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).)
The three of us spent a very playful weekend at the Beach House, kicking back and indulging in everything we enjoy as a family. We has some great meals, enjoyed the sun, read a bunch, frolicked in the sand, and splashed in the sea. Happy Birthday David. We love you!!! Hope the weekend was filled with all of your loves.
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.
Today, on Dr. Seuss' birthday, I decided to give my favorite Seussian treat another go. I do have distinct memories of reading Isaac this book in his first few months, when he would sit on my lap, and fall asleep to the rhythmic intonations in my voice. Then came the limited attention span, followed by the limited interest in anything not car or truck related. I was overwhelmed with joy tonight, when for the very first time, Isaac sat on my lap and enjoyed every single page. When you have a child, and you love books as much as David and I do, you quickly realize that there just aren't that many books that are A. lovely to look at, B. are well written and C. have a story worth telling. This is the TRIFECTA! I think any mother can both identify with the isolation Maysie initially feels, and the determination and loyalty of Horton. In the end we learn, that your offspring are very much a biproduct of your love and commitment. We hope our committment to finding and enjoying good books as a family inspires a love of reading in our beautiful boy.
This week, for the first time Isaac recited the alphabet from A to Z. It sounded exactly like this: A,B,C,D,E,F,G. H,I,J,K,ELMO,P. Q,R,S,T,U,V. DOUBLE,X,Y,Z.
He has also started counting... up to sixteen (always skipping twelve, and loving number six).
Favorite new songs include "We are the dinosaurs", "The Mickey Mouse Song", and "The dreidel song".
School is vastly improving now that Isaac knows that "Mommy comes back 'always'", and that "Mommy comes back 'after lunch'". His teachers are telling us that he has started participating in activities, and interacting with his classmates.
Isaac has started speaking in sentences. Including verbs, nouns, pronouns, and adjectives. He is differentiating between me, you, I, and "Isaac". He often speaks in third person "Isaac did that", but then follows it up with "I did that". He likes to describe who is doing what. "Mommy cooks cereal for Isaac, Daddy shut the door, Bubbie zipps it up."
He knows the model and color of every person's car we know. Papa's silver "Beetle", Daddy's Silver "Prius", Mommy's Black "Audi", Papu's Red "Ferrari", Nanni and Bea's "Volvo".
"I dont like it" and "That hurts me" have become new favorites. He would prefer a "snack" to a meal any day of the week, and has become a very particular eater, each day developing new likes and dislikes.
He is starting to bring home new behaviors, songs, and words from school. Very interesting to see how and where he picks things up from, and how he uses them in his own world.
Isaac sat, smiling, happy, as he watched "Debbie" cut his hair yesterday. He is becoming more outgoing in many ways, enjoying social interaction with his cousins, and those he knows.
With each day seems to come new discoveries. Both giant leaps an little inching steps towards the boy he is so quickly becoming.
Isaac and I + Ally, Sammy, Jamie, Sherri and Arnie headed to Toronto to celebrate Rebecca's wedding. We packed into the Kohn's house, and snuggled up for five days of fun. Most of it included eating, drinking, and being very merry. Isaac got to spend some time with nanni and papa and had his very first sleepover without mom or dad.
Isaac and I have been doing kindermusic for over a year and a half, and so many times Sarah comes up with the loveliest activities. This week, she gave all the kids flashlights, turned the lights off, and let us make our own stars on the ceiling. Sounds simple, and it was, but the look of wonder in Isaac's eyes is somehting i will never forget.
Our family went on a walk this past weekend, and I said to Isaac... we are going to have a new president! Can you believe it Isaac... a new president! His response... "me open" "isaac open it". David and I looked at eachother, like, huh? Then he repeated " isaac open present".
We had a chuckle about it, and then explained to Isaac that he was so lucky to be growing up in an age where someone as amazing as Obama can finally be recognized for his character, not his color. That finally, we feel like hope is on the horizon.
Isaac, of course, immediately went back to the present he thought we was receiving. And it was then that I said, you may not literally be opening it... but Isaac, this is the greatest gift you will ever receive.
Obama, family Soren welcomes you with open arms. Thank you for the gift of hope, perseverance, bravery, and love.
I picked a fantastic week to spend time in the windy city... the last time the city was this cold was in 1994 - 15 years ago, when the high was minus 11. I was graced this week with average temps of minus 17. I had never been in temps that cold, so I didn't understand that it takes about 30 seconds before the frost bite kicks in, and I was graced with lots of it. Burning patches of red showed up all over my legs and behind... So I scrambled for emergency boots, gloves, ear muffs... and still, couldn't spend more than about a minute or two outside without feeling physical pain. It was unlike anything I have experienced, and I am a Canadian. (granted a Californian version... still a Canadian who has spent lots of winter weeks in Toronto). This was cause for lots of creative indoor activities. Hit every museum there was... lots of good dining experiences: Alinea, Blackbird... Met a good old friend at Murpheys, finally found a cubby hat, drank lots of Gooseneck... Mostly, having extreme experience like that reminds you of the living conditions of others, and makes you feel so thankful for what you DO have. Good to be home.
The start of preschool last week came the start of one very difficult transition. As Isaac's mother I knew this wasn't going to be easy, but I wasn't fully prepared for just how difficult it was going to be. Isaac is, and has always been, slow to warm. When injected into new situations, it takes him a while to feel comfortable. Add on the first time he has ever been separated from his mother, and it has created an all out panic situation. Each day we have tried it has gotten, s l i g h t l y, easier, but he is still not enjoying himself or immersing himself in any activities. As a mother, watching your child struggle, suffer, feel lonely, scared, abandoned, etc... has to be the absolute worst feeling in the world. I try to remind myself, that again, struggle is imperative for growth, and as Barb always reminds me, this too will pass. For now we are taking it one day at a time, and trying to establish trust and built confidence. I do so badly want to sweep him up in my 'trunk', dry his eyes, and rock my baby... but for now I will try to stay behind the glass, observe, and know that in the end we will all grow to be stronger family.
As Baloo says in the Jungle Book, "Look for the bare necessities". In our great friends, these are so graciously met. Gehles, Thank you for walking along side us on Isaac's very special day.
The following are a list of good things that the collective we have discovered this holiday season. Thought I would share the love and pass them along:
rideau winery's petit syrah ok... so the woman pouring our wine tasting was annoying, but we did learn that petit syrah was one of only two grapes that are both red skinned and red fleshed. the syrah grape is even white fleshed. red flesh = some pretty tasty wine.
theory outlet store they were having a massive post holiday blowout, but if you are in need of some basic button down dress shirts, the fit is pretty amazing. at 50-75 percent off, well worth it.
the wrestler most surprising, wonderful, raw, beautifully shot, and perfectly acted movie i have seen this year. i did have to cover my eyes for a couple scenes, but i was so happy we finally made it to the pre-screening. this movie celebrated the blurred line between your calling (what you do) and your soul (who you are). also reminded me that life is very much about those you share it with. on top of all of that, evan rachel wood, and marisa tomai... wowza.
hungarian drinking chocolate: my hanukkah gift exchange treat for leila, this turned out to be absolutely delicious and a fantastic nod to our roots.
lacoffeemill simply devide. silverlake at its finest. must go back for lunch or dinner. best cappiciono outside of florance. minimal beautiful design.
Thank you Nanni and Papa for making isaac's Toronto birthday and hanukkah so very special. He is still talking about your boat, the trucks you saw, the 'snow lady' he made, and can amazingly count to 14. All our love, Hailey, David and Isaac
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. 
