Another day, another laugh...

A Match for Aunt Christy

2012-01-29T18:46:00.000-05:00

Tanner announced during dinner at Chili's tonight (breaking a pensive silence at our table of four):

"You know, if John Arbuckle was real, Aunt Christy could marry him. That would be a good match."

For those who don't immediately recall - John Arbuckle is from the Garfield comics. :)

Last week, he suggested that she should marry Matthew Stafford. (Stafford is his favorite pick as of late for match-making, as he's been floating the same balloon to Ashley too) :)

I asked him why he is always thinking of people for Ashley and Christy to marry but never at match for Uncle Brian? He quickly responded, "Ok - so Uncle Brian should marry Aunt Christy then!".

Ummm...not such a good idea. :) Keep trying buddy...

Winter Break!!!

2012-01-25T00:16:00.000-05:00

First of all - it's winter break which means the boys have a 4 day weekend and play dates with 3 of their favorite sitters - Aunt Christy, Ashley and Sara. I'm getting a little bit of flack that not ALL their favorite sitters have been included in the fun - but there just wasn't any remaining hours to squeeze in a visit from Stacy and Baby Baya :)

Friday right after work, Jim and Tanner head out to the lakeshore to spend the night on the USS Silversides (submarine) for a Cub Scout overnight.

That leaves Alex and I for our much anticipated 'Late Night Date Night' :) Last time there was a scout trip, our late night date night included browsing at Barnes & Nobles and then a late movie. This time, we're hitting the bowling alley!

No idea what will be in store for Sat and Sun...while we will have a few intense days of fun behind us...there will be more still to go! Somehow, I'm sure the hours will be filled up before we know it :)

Sleepover Does Not Equal Slumber Party

2012-01-21T08:38:00.000-05:00

I came home from work last night and the boys friend Stephen was over. I could here them talking downstairs excitedly trying to plan a sleepover. No plans - so that works. At dinner, they started calling it a slumber party - which I corrected stating that for a party they would need more than three kids. So, they called Aidan to spend the night also - so I will now agree that we are having a slumber party. :)

Four 8 year old boys...and it's quiet around here. I think we might be entering those years where parenting boys is much easier than girls :) No shrieking...no tears...just some low key hanging out. Dig it.

Harry Potter Progress

2012-01-13T21:38:00.000-05:00

The boys and I are reading the Harry Potter books out loud together. We read the book, then watch the movie. We are on the 4th book - The Goblet of Fire. Off to a slow start and it's a LONG book (734 pages). I want to cheat and read ahead so I can get to better parts...and then feel guilty if I do that. ARRGHH!

Winter - where are you???

2012-01-11T21:14:00.000-05:00

I have two little men that have not been able to sled, build snowmen nor eat their weekly quota of snow. Alex is not at all happy about this warm weather for sure as winter is his favorite season.

Only the selfless love of a mother can prompt the following plea...

"Winter, where are you? Can you please pound us with snow to make my little guys happy?"

Alex's Spiritual Interests

2012-01-10T19:14:00.000-05:00

My very black-and-white little guy has been spouting off some very interesting comments as of late.

One day last week on the way to school:

Alex: So Max (false name being used for confidentiality purposes) is coaching me about God. I'm a great learner about God.
Mom: Oh really? Well that's nice.
Alex: Yup. I'm going to be an expert about God.
Mom: Well I don't know about that. There is a lot to learn.
Alex: (hyperjumps to talking about his teacher)

The drives to school result in the most interesting conversation with Mr AJ. He takes Adderall every morning and about 45 minutes after he takes it he gets really, really chatty. It's so amusing. We call it 'the chatty hour'. Anyhow, I chalked up the rambling to 'the chatty hour'. Until a few days later, again on the way to school:

Alex: When I die, I will be reborn. I will be an animal. I love animals.
Mom: Reborn? Where did you learn that word?
Alex: Max told me about that. When you die, you are reborn. I guess that must happen in heaven.
Mom: Well, heaven I understand. I think great grandpa is in heaven and I want to go to heaven. But I don't think I will be reborn as an animal in heaven.
Alex: Well, ok but that's not what Max said. But there is a lot of golf there, right?
Mom: In Mom's heaven - not so much golf. In Dads heaven - there will be plenty.
Alex: Then I will play golf. I will just be a person. But there will be animals there.
Mom: Ok - sounds like a plan.

Again, funny little conversation - but par for the course during chatty hour :) Although I'm starting to wonder what Max's religious affiliation might be with the re-birth references.

Tonight at dinner, Alex is looking out the window at the night sky:

Alex: There is George Washington, but I'm not sure where great grandpa is.
Tanner: Yeah, there is George Washington.
Mom: What are you talking about? Are you looking at stars?
Alex: Yeah. When people die they become stars.
Mom: Who told you that? (knowing full well now what the answer will be)
Alex: Max of course.
Mom: Of course. Well, I don't think that people become stars. I think they go to heaven.
Tanner: Well, once again, Max lied to you Alex.
Mom: Not true. Max believes one thing. I believe another. Neither of us are wrong.

Yikes. These are deep conversations for the little guy. I'm sure there is so much more going through his head, but I get only bits and pieces. I need a download feature for his little braincase. :) (maybe a programming feature too or deprogramming in this situation) :)

Daily Report

2011-10-28T22:03:00.000-04:00

As soon as we walk through the door, the boys self-report how their days went. They are just gushing to tell us what they did wrong, which is a little bizarre. I think they just want it off their conscience. Tonight:

Alex: I didn't lose any tokens!!!

Tanner: I lost 3 tickets for being loud. Then, I lost 3 tickets for shaking my butt in the classroom.

Had to smile...I mean...I get the whole Friday butt shaking feeling! Bust a move...feel the joy...time to start the weekend! I'll have to teach him to go to the bathroom for such celebrations I guess :) Impulse control, restraint, appropriateness...all things yet to master my little Travolta :)

Goodbye Bieber Hair, Welcome Back Clean Cut

2011-10-25T19:56:00.000-04:00

Long hair out...short hair back in...thank God :) It was a shaggy few months, but we're back on track ;)

Boys First Sleepover In Progress!

2011-10-21T22:13:00.002-04:00

Ok - so we didn't make it to the game...but we are in the midst of our first sleepover (Aidan is spending the night at our house). Living in toilet seat up hell = a whole heck of a lot of love too...even if we're not at the football game :)

How much do I love them????

2011-10-20T21:01:00.000-04:00

My football fans want to go to an FHC football game. Tomorrow is the last home game. It's been so cold and rainy, so the idea isn't exactly enticing. Certainly cheaper than a Lions game, but brrrrr! If my cold butt is sitting in bleacher tomorrow night watching football...you'll know just how much I love them :)

Calling in Life: Vegetarian Veterinarian

2011-10-15T23:09:00.001-04:00

Alex announced to Ashley today that he doesn't want to eat meat anymore because it's dead animals. Bizarre, but ok, I'll bite. (pardon the pun)

Mom: So I hear you don't want to eat meat anymore...why?
Alex: Because meat is dead animals and I don't want to eat them, I want to heal them.

Wow - rather socially in tune this little man is! Frankly, I thought it was just an excuse not to eat the chicken fingers I made. But, he does have a really big heart when it comes to animals so I'm not sure how to argue this one. For all the times I've dreamed about what Alex might become in his adult life, a vegetarian veterinarian had never crossed my mind :) Hmmm...Michigan State does have a vet school I guess!

Cousins!

2011-10-15T00:52:00.001-04:00

4 little monkeys climbing in a tree :) Leelanau State Park October 2011

A House Divided

2011-10-15T00:25:00.002-04:00

They may be all smiles here, but someone is going to be pretty bummed tomorrow afternoon because not both teams can win :(

Please State win...it would make Mr. Alex's weekend...and Tanner will get over the disappointment more quickly :)

Harry Potter - Love It!

2011-10-09T21:23:00.001-04:00

I started reading the boys the Harry Potter series this summer. They love it...and I might love it even more :) We're only on the second book...which is also cool. It's awesome to know our nightly tradition of snuggling in Mommy's bed with Potter will continue for at least another year I'm guessing!

Tanner remembers every detail and spoils so many surprises with his deductive reasoning. He's very serious about it. He's also going to be Harry Potter for Halloween.

Alex is LISTENING AND COMPREHENDING...so cool! The language and verbiage is a little complex but he's surprisingly keeping up! The first half of the first book he didn't want to listen, so I let him read Garfield in bed next to us. Mr. Multi-tasker got hooked though halfway through however and now listens intently without other distractions.

When we finish the book, we watch the movie. We're all very excited for the next movie. I hear they get a little dark as the series continues, but maybe having read the book already the movies won't seem so scary (at least that is what I am hoping).

So we're reading the series of books passed down from Aunt Jenny/Uncle Ricky, and the fellas are already talking to Emily and Adam (their cousins) about passing them their way next. So fun to pass things like this through the family :)

INTERCEPTION!!!!!!!!

2011-10-06T00:31:00.000-04:00

Proud parenting moment on Sunday. We were all watching the exciting Lions game. Cowboys had the ball so Jim and I scurried to change over laundry. All of the sudden the boys start SCREAMING "Interception! Interception! Interception! Mom...Dad...come quick!"

They love football, watch with enthusiasm, and now make sure we don't miss the big plays. Clearly, we're doing something right on this whole parenting front (well...you might need to ignore data to the contrary contained in my prior post...).

My Little Monkeys

2011-10-06T00:25:00.000-04:00

It's sad...the older they get the fewer milestones there are to celebrate it seems :( This week however, there was a reason to haul out video camera and catch a first! The fellas finally figured out how to climb our maple tree with no assistance.

Well, NO assistance might be a little misleading. Initially, they figured out how to give each other just enough of a boost to make it onto that first branch. 24 hours later, they figured how to climb up completely solo and are literally begging to do so morning, noon and night.

Morning: We had a two hour delay one day this week and they chose to forego riding the bus so they could hang out in the tree.

Noon: It's the first thing they want to do when they get home after school.

Night: Oh my...we have a problem Houston.

A happy little AJ reported to me nonchalantly this morning that he climbed the tree in the middle of the night and watched the cars and counted stars. Jim was convinced it was a dream and that he was just sitting in his window sill watching the stars, which was what Jim witnessed him doing at 6:30am when he checked on him.

Doubting Mom...not so convinced it was that harmless. So, I checked the front door - yep - unlocked and backpacks that should have been sitting in front were moved to the side. Shoes that were in the closet when I went to bed were kicked in the hallway. Oh - and Alex showed me the dirt on his hand from when he jumped down from the tree. Busted. Well, since he so cheerfully self-reported, perhaps 'busted' isn't the right word? Confirmed?

He's so stinkin' cute and naive and infuriating all at once that little guy! Once he hyperfocuses on something, it's all consuming of his thoughts and generally makes him SO happy :) So let's break this down. Watching cars, counting stars...peaceful and quiet and harmless. Climbing a tree with adult supervision using only low, thick branches...great sensory input for the little dude. Leaving the house at night to climb a tree unattended...safety violation buddy!

Had a long chat about that one. He's never tried to leave the house at night, but I know that is a problem for some parents of kids on the autism spectrum. If he does it again, I'm jumping straight to an alarm system. Scares me to death!

And here I thought that sneaking out at night would be a teenage problem! Nope...a 3rd grade monkey is just as sneaky it turns out :)

Major Milestones!

2011-07-07T01:02:00.001-04:00

The first weekend of summer - no more training wheels!
The second week of summer - we learned how to play H-O-R-S-E
The third week of summer - Tanner learns to tie his shoes!
The fourth week of summer - Alex learns to tie his shoes!

And I thought these tasks were going to take us months. What to tackle next? :)

Chivalry is Still Alive

2011-06-05T09:31:00.002-04:00

Tanner and I were playing checkers last night. The checkers game has suggestions for alternate versions that can be played. Tanner was reading through them to find a new twist and settled on one. He started to read the directions, which stated:

Corner Checkers
Place nine checkers of each color on the board as shown. Follow standard checkers rules except for these two exceptions: men may move and jump sideways and a king may only be crowned in the...

Then he said, 'Oh wait Mom. We can't play this game. It's really unfair. Only the men can move their pieces sideways. That wouldn't be fair to you."

Ahh. So sweet that I didn't even bother correcting him and just thanked him for being so thoughtful. Too cute. (I'll re-read the directions with him today and fix the literal interpretation).

So we picked an alternate checkers game and I said, "Ok buddy, you can go first.". To which he responded, "Oh no, Mom. Ladies first...always."

Always an Excuse...

2011-06-01T20:51:00.003-04:00

So this morning Tanner was really struggling to get moving. In his defense, we had a 7:30am dentist appointment so I had to wake him up early.

Whenever it's just the boys and I driving, the radio is typically off and we have little chats. The conversations are hysterical and I wish I recorded each and every one because I'm really going to miss our morning drive-n-chat 10 years from now. Anyhow...

So on the way to the dentist this morning I was telling them that we needed to move a little faster in the morning and follow direction the FIRST time. Tanner responded in a pleading voice, "Mom, you wanted me to do all these things but I was spending all my time just praying to God that he wouldn't make any more mosquitos. I was praying - like - all morning - because my mosquito bit was so itchy!"

Now how do I respond to that excuse?

Field Day and Jaundice

2011-06-01T00:05:00.003-04:00

Nice title, eh? So for Field Day at school each grade wears a designated color. For 2nd grade this year it's orange.

I don't like yellow or orange on the boys. I had a lot of yellow baby clothes and when they were jaundice in NICU the yellow clothes made them look so unhealthy. I've avoided yellow and orange fairly effectively through all these years because I just can't get that NICU picture out of my head. This is going to make dressing for Field Day interesting! Yuck...jaundice looking 2nd graders in the Wooden household tomorrow. Blech.

First Casualty of the Summer...

2011-05-31T23:14:00.003-04:00

So, it's only May and we've lost a pair of flip-flops already (thank you Tanner). We've managed to ruin a swim shirt too (Alex). Oh - and a pair of sunglasses (I have no idea who to blame). Totally ridiculous. At what age do kids learn to be responsible for their own belongings? I'm not the best role model because I misplace things all the time...but was hoping the more sensible genes of their father would show through on this front!

Young Republican

2011-05-31T23:04:00.002-04:00

Tanner had to do a research project on a President of his choice. So, he chose George H.W. Bush. Why I wonder? Wouldn't have been my first choice as a kid, or an adult for that matter. He did the homework with Dad while I was shopping for summer clothes for the growing boys, so I'll have to ask in the morning.

Nonetheless, he picked a Republican so he gets five stars for that. Oh wait - we're in West Michigan - Forest Hills text books likely skip over any references to the Democrats. An appropriate choice might have been rigged :)

Nothing like a West Michigan, conservative, Republican upbringing :)

Let the Camping Season Begin!

2011-05-19T21:59:00.003-04:00

24 hours from now my buddies will be chowing down smores around a campfire and reading Garfield comic books by flashlight in sleeping bags. Sweet.

I'm Finally a Soccer Mom!

2011-05-15T20:54:00.003-04:00

The boys have wanted to play soccer for quite some time. They happily report the results of their friends soccer games after each weekend, and I've always felt conflicted that I haven't let them join a team. I'm really just not sure that they could handle organized team sports. We previously tried basketball and it was really difficult for everyone involved. Individual sports worked well for a while (swimming, gymnastics), but have grown increasingly difficult over time. As the boys get older, the coaches expect more out of them in terms of listening, following direction, independent practice, and more complicated routines/plays. For Alex, nearly all of the above are difficult - any day of the week, any time of day. When he was younger, I would be side-by-side with him in sports classes as his personal coach at the pool, on the basketball court, and on the mats. As he gets older, it's become much more difficult/awkward as the demands of the players are more intense - to the point we had opted out of all sports. For Tanner, he's more manageable but still requires a lot of re-direction. The bigger problem for Tanner is that practices are often in the evenings after his meds are wearing off so he's harder to keep focused and is either really sleepy or really silly.

I heard rumblings through the Special Ed grapevine about something called VIP Soccer. I knew very little, except that it was a soccer team for kids with special needs. I'd been trying to track down contact information for about 6 months and was THRILLED when I finally made contact with the coach this week! She immediately emailed me back saying we were welcome to join in mid-season and that they were welcoming of kids with all levels of ability.

So, at 11am on Saturday we reported to the soccer fields with two very excited little boys. What an incredible program and experience we had! It's a very loose program, which is great for my guys who struggle in the face of too much structure. From 11am - 12pm kids gather at the soccer field where several coaches and older soccer 'buddies' are incredibly welcoming and engaging to whatever kids show up. There were bags of balls and 2 whole fields for the kids to run and play. Parents were all out on the field with their kids...playing goalie, retrieving balls, encouraging kids with physical struggles to make it all the way down the field, and laughing with all kids - whether their own or not. There were kids with varied special needs and it was so nice not to have to worry that the boys weren't doing what they were supposed to. No rules, except to be kind and a good teammate. They bounced back and forth between fields...kicking goals, playing goalie, dribbling the ball down field, making new friends and laughing hysterically much of the time. Alex was affectionately nicknamed 'Giggles' by one of the coaches, which was incredibly appropriate because he must have giggled for 45 minutes straight he was so happy and excited!

I've coached several teams and played team sports (high school, college, intramural, recreation) for nearly 25 years and I have NEVER participated in such an inspiring sporting event. I've never experienced such selfless instructors/buddies and have never felt such an overwhelming sense of pride watching the players on the field (and not only for my kids). I continue to learn more from my own kids and the people who work with them than I'll ever be able to teach in return. I always knew that would be the case in the classroom or therapy environment, but have always considered the field of sports my area of expertise. I stand corrected - in total amazement and with great gratitude for this exceptional program.

I'm finally a soccer mom.

Mother's Day Chat

2011-05-08T22:21:00.002-04:00

Alex has a classmate whose family is adopting 2 children from Ethiopia. The class is collecting new or gently used shoes to donate to the orphanage. So, tonight I pulled out a globe and tried to explain it all. I started by talking about the terms orphan and orphanage...what kids at an orphanage may need....what it means to adopt...where is Ethiopia...etc. I told them about how special it would be for the kids to have shoes to play soccer, run in, etc. Then we bagged up a few gently used pairs from the basement.

Here's the boys reaction...I'm guessing most readers can pick out who is who:

Wooden Boy #1 (while focused mostly on a book he's just grabbed and mildly annoyed with the lecture/conversation) : Do they need a soccer ball? That would be much more cooler than these old shoes. And anyway, all this talk about orphigs is making me hungry for a treat. Can we go to Sundaes At The Cottage for ice cream now?

Sigh. Strike 1 for Mom. No deep conversation or visible understanding of the concept it seems. A little too self-absorbed right now to grasp it I'm afraid.

Wooden Boy #2: Mom, it sounds like they need a family, not shoes. Can we just bring one or two home, please? By the way, do they have food? I think food would be more important than shoes. Do you think they celebrate Mother's Day if they don't have a Mom?

Ahh. Success. This one gets it and mind is moving a mile a minute. So much so that my big hearted little man was still wide awake at 9:45pm in his bed tonight and when I asked him what he was thinking about, he responded "Finding some way to go to Ethiopia and help those kids."

Perfect end to Mother's Day. I'll get through to #1 too...it'll just take another fly-by or two. A crash and burn on the first pass never gets me down :)

Shaggy Boys...Cringing Mom

2011-05-04T21:41:00.003-04:00

The boys have not had a haircut in a over 2 months now. Up until this point, I had their haircut ~every 5 weeks. They have been BEGGING to grow it out the past couple months and since I was taking a trial run at relinquishing a little control I tried to play along. They think longer hair would be really cool. However, I'm absolutely cringing watching their hair touch the top of their ears. I don't think I can take it any more!

So, like any creative and determined Mom, I noodled this evening attempting to find some way of convincing them it was time for a haircut. I called Tanner into my room and started putting little pigtails in his hair and oohing and ahhing about how I can do his hair now. I told he and Alex that it's like having the little girls I always wanted and never had! That did the trick. Neither wants girl hair and both quickly agreed to a haircut tomorrow :)

Manipulation complete...Mom gets her way this time. Not sure that it will be so easy 5 years from now though!

Warning - This Post Contains Romance and Violence

2011-04-27T21:40:00.003-04:00

So the boys were watching a show downstairs this morning while I took a shower. I called them upstairs for meds and Tanner announces in a tattle-tale fashion mixed with a voice of grave concern:

Tanner: "Mom, our show this morning contained both romance and violence."
Mom: "Really? What show were you watching?"
Tanner: "Good Luck Charlie." (he says looking at his feet and shaking his head)

(Note: This show a Disney Channel family sitcom. It's harmless.)

Mom: (perplexed, but in a hurry) "Ok - well next time you should change the show if you see something like that."

30 minutes later we're in the car and I have time to further explore the noted romance and violence issue.

Mom: "So Tanner, what is romance anyway. I've never heard you use that word before."
Tanner: "It's when people kiss. BJ got a girlfriend and they kissed."

(smiling to myself that 1. Tanner knows what that word means and 2. That his morning show was far from the R-rated proclamation I received earlier).

Mom: "I see. So what does violence mean?"
Tanner: "It's when people can't use their words to express their feelings and hurt someone instead. Someone got punched and got a black eye and that was violent."

Score #2 for Tanner. Excellent definition! Once again, Mom is relieved that they hadn't somehow stumbled on a 7:30am showing of Rambo or the Sopranos :) But man, that Disney sure needs to clean up their act, eh :)

I Love October

2011-04-26T00:02:00.013-04:00

Random...I know...just going through pics and found some great ones in October.

Art Prize unforgettable moments...Alex pondering, Tanner sleeping

Fall harvest...last from garden...and stuck in apple crate jail :)

Tree monkeys...

Romeo

2011-04-25T20:47:00.002-04:00

Tanner yelled across the pool on Sunday, "Mom, I just saw the prettiest girl in the whole world. I think I'm in love!"

Then he swims over with a big grin on his face and says again, "Seriously Mom, I think I'm in love."

Good grief. Not exactly sure how to tackle the whole 'love' vs 'lust' conversation with my 8 year old brainiac...dictionary maybe? :)

He Cracks Me Up...

2011-04-17T19:15:00.003-04:00

Alex's new favorite saying is...

"If I had a nickel for every time you told me "

It's so stinkin' funny because he says it at the most appropriate times! He was doing his last homework page tonight and I said,

"Ok Alex, you need to do neat handwriting. I want to see your personal best!"

He promptly stated in his sweet sing-song voice, "If I had a nickel for every time someone told me to do good handwriting!". Sorry buddy...at least the expectation is consistent!

Tricky, Tricky...

2011-04-17T11:35:00.004-04:00

The boys (particularly Alex)

1. Do not like to mix foods

2. Are aversive to strong flavors

3. Despise sauces of any kind

We've worked really hard over the years to push the limits on these fronts, but with very little luck. These kids will eat almost anything - so long that it is raw, unspiced and unsauced. They will eat every vegetable and fruit imaginable (brussel sprouts are a recent favorite). Plain pasta - no butter no sauce - love it! Plain cereal - fine. They are big time milk drinkers. It's basically a relatively healthy diet. You just can't mix liquids and solids or there is a complete uprising.

Then, there are the visual issues. No grill marks. No crunchy parts. No browning from sauteeing. All food must look to be in its usual, natural form or (Alex in particular) will pick away all imperfections before eating.

So, I've been thinking long and hard on ways to circumvent the aversions. I'm rather proud of myself for this tricky move! Last night we took them to Mongolian Grill for dinner. Here was my thought process:

1. They get to choose their favorite meat, veggies and fruit from a buffet and fill a bowl.

2. They get to choose a sauce. Must have one...but they get to choose at least.

3. They get to choose their spices (I let Alex off the hook on this one though).

4. They get to watch the cooks grilling their chosen foods with tool tossing antics and all (very entertaining).

5. They get their choice of plain, totally harmless tortilla or rice to go with their creation.

The moment of truth was when we sat down with the very dark/grilled food, flavorfully sauced, all mixed together. There was lots of reminders from Mom that "You picked this food! It was all your favorites! Don't you think it will be great? Those cooks were AWESOME!". Magic. They ate it. A few faces, a little rummaging around the brownest pieces, never more than one type of food on Alex's fork and lots of drinks to wash it down, but they ate it! Total success. Repeat visits are in order. I consider it sensory therapy...perhaps the restaurant bill should thus qualify as a medical expense? There were a couple self-medicating beers on the tab for Jim and I in the event of complete failure. It all sounds FSA eligible, right? :)

Skater Dudes!

2011-04-16T14:48:00.003-04:00

Birthday presents from Grandma & Grandpa = SKATEBOARDS!! It's raining today, but the skater dudes are practicing their new craft in the garage and thinking they are pretty freakin' cool. Anyone care to place a bet regarding who has the first broken bone? My money would be on Tanner...Alex has incredibly good balance (as was witnessed with Lake Michigan surfing last summer in North Muskegon).

We Love Board Games!

2011-04-14T21:37:00.005-04:00

We play some type of board game or card game nearly every night. Tanner usually initiates it, and becomes pretty upset if bedtime comes and we haven't gotten a game in yet. While we have a large collection to choose from, the current favs are Apples to Apples, Sorry Sliders and 'Smath.

'Smath is Scrabble...but all numbers/symbols that you use to make equations rather than letters/words. For my number lovers, it rocks! Tanner announced tonight that it was the best game ever. Yes, only my kids would think that creating formulas was recreation at 8pm. :)

You See...I See

2011-04-03T19:02:00.035-04:00

You see a little guy playing with Legos...

I see an intent face...eyebrows furled...tongue hanging out...a little guy concentrating so hard to coordinate all these fine motor movements. Alex just in the past 6 mos started having the attention span, hand strength and dexterity to play independently & at length with Legos. Simple milestone for some...incredible sense of pride and accomplishment here!

You see two happy, silly brothers...

I see two tired, frustrated parents because these yahoos wouldn't pose nicely for a Christmas Card picture!!! 41 shots later, I found one where they looked reasonably angelic :)

You see 2 skinny, rib-popping Wooden boys...

I see progress! Fall physical reports Tanner at 44th percentile BMI and Alex at 27th percentile...both up from less than 5th percentile in their first year of life! Hooray for force feeding and overcoming sensory aversions :)

You see a proud Alex having a sucker on top of his fantastic pillow pit that he and Tanner built one winter evening (includes every pillow and blanket from our entire house...including all beds). I love Alex's sign). He likes to X out things that he doesn't like or are not true. In this case, the pit was complete so he wrote Coming Soon and crossed it out. Silly kid.

I see Tanner sleeping deep inside the same pillow pit under Alex. All that sensory input relaxes him right to sleep :) Jim carried him to bed that night...sound asleep.

The 'You See...I See' Series

2011-04-02T21:47:00.002-04:00

It's picture time. So much text lately...too few pictures. I finally broke down and bought Adobe Photoshop so posts over the next week will be in picture...random shots taken over the past year or two. The post will be titled 'You See...I See' and it will grow as the week goes on so scroll down when you check back in. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but I'll try to share my insight in substantially less...at least for next week. :)

The Great Car Hunt

2011-04-02T21:22:00.003-04:00

Alex absolutely ADORED his first grade teacher, Mrs. Grendel (or phonetically in Alex voice "Mrs. Gwendale"). Somewhere toward mid- November we started to hear less and less about Holly, in fact I sadly hadn't heard her name in a couple months...until today...

We're walking through the Costco parking lot and Alex randomly announces excitedly, "I finally found it Mom! I finally found it! I finally found Mrs. Gwendale's car!"

Hmm...yeah...this was going to be another head scratcher...one of those random remarks with no context until I start prying:

Mom: Alex, where is Mrs. Grendel?

Alex: It's Mrs. Gwendale's CAR!

Mom: Where?

Alex: It's right there!

(I finally get him to point to some sort of white empty mid-size car.)

Mom: Why do you think that is Mrs. Grendel's car buddy?

Alex: Because it has an 'S' on it. I've been looking all over for that!

Ahhh yes. Mrs. Grendel is a BIG Michigan State fan. Alex proudly proclaims to be a State fan also after 1st grade indoctrination from his favorite teacher. I'm sure that Holly is the only State fan in West Michigan to show her school pride on her car, so clearly Alex must be right and this big mystery of his is certainly solved! ;) What a relief!

Now...I just wonder if she really has an 'S' on her car and Alex somehow knows that...or if simply all things State link back to Mrs. Grendel? I'll never be able to get a clear answer from Alex...I'll have to ask her next time we run into her :)

Canned Response

2011-03-30T19:05:00.002-04:00

Strangers often ask the boys (usually after noting these are chatty little guys) - "Are you twins?" Tanner's canned response very matter-of-fact is always, "Yes. I'm taller but he's older by one minute." Phew...age vs. height allows us to keep the score tied! So glad Dr B didn't pull Tanner out first or Alex's ego would be so bruised to be both younger and shorter! :)

What was cool in the 80s...should stay in the 80s

2011-03-29T21:56:00.006-04:00

Tanner is pretty proud lately of his breakdancing skills. Yes - I said breakdancing. He's thrashing around on the floor...spinning...sporting a full-blown centipede move. With a snazzy Kidz Bops Dance CD in the background he's thinking he's pretty hot stuff!

He busted out with an appropriately stated "Gag me with a spoon" a few nights ago and I absolutely lost it! Love the use of an unprompted idiom I guess...but seriously?

Listen fellow parents (or teachers?) - the 80s were generally speaking a once in a lifetime decade that need not be lived again through our children. Don't you think? :) 80s rock is the clear exception to this rule, of course!

Yet someone out there is leaking snip-its from the 80s vault to their kids...then on to my kids...and I'm not sure if I should laugh or be embarrassed at the memory of it all or cry? Given the blog title...laugh it will be I guess :)

I'm half expecting an excited request from Tanner for parachute pants or a mullet by the weekend at this rate. What else should I be bracing myself for from a 7 year old boy who seems to be time-warping back to the days of legwarmers and friendship pins and AquaNet by the gallon? I remember much of the girly stuff, but boy stuff I'm at a loss on.

See-wee-ous-wee

2011-03-28T19:01:00.003-04:00

"See - wee - ous -wee" in Alex speak equals "seriously". It's a favorite word as of late, used appropriately and in a very serious tone of voice. Yet, when he says it, I can't help but to smile. :) Poor guy - his adjective has the exact opposite impact of it's meaning so I try really hard not let him catch my grin. I could probably coax out a more appropriate 'ly' ending...but that middle 'r' sound I'm afraid is doomed for a while. It's one of those things I'll probably never be able to catch on video...but it's at least permanently recorded in the blog :)

Hello Fractions!

2011-03-26T18:48:00.002-04:00

Alex is clearly thinking in fractions lately. Tanner said something about being 7 3/4 years old. Alex quickly corrected him stating he is 7 11/12 years old. (Just wait...I bet he'll move to fractions by /365 very soon as the countdown to their birthday is on!)

At dinner, as he squirmed and complained, he gave blow-by-blow progress in eating his salmon patty by fractions ("I think I've eaten one quarter. Moments later..."If I eat this bite and this bite it will be one third" And so on throughout the painful process).

So my numbers boy has found a fresh look at his world through fractions. Cute.

Mom Can Do No Wrong

2011-03-24T19:49:00.003-04:00

Same car ride home tonight...Tanner now randomly responds to Alex's walk down memory lane.

Tanner: Well, Alex, I remember a time when I was 5 years old and I fell out of a golf cart and hit my head!

Mom: Do you remember who was driving that golf cart?

Tanner: DADDY!

I start laughing hysterically. Jim has taken them golfing many times since they were about 4 years old I think. Each time Jim took them I would threaten Jim within an inch of his life that if he ever let one of them fall out of the cart. But here's the funny part - I've gone only twice - and the second time it was ME who dumped Tanner out of the cart when making a sharp turn to pick up a ball! Of course, Mom can do no wrong though :)

Dad: That is so not true. It was your Mom!

Tanner: Silly Daddy. It was you. I totally remember it. Mom didn't do that.

Mom: (laughing hysterically)

Dad: Amy - tell the truth - you need to set the record straight.

Mom: I have no idea what you mean. (still laughing...now with tears)

Tanner: Yeah - Dad. Mom didn't do that.

Dad: Amy - set the record straight or you can walk home.

Tanner: Mom isn't walking home Dad and you did it!

Then I fessed up. And the whole thing instantly became a non-issue because...Mom can do no wrong :) The joys of motherhood!

Random Remarks

2011-03-24T19:45:00.003-04:00

Oh if I could get in that little boys head! So, we're driving home from dinner at Uccello's tonight and Alex announces, "Tanner, remember that time when I told you that I drank a cows pee?".

I spin around thinking WHAT THE...????

Fortunately, Jim was there to translate. He had a field trip at school to a dairy farm and he had a squirt of milk from a cow's udder...and Jim was a chaperone :) Mystery solved...this time. But seriously - if I had a transcript of Alex's day, there would be numerous such random remarks that are so bizarre when made without context. I can tell you this...his little brain moves nonstop...24/7...and we hear only a fraction of what he thinks.

As for Tanner, not much left to the imagination with Mr. Articulate I'm afraid :)

Surround Sound

2011-03-21T23:37:00.002-04:00

Each night between 11:45pm and 12:15am, you can get a chuckle out of dualing sleep talkers in the Wooden household. Both boys talk in their sleep on and off throughout the night, but religiously, they both get really chatty about this time. They put forth a strong #3 voice and let you know just what they are thinking about. Most commonly, Tanner is have a very rationale conversation with someone about something while Alex's comments are usually a little more energized. Tonight I've already heard 'Oh drat' and 'C'mon Mom'. Wonder what he's thinking about? :)

Sometimes...if I'm getting tired ~11:30pm I'll stay up just a little longer to listen to the fireworks. If you sit on the stairs, it's like surround sound with Tanner's babbling coming from below and Alex's from above.

Why am I typing this? I should get out a video camera for audio!!!

Off the Reading List

2011-03-21T19:41:00.002-04:00

Alex called his gym teacher a jerk today - repeatedly. Completely appalled, I asked him where he learned that word. His response, "It's from Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Gregory says it to Roderick". And here I expected he learned it from a friend or from TV. But no - he learned it from a book.

So - the entire Diary of a Wimpy Kid series is now banned in the Wooden house. I have some not-so-happy campers.

P.S. - They couldn't have gym today as usually scheduled because the 3rd graders were practicing for their musical. If you're wondering what set him off...it was a schedule change...of course :( Nonetheless, the dude is wii-less, DS-less, computer-less, treat-less, nightime reading-less, morning bus privilege-less until Thursday...assuming he makes better choices Tues/Wed. It's so not fair that consequences for kids have to bring dread upon the parents as well!!!!

My Trooper (and no - not the dog)

2011-03-19T09:15:00.006-04:00

Alex is the BEST kid ever when he is sick. He'll lie low and look awful, but insist that he is 'just fine'. Since this post is about Alex, I won't detail Tanner's other extreme in dealing with sickness...but let's just say that Alex has favored son status hands down in this arena :)

If Alex announces that he is sick...actually admits it...something is really wrong. If he cries, I'm ready to drop everything and run him to the doctor or hospital because it's SO out of character.

Last night he left the dinner table supposedly to go to the bathroom, but Jim found him in our bed. Not a good sign, but again, Alex won't ever admit if he's sick. There is a carnival at his school today, so he repeatedly stated last night totally unprompted, "I'm fine to go the carnival". Total denial. When it was time to take a bubble bath (which he LOVES), Jim found him curled up with a blanket on the hard wood floors in his bedroom. Again - not a good sign.

At midnight he was bawling and grabbing my neck for dear life. Every time he swallowed his body literally shook and he was burning up with a fever. And he admitted he was sick. Crap. That meant it was bad. Tested positive for strep this AM at urgent care within 30 seconds, and probably had it for days. His tonsils look so bad they wrote 3 prescriptions including prednisone. If only he would tell me when he was sick! What family member does he get all this denial from? Grandpa Jim maybe?

Of course I hate it when he's sick, but I love our little tradition of eating the blues away. If he's up in the middle of the night not feeling well, we find something really special to eat together at the kitchen island. One Thanksgiving, he and I polished off left over pumpkin pie at 4am and he talked about it for weeks. Last night, we tore into donuts I'd bought for Saturday AM. He choked down only about 1/4 of one doughnut. Broke my heart. This is one sick little boy. The only thing that's going to help this little guy feel better is snuggle time with Mom and his blankie. However...I think a mid-morning doughnut will make ME feel better...so off I go :)

Checkers

2011-02-11T01:02:00.002-05:00

Played my first full game of checkers tonight with Tanner, and then a full game against Alex. It was so fun to see their little minds working so fast. I beat them both...but give it a few more rounds...I'm going to be in trouble I have a feeling. Tanner is especially good.

At 35, I've never played chess. I have a feeling I'm going to have to learn that next and be ready not to rule the board potentially :)

"Mom, we've learned our lesson!"

2011-02-10T00:34:00.002-05:00

Yes...this is the desperate rationalization being provided by Tanner. The inseparable buddies want to share a bedroom again. Totally unprompted, they recall why they were split up and promised they have learned their lesson (they kept waking each other up early/staying up late!)

It wasn't just the sleeping issues...the two just lacked any sense of personal space. They shared all their clothes, dresser drawers, toothbrushes if I didn't hawk them - even now they don't blink at the idea of crossing streams in the bathroom! You'd think they'd like to have a little personal space or individual identify for heavens sake!

To cave or not to cave...that is the question...and Jim's opinions are not welcome on this topic...only family/friends! Daddy likes his sleep too much to for unbiased decision making :)

Football Fans

2011-02-06T19:42:00.002-05:00

So we just left Uccello's Sports Bar & Grill where we enjoyed a pre-Super Bowl lunch with the Trents. I married a man that I loved dearly - but had absolutely no love of sports - let alone a slight inclination toward being jock when I met him. I always imagined I'd marry someone with my competitive drive and love of /participation in sports...but I guess it was that whole 'opposites attract' thing in motion when we met.

Now, our offspring I'm proud to say share Mom's love of sports. I'm not sure if they'll have athletic talent (might inherit Dad's side of the gene pool in that regard), but they at least LOVE sports! They have favorite teams and favorite players. They recognize most sports jerseys when out in public and are none to shy about approaching a fellow sports fan with a high five.

Case in point - Alex gave multiple random and excited high fives to a woman wearing a Spartan sweatshirt today at Uccello's (she was such an enthusiastic fellow fan and seemed to get a kick out of Alex's fascination with their newly found common love). When the cheese-heads starting pouring into Uccello's, there were plenty of cheers from Mr. AJ as well!

The funniest moment however was as we were leaving. Passing the large oval/island bar, there was a man sitting by himself with a navy football jersey labeled 'Brady'. Alex runs up asking, "Are you Tom Brady from the Patriots?". Without even waiting for the man to respond, Alex shouts "Mom- it's Tom Brady!". Jim was bringing up the tail with a smile on his face, and Mr. Brady responds to Jim, "Well, I wish I was Tom Brady!".

So, Mr. Chatty (that would be Alex) chats all the way out to the car about all the sports fans at Uccello's that were his friends and how exciting it was to meet Tom Brady. There was nothing I could say to convince him otherwise.

Now - if I only I could bring him out of his shell and make him comfortable talking to strangers. He doesn't take after me at all on that front :)

Oh AJ...

2011-02-05T18:01:00.002-05:00

So the Wooden boys (including the 34 year old Wooden boy) have all been fighting a nasty cold for 10 days or so. Thankfully, they all feel better but still sound awful!! Somehow, I managed to escape this one it seems (famous last words?).

Mr. AJ is the best sick kiddo (or adult) ever. He rarely complains. He'll look miserable and sound miserable, but generally lays low and quiet (complete opposite of Tanner...but we'll save that for another post). The poor guy has had probably had 15 or so ear infections in his life, usually after a long cold so I'm always on the look-out for the tell-tale ear pulling.

The tugs started on Thursday at dinner. Upon noticing, the conversation went something like this:

Mom: Alex, you are pulling on your ear. Does it hurt?
Alex: No Mom, it's just fine.

Most parents would stop here, but if you know Alex, you'll understand sometimes his responses are really meant to allow him to disengage from conversation and go back to his own little world. So, I rarely take his first answers as final. I waited 60 seconds:

Mom: Alex - which ear hurts?
Alex: This one (tugging at the same ear)!
Mom: I thought you said it didn't hurt?
Alex: It doesn't.

I could tell this was going to be one of those Alex conversations where we go round and round and get nowhere. So, I repeated the same course of questoining above 2 more times with time in between with the same contradictory answers.

This morning, Alex was tugging on the same ear again.

Mom: Alex - do your ears hurt?
Alex: No Mom, they are just fine.
Mom: But which one hurts?
Alex: This one (tugging on the same ear).

So now after 48 hours of the same back and forth, I took him to the doctor today to have them checked.

Nurse: Alex, what's wrong today?
Alex: Nothing. There is nothing wrong with my ears.
Nurse: (looking at me like I'm a crazy overprotective mom) So, what makes you think he might have an ear infection?
Mom: He keeps pulling on it, has a history of them, and sometimes struggles to communicate clearly.

Now, "clearly" is an understatement! The kid is worse than a politician talking out both sides of his mouth!!!

Thankfully, the doctor comes in and before she even looks at his ears says, 'I'm glad you came. That's what we are here for. It's very common for kids on the spectrum not to be able to clearly communicate how they are feeling.' She gets it.

So - no ear infection. But a very nice doctor at least made sure I wasn't going to feel like a fool. As for AJ...what can I say...he's just so sweet and innocent I can't really get frustrated. I just shake my head and smile :)

Maybe not so alike...

2011-02-03T07:52:00.003-05:00

Reactions to the second snow day this week (meaning the kiddos have gone to school only 1 out of the last 8 days due to other planned days off school and a sick day).

Mom: What do we think guys? Another snow day!
Monster #1: (with fist up on in the air) Woo hooooo!
Monster #2: Mom, it's a blizzard day. It's not a snow day. And they better let me go to school this weekend instead.
Monster #1: (silence...just a looking at me frightfully for a response confirming he wouldn't be required to go to school on the weekend).
Mom: No way dude. No school on the weekend.
Monster #1: (with fist up in the air again) YYEEEESSSSSSS!
Monster #2: Then somebody better let me see my friends. And if I have another blizzard day tomorrow I'm going to be SO mad! This is so not fair!

I'm sure you can guess who is who...if you know these boys well at all :)

And So It Begins...

2011-02-01T21:49:00.003-05:00

(Tanner and I are laying on his bed on our tummies...looking at his yearbook from last year...he's giving me the run down of which class all the kids ended up in this year)

Tanner: So this is my friend Logan. He is Luke's BFF.
Mom: What does BFF mean?
Tanner: It's like...best friends forever...you know.
Mom: Ok - got it.
Tanner: And this is (blank). She is evil.
Mom: Why is she evil?
Tanner: Well, that's what her brother says anyway. I don't really know why.
Mom: Well, sometimes brothers and sisters don't get along. It doesn't mean she is evil.
Tanner: Mom - let's not fight about it, ok? It's just what we like to call her.
Mom: Ok - got it.
Tanner: And this is XXX. She is totally cute.
Mom: (quizical look...thinking to myself...did I just hear that right?)
Tanner: And this is...
Mom: Hold up. Back up to XXX. You think she is cute?
Tanner: Well Mom, did you look at her?
Mom: (smiling)
Tanner: Isn't she totally cute?
Mom: I guess so. Why do you think she is cute?
Tanner: Did you see her big eyes?
Mom: Yes, she does have very pretty eyes. Why else do you think she is cute?
Tanner: I like her kind of hair.
Mom: And what kind of hair is that?
Tanner: You know...like light color. Doesn't she just look happy?
Mom: Yes, she looks happy.
Tanner: She's just little and adorable. Ok - now - this is Max...
(several minutes later as I get up to leave)
Tanner: Thanks for snuggling with me Mom. I love you.
Mom: I love you too buddy.

And so...I think I just had my first conversation with my little dude about a girl. "Totally cute"...to use his words :) For now, I'm happy to remain his #1 girl...but clearly he has a wandering eye now. It's only a matter of time .

There's Nothing Better...

2011-01-28T17:02:00.002-05:00

I just extracted myself from a snuggle nap with the dudes. We all piled in Mom's bed on Friday afternoon to read books and all nodded off...covered in favorite blankies. I woke up to sweaty and not-so-little snugglebugs snoozing on each side of me. Perfect start to the weekend. :)

I feel so bad for all the parent out there that have kids that gave up naps at a young age. My nearly-approaching-eight year olds still love the afternoon zzzzzzs. And me too!

Every January

2011-01-26T23:27:00.004-05:00

Alex came running off the bus last week announcing excitedly, "Ashley, I met Dr. Martin Luther King!". Ashley is such a good sport. She stands among the other parents trying to figure out how to contain Alex's excitement. When he makes it off the bus she asks him to explain, and he points to his substitute bus driver (African American) and announced, "Look - right there - our substitute bus driver is Dr. Martin Luther King!".

Thumbs up to Pine Ridge Elementary for the history lesson! Now, it's my turn to get into Alex's head and more appropriately generalize what he has learned (something that many kids on the autism spectrum struggle with). So...I've had my annual diversity training this week from my children who eagerly embrace the story of Dr. King each January. I've done my best to generalize it to the world we live in today. BUT...a new twist from Tanner offered very matter-of-factly, "Well Mom, since you are a girl, you know you should probably be pretty thankful for Susan B Anthony, because without her you wouldn't be able to drive a car."

What the...? Where did that one come from? Crap. MLK Day lessons I totally get and can keep up with, but I don't know a thing about Susan B Anthony. Yes - gasp, shake your head, be appalled and dumbfounded. Listen - I hate history. I got a D in History in 4th grade and it soured me for life. I just tune it all out. Anyone who knows me well knows that I don't like things I'm not good at (hello - golf!). I'd better leave this blog post and start surfing the web for a Susan B Anthony bio. I might hate history...but I hate being outsmarted by a 2nd grader even more!

Hello Blogging World!

2011-01-26T23:21:00.002-05:00

It's been such a long time and I've missed you! Nearly every week something hysterical happens that I think to myself (or sometimes say to Jim) - "I HAVE to put this one out on the blog!". Frankly, it's just plain embarrassing to make this first post after nearly a year hiatus. Yikes! I think the whole idea of posting pictures with every post had me a little hesitant to start up again...but to heck with it...I'll just post without pictures mostly. I just need some way of capturing/documenting all the little morsels of humor these buddies infuse into our everyday life.

And so...on to Volume 2 of 'Another Day, Another Laugh...'

At Home Workout

2010-02-21T08:04:00.007-05:00

Gym fees required to stay in shape? Nope! Case in point.

50lb bench press

100lb bench press

I'll do my part if need be and offer the next weight increment :)

Snow Day - Perfect Timing!

2010-02-10T11:57:00.008-05:00

We had a whole lot of Valentines to address...so today's snow day couldn't have come at a better time! Wolverine Valentines from Tanner...Spiderman Valentines from Alex. So funny how the characters change over the years. Their first year of preschool it was Winnie the Pooh and Mickey Mouse. Thomas the Train and Bob the Builder one year. I suppose that superheroes are the last in the progression of cartoon characters before becoming big(ger) boys...sigh.

TV Trash Talk

2010-01-19T23:34:00.002-05:00

Alex said several times to Jim and I this weekend 'Take a hike'. It's so funny coming from Alex, and he's using the phrase rather appropriately...but of course completely oblivious to the fact it's rude. He says it so happily/matter-of-factly...almost a replacement for a sweet 'I can do it all by myself'.

Gonna have to break him of this one. One guess where he picked up this phrase. Yep...TV...Pokemon to be exact.

A Surprise for the Dudes!

2010-01-18T22:44:00.002-05:00

Can't wait for the perfect moment to tell the fellas that Aunt Jenny is going to be watching them this summer! They are going to be SO excited :) I'm so fortunate to have siblings that have been such a big part of my kiddos lives (and mine). Let's see here...Christy had the monsters for 2 summers...Brian for 1 summer...me for 1 summer...now Jenny for 1 summer...chasing these wild thangs in the summer months has truly been a family affair!

Mark the calendar - for the first time in my life, I might be wishing for more siblings! I'm thinking Jenny probably won't keep the role until they are 16...and what exactly am I going to do when my siblings are all grown up? I'ts been so cool...for Jim and I...for the boys...and hopefully even for the aunts/uncle to get to learn more about what makes these fellas tick :)

Here's a freaky trivia fact...when Jim and I started dating, Jenny was the age the boys are now!

Anyhow...the countdown to summer can now officially begin...I think it will be an AWESOME one!

I Thought This Only Happened with Newborns?

2010-01-17T23:17:00.002-05:00

Alex has been sick and has his days/nights reversed. He slept today from 3:30-10:00. And now, he wants to stay up and play! Let's see how well nighttime cough/cold medicine works :) If not, I may succumb to nagging desire to institute the electronic babysitters (i.e. DS, Tivo) while I doze on and off?

Alex being sick is sad...but more so the fact that Tanner missed him all afternoon...and Alex now wants Tanner to wake up for a bath and pizza and mean ole mom said no way :(

The Girls I Always Wanted

2010-01-16T18:23:00.008-05:00

Beauty shop time!! They boys decide to get into moms rollers/clips! Oh, if Uncle Brian were here this would NOT be acceptable play :) Jim is however in the kitchen baking bread, and with all masculinity stripped while he bakes...he doesn't dare scold me or the fellas :) (By the way...his bread rocks so I'm not knocking his passion for the kitchen!)

When it's all said and done, Alex announces completely unprompted "It's too hard being a girl. You have to do your own ponytails!" Smart little man...and he doesn't even know the half of it :)

Ok...so cute little girls would not be bashing my ponytails and laughingly calling me an ostrich...

No doubt about it...they are all boy...but I love them dearly!

Geeked Out on Science & Star Wars

2010-01-03T20:20:00.010-05:00

Happy boys! Sunday evening fun with Daddy included lessons on static electricity via a balloon rubbing on the head...followed by target practice at the balloons stuck on the ceiling using Star Wars nerf guns. And to top it all off, the kids are in sound asleep in bed but where's Jim? Watching Star Wars: The Clone Wars (yes, the cartoon!) on TV.

Man, the testosterone & geek levels are high in this house tonight. Help! (Actually, it's incredibly cute...all 3 of them.)

In an effort to wash away all things boy and introduce some estrogen balance into this household, it's now time for chick TV (Desperate Housewives, Brothers & Sisters) and painting my toenails. :)

Now THIS is the way to build a snowman!

2009-12-13T15:14:00.004-05:00

45 degrees today...snow is melting and PERFECT for packing. The boys tried to build a snowman with Ashley (babysitter) earlier this week during the snow days, but it just wasn't good packing snow and it was FREEZING! Happy Alex...success at last :)

Just like Santa and Cookies...

2009-12-10T22:27:00.004-05:00

So, you leave cookies for Santa and he comes and leaves presents. You put a tooth under your pillow and the Tooth Fairy comes and leaves money.

Anyone know what it takes to get a snow day? Alex and Tanner have it down to a science. We've had snow days 3 of the last 5 schools days. We're shooting for 4 for 6 tomorrow, and here's the boys secret formula to ensure no school:

1. Sleep with a spoon under your pillow.
2. Put ice cubes in the toilet.
3. Throw a few ice cubes out a window.

Where do they come up with this stuff? Probably school. They are serious as a heart attack in their preparations. It's hysterical. :)

Oh no they didn't...

2009-12-05T09:35:00.004-05:00

Oh yes they did! Pine Ridge Elementary School gym teacher is doing a dance section and my kids came home loving The Macarena!!!! Seriously, I thought I left that dance on spring break in South Padre Island in 1996! Something about my 6 year olds slapping their butts and shaking down in unison is highly disturbing :)

THEN...Tanner says, 'Mom, watch this one now!'. Now I'm embarrassed because I don't know what this dance is called...but I recognize it. Something about 'right foot right stomp, left foot left stomp....now cha-cha now y'all'. The "cha-cha now y'all"...again freaks me out when 6 year old yahoos are doing it!

THEN...Tanner says to Alex, "I know, we can make up a dance together and I'll sing!". Alex says excitedly, "OK Tan-uh!". Tanner doesn't skip a beat and starts singing plain as day, "I'm a Barbie girl in a Barbie world. Made of plastic. It's fantastic. You can brush my hair...". (to which the boys are doing karate move dancing).

Any slight bit of entertainment value the preceding portions of this impromptu dance show had are now completely gone. Who the heck teaches the Barbie song to a 6 year old boy to sing/repeat? So I ask Tanner, expecting the same gym teacher that resurrected The Macarena to be the culprit. Tanner says, "Elvis taught it to us on the playground". Big sigh. Crap they're getting old, and I'm feeling older.

Perhaps I'll request a repeat performance and post video so you can appreciate it all first hand. Second time around should be more enjoyable for me too (shock value gone).

Sleepy

2009-11-29T20:05:00.002-05:00

Ahhh...at 6 years old the boys are still so snugly and warm, especially Alex. He asks to snuggle every night and I love it (I'm also acutely aware this likely won't last many more years)!

Jim (AKA Mr. Muscles) just extracted a sleeping Alex from our nighttime snuggle on the over sized chair/ottoman in the living room and carried him to bed. For the last several weeks, he's often fallen asleep upright on me to help with his nighttime coughing. Tonight, we had all the lights out, both of us in PJs, looking at the newly decorated house and Christmas tree! Just magical. I love Christmas lights!

Now, it's only 8pm and I need to try to wake up! Warm, snugly Alex can put me right to sleep...perhaps Bailey's and coffee to the rescue?

Got Hot Chocolate? (Tanner does!)

2009-11-27T12:07:00.004-05:00

We saw our first snow this AM...so with that out comes the hot chocolate! The first sign of winter (bittersweet) :)

Football Sundays

2009-11-15T13:44:00.002-05:00

Giggling our way through the afternoon...maybe they'll be tuckered out enough for a nap?

Doubtful. :)

What the @#$%*!?

2009-07-07T21:14:00.005-04:00

Tanner (matter-of-factly): "Mom...Dad...I need a card."
Jim (puzzled): "What kind of card?"
Tanner (casually serious): "You know, a credit card or a debit card."

Jim and I look at each other like...you've got to be kidding me.

Jim: "No way dude, not until your 21."
Tanner: "Ok." (pause) "I want to drive" (said giggling with his hands at 10 and 2 on an imaginary steering wheel)
Jim: "Not till your 16 buddy"
Tanner: "Ok. I want to cook."
Jim: "A couple years"

Tanner accepted the response and went on his merry way. What the heck? I don't think he's going to drop it there. That little dude is cooking up some sort of plan in his head. Either he's planning to wear us down or take matters into his own hands. Warning-warning-warning! Put a lock down on all wallets, car keys and kitchens :)

Magic Tree House Books

2009-06-14T15:58:00.005-04:00

Oh boy...summer reading options are off and running! Trips to the library are now every 3 days. They are reading before they go to bed at night...first thing when they wake up...any time they are bored...BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS! Reminds me of Greg and I growing up. We went camping this weekend and I read them Magic Tree House Book #1 by the campfire one morning. They've decided they want to read one each day of summer break. It's a chapter book series with something like 50 books, so off we go!

It's so funny to see/listen to them read. The teachers are always quick to point out that they read 'with comprehension'. I guess some kids just read but don't follow the story? Their recent IEP had the typical array of people...current teachers/therapists who are trying to relay all the boys ins and outs to the new set of teachers/therapists for the next school year. The reading subject is always funny to watch them hammer out. It usually goes something like this... the current teacher will state Alex/Tanner can read...new teacher sort of dismisses it. Current teacher repeats - 'No, they can read CHAPTER books.'. New staff look up slightly. Current teacher says - 'They read CHAPTER books WITH comprehension'. Then they all set down their pens and talk about it. Something about the 'comprehension' seems to be the kicker. \

Anyhow...so in Magic Tree House #1 we found a few new and interesting words. Medallion was one. Impossible was another (for which they dreamed up all sorts of things that are impossible). Fern was another. They didn't know what a fern was or looked like. So, we went on a hike in the woods in north Muskegon...and found TONS of ferns.

So, this pic represents not only our camping trip this weekend, but also our new book series!

Magic Tree House books #2 is about knights, #3 is about mummies and #4 is about pirates. Should be fun!

Gymanstics Year End Show

2009-06-14T15:22:00.011-04:00

Let me start by saying...help parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles...anyone! How the heck do you take decent pictures in gynasium lighting??? I must figure this out ASAP.

But, as with all firsts, this event must be documented despite the lacking picture quality - so here's a few shots from the boys first gynastics show! They have a 1 hour class called 'Boys Will Be Boys' every Thursday 9AM. They've been going for a little over a year and love it. And...let me just say the teachers are true saints for even hosting such a class...knowing full well what kind of kids are going to enroll! :)

Here's the rowdy bunch lined up waiting for their turn to perform. With something like 15-20 gynastics classes to take the stage, the wait was long and they were all cracked up!

Of course, my guys are the only ones who take the extra time to start performing unapproved stunts while waiting in line :) I think the kid next to them is sure these two are in trouble!

This next pic is their first gymnastics move - leapfrog! Yeah...that's pretty tame for my monkeys but they are happy as can be to start the routine. (oh yes..."routine"...used in a sports/performance sense...yet oh so soothing to little AJ who love to perform it on demand...the set order is music to his ears!). But beware - he will ask you to join!

Next comes the somersaults. They look so easy. Until Alex asks YOU to join the routine. When's the last time you did a somersault? I'm honestly scared to do one with him (sad that I have to admit that). I told Jim I think I'll try practicing outside going down hill. The livingroom floor is hard, flat and frightenting!

Now the bridge. Look at those super bendy boys!

Now the kart-wheels (yes, that's what that is supposed to be). Tanner's working on this still (as are most of the boys in the class). Wish I could have got a pic of Alex...he's actually really good at them!

And after a few more little stunts, the grand finale pyramid where the Wooden boys serve at the base.

Then they are presented their Gold Medal and Certificate of Excellence...and we're off for ice cream to celebrate! Nice work fellas!

Who Am I?

2009-05-13T17:56:00.004-04:00

I am a happy boy, obviously. I'm a Wooden boy, obviously. I have great eyelashes which my mom is jealous of, obviously.

Now, if you don't know exactly who I am, perhaps these little clues will help now, and in the future:

1. I have a scar over my right eye going right through my eyebrow. I hit my head on the slide at the park when I was 2 years old and got stitches at the ER.

2. I have dimples when I smile. The dimple on the right side of my face is much more prominent. My brother does not have any dimples.

3. The enamel on my teeth is shot due to prematurity. My left front tooth is chipped right in half, but the dentist said the prematurity shouldn't affect my adult teeth though!

4. I have a thin scar line across my chin where I fell into the fireplace at our old house when I was less than a year old.

5. My right eye is a little lazy when I'm sleepy or late in the day (drifts toward the center). Mom thinks if I try to drink or do worse as a teenager the lazy eye will be a dead give away that I've been getting into trouble.

Who Am I?

A Conversation with Trooper

2009-05-13T17:45:00.003-04:00

I've NEVER seen Alex talk to Trooper. Laugh at him - yes. Terrorize him - yes. Play golf with him - yes. Have a conversation? Nope.

Jim and I were tickled this weekend when we watched Alex crouch down next to Trooper and tell him all about how he hit his head on the table and got a bump on his head. He just went on and on...heck...long enough for me to grab a camera! If you know Alex, you know that conversations are a bit short and fleeting. Except this one. Trooper just looked at him and listened patiently. Then, Alex leaned over and said 'Trooper, will you lick it so it will feel better?'.

WHAT!!! Back up the wagon here. I was done being impressed with this interaction. No requests for kisses from MOM? Man, my ratings are slumping big time it seems!

36 Hours...

2009-05-12T22:29:00.000-04:00

and I'm still Elasti-Girl. Oh how I miss being Mom.

24 Hours and Counting...

2009-05-11T21:58:00.002-04:00

The boys are fascinated with 'The Incredibles'. Tanner chose the movie for the drive to Grandma's on Saturday. Alex chose the same for a Sunday night movie. Now, we've been living in character for 24 hours.

Mom = Elasti-Girl
Dad = Mr. Incredible
Tanner = Baby Incredible
Alex = Dash (and boy is he having fun remaining in character - running every where!)

Alex will not respond to anything but Dash and won't call anyone by their real names. Poor Staci came in this morning unknowingly being called 'Violet' and was thoroughly confused. Brian - you are Syndrome. For all of you who have no idea what I'm talking about - watch the movie :)

This morning, he crawled in bed with me and whispered groggily 'Good morning Elasti-Girl'. Can't wait to see if mommy's little AJ is still in his imaginary world tomorrow AM!

And as for Mr. Incredible, it's his dreams coming true to have kids that love superheros! My little Jimmie's...

Green Eggs and Ham

2009-04-26T21:35:00.005-04:00

Alex is still in love with Dr. Seuss...still...after all these years. I started reading these books to him in NICU, and apparently created a life-long fan. Green Eggs and Ham is the latest obsession (it seems to rotate).

So, tonight we made green eggs and ham for dinner which was a huge hit (and I failed to take pictures...sorry!). He was shocked to discover it tasted just like yellow eggs and pink ham :)

He got a Green Eggs and Ham animated video for his birthday from Aidan which I'm embarrassed to admit I've let him watch far too many times.

He chose a 4-in-1 Green Eggs and Ham puzzle at Barnes & Noble with a birthday gift card from Aunt Heather and Uncle Jack. It also in includes themed activity ideas for Mom (should I choose to perpetuate the fascination).

He from time to time will recite the book or movie while he's playing or eating.

What's even funnier is when he finds an appropriate moment in the day to insert a line from the book. For example, I'll say "Alex, would you please get into the car". And he'll comply while retorting "Would you could you in the car, eat them eat them here they are!".

But alas...with the same gift card from Aunt Heather and Uncle Jack, he picked out a new Dr. Seuss book on CD - Fox in Socks. I couldn't be happier as I hate reading that book out loud. It's a terrible tongue twister!

Cya Sam. I think you're about to be bounced out of the rotation. :)

P.S. My Seuss lover LOVED celebrating Dr. Seuss' birthday at school in March. He got to make a Cat in the Hat hat and wore his construction paper masterpiece proudly!

Dad! Mom's Right!

2009-04-26T20:38:00.005-04:00

I think it was the bad weather...but can't say for sure. However, Jim and I couldn't see eye to eye on anything yesterday. Let me be clear - we weren't fighting. But we just couldn't agree on anything either.

Silly stuff...I thawed pork chops for dinner...Jim didn't want them. I think BMWs are pretentious...Jim thinks they're not. Jim thinks 30 minutes is long enough in Barnes & Noble, I say let's just stay until the dudes are ready to go. Just stupid stuff like that ALL DAY LONG.

But here's the silver lining...whenever Tanner heard us disagreeing...he'd pipe in with a solid, "D-a-a-a-a-d, Mom's right". The little cutie took my side every time...further agitating Jim.

I figure it's just the tables turning after hearing over 2 years of Brian siding with Jim (most of the time). My turn for a little back-up (probably not as articulate...but also not someone you can really argue with!). Thanks little Tanner Bananer! I love you more and more every day :)

Back to the Doctor - 2nd Day in a Row

2009-04-23T19:55:00.002-04:00

Yep...another call. This one from Staci (our sitter) from Gymanstics. Tanner is screaming in the background. This time he dislocated his elbow :( It's the first time since he got the cast off in November, but still disappointing. I was hoping to never hear that cry again.

Back to the same doctor's office. Same nurse (who thinks Tanners is just so stinkin' cute). Doctor asks "What happened?". Tanner says angrily in tears 'Can't you see, I dislocated my elbow again!". Silly doctor!

And oh the drama. As we're waiting for the doctor to come in, Tanner blubbers/whines:

'I can only stand. I can't sit because it hurts my arm'
'I think I'm going to have to stand for 59 years!'
'And you're going to have to do everything for me. I won't be able to sleep. I won't be able to eat. I won't be able to do anything!'
'I never dislocated my elbow when I was 6 years old, only 5 years old and 4 years old and 3 years old and 2 years old and 1 years old!'
'I'm never going to have a birthday again because that will mean that my elbow will be dislocated'

It was so pitiful I had to laugh and comfort him at the same time. Poor little dude. Tough week. I wonder what tomorrow will bring...maybe a day of peace?

Proud Parent

2009-04-22T22:31:00.005-04:00

We received our first call today from the secretary at school. I answered the cell phone, not recognizing the phone number, and you might imagine my terror when the caller says 'Hello, this is Ellen from Meadow Brook Elementary'.

My mind immediately raced to - Tanner dislocated his elbow. Or, Alex was in the Principal's office for bolting across the street. Or Alex had a seizure. Or either had knocked out a tooth on the playground. Completely terrifying thoughts race through a parents head.

So, Ellen goes on to say that Tanner got a pencil eraser stuck up his nose and they couldn't see it/get it out. I laughed out loud. Perhaps not an appropriate response? But seriously, an eraser stuck up his nose!

I was en route to GR from South Haven, so I called Jim to take care of it (he was closer to the school than I). I was riding with Kim Trent, who independently comes to the same conclusion as I - these boys are certainly Daddy's little guys!

I may not have raised Jimbo, but I've heard enough stories and can draw enough reasonably accurate conclusions to know that this little stunt was likely right up his alley as a child. Tanner reports matter-of-factly to the pediatrician (with Daddy in tow) that he thought it would be funny. The doctor suggested maybe it wasn't a good idea, and Tanner reluctantly concurred.

So, for those of you wondering how to fix such an ailment - here's the scoop. Hold one nostril closed and blow in your childs mouth strongly (as if doing CPR). The lodged object will launch from the clear nostril.

So, crisis averted. Jim handles the Tan-man's predicament...further evidence that the apple likely didn't fall far from the tree. :)

Totally Newsworthy

2009-04-15T22:54:00.002-04:00

Alex came to me in the kitchen tonite and for the first time ever and completely unprompted asked sweetly if he could please take out the trash. Melted my heart - I smiled and said of course - and thank you! I'm just completely shocked...and will savor the moment as I'm guessing I'll be the one begging in years to come.

Then, when Tanner saw Alex taking out the trash, he pleaded to do the same! So, I sent Tanner out with a bag of recycling.

They were so proud of themselves! Too cute.

"Mom! We look like twins!"

2009-02-08T20:24:00.002-05:00

No, really? They shout and I always get a chuckle.

The past week, they've been announcing it when they wear the same clothes. Actually, the same PJs. It's this cool new game to wear matching PJs. It only took them a few years to figure how fun that could be I guess :)

I've never pushed or even suggested matching clothes. In fact, I won't even buy them identical clothes (always coordinating - same shirt, different color).

PJs on the other hand...there are only some many choices out there. Since comfort certainly outweighs looks when it comes to good pjs, I buy 2 if I find good ones.

Oh...I guess there is another exception to my 'no matching' rule. Coats, shoes and backpacks must be identical. I just don't have the patience on the way out the door for the brawls over one vs. another. In fact, though they had matching coats this winter one was labeled 'Alex' and one 'Tanner' for school purposes. They were fighting over which named coat they got to wear, so we wrote boldly 'Wooden' over the first names to make that fights go away.

Anyhow...yes fellas...you look like twins when - and only when - you wear your matching pjs :)

Bedtime Piano

2009-02-08T20:08:00.008-05:00

We just found clip-on lights for the boys beds...and Alex is happy as can be playing his little piano book in bed. He plays away (having memorized nearly the whole book of songs) while Tanner reads out loud next to him. Not exactly quiet up there...but calming for each in their own way.

The Potty Dance

2009-02-02T22:54:00.002-05:00

No, I'm not referring to the traditional shuffle and leg crossing you expect from a kindergartener. I'm talking about MY potty dance...which is performed while waiting outside the mens restroom...waiting for 2 little 5 years olds to emerge from their duties. MY nervous shuffle knowing that the curious little dudes are in there all alone - because they refuse to go in "womans" because they are "mens".

I can hear them...I can imagine the trouble they are getting into...but I can't control it! Perhaps it's God testing me...I can't control all aspects of my life...I know...they are my daily reminder!!!

Tonight at the library a 50 year old professionally dressed gentleman stepped out briskly, steps ahead of the little dudes. Alex says 'I'm following this man!' and starts chasing after him. I quickly grab his hood (thank God for hoods!) and keep him back. So I begin to wonder and groan...why so fascinated with this man? (Which prompts me to find a book about strangers...we'll see if the Berenstein Bears can get through on that front). I have this terrible suspicion that they probably peeked at him under the stall door and chased him away from his private time.

Why oh why? Why boys? Why curious boys? Why fearless and social boys? Why 2 of them? Help me Lord...or help all those looking for some peace in quiet in a public restroom when the Wooden boys stop in for a visit.

And on a sweeter note...

2009-02-02T07:48:00.003-05:00

Alex is upstairs sitting on the kitchen floor with his guitar in hand (neck to the right) strumming away and belting out 'Sweet Caroline' by Neil Diamond. Perhaps Neil can retire soon and his young protege can keep his tunes alive :)

Throw Down Time!

2009-02-02T07:33:00.003-05:00

When I find the movie or CD or video game or TV show that has corrupted my sweet little kid I'm going to destroy it! Tanner's new response to adult direction is a forlorn 'Whatever'. He's compliant - but he's throwing a 'Whatever' at me and he's only 5!!! Time to wipe that word from the vocabularly!

"Isn't He Talkative!"

2009-01-29T08:09:00.003-05:00

Every time I hear it I beam. Words you thought you'd never hear.

Most recently it was the hair stylist cutting Tanner's hair last night. They covered names, ages, city/state where you live, a recap of the days field trip to the Planetarium, the fact that Mommy "wants me to stay little forever, but I just can't stop growing!', on and on and on. The whole salon was laughing (especially about Mommy's wish) and mesmerized by the conversation (still working on that inside voice).

Every where we go (i.e. Home Depot, D&W, restaurant, gym) he looks for the persons name tag, than proceeds with 'Hi Dave, I'm Tanner. Did you know...'. People in this world are kind to kids, no matter how mean we can be to each other as adults. I don't think he's ever been snubbed. There is usually a bit of shock by being called by name, and then complete engagement in conversation. I think it's safe to say that stranger anxiety is a non-issue.

I thought I better start talking to him about strangers...and did. So then he announces to the nurse at the doctors office (of course calling her by name after reading a name tag). "You are stranger and you are an adult and that means you could hurt me. Do you know any kids I can talk too? Kids aren't strangers." And then the nurse smiles/chuckles, the cast removal goes on hiatus (tools set down...she's just captivated by the chatty kid).

And to think they never thought he would talk...the power of early intervention (and HUNDREDS of hours of therapy).

Wanted: Full-Time Referee

2008-11-30T11:16:00.005-05:00

Immediate opening for an experienced, assertive referee. Requires basic knowledge of the rules of play including sharing, "using your words", turn-taking, and "using your inside voice". Must be able to lift 50 lbs for the occasional removal of child from incoming tackle. Careful discernment needed to know what play and yelling is all in good fun...what tackles and chases are actually wanted...versus those that are tormenting the other (there tends to be a fine line). Finger whistle is helpful and an ability to deal with the players with a firm voice as needed. Ideal candidate will also have the ability to pour on the sympathy & cuddles, and to rationalize with the irrational child. Wages negotiable as your skills are priceless and most sought after as the current referee is exhausted after the long holiday weekend.

Baking with Brian

2008-11-05T08:14:00.004-05:00

Hmmm...banana muffins...Uncle Brian rocks!

The boys love to cook and were learning in school how to follow a recipe. Alex has taken special interest in cooking, which is awesome. Hmmm...a son who is a chef...I could live with that! If you aren't watching him like a hawk, he'll wander to the kitchen in the AM, climb on the counter and grab a skillet, climb in the fridge and grab the eggs, crack all of them perfectly in the pan, climb on the counter to get a stirring spoon...and that's where by story stops. I haven't caught him any further than that yet. He's fast though...let me tell ya!

A Cast For Tanner

2008-11-02T21:23:00.004-05:00

No surgery...they are going to try casting Tanner's arm for 3 weeks to help the ligament heal/tighten. It's casted from his armpit thru his palm. I'm so happy there are no cuts/pokes/hospitals involved! Tanner got to pick the color of his cast - and had the nurse and I nervous when his little pointer finger was hovering around the hot pink swatch! He settled on red pretty quickly. We joked that he was being wrapped up like a mummy, which was fitting since it was Halloween AM. He was concerned, but calm while they put it on. He broke down crying off and on Friday, sad that he couldn't make his arm straight or climb, but was fine the rest of the weekend.

Alex has been hysterically funny about it though. He keeps saying to Tanner 'Tannuh, let's cwack it!'. He tries to 'cwack' it by knocking on it with his fist, swinging Tanner's limp arm into walls, etc. I'm not worried about Tanner, but I'm worried about my house!

The cast is waterproof...he can even swim in it! How cool is that? Maybe that option has been around a long time...I guess I haven't seen anyone in a cast in a decade or more. I'm not sure if he'll be able to do swim lessons though? I think we'll give it a try. Gymnastics probably not happening though.

No one has signed the cast yet...and Tanner's not very fond of the idea. My guess is that he comes home from school tomorrow with it signed however. Peer pressure...nothing like it!

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-01T07:36:00.017-04:00

It's all about speed this year for my little monsters - dressed up as an astronaut (Tanner) and a race car driver (Alex). Since there was no school on Halloween, the school Halloween party was Thursday. Halloween Day was the longest day ever with no school...just waiting to go trick-or-treating! They had so much fun, but were truly scared of some of the older kids costumes I think (and my legs have the claw marks from Alex to prove it!).

Tanner really wanted to be a skeleton or something scary...which I exercised my parental right to refuse. Growing up we never wore scary costumes and I don't think they need to at 5 years old. However, I'm thinking Alex could have made a pretty cute Incredible Hulk based on his impersonation below! Next year - superheros?

I think they learn it at school

2008-10-25T11:04:00.004-04:00

Just this weekend I'm getting the 'Ewww...yucky girls' type vibe from my little men. They were looking through a toy catalog and shouting 'Ewww...that's girl stuff...we don't want to look at GIRL toys!'. Then -- watching Saturday morning cartoons I'm hearing similar shouts of disgust. So it's official...girls are yucky...at least for the next 6-8 years I guess.

I'm sure kisses from mom are the next to hit the list of uncool.

Return to Devos Children's Hospital

2008-10-22T23:16:00.003-04:00

Tanman is being seen by an experienced Pediatric Orthopedist at DeVos Childrens Hospital on 10/31. He hasn't been a patient there since leaving NICU...I guess it's a homecoming of sorts! I'm not looking forward to this. They said to plan 2 hours for the appointment so I'm guessing they need some pictures.

Burger King and Sesame Seeds

2008-10-22T23:13:00.002-04:00

Seriously - is there a kid alive that likes sesame seeds on their hamburger? Why does Burger King torture us so? After once again picking off all the sesame seeds on Alex's cheeseburger I'm pledging life-long loyalty to the golden arches!

Mommy's Bed & Coca Cola

2008-10-19T20:59:00.003-04:00

Two of the best things in life...reserved only for weekends. The little dudes fell asleep in Mommy's bed for the 3rd night in a row to wind down the weekend...one on each side of me. I just can't say no to Alex's innocent inquiry - 'I want to nuggle in Mommy's bed!'. So we all 3 hop in my bed and Jim tucks us all in. I'm just not sure how much longer Jim's back can handle taking the sleeping, limp 45 lb sacks of boy back to their beds. We did at least disassemble the bunk beds...so more need to 'heave-ho' Alex to the top bunk!

The Elbow...Again

2008-10-15T20:34:00.003-04:00

Tanner dislocated his elbow again today. This is the 6th time he has done it, and the 2nd time in the past 6 weeks. Last time, the doctor said 'One more time and we send him over to the pediatric orthopedic surgeon'. Apparently, there is a ligament that they can surgically tighten to keep him from popping it out. The culprit this time? His friend sitting on the bus behind him gave his arm a tug. Apparently this happened at the beginning of the 45 minute bus ride...the remainder of which Tanner was completely hysterical and in pain.

Poor little buddy.

Tanner Bananer

2008-10-13T21:44:00.002-04:00

So what's new with Tanman? Well, his love of the lastest nickname is adorable...he specifically asks me to call him Tanner Bananer :) I stole that nickname from his 4 year old friend Jacob...who I think was trying to tease him. You'll have to give it another shot Jake - Tanner likes this one!

Tanner's latest...let's see:

1. Newly found fear of medicine or being sick...because he doesn't want to go to the doctor and get shots (just had our 5 year old physical last week). Pretty normal...but Alex keeps terrorizing him by wanting to play doctor...such a mean big brother!

2. Newly discovered love of Golden Grahams cereal and ate 1/2 box over the weekend.

3. Growing like a weed...he's sending me to the poor house after buying new clothes and shoes! Check-up puts him at 90th percentile for height, 45th for weight, 20th for BMI. Not sure where these long and lanky genes come from...

4. Continues to evolve into quite the shopper. Drug me around town to 5 different Halloween stores before finally settling on a costume. Begged to be a skeleton...but I made it clear I don't like scary costumes and he offered to wait until he is 7 years old. Deal.

5. Bookworm.

6. Tanner is being mainstreamed into a general education classroom for certain parts of his school day. Yay!

Alex in September

2008-09-29T20:45:00.003-04:00

It's been a while since I've posted...so I'll give each little guy his own post and bring everyone up to speed on the latest and greatest!

After missing his first day of school due to a cold, Alex settled in a week later into the new routine. A new school, a new teacher, some new/some old classmates, new routines...for a little guy who isn't so fond of 'new', he settled in after only a few days (and some tears). He originally said that he didn't like his teacher, he didn't like his school, he didn't like his friends, he didn't like Tanner in his class, etc. Now, he's back to being his happy little self and loves it all. Well, almost all. He doesn't like Tanner in his class. They were separated last year, and put together again this year. It's funny how Alex is such a different, very chatty, little guy when Tanner isn't there dominating the conversation...and even funnier that he can now tell us that he wants Tanner in a different class. I can't say I'm surprised ;)

I sought out an occupational therapy eval for Alex beginning in June, with the intention that therapy (if needed) would go through summer. After 2 months of appealing through insurance, the eval and subsequent therapy has been approved. Hooray! The eval uncovered, as I suspected, significant upper body weakness and fine motor concerns. It amazes me how therapists (any of them...physical, speech, psychiatric, etc) can pinpoint areas of strength and areas of concern so methodically. What I knew as a mom about Alex was that he wasn't holding crayons, scissors, forks, zippers, etc well. He couldn't open his locker at school. Random things that most people wouldn't notice. His gross motor skills and constant activity level sort of overshadowed these other concerns at first glance.

Well, it was that wierd sense of relief you get as a mom leaving a doctors office. No one wants to be the overprotective hypochondriac type mom. So, you take your kid to the doctor concerned that he has an ear infection, and in a sick way you are somewhat relieved when the doctor confirms he has an ear infection. You take a kid to the doctor thinking he might need stitches...and are relieved to know that Dr. Mom diagnosed correctly when the resounding 'Yes' comes back from the doctor/nurse who see the little guy. I remember leaving the neurologists office when the boys were diagnosed with autism and having an odd sense of relief. Mystery solved...it's not all in my head. Ok...so now I've gone on and on about this...I'm the only mom in the world that has such a sick sense of relief...and I've documented it for posterity to look back on and frown. Nice Amy.

Anyhow, Alex has been referred for OT services twice weekly at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital at least through Xmas. The clinicians consider the weakness to be secondary to prematurity which is the stance taken to win the insurance fight. They did a lot of tests...most of which Alex thought were fun (much better than speech evaluations...more active). He had to squeeze some sort of hand calipers which measured his strength. A child his age should squeeze/exert 22-28 lbs of pressure. Alex can squeeze 6 lbs in one hand and 10 in the other hand. A child his age should be able to do a wheelbarrow walk across the length of a gym mat and back. Alex can do about 3 'steps' with his arms and then crumples. He should be able to roll a marble from his palm to his fingertip using only one hand. He can not.

So, we've got a new set of 'homework'. Luckily, Alex likes his OT homework. He loves Mary Free Bed - we've gone there for a few years for speech so he's very comfortable there which is nice. We just tell him he's going to speech...does it really matter what they are working on? Same parking ramp, same elevator, same check-in desk, same treatment area...just a different therapist.

As for life outside of school and such, Mommy's little AJ is adorable as always. 'Beautiful' is the adjective of the week. "Oh mommy, deese stwawbehwies are beautiful" "Mommy, wook at my beautiful hair!". Swimming is the favorite activity...which we're managing to do about 3 times per week. Little fish...quite the swimmer. Reminds me of my brother as a kid...I can hardly keep him above water. Favorite song - 'Free Fallin'...which is stinkin' cute when he belts it out in concert with the iPod. Favorite food - pop - does that count as a food? Favorite might be a bit of an understatement...it's a bit of an obsession...if he see someone drinking one he has to run up close enough to see what kind. "Coca Cowa" elicits the most excited response. Good news is that most obsessions are fleeting...like the fire alarms which are a thing of the distant (though not quite forgotten by mom) past. Favorite book - any that he can read. Favorite game - Scrabble Jr. Favorite parent - Mommy's boy this month. Favorite show - Imagination Movers. Favorite pasttime - blanket fights with Tanner and playing with balloons.

Consider yourself updated on the life of my little Alex Jett!

Are you a pirate?

2008-08-28T01:37:00.002-04:00

So little AJ (this nickname is getting some traction with Mom) walks up to a man wearing an eye patch at the library and asks, "Are you a pirate?". The man responds a bit gruffly "No - I have brain cancer.". Embarrassing and funny all at the same time. Alex is unphased by the response of course and goes on his merry way singing to himself per usual. Jim only got the funny emotion out of the story...he literally ran to to kitchen to lose it laughing when I told him tonight.

Mommy's little AJ - I love that little dude.

One Man Band

2008-08-23T19:10:00.008-04:00

Yes - that's 4 instruments (recorder, xylophone, shaker and tamborine) being play simultaneously while listening to the Ralph's World CD. Serious amount of focus and concentration let me tell you!

Time for me to run...short post. Jimbo has the little fellas golfing out back...and I hear thunder. Hello!!! Metal golf clubs flying high with a storm blowing in...what is it with Dads? At least Alex has an umbrella...hardly comforting!

Geography Whiz?

2008-08-17T10:21:00.005-04:00

Add geography to Tanner's growing list of advanced interests. I've become somewhat accustomed to the fact that he reads EVERYTHING, and rather quickly/fluently. I'm not so sure how easily I'm going to get used the fact that he's trying to master geography now. It started with a US map where he memorized where all the states were. So, I got him a puzzle that includes capitols and cute picture references to something about each state (i.e. corn in Iowa, saxophone in Louisiana, alligator in FL, etc). Loads of fun.

Now, with the Olympics in full swing, he was curious about all the countries. So, we went to the toy store and bought him a globe. Who takes their 5 year old to the toy store and comes out with a globe? His favorite countries to proudly show off are China (of course, since this is where the Olympics are), Mexico (he wants to go on vacation there like mom and dad did after their wedding) and Niger. Niger...I know...why Niger?

Hello!!!??!! It rhymes with Tiger, didn't you know?

Berries

2008-08-17T10:14:00.003-04:00

Berries...they love them...any color, any shape, any size. We went to the Farmers Market yesterday AM and included in our haul were blueberries and blackberries. Let's just say they've had more than few this AM...some straight from the fridge...some in pancakes. Tongues are a dark blue (the picture doesn't do it justice)...and the boys think this is so cool!