I wish I had written down all the "made up" words which Ethan and Gavin assigned to things when they were toddlers and preschoolers. When a child assigns their own word for something, I believe it shows how intelligent they are. They are adaptable beings thirsting for communication and they use what they know to connect with others and ultimately get what they want. (Let's cut to the chase, they want it and want it now.) So tonight I've decided to write a few of the words one would hear around our house lately.
Lindsey has assigned the word rainbow to an umbrella. Umbrella is not a word we have used often in the past. Since our move to the East coast, we notice that everyone uses an umbrella, much more often than we would have in the South. There are many more walkers (rain, sleet, or snow) here, hence many more umbrellas. So when we venture out the door on a rainy day, Lindsey replies, "Mom, we need a rainbow!" My thought is, "Of course we do, because if we saw a rainbow, then the rain would be stopping," not realizing that she means an umbrella!
Austin has a few words in his vocabulary worth noting. His first being "Dee-dee" which is adapted from the "Motherese" word blankey, which in turn is adapted from the English word-blanket. A second word, tadtoo, is what he calls crackers. We will hear him break into song with this word sometimes. The last word worth mentioning is nem. I'm afraid I am to blame for the use of this one. We rarely go without having M&M's stashed in the cupboard somewhere and Austin has developed quite the palate for this tasty treat. He now knows which cupboard in which they are placed . . . always. "Nem . . . nem. . . nem . . . NEM! . . .NEM!. . . NEM! . . .
. . . . oh how I will miss these times as they grow older.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Thursday, September 3, 2009
To the Baseball Coaches
Dear Baseball Coaches,
I love you all and appreciate the time, and I mean ALL the time you have sacrificed to coach my eager little ballplayers. I'm writing to let you know that I now have all my kids back on a schedule, including bedtime before 10:00. My preschoolers are in bed right now as I write. AND I don't have red clay all over the floor of my van anymore. AND last Saturday, I just could not quite figure out what to do with myself or the family.
Oh, and one more thing, I'm enjoying it!!!
Love,
The Mom
P.S. The boys are missing baseball terribly, so maybe I am too, just a little ; ).
I love you all and appreciate the time, and I mean ALL the time you have sacrificed to coach my eager little ballplayers. I'm writing to let you know that I now have all my kids back on a schedule, including bedtime before 10:00. My preschoolers are in bed right now as I write. AND I don't have red clay all over the floor of my van anymore. AND last Saturday, I just could not quite figure out what to do with myself or the family.
Oh, and one more thing, I'm enjoying it!!!
Love,
The Mom
P.S. The boys are missing baseball terribly, so maybe I am too, just a little ; ).
WOW! It's Been a While!
Needless to say there has been a major event take place in our lives! The night I found out we would be moving to New Jersey, and had to keep it a secret, I wanted to blog all my emotions out. But, as I said, we had to keep it on the down-low for some time. Once it became public information, I no longer had time to blog and when I could squeeze some writing in, my computer went KAPUTZ!!!
I am now coming to you from a new state, new computer, new desk, and new chair. (I got goosed by a screw every time I sat in the old chair.) Rob and the three oldest are at a minor league baseball game-Baseball, there's a whole 'nother 10 blog entries I have to make-Austin is in bed for the night. I have a sec to take a baby step towards bloghood once again.
Today was the first day of school which means I have more homework than the kids do. Off I go to fill out emergency contact forms and turn down a listful of opportunities to volunteer for the PTO (I'm horrible, I know-to be honest, I'd just rather help out the teacher). I hopefully will make it back to the blog tonight, if I'm lucky. If not, until tomorrow, my friend!
I am now coming to you from a new state, new computer, new desk, and new chair. (I got goosed by a screw every time I sat in the old chair.) Rob and the three oldest are at a minor league baseball game-Baseball, there's a whole 'nother 10 blog entries I have to make-Austin is in bed for the night. I have a sec to take a baby step towards bloghood once again.
Today was the first day of school which means I have more homework than the kids do. Off I go to fill out emergency contact forms and turn down a listful of opportunities to volunteer for the PTO (I'm horrible, I know-to be honest, I'd just rather help out the teacher). I hopefully will make it back to the blog tonight, if I'm lucky. If not, until tomorrow, my friend!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
I Heart Zappos.com!
This may be a pretty lame post but I have to put a plug in for what is now my favorite place to buy shoes . . . and you don't have to leave your house!
On a recommendation from my sister, I shopped at Zappos.com for a shoe purchase as a gift to my husband for Christmas. (Do I need to describe how painful it is taking Lindsey and Austin shopping for anything?) My experience was first rate and because I had used my Pay Pal account, I received next day shipping for free.
When it came time for Ethan to get a new pair of shoes, I decided to be a repeat customer. I browsed through a selection of shoes in his size, and my price range, picked out the ones I approved of and saved them to My Favorites list on the website, and let him choose which ones he liked best out of that list. I placed my order and just for being a repeat customer I again received next day shipping at no cost. They arrived the next day before Ethan got home from school.
A week later Ethan complained that the sole of his tennis (they are running type shoes to be exact) came unglued on a small corner. I didn't want to hassle with sending them back for such a small defect that really wasn't a big deal, so I took them to a shoe repair where they tried to glue it back using their own shoe glue. Ethan wore the shoes for one more day and the process had not been effective, so I decided I would attempt to return them.
I called Zappos' 1-800 number today and a cheerful customer service representative responded on the other end. I explained the situation and she was concerned that since I had already "altered" the shoe by taking them to a shoe repair that I would not be able to return them. She checked with her manager and they agreed to give me a "courtesy" exchange and that next time I should just call them first. All I wanted was an exchange for the same shoe. She then e-mailed me the return shipping label while still on the phone, which I was to just print and tape to the box I was returning the shoes in, at no cost to me. THEN she said I would be getting my new shoes the NEXT DAY! All I needed to do was ship the defective shoes within 14 days. The process couldn't have been easier! I related to her how satisified and impressed with Zappos.com and she then invited me to VIP status as a customer with them. This allows me to continued Next Day Shipping at no cost!
I have not tried the VIP website yet, but I have four kids, and I'm a runner. I'll NEED shoes all of the time.
I'm impressed with this company's top notch customer service at a time when customer service is falling behind at so many retailers. I recommend this website to anyone.
On a recommendation from my sister, I shopped at Zappos.com for a shoe purchase as a gift to my husband for Christmas. (Do I need to describe how painful it is taking Lindsey and Austin shopping for anything?) My experience was first rate and because I had used my Pay Pal account, I received next day shipping for free.
When it came time for Ethan to get a new pair of shoes, I decided to be a repeat customer. I browsed through a selection of shoes in his size, and my price range, picked out the ones I approved of and saved them to My Favorites list on the website, and let him choose which ones he liked best out of that list. I placed my order and just for being a repeat customer I again received next day shipping at no cost. They arrived the next day before Ethan got home from school.
A week later Ethan complained that the sole of his tennis (they are running type shoes to be exact) came unglued on a small corner. I didn't want to hassle with sending them back for such a small defect that really wasn't a big deal, so I took them to a shoe repair where they tried to glue it back using their own shoe glue. Ethan wore the shoes for one more day and the process had not been effective, so I decided I would attempt to return them.
I called Zappos' 1-800 number today and a cheerful customer service representative responded on the other end. I explained the situation and she was concerned that since I had already "altered" the shoe by taking them to a shoe repair that I would not be able to return them. She checked with her manager and they agreed to give me a "courtesy" exchange and that next time I should just call them first. All I wanted was an exchange for the same shoe. She then e-mailed me the return shipping label while still on the phone, which I was to just print and tape to the box I was returning the shoes in, at no cost to me. THEN she said I would be getting my new shoes the NEXT DAY! All I needed to do was ship the defective shoes within 14 days. The process couldn't have been easier! I related to her how satisified and impressed with Zappos.com and she then invited me to VIP status as a customer with them. This allows me to continued Next Day Shipping at no cost!
I have not tried the VIP website yet, but I have four kids, and I'm a runner. I'll NEED shoes all of the time.
I'm impressed with this company's top notch customer service at a time when customer service is falling behind at so many retailers. I recommend this website to anyone.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Diary of a Baseball Mom 2009, Chapter 1
I wish that I were a better writer. Maybe someday I can take a class or something, but for now I have to go off my undergraduate, 2 English course, education.
Today marks the first day of our baseball year with practice at 6:30. So many emotions have begun to resurface at this point, and while my creative juices began flowing I decided I better stop, sit down, and write before I lost my thoughts. (Actually I don't know if its "creative juices" per say, but just me talking to myself.) So, my dishwasher is hanging wide open and Austin is probably inside of it right now.
I have come to the conclusion that I am addicted to being busy. I simply can't sit still. (Maybe that's where Ethan gets it from.) We had one tiny little week free from any sort of "ball" practice, game, or meeting, which we enjoyed thoroughly. I actually kept my laundry at basket height level instead of overflowing. On Saturday, I squeaked in a 6 mile run AND went grocery shopping all in the same day! (Evidence that I can't sit still.) The crowning fact of it all is that I vacuumed out the van on Wednesday and it StIlL looks pretty darn good. (No grass, mud or empty water bottles strewn along)
My need to "write" grew from my astonishing realization today that I actually was looking forward to being out at the ball park tonight! WhAT? That can't be possible! I'm looking foward to mud caked to everything we own--even Austin? Or to getting into bed way too late? Or struggling with decisions like missing scouts vs. attending a practice or make-up game?
Maybe this is just my need to be positive in every situation, but yes it will be fun to get outside and let the little ones run around. I can have a conversation with an adult other than myself. With a little luck, it's quite possible the kids will be tired after all of this and will go to bed with no fight at all (a reference to Lindsey). While I wasn't one of those parents who brought my fold out chair and a cooler and camped out at try outs, I will look on the bright side.
I'm guessing that come June, my sentiment will fall on the complete other side of the spectrum, but, hey, as long as my kids are happy, being active, and we can find some balance during it all, I will be okay.
Now, I better go dig Austin out of the dishwasher.
Today marks the first day of our baseball year with practice at 6:30. So many emotions have begun to resurface at this point, and while my creative juices began flowing I decided I better stop, sit down, and write before I lost my thoughts. (Actually I don't know if its "creative juices" per say, but just me talking to myself.) So, my dishwasher is hanging wide open and Austin is probably inside of it right now.
I have come to the conclusion that I am addicted to being busy. I simply can't sit still. (Maybe that's where Ethan gets it from.) We had one tiny little week free from any sort of "ball" practice, game, or meeting, which we enjoyed thoroughly. I actually kept my laundry at basket height level instead of overflowing. On Saturday, I squeaked in a 6 mile run AND went grocery shopping all in the same day! (Evidence that I can't sit still.) The crowning fact of it all is that I vacuumed out the van on Wednesday and it StIlL looks pretty darn good. (No grass, mud or empty water bottles strewn along)
My need to "write" grew from my astonishing realization today that I actually was looking forward to being out at the ball park tonight! WhAT? That can't be possible! I'm looking foward to mud caked to everything we own--even Austin? Or to getting into bed way too late? Or struggling with decisions like missing scouts vs. attending a practice or make-up game?
Maybe this is just my need to be positive in every situation, but yes it will be fun to get outside and let the little ones run around. I can have a conversation with an adult other than myself. With a little luck, it's quite possible the kids will be tired after all of this and will go to bed with no fight at all (a reference to Lindsey). While I wasn't one of those parents who brought my fold out chair and a cooler and camped out at try outs, I will look on the bright side.
I'm guessing that come June, my sentiment will fall on the complete other side of the spectrum, but, hey, as long as my kids are happy, being active, and we can find some balance during it all, I will be okay.
Now, I better go dig Austin out of the dishwasher.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
It's so fun to be 1!
We finally got to celebrate Austin's birthday on Friday night. We gorged ourselves at our local pizza place-it's the only place to be in our town on a Friday night. Then washed it down with some birthday cake. Austin made no hesitation to dig into his cake and put on a great show for the cameras. Each one of his birthday gifts was a hit with his favorite being his Little People Race Car vehicle. And, as promised, he is now officially walking. I'm not sure if that is something to celebrate or to cry about. However, my arm and shoulder just don't seem to ache as much.
Now, when I get my weekly e-mails from Babycenter, they no longer say "My Baby This Week." Instead it reads, "My Toddler This Week.". . . . . . I'm not sure I was ready for that.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Happy Birthday Austin
As usual, it is going by too fast. The weather today is actually very similar to what it was like when we brought him home from the hospital.
Today he weighed a whopping 20 lbs. 13 oz. (soaking wet). Still the runt of the family and I'm not so sad about that. He's still a baby to me!
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Saturday, January 31, 2009
Cute Bags
I've added a new button to my sidebar. It is for Simply Chic Baby Boutique. This gal has some adorable and affordable bags for moms or anyone on the go. The link is http://www.simplychicbabyboutique.blogspot.com/.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Happy Birthday
I'm sad today. Maybe it is Seasonal Affective Disorder, or not. We have gotten a few inches of rain today that has now turned into icicles on everything. But I think the REAL reason is that I'm taking my Christmas down. I've been listening to Celine Dion all afternoon (except for when the power went out due to the ice). Usually I'm a little more enthusiastic about taking it all down because I can start cleaning and removing clutter that builds up over the holidays. But today this just means one more year has flown by at warp speed. I signed guardianship of Ethan and Gavin back over to the school (that's what it feels like sometimes). We had such a fun time over the break, even though it was filled with vomit and fatigue.
It is somewhat sacreligious that I take my Christmas down today of all days. You see, it is my sister Stephanie's (Mrs. Christmas-what we like to call her) birthday. She is 29, so a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to her and I hope she enjoys her last year in her twenties. Next year, I'll try not to take my tree down on your birthday Steph. (I can hear here saying, "Serves you right, Jenn.") Love you, Steph.
It is somewhat sacreligious that I take my Christmas down today of all days. You see, it is my sister Stephanie's (Mrs. Christmas-what we like to call her) birthday. She is 29, so a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to her and I hope she enjoys her last year in her twenties. Next year, I'll try not to take my tree down on your birthday Steph. (I can hear here saying, "Serves you right, Jenn.") Love you, Steph.
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