My mother is a reading and kindergarten teacher, so I know a lot about books. And I know that each section of a book is called a chapter. Today is the end to a chapter in my mom's book. After today she will officially be a retired kindergarten teacher.
My mom went back to complete both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in education while I was in elementary school. I know this could not have been easy, but my mom kicked arse. Now, twenty years later, she can finally spend some time relaxing. No more rushing to Target the day after Halloween to secure dozens of bags of clearance candy; No grocery shopping on the weekends with the rest of the world; No doctors appointments or flights scheduled around school vacations. Congratulations, Mom!
The "Book of Life" concept is especially relevant this week, because that is what Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur are all about. On Rosh Hashana the Book of Life is opened. On Yom Kippur, your fate for the year is sealed and the Book is closed. In between the two holidays is an important time for reflection and atonement. You ask forgiveness from those you may have slighted, you give thanks for the year's gifts (e.g, my little AK), and you consider how to improve in the coming year.
It is more spiritual than the secular New Year (natch). These resolutions aren't about losing weight or laying off the alcohol. They are about limiting gossip, pushing out negativity, being a better person. I hope that 5769 (the year according to the Jewish calendar) brings health and peace to all.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Saturday, September 27, 2008
A Real Whodunit
The evidence...
Upon closer inspection...footsteps! I wonder what happens if we follow them?
The culprit!
Upon closer inspection...footsteps! I wonder what happens if we follow them?
The culprit!
Friday, September 26, 2008
I'm a Snob
Yesterday we got a note from the owner of the day care center. Either he has the same level of writing skills as the director or she ghost wrote it on his behalf. Regardless, it is abysmally written. The intent of the letter is very nice and good news, but man, the delivery doesn't increase my confidence levels. Here it is in its entirety - spelling and grammar are taken verbatim. If you don't believe me ask DaisyJo_Mom or DM.
Dear [Day Care] Parents,
I wanted to take a moment to inform you that [Cristine Jones] has been asked to be the Head Chairperson for the Norwalk Parents Engagement Committee. The Parent Engagement Committee is a group that's {I AM NOT GOOD AT THAT VS. WHOSE BUT I DO KNOW 'THAT'S' ISN'T RIGHT} goal is for parents in Norwalk to understand three key messages. One - "Talk, Listen, and Read". Two- "Every child needs a doctor and a dentist". Three-"211 Info Line". {IS '211 INFO LINE' A MESSAGE?}
Furthermore, the Mayor of Norwalk, Richard Moccia, and the Superintendent of Norwalk Public Schools, Salvatore Corda, have officially invited our Director [Cristine Jones], to be a voting member of the Norwalk Early Childhood Council. The council is a collaborative effort of the Board of Education, Educators, Programs, Social Services, Health Professionals, and Advocates to better serve the needs of the children of Norwalk.
[Cristine]'s interest in serving, nurturing and educating young children in the Norwalk Community has been recognized at the highest levels. She has accepted both of the positions as the Head Chairperson and as a council member {JUST TO REITERATE}.
I would like to officially congradulate {REALLY, DO YOU NOT KNOW HOW TO USE SPELLCHECK?} her on behalf of the [Day Care] Family for a job well done, as I know these appointments will serve to make our school that much {HOW MUCH?}better. [Cristine] will continue at [Day Care] while serving as on both committees {JUST WHEN I WAS STARTING TO GET EXCITED...}.
Sincerely,
[Frank Capra]
Owner
Dear [Day Care] Parents,
I wanted to take a moment to inform you that [Cristine Jones] has been asked to be the Head Chairperson for the Norwalk Parents Engagement Committee. The Parent Engagement Committee is a group that's {I AM NOT GOOD AT THAT VS. WHOSE BUT I DO KNOW 'THAT'S' ISN'T RIGHT} goal is for parents in Norwalk to understand three key messages. One - "Talk, Listen, and Read". Two- "Every child needs a doctor and a dentist". Three-"211 Info Line". {IS '211 INFO LINE' A MESSAGE?}
Furthermore, the Mayor of Norwalk, Richard Moccia, and the Superintendent of Norwalk Public Schools, Salvatore Corda, have officially invited our Director [Cristine Jones], to be a voting member of the Norwalk Early Childhood Council. The council is a collaborative effort of the Board of Education, Educators, Programs, Social Services, Health Professionals, and Advocates to better serve the needs of the children of Norwalk.
[Cristine]'s interest in serving, nurturing and educating young children in the Norwalk Community has been recognized at the highest levels. She has accepted both of the positions as the Head Chairperson and as a council member {JUST TO REITERATE}.
I would like to officially congradulate {REALLY, DO YOU NOT KNOW HOW TO USE SPELLCHECK?} her on behalf of the [Day Care] Family for a job well done, as I know these appointments will serve to make our school that much {HOW MUCH?}better. [Cristine] will continue at [Day Care] while serving as on both committees {JUST WHEN I WAS STARTING TO GET EXCITED...}.
Sincerely,
[Frank Capra]
Owner
Thursday, September 25, 2008
She's STARVING
After the 2pm call from day care when they told me she drank all 3 bottles in less than 5 hours, I promised to pick AK up earlier than usual so I could feed her.
At 3:40 I got another phone call informing me that Miss Louise spoke to the director (my favorite person!) and it was ILLEGAL for them to not have extra food on hand for the children and I had to pick AK up right away. I love my baby, very, very much. I do not want her to starve. And I really truly do appreciate that AK's teachers also care deeply about her well-being. But ILLEGAL? Give me a break.
Regardless, I told Miss Louise that I would leave the office right away to pick up AK. And I let her know that I would send in some frozen milk for them to put in the freezer for back-up. "Okay, I will check and see if that is okay. See you soon."
As I drove to rescue my starving (and yet, sleeping) baby, I was seething. First of all, since we have to send in prepared bottles and none of our kids eat "food" yet, do people send in cans of formula as back up for formula-fed babies? I don't know the answer to this, but I had never heard of it being done from the other moms. And second, how could the frozen milk not be okay? My child is breast fed. She doesn't eat formula. The only option is frozen milk, since I am not going to make an exception JUST for back up for day care.
I picked AK up, she was fine. Apparently she would have still been sleeping but they had a fire drill and had to pick her up and move her so she woke up. I hope that AK has grown significantly when I take her for her 4 month check up. Because if this isn't a growth spurt I am not quite sure what I am going to do.
At 3:40 I got another phone call informing me that Miss Louise spoke to the director (my favorite person!) and it was ILLEGAL for them to not have extra food on hand for the children and I had to pick AK up right away. I love my baby, very, very much. I do not want her to starve. And I really truly do appreciate that AK's teachers also care deeply about her well-being. But ILLEGAL? Give me a break.
Regardless, I told Miss Louise that I would leave the office right away to pick up AK. And I let her know that I would send in some frozen milk for them to put in the freezer for back-up. "Okay, I will check and see if that is okay. See you soon."
As I drove to rescue my starving (and yet, sleeping) baby, I was seething. First of all, since we have to send in prepared bottles and none of our kids eat "food" yet, do people send in cans of formula as back up for formula-fed babies? I don't know the answer to this, but I had never heard of it being done from the other moms. And second, how could the frozen milk not be okay? My child is breast fed. She doesn't eat formula. The only option is frozen milk, since I am not going to make an exception JUST for back up for day care.
I picked AK up, she was fine. Apparently she would have still been sleeping but they had a fire drill and had to pick her up and move her so she woke up. I hope that AK has grown significantly when I take her for her 4 month check up. Because if this isn't a growth spurt I am not quite sure what I am going to do.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
This Little Piggy...
...already drank all three bottle of milk I sent in to school, and it is only 2 pm!My Snotty Kids
Ah, yes, Fall arrived this week, bringing with it changing leaves, cooler temperatures, footy pajamas and the inevitable cold. AK has had a cold on and off since before starting day care; LP got socked yesterday with her first cold of the season. The good news is the LP is really good at blowing her nose, the bad news is I keep expecting AK to do the same thing, and that isn't really happening. Just like her sister before her, she hates the nose squeegee.
Last night started out pretty darn good in the sleeping department. LP was in bed by 9 and AK fell asleep at 9:05 after her bath. She woke up at 9:55 to be fed (just at the perfect moment for me to miss the end of The Biggest Loser) and blissfully returned to sleep. All was right and quiet in the house.
Until 2 am.
"Daddddeeeeeeeeeeeee! Dadddeeeeeeeeeeee!" How psyched was I that LP was calling the Hoos and not me? You have no idea. He went in to her room, wiped her nose and tucked her back in. He eventually sneaked out telling her he had to pee. Apparently she was wide awake. Fortunately, that didn't last long, although both the Hoos and I didn't fall right back to sleep anticipating more drama. We did get to hear the errant cough from both bedrooms.
At 4:50 AK called my number. Which was good, I needed to feed her (if you get my drift). I think it might have been a new record for her - almost 7 hours. She returned to sleep after eating and I returned to bed.
I got up at 6:30 when my alarm went off, showered and then gently coaxed AK into being "topped off" in her sleep. As I left her room and returned to mine to get dressed, a mussed haired little muffin called out, "Mommy, come here." I promised LP I would return as soon as I got dressed. And I did - in brown pants and a black shirt, which I fortunately noticed BEFORE leaving the house fifteen minutes late.
Snot, how I loathe thee.
Last night started out pretty darn good in the sleeping department. LP was in bed by 9 and AK fell asleep at 9:05 after her bath. She woke up at 9:55 to be fed (just at the perfect moment for me to miss the end of The Biggest Loser) and blissfully returned to sleep. All was right and quiet in the house.
Until 2 am.
"Daddddeeeeeeeeeeeee! Dadddeeeeeeeeeeee!" How psyched was I that LP was calling the Hoos and not me? You have no idea. He went in to her room, wiped her nose and tucked her back in. He eventually sneaked out telling her he had to pee. Apparently she was wide awake. Fortunately, that didn't last long, although both the Hoos and I didn't fall right back to sleep anticipating more drama. We did get to hear the errant cough from both bedrooms.
At 4:50 AK called my number. Which was good, I needed to feed her (if you get my drift). I think it might have been a new record for her - almost 7 hours. She returned to sleep after eating and I returned to bed.
I got up at 6:30 when my alarm went off, showered and then gently coaxed AK into being "topped off" in her sleep. As I left her room and returned to mine to get dressed, a mussed haired little muffin called out, "Mommy, come here." I promised LP I would return as soon as I got dressed. And I did - in brown pants and a black shirt, which I fortunately noticed BEFORE leaving the house fifteen minutes late.
Snot, how I loathe thee.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Holy Holidays, Batman!
Next week is Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year. For the past couple of years the holiday has fallen on a weekend; this year it starts Monday at sundown and goes until Wednesday at sundown. Despite having used up all of my paid-time off during my maternity leave I will be taking the two days off work. I am actually rearranging my schedule and sending AK to day care on both Monday and Friday next week so I can come into the office to make up some hours.
While Rosh Hashana is a celebratory holiday, involving apples and honey (a combination we really should eat year round), family meals and the like, you still spend a significant amount of time in services. In reality, the services are what the holiday is all about. Being as how we have two small children, it poses a challenge for the Hoos and me. We both want to be in the service (okay, maybe want is a strong word - we both feel that it is important to be in the service), but we also know that it will be impossible for LP to sit through the entire thing.
We know it is too much to ask a 2 year old to spend 2-3 hours sitting still, listening to people sing in a language she can't understand. No soundless toy can keep a kid occupied in one place for that long. So we will take turns going in and out of the service on Tuesday. On Wednesday our niece and nephews will be in attendance and will hopefully keep an eye on their little cousin. It won't be the perfect way to attend synagogue, but we are going to do our best to make it work.
Other people make the decision to send their children to day care as if it is a regular day so that they can be fully focused during the services. I am not, in any way, trying to judge those people - they do what they need to do. However, the Hoos and I both feel it is important for LP and AK not to go to school. They need to start learning now that being Jewish does mean being different in some ways and and Rosh Hashana (and Yom Kippur the week after) are our high holy holidays. We don't work or go to school in order to celebrate, pray, atone, etc.
I am sure neither one of our daughters will get much out of the services this year, but I do hope that they will start to see the holidays as an intrinsic part of themselves and their Jewishness.
While Rosh Hashana is a celebratory holiday, involving apples and honey (a combination we really should eat year round), family meals and the like, you still spend a significant amount of time in services. In reality, the services are what the holiday is all about. Being as how we have two small children, it poses a challenge for the Hoos and me. We both want to be in the service (okay, maybe want is a strong word - we both feel that it is important to be in the service), but we also know that it will be impossible for LP to sit through the entire thing.
We know it is too much to ask a 2 year old to spend 2-3 hours sitting still, listening to people sing in a language she can't understand. No soundless toy can keep a kid occupied in one place for that long. So we will take turns going in and out of the service on Tuesday. On Wednesday our niece and nephews will be in attendance and will hopefully keep an eye on their little cousin. It won't be the perfect way to attend synagogue, but we are going to do our best to make it work.
Other people make the decision to send their children to day care as if it is a regular day so that they can be fully focused during the services. I am not, in any way, trying to judge those people - they do what they need to do. However, the Hoos and I both feel it is important for LP and AK not to go to school. They need to start learning now that being Jewish does mean being different in some ways and and Rosh Hashana (and Yom Kippur the week after) are our high holy holidays. We don't work or go to school in order to celebrate, pray, atone, etc.
I am sure neither one of our daughters will get much out of the services this year, but I do hope that they will start to see the holidays as an intrinsic part of themselves and their Jewishness.
Mama Needs a Brand New Bag
I have used the heck out of my Vera Bradley pocketbook. My grandmother sent it to me 4 or 5 years ago (Thanks GG!) and supplemented the bag with a handy-dandy zip around wallet. I may even love the wallet more than the bag (and I really love the bag). And I pretty much use them both as my standards. Sure, I switch out purses every once in a while, but I always come back to the Vera bag because it is the right size and the wallet has just enough spaces and crevices to keep me relatively organized. Also, the bag has a zip top, which really helped keep prying hands out of my stuff until LP learned how to open zippers.
Unfortunately, it appears that the time to replace the bag is close at hand. When you can see the inside of the padded handles, I think perhaps it is necessary. And I am thinking of getting something a little bit bigger. Something that maybe could hold some diapers and wipes and a tightly sealed sippy so I don't have to carry a purse and a diaper bag around. Regardless of the bag, I am either going to reuse my zip-around wallet or purchase another similar one...I refuse to use wallets that don't fit cash (why would anyone design a wallet that is not long enough to take a bill in unfolded?) or have enough room for pictures of my beautiful kids.
Yesterday afternoon I took the girls to a local store to find a new pocketbook. LP was very excited to help me pick out a bag. Too bad they didn't have any. LP comforted me as we drove home, "I'm sorry, Mommy. No new pocketbook."
I am going to try to shop around on my lunch break this week and if that doesn't work I plan on ordering online next weekend. If you have any recommendations, do tell.
Unfortunately, it appears that the time to replace the bag is close at hand. When you can see the inside of the padded handles, I think perhaps it is necessary. And I am thinking of getting something a little bit bigger. Something that maybe could hold some diapers and wipes and a tightly sealed sippy so I don't have to carry a purse and a diaper bag around. Regardless of the bag, I am either going to reuse my zip-around wallet or purchase another similar one...I refuse to use wallets that don't fit cash (why would anyone design a wallet that is not long enough to take a bill in unfolded?) or have enough room for pictures of my beautiful kids.
Yesterday afternoon I took the girls to a local store to find a new pocketbook. LP was very excited to help me pick out a bag. Too bad they didn't have any. LP comforted me as we drove home, "I'm sorry, Mommy. No new pocketbook."
I am going to try to shop around on my lunch break this week and if that doesn't work I plan on ordering online next weekend. If you have any recommendations, do tell.
Monday, September 22, 2008
The Tortoise and the Hair
Once again, my hair is falling out. Post-partum hair loss sucked the first time around, and yup, it sucks again. I remember now why I decided to get my hair cut short last time - at least there will be short hairs everywhere (no, not that kind of short hair) instead of long hairs that can wrap around things. Oh, and in case it isn't bad enough that my hair is falling out in abundance on its own, AK is really good at pulling it out too. If only I could train her to only pull out the silver ones.
Infamous hunter AK stalks the evil gray hare...
Infamous hunter AK stalks the evil gray hare... Friday, September 19, 2008
Getting Oriented
After ignoring the request to send four bottles in for AK instead of just three, I received a new request on yesterday's daily sheet, "Please get larger nipples, [AK] gets frustrated when the milk doesn't come out fast enough and she then falls asleep."
First of all, thank you very much for noticing my nips, I think they are large enough considering they are the size of tea saucers; second of all, fine, whatever, I will get faster flowing nipples. I know that she is a fast eater at home and despite the fact that the nipples on the Nuby bottles are supposed to be "vari-flow", I can understand if a different nipple might better mimic the boob. In fact, I picked some Dr. Brown's stage 2 standard nipples at WalMart this morning.
On the positive side, last night was the open house at LP's and AK's school. We got to meet and greet with the teachers and other parents and hear more about their classrooms. Since there is only one of me and two classrooms for me to visit (the Hoos had an event for work last night, so even with the in-laws baby-sitting I was still on my own), I sent the majority of my time in LP's room. I did the infant room when LP was in it.
Regardless of time spent, Miss Louise and the other teachers in AK's room did inform me that they think she is on the cusp of holding her own bottle. That is pretty awesome in my opinion. They also let me know that she is adorable and very alert. What can I say, I make awesome babies?
LP's classroom required me to sit in a very uncomfortable toddler-sized chair. What is it about those chairs that make my kidneys ache? I was pleased to learn more about LP's teachers and day-to-day activities. I got the impression that everyone thinks LP is as cool and cute a kid as I do. But I would probably think that even if it wasn't true. Apparently at school when they wake the kids up after nap time, all they have to say to LP is, "Do you want to go potty?" and she jumps up and runs to it. If I ask if she wants to go potty she typically ignores me.
A good outcome was that the teachers offered to share their lesson plans and song lyrics so we can try to keep up at home. I always feel like a moron when LP requests a song that I don't know - except for "Hamda," a title she has given to a Hebrew song that I likely wouldn't sing even if I could - it is part of the Hoos' repertoire anyway. I just hope they have some songs other than five little monkeys jumping on the bed or swinging in the trees. They are already killing me.
First of all, thank you very much for noticing my nips, I think they are large enough considering they are the size of tea saucers; second of all, fine, whatever, I will get faster flowing nipples. I know that she is a fast eater at home and despite the fact that the nipples on the Nuby bottles are supposed to be "vari-flow", I can understand if a different nipple might better mimic the boob. In fact, I picked some Dr. Brown's stage 2 standard nipples at WalMart this morning.
On the positive side, last night was the open house at LP's and AK's school. We got to meet and greet with the teachers and other parents and hear more about their classrooms. Since there is only one of me and two classrooms for me to visit (the Hoos had an event for work last night, so even with the in-laws baby-sitting I was still on my own), I sent the majority of my time in LP's room. I did the infant room when LP was in it.
Regardless of time spent, Miss Louise and the other teachers in AK's room did inform me that they think she is on the cusp of holding her own bottle. That is pretty awesome in my opinion. They also let me know that she is adorable and very alert. What can I say, I make awesome babies?
LP's classroom required me to sit in a very uncomfortable toddler-sized chair. What is it about those chairs that make my kidneys ache? I was pleased to learn more about LP's teachers and day-to-day activities. I got the impression that everyone thinks LP is as cool and cute a kid as I do. But I would probably think that even if it wasn't true. Apparently at school when they wake the kids up after nap time, all they have to say to LP is, "Do you want to go potty?" and she jumps up and runs to it. If I ask if she wants to go potty she typically ignores me.
A good outcome was that the teachers offered to share their lesson plans and song lyrics so we can try to keep up at home. I always feel like a moron when LP requests a song that I don't know - except for "Hamda," a title she has given to a Hebrew song that I likely wouldn't sing even if I could - it is part of the Hoos' repertoire anyway. I just hope they have some songs other than five little monkeys jumping on the bed or swinging in the trees. They are already killing me.
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