Jack, this is a life lesson

Jack, when other kids bite you and your mom doesn't get mad, she just says "hmmm... he probably had it coming" and the teacher says "uh, yeah, maybe this will be a lesson for him" it means you are being a jerk - a LOT.

I don't know where this kid gets the idea that everything belongs to him and that he can have anything that someone else is playing with. No one puts up with his attitude, especially not Madeline. As soon as he looks her way she gets into fighting stance and starts yelling. She takes stuff from him too, but he is constantly after whatever she happens to be playing with. The best part is that we have 17+ years to this to look forward to.

Kids Update June 2010

Madeline: 21.5 months old, her hair is finally growing in and looking shaggy, still not enough for a pony tail. Madeline is definitely Miss. Independent, preferring to walk on her own, annoyed when we try to carry her in public or hold her hand. Though it is terrible to label your children, we are already pretty sure she is the “smart one”. She knows several shapes and colors and is talking a lot. A few things we have heard her say: “Let’s Go!”, “Ah Man!” (that is what Swiper says), Octopus, Peacock, Where is the baby?, It’s ok, Good Morning and she sings the Dora song and Twinkle-Twinkle Little Star. Sometimes we hear her say something, and it is confusing to hear it come out of her little toddler mouth. She holds her own with Jack, pushing him and yelling at him, but they also play together really well sometimes. We have noticed that on days they are particularly bad, the spend the last 20 minutes before bed playing together and being SUPER cute with each other. Madeline loves to sit and read, loves her baby “Kelly” doll, and her favorite shows are Dora & Blues Clues.

Jack: 21.5 months old, still blonde and already wearing size 2T. Jack is a momma’s boy so far, very nervous about anything new and very quick to show his temper. We had the kids pictures taken a few weeks ago at Mayfield Park. There are peacocks running around and making loud sounds, Jack was terrified. The only way to get him on the ground was to feed him, but as soon as he heard the peacock call, he practically leapt into John’s arms. He does not understand taking turns or sharing, and is kind of a jerk about it. Jack says a few words: “No”, “More”, “DORA!”, “Elmo”, “Up”, “Abre” (Spanish for Open) and this weekend he said “Cry” as he pointed in the other room and told Madeline to cry elsewhere (which is what we tell him all the time). Though he isn’t saying many words, he still gets his point across but gets really frustrated if we don’t react immediately to his whining. He is messy, stinky, and pushy; all boy. When we put anything on TV other than Dora, he yells at us.

Gwendolyn: 3.5 – 4 in July. She has grown a lot this year, but is still a skinny girl. Gwen is very sweet, and tries hard to be nice to her siblings, even though they annoy her a lot. She had her first ballet recital in May. She did NOT want to do it, but though a series of small steps and bribery she did get on stage and made us laugh the whole time. It was my own fault for not pining her tutu on, but she spent more time playing than dancing. That same day she also ran her first kids K, and we were really proud of her. Gwen started taking swim lessons this summer, getting more comfortable in the water. Her new favorite thing to do is sit at Mommy’s craft table, playing with the stamps, ribbon and glue.

We have been spending more time at the local pool, going early on the weekend mornings before it is too crowded. John and I have realized it is essential to our survival to plan activities for the kids over the weekend. Life is MUCH easier than this time last year and the kids are a lot more entertaining and able to do more.

Monica's Birthday - Part 2

A couple of months ago I spotted a deal on a Circus Aerials Class at Trapeze Austin. We decided to go and celebrate Monica's upcoming 30th birthday. I am so glad we had an excuse to go do this, it was lots of fun! 2 days later I am getting more and more sore and do have some bruises, but it was worth it. We did a lot of tricks on the silks, including doing a 360 flip (which I chickened out and didn't do). Then we moved on to the hoop and learned some pretty poses. We were all exhausted by the time it was over and headed to Hula Hut for a late lunch, including way too many chips and Texas Martinis.

Thanks to Monica, Emily, Jennifer, Christina and Trapeze Austin!

The Dance Recital

Sunday was a really big day for Gwen. After running her first kids K race, she had her first dance recital in the afternoon. John was really excited to see his little girl dance on stage, I was preparing myself for her to cry and not actually do it (see Mother's Day Tea).

Before nap, she informed me that she would not be attending the recital, she did not want to go. I was prepared for this. I told her that she would get an award for going on stage (true) and we had to go to the recital to at least get the award. I also suggested we make a card for her teacher, which she LOVES to do. So we made the card, but she still said she was NOT going to dance on stage. I told her we should at least go and give the card to her teacher. That seemed to be ok.

The babysitter showed up to watch the little kids and we got Gwen ready to go. All evidence points to this recital not happening. John and I agreed that we were willing to make some promises if she danced, but not take it too far.

So, we take it in steps:
1. get dressed and do hair
2. get in the car
3. get out of the car (took some begging)
4. go inside (she was unsure about this)
5. give card to her teacher (she was excited to do this, but made a break for the exit)
6. go and SEE the stage
7. sit down and look at the stage, check out the other girls in her class
8. go stand on the stage for a picture (she was pretty sure this was a bad idea)
9. promise of ice cream IF she DANCED on stage (this was a well played bargaining chip)
10. her teacher came and asked her to go up and dance

At this point, she just went up with her class and had no problem at all. The audience was only parents and family of the other 6 girls, so it was not too many people. The teacher did a great job with the girls and it was very cute.

You can see the video here. It is in 2 parts, but the whole thing isn't very long and will be a classic for years to come.

As you can see in the video, Gwen is a little distracted by her tutu. Lesson learned - I should have pinned it on her. She did get a trophy and her Dad gave her flowers. Then we went out for ice cream. We are super proud of her for doing this, we know it was a challenge for her to do!

The Mills Race

The family participated in the Pflugerville Pfun Run again this year. John pushed Jack and Maddy and I pushed Gwen. It was just as challenging as last year, mostly because Gwen and I chat during the run. This year I took 3rd in my age group (go me!). After the 5k, Gwen participated in the Kids K. Last year she was excited to do it, but as soon as the race started she burst into tears and it did not end well. This year she actually ran! She only walked a little bit and finished strong. We are SO PROUD OF GWEN! It was a big day for her.

Father Daughter Camping

Saturday evening John and Gwen set up the tent, borrowed a camp stove (thanks Eric) and went camping in the backyard. Gwen was REALLY excited. I come out to make smores, then headed inside for bed. Gwen and John stayed up late reading books and telling stories. John and I were both surprised that she slept the whole night and never wanted to come inside. So cute!
Note: in the last pictures she is pretending to sleep. A rare posed photograph.

Maybe they like Elmo a little TOO much

A moment with the zombies (note I am passed out on the floor enjoying the peace and quiet)