Sophie & Tripp have been taking infant swim lessons for 2 weeks. These aren't the typical lessons, these are the survival swim lessons. The class basically teaches the child what he or she should do if he or she falls in a pool. The classes are only 10 minutes each per kid and only one kid is in the pool with the instructor at a time. Kids learn the following in sequence:
- To hold their breath underwater
- Swim with their head down
- Roll onto their back to float, rest, and breathe
- Roll back over to resume swimming until they reach the side of the pool, crawl out or be rescued by an adult
- To perform these self-rescue skills first in a swim diaper, then while fully clothed
When the Sophie & Tripp started the classes they knew nothing, they couldn't swim or float. Wow, it's amazing what has happened in just 2 weeks, in just the first day even. In just day 1, both Sophie and Tripp could swim a few feet to their teacher. A few feet doesn't sound far, but in a 10 minute time frame, they learned to swim a short distance with their head down and eyes open. In 2 weeks they have both learned to hold their breath under water, open eyes under water, swim a short distance, float on their backs, and roll back over from a float to resume swimming.
The first day of class Sophie screamed, the panic kind of scream. I was warned by a few people that this might happen. Tripp, on the other hand, laughed. Laughed! He laughed at basically being dunked and let go of in a deep pool of water when he had no idea what to do. Michelle, the Instructor, actually said that Tripp is only the second child she has ever taught to laugh. Well that's my crazy ass kid for you. LOL The second day Sophie was really excited about "swimming" but when she got to class she cried again. So did Tripp. Again this is typical. This is also why the classes are only 10 minutes. A lot of water and air can get in the belly and cause gas among other things so that lessons are short. Kids also can't eat or drink in the 2 hours preceding class (this is an entirely separate ordeal for the kids). Anyway, on the 2nd day Sophie was crying but in the midst of it would say to Michelle, "I want to swim now." It was pretty funny!
I've learned not to underestimate my children. I think they can do so much more than they are giving credit for. A little patience and guidance certainly goes a long way. Sophie actually loves the swim part. She doesn't like floating at all and it's a bit of a struggle to get her to float, but she can do it. She also did an excellent swim - float - swim sequence today. She swam to the steps! Tripp is an amazing floater. That kid can float for at least 10 seconds. Michelle said he has a buoyant bottom so sometimes it's hard for him to roll all the way over or swim under the water but he does it and he does it well. I'm pretty amazed by him because he is so young and is doing everything perfectly. I'm feeling much safer about having the kids around a pool. I really am!
I took some pictures at the end of last week. I'll take some at the end of this week too. But you can see that they can swim and float. I'll post the pictures in a separate post. Pretty dang amazing!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Friday, June 5, 2009
Quote of the Day
It is good to dream, but it is better to dream and work. Faith is mighty, but action with faith is mightier.
-- Thomas Robert Gaines
-- Thomas Robert Gaines
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Pretty little ballerina
I'm sorry, but Sophie you have got to be the most beautiful little ballerina that I have ever seen. OMG you are so darn cute I can't take it!
I enrolled you in Creative Moments & Dance through your school and you started on Wednesday. I had Marilyn take pictures of you since I wouldn't be able to see how cute you would look all dressed up. I'm going to have to sneak in and watch one of your classes. You look like you are having such a good time! Marilyn said you were really cute when you were trying to find your spot in line. The teacher put little pieces of tape on the floor to mark where you were supposed to sit and you would spread your legs open, hang your head between them, and scoot backwards until you got to the tape and then plop your bottom down. She said you were just so darling.
You seemed to really enjoy the class. When I picked you up from school I asked you if you had a fun day. You excitedly exclaimed, "I did ballerina Mommy!" You melt my heart! Oh, and you actually have to wear a leotard, ballet shoes, and tap shoes. For some reason, you were the only one that day dressed as a ballerina, but it's required and I made sure you went looking your best. You're a ballerina now, you've gotta look like one too! :-) From the looks of it, you and one other girl from your actual class (Sophia) are by far the youngest in the ballet class.
Wish I could have seen you on your very first day of ballet!!
I enrolled you in Creative Moments & Dance through your school and you started on Wednesday. I had Marilyn take pictures of you since I wouldn't be able to see how cute you would look all dressed up. I'm going to have to sneak in and watch one of your classes. You look like you are having such a good time! Marilyn said you were really cute when you were trying to find your spot in line. The teacher put little pieces of tape on the floor to mark where you were supposed to sit and you would spread your legs open, hang your head between them, and scoot backwards until you got to the tape and then plop your bottom down. She said you were just so darling.
You seemed to really enjoy the class. When I picked you up from school I asked you if you had a fun day. You excitedly exclaimed, "I did ballerina Mommy!" You melt my heart! Oh, and you actually have to wear a leotard, ballet shoes, and tap shoes. For some reason, you were the only one that day dressed as a ballerina, but it's required and I made sure you went looking your best. You're a ballerina now, you've gotta look like one too! :-) From the looks of it, you and one other girl from your actual class (Sophia) are by far the youngest in the ballet class.
Wish I could have seen you on your very first day of ballet!!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Well we're movin' on up ...
... to the northeast side ... we finally found a house in BFE! Movin' on up, to the northeast side, we finally got a piece of the golf course! (sang to the tune of the Jefferson's)
Yep, you heard it. We bought a house. Kind of spur of the moment, but it was an opportunity we just could not pass up. We will now be about 3 miles from Tara and 25 minutes from all the other crazy kids in John's families. By "kids" I mean, grandmom, mom, dad, Julie, Reymond ... everyone!
A little about the house - They sold it as a 5 bedroom, but we call it a 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath plus loft house. The loft actually has a door and closet so that's why it's considered a 5th bedroom. There is an unfinished basement just calling our name to be finished. The house sits on hole 1 of the golf course - woo hoo! So very exciting. The master is on the main. I'm a little torn about this, but the kids are old enough not to need us next to them. What else ... did I say it was a foreclosure? Yep! It is. That's where the great opportunity comes in. We bought a lovely house that needs a little TLC for about - well let's just say a lot less - than we could have purchased it for last year. Although the secondary bedrooms are a little small and so is the kitchen (for what I was hoping to upgrade to), the positives far outweigh those negatives. There is a basement that we will likely be able to finish in 2 or 3 years, a large backyard that can easily fit a pool and outdoor living/chimney/grilling area plus a playground, the golf course is just on the outskirts of our backyard, yet we still have privacy, and the neighborhood is wonderful, just like where we live now. All that and we are close to family.
Here are a few pictures of the house. Prior to move in we are having new carpet put in throughout, new paint, and the hardwoods refinished and added in the dining room. The kitchen remodel is next, hopefully followed by the master bath. That's really all that needs to be updated.
Our new house!
Dining Room
Kitchen
Family Room
Backyard (see the golf course in the background?)
John and Tripp checking out the little creek in the backyard. Note to self - need a fence to keep Tripp out of that!
Back of the house
Yep, you heard it. We bought a house. Kind of spur of the moment, but it was an opportunity we just could not pass up. We will now be about 3 miles from Tara and 25 minutes from all the other crazy kids in John's families. By "kids" I mean, grandmom, mom, dad, Julie, Reymond ... everyone!
A little about the house - They sold it as a 5 bedroom, but we call it a 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath plus loft house. The loft actually has a door and closet so that's why it's considered a 5th bedroom. There is an unfinished basement just calling our name to be finished. The house sits on hole 1 of the golf course - woo hoo! So very exciting. The master is on the main. I'm a little torn about this, but the kids are old enough not to need us next to them. What else ... did I say it was a foreclosure? Yep! It is. That's where the great opportunity comes in. We bought a lovely house that needs a little TLC for about - well let's just say a lot less - than we could have purchased it for last year. Although the secondary bedrooms are a little small and so is the kitchen (for what I was hoping to upgrade to), the positives far outweigh those negatives. There is a basement that we will likely be able to finish in 2 or 3 years, a large backyard that can easily fit a pool and outdoor living/chimney/grilling area plus a playground, the golf course is just on the outskirts of our backyard, yet we still have privacy, and the neighborhood is wonderful, just like where we live now. All that and we are close to family.
Here are a few pictures of the house. Prior to move in we are having new carpet put in throughout, new paint, and the hardwoods refinished and added in the dining room. The kitchen remodel is next, hopefully followed by the master bath. That's really all that needs to be updated.
Our new house!
Dining Room
Kitchen
Family Room
Backyard (see the golf course in the background?)
John and Tripp checking out the little creek in the backyard. Note to self - need a fence to keep Tripp out of that!
Back of the house
Quote of the Day
When you cannot make up your mind which of two evenly balanced courses of action you should take - choose the bolder.
-- W.J. Slim
-- W.J. Slim
Monday, June 1, 2009
Tripp at 15 months
Tripp had his 15 month WBV on 5/26, the day after he turned 15 months. The dr. said Tripp is doing well in all respects. She said he is physically on par with an 18 month (no kidding!). He's not really talking much, but she wasn't very worried about that and neither am I. Sophie didn't talk until 18 months and not really well until 2. My mom said I didn't talk until I was 2. We are late talkers!
Personality - Fearless, daring, active, energetic, rough, sweet, smart, and somewhat cuddly. Still nothing but boy!!
Height - 33 inches, 90% - 95%
Weight - 24 lbs 14 oz - 50% - 75%
Size - Wears mostly 12 - 18 months, 18 month pjs, can wear 18 - 24 month shirts.
Shoe size - 5.5
Teeth - 10 teeth (8 teeth, 2 top molars). Top molars have just broken through and bottom molars ready to appear any day. Teething has been rough this time around!
Interesting Facts:
1. Starting to snort when he laughs. The laugh of his - constantly changing, but still weird. It's like he hasn't quite learned to laugh. We still laugh when he laughs. Love his little laugh.
2. Has turned into a biter. Boo! He has been written up 3 times for biting. I feel so bad for the other kids. I'd rather my kid be the bitee instead of the biter. He has been bitten, but only once and a few months ago.
3. Likes to hit and bite me at bedtime. Apparently he does this routine with only me and his teacher Ms. Marie. I guess he loves us the most! That's what I'll tell myself anyway.
4. Likes to flop off things, like our bed, the couch, etc. He thinks it's funny. Mommy doesn't.
5. Can say mommy, daddy, doggy, and Sassy. He points to the dogs and says "duggee". Same with Sassy. And he really only says mommy or daddy when he's whining or crying. But he does say those 4 words!
6. Knows anything and everything we ask him to do. No kidding. He may not talk, but he totally understands everything.
7. If you ask him a question, he likes to answer with a grunt. I think the grunt is his "yes".
8. He can definitely sign the word "more".
9. Loves to throw things, especially balls. Actually has a pretty good arm too! Daddy is really excited about that. He also likes to hit the ball of the t-ball set. He laughs hysterically when he does that.
10. Loves petting Sassy.
11. Loves, loves, loves the pool. Absolutely loves the water.
12. Is pretty good at drinking from a cup. I'm impressed. He also loves drinking out of straws.
13. Is taking swimming lessons and we have found out that he's a pretty good floater.
14. Blows kisses, waves bye, gives real kisses. All the good stuff.
15. Learning to use a fork and spoon. Is pretty good at it if the food is solid, like oatmeal.
16. Is a climber! Loves the park, the slide, swings. Anything like that.
17. Starting to have seperation issues. I have to basically pry him off me when I drop him at school in the mornings. Same with at the church nursery. Makes me want to cry!
It seems like Tripp isn't doing as many new things as fast as he was, but rather mastering his skills. Like running. He's gotten really good at escaping and running! I feel like he's doing more than I can think of to post, so I'll come back and update as I think of things.
Personality - Fearless, daring, active, energetic, rough, sweet, smart, and somewhat cuddly. Still nothing but boy!!
Height - 33 inches, 90% - 95%
Weight - 24 lbs 14 oz - 50% - 75%
Size - Wears mostly 12 - 18 months, 18 month pjs, can wear 18 - 24 month shirts.
Shoe size - 5.5
Teeth - 10 teeth (8 teeth, 2 top molars). Top molars have just broken through and bottom molars ready to appear any day. Teething has been rough this time around!
Interesting Facts:
1. Starting to snort when he laughs. The laugh of his - constantly changing, but still weird. It's like he hasn't quite learned to laugh. We still laugh when he laughs. Love his little laugh.
2. Has turned into a biter. Boo! He has been written up 3 times for biting. I feel so bad for the other kids. I'd rather my kid be the bitee instead of the biter. He has been bitten, but only once and a few months ago.
3. Likes to hit and bite me at bedtime. Apparently he does this routine with only me and his teacher Ms. Marie. I guess he loves us the most! That's what I'll tell myself anyway.
4. Likes to flop off things, like our bed, the couch, etc. He thinks it's funny. Mommy doesn't.
5. Can say mommy, daddy, doggy, and Sassy. He points to the dogs and says "duggee". Same with Sassy. And he really only says mommy or daddy when he's whining or crying. But he does say those 4 words!
6. Knows anything and everything we ask him to do. No kidding. He may not talk, but he totally understands everything.
7. If you ask him a question, he likes to answer with a grunt. I think the grunt is his "yes".
8. He can definitely sign the word "more".
9. Loves to throw things, especially balls. Actually has a pretty good arm too! Daddy is really excited about that. He also likes to hit the ball of the t-ball set. He laughs hysterically when he does that.
10. Loves petting Sassy.
11. Loves, loves, loves the pool. Absolutely loves the water.
12. Is pretty good at drinking from a cup. I'm impressed. He also loves drinking out of straws.
13. Is taking swimming lessons and we have found out that he's a pretty good floater.
14. Blows kisses, waves bye, gives real kisses. All the good stuff.
15. Learning to use a fork and spoon. Is pretty good at it if the food is solid, like oatmeal.
16. Is a climber! Loves the park, the slide, swings. Anything like that.
17. Starting to have seperation issues. I have to basically pry him off me when I drop him at school in the mornings. Same with at the church nursery. Makes me want to cry!
It seems like Tripp isn't doing as many new things as fast as he was, but rather mastering his skills. Like running. He's gotten really good at escaping and running! I feel like he's doing more than I can think of to post, so I'll come back and update as I think of things.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Tripp's One Year Photo Session
Tricia, our photographer, recently posted Tripp's one year photo session on her blog. The pictures are so great! In the sequence of pictures where he is eating the cupcake you'll probably notice that he has a big red bump on his forehead. He busted so bad on the brick walkway. It was actually pretty scary for his mommy! But he bounced back pretty quickly and returned to eating his cupcake. Kids!
See all the pictures at Tricia Lee Photography
See all the pictures at Tricia Lee Photography
Monday, May 18, 2009
Cold Hearted Snake
by Paula Abdul ... apparently, Sophie really likes this song. She started busting a move to it when it came on the other day. She kept asking me to dance with her, but I had to grab the camera instead. She was so funny. She was saying "mommy, do this" and shaking her booty to the right. Of course she wouldn't do it on camera (smart girl LOL) even though I kept asking her, but she did hop up on the ottoman and dance ... I thought to myself, "oh God, she is certainly taking after the girls in her family" LOL
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Friday, May 15, 2009
Muffins for Mom
The kids' school hosted "Muffins for Mom" this morning. I so totally love this event, because I get to go as a mom and eat breakfast in the cafeteria with my kids and sit in those little tiny chairs. How fun is that? Thank goodness my booty still fits in those chairs! John told Sophie about it last night and she woke up this morning saying, "I want eat muffins with mom." It was so cute. Incidentally, she also said something else that was beyond cute. She said to John "Daddy, I cold. Cold like this ..." and she put her arms around herself and moved like she was shivering and said "burr". So sweet.
I packed both kids up in the car, drove to school, and had a very nice breakfast with them. There was a spread of various muffins and o.j. (Sophie's favorite juice). Of course, I couldn't identify all the muffins so I stuck to good 'ol blueberry muffins. They were cut in halves. I kid you not, Tripp ate 6 or 7 on his own. Sophie and I each ate 3. Sophie proceeded to spill o.j. all over herself. The funny part of that is she spilled her cup of o.j. last year, so we are 2 for 2 in that department. I guess it's our tradition. This was a really special day for me. I’m so glad their school hosts and event like this.
Actual Mother’s Day was low key. The kids got me a very nice running watch, which I am so excited about. They gave it to me Friday night so I could wear it in my race the next day. I’ll talk about that 5k later. I’m bummed that I didn’t get an actual picture of me and the kids on mother’s day, but there is always next year. I love being a mom, I love my kids, and it’s so fun to be honored on a special day just for me (and, well, all those other mommies out there!).
I packed both kids up in the car, drove to school, and had a very nice breakfast with them. There was a spread of various muffins and o.j. (Sophie's favorite juice). Of course, I couldn't identify all the muffins so I stuck to good 'ol blueberry muffins. They were cut in halves. I kid you not, Tripp ate 6 or 7 on his own. Sophie and I each ate 3. Sophie proceeded to spill o.j. all over herself. The funny part of that is she spilled her cup of o.j. last year, so we are 2 for 2 in that department. I guess it's our tradition. This was a really special day for me. I’m so glad their school hosts and event like this.
Actual Mother’s Day was low key. The kids got me a very nice running watch, which I am so excited about. They gave it to me Friday night so I could wear it in my race the next day. I’ll talk about that 5k later. I’m bummed that I didn’t get an actual picture of me and the kids on mother’s day, but there is always next year. I love being a mom, I love my kids, and it’s so fun to be honored on a special day just for me (and, well, all those other mommies out there!).
Thursday, May 7, 2009
My little Sophie bear
Tonight we had major meltdown with Sophie at bedtime. We had gone on a family walk and Sophie wore her new flip flops. Soon after John put them on, she fell and scraped the top off her foot. It was yucky and bloody so as soon as we came back from our walk, I, being the good mommy that I am, decided I needed to clean the boo boo with peroxide. I told Sophie that she was going to have bubbles on her feet and that it might tingle, but that the peroxide would clean the scrape. Well holy moly, the screaming and crying that came out of her because the peroxide "hurt" was something you would expect if I was beating her. I thought she would be happy if she got right in the bath, but that was worse. John had to bathe her very quickly. She cried the entire time. She cried when we got her out of the bath until I put her band aid on. She's really into band aids. Anyway, she actually likes when I sing to her, so I was singing to soothe her. I made up a little song. She loved it so much that she made me sing it for no less than 15 minutes. Here's the song:
I love my little Sophie Bear
She's my favorite girl (tickle her back)
I love my little Sophie Bear
She's my favorite girl (tickle her back)
In the whole wide world! (tickling legs and belly)
As you can see, the song really isn't anything earth shattering, but she loved it. Giggling the entire time I sang it and then saying "do it again mommy, do little bear" when I was done. She's so silly and good-natured, I love it! I also love that she loves when I sing to her. I've always been able to soothe Sophie by singing and I'm glad to see that is still the same. She's so sweet.
I love my little Sophie Bear
She's my favorite girl (tickle her back)
I love my little Sophie Bear
She's my favorite girl (tickle her back)
In the whole wide world! (tickling legs and belly)
As you can see, the song really isn't anything earth shattering, but she loved it. Giggling the entire time I sang it and then saying "do it again mommy, do little bear" when I was done. She's so silly and good-natured, I love it! I also love that she loves when I sing to her. I've always been able to soothe Sophie by singing and I'm glad to see that is still the same. She's so sweet.
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