Uh-Oh

Tali's been at camp for two weeks now and she already has a new boyfriend. Who is this adorable boy, you wonder? It's the rabbi's son. He is a very cute blonde (she seems to like the blondes) who seems very sweet. Did I mention she goes to a camp that is run by Chabad? The rabbi's son is the ninth of ten children. He just turned three and had his first haircut - a big ceremony where the whole Jewish community was invited. He now wears tzizit that are longer than his shorts.

So how did I learn about this new love interest? The camp director, who happens to be the rabbi's wife, saw her son giving Tali a big hug today. She said he's been in school all year and never shown any interest in the girls in his class. But I guess Tali won him over with her endless energy and enormous appetite. While I am sure his family is lovely, let's hope this is nothing more than a summer fling.

Gymnastics

When I picked Tali up from nursery school today, one of the teachers told me that I need to put Tali in gymnastics. She went on and on about how flexible she was, as well as coordinated and fearless. The perfect combination for a gymnast.

Tali regularly sits in a full split (see picture above, we were rolling a ball back and forth and that's how she chose to sit), but I just assumed all little kids could do that. Apparently not. I did have her in a general gym class over the winter and she did well with the gymnastics part. However, she got very frustrated with the balance beam because the other children went slow and needed help while she was practically running across it. While the other children were learning how to a somersault down a wedge, I was teaching Tali how to do it on the beam. She has excellent upper body strength and tons of energy. At home, she likes to do headstands and handstands (with help) and always begs H for more when he flips her in the air.

All of these things, plus others, indicate that she would enjoy gymnastics. I did when I was a child. Now I just have to find a class for her and the time to do it. And for the record, I have no desire to be a "stage mom" and push her to go to the Olympics. I just want her to have fun with it.

Manipulation

Now that Tali's potty trained, she's found a new way to try and manipulate me. The past two days, she's tried to get out taking a nap by telling me she needs to go potty after I've put her in the crib. She knows I'll go in there, take her out, and bring her to the potty. But, what she hasn't figured out yet is that I'll just put her right back in the crib after she goes (or doesn't go, as has been the case). She might try, but I still win.

Embarrassing Moments

Tali's at the age where there are quite a few embarrassing moments for me (I'll get to embarrass her in about 10 years). Putting down the potty in the driveway of someone's house doesn't bother me. Neither does getting a bit messy at a restaurant (as long as she's well behaved). But within the past week there have been two distinct moments where I wanted to hide.

Last week, at the end of our shopping trip at Whole Foods, Tali told me she had to go potty. So I brought her into the bathroom and sat her on the toilet. She went and as I was washing up, I heard the alarm go off. I peeked outside to see if everyone was evacuating and no one seemed to notice. Then Tali told me she had to go again. I put her back on the potty and someone knocked on the door to ask if everything was okay. Turns out she pulled the emergency string next to the toilet! Ugh, I just wanted to disappear.

Yesterday, we were in a cafe picking up some salad and Tali walked away from me. I told her to come back and she walked back towards me with a giant ginger cookie that she'd taken a bite out of (plastic wrapper and all). I told her she couldn't just take things, that she had to ask and I took the cookie away from her. As I picked up my salad, she walked away again. I turned around to see her with two sugar cookies in one hand and munching on a piece of rugelach in the other hand! At this point I was both embarrassed and angry. So I paid for all of the cookies along with our salad and left. The entire way home, I explained to her that I was mad and she cannot just take cookies (to be fair, they were all on tables right at her height), that she must ask me first. When we got home, she began to repeat what I said in the car. It's hard to stay mad when she's being so funny!

(Apologies for the jumpy video. Jackson was trying to get me to play tug while I was recording.)

They Grow Up So Fast

This was taken immediately after Tali said "Come on Jackson, let's go."

How Do You Not Laugh?

Tali's at the age where she picks up on things I (or others) say. Some things are so funny that it's hard not to laugh.

For example, if one of her stuffed animals, Lion for example, falls out of her stroller when she's pushing it around, she'll comfort it by saying "I know, Lion, I know."

If a piece of food drops off of her tray onto the floor, the first thing she says is "Jackson, leave it."

Currently, she is having some dried mango as a snack and Jackson is begging for some (pawing at her in the high chair). So she looked at him and said, "Jackson, I'm eating."

I just hope she knows I'm laughing because she's funny. I'm not laughing at her.

Go See Doggie

Yesterday we went to look at a house where a very large Samoyed lives. The homeowner had taken the dog with her so that we could view the house without distraction. I knew a dog lived there but I didn't say anything to Tali in case the dog wasn't home. But, she figured it out. When wandering around the house, she found the dog's food and water bowl. Once she saw them, it clicked that a dog lives here and she was on a mission. The rest of the time that we were in the home (a good 30 minutes, at least), Tali was looking for the dog.

She looked all around the first floor, saying "go see doggie" over and over again. Then she went upstairs. She looked in closets. She looked under the bed. She looked in the bathrooms. And she went into each bedroom. Each time she explored a new place, she said "go see doggie." When we went down to the basement, she didn't forget. She searched every corner of that house for the dog. If he was hiding somewhere, she was determined to find him.

In the beginning it was cute and funny. But eventually I started to feel bad for her. She really wanted to find that dog and I knew that she would never see him. We left the house without seeing the dog and, luckily, she didn't throw a tantrum about it. Maybe I'll take her to the pet store today so she can play with the animals. She enjoys them all - from the bunnies and chinchillas to the turtles and fish. I just need to block off about two hours since it's almost impossible to get her to leave that store.

No Pillow!

This past week Tali's been protesting her naps a bit. Instead of quietly falling asleep, she's been screaming "Mommy" and rattling the crib (she has a wrought iron crib so it makes a lot of noise) for about 15 minutes before settling down. After about 30 minutes, she's usually asleep and then takes her normal nap.

Today, however, the protest escalated. Of course, this was an afternoon when H had to do some work and needed a nice, quiet afternoon to concentrate. After about an hour of protest (with H going in once or twice to try and soothe her), she banged her mouth on the rail and became hysterical. So, we both went in to soothe her. Once she was calm again, H asked her if she wanted a pillow or blanket - two items she refuses to have in the crib. She said no. He told her if she doesn't lie down, he will give her the pillow. She said "no pillow" a few times then put her head down.

I left her room, H sang her a lullaby, and then he left the room. Almost right after he shut the door, she sat up. So, he went back in and took the pillow out of her armoir. He told her to lie down or she will get the pillow. He told her this was her last chance. She repeated "last chance" a few times then back down she went. H left the room and she sat up again. He went back in, put the pillow in her crib and left. She screamed, threw it out and then put her head down for a few minutes before she sat up again. Once again, H went in, put the pillow in her crib and left. She screamed, threw it out and then went down for good.

Wheh! H's manipulation finally worked. He'd like me to point out that he's a super dad.

Taking Deep Breaths

Yesterday evening Tali's little cold invited a fever to join in and after recommending some a combo of Advil and Benadryl to get her to sleep, the doctor asked that I bring her in today for an exam. Turns out Tali has her first ear infection, along with the cold. Yipee!

For being sick, Tali was pretty well behaved at the doctor's office. But that's where my luck ran out. As soon as we go to the pharmacy to fill her prescription, Tali turned into a monster. She threw the biggest tantrum to date and there was nothing I could do to calm her down - even the new tips the doctor gave me didn't work. She was literally kicking and screaming so much that the group of mentally disabled people in front of us were all staring. Then, as if it wasn't bad enough, some scary looking old lady came over and said "come to Grandma, I'll take care of you" and tried to pick her up! Of course, Tali would have none of that and the tantrum got even worse.

After I dropped off the prescription and got her registered in the system, I decided to take her next door to the deli for a treat while the medicine was filled. A mini chocolate muffin will make any kid happy, right? Nope. I finally calmed her down, gave her the muffin and she took one bite then started her tantrum all over again. After a few minutes, we left the deli (I figured it was more rude to disturb customers in a deli than a drugstore) and went back to the pharmacy, hoping the prescription was ready.

We only waited a few minutes (which seemed like an eternity) at the pharmacy and then we were off to the car. Tali had been asking, through tears, to go home so I thought I was in the clear. But seconds later Tali decided that all the bones in her legs had simply disappeared and she dramatically crumbled to the floor of the store. So I picked her up - kicking, screaming and trying to wiggle out of my grasp - and barely made it to the car.

 Tali's tantrum in the car.

For the first half of our car ride home, she continued with tantrum. Then, as if someone flipped a switch, she suddenly passed out. Of course, I had to wake her when we got home so that we could walk to our apartment (I ended up carrying her halfway - kicking, screaming and wiggling again). Oh, and did I mention it was raining the whole time?

Finally, some peace and quiet!

I'm not sure how I made it home with her still alive, but I did. If I were about three months further in this pregnancy, that little incident would've probably put me into early labor. I know she doesn't feel well and it sucks for her, but sheesh! Enough is enough already. I'm exhausted.

Manners

We're working hard to teach Tali manners. "Please" and "thank you" are slowly starting to become part of her vocabulary. But today in nursery school Tali took it upon herself to teach manners to her friend. One of the little girls coughed and Tali turned to her and said "cover your mouth when you cough." How funny!

Happy Birthday, Tali!

Tali with some of her favorite stuffed animals.

Dear Tali,

Happy Birthday! You turned two today and you've become such a great little girl. It's been amazing to watch you grow this past year. You went from taking your first steps to running around the house and saying your first words to speaking complete sentences. There isn't a shy bone in your body and you are a very active child. In nursery school, your teachers say you are always up for anything and very adventurous on the playground. You are now full of personality and have distinct likes and dislikes.

At this age, your two big loves are food and animals. Luckily, you are still a very good eater. While you don't always want what I offer you, you are still willing to try new foods and eat everything from chili and red beans & rice to beets and broccoli. Your love for animals is a big part of your life. You've never met a dog you didn't like (thanks Jackson!) and will happily pet any animal you come across - in a house or on a farm. Speaking of Jackson, you love him dearly and have become very attached to him. If anyone takes him on a walk without you, you cry his name until he returns. You also enjoy petting him, playing with him, walking him and feeding him.

Some other things you enjoy at this age are:
Books (you know all your books by name and have most of them memorized)
Sesame Street
Stickers (your favorite place to put them is on the back of the sofa)
Stuffed Animals
Gymnastics with Mommy (mainly somersaults and headstands)
Bubbles
Coloring (with markers or chalk)
Sleep

I still remember the screaming baby from two years ago. It's incredible that you've turned into such a fun and happy toddler. You are very creative in your play and make me laugh constantly. Plus, you are very, very cute. Yes, you throw your share of tantrums these days, but the good times we share more than make up for it.

Happy birthday to my favorite two-year-old! I love you and hope you had a wonderful day today.

Love,
Mommy

P.S. Thanks for the three-hour nap! Sorry we had to wake you.

Nap Time

Tali doesn't like dolls. I think they scare her a bit. But she loves to play with her stuffed animals, which she treats like other girls treat dolls. This past week, she's been putting them down for naps. She tells me it's nap time and changes their diapers. Then she places them on the sofa - usually on their backs. Once they are lying down, I am not allowed to disturb them. If I get near them, she pushes me back (way back) and says "away, away." Sometimes Jackson takes a nap with them and that is allowed. But only Tali knows when they are done with their nap.

Happy Hanukkah!

Or, as Tali would say, Happy Camca!

Last night was the first night of Hanukkah. H came home a bit later than normal so I had Tali bathed and ready for bed before we light the candles. Last year, Tali just watched us as we sang. This year, she wanted to hold the candle, she squirmed in our arms and just wasn't as into it. After she opened her present, she decided it was time to do headstands. So she did headstands for a good 20 minutes before H put her to bed.


Today Tali had her class Hanukkah party. It was very cute. We all sat in a circle and sang songs together. Then it was time to eat, which Tali did. She had fruit, vegetables, latkes, a donut, and an edible dreidel. At one point, her boyfriend fed her a carrot! Very cute. She was the last one to leave as she was still eating until they put the food away! But, she had a blast and it was nice to see her with all of her friends.

New Pada

Last week, Tali put on my shirt and immediately proclaimed it "new pada" (Tali speak for new pajamas). As if saying that the shirt is now hers makes it so. She proceeded to wear it the rest of the afternoon/evening and refused to take it off to eat dinner. I managed to get it back when it was time for her to undress for her bath. But now I'm kind of afraid to wear it again. She might get upset that it's on me and not in her pajama drawer.

Tucking it Away

Tali has a yellow security blanket that she sleeps with and often carries around the house. Lately, she has been putting it in and out of one of my desk drawers. The funny thing about this is that when she puts it in, she has to make sure it is completely inside. If there's a corner of the blanket sticking out, she opens the drawer to tuck it in. She isn't satisfied until the blanket is fully inside the drawer. Then, of course, she takes it out to do it again.

Taking After Grandpa

Tali is quite the little magician these days. She loves to hide herself, her toys and her food. Here she is hiding her snack (freeze-dried peaches) last week.

Mess

Or, as Tali would say "meh."

I know toddlers are messy but today was just too much. This morning at the end of breakfast, Tali put some milk her in mouth then just opened her mouth to let the milk pour down her dress (she does this sometimes). So, I wiped her dress clean. At lunch, she got pickle juice all over her head and then let milk pour out of her mouth down her dress. So, I wet her hair to get some of the juice out and wiped her dress. At dinner, she put egg down the back of her dress, dripped rice pudding down the front and then let milk pour out of her mouth again. At this point, I just gave up and let her be messy.

Friends

Tali has three little girl friends in the complex - Eloise, Samantha and Autumn. They see each other regularly on walks and play dates. Today we went to the playground to meet Eloise and Samantha. When we arrived, the girls were in the back and we had to walk through quite a few kids to get to them. As soon as Tali saw them, she started smiling and waving. They smiled and waved back. It was so cool to see that she really knows and recognizes her friends.

It's 5:00 Somewhere...

This past week, Tali has figured out how to open the liquor cabinet. Unfortunately, this isn't a cabinet that can be childproofed so now I have to be extra careful with her. She seems to go there if she feels that I am not paying attention to her. And, she always goes for the same bottle - the gin. I'm not sure what this says about her as a person, but as a mom it makes me nervous.

Dress Up

I'm not sure what age it's supposed to start, but for Tali, dressing up her dog started this morning. Tali LOVES wearing Mardi Gras beads and plays with them almost daily. Today, after she put them on me, she decided to put them on Jackson. He was a pretty good sport. Poor dog.