Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
The Big Girl bed
So, we take the binky away from Yaya. I get it in my head that it is also time to switch her to a big girl bed. She is in a crib that would have converted to a toddler type bed but there was no way we were going to be able to snuggle with her in any way. I also thought that getter her excited about the big girl bed would be a good distraction from the binkies being taken away. So, on Saturday afternoon, we took down the crib with Yaya and Bean helping, and moved in the bif girl twin bed. I took both of them on an shopping trip to get new sheets for the bed. Pink and orange were the choices. 
(no, this not her new bed, but this is amazing and would fill her room and then some!)
Bed time comes, she is still excited, does not ask for her binkies, and................................ she takes forever to go to bed. She used to be so easy to put to bed. Once tired it was a quick song in the chair and into the crib. No problems. It took forever for her to get to bed. "Lay with me mommy" "Don't go mommy". Lots of tears and if you moved at all, she would wake up instantly when trying to leave. She finally went to sleep, woke up around 3 am and then again around 5 am and then was ready to get up at 6 am. 6 am on Sunday morning--sucks!
Sunday and Monday's bedtimes have not been much better. I hope it get better. It's got to, right?
(no, this not her new bed, but this is amazing and would fill her room and then some!)
Bed time comes, she is still excited, does not ask for her binkies, and................................ she takes forever to go to bed. She used to be so easy to put to bed. Once tired it was a quick song in the chair and into the crib. No problems. It took forever for her to get to bed. "Lay with me mommy" "Don't go mommy". Lots of tears and if you moved at all, she would wake up instantly when trying to leave. She finally went to sleep, woke up around 3 am and then again around 5 am and then was ready to get up at 6 am. 6 am on Sunday morning--sucks!
Sunday and Monday's bedtimes have not been much better. I hope it get better. It's got to, right?
The Binky Fairy and the Big Girl Bed
Well, we had a lot of changes at our house this past weekend. The binky fairy came to take the binkies from Yaya and take them off to the baby's who need them (or something like that.) I am not sure she really bought the whole baby thing because one night we were talking about the binky fairy coming and the baby's and she said, rather seriously, that her binkies where too big for baby fairy's mouth. LOL--that girl is too smart!
We have been talking about it for several weeks, saying that the binky fairy was coming when the flowers come. She would answer, not yet! I not ready. Well, basically I decided that she was ready. She would wake up several times a night looking and wanting her binky, which I would have to find for her. She was still in her crib and could not reach them when the fell on the floor. I was getting tired of being tired in the mornings. Okay, maybe a bit selfish on my part to take away something of comfort to her, but....I did it anyway--judge at will.
We told her a couple days before that she was coming--Yaya decided that the fairy was a girl, pink, maybe yellow--then she saw a pic in a magazine of a very colorful fairy and she said that was the binky fairy. Okay, great, now we know what she looks like! M said that when the fairy came, she would leave a picture of herself. We enlisted Bean to help us convince her that this was a big girl thing to do, that she would like him and not have a binky any more. I had to balance having him help with the little lie we were telling and Bean aware that we were not telling the truth. It has been interesting, to say the least. I did not want Bean to think it is okay to tell a fib/lie but that we thought we needed to tell her the binky fairy was coming so she might be willing to let go of them more easily. I explained this to Bean and he seemed okay with it all.
Okay, back to Yaya. We told her on Friday that it was her last night with the binkies and that the fairy was coming tomorrow. Saturday morning was like most, binky in bed after sleep (she only had them at night and at nap anyway) and downstairs for breakfast. Some time during the morning, I went up stair and put a picture of said fairy and a sparkly bracelet (Yaya LOVES bracelets) on her pillow. Nap time comes, upstairs we go, and she says "where my binkies?" I say, "look the binky fairy was here" and show her the pic and the bracelet and tell here there are no binkies. "She must have come to take the binkies". Yaya got upset, of course, but we talked about it and I told her she was a big girl, didn't need them anymore and they were going to a good place. She accepted it (somewhat) and went down for her nap.
We have been talking about it for several weeks, saying that the binky fairy was coming when the flowers come. She would answer, not yet! I not ready. Well, basically I decided that she was ready. She would wake up several times a night looking and wanting her binky, which I would have to find for her. She was still in her crib and could not reach them when the fell on the floor. I was getting tired of being tired in the mornings. Okay, maybe a bit selfish on my part to take away something of comfort to her, but....I did it anyway--judge at will.
We told her a couple days before that she was coming--Yaya decided that the fairy was a girl, pink, maybe yellow--then she saw a pic in a magazine of a very colorful fairy and she said that was the binky fairy. Okay, great, now we know what she looks like! M said that when the fairy came, she would leave a picture of herself. We enlisted Bean to help us convince her that this was a big girl thing to do, that she would like him and not have a binky any more. I had to balance having him help with the little lie we were telling and Bean aware that we were not telling the truth. It has been interesting, to say the least. I did not want Bean to think it is okay to tell a fib/lie but that we thought we needed to tell her the binky fairy was coming so she might be willing to let go of them more easily. I explained this to Bean and he seemed okay with it all.
Okay, back to Yaya. We told her on Friday that it was her last night with the binkies and that the fairy was coming tomorrow. Saturday morning was like most, binky in bed after sleep (she only had them at night and at nap anyway) and downstairs for breakfast. Some time during the morning, I went up stair and put a picture of said fairy and a sparkly bracelet (Yaya LOVES bracelets) on her pillow. Nap time comes, upstairs we go, and she says "where my binkies?" I say, "look the binky fairy was here" and show her the pic and the bracelet and tell here there are no binkies. "She must have come to take the binkies". Yaya got upset, of course, but we talked about it and I told her she was a big girl, didn't need them anymore and they were going to a good place. She accepted it (somewhat) and went down for her nap.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Cherry blossoms 2010
Cherry Blossoms in Athens, Ohio--weekend of April 4th. Beautiful day, David and Lisa and Co from DC were in town for the weekend. We all went to go enjoy them and they were at their peek this day.
Egg hunts
Egg hunt at Zoe's house (class mate of Luca and mom a new friend of mine). They were cute and helped each other out. Were mainly into eating the candy!
Monday, April 12, 2010
Creek Walk
Went out to the land this past Sunday for a creek walk with the family and friend. It was a nice sunny day, aobut 75 degrees and the water was running well and not too cold. Yaya decided it was not cold at all and took off all her clothes (this after another little boy did the same thing). Yes, that is her little naked butt there in the foreground with M. Bean is up-ahead in the red shirt. They all loved it--as did I. The dog even got a chance to "swim" a bit. She seemed to enjoy the water. Nice time had by all--must spend more time out there this spring and summer. Get that cabin built and do some camping. Will post progress of that.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Trip WITHOUT the kids, repeat WITHOUT
M and I decided to get out of town for the weekend, actually I decided that I wanted to get away for my 4oth birthday and we wanted to go somewhere but not too far and on a budget. So, we went to Cincinnati. Okay, I know not the most glamourous place out there and I aways have a kind of negative idea about Cincinnati. But I have to say, I was pleasently surprised! We stayed at the Neatherland Cincinnati ( a Hilton) which was built in the 1930 is that glorious Art Deco style. The holel was lovely, here a few pics
We were only away for a night and two days, and as much as I love them, it was nice to be able to talk together without reminding some to sit in their chair, eat their chicken, get back here, don't do this or that. We went to the Cincinnait Art Museum (twice) and the Contemporary Art Center, had a couple beers with lunch, a leasurely dinner, and more drinks, walk around town without having to carry someone, slept in, nice brunch, etc.
A note about the hotel, we decided it had a bit of that "Shining" thing going on. The art deco thing, empty hall ways, large grand staircases and big rooms....just a bit...they had a picture opn the wall something like this. 
Just waiting for Jack to walk around the corner or the boy to ride by on his big wheel.
Just waiting for Jack to walk around the corner or the boy to ride by on his big wheel.Tuesday, March 16, 2010
on the eve of 40.......
So, the title of this blog is called Aurora's Ruminations right; however, I don't really do a lot of ruminating here. I guess I am not sure what to say sometimes, don't think what I have to say will be all that interesting, I don't think I am a very eloquent writer, it is easier to post kid pics, I don't know--any of those, all of those, none of those.....Any-who.
I thought I might ruminate a bit on the eve of my 40th birthday. Leading up to this birthday has been rather tough, I must admit. I have been thinking an awful lot about a lot of things. I think that I am not where I thought I would be when I envisioned my life at 40, as a 20 year old. I was going to do so much, see so much, be so much. Then I see where I am now and think, I did not achieve those goals I set out for myself. I am not there--not there for a variety of reason, unable to do it, unwilling to do it, gave up trying, failed in my pursuits of the things I wanted (or thought I wanted). I have gone through many moments of wishing I had done this or that, slight envy of those who did what I thought I wanted, wondering if I should have made different choices, feeling like I fail because I did not reach those goals set out for myself when I was in my 20s.
However, when I look at me now at 40, look at the life I do have, the things I have done and have seen, I realize that I have done a lot. I have had an amazing life so far. I have seen and experienced many parts of the world, from China and Yemen, to Hungary and California. I have met some amazing people in my life that have made me who I am today--and yes for better or worse. I have received an excellent education and do not regret the decisions I made in those pursuits--would do it again if given the choice. My time in London was an amazing experience that I will treasure always. I spent many years of my adult life doing the work that I love, with some very talented people along the way. And I will get back to my true love of archaeology (as my wise friend Besty tells me--"Holding pattern"). I am proud of what I have done with my life and I am proud of who I am at 40 years old.
But most importantly......
When I look at my two beautiful children, my wonderful husband (and my best friend)and the life we have created together, I realize that I am right where I am suppose to be. I would not want my life to be any other way than it is right now. The three of them bring so much into my life everyday, so much love, so much happiness and joy, so much laughter.
To see their little faces every day, to kiss them to sleep every night, to read to them and feed their curiosity and love of learning, to hold them when they are not well and comfort them until they are well again, to kiss the boo-boos, to see the wonder and excitement on their little faces when then discover something new, see something for the first time, to have them in my life--full stop. When I see my husband and realize that I met and married the most amazing man and how lucky to am to have found a love like I feel for him. When I watch him with L and A, I am fill with so much happiness.
I realize this: I am right were I am suppose to be, doing what I am suppose to be doing.
I have done so much and will continue to do so much more--who knows what the future holds. All I know is that I have three wonderful people to do it with. Me in my 20s was just that-me. I never thought beyond the "me"--what I was doing to do, where I was going to go, what I was going to see and experience. Now I have the great joy to do/go/see new experience with my children. To see with a different, but amazing, set of eyes all the world has to offer us. And I cannot wait.
This is me at 40 years old. A strong, confindent, and happy woman. A woman, a mother, a wife, a daughter, a granddaugher, a sister, an aunt, and a friend. And proud of it.
Ready for 40 and ready for 40 more!
I thought I might ruminate a bit on the eve of my 40th birthday. Leading up to this birthday has been rather tough, I must admit. I have been thinking an awful lot about a lot of things. I think that I am not where I thought I would be when I envisioned my life at 40, as a 20 year old. I was going to do so much, see so much, be so much. Then I see where I am now and think, I did not achieve those goals I set out for myself. I am not there--not there for a variety of reason, unable to do it, unwilling to do it, gave up trying, failed in my pursuits of the things I wanted (or thought I wanted). I have gone through many moments of wishing I had done this or that, slight envy of those who did what I thought I wanted, wondering if I should have made different choices, feeling like I fail because I did not reach those goals set out for myself when I was in my 20s.
However, when I look at me now at 40, look at the life I do have, the things I have done and have seen, I realize that I have done a lot. I have had an amazing life so far. I have seen and experienced many parts of the world, from China and Yemen, to Hungary and California. I have met some amazing people in my life that have made me who I am today--and yes for better or worse. I have received an excellent education and do not regret the decisions I made in those pursuits--would do it again if given the choice. My time in London was an amazing experience that I will treasure always. I spent many years of my adult life doing the work that I love, with some very talented people along the way. And I will get back to my true love of archaeology (as my wise friend Besty tells me--"Holding pattern"). I am proud of what I have done with my life and I am proud of who I am at 40 years old.
But most importantly......
When I look at my two beautiful children, my wonderful husband (and my best friend)and the life we have created together, I realize that I am right where I am suppose to be. I would not want my life to be any other way than it is right now. The three of them bring so much into my life everyday, so much love, so much happiness and joy, so much laughter.
To see their little faces every day, to kiss them to sleep every night, to read to them and feed their curiosity and love of learning, to hold them when they are not well and comfort them until they are well again, to kiss the boo-boos, to see the wonder and excitement on their little faces when then discover something new, see something for the first time, to have them in my life--full stop. When I see my husband and realize that I met and married the most amazing man and how lucky to am to have found a love like I feel for him. When I watch him with L and A, I am fill with so much happiness.I realize this: I am right were I am suppose to be, doing what I am suppose to be doing.
I have done so much and will continue to do so much more--who knows what the future holds. All I know is that I have three wonderful people to do it with. Me in my 20s was just that-me. I never thought beyond the "me"--what I was doing to do, where I was going to go, what I was going to see and experience. Now I have the great joy to do/go/see new experience with my children. To see with a different, but amazing, set of eyes all the world has to offer us. And I cannot wait.
This is me at 40 years old. A strong, confindent, and happy woman. A woman, a mother, a wife, a daughter, a granddaugher, a sister, an aunt, and a friend. And proud of it.
Ready for 40 and ready for 40 more!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Strounds Run on Sunday
Nice sunny Sunday afternoon--warm enough to finally get outside WITHOUT winter coats on. We headed to Strouds Run, a local park nearby, so that we could run around and M could do some flying. This place might look familar, been in other pics, as we do like to go here. The sun was getting lower in the sky and the light was nice for taking some pics of the kids. This is were L likes to dig for dinosaurs in the big pile and if A had it her way she would have been knee deep in the water (but as you can see from the ice layer about 10 yards out--it was a no go). Ellie, the new pup, loved it as well. Got to run and run and run and run! She is fast, just fyi. So glad Spring is finally on the way--tired of being cooped up inside on the weekends. Time to get out an explore again!!!
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