Kid Things (30)

Retrospect: 2009

December 31 2009 · comment

1 Comment
Posted in: General · Tags: lists, teh internetz

With a start of a new year tomorrow, a look back at a few of my favorite entries, as inspired by Jill at Scary Mommy. Keep in mind, I just started this site in May.

In May, my daughter tried to bust her pediatrician’s eardrums with her wails. So she has a temper. Who knew?

In June, Buzz mistook any passing elderly woman for his grandma. Good times.

In July, I thought I was brilliant. Really friggin’ brilliant.

In August, I was ready to get my body back. I’m still ready, but there’s a certain little girl who is not.

In September, Jedi sent a friend request to a rubber ducky. Good thing it was accepted.

In October, I reminisced about bad breath during childbirth.

In November, I was reminded why I don’t drive very often, especially with kids in the car.

In December, I was, or I should say I am, done. Full. Complete.

Not wanting to repeat myself, I tried to select different entries from those listed in the sidebar. If you’re still in need of things to read after this, though, be sure to check those out, too.

2010, let’s make it a good one. Happy New Year, everyone!

Sponge

December 30 2009 · comment

1 Comment
Posted in: The Kids · Tags: Buzz, speech

For those that may not know, Buzz is speech delayed. Nothing has been officially diagnosed, but it’s obvious that he’s behind where verbalization is concerned. A few months back, we tried to get him into speech therapy, but that was a disaster.

Given that the speech therapy was a bust, we’ve been working with him ourselves, talking as much as possible and reading picture books. Clearly, we are not professionals and don’t know what we’re doing as well as one would. Sometimes at all. However, textbook experience only takes you so far.

When it comes down to it, though, I think all he needed was time.

Since earlier this year, his use of words has rocketed. He’s been picking up terms left and right and up and all over. We’re not quite to sentences yet, but he says phrases. A few months back we were straining to decipher 20% of what he said, now we understand more than 85%.

He says thank you and loves to answer the telephone and he’ll tell me when he’s tired or if he wants his teeth brushed. He also knows the names of most animals. Normal, every day kid stuff. Things we’ve been waiting to hear for awhile now. As well, he says “dude!” and “awesome!” and he can count to 10. At this stage he’s like a sponge, repeating back whatever he hears. As such, I also inadvertently taught him his first curse word. That’s right, my boy said bullshit. I am so proud.

A Gift that Keeps on Giving

December 29 2009 · comment

3 Comments
Posted in: Daily · Tags: Christmas, family, motherhood

The kids have had many toys over the years. Every now and then, I pack away a few they no longer play with or that are especially irritating or that we have simply run out of room for. 3 kids’ worth of toys can quickly take over a house.

One such example were the mega blocks Jedi acquired when he was little(er). He didn’t creatively build much with them, preferring the momentary cheap thrill of dumping out all hundred pieces day after day then leave them be. And there they would lay, lifeless, with nothing more than a passing poke in the foot. I never liked these blocks. I didn’t want to deal with picking them up any longer. Thus began a gradual easing out process. And when the blocks were finally all stored away, no one gave a second glance. Good riddance.

I’m a horrible mother, I know. I don’t let my kids play with childhood essentials. First, crayons. Now, blocks. It’s a wonder I let them believe in Santa.

I haven’t had a block in my house for 2 years. Many, many other irritating toys, but free of blocks.

Until now.

When my mother bought Buzz a brand new set of mega blocks for Christmas.

There is a pile of them simply littering the floor, waiting to be stepped on. They’re just as much fun to pick up now as they were then.

Thanks, Mom.