It is fun everyday is to hear what new things Zeke has to say. He still doesn't communicate like some of the other toddlers we know, but I don't worry -- Zeke has his own gifts and his language grows every day. He strings words together, responds to questions, and issues commands without hesitation, but he just doesn't necessarily speak in sentences. We just don't get many sentences that aren't commands, though he says, "I love you." Last week, though, he had what I think added a pretty complete sentence to his repetoire. So, for posterity's sake, I present to you what I think is one of my child's first sentences: "Dinosaurs say ROAR!"
Friday, May 23, 2008
Sentencing
It is fun everyday is to hear what new things Zeke has to say. He still doesn't communicate like some of the other toddlers we know, but I don't worry -- Zeke has his own gifts and his language grows every day. He strings words together, responds to questions, and issues commands without hesitation, but he just doesn't necessarily speak in sentences. We just don't get many sentences that aren't commands, though he says, "I love you." Last week, though, he had what I think added a pretty complete sentence to his repetoire. So, for posterity's sake, I present to you what I think is one of my child's first sentences: "Dinosaurs say ROAR!"
Guitar hero
We recently got Zeke a toddler sized guitar and he loves it. No one else is allowed to touch it. He likes to sing and strum at the same time.
Apple doesn't fall far from the tree
Tonight's new spontaneous word: "iTunes". This adds to an ever growing vocabulary which includes "podcast" and "Apple TV". (I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the next one will be "iPhone" because he sees Mama with one in June.)
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Excuse the tears
Just taking a moment to wipe my eyes. Today was Zeke's last day of "school." It seems momentous some how -- he is so changed from the one year old who spent the first day crying. Of late he has been reluctant to say good bye to me at drop off, but much more reluctant to leave in the afternoon. Leaving can take up 20 minutes to get out of there, especially if they spend the afternoon on the playground. After we finally make it up the drive to the parking lot, Zeke then has to stand in front of the fellowship hall and read the letters from right to left (?) on a sign with the church name. A few of the boys in his class also like coming up to this area and will either try to read the sign with Zeke or run around the tree there. I don't know why this little group is attracted to this area, but they all like staying late after school.
It was hard to say goodbye today, emptying out his cubby and hugging his teachers. It is not only the end of the school year (and my eight weekly hours of "free" time), but the end of his time at this school. We have enjoyed this school and Zeke is certainly attached to his teachers. He also comes home all the time with words and songs and dances that we haven't taught him (like a new song and dance about frogs where he hops on all fours). Zeke also takes a greater interest in painting and using markers than he did before. I enjoy that he is more social with his peers, and I also really enjoyed those eight hours. I'm really glad that we sent him to school this year. However, in the fall, Zeke will start another neighborhood preschool (same amount of time) that is more closely aligned with what I want (like letters home, more control over snacks, lots of messy time, willingness to use cloth diapers). I would have liked Zeke to be at this new school this year, but they don't take one year olds. I have gone back and forth on my decision, knowing how much Zeke enjoys his school, but am confident that Zeke will adjust. Also, one of his teachers is going to start babysitting for us and we will likely go back for some other programs they have, so today wasn't a forever goodbye.
Stretching out before us we have the whole summer, just me and him, all day everyday. I don't have much planned other than some play dates and music class. (At this point, I wouldn't dream of cutting that out. Zeke now tumbles out of bed every morning asking for music from the class -- Sesame Street viewings are history. He loves that music class.) We might try a few activities and we have a few trips planned, but I'm going to try and keep it simple. I've also as of this week ended my contract work for the summer. Our doings may not be entirely simple, though. My mission is to more actively encourage some potty training, so another reason to stay at home. While I worry just a bit about the both of us being home together so much, I'm looking forward to it, too. We do have a great time together...between struggles for independence and shrieking fits, that is. Wish us well!
Here is a photo of what I expect will be a common summer activity: Mommy leaves the back door open and puts Child and Dog out to play together. I thought this moment from last week was so funny. I gave Zeke a bowl of crackers and then I look over and he has gone outside and just plopped himself down in the middle of the yard where Maggie likes to do woodwork/knaw on big sticks.
It was hard to say goodbye today, emptying out his cubby and hugging his teachers. It is not only the end of the school year (and my eight weekly hours of "free" time), but the end of his time at this school. We have enjoyed this school and Zeke is certainly attached to his teachers. He also comes home all the time with words and songs and dances that we haven't taught him (like a new song and dance about frogs where he hops on all fours). Zeke also takes a greater interest in painting and using markers than he did before. I enjoy that he is more social with his peers, and I also really enjoyed those eight hours. I'm really glad that we sent him to school this year. However, in the fall, Zeke will start another neighborhood preschool (same amount of time) that is more closely aligned with what I want (like letters home, more control over snacks, lots of messy time, willingness to use cloth diapers). I would have liked Zeke to be at this new school this year, but they don't take one year olds. I have gone back and forth on my decision, knowing how much Zeke enjoys his school, but am confident that Zeke will adjust. Also, one of his teachers is going to start babysitting for us and we will likely go back for some other programs they have, so today wasn't a forever goodbye.
Stretching out before us we have the whole summer, just me and him, all day everyday. I don't have much planned other than some play dates and music class. (At this point, I wouldn't dream of cutting that out. Zeke now tumbles out of bed every morning asking for music from the class -- Sesame Street viewings are history. He loves that music class.) We might try a few activities and we have a few trips planned, but I'm going to try and keep it simple. I've also as of this week ended my contract work for the summer. Our doings may not be entirely simple, though. My mission is to more actively encourage some potty training, so another reason to stay at home. While I worry just a bit about the both of us being home together so much, I'm looking forward to it, too. We do have a great time together...between struggles for independence and shrieking fits, that is. Wish us well!
Here is a photo of what I expect will be a common summer activity: Mommy leaves the back door open and puts Child and Dog out to play together. I thought this moment from last week was so funny. I gave Zeke a bowl of crackers and then I look over and he has gone outside and just plopped himself down in the middle of the yard where Maggie likes to do woodwork/knaw on big sticks.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Carnival
On Saturday, Zeke's school had a carnival with all the right thrills for the preschool set: snow cones, games, pony rides, clowns and a bouncy castle. Zeke scoped out the scene with Aaron and then ate a picnic lunch while I took my volunteer turn selling tickets.
Then onto the fun. First, the bouncy castle. Zeke has never been interested in any variety of "bouncy" architecture, so his interest completely surprised me. He stood eagerly with his tickets. (Zeke kept close to the Sprout Daddy while in line and gave him a number of unsolicited hugs.) After all that excitement, what happened? Of course, he got in and started feeling uncertain. Though not a big connoisseur of bouncy castles, I joined him and we got to bouncing. Fun followed. Next up, the pony ride. Zeke kept waving and saying, "Hi, Pony! NEIGH!" After all that excitement, what happened? Of course, I lifted him onto his pony Baby Doll and he enjoyed it for about five seconds before he started feeling uncertain. Note in the pictures how he starts to lean more towards me; I don't think Baby Doll appreciated it much. But, all hesitancy was forgotten after the ride when Zeke got to pet her mane. With a final "Bye, Pony! NEIGH!" we said goodbye to the carnival and an eventful Saturday afternoon.
Then onto the fun. First, the bouncy castle. Zeke has never been interested in any variety of "bouncy" architecture, so his interest completely surprised me. He stood eagerly with his tickets. (Zeke kept close to the Sprout Daddy while in line and gave him a number of unsolicited hugs.) After all that excitement, what happened? Of course, he got in and started feeling uncertain. Though not a big connoisseur of bouncy castles, I joined him and we got to bouncing. Fun followed. Next up, the pony ride. Zeke kept waving and saying, "Hi, Pony! NEIGH!" After all that excitement, what happened? Of course, I lifted him onto his pony Baby Doll and he enjoyed it for about five seconds before he started feeling uncertain. Note in the pictures how he starts to lean more towards me; I don't think Baby Doll appreciated it much. But, all hesitancy was forgotten after the ride when Zeke got to pet her mane. With a final "Bye, Pony! NEIGH!" we said goodbye to the carnival and an eventful Saturday afternoon.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Dinner conversation
For the most part, Zeke doesn't talk so much as he parrots what we are saying. Therefore, it is a little startling to me when he independently tells me something without prompting. Recent examples: he sometimes talks about our "Apple ti-ti" (Apple TV) and yesterday he mentioned "Seuss" while we were reading.
On Sunday, we had a real treat for dinner: Aaron's four cheese pasta. Zeke hasn't been eating much recently, but immediately dug in and after one bite said:
"MMMM....yum....MMMM....cheese!"
Yes sir, that's my baby.
On Sunday, we had a real treat for dinner: Aaron's four cheese pasta. Zeke hasn't been eating much recently, but immediately dug in and after one bite said:
"MMMM....yum....MMMM....cheese!"
Yes sir, that's my baby.
Monday, May 05, 2008
I've got the music in me
This kid loves music, as I might have mentioned one or two or a dozen times before. He is particularly obsessed with the songs that accompany his music class -- I can't imagine how many times a day we listen to those songs. Like the alphabet song, he can half sing all of them and get down to all of them. These are photos from a few weeks ago at a concert in a nearby park led by the teachers of his music class program. You can see him conducting, shaking some eggs, trying out the drums, and (an a two part photo) really swaying to the music.
Kodomo no hi
So, now to less confusing cultural differences. (In regards to my last post: you say tomato, I say child endangerment.) You may be aware of Cinco de Mayo, but don't forget to celebrate May 5 as Children's Day, too. Children's Holiday ("kodomo no hi") is a holiday celebrated in Japan. It is a day focused on celebrating the happiness of children. Rather than throwing children from buildings, children eat special foods and get to fly kites. Tell me which you prefer! I've been meaning to find a carp kite to fly for today, but I might just make one with Zeke for next year. Follow the link for more information and making a carp kite. So next year, if you don't have too many margaritas, don't forget the kites!
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Cultural differences
You know, I know a lot babies that that have recently made their entrance into this world. Wonder if any of their parents would go for this. Footage from CNN.com
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