Finn seems to be much more aware of Santa, and much more excited for Christmas, than Liam was at his age. I'm so glad he has a big brother to teach him such things. Several times today he asked me when Santa was coming.
We went out for a a little hike at Radnor Lake this afternoon, and before we got started, Liam had to use the restroom. As I waited with Finn, I decided to make some small talk. Knowing he'd asked Santa for a helicopter a few days ago, I casually asked him what he thought Santa would bring him. He affirmed his desire for a helicopter. When I asked him what he thought Santa might bring me, he paused, then said, "A football?" I said, sure, a football would be nice, and asked what he thought Santa would bring daddy. Again, "maybe a football?" Was I missing a latent desire or something? What was with the footballs??
Anyway, after our hike we ate a little and went to the family service at church. The boys demonstrated the worst behavior of any of the kids there. Fortunately, when the offeratory was being passed around and Finn declared, very loudly, "I WANT MY MONEY" over and over again, most people seemed eager to believe he said he wanted his mommy. In his defense, he wanted to put money in the bowl, but still.
In the spirit of the "A Christmas Story" movie, and remembering the fa-ra-ra-ra-ra's, we decided to stop by the only restaurant open on the way home and get some Chinese take out. It was the best asian food I had had in years. Yum. When we finally got the boys to bed and were able to spend a minute talking to each other without constant interruptions ("Why do people have hair? What about bald people? etc) I had a revelation, about four hours too late. Matt had brought up two gifts for the boys from his partner, and they were in gift bags under the tree. I myself had peeked a few days ago, so I knew that they contained footballs. The little sneak.
Merry Christmas!
Monday, December 24, 2007
Saturday, December 22, 2007
More Finn'isms
A few more of Finn's funny sayings in the last two days:
Yesterday, Liam proclaimed (to Matt's horror) that his favorite candy was a peppermint candy cane. Finn replied that his favorite was a broccoli-cane. Then he laughed very loudly. A discussion of lemon-canes, chocolate canes, and mailbox-canes ensued.
Today, as we waited to see Santa (see the picture) the boys were bored, so I gave them pens to draw on the flyers. They both scribbled for several minutes, and then gave us their papers to hold. Matt looked at Finn's drawing and said, "That's a nice snowflake, Finn." Finn took the drawing back, reexamined it, and said, "No, it's a spiderweb." And really, it did look a lot more like a spider web.
Later, as we got them ready for naps, Finn asked me to take his socks off. Then he put one of his socks on his hand, said, "I'm a puppet!" Then he made the 'puppet's' mouth move, and said, "an alligator puppet!!" and chased us with it. So cute.
His spontaneity and creativity never cease to amaze us. The fact that he is the most stubborn boy on the planet mitigates our delight somewhat, but nonetheless, he's pretty fun these days.
Yesterday, Liam proclaimed (to Matt's horror) that his favorite candy was a peppermint candy cane. Finn replied that his favorite was a broccoli-cane. Then he laughed very loudly. A discussion of lemon-canes, chocolate canes, and mailbox-canes ensued.
Today, as we waited to see Santa (see the picture) the boys were bored, so I gave them pens to draw on the flyers. They both scribbled for several minutes, and then gave us their papers to hold. Matt looked at Finn's drawing and said, "That's a nice snowflake, Finn." Finn took the drawing back, reexamined it, and said, "No, it's a spiderweb." And really, it did look a lot more like a spider web.
Later, as we got them ready for naps, Finn asked me to take his socks off. Then he put one of his socks on his hand, said, "I'm a puppet!" Then he made the 'puppet's' mouth move, and said, "an alligator puppet!!" and chased us with it. So cute.
His spontaneity and creativity never cease to amaze us. The fact that he is the most stubborn boy on the planet mitigates our delight somewhat, but nonetheless, he's pretty fun these days.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Soooo scary!
Finn sometimes says the most surprising and funny things.
Last night, after bathtime, Matt was drying Finn's hair, and the towel was draped over Finn's head and around his body. As Matt is rubbing Finn's head, Finn says, "I'm a ghost! Oooooooooooooooooo!" It was so utterly spontaneous and cute.
I need to be better about keeping the blog up to date, because I forget these cute things so quickly!!
Last night, after bathtime, Matt was drying Finn's hair, and the towel was draped over Finn's head and around his body. As Matt is rubbing Finn's head, Finn says, "I'm a ghost! Oooooooooooooooooo!" It was so utterly spontaneous and cute.
I need to be better about keeping the blog up to date, because I forget these cute things so quickly!!
Friday, November 30, 2007
Lint-man
Liam was very excited by the badge he made at school today. It consisted of a piece of brown paper on which he'd written the letter "L". One of his friends, Patrick, proudly told me that his badge had the letter "F". Obviously, this was more than just a first-letter-of-your-name badge.
On the way home, he explained excitedly that it was his superhero badge, and he wanted to make one for Finn as well. And it had to be a black letter on brown paper. The letter "L" stands for "Lint". Yes, lint. As in Lint-man! When I asked him if he knew what lint was, he said no. He was not at all phased when I told him it means tiny pieces of fuzz that stick to your clothing, and he informed me that he just made it up. Lint has a cable-charger super power (later changed to a cable-cord). It helps him catch the bad guys. Finn's superhero name is, per Lint, "Int". So Liam made him a badge with the letter "I". They ran around for a while with their badges, protecting people from bad guys.
So from now on, call him Lint.
On the way home, he explained excitedly that it was his superhero badge, and he wanted to make one for Finn as well. And it had to be a black letter on brown paper. The letter "L" stands for "Lint". Yes, lint. As in Lint-man! When I asked him if he knew what lint was, he said no. He was not at all phased when I told him it means tiny pieces of fuzz that stick to your clothing, and he informed me that he just made it up. Lint has a cable-charger super power (later changed to a cable-cord). It helps him catch the bad guys. Finn's superhero name is, per Lint, "Int". So Liam made him a badge with the letter "I". They ran around for a while with their badges, protecting people from bad guys.
So from now on, call him Lint.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Let's go Predators!
(This is long.)
So Liam and I went to an NHL hockey game last night. It was special for several reasons. This was Liam's first hockey game and only his second professional sporting event to attend. The drop was at 7:00 PM, which meant a late night. This on the heels of another late night at his Murfreesboro cousins. Luckily for everyone, he had a great nap leading up to this.
Liam was particularily excited because I had given him some information about the game since I had gone to a preseason game earlier. (The reason, in fact, that we were going to this game was because I had promised him that we could go later in the season after he became very upset that I was going to see a game without him. At his old school, "Let's go Predators" rally cry was known by at least one of his classmates, so Liam adopted it without actually knowing the context.) So I had told him that the players skated out of a giant predator head that they lowered from the arena ceiling. Thus the questions and adventure begins.
Liam had an excellent dinner, wanted a treat for eating everything, so I told him we could get something at the game. We got there early, during warmups, found our seats- which were really good- and settled in.
Liam asked for his earplugs- which I had brought because he had been very sensitive last year to the sound and lights at Sesame Street Live- so I put them in and he started asking questions while looking at the rink. He was sitting on my lap, so this made it difficult to hear him, and since he could not hear me very well, he really didn't get all the answers. Luckily, we took the plugs out after the noisy introduction.
Who are they?
Goalies, like in soccer.
Do the shoot at their golie?
No, they shoot at the Minnesota golie.
Why?
To try to score a goal.
Why?
So that they can score more points and win the game.
Can we go get something to eat? (2 minutes into the first period)
Already?
My tummy is starving!
Thus it was that Liam ate his way through the game- giant bucket of popcorn, M&M's, bottle of water, pizza, lemonade, and he would have had ice cream, but I talked him out of it. He really enjoyed the eating.
He also had some profound observations:
-Golf is like hockey because they hit the ball with a stick, but hockey uses a puck.
-I thought they (they players) were all inside the Predator head, but they just came through it, they weren't IN it.
-Is anybody here from Minnesota? Why?
-Why does somebody not take our seats when we leave?
-Why does the ice not melt when everybody leaves?
-Why do they have mirrors in the bathroom?
-Is everybody leaving? (It was the end of the first period)
How is the ice painted?
The floor is painted under the ice.
Why?
It is part of the game.
How can we see it through the ice?
The ice is clear.
Oh. Why do they have Pepsi written on the wall. (I did not read that to him.)
Uh, it's marketing.
To make you buy Pepsi?
Yes.
Oh.
Mostly he did like the scoring, with the horn and the crowd singing the classic "Duh deh deh duh HEY!" rally. Though he did want to know why we we were going to beat the "heck" out of Minnesota. I told him it was not a literal beating. Since he had his hands full of popcorn most of the time, he clapped with his feet alot, which was funny since the seat would then fold up on him. That didn't stop him from giving the mascot a high five when we came by. This was a huge deal, since the last game we had gone to Liam was very afraid of the mascot. There was some confusion, though, as he then gave the beer guy a high five next time he came through, and would have done the same to the cotton candy vendor, but her hands were full.
So it was a great evening, though the Predators lost. Liam had a blast and I really enjoyed it too. To wrap it up, during one part of the game Liam saw the big screen promoting the next game (Vancouver Canucks) and Liam asked me when the whales were coming. I told him that was another game on another night. He then found out that there were many many teams in different cities and lots more games to be played. I think we'll go back, hopefully all 4 of us next time.
So Liam and I went to an NHL hockey game last night. It was special for several reasons. This was Liam's first hockey game and only his second professional sporting event to attend. The drop was at 7:00 PM, which meant a late night. This on the heels of another late night at his Murfreesboro cousins. Luckily for everyone, he had a great nap leading up to this.
Liam was particularily excited because I had given him some information about the game since I had gone to a preseason game earlier. (The reason, in fact, that we were going to this game was because I had promised him that we could go later in the season after he became very upset that I was going to see a game without him. At his old school, "Let's go Predators" rally cry was known by at least one of his classmates, so Liam adopted it without actually knowing the context.) So I had told him that the players skated out of a giant predator head that they lowered from the arena ceiling. Thus the questions and adventure begins.
Liam had an excellent dinner, wanted a treat for eating everything, so I told him we could get something at the game. We got there early, during warmups, found our seats- which were really good- and settled in.
Liam asked for his earplugs- which I had brought because he had been very sensitive last year to the sound and lights at Sesame Street Live- so I put them in and he started asking questions while looking at the rink. He was sitting on my lap, so this made it difficult to hear him, and since he could not hear me very well, he really didn't get all the answers. Luckily, we took the plugs out after the noisy introduction.
Who are they?
Goalies, like in soccer.
Do the shoot at their golie?
No, they shoot at the Minnesota golie.
Why?
To try to score a goal.
Why?
So that they can score more points and win the game.
Can we go get something to eat? (2 minutes into the first period)
Already?
My tummy is starving!
Thus it was that Liam ate his way through the game- giant bucket of popcorn, M&M's, bottle of water, pizza, lemonade, and he would have had ice cream, but I talked him out of it. He really enjoyed the eating.
He also had some profound observations:
-Golf is like hockey because they hit the ball with a stick, but hockey uses a puck.
-I thought they (they players) were all inside the Predator head, but they just came through it, they weren't IN it.
-Is anybody here from Minnesota? Why?
-Why does somebody not take our seats when we leave?
-Why does the ice not melt when everybody leaves?
-Why do they have mirrors in the bathroom?
-Is everybody leaving? (It was the end of the first period)
How is the ice painted?
The floor is painted under the ice.
Why?
It is part of the game.
How can we see it through the ice?
The ice is clear.
Oh. Why do they have Pepsi written on the wall. (I did not read that to him.)
Uh, it's marketing.
To make you buy Pepsi?
Yes.
Oh.
Mostly he did like the scoring, with the horn and the crowd singing the classic "Duh deh deh duh HEY!" rally. Though he did want to know why we we were going to beat the "heck" out of Minnesota. I told him it was not a literal beating. Since he had his hands full of popcorn most of the time, he clapped with his feet alot, which was funny since the seat would then fold up on him. That didn't stop him from giving the mascot a high five when we came by. This was a huge deal, since the last game we had gone to Liam was very afraid of the mascot. There was some confusion, though, as he then gave the beer guy a high five next time he came through, and would have done the same to the cotton candy vendor, but her hands were full.
So it was a great evening, though the Predators lost. Liam had a blast and I really enjoyed it too. To wrap it up, during one part of the game Liam saw the big screen promoting the next game (Vancouver Canucks) and Liam asked me when the whales were coming. I told him that was another game on another night. He then found out that there were many many teams in different cities and lots more games to be played. I think we'll go back, hopefully all 4 of us next time.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Deep thoughts, by Liam Emanuel
Randomly, in the car this past weekend, Liam asked, "When the police shoot bad guys, do they bury them?" Naturally, this spurred one more fascinating conversation stream, as follows:
Me: Um, well, if the bad guy died, he would have a funeral so his family could come and say goodbye to him before he was buried.
Liam: Bad guys have families? Why?
Me: Well, (note my favorite word for giving myself another moment to think) even people who make bad choices have people who love them. Everyone has parents, some people have brothers, sisters, friends, and grown-ups can be married . .. .
(Pause)
Liam: Oh. So why are they bad guys?
Me: Well, it isn't that easy. No one is all bad or all good. People just make good decisions or bad decisions. Bad guys are just people who make really bad decisions that can hurt other people.
Liam: Then why do police shoot them?
Me: Well, police don't want to shoot or hurt anyone, but they will if someone won't stop being bad, and they need to protect someone else. But they don't like hurting people, even people making bad decisions. If they liked to shoot people, they wouldn't be police officers, they'd be bad guys.
Liam: Oh.
Another day of deep thoughts. Whew.
Me: Um, well, if the bad guy died, he would have a funeral so his family could come and say goodbye to him before he was buried.
Liam: Bad guys have families? Why?
Me: Well, (note my favorite word for giving myself another moment to think) even people who make bad choices have people who love them. Everyone has parents, some people have brothers, sisters, friends, and grown-ups can be married . .. .
(Pause)
Liam: Oh. So why are they bad guys?
Me: Well, it isn't that easy. No one is all bad or all good. People just make good decisions or bad decisions. Bad guys are just people who make really bad decisions that can hurt other people.
Liam: Then why do police shoot them?
Me: Well, police don't want to shoot or hurt anyone, but they will if someone won't stop being bad, and they need to protect someone else. But they don't like hurting people, even people making bad decisions. If they liked to shoot people, they wouldn't be police officers, they'd be bad guys.
Liam: Oh.
Another day of deep thoughts. Whew.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Little carnivore
On the way home yesterday, I asked Liam what he did in school that day. He told me that were learning about Halloween. When I asked what sorts of things they learned, he told me he drew a picture of bats. This prompted further conversation on bats:
Liam: What do bats eat?
Me: Mosquitos and other bugs.
Liam: And fruit.
Me: Yes, some bats eat fruit.
Liam: What do vampire bats eat?
Me: Um, blood.
Liam: Whose blood?
Me: (thinking how fortunate it was that I studied vampire bats in an animal behavior class in college) Sheep, goats, that sort of animal. Maybe cows.
Liam: What about horses?
Me: (Shoot! I don't remember!) Um, sure, probably horses, too.
Liam: I like cows.
Me: (phew! a change of subject!) Great! What do you like about cows?
Liam: I like meat. It's healthy.
Me: Uh, yeah. Sure.
Liam: It's in the same group as nuts.
Me: Yes it is, yes it is.
I guess they are learning about more than just Halloween. Who would have thought I'd have a child who like cows because they are tasty?
Liam: What do bats eat?
Me: Mosquitos and other bugs.
Liam: And fruit.
Me: Yes, some bats eat fruit.
Liam: What do vampire bats eat?
Me: Um, blood.
Liam: Whose blood?
Me: (thinking how fortunate it was that I studied vampire bats in an animal behavior class in college) Sheep, goats, that sort of animal. Maybe cows.
Liam: What about horses?
Me: (Shoot! I don't remember!) Um, sure, probably horses, too.
Liam: I like cows.
Me: (phew! a change of subject!) Great! What do you like about cows?
Liam: I like meat. It's healthy.
Me: Uh, yeah. Sure.
Liam: It's in the same group as nuts.
Me: Yes it is, yes it is.
I guess they are learning about more than just Halloween. Who would have thought I'd have a child who like cows because they are tasty?
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Return of Flesh-Colored Person
In the tradition of the doll that I named "Flesh-colored person" when I was a little girl, the boys and I had some discussions about skin color today. First, I was coloring with Finn and using the "peach" crayon to draw Finn's face. He asked me what color the crayon was, and when I told him, he declared it was not peach. He's right, the color really isn't the same as the fruit. I am pretty sure this is the same crayon that, in days gone by, was called "flesh". What color is it anyway? Maybe Liam knows . . .
Later, Matt and I were discussing white boy rappers (don't ask!) and Liam overheard. Naturally, he wanted to know what white boy rappers were. I started to explain by asking him what color his skin was. He replied, "khaki-ish." Touche. Fortunately, the conversation ended there. Might khaki-sih be a new crayon color, perhaps?
Later, Matt and I were discussing white boy rappers (don't ask!) and Liam overheard. Naturally, he wanted to know what white boy rappers were. I started to explain by asking him what color his skin was. He replied, "khaki-ish." Touche. Fortunately, the conversation ended there. Might khaki-sih be a new crayon color, perhaps?
Finn's first pun
Liam found a fly swatter on the porch today, and he started pretending to swat everything. Next thing you know, the boys are singing, "Shoo fly, don't bother me." A little while later, as we were getting ready to go out, Finn picked up my shoes in his hands, sang "Shoe fly, don't bother me," and laughed hysterically.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Pretend Play
Finn and Liam both have very vivid imaginations. One of their current games is to pretend to be puppy dogs. Finn usually starts it, and as soon as one of them drops to the floor and barks, the other always joins in. It is cute for the first minute or so, and can occassionally be helpful (apparently puppy dogs are more willing to brush their teeth than little boys). Puppies can be difficult at mealtimes and storytimes, though.
The other evening in the bath, Finn decided to try a new game. They were splashing happily, when Finn bit Liam. He had seemed to have gotten past his biting phase, and it had been several months since the last bite. They had also been playing nicely, so we asked Finn why he bit, and he said, "Mosquito!" Apparently, Finn had decided that pretending to be a mammal was a bit limiting. Thankfully, the "mosquito game" has not re-emerged.
The other evening in the bath, Finn decided to try a new game. They were splashing happily, when Finn bit Liam. He had seemed to have gotten past his biting phase, and it had been several months since the last bite. They had also been playing nicely, so we asked Finn why he bit, and he said, "Mosquito!" Apparently, Finn had decided that pretending to be a mammal was a bit limiting. Thankfully, the "mosquito game" has not re-emerged.
Jelly Beans
We have hired someone to pick up the boys from preschool, take them home, make them dinner, etc. She is a kindergarten teacher, and one day last week had some leftover jelly beans from class. She asked the boys if they'd like a couple jelly beans if they finished their dinners. The boys answered, "What are jelly beans?" Her comment: So, I guess you don't give them candy much, huh?
Candy having been offered, however, meant it must be distributed. Having now learned that we don't generally have candy at home, she then learned one of the reasons. The boys began crying for jelly beans, and Finn refused to eat dinner, crying out for the beans instead. Now, bear in mind that Finn could eat his weight in black beans, and might not have understood at all, but he finally ate enough dinner to earn three jelly beans. Being 2, and a Kressin boy, his favorite color is yellow, so he chose the yellow jelly bean, and, as the partially chewed candy fell from his mouth, we discovered the first yellow thing he didn't like.
I'm guessing she won't bring candy again.
Candy having been offered, however, meant it must be distributed. Having now learned that we don't generally have candy at home, she then learned one of the reasons. The boys began crying for jelly beans, and Finn refused to eat dinner, crying out for the beans instead. Now, bear in mind that Finn could eat his weight in black beans, and might not have understood at all, but he finally ate enough dinner to earn three jelly beans. Being 2, and a Kressin boy, his favorite color is yellow, so he chose the yellow jelly bean, and, as the partially chewed candy fell from his mouth, we discovered the first yellow thing he didn't like.
I'm guessing she won't bring candy again.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Hide and Seek
It has been oppressively hot outside for the last couple of weeks, and the boys have been forced inside more than usual. As a result, Liam has re-discovered the fun of playing hide-and-seek with me. Fortunately, Finn is a bit older and no longer cries pitifully when he can't find me, so it is more fun for me, too. Liam, however, still doesn't really get it.
When he hid the first time, he asked me for help hiding in the bathtub. I told him I couldn't help, because I would be looking for him. I found both him and Finn in the bathtub. A fine place to hide. When he hid the second time, I called out loudly, "I think I'll check the bathtub again!" because I knew he'd be somewhere else and I like to really look around before I find him. Now, Liam is not very good at hiding, but he has a few different spots in his repertoire, including closets. Well, really it is just closets and the bathtub. I've tried to demonstrate some other hiding places, but he never finds me, so he sticks to his closets and bathtub.
Naturally, on this turn, he was once again in the bathtub. He asked, "How did you find me?" I told him I just looked where he had hid last time. For his next turn, I once again announced I would begin my search in the bathtub. Once again he was there. Matt and I tried to explain that you have to change where you hide, and eventually he hid in the closet. With his toes sticking out. Again, "How did you find me?" He could really play this all day. I'll admit, it's kind of fun!
When he hid the first time, he asked me for help hiding in the bathtub. I told him I couldn't help, because I would be looking for him. I found both him and Finn in the bathtub. A fine place to hide. When he hid the second time, I called out loudly, "I think I'll check the bathtub again!" because I knew he'd be somewhere else and I like to really look around before I find him. Now, Liam is not very good at hiding, but he has a few different spots in his repertoire, including closets. Well, really it is just closets and the bathtub. I've tried to demonstrate some other hiding places, but he never finds me, so he sticks to his closets and bathtub.
Naturally, on this turn, he was once again in the bathtub. He asked, "How did you find me?" I told him I just looked where he had hid last time. For his next turn, I once again announced I would begin my search in the bathtub. Once again he was there. Matt and I tried to explain that you have to change where you hide, and eventually he hid in the closet. With his toes sticking out. Again, "How did you find me?" He could really play this all day. I'll admit, it's kind of fun!
Then and Now
The boys have been in their new school for almost 2 weeks, and there have been a few changes in their life experiences since the switch.
Then: (whiny voice) I don't want to go to schooool . . .
Now: (crying) I don't want to go home!!! I want to stay heeeere!!!
Then: (enviously) Corey eats a doughnut for breakfast every day.
Now: (confused) There's a girl in my class who had seaweed for lunch.
So far, none of his new friends have expressed the aspiration to grow up and smoke cigarettes, which is refreshing. Liam and Finn also eat breakfast together at school, and Finn has been excitedly telling me about his day. "I played cars!" "Fish and shawks!" He's also been singing new songs.
Overall, it has been a good switch!
Then: (whiny voice) I don't want to go to schooool . . .
Now: (crying) I don't want to go home!!! I want to stay heeeere!!!
Then: (enviously) Corey eats a doughnut for breakfast every day.
Now: (confused) There's a girl in my class who had seaweed for lunch.
So far, none of his new friends have expressed the aspiration to grow up and smoke cigarettes, which is refreshing. Liam and Finn also eat breakfast together at school, and Finn has been excitedly telling me about his day. "I played cars!" "Fish and shawks!" He's also been singing new songs.
Overall, it has been a good switch!
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Finn Funnies
So the little boy in the house has started really coming into his own. His use and grasp of language has really made the family interactions much more entertaining.
A few weeks ago, Liam discovered that he could no longer call Finn a baby. We were driving back from school and Liam informed Finn that he couldn't do something because he was "a baby". Finn immediately responded by telling Liam, "No. Liam a baby." Or really "Mee-am a baby." Liam takes a pause and says, "No, Finn, you're the baby." Finn fires back, "Mee-am a baby." Liam now gets a little mad and tells Finn that he's the big brother and that Finn, in fact, is the little brother. Response: "Mee-am a baby." Liam now quite upset calls from the back seat, "Dad! Finn's calling me a baby!" Finn appears quite satisfied with the result.
We were having a little park time last weekend where there are a few hanging bench swings, which can accomodate several little people or three adults comfortably. Liam and Finn were wanting to swing, but some older little girls were taking turns pushing each other and the boys were a little timid about interupting. Liam finally got on and sat on one side next to the armrest to hold on. Finn wanted to join, but the only spot was in the middle without any handles. I had been cajoled into pushing everybody, so I told Finn he needed to hold on to something. Finn takes a moment to assess the situation, then announces "Hold on to pants". He grabs the end of his shorts, confident in his newly acquired swing security.
A few weeks ago, Liam discovered that he could no longer call Finn a baby. We were driving back from school and Liam informed Finn that he couldn't do something because he was "a baby". Finn immediately responded by telling Liam, "No. Liam a baby." Or really "Mee-am a baby." Liam takes a pause and says, "No, Finn, you're the baby." Finn fires back, "Mee-am a baby." Liam now gets a little mad and tells Finn that he's the big brother and that Finn, in fact, is the little brother. Response: "Mee-am a baby." Liam now quite upset calls from the back seat, "Dad! Finn's calling me a baby!" Finn appears quite satisfied with the result.
We were having a little park time last weekend where there are a few hanging bench swings, which can accomodate several little people or three adults comfortably. Liam and Finn were wanting to swing, but some older little girls were taking turns pushing each other and the boys were a little timid about interupting. Liam finally got on and sat on one side next to the armrest to hold on. Finn wanted to join, but the only spot was in the middle without any handles. I had been cajoled into pushing everybody, so I told Finn he needed to hold on to something. Finn takes a moment to assess the situation, then announces "Hold on to pants". He grabs the end of his shorts, confident in his newly acquired swing security.
Liam Lexicon
The boy is smart. The boy is gifted. The boy still has some funny "Liam-isms" that show up and have even been adopted by Finn. We still have "camote retrol" for television and DVD player. Some of our favorite reading material is the Birthday Express catalog that comes in the mail. Of course it is Liam's "mazagine". He has spent days looking over it-
"Look Finn, monster trucks." (as both boys would enjoy a monster truck party)
"Monster trucks?" says Finn.
"Yes." Liam turns the page.
"Monster trucks?"
"No, ponies." Liam turns the page.
"Monster trucks?"
"No, Elmo." Liam turns the page.
"More trucks?" Finn asks again. And so on...
And of course, "hangebur". Pronounced hang geh burr. As in, "hot dogs and hangeburs". Which reminds me that we have become VERY picky about dinner. Liam will say, "I don't like it." To which Finn will then chime in, even if to this point he has been happily eating dinner, "No like it." Then they will both squish up their faces and twist away from the plate as if offered a feast of mealworms. Mealworms without any ketchup if you can believe the horror of it all.
"Look Finn, monster trucks." (as both boys would enjoy a monster truck party)
"Monster trucks?" says Finn.
"Yes." Liam turns the page.
"Monster trucks?"
"No, ponies." Liam turns the page.
"Monster trucks?"
"No, Elmo." Liam turns the page.
"More trucks?" Finn asks again. And so on...
And of course, "hangebur". Pronounced hang geh burr. As in, "hot dogs and hangeburs". Which reminds me that we have become VERY picky about dinner. Liam will say, "I don't like it." To which Finn will then chime in, even if to this point he has been happily eating dinner, "No like it." Then they will both squish up their faces and twist away from the plate as if offered a feast of mealworms. Mealworms without any ketchup if you can believe the horror of it all.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
thank goodness for ebay
Matt and I are a bit tired of frantically searching the house for "Jamie's car". It has become utterly essential to Finn's every sleeping and waking moment. Liam has been telling Finn over and over again that it is not really Finn's car, it is Jamie's. Then he cries that Finn "never shares Jamie's car!"
So what is a parent to do? Go to ebay, and look for another purple scion. It is a 2004 model, so it was not in any of the local stores. Ebay had one dark metallic purple matchbox scion. The price, including shipping, seemed outrageous, but if it bought us a little less stress when trying to find this car for bedtime, it was worth it.
The car arrived in the mail yesterday. A lovely, 2004 scion, in dark metallic . . . red. Unfortunately, Liam saw it, and got all excited to have a scion of his own. The package was opened, the shiny red scion removed, and Liam was thrilled to have his very own Jamie's car. He got a little frantic when he couldn't find it later, and then wanted to take it to bed. So we ended up searching to house for two scions for bedtime. The seller agreed to refund the cost, even though it was opened, but there was no taking it away from Liam.
So now we have two "Jamie's car" to keep track of. Yay. Glad I solved that problem.
So what is a parent to do? Go to ebay, and look for another purple scion. It is a 2004 model, so it was not in any of the local stores. Ebay had one dark metallic purple matchbox scion. The price, including shipping, seemed outrageous, but if it bought us a little less stress when trying to find this car for bedtime, it was worth it.
The car arrived in the mail yesterday. A lovely, 2004 scion, in dark metallic . . . red. Unfortunately, Liam saw it, and got all excited to have a scion of his own. The package was opened, the shiny red scion removed, and Liam was thrilled to have his very own Jamie's car. He got a little frantic when he couldn't find it later, and then wanted to take it to bed. So we ended up searching to house for two scions for bedtime. The seller agreed to refund the cost, even though it was opened, but there was no taking it away from Liam.
So now we have two "Jamie's car" to keep track of. Yay. Glad I solved that problem.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Four years old
It is hard to believe that Liam is four years old. I guess we have to stop threatening to not let him turn four if he doesn't dress himself.
He was so excited this morning. I asked him if he felt bigger and he said, "Yes!". A few moments later, he went into his bedroom to look at himself in the mirror. :-) He's really excited to have a birthday party, too.
I guess I'll need to post new pictures, and they are growing so fast, sniff, sniff . . .
He was so excited this morning. I asked him if he felt bigger and he said, "Yes!". A few moments later, he went into his bedroom to look at himself in the mirror. :-) He's really excited to have a birthday party, too.
I guess I'll need to post new pictures, and they are growing so fast, sniff, sniff . . .
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Shewiff
Last night was quite a sad scene. Finn had stubbornly insisted on taking Jammie's car to school with him, and then left it there by accident. In the evening, we read stories and then the boys were told it was sleepytime. Both hopped off the couch, and seemed to be marching off to bed, ready and willing. Then Finn turned around, and said, "Jammie's car." It was a statement, but it had the air of decidedness about it that made it clear we were expected to deliver said car promptly. After many tears, we managed to convince Finn to go to bed with a different van. For the next twenty minutes or so, there was quiet sniffling from their bedroom, and then frank crying. I went in to check on them, in time to hear Liam whispering, "You left it at school, Finn. It's okay." Sure enough, he was quietly crying, "Jammie's car." After even more tears, and a pathetic attempt to give him Doc Hudson to sleep with, he went to sleep.
Fast forward to 4am, when loud crying woke the rest of us up. I go in to the boys' room and Finn cries out softly, "Shewiff." It is 4am, and I am in no mood to go and search through the cars for Sheriff. This is getting ridiculous. I press his van back into Finn's hand, kiss Liam, and go back to bed.
We must break this habit.
Fast forward to 4am, when loud crying woke the rest of us up. I go in to the boys' room and Finn cries out softly, "Shewiff." It is 4am, and I am in no mood to go and search through the cars for Sheriff. This is getting ridiculous. I press his van back into Finn's hand, kiss Liam, and go back to bed.
We must break this habit.
Friday, July 6, 2007
Bobo's Car
Recently, the boys have developed a new game. Specifically, Finn started it. While driving, or parking, he spots a green jeep. Typically it is of the Ford make, but it can vary. He gets all excited and yells, "Bobo's car!!" I think he really expects Bobo to be in it. Sometimes, he'll see a little red car and do the same thing.
Liam has sensed how sweet we think this is, so he has now started looking for cars that resemble Geof's, and yelling "Bobo's car! Bobo's car!". Of course, poor little Finn gets all excited before realizing that Liam is just playing. And then he starts doing it as well. Soon enough, both boys are playing "Bobo's car" in the backseat. It's quite cute.
Liam has sensed how sweet we think this is, so he has now started looking for cars that resemble Geof's, and yelling "Bobo's car! Bobo's car!". Of course, poor little Finn gets all excited before realizing that Liam is just playing. And then he starts doing it as well. Soon enough, both boys are playing "Bobo's car" in the backseat. It's quite cute.
Return of Yellow Shirt
Last year, on Liam's third birthday, he dug through his drawers and found his stripey yellow shirt, now a little small, and put it on. He declared, to our amazement, "This is what I wore on my last birthday!" Indeed, he had. It had been his favorite yellow shirt in an era when he would deign to wear a shirt of no other color. The yellow shirt is in many pictures, including his 2nd birthday, which is, we presume, how he remembered.
Fast forward to now, and Finn is wearing 2T shirts. As first, he delighted in being allowed to pull a "new" shirt out of the bag of Liam's hand-me-downs, but then he discovered yellow shirts. It seems it is either a genetic predisposition, or something to do with the age, but Finn also loves the color yellow. Sometimes he requests his "lion shirt" that Nana gave him, which is yellow, but more commonly he requests the yellow shirt. It now has a stretched-out neck, but is otherwise in surprisingly good shape. Maybe he, too, has seen in on Liam in many pictures? Yesterday, as he sat in Liam's former booster chair, wearing the yellow shirt, and sporting a bib that had been Liam's as well, we realized he was exactly the age Liam was when we moved here. How times flies.
Fast forward to now, and Finn is wearing 2T shirts. As first, he delighted in being allowed to pull a "new" shirt out of the bag of Liam's hand-me-downs, but then he discovered yellow shirts. It seems it is either a genetic predisposition, or something to do with the age, but Finn also loves the color yellow. Sometimes he requests his "lion shirt" that Nana gave him, which is yellow, but more commonly he requests the yellow shirt. It now has a stretched-out neck, but is otherwise in surprisingly good shape. Maybe he, too, has seen in on Liam in many pictures? Yesterday, as he sat in Liam's former booster chair, wearing the yellow shirt, and sporting a bib that had been Liam's as well, we realized he was exactly the age Liam was when we moved here. How times flies.
Monday, July 2, 2007
Shorts
Since it's been a while since I posted, I thought I'd post a few "shorts".
The New Lovey
Finn has found a new lovey. I'm not entirely sure where he found it, but it is now indispensible. If it falls out of his hand as he is falling asleep, he promptly wakes up and starts to wail rather pitifully. The other problem with this new lovey is that it is not, in fact, his. It is a purple van. And as Finn will tell you happily, it is "Jammie's ban". Instead of the fifty or so other cars in the house, Finn had found the one car that Jamie inadvertantly left at our house, and it is now the most important object in his house. Sigh. Almost as inexplicably, Liam has re-adopted Barney as his favorite lovey.
Phone Manners
I called home the other evening on my way back from work. The phone rang a few times and then, "HELLO!!!!???" It was Liam.
Me: Liam, why are you answering the phone?
Liam, screaming into the phone, so as to make his converstation unintelligible: WE ********* SPRAYERS *********************************** OUTSIDE *****************
Me: What??
Liam repeats something similar.
Me: Can I please speak with Daddy?
Liam: No. He's *******************diaper ****************
Me: Can you ask him a question for me?
Liam: No. pause I'm on the phone right now.
Me: Can you put the phone down and ask him something? [at this point, I am not enjoying having my phone call screened at all]
Liam: Okay.
Me: Please ask him if he wants me to bring anything home from the store.
Liam: Okay. [the phone goes quiet]
After a few minutes . ..
Liam: Mama? Are you there?
Me: Yes, Liam. What did he say?
Liam: Bye, I love you! [he hangs up]
Matt says Liam will now be answering the phone for telemarketers.
The New Lovey
Finn has found a new lovey. I'm not entirely sure where he found it, but it is now indispensible. If it falls out of his hand as he is falling asleep, he promptly wakes up and starts to wail rather pitifully. The other problem with this new lovey is that it is not, in fact, his. It is a purple van. And as Finn will tell you happily, it is "Jammie's ban". Instead of the fifty or so other cars in the house, Finn had found the one car that Jamie inadvertantly left at our house, and it is now the most important object in his house. Sigh. Almost as inexplicably, Liam has re-adopted Barney as his favorite lovey.
Phone Manners
I called home the other evening on my way back from work. The phone rang a few times and then, "HELLO!!!!???" It was Liam.
Me: Liam, why are you answering the phone?
Liam, screaming into the phone, so as to make his converstation unintelligible: WE ********* SPRAYERS *********************************** OUTSIDE *****************
Me: What??
Liam repeats something similar.
Me: Can I please speak with Daddy?
Liam: No. He's *******************diaper ****************
Me: Can you ask him a question for me?
Liam: No. pause I'm on the phone right now.
Me: Can you put the phone down and ask him something? [at this point, I am not enjoying having my phone call screened at all]
Liam: Okay.
Me: Please ask him if he wants me to bring anything home from the store.
Liam: Okay. [the phone goes quiet]
After a few minutes . ..
Liam: Mama? Are you there?
Me: Yes, Liam. What did he say?
Liam: Bye, I love you! [he hangs up]
Matt says Liam will now be answering the phone for telemarketers.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Dinner
A quick summary of the past 45 minutes:
Finn arrives and announces, "Dinner!!!!" Dinner is served as follows:
First Course: Chicken, broccoli, and pita bread. Finn eats all of the broccoli and pita bread, then demands, "Mo' Boccli!" We tell him he may have more broccoli after he eats his chicken. Finn's response? "Boccli NOW!" Our point is reemphasized, the scene is repeated, and finally Finn relents, saying, "Okay. Eat chicken."
Second course: More broccoli. More pita bread.
Third course: Liam has made a "happy plate" and asks for a treat. Both boys receive 5 mini marshmallows. And more pita bread, because they are still hungry.
Fourth course: Cereal. Liam chooses frosted mini wheats, and Finn chooses Cheerios.
Fifth Course: Liam chooses Cheerios, having finished his mini wheats.
I think dinner is coming to a close. Keep your fingers crossed. Matt and I have now been finished for a half hour, and have cleaned up the kitchen.
Finn arrives and announces, "Dinner!!!!" Dinner is served as follows:
First Course: Chicken, broccoli, and pita bread. Finn eats all of the broccoli and pita bread, then demands, "Mo' Boccli!" We tell him he may have more broccoli after he eats his chicken. Finn's response? "Boccli NOW!" Our point is reemphasized, the scene is repeated, and finally Finn relents, saying, "Okay. Eat chicken."
Second course: More broccoli. More pita bread.
Third course: Liam has made a "happy plate" and asks for a treat. Both boys receive 5 mini marshmallows. And more pita bread, because they are still hungry.
Fourth course: Cereal. Liam chooses frosted mini wheats, and Finn chooses Cheerios.
Fifth Course: Liam chooses Cheerios, having finished his mini wheats.
I think dinner is coming to a close. Keep your fingers crossed. Matt and I have now been finished for a half hour, and have cleaned up the kitchen.
Friday, May 18, 2007
The "Erik" standard
The boys both ate a big dinner last night, and were rewarded with a few mini marshmallows. After finishing their treat, both indicated they were still hungry. It's like they are already teenagers! Finn requested more pasta, and Liam asked for more green beans. I told Liam I was glad he was enjoying his vegetables, and he smiled and said, "I'm going to be big and strong like Erik!!!" He has also enjoyed wearing Erik's hand-me-downs lately, and can't wait to be "big and tall" like Erik. It must be nice to have a big cousin to hero-worship!
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Ladies man
On the way home from school today, Matt asked Liam what he did today. Liam responded, "I don't know." When Matt persisted in his questioning, Liam informed him, "When I say I don't know, it means I don't want to talk about it." Well, then.
Oddly, he came to me after dinner and said he wanted to tell me something. I leaned in to listen, and he said, "Abbey kissed me on the lips today. Like this." And he demonstrated. Oh my! I asked him if he kissed her back, and he said "yes". I had no further comments, but he seemed quite pleased. I am still rather speechless about it!
Oddly, he came to me after dinner and said he wanted to tell me something. I leaned in to listen, and he said, "Abbey kissed me on the lips today. Like this." And he demonstrated. Oh my! I asked him if he kissed her back, and he said "yes". I had no further comments, but he seemed quite pleased. I am still rather speechless about it!
Sunday, April 29, 2007
End of April 2007
So I will contribute the following kernels of joy from my small, small men.
From Liam:
"Daddy, I'm a lot like Bert because I like pigeons and I love how they walk. Could you start the music again, I need to go back to sleep."
From Finn:
After telling him about how daddy's "tummy has ow-ies" and "daddy sick", Finn directed Megan with a simple point and "Daddy medicine". No surgeon there folks.
Also the big news of the day, Liam successfully wrote his name with no assistance whatsoever. It is on his Mother's Day card to Meg, which also includes an "emergency cross", a tracing of Sheriff from CARS, and the desire to add an ambulance because this is an emergency card. Upon asking why, his reply was simply that these things make you feel protected. I guess so.
From Liam:
"Daddy, I'm a lot like Bert because I like pigeons and I love how they walk. Could you start the music again, I need to go back to sleep."
From Finn:
After telling him about how daddy's "tummy has ow-ies" and "daddy sick", Finn directed Megan with a simple point and "Daddy medicine". No surgeon there folks.
Also the big news of the day, Liam successfully wrote his name with no assistance whatsoever. It is on his Mother's Day card to Meg, which also includes an "emergency cross", a tracing of Sheriff from CARS, and the desire to add an ambulance because this is an emergency card. Upon asking why, his reply was simply that these things make you feel protected. I guess so.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Disapproval
Finn was naughty at dinner tonight. He threw his fork and shoved his plate away (quite the temper my little guy has, eh?). Liam looked at him, and said, "Jesus would be mad at you, Finn!" Matt corrected him, saying, "I think he would be disappointed, not mad." Liam replied, "Jesus would be disappointed in you, Finn!" I told Liam that, yes, some people believe that. Liam informed me, "Well I believe it, and Jesus does too." It must be nice to have such confidence.
Pronunciation
I would like to blog about how Finian pronounces the words "fork" and "shirt" but I fear the blog would be censored. Enough said. Tough not to laugh.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
ABC, easy as 123
Finn sang his ABCs tonight in the bathtub!!! We were all so excited. He has been stuck at "g" for a while now, and then all of the sudden tonight made it to "v" with ease. It was a very exciting moment for all of us. His other very cute current habit is to turn everything into a phone. At dinner, he puts his napkin to his ear and says, "Hello!" then laughs. It reminds us of when Liam was about his age, and would put his dinner to bed. He would put his napkin over his plate and say "night, night". So sweet.
In other exciting news, Connor Costello said "hi" to me on the phone today! Yes, I know this isn't their blog, but I wanted to make sure everyone knew. Sarah told him to say "Hi, Aunt Meg!" and he replied "HI!!!!!!!" I feel quite special, thank you very much!
In other exciting news, Connor Costello said "hi" to me on the phone today! Yes, I know this isn't their blog, but I wanted to make sure everyone knew. Sarah told him to say "Hi, Aunt Meg!" and he replied "HI!!!!!!!" I feel quite special, thank you very much!
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Getting so big
Liam has made several declarations recently, which made me very excited that he is getting so big. Last night, he declared, "I like zucchini now! Thank you for making me zucchini!" Hurrah! It only took 3 years of attempts! Tonight, he reinforced his big boy-ness by stating happily, "I have good news, Mom. I don't eat boogers anymore!" We are so proud. Finn is also making great strides. Now, when you ask him what color something is, he says, "I don't know that!" These boys will be off to college soon. Oh--and this week Liam has plans to marry his friend Abby. I hope I have some time before grandkids. :-)
Easter 2007
The boys were quite excited to find the Easter bunny had brought them baskets. Finn got the "Radiator Springs" Lightening McQueen in his basket and Liam got Sally. Finn promptly took Sally from Liam, held both cars tightly to his chest, smiled, and cried out, "Mine!" Liam cried, the car was returned, Finn cried, and the entire scenario was repeated several more times. Such fun! Liam was also quite confused by the Peeps in his basket, and after pondering them for several minutes, declared happily, "Ducky playdough!" before being told it was candy and he could eat it. Oh, the joy that followed!
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