Video with the Girls
14 years ago
May 15, 2009
FireFly-Shop.org Review of Norman PhartEphant
Yeah!! PhartEphant received its first review today! Check it out at FireFly-Shop!
May 14, 2009
Until it Happens
Remember before you had your first child and everyone smiled and said, "this will change your life forever." I smiled and thought, "Da, I'm adding a kid, of course this changes things." But I really didn't understand, nor do I really believe anyone does, until you've had a child added to your life. For a long, long time, this was the only thing, being a parent that is, that I thought was something to be experienced and couldn't really be explained. But I guess I'm growing up, because here is what I've noticed lately.
Today, I grunted out loud on the way to the post office pushing the Big Boy over a bump while also carrying six boxes ties with a string. I didn't really get that over forty the knees do hurt on occasion, I don't jump as high as I used to and yes, I no longer care if I grunt out loud when exerting myself. I didn't think this day would come. But now I'm here, and its ok. It is not that I'm falling apart, really I feel quite strong, but I'm willing to grunt. out loud.
Yesterday, I hit a personal milestone that was to trigger a personal treat. However, I decided I didn't really need the treat. I had heard people say in the past that a job well done was reward enough, but I hadn't really hit that point. Well, suddenly I have. It was a simple milestone - going to the gym regularly for a certain amount of time; it was a great reward, a message. But, I'm actually so proud that I've managed to organize my life, without it all falling apart, that I've been going regularly - yes through aching joints, occasional knee pain, and lots of sweat - that I'm proud of feel strong, of looking more tone. I don't mind forgoing the "treat" because I found it in a different way.
Working from home is socially challenging. I'd heard people say it and thought, "yeah, of course, you are at home." But it is socially challenging. People think you can "do lunch", but that is really disruptive to a productive day. At the end of the day I want my time with the boys without the sitter. After they go to bed, I'm going back to work. On the weekends I like the family time. So socially, my main work colleagues are the sitter, and my shipping department (Big Boy and the people at the post office). Which means stimulating conversation is clearly lacking. Little Man just visits for "kisses" between runs to play, gym, lunch, etc. I'm renewing my efforts to connect with people live!
Kids are great, it changes you. Growing older is great, it changes you. Believing in yourself is great, it changes you. Working from home is great, it challenges me.
Today, I grunted out loud on the way to the post office pushing the Big Boy over a bump while also carrying six boxes ties with a string. I didn't really get that over forty the knees do hurt on occasion, I don't jump as high as I used to and yes, I no longer care if I grunt out loud when exerting myself. I didn't think this day would come. But now I'm here, and its ok. It is not that I'm falling apart, really I feel quite strong, but I'm willing to grunt. out loud.
Yesterday, I hit a personal milestone that was to trigger a personal treat. However, I decided I didn't really need the treat. I had heard people say in the past that a job well done was reward enough, but I hadn't really hit that point. Well, suddenly I have. It was a simple milestone - going to the gym regularly for a certain amount of time; it was a great reward, a message. But, I'm actually so proud that I've managed to organize my life, without it all falling apart, that I've been going regularly - yes through aching joints, occasional knee pain, and lots of sweat - that I'm proud of feel strong, of looking more tone. I don't mind forgoing the "treat" because I found it in a different way.
Working from home is socially challenging. I'd heard people say it and thought, "yeah, of course, you are at home." But it is socially challenging. People think you can "do lunch", but that is really disruptive to a productive day. At the end of the day I want my time with the boys without the sitter. After they go to bed, I'm going back to work. On the weekends I like the family time. So socially, my main work colleagues are the sitter, and my shipping department (Big Boy and the people at the post office). Which means stimulating conversation is clearly lacking. Little Man just visits for "kisses" between runs to play, gym, lunch, etc. I'm renewing my efforts to connect with people live!
Kids are great, it changes you. Growing older is great, it changes you. Believing in yourself is great, it changes you. Working from home is great, it challenges me.
May 12, 2009
Adoption Cost and Publicity Stigma
I have been watching a very interesting debate on one of the adoption groups on whether waiting adoptive parents should publish the waiting child's name or picture on blogs, particularly if it is published before it was clear the writer has been given the right to adopt the child, specifically in fund raising efforts. I've been watching/reading, but I have written nothing on the subject because it is such a hot button for those involved. However, the debate has made me think.
On raising money for an adoption:
Bottom line, between the country fees, the adoption agency fees, the various medical and legal fees, and finally, but still costly, travel and "leave" from work, few adoptions transpire for less than $20,000. This year China raised the "orphanage donation" from around $2,000 to $5,000, so the cost are only going up. A fair amount of adoptive parents choose to adopt after rounds of trying infertility treatments which may have already put a $10-20,000 hit (if not more) on the savings account. So the reality for >90% of adoptive parents is that there is a significant hit to one's savings.
If savings don't exists, or don't meet the cost, fund raising occurs. I was lucky. I didn't need to fund raise. However, I don't know how we would handle the situation if I was laid off six months prior to the adoption rather than four months after. I know more than one family that stopped their search not due to a lack of desire, but due to a lack of finances. So the question arises, "if you have the heart to adopt, the funds to support daily life with one additional child on board, but not the funds for the big chuck of change that goes out the door with the legal transaction, is fund raising a valid option?" I get it. I don't view it as first choice, but I see why it happens.
On publishing a child's name;
The debate is on protecting the child. I have chosen to write in my own name. I know many bloggers that use pseudonym. I have chosen to use nicknames for the boys. I just didn't want them to Google their name someday and find things I hadn't had a chance to explain to them. But there is a debate/worry about the predator that may roam the Internet looking for kids to kidnap or identity theft. But, lastly, the real heated battle is on whether if the child gets older, and sees the old efforts, will feel like a charity case? All I can say is "Wow, I have no idea." They could feel loved, they might appreciate the efforts their parents and friends put forth, but they might be embarrassed. I don't know, but I imagine their impression of the effort might also change over time.
On Publishing a Child's Photo:
Yeah, I've put some photos out for public consumption. Is my pride overwhelming my protective instinct? I do edit my photos, nothing graphic makes it. I've thought multiple times about sharing the Little Man's massive birthmark so others would know what to expect. but each time I talk myself out of it. But did my kids say I could post their photos? Do they even understand if they do give me permission? It is an interesting topic. I'm also a little blogger to friends and family; I'm not reaching the millions of some of the impressive professional blogs. But If I was fund raising, and not yet the parent of the child, should you post photos? I understand that the photo helps the cause, makes people put a face with the effort, but maybe it is uncouth until you are the legal guardian. I think even I am guilty by about a month on my Little Man. My enthusiasm for our lives joining just blinded any critical thought on the matter. My mistake.
Bottom line-
I feel a bit bad about the debate in the adoption group. I think both sides really love and want to love their kids. Therefore these are extremely emotional topics. But I do think it is fair for the most cautious in the group to remind everyone else why we should use caution. I also think it is fair for us to debate the merits of the argument. However, in reality people are shutting down, pointing fingers and leaving the group. Hey, being a parent is a heavy responsibility. But it is generally the criticism that makes me recognize a mistake I can fix. But I love the support my friends offer as well. There is a great balance we all need.
On raising money for an adoption:
Bottom line, between the country fees, the adoption agency fees, the various medical and legal fees, and finally, but still costly, travel and "leave" from work, few adoptions transpire for less than $20,000. This year China raised the "orphanage donation" from around $2,000 to $5,000, so the cost are only going up. A fair amount of adoptive parents choose to adopt after rounds of trying infertility treatments which may have already put a $10-20,000 hit (if not more) on the savings account. So the reality for >90% of adoptive parents is that there is a significant hit to one's savings.
If savings don't exists, or don't meet the cost, fund raising occurs. I was lucky. I didn't need to fund raise. However, I don't know how we would handle the situation if I was laid off six months prior to the adoption rather than four months after. I know more than one family that stopped their search not due to a lack of desire, but due to a lack of finances. So the question arises, "if you have the heart to adopt, the funds to support daily life with one additional child on board, but not the funds for the big chuck of change that goes out the door with the legal transaction, is fund raising a valid option?" I get it. I don't view it as first choice, but I see why it happens.
On publishing a child's name;
The debate is on protecting the child. I have chosen to write in my own name. I know many bloggers that use pseudonym. I have chosen to use nicknames for the boys. I just didn't want them to Google their name someday and find things I hadn't had a chance to explain to them. But there is a debate/worry about the predator that may roam the Internet looking for kids to kidnap or identity theft. But, lastly, the real heated battle is on whether if the child gets older, and sees the old efforts, will feel like a charity case? All I can say is "Wow, I have no idea." They could feel loved, they might appreciate the efforts their parents and friends put forth, but they might be embarrassed. I don't know, but I imagine their impression of the effort might also change over time.
On Publishing a Child's Photo:
Yeah, I've put some photos out for public consumption. Is my pride overwhelming my protective instinct? I do edit my photos, nothing graphic makes it. I've thought multiple times about sharing the Little Man's massive birthmark so others would know what to expect. but each time I talk myself out of it. But did my kids say I could post their photos? Do they even understand if they do give me permission? It is an interesting topic. I'm also a little blogger to friends and family; I'm not reaching the millions of some of the impressive professional blogs. But If I was fund raising, and not yet the parent of the child, should you post photos? I understand that the photo helps the cause, makes people put a face with the effort, but maybe it is uncouth until you are the legal guardian. I think even I am guilty by about a month on my Little Man. My enthusiasm for our lives joining just blinded any critical thought on the matter. My mistake.
Bottom line-
I feel a bit bad about the debate in the adoption group. I think both sides really love and want to love their kids. Therefore these are extremely emotional topics. But I do think it is fair for the most cautious in the group to remind everyone else why we should use caution. I also think it is fair for us to debate the merits of the argument. However, in reality people are shutting down, pointing fingers and leaving the group. Hey, being a parent is a heavy responsibility. But it is generally the criticism that makes me recognize a mistake I can fix. But I love the support my friends offer as well. There is a great balance we all need.
May 11, 2009
Mother's Day
I wanted to right something beautiful about being a mom or mom feelings, frankly, I wasn't feeling it. I tried to feel motherly yesterday; but I just felt tired. The weight of the world is a bit much lately. Its the jobs, the rent, the having to push forward daily. But I did get a solid 30 minutes of absolute joy making banana bread with the boys (video below). It is amazing how the fighting, shouting, general energy becomes focused when beating a banana to smithereens. but once the bread is in the oven, the boys were off to louder adventures.
Yeah, I love my boys. And for the first time, I was a mom to two amazing little guys on this Mother's Day. However, no romance, no out pourings of love, just another Sunday filled with trying to organize, clean up and get things done. The one major exception was Friday. My Big Boy came home from preschool with a present for me. It is a little box he pasted "jewels" on that has a picture and note from him inside. This I love. This is actually my first real Mother's Day present! And the note - "I love you mom. I love to take the garbage out with you."
Its a tough one, the "Mother's Day" holiday in general. Are supposed we to celebrate "motherhood" or just give thanks to our moms for not killing us when they had the chance? I love my mom, and she's a reader, so "hey mom, I love you, thanks for taking care of me, thanks for not killing me when you had the chance, and sorry for all the crap I put you through."
I thought about my Little Man's birth mom, and frankly no great emotions this time around. She is not one of my readers, that I know of, but a shout out to her, "thanks for not killing him when you had the chance. He's doing good, he's growing, and although he knows no better, he loves his family very much."
To my boys, on motherhood, "Guys I love you. I know I'm not the best mom. I'm not even the mom I want to be. Lately I'm so tired, I'm not even awake when I want to be. But, I'm doing my best, I don't think you'll be permanently scared. I think with time, I'll find greater balance and we'll have more fun."
To my husband, "I know you don't think Mother's Day is a real holiday. That we should not be celebrated for doing what is expected. You are an asshole, you take a lot of fun out of it. Sometimes I just I need a day."
And finally to all the moms of the world, "If we teach our children to love one another as much as we love them, we will transform the world."
May 08, 2009
Grandparents and Preschool
So today was Grandparent (or grand-friend) day at preschool. My Big boy has been so excited about this ever since I told him a month ago!
First, it was just Grandma coming due to many other obligations that grandpa had, which I totally understood. But then one afternoon the Big Boy decided we should call Grandma & Grandpa to talk to them and he told them about Grandparents' day - mind you totally unprompted by me - and you know it, both of them chose to come.
I was excited to have my parents come. Frankly, we never get so old that we don't want to gain support for our choices from our parents. I know they love the boys, but I also wanted to them to see why we chose the school we had, although I myself only went to public schools (which frankly I'm still a big fan of). The Little Man has been practicing saying "grandma" and "grandpa" for two weeks, and is in my opinion, intelligible on these.
Also, with the economy tight, and us on a budget (not really, just a budget of "let's not spend anything we don't have to"), with my folks coming I'm looking forward to having free babysitting. My husbands old bachelor pad was changed into his office, but still has a bed, so we are having two nights to ourselves over there!!! We are not abandoning my folks, we'll all have dinner together, I'll get the boys ready for bed, but I'm leaving the book reading to the old folks. And without a pricey dinner out, or even a movie, we get to go hang out together! Yeah, I still like my husband, he's fun.
I had a meeting out of the house this morning so I haven't had the opportunity to hear about the day. Right now I'm in the living room alone, the boys are in the park with the sitter, and my parents are sleeping on my bed. They have now been officially "napping" longer than they were in preschool! In their defense, they did get up early (7:30 am for retired folks I'm told is early); they did walk to school and back (10 blocks) while the Big Boy road his bike (which if you are not a New Yorker, the traffic is scary and becomes an alcohol-inducing event when traversing with a preschooler on a bike), and they took him out for a slice of pizza on the way back. Given my parents "nap" I'm guessing they all had fun! I hope the folks will be ready to get up for dinner.
First, it was just Grandma coming due to many other obligations that grandpa had, which I totally understood. But then one afternoon the Big Boy decided we should call Grandma & Grandpa to talk to them and he told them about Grandparents' day - mind you totally unprompted by me - and you know it, both of them chose to come.
I was excited to have my parents come. Frankly, we never get so old that we don't want to gain support for our choices from our parents. I know they love the boys, but I also wanted to them to see why we chose the school we had, although I myself only went to public schools (which frankly I'm still a big fan of). The Little Man has been practicing saying "grandma" and "grandpa" for two weeks, and is in my opinion, intelligible on these.
Also, with the economy tight, and us on a budget (not really, just a budget of "let's not spend anything we don't have to"), with my folks coming I'm looking forward to having free babysitting. My husbands old bachelor pad was changed into his office, but still has a bed, so we are having two nights to ourselves over there!!! We are not abandoning my folks, we'll all have dinner together, I'll get the boys ready for bed, but I'm leaving the book reading to the old folks. And without a pricey dinner out, or even a movie, we get to go hang out together! Yeah, I still like my husband, he's fun.
I had a meeting out of the house this morning so I haven't had the opportunity to hear about the day. Right now I'm in the living room alone, the boys are in the park with the sitter, and my parents are sleeping on my bed. They have now been officially "napping" longer than they were in preschool! In their defense, they did get up early (7:30 am for retired folks I'm told is early); they did walk to school and back (10 blocks) while the Big Boy road his bike (which if you are not a New Yorker, the traffic is scary and becomes an alcohol-inducing event when traversing with a preschooler on a bike), and they took him out for a slice of pizza on the way back. Given my parents "nap" I'm guessing they all had fun! I hope the folks will be ready to get up for dinner.
May 05, 2009
Should I know by now?
The last few days have brought snot and coughs back into our household. Not that I really expect them to leave for a long time, but it is SPRING!
This time around it was different. The Big Boy has a runny nose, swollen eyes, little coughing but no sneezing or fever. I started the usual Spring regimen for him of antihistamines for allergies which works until the pollen gets really high, then we go in for antihistamine eye drops. He tends to have allergies for a week in the spring, a week in the fall. So we call for an appointment, but we don't get our usual pediatrician. the substitute treats us like we have the plague and tells me he has an eye infection and fluid in his ears. Frankly I'm stunned. She tells me that he's likely had a fever and I missed it. Right!!?
I submit to the antibiotic prescription; we don't do this often. Now it is three days later, and guess what his eyes are still red - I think they hate the antibiotic eye drops, his nose is still running and he still has a little cough, I think it is just allergies, but he is taking the antibiotic. And I'm still giving him the antihistamine for allergies. Still no fever. I think if he had an infection he would have responded by now. I disagree with the doctor on this one. Give it three more days and I bet the symptoms pass like the normal Spring thing.
Why is this of any interest. Well the little man started coughing, and I don't have the full seasonal history with him. Let alone what new pollens to which we may be exposing him. I don't have the gut instinct. I personally thought, "its just a little cough, nothing more". He would cough during the day, but not at night. I don't even give him antihistamine because he doesn't seem to be itching his eyes. But then the meeting with the pediatrician with the Big Boy rattles my nerves so I drag the Little Man into the doctor the next day. You guessed it, just a cough she doesn't want to do antibiotics or anything.
To me it was interesting. I just don't have as much history with the Little Man. It makes it harder to guess what is going on. I'll have to monitor myself going forward to listen to me as much as I listen to outside influences. But this is where you feel that lack of knowledge in the early relationship as a parent. I'm guessing this is where I was with the big boy when he was a baby. So I'm guessing it will get better the longer the little man and I are together.
This time around it was different. The Big Boy has a runny nose, swollen eyes, little coughing but no sneezing or fever. I started the usual Spring regimen for him of antihistamines for allergies which works until the pollen gets really high, then we go in for antihistamine eye drops. He tends to have allergies for a week in the spring, a week in the fall. So we call for an appointment, but we don't get our usual pediatrician. the substitute treats us like we have the plague and tells me he has an eye infection and fluid in his ears. Frankly I'm stunned. She tells me that he's likely had a fever and I missed it. Right!!?
I submit to the antibiotic prescription; we don't do this often. Now it is three days later, and guess what his eyes are still red - I think they hate the antibiotic eye drops, his nose is still running and he still has a little cough, I think it is just allergies, but he is taking the antibiotic. And I'm still giving him the antihistamine for allergies. Still no fever. I think if he had an infection he would have responded by now. I disagree with the doctor on this one. Give it three more days and I bet the symptoms pass like the normal Spring thing.
Why is this of any interest. Well the little man started coughing, and I don't have the full seasonal history with him. Let alone what new pollens to which we may be exposing him. I don't have the gut instinct. I personally thought, "its just a little cough, nothing more". He would cough during the day, but not at night. I don't even give him antihistamine because he doesn't seem to be itching his eyes. But then the meeting with the pediatrician with the Big Boy rattles my nerves so I drag the Little Man into the doctor the next day. You guessed it, just a cough she doesn't want to do antibiotics or anything.
To me it was interesting. I just don't have as much history with the Little Man. It makes it harder to guess what is going on. I'll have to monitor myself going forward to listen to me as much as I listen to outside influences. But this is where you feel that lack of knowledge in the early relationship as a parent. I'm guessing this is where I was with the big boy when he was a baby. So I'm guessing it will get better the longer the little man and I are together.
May 04, 2009
Introducing Norman PhartEphant!
Introducing Norman PhartEphant –
By October, a “Norman” prototype was in production. In November, my Wall Street firm hit the auto eject button on my seat, and by December the makings of a real, although single-product-company, had amassed. This March, the first production run passed the newly enacted CPSIA toy safety standards. After an ocean voyage from China, Norman PhartEphant is here! So, essentially the rumors are true;
About Fierce Fun Toys – Fierce Fun Toys LLC is a philanthropic for-profit company with a portion of our proceeds supporting children's charities. To learn more of our charities, or the Norman story, visit www.PhartEphant.com.
Because I’m on unchartered ground, starting a business, raising awareness, I'm reaching out for your help!
It was either an Idea Whose Time Had Come, or
I’m having a mid-life crisis!
Inspired by my boys, a desire to contribute to the world, and the need to have more fun in my own life, last September, the idea of Norman PhartEphant and my desire to "give back" merged into a company; Fierce Fun Toys.I’m having a mid-life crisis!
By October, a “Norman” prototype was in production. In November, my Wall Street firm hit the auto eject button on my seat, and by December the makings of a real, although single-product-company, had amassed. This March, the first production run passed the newly enacted CPSIA toy safety standards. After an ocean voyage from China, Norman PhartEphant is here! So, essentially the rumors are true;
I left Wall Street to work with
a Farting Elephant,
Norman PhartEphant.
Norman PhartEphant is a 10 inch plush toy who offers eight different fart sounds with a squeeze of his tail! I'm not kidding, he really farts! While he is a great gift for the 3-10 year old crowd, there have been early reports of father's ordering their own and shipments have been sent to the grandparent crowd. Norman PhartEphant is a great gift for the person who has everything!a Farting Elephant,
Norman PhartEphant.
About Fierce Fun Toys – Fierce Fun Toys LLC is a philanthropic for-profit company with a portion of our proceeds supporting children's charities. To learn more of our charities, or the Norman story, visit www.PhartEphant.com.
Because I’m on unchartered ground, starting a business, raising awareness, I'm reaching out for your help!
- If you blog - Post a link to this! Tell your friends about this awesome gift your kids, your friends and even your parents will love!
- If you are on Face Book - search for Norman PhartEphant and become a "fan". He'll then keep you in the loop on his adventures!
- If you need a gift - visit www.PhartEphant.com and buy a Norman, or Norman gear!
- If you need a giggle - visit www.PhartEphant.com and enjoy the animation and hear a couple of the farts!
- If you want to win a FREE Norman - visit www.PhartEphant.com and enter the drawing for Norman on the Contest page.
May 01, 2009
Negotiations with the Shipping department
The boys have been helping me with my new company - which I will be publicly announcing next week - they are the shipping department, and part time PR reps. They are enthusiastic helpers, but I wonder if it is efficient or not, productive or not, to have their help. However, I figure this toy company is something I'm devoting time to, they hear me talk about it, so they should have the opportunity to interact with it....if they want.
So ALL the boxes arrived last week and transformed my office and living room. Yes, we live in a NY apartment, so there is motivation to get the company off the ground so the boxes get out of the house!
The plan is ship to friends and family (this is why I'm holding off on the public announcement). Get to preschool (happened with great success on Tuesday). And send out to some former colleagues. Mailers out to potential retailers. Then do the public stuff; press release, blog, send to toy reviewers etc. Everyday I think of more people to tell, which means I'm bound to forget someone along the way; a daunting thought.
So today, I Friday at 2:30 pm, I am exhausted and I still have one more trip to the post office with 35 lbs of boxes to carry. Now the post office is only 2 blocks away, but carrying a bunch of boxes through not empty streets is work! My shoulders are tired beyond belief, and yesterday I even took the stroller to help me carry!
Back to the boys, they now know how to fold the boxes and use the tape "gun". They want to do the labels, but since those require some level of precision, I stick them and they flatten them. When it gets to the mailing, only the Big Boy goes to the post office with me. The Little Man has had the opportunity to give to people in the building and neighborhood, so he's not totally left out.
When we are at the post office, he throws, literally throws, the boxes on the scale while I push all the buttons to get the machine to spit out the stamp. He hands me the stamp, then throws up the next box. The folks at our post office have noticed us. They now ask that we take our boxes to one of the business windows rather than stuff the box that is provided. Obviously, we've already caused a jam by enthusiastically opening and closing the little door.
Going to the business window requires carrying the boxes across the post office, which I am told, "stay there and watch, I can do it myself". I love the energy and enthusiasm. There is also a sense of pride in "doing" the work, but also in "helping". Before we leave, we get to look in the special door where toy company mail appears. This is a real thrill and yesterday we actually had our first piece of mail!
Yesterday, after the post office we hand delivered 10 to friends and family in the hood. Most were dropped of with doormen. So I would stay on the sidewalk with the loot and the Big Boy would give a bag to the doorman and tell them for which apartment. But I noticed each exchange was taking far more than just saying, "this is for apartment 3c. Thank you". So I started to listen.
What he has actually chosen to say, is "This is for apartment 3c. It is a farting elephant. You squeeze his tail and he farts. His name is Norman. It is my mommy's company." To which the doorman always thinks he's heard incorrectly, it is a rather unusual pronouncement, and says something like, "ok, well, uhm, I'll make sure they get the package."
He is so proud to be helping. He's so proud of my little company/the effort. The early impact on the boys has not been what I would have anticipated. They really seem to get it, and that I want this to work. It inspires me to try a bit harder.
So ALL the boxes arrived last week and transformed my office and living room. Yes, we live in a NY apartment, so there is motivation to get the company off the ground so the boxes get out of the house!
The plan is ship to friends and family (this is why I'm holding off on the public announcement). Get to preschool (happened with great success on Tuesday). And send out to some former colleagues. Mailers out to potential retailers. Then do the public stuff; press release, blog, send to toy reviewers etc. Everyday I think of more people to tell, which means I'm bound to forget someone along the way; a daunting thought.
So today, I Friday at 2:30 pm, I am exhausted and I still have one more trip to the post office with 35 lbs of boxes to carry. Now the post office is only 2 blocks away, but carrying a bunch of boxes through not empty streets is work! My shoulders are tired beyond belief, and yesterday I even took the stroller to help me carry!
Back to the boys, they now know how to fold the boxes and use the tape "gun". They want to do the labels, but since those require some level of precision, I stick them and they flatten them. When it gets to the mailing, only the Big Boy goes to the post office with me. The Little Man has had the opportunity to give to people in the building and neighborhood, so he's not totally left out.
When we are at the post office, he throws, literally throws, the boxes on the scale while I push all the buttons to get the machine to spit out the stamp. He hands me the stamp, then throws up the next box. The folks at our post office have noticed us. They now ask that we take our boxes to one of the business windows rather than stuff the box that is provided. Obviously, we've already caused a jam by enthusiastically opening and closing the little door.
Going to the business window requires carrying the boxes across the post office, which I am told, "stay there and watch, I can do it myself". I love the energy and enthusiasm. There is also a sense of pride in "doing" the work, but also in "helping". Before we leave, we get to look in the special door where toy company mail appears. This is a real thrill and yesterday we actually had our first piece of mail!
Yesterday, after the post office we hand delivered 10 to friends and family in the hood. Most were dropped of with doormen. So I would stay on the sidewalk with the loot and the Big Boy would give a bag to the doorman and tell them for which apartment. But I noticed each exchange was taking far more than just saying, "this is for apartment 3c. Thank you". So I started to listen.
What he has actually chosen to say, is "This is for apartment 3c. It is a farting elephant. You squeeze his tail and he farts. His name is Norman. It is my mommy's company." To which the doorman always thinks he's heard incorrectly, it is a rather unusual pronouncement, and says something like, "ok, well, uhm, I'll make sure they get the package."
He is so proud to be helping. He's so proud of my little company/the effort. The early impact on the boys has not been what I would have anticipated. They really seem to get it, and that I want this to work. It inspires me to try a bit harder.
April 30, 2009
Pointing in public
The boys are excited about the world, but they have not seen it all. So when they see something they find exciting, they don't hold back... they point, gesture wildly, dance about and even say exactly what is on their mind in a "loud enough for everyone to hear" voice.
Sometimes this is great, like when they spot the hawk that has come to live in the park beside our house. Sometimes it is embarrassing beyond belief!
With the weather warm, we all are getting outside and the restaurants with outside tables are packed. And NY is full of all sorts of people! Some even surprise me, but it takes less to surprise the boys. And when the weather is warm, people are not hidden under coats, scarves and hats. So Spring is when I think we all revisit humanity and start talking to each other on the street/at the park again.
We are out, eating hot dogs at a favorite dive on Broadway, when a very small person, (I'm afraid to use midget, as that may be an inappropriate term), with a very long beard, in a wheel chair is seated near us. Any one of these characteristics may have caught the boys' eyes, but all three!
"Mommy, why is that man so small? Does he not eat enough? Why is there so much hair growing from his face? Is that why he is small? Is he part animal?" and on and on. All with arm extended pointing straight at the dude in question. "Please put your arm down" I say, to which he responds, "Does the wheel chair help him reach the table? Why put my arm down? Why stop talking". The neighboring tables kept their heads down, but I could see their shoulders shaking. And once the Big Boy is in full excitement mode, the Little Man clamors in with his enthusiasm for participation. Thankfully, he's still hard for the general public to understand.
I found out there are at least a few questions I'm not prepared to answer. I now know this. I can't explain everything. I clearly don't know everything. But I can at least stop the pointing. And for the subject, I think he was a French tourist. He either ignored us beautifully, or truly didn't understand a word of English.
Sometimes this is great, like when they spot the hawk that has come to live in the park beside our house. Sometimes it is embarrassing beyond belief!
With the weather warm, we all are getting outside and the restaurants with outside tables are packed. And NY is full of all sorts of people! Some even surprise me, but it takes less to surprise the boys. And when the weather is warm, people are not hidden under coats, scarves and hats. So Spring is when I think we all revisit humanity and start talking to each other on the street/at the park again.
We are out, eating hot dogs at a favorite dive on Broadway, when a very small person, (I'm afraid to use midget, as that may be an inappropriate term), with a very long beard, in a wheel chair is seated near us. Any one of these characteristics may have caught the boys' eyes, but all three!
"Mommy, why is that man so small? Does he not eat enough? Why is there so much hair growing from his face? Is that why he is small? Is he part animal?" and on and on. All with arm extended pointing straight at the dude in question. "Please put your arm down" I say, to which he responds, "Does the wheel chair help him reach the table? Why put my arm down? Why stop talking". The neighboring tables kept their heads down, but I could see their shoulders shaking. And once the Big Boy is in full excitement mode, the Little Man clamors in with his enthusiasm for participation. Thankfully, he's still hard for the general public to understand.
I found out there are at least a few questions I'm not prepared to answer. I now know this. I can't explain everything. I clearly don't know everything. But I can at least stop the pointing. And for the subject, I think he was a French tourist. He either ignored us beautifully, or truly didn't understand a word of English.
April 29, 2009
The World Opens at 4
- At four years old, you are tall enough for almost all the rides at Coney Island, and still young enough to want to ride them.
- At four, you are getting the gist of following instructions, playing together and the concept of "team work" on projects.
- At four, your attention span lengthens enough to do "big boy" things; go to a movie, sit through an orchestra performance, or the ballet.
- At four, you can talk! Talk well enough that you are not immediately dismissed but people sincerely try to understand what you are saying/thinking.
- At four, you are out of boosters and can sit through a meal. Although you are still quite content to have a game or crayons around as well.
- At four, you are proud not only of your own accomplishments, but of others. You can be happy for a friend, you can be proud of a parent, your world has expanded a bit beyond just yourself.
April 28, 2009
Quick follow up
If your children ever help you with a mass mailing and choose to stick the non-stamp sticky portion of the self-adhesive paper to themselves, don't let them sleep with it on. The adhesive becomes rather solid over night. My big boy is going to school this morning with little rectangular marks that look like a geometric form of measles or chicken pocks on his legs! Good thing I'm going to preschool later to explain!
April 27, 2009
Some Days, Just Holding On
Trying to figure out how the bubbles work.
The climbing machine.
I'm sorry, I've lost my mind and I don't seem to know where its gone?Is it Spring fever? Is it exhaustion? Is it the economy? Am I finally old?
Really, its not a big deal, it just seems that this last week (maybe 10 days) I've been struggling to concentrate and be my usual "productive" self. Not that I've been totally unproductive, it just seems the cosmos are conspiring for me to be involved in so many projects that I'm unsure where to even start.
First, I have a huge consulting job that I was excited about, but now its back to the boring stage of just doing the summary presentation. Guess what, I got it done, sent it to the client, and arranged a conference call presentation. The the cosmos took over and the conference call was missed! But, we finally connected today! Yeah! Another billing out the door! Of course there are three clients waiting for me to finish the big job so I can crank on theirs. I'm excited to get started on the new stuff and made major head way today!
Second, my toy, the other new business, was expected to take a week to clear customs and another week to arrive at my house, setting a launch date of early May. Guess what? It arrived last Tuesday! So last week I personally unloaded 46 creates from a truck and carried them the half block to our house (I still don't understand why he couldn't have parked closer). I've rearranged everything in our apartment, it has become clear the clutter we've recently added. I've been working nights trying to get everything ready for the "Launch", about 10 days sooner than expected. Can't work days, still got a day job! But it is going forward! This evening the boys helped me with putting stamps on postcard for my first mailer to my target retailers. Tomorrow, I start my friend and family campaign on the toy with a reading of the toy's back story at preschool, a gift to the kids, and supply to my first two local retailers (I'll announce the toy's launch on this site next week - just can't get it all done at once! And for the record, I didn't go to preschoo; which probably explains why I like it so much now.)
Finally, after weeks of bundling up for every trip out, Spring SPRANG in the most magnificent way! Why in the world would I be working when all of a sudden we have 90 degree weather? Of course, it is more important for me to be out on the bike! So weekends are officially off-duty. We rode our bikes down to Battery Park, had brunch down by the world financial center (bit empty compared to the pre-9/11 days, probably hit again by the recent economic woes). But still a beautiful place to have brunch, not expensive and let the kids run in the fountain. And guess what, the gym is paying off. I feel stronger on the bike then I have in years!
So clarity is coming! My mind is wander back to its rightful spot. Tonight we are eating left overs vs. me cooking. Tonight I'm stuffing bags for pre-school. I'm excited to read them another story! I'm really excited about the new consulting project. I'm ready to draft my launch press release, well, maybe on Thursday. So I lost my mind, it wandered back and yeah, I still motivated about the future! And worst of all, today I volunteered to bake for this weekend's school fair. I learn nothing!
April 24, 2009
Firemen
I believe there is a hormone that kicks in around 2 years of age that makes Firemen the center of your world. I'm convinced we all have it, but I think we chose to indulge in it at different levels.
When my first born became consumed with all things fireman, I went with it. Hey these guys are Heros, accessible and we have two stations (with 5 trucks between them and one dog) within walking distance of our house. The man in uniform just works for me, and I've always loved going to visit the station with the boys. When the little man joined us last summer, he really like to just touch the truck but nothing more. Well, hasn't life progressed! Now he can spot a firetruck, or the chief's SUV from 5 blocks away! Every time were here the siren, the boys start looking around/down the street to see the fireman.
My favorites though are:
-making cookies and taking them to the station
-when the kids beg and drag me to the station through bad weather and then getting so shy that I am the only one that talks to the firemen
-the odd occasion when I'm by myself and the truck goes by and I wave at it by auto-response (note the guys always wave back! I'm sure they think, "hey, wave at the crazy lady so she doesn't follow us")
-when the boys start asking a thousand questions about the truck/gear and the guys try to answer all the questions instead of trying to politely quell them.
But the event of the firemen coming to rule the day for our little man has made me appreciate that he now is following some of the development that our big boy passed. He's growing! It is happening. He's normal! Felt weird to type that, but yes, I want to know my kids are normal.
When my first born became consumed with all things fireman, I went with it. Hey these guys are Heros, accessible and we have two stations (with 5 trucks between them and one dog) within walking distance of our house. The man in uniform just works for me, and I've always loved going to visit the station with the boys. When the little man joined us last summer, he really like to just touch the truck but nothing more. Well, hasn't life progressed! Now he can spot a firetruck, or the chief's SUV from 5 blocks away! Every time were here the siren, the boys start looking around/down the street to see the fireman.
My favorites though are:
-making cookies and taking them to the station
-when the kids beg and drag me to the station through bad weather and then getting so shy that I am the only one that talks to the firemen
-the odd occasion when I'm by myself and the truck goes by and I wave at it by auto-response (note the guys always wave back! I'm sure they think, "hey, wave at the crazy lady so she doesn't follow us")
-when the boys start asking a thousand questions about the truck/gear and the guys try to answer all the questions instead of trying to politely quell them.
But the event of the firemen coming to rule the day for our little man has made me appreciate that he now is following some of the development that our big boy passed. He's growing! It is happening. He's normal! Felt weird to type that, but yes, I want to know my kids are normal.
April 23, 2009
Yoga gone bad
Yesterday for Earth Day, at my big boy's wonderfully progressive school, brought in a yoga instructor to join each class for a 30 minute session, with parents invited to participate. As you know now, I love preschool, so I was game for the activity (hey mom, I know you read this so tell me, I don't remember, did I ever go to preschool?).
The school correctly foresaw that the littlest of guys would likely have the shortest of attention span, so all the 3s classes (all 48 kids) went at one time to the gym together. It is amazing to see a group of kids, actually really well behaved and ready to learn, just sitting there like little sponges tittering with anticipation. The Yogi started by introducing yoga, asking the kids if they knew what it was. "exercise", "stretching", "spinning" they shouted. These are NYers! The yogi explained it is a discipline for calming and centering the soul which includes exercise, breathing and stretching. Then we were off to the moves/positions. She talked about a position and then the kids (and mommies; no daddies were there) did it. The kids were great stretching, crawling, standing on one leg.
Then the class took an ugly turn. The yogi decided to explain to a bunch of three or newly four year olds that they have a "third eye" between the two they already knew about. That this eye is invisible, but that we should open it to see into our souls, karma, to keep our mind and body in sync. As soon as the words were said, I though, "Ouch." Then we message our third eye, did a few child poses with our third eye touching the ground, ending lying flat on our backs relaxing with our eyes closed, but "trying to open our third eye".
Before we left the room, Big Boy wanted to know if he could see my third eye and can I open it? His friends that know me from visiting class gathered to hear my answers, which makes it a dedicate situation. "Honey, it is invisible, but I can show you some drawing of what it looks like at home". It is always good to have a Hindu art around!
We talked about it all evening, and when DH got home, he was surprised by the line of questioning. What surprised me was the language my son used to explain the eye; "it helps you see inside your body and maintain a healthy balance." Just not what I expected from a four year old. He also manged to teach his younger brother how to massage his third eye so his would open too. Scary how fast they grow up.
The school correctly foresaw that the littlest of guys would likely have the shortest of attention span, so all the 3s classes (all 48 kids) went at one time to the gym together. It is amazing to see a group of kids, actually really well behaved and ready to learn, just sitting there like little sponges tittering with anticipation. The Yogi started by introducing yoga, asking the kids if they knew what it was. "exercise", "stretching", "spinning" they shouted. These are NYers! The yogi explained it is a discipline for calming and centering the soul which includes exercise, breathing and stretching. Then we were off to the moves/positions. She talked about a position and then the kids (and mommies; no daddies were there) did it. The kids were great stretching, crawling, standing on one leg.
Then the class took an ugly turn. The yogi decided to explain to a bunch of three or newly four year olds that they have a "third eye" between the two they already knew about. That this eye is invisible, but that we should open it to see into our souls, karma, to keep our mind and body in sync. As soon as the words were said, I though, "Ouch." Then we message our third eye, did a few child poses with our third eye touching the ground, ending lying flat on our backs relaxing with our eyes closed, but "trying to open our third eye".
Before we left the room, Big Boy wanted to know if he could see my third eye and can I open it? His friends that know me from visiting class gathered to hear my answers, which makes it a dedicate situation. "Honey, it is invisible, but I can show you some drawing of what it looks like at home". It is always good to have a Hindu art around!
We talked about it all evening, and when DH got home, he was surprised by the line of questioning. What surprised me was the language my son used to explain the eye; "it helps you see inside your body and maintain a healthy balance." Just not what I expected from a four year old. He also manged to teach his younger brother how to massage his third eye so his would open too. Scary how fast they grow up.
April 21, 2009
Re-Purpose, Re-Use, Re-Cycle
In our house Bob the Builder rules. Well, Fireman Sam and Frankly are rather popular, but Bob has all the catchy phrases; "Can we dig/build it? Yes, we can!" And in the last year it seems that Bob has really jumped on the "re-use, re-cycle, re-purpose" bandwagon.
So, we now recycle all sorts of stuff. But the big boy came home from school with a new idea, borrowed from a classmate, to gather junk on a walk and then create a robot. I'm game, sounded fun. But then it got dicey. What am I willing to let him pick up off the street of NYC and bring into the house? What is too "icky" to touch? Which led to the question, "Mom, if its that icky, shouldn't it be in the garbage?" Which meant all the really gross stuff was picked up and held by me until we got to the garbage can. YUCK!
We also recycled stuff from around the house, which makes me question where is all the clutter coming from? I really thought I was getting ahead in this battle! But I guess the Chinese New Year clean up was a couple months ago! Finally, to assembly of the robot which required more tape then I ever could have imagined (or read waste), as well as cleaning and drying the not too icky stuff (or read as messy sink).
In the end we have a homemade robot that adds to our clutter, created from inside and outside trash, which is not a great toy as it is held together by tape and will eventually disappear one evening, by the "Bad Santa (see 3/16/09 entry)". It called for a great walk outside, touching disgusting stuff, while cleaning up the neighborhood and an hour of arts and craft at home together. Yeah, we'll be making more.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
