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Meet Piggy Oink-Oink
I would like you to meet Piggy. Or, as JSL calls her "Piggy Oink-Oink" using snorting noises on the hyphenated part of her name. This is Piggy taking a moment to text message her friends on Twitter.
Way back in October/November, when we were bribing NHL to go to swim lessons, he asked for the Mouse from Kohls Cares for Kids. The deal was to go in the pool with no issues two weeks in a row and we would buy him the Mouse.
Of course, when you buy NHL a Mouse, chances are JSL will want something too.
Rather than pick the Moose, JSL quickly demanded the Pig. I figured that Piggy would become like every other stuffed friend in our house – a dust magnet. Seriously, neither of the boys had ever snuggled a stuffed animal. We would buy them for special events, like at Disney World, but they would rest on their beds with perfect fur.
There must have been something different with Piggy. Since she came into the family, Piggy has been all over. As we noticed how attached JSL was with Piggy, we realized we should probably buy a Piggy Part Deux, just in case something should happen to the original Piggy Oink-Oink. The day before Thanksgiving JSL and I went to Kohls and picked up a back up Piggy.
Piggy goes near and far, to the couch and in the car. He is often on the floor and is a favorite pillow or wrestling buddy. After a month or so, we noticed how loved Piggy has become, she is the first stuffed friend that has matted fur in our house. JSL loves her so much that he even allowed Piggy to try on his new scarf that I made for him. Here is Piggy modeling the scarf.
His love for Piggy makes me wonder. Perhaps there is more to this love for Piggy Oink-Oink. This may be my little guy following in my footsteps. After all, I had several Miss Piggy (a la Muppets fame) dolls that went all over with me and collected pigs growing up. Must locate photos of myself with Miss Piggy from years ago at Nana & Papa’s house to compare to photos of JSL.
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Potty time and preschool preparations
NHL went back to school today and I began my mission. No, not the potty training of my two year old. That one is on hold for this minute, Over break, big brother NHL and JSL were both given potty charts in the bathroom. Stickers were rewarded each time they used they potty. Care to guess what happened?
Here’s a quick rundown:
- Both of the boys received a Sesame Street chart to fill with stickers.
- The little guy saw NHL use the potty and get a sticker.
- JSL immediately begged to get onto his Diego potty seat. Within a few minutes of concentration, he had a sticker on his chart.
- NHL knew that if he filled up his chart he would get a prize from us.
- The 6 year old learned to exploit the system. He went to the potty to pee more times in one day than I can remember. I finally had to set a rule that he could not simply have 2 drops count for a sticker – OY!
- 2 year old went onto the potty another time. This time he sat there for over 30 minutes (allowing my laundry ready to come out to wrinkle) and did nothing. He got off and wanted a sticker. Mean Mommy told him you need to pee or poop for a sticker.
- NHL continued to use the potty and filled over half of his chart in a day.
- By day two, NHL was doing potty math. He figured out how many variations of peeing and pooping were required to finish his chart. *sigh*
- This weekend, we bought NHL something special for helping out with the potty training Olympics.
- JSL’s chart still remains at 1 sticker and new plastic potty training pants are ready for when he expresses a little more interest.
Back to today. While NHL was off in first grade learning more about subtractions, how animals grow and digraphs, I decided it was time to look into preschool for JSL. Denial is rough, but the reality is that September is coming quickly and spots fill up. I made a phone call to a local organization that has lists of preschools in the area with contact information. Less than a half hour after my call, I had an e-mail with the names of about 20 places. When I narrowed the list down, I had five places to call (being Jewish church based schools are not an option).
The locations are all close to us. Still, we need a little more information to compare all of the options. I know that two are 2 1/2 hours 3 days a week. One has a lot of options on days and the other is 3 days a week for 4 hours a day. Two of the locations are higher on my list from prior experiences there. The only issue with one is that we would have an additional membership fee to pay. Of course, then we would have pool access along with a gym and other options. The front runner is the place that I loved last year when we went to see their 2 year old program. The only reason I passed was the price tag for a 2 year old. They also mentioned that they had early drop off option and flexability for extended day. This would be fabulous IF I could line up substitute teaching. You know, keep my foot in the door in some districts/schools while paying for nursery school at the same time.
Wednesday, we are going to see one of the locations, another on Friday. Both of these are my "favorites" and I like their potty training philosophy. The third told me to call back when I can secure a place for JSL (why he can’t go kind of bothers me) and the last has to call me back.
So, do you have any items that you think I should ask when I visit these locations? This is new to me since NHL went to a daycare center that had a preschool program built into the day. Thanks in advance.
Now I am off to hug my baby and try to forget that he will be going to school in the fall along with his big brother. . . even if it is only preschool for now.
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Leaping into New Years
Dear NHL & JSL,
Both of you have been enjoying your new Chanukah presents over winter break. Of course, you do appear to have favorites. To celebrate 2010, we went to Nana & Papa’s house for breakfast. Before leaving, we packed up some items to take with us. Along with Piggy, JSL, you wanted to take your Pupberry (aka the LeapFrog Text & Learn). NHL, you immediately asked to take your LeapFrog Didj and games.
When breakfast was over, we decided to watch the parade on television. After a short amount of time, the two of you were pretty bored with the events. Sure it was beautiful, but it was not Disney characters like the parade on Christmas. NHL, you took your pillow and propped yourself onto the ground to play your Didj. JSL, you were a little copycat. You demanded a pillow and quickly took your Pupberry out.
The two of you were concentrating on your learning so much that everyone said it was a special moment.
That signaled me taking out my camera. It was so sweet watching both of you together, quietly playing and enjoying your new toys. Hopefully, you will continue to enjoy these and other items together.
Love,
Mommy
_______________________________________
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The Year that was 2009
I remember it like it was yesterday, December 31, 2008. The boys and I were snuggled onto the couch. We were looking at a photo album from our honeymoon at Disney World. The boys were fascinated because we told them we would all be going there in 2009. That day we had officially booked our first big family vacation. Yes, in a few short months the boys would be going on an airplane for the first time to experience the magic of Disney.
The year has gone by in a blur. It is hard to believe that 2009 is just hours away from being over. Here are some memories from a year in my life:
January:
- JSL learned at 19 months old that snow is tricky to maneuver in. We captured this life lesson on video.
- Last year, I joined the anti-resolution craze. Did really well with this until things gradually slipped back and H1N1 killed it all.
- Going back on Weight Watchers, I was obsessed with my Nalgene water bottle. I was constantly drinking that and living my life in points (heading back on this as well).
- Then 5 year old NHL showed me that Word Families can be rather fun thanks to the "-it" clan. My angel was growing up too quickly.
February:
- Disney planning happened early one morning when I called in to make our dining reservations. This was huge and important for our trip that now included Nana and Papa.
- We continued to battle for control over NHL’s allergies and breathing troubles.
- A year passed from JSL’s first febrile seizure. A false sense of security from a year with no additional issues as I recalled the events from 2008.
- We went to Sesame Street Live. This was the first time for JSL and Cousin S, NHL was a pro and showed them what to do.
March:
- Reality hit and I learned that simply doing Weight Watchers was not enough. I had to move it, move it and Leslie Sansone became my friend. Time to dust those off again for 2010.
- We said goodbye to TechyDad’s long time car and bought a new one in the snow.
- Everyone dressed up for Purim and went to the parade for some fun and games.
- A weekend away for a family party = fun at a hotel pool. It was also the weekend that we questioned where the adult-parent line is in certain situations.
- 13 months had come and gone and nightmares returned as JSL had 2 febrile seizures in 30 hours.
- With 4 years of physical therapy behind him (to improve low muscle tone), NHL learned to ride a bike. This was a HUGE milestone and he was so proud, so were we.
April:
- For the first time in my life, I actually liked exercising and sweating. I walked and kicked with Leslie Sansone for miles each day. Leslie and I are going to be good buddies next week, asthma permitting.
- Lots of preparations went into Passover and the Seders were fun. This year, NHL really got into it thanks to Hebrew School.
- An early morning phone call on Shabbat from TechyDad’s parents proved to be bad news. Grandma had passed away. She was a beautiful woman who is missed greatly.
- Flowers were planted for Earth Day. They were gorgeous while they lasted. Sad to say, the neighborhood bunny dug up the bulbs and they will not be coming back this year.
May:
- Just in time for the trip to Disney World, I bought a pedometer. I tried daily to get in my 10,000+ steps. Need to get this puppy back out for the new year.
- Lots of packing, errands and last minute items were bought for Disney World. This included a shopping trip to buy everyone a new pair of shoes for sunny Florida. I lived in my Teva while we were there and all summer long.
- A week away from the computer meant scheduling posts for my blog. Right before we left a prize arrived with Mickey Ears. Check us out!
- While at Disney, the little guy turned 2. Here is a look back at two years in his life.
- Before we could blink, our week at Disney World was over. I wrote about a lot of the trip, but hate to admit I never finished. Our trip there, Chef Mickey in photos, Mother’s Day at Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom & Boma, and Day at the Magic Kingdom.
- This month also brought us EA Sports Active. Loved this, but my knee did not. An old injury came back to life thanks to a million lunges, squats and the like.
June:
- Memories from my childhood visits to Disney World and a Figment bribe from my father.
- We all celebrated a big birthday for my mother. Thanks to Aunt L, we had a nice party for her with family all there.
- After the allergic reaction at Disney to walnuts, I went to the doctor and got my blood test results. New inhaler to help asthma and lots of vitamins were added to my routine. . . need to go back to those again too.
- Shooting at the National Holocaust Museum brought back memories of living in fear of hatred that I have had as a Jewish American.
- The end of Kindergarten for NHL was filled with fun events. There was Field Day, Cake Balls for the last day with the horse rides, and kindergarten graduation. NHL went into kindergarten with the goal to read and came out with that and so much more!
- TechyDad and I celebrated our 8th Anniversary. Here’s a look back at our wedding.
July:
- NHL learned to play tennis at a local tennis program. He had a lot of fun, and we hope to do it again in 2010.
- I learned what was causing my intense stomach pains for weeks – SOY! Our almost vegetarian lifestyle was turned upside down.
- A long weekend trip to visit Uncle I, Aunt M and Cousin S meant a stop to see the Berenstain Bears at the museum. The kids loved entering their world.
- Thanks to season passes, we had a lot of time at Six Flags/Wiggles World. NHL conquered his fear of characters, we drove in Big Red Cars, and followed the M&M Road.
- A BIG event also came to our area. We were lucky enough to take the boys to see Walking with Dinosaurs. It was amazing on so many levels.
- NHL learned to swallow pills! Nice to be able to give him a little pill than tons of liquid or chewables.
August:
- When the rain stopped long enough, we went to the park. JSL liked going on the swings with Daddy. Here they are having a blast.
- In an attempt to relive the yummy memories from Disney, we tried our first stab at the Pop Century Tie-Dyed Cheesecake. This was in time for TechyDad’s birthday celebration .
- I also got my first pair of Crocs, some wedges that were really fun. Since then I have added 3 more pairs, including some boots.
- NHL went to camp for the first time. He had a blast during the week long Dinosaur camp.
- In the middle of the month, my first born turned 6. NHL was growing up before my eyes, so I showcased the past year for him.
- The summer was filled with Wiggle Tooth woes. It actually required the Tooth Fairy to write NHL a note to encourage him to keep wiggling.
- My knitting took on a new adventure as I tried circular needles for the first time. A baby blanket for my new nephew due in February 2010 is in the works.
September:
- My best friend that I went to kindergarten with had her baby shower. It was so nice being a part of this special day for her.
- A night away from the boys was a special treat as I went with my parents to see Cirque du Soleil while it was in town.
- NHL got ready to begin first grade. A new adventure was waiting for him as he went back to school.
- A beetle invasion in our house led to the discovery of termites in the basement below. A quick plan of action and lots of money invested led to at least the termites being taken care of.
- We celebrated the Jewish New Year with family eating lots of yummy food of course.
- A weekend away to celebrate my sweet niece’s 2nd birthday also included craft time with MY little brother.
- NHL was off to a great year in first grade. He was reading a ton, getting perfect scores on spelling tests. Of course, a little fun and excitement at pick up happened one day when JSL landed head first on the concrete at school. Yet another ER visit for our family.
October:
- We took the boys to a pre-season hockey game. We had a blast and the little guy loved the zamboni the most.
- After the hockey game, I started to feel lousy. Being a Mom, I ignored the symptoms until it was too late. A week later, a visit to the doctor confirmed that it was likely H1N1 (thank you ER visit). We left with my asthma being treated and a script for Tamiflu for the little guy just in case.
- A 2:00 in the morning call to Nana and Papa required the Tamiflu being filled. H1N1 attacked JSL fast and furious.
- While taking NHL to get his 6 year old portraits, we learned there is a great conspiracy involved.
- TechyDad and I entered the wonderful world of texting. We dropped our cable phones, added texting and have never looked back.
- Between sicknesses, we managed to get out to pick 35 pounds of apples. We had a blast with the boys out in the orchard.
- During Halloween week, NHL was one of the 30% of kids out from his school with the flu. That same week, JSL had febrile seizure #4 while I was home alone with both of the boys. We still do not know what caused this one.
- By Halloween, NHL was feeling well enough to head out to trick-or-treat at a few houses. Check out his costume here.
November:
- Both of the boys are Wiggles Fans. We bought tickets over the summer to take JSL to his first Wiggles concert. He had a blast and could not believe what he was seeing.
- There were several absolutely gorgeous days in November. The little guy and I took advantage of this and went to the park for some fun while NHL was at school.
- LEGOs came alive in our house with a fun discovery. Lots of imagination and building have followed.
- NHL has been learning Hebrew each Sunday at Hebrew School. He even made items to use at home for Shabbat.
- Twas the day before Turkey Day and we went to visit the 1st graders. . . later that night we went to a fun filled hockey game.
December:
- My birthday arrived this month. I finally picked out something from my parents from last year and this year. I now have a gorgeous Pandora bracelet that has so much meaning behind it. Oh course having a December B-day often means snow ruins plans. This year the snow, illness and a trip for NHL to the ER got in the way. TechyDad also got me a premium Picnik membership, so lot of photo fun has taken place over the last few weeks.
- Chanukah arrived and there was so much going on. Here are each of the boys enjoying the special time of year.
- A gingerbread house building party closed out 2009 in the first grade. The kids had a fabulous time. I was so glad to be home and able to watch this.
Of course, these are just some of the major events that took place here in my world. Thanks to my blog, I have many other moments captured for our family. 2009 has had it’s share of good and bad moments. Even with all of the ER visits, scares and things I would not change the year gone by. If we did, who knows if we would have had our magical memories at Disney World and other fun family moments.
Thank you to my family, friends (both IRL and online) who have supported me this year. Another thank you to the wonderful PR people and companies that I have worked with this year. Eveyone’s interest has been crucial to helping TheAngelForever.com to be a success. I look forward to 2010 and beyond with all of you.
Happy New Year to all of you and your families.
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