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Turn Left at the Tee-Kai

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

Awhile ago Cy started using a non-sensical word for everything. “Tee-kai.” It was during his Brother Bear phase, so I think it’s spin off of one of the character’s names “Kenai,” but still. EVERYTHING. IS. A. TEE. KAI.

“Hey Mommy! I making a tee-kai!” (Pile of pillows on the floor.) That made us think he MEANT teepee. But then, “Hey Mommy! Look! A tee-kai!” became two grapes speared with a chop stick. Still the most mysterious, was Tee-Kai (notice the capital letters) who had “brown skin and white hair.” “He’s my friend!” Or this morning, when Cy told me, “I know how’a get to Music School! Go left at the Tee-Kai!”

It’s lasted for almost a month now, maybe more! So I’m pretty curious to see how this tee-kai business turns out!

I still owe the Internets some serious pictures of my child during his birthday celebrations. So very sorry! Life here has been outrageously busy.

I’m not one for giving out my schedule online- but seriously people, from Saturday night through Wednesday is brutal. Church is way crazy busy on Sunday, and then I rocket through the beginning of the week into a late night at school on Tuesday night when all my homework is due (there goes Monday night). I’m at work in my new position M-F, and teach on Wednesday afternoon. I have to catch up on sleep/running schedule/housework Thursday and Friday, just to fall behind on the school work… and it all starts again. It wouldn’t be as crazy, I don’t think, if Cy were sleeping normally. Lately, though, he’s been up a lot, crying at night, and (GASP) sleeping in our bed. I always freak out when this happens- but then by the time I get a good “approach” in place for how to “address” the “sleeping issues,” he’s over it. It happens every six months or so- and then it’s over. So let’s hope he’ll settle in soon.

To be fair, the kid’s got a lot of change going on in his life! I’m working around 30 hours a week and he started preschool (two mornings a week). John now goes into work early, I go in later, and so sometimes I’m home for dinner sometimes not. I’m also back at school- which means I don’t get home until 10 or 11pm one night a week.

All new stuff.

But I’m holding on to the “happy.” I know this will all work out, we just have to get our groove back, yo.

Groove.

I keep kind of “checking in” with this decision for me to be working again- but it’s kind of twofold right now. a) I LOVE WORKING and b) we need me to work if we ever want to get a handle on those pesky (not little) students loans and you know…get on with life. And the sneaky third reason:

c) plusican’thaveababyrightnowidon’twanttotalkaboutit.

I came home from work yesterday after picking Cy up at school. (He had a fire drill, he did great! Such a big boy.) As I turned onto my street I noticed that the town had painted new yellow lines down the center of the road. At first I was offended- the bright, sharp yellow edges stood out too much. Totally in my face. Completely butting into this whole “natural color scheme” thing we had going on. But then I realized that it’d probably help, you know, keep people on their side.

So that’s what I feel like right now, like I’ve drawn two bright yellow lines down the middle of my life. Some stuff gets to be on this side, some stuff on that side, and right know it’s kind of awkward. Long term, though, it’s the same road. It just looks different. That’s all.

Posted in Day to day, Family, Mommy Upkeep, My fabulous future, Rambles | 2 Comments »

He’s 3 This Monday, Pictures Pending

Saturday, September 17th, 2011

Today we took a train ride with a friend for Cy’s birthday. Last year’s party kind of did me in- I was all crazy about reusable party plates and eco-friendly festivities, but this year we having our celebration over three days. Today was a train ride with Liliana (Not twins, remember? Someone asked me, “Why are you celebrating your son’s birthday but not your daughter’s? NOT TWINS.), which was really fun. The kiddos liked it a lot I think. Sometimes it’s hard to tell with 2 almost 3 year olds. (Liliana will turn 3 in November, I think.) The ride was nice, we saw lots of farmy-type stuff out the windows, and they got cookies! I’m calling it good.

Tomorrow Liliana will be with us again (filling in for her regular babysitter this weekend) and we’ll bring cupcakes to nursery at church, and then Monday, although I have to work, we’re doing cake and ice cream for family. And a couple of other families. It got bigger than I thought it would- I think it’ll feel like real party. I let Cy pick out his own cake at the grocery store (Spiderman cake, of course, that I will spend money on so that I can sleep the night before the party instead of staying up crying that I can’t figure out how to make icing webs) and John and I will give him the present we bought 3 months ago (I can’t believe I held out, so proud!), and that’ll be that! Oh yeah….except for TUESDAY morning when he’s in charge of snack at preschool- we’ll do cupcakes then TOO.

Sheesh. 4 days of Cy birthday, not bad eh?

Especially since he requests Happy Birthday (the Hattaway extended version) each night before bed all year long anyway.

We like birthdays.

I felt kind of weird about this birthday, since I didn’t do months of prep- (I actually thought about it forever and then decided I didn’t want a big party- and then all these other plans just kind of happened) and I won’t be with him all day on his actual birthday. But I think our little family is just evolving, and I think this birthday will be special.

It already is, mostly because of this kid’s face, and how smooshable it is. (I should hurry up and post this picture before he’s old enough to object.)

Posted in All About Baby, Day to day | 2 Comments »

School Day

Tuesday, September 6th, 2011

Cy and I both start school today. It’s only orientation for him, so I’ll be there the whole time. I am a little worried about how he’ll do, but I’m hoping he’ll get into the swing of things without too much nervousness. As I’ve been writing his name in his backpack and checking to make sure his sneakers still fit (crocs all summer!) I have been thinking about how much I loved school. I loved, loved school. Sure, it came with its share of social dramas, but all in all, I enjoyed it. I hope Cy feels the same way. I hope he feels safe and loved by his teachers and is able to maneuver all the tricky 3 year old social expectations. Two mornings a week. (I hope I don’t cry.)

I start classes tonight, too. Still working towards my MA in education, specializing in ESL education. I passed both MTELS this past year, so that pressure is gone. Now I just get to enjoy my classes and hopefully actually find time to do the reading.

As for my new job, I am working 25 hours a week plus teaching classes at the same business school I’ve been working at for about a year. My title is officially “Student Services Coordinator,” but my main objective right now (to be expanded as we get things rolling) is to help ATB students pass the Compass Exam. ATB (Ability to Benefit) students are people who haven’t finished high school or gotten their GED and want to continue on with their studies. They have to take the Compass to prove that they are capable of the school’s course work, and, at least so far, many of them haven’t met the passing score. My position is meant to fill in the gaps. Not that we’re sure what that means yet. So far, it’s been one-on-one tutoring. I think it’ll move into group prep classes, we just have to get people signed up. Most of my education (at least in Scranton and Amherst) has touched on themes of social justice and the circumstances surrounding the achievement gap. I’ve always wanted to do something to make the educational environment of my community better- and now- that’s my job.

So off we go! A brand new series of challenges. I won’t be snuggled in our house as the snow starts to fall this year- we’ll have to get out and keep on doing what we do. I think it’s going to be good for us. I feel like it’s the end of Cy’s real baby years- now he’s my little boy. It makes me so very sad. But I’m proud of who he is, and I can’t wait to hear about his first day at school!

Posted in Adventures, All About Baby, Day to day | No Comments »

Falling In

Monday, August 29th, 2011

We had a small hurricane, tropical storm? Yesterday. Our area was mostly affected by flooding. It seems like even the smallest of streams or brooks can cause big issues when filled to overflowing. We left the house once yesterday to go visit some friends holed up at the church building (lots of neighborhood evacuations) and by the time we came back the little bridge by our house had been closed, and Cy’s “waterfall” had turned into a “chocolate waterfall!”

Here is Cy at the beginning of the summer with the “waterfall” at a normal level, and not filled with mud.

Here is the “chocolate waterfall!” yesterday. They closed the bridge when the water touched it.

Today it was still much higher than normal, and muddy brown. Lots of debris. A few of the local farms were flooded pretty badly. Cy and I took a long walk to check on the chickens. They were ok, and Cy heard the rooster crow. It was VERY exciting.

“It’s really kinda fast!” he said. We had to run across the bridge to see the stick we threw in go over the waterfall. Usually we’re standing around for awhile waiting for it to mosey it’s way under the bridge and over the dam.

It’s amazing though, this storm made me realize that we are really moving into fall. Much more quickly than I anticipated. I have orientation for school this week, I start my new job TODAY (more on that later), Cy starts his fall schedule (preschool! music class! swim lessons! time with La La EVERY DAY!) next week as well. It’s all changing. This fall is a different one. Next month will be his third birthday.

Like I said, it’s all changing. Faster. Faster than it should? I don’t know if there is a should. We’re just going to roll with it. Can’t stop nature.

This was taken early last month.
And then this one this morning.

I think we’re ready!

Posted in Day to day, Family | 4 Comments »

A post from the backyard.

Thursday, August 18th, 2011

Thing 1: We’re officially out of laundry. I have no idea how I checked out of the laundry situation for so long. It’s ok. Life goes on.

Thing 2: Cy has a playmate today. My running/church/soul friend’s daughter. She “almost a first grader!” and she is quiet and funny and a good planner (train track planner, that is) and kind to my little boy. Her Mom is out of town with one older sister, and her Dad and other older sister are doing me a churchy favor today by running to the bishop’s storehouse to pick up food for local families. (RS Pres, holla.) She fits in a pair of his shorts, and he can push her in the Cozy Coupe. She’s great at helping him color and being “it” in tag every time and being a good example of a “big kid.” This makes me want two. (Ok, I already wanted two.)(Babies, that is.) She’s currently filling his hat up with water and he is busting a gut. A real belly laugh.

Thing 3: Cy is (I daresay) officially potty trained. Day and night. I think we have one diaper floating around here somewhere, but it’s upes all the way…and he hasn’t had even ONE night accident. I realized that he was ready for upes at night when I went to through the dirty diaper trash away, and saw that I have over a week’s worth of diapers in there. ”Disgusting!” I cried. Two diapers a day! For a week! In my trash can! And then I realized they were all dry. Dry dry. And the next day we didn’t put one on him for nap or overnight, and it’s been fine. Like many other milestones that I thought would be drawn out and painful, he slid right by this one like no one’s business. He’s officially a flossing, big boy bed sleeping, potty using member of the community. (And now that I’ve bragged I’m sure he’ll revert or whatever it is that parents call it when their kids are potty trained and then just….not…)

Or maybe he’ll be fine. Because he’s a superhero.

Thing 4: I’m still running! A combo of Nike + and myfitnesspal.com and a friend to run with are working out for my sticktoitedness. I’m feeling better. Stress-free-er. Still not skinnier. But I don’t want to talk about it.

Posted in All About Baby, Day to day | 2 Comments »

A Wish. (Or a few.)

Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011

So I’ve been having wishes lately. We’ve been living on a super tight budget for so long (as in, DON’T BUY ANYTHING UNLESS YOU REALLY REALLY NEED IT). But with John’s new job I’ve allowed myself to start to think about things like birthdays and anniversaries and wish lists. And I thought I’d share with you because, well, maybe you’ll want this cool stuff too. (I should really get some sort of affiliate account going on, huh?)

#1) This beautiful necklace

This artist does personalized necklaces and things, and I’d love this one with Cy’s name on it. Especially because of his fascination with the moon.

Even though I like this one, too.

I think I’d get John, Erin and Cy. (Necklaces found at GGC.)

#2) Oh slippys.

I tried some of these on a few months ago. And I love them. I have some wannabe Ugg boots. But I really don’t think you can compare to the real thing. And these slipper shoes are so cozy.

#3) Earrings.

I have one pair of earrings that I really like. I have tons of other ones, but for some reason I never wear them anymore. What’d I LOVE is a pair of diamond studs. Like the ones I wore for my wedding. (My Mom’s.) But that won’t happen for awhile, so something like the cute hearts above would be great. They’re the same size/style of the ones I wear all the time, and they’re understated and really sweet.

Those are my wishes for now. My ONE DAY wishes. Not a John go buy these now wishes. Do you read this anymore, my dear husband?

Posted in Day to day | 3 Comments »

Proud

Monday, July 25th, 2011

John’s graduation was this weekend. Yay MFA! I asked Cy “Are you proud of Daddy?” Cy said, “So proud!”

We all are.

So proud!

Posted in Day to day | 3 Comments »

Swim Lessons

Friday, July 22nd, 2011

Today he jumped right in on his own, he didn’t even care where I was. His third lesson. We spend lots of time in lakes and ponds where he can touch the bottom, but in the pool even the “shallow” end is feet over his head.

He’s so proud of himself. I was just amazed that he didn’t want me to help. And he also headed right for the “deep” end, away from all the other kids.

Then he let go of one hand. Trusting the bubble on his back- which helps him float but won’t do all the work. (They let some of the air out so that it doesn’t completely support their weight.) And meanwhile, I’m having to tread water for 40 minutes, which didn’t hurt my figure at all I’m sure.

And then he let go. No Mommy, nothing to hold on to (although I hovered, just in case he went under). He’s currently in the “walking” phase, where his swimming is more like walking, but he got his feet out behind a few times.

I think he’ll be a Nemo soon. Full-fledged.

Posted in Adventures, Day to day | No Comments »

Hi Friends.

Wednesday, June 8th, 2011

I don’t feel like posting.

I know it’s sad.

Well, maybe you’re indifferent.

I kind of am.

That’s why I’m not posting.

Arg!

Maybe it’s because the backyard doesn’t look like this anymore?

Maybe.

Let’s see, anything I want to share while I am here?

Well, Cy has started a few new things. He started telling obvious lies this last week. He went to John and said, “Mommy said yes backyard!” when we hadn’t had the conversation at all. He told me, “La la says we play trains!” when she wasn’t even home. You know, testing the boundaries.

He’s also starting to understand some “invisible” things. He told us a long story on a drive the other day that started out a lot like “Going on a Bear Hunt” but ended up with a Puppy scaring a bear because the puppy was BRAVE! A BRAVE puppy!” He’s all about who is sad or mad or scared or hurt or brave or happy or sleepy. His newest favorite movie is Beauty and the Beast, and my theory is that it’s because it’s got so many of those emotions in it. Lots of expressive facial expressions. I like it because it’s funny when I hear him singing, “TOOMM OLLDDD SOOONNNGGG!!!!”

Whenever we laugh at something he says now he stops and looks at us, elated, and says “Cy FUNNY!”

Tonight at dinner I gave Cy a whole plate of cecils (noodles, still not sure why he calls them cecils) and chicken, and he looked at it and said, “No, I need some broccoli.” So I gave him some broccoli and he ate two big pieces and said, “All done!” He’s hasn’t willingly eaten a vegetable in over a year.

So yeah, he’s changing things up daily.

It’s good.

Posted in Day to day | 1 Comment »

Icing

Wednesday, April 20th, 2011

We had a busy weekend filled with family, teeny train rides, good pizza, crappy weather, and unfortunately…Cy getting sick. He literally slept on my chest all day Sunday. It was almost like having a newborn again. And although it was so sad that he was so sick, it also felt good to hold him. To kiss him and tend to him. He got better quickly, as wee children often do. And now I’ve been sick the last two days. John texted me today and asked what I planned to do. (No school yesterday and no piano today due to Spring break.) I said, “Feed the child. Everything else is icing.” I did manage to feed us, build an awesome track, and even continue the search for Bullseye.

Bullseye is the newest addition to Cy’s “favorites.” A towering two inches tall, Cy brings Bullseye everywhere we go. Or, he did. Until we lost him. Yesterday I looked for Bullseye ALL DAY LONG. In between bouts of exhaustion and giving up because my head felt full of sand. Jessie wouldn’t suffice. Neither would Rex. My Mom went to “pick Bullseye up from work,” giving in to a tired, sick kiddo who desperately wanted his favorite toy. But Target and Walmart didn’t have any Bullseyes. So she distracted him with a teeny Buttercup and a tiny version of “Evil Doctor Porkchop.” Which went over ok. But the search for Bullseye continued. I contemplated spending $5784 on another Bullseye off of Amazon. We decided that now was as good a time as ever to teach Cy that sometimes we lose things. I think we all kept looking.

All day today, no Bullseye. John was finishing putting Cy to bed and I went downstairs to do some laundry I’ve avoided in my sleepy sicky stupor. And as I pulled Cy’s sweatshirt from Saturday from the pile, Bullseye fell out onto the floor.

Bullseye! I grabbed him and ran up all the stairs to give him to Cy before he went to sleep. Even in the dark he knew what it was. He said, “Hey! I found Bullseye! Thanks Mommy!” How’s THAT for icing?

Posted in All About Baby, Day to day | No Comments »

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