Small Has Its Advantages

Dr. Seuss' The Lorax

Noah is not a fan of movies. They're long, unpredictable and most likely have a scary part. He's been to a few movies, but aside from the popcorn, candy and bouncy seats. He probably wouldn't list the outing as a preferred activity.

Regardless, when I heard the Lorax was coming to the theaters, I knew we would try again. Noah loves all things Dr. Seuss, and a favorite book of his is the Lorax. So, we were going to see that movie like it or not.

For the record, Daddy would like me to tell you that he has read the Lorax as many if not more times than I have. Noted.

So, this morning I decided to plan a date for just the two of us. If I'm going to go to the movies, I'm a fan of contributing to opening weekend ticket sales. Speaking of sales, our tickets were 6.75 each. Something to be said for hitting the early show.

Noah and I arrive at the theater after picking up some snacks from CVS. Lollipops for Noah. M&Ms for Momma. Nothing like teaching your kids to sneak the cheaper snacks into the movies. We ordered a medium popcorn and a bottle of water, and off we went to find our seat.

Noah was a bit afraid with the big blank screen and low lighting. We got there early so we'd have a good seat. He covered his ears and buried his head in my lap. I showed him where the projector was in the back and tried to distract him by counting the wall lighting. Once the previews started, he was a little more comfortable, and after ten minutes, the previews started to get a bit old, and Noah kept saying, "Next up. The Lorax."

Finally, the movie started. Obviously to make a 20-page book into a full length feature, characters needed to be added. So, I heard a bit more of "Next up. The Lorax."

The movie was well done. And, I think Noah liked it. He was really into the part that stayed most aligned with the original book. Personally, I kept wanting them to break out in a bit of rhyming, but you could tell it was a very conscience decision to avoid it.

The story was cute, and not overly long which was nice. There weren't any scary parts although Noah did get a bit sad towards the end of the Oncler's retelling. The part when the Brown Barbaloots, Humming Fish, and Swamee Swans filed away from their destroyed and barren home in a single line. "Get back here." Noah shouted at the screen. I get that. It's much easier to read something sad (or scary) than actually watch it in live action. I guess that reaction means the movie maker did his job.

It's tough to know how much comprehension he gets from a show. So, when we got in the car, I decided to ask a few questions. He answered some of my questions right, but I did have to give him a bit of prompting. He did remember that the animals ate truffula fruit and marshmallows (an addition to the film.) And, I loved how he spontaneously told me, " Humming fish got toothpaste." He was referring to a scene early in the movie where the Oncler was unpacking his truck and his toothpaste splattered in a humming fishes face.

What a fun date with my sweet boy!

The Zoo - A Comparison Shot

I wouldn't put it past this child to remember that he took this exact picture last year at his zoo field trip.  What a difference a year makes. 

2011

2012

A Hairy Conversation

As I was meticulously combing the knots out of Emma's bed head this morning, there was some definite squirming and crying coming from Em.

Me: "This won't be the first time you'll cry over a hair brushing."

Dean: "Don't you mean the last time."

Me: "Right."

Dean: "What happens if you can't get them out?  Do you just cut them out?" 

(pause)

Me: "Umm... no.  And, you dear sir have just earned yourself a permanent get out of girl hair free card."

Dear Sunday, You Will Never Be a Monday, So Stop Acting Like One.

Our church is a very large parish. Think standing room only Saturday mass for Christmas except its a regular Sunday. The 8:00 AM mass is much more manageable, but I tend to go alone. But, for Lent and because there are lots of things to pray for right now, I decided to get the whole family involved. Family mobilized by 7:45 AM, we make it to the parking lot by 8:05 AM. Not too bad. Well, just before I stepped out of the car to unbuckle the kids, I say to Noah, "we're going to see Jesus."

Hindsight 20/20. Wrong thing to say to a literal minded child. He was all for "going to church with mom." But "going to see Jesus," he did not sign up for that. He did not want to go in, and it was not pretty getting him to the front steps of the church. I'm pretty sure the other latecomers were hoping they wouldn't get stuck standing/sitting by us. We did make it into church and Noah finally realized that Jesus was not actually going to sit and talk to us. He was fairly good, but did not feel comfortable enough to find a pew. On the bright side, Emma was great.

After mass, we loaded up in the car and decided breakfast was in order. Apparently, we were just one of many wishing to indulge in some post prayer fare. Dean and Noah went ahead to get a table since Emma had fallen asleep in the car. Dean texted me when our table was ready. I came in, put an awake Emma in the booth. Dean suggested I take Noah to wash hands. He spent a bit more time on the floor while waiting for a table. Well, the bathroom was obviously what was getting to Noah. We couldn't get his pants off quick enough, before he had an accident on me and his pants. Bummer.

Guess who didn't have back up clothes? That would be me. Guess who road home bottomless? That would be Noah. You wouldn't believe the parenting strategies involved in talking him into leaving the restroom wearing wet pants. Dean paid $7.00 for our drinks and home we went. Guess what time it was? 9:30 AM. On the bright side, Emma was great. Can someone give me a do-over please?

Emma - Eight Months

I'm behind this month. So, let's see. Still little. Check. Still crawling. Check.

She's finally sitting which can't technically be called "W" sitting, but looks a bit like a reverse "W" sit. I think she is pretty much sitting back on her haunches to be able to add some force when launching her wee body across the room. I think Pa Pa gets the biggest kick out of anybody on her little stance.

She crawls on hands and feet, is super fast and gets into everything! Child proofing is desperately needed. Little things are everywhere and seem to appear out of nowhere. She mouths everything and is really fond of all things paper. Noah's memory cards are a favorite... That game is pretty much toast.

She is a drool monster, and after spending a week home, I am succumbing to the "put a bib on that child" peer pressure.

Speaking of pressure, I've starting supplementing. With everything going on, I need some alone time and a break from the feelings of "omg my baby isn't gaining weight, I have to feed her now!!" Since Emma has been attached at my hip since day one, I'm not sure how much an impact this will have on my supply. So, basically the couple feedings during the day that I find her not eating well, I follow it up with a few ounces of formula.

 I've also started food regularly, and if the mess she makes while eating is any indication, she really likes it. She has started to gain a bit, and she's officially over the 14 pound hump. Yay!

I'm pretty sure I mentioned last month, a bit of separation anxiety. This little one loves her Momma.  It hit its peek in month eight, but as we're closing in on nine, there's been a bit of improvement. Spending a week with family definitely helped. Ask Grammy, I think day 8 of our visit was tons better than day 2.

First Ashes