Hallelujah!
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Tooth brushing is never a toddler's favorite thing, and we'd been doing as well as we could, but Jasper had gotten to the point where he would only let Daddy brush his teeth for about 5 seconds. We needed a new approach for his "crusty choppers," as Chris put it. The other day I found this electric toothbrush w/ Elmo, Zoe, and Cookie Monster on it (Jasper chose the purple one). Jasper already had a Sesame Street toothbrush, but it was a manual one, so required a little more brushing action than he was willing to supply.
We tried the electric one this morning, and he loves it! I had to ask him to stop brushing so we could leave the house. Who knows how long it will last, but it's bound to get some of the crud off his teeth before he gets tired of it, right? I don't care how many batteries he uses up. Whoo hoo!
Labels: chris, cookie monster, elmo, jasper, sesame street, zoe
posted by liz @ 1:26 PM,
Playgroup at Brennan and Clayton's house
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
The kids had a lot of fun making paper lanterns at Brennan's (and Clayton and Abbey's) house this morning. During our attempts at a group shot, Xander kept crawling out, so you can see he's just been "helped" back into the frame in this shot.
Jasper is annoyed with me b/c I wouldn't show him the pictures on my camera until I got this one!
Thanks for having us Abbey!
Labels: abbey, alexander, art, beth, brennan, clayton, jasper, kyle, mara, tammy, tot lot, yael
posted by liz @ 1:57 PM,
A snow...zebra?
Monday, February 26, 2007
This morning, on our way to Zoo class, we went to say hello to the zebra, who, apparently enjoyed the snow very much. As you can see, he was working on his snowman. (I would've thought he would have made a snow zebra, but perhaps he was trying to amuse his visitors.)Labels: animals, jasper, outside, zoo
posted by liz @ 1:20 PM,
The latest from Cambodia
Just when we are starting to worry about Emily b/c we haven't heard from her in a while, she comes through with this recommendation for a moving company, should any of you ever move to or within Phnom Penh.Thanks Em!
posted by liz @ 1:12 PM,
The view from rock and star
Sunday, February 25, 2007
posted by liz @ 5:43 PM,
Jasper's latest work of art
Two views of Elmer's with Googly Eyes #2. (Soon to be part of the not-so-permanent collection of Aunt Ga Ga.)
posted by liz @ 5:35 PM,
Hillel's party
These pictures are crap b/c I forgot my camera and had to use my Treo, which has a sad excuse for a camera, but at least we were able to capture a bit of Barry the Magician and the sense of the party last night. The young ones especially liked the birds, and even after they were hidden away, kept sneaking around the back of the "stage" to look for them and hug them. Thanks Michael and Catherine, and congratulations Hillel!
Labels: catherine, hillel, michael
posted by liz @ 9:52 AM,
Hillel's Bar Mitzvah
Saturday, February 24, 2007
This morning we went to synagogue for cousin Hillel's Bar Mitzvah. From the look of this picture, you'd think Jasper already knew the service would be a long one before we even entered the sanctuary...luckily Na Na came with a pop-up book (Jasper's parents brought food, but didn't really think through the toy idea) that helped everyone to make it though.Hillel did a great job, and tonight we will continue the celebration with Barry the Magician at dinner (don't tell Jasper he won't get to see that part—I know he'd really enjoy it)!
Labels: books, hillel, jasper, na na, synagogue
posted by liz @ 2:14 PM,
Preschool update
Friday, February 23, 2007
We heard today that Jasper has a spot in Garrett Park Nursery School. Yay! We will be holding his spot until we hear from the JCC and then make a final decision...Garrett Park Nursery School is walking distance from our house, which would be great! And the fact that it's less than 1/2 the cost doesn't hurt either...of course it's 2 vs. 3 mornings a week, and co-op vs. drop-off, so all of that could affect Mom's weight-lifting schedule, so we'll see how it pans out!Labels: garrett park nursery school, jasper, JCC, preschool
posted by liz @ 7:20 PM,
Saving their pennies
Micah (and baby Sara too, but she didn't really play, just looked around) came over this morning to play, and they had a great time. Jasper even showed Micah how to use one of his prized possessions—his trick dog bank that Na Na gave him for Hanukkah. (This photo is a rarity because it shows two 2-year-olds using the same toy at the same time without trying to maul each other.) The boys get along really well. In return for the trick bank penny-entering session, Micah led Jasper in a chase around the upstairs, complete with shrieking embraces.Labels: jasper, micah, na na, sara, toys
posted by liz @ 3:04 PM,
This guy?
So, Jasper has this puzzle of Endangered Species. He's loves, loves, loves this puzzle, and we do it every day. (I say "we" because I am usually ordered to sit with him on the floor, but he really does the puzzle himself.) Many of these animals we know from the Zoo, or can otherwise determine what they are—all except the one in the lower right-hand corner. One of the first times we did the puzzle together, we were naming all of the animals, and when I got to that one, I said "and then there's this guy," so this poor soul is now known in our house as "this guy." I would love to know what animal he is so we can address him properly. Any ideas? (Click on the pic for a larger image.)
posted by liz @ 2:32 PM,
Jasper's first babysitter?
Thursday, February 22, 2007
The other day I picked up this paperback in the Target $1 aisle. Jasper has taken a particular interest in it, and we have been reading it for each nap/bed time—at least once, sometimes more. Might this bode well for his allowing me to leave him home with someone other than one of us, my siblings, or my mother? Of course, in the book the babysitter's name is Emily, which might have him thinking all of his babysitters will be his Aunt Emmy (but there's really no resemblance at all :))!
Whoo hoo!
Labels: books, chris, emily, jasper, me
posted by liz @ 7:26 PM,
Jasper's new favorite toy
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
This is Jasper's new favorite thing. It doesn't matter whether there is anything to glue down, simply squirting the glue in delicate lines all over a piece of construction paper is pleasure enough. After dinner tonight he spent 1/2 an hour gluing googly eyes onto a picture he declared was for Aunt Ga Ga. The amount of glue required was totally disproportionate to the number of googly eyes affixed, but it's art, after all.
Labels: art, ga ga, jasper, toys
posted by liz @ 7:46 PM,
Zoo class
After our shock and dismay at being turned away from the Zoo on Monday, we got lucky today and had lovely weather for our Zoo make-up class. We learned about the elephants and hippos, and then we paid them a visit. It was so nice outside, we didn't even need our jackets by the end of the morning!
Labels: animals, jasper, outside, zoo
posted by liz @ 1:09 PM,
Mixmaster Jasper
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
These videos are large, so they may take a while to download...go get a coffee, then come back and enjoy!
posted by liz @ 7:09 PM,
Countdown to the red carpet
Anyone else looking forward to Sunday night? Even though I've probably seen only one, well, actually none of the nominated movies this year, I love watching the potential train wreck of it all. Last year brought us Ryan Phillipe's drunken slap on the back (followed by a separation from Reese—yay Reese!). Oh, okay, maybe that was the Golden Globes, but nonetheless...it should be great entertainment!What will this year bring? I can't wait!
posted by liz @ 1:32 PM,
Oldies but goodies
Monday, February 19, 2007
This morning we were all excited to go to Zoo class, and Daddy was even coming with us, but we got to the Zoo and it was closed! So we stopped by to say hi to Na Na and Pop Pop. Jasper loves the Fisher Price Play House and Farm that Na Na wisely held onto for future generations...the working doorbell on the house is a big hit! The barn door that moos when you open it is pretty cool too, but today it was all about the house.
Then we went out to lunch and got to watch the tortilla machine, so in the end maybe it wasn't so bad the Zoo was closed. We'll get to go back on a warmer day!
Labels: chris, jasper, na na, pop pop, toys, zoo
posted by liz @ 2:37 PM,
Out and about some more
Sunday, February 18, 2007
More fun out in the snow...keen on his girlfriends Emma and Nicole—not so sure about the dog though.(And if you take a close look at most of these, you can see that Jasper is actually wearing the scarf I made him. It's a rare appearance. It must have really been cold out. Or maybe he just prefers when Daddy dresses him.)
Labels: animals, cold, emma, jasper, me, nicole, outside
posted by liz @ 7:42 PM,
Are you kidding me?
In my search for some more fun Play-Doh accessories, I keep finding the selection very limited. So I just made a visit to the website—Who knew that Hasbro had annual and seasonal releases of gadgets? One of the new 2007 items (this is one of the few items I keep seeing in the stores) is this "Confetti Maker." Hunh? Would someone actually spend money on a toy that's only use is to make thousands of miniscule pieces of Play-Doh to strew about your house? Seriously. Jasper does that on his own anyway, so I guess I just saved $16.99.Labels: complaining, jasper, play-doh, toys
posted by liz @ 4:18 PM,
Happy Birthday William!
Cousin William is 5 years old today. His party was last weekend, and even though we couldn't be there, it looks like it was fun!We hope you have a great day William, and we hope to see you all again soon!
posted by liz @ 8:27 AM,
Erica, Brand Manager
Saturday, February 17, 2007
We were visiting with Aunt Abby this morning and learned that cousin Erica was promoted to Brand Manager at Kraft, overseeing Breakstone's sour cream and Kraft Dips. (I should not be writing this before lunch, as it is making me very hungry!) Congratulations Erica! You'll be a great brand manager, but don't forget to let us know if you need any help taste testing...Labels: aunt abby, erica, kraft
posted by liz @ 2:14 PM,
Oh, happy day!
Not only did I get to sleep in this morning, but I awakened to the delivery of our Girl Scout cookies! This year we got thin mints (of course), tagalongs (aka peanut butter patties), and little brownies. Yummy! These will be a welcome accompaniment to, well, to everything for the next couple of days.
Labels: cookies, girl scouts
posted by liz @ 1:56 PM,
LibraryThing
Friday, February 16, 2007
Today I finished entering all of our books into the LibraryThing (including the 2 books Jasper received today in the mail—thanks Uncle Larry, Aunt Carole, Dan, and Arielle!). I am thinking we'll turn up a few more as we empty the storage unit, but the bulk of our library comes to 631 books—218 of which are children's books!Labels: arielle, aunt carole, books, dan, librarything, uncle larry
posted by liz @ 5:47 PM,
Cha ching!
Well, our taxes are completed and on the way to the IRS. I received a yucky papercut in the process, but it was worth it b/c we are getting a chunk of change back this year (one of the side-benefits to being unemployed, so-to-speak). I can't wait to get my diamonds, um, I mean, dinner out when the checks come in!
posted by liz @ 12:57 PM,
Move over Laurie
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Oh boy. Tonight we met Na Na for dinner out and she brought Jasper a Valentine's Day gift from Pop Pop's nurses (they are SO good to J)--this Barney DVD. It is serendipity b/c Jasper just discovered Barney like a week ago, and since then has been asking about the purple dinosaur...so, I have a feeling this video might be vying with Laurie for the top spot, starting, um, tomorrow.Labels: barney, jasper, laurie berkner, na na, pop pop
posted by liz @ 8:15 PM,
It's out of my hands now...
We received our JCC preschool application two days ago. I stopped in there this morning to turn it in, where I was able to hand it directly to one of the preschool folks, who checked it and blessed me for having it all in order. So, now we wait (potentially until after Passover, I am told, which is, well, I'm not sure when, but more than a month away) to hear about his placement for the Fall.Labels: complaining, jasper, JCC, preschool
posted by liz @ 12:32 PM,
Out and about
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Jasper and I had a nice long walk outside this afternoon, which only ended when Mommy got cold and hungry. He was determined to go all the way to the train tracks. Worked up such an appetite that when we got home he promptly asked for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, which he ate in about 30 seconds. Here's to good sleep tonight!
posted by liz @ 7:38 PM,
Jasper's new socks
I just finished these socks for Jasper. There's a picture of the fancy treads on the bottom here. They actually seem to work--he was running all around this morning in them on the hard wood with no wipe-outs. :)I think the socks turned out pretty well, which is good because I have enough yarn left over for another pair for him or another lucky kiddo.
posted by liz @ 12:58 PM,
Cool blog stats
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
10% of my visitors are from Cambodia...hmm...I wonder who that could be? We miss you Aunt Emmy!
Labels: blog stats, cambodia, emily
posted by liz @ 10:04 PM,
Jasper, meet Chuck E.
Jasper had his first trip to Chuck E. Cheese this morning. It is snowing, and we got there early, so he had free reign over the toddler area for awhile. He couldn't have been happier. Micah came too, and the boys had a great time shrieking and playing with each other. With the realization that they have salad and serve alcohol, I can only imagine how often we will be coming back!Labels: chuck e. cheese, jasper, micah
posted by liz @ 1:43 PM,
Car wash art
Monday, February 12, 2007
Labels: art
posted by liz @ 3:10 PM,
LibraryThing
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Because it's just too perfect a project not to try, I have started cataloging all of our books on LibraryThing. So far I have added all of the books from the office (not too many), the bedroom (not too many there either), and Jasper's books from the living room (pretty many). I still have to add the rest of Jasper's books that are in his room, and all of Chris's and my books on the built-in bookshelf in the living room. Shortly after starting this project I realized that I would have to upgrade to a paid account (free accounts are limited to 200 books), so I am now committed to completing the list. Although nowhere near Mara's list (thank you, Mara, for the inspiration), our catalog is currently up to 138 books. Scroll to see some random books from our library in the sidebar. :)Labels: books, librarything
posted by liz @ 1:56 PM,
To the parents of Jasper Lester
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Well, Jasper received his first preschool admissions letter this morning. Actually, it was addressed to his parents, but nonetheless...He's on the waiting list at Beth El. This was not entirely unexpected b/c we are not members there, but it would be nice to have the option--especially b/c we don't know of any other acceptances yet. We have yet to even receive the application from the JCC, which is starting to make me a little unsure about them for next year too...this leaves us with Garrett Park Nursery School, which we should be hearing from soon. Here's hoping one of those works out! Mommy needs to get back in the gym.Labels: complaining, jasper, JCC, preschool
posted by liz @ 12:14 PM,
Radio Slack
Friday, February 9, 2007
Just got back from running to Radio Shack, among other places, b/c the adapter on J's sound machine crapped out. I know it's the cord and not the machine 'cause the batteries still work...anyway, run over to Radio Shack, dead adapter in hand. Wait for about 20 minutes while other customers are helped and an employee seemingly on break walks back and forth about 5 times with his Campbell's Soup-in-hand. Jasper is taken with some sort of reptile robot-type thing they have on clearance. Finally get helped, only to come home with the new adapter and it doesn't fit. And even if it did, the part that goes into the wall is so big, it won't even stay in. It falls right out. Of course, I happily handed over the old one to the guy behind the counter. It didn't even occur to me to compare the plugs. You would think maybe it would have, b/c this kind of thing seems to happen to me every time I go to Radio Shack. Guess I'll be visiting them again tomorrow!Labels: complaining
posted by liz @ 5:53 PM,