This week was Isaac's summer break, so we decided to take the opportunity to ditch the diapers once and for all. We could sense he was ready, and just needed a little push to get there. We made a big deal about it on Sunday and headed to target to pick out new big boy undies. Of course, he had no interest in the Undies, and much more interest in picking out a truck... but that was to be expected. The week went a little something like this:
Monday: I tried to get him to sit on the potty every 15-30 minutes. He threw a fit every time. It started to turn into a battle. It definitely wasn't the way I wanted to make the transition, so we regrouped.
Tuesday: The day started with Isaac having two accidents, on the couch, and then in his pants. He seemed to be intentionally holding it just to protest. I almost threw the towel in, when David reminded me... this is going to take time. We had a breakthrough with his first #2 on the potty in the afternoon.
Wednesday: We cracked the code. No undies. As soon as the undies were off, and he didn't have the security of the diaper like feeling, he started using the potty. We had no accidents. We went out for lunch, without a problem, and he really seemed to be understanding the concept.
Thursday/Friday: We spent time at the beach house. It became very clear that he preferred standing to sitting for both #1 and #2. We have to work on the standing for #2, but hey, you have to figure that's the way hes been doing it for three years.
Saturday: We have tried bringing back the undies. He has more accidents when they are on, but typically only with #2 and he tells us right away. He is aware of what he SHOULD do, and I think is becoming more aware of his body. He is also not yet comfortable using the public toilets. We have to work on how to solve this seeing that he pees standing up, and cant reach the big toilet, not yet sure how to make it work.
Overall it has been amazing to watch his progress and we are so proud of him. Yet another reminder of how he is no longer our little baby, but rather our little boy. We are cherishing the small things and moments that remind us that he is still only three, and dependent on our love and support. Watching him this morning curl up on the couch with his 'money milk' and 'mr. toots', with thumb in mouth, I thought to myself... he may be sleeping in a bed, and peeing in the potty... but he is still the same scrumptious love we have always known.
Isaac loves animated movies. It seems like each week there is a new favorite who's characters lead to endless discussions. He has always enjoyed watching little mermaid, and has always asked us to 'fast forward' through any parts that include 'Fursula'. He has recently become interested in watching the end when 'Fursula' grows into a 'giant octopus' and turns 'orange'. This of course has lead to numerous discussions about why 'Fursula' doesn't like fish, why 'Fursula' is 'not a nice person', why 'Fursula' gets so big and orange... This in turn has lead to discussion about jealousy, choices, actions. The past few days he has awoken from each nap and bedtime asking about 'Fursula'. When he saw his giant shadow at dusk on the sand, he reminded me he was 'giant like Fursula'. When he was standing on his cooking stand, he told me he was 'getting giant like Fursula. She is definitely on the brain, for now, I am sure only to be replaced with a new character of interest full of questions and lessons. When Isaac asked me 'why Fursula was not a nice person?' I responded by saying, some people are just not nice people honey. His response... 'and some people are giant orange octopuses'. I chuckled and fell even more in love with my inquisitive little guy. I guess it is that simple. Some things just are what they are.
I think one of my greatest coping strategies to get through pregnancy, is to focus my energy and attention on the positive and exciting versus dwell on all of my own personal discomforts. This week I had a super fun time starting to think about the nursery. I always thought I would have two boys, so I never gave much thought to what a girls room would look like. I spent a lot of time thinking about femininity, play, color... and ultimately my inner girliness lead me to thoughts of romanticism: paris, the 20s, boudoirs, feathers and velvet, sensuality, tactility, love. The trick will be to modernize this into am age appropriate nursery instead of it looking like a agent provocateur dressing room. Friday afternoon mom and I headed downtown to Michael Levine to select some fabrics and trim for bumpers, pillows, sheets, etc. It is so easy to get lost in that place, so I went in with a strong color palate I wanted to work from (derived from a rug I fell in love with). What we left with far exceeded by expectations, and really began to bring the idea of having a baby girl 'home'. More to come as the nursery takes shape.
aches and pains of week 24: indigestion, congestion, lower back ache, floating rib pain, hot hot hot
This week marked another big milestone for our little/big boy - the transition from crib to bed. We knew when we found out we were expecting #2 that we would need the crib come winter, and we wanted to transition him out of it several months in advance so that he didn't feel like his real estate was being encroached on by the new addition. At the time that we ordered the bunk bed it felt like he may not be ready. He hated being covered. Refused to use a pillow, and was just very comfortable in the confines of his little world. He isn't the type of child to try and get out of the crib. He loves to sleep, loves his space, and is happy to be there.
In the past month I have noticed a huge shift in his maturity, and readiness for this type of big change. He loved taking a nap in mommy and daddy's bed when we visited San Diego, he started using many of his 'friends' as pillows, and when we spoke about it, he seemed excited and happy.
After a long day waiting for the delivery, and a not so smooth setup, we are finally there. The bed looks wonderful in his little space, and he is sleeping as he always has. He waits for us to get him in the morning, and treats it as he did his crib throughout the night. We know we are lucky that he is such a good sleeper, and so adaptable to change. He very much just goes with things, and makes our lives a whole lot easier.
We love you Isaac, and are so proud of you. Just another reminder that you are no longer our little baby, but our sweet sweet boy.
We just returned from a 10 day tour of Seattle and Toronto. David had to direct a scoring session in Seattle so we decided to make a family vacation out of it. I really wanted to do something special with us 3 prior to our new arrival in December, and this worked out perfectly. We stayed at Hotel 1000 in Seattle's downtown core, and spent our days exploring by foot (and bugaboo). Took a fantastic ferry ride across to Bainbridge Island, visitied the library and music experience project, enjoyed many great meals, and even got to see Davids live orchestral recording session. It was a tremendous amount of packing and planning to make sure that we would be fully equiped, but in the end it was so worth it. The time there went off without a hitch, and Isaac was in a brillaint mood. Just watching him experience new things, and a new city was pleasure enough. He was flexible, adorable, and a total joy.From Seattle we hopped a flight to Toronto for leg 2 of our adventure. We were greated warmly from Barb and Paul with homemade dinner and a house filled with Isaac gear. David and I stayed at the Hyatt downtown which gave us a bit of a break, and Barb and Paul got a lot of bonding time with Isaac. He was so comfortable with them, and was so obviously enjoying his time there, it was a pleasure to see. I was able to head out of town with Leila for a night to see the Kohn's new cottage. We had a great and relaxing time on the lake, and also got to see Naomi, Guy and the kids. Upon return Magdie went into labor, and a few hours later little Max Lucas was born. I have officially been in Toronto for all three of the births of her kids. Funny how things work out.
aches and pains of week 22|23: nausea, lower back pain, floating rib pain, indigestion
Isaac continues to make the most adorable, simple, observations.
Some of the latest:
+ Looking in our eyes, touching our face, and saying "mommy has a smooth face like me. daddy has a scruffy face."
+ When I recently put a light pink polo shirt on him he informed me that "he looked like a girl".
+ He has decided we should paint the nursery "pink, because im having a baby sister".
+ He has started to want "alone time" where he sits on the beanbag in his room and reads books. (yes we can hear him read them)
+ He continues to have "great ideas" and lets us know what they are.
Every day we are surprised with these simple observations that make us smile and remind us of his continuous development.
"The sea's only gifts are harsh blows, and occasionally the chance to feel strong. Now I don't know much about the sea, but I do know that that's the way it is here. And I also know how important it is in life not necessarily to be strong but to feel strong. To measure yourself at least once. To find yourself at least once in the most ancient of human conditions. Facing the blind death stone alone, with nothing to help you but your hands and your own head."
Andrew is visiting this week, and we just finished watching "Into the Wild"... again. The above quote has resonated with me since the first time I saw the movie. I have always found that experiences that tested me deeply, both physically and mentally, were the only true reminders of my own strength. In this resistance, both organic and manipulated I am always reminded of my own power and potential. I have endured long distance runs, survived my bachelor in architecture, put myself in plenty of situations that forced me to grow... For me, there was no greater experience to measure myself, to 'find myself in the most ancient of human conditions, with nothing to help you but your hands and your own head' than that of pregnancy, labor, and delivery. With each day that brings its own set of challenges and difficulties, I am reminded of my strength as a woman, and the ultimate culmination of all of my efforts as I look down the road to childbirth. Pregnancy, with all of its ups and downs, does provide a gift... childbirth. I have had no greater experience in my life, and no greater opportunity to feel strong. For this I am thankful, and feel grateful for the opportunity to experience it once again.
photo week 21: outside PRADA with uncle Andrew
aches and pains week 21: indigestion, headaches, poor sleep, tight muscles, the beginning of 'floating rib' and morning sickness.
I have been waiting to post a blog about our very exciting news until we went for our 20 week ultrasound, and everything checked out. I am so thrilled to say that we did, and it has! We saw the two hemispheres of the brain, the four chambers of the heart, both kidneys, the stomach, a beautiful spine, all fingers and toes... and all three of us (isaac joined us for the appointment) breathed a big sigh of relief. Then after Dr. Agnew looked at every part of the fetus' body, she informed us that we were having a GIRL! That's right, 'no scrotum or balls' she said. I was shocked, David has felt it was a girl all along. My initial instinct was, holy ****! What am I going to do with a girl. I just got used to raising a boy. But very quickly my mind was flooded with ideas pertaining to a life with a little girl, a daughter, and I realized how badly I hoped, although didn't believe, this would one day be a reality for us. And then the tears started to flood.
There was some indication that we may be having a girl over my first trimester. I was so much more sick than I was with Isaac. Vomiting was not an uncommon experience, and it lasted all day long. I would dream that I was having a girl. And David and everyone I knew was convinced from the beginning that it was going to be a she. I just didn't think it was possible for us to make a girl. But we did.
As for how I have been feeling... after week 16 things really shaped up. My energy increased (however I still feel exhausted raising a toddler and being pregnant at the same time). The nausea is gone. Finally. I am not sleeping all that well, although my peeing in the middle of the night has decreased from 5 times a night to 2. I have been doing a lot of prenatal yoga which feels great and has been very rewarding. It is very hard not to be able to get my heart rate above 140, and as all of my cardiovascular strength decreases it is feels great to have some physical abilities increase.
We have told Isaac about the new addition to come. One night when we were reading books I introduced one about babies, then another about being a big brother, and lastly one about a baby growing in a mommy's tummy. After we finished that book he told me he has a baby in his tummy. I laughed, and said... not but mommy does. He lifted up my shirt and said, I dont see one. Looked in my bellybutton and still couldn't see it. I tried the best I could to explain that it was inside, but it was obvious that the concept was very abstract, and for now it was ok to leave it that way. He spent the next three weeks torturing me. Making sure he knew he loved daddy more than mommy. Hitting me in the face. Refusing to sit on me because he would 'hurt the baby'. It was then that we knew, he does get this. It has gotten much better recently. He came to our doctors appoitment today, and after being reassured that he wasn't going to have to sit on the 'change table' or be examined, he seemed happy to go (as long as he could have snacks and sit on daddy's lap). He asked me in the car on the way to the appointment if the doctor was going to take the baby out, and I explained that we had a long time before that was going to happen. Slowly, it seems, we are all figuring this out together.
Princess Seamonkey
20 weeks
3/4 pound
7 inches
due December 14th, 2009
We just finished up a fantastic holiday weekend filled with things we love to do and see. Friday we took Isaac to Coldwater Canyon park in the morning. He loved playing in the fountains, and of course had a monster melt down when it was time to leave. We headed for Newsroom for lunch, and then home for a very long nap. Saturday we headed to Silverstrand for the 4th. We spent most of the day on the beach. Isaac played in the sand (he has a new found fear of the ocean), and the Gehle's joined us in the late afternoon for apps, a bbq, and fireworks. The traffic getting out of ventura was nutty, but after patience and a couple hours we made it home. Sunday we went for a hike and a swim, and then saw Michael Mann's newest "Public Enemies". We both love loved it. We headed over the hill to Joan's on Third, picked up a gourmet picnic, and headed to the Hollywood Bowl for the trifecta of "The New Pornographers" "Tegan and Sara" and "Death Cab for Cutie". We decided to do something special and get a couple seats in a box, and wow was it worth it. It was a completely different experience. First of all, you are obviously much closer to the performers, but more importantly it created a very intimate experience that we hadn't had at the bowl. The seats were comfortable, waiters come around and take drink and food orders... it was amazing. The finale was Transatlanticism, with the LA Philharmonic, and a fantastically choreographed fireworks display. It was the perfect way to end the best show I had seen, and a fantastic weekend.
Over the past month or so, I have noticed Isaac really beginning to pronounce his new found sense of autonomy. He has always very much been his own person, but in the past has found pleasure in making the 'right' choice. In the past few weeks it is very obvious he is testing what happens if he makes the wrong choice. You can see him wanting to see how far he can push us, he has begun reasoning with us, and very much expressing emotions of feeling 'frustrated' 'cranky' 'sad' 'upset'...
It seems like these moments escalate quickly into head to head battles where David and I stand firm and explain to him the consequences of his choices. It is often centered around cleaning up his toys, switching activities from one to another, not doing something he knows is unacceptable (throwing his food of the table one piece at a time to see how far he can take it). The consequences have been clearly laid out and are usually threatening (and following through) with the removal of something he very much likes. Book time at night, desert, going to the park...
We feel this is an incredibly important stage in his development, but it makes it no more fun to go through. Our hope is that he soon begins to understand the consequences of his actions, and we will no longer have to do the painful dance we have been engaging in. The realist in me knows this is only the beginning of the hard part of parenting that will last many many years.
Today was Isaac's last day in the Red Room with teachers Vanessa and Marybell. As David and I watched through the school's window out to the playground we were amazed in the changes Isaac has made in a few short months. In January Isaac stuck with his teachers, or sat on the bench watching his friends play. Today he ran around playfully, engaged in all activities, and looked like he was having a great time while doing so. It was an emotional day, saying goodbye to the little classroom where Isaac got his start, but also a joyful one knowing he is leaving a much more self confidant and self sufficient little boy. I felt so proud of all he had acomlished and all he was willing to let into his little world. In just a week Isaac will start into his older two's class with many of his friends from the red room. He knows he is now 'too big' for the red room, and seems accepting of the transition and change that is upon him. I can only hope that his expereince in his new class is as wonderful as the one he just graduated from.
I have recently noticed little things that spew out of isaac's brain that very much surprise me. Once your child starts going to school, and he begins learning from a much richer fabric of sources and people, he comes home with thoughts and ideas, facts and tidbits that every day make me smile, and beg the question of, where did he pick THAT up.
This morning Isaac brought me the "W" from his alphabet puzzle, and said, "W starts with Whale". Granted, that isn't exactly the case, I understood his intent, and couldn't believe he had picked that up. He proceeded to tell me about other letters, and what they 'start with'.
Other funny little things he has mentioned... 'The turtles at school aren't 'hibernating' any more'. A Bob Marley song came on the radio, and he identified it as a Bob Marley song (apparently something his class dances to at school). He is able to sing from start to finish "Rock-a-bye-baby", "Old Mac Donald", Twinkle Twinkle, ABC, and a slue of other songs often putting himself to sleep by practicing. He knows we live on 'Woodcliff Road'. He understands emotions, what makes him sad and happy, and has become increasingly sensitive to how his actions make others feel. He has a new found interest in sea life and can identify most sea creatures by name. He has new animal friends who must sleep in his crib. They all have spots, and purposes. Beaver must have his own money milk, and is located in the top right side of the crib. Little turtle sleeps in the top middle, and octopus sleeps on the top left side of the crib. Nothing else is to be in the crib.
If you ask him to do something, he just might listen. He can bring you a diaper, clean up toys in the other room, and do small tasks even when you aren't watching over him.
He has come close to memorization on many books and movies. He can point out obscure things in books ( Eiffel Tower, Paris, Baked Beans, Parachutes, Scary Forests, Jupiter) and knows when Ursula is about to appear in The Little Mermaid and demands it is fast forwarded.
He remembers everything that is promised to him and reminds you throughout the day, in detail, verbatim.
I could continue to list because it truly is the most amazing age. Every day there is something I want to jot down, or make a mental note of. He amazes me, keeps me on my toes, and just the thought of him easily makes me smile.
Who knew love could grow. and grow. and grow.
This year I really wanted to start a little garden with Isaac, and take a few trips to the farm so that he could begin to make the connection between what we eat and where it comes from. At the beginning of spring Isaac and I planted some veggies from seeds. Tomato, Corn, Long Beans, Carrots, Squash, and Broccoli. We now have lots of vegetable plants very close to pickin'. It has been a wonderful experience for us to water them, and feed them... and it is a good reminder of the time and energy it takes to harvest the things we can so easily purchase at our local market. It has helped me to be more conscious of waste, and has demonstrated to Isaac how long it takes to cultivate the produce we often take for granted.
We also took a trip to Underwood Family Farms to pick our own strawberries. Isaac loved taking each little berry off the stem, and placing it in his container. It took time and energy, and the payoff when we got home was well worth it.
I hope to make this an annual springtime project that Isaac can become more and more involved in as the years pass. I think it is a very important and rewarding experience, and am very thankful for the sun, water, oxygen, soil, and little seedlings that have made it possible.
A big thank you to my boys for making mothers day very special. It was one of those perfectly simple days filled with the little things I am known to love. Sleeping in. Homemade waffles. Goofy silly celebration. A big family dinner. And a lot of TLC from David and Isaac.
David and I have noticed a real change in Isaac this past month. There has been a huge increase in his general energy level. He is like a tornado, circling the house at top speed ALL THE TIME. He runs and runs and runs (claims he is getting exercise) and is mostly interested in very physical activities. David and I are woken every morning with a jump on the bed, and a "GOOD MORNING" or a "HI SWEETIE" at top volume, followed by some toy rolling over our head or back. Then a loud shriek of pleasure... "BYE BYE"... ISAAC'S GOING IN THE LIVING ROOM"..."SEE YOU ALLIGATOR". Then he jumps off the bed and sings some melody he has made up all the way to the living room.
At the park he is climbing more aggressively, trying more challenging activities, and very interested in the many ways he can use a single piece of equipment. He loves going down the slide 'backwards', and has started becoming very good at climbing ladder type equipment. It is obvious he is exploring and testing his physical limits. In addition, he seems much more comfortable in his own skin. He has a different sense of confidence, and is very much able to just be in a moment. He is free.
This past weekend at the beach he spent and hour running in the sand, then rolling in the sand, then lying, and lounging, and climbing... It was an amazing joy to watch him in his element. He spent time independently, just being. Immersed in the cold damp earth below, he seemed very much at peace.
(Isaac and David making 'monster' faces on the Eiffel Tower (lifeguard tower).)
Isaac's school's spring parade was the first time he participated in a school wide event independently. I was originally told he was going to be a cucumber, but to my delite, out walked the cutest bunch of grapes I had seen. The kids were all responsible for making their own costumes which included dying, cutting, painting, gluing, and assembling. Once they were complete they were allowed to trade with their friends if they preferred a different costume. Apparently, Isaac prefers grapes.
He seemed fairly overwhelmed throughout the parade, but also aware he was a part of something larger than himself. For a toddler, this is huge. Bubie and Papu surprised him and showed up for a peek at the event before they headed off to Asia. Isaac and I celebrated his big day with strawberry milkshakes at Mel's.
We have been through many strange illnesses with Isaac over his two years. Roseola, Croup, Fevers, Numerous Colds, Ear Infection, Diarrhea... the list is long and varied. This latest battle with Influenza A takes the cake. Isaac had the flu shot a little over a month before he caught the virus, I can only presume from school. I went out of town the day the fever presented itself, so David was stuck by himself to deal with our little one forcing him to rearrange work schedule, and play nurse for an incredibly cranky and difficult toddler. Consequently I had a pretty awful pit in my stomach the whole time I was away, and tried to get home on the first flight possible with no luck. I trusted that David was doing everything he can, and that my boys were taking care of eachother, but I wanted to be home doing everything i could.
I think both David and I would agree that our little boy literally left his body for two whole weeks. We did not recognzie influenza isaac. There was no life in his eyes, he hated everything he used to love, he didn't eat a thing for about 12 days, all he wanted to do was watch movies, and lay around. Once the fever broke around day 6, the night time vomitting began. In the middle of the night we would hear a yelp, then a scream, and rush into Isaac vomitting in his crib. This is just about when mom and dad freaked out, and couldn't help but think, is there something wrong with our kid. Even Dr. Shulman showed signs of concern, and ordered various blood tests to be done. (try finding a vein on a two year old). The tests came back A-OK.
A couple days later, a cold, then a cough... and then...
I S A A C I S B A C K ! ! !
Our jumpin' singin' demandin' guy is back. We missed you Isaac! So good that you are a 'happy boy'.
Mom and I did our annual spring trip a couple weeks ago, and headed up to the Canadian PNW for a peek at Vancouver. I have long wanted to spend time here, and get to know the city I have been ever so curious about. I can honestly say after just a few short days here, this is one of the first cities outside of LA I could easily live in. I have always had a fondness for the PNW landscape, the attitude and tempo of those who live there... pair that with O'Canada and one might say - TRIFECTA!
We wondered around various parts of the city with our amazing guide and friend Ros. We spent time in Gastown where stumbled upon MANDULA. Every piece of handmade couture was incredibly strange on the hanger. So strange that you weren't sure how to wear it, or what it was... but after a couple hours of trying on almost every piece in the store, mom and I agreed we were blown away. Each piece is designed in a sustainable fabric, and fits every body type. There are no sizes, labels, or vast color choices. This is a store for basics made from yummy materials, and amazingly interesting cuts. Pieces wrap, and tie, and pucker. They are paired with vintage belts from the 1800 used wars of days past. The gritty combinations of old and new, the smell, the texture... it was a one of a kind experience.
ON TOP OF IT ALL... the designer is HUNGARIAN. She was in the store that day, and loved seeing the pieces on our bodies. I picked out a couple incredibly special pieces (that i am not even sure how to put on), and will cherish them for the rest of my life. Thank you mom for this very specaial birthday treat. I will never forget it.
We went for a celebratory lunch afterwards at the Salt Tasting Room. It was the kind of lunch you can only have on vacation. The one that starts at 2pm, lasts a couple hours, and consists of only wine and cheese. It was super duper lovely.
We spent the rest of the week checking out Granville Market, the newly reopened Museum of Anthropology, Ros beautiful condo where I got to meet her amazing friends (she can party like a rock star), and Hammam massage.
I haven't mentioned, because I wanted to focus on the good, how sick Isaac was when I left. I have saved that for its own blog entry...
I have been waiting to post to see if our new adventures in potty training were going anywhere, but it seems like little by little we are making some very slow progress. This started a few weeks ago, when we decided to give Isaac some designated 'potty time' every day. We just sat in the bathroom together, and got used to the idea of sitting on the potty. There was much resistance, but then eventually it became something he was asking to do. We now sit on the potty a few times a day, read a book, and most of the time... have some success. There are still wet diapers in between, and he isn't often asking us to use the potty, but we are on our way. Just one more small reminder of how big my little one has become.
