tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7297107493132284182024-03-04T23:20:25.555-06:00She Looks Like a MomAnd so, with the birth of R, I have been propelled into the world of Mommy-dom. Wish me luck.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11571403013373804683noreply@blogger.comBlogger198125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-729710749313228418.post-31366521677098959182013-10-03T00:19:00.001-05:002013-10-03T00:19:33.797-05:00BentoI snapped the picture and Senpai said, "This is a blog post waiting to happen."<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/10062489505/" title="Preschool Lunch #10 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Preschool Lunch #10" height="375" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3666/10062489505_9d77498339.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Umm... yeah.<br />
<br />
<br />
From Kindergarten through 8th grade, I went to a private school that did not have a cafeteria. Students were responsible for bringing their own lunches. If they forgot, well, they weren't eating that day. I was a picky eater who was always changing her appetite, so, fairly early on, my mom stopped making my lunches for me. Left to my own devices in the 5 minutes before the bus came to pick me up, I scrounged for anything that already looked like food, such as tomatoes left on the windowsill to ripen. The kitchen was always stocked with ham and rye bread, but on days when the ham went bad and nothing else looked good, I popped a bag of popcorn. Seriously. The real trick was letting the popcorn cool down before transferring it to a Ziploc bag or else the kernels melted the plastic. As I ate a tomato like an apple at school one day, my classmates asked me if I was a vegetarian.<br />
<br />
I swore that when I had kids, I would make their lunches.<br />
I would do it not only for their nutritional benefit, but also as an expression of my love for them. <br />
<br />
Now that Rosemary has started preschool, she needs a packed lunch twice a week.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9907646555/" title="Preschool Lunch #7 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Preschool Lunch #7" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7328/9907646555_b4b80d74d6.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
I like the idea of Japanese bento as a waste-free alternative to sandwich baggies and individually packaged snack foods. I've seen enough anime and followed <a href="http://www.bentobloggy.blogspot.com/">Bentobloggy</a> long enough to get some fun ideas of what to pack. It was from Bentobloggy, actually, that I discovered the <a href="http://www.planetbox.com/">Planetbox</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9907799904/" title="Planetbox Lunch box by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Planetbox Lunch box" height="375" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3778/9907799904_e37bc17a0a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
This is the Planetbox Shuttle and it is awesome. It's the perfect size for a preschooler. Rosemary can use it all by herself. She'll never need help from her teacher to open a string cheese or a sandwich baggy. I love filling it up.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/10062507826/" title="Preschool Lunch #8 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Preschool Lunch #8" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7299/10062507826_707067075f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Click on any picture to get a description of the lunch contents.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9888561255/" title="Preschool Lunch #6 (#5 is on Senpai's phone) by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Preschool Lunch #6 (#5 is on Senpai's phone)" height="375" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3689/9888561255_b847ed97e4.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
The pics look dark because I make lunch the night before.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/10062522436/" title="Preschool Lunch #9 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Preschool Lunch #9" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5542/10062522436_2b2b9a2506.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Can you tell I have fun with this?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9888613803/" title="Preschool Lunch #3 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Preschool Lunch #3" height="375" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3811/9888613803_ca386226d5.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Thank you for gifting us the Planetbox, Mom. <br />
<br />
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<img align="right" alt="signature" border="0" height="50" src="http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/kylastyles/signature.png" width="75" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11571403013373804683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-729710749313228418.post-61842251490526542102013-08-13T23:30:00.002-05:002013-08-13T23:30:50.330-05:00Little Dancer<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9250337587/" title="Ready for Dance Class by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Ready for Dance Class" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5526/9250337587_c2f9953342.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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<br />
I had mentioned <a href="http://shelookslikeamom.blogspot.com/2012/12/everything-is-too-sad-these-days.html">before</a> how I want the girls to take ballet lessons. They have every right to say they don't like it, but at least they will have the opportunity to experience dance while they are young and flexible. I didn't take my first dance classes until I was 27, and I really wish I hadn't waited so long. Dance gives you a confidence... in what your body can do, what limits you can stretch. A movement or task that seemed so hard last month suddenly comes together after all of the practice you put into it: perseverance. I could have used those traits when I was a child.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9348353546/" title="Before Dance Class by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Before Dance Class" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7398/9348353546_4a4a54293b.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
I hesitated about enrolling Rosemary in ballet due to her hypermobility (the reason she wears orthotics on her feet). Our pediatrician thought dance was a great idea for strengthening her leg muscles and improving her condition. I still had doubts about the negative repercussions of dance, so I waited to ask the <a href="http://shelookslikeamom.blogspot.com/2013/05/sleepless-mommy.html">neurologist</a> what her thoughts were, and surprise! the neurologist liked the idea, too. Rosemary loved seeing the other girls dance at an open house for the studio I had chosen, so all of the checkmarks were in place. We signed her up for the 6 week summer session.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9507807822/" title="IMG_1359 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1359" height="375" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3792/9507807822_8284f73bc9.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
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At this age, the dance class is a half hour of tap followed by a half hour of ballet. We didn't have tap shoes for Rosemary's first class, and while the teacher didn't care (the dance studio had even recommended not jumping into buying shoes in the event that Rosemary wouldn't like it), it definitely held Rosemary back to not have her feet make the same noise as the other girls. She kept slamming her slippered foot into the ground, trying to get the same effect, and she was seriously confused as to why her footfalls were silent. I took her shoe shopping the next day.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9253119272/" title="First Tap Class by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="First Tap Class" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5333/9253119272_6b7d58fdd5.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
First tap class... shoeless.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9345553677/" title="Dance Practice by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Dance Practice" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3829/9345553677_8f7685f2bd.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
Trying out her new tap shoes in the practice space Daddy made for her.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9348342426/" title="Dance Practice by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Dance Practice" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5516/9348342426_d6e8ce771a.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
Giving the mirror some sass.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9348355342/" title="Tap Class by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Tap Class" height="375" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3725/9348355342_8d9a8fc928.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Next tap class... rocking it!<br />
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<br />
The ballet part is taught by another teacher. She is a highly competent dancer who could use a hand wrangling five 3 and 4 year olds. I was thrilled when the tap teacher got an aide later in the season.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9250338991/" title="First Ballet Class by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="First Ballet Class" height="500" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2882/9250338991_d172ce6a8a.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
Ballet's half hour is mostly spent stretching.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9345568293/" title="Ballet Class by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Ballet Class" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5457/9345568293_1a531b87b6.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
Learning first position.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9348356930/" title="Ballet Class by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Ballet Class" height="500" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2849/9348356930_7c560bbee1.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
Once again, stretching.<br />
<br />
<br />
The summer session is over now; tonight was the last class. We had some bumps along the way, but Rosemary still loves to go to dance class, and I love watching her abilities blossom. I can't wait to sign her up for the fall session.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9348354400/" title="Before Dance Class by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Before Dance Class" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3684/9348354400_75ba7df882.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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<img align="right" alt="signature" border="0" height="50" src="http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/kylastyles/signature.png" width="75" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11571403013373804683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-729710749313228418.post-57147701914637743652013-08-12T15:58:00.000-05:002013-08-12T15:58:33.486-05:00Walking and Tying<br />
<b>Poppy Walks!</b><br />
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She started taking steps at the beginning of July. Then she interchanged walking and crawling. Now she zips everywhere on her two little legs.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9345559265/" title="Puppy Paci Carrier by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Puppy Paci Carrier" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3824/9345559265_5853e9a82c.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<br />
Ms. Sue saw her at Storytime and said she couldn't believe her eyes. Poppy is walking!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9345579115/" title="IMG_1349 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1349" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7432/9345579115_4246f0d83a.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<br />
I thought to myself that I didn't remember Rosemary looking like this when she learned how to walk. And then it occurred to me that Rosemary was a full two months older. Poppy started walking at 14 months, the age when Rosemary first got her orthotics. Poppy still has some of her babyish charm, where, at 16 months, Rosemary was starting to look more like a toddler.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9345572119/" title="Love Seeing her Walk around in a Diaper by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Love Seeing her Walk around in a Diaper" height="500" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2835/9345572119_183e29f7e6.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Growing Up</b><br />
<br />
Rosemary is intent on learning how to tie her shoes. She leans over the laces and proclaims, "I do it!" Until she has trouble, and, instead of accepting my help, says, "No, Mommy, YOU do it."<br />
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She can lace the straps on her orthotics through the buckles. Mommy still needs to tighten them down.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9345570743/" title="Learning to Lace Her Orthotics by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Learning to Lace Her Orthotics" height="375" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3831/9345570743_142edebfd7.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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When I was a kid, I was given a shoebox prop that had holes poked through the top and shoestrings laced through just like a sneaker. I made one for Rosemary. She could spend a whole hour knotting this thing up.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9348368368/" title="Trying so hard to tie her shoe box by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Trying so hard to tie her shoe box" height="500" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2858/9348368368_a781a5bd5b.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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She'll bring it to me and say, "Look, Mommy! I made a present for you!" It was cute the first couple of times. The laces will be all knotted up over and under themselves. I'm not sure how to redirect her back to trying to tie an actual bow. I'll ask where her granny knot is, where her bunny ears are, and, "will this knot help you keep your shoes on?" She just takes it away to play with it some more. I can't blame her. I spent a good deal of my childhood knotting string all across my room, until it looked like a drunk spider had tried to spin a web. I meticulously knotted it all up, and then spent equal time undoing it all.<br />
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There's no wonder where Rosemary gets her focus from. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9345577563/" title="She Made a Bow! by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="She Made a Bow!" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7292/9345577563_4538d2150f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Just look at that smile.<br />
<img align="right" alt="signature" border="0" height="50" src="http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/kylastyles/signature.png" width="75" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11571403013373804683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-729710749313228418.post-85491531128938352822013-07-28T16:24:00.000-05:002013-07-28T16:24:19.394-05:00Blogiversary<br />
Today is my three year blogiversary! (I know it's been three years because Rosemary is three years old.) :-)<br />
<br />
My <a href="http://shelookslikeamom.blogspot.com/2010/07/you-look-like-mom.html">first post</a> consisted of me wondering how I looked when I ran an errand at Target. Rosemary was almost four months old then and I was lucky to have a moment to myself, even if I looked like I had been run over by a semi.<br />
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Fast forward to today, and everything is so different. Our family increased by one and is now complete; no more pregnancy clothes for this mama! Poppy is a year old, and every day she walks farther and farther away from being a baby. Rosemary is an independent little lady, about to start preschool this fall.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9237269714/" title="Children's Play Area at Mall by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Children's Play Area at Mall" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7357/9237269714_bc6e0dc5be.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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My, how things change.<br />
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I wouldn't have it any other way.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9345551511/" title="Peek-a-boo! by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Peek-a-boo!" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5345/9345551511_ec1a9f45a7.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<img align="right" alt="signature" border="0" height="50" src="http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/kylastyles/signature.png" width="75" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11571403013373804683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-729710749313228418.post-11716920510414264082013-07-08T21:05:00.000-05:002013-07-08T21:09:00.098-05:00The Game<br />
"Let's play the game, Po-ppy!" Rosemary chants in her high-pitch staccato, "Let's play the game!"<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9237219796/" title="IMG_0850 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0850" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7435/9237219796_510b00bb53.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
After the children smell of soap and toothpaste, after hair is brushed and pajamas are donned, Rosemary implores this of her sister every night without fail. We're not sure what "the game" is exactly, but Senpai and I watch them intently, trying to figure it out.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9237221436/" title="IMG_0854 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0854" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7451/9237221436_e81dae0f3d.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Tumbling happens. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9237219088/" title="IMG_0848 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0848" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5337/9237219088_df4b49673c.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9234438881/" title="IMG_0851 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0851" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7400/9234438881_3b6efc9023.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<i>Daddy once joked that the game wasn't over until someone hurt her head hard enough to be upset by it.</i><br />
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Peek-a-boo happens.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9234194255/" title="IMG_0560 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0560" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5512/9234194255_cf8ed7eb16.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Poppy invariably plays with the potty. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9237218294/" title="IMG_0841 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0841" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5484/9237218294_5fa833e63a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9073118338/" title="'Ey! by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="'Ey!" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5466/9073118338_ca7e139345.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<br />
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Senpai and I are not only observers, but participants, too.<br />
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We tickle.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9234450359/" title="IMG_0926 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0926" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7395/9234450359_550798a8e1.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<br />
Daddy might try to read a book...<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9070901699/" title="IMG_0754 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0754" height="375" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2825/9070901699_87e272fe25.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8727779194/" title="Bedtime Stories by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Bedtime Stories" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7439/8727779194_309a76c3b7.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
but the story sinks in better when Poppy's not around.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9234188623/" title="IMG_0491 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0491" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3809/9234188623_377f1df1ef.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<br />
And we toss kids around like pillows.<br />
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They LOVE it. </div>
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<img align="right" alt="signature" border="0" height="50" src="http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/kylastyles/signature.png" width="75" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11571403013373804683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-729710749313228418.post-81189744936333914932013-06-26T10:50:00.001-05:002013-06-26T11:03:48.319-05:00We Need Shaving Cream. LOTS of Shaving Cream.<br />
Here it is... our final week of 3 days at daycare. Next week, R's time at daycare will be cut to just one day, because it's better for Mommy and Daddy's wallets.<br />
<br />
She's been doing so well there. Being around other kids and listening to an adult other than Mommy and Daddy has paved the way towards her going to preschool. She still plays on her own instead of with the other kids, and she doesn't speak up in group discussions, but I credit that to her introversion. I recently read the book, "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking" by Susan Cain, and it has opened my eyes to how introversion is genetic. We're just wired differently, introverts and extroverts. And you can get an introvert to eventually adapt to the extroverted world, but at the end of the day, they just want some time to themselves. I'm okay with that. I'm an introvert, too, after all; who better to understand her than her bookish mother? So if the girl wants to play by herself at daycare, let her play by herself. She has a good friend at Storytime, and she plays with her sister here at home. She'll be alright.<br />
<br />
Poppy will certainly enjoy more time with her sister. She gets bored when it's just her and I at home. She constantly clings to my leg, waiting for me to pick her up again. But when Rosemary is home, the two of them get into such mischief. They had a blast on Monday.<br />
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I had bought a Lysol automatic soap dispenser to help Rosemary be more independent in the bathroom. She knows how to move her stool back and forth between the big potty and the sink, and she can climb up on the big potty all by herself now. The only thing she still needed my help with was working the pump on the soap bottle. I thought the automatic dispenser would work so well. And it did... a little TOO well.<br />
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The trouble started in the morning when Rosemary's toothpaste looked especially foamy in her mouth. Yup, the girl had put soap on her toothbrush. Then R washed her hands after lunch. I heard the water going for awhile. How long does it take rinse peanut butter off your hands? I walked in there and saw that the entire bottle of soap had been emptied. Sink, stool, floor... there was soap everywhere. Miraculously, somehow Rosemary avoided getting soap on herself. I cleaned all of that up, and then I heard Poppy start to grunt like she was pooping. I ripped the diaper off of her and put her on the little potty, but there was already some poop in the diaper which got on my hands. Because Rosemary had finished off the soap bottle, I had to run to the kitchen to get soap for my hands. When I returned to the bathroom, Poppy had climbed off the potty, but was still peeing and pooping. I got her cleaned up and then set her in the living room to play while I cleaned up the bathroom. There was no toilet paper to pick up the poop off the floor because Rosemary had used it all, so I ran to the basement to grab another roll. When I came back up, Poppy had knocked over my large sports mug full of water that Rosemary had removed from the kitchen table and set on the couch.<br />
<br />
Are you laughing yet?<br />
<br />
There will certainly be more stories like this since Rosemary will be home more often. I bought the girls wet shoes so I can take them to the splash pad. I am following homeschool and playtime blogs, trying to get ideas to keep them entertained and out of mischief. One thing's for sure: it looks like I need to buy shaving cream. LOTS of shaving cream. (Why do all of the cool crafts involve shaving cream?)<br />
<br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="signature" border="0" height="50" src="http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/kylastyles/signature.png" width="75" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11571403013373804683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-729710749313228418.post-13158145568894035872013-06-17T22:30:00.001-05:002013-06-19T14:37:02.586-05:00Pool<br />
It was a sweltering hot day. I asked Rosemary if she wanted to go swimming and she responded with enthusiasm. So after Poppy woke up from her nap, I told them, "Let's go get a pool!"<br />
<br />
I loaded the kids in the car and we drove a short way to a local hardware store that had the molded foam pools displayed in the window; I was done with the cheap blow-up pools that deflated after one use. I told the cashier we were interested in buying a pool and asked if the larger size would fold to fit in my small car. She didn't personally know, but the sales assistant she called to the front was very clear: No, it would break. "Okay, we'll take the small one!"<br />
<br />
Rosemary, Poppy, and I waited outside for the sales assistant to bring our pool to the car. I buckled the kids into their carseats and then required some assistance taking the headrests off the rear seat. The pool took up the entire trunk and went over the back seat as well, but it fit. I closed the trunk and drove home with no rear visibility whatsoever.<br />
<br />
When we got home, I turned the hose on to fill the pool while I got the girls into their swimsuits. I had bought Rosemary's suit when it was on sale last season and it's still a bit too big for her, so she has at least one perpetually dropped shoulder strap. Poppy, of course, gets a hand-me-down.<br />
<br />
I loaded them up with sunscreen, took them outside, and enjoyed seeing Rosemary's face light up when she jumped in the pool. Poppy took one look at it and her eyes said, "Oh, h*** no."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9070892299/" title="I am Not Going In There. by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="I am Not Going In There." height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7320/9070892299_7e78f11d84.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9073120518/" title="IMG_0733 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0733" height="375" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3789/9073120518_7eba26cbb5.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
I tried to lead her to it, "C'mon, baby, it's alright. Look, Rosemary is having fun!"<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9070895083/" title="IMG_0738 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0738" height="500" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2825/9070895083_b7e834a0da.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<br />
Still no.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9070895699/" title="Nuh-uh. I'm Not Going in There. by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Nuh-uh. I'm Not Going in There." height="500" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2807/9070895699_a7f65e6d96.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<br />
Instead of playing in the pool, Poppy decided she wanted to climb on everything.<br />
<br />
This.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9073121072/" title="And Climb Everything. by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="And Climb Everything." height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7445/9073121072_73a5d8dd28.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
And this.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9070897063/" title="IMG_0745 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0745" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5545/9070897063_a3cd4e74df.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<br />
Especially up here.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9070897627/" title="She Just Can't Get High Enough by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="She Just Can't Get High Enough" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3809/9070897627_197591b822.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<br />
Okay, Poppy, you're done!!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9070899007/" title="Daredevil by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Daredevil" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7387/9070899007_a2f7ffa58c.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
We tried again the next day.<br />
<br />
I started off slowly, first standing myself in the pool while holding Poppy, and then lowering her down into the water.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9073130008/" title="Okay, I'll Get In by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Okay, I'll Get In" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7393/9073130008_5b4b03e429.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<br />
She liked it!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9073132594/" title="IMG_0761 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0761" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7282/9073132594_e09af93177.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
I didn't bother putting a suit on her because I wasn't sure if she'd even go in the water. When it was apparent that she would be playing in the pool, I slapped the swim diaper on her and slathered on the sunscreen.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9070904323/" title="IMG_0760 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0760" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7348/9070904323_bab1347426.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Yay, pool!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/9070903331/" title="IMG_0759 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0759" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7460/9070903331_4821cf26ed.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>How do you cool off in the summer heat?</b><br />
<img align="right" alt="signature" border="0" height="50" src="http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/kylastyles/signature.png" width="75" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11571403013373804683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-729710749313228418.post-31134927267207109982013-06-04T21:37:00.002-05:002013-06-04T22:03:11.194-05:00A History of Reading<br />
This doesn't happen often (not often enough, at least), but here I am at Barnes & Noble.... alone.<br />
<br />
I am here often enough with the girls for Storytime. We arrive early to make time for potty breaks and play in the toy section. Then we head to the children's book area and listen to the story, sing songs, and color. After that, if both girls are in good spirits and behaving, we go back to play with the trains and blocks again before we drive home for lunch. Not once do I browse at books. My eyes are glued to the girls while we're here. I talk and am social with the other mothers. I am in a bookstore, and I don't look at a single book.<br />
<br />
I have had a lifelong affair with books. My parents read to my brother and I when we were young. There was a shelf of books in my room from as early as I can remember. I spent summer vacations with my nose in books, even going so far as to finish the pages in the vocabulary workbooks that my class didn't get to complete during the school year. I loved reading. My Mom always had to tell me to close my book when we were eating dinner together as a family. I didn't understand why I couldn't keep reading when we weren't much of a conversational family in the first place.<br />
<br />
While sitting around the stage for Storytime, I do peek at the titles of the books lined up on the shelves surrounding us. Youth Fiction. My favorite store to visit whenever we went to the mall when I was a kid was called "Young Editions." It was a store filled to the brim with youth fiction. My favorite book series still to this day is the Prydain Chronicles by Lloyd Alexander that I picked up at Young Editions. It was a sad day when the store closed.<br />
<br />
I spent most of my high school career in a library. Two different high schools, three different libraries (you have to include the county library, of course). College wasn't too terribly different, come to think of it now: add two more schools and three more libraries to the list. It's no wonder that my first job post college was as a file clerk, never minding the fact that my degree was in graphic design.<br />
<br />
Here, in this town, I haven't found a library that I like yet. The one closest to us is small and old, and I haven't spent the time to explore others. It's no wonder that Barnes & Noble is my current refuge for books. Before we had kids, Senpai and I would come here to grab a coffee drink and sit together on a bench by the window to browse through the magazines. I would inevitably leave Senpai on the bench while I explored the stacks, looking for a new Haruki Murakami masterpiece or something similar. Later, when Rosemary was growing in my belly, I would pick up parenting books.<br />
<br />
It's a shame now that I don't even look at the books most times I'm here. Sometimes Senpai joins us, and he and I will trade off watching the girls while the other finds reading material. He'll go off to the magazine racks, and when he comes back, I make a quick trip to the parenting books. I can peek through those quick enough to see if there's anything that calls to me. But here I am tonight, alone with my thoughts and all of the time in the world to explore. So if you'll excuse me... I've got some new fiction to discover.<br />
<br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="signature" border="0" height="50" src="http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/kylastyles/signature.png" width="75" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11571403013373804683noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-729710749313228418.post-22061007804653003472013-05-29T23:37:00.000-05:002013-05-31T19:09:37.832-05:00Second Captain<br />
Sometimes, a mom's just gotta drink.<br />
<br />
<img alt=" photo secondcaptain2_zpse31ddb6e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/kylastyles/secondcaptain2_zpse31ddb6e.jpg" width="500" /><br />
<br />
Once upon a time (2009, actually), Senpai and I went on our honeymoon in Waikiki, Hawaii. We had been married for two years already and thought we should get the honeymoon out of the way before, you know, having kids.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/3803324332/" title="Last Sunset in Hawaii by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Last Sunset in Hawaii" height="281" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2478/3803324332_0018e22468.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
On our last night in paradise, we walked along the beach until we stumbled into <a href="http://www.dukeswaikiki.com/">Duke's Waikiki</a> bar. We sat outside on the patio and listened to a Jack Johnson lookalike while we sipped delicious cocktails, one of which was called "Second Captain." We fell in love. <br />
<br />
<img alt=" photo secondcaptain1_zps51bcb5b5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/kylastyles/secondcaptain1_zps51bcb5b5.jpg" width="500" /><br />
<br />
When we returned to the Midwest, I scoured the internet in search of the recipe but couldn't find it. I made a few failed attempts based on the description I remembered from the menu and then gave up.<br />
<br />
Fast forward to this Memorial Day weekend. Senpai and I had a romantic evening to celebrate our 6 year anniversary... and then the rest of the weekend fell to pieces. By Monday night I was running out to the liquor store, determined to enjoy a refreshing drink that might turn our frazzled moods around. I found this "I'm Bananas Over You" cream liquor and knew it was the missing ingredient to our elusive drink. I raced home, got the blender going, and then sat down to taste paradise once again. When I gave Senpai a sip, he said it was the closest he's been to Hawaii in a long time.<br />
<br />
I know exactly how long. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Second Captain</b><br />
<br />
<i>Ingredients:</i><br />
Raspberries<br />
Bananas<br />
Banana Cream Liquor<br />
Captain Morgan<br />
Passion Juice<br />
Ice<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8886166244/" title="IMG_0539 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0539" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7353/8886166244_a089c639ba.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<br />
<i>Directions:</i><br />
1. Blend raspberries. You may need to add a little water to process them. Pour into a separate container and set aside.<br />
<br />
2. In a clean blender, combine 1 banana, 1 shot banana cream liquor, 1 shot Captain Morgan, a splash of passion juice (Dole Paradise Blend works well), and 1 cup of ice. Blend thoroughly.<br />
<br />
3. Line the bottom of a hurricane glass with the raspberry puree (you won't use all of the puree... save the rest for another glass). Fill the remainder of the glass with the banana mixture. Garnish with a fresh pineapple wedge.<br />
<br />
<i>Makes 1 drink.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
Sadly enough, "Second Captain" is no longer on Duke's menu. All the more reason to enjoy it at home.<br />
<br />
Just close your eyes, put your feet up, and imagine that gentle Hawaiian breeze.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/3803326652/" title="Hawaiian Moon by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hawaiian Moon" height="281" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2551/3803326652_4c8c0357de.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="signature" border="0" height="50" src="http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/kylastyles/signature.png" width="75" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11571403013373804683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-729710749313228418.post-17302167874383324672013-05-26T22:19:00.002-05:002013-06-17T22:48:56.730-05:00Play<br />
The girls are starting to play together.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8779809042/" title="IMG_0086 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0086" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8549/8779809042_9887cddcf3.jpg" width="374" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8764304919/" title="IMG_0158 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0158" height="375" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2861/8764304919_dca07e2dd4.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8726660031/" title="IMG_0243 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0243" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7312/8726660031_0696aeb06a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Poppy is always interested in whatever Rosemary is doing. Rosemary tries not to be annoyed about it, but you just know she so totally is.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8778920724/" title="IMG_0408 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0408" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8266/8778920724_aceca8ca20.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8767015024/" title="IMG_0202 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0202" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7399/8767015024_3c33e1fe6a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8773086253/" title="IMG_0032 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0032" height="374" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5466/8773086253_46064b1dc9.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8772372067/" title="IMG_0435 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0435" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5442/8772372067_f3854a796d.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
They do well playing side by side until Poppy knocks over Rosemary's block tower.<br />
R is all about her block towers.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8772385259/" title="IMG_0465 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0465" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7323/8772385259_9e2136393d.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
They both love the swings.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8708256416/" title="IMG_0205 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0205" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8140/8708256416_a947da6c00.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
And here they are providing some after-dinner entertainment. (warning: turn down your volume)<br />
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<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
Looking forward to seeing their relationship continue to develop. <img alt=" photo heart_zpsc4d0389a.jpg" border="0" height="10" src="http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/kylastyles/heart_zpsc4d0389a.jpg" /><br />
<img align="right" alt="signature" border="0" height="50" src="http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/kylastyles/signature.png" width="75" /><!--3-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11571403013373804683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-729710749313228418.post-30044785113306157262013-05-21T22:53:00.000-05:002013-05-21T22:53:04.213-05:00Birthday Girl<br />
Poppy's birthday was on a Friday. In lieu of a party, we pretty much celebrated the entire weekend.<br />
<br />
On Friday, we visited the hospital where she was born to <a href="http://shelookslikeamom.blogspot.com/2013/05/on-poppys-first-birthday.html">deliver gifts</a> to the NICU.<br />
<br />
On Saturday, we ate dinner at California Pizza Kitchen, and Poppy tasted her first cupcake.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8772325715/" title="IMG_0338 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0338" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7291/8772325715_91c64f9287.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8772327977/" title="IMG_0340 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0340" height="375" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2836/8772327977_c037bde6ab.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8772326839/" title="IMG_0339 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0339" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5447/8772326839_1e80a3822e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
On Sunday, we did gifts and another round of cupcakes.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8767007192/" title="IMG_0170 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0170" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5451/8767007192_456e59a304.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8767010654/" title="IMG_0190 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0190" height="375" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3672/8767010654_4dc6480c50.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8767012616/" title="IMG_0199 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0199" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8400/8767012616_94b0aeeaf1.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8773242173/" title="IMG_0078 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0078" height="374" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2828/8773242173_ce7d52af58.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Monday capped the weekend off with Poppy's one-year well visit checkup.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8778907366/" title="IMG_0380 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0380" height="375" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2842/8778907366_209d696b52.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
She's one year old now, but she's still my baby.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8778898322/" title="IMG_0362 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0362" height="375" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2832/8778898322_5dbd890b67.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
I love both of my babies to pieces.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8767016218/" title="IMG_0131 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0131" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8276/8767016218_a5ce6dbf42.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<img align="right" alt="signature" border="0" height="50" src="http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/kylastyles/signature.png" width="75" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11571403013373804683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-729710749313228418.post-67340583137454863282013-05-10T22:37:00.000-05:002013-05-12T11:49:42.607-05:00On Poppy's First Birthday<br />
In celebration of Poppy's first birthday, we went back to the NICU today to deliver gifts. We had done it <a href="http://shelookslikeamom.blogspot.com/2011/04/revisiting-nicu.html">before</a>. I bought some preemie outfits and put them in a gift bag with this photo montage:<br />
<img alt=" photo poppy1stbday_zps49b82326.jpg" border="0" src="http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/kylastyles/poppy1stbday_zps49b82326.jpg" width="500" /><br />
<br />
I dropped Rosemary off at daycare this morning and then Poppy and I took the long drive to St. Louis to meet Daddy up for lunch. After lunch, Daddy had to go back to work, but Poppy and I continued further into the city until we reached the hospital where both she and Rosemary were born.<br />
<br />
The sense of deja vu that accompanies these visits always gives me the chills. Memories just washed over me: finding a spot in the parking garage ("<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Palatino, Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://shelookslikeamom.blogspot.com/2012/05/long-drive-home.html">I made it back to my car in the parking garage, sent Senpai a text asking him to take care of dinner, and then.... I dropped my chair back and took a nap.</a>"</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">), using the elevator </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Palatino, Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">("</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Palatino, Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://shelookslikeamom.blogspot.com/2012/05/held-up.html">We laughed it off when the elevator took us to the basement, and then the sub-basement, but no one laughed when it stopped and the doors didn't open.</a>"</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Palatino, Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">), </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">waiting in front of the NICU doors. Those memories seem like a lifetime ago... until I'm back there and it all comes rushing back. There were some changes, too. The bridge from the garage to the hospital that was under construction last year is completed. The roundabout to the back entrance is completed. With these projects done, the garage is metered again and no longer free (boo....). A new project that I hadn't seen started before is a beautiful waterscape descending from the front entrance to the back. I hope I get a chance to see that when it's done. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Inside the building, the hallways were blocked off by new nurse stations and locked doors. I told the lady at the first station that I had gifts for the NICU, and she pushed the button to open the automatic doors. I walked a bit and avoided the next station by turning right to arrive at the NICU doors. I picked up the phone and told the receptionist that I had gifts to deliver. The doors swung open. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This part lasted for only a moment. The receptionist was new, not someone who recognized us, so there were no happy greetings and no calling of free nurses to the front for a visit. I just told the guy, "It's this baby's birthday today. She was born here and stayed in the NICU, so we're celebrating her birthday by bringing preemie outfits for you." I handed him the bag and then walked out.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It was all rather anti-climactic. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I decided to go to the cafeteria to see if they had any chocolate pudding for me to indulge in (it was my favorite lunch treat; I made quite a few facebook posts about it). I was happy to see plenty of dark pudding cups lined up in the cold case, but then I realized I couldn't afford one, haha. I had always eaten with a nursing mother voucher before! I was full from our lunch out with Senpai anyway, so it was probably for the best that I didn't further stuff myself with unnecessary treats. </span></span><br />
<br />
Not sure what to do next, I thought Poppy and I might go to the picnic tables outside where I used to eat. As we worked our way out of the cafeteria, I was thrilled to run into the lactation consultant who-- out of a group of three-- was the one who worked with us the most. It was a very serendipitous encounter.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8726661009/" title="The Lactation Consultant who worked with us by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="The Lactation Consultant who worked with us" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7325/8726661009_ffcc17fa37.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
The LC, Becki, was so thrilled to see us. She remembered Poppy's name and even recalled some details of her NICU stay, "She was one of those babies who did so well and then just conked out. Do you remember that? Around 36 weeks." Yes, I remember now. Becki loved hearing that Poppy breastfeeds so well, and further delighted in the fact that Poppy refuses to take bottles, "It's because you worked so hard at it. You did that." I did what I had to do. Everything that went wrong with Rosemary, I did the opposite for Poppy. I wish I had known better when it was Rosemary's turn, but there is nothing to be done about that now. It still makes me sad, though.<br />
<br />
Becki took our picture to show to the other LC's and then we said our goodbyes. Poppy and I continued out to the courtyard.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8726661443/" title="Mommy's favorite lunch spot by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Mommy's favorite lunch spot" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7403/8726661443_77e9500235.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
We didn't stay outside for too long as the weather was cold and dreary. Making our way back through the cafeteria, we had another chance encounter with one of Poppy's NICU nurses, Kim.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8726661621/" title="One of P's NICU nurses by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="One of P's NICU nurses" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7393/8726661621_ca18a37f45.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
After that, I let Poppy wander wherever she wanted to go.<br />
<br />
The seats in front of the elevators...<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8726661787/" title="Hospital Waiting Area by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hospital Waiting Area" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7381/8726661787_d4d6611a71.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<br />
and the stairs.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8727780416/" title="Hospital Stairs by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hospital Stairs" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7410/8727780416_d2b3e7f498.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Poppy received many complements from passersby: <i>She looks like Strawberry Shortcake! She's such a doll. Does she know how cute she is?</i> They're all true.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We ended our visit with a walk through the gift shop. I bought Poppy a stuffed animal for a birthday gift, and I bought myself a bottled frappuccino. I didn't get my chocolate pudding, but no day at the hospital would have been complete without a vanilla frappuccino. I bought the place out back in the day! Overall, it was a lovely visit. I'm very glad we did this. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Again.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8726661211/" title="Birthday Girl by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Birthday Girl" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7452/8726661211_a2564eccab.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="signature" border="0" height="50" src="http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/kylastyles/signature.png" width="75" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11571403013373804683noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-729710749313228418.post-24367377015141496702013-05-08T21:45:00.000-05:002013-05-26T22:25:20.528-05:00Sleepless Mommy<br />
It's a cruel twist of fate that when I was dying from exhaustion earlier this afternoon, Poppy refused to nap. And now that she is sleeping soundly, I can't fall asleep. I've been lying in bed since 7 pm. It's just not gonna happen yet. I am so backlogged on sleep it isn't funny. Not that I ever consider lack of sleep to be humorous...<br />
<br />
I don't like the mother I am when I'm not well rested. Well-Rested Mommy is patient, kind, and loving. Sleepless Mommy is snippy with Daddy, apathetic to the children's cries, and just downright mean. I lost patience with Rosemary today at 8 am. There was no recovery after that, and our important foot doctor appointment in St. Louis suffered. She didn't want to go to the appointment, she wanted to stay home. "Sorry, honey, your Daddy worked really hard to get us this appointment. We've been waiting for months and now the day is finally here. We have to go." Cue toddler meltdown. Cue adorable baby sister getting kicked in the FACE with a SNEAKERED FOOT. Cue Mommy rage (you might as well cut to the credits here because the rest of the day was no better). We did make it to the appointment and we did hear some good news that this current pair of orthotics may be Rosemary's last, but Rosemary was not on good behavior. The doctor wasn't able to complete some important tests simply because the girl wouldn't stop foaming at the mouth.<br />
<br />
I know her misbehavior stemmed from being sent to daycare yesterday for the first time in a year; I don't blame her for wanting to stay home today. It was a rough morning leaving her there. She was perfectly happy and content when Senpai picked her up later in the day, but drop-off was brutal. I am not looking forward to tomorrow morning. Or Friday morning. But I need this. I need her to be stimulated by children her own age. I need a nap! The girl doesn't nap anymore. I go upstairs to lie down and nurse Poppy, I get all nice and relaxed.... Poppy falls asleep, and then I groggily go back downstairs, trying to pep myself up enough to be good company for Rosemary. It's hard, especially when I've been living off 4 hours of sleep at night. My diseased body craves ten hours.<br />
<br />
I'm an emotional wreck. I'm anxious about the act of dropping Rosemary off at daycare. I'm anxious about my lack of a preschool decision and worry that I've missed important deadlines. I feel guilty that I haven't planned Poppy a proper first birthday party. That one stings. I let indecisiveness, uncertainty, and inaction ruin my daughter's first birthday. What kind of a mother am I?<br />
<br />
One who needs sleep. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="signature" border="0" height="50" src="http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/kylastyles/signature.png" width="75" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11571403013373804683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-729710749313228418.post-20590756951220111742013-05-06T08:01:00.000-05:002013-05-06T08:01:28.443-05:00Tired and Housebound<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8713132163/" title="Sick Cupcake by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Sick Cupcake" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8544/8713132163_7a9d4b16bc.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<i>Sick Cupcake.</i><br />
<br />
Scratch this one off as another night of no sleep for Mommy. Between Poppy teething last week and then Rosemary developing a fever yesterday, I can't seem to spend enough time unconscious. My patience is worn thin.<br />
<br />
I also realized last night that I hadn't left the house since Thursday morning... that's depressing. Since Rosemary is still asleep right now, I'm guessing she still doesn't feel well, which means we're canceling any plans for Storytime for this morning. Another day of being housebound.<br />
<br />
When Senpai comes home tonight, I can't decide if I'd rather run to the car or run to the bed. Can I do both?<br />
<br />
Mommy needs a night off.<br />
<br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="signature" border="0" height="50" src="http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/kylastyles/signature.png" width="75" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11571403013373804683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-729710749313228418.post-53155907126297218002013-05-04T13:50:00.001-05:002013-05-04T13:50:29.396-05:00Preschool Prep.... ha.<br />
This was the week it all fell apart.<br />
<br />
Poppy is teething. She's had the same two bottom teeth out since February, and now her top canines are trying to join the party. I can feel the bumps protruding, but nothing has broken the surface of the gums yet. I wish they'd hurry up and come out already so we all can sleep again. She has been feverish and unhappy. She desperately needs sleep, but she does not stay down for a nap when I try to walk away. It has been very hard to do anything but pay attention to her. That being the case, Rosemary's studies have been pushed to the wayside.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8708326116/" title="IMG_0231 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0231" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8545/8708326116_126bc10889.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<i>Midnight munchies for a miserable, teething baby.</i><br />
<br />
Senpai reminded me that we have money allocated toward daycare that needs to be used before July 1st. I scheduled Rosemary to go back to the <a href="http://shelookslikeamom.blogspot.com/2012/04/daycare.html">daycare</a> she had been at before, starting next week. It's a good daycare; the reason we <a href="http://shelookslikeamom.blogspot.com/2012/07/just-jumping-in-for-quick-update-here.html">took her out</a> was because she wasn't handling the separation well. She is more sociable and outgoing now, so hopefully she will like the experience better. We told her that she will go there to play with other kids and she sounds happy about the idea. The daycare does crafts and lessons everyday. I will gladly let them teach Rosemary while Poppy's gums are under attack from sharp, pointy teeth. Once I can sleep and think again, I will check in and see where Rosemary's studies may need supplementing at home.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8707129793/" title="IMG_0194 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0194" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8542/8707129793_03055aae23.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
I'm looking forward to seeing this happy face again...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8707202463/" title="IMG_0215 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0215" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8416/8707202463_fbabfc4ef8.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
So I can enjoy more of this.<br />
<br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="signature" border="0" height="50" src="http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/kylastyles/signature.png" width="75" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11571403013373804683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-729710749313228418.post-36938462437366781342013-04-30T13:31:00.000-05:002013-04-30T13:31:01.017-05:00Marching On<br />
We participated in the March for Babies this past Saturday.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8688061862/" title="We forgot the front wheels to the Chariot. Whoops. by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="We forgot the front wheels to the Chariot. Whoops." height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8253/8688061862_1403d8aa63.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<br />
It was a rainy day.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8686942415/" title="IMG_0130 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0130" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8120/8686942415_12a0d7608e.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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We did not make any new friends like we hoped we would, but, like I said, it was a cold, rainy day. Nobody wants to stand around and chat in the rain. It was still an amazing experience to be surrounded by so many people who have been touched by prematurity. I'd look at the kids bundled up in wagons and strollers and wonder which of them spent nights in the NICU. Just one? Or, as in our case, all of them? And how many babies weren't there that day? How many are still in the hospitals?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8686942605/" title="People! by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="People!" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8259/8686942605_ef97a1cccb.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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During the opening announcements, when a singer belted out the National Anthem, I lost it. I couldn't stop crying for the rest of the speeches. My tears blended with the fine mist of rain as I held Poppy's hands and helped her toddle around near the Chariot. The announcers standing on the dry stage were talking about the sheer number of walkers that day, in the past, in our local area, and everywhere. So many babies. Rosemary and Poppy are two success stories. But, as the yellow "In Memory" signs we saw at the end of the march pointed out, not all babies are so lucky. I am so very thankful.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8686941071/" title="Daddy and His Girls by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Daddy and His Girls" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8405/8686941071_acb8a905c7.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<i>My beautiful family.</i> <br />
<br />
Senpai mentioned places we could go eat lunch after the 3.1 mile walk. His most poignant idea was to go to the shopping center next to the hospital Rosemary and Poppy were delivered at, where many a lunch had been eaten before. It was a lovely idea, but I was cold, wet, and cranky. All I wanted to do was go home and curl up under blankets while nursing Poppy to sleep. My emotions were already fried; another punch to my heart would have sent me over the edge. So we went home. We stripped off rain-soaked clothes, I cuddled Poppy close under the covers, and we both drifted off to sleep together, counting our blessings.<br />
<br />
<br />
We will do this again next year, hopefully in nicer weather.<br />
<br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="signature" border="0" height="50" src="http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/kylastyles/signature.png" width="75" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11571403013373804683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-729710749313228418.post-20511063857427397082013-04-29T13:38:00.001-05:002013-04-29T21:41:34.398-05:00ELEVEN<br />
We're long overdue for a Poppy update! She is 11 months old, and there are 11 days left until her first birthday.<br />
<br />
She has two teeth. They grew in at the end of her ninth month, so that must have been late February.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8688051686/" title="Two Teeth by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Two Teeth" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8404/8688051686_11d42cb1e3.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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She claps. Just started doing that last week. Another new thing from last week was that she learned how to say "Dada." She's been saying "Mama" since January. I was thrilled that she said Mama first, since <a href="http://shelookslikeamom.blogspot.com/2011/02/mama.html">Rosemary was the other way around</a>. ^_^<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8688053822/" title="She Claps! by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="She Claps!" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8406/8688053822_d00c3d53bf.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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You already know that <a href="http://shelookslikeamom.blogspot.com/2013/04/she-crawls.html">she crawls</a>. She started that at the beginning of April.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8688046594/" title="On a Stroll by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="On a Stroll" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8116/8688046594_d4c3b9424e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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She's started trying to climb the stairs. She can make it the second step. There's a door that opens to the stairwell from the dining room, so, needless to say, we leave that door closed now when Poppy is crawling around. Rosemary needs to learn how to use the door so she can make it to the bathroom!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8688049696/" title="IMG_0102 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0102" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8400/8688049696_1881596bde.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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Poppy loves to do everything her sister is doing. She learned how to use straw cups and sippy cups way sooner <a href="http://shelookslikeamom.blogspot.com/2010/11/what-7-mos-looks-like.html">than Rosemary did</a> just from watching her.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8686922469/" title="IMG_0050 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0050" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8258/8686922469_f2b93db2d9.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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She loves to rifle through the diaper bag, looking for fun things to play with, including her sister's underwear and Mommy's wallet.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8688040778/" title="Rifling through the diaper bag by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Rifling through the diaper bag" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8399/8688040778_fac7cfde25.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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And she still loves food.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8688040326/" title="One for you... by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="One for you..." height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8126/8688040326_2f7b04c8fc.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<br />
Well, there's our Cookie, just shy of her first birthday. She's almost walking, too. Mommy and Daddy are super proud. :-)<br />
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<img align="right" alt="signature" border="0" height="50" src="http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/kylastyles/signature.png" width="75" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11571403013373804683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-729710749313228418.post-72411596143369381622013-04-27T23:24:00.001-05:002013-05-01T23:27:44.824-05:00Preschool Prep, Week 4<br />
This week was about field trips!<br />
<br />
I had a doctor appt. in St. Louis on Monday. Senpai and I figured out the last time I had an appointment down there that the Science Center was reasonably close to my doctor's office. So we did this time what we did last time: Senpai drove to the Science Center from his work, I dropped the kids off with him, and then I booked it over to my appointment. Rosemary was looking forward to this ALL MONTH. She kept asking to "go dinosaurs with Daddy." In reality, the true-to-life-size animatronic t-rex standing over a bloody herbivore (I don't know dinosaurs...) scares her, but she still loves to go and watch the thing move its head from side to side while she's being held by her Daddy. Poppy just enjoys the excitement of being around other kids. (I don't have pictures from this trip as I was at the doctor appointment, of course.)<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/EqylpSvItuE" width="560"></iframe><br />
<i>Look, somebody else (thelope.com) took a video of the t-rex. Looks like he's standing over a triceratops. Yeah, I know that one. :-p</i><br />
<br />
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Tuesday and Wednesday were rainy days filled with activities at home such as cutting and pasting. We didn't do worksheets this week because our printer ran out of ink. I can't photocopy the worksheet pages out of the preschool book until I go buy more.<br />
<br />
<br />
Thursday, Rosemary, Poppy, and I went to the zoo with a friend from out of town. We had lots of fun!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8688042852/" title="Jasmine! by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Jasmine!" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8406/8688042852_8c4faeac82.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<br />
We rode the carousel.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8688041382/" title="IMG_0077 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0077" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8395/8688041382_8ba3995e01.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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Rosemary's favorite part was the elephants. Poppy was just happy not to be sat on by her sister.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8686924751/" title="IMG_0079 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0079" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8124/8686924751_48a8da6252.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<br />
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On Friday, Rosemary worked on tracing letters with drafting paper. She did really well for a first try!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8688043018/" title="Tracing by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Tracing" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8537/8688043018_930b80e802.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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I traced F to show her how, then I guided her hand for A, B, and E. She did the rest on her own. :-)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8688044282/" title="Tracing by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Tracing" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8545/8688044282_e312c7cc8c.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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We also read a book about butterflies.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8686930577/" title="Butterfly book by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Butterfly book" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8123/8686930577_254a1265f2.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Every page has the word "butterfly" on it, so I asked Rosemary to point the word out on every page. She was so proud of her ability to find it that she wanted to go through the book again.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8686931957/" title="I asked her to point out the word "butterfly" on every page by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="I asked her to point out the word "butterfly" on every page" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8538/8686931957_fa37ca121c.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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I have to admit, by calling these posts "Preschool Prep," it's setting me up for the idea of sending Rosemary off to preschool eventually. I've got one place picked out that I really want to send her to, but she has to be at least four years old to attend, which means she can't go until Fall 2014. I don't know what to do with her until then. I was given a huge list of names of preschools in our local area and I don't know where to begin. How do I know which one to send her to? I admit that I am overwhelmed. I do much better with fewer choices; I need to start narrowing down my list.<br />
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<img align="right" alt="signature" border="0" height="50" src="http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/kylastyles/signature.png" width="75" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11571403013373804683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-729710749313228418.post-78358474486667714432013-04-24T22:34:00.000-05:002013-04-24T22:37:37.247-05:00iPhone Identity Crisis<br />
I have a new cell phone.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8679802454/" title="iPhone by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="iPhone" height="379" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8384/8679802454_ecebc13222.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Yes, it's an iPhone. My first ever. I liked my Android phone well enough before it started malfunctioning (totally my fault. I gave the phone to Poppy one morning so I could sleep in peace an extra 15 minutes, and she got baby slobber in the charging port... it didn't like that), but Senpai made the excellent point that our cell phones are our cameras, and the iPhone has the best camera. I'm using this thing to record my children's memories; it has to be the best.<br />
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In trying to make the phone mine, I bought a cute case and downloaded a few apps, but I was having problems picking a wallpaper. I went to <a href="http://pixelgirlpresents.com/">pixel girl</a>, a site that I used to get my candy-sweet wallpapers from, but nothing appealed to me. The bold rainbows, unicorns, and anime girls of my past no longer made me squeal with delight. Even the zen-themed cherry blossoms and bamboo sprouts didn't touch a chord. It all makes me wonder: who am I anymore? What images represent who I am today?<br />
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I really have no idea.<br />
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I was at a loss. I had stood in front of the display at the Apple Store for quite a long time to choose a phone case (the low blood sugar didn't help), but I finally picked one I love. So, in choosing a wallpaper, I did what seemed logical: downloaded one from the <a href="http://www.cathkidstonusa.com/t-wallpaper.aspx">same person</a> who designed the case.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8679802454/" title="iPhone by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="iPhone" height="379" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8384/8679802454_ecebc13222.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Apparently, vintage roses represent the new me. Am I proud of that? Not especially. Do they make me smile? Yes.<br />
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And that's all that really matters.<br />
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<img align="right" alt="signature" border="0" height="50" src="http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/kylastyles/signature.png" width="75" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11571403013373804683noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-729710749313228418.post-59748802219744418692013-04-19T23:04:00.001-05:002013-04-19T23:08:37.510-05:00Preschool Prep, Week 3<br />
This week, we fell away from using the envelopes. I didn't like feeling restricted by what was on them, especially if it said "Play at the park" on a rainy, miserable day. Why should Rosemary be denied a sticker for a silly reason like that? And Rosemary fought against them, too. She started off Monday by looking at the list and saying, "No." I reiterated that she wouldn't get a sticker if she didn't do everything on the list, and she was quite okay with that. So the lists are gone. I still made the clear intention to myself that we would do a worksheet and projects every day as if they had been written down on a list.<br />
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In spite of the sass against Monday's list, Rosemary was still open enough to learn our phone number! I was so proud of my teaching abilities; I felt like a rock star. There was also Storytime on Monday morning. Senpai was able to come join us. It was awesome seeing him there since we hadn't seen him much during the weekend.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8664461664/" title="Untitled by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8262/8664461664_a8851e7805.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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I bought a Melissa and Doug bead block set at Barnes & Noble. Both Rosemary and Poppy enjoy it.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8663364183/" title="Untitled by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8261/8663364183_e6697e3725.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8664464944/" title="Untitled by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8254/8664464944_b18d96a540.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<i>Alright, we are branching into a photo-free zone here. I had taken a few pictures but they are on my old cell phone, which is acting buggy and will no longer sync with my computer. It also refuses to charge its battery which just died, so the pictures are being held hostage. Enter new cell phone! We're still waiting for the phone number to switch over, but I am the brand new owner of an iPhone 5. It's my first ever iPhone. I'm looking forward to it not giving me the same issues my old phone did. </i><br />
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Tuesday, we baked cookies. As the single-serving cookie idea was never going to work, we made a whole batch of oatmeal raisin cookies. They are dairy-free, so Poppy can enjoy them, too! Going by the Letter Roundup we had done last Friday, I wanted to reinforce the letters she wasn't sure about. I thought I'd start at the top with A. On Tuesday she traced a capital and lowercase A onto drafting paper with my help. She held the marker and I moved her hand. I'm going to keep trying to get her to do it all by herself.<br />
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We continued learning A on Wednesday by gluing pom pom balls onto a piece of paper. I drew the line with glue and Rosemary put the pom poms on. She was so excited by the pom poms that we glued them on B and C on Thursday and Friday, as well. This morning, Friday, I tested her knowledge of the alphabet with the Letter Roundup worksheet again. She got 9 more letters today for a total of 18! 8 more to go! Once all of the letters on this worksheet are highlighted, I think I'll print out a new one and start over, just to really make sure she knows her letters.<br />
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Another project we did this week was a worksheet from her Preschool book. It was a cutting and gluing project. We started on Wednesday by doing the cutting part. I helped her line the scissors up on the paper and she snipped away, cutting pictures of foods out. On Thursday, there was a paper with three different colored shopping carts, red, yellow, and green, and Rosemary was supposed to glue the foods in the appropriate basket. I helped her with the glue stick. This was a lesson to me to remember that bananas are sometimes green, apples and cherries are sometimes yellow, and corn is sometimes red. I love how kids remind adults to stretch their imaginations.<br />
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That was our week. There was some craziness thrown in with the cell phones and the Spring rains, but we survived. On to next week!<br />
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<img align="right" alt="signature" border="0" height="50" src="http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/kylastyles/signature.png" width="75" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11571403013373804683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-729710749313228418.post-13161670513250075802013-04-12T23:43:00.003-05:002013-04-12T23:44:17.796-05:00Preschool Prep, Week 2<br />
Well, we've got another week of lists and stickers under our belt. As much as I want to just wing it as we go, I find that our days go so much more smoothly when I pre-plan the night before.<br />
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For Monday, I looked up what the Storytime book would be about and then planned our activities around that. The book was "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Red-Boat-Hannah-Cumming/dp/1846434939/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1365824548&sr=1-1&keywords=the+red+boat">The Red Boat</a>" by Hannah Cumming. So when we got home I folded a red origami canoe for Rosemary and let her paint a lake for the boat to float on with some of her toys inside.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8643907758/" title="Painting a Lake by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Painting a Lake" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8106/8643907758_5fa20861ae.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8643907940/" title="In the Boat by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="In the Boat" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8246/8643907940_ebebe07de4.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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On Tuesday, we voted! I carried Poppy on my back and pushed Rosemary in the stroller to our polling place. Rosemary got a sticker, seen on her hand below. A fire truck was in the parking lot and Rosemary talked to a fireman and sat in his seat in the fire truck. She declined putting his helmet on her head. We then went home and voted on what we would eat for lunch. I voted for leftover hamburgers, but Rosemary and Poppy won the vote for PB&J sandwiches.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8642811149/" title="Making a Voting Box by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Making a Voting Box" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8382/8642811149_7bb355c20b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Decorating the voting box.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8643908728/" title="Counting Votes by Namako Team!, on Flickr"></a><br />
Tallying votes.<br />
<img alt="Counting Votes" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8120/8643908728_9154b5436b.jpg" width="500" /><br />
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We also played Chutes & Ladders. Rosemary won!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8642811983/" title="Our first time playing Chutes & Ladders, and she won! by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Our first time playing Chutes & Ladders, and she won!" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8244/8642811983_72d4ed709f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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On Wednesday we went to the craft store to pick up supplies to make a "calm down jar." I call it a Sparkle Jar. I had seen the tutorial on Pinterest and wanted to give it a go.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8642812407/" title="Dispensing Glitter Glue by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Dispensing Glitter Glue" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8119/8642812407_40073d7e4a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Making the jar.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8643909692/" title="Shake It! by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Shake It!" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8121/8643909692_70318bceb7.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Giving it a good shake!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8644067834/" title="Falling Sparkles by Namako Team!, on Flickr"></a><br />
This is what it looks like at rest.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8642967895/" title="Settled by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Settled" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8530/8642967895_97214f06d8.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
Falling stars.<br />
<img alt="Falling Sparkles" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8536/8644067834_2936dfb8ce.jpg" width="375" /><br />
I won't lie; we made this jar for me. I'll often shake it up when I'm stressed and then instantly feel my blood pressure drop along with the sparkles.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8643910384/" title="IMG_20130410_135400 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_20130410_135400" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8112/8643910384_fccdeb9771.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Poppy wanted to get in on the tong transfer activity that day.<br />
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We also went outside. Man, Wednesday was a great day!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8642813865/" title="IMG_20130410_142955 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_20130410_142955" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8249/8642813865_1fe5309743.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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Thursday wasn't as productive. It was obviously a "let's not plan ahead the night before and see what happens" day. Well, nothing much happened. It was also too cold to play outside. Fail. Too be fair, we were in the basement for an hour waiting out a tornado warning on Wednesday evening, so that got in the way of planning time. That's my story.<br />
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I at least have some cute pics from Storytime.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8643907188/" title="IMG_20130408_105543 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_20130408_105543" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8546/8643907188_c76934bf78.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8642810255/" title="Friends at Storytime by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Friends at Storytime" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8522/8642810255_b821e205f5.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Today, Friday, I started the morning by testing Rosemary's knowledge of the alphabet. She can recognize 9 capital letters!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8643729249/" title="Untitled by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8538/8643729249_b57b0efaa6.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
I also decided to try a sensory bin. It's like an indoor sandbox! It kept Rosemary entertained for at least 20 minutes, which Mommy really needed. It was a rough day.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8643913506/" title="Sensory Bin by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Sensory Bin" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8387/8643913506_c17d118bed.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Sensory bin with white rice, barley, chickpeas, and measuring cups.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8643914152/" title="Digging In by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Digging In" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8406/8643914152_206d46fd84.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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Poppy is enjoying her new-found mobility. Here she is exploring the toy area.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8642817905/" title="Exploring by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Exploring" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8262/8642817905_e9fe4fea8d.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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That's it for this week. Tune in next Friday to see what else we put on our lists!<br />
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<img align="right" alt="signature" border="0" height="50" src="http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/kylastyles/signature.png" width="75" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11571403013373804683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-729710749313228418.post-11325052643633107622013-04-06T00:44:00.000-05:002013-04-07T20:18:53.487-05:00Ultimate Blog Party 2013<br />
<i>This is my first time participating in a blog party! I'm a little unsure of how this works, but I'm still awake and it seems like a good idea, so let's go for it!</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.5minutesformom.com/ubp/"><img alt="Ultimate Blog Party 2013" src="http://www.5minutesformom.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/UBP-2013_250x250.jpg" title="Ultimate Blog Party 2013" /></a><br />
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Hi, I'm Kyla, massage therapist turned mother. I started this blog after my first daughter Rosemary was born three years ago. The blog <a href="http://shelookslikeamom.blogspot.com/2010/07/you-look-like-mom.html">name</a> comes from my husband lovingly saying I looked like a mom when I asked him if I looked decent enough to run to Target one day. :-/<br />
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Here are my two girls, Poppy (10 months) and Rosemary (3).<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8608067235/" title="IMG_0173 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0173" height="374" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8399/8608067235_3fdd22cd9f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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What do I write about? Well, both girls were born premature, so this blog has lots of <a href="http://shelookslikeamom.blogspot.com/search/label/NICU">NICU</a> and <a href="http://shelookslikeamom.blogspot.com/search/label/premature">prematurity</a> related posts. Unless an accident happens (unlikely, I got an IUD), we are done having kids. I'm not sure how much more I'll focus on prematurity in the posts to come, but you can't deny that it's where we came from. I <a href="http://shelookslikeamom.blogspot.com/2010/08/she-grieves.html">grieved</a> over my inability to breastfeed Rosemary, and rejoice every day I nurse Poppy. We <a href="http://shelookslikeamom.blogspot.com/2012/01/cloth-diapers-cheaper-than-you-think.html">cloth diaper</a>. Currently, I'm experimenting with <a href="http://shelookslikeamom.blogspot.com/2013/04/preschool-prep.html">homeschooling</a> Rosemary, but I don't expect it will last past preschool. I post a few <a href="http://shelookslikeamom.blogspot.com/search/label/recipe">recipes</a> here and there. I've had type 1 diabetes since I was a kid, so preserving the health of my children is very important to me. <br />
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Overall, this blog has little bits of everything, but mostly, it serves as a record. I don't have the best memory, and scrolling through old blog posts is the best way for me to recapture those moments of my girls growing up: times of joy, times of stress, milestones reached, problems overcome. I invite you into these moments because misery deserves company... haha, no, I share them to join this wonderful community of bloggers. I like reading your stories, too.<br />
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Thanks for dropping by. Please leave a comment letting me know you were here! :-)<br />
<br />
<img align="right" alt="signature" border="0" height="50" src="http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/kylastyles/signature.png" width="75" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11571403013373804683noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-729710749313228418.post-12326093456174029652013-04-05T23:15:00.000-05:002013-04-12T23:54:52.998-05:00Preschool Prep<br />
In trying to establish some order to our days (and not leave R in the complete care of the tv), I have started making lists of the things I would like R to do. This also ties in with me trying to prepare her for Preschool. She has a rebellious streak that prevents her from following directions. I hope the more I give her these projects with the expectation that they will be completed, the less resistant she will become. And not to mention the fact that I would like to be able to teach her something! She'll pick up random things I say, but when I make an effort to specifically show her something, she acts like I'm trying to feed her poison. With that in mind, I've started singing my cell phone number to myself. Since I'm not directly trying to teach it to her, she just might learn it!<br />
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Each day, there are four items on her list: do a page out of a Preschool workbook, have an outing to Storytime or a grocery run, practice a life skill (more below), and the last is a special playtime activity like going outside or doing a game. When we mark off all items on the list, she gets a sticker.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8622810293/" title="Untitled by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8104/8622810293_3a96d7374d.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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The life skills are where I have fun. We started on Tuesday with tong transfers, a task I've seen on Montessori blogs. She is using big tongs to move cotton balls into a bowl. I need to find smaller tongs for her to use. Right now she has to use both hands to manipulate the huge thing.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8623793488/" title="Cotton ball Transfer by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Cotton ball Transfer" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8123/8623793488_e273c4f4b1.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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On Wednesday, she practiced using kid scissors for the first time. The goal was to cut confetti out of crepe paper. At first she utilized both hands to manipulate the scissors, but the next time she tried she was able to use only one hand.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8622691971/" title="Learning How to Use Scissors by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Learning How to Use Scissors" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8542/8622691971_da635b61f0.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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On Thursday, she baked! I had seen a recipe for a single-serving cookie that I thought would be fun to try. Unfortunately, the recipe was wrong; it called for one egg yolk when really it should have been an egg white. So the cookie didn't turn out that great, but Rosemary still attempted to eat it. <i>[Update: I tried the recipe using an egg white and it still came out weird. The cookie was like a dense sponge; very odd. I hereby put the single-serving cookie idea to rest. Next time we bake cookies, it will be a whole tray.]</i><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8623798846/" title="Baking! by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Baking!" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8401/8623798846_b159134885.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8622695343/" title="Enjoying the Cookie She Made by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="Enjoying the Cookie She Made" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8524/8622695343_3e8fe5c622.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Today, Friday, she painted with watercolors. The paints were old and didn't cooperate, so it was more like water play. The waterlogged, still white watercolor paper was promptly recycled without getting its picture taken. I did take this picture, though. This is the back of her Letter Jj worksheet. The front showed several items that started with the letter j. She was supposed to color all of the items and then circle whichever one she liked the best. Getting her to complete the worksheet was a challenge, but when it was finally done, I let her turn the paper over to free color. Look what she did! She was super excited about the "footprints" she made, but I was even more excited about the cat she drew! This is her first time drawing a face!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8622716891/" title="R drew a cat! And footprints! by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="R drew a cat! And footprints!" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8519/8622716891_e8af212033.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<i>If you're a little lost, follow this link back to flickr and you will see a note placed directly over the spot that is the cat. </i><br />
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So that was our week. Some days were pre-planned, others we figured out as we went along. Some days were executed better than others. I hope to come up with more fun things to do next week. I sense a trip to the craft store is in order! <br />
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<img align="right" alt="signature" border="0" height="50" src="http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/kylastyles/signature.png" width="75" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11571403013373804683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-729710749313228418.post-55776135506405665142013-04-04T23:08:00.002-05:002013-04-05T08:32:42.430-05:00She Crawls!<div>
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Poppy is crawling!! She had been experimenting with it for the past two days: slowly shifting forward two paces and then sitting upright, effectively erasing her progress. We finally saw progress tonight!<br />
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As I was trying to nurse her to sleep in our bed like usual, she didn't fall asleep right away. In fact, she got to rolling. She rolled towards Senpai's empty side of the bed twice, giving me the duty of goal keeper: <i>baby falls off the bed, score 1 on Kyla!</i> No, she didn't fall, even though she threatened as such. It had been an hour, she wasn't falling asleep, things were getting more and more interesting, so I broke down and moved her into the nursery.<br />
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Her crib used to be in our room. I used to put her in there more often. But then teething happened, and rearranging furniture for house showings happened, and honestly, it's been quite some time since she hasn't slept in bed with us. For the record, she has never slept in her room. Her room was a disaster area (or you could call it "storage") for her entire life, you know. Now that it is cleared out and actually looks like a nursery, and now that we have a MOBILE baby, well, it's time to put things where they belong. Cribs belong in nurseries. Babies belong in cribs.<br />
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I took Poppy into the nursery and then called Senpai upstairs to help with the task of rearranging things to make them work. The crib mattress needed to be lowered (yeah, it's been a long time since Poppy's been in the crib!), and other things like the baby monitor and a heater needed to be moved from our room into the nursery. While we were getting it all set up, Poppy was thrilled to explore the room. It's not like she'd never been in there before; I take her in sometimes while I hunt for clothes in her dresser. Tonight, though, she fully realized her ability to transport herself to whatever thing interested her the most. In short, she crawled. She zipped about from one side of the room to the other and then back again with a huge grin on her face. Ahh, my big girl!!<br />
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Getting her to fall asleep after all of that excitement, of course, wasn't the easiest task. I foresee a difficult night ahead. I will most likely have to be up constantly, reassuring Poppy that we're still here and we still love her. In spite of that, I'm excited to see what new adventures for Poppy tomorrow will bring.<br />
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When I crawled in bed next to Senpai, I said with awe, "There's no baby in our room."
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He frowned a little, "I know, I'm sad."
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"You are?" I was surprised; hadn't he been the one hinting that it was time for us to have our bed back?
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"I liked watching her sleep."
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<i>Ah. I know,</i> I thought, <i>I liked watching the two of you sleep together.</i>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11571403013373804683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-729710749313228418.post-45267319495140827572013-04-01T22:55:00.000-05:002013-04-01T22:55:20.915-05:00Easter Weekend<br />
We had a busy weekend! Rosemary's third birthday was on Friday. I told a friend that I have no problem with Rosemary turning 3 years old, but I can't wrap my mind around the fact that I've been a mother for three years now. Time flies when you're tired out of your mind.<br />
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My bellydance studio had its final studio party Friday night. The owner is jumping the country to fulfill her dreams of being a world traveler (you can and should follow her adventures <a href="http://thesoulofajourney.blogspot.com/">here</a>). I left Senpai home with the girls and headed out for one last shebang with this wonderful community of dancers. Had too much fun to take a single picture. Whoops.<br />
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We held a party for Rosemary on Saturday. Heading into March, I wasn't sure how we would celebrate the Cupcake's birthday. I didn't want to put the effort into a big party, and didn't want to try to do some event outside of the house either. A lot of my reluctance to plan for anything came from the uncertainty of whether or not anyone would even come. It was Easter weekend after all. And what business does Easter have being at the end of March anyway? I remember Easter being around the end of April when I was a kid. I'll answer that question later. I finally decided to take the leap and plan a little party. Send out invites, see who comes. If it was just one or two kids, that would be just fine. I was pleasantly surprised when three families RSVP'ed, giving Rosemary five friends to play with. It was the perfect amount.<br />
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We threw a Peter Pan party.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8607973963/" title="IMG_20130330_121007 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_20130330_121007" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8544/8607973963_f4d5a2e0d9.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
She can't wear this costume enough; absolutely loves it.<br />
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I made the cake. It was a gluten-free box mix that I frosted with <a href="http://www.justapinch.com/recipes/dessert/cake/easy-marshmallow-frosting.html">marshmallow frosting</a>.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8607974105/" title="IMG_20130330_121701 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_20130330_121701" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8384/8607974105_2abfe8d18b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Poppy was adorable as Tinkerbell.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8609154582/" title="IMG_0051 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0051" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8388/8609154582_b3f9d200a5.jpg" width="374" /></a><br />
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Senpai broke out the Captain Hook costume when it was time for the pinata. And man, that thing was impossible to break!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8609157192/" title="IMG_0088 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0088" height="374" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8541/8609157192_c90ae2b881.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Party guests!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8608049189/" title="IMG_0079 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0079" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8117/8608049189_c6d75bcf25.jpg" width="374" /></a><br />
When asked, one of the party guests knew the answer to why Easter is when it is. He said that Easter is always scheduled on the first Sunday following the first full moon following the Vernal (Spring) Equinox. You tell me Easter isn't a pagan holiday, ha!<br />
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Moving on, Sunday was Easter, of course. We started with baskets in the morning.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8608053917/" title="IMG_0121 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0121" height="374" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8539/8608053917_b38a0fb99f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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When Poppy went down for her nap, Rosemary went egg hunting around the backyard with her new Peter Pan doll, an Easter gift from Oma and Grandad.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8609170720/" title="IMG_0142 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0142" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8110/8609170720_5219e9a54d.jpg" width="374" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8609171020/" title="IMG_0146 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0146" height="374" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8102/8609171020_4985899acc.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Gosh, she looks so much more grown up now than she did <a href="http://shelookslikeamom.blogspot.com/2012/04/easter-riffic.html">last year</a>.<br />
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After Poppy woke up we got them together for an Easter photoshoot.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8609177170/" title="IMG_0238 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0238" height="374" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8379/8609177170_aa004e8ecc.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/namako_team/8609175436/" title="IMG_0188 by Namako Team!, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0188" height="374" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8256/8609175436_9dc4b86d9d.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Love these girls.<br />
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<img align="right" alt="signature" border="0" height="50" src="http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/kylastyles/signature.png" width="75" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11571403013373804683noreply@blogger.com1