This evening we stopped by Kam Do Restaurant to order some take-out for dinner. The boy was running around everywhere, climbing on chairs, playing with the salt and pepper shakers... a waitress came by and plunked him onto a chair (he was standing on) and told him to sit still (in Cantonese) and warned him she was watching him. Isaac froze in place. He had a serious-sort of expression on his face - definitely not a happy one. Daddy and I sat at a table across from him. I laughed at him, he did not flicker... his expression never changed.
Awhile later, the same waitress came back with a plate of mango pudding (saying it was a treat on her for being good). She scooped up a spoon and put it into his mouth. He seemed unsure of what was going on and tentatively ate a bite. She gave him the spoon and told him to feed himself. He started to poke at the pudding. I helped him scoop up little spoonfuls and he fed himself most of the pudding.
After he was done, he sat in the chair across from Daddy. I took him out to walk around while we waited for our take-out. It was an interesting experience.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Happy Birthday!
We got up a bit after 7am. I fed Isaac some watered down oatmeal and apple sauce. He didn't finish all the apple sauce but I think it's because he's a bit tired of eating that all the time. After I gave him mommy milk, had breakfast and we went down to return the lounge keys and do some recycling.
After, we stopped by VV (but didn't see anything - seems the best days for us to find stuff is typically Wednesdays or Thursdays). We dropped by the bank then caught a skytrain to Aberdeen. Isaac likes going on a train. When we got to Aberdeen, everything was still closed. I ordered dim sum takeout, then we walked around the food court. I gave Isaac some beef rice noodle roll (he kept asking for more) - but I wanted to catch the train back on the same ticket. I bought him a foil "Happy Birthday" balloon. I also gave him a penny to drop into the fountain. He was really happy about that.
I made it to the station in time to use my ticket. We cut through the mall and picked up some mushrooms from Kins and a whole wheat pizza roll from Cobbs. Then we went to the library to return and pick up some books and videos. On the way back home, Isaac fell asleep at 12:44pm. I finally got the lego duplo babies I ordered from ebay (from a German seller) over a month ago.
Time for me to eat lunch, wrap up some of his presents from our family and maybe take a nap. I'm really happy that Isaac seems to be feeling noticeably better today. His appetite is back, but I'm going to be careful not to give him too much at a time.
After, we stopped by VV (but didn't see anything - seems the best days for us to find stuff is typically Wednesdays or Thursdays). We dropped by the bank then caught a skytrain to Aberdeen. Isaac likes going on a train. When we got to Aberdeen, everything was still closed. I ordered dim sum takeout, then we walked around the food court. I gave Isaac some beef rice noodle roll (he kept asking for more) - but I wanted to catch the train back on the same ticket. I bought him a foil "Happy Birthday" balloon. I also gave him a penny to drop into the fountain. He was really happy about that.
I made it to the station in time to use my ticket. We cut through the mall and picked up some mushrooms from Kins and a whole wheat pizza roll from Cobbs. Then we went to the library to return and pick up some books and videos. On the way back home, Isaac fell asleep at 12:44pm. I finally got the lego duplo babies I ordered from ebay (from a German seller) over a month ago.
Time for me to eat lunch, wrap up some of his presents from our family and maybe take a nap. I'm really happy that Isaac seems to be feeling noticeably better today. His appetite is back, but I'm going to be careful not to give him too much at a time.
Birthday Party Madness!
I went to bed at 4am - tired but could not fall asleep easily. We got up at 7:30am. I took a shower while Daddy fed the boy breakfast - applesauce.
We put on some shows for the boy to watch and worked in the kitchen trying to prepare the lunch for the kids and the veggie platter. Daddy started moving things down to the party room. We were running behind schedule!
At 9:14am, we were expecting our friend to come at 9am to help... BUT...
The buzzer for our front door was replaced during the week. I didn't test it out yesterday... turns out our number was deleted from the system. I had to go downstairs to let my friend in. We go test the buzzer in the parking lot. At least that works.
9:50am. I'm still in the kitchen cooking. M&L buzz us from the parking. They come up. Michael brings stuff down and get M&L to help us set up the room. Daddy goes to pick up a mango cake.
A bit after 10am, our first toddler guest arrives. I'm still upstairs cooking - but I have to run down to let them in. I turn off the stove and let the food continue to cook in the pot.
10:18am. I'm done cooking... but there are still lots of stuff to bring downstairs. I grab a load and head down but I left my cellphone in our unit. UH OH! When I went back up to our unit, I found I missed 2 calls. Someone is buzzing us a 3rd time from the parking and someone is calling our home phone at the same time. I try to let our parking guests in but for some reason, it's NOT working. At the same time, I'm trying to talk on the phone with our guest waiting outside the front lobby doors. People are confused as I try to sort out both calls at the same time. I end up going down to the lobby, then dashing to the parking lot (to find Daddy letting our parking guests in). Thanks Daddy!!
I bring our guests up to the party room, then continue to move stuff down from our unit.
Things finally settle down for a bit for me. Daddy goes back up a few more times to get stuff we've forgotten. I spend some time watching Isaac play and chatting a little with some of the other kids and parents. We set up the juice and tupperwares of fruits and veggies. Daddy orders some pizza.
The kids start snacking. Watermelon seems to be a big hit with all the kids (except Isaac).
Daddy comes back with the pizza and I make a couple of trips to bring down the macaroni and sauce in our big pots.
Our final guests arrive. Isaac looks ready to conk out and when I ask him if he wants to nap - he says yes. I decide that we do the cake part before he falls asleep...
Isaac smiles and waits when he sees his cake. He is incredibly happy as everyone sings "Happy Birthday" to him. He has a huge grin on his face. It melts my heart watching him. He attempts to blow out his candle. (I help him on his second attempt.) We give him some cake. It tastes like a chocolate brownie. His lips are smeared with chocolate and blue fondant. After that, his energy levels go up and he's ready to play again.
Guests start leaving.
M and L bring up Isaac's birthday present and he seems to LOVE it - a tricycle. He spends a lot of time playing with it, sitting on it, dumping things from the basket out. Me: I'm undecided about it. It's really cute, but the tires are plastic so it'll probably break pretty fast if we take it outside. Still deciding if we should keep it or switch it for something else. A minor scuffle breaks out over the tricycle.
At around 2:30pm - Isaac has a meltdown as I am changing his diaper. Daddy, M and L clean up the room and bring all our stuff up while I take him up for a nap but he would not sleep. Potty time. Then he wanted to eat more food. He kept asking for more ham. After we had some mango cake. Isaac kept asking for and eating pieces of L's slice of cake.
I go to take a nap, but Isaac hangs out with Daddy, M and L. M&L leave and Isaac comes to look for me. I try to put him down for a nap, but as soon as I try to transfer him to his crib, he's up and screaming. I think he's over-stimulated and over-tired. Not a great combination. We let Isaac open one present.
Daddy gives Isaac a bath. Then we go down to look over the party room and do some spot cleaning.
We put the boy down for bed at around 8:30pm.
I still need to return the keys for the lounge before 9am.
We put on some shows for the boy to watch and worked in the kitchen trying to prepare the lunch for the kids and the veggie platter. Daddy started moving things down to the party room. We were running behind schedule!
At 9:14am, we were expecting our friend to come at 9am to help... BUT...
The buzzer for our front door was replaced during the week. I didn't test it out yesterday... turns out our number was deleted from the system. I had to go downstairs to let my friend in. We go test the buzzer in the parking lot. At least that works.
9:50am. I'm still in the kitchen cooking. M&L buzz us from the parking. They come up. Michael brings stuff down and get M&L to help us set up the room. Daddy goes to pick up a mango cake.
A bit after 10am, our first toddler guest arrives. I'm still upstairs cooking - but I have to run down to let them in. I turn off the stove and let the food continue to cook in the pot.
10:18am. I'm done cooking... but there are still lots of stuff to bring downstairs. I grab a load and head down but I left my cellphone in our unit. UH OH! When I went back up to our unit, I found I missed 2 calls. Someone is buzzing us a 3rd time from the parking and someone is calling our home phone at the same time. I try to let our parking guests in but for some reason, it's NOT working. At the same time, I'm trying to talk on the phone with our guest waiting outside the front lobby doors. People are confused as I try to sort out both calls at the same time. I end up going down to the lobby, then dashing to the parking lot (to find Daddy letting our parking guests in). Thanks Daddy!!
I bring our guests up to the party room, then continue to move stuff down from our unit.
Things finally settle down for a bit for me. Daddy goes back up a few more times to get stuff we've forgotten. I spend some time watching Isaac play and chatting a little with some of the other kids and parents. We set up the juice and tupperwares of fruits and veggies. Daddy orders some pizza.
The kids start snacking. Watermelon seems to be a big hit with all the kids (except Isaac).
Daddy comes back with the pizza and I make a couple of trips to bring down the macaroni and sauce in our big pots.
Our final guests arrive. Isaac looks ready to conk out and when I ask him if he wants to nap - he says yes. I decide that we do the cake part before he falls asleep...
Guests start leaving.
M and L bring up Isaac's birthday present and he seems to LOVE it - a tricycle. He spends a lot of time playing with it, sitting on it, dumping things from the basket out. Me: I'm undecided about it. It's really cute, but the tires are plastic so it'll probably break pretty fast if we take it outside. Still deciding if we should keep it or switch it for something else. A minor scuffle breaks out over the tricycle.
At around 2:30pm - Isaac has a meltdown as I am changing his diaper. Daddy, M and L clean up the room and bring all our stuff up while I take him up for a nap but he would not sleep. Potty time. Then he wanted to eat more food. He kept asking for more ham. After we had some mango cake. Isaac kept asking for and eating pieces of L's slice of cake.
I go to take a nap, but Isaac hangs out with Daddy, M and L. M&L leave and Isaac comes to look for me. I try to put him down for a nap, but as soon as I try to transfer him to his crib, he's up and screaming. I think he's over-stimulated and over-tired. Not a great combination. We let Isaac open one present.
Daddy gives Isaac a bath. Then we go down to look over the party room and do some spot cleaning.
We put the boy down for bed at around 8:30pm.
I still need to return the keys for the lounge before 9am.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Birthday Cake!
Up 'til 2am decorating the cake for the boy. The kitchen floor has a dusting of icing sugar. My fingers are stained with blue food colouring. I used the Rolled Buttercream Fondant recipe from allrecipes.. At least I can go to bed knowing that my Lego cake is done.
Still have lots to do tomorrow morning.
- Cut up vegetables for a veggie platter
- Bring down toys: Lego (house, bricks, track, figures, vehicles), gears, blocks, fake food
- Arts and crafts: marshmallows, toothpicks, paper bags, crayons and maybe markers
- Prepare lunch for the kids (chopping veggies, cooking macaroni, heating up cream of mushroom soup)
- Decorate and label loot bags and write note on cards
- Inflate balloons
- Bring down washroom supplies: portable toddler potty, spare change mat, wipes, a few spare diapers
- Bring down cake, fruit platter, veggie platter, plates, cups, and utensils, water, juice, etc.
Hope we don't sleep in!
Still have lots to do tomorrow morning.
- Cut up vegetables for a veggie platter
- Bring down toys: Lego (house, bricks, track, figures, vehicles), gears, blocks, fake food
- Arts and crafts: marshmallows, toothpicks, paper bags, crayons and maybe markers
- Prepare lunch for the kids (chopping veggies, cooking macaroni, heating up cream of mushroom soup)
- Decorate and label loot bags and write note on cards
- Inflate balloons
- Bring down washroom supplies: portable toddler potty, spare change mat, wipes, a few spare diapers
- Bring down cake, fruit platter, veggie platter, plates, cups, and utensils, water, juice, etc.
Hope we don't sleep in!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Food Poisoning - Day 3
The boy's sleep pattern is completely messed up. He fell asleep at 7pm last night, woke and fell back asleep at 8pm, then got up at 9pm.
I gave him some breast milk but he threw up all over me. We called HealthLink to talk to a nurse. She suggested holding off giving him anything for an hour, then giving him one ounce of pedialyte or juice every 20 minutes. If he tolerates it, increase the amount to two ounces. Then move onto broths, etc.
Daddy was up with Isaac last night (at around 2-3am). Isaac slept with us and didn't throw up overnight. This morning, Isaac seems to have more energy than yesterday.
So far he has been taking sips of orange juice and apple juice. Now he's trying to cram fish crackers into his mouth. I hope he doesn't overdo it. I'd better take them away. I took him outside for a bit this morning.
Isaac had a long 3 hour nap from 12:30pm to 3:30pm.
I gave him some breast milk but he threw up all over me. We called HealthLink to talk to a nurse. She suggested holding off giving him anything for an hour, then giving him one ounce of pedialyte or juice every 20 minutes. If he tolerates it, increase the amount to two ounces. Then move onto broths, etc.
Daddy was up with Isaac last night (at around 2-3am). Isaac slept with us and didn't throw up overnight. This morning, Isaac seems to have more energy than yesterday.
So far he has been taking sips of orange juice and apple juice. Now he's trying to cram fish crackers into his mouth. I hope he doesn't overdo it. I'd better take them away. I took him outside for a bit this morning.
Isaac had a long 3 hour nap from 12:30pm to 3:30pm.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Food Poisoning - Day 2
Last night was ok, though he did try to throw up before bed.
This morning Daddy was feeling better, but Isaac seemed to be a bit lethargic. He woke up at 7am, but went back to sleep until 8am. After, he mostly sat/lay beside me for the morning. He didn't want any pedialyte or Gatorade - but did want baby food. I gave him some but he threw up after eating. He fell asleep on the sofa at 11am.
This morning Daddy was feeling better, but Isaac seemed to be a bit lethargic. He woke up at 7am, but went back to sleep until 8am. After, he mostly sat/lay beside me for the morning. He didn't want any pedialyte or Gatorade - but did want baby food. I gave him some but he threw up after eating. He fell asleep on the sofa at 11am.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Toddler Food Poisoned
At around 3:30am we hear sounds of gurgling... Isaac is standing up in his crib retching. There is a putrid sweet smell beside my bed. After several bouts of vomiting, he seems to be doing ok - though he's wide awake right now. I'm hoping it gets through his system soon. Daddy seems similarly afflicted. It must've been something they both ate (we're suspecting the mango).
We stripped down his crib and clothes. Two clothing changes later, we are sitting in front of the tv watching some Word World. It seems like each time he lies down he throws up. He doesn't want any water and seems fearful of vomiting.
I definitely need to pick up some pedialyte for him tomorrow. I hope his system settles down soon! I'll try to keep him hydrated and if he's still throwing up after 3 days or if he seems dehydrated, we'll take him in to see a doctor.
I guess tomorrow we'll have something easy on the tummy like congee.
At around 5:30am, we were able to get Isaac back to bed. He spent part of the night with us in our bed. Up a bit after 8am. He asked for lots of water. Then he needed to sit on the potty for awhile.
He seems relatively happy. We'll see how the rest of the day goes. Running on low sleep may be difficult.
Isaac just got a package from Toys R Us this morning at 8:40am. Not sure who it's from. I'll have to open it later to check.
More diarrhea and another bout of vomiting... but at least it was in the bathroom this time so it's easier to clean up. I gave the boy a bath afterwards and he's drinking some Gatorade right now. Laundry laundry laundry. I think we have 3 loads to do. I just started one. We'll also need to use the steam vacuum on the carpets... though I suspect that he'll still throw up some more before the day is through.
He gulped down the Gatorade and is asking for more. I'm not sure if I should give him more - though it does help replace some of the electrolytes he's lost. Isaac is playing and seems happy (except when he throws up). Daddy is still feeling sick and is resting in bed.
- I took out the garbage, disinfected the kitchen sink, and both bathrooms. 2 Loads of laundry done, 1 to go.
I heated up some chicken noodle soup and gave some to the boy but he couldn't stomach it. It came back up... But he does seem to be tolerating Gatorade in small doses.
I put Isaac down for a nap at 1pm. Then I ordered myself some lunch and went to pick up my order and stop by the grocery store. I got Daddy some more Gatorade, and I got Isaac some pedialyte freezer pops and apple flavoured pedialyte. Hopefully he will like one of them. I also ordered a congee for them. I stopped by Value Village on my way home and picked up a couple of building toys (one is for me and one is for the boy) and a turtle step-stool. Since he needs to spit and wash his hands more, it'll be easier for me to stand on a stool instead of lifting him up to the sink.
Just got home. Both Daddy and Isaac are still napping. Now it's a race against time for me to eat lunch and try to have a short nap before Isaac gets up. Oh no, I hear some movement from the crib. I hope he keeps sleeping!!
Almost done lunch... and they're still sleeping. Phew! It would be perfect if the wash finishes soon so that I can load the dryer then take a nap.
On the weekend, I checked the weather forecast and Wednesday is predicted to be a beautiful day. I had been hoping to take Isaac to the fair again but in light of the current situation, he will be staying home for the next few days. Sounds like the washer has stopped.
We stripped down his crib and clothes. Two clothing changes later, we are sitting in front of the tv watching some Word World. It seems like each time he lies down he throws up. He doesn't want any water and seems fearful of vomiting.
I definitely need to pick up some pedialyte for him tomorrow. I hope his system settles down soon! I'll try to keep him hydrated and if he's still throwing up after 3 days or if he seems dehydrated, we'll take him in to see a doctor.
I guess tomorrow we'll have something easy on the tummy like congee.
At around 5:30am, we were able to get Isaac back to bed. He spent part of the night with us in our bed. Up a bit after 8am. He asked for lots of water. Then he needed to sit on the potty for awhile.
He seems relatively happy. We'll see how the rest of the day goes. Running on low sleep may be difficult.
Isaac just got a package from Toys R Us this morning at 8:40am. Not sure who it's from. I'll have to open it later to check.
More diarrhea and another bout of vomiting... but at least it was in the bathroom this time so it's easier to clean up. I gave the boy a bath afterwards and he's drinking some Gatorade right now. Laundry laundry laundry. I think we have 3 loads to do. I just started one. We'll also need to use the steam vacuum on the carpets... though I suspect that he'll still throw up some more before the day is through.
He gulped down the Gatorade and is asking for more. I'm not sure if I should give him more - though it does help replace some of the electrolytes he's lost. Isaac is playing and seems happy (except when he throws up). Daddy is still feeling sick and is resting in bed.
- I took out the garbage, disinfected the kitchen sink, and both bathrooms. 2 Loads of laundry done, 1 to go.
I heated up some chicken noodle soup and gave some to the boy but he couldn't stomach it. It came back up... But he does seem to be tolerating Gatorade in small doses.
I put Isaac down for a nap at 1pm. Then I ordered myself some lunch and went to pick up my order and stop by the grocery store. I got Daddy some more Gatorade, and I got Isaac some pedialyte freezer pops and apple flavoured pedialyte. Hopefully he will like one of them. I also ordered a congee for them. I stopped by Value Village on my way home and picked up a couple of building toys (one is for me and one is for the boy) and a turtle step-stool. Since he needs to spit and wash his hands more, it'll be easier for me to stand on a stool instead of lifting him up to the sink.
Just got home. Both Daddy and Isaac are still napping. Now it's a race against time for me to eat lunch and try to have a short nap before Isaac gets up. Oh no, I hear some movement from the crib. I hope he keeps sleeping!!
Almost done lunch... and they're still sleeping. Phew! It would be perfect if the wash finishes soon so that I can load the dryer then take a nap.
On the weekend, I checked the weather forecast and Wednesday is predicted to be a beautiful day. I had been hoping to take Isaac to the fair again but in light of the current situation, he will be staying home for the next few days. Sounds like the washer has stopped.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Strong Start Program
This morning I took Isaac to "school". We were there from about 9am - 11am. The kids played in a classroom setting. There was a doll house, play house, cars and trains, dinosaurs and animals, blocks and puzzles, arts and crafts, a couple bins of sand, books, magnets, and a computer station, The first part of the morning, the kids are allowed to roam around to activity stations they're interested in. Isaac spent a majority of his time playing with the doll house (it was the main thing he kept going back to), though he did explore around the room and tried most of the other activities. At 10:15am, the kids get to go to the gym to play with balls and scooters. As soon as we got to the gym, Isaac wanted to leave. After a little bit, he seemed to get used to the room and stared at the fan for a bit. The rest of the time he spent throwing a ball and running around. After gym time, everyone washed their hands and we headed back to the classroom for a snack. The kids were given a cup of water and bits of cookies, cut up grapes, and a couple of frosted cereal. Isaac tried some of the cereal and drank the water. He fed me the grapes and cookies, and G finished off Isaac's cereal for us.
The structure of this program feels the same as how the Richmond Family Place runs its drop-in programs. It's good for Isaac to see other kids, but I don't know if I'll go back to another session. We have classes scheduled for April - so I think we'll stick to that for now.
The structure of this program feels the same as how the Richmond Family Place runs its drop-in programs. It's good for Isaac to see other kids, but I don't know if I'll go back to another session. We have classes scheduled for April - so I think we'll stick to that for now.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Lego Train Set Arrived!
Yay, my new deluxe lego duplo train set arrived by courier this afternoon. The box is sitting on our living room floor. I don't know if we should open it now or wait until Isaac's birthday. It comes with a lot of track some unique pieces (like a conveyer belt) and a battery powered train.
Isaac's latest obsession with Totoro hasn't faded yet. He always asks to watch Totoro every day. He's even starting to say "Totoro" very clearly now - instead of just referring to the little girl in the show, "May". I'm considering getting some sort of Totoro toy for Isaac. The problem with many Totoro toys in stores is that often they are just selling imitation copies... Usually some proportion of the Totoro features are off. If I'm going to get a knock-off, I might as well make him one myself. I might show Isaac another anime called Spirited Away. It's a bit scarier than My Neighbour Totoro, so I don't know if he'd like it or not.
Yesterday while I was napping, Daddy was watching Isaac. He took a slice of orange and tried to swallow it whole... he ended up choking and threw up. Apparently he was ok because he wanted another slice of orange afterwards. When I got up, I asked why the couch was wet - so Daddy told me what happened.
The last few days he seemed to be regressing a little - will sit on the potty but refused to go, and he even pooped in his diaper (even though I gave him a chance to go on the potty about 10 minutes before). Today I made an effort to get Isaac to go the to potty more frequently (bribing him with Daddy's Totoro pull toy). So far his diaper has been dry for the past 6 hours.
This afternoon, I tried out to make white chocolate flourless cakes. Isaac helped with adding ingredients into various pots and bowls, and he also helped with some stirring. When I put his "cooking table" away, he got upset (and wanted to do more cooking). It reminded me about some cooking classes for kids I read about. In Vancouver there are some "cooking" classes that are offered for 2-3 year olds. There are about 10 spots per class, 10 sessions that run for 1.5 hours once a week. If these classes are offered again in the summer or fall, I might try to register Isaac for one. He would have a blast!
Note to myself: I reduced the recipe for 5 servings and it was enough for about 3 mini loafs. The cakes turn out very yellow because of the eggs. I didn't test out the fondant recipe last week, so I will try it tomorrow. I need to see how hard/easy it is to prepare, much it makes, how it tastes, and how tricky it is to handle. I'm still undecided about using this cake recipe for Isaac's birthday cake.
Isaac's latest obsession with Totoro hasn't faded yet. He always asks to watch Totoro every day. He's even starting to say "Totoro" very clearly now - instead of just referring to the little girl in the show, "May". I'm considering getting some sort of Totoro toy for Isaac. The problem with many Totoro toys in stores is that often they are just selling imitation copies... Usually some proportion of the Totoro features are off. If I'm going to get a knock-off, I might as well make him one myself. I might show Isaac another anime called Spirited Away. It's a bit scarier than My Neighbour Totoro, so I don't know if he'd like it or not.
Yesterday while I was napping, Daddy was watching Isaac. He took a slice of orange and tried to swallow it whole... he ended up choking and threw up. Apparently he was ok because he wanted another slice of orange afterwards. When I got up, I asked why the couch was wet - so Daddy told me what happened.
The last few days he seemed to be regressing a little - will sit on the potty but refused to go, and he even pooped in his diaper (even though I gave him a chance to go on the potty about 10 minutes before). Today I made an effort to get Isaac to go the to potty more frequently (bribing him with Daddy's Totoro pull toy). So far his diaper has been dry for the past 6 hours.
This afternoon, I tried out to make white chocolate flourless cakes. Isaac helped with adding ingredients into various pots and bowls, and he also helped with some stirring. When I put his "cooking table" away, he got upset (and wanted to do more cooking). It reminded me about some cooking classes for kids I read about. In Vancouver there are some "cooking" classes that are offered for 2-3 year olds. There are about 10 spots per class, 10 sessions that run for 1.5 hours once a week. If these classes are offered again in the summer or fall, I might try to register Isaac for one. He would have a blast!
Note to myself: I reduced the recipe for 5 servings and it was enough for about 3 mini loafs. The cakes turn out very yellow because of the eggs. I didn't test out the fondant recipe last week, so I will try it tomorrow. I need to see how hard/easy it is to prepare, much it makes, how it tastes, and how tricky it is to handle. I'm still undecided about using this cake recipe for Isaac's birthday cake.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Twos Time
Yes! We got into next year's program!!! Twos Time is a program that prepares children for preschool.
I got a phone call this morning from the community centre confirming that we got our first choice picks on two days in Twos Time program. Due to the popularity of this program, general admission is by lottery. There is also priority given to parents of past and current participants. We submitted the lottery request form last month, and I was expecting to hear back next week.
The program runs September 2011 - June 2012. Isaac will be going two mornings per week. The structure of the classes include: free play time, circle time, snack time and some gym/outdoor time. There are some mandatory parental duty days each term. I met the teachers at an open house and they seem wonderful.
I'm so excited. I hope Isaac will like going to Twos Time. I'll need to go and fill out the registration forms before April.
We were at G's house today. Isaac had fun playing with his friends. He played with a choo-choo train, in an inflated ball pit, on a ride-on toy, taking pictures with a toy camera, pressing buttons on a calculator, triggering music from a couple of toys, and playing with G's new dinosaur set - he like the trees and kept trying to hide the rocks.
After, we did some groceries and went home. Daddy put Isaac down for his nap and he was asleep by the time I came up with the groceries. I picked up some apple chips. Isaac thinks they're ok. Tonight we're having steak for dinner.
Update:
I'm sad to hear that our friends didn't get into the program. They heard back from the community centre in the evening.
I got a phone call this morning from the community centre confirming that we got our first choice picks on two days in Twos Time program. Due to the popularity of this program, general admission is by lottery. There is also priority given to parents of past and current participants. We submitted the lottery request form last month, and I was expecting to hear back next week.
The program runs September 2011 - June 2012. Isaac will be going two mornings per week. The structure of the classes include: free play time, circle time, snack time and some gym/outdoor time. There are some mandatory parental duty days each term. I met the teachers at an open house and they seem wonderful.
I'm so excited. I hope Isaac will like going to Twos Time. I'll need to go and fill out the registration forms before April.
We were at G's house today. Isaac had fun playing with his friends. He played with a choo-choo train, in an inflated ball pit, on a ride-on toy, taking pictures with a toy camera, pressing buttons on a calculator, triggering music from a couple of toys, and playing with G's new dinosaur set - he like the trees and kept trying to hide the rocks.
After, we did some groceries and went home. Daddy put Isaac down for his nap and he was asleep by the time I came up with the groceries. I picked up some apple chips. Isaac thinks they're ok. Tonight we're having steak for dinner.
Update:
I'm sad to hear that our friends didn't get into the program. They heard back from the community centre in the evening.
More Lego...
Ok. I said I wasn't going to buy more toys... but I did. :( I just couldn't stop myself... I walked into Value Village and found another three bags of duplo lego.We now have a mini playground set, an additional grandma and mom figure, a seal, an orca, a dog and an alligator. Of course this, this also comes with a bunch of regular blocks and square ones. I still haven't washed the square ones... We already have too many of those types of pieces.
Today I built a lego duplo chair for the boy. At first he just stacked more blocks on it. When I implied that he could sit on it, he tried it out. It seemed to hold up ok - though I did hear some creaking.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Potty Accident
This morning I put him in underwear. He peed and took off his pants and underwear. After we cleaned up the mess, he didn't want me to put him in another pair of underwear. I did it anyways and he was ok with it once it was on.
I changed him into diapers before went out. We splashed in some puddles, walked around for a bit then came home for lunch. I made bacon and a mushroom and celery omelet. After lunch, we watched some Hikaru No Go. Isaac gets excited about the anime and always wants to pull out our Go board and stones to play with. We're trying to teach him to put down one stone at a time and to take turns.
This afternoon, he played with the lego fences - I stacked them on top to make a car gate. He likes to lift the gate up and down to let the cars and dragons come in and out. As he started getting upset and taking the gate apart... I knew it was time for us to go out. We took another short walk out and I picked up a bag of Doritos from 7-Eleven.
When we came home, Daddy was looking up some recipes for pork chop. He made a sauce with ketchup and cola. We had some chinese veggies and chinese sausage and some left over brussel sprouts.
It's getting close to bedtime.
I changed him into diapers before went out. We splashed in some puddles, walked around for a bit then came home for lunch. I made bacon and a mushroom and celery omelet. After lunch, we watched some Hikaru No Go. Isaac gets excited about the anime and always wants to pull out our Go board and stones to play with. We're trying to teach him to put down one stone at a time and to take turns.
This afternoon, he played with the lego fences - I stacked them on top to make a car gate. He likes to lift the gate up and down to let the cars and dragons come in and out. As he started getting upset and taking the gate apart... I knew it was time for us to go out. We took another short walk out and I picked up a bag of Doritos from 7-Eleven.
When we came home, Daddy was looking up some recipes for pork chop. He made a sauce with ketchup and cola. We had some chinese veggies and chinese sausage and some left over brussel sprouts.
It's getting close to bedtime.
Monday, March 7, 2011
A Walk in the Park
The weather is beautiful today. This morning we walked to the park. I had Isaac in rain pants so that he could play on the slides without getting his pants wet. We looked for rabbits, then walked on the oval track. After, we went to the library to pick up some books and videos. I gave Isaac a snack and tried to get him to sit for the library story time, but he was more interested in playing with the water fountain. I put him into the stroller and he listened to one story.
We walked home and I made Isaac a grilled cheese sandwich. He also had a few bites of celery (dipped with ranch dressing). He looked tired, but didn't want to nap. I put him in his crib anyways. After an hour of whining, he finally fell asleep at 1pm.
We walked home and I made Isaac a grilled cheese sandwich. He also had a few bites of celery (dipped with ranch dressing). He looked tired, but didn't want to nap. I put him in his crib anyways. After an hour of whining, he finally fell asleep at 1pm.
Visiting the Aquarium
We watched the Beluga show. Isaac clapped enthusiastically after seeing the whale jump up, make clicking noises, and eat fish.
The parking rates for Stanley park go up to the summer rates starting April, so it might be worth trying to make one more visit if we can (though it'll be difficult since all are weekends for this month are booked).
Friday, March 4, 2011
Must Refrain From Toy Shopping For The Rest Of This Month...
Ok. I just ordered the deluxe lego duplo train and an extra set of straight tracks from the lego website. It was super expensive. Grandma and grandpa: some of Isaac's birthday money is going into the train set. The rest is going into his bank account. THANK YOU!!!
I must not shop. I must not shop. Let me repeat that one more time... I MUST NOT SHOP. Except for any incidental birthday party costs, food, and clothing needed for the boy, I will try not to buy additional toys... at least for the rest of this month and next month. Instead of walking to Value Village, I think I will have to avoid going there. We will walk to the library or city hall instead.
Time to find a new hobby/obsession. I will have to look into doing more random arts and crafts and try to teach Isaac to sing songs. He's starting to "fill in words" in a couple of songs and books. He sings part of "Baa Baa Black Sheep" and will say "I" for his name and "mama" for my name in a welcome song we learned from our creative movement class. I'm going to work on "Twinkle twinkle little star" and the alphabet song with him.
Huge pile of dishes in the sink. Time to start washing them... or putting them into the dishwasher.
I must not shop. I must not shop. Let me repeat that one more time... I MUST NOT SHOP. Except for any incidental birthday party costs, food, and clothing needed for the boy, I will try not to buy additional toys... at least for the rest of this month and next month. Instead of walking to Value Village, I think I will have to avoid going there. We will walk to the library or city hall instead.
Time to find a new hobby/obsession. I will have to look into doing more random arts and crafts and try to teach Isaac to sing songs. He's starting to "fill in words" in a couple of songs and books. He sings part of "Baa Baa Black Sheep" and will say "I" for his name and "mama" for my name in a welcome song we learned from our creative movement class. I'm going to work on "Twinkle twinkle little star" and the alphabet song with him.
Huge pile of dishes in the sink. Time to start washing them... or putting them into the dishwasher.
Birthday Party Planning
I just sent out invitations to Isaac's Birthday Party. This year we want to have a (primarily) kids party. I've invited friends from our play group and prenatal group. Hopefully most of our friends will be able to come.
I'm planning to host a Lego Duplo themed party. I'm going to attempt to make a Lego cake. So far I'm planning to set up several different activity stations: 1) Lego construction area, 2) Lego train/tracks area, 3) Lego house and mini figures area, 4) Play kitchen - fake food, pots and pans, 5) Arts and Crafts area - I need to think of some not too messy arts & crafts (this means: no glue, no paint, no playdough, no glitter) - still deciding if crayons will be problematic or not with a bunch of toddlers loose.
I have 2 "games" planned, though I have extremely low expectations that the kids will play (even with parental assistance).
To do:
- Try NOT to get sick. (Not successful - but I am recovering and have one more day to get completely better)
- Test out fondant recipe. (Did not test... will make it tomorrow anyways.)
- Order a backup cake - maybe a yummy mango cake from Michelle's. (Done.)
- Assemble loot bags for kids. I've got everything in a box. (Done.)
- Wash kid cups. (Done.)
- Pick up water, juice, pop. (Done.) Do we want to serve coffee/tea with cake!?
- Decide on what lunch and snacks to serve adults and kids and pre-order if necessary.
- Think about what clothes to dress Isaac in - will have to be something he can play in but would look nice in for pictures.
- Check that we have enough plates (for lunch and cake), napkins, cups, utensils.
- Get extra rolls of paper towels (for spills, etc).
- Decide on some music.
- Plan arts & craft activities.
On Party Day:
- Inflate balloons and decorate room.
- Set up table (from storage room). (Done.)
- Make sure cake and food are ready.
- Set up play stations.
- Put a box of wipes, spare diapers and kleenex in lounge washroom and check that there is soap and toilet paper.
- Get changed.
- Have fun!
- Clean up.
- Return keys.
- Write thank-yous.
If I remember anything else I should do, I'll add it to this list.
We have 4 toddlers + Isaac, one baby, and 12 adults.
I'm planning to host a Lego Duplo themed party. I'm going to attempt to make a Lego cake. So far I'm planning to set up several different activity stations: 1) Lego construction area, 2) Lego train/tracks area, 3) Lego house and mini figures area, 4) Play kitchen - fake food, pots and pans, 5) Arts and Crafts area - I need to think of some not too messy arts & crafts (this means: no glue, no paint, no playdough, no glitter) - still deciding if crayons will be problematic or not with a bunch of toddlers loose.
I have 2 "games" planned, though I have extremely low expectations that the kids will play (even with parental assistance).
To do:
- Try NOT to get sick. (Not successful - but I am recovering and have one more day to get completely better)
- Test out fondant recipe. (Did not test... will make it tomorrow anyways.)
- Order a backup cake - maybe a yummy mango cake from Michelle's. (Done.)
- Assemble loot bags for kids. I've got everything in a box. (Done.)
- Wash kid cups. (Done.)
- Pick up water, juice, pop. (Done.) Do we want to serve coffee/tea with cake!?
- Decide on what lunch and snacks to serve adults and kids and pre-order if necessary.
- Think about what clothes to dress Isaac in - will have to be something he can play in but would look nice in for pictures.
- Check that we have enough plates (for lunch and cake), napkins, cups, utensils.
- Get extra rolls of paper towels (for spills, etc).
- Decide on some music.
- Plan arts & craft activities.
- Bake cakes (two days in advance). (Done.)
- Decorate cakes (one day in advance). (Done.)
- Decorate cakes (one day in advance). (Done.)
- Pick up keys for the lounge (one day in advance). (Done.)
- Charge camera batteries and make sure camera has lots of space for pictures (one day in advance).
On Party Day:
- Inflate balloons and decorate room.
- Set up table (from storage room). (Done.)
- Make sure cake and food are ready.
- Set up play stations.
- Put a box of wipes, spare diapers and kleenex in lounge washroom and check that there is soap and toilet paper.
- Get changed.
- Have fun!
- Clean up.
- Return keys.
- Write thank-yous.
If I remember anything else I should do, I'll add it to this list.
We have 4 toddlers + Isaac, one baby, and 12 adults.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Trying New Foods
Today Isaac was willing to try new foods. He ate raw celery dipped in ranch dressing. He wouldn't try the carrot, but would eat carrot if I chewed it for him, and tried a tomato but made a face about it. He had a couple bites of banana and some bites of mango too. Normally when we try to offer different things to him, he refuses to try them outright.
Today I got a pickup notice for a something that was supposedly attempted to be delivered on Friday. I don't think they even tried to buzz our door. I went to the post office to pick up my package. It was one of my ebay orders - just some loot bag goodies and prizes.
I was waiting all day for a UPS delivery from Amazon UK. My duplo bridges finally arrived at around 7pm. Isaac sat in his booster chair staring at the delivery guy while Daddy paid for the duties. Thanks Daddy! We opened up one of the bridges and I integrated the new pieces into our existing track layout. Now we have an oval with one end raised up. Isaac had a little bit of fun making trains fall down the ramp.
The bridge pieces help to add more variations to our track and is fun to play with. I wish that part of the bridge would have the tabs to connect them together instead of just the joins underneath. It makes the bridge structurally much weaker - especially when playing on carpet. I also wish there was a way I could reinforce raised sections of the curved track. I just have the raised sections of track on pillars... but it all falls apart easily if I try to pick up the track to move it somewhere else.