Little Monkey and Friends

Tonight, we returned from our much anticipated trip to the Outer Banks, NC. All year, we've been waiting for this vacation. It arrived. We enjoyed it tremendously; and even as I briefly update today's post, I'm already experiencing pangs of post-vacation melancholia.

A few images, among the many we captured..just to start us off.



Our water baby, Miss Mina, dashes into the sea. Is there something vaguely familiar about the picture?



Yes. It's rather similar to the one of her brother taken a year ago when he first experienced the beauty of the Outer Banks.



This year, at the ripe old age of 2 years, 8 months, he's much more mature and reflective. Poolside, of course.

Labels: summer, travelling, vacations

J's preschool takes pictures of the kids all week long and then sends the files to the parents at the end of the week. It's pretty cute. They also send about a dozen other emails, weekly notices, and helpful bits of information about any number of topics related to children. Monkey Sr. has already started complaining about the volume of email..and it's only the second week. On the other hand, I've created files on my computer to organize the various communications I've received - the pictures, the weekly news, the birthday notices, the recall information.

In a nutshell, this illustrates the difference between us.

We are on the same wavelength with respect to one thing, however. Any perceived slight against our kid.

Why, we wondered, out of the fifty or so pictures, Monkey was only present in one of them? Two weeks in a row now? Where the hell is he when the camera comes out? And why is he so strangely silent every afternoon when I ask him what he did in class?

Monkey Sr. has a theory.

He thinks the kid is skipping out.

Labels: Jordan, school

Did I mention that Little Monkey is taking a cooking class this fall? Even as I relay this bit of information, I can barely keep a straight face. My child- the one who would be content to eat nothing but chocolate Lu cookies for the rest of his life; the one who has not voluntarily consumed a bite of meat in almost two years - is taking a cooking class.



I have no illusions about what this class will accomplish in terms of Monkey's own gastronomic repertoire. I have reached that level of Zen wisdom where I expect absolutely nothing. I desire nothing. The only reason I am even indulging in this latest bit of nonsense is because the kid loves messing about in the kitchen. He may not eat a damn thing, but he is always close at hand when there is mixing to be done, herbs to be pulled from the garden, or a button to be pressed on the microwave.

From my own experience as a former picky eater (a fact of which I reminded of constantly by others) I know that it is possible to outgrow this condition. In my case, it took about twenty years, but I will continue to hold out hope that the monkey will be a faster learner than I. Perhaps he may even outgrow the condition in my lifetime. Who knows.



Our first class was a huge hit. The monkey sat still and listened to the teacher's instructions. He answered her questions with enthusiastic responses; and he happily jumped in with the little tasks they were given to do.

This week's project - bread, shaped like a turtle. The chefs were given an option of using chocolate chips or raisins for eyes. When asked which he preferred, the Monkey shouted a hearty "raisins!!"

I did a double take right then and there. This child has been offered raisins as a snack about a thousand times. He has adamantly refused them each and every time. But in this situation, he defied my conventional wisdom and went with the healthy option. WTF???

It got better.

After tasting a raisin, he forgot about the rest of the lesson, and kept asking for more. About fifteen or so raisins later, he rejoined the teacher, and finished his project. But not before he swiped the raisin eyes off the turtle of his fellow apprentice chef.



Behold!! The great and mighty Turtle Bread!! With raisin eyes.

I suspect that the great chefs of our time may not have begun their careers in the same manner. It's OK. We all have to start somewhere.



Added bonus - we do arts and crafts while our project cooks. Here is "turtle chef with spoon and googly eyes."

Monkey helped decorate the apron. Note the intensity of the colors, just like his cooking.

Labels: adventures, autumn, food aventures, Jordan

The storefront you see may be a ubiquitous feature of anywhere, USA, but actually, we're on Lexington Ave, in Manhattan - the upper east side, for the annual 92nd St. street fair. About ten city blocks were set aside for the event. The gorgeous fall weather demanded outdoor amusement, and we happily obliged.



I don't know what it's like in other cities, but there's something about a NYC street fair that you just have to experience for yourself. You can expect the unhealthy food, the cheap trinkets, and the crowds of people jostling for their little bit of space on the pavement. Yet, despite that, it's fun. There's so much to see and do.



Like sample your mad soccer skillz. This particular street fair was geared towards the kids...and their parents, of course. Apart from the food and cheap baubbles, there were some entertaining diversions. Like soccer! Monkey tested out his kicking, and was pretty impressive, for a two and a half year old.



Miss Mina was more deliberate in her pre-game preparation. First, you must assess the size of the ball. The shape, the color, the heft of it. Silver soccer balls require just the right type of kick velocity for maximum goal potential. With this kind of concentration, we expect great things in the future from our little Mia Hamm.



And then there were the crafts. Monkey has a remarkable attention span when it comes to arts and crafts ... particularly those involving candy, sugary cereal, and pretzels. For the non-artisans reading this, Monkey is diligently working on his latest masterpiece...the "snack-lace." It consists of a licorice string, upon which he has beaded rainbow colored cheerios, pretzels, and assorted edible bits.



He needed a little help actually tying the thing around his neck. Parents are good for something after all.



Yep, everything in order.



And now on to the best part.



We got there very early, which was the wise move. By midday, the crowds were too deep to let Miss Mina walk alone. And since she's on complete stroller boycott, there was a whole lot of carrying around being done. No problem. I love carting around a little bowling bowl in my arms up and down the city streets. I lifted her this way and that, shifting from one hip to the other, to ensure that both my biceps and triceps got a workout. Heading to the beach next week, after all...gotta look good in the bathing suit.

Bwahh!!



At the local pizzeria, Miss Mina must have begun considering the same thing, since she was not so interested in eating. Hmmm...unusual.



Full on snacklace, the Monkey didn't eat much either. Apple juice was sufficient. Hydration is important, you know.

Well, we must have done something right, because both of them napped away for hours upon our return home. Of course, both Monkey Sr., and I did the same. So, as usual, the weekend flew by in a blur. This is ok though...

In less than a week, we will be "relaxing" on the beach. If all goes well, we shall be leaving the crowds far behind.

Labels: adventures, autumn, two monkeys

While the monkey spent his mornings in school, Miss Mina and I got to hang out - just the girls. We started the week off with a trip to gym class. Here, she helps to get ready for the day.



After a little initial hesitation, she stormed the gymnasium with as much speed as her two chunky legs could muster.



Later in the week, the monkey joined us for a birthday party/playdate. The gorgeous weather is a reminder of why Fall is my favorite time of the year.



He may be a big kid in school now, but he's still young enough to be entertained by the bubbles. For Miss Mina, they are just about the most exciting thing one could imagine. Little glistening orbs floating in the sky?? Run!!



She watches as another one floats tantalizingly out of reach.



Better to stay earthbound then. The sandbox provided a wonderful distraction. It was good practice for our upcoming trip to the beach.



A grueling week at school deserves to be rewarded with a hearty round of "jumping on the bed." Monkey demonstrates proper technique.



Falling back into the heap of pillows is the best part. I look forward to doing the same.

Labels: two monkeys

This weekend, in yet another burst of masochism, we decided to take the monkeys for a hike at the local nature center. By "hike", I mean of course, shlepping out with two infants, with limited attention spans, and one with only recently acquired mobility. We fully expected at least one of them would most likely would need to be carried at various points. Armed with this most technical understanding of the word, "hike," I felt prepared. I had no illusions about a grand wilderness trek, of the sort favored by some members of my family.

Nah. I had in mind something simple, something short, a chance to get some fresh air and stretch our legs. Since strollers were not feasible on the trail, we all hit the ground.



All of us.



It didn't take the monkey too long to realize his advantage. His parents are old, and tired, and out of shape. Hence - the inevitable. He hit the ground running.



And boy, did he run.



And run.



And run some more.



It was a morning to test some boundaries ... including those designed to mark the trails. We continue to discuss the various meanings of the word "stop." I'm thinking maybe Monkey's dictionary is different than mine.



The one sure-fire way to stop the monkey in his tracks in the word, "Snack." The phenomenon is not unlike that which we experience with our dog, Oscar. He responds the same way to the word, "treat." Monkey's palate in only slightly more sophisticated than Oscar's.



We tried to use the break as a photo-op moment with the both of them sitting still, in one place. We don't have that many good pictures of the two of them together. Could we possibly get them to sit a little bit closer?



Nope. Not happening.



We stumbled upon some interesting things that morning in the woods. An outdoor classroom, complete with sign and tree post seats. Monkey scratches his head in confusion, but I thought it was a cute idea.





And the best discovery...a little playground to explore. After proper hydration, of course.



Monkey tackled a slide of great heights.



And then shared his success story with Miss Mina at the bottom.



She did a pretty good job of keeping up that morning. All that walking helped work up an appetite. At the local diner, we managed to keep the monkeys up just a bit longer while they had lunch.



Some of us were pretty excited about the prospect of nap time.



All that athleticism was just the work up Monkey, Sr. needed to get him inspired for the Jets' first game of the season, against the Patriots.



It was such a massacre, Monkey Sr. turned his attention to other aspects of the game. Here, he manages to photograph the Jets' newest acquisition - a cheer leading squad. As always, Monkey Sr. can be counted on to focus on the important things.



While Monkey Sr. was out with the boys, the rest of us stayed home and finished the weekend off with some baking. Chocolate marble cake - for snack tomorrow at school. Here, Monkey helps by lining the muffin tins with paper...and then water. Of course, I needed none of these things - muffin tins, liner, or water...but it kept him occupied. And quiet.

A good weekend, indeed.

Labels: adventures, two monkeys

By 10:00 am, if we aren't out of the house, the monkeys start getting restless. Which is why I try to keep them occupied/run them ragged until they collapse in a heap at naptime and bedtime. So far, the strategy has worked. Of course, this running ragged thing works both ways. They have way more energy than I give them credit for. Way more than I do, anyway.

Miss Mina may look like a roly-poly butterball here, but looks can be deceiving. Under that marshmallow exterior lies the heart of a future athlete.

Exhibit A: the trampoline play date. I think she actually caught some air. Julia looks skeptical.



Even when her big brother climbed on board, Miss Mina held her ground. This child knows no fear.



Except when confronted with this:



First, for the uninitiated - this is a scene from "Dora the Explorer," a God awful show on tv that will stop both my children in their tracks.

Now, at first glance, what's scary about this? Maybe the fear in Dora's eyes? Maybe that menacing fox, otherwise known as Swiper?

Nah..that's not what sends Miss Mina into tears. What freaks her out is that bush in the background. In one episode, the bush has a face and talks. It's called the "Echo Bush" and it sends her into a full blown baby-tear meltdown. We're talking bottom lip trembling kind of tears. A talking Bush that wrecks emotional havoc and destruction? Hmm... Mina must lean towards the political left. Finally, she gets something from her mom.



Monkey is no slouch either. He's just as active when he wants to be..which is most of the day. Here, he has his own Field of Dreams moment at the local park. What you don't see is the Monkey running away from me at full speed, away from the playground, across the lawn, over the small hill, and into the middle of the field. You also don't get to see my old, tired self chasing after him with the ineffectual shouts to "stop!"



After this episode, we had a little sit down to discuss the meaning of the word "stop" as well as the consequences that would follow if he did not listen.



Mommy...come on!! We go!

Labels: two monkeys

We successfully made it through the first day of school. The whole three hours .. without a tear shed...either one of us.



Despite the unenthusiastic start to the day, it turned out to be not so bad.



Monkey made some new friends...



Basked in the glow of academia...



Dug deep into the sands of time...



And experienced the first intoxicating, sweet taste of independence.

Of course, then Mina and I showed up at 11:30 to pull him away from all the fun.



Bwahh ha ha!!!

But not before getting a full report from his teacher - who insisted that the Monkey did great. No tears, no tantrums. Lots of energy the whole day. As we left, I got to witness my own bit of amazing.

One of his new classmates..G, was in tears, even as her dad tried to comfort her during pick up. Jordan was close by, and watched closely, then declared:

"How 'bout hug?"

And then he walked over and gave his patented hug - which consists of standing very close to you, leaning forward, and brushing his cheek against yours.

G. (and her dad) looked a little taken aback. And although I was slightly shocked by my brazen little monkey, I was also giggling with delight.

Empathy? Wow.

Of course then we went home and he proceeded to have a complete meltdown, a lunch boycott, and a manic burst of energy that I can only attribute to one too many animal crackers at school. Oh well. All things considered, I think the first day went pretty darn well.

Labels: Jordan, milestones, school

This post will be presented in two parts. Part one is family friendly and my usual sappy fare. Part two is not for the faint of heart or those easily offended by scatological references of the poo variety.

Consider yourself warned. Which is more than I was.

Part I.
The night before Jordan's first day of school.



If I'm going to get this weepy the night before school starts, Lord help me when I actually have to drop the Monkey off tomorrow morning for the real thing.

Today could have been like any other day, except that I knew we were on the eve of something big. Today Jordan was still my baby. Tomorrow, I send him out into that big, big world...the first step of the journey being preschool. We did our usual rotation of activities...indoor play gym at a new drop in center, lunch, nap, afternoon in the park, playtime on the deck while dinner cooks...meal, post-meal delays, bath, pajamas, meds, stories. I did the mommy thing all day, while trying not to stare too long at my monkey and wonder how two and a half years passed by so quickly.

Once he had sort of chubby baby cheeks. Today, I looked into big dark eyes, fringed by long lashes, and chiseled features. Once he babbled odd sounds consisting of gurgles and coos...when he wasn't screaming with colic that is. Today, we had discussions at the table, while looking at pictures in the newspaper circular.

"What's on sale at Kohl's this week, Monkey?"

"That's a blender! That's a mixer! Those are two different types of vacuums. Just like Jordan's vacuums!" (He hasn't quite got the hang of the personal possessive pronoun yet).



This kid is such a goofball. When left to his own devices on the deck, he chose to don the plastic pool inflatable star, and dance around while pulling grape leaves off the vine to shred. That was his idea of "making dinner." I half expected him to whip his socks off and start stomping on the grapes, ala Lucille Ball.

Yet, he can be so serious too. Throughout the day, I mentioned the word school, and reminded him that it would begin tomorrow. I asked him if he knew what he would do at school - not expecting him to actually answer me. But he did. After a moment's thought, a pause to look up at the ceiling - he stated that school would consist of "circle time, "art class" and "cubbies."

Before putting him to bed tonight, I read him two stories. One was "The First Day of School." Appropriate enough. The other was "Please and Thank you are good words to say." Because he is in desperate need of some basic etiquette.

Even as I read him the school book, and pictured him in his own classroom, I felt that lump in my throat start to rise. Pictures of Jordan laying immobilized on a hospital bed with tubes sticking out of his body contrasted so vividly with the earnest little guy sitting on my lap listening intently. He stared at the pictures in the book - little kids enjoying various activities in a classroom. I read the words on the page, but my own thoughts couldn't have been farther away.

He will never remember what he went through that first month..or the months that followed. But I can never forget. And every step forward from that rocky beginning is such a stark reminder of how far he has come.

My baby, the one the doctors told me would die, is going to school tomorrow.

Part II.
The other Jordan



Now that I've regained my composure, let me share with you a more telling story of what passes for fun around here.

Does anyone else out there have parents who shared with them particularly disgusting poo stories from their childhood? For some reason, mine did. One story in particular always comes to mind, because my dad must have told it to me a thousand times - the glee in his voice never dimming once.

To summarize:

"Ohmigod..you were such a disgusting baby..yadda yadda yadda....there you were in the crib. You had taken your diaper off and smeared your own poo all over the walls. And you sat there looking so happy!!"

Or something like that. I could never figure out why he would tell me this story, why it was so shocking that a baby could get herself all messed up with some disgusting substance, or why a parent would find the whole episode so revolting and strangely amusing at the same time. I also assumed I had been left in my crib too long by myself and that my fecal artwork was my own immature way of protesting my incarceration.

Now that I'm a parent, I have my own share of poo stories which I intend to regale my children with. In particular, the Little Monkey's catalog of poo notable events continues to grow, and I look forward to that day decades from now when he brings home that special girl, with whom I will share the following:

See picture above.

Why is Jordan in the closet? Yes, that is my closet. He's trying to hide from me. Why? Because he has a poo. A BIG one. A big one so big, I could smell it all the way from the kitchen... a good twenty five feet away. When confronted with the obvious, he denied my accusations and RAN away.

"No poo in diaper!"

Then, he tried another tactic.

"Ocar pooed!" (Oscar..the dog. Jordan can't pronounce the dog's name, but he has no qualms about falsely accusing him of the crime.)

Then he just ran.

As you can see, potty training is going smashingly well. So well, I have basically about given up hope, and pray that the saints in preschool will take pity on me and train this child... because I have no idea how to.

I digress.

So, I scooped him up and carried him upstairs, careful not to smoosh his bottom half which was sagging from the weight of that poo.

I unceremoniously stripped him of the diaper and stared in awe at the canonball sized lump that lay there in front of me. It was so friggin' big, I shuddered at the thought of the kid actually passing a monstrosity like this out. I also had no desire to leave this beast laying in the diaper pail. So I cleaned him up and put him to nap. Then I carried the diaper to the bathroom, intending to flush the poo down the toilet and throw the diaper away.

Long story short. The beast was so freakin' big, it plugged up the toilet.

Part of the problem was that it was completely misshapen. It literally was shaped like a bowling ball...and about that big. I panicked when I realized the water was not going down, and visions of me mopping up a poo bathroom paralyzed me with indecision. The Gods must have heard my prayer because finally the water went down, but the beast remained. Now what??

Five flushes later, it disappeared.

All the while, the demon lay in his crib laughing. I kid you not. He knew. And he was amused.

Just wait, Monkey. When you bring her home, it is I who shall have the last laugh. And it shall be a big one.

Labels: Jordan, milestones, toddlerisms

We stuck close to home this labor day weekend. Rather than battle the crowds at the beach or boardwalk, we decided to enjoy the beautiful weather at the park.



Strolling throught the secret garden maze.



He may not qualify as an Explorer on par with Dora..but conducted himself admirably.



Fortified with a hearty snack, Miss Mina is ready to tackle the playground again. No time to wipe those crumbs. The jungle gym is calling.



Wait...which way are they again? And how do I get there? Walk? What??



Sunning myself here on the bench will do nicely for the time being. Must conserve my energy, ya know. Exercise is so overrated.

Labels: Jordan outdoors, mina play, two monkeys