Helping Mommy Help Others

A little angel came by to help me ring bells for the Salvation Army on a very chilly (23 degree) morning!  I was really glad that Chris brought her by to help me (and contribute a little something to the kettle I was manning that chilly winter morn!) 

I think it's important that Rylee see her parents actively participate in making our community, and our world, a better place to live -- to be civic-minded -- to spread goodwill.  I want to raise her to have an open mind and and a giving heart.  I want Rylee to understand that she's very fortunate to be wearing a warm coat and hat -- to have a (very nice) roof over her head, and food on our table.  Her Mommy and Daddy work hard, but we've gotten help.  We didn't get where we are alone, and we're grateful for the support we've received.  We are extremely fortunate.  We have a responsibility to help others -- to pay it forward.

"Moe-Moe!"

Rylee is getting to be such a good helper.  Here's a short vid of Roo calling "Moe-Moe" (Marley) in from the cold.  It's her FAVORITE after-school activity!  As you can clearly see, patience is not a virtue for this little toddler rocket.  Made worse by the fact that Marley is an old man with degenerative arthritis...

Enjoy!

Santa's Nice List

Since Ho Ho's arrival is right around the corner, RooGirl is making a last ditch effort to get off the naughty list and be nice to her friends at school. Santa's elves reported that she even helped her teacher clean up toys this morning -- the only student in class to do so :-)

Here's hoping she can refrain from biting any of her classmates, teachers or parents this week...

Mommy Rant

This post is for all those Mommies out there who are still under the illusion that their child is perfect.  Time to wake up.  He/she is not perfect.  He/she will make mistakes.  It is human nature to have flaws. 

For anybody who hasn't heard my cries for help... "Hi.  My name is Carry, and I'm raising a biter.  It's been 12 hours since her last bite."  My imperfect (but lovable!) daughter bit her cousin last weekend, her friend at school yesterday, and made Mommy her snack at tumbling class last night.  These are just three in a long line of victims -- sometimes innocent, and sometimes not so innocent, people who have fallen victim to Rylee's anger or frustration.

Rylee is a late talker who gets frustrated with her inability to express herself, and we're working with her to learn new ways of communicating her frustrations.  But I don't need to explain myself to you, and that's the point.  I'm tired of being judged by other mothers.  I'm tired of the looks, and I'm tired of the nasty commentary. 

Last night, after being bitten for the umpteenth time, I started some Internet research to see if anyone had come up with a winning strategy -- other than, "It's normal toddler behavior -- a phase that she will grow out of naturally."  Well, instead of a winning strategy, I stumbled upon a reputable parenting website with blog posts from angry parents who believe that "these children" (biters) should be expelled from daycare.  Other parents went on about the "bad parents" raising "biters."  Obviously, I'm more than a little ticked off. 

If "these bloggers" think that Rylee's behavior is in any way premeditated or that her father and I are supporting her behavior then they are mistaken.  I'd love to have them walk a mile in our shoes.  I think it would be a learning experience for them -- an opportunity for growth.  What would these perfect parents do differently?  We use "time out," we read "Teeth are not for Biting" on a nightly basis, we tell her "biting hurts" and suggest alternative ways to express her frustration.

My daughter is not perfect.  I am not a perfect parent.  She makes mistakes.  I make mistakes.  It's human nature to be flawed, but I love my daughter immensely and she loves me immensely.  We'll both wake up tomorrow and learn something new, and quite possibly, how to express anger and frustration in a constructive manner!

Gobble! Gobble!

Rylee's school had Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday.  The children made Native American head dresses to wear during their meal, but Rylee only kept hers on for about 2 seconds.  She was a big fan of the mashed potatoes... and clearly... doesn't like to be interrupted by the paparazzi!

Halloween, Gerber Style

Yesterday was a GREAT day.  There were sooo many special moments -- like when Chris carved the greatest Jack O Lantern of all time (pic below).  It turned out great... just like the Jack O Lantern from Halloween the movie! BTW:  Rylee named the Jack O Lantern, "Shoes."  We put a scented candle in "shoes" and got a lot of great comments from our trick or treaters (300 or so!)

Another favorite moment from the day was when we were watching Sports Center in the morning.  Iowa was running a play on the highlight reel.  When they scored, Rylee yelled "Yay!"  I didn't bother explaining to her why she was cheering for the wrong team... black and gold is black and gold to a 21 month old!

Rylee didn't trick or treat.  Instead, she passed out candy to the kids and yelled, "Bye Guys!" and waved as they moved on to the next house.  Priceless.  One of her favorite costumes was a tiger.  As the tiger approached the house, Rylee said, "Moo!"  I corrected her by saying, "Oh no, Rylee, that's a tiger."  Rylee said, "Moo!"  Looks like we need another trip to the zoo!

Costume Party

Roo had a blast at her halloween parade and party at school.  Thanks, LVCC!  Mommy wishes she could have been there :-(

Tiny Dancer!

Nobody loves a dance party more than Mommy and RooBear.  This tiny dancer rocks!!!  Yes... that is gravy (spagetti sauce) on her face!

Roo's First Designer Bag

Daddy hates this picture!  He says it's too "girly."  I tried my best to explain that "Roo is a girl," but he just wasn't buying it.  Regardless, she loves her mini Dooney & Burke handbag.  She carries it out of daycare and even took it with her to get the mail.

Chris continues to be disguested by it.  In fact, last night he said, "All she needs is a hot latte and a dark pair of sunglasses, and she could be you for Halloween!"  Finally, REVENGE IS MINE!

Recent Pix from School

Below are some recent pix that Roo's teacher shared with me.  It's becoming increasingly clear why Roo throws a tantrum every time we try to bring her home.  She loves school!  The other little one in the top photo is Roo's nemesis / BFF.

Yea, LVCC!  We love you!  Keep up the good work.

Mama's Birthday 10-10-10

Special Moments with Dad...

All Talked Out...

We're having a GREAT couple of days.  Roo Bear's vocabulary has easily TRIPLED this week.  She has said "Mommy" nearly 1,000 x (Yes, I'm counting!) which is a relief after hearing "Daddy" for sooooo many months.  She's also picked up two new phrases -- the first was a little upsetting... In response to "Roobie, you're making a mess."  She responded, "No, I'm not!"  Wonder where she gets that smart mouth??

But today, after our ritual "Thursday morning dance party," I said, "Ok Roo, say bye-bye puppies," and she gave each one a hug and said, clear as day, "Bye-bye puppies."  I couldn't believe it!  Usually she just waves and walks out the door.  Then, stunned by her own abilities, she repeated "Bye, bye puppies" all the way to school.  Hopefully, she continues "using her words" because it's soooo incredibly helpful, and she seems less frustrated with her inability to communicate.

In the pic above, Roo Bear is taking a nap at school.  She woke up this morning with a cough and is a little under the weather.  We'll start her asthma medicaitons, and hopefully, she recovers before her cousin's christening this Sunday!

M-A-D

Rylee is M-A-D at her new molars! This pic was taken by her Center Director at school. Bad Molars!

Lehigh Valley Zoo

Our little bink addict wouldn't drop the bink, but she still LOVED the animals at the Lehigh Valley Zoo. Note: Anything with four legs is a "doggie."

Hangin' with my BFF

Yes. This is what happens when two drunks procreate...

First Tumbling Class

Dear God-Mommy,

I know you wanted video of my first tumbling class, but Mommy and Daddy were soooo busy chasing me as I ran from apparatus to apparatus that they barely had time to take these two pics. I hope you enjoy. Maybe they'll be able to take more pics over the course of my class... but I doubt it... I plan to keep running all over the place!

Love, Roo-Girl

P.S. Notice the bink in pic #2. I wouldn't give it up. Heehee!

Daddy's Shoes

After Chris left for work today, Rylee walked over to a pair of his sneakers, pointed and said, "Daddy's shoes. Daddy's shoes." I responded (in my 'getting ready for work' voice), "Baby, Daddy has shoes on. Don't worry." But, Roo didn't listen. She picked up Daddy's size 12 sneakers (which were bigger than her!) and walked towards the front door.

At that moment, the door handle started to turn, and Daddy returned... for his sneakers! Imagine his surprise when Rylee was already standing at the front door with "Daddy's shoes" in hand!

That's the last time we question the memory of the Mighty Roo Bear! (Side note: I'm starting to worry that Chris and his "mini me" are telepathic...)

Kicking off Soccer Season

The 2010 soccer season is officially underway! Rylee is rooting on her Dad by wearing her new PUMA soccer shoes (thank you Aunt Carly and Uncle Greg!) She'll be ready... just in case her Dad needs to bring her in off the bench!

Siblings

Here's a pic of Roo and her big bro snapped this weekend. Marley started sleeping downstairs this weekend, instead of climbing Mt. St. Gerber to our bedroom. It was sad, but he just can't do the stairs anymore -- and he seems much happier not having to climb them.

Dear Santa,

Dear Santa,

I put together my Christmas list a little early this year, because I was looking through the Toys R Us catalog and couldn't find much there... so I figure you and your elves can make a lot of this in your workshop...

1. blow torch
2. gasoline
3. large pane of glass (preferably broken)
4. brass knuckles
5. pogo stick
6. giant cliff
7. samurai sword
8. get away car
9. bones for Marley and Simon

Good luck! See you December 25th!

Rylee Roo

First Climbing Lesson

Before Chris morphed into a suburbian, soccer-coaching PE teacher, he could often be found hanging from trees, indoor rock walls and heck, even the rafters, in our Grove City house -- which is why it is so shocking that it took him 18 months (exactly 18 months!) to give Rylee her first climbing lesson. With her freakish strength, she is a natural climber! Her daddy has two more weeks before soccer season begins, and so he's going to spend it erecting a bouldering cave in our basement! Rock on, Roo Girl!!!!

School Girl

Here are some pics taken by Roo's Teacher, Miss Christine -- who assures me, by the way, that "Roo's not bad. She's one!" I disagree. Look at the bottom pic... this girl is planning world domination! But we love Miss Christine for being so optimistic and loving!

Update: Roo, who is "not bad" headbutted Mommy in the face last night (multiple times while being told "not to hit Mommy") until she finally split Mommy's lip. Good girl!!!

Plant More Corn!

Dear Pa,

This morning, Mommy drove Daddy and me to the local farm stand to pick out some corn. We let her do the pickin' since she has "Corn Stand Employee" on her resume and all. She did a good job -- picked six full ears. There was a nice young girl workin' the register. Mommy thinks that the young lady, who is probably being forced to run the stand by her Dad, has a bright future in sales or marketing!

Anyway, Daddy grilled the corn with a parmesan-basil butter sauce, but I wanted my corn "straight up" with butter. As you can see, I put all six of my teeth to work and finished a whole ear all by myself. I think you and Uncle Rick have some corn-eatin' competition. You might want to PLANT MORE CORN!

Miss you. Give my puppers kisses for me.

xoxo

Rylee Roo

My Girl

Just when I almost caved and gave in to the millions of people urging me to change Rylee's name to "Christina," my Roogirl gave me a glimmer of hope. The other night, Roo picked up a little "sports bag" and threw it over her arm like a purse. Then she picked up her purple tea cup and Mommy's keys and walked around the house mimicking her heroine -- "Mama!" She had her purse, her keys and her coffee -- what else does a girl need!?!?! I know what you're thinking... shoes! Before long, my Roobie discovered the missing piece -- and slipped her tiny size 4 feet into Mommy's silver flats -- like Cinderella discovering her rightful place in the world!

Below: Mommy and Roobie in our not-so-matching backpacks. Camden, NJ.

Adventure Aquarium

The day before Chris' surgery we took Roo to the Adventure Aquarium in Camden. She loved the sea lions the best and also the sharks that swam over her head. When Chris gets better, we're going to buy her some fish for her room. "Daddy, fish. See. See."

The Chaos Continues

Welcome to the Looney Bin!!! I'm sure it's Murphy's Law, but... now Roo's sick.

As I'm sure most of you know, Chris had his ankle reconstructed last Friday. All went well, and he's recovering as best as possible, but he's squarely on the disabled list and now Roo’s wheezing and breathing like Darth Vader. Because I'm a horrific parent, I skirted the no temp, no vomit rule, and sent her to school anyway. We have no options for sick care with Chris on injured reserve, so unfortunately... that's the way we roll, people.

Roo and I are heading to the doctor at 3:30 this afternoon than home to feed and water the gimp. I wish I had video of myself at 6:00 this morning -- handing out meds like Nurse Rachet. Marley, check. Simon, check. Chris, check. Roo, check. So what if I put Chris’ pills in cheese!?!?!?! Gotta' love my husband. He took the pills without complaint!

Please pray that Chris' recovery goes well and that's he's off the bench soon!

Leader of the Pack

First Pitch

Thanks to the Kiwanis Club of Palmer Township, I was offered the opportunity to throw out the first pitch on Friday, June 11th as the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs took on the Toledo Mud Hens at Coca-Cola Park. Chris and I encountered the usual Gerber chaos at the hacienda beforehand (a sick dog made a mess of our carpet!), so we just made it to the park on time.

As a nice surprise, Chris got to come on the field with me and stand on the first base foul line. He was pysched because he brought a beer with him onto the field. It's the little things ;-)

My old man would have been proud... I handed Chris my purse and headed to the mound! They announced my name, and I threw an *almost* perfect pitch to the Iron Pigs starting catcher -- in front of 15,000 fans!

Happy Birthday Brantly!

Chris, Rylee and I had the opportunity to spend the weekend with Greg, Carly, Bracken and Brantly to celebrate Brantly's 2nd birthday. We really had the BEST weekend. Brantly is getting so tall and is the most unpretentious, naturally-comedic child we have ever met. She is also SUPER sweet. She was constantly bringing Rylee toys to play with -- such a sharer!

The rain held off until the end of the party, at which point the family moved into the garage to sit and relax. While we were sitting there (with the garage doors open), four-year-old Bracken came up to me and said, "Carry... I'd really love to jump in those puddles!" I, of course, encouraged her to do so!

Two minutes later, Bracken reappeared, rain boots on and umbrella in hand, to jump in the puddles. Aunt Carry couldn't help but join in. The moment was spontaneous and priceless. Brantly quickly emerged, with her umbrella, and the three of us jumped in puddles and played in the rain. I only wish Rylee had been awake to celebrate the rain with us...

I love and miss my girls terribly! Bracken, thank you for reminding me about the important moments in life -- it isn't preparing for the next board meeting -- it's finding the next puddle! I cherish EVERY minute spent with you girls.

First Pitch

On Friday, June 11th my Mommy will be throwing out the first pitch at the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs v. Toledo Mud Hens game. Daddy gave me a ball to help her practice, and we've been practicing so hard that I fell asleep (but I never dropped the ball!)

US v. Turkey and Memorial Weekend

Random Pics

Residency Requirement UPDATE

For those of you who signed the petition to keep Chris, Roo and I in PA, I wanted to give a brief update. Apparently, the bill has been amended to grandfather current employees in under the law; therefore, we can stay in PA!

However, there is a catch, Chris can never switch to another school or take a promotion at his current school. For example, if he wanted to one day be a Physical Education Supervisor, the agreement would be null and void and we'd have to move. Good thing he likes his job and has no aspirations for advancement!

Here's more:

http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-a7_mc-newjersey-residency.7274631may15,0,6971118.story

Flower Power