looking for Moxie in the back yard...
found her!!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Just Another Monday with Lillian
I do not think that I have ever met a child that loves to be outside more than my wild one does. Lillian will stand at the back door-or the front- and cry until we go out and play. She usually will always try to sneak out with Daddy in the mornings when he leaves for work. She loves to be dirty and I love that she loves it. Granted, it does make laundry more challenging and she usually does end up with at least two baths a day, but being outside is what Lilly bug loves more than anything. Any given day you can walk up on our front porch and see the "master pieces" that out little Van Gogh has drawn that morning with her side walk chalk. Or you can follow the finger paint foot prints down our sidewalk...it is such a mess. I think today we ended with a total of THREE baths before bed.
looking for Moxie in the back yard...
found her!!
looking for Moxie in the back yard...
found her!!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Pictures From Our Saturday...
Shaun was determined to get Lillian this hat...
but he couldn't decided which color to buy.
Lillian LOVES to ride the carousel at the mall...
Friday, August 28, 2009
Lunch With Daddy and A Purple Princess Back-Pack
Today Lillian and I went down town to have lunch with Shaun at Grumps. Lillian was so excited to see her Daddy, and started waving to him before he even got in the car. We had a very yummy lunch and then dropped Shaun back off at work and headed to meet Alli and Eli for a little shopping. We didn't find much, but we did get the cutest purple rolling back-pack. It even has a little princess bear that you can take off of the back-pack if you need a quick cuddle. Lillian LOVES it and has been rolling it around the house since we got home an hour ago. Now Lillian is taking her afternoon nap, and when she wakes-up Alli, Korey and Eli will be here for dinner!
Lillian's new purple rolling back-pack
Lillian's new purple rolling back-pack
...she loves it!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Flu Season Come Early
With Lillian starting Mother's Day Out in t-minus 9 days I thought it would be best to go ahead and get her a flu shot. At least now I have on less thing to worry about...infectious disease. Anyway, Shaun decided that he wanted to go with us so we picked him up at his office and headed to Dr. Walley's. Our little girl took her shot like a champ-just like always- and for being
such a brave girl she got a sucker!
look at what a big girl she is now...
such a brave girl she got a sucker!
look at what a big girl she is now...
I know, how many pictures can I take of her in her car seat...but she is just too cute!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Morning Garden!
Lillian and I are going to be doing this Morning Garden Program at The Redmont School in Birmingham and I thought that I would post some info on it in case any other Mommies out there are looking for something fun and educational that they can do with their little ones. I have copied and paced the email that they sent me below. If you like what you see sign up quickly because there is limited space! Oh, and just a little warning...The Redmont School is more on the earthy side, so if you are not into nature this might not be the program for you.
Hello Redmont Friends and Families!
I just wanted to let you know that there is still room in our Morning Garden program. For those of you who don't know, Morning Garden is an inter-active parent-child class held at the school for children aged walking (roughly 18 months) to 2.5 years. As someone who has been attending Morning Garden for the last 3 years and teaching Morning Garden last year, I have found so many benefits from attending the class!
*getting an opportunity to talk with parents and share wisdom's on raising aware, mindful, & loving children
*learning and sharing with folks about our school, Waldorf Education and principles
*having special one-on-one time with my little one during our circle time
*giving my children an opportunity to socialize informally with other children
*meeting life-long friends
If you know someone who might be interested in attending the class or interested to learn more about our school. Please feel free to forward this email to them. Below I have copied our September Theme and Activities. The class will be held on Wednesdays from 9:30-11am. You can contact the office or our website below for more information!
http://theredmontschool.org/Morning+Garden.aspx?Page=65c00fac-f1c4-489f-9ee8-9d3b457e976d
With Joy & Anticipation!
Sina Skates
Morning Garden Teacher
Our Theme for September in Morning Garden is:
Summer to Fall and Welcome to All
Even though in many northern states September marks the beginning of Fall, here in Birmingham, it still feels an awful lot like Summer to me! Our September activities are a mix between Fall and Summer, and an opportunity for us to meet one another and say "Hello"
Week One - September 9th - we will go for a nature walk around the school property, finding treasures as we go. We will meet on the playground behind the nursery playground - it has a large blue slide.
Week Two - September 16th - A little hand-sewing project (you will only need to sew about 3-4 inches of length 2 times). We will be creating a smock for our children to wear out of a piece of cloth and a rope or ribbon. If you have an old t-shirt or button down flannel shirt (adult size Medium or Large) that would work fine, and I will bring extras, too. I will also provide needle, thread, and ribbon to complete the project. We will use the smocks throughout the year when the children will be involved with messy projects...
Week Three - September 23rd - we will create baskets out of grapefruits for our children to play with - they can put snacks in them for snack time or dirt or grass or whatever.
Week Four - September 30th - In honor of entering the Harvest time of year we will be making butter out of cream. For anyone who bakes fresh bread, this would be a great option to bring to snack time to have with our butter. I will also bring seasoning to put into the butter like salt, fresh herbs, and some citrus. Feel free to bring anything you would like to add to our home-made butter. I will bring glass baby food jars so you can take some home with you, too.
Location. We will meet outside on the playground behind the Nursery playground, in between the middle building and the gym. If it is raining, we'll meet in the Auditorium Week One - we will walk by our classroom during our nature walk, so you will know where it is. I want us to be outside as much as possible, especially since it's such great weather these days!
Enrichment Article. This month I have a really, really short bit of an article for you to take home with you (it's only one double-sided page.) It's entitled "Who Me? Make a Doll?" I read it and thought it was fun and interesting, especially as we go into making a smock for Week 2 (not nearly as complicated as making a doll). Each month I will pick out short little tid-bits for us to ponder. I will do my best to keep selections interesting, light (less than 5 pages), and Waldorf inspired.
Morning Circle
For those of you who are new and returning MG'ers, here's a print out of the Morning Verses we will be doing in September. Each month, in accordance with the theme, we will have some new Verses. This is just for fun, please don't think you need to memorize any of these before class (and you may even catch me with a cheat sheet as well.) I will have printouts for the new folks on the first day of class.
1. Welcome Chant
Morning Has Come, Night is Away. Rise with the Sun, and Welcome the Day.
2. Hello Song - for example if it was my turn - "Hello Liam, Hello Sina. Hello. Hello. Hello Liam, Hello Sina, we're glad you're here today." It is sung with clapping hands and great for learning new names for both baby and parent!
3. Fingerplay. Summer Theme.
Here is the Beehive. Where are the Bees? (hands together)
Hidden away where nobody sees.
Watch and the bees will come out of the Hive.
One, Two, Three, Four, and Five. (one hand coming out of the other)
Buzzzzzzzz (fly around and tickle your child)
4. Fingerplay. Summer Theme.
Round & round the garden goes the little mouse... (finger going around child's palm)
up, and up and up he creeps into his little house! (fingers creeping up child's arm, and tickle under chin)
5. Action Song. Summer/Fall Theme.
Once I saw a little bird, come hop, hop, hop. (Hop, hop, hop)
I cried, "Little Bird, will you stop, stop, stop." (freeze)
I went to the window saying "How do you do?" (shake hands)
But he shook his little tail and away he flew! (shake tails & fly around the circle)
Snack Blessing Song.
Blessings on the blossoms, blessings on the roots.
Blessings on the leaves and stems, blessings on the fruits.
Blessings on our Snack.
Please remember to bring a snack to share. I believe, including me and Liam, there will be 6 parent/child groups. Snack time is low key - something simple, fresh fruit, humos, bread, fresh popcorn, etc. In the Waldorf Tradition, we try to keep our snacks healthy, whole-grains, home-made goodies are great, low-or-no-sugar, cheese, etc.
Closing Circle
1. Make New Friends, but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold.
A Circle's round, it has no end, and that's how long I want to be your friend.
2. Tumba, Tumba, Tumba, Tumba. La La La La.
And this brings us to the end of this email! Phew! See you September 9th!
Peace,
Sina Skates
Hello Redmont Friends and Families!
I just wanted to let you know that there is still room in our Morning Garden program. For those of you who don't know, Morning Garden is an inter-active parent-child class held at the school for children aged walking (roughly 18 months) to 2.5 years. As someone who has been attending Morning Garden for the last 3 years and teaching Morning Garden last year, I have found so many benefits from attending the class!
*getting an opportunity to talk with parents and share wisdom's on raising aware, mindful, & loving children
*learning and sharing with folks about our school, Waldorf Education and principles
*having special one-on-one time with my little one during our circle time
*giving my children an opportunity to socialize informally with other children
*meeting life-long friends
If you know someone who might be interested in attending the class or interested to learn more about our school. Please feel free to forward this email to them. Below I have copied our September Theme and Activities. The class will be held on Wednesdays from 9:30-11am. You can contact the office or our website below for more information!
http://theredmontschool.org/Morning+Garden.aspx?Page=65c00fac-f1c4-489f-9ee8-9d3b457e976d
With Joy & Anticipation!
Sina Skates
Morning Garden Teacher
Our Theme for September in Morning Garden is:
Summer to Fall and Welcome to All
Even though in many northern states September marks the beginning of Fall, here in Birmingham, it still feels an awful lot like Summer to me! Our September activities are a mix between Fall and Summer, and an opportunity for us to meet one another and say "Hello"
Week One - September 9th - we will go for a nature walk around the school property, finding treasures as we go. We will meet on the playground behind the nursery playground - it has a large blue slide.
Week Two - September 16th - A little hand-sewing project (you will only need to sew about 3-4 inches of length 2 times). We will be creating a smock for our children to wear out of a piece of cloth and a rope or ribbon. If you have an old t-shirt or button down flannel shirt (adult size Medium or Large) that would work fine, and I will bring extras, too. I will also provide needle, thread, and ribbon to complete the project. We will use the smocks throughout the year when the children will be involved with messy projects...
Week Three - September 23rd - we will create baskets out of grapefruits for our children to play with - they can put snacks in them for snack time or dirt or grass or whatever.
Week Four - September 30th - In honor of entering the Harvest time of year we will be making butter out of cream. For anyone who bakes fresh bread, this would be a great option to bring to snack time to have with our butter. I will also bring seasoning to put into the butter like salt, fresh herbs, and some citrus. Feel free to bring anything you would like to add to our home-made butter. I will bring glass baby food jars so you can take some home with you, too.
Location. We will meet outside on the playground behind the Nursery playground, in between the middle building and the gym. If it is raining, we'll meet in the Auditorium Week One - we will walk by our classroom during our nature walk, so you will know where it is. I want us to be outside as much as possible, especially since it's such great weather these days!
Enrichment Article. This month I have a really, really short bit of an article for you to take home with you (it's only one double-sided page.) It's entitled "Who Me? Make a Doll?" I read it and thought it was fun and interesting, especially as we go into making a smock for Week 2 (not nearly as complicated as making a doll). Each month I will pick out short little tid-bits for us to ponder. I will do my best to keep selections interesting, light (less than 5 pages), and Waldorf inspired.
Morning Circle
For those of you who are new and returning MG'ers, here's a print out of the Morning Verses we will be doing in September. Each month, in accordance with the theme, we will have some new Verses. This is just for fun, please don't think you need to memorize any of these before class (and you may even catch me with a cheat sheet as well.) I will have printouts for the new folks on the first day of class.
1. Welcome Chant
Morning Has Come, Night is Away. Rise with the Sun, and Welcome the Day.
2. Hello Song - for example if it was my turn - "Hello Liam, Hello Sina. Hello. Hello. Hello Liam, Hello Sina, we're glad you're here today." It is sung with clapping hands and great for learning new names for both baby and parent!
3. Fingerplay. Summer Theme.
Here is the Beehive. Where are the Bees? (hands together)
Hidden away where nobody sees.
Watch and the bees will come out of the Hive.
One, Two, Three, Four, and Five. (one hand coming out of the other)
Buzzzzzzzz (fly around and tickle your child)
4. Fingerplay. Summer Theme.
Round & round the garden goes the little mouse... (finger going around child's palm)
up, and up and up he creeps into his little house! (fingers creeping up child's arm, and tickle under chin)
5. Action Song. Summer/Fall Theme.
Once I saw a little bird, come hop, hop, hop. (Hop, hop, hop)
I cried, "Little Bird, will you stop, stop, stop." (freeze)
I went to the window saying "How do you do?" (shake hands)
But he shook his little tail and away he flew! (shake tails & fly around the circle)
Snack Blessing Song.
Blessings on the blossoms, blessings on the roots.
Blessings on the leaves and stems, blessings on the fruits.
Blessings on our Snack.
Please remember to bring a snack to share. I believe, including me and Liam, there will be 6 parent/child groups. Snack time is low key - something simple, fresh fruit, humos, bread, fresh popcorn, etc. In the Waldorf Tradition, we try to keep our snacks healthy, whole-grains, home-made goodies are great, low-or-no-sugar, cheese, etc.
Closing Circle
1. Make New Friends, but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold.
A Circle's round, it has no end, and that's how long I want to be your friend.
2. Tumba, Tumba, Tumba, Tumba. La La La La.
And this brings us to the end of this email! Phew! See you September 9th!
Peace,
Sina Skates
Monday, August 24, 2009
Being A Good Example
This morning I stood in front of the mirror checking out the extra pounds that I have packed on during these summer months. I definitely am a little rounder thanks to a combination of fertility drugs and a lack of self control. As I was criticizing myself and my body out loud I looked down to see Lillian holding up her little shirt and looking at her tummy. I have never felt so bad about myself as a Mother as I did in that one moment. In a split second I realized that I am defining beauty for her, and this morning I defined it as skinny. I immediately bent down to Lillian's level, pulled her shirt down, took her sweet beautiful face in my hands and told her that she was gorgeous!
Shaun and I are always reminding each other that how we act and what we say is setting a precedent for how we want and expect Lillian to conduct herself as she grows up. And today I fell short as a parent. Believe me when I say that I am ashamed and embarrassed to even be posting this on my blog, but I think that it can serve as an important reminder to parents that our children are constantly watching us. Lillian will have her own insecurities one day; we all do. But when she stands in front of a mirror I do not want her to see my insecurities staring back at her.
Shaun and I are always reminding each other that how we act and what we say is setting a precedent for how we want and expect Lillian to conduct herself as she grows up. And today I fell short as a parent. Believe me when I say that I am ashamed and embarrassed to even be posting this on my blog, but I think that it can serve as an important reminder to parents that our children are constantly watching us. Lillian will have her own insecurities one day; we all do. But when she stands in front of a mirror I do not want her to see my insecurities staring back at her.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Crazy Busy Weekend!!!
This weekend was another busy one for us. We started out early on Saturday with a visit to the Optometrist for Lillian. Don't worry, everything is fine and it was only a consultation. Lillian's left eye occasionally will drift inward, but it always corrects itself almost immediately. We had heard that if it is a lazy eye, it can be corrected if caught early. The doctor checked her out and let us know that she is completely fine and that she has incredibly strong reading muscles and that she will continue to develop her eye control over the next couple years until it stops completely.
Later on Saturday, I "allowed" Melissa to go get a pedicure with Alli while Korey and I took the kids to Star Lake in Hoover. We walked around the lake for a while until Eli fell asleep, then we let Lillian wander around for a while. Of course, all she wanted to do was wake up Eli. After she succeeded at that task, we took the kids to the pier to feed the turtles, fish, and ducks. They were amazed at the animals. I was amazed at their amazement. Lillian is such a curious little girl and it is awe inspiring to just watch her and to see those gears just a turning in her little head.
On Sunday morning Melissa had a baby shower at 11am, so Lillian and I went to church just the two of us.... it was a "single daddy day"! After church we met my family at Cracker Barrel for lunch. Lillian was a little wary of my brothers, as I still am sometimes (kidding guys!). After Bailey arrived, Lillian jumped right back out of her shell. She was hugging and kissing everyone in no time. She was such a good eater too. She ate her entire bowl of macaroni, a good bit of my mom's chicken and dumplings, and a granola bar. Everyone was impressed. We met up with Melissa over a Alli & Korey's afterward for Lillian to nap before cousin Oliver's birthday party!
The birthday party was at the McWane Center. It was the first time Lillian and Myself had ever been there. I think I was more entertained than some of the kids. I'm a big dork though and all those sciencey things are cool! Anyways, Lillian had a blast at the "Itty Bitty City" and I tried to teach her how to putt. She also loves purses and perusing through them. In the party room, she found the stash of mom's purses and was in heaven. Check out the pictures because her reaction can't be described with words!
Oh yeah, somewhere during our busy weekend we went to babies'r'us and we ended up having to bribe Lillian with cookies... great picture below.
Alli, I swear she barely slapped him!!!
It's safe to say the cookies were a hit...
Lillian loves her cousin Bailey
I am the luckiest guy in the world to have two such beautiful girls in my life
She played with the purses for at least 20 mins...
...and hugged them for another 10 mins
She loved the butterflies on the wall
I loved golfing with her
Later on Saturday, I "allowed" Melissa to go get a pedicure with Alli while Korey and I took the kids to Star Lake in Hoover. We walked around the lake for a while until Eli fell asleep, then we let Lillian wander around for a while. Of course, all she wanted to do was wake up Eli. After she succeeded at that task, we took the kids to the pier to feed the turtles, fish, and ducks. They were amazed at the animals. I was amazed at their amazement. Lillian is such a curious little girl and it is awe inspiring to just watch her and to see those gears just a turning in her little head.
On Sunday morning Melissa had a baby shower at 11am, so Lillian and I went to church just the two of us.... it was a "single daddy day"! After church we met my family at Cracker Barrel for lunch. Lillian was a little wary of my brothers, as I still am sometimes (kidding guys!). After Bailey arrived, Lillian jumped right back out of her shell. She was hugging and kissing everyone in no time. She was such a good eater too. She ate her entire bowl of macaroni, a good bit of my mom's chicken and dumplings, and a granola bar. Everyone was impressed. We met up with Melissa over a Alli & Korey's afterward for Lillian to nap before cousin Oliver's birthday party!
The birthday party was at the McWane Center. It was the first time Lillian and Myself had ever been there. I think I was more entertained than some of the kids. I'm a big dork though and all those sciencey things are cool! Anyways, Lillian had a blast at the "Itty Bitty City" and I tried to teach her how to putt. She also loves purses and perusing through them. In the party room, she found the stash of mom's purses and was in heaven. Check out the pictures because her reaction can't be described with words!
Oh yeah, somewhere during our busy weekend we went to babies'r'us and we ended up having to bribe Lillian with cookies... great picture below.
It's safe to say the cookies were a hit...
Lillian loves her cousin Bailey
I am the luckiest guy in the world to have two such beautiful girls in my life
She played with the purses for at least 20 mins...
...and hugged them for another 10 mins
She loved the butterflies on the wall
I loved golfing with her
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
15 Month Check Up
Today Lillian had her 15 month check up with our favorite pediatrician Dr. Walley. Believe it or not I only had five questions written down to ask him. You would think that after 15 months of parenting I would have fewer questions about it, but it seems like each new stage brings along with it lots of new questions. Dr. Walley is always so patient with me and answers all of my questions without laughing at me- most of the time anyway. But lets get to the important stuff; here are Lillian stats:
Height: 32 inches (off the charts)
Weight: 21 lbs 12 oz (50%)
Lillian also got two shots today and of course she handled them like a champ.
our sweet girl was pretty worn out from her dr. visit
Height: 32 inches (off the charts)
Weight: 21 lbs 12 oz (50%)
Lillian also got two shots today and of course she handled them like a champ.
looks just like her Daddy
just a little reading materail Lillian stumbled across in the waiting room
trying to fatten Lillian up with some Cheez-its
our sweet girl was pretty worn out from her dr. visit
Sunday, August 16, 2009
My Pumpkin is TOO BIG For Her Pumpkin Seat
Lillian's old pumpkin seat currently sits in our garage awaiting for its next little passenger - that is if we have another girl considering I don't think a boy would appreciate a pink and black car seat. But recently whenever we are out there to do laundry or whatever Lillian always goes over to it and tries to get in it! It is so funny to watch, and it is amazing to see how big my baby has gotten.
Lillian was three days old in these pictures...
now look at our "baby"...
Lillian was three days old in these pictures...
now look at our "baby"...
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