24 Months (and 2 days)

Sorry this is a little late. It was a busy weekend.

Appearance:

• All of your two year molars are in.  The top two are completely though but the bottoms have a bit to go.  You sometimes complain of "hurt" and stick your fingers in there.
• It's time for another haircut.
• I wonder if you've got "growing pains" as you complain of your legs hurting at night.  Today after your nap the first thing you said to me was "Freddie legs hurt." 
• Seeing 23lbs on the scale.
• You are finally at the upper height for the 12-18 month pants (mostly Gap brand) and your pants are beginning to look a bit like high waters, especially because I often need to roll the waist to get them to stay up because you're just hitting the lower weight for those 12-18 month pants. 

Diet:

• You eat an entire grilled cheese almost every day.
• French fries and "kespich" are the ultimate food.  You really only get those if we go out for lunch.
• Pancakes are another love and Dada makes an extra big batch so there are extras in the freezer for you.
• You're drinking about 10-16 ounces of milk a day.  
• The little table is the place to be.  You one day decided that you couldn't sit in your booster.  Your cry to get down was frantic but I am unsure as to what happened.  So we have conversations over meals across the room or Mama will sit with you at the little table.
• You're big on brownies and M&Ms, but not so into cake or ice cream.
• You like bagels and cream cheese but mostly prefer licking the cream cheese off the bagel.
• You like eating corn!

Personality:

• You are very much the big boy and like doing "big boy things."  After you've eaten you ask if you can "dishes kitchen?" and you bring your plate to me in the kitchen.  You also like helping do things like set the table, take out the trash, and pick up.
• You greet everyone.  You act as though you are the host at story time making sure you tell everyone good bye and thank you.
• You've begun to notice emotions of others, particularly in books, and will tell me if Tigey or your babies are "sad."  Tonight you were able to tell me the hippo in one of your books was sad because he missed his friends.  So neat to watch this develop.

Yay!  I blew out the candles.

Vocabulary:

• I love listening to your vocabulary develop.  After hearing Jessica say she was putting on her sneakers your shoes are now "sneakers," of course.  You do have the word boots so one day I may have to see how you differentiate.
• You are a talker.  You love, love, love talking and refuse to not be included in conversation.  Often you just start saying anything that comes to mind just to keep conversations going..."Seals swim.  I run fast."  
• You are singing and singing and singing and know the words.  So cute!
• You will finish the sentences in your favorite books.  You are also counting to about 12 and then it becomes a jumble, but 16 is always in there.  You can also count objects up to 4.  
• You've started using "excuse me" quite often and have expanded its use beyond burps and poots.  "Excuse me, cars.  Excuse me, train"  as you slide past them to get to the other side of the room.  Love this!  You even will use it when we get on and of the elevator at times.
• Sentences are getting longer but only important words included.  "Sorry babies Freddie splash."  No articles but you will use pronouns and occasionally prepositions.  You're fond of "underneath" and try to find ways to use the word.
• We've started to hear "Mine" and "No, no, no" so I am working on ways of expanding your vocabulary to express your message in a nicer way. 
• "Bye.  See you soon."  For some reason I love when you say this to people.
• You'll point out letters and numbers in books and on the mail and in signs and label them all "numbers."  Maybe we should start talking about letters.  You do sing "ABC."

Just finished supper, saying "cheese" with the "enough already Mom expression

Motor:

• You are quite physical and love using those grass motor muscles.  Running and jumping top the list.  You love for everyone to run and "demand" that we race pretty often.
• Your dancing now includes just about every body part, including your eyes.
• You wag that tongue when you're concentrating trying do do something.
• You are better with drawing with crayons now.  You're pushing harder and the lines are darker.
• You've finally figured out how to snap those Legos together to build things on your own.
• You're using smaller blocks to build taller towers.
• You are a proficient tricycle pedal-er now!

Likes:

• "Tickles"
• "Nuggles"
• Stealing kisses
• Jumping..."Freddie jump high, Mama."
• Reading books
• Your babies
• Racing your cars with Dada
• Big kids
• Socializing

Dislikes:

• Desperately afraid of heights....this includes things that aren't necessarily high.  

After my request that you calm down

Sleep:

• Napping 2-3 hours a day
• Night time sleep usually entails in bed about 7pm and asleep between 7.30-8.00.  
• Morning wake up usually about 6.30 am.
• You do your nighttime routine with Dada.  After taking a bath you streak through the house and find me to give me a kiss, hug, and tell me you are going to read books.  You wave good bye and tell me "See you later."  Off you go to your room to get on pjs and read books with Dada.  You close the door and act as though girls are not allowed in.

Pedaling

Concentrating on the pedals

Potty:

• You're potty trained.
• We have a handful of accidents at home during the week but only when I leave pottying 100% up to you.
• You are initiating potty trips quite often and I think you've made a breakthrough.
• You now refuse help with your undies.  It's a one man job.
• You had a streak of 3 days of wet morning diapers a few weeks ago, went back to dry for another week or so and now I am seeing a wet diaper about once a week.  They're wet, but not soaking so I'll hold off on no diapers at night for a bit.  Your sleep has been interrupted, I think in part because of your molars arriving, so I wonder if that has played a part in it.  Perhaps it will work itself out over the next few weeks.

Not sure what the new pacing of updates will be. It seems as though this is an period of so much development and change. I imagine that's the way I'll feel from here on out though.

Happy Birthday, Freddie

Birthday brownie for breakfast

Potty Note: Mommy Fail

After books, before being tucked in, Freddie makes a trip to the potty. Yesterday upon arrival in the bathroom he found a puddle to splash in courtesy of a leaking toilet. Frustrated, I hurried him along, and just filed away my thought that he didn't really adequately pee since he was frustrated by my frustration.

Fast forward 30 minutes and I finally give in to his calling me from his room. I discover undies off and a puddle of pee in the bed, not completely on the absorbent pad. Ugh. Apologies and tears from him. Apologies from Mommy. Change sheets. Potty trip. Kisses. Blankets. Hugs.

Nap ensues. And off I go to the laundry room downstairs. (Please, no comments on my leaving him for a minute while he sleeps. I did it more often when he was in the crib but very, very rarely do it now that he is in the bed.)

The timer goes off indicating my sheets await. I check on Freddie to make sure he's still in what I think is a deep sleep. He's pretty restless for the last 30 or so minutes of sleep and his waking time is usually pretty predictable. Convinced he's not getting up any time soon, off I go and return in what I estimate to be 3 minutes.

Placing the key in the door I can hear his frantic calls "Mommy! Potty! Mommy! Potty!" Sigh.

Scene was the same as pre-nap. Damn it. More sheets and a sobbing boy as punishment for Mommy.

No, I'm not leaving ever again at nap, even for a minute.

Yes, there's a potty in his room at nap right now. We've had a long talk about getting out of bed to potty and getting back into bed and calling Mommy if he needs anything else.

He's been getting out of bed to "flex" his independence but never for very long and he never leaves his room. He usually does something like quickly tidy his books or closes his closet doors. I have never said anything to him about it as I watch through the cracked door and resist the urge to open that door and shake my finger telling him to get back in bed this very second. But now he's got the all clear to climb out of bed as needed, to potty of course, but where will this go?  I'm smiling today thinking about it, and hoping I can remain in good humor when he tests the waters with this.

Update:  There was no nap to be had today.  Freddie got out of bed and sat on the potty 5 times.  He called me in for the first two events and then went solo on the last three but called me in to help him put on his underwear.  I am not sure what my next steps will be, but obviously I need this "potty in the room, you've been given permission to get out of bed" novelty to wear off quickly.  I'm not sure if I should encourage the entire potty event to be without me, i.e. I will empty the potty after nap and he can sleep without undies, because I think my going into the room provides some attention/stimulation standing in the way of nap.  I imagine I'll just hold off for a bit and see what happens first.

Lovin'

• Impressing small children with big belly jumping
• Temperatures in the high 30s
• "Nuggle" time
• Surprises in the mail
• Both guys carrying plates to the kitchen 
• Gumbo simmering
• The very serious enforcement of taking "turns" 
• Racing cars on the treadmill speedway
• Cuddles with "baby"
• "Mommy, I share"
• Words with Friends wins
• Watching our shows
• Meal planning that works out
• Reading at the library
• Pointing out "numbers" on everything

What are you Lovin'? Don't you have a handful of things that made you pause and smile today?
Go ahead and link your list below. Feel free to title it Lovin'.
 

Mama and her boy

My boy.  My baby boy.  My BFF.  I've been thinking quite a bit about how life will change for him this summer and beyond. 

My grandmother used to comment that bringing a new baby home for an older sibling would be a lot like your husband bringing home another woman.  I've been thinking about that a lot and the closeness of my relationship with Freddie.  I wonder what our time together will look like.  How will I make both boys feel special and loved.  How do I avoid competition and comparison.  What if the little brother is bigger than the big brother. 

I don't doubt my capacity to love both or Freddie's capacity to love his brother.  But parenting two boys?  I suppose I'll do my best, try to make informed parenting decisions, and carry on, but really, I'm feeling a bit nervous.

Easy Peanut Butter Fudge

I based this primarily on the "Fluff" recipe since that is what I used, but I made a double batch and did a little tweaking since I was using peanut butter. 

Ingredients:

• 5 c. sugar
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 stick butter or margarine
• 1 12 oz. can evaporated milk 
• 1 Large Jar (15oz) Marshmallow Fluff
• 1.5 tsp. vanilla
• 3 cups creamy peanut butter

Directions:

1. Grease a 15x10 baking pan; set aside. 
2. In large saucepan combine the first 4 ingredients. 
3. Stir over low heat until blended. 
4. Increase heat to Medium and bring to a full-rolling boil being careful not to mistake escaping air bubbles for boiling. 
5. Boil slowly, stirring constantly for 5 minutes. 
6. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, Fluff, and peanut butter until thoroughly mixed. 
7. Turn into greased pan and cool. 
8. Let cool at least 4 hours before cutting

Notes:

• Some of the pieces are a bit thick, so perhaps going with a little larger of a pan would be better.
• Takes a bit of stirring to get it all combined.
• Better to let cool overnight before cutting.
• This came out VERY creamy, much creamier than last time and I didn't have any issue with it being too oily. 
• I added the Fluff after boiling sugar, milk, salt, butter mixture as this is what the Fantasy Fudge recipe calls for. The Fluff recipe includes the marshmallow in with the mixture when boiling.
• I am thinking a layer of this and a layer of chocolate fudge would be yummy! Perhaps a double batch of peanut butter fudge and a single layer of fudge poured on top would be a good ratio. I may try the recipe on the Kraft Marshmallow Creme site as a start and tweak proportions in future batches.

Trash Barge

The sled has been labeled a boat, and nothing like using it to walk to the trash shoot and recycle room.  It makes me happy to see them head down the hall, and Freddie is ever so tickled to go for a boat ride.

Atlanta Weekend

My only photo of our hostess with Freddie and Madeline

• Naps on plane 
• Warm weather
• Sunshine
• Catching up
• Zoo trip
• Slow moving
• Chats
• Expanded vocabulary a la Jessica
• Baby "Hermano"
• Few photos
• Bounce house birthday party
• Suburban dining (AKA Chick-fil-A!)
• Calender comparing
• Visit planning
• Dry undies
• Hugs
  
• Long weekend = not enough time

Freddie and Madeline

22 weeks (and one day)

Sorry, forgot to take a picture yesterday!

I am weary from traveling solo with the belly and the boy, and goodness it shows.  Feeling fine, just tired and I get winded so easily, especially when squatting down to help Freddie with something, such as examining the toilet paper stuck to the wheels of the stroller in the public bathroom in the airport. 

The baby supplies I fished out of storage and shipped from NOLA have arrived and are just sitting in boxes in the foyer.  Not sure what to do with it all.  I am needing some time to sit and sort and organize.  Now that I know he's a boy I can go ahead and ship the clothes in storage as well.  Not a clue as to where it will all go.  Perhaps another dresser is needed in the boys' room.  (Love saying "the boys' room", by the way.)

Not feeling the need for anything for this baby, which I suppose is a good thing.  I do need to figure out which double stroller we'll get and what we'll do with our current strollers.

I am feeling the need for maternity shirts, however.  My belly has begun to peek out the bottom of my t-shirts.  I shipped up a box of maternity clothes I used last time around, but no t-shirts since most of those had more than their share of wear and were tossed.  I am also on the hunt for some summer time "formal" wear for Charlie's commencement when I am 34+ weeks pregnant if anyone has anything to lend or any suggestions of something flattering and inexpensive. 

Eating and growing... and craving more sleep.  18 weeks to go.  Feeling a little excited as I type that.

Lovin'

• Finding random photos on my camera
• "I funny, Mama."
• The new "boat" (AKA his sled)
• Requests that I burp
• Afternoons dancing
• Delivered groceries
• An emptied dishwasher
• Little hands carrying the mail
• Rising temperatures
• Zoo trips
• Tram rides
• Kisses for his brother
• Constant kicking inside the belly

What are you Lovin'? Don't you have a handful of things that made you pause and smile today?
Go ahead and link your list below. Feel free to title it Lovin'.

Afternoon at "the theater"

It was quite the highbrow theater experience for two Mamas and their boys.

We threw caution to the wind and ditched nap in favor of an afternoon in the city and took in a "show."

View from the "cheap" seats

Freddie doesn't really know squat about Sesame Street, but I thought this would be a good experience for him and he'd enjoy it.

The boys

There weren't too many of us in the cheap seats so there was room for standing in the aisles and dancing as needed.  Freddie certainly didn't get the storyline mostly because I think there was too much else to take in to really follow what was going on, but he did like the sights and sounds.  He did a pretty good job of sitting and watching, although after intermission he was busy with his $10 Elmo balloon.

He wasted no time walking from the back of the theater to the vendors standing at the stage when I asked if he wanted a balloon.  He waited his turn, handed over the cash, and said "thank you."  The entire transaction could have really been handled without me I think.  And him having those sorts of eperiences is why I'm willing to shell out ten bucks for a balloon.  Not to mention he's pretty tickled carrying the balloon around the house.

 

I don't think he's quite ready for Wicked, but I am planning more "theater" time and maybe he'll be ready for Radio City Christmas Spectacular next holiday season?

Shrimp and corn chowder

 Evidently I've made this before using leftover boiled shrimp and potatoes.  I tweaked it a little and came up with this.  

Ingredients:

• 2 cans whole kernel corn, drained
• 4 cups milk (I used whole)
• 1 cup broth (I used water and bouillon though)
• 4 cups cooked (boiled) potatoes, diced (I left the skin on)
• 1.5 pounds small to medium shrimp, peeled
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 3 teaspoons Tony's (spicy!  Try two and taste before adding the third.)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 5 tablespoons butter

Directions:

1. Melt butter in heavy pot.
2. Add onions, celery, and garlic and cook until limp, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Add can of corn, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Add broth, 1 cup of milk, and 1 cup of potatoes.  Allow to simmer for about 10-15 minutes.
5. Blend.  (I used an immersion blender.)
6. Add remaining milk. 
7. Once warm add remaining potatoes, Tony's, salt.  Allow mixture to warm thoroughly.
8. Add shrimp, parsley, green onions.  
9. Cook over a low heat until shrimp are pink and cooked, about 15 minutes, depending on the size of your shrimp.

Notes:

• I like this better than last time.  Blending a little corn and potatoes gives a nice texture.
• I left the skin on the potatoes and didn't chop them particularly small or uniformly.  Peeling and more consistent chopping may help this out, but I'm lazy, and the skins are good for you anyway.
• I really like this soup.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie

I attempted an M&M heart before baking but they all sank in. 

Recipe from Nestle

Ingredients:

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust, homemade or store-bought.
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 C flour
• 1/2 C white granulated sugar
• 1/2 C packed brown sugar
• 3/4 C real butter, softened (1 1/2 sticks)
• 1 C chocolate chips, semi-sweet 
• 1 C chopped pecans (Can be done without nuts!)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325° F.
2. Beat eggs in large mixer bowl on high speed until foamy. 
3. Beat in flour, granulated sugar and brown sugar. 
4. Beat in butter. 
5. Stir in morsels and nuts. 
6. Spoon into pie shell.
7. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes or until knife inserted halfway between edge and center comes out clean. 
8. Cool on wire rack or serve slightly warmed.  
9. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes:

• I baked this for 65 minutes and it probably could have gone another 5 minutes to firm up, but it was much better the next day.
• It is *rich* so I am thinking the chips could be reduced to about 3/4 cup.  I may try it without nuts next time.
• Definitely yummy and easy, and I'll be making it again.

I visited a big kid school today, for Freddie

Today I toured the local public school.  Kinda crazy to think about the whole prospect of school.  It will be a few years before Freddie attends the prekindergarten 4 year old program but I wanted to start thinking about what our options are when that time rolls around.  Our school options also will play a role in where we move after the time limit on hospital housing expires. 

My notes:

• 5 minute walk from apartment
• Security guard checks IDs of everyone entering building
• PreK-8, enrollment about 450 students
• 4 years old before December 31st for PreK, 5 years old before December 31st for Kindergarten
• Diversity is obvious.  Statistics given noted almost even percentages of black, white, Hispanic, Asian
• Couldn't tell me percentage of students receiving free or reduced lunch.  Curious if the SES diversity is similar to racial diversity.  Will look into.
• 1 PreK class:  2.5 hours per day, note preference of morning or afternoon sessions on application, fills quickly, wait list, registration first week of March, 18 students, 1 teacher, 1 assistant
• Each grade level has 3 classes, one of which is a gifted class
• Kinder classes had 15 students, 1st grade had 13 students in each class
• 3 SPED classes, lower, middle, upper
• Auditorium is beautiful
• Gym
• Playground, recess daily, before lunch for younger students
• Computer lab with 40 work stations, full time computer teacher, younger students attend twice per week
• Full time music and art teacher with classes 1-2 times per week
• PE twice a week
• Student work all over school
• Kids smile, make eye contact, and say hello as they pass in halls
• Teachers were warm and appear to vary in experience and methods
• Freddie likes the way the toilets flushed...and the water fountains in each hallway

Freddie would be fine here.  The kids looked happy and engaged.  It's certainly traditional as most public schools are but I have no doubt he'd have an experience that would assist him in growing to his potential.  It'd prefer a bit of a longer day for him by the time he's 4, but 2.5 hours a day will be a good stepping stone to kindergarten. 

The tour was quite the outing for Freddie.  He acted as though I should be dropping him off in the classroom.  He greeted everyone, made eyes at the big kids, and thanked them for their time.  He walked in and out of classes with the other adults on the tour not really paying attention to if I was even visiting that particular classroom. 

I'm not certain we'll be here when he's prekindergarten age.  We'll see.  I imagine I should also check out some of the private school options, but with tuition being $25K I am not really sure how much of an option they really are. 

Sunday at the Bronx Zoo

***Warning:  There are lots of pictures ahead!***

The logistics:

• 40 degree temperature forecast
• 10 am arrival at opening
• 20 minute car ride (subway ride is about an hour)
• 13 dollars in highway tolls round trip (Metro fare is about $ 4.50 per person round trip)
• 16 dollar adult admission (Free for members)
• 12 dollar child admission (Getting out moneys worth on the membership)
• 13 dollar parking (Free with membership)
• 20 dollar lunch with 10% membership discount (burger, hot dog, fries, coke, juice)
• 3 dollar Bug Carousel ride (Free with membership)
• 2 pm departure (closing time is 4.30pm)
• 0 minutes napping (a post in the works on this)

The forecast looked good all week so the Bronx Zoo was the plan for the weekend.

The hourly forecast for the day as we pulled into the zoo.

Despite "warm" and sunny predictions, the morning was cloudy and cold.  We almost ditched the plan while walking to the car in the garage, but we decide to toughen up and check things out.  We've been wanting to take Freddie to see the "big" animals that aren't at the Central Park Zoo, so we kept our chin up and zipped up our coats.

Cloudy morning entering the zoo

The zoo is "sprawling" relative to the Central Park Zoo.  It covers a lot of land, and the exhibits are spread out which allows for lots of trees around.  I imagine this helps spread the crowds out when things are busy during warmer months.

Bison

There's still a lot of snow on the ground but it was warm enough that the animals were out an about.

Freddie got to see the "seals" (aka Sea Lions).  He talks about seals A LOT.  I think the exhibit at Central Park has made an impression on him.

Calling out "Feed me, now"

It was feeding time and these guys obviously know when to expect their meals because they were barking and watching the direction from which the zoo keepers brought their fish.

"Hi, Turtle.  Kiss."

"Did you see the crocodiles behind me?!?"

Many of the exhibits are in small buildings:  monkeys, reptiles, birds, "Madagascar," so we were able to get out of the cold.

Not many people so wandering and checking out all of the animals was easy.

Lunchtime is always a hit.  French fries and ketchup, of course.  And there is something so fascinating about juice boxes that Freddie doesn't even ask for a sip of soda.  There is a large outdoor seating area near the cafe as well as another close by that would be perfect for enjoying a picnic lunch.

In case you're keeping kosher, there's the "Kosher Cafe" vending machine.

 

I'm curious and would love to see someone get a knish, but I don't think I'll be feeding it money any time soon.

Sunshine after lunch

Blue sky

We planned on heading home after lunch but the sun made an appearance and a big difference in the temperature.  So we headed in the direction of the car, but took the scenic route.

Following the peacock

 Lots of peacocks around and Freddie loves them.

"Bye, Peacock"

 We were able to see the tigers.  Freddie talks about tigers a lot too.

He's big on roaring.

"Roooarrrr"

And the bears were out.

The carousel got the biggest smiles of the day.  Freddie chose a lady bug to ride and asked that I step back and not hold on to him.  Very surprising since he's generally pretty cautious when it comes to heights and being "elevated."

Thankfully the rides are covered under our zoo membership because I see many visits in the future.

Freddie's been a little timid about digging into the snow without his mittens.  I don't blame him, but this means he gets pretty upset when he wipes out and lands in some snow.  Charlie demonstrated some bare handed snowball throwing and they build a little snowman to help get over that.

Great day with my family.  I hope the temperatures begin to creep up and the snow stays away because we have lots more to see.

Duck Pond