Today Tyoma rode the bus for the first time! It all went so well, I wondered why I kept him off of it for so long!
After yet another snow day, I was so very pleased to see him on his way. Nevertheless, I was shocked by how early the bus left, since it puts him on board for about an hour. I figured that it would be okay since the coming and going of friends and the routine of the process would entertain and soothe him. Besides, we would frequently leave for school very early to drive and talk.
A very nice thing happened in the morning. At 8:00 my friend Ashleigh called to tell me that she saw Tyoma and that he was doing well. I was deeply touched by her concern and thoughtfulness. I look forward to seeing her this weekend at one of her fun parties.
Anyway, Tyoma came home tired but jazzed over his experience. He told me that I am never driving him to school in my "sad car" again. Yay!
Showing posts with label milestones. Show all posts
Showing posts with label milestones. Show all posts
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Goodbye Souska Party
We had our good bye souska party today. It was as nervewracking for us as it was for the poor little guy. I suppose in the rush to make a memorable and final goodbye, the excitement carried us all away. I have a video of our little ceremony, but it's not on youtube yet, but I can embed later.
Anyway, the premise of our party was based on this little girl's farwell party:
We had our cake, decorated with balloons and pacis complements of AC Moore and we whisked off to our favorite playground where we sent the souskas into outer space to help the alien mommies quiet their babies.
The three of us were jittery all night from the experience, but despite some tears, T made it to sleep in an hour. Whew!
Ta-dah! I looked all over for tiny ballons and pacifiers. I don't think that anyone cared but me! So, enjoy my artistry!
He looks so sad! Moments before he was running around with the souska in his mouth dragging the red baloon all over.
This is the last picture of him with Souska. And probably the last picture of him with a haircut by mom. Maybe he's really sad over his bangs?
Anyway, the premise of our party was based on this little girl's farwell party:
We had our cake, decorated with balloons and pacis complements of AC Moore and we whisked off to our favorite playground where we sent the souskas into outer space to help the alien mommies quiet their babies.
The three of us were jittery all night from the experience, but despite some tears, T made it to sleep in an hour. Whew!
Ta-dah! I looked all over for tiny ballons and pacifiers. I don't think that anyone cared but me! So, enjoy my artistry!
He looks so sad! Moments before he was running around with the souska in his mouth dragging the red baloon all over.
This is the last picture of him with Souska. And probably the last picture of him with a haircut by mom. Maybe he's really sad over his bangs?
Goodbye Forever Souska!
We had our good bye souska party today. It was as nervewracking for us as it was for the poor little guy. I suppose in the rush to make a memorable and final goodbye, the excitement carried us all away. I have a video of our little ceremony, but it's not on youtube yet, but I can embed later.
Anyway, the premise of our party was based on this little girl's farwell party:
We had our cake, decorated with balloons and pacis complements of AC Moore and we whisked off to our favorite playground where we sent the souskas into outer space to help the alien mommies quiet their babies.
The three of us were jittery all night from the experience, but despite some tears, T made it to sleep in an hour. Whew!
Ta-dah! I looked all over for tiny ballons and pacifiers. I don't think that anyone cared but me! So, enjoy my artistry!
He looks so sad! Moments before he was running around with the souska in his mouth dragging the red baloon all over.
This is the last picture of him with Souska. And probably the last picture of him with a haircut by mom. Maybe he's really sad over his bangs?
Anyway, the premise of our party was based on this little girl's farwell party:
We had our cake, decorated with balloons and pacis complements of AC Moore and we whisked off to our favorite playground where we sent the souskas into outer space to help the alien mommies quiet their babies.
The three of us were jittery all night from the experience, but despite some tears, T made it to sleep in an hour. Whew!
Ta-dah! I looked all over for tiny ballons and pacifiers. I don't think that anyone cared but me! So, enjoy my artistry!
He looks so sad! Moments before he was running around with the souska in his mouth dragging the red baloon all over.
This is the last picture of him with Souska. And probably the last picture of him with a haircut by mom. Maybe he's really sad over his bangs?
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Goodbye Baby Crib!
In keeping with our summer of change plan, phase one has begun--Goodbye Baby Crib.
We are starting a few weeks before summer school so T isn't facing too much change at once. Our winters are a crush of colds, tummy bugs and flus, so this is the best time to move out of the crib and do away with the souska. S here we go.
I picked up the crib at Target (of course) and it is a flimsy thing, but I don't think we will use it too long. T is pretty big and dwarfs the crib mattress. If I could have found an affordable twin low to the ground with sides, I'd have bought it. Ah, well. Probably we'll upgrade to a twin from Ikea in the future.
Anyway, I bought two red pillow and a red blanket so he could have a "big boy bed" like Skippy Jon Jones, one of his heroes. He was jazzed beyond belief, when he saw his new bed and planets stickers on the walls. He dashed around the room yelling:
T was so excited that he brought a quantity of books and toys into his new space!
Next up: Farewell to the pacifier!
We are starting a few weeks before summer school so T isn't facing too much change at once. Our winters are a crush of colds, tummy bugs and flus, so this is the best time to move out of the crib and do away with the souska. S here we go.
I picked up the crib at Target (of course) and it is a flimsy thing, but I don't think we will use it too long. T is pretty big and dwarfs the crib mattress. If I could have found an affordable twin low to the ground with sides, I'd have bought it. Ah, well. Probably we'll upgrade to a twin from Ikea in the future.
Anyway, I bought two red pillow and a red blanket so he could have a "big boy bed" like Skippy Jon Jones, one of his heroes. He was jazzed beyond belief, when he saw his new bed and planets stickers on the walls. He dashed around the room yelling:
"I have a big boy room now! No more baby crib!"
The excitement continued even after I tucked him in, but he managed to pass out within twenty minutes--right in bed!
T was so excited that he brought a quantity of books and toys into his new space!
Next up: Farewell to the pacifier!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Goodbye Baby Crib
In keeping with our summer of change plan, phase one has begun--Goodbye Baby Crib.
We are starting a few weeks before summer school so T isn't facing too much change at once. Our winters are a crush of colds, tummy bugs and flus, so this is the best time to move out of the crib and do away with the souska. S here we go.
I picked up the crib at Target (of course) and it is a flimsy thing, but I don't think we will use it too long. T is pretty big and dwarfs the crib mattress. If I could have found an affordable twin low to the ground with sides, I'd have bought it. Ah, well. Probably we'll upgrade to a twin from Ikea in the future.
Anyway, I bought two red pillow and a red blanket so he could have a "big boy bed" like Skippy Jon Jones, one of his heroes. He was jazzed beyond belief, when he saw his new bed and planets stickers on the walls. He dashed around the room yelling:
T was so excited that he brought a quantity of books and toys into his new space!
Next up: Farewell to the pacifier!
We are starting a few weeks before summer school so T isn't facing too much change at once. Our winters are a crush of colds, tummy bugs and flus, so this is the best time to move out of the crib and do away with the souska. S here we go.
I picked up the crib at Target (of course) and it is a flimsy thing, but I don't think we will use it too long. T is pretty big and dwarfs the crib mattress. If I could have found an affordable twin low to the ground with sides, I'd have bought it. Ah, well. Probably we'll upgrade to a twin from Ikea in the future.
Anyway, I bought two red pillow and a red blanket so he could have a "big boy bed" like Skippy Jon Jones, one of his heroes. He was jazzed beyond belief, when he saw his new bed and planets stickers on the walls. He dashed around the room yelling:
"I have a big boy room now! No more baby crib!"
The excitement continued even after I tucked him in, but he managed to pass out within twenty minutes--right in bed!
T was so excited that he brought a quantity of books and toys into his new space!
Next up: Farewell to the pacifier!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
The Pink Panther
About two weeks ago a remarkable thing happened. Tyoma actually found a cartoon to be hilariously funny. After months of Youtube, my sober young son laughed his butt off at this:
Since then, I've watched the clip about 1,000 times. He finds the scenes where PP scratches himself to be riotous. My mom decided that a plush Pink Panther would be da bomb and it arrived today. We opened the slightly bruised ups box together and he gasped when he found his very own Pink Panther. "Da Pingk Pandta!!! Ohhhh!" He's pictured here watching a PP DVD:
He obviously takes his comedy very seriously!
Since then, I've watched the clip about 1,000 times. He finds the scenes where PP scratches himself to be riotous. My mom decided that a plush Pink Panther would be da bomb and it arrived today. We opened the slightly bruised ups box together and he gasped when he found his very own Pink Panther. "Da Pingk Pandta!!! Ohhhh!" He's pictured here watching a PP DVD:
Saturday, March 7, 2009
No Pooping in the Bathtub!
We've been having problems with poo. It seems like Tyoma is going through a phase where poop is the most fascinating thing ever. Since Fontessa left, he has been getting into his soiled diaper during naptime/bedtime and smearing poo all over his crib, toys and wall. He used to knock on the wall ("poop-knocking")when he poopy. He even learned to yell, "Come get the poo!" The next step, obviously, in toilet training. Unfortunately, my focus shifted during Fontessa's wonderful visit and the momentum was lost. Phooey! Well, actually, "Pooo-ey!"
Each poop adventure has been a total shock. I can't believe he's doing this! Poo migrates into the tiniest crevices on his little body, deep under his nails, into folds of skin, behind his ears and into the creases of his nose. And his hair? Yes, there too.
He hates shampooing. Struggling with his poop-besmirched torso and limbs as I scrub his hair is no picnic for either of us. So I turned to the trusted forums of babycenter.com. It helps to read other parent’s exasperated “Poop Picasso” stories and learn that the consensus is “just a phase.” Destroying that solace are the autism Nazis, demanding that everyone have their child evaluated for persistent poo-players. Everybody has an opinion, you just have to pick out what seems right to you and give it a try.
One theory is that the warm bath following a poop excursion is a reward sought out by a child—cold showers, or cold “spritzes” are supposed to be a surefire cure. I don’t know--he hates having his hair washed. Why go through that ordeal when he can just ask for a bath?
So what to do? I decided to start giving him baths right after nap, whether or not there’s poo (removing that unlikely motive). Plus, I suit him up in a poop-suit (aka onsie) before naps. The results? The poop suit works. But he saves his poops for the tub.
Today is the third time in two weeks that he’s pooped in the tub. I am at my wits end. Bored with his bath, I sat on a stool next to the bath and played Tetris. Two minutes later, I looked up to see little brown submarines floating around. "Ewwwww! Poo!" Tyoma gleefully exclaimed. I had a "This can't be happening again" moment of unreality. Worst. Poop. In. Tub. Ever.
Taking a deep breath, I scornfully stated, “No pooping in the bathtub! Bath is over if you poop in the bathtub!” I snatched him out of the tub and Tennisfiend whisked him to his room for a cleanup.
Still stunned, I scooped out the soft warm poo with paper towels. I was surprised with my own revulsion. I've been wiping up poop for almost two and a half years, and this squicks me out?! Maybe in the context of diapers or fingerpainting it's just baby poop. But placidly bobbing in a warm bath, it's obscene. It's a bowel movement!
In the back ground, Tennisfiend echoed my "No pooping" quote. This obviously made an impression since Tyoma's been repeating the phrase to the Pink Panther over and over. He’s also been saying, “Poop artists get a cold shower. Poop knockers get candy” (another strategy). I’m hoping to get this behavior under control before mom comes. The last thing she needs is to get stuck with a poo painting session while I’m not around.
Each poop adventure has been a total shock. I can't believe he's doing this! Poo migrates into the tiniest crevices on his little body, deep under his nails, into folds of skin, behind his ears and into the creases of his nose. And his hair? Yes, there too.
He hates shampooing. Struggling with his poop-besmirched torso and limbs as I scrub his hair is no picnic for either of us. So I turned to the trusted forums of babycenter.com. It helps to read other parent’s exasperated “Poop Picasso” stories and learn that the consensus is “just a phase.” Destroying that solace are the autism Nazis, demanding that everyone have their child evaluated for persistent poo-players. Everybody has an opinion, you just have to pick out what seems right to you and give it a try.
One theory is that the warm bath following a poop excursion is a reward sought out by a child—cold showers, or cold “spritzes” are supposed to be a surefire cure. I don’t know--he hates having his hair washed. Why go through that ordeal when he can just ask for a bath?
So what to do? I decided to start giving him baths right after nap, whether or not there’s poo (removing that unlikely motive). Plus, I suit him up in a poop-suit (aka onsie) before naps. The results? The poop suit works. But he saves his poops for the tub.
Today is the third time in two weeks that he’s pooped in the tub. I am at my wits end. Bored with his bath, I sat on a stool next to the bath and played Tetris. Two minutes later, I looked up to see little brown submarines floating around. "Ewwwww! Poo!" Tyoma gleefully exclaimed. I had a "This can't be happening again" moment of unreality. Worst. Poop. In. Tub. Ever.
Taking a deep breath, I scornfully stated, “No pooping in the bathtub! Bath is over if you poop in the bathtub!” I snatched him out of the tub and Tennisfiend whisked him to his room for a cleanup.
Still stunned, I scooped out the soft warm poo with paper towels. I was surprised with my own revulsion. I've been wiping up poop for almost two and a half years, and this squicks me out?! Maybe in the context of diapers or fingerpainting it's just baby poop. But placidly bobbing in a warm bath, it's obscene. It's a bowel movement!
In the back ground, Tennisfiend echoed my "No pooping" quote. This obviously made an impression since Tyoma's been repeating the phrase to the Pink Panther over and over. He’s also been saying, “Poop artists get a cold shower. Poop knockers get candy” (another strategy). I’m hoping to get this behavior under control before mom comes. The last thing she needs is to get stuck with a poo painting session while I’m not around.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
One Plus One....
Yep, Tyoma's figured out some basic addtion. Thank you Youtube and vintage Sesame Street! Today's big breakthrough was adding one to a number to get the next number up. Tyoma correctly added 1 to the numbers 1 through 45 today, about four times in a row. He's really had numbers on the brain all this week!
His spelling is about the same, 1-10, about a third of his colors plus his usual stuff (20-30 words). This is pretty cool, but not as cool as him playing with a little girl at preschool today! When I came to pick him up, they were playing with felt letters together. He was actually paying attention to her and waiting his turn! Yay Tyoma!!!
His spelling is about the same, 1-10, about a third of his colors plus his usual stuff (20-30 words). This is pretty cool, but not as cool as him playing with a little girl at preschool today! When I came to pick him up, they were playing with felt letters together. He was actually paying attention to her and waiting his turn! Yay Tyoma!!!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
"EXIT"
It's been a few weeks since Tyoma started spelling, but I finally managed to take a picture.
He can spell about 10-15 words and I'm pretty sure that he can read twice as many. Actually, he probably started to read over the summer, in fact he could probably read before he could speak. Weird. the question is, does he understand what he reads? I think so. He knows what "open" means and how it is spelled. He can pick out text everywhere. I drive to the store and he points out the open signs. What an odd world he must perceive. All this text, numbers, letters around him. I wonder if he searches for meaning or if he just files away the information into his memory?
Mom sent links for hyperlexia. I see so much in T, but then there is a disconnect. He does so well at home, with people he trusts and random people at the store but he can have an unaccountable aversion to some folks.
Mom sent links for hyperlexia. I see so much in T, but then there is a disconnect. He does so well at home, with people he trusts and random people at the store but he can have an unaccountable aversion to some folks.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Alphabet
I caught him in the act! Tyoma's been arranging his letters alphbetically now for about three weeks. I blink and there's another alphabet. Spooky! He is so intense working on his masterpeices! Alot like papa, intense and very focused. In the past few days, he has been putting together the string of letters in order almost every time! Cool!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Student of the Alphabet
Tyoma loves the alphabet! And his new desk. He doesn't really like to sit on the chair, prefering to use the floor or bed, but he sat for just a second so I could snap this shot for my folks. T has been organizing the alphabet whenever he gets a chance. I am excited for him as he learns alphabetical order!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Dr. Dobbins
I took Tyoma to meet his new pediatrician today. He was pretty squirmy in the office as we waited, so I was glad to have brought books for him. I chose Dr. Dobbins for her extended experience and pleasant face. Does it make sense that she looked like a cross between Dr. Bass and my dear sweet Grandmam?
She was not a touchy feely doctor like Dr. Settles, she was a no-nonsense sorta gal. I liked her although she disparaged me calling her "Mam" all the time. I will make it a point to call her "doctor" in the future. It's odd what can get under a person's skin, I was nervous and trying to be polite.
Anyway, yes Tyoma has a speech delay, enough to be evaluated for speech therapy. I was pretty shocked, actually. she made it sound like no big deal. She also said that the change in our living arrangements was what was causing the sleep problems. She said to do what I always do, regardless of the mother-in-law. He might scream, but he will feel more secure with a return to my way of doing things. Boy, was I relieved to hear that.
I was a bit surprised to hear of the self-care stuff that Tyoma should be doing. We still feed him, except for finger foods, and I'd only give him a real cup if I wanted to spend the day changing his clothes. He can do many things, but some time he just won't and you can't force things on him. Well, not easily.
She was not a touchy feely doctor like Dr. Settles, she was a no-nonsense sorta gal. I liked her although she disparaged me calling her "Mam" all the time. I will make it a point to call her "doctor" in the future. It's odd what can get under a person's skin, I was nervous and trying to be polite.
Anyway, yes Tyoma has a speech delay, enough to be evaluated for speech therapy. I was pretty shocked, actually. she made it sound like no big deal. She also said that the change in our living arrangements was what was causing the sleep problems. She said to do what I always do, regardless of the mother-in-law. He might scream, but he will feel more secure with a return to my way of doing things. Boy, was I relieved to hear that.
I was a bit surprised to hear of the self-care stuff that Tyoma should be doing. We still feed him, except for finger foods, and I'd only give him a real cup if I wanted to spend the day changing his clothes. He can do many things, but some time he just won't and you can't force things on him. Well, not easily.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Funny Book!
Tyoma with a cute book that mom and dad sent. I've been doing lots of reading with him and he is fascinated by the page numbers. He'll point and babble and I'll say the number. I tried messing with him by saying the wrong numbers, but he knows better!!!
He'll pull books out of the shelves to look at page numbers. An odd thing--he sorted his little foamy numbers into odd and even piles. I don't think that he understands the concept of odd/even, rather he noticed that some page numbers appear on one side while the rest are on the other. Cool!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Now I know my ABC's...
Baby Genius! Tyoma knows his ABC's! If you ask him a letter of the alphabet, he can point to it! Wow! Initially, I was suspicous when Mom told me, but no longer! He's memorized the alphabet and the numbers 1-10. Cool beans!
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Walking?
Well, Tyoma took his official First Three Steps today. Mom reported walking this Monday (I've been helping with Tennisfiend's upcoming seminar) and I saw a step or two last week, but this is official!!!
Also today, he waved "bye-bye." He's waved before, at eight months, but the light was not on. Now he understands that the hand wave means "good-bye," not just, "I'm waving and you're waving." I can really see a little person, just begining to think for himself! Yay!
Also today, he waved "bye-bye." He's waved before, at eight months, but the light was not on. Now he understands that the hand wave means "good-bye," not just, "I'm waving and you're waving." I can really see a little person, just begining to think for himself! Yay!
Monday, August 27, 2007
Birthday Party
All Dressed up and Ready to Party!
Yep. We went all out and got him a little suit for his special day. If you notice, the little tie is floating around his neck and the top button of his shirt is undone. Also notice the tears drying on his face. I bet I don't even need to tell you that story! The rest of his pics are behind the cut. Warning! Image intensive. We are posting for a host of photo-hungry relatives in Moscow.
Naturally, Tyoma has the same love of ties as his Papa.
"What! All these presents for me!"
"Oh, my! I couldn't! It's simply too much!"
Our twin cakes. The little one is for Tyoma to demolish.
Waiting for the cake, he takes off his party hat for the twentieth time.
Intrigued by the candle.
The candle is extinguished.
I'm showing him that he can eat the cake.
"Wow! This is delicious!!!
Heavens! He ate the whole thing!
And now he's eating the decorative balloons.
Awww.
We had no idea how gluey icing could be until we tried to clean up Tyoma. I contemplated using Orange Blast, but Ivory, warm water and patience worked fine. Opening presents on and off took up most of the afternoon (there were three). Tyoma had a tiny sip of grape juice while we toasted with champagne, since he clearly didn't have enough sugar with his cake.
We do have more photos, but I'm a bit to exhausted to post the rest.
Yep. We went all out and got him a little suit for his special day. If you notice, the little tie is floating around his neck and the top button of his shirt is undone. Also notice the tears drying on his face. I bet I don't even need to tell you that story! The rest of his pics are behind the cut. Warning! Image intensive. We are posting for a host of photo-hungry relatives in Moscow.
Naturally, Tyoma has the same love of ties as his Papa.
"What! All these presents for me!"
"Oh, my! I couldn't! It's simply too much!"
Our twin cakes. The little one is for Tyoma to demolish.
Waiting for the cake, he takes off his party hat for the twentieth time.
Intrigued by the candle.
The candle is extinguished.
I'm showing him that he can eat the cake.
"Wow! This is delicious!!!
Heavens! He ate the whole thing!
And now he's eating the decorative balloons.
Awww.
We had no idea how gluey icing could be until we tried to clean up Tyoma. I contemplated using Orange Blast, but Ivory, warm water and patience worked fine. Opening presents on and off took up most of the afternoon (there were three). Tyoma had a tiny sip of grape juice while we toasted with champagne, since he clearly didn't have enough sugar with his cake.
We do have more photos, but I'm a bit to exhausted to post the rest.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Happy Birthday Tyoma!
According to Russian tradition, it's bad luck to celebrate before your birthday. Thus, we scheduled our weekend party for next Sunday. But! We had to give the birthday boy a little surprise!
Whoa this thing is scary... 
....but sort of interesting. 
Now how do I open this??? 
Twenty minutes and fourteen attemps later... 
What on earth is this?!
Wow!!! My very own Gorilla! Cool! Thank you Grandma and Grandpa!!!
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
First Haircut
I took Tyoma for his first haircut today. I intended to have an incredible photo shoot for the whole thing, but I wound up leaving the camera in the stroller while holding Tyoma in my lap. The haircut went incredibly well, Rodeyo is a genius with kids! It's always a treat to see him.
Later that afternoon, as I fed a hot and slighly cranky baby his dinner, Tennisfiend grabbed the camera and took these shots. I objected to the whole process since I wanted his "first haircut" pictures to be a monument to his babyhood. Afterall, he looks sorta goofy shirtless and with a tiny bib.
How dare you take my picture! 
Well, okay. Sometimes I'm too anal for my own good. Enjoy Tyoma's totally-realistic-and-reflects-our-real-life "first haircut" photos!
Later that afternoon, as I fed a hot and slighly cranky baby his dinner, Tennisfiend grabbed the camera and took these shots. I objected to the whole process since I wanted his "first haircut" pictures to be a monument to his babyhood. Afterall, he looks sorta goofy shirtless and with a tiny bib.
How dare you take my picture!
Well, okay.
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