June 7, 2008 A friend of Marsy’s just spent some time in Japan and brought her back these really cute sushi magnets:
Marsy loves these little things! She likes to pretend to slice and serve them to me.
To go along with this, I went out and got her the First Book of Sushi, from the same series as Hola Jalapeño. It’s so funny listening to her try to pronounce some of the words!
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June 4, 2008 Baby has decided that she doesn’t want me to feed her anymore. When I attempt to, she just bats at the spoon, arches her back, and “screams off her head,” as her big sister puts it. To make sure she’s getting all her nutrients, I’ve had to become creative when it comes to meal and snacktime.
Bananas are definitely a favorite of hers, but when sliced get slimy and hard to pick up. Solution? I crush some crunchy cereal (FiberOne Bran, in this case) in a little Ziploc bag, and toss the banana slices in there. She can then scoop them up quiet easily, and gets a good dose of fiber to boot!
Although breakfast can be a hassle (oatmeal all over the place, at times) I LOVE that baby wants to be so independent. She can spend a good 45 minutes to an hour eating by herself, which gives me time to do other things!
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June 2, 2008 Last Wednesday…
But she’s healthy and happy now!
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May 30, 2008 In Mexico, and perhaps most of Latin America, we call our cousins’ kids our nieces/nephews. All my life I’ve thought this was customary, I guess because I never really gave it much thought. After Googling this topic a few minutes ago, I discovered that I am wrong - only sibling offspring are considered nieces/nephews. My cousins’ children are my cousins once removed (I think). Although I’m happy to be informed of the correct term, I don’t plan on breaking tradition and will stick to what I’m used to. It sounds so much more affectionate. Anyone “removed” just sounds so… distant!
And how would such a random subject even come up? Yesterday was my niece’s high school graduation. During the drive home, I asked MilkDud, “So who are we to Paola, exactly?” We’ve become really close over the past few years, and I realized that I’ve been calling her my niece out of habit. His response - “Well, she’s our niece… duh! But it does get complicated because her dad’s dad and my dad have different dads… but, whatever. She’s our niece.” And that was that. Now my question is - who is she in relation to my daughters? Yes, they are cousins, I realize that. But are they going to call her tía (aunt) when they’re older? Oh boy, this is giving me a headache!
This song is for you, Paola. I disregarded it the first time I heard David Cook sing it on American Idol, until I read the lyrics. Seems right for this moment. (Just change boy to girl!)
Dream Big
When I was a little boy
I swore that I would change the world
when I grew up
nothing else would be enough
back then it all seemed black and white
but these days
I just can’t seemed to find
the child in me
who always believed
I see it every day
We settle for safe
And lose ourselves along the way
But if we don’t Dream Big
What’s the use in dreaming
If you don’t have faith
there’s nothing worth believing
It takes one hope
To make the stars worth reaching for
So reach out for something more
Took a while to perfect a plan
for me to finally understand
that it’s not me
faith is something you can’t see
I loose the reins
and let them go
I broke the chains of fear
that had their hold on me too long
when all I felt was wrong
I’ve wiped my tears away
now it’s time for a change
No, I can’t waste another day
But if we don’t Dream Big
What’s the use in dreaming
If you don’t have faith
there’s nothing worth believing
It takes one hope
To make the stars worth reaching for
So close your eyes
and tell me what you see
between what’s real
and make believe
here’s the path
we’ve all been searching for
so reach out for something more
than you could ever imagine
then move
don’t wait for it to happen
life’s too short
for not taking chances
the stars aren’t as far as they seem…
Congrats!
Posted in Contemplation, Love, Music 2 Comments »
May 30, 2008 We went to a National Symphony Orchestra Family Concert at the Kennedy Center a while back. It was Leonard Slatkin’s last Family Concert as musical director of the NSO.
We were running late, but I wish we would’ve gotten there earlier for the instrument “Petting Zoo,” where kids get the chance to see and touch the instruments they’ll hear later in the show. The program was called “All in the Musical Family” and focused on the different families of instruments in the orchestra (percussion, woodwinds, strings, bass). It featured the premiere of TROYJAM, a special NSO commission that brings Homer’s Iliad to life. This particular program was recommended for ages 5 and up, but I would imagine a child between 8 and 10 would’ve enjoyed it. While it only lasted an hour, I believe anyone younger or older would be bored with the show (as we were). I found it to be choppy, not flowing from one segment to the next very well. Marsy wouldn’t sit still, and judging from all the little faces looking back at us over the back of their seats, not many children could. Mike Rowe, from the Discovery Channel show “Dirty Jobs,” was the narrator. His witty remarks were one of my favorite parts of the show. There’s actually a name for them - Rowe-isms!
As luck would have it, we were able to attend the concert for free because my sister-in-law had 3 tickets (including free parking!) that she couldn’t use. Marsy was more interested in the fountains and the view of the Potomac, so I must say that I don’t think we’ll be going back for a long time unless we somehow get our hands on free tickets once again.
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May 24, 2008 We took a quick trip to Philly over Mother’s Day weekend and as always, I’m posting about it super-late!
I wish we could’ve stayed longer, because there is SO much to see, but we were just there for a day. The main purpose of the trip was to go to the Frida Kahlo exhibition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which ended a few days ago. If you live on the West Coast, it’s moving to San Francisco next so don’t miss it!
Stayed at the Embassy Suites Center City. It’s in the process of being renovated (they should be wrapping up June 1st) so our room was completely new. How often does that happen? The suite had a living area, separate bedroom, and kitchenette so it was perfect. A crib was sent up within 15 minutes of our arrival, and Marsy slept on the sofa-bed. It was a great value for the price. Definitely check out Hotwire.com for your future hotel stays!
City Hall:
Philadelphia Museum of Art -
If you’ve seen Rocky, you might recognize these steps from a big scene in the movie.
Love Park (also known as JFK Plaza), with the Museum of Art in the background.
Yes, the fountain was really that color. I did the rest in B&W to emphasize it.
Marsy was terrified of the purple fountain. Not sure why, other than that it’s unnatural.
I know they frequently dye the water (pink in October for Breast Cancer awareness, for instance) but I’m not sure what the purple symbolizes.
We only saw a very small part of downtown Philadelphia - what was within walking distance of our hotel. The following are photos of “Your Move” - art designed specifically for the Municipal Services Building Plaza. Made up of over-sized game pieces from games such as dominoes, Parcheesi, Bingo, Monopoly, checkers, and chess, it’s supposed to act as a “catalyst” for memories between the experiences of childhood and the responsibilities of being an adult.
Check this out for an interactive “panorama” of the plaza.
Clowning around. Marsy actually thought he was going to push it over!
And of course we couldn’t leave the city without having a cheesesteak! I decided on Pat’s King of Steaks in South Philly, since it’s said that they are the creators of the Philly Cheesesteak. I had NO idea that there is a certain protocol for ordering! The guys behind the counter don’t mess around and will send you to the back of the line if you don’t know what you’re doing. I obviously didn’t want to look like a tourist, so I took the time to read the rules board.
It took me a minute or so to figure out that I wanted “one whiz wit” and “one provo wit,” meaning two sandwiches, one with Cheese Whiz and fried onions, the other with provolone and fried onions. It was GOOOD!
And that was it! Back home we went. Philly’s less than 3 hours away, so I’m looking forward to going back in the future, maybe when the girls are a little older and can appreciate it more.
The Philadelphia skyline from afar:
Posted in Outings, Philly 3 Comments »
May 22, 2008 Remember, sisters are for sharing laughter AND wiping tears.
I love you and no matter where I am, I know our hearts are always close.
Now listen to this! The lyrics are below if you want to get your karaoke on!
“If My Sister’s in Trouble” by Lady Soul (Sister Act Soundtrack)
Do you ever feel it
When people get unkind
You can hear it in their voices
They get poison on their minds
Though ignorance
Should never be excused
I’ll do my best
To pick up their attitudes
I’m moving away again
But there’s one thing
That will make me take a stand
If my sister’s in trouble
I will always help her out
If my sister’s in trouble
I will turn the world around
I will fight for her right
No matter where the trouble seems to lie
If my sister’s in trouble so am I
If my sister’s in trouble so am I
So am I
All across the land
Young people are walking blind
But if the heat comes down
I’ll be standing by your side
For I am there for you
Like you are there for me
Nothing feels as good
As a sister’s loyalty
I’m talking about family
What my sister means to me
If my sister’s in trouble
I will always help her out
If my sister’s in trouble
I will turn the world around
I will fight for her rights
No matter where the problem seems to lie
If my sister’s in trouble so am I
If my sister’s in trouble so am I
So am I
I’ll be there for you
Just reach out your hands
And I’m gonna pull you through
I’m talking about family
And what my sister means to me
If my sister’s in trouble
I will always help her out
If my sister’s in trouble
I’m gonna turn the world around
I will fight for her rights
No matter where the problem seems to lie
If my sister’s in trouble so am I
Sister
I’m talking about my sister
Sister
My sister, my sister
You’re in trouble so am I
So am I, so am I
I will be there
If you’re in trouble
Reach out your hands
Call on me sister
I will be there
If you’re in trouble
Reach out your hands..
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May 18, 2008 Marsy gets some computer time every day as part of our usual routine. I’m constantly in search of websites that are both educational and fun, and that keep her entertained for more than a minute at a time. If they tie into something in our daily lives, that is a plus. So when I was introduced to http://www.childhoodiscalling.com/ I was thrilled!
This site has a little bit of everything all in one easy-to-navigate interface:
I am so lucky to be able to stay at home with my girls. As long as there’s a smile on their pretty little faces, I’m happy. But even taking that into account, sometimes I don’t feel like my time with them is well-spent and I must say that my “fountain of creativity” dries up ever so often. Having a resource like this is invaluable!
So what are you waiting for? Gather your kids around the computer and take a short ride on over to http://www.childhoodiscalling.com/. Make sure you have plenty of time to spare, because you’ll be there for a while!
*Childhood is Calling was created through a partnership between Kellogg’s Rice Krispies® and the nonprofit organization Playing for Keeps.
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May 18, 2008 Marsy is partial to “white” foods, namely pasta, rice, and potatoes, so I try sneak in as much fiber as I can through other sources. Oatmeal is a breakfast favorite, as is cereal. I must admit we’ve tried a wide variety of breakfast cereals, but almost always fall back on either Cheerios or Frosted Flakes.
I just recently added a new product to our pantry - Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes Gold. What lured me in about this cereal was it’s nutrition information. It has 3 grams of fiber and 2 grams of protein per 3/4 cup serving. Unfortunately it also provides 10 grams of sugar, but is undeniably a healthier alternative to the traditional Frosted Flakes, which has only one gram of fiber, one gram of protein, and a touch more sugar per serving.
The flavor is another draw. After savoring my first bowlful, the first thing that came to mind was that it tasted like honey graham crackers. Marsy jumped on the chance to try a new cereal, had no complaints about it, and even MilkDud enjoyed a bowl. Finding a cereal that everyone in the family likes is rare, so I was happily surprised!
I know I won’t be able to avoid sugary cereals altogether, but this is definitely something that the whole family can agree on. As soon as we finish off the box of regular Frosted Flakes we’ll switch over to Gold for good. That is until something better (specifically with less sugar) comes around!
Oh, and the Kellogg’s website provides a few fun recipes: Frosted Flakes Gold as an addition to muffins, a crust for a fruit “pizza”, and as a variation on Rice Krispies Treats. The chocolate muffins look yummy! Definitely something we’ll try out one of these days.
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May 15, 2008 I should’ve posted this in the previous entry about Cinco de Mayo, but I forgot. I forget oh-so-many things these days!
In any case, it’s never too late to recommend a good book. The following are two of my daughter’s favorites, and just happen to be Latin-themed.
Mañana Iguana, by Ann Whitford Paul and illustrated by Ethan Long
This book is what inspired us to have our own “fiesta” last week. It’s like “The Little Red Hen,” but in the desert. The illustrations are great; so descriptive that Marsy can practically tell the story herself, just by looking at the pictures. It’s one of the select bedtime books that we read almost every night.
Hola Jalapeño, by Amy Wilson Sanger
Hola Jalapeño
I say, hello my chile friend.
Señorita Quesadilla,
cheese is melting out your end…
The artwork in this book is beautiful and I love the rhythm of it. Being Mexican-American, it’s nice to be able to introduce my daughters to vocabulary that we definitely must know but don’t encounter that often.
My only complaint is that it’s too short! This is a small, but sturdy, board-book; I would love to see something similar geared more towards preschoolers on up. Maybe it’s out there, just haven’t found it yet.
Sanger has written an entire series of “World Snack” books. The next one on our to-buy list is the First Book of Sushi! I’ll let you know what I think of that one when the time comes.
*** A big THANK YOU to aunt Margaret for introducing us to “Hola Jalapeño.”
Lastly, this is not a book, but a big hit in baby’s toy box:
LeapFrog Learn & Groove Counting Maracas
Sing, dance, count, and learn your colors, all in one small toy! Of the pair of maracas, one is a basic maraca that just rattles, the other is battery-powered and has 3 modes - numbers, colors, and music. Depending on the mode, each shake of the maraca leads to counting up from 1 to 10 in English or Spanish, or introduces 6 colors, also in both languages. It even lights up, which is absolutely spellbinding to baby in her dim bedroom.
I do warn against leaving these in baby’s crib - I awoke several mornings to loud banging before I was finally smart enough to remove them at night.
I love the volume control option because the music and counting can get annoying after a while. The lowest setting is quiet tolerable. I do tend to tune this kind of “noise” out, but It turns itself off after a few minutes, so no worries. We’ve had it since Christmas and have yet to replace the batteries.
Right now, the only problem we have is that older sis likes the electronic maraca, too. For now I just give baby the other maraca and that appeases her, but I don’t know how much longer she can be fooled!
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