Nov. 3, 2009 - A Few Random Funnies...
No, I didn't fall off the face of the earth...Just had H1N1 (probably) -- you know...no big deal.
Ok, so it WAS a big deal, but I'm better now.
Interestingly enough, with writing some articles, various freelance work, and preparation for an Advent reflection at my mom's group fundraiser event to work on, I have not felt the desire (nor had the time) to do much free writing on this blog. Today, though, I just had to get a few words in, before they exited my pregnancy-addled brain, never to be heard from again.
Two stories about Baz:
- My little guy, almost 4 years old now!, was looking through the Family Consecration to Mary Book -- I think many Catholic moms know this one -- and he really enjoys looking through our various holy books/prayer books/pamphlets at the pictures.
Well, this time, he was looking at the words...He was pointing, naming the letters.
"M....E....I.....L.....R....O...V..." Then, a pause, and, this followed: "Velvet Painting of Elvis..."
Um....ok.
- I was out one evening for our parish mission, and when I got home, TallDad had this story. He was trying to keep the crises to a minimum, and was successful for a time, until he realized Baz was no where to be seen, and he couldn't recall seeing him or hearing from him for at least 30 minutes -- uhoh, not a good sign.
When he did find him, he had wedged himself behind the bathroom door, and was applying my make-up. TallDad said he had a uni-brow going on, made from mascara, and a wide clown-mouth lipstick! Right when Dad found him, he said, "I know, I know...I know I shouldn't be doing this. I"m putting it all away now, see? I'm sorry." Hmmm...that was quick.
I also think I should begin to keep a notebook especially for the random objects I find in random locations throughout the house.
For instance: Plush Elmo in the vegetable crisper.
...Legos, blocks, and toy cars in the oven warmer drawer on consecutive days.
...candy stuffed into the bed-rail in Espen's top bunk (and he thought I wouldn't find it! I decided to make his bed myself that day, so it would be nice and straightened, and discovered his cache, like a little sugar-high squirrel would make).
A few school stories....
We have been enjoying our homeschooling year, and after everyone has recovered from illness, are back on track with some daily learning. I'm slowly figuring out that the more relaxed I CAN be, the better our days go. I was sitting down to make up our Nov, Dec, and January schedule, and really didn't want to make as much of a daily schedule as make topics that could be covered appropriately throughout the month. I just don't think I, or they, are ready for a full-on checklist. Our life is just not like that yet -- and we're expecting a new arrival in just about, oh let's see, seven or so weeks, give or take....
I don't want to use the baby as an excuse, but I think plenty of learning still occurs, and still will occur, as we get used to our new family member...
But, what have we been working on?
Espen today made Chapter 1 of a Transformer Book -- it was a perfect copywork exercise that he did very willingly. He dictated to me, I wrote on another piece of paper, and then he copied into his new notebook. Sweet!
Baz readily knows his letters, and numbers to ten now, which was a big fall goal. What's next for him? He is showing quite an interest in the piano, and though I wouldn't start anything very formal with him, I may teach him a song or two. The last week or so, he has sat down, and plunked out triads, and also a little melody we made up from the "Tale of Timmy Tiptoes" story by Beatrix Potter -- it was amazing. He amazed himself! I poked my head around the corner, and asked him, "Is that Timmy's song?" and he looked at me wide-eyed, "Yeah!"
Jo-Jo's schoolwork right now is "Potty Training 101". He's getting REALLY good at number 1 (no more potty on the piano, thankfully), though number 2 is still a daily mess for me to clean up. Oh well...1 out of 2...50% before age 2 1/2 is pretty darn good, from our past experience. Jo-Jo also is interested in the two baby dolls that have made it into our house lately. He'll often hand me the doll, and say, "Needs Mama." and then will tell me what the baby needs, "Nee-Nee (mommy's milk), Sleep, Cudd-oh Baby," -- ah, if he only knew what awaited him. Or, maybe he does know, and he's trying to prepare me?
I have that sense, more and more, of the calm before the storm. I don't mean to phrase that negatively, but -- I enjoy SUCH a freedom right now -- going out to meet a friend for coffee for an hour last night, for instance. I know that, for the first 6 - 10(!) months of our new baby's life, he'll be with me. That doesn't smother me as much as it did for the first two -- I'm very embracing of it. But gosh, it IS just so different....So, over the next weeks, I'll soak up some opportunities to 'get away' and do those little things I enjoy on my own. I'm more than happy to share them with out baby blessing though, too -- I realize what a great honor and privilege and blessing it is to have a healthy pregnancy and baby, and my heart goes out to all those who have struggled and experienced loss either before or after birth....
I hope fall is treating ya'll well.....and look for more regular posting from me....at least for the next seven weeks or so!
Comment
Nov. 16, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Laura D
I just love 4 year olds, too! Sounds like you have a great approach to your school day right now. I can totally relate to how you are feeling about your approaching blessing. I will keep you in my prayers that all goes well.
God Bless
