Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Nice AND Scarry

Today E surprised and scared me (for her own sake) as she stated "I'm just like you daddy!" Wow, very powerful and very frightful words to hear.

Powerful and nice to know that at 2.5 years, E still sees me as someone to look up to and emulate. I know that coming from a toddler, this may seem trivial however I will take what I can now for the future may not hold such willing compliments.

Frightful and scary that my E might turn out to be anything like me. I am just hoping for her that what ever part of me she may exhibit, that it may be some of my few but tolerable traits.

If I remember correctly, the statement came from E after pointing out a particularly pretty tree in full Autumn color. I have been half jokingly for weeks, pointing out the splendor of fall and how much I like it. M likens it to force feeding and states that I will probably drive E in the opposite direction. Well, if that is true, then she will certainly hate Christmas.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Proud

Today M shared a bit of really nice news with me regarding E. She said that E's teacher called to tell her that E was being just the most polite, caring, happy and every thing you could ever ask for in a kid. This mini report card sure does wonders for how you're doing when you raise a kid.

On our way out the door this morning, E started to whine that she wanted her flowered jacket. I countered that she had to wear the one she had on because it was cold outside. She continued her whine so I gave her a choice. To wear the heavy jacket and walk to school or to wear the flowered jacket and drive to school. She looked at me for a short moment and resounded with a hearty Walk to school! So we did. It was a nice walk and a bit more brisk paced than normal as E had me hold her while I pushed MHM. I was glad of that because both kids have hacking coughs and enough snot to float a boat, so I didn't feel so bad that they were out in the elements for too long. It really was quite a nice morning!

MHM is such an even keel, I have to just mention that he is part of what we do, but of course E overshadows him when we are together. I will say that I got a chance to video him walking behind a play car / walker for kids. He can do it well and I am very proud that he is also such an excellent kid!

Prompted by nature or not??

These past three weeks have been very busy with the home renovation and all. Most all complete other than figuring out what to do with all the stuff we accumulate.

I have been taking advantage of the Autumn weather with the kids as much as I have had oportunity to do so, including pre-lunch visits to hear the H.. Marching band then stop by the park to swing, slide and crawl in the wood chips.

E and I had a grand old time Sunday in a leaf pile M, E and Gma started in the front yard. It was classic stuff like you'd see on a well put together TV commercial. I was tossing E in the air and gently letting her fall to the middle of the pile, then that got old for her so she screamed for me to throw her into the trees. She really likes that thrill.

Back to this TV commercial thing, I find it funny and maybe a bit sad, but I often have an image in mind of how something is supposed to look or how a situation is supposed to unfold. I don't know if you can knock them but the ad people sometimes get a feeling just right and that is what I am sure they get paid big dollars for.

Regardless of where my idea of a fun time with E came from, that half hour in the yard, though tiring, was a picture perfect moment of how Autumn is supposed to be.

Monday, October 13, 2008

In good form

On Sunday we loaded up the kids and headed for St Johns and the annual Pumpkin Festival where we promised E she could do a race. The weather was just perfect for a short dash as was her event with temps in the 70's and sunny. When we got to the park E was excited about the race but really only had one goal in mind, "That really big yellow slide". We had plenty of time to play beforehand so that is where we headed as M got E registered. She had loads of fun on the playground equipment while I dragged MHM about on my shoulders.

Race time! M took E over to the start line and I am sure gave her a good pep talk on how to best win the race. Trip, gouge, push and shove. OK, maybe not quite like that. I didn't see the start of the race as I was entertaining MHM but heard a roar of excitement as the kids bolted out of the chute. E took off and really showed great form and whooshed past me with nary a glance in my direction. You could tell she was very focused on chasing down the kids and showing them what she was made of. As the dash was around the perimeter of a fenced in Pumpkin Patch, when E got to the end, she blew through the throngs of other kids and the parents congratulating them and did what I am sure was a "Victory" lap. This time around, she saw me at the corner and came to give me a quick hug before setting off to finish the lap. Once she reached the finish for the second time, M scooped her up and brought her to me for a chance to heap on more praise which I did with joy.

After her event was a kids 1K. We went down to the finish line to watch the entrants as they finished, and E was taking a cue from those around her by clapping and cheering as they crossed the finish line. She seemed to enjoy that very much as well.

For her prize, she got a T-shirt, donut and cider. I don't know if she realized what she got but I think just participating was enough for her. E was just happy, smiling and enjoying her moment after "wining" the race.

You sure did E! Congrats!

Friday, October 10, 2008

Starring into the sky

Today started very nicely in Autumn speak. The morning was crisp but warmed at a steady pace. My thoughts were to get the kids moving as early as possible as I have some project work looming. E was in a fine mood but she didn't eat much so I knew I would have some trouble. MHM was up early and went back down for a nap before M went to work after 8 some time. With his nap going well, I got a chance to move some of the furniture around that has been displaced by recent cleaning and renovation necessity.

I tried to have E ready before MHM awoke but it was not to be. Long story short, We finally made it to Home Depot to look for help with the tile floor project. We had trouble getting anyone to help who could actually help us but I think what we did helped me in the final progress and both E and MHM were entertained for a time. I knew that since E loves to help, I would involve her in our outing and that would help her focus. As we walked in the store, I announced that I needed her help measuring and promptly handed her my tape measure. From earlier conversation at the house, I showed her the measure and how it worked and because I was busy, managed to hold her off until we got the the store. She was excited and had a real big smile on her face. As we walked up the aisle, she told anyone who might listen that "I am going to help my daddy measure!"

She sure is a big and capable little girl... She makes me happy!

Once again, MHM was kind of a cheer leader from his car seat. He was wide awake and screeching a bit from time to time. Hmmm, wonder why know one would help us???

Timing was pretty good as we left so I headed for the park. When I announced to E that that was our destination, she wanted to go to a "BIG PARK" instead of the "regular park". I informed her that we could go to the regular park or go home, she quickly changed her demand.

The weather was now really really nice and we did most of the same things we'd done on numerous other occasions but today, as my little E grows up and becomes more self reliant and sure of herself, I was able to sit and relax with MHM in the wood chips, starring up into the clear blue sky with one keen eye on my little girl as she climbed step stools to the slide. I truley believe she ahd a great time as well. I also think MHM had agreat time watching E dart from area to area and do some of his own exploring with out me grabbing him up to keep him safe or clean. At the end of it, MHM, I and E were all covered in wood chips.

What a great feeling!!!!!!!!