This is it—my last personal update on my own website! We will be switching to our family website after my baby sister is born. I hope you’ve enjoyed my ramblings. I know Mommy looks forward to sharing more of her unique thoughts with you. ;)
February was a blur! Daddy was in the middle of his surgery rotation—he started the dreaded general surgery the middle of the month. There was a short adjustment period to not seeing Daddy for more than an hour a day and only one day per weekend. Now when Daddy gets home, I forget that Mommy even lives here; unless she walks into the room when Daddy and I are putting together a puzzle, then I say, “You can’t come in here.” Sometimes I’ll call for her when Daddy and I are hiding under the covers and I want “Frank” to come find us. Otherwise, Daddy walks in the door; I give him a big hug and shout, “Let’s wrestle!” (First I tell Daddy to change out of his scrubs.) Mommy has mumbled something about Daddy needing a little time to relax when he comes home, but I say there’s nothing better than a little wrasslin’ to help a guy unwind!
Speaking of the rough & tumble, our neighbors had tickets to Ronnie Milsap during the San Antonio Stockshow & Rodeo. The problem was they only had two tickets. We drove to the Alamodome thinking Mommy would just walk around the grounds during the show, but at the gate, a perfect stranger gave us three more free tickets to the rodeo! Now we each had a ticket! It was meant to be. I enjoyed the bucking broncos, steer wrestling and the mutton bustin’ (little kids hanging on to the back of a running sheep for 6 seconds). Mommy took me out to the petting zoo, HEB jumpy castles and tractor “rides” during most of the concert; but I got to listen to “Smokey Mountain Rain” and “I Wouldn't Have Missed It For the World” with my HEB light-up ring like a concert veteran.
We had several friends visit us this month, too. The Evers came in from Abilene for some big city entertainment. It rained most of Saturday, but we explored the part-museum-part-zoo-part-fun-park of The Bass Pro Shop and survived a rainy Saturday afternoon at Chuck E. Cheese. We sampled sushi later that night at a new restaurant called Wasabi. “Mmmmm, this is good sushi!” was my funny quote of the night. Sushi is a fun word to say. I loved playing with Reagan. He likes cars and trains as much as I do, so we got along splendidly! We played at the park, ran outside, wrestled with Mr. Rusty, etc. I was sad to see them go. The next weekend, we got to see Mr. Mike. I was a little testy at first at this guy who was trying to steal away my “Daddy Time.” But, then he showed me the Thomas book that he brought me (one that makes noise) and we were good. For dinner we tried a new Mediterranean restaurant, The Jerusalem Grill. It was delicious! I had some falafel, hummus and baklava—a new favorite!
We had my birthday party on Saturday, March 15th. The weather was beautiful—80 degrees, slight breeze. People started to show up about 10:00 to a big Thomas sign that read “Welcome Friends! All Aboard!” We kept busy with the train coloring pages & sticker station and played with my cars & trains until more people got there. Then it was outside to run around and burn off some energy. We had free play, “Pin the #1 on Thomas,” and “Fill the Troublesome Truck with Coal” (bean bag toss). My friends received their Thomas conductor hats and blow horns as a prize for each game. The pizza arrived just in time for lunch! Mommy & Daddy ordered 8 pizzas and almost all of them got eaten! I liked the pepperoni. We also had apple juice boxes, grapes and carrots. While the big people cleaned up, I got ready to open presents. I had a lot of fun. Just like
Christmas, I wanted to stop and play with each toy after I opened it. Mommy said, “We’ll do that later.” This mass-present-opening it a strange process! There was a lot of Thomas the Tank Engine paraphernalia (wooden track sets, accessories and engines—Percy, James and Happy Birthday Thomas; pajamas, T-shirts, etc.), “Cars” goodies (a throw rug for my bedroom, snack bowls & cups, CD soundtrack, shorts & T-shirt set and sticker book), Diego Rescue Pack, Leap Frog dominoes game, toy cars, trains, books, and an Air Force Academy T-shirt! After presents, it was time for the “Happy Birthday” song and cake! Mommy made a train cake—a big blue engine assembled from two loaf pans, a coal car (milk duds), zoo car (animal crackers & sour balls) and the caboose (topped with Twix bars) made out of mini loafs. I still don’t quite get how to blow the candles out, so Papa helped. I wanted vanilla cake with party confetti and vanilla ice cream this year—mmmmm was it good!
For my birthday proper, Mommy set aside a whole day for ME! I started by singing Happy Birthday at wake-up time and eating birthday cake in bed after I blew out the candles. Then I got to run through the birthday streamers Mommy hung on my door. After seeing my friends at the KidZone (OK, Mommy did sneak in some yoga for herself), we ran errands. I got to buy a Magic Schoolbus book at the used bookstore. Mommy washed the car after the mudstorm last night (yes, some big fire in Mexico sent ash and dust into the jet stream/upper-level system causing it to literally rain mud—it’s everywhere!) It was an absolutely beautiful day, so we went to the newly remodeled Orsinger Park yesterday for a birthday picnic. I played in the community sandbox, bridges, slides, climbing walls and swings. Then we had ham & cheese sandwiches, pears, grapes, string cheese and cherry tomatoes for lunch—all of my favorites! Soon it was time for my birthday surprise at Cody library. I got to high-five Wyatt and Princess Presto from “SuperWhy!” It’s one of my favorite PBS shows. Super Why has the power to read. Princess Presto has spelling power. On the drive home, I fell asleep—it was a big morning. When I woke up, Daddy was home (he had an early surgery day)! We got some extra time to wrestle, play board games and run outside in the yard. We opened a few more presents from Mommy and Daddy right before dinner. I got more Magtastiks, Crayola drawing supplies for my Cool Book, Tad (Leap Frog) DVD “Code Word Caper” and LeapPad “Tads Number Farm.” We had blueberry pancakes with chocolate whipped cream for my special birthday supper! We finished the night playing with some of my new birthday toys and reading my favorite books. Mommy read an extra book in bed called “The Birthday Monsters.” It was quite a special day.
Happy Easter! I certainly hope Easter doesn’t come this early again for awhile (though I’m told it won’t during my lifetime.) It sort of got lost in the birthday/baby hoopla. I had about 5 minutes to find my Easter Basket in-between waking up, eating breakfast, getting dressed (I refused to wear my cute sweater-vest) and leaving for church. I did learn my Bible verse in Sunday School though, “Jesus is alive!” And I enjoyed eating my chocolate Easter egg treat in the car on the way up to Granna & Papa’s. I lick my candy like a lollipop without a stick, so the chocolate got a bit messy. Once in New Braunfels, I could finally relax (after family photos in the backyard). When my cousin, Skyler, showed up, I followed him everywhere! Katie was fun to play with, too! She even wrestled with me (Skyler wouldn’t do that)! After Easter dinner—ham, green-bean-asparagus casserole, macaroni & cheese, salad, and rolls—it was time for the egg hunt! I had a super time as always. I love racing around to find eggs. Aunt Heather brought six special metal eggs with money inside. I found two of them. After we tallied our loot (I found 32 eggs), we rolled right into the cascarones! I got to crush about 15 bright, confetti-filled eggs on almost everyone—Granna, Papa, Skyler, Katie, Mommy & Daddy. Everyone was laughing at the end of the festivities. Then it was time for Granna’s banana pudding—yum!
I fell asleep on the drive home (around 7:00). I woke up long enough to change into jammies during the transfer, but went right back down without supper. I’d been sneaking enough Easter candy to carry me through the night. I woke up at 10:30 and told Mommy my tummy hurt. She assumed I was just hungry. “No. I don’t want anything in my tummy,” I said. She sang me a few songs and went back to bed. About 30 minutes later, I woke up again crying, “Get it off of me.” Mommy came in to find out I was talking about the vomit. Yup. I got sick. Or like I told Mommy, “I just burped.” Mommy said it’s from too much Easter candy. Could that be true?!
The next day, I had my three-year well-baby check. I weighed in at 35 pounds and 39 ½ inches. Dr. Grant said that put me in the 75% for height, 50% for weight. When Mommy looked it up for a friend on the internet, three charts were different—one said as high as 89% for height and 81% for weight. So who knows? I guess that’s why Mommy says she doesn’t put too much stock into the numbers. I’m definitely a healthy boy!
Otherwise, we’re just waiting for my little sister to be born. I’m excited. I asked mom, “Is [sister] ready to be born yet? I want to give her a kiss!” Mommy and Daddy say I’ll be a great big brother. The next time I talk to y’all, I will be one!
Until then,
Nathaniel Christopher
AKA “Nate-Dawg”
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Milestones/Interests (Ages & Stages)
He loves board games! He played his first round of Memory over Christmas break and it’s been Candyland, followed by Hi Ho Cherry-O!, Chutes and Ladders, Candyland Castle, Leap Frog Dominoes and Cranium’s Cariboo Island ever since! If you mention the word “game” to him, be prepared to play 18 rounds of Candyland (that game did seem a lot more fascinating when I was a preschooler).
As we continued to unpack the Christmas loot, he also became enamored with his Play-Doh fun sets. Is it bad to hide the Play-Doh from him? Seriously, it would be “all PD, all the time” if I left it within his grasp.
He loves to “Crash!” or “Bump!” into anything and anyone—we’re working on respecting other people’s boundaries. He’ll just walk up to any unsuspecting soul and crash right into them—big or small. When I correct him, “Nate, no crashing!” He’ll inform me that it wasn’t a crash, it was a bump (or vice versa). Fine. No bumping if people aren’t ready to play. I think this is a natural inclination for him—he certainly does like to play more on the rough side, but this tendency hasn’t been helped by the “Lightning McQueen” game that Jason and Nate play online. The cars vie for position on the racetrack by crashing into their competitors and bumping them to the back of the line.
He’s started to actually brush his teeth by himself—as opposed to just chewing on the toothbrush or sucking the toothpaste off. The key is to let him say the alphabet or count to 20 and move the toothbrush with each letter or number, “then it’s Mommy’s turn.”
Sometime in the last few months, I realized we hadn’t been letting him practice getting dressed or undressed. Before Christmas we made an effort (especially Jason at bathtime) to let him undress himself (diaper and all) and get dressed into his jammies. He’s made a lot of progress, and loves to run around naked before bathtime.
Here’s a list of Nate’s current chores—take dishes to the sink after meals and snacks, wash hands, clean up toys before bed, help Mommy transfer laundry to dryer, help Daddy water the garden & new trees, and help set table before dinner (he loves to get the forks and spoons)!
Feb 4—Jason painted Baby Girl’s crib with the primer coat yesterday; then let the brush soak in the bucket by the sliding glass door overnight. During Nate’s backyard-outside time today, I was inside tidying up the kitchen (you know me, a place for everything and everything in its place!). At one point I couldn’t see (or hear) Nate. He had been playing with his cars, trucks & diggers in the garden. I called his name. He responded, “I’m right here!” I still didn’t see him so I walked out onto the patio. There he was, immediately to my right…painting the house with the primer-soaked brush! Most of the white brush strokes came right off.
27 Feb 08—In the cart at the grocery store, we were having a good time in the frozen aisle picking out orange juice from concentrate and multi-grain HEB waffles. In the middle of our conversation, he starts patting my arm, saying, “settle down, Mommy. You need to settle down.” I started laughing out loud, so he put on a smirk and hammed it up some more. Apparently he’s heard that before!
28 Feb 08—We’ve been having a rough few days. Nate is what we’ll call “extra-sensitive” right now (from the transition to no afternoon nap). If he picks out the cars pajamas, he wants to wear the penguin pjs as soon as the cars are on. If he picks a banana over string cheese at snack time, he cries, “I want string cheese!” as soon as you crack open the peel and put it in his hand. It’s very annoying. I want him to know he has choices and at the same time I want him to realize you can change your mind and turn around from a bad choice; but there are limits (will someone tell me what they are?) The worst part is that he doesn’t just change his mind; he spins right into a mini-tantrum and whines. Oh, that whining! That’s what puts me over the edge. So that’s the background story. In the car today he says, “I want my music, Mommy!” and starts to kick and whine. The name of the song playing on the CD player was “Tickle Time” by Sandra Boynton. It was his music. Alas, there was no talking him down. Eventually, the music died (a “consequence” of his choice to fuss).
5 March 08—He’s taken a nap about 8 times in 4 weeks. At least he will stay in his room for quiet time (almost an hour…to the minute). Then starts knocking on the door, “Let me out. Nap time is over!” When he doesn’t get a nap, he hits the wall by 7:00 (just about the time the meal is being served if we go out to a restaurant). The littlest things set him off in this fragile emotional state. On the days he does take a nap, he’s fallen asleep past 10:00 PM (after his 8:00 lights out time)! I guess we’re moving to no naps. I am SO SAD.
We’re looking for a new church home and decided to re-try a church in our neighborhood this Sunday (the weekend of Daylight Savings Time). Of course, that's the day Nate decided to sleep in until 8:50 (that is about an hour later than usual even without "springing forward"). Service started at 9:30. When he woke up, I said, "OK, you slept in late and church starts soon. Can you eat breakfast fast and get dressed fast?" He said, "Yes!" After his quick breakfast, we went upstairs to change into our Sunday best. He declared he wanted to wear pajamas to church. I said no, we are going to wear our church clothes. He started to get upset. I gave short explanations as to why people do not wear pajamas to church; respect for God and God's word, getting dressed is a morning responsibility everyday, etc. He said, "Oh, OK." I felt that he understood the reasoning and respected our position. Well, wouldn't you know it, we get to church and everyone in the nursery--kids and teachers alike--had their pajamas on! It turns out it was pajama day for the week's fun theme (in anticipation of DST schedule changes, I’m sure)! So much for my, "It is unacceptable to wear p.j.s to church" lecture. Will he ever believe me again! J
People ask me all the time if he understands what’s happening with the new baby. I think he understands as much as a toddler can (I mean I’m not even 100% prepared for how this baby with her unique personality will affect our family and our lives). But he will repeat, “[Insert Baby’s name here] is growing big in your belly. When she’s ready, she will come out and live with us in her bedroom.” The other day he said, “Mommy, I want [Sister] to come out so I can give her a hug and a kiss.”
I would say this winter season was characterized by gross motor development. He has a new obsession with jumping—when he’s excited, off of curbs and steps, off the trunk in his bedroom (three jumps and a roll into Daddy’s lap before bed is the current routine), etc. He’s also mastered most of the ladders and climbing walls at the local parks. I thought a lot of the ladders were a bit out of his league (especially on the 5-12 year-old structure). One day he darted across the park (my pregnant self waddled slowly after him). He was already half-way up one of the “silly” climbing ladders. Perhaps I was the one nervous of them—especially when he made it to the platform and said, “Your turn, Mommy!” He’s also vastly improved with his throwing arm (though we’re still working on moving your hands when you try to catch something). He loves to throw rocks—at trees to hear the “clunk!” in water to hear the “bloop!” etc.
We also discovered recently that he is really good at dribbling a soccer ball across the backyard. Not oh-my-goodness-he’s-a-star good, but wow-neither-of-us-knows- anything-about-soccer-where-did-this-come-from good. They have a highly recommended three-year-old soccer program at the YMCA down the road. We might enroll him this summer. We were planning to wait until four-years-old to do the summer sports league thing; but he needs a physical outlet. Our other consideration is a tumbling/gymnastics class.
Despite a very active gross motor period, he’s also taken an avid interest again in letters and words. He was obsessed with letters this past summer & fall, then took about a six-month break. Now he’s really into memorizing and spelling his sight words; reciting his ABCs; identifying letters; and sounding out words on signs, boxes, books, etc. He took out the “wall racing ladybugs” from his Easter basket this weekend and read the promotional bubble on the packaging! “Fun…with…bugs!” he tells us. Huh.
He loves dirt, puddles and mud. (Is this kid a boy or what?!) He will play in the garden dirt (there’s nothing but some winter chard and cilantro planted right now) with diggers, loaders & trucks for close to an hour in solitude—dumping and loading and hauling over and over again.
He also loves to dance to the “Cars” CD or VeggieTales “Sunday Morning Songs.”
Out of the mouths of babes (Funny Things Nate’s said):
29 Jan 08—He called McD’s “Old MacDonald’s”—instead of his usual moniker, “The M Restaurant.”
08 Feb 08—We’re fascinated by nipples these days. He takes his fingers in the bathtub and point to his nipples and asks, “Mom, what are these?” Hmmm…no creative word came to mind. I said, “Nipples. Mommy has some and Daddy has some—everybody has some.” The next evening while chasing Jason in the yard, he comes to a sudden halt and lifts up his shirt. I can see the wheels turning in his head. Jason asks him if a bug bit him. Nate replies, “What are these, Daddy?” Then today he saw me getting ready and announces, “Mom you have big nipples.” Then he proceeds to walk over to the bed and ask, “What’s this.” I label it a bra. He further queries, “Is that to keep your nipples warm?” Yes it is. Huh. Breastfeeding should be quite educational for him.
Asked, what’s that, Mommy? In reference to a big nail head sticking out of the timber retaining wall at the park. After I answered, he retorts, “I better be careful or that might kill me.” Hmmm….I don’t recall ever using the word kill to describe something dangerous. We’re definitely entering the stage of imaginations running amok.
Memorized his first Bible Verses at BSF and Sunday School:
“Love God with all your heart.” (Mt 22:37)
“God can do anything.” (John 14:14)
“Be willing to share” (1 Tim 6:18)
He’s proud of the fact that he’s memorized his bedtime prayer and will say it really fast and excited…ending with “and make me into morning light!”
For most of January and part of February, he regressed with some of his words. In particular, he replaced the sound at the beginning of basic words with a “c” sound—“cabloon” (balloon), “cachine” (machine), “cajamas” (pajamas). As suspected, it was some stage he needed to work through. He hasn’t done this in a month or so. Odd.
11 Mar 08—Nate and I were driving in the car playing the “what-do-you-see?” game on the way to MOPS. Nate announces, “I see a bourg.” Hmmm…I reel through my list of possible nouns. “Did you see a board?” I prompt. “No, a boorg,” he corrects. Still nothing. “A bug?” I try. This goes on for a little over a minute. I try to be encouraging, using the old, “you’re doing a great job saying the word the same way; Mommy is just having trouble figuring it out. Is it something on the road?” He throws a little attitude into his voice at this point, “A boord. B..I..R..D!” Huh. I guess bird is one of the sight words he’s picked up. Spelling. Does this development mean Jason and I need to stop spelling our code words in front of him? (At the very least, we’re going to have to start spelling a lot faster!)
We have no idea where this came from; but during diaper changes or punishments (er, “consequences”), he’ll announce in rebellion, “My butt is squeezing!”
Yesterday we were looking at photos of Nate as a new baby—the start of the “you were little too” lessons. He looks at a few dozen photos and declares, “I was a cute baby!”
14 Mar 08—We signed Nate up for the Big Brother class held last weekend at Methodist Hospital (where I’ll deliver). The class is aimed at 3- to12-year-olds. He was definitely on the younger side, but luckily there was a small contingent of toddlers. The nurses were able to tailor a discussion towards their understanding (and attention span). They learned how to help Mommy & Daddy with a diaper, how to pick up and hold a baby, help with feeding, burping, swaddling, etc. Then they went through stations—we read some big brother books, sorted baby toys from big kid toys, helped bathe baby, made a card for baby sister, got his own ID band, and watched a birthing video from “Reading Rainbow.” The video was very tastefully done from a side angle; but still, Nate was wide-eyed. Then today (about a week later), he asks, “Is ‘Baby Sister’ ready to come out of your legs?” Great. I can’t wait for the next question!
“You’re not a girl, you’re a Mommy.”—after a discussion about boys & girls stemming from a Sesame Street song
We’re in the “stadatti loop” whenever we pass through a maze of interstate.
“You might want to…” “…play with me, …put my shoes on, …have some animal crackers,” etc.
“It’s just water.” “I just playing.” “It’s just a rock.” “I just said that.”
“But I didn’t lie.”—talking about dirty diapers. He usually refuses to tell us when he’s poopy (only when he’s wet and it’s soaked through his clothes). If we smell something and we ask him, he’ll often deny it. So, we’re having the “always tell the truth” lessons already. He says this on the occasions when we prompt him and he tells the truth.
27 Mar 08—At dinner last night, I asked Jason to pass me the walnuts for my spinach-strawberry-balsamic salad (yum!). Nate hears this and announces, “I want some wal-marts.” And I was so hoping he’d learn Target before Wal-mart! :)
30 Mar 08—Nate was telling Daddy that he saw a “Fish Store” sign (Bass Pro Shop) while running errands yesterday. Apparently he’s working on prepositions. The sign was “next to Michaels, but far away from it.” We saw the billboard while in the Michaels parking lot, but the sign was up high (far away?). (If you must know, he knows the name of the craft store because they sell THOMAS the Tank Engine toys!)
As we continued to unpack the Christmas loot, he also became enamored with his Play-Doh fun sets. Is it bad to hide the Play-Doh from him? Seriously, it would be “all PD, all the time” if I left it within his grasp.
He loves to “Crash!” or “Bump!” into anything and anyone—we’re working on respecting other people’s boundaries. He’ll just walk up to any unsuspecting soul and crash right into them—big or small. When I correct him, “Nate, no crashing!” He’ll inform me that it wasn’t a crash, it was a bump (or vice versa). Fine. No bumping if people aren’t ready to play. I think this is a natural inclination for him—he certainly does like to play more on the rough side, but this tendency hasn’t been helped by the “Lightning McQueen” game that Jason and Nate play online. The cars vie for position on the racetrack by crashing into their competitors and bumping them to the back of the line.
He’s started to actually brush his teeth by himself—as opposed to just chewing on the toothbrush or sucking the toothpaste off. The key is to let him say the alphabet or count to 20 and move the toothbrush with each letter or number, “then it’s Mommy’s turn.”
Sometime in the last few months, I realized we hadn’t been letting him practice getting dressed or undressed. Before Christmas we made an effort (especially Jason at bathtime) to let him undress himself (diaper and all) and get dressed into his jammies. He’s made a lot of progress, and loves to run around naked before bathtime.
Here’s a list of Nate’s current chores—take dishes to the sink after meals and snacks, wash hands, clean up toys before bed, help Mommy transfer laundry to dryer, help Daddy water the garden & new trees, and help set table before dinner (he loves to get the forks and spoons)!
Feb 4—Jason painted Baby Girl’s crib with the primer coat yesterday; then let the brush soak in the bucket by the sliding glass door overnight. During Nate’s backyard-outside time today, I was inside tidying up the kitchen (you know me, a place for everything and everything in its place!). At one point I couldn’t see (or hear) Nate. He had been playing with his cars, trucks & diggers in the garden. I called his name. He responded, “I’m right here!” I still didn’t see him so I walked out onto the patio. There he was, immediately to my right…painting the house with the primer-soaked brush! Most of the white brush strokes came right off.
27 Feb 08—In the cart at the grocery store, we were having a good time in the frozen aisle picking out orange juice from concentrate and multi-grain HEB waffles. In the middle of our conversation, he starts patting my arm, saying, “settle down, Mommy. You need to settle down.” I started laughing out loud, so he put on a smirk and hammed it up some more. Apparently he’s heard that before!
28 Feb 08—We’ve been having a rough few days. Nate is what we’ll call “extra-sensitive” right now (from the transition to no afternoon nap). If he picks out the cars pajamas, he wants to wear the penguin pjs as soon as the cars are on. If he picks a banana over string cheese at snack time, he cries, “I want string cheese!” as soon as you crack open the peel and put it in his hand. It’s very annoying. I want him to know he has choices and at the same time I want him to realize you can change your mind and turn around from a bad choice; but there are limits (will someone tell me what they are?) The worst part is that he doesn’t just change his mind; he spins right into a mini-tantrum and whines. Oh, that whining! That’s what puts me over the edge. So that’s the background story. In the car today he says, “I want my music, Mommy!” and starts to kick and whine. The name of the song playing on the CD player was “Tickle Time” by Sandra Boynton. It was his music. Alas, there was no talking him down. Eventually, the music died (a “consequence” of his choice to fuss).
5 March 08—He’s taken a nap about 8 times in 4 weeks. At least he will stay in his room for quiet time (almost an hour…to the minute). Then starts knocking on the door, “Let me out. Nap time is over!” When he doesn’t get a nap, he hits the wall by 7:00 (just about the time the meal is being served if we go out to a restaurant). The littlest things set him off in this fragile emotional state. On the days he does take a nap, he’s fallen asleep past 10:00 PM (after his 8:00 lights out time)! I guess we’re moving to no naps. I am SO SAD.
We’re looking for a new church home and decided to re-try a church in our neighborhood this Sunday (the weekend of Daylight Savings Time). Of course, that's the day Nate decided to sleep in until 8:50 (that is about an hour later than usual even without "springing forward"). Service started at 9:30. When he woke up, I said, "OK, you slept in late and church starts soon. Can you eat breakfast fast and get dressed fast?" He said, "Yes!" After his quick breakfast, we went upstairs to change into our Sunday best. He declared he wanted to wear pajamas to church. I said no, we are going to wear our church clothes. He started to get upset. I gave short explanations as to why people do not wear pajamas to church; respect for God and God's word, getting dressed is a morning responsibility everyday, etc. He said, "Oh, OK." I felt that he understood the reasoning and respected our position. Well, wouldn't you know it, we get to church and everyone in the nursery--kids and teachers alike--had their pajamas on! It turns out it was pajama day for the week's fun theme (in anticipation of DST schedule changes, I’m sure)! So much for my, "It is unacceptable to wear p.j.s to church" lecture. Will he ever believe me again! J
People ask me all the time if he understands what’s happening with the new baby. I think he understands as much as a toddler can (I mean I’m not even 100% prepared for how this baby with her unique personality will affect our family and our lives). But he will repeat, “[Insert Baby’s name here] is growing big in your belly. When she’s ready, she will come out and live with us in her bedroom.” The other day he said, “Mommy, I want [Sister] to come out so I can give her a hug and a kiss.”
I would say this winter season was characterized by gross motor development. He has a new obsession with jumping—when he’s excited, off of curbs and steps, off the trunk in his bedroom (three jumps and a roll into Daddy’s lap before bed is the current routine), etc. He’s also mastered most of the ladders and climbing walls at the local parks. I thought a lot of the ladders were a bit out of his league (especially on the 5-12 year-old structure). One day he darted across the park (my pregnant self waddled slowly after him). He was already half-way up one of the “silly” climbing ladders. Perhaps I was the one nervous of them—especially when he made it to the platform and said, “Your turn, Mommy!” He’s also vastly improved with his throwing arm (though we’re still working on moving your hands when you try to catch something). He loves to throw rocks—at trees to hear the “clunk!” in water to hear the “bloop!” etc.
We also discovered recently that he is really good at dribbling a soccer ball across the backyard. Not oh-my-goodness-he’s-a-star good, but wow-neither-of-us-knows- anything-about-soccer-where-did-this-come-from good. They have a highly recommended three-year-old soccer program at the YMCA down the road. We might enroll him this summer. We were planning to wait until four-years-old to do the summer sports league thing; but he needs a physical outlet. Our other consideration is a tumbling/gymnastics class.
Despite a very active gross motor period, he’s also taken an avid interest again in letters and words. He was obsessed with letters this past summer & fall, then took about a six-month break. Now he’s really into memorizing and spelling his sight words; reciting his ABCs; identifying letters; and sounding out words on signs, boxes, books, etc. He took out the “wall racing ladybugs” from his Easter basket this weekend and read the promotional bubble on the packaging! “Fun…with…bugs!” he tells us. Huh.
He loves dirt, puddles and mud. (Is this kid a boy or what?!) He will play in the garden dirt (there’s nothing but some winter chard and cilantro planted right now) with diggers, loaders & trucks for close to an hour in solitude—dumping and loading and hauling over and over again.
He also loves to dance to the “Cars” CD or VeggieTales “Sunday Morning Songs.”
Out of the mouths of babes (Funny Things Nate’s said):
29 Jan 08—He called McD’s “Old MacDonald’s”—instead of his usual moniker, “The M Restaurant.”
08 Feb 08—We’re fascinated by nipples these days. He takes his fingers in the bathtub and point to his nipples and asks, “Mom, what are these?” Hmmm…no creative word came to mind. I said, “Nipples. Mommy has some and Daddy has some—everybody has some.” The next evening while chasing Jason in the yard, he comes to a sudden halt and lifts up his shirt. I can see the wheels turning in his head. Jason asks him if a bug bit him. Nate replies, “What are these, Daddy?” Then today he saw me getting ready and announces, “Mom you have big nipples.” Then he proceeds to walk over to the bed and ask, “What’s this.” I label it a bra. He further queries, “Is that to keep your nipples warm?” Yes it is. Huh. Breastfeeding should be quite educational for him.
Asked, what’s that, Mommy? In reference to a big nail head sticking out of the timber retaining wall at the park. After I answered, he retorts, “I better be careful or that might kill me.” Hmmm….I don’t recall ever using the word kill to describe something dangerous. We’re definitely entering the stage of imaginations running amok.
Memorized his first Bible Verses at BSF and Sunday School:
“Love God with all your heart.” (Mt 22:37)
“God can do anything.” (John 14:14)
“Be willing to share” (1 Tim 6:18)
He’s proud of the fact that he’s memorized his bedtime prayer and will say it really fast and excited…ending with “and make me into morning light!”
For most of January and part of February, he regressed with some of his words. In particular, he replaced the sound at the beginning of basic words with a “c” sound—“cabloon” (balloon), “cachine” (machine), “cajamas” (pajamas). As suspected, it was some stage he needed to work through. He hasn’t done this in a month or so. Odd.
11 Mar 08—Nate and I were driving in the car playing the “what-do-you-see?” game on the way to MOPS. Nate announces, “I see a bourg.” Hmmm…I reel through my list of possible nouns. “Did you see a board?” I prompt. “No, a boorg,” he corrects. Still nothing. “A bug?” I try. This goes on for a little over a minute. I try to be encouraging, using the old, “you’re doing a great job saying the word the same way; Mommy is just having trouble figuring it out. Is it something on the road?” He throws a little attitude into his voice at this point, “A boord. B..I..R..D!” Huh. I guess bird is one of the sight words he’s picked up. Spelling. Does this development mean Jason and I need to stop spelling our code words in front of him? (At the very least, we’re going to have to start spelling a lot faster!)
We have no idea where this came from; but during diaper changes or punishments (er, “consequences”), he’ll announce in rebellion, “My butt is squeezing!”
Yesterday we were looking at photos of Nate as a new baby—the start of the “you were little too” lessons. He looks at a few dozen photos and declares, “I was a cute baby!”
14 Mar 08—We signed Nate up for the Big Brother class held last weekend at Methodist Hospital (where I’ll deliver). The class is aimed at 3- to12-year-olds. He was definitely on the younger side, but luckily there was a small contingent of toddlers. The nurses were able to tailor a discussion towards their understanding (and attention span). They learned how to help Mommy & Daddy with a diaper, how to pick up and hold a baby, help with feeding, burping, swaddling, etc. Then they went through stations—we read some big brother books, sorted baby toys from big kid toys, helped bathe baby, made a card for baby sister, got his own ID band, and watched a birthing video from “Reading Rainbow.” The video was very tastefully done from a side angle; but still, Nate was wide-eyed. Then today (about a week later), he asks, “Is ‘Baby Sister’ ready to come out of your legs?” Great. I can’t wait for the next question!
“You’re not a girl, you’re a Mommy.”—after a discussion about boys & girls stemming from a Sesame Street song
We’re in the “stadatti loop” whenever we pass through a maze of interstate.
“You might want to…” “…play with me, …put my shoes on, …have some animal crackers,” etc.
“It’s just water.” “I just playing.” “It’s just a rock.” “I just said that.”
“But I didn’t lie.”—talking about dirty diapers. He usually refuses to tell us when he’s poopy (only when he’s wet and it’s soaked through his clothes). If we smell something and we ask him, he’ll often deny it. So, we’re having the “always tell the truth” lessons already. He says this on the occasions when we prompt him and he tells the truth.
27 Mar 08—At dinner last night, I asked Jason to pass me the walnuts for my spinach-strawberry-balsamic salad (yum!). Nate hears this and announces, “I want some wal-marts.” And I was so hoping he’d learn Target before Wal-mart! :)
30 Mar 08—Nate was telling Daddy that he saw a “Fish Store” sign (Bass Pro Shop) while running errands yesterday. Apparently he’s working on prepositions. The sign was “next to Michaels, but far away from it.” We saw the billboard while in the Michaels parking lot, but the sign was up high (far away?). (If you must know, he knows the name of the craft store because they sell THOMAS the Tank Engine toys!)
Thursday, January 31, 2008
CURRENT NATHANIELISMS
- “Why?” “WHY, MOMMY?” "WHHHHYYYYY?”—Aaargh! "Because, because, because!"
- “Mommy you say, ‘Knock-knock’ and I say, ‘Who there?’”—when he goes into the bathroom to wash his hands.
- “Let’s wrestle on the bed, Dad!” But the way he says wrestle is SO cute…“Let’s wessel!”—this “guy-time activity” includes moves named “buckin’ bronc,” “big tunnel/little tunnel,” "bulldozer" and, gee, Mommy’s favorite, “body slam.”
- “I sorry. It was an accident.” (Said in the most syrupy, sing-songy voice possible.)
- His growing lists of excuses when he’s not keen on doing whatever it is we’re asking him to do: -“I can’t. I’m too floppy”—said when it’s time for a diaper change -“I too young.” “I too little.”—said especially at clean-up time -“I too sad.”—big poutty face and puppy dog eyes -“I too mad.” -“I too bad.” or “I can’t. I want to be bad now.” How can that not make you laugh? -“I too poopy.”—when it’s time to sit still on his bottom and he’s been hiding something from us. -“I too scared.” or “It too scary.”—usually said in reference to bedtime or time outs. -“It too hard.” -“It’s too far.”—when he’s sick of walking somewhere. -“I’m too late.” “I too busy.” (These two break my heart—he doesn’t hear these that often, does he?!) -“I too sleepy.” -“I too cold.” -"It too yucky." or "messy" or "slimy"--why he can't touch something...or eat something
- “I have something for you, Mom. It’s a present for you. You open it.”—he’s fascinated with filling empty boxes, bags, briefcases, and containers with lids with miscellany around the house.
- “Which one do you like?”—like which puzzle we should do or which car I get to play with. Of course, after we choose, if it’s not the one he had in mind, he corrects us, “No. You like this one.”
- “Pick a card.”—this was on a “Sesame Street” sketch with Grover one time and now…
- We still play the burrito game (“What does a burrito say?...‘Ole!’”) when he’s wrapped up in his hooded towel after bath time and we still “crawl like a tiger to bed,” but now we’ve added “peek at Mommy” before story time. Nate and Jason will peek around the office door while I’m catching up on the computer and “scare me” with silly faces.
- “Do you understand?”—after he tells us the way it should be. “No, it’s not time for bed now, I need to read a book. Do you understand?”
- “I’m very disappointed, Dad.”—most-recently said to Jason when told it was almost time to clean up.
- “Oh, that be strange.”—whenever he discovers something wasn’t how he expected it
- “I be very gentle.”—when petting the neighborhood animals, hugging a baby or touching our faces
- “I take just a teeny, tiny bit”—when he’s sneaking food during dinner prep
- “It’s my favorite in the whole, wide world.”
- “I need it!” (fake crocodile tears included)—especially after we say “no” to something or we take something away as a consequence
- "Let’s hide from Frank! Frank not fiiiiind us. Mommy, you Frank.”— Frank is the combine in “Cars.”
- “Help! It’s morning time! The black sky turn blue.”—the “help” is so we’ll come get him out of his room
- “Cool.” He officially uses the adjective. He put on some new shoes the other day, “Huh. Cool shoes!” he declared approvingly.
- “No. Not yet.” Not yeeeeet—sing-songy—whenever he’s not ready to shift gears
- “The jelly fish are chasing us…run!” (I think this comes from the jelly fish scene in “Nemo”)
- “Hold me.”—when he’s feeling vulnerable. It’s said with a desperate tone—like a woman about to faint in some black and white ‘50s film.
- “Please. Pretty please.”—like when he got a candy surprise at bible school last Sunday and he wanted a piece once we got to the car.
- "You say 'Boo!' And I say 'Aaaaaaa!'"
- "Mommy, you say, 'Moo, Moo.' Daddy and me say, 'Quack! Quack!'" (from a Sandra Boynton CD)
LIKES:
- Trains are currently winning out over cars—he takes his trains with him wherever we go, chose Thomas & Friends pillow over Lightning McQueen pillow and Thomas big-boy underpants over Lightning
- Sandwiches—especially ham & cheese or PBJ (with strawberry jelly), pretzels & red apples, bagels, raisins, carrots, cherries, blueberries, yogurt, oatmeal, PANCAKES (“I’m chowing down!”)—yesterday he ate 8!, grapes, bananas
- Singing—“Life is a Highway” (from the movie, “Cars”), “Mary Had a Baby,” “Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas,” “Deck the Halls” (and other Christmas leftovers), "Wheels on the Bus," "Baa-Baa Black Sheep," “The B-I-B-L-E,” “Thomas and Friends,” “Here Comes Racecar Johnny,” and any song he randomly accesses from his little brain or even makes up to suit his current melodic need. It seems he's always singing something!
- Straws—especially with milk * Jumping—off bed, on bed, off couch, on couch, off curb, on curb, off trunk in his bedroom, etc.
- Puzzles --the wooden board manipultors and the 25-piece ones
- Crashing—trucks, cars, trains—you name it, they typically end up in a big pile. They can fall off a cliff, off the tracks, down a hill, in a lake, etc. “Help, Mommy! My trucks they crashed!” He says with a smirk of mock urgency and concern.
- Still very attached to his lovies, “Doggy” and “Ducky” (lucky for us, he’ll do with one or the other in times we can’t find both)
- DVDs or TV shows—Thomas, Auto B Good series (especially “High Gear”), Little Einsteins, Super Why, Richard Scarry, The Magic Schoolbus, Clifford Books—The Magic Schoolbus, Berenstein Bears, Caillou, Big book o’ Trains, Richard Scarry, Clifford, Dr. Suess
DISLIKES:
- Afternoon nap time. He still needs it, but he’s trying to wean himself off of it. Lately, if I want him to take a nap, I have to time my errands so we’re coming home about 12:30-1:30 pm and he falls asleep in the car. Otherwise, he resists and insists, “I’m not sleepy.” Yesterday he was sitting up in his bed (after about 15 minutes of “quiet time”) yelling, “Nap time is over! Nap time is OVER! Mommy, Daddy, nap time is OOOVERRR!”
- Being told, “No.” We’re working on this. He’s apparently at a transition stage developmentally because all the old discipline tactics are no longer working—time outs, putting favorite toys in “time out,” revoking privileges, rewarding good behavior, etc.
- Having his diaper changed. He’ll usually volunteer to have us change it in the morning when he’s “very, very wet,” “poopy” or his pjs are wet. Otherwise, if it’s a full or even a dirty diaper throughout the day, he FIGHTS it. We’ve gotten to the point that he’ll usually accept a two minute warning before we change the stinky ones that we notice. “Nate, are you poopy?” “Yes. I want you to change me in two minutes,” he recites. If it’s not stinky and we don’t notice it; he’s quite content in his warm, cozy pocket of poo—like a toddler mud bath, I guess.
- He’s becoming a little more finicky at the table, too. With certain breads, he won’t eat the crust (a toddler rite-of-passage, I know). If food has black burn marks on it (like pizza crust), he won’t eat it. If a food had flecks on it (like herbs & spices or a piece of rice, etc.), he won’t eat it, etc. He doesn’t like casseroles because of this nuance—he likes to eat each type of food separately. Hmmm. Great.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Holidays 2007
Let’s see…it was an on-the-go November & December. It felt like we never sat still--which is just fine with this toddler (but it seems to be taking its toll on Mommy)!
In November, we took two trips to Granna & Papa’s new lake house. The first weekend, we drove over for the opening of deer hunting. Mommy & Daddy took me on long walks down the dirt road. During the walks, I played “red light, green light,” waddled like a penguin and admired the rocks on the road. I love rocks. I’d carry my “purple basket” and pick up my favorites—which was just about any rock I saw. At home, I usually carry a security rock with me these days—found at various locals throughout Texas. Daddy also took me fishing at the pond and on the dock. I like fishing with my Batman pole, because I always reel up a blue fish (practice casting plug). Daddy ended up getting a 6-point buck. This year I wasn’t as keen to touch it as last year, but I did pose for the proud Father-Son photo.
The next weekend, my god-sister, Remy, flew into town with her Mom & Dad (Kelly & Martin Towey). We played around the house (especially with my new mega blocks), ate pizza and spaghetti (I love “noodles”), watched “Ratatouille” (the main character’s name is Remy!) and took advantage of our season’s pass to Sea World one last time this year. At Sea World we watched Shamu (I still call him Shampoo), climbed the rope ladders & crossed the plank bridges on the giant pirate ship, rode the monkey ride, watched the sharks (one of my favorite exhibits) and fed the dolphins! As always, I fell asleep in the car before we even made it out of the parking lot.
Thanksgiving weekend took us back to the lake for a four-day visit with Daddy’s entire family—Great-Grandmother & Granddaddy, Granna & Papa, Uncle Todd, and later Uncle Scott, Aunt Heather, Katie & Skyler. Daddy was glad he’d already gotten his deer, because the long weekend proved to be quite miserable for sitting in a deer stand at 40 degrees, windy and rainy. As a result of the weather, Daddy watched a lot of football and I watched too much “Sprout” in the playroom. I also played Dominoes (i.e., dumped the tiles so they made a loud noise & a big mess, then set them up so they fell down) and played with my cars & trucks (thank goodness for them!) After two ultrasound appointments earlier this week, I got to tell Granna that Mommy has a little sister in her tummy. She liked that.
When we returned to San Antonio , it was time to gear up for CHRISTMAS! In our house, we start by pulling out the decorations and turning the place into a Christmas Wonderland—at least that’s Mommy’s intent. I helped with the tree this year—hanging my special ornaments, putting the garland on the tree (in one big glob) and placing the cross on top of the tree from Daddy’s shoulders. My favorite decorations this year were the Singing Cowboy Santa—I played it again and again and again (“Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas”) and the Christmas train under the tree—I played it again and again and again (complete with a loud whistle, “Jingle Bells” & “We Wish you a Merry Christmas”—with no volume control).
We had our neighborhood Christmas party at Carroll & Lizzie’s. Mommy made Christmas Wreath Cornflake Treats. I made my first homemade teddy bear ornament with pom-poms & glitter glue and proudly hung it on the tree. We also had many Bible School celebrations—parties, Christmas crafts, and a Night Out in Bethlehem (a “live tour” of the Christmas story— complete with shepherds, donkeys and real camels with the wise men!) I made Lightning McQueen Christmas cards for my MOPPETS and BSF teachers—colored a picture and decorated it with festive Thomas the Tank Engine stickers. I also saw Santa and his reindeer (including Rudolph) at the Bass Pro Shop. I didn’t want to sit on the big guy’s lap, but I had fun posing in front of the reindeer scene (and showing Mommy how much fun I have looking at the animals, tents, boats, ATVs, NASCAR game and fudge shop when I come here with Daddy).
I was also a trooper when it came to Christmas shopping with Mommy this year. Although by the end of the season, I was a little too into the spirit and started putting everything I liked in the cart, “Here’s a present for me. Here’s another present for me.” Oh, I also did a pretty good job of eating (sometimes sneaking) more than my fair share of Christmas cookies wherever they were available. Hey, like Mother, like son!
Daddy finished his OB/GYN test on Dec 14th. After a few days of playing catch-up around the house, we took off for a four-day family retreat at the lake—just me, Mommy & Daddy. The first afternoon, after unpacking, I wanted to go fishing. It was a little brisk (60 degrees or so with a slight breeze), but I like it that way. After about 15 minutes of dropping my blue fish in the water and reeling him back up, my line got twisted around the tip of my pole. I tried to shake it free, but instead I dropped my prized Batman pole into the lake! Mommy tried to console me and turn it into a water safety lesson. But Daddy couldn’t stand my crocodile tears. He stripped down to his skivvies and jumped into the lake--4 feet of 50-degree water! He scared the daylights out of Mommy—he had a frozen expression and just kept quietly bobbing up and down (searching for the rod, we’re later told) and then suddenly, silently went under. He popped up with my rod in hand; but, meanwhile, my pregnant Mommy had emotional tears of confusion trickling down her face. Poor Mommy; but THANKS, Daddy!
After that eventful first day, we spent the rest of the vacation actually relaxing. I walked the family land with Daddy & Mommy—looking at deer stands, seeing my Great-Great Granddad’s homestead, having a picnic (and being obsessed with “cow poopy” after Mommy & Daddy pointed out what that big pile was on the ground—“Watch out, Mommy! More cow poopy!”— repeated every three steps.) I also watched “The Grinch” for the first time (I really like having cable!) Now whenever I see pictures of Santa delivering presents in a book, I say, “He not nice, he take all the presents.”
We returned to city life on Sunday the 23rd. Mommy & Daddy dropped me off at Granna & Papa’s for the night while they treated themselves to an IHOP dinner and Christmas concert with Trans-Siberian Orchestra—combo rock opera and 80’s glam band in a festive setting. The next day, after wrapping all the presents, we returned to New Braunfels for a whirlwind Goodwin Christmas. Mommy & Daddy came through the door, gave me a big hug and said, “We missed you! Did you have fun with Granna & Papa?” I said “Huh-huh.” “What did you do with Granna & Papa?” they further inquired. “Ate M&Ms,” was my first (and only) response. Mommy & Daddy thought that was hilarious. Papa laughed and said I was “a rat.” ☺
That night (Christmas Eve) we had a birthday party for Jesus in my Bible Class at Granna & Papa’s church. I got a big piece of cake, so I was quite content. After Papa read the Christmas story from Luke, we went to bed. I loved sleeping in my own “big bed” (a queen-size blow-up mattress on the floor)! Santa came that night and delivered me a new bike. I’m not too sure how I feel about the bike yet. I loved it for about 10 seconds, ran up to it, sat on it, put my bare feet on the grippy pedals and hurt my feet. Now I don’t seem to like it as much. I really got into the spectacle of opening presents this year. I just wanted to keep opening (“My turn again!”), until Mommy & Daddy figured out to let me open the toys after I unwrapped them in order to occupy me while other people (oh, were there other people there on Christmas morning?!) opened their presents.
This week I started referring to my parents as “Mom” and “Dad” (instead of Mommy and Daddy) I’m sure it’s from listening to all the boys say “Mom” and “Dad” all week to Granna & Papa. Three days after Christmas, we were back in New Braunfels for Papa’s 60th birthday party. I had a blast. I snuck cheese, crackers, chips, M&Ms from all the tables; danced; sang “Happy Birthday” and had a piece of Daddy’s tres leches cake at 9:00; watched “Thomas” in Granna’s big, big bed and stayed up until 10:45 (including the 45-minute car ride home)! Some might call me the life of that party.
The next morning was an early wake-up (despite my late bedtime). We were on the plane to Minnesota for Christmas with Grandma & Grandpa Breyen and my 5 Breyen cousins—Anna, Sydney, Ashley, Adam & Sarah. They all met us at the Bemidji International Airport (despite our 4-hour delay in Minneapolis). Mommy and Daddy woke me up from my nap on the taxi in, so I was a little fussy. But I was so excited to see my cohorts again, so I woke up pretty quickly. I gave big hugs to everyone. The next day we opened presents and had a big Holiday meal. Grandpa and Daddy cooked prime rib roast, baked fries, beans, and other yummy treats.
Otherwise, we spent a lot of time playing in the toy room downstairs, went ice fishing—I caught lots of minnows with the minnow scoop, experienced sledding on Uncle Jeff’s hill with Sydney and down Grandpa’s sledding chute with all the girls, and tried curling at the Curling Club—but mostly liked running on the ice and slamming the rocks into one another with a loud “boom!” The first (and really the only) thing I wanted to do when I saw all the snow was make a snowman, but it was too cold. The snow wouldn’t stick together. Grandpa took pity on me and shoveled me a really cool snow fort/igloo instead. After a week, it was time to go—all good things must end. The flight home was delayed a few hours, too; but we still made it back to our house—with all of our luggage—by 7:30. Not bad for winter travel in the Midwest.
Christmas presents of note—12” bicycle from Santa, My First LeapPad from Mommy & Daddy, Big Boy Tonka Dump Truck from Mommy & Daddy, Step2 Picnic Table with umbrella from Grandma & Grandpa, VTech computer from Granna & Papa, a Lightning McQueen blanket from Uncle Scott & Aunt Heather, Play-Doh Fun Kit and personalized “Cars” plate from the Papenfi, more cars & trucks, a goodnight kit—“Cars” pajamas, fireman book & flashlight from Grandma, board games, puzzles, Sit-n-Spin from Granna, books, bath goodies, VeggieTale DVDs and lots of other stocking fillers and treats. Since then, Mommy & Daddy have put me on a strict Grandparent detox program. I’m slowly getting back into my routine—MOPS, Bible class, naps, KidZone at the gym, storytime, etc. I’m excited about my baby sister and randomly accost Mommy’s belly to give sister another kiss. I’m looking forward to my birthday party in March. I told Mommy I want a “Thomas the Tank Engine” party. We’ll see how she comes through.
That’s life in the fast lane.
Nate
In November, we took two trips to Granna & Papa’s new lake house. The first weekend, we drove over for the opening of deer hunting. Mommy & Daddy took me on long walks down the dirt road. During the walks, I played “red light, green light,” waddled like a penguin and admired the rocks on the road. I love rocks. I’d carry my “purple basket” and pick up my favorites—which was just about any rock I saw. At home, I usually carry a security rock with me these days—found at various locals throughout Texas. Daddy also took me fishing at the pond and on the dock. I like fishing with my Batman pole, because I always reel up a blue fish (practice casting plug). Daddy ended up getting a 6-point buck. This year I wasn’t as keen to touch it as last year, but I did pose for the proud Father-Son photo.
The next weekend, my god-sister, Remy, flew into town with her Mom & Dad (Kelly & Martin Towey). We played around the house (especially with my new mega blocks), ate pizza and spaghetti (I love “noodles”), watched “Ratatouille” (the main character’s name is Remy!) and took advantage of our season’s pass to Sea World one last time this year. At Sea World we watched Shamu (I still call him Shampoo), climbed the rope ladders & crossed the plank bridges on the giant pirate ship, rode the monkey ride, watched the sharks (one of my favorite exhibits) and fed the dolphins! As always, I fell asleep in the car before we even made it out of the parking lot.
Thanksgiving weekend took us back to the lake for a four-day visit with Daddy’s entire family—Great-Grandmother & Granddaddy, Granna & Papa, Uncle Todd, and later Uncle Scott, Aunt Heather, Katie & Skyler. Daddy was glad he’d already gotten his deer, because the long weekend proved to be quite miserable for sitting in a deer stand at 40 degrees, windy and rainy. As a result of the weather, Daddy watched a lot of football and I watched too much “Sprout” in the playroom. I also played Dominoes (i.e., dumped the tiles so they made a loud noise & a big mess, then set them up so they fell down) and played with my cars & trucks (thank goodness for them!) After two ultrasound appointments earlier this week, I got to tell Granna that Mommy has a little sister in her tummy. She liked that.
When we returned to San Antonio , it was time to gear up for CHRISTMAS! In our house, we start by pulling out the decorations and turning the place into a Christmas Wonderland—at least that’s Mommy’s intent. I helped with the tree this year—hanging my special ornaments, putting the garland on the tree (in one big glob) and placing the cross on top of the tree from Daddy’s shoulders. My favorite decorations this year were the Singing Cowboy Santa—I played it again and again and again (“Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas”) and the Christmas train under the tree—I played it again and again and again (complete with a loud whistle, “Jingle Bells” & “We Wish you a Merry Christmas”—with no volume control).
We had our neighborhood Christmas party at Carroll & Lizzie’s. Mommy made Christmas Wreath Cornflake Treats. I made my first homemade teddy bear ornament with pom-poms & glitter glue and proudly hung it on the tree. We also had many Bible School celebrations—parties, Christmas crafts, and a Night Out in Bethlehem (a “live tour” of the Christmas story— complete with shepherds, donkeys and real camels with the wise men!) I made Lightning McQueen Christmas cards for my MOPPETS and BSF teachers—colored a picture and decorated it with festive Thomas the Tank Engine stickers. I also saw Santa and his reindeer (including Rudolph) at the Bass Pro Shop. I didn’t want to sit on the big guy’s lap, but I had fun posing in front of the reindeer scene (and showing Mommy how much fun I have looking at the animals, tents, boats, ATVs, NASCAR game and fudge shop when I come here with Daddy).
I was also a trooper when it came to Christmas shopping with Mommy this year. Although by the end of the season, I was a little too into the spirit and started putting everything I liked in the cart, “Here’s a present for me. Here’s another present for me.” Oh, I also did a pretty good job of eating (sometimes sneaking) more than my fair share of Christmas cookies wherever they were available. Hey, like Mother, like son!
Daddy finished his OB/GYN test on Dec 14th. After a few days of playing catch-up around the house, we took off for a four-day family retreat at the lake—just me, Mommy & Daddy. The first afternoon, after unpacking, I wanted to go fishing. It was a little brisk (60 degrees or so with a slight breeze), but I like it that way. After about 15 minutes of dropping my blue fish in the water and reeling him back up, my line got twisted around the tip of my pole. I tried to shake it free, but instead I dropped my prized Batman pole into the lake! Mommy tried to console me and turn it into a water safety lesson. But Daddy couldn’t stand my crocodile tears. He stripped down to his skivvies and jumped into the lake--4 feet of 50-degree water! He scared the daylights out of Mommy—he had a frozen expression and just kept quietly bobbing up and down (searching for the rod, we’re later told) and then suddenly, silently went under. He popped up with my rod in hand; but, meanwhile, my pregnant Mommy had emotional tears of confusion trickling down her face. Poor Mommy; but THANKS, Daddy!
After that eventful first day, we spent the rest of the vacation actually relaxing. I walked the family land with Daddy & Mommy—looking at deer stands, seeing my Great-Great Granddad’s homestead, having a picnic (and being obsessed with “cow poopy” after Mommy & Daddy pointed out what that big pile was on the ground—“Watch out, Mommy! More cow poopy!”— repeated every three steps.) I also watched “The Grinch” for the first time (I really like having cable!) Now whenever I see pictures of Santa delivering presents in a book, I say, “He not nice, he take all the presents.”
We returned to city life on Sunday the 23rd. Mommy & Daddy dropped me off at Granna & Papa’s for the night while they treated themselves to an IHOP dinner and Christmas concert with Trans-Siberian Orchestra—combo rock opera and 80’s glam band in a festive setting. The next day, after wrapping all the presents, we returned to New Braunfels for a whirlwind Goodwin Christmas. Mommy & Daddy came through the door, gave me a big hug and said, “We missed you! Did you have fun with Granna & Papa?” I said “Huh-huh.” “What did you do with Granna & Papa?” they further inquired. “Ate M&Ms,” was my first (and only) response. Mommy & Daddy thought that was hilarious. Papa laughed and said I was “a rat.” ☺
That night (Christmas Eve) we had a birthday party for Jesus in my Bible Class at Granna & Papa’s church. I got a big piece of cake, so I was quite content. After Papa read the Christmas story from Luke, we went to bed. I loved sleeping in my own “big bed” (a queen-size blow-up mattress on the floor)! Santa came that night and delivered me a new bike. I’m not too sure how I feel about the bike yet. I loved it for about 10 seconds, ran up to it, sat on it, put my bare feet on the grippy pedals and hurt my feet. Now I don’t seem to like it as much. I really got into the spectacle of opening presents this year. I just wanted to keep opening (“My turn again!”), until Mommy & Daddy figured out to let me open the toys after I unwrapped them in order to occupy me while other people (oh, were there other people there on Christmas morning?!) opened their presents.
This week I started referring to my parents as “Mom” and “Dad” (instead of Mommy and Daddy) I’m sure it’s from listening to all the boys say “Mom” and “Dad” all week to Granna & Papa. Three days after Christmas, we were back in New Braunfels for Papa’s 60th birthday party. I had a blast. I snuck cheese, crackers, chips, M&Ms from all the tables; danced; sang “Happy Birthday” and had a piece of Daddy’s tres leches cake at 9:00; watched “Thomas” in Granna’s big, big bed and stayed up until 10:45 (including the 45-minute car ride home)! Some might call me the life of that party.
The next morning was an early wake-up (despite my late bedtime). We were on the plane to Minnesota for Christmas with Grandma & Grandpa Breyen and my 5 Breyen cousins—Anna, Sydney, Ashley, Adam & Sarah. They all met us at the Bemidji International Airport (despite our 4-hour delay in Minneapolis). Mommy and Daddy woke me up from my nap on the taxi in, so I was a little fussy. But I was so excited to see my cohorts again, so I woke up pretty quickly. I gave big hugs to everyone. The next day we opened presents and had a big Holiday meal. Grandpa and Daddy cooked prime rib roast, baked fries, beans, and other yummy treats.
Otherwise, we spent a lot of time playing in the toy room downstairs, went ice fishing—I caught lots of minnows with the minnow scoop, experienced sledding on Uncle Jeff’s hill with Sydney and down Grandpa’s sledding chute with all the girls, and tried curling at the Curling Club—but mostly liked running on the ice and slamming the rocks into one another with a loud “boom!” The first (and really the only) thing I wanted to do when I saw all the snow was make a snowman, but it was too cold. The snow wouldn’t stick together. Grandpa took pity on me and shoveled me a really cool snow fort/igloo instead. After a week, it was time to go—all good things must end. The flight home was delayed a few hours, too; but we still made it back to our house—with all of our luggage—by 7:30. Not bad for winter travel in the Midwest.
Christmas presents of note—12” bicycle from Santa, My First LeapPad from Mommy & Daddy, Big Boy Tonka Dump Truck from Mommy & Daddy, Step2 Picnic Table with umbrella from Grandma & Grandpa, VTech computer from Granna & Papa, a Lightning McQueen blanket from Uncle Scott & Aunt Heather, Play-Doh Fun Kit and personalized “Cars” plate from the Papenfi, more cars & trucks, a goodnight kit—“Cars” pajamas, fireman book & flashlight from Grandma, board games, puzzles, Sit-n-Spin from Granna, books, bath goodies, VeggieTale DVDs and lots of other stocking fillers and treats. Since then, Mommy & Daddy have put me on a strict Grandparent detox program. I’m slowly getting back into my routine—MOPS, Bible class, naps, KidZone at the gym, storytime, etc. I’m excited about my baby sister and randomly accost Mommy’s belly to give sister another kiss. I’m looking forward to my birthday party in March. I told Mommy I want a “Thomas the Tank Engine” party. We’ll see how she comes through.
That’s life in the fast lane.
Nate
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