I love surprises.
To me there is nothing more wonderful than a surprise. I love the shock and excitement. And I love the spontaneity (at least ont he part of the receiver). It's a blast.
So, since we've all been a little cranky in our house, Phat Daddy has had a busy week at work, Doodle has had a tough time in some of his programs (karate and vacation Bible camp) and I'm just plain worn out I decided to book a hotel in Buffalo and surprise the family with a mini vacation.
Surprise them I did!
I somehow managed to pack a bag and hide it in the van for a couple of days, speak to the hotel and get their 5 confirmation e-mails without letting Phat Daddy see them (we don't really read each other's e-mails, but I often leave mine open).
Saturday was Phat Daddy's grandparents 60th anniversary. So, we went there for dinner and then when we left I surprised him with a bottle of wine and some cards. Doodle was thrilled (he knew there was a surprise coming) because we were going to a "hometel!" with a "pool!" and it was in "Buffalo with toy stores!" All was good.
And it went pretty well.
Except ... it wasn't all that relaxing.
The first night Doodle was way too excited to sleep. He was up till midnight. The baby too. And, since we didn't have the right room I didn't sleep well at all.
No problem. I was in great spirits the next morning. I went to breakfast (in the lobby) with the kids while Phat Daddy got some extra sleep. Then I took Doodle swimming.
My next surprise for the boys was a trip to the Aquarium.
Did you know there is an aquarium in Buffalo/Niagara Falls? Well there is.
Phat Daddy loves aquariums.
The thing is, Doodle and I were ready to do a quick visit. Phat Daddy wanted to read every sign. The baby was mesmerized by the fish and the lights and the colours. So, all in all it was a nice but super-quick visit. I think Doodle and I spent more time in the gift shop than in the rest of the aquarium, but at least it gave Phat Daddy more time to look around. And, don't get me started on the ridiculousness of the fact that on the upper-level it is so dangerous and kids could easily fall from the 2nd level into the sea lion tank. I was having a nervous breakdown on that level.
We finally left, and then went to look at the falls (from a distance) because again I have a huge fear of bringing Doodle to Niagara Falls.
Anyway, we spent the afternoon having lunch and then relaxing at the hotel. By the end of the day I was feeling crappy. We were all cranky from the late night, and the pizza we ordered took more than an hour to arrive.
But, we did watch a lot of the Disney Channel and Phat Daddy and I were killing ourselves laughing while we watched "The Wizards of Waverly Place." Doodle couldn't figure out why we thought it was so funny, but he decided to laugh with us.
The thing was, as it was getting closer to bedtime I was feeling crappier and crappier. And then since we'd promised Doodle ice cream I pulled it out super late (like 9pm) which was just dumb because I should have known it would make him insanely hyper. Oops!
Anyway, by the next morning I was fully sick. My ear was hurting and I couldn't swallow. So, we went to breakfast as a family. One of the highlights of this hotel is that they have a really nice continental breakfast. And they have a waffle iron. Doodle really wanted to make a waffle which was fine. I told him not to touch. I reminded him not to touch. But, in his excitement he flung his hand and touched the burning hot waffle iron.
OMG! Did the child ever scream.
He burned his finger. Ouch. So, I rushed him over to get his finger in some ice water and he eventually calmed down once it helped him. Once he was calmer I went to get him some breakfast while Phat Daddy was sitting with him. As I'm calmly getting his food the lady who had come over to make sure he was okay was talking in the buffet area.
Her comment? "I hate it when parents don't supervise their children."
What??????
There are many areas I fall short as a parent. Supervision is not one. Doodle is the kind of child who needs constant supervision. It was an accident. He wasn't flipping the waffle himself. He was excited.
Normally I'd walk away but instead I said something. I mean, sure comment on bad parenting but don't do it in front of customers. Especially if said customer is the parent you are gossiping about.
Anyway, we finally checked out, went to Target and then drove home, all a little tired, and all ready to be home.
I'm not sure if it was the best weekend ever. But, the idea was nice, the family was surprised, and I think despite the bad points it was a pretty fun time.
----------
On a side note... I'm reading a book called "The Explosive Child". It was recommended to me to help Doodle. He's been struggling and I want to sort things out.
It's a pretty amazing book and has some great ideas.
I can't wait to get this into motion.
Step one is dealing with some issues we've been having at karate. Tonight is our test run. Wish me luck.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Change of Plans
Today's post was going to be about my frustrations as a parent.
It was going to be about how, by the end of the day I was exhausted. It's been a long few days with Doodle. Some of our concerns about him have been magnified, and lately terms like ADD and Sensory Processing Disorders have been thrown around. And, though of course we're looking into it, dealing with it, being the parent of "that child", not knowing what the next steps should be - it's hard. And, there have been lots of tears. And lots of hearing Doodle tell us that his "heart doesn't want to be bad but sometimes I just am" that makes me think life is unfair.
And yesterday did me in. Because between him having problems at vacation Bible school followed by a bad karate class I was as upset as he was.
But then. But then there was last night.
We had movie night as a family. And then it was bedtime.
And, while Doodle was trying to get to sleep I was trying to console our princess whose teeth are breaking through. Nothing was helping. We'd tried Motrin and nursing and rocking and everything. And she cried. A lot.
So Doodle got out of bed. And he came and he comforted her. Within a minute she was fine. She was smiling and reaching for him. And he held her hand and he sat with her and he sang to her until she had calmed down. And what made her happy was just lying with him while he patiently held her hand and calmed her down.
And then I realized that what he needs is exactly that.
He doesn't need parents who are angry at the system. He doesn't need a mom whose heart breaks and who cries when it's been a tough day. He need someone to hold his hand and tell him it's okay and figure out a way to make things better.
So we're starting over. We're making doctors appointments. We're giving him healthy food. We're working together and we're going to figure out what makes Doodle tick (for the good and the bad).
But, I have to tell you. I'm getting really scared about junior kindergarten. I've heard good things about his teacher. I'm just hoping everything works out.
It was going to be about how, by the end of the day I was exhausted. It's been a long few days with Doodle. Some of our concerns about him have been magnified, and lately terms like ADD and Sensory Processing Disorders have been thrown around. And, though of course we're looking into it, dealing with it, being the parent of "that child", not knowing what the next steps should be - it's hard. And, there have been lots of tears. And lots of hearing Doodle tell us that his "heart doesn't want to be bad but sometimes I just am" that makes me think life is unfair.
And yesterday did me in. Because between him having problems at vacation Bible school followed by a bad karate class I was as upset as he was.
But then. But then there was last night.
We had movie night as a family. And then it was bedtime.
And, while Doodle was trying to get to sleep I was trying to console our princess whose teeth are breaking through. Nothing was helping. We'd tried Motrin and nursing and rocking and everything. And she cried. A lot.
So Doodle got out of bed. And he came and he comforted her. Within a minute she was fine. She was smiling and reaching for him. And he held her hand and he sat with her and he sang to her until she had calmed down. And what made her happy was just lying with him while he patiently held her hand and calmed her down.
And then I realized that what he needs is exactly that.
He doesn't need parents who are angry at the system. He doesn't need a mom whose heart breaks and who cries when it's been a tough day. He need someone to hold his hand and tell him it's okay and figure out a way to make things better.
So we're starting over. We're making doctors appointments. We're giving him healthy food. We're working together and we're going to figure out what makes Doodle tick (for the good and the bad).
But, I have to tell you. I'm getting really scared about junior kindergarten. I've heard good things about his teacher. I'm just hoping everything works out.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
A Little Chub and a Few Tears
Yesterday was the baby's well-baby visit and more needles. She's almost 5 months, and I think these are the shots they do at 4 months. But, since she had an ear infection and then we had to wait a bit we're a little behind. No biggie.
Of course part of this visit is the usual height and weight check.
I'm not big on percentiles, but I do find them interesting - especially for comparison. Yesterday the baby was 15.5 lbs and 60 cm. According to my doctor that means she is in the 75th percentile for weight and the 25th percentile for height.
A little crazy! She's sooo my child. At this point in Doodle's life he was in the 90th percentile for height and weight.
He's now 80th percentile for height and 50th for weight. So who knows. And, while we were there yesterday Doodle got weighed. He's gained 5 lbs this summer! He's getting so big. He also grew 2 shoe sizes. He's going to be the biggest kid in jk!
But, back to the baby.
We've seen a couple of milestones this past week. The first is that her tiny bottom tooth is breaking through. She's been off a lot lately, and I didn't know why. That would be why. It too me by surprise because Doodle broke his first tooth on his first birthday. (I know - late). So even though I thought she was teething I thought I was crazy. She also figured out how to roll over and put her body into crawling position. It's pretty amazing.
I know babies all roll over and figure out crawling. It hardly makes her a genius. But, watching it all over again reminds me how amazing it is to watch a baby develop. I sometimes think I was so sleep deprived and "off" with Doodle that I didn't really appreciate all of his milestones. With the baby it's a huge deal. And I'm loving it.
But, the other thing I'm doing with the baby is letting her cry just a bit when I put her down for naps. Here's another comparison thing. (I don't generally compare my kids, but today I am). Doodle never had a regular nap time. I tried. It didn't happen. With my princess I've noticed that she wants to sleep around 9 am and again at around 1 or 2. So, I'm trying the whole method where I feed her and then when she's clearly tired but not quite asleep I bring her to her crib and lay her down. She usually cries a bit. I rub her tummy, make sure she's calming down and then I leave. AND SHE FALLS ASLEEP!
I know. Amazing!
Doodle and I then use that time for us to play with toys or read or even watch tv together. It's taken us 5 months, but I think, my friends, I've established a routine!
Of course part of this visit is the usual height and weight check.
I'm not big on percentiles, but I do find them interesting - especially for comparison. Yesterday the baby was 15.5 lbs and 60 cm. According to my doctor that means she is in the 75th percentile for weight and the 25th percentile for height.
A little crazy! She's sooo my child. At this point in Doodle's life he was in the 90th percentile for height and weight.
He's now 80th percentile for height and 50th for weight. So who knows. And, while we were there yesterday Doodle got weighed. He's gained 5 lbs this summer! He's getting so big. He also grew 2 shoe sizes. He's going to be the biggest kid in jk!
But, back to the baby.
We've seen a couple of milestones this past week. The first is that her tiny bottom tooth is breaking through. She's been off a lot lately, and I didn't know why. That would be why. It too me by surprise because Doodle broke his first tooth on his first birthday. (I know - late). So even though I thought she was teething I thought I was crazy. She also figured out how to roll over and put her body into crawling position. It's pretty amazing.
I know babies all roll over and figure out crawling. It hardly makes her a genius. But, watching it all over again reminds me how amazing it is to watch a baby develop. I sometimes think I was so sleep deprived and "off" with Doodle that I didn't really appreciate all of his milestones. With the baby it's a huge deal. And I'm loving it.
But, the other thing I'm doing with the baby is letting her cry just a bit when I put her down for naps. Here's another comparison thing. (I don't generally compare my kids, but today I am). Doodle never had a regular nap time. I tried. It didn't happen. With my princess I've noticed that she wants to sleep around 9 am and again at around 1 or 2. So, I'm trying the whole method where I feed her and then when she's clearly tired but not quite asleep I bring her to her crib and lay her down. She usually cries a bit. I rub her tummy, make sure she's calming down and then I leave. AND SHE FALLS ASLEEP!
I know. Amazing!
Doodle and I then use that time for us to play with toys or read or even watch tv together. It's taken us 5 months, but I think, my friends, I've established a routine!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
I can hear
My maternal grandfather is almost completely deaf. (he's 99)
Before my maternal grandmother passed away she used a hearing aid and could hardly hear.
I've never really worried about my hearing, but it's always been at the back of my mind. The idea of losing one of your senses is scary, and watching my grandmother's frustration as she gradually lost her hearing was depressing. My grandad is also frustrated, but he has had hearing issues my whole life so I haven't really watched the progression.
So for me, the past couple of months have been a little stressful. Shortly after the baby was born I noticed I was asking people to repeat stuff a lot. It wasn't like I was deaf, I was just beginning to not hear quite as well.
I often drive past the store "Listen Up, Canada!" and wondered if I should go in for a hearing test. Seriously. I kind of debated asking my doctor about my hearing, but I didn't want to.
But, this past week my ear started to hurt and my ears got really stuffy. And, since my sinuses were also hurting I went in to see my doctor. I expected a prescription and I would be on my way. I did get a couple of prescriptions, but she also asked me to put some special oil in my ears and come back in 3 days to get them cleaned and checked.
I went back today and had a procedure done that I've never had before. I had my ears washed out. It was the strangest thing. Basically they rinse your ears out with warm water. You use oil for the days preceeding to loosen the oil and then the wash part literally washes out the wax.
So, the nurse was rinsing away and I didn't notice any difference. She kept saying she could see the wax but it was just not coming out.
Suddenly - WOOSH - it was out. (sorry I know this is gross).
But really, it was incredible. She took out this GIANT chunk of wax. It was the grossest thing I've seen. And it came from me! ewwww. But wow! When that came out I could hear. I could hear better than I have in a very long time. I was shocked. I must have said thank you about 10 times. I got to the van and I had to turn the radio down because I could hear! I came home later and we turned on the tv. Again, I could hear!
I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Life can be so exciting.
Before my maternal grandmother passed away she used a hearing aid and could hardly hear.
I've never really worried about my hearing, but it's always been at the back of my mind. The idea of losing one of your senses is scary, and watching my grandmother's frustration as she gradually lost her hearing was depressing. My grandad is also frustrated, but he has had hearing issues my whole life so I haven't really watched the progression.
So for me, the past couple of months have been a little stressful. Shortly after the baby was born I noticed I was asking people to repeat stuff a lot. It wasn't like I was deaf, I was just beginning to not hear quite as well.
I often drive past the store "Listen Up, Canada!" and wondered if I should go in for a hearing test. Seriously. I kind of debated asking my doctor about my hearing, but I didn't want to.
But, this past week my ear started to hurt and my ears got really stuffy. And, since my sinuses were also hurting I went in to see my doctor. I expected a prescription and I would be on my way. I did get a couple of prescriptions, but she also asked me to put some special oil in my ears and come back in 3 days to get them cleaned and checked.
I went back today and had a procedure done that I've never had before. I had my ears washed out. It was the strangest thing. Basically they rinse your ears out with warm water. You use oil for the days preceeding to loosen the oil and then the wash part literally washes out the wax.
So, the nurse was rinsing away and I didn't notice any difference. She kept saying she could see the wax but it was just not coming out.
Suddenly - WOOSH - it was out. (sorry I know this is gross).
But really, it was incredible. She took out this GIANT chunk of wax. It was the grossest thing I've seen. And it came from me! ewwww. But wow! When that came out I could hear. I could hear better than I have in a very long time. I was shocked. I must have said thank you about 10 times. I got to the van and I had to turn the radio down because I could hear! I came home later and we turned on the tv. Again, I could hear!
I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Life can be so exciting.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Too Much Olympics?
I'll confess, I'm glued to the Olympics. I tape it all and watch everything I enjoy. Thank goodness for the DVR!
My favourite event is gymnastics. I love it! I stay up till all hours watching it. The drama. The excitement. So exciting to me.
Doodle took gymnastics when he was 2. He did it every Saturday for about half a year. We struggled through it because he was in a really difficult stage and it was a parent/tot class. He had constant temper tantrums and I got annoyed. I finally quit early because it wasn't teaching him anything (though he perfected his sommersault) and I was spending my Saturday mornings angry at him instead of enjoying his company. It just wasn't working.
But, over the last year he has reminded me on numerous occassions that he liked gymnastics. (Weird - I don't remember it that way.) And he's bugged me for more classes.
The thing is, I didn't feel comfortable at the gym we were going to. it was a long drive and all the parents seemed to think they had the next gymnastics superstar on their hands. In all honesty I have weight issues and my husband is 6'3. I don't really think either of our kids have gymnastics in their blood so I was there for FUN. And also because Doodle falls a lot and I wanted him to learn to fall properly and to do things safely.
It just didn't work out.
But after watching countless hours of Olympics these days I decided to sign him up at a different gym. I'd heard great things about it so I called and went to see it. It was love at first sight. First of all the guy running it is Romanian (I think). He was so funny. He sounded just like Bella Karoli and he kept yelling out all sorts of gymnastics terms to his students while he was talking to me. It just cracked me up.
And his wife was totally sweet and funny. Doodle meanwhile was running around and all excited to see the gym, so the guy took him on a tour (including a bathroom break) and Doodle was sold. I love it.
So, the way it stands now Doodle will have 2 days a week of karate and 1 day a week of gymnastics. I'm not sure if that's too much activity, but I am thinking it's worth trying and seeing how he does. Part of me isn't sure how it will all work out, but the other part of me thinks that karate and gymnastics will be a great combo and will keep him challenged and athletic. We'll see.
Of course the baby (the Princess as she is referred to in our home) joined us for the visit to the gym. They were ready to sign her up too, until I pointed out that she can't yet sit up on her own. But, they did mention classes start at 18 months - start them young.
My favourite event is gymnastics. I love it! I stay up till all hours watching it. The drama. The excitement. So exciting to me.
Doodle took gymnastics when he was 2. He did it every Saturday for about half a year. We struggled through it because he was in a really difficult stage and it was a parent/tot class. He had constant temper tantrums and I got annoyed. I finally quit early because it wasn't teaching him anything (though he perfected his sommersault) and I was spending my Saturday mornings angry at him instead of enjoying his company. It just wasn't working.
But, over the last year he has reminded me on numerous occassions that he liked gymnastics. (Weird - I don't remember it that way.) And he's bugged me for more classes.
The thing is, I didn't feel comfortable at the gym we were going to. it was a long drive and all the parents seemed to think they had the next gymnastics superstar on their hands. In all honesty I have weight issues and my husband is 6'3. I don't really think either of our kids have gymnastics in their blood so I was there for FUN. And also because Doodle falls a lot and I wanted him to learn to fall properly and to do things safely.
It just didn't work out.
But after watching countless hours of Olympics these days I decided to sign him up at a different gym. I'd heard great things about it so I called and went to see it. It was love at first sight. First of all the guy running it is Romanian (I think). He was so funny. He sounded just like Bella Karoli and he kept yelling out all sorts of gymnastics terms to his students while he was talking to me. It just cracked me up.
And his wife was totally sweet and funny. Doodle meanwhile was running around and all excited to see the gym, so the guy took him on a tour (including a bathroom break) and Doodle was sold. I love it.
So, the way it stands now Doodle will have 2 days a week of karate and 1 day a week of gymnastics. I'm not sure if that's too much activity, but I am thinking it's worth trying and seeing how he does. Part of me isn't sure how it will all work out, but the other part of me thinks that karate and gymnastics will be a great combo and will keep him challenged and athletic. We'll see.
Of course the baby (the Princess as she is referred to in our home) joined us for the visit to the gym. They were ready to sign her up too, until I pointed out that she can't yet sit up on her own. But, they did mention classes start at 18 months - start them young.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
My Ladies Man
Today I took Doodle to McDonald's for a special treat.
He's been asking for weeks to go, so I figured we'd go for lunch. It was the perfect day because there weren't tons of kids, and the kids who were there all played really well in the Play Place. It was one of those times where all the parents are kind of supervising and kind of chatting because everyone is just behaving.
After a long game of hide and seek Doodle started playing with a couple of little girls who were close to his age. I was watching for awhile trying to figure out what game they were playing that was so engrossing.
At one point Doodle came running out of one of the tube slides with the girls trailing behind him.
He turned to them and said "Come on Ladies! Let's have a dance party. I wanna ROCK OUT!"
Thanks, Hannah Montanna!
It may scare you to know that after McDonald's we went to WalMart to buy a back pack. I had a hard time convincing him that no, he could NOT buy a Tinkerbell back pack or a Hannah Montana backpack.
He's been asking for weeks to go, so I figured we'd go for lunch. It was the perfect day because there weren't tons of kids, and the kids who were there all played really well in the Play Place. It was one of those times where all the parents are kind of supervising and kind of chatting because everyone is just behaving.
After a long game of hide and seek Doodle started playing with a couple of little girls who were close to his age. I was watching for awhile trying to figure out what game they were playing that was so engrossing.
At one point Doodle came running out of one of the tube slides with the girls trailing behind him.
He turned to them and said "Come on Ladies! Let's have a dance party. I wanna ROCK OUT!"
Thanks, Hannah Montanna!
It may scare you to know that after McDonald's we went to WalMart to buy a back pack. I had a hard time convincing him that no, he could NOT buy a Tinkerbell back pack or a Hannah Montana backpack.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
We're Going to DISNEYWORLD!!!!!!
I know I know. We just got back. Just.
But, all I can think about is Disney World. The sights. The sounds. The smells. The yummy food. The entertainment that tires my child out. I loved it. All of it. And all I have been thinking about it going back.
So, I called a travel agent (who specializes in Disney Travel) and booked next year's trip. I know it all seems a little early. But I love planning and dreaming. And I need something to look forward to. When we were there in July we visited one of the resorts. It's the Polynesian and it's right on the monorail. We decided that we would stay there. However, since the cost to stay there is literally thousands more than we could budget for, we elected to stay at a different resort - Wilderness Lodge.
The more I look at pictures the more excited I get. I've already promised Phat Daddy that I will not go crazy and spend every minute at Disney World, but that I will enjoy the resort as well. Quite honestly I think that will be do-able. Imagine. 24/7 Disney for a whole week. Actually, I think that's some people's worst nightmare. But for me - awesome!!!!
I've already started planning all the details like having lunch with the princesses, doing a bunch of pirate stuff. The possibilities are endless. I'm so excited!
But, all I can think about is Disney World. The sights. The sounds. The smells. The yummy food. The entertainment that tires my child out. I loved it. All of it. And all I have been thinking about it going back.
So, I called a travel agent (who specializes in Disney Travel) and booked next year's trip. I know it all seems a little early. But I love planning and dreaming. And I need something to look forward to. When we were there in July we visited one of the resorts. It's the Polynesian and it's right on the monorail. We decided that we would stay there. However, since the cost to stay there is literally thousands more than we could budget for, we elected to stay at a different resort - Wilderness Lodge.
The more I look at pictures the more excited I get. I've already promised Phat Daddy that I will not go crazy and spend every minute at Disney World, but that I will enjoy the resort as well. Quite honestly I think that will be do-able. Imagine. 24/7 Disney for a whole week. Actually, I think that's some people's worst nightmare. But for me - awesome!!!!
I've already started planning all the details like having lunch with the princesses, doing a bunch of pirate stuff. The possibilities are endless. I'm so excited!
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