March 31st 2010
Wednesday Group
The rain had stopped long enough for some of the older kids to be outside at Greenleaf today, but it was still a bit more rowdy than the past couple of times we've gone. Enzo thought it was great and wanted to run all over the building after any older kid group who was running around. He did take some time in the gym to play a game of roll the ball with Zeland, who just turned two at the beginning of the month. It was so funny because he'd get distracted by a group of girls (his sisters included) running back and forth across the gym playing some sort of tag game, and he'd get up and run after them and then Zeland would get up and run after him and get him to come back and play the game with her.
Zoë did have one incident, where she was intimidated by the way some boys were playing. She ran to me and was crying but when I asked her what was wrong she said, "Nothing". - obviously that wasn't true - After asking a few questions she let me know that some boys with toy guns and bow&arrows, who I think Iris had been running around after (she has two older brothers, she's used to rowdy boy play), had been in the gym where the girls were playing and one was 'trying to hit her with his bow and arrow'. I explained that he probably thought she was playing, as Iris had been, and was just pretending to shoot the arrow at her and if she'd used her strong girl voice and told him to stop, he probably would've just walked away. Nonetheless this frightened her so I told her she did the right thing by coming to get me. I was saddened however that at first she thought she couldn't tell me what was wrong. Later on we talked again and I reiterated the fact that no matter what her problem, even if she thinks I'll be upset, she can always come to me for help.
Zoë did have one incident, where she was intimidated by the way some boys were playing. She ran to me and was crying but when I asked her what was wrong she said, "Nothing". - obviously that wasn't true - After asking a few questions she let me know that some boys with toy guns and bow&arrows, who I think Iris had been running around after (she has two older brothers, she's used to rowdy boy play), had been in the gym where the girls were playing and one was 'trying to hit her with his bow and arrow'. I explained that he probably thought she was playing, as Iris had been, and was just pretending to shoot the arrow at her and if she'd used her strong girl voice and told him to stop, he probably would've just walked away. Nonetheless this frightened her so I told her she did the right thing by coming to get me. I was saddened however that at first she thought she couldn't tell me what was wrong. Later on we talked again and I reiterated the fact that no matter what her problem, even if she thinks I'll be upset, she can always come to me for help.
Abby @ 6 years, 3 months, 16 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 3 months, 16 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 6 months, 7 days
News posted by Laura at 5:00 PM | 
Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Abby and Zoe you should never be afraid to tell mommy and daddy anything.......you can call Nonna too. Mommy and daddy will always listen and help you both with anything!!
March 30th 2010
Tooth Self Extraction
Abby keeps telling me how loose her second loose tooth is and today was complaining a lot about it hurting when she ate. She has been going back and forth between Chris and I asking us to yank it out. Finally I told her to go look in the mirror and just do it herself. She was hesitant and came back to me a few times, but then after giving it a couple of twists, out it came!
She was so excited to have gotten her tooth out on her own. She asked me to clean it off and polish it up nicely so that she could maybe get a little extra money out of the tooth fairy.
She was so excited to have gotten her tooth out on her own. She asked me to clean it off and polish it up nicely so that she could maybe get a little extra money out of the tooth fairy.
Abby @ 6 years, 3 months, 15 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 3 months, 15 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 6 months, 6 days First Moments posted by Laura at 4:59 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Wow!
I missed the tooth extraction. Did you get anything from the tooth fairy?
March 29th 2010
Departure Distractions
Grandma Cindy came over a little before lunch time to spend some time with the kids before she had to leave for the airport. I had to put Enzo down for his nap shortly after she arrived, but Zoë and Abby were happy to have Grandma to themselves to play Creatures and Features as well as to help brush Buddy. When it was time for Grandma Cindy to leave, both girls kept coming back to give her more hugs, and Enzo woke up in time to say good-bye as well.
Abby was pretty upset once Grandma was gone (Zoë was sad too obviously, Abby just had a harder time this time) so we finished up the game of yahtzee they'd been playing and then the girls helped Chris make some popcorn and they put on a movie. I made them some hot cocoa with special bunny marshmallows that Nonna sent, for them to enjoy after the movie. Once that was over Daddy got Enzo in the car to take a little drive just the two of them, trying to break Enzo of his cryfest routine every time I leave even for a moment. After he went around the area he came back and picked us up to take the girls to get fish sandwiches at the McD's in Maine. As we were sitting eating, we were checking out which stores were in the outlet plaza we were in and decided to browse them when we were done.
We first stopped at the Nike factory store to see if they had any good deals on athletic shoes for Chris. We left there empty handed and browsed around the Children's Place outlet, which had some good deals. We got Enzo a few pair of socks and a cute hat from the .99cent bin, and the girls each got a pair of tan courdory pants for $2.99 each. We had a bathroom break and checked out one more store for shoes, then decided to call it a night.
Abby was pretty upset once Grandma was gone (Zoë was sad too obviously, Abby just had a harder time this time) so we finished up the game of yahtzee they'd been playing and then the girls helped Chris make some popcorn and they put on a movie. I made them some hot cocoa with special bunny marshmallows that Nonna sent, for them to enjoy after the movie. Once that was over Daddy got Enzo in the car to take a little drive just the two of them, trying to break Enzo of his cryfest routine every time I leave even for a moment. After he went around the area he came back and picked us up to take the girls to get fish sandwiches at the McD's in Maine. As we were sitting eating, we were checking out which stores were in the outlet plaza we were in and decided to browse them when we were done.
We first stopped at the Nike factory store to see if they had any good deals on athletic shoes for Chris. We left there empty handed and browsed around the Children's Place outlet, which had some good deals. We got Enzo a few pair of socks and a cute hat from the .99cent bin, and the girls each got a pair of tan courdory pants for $2.99 each. We had a bathroom break and checked out one more store for shoes, then decided to call it a night.
Abby @ 6 years, 3 months, 14 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 3 months, 14 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 6 months, 5 days News posted by Laura at 6:57 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
It was hard for me to leave. I was very sad.
It is nice that you got to go shopping and get something to eat.
Your Papa Norm used to take your mommy shopping whenever I would go out of town. After awhile, I think she looked forward to the shopping trips
March 28th 2010
Potluck for Grampy
We headed over to the Valley's this afternoon, lasagna in hand, for a potluck in honor of Grampy's 71st birthday. 'Long lost' friends of the family, Betty and Tina were there and did lots of catching up, Uncle Tommy and Liz were there, as well as Susie, her boyfriend, and Shannon. And of course Grandma Cindy and the Valley's were there. Patrick also showed up a little later.
The girls got to taste some spanakopita (Greek spinach pie), tortellini salad, vegetable slaw, pizza, and for dessert Susie's strawberry cheesecake. Enzo ate so much of the lasagna, and wore the sauce quite nicely. After the meal, Chris took Enzo outside and of course Zoë and Abby followed. Then Corey went out with Elijah and Liz went out to play tag with Chris and the girls.
After making everyone come in (it was fairly chilly) we looked at the pictures from the Valley's trip to Hawaii, and chatted a while before it was time to get the kids home for bed.
The girls got to taste some spanakopita (Greek spinach pie), tortellini salad, vegetable slaw, pizza, and for dessert Susie's strawberry cheesecake. Enzo ate so much of the lasagna, and wore the sauce quite nicely. After the meal, Chris took Enzo outside and of course Zoë and Abby followed. Then Corey went out with Elijah and Liz went out to play tag with Chris and the girls.
After making everyone come in (it was fairly chilly) we looked at the pictures from the Valley's trip to Hawaii, and chatted a while before it was time to get the kids home for bed.
Abby @ 6 years, 3 months, 13 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 3 months, 13 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 6 months, 4 days Special Occasions posted by Laura at 7:59 PM | Comments ( 2 )
Comments:
Afun filled day and a birthday I am sure Grappy enjoyed surrounded by his family.
Too bad there are no pictures. We had fun playing tag in the back yard. Buddy decided to join in the game.
March 27th 2010
Lowe's Build - Kaleidoscope
The girls were excited about the build for today, especially since they knew that Grandma Cindy was going to meet us at Lowe's. Enzo was fairly fussy about being in a cart, but we managed to keep him occupied long enough to get through the build. The box with the mirrors inside got all put together correctly, no mistakes to undo this time!
Afterward we did our traditional stroll through Target and then had some lunch with Grandma Cindy before getting Enzo home for a nap.
Afterward we did our traditional stroll through Target and then had some lunch with Grandma Cindy before getting Enzo home for a nap.
Abby @ 6 years, 3 months, 12 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 3 months, 12 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 6 months, 3 days Art posted by Laura at 2:59 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
What a fun project!!
March 26th 2010
Impromptu Dinner for Grampy
While we were at the Valley's, Grandma Cindy talked to Uncle Tommy, who said that he was going out for dinner with Grampy, since it's his birthday today. He said that the rest of us were welcome to join, so we did. We met up at Paddy's American Grille, in Portsmouth. Zoë and Abby got mini bite burgers, which they ended up not wanting to eat, instead opting to share my veggie panini and Chris' Mediterranean wrap.
Uncle Tommy asked the waitress to bring out a brownie sundae with a candle once dinner was over and we all sang Happy Birthday to Grampy. He was nice enough to offer bites of his dessert, which Zoë and Abby graciously accepted.
Uncle Tommy asked the waitress to bring out a brownie sundae with a candle once dinner was over and we all sang Happy Birthday to Grampy. He was nice enough to offer bites of his dessert, which Zoë and Abby graciously accepted.
Abby @ 6 years, 3 months, 11 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 3 months, 11 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 6 months, 2 days News posted by Laura at 7:54 PM | Comment
Children's Museum of New Hampshire
We haven't been to the Children's museum since they moved to Dover, but today we got to check it out. I got a pass from the library that covered myself and my three kiddos and we went with Reanna and Elijah, Alicia and Aurora, plus Shay who she babysits, and Grandma Cindy joined us as well.
I've heard mixed reviews from friends who have been, some saying the new building is great, others saying it's the same stuff as the old place, just in a more open space. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. Yes, there are things they brought over from the previous building, some exhibits they improved upon, and the spacious layout makes all the difference. Zoë and Abby LOVED weaving on the loom, I think this was their favorite thing. They read the directions and followed along step by step, and then just kept on going.
We took a break around 11:00 to have a snack in the snack room and then checked out some more exhibits. I finally had to pull the kids away as Enzo was melting down, much in need of a nap. Me and mine headed back to Reanna's, where there was already a playpen set up for Enzo to nap in. Unfortunately it took Enzo at least 30 minutes to get to sleep, he was fighting it so hard. We left around 4:00 to come home and re-stock the diaper bag and pick Daddy up for dinner.
I've heard mixed reviews from friends who have been, some saying the new building is great, others saying it's the same stuff as the old place, just in a more open space. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. Yes, there are things they brought over from the previous building, some exhibits they improved upon, and the spacious layout makes all the difference. Zoë and Abby LOVED weaving on the loom, I think this was their favorite thing. They read the directions and followed along step by step, and then just kept on going.
We took a break around 11:00 to have a snack in the snack room and then checked out some more exhibits. I finally had to pull the kids away as Enzo was melting down, much in need of a nap. Me and mine headed back to Reanna's, where there was already a playpen set up for Enzo to nap in. Unfortunately it took Enzo at least 30 minutes to get to sleep, he was fighting it so hard. We left around 4:00 to come home and re-stock the diaper bag and pick Daddy up for dinner.
Abby @ 6 years, 3 months, 11 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 3 months, 11 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 6 months, 2 days News posted by Laura at 4:30 PM | Comment
March 25th 2010
Seabrook Science Center and Nature Walk
We met up with some others from our homeschooling group at the Seabrook Science Center today. Grandma Cindy and Buddy joined us. After a little introduction about the nuclear power plant, we then headed out for the walk. It was a 3/4 mile loop, about half of it being boardwalk. Since the other half was a bit muddy, what with the rain the past couple of days, my mom and I decided to just head back the way we came on the boardwalk (muddy stroller tires and muddy buddy feet didn't appeal to us), while Chris took the girls with most of the rest of the group along the remainder of the trail. We met back out front for a picnic lunch and then went back into the Science Center to do a self guided tour of the first floor of the building.
Abby @ 6 years, 3 months, 10 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 3 months, 10 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 6 months, 1 day News posted by Laura at 2:38 PM | Comments ( 2 )
Comments:
THis was a very nice outing. You got to see alot of different things.
This was a lot of fun. The soup that Laura made was very tasty, but hard to drink out of the little hole in the cup.
March 24th 2010
Dry Diapers
Enzo really amazed us today. Starting right when he got out of bed, he's been peeing on the potty and keeping his diapers dry. He even did his poop on the potty again today. He was wet after nap, which I expected, but he had more dry diapers than wet over the course of the day. Besides meeting Grandma Cindy and Auntie Reanna for lunch, we were inside at home so I think that helped. I was surprised that he was dry when we got home from lunch and then he peed on the toilet.
Abby @ 6 years, 3 months, 9 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 3 months, 9 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 6 months Milestones posted by Laura at 7:04 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Yipee!! Great Job Enzo!!
March 23rd 2010
Teeth!
All three kids are teething at once in our house. Zoë and Abby are both getting their six year molars. So far the only one we can see popping through on both girls is their bottom right. So, Zoë has two primary (baby) teeth out and two permanent (adult) teeth starting to come through in their place, plus a molar on its way. Once her three new teeth are completely in, she'll have 21 teeth - 18 primary and 3 permanent. Abby has lost one primary tooth and it's permanent tooth is already all the way up in its place plus a molar on its way so she will also have 21 teeth - 19 primary and 2 permanent.
Enzo is finally getting some more teeth. It's been about four months since any new ones have popped up. I noticed that he's getting his first set of molars on the top, both right and left (premolars). He's a bit late on this, but that's alright with me. They're causing him a lot of discomfort and extra sinus trouble, what with being the top molars. I thought that he might never get any more bottom teeth (he still just has two), but I noticed just after seeing the molars that Enzo is getting another bottom tooth, his left lateral incisor. Once these three are all through, he'll have nine teeth.
Enzo is finally getting some more teeth. It's been about four months since any new ones have popped up. I noticed that he's getting his first set of molars on the top, both right and left (premolars). He's a bit late on this, but that's alright with me. They're causing him a lot of discomfort and extra sinus trouble, what with being the top molars. I thought that he might never get any more bottom teeth (he still just has two), but I noticed just after seeing the molars that Enzo is getting another bottom tooth, his left lateral incisor. Once these three are all through, he'll have nine teeth.
Abby @ 6 years, 3 months, 8 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 3 months, 8 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 5 months, 29 days Baby Teeth posted by Laura at 2:12 PM | Comment
March 22nd 2010
Big Potty Pooping
Enzo has been doing a lot of potty usage in the past couple of days. Yesterday morning I sat Enzo on the 'big toilet' in the bathroom first thing after he woke up. Not only did he do lots of tinkles, he also went lots of poo. He sat long enough to keep going more... and more, which was good because it had been a couple of days and that is very unlike him.
Then today he went poop and pee on his little potty, downstairs! What makes this even more exciting is that he told me that he had to poop before doing anything in his diaper. He tried the potty lots and lots today and successfully peed two more times in it. Still not getting my hopes up that we'll be out buying cute little boy undies anytime too soon, but we're definitely excited for the progress Enzo's making so far.
Then today he went poop and pee on his little potty, downstairs! What makes this even more exciting is that he told me that he had to poop before doing anything in his diaper. He tried the potty lots and lots today and successfully peed two more times in it. Still not getting my hopes up that we'll be out buying cute little boy undies anytime too soon, but we're definitely excited for the progress Enzo's making so far.
Abby @ 6 years, 3 months, 7 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 3 months, 7 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 5 months, 28 days Milestones posted by Laura at 6:00 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Good Job Enzo!! I am so proud of you...lets hope you keep this up!!
March 21st 2010
Grampy Time
Grampy decided that he would like to meet us in Newington to try out the church we visited last Sunday - Next Level Church (NLC) -, so the girls were super excited that they were going to get to check out this church again and spend extra time with Grampy. About half an hour before we needed to leave the house, Chris asked Enzo if he wanted to see Grampy. You can probably guess what I heard non-stop for the next 30 minutes. Yup, Enzo crazily asking for Grampy, for his coat, for his shoes, to go bye-bye, etc. etc. Finally it was time to go and Enzo was so happy when we got out of the car and he got to get picked up by Grampy.
After a potty stop for the girls and hanging around for a little bit, we took the girls to their class and then waited for the adult service to begin. Enzo lasted for maybe one song and then was upset and wanted to go nurse. After nursing we tried going back in, and he wanted Grampy to hold him, but Enzo and I ended up going right back out and spending the rest of the time in the nursery. After the service we met Grampy and then picked the girls up and chatted with Jen and her boys a little bit. The kids even got to see the Easter bunny (though the girls weren't fooled for a second, they were still excited to give hugs and high fives). Enzo wanted to see the bunny, but didn't want to at the same time. I think the closest he ended up getting was about five feet away.
We headed back home, Enzo fell asleep in the car besides great effort from Zoë and Abby to keep him awake. He was just so tired, our ride is only about 10 minutes but he just couldn't make it. He ended up sleeping for about an hour in the car at home, but since he usually sleeps 11/2 to 2 hours, this wasn't all that great. We had some carrot ginger soup and rice along with our vegetable slaw for lunch and later the Valley's arrived. Reanna went with Enzo and I to drop some of Zoë and Abby's outgrown clothes off for a friend and then we stopped at the Children's Orchard, where I found a pair of rain boots for each of the girls and a sun hat for Enzo. After we got home Enzo had some time topummel love on Elijah before all of our company left. We decided that we'd go and eat dinner at Fridays, as the kids had each been sent a free dessert coupon for there, from the kids minister at NLC along with a nice little note.
After a potty stop for the girls and hanging around for a little bit, we took the girls to their class and then waited for the adult service to begin. Enzo lasted for maybe one song and then was upset and wanted to go nurse. After nursing we tried going back in, and he wanted Grampy to hold him, but Enzo and I ended up going right back out and spending the rest of the time in the nursery. After the service we met Grampy and then picked the girls up and chatted with Jen and her boys a little bit. The kids even got to see the Easter bunny (though the girls weren't fooled for a second, they were still excited to give hugs and high fives). Enzo wanted to see the bunny, but didn't want to at the same time. I think the closest he ended up getting was about five feet away.
We headed back home, Enzo fell asleep in the car besides great effort from Zoë and Abby to keep him awake. He was just so tired, our ride is only about 10 minutes but he just couldn't make it. He ended up sleeping for about an hour in the car at home, but since he usually sleeps 11/2 to 2 hours, this wasn't all that great. We had some carrot ginger soup and rice along with our vegetable slaw for lunch and later the Valley's arrived. Reanna went with Enzo and I to drop some of Zoë and Abby's outgrown clothes off for a friend and then we stopped at the Children's Orchard, where I found a pair of rain boots for each of the girls and a sun hat for Enzo. After we got home Enzo had some time to
Abby @ 6 years, 3 months, 6 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 3 months, 6 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 5 months, 27 days News posted by Laura at 5:07 PM | Comment
March 20th 2010
York Beach Playground... Again
It was a gorgeous mid 70 degree day today, so again we decided to get out and enjoy it. This morning the girls had a little school stuff to make up as we were out all day yesterday and they didn't do their spelling quiz for the week. We saw that at not even 10am it was about 60 degrees so we got finished up with the obligitory things and set right to making lunch. Even as we packed in the car we hadn't decided where we were going to go. We ended up first at long sands beach. Enzo had fallen asleep on the drive so I sat in the car and had my sandwich while Chris and the girls had theirs out on the rocks and while walking around on the sand a little. Since Enzo was still asleep, Chris decided that we'd just drive down to Short sands playground area. The playground was pretty full so we walked along the beach walk and through the gazebo to the grass and down on the beach a little before finally heading over the playground. On the way home we all ate our pickles and shared the mandarin oranges and pretzels that were also packed for lunch.
Abby @ 6 years, 3 months, 5 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 3 months, 5 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 5 months, 26 days News posted by Laura at 5:26 PM | Comment
March 19th 2010
Newcastle Commons
We drove over to Newcastle Commons again today to enjoy the sun. We ended up leaving close to 3pm so it wasn't long after arriving that the playground started getting pretty full, what with kids getting out of school. Zoë and Abby made friends with a girl, whom they met when Daddy had to fish the girls' sandal out of the water, which she'd dropped out on the pier.
We saw a very large orange ship being pulled out to sea by the tugboats. Enzo kept pointing, wanting to walk across the grass to get a closer look, and he was doing the funniest sign. We finally figured out what he was doing, and meaning, and walked closer to the water. He was doing his arms similarly to how he does them for "Row, row, row your boat", which makes sense, but it was just so funny.
We saw a very large orange ship being pulled out to sea by the tugboats. Enzo kept pointing, wanting to walk across the grass to get a closer look, and he was doing the funniest sign. We finally figured out what he was doing, and meaning, and walked closer to the water. He was doing his arms similarly to how he does them for "Row, row, row your boat", which makes sense, but it was just so funny.
Abby @ 6 years, 3 months, 4 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 3 months, 4 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 5 months, 25 days News posted by Laura at 4:36 PM | Comment
Car Cleaning
I put Enzo in the ergo and had the girls come outside to help me get the car cleaned out so that I could vacuum it. Zoë and Abby didn't mind getting out on the porch to spend some time in the sun. Zoë cleared the stuff off of the floor on the rear driver side and Abby did the other side. We also got the floor mats set out on the porch, as the ones on the drivers side of the car were soggy. We got their seats out of the car and cleaned off too. Zoë wanted to try her seat without the back on it, so we checked it out, but it won't work like this in our car, with Enzo's seat in the middle anyhow, or with her current height.
Abby @ 6 years, 3 months, 4 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 3 months, 4 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 5 months, 25 days News posted by Laura at 9:36 AM | Comment
March 18th 2010
Beach Playground
We went to Short Sands Beach in York today and had a picnic on the sidewalk and then let the kids play on the playground for a while. It was windier here than at home, which meant that warm sunny weather we were enjoying was lessened a bit, but at least it was nice enough to spend some time watching the waves. Plus, the kids were so busy running around and playing that they stayed warm anyhow.
Abby @ 6 years, 3 months, 3 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 3 months, 3 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 5 months, 24 days News posted by Laura at 9:35 AM | Comment
March 17th 2010
St. Patrick's Day 2010
We had a gorgeously sunny day today in the mid 60's, and we took advantage of it. We started the morning with some green Irish oats for breakfast. Zoë and Abby watched me put the food coloring in and were so confused as to what the heck I was doing to the oatmeal. I guess they don't remember the food coloring from last year's egg dyeing. They were skeptical about taking their first bite, but then decided it was yummy as usual and ate up. Enzo didn't even flinch and gobbled it up, Chris on the other hand wouldn't touch it.
Before lunch we walked to the park and kicked various balls around. There was a 2.5 year old little girl there with her Dad and she joined in on running around like Zoë and Abby. Everyone had lots of fun running around in the sun before heading home for lunch. Enzo did even wait up for lunch, he just wanted to to nurse and take a nap. During Enzo's nap, Zoë and Abby did spelling word sentences and math work, then in the afternoon we drove to Newcastle Commons.
We were prepared for it to be a bit chilly there, as even in the summer the wind there tends to make things a good 10 degrees colder. This wasn't the case however, and even the breeze was warm. Enzo climbed all over the smaller structure and did the slides (pretty much) all by himself, while Zoë and Abby played on the bigger structure. After a while on the playground, we ran through the grass, the girls climbed the big rock, we walked out onto the rocks at the ocean's edge and wandered to see the view on the pier. We walked back to the playground after this and played for a little bit longer before packing the kids into the car. Though it was now 6:00 p.m. and we hadn't eaten dinner yet, we weren't quite done with the lovely day, so we drove to a nearby grocery store and got a panini and large greek salad to enjoy at the arboretum down the road.
Before lunch we walked to the park and kicked various balls around. There was a 2.5 year old little girl there with her Dad and she joined in on running around like Zoë and Abby. Everyone had lots of fun running around in the sun before heading home for lunch. Enzo did even wait up for lunch, he just wanted to to nurse and take a nap. During Enzo's nap, Zoë and Abby did spelling word sentences and math work, then in the afternoon we drove to Newcastle Commons.
We were prepared for it to be a bit chilly there, as even in the summer the wind there tends to make things a good 10 degrees colder. This wasn't the case however, and even the breeze was warm. Enzo climbed all over the smaller structure and did the slides (pretty much) all by himself, while Zoë and Abby played on the bigger structure. After a while on the playground, we ran through the grass, the girls climbed the big rock, we walked out onto the rocks at the ocean's edge and wandered to see the view on the pier. We walked back to the playground after this and played for a little bit longer before packing the kids into the car. Though it was now 6:00 p.m. and we hadn't eaten dinner yet, we weren't quite done with the lovely day, so we drove to a nearby grocery store and got a panini and large greek salad to enjoy at the arboretum down the road.
Abby @ 6 years, 3 months, 3 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 3 months, 3 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 5 months, 24 days Holidays posted by Laura at 8:54 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
What a glorious way to spend St. Patricks Day!!
March 15th 2010
Let me Out!
We're all feeling pretty done with the rain (and the accumulation of buckets collecting it in the kitchen) and wind, but Enzo is really itching to get out of the house. He has been begging us to put his shoes on, goes and gets a coat to put on, points to the door, anything to get himself outside. The shoes are the relentless question. He signs and asks for them, he constantly is going to sit on the bottom step to try and put them on himself.
Luckily going up to the top floor to spend some time, got his mind off of it for a while. Once Zoë and Abby were done with their school work, the played games with him and even helped to clean up the huge mess he made.
Luckily going up to the top floor to spend some time, got his mind off of it for a while. Once Zoë and Abby were done with their school work, the played games with him and even helped to clean up the huge mess he made.
Abby @ 6 years, 3 months
Zoë @ 6 years, 3 months
Enzo @ 1 year, 5 months, 21 days News posted by Laura at 2:49 PM | Comment
March 14th 2010
Trying Something New
As the kids and I braved the crazy rain and wind to load up in the car, Zoë reminded me that the car had no gas. (Leave it to the kids, right?) I'd been contemplating checking out a church in town that a friend of mine goes to, and since we needed to head that way to fill up the car with gas, we went for it.
I filled out some information for the kids once we arrived, then Zoë and Abby were given bracelets, I had the other end so as to match up the numbers upon pick-up and verify that I should be taking them out. We were shown to their room and they went and sat down with barely a good-bye. Next they showed me to the nursery area. Here parents are given a pager, so if your little one should need you for anything, you'll get buzzed. These safety precautions were a plus in my book.
My friend, Jen, happened to be one of the people helping in the nursery area today, so that was a pleasant surprise. Enzo wasn't having anything to do with me being on the other side of the gate, but was interested in playing. I decided to put him in the wrap and take him with me into the adult service. Well, we didn't even make it through one full song and he was itching to get down. So, today I spent in the nursery with him, but that's okay. Zoë and Abby had a great time and got to participate with some fun games. They even got to make and eat smore's. They're begging to go back next week.
I filled out some information for the kids once we arrived, then Zoë and Abby were given bracelets, I had the other end so as to match up the numbers upon pick-up and verify that I should be taking them out. We were shown to their room and they went and sat down with barely a good-bye. Next they showed me to the nursery area. Here parents are given a pager, so if your little one should need you for anything, you'll get buzzed. These safety precautions were a plus in my book.
My friend, Jen, happened to be one of the people helping in the nursery area today, so that was a pleasant surprise. Enzo wasn't having anything to do with me being on the other side of the gate, but was interested in playing. I decided to put him in the wrap and take him with me into the adult service. Well, we didn't even make it through one full song and he was itching to get down. So, today I spent in the nursery with him, but that's okay. Zoë and Abby had a great time and got to participate with some fun games. They even got to make and eat smore's. They're begging to go back next week.
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 30 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 30 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 5 months, 20 days News posted by Laura at 2:41 PM | Comment
March 13th 2010
Lowe's Build and Grow - Basketball Hoop
It seems like we are doing construction every weekend now, and the girls don't mind it one bit. Mommy was debating staying home for this one, but we decided to switch it up. I would hold Enzo and take photos while she helped the girls build. Ssshhhh, don't mention that Zoë's base was put on backwards. But we always seem to make at least one mistake during the projects, although I have been getting fairly good constructing these things as of late. We were surprised to see Anna Claire show up for the build. She also met some of her school friends there as well. Abby and Zoë were excited to meet them. We were done with the project quickly and made our way over to Target for our ritual snack while we browse event. The girls have turned into some true grazers, and Enzo too. Oh yeah, forgot to mention that Laura, Enzo and the girls got to try their first Shamrock shake from McDonalds.
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 29 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 29 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 5 months, 19 days Art posted by christopher at 11:40 AM | Comment
March 12th 2010
Twin Things
While brushing teeth, Zoë and Abby informed me of some things.
1) It bothers them when people refer to them as "the twins". Such as, "Oh, that belongs to the twins" or, "The twins are here today". Zoë said, "Yeah, we don't walk up to people and say, "Hello single born child". That cracked me up.
2) It also bothers them when people refer to just one of them as both names. For instance if someone walks into a room and just sees Zoë and says, "Hey, it's AbbyZoë!" Though it doesn't bother them as much as being called 'the twins' (It would bother me more I think)
3) They don't really mind if someone asks them, "Are you Zoë or Abby?", especially if it's someone that doesn't know them well. They prefer for people to use their names though, not just "Which one are you?" They understand that (to other people) their faces look the same and they've chosen the same hairstyle and sometimes want to wear the same clothes, so people won't always know who is Abby and who is Zoë.
1) It bothers them when people refer to them as "the twins". Such as, "Oh, that belongs to the twins" or, "The twins are here today". Zoë said, "Yeah, we don't walk up to people and say, "Hello single born child". That cracked me up.
2) It also bothers them when people refer to just one of them as both names. For instance if someone walks into a room and just sees Zoë and says, "Hey, it's AbbyZoë!" Though it doesn't bother them as much as being called 'the twins' (It would bother me more I think)
3) They don't really mind if someone asks them, "Are you Zoë or Abby?", especially if it's someone that doesn't know them well. They prefer for people to use their names though, not just "Which one are you?" They understand that (to other people) their faces look the same and they've chosen the same hairstyle and sometimes want to wear the same clothes, so people won't always know who is Abby and who is Zoë.
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 29 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 29 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 5 months, 19 days Art posted by Laura at 9:29 PM | Comment
March 11th 2010
Mail Call
Zoë and Abby love to handle checking and sending mail at the post office. They are always keeping track of who's turn it is to have the key and check the p.o. box. If there's mail to go out, as there was today, they are eager to put it in the mail drop.
Today, however, they got so confused. We had letters to go out, but I didn't have postage for them so we took them to the counter. I guess they didn't see the lady put the stamps on them and keep them. They just saw me leave the counter with the mail we had picked up from the box. They kept asking if they could put it in, why was I leaving with it, was I putting it in the box at home? Finally I realized the confusion and cleared things up.
Today, however, they got so confused. We had letters to go out, but I didn't have postage for them so we took them to the counter. I guess they didn't see the lady put the stamps on them and keep them. They just saw me leave the counter with the mail we had picked up from the box. They kept asking if they could put it in, why was I leaving with it, was I putting it in the box at home? Finally I realized the confusion and cleared things up.
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 27 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 27 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 5 months, 17 days News posted by Laura at 11:45 AM | Comment
March 10th 2010
Wednesday Park Day
During the cold months the homeschooling group has been meeting at the nearby recreation center as their 'indoor park day'. Unfortunately we haven't made one single time. Today, however, we finally got there. With the nicer weather, though still a bit on the chilly side today, a lot of the kids were outside at the skateboard park. This made me really nervous, because it's just cement and pavement everywhere. I sucked it up however, put Enzo in the ergo and let the girls play - with just a few requests of ramps not to play on. Zoë, Abby, and Maggie found a good sized ramp and used it as a slide, wave, waterfall, and who knows what else. Zoë did fall down when running once and hurt her hand, but no serious injuries were had. The upside of that was that Maggie said she'd go play inside in the gym with the girls, which was nice for Enzo because he was ready to get down. Iris joined in and they all played different games with the basketballs.
We took a snack break in one of the other rooms after Maggie and Zoë collided and Zoë's nose started bleeding all over the place. It wasn't really a bad run in, Zoë just has a sensitive nose like her Daddy. Enzo was all over the place, running through any open door that he saw. He did pause to try to hug Maggie's little sister, Zeland, who is two. She wasn't in to having a hug though so Enzo moved on to Naomi's baby brother, who was happy to have the attention.
We took a snack break in one of the other rooms after Maggie and Zoë collided and Zoë's nose started bleeding all over the place. It wasn't really a bad run in, Zoë just has a sensitive nose like her Daddy. Enzo was all over the place, running through any open door that he saw. He did pause to try to hug Maggie's little sister, Zeland, who is two. She wasn't in to having a hug though so Enzo moved on to Naomi's baby brother, who was happy to have the attention.
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 26 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 26 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 5 months, 16 days School posted by Laura at 4:03 PM | Comment
Zoë's Second Tooth Lost
Zoë mentioned something about how loose her second front tooth was feeling so after I got Enzo down for his nap, I washed my hands to check it out. Zoë was nervous that I was going to yank on it or something, but it turned out that all I needed to do was to touch the tooth and it came out. Zoë was thrilled that she'd be getting another visit from the tooth fairy. Abby on the other hand was quite peeved. She went downstairs and huffed to Chris about why did Zoë already lose her second tooth when Abby was the first to lose a tooth and her second tooth is barely even loose!
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 26 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 26 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 5 months, 16 days Milestones posted by Laura at 1:56 PM | Comment
March 9th 2010
PiYo No Go
We are going to try out taking turns doing the PiYo class and the yoga classes with the girls at the Y. The PiYo (pilates and yoga mix) is on Tuesdays and the yoga classes are on Wednesdays and Fridays. The only drawback to this is that the PiYo class starts at 8:25 and the yoga classes start at 7:30... a.m. This morning the girls slept until about 7:00, but I didn't hear them get up and didn't get up until Enzo woke up at almost 7:30. This didn't leave much time since Enzo was ready to eat and I'd hoped to get out of the house by 8:00 to give us time to get there and have our mats set up a few minutes early.
Chris and I decided that if I was going to go into the class with the girls, as I was going to this morning, he and Enzo would still come along in case Enzo needed me and then Chris could get me and just stand in to monitor the girls in the class. When we do the yoga class this may be especially neccessary because I'll need to get up and have the girls up by 6:30 at the latest, right around when Enzo usually does his morning nursing. Anyhow, we all scrambled around and got to the Y just barely before the class was to begin. However as the girls and I were heading back to the aerobics room, the person at the front desk directed our attention to the hand written note on the door saying that the instructor had just went home sick and class was cancelled.
Chris was just coming in with Enzo in the stroller as we were talking at the front desk. We told him we rushed for nothing and headed back to the car. Chris told the girls that this was a "Piyo drill". We're all wondering how on earth we're going to make it to tomorrow's 7:30 yoga class.
Chris and I decided that if I was going to go into the class with the girls, as I was going to this morning, he and Enzo would still come along in case Enzo needed me and then Chris could get me and just stand in to monitor the girls in the class. When we do the yoga class this may be especially neccessary because I'll need to get up and have the girls up by 6:30 at the latest, right around when Enzo usually does his morning nursing. Anyhow, we all scrambled around and got to the Y just barely before the class was to begin. However as the girls and I were heading back to the aerobics room, the person at the front desk directed our attention to the hand written note on the door saying that the instructor had just went home sick and class was cancelled.
Chris was just coming in with Enzo in the stroller as we were talking at the front desk. We told him we rushed for nothing and headed back to the car. Chris told the girls that this was a "Piyo drill". We're all wondering how on earth we're going to make it to tomorrow's 7:30 yoga class.
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 26 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 26 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 5 months, 16 days News posted by Laura at 9:32 PM | Comment
Picnic and Bird Feeding
Zoë and Abby were bummed that we'd missed the PiYo class, therefore missing the ability to show us how well they were going to do. I decided that I'd pack up a picnic as well as some stale bread for the birds. We also brought the bubbles along. Just before heading out, Daddy ended up having something come up on the computer, so we had to go without him. We were bummed that he wasn't coming, but set out anyway. It was a bit windy in the park so we found a building to sit behind and then the sun warmed us nicely. We ate our greek salad sandwiches - Enzo loved the olives and feta and then took turns with the bean/corn salad and the cucumber salad. After our mandarin oranges were finished we decided to go feed the birds before having our cookies.
As we were tossing bread to a huge bunch of hungry seagulls and pigeons, we saw Daddy ride up on the bike, he'd even brought Enzo's helmet along. I let Enzo out of the stroller and he immediately started chasing the birds. Abby told Chris, "Dad, those seagulls are so big and some of them are really nasty." Once the bread was gone, Chris dumped some bubble solution in one of our lids and the girls used all of the various bubble blowers. They also got a quick spin on the bike, sitting in Enzo's seat (it is rated for up to 40 pounds, which they aren't yet). By this time Enzo had run all over the park and was getting cranky so we hopped him into his seat and I biked home with him while Chris and the girls packed up our stuff. I heard they even got turns riding in Enzo's stroller. Abby helped Chris push Zoë up our street at the end.
As we were tossing bread to a huge bunch of hungry seagulls and pigeons, we saw Daddy ride up on the bike, he'd even brought Enzo's helmet along. I let Enzo out of the stroller and he immediately started chasing the birds. Abby told Chris, "Dad, those seagulls are so big and some of them are really nasty." Once the bread was gone, Chris dumped some bubble solution in one of our lids and the girls used all of the various bubble blowers. They also got a quick spin on the bike, sitting in Enzo's seat (it is rated for up to 40 pounds, which they aren't yet). By this time Enzo had run all over the park and was getting cranky so we hopped him into his seat and I biked home with him while Chris and the girls packed up our stuff. I heard they even got turns riding in Enzo's stroller. Abby helped Chris push Zoë up our street at the end.
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 25 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 25 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 5 months, 15 days News posted by Laura at 1:53 PM | Comment
March 8th 2010
Another Give-Away
I'm trying again to win one of these thing! I just saw that softbums (the brand of cloth diapers we use) is coming out with new prints for spring and they're doing a giveaway, which you can earn entries into by doing various things - one being to blog about it. :)
We still just have the original cover colors we started with ('cause I didn't win anything in the last giveaway!), green, blue, orange and one white. It sure would be nice to get some extra covers and such! Keep your fingers crossed for me (us)!
We still just have the original cover colors we started with ('cause I didn't win anything in the last giveaway!), green, blue, orange and one white. It sure would be nice to get some extra covers and such! Keep your fingers crossed for me (us)!
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 24 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 24 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 5 months, 14 days News posted by Laura at 1:37 PM | Comment
Potty Poo Number Two
That's right, Enzo pooped on the potty for the second time! Enzo was nursing and told me he needed to poop (or that he was pooping, he says/signs both in the same way) so I asked him about it but he continued nursing. After just a moment he again told me, "poop" so I talked up the potty and got him on it, with no protests from him. When I was taking his diaper off I noticed that he had just started to go a bit, so I hurried with having him sit and then tried to keep him occupied while he finished up. He got this out of the way nice and early, Daddy wasn't even up yet (possibly why there were no protests for Daddy to sit with him on the potty instead of me).
He and I went up to wave good-bye to the poo and tell Daddy all about it. There was lots of clapping and high fives.
He and I went up to wave good-bye to the poo and tell Daddy all about it. There was lots of clapping and high fives.
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 24 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 24 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 5 months, 14 days Milestones posted by Laura at 8:25 AM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
MAybe you won't need the daipers...lets hope he potty trains early.
March 7th 2010
First Ice Skating
We started the sunny day by walking to church and back. As soon as we got home it was time to pack our stuff up and head to Angie's for lunch and then ice skating. The girls played outside with Kayla while Angie and I got lunch ready - green and pasta salads, as well as marinated chicken and spicy sausage on the grill - and of course I had to help out a little with holding sweet little Alyssa.
After lunch clean up was done we packed up and headed to the nearby ice skating rink. Angie had some beginners skates that were the right size for the girls, so I just kept my shoes on and walked around the rink with them. After maybe a lap, Angie suggested that I put on her extra pair of ice skates and go around with the girls. I was a sorry sight, but at least I managed to stay up and I think it was helpful for the girls to see, slowly, how to make the skates go on the ice.
Chris was wearing Enzo in the ergo, taking photos but Enzo tired of that pretty quickly and they went to the playground instead. Zoë and Abby also decided after not too long that they wanted to go to the playground so we cut the skating short and played for a while.
Back at home Zoë and Abby were begging to bake so I let them make some chocolate chip cookies, mostly, on their own. Abby worked on the dry ingredients while Zoë mixed the sugar, butter, and such. They needed some help mixing with the electric mixer and then combining everything together, but somehow I still ended up with most of the clean up.
After lunch clean up was done we packed up and headed to the nearby ice skating rink. Angie had some beginners skates that were the right size for the girls, so I just kept my shoes on and walked around the rink with them. After maybe a lap, Angie suggested that I put on her extra pair of ice skates and go around with the girls. I was a sorry sight, but at least I managed to stay up and I think it was helpful for the girls to see, slowly, how to make the skates go on the ice.
Chris was wearing Enzo in the ergo, taking photos but Enzo tired of that pretty quickly and they went to the playground instead. Zoë and Abby also decided after not too long that they wanted to go to the playground so we cut the skating short and played for a while.
Back at home Zoë and Abby were begging to bake so I let them make some chocolate chip cookies, mostly, on their own. Abby worked on the dry ingredients while Zoë mixed the sugar, butter, and such. They needed some help mixing with the electric mixer and then combining everything together, but somehow I still ended up with most of the clean up.
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 24 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 24 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 5 months, 14 days First Moments posted by Laura at 9:56 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Looks like but a lot more practice needed for you both to go zooming on the ice!!
March 6th 2010
Sunny Play and Potluck
This morning Daddy took the pedals off of the bikes, as well as the 'training wheels' off of Enzo's little fisher price bike, for some more balance practice. This time we had them go on our side street, so that they'd be able to coast a little on the (very) slight hill. Doing it this way seemed to really help, both of the girls were at least attempting to balance. Zoë was coasting for a good few seconds by the end of our practice.
Later on Grampy came over and brought his air pump and filled up the tires in both bikes. We all went out for some more bike riding. Each of the girls got two turns down and back up the road with Grampy helping, and two turns with Daddy.
Just before dinner time we packed up and Grampy joined us for a potluck that one of the families in our homeschooling group was hosting. We made a spinach artichoke dip in the crockpot to bring. I was excited to use the carrying case for the first time. (It's the little things in life, right?) Of course, when we first arrived the girls were too excited about running around with Iris, Greta and some of the other kids and wouldn't sit down to eat. Finally, a little bit before the fire was started outside, we got the girls to sit and eat a little something. Grampy followed Enzo around, as he was curious about everything around. Chris got Zoë and Abby rounded up to get their shoes and coats on to go outside as all of the other older kids were heading out as well. Grampy, Enzo, and I stayed inside for a while and then we too joined the group outside.
Enzo was getting tired by now, but instead of settling down to snooze in the ergo, he got into over-tired mode and was just cranky and all over the place. At about 20 minutes to 8:00pm we started getting ready to go... unfortunately some of the girls other friends had just arrived and everyone was bummed that we were leaving. I told them that we'd try to make it to the indoor park day on Wednesday and they'd get to hang out then. As the girls admired the beautiful starry night, they said their good-bye's to Grampy and then we got home. I got Enzo to sleep while Chris got the girls stuff done and to my surprise, when I came downstairs, the girls were all cozy on the couch with a movie! They were happy to be snuggled up having a late night movie night.
Later on Grampy came over and brought his air pump and filled up the tires in both bikes. We all went out for some more bike riding. Each of the girls got two turns down and back up the road with Grampy helping, and two turns with Daddy.
Just before dinner time we packed up and Grampy joined us for a potluck that one of the families in our homeschooling group was hosting. We made a spinach artichoke dip in the crockpot to bring. I was excited to use the carrying case for the first time. (It's the little things in life, right?) Of course, when we first arrived the girls were too excited about running around with Iris, Greta and some of the other kids and wouldn't sit down to eat. Finally, a little bit before the fire was started outside, we got the girls to sit and eat a little something. Grampy followed Enzo around, as he was curious about everything around. Chris got Zoë and Abby rounded up to get their shoes and coats on to go outside as all of the other older kids were heading out as well. Grampy, Enzo, and I stayed inside for a while and then we too joined the group outside.
Enzo was getting tired by now, but instead of settling down to snooze in the ergo, he got into over-tired mode and was just cranky and all over the place. At about 20 minutes to 8:00pm we started getting ready to go... unfortunately some of the girls other friends had just arrived and everyone was bummed that we were leaving. I told them that we'd try to make it to the indoor park day on Wednesday and they'd get to hang out then. As the girls admired the beautiful starry night, they said their good-bye's to Grampy and then we got home. I got Enzo to sleep while Chris got the girls stuff done and to my surprise, when I came downstairs, the girls were all cozy on the couch with a movie! They were happy to be snuggled up having a late night movie night.
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 23 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 23 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 5 months, 13 days News posted by Laura at 9:54 PM | Comment
Home Depot Kid's Workshop - Rain Guage
It was a quick and easy build today. Abby and Zoë were excited to see that they had some craft stuff ready for after the project too. They like that kind of thing. We started quickly as this project only required a few nails. I did the gluing and helped Abby. Don assisted Zoë with her project. Five nails and a single screw to hold the rain gauge on was all it took. We were done in record time, and without any complications or errors. We have been getting better at these projects. After Home Depot we stopped by Market Basket for some supplies for the pot luck we planned on attending tonight. Laura likes Market Basket for the free coffee while you shop. The girls like the 5 cent bulk candy sample coin box, that they feel they need to feed.
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 22 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 22 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 5 months, 12 days Art posted by christopher at 10:41 AM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
You both doing such wonderful jobs on your building projects.
March 5th 2010
Two-Wheeler Practice
We finally had some sunshine and warmer temps today so I decided to take the girls to the park to practice riding thier bikes without training wheels. One of the bikes had a flat, so I took the training wheels off of the other bike and got Enzo into the ergo and off we went to the park. It didn't take long for me to give up, though I did let each of the girls have a couple of turns trying. Instead I decided to just let them run a bit in the park.
On the way home I was sure that I just wasn't going to be the person that would be able to work with the girls on this balancing act of riding a two-wheeler. I got some suggestions though and have renewed hope that Zoë and Abby really will one day ride a bike with no training wheels. And hopefully before Zoë's exasperated prediction of "by the time we're 10".
On the way home I was sure that I just wasn't going to be the person that would be able to work with the girls on this balancing act of riding a two-wheeler. I got some suggestions though and have renewed hope that Zoë and Abby really will one day ride a bike with no training wheels. And hopefully before Zoë's exasperated prediction of "by the time we're 10".
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 22 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 22 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 5 months, 12 days News posted by Laura at 9:21 PM | Comment
March 4th 2010
See You Later
Enzo just learned to sign "see you later" and it is so cute! You can go here to see the actual way to sign it (though it's a very slow example for those learning the language, it's a more fluid sign). Enzo does more of a chicken wing and wrist twist combonation while attempting to say the phrase. "Table" and "dirty" are two other newer signs he's been doing a lot lately.
We're working with him now on signing two or three word sentences. Whereas the girls singed in sentences seemingly from the start, Enzo prefers a more short and to the point approach such as just signing "more" or "milk" or "please".
Another cute thing he's started doing, though not sign language it is sort of related because it's a gesture, is shrugging his shoulders, putting up his hands and saying "I don't know" in his cutie little toddler way. If he is wanting something and doesn't know where it's at he'll come up to us and do this. It never gets old.
We're working with him now on signing two or three word sentences. Whereas the girls singed in sentences seemingly from the start, Enzo prefers a more short and to the point approach such as just signing "more" or "milk" or "please".
Another cute thing he's started doing, though not sign language it is sort of related because it's a gesture, is shrugging his shoulders, putting up his hands and saying "I don't know" in his cutie little toddler way. If he is wanting something and doesn't know where it's at he'll come up to us and do this. It never gets old.
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 21 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 21 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 5 months, 11 days Milestones posted by Laura at 9:24 PM | Comment
Vegan Cream of Broccoli Soup
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cups (14 to 16-oz.) thinly sliced onions
2 tablespoons (about 6 cloves) coarsely chopped garlic
1 (12-oz.) box lite silken tofu
1-1/2 to 2 pounds broccoli florets
2 (14.5-oz.) cans vegetable broth
1/2 cup water
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh lemon juice to taste (optional)
Directions:
1) Heat oil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Add onions; cook covered, stirring occasionally until onions are caramelized. Remove onions to bender jar. Add garlic to skillet; cook until garlic is fragrant. Add to blender jar. Puree. Add tofu. Pulse to combine. Return to skillet.
2) Add broccoli, vegetable stock and water to skillet containing onion-tofu mixture. Bring to a simmer; cover and cook for 10 minutes. Transfer broccoli, in batches to a blender jar. Puree. Season to taste to with salt, pepper and lemon juice if using. I've found this recipe needs a good deal of salt. Yield: 6 servings.
source: http://www.oneperfectbite.blogspot.com
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cups (14 to 16-oz.) thinly sliced onions
2 tablespoons (about 6 cloves) coarsely chopped garlic
1 (12-oz.) box lite silken tofu
1-1/2 to 2 pounds broccoli florets
2 (14.5-oz.) cans vegetable broth
1/2 cup water
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh lemon juice to taste (optional)
Directions:
1) Heat oil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Add onions; cook covered, stirring occasionally until onions are caramelized. Remove onions to bender jar. Add garlic to skillet; cook until garlic is fragrant. Add to blender jar. Puree. Add tofu. Pulse to combine. Return to skillet.
2) Add broccoli, vegetable stock and water to skillet containing onion-tofu mixture. Bring to a simmer; cover and cook for 10 minutes. Transfer broccoli, in batches to a blender jar. Puree. Season to taste to with salt, pepper and lemon juice if using. I've found this recipe needs a good deal of salt. Yield: 6 servings.
source: http://www.oneperfectbite.blogspot.com
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 21 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 21 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 5 months, 11 days Recipes posted by Laura at 9:23 PM | Comment
March 3rd 2010
Morning Play at the Valley's
After breakfast the kids and I got all ready to go hang out with Auntie Reanna and Cousin Elijah. They will all be leaving for Hawaii early Friday morning so we won't see them for a couple of weeks. We arrived and Alicia was there with Aurora as well. I guess she had the same idea - entertain Elijah so that Reanna could pack.
The kids played until a little before lunch when we all got ready to leave - Reanna and Elijah needed to get to school. Zoë and Abby helped clean up the mess that, mostly, the boys had made and we gave Daddy a call to ask him start boiling water for pasta and then we too were on our way. Of course Enzo (and the girls really) wanted Auntie Reanna to buckle him into the car, as he'd been snuggling with her before it was time to go. So, after Reanna got my kids in the car and I got Elijah into their car then we headed home.
The kids played until a little before lunch when we all got ready to leave - Reanna and Elijah needed to get to school. Zoë and Abby helped clean up the mess that, mostly, the boys had made and we gave Daddy a call to ask him start boiling water for pasta and then we too were on our way. Of course Enzo (and the girls really) wanted Auntie Reanna to buckle him into the car, as he'd been snuggling with her before it was time to go. So, after Reanna got my kids in the car and I got Elijah into their car then we headed home.
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 20 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 20 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 5 months, 10 days News posted by Laura at 10:47 PM | Comment
March 2nd 2010
Solo Family Swim
It seems like we may have figured out the perfect block of Family swim time at the Y. They offer a few different choices throughout the day - some new times have been added since we last went - some being just half an hour and others being all the way up to an hour and a half. Today we went during the 3:00-3:30 block, figuring that the kids don't really last all that much longer than half an hour anyway (especially Enzo, who's shivering and ready to get out after 20 minutes at the most).
We literally had the pool to ourselves. The Y had lost power during the storm, which means that the heater for the pool wasn't working, so the water isn't as warm as it's supposed to be - it's still slowly working up to temp. - , but it wasn't all that bad. Enzo was chilly though, as he's not moving a whole lot, and just wanted to sit on the side and play with the toys. He was ready to get out probably 10 minutes after getting in, so Chris took him and tried to keep him occupied for at least a little longer. I think he'd probably like it better if he could touch and just mill around in the water with some toys, but hopefully we can work him up to wanting to kick around like he does in the tub.
Not only was this a nice time to go for empty locker room and pool reasons, but it was nice to let Enzo have his full nap at the usual time, us to get a snack a little bit before swim time, and then to have time to finish up anything that needed to be done for dinner. (Tonight it was making the cornbread to go with the black bean soup, which had been cooking in the crock-pot). I think we may try to get there at this time for the majority of our swims.
We literally had the pool to ourselves. The Y had lost power during the storm, which means that the heater for the pool wasn't working, so the water isn't as warm as it's supposed to be - it's still slowly working up to temp. - , but it wasn't all that bad. Enzo was chilly though, as he's not moving a whole lot, and just wanted to sit on the side and play with the toys. He was ready to get out probably 10 minutes after getting in, so Chris took him and tried to keep him occupied for at least a little longer. I think he'd probably like it better if he could touch and just mill around in the water with some toys, but hopefully we can work him up to wanting to kick around like he does in the tub.
Not only was this a nice time to go for empty locker room and pool reasons, but it was nice to let Enzo have his full nap at the usual time, us to get a snack a little bit before swim time, and then to have time to finish up anything that needed to be done for dinner. (Tonight it was making the cornbread to go with the black bean soup, which had been cooking in the crock-pot). I think we may try to get there at this time for the majority of our swims.
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 19 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 19 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 5 months, 9 days News posted by Laura at 8:25 PM | Comment
Enzo's First Poop in the Potty
Enzo finally told me before he pooped today and I could see him just starting to grunt. It took a little coaxing to get him to sit on the potty (he ran to Chris, who was on the couch), but offering blowing bubbles did the trick. He sat and pushed his poo out and then continued to blow bubbles for another minute or two. When he got up we all cheered and made a really big deal about it.
The praising continued as he and I went up to the bathroom to dump his poo in the toilet and wave it good-bye as it got flushed away. In retrospect, I can't believe I didn't photo it (you know us, we document everything) but I guess we were just caught up in the moment.
The praising continued as he and I went up to the bathroom to dump his poo in the toilet and wave it good-bye as it got flushed away. In retrospect, I can't believe I didn't photo it (you know us, we document everything) but I guess we were just caught up in the moment.
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 18 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 18 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 5 months, 8 days First Moments posted by Laura at 10:46 AM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Enzo..that is GREAT!! xxoo
March 1st 2010
Back to the Y
We've really slacked the past couple of months with going to the Y. January we just didn't go, no excuses really. February was full of sickness so we really weren't motivated to go out and swim. We decided that this was the month we were going to get back into the habit of going there daily. Reading about all of the swimming the Gaver cousins have been up to was a good motivator. :) Zoë and Abby were so excited and kept reminding us that we would be going swimming today. Enzo even has some new swim trunks to wear that Auntie Reanna found him at the fill-a-bag sale, which I missed due to sickness. They have a reusable swim diaper built into the swim trunks, so they're quite handy.
We got some carrot ginger soup in our bellies and then quickly got ready to make it to the 5:30 - 7:00pm swim. Even though the girls and I put our suits on under out clothes at home, and I get their hair conditioned and tied back - swim cap ready - it still seems to take us forever to get set and out to the pool. Chris is forever baffled at how it can take us so long. The girls don't need a lot of help, but I do have to remind them of this that or the other, as well as focus their attention on what they're supposed to be doing instead of the goings-on of the locker room. I prefer to have things organized and ready to make our after pool time easier (Chris will roll his eyes here) and I also have to get Enzo all ready. I guess I need to figure out some ways to cut our locker room time down - because after swimming is worse. :) Either that or Chris just needs to learn to deal with our pokyness. (Besides, soon enough Enzo will be going into the locker room with Daddy and that should even us up a little - even if we are three girls vs. two boys)
We got some carrot ginger soup in our bellies and then quickly got ready to make it to the 5:30 - 7:00pm swim. Even though the girls and I put our suits on under out clothes at home, and I get their hair conditioned and tied back - swim cap ready - it still seems to take us forever to get set and out to the pool. Chris is forever baffled at how it can take us so long. The girls don't need a lot of help, but I do have to remind them of this that or the other, as well as focus their attention on what they're supposed to be doing instead of the goings-on of the locker room. I prefer to have things organized and ready to make our after pool time easier (Chris will roll his eyes here) and I also have to get Enzo all ready. I guess I need to figure out some ways to cut our locker room time down - because after swimming is worse. :) Either that or Chris just needs to learn to deal with our pokyness. (Besides, soon enough Enzo will be going into the locker room with Daddy and that should even us up a little - even if we are three girls vs. two boys)
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 18 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 18 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 5 months, 8 days News posted by Laura at 7:46 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Yes, Enzo should go with Chris,,,then he wouldn't have to wait so lomg for you to come out!!
Foe Turned Friend
We've introduced Jake before. Now he's being re-introduced to you as Enzo's new best pal. I kid you not, Enzo does not want to be without Jake for the past two days. Chris has been trying to warm Enzo up to Jake, kissing him goodnight/goodmorning as they pass him on the stairs.
Yesterday Chris asked Enzo if he wanted to sleep with Jake - Enzo's never wanted to sleep with any sort of snuggly no matter how fond of it he is in the daytime, as long as he has my hair and some warm milk, that's all he cares about at bed time - and Enzo shook his head yes. Lo and behold, come bed time, Enzo insisted that we bring Jake upstairs with us. After Jake went off, "got angry" as we refer to it, twice I tried telling Enzo that I'd put Jake to go night night in the playpen, but Enzo wouldn't have it. He wanted to have Jake right there in his arms. I'm not fully convinced that it isn't a case of "... keep your enemies closer" and that he feels better knowing exactly where Jake is, but he wanted his arm around Jake, patting him. After a little bit of nursing he even turned over and just wanted me to pat his back with Jake and he fell asleep. Chris came up with the camera, but by this time Enzo had turned over, now resting his back on Jake.
Today at nap time, after carrying Jake around all morning, Enzo again insisted on taking Jake up. He fell asleep holding on to Jake so I put him down in the playpen just like that, and there he slept with his arm around Jake. I managed to get a few pictures of this too, though Jake's face was covered by Enzo's girraffe blanket/mat type thing (we use it as a pillow cover, since it's much softer than the case on his travel size pillow). Enzo did wake up during nap and sound a bit scared over the monitor, rather than just upset, but I went up and got him back to sleep and he finished out a nice long nap.
Yesterday Chris asked Enzo if he wanted to sleep with Jake - Enzo's never wanted to sleep with any sort of snuggly no matter how fond of it he is in the daytime, as long as he has my hair and some warm milk, that's all he cares about at bed time - and Enzo shook his head yes. Lo and behold, come bed time, Enzo insisted that we bring Jake upstairs with us. After Jake went off, "got angry" as we refer to it, twice I tried telling Enzo that I'd put Jake to go night night in the playpen, but Enzo wouldn't have it. He wanted to have Jake right there in his arms. I'm not fully convinced that it isn't a case of "... keep your enemies closer" and that he feels better knowing exactly where Jake is, but he wanted his arm around Jake, patting him. After a little bit of nursing he even turned over and just wanted me to pat his back with Jake and he fell asleep. Chris came up with the camera, but by this time Enzo had turned over, now resting his back on Jake.
Today at nap time, after carrying Jake around all morning, Enzo again insisted on taking Jake up. He fell asleep holding on to Jake so I put him down in the playpen just like that, and there he slept with his arm around Jake. I managed to get a few pictures of this too, though Jake's face was covered by Enzo's girraffe blanket/mat type thing (we use it as a pillow cover, since it's much softer than the case on his travel size pillow). Enzo did wake up during nap and sound a bit scared over the monitor, rather than just upset, but I went up and got him back to sleep and he finished out a nice long nap.
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 17 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 17 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 5 months, 7 days News posted by Laura at 3:17 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Maybe Enzo figures that if Jake can guard the stairs during his waking hours, he can guard Enzo during his sleeping hours! No one would bother a baby and a gorilla, right?!
