Kemper and I are both Aries. We are both *Rams*. Our relationship reflects our star signs and can be rather interesting. Whether it is because we both have a fiery nature, or because I'm an only child, and sometimes we battle like siblings more than parent and child. None the less, we butt heads almost on a daily basis. I use our little squabbles to judge my own parenting skills. I try to be firm, yet understanding, and I try to make him understand through reasoning with him. This can be a challenge, when you are dealing with someone who is only two.
I'm loud by nature. Loud. Our walls are thin. We share a driveway with our neighbor, who is great, but must by now think that I am an absolute horror as a mom. When Kemper does something he was asked not to, inappropriate, or just doesn't listen, I shout. Some may call it yelling. Yes, I will call it yelling. I hate that I yell. He's not by any stretch a bad kid, and usually only gets the business when he wants my attention, which is usually when I am on the phone, or making dinner. I've started letting him help me in the kitchen when the stove isn't involved. His favorite recipe: ceasar salad; his favorite ingredient: croutons.
My question to you, do you have any kid (toddler) friendly recipes?
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Sunday, November 11, 2007
For Kevin Sakes!
Little big man is an observer. A listener (most of the time). A repeater.
We threw out the *Nuk* a couple of months ago, which I must say, was easier than I thought. I think I was more attached to it than he was. We're lucky because he understands and comprehends most of what we tell him, so when it *disappeared* I told him that the little babies needed it, and since he was a big boy, he got big boy toys. These big boy toys have become his favorite toys. He's got an obsession with the movie Cars, so I got him a *Mack* from the movie. That was all he needed. Easy. Wow.
Now, every time anyone tells him that he's such a big boy, he of course, must tell them that "I'm a big boy, cause I don't need a Nuk anymore, and I get big boy toys." This is still a big deal to him. A few weeks back he was really sick with a bug, and he asked me, "Can I have my Nuk please mom?" When he was told it was gone he said, with a puffed out bottom lip, "But I want it back...." *sighs* If I gave in then, I'm sure he would talk me into it again at some point. He lived through the flu without the Nuk. So life does go on.
Yesterday Kevin took the front rail off of Kemper's crib, and made it into a toddler bed. He has since had two naps and one full nights sleep in it.... without falling out.
This morning, I awoke to the same old, "maam. Maam. Maam?" I don't think he fully understood that he could get out on his own. This morning, I just laid in bed and called him to get out on his own. And he did, and crawled into bed with us. Hopefully, next weekend will involve a little bit of snuggling before the "maam" stuff starts.
In other news, in trying to be toddler friendly with our words, Kevin said last week,
"For heaven sakes." And Kemper asked him, "Are you for Kevin sakes?"
We threw out the *Nuk* a couple of months ago, which I must say, was easier than I thought. I think I was more attached to it than he was. We're lucky because he understands and comprehends most of what we tell him, so when it *disappeared* I told him that the little babies needed it, and since he was a big boy, he got big boy toys. These big boy toys have become his favorite toys. He's got an obsession with the movie Cars, so I got him a *Mack* from the movie. That was all he needed. Easy. Wow.
Now, every time anyone tells him that he's such a big boy, he of course, must tell them that "I'm a big boy, cause I don't need a Nuk anymore, and I get big boy toys." This is still a big deal to him. A few weeks back he was really sick with a bug, and he asked me, "Can I have my Nuk please mom?" When he was told it was gone he said, with a puffed out bottom lip, "But I want it back...." *sighs* If I gave in then, I'm sure he would talk me into it again at some point. He lived through the flu without the Nuk. So life does go on.
Yesterday Kevin took the front rail off of Kemper's crib, and made it into a toddler bed. He has since had two naps and one full nights sleep in it.... without falling out.
This morning, I awoke to the same old, "maam. Maam. Maam?" I don't think he fully understood that he could get out on his own. This morning, I just laid in bed and called him to get out on his own. And he did, and crawled into bed with us. Hopefully, next weekend will involve a little bit of snuggling before the "maam" stuff starts.
In other news, in trying to be toddler friendly with our words, Kevin said last week,
"For heaven sakes." And Kemper asked him, "Are you for Kevin sakes?"
Sunday, August 12, 2007
2 cups Cute + 2 cups Smart + a dash of Attitude = Kemper
28 months.
Wow. I know I've said it before, but time goes by so fast!
We've been busy working around the house. Kitchen reno has taken about two months longer than we expected. We are almost there now, just the dreadful finishing... eck. I was happy as long as I had working plumbing, and luckily I am married to a plumber, and I had a *functional* kitchen for pretty much the whole reno. We've pretty much taken our time, and enjoyed the summer as much as we could.
As for Kemper, he is smarter by the day. Seriously.
He sings "Oh, Canada", and alway's says "and then we play hockey". He is so
his fathers son.
His personality is fabulous... most of the time. He has a problem with mommy some days, and it really does break my heart that he has fits at me. People say its normal, but my sweet little angel has developed a temper that he can switch on like nothing. He is testing his limits, and we're trying to make sure that we are setting clear boundaries.
Kemper has been out of diapers for a little over a month now, and we are *so* proud of him! Hooray for Big Boy Underwear!
.... working on the kitchen, just like daddy!
Wow. I know I've said it before, but time goes by so fast!
We've been busy working around the house. Kitchen reno has taken about two months longer than we expected. We are almost there now, just the dreadful finishing... eck. I was happy as long as I had working plumbing, and luckily I am married to a plumber, and I had a *functional* kitchen for pretty much the whole reno. We've pretty much taken our time, and enjoyed the summer as much as we could.
As for Kemper, he is smarter by the day. Seriously.
He sings "Oh, Canada", and alway's says "and then we play hockey". He is so
his fathers son.
His personality is fabulous... most of the time. He has a problem with mommy some days, and it really does break my heart that he has fits at me. People say its normal, but my sweet little angel has developed a temper that he can switch on like nothing. He is testing his limits, and we're trying to make sure that we are setting clear boundaries.
Kemper has been out of diapers for a little over a month now, and we are *so* proud of him! Hooray for Big Boy Underwear!
.... working on the kitchen, just like daddy!
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Because He's Two.
I've been saying that a lot lately.
Making excuses I guess.
He's a full blown *toddler* now.
We have our moments. Probably because he's gone from "mommy's precious little angel" to "daddy's little devil". He's not really that bad. He's not really bad at all, it's just a big change going from a little person who wants to know so much from you, to a little person who is telling you how things are, and is daily trying to gain more independence.
We are starting to see new found fears in our little man. The other night Kemper and I were having a shower (sometimes it's just easier to do two showers at once), when Kemper started losing his mind. He was crying hysterically. Tears and shakes and screaming about something. He was telling me something went down the drain, but when I did a scan of the bath tub toys, they were all there.... hmmm..... then I noticed that the sliver of soap that was left on the edge of the tub was MIA. Ah ha. When I finally (after about TWO minutes) got him to stop sobbing, I explained to him that the soap went down the drain, but it's okay, cause the fishies will sure like that we shared our soap with them. Okay. We made it through that one.
"Where's the soap, mommy?"
This has been pretty much a daily question since the soap incident. I make him tell me where the soap is. He's pretty cool with that.
Unfortunately, now that he has figured out that more than just soap can go down the drain, shower and bath time has been much more interesting... We're hoping we can keep his fears to a minimum, and I find it rather unfortunate that something he used to love, is almost stressing him out now.
We'll just keep reassuring him....
On a brighter note, one of his first full sentences was the following:
"I watch daddy play hockey on Saturday."
And he pretty much tells everyone... ladies at the grocery store, people walking by, his baby-sitter..... The last time he watched Kevin play hockey was almost two months ago...
Making excuses I guess.
He's a full blown *toddler* now.
We have our moments. Probably because he's gone from "mommy's precious little angel" to "daddy's little devil". He's not really that bad. He's not really bad at all, it's just a big change going from a little person who wants to know so much from you, to a little person who is telling you how things are, and is daily trying to gain more independence.
We are starting to see new found fears in our little man. The other night Kemper and I were having a shower (sometimes it's just easier to do two showers at once), when Kemper started losing his mind. He was crying hysterically. Tears and shakes and screaming about something. He was telling me something went down the drain, but when I did a scan of the bath tub toys, they were all there.... hmmm..... then I noticed that the sliver of soap that was left on the edge of the tub was MIA. Ah ha. When I finally (after about TWO minutes) got him to stop sobbing, I explained to him that the soap went down the drain, but it's okay, cause the fishies will sure like that we shared our soap with them. Okay. We made it through that one.
"Where's the soap, mommy?"
This has been pretty much a daily question since the soap incident. I make him tell me where the soap is. He's pretty cool with that.
Unfortunately, now that he has figured out that more than just soap can go down the drain, shower and bath time has been much more interesting... We're hoping we can keep his fears to a minimum, and I find it rather unfortunate that something he used to love, is almost stressing him out now.
We'll just keep reassuring him....
On a brighter note, one of his first full sentences was the following:
"I watch daddy play hockey on Saturday."
And he pretty much tells everyone... ladies at the grocery store, people walking by, his baby-sitter..... The last time he watched Kevin play hockey was almost two months ago...
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Don't Leave Home Without One
Today my friend Tab and I got together for the first time in over a year.
Tab called yesterday and asked if Kemper and I wanted to go to the Sweet Water Festival at the Wye Marsh. And I thought to myself, "it's supposed to be a great day tomorrow," so I said sure.
The morning started out great... I got to sleep in until 9:30(!!!) this morning. It was great. But then, I had a late start to getting ready for our adventure. By the time I got up and dressed and Tab got in to town, it was a little after 11.
We finally made our way to the Wye Marsh. Maybe I am naive, because I never think anyone goes to any of those things. Perhaps its because I'm a local and I always take these places for granted.... There was no parking in the parking lot. The parking was about a 10-15 minute walk away from the actual entrance.
No big deal, right?
So how about when you are with an almost 2 year old (next week!), and your forgot to bring a half decent stroller, and you are creeping up on nap time.... time to turn around and get the three wheel stroller....
The stroller at our house was locked in our shed, with the key on Kevins key ring, it the change room at the arena..... so we picked the next best place and stopped at Nana and Papa's.
By the time we rounded up a stroller and made it back to the Wye Marsh, I was actually a little suprised Kemp was still awake!
We managed to push through the crowds (we pretty much avoided the whole maple syrup production) and make it to the trumpeter swans. Watching Kempers amazement at the swans made the whole ordeal worth it.
A great way to end the week.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
No More Excuses.
We bought a computer.
Finally.
We just couldn't put it off anymore. And when I say we, I mean me. I've wanted a laptop for a while, and it just makes sense for us, so two weeks ago I bit the bullet and went out and got one. After a couple of long phone conversations with Be11, I am finally online.
So really, no more excuses on why I haven't been sharing Kemper's growing with everyone.
Latest and greatest, we are right into the potty training. We've started a neato chart for Kemper to stick stickers on when he has successes. He's been doing well with peeing on the potty, and has been working on number twos. We tell him he's "like daddy", which makes him very excited.
He talks like a telemarketer. Just rambles on... the only difference is, I can understand most of what he's saying to me!
Until next time....
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Of Shift Work and Potty Training
It's been months, I know. I think about posts all the time. But when you are lacking a home computer (just not the top of our priority list right now), there just isn't the time to sit and blurb out all the goodies.
So here we are.
Kemper is now a little over 21 months. And he is smart. Like, scary smart. Our daycare provider calls him "her little parrot". You say something: Kemper repeats.... so it better be something nice. Unless, ofcourse, you think it is appropriate for an almost 2 year old to say, "holy crap". I guess I'll have to cut that one out too. I've had to minimize my potty mouth. And I do have a potty mouth. I work with all men, and I know that's no excuse, but I also encounter truck drivers on a daily basis.
While we're on the topic of potties, Kemper has been peeing on the potty for the past couple of months. It's not every pee, but he's asking to go, so it's a start. We've had a few #2 successes, but I think he's afraid to poop on the potty. We're not pushing the issue right now, but we're putting him on when he wakes up and before bed and bath time. It's good. We still say "yes" and give high fives everytime we hear the tinkle in the potty!
He loves hockey. Is passionate about hockey.... and goalies. So I guess my hopes of him not following in the skate marks of his goalie dad, are dashed. Santa brought him an indoor mini net. The other day, he brought me a stick and ball, and went and sat in net and said, "goalie." So like any good mom, I proceeded to pepper him with shots! *L*
He is the biggest little Leafs fan, and I suppose this is his right through birth. His favorite player is "Tuckaaaah", just like his mommy.
Kevin is finally all done trade school, and I'm working 3 shifts, but we finally seem to have some sort of normalcy at home. All to be scraped away when we list our house and start house shopping late spring/early summer. I'm sure a move will make life interesting, but with a little one, life *is* more interesting.
So here we are.
Kemper is now a little over 21 months. And he is smart. Like, scary smart. Our daycare provider calls him "her little parrot". You say something: Kemper repeats.... so it better be something nice. Unless, ofcourse, you think it is appropriate for an almost 2 year old to say, "holy crap". I guess I'll have to cut that one out too. I've had to minimize my potty mouth. And I do have a potty mouth. I work with all men, and I know that's no excuse, but I also encounter truck drivers on a daily basis.
While we're on the topic of potties, Kemper has been peeing on the potty for the past couple of months. It's not every pee, but he's asking to go, so it's a start. We've had a few #2 successes, but I think he's afraid to poop on the potty. We're not pushing the issue right now, but we're putting him on when he wakes up and before bed and bath time. It's good. We still say "yes" and give high fives everytime we hear the tinkle in the potty!
He loves hockey. Is passionate about hockey.... and goalies. So I guess my hopes of him not following in the skate marks of his goalie dad, are dashed. Santa brought him an indoor mini net. The other day, he brought me a stick and ball, and went and sat in net and said, "goalie." So like any good mom, I proceeded to pepper him with shots! *L*
He is the biggest little Leafs fan, and I suppose this is his right through birth. His favorite player is "Tuckaaaah", just like his mommy.
Kevin is finally all done trade school, and I'm working 3 shifts, but we finally seem to have some sort of normalcy at home. All to be scraped away when we list our house and start house shopping late spring/early summer. I'm sure a move will make life interesting, but with a little one, life *is* more interesting.
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