Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Sorrowful News
As I previously mentioned, the VW flunked its smog test. We just found out that in order to pass the smog test, the VW needs a new engine. Sadly, a new engine is worth more than the actual car itself, which means the VW will soon be leaving our family, either for the junkyard or someone dumb enough to buy a car that needs a new engine. As Mike said, we can still drive it, it just pollutes. Sigh. We will be a one car family again. On the bright side, we will no longer have to pay for insurance, but I will miss our little green car, and so will Jens, who mournfully said this morning "Green car is broken." RIP.
June 27th
Hi Everyone!
Aside from Paris Hilton getting out of jail, not much is going on this week. Jens and I have done the usual--park, zoo, story time, etc.
One exciting thing (for Jens) was that we went to the doctor's office to have his itchy head examined. It his been itchy for a month, and we tried Head and Shoulders for a couple of weeks to no avail, so finally we went in. The dr. thinks it is eczema (sp?) and gave us a prescription, so hopefully it will work and Jens won't look like he has fleas all the time! It was exciting for Jens because 1. the office has a train on a suspended track which circles the lobby and goes through all the exam rooms. He was very excited about it. 2. There is an airplane that flaps its wings over the big kid scales, which Jens got to use for the first time. He has been talking about Dr. Hepworth for the past two days. I guess it is nice for him to think of the doctor's office as a positive experience.
It is interesting to see how much Jens notices and pays attention to. We have to cross the American River to go to church and the doctor's office, and when we went to the dr. he started talking about nursery and church as soon as he saw we were crossing the bridge. Monday night after the dr. we went for a family walk with Jens riding his bike, and we went down and crossed the river on the foot bridge. Right away he started talking about church and Dr. Hepworth. It is fun to see his mind working.
Another exciting thing for Jens--he had his first ice cream cone, also Monday night. We got soft serve and got him a little cone, then Mike and I took big bites off the top, so basically he just got what was in the cone, but he was in heaven. By the time we got home he'd eaten all the way down to the paper wrapper and, in fact, part of the wrapper itself.
About his biking--he is getting to be quite the pro! I keep thinking we need to record him because he is figuring out how to coast, which for me is quite alarming, but for him is quite exhilarating. He loves it if there is a little down hill, lifts his little legs up and goes for it, laughing wildly. I am afraid he is a bit of a daredevil, and I fear for his future safety.
Jens has been making rollers and trucks as well as butterflies with Legos lately--they are made to a very specific pattern, which is fun. He has a little imagination. Yesterday he found a rock outside and insisted that it is a cookie. When I ask him what kind, he says rock. I haven't ever made rock cookies, but whatever. He is continuing with that pretense today and wanted to take his "cookie" to nap with him, but I decided that was unwise as he might actually try to eat it.
Thankfully we are enjoying better behavior at our house. His chair hasn't been parked in the time out hall for a few days, although I guess he was in time out last night for spitting (I wasn't here! I had an evening out!). He seems to find spitting just hilarious. It is very gross, especially when he thinks about it during dinner.
Last night I went to a baby shower for a woman in our old ward who adopted a baby from Russia! They are such a neat family and will be so wonderful for this little girl. The process took over a year, but they finally have their little girl at home. Of course, she got chicken pox the day after they got home, so she couldn't come to the shower, but Jennifer brought a nice movie with video and pictures from the adoption trip. it was fun to see friends and acquaintances from the old ward, and afterwards I went to Natalie's house and sat quietly on the couch with no one crawling on me. It is nice to go out sometimes.
We have decided to leave for Utah this Friday (surprise, Betty!) instead of Saturday, so this week will be lots of laundry and packing. We aren't sure which car we will drive as the VW just went to the shop after FLUNKING the smog test (boo), and it still needs new tires, but the cruise control on the Camry is broken, which isn't fun for a 12 hour drive, plus it isn't as easy to pack . . . We are excited to get together with family and friends, and I am happy about getting a haircut at last.
My last happy news is that I got some new sandals! Yay sandals! And some new pants and capris! Yay new clothes! Isn't it silly that things like that can make me so cheerful?
Have a happy week everyone, and sorry about sending that previous blank e-mail. Technology is just too responsive sometimes (it does exactly what you tell it even when you don't mean it).
Love,
Alison
Aside from Paris Hilton getting out of jail, not much is going on this week. Jens and I have done the usual--park, zoo, story time, etc.
One exciting thing (for Jens) was that we went to the doctor's office to have his itchy head examined. It his been itchy for a month, and we tried Head and Shoulders for a couple of weeks to no avail, so finally we went in. The dr. thinks it is eczema (sp?) and gave us a prescription, so hopefully it will work and Jens won't look like he has fleas all the time! It was exciting for Jens because 1. the office has a train on a suspended track which circles the lobby and goes through all the exam rooms. He was very excited about it. 2. There is an airplane that flaps its wings over the big kid scales, which Jens got to use for the first time. He has been talking about Dr. Hepworth for the past two days. I guess it is nice for him to think of the doctor's office as a positive experience.
It is interesting to see how much Jens notices and pays attention to. We have to cross the American River to go to church and the doctor's office, and when we went to the dr. he started talking about nursery and church as soon as he saw we were crossing the bridge. Monday night after the dr. we went for a family walk with Jens riding his bike, and we went down and crossed the river on the foot bridge. Right away he started talking about church and Dr. Hepworth. It is fun to see his mind working.
Another exciting thing for Jens--he had his first ice cream cone, also Monday night. We got soft serve and got him a little cone, then Mike and I took big bites off the top, so basically he just got what was in the cone, but he was in heaven. By the time we got home he'd eaten all the way down to the paper wrapper and, in fact, part of the wrapper itself.
About his biking--he is getting to be quite the pro! I keep thinking we need to record him because he is figuring out how to coast, which for me is quite alarming, but for him is quite exhilarating. He loves it if there is a little down hill, lifts his little legs up and goes for it, laughing wildly. I am afraid he is a bit of a daredevil, and I fear for his future safety.
Jens has been making rollers and trucks as well as butterflies with Legos lately--they are made to a very specific pattern, which is fun. He has a little imagination. Yesterday he found a rock outside and insisted that it is a cookie. When I ask him what kind, he says rock. I haven't ever made rock cookies, but whatever. He is continuing with that pretense today and wanted to take his "cookie" to nap with him, but I decided that was unwise as he might actually try to eat it.
Thankfully we are enjoying better behavior at our house. His chair hasn't been parked in the time out hall for a few days, although I guess he was in time out last night for spitting (I wasn't here! I had an evening out!). He seems to find spitting just hilarious. It is very gross, especially when he thinks about it during dinner.
Last night I went to a baby shower for a woman in our old ward who adopted a baby from Russia! They are such a neat family and will be so wonderful for this little girl. The process took over a year, but they finally have their little girl at home. Of course, she got chicken pox the day after they got home, so she couldn't come to the shower, but Jennifer brought a nice movie with video and pictures from the adoption trip. it was fun to see friends and acquaintances from the old ward, and afterwards I went to Natalie's house and sat quietly on the couch with no one crawling on me. It is nice to go out sometimes.
We have decided to leave for Utah this Friday (surprise, Betty!) instead of Saturday, so this week will be lots of laundry and packing. We aren't sure which car we will drive as the VW just went to the shop after FLUNKING the smog test (boo), and it still needs new tires, but the cruise control on the Camry is broken, which isn't fun for a 12 hour drive, plus it isn't as easy to pack . . . We are excited to get together with family and friends, and I am happy about getting a haircut at last.
My last happy news is that I got some new sandals! Yay sandals! And some new pants and capris! Yay new clothes! Isn't it silly that things like that can make me so cheerful?
Have a happy week everyone, and sorry about sending that previous blank e-mail. Technology is just too responsive sometimes (it does exactly what you tell it even when you don't mean it).
Love,
Alison
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
June 20th
Hi Everyone.
We are in the midst of summer here, and enjoying it mostly, although we have already hit the 100 degree mark!
The past week has been a little rough--It took Jens several days to adjust to being home. Wednesday was not great, so Thursday I decided to stay home and do nothing, which was wise. Jens was cranky and broke every rule he could think of. He spent a lot of time in time out. Friday Jens played with Harrison and Mike was able to come home early from work, which was nice. We spent the evening playing and we went and got Jens a little pool for the patio. He doesn't like getting in it unless Mike or I get in, too, unfortunately.
Saturday Jens and I went to the Farmer's Market, which is at its height right now. There are cherries (my favorite) and corn, peaches, and apricots are starting. I got all sorts of delicious things. We went to the park and enjoyed a beautiful day--a break from the heat!
Sunday was remarkable because, aside from being Father's Day, Jens made it through ALL of sacrament meeting without having to go out once. That is two Sundays in a row! We managed to get to church early enough that we got a pew, which makes a big difference. Our primary class was totally out of control, apparently the result of us being gone for two weeks. Too bad we will be gone for two more weeks in July and two more in August!!
Tuesday we met Harrison and his mom at Livermoore park, a really fun park that has a waterfall and stream for kids to play in. We stayed for a couple of hours and the kids had a blast. Today, story time and swimming at Natalie's, hurray!
Jens continues to be very challenging as far as discipline and eating are concerned. Last night he actually ate some quiche with spinach in it. Unheard of! Sigh. Parenting is hard work. He is also currently obsessed with Legos. He wants Mike to build tunnels and "temples" non-stop. Funny.
Hope you are all having a happy week--sorry this e-mail is a little dull, but at least I wrote, unlike ALL of the rest of you!!
Love,
Alison
PS--Jens's foot is much better. I can actually look at it now without feeling sick!
We are in the midst of summer here, and enjoying it mostly, although we have already hit the 100 degree mark!
The past week has been a little rough--It took Jens several days to adjust to being home. Wednesday was not great, so Thursday I decided to stay home and do nothing, which was wise. Jens was cranky and broke every rule he could think of. He spent a lot of time in time out. Friday Jens played with Harrison and Mike was able to come home early from work, which was nice. We spent the evening playing and we went and got Jens a little pool for the patio. He doesn't like getting in it unless Mike or I get in, too, unfortunately.
Saturday Jens and I went to the Farmer's Market, which is at its height right now. There are cherries (my favorite) and corn, peaches, and apricots are starting. I got all sorts of delicious things. We went to the park and enjoyed a beautiful day--a break from the heat!
Sunday was remarkable because, aside from being Father's Day, Jens made it through ALL of sacrament meeting without having to go out once. That is two Sundays in a row! We managed to get to church early enough that we got a pew, which makes a big difference. Our primary class was totally out of control, apparently the result of us being gone for two weeks. Too bad we will be gone for two more weeks in July and two more in August!!
Tuesday we met Harrison and his mom at Livermoore park, a really fun park that has a waterfall and stream for kids to play in. We stayed for a couple of hours and the kids had a blast. Today, story time and swimming at Natalie's, hurray!
Jens continues to be very challenging as far as discipline and eating are concerned. Last night he actually ate some quiche with spinach in it. Unheard of! Sigh. Parenting is hard work. He is also currently obsessed with Legos. He wants Mike to build tunnels and "temples" non-stop. Funny.
Hope you are all having a happy week--sorry this e-mail is a little dull, but at least I wrote, unlike ALL of the rest of you!!
Love,
Alison
PS--Jens's foot is much better. I can actually look at it now without feeling sick!
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
June 13th
Hi Everyone.
I am sure you are all glad to hear from me, in that it means we made it home without dying of exhaustion.
Yesterday was a pretty rough day, so we are glad to be home. Jens puked all over himself and his car seat on the way to the airport, which was disgusting and unfortunate, in that I had to carry his stinky car seat around with us for the whole day. Luckily we left for the airport quite early, so in spite of a stop to change his clothes and clean things up, we were still plenty early. The rest of the day was a whirl of screaming, running, carrying, and wishing Jens would sleep. We were only delayed a little on our last leg, so we didn't have any airport drama aside from the time that Jens ran away from me up the jet way while I was trying to get our stroller and an airport employee had to chase him and the time when Jens ran under all the ropes and down the jet way before our plane had started boarding. Sigh. I am grateful that I don't have to fly anywhere for a while.
Florida was really fun, though, so it was worth the terrible travel. Jens loved the beach, and I loved seeing everyone. The kids were really cute together, and I think they will have all the more fun in CA now that they have bonded. Jill is very cute, as has been previously reported, and it was amazing to watch her change before our very eyes. Another highlight was seeing Loren and his trip pictures. My favorite picture was the rock room. Of course, on a Thomas vacation, eating was to an excess, and all of it was delicious. I had a lot of root beer floats. I love that Blue Bell vanilla ice cream! Oh, and Mr. Han's was also so good! And, this is for Mike, I gained a few pounds, but I'm sure I can manage.
Our only real lowlight was Jens stepping in a hill of fire ants on Monday. I have thought about this a lot, and it was very fortunate the way it happened, although it would have been better not to happen at all. Jens was standing right by Grammy, so she noticed right away what was going on and ran him to the pool where we were able to scrub them all off. I shudder to think that he might have stepped in while we were all by the pool instead of right next to him to see and deal with the problem! As it is, he got 60 or so bites on his right foot. I will send a picture, which will be very disgusting.
A little Jens dilemma--he has taken up screaming. Loudly and ear piercingly. At any location and without provocation, although he also does it if he wants something, isn't getting his way, doesn't like my agenda, etc. (ie, today at the library, at the home of the elderly lady I visit teach, on the airplane) I am not sure how to get him to stop, and nothing seems to work. Ignoring doesn't help, telling him to stop does nothing, he just makes a huge scene, and I try to not be bothered and to act calm, but my ears are ringing and I dread taking him out in public. Any suggestions?
I am feeling a bit frazzled today. I am planning on a nap while Jens sleeps. Ahh. Won't that be nice?
Hope everyone is having a nice week.
Love,
Alison
I am sure you are all glad to hear from me, in that it means we made it home without dying of exhaustion.
Yesterday was a pretty rough day, so we are glad to be home. Jens puked all over himself and his car seat on the way to the airport, which was disgusting and unfortunate, in that I had to carry his stinky car seat around with us for the whole day. Luckily we left for the airport quite early, so in spite of a stop to change his clothes and clean things up, we were still plenty early. The rest of the day was a whirl of screaming, running, carrying, and wishing Jens would sleep. We were only delayed a little on our last leg, so we didn't have any airport drama aside from the time that Jens ran away from me up the jet way while I was trying to get our stroller and an airport employee had to chase him and the time when Jens ran under all the ropes and down the jet way before our plane had started boarding. Sigh. I am grateful that I don't have to fly anywhere for a while.
Florida was really fun, though, so it was worth the terrible travel. Jens loved the beach, and I loved seeing everyone. The kids were really cute together, and I think they will have all the more fun in CA now that they have bonded. Jill is very cute, as has been previously reported, and it was amazing to watch her change before our very eyes. Another highlight was seeing Loren and his trip pictures. My favorite picture was the rock room. Of course, on a Thomas vacation, eating was to an excess, and all of it was delicious. I had a lot of root beer floats. I love that Blue Bell vanilla ice cream! Oh, and Mr. Han's was also so good! And, this is for Mike, I gained a few pounds, but I'm sure I can manage.
Our only real lowlight was Jens stepping in a hill of fire ants on Monday. I have thought about this a lot, and it was very fortunate the way it happened, although it would have been better not to happen at all. Jens was standing right by Grammy, so she noticed right away what was going on and ran him to the pool where we were able to scrub them all off. I shudder to think that he might have stepped in while we were all by the pool instead of right next to him to see and deal with the problem! As it is, he got 60 or so bites on his right foot. I will send a picture, which will be very disgusting.
A little Jens dilemma--he has taken up screaming. Loudly and ear piercingly. At any location and without provocation, although he also does it if he wants something, isn't getting his way, doesn't like my agenda, etc. (ie, today at the library, at the home of the elderly lady I visit teach, on the airplane) I am not sure how to get him to stop, and nothing seems to work. Ignoring doesn't help, telling him to stop does nothing, he just makes a huge scene, and I try to not be bothered and to act calm, but my ears are ringing and I dread taking him out in public. Any suggestions?
I am feeling a bit frazzled today. I am planning on a nap while Jens sleeps. Ahh. Won't that be nice?
Hope everyone is having a nice week.
Love,
Alison
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