This morning Delphinium is crying because of swim class. No, no not because she dislikes it, but rather because it isn't time to go yet. Swim class is one of those things that causes the baby to make her "Christmas face" of extreme excitement. I've tried explaining that her teacher isn't at the pool yet, but all she can think of is how much she wants to be in that water.
Waterbabies is a program that puts very young kids in the water from the age of six months. Many people feel this is too young, but we started around that time. Parents go in the water with the babies, so there's never much risk to the child. The waterbabies program includes clever ways to get babies to practice swimming skills in the guise of playing, singing, and goofing around. Of course there are a few kids, from time to time, who don't seem to be enjoying themselves, but that usually passes by the next lesson, and they're back to splashing their friends.
Of course our girl has learned many useful skills (swimming underwater, holding on the the side of the pool, jumping from the edge) but the main thing I like about the class is her enthusiasm. Some kids, when introduced to water at the age of two or three, are too afraid to enjoy themselves. It can take a long time to become comfortable. Whenever Delphinium gets the chance to play in water, she is immediately comfortable enough to enjoy the experience.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Friday, December 9, 2011
Seven Minute Housecleaning
It happened again. I got caught out on my housekeeping (or lack thereof) by surprise guests. This time it was the husband saying "oh yes come on back to our house!" to a large group of friends. I had literally a seven minute head start before everyone arrived. I freaked out on the drive home, and then I made a plan to minimize the damage to my housewifely reputation. I focused entirely on the "common" rooms that everyone was going to see:
Minute #1: First grab and toss anything trash. Next, use an empty laundry basket to clear up anything "loose" such as clothes, toys, books, magazines, etc. Hide the basket.
Minute #2: Clear the dishes. This means hiding them in the oven if there's no room in the dishwasher.
Minute #3: Sweep but stick to the worst spots and don't go over sixty seconds.
Minute #4: Vacuum same rules as sweeping.
Minute #5: Spot clean the floors, and wipe down the counters and sink.
Minute #6: Wipe down the bathroom and scrub the toilet if needed.
Minute #7: Light a scented candle, look around, and find the biggest remaining eyesore. Work on that until people arrive.
The key to making all this work is to KEEP MOVING. If you stop or you spend too much time on any one thing you are dead. Perfectionists may not be able to handle this method of tidying, but I say so what you have to do in case of crisis. Actually, this experience has made me look at housekeeping in a new way. If you really work HARD for a few minutes it's truly amazing what you can accomplish.
Minute #1: First grab and toss anything trash. Next, use an empty laundry basket to clear up anything "loose" such as clothes, toys, books, magazines, etc. Hide the basket.
Minute #2: Clear the dishes. This means hiding them in the oven if there's no room in the dishwasher.
Minute #3: Sweep but stick to the worst spots and don't go over sixty seconds.
Minute #4: Vacuum same rules as sweeping.
Minute #5: Spot clean the floors, and wipe down the counters and sink.
Minute #6: Wipe down the bathroom and scrub the toilet if needed.
Minute #7: Light a scented candle, look around, and find the biggest remaining eyesore. Work on that until people arrive.
The key to making all this work is to KEEP MOVING. If you stop or you spend too much time on any one thing you are dead. Perfectionists may not be able to handle this method of tidying, but I say so what you have to do in case of crisis. Actually, this experience has made me look at housekeeping in a new way. If you really work HARD for a few minutes it's truly amazing what you can accomplish.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Holiday Shopping Part 2
Good news people! Online shopping may just save my vegetarian bacon this year! Since my last pathetic post, I have successfully crossed eight (yes eight!) more gifts off my list. Not only that, but I have a cunning plan to cross off several more in short order. How can such miracles be accomplished you might ask? Step into my parlor and I'll share my secrets. If you happen to know (or be) my friends or family, please don't let on that you know.
Stop #1 was, of course, Amazon.com. The lightening deals are not all great this year, but some things you can find, and the baby scored a bouncy cow for a mere 46% of the price it sells for on other sites. Add to that a couple of discounted books, a calendar for $4.99, and a few stocking stuffers, and we're well on our way. I will continue to consider their deals as the month goes on. That's the beauty of their prime shipping program; you don't have to worry about bundling your orders to get free shipping.
The next site I visited was threadless. They offer original art in t-shirt form, and you can find some seriously cool and different things there if you're will to take the time to look. Some art is a little avant garde, but don't let that distract you from the good stuff. I scored four (!) different gifts on this site, and one of them was for my completely impossible-to-shop-for brother, so go me. This site often runs sales through email, so think about signing up for their updates.
Thus I am sitting much prettier than before, but that's not all. Thanks to my old buddy Chow, I have a means for making that list almost completely gone. They have a library of goodies to make at home, and most of the recipes actually look like an average person in an average kitchen could actually accomplish them. I'm picking three from the list (I won't say which to preserve some secrecy) to make a sort of gift basket for several of our friends. There, now I've said it in text, so I can't weasel out due to laziness.
Stop #1 was, of course, Amazon.com. The lightening deals are not all great this year, but some things you can find, and the baby scored a bouncy cow for a mere 46% of the price it sells for on other sites. Add to that a couple of discounted books, a calendar for $4.99, and a few stocking stuffers, and we're well on our way. I will continue to consider their deals as the month goes on. That's the beauty of their prime shipping program; you don't have to worry about bundling your orders to get free shipping.
The next site I visited was threadless. They offer original art in t-shirt form, and you can find some seriously cool and different things there if you're will to take the time to look. Some art is a little avant garde, but don't let that distract you from the good stuff. I scored four (!) different gifts on this site, and one of them was for my completely impossible-to-shop-for brother, so go me. This site often runs sales through email, so think about signing up for their updates.
Thus I am sitting much prettier than before, but that's not all. Thanks to my old buddy Chow, I have a means for making that list almost completely gone. They have a library of goodies to make at home, and most of the recipes actually look like an average person in an average kitchen could actually accomplish them. I'm picking three from the list (I won't say which to preserve some secrecy) to make a sort of gift basket for several of our friends. There, now I've said it in text, so I can't weasel out due to laziness.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
The Terror or Joy of Butterflies
While the husband was on vacation, we had the chance to take Baby to many special activities. Given that she's a pretty outgoing, curious sort of girl, she generally loved them. However, one or two seem to have greater prominence in her memory than others. The visit to The Experience Music Project, for example, has never been mentioned again. The trip to the Pacific Science Center, on the other hand, gets mentioned at least daily.
It was our second attempt to visit the science center since we learned the hard way that they are closed on Tuesdays. Finally, though, we were in. Being short on time, we skirted the children's play area since we figured those are available in many places. Instead we headed over to see the snakes and naked mole rats. The rats were not such a big hit (maybe they are too far away or maybe because they're just so darn ugly) but the snakes and amphibians were very popular. Another big hit was a large suspended globe with the continents and weather patters projected on its surface. The baby loved watching the clouds swirl.
Next up was the butterfly room. We waited our turn, got a lecture about not walking on butterflies, and then entered the "airlock." It felt a bit like walking into the bathroom when somebody's just had a hot shower which is a very nice feeling on a cold day. The butterflies immediately came over to see what was up, and two huge brown ones flutttered all around us. One landed on Daddy's head, and the baby was amazed. Then one landed on her head, and it was just a bit much. She started to cry, and I had this weird moment of trying to shoo a butterfly off her head without touching. It was strangely reluctant to leave! Once the "monster" was gone, the baby's spirits returned very quickly, and we were able to enjoy the rest of the garden.
The funny thing about all this is her memory of it. She "tells" that story all the time (with help from me once I know what she's getting at) as if it was a funny thing that happened to her. She makes her sign for butterfly, says "hop hop" (go figure), and then pats her head, and laughs and laughs. I don't know if she's remembering it differently than it happened, or she thinks it's funny that it scared her. Either way, the visit to the butterfly house is one that will be remembered for a long time to come.
It was our second attempt to visit the science center since we learned the hard way that they are closed on Tuesdays. Finally, though, we were in. Being short on time, we skirted the children's play area since we figured those are available in many places. Instead we headed over to see the snakes and naked mole rats. The rats were not such a big hit (maybe they are too far away or maybe because they're just so darn ugly) but the snakes and amphibians were very popular. Another big hit was a large suspended globe with the continents and weather patters projected on its surface. The baby loved watching the clouds swirl.
Next up was the butterfly room. We waited our turn, got a lecture about not walking on butterflies, and then entered the "airlock." It felt a bit like walking into the bathroom when somebody's just had a hot shower which is a very nice feeling on a cold day. The butterflies immediately came over to see what was up, and two huge brown ones flutttered all around us. One landed on Daddy's head, and the baby was amazed. Then one landed on her head, and it was just a bit much. She started to cry, and I had this weird moment of trying to shoo a butterfly off her head without touching. It was strangely reluctant to leave! Once the "monster" was gone, the baby's spirits returned very quickly, and we were able to enjoy the rest of the garden.
The funny thing about all this is her memory of it. She "tells" that story all the time (with help from me once I know what she's getting at) as if it was a funny thing that happened to her. She makes her sign for butterfly, says "hop hop" (go figure), and then pats her head, and laughs and laughs. I don't know if she's remembering it differently than it happened, or she thinks it's funny that it scared her. Either way, the visit to the butterfly house is one that will be remembered for a long time to come.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Holiday Shopping
Why am I having such a hard time with my Christmas shopping this year? It used to be that I really enjoyed spending the month of December finding all the perfect gifts for everyone. Now that we have the baby, however, going shopping is not such an easy task. Keeping her occupied and preventing her from pulling everything off the shelves means it's less of a pleasure to go at all. Besides now that she's around I would much rather spend my holiday season doing fun activities with her. That's why I'd promised myself that I would get it all done before the crowded chaos that is December set in. Do you think I managed it? Har!
It's nearly the end of the first week of the month, and I'm maybe half way done. I keep trying to get out to the mall, craft fairs, anything that might help me cross off one or two more people, but something always manages to get in the way. If it isn't nap time or music class it's traffic and fun with auto mechanics. Maybe a trip through some online stores will do the trick. I know, I know I shouldn't whine so much. I'm lucky to have the time and the funds to do any Christmas shopping at all. There really are many people this year who are not in such happy shape, and I will do my utmost keep that in mind.
It's nearly the end of the first week of the month, and I'm maybe half way done. I keep trying to get out to the mall, craft fairs, anything that might help me cross off one or two more people, but something always manages to get in the way. If it isn't nap time or music class it's traffic and fun with auto mechanics. Maybe a trip through some online stores will do the trick. I know, I know I shouldn't whine so much. I'm lucky to have the time and the funds to do any Christmas shopping at all. There really are many people this year who are not in such happy shape, and I will do my utmost keep that in mind.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Facing It
For the last two and a half weeks we've been on one long bender. No, no there hasn't actually been any drinking involved (well not much anyway), but we have been ignoring our normal obligations and just having fun. Daddy has been on vacation that whole time, and we have slept late, enjoyed leisurely meals, sometimes not showered before noon, and generally run amok. The baby is completely mad for having both parents home all the time, and we've taken her to all sorts of kid entertainments. I think her favorite part has been all the undivided attention and playtime with Daddy. They play trains, read stories, and color at her little table for hours on end. It's been nothing short of glorious.
Unfortunately, the piper is about to come calling. On Monday, in the wee sma's, M is heading back to work. I have not told the girl yet, but I have the feeling it is not going to go over very well. We will have to think of some special activities to keep ourselves busy on that day, so we don't spend too much time with the missing.
Monday also means the start of our experiment with having Daddy work much further from home. His commute will go from about 15-20 minutes to 60-90 minutes at some times of day. Will he be able to use the bus (much cheaper and he can work on the way) or is a car the only viable option (possibly much faster)? We won't really know until he's tried out a few different combinations. Most importantly, will we ever see him again? Given the extra time on the road, he may not be around much during the baby's waking hours. Fingers crossed that it all sorts itself out in a favorable way.
Unfortunately, the piper is about to come calling. On Monday, in the wee sma's, M is heading back to work. I have not told the girl yet, but I have the feeling it is not going to go over very well. We will have to think of some special activities to keep ourselves busy on that day, so we don't spend too much time with the missing.
Monday also means the start of our experiment with having Daddy work much further from home. His commute will go from about 15-20 minutes to 60-90 minutes at some times of day. Will he be able to use the bus (much cheaper and he can work on the way) or is a car the only viable option (possibly much faster)? We won't really know until he's tried out a few different combinations. Most importantly, will we ever see him again? Given the extra time on the road, he may not be around much during the baby's waking hours. Fingers crossed that it all sorts itself out in a favorable way.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Din Tai Fung Restaurant Review
I think I forgot to mention that I finally made it into Din Tai Fung, the new dumpling house in Bellevue. Some people were very excited when this place opened because I guess it is part of a famous restaurant dynasty. Given how jam packed it is most of the time, I don't think it's all just hype. Finally, after about six misses, I managed to get in on a recent girls' night out. We were most definitely not disappointed.
From the cocktails to the appetizers and the salads to the main dishes, it was a very tasty experience. There were many vegetarian options, and the other veggie girl and I happily shared several dishes. The cucumber salad and spicy noodles were especially memorable. The best part, by far, was the dumplings. Taste and texture were beyond reproach (nothing doughy or greasy here), and I think I could have eaten about three or four dozen of them on my own.
We had the chance to return just a few weeks later for another outstanding meal, and this time we had the baby along. She was treated kindly by the staff, and we saw other children of all ages, so it seems like a decent family spot as well. Prices were also fairly reasonable given the location. We will certainly be back whenever we get the chance.
From the cocktails to the appetizers and the salads to the main dishes, it was a very tasty experience. There were many vegetarian options, and the other veggie girl and I happily shared several dishes. The cucumber salad and spicy noodles were especially memorable. The best part, by far, was the dumplings. Taste and texture were beyond reproach (nothing doughy or greasy here), and I think I could have eaten about three or four dozen of them on my own.
We had the chance to return just a few weeks later for another outstanding meal, and this time we had the baby along. She was treated kindly by the staff, and we saw other children of all ages, so it seems like a decent family spot as well. Prices were also fairly reasonable given the location. We will certainly be back whenever we get the chance.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)