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| From Fall 09 |
Monday, October 26, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
A Year and a Half, oh my!
It doesn't cease to amaze how a few months make such a difference in the life span of a baby. Except you can hardly call Collin a baby anymore. He's a stubborn, independent, full-blown toddler.
Highlights in the world according to Collin:
1. Still a Super Eater and Fruit Fiend:
Collin gobbles up any kind of fruit he can get (including whole peaches and pears stolen from the fruit basket) and since tomatoes are technically a fruit those too are consumed with fervor from the garden. When it comes to fruit, he could probably eat most grown ups under the table! Some of Collin's other favorite foods are: pasta, quiche, bacon (just like dad), garden burgers, beans (especially baked beans), fake and real chicken nuggets, broccoli, carrots, potatoes/yams, squash, yogurt, fig cookies, oatmeal, peanut butter or almond butter, turkey, cheerios, and pretty much anything starchy or sweet. The randoms are spicy hummus, guacamole and BBQ sauce. He's also starting to get the hang of a spoon and fork.
2. Dance party time:
Collin loves to march his feet in rapid succession. He points to the stereo and grabs the scarves he loves to see me dance with to African beats. We've also started our second session of Music Together class which he'll hopefully enjoy. The first class was a bit of a bust with Collin cranky after I woke him from a rare morning nap. He kept running to the door and pointing to it, trying to steal the instruments and attempting to slap his fellow baby classmates on the head.
3. Tot language:
Language wise he seems to be on track. He probably has more words than we can understand and understands more than he can say. He knows who "Blue" his dog is with certainty, he understands simple directions like "bring me the book," "where's your milk?" and smiles with delight whenever we mention "Breakfast, snack time, lunch or dinner!" It seems like he'll say a word one week and then it disappears for a while. These are the words/phrases he seems to have in his vocab:
1. Momma (first word boo ya)
2. Dadda/daddy
3. Meh (milk, drink)
4. Nana (banana)
5. All done (uses this in context, sometimes not)
6. Up down (in context) like on the swings
7. Hot: He understands the oven is hot! Food can be hot! It used to be hot outside but those days are probably over.
8. On: Says this as he flips the light switch
9. Eye: Points to his eye
10. No: of course he's a toddler, luckily he doesn't say it all the time
And variations: "No mine!" "No way!"
11. Cat: He's only used this once but he pointed to a cat so I don't think it's coincidence
He lets you know what he wants by pointing with exacerbation with his monkey sounds (ehh, ehh!). With advice from Carol, our wonderful Early Intervention Hearing Specialist, we're trying not to give in so easily to the grunts and encourage actual words (or word approximations).
The frustrations of communication are obvious. When he's not understood, we don't give him what he want, or he's having trouble figuring something out he lets you know with big tears and anger: "No!" And smacks whatever is in his way (poor mom or dad). We're trying to teach him patiently and not so patiently, that hitting is not okay. So far all we get are giggles, blank looks or repeat attacks. Ignoring and walking away are pretty much the best solutions right now.
4. Busy, busy, busy:
From when he wakes up, Collin is on the go. He crawls up stairs at rapid pace and discovered the magic of going backwards to get down. He knows most of his body parts and loves patting his head. He loves looking at books especially ones filled with bright pictures and baby faces or cars. Lamps are apparently the coolest thing ever and are pointed to in books, restaurants, stores and of course at home. He also loves huddling in his tent and sweeping with the broom. We definitely have a runner and being chased is one of his favorite games. Hand holding is met with protests and he's not at the point where he knows he needs to follow us; safety is not a priority for a year and a half year old. Eventually he'll get it. But for now the stroller is our best mode of transportation (and no a leash is not in our future).
5. Best friends:
I know I've mentioned Blue in the past but Collin's connection to his sweet stuffed dog doesn't get old. He slobbers on Blue's nose, attempts to feed him cheerios and has a sweet happy cry whenever he hugs him. He sleeps with Blue, brings him on excursions and drags him all around the house. After a few days, the smell is more than I can take and washing Blue involves some strategy and distraction for sure. Mike and I need to find a replacement for the just in case moments. Losing Blue would be bad.
6. School:
Collin started at Purple Moon, his new daycare last week, and so far it's great. The teachers seem wonderful and actually like their job (a far cry from most of my experience from working at corporate daycares). The kids get snacks and meals that are nutritious and food I'd actually eat, as opposed to the bloated hot dogs, canned vegetables and fried god-knows-what that supposedly meets the school nutritional requirements served at other places. Colorful art projects cover the walls and they have an outdoor space complete with a little house and play structure and Collin's favorite--sand which I find everywhere.
Mostly Collin seems to enjoy being around his little friends. He always runs right in the classroom and doesn't notice when I slip out. And is usually not in a rush to go when I pick him up. He'll be able to stay in the program all the way through pre-kindergarten, probably with a lot of the same kids.
Highlights in the world according to Collin:
1. Still a Super Eater and Fruit Fiend:
Collin gobbles up any kind of fruit he can get (including whole peaches and pears stolen from the fruit basket) and since tomatoes are technically a fruit those too are consumed with fervor from the garden. When it comes to fruit, he could probably eat most grown ups under the table! Some of Collin's other favorite foods are: pasta, quiche, bacon (just like dad), garden burgers, beans (especially baked beans), fake and real chicken nuggets, broccoli, carrots, potatoes/yams, squash, yogurt, fig cookies, oatmeal, peanut butter or almond butter, turkey, cheerios, and pretty much anything starchy or sweet. The randoms are spicy hummus, guacamole and BBQ sauce. He's also starting to get the hang of a spoon and fork.
 |
| From Fall 09 |
2. Dance party time:
Collin loves to march his feet in rapid succession. He points to the stereo and grabs the scarves he loves to see me dance with to African beats. We've also started our second session of Music Together class which he'll hopefully enjoy. The first class was a bit of a bust with Collin cranky after I woke him from a rare morning nap. He kept running to the door and pointing to it, trying to steal the instruments and attempting to slap his fellow baby classmates on the head.
3. Tot language:
Language wise he seems to be on track. He probably has more words than we can understand and understands more than he can say. He knows who "Blue" his dog is with certainty, he understands simple directions like "bring me the book," "where's your milk?" and smiles with delight whenever we mention "Breakfast, snack time, lunch or dinner!" It seems like he'll say a word one week and then it disappears for a while. These are the words/phrases he seems to have in his vocab:
1. Momma (first word boo ya)
2. Dadda/daddy
3. Meh (milk, drink)
4. Nana (banana)
5. All done (uses this in context, sometimes not)
6. Up down (in context) like on the swings
7. Hot: He understands the oven is hot! Food can be hot! It used to be hot outside but those days are probably over.
8. On: Says this as he flips the light switch
9. Eye: Points to his eye
10. No: of course he's a toddler, luckily he doesn't say it all the time
And variations: "No mine!" "No way!"
11. Cat: He's only used this once but he pointed to a cat so I don't think it's coincidence
He lets you know what he wants by pointing with exacerbation with his monkey sounds (ehh, ehh!). With advice from Carol, our wonderful Early Intervention Hearing Specialist, we're trying not to give in so easily to the grunts and encourage actual words (or word approximations).
The frustrations of communication are obvious. When he's not understood, we don't give him what he want, or he's having trouble figuring something out he lets you know with big tears and anger: "No!" And smacks whatever is in his way (poor mom or dad). We're trying to teach him patiently and not so patiently, that hitting is not okay. So far all we get are giggles, blank looks or repeat attacks. Ignoring and walking away are pretty much the best solutions right now.
4. Busy, busy, busy:
From when he wakes up, Collin is on the go. He crawls up stairs at rapid pace and discovered the magic of going backwards to get down. He knows most of his body parts and loves patting his head. He loves looking at books especially ones filled with bright pictures and baby faces or cars. Lamps are apparently the coolest thing ever and are pointed to in books, restaurants, stores and of course at home. He also loves huddling in his tent and sweeping with the broom. We definitely have a runner and being chased is one of his favorite games. Hand holding is met with protests and he's not at the point where he knows he needs to follow us; safety is not a priority for a year and a half year old. Eventually he'll get it. But for now the stroller is our best mode of transportation (and no a leash is not in our future).
5. Best friends:
I know I've mentioned Blue in the past but Collin's connection to his sweet stuffed dog doesn't get old. He slobbers on Blue's nose, attempts to feed him cheerios and has a sweet happy cry whenever he hugs him. He sleeps with Blue, brings him on excursions and drags him all around the house. After a few days, the smell is more than I can take and washing Blue involves some strategy and distraction for sure. Mike and I need to find a replacement for the just in case moments. Losing Blue would be bad.
6. School:
Collin started at Purple Moon, his new daycare last week, and so far it's great. The teachers seem wonderful and actually like their job (a far cry from most of my experience from working at corporate daycares). The kids get snacks and meals that are nutritious and food I'd actually eat, as opposed to the bloated hot dogs, canned vegetables and fried god-knows-what that supposedly meets the school nutritional requirements served at other places. Colorful art projects cover the walls and they have an outdoor space complete with a little house and play structure and Collin's favorite--sand which I find everywhere.
Mostly Collin seems to enjoy being around his little friends. He always runs right in the classroom and doesn't notice when I slip out. And is usually not in a rush to go when I pick him up. He'll be able to stay in the program all the way through pre-kindergarten, probably with a lot of the same kids.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Neat and (dis)orderly
I am a neat person. I don't like knick knacks overwhelming shelves or shoes strewn across the floor. I tend not to accumulate things and don't have much of a problem letting go of items from the past (please see my husband for the opposite description).
However my vision for minimalism and the "feng shui" effect is pretty much a pipe dream at this point. I've realized that no matter how many times I try to arrange Collin's pretty wood stackers in order there will always be a piece missing. Books find their ways under the couch and cracker crumbs are inevitable. In my ideal home we'd have a spacious play room with child sized furniture, shelves with organized bins like you see in the Pottery Barn catalog and a whimsical mural on the wall.
For now I have to let go of my neuroses and let Collin run with his imagination (both figuratively and physically all over most of our house!) I can't imagine a living room with those creepy plastic covers on the couches and immaculate shelves that are never touched. Someday I hope Collin can have a play room and I can get the living room back but for now I'll enjoy the look of bliss on his face as he hoards our shoes, a broom (he likes to sweep so that's a good sign), scarves and of course Blue Dog into a pop up tent I debated putting away.
I'll take a bit of mess and disorder for the discovery of a fort by a toddler any day.
However my vision for minimalism and the "feng shui" effect is pretty much a pipe dream at this point. I've realized that no matter how many times I try to arrange Collin's pretty wood stackers in order there will always be a piece missing. Books find their ways under the couch and cracker crumbs are inevitable. In my ideal home we'd have a spacious play room with child sized furniture, shelves with organized bins like you see in the Pottery Barn catalog and a whimsical mural on the wall.
For now I have to let go of my neuroses and let Collin run with his imagination (both figuratively and physically all over most of our house!) I can't imagine a living room with those creepy plastic covers on the couches and immaculate shelves that are never touched. Someday I hope Collin can have a play room and I can get the living room back but for now I'll enjoy the look of bliss on his face as he hoards our shoes, a broom (he likes to sweep so that's a good sign), scarves and of course Blue Dog into a pop up tent I debated putting away.
I'll take a bit of mess and disorder for the discovery of a fort by a toddler any day.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Five years later...
On August 3rd 2004, surrounded by a few friends and family, Mike and I stood in the Scottish countryside and exchanged vows. We were young and excited about a new story that was about to emerge.
Now five years later we have a house, careers, and of course a toddler named Collin.
It's easy to overlook each other when you have a baby. Life as we know it pretty much centers around our son. Days can become routines, comfortable and at times, exhausting.
Relationships change and evolve when you have a child, it takes strength, communication and lots of understanding to support each other as partners while you take on the new role of parent. To me, it's also critical that we see each other as individuals--as the people we fell in love with before we became parents. Sometimes it takes alone time to remember that!
We're fortunate that we have parents in the area who are willing to watch the little guy. For our anniversary weekend, Collin got to spend a weekend with Grandma and Grandpa Hanada while Mike and I went to a quiet B&B in Carson, WA in the Gorge. The first day of our weekend we spent a few hours touring some Hood River vineyards and passed the hills, mountains and lush forests that I almost forgot were just 45 minutes from our house. It was hot but not crazy inferno hot like the days before and we sipped on some crisp whites while we breathed in that fresh mountain air.
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| From Summer 09 |
We stayed in a cute cabin decked out in log furnishings (rustic luxe!) and slept in a very comfortable oversized king. Breakfast was home cooking done right and filling enough to get us to dinner. A bonus, we weren't forced to socialize with other couples as everyone had a private table.
We headed to Wind Mountain which I read had an awesome view of the Gorge and was a "moderate" jaunt of 1,500 vertical feet but just 2.5 miles round trip (not as much as the nearby Dog Mountain which was about double). Seeing as at 10 am it was already 85 degrees we didn't really want to be hiking at peak heat time so we opted for the smaller mountain. This was definitely not a toddler friendly hike. The trail was uneven and some of it was just rocks. And it was up, up, up. Not a lot of breaks. As the B&B owner said, it'll definitely get your heart moving. Still once we got to the top (with poor Mike dripping in sweat) we were rewarded with a panoramic view of the hills and the Columbia. It was also nice to be alone up there. We sat in silence, catching our breath and looking at out at one of the most beautiful parts of the world.
We then went on a recommended drive by our friendly B&B owner. After ending up in a circle and lost a few times we found our way to Panther Falls, a place we would have never known about. We wandered around the rushing falls which were small compared to nearby Multnomah but still gorgeous and not filled with people. After that we drove up a bumpy gravel road to seek out some ice caves and relief from the heat. Course we didn't have a flashlight or a fleece with us so when we found the caves, we stepped inside for a couple minutes, enjoyed the cold break and then promptly left so we didn't slip in on the ice in the blackness and end up broken ankles.
Finally we stopped at a small cafe next to a gas station (would have overlooked this place if the B&B owner hadn't told us about it) and had delicious huckleberry smoothies. Our day ended with a nice dinner in Hood River and a last night giddy and alone. Just for a minute we could pretend it was the old days. Mike also surprised me with a pretty diamond solitaire necklace and I gave him the gift of freedom...basically a plane ticket and a weekend away of his choice.
I missed my little guy and was happy to wrap him in my arms when we picked him up Monday. Spending time apart from Collin is so important once in a while to help give our relationship a refresher. It also makes me appreciate how much I love and value being a mother. Finally, our short nearby trip made me realize how I take for granted that we live in such a beautiful place--I'm determined to take more day trips to the Gorge for hikes, picnics and drives and share the amazement that this region has to offer with Collin.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Berry Picking and Water Baby
I can't believe it's almost August. Oregon Summers are undeniably the best. I'll take a perfect 80 degree (or even 90 degree) day with a glass of icy lemonade on our fabulous new deck that Mike built--all by himself!
Summer means plump juicy berries, fresh fruit from the farmer's market and tomatoes from our garden, sprinklers, backyard fun, hikes, bike rides, ice cream and that perfect robin egg blue sky.
Collin and I went berry picking for the first time at Krugar's Farm in Sauvie Island. The marionberries were the biggest hit, they were perfectly ripe and tasty. Collin's outfit and face were soon covered in purple juice. He was also in blueberry ecstasy but it took him a while to figure out the green ones weren't quite ready for picking. My plan of getting flats of berries didn't amount when I realized how much time it takes to actually pluck them. We bought some fruits and veggies from the market store at a total bargain--if it was a little closer I'd do more shopping there! 80 cents for a melon, 50 cents for a cucumber, $2.50 for a pint of blueberries!
Later Collin cooled off in his wade pool. He loves the fountains at the park with the water blasting in every direction. His pool is a smaller version of fun. We've also been doing swim lessons to get him more comfortable with the water. Maybe next year he'll be ready to learn some actual swim moves. And of course he had to be naked. Who can resist the delicious little rolls of fat and that pale baby bum! (I'm sure he'll love that I published this when he's a teenager).
Summer means plump juicy berries, fresh fruit from the farmer's market and tomatoes from our garden, sprinklers, backyard fun, hikes, bike rides, ice cream and that perfect robin egg blue sky.
Collin and I went berry picking for the first time at Krugar's Farm in Sauvie Island. The marionberries were the biggest hit, they were perfectly ripe and tasty. Collin's outfit and face were soon covered in purple juice. He was also in blueberry ecstasy but it took him a while to figure out the green ones weren't quite ready for picking. My plan of getting flats of berries didn't amount when I realized how much time it takes to actually pluck them. We bought some fruits and veggies from the market store at a total bargain--if it was a little closer I'd do more shopping there! 80 cents for a melon, 50 cents for a cucumber, $2.50 for a pint of blueberries!
 |
| From Summer 09 |
Later Collin cooled off in his wade pool. He loves the fountains at the park with the water blasting in every direction. His pool is a smaller version of fun. We've also been doing swim lessons to get him more comfortable with the water. Maybe next year he'll be ready to learn some actual swim moves. And of course he had to be naked. Who can resist the delicious little rolls of fat and that pale baby bum! (I'm sure he'll love that I published this when he's a teenager).
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