Monday, April 13, 2009
Yum
Megan's dressing up is getting pretty elaborate. This was a rockin' ensemble she created, the best part being the backwards tiara. She always wears them this way. Note the sadly and slightly grey tooth. She fell, cut her lip and a few days later the tooth went grey. Boo hoo.
Monday, April 06, 2009
Good Michael Quotes from Days Gone By
November 2007
"Mom, are humans going to get extinct soon?"
"Mom!! My underwear is almost about to get swallowed by my bottom!"
[to a female server at Applebees] " I'm going to send you a picture - a really pretty one. And I'm going to send you a necklace in the mail for Christmas!"
December 2007
M "When Megan dies, I'll be happy."
Me "Michael! That was a terrible thing to say!"
M "Well, when she doesn't die, I'll be a little happy."
April 2008
"Marissa gets mad when I dance with Haley at school. I have to share my body! I know! I can do them both at once!"
[at the suggestion that he play on the rug instead of the couch] "But MOM. The couch is more dignified."
July 2008
[about my tattoo] "Mommy, did you come into the world with that?"
"Laca and caca rhyme in Spanish!"
[at my load, including his sister] "Geez! You have so many things to carry...even a large person!"
March 2009
"Wait! We have to say a prayer to bless the food! 'I pledge the chocolate into the mouth of the United States of America. And to the republic, for which it stands, one nation, under chocolate, for liberty and justice for all.'"
"Mom, are humans going to get extinct soon?"
"Mom!! My underwear is almost about to get swallowed by my bottom!"
[to a female server at Applebees] " I'm going to send you a picture - a really pretty one. And I'm going to send you a necklace in the mail for Christmas!"
December 2007
M "When Megan dies, I'll be happy."
Me "Michael! That was a terrible thing to say!"
M "Well, when she doesn't die, I'll be a little happy."
April 2008
"Marissa gets mad when I dance with Haley at school. I have to share my body! I know! I can do them both at once!"
[at the suggestion that he play on the rug instead of the couch] "But MOM. The couch is more dignified."
July 2008
[about my tattoo] "Mommy, did you come into the world with that?"
"Laca and caca rhyme in Spanish!"
[at my load, including his sister] "Geez! You have so many things to carry...even a large person!"
March 2009
"Wait! We have to say a prayer to bless the food! 'I pledge the chocolate into the mouth of the United States of America. And to the republic, for which it stands, one nation, under chocolate, for liberty and justice for all.'"
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Dad Entry #40
Sorry, this is very long. But shoot, it’s been 4 months since I’ve recorded anything about the kids. They do a lot, and change a lot, in 4 months! Thankfully, Mommy is a terrific photographer and blogger. Pictures are better anyway (every one a thousand words, right?). I wonder what the equation is for video? Maybe we should get more – like soccer and ballet – on video. But is dilution a concern? If rare, what is captured is more precious, isn’t it? Imagine, some day, how much Michael’s family would cherish – if it was all they had – that 5 minutes of footage of him as a little dude. I do wish we had captured, forever, Megan’s so wonderful and thorough prayer below. But catching these beautiful moments is tough, unless the camera’s rolling 24/7. Our video camera rolls more like 1/1. Actually, much less than that. And staging these moments diminishes the otherwise impromptu, genuine nature that makes them so remarkable. As for Megan and prayer, most nights when I ask her if she wants to say one, or if I can say one, she declines. But I guess if she’s inspired, she lets loose a real barrage! That’s right, balance that ‘account’ with God! I might recommend some day – albeit very humbly – more consistency in this area, like in 20 years I’ll make the suggestion if so moved, when she has a little more life behind her to evaluate. Sometimes it takes a few decades anyway, before kids will listen to advice from their parents! As for a relationship with God, well, in some ways it’s premature – healthy children twice Megan’s age can be persuaded to believe in the Tooth Fairy – but I think Meggie is off to a perfect start; she has a real compassionate, nurturing instinct. She stares and appears deeply concerned whenever a kid cries nearby. At Michael’s ‘Spring Fling’ school party, there was a little girl momentarily alone, afraid, and upset on the dance floor. Megan noticed and approached, just to stand right next to her – from what I could tell – and give her a caring look. The little girl was quickly rescued by an older sibling or parent. I think Megan is special in this way; I hope life only strengthens this awareness or characteristic in her. I think it will. After all, there are great nurturers in Megan’s bloodline, not to mention all around us, who maintain this great intuitive capacity to identify and then appropriately assist or comfort a friend or family member or any person in need.
Anyway, we’ve all been busy. Sara and I – like everyone else – are concerned and working harder and longer than ever before in this tough economy. I probably should consult with Motorola attorneys before making any public comments about my employer. Suffice it to say, it’s challenging there (and everywhere). Perhaps now I have to add the old ‘forward looking statements’ disclaimer that must get stamped on anything about anything corporate these days. Maybe we are too litigious, as a society I mean, but Megan and Michael haven’t sued us yet, over too many vegetables, or too few desserts, or too early bedtimes, or Meggie’s paci being retired, or a bump on the knee that might’ve been caused by our hardwood floors or an unsafe layout of furniture in our home, like placing the ottoman two feet in front of – instead of directly against – the couch, such that when Michael launches himself off the couch with hopes of landing – like a trapeze artist – on his designated platform, the ottoman, he comes up a little short and bumps his knee on its edge.
Michael knows I have to be at work more this year and he even knows how things are ‘structured’ there, as evidenced by thoughtful suggestions like, “Daddy, take this page to work and ask your boss if you can color it.” I asked Megan the other day if I could carry her for a bit, since she is kind of a slow walker given her small stride while dawdling along in little boot-cut jeans draped over sparkly pink Chuck Taylor All-Stars. Sparkly and pink is quite the double-whammy for Meg-Pie; maybe she just stops too often to admire her own shoes. Regardless, we needed to pick up the pace (and I love to carry and snuggle her anyway) so I offered transportation. She said, “No Daddy, I have my own feet.” Our favorite game right now is ‘Monster’. It’s basically me playing dead until one of the kids comes forward and prods or tickles me. Maybe I moan or stir but am usually all still and harmless until – suddenly! – I spring to life and grab or chase them down, tickling and wrestling until they subdue me again, mostly by counter-tickling or imaginary methods like touching my arm and hissing as if shocking or injecting me with a temporary paralysis-inducing nerve toxin. Then the game repeats itself over and over; the ‘monster’ is incapacitated and motionless until, well, Michael talks Megan into approaching and rousting me once more. Yeah, it’s true, Michael usually sends Megan; he’s sort of a chicken that way. Or maybe he’s just smart. He needs a dangerous service done and has found and convinced someone else – slightly less intelligent than him, but only so because of age at this point – to do it for him at a super price (nothing). He’s destined for management and a high salary some day! Although the price really isn’t ‘nothing’, because then Michael has to rescue Megan and he is quite brave and active in doing so once the scrum starts. No doubt about it; he’s getting to be a big, strong guy! Although Megan, by having to repeatedly approach the seemingly-knocked-out-but-likely-to-pounce monster, is developing some real courage too!
Anyway, we’ve all been busy. Sara and I – like everyone else – are concerned and working harder and longer than ever before in this tough economy. I probably should consult with Motorola attorneys before making any public comments about my employer. Suffice it to say, it’s challenging there (and everywhere). Perhaps now I have to add the old ‘forward looking statements’ disclaimer that must get stamped on anything about anything corporate these days. Maybe we are too litigious, as a society I mean, but Megan and Michael haven’t sued us yet, over too many vegetables, or too few desserts, or too early bedtimes, or Meggie’s paci being retired, or a bump on the knee that might’ve been caused by our hardwood floors or an unsafe layout of furniture in our home, like placing the ottoman two feet in front of – instead of directly against – the couch, such that when Michael launches himself off the couch with hopes of landing – like a trapeze artist – on his designated platform, the ottoman, he comes up a little short and bumps his knee on its edge.
Michael knows I have to be at work more this year and he even knows how things are ‘structured’ there, as evidenced by thoughtful suggestions like, “Daddy, take this page to work and ask your boss if you can color it.” I asked Megan the other day if I could carry her for a bit, since she is kind of a slow walker given her small stride while dawdling along in little boot-cut jeans draped over sparkly pink Chuck Taylor All-Stars. Sparkly and pink is quite the double-whammy for Meg-Pie; maybe she just stops too often to admire her own shoes. Regardless, we needed to pick up the pace (and I love to carry and snuggle her anyway) so I offered transportation. She said, “No Daddy, I have my own feet.” Our favorite game right now is ‘Monster’. It’s basically me playing dead until one of the kids comes forward and prods or tickles me. Maybe I moan or stir but am usually all still and harmless until – suddenly! – I spring to life and grab or chase them down, tickling and wrestling until they subdue me again, mostly by counter-tickling or imaginary methods like touching my arm and hissing as if shocking or injecting me with a temporary paralysis-inducing nerve toxin. Then the game repeats itself over and over; the ‘monster’ is incapacitated and motionless until, well, Michael talks Megan into approaching and rousting me once more. Yeah, it’s true, Michael usually sends Megan; he’s sort of a chicken that way. Or maybe he’s just smart. He needs a dangerous service done and has found and convinced someone else – slightly less intelligent than him, but only so because of age at this point – to do it for him at a super price (nothing). He’s destined for management and a high salary some day! Although the price really isn’t ‘nothing’, because then Michael has to rescue Megan and he is quite brave and active in doing so once the scrum starts. No doubt about it; he’s getting to be a big, strong guy! Although Megan, by having to repeatedly approach the seemingly-knocked-out-but-likely-to-pounce monster, is developing some real courage too!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
The Paci Fairy...
is coming to our house tonight. That's riiiight, I finally talked Megan into giving up the silicone! I've been discussing it in very low-pressure ways with her for about 2 months. We've reviewed Michael's success with pacifier quitting too many times to count. Tonight, she told me she was ready. So we called The Paci Fairy (Grammie) who visits in the wee hours of the night, takes the bowl of pacis from her doorway, leaves a gift for trade and takes said pacis to new babies. Win-win! She put them in the bowl, she didn't fight and she didn't ask for one the whole time she was going to bed. However, as I type, it is 10:11 pm. The last I heard of her was 3 minutes ago. This is a girl that typically goes to sleep at about 7:45. Tomorrow should be a GREAT day, so good thing she's going to preschool! I had to run out to get the gift after bedtime, as I was totally unprepared for her to embrace this idea for some time. The fairy is going to bring a bathtub Ariel doll and will also be sprinkling fairy dust on each of us, as requested. Michael was SO happy to hear that fairy dust gives you good dreams. He said, "Oh my gosh! That is WONderful! I won't have any more nightmares! Are you SURE she'll sprinkle me?!"
Watch Your Back, Beckham.
This was Michael's last soccer class for this session. He was embarrassed that I was taking pictures, but was happy to look at them later and NOT find that he looked "dumb" as he suspected he did when playing soccer. I think he rocks. He's worried that he's not fast enough, but I am more worried that he watches the ball roll right in front of him with no one else around and he is loathe to actually kick it. Dan promised him a quarter for each contact he made with the ball and he earned $1.50 this time! That is a RECORD.
Tiny Dancer
Oh. My. Goodness. I mean Oh. My. Cuteness. Meggie is so darling in the dance studio. She is fairly clueless and a little clunky and rushed in her presentation, but just a little doll girl. I am pretty sure each parent thought her kid was the cutest, but they were all wrong. My favorite of these is the first one in which Megan is literally "putting" her feet into first position.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Spring Fling I
Michael and Megan were in dance hall heaven at the schools spring festival. Cookies plus a Rihanna-spinnin' DJ were a perfect combination to inspire over an hour of frenzy. They were hilarious and a few highlights were Megan watch-and-learning the chicken dance and the electric slide, and Michael hitting the stairs in front of the DJ to elevate himself above the crowd. Awesome.
The 20 foot Tall Woman
Megan and Michael LOVE the preview for 'Monsters vs. Aliens,' especially the part about "Susan," the ginormous woman. Meg loves both her swimsuit and mommy's boots. A frequent combo.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Ballerina Sweet Potato
This little lady. She cannot change clothes enough. If you consider these clothes. She is so into the glam, yet can throw on what she calls "the rock star look" and really slam some air guitar.
Funny Faces
The kids were being too funny the other day. I asked for a cheek to cheek picture and I go a bunch of craziness.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Ahhhh...
This girl. Cute. She likes to layer her tutus. She also reads to her babies now, although that is not Megan reading. It is Barbie Mariposa.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Funny, Kid. Funny Kid.
Michael is so funny sometimes. So awful sometimes. And so sweet sometimes. A very complex young man.
He is a little bit obsessed with what he eats. He is very interested in how his body works and how to best feed all the different systems. I could get him to eat almost anything by telling him "this is REALLY good for your eyes" or "these help your joints move so it makes it easy to run and play" or "your mitochondria really appreciate you eating this." A few weeks ago, when we were discussing the ways brushing your teeth helps your body, he turned to me and said, "Man, taking care of your body is a LOT of work."
Being that he has learned a lot about being healthy and eating different things to help different parts, he is QUITE concerned with his sisters propensity to not eat dinner. I think he is afraid she will just fall over, or her bones will get mushy or something. A few nights ago, she refused dinner (gasp!) and then asked for dessert (good luck, sweetheart). I of course told her no, and we carved a notch for another night of Megan not eating dinner.
That night, as I put Michael to bed, he said, "Mom, sometimes, maybe if Megan doesn't eat her dinner...ok. Let's say Megan does not eat her dinner and you say no dessert for her. But I EAT my dinner and you let me pick a candy. Maybe if I just make the DECISION to share it, she can have it. Right?"
Me: Well, no Michael. She can't.
Michael: Well, what if you and papa go in the other room and aren't listening to me and I make the DECISION and I share with her?
Me: Well, Michael, I hope you wouldn't do that after mommy told Meggie no dessert. That would teach her that she does not have to feed her body before she feeds her sweet tooth (sidebar: total hypocrite).
Michael (visibly agitated): I just wish I could make Megan be like, PART of me.
Me: Are you worried about the food she eats and her not getting enough energy and things like that?
Michael: Yes.
Me: Well, that would be handy if she could be part of you, since you are such a good eater. But unfortunately, it doesn't work that way and you will always be two people.
Michael: Well, but...can't you just like, SEW us together?
Me: Umm. No.
Michael: Well, could you take off her head and put it on my neck next to my head?
Me (visibly agitated): No.
He is a little bit obsessed with what he eats. He is very interested in how his body works and how to best feed all the different systems. I could get him to eat almost anything by telling him "this is REALLY good for your eyes" or "these help your joints move so it makes it easy to run and play" or "your mitochondria really appreciate you eating this." A few weeks ago, when we were discussing the ways brushing your teeth helps your body, he turned to me and said, "Man, taking care of your body is a LOT of work."
Being that he has learned a lot about being healthy and eating different things to help different parts, he is QUITE concerned with his sisters propensity to not eat dinner. I think he is afraid she will just fall over, or her bones will get mushy or something. A few nights ago, she refused dinner (gasp!) and then asked for dessert (good luck, sweetheart). I of course told her no, and we carved a notch for another night of Megan not eating dinner.
That night, as I put Michael to bed, he said, "Mom, sometimes, maybe if Megan doesn't eat her dinner...ok. Let's say Megan does not eat her dinner and you say no dessert for her. But I EAT my dinner and you let me pick a candy. Maybe if I just make the DECISION to share it, she can have it. Right?"
Me: Well, no Michael. She can't.
Michael: Well, what if you and papa go in the other room and aren't listening to me and I make the DECISION and I share with her?
Me: Well, Michael, I hope you wouldn't do that after mommy told Meggie no dessert. That would teach her that she does not have to feed her body before she feeds her sweet tooth (sidebar: total hypocrite).
Michael (visibly agitated): I just wish I could make Megan be like, PART of me.
Me: Are you worried about the food she eats and her not getting enough energy and things like that?
Michael: Yes.
Me: Well, that would be handy if she could be part of you, since you are such a good eater. But unfortunately, it doesn't work that way and you will always be two people.
Michael: Well, but...can't you just like, SEW us together?
Me: Umm. No.
Michael: Well, could you take off her head and put it on my neck next to my head?
Me (visibly agitated): No.
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