Or maybe not, but he is making progress. Today he spent a lot of time with his head under water. It was on purpose and everything.
The class also moved on to things that look more like swimming and less like floating on a life raft waiting for rescue. Rhys was actually laying horizontal, with his face in the water, "kicking" and moving his arms. There was even some forward movement. I was very proud.
Every time he was done he popped up with a huge grin on his face and went back to playing while he waited for his turn to go again. Even the times I thought, for sure, he would be scared and try to get out, huge grin all around.
The last thing they did was inching along the side of the pool. The other two kids were inching. Rhys was a racing turtle. The others had moved a foot and he was back in the corner. I guess the Kettle bell work outs he is doing with me are working for him.
Every time he did what the teacher wanted he looked over at me with a giant grin. He was most triumphant.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Whees
Tracy picked up Owyn, after work today. I already had Rhys, it is swim lesson day, but Owyn didn't know that. As they were driving home Tracy told him "We are going home to see Rhys". Owyn said "Whees, Whees?". It is the first time he has said his brother's name.
Of course he wouldn't do it for me after I got home.
Of course he wouldn't do it for me after I got home.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Snow ice cream
While we were out playing in the snow today Tracy decided to make snow ice cream. I had never heard of this, though the idea has lurked, half formed, in the back of my mind since childhood.
Tracy grabbed a bowl, put some milk, sugar and vanilla in it and brought it outside. She sent Rhys off, with another bowl, to get some snow. Once he was back she mixed it all together and the four of us sat around the table, all bundled up in the cold, eating our ice cream. It was surprisingly good.
Try it.
Playing in the Snow
Well, I said they could play in the snow after their nap. I just didn't say how soon after their nap. None of us were really thinking it would be today instead of yesterday.
We were supposed to get two feet, we got a few inches. That means that we did, indeed, have two feet in our driveway and along most of our sidewalk. There is a gap between the two houses just to the north of us. The wind, during a winter storm, ALWAYS comes from the north. The resulting drifts are formed, magically, right along our sidewalk and across our driveway. They are twice the height of however much snow we got.
The back yard had a nice drift, as always, about ten feet out from the house. Rhys had a great time playing in the snow drift. Owyn was not nearly as happy to be out in all that. It was his first time in full on snivel gear and he had a hard time moving. He did not like the deep snow at all. Hopefully next winter is a bit more snowy and we can get him used to the weather.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Snow
It's snowing today. We have not had much of a winter this year. It has been in the seventies several times. We have had a few dusting's, but not any real snow. There was a week or two where it was very cold.
Today we are supposed to get hammered. Perhaps up to two feet here in Parker. I got off work early. The Air Force closed the base. Anyone not out of the building by 1300 is staying until tomorrow at the earliest.
The roads were wet, vis was crap and there was a lot of snow falling, but not much sticking. I stopped to get the boys on the way home, Owyn first. He was down for a nap, but not sleeping. He jumped up and grabbed his jacket with a huge grin. It's so nice to pick him up, it is the happiest I get to see him.
All of the teachers wanted to talk about the weather. "No, the roads are fine.", "I hear Highway 36 is closed". "There is a 30 car pile up somewhere to the north.". "I hear the plows are not keeping up in Denver."
We went next to get Rhys, he also was very happy to see me. Pallets all laid out but no sleeping going on yet. He jumped up and ran to me, with his pants half way down. "I guess he had an accident?" "Yep". We got his coat and headed to the front door, dodging unlucky children who were not being sprung yet and the cook, barreling out of the kitchen.
The cracker basket had oyster crackers in it. I don't believe the boys had run into these before. There is a basket in the lobby, on a low table. All of the kids stop by on their way out and grab a package of crackers for the ride home. It always has something different and every kid I have seen loves the cracker basket.
We got outside and Owyn stopped dead with a huge smile on his face. Remember, no real winter this year. He had not really ever played in the snow. He was fascinated by the big, heavy snow flakes and the pretty white. Rhys yelled, "Ook, Owing". (Look, Snowing). I got Owyn snapped into his seat, and his crackers opened. He loved the snow blowing in the door on him.
Rhys went into his seat and wanted his "cookies" opened. I told him they were crackers but he didn't believe me. "Crackers, not cookies", as he ate one. Daddy is so dumb sometimes, doesn't know anything. I can't wait for him to be a teenager, this should be great.
Once we got home I got Owyn out of the car. He headed off down the driveway, enjoying the snow, in wonder, again. Once Rhys was out we headed in, but Owyn wanted to stay out. "We will play in the snow after your nap." Not good enough. I scooped him up and hauled him inside. It was nap time for both boys (all three of us if truth be known, but I was waiting to make sure Tracy got home).
Owyn went down no problem, until I covered him with a blanket other than Cleveland. You may remember that I had mentioned Cleveland drama and my plan for avoiding it, namely that it would stay in the crib. Cleveland was not in the crib. Cleveland was in Mama's car. Again, stupid Daddy, doesn't know what he is talking about. I swear, some days I feel like I'm talking to myself.
Owyn threw a fit. I left him to it and got Rhys into bed, fit time there too. I went back to Owyn, he had also lost his gee. I handed him that, he laid down, I covered him with the ersatz Cleveland and he went to sleep. I guess two out of three was good enough. His bed, his gee, I'll take it.
Back to Rhys, still crying. Phone rings. Tracy is almost home. I go down stairs and wait for her. She gets home, and tries to calm Rhys down. No dice. I go back up and lay down next to him. he stops crying and settles in. Once he is calm and dozy and mostly asleep I leave him. Now it is time for me to nap.
When Rhys woke up he came downstairs with his underwear, pants and his Pingy. (Pingy == Cleveland for Rhys). He walked into the living room and saw that Hannibal was asleep on the couch. He whispered, to Mama, "Annibal abeep". The he walked over and very carefully laid Pingy out on top of Hannibal to keep him warm, and started playing on the floor.
Today we are supposed to get hammered. Perhaps up to two feet here in Parker. I got off work early. The Air Force closed the base. Anyone not out of the building by 1300 is staying until tomorrow at the earliest.
The roads were wet, vis was crap and there was a lot of snow falling, but not much sticking. I stopped to get the boys on the way home, Owyn first. He was down for a nap, but not sleeping. He jumped up and grabbed his jacket with a huge grin. It's so nice to pick him up, it is the happiest I get to see him.
All of the teachers wanted to talk about the weather. "No, the roads are fine.", "I hear Highway 36 is closed". "There is a 30 car pile up somewhere to the north.". "I hear the plows are not keeping up in Denver."
We went next to get Rhys, he also was very happy to see me. Pallets all laid out but no sleeping going on yet. He jumped up and ran to me, with his pants half way down. "I guess he had an accident?" "Yep". We got his coat and headed to the front door, dodging unlucky children who were not being sprung yet and the cook, barreling out of the kitchen.
The cracker basket had oyster crackers in it. I don't believe the boys had run into these before. There is a basket in the lobby, on a low table. All of the kids stop by on their way out and grab a package of crackers for the ride home. It always has something different and every kid I have seen loves the cracker basket.
We got outside and Owyn stopped dead with a huge smile on his face. Remember, no real winter this year. He had not really ever played in the snow. He was fascinated by the big, heavy snow flakes and the pretty white. Rhys yelled, "Ook, Owing". (Look, Snowing). I got Owyn snapped into his seat, and his crackers opened. He loved the snow blowing in the door on him.
Rhys went into his seat and wanted his "cookies" opened. I told him they were crackers but he didn't believe me. "Crackers, not cookies", as he ate one. Daddy is so dumb sometimes, doesn't know anything. I can't wait for him to be a teenager, this should be great.
Once we got home I got Owyn out of the car. He headed off down the driveway, enjoying the snow, in wonder, again. Once Rhys was out we headed in, but Owyn wanted to stay out. "We will play in the snow after your nap." Not good enough. I scooped him up and hauled him inside. It was nap time for both boys (all three of us if truth be known, but I was waiting to make sure Tracy got home).
Owyn went down no problem, until I covered him with a blanket other than Cleveland. You may remember that I had mentioned Cleveland drama and my plan for avoiding it, namely that it would stay in the crib. Cleveland was not in the crib. Cleveland was in Mama's car. Again, stupid Daddy, doesn't know what he is talking about. I swear, some days I feel like I'm talking to myself.
Owyn threw a fit. I left him to it and got Rhys into bed, fit time there too. I went back to Owyn, he had also lost his gee. I handed him that, he laid down, I covered him with the ersatz Cleveland and he went to sleep. I guess two out of three was good enough. His bed, his gee, I'll take it.
Back to Rhys, still crying. Phone rings. Tracy is almost home. I go down stairs and wait for her. She gets home, and tries to calm Rhys down. No dice. I go back up and lay down next to him. he stops crying and settles in. Once he is calm and dozy and mostly asleep I leave him. Now it is time for me to nap.
When Rhys woke up he came downstairs with his underwear, pants and his Pingy. (Pingy == Cleveland for Rhys). He walked into the living room and saw that Hannibal was asleep on the couch. He whispered, to Mama, "Annibal abeep". The he walked over and very carefully laid Pingy out on top of Hannibal to keep him warm, and started playing on the floor.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Turbo Grandpa
Grandpa got a pace maker put in yesterday. The last time I gave any thought to these things I believe they were boxes that they cracked your chest and stuck in. Gramps got an Ortho surgery through the arm. Seems better now.
He also has some kind of box(?) that he wears. He can hold this up to the phone and get the pace maker tuned. I hope there is some kind of activation code. It would be a shame if he was walking down the street and someones ring tone had his heart beating at 200 beats a minute instead of 70.
We will see if this makes him more perky. Last I saw him (Christmas), he was pretty slow and tired a lot.
He also has some kind of box(?) that he wears. He can hold this up to the phone and get the pace maker tuned. I hope there is some kind of activation code. It would be a shame if he was walking down the street and someones ring tone had his heart beating at 200 beats a minute instead of 70.
We will see if this makes him more perky. Last I saw him (Christmas), he was pretty slow and tired a lot.
Monday, March 23, 2009
You can't play with the baby
Saturday we went to a graduation party for a friend of mine. All four of us went. The boys were shy, but got over it when they saw the huge back yard that Jay and Lori have. Off they went to play.
Resident in that house are three children, including an almost four year old girl and her six year old sister. The younger one decided that Owyn was a baby who, clearly, could not get around without her help. Everywhere Owyn went, she would hunt him down and nab him. She would then pick him up and carry him, until he was too heavy. She couldn't get very far, but she was relentless.
Once she got bored with him, Rhys clearly needing some direction, Owyn would make for the swing set. He would be playing happily, when she would see him, unattended, and make a bee line for him. He caught on quickly. When he saw her coming he would run for the deck. Being only two, there was no way he could out run her, and she would snatch him up again.
After the fourth time this happened, Tracy went down to the yard. She was just in time to hear the girls tell Rhys, "You can't play with the baby". While Rhys looked confused about why he wasn't allowed to play with his brother, and doubtful of the authority of these strange girls, Owyn tried desperately to escape the clutches of is "protector".
Eventually I had to step in and explain to her that he really was OK to walk on his own and that he really didn't like her carrying him, which was why he was crying. She looked a little doubtful that I knew what I was talking about. She turned and left with a posture that said, as clearly as words, "You're crazy, that kid is doomed, but you're the adult so YOU live with the consequences. I wash my hands of the lot of you."
Owyn and Rhys spent most of the rest of the party running up and down a steep sidewalk and climbing down a retaining wall, all on the side of the house where the girls couldn't find them.
Resident in that house are three children, including an almost four year old girl and her six year old sister. The younger one decided that Owyn was a baby who, clearly, could not get around without her help. Everywhere Owyn went, she would hunt him down and nab him. She would then pick him up and carry him, until he was too heavy. She couldn't get very far, but she was relentless.
Once she got bored with him, Rhys clearly needing some direction, Owyn would make for the swing set. He would be playing happily, when she would see him, unattended, and make a bee line for him. He caught on quickly. When he saw her coming he would run for the deck. Being only two, there was no way he could out run her, and she would snatch him up again.
After the fourth time this happened, Tracy went down to the yard. She was just in time to hear the girls tell Rhys, "You can't play with the baby". While Rhys looked confused about why he wasn't allowed to play with his brother, and doubtful of the authority of these strange girls, Owyn tried desperately to escape the clutches of is "protector".
Eventually I had to step in and explain to her that he really was OK to walk on his own and that he really didn't like her carrying him, which was why he was crying. She looked a little doubtful that I knew what I was talking about. She turned and left with a posture that said, as clearly as words, "You're crazy, that kid is doomed, but you're the adult so YOU live with the consequences. I wash my hands of the lot of you."
Owyn and Rhys spent most of the rest of the party running up and down a steep sidewalk and climbing down a retaining wall, all on the side of the house where the girls couldn't find them.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Look what my garden grows
It is 68 degrees right now. Hot and sunny. They boys and I went out to work on the garden. We pulled weeds, we turned over the dirt in the boxes, we put more bark down on the spots where the weed cloth was showing, we watered the chives, which are already coming in.
And then Tracy came out to play. At that point it all went down hill. Tracy, a hose, innocent, unsuspecting boys. Mud, head to toe. I'm sure some of the water got on the plants. Mostly the boys were just using it to cake the mud on, deeper and deeper. At one point I looked at Rhys and all I saw was blue eyes staring out of a three foot tall mud pie.
Needless to say, they loved it. They were not so thrilled with getting stripped naked in the garden and bundled into the shower, though it was warm at least. Once they were clean it was off to a nap. Rhys was NOT on board with that part of the plan.
In the picture you can see the box that had herbs, peppers, green beans, lettuce and spinach in it last year. The chives are the green bits in the back of it. Behind the boys there is a pile of wood, which will be cut up for fire wood. That spot is where the pond is going to go. We got a kit on sale last year for $30, so it would be a waste not to use it. The long thin box will have squash, zucchini and such in it. I built it at the end of the year last fall, so it still needs dirt. All of the ground that is not garden or pond will get covered with weed cloth and mulch.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Taco's, taco's everywhere
We had tacos and beans for dinner. There was a LOT of food left over after Owyn's party. I love tacos, the boys dig em and Tracy humors us. The beans, from Las Delicias are great. I'm pretty sure they put crack in them. It's the only logical explanation.
Rhys likes his taco in a hard shell with just taco meat, cheese and beans on the side with some sour cream for dipping. He has a hard time figuring out how to hold it and loses a significant amount of fillings onto his plate, the table, his lap and the floor. The dogs like the way that Rhys eats a taco.
Owyn, up to now, has also liked his taco in a hard shell, meat, tomato and cheese, with his beans on the side. He eats his pretty well, but gets bored half way through, skins everything out of it and works through the mash with his fingers. He does like to dip the shell in his beans.
I like mine in a soft corn tortilla. I was working my way through my tacos, while the boys were on their seconds, when Owyn pointed at me and grunted "Ehhh!". I held my taco out for him to take a bite, he grabbed it with both hands and stuffed the whole thing in his mouth. He munched happily until it was all gone. We will have to try him on a soft corn tortilla next time, I guess.
Both boy's first human food was refried beans. They still love them. Lucky us.
Rhys likes his taco in a hard shell with just taco meat, cheese and beans on the side with some sour cream for dipping. He has a hard time figuring out how to hold it and loses a significant amount of fillings onto his plate, the table, his lap and the floor. The dogs like the way that Rhys eats a taco.
Owyn, up to now, has also liked his taco in a hard shell, meat, tomato and cheese, with his beans on the side. He eats his pretty well, but gets bored half way through, skins everything out of it and works through the mash with his fingers. He does like to dip the shell in his beans.
I like mine in a soft corn tortilla. I was working my way through my tacos, while the boys were on their seconds, when Owyn pointed at me and grunted "Ehhh!". I held my taco out for him to take a bite, he grabbed it with both hands and stuffed the whole thing in his mouth. He munched happily until it was all gone. We will have to try him on a soft corn tortilla next time, I guess.
Both boy's first human food was refried beans. They still love them. Lucky us.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Cash in your war bonds, we're all doomed
Today the promotion list came out for the Marine Corps reserves. I'm on it. In a few short months I will be a Master Sgt.
To say I am shocked would be an understatement. I have been a Gunny for almost four years now, but I was out for a year of that. I have not deployed to combat since I got promoted as all three of my other tours were as a SSgt. (Serbia, Invasion, Fallujah '04). I barely got to enjoy being a Gunny.
Having said that, I'm very excited. It is always nice to know that I have fooled the Corps again, er, I mean that they have recognized my superior skills and retain full trust in my abilities. Yeah, that's what I meant to say.
We'll be having a big party some time this summer.
To say I am shocked would be an understatement. I have been a Gunny for almost four years now, but I was out for a year of that. I have not deployed to combat since I got promoted as all three of my other tours were as a SSgt. (Serbia, Invasion, Fallujah '04). I barely got to enjoy being a Gunny.
Having said that, I'm very excited. It is always nice to know that I have fooled the Corps again, er, I mean that they have recognized my superior skills and retain full trust in my abilities. Yeah, that's what I meant to say.
We'll be having a big party some time this summer.
Mama, need these!
Rhys wears orthodics. These are plastic (?) inserts for his shoes. They help to turn his toes outward, keep him from dragging his right foot and they will give him an arch. The kid has some issues. They do not fit in all of his shoes, but they fit very well in his brown boots.
Today was very nice, mid 50's. Tracy decided that Rhys needed to wear tennis shoes. She grabbed the shoes and tried to get Rhys to come over so she could put them on. He refused. He went and grabbed his boots and said "No Mama, need these!" Right he was. Need them he does. Orthodics she pulled. (It helps if you say the above sentences in Yoda's voice).
It is odd to have him thinking for himself and acting on it.
Today was very nice, mid 50's. Tracy decided that Rhys needed to wear tennis shoes. She grabbed the shoes and tried to get Rhys to come over so she could put them on. He refused. He went and grabbed his boots and said "No Mama, need these!" Right he was. Need them he does. Orthodics she pulled. (It helps if you say the above sentences in Yoda's voice).
It is odd to have him thinking for himself and acting on it.
Cleveland
Owyn has a blanket. We call this blanket Cleveland. Owyn will not sleep without Cleveland. he will lay in bed crying for three hours if he doesn't have his blanket. Cleveland is dark blue with a light blue edge and airplanes.
Owyn's bedtime routine is very simple. We take him up (usually Tracy), change him in to his jammie's, give him a clean diaper and sit in a chair with him and cuddle. He has his warm bottle either on the changing table or in the chair. When he has had enough of cuddling (mileage may vary) he wiggles around and it is time to put him in his crib. We lay him down, and this is VERY important, and cover him, head to toe, with Cleveland.
If you don't have Cleveland then you can not carry out this last portion of the ritual. Owyn hid Cleveland this weekend. It took all day to find him. He was in Rhys' dirty clothes hamper. I had to crawl around on the floor, Owyn height and "be" a two year old to find the damn thing.
One of the ways that we ensure a lack of Cleveland drama is by keeping the blanket in the crib, where it belongs. This morning Owyn decided that he needed Cleveland with him. I have no idea where this came from, but he threw a screaming fit until Tracy gave him the blanket. He took Cleveland out to the car with him and cuddled all the way to school.
After school, when he got out to the car, he snatched up the blanket and cuddled all the way home. Once Owyn was distracted with toys and TV I took Cleveland back up to his bed.
I do not like this new scenario. I see too much opportunity for unmitigated tragedy. I do not want to contemplate bed time without Cleveland any more than Owyn does, though for very different reasons.
Owyn's bedtime routine is very simple. We take him up (usually Tracy), change him in to his jammie's, give him a clean diaper and sit in a chair with him and cuddle. He has his warm bottle either on the changing table or in the chair. When he has had enough of cuddling (mileage may vary) he wiggles around and it is time to put him in his crib. We lay him down, and this is VERY important, and cover him, head to toe, with Cleveland.
If you don't have Cleveland then you can not carry out this last portion of the ritual. Owyn hid Cleveland this weekend. It took all day to find him. He was in Rhys' dirty clothes hamper. I had to crawl around on the floor, Owyn height and "be" a two year old to find the damn thing.
One of the ways that we ensure a lack of Cleveland drama is by keeping the blanket in the crib, where it belongs. This morning Owyn decided that he needed Cleveland with him. I have no idea where this came from, but he threw a screaming fit until Tracy gave him the blanket. He took Cleveland out to the car with him and cuddled all the way to school.
After school, when he got out to the car, he snatched up the blanket and cuddled all the way home. Once Owyn was distracted with toys and TV I took Cleveland back up to his bed.
I do not like this new scenario. I see too much opportunity for unmitigated tragedy. I do not want to contemplate bed time without Cleveland any more than Owyn does, though for very different reasons.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
The School Bus
Rhys rode the school bus for the first time today. Tracy went with him, which was quite an ordeal in and of itself. They tried to tell her that she couldn't go with him due to concerns over confidentiality. The only problem with that is, THERE IS NO ONE ELSE ON THE BUS. I swear, some people would die if they couldn't tell people NO.
The bus has a driver and a para to watch the kids. There are seat belts for the little buggers. They also had a whole bunch of stuffed animals on board. Rhys liked it, thought it was a little strange.
Tomorrow he has to ride without Mama there. The daycare has to get him out the door, hopefully pee'd out, when the bus gets there. His teacher has to collect him from the bus. Lot's of ways for people to screw this up.
Thursday is parent-teacher conferences. Friday, no school. Two weeks of spring break. Then, once he is completely un-trained again, back to the bus and pre-school. I think he will love it. Getting to go out on his own and all. We'll see.
The bus has a driver and a para to watch the kids. There are seat belts for the little buggers. They also had a whole bunch of stuffed animals on board. Rhys liked it, thought it was a little strange.
Tomorrow he has to ride without Mama there. The daycare has to get him out the door, hopefully pee'd out, when the bus gets there. His teacher has to collect him from the bus. Lot's of ways for people to screw this up.
Thursday is parent-teacher conferences. Friday, no school. Two weeks of spring break. Then, once he is completely un-trained again, back to the bus and pre-school. I think he will love it. Getting to go out on his own and all. We'll see.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Swimming and Sand
Today was Rhys' swim lesson day. I pick him up from pre-school and take him directly to swim school. He fights me every time, but then loves it when he is there. He has been going for a couple of months now. He loves the water and pays varying amounts of attention to his teacher.
The school keeps the water at ninety some degrees and the air in the pool area at ninety-seven or so. Perfect for skinny little bodies to stay comfortable. There is a glassed in lobby so parents can watch the lessons. There is even a little coffee kiosk where the staff can make a Starbucks for you.
Rhys' class has four kids in it and lasts for half an hour. They are working on holding their breath, kicking their feet, grabbing rings under water and jumping off the side. Rhys is the best at going under water. Of course, he won't keep his goggles on, so he always comes up rubbing his eyes. Today was the first time he actually left them on. It seemed to help. Weird.
After swimming we went back to preschool and got his brother. Owyn was playing outside, as usual when it is so nice out. Seventy degrees here today, and most of the rest of the week. Most of the winter has been this way. When Owyn saw me he came running over with a huge smile, and then got intercepted by his brother. He fought his way free and gave me a huge hug. As I picked him up he was wrapped around me, patting my shoulder and snuggling his head against me. It was ever so sweet.
Owyn waved bye bye to all of his teachers and said "Bye" in his sweet, high pitched raspy voice. We headed out to the car, where upon, Rhys turned into the Uber Turd Bucket From Hell. I got Owyn strapped in and had to chase Rhys down. He fought me all the way into his car seat, then was completely calm and reasonable. Owyn, on the other hand, decided that he would whine and snivel all the way home. Fortunately for all of us it was nice enough for me to put my window down and listen to the radio.
Once we got home it was time for snacks all the way around. Juice boxes and crackers for everyone. Owyn drank his juice, and his brother's juice and some other juice he found. I think they are not giving him enough to drink.
After all of that the boys went out and played in the back yard. They did exceptionally well, with only one small incident of brotherly competition. Dinner was short and sweet and off to bed all the way around. Owyn only napped for an hour (three to four is more usual). I believe that Rhys failed to nap at all, again.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Owyn's Party part Deux
So the smoke has cleared, the dust has settled and I'm ready for bed. The party went very well. Owyn woke up from his nap just as the first people were arriving. Rhys has woken up a few minutes before that.
We had all of the food set up, though I ordered too few beans, so Grandad went and got us some more. Thank you very much Grandad. As people came in the kids peeled off to play while the parents started to congregate in the kitchen, of course. There were 28 people total.
We had several groups of friends who we invited. The largest was family. This includes blood, un-offical adoption and extremely close friends. The second group is neighbors. The third is friends from other places, day care and work, the unit. We performed introductions for those who didn't know each other, then mostly left them to their own devices.
Owyn was not nearly as enamored of the chaos this year. He wanted to eat, when he first got up. He had a plate full of chips, cheese and taco meat. After that he played, but not as hard as I expected. Some of the other boys were bigger this year, much faster and more wild. He had fun, and wore himself out though.
Rhys was ecstatic to see his "Yanna" (Gianna) and her parents. He and Gianna grew up together as she is the daughter of his first day care lady. He adores the entire family and was super happy to see them. He and Yanna were inseparable the entire day.
The odd thing about the party was that it was actually more relaxing than just having the two of them home with us all day. We could just entertain the adults and chat. The kids took care of each other. It was nice to just be able to catch up, as long as you didn't mind the yelling, screaming, laughing and shrieking in the back ground.
Some parents are better at letting the kids go than others. Some a little too good. When it came time for presents Owyn was in the middle of a scrum. He had plenty of help to get the paper off and one present was handed to me unwrapped. I don't think he cared, but it still shouldn't happen that way. He got all good presents, meaning things that he will play with or eat. Nana made him cookies. He and the other kids liked those a lot.
Everyone had fun, no one cried. We all got to catch up, eat some good food and drink some punch or beer or milk. The boys went to bed early and we will not be far behind. I call it a success.
We had all of the food set up, though I ordered too few beans, so Grandad went and got us some more. Thank you very much Grandad. As people came in the kids peeled off to play while the parents started to congregate in the kitchen, of course. There were 28 people total.
We had several groups of friends who we invited. The largest was family. This includes blood, un-offical adoption and extremely close friends. The second group is neighbors. The third is friends from other places, day care and work, the unit. We performed introductions for those who didn't know each other, then mostly left them to their own devices.
Owyn was not nearly as enamored of the chaos this year. He wanted to eat, when he first got up. He had a plate full of chips, cheese and taco meat. After that he played, but not as hard as I expected. Some of the other boys were bigger this year, much faster and more wild. He had fun, and wore himself out though.
Rhys was ecstatic to see his "Yanna" (Gianna) and her parents. He and Gianna grew up together as she is the daughter of his first day care lady. He adores the entire family and was super happy to see them. He and Yanna were inseparable the entire day.
The odd thing about the party was that it was actually more relaxing than just having the two of them home with us all day. We could just entertain the adults and chat. The kids took care of each other. It was nice to just be able to catch up, as long as you didn't mind the yelling, screaming, laughing and shrieking in the back ground.
Some parents are better at letting the kids go than others. Some a little too good. When it came time for presents Owyn was in the middle of a scrum. He had plenty of help to get the paper off and one present was handed to me unwrapped. I don't think he cared, but it still shouldn't happen that way. He got all good presents, meaning things that he will play with or eat. Nana made him cookies. He and the other kids liked those a lot.
Everyone had fun, no one cried. We all got to catch up, eat some good food and drink some punch or beer or milk. The boys went to bed early and we will not be far behind. I call it a success.
Prep for Owyn's Party
Today is Owyn's second birthday, party. We are doing it here at the house. Most of yesterday was spent getting food ready. We finished that up and cleaned the house today. We Hunt's are all about the chow, so here's what we are having.
Taco's
Refried beans
Peanutbutter stuffed jalapenos
Make your own Quesadillas
Home made salsa
Home made guacamole
chips
Punch
Beer
juice boxes
We are expecting about thirty people, so it should be a mad house. We forgot to invite all kinds of people, we're sorry, we suck. It is what it is.
I'll let you know how it went, assuming I survive it.
Taco's
Refried beans
Peanutbutter stuffed jalapenos
Make your own Quesadillas
Home made salsa
Home made guacamole
chips
Punch
Beer
juice boxes
We are expecting about thirty people, so it should be a mad house. We forgot to invite all kinds of people, we're sorry, we suck. It is what it is.
I'll let you know how it went, assuming I survive it.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
"Gee"
Owyn calls his pacifier his "gee". This comes from Binky. Owyn loves his gee. He would have it in every minute of every day if we would let him. Up to now we have let him have it most of the time. If we ask for it, "give me your gee Owyn", and he hands it to us, great. If not, oh well. When he asks for it later, we will give it back.
Now that he is two we are beginning to ween him off of it. This is not all that fun, of course. Now we do not let him have it during the day, only at nap time and bed time. He will play happily for several hours, then realize he wants it and go stand at the bar sqwaking. We keep his gees on the bar.
When we tell him "No, no gee". He throws a fit. He has quite the little temper. When we laugh at his temper tantrum that just pisses him off more. When we count him for it, that really gets his goat. So far we have held strong, no gee's during the day.
Speaking of his temper, he has any number of unhappy faces. His pouty face, his angry face, his "if looks could kill" face. They are all quite funny, to us at least. They do not get him the result he hopes for, but it is no end of entertaining watching him try.
He is a, mostly, sunny little boy, but that temper is fierce.
Now that he is two we are beginning to ween him off of it. This is not all that fun, of course. Now we do not let him have it during the day, only at nap time and bed time. He will play happily for several hours, then realize he wants it and go stand at the bar sqwaking. We keep his gees on the bar.
When we tell him "No, no gee". He throws a fit. He has quite the little temper. When we laugh at his temper tantrum that just pisses him off more. When we count him for it, that really gets his goat. So far we have held strong, no gee's during the day.
Speaking of his temper, he has any number of unhappy faces. His pouty face, his angry face, his "if looks could kill" face. They are all quite funny, to us at least. They do not get him the result he hopes for, but it is no end of entertaining watching him try.
He is a, mostly, sunny little boy, but that temper is fierce.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Pre-school
Rhys goes to pre-school three afternoons a week. Starting, hopefully, next week, that will be four days a week. Rhys is special needs, and so, has an Individual Education Plan (IEP) to help him in the areas he needs work. The goal is to get him normalized before he starts school.
He is in a class with a couple of other special needs kids and a nine regular students. There are a couple of different specialists who rotate through the class, and a couple of aids to help out the teacher.
We have been trying to get the school district to provide transportation, at least one way, for several weeks. As it stands, Tracy has to leave work at lunch, drive back to Parker, pick him up at day care, take him to pre-school, then drive back to work. This has been affecting her ability to do her job as well as making for some long days. I have to get up at 0430 to be at work before six so that I can leave early enough to pick him up.
Today we got word that they have agreed to transpo the little monkey. It may start as soon as next week. This is good for three reasons. One, it means that he can go four days instead of three. We just couldn't to the transpo on four days. Two, Tracy doesn't have to sneak out of work any more. Three, Tracy may be able to pick him up some days, meaning that if I have to work late he can still go to school.
I had not realized how much this was weighing on me until we got the good news. It was a huge weight off of my shoulders.
He is in a class with a couple of other special needs kids and a nine regular students. There are a couple of different specialists who rotate through the class, and a couple of aids to help out the teacher.
We have been trying to get the school district to provide transportation, at least one way, for several weeks. As it stands, Tracy has to leave work at lunch, drive back to Parker, pick him up at day care, take him to pre-school, then drive back to work. This has been affecting her ability to do her job as well as making for some long days. I have to get up at 0430 to be at work before six so that I can leave early enough to pick him up.
Today we got word that they have agreed to transpo the little monkey. It may start as soon as next week. This is good for three reasons. One, it means that he can go four days instead of three. We just couldn't to the transpo on four days. Two, Tracy doesn't have to sneak out of work any more. Three, Tracy may be able to pick him up some days, meaning that if I have to work late he can still go to school.
I had not realized how much this was weighing on me until we got the good news. It was a huge weight off of my shoulders.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Pick up at Daycare
I picked the boys up at daycare today. First time in a long time I was able to get them both.
I chose to grab Owyn first. When I walked in to the two's, he was in the back behind the barrier. I call it the bull pen. They were all still down on their pallets, but he had just woken up. I mean JUST woken up. He saw me, took a second to realize it was me, smiled all big, got up and marched across the room to me, smiling. About the time he hit the mid point he started crying and cryed all the way to me. I picked him up and took him over to be changed. He cried while his diaper was changed and then he was happy. I carried him in to Rhys' room and he clung to me, patting me on the back and cuddling his head up to me.
When we got to Rhys' room, they had just gone outside. Mr. Keith, Rhys' old teacher, had the class and called out to Rhys that "Your daddy's here". Rhys didn't care. I walked outside and set Owyn down. He trundled off towards his brother, who saw us, smiled and came running over to give me a hug. I gathered up both boys and went inside. Owyn was holding his jacket and we went and got Rhys'. The three of us walked out.
In the entrance area there is a basket with crackers in it. Both boys arrowed in on that like Sidewinder missiles. Owyn grabbed a packet of Graham crackers. Rhys grabbed two. We went outside and got in the car, Owyn holding out his crackers for me to open. Rhys stuck his in the door and forgot about them.
Rhys had not had an accident, and had been good all day, so he got to go bye bye. Bye bye with both boys is a herculean task. Rhys always wants to go to Collectormania, (Daddy's Store). When we got there I set Owyn down and Rhys headed for the snack section. He tried to get each of the boys a bag of M&M's, I made them share. Tragedy. Rhys also grabbed some water out of the fridge.
The boys pulled up chairs at a table and ate their candy. Rhys' favorites are peanut butter M&M's but they were out, so he had to settle for Peanut. There was a kid in there reading a comic book and another painting some mini's. Tim, the owner, and I talked about the new game coming out and how he had managed to get an advance copy of the rules, which would be there on Friday. Owyn spilled the water on his seat and the floor. Rhys motored back to the bathroom, grabbed some paper towels and cleaned it up. He did a thourough job of it too.
We kept talking as the boys finished their snack and decided it was play time. At first they played on the floor. Rhys had brought in a car, (which, come to think of it, I don't think we walked out of there with). They crawled around on the floor playing with that, then crawl/chased each other around the game tables. When that got dull they found the discount basket of paints on the floor and started running around the store with those.
Tim had gotten in a bunch of pop for the store, but had not stocked the fridge yet. The bottles were set on the floor in such a way that there was an enclosed area between them. Owyn decided it would be fun to move all of the paints from the basket to this new spot. Rhys decided that this looked like a good way to get in trouble, so jumped in with both feet.
They were having a grand old time when Rhys stood up and hit his ear on the paint rack. He manged to cut it behind the ear, right at the crease. He lost his mind for no more than thirty seconds, then was right back to playing. He is a very brave little boy who is not much put out by pain.
Eventually I just couldn't take any more so we had to leave. I snatched them both up and took them outside, apparently leaving behind the car and the water we bought. I got Owyn shackled into his seat and chased Rhys down the sidewalk, catching him just in time to put him in Mama's car, as she was pulling up to take him bye bye again. Owyn and I came home.
No more dual trips to Collectormania. One kid at a time only.
I chose to grab Owyn first. When I walked in to the two's, he was in the back behind the barrier. I call it the bull pen. They were all still down on their pallets, but he had just woken up. I mean JUST woken up. He saw me, took a second to realize it was me, smiled all big, got up and marched across the room to me, smiling. About the time he hit the mid point he started crying and cryed all the way to me. I picked him up and took him over to be changed. He cried while his diaper was changed and then he was happy. I carried him in to Rhys' room and he clung to me, patting me on the back and cuddling his head up to me.
When we got to Rhys' room, they had just gone outside. Mr. Keith, Rhys' old teacher, had the class and called out to Rhys that "Your daddy's here". Rhys didn't care. I walked outside and set Owyn down. He trundled off towards his brother, who saw us, smiled and came running over to give me a hug. I gathered up both boys and went inside. Owyn was holding his jacket and we went and got Rhys'. The three of us walked out.
In the entrance area there is a basket with crackers in it. Both boys arrowed in on that like Sidewinder missiles. Owyn grabbed a packet of Graham crackers. Rhys grabbed two. We went outside and got in the car, Owyn holding out his crackers for me to open. Rhys stuck his in the door and forgot about them.
Rhys had not had an accident, and had been good all day, so he got to go bye bye. Bye bye with both boys is a herculean task. Rhys always wants to go to Collectormania, (Daddy's Store). When we got there I set Owyn down and Rhys headed for the snack section. He tried to get each of the boys a bag of M&M's, I made them share. Tragedy. Rhys also grabbed some water out of the fridge.
The boys pulled up chairs at a table and ate their candy. Rhys' favorites are peanut butter M&M's but they were out, so he had to settle for Peanut. There was a kid in there reading a comic book and another painting some mini's. Tim, the owner, and I talked about the new game coming out and how he had managed to get an advance copy of the rules, which would be there on Friday. Owyn spilled the water on his seat and the floor. Rhys motored back to the bathroom, grabbed some paper towels and cleaned it up. He did a thourough job of it too.
We kept talking as the boys finished their snack and decided it was play time. At first they played on the floor. Rhys had brought in a car, (which, come to think of it, I don't think we walked out of there with). They crawled around on the floor playing with that, then crawl/chased each other around the game tables. When that got dull they found the discount basket of paints on the floor and started running around the store with those.
Tim had gotten in a bunch of pop for the store, but had not stocked the fridge yet. The bottles were set on the floor in such a way that there was an enclosed area between them. Owyn decided it would be fun to move all of the paints from the basket to this new spot. Rhys decided that this looked like a good way to get in trouble, so jumped in with both feet.
They were having a grand old time when Rhys stood up and hit his ear on the paint rack. He manged to cut it behind the ear, right at the crease. He lost his mind for no more than thirty seconds, then was right back to playing. He is a very brave little boy who is not much put out by pain.
Eventually I just couldn't take any more so we had to leave. I snatched them both up and took them outside, apparently leaving behind the car and the water we bought. I got Owyn shackled into his seat and chased Rhys down the sidewalk, catching him just in time to put him in Mama's car, as she was pulling up to take him bye bye again. Owyn and I came home.
No more dual trips to Collectormania. One kid at a time only.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Home again
Tracy and Owyn got home today. Owyn was extremly pleased to be back in his house with his toys and his bed. He was not pleased enough to take a nap. That meant no nap for Mama either.
Rhys was very glad to see his brother. He was indifferent to his Mama. Rhys is a daddy's boy. This is unfortunate as he does not show a lot of affection for his mom. He asked about her every day, but now that she is home he's "oh, you're back. that's nice".
My prediction was that the boys would be fighting within twenty minutes. I was wrong. They lasted forty five. It was almost nice to hear it again. They actually played very well together, considering how tired they both are. Rhys was asking to go to bed at 1700. Just a little bit too early for my tastes. As usual, once his brother went to bed he was all sweetness and cuddles until his bed time.
Tracy is sure that Rhys grew at least six inches while she was gone. I didn't notice, of course, having been with him the whole time. It should have been a tip off when he had to wear my jeans to school today though. He easily could have grown quite a bit. Children don't seem to grow steadily. It always seems as if they just sprout an inch over night.
Now that everyone is home we can settle back into our routine. This will be good for the boys and for us. Owyn, especially, loves his routine. I'm looking forward to a couple months with no excitement.
Rhys was very glad to see his brother. He was indifferent to his Mama. Rhys is a daddy's boy. This is unfortunate as he does not show a lot of affection for his mom. He asked about her every day, but now that she is home he's "oh, you're back. that's nice".
My prediction was that the boys would be fighting within twenty minutes. I was wrong. They lasted forty five. It was almost nice to hear it again. They actually played very well together, considering how tired they both are. Rhys was asking to go to bed at 1700. Just a little bit too early for my tastes. As usual, once his brother went to bed he was all sweetness and cuddles until his bed time.
Tracy is sure that Rhys grew at least six inches while she was gone. I didn't notice, of course, having been with him the whole time. It should have been a tip off when he had to wear my jeans to school today though. He easily could have grown quite a bit. Children don't seem to grow steadily. It always seems as if they just sprout an inch over night.
Now that everyone is home we can settle back into our routine. This will be good for the boys and for us. Owyn, especially, loves his routine. I'm looking forward to a couple months with no excitement.
Monday, March 9, 2009
"My Daddy"
Rhys is finally asleep. An hour and a half after I first put him down. I finally went up to him again when it was obvious that he was not going to go to sleep. I put him back in bed, he was standing in the middle of his room, in the dark, crying. I would not normally rescue him, but today is not a normal day.
We laid down and he stopped crying. We just laid there for about ten minutes. He rolled over to me, put his face up against mine, stroked my cheek and whispered "My daddy, my daddy" over and over until he fell asleep.
It almost makes DST worthwhile.
We laid down and he stopped crying. We just laid there for about ten minutes. He rolled over to me, put his face up against mine, stroked my cheek and whispered "My daddy, my daddy" over and over until he fell asleep.
It almost makes DST worthwhile.
Owyn loves his brother
Owyn and Tracy have been in MO visiting family. Grampy has a big picture of Rhys at the nursing home. Tracy pulled it down and showed it to Owyn, "this is Rhys". Owyn got a huge smile on his face. He took the picture and walked around the hospital, holding it out and smiling, hugely. Eventually Tracy took it away to put it back on the shelf. Owyn cried hysterically.
Rhys has asked about his brother and his mother every day since they left. Mostly his brother, the little ingrate. I am sure they will be fighting within twenty minutes of seeing each other tomorrow.
Rhys has asked about his brother and his mother every day since they left. Mostly his brother, the little ingrate. I am sure they will be fighting within twenty minutes of seeing each other tomorrow.
Daylight savings - Source of all drama
At least today it is. My clock said 0430, but my body sure thought it was 0330. For the first time ever I had to wake Rhys up. He was not impressed. He crawled into the farthest corner of his bed "No, Eeep (sleep)!" I dragged him out and got him dressed. He was reasonably happy after that.
Long day at work. Daylight savings dopiness on top of long hours to make up for missing a day last week when Rhys and I had the stomach flu. When I got to daycare to pick him up he saw me, smiled and ran over to hug me saying "My daddy, my daddy". I thought, "This is as good as it gets". Little did I know that would be an accurate prediction of the rest of the night.
Hysterical crying, snot running down the face and frantic head banging, and that was all me after five minutes in the car with him. He didn't nap for more than twenty minutes. This is bad enough on a regular day, but disaster on a day when he got up an hour early.
I got him home and fed him, fish sticks and pizza rolls. Wouldn't touch the healthy stuff. He cried the whole time, even as he ate. Yummy. Fish sticks and snot. I got him up to bed, he cried. I calmed him down long enough to read a story. After that, he cried. I laid down next to him. When he was calm, I left him. He cried. I cleaned the kitchen and went upstairs. He cried. He has been "in bed" for an hour and he is still up there crying. He is so tired that he won't go to sleep.
I wonder if I have any bourbon left.
Long day at work. Daylight savings dopiness on top of long hours to make up for missing a day last week when Rhys and I had the stomach flu. When I got to daycare to pick him up he saw me, smiled and ran over to hug me saying "My daddy, my daddy". I thought, "This is as good as it gets". Little did I know that would be an accurate prediction of the rest of the night.
Hysterical crying, snot running down the face and frantic head banging, and that was all me after five minutes in the car with him. He didn't nap for more than twenty minutes. This is bad enough on a regular day, but disaster on a day when he got up an hour early.
I got him home and fed him, fish sticks and pizza rolls. Wouldn't touch the healthy stuff. He cried the whole time, even as he ate. Yummy. Fish sticks and snot. I got him up to bed, he cried. I calmed him down long enough to read a story. After that, he cried. I laid down next to him. When he was calm, I left him. He cried. I cleaned the kitchen and went upstairs. He cried. He has been "in bed" for an hour and he is still up there crying. He is so tired that he won't go to sleep.
I wonder if I have any bourbon left.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Daylight Saving Time
I hate it. I lose an hour of sleep. Since I get up at 0445 this is serious stuff. It takes the boys a couple of weeks to get adjusted. My commute is now into the sun in the morning. There is nothing good about this. Just pick one or the other and call it good.
Feckless do-gooderism
So the Europeans did it again. Their (notice the judgemental statement there) International Criminal Court indicted Omar al-Bashir, the ruler of Sudan, for crimes against humanity. This had the entirely predictable result that he kicked out many of the largest humanitarian organizations in Sudan. These organizations are responsible on a day to day basis for the care and feeding of millions of Sudanese.
Once again we see the truth of the old saying "The road to hell is paved with good intentions". The idea that a court in Europe can indict an evil man, who happens to run a country, and there will be no negative consequences is wishful thinking of the worst sort. In the name of justice the court has induced untold suffering. Not only is Bashir not an inch closer to The Hague, but exactly the kind of treatment to the people of Darfur that the court claims it wants to punish, has been encouraged on an even larger scale.
A court which is not backed up by force is powerless. This is as true in Denver Colorado as it is in the world as a whole. The main backers of the court have shown, over the last twenty years, an amazing capacity to talk the talk but not to walk the walk. Despite the overwhelming evidence that "soft power" only works where the countries involved all have the same interests, they continue to rely on that as a way to change the world to be what they want it to be.
By removing the last incentive to even pretend to cooperate from the Sudanese government, the court has guaranteed exactly the suffering that it claims to want to punish. While the government of Sudan is responsible for its actions, those actions were entirely predictable. When you throw gasoline on a fire you can't blame the fire for exploding.
The world would be a better place if people would work with it the way it is and not the way they wish it was. In order to make change you have to start from a realistic assessment of what tools you have and what you are trying to accomplish.
PREDICTION - Bashir will not only kick out the NGO's but also the African Union peace keepers. The bad situation in Darfur will get worse. Bashir will not leave Sudan, putting himself in a position to be grabbed by the feckless Europeans. America will continue to not involve itself militarily in a third Muslim country and Africa and Europe, in the near term will continue to wring their hands incompetently.
Keeping Faith
I just finished the book Keeping Faith by a father son team of writers. It is the story of the first year and a half's relationship between a father and a son after the son decides to join the Marine Corps.
I found this to be one of the best books I have ever read about what boot camp does to a recruit, inside his head. I remember my experience being quite different than John Schaeffer's, but also quite similar. Our time in boot camp was separated by ten years and a continent, so some of the differences are due to different culture and geography at the two Marine Corps Recruit Depots."The story of a young man having a growth experience by joining the military
is a classic scenario, and John Schaeffer does justice to his take on it in his
account of personal transformation from high-school graduate to U.S. Marines
corporal. Interspersed with his narrative are his father Frank's remarks on the
rest of the family's incidental affiliation with and new perspective on the
marines [sic] in particular and the military in general. They brought to the encounter the ignorance and prejudice against the military that too often accompanies
their status as members of the college-educated white middle class, from which,
in fact, precious few of America's servicemen come. But in the end, Frank
expresses open pride in having sent one of "the best ye breed" to the corps
before September 11. One of the better books of its kind, and likely to remain
so." (Booklist)
I would reccomend this book for any parent's of a Marine or anyone who has a young person they care about going to Boot Camp. If your kid is going to one of the other services you could get it to show you what they missed, because the Army, Navy and Air Force are NOTHING like this, even after their vaunted reforms in recent years.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Owyn's Birthday Party
Owyn's MO family threw him a party today. It was small, Tracy, Owyn, Grandma Karen, Ron, Granny Wilma and one Aunty. Owyn had cake (frosting mostly) and got presents and other than that was not suitably impressed. Since the day was really for the family that is ok.
Owyn has started foraging. I'm very proud. Granny keeps her breakfast cereal in a bottom cabinet. Owyn figured this out. When he is hungry he goes and grabs a box of cereal, puts it in his little bowl and carries it into the living room. When it is gone he goes and does it again.
Owyn said "I sorry" today. This is the first I have heard of a two word sentence, though Tracy claims it is common. He is a very bright little boy.
Owyn has decided that he loves horsey rides. By this I mean the kind where you sit him on your knee and bounce him. The rougher the better. I am not surprised, though this is not something we have done with him up to now. When I am carrying him down the stairs I am sure to bounce him as much as possible. This gets him laughing uproariously every time. I am looking forward to playing horsey with him.
Owyn has started foraging. I'm very proud. Granny keeps her breakfast cereal in a bottom cabinet. Owyn figured this out. When he is hungry he goes and grabs a box of cereal, puts it in his little bowl and carries it into the living room. When it is gone he goes and does it again.
Owyn said "I sorry" today. This is the first I have heard of a two word sentence, though Tracy claims it is common. He is a very bright little boy.
Owyn has decided that he loves horsey rides. By this I mean the kind where you sit him on your knee and bounce him. The rougher the better. I am not surprised, though this is not something we have done with him up to now. When I am carrying him down the stairs I am sure to bounce him as much as possible. This gets him laughing uproariously every time. I am looking forward to playing horsey with him.
Birthday parties
The party is over. These things always make me think of herding cats. The place was a bouncy play area. The other kids were too rough for Rhys, knocking him over, so he decided to play on the broken carousel and the two and under bouncy area. He was having fun but it made me quite sad.
The hour of play was followed by the obligatory pizza and cake. Rhys ate pepperoni and cheese. Most of two pieces. He liked the frosting but not the yellow cake. Everything was on track for at least another half hour of present opening and such when one kid threw up and the fire alarm went off.
Now I didn't pull it, but bless whoever did. Rhys was starting to get tired, meaning crabby, and I was just about maxed out on four year olds and their parents. It was good to get out. We came home with a nice gift bag and a balloon, and Rhys went down for a nap.
The hour of play was followed by the obligatory pizza and cake. Rhys ate pepperoni and cheese. Most of two pieces. He liked the frosting but not the yellow cake. Everything was on track for at least another half hour of present opening and such when one kid threw up and the fire alarm went off.
Now I didn't pull it, but bless whoever did. Rhys was starting to get tired, meaning crabby, and I was just about maxed out on four year olds and their parents. It was good to get out. We came home with a nice gift bag and a balloon, and Rhys went down for a nap.
Rhys
It's Saturday. Normally this is my day to sleep in, but with Tracy gone, not so much. Rhys woke up at 0530, as usual. He came and stood next to the bed, "Daddy". I reached over and picked him up and tucked him next to my left arm. He snuggled in there and drowsily wiggled. We finally got up at 0600 when the sleep had fallen away enough for him to be overcome by the twitches.
Rhys has been very active today. We are going to a birthday party for his friend Ryan this afternoon. Rhys and Ryan were in the same special needs class last year. Most days they were the only ones there. We tried to get them in the same class this year but failed miserably. Ryan is in the morning and Rhys in the afternoon.
Outside the classroom, next to the sign in sheet, there is an egg crate with a folder for each child. Tracy was amazed to find an invitation in there one day. Rhys does not get invited to play dates or parties with his schoolmates.
We will be going to PartyOn in Parker. There is a liabiltity waiver, so it should be fun. Rhys is sitting in my lap being wild right now. I'll type more later.
Rhys has been very active today. We are going to a birthday party for his friend Ryan this afternoon. Rhys and Ryan were in the same special needs class last year. Most days they were the only ones there. We tried to get them in the same class this year but failed miserably. Ryan is in the morning and Rhys in the afternoon.
Outside the classroom, next to the sign in sheet, there is an egg crate with a folder for each child. Tracy was amazed to find an invitation in there one day. Rhys does not get invited to play dates or parties with his schoolmates.
We will be going to PartyOn in Parker. There is a liabiltity waiver, so it should be fun. Rhys is sitting in my lap being wild right now. I'll type more later.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Rhys
Rhys and I have been bach'ing it all week, with Tracy and Owyn gone. I had big plans to eat all of the things that I like and she doesn't. Instead, the two of us have been sick as dogs all week. Some sort of stomach flu is going around.
Rhys had a good day at school today. I have been dropping him off at 0630, which he hates. He is the first one there. This is NOT the routine he has with Mama. He had show and tell today so he chose to take, of course, a car.
He took a two hour nap today. The first time his teacher, Mr. Brian, has seen him nap at all. Yesterday he got pushed down on the playground and banged up his lip. That was also a first for Mr. Brian. It was the first time that he had seen Rhys cry. Apparently all of the other kids are little fountains. Mr Brian is quite impressed with what a tough, but sweet little boy Rhys is.
Rhys has also had no accidents all week. I am very proud of him.
Rhys had a good day at school today. I have been dropping him off at 0630, which he hates. He is the first one there. This is NOT the routine he has with Mama. He had show and tell today so he chose to take, of course, a car.
He took a two hour nap today. The first time his teacher, Mr. Brian, has seen him nap at all. Yesterday he got pushed down on the playground and banged up his lip. That was also a first for Mr. Brian. It was the first time that he had seen Rhys cry. Apparently all of the other kids are little fountains. Mr Brian is quite impressed with what a tough, but sweet little boy Rhys is.
Rhys has also had no accidents all week. I am very proud of him.
Owyn
Today is Owyn's second birthday. I literally can't believe that he is two. It seems like just yesterday that we brought him home. Now he walks and talks and bubbles over with personality. Mister Mischief, I call him.
Owyn and Tracy are in Springfield MO this week. I am sad that Rhys and I can not be with him on his birthday, though he doesn't care, of course. Still, it is good this way as Tracy's family gets to have a birthday with one of the boys. They don't travel, so this is probably one of the few chances they will ever have.
Next weekend we will have a party for Owyn. We will be doing it here and it will be complete chaos. Just the way he likes it. I expect to find him smack dab in the middle of where ever the most noise and action are.
Owyn and Tracy are in Springfield MO this week. I am sad that Rhys and I can not be with him on his birthday, though he doesn't care, of course. Still, it is good this way as Tracy's family gets to have a birthday with one of the boys. They don't travel, so this is probably one of the few chances they will ever have.
Next weekend we will have a party for Owyn. We will be doing it here and it will be complete chaos. Just the way he likes it. I expect to find him smack dab in the middle of where ever the most noise and action are.
Intro
This is an experiment to see how I like this mode of communication. I want a way to document some things about my life and this seems like one way to do it.
I think I will be talking about three or four things, but we will see how it goes. Most importantly, to me, is my boys and my wife. Goings on and pictures. Next will be my hobbies. Which will probably boil down to reading. Third will be my thoughts on the state of the world.
We'll have to see if anything else catches my fancy. You never know.
I think I will be talking about three or four things, but we will see how it goes. Most importantly, to me, is my boys and my wife. Goings on and pictures. Next will be my hobbies. Which will probably boil down to reading. Third will be my thoughts on the state of the world.
We'll have to see if anything else catches my fancy. You never know.
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