Despite the rising interest in Extreme Dishwashing, not until Mia had anyone ever attempted a triple lux dismount from the precipitous edge of an apron sink.
Send your favorite kid pictures to: dalessandrochristine@gmail.com
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Picture of the Day
Despite the rising interest in Extreme Dishwashing, not until Mia had anyone ever attempted a triple lux dismount from the precipitous edge of an apron sink.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
A Way With Words
This week's installment comes by way of the fabulous photographer and mother, Shirley, who told an inquiring stranger that her daughter's name was Alexandra. Consequently, the woman rudely remarked:
Comment: What made you pick that name? (With a tone of disgust)
What You Want To Say: I guess that same irrational impulse that led your mother to acknowledge you.
What You Could Say: Well, considering how rude and thoughtless people can be, I wanted to give her a strong and distinctive name.
What You Should Say: Because it's almost as beautiful as she is...but I guess that is obvious.
Comment: What made you pick that name? (With a tone of disgust)
What You Want To Say: I guess that same irrational impulse that led your mother to acknowledge you.
What You Could Say: Well, considering how rude and thoughtless people can be, I wanted to give her a strong and distinctive name.
What You Should Say: Because it's almost as beautiful as she is...but I guess that is obvious.
The Eye of the Storm
So, as I mentioned, my daughter's 3rd birthday was a happy day. She never stopped smiling.
She smiled when the pony arrived.
She smiled when the cake was lit.
She smiled when the bubbles were blown.
She smiled when the balloons were dropped.
And she definitely smiled when the presents were unwrapped.
And at a 6:45, she was still smiling as she drifted off to sleep...
I practically floated down the stairs, thinking to myself that, at last, the terrible twos must certainly be behind us....what a perfect feeling.
Blarma.
Apprently the age of 3 and one day is also known to be pretty terrible. Monday was filled with tantrums, no nap, and further evidence of what I like to call The Garndparent Grumpies.
The Grumpies are essentially the days following a period of indulgence by the grandparents, or other doting family members. For an extended period of time, the chilldren bask in the adulation and adoration of family (replete with gifts, loves, and full attention), only to suffer withdrawl like symptoms commonly felt by the likes of a Paper Moon.
Every time we go to visit my parents in the Greater DC area, I have to expect the 2-3 days following the trip to be pretty grumpy....a complete detox from Grandma's refusal to say no, Grandpa's excessive tickling and chasing, and the treats. MY GOD THE TREATS!
SO, that was Monday. Party detox.
And the fact that my daughter's birthday also happens to coincide with the first day of hurricaine season is a pretty interesting commentary as well.
Here come the threes.....
She smiled when the pony arrived.
She smiled when the cake was lit.
She smiled when the bubbles were blown.
She smiled when the balloons were dropped.
And she definitely smiled when the presents were unwrapped.
And at a 6:45, she was still smiling as she drifted off to sleep...
I practically floated down the stairs, thinking to myself that, at last, the terrible twos must certainly be behind us....what a perfect feeling.
Blarma.
Apprently the age of 3 and one day is also known to be pretty terrible. Monday was filled with tantrums, no nap, and further evidence of what I like to call The Garndparent Grumpies.
The Grumpies are essentially the days following a period of indulgence by the grandparents, or other doting family members. For an extended period of time, the chilldren bask in the adulation and adoration of family (replete with gifts, loves, and full attention), only to suffer withdrawl like symptoms commonly felt by the likes of a Paper Moon.
Every time we go to visit my parents in the Greater DC area, I have to expect the 2-3 days following the trip to be pretty grumpy....a complete detox from Grandma's refusal to say no, Grandpa's excessive tickling and chasing, and the treats. MY GOD THE TREATS!
SO, that was Monday. Party detox.
And the fact that my daughter's birthday also happens to coincide with the first day of hurricaine season is a pretty interesting commentary as well.
Here come the threes.....
Things That Make You Go Zoom
Two birthdays ago my husband, acknowledging my insecurity over the discoloration of my teeth, gave me the gift of Zoom. The laser based teeth whitening procedure involves three consecutive 15 minute applications of bleach under a laser light and, after one visit, you walk out the door with a significantly improved smile. Since I have been either pregnant or nursing for the last three years (and given the approach of my 10 year college reunion), I decided now was as good a time as any to cash in my fantastic present.
I made an appointment with the only man in the South Jersey dental world who can properly deliver the goods, Dr. Gerald Killoran of Advanced Dental in Mullica Hill (shout out to Colleen McCourt-- he's her cousin!). Not sure what to expect other than what I had read, I was quickly put at ease by the fabulous Donna who prepped me and applied the bleaching agent after the Dr. Killoran made sure all was as it should be.
The passage of time was slow (as it always is when you have your mouth in the equivalent of dental stirrups) but the trusty television and regular reassurance from Donna made the whole event a breeze.
I did experience some waves of tingling that were a little uncomfortable, though I would not exactly qualify them as pain; however, if you do have extra sensitive teeth, this may not be for you. Overall the results were better than I anticipated and the pictures above do not really do it justice.
And speaking of the pictures...no, I did not go tanning too; the later picture required a flash.
For more information, you can visit the good doctor's site at:
Or the Zoom website at:
Quote of the Day
"What greater thing is there for human souls than to feel that they are joined for life - to be with each other in silent unspeakable memories." ~George Eliot
Picture of the Day
After a long day of rain and no naps, the inmates were no running the asylum
(along with their applesauce stained shirts).
Send your favorite kid pictures to: dalessandrochristine@gmail.com
Monday, June 2, 2008
A Kid Party In Review
Having just hosted my third kid party (with another one but a few weeks away), I always walk away learning a little bit more about what helps to make a successful party.
If I were to make a list of lessons I've learned, it might look something like this:
10) If you are going to invite more than a few people, bribe Mother Nature (or Jimmy Dean) to keep it sunny. There is nothing like a little rain to send droves of youngins into your vulnerable home and then watch the cake kick in.
9) Keep your expectations in check. Unless you are a kindergarden teacher, the party may not work like a well oiled machine. Plan a loose schedule and try to be flexible when the inevitable disasters / disruptions / and trips to the Emergency Room ensue.
8) Presents may be a good after-party. I know there are mixed feelings about this, but convincing a horde of kids to watch while another kid gets great toys they might not be ready to share is only a job for Supernanny.
7) Games: proceed with caution. Try to pick something that will appeal to a wide range of ages and personality types and consider keeping all the prizes the same to eliminate jealousy. I once was put in charge of games at someone else's party and made candy the prize. The result: two 5 year olds became Ultimate Fighting Champions over a red ring pop....yikes.
6) Remember: The party is not about your ability to throw a fun, creative, and peer approving kid party. It is about your kid having a good time and feeling extra special on a special day.
5) Take advantage of party professionals. Whether you are hiring Cinderella or hosting it at Chuckie Cheese / The Little Gym /or some amusement place, putting the entertainment in someone else's hands will significantly help your party blood pressure.
4) Favors*: I am always so impressed with the hostesses who have a special bag that is age and gender appropriate for all the party attendees (shout out to Vida and Karen). Unfortunately, I am never that organized and so I went with an idea I stole from Susan: themed cookies. Though I am not sure the parents were pleased with even more sugar, it certainly kept things simple.
3) Timing: If your child usually naps, or if they struggle with consistent naps, take that into account when planning their party. Ideally, you'd love for them to awake from their naps, refreshed and ready to party....but what if they miss it amid all the excitement? Meltdown city by the time you usher in the cake.
2) Be flexible with your guest list. We're all busy and things come up (especially colds); and so do not get upset when guests have to bail at the 11th hour. Though the planning of the party may have consumed your week, it is just one party of many and your friends and family will make it to as many as they can. A declined invitation is not a personal affront to your child....let it go.
1) If you (and by you, I mean me) come up with the brilliant idea of having your husband dress up like a horse to give the kids horsey rides, expect that the image of a grown man donning a matted mane and large horse teeth may not appeal to some little ones (especially your own). "Pony up" (oh, that was awful) and go for the real deal. Pony rides are never old and my little girl has not stopped talking about it (or the fact that it created the equivalent of the Yangtze River in our back yard).
Of course, I still made a ton of mistakes when orchestrating yesterday's events, but I am so okay with it because the most important person of the day never stopped smiling.
****Does anyone have a great favor idea???? I am looking to create a good list. Please, please, please send them to: dalessandrochristine@gmail.com
If I were to make a list of lessons I've learned, it might look something like this:
10) If you are going to invite more than a few people, bribe Mother Nature (or Jimmy Dean) to keep it sunny. There is nothing like a little rain to send droves of youngins into your vulnerable home and then watch the cake kick in.
9) Keep your expectations in check. Unless you are a kindergarden teacher, the party may not work like a well oiled machine. Plan a loose schedule and try to be flexible when the inevitable disasters / disruptions / and trips to the Emergency Room ensue.
8) Presents may be a good after-party. I know there are mixed feelings about this, but convincing a horde of kids to watch while another kid gets great toys they might not be ready to share is only a job for Supernanny.
7) Games: proceed with caution. Try to pick something that will appeal to a wide range of ages and personality types and consider keeping all the prizes the same to eliminate jealousy. I once was put in charge of games at someone else's party and made candy the prize. The result: two 5 year olds became Ultimate Fighting Champions over a red ring pop....yikes.
6) Remember: The party is not about your ability to throw a fun, creative, and peer approving kid party. It is about your kid having a good time and feeling extra special on a special day.
5) Take advantage of party professionals. Whether you are hiring Cinderella or hosting it at Chuckie Cheese / The Little Gym /or some amusement place, putting the entertainment in someone else's hands will significantly help your party blood pressure.
4) Favors*: I am always so impressed with the hostesses who have a special bag that is age and gender appropriate for all the party attendees (shout out to Vida and Karen). Unfortunately, I am never that organized and so I went with an idea I stole from Susan: themed cookies. Though I am not sure the parents were pleased with even more sugar, it certainly kept things simple.
3) Timing: If your child usually naps, or if they struggle with consistent naps, take that into account when planning their party. Ideally, you'd love for them to awake from their naps, refreshed and ready to party....but what if they miss it amid all the excitement? Meltdown city by the time you usher in the cake.
2) Be flexible with your guest list. We're all busy and things come up (especially colds); and so do not get upset when guests have to bail at the 11th hour. Though the planning of the party may have consumed your week, it is just one party of many and your friends and family will make it to as many as they can. A declined invitation is not a personal affront to your child....let it go.
1) If you (and by you, I mean me) come up with the brilliant idea of having your husband dress up like a horse to give the kids horsey rides, expect that the image of a grown man donning a matted mane and large horse teeth may not appeal to some little ones (especially your own). "Pony up" (oh, that was awful) and go for the real deal. Pony rides are never old and my little girl has not stopped talking about it (or the fact that it created the equivalent of the Yangtze River in our back yard).
Of course, I still made a ton of mistakes when orchestrating yesterday's events, but I am so okay with it because the most important person of the day never stopped smiling.
****Does anyone have a great favor idea???? I am looking to create a good list. Please, please, please send them to: dalessandrochristine@gmail.com
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