May 31st 2009
Geocache Fever
We got the fever. The girls had such a great first find that we came home and found a few more close by. We tried 4 more and only found two of those. The girls were having a great time. We had to call it quits on one of them due to the rain and lightning approaching. The other one, completely escaped us. I have no clue as to where it would have been. I guess having a GPS in that instance would have helped. There is only so much you can remember from studying google maps beforehand. Oh well, maybe next time.
We stopped at Panera Bread on the way home for some sandwiches for dinner. The girls were extra hungry after all the running and searching around.
Here are the links to the two we found on this outing.
Geocache: Bike NH - GC1EGPZ
Geocache: John Kastberg Cache - GC1EGP4
We stopped at Panera Bread on the way home for some sandwiches for dinner. The girls were extra hungry after all the running and searching around.
Here are the links to the two we found on this outing.
Geocache: Bike NH - GC1EGPZ
Geocache: John Kastberg Cache - GC1EGP4
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 16 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 16 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 7 days
News posted by christopher at 7:36 PM | 
Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
I'm so surprised you all haven't geocached before! I could have guessed that you would love it. I can't believe you were successful without use of a GPS! That's pretty good! Enjoy the new found fun!
Geocache GC1EZV0 Magnetism
I have been wanting to geo-cache, letterbox or waymark for a long time now. The girls are finally old enough to enjoy these search and locating activities. Today I signed us up at geocaching.com. We don't have a GPS or cell phone with net access, so we have to do some planning and studying of maps online before we head out into the field. It was a rainy and cloudy day today, but we were itching to get outside, after 3 days of rain, so we headed over to search the South Mill pond area and playground, the site of "Magnetism GC1EZV0". The girls were looking all over the place. As soon as we were on site, Zoë spotted an old Full Throttle energy drink can on the ground and said, "I found it." I had to explain to her that it was just someone's litter and not the treasure we were looking for. We walked by the cache a couple of times, even checked where it was exactly, just not thoroughly enough. I spotted another couple looking around the area and told Laura that they must be looking for it as well. After we all found it and signed the log, we put the cache back. While we were leaving and it was starting to rain again, we say another out of state couple looking for the cache. It is amazing to see 2 other couples out looking for the same cache at the same time. Is this activity really that mainstream? We might even have to purchase a GPS. The girls have got the treasure finding fever.
Oh yeah, Laura informed me a couple of days ago after driving the car, that she hears a noise in the front left wheel, and sure enough, upon inspection, there is a huge screw in the tire.
Oh yeah, Laura informed me a couple of days ago after driving the car, that she hears a noise in the front left wheel, and sure enough, upon inspection, there is a huge screw in the tire.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 16 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 16 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 7 days First Moments posted by christopher at 3:48 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
This seems like fun...when I come for a visit we have to plan for this...I love a good mystery and trying to figure out clues.
Second Month at the YMCA
We just completed our second month at the YMCA. So how did it work out this month? We fell short of our dollar per visit goal slightly. The YMCA was undergoing some renovations this month so we missed a handful of days last week. We did manage to attend 3 more sessions than last month though. This brought our average per visit cost down to $5.65 from $8.35. Our per visit cost is just 13 cents above a dollar per person. Attending 18 times in June will put our per person visit cost down to a dollar.
The girls are now bubble free. They go straight for the diving board when the session starts. They jump right in and start swimming. We have been starting to learn more techniques now that they are comfortable in the pool. We got a few books from the library with instructions on various techniques. I think they will learn the back stroke first. They have the elementary back stroke down, but in June we will work on the full back stroke and continue our diving work.
The girls are now bubble free. They go straight for the diving board when the session starts. They jump right in and start swimming. We have been starting to learn more techniques now that they are comfortable in the pool. We got a few books from the library with instructions on various techniques. I think they will learn the back stroke first. They have the elementary back stroke down, but in June we will work on the full back stroke and continue our diving work.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 16 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 16 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 7 days News posted by christopher at 9:35 AM | Comment
Zoë cooks the boba
Abby slept in this morning and Zoë was up and chipper. She was super excited and willing to get to work first thing. I instructed her on how to measure out the water. She filled the pot with 10 cups of water. Then she measured out 1 cup of boba. Laura turned on the stove. After the water was boiling, Zoë put in the boba and gave them a stir. By this time Abby was awake and wanting to help. Abby got to stir the boba once while they were cooking. After 10 minutes, we drained the boba and let them rest in the sugar mixture. The girls are excited about eating the rest of the bobas today after church.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 16 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 16 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 7 days First Moments posted by christopher at 6:58 AM | Comment
May 30th 2009
Last Parenting Seminar
I went to the 3rd and final parenting seminar this morning. Today's topic was communication, specifically how we communicate with our kids and teaching them about good communication. Here some of my notes...
- There are two types of communication: Verbal and Non-Verbal. Non-verbal actually makes up 90% with eye contact (make sure you're locked in to make sure that both parties are paying attention), posture (getting down onto the child's level), tone of voice (which is the most powerful), and facial expression. Verbal makes up the other 10% with expressing and listening.
- If you don't have time to listen to something your child wants to tell you, especially if it seems particularly important to your child, tell them that instead of half listening. Let them know that what they have to say is important to you and give them a time when you'll be able to listen and stick to it.
- When you want to have a talk with your child, tell them that you're going to talk and when you're done they will have a turn. (before their turn it may be good to ask them to tell you what you've said to them, to reinforce active listening in them)
- When something has happened, ask "what" questions instead of "why" questions.
**Here's one that I'd really like to incorporate... have a Family meeting night, where everyone gets a turn to bring up an issue and everyone else in the family gets to add their input on that topic. The meetings could involve problems that have happened over the week or simply be for planning purposes.
- When you're dealing with conflict, stay on the current issue. don't bring up previous issues even if it's the same wrong doing. Leave the past in the past. Come up with a creative way together to work it out. Be polite and make sure you come to a resolution at the end.
- Signs of negative communication: *lecturing *nagging
- Don't control with guilt
- Don't label or put down
- Don't threaten
- Help them to think critically
- When praising be specific (instead of, good job or you're being a good girl, "I noticed that you walked across the room instead of running, thank you."
- Don't focus on appearance, but fine to compliment
-> You picked otu a nice outfit
-> I noticed that you combed your hair out nicely today
- Don't make child apologize, instead teach empahty
- Forcing kids to share doesn't teach sharing. Let kids have some things of their own and other things that are for everyone to use
- Don't minimize emotions, accept kids feelings and teach them correct ways to express their feelings
- Think about your words and be intent
- Lay the foundation of good behavior, remind (not nagging) of the rule - ex: what is our rule about feet on the couch? - then the next time give the consequence calmy, instead of nagging about it more.
*A couple of good ideas she gave me for the girls being able to get the gross motor movement they need when we can't get out of the house : Do some yoga. Put a hula hoop or jump rope in a circle and tell them that they can move their bodies, as long as they keep them in that space.
- There are two types of communication: Verbal and Non-Verbal. Non-verbal actually makes up 90% with eye contact (make sure you're locked in to make sure that both parties are paying attention), posture (getting down onto the child's level), tone of voice (which is the most powerful), and facial expression. Verbal makes up the other 10% with expressing and listening.
- If you don't have time to listen to something your child wants to tell you, especially if it seems particularly important to your child, tell them that instead of half listening. Let them know that what they have to say is important to you and give them a time when you'll be able to listen and stick to it.
- When you want to have a talk with your child, tell them that you're going to talk and when you're done they will have a turn. (before their turn it may be good to ask them to tell you what you've said to them, to reinforce active listening in them)
- When something has happened, ask "what" questions instead of "why" questions.
**Here's one that I'd really like to incorporate... have a Family meeting night, where everyone gets a turn to bring up an issue and everyone else in the family gets to add their input on that topic. The meetings could involve problems that have happened over the week or simply be for planning purposes.
- When you're dealing with conflict, stay on the current issue. don't bring up previous issues even if it's the same wrong doing. Leave the past in the past. Come up with a creative way together to work it out. Be polite and make sure you come to a resolution at the end.
- Signs of negative communication: *lecturing *nagging
- Don't control with guilt
- Don't label or put down
- Don't threaten
- Help them to think critically
- When praising be specific (instead of, good job or you're being a good girl, "I noticed that you walked across the room instead of running, thank you."
- Don't focus on appearance, but fine to compliment
-> You picked otu a nice outfit
-> I noticed that you combed your hair out nicely today
- Don't make child apologize, instead teach empahty
- Forcing kids to share doesn't teach sharing. Let kids have some things of their own and other things that are for everyone to use
- Don't minimize emotions, accept kids feelings and teach them correct ways to express their feelings
- Think about your words and be intent
- Lay the foundation of good behavior, remind (not nagging) of the rule - ex: what is our rule about feet on the couch? - then the next time give the consequence calmy, instead of nagging about it more.
*A couple of good ideas she gave me for the girls being able to get the gross motor movement they need when we can't get out of the house : Do some yoga. Put a hula hoop or jump rope in a circle and tell them that they can move their bodies, as long as they keep them in that space.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 15 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 15 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 6 days News posted by Laura at 5:57 PM | Comment
May 29th 2009
Making Boba
Yes, this is art. All cooking is a form of art as far as I am concerned. We have never cooked boba before, so this was a great learning experience for everyone. We bought the quick boba variety at the market yesterday as it was all they had. We were disappointed as we were looking for the regular variety. There was also a multi-colored quick variety, which the girls wanted, but I avoided due to the added dyes and processing. Although the package said 5 minutes, it was more like 20 minutes. Who knows, maybe a horrible Chinese translation. This translation on the package has me slightly concerned. "The starch used as protection on the surface is natural, please be at ease to enjoy it!" Yeah, it is asking me rather kindly to be at ease to enjoy it, with an exclamation mark of all things. The girls helped measure out the sugar and honey mixture that will sweeten the bobas as they rest. We only made a half cup of bobas, not knowing if we would like them or not, but they were a huge hit, so we will make a larger quantity next time. They are so much fun to chew on. I can see how people are addicted to these little guys.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 14 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 14 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 5 days Art posted by christopher at 4:50 PM | Comment
May 28th 2009
Tasting New Things
The girls are very open minded. They like to try new things. Today it was rainy out and we had to do some shopping. We decided to liven things up some by visiting our local Asian food store as we needed tamari and I wanted to look for boba (tapioca pearls). They carry tons of foreign items, mostly from Asia, but they have other products as well, like biscuits we had while in Brazil and such. We bought tons of new stuff to try. We picked up some exotic ramen noodles for $0.79 and a 3 pound bag of frozen vegetable dumplings for $8.99 that we had for lunch. We are trying some fancy 4 pounds of Japanese udon noodles for $4.99. Next time we will try the soba variety. We had intended on only purchasing our organic soy tamari sauce and look for some tapioca pearls to investigate bubble teas and milks. While they didn't have the bobas (tapioca pearls) that I wanted, they did have a small pack of the quick cook variety which I bought. We also picked up a ready made can of strawberry bubble milk to try. Everyone loved it. It reminded us of the soy drinks we drank while in Brazil. We also got this green tea with honey drink that has sprouting basil seeds in it. It looks really cool with these furry seeds floating around in it, we have yet to try that yet. We also picked up a bag of pineapple flavored aloe dessert, and some lychee flavored coconut cubes. Both look really yummy. We can't wait to try our rice seasoning as well. It is always a treat to visit this store, we always find new and exciting things to try and the girls love looking at the frozen octopus, dried fish, and exotic stuff we don't see anywhere else.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 13 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 13 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 4 days First Moments posted by christopher at 1:28 PM | Comment
May 27th 2009
Pulling Up and Cruising
Enzo just doesn't give us a break! He's pulling up on anything and everything, anything a little higher than himself so that he can at least stand on his legs, even if he has to be bent in half with his upper body folded forward. He's really quite proficient at pulling up, but doesn't always make the best choices as to what he's pulling up on (the rocking ottoman, stroller, canned goods, etc.) and he's still in the stage that he needs to have a spotter right there just in case. He's even begun cruising a little bit, which I just can't believe he's doing already. He is most steady doing this at the couch and can get himself right along it without falling. He just loves this new talent so much, he doesn't like to stay put in his exersaucer or the like for long and whines to get down and get into trouble crawl around.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 12 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 12 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 3 days Milestones posted by Laura at 3:45 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Enzo, you are too cute for words. Looks like you will be walking soon.
May 26th 2009
Nonna's Last Day
This morning Nonna joined us for our baby time group. She split her time between the kids room with Zoë and Abby and in with us in the baby group. She got to be here for a pretty cool group, as the guest speaker was a woman who is an occupational therapist and mom who is trying to patent a product she's come up with to help alleviate the symptoms of reflux in infants. Enzo was the first to answer the questionnaire (well, Chris and I answered it on his behalf) and try out the product.
After the group we went right down the road to Wing-Itz for lunch, where we shared a couple of subs and some wings. Then it was time to get home and drop Enzo and I off so that everyone else could go return Nonna's rental car. Pretty much right after they got back from this it was time to turn around and get right back in the car and take Nonna to the airport. Enzo and I hung out here napping (him) and cleaning (me) while the girls accompanied Chris for the car ride.
After the group we went right down the road to Wing-Itz for lunch, where we shared a couple of subs and some wings. Then it was time to get home and drop Enzo and I off so that everyone else could go return Nonna's rental car. Pretty much right after they got back from this it was time to turn around and get right back in the car and take Nonna to the airport. Enzo and I hung out here napping (him) and cleaning (me) while the girls accompanied Chris for the car ride.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 11 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 11 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 2 days News posted by Laura at 6:59 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
I had such a great visit. I really enjoyed my stay, playing games, playing cards and reading...what more could you ask for. Just so delightful to be both of you Abby and Zoe. I love you!! xxoo
Art of the push up
Lately we have been doing push ups. Something the YMCA front desk worker Tim was talking to us about peaked our interest. We used to do the routine at SimpleFit after the girls arrived and when we no longer attended yoga classes. It involved three body weight exercises, push ups, pull ups and squats. We are just starting to get back into the swing of things and are starting out with the push ups. Laura has the hardest time with these, as it seems her mid section isn't connected to her lower section. Realizing this weakness could be hereditary, I have begun to train Abby and Zoë on how to do the perfect push up and just today, they both have perfected it. Zoë and Abby are able to do a really great push up, and bang out ten of them in a row. We will continue with this for a while before working on the pull up. I am so proud of my girls while at the same time feeling somewhat like those doctors that worked on Steve Austin. "Gentlemen, we can rebuild [them]. We have the technology. We have the capability to build the world's first bionic twins. Abby and Zoë will be those twins. Better than they were before. Better, stronger, faster." Although 6 million dollars doesn't buy all the parts it used to back in the 70s to replace limbs with nuclear implants, we are not deterred.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 11 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 11 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 2 days Art posted by christopher at 5:59 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
You are too much Chris!!
May 25th 2009
Memorial Day at the Valley's
We headed over to visit the Valley's this Memorial Day afternoon. The weather was nice and the girls wanted to run around their backyard to burn off some energy. We had a quick dinner and a short walk around their neighborhood before returning home.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 10 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 10 days
Enzo @ 8 months, 1 day Holidays posted by christopher at 7:19 PM | Comment
May 24th 2009
Treats with Nonna
get ickrem aNd et wuz eyume i lovd et et wuz eyume nonna love zoe..the eNd
Translated: We got ice cream and it was yummy. I love it, it was yummy Nonna. Love Zoë... the end.
Translated: We got ice cream and it was yummy. I love it, it was yummy Nonna. Love Zoë... the end.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 9 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 9 days
Enzo @ 8 months News posted by Zoë at 5:22 PM | Comment
Matt and Caitlin Visit
uncle matt and ont katlin cmae over the24.and i loved et vare vare much.and i wus soe xsuted so much.
Translated: Uncle Matt and Aunt Caitlin came over today, the 24th, and I loved it very very much. I was so excited so much.
Translated: Uncle Matt and Aunt Caitlin came over today, the 24th, and I loved it very very much. I was so excited so much.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 9 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 9 days
Enzo @ 8 months News posted by Abby at 3:52 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Matt and Caitlin came bearing gifts! They brought us a jogging stroller they'd been given, which will be great even though I don't jog. I can barely make it over the Portsmouth sidewalks let alone the little trails around town with our currnt hand-me-down stroller. (Still appreciate it Leeann, it's been much better than having nothing!) The harness will also be priceless with our little wiggle worm! Thanks guys.
Eight Months Old
This one just crept up on me. You're eight months old already! You're crawling, pulling up on things, and just generally getting into anything that isn't yours. You are also so vocal and so bright. I can see you understanding a few things now. One such thing is when we say and sign "all done". You're even starting to do (your version of) the sign when you want to be all done, it's very exciting. I'm thinking that you may be starting to understand what it means when we say "ah ah" because as you start to crawl up to things you're not supposed to touch you'll say, "ah ah" in this little rough grumbly voice... it's quite cute.
Eating solids is still a slow moving thing for us, you're just quite happy with nursing. You've moved right along in textures and work your little mouth to "chew" things and have even had some cheerios here and there! While the textures have progressed quickly, the variety has moved slowly. You've had baby rice (though you didn't like that one no matter how much I offered) and oatmeal, banana, avocado, green beans, cheerios, and blueberries. You've even tried a piece of toast. You've yet to have any 'baby food' and we haven't bought any with no plans of serving it. However we did get a few free jars of beech nut the other week, which we figure may come in handy some time if we're traveling.
You're just so curious and such a cuddle bug and we're all loving it so much. Your sisters exclaim often of the new things you're learning every day. They delight in your joy over being around them, as we all do.
Eating solids is still a slow moving thing for us, you're just quite happy with nursing. You've moved right along in textures and work your little mouth to "chew" things and have even had some cheerios here and there! While the textures have progressed quickly, the variety has moved slowly. You've had baby rice (though you didn't like that one no matter how much I offered) and oatmeal, banana, avocado, green beans, cheerios, and blueberries. You've even tried a piece of toast. You've yet to have any 'baby food' and we haven't bought any with no plans of serving it. However we did get a few free jars of beech nut the other week, which we figure may come in handy some time if we're traveling.
You're just so curious and such a cuddle bug and we're all loving it so much. Your sisters exclaim often of the new things you're learning every day. They delight in your joy over being around them, as we all do.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 9 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 9 days
Enzo @ 8 months News posted by Laura at 6:24 AM | Comment
May 23rd 2009
First Honey Dew Donut
Nonna treated us to Honey Dew Donuts after our Lowe's Build and Grow Workshop. We had never had Honey Dew Donuts before so the girls were excited. Abby chose an apple turnover and Zoë a cinnamon bun, go figure. I chose a peach muffin as it was an advertised special, and got Laura a chocolate honey dipped. Nonna had a coffee roll. Needless to say, the girls didn't want to eat their chili lunch when we returned home.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 8 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 8 days
Enzo @ 7 months, 29 days First Moments posted by christopher at 10:55 AM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
yum, I love donuts.
the peach muffin sounds good.
enjoy your Nonna
Lowe's Build and Grow Workshop - Ready to Go Kit
Nonna accompanied us to Lowe's this morning for thie Ready to Go kit workshop. The girls were excited to show Nonna all their building skills. We even had their previous patches on their aprons this time, to show that they are veterans. But unfortunately there was only one builder there, and they were almost complete. The dad offered me some quick advice and I can say with confidence this time, we didn't make any mistakes. Nonna helped Abby and Zoë nail their box kits together. It was a quick build today, only 12 nails needed to be applied and one piece of cord knotted twice. The girls are becoming professional contractors who will be working on our home should our plans meet the historic districts approval.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 8 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 8 days
Enzo @ 7 months, 29 days Art posted by christopher at 10:40 AM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
That was a fun and interesting time. Had to watch out for the hammers and where you put your fingers and thumbs. All in all it was a fun time.
May 22nd 2009
Late Mother's Day dinner for Nonna
We took Nonna out tonight to a New England tradition since 1956, Bob's Clam Hut. We ate outside on the deck. We ordered some varieties of fried food, clam strips, calamari and cod. The girls ate up everything and left little else for us to each. At one point Abby asked, "Dad, what are these squiggley things?" I told her they were squid legs (tenticles), and she just said, "Oh, ok and kept comping them down." We thought about getting ice cream there, but Laura is the dairy Queen of this household so we stopped at DQ on the way home. The girls got their own small twist cones with sprinkles and loved them.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 7 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 7 days
Enzo @ 7 months, 28 days News posted by christopher at 6:03 PM | Comments ( 2 )
Comments:
That sounds like so much fun. I wish I could of nibbled on all that lovely seafood. I love the tenticles too. You both are awesome eaters!!! I see Enzo follows the same path!
What a wonderful Mother's Day treat for me..I loved my clams and your calamari!! Thanks for my dinner.
Hot Newcastle Meet-Up
It was a very hot sunny day today. Again some of the ladies from my families first group met up at Newcastle Commons. We were all dissapointed to find out that they were charging admission. The general rule there is that they charge from Memorial day to Labor day so we figured it would be our last free visit there.
In any case, Nonna came along and watched the girls on the playground then they went and walked down to the pier and checked out the water. After a bit the girls picked some buttercups in the shade. Enzo crawled around on the blanket and in the grass. He played with Ethan (and all of Ethan's toys) and checked out Will. He even made it over to Seth, but then just tried to steal Seth's toy away. A little after noon it was time to go, as we told Daddy we'd be home for lunch. The hour went quickly and the girls wanted to stay a little longer, but they were hungry and thirsty (after drinking all of my water) so they weren't too difficult to head towards the car.
In any case, Nonna came along and watched the girls on the playground then they went and walked down to the pier and checked out the water. After a bit the girls picked some buttercups in the shade. Enzo crawled around on the blanket and in the grass. He played with Ethan (and all of Ethan's toys) and checked out Will. He even made it over to Seth, but then just tried to steal Seth's toy away. A little after noon it was time to go, as we told Daddy we'd be home for lunch. The hour went quickly and the girls wanted to stay a little longer, but they were hungry and thirsty (after drinking all of my water) so they weren't too difficult to head towards the car.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 7 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 7 days
Enzo @ 7 months, 28 days News posted by Laura at 2:15 PM | Comment
Kitchen Sink Bath
Enzo was quite covered in blueberries this morning, which he had with his oatmeal. It was already quite warm outside and the kitchen was equally warm so I took off his diaper and plopped him into the sink. He had a great time and loved it when I used the sprayer on him.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 7 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 7 days
Enzo @ 7 months, 28 days News posted by Laura at 8:16 AM | Comment
May 21st 2009
Nonna Arrives
Zoë and Abby accompanied Daddy to the airport in Boston to pick Nonna up this morning. First they dropped Enzo and I off at the Community Campus for my Parent re-charge group and then headed down. From what Nonna told me, Zoë was a non-stop chatter box the whole way home.
My group was done at 11:00, but Chris wasn't going to be able to be back for me until 12:30 so I let Enzo play in the jumperoo in the kid's room for a little bit and then went to the cafeteria for some lunch. Enzo sat beside me in a high chair, for part of the time anyway. One of the chef's was playing peekaboo with him and he was loving that. After I was done eating I went to nurse Enzo and then we waited out in the warm sunshine for Daddy to get us. Once we got back to the house, Enzo was asleep and then Nonna and Daddy had to go pick up her rental so Nonna didn't get to hold Enzo until later on.
Zoë and Abby have all sorts of plans for Nonna, so there's sure not to be a dull moment. I think the girls may have even had Nonna read all of the books in the house already... and then they read them to her. We went to the before dinner swim at the Y so Nonna got to see the great swimming the girls are doing. She forgot to bring her suit out with her so she stayed out with Enzo, which mean Mommy actually got to get some good swimming in too. After the swim he drove over to Kim Lai for some dinner.
My group was done at 11:00, but Chris wasn't going to be able to be back for me until 12:30 so I let Enzo play in the jumperoo in the kid's room for a little bit and then went to the cafeteria for some lunch. Enzo sat beside me in a high chair, for part of the time anyway. One of the chef's was playing peekaboo with him and he was loving that. After I was done eating I went to nurse Enzo and then we waited out in the warm sunshine for Daddy to get us. Once we got back to the house, Enzo was asleep and then Nonna and Daddy had to go pick up her rental so Nonna didn't get to hold Enzo until later on.
Zoë and Abby have all sorts of plans for Nonna, so there's sure not to be a dull moment. I think the girls may have even had Nonna read all of the books in the house already... and then they read them to her. We went to the before dinner swim at the Y so Nonna got to see the great swimming the girls are doing. She forgot to bring her suit out with her so she stayed out with Enzo, which mean Mommy actually got to get some good swimming in too. After the swim he drove over to Kim Lai for some dinner.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 6 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 6 days
Enzo @ 7 months, 27 days News posted by Laura at 7:00 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
What a wonderful job you did swimming...I was very impressed with all your diving and swimming to the side of the pool.
Picking Up Nonna
I loved that nonna had a safe trip and we got there.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 6 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 6 days
Enzo @ 7 months, 27 days News posted by Abby at 11:49 AM | Comment
May 20th 2009
More diving board videos
The girls love to jump off the diving board. Mommy even jumped off once or twice. I held Enzo out of the pool and allowed the girls to have a long swim session with mommy.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 5 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 5 days
Enzo @ 7 months, 26 days Videos posted by christopher at 6:55 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
LOOK AT YOU TWO FISH!!! I was clapping and cheering for you, while i watched your fantastic jumps off the diving board. I am just so proud of you both! Excellent jobs. SInce I last saw you both, which was in July..you have come sooooooo far! way tooooo go! LOVE YOU!!
Enzo's first taste of blueberry (frozen)
I decided to give Enzo some blueberries with his oatmeal this morning. Unfortunately he wasn't in the mood the first two times I offered it, but finally at dinner time he was ready to eat. All we had on hand were frozen blueberries so I defrosted them and whirred them around a bit in the mill.
He was skeptical at first, and needed to explore it and feed it to himself but then he let me feed him everything left in his dish.
He was skeptical at first, and needed to explore it and feed it to himself but then he let me feed him everything left in his dish.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 5 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 5 days
Enzo @ 7 months, 26 days First Moments posted by Laura at 5:54 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
I love this blue boy picture!
May 19th 2009
Enzo's first mouth health check up
Today at baby time, the guest speaker was a dental hygenist. She explained about all the new mouth science and news for keeping a healthy cavity free mouth, like the fluoridated water and wiping or brushing baby teeth and gums to prevent decay. All of which we did with Abby and Zoë so it was more like a refresher. After the handouts and samples she asked if anyone was interested in her taking a peek inside their baby's mouths. At first there wasn't much interest, so I nudged Laura to have her look inside Enzo's mouth. Laura was hesitant as he has no teeth yet, but I said, this is why she is here, this is her job, make her feel useful. So Enzo got his mouth checked out. He was a very good patient. She commented on how happy of a baby he is. We were pleased, everything looks good, and Enzo got a new experience.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 4 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 4 days
Enzo @ 7 months, 25 days First Moments posted by christopher at 11:10 AM | Comment
May 18th 2009
Nicknames
Enzo has aquired a handful of nicknames. The first one that came about was "honey bear". I'm not sure what prompted me to call him that, but very early on I started calling him that and it stuck... with the girls and I anyway. Chris, instead, a while later began calling Enzo "fuzzy bear". The third one is all Chris' as well. It came about because Enzo is always so warm, even in the winter months he's just a little heater. "Fuzzy bear" turned into "fuzzy toaster", especially once Enzo began sleeping with us. So those are Enzo's three main nicknames as of right now. It'll be interesting to see what stays and which new ones will appear as he grows.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 3 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 3 days
Enzo @ 7 months, 24 days News posted by Laura at 1:50 PM | Comment
May 17th 2009
Diving and Underwater Recovery
I have been working with Abby and Zoë on the deep end side of the pool. We have been practicing diving. Getting our heads in the water before our bodies. So far we have been doing all jumping into the pool feet first. We try to make like a "pencil", arms at our sides, legs together and going straight in. Sometimes they like to jump in and do crazy stuff like cannon balls, but most of the time we are trying for a controlled landing. Zoë has the diving down. She can dive from kneeling and from standing without any help. She goes quite deep and far. Abby still flops somewhat without any assistance. She doesn't quite get the coordination to make it all happen correctly and usually flattens out and everything hits at once. So after our diving practice today from the side of the pool, we swam to the shallow end and the girls learned to recovery objects from the bottom of the pool. It is only 3 and a half feet deep, but it is still a challenge. Both girls are able to push off the side of the pool and swim down to recover objects, sometimes they can find and get two during the same dive. They will make great free divers. Zoë was showing interest diving off the board, but for now, that is feet first only. You should have seen the look Laura gave me when I let the girls go off the diving board when I wasn't in the water already. Sheesh! I said, "Calma Calma" in a Nonno voice and replied "don't worry, my fish know how to swim".
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 2 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 2 days
Enzo @ 7 months, 23 days First Moments posted by christopher at 3:45 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Wow! I am very impressed with the progress the girls are making. I also very proud of their learning skills. Keep going girls!!
May 16th 2009
Lunch from 1959 - Moe's Sandwiches
THE BIG DAY - MAY 16TH - I REMEMBER WHEN MOE'S ONLY COST....We will be tracking another "meat" day this month, we couldn't pass up the low cost sandwich. Moe's isn't exactly what we call a sub or hero, but rather just a regular sandwich when contrasted with the sandwich we made for our beach picnic yesterday. They were celebrating their 50th anniversary with a $0.45 sandwich with a $0.05 glass bottle 12 oz coke, totaling $0.50 per person, tax included. Our total lunch was $2.00. We spent $0.50 on parking as well. Everyone happily fed for $2.50. We stood in line at 11:20 am. It took about an hour to get to the counter. The girls were thrilled with their own sodas. While in line they got stickers and a tootsie roll pop.
All of our locations will be celebrating and you will too as we "roll back the prices to 1959". No we are not kidding. One day only, while supplies last, a whole Moe’s original sub for 45 cents. One per customer & you must be present to receive special pricing!
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 1 day
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 1 day
Enzo @ 7 months, 22 days News posted by christopher at 1:33 PM | Comment
Savings Goal Reached - Yard Sale Score
Yesterday I saw a sign that one of the elementary schools in the area was going to be having a fund raiser yard sale today so this morning Enzo and Abby joined me to go check it out. (I told the girls they were going to get some time away from each other today and Zoë had been waiting to do her typing time so she stayed at home)
Abby was a big help and great listener. I had Enzo in the pack with our car keys and my purse zipped into the little storage compartment and whenever I needed either of those things, she unzipped, got the item out, and zipped back up for me. We were excited when we first walked in and saw a corner of bikes! There were two that were the right sizes for the girls. A pink one with flowers had training wheels, the Ariel one did not but we'll get some at the store. We also found two helmets, both kind of plain - though one is batman - but it's what they had and they were only $1 each. I also got a 200 piece puzzle for the girls, a knife set with sharpener (the knives I knew would probably be nothing great but we've been wanting a sharpener), a dress shirt and a spring weight jacket for next year for the girls. I paid a total of $15. The bikes were $5 each, the helmets $1 each, knife set $2, the coat .50 cents, puzzle .50 cents, and the dress shirt was thrown in. Getting these things into the car was a bunch of fun. I had forgotten to take the stroller out of the trunk so I had to try a few different maneuvers before we got it all to fit. I ended up with the folded up stroller in the front passenger seat, the two bikes (and umbrella stroller - also left in the trunk) in the trunk, the other stuff on the floor in the back and Enzo's pack propped part on the floor part in the empty booster.
On the way home we passed another yard sale so I stopped and checked it out. As I was browsing I saw one of the people's neighbor come over with a little tent thing, asking if the lady wanted it. He said it was for a baby to go in at the beach or whatever so they could play out of the sun, yada yada. She said hers was too old so I piped up, "I have a baby!" And the guy ended up just giving it to me for free. Woo Hoo!
Later on, after swimming at the Y, I spotted our neighbor Barbara outside and she lent us a bike pump, as all of the tires on the bikes were quite flat, and we got the tires nice and full of air. Now we just need to get a set of training wheels and one more elbow/knee pads set. Between the two of them, the girls saved $40. Pooled together they spent $2 on the first knee/elbow pad set, $2 on helmets, and $10 on bikes. That leaves $26. We talked about how originally they thought they'd just be able to get the helmet/pads sets new at the store with their saved money but since we looked for used items at yard sales they were able to get their own safety gear and bikes. (It shouldn't be too much money to get the remaining two things needed - they may even have money left over for tassels. : D ) They're pretty excited that they put their money to such good use and were able to get it all 'on their own'.
Abby was a big help and great listener. I had Enzo in the pack with our car keys and my purse zipped into the little storage compartment and whenever I needed either of those things, she unzipped, got the item out, and zipped back up for me. We were excited when we first walked in and saw a corner of bikes! There were two that were the right sizes for the girls. A pink one with flowers had training wheels, the Ariel one did not but we'll get some at the store. We also found two helmets, both kind of plain - though one is batman - but it's what they had and they were only $1 each. I also got a 200 piece puzzle for the girls, a knife set with sharpener (the knives I knew would probably be nothing great but we've been wanting a sharpener), a dress shirt and a spring weight jacket for next year for the girls. I paid a total of $15. The bikes were $5 each, the helmets $1 each, knife set $2, the coat .50 cents, puzzle .50 cents, and the dress shirt was thrown in. Getting these things into the car was a bunch of fun. I had forgotten to take the stroller out of the trunk so I had to try a few different maneuvers before we got it all to fit. I ended up with the folded up stroller in the front passenger seat, the two bikes (and umbrella stroller - also left in the trunk) in the trunk, the other stuff on the floor in the back and Enzo's pack propped part on the floor part in the empty booster.
On the way home we passed another yard sale so I stopped and checked it out. As I was browsing I saw one of the people's neighbor come over with a little tent thing, asking if the lady wanted it. He said it was for a baby to go in at the beach or whatever so they could play out of the sun, yada yada. She said hers was too old so I piped up, "I have a baby!" And the guy ended up just giving it to me for free. Woo Hoo!
Later on, after swimming at the Y, I spotted our neighbor Barbara outside and she lent us a bike pump, as all of the tires on the bikes were quite flat, and we got the tires nice and full of air. Now we just need to get a set of training wheels and one more elbow/knee pads set. Between the two of them, the girls saved $40. Pooled together they spent $2 on the first knee/elbow pad set, $2 on helmets, and $10 on bikes. That leaves $26. We talked about how originally they thought they'd just be able to get the helmet/pads sets new at the store with their saved money but since we looked for used items at yard sales they were able to get their own safety gear and bikes. (It shouldn't be too much money to get the remaining two things needed - they may even have money left over for tassels. : D ) They're pretty excited that they put their money to such good use and were able to get it all 'on their own'.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 1 day
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 1 day
Enzo @ 7 months, 22 days News posted by Laura at 9:30 AM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
What good buys and looks like there will be a lot of bike riding.
Clapping
Enzo started clapping today. He did it for the first time while playing in his saucer this morning in the kitchen. He doesn't really associate it with the whole excitement and 'yay' sort of thing, but he enjoys doing the clapping... especially since it produces clapping and mimicking claps from the rest of us.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months, 1 day
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months, 1 day
Enzo @ 7 months, 22 days First Moments posted by Laura at 8:27 AM | Comment
May 15th 2009
Enzo's first beach picnic
We returned home at noon time from running errands to the Library and town hall and the weather was great. It was almost 80 F and a shame to eat inside. We packed up some drinks, the bean salad Laura prepared, some wraps and the last of the pretzels and headed to the beach. On the way, we were tempted with McDonalds, Burger King, Hap's Roast Beef and every other store in between. We pulled into McDonalds at the girls delight, but I managed to talk them out of it. I said, we should compromise and just pick up a few additional items at Walmart on the way. The $1 huge loaf of bread, a small amount of deli cheese and meats, and some dressing. Mommy prepared our "big" sandwich while I drove to our special beach spot. Like always it was almost completely deserted. It was maybe 70 F at the beach. The tide was out and the water was evaporating from the sand quickly, making beach cloud cover, or fog. It was cool, you could feel and see it. The girls kept running through it and had a great time. Enzo got to crawl and walk around in the sand. He loved it. He even found some sand that looked good enough to eat. It was funny watching him chew that mouthful and the later fotos with his sand covered lower lip. At one point Enzo was doing yoga and push-ups on the beach, thinking he was at Venice beach in California or something and needing to bulk up or show off. We spent about an hour enjoying the view and our lunch before packing up to return home. Laura got to check out an estate sale on the way back, while Enzo napped and dreamt about finding more sand to eat.
Abby @ 5 years, 5 months
Zoë @ 5 years, 5 months
Enzo @ 7 months, 21 days First Moments posted by christopher at 11:55 AM | Comment
May 14th 2009
Green Beans
Enzo has been enjoying green beans as his latest new food. He first had it just cut up small (A no salt added canned green bean) and the last couple of times has been put through the mill so that it's still chewable but a little smoother.
Abby @ 5 years, 4 months, 30 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 4 months, 30 days
Enzo @ 7 months, 20 days News posted by Laura at 5:56 PM | Comment
May 13th 2009
Walking Weather
Though those teasing summer temperatures are nowhere in sight lately, at least it is nice enough to be out and about. This morning, while our oatmeal cooled, the kids and I took a walk around the block. (Sounds like Goldilocks and the three bears) Enzo was already in the backpack so I got to try out a further trip using it... as opposed to just in the kitchen doing the dishes.
Later on Enzo and I went for a stroll again, this time he was in his stroller, into town. It was nice enough to have just a sweatshirt on, and walking I got warm enough that I took mine off and just had on long sleeves. On the way home however, I was concerned that we might get stuck in the rain, as there were a few drops sprinkling down. Luckily I must've out walked it or something, because we stayed dry.
Later on Enzo and I went for a stroll again, this time he was in his stroller, into town. It was nice enough to have just a sweatshirt on, and walking I got warm enough that I took mine off and just had on long sleeves. On the way home however, I was concerned that we might get stuck in the rain, as there were a few drops sprinkling down. Luckily I must've out walked it or something, because we stayed dry.
Abby @ 5 years, 4 months, 29 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 4 months, 29 days
Enzo @ 7 months, 19 days News posted by Laura at 1:47 PM | Comment
May 12th 2009
Little Eels
This evening in the pool Enzo worked on back floating and splashing again. He's still not really comfortable back floating, but I did let go with one hand and was supporting his head with only the other hand for a brief moment and he did alright. We'll keep working with it until he's more comfortable.
Zoë and Abby are improving leaps and bounds each time we go to the pool it seems. When Enzo and I got out of the pool (after about 20 minutes he's had enough) I asked one of the swim teacher/lifeguards what level she thought the girls would go into if they were to have lessons. At first she said a lower level class, but as we were speaking she watched each of the girls jump off of the diving board and swim all the way to the other end of the pool with Chris just swimming beside them, giving no assistance. Then she said, "Seeing this, they'd definitely be in the eels class. And probably only one session - 8 or 10 classes - of that and they'd be moving up."
Zoë and Abby are improving leaps and bounds each time we go to the pool it seems. When Enzo and I got out of the pool (after about 20 minutes he's had enough) I asked one of the swim teacher/lifeguards what level she thought the girls would go into if they were to have lessons. At first she said a lower level class, but as we were speaking she watched each of the girls jump off of the diving board and swim all the way to the other end of the pool with Chris just swimming beside them, giving no assistance. Then she said, "Seeing this, they'd definitely be in the eels class. And probably only one session - 8 or 10 classes - of that and they'd be moving up."
Abby @ 5 years, 4 months, 28 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 4 months, 28 days
Enzo @ 7 months, 18 days News posted by Laura at 7:51 PM | Comment
Across the Pool
I bak floated Across the hoL Lenghts uv the hol pool. and frunt swem the hol pool and i loved et vare much soso vare soso vare much.Corrected: I back floated across the whole length of the whole pool and front swam the whole pool and I loved it very much so so very so so very much.
Note: Abby did this post herself and instead of correcting her work inline, we will just translate it below.
Abby @ 5 years, 4 months, 28 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 4 months, 28 days
Enzo @ 7 months, 18 days First Moments posted by Abby at 2:48 PM | Comments ( 2 )
Comments:
Also important to know is that Abby has scored 7 words per minute with zero errors on her recent typing practice. She read the results herself, "100% accuracy". She says that in the cutest way.
That is awesome Abby... in all ways. xxoo
Cafeteria Lunch
Zoë and Abby were so excited this morning for Chris to come with us to the Families First group. We dropped the girls off in the kids room and went next door to the babytime group. Chris got to see how Enzo tools around and interacts with the other babies. He went back next door for a few minutes to watch the girls playing on the little attached outdoor playground and then came back to join Enzo and I once the girls sat down for snack.
Afterwards the girls were even more thrilled, because we got to eat at the cafeteria and order the cafeteria food for the first time. We had veggie wraps with steak fries. The veggie wraps were pretty thick with a healthy scoop of hummus and loads of veggies. Zoë and Abby are already talking about what they'll get next time we eat there.
Afterwards the girls were even more thrilled, because we got to eat at the cafeteria and order the cafeteria food for the first time. We had veggie wraps with steak fries. The veggie wraps were pretty thick with a healthy scoop of hummus and loads of veggies. Zoë and Abby are already talking about what they'll get next time we eat there.
Abby @ 5 years, 4 months, 28 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 4 months, 28 days
Enzo @ 7 months, 18 days News posted by Laura at 11:57 AM | Comment
May 11th 2009
Monopoly Cards
We have a monopoly cards game that the girls have been wanting to play for so long. It's a pretty complicated game to figure out, but this evening Chris finally let them give it a go. After a couple of rounds of UNO he had Zoë get the monopoly cards game. It is taking a little bit for them to actually get it, but especially Abby is picking up on it better than I thought they would. Of course they're now addicted and have their plans ready for next time.
Abby @ 5 years, 4 months, 28 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 4 months, 28 days
Enzo @ 7 months, 18 days News posted by Laura at 9:02 PM | Comment
May 10th 2009
Mother's Day 2009
Today was my first Mother's Day as a mom of three. Zoë and Abby were so excited to give me their many cards. They had the regular cards that they'd written in themselves, and all of the many home made pictures and things they had made.
The kids and I went to church, then after lunch at home we went to Cold Stone Creamery, where I got a free Mother's Day ice cream. Of course that was shared with the girls. We drove over to the Valley's where they had accumulated quite the gathering. Corey's brother, Steve and his fiance and her two girls were there, as well as Corey's mom, who brought her yummy home made sauce. Grampy also came and Uncle Tommy even showed up. Once we left there we turned in early with some card games and relaxing.
The kids and I went to church, then after lunch at home we went to Cold Stone Creamery, where I got a free Mother's Day ice cream. Of course that was shared with the girls. We drove over to the Valley's where they had accumulated quite the gathering. Corey's brother, Steve and his fiance and her two girls were there, as well as Corey's mom, who brought her yummy home made sauce. Grampy also came and Uncle Tommy even showed up. Once we left there we turned in early with some card games and relaxing.
Abby @ 5 years, 4 months, 26 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 4 months, 26 days
Enzo @ 7 months, 16 days News posted by Laura at 6:10 PM | Comment
Compliments to the Stylist
Everywhere we go lately the girls are getting many compliments on their haircuts. People are amazed when I say their Daddy did it. Just the other day in the locker room at the Y a woman asked where I got their hair cut and I said my husband did it. She asked if he was a stylist because that's how she wanted her hair. At church a couple of the ladies said they may just hire Chris to do theirs.
Abby @ 5 years, 4 months, 26 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 4 months, 26 days
Enzo @ 7 months, 16 days News posted by Laura at 7:59 AM | Comments ( 2 )
Comments:
Short, short haircuts are great for summertime girls! Good choice. You will like them a lot for swimming too. The hair will dry faster and be out of your face (or easier to get under your swim cap!). Nice work Chris - they look so cute!
Chris, maybe you missed your calling!!
May 9th 2009
Hey Mama
Enzo was crawling after me this afternoon, wanting me to pick him up. He was mumbling and saying "Mama" (though I don't think he associates the word with me yet, it just happens to come out when he's fussing... go figure) It sounded exactly like he was saying "Hey, Mama. Hey Mama!"
Abby @ 5 years, 4 months, 25 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 4 months, 25 days
Enzo @ 7 months, 15 days News posted by Laura at 3:58 PM | Comment
Lowe's Build and Grow Workshop - Planter
I took Abby and Zoë to their second workshop this morning. We were running late since mommy was out shopping. By the time we arrived, about 30 minutes late, most of the crowd was just finishing up. We got our kits and started building. Abby and Zoë were great. Hammering and assembling. It took us just slightly longer than 30 minutes. The girls had a great time and even got to pick out a plant afterwards.
Abby @ 5 years, 4 months, 25 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 4 months, 25 days
Enzo @ 7 months, 15 days Art posted by christopher at 11:13 AM | Comment
May 8th 2009
Unassisted Swimming
I went off the diving board and swam the whole way down to the wall at the shallow end of the pool, that was not deep. I did it and it was very fun. I did it 4 times, two times on my belly and two times on my back, because I did it one time with daddy and one time to show mommy. Both times because I wanted to very much and it was fun. Maybe next time I won't have to wear a bubble at all, now that I can swim the length of the pool without a bubble. And next time maybe the pool will be all to ourselves, and no one will be there. The end.
Abby @ 5 years, 4 months, 25 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 4 months, 25 days
Enzo @ 7 months, 15 days First Moments posted by Zoë at 8:15 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
How wonderful... so proud of you! Can't wait to watch you and Abby swim!!
May 7th 2009
Enzo Crawled!
And of course I didn't have the camera with me. It was this morning while I was at the parent re-charge group. I had him on the (carpeted) floor with his toys a little away from the table. The table had been covered with paper for our craft project and some was hanging off the side. He got himself onto his hands and knees and did actual hands and knees crawling all the way over to it! I was so excited I exclaimed, "He's crawling!" and got out of my seat to cheer him on. Then I promptly felt my face grow hot (and red I'm sure) because everyone else was oohing and aaahing too. After that he resorted mostly to belly crawling again, but here and there he'd do a pace or two on hands and knees.
Back at home I excitedly told Chris about it, who was bummed that he'd missed it. Not to worry though, Enzo did a repeat performance right before Daddy's eyes. Zoë was so excited upon seeing him that she came over and said to Abby, "Sissy look! Do you see him crawling?!"
Back at home I excitedly told Chris about it, who was bummed that he'd missed it. Not to worry though, Enzo did a repeat performance right before Daddy's eyes. Zoë was so excited upon seeing him that she came over and said to Abby, "Sissy look! Do you see him crawling?!"
Abby @ 5 years, 4 months, 23 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 4 months, 23 days
Enzo @ 7 months, 13 days Milestones posted by Laura at 2:50 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Way to go Enzo!! xxoo
May 6th 2009
Swimming Books
We got a few books on swimming at the library today, even one for lessons to do with Enzo. The book for Enzo is called "Water Baby!" by Lauren Heston. It's a 15 step process that they say should take nine months to complete, doing each step until it's mastered. Enzo has already done steps 1 and 2 though, so we moved on to step 3. Here is what the steps are:
Step 1 In the bath
Step 2 First Visit to the Pool
Step 3 Back floating and splashing
Step 4 Hold and Turn
Step 5 First underwater swim (!)
Step 6 Swim off the side
Step 7 Underwater swim unaided (!!)
Step 8 Learning to breathe
Step 9 Underwater turn
Step 10 Walk back and let go
Step 11 Belly flop into the water
Step 12 Drop in and turn back
Step 13 Belly flop and swim to side
Step 14 The first dive
Step 15 On the bottom of the pool
So, today while I had the kids in the pool (Chis sat out due to a foot injury) we did some lesson time according to where they're at in the books. First, while the girls played around I started out with some of the things from Step 2. He was really good at the 'reach' game, where I put a little toy froggy a little ways in front of him and helped him swim nearer to it (holding in either position 1 with my fingers across his chest and thumbs at the shoulder blades, me standing in front of him, or in position 2 with me standing in front of him with my thumbs over his shoulders, cupping his chest with my fingers) and sure enough when we got close he reached out his arms to get it. Whenever he reached I said the command "reach!" He's got that down very well! I used step 2 as a warm up and then did Step 3. I was nervous at first to only be holding his head and not any of the rest of his body, but I made sure to keep talking to him so that he'd look straight up and he did well, though he did need breaks of playing with the froggy. The instructions say that after a few weeks, when the baby begins to relax in this position to let go with one or both hands!
Zoë and Abby worked on learning how to tread water. I explained the movements for the hands and feet and helped them get into a straight up and down position. This time we did it with bubbles on. Partially because I was holding Enzo and partially because this was their first try. They picked up on it quickly though, so we'll be sure to try some bubble free treading next time.
Step 1 In the bath
Step 2 First Visit to the Pool
Step 3 Back floating and splashing
Step 4 Hold and Turn
Step 5 First underwater swim (!)
Step 6 Swim off the side
Step 7 Underwater swim unaided (!!)
Step 8 Learning to breathe
Step 9 Underwater turn
Step 10 Walk back and let go
Step 11 Belly flop into the water
Step 12 Drop in and turn back
Step 13 Belly flop and swim to side
Step 14 The first dive
Step 15 On the bottom of the pool
So, today while I had the kids in the pool (Chis sat out due to a foot injury) we did some lesson time according to where they're at in the books. First, while the girls played around I started out with some of the things from Step 2. He was really good at the 'reach' game, where I put a little toy froggy a little ways in front of him and helped him swim nearer to it (holding in either position 1 with my fingers across his chest and thumbs at the shoulder blades, me standing in front of him, or in position 2 with me standing in front of him with my thumbs over his shoulders, cupping his chest with my fingers) and sure enough when we got close he reached out his arms to get it. Whenever he reached I said the command "reach!" He's got that down very well! I used step 2 as a warm up and then did Step 3. I was nervous at first to only be holding his head and not any of the rest of his body, but I made sure to keep talking to him so that he'd look straight up and he did well, though he did need breaks of playing with the froggy. The instructions say that after a few weeks, when the baby begins to relax in this position to let go with one or both hands!
Zoë and Abby worked on learning how to tread water. I explained the movements for the hands and feet and helped them get into a straight up and down position. This time we did it with bubbles on. Partially because I was holding Enzo and partially because this was their first try. They picked up on it quickly though, so we'll be sure to try some bubble free treading next time.
Abby @ 5 years, 4 months, 22 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 4 months, 22 days
Enzo @ 7 months, 12 days Sports posted by Laura at 2:28 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
You are all doing a GREAT job swimming!!
May 5th 2009
Enzo Tries Broccoli
Today was an exciting food day for Enzo. He's tried broccoli already actually, yesterday a little and before pureéd but he didn't even really try the smoother stuff. This morning he also ate two dry cheerio's! He's on his way to those fun little finger foods. At lunch time I'd steamed broccoli and left a couple of small florets a little longer in the steamer for him. While we were enjoying our broccoli I put his on his tray to see what he would do. He picked it right up and started sucking on the 'tree' end. Once I saw he was interested enough in it, I broke it into a little smaller pieces and he did really well with 'chewing' it up.
Abby @ 5 years, 4 months, 21 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 4 months, 21 days
Enzo @ 7 months, 11 days News posted by Laura at 12:23 PM | Comment
May 4th 2009
Home Depot Trip
It turns out that just walking around Home Depot checking things out is not quite as exciting as building something there for a 5 year old. We went today and were looking at some different items, just checking stuff out. I guess we ended up spending a while there and the girls started getting antsy. They did quite like the doors and windows area, going on either side and making faces at each other. Oh, and the bathroom area, where they had to try out sitting on all of the display toilets.
Abby @ 5 years, 4 months, 20 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 4 months, 20 days
Enzo @ 7 months, 10 days News posted by Laura at 12:30 PM | Comment
May 3rd 2009
Sunday Dinner
We went to the Valley's this afternoon and stayed until bedtime. Enzo nursed and went to sleep shortly after getting there so I went outside to join in on a game of hide and seek. Reanna and Abby were a team and Zoë and myself were a team. Zoë and I had a good hiding spot that took Reanna and Abby three seeking turns to figure out. Reanna also gave the girls cart wheels practice outside. After some nice outdoor time we went in to settle down before dinner. Enzo even joined in on the dinner food, only he had it after everyone else had finished. I had made him oatmeal and once he was done he was still acting hungry so I picked up a little plain white rice left over on one of the girl's plates and he did so well with it! I put a few grains in and he chomped them and moved them side to side in his mouth. Once he'd had enough, he needed a little sip of milk to help wash the remnants down, but he did a great job.
The girls enjoyed some music room time as well as stories with Auntie. Enzo and Elijah enjoyed each other as usual. Even though Elijah was in a bit of a 'Only Mommy will do' mood, as soon as he saw his cousin he was all smiles... cute little toothy smiles. Enzo and I also had the privilege of trying Reanna and Corey (and Elijah's) Sherpani rumba backpack baby carrier. We'd been talking about hiking and I asked about their pack and Reanna said that she'd been wanting to try it out. Enzo was in a good mood so we tested it out with him. We got all the straps set and wore him around. Enzo enjoyed it, being higher than when he's in the snugli on my back, so he could look around. I was really surprised at how comfortable it was, way more so than the snugli and this was an external frame pack with daypack and everything. Reanna got to try it out too, as well as Elijah since Enzo was ready to get jammies on and go off to sleep. As we were getting ready to go, Elijah was getting ready for a bath. Our three all made this a spectator sport and enjoyed watching sit on his little bath mat while Corey bathed him. This time there weren't quite as many complaints for going home, probably because Reanna let Zoë and Abby bring home two of the books they'd been reading.
The girls enjoyed some music room time as well as stories with Auntie. Enzo and Elijah enjoyed each other as usual. Even though Elijah was in a bit of a 'Only Mommy will do' mood, as soon as he saw his cousin he was all smiles... cute little toothy smiles. Enzo and I also had the privilege of trying Reanna and Corey (and Elijah's) Sherpani rumba backpack baby carrier. We'd been talking about hiking and I asked about their pack and Reanna said that she'd been wanting to try it out. Enzo was in a good mood so we tested it out with him. We got all the straps set and wore him around. Enzo enjoyed it, being higher than when he's in the snugli on my back, so he could look around. I was really surprised at how comfortable it was, way more so than the snugli and this was an external frame pack with daypack and everything. Reanna got to try it out too, as well as Elijah since Enzo was ready to get jammies on and go off to sleep. As we were getting ready to go, Elijah was getting ready for a bath. Our three all made this a spectator sport and enjoyed watching sit on his little bath mat while Corey bathed him. This time there weren't quite as many complaints for going home, probably because Reanna let Zoë and Abby bring home two of the books they'd been reading.
Abby @ 5 years, 4 months, 20 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 4 months, 20 days
Enzo @ 7 months, 10 days News posted by Laura at 8:22 PM | Comment
May 2nd 2009
Shorter Than Abby's - Zoë's Short Hair Demands
I Love that I got my hair cut and daddy cut it and I love that he cut it. It was perfect. The end.
Abby @ 5 years, 4 months, 18 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 4 months, 18 days
Enzo @ 7 months, 8 days News posted by Zoë at 7:20 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
your hair is really short. it will be nice and easy to take care of for summer.
Budgeting for 2009
With 2008 Federal taxes behind us, it is time to focus on the June property tax bill. While our home valuation is probably higher than it should be, Laura doesn't want to dispute it, our tax rate is 16.98 per $1000 of assessed value. This works out to be $12.64 for each and every day of the year. For some reason this feels more like a burden this year than other years, now that we are conscious of where our money is going, it is hard to imagine paying someone $12.64 each and every day for a year for unseen services. We know that it goes to pay for the snow plowing and road maintenance, schools, police, fire department, etc... it is still a burden none the less. It is $384.46 a month, which is our second largest expense, after the mortgage. This burden is larger than each of these expense categories, groceries, utilities + phone + internet, and auto. Can you imagine, we pay less in a year for food than for our property tax. This just doesn't sit right for me. Oh yeah, this year's bill is $86.94 more than last year's.
Abby @ 5 years, 4 months, 18 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 4 months, 18 days
Enzo @ 7 months, 8 days News posted by christopher at 4:23 PM | Comment
Parenting Workshops and DISC Assessment
I went to part 2 of 3 of a parenting seminar held at church. We reviewed a bit of what was discussed last time, which is good as I was at the homeschooling workshop during the last one, and then discussed the DISC assment form, which assesses temperment. A good explanation of what this is can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DISC_assessment
Both Chris and I did seperate DISC assessments for both Abby and Zoë. I did them at the workshop and brought home two for him. We differed only slightly on Abby's assessment. Chris has Abby as an I (Influence - relating to social situations and communication - fast paced and people oriented), and I had her as a D (Dominance - relating to being fast-paced and task oriented), but just by one point. We both had Zoë as an I. There was definitely overlap into other areas.
We also talked some about the basic needs of children, and their love languages - how they best receive/perceive love. It was a good seminar with some new things to learn and some things to just be reminded of.
Both Chris and I did seperate DISC assessments for both Abby and Zoë. I did them at the workshop and brought home two for him. We differed only slightly on Abby's assessment. Chris has Abby as an I (Influence - relating to social situations and communication - fast paced and people oriented), and I had her as a D (Dominance - relating to being fast-paced and task oriented), but just by one point. We both had Zoë as an I. There was definitely overlap into other areas.
We also talked some about the basic needs of children, and their love languages - how they best receive/perceive love. It was a good seminar with some new things to learn and some things to just be reminded of.
Abby @ 5 years, 4 months, 18 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 4 months, 18 days
Enzo @ 7 months, 8 days News posted by Laura at 11:51 AM | Comment
Home Depot Kids Workshop Wheelbarrow Planter Build
I took Abby and Zoë to the Home Deport Kid's workshop this morning. Today we built wheelbarrow planters for mother's day. There weren't many people present for this workshop. Maybe the nice weather, mid 60s kept most away. The girls got right to it and I took a few photos. They enjoyed the project, mostly putting the stickers on at the end, made the project the best so far for them. We were in and done in record time, under an hour. The best of all is that I caught my one and only mistake early enough to correct it before it was too late. Zoë was happy that I didn't make any mistakes this time. Mommy went to a parenting workshop at her church and was surprised by the presents when we picked her up.
Abby @ 5 years, 4 months, 18 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 4 months, 18 days
Enzo @ 7 months, 8 days News posted by christopher at 10:36 AM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
nice wheelbarrows. what will you plant in them and where will you put them
May 1st 2009
Wrong Directions
On the way home from the Y this evening, Chris wondered out loud if the girls knew how to get us home. We decided to have Zoë try and give us the directions. At the first traffic light that we came to, when we should've gone straight, Zoë told us to go right. Chris took her directions and took a right to see where she would end up leading us. It turned out that she knew very well that this wasn't the way home as we soon figured out when, a little ways down the road she promptly told us to take another right... directly into the Dunkin' Donuts parking lot. Zoë and Abby were giggling away in the back seat when Chris dutifully pulled into the lot.
Abby @ 5 years, 4 months, 17 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 4 months, 17 days
Enzo @ 7 months, 7 days News posted by Laura at 7:45 PM | Comments ( 2 )
Comments:
so, did you get any donuts?
You girls fooled daddy, how funny is that!!
Daddy Cut My Hair
I love that I got my hair cut May first and I loved it. I was so proud of him [Chris] and excited. I thought he did an amazing hair cut.
Abby @ 5 years, 4 months, 17 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 4 months, 17 days
Enzo @ 7 months, 7 days News posted by Abby at 11:50 AM | Comment
Newcastle Meet Up
Some of the ladies from my babytime group were getting together at Newcastle commons, so we all went to meet up with them. Chris and the girls set right to work getting the kites to go up. It was a great day for it, quite windy but not too chilly. However, once Chris got the nemo kite flying great and passed it off for the girls to try, they already had their eyes zoned in on all of the play equiptment. Another day I guess.
Abby @ 5 years, 4 months, 17 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 4 months, 17 days
Enzo @ 7 months, 7 days News posted by Laura at 11:30 AM | Comment
Abby's Short Haircut
Yesterday I got my hair cut at the salon down the street from the Y while Chris and the girls swam. (A friend, who has the [short] hairstyle that I wanted recommended a stylist there). Today apparently Abby told Chris that she wanted her hair cut too. He didn't however probe her quite as much as I would have and just said, "Okay" and hopped her into the tub and cut a LOT off. There were times that I was cringing watching, or covering my eyes, but it turned out very cute. I have to say though, I was surprised that Chris cut it that short. It was at Abby's request, but I was surprised nonetheless. Abby's happy with it, especially since it's off her neck, which bothers her. Zoë however is not following suit and is happy to once again have the longest hair.
Abby @ 5 years, 4 months, 17 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 4 months, 17 days
Enzo @ 7 months, 7 days News posted by Laura at 10:51 AM | Comment
