I think I need to remember that I started this blog to keep track of Wyatt and all his tricks and also to make our families feel like they were less than a hemisphere away from the newest baby. I haven't been writing as much for "lack of things to write" but who am I kidding? Wyatt hasn't stopped coming up with new tricks! And while we're definitely closer than we used to be, we're not actually neighbors with our nearest and dearest. So, today's favorites:
1. We hosted a playdate this morning and when they left, Wyatt kept saying, "more kids?"
2. His favorite activity today was jumping off the big couch cushion on the floor. Why is it on the floor, you ask? Well, because we were tricked by our furniture delivery company and when they said the new stuff was coming today we believed them. It turns out they won't be delivering until Friday, but we already moved the old stuff out. So we're just sitting on the cushion, sans couch.
3. If you ask Wyatt where our furniture is, he'll tell you "couches outside."
4. Wyatt woke from his nap and the first words out of his mouth were, "friends home?"
5. I used the big rubberband from a bunch of asparagus to deter Wyatt from opening a cabinet that houses my cutting mats and colanders. I kind of just got sick of him throwing that stuff all over the kitchen. Anyway, now his big thing is that he always makes sure the rubberband is fastened. If you leave it hanging off one knob, he'll tell you "fix it" and then loop it over the other knob. And lately he's also started moving it to other cabinets as if he thinks the trash should also be protected from him.
6. Wyatt (and therefore his parents) had a rough night last night. So please imagine my joy when he slept in this morning and then woke up using his manners. Our morning was full of pleases and thank you's, all completely unprompted. He was totally trying to redeem himself!
7. For the first time ever, Wyatt carried on a phone conversation with his dad this morning. He held the phone himself and chatted for a few minutes, answering all questions appropriately, before handing the phone back to me. I tried to get a picture of my little big man but I was too slow.
So those are my highlights of my very ordinary life. Welcome back to the blog as it's meant to be.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Dear Tuesday, I Like You
Please tell me that the rest of you are also enjoying the Wipeout/I Survived A Japanese Gameshow lineup on this fair evening. I mean, can it get any better?
First of all, I hope that all of you (well, those who we actually know) have the opportunity to watch a Wipeout-style show with my husband. Jeff has a specific, boisterous laugh that he saves only for times such as that - you know, the times when you see people totally hurt themselves, but it's on tv so it's funny? Just hearing him laugh that way cracks me up. I think it would have the same effect on you. And also? Just the show makes me laugh. I know I would look completely ridiculous trying to slog through a mudpit after I got suckerpunched, but hey. I'm not the one putting myself on national television for public ridicule in hopes of winning $50k. So I'd like to thank all the people out there who are willing to sacrifice themselves for my entertainment.
And the Japanese Gameshow thing, I guess that's obvious. All things Japanese evoke some sense of fondness in me. I love the street shots of Tokyo because it reminds me of all my fun trips up there with friends and family; I love the over-the-top competitions because only the Japanese could come up with this stuff; I love hearing the language spoken for the five words I recognize. Like tonight, when they went into the capsule hotel, the guy at the front desk greeted them with the standard irashimase (I'm sure that's poorly spelled) and it just made me smile.
And Tuesday used to be so boring.
First of all, I hope that all of you (well, those who we actually know) have the opportunity to watch a Wipeout-style show with my husband. Jeff has a specific, boisterous laugh that he saves only for times such as that - you know, the times when you see people totally hurt themselves, but it's on tv so it's funny? Just hearing him laugh that way cracks me up. I think it would have the same effect on you. And also? Just the show makes me laugh. I know I would look completely ridiculous trying to slog through a mudpit after I got suckerpunched, but hey. I'm not the one putting myself on national television for public ridicule in hopes of winning $50k. So I'd like to thank all the people out there who are willing to sacrifice themselves for my entertainment.
And the Japanese Gameshow thing, I guess that's obvious. All things Japanese evoke some sense of fondness in me. I love the street shots of Tokyo because it reminds me of all my fun trips up there with friends and family; I love the over-the-top competitions because only the Japanese could come up with this stuff; I love hearing the language spoken for the five words I recognize. Like tonight, when they went into the capsule hotel, the guy at the front desk greeted them with the standard irashimase (I'm sure that's poorly spelled) and it just made me smile.
And Tuesday used to be so boring.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
I am Married to the Karate Kid
We're having a bit of trouble with flies lately (someone in Okinawa remind me, are there flies there? Because I don't remember battling them in our house like we are here.) They seem to be everywhere outside so every time we open the door, about five more houseflies gain entry.
We don't own a flyswatter and I kind of refuse to get one because I find them disgusting. I mean, fly guts on a plastic spatula that then you have to store somewhere? No thanks. Besides, we've always gotten along quite nicely without one. I, personally, am a fan of the swat-em-with-a-towel-and-promptly-throw-that-towel-in-the-wash technique. I learned it from Jeff.
He, however, has advanced well beyond the towel. His method of choice? Smashing them between his hands as they fly around (and don't worry, he always washes his hands thoroughly after taking them down). Yeah, that's right, the little suckers don't even have to land for my incredibly hand-eye coordinated husband to get them.
It's things like this that keep a marriage interesting, you know?
We don't own a flyswatter and I kind of refuse to get one because I find them disgusting. I mean, fly guts on a plastic spatula that then you have to store somewhere? No thanks. Besides, we've always gotten along quite nicely without one. I, personally, am a fan of the swat-em-with-a-towel-and-promptly-throw-that-towel-in-the-wash technique. I learned it from Jeff.
He, however, has advanced well beyond the towel. His method of choice? Smashing them between his hands as they fly around (and don't worry, he always washes his hands thoroughly after taking them down). Yeah, that's right, the little suckers don't even have to land for my incredibly hand-eye coordinated husband to get them.
It's things like this that keep a marriage interesting, you know?
Sunday, July 20, 2008
We're Still Alive
The blog has been suffering - again - due to too much going on in real life. You know, same story, different day. Jeff and his dad have been building our fence for the last week but I'm feeling a little lazy about downloading the pictures; also, the fence still isn't quite finished. So I'm waiting until it's Really Truly Completely finished and then you'll get that whole story. In the meantime, here:
That's my attempt at distracting you. Did it work?
Thursday, July 10, 2008
It Seemed Like a Nice Neighborhood
We live in a no soliciting allowed neighborhood, which apparently affects your recruiting/evangelizing if you're a Jehovah's Witness. How do I know this? Well, because a certain household received a letter today stating that our neighborhood restrictions were preventing us from hearing the word of God and why don't we read the enclosed tract and call them when we're ready to discuss it.
Hey, at least they're still doing His work. Somehow it just seems a little judgemental of our little slice of suburbia.
Hey, at least they're still doing His work. Somehow it just seems a little judgemental of our little slice of suburbia.
Beijing's Not An Option,
but Olympics 2024? Maybe.
Wyatt had his first gymnastics class this morning and it was big fun. For both of us, truth be told, since it's really a parent/kid set-up. I expected lots of tumbling or kind of just big motor activity kind of stuff, but was more than surprised when we actually completed activities on four apparatus. But before we could, "play! play!" as Wyatt was loudly demading, we had to sit in a circle and stretch. Wyatt is a bendy boy but wasn't exactly following Miss Chelsey in her stretching.
Finally it was time to start on floor, where the kids did a teacher-assisted forward roll down a big wedge, then landed on the ta-da mat where they stood up and said, "ta da!", then rolled sideways down another wedge mat, then crawled through a tunnel, jumped up on a platform, jumped down, then stood up on another folded mat where they 'split leaped' to another folded mat, then through another tunnel, over an arch and then walked across some little pods. Whew! I was tired after one round but Wyatt was having big fun. Luckily we only made three passes before heading to our next event: bars.
The plan on the bars was to swing with legs parallel to the ground on the low bar, then the same on the high bar, then crawl (?!) on hands and feet across the parallel bars, then move to the high bar where the kids were supposed to attempt holding on then bringing their feet up to the bar. Last stop was at the rings, where the kids were supposed to just hold on and swing. My kid? Was the strongest one there, hands down. Definitely not the most coordinated, definitely not the best at waiting his turn but holy cow, definitely the strongest. As in, I hung him on the high bar and he immediately pulled his feet clear up to the bar. It's probably because he's part monkey. It garnered comments from a few other parents and the teacher. Ahhh, yes folks. That's why we're here.
Third event was balance beam. Let's just say that when you walk on the your toes, the balance beam is a hair more challenging. Second go-round I suggested that Wyatt walk on his heels. So he did, literally. My little flexed-footed kid walked only on his heels. Smart aleck.
Last event: trampoline. Wyatt was so excited that the teacher asked if he'd like to go first. With all the eyes on him, my kiddo made me so proud. He just paused, smiled from ear to ear and said, "pease!" I'm so glad we've been working on manners. The trampoline was so much fun that Wyatt cried after his last turn. And then he was remarkably upset to learn that "gin-ast-ic-ns" was over.
We have a few things to work on before our next session, like waiting our turn and not turning into jelly when we're stretching, but otherwise today's outing was pretty successful. The best news is that the last day of class (in August) is open for observers, so hopefully Jeff will be able to swing it and take some pictures of our future medalist.
Wyatt had his first gymnastics class this morning and it was big fun. For both of us, truth be told, since it's really a parent/kid set-up. I expected lots of tumbling or kind of just big motor activity kind of stuff, but was more than surprised when we actually completed activities on four apparatus. But before we could, "play! play!" as Wyatt was loudly demading, we had to sit in a circle and stretch. Wyatt is a bendy boy but wasn't exactly following Miss Chelsey in her stretching.
Finally it was time to start on floor, where the kids did a teacher-assisted forward roll down a big wedge, then landed on the ta-da mat where they stood up and said, "ta da!", then rolled sideways down another wedge mat, then crawled through a tunnel, jumped up on a platform, jumped down, then stood up on another folded mat where they 'split leaped' to another folded mat, then through another tunnel, over an arch and then walked across some little pods. Whew! I was tired after one round but Wyatt was having big fun. Luckily we only made three passes before heading to our next event: bars.
The plan on the bars was to swing with legs parallel to the ground on the low bar, then the same on the high bar, then crawl (?!) on hands and feet across the parallel bars, then move to the high bar where the kids were supposed to attempt holding on then bringing their feet up to the bar. Last stop was at the rings, where the kids were supposed to just hold on and swing. My kid? Was the strongest one there, hands down. Definitely not the most coordinated, definitely not the best at waiting his turn but holy cow, definitely the strongest. As in, I hung him on the high bar and he immediately pulled his feet clear up to the bar. It's probably because he's part monkey. It garnered comments from a few other parents and the teacher. Ahhh, yes folks. That's why we're here.
Third event was balance beam. Let's just say that when you walk on the your toes, the balance beam is a hair more challenging. Second go-round I suggested that Wyatt walk on his heels. So he did, literally. My little flexed-footed kid walked only on his heels. Smart aleck.
Last event: trampoline. Wyatt was so excited that the teacher asked if he'd like to go first. With all the eyes on him, my kiddo made me so proud. He just paused, smiled from ear to ear and said, "pease!" I'm so glad we've been working on manners. The trampoline was so much fun that Wyatt cried after his last turn. And then he was remarkably upset to learn that "gin-ast-ic-ns" was over.
We have a few things to work on before our next session, like waiting our turn and not turning into jelly when we're stretching, but otherwise today's outing was pretty successful. The best news is that the last day of class (in August) is open for observers, so hopefully Jeff will be able to swing it and take some pictures of our future medalist.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Things That Alarm the Kansan in Me
Storms that kick up out of nowhere, thunder that you hear at the exact time you see lightning, trees that abruptly switch from blowing sideways to standing stock still. Think I should check the weather? Me too.
And also? I think I should've gotten the mail before I caught up on my blogging.
And also? I think I should've gotten the mail before I caught up on my blogging.
Lions & Tigers, No Bears, Oh My!
Jeff had yesterday off so it was the perfect chance to check out our local slice of zoological paradise with Isaac and his family. While it was complete with the requisite zoo residents - lions, tigers, monkeys (not as many of those as we'd hoped), giraffe, gazelles, zebras, etc. - we seemed to fixate on the more pedestrian things being offered.
Above left: body language says it all - this kid can't get close enough.
Right: Wyatt attempting to communicate with the elephants. Apparently they speak different dialects because not one pachyderm answered his call.
L: Boys riding a fierce bronze rhino. R: Wyatt communicating with a rare goose, like the ones we have in our neighborhood.
L: One of my favorite moments: peacocks jumping the fence. This one was the second escapee, notice number three poised in the tall grass ready for his freedom. I also learned that a peacock's call sounds strangely feline.
Above left: body language says it all - this kid can't get close enough.
Right: Wyatt attempting to communicate with the elephants. Apparently they speak different dialects because not one pachyderm answered his call.
L: Boys riding a fierce bronze rhino. R: Wyatt communicating with a rare goose, like the ones we have in our neighborhood.
L: One of my favorite moments: peacocks jumping the fence. This one was the second escapee, notice number three poised in the tall grass ready for his freedom. I also learned that a peacock's call sounds strangely feline.
R: Wyatt and a giant tortoise. Apparently it's really fun to stand under a bronze animal statue.
The Month in Review
As was so delicately pointed out by Rife Wife in my comments, the blogging has been sporadic at best. Rest assured, it's because we're having too darn much fun in our 3-D lives. I've finally gotten around to downloading pictures from June (prompt, don't you think?) - it was a great month and there's much to share.
First, I've started letting Wyatt help in the kitchen. He thinks it's great fun and especially enjoys seasoning things or pouring flour into the mixer. I've taught him that this makes him my sous chef, which he says quite nicely.
Next up was the visit from my parents and grandma. It was so fun for Jeff & I to see Wyatt with them. It's times like this that make me wish we lived a little closer, though halfway across the country feels like next door compared to halfway around the world. We're so glad they came to visit and stayed for so freaking long. Just kidding! My mom kept saying they were coming for too long, but we never felt that way. Maybe she did? Anyway, highlights included a birthday party for Wyatt, lots of hanging out at the house with everyone (Great-Grandma proved to be an excellent partner for cutting wooden fruits and veggies), Wyatt's first bus ride (which was only a by-product of our actual outing, but no need to tell him that), a few trips to local parks and, of course, lots of photo ops.
Hey look! Four generations!
This is Wyatt participating in one of his favorite activities: looking (enunciated quite clearly as loo-king! loo-king!) at the photos just taken on a digital camera.
Lastly, this deserves a mention because I think it's cute. Jeff and Wyatt have matching shorts and have been known to wear them at the same time. Ahhh, I love my boys.
First, I've started letting Wyatt help in the kitchen. He thinks it's great fun and especially enjoys seasoning things or pouring flour into the mixer. I've taught him that this makes him my sous chef, which he says quite nicely.
We had a visit from our friends Tara and Jack a few weeks back and it was so fun. Tara was with
us when Wyatt was born, manning the camera to capture the pictures that I love so much and I was able to return the favor almost exactly a year later for her. So literally, we've known each other's kids their whole lives. Their trip was quick but we had a great time just hanging out, going out for lunch, taking the boys to the pool and catching a little retail therapy - just like the good ol' days pre-kids! Jack is one handsome and happy kiddo and I can't wait until we get to see them again.
Next up was the visit from my parents and grandma. It was so fun for Jeff & I to see Wyatt with them. It's times like this that make me wish we lived a little closer, though halfway across the country feels like next door compared to halfway around the world. We're so glad they came to visit and stayed for so freaking long. Just kidding! My mom kept saying they were coming for too long, but we never felt that way. Maybe she did? Anyway, highlights included a birthday party for Wyatt, lots of hanging out at the house with everyone (Great-Grandma proved to be an excellent partner for cutting wooden fruits and veggies), Wyatt's first bus ride (which was only a by-product of our actual outing, but no need to tell him that), a few trips to local parks and, of course, lots of photo ops.
Hey look! Four generations!This is Wyatt participating in one of his favorite activities: looking (enunciated quite clearly as loo-king! loo-king!) at the photos just taken on a digital camera.
Lastly, this deserves a mention because I think it's cute. Jeff and Wyatt have matching shorts and have been known to wear them at the same time. Ahhh, I love my boys.
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