This weekend we checked out more Veggie Tales videos from the library. This time we got the episode with Madam Blueberry, about a wealthy bery who was still unhappy despite having tons of stuff, plenty of food, a nice house, and good friends. She learned that having a thankful heart is what makes you truly happy, not greediness for more stuff.
As we got ready for bed, Todd and I talked about the episode. I tried to put it in the context of his own life, given that he's like Madam Blueberry in "wealth"-- a family who loves him very much, a warm bed, good food, and plenty of toys. Since Madam Blueberry coveted stuff that her wealthy neighbors had, believing it would make her happy, I asked Todd what he would do if, say, a friend of his had a huge birthday cake. Would he then in turn want an even bigger one for his upcoming birthday?
"No" came the response. Good. Then he elaborated:
"I'll just have a regular cake and be thankful for that. (Besides,) I don't WANT a big cake-- that's too much cake!"
Day at work with Daddy
Todd got to spend Friday at work with Daddy! Daddy cleared out some space in his cube so Todd would have his own little workspace-- where he set up my laptop and Pooh bear. Here are the boys, hard at work (or hardly working??):
(click for larger, more detailed image)
(click for larger, more detailed image)
More pics from school
(click on each photo for (slightly) larger versions)
Last week the kindergartners, who are learning about ancient Egypt in their history lessons, made Pharaoh double crowns. Here they are, with Todd wearing his usual cheesy grin... and his hat backwards :-P
Last Friday they got to see a ballet, since one of his classmates does ballet, and both of her parents are professional ballet dancers. Here's the school with the cast of "Cinderella":
And this past Monday, the school got to go on yet another field trip-- to a local fire station, where they got to try on gear and use the equipment, and of course, learn about fire safety. Here's the whole crowd posing with the firemen and fire truck:
Last week the kindergartners, who are learning about ancient Egypt in their history lessons, made Pharaoh double crowns. Here they are, with Todd wearing his usual cheesy grin... and his hat backwards :-P
Last Friday they got to see a ballet, since one of his classmates does ballet, and both of her parents are professional ballet dancers. Here's the school with the cast of "Cinderella":
And this past Monday, the school got to go on yet another field trip-- to a local fire station, where they got to try on gear and use the equipment, and of course, learn about fire safety. Here's the whole crowd posing with the firemen and fire truck:
Painting your feelings
Last night Todd told me about an activity he does at school-- the kids are given art supplies and free reign to "paint whatever you're feeling". I wonder if any kids have gotten a serious scrutinizing for drawing overly macabre pictures ;-)
Anyway, Todd described his most recent painting to me:
"I painted a rainbow..."
(Oh, how cute-- colorful rainbows = cheerful!)
"... and a heart..."
(how sweet!)
"... and then I covered it with black paint."
(!?!?!?)
Slightly concerned, I asked him why the black paint, and this was his reply:
"The heart was for Valentine's Day. Then Valentine's Day is over, and it was nighttime and I closed my eyes and went to bed!"
Oh. How simple. Why do grownups read all sorts of things into kids' literal interpretations of their worlds? :-P
Anyway, Todd described his most recent painting to me:
"I painted a rainbow..."
(Oh, how cute-- colorful rainbows = cheerful!)
"... and a heart..."
(how sweet!)
"... and then I covered it with black paint."
(!?!?!?)
Slightly concerned, I asked him why the black paint, and this was his reply:
"The heart was for Valentine's Day. Then Valentine's Day is over, and it was nighttime and I closed my eyes and went to bed!"
Oh. How simple. Why do grownups read all sorts of things into kids' literal interpretations of their worlds? :-P
On hairdressers and God
Remember when Todd suggested that Daddy ask God to stop making his beard grow, so he wouldn't have to shave anymore? Apparently God is good for Mommy's grooming needs, too!
I was absent-mindedly musing about my notorious Helly hairs when Todd piped up that he didn't like all those hairs floating around, getting into and onto everything and anything. I agreed with him fully.
He then suggested I cut my hair short. I told him I would love to, but I had trouble finding a good hairstylist, since everyone I'd ever visited always did my hair wrong. I told him it was hard to find someone who could cut my hair short and not make me look like a boy, or worse.
Todd, ever resourceful, came up with the perfect solution for finding a hairdresser:
"You can ask God to help you!"
He then went on to elaborate:
"God speaks to you through your heart. So he spoke to my heart, and I heard it go through my ear and into my brain!"
Fascinating!
I was absent-mindedly musing about my notorious Helly hairs when Todd piped up that he didn't like all those hairs floating around, getting into and onto everything and anything. I agreed with him fully.
He then suggested I cut my hair short. I told him I would love to, but I had trouble finding a good hairstylist, since everyone I'd ever visited always did my hair wrong. I told him it was hard to find someone who could cut my hair short and not make me look like a boy, or worse.
Todd, ever resourceful, came up with the perfect solution for finding a hairdresser:
"You can ask God to help you!"
He then went on to elaborate:
"God speaks to you through your heart. So he spoke to my heart, and I heard it go through my ear and into my brain!"
Fascinating!
Some pics from school
Most of these were taken a few months ago, but I only recently discovered they were posted on the school website, and just now figured out how to download the individual pics to my computer!
Here's Todd painting with his hands and feet along with the other kids:
And here he is receiving his "Fruit of the Spirit" award last month-- he won the award for "Peace". If only they could see him as he really is, at home! "Peaceful" would probably be the last word I'd used to describe him, but I get what they were going for :-)
Here's Todd painting with his hands and feet along with the other kids:
And here he is receiving his "Fruit of the Spirit" award last month-- he won the award for "Peace". If only they could see him as he really is, at home! "Peaceful" would probably be the last word I'd used to describe him, but I get what they were going for :-)
The head-bashing continues
That doesn't surprise you, does it? Ample evidence has been blogged to prove it.
Today Todd decided to ram Mommy's po-po with a full running start. Except she was standing with her side to him instead of her back. And his head is at perfect level with her hip. You can imagine what happened next.
With a powerful "THUD" Todd's forehead connected with my hipbone. We both reeled back in pain, but mine was overcome at the rare sight of Todd clutching his head (that steel-hard thing NEVER gets hurt!) He, too, was more amused than hurt, for he exclaimed:
"I didn't know there was a bone there! I thought it was the squishy part!"
Needless to say, he learned his lesson and made sure to aim more carefully the next time he decided to headbutt any of my "squishy" body parts!
Today Todd decided to ram Mommy's po-po with a full running start. Except she was standing with her side to him instead of her back. And his head is at perfect level with her hip. You can imagine what happened next.
With a powerful "THUD" Todd's forehead connected with my hipbone. We both reeled back in pain, but mine was overcome at the rare sight of Todd clutching his head (that steel-hard thing NEVER gets hurt!) He, too, was more amused than hurt, for he exclaimed:
"I didn't know there was a bone there! I thought it was the squishy part!"
Needless to say, he learned his lesson and made sure to aim more carefully the next time he decided to headbutt any of my "squishy" body parts!
Play with me more!
While Todd was in LA with Oma and Opa, he was feeling particularly bored because Oma was so busy with house chores one morning. So he piped up with this little tidbit:
"I wish I was a toy, so you would play with me!"
Awwwwwwwww!!
"I wish I was a toy, so you would play with me!"
Awwwwwwwww!!
Where will Oma sleep?
Mommy's been battling a nasty bout of the flu all weekend long. Chills, fevers, aches and now congestion. No fun! Too sick to take care of Todd, who eventually came down with a fever himself. So Oma drove up today to pick him up and take him for the rest of the week (and over the long weekend).
As soon as she arrived, Todd clamored for her to stay in Santa Barbara. She could take care of him while Daddy worked and Mommy recuperated. But who will take care of Opa? I wondered.
"Opa can take care of himself, he's a grownup!"
Okay, but this is a 1-bedroom apartment. Where would Oma sleep? Todd pondered this for a moment, looking at the bed in the bedroom he shared with Daddy. Then, inspiration hit:
"You can sleep in the living room, with Mommy!" (i.e. share the double bed)
As soon as she arrived, Todd clamored for her to stay in Santa Barbara. She could take care of him while Daddy worked and Mommy recuperated. But who will take care of Opa? I wondered.
"Opa can take care of himself, he's a grownup!"
Okay, but this is a 1-bedroom apartment. Where would Oma sleep? Todd pondered this for a moment, looking at the bed in the bedroom he shared with Daddy. Then, inspiration hit:
"You can sleep in the living room, with Mommy!" (i.e. share the double bed)
Only if you're as big as Kung Fu Panda
Kids retain things. You don't even realize how much they retain, and for how long, until they spout off something days, weeks, months later! While Todd was at Oma and Opa's house some time ago, they watched "Kung Fu Panda". He never said anything about it until we made plans to rent it several weeks ago, and he pointed out that he'd already seen it. So we got something else.
Fast forward to today, when he and Daddy had just gotten up and out of the bedroom. Mommy was still in bed in the living room, albeit awake. I asked Todd to do something (I forget what) and he slowly walked up to my bed, stared down at me, and, in the most gruff and ominous voice he could muster, delivered a line from Kung Fu Panda himself:
"What are you going to do, sit on me?"
... which of course, left Mommy and Daddy in a fit of giggles!
Fast forward to today, when he and Daddy had just gotten up and out of the bedroom. Mommy was still in bed in the living room, albeit awake. I asked Todd to do something (I forget what) and he slowly walked up to my bed, stared down at me, and, in the most gruff and ominous voice he could muster, delivered a line from Kung Fu Panda himself:
"What are you going to do, sit on me?"
... which of course, left Mommy and Daddy in a fit of giggles!
Future plans
Little man has his future plans all laid in already, it seems.
It began when we were snuggling in bed last night, and he decided he wanted the stuffed stingray I had bought for myself long before I even met Daddy. When I tried to point out that it was originally my stingray, he corrected me:
"You played with it when you were little, now it's my stingray."
Okay, I decided to follow up on that reasoning: "So that means when you grow up and have your own Pao-pao, you're going to give it to him to play with?"
"No! I'm not getting married!" he declared.
"So you're staying here with Mommy and Daddy?" I asked. Yup, he confirmed. I pressed further: "Are you going to take care of Mommy and Daddy?" (hey, not a bad deal. Built in nursing home care!)
His answer? "No. You're not going to be OLD when I'm grown up!" I laughed inwardly. If only he knew!
So then I decided to see how helpful he would be, staying under our roof all his life. "Are you going to help out with chores?" Yup, he again confirmed. Which ones? I pressed.
"I can... do the dishes without help. I can fold clothes. And I can wash the bathroom". (Hmmm... still sounded like an inequitable deal, shouldn't he be pitching in more, after all?)
So I gave some more suggestions: how about WASHING the laundry (not just folding it)? No. Vacuuming? No. Oh, but sweeping is okay, he pointed out. He'll sweep the bathroom floor. LOL
We'll have to wait a few more years and see how this all turns out! I'm keeping this blog post as a reminder of what he promised ;-) Don't think I'm not gonna use this against him! :-D
It began when we were snuggling in bed last night, and he decided he wanted the stuffed stingray I had bought for myself long before I even met Daddy. When I tried to point out that it was originally my stingray, he corrected me:
"You played with it when you were little, now it's my stingray."
Okay, I decided to follow up on that reasoning: "So that means when you grow up and have your own Pao-pao, you're going to give it to him to play with?"
"No! I'm not getting married!" he declared.
"So you're staying here with Mommy and Daddy?" I asked. Yup, he confirmed. I pressed further: "Are you going to take care of Mommy and Daddy?" (hey, not a bad deal. Built in nursing home care!)
His answer? "No. You're not going to be OLD when I'm grown up!" I laughed inwardly. If only he knew!
So then I decided to see how helpful he would be, staying under our roof all his life. "Are you going to help out with chores?" Yup, he again confirmed. Which ones? I pressed.
"I can... do the dishes without help. I can fold clothes. And I can wash the bathroom". (Hmmm... still sounded like an inequitable deal, shouldn't he be pitching in more, after all?)
So I gave some more suggestions: how about WASHING the laundry (not just folding it)? No. Vacuuming? No. Oh, but sweeping is okay, he pointed out. He'll sweep the bathroom floor. LOL
We'll have to wait a few more years and see how this all turns out! I'm keeping this blog post as a reminder of what he promised ;-) Don't think I'm not gonna use this against him! :-D
Lunchtime timesavers
On Monday, Daddy taught the lower and middle schoolers at Todd's school, giving them a basic introduction to computers, even bringing computer parts for them to look at. Since his stay encompassed the lunch period, he brought his lunch and ate with Todd. This enabled me to prepare a nice hot lunch of rice, meat and veggies for Todd instead of his usual sandwich, since Daddy would be there to eat with him and feed him, or at least supervise him to make sure he ate everything. Then Daddy took him home and Mommy took over, cleaning up, changing him out of his uniform, and taking him to after-school care.
This worked so well for a number of reasons:
1. Todd gets a nutritious lunch from the get-go, rather than having to eat a sandwich at school and follow it with regular food at home.
2. It saves time, as he's more likely to eat the regular food quickly when he's hungry at lunch, rather than being full after a sandwich.
3. Again, it saves time at home because all he has to do is eat his fruit and clean up, no time spent on eating his actual lunch. As a result, nobody feels rushed any longer. Mommy's not harried and Todd's not pushed around. In fact, one day last week we were able to go out onto the balcony and blow bubbles while Todd ate his apple, because we actually had time to!
So we decided to continue doing this, having one of accompany Todd with hot food during lunch, while the other goes home later and takes over the cleaning up and driving him to after-school care.
That's when we discovered yet another benefit:
4. Reduced lunch hours for both of us! Instead of both parents having to take 1.5 hours (the shortest we've been able to cut it to is 1 hr and 20 min, and then only if Todd's cooperative all around), each parent only has to take 1 hour, albeit not simultaneously. For example: Daddy leaves before noon to have lunch with little man, while Mommy goes home at 12:30 to prepare fruit and lay out clothes. Then, Daddy's home by 12:45 (immediately leaving and getting back to work by 1pm), giving Mommy time to leisurely dress the boy, take him to after-school care, and be back at work by 1:30pm. In other words, only 1 hour for lunch for each of us.
Not bad, eh! The nice thing about this is that we can continue doing this even when Todd is in the later grades, and not dismissed till 2-3pm. Great peace of mind in knowing our son is well-fed during the day :-) One less thing to worry about!
This worked so well for a number of reasons:
1. Todd gets a nutritious lunch from the get-go, rather than having to eat a sandwich at school and follow it with regular food at home.
2. It saves time, as he's more likely to eat the regular food quickly when he's hungry at lunch, rather than being full after a sandwich.
3. Again, it saves time at home because all he has to do is eat his fruit and clean up, no time spent on eating his actual lunch. As a result, nobody feels rushed any longer. Mommy's not harried and Todd's not pushed around. In fact, one day last week we were able to go out onto the balcony and blow bubbles while Todd ate his apple, because we actually had time to!
So we decided to continue doing this, having one of accompany Todd with hot food during lunch, while the other goes home later and takes over the cleaning up and driving him to after-school care.
That's when we discovered yet another benefit:
4. Reduced lunch hours for both of us! Instead of both parents having to take 1.5 hours (the shortest we've been able to cut it to is 1 hr and 20 min, and then only if Todd's cooperative all around), each parent only has to take 1 hour, albeit not simultaneously. For example: Daddy leaves before noon to have lunch with little man, while Mommy goes home at 12:30 to prepare fruit and lay out clothes. Then, Daddy's home by 12:45 (immediately leaving and getting back to work by 1pm), giving Mommy time to leisurely dress the boy, take him to after-school care, and be back at work by 1:30pm. In other words, only 1 hour for lunch for each of us.
Not bad, eh! The nice thing about this is that we can continue doing this even when Todd is in the later grades, and not dismissed till 2-3pm. Great peace of mind in knowing our son is well-fed during the day :-) One less thing to worry about!
The Adventures of Soapy Wee-wee Boy
Several weeks ago, while I was showering Todd and he observed himself covered in soapy suds, he declared: "I'm Soapy Wee-wee Boy!!"
Which I found amusing, but not significant enough to blog. Well, that changed last night. I was again showering him when he decided:
"I'm going to squeeze my wee-wee."
I had barely opened my mouth to explain why this wasn't a good idea, and that it might hurt, when he grabbed his wee-wee, squeezed it hard, and then exclaimed: "OWWWWWWW!!!!"
You would think it would stop there, but no. Remember, this is the same kid who likes bashing his head into things like stuffed animals and people's hands.
So what do you suppose he did? That's right... he grabbed it and squeezed it AGAIN. And again he cried out "OWWWWWW!!!!"
Sigh... this is why my Facebook status currently reads "Helly's little boy is speshul"!
Which I found amusing, but not significant enough to blog. Well, that changed last night. I was again showering him when he decided:
"I'm going to squeeze my wee-wee."
I had barely opened my mouth to explain why this wasn't a good idea, and that it might hurt, when he grabbed his wee-wee, squeezed it hard, and then exclaimed: "OWWWWWWW!!!!"
You would think it would stop there, but no. Remember, this is the same kid who likes bashing his head into things like stuffed animals and people's hands.
So what do you suppose he did? That's right... he grabbed it and squeezed it AGAIN. And again he cried out "OWWWWWW!!!!"
Sigh... this is why my Facebook status currently reads "Helly's little boy is speshul"!
Logical deduction
Tonight while I was snuggling with Todd in bed, Daddy came in the door to get to the bathroom. As he slowly opened it, I looked at Todd and asked: "Who's that coming in?"
Todd, however, had no patience for such baby-like questions, and in his most grownup way, explained a simple principle of logical deduction:
"It's Daddy. You should know that. You and me are in here, and Daddy's the only one outside!"
Todd, however, had no patience for such baby-like questions, and in his most grownup way, explained a simple principle of logical deduction:
"It's Daddy. You should know that. You and me are in here, and Daddy's the only one outside!"
Turtles don't wear clothes, after all
Apparently I've been proven wrong. You see, during our 2-week winter "vacation", I dressed Pistachio in one of Todd's school polo shirts, to help keep him clean. But when Todd arrived back in SB tonight, I had to take it off so Todd could actually use it during the week.
When I finally undressed the turtle in front of Todd, I made him protest "Awww, now I'm naked!"
To which Todd pointed out: "Now you are like Geronimo!" (who has long since gone au naturel)
When Pistachio persisted in expressing his dislike for being naked, Todd, exasperated, said: "But you're supposed to be! Turtles aren't supposed to be not-naked!"
:-D
(and anyway, I personally maintain that turtles by their very nature aren't naked-- they have shells, right?)
When I finally undressed the turtle in front of Todd, I made him protest "Awww, now I'm naked!"
To which Todd pointed out: "Now you are like Geronimo!" (who has long since gone au naturel)
When Pistachio persisted in expressing his dislike for being naked, Todd, exasperated, said: "But you're supposed to be! Turtles aren't supposed to be not-naked!"
:-D
(and anyway, I personally maintain that turtles by their very nature aren't naked-- they have shells, right?)
Merry Christmas 2008
Another fun Christmas with Daddy's family. Todd got some of the items from his wish list, regular-sized legos and his very own digital camera, in addition to the usual loot. Because it was raining outside, we all sat around the dining table indoors, and it was actually quite nice! Usually when we sit outdoors we're divided between 2 patio tables, but this time we ALL got to gather around one single table, so it seemed more cozy.
Not a lot of good pictures to put up :-( I just offloaded them from the camera and discovered that they all had Todd either looking away (concentrating on unwrapping a gift) or looking at someone else. If anyone else took better photos, please send them! :-)
When we arrived back at Oma and Opa's house, he was eager to teach them how to play Snakes 'n' Ladders and checkers while they ate dinner.
And of course, what post would be complete without a Toddism?
On the way to Aunt Debbie and Uncle Ron's house, Todd declared that he would not speak to anyone (in fact, he was loath enough to say that to us). The reason? "If I speak English, I will forget my Chinese!"
Not a lot of good pictures to put up :-( I just offloaded them from the camera and discovered that they all had Todd either looking away (concentrating on unwrapping a gift) or looking at someone else. If anyone else took better photos, please send them! :-)
When we arrived back at Oma and Opa's house, he was eager to teach them how to play Snakes 'n' Ladders and checkers while they ate dinner.
And of course, what post would be complete without a Toddism?
On the way to Aunt Debbie and Uncle Ron's house, Todd declared that he would not speak to anyone (in fact, he was loath enough to say that to us). The reason? "If I speak English, I will forget my Chinese!"
Bears are not snowmen
One of Todd's current favorite toys to snuggle with at night is the white birthday bear that Grandpa gave to him on his 2nd birthday. It is large and the color of pristine snow, and so when we settled down to read books before bed last night and I pulled out a book featuring snowmen, I instantly remarked to the bear: "You look like a snowman!", pointing to the pictures of snowmen.
The bear, through Todd, took great offense to this, and insisted that he wasn't a snowman. In fact, he went on to prove *why* he wasn't:
"I don't have 3 balls!"
(I'm sure you can imagine what he was actually talking about, but it was insanely funny nevertheless :-D)
The bear, through Todd, took great offense to this, and insisted that he wasn't a snowman. In fact, he went on to prove *why* he wasn't:
"I don't have 3 balls!"
(I'm sure you can imagine what he was actually talking about, but it was insanely funny nevertheless :-D)
Don't forget!
I was singing "Frosty the Snowman" in the car on the way home today and when I got to the part about "2 eyes made out of coal", Todd wanted to know what coal was. I explained it to him, and tried to give him a visual description of charcoal used in barbecues. Of course, he wanted to actually see it, so I told him that after dinner I'd find pictures on the computer and show him.
Knowing, however, that I was likely to forget after the hustle and bustle of our evening routine, I asked him to remind me in case I forgot.
His reply? "You should keep it in your brain!"
Knowing, however, that I was likely to forget after the hustle and bustle of our evening routine, I asked him to remind me in case I forgot.
His reply? "You should keep it in your brain!"
Reading and 'rithmetic
(Whew! Been remiss in blogging here, haven't I! Just played another round of catchup and posted 9 new entries-- including this one-- happy reading!)
Todd had been becoming more and more curious about words and reading. The elements of phonics are starting to sink in and he's applying them more and more. For the time being, I have given up the approach of teaching him to read using sound-out phonics, and instead am focusing on sight words. Kids have good memories, and it's easier for him to recognize words by sight rather than sounding them out letter-by-letter. In fact, now that he's learning sight words, he's starting to apply the phonics to them!
Often he will do one of two things:
1. See a word somewhere (on a sign, in a newspaper ad, on electronic equipment, etc...), spell it out for me, and ask me what it says.
2. Ask me how to spell a certain word he already knows. Stuff like numbers, body parts, and anything else he's recently heard/talked about.
Here's some examples of how he's applying phonics concepts to words he's learning about:
The other day I was washing his hands at school and he looked at the soap dispenser, which had the name and logo of the soap supplier on it. He wanted to know what "S-U-P-P-L-Y" spelled. I told him. He mulled it over, and then added a new twist:
"You know what word it is if you use a 'T' instead of an 'S'? Tupply!"
Then there was the time when we were talking about planets. He went quiet for a few moments, and then declared: "You know what rhymes with 'planet'? Hanet!"
In the world of arithmetic, he no longer needs beads to count sums less than 10. He can use his fingers! He has become manual dexterous enough to do both addition and subtraction using his hands.
One last tidbit: a few weeks ago he spelled out the letters to his full name: first, middle, last. He wanted to know how many letters it was. I suggested he try counting them. As I was driving, I didn't get to observe what he was doing, but it went quiet in the back seat for a while as I heard whispers while he figured it out. A few minutes later, he proudly announced: "Fifteen!" I was amazed. Not sure if it was a lucky fluke or if he really managed to count them all out, but 15 it is! :-)
Todd had been becoming more and more curious about words and reading. The elements of phonics are starting to sink in and he's applying them more and more. For the time being, I have given up the approach of teaching him to read using sound-out phonics, and instead am focusing on sight words. Kids have good memories, and it's easier for him to recognize words by sight rather than sounding them out letter-by-letter. In fact, now that he's learning sight words, he's starting to apply the phonics to them!
Often he will do one of two things:
1. See a word somewhere (on a sign, in a newspaper ad, on electronic equipment, etc...), spell it out for me, and ask me what it says.
2. Ask me how to spell a certain word he already knows. Stuff like numbers, body parts, and anything else he's recently heard/talked about.
Here's some examples of how he's applying phonics concepts to words he's learning about:
The other day I was washing his hands at school and he looked at the soap dispenser, which had the name and logo of the soap supplier on it. He wanted to know what "S-U-P-P-L-Y" spelled. I told him. He mulled it over, and then added a new twist:
"You know what word it is if you use a 'T' instead of an 'S'? Tupply!"
Then there was the time when we were talking about planets. He went quiet for a few moments, and then declared: "You know what rhymes with 'planet'? Hanet!"
In the world of arithmetic, he no longer needs beads to count sums less than 10. He can use his fingers! He has become manual dexterous enough to do both addition and subtraction using his hands.
One last tidbit: a few weeks ago he spelled out the letters to his full name: first, middle, last. He wanted to know how many letters it was. I suggested he try counting them. As I was driving, I didn't get to observe what he was doing, but it went quiet in the back seat for a while as I heard whispers while he figured it out. A few minutes later, he proudly announced: "Fifteen!" I was amazed. Not sure if it was a lucky fluke or if he really managed to count them all out, but 15 it is! :-)
That's not what he said!
Ah, the time to pit one parent against another has come. When Todd arrived home from school today, he explained that he wanted jelly-only sandwiches (instead of the PBJ he regularly gets at lunchtime). I explained that he HAD to have peanut butter as it was a good source of protein. But then I went on to further explain that on weekends, when it was snack time, I'd be happy to make him jelly-only sandwiches then.
He immediately pounced on my last statement and pointed out: "Your answer is not the same as Daddy's!"
I was quick to clarify that when Daddy and I were both talking about lunch, our answer was the same: you *must* have PB.
But wow, talk about keen to observe any differences in one parent's explanation vs. another! Time for Daddy and I to band together and make sure we get our stories straight... and airtight! That kid finds loopholes faster than dirt finds him!
He immediately pounced on my last statement and pointed out: "Your answer is not the same as Daddy's!"
I was quick to clarify that when Daddy and I were both talking about lunch, our answer was the same: you *must* have PB.
But wow, talk about keen to observe any differences in one parent's explanation vs. another! Time for Daddy and I to band together and make sure we get our stories straight... and airtight! That kid finds loopholes faster than dirt finds him!
Todd takes up Karate
Last summer, we'd tried enrolling Todd in Tae Kwon Do at a place near my parents' house. It didn't work out too well, probably because (a) he was still too young-- just turned 3! and (b) the instructors were rather loud and intimidating. Good for discipline for older kids, not so good for toddlers who don't quite understand yet.
Anyway, this past summer, after turning 4, he expressed interest in returning to Tae Kwon Do. Of course, by then school was ready to start so he had to come back to SB. Recently, however, we found several karate classes in/around SB. Unfortunately most of them had the kiddie group classes during times when Daddy and I would still be at work. Or else they were far away (well, far away by SB standards). That is, until I found one place that not only had group classes starting at 5pm, but was located in the building right NEXT to Todd's after-school care center!
I took Todd to his first, introductory class last Monday, and he did remarkably well. He followed instructions, listened to the teacher, and even volunteered at the end when the teacher sought someone to come up to the front and help him with a demonstration.
This past Monday marked Todd's second lesson, and this time Daddy joined in to watch. We were surprised at how well Todd adapted. When the teacher called each kid up individually to line up, he remembered to stand ramrod straight in front of him and address him with "Yes, sir!" When corrected during the moves, he remembered and followed instructions with minimal distraction. It was quite heartening to see! And hopefully the discipline will be good for him.
Saturday will be his first private lesson. I think the combination of the individual attention during a private lesson plus the social atmosphere in the group lesson will be good for him. Here's hoping to more successful classes in the future! :-)
Anyway, this past summer, after turning 4, he expressed interest in returning to Tae Kwon Do. Of course, by then school was ready to start so he had to come back to SB. Recently, however, we found several karate classes in/around SB. Unfortunately most of them had the kiddie group classes during times when Daddy and I would still be at work. Or else they were far away (well, far away by SB standards). That is, until I found one place that not only had group classes starting at 5pm, but was located in the building right NEXT to Todd's after-school care center!
I took Todd to his first, introductory class last Monday, and he did remarkably well. He followed instructions, listened to the teacher, and even volunteered at the end when the teacher sought someone to come up to the front and help him with a demonstration.
This past Monday marked Todd's second lesson, and this time Daddy joined in to watch. We were surprised at how well Todd adapted. When the teacher called each kid up individually to line up, he remembered to stand ramrod straight in front of him and address him with "Yes, sir!" When corrected during the moves, he remembered and followed instructions with minimal distraction. It was quite heartening to see! And hopefully the discipline will be good for him.
Saturday will be his first private lesson. I think the combination of the individual attention during a private lesson plus the social atmosphere in the group lesson will be good for him. Here's hoping to more successful classes in the future! :-)
Deep bedtime conversations
As mentioned in an earlier post, our bedtime routine is pretty standard, and pretty established. Often Todd and I will engage in a little conversation while snuggling, before we drift off to sleep. If he's in a good mood, it's a perfect time to get him to open up with more details about what he did at school that day. Or we'll just talk about random things.
Tonight the conversation started before finished his prayers. As he was about to launch into the Lord's Prayer, he paused and asked quizzically: "Why is the Lord's Prayer so long?"
I seized the opportunity to go through it line by line and explain in kiddie terms what it meant. That in turn led to questions about what heaven must be like.
I gave him my best guess, explaining that it was a place where people could live peacefully and lovingly and not hurt each other by lying or stealing or cheating. Upon my mention that I believe animals are in heaven too, Todd objected:
"If animals are there, they'll go RAWR at you!"
I quickly allayed his fear that he might get chased by a ferocious lion up in heaven, and pointed out that up there, there would be no need for animals to hunt one another. Sharks would not attack turtles, lions could sit peacefully with deer.
Todd digested this and then added his own opinion of what else heaven might consist of:
"There will be music in heaven. That's what I think."
I agreed. After all, what better way to express peace and love than through music?
Tonight the conversation started before finished his prayers. As he was about to launch into the Lord's Prayer, he paused and asked quizzically: "Why is the Lord's Prayer so long?"
I seized the opportunity to go through it line by line and explain in kiddie terms what it meant. That in turn led to questions about what heaven must be like.
I gave him my best guess, explaining that it was a place where people could live peacefully and lovingly and not hurt each other by lying or stealing or cheating. Upon my mention that I believe animals are in heaven too, Todd objected:
"If animals are there, they'll go RAWR at you!"
I quickly allayed his fear that he might get chased by a ferocious lion up in heaven, and pointed out that up there, there would be no need for animals to hunt one another. Sharks would not attack turtles, lions could sit peacefully with deer.
Todd digested this and then added his own opinion of what else heaven might consist of:
"There will be music in heaven. That's what I think."
I agreed. After all, what better way to express peace and love than through music?
Thanksgiving 2008
As usual, celebrations at Ron and Debbie's this year. Dinnertime came with the usual semi-reluctance to eat. But then Todd's ears perked up when Grandpa mentioned apple pie. His mouth watered at the sight. Looking at his half-finished plate of turkey, potatoes and spinach, he declared that he was full. The following conversation ensued:
Todd: I'm full! (clearly wanting pie)
Mom: Oh well, if you're full then I guess you're too full to eat pie.
Todd: (mulls it over) I'm hungry!
Mom: Oh good, if you're hungry, then you can eat more dinner.
Todd: I'm... a little bit hungry, a little bit full!
When he did finish his dinner and delved into his pie with gusto, he devoured it so quickly that it wasn't long before he was looking at his last bite on the plate. At which point he looked at me and said: "I'm not full yet. After I eat this bite, I will be full!"
At the end of the night, as we were getting ready to say our goodbyes to the family, Uncle Ron tried joking about with Todd, claiming he had slaved away all day to get Thanksgiving dinner ready.
It was clear, though, that Todd had observed Aunt Debbie bustling about in the kitchen all day while Uncle Ron sat outside, for he was quick to correct Uncle Ron (albeit speaking to Daddy):
"Uncle Ron didn't do anything! Aunt Debbie did everything!"
Todd: I'm full! (clearly wanting pie)
Mom: Oh well, if you're full then I guess you're too full to eat pie.
Todd: (mulls it over) I'm hungry!
Mom: Oh good, if you're hungry, then you can eat more dinner.
Todd: I'm... a little bit hungry, a little bit full!
When he did finish his dinner and delved into his pie with gusto, he devoured it so quickly that it wasn't long before he was looking at his last bite on the plate. At which point he looked at me and said: "I'm not full yet. After I eat this bite, I will be full!"
At the end of the night, as we were getting ready to say our goodbyes to the family, Uncle Ron tried joking about with Todd, claiming he had slaved away all day to get Thanksgiving dinner ready.
It was clear, though, that Todd had observed Aunt Debbie bustling about in the kitchen all day while Uncle Ron sat outside, for he was quick to correct Uncle Ron (albeit speaking to Daddy):
"Uncle Ron didn't do anything! Aunt Debbie did everything!"
School progress report
This afternoon, Allan and I dutifully reported to Todd's school to meet with his teacher and discuss how he has been doing in class. She handed us his report card-- all good marks so far!
She went on to explain that he was starting to come out of his shell a bit. He answers questions in class, and plays nicely with the other kids. One of my chief worries (besides the social aspect) was the fact that he has a short attention span and tends to let his mind wander when he should be paying attention. According to his teacher, he doesn't do that so often at school. He does at times, but not more than is normal for most little kids. For the most part, he listens and follows instructions. That was a big relief to hear.
We were also regaled with an anecdote about a recent day during chapel-- a bit hazy on the background, but apparently the kids were talking about being scared at night-- and Todd raised his hand. When called upon to speak, he piped up with his little bit of advice:
"When I say my prayers at night, I'm not afraid anymore!"
Doubly pleasing to hear because not only is he participating in school, but he sees the value of saying his prayers :-D
She went on to explain that he was starting to come out of his shell a bit. He answers questions in class, and plays nicely with the other kids. One of my chief worries (besides the social aspect) was the fact that he has a short attention span and tends to let his mind wander when he should be paying attention. According to his teacher, he doesn't do that so often at school. He does at times, but not more than is normal for most little kids. For the most part, he listens and follows instructions. That was a big relief to hear.
We were also regaled with an anecdote about a recent day during chapel-- a bit hazy on the background, but apparently the kids were talking about being scared at night-- and Todd raised his hand. When called upon to speak, he piped up with his little bit of advice:
"When I say my prayers at night, I'm not afraid anymore!"
Doubly pleasing to hear because not only is he participating in school, but he sees the value of saying his prayers :-D
Snuggle time
The everyday routine is pretty standard. Bedtime is mostly Mommy's domain: brushing teeth, reading stories, saying prayers, and snuggling until Todd falls asleep (most of the time, Mommy zonks out, too!)
Tonight, however, Todd decided he wanted something different. He is currently in the midst of wishing to do everything with the parent of the same gender. A boy has to sit next to him in the car, a boy has to shower him, a boy has to... etc...
So it came as no surprise that at bedtime today, Todd declared: "I never get to snuggle with Daddy after stories and prayer!"
Since Daddy gets to snuggle with him in the morning, I pointed out that nighttime was my turn: "But what about me? Then I'll never get to snuggle with you!"
Todd's solution?
"You can snuggle with DADDY at night (after I go to sleep)!"
Tonight, however, Todd decided he wanted something different. He is currently in the midst of wishing to do everything with the parent of the same gender. A boy has to sit next to him in the car, a boy has to shower him, a boy has to... etc...
So it came as no surprise that at bedtime today, Todd declared: "I never get to snuggle with Daddy after stories and prayer!"
Since Daddy gets to snuggle with him in the morning, I pointed out that nighttime was my turn: "But what about me? Then I'll never get to snuggle with you!"
Todd's solution?
"You can snuggle with DADDY at night (after I go to sleep)!"
