures.Ending the afternoon with hot chocolate is sure to give them extra fond memories. :)

Winter Activities - Zoe and Mia

Here's just a brief snapshot of a few of the things we've been up to this Winter.

Mia is getting in on the action with the "Paws" to Read program at the library. Have I mentioned how awesome I think this program is? In this picture, Zoe and Mia are taking turns reading to a Spaniel named Max.

Mia roller skating on a Saturday night. Thank you again Aunt Cindy for these skates! Big hit!Zoe skiing at White Tail. I wish I could have captured how happy she was after this lesson. Looking forward to two more quick ski trips before they close for the season.

The girls have also continued with swim lessons and Zoe is playing soccer and really enjoying it.

Active Winter!

Mia Birthday Cake

Mia, for your birthday this year you wanted two things: gymnastics and several very interesting "cakes". Your ideas for cakes were taxing my skill limits. At first, you wanted a popsicle cake. I decided to make an attempt. I took a box of popsicles, unwrapped them, and then held them together in a bunch. I wrapped the popsicle part in wax paper and used rubber bands to hold them in place and make the right shape. Then I put them in a tupperware container with the popsicle/wax paper side down. I sprinkled water inside and then put them in the freezer so that they'd freeze together with the extra water I added.

When I took them out, I unwrapped the wax paper from the sides but left it on top. Then I melted a candle bottom and stuck it on the wax paper top. I carried it over to you by the sticks. Your response: "Mom, that's the funniest cake ever!" It really was pretty silly. You blew the candle out and then we pulled off the individual popsicles to eat. It wasn't very pretty and it was a little messy, but it was easy and fun.

You also wanted strawberry cakes, chocolate chip cakes, lollipop cakes, and cakes with cherries on top. Above them all though, you wanted a Hello Kitty cake.

So, we gave that a try. I was really intimidated by this one. The instructions I found for how to make it were detailed and required way more "stuff" than I had imagined. I'm pleased to say that although it was far more labor intensive, especially with all the individual stars to give it texture, it went much more smoothly than I expected. And, unlike the pink cake, we only had to make the one!

I wish I had a picture of Mia and Zoe's faces when they saw the cake. Their excitement and looks of wonder, like we'd done something magical, was the real reward.

Happy birthday Mia!

Mia - Four Years Old

Mia, wow! What a difference a year makes!

You've made such strides this year. You are a kind, generous person. You will share with others willingly, and often think of others and how they may feel about something.

About a year ago, you began sucking your thumb again after being around a new baby in your class at school. You decided to stop sucking your thumb about a week ago with complete determination. As an example of your kindness and generous nature, when you and I spoke about your desire to stop thumb sucking, and I asked you what would help, you said that having a lollipop to suck on would make a difference. You insisted though that Zoe get one too, because you thought it would be hard for her to watch you get the treats without one herself. You also offered to have Zoe join your birthday celebration and open presents with you so she wouldn't feel left out. It helps that Zoe quite often shares this compassion towards you.

For your birthday celebration at school this year, the teacher read a book about how you joined the universe, and then you held a globe and circled the sun (a candle) 4 times while the class sang a song about it. At the end, we had a snack that we'd brought and then you shared the story of your life through the pictures below. It was so nice to watch how comfortable and excited you were with your class mates.

You're much more comfortable joining a crowd and making friends. Your teacher this year said that you jumped right in to the flow of the class with no problem. She said you were completely at ease and engaged from the get go.

Your memory is as strong as ever. Just the other day you brought up a detail from your birthday party last year. You also show a much greater interest in reading and math. You have been having a lot of fun with science experiments too.

You like to teasingly call me by the initials M.Y. and daddy D.Y. This evolved from a spelling game that you and Zoe play where you spell a word in a sentence, for example, you'll declare "i need to go to the p.o.t.t.y," spelling out the word potty. You had been spelling out "mommy" and "daddy" and then you and Zoe thought it would be funny to give us nicknames and shorten it to "M.Y." and "D.Y." In addition to spelling, your writing has really improved this year, and you can write your name well. Your art work has evolved, and you enjoy many activities at school.

Outside of school, you are keen on gymnastics, animals, puzzles, books, and playing with your sisters. You love the colors red and pink and anything Hello Kitty. You'd wear this dress all day every day if you could.

Happy 4th birthday Mia!!

We love you.

Mom

Mia Speak

As we slow down to approach the toll booth on the way home, Mia says from the back seat:

"I'm sick of payin'."

Us too.

The Most Beautiful

Today, Mia, Zoe and I were out together in a restaurant. We were sitting at a booth next to the entrance. The front door opened and in walks a mom with her young daughter. The little girl was severely incapacitated and in a wheel chair. Zoe and Mia both got up on their knees and started craning their heads around the booth to look more closely. We were maybe 4-6 feet away from the mom and her little girl. Even a whispered "don't stare!" by me would have been audible to the mom.

I was holding my breath. Zoe and Mia both looked so engaged, and I didn't know what they may do or say. My heart was going out to this mom alone with her daughter who needed so much assistance. I was nervous about Zoe and Mia's public reaction.

While dangling almost completely out of the booth in order to have a good view (think monkey hanging from a tree branch), Zoe opened her mouth to speak:

"She has the most beautiful wheelchair."

That type of comment never occurred to me as an option in this scenario. I imagined, at best, some very tough questions, and at worst a starkly honest observation that would make the mother cringe.

And again I realized that I had completely underestimated the power of a child. Such a healing, spontaneous moment. Not a drop of pity or sarcasm or cynicism. So plainly kind and open. I teared up.

Tomorrow I am excited to grant my first wish to a child as a wish granter for the Make A Wish Foundation. A child's bias for optimism in these tough situations make my job a complete joy. I hope that someone is granting the little girl in the restaurant a wish. Maybe Zoe's comment was a token in that direction.

PS: When I took a second look at the wheel chair, I noticed that they'd painted the metal parts pink.

"Fancy Nancy" New Years Eve - December 31, 2011

The tradition continues. We went out New Year's Eve "Fancy Nancy" style. The girls wore whatever fancy clothes they wanted - plus accessories. They helped spruce up me and Scott. We went to look at some holiday lights and trains and had dinner out. It was a really fun night.

As in prior years, everyone had a purse with surprises waiting for them. Mia could hardly be distracted to look up for a picture she was so busy playing.

Happy New Years!

Great Wolf Lodge - Williamsburg, VA - December 2011

This place has thought of everything, or just about everything. It's a large indoor water park/hotel. Many of the rooms have a theme so that kids can sleep inside a cabin or tent inside the hotel room, for example. Inside the hotel, there is the large water park, an indoor bowling alley, arts and crafts room, kids spa, game room, interactive wizard game that is wired throughout the hotel, lobby fireplace where story time is held, and a lobby show with automated characters. Outside, there's a large water park, miniature golf course, etc. We went with friends and had one of the most action packed 48 hour stints ever.

Zoe on the water park's version of monkey bars. These require serious balance and strength.

Shallow end of the wave poolA "shower" feature in the shallow end of the wave pool.Sophie and I and friends in the lazy river.
This slide was surrounded by a large water feature with several climbing structures and slides. What I didn't capture was any of the faster tube/float slides. They were fun too.A few minutes after this lunch time picture was taken, Mia and Sophie were leaning their heads against each other and falling asleep sitting up. Sophie had been burning up her energy in a kiddie sized water zone.One of the afternoon lobby shows. That's Sophie hanging off the railing watching them intently.We had bunk beds in our cabin-themed room. The upper bunk was a strong draw. The beds didn't get nearly enough attention in my opinion. Apparently all the excitement makes it harder to sleep (not more likely to sleep) for little people. The features of the wizard game were even connected in the restaurant where the kids wands made the tree light up.Posing with one of the lobby characters after a night time lobby show.This pajama show and story time includes snow fall. Mia is trying to catch the "snow" on her tongue.

No one wanted to leave. Once we did, Mia and Sophie were asleep before we were on the highway, and Zoe was quiet until we got home.

When calling to make a reservation, the operators call themselves "memory makers." I thought this was uniquely corny. After hearing Zoe and Mia talk about the trip, including all the details of the place that they noticed and appreciated, I can see why they use that term.

By the way, it was a good thing the kids got their rest on the ride home. We got home just in time to finish picking up supplies for Scott's birthday the next day. Lots of celebrating this time of year!

Simple Pleasures

So much time buying, wrapping, sending presents. Packing peanuts take the prize.

Houdini

Today at a play date, the kids were playing hide and go seek while the adults were chatting and snacking. Fun.

Then, "where's Mia?" We realize none of the kids can find her. No big deal. They'll keep looking. Minutes pass. The kids find a new game. No Mia.

Scott and I remind the kids that they need to keep looking or end the game. They let us know they can't find her any where. We all get up and go to take a look. No Mia.

Four adults and four kids looking every where for Mia. More minutes pass. I hear the host mother say to the dad as they crossed paths: "did you look in the dryer?" Minutes pass. Pace quickens.

I hear the host father say to the mom as they again crossed paths "I just found the side door unlocked. I have no idea how that could have happened." Next he hollers more loudly to make sure Scott and I can hear (since we're all moving pretty quickly searching the house at this point), "time to call the police!"

A loud squeak. "Scott, was that Sophie?" "No" Mia's in the house. Another loud squeak, and we find her. She'd made herself in to one of the little boy's beds. She must have been laying flat and still for twenty minutes.

New rule for hide and go seek: When players or adults announce that the game is over or they give up, it's time to come out! :)

Favorite Family Time

One of my absolute favorite things to do is listen to Scott play the guitar. Even better when the family joins in.

When you get to the end of the video, you'll hear Mia starting to ask me for markers. When she approaches me and sees what I'm doing, you can hear her say, "That's cute." I thought so too.

Another family music video. So fun!

Ballet Story time

This year the girls attended two ballet Nutcracker story time events. The book store and a local ballet studio host the activity. There are some small crafts, then Nutcracker story time led by the ballerinas in their fancy costumes, followed by short performances from each dancer in the Nutcracker ballet. Everyone really enjoyed it.

Zoe and Mia are sitting in chairs in the front row with a friend.

Guest Blogger - Thanks Giving

As part of NaBloPoMo, I invited Scott to write a post. Here is what was on his mind:

Dear Zoe, Mia and Sophie:

Hi. This is Dad. Mom asked if I wanted to be a guest blogger this month, and I was happy to contribute. I wasn’t quite sure what to talk about at first, but then it quickly occurred to me that there are two items in particular that I am grateful for. First, through this blog, you mom has done such a wonderful job of keeping track of all the fun stories, activities, milestones, and little details that would otherwise be but distant and distorted memories of ours down the road. It’s such a joy to be able to look back on your respective childhoods from birth to the present and revisit those memories from the various stages of your lives. Keeping up with the blog is an arduous task that requires discipline, time, commitment, creativity, thought, and humor, and I wanted to thank your mom for not only possessing those attributes but combining them to have documented the wonderful journey of parenthood, during both good times and difficult ones.

Secondly, this week marked a major milestone and the end of an era. Your mom officially ended her nursing career. I’m not referring to her hospital work, but….breast feeding. Before you were all born, we did a lot of research (which was, and continues to be, conflicting). It was evident that breastfeeding would benefit your health now and in the long term, so we jointly made a commitment to make it a priority. While I completely supported this, obviously the brunt of the responsibility would fall on your mom (although I would often joke that “I would if I could”). While it was a wonderful bonding time for her with each of you, providing you with private time and nurturing from both sustenance and soothing aspects, it was a full time commitment. I don’t think either of us could have anticipated that or to what extent. Your mom went through great measures to structure her (and sometime my) life around the nursing schedule. While working full time and managing life’s daily activities, she scheduled meetings, coordinated your respective activities, chose flight times and made other decisions that were all based on nursing. This involved lots of very early mornings, late nights, and times in between. I helped with logistics but owe her my gratitude as well for keeping this commitment equally for each of you. None of you ever used a bottle and I can’t think of one missed feeding in the 20+ months of nursing for each of you. She resisted medication when she was legitimately sick hoping not to jeopardize your health from potential side effects. In addition, she also pumped and stored a chest freezer’s worth of milk so you would continue to get the breast milk through your second birthday. Her breast pump has enough frequent flier miles for a free first class ticket, and I hope the person who bought it cashes that in. Through breast feeding, we also met and have maintained many friendships, supported the Breast Feeding center, and encouraged other new moms to stick with it and seek resources and help when needed. To celebrate this milestone, I have made a generous donation to the Breast Feeding Center for Greater Washington where it all began, and a special thanks to Pat for her guidance and encouragement.

Great job Laurie! Thank you for your dedication and the opportunity to document this in our virtual book of life.

Love,

Dad

Thanksgiving Preparations

Zoe and Mia, you decided to help spruce up the house for Thanksgiving by painting a few of the pumpkins that were on our front steps. It all started out mildly enough. Two small pumpkins. Focused, careful effort.

The project grew from 2 to 6 painted pumpkins which you both seemed very pleased with.But apparently, this was just a base coat, and these pumpkins were not fancy enough. After the pink pumpkins were dry, you insisted that they needed much more attention. You dug in to the effort with serious gusto.

We now have several wildly painted pumpkins that will no doubt be decorating our house for an extended period of time.

You spared one tiny pumpkin that had been nibbled by a squirrel from the painting project. We took this one with us on a hike in to the woods and left it by a hole in a tree for a raccoon to find and enjoy this winter.

Sophie-Mia Speak

Mia: (Coughing)

Sophie: Bless you

Mia: Sophie, you don't say "bless you" when people cough. You say 'cover your mouth'.