La-la, la-la….la-la, la-la… (everybody sing!) ELMO’S WORLD!
Jaisa. Loves. Elmo.
Honestly, I don’t know many kids her age who don’t. Elmo has that irresistible allure that magically makes it hard for toddlers to turn away. Ella was no exception at that age so I’m not surprised that Jaisa has followed in her sister’s footsteps of infatuation for the ever-popular Sesame Street monster. The very moment Jaisa saw that furry, red, (obnoxious) little guy, she was hooked. And I have no idea why.
Is it because he’s red?
Is it his high-pitched voice?
Is it his relentless laugh?
Is it because he likes crayons and his goldfish, too?
I don’t get it. I can’t understand the guy…literally. Don’t even ask me how long it took before I finally figured out what his mustached sidekick’s name was. Mr. Moo Doll? Mr. New Doe? Oh, Mr. Noodle! Of course. It makes so much sense (??). Whenever Jaisa sees Elmo on TV, in books, or sitting stuffed on Ella’s bed, she points, smiles and sings, “La-la, la-la!” She’s yet to utter his actual name, but when she starts singing, we know exactly who she’s talking about.
Elmo didn’t exist when I was a kid, so I was completely thrown off when I started watching Sesame Street again when Ella was a toddler and this red monster showed up on screen with his goldfish Dorothy and you guessed it, Mr. Noodle. I protested for a long time, stating to Matt, “I just don’t like that guy.” But Ella liked him a lot. She was in love with Elmo at first sight, just like Jaisa. I remember that first Christmas….when love turned into obsession. Everything was Elmo—books, movies, toys—Santa even brought her a life-sized stuffed Elmo, the very one that after 4 years, is still proudly displayed on her bed.
Now it’s Jaisa’s turn. We have yet to succumb to the Hokey Pokey Elmo, Chatters Elmo, Teach Me Elmo, Kiss Me Elmo or (gulp) Tickle Me Elmo. I guess I was hoping the craze would fade. I worry that if one of the “talking” variety made its way into our home, the poor guy may turn into “Pummel Me Elmo” after a few days. There’s no telling what Matt might do.
In all motherly seriousness, I have to say this: The next time you wonder, “What’s so great about Elmo?” and wished your children looked at you with the awe and whimsy reserved for their furry friend, just be happy he can keep them entertained long enough for you to get a load of laundry folded.
Elmo is a monster to love.
YouTube, anyone?
Someone sent me a YouTube video awhile back on the voice of Elmo. Have you seen it? Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined this person behind the monster that is Elmo. It actually made me warm up to the fuzzy guy a little bit.
Showing posts with label toddler. Show all posts
Showing posts with label toddler. Show all posts
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Teething Bites
Go ahead. Ask me the question I get asked by family, friends and complete strangers at least a couple times a month….
“Are you going to have another baby?”
My answer today: Nope! Two is plenty.
Shocked? Puzzled by my lack of hesitation? Don’t understand how I couldn’t possible want to bring a third child into this world?
I’ll give you my reason in one word: TEETHING.
Yuck. Yuck. Triple Yuck.
There is nothing fun about it. And how quickly we parents forget what an awful time it is. Sure, there are those lucky few who barely know what hit their child who one day was giving that gorgeous gummy grin and the next flashing a mouthful of teeth.
I have to admit, I thought I WAS one of those lucky ones. I don’t remember Ella having a difficult time of it…maybe a handful of rough nights…a few runny diapers... but nothing to bat an eye at. Or is that just because my brain doesn’t let me go there? You know, kind of like what happens with child birth? After a year or so, we foolishly say, “Eh, it wasn’t so bad.” And then comes baby #2, and we say, “What the heck was I thinking—2 am feedings are SO not cool!”
Why don’t we accurately remember these trying events?
Well, this time, I’m not forgetting. No foggy recollections or sugar-coating reality. I’m going to remember exactly what it was like at this exact moment if and when I get that itch.
Here’s the story. Jaisa is not having an easy time of this teething business, and hence, neither are Matt and I. In fact, the past few weeks have been a nightmare, as a whole crop of teeth have been popping up in Jaisa’s mouth all at once. Poor thing. We’ve tried everything to ease her pain—Orajel®, ibuprofen, chilled teething rings, cold meals—but when it comes to teething, there’s only so much a parent can do, and then you’re left to let it run its course.
Unfortunately, the worst is always at night. We’ve reentered the infant stage, awakened by shrieks and hollers at least a couple times a night. Against my better judgment, I’ve been reduced to rocking Jaisa back to sleep, which I’m pretty sure I’ll be paying the price for once the teeth come in. But, desperate times call for desperate measures. This mama needs some sleep!
On top of the sleepless nights, the poops are on the loose and the bottom is red. Can you blame me for not wanting to go through this all over again?
Yes, teething bites. Thankfully, that adorable little smile is coming in quite nicely, and Jaisa sure loves showing it off. But if that “million-dollar question” comes up six months from now and I pause to consider the idea, please send me to this blog post to refresh my memory.
“Are you going to have another baby?”
My answer today: Nope! Two is plenty.
Shocked? Puzzled by my lack of hesitation? Don’t understand how I couldn’t possible want to bring a third child into this world?
I’ll give you my reason in one word: TEETHING.
Yuck. Yuck. Triple Yuck.
There is nothing fun about it. And how quickly we parents forget what an awful time it is. Sure, there are those lucky few who barely know what hit their child who one day was giving that gorgeous gummy grin and the next flashing a mouthful of teeth.
I have to admit, I thought I WAS one of those lucky ones. I don’t remember Ella having a difficult time of it…maybe a handful of rough nights…a few runny diapers... but nothing to bat an eye at. Or is that just because my brain doesn’t let me go there? You know, kind of like what happens with child birth? After a year or so, we foolishly say, “Eh, it wasn’t so bad.” And then comes baby #2, and we say, “What the heck was I thinking—2 am feedings are SO not cool!”
Why don’t we accurately remember these trying events?
Well, this time, I’m not forgetting. No foggy recollections or sugar-coating reality. I’m going to remember exactly what it was like at this exact moment if and when I get that itch.
Here’s the story. Jaisa is not having an easy time of this teething business, and hence, neither are Matt and I. In fact, the past few weeks have been a nightmare, as a whole crop of teeth have been popping up in Jaisa’s mouth all at once. Poor thing. We’ve tried everything to ease her pain—Orajel®, ibuprofen, chilled teething rings, cold meals—but when it comes to teething, there’s only so much a parent can do, and then you’re left to let it run its course.
Unfortunately, the worst is always at night. We’ve reentered the infant stage, awakened by shrieks and hollers at least a couple times a night. Against my better judgment, I’ve been reduced to rocking Jaisa back to sleep, which I’m pretty sure I’ll be paying the price for once the teeth come in. But, desperate times call for desperate measures. This mama needs some sleep!
On top of the sleepless nights, the poops are on the loose and the bottom is red. Can you blame me for not wanting to go through this all over again?
Yes, teething bites. Thankfully, that adorable little smile is coming in quite nicely, and Jaisa sure loves showing it off. But if that “million-dollar question” comes up six months from now and I pause to consider the idea, please send me to this blog post to refresh my memory.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
A Glimpse at the Future: Flux Capacitor Not Required
Big moments for us last week as we got a sneak peak at what lies ahead... By the way, I think our moms were right—“History DOES repeat itself.” Give me a second and you’ll see what I mean.
In one corner: The “Teenager”
Ella gave us a real eye-opener last week – not just with how much she likes dolphins – but we saw a bit of what the teenage years have in store. That teenage girl is just waiting inside, dying for a chance to burst out, and she made a few guest appearances throughout the week as we mistakenly asked Ella, “How was your day at school?”
“Fine.”
“What did you learn today?”
“Nothing.”
“Who did you play with?”
“I don’t know.”
Good grief! And so it begins!
After a couple days of this, we realized we needed to ask Ella more specific questions to help her recall her day. Things like, “What kind of art project did you do? Did you play with Izzy? What letter did you work on today?” Finally, we received more than a one-word answer…still, not as much as I was hoping for. I’m SO not ready for this.
In the other corner: The Toddler
It was an amazing week for Jaisa with the start of some major 1-year milestones. At 13 ½ months old, Jaisa finally took her first steps across the living room. I say “finally” because Ella started walking at 10 months (overachiever), so we’ve kind of been waiting for Jaisa’s big moment—not that I’m comparing. Oh, who am I kidding?
Jaisa was so proud of herself she proceeded to walk around the entire house that day, just to show us that she could. I knew you had it in you, sweetie. Mommy’s aching back thanks you for finally not having to hunch over and walk you everywhere…well, at least for too much longer as you master this latest trick. No pressure, but please hurry! [And yes, moms, I know what I’m asking for here. Considering I’ve been walking like Igor for the last few months, I’m ready to chase after an independent walker...in an upright position.]
Just when we thought we couldn’t handle any more childhood developments for the week, Jaisa throws us another. We were eating supper one night and I had put some food on Jaisa’s fork as I’ve been doing lately to teach her how to eat with utensils, and she proceeded to put the fork in her mouth. Nothing new. And then it happened…Jaisa started stabbing the rest of the food on her tray with her fork and was feeding herself! Matt and I looked at each other in only the amazement two parents can give as a child practices a new skill for the first time. Bravo, Jaisa, bravo! Before you know it, I’m going to be out of another job.
Don’t you just love it when everything clicks? It’s the little things in life, people! We can’t wait to see what the little Jedi will master next.
Teenage Ella, you stay inside….we’re not ready for you yet.
In one corner: The “Teenager”
Ella gave us a real eye-opener last week – not just with how much she likes dolphins – but we saw a bit of what the teenage years have in store. That teenage girl is just waiting inside, dying for a chance to burst out, and she made a few guest appearances throughout the week as we mistakenly asked Ella, “How was your day at school?”
“Fine.”
“What did you learn today?”
“Nothing.”
“Who did you play with?”
“I don’t know.”
Good grief! And so it begins!
After a couple days of this, we realized we needed to ask Ella more specific questions to help her recall her day. Things like, “What kind of art project did you do? Did you play with Izzy? What letter did you work on today?” Finally, we received more than a one-word answer…still, not as much as I was hoping for. I’m SO not ready for this.
In the other corner: The Toddler
It was an amazing week for Jaisa with the start of some major 1-year milestones. At 13 ½ months old, Jaisa finally took her first steps across the living room. I say “finally” because Ella started walking at 10 months (overachiever), so we’ve kind of been waiting for Jaisa’s big moment—not that I’m comparing. Oh, who am I kidding?
Jaisa was so proud of herself she proceeded to walk around the entire house that day, just to show us that she could. I knew you had it in you, sweetie. Mommy’s aching back thanks you for finally not having to hunch over and walk you everywhere…well, at least for too much longer as you master this latest trick. No pressure, but please hurry! [And yes, moms, I know what I’m asking for here. Considering I’ve been walking like Igor for the last few months, I’m ready to chase after an independent walker...in an upright position.]
Just when we thought we couldn’t handle any more childhood developments for the week, Jaisa throws us another. We were eating supper one night and I had put some food on Jaisa’s fork as I’ve been doing lately to teach her how to eat with utensils, and she proceeded to put the fork in her mouth. Nothing new. And then it happened…Jaisa started stabbing the rest of the food on her tray with her fork and was feeding herself! Matt and I looked at each other in only the amazement two parents can give as a child practices a new skill for the first time. Bravo, Jaisa, bravo! Before you know it, I’m going to be out of another job.
Don’t you just love it when everything clicks? It’s the little things in life, people! We can’t wait to see what the little Jedi will master next.
Teenage Ella, you stay inside….we’re not ready for you yet.
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