January 13, 2005
The Birthday of the Girl Child was Good
First, thank you all for your very kind birthday wishes. We all had a very nice time, as I will report below.
My wife and I took the Girl Child to school, ran some errands, and then came back at 11 for her little party. It was too sweet. The Girl Child sat at the head of the table with a crown that she and her class made. One boy cried. He always cries, though, because he always wants it to be his birthday. In a way, I certainly identify with him. We brought miniature cup cakes and miniature black and white cookies to hand out to her class. The students all poured their own milk, which was a first for this week, we were told. The lights were dimmed, the candles were lit, and the songs were sung. I can't tell if the Girl Child enjoyed being the center of attention but I certainly enjoyed watching it. And it was all terribly wonderful to watch all of her little friends eat their cupcakes and try to pour their own milk without spilling. A whole variety of techniques for cupcake eating was on display from, one boy, eating only the icing, to another boy, starting at the top and eat down and disregard the paper, to the Girl Child, who took delicate little bites from the bottom until she was left with just the icing -- the best part. You can't teach that, you know.
Then we got to read to the class, both my wife and I. That was fun, too. A whole room of 3-4 year olds hanging on your every word. I enjoyed involving them in the story. There would be points in the story where one of the characters would be warned not to something and I'd pause and ask the class if they thought the character was going to listen and they all shouted, "No!" and asked me what was going to happen next. I'm telling you, a jury trial is nothing compared to trying to capture and engage the average 4 year old.
The Girl Child was then brought home, still wearing her crown, and deposited in front of a plate of her one of her favorite things: chilled shrimp. She inhaled a half a pound and I left to put in an appearance at the office.
I returned, however, bearing heart shaped cakes: 2 pink and 2 chocolate iced and all was forgiven. In fact, the Girl Child ran to get her mother and announced to my wife:
Time to go eat some suuuuugar!!!
My wife was very amused. After cake, and washing the spectacular amount of chocolate off the Boy ChildÂ’s face, it was time to open the gifts.
The Girl Child received, among other things, a pair of much exclaimed over animal feet slippers from her brother (they went on immediately and did not come off, maybe, until this morning) and, as her big gift from us, an electronic drum set.
Yes, drum set. Did I mention that the nanny gave notice right there and then? Kidding. At least I hope she was kidding. The drums were a big hit, so to speak. The Girl Child took one drum stick and the Boy Child the other and they merrily banged away at them. It was nice to just watch. Happily, since the drum set is electronic, there is a certain amount of volume control built into the toy, so it may not be the end of peace and harmony forever and ever as we know it.
As for the slippers and my cryptic reference about when they came off her feet? When my wife and I put her to bed, she insisted on wearing her new slippers in bed. When asked why, she said:
Here’s the thing. When you put me into bed, at first, my feet are cold, so I want to sleep with these on. [And then did her best impersonation of an old man from Brooklyn with the shoulders shrugged and both hands held out, palms up, in the physical manifestation of a “what are you gonna do” question]
Last night was also the first official night of sleeping without a diaper. She kept telling us that she was going to wait until she turned four before she gave them up and we could not shake her. So, we all waited. I am proud to report that the night passed without incident. I waited around this morning to catch a later train so I could congratulate her and tell her how proud I am of her for getting through the whole night without a diaper, but she gave no sign of waking so I eventually had to leave. I called her during her breakfast and told her. She seemed pleased.
I was kind of excited that she was out of diapers but my wife thought it poignant and, upon reflection, sheÂ’s right (as usual). It is poignant. We have crossed a line here. Some lines, as you go through life, are not so visible, but are very meaningful and some are visible and not to meaningful. I donÂ’t really know where this one falls, perhaps somewhere in between. There is no question it is visible, but is it meaningful? Perhaps it is just poignant because it is visible. Either way, I cast my mind back to when she moved from newborn size diapers to size one and I remember how sad I was that she was growing up so fast. I have never been able to shake that feeling and I try, the best I can, to live as much as I can in the moment with my children, so as to hold on to their childhood as long as I can and to appreciate it without mourning its passing. But then you run into this visible line that you cross and you get jerked back, like a dog at the end of his leash.
Anyway, enough maudlin reflection. There will be plenty of time for that later on Saturday when we have her birthday party with 2,586 screaming children. Then, I will deserve to wallow in maudlin. And Scotch. A lot of Scotch, cause thatÂ’s good for headaches, you know?
Posted by: Random Penseur at
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That sounds like a lot of screaming children...! A lot of scotch, yes siree.
Glad to hear the party went well. I share your feelings on the crossing of lines, I think most parents do. As much as we want them to grow, we hate losing that innocent, beautiful child who thinks we're the most wonderful parents in the world. But we'll never lose those memories, will we?
Posted by: Mick at January 13, 2005 03:51 PM (VhRca)
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Hope it's good scotch! You'll need it! (Nah, not really...those parties are fun!) :-)
Posted by: Amber at January 13, 2005 04:22 PM (zQE5D)
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Great gift choice on the drums. So, which one of you (you or your wife) regularly says "Here's the thing"? Or is that something GC picked up all on her own?
I'm going to post something tonight about that maudlin feeling -- I had a big wave of it this past weekend.
Posted by: JohnL at January 13, 2005 04:46 PM (YVul2)
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2586?
uuuggg.
this year we bought my niece a recorder and my 2 nephews a guitar and a keyboard. (all requested gifts)
we had amazing music the entire visit.
though...my sister in law is no longer speaking to me.
this sounds like a wonderful day.
;-)
Posted by: standing n. (edited to prevent ugly Google search) at January 13, 2005 08:39 PM (IAJcf)
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Ah... well do I remember my first set of slippers. They were Bert and Ernie slippies, and Ernie was always on the right foot and Bert was always on the left. My parents have before and after pictures of me proudly drawing my first bath. Nothing special in the before pics, just another one of those family pics of a n*a*k*e*d 3 year old wearing slippies, but the after picture shows a n*a*k*e*d and sopping wet three year old, proudly pointing to the tub, standing in a pool of water since I wore those slippies into the tub; I loved them very much and they needed a cleaning, too.
Little brother chose *very* wisely with that gift! Good luck on Saturday!
Felicem diem natalem, GC!
(Comment edited to prevent nasty Google search)
Posted by: Mandalei at January 14, 2005 09:14 AM (LcyhB)
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I'm so sorry I missed her birthday day! "Here's the thing" is adorable. Mine said: "Well, actually" all the time. And I don't know where he got it. :: eyeroll ::
I vividly recall a moment in time, when stopped at a traffic light, I had convinced my youngest that I did, indeed, control said traffic control device. He thought I was magic. That's what I miss the most -- the belief that I was magic.
:: sigh ::
You will always remember these times, RP. In fact, you will cherish them. But take heart -- you have so many more milestones and memories to make. She's a gem, kid. Keep up the good work.
xoxo
Posted by: Margi at January 14, 2005 03:30 PM (zalxZ)
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*Sheepishly* I think she gets the "here's the thing" thing from me. If she had said, "Vet du hva?", then I'd be sure it came from Mamma.
Thanks for all the great comments, y'all!
Posted by: RP at January 14, 2005 04:00 PM (LlPKh)
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January 12, 2005
The Girl Child Turns Four!
January 12, 2001, my wife and I were at NY Hospital, 65th and the River, and at precisely 10:00 that morning, my wife gave birth to our first child, the Girl Child. Shortly after giving birth, my wife basically passed out and remained passed out for about an hour and a half. That meant that when they finished weighing the little thing, they brought her to me. Now, she was crying her little heart out, not at all happy to be taken from her mother's womb and pushed out into a cold, January morning. But, happily for the Girl Child, I listened to an old nurse some months back at the hospital who counseled us to speak to the baby while in the womb. She said it would be helpful at the time of delivery. So, every night, I used to read to my wife's belly and otherwise just chat to it for awhile. The result was that when the nurse handed me my little wrapped up bundle of shrieking baby, and I cuddled her to my neck and spoke soothingly to her, she stopped crying, let out a little sigh, and snuggled into my neck, totally at peace. It was altogether magical and I sat there with her, talking quietly to her, until the nurses made me give her back to be taken to the nursery.
That was four years ago, today.
Happy birthday, my daughter, and many, many more!
Posted by: Random Penseur at
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A Happy Birthday to the little wonder and a four year's belated congratulations to momma and the very adoring pappa. :-)
Posted by: Jim at January 12, 2005 09:11 AM (tyQ8y)
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Happy Birthday, darlin' girl!!
Posted by: Mandalei at January 12, 2005 09:15 AM (LcyhB)
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Happy Birthday Girl Child!!!!
What a wonderful, wonderful memory.
Posted by: Elizabeth at January 12, 2005 10:12 AM (BHf3Z)
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Happy Birthday little one!
Posted by: Andrew Cusack at January 12, 2005 01:44 PM (KWqwc)
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Happy Birthday fellow Capricorn.
Yeah, a cold weather welcome; but I always love the snow. Hope you are having a wonderful day, and may you have many, many more. Till 120 years, all in good health of body, mind, heart and soul.
Posted by: Rachel Ann at January 12, 2005 02:29 PM (TLujP)
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A very Happy Birthday Girl Child!!!!
Thanks for letting your Dad share your escapades.
Posted by: Wicked H at January 12, 2005 02:42 PM (BQhBn)
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Girl Child! Happy Birthday to you!
Thanks for sharing, RP. Great story.
Posted by: Howard at January 12, 2005 04:07 PM (8IlGJ)
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Thanks for all your kind birthday wishes! I spent some time this morning with the Girl Child and told her the same story I related her and she was just fascinated. I suspect I'm going to be asked to tell her about it again.
Posted by: RP at January 12, 2005 04:11 PM (LlPKh)
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Aw, how incredibly sweet! I'll try to remember that if I've ever got kids.
You are so incredibly lucky to have her and good luck with the next years!
Posted by: Hannah at January 13, 2005 09:09 AM (7dELN)
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Oh, Random, I missed it! Sorry!!!
My very, very warmest wishes for a very, very happy birthday!!!
Posted by: Mick at January 13, 2005 03:42 PM (VhRca)
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Oh, Happy Belated Birthday, GC! Wow, so close to Mick's daughter's BD too! :-)
Posted by: Amber at January 13, 2005 04:21 PM (zQE5D)
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A belated Happy Birthday, and many, many happy returns!
Posted by: Mark C N Sullivan at January 15, 2005 12:00 AM (/iovn)
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January 10, 2005
The Girl Child - Saturday
Friday night, my wife and I went out to dinner. We dined at a private club. One of the very good things about dining at a private club is also one of the very bad things about dining at a private club: the cocktails are poured with a generous hand. I ordered a Maker's Mark and soda. Out came a glass filled about 85% to the top with bourbon and a small bottle of soda on the side. I drank it, more fool, I. I ended up with that over served feeling and somehow, somewhere in my house that night, contrived to mislay my cell phone.
Saturday evening comes, and I am still looking for it. The Girl Child comes in and asks me what I'm doing. I tell her that I'm looking for my cell phone and this is what she says:
Perhaps I can help?
Me: [Completely taken aback by having the not yet four year old girl child use the word "perhaps" in a sentence] That would be great.
GC: [Steps into the middle of my bedroom, peers around for about five seconds and calls out in a loud and determined voice] Ok! Where the HECK is that phone!?!
I did eventually find it. Just in case you were wondering.
Posted by: Random Penseur at
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I want one!
Perhaps. Maybe. Well not really at 6am on Sunday mornings. Just yet.
Posted by: Mia at January 10, 2005 09:35 AM (dCf7X)
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lol...
glad you had a good time.
and she never ceases to amaze us all.
(still giggling)
Posted by: standing naked at January 10, 2005 10:24 AM (/Kj2M)
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The child has truckloads of patience!!!
Lovely story, Random!
Posted by: Mick at January 10, 2005 03:08 PM (VhRca)
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Ha, ha, ha!! Great story, Penseur.
Posted by: Jester at January 10, 2005 09:35 PM (yS8Mo)
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I'm surprised she didn't suggest you call the cell to find it.
Posted by: Margi at January 11, 2005 02:10 AM (rKX9f)
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January 05, 2005
Pondering the words of the Girl Child
I have been pondering, off and on for the past week, something the Girl Child said over Christmas vacation. I suspect that there is something very profound in it because my mind keeps coming back to it to kick it over again. By way of background, I think she was talking about my parents' dog who died last Autumn. I wrote about it
before and I know it had an impact on the GC.
Anyway, her words:
Here's the thing: Once, there was a dog who loved me.
And then she walked away. That was it. One simple sentence (actually from a child not yet four, maybe not so simple). But I can't get it out of my head. Once there was a dog who loved me. No matter what I do, I still think its profound without understanding it or her point. Either way, I want to go out and get a dog now.
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Sounds like you need to get a dog. They are wonderful companions.
Posted by: JohnL at January 05, 2005 02:37 PM (YVul2)
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God opening for a novel, actually. Be careful, I might steal it.
Posted by: John at January 05, 2005 03:42 PM (q7uVd)
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It's interesting how she didn't say that once SHE loved her dog, but that she was loved by it. That she knows at such a young age. Very sweet.
Posted by: Amber at January 05, 2005 06:03 PM (zQE5D)
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But she DID say she loved the dog -- only not in those words. I don't think she wants another dog so much as she wants to know where that dog that loved went.
We were at my grandfather's funeral some years ago when my nephew was about the Girl Child's age. After a few hours he tugged at and said
"Uncle Bobby, Grampa's not getting up..."
There were some nervous laughs all 'round and I picked him up saying
"No, he isn;t, is he...?"
I didn't want to get all morose and explain death to a 4-yr-old, so I kinda just mentioned that we all take
"one last good-night". I said something like
"Y'know when yer tired at the end of the day and want to get some sleep?" "Yeah...?" "Well, after a lifetime of days like that, we all get tired and are ready for a one last good night's sleep. Y'know?" "Yeah..." I don't know if he knew or not, but he seemed to get it enough to be at least a little less in the dark about why gramps wasn't getting up.
Posted by: Tuning Spork at January 05, 2005 11:09 PM (fs1yQ)
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I think children are FAR more intuitive than we adults give them credit for. (Geesh. Grammar sucks, but you know what I mean, right?) And Girl Child seems to be leaps and bounds ahead of the average in this regard. She says exactly what she means and speaks from her heart.
And that you take the time to really listen and are moved by what your child says to you really DOES say a lot about you, RP, as a parent.
These are very good things.
Posted by: Margi at January 05, 2005 11:20 PM (rKX9f)
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Sometimes things are as complicated and as simple as that. Especially when they are still so tender, sweet and perfect.
Posted by: Helen at January 06, 2005 05:57 AM (QL3eA)
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Thanks for all the comments, y'all.
JohnL: Can't really get a dog right now. Seems like we're just barely handling the responsibilities we do have!
John: First line of a novel, huh? Why not? Beats "it was a dark and stormy night".
Amber: I am constantly amazed by the little but very precise distinctions she can draw between things. It was very sweet, indeed.
TS: That was a beautiful thing to say. Where were you when I was being asked these tough questions by my daughter and had her in my lap crying that she did not want to die? Boy, I could have used your help then!
Margi: I usually know what you mean and love the fact that you care enough about grammer to make a point of it. Thanks for the all the nice things you said!
Helen: Yup, it really was just perfect.
Posted by: RP at January 06, 2005 08:47 AM (LlPKh)
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December 12, 2004
The Girl Child explains a gift
Yesterday, while I was at the office, the wife and children went to my parents' house for a little Hanukkah party with their cousin. I'm told it was all very sweet. When I got home, the Girl Child undertook to explain one of the presents to me. It was a fire truck made from fabric and it opened up. Inside was a fire chief doll, a dalmatian doll, and a stuffed fire hydrant. The Girl Child removed each object, showed it to me, and explained as follows:
Ok, Pappa, this is the Fire Chief. This is the Fire House Dog. And this [referring to the hydrant], is the thing that the Fire House Dog pees on.
No way to argue with that. Absolutely correct explanations.
Posted by: Random Penseur at
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What a wit! I bet bubby? (that's my mom's appellation) didn't quite expect that remark.
Posted by: Rachel Ann at December 12, 2004 10:52 AM (i0HfY)
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You know, I KNOW you've heard this about a zillion times but -- you have your hands full with that GC. It's going to take every bit of your lawyerin' skills to best the likes of that quick mind.
She sounds positively delightful.
Posted by: Margi at December 12, 2004 04:15 PM (rKX9f)
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Now that's just hilarious. The thing I find most fascinating is that the kids have NO idea how funny that stuff is. To them, it's the ultimate truth and they're just telling you what they know.
Posted by: Howard at December 13, 2004 03:31 PM (8IlGJ)
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I'm glad you all enjoyed that. I practically choked my laughter back with that one. Didn't see it coming at all. And she was perfectly serious.
Posted by: RP at December 13, 2004 06:03 PM (LlPKh)
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December 07, 2004
The Girl Child last night
My wife tells me that last night she told the Girl Child that, owing to the GC's less than stellar behavior, they would read only one story at bedtime that night and that they were going up to go to bed right now. The GC replied:
That doesn't really work for me.
I wish I knew where she picked some of these things up.
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Posted by: Mick at December 07, 2004 11:37 AM (VhRca)
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Did she try a plea bargain? My friend said that his boy bargained with them when it came to him losing his bottle "privileges". He said "How about I go to bed by myself at the right time, and you let me keep the bottle". They didn't argue.
Kids are great.
My 2 year old apparently scoldingly said "I told you" to my wife yesterday, after she asked whether he had "poo'd".
Posted by: Oorgo at December 07, 2004 11:56 AM (lM0qs)
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She did not try to bargain, from what I understand. She simply told my wife that her plan was not acceptable. That doesn't mean that she won, mind you, but she stated her point quite clearly.
Posted by: rp at December 07, 2004 12:04 PM (LlPKh)
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That's priceless! Enjoy her now. I don't envy you the Teenage Years [cue screeching Psycho theme].
;o)
Posted by: Margi at December 07, 2004 03:01 PM (rKX9f)
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LOL precocious kid!
Posted by: Hannah at December 09, 2004 09:19 AM (zr6mn)
Posted by: Mark at December 16, 2004 08:22 PM (Xzs/V)
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December 06, 2004
A couple of Girl Child Stories
It has been awhile since I have posted a Girl Child story, so here are two of them.
First, we stayed up late on Wednesday night to watch Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer on television. She was very, very excited and was counting down the days until we got to see it. She doesn't get to watch much television, a good thing I think, so she was not too clear on the concept. She thought it was a movie so each time it stopped for a commercial, she'd look up at me, we were cuddling under a blanket on the couch, and she'd ask if it was over yet. I'd tell her no, that it was just on commercial break. Finally, after the 352nd commercial, she looked at me and said:
All these commercials? Its just not right.
Yup.
Second, she busted me. I told her that I was going to a memorial service and that she could not come because no kids were allowed. This was in the morning. She accepted that reason and let me go peacefully on my way. Later that night, when I got home, I told her that I saw some of her cousins there (the grandchildren of the woman whose husband had died) and the Girl Child said:
Hey! I thought you said that no kids were allowed!!!
My wife and I were astounded that she remembered from this morning and then so clearly busted me on it. I had to explain the circumstances surrounding the reasons why my cousin wanted her grandchildren there. Upon which, the Girl Child told me that Sam was not dead, he was just in heaven. That may sum it up rather neatly for me. I'm not sure where she picked that up, but she was firm and unshakeable in her conviction.
Posted by: Random Penseur at
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Busted, buddy! That'll teach you to give her mixed messages!!!
;-)
Posted by: Mick at December 06, 2004 11:57 AM (VhRca)
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I love it. She was initially confused (maybe even suspicious), but, after your hummina-hummina explanation, headed straight for the divine resolution. Precious.
Posted by: Tuning Spork at December 06, 2004 10:00 PM (Ar7wg)
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Do you mean the really old Rudolph movie that looks kidn of real with the scary snow monster and stuff? Or the cartoon?
Posted by: Hannah at December 09, 2004 09:21 AM (zr6mn)
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November 27, 2004
More Adventures with the Boy Child
I was right. Slowing down to take things in at the pace of a 21 month old is good for the soul, even if it is bad for the back. And arms.
I carted the young master off to Gotham today. We took the 8:56 train in this morning to get up to the Museum of Natural History. We had no car seat with us so we took the bus up and a bus over. He seemed to enjoy it very much. The train ride was interesting. I reckon he has never heard the word "motherfu**er" quite so much or said with such varying degrees of admiration or affection. It got to the point where I was seriously considering asking the guy to tone his language down, but I was not inclined to get into an argument about it, especially since my son doesn't even talk yet. I also venture to guess that this would be the first time the boy has had the pleasure of the word "ni**er", and no, it wasn't from me (in case you were wondering).
It was a beautiful day in the City. The kind of day that made me sorry I ever moved out. If we were better dressed, I would have taken the boy to brunch.
The musuem was relatively crowded. But, for some reason, the butterfly exhibit was empty. We were there with maybe only 5 or 6 other people. The volunteers had time to show us all kinds of different butterflies. There were about 500 of them flying around in there with us. One of them landed on me. It was beautiful and when it closed its wings, it looked exactly like a leaf. Amazing natural camoflage. The boy kepy running around and pointing at them so I'm pretty sure he was engaged, and that's all I wanted.
I then took him to see the hall of the mammals. He kept running around the elephants, pointing up at them and saying, "Bah!!" Bah is his word for any animal and every animal, fish included. He was adorable.
I got him home in time for lunch (barely) and down for a nap a little late. I know he was tired today because at bedtime tonight, we went down like a stone.
One final thought in this disorganized and disconnected post, taking care of one child is so easy. I kind of forgot that.
Posted by: Random Penseur at
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just got all caught up here...
sounds like you are having a very nice time for yourself.
one child is easy huh??
i will have to remember that...and to ask you for tips.
right now i would kill for 4 hours of uninteruppted sleep...but i don't see that happening for at least 18 years - and its the second trimester.
Posted by: standing naked at November 28, 2004 06:22 AM (m5EaM)
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What a great day. I remember when mine were little and just riding a bus was a thrill. So he got that, and a train ride, and mammals, and butterflies; now that is living!
Posted by: Rachel Ann at November 28, 2004 09:06 AM (S5lEF)
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Makes me think of spending time with my nephews, who live in Connecticut, in the City. And here we are, stuck on the far side of the country!
Posted by: Mark at November 28, 2004 09:58 AM (jREax)
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So wonderful to hear about the bonding between you and the Boy Child. I know he is quite young but am also sure he will remember it with fondness.
Posted by: Wicked H at November 28, 2004 10:17 AM (BQhBn)
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I'm grinning just reading this. I love taking my boys to museums.
Posted by: TulipGirl at November 28, 2004 05:56 PM (ZOTy+)
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Love stories about the Girl and the Boy too! So glad you two had a good time doing male bonding while the ladies were traveling. :-)
Posted by: Amber at November 29, 2004 02:43 PM (zQE5D)
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Thanks, y'all, it was pretty darn great!
Posted by: RP at December 02, 2004 10:11 AM (LlPKh)
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November 24, 2004
Thanksgiving Weekend: Just the Boys
I have already, recently, done a post in which I set forth several things for which I was thankful and why and I don't think the subject bears revisiting so soon. No, instead of that, I will go on a bit about how I plan to spend my Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday.
We are going to my parent's house for Thanksgiving dinner, well, lunch this year instead of dinner. One nice thing that we do, and I assume we are not alone in this, is we go around the table and talk about what we are thankful for this year, what we are giving thanks for. I always enjoy that. We also have a tradition that we created after my mother had a stroke about 9 years ago. She was in the hospital and not able to join us, so it was just my dad, my wife and me. My sister was in Florida. None of the three of us particularly like turkey, as heretical as that may sound. My father had recently started a subscription to Cooks Illustrated, an excellent magazine, by the way, and had read about dry aging your own prime rib and slow cooking it at 200 degrees for something like six hours. So we 86'ed the turkey and made that instead. It was sublime. And that has become our Thanksgiving meal. Email me if you want the recipe and I'll send it to you. We also use the fabulous meat as an excuse to break out a really good bottle of wine, something far beyond the ordinary every day plonk. The meat deserves it, you know.
Then, at 4:00, my wife and the Girl Child depart for Norway. I am already missing my daughter and I told her that last night. She said that it would be ok and that I could call her in Norway to talk. But there is a silver lining in my little cloud -- ITS BOYS WEEKEND! The Boy Child and I are together for the whole weekend! I can see it now, sports on tv, cigars, scotch, chili, etc. Oh, wait, I forgot. He's only 21 months old. We can't have the cigars. But we can have chili because we discovered last night that he likes my super strong chili. Attaboy!
I am really looking forward to this weekend with him. I feel like it will be a great opportunity to get to know him better since his sister will not be around. It will also force me to slow down and do things at more of a 21 month old pace. This is a good thing. I could use the rest.
And then, when he goes to sleep, the evenings are mine! All mine!!! I can stay up and read, or rent all of the Christopher Guest movies, or run a little tasting test on the various single malts I have, or whatever. It will be pure freedom, constrained only by the need to stay within hearing reach of his monitor. You know, I might even try to get a little exercise. Naw, now why would I want to spoil a perfectly good weekend with something silly like that?
I like the freedom of being alone, of not having my wife around. You know why? The only reason it is enjoyable? Because it is limited in time. If she were gone for a long period, it would not be a treat, but a horrible disconnect. I would hate that, have hated it. How can I sleep, among other things? No, I will enjoy my little freedom as the compensation I get for worrying about my wife and daughter while they are away from me.
I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving with much to give thanks about!
Posted by: Random Penseur at
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Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
And enjoy your break, you deserve it. I understand your point entirely, and I've always felt the same way. Whenever I would send my wife and daughter off to see her mother, it was my turn to relax. But after a few days I just missed them terribly. It's nice to get a breather sometimes, though.
Hope you and the boy child have some serious male bonding!
Posted by: Mick at November 24, 2004 02:44 PM (VhRca)
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Have a happy Thanksgiving, my friend. Oh, and for the unfettered Boy Time: Mazel tov!
Posted by: Margi at November 24, 2004 03:52 PM (MAdsZ)
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You gotta take him to Hooters to experience the male trifecta...beer, wings, and um, hooters. Besides, who's he gonna tell?
Posted by: Howard at November 24, 2004 04:03 PM (e1Imk)
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Mick, I hope you and Christina have a really great time together!
Thanks, Margi! Back at ya, sunshine!
Howard: That is a DAMN fine idea. Although, he has probably had more quality time with breasts in the past 20 months than I have!
Posted by: RP at November 24, 2004 04:21 PM (LlPKh)
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Just a word of caution, from the voice of experience: Children have no inner-monologue. They crack on the witness stand. They 'fess up.
Mommy will know. Trust me.
Posted by: Margi at November 24, 2004 04:36 PM (MAdsZ)
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He likes your chili? That is so awesome. I remember the first time that Bear tried my hot wings and he liked them. I had tears in my eyes. Well, I always have tears in my eyes when I'm eating my wings but these were extra special tears.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Posted by: Jim at November 24, 2004 05:39 PM (GCA5m)
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I was never so proud as when I saw my nephew shaking black pepper onto his tongue.
*sniff*
Posted by: Tuning Spork at November 24, 2004 11:52 PM (fQhXy)
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Parting is all we know of heaven,
And all we need of hell.
--Emily Dickinson
Boys will be boys. Have fun this Thanksgiving, Penseur.
Posted by: Jester at November 25, 2004 03:09 PM (yS8Mo)
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Happy Thanksgiving, RP. Enjoyed reading about your traditions and perspectives on relaxation. And I hope you really enjoy Boy's Night this weekend. I'm a Grandma, so I just have to nag. Could you just cool the Chile a little from your standard mix - you did say 21 months, didn't you?
Posted by: Roberta s at November 25, 2004 04:34 PM (M3w1y)
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Margi, that is a very useful tip which I will keep in mind when he acquires langauge skills. Right now, I am shielded by his inability to communicate with words.
Hey, Jim, Happy Thanksgiving back at ya!
Black pepper? On his tongue? Ouch.
Jester, what a pleasure to see you again!
Roerta, I appreciate the caution and accept it happily in the spirit in which it was meant. The Boy Child gets his portion toned down by adding lots of sour cream and cheese. He still looks a bit surprised by each bite, but not in a bad way. Your comments and even admonishments are always welcome!
Posted by: RP at November 26, 2004 04:36 PM (X3Lfs)
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November 21, 2004
The Girl Child, last night
The Girl Child, all of 3 and 3/4, continues to amuse and delight us.
She summoned me from the dinner table last night with the call to arms:
Hey, baby, let's go to Vegas!
Don't ask. I have no idea where she gets this from.
Then, she asked my wife about my mother's brothers. They had the following conversation:
GC: How many brothers does Nana have?
W: Two.
GC: What are their names?
W: Uncle Steve and Uncle Eric.
GC: Where do they live?
W: California.
GC: Oh. All uncles live in California, but then they get over it.
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November 19, 2004
The Antidote for Evil
Yesterday, I posted about evil and a couple of other things. Today, I experienced the antithesis of evil: children.
My wife and I were the designated Shabbat parents at the nursery school this morning. We brought two loaves of challah, a book, and a CD. We got to sit at the head of the table with the Girl Child. I also, in a multicultural twist at the Jewish preschool, sat next to a very non-Jewish Korean boy. My wife lit the candles and we all said the prayers over the bread, the wine (grape juice), and the candles. The children sang a song. After the celebration, I sat in a rocking chair and, in honor of the Girl Child's other heritage, read a story to the class. I read: Hiccup: The Seasick Viking.
Reading to a class of three year olds was the most pure fun I have had in a really long time. And I gave it a full, dramatic recitation, with different voices for every character and I certainly sang the song in the book to the best of my limited abilities.
My wife then explained the CD we brought with us and the children all danced to Norwegian children's music. The Girl Child grabbed another girl, held hands, and jumped about the place -- when she wasn't dancing with her mother, that is.
It was pure, unalloyed joy and the pleasure was exquisite.
So, the anti-evil? The beauty of a child's smile.
Have a great weekend, y'all!
If you need me, I regret to report that I expect to be at the office all weekend.
Posted by: Random Penseur at
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What a wonderful book to read!!!!
Yes, children are the antidote. To many things. Hope you get out of the pffice for a little while at least this weekend so you can spend some time with your own antidotes...
Posted by: Elizabeth at November 19, 2004 07:57 PM (SdaoR)
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Children are so pure and straightforward in their emotions... why do we train them out of it?
Posted by: Omni at November 19, 2004 08:25 PM (jHyIP)
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Silver lining of the ugly clouds of today...
Posted by: Hannah at November 20, 2004 05:14 AM (7dELN)
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Sticky smiles, happy giggles, and their smiles. You are right, they are anti-evil.
Posted by: Rachel Ann at November 20, 2004 03:33 PM (iT4Tl)
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Unfortunately, I have been here all weekend again. But, I did get some good cuddle time this morning when the Girl Child slipped into our bed.
On the plus side, I have not been home enough to catch the cold that is sweeping my house.
Posted by: RP at November 21, 2004 10:53 AM (LlPKh)
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Sounds like a great time. I agree, children can chase the grumpies from almost anyone. My little boy probably saved my life.
I never quite understood how some religions can claim children are born with sin, and therefore sinners. How this can be I have never known. How can you sin when you don't know what sin is?
Posted by: Oorgo at November 22, 2004 04:40 PM (lM0qs)
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November 13, 2004
From the mouths of babes: what love is
I was awakened this morning at 6:38 when I heard my bed room door creak open oh so gently and two little blue eyes peeked around the door frame. She was clutching her little blue blanket that is a must-sleep and, noticing I was awake, she came happily into the room to climb into bed with my wife (still sleeping) and me. We cuddled for almost a half and hour, very quietly. A half an hour of no movement is an eternity for a child. I lay my hand on her little chest and felt her heart beat. Children's hearts beat very fast as if, even in repose, they are in a hurry. I took her hand to put it on her chest and to see if she could feel her heart too and this is what she said to me:
Pappa, when hearts fall in love, they get all warm and fuzzy.
I never thought about it like that but I don't think I could have said it any better.
Here's wishing you all lots of warm and fuzzy.
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What a doll. RP, I think I'm in love with your daughter. Want to trade for one of my hellions?
Posted by: Jim at November 13, 2004 01:31 PM (GCA5m)
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Thanks, Jim. Trade, well, maybe not a trade. A loan, however, probably could be arranged. Especially on days like today when my wife calls me from home (I'm at work this fine Saturday) to tell me that there are no naps happening.
Posted by: rp at November 13, 2004 03:37 PM (LlPKh)
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once again she proves herself the smartest person i 'almost' know.
Posted by: standing naked at November 13, 2004 03:49 PM (IAJcf)
Posted by: Holly at November 13, 2004 08:35 PM (Wkg+N)
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That is one of the sweetest things I've ever heard [read]. How full of love and joy she must make you!
Great job, Pappa. And Mamma, too.
xoxo
Posted by: Margi at November 14, 2004 04:57 AM (MAdsZ)
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Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww ...
Posted by: Hannah at November 15, 2004 04:47 AM (0tNIc)
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Thanks, y'all. She is a constant source of surprise for me.
Posted by: RP at November 15, 2004 10:58 AM (LlPKh)
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What a little sweetie! ::sighs::
Posted by: Amber at November 16, 2004 11:35 AM (zQE5D)
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November 12, 2004
I have to learn to watch my mouth better
We had our parent/teacher conference last night with the Girl Child's pre-school teachers. We send her only 3 days a week and all but one of the other children go 5 days a week. We thought that the other 2 days would be good for other things, seeing her grandmother, playdates, etc. Her teachers all had very nice, albeit not very specific, things to say about her: she listens well; plays well with the others; wants to do and does everything they ask of her; and, is just a pleasure to have around. But I could sense an implicit criticism about our decision to have her there for only three days a week. So I finally asked, did they think we should have had her there for all five days? And the head teacher kinds of looks away, and looks back, and purses her lips and blows a stream of air out and says:
Teacher: Do you want an honest answer?
Me: No, lie to me.
Fortunately, she laughed. I really have to learn to watch my mouth.
Posted by: Random Penseur at
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THAT'S IT!!!
I *knew there was something that endears me to you (aside from the obvious) and that you blurt things like this out reminds me sooo much of my husband.
Things like -- during the yearly physical, during the "turn your head and cough" portion of the ordeal, the red-headed female doctor said to him: "You know, you should do this once a month," to which my husband says: "What's your address."
Fortunately, she didn't catch it, or didn't want to bring him up on charges. Because she said "What did you say?" and he said "Nothing," and that was the end of it. But yes, he does the VERY SAME THING. And it's hilarious. [grins]
xoxo
Posted by: Margi at November 12, 2004 03:18 PM (MAdsZ)
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The only difference between me and him is that I might have looked at the Doctor and said, "and insurance covers this? Is this country great or what?"
Posted by: RP at November 12, 2004 04:57 PM (LlPKh)
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You said: "I really have to learn to watch my mouth"
No, you don't. People need to learn to not ask stupid questions instead. :-)
Posted by: Amber at November 12, 2004 05:36 PM (zQE5D)
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That is an excellent point, Amber.
Posted by: RP at November 12, 2004 10:53 PM (X3Lfs)
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What's wrong with three days a week? Why should children be placed in pre-school five days a week? Does the teacher think handing young children away from their parents to the 'experts' for as many hours as possible is the optimum approach? Why not just put the kids in boarding school from the age of 18 months?
Sorry, but this touches a nerve. When we were shopping around for day-care centers that would take the kids a few hours a day for a few days a week, we were struck by the ones that wanted the kids all day, or not at all. Wouldn't folks in the childcare biz see the benefits of kids being with their real parents as much as possible, and want to encourage flexibility to make this so?
I think many ed school types, meantime, adhere to the "it takes a village" philosophy and feel that kids from a very young age need to be in school as many hours as possible, with before- and after-school services, as well.
At any rate, I don't see anything wrong with your comment. Cheers, MCNS
Posted by: Mark C N Sullivan at November 12, 2004 11:35 PM (/iovn)
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I think we are very much in agreement here, Mark. We wanted her to have time to be 3 1/2, to go to the zoo or the children's museum, or to stay home and be silly. Not all education happens in the class room by any means. As for the ed school types, well, maybe they are just trying to justify their budget lines, you know?
Thanks, for your thoughtful comment.
Posted by: RP at November 13, 2004 03:39 PM (LlPKh)
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November 10, 2004
Word for the day
Last night, while reading bed time stories to the Girl Child, she stumped me. She asked me how to say "clam" in French. I could not remember at all. So I looked it up this morning when I got to work in my handy Larousse. In French, clam is
palourde. And now I know exactly why I could not remember this word last night. I never knew it before.
Posted by: Random Penseur at
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With French you can always wing it. Just add a "le" at the front and an "é" at the end. Clam becomes "le clamé".
Posted by: Jim at November 10, 2004 03:58 PM (tyQ8y)
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And talk louder. You always have to talk louder.
Posted by: rp at November 10, 2004 04:17 PM (LlPKh)
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You obviously don't stand around reading the food can labels while you're cooking!
Posted by: Light & Dark at November 12, 2004 02:02 AM (eTK+h)
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No, I guess not. That said, I rarely cook with clams. My wife doesn't like them.
Posted by: RP at November 12, 2004 07:49 AM (LlPKh)
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November 09, 2004
Just the boys
It is just going to be me and my son for Thanksgiving this year. Thanksgiving is not that far away. My wife is jetting off to Norway for her sister's wedding and has decided to take the Girl Child with her. I am more than a little disappointed. I had thought it was going to be just me and the kids all by ourselves for four days and I was delighted. I love having the kids to myself and I am surprised to discover that I am really going to miss having my daughter around. So much so that I want to tell my wife not to take her. But I'm not going to do that.
Instead, I'm focusing on how much fun it will be to have the Boy Child all to myself for four days. I don't really know him as well as I do the Girl Child or as well as I ought to and this should prove to be a golden opportunity to get to know him a bit better. I have not yet formulated any plans or come up with any activities for us to do, but I certainly want to do something fun just for him. Maybe I'll take him to a children's museum or something like that. I hope we both have a good time together. He's only 20 months and really doesn't talk at all yet beyond 2 or 3 words. That can cut down on the possibility of long chats, you see. Still, all in all, this will give him a lot of 100% attention, the kind of attention he can't quite get when the Girl Child is up and running around as she demands quite a lot of attention.
I remember, hazily, last Thanksgiving. We were about to start a trial. I was working around the clock and took that Thursday off. I took the Girl Child to the park to play. We were the only ones there. It was deeply satisfying to be there with her.
The Girl Child is not taking my work schedule (weekends, early mornings, late nights) very well. She keeps asking me when I am going to be taking care of her again. It makes me very sad. I am torn. If circumstances permitted, I'd like to stay home and take care of her full time. I am a reluctant lawyer these days.
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It's difficult finding time, my little guy is 2, and luckily I have weekends off, so I take care of him while my wife works at a nearby flea market. On weekends that I have gigs though, that can be almost too much, I get home around 3 am, then have to get up at around 9 with him, take care of him all day and still try and get something accomplished. Maybe the latter is my mistake, maybe I have to just accept that nothing gets done with a 2 year old running around.
Posted by: Oorgo at November 09, 2004 03:40 PM (lM0qs)
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That's the biggest downer to being employed again. Damn do I miss the family. It was absolutely wonderful to be around them non-stop.
I've decided that it's a moral imperative to become independently wealthy.
Posted by: Jim at November 09, 2004 04:12 PM (tyQ8y)
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Do any of your science museums up there have the giant sandroom where the kids can dig for "fossils"? My boys loved doing that at that age. The interactive exhibits with soap-bubble blowing, dam-building, and block-erecting were also big hits.
Having parented boys and a girl through those years, the girl has been much more chatty than the boys (surprise). I can still sit for hours with my sons building Legos and not talking much about anything other than what pieces we're looking for and where they go.
But playing dollhouse (or Legos, or horses, or whatever) with my daughter for even a short period of time leads to a lengthy narrative of the characters involved, their motivations, wants, and feelings.
Posted by: JohnL at November 09, 2004 04:22 PM (YVul2)
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Oorgo -- you're right. Very little gets done with a 2 year old around but what does get done is often messy and fun.
Jim -- include me on your plan, please.
John -- great suggestions about science museum. And I think you're right about the differences between boys and girls. My kids' ped. explains it as follows: Give a girl a bar of soap and she'll tell you a story about it, about where it came from and what it is doing and how many sisters it has, etc. Give the same bar of soap to a boy and he'll look at it for a second and then say, VROOOOM.
Posted by: RP at November 09, 2004 04:30 PM (LlPKh)
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October 06, 2004
I lost one
I am pretty sure I came out the loser on the following exchange with the Girl Child, aged 3 3/4. I think that by conceding her logic system, I may have really erred. I'll let you all decide.
Me: I hear that you were a real pill today. Why was that?
GC: Well, I can't listen every day. [Pause, then earnest explanation with hands waving for emphasis] I'd get bored.
Me: Oh. Well, you didn't listen today so that means you have to listen tomorrow, ok?
GC: Yes, Pappa.
By the way, before I got home, the nanny told her that she was going to tell us that the Girl Child was not to have any dessert that night because of the way she had been behaving and the Girl Child said to the nanny: "Don't tell Mamma and Pappa, ok? It can be our little secret."
I'm doomed, aren't I?
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Doomed! Most definitely!
Posted by: Mick at October 06, 2004 07:02 PM (N/4QW)
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Doomed? I'd say "fo sho" But OH! What a way to go!
Posted by: Margi at October 06, 2004 07:10 PM (MAdsZ)
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October 04, 2004
A Wholesome Weekend
If you're looking for a post about the latest political kerfuffle, this isn't the one today. If you're looking for a throw back, 1950's kind of family values weekend, look no further than this report. It was, as my wife said, about as G-rated as a girl can get.
Saturday:
After breakfast, I read a Roald Dahl story, the Enormous Crocodile, to the Girl Child while my wife put the Boy Child down for his morning nap. Shortly after reading that, I passed out. I moved to the couch, lay down, and was completely unable to move, even as the Girl Child played the role of the enormous croc and came over from time to time to growl and try to eat my face. I think I just collapsed basically from exhaustion brought about by last week. I lay there, somewhat suspended between sleep and consiousness for anywhere between a half hour and an hour. When I got up, I took a shower, revived myself, and off we went.
We set off to go to one of the local church run pre-school fairs. It is their biggest fund raiser and is well attended. The weather cooperated with the rain holding off. There was a silent auction (we bid and lost) and rides and games. One of the rides was a great big slide. The kids climbed to the top and slid down in a bag and hit a huge puffy pillow at the bottom. The Girl Child wanted to give it a try. She had major problems getting to the top, though. One of the steps was broken and the way up was both steep and constructed from a slick industrial nylon. She did not give up, though, she kept trying until, with a little help from the guy at the top, she made it. She was quite triumpant and didn't even wait for the guy to help her get into position to slide down. She just put herself into her little bag and away she went. She loved it.
When we left, we drove by another church that was having a pumpkin patch benefit to raise money for their school. So we stopped and bought a couple of pumpkins to carve up for later.
We took the kids home for naps at that point and I went out to the gorcery store to buy all the necessaries to create a pot of chili. Well, almost all. There was no chipotle in adobo, which was a great disappointment to me and left the chili a little lacking somehow. Fall is here for sure and with it comes the need to cook things that simmer on the stove for a long time. Besides, I adore chili. While poking around in the freezer, just before beginning the chili making, I found that we had some Trader Joe's frozen dumplings, at least two different kinds.
So, when the kids awoke, they were very happy to be given dumplings for dinner. The Girl Child ate more than I would have ever expected a child of her age to eat and then came back after dinner and asked for more. The Boy Child was less enthralled.
Sunday dawned beautifully, although I admit to grumpiness. It passed. We loaded children into cars and headed up county about 40 minutes away to go to an apple orchard. At least, that's what we thought we were going to be doing, spending the day drifting from tree to tree and picking apples. No. Instead, the place was organized like a miniature county fair. It was great fun. There was a pumpkin patch and pony rides. We took a hay ride through one of the orchards and sang songs and just had a great time. We ended up buying some apples (Macoun, if you care) and pears and taking them home with us because we had exceeded the allotted time.
Then, driving back to the highway, we saw a sign for the Casafina warehouse sale. Casafina is an importer of Italian and Portugese hand painted ceramics. We are bad about these kinds of things and acknowledge that we possess little or no restraint. That said, we were pretty well behaved here and only bought a couple of things, including a wedding present for a friend.
After we got home and put the kids to bed, I worked for an hour and a half (got to remember to bill this), cleaned out the freezer, washed the kitchen down, unloaded and reloaded the dishwasher, took the recycling out to the garage, and washed all the new pottery stuff. A whirlwind of activity.
While I was doing this, the wife was out exercising outside where she reported a most unlikely sighting -- a Subaru sporting a Bush/Cheney sticker. A rare almost unprecedented occurrence.
When the kids awoke, we shoveled them back into the car to take over to my parents for dinner. My dad made Osso Bucco. It was the perfect end to the weekend. The kids put a silly cd on and danced with my dad while I cleaned up a little (after all, he did the cooking).
And to top it all off, the kids went straight to sleep. I should have bought a lottery ticket, you know?
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Soudns like a wonderful fall weekend!
All that kitchen cleaning made me jealous
Posted by: Elizabeth at October 04, 2004 10:28 AM (sCupo)
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Holy cow. It's like a walking version of "Pollyanna" at your house!
I'm envious
Posted by: Helen at October 04, 2004 01:34 PM (EELd2)
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Sounds just lovely, RP. Hope you're rested & rejuvenated after this happy weekend!
Posted by: GrammarQueen at October 04, 2004 02:40 PM (gDEwS)
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Wow! That just sounds like a wonderful time!
You have a terrific family!!!
Posted by: Mick at October 04, 2004 02:42 PM (VhRca)
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What a great weekend! Your missing chiles gave me the urge to mention how handy it is to freeze chipotles in adobo. When I get a can of them, I count the chiles, and puree them in the blender. Then I portion them in half-a-chile size dollops on plastic wrap and freeze. Cut between the lumps, wrap each individually in its surrounding wrap, and pop them in a freezer bag or box. I started doing this because we couldn't eat a whole can fast enough, but it has been very convenient. The little lumps thaw almost instantly in hot soup or stew.
Posted by: Terri at October 04, 2004 05:47 PM (SIz+V)
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Thanks for the hint, Terri. I'll have to give it a shot.
Thanks for all the nice comments, y'all. Actually, I feel not one little bit better rested than when I started the weekend. I think I need a vacation.
Posted by: RP at October 05, 2004 02:17 PM (LlPKh)
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September 27, 2004
A Quick Story
I know it was very quiet here today. The thing is that I woke up this morning at 3:40 in a total sweat. I was absolutely convinced that every decision I've taken in the past month, or more, on every case I'm responsible for, was utterly wrong and I had totally screwed up millions of dollars of litigation. It was horrible and I was terrified. I also admit to worries that I had defaulted on a zillion different things. This is how stress manifests itself sometimes for lawyers; in night terrors. I could not get back to sleep and I was not awake enough to think about things rationally. It was pretty fucking horrible. I got up and I went to work. At my desk by 6:15 a.m. And I worked very hard today with no time outs for blogging. I didn't accomplish everything I wanted to do but I got enough done that I ought to be able to sleep tonight.
All that said, I wish I had had the Girl Child's career vision when I was younger. She told me the following tonight:
GC: Pappa, I know what I want to be when I grow up.
Me: What's that?
GC: A doctor. [Pause] And a super hero. Although, it's hard work being a super hero.
That may be, but it beats being a lawyer. At least, it does this week.
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Too funny.
My son is alternately Spiderman and Superman. Occcasionally? A firefighter or a Rescue Hero. Just ask him who he is today.
I once thought I wanted to be a lawyer. IReading your posts give me a warm fuzzy feeling that I made the right choice
Posted by: Elizabeth at September 28, 2004 01:08 AM (Sqjve)
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Second guessing yourself is a problem for many of us. I'm sorry you had such a bad night. I hope your sleep is sound tonight.
And I love the confidence of little children. The Artist use to want to be a vet, a horse-trainer, an artist and I don't remember what else! Of course at one point she weanted to live together with me and the rest of the family forever. She no longer has that as a dream. I miss that.
Posted by: Rachel Ann at September 28, 2004 02:21 AM (cOAtt)
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Random...my job has suffered time to time as well due to blogging. It has panicked me at times.
Blogging is fun, but not at the expense of our jobs.
That being said, I've often awoken in the wee hours of the morning, sure that all my decisions have had dire consequences. Mostly concerning my children, not my job.
"They are grown," you say.
Yes.
I still suffer at 3:40 in the morning.
There is nothing that brings grey hair on as quickly as watching the decisions of 20-somethings you raised.
In other words...I relate. In more ways than one. :-)
As the girl-child said, it's hard work being a super hero. :-)
Posted by: Amber at September 28, 2004 03:11 AM (zQE5D)
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I think it would be easy to be a super hero. What's to it? A pair of tights, some hair gel. The ability to leap tall buildings in a single bound. No problem!
I totally understand about the tossing and turning at night, though. Hoep you're feeling better today...
Posted by: Helen at September 28, 2004 04:59 AM (xKCn6)
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i myself am currently employed as a super hero.
it is hard work, but i find it extremely gratifying.
and there was not as much school to attend as there is for a doctor.
hope your week gets better RP....
Posted by: standing naked at September 28, 2004 09:06 AM (IAJcf)
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Feeling much better today, thank you all very much. But, the day is young.
Posted by: RP at September 28, 2004 11:15 AM (LlPKh)
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DAMN YOU and your thoughtful posts!
You're totally RUINING my image of all my NY lawyers being claw-footed cyclops' that have NO SOULLLLL!!
Kidding. Totally.
And I'm very sorry that you're stressed. I'm sure that this means the transaction/deal/whatever it is will go off (seemingly) effortlessly, because you've done all of the "what if" planning beforehand. Hug your support staff. ::: wink :::
::: grins :::
Posted by: Margi at September 28, 2004 03:15 PM (MAdsZ)
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September 20, 2004
She Understands Me
I have clearly warped the mind of the Girl Child who, at 3 1/2, appears to understand me fully without need of translation. See, the thing is that I got into the habit very early with her of trying to say things in as many different ways as possible in order to build her vocabulary and the habit has become unconcious. This weekend we were in the car and had the following interchange:
GC: Pappa, can I put my window down?
Me: No.
GC: Why not?
Me: The control panel indicates that it is not appropriate for you to open your window.
GC: That means the lock is on, right? Maybe you could unlock it.
Me: [I laughed, bowed to her superior reasoning, and unlocked it]
It's fun with kids, to watch their vocabularies explode. I wouldn't trade these moments for anything.
Posted by: Random Penseur at
07:40 AM
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Post contains 138 words, total size 1 kb.
1
I'm going to try that on mine in the morning. She'll be confused, but that's because we won't be in the car.
Posted by: Simon at September 20, 2004 10:05 AM (rLUlE)
2
wonderful...
she delights all of us...even though we have never met her.
'maybe you could unlock it.'
heehee...
great kid.
Posted by: standing naked at September 20, 2004 08:21 PM (IAJcf)
3
If this conversation happened when I was a kid (and we had automatic window-scrolling buttons in cars way back then) it might have gone something like this:
BC (boychild):
Can I roll the window down?
Carolyn (my daytime guardian):
Your question is 'MAY I roll the window down'.
BC: Okay.. MAY I roll the window down?
Carolyn:
No.
BC:
Why not?
Carolyn:
Because the control panel indicates that it is not appropriate for you to open your window.
BC:
That means the lock is on, right? Maybe you could unlock it!
Carolyn:
Yes. Yes, indeed I could.
BC:
[*stares at Carolyn until the conversation has obviously ended*]
Posted by: Tuning Spork at September 20, 2004 09:58 PM (LYY6j)
4
She is so precious. I know exactly what you mean re: living for those moments. They are precious indeed, and it's great that your recording them.
Posted by: michele at September 21, 2004 12:37 AM (2c9qq)
5
I'm glad you all enjoyed the story!
Posted by: RP at September 28, 2004 11:28 AM (LlPKh)
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September 14, 2004
Pleased to meet you, Ice Cream
I just put the Girl Child to bed and I wanted to record this quickly, before I forgot it. We were going downstairs, after saying good night to her brother, to have some dessert and watch some Yankees baseball and we had the following exchange:
Me: Would you like some pudding?
Her: The green kind?
Me: No, the other one.
Her: The butterscotch?
Me: Yes. [Ed. Note: The sugar free butterscotch jello pudding is like crack for the low carbers. Pure crack, I tell you]
Her: No [long drawn out and contemplative]. I'm into introducing myself to some ice cream.
Me: What did you say?
Her: I'm into introducing myself to some ice cream. I think I'll share with Mamma.
I really had to ask her to repeat herself. I just could not quite believe what she said or how she said it.
Posted by: Random Penseur at
09:13 PM
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Post contains 131 words, total size 1 kb.
1
"Introducing myself..." What is WITH this kid?
Posted by: frinklin at September 14, 2004 09:35 PM (7VjNn)
2
Your girl is the cutest!! Give her an extra hug and kiss. Just because you'll feel like it...
Posted by: Jester at September 14, 2004 10:07 PM (yS8Mo)
3
You have a
listener on yer hands. And, listeners make the best lawyers...
Posted by: Tuning Spork at September 15, 2004 12:10 AM (OXKSY)
4
Frinklin, I couldn't believe it either. That's why I had to ask her to repeat herself.
Well, TS, she's young yet and she may grow out of it.

Thanks, Jester, you bet I will!
Posted by: RP at September 15, 2004 06:09 AM (X3Lfs)
5
omg
way too cute
giggling thinking of what your face must have been when you heard it...
Posted by: standing naked at September 15, 2004 06:43 AM (IAJcf)
6
She has the right idea. I think we should all introduce ourselves to some ice cream. Then take a nap.
That's so *adorable*, Random! Makes my womb clench... :::sighs::: Ya know, nobody warned me that ramping up to menopause meant my womb was going to clench every 5 seconds or so! Nature's way of saying, "The two-minute warning just went off but you still have a chance! GO FOR IT!"
Posted by: Amber at September 15, 2004 11:52 AM (zQE5D)
7
Oh, man, she's adorable! And polite... after all, she wants to introduce herself, doesn't she?
I hope she doesn't grow out of it all too much!
Posted by: Hannah at September 15, 2004 12:20 PM (7dELN)
8
Very cute Random. I wish I had her way with words!
Posted by: Mick at September 16, 2004 07:24 PM (m/BWU)
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