Wyatt on our hike, chasing chipmunks. He is standing on part of the "trail."
Black Pond
Adventuring.
And the Bear.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
The Scenic Route
Our camping trip went fantastically well on all accounts. I didn't die in some tragic stumble from a mountain top, Wyatt didn't get West Nile from all the bug bites, and I didn't kill Terry. It was a great weekend and I am shocked to say that I would definately do it again. I enjoyed being in the fresh mountain air. There is something envigorating about all of it. And our "roughing it" came with a walk to showers and bathrooms, with air mattresses and water spigets, with a trip to a pancake house for breakfast and margaritas after a long hike. It was camping-lite and a great way to really pull out Wyatt's boy-ness.
Terry thought that the best way to broach the 6 hour trip to North Woodstock, New Hampshire was to leave at 5am, get much of the trip under our belt before Wyatt woke up. I, surprisingly, agreed and then suggested finding some park or museum to let him blow off energy before making the rest of the trip. I found this little town with a train and toy museum somewhere in Vermont that sounded promising. Wyatt loved the little train ride and eating lunch in this old diner where they served orgainc, local food. We took a scenic route through some mountains, letting woodsy air stream through open windows, singing songs from Wyatt's playlist on my iPod, which Terry eventually changed to Bob Dylan. I jumped in the backseat to play with Wyatt and offer snacks. He would take 3 oreo cookies out of the package at a time. One for Momma, one for Dadda and one for Wyatt.
We got to the site around 2:30 and within a half hour Wyatt was covered in dirt, driving his trucks through the mud, and had destroyed most of the goodies that Mia had given him to last the weekend. He had wanted to try out his new fishing pole about 12 times on the car ride up so I figured I would give it a shot while Terry had his way with the tent. On the first cast, I wrapped it around a tree and got it caught, then I had to snap the line to get it back in. So much for my outdoorsy prowess. To make up for it, I tied a small dog figurine to the end of the line to act as a buoy. It wasn't like we were going to catch anything. The raging "river" that I had envisioned turned out to be a trickling stream, deep to your ankles, that made me have to pee. Once the bulldog was attached, every time Wyatt reeled it in he shouted "I caught a whopper!" As if it was the bulldog we caught in the water.
We sat around in our camping chairs, one I bought especially for Wyatt, with cold beers, a juice box, and a warm fire. I got to catch up with Mia and Kelly while Terry took Wyatt on adventure walks and trips to the playground. Recently, Wyatt has been afraid of shadows and the dark at home. I was curious how this was going to manifest while camping where everything is dark and shadowy once the sunsets. I was nervous that sleeping in a tent was going to send him into terrified mode; memories that you need therapy for. Fortunately, the novelty of flashlights, the fresh air, and the sun wore him out enough that I told him two bedtime stories and he was sleeping. Terry and I took turns checking on him while we got to participate in camp fire shenanigans. Have you ever had a s'more with a Reeses? It blew my mind.
The next morning Mia and the gang were going on a casual hike to a natural rock slide and swimming hole. About 3 miles each way plus a relaxing swim to break up the trek. Terry and I thought it sounded like a good idea. On the drive we past a baby black bear napping in a tree. I told Terry to pull over. It wasn't until Wyatt, the camera, and I were out of the car before I realized it might be slightly dangerous. There was a baby black bear. The momma bear had to be somewhere near by. For the rest of the hike all I could think of was wondering into a bear. We decided to take it slow; let Wyatt take in the sights. The group went on ahead while we stopped to feed trail mix to a chipmunk. About 2.5 miles in, we saw a sign saying Black Pond. Neither of us had a map, or directions, and decided that was probably the right trail. It was not. It was rocky, steep, LONG, marked sometimes by only yellow spray paint on trees. Terry and I switched off between the pack and Wyatt. I wore Wyatt like a backpack or Terry put him on his shoulders. Wyatt got cranky, understandably. It was a far longer hike then any of us expected. He finally past out on the way home with his head resting on my shoulder blade. That being said, the rest we took by the pond was idyllic. And when we finally got to the rock slide, dipping our feet in the icy mountain water was refreshing and calming. I didn't want to go in because it was freezing but as classic clumsy Kate, I took a slip on a wet rock and landing smack on my butt. We hiked for 8 miles. Wyatt hiked for .5 tops. I made Terry stop at a Mexican restaurant for dinner because we deserved a margaritas.
Back at the camp, later that night, Mia and Kelly told us they were about the send out a search party we took so long. We got cleaned up and introduced Wyatt to s'mores. We found the longest stick imaginable and let him roast one. He loved it. He didn't want to go to sleep that night. I told him 3 stories before Terry joined us and I made him tell some. Wyatt was snuggled up between us and said "We're all good friends." Everyone can 'Awww' now. He is just so amazing. Honestly, where does he come up with this? I think I feel asleep before he did that night. Once he was asleep, he even slept through a small thunderstorm.
The ride home was a little torturous and took us way longer then expected. I think next year maybe we'll find somewhere a little closer. It was a great way to spend my birthday weekend and I have to thank Mia for organizing it all. Another milestone checked off my list.
Terry thought that the best way to broach the 6 hour trip to North Woodstock, New Hampshire was to leave at 5am, get much of the trip under our belt before Wyatt woke up. I, surprisingly, agreed and then suggested finding some park or museum to let him blow off energy before making the rest of the trip. I found this little town with a train and toy museum somewhere in Vermont that sounded promising. Wyatt loved the little train ride and eating lunch in this old diner where they served orgainc, local food. We took a scenic route through some mountains, letting woodsy air stream through open windows, singing songs from Wyatt's playlist on my iPod, which Terry eventually changed to Bob Dylan. I jumped in the backseat to play with Wyatt and offer snacks. He would take 3 oreo cookies out of the package at a time. One for Momma, one for Dadda and one for Wyatt.
We got to the site around 2:30 and within a half hour Wyatt was covered in dirt, driving his trucks through the mud, and had destroyed most of the goodies that Mia had given him to last the weekend. He had wanted to try out his new fishing pole about 12 times on the car ride up so I figured I would give it a shot while Terry had his way with the tent. On the first cast, I wrapped it around a tree and got it caught, then I had to snap the line to get it back in. So much for my outdoorsy prowess. To make up for it, I tied a small dog figurine to the end of the line to act as a buoy. It wasn't like we were going to catch anything. The raging "river" that I had envisioned turned out to be a trickling stream, deep to your ankles, that made me have to pee. Once the bulldog was attached, every time Wyatt reeled it in he shouted "I caught a whopper!" As if it was the bulldog we caught in the water.
We sat around in our camping chairs, one I bought especially for Wyatt, with cold beers, a juice box, and a warm fire. I got to catch up with Mia and Kelly while Terry took Wyatt on adventure walks and trips to the playground. Recently, Wyatt has been afraid of shadows and the dark at home. I was curious how this was going to manifest while camping where everything is dark and shadowy once the sunsets. I was nervous that sleeping in a tent was going to send him into terrified mode; memories that you need therapy for. Fortunately, the novelty of flashlights, the fresh air, and the sun wore him out enough that I told him two bedtime stories and he was sleeping. Terry and I took turns checking on him while we got to participate in camp fire shenanigans. Have you ever had a s'more with a Reeses? It blew my mind.
The next morning Mia and the gang were going on a casual hike to a natural rock slide and swimming hole. About 3 miles each way plus a relaxing swim to break up the trek. Terry and I thought it sounded like a good idea. On the drive we past a baby black bear napping in a tree. I told Terry to pull over. It wasn't until Wyatt, the camera, and I were out of the car before I realized it might be slightly dangerous. There was a baby black bear. The momma bear had to be somewhere near by. For the rest of the hike all I could think of was wondering into a bear. We decided to take it slow; let Wyatt take in the sights. The group went on ahead while we stopped to feed trail mix to a chipmunk. About 2.5 miles in, we saw a sign saying Black Pond. Neither of us had a map, or directions, and decided that was probably the right trail. It was not. It was rocky, steep, LONG, marked sometimes by only yellow spray paint on trees. Terry and I switched off between the pack and Wyatt. I wore Wyatt like a backpack or Terry put him on his shoulders. Wyatt got cranky, understandably. It was a far longer hike then any of us expected. He finally past out on the way home with his head resting on my shoulder blade. That being said, the rest we took by the pond was idyllic. And when we finally got to the rock slide, dipping our feet in the icy mountain water was refreshing and calming. I didn't want to go in because it was freezing but as classic clumsy Kate, I took a slip on a wet rock and landing smack on my butt. We hiked for 8 miles. Wyatt hiked for .5 tops. I made Terry stop at a Mexican restaurant for dinner because we deserved a margaritas.
Back at the camp, later that night, Mia and Kelly told us they were about the send out a search party we took so long. We got cleaned up and introduced Wyatt to s'mores. We found the longest stick imaginable and let him roast one. He loved it. He didn't want to go to sleep that night. I told him 3 stories before Terry joined us and I made him tell some. Wyatt was snuggled up between us and said "We're all good friends." Everyone can 'Awww' now. He is just so amazing. Honestly, where does he come up with this? I think I feel asleep before he did that night. Once he was asleep, he even slept through a small thunderstorm.The ride home was a little torturous and took us way longer then expected. I think next year maybe we'll find somewhere a little closer. It was a great way to spend my birthday weekend and I have to thank Mia for organizing it all. Another milestone checked off my list.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Into the Wild Blue Yonder
Terry, Wyatt, and I are going camping for the weekend with Kelly and Mia from SC. We are meeting the girls in New Hampshire for Wyatt and I's first camping extravaganza. I am sure hilarity will ensure. Stay tuned to hear all about it....
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Tell Me a Turtle Story
Wyatt and I read books every night. Usually about 5. Once the lights go off, we talk about our day for a while and sometimes, if he is still not sleepy, he asks me to tell a story. Sometimes he wants stories about trucks, mail trucks or steamrollers, pickup trucks or school buses. He names them and I make up a silly story. The other night he asked for a turtle story. I told him one that was based in reality from my own childhood with some added creative details. He has asked for it several times since. I guess my true to life stories are more believable then Morton the Mail Truck who got lost on his route. Or Sam the pick-up truck that gets stuck in a pothole while delivering vegetables to children.
"When Aunt Kari and Momma were very little girls, we were riding our bikes on the back roads by the beach. It had rained the night before and there were large puddles in the road that we half-heartedly tried to avoid. At one puddle, we saw a little splashing. We stopped our bikes and rushed to the nearest puddle to find the tiniest turtle you've ever seen splahing in the water. He was just a baby and got lost on his way to the ocean."
"Where's his momma?" Wyatt always asks at this point which I kind of ignore because I don't know how to answer. He doesn't have a momma, or he ran away, or she wasn't paying attention just doesn't seem appropriate.
"Kari and Momma thought the little turtle was so cute that we brought him home. He couldn't stay in the middle of the road in a puddle that could dry up. So, we took him to Gammy who found us a big box to put him in. We made him a comfy home in the box with leaves and some water."
"And dirt. And grass. And sticks."
"Yup, and some celery so he wouldn't get hungry. Kari and Momma took care of our turtle everyday. We made sure he had fresh food and clean water. And he grew. He got bigger and bigger and bigger. Until one day, he could barely fit in the box."
"The box broke!"
"He got so big that the box broke! So, we told Gammy we needed to find a new home for our turtle. She thought that maybe it was time to bring the turtle to the Fish Hatchery where he could have other turtle friends and a big pond to play in." (The first night this needed a lot of explaining.) "So, we drove to the Fish Hatchery to let our turtle live there. And he is still there, with his friends, playing and getting bigger everyday."
"Can we visit your turtle, Momma?"
"Sure. Maybe someday."
Someday finally came this week, Wyatt and I made a trip to the Fish Hatchery to see the turtles. Every turtle he would squeal and ask "Is that your turtle, Momma?" or "Is he Momma's turtle?" I would tell him "No, that ones too little." or "No, that one has spots." Until we came upon the outdoor pond with some rather big turtles. I picked one swimming in the water and started yelling "There he is!!!" Wyatt got so excited. It was contagious. We fed Momma's turtle and watched him swim. Another little boy came over and Wyatt proudly pointed saying "That's my Momma's turtle." He didn't really care about the other fish or frogs after that. He talked about it all the way home and then told the story to Gammy and Pa. He asks for the turtle story every night and sometimes at nap time too. But now it ends with our visit to the Fish Hatchery to find that Momma's turtle was happy and swimming with his friends. He wants to go back already.
The true story is: Bri and I did find a turtle in a puddle on a bike ride. I changed it to Kari because he sees her more. It was a pretty big sucker and we brought it home for a little while, took some pictures and I think brought it back to the beach. I never gave any animal to the Fish Hatchery. Although when I told Kari, she said that she gave 2 turtles there. So, I guess the combination of our two stories might work. Wyatt is going to find out one day that his turtle story was just of my creation and be very upset. I hope it's not as devestating as the Tooth Fairy or Easter Bunny.
"When Aunt Kari and Momma were very little girls, we were riding our bikes on the back roads by the beach. It had rained the night before and there were large puddles in the road that we half-heartedly tried to avoid. At one puddle, we saw a little splashing. We stopped our bikes and rushed to the nearest puddle to find the tiniest turtle you've ever seen splahing in the water. He was just a baby and got lost on his way to the ocean." "Where's his momma?" Wyatt always asks at this point which I kind of ignore because I don't know how to answer. He doesn't have a momma, or he ran away, or she wasn't paying attention just doesn't seem appropriate.
"Kari and Momma thought the little turtle was so cute that we brought him home. He couldn't stay in the middle of the road in a puddle that could dry up. So, we took him to Gammy who found us a big box to put him in. We made him a comfy home in the box with leaves and some water."
"And dirt. And grass. And sticks."
"Yup, and some celery so he wouldn't get hungry. Kari and Momma took care of our turtle everyday. We made sure he had fresh food and clean water. And he grew. He got bigger and bigger and bigger. Until one day, he could barely fit in the box."
"The box broke!"
"He got so big that the box broke! So, we told Gammy we needed to find a new home for our turtle. She thought that maybe it was time to bring the turtle to the Fish Hatchery where he could have other turtle friends and a big pond to play in." (The first night this needed a lot of explaining.) "So, we drove to the Fish Hatchery to let our turtle live there. And he is still there, with his friends, playing and getting bigger everyday."
"Can we visit your turtle, Momma?"
"Sure. Maybe someday."
The true story is: Bri and I did find a turtle in a puddle on a bike ride. I changed it to Kari because he sees her more. It was a pretty big sucker and we brought it home for a little while, took some pictures and I think brought it back to the beach. I never gave any animal to the Fish Hatchery. Although when I told Kari, she said that she gave 2 turtles there. So, I guess the combination of our two stories might work. Wyatt is going to find out one day that his turtle story was just of my creation and be very upset. I hope it's not as devestating as the Tooth Fairy or Easter Bunny.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Now Selling On Ebay:
Conclusion: I am selling Pup on Ebay. Hell, I will pay for someone to take this dog. Mom thought this was very funny. Hilarious!! I guess this is what I get for opening my bed to a 2 year old and a puppy.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
29 Months
Bud,
Your taller then your average 2 year old, the average is 2'10" and you've clocked in at 3'2". Your also around 30lbs. You're tall and getting skinny with your bizarre eating habits. I say bizarre because somedays you'll eat and try anything. I'll say "You might not like it" when you ask for a bite of my greek salad and you'll respond with "but I want to try some." And you will and I am so proud of you. Then there are the other days the you will live entirely off pickles and maybe some water. I'd like to think its evening out but you are getting skinny. I made a quick decision to cut your bottles cold turkey. You have been holding onto those 2, 8oz bottles like they were the source of eternal life. I felt bad making you get rid of them. Then finally, something snapped. You are almost 2 and a half. It was time to ditch the bottles. More then time. So, I stopped giving them to you and you stopped asking for them. And then I began to think that maybe I was holding onto the habit more then you. We're getting rid of the binky next.
You graduated from your class at the Y. We have been going for an entire year. Only 4 other kids did that and Miss Judy made a big deal out of it. Your too old to go back to that class now. I think it served you very well. It gave you a crash course in learning to play and share, with me being about to coach you. You ask other kids if they want to play. "Do you want to play with me?" And ask if they would like to share your snack. Then light up when they say yes, turn to me and retell the story like you just proposed. I'm going to miss those moments when you go it alone in September but I can't wait for the stories you'll tell on our way home.
Dada and I took you on a whirlwind Bronx adventure last friday. As Dada was driving up from Baltimore, we decided to meet at the Bronx Zoo because you have never been and the weather was amazing. You haven't seen Dad in about a month and we were walking towards each other. I stopped the stroller and said "Look who I found at the zoo!" Your face lit up, then smiled your shy smile whispering "It's Dada." Then hit the ground running. You had a blast. And I loved all the babies!! Of course, in classic Wyatt style, when I asked you what was your favorite animal at the zoo you said "chasing pigeons.....and there was a monorail and a golf cart!" Seriously. The elephants, giraffes, monkeys, tigers, alligators, and a billion other animals apparently bore you. I guess I can never say that life with you is boring. After the zoo, we found this outdoor garden at a restaurant on City Island in which you had full reign. You were such a boy; digging in the gravel with your trucks. Speeding cars along our picnic bench. It was the perfect ending to an amazing day.
Your vocabulary and memory continues to amaze me. We sat down for dinner the other night and I was asking questions about your day while you answered them. You're 2 and a half years old. Having conversations. At the dinner table. Its phenomenal. And your imagination. You surprise me everyday. We were playing in our room and you go:
"Look out!! An osprey's coming."
"An osprey? What's an osprey?" Of course I know but I wanted to see if you did.
"Mom!?! (with an exasperated sigh) It's a type of bird."
Silly Momma, why didn't I know that?! Because, of course, my two year old is going to correctly identify an osprey. It makes me rethink and retrace everything I say to you. Because your listening, even if it doesn't seem like your listening.
This summer has been kind of lazy so far. We have been doing day trips. To the museum. To the beach with Kari and Lars Christian. To story-time at the library. To Mets games. Play dates with Jack and Jessica. And dinners at the club. It feels like I have been home with you a lot lately. Or maybe I'm just being more productive on our days home together. I just can't get enough of you. And from the way you look at me when I come home, you enjoy my company too. Most days I just can't think of enough adjectives for how amazing you are and how happy you make me. I am so proud that I get to take even a little credit in how amazing you are. I am so proud of this little boy you are becoming.
I love you everyday.
Momma
Your taller then your average 2 year old, the average is 2'10" and you've clocked in at 3'2". Your also around 30lbs. You're tall and getting skinny with your bizarre eating habits. I say bizarre because somedays you'll eat and try anything. I'll say "You might not like it" when you ask for a bite of my greek salad and you'll respond with "but I want to try some." And you will and I am so proud of you. Then there are the other days the you will live entirely off pickles and maybe some water. I'd like to think its evening out but you are getting skinny. I made a quick decision to cut your bottles cold turkey. You have been holding onto those 2, 8oz bottles like they were the source of eternal life. I felt bad making you get rid of them. Then finally, something snapped. You are almost 2 and a half. It was time to ditch the bottles. More then time. So, I stopped giving them to you and you stopped asking for them. And then I began to think that maybe I was holding onto the habit more then you. We're getting rid of the binky next.You graduated from your class at the Y. We have been going for an entire year. Only 4 other kids did that and Miss Judy made a big deal out of it. Your too old to go back to that class now. I think it served you very well. It gave you a crash course in learning to play and share, with me being about to coach you. You ask other kids if they want to play. "Do you want to play with me?" And ask if they would like to share your snack. Then light up when they say yes, turn to me and retell the story like you just proposed. I'm going to miss those moments when you go it alone in September but I can't wait for the stories you'll tell on our way home.
Dada and I took you on a whirlwind Bronx adventure last friday. As Dada was driving up from Baltimore, we decided to meet at the Bronx Zoo because you have never been and the weather was amazing. You haven't seen Dad in about a month and we were walking towards each other. I stopped the stroller and said "Look who I found at the zoo!" Your face lit up, then smiled your shy smile whispering "It's Dada." Then hit the ground running. You had a blast. And I loved all the babies!! Of course, in classic Wyatt style, when I asked you what was your favorite animal at the zoo you said "chasing pigeons.....and there was a monorail and a golf cart!" Seriously. The elephants, giraffes, monkeys, tigers, alligators, and a billion other animals apparently bore you. I guess I can never say that life with you is boring. After the zoo, we found this outdoor garden at a restaurant on City Island in which you had full reign. You were such a boy; digging in the gravel with your trucks. Speeding cars along our picnic bench. It was the perfect ending to an amazing day.Your vocabulary and memory continues to amaze me. We sat down for dinner the other night and I was asking questions about your day while you answered them. You're 2 and a half years old. Having conversations. At the dinner table. Its phenomenal. And your imagination. You surprise me everyday. We were playing in our room and you go:
"Look out!! An osprey's coming."
"An osprey? What's an osprey?" Of course I know but I wanted to see if you did.
"Mom!?! (with an exasperated sigh) It's a type of bird."
Silly Momma, why didn't I know that?! Because, of course, my two year old is going to correctly identify an osprey. It makes me rethink and retrace everything I say to you. Because your listening, even if it doesn't seem like your listening.
This summer has been kind of lazy so far. We have been doing day trips. To the museum. To the beach with Kari and Lars Christian. To story-time at the library. To Mets games. Play dates with Jack and Jessica. And dinners at the club. It feels like I have been home with you a lot lately. Or maybe I'm just being more productive on our days home together. I just can't get enough of you. And from the way you look at me when I come home, you enjoy my company too. Most days I just can't think of enough adjectives for how amazing you are and how happy you make me. I am so proud that I get to take even a little credit in how amazing you are. I am so proud of this little boy you are becoming.I love you everyday.
Momma
Saturday, July 3, 2010
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