"Mama - look she has a BIG tummy!"
Astrid will point out the obvious thinking it's funny & doesn't want me to miss out on the funny sight. I know there's no malice or mean intentions to any of her observations, but she says it so loudly that the person can overhear her, so at that point I have to put on my mom hat and "shhh" her and remind her to be nice.
We were sitting next to a couple with a little girl who had the oddest features. Big eyes with a bushy uni brow and an oddly shaped mouth with an overbite. Astrid kept trying to point her out to me (obviously I saw her right away) so I kept trying to distract Astrid. Finally Astrid said, "Look mom - she has a funny face! Hahaha." Oh boy - the kid's parents were sitting right next to us. So embarrassing. She's going to get me in trouble one of these days.
As a kid she comments on everything she sees. Like "Why is he in a wheelchair mom?" I don't mind explaining to her that maybe he/she got into an accident or maybe they were born with a disability and can't walk. But I try to minimize the finger pointing and exclaiming really loudly - telling her that she can hurt someones feelings by doing that. She can whisper to me and I'll explain it to her.
Usually after her pointing and exclamation - after my reminder not to be so loud and to be nice - she'll whisper to me, "Mom - look at that man. He has a BIG tummy." Okay that's better.
Friday, July 03, 2009
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Astrid wearing Mama's hat
Cutie cutie.U. took this photo of Astrid. When they came home Astrid grabbed my hat that was on the chair and put it on. I love how she's looking straight into the camera like she's talking to you. That's my daughter alright. Looking at this photo make me want to hug her and kiss her cheeks.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Barcelona trip without Astrid
U. and I decided to fly to Barcelona for his birthday today. We will be back in 6 days, and with such a short international trip we decided it best if we made the journey just us 2 adults without Astrid. A second honeymoon of sorts.
This is only the 2nd international trip we've taken without Astrid. The first time was to Amsterdam in December 2008 when Astrid was 3 years old, and only for a few days. She had already accompanied us to Europe including Amsterdam just a couple months previous in October 2008, so she wasn't missing anything. This time the trip will be little longer with us being gone for 6 days. It feels so strange to not have her with us (as I'm sitting in the airport lounge typing this). Last night she stayed at her nanny's house since we had pack and leave the house by 5 AM - and I kept catching myself "listening" for her. To hear her if she woke up. Habit I guess.
Astrid begged to go on vacation with us. The plane, the food, the adventure - Astrid inherited our wanderlust and love of travel. I would love to take her but not this time. Mama and Papa need some alone time too. "Next time I'll go on vacation with you," Astrid declared.
Astrid will be staying with her nanny Beate and her family - which includes 2 kids that Astrid adores. She told me on the drive home from school yesterday, "I love Claire and Noah." She was so excited to "sleep over" at their place and get to see them and play with them for days in a row. In fact when I dropped her off last night she immediately ran upstairs with Noah, leaving me behind. I had to call up to her and ask her to come down to give me a hug reminding her that she won't see me for awhile. Her response was classic kid, "I know!" Quick hug and kiss and off she was running again to play with the kids.
The days preceding our flight I was giving Astrid more hugs and kisses and feeling that gnawing feeling in my gut - already missing my baby. She's been sleeping in our bed recently and both U. and I did not fight it - in fact welcoming it just so we could be close to her and hold her all night. I'd also been preparing her with lots of conversation about being away but we'd always be thinking about her and when we would be coming home and the situation with her staying with her nanny, etc. Also told her when we got home she'd get a surprise (hoping to find a Spanish doll for her). Also that both her Papa and I loved her so much and she's always on our mind.
Yesterday evening as I was finishing up in the office, Astrid sat on the floor of my office and colored and enjoyed listening to my music playing on the iPod. I e-mailed U. and told him how much I would miss her and what a good little girl she is. He told me he felt the same way and felt guilty about leaving her. I marveled at how much we love our little one that it kills us to be apart from her, even though we know she's in good hands and will be having a great time. Her nanny has all sorts of activities planned including going to the beach, and we'll Skype so we can talk to Astrid and see her on the webcam.
But I still miss her and would love to hold her right now and look into her smiling face and kiss her sweet cheeks.
This is only the 2nd international trip we've taken without Astrid. The first time was to Amsterdam in December 2008 when Astrid was 3 years old, and only for a few days. She had already accompanied us to Europe including Amsterdam just a couple months previous in October 2008, so she wasn't missing anything. This time the trip will be little longer with us being gone for 6 days. It feels so strange to not have her with us (as I'm sitting in the airport lounge typing this). Last night she stayed at her nanny's house since we had pack and leave the house by 5 AM - and I kept catching myself "listening" for her. To hear her if she woke up. Habit I guess.
Astrid begged to go on vacation with us. The plane, the food, the adventure - Astrid inherited our wanderlust and love of travel. I would love to take her but not this time. Mama and Papa need some alone time too. "Next time I'll go on vacation with you," Astrid declared.
Astrid will be staying with her nanny Beate and her family - which includes 2 kids that Astrid adores. She told me on the drive home from school yesterday, "I love Claire and Noah." She was so excited to "sleep over" at their place and get to see them and play with them for days in a row. In fact when I dropped her off last night she immediately ran upstairs with Noah, leaving me behind. I had to call up to her and ask her to come down to give me a hug reminding her that she won't see me for awhile. Her response was classic kid, "I know!" Quick hug and kiss and off she was running again to play with the kids.
The days preceding our flight I was giving Astrid more hugs and kisses and feeling that gnawing feeling in my gut - already missing my baby. She's been sleeping in our bed recently and both U. and I did not fight it - in fact welcoming it just so we could be close to her and hold her all night. I'd also been preparing her with lots of conversation about being away but we'd always be thinking about her and when we would be coming home and the situation with her staying with her nanny, etc. Also told her when we got home she'd get a surprise (hoping to find a Spanish doll for her). Also that both her Papa and I loved her so much and she's always on our mind.
Yesterday evening as I was finishing up in the office, Astrid sat on the floor of my office and colored and enjoyed listening to my music playing on the iPod. I e-mailed U. and told him how much I would miss her and what a good little girl she is. He told me he felt the same way and felt guilty about leaving her. I marveled at how much we love our little one that it kills us to be apart from her, even though we know she's in good hands and will be having a great time. Her nanny has all sorts of activities planned including going to the beach, and we'll Skype so we can talk to Astrid and see her on the webcam.
But I still miss her and would love to hold her right now and look into her smiling face and kiss her sweet cheeks.
Thinking
Lately Astrid is thinking a lot - and telling me all about it. It's a wonder how her brain works and is developing so fast.
She will tell me she was thinking about something last night while she was lying in bed, or she'll stop and tell me she's thinking about something, or ask me to help her name whatever it is that she's thinking about.
Lots of thinking going on over here.
She will tell me she was thinking about something last night while she was lying in bed, or she'll stop and tell me she's thinking about something, or ask me to help her name whatever it is that she's thinking about.
Lots of thinking going on over here.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
File under "Things my 4 yr old says"
- I'm ready Freddy!
- When I grow up am I going to have big boobs like you? (My answer was: "I hope not.")
- Aye aye Captain! What's that mean?
- Let's rock and roll!
Friday, May 22, 2009
Astrid and Maddox
Astrid spent some time at her Godmother Jill's house playing with her 5 month old daughter Maddox. Too cute seeing my baby with a little baby. Astrid looks like her older sister.
Maddox can wave now!
Maddox can wave now!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Vomit & Lack of Sleep
Had one of those nights/mornings where I barely got any sleep taking care of a sick little one.
Astrid's normally a good sleeper but she had a hard time falling asleep last night. Even lying in my bed, where normally she'll fall asleep in a nanosecond - she would cry every time I got up. I don't think she got to sleep until around midnight. Then she started complaining about an ear ache in the wee morning hours. I thought it may have been swimmers ear since she'd been swimming in a salt water pool earlier in the day. That was followed by vomiting. But at least she let me know she felt like throwing up, so we could run to the bathroom together.
I finally fell asleep only to be woken up with Astrid shouting, "Mom I threw up on the floor! It was an accident!" So I spent the next hour or so cleaning up, doing laundry, and trying to get the little one comfortable.
I had an appointment this morning to take a tour of a nearby school - and yet when I called for Astrid to come to her room to get dressed, she was sound asleep. Rather than wake her, I decided to cancel the appointment and let the little one sleep.
So here I am completely sleep deprived and the little one is in good spirits and well rested.
However she did tell me after our whole ordeal, "Mama, I love you so much. I don't miss Papa anymore. But I love him too."
We do have to leave the house to take my dad to the VA hospital for some pre-surgery tests and prep work. Caffeine will be my friend today.
Astrid's normally a good sleeper but she had a hard time falling asleep last night. Even lying in my bed, where normally she'll fall asleep in a nanosecond - she would cry every time I got up. I don't think she got to sleep until around midnight. Then she started complaining about an ear ache in the wee morning hours. I thought it may have been swimmers ear since she'd been swimming in a salt water pool earlier in the day. That was followed by vomiting. But at least she let me know she felt like throwing up, so we could run to the bathroom together.
I finally fell asleep only to be woken up with Astrid shouting, "Mom I threw up on the floor! It was an accident!" So I spent the next hour or so cleaning up, doing laundry, and trying to get the little one comfortable.
I had an appointment this morning to take a tour of a nearby school - and yet when I called for Astrid to come to her room to get dressed, she was sound asleep. Rather than wake her, I decided to cancel the appointment and let the little one sleep.
So here I am completely sleep deprived and the little one is in good spirits and well rested.
However she did tell me after our whole ordeal, "Mama, I love you so much. I don't miss Papa anymore. But I love him too."
We do have to leave the house to take my dad to the VA hospital for some pre-surgery tests and prep work. Caffeine will be my friend today.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Astrid thinking about her Papa
U. is away on business for a conference in Austin, TX. It's difficult to explain to a 4 year old where their other parent is, as they don't understand a) where they went, b) why, and c) when they're coming back - no matter how many times you try and explain so they understand.
An example of that is this conversation I had with Astrid tonight:
Astrid: "Where did Papa go?"
Me: "He's in Texas honey."
Astrid: "But why?"
Me: "He's there for work. He'll be back on Tuesday."
Astrid: "Where is he going to sleep?"
Me: "He's staying at a hotel."
Astrid: "Is he going to sleep in a bed?"
Me: "Yes, the hotel has a bed in his room."
Astrid: "But does he have a refrigerator?!"
Me: (laughing) "A refrigerator? Why would you ask that? Why does he need a refrigerator?"
Astrid: "So he can eat and cook food mama!"
Me: (still laughing) "Don't worry honey, he's in the city - not out in the boonies of Texas. There are plenty of restaurants. Don't worry about Papa. He'll be just fine."
Astrid: "Are you sure Mama?"
Me: "Yes I'm sure."
So U. if you're out there reading this, you may want to send us a pic of you eating so your daughter knows you aren't starving in some remote part of Texas.
An example of that is this conversation I had with Astrid tonight:
Astrid: "Where did Papa go?"
Me: "He's in Texas honey."
Astrid: "But why?"
Me: "He's there for work. He'll be back on Tuesday."
Astrid: "Where is he going to sleep?"
Me: "He's staying at a hotel."
Astrid: "Is he going to sleep in a bed?"
Me: "Yes, the hotel has a bed in his room."
Astrid: "But does he have a refrigerator?!"
Me: (laughing) "A refrigerator? Why would you ask that? Why does he need a refrigerator?"
Astrid: "So he can eat and cook food mama!"
Me: (still laughing) "Don't worry honey, he's in the city - not out in the boonies of Texas. There are plenty of restaurants. Don't worry about Papa. He'll be just fine."
Astrid: "Are you sure Mama?"
Me: "Yes I'm sure."
So U. if you're out there reading this, you may want to send us a pic of you eating so your daughter knows you aren't starving in some remote part of Texas.
A day at the Circus
The circus is in town & we were there! Circus Vargas 2009.
They had a pre-show for kids. Allowed them to come down to the main ring and showed them how to do circus acts - like this balancing act with a Peacock feather. The ringleader told the kids that the trick was to look at the top of the feather while balancing it on their noses.
There were even kids in the show - children of the circus performers. Astrid kept asking me about them. Why they were performing, and why we saw them at the refreshment stand. And where they slept and went to school. Hope she didn't get any ideas about running away and joining the circus.
Under the big top, enjoying her snowcone in a raver cup with blinking lights. 
Fascinated by that cup. It is pretty cool.
Astrid's first time under the big top. (Only other time she saw a semi-circus was at Circus Circus.)
I mentioned before that Astrid is scared of clowns. So the whole time Astrid kept asking me where the clowns were. Until she saw this clown performing with the show doggies and kitty cats. 
She even liked this clown. He was equipped with a whistle and Astrid kept asking me what he was saying. I had to explain to her that he wasn't "saying" anything. That he was using his whistle and body movements to mean different things - like "Good job!" when he gave the thumbs up and a whistle.
During the 15 minute circus intermission Astrid went on a pony ride.
Trained Arabian horses and ponies.
Motorcycles zooming around inside a globe. This act always scares me. First one motorcycle zooming around inside, then two motorcycles, then two motorcycles and a woman standing in the middle. I have a hard time watching and I'm so relieved when it's over and everyone is okay.
They had a pre-show for kids. Allowed them to come down to the main ring and showed them how to do circus acts - like this balancing act with a Peacock feather. The ringleader told the kids that the trick was to look at the top of the feather while balancing it on their noses.
There were even kids in the show - children of the circus performers. Astrid kept asking me about them. Why they were performing, and why we saw them at the refreshment stand. And where they slept and went to school. Hope she didn't get any ideas about running away and joining the circus.
Under the big top, enjoying her snowcone in a raver cup with blinking lights. Fascinated by that cup. It is pretty cool.
Astrid's first time under the big top. (Only other time she saw a semi-circus was at Circus Circus.)I mentioned before that Astrid is scared of clowns. So the whole time Astrid kept asking me where the clowns were. Until she saw this clown performing with the show doggies and kitty cats. "Is he a clown mom?" she asked. "Oh, I'm not scared of clowns anymore mom! I like clowns!" she exclaimed.
She even liked this clown. He was equipped with a whistle and Astrid kept asking me what he was saying. I had to explain to her that he wasn't "saying" anything. That he was using his whistle and body movements to mean different things - like "Good job!" when he gave the thumbs up and a whistle.
During the 15 minute circus intermission Astrid went on a pony ride.
Trained Arabian horses and ponies.
Motorcycles zooming around inside a globe. This act always scares me. First one motorcycle zooming around inside, then two motorcycles, then two motorcycles and a woman standing in the middle. I have a hard time watching and I'm so relieved when it's over and everyone is okay. Astrid was so proud of herself having overcome her fear of clowns. Although at the end when all of the performers were standing at the exit to greet and take pictures with the visitors - she flat out told me she liked the clown but did NOT want to take a picture with him. Oh well, at least it's a step in the right direction.
Astrid and I had a great time. The best part for her I think was the pre-show kid activities. I loved the Arabian horses & ponies. So well trained and the trainer was very kind and sweet with the horses. At the end of the show the one horse even bent his knee and bowed. Wow. I felt like a kid again sitting under the big top with my kid. Definitely worth the drive out to Simi Valley, and a nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Strawberry Festival in Oxnard, CA
Astrid and I went to the 26th Annual Strawberry Festival in Oxnard today.
It takes place one weekend only every year in May when the strawberries are harvested. Last year they had 60,000 visitors and this year they're expecting even more.
Click here for more info.
Taking a ride on the merry go round.
Expect long lines, but once it's your turn you tend to forget how long you had to wait.
All of the rides inside the festival are free.
It takes place one weekend only every year in May when the strawberries are harvested. Last year they had 60,000 visitors and this year they're expecting even more.Click here for more info.
Here we built our own strawberry shortcake.
Astrid and I sitting on a bale of hay with our strawberry shortcake.
Choo choo train time.
A perk about the festival is that kids 4 years and under are free.
And they have a number of activities for kids. Including a magic show, clown show, music, and face painting.
(Although Astrid is still afraid of clowns. No matter how much she says to the contrary that she's not afraid of clowns anymore - the moment she sees one she runs in the opposite direction. I don't know what it is that's so scary. Maybe just a face that's painted. I was thinking about taking her to the circus tomorrow. Circus Vargas is in town, but I told her if she's afraid of clowns we can't go because there will be lots of clowns there. Astrid assured me she'll be fine and she's not afraid. We'll see.)
My little strawberry. Astrid thought it was hilarious that the strawberry on her shirt was wearing socks and shoes.
Taking a ride on the merry go round.
Expect long lines, but once it's your turn you tend to forget how long you had to wait.All of the rides inside the festival are free.U. is in Austin, TX for a conference so he wasn't able to join us. Next year though if we can all go as a family I'd like to try the strawberry champagne and strawberry beer. One of us can stand in line while the other goes with Astrid on a ride. =)
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Happy Mother's Day 2009! (Solvang, CA)
A colleague of mine owns miniature horses bred at Quicksilver Ranch near Solvang, and she offered to set us up with a handler one weekend to take us out to see and pet the babies that were recently born. So I thought it would be fun for the whole family to make an outing up to Solvang for Mother's Day.
The whole family together. Happy Mother's Day! 
Enjoying her 1st taste of split pea soup.
After the horse ranch we drove back to Solvang for lunch and ate at the Solvang Restaurant.
Astrid and Mama (me!). Astrid thought that Mother's Day was like a birthday. She kept asking me if I was going to have a cake.
Last Mother's Day was special because it was the first time Astrid could wish me a "Happy Mother's Day" by actually saying it. This year it was special because she can understand the concept of me being her mother and giving birth to her and caring for her and she understands this is a day to celebrate that. And no matter how many times U. tried to tell her my gifts were a secret, she couldn't help herself by telling me. She was excited about the day and woke up exclaiming, "Today is Mother's Day!"
After lunch we took the horse drawn cable car tour around Solvang. Here we are in a Danish town in the United States with a Mexican tour guide. Only in America. 
It was a long day, but I'm glad we were able to make it to Solvang and enjoyed a full day there together on Mother's Day.
The whole family together. Happy Mother's Day!U. is giving the little one a massage. 
Mama and baby miniature horses.
The little ones are the size of a large dog and are super friendly. When they spotted us, they walked right up to us (again like dogs!).
These little babies (foals) were born just last month. While the foals are super friendly, they're super curious too and can nip so you have to watch them.
How cute is this? They're the perfect size for Astrid.
Astrid now wants a horse. Not just any horse but she tells us she wants one "this small" and shows us with her fingers about an inch tall. Getting a bit carried away with miniatures.
U. getting into the petting action as well. Super cute mini-horses.
Mama and baby miniature horses.The little ones are the size of a large dog and are super friendly. When they spotted us, they walked right up to us (again like dogs!).These little babies (foals) were born just last month. While the foals are super friendly, they're super curious too and can nip so you have to watch them.How cute is this? They're the perfect size for Astrid.Astrid now wants a horse. Not just any horse but she tells us she wants one "this small" and shows us with her fingers about an inch tall. Getting a bit carried away with miniatures.
U. getting into the petting action as well. Super cute mini-horses.U. trying to hold the little ones at bay from nipping us.
Enjoying her 1st taste of split pea soup.After the horse ranch we drove back to Solvang for lunch and ate at the Solvang Restaurant.
Astrid and Mama (me!). Astrid thought that Mother's Day was like a birthday. She kept asking me if I was going to have a cake.Last Mother's Day was special because it was the first time Astrid could wish me a "Happy Mother's Day" by actually saying it. This year it was special because she can understand the concept of me being her mother and giving birth to her and caring for her and she understands this is a day to celebrate that. And no matter how many times U. tried to tell her my gifts were a secret, she couldn't help herself by telling me. She was excited about the day and woke up exclaiming, "Today is Mother's Day!"
After lunch we took the horse drawn cable car tour around Solvang. Here we are in a Danish town in the United States with a Mexican tour guide. Only in America. Astrid sitting on U.'s lap. Even though it was Mother's Day - Astrid wanted to be close to Papa.
Our tour guide proceeded to tell us about the history of the town, and she lost us when she gave us some trivia about Europe and told us Denmark is so close to Germany and Holland that when you take the train you have to stay awake or you'll miss your stop and they'll unload your luggage. Lots of laughs from clueless tourists, but U. and I gave each other the look. Um...sorry lady but I've been to Europe many times and taken the train and I can assure you it's not THAT close, and NO ONE handles your luggage. 
Hot and miserable at the Ostrich farm at the entrance to Solvang.
Hot and miserable at the Ostrich farm at the entrance to Solvang.We eat a lot of Ostrich (since it's a red meat substitute and leaner in fat than turkey), so we thought we could buy some and take it back with us. Unfortunately they only have a smaller cooler with frozen Ostrich that's more expensive than the kind we buy from the butcher.
Feeding an Ostrich. You have to be brave because these guys WILL bite.
Pellets in a bowl glued to a dust pan.
Ever seen an Ostrich chew their food?
Three in a row with their long necks reaching over the barrier to eat.
Gives you some perspective on how tall and big they are.
They roam free and it's quite a sight to see them like wild animals out roaming on the playa.
Don't even think about eating my food!
Since U. didn't want his picture taken, neither did Astrid. But I still got a few.
Feeding an Ostrich. You have to be brave because these guys WILL bite.Pellets in a bowl glued to a dust pan.Ever seen an Ostrich chew their food?Three in a row with their long necks reaching over the barrier to eat.Gives you some perspective on how tall and big they are.They roam free and it's quite a sight to see them like wild animals out roaming on the playa.Don't even think about eating my food!Since U. didn't want his picture taken, neither did Astrid. But I still got a few.Friday, May 08, 2009
Astrid's Multicultural Spring Recital
Astrid's preschool had their Spring recital and the theme was "Multicultural." 
In order to celebrate diversity and have all cultures represented, they asked us parents to dress our children in traditional dress, red/white/blue Patriotic American, Hawaiian, etc.
Astrid had a speaking part at this recital as well. (Her first speaking part was at her Winter Recital last December.) I was happy to see Astrid's name listed on the 1st page under "Opening Speech". (Last year they left out her name in error.)
Astrid dressed as an "All American Cowgirl".
Bonus: I didn't have to go out and buy anything new. Astrid had the dress, and I had the scarf, and I borrowed the black cowboy hat and boots from her nanny. They fit perfectly.
Yee-haw!
Howdy partner!
Standing with the kids backstage. There were lots of Indian and Chinese costumes, as well as Hawaiian shirts and dresses.
See this a lot with a finger in her mouth & have to remind her to take it out.
They had posters around the auditorium about different countries and cultures. Funny that Germany and South Korea were right next to each other - since Astrid's heritage is German & Korean (American).
Our fearless little one standing on stage next to her microphone, ready to give her opening speech.
She looked so adorable!
It's a Small World.
In her element on stage. She loves singing and dancing and performing. 
Cute little cowgirl.
I sat down in the front to get some close up pics.
At one point she spotted me and waved back. 
All the kids on stage.
After the show was over, Astrid posed with one of her teachers Ms. Kimberly and some of her classmates.
Astrid posing with her friend Leah.
Astrid posing with her friend Diego.
In order to celebrate diversity and have all cultures represented, they asked us parents to dress our children in traditional dress, red/white/blue Patriotic American, Hawaiian, etc.
Astrid had a speaking part at this recital as well. (Her first speaking part was at her Winter Recital last December.) I was happy to see Astrid's name listed on the 1st page under "Opening Speech". (Last year they left out her name in error.)
Astrid dressed as an "All American Cowgirl".Bonus: I didn't have to go out and buy anything new. Astrid had the dress, and I had the scarf, and I borrowed the black cowboy hat and boots from her nanny. They fit perfectly.
Yee-haw!Howdy partner!
Standing with the kids backstage. There were lots of Indian and Chinese costumes, as well as Hawaiian shirts and dresses.
See this a lot with a finger in her mouth & have to remind her to take it out.
They had posters around the auditorium about different countries and cultures. Funny that Germany and South Korea were right next to each other - since Astrid's heritage is German & Korean (American).
Our fearless little one standing on stage next to her microphone, ready to give her opening speech.
She looked so adorable!
Her speech went like this:
Buenos Dias.
Please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Thank you.
Try saying Pledge of Allegiance loud and fast - it's a mouthful. I was so proud of her. She said her lines perfectly.
Another video - with a bit of choreography.
It's a Small World.In her element on stage. She loves singing and dancing and performing. 
Cute little cowgirl.
I sat down in the front to get some close up pics.
At one point she spotted me and waved back. All the kids on stage.
After the show was over, Astrid posed with one of her teachers Ms. Kimberly and some of her classmates.
Astrid posing with her friend Leah.Astrid posing with her friend Diego.The school was closed for the day, for the recital. (Even daycare was not available in the afternoon, which is a bit annoying for working parents.) So I took the day off and we went to Amy's Playground (where Astrid had her birthday party) afterwards to play and spent the rest of the day together.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Starting to speak German
I've mentioned on my blog previously that we've tried to raise Astrid bilingual - English & German. However since my German is rusty and I've forgotten a lot of vocabulary words, and the predominant language spoken is English - Astrid would question her dad's spoken German.
"It's not Weinachten! It's Christmas" she would say.
Then U. would get down on himself for not speaking enough German to her on a daily basis.
But now that we have a German nanny that is changing fast and we're noticing that she's starting to not only understand German but also to speak it on her own (not talking about just repeating what was said back). And she's singing songs in German. Her nanny Beate's two kids also speak German so whenever Astrid is around they speak German to her. It's helping big time.
The other morning I made Astrid breakfast and after she took her plate from me she said, "Danke Schoen!" (thank you). I wasn't expecting it and so after I got over my initial shock I said, "Bitte Schoen" (you're welcome).
Then this morning she kept saying what I heard to be "moody". "Moody what?" I couldn't understand what she was trying to tell me, until she finally asked, "What's tired again?" Oh "Muede"! That's German for "tired". Duh!
She got all excited and asked me to tell her more German words. So it became our little game.
"It's not Weinachten! It's Christmas" she would say.
Then U. would get down on himself for not speaking enough German to her on a daily basis.
But now that we have a German nanny that is changing fast and we're noticing that she's starting to not only understand German but also to speak it on her own (not talking about just repeating what was said back). And she's singing songs in German. Her nanny Beate's two kids also speak German so whenever Astrid is around they speak German to her. It's helping big time.
The other morning I made Astrid breakfast and after she took her plate from me she said, "Danke Schoen!" (thank you). I wasn't expecting it and so after I got over my initial shock I said, "Bitte Schoen" (you're welcome).
Then this morning she kept saying what I heard to be "moody". "Moody what?" I couldn't understand what she was trying to tell me, until she finally asked, "What's tired again?" Oh "Muede"! That's German for "tired". Duh!
She got all excited and asked me to tell her more German words. So it became our little game.
- Auto - Car! she shouted.
- Deutsch - German!
- Essen – Dinner! (close enough – the verb means to eat and the noun is food. Dinner is actually "Abendessen".)
- Hund - Dog!
- Katze - Cat!
- Soenne - Sun!
It's a start and I'm so happy to see it happening. I was worried that my being American and her not growing up in a household that spoke solely in German (to combat all the English she hears in school and outside of the home) would stunt her German development. Now I needn't worry because having a German nanny and her 2 German speaking kids is helping Astrid's German language development.
However Astrid does claim to speak 4 languages: English, German, Spanish, and Korean.
When I asked her what Korean words she knows - she was stumped. But then I remembered one:
"What does Bpobpo mean?"
"Grandma always says, 'Gimme a Bpobpo '.
"Kiss!" Astrid shouted.
Ding ding ding. Correct! =)
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Sydney & Brooke's birthday party
We were invited to Sydney & Brooke's birthday party. My friend Beth had both her daughters on the same day. That's right, they both have the same birthday! So we made a trip down to OC to see them and help them celebrate their birthday in the park.
It was a princess party. Here the girls are walking with Princess Jazmin.
Astrid watching Sydney get her face painted and waiting for her turn.
It was a beautiful day for a kid's birthday party in the park. The sun was out but it wasn't too hot. Here the kids are sitting in a circle with Princess Jazmin as she plays with a puppet. Look who's sitting next to the princess.
Had to tell the princess something. It probably had to do with telling her she has puppets at home too. The beautiful German inspired ones that her German nanny Beate made for her birthday. 
Cake time! Cupcakes and birthday cake.
Sydney and Brooke blowing out their candles.
Astrid getting a crown painted across her forehead.
Sydney the birthday girl.
Astrid and Sydney played so well together. I thought with the 1 year age difference they might not, but it really didn't seem to matter.
Two sweet girls. Astrid had a great time and can't wait to play with Sydney again.
It was a princess party. Here the girls are walking with Princess Jazmin.
Astrid watching Sydney get her face painted and waiting for her turn.
It was a beautiful day for a kid's birthday party in the park. The sun was out but it wasn't too hot. Here the kids are sitting in a circle with Princess Jazmin as she plays with a puppet. Look who's sitting next to the princess.
Had to tell the princess something. It probably had to do with telling her she has puppets at home too. The beautiful German inspired ones that her German nanny Beate made for her birthday. Cake time! Cupcakes and birthday cake.
Sydney and Brooke blowing out their candles.
Astrid getting a crown painted across her forehead.
Sydney the birthday girl.
Astrid and Sydney played so well together. I thought with the 1 year age difference they might not, but it really didn't seem to matter.
Two sweet girls. Astrid had a great time and can't wait to play with Sydney again.Thursday, April 30, 2009
Discovered a new use for my Snuggie
Oh yes I did. I purchased a Snuggie. And I love being curled up in its soft, warm, goodness on chilly evenings.
Tonight Astrid was having a hard time falling asleep. So I had an idea.
Me: "Astrid? Do you want to sleep with mommy's favorite blanket?"
Astrid: "Oh yeah."
Me: "Okay but you have to close your eyes and go to sleep okay?"
Astrid: "Okay mommy!"
Me: "Here's mommy's favorite blanket. It's called a Snuggie and it's really soft and will keep you warm and safe so you can go to sleep okay?"
Astrid: "Oh it's so soft. Thank you mommy"
Five minutes later she was asleep. Thank you whoever invented the Snuggie!
Tonight Astrid was having a hard time falling asleep. So I had an idea.
Me: "Astrid? Do you want to sleep with mommy's favorite blanket?"
Astrid: "Oh yeah."
Me: "Okay but you have to close your eyes and go to sleep okay?"
Astrid: "Okay mommy!"
Me: "Here's mommy's favorite blanket. It's called a Snuggie and it's really soft and will keep you warm and safe so you can go to sleep okay?"
Astrid: "Oh it's so soft. Thank you mommy"
Five minutes later she was asleep. Thank you whoever invented the Snuggie!
"Opening" - Vocabulary & preschool
While putting Astrid to bed tonight we were talking about looking for another preschool for her. Her class has grown from around 15 kids to over 35. They've added teachers, but it's just too many kids for a small school. More kids equals more noise, more aggression, and less individual attention.
I've been hearing "I don't want to go to school" from Astrid lately which has concerned me. And tonight it was, "I don't like Pasadena Montessori School." Yes, she loves to say all three words that make up her school's name. Very sad for a preschool kid to already dread going to school. So tonight I made up my mind to start looking.
Although her preschool is right across the street from my office and is so convenient, I'll drive a ways to make sure she's thriving and happy in a better environment.
So we were talking about that tonight at bedtime, and she smiled and asked if she would be going to a new school tomorrow. I told her it would take some time to look at different schools, to meet the teachers, and to find a school with an opening for her.
To which she responded, "Opening? Like opening speech?"
She's 4 and talking about open speeches. What a character.
Now let's hope I can find a school mid year with an opening for her and her opening speeches.
I've been hearing "I don't want to go to school" from Astrid lately which has concerned me. And tonight it was, "I don't like Pasadena Montessori School." Yes, she loves to say all three words that make up her school's name. Very sad for a preschool kid to already dread going to school. So tonight I made up my mind to start looking.
Although her preschool is right across the street from my office and is so convenient, I'll drive a ways to make sure she's thriving and happy in a better environment.
So we were talking about that tonight at bedtime, and she smiled and asked if she would be going to a new school tomorrow. I told her it would take some time to look at different schools, to meet the teachers, and to find a school with an opening for her.
To which she responded, "Opening? Like opening speech?"
She's 4 and talking about open speeches. What a character.
Now let's hope I can find a school mid year with an opening for her and her opening speeches.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Happy Birthday Astrid (actual birthday)
Today is Astrid's actual birthday. It was also our last morning staying at our Palm Springs vacation home that we were renting for the Coachella weekend. U. got up early as usual and took the kids with him for morning coffee. He let all 3 kids (Astrid and our nanny's 2 kids - Claire and Noah) pick whatever they wanted. And back at the house we all sang happy birthday to Astrid who is 4 today.
Astrid sitting in front of her birthday muffin with a lit #4 candle.
Sweet little angel wearing her favorite rainbow shirt.
Looking at mama (me). You can see my reflection in the sliding glass doors.
Taking a deep breath.
Blew out her candle and her wish comes true.
U., me and Astrid. We are family.
Enjoying eating and chatting with the kids.
Using her butter knife upside down to cut with the dull side. She wouldn't let anyone tell her otherwise and since it was her birthday no one argued with her.
Hehe.
We drove back home that morning and it was a scorcher. I took Astrid with me to pick up some party supplies and she got an ice cream. The deal was she had to wear her hat. I'm always concerned about the sun and protecting her skin.
The birthday girl enjoying her sherbet ice cream.
For dinner we asked Astrid where she wanted to go for her birthday dinner and she chose "The Coffee Table" her favorite restaurant in Eagle Rock. She always gets a lemonade and either a grilled cheese sandwich or a cheese quesadilla from the kid's menu. Today she got a special cupcake to blow out her candle after Mama and Papa sang happy birthday to her.
Four candles to blow out this time.
It's her special day and it's not over yet with her upcoming birthday bash with her friends at an indoor playground.
Astrid painting on her easel that she got as a birthday present.
The artist on her birthday. She turned to her father and I and announced, "I'm an artist!"
The sun is starting to set.
Astrid sitting on her Papa's lap, winding down after a long day.
Astrid sitting in front of her birthday muffin with a lit #4 candle.
Sweet little angel wearing her favorite rainbow shirt.
Looking at mama (me). You can see my reflection in the sliding glass doors.Taking a deep breath.Blew out her candle and her wish comes true.
U., me and Astrid. We are family.
Enjoying eating and chatting with the kids.
Using her butter knife upside down to cut with the dull side. She wouldn't let anyone tell her otherwise and since it was her birthday no one argued with her.
Hehe.
We drove back home that morning and it was a scorcher. I took Astrid with me to pick up some party supplies and she got an ice cream. The deal was she had to wear her hat. I'm always concerned about the sun and protecting her skin.
The birthday girl enjoying her sherbet ice cream.
For dinner we asked Astrid where she wanted to go for her birthday dinner and she chose "The Coffee Table" her favorite restaurant in Eagle Rock. She always gets a lemonade and either a grilled cheese sandwich or a cheese quesadilla from the kid's menu. Today she got a special cupcake to blow out her candle after Mama and Papa sang happy birthday to her.
Four candles to blow out this time.It's her special day and it's not over yet with her upcoming birthday bash with her friends at an indoor playground.
Astrid painting on her easel that she got as a birthday present.The artist on her birthday. She turned to her father and I and announced, "I'm an artist!"
The sun is starting to set.
Astrid sitting on her Papa's lap, winding down after a long day. Happy birthday sweetheart.
Sunday, April 05, 2009
A Star is Born - she loves to sing, dance & act
Astrid woke up a little past midnight, and I could hear her singing "It's A Small World" from her bedroom. It's one of the songs she's practicing at school for her next recital. It's was the sweetest thing to hear her singing, but what in the world was she doing singing at midnight?
After she was done singing she came into the room to find me and started performing in front of the closet mirror.
This reminded me how I need to record on my blog how much she loves to sing and dance and perform. She picks up songs quickly. And she's always doing commercials and skits in front of the mirror. For example: "This is how you brush your teeth." She acts out the entire scene in the bathroom mirror like she's acting in front of a camera. And she's always singing one song or another.
I've been singing to her since she was a newborn - and she picked up as soon as she was able to hum or sing along. Now she tells me not to sing, that she'll sing for me. She has no stage fright. She just loves performing on stage.
I mentioned in a previous post how much she loves her school recital and we recently enrolled her in a musical theatre class. They sing and dance and practice for a big performance on stage with costumes, typically a musical (like Annie). The class is called "Pop Star" which sounds awful, but after reading the description I knew it would be something that Astrid would really enjoy.
Prior to the class "tryouts" I told her not to be shy (which she can be initially when she's confronted with a strange, new environment) and to sing out loud and dance just like she does at home. I needn't have worried because she did just fine and followed along with the other students. And she loved it of course and is looking forward to next week's class.
She's one of the youngest ones in her class so it'll be interesting to see what part she gets in the musical. Regardless it'll be so much fun to watch!
After she was done singing she came into the room to find me and started performing in front of the closet mirror.
This reminded me how I need to record on my blog how much she loves to sing and dance and perform. She picks up songs quickly. And she's always doing commercials and skits in front of the mirror. For example: "This is how you brush your teeth." She acts out the entire scene in the bathroom mirror like she's acting in front of a camera. And she's always singing one song or another.
I've been singing to her since she was a newborn - and she picked up as soon as she was able to hum or sing along. Now she tells me not to sing, that she'll sing for me. She has no stage fright. She just loves performing on stage.
I mentioned in a previous post how much she loves her school recital and we recently enrolled her in a musical theatre class. They sing and dance and practice for a big performance on stage with costumes, typically a musical (like Annie). The class is called "Pop Star" which sounds awful, but after reading the description I knew it would be something that Astrid would really enjoy.
Prior to the class "tryouts" I told her not to be shy (which she can be initially when she's confronted with a strange, new environment) and to sing out loud and dance just like she does at home. I needn't have worried because she did just fine and followed along with the other students. And she loved it of course and is looking forward to next week's class.
She's one of the youngest ones in her class so it'll be interesting to see what part she gets in the musical. Regardless it'll be so much fun to watch!
Saturday, April 04, 2009
What Astrid's saying & doing at 3 years, 11 months, 2 weeks, and 2 days old
Jotting down some of the latest things Astrid has been saying, and things I've been noticing about her that make this age (she's turning 4 later this month) unique.
1) Astrid refers to her father and I as "Guys".
"Guys! Guys! You know what?" "Whatcha doin' guys?" "Am I going with you guys?" "What are you guys talkin' about?"
2) Evidently she now knows what "cool" is.
I was talking about something today and Astrid perked up and said, "Oh yeah that's cool."
3) Questions, questions, and more questions.
"Whatcha doin' Mommy?" "Why are you doing that?" "How come?" "Why? Why? Why?"
I guess it's time to invest in that book - everything you always wanted to know about everything in the world.
4) Astrid constantly repeats herself.
It used to be the whining that used to drive her dad and I batty -but now it's the repeating. How many times can you ask the same question? All I can say is my daughter never tires of asking or saying the same thing again and again. It must be an age thing that reinforces something or other in that brilliant child brain of hers that never ceases to amaze me.
5) Astrid's incredible memory.
She'll bring up things that we did a long time ago that I even forgot about. It's one of those, "How do you even remember that?" kind of thing. She's like a sponge - absorbing everything - and we keep trying to fill that little brain with lots of learning. (We just enrolled her in a musical theatre class, and she's learning German with her German nanny. I love when she sings in German.)
6) She has quite an imagination.
She makes up stories, or puts two and two together with such creative imagery. For instance we were watering our vegetable garden one morning and I saw a shoe foot print (obviously of an adult) and a little footprint which I thought might have been from a bunny rabbit. Astrid was so intrigued and had a million questions about who was stomping around in our garden. Later that day when I picked her up from school she was telling me a story about how the Easter Bunny Man was in our garden yesterday getting ready for Easter, and he was eating our seeds.
7) Making up stories that are the opposite of the truth
Like tonight I saw her move her hand under the table, that was clearly holding a piece of pizza her Papa had cooked for her dinner. She looked at me and said, "I don't have pizza in my hand." So now whenever she tells me out of the blue she "didn't" do something, or "doesn't" have something - I know the opposite is true.
I read about this developmental stage in children and recommendations include not accusing the child of lying. So we've been trying to reinforce the importance of "telling the truth", rather than "don't lie to me".
8) Astrid has no concept that there was a time before her.
She saw a photograph taken in Hawaii of me and U., noticing it for the first time at my parent's place. "Hey that's you and Papa" she said. "Where am I?" she asked. "You weren't born yet," I tried to explain. She looked quite puzzled and asked, "Why not?"
And tonight she asked me if I had installed the sprinkler in the yard and I told her no, that the people who lived in the house before us did. Somehow the conversation turned to Astrid as it has a way of doing when talking to a 3 year old, and she asked where she lived before this house. I told her that she's lived in our house her whole life, since she was born. Mama and Papa lived in other houses, but she has only lived in this house. She doesn't understand that there was ever a time when U. and I lived without her. Quite frankly it's hard to imagine it myself - a world without Astrid. I know it existed but it seems like eons ago, something that happened in the distant past.
9) Tantrums when she doesn't get what we want
There was a period there after the terrible twos (or whenever that period lasted) where tantrums were few and far between. I'm not talking being fussy - but the tantrums where whining turns into crying, and acting like a complete maniac. But now we've seen more of those tantrums appearing when Astrid doesn't get something that she wants. Sometimes she'll run into her room, slam her door and throw herself on her bed crying. Yeah I'm talking a 3 year old (not 13). It's hard not to laugh at her diva-ness. Her feelings are easily hurt. So U. tried this new technique that he read about - when your kid keeps asking you for something they can't have - write it down.
For example, the other night Astrid wanted candy and no matter how many times U. said no and tried to distract her, nothing was working. So he tried the technique and told Astrid, "Let's write it down okay? And come back to it later if we forget." He literally wrote the word "Candy" down on the white board that's up on our fridge. Astrid was fine with this and then completely forgot about wanting candy. I have yet to try this - but I'm open to it if it works.
10) Becoming more and more independent
"I wanna do it myself." "No, no...lemme do it." "I want to do it all by myself okay mom?" All things I hear more of more of each day.
Pretty frequently whenever I bathe her, she will want to towel dry herself (even if I'm still in the bath washing my hair) and put on her pajamas. That and putting on her shoes are two things I allow her to do all on her own without any help.
But when it comes to other things like brushing teeth etc. she can do it by herself and then I finish. (Just want to make sure she's brushing all corners and not missing a spot. Or in other instances just making sure she's taken care of properly).
They grow up so fast...
1) Astrid refers to her father and I as "Guys".
"Guys! Guys! You know what?" "Whatcha doin' guys?" "Am I going with you guys?" "What are you guys talkin' about?"
2) Evidently she now knows what "cool" is.
I was talking about something today and Astrid perked up and said, "Oh yeah that's cool."
3) Questions, questions, and more questions.
"Whatcha doin' Mommy?" "Why are you doing that?" "How come?" "Why? Why? Why?"
I guess it's time to invest in that book - everything you always wanted to know about everything in the world.
4) Astrid constantly repeats herself.
It used to be the whining that used to drive her dad and I batty -but now it's the repeating. How many times can you ask the same question? All I can say is my daughter never tires of asking or saying the same thing again and again. It must be an age thing that reinforces something or other in that brilliant child brain of hers that never ceases to amaze me.
5) Astrid's incredible memory.
She'll bring up things that we did a long time ago that I even forgot about. It's one of those, "How do you even remember that?" kind of thing. She's like a sponge - absorbing everything - and we keep trying to fill that little brain with lots of learning. (We just enrolled her in a musical theatre class, and she's learning German with her German nanny. I love when she sings in German.)
6) She has quite an imagination.
She makes up stories, or puts two and two together with such creative imagery. For instance we were watering our vegetable garden one morning and I saw a shoe foot print (obviously of an adult) and a little footprint which I thought might have been from a bunny rabbit. Astrid was so intrigued and had a million questions about who was stomping around in our garden. Later that day when I picked her up from school she was telling me a story about how the Easter Bunny Man was in our garden yesterday getting ready for Easter, and he was eating our seeds.
7) Making up stories that are the opposite of the truth
Like tonight I saw her move her hand under the table, that was clearly holding a piece of pizza her Papa had cooked for her dinner. She looked at me and said, "I don't have pizza in my hand." So now whenever she tells me out of the blue she "didn't" do something, or "doesn't" have something - I know the opposite is true.
I read about this developmental stage in children and recommendations include not accusing the child of lying. So we've been trying to reinforce the importance of "telling the truth", rather than "don't lie to me".
8) Astrid has no concept that there was a time before her.
She saw a photograph taken in Hawaii of me and U., noticing it for the first time at my parent's place. "Hey that's you and Papa" she said. "Where am I?" she asked. "You weren't born yet," I tried to explain. She looked quite puzzled and asked, "Why not?"
And tonight she asked me if I had installed the sprinkler in the yard and I told her no, that the people who lived in the house before us did. Somehow the conversation turned to Astrid as it has a way of doing when talking to a 3 year old, and she asked where she lived before this house. I told her that she's lived in our house her whole life, since she was born. Mama and Papa lived in other houses, but she has only lived in this house. She doesn't understand that there was ever a time when U. and I lived without her. Quite frankly it's hard to imagine it myself - a world without Astrid. I know it existed but it seems like eons ago, something that happened in the distant past.
9) Tantrums when she doesn't get what we want
There was a period there after the terrible twos (or whenever that period lasted) where tantrums were few and far between. I'm not talking being fussy - but the tantrums where whining turns into crying, and acting like a complete maniac. But now we've seen more of those tantrums appearing when Astrid doesn't get something that she wants. Sometimes she'll run into her room, slam her door and throw herself on her bed crying. Yeah I'm talking a 3 year old (not 13). It's hard not to laugh at her diva-ness. Her feelings are easily hurt. So U. tried this new technique that he read about - when your kid keeps asking you for something they can't have - write it down.
For example, the other night Astrid wanted candy and no matter how many times U. said no and tried to distract her, nothing was working. So he tried the technique and told Astrid, "Let's write it down okay? And come back to it later if we forget." He literally wrote the word "Candy" down on the white board that's up on our fridge. Astrid was fine with this and then completely forgot about wanting candy. I have yet to try this - but I'm open to it if it works.
10) Becoming more and more independent
"I wanna do it myself." "No, no...lemme do it." "I want to do it all by myself okay mom?" All things I hear more of more of each day.
Pretty frequently whenever I bathe her, she will want to towel dry herself (even if I'm still in the bath washing my hair) and put on her pajamas. That and putting on her shoes are two things I allow her to do all on her own without any help.
But when it comes to other things like brushing teeth etc. she can do it by herself and then I finish. (Just want to make sure she's brushing all corners and not missing a spot. Or in other instances just making sure she's taken care of properly).
They grow up so fast...
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Question posted by my husband
"Will I ever be as good a father to my child as my little angel is such a great child to me?"
The kid's definition of jail
Yeah you heard me right "JAIL". The word came out of my 3 (almost 4) year old daughter's mouth last night.
"Jail?" I asked.
"Uh-huh jail," she answered.
"Where did you hear that word?" I asked.
"I dunno," she said with a shrug.
"What do you think that word means?" I asked.
"It's where they take the bad guys and lock them up in a cage!" she said, and was quite animated about it.
Oh boy. I think some kid at school has been watching age inappropriate material. But she pretty much has the definition down to a T. Not exactly how Webster's would define it, but it pretty much sums up what a jail is.
Is it a bad thing for a little kid to know what a jail is already? I would rather she not know YET, but maybe that's just me being a protective mom and trying to preserve her innocence.
"Jail?" I asked.
"Uh-huh jail," she answered.
"Where did you hear that word?" I asked.
"I dunno," she said with a shrug.
"What do you think that word means?" I asked.
"It's where they take the bad guys and lock them up in a cage!" she said, and was quite animated about it.
Oh boy. I think some kid at school has been watching age inappropriate material. But she pretty much has the definition down to a T. Not exactly how Webster's would define it, but it pretty much sums up what a jail is.
Is it a bad thing for a little kid to know what a jail is already? I would rather she not know YET, but maybe that's just me being a protective mom and trying to preserve her innocence.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
My little nurse
I went to the dermatologist recently and had 2 "suspicious" looking moles removed. They weren't the typical raised moles, but were flat. Astrid went with me and was fascinated. She kept staring at all of the equipment and asked a a lot of questions about what everything did and what it was for. And of course what the doctor was doing to me.
When we got home she wanted to pull up my shirt and show Papa and then tried to explain the procedure I had done. She wanted to see for herself too and kept pleading with me to take off my band-aid so she could see.
The next morning I had to reapply some Neosporin and a new band-aid, but the problem was the one spot on my back that I can't reach. I just barely was able to get a corner of the existing band-aid to pull it off during my shower this morning. What to do? Dilemma. Was hoping U. would be home to help me, but he left for work even earlier than I did this morning.
So I turned to Astrid and asked her if she could help me. She was an eager beaver to say the least. Following me around the bathroom, staring, asking question. So she wanted to help which was a good thing. One of the moles I had removed was on my tummy so I showed her how I applied the ointment and put a band-aid over it. She copied me and did the exact same thing to my back - perfectly. She followed my directions to a T.
She had so much empathy for me that she kept asking "Does it hurt?" When I told her that it didn't really hurt, and only just a little bit when you touched it, she remarked, "It looks like it really hurts mommy" and gave me a big hug. I received the best bedside manner from my little nurse. She was just so sweet and caring. And she did a great job!
When we got home she wanted to pull up my shirt and show Papa and then tried to explain the procedure I had done. She wanted to see for herself too and kept pleading with me to take off my band-aid so she could see.
The next morning I had to reapply some Neosporin and a new band-aid, but the problem was the one spot on my back that I can't reach. I just barely was able to get a corner of the existing band-aid to pull it off during my shower this morning. What to do? Dilemma. Was hoping U. would be home to help me, but he left for work even earlier than I did this morning.
So I turned to Astrid and asked her if she could help me. She was an eager beaver to say the least. Following me around the bathroom, staring, asking question. So she wanted to help which was a good thing. One of the moles I had removed was on my tummy so I showed her how I applied the ointment and put a band-aid over it. She copied me and did the exact same thing to my back - perfectly. She followed my directions to a T.
She had so much empathy for me that she kept asking "Does it hurt?" When I told her that it didn't really hurt, and only just a little bit when you touched it, she remarked, "It looks like it really hurts mommy" and gave me a big hug. I received the best bedside manner from my little nurse. She was just so sweet and caring. And she did a great job!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Tissue vs. Napkin
"Do you need a tissue?" I asked.
After I heard the "Yes" in agreement, I handed Astrid what I thought would do the trick (as I was driving).
After a second Astrid said, "This is not a tissue! It's a napkin."
I had to laugh at that one. She actually knows the difference. When I shared this with U. his comment was, "It's not because she's smart, it's because she's spoiled. I didn't know the difference until I was 10 years old." Haha. Kids these days - pampered and all.
After I heard the "Yes" in agreement, I handed Astrid what I thought would do the trick (as I was driving).
After a second Astrid said, "This is not a tissue! It's a napkin."
I had to laugh at that one. She actually knows the difference. When I shared this with U. his comment was, "It's not because she's smart, it's because she's spoiled. I didn't know the difference until I was 10 years old." Haha. Kids these days - pampered and all.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Mr. Rogers Neighborhood
Sitting here watching Mr. Rogers Neighborhood with Astrid. I was channel flipping when I came to the show that was just starting and I had to stop.
"I used to watch this show when I was a kid," I told Astrid.
"Really? When you were little you were watching this?" Astrid asked.
"Yep. It was my favorite show," I said.
"But it's over," Astrid said.
"No it's not. It's just starting. Watch he's going to sing 'It's a Beautiful Neighborhood'," I said.
And lo and behold Mr. Rogers starting singing his signature song as he put on his sweater and sneakers.
Now he's taking us on a field trip to meet Itzhak Perlman, the great Israeli-American violinist and conductor who contracted polio at the age of 4 and uses crutches to walk.
I still love Mr. Rogers Neighborhood.
"I used to watch this show when I was a kid," I told Astrid.
"Really? When you were little you were watching this?" Astrid asked.
"Yep. It was my favorite show," I said.
"But it's over," Astrid said.
"No it's not. It's just starting. Watch he's going to sing 'It's a Beautiful Neighborhood'," I said.
And lo and behold Mr. Rogers starting singing his signature song as he put on his sweater and sneakers.
Now he's taking us on a field trip to meet Itzhak Perlman, the great Israeli-American violinist and conductor who contracted polio at the age of 4 and uses crutches to walk.
I still love Mr. Rogers Neighborhood.
Astrid's wish to blur the gender lines
"I wish I could be like that," said Astrid this morning while watching Angelina Ballerina.
(After each cartoon they feature real dancers, many of them children.)
I thought she was referring to being a ballerina.
Instead Astrid remarked, "A boy."
She was referring to the boy dancer.
"Someday I'll grow up to be like that," said Astrid.
I've always tried to steer her away from stereotypical female toys, costumes, and play. Last Halloween while most of her friends were Fairies & Princesses, Astrid was a Firefighter. Once she told me she wanted to be Nurse and I said, "Why not a Doctor?" I hope this helps strengthen her self esteem and self resolve to go after what she wants in life and dream big (without the gender limitations that have plagued woman over the years).
"Become the man you always wanted to marry," is one of my favorite quotes for women made by Cher.
Don't get me wrong - Astrid is just as girlie as others her age and loves to dress up and play with her dolls. But it's important for me as her mother to show her that there's more to being a woman than just taking care of babies and looking pretty. You can be feminine and be intelligent, strong, athletic, and successful.
(After each cartoon they feature real dancers, many of them children.)
I thought she was referring to being a ballerina.
Instead Astrid remarked, "A boy."
She was referring to the boy dancer.
"Someday I'll grow up to be like that," said Astrid.
I've always tried to steer her away from stereotypical female toys, costumes, and play. Last Halloween while most of her friends were Fairies & Princesses, Astrid was a Firefighter. Once she told me she wanted to be Nurse and I said, "Why not a Doctor?" I hope this helps strengthen her self esteem and self resolve to go after what she wants in life and dream big (without the gender limitations that have plagued woman over the years).
"Become the man you always wanted to marry," is one of my favorite quotes for women made by Cher.
Don't get me wrong - Astrid is just as girlie as others her age and loves to dress up and play with her dolls. But it's important for me as her mother to show her that there's more to being a woman than just taking care of babies and looking pretty. You can be feminine and be intelligent, strong, athletic, and successful.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Astrid's hooked on phonics
Today Astrid was proud to show me that she can sound out letters to form words. She was so confident.
R-A-T - RAT!
C-A-T - CAT!
M-A-T - WATERMELON! (HA!)
P-A-T - PIG!
"No, no, no," Astrid immediately said as she quickly realized she made a mistake.
"Don't laugh!" Astrid shouted.
I can't help it. It's fun to see her learning, but so cute when she makes mistakes.
R-A-T - RAT!
C-A-T - CAT!
M-A-T - WATERMELON! (HA!)
P-A-T - PIG!
"No, no, no," Astrid immediately said as she quickly realized she made a mistake.
"Don't laugh!" Astrid shouted.
I can't help it. It's fun to see her learning, but so cute when she makes mistakes.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
1st time that Astrid asks Papa to put her to bed
So it finally happened. After 3 years, 10 months, one week and 2 days, tonight Astrid asked her Papa to put her to bed.
If you know anything about my daughter Astrid, you know she is very attached to me - her mama. Before today, I am the only one she preferred to do the bedtime routine with when she goes to bed. In the past whenever it was my night out and I came home a bit early - while U. was getting her ready for bed - forgetaboutit - Astrid would want mama.
But not today.
In the morning I joined U. and Astrid for coffee and bread at a local coffee place. We had to take separate cars as U. had errands to run and I had my Yoga class afterwards. And for the first time Astrid wanted to ride in the car with her dad. Very unusual as she always wants to ride in the car with me and gawd knows we've experienced those days when she had to go with her dad and reacted with tears and pleading for "mama mama" over and over again. But today, she rode in the car with dad, with me following. U. was pointing out that I was following just in case she changed her mind on the car drive. Once we parked our cars, Astrid immediately ran over to me and held my hand.
And tonight - she asked that Papa put her to bed. No more tears that Papa was going to brush her teeth before I put her to bed. This time she WANTED Papa to do the bedtime routine with her and put her to bed instead of me.
No hard feelings, as I was happy to get a break and just wash the dishes as U. put Astrid to bed. I've been putting her to bed for almost 4 years and it's about time I don't have to be the sole bedtime administrator.
But it is a little sad in that it's an indication she's growing up. She's so much more affectionate now than ever before and she just loves her Papa.
With U. it's one book and then sleep. He was prepared for her to shout that she wanted mama - but nope - she quickly fell asleep after one book - with no cries for mama.
As U. likes to say, "This is a great age! I'm really enjoying it."
If you know anything about my daughter Astrid, you know she is very attached to me - her mama. Before today, I am the only one she preferred to do the bedtime routine with when she goes to bed. In the past whenever it was my night out and I came home a bit early - while U. was getting her ready for bed - forgetaboutit - Astrid would want mama.
But not today.
In the morning I joined U. and Astrid for coffee and bread at a local coffee place. We had to take separate cars as U. had errands to run and I had my Yoga class afterwards. And for the first time Astrid wanted to ride in the car with her dad. Very unusual as she always wants to ride in the car with me and gawd knows we've experienced those days when she had to go with her dad and reacted with tears and pleading for "mama mama" over and over again. But today, she rode in the car with dad, with me following. U. was pointing out that I was following just in case she changed her mind on the car drive. Once we parked our cars, Astrid immediately ran over to me and held my hand.
And tonight - she asked that Papa put her to bed. No more tears that Papa was going to brush her teeth before I put her to bed. This time she WANTED Papa to do the bedtime routine with her and put her to bed instead of me.
No hard feelings, as I was happy to get a break and just wash the dishes as U. put Astrid to bed. I've been putting her to bed for almost 4 years and it's about time I don't have to be the sole bedtime administrator.
But it is a little sad in that it's an indication she's growing up. She's so much more affectionate now than ever before and she just loves her Papa.
With U. it's one book and then sleep. He was prepared for her to shout that she wanted mama - but nope - she quickly fell asleep after one book - with no cries for mama.
As U. likes to say, "This is a great age! I'm really enjoying it."
A few chuckles to share
#1 - Astrid was interested in trying some organic turkey jerky. When I gave her a piece she looked up at me with a mischievous grin and asked, "Mom, is this doggy treat?"
See my mom gives her dog jerky treats when training her to do stupid dog tricks. Many a time Astrid has been the one doling out treats and asking the dog to give her a high 10.
#2 - Astrid and I made a batch of vanilla cookies. After dinner Astrid had a cookie for dessert, and after she gave her dad a piece of her cookie to try, she said, "Say thank you to us."
Miss manners.
#3 - I was doing some yard work today, and Astrid as always wanted to come out to watch what I was doing. All of a sudden she screamed and jumped back. When I asked her what was the matter, she pointed and said, "There's a BIG ant and it's scary mommy!"
I looked down and saw a big black beetle trying to scurry for cover.
After I told her what it was and that it wouldn't hurt her, she asked me what they ate. Something to look up on Wikipedia. She decided on her own that they eat leaves and now less fearful, she tried to feed it.
See my mom gives her dog jerky treats when training her to do stupid dog tricks. Many a time Astrid has been the one doling out treats and asking the dog to give her a high 10.
#2 - Astrid and I made a batch of vanilla cookies. After dinner Astrid had a cookie for dessert, and after she gave her dad a piece of her cookie to try, she said, "Say thank you to us."
Miss manners.
#3 - I was doing some yard work today, and Astrid as always wanted to come out to watch what I was doing. All of a sudden she screamed and jumped back. When I asked her what was the matter, she pointed and said, "There's a BIG ant and it's scary mommy!"
I looked down and saw a big black beetle trying to scurry for cover.
After I told her what it was and that it wouldn't hurt her, she asked me what they ate. Something to look up on Wikipedia. She decided on her own that they eat leaves and now less fearful, she tried to feed it.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Watching the Oscars with Astrid
Ask woke up from her nap and in a fog asked, "Is it almost time to watch TV?"
We promised Astrid that she could watch the Oscars award show on TV with us tonight. We're going to have a little feast of finger foods and guacamole - and make it a special family time.
Astrid: "Is it almost time to watch TV?"
Me: "Yes, we're gonna watch the Oscars together."
Astrid: (puzzled look on her face) "What's the Oscars?"
Me: "It's an award show for the movies."
Astrid: "Oh I know! Oscar's in the trash can."
My kid is confusing the Oscars (Academy Awards Show) with Oscar the Grouch (Sesame Street). So cute!
We promised Astrid that she could watch the Oscars award show on TV with us tonight. We're going to have a little feast of finger foods and guacamole - and make it a special family time.
Astrid: "Is it almost time to watch TV?"
Me: "Yes, we're gonna watch the Oscars together."
Astrid: (puzzled look on her face) "What's the Oscars?"
Me: "It's an award show for the movies."
Astrid: "Oh I know! Oscar's in the trash can."
My kid is confusing the Oscars (Academy Awards Show) with Oscar the Grouch (Sesame Street). So cute!
Astrid's a clever one
Astrid wanted to sit on my lap the entire time I was getting my nails done. The lady who was giving me a pedicure was trying to get Astrid off my lap so I could relax. She tried all sorts of things and nothing worked. So then she said, "I don't think you can walk."
Astrid: "Yes, I can."
Nail Salon Lady (NSL): "No, I don't think you can. I haven't seen it."
Astrid: "Yes."
NSL: "Why don't you show me. Can you show me that you can walk?"
Astrid: "No, not right now. When I leave you can see me walk."
All of the ladies in the nail salon who heard Astrid (including myself) burst out laughing. She's a clever one.
Astrid: "Yes, I can."
Nail Salon Lady (NSL): "No, I don't think you can. I haven't seen it."
Astrid: "Yes."
NSL: "Why don't you show me. Can you show me that you can walk?"
Astrid: "No, not right now. When I leave you can see me walk."
All of the ladies in the nail salon who heard Astrid (including myself) burst out laughing. She's a clever one.
A 3 year olds concept of money
Astrid showed me the shiny penny that her dad had given to her and told me flat out, "Mom, I love money!"
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Our new German Nanny
We have a new nanny for Astrid and she is German. Her name is Beate and we are thrilled to have found her! I think she is very happy with the arrangement as well, since she lives up the street from us in our neighborhood, has 2 kids that go to our neighborhood elementary school, and to watch/play with our 3 year old (Astrid also plays with her kids) I'm sure it feels more like a playdate than work.
Previously we had a nanny (Jill) for 2 years who was always reliable and always on time. We got so used to our Friday night date nights as a result. Jill is a PhD student in Psychology and we came to rely on her and think of her as an extension of our family. So when she let us know she was moving away for work, we were sad to see her go, and wished her well - but immediately found another nanny. But after 2 1/2 months, it was clear the new nanny wasn't working out and we had to let her go.
So we immediately put out another ad on craigslist and found Beate the perfect candidate for the job. The fact alone that she speaks German is such a plus! We've been looking for a German school for Astrid to attend and were even willing to spend $400 a month for 1 class a week. Now with Beate, Astrid has her own personal German tutor 3 to 4 times a week. And Beate told me that it's also been great for her because her kids now speak more German. Her daughter Claire told her and her brother Noah, "Well we have to speak German now, because Astrid is here." Beate has a collection of puppets and they have puppet shows in German, and she also reads German books to Astrid. So now after just a couple weeks, Astrid is now picking up German and understanding more - and more importantly trying to speak in German. Love it!
And Beate is pretty crafty. She makes soap and sews and does arts and crafts projects. Every time Astrid sees her they make things and she brings gifts for her - like handmade soup with a picture of a toad that says, "You're toad-ally cool!" When Beate comes to our home there are no tears when we leave. If Astrid tells me she is felling sick, I just have to say, "Well I better call Beate and tell her not to come because you're sick." Astrid will shout, "No! I'm all better mama! Call Beate and tell her to come!"
Astrid had been cooped up with me in the house under quarantine with Chickenpox for two days, so the next day while U. stayed home to be with her -Beate offered to take Astrid to her house to play with her kids in the afternoon - which was perfect so U. could get some work done. U. dropped her off just to make sure everything was okay and Astrid couldn't wait to jump out of the car and run inside Beate's house.
On Friday night I set out some ingredients for Beate and Astrid to make pizza together. Whole wheat pizza dough, tomato sauce, cheese, broccoli, salami. When U. and I got back from our date night, Beate told me she loved the pizza and was going to make it with her kids. Fun for kids to make and healthy!
It's such a relief to have a good, reliable nanny for Astrid - to take her to her extra-curricular activities after preschool twice a week (music & swim classes for now), and to be there on Fridays or the weekends for U. and I have to have our date nights. And now the German instruction which I am over the moon about! And she's so close and is a stay at home mom, so if we ever needed her to watch Astrid outside of our normal schedule, she's open to that as well. So the flexibility is nice as well.
Previously we had a nanny (Jill) for 2 years who was always reliable and always on time. We got so used to our Friday night date nights as a result. Jill is a PhD student in Psychology and we came to rely on her and think of her as an extension of our family. So when she let us know she was moving away for work, we were sad to see her go, and wished her well - but immediately found another nanny. But after 2 1/2 months, it was clear the new nanny wasn't working out and we had to let her go.
So we immediately put out another ad on craigslist and found Beate the perfect candidate for the job. The fact alone that she speaks German is such a plus! We've been looking for a German school for Astrid to attend and were even willing to spend $400 a month for 1 class a week. Now with Beate, Astrid has her own personal German tutor 3 to 4 times a week. And Beate told me that it's also been great for her because her kids now speak more German. Her daughter Claire told her and her brother Noah, "Well we have to speak German now, because Astrid is here." Beate has a collection of puppets and they have puppet shows in German, and she also reads German books to Astrid. So now after just a couple weeks, Astrid is now picking up German and understanding more - and more importantly trying to speak in German. Love it!
And Beate is pretty crafty. She makes soap and sews and does arts and crafts projects. Every time Astrid sees her they make things and she brings gifts for her - like handmade soup with a picture of a toad that says, "You're toad-ally cool!" When Beate comes to our home there are no tears when we leave. If Astrid tells me she is felling sick, I just have to say, "Well I better call Beate and tell her not to come because you're sick." Astrid will shout, "No! I'm all better mama! Call Beate and tell her to come!"
Astrid had been cooped up with me in the house under quarantine with Chickenpox for two days, so the next day while U. stayed home to be with her -Beate offered to take Astrid to her house to play with her kids in the afternoon - which was perfect so U. could get some work done. U. dropped her off just to make sure everything was okay and Astrid couldn't wait to jump out of the car and run inside Beate's house.
On Friday night I set out some ingredients for Beate and Astrid to make pizza together. Whole wheat pizza dough, tomato sauce, cheese, broccoli, salami. When U. and I got back from our date night, Beate told me she loved the pizza and was going to make it with her kids. Fun for kids to make and healthy!
It's such a relief to have a good, reliable nanny for Astrid - to take her to her extra-curricular activities after preschool twice a week (music & swim classes for now), and to be there on Fridays or the weekends for U. and I have to have our date nights. And now the German instruction which I am over the moon about! And she's so close and is a stay at home mom, so if we ever needed her to watch Astrid outside of our normal schedule, she's open to that as well. So the flexibility is nice as well.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
"I'm tired Mama."
So tonight, I decided to cook Valentine's Day dinner and it was later than usual when we sat down to eat and we could see that Astrid was tired. But rather than want 100% of our attention or things we would normally expect from a 3 year old, Astrid tells me, "I'm tired Mama. I want to go to my bed."
U. turned to me and said, "Our kid tells us when she wants to go to bed now."
How did that happen?
U. turned to me and said, "Our kid tells us when she wants to go to bed now."
How did that happen?
Happy Valentine's Day 2009!
Astrid painted this beautiful heart for me for Valentine's Day.I'm cooking Valentine's Day dinner and U. remarked, "Wow, Mama's cooking up a storm!"
Astrid responded, "Yeah I know just like it's raining!"
Wishing everyone lots of love - Happy Valentine's Day!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Astrid has Chickenpox
We went to the Pediatrician today about a bumpy rash that appeared on Astrid's arm a couple days ago. The diagnosis is Chickenpox. An a-typical & mild case of Chickenpox since Astrid was vaccinated when she was one year old. The Pediatrician said that about 35% of children who were vaccinated, still get it in a mild form, and they're thinking about revaccinated children when they're in Kindergarten.
It started it a couple days ago looking like a rash, or possibly a clump of bug bites. We thought it was a heat rash, since we've been bundling her up to keep her warm the last few days that it has been rainy and so cold. The rash on her arm however, was itchy. We put anti-itch topical ointment with oatmeal on the rash, and it seemed to help, but then it spread further down her arm.
Her preschool teacher suspected Chickenpox, and I also looked it up on Wikipedia - but since it isn't the typical case, it's a bit different (not as widespread or as severe), and there's no fever to accompany the symptoms. Mostly she's got it on her arm and a few on her back. But she still remains highly contagious. The doctor asked us to leave through the emergency exit, to avoid contaminating others.
Here's a close up.
So now she's quarantined for the rest of the week. The doctor thinks it will be okay for her to go back to school next week, if her lesions are scabbed over. When that happens she'll no longer be contagious.
I had Chickenpox as a kid and I remember it being BAD. It was unbearably itchy with large legions & scabs everywhere - even on my scalp. What Astrid has is so much better. But her dad has never had Chickenpox so we're mildly concerned about it. He's already called his doctor who is not worried, since he's healthy and still young. My husband also applied the topical ointment to Astrid's Chickenpox on day 1 that we noticed them. So he's probably already been infected, so there's nothing much we can do. If and when he does get symptoms, his doctor can give him an antibiotic that will help. I'm just hoping he's immune, and stays symptom free.
It started it a couple days ago looking like a rash, or possibly a clump of bug bites. We thought it was a heat rash, since we've been bundling her up to keep her warm the last few days that it has been rainy and so cold. The rash on her arm however, was itchy. We put anti-itch topical ointment with oatmeal on the rash, and it seemed to help, but then it spread further down her arm.
Her preschool teacher suspected Chickenpox, and I also looked it up on Wikipedia - but since it isn't the typical case, it's a bit different (not as widespread or as severe), and there's no fever to accompany the symptoms. Mostly she's got it on her arm and a few on her back. But she still remains highly contagious. The doctor asked us to leave through the emergency exit, to avoid contaminating others.
Here's a close up.
So now she's quarantined for the rest of the week. The doctor thinks it will be okay for her to go back to school next week, if her lesions are scabbed over. When that happens she'll no longer be contagious.
I had Chickenpox as a kid and I remember it being BAD. It was unbearably itchy with large legions & scabs everywhere - even on my scalp. What Astrid has is so much better. But her dad has never had Chickenpox so we're mildly concerned about it. He's already called his doctor who is not worried, since he's healthy and still young. My husband also applied the topical ointment to Astrid's Chickenpox on day 1 that we noticed them. So he's probably already been infected, so there's nothing much we can do. If and when he does get symptoms, his doctor can give him an antibiotic that will help. I'm just hoping he's immune, and stays symptom free.
Monday, February 09, 2009
1st parent/teacher conference at preschool
For 2 weeks, the preschool has been meeting with parents to discuss their children's development and how they're doing in school. This was the 1st parent teacher conference I've attended as a parent. U. also attended to hear what the teacher had to say about Astrid. Our appointment was at 7:30 this morning, and I just wanted to write a brief post about it.
The preschool director/teacher says Astrid at 3 years old is well rounded, advanced for her age, and doing well in school. She said Astrid's excited to learn, and really interested in what the older kids are doing/learning. So to keep her motivated and foster her interest in learning, the teacher includes her in some of the activities with the older kids - like oral presentations. She is starting to read and write, knows all of the continents, is doing well in math, and loves art & music. She's improved a lot in just the last few months especially with reading and writing. She gets along with all of the kids & is very social. She also helps the teachers and listens very well.
She's starting to read basic primary books, which the teacher will give us copies of, so we can practice at home with Astrid.
In summary she told us that she can tell we've been working with Astrid at home, (especially when they just start learning a lesson and Astrid already knows it). She said that Astrid is very bright and even though she is very young, she is more advanced in some areas than other children her age. And she ended by saying Astrid is a joy to have at the school.
Music to my ears.
The preschool director/teacher says Astrid at 3 years old is well rounded, advanced for her age, and doing well in school. She said Astrid's excited to learn, and really interested in what the older kids are doing/learning. So to keep her motivated and foster her interest in learning, the teacher includes her in some of the activities with the older kids - like oral presentations. She is starting to read and write, knows all of the continents, is doing well in math, and loves art & music. She's improved a lot in just the last few months especially with reading and writing. She gets along with all of the kids & is very social. She also helps the teachers and listens very well.
She's starting to read basic primary books, which the teacher will give us copies of, so we can practice at home with Astrid.
In summary she told us that she can tell we've been working with Astrid at home, (especially when they just start learning a lesson and Astrid already knows it). She said that Astrid is very bright and even though she is very young, she is more advanced in some areas than other children her age. And she ended by saying Astrid is a joy to have at the school.
Music to my ears.
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Saturday morning Coffee & Bread
My two loves. - I was guest of honor for coffee & bread this morning.
Friday, February 06, 2009
Drawing on herself with an ink pen
Astrid (3 years old) drew on her legs with ink. I had to take a pic. It's art afterall!And yes, that's a professional pedicure.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Disappointment
We went to check out the German school in Burbank. Unfortunately it's only half days until noon Monday and Wednesdays. These classes are not made to accommodate working parents. The teacher told me that most of the children have stay at home moms, that just want a break a couple days a week for a few hours. And there's no Saturday school. Bummer. But we'll keep looking until we find a something.
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