Clinton Hill Kids

Aunt and Nephew Being Silly

2012-02-10T15:25:00.001-05:00

Sam is 20 Months Old!

2012-02-09T22:50:00.000-05:00

Sweet, sweet Sam. He made his 20-month mark by officially teasing his brother. While Leo sat on the couch, Sam run up to him, pretended to hand him a toy and then ran away when Leo went to grab it. He kept doing it until Leo shouted, "Mom, Sam's teasing me!"

Laughing Boys

2012-02-03T09:24:00.001-05:00

I absolutely love when they make each other laugh (and scream) these days.

Lala

2012-01-24T09:12:00.001-05:00

We've been waiting for bated breath for Sam to say "Leo". For the last couple of weeks he's been calling him "Lala". We all know what he means but no one else does. It melts my heart when Sam gets in the car and Leo's not there. He says, "Lala" over and over again.

Sam is really into reading and books lately. His favorites include:

And a Leo-ism: We headed up to Nyack the other day and Leo said, "Nyack is a kind of boat." I had to think for a second and then realized, "Yes, it sounds like kayak which is a boat. But Nyack is a town."

Outtings with Aunt Jenne

2012-01-20T10:01:00.001-05:00

The boys love their special time with Jenne. They jump for joy when they hear her at the door. And Fridays are a special treat when she picks Leo up from school.

A trip to the Children's Museum on MLK, Jr Day

Leo got a special treat after Jenne accompanied us to a doctor's appointment.

Leo's Birthday Party

2012-01-20T09:58:00.001-05:00

We had a birthday party for Leo with all of his school friends at gymnastics place. It was rather easy - in and out in an hour and a half.

Jenne and Pop Gary

I made Leo a soccer ball cake. I think it looked better in person.

Sam's trademark bagel eating manuever

Grandma and Sam

Leo and Igraine

Alessandro and Fernando

Sam and Fernando

January

2012-01-17T14:28:00.001-05:00

Boys searching a box of old Matchbox cars at the Flea

Grand Central Train Show

Leo writes his name for the first time

Sam and Jenne relaxing. When I took out my phone, Sam stopped to say "cheese"

Boys snuggling in the crib

Leo inhaling a grapefruit (or two)

Bubby's with Friends

2012-01-11T11:20:00.001-05:00

The day after New Year's, we had a visit from dear, old friends, the Herlings. They currently live in Amsterdam but have lived in Miami, Hong Kong, and Hamburg in the last six years or so. Jen, Peter, and Alise (now 6) joined us for brunch at Bubby's in Tribeca.

Sam is 19-Months Old!

2012-01-11T10:35:00.001-05:00

Toddler Sam! He's had an explosion of new words and talking up a storm. Sam is following Leo's lead with an obsession of trains, airplanes, and buses. He likes to say "choo-choo" and "planes" with a lot of s's and bubbling of his lips. He also gives the best hugs.

Leo's Four-Year Old Stats

2012-01-07T22:33:00.000-05:00

Weight: 31lb. 12oz (18%)
Height: 38.25" (10%)

Nothing surprising here.

Art Show

2012-01-06T14:10:00.000-05:00

The Butterfly class hosted an art show of their recent "construction" theme. They served cheese, crackers, and juice. Leo was in charge of taking people's tickets.

Daryl and Leo welcome guests

Sam Scoots

2012-01-06T13:52:00.001-05:00

He's officially obsessed. We need to get this kid a scooter.

Boston and Miami

2012-01-06T12:42:00.002-05:00

Finally - some photos from our holiday trip to Boston and Miami.

A favorite activity - jumping off of the couch into Nana Sarah or Pop Stan. Leo makes a take-off face which basically looks like he's jumping into a pool and holding his breath.

Sam's not so sure

And then takes off

Sam LOVED Zach's new keyboard.

"What?! This isn't the way YOU eat a bagel with cream cheese?"

Miami sunrise - which we saw EVERY morning from Geoff's balcony

Some cool Miami playgrounds

Leo pushing Sam UP the slide

So happy to be in the sun

Happy 8th night of Hanukkah

A boat tour of the Everglades. We even saw one alligator despite the "frigid" temperatures of 65 degrees.

Leo got to pet a baby alligator

Some makeshift sand toys because we couldn't find a pail and shovel anywhere in Miami (until our last day). I bought a kitty litter scoop, colander, dog bowl, and kitchen utensils

Men at work

The Miami Zoo - I went on a camel ride with Leo

No fear - 24 floors up, looking straight down. Pre-bath playtime

Happy 4th Birthday Leo!

2012-01-06T12:41:00.001-05:00

Someone recently told me that four is fun. I can see why. Everything about being four revolves around having fun. Leo rarely wants to sit still for fear of missing some fun or action. We brought cupcakes to school on Wednesday, and we're having a gymnastics party for his school friends on Sunday. It's the usual, non-stop gift receiving since Hanukkah and Christmas. I'm still trying to find a way to instill gratitude and appreciation for all gifts, large and small. And as someone else told me, "He's four, not fourteen."

Leo-ism from this morning: well, it wasn't really a phrase as much as it was a complete meltdown due to the lack of fruit in the house. Yes, fruit. My fridge was near bare and he was offered applesauce or dried cranberries as a replacement for fresh fruit. He would have none of it. I guess it's good he's hooked on fresh fruit. I promptly headed to the store after morning drop off. There should be no complaints at dinner.

Planes

2012-01-03T10:08:00.002-05:00

I rarely blog, and I'm not sure what is prompting this my first day back at work in two weeks (probably procrastination), but Leo is officially beyond obsessed with planes. His most recent obsession is watching planes on YouTube. And not just planes taking off or landing (that's not new), but videos of people boarding planes or of planes in flight. We think he's into understanding the process of flying. Dara said he even wanted to see videos of black taxis, like the ones that we take to the airport. If we let him, he'd literally watch YouTube for hours - he asks to see certain airlines: "triangle" for Delta (its logo is a triangle), Continental, United and, his new favorite, AA. He can remember which planes we took for specific trips - e.g. two planes to Hilton Head (for Thanksgiving) and the plane to Charlotte (on our way home from HH) was a propeller plane instead of a jet.

Not Knowing

2011-12-28T20:08:00.002-05:00

The latest Leo-ism: I can't know.

It's a hybrid of "I don't know" and "I can't remember". It always sounds so innocent when he says it.

Big Apple Circus

2011-12-28T19:37:00.002-05:00

Last week, Kim and I took Maple and Leo to the Big Apple Circus. We scored some amazing third row seats (although, it's so small that you really can't get a bad seat). Leo was totally into it even though I talked up the elephants and the only animals were horses, dogs, a porcupine, and something else random.

Tired kids on the subway ride home

The tumblers and trapeze were huge hits

New York Kid

2011-12-28T19:34:00.001-05:00

Leo enjoying a bagel at Choice. He insisted that he add the lox, onions, and capers.

And it's finally getting colder in NY. The hats are out.

Hanukkah is Hard Work

2011-12-28T19:29:00.001-05:00

This is the first year that Leo is really into the holidays. It's obviously for the gift factor but we've tried to read books about the meaning of the holidays. We did two nights of Hanukkah in New York and then we were off to Boston for Christmas. Leo was super excited about his connected city bus - in fact, it's caused major fights between the boys. We still have more Hanukkah gifts from family when we get back, as well as Leo's birthday next week. It's definitely a time of abundance for Leo. I want to figure out a way to tone it down or incorporate giving and charity as he gets older. Otherwise, it's 3+ weeks of gift receiving.

Sam's Stats

2011-12-28T19:25:00.001-05:00

I'm finally getting to the blog. I feel a bit guilty about not being able to keep up but we seem to be moving in a million directions. We are currently visiting Dan's childhood friend, Geoff, in Miami after a few days in Boston for Christmas. The kids were actually really good on these flights, including a three hour layover in Newark. After our first day in Miami, Sam's cold got much worse. I ended up taking him to urgent care. They said they only see patients two and older but made an exception when they heard the desperation in my voice. It turns out that he has a double ear infection with his ears that are "beyond red", a red throat, and suspected RSV. He's already on the mend.

I forgot to post his 18 month well-child stats:
weight: 22lb. 9oz (31%)
height: 31" (12%)

Winter Sets In

2011-12-12T22:16:00.001-05:00

We've been keeping busy despite the colder weather.

Sam is obsessed with Leo's scooter. I think he needs his own sooner rather than later. I remember when our neighbor Luca started riding his sister at around 18 months. I was astonished since Leo was nearly 2 1/2 before he started riding. Now I know it's a second child thing.

Leo's first toy catalogue - "Mom, we need to get all of these."

Sam trying to pick a lock with the end of a lollipop - we're in trouble

Sarah and I took the boys to Kids n Action deep in Brooklyn last Monday morning. We needed an indoor activity. The place needs a total overhaul but it did the trick. Here's Sam looking quite dapper on the train ride.

Their first "roller coaster". It actually went quite fast and the only one who kind of liked it was Leo. Luca and Sam got off.

Jenne comes for a Tuesday evening visit. It is our mid-week sanity.

Sam loving his meatballs

Thanksgiving

2011-12-12T20:29:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving in Hilton Head - the tradition continues. We spent the week with all of the Ercks - eating, playing in the sand, swimming, running a Turkey Trot, and relaxing.

TJ and Leo making pancakes

Sam and me in the sand

Sam cooking at the children's museum

They both squeezed into the single jogger for a run with Lisa - super cute and super content for 50 minutes.

Decorating cookies at the children's museum

Peyton and Leo digging in the sand

Martin observing, Sarah pulling Sam

Uncle Matt and the boys (and Ted)

Kite flying

Leo flying the kite

Sam Painting - 18 Months!

2011-12-12T17:33:00.000-05:00

I completely forgot to post Sam turning 18-months old! We have his well-baby visit on Thursday so I'll post the stats then. His vocabulary is growing by the day: digger, gentle, helicopter(!). AND he also uses the potty. He actually goes in the potty at daycare but only shows interest in sitting on it at home. It still amazes me.

Sam's a busy guy at daycare. (He's on the right in the green shirt.)

A Date with Aunt Jenne

2011-12-12T17:31:00.004-05:00

But she couldn't keep up. Leo waits on his scooter for Jenne to catch up.

Christmas Man

2011-12-12T16:45:00.003-05:00

We tend to focus on Hanukkah in our house. Although, we do celebrate Christmas in Boston with Dan's family. Up until now, Leo hasn't really asked about the holidays or even given much thought to them. His birthday comes right after Christmas so all he knows is that he gets gifts upon gifts for weeks upon weeks.

The other day we were talking about the holidays as he's noticed many of the holiday lights around the city. I asked him who brings the gifts and he said, "The Christmas Man." I asked, "Who is the Christmas Man?" And he replied, "Santa." I'm sure it's all very confusing for a not-quite-four-year old.

Unfortunate New Favorite Song

2011-12-10T19:04:00.001-05:00

We've been listening to this song on repeat for the last couple of weeks - "Pumped Up Kicks". We finally researched the lyrics after I suspected some words didn't sound so kid-friendly. Unfortunately, my suspicions were correct. We try to sing over the words with "out run my brother". The real lyrics are here.

Look how much they love it:

Magnets

2011-12-01T20:34:00.001-05:00

Still working on those photos I promised...

In the mean time, Jenne stopped by after work today. We were playing on the floor with magnetic chip clips. I asked Leo the name of the small, black circle that sticks to other things. He couldn't remember so I helped him. After I said magnet, he replied, "Rhymes with cabinet." ?!?!?!?!? Why, yes it does. However, he could have gone with an easier, one-syllable word like jet, net, or pet. The recent language explosion brings me back to the days when he just started speaking in sentences.

Sweet Babies

2011-11-29T11:32:00.001-05:00

Once again, I'm super delinquent in posting to the blog. I have a bunch of photos from Thanksgiving that should be up in the next few days. Here's a cute photo from last week when the Wests' were in town.

Sam is in full toddler mode. He has taken to head butting (for fun) and shrieking/screaming all of the time. It made for one of our top 4 worst plane rides of all time.

Vermont

2011-11-17T22:41:00.001-05:00

We spent last weekend in Vermont. I had hoped for snow so we could take Leo skiing - which normally happens in November in Vermont. Alas, we had to settle for ice skating.

First time on skates!

Skating with Grandma

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Sam loves being in the big boy car, even if it only means getting to be a passenger and not touching the buttons

Leo demanded overalls since Sam has a cute pair. He has yet to wear them for more than 20 minutes.

Leo-ism: I was away for work in Washington, DC for a night this week. Leo's teacher Vanessa picked both boys up from school and brought them home for dinner until Dan got home. She fed them chicken and rice soup but Leo just picked at it. She asked, "Leo, why aren't you eating your soup? Sam seems to like it." He replied, "Sam's a soup kind of guy."

October

2011-11-11T20:43:00.001-05:00

Photos from our October activities:

Leo has taken to wearing his hat post-bath

Loving his raincoat, especially the hood

This looks like it's taken in the Stokke crib but it's actually a playspace called Play

More fun at Play

Leo the Lion for Halloween. You may remember this costume from when he was 10 months old, it still fits (kind of).

Sam was handed a fleece elephant costume since Leo wouldn't dare let him wear the lion.

Officer Leo playing the coin donation game at school

Sam is 17 Months Old

2011-11-11T20:36:00.001-05:00

Our little man, Sam, is becoming quite the toddler. He voices his opinion, disapproval, acceptance, love, and frustration. He's even starting to stand up to Leo. Here's a video of him at daycare:

A Visit From Axel

2011-10-31T21:00:00.000-04:00

Our good, family friend, Axel paid us a visit in Brooklyn. His mom makes these amazing shirts for kids - I highly recommend. We hit Pier 1 and Jane's Carousel.

Fast friends

Leo Masters the Twisty Slide

2011-10-31T20:48:00.002-04:00

It's been a long time coming, a love-hate relationship with the twisty slide. Leo will go down a long, steep slide. He'll jump off of high places. However, he ~~loathed~~ overcame the twisty slide.

Sam's Day

2011-10-31T20:45:00.002-04:00

Last Weekend

2011-10-31T20:31:00.002-04:00

As you can see, I'm a bit behind with the blog.

Here's a photo from last weekend with the Morrisons and Wich-Villa/Wassermans.

Actually from last Monday. I took the boys for a quick visit to the Queens Farm. It seemed like a good fall activity.

Boys in the rain.

More rain

My boys with Eve and Luca (or neighbors). My sitter called in sick, Dan was at work, and I need to go to a meeting at 6pm. Sarah saved me by taking all FOUR kids for 2 1/2 hours. I owe her big time.

Fun in the Sun

2011-10-28T14:57:00.003-04:00

As it starts to get really cold in NY, this photo makes me warm.

Pumpkin Carving

2011-10-22T21:28:00.000-04:00

We finally carved our pumpkin from last week. As you can see we're somewhat obsessed with airplanes...

Leo-ism from the activity: "It's messy. Someone else should do it."

Pumpkin Picking

2011-10-21T10:40:00.003-04:00

We made the trek out to Long Island to pick pumpkins at Colonial Springs Farm. It was the perfect toddler environment - tractor train ride, slide that ends in a pile of hay, hay ride, donuts, pony rides, and pumpkin picking via a wagon.

Cow Train

Wagon rider

Race to get the pumpkin (this lasted, literally, 30 seconds and then Leo was back to pulling the wagon).

Three Pumpkins

While I Was Away...

2011-10-21T10:36:00.003-04:00

Dan and Anna kept me reassured while I traveled last week.

Leo taking care of Sam. He insists on wearing the 6-12 month sized lion costume.

Sam at music class - What's in the box?

Bubbles

Red-Eye

2011-10-18T12:49:00.002-04:00

Today, I have been completely warned about the omnipresent ears of a toddler. During our morning pre-going to school playtime, I overheard Leo with his airplanes. He said, "You're going to take this one, the Red-Eye. I'm going to take this one, United." He must have overheard me talking about my red-eye flight home last week from Seattle. He thinks it's the brand name of an airline. I asked him if he's taken a red-eye before and he said, "No, just United." In fact, he has taken them to Europe, and I tried to explain that it's a plane that you have to sleep the night time on. It's making me laugh throughout my day.

Columbus Day Weekend

2011-10-16T19:01:00.002-04:00

Here are some photos from last weekend. This week was hectic with me having to travel to Seattle for work. Dan is on the road this week.

Sam and me on the Jane's Carousel - we love it!

A fall ice cream - actually, a Yom Kippur ice cream after services

The Prospect Park Carousel - two carousels in one week!

Sam is 16 Months Old

2011-10-16T18:54:00.001-04:00

This milestone nearly passed me by. He's become quite the dare-devil. He'll jump off the side of a pool (from sitting), fling himself down the twisty slides at the park, and insist on walking down stairs instead of going down backwards.

Unlike Leo, food is involved in almost activity

Sam chillin' with his ladies at daycare. He's sitting on Oona and I don't know the other girl.

Sam with Monroe, the rabbit, at daycare

Acupuncture

2011-10-05T11:04:00.000-04:00

For those who don't know, I've been in a whirlwind of self-healing for the last few months due to severe migraines. You name it, I've tried it (or still trying it). The list includes:

Vitamins and supplements
Drinking more water than you can imagine
Weekly acupuncture
Chinese herbs
Positional therapy
Prescription drugs
No alcohol
and more recently, an elimination diet - no wheat, soy, dairy, eggs, sugar, corn, citrus, caffeine, alcohol for 4 weeks

Needless to say, it's time consuming on top of having two toddlers and working three days a week. The good news is that I'm feeling better (but I don't want to jinx it). The other bi-product is that Leo is now aware of acupuncture.

Last night, he was rocking out with the guitar singing the "Hello" song from Music Together. He ran through the list of people he knows, and then he belted out, "Hello to acupuncture, it's good to see you."

Open Mic

2011-10-04T12:26:00.004-04:00

Leo's school hosts an open mic on the last Friday of every month. I stayed away from them last year because they are at 10:30am, and I thought it would be too disruptive for him to see me in the middle of the day. However, this year, he's Mr. Cool, Calm and Collected. He gave me a big hug but continued to sit with his class. And then it was his turn to raise his hand for open mic...

Needless to say, I'm a very proud mama. He got up in front of the entire school!

Coop School on Sesame Street

2011-10-04T10:10:00.002-04:00

Leo's school got to be on the season premiere of Sesame Street. Unfortunately, it wasn't his class. Still cool all the same.

Catskills

2011-10-04T10:09:00.001-04:00

We spent last weekend in the Catskills. Despite the rain and lots of mosquitoes, it was very refreshing for all of us to get out of the city.

Leo takes a pony ride at Bethel Woods

The hay maze. We did the corn maze together as a family but no good photos came out of it.

A visit to a farm to feed the chickens. Sam gets in on the action.

The house had an old barn on the property, complete with a rope swing and endless dangers for a toddler to explore. Leo also spent most of the weekend naked. He's entered a new phase of wanting to be naked as much as possible.

A Day at the Park

2011-09-27T11:09:00.001-04:00

Photos from September

2011-09-21T19:33:00.000-04:00

This is one of the only times either kid has slept "on the go".

Mariana and Leo in the Habana Outpost car at Benicio's birthday party.

Sam insists on feeding himself everything.

Eve's birthday at the Bohemian Beer Garden. Lots of schnitzel, beer, and dancing.

Igraine Riding in Car with Boy(s)

I Love My Baby Mama

2011-09-21T10:42:00.004-04:00

My new, all-time favorite, Leo-ism is: "I love my baby mama!"

He really means, "I love my baby, mama."

He says this quite frequently when referring to Sam. This is usually after I've told him to be gentle to Sam. Sometimes he says it after he introduces Sam to someone new. He'll turn to me and say, "I love my baby mama."

At three-years old, he already has a baby mama. I'd like to write something about living in the 'hood, but I'll leave it as a cute Leo-ism.

Sam's Stats

2011-09-16T11:40:00.000-04:00

Sam had his 15 month well-baby visit yesterday.

Weight: 20lb. 12oz (23%)
Height: 30" (14%)

Basically, the same curve as usual.

The pediatrician was in awe of his mouth-full of teeth. In the last couple of weeks, he's gotten nearly all of them, including molars! The incisors are poking through now - ouch!

Sam's First Day of Daycare

2011-09-16T09:52:00.001-04:00

Sam is starting an in-home, bi-lingual (Spanish) daycare once a week. Our favorite Pratt babysitter can only watch him two days a week and I need more flexibility with my work schedule. So far, he absolutely loves it.

Photos from Summer

2011-09-16T09:50:00.002-04:00

By now, we've learned that Dan is the master photographer in our family. However, sometimes it takes a while for the "good" photos to get uploaded and edited. Here are a bunch of new ones (I love them!):

Our staycation trip to Floyd Bennett Field

First Day of School - Butterfly Class

2011-09-11T13:10:00.002-04:00

Now I've seen it all - "Lunch - great eater"

Scenes From Our Staycation

2011-09-11T13:08:00.001-04:00

Leo takes a break at Aunt Jenne's

Leo weaves at the Children's Museum of Manhattan - Jenne showed him how to do it once and then he was a master weaver.

Sam is obsessed with Leo's bike

We discovered these flying toy-things - a must for every toddler. It kept him busy for over 30 minutes.

Another obsession.

Playdate and pops with Jojo

Leo at the same age

Leo checking out the fence with his friend, Jordie.

Sam learns how to hold his own cone - it's taking a lot of focus.

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Sam is 15 Months Old!

2011-09-09T12:28:00.001-04:00

It crept right up on me! Our little "Cheeks" is 15 months old.

He's officially walking and wanting to run.
Yesterday, he started calling me from his crib, "Mama, mama, mama!" He's been saying "mama" for a while but the calling me from his room is new.
He's getting to be a picky eater. Whereas, Leo just doesn't eat a lot of food, he will eat a variety. Sam likes to stick with the typical toddler foods: pasta, pizza, yogurt, cheese, PB&J.
He's down to one nap (~12pm-3pm).


Sam at Leo's school. It was the first time I let him down to explore. He got right into the playdoh action and cried when we had to leave.

Long Lost Friends

2011-09-05T13:06:00.002-04:00

Leo looks a little smushed but this is super cute. Eve and Leo couldn't wait to hug each other!

Photos From Vermont (pre-Irene)

2011-08-31T20:31:00.000-04:00

Photos from Vermont here.

Videos from our week:

Leo's Dance Moves

Sam's Dance Moves (sideways - and I forgot to upload to iMovie before deleting so I can't turn it around)

Boys Driving the Car (and more dancing)

Hurricane Irene

2011-08-30T21:09:00.000-04:00

I actually have trouble finding words to explain how I feel about Hurricane Irene. I'm currently feeling a lot of anger and resentment to all of the New Yorkers I come across who say, "It was no big deal. I can't believe all of the hype."

It was a big deal. We were in Vermont for the storm and it has completely destroyed my home town. The town is isolated on all sides. The National Guard has had to come bring food, water, and supplies. One person died. The town's economy is based on tourism. It's already faced a major recession. Foliage season is just weeks away and there is no way there will be any tourism in town. The main street of restaurants is gone. And you can't even get in and out of town. We narrowly escaped yesterday via a small road through Massachusetts. The road has since closed. I'm assuming because it is too dangerous to drive on. It was one of the scariest drives of my life. The paved road was completely swept away in some areas. It's a very windy, twisty road so you sometimes didn't see the state of the road until you were directly upon the major sink hole. There is no way someone could drive it at night. I'm also assuming that people will need to be airlifted out for any type of medical emergency. There is no easy way to a hospital.

I'm at a loss for next steps and how to help. My parents have their own water and septic but the town's pipes are all gone. We started baking and cooking to bring food to the shelter. Leo baked a batch of cookies and carried them into the cafeteria himself. I heard a food truck made it to the grocery store today.

You can find photos here and a link for donations here.

Turtle

2011-08-27T21:09:00.002-04:00

Before the Earthquake and Hurricane

2011-08-26T21:21:00.000-04:00

Our required family photo for Leo's school - it actually turned out ok

A walk in the playground with an apple

Explaining Twins

2011-08-26T21:12:00.000-04:00

We are in Vermont, waiting out Hurricane Irene. My kids have experienced an earthquake and a hurricane in the same week. We are suppose to drive to Cape Cod on Sunday, the expected arrival of the hurricane. So, we are staying in Vermont until we have the all clear. I will have lots of photos to post regardless of where we end up.

Last week we went to a birthday party for two neighborhood girls who also go to Leo's school. When I told Leo that it was a party for both girls, he asked, "Are they twins?" I have no idea where he got that idea or heard about twins. We have never discussed it. I told him, no but it was a good idea. He didn't ask any additional questions but I'm sure the topic will arise again.

Times Square!

2011-08-22T14:40:00.000-04:00

It was a horrible rainy day (not to mention, week), and Anna had both kids all day. She decided to venture on the subway, to the Times Square(!) Toys r Us. It was kind of a genius idea - minimal walking outside, no train transfers, and a low-cost activity. She took both boys on the ferris wheel - Leo's first time. He keeps calling it a roller coaster. I think Coney Island is our next stop.

Sam Walks!

2011-08-21T08:30:00.000-04:00

Sam's been taking about two steps for a week or so now. Yesterday, he walked about 10 steps! He's 14 1/2 months and eager for the independence. I'm eager for the pants to stop shredding at the knees.

Here are a bunch of photos of Sam at the park with Anna.

Pushing the Stroller (Sam's Turn)

2011-08-17T11:25:00.000-04:00

Leo should look more excited that someone wants to push him in the stroller since I make him walk more these days. One of Sam's favorite activities is pushing a stroller, any stroller, anywhere, anytime. He's still only taken a few steps but he'll walk miles pushing a stroller. These were taken at the zoo last week.

Back at the Beach

2011-08-15T10:48:00.000-04:00

You wouldn't guess it, but this is one minute post-meltdown (wearing my sunglasses).

Leo took this photo of Sam at Nichol's in East Hampton.

Leo and Eve playing chase in the tractor tracks on the beach.

In their own little toddler worlds.

And Leo at soccer - hustling!

The Co-op School on NPR

2011-08-15T10:43:00.000-04:00

Leo's preschool gets mentioned on All Things Considered here.

Leo and Sam at Music Class Together

2011-08-09T14:00:00.000-04:00

Sam is 14 Months Today!

2011-08-09T13:30:00.000-04:00

We are definitely in the toddler territory age. Sam is not quite walking on his own but he has taken a few steps here and there and likes to hold just one of our hands when walking. He also likes to push his stroller whenever given the chance.

We are in the middle of a major sleep transition for both boys. Leo was having major insomnia - not falling asleep, not staying asleep, changing sleep locations (couch, floor, sleeping bag, his bed, etc.), and then waking up at 5:30am. We decided to eliminate his nap which seems to have a great affect on his night sleeping. Although, he's completely exhausted and often irrational from 5-7pm. The issue is that his camp/school has a nap time. They don't require kids to sleep but I fear him falling asleep and taking, a nearly, two-hour nap. Sam, on the other hand, started waking up at 5:30am (perhaps used to hearing Leo). So we have to let him cry or hang out until he moves past the early wake-up. I'm also transitioning him to one nap. A.) Because I'm hoping it helps with his night sleep. and B.) because if Leo isn't napping at all, it will be pure torture for Leo to be home for Sam's two naps. I'm hoping we have this under control by next week.

Playdate with Marlowe

2011-08-07T22:11:00.000-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, Sam and Marlowe had a playdate sans Leo and Maisie.

Lunch at Whole Foods

Playing in the park

Library Time

2011-08-03T09:50:00.000-04:00

It's been so hot! We ended up in the library one day after camp. Luke got Leo interested in some Lego books. And Sam's in on the action now.

Lunch in the Botanic Gardens

2011-08-03T09:48:00.000-04:00

Aspen Photos

2011-07-26T12:46:00.002-04:00

Here are some photos from our Aspen trip.

Leo-isms from Aspen

2011-07-26T10:57:00.000-04:00

One night Leo had a babysitter while Dan and I went out to dinner. She let Leo listen to music before bed, something that isn't usually part of our routine (but I'm not opposed to it). The next morning (at 5:30am due to jet lag), Leo asked for music. At first I said no. But then I acquiesced and said, "Ok, but just quiet, classical music." Leo responded, "No!! Lady Gaga, Let's Dance!" All I could do was laugh. A.) He knows what he wants. B.) He's three and requesting Lady Gaga, not kiddie music.

And then that night he asked for music before bed. I said, "No, that's C.C.'s [the babysitter's] thing, not my thing." He responded, "Actually, Mommy, it's Leo's thing."

After-Camp Ice Cream

2011-07-26T10:45:00.002-04:00

Music Class

2011-07-26T10:30:00.000-04:00

Swinging

2011-07-26T10:23:00.000-04:00

Away in Aspen This Week

2011-07-19T16:31:00.001-04:00

We're away all this week to celebrate my father-in-law's wedding. Aspen is amazing, we've all adjusted to the altitude, and we're biking everywhere.

I have a few blog posts to catch up on which I'll try to do when I can. Hope to post more when we're back next week (and when I'm stuck in jury duty).

Sam, Eve, Leo, and Luca at Townline BBQ

Brothers in a tight space at the East End Children's Museum

Meditative Activities

2011-07-15T09:37:00.000-04:00

Bedtime in our house has been difficult, to say the least. We go through the same routine every night. When it comes time for me to leave Leo in his room, the screaming ensues. I've tried talking to him, negotiating, and the silent treatment (favored by Weissbluth). The real issue is that it wakes up Sam. I don't think it's fair to have him suffer for Leo's insubordination. Then I'm left with two screaming children. Last night it got so bad that Sam puked from crying. Dan was away. I was with the kids all day. I was ready for my own bedtime.

However, instead of going to straight to sleep, I baked bread. People ask me how I have time. I don't. One friend recently told me about meditative activities. These are activities that have a set of instructions or steps that you just follow. There's no thinking involved. I realized that baking is meditative for me. I also like that it produces an outcome that (usually) makes people happy. (Other examples are knitting, yoga, and playing solitaire).

Here's the recipe for Swedish Saffron Bread.

Uno, Dos, Tres

2011-07-13T09:41:00.000-04:00

This morning Leo was showing me his new double-decker bus that he got from the Morrison's trip to Hong Kong. He asked me what the "numbers" were on the side of the bus. I told him that it was Chinese, a different language. He then turned around, started playing with the bus and, talking to himself, said, "Uno, dos, tres, cuatro, cinco, seis."

It's the first time I've seen him recognize that there are different languages. And, I didn't realize that he could count in Spanish - school? Dora? Diego?

July 4 in Vermont

2011-07-05T16:29:00.000-04:00

Patriot snack trap

I see a future president

Grandma, Dan, and Leo watching the parade

You talkin' to me?

A very sunny day

Jumping off rocks post-ice cream sugar rush

Leo's new wheels courtesy of Grandma and Pop

Beach Trip

2011-07-02T21:37:00.000-04:00

Since Leo has no school/camp this week and our friends generously invited us to their beach house, we got to escape the heat of Brooklyn for a night. It meant four kids, two moms, and a babysitter and a lot of refereeing.

Leo and Eve jumping into a sand pit

Getting ready for the jump

Eating ice cream with Luca

Bike ride to the beach

Eve

Hard at work

Playing at duck pond

Loving his new Native shoes.

Anna with Both Kids

2011-07-02T21:12:00.000-04:00

We've been lucky to find a really amazing Pratt student, Anna, to babysit. She's mostly just with Sam but she occasionally picks Leo up from school. And now that Leo has a couple of weeks off before "camp" starts, she has both kids. You'll see from the photos (all taken by her) that she seems to manage just fine.

Music class in the Prospect Park

Playing red light, green light in the tunnel

Graduation!

2011-07-02T21:02:00.000-04:00

Leo graduated from the Caterpillars. The teachers put together the most amazing video of the all of the kids talking about what they want to be when the grow up. It's set to Dolly Parton's "9 to 5" and gets the kids in action. We all got a copy and Leo can't stop watching it. If you find yourself in Brooklyn, it's a must see!

Aunt Jenne is Moving to Brooklyn!

2011-06-30T21:47:00.000-04:00

We are all ready to celebrate! But perhaps she's not as excited as we are about 7:30am coffee and croissants.

Brothers

2011-06-30T21:42:00.002-04:00

Leo-isms

2011-06-30T21:34:00.001-04:00

I've been meaning to note a few of the most recent Leo-isms. The one for yesterday definitely stopped me from procrastinating...

I met the kids in the playground after work. They were super excited to see me and super tired. Within five minutes, Leo fell off his scooter and had a scrape down his leg. It wasn't anything major but he wouldn't stop screaming (due to the extreme fatigue). I almost thought I had to take him to the doctor because I couldn't figure out if he was really in pain. At one point I saw a police car and I asked him, "Do I need to get the police? Are you ok? You are scaring people with your screaming." He quieted down for a bit. But back at home, he was screaming again. He yelled, "It's an emergency. I'm being naughty. Call the police car." I fought so hard not to laugh in his face. Needless to say, it was a miserable two hours of screaming, ending with him passing out at 7:04pm.

Other Leo-isms:
-He was watching Yo Gabba Gabba (which he hasn't watched in a long time) and he said, "Mom, that's Lady Gaga." A.) It definitely wasn't LG. B.) I think it's hilariously that he kind of knows who she is.

-We were walking up the stairs of the Morrison's house and he said, "This house comes apart." It took me a minute to realize he was trying to explain the different floors/levels with stairs in between.

-Jenne babysat the kids overnight so Dan and I could get away (and actually sleep). She told me that he was playing with her and said, "Hey Jen!" He looked surprised and then said, "Hey, I just called you Jen." She replied, "Yes, that's what your mom calls me sometimes. It's ok." He seemed really proud of himself.

-While Jenne was outside with Leo, he said, "There's a bug." She couldn't figure out what he was talking about so she asked, "A creeping crawling or flying buzzing one?" He replied, "The kind with wheels." Duh - a VW Beetle.

Sam's Typical Day

2011-06-30T21:28:00.001-04:00

Riding in the stroller

Cruising the library

Hydrating

Music class

Eating, always eating

Sam in Music Class

2011-06-29T13:37:00.000-04:00

I feel like noting Sam's development gets pushed aside as we try to keep up with Leo. It was quite evident when Dan and I were both trying to "negotiate" with Leo this morning over who knows what (getting dressed, eating breakfast, shutting off the tv, going to the bathroom - choose your task and insert at any given moment of the day).

Notes on Sam's development:

Squatting to stand (for just a few seconds) without holding on
Eating a ton - he loves pasta and sauce, strawberries, raspberries (not blueberries), snacks (puffs, crackers), scrambled egg, cheese, cereal with soy milk. He does not like to drink milk.
1 year well-baby visit: weight: 19lb. 7oz (23% and 3 oz less than Leo at that age!), height: 29" (23%)
He still naps two times a day but I can see the transition to one nap closing in.
He's a major hugger and cuddler. He loves to hug Leo when allowed.

Photos From Father's Day

2011-06-27T13:13:00.001-04:00

Sam's first sushi at Blue Ribbon - he loved it.

Early morning visit to the playground to let Dad sleep

Ice cream on Governor's Island

Leo driving our rented minivan - he was so sad to see this car go.

Imagination Playground

Soccer

2011-06-27T13:08:00.000-04:00

Leo had his first soccer practice - yes, at age 3. While growing up in a soccer-crazed town, I swore I would never subject my kids to soccer. I take that back. It's a great energy release for a three-year old. Plus it gets us all out to the park.

Potty Mouth Stage

2011-06-27T09:29:00.000-04:00

It looks like we've crossed into the inevitable potty mouth stage of toddlerhood. Leo definitely learned it at school but I'm sure it would have reared its ugly head at some point. The day before Father's Day, someone asked Leo what he was getting Dan. And surrounded by a small audience, Leo shouted, "A poopy!" It was impossible for people not to laugh, thus reinforcing the behavior - lovely.

In more positive development news, Leo has taken to drawing faces/people. I didn't think he could do it but his teacher showed me one of his drawings at school. I had him replicate it at home so I could get it on video:

Father's Day Weekend

2011-06-21T14:40:00.000-04:00

Leo insisted that Sam ride on his shoulders (and Sam loved it)

Leo helping Sam to walk

Photos from Sam's Party

2011-06-21T14:28:00.000-04:00

Luckily, Manju came to the rescue and sent me some photos she took at Sam's party.

Aunt Karen hanging out with Sam

The back-up mini cupcakes from Michael Allen (in case the rainbow cake didn't work out)

Pop Gary playing pirate ship

Imagination Playground

2011-06-20T10:06:00.001-04:00

Thursdays are now the only day I get to hang out with Leo. Unfortunately, we no longer have our special mornings together without Sam. He doesn't seem to mind too much. We hang out while Sam naps and then we go out on adventures. Last Thursday, we took the subway to South Street Seaport to go to the Imagination Playground. Both kids loved the water and free play.

"Photos" from Sam's Birthday

2011-06-17T16:24:00.000-04:00

Poor second child, I forgot to ask someone to take photos at Sam's party. Our amazing babysitter, Anna, happened to snap a couple with her iPhone. It's hard to see but Sam was smiley little guy when we sang Happy Birthday to him.

Leo playing with Kahlila - what a happy little guy

Photos From the Last Two Weeks

2011-06-16T15:26:00.000-04:00

Sam's rainbow birthday cake - yes, I made it all from scratch.

Sam in the playground, getting over pink-eye

Leo with his favorite ladies, Jojo and Mata in the Botanic Gardens

Brothers driving the Freshdirect car

Zooming in Underhill Playground

Leo and Jojo napping after seeing Rio in Queens during the 100 degree day in June(!)

Sam in the Park

2011-06-14T12:11:00.002-04:00

You can barely tell that he's been fighting a miserable head cold for days.

Driving

2011-06-14T10:42:00.002-04:00

I love that they are starting to play together.

Happy Birthday Sam!

2011-06-09T21:23:00.000-04:00

Happy 1st Birthday to Sam! It's so completely bittersweet to reach this milestone. While we've survived the newborn crazy period, my baby is becoming a toddler. He's not walking but pulling up to stand and cruising with a vengeance. He's starting to throw fits when he doesn't get what he wants. And more recently, if I'm in his line of vision, he needs to be on my hip at all times.

Memorial Day Week + End

2011-06-07T10:12:00.001-04:00

Running along Brooklyn Promenade

Being three is rough

BBQ at Chez Morrison - Leo actually eating a hot dog