JG is certainly not happy when he hears the word No! Recently he has gotten into the habit of screaming when he doesn't get his way. We know that currently this is the only way JG feels that he can express his anger but, I am determined to help him find other ways to express himself. Currently we have been escorting JG to his bedroom and shutting the door for two minutes each time he screams in anger. I want JG to understand that it is "okay to feel angry" but, that "it is not acceptable to scream at us." I also want JG to know that his room is an appropriate place to go when he feels mad and needs a moment to regroup. At the same time I want to start giving him words he can use to express himself...
Me on the way to the JG's bedroom: "JG it's okay that you're angry but, it's not okay to scream at Mommy and Daddy when you're mad....You need to say "I'm really mad!"
Me upon returning to JG's bedroom 2 minutes later: "JG you can't yell at Mommy and Daddy when you're upset." You need to use words like "I'm really mad!" "Are you finished feeling mad?"
Usually after two minutes in his room JG is ready to rejoin us.
On a more positive note JG is finally learning how his shape sorters really work and he is now able to put most of the shapes into the sorter without adult help...He can now roll the shape sorter around by himself to find the correct hole that each shape fits into....He still has difficulty and minor frustration with some of the more complicated shapes (those that require you to manipulate the shape in a different direction to get it into the hole; like the pie or trapezoid) but, he doesn't have problems with the more basic shapes (circle, oval, cross or star).
DH and I also took JG on a wagon ride just prior to JG's naptime. JG was excited to go for a ride as always but, half way home JG's head was nodding and he was falling asleep so we rolled up Mommy's coat under his head and he slept in the wagon as we headed home! One of the sweeter moments of the day....
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Ready to Leap as King of Pop Dies...
So, the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, died yesterday at the age of 50! It's hard to believe that the superstar (who made his professional music debut at the age of 11 as part of the Jackson 5) is really gone! What a fantastical life he had....From childhood stardom in a musically talented family, an amazing solo career that includes recording "Thriller"; the best-selling album of all time, extensive controversy over his continually changing appearance and behaviour, his "Neverland Ranch" property containing Ferris wheels, a menagerie and a movie theatre, allegations of child sexual abuse, his friendship with Elizabeth Taylor, his marriage to Lisa Marie Presley and of course the paternity of his children Prince Michael, Paris and Prince Michael II....
As strange and unusual as Michael was I am both sad and happy at the report of his demise. I am sad that such an incredible musical legend and entertainer is no longer alive. A man who's songs and unusual life influenced so much of my childhood in the 80's and 90's. I doubt a Halloween will ever go by where I won't yearn to watch Michael's "Thriller" music video just one more time! Michael popularized the "Moonwalk" and he is half the reason that the combination of leather and zippers were a fad for so much longer then it ever should have been! Despite all the controversy, suspicions and allegations I also admire his humanitarian efforts and charitable donations; many causes for which would not have been recognized or supported without Michael's support and generosity. Many of his songs including "We Are The World", Man In The Mirror and "Heal The World" will remain favourites of mine for years to come. Other favourite songs that obviously developed from the emotional scars and tragedies of childhood stardom and a controversial life including "Will You Be There", "Scream" "Childhood", "They Don't Really Care About Us" and "You Are Not Alone" would certainly not have been written or recorded without Michael's influence.
I am also sad for Michael's children and his family. No matter what the circumstances regarding Michael's life have been; my heart goes out to his children whom are no doubt suffering at the loss of their father. I only hope that Michael Jackson was smart enough to leave a will with conditions regarding the upbringing of his children. On the same token, I hope that the courts will have the decency to honour Jackson's wishes and requests. Yet, another poignant reminder of the importance to draft a will; particularly if you have children.
I am happy that the judgement of the world will no longer haunt every moment of Jackson's life. I truly hope that he can now rest in peace and that wherever his spirit may be now; that it is exactly where he would want it to be. Although Jackson's life (and inevitably his death) is littered with controversy, suspicions and allegations I am happy that his Judgement Day has come and that the "truth may finally set him free".
Just as Michael Jackson's life has ended JG is now learning to run and jump. Over the last couple of days JG is testing the limits of his balance by teetering on the very edge of the sofa, diving head first off the bed and tripping over things (including his own feet) in the rush to get somewhere (for which he received a small goose egg on his head today). Despite my continually repeated warnings and attempts to calm his enthusiasm; JG seems determined to test the laws of speed and gravity. It seems that just as one bruise heals another one appears. I think it may be time to take inventory and restock the first aid kit!
As strange and unusual as Michael was I am both sad and happy at the report of his demise. I am sad that such an incredible musical legend and entertainer is no longer alive. A man who's songs and unusual life influenced so much of my childhood in the 80's and 90's. I doubt a Halloween will ever go by where I won't yearn to watch Michael's "Thriller" music video just one more time! Michael popularized the "Moonwalk" and he is half the reason that the combination of leather and zippers were a fad for so much longer then it ever should have been! Despite all the controversy, suspicions and allegations I also admire his humanitarian efforts and charitable donations; many causes for which would not have been recognized or supported without Michael's support and generosity. Many of his songs including "We Are The World", Man In The Mirror and "Heal The World" will remain favourites of mine for years to come. Other favourite songs that obviously developed from the emotional scars and tragedies of childhood stardom and a controversial life including "Will You Be There", "Scream" "Childhood", "They Don't Really Care About Us" and "You Are Not Alone" would certainly not have been written or recorded without Michael's influence.
I am also sad for Michael's children and his family. No matter what the circumstances regarding Michael's life have been; my heart goes out to his children whom are no doubt suffering at the loss of their father. I only hope that Michael Jackson was smart enough to leave a will with conditions regarding the upbringing of his children. On the same token, I hope that the courts will have the decency to honour Jackson's wishes and requests. Yet, another poignant reminder of the importance to draft a will; particularly if you have children.
I am happy that the judgement of the world will no longer haunt every moment of Jackson's life. I truly hope that he can now rest in peace and that wherever his spirit may be now; that it is exactly where he would want it to be. Although Jackson's life (and inevitably his death) is littered with controversy, suspicions and allegations I am happy that his Judgement Day has come and that the "truth may finally set him free".
Just as Michael Jackson's life has ended JG is now learning to run and jump. Over the last couple of days JG is testing the limits of his balance by teetering on the very edge of the sofa, diving head first off the bed and tripping over things (including his own feet) in the rush to get somewhere (for which he received a small goose egg on his head today). Despite my continually repeated warnings and attempts to calm his enthusiasm; JG seems determined to test the laws of speed and gravity. It seems that just as one bruise heals another one appears. I think it may be time to take inventory and restock the first aid kit!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
More Patience Required....
JG has discovered that he can get to where his is going much faster now if he runs. This of course means that there are also more opportunities for bumps and bruises. On Saturday JG took a spill on the concrete front landing of our house in his excitement to get out the door for gym class. Thus, JG is now sporting a scratch near his right temple down towards his eye lid.
He's been quite a trooper about his recent spills though. Despite the occasional scratch and bruise his main response is a disappointed "Oh No!" It's hard not to smile in spite of myself (It's just so darn cute when he says it!). DH says we should record JG using this phrase for posterity sake. I agree it would be a sweet memory if only our poor kid didn't have to hurt himself in order to say it! Regardless of how it came about; I am also happy to finally hear JG's use of the "N" consonant which up until now I have not heard him use! I am hoping that this might be a positive sign towards JG developing a broader vocabulary so that it will be easier for him to communicate.
I am patiently waiting for the "Encouraging First Words" workshop that DH and I are scheduled to attend on July 9th. I also received a call from an audiologist and JG is now scheduled for a hearing test on August 10th. I personally feel that JG's hearing is just fine but, it certainly doesn't hurt to get it checked.
I've realized that patience is a virtue I need to work on right now more then ever. If there is one thing that running after a toddler has taught me; it's that you can never have enough patience. JG loves to play the "chase me" game right now. So getting him to cooperate with diaper changes, getting dressed and even story time can result in frustration if I don't keep my impatience in check! Even during today's casual neighbourhood walk I found myself frustrated as JG played a stubborn game of walking a couple steps and then proceeding to sit down until I picked him up! Then after setting him down on his feet again we would repeat this process over and over again. JG was laughing a giggling and I was aggravated at my repeated attempts to keep him moving. What disappointed me the most was my response. I didn't know how to handle this newest defiance of my authority. It was just meant to be a casual walk in the sunshine. Something that JG and I usually find calming, relaxing and fun. I have now decided that our future walks will be accompanied by an umbrella stroller (at least for a little while) to prevent my impatience from getting the best of me!
He's been quite a trooper about his recent spills though. Despite the occasional scratch and bruise his main response is a disappointed "Oh No!" It's hard not to smile in spite of myself (It's just so darn cute when he says it!). DH says we should record JG using this phrase for posterity sake. I agree it would be a sweet memory if only our poor kid didn't have to hurt himself in order to say it! Regardless of how it came about; I am also happy to finally hear JG's use of the "N" consonant which up until now I have not heard him use! I am hoping that this might be a positive sign towards JG developing a broader vocabulary so that it will be easier for him to communicate.
I am patiently waiting for the "Encouraging First Words" workshop that DH and I are scheduled to attend on July 9th. I also received a call from an audiologist and JG is now scheduled for a hearing test on August 10th. I personally feel that JG's hearing is just fine but, it certainly doesn't hurt to get it checked.
I've realized that patience is a virtue I need to work on right now more then ever. If there is one thing that running after a toddler has taught me; it's that you can never have enough patience. JG loves to play the "chase me" game right now. So getting him to cooperate with diaper changes, getting dressed and even story time can result in frustration if I don't keep my impatience in check! Even during today's casual neighbourhood walk I found myself frustrated as JG played a stubborn game of walking a couple steps and then proceeding to sit down until I picked him up! Then after setting him down on his feet again we would repeat this process over and over again. JG was laughing a giggling and I was aggravated at my repeated attempts to keep him moving. What disappointed me the most was my response. I didn't know how to handle this newest defiance of my authority. It was just meant to be a casual walk in the sunshine. Something that JG and I usually find calming, relaxing and fun. I have now decided that our future walks will be accompanied by an umbrella stroller (at least for a little while) to prevent my impatience from getting the best of me!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Preparing To Sell
So it has been somewhat crazy around here the last couple of weeks. DH and I have been saying that we want to sell our house this summer and we still don't have a sign in the ground. We have been frantically trying to complete some minor renovations (like painting a few rooms) and I have been trying to declutter the house to the best of my ability. It's truly amazing how much stuff you discover that you own when you start the process of moving.
This isn't the first time we've moved but, this will be our first time "selling" a house. We were simply renters prior to owning our current residence. Packing for a move is one thing....Completing minor upgrades without breaking the bank and staging a house for sale is quite another. I know that we're getting closer to the finish line but, it still feels overwhelming. I just hope that we can get everything completed before the end of the month and that everything goes smoothly from there. We certainly could use more space and I hope that we will be able to complete the sale and move to a new home (wherever that might be) before the end of October!
I am always surprised at what I miss when leaving one home for another. Not that I've moved that many times but, there always seems to be something that I yearn for from previous residences. Perhaps it was a great location, a neighbour, the fantastic claw foot soaker tub or, such as will probably be the case with this house, the big backyard with the huge, uninhabited open field behind it.
Then of course there are the lessons I have learned from each move that have made me prioritize what will be important in the "next house." For example I will personally never move into a home that does not have a double kitchen sink. A lesson I learned when I left home to move into my first apartment. One of the features we failed to look for when we purchased our current home is "outdoor electrical outlets." This became apparent during our first winter in 2006 when we realized that we needed to plug in the block heater for the car and there were no plugins to do so. We ended up rigging up an extention cord in the crawl space which we fed through a vent to our car. Hanging outdoor Christmas lights was also a test of inginuity.
Changes in my life have also altered the necessities I look for when moving to a new home. This has become particularly apparent since we've started a family. For example I never really cared about the quality or location of the nearest elementary school prior to starting a family. Now it's a big deal. Like most parents I want the best for my children; starting with a good education. I'm also hoping that the school (at least for the primary years) will be close enough to our home so that our kids will be able to come home for lunch or, at the very least walk to/from school.
Space is certainly the biggest reason behind our current desire to move. We're currently living in a three-bedroom house with only a crawl space for storage. Since having JG the desire for a basement has now become a necessity. We also want a fenced yard for the sake of added privacy for ourselves and for the safety for our kids.
Yes, I understand that "the more space you have; the more junk you collect. However, on the same token I would also like to expand our family if we can. I would like to hear the pitter patter of more feet and I want to have a sibling for JG to play and yes, even argue with. Something that as an only child I did not experience. Although a sibling (and more children) can be daunting there are also lessons that are certainly learned from sibling rivalry.
This isn't the first time we've moved but, this will be our first time "selling" a house. We were simply renters prior to owning our current residence. Packing for a move is one thing....Completing minor upgrades without breaking the bank and staging a house for sale is quite another. I know that we're getting closer to the finish line but, it still feels overwhelming. I just hope that we can get everything completed before the end of the month and that everything goes smoothly from there. We certainly could use more space and I hope that we will be able to complete the sale and move to a new home (wherever that might be) before the end of October!
I am always surprised at what I miss when leaving one home for another. Not that I've moved that many times but, there always seems to be something that I yearn for from previous residences. Perhaps it was a great location, a neighbour, the fantastic claw foot soaker tub or, such as will probably be the case with this house, the big backyard with the huge, uninhabited open field behind it.
Then of course there are the lessons I have learned from each move that have made me prioritize what will be important in the "next house." For example I will personally never move into a home that does not have a double kitchen sink. A lesson I learned when I left home to move into my first apartment. One of the features we failed to look for when we purchased our current home is "outdoor electrical outlets." This became apparent during our first winter in 2006 when we realized that we needed to plug in the block heater for the car and there were no plugins to do so. We ended up rigging up an extention cord in the crawl space which we fed through a vent to our car. Hanging outdoor Christmas lights was also a test of inginuity.
Changes in my life have also altered the necessities I look for when moving to a new home. This has become particularly apparent since we've started a family. For example I never really cared about the quality or location of the nearest elementary school prior to starting a family. Now it's a big deal. Like most parents I want the best for my children; starting with a good education. I'm also hoping that the school (at least for the primary years) will be close enough to our home so that our kids will be able to come home for lunch or, at the very least walk to/from school.
Space is certainly the biggest reason behind our current desire to move. We're currently living in a three-bedroom house with only a crawl space for storage. Since having JG the desire for a basement has now become a necessity. We also want a fenced yard for the sake of added privacy for ourselves and for the safety for our kids.
Yes, I understand that "the more space you have; the more junk you collect. However, on the same token I would also like to expand our family if we can. I would like to hear the pitter patter of more feet and I want to have a sibling for JG to play and yes, even argue with. Something that as an only child I did not experience. Although a sibling (and more children) can be daunting there are also lessons that are certainly learned from sibling rivalry.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Under The Weather....
It has been nearly a week since my last post. JG had a cold on Tuesday and as per usual I caught it too! JG seems to have reovered quickly but, I have never seemed able to fight off cold and flu bugs easily. I was down for the count yesterday and althogh I dispise using television as a distraction I really enjoyed the extra cuddle and quiet time it allowed JG and I to have while we tried to recover yesterday.
One of my favorite children's authors is Karma Wilson and I particularly enjoy the "Bear" series of books she has done with illustrator Jane Chapman. The charming illustrations coupled with an enduring, child-friendly rhyming cadence makes these books popular with children of all ages. "Bear Feels Sick" is a perfect story to read when you or your kids are feeling under the weather.
Our recent weather also seems to be in agreement with our down-trodden mood these last couple of days. Windy, rainy and chilly would be the best words to describe the weather. At least I haven't needed to water the flowers I just planted in the front garden over the weekend.
One of my favorite children's authors is Karma Wilson and I particularly enjoy the "Bear" series of books she has done with illustrator Jane Chapman. The charming illustrations coupled with an enduring, child-friendly rhyming cadence makes these books popular with children of all ages. "Bear Feels Sick" is a perfect story to read when you or your kids are feeling under the weather.Our recent weather also seems to be in agreement with our down-trodden mood these last couple of days. Windy, rainy and chilly would be the best words to describe the weather. At least I haven't needed to water the flowers I just planted in the front garden over the weekend.
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