The Knowing Smile

I Love George

When I asked Edmund if he "liked" Curious George, his response was "I love George." I decided then and there that he needed his own Curious George book. We have several paperback stories of George's antics at school. I've read them so many times I've gotten tired of them. I decided to take Edmund to Borders to read through some of the books and then decide on his favorite. We must have read through ten different Curious George books before my mouth was so dry I could read no more. After Edmund's pleas of "mommy read it one more time, OK?" subsided we narrowed down his choices to "Curious George and the Baseball Game" or "Curious George and the Pizza Party". Edmund went back and forth, so I decided to end the stalling and chose "George and the Pizza Party".

I had Edmund carry the book up to the cash register. There was only one cashier, and we were "fortunate" to get in line behind a grandmother buying books for her grandchildren. She must have had a hundred books in her basket, and, no, I'm not exaggerating. Edmund began to get antsy and threw his book on the floor. I told him he needed to pick the book up off the floor. Normally he is happy to oblige, but he thought this was the perfect time to make his body go limp (which I might add he found hilarious). I again told him to pick the book up off the floor. He continued to ignore me, laughed, then said "mommy do it." I wouldn't have been as embarrassed as I was, save for the fact that the children who were to be the recipients of the hundred books and their mother, were standing in front of me giving me the "control your child" look. This time I said "if you don't pick your book up we're taking it back to the children's section and leaving." I had my fingers crossed that Edmund would pick up the book, as I really wanted a change from multiple readings of "Curious George and the Train". As an early childhood educator I know the importance of follow through and knew that if Edmund didn't pick the book up we were leaving. I have to be honest, if there weren't a bunch of bystanders, I'm not sure I wouldn't have caved. Fortunately for me I did have an audience and Edmund was so gracious as to listen to my third request.

Later that night Aunt Alison came to visit Master Edmund so daddy and mommy could finally go all out for tax free weekend. Edmund couldn't contain his excitement to see his Aunt Alison that he nearly jumped out of his bath when she walked in. Steven and I shopped for about an hour and a half when Steven had about all he could take. Steven left and I pressed on. I headed to Belk where I found a very cute pair of "goggie" pajamas for Edmund. While I was in line to pay I saw a mother and father shopping with their two young boys who appeared to be about 3 and 5. It was 8:30 and I'm sure these kids were exhausted after their evening of tax free shopping. They ran around the racks and the little one hit his head. He recovered quickly after being told that Belk was all out of "boo boo bunnies." Then the two boys began trying various screams. Their mom looked at them and emphatically said "if you don't stop this we're going home." I thought "what a threat!" If these boys are anything like Edmund I'm sure they'd rather spend their time at home than at Belk. I knew better than anyone these parents weren't going to take their boys home. The younger one decided he would try a quiet scream and the mom seemed OK with this idea. I almost told the mom I knew what it was like, and that I'd been there earlier in the day, but I was afraid I wouldn't say the right thing. I just gave her a knowing smile and moved on. As I headed to my car a few minutes later, I passed the same family, boys still screaming, parents still shopping, and couldn't help but chuckle.

The Bumpy Road to Independence

"Self": Reading, Driving, and Climbing Steps

Hello devoted Edmund fans,
I hate to start each post with "it's been a long time," as it's such a cliche saying, but "wow, it has been a long time!" This posting will be all over the place, but hey, as I said before "it's been a long time." The past month has been busy to say the least. I have been faced with more big decisions at one time than ever before in my life. The beloved director of my preschool has decided that after 26 years at CHCP she would like to try a new job. She leaves us in a really great place, but will be sorely missed. As I was qualified for the position, I had to do much soul searching as to what I'd like to do. I felt like I had to protect the preschool I have come to love. With much guidance from friends, family, and the director herself, I decided that at this time having both Steven and myself making giant career moves at one time isn't wise. And of course we couldn't forget our sweet Edmund in all this. Perhaps in a few years I'll begin ascending the career ladder, but for now I'm happy to stay put. It helps that my co-teacher and friend, Jennifer, will be with me for at least another year. Her husband's contract was recently renewed. Hooray!

Steven and I have also purchased our first home in Southwest Durham. It will be strange to leave Chapel Hill after all these years. Of course we're not going to a distant planet, just a few minutes away, but again it will be a change. The neighborhood is wonderful, and we even had a chance to meet some of our neighbors when we showed up at the annual neighborhood yard sale. For some reason Steven had us go undercover, so won't the neighbors be surprised when they discover our true identities :) One of the young boys even asked for a high five from Edmund. Edmund was more than happy to oblige. We're very excited about this big step, but a little nervous at the same time.

Steven will graduate in 2 weeks and will officially be Dr. Pattishall. He'll have a month off after graduation, during which time we plan to spend as much time together as a family as we can. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as our family makes some big transitions.

Time to change gears. I've never quite understood why everyone talks about the terrible twos. Most two year olds have words and can express pretty clearly how they are feeling. Toddlers are a different story. Toddlers may try to get their point across in a word or two, but if the caregiver doesn't understand or comply, the toddler will hit full meltdown mode. Edmund is no exception. Don't get me wrong, Edmund is as sweet as he can be, most of the time. However, there are times when even Edmund loses it. And currently meltdowns occur over two things: water at snack and washing hands. Edmund loves milk. However, our rule is water at snack time, or we'd go through a gallon of milk a day. This past week we've had a mini tantrum every day over this rule. Believe me it takes everything in my being not to give in. I'm a preschool teacher, so I know consistency is key, but boy are there days I'd like to take the easy way out. However, today we had a breakthrough. Edmund and I got home from Gymboree free play and guess what? Edmund asked for water. When I gave him his water he didn't throw the cup on the floor or at me, but drank it. Way to go Edmund.

Handwashing is another meltdown trigger. You would think that my little guy would think handwashing was a waste of time, but Edmund is the complete opposite. It doesn't help that the guidelines for preschool handwashing are ridiculous. If we were able to comply fully with North Carolina's handwashing requirements for preschools all day/everyday, the children and teachers would be at the sink all day. I even talked with the woman who helped develop the handwashing guidelines, and she said that even she wouldn't be able to comply 100%. It's not to say the teachers don't strive for perfection, but sometimes there are more important things than washing hands. Another thing that makes handwashing so appealing for Edmund is the sinks at the preschool. They are automatic. Once the children discover they can make the water run by sticking their hands under the sensor, they feel the power. The power of water is a big draw, and Edmund is far from the only child who would spend all day at the sink in his classroom. He relishes using the step stool to step up to the sink independently. It's when Jennifer or I take the step stool away from the sink that the meltdowns happen. Edmund is definitely the most vocal of his friends when it comes to his displeasure in having the stool taken away. You may think the teachers cruel for taking the coveted step stool away, but imagine a mob of angry handwashers vying for one sink and one stool, and you'll think differently.

These days Edmund is asserting his independence like there is no tomorrow. If I make an attempt to help wash his hands, he will hold a hand out and say "self." In fact Steven and I hear the word "self" constantly throughout the day. Loosely translated "self" means "step away, I'm a big boy, and I will accomplish this task by myself even if it takes me all day." Because of "self" we must plan for a little more time to accomplish quick tasks (i.e. dressing, feeding, washing hands, getting in the car seat, climbing obstacle courses, etc., etc.).

As you might imagine, a day with Edmund is never boring. I know Edmund must learn to spread his wings and fly (figuratively). If he pulls a "self" on flying we're in trouble. I know that this is one of a series of phases Edmund we'll go through. As challenging as this so-called "phase" is, I am loving every minute of it. Edmund is a true individual. My goal as a parent is to give Edmund the tools to use "self" more and more as he grows. I just hope he'll still allow me some snuggly reading time every now and then.

Kitty Cat

Edmund and I have almost 2 full weeks of school under our belts after a 3 week long vacation. Saying it was difficult to return to work after winter break is an understatement. However, now that I'm in the swing of things I feel as if I never left. Edmund also seems to feel as if he never left. I was hoping some of his less endearing habits at school, such as banging his feet under the table at lunch, would disappear. No such luck. Not only does Edmund still do the lunchtime march, but he gets the whole class to join in. Learning table manners is a process. We're working on it.

This post wouldn't be complete without a Susanna mention. My dear friend from college returned from her Foreign Service duty in Mexico to visit family and friends before heading to Peru. Steven, Edmund, and I were fortunate enough to receive a visit. Edmund quickly became a huge Susanna fan. After she left our house Monday evening Edmund would longingly call for "Zanna." He did this up until bedtime. She certainly made a big impression. I'm sure Edmund will anxiously await her next visit.

This post has no real connecting theme, but I had to write down this Edmund story before it gets lost wherever it is forgotten memories go. This story comes with a disclaimer. The preschool is cleaned and exterminated regularly, but when it's cold outside and the building is surrounded by woods you are bound to see a creepy crawly every now and then.

This morning Edmund and I were running late for school. That seems to be how things go when Steven is on call. As soon as we enter the building I set Edmund down and let him wander while I set up the classroom for the day. Today instead of going straight for toys as per usual, he started pointing and happily saying "kitty cat, kitty cat." He was also slowly moving around the room which caught my attention. Suddenly I spotted the "kitty cat." It was a water bug (essentially a large, disgusting cockroach). I am terrified of these bugs so I went to the kitchen hoping it would go back to that from whence it came. Fortunately when I returned to the classroom the bug had disappeared. However, I was forced to brave the "kitty cat" when it reappeared around 9 am. At this point I had a classroom full of children and had to keep my cool. I swept up the bug as if it was a simple little cheerio. My co-teacher commented on my bravery. She was not sure she could have done the same. It's funny that having 8 little toddlers watching you turns you into a bug braving hero. I'm sure if it showed it's face in my house tonight I'd run away screaming.

Ho Ho Ho

Santa, Edmund, and Rameses

Last Sunday, Steven and I took Edmund to our local mall to visit Santa. There was no doubt in my mind that Edmund wouldn't be scared of Santa, although I knew it would be near impossible to get Edmund to sit on the jolly, old elf's knee. Edmund loves people, especially those who say "ho ho ho." The problem would be that Edmund would fear we were going to hand him over to the man in red and book it, just like we do with those people in the church nursery. When our turn arrived to visit with Santa, I simply held Edmund. Edmund said a "ho ho ho" to Santa and briefly chatted with the man of the hour. When we asked if Edmund wanted to sit with Santa, Edmund shook his head and said "no." We thanked Santa for his time and headed on our way.

The next day I was reminded by a parent in my class that Santa would be decked out in Carolina gear and accompanied by UNC's mascot, Rameses. Steven was in Virginia for a residency interview, and Edmund had shots scheduled for early afternoon, so I figured it best to pass. However, Edmund was in such a friendly mood at his doctor's office, chatting up Dr. Morton, Nurse Charlie, and the office staff that I thought he might enjoy another visit with Santa Claus. Fortunately, I made a good call. Edmund and I only had to wait a minute to see Tarheel Santa. Santa remembered us from the day before and encouraged me to try my young fellow on his knee. Santa asked for a high five. Edmund happily obliged, as well as offered a high five to Rameses. I put Edmund on Santa's knee. At first he reached for me, but after distracting him with some brightly colored jingle bells, he was just fine. However, Edmund was quite the serious lad. His mommy played peek-a-boo with Rameses, made ridiculous noises, and did some silly dances. All to no avail. Edmund didn't even crack a smile, although Santa and his elves were cracking up. When I said "Edmund you did a great job," Santa replied, "Mom you did too." So we didn't get a happy picture with Santa, but we didn't get one of a screaming child either. That's pretty impressive for a toddler if I do say so myself.

Was it the fact that Santa was decked out in Carolina blue that made Edmund so willing to sit on his knee. We may never know, but we're hoping Edmund never turns to the dark side, or in this case, NC State, as his older buddy Michael has. Edmund and I saw Michael's family in line to see Santa later that day. Michael's sister Kelly was enthusiastic about sitting on Tarheel Santa's knee. However, Michael, who used to be the world's biggest Tarheel fan, would only sit on an NC State Santa's knee. I told Michael's parents there was hope for him, as I had once chosen UK over UNC. However, I eventually saw the light and returned to my beloved Tarheels. Edmund watched the UK-UNC game with us recently and began saying "Tucky." We quickly intervened and Edmund is now proudly saying "Alina." So Merry Christmas and Go Heels to you!

Gobble Gobble

Turkey Day 2009

Instead of boring you all with a minute by minute recap of our Thanksgiving holiday, I thought I would simply give you the gist, and try something different this entry. In a nutshell…We went to Grandma and Grandpa’s house for Thanksgiving Day. Edmund enjoyed watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with Aunt Alison. For those of you who thought I would deprive Edmund of a grand tradition, I did let Edmund watch TV for this special occasion. He really was only interested in the musical numbers. What can I say? He comes from a musical family. We then had a delicious Thanksgiving feast prepared by the Pattishalls, which Edmund chose not to eat. He did however, divulge his knowledge of the sound a turkey makes during dinner. He took us all by surprise when I jokingly asked him what a turkey says. “Gobble,” he replied. Who knew? Edmund did not totally miss out on turkey. He decided to partake in the Thanksgiving meal the following day when he discovered that turkey and stuffing taste much better after sitting in the fridge overnight.

On Friday, Grandma Kay Kay and Granddad came down from Virginia. We had a wonderful visit. The highlight of the visit was our trip to the Museum of Life and Science. Edmund had a blast riding on the “choo choo” with Kay Kay and Granddad and climbing stairs in the designated toddler area. He was very disappointed when it was time to leave. Fortunately, there was no full-blown tantrum.

Not to cut the time with the relatives short (we love you all), but as I definitely have a huge case of “mommy brain” these days, I’m not sure I'm even capable of a full play-by-play two days out. Instead I am giving you a list of the words Edmund says and the Edmund definition. This is an abridged version (as I said, “mommy brain”). Edmund probably says a few more words than I have listed, and I can guarantee he understands hundreds more words than he can say. He’s quite the smart fellow.

Edmund’s Dictionary:

• water- all liquid
• hello, hey you, hi, ciao-greetings for many a social situation
  
• thank you-while the word takes on its true meaning most of the time, thank you is also used when handing an object to someone
  
• truck-a moving vehicle spotted from a mile away
  
• car-a place from which to view the sights
  
• cracker-any food that comes out of a crinkly package, be it cereal or pancake mix
• mama-self explanatory
• dada-again, self explanatory
• ball- any round object (balls, balloons, ornaments, globes, etc.)
• no-a toddler’s favorite word
• uh-oh-used when an object is dropped or in anticipation of dropping an object
• bye-usually said after a person is out of sight
• Emma-two of my favorite friends at school as well as a cousin in Florida (convenient)
• Joshua-my peek-a-boo buddy at school
• Bible-refers to the baby Bible I got for my dedication
• more-as in “read Silly Dog for the hundredth time” or “don’t you see my pasta is gone”
• all done-signals the end of an activity or “get that toothbrush out of my mouth”
• chair-great place to read
• baby-any person under the age of 13
• eye-accompanies an eye blink
• nose-located somewhere between the lips and eyes
• teeth-not sure why we have to brush these
  
• ear-oft referred to as eye
  
• Popper-the best toy ever invented, though occasionally a little loud
• Puppers-a wonderful bedtime pal
• quack-any sort of winged creature
• numbers-for now the name of a favorite book
• up-both "pick me up" and "put me down"
• bike-the big kids at schools ride these
  
• lawn mower-another great push toy or anything loud in the distance
• keys-great item to hide; fortunately usually in an appropriate spot such as purse or diaper bag
  
• hot-always said emphatically while accompanying its sign
• right there-"where's your fork?"
  
• bubbles-these are great fun to… (see below)
• pop-used with bubbles and in “Little Fish” (an awesome song)
• mine-for some reason this is a word mom and dad want to disappear from my vocabulary
• go-I'm always ready to "go"
• pee pee-another self explanatory word
• diaper-this holds the above word
• apple
• strawberry
• banana-the above are all tasty fruits
• shoe- a great thing to play with
• socks-you have to put these on before you put on shoes
• outside-a place to pass the day away
• cup-a holding place for water
  
• light-turning them on and off is a blast
• bowl-any container that holds food
• doctor-what my dada is learning to be
  
• Ho Ho Ho-what Santa Claus says
• owl (whoo whoo)-a fine feathered friend and the sound it makes
• choo choo-these are just all around fun
• on-used to signal wanting on, in, out, and off
• gobble-what Thanksgiving dinner says
• down-the ladder on the fire engine does this
• playground-another place to pass the day away
• Kay-Kay-grandmother in VA
• paci-an object that won’t be around much longer I'm told
  
• slide-any slide or incline
• whee-what one says when going down a slide
• beep beep- the name of a favorite book and what trucks do when backing up
• Carl-the babysitting dog from the Carl series
• peek-a-boo-the best game in the whole world

Two Word Phrases:

• my chair
• my mom
• my dada-notice how most of these include a form of “mine”
• more water
• help please-sounds like “I Do”

As you can see, Edmund is becoming well versed in the English language. It’s quite amazing that 6 months ago Edmund's only discernible words were bye and dada. He’s come a long way. On another note, I'm sure you all have noticed the postings are now occurring monthly. This is due to a certain 33 inch tall man. Edmund, as well as his 7 toddler friends, are busy and fun, and thus exhausting. So while I want to document everything my precious son does, I also need my sleep to keep up with 8 busy toddlers day after day. Writing is taking a backseat to sleep these days I'm afraid. I’m sure there will be many tales to relate throughout the holiday season, so to make sure you each get your Edmund fix I am going to try to get two posts in during the Christmas vacation. This is as much for me as it is for all of you. Wish me luck!