Firsts

Kendall's first pigtails.

They stayed in for 5 minutes.

Cole's first ...

... high heels?!

We were at Payless the other day where Dave was trying on shoes.  Cole decided he wanted to try some on too.  However, he grabbed a pair from the shelf across the aisle, which happened to be women's shoes.  I was impressed that he shuffled around so well in high heels.  Even more impressed was I that he took off his shoes and put these ones on all by himself.  Getting Cole to do anything that requires self care (like putting on shoes, getting dressed or brushing his teeth) is a HUGE battle.  We are quickly finding out that its not because he can't do it any more, but rather that he physically can but doesn't want to.  This initiative of taking off and putting on shoes is a prime example that he CAN do these things, when he's motivated to do so.  However, I think Daddy would have preferred a different shoe selection for his son.

Now That's Love

For those of you who didn't get the opportunity to see my facebook status earlier today, it read:

"So a moment ago my kids were running around the living room, dancing to Veggie Tales Christmas music. They then stopped to rest their heads on the couch. Kendall lent over and gave her brother a huge, long hug. A big smile spread across his face. As a mother, I was enjoying the moment, permanently imprinting this image in my mind, as my children stood in a long embrace, when ... my son farts, they both giggle, and then run off. Not a Hallmark moment ... but I'll take it."

Earning Their Keep

Today was house cleaning day.  It was much neglected and had to be done before the babysitter came tonight, and a home visit tomorrow morning.  Most of the reason for the neglect was a couple of weeks of grumpy kids.  Cole has been having what we call a "bad" stint, and Kendall had a cold followed by some major teething grumpies.  Fortunately, the kids were both very pleasant today.  When I told them it was time for Mommy to do some vacuuming, Cole wanted to help.  So I gave him the vacuum cleaner.  Kendall instantly had left-out-sibling jealousy.  No problem!  Gave the 19 month old the swiffer duster.  Ahh ... time to sit back and watch the kids go to work ... and get a great photo opt.  You know  ... to remind them when they're teenagers that they DO know how to do this stuff.

Though this picture from the previous day shows that I may have to work on keeping them on task.  Those toddlers ... they're such slackers ;)

Good Peer Pressure

Part of Cole's Nursery School routine includes snack time.  The school provides a nut free snack for all the kids.  Cole has a very limited diet (his own choice) and refuses to try new things.  A majority of the time we bring one of his favourite snacks to things like Sunday morning nursery, playgroup, etc.  His peanut allergy is usually a good excuse.  However, we decided that we wouldn't do this when it came to school.  Cole doesn't always have an afternoon snack at home, and we thought it would be good for him to have to conform to the rest of the class or, simply not partake if he didn't like what was served.  So we weren't surprised to hear that Cole wasn't eating snack almost on a regular basis.  However, the last couple of weeks Cole has had a change of heart!

First we were informed that Cole had 2 graham cracker biscuits that day.  Then at the end of last week we were told he ate 10 Ritz crackers and a container of applesauce.  These are things Cole has refused to touch since he was about 1 year old!  We always knew that Dave and I had no influence of what he was willing to eat.  We could talk something up and make something seem like it was the most delicious thing in the world ,and he still wouldn't try it.  We thought having a little sister with an adventurous appetite would perhaps influence him, but he hasn't followed suit.  So after months of sitting with his peers, and simply observing during snack time - Cole has taken the plunge!

Yesterday at dinner we put a couple of crackers on his plate.  Usually he just ignores these or offers them to his sister.  While we were finishing putting the rest of dinner on the table (the kids usually get a head start on us) we looked over and were amazed to see the crackers were missing.  Our first verbal enquiry gained no response so we looked over at Kendall's plate (a frequent strategy).  No crackers there.  We checked his lap and the sides of the booster seat.  Empty.  Finally we asked Cole again.  "Did you eat the rectangle crackers?".  His response:  "Yes."  "Would you like some more crackers Cole?"  "Yes."  There was much praise and then hushed high fives by the parents in the kitchen.  He probably ate 7 and polished off the diced pears and macaroni (something he almost dropped from his diet for months) on his plate as well.  Then this afternoon he tried a new kind of cookie he previously refused many times before.  He took a tiny bite to begin with, and then finished the whole thing (except a mushy corner).

I'm going to be paying close attention to the snack schedule at nursery school to see when vegetables are the menu.  These parents can only hope!!

The Geek in Me Wants This (I Won't Tell You Percentage That Is)

I LOVE the television show The Big Bang Theory!  Probably because I am a self professed geek, or at least I was in high school ... right?!?  Math and science weren't my strong suits.  I was more of a yearbook committee, Sr. Concert Band kind of gal.  Have I mentioned I was in the Gifted Program? 

So yeah ... I own seasons 1 to 3 on DVD and season 4 would make a great birthday gift (hint, hint).

Anyway, a post on Big Bang's facebook page made me smile in giddy disbelief:

It's a Soft Kitty singing plush doll!!

I just have to share the write up on the website with you  (Warning:  If you're not a fan of the show you're just not going to understand this post):

Soft Kitty,
Warm kitty,
Little ball of fur.
Happy kitty,
Sleepy kitty,
Purr purr purr.


The Big Bang Theory Soft Kitty Plush


From: The Big Bang Theory Labs


Prescribing MD: Sheldon’s Mom


RX: #355717


Contains: 1 Soft Kitty Plush


Indications: For when you're sick Instruction: Press Big Bang Theory Soft Kitty Plush on the paw to hear song, “Soft Kitty” at least once a day or as needed. Repeat until symptoms subside.


Refill: Put Big Bang Theory Soft Kitty Plush in cart again, and check out.


Exp: Not likely

Warnings: Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while listening. Will make you fall in love with blonde girl across the hall who will forever keep you in the friend zone. Do not allow Soft Kitty Plush to come in contact with vapor rub.

Love it!