me: "I'm not your slave, you know"
B: "Yes, you are!" (in a "duh" voice). Duh.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Monday, December 1, 2008
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Then comes the baby ogre?
Every night, B and I have a little chat about things. He usually likes to talk about his family and friends, so it reminds me a little of the going to bed routine I had as a child ("and bless mommy, and daddy, and teacher, etc").
I completely adore the randomness of the people who come up in Benson's night-time shout-outs. Last night:
B: "I love my family. You, and Marshall, and Daddo. And girl Alex."
Me: "Girl Alex is your friend, but not your family...unless you want to marry Girl Alex?"
B: "No. I marry Daddo."
So, I almost said, "Oh, you have to marry a girl." But I don't really believe that. So then I almost said, "You have to marry someone your own age." But I don't really believe that. "You have to marry someone your own size?" Nope. And...come to think of it, you don't have to marry someone to be in their family! I decided to try to explain the concept of marriage/family a l'il bit more:
Me: "See, I married Daddo and we became a family. I am Daddo's wife."
B: "Oh you are a wife princess?"
Me: "Oh yes." (yeah, I know, not really - but it had SUCH a nice ring to it. Even though I'm sort of anti-princess, especially this time of year.)
B: "And you are a ogre?"
Me: "Yeah, I guess you're right."
B: "You are a princess ogre wife?"
Me: "I think you have it covered."
B: "I like Daddo to be my wife now."
Oh yes, we're all straightened out now. Thanks, Shrek.
I completely adore the randomness of the people who come up in Benson's night-time shout-outs. Last night:
B: "I love my family. You, and Marshall, and Daddo. And girl Alex."
Me: "Girl Alex is your friend, but not your family...unless you want to marry Girl Alex?"
B: "No. I marry Daddo."
So, I almost said, "Oh, you have to marry a girl." But I don't really believe that. So then I almost said, "You have to marry someone your own age." But I don't really believe that. "You have to marry someone your own size?" Nope. And...come to think of it, you don't have to marry someone to be in their family! I decided to try to explain the concept of marriage/family a l'il bit more:
Me: "See, I married Daddo and we became a family. I am Daddo's wife."
B: "Oh you are a wife princess?"
Me: "Oh yes." (yeah, I know, not really - but it had SUCH a nice ring to it. Even though I'm sort of anti-princess, especially this time of year.)
B: "And you are a ogre?"
Me: "Yeah, I guess you're right."
B: "You are a princess ogre wife?"
Me: "I think you have it covered."
B: "I like Daddo to be my wife now."
Oh yes, we're all straightened out now. Thanks, Shrek.
Friday, October 31, 2008
6 months...and it's just the beginning.
As I await the news of baby K...I'm going over my entire experience with Marshall's delivery in my mind as I imagine H going through it, from the sleepless night beforehand to the heightened awareness and brightness of the baby's BIRTHDAY!
And I think it either feels like yesterday, or a lifetime ago. In reality it's been 6 months. Marshall is an amazing 6 months old. No longer a newborn (at 21 lbs, check these biceps!)...it's all gone by too fast, much like the rest of life. But it feels like he has always been here.
Once you have one child, you realize how much your life changes, so you think you know how having another child will feel. I had no idea how much another baby would change our dynamic. It's fantastic. And just like the Grinch, my heart grew at least 3 sizes bigger.
Watching Benson learn how to be a big brother, and the absolute adoration for him in Marshall's eyes, is possibly the best thing ever. I think that's why baby K means so much to me, because I can't wait for the Ks to have this experience, too.
And I think it either feels like yesterday, or a lifetime ago. In reality it's been 6 months. Marshall is an amazing 6 months old. No longer a newborn (at 21 lbs, check these biceps!)...it's all gone by too fast, much like the rest of life. But it feels like he has always been here.
Once you have one child, you realize how much your life changes, so you think you know how having another child will feel. I had no idea how much another baby would change our dynamic. It's fantastic. And just like the Grinch, my heart grew at least 3 sizes bigger.
Watching Benson learn how to be a big brother, and the absolute adoration for him in Marshall's eyes, is possibly the best thing ever. I think that's why baby K means so much to me, because I can't wait for the Ks to have this experience, too.
Friday, October 17, 2008
You betcha!! Wait...WHAT?!!
The last week or so, Benson's been responding to everything with a "You betcha!", which I thought was sort of cute and I assumed it was something he picked up from one of the preschool teachers (although I can imagine neither of them actually saying it, now that I think about it)...but I just caught up on my PVR and Saturday Night Live with Tina Fey doing Sarah Palin...so I'm left wondering...how did Benson pick up a Palin-ism?!!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Nose vs. Potty Beans
Benson LOVES his potty beans. When I remember to offer them up, he'll pee on demand! Occasionally, he'll go on his own and then come ask for some. But we're nowhere near "trained". Well maybe I'm trained, to change his diaper or throw out pooped-in underwear (sorry, Earth).
Since he only gets 2 PB's for pee, he likes to hold and cherish the beans, smell them, lick them, watch how they turn his hands different colours. Tonight, we were having a dance partay in the kitchen as we were cleaning up... Benson shook his thang a little too hard and went straight down on his NOSE.
He was so busy clutching the PBs that he did not reach out to block the blow. As the screams and hugs and blood gushed, the PBs remained safe in hand. The face...not so safe. The button nose was looking more like a swollen marshmellow. I made an executive decision to haul him to CC.
Shout out to Dr. Frankel, who said he didn't think it was broken, but if it shows up crooked after the swelling goes down, it'll be "Benson's First X-Ray". He didn't offer us any Botox. In related news, I grated off the tip of my pinkie tonight. That's why I stick with pre-shredded cheese, yo.
Since he only gets 2 PB's for pee, he likes to hold and cherish the beans, smell them, lick them, watch how they turn his hands different colours. Tonight, we were having a dance partay in the kitchen as we were cleaning up... Benson shook his thang a little too hard and went straight down on his NOSE.
He was so busy clutching the PBs that he did not reach out to block the blow. As the screams and hugs and blood gushed, the PBs remained safe in hand. The face...not so safe. The button nose was looking more like a swollen marshmellow. I made an executive decision to haul him to CC.
Shout out to Dr. Frankel, who said he didn't think it was broken, but if it shows up crooked after the swelling goes down, it'll be "Benson's First X-Ray". He didn't offer us any Botox. In related news, I grated off the tip of my pinkie tonight. That's why I stick with pre-shredded cheese, yo.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Potty Beans
So most of my excuses for not potty-training Benson are up. I know, I should just be locking his naked arse up in the house for a week with Saran Wrap covering all upholstery, but I'm straight-up lazy and so have only been randomly using PT tricks. Lately, I've been having him in undies while at home; praising the successes (oh-so-random) and ignoring the accidents. I had aimed to have him trained by now fo sho, but he's happy to sit in pee-filled pull-ups and before I know it, another month has flown by. Now it seems B's among the last of the diaper-wearing ilk and I realize that yeah, IT'S TIME.
Decided to go the "potty beans" route (a.k.a. Skittles, previously used as "good boy beans", "be quiet beans", and "sleeping beans"). It's been a while since any "beans" have been used in our place, mainly because I would randomly pull that trick out of the bag and offer up "clean-up beans", only to realize that someone else has rewarded themselves with said beans and the only beans left in the house were coffee beans.
So I brought home some potty beans today and shook them in front of B, asking him to go put on underwear and maybe later, he could have potty beans.
I have never seen a child move so fast. In the bathroom, pants down, diaper ripped off, and peeing on command, and demanding potty beans. 8 minutes later, the same routine. I was worried he was going to be dehydrating himself at this point. (Also worried I would run out of Skittles. You don't get much for 99 cents no more).
And an hour later, he peed on the floor downstairs, in his bathing suit, and on Marshall's carpet. 1 step forward, 2 steps back. Sigh. I'll be playing "find the smell" for a while, yet.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
The Big Day
Benson started pre-school this month. Here he is on his very first day. The preschool offers a gradual entry system so I'd just like to congratulate myself for actually remembering the ever-changing times for the first two weeks! So far I haven't been able to get him to say too much about the school activities, I'm hoping he learns to open up a bit more. The last few months he's been offering up "nothing" as a stock answer to everything, teenager-style. Sigh.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Slug Vs. Rhino
Today we went out to the Mountainview Conservatory...awesome! It's like the zoo, minus the guilt. We saw zebras, giraffes, rhino thisclose! Aside from the torrential downpour, it was great. When we got out to check out the rhino, Benson became fascinated with a slug (of course). I tried so hard to get him to check out the rhino just a few feet away! 
But he was stuck on the slug.
Me: "Benson! Look at the rhino! Right there! He looks like a dinosaur!"
B: "Mommy, there's a slug!"
Tourguide: "There are lots of slugs around here, buddy."
B: "WHERE?!"
And later, during the recap, when I ask Benson what he saw today, he reported the slug sighting. He also asked to be a slug for Hallowe'en. I have him downgraded to spider, because I think I may be more likely to find a spider costume than a slug?!
Anyway, I guess these little outings had best be exciting for the grownups as well, since the slug was the high point for Benson - we could probably find them a lot closer than way out in Langley amid the wild animals.
But he was stuck on the slug.Me: "Benson! Look at the rhino! Right there! He looks like a dinosaur!"
B: "Mommy, there's a slug!"
Tourguide: "There are lots of slugs around here, buddy."
B: "WHERE?!"
And later, during the recap, when I ask Benson what he saw today, he reported the slug sighting. He also asked to be a slug for Hallowe'en. I have him downgraded to spider, because I think I may be more likely to find a spider costume than a slug?!
Anyway, I guess these little outings had best be exciting for the grownups as well, since the slug was the high point for Benson - we could probably find them a lot closer than way out in Langley amid the wild animals.
Monday, August 18, 2008
King-size bed for the KINGS...
I thought even the King-sized bed would be too small with all the Robbins smushed in...but it's great!
Marshall is weighing in at 16lbs, 2.5 oz at just 3 months old. At this rate he's going to outweigh Benson by age 1!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Monday, June 30, 2008
So big, so fast!
The next summer baby has come along...Jolee's little girl Ava! She is so wee...so beefcake Marshall looks even bigger! What a year for babes...Marshall is only 8 weeks old, and there were still 2 babies younger at Easton's 1st birthday party! :)
My predictions:
Renee...girl
Sarah...boy
Shelley...cheat! girl!
Heather...boy
Melinda...boy
Even numbers of boys & girls for 2008?
My predictions:
Renee...girl
Sarah...boy
Shelley...cheat! girl!
Heather...boy
Melinda...boy
Even numbers of boys & girls for 2008?
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
New Emotions
It's bathtime, Benson has his shirt off, pants & diaper still on. (Yes, I said diaper. Yes he's almost 3. Shhh.) He's playing in the water from the outside.
"Benson! Stop dilly-daddling and get your clothes off and in the bath!"
"Mom! I'm too shy!"
This is hilarious! Previously, we have only identified the following emotions:
Very hungry
Very sad
Not very tired
Very happy (and often, very very happy. yay!)
Now we can add "shy" to the list, and once again I can only wonder where it came from!
"Benson! Stop dilly-daddling and get your clothes off and in the bath!"
"Mom! I'm too shy!"
This is hilarious! Previously, we have only identified the following emotions:
Very hungry
Very sad
Not very tired
Very happy (and often, very very happy. yay!)
Now we can add "shy" to the list, and once again I can only wonder where it came from!
Friday, June 13, 2008
Dilly daddle = effing around
One of our biggest detractors to an orderly life is...dilly-daddling. As in, "Benson! Stop dilly-daddling around and [insert instruction here]"
It may be a word I made up. In my youth, it was called dawdling. And we all came up with excuses to counter the accusation. And now my child is doing the same. Just like momma.
I find him on the floor, playing with his cars. I'm yelling, "Come ON, let's go! Stop dilly-daddling and get your shoes on!"
He continues playing with his cars, shouts "I'm coming, mom!" - but clearly has no intention of actually getting up or stopping his dilly-daddling, until I walk right up to him and repeat instruction, shoes in hand.
Later, I am looking up something on the computer, whether it's passport registration, where my UCCB is at, preschools (I'm too late), or what-have-you. Benson wants to go downstairs and watch a movie. He calls me from downstairs and I hear the tell-tale static of remote control-gone-wrong. "I'm coming," I shout, though I have not moved a muscle, and won't for another 3 or 4 minutes.
A-ha moment (Oprah, your cheque's in the mail)...I wonder if he even knows what that means, since he obviously hears and sees me say it all the time, just to buy a few seconds!
It may be a word I made up. In my youth, it was called dawdling. And we all came up with excuses to counter the accusation. And now my child is doing the same. Just like momma.
I find him on the floor, playing with his cars. I'm yelling, "Come ON, let's go! Stop dilly-daddling and get your shoes on!"
He continues playing with his cars, shouts "I'm coming, mom!" - but clearly has no intention of actually getting up or stopping his dilly-daddling, until I walk right up to him and repeat instruction, shoes in hand.
Later, I am looking up something on the computer, whether it's passport registration, where my UCCB is at, preschools (I'm too late), or what-have-you. Benson wants to go downstairs and watch a movie. He calls me from downstairs and I hear the tell-tale static of remote control-gone-wrong. "I'm coming," I shout, though I have not moved a muscle, and won't for another 3 or 4 minutes.
A-ha moment (Oprah, your cheque's in the mail)...I wonder if he even knows what that means, since he obviously hears and sees me say it all the time, just to buy a few seconds!
Thursday, May 8, 2008
A moment of peace
I really feel like a super-mom today...I "tricked" Benson into taking a nap.
Me: Why don't you lay down on the couch?
B: No lay down. No SLEEP!
Me: Oh no, I wasn't suggesting anything of the kind! Just lay down, put your feet up, like your dad does!
B (recluctantly): Okay. (semi reclines on the pillow)
And within minutes, both of the Robbins boys were out!
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Marshall in tha house...
Well it's been a moderately bumpy ride, but Marshall Robbins is here.
We went in for our scheduled section for 8 AM. Dr. Huckell came in at 7:20 to say that all looked like we'd be on schedule for 8 AM. Then a buzz of activity outside the prep room in triage...I heard noises and words that made me glad I had gone for the scheduled! So we were bumped... I *actually* fell asleep! I hadn't slept all night, the thought of epidurals, needles, and the actual surgery really freaking me out.
When I had all that last time, I was soooo tired and drained after the labour I just wanted Benson OUT! So an epidural was a welcome end to the pain of contractions, while this time it was nervously anticipated, and instead of using the word "frozen", the anaesthesiologist said "paralyzed", which really made me even more tense! But all in all it wasn't too bad. Marshall was taking up ALL the room in the womb, so I'm really bruised as they had to really give 'er to get him out of there.
He screamed right away, which thrilled me to death. (Benson took a while to make any noises!) We caught a quick glimpse over the sheet of his little face and HAIR! Whoa! As you know, Benson wasn't blessed with hair until he was at least 1. They took him away for cleanup etc...Bill took some pics and vids, etc. In recovery I finally got to hang out with the little fella. The nurse said that the pediatrician wanted his blood sugar re-tested 2 hours after birth. It was 1.3 (which I later found out was dangerously low) and his temperature was also really low. They grabbed him and sped away.
The nurse said they would probably just give him some formula and he'd be right back...well they took him to Special Care Nursery and he spent a day and half in there. His sugar levels did not come up...he was on an IV and I went down to nurse him every chance I got! the first trip down in a wheelchair a few hours post-op, and then someone stole my freakin' wheelchair so they ordered one...which I couldn't wait for. I hauled myself down there (you're supposed to move around, right!) every few hours. Marshall was a beast compared to the wee ones in there!
Anyway finally his levels came up, they took the IV out and agreed to do the blood tests from our room. At first they were okay...but then they dropped again. He also lost more than the recommended amount of his weight and is pretty jaundiced. So I'm supplementing with formula (and welcoming tips on where to find it the cheapest) and hoping to fatten him back up and get that yellow cast out of his skin!
As for me I'm rollerblading and back into my skinny jeans, headed to the latest movie premiere and pushing my giant old fashioned pram down the street in my Jimmy Choos. So I think I am all caught up on my People magazine reading...hee hee
We went in for our scheduled section for 8 AM. Dr. Huckell came in at 7:20 to say that all looked like we'd be on schedule for 8 AM. Then a buzz of activity outside the prep room in triage...I heard noises and words that made me glad I had gone for the scheduled! So we were bumped... I *actually* fell asleep! I hadn't slept all night, the thought of epidurals, needles, and the actual surgery really freaking me out.
When I had all that last time, I was soooo tired and drained after the labour I just wanted Benson OUT! So an epidural was a welcome end to the pain of contractions, while this time it was nervously anticipated, and instead of using the word "frozen", the anaesthesiologist said "paralyzed", which really made me even more tense! But all in all it wasn't too bad. Marshall was taking up ALL the room in the womb, so I'm really bruised as they had to really give 'er to get him out of there.
He screamed right away, which thrilled me to death. (Benson took a while to make any noises!) We caught a quick glimpse over the sheet of his little face and HAIR! Whoa! As you know, Benson wasn't blessed with hair until he was at least 1. They took him away for cleanup etc...Bill took some pics and vids, etc. In recovery I finally got to hang out with the little fella. The nurse said that the pediatrician wanted his blood sugar re-tested 2 hours after birth. It was 1.3 (which I later found out was dangerously low) and his temperature was also really low. They grabbed him and sped away.
The nurse said they would probably just give him some formula and he'd be right back...well they took him to Special Care Nursery and he spent a day and half in there. His sugar levels did not come up...he was on an IV and I went down to nurse him every chance I got! the first trip down in a wheelchair a few hours post-op, and then someone stole my freakin' wheelchair so they ordered one...which I couldn't wait for. I hauled myself down there (you're supposed to move around, right!) every few hours. Marshall was a beast compared to the wee ones in there!
Anyway finally his levels came up, they took the IV out and agreed to do the blood tests from our room. At first they were okay...but then they dropped again. He also lost more than the recommended amount of his weight and is pretty jaundiced. So I'm supplementing with formula (and welcoming tips on where to find it the cheapest) and hoping to fatten him back up and get that yellow cast out of his skin!
As for me I'm rollerblading and back into my skinny jeans, headed to the latest movie premiere and pushing my giant old fashioned pram down the street in my Jimmy Choos. So I think I am all caught up on my People magazine reading...hee hee
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Less reflection, more irritation
Benson is really helping me out since I was feeling guilty and mooney about missing him. He has now decided, 30 minutes before I take him for a sleepover at my parents', that he "no like grandma's". That is complete BS. Seriously, grandma's rocks. She has a crapload of cats and dogs (not to mention a pet Grandpa), a huge TV with 800 channels, 740 cars and trains, and she always has something new that makes a crapload of noise. Don't forget rides in the wheelchair.
So now we don't want to go to Grandma's, can't wait to drag a kicking screaming child there now....or at 5:30 AM.
Gee, I sure hope Bill is enjoying his soccer game.
So now we don't want to go to Grandma's, can't wait to drag a kicking screaming child there now....or at 5:30 AM.
Gee, I sure hope Bill is enjoying his soccer game.
Baby Robbins Eve
I'm very reflective on Baby Eve.
In just about 12 hours we'll meet the newest little Baby Robbins. After the ups and downs of the last year, I should be thrilled to pieces to finally be here in this position. But as I prepare my little man to go off to Grandma's for the big night, I feel a little blue.
First off, I'm nervous as hell about the surgery. I know exactly what to expect and none of it is very appealing (aside from the whole, um, "birth"thing).
But more importantly, I know how high the stakes are. The responsibility of raising a child right. The heartbreak I will no doubt face. Sometimes I just stare at Benson and cry, cause I love him so much. How in the world will I have enough energy to have that much love for two children?
Then there is the synchronicity of it all...on May 3, 2007, I said goodbye to a little boy who did not get a chance. And on May 3, 2008, I will be coming home to start my new life with my beautifully expanded Robbins family. It's hard to shake the sorrow that seems to bubble up near the beginning of each month, but I have faith that the gift of this baby will soften the edges of the pain of that loss.
Off to face the future, and all that it brings.
In just about 12 hours we'll meet the newest little Baby Robbins. After the ups and downs of the last year, I should be thrilled to pieces to finally be here in this position. But as I prepare my little man to go off to Grandma's for the big night, I feel a little blue.
First off, I'm nervous as hell about the surgery. I know exactly what to expect and none of it is very appealing (aside from the whole, um, "birth"thing).
But more importantly, I know how high the stakes are. The responsibility of raising a child right. The heartbreak I will no doubt face. Sometimes I just stare at Benson and cry, cause I love him so much. How in the world will I have enough energy to have that much love for two children?
Then there is the synchronicity of it all...on May 3, 2007, I said goodbye to a little boy who did not get a chance. And on May 3, 2008, I will be coming home to start my new life with my beautifully expanded Robbins family. It's hard to shake the sorrow that seems to bubble up near the beginning of each month, but I have faith that the gift of this baby will soften the edges of the pain of that loss.
Off to face the future, and all that it brings.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Bugs ... Bunny?
Benson's new toothbrush has Bugs Bunny on it.
Kids today...not so familiar with the Looney Tunes. I was trying to entice him to use the new toothbrush...so I showed him Bugs!
"Hey! It's Bugs Bunny! COOOOOL!" I said...
"Bugs? Bugs in a teeth? No bugs! No bugs!" was the panicked response, with his hands plastered over his mouth.
"Uh, no...it's a bunny. But his name is Bugs."
"Bugs! Bugs! No bugs!!"
(We have some spider issues in our basement, which has apparently resulted in some sort of insect-related trauma/phobia. I can't say I blame him - the Robbins family spiders are beasts.)
Last night he woke up no less than three times screaming about bugs and spiders in his room. Damn that bunny....and my cheap self for not springing for the Thomas brush (ahem, twice the price!).
And seriously - they do not make children's toothbrushes without any kind of character association. Because trust me - I'd rather skip the whole thing. I don't think Dora, Diego, Sponge Bob, Barney, or any of those other conglomerates needs any more of my hard earned dollars to market directly to my child...
Off to try this again - hoping the toothbrush-Bugs association is forgotten tonight!
Kids today...not so familiar with the Looney Tunes. I was trying to entice him to use the new toothbrush...so I showed him Bugs!
"Hey! It's Bugs Bunny! COOOOOL!" I said...
"Bugs? Bugs in a teeth? No bugs! No bugs!" was the panicked response, with his hands plastered over his mouth.
"Uh, no...it's a bunny. But his name is Bugs."
"Bugs! Bugs! No bugs!!"
(We have some spider issues in our basement, which has apparently resulted in some sort of insect-related trauma/phobia. I can't say I blame him - the Robbins family spiders are beasts.)
Last night he woke up no less than three times screaming about bugs and spiders in his room. Damn that bunny....and my cheap self for not springing for the Thomas brush (ahem, twice the price!).
And seriously - they do not make children's toothbrushes without any kind of character association. Because trust me - I'd rather skip the whole thing. I don't think Dora, Diego, Sponge Bob, Barney, or any of those other conglomerates needs any more of my hard earned dollars to market directly to my child...
Off to try this again - hoping the toothbrush-Bugs association is forgotten tonight!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
My favourite things right now
I love how B says "Yes"...instead of "ya". Do you want some milk? "Yes Mummy." It's so proper!
While the next bit is adorable, it sometimes bothers me..."Sorry mom." It sometimes bothers me that he will do something he knows is wrong, only to immediately apologize: "Sowy mom."
Lastly....the check-in. "You okay, mom?" I love it.
While the next bit is adorable, it sometimes bothers me..."Sorry mom." It sometimes bothers me that he will do something he knows is wrong, only to immediately apologize: "Sowy mom."
Lastly....the check-in. "You okay, mom?" I love it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
