Easter Sunday

Peeps! With sweet little button eyes!

Our Easter was mellow, punctuated by ten minutes of frenetic Easter egg hunting downstairs.  We skipped candy and settled for toys in plastic eggs, conspicuously placed for easy retrieval. E got most of the jumping and screaming on video, including a cameo by me and my oily locks. I noticed that my comfy house dress is fading. Sigh.

As I promised yesterday, Mom and I took Tyoma to Wasserman park.  When we arrived,   a purplish and heavy aura loomed, the kind of atmosphere that brings hard rain. I was pleased to see that we had the park to ourselves--I half expected the place to be populated by celebrants of an  Easter egg hunting jamboree. T ran off to rotate giant number logs, and I spent my time splitting my attention between him and mom.

After twenty minutes, we had company. A couple arrived with two kids and a fat, slobbery lab.  I do like dogs, but they should be leashed in a playground.  The mother hollered at me, “Is it okay to have our dog here?”  I felt like hollering back, “No! And could you and your family please leave because your presence freaks us Aspies out?”  but instead I walked over and said, “My son has autism and if your dog approaches him, he might become upset. I am okay with dogs and will work with my son.”

Heh.

Tyoma spent the next fifteen minutes loudly asking questions about the dog.  When the dog actually approached him, he crouched into a ball and begged me to save him from the dog.  The family finally put the dog on a leash, but Tyoma continued his harangue.  “I can’t go down the slide!  The dog is there!”  “The dog is on the steps! He’s going to get me!” and so on.  "The dog has a knife!"  I kid you not, he actually said this. Embarrassed and a bit irritated, the family left. Then Tyoma asked me, “Where did the dog go?”  “To the beach, buddy,” I replied. “Hm. I want to go to the beach and see the dog.  I liked that dog.”

Sigh.

I think in Tyoma’s mind the whole thing was a bit of a game. He was anxious about the dog, but curious, too.  I totally get that and wonder how to do things better next time.

Happy St. Patricks

I've sent this to all creation via email, so once for the record:


 

I spent part of the day tossing emails to Pat back in 'Cruces. I really miss her and this is her day.

 

Tyoma grumbled about wearing his green gap shirt today, since he wanted to wear this new skull T-shirt.  I paired his green shirt with some shiny St. Pa beads and he was thrilled.  His party was fun, but he came home tired and cranky.  I'm so please to report that he is putting on his socks with ease.  Yay!

Happy Valentines Day, Girls

This is one of over 24 hearts that we made for Valentines this year. It was great fun to make the cards together, although it will take me two months to eradicate all the glitter. Tyoma made most of his valentines for girls, since he only has a few male classmates. I think he likes it this way!

Aquarium Christmas

Winter break 2009 was miserable. This year, we decided to create a better itinerary to manage a preschooler bored by long days with his middle-aged parents. Last year, boredom (us and him) and sickness (also us and him) was excruciating. This year it will be different.
 
Our first change of course was a little trip Boston to visit the NEAQ. I figured that we would have the aquarium to ourselves since it was so close to Christmas. I took Tyoma out of school a day early so we could spend two nights at the neighboring Marriott. Normally, Long Wharf is beyond our budget but the combination of seasonality and remodeling knocked the price down to slightly affordable. This discount tipped the scale in favor of going to Boston. Why stay at the economical but remote Holiday Inn when my getting lost time would be tripled by bonus Christmas traffic?
 
Our drive was minimally plagued by route recalculations or GPS echolalia, but the cold wind and new experience made Tyoma bawl as the doorman unloaded our luggage. The next hours were a jumble of elevator rides, bossiness, whining and malfunctioning electronics. The portable DVD player could not be hooked up to the TV, which resulted in two service calls, both of which were met with objections and disapproval from Tyoma. (DVD player=familiar programs=less anxiety).
 
T was so unabashedly rude and boisterous that I felt compelled to enlighten the second repairman about Tyoma’s autism. He gave me a weary smile and said, “My daughter has it too. She’s eight now. It gets better over time.” Judging from his serious demeanor and grim survey of Tyoma, the unspoken part our interchange was, “Why did you bring your son here to come unglued?” I guess my unspoken reply was, “Change of scenery, Buddy.”
 
Tyoma eventually settled down after flinging a few DVDs and eating a less than adequate lunch. Soon after, we went to the aquarium and had a blast. Despite the squirming and irritating behavior, he totally “got” the aquarium. He was so excited to see the fish and penguins. Jabbering enthusiastically, he ran up and down the central spiral ramp, chirping, “Hi fishy! Look! They’re swimming!” He was so bright active and joyous; I chocked all his previous fussing up to nerves. Of course, in an hour, there was a bit of trouble--but first:
 
 


This is such a cute picture, but totally shocking in that he REALLY looks like me! Goodness? He was so delighted and happy to see all of the colorful fish.

Five Little Pumpkins

This is the coolest little video from Tyoma's preschool! Acting is in the family blood! My dad was in theater all while in college and well known for his astonishing memory. Dad can recall pages of Shakespeare, including most of the major soliloquies, so yay Aspergers! And, ya something else, too. It turns out that one of Dad's uncles was in Vaudeville. I'll have to check that out sometime. Anyway, T had so much fun doing his little performance, that he "helped" everybody else who flubbed their lines! Too funny!

Post 4th of July Cookout

         
We had a lovely cook out with papa sasha for our 15th met-iversary!  I am so greatful for the meds. I finally feel as if I am myself again.  I also felt quite relieved to not have to do any cooking.  Our whole meal was put together by TF and Papa Sasha.

What! It's Easter?! (AKA: Getting Ready For Our Trips)

Tennisfiend and I spent our day preparing for our trips--his to Florida for a laser-hoober-joob conference and mine to Boston with Mom and Tyoma. E's job was fairly simple, his clothes were ready and toiletries packed. A quick zip, and he's good to go. On my end, I feel things are a bit more complicated. Pack the scooter and charger. Pack Tyoma's playpen, stroller and accessories. Pack Tyoma food, toys books clothes, diapers, and so on. Pack my load of stuff. Sheesh!  As if we were going on a 10 day safari in Africa. I guess I' m really apprehensive about driving in Boston. Even with the GPS, I can imagine trying to find my way around the historic center of town. Everything will be pubs, shoe stores and coffee shops. No corner Walgreen's. Better bring everything I can conceive of! Anyway, I'm mostly packed and pretty organized. During Tyoma's "nap" I helped mom color her  hair and then we are going to do an Easter Egg Hunt. We filled plastic eggs with little candies, treats and written clues. If he can follow the clues, he will get a special surprise (bananagrams). It'll be fun!!!

Valentinichka!

When the florist rang today to say he was bringing MORE flowers, I was aghast! Fontessa received three lovely vases of flowers in only a week, this would be four! What love! What devotion! What jealousy from me!

When I heard more flowers were on their way, I never thought that they could be for me. This gorgeous vase arrived and I was on the way up the stairs to bring them to her when I noticed my name on them. I thought, “Why would Fontessa’s friends from Philadelphia send me roses?”

D’Oh! They were from Tennisfiend!!! A family first! I was shocked to see “Valenteenichka!” on the note. I took a photo to commemorate the occasion! Thank you Sweetheart!!! These are the lovliest flowers I've ever gotten!

XXOO

DB

Happy Anniversery, Here's Your Influenza A (H1) Virus...

Tennisfiend and I have been married for fourteen happy years. We celebrated our happy day with matching mentholated tissue boxes, Advil Liqi-caps, Tylenol and Ramantidine.  I can tell you, this has been the worst year evah for getting sick!!! Naturally, it started off with Tyoma becoming ill over the weekend. I ironically boasted to mom that we were over the illness hump on Saturday.  On cue, his nose started running. The fussiness began on Sunday. I assumed the whole mess was cold # 13 from daycare. Wrong!!!

Monday night my sniffleIy nose started. I still had the sniffles the next moring at seven,  but I felt okay. Then, BAM! Within three hours time I was dying. Strong, strong muscle aches, naseua, headache, cough, you name it. I had to lay down and let Fontessa take over with Tyoma. To add drama to the situation, as I settled Tyoma down for his afternoon nap, Fontessa slipped and fell down the bottom half of the stairs. Good Lord!!! Fortunately, she was embarassed but unharmed. A relief to her, especially since she had and an immigration interview scheduled that afternoon.

When Tennisfiend left for work, he felt sickish. His face was ashen when he came home to take Fontessa to her appointment at two. Luckily, her appointment was over in an instant, so he came straight home and went to bed. By six he had a temperature of 102.7.  The only well person in the house, Fontessa took over like a champ. Thank heavens for that. Although Tyoma spent almost four hours asleep during his nap, his fever never broke 100.9, so no trip to the doctor. I helped when I could since poor sick babies want their Mamas!

Well, anyway, Tennisfiend and I ate crackers and felt miserable together! Romantic!

Today Issss Monday, It's 10:15...

I felt such a flood of relief when our SLP called to cancel today's session. Since it was a holiday, she wanted to spend some time with her daughter. Hooray! We rescheduled for the second of February. I was so glad to not have to worry about cleaning the house (more) or getting the monster to take his afternoon nap.

So anyway, during naptime, the monster jumped up and down in his crib, saying, "Today issss Mondayyy. It's 10:15."  This was followed by, "Today issss Mondayyy. It's 10:16."  And so on until "Today issss Mondayyy. It's 10:55," when he started all over again with, "Today issss Mondayyy. It's 10:15." The funniest thing is that when he talks, he sounds like a foreigner with an odd accent. Sometimes I'd swear he was a tiny little Japanese busninessman, others that he's a German tourist. How strange, he never sounds Russian.

Merry Christmas!!!!

For the first time since we've been married, Tennisfiend and I celebrated Christmas on it's American day! Usually we exchange presents on New Year's Eve like they do in Russia and acknowledge Russain Christmas in January. But with Tyoma attending preschool and a neighborhood that actually interacts with you, we've joined the crowd!

Love From Tyoma!

Obviously it took two of us to spell this, but he added on his favorite letter "X" as a personal touch!

OMG! Fienderversary!

From blogger

Wow! I can't believe that the year is rushing by so quickly. Time seemed to stand still for us in the fall, especially when we were waiting to hear back from interviews.

I suppose when you have much to fill your time with, it happens that way!

So, Happy Anniversary Dear Moosh! Thirteen wonderful years!

Our tired selves felt too wiped to celebrate at a restaurant, so we had a crab dinner compliments of mom. Also, the wine was compliments of mom, too! Yum!

Happy Anniversary!

So much is getting away from me now, especially with the big move planned. I'd like to congratulate Mom and Dad on 44 years of awesome marriage! I love you guys!

From blogger

One Year!

Whoo-hoo! Congrats on your first year together, Pat and Kurt!

I love you guys!

Congratulations A and I

Congratulations A and I! Can you imagine pulling a wedding together in less than a week, tossing your stuff in a moving van the next day for a job in another state that starts in five days?! Whew! Good luck A and I!!!   The Wedding party at the courthouse. The bride, I is center with her new hubby, A to the left. Continuing left, M and his wife J. to the right of the bride fron is my Mom (yay!) and behind her, A's cousins, Y and Y.    I in her custom-made hand-beaded gown.  The bridesmaids: Y to the left and J to the right. A final shot, with flags!

Happy Father's Day!

Dad in the fifties:

And me as a baby:

Note that I inherited a goofier version of Dad’s ears!

I was hoping to post some of Dad’s adventure pics, but unfortunately they are hidden somewhere at my folks place. I’ll be sure to add them in the future.

Anyway, Tyoma and I dropped by to wish Dad a happy Father’s Day. We relaxed under the shady Mulberry, discussing the latest discoveries in paleontology, specifically the feathered juvenile T-Rexes unearthed in China. After an exchange of opinions on dinosaurs and birds, Dad took off his naturalist cap and brought out the guitar. Tyoma enjoyed his serenade and promptly conked out.

Later in the evening, Tennisfiend asked me if I had any special childhood memories about Dad. I rambled on for at least twenty minutes, until I came across the memory. I was six and felt very sad about the loss of our two weimarainers. We lost them over two years ago. I was younger when Mom told me their spirits were happy, chasing lizards in the desert. Now, I was unconvinced and full of questions, “Why couldn’t I see their spirits when we were in the desert?” Bless her for not saying “Spirits are invisible.” She sent me in for a talk with Dad.

He explained his beliefs: All living things are a part of the universe. People really don’t know for sure what happens when we die, but many think that we return somehow. Some think we return as spirits, angels or even as energy that the natural world re-uses. The only thing we know for sure is that we remember the people and animals we love. By remembering, a person can keep their loved ones close by, with us always.

This might have seemed rather heavy for a six year old, but it was honest, simply stated and it made me feel better. Ultimately, that conversation shaped the outlook of my life. Thank you, Dad.

Happy Mother's Day!

Before I was born, mom was riding motorcycles in the mountains on the weekends.
  After I was born, she traded up to trailbreakers and still rode her butt off.
Then for a while she rebuilt auto and boat engines in our living room.
 Since then she's traveled all over America, the Caribbean and parts of Australia. Check out some of her awesome photographs at Ramblin Cameras (over 800 images!). Happy Mother's Day, Mom. You're the greatest! I am blown away and humbled by all the incredible things you have done over the years. Thank you for all of your love, support and help while I've been coping with so many new and difficult changes in my life. I couldn't have done it without you! Hugs, Lori

Easter Sermon

 Heh. Looks like he's bringing down the word from way up high. We totally skipped Easter this year. Not even a single colored egg. My folk's neighbor did send us a lovely homemade basket of candies. Next year, it will be a blast.
On serious note, he does look rather intense? Don't you think?  We have him out in the stroller for some fresh air and soothing, since strolls arounfd the backyard settle him down.

Flower Pouter

We have very little dinero and a special meal is a treat. V-day was looking especially bleak until Mom came to the rescue with lobster claws from Sam's club and all of the fixin's: crusty French bread, butter, corn and a big ole bottle of Fancy Brut Champagne. I spent the day cleaning up the house and vamping up.  When Tennisfiend came home late, I was certain that he had been out selling newspapers so he could surprise me with a modest bouquet of flowers. For reasons completely unknown to me I was devistated when he came home empty handed.

I get flowers three times a year: Our anniversary, Women's Day and Valentine's Day. I know we don't have the finances for frivolity. I realize TF is under enourmous pressure at work. I understand that we have other priorities now. But some tiny irrational piece or my brain took control and I pouted like a six year old. No flowers for me on Valentine's Day, Whahhh!

For shame! I sucked it up and tried to hide my disappointment, but TF knows me too well. He made up a quick excuse, dashed out and returned with a battered but beautiful bunch of flowers. He gave me a big hug and apologized for being a lug. Heh. I was the real lug.

Thank You Moosh!