T. Calvin's World

Super Reader

2012-02-11T05:55:00.000-08:00

We still have some letter labeling to contend with, but Calvin is totally a reader. He can read a few sight words and has been sounding things out when he can. My favorite part of his development is his ability to attempt writing more. He just recently started experimenting with writing and it has been going fairly well. He will sit down and try to sound things out on his own and draw pictures to accompany it. It makes me so happy inside to see him trying.

He can sound out most things, but he still struggles with a few letters and numbers. We have created flash cards, made 'signs' to hang up in his room so he can look at them at night and we even put glow in the dark stickers on them so he can see them in the dark.

He shared with me the other day that he doesn't like when he tells people things and they tell 'everybody.' I can't believe he is experiencing the effects of gossip so soon in his little life. He stays after school on Thursdays for Dragon Tutoring and he has said that is the time it happens most, so at least it is not in his daily attendance to school, but man. Girls are crazy.

My hope is that he will never have to stay back and that he will get a handle on his letters in the coming months. We will soon see. We are trying hard at home. As hard as he will allow without turning him off to learning too much.

I am not sure if I wrote about this previously, so I will stick it in quickly here: Calvin used to sing, "I, am the king, of this family" just like the Lion in The Wizard of Oz. It was really funny when he did it, and I just don't want to lose that sweet memory of him. He would hold his arm up like him and everything. So adorable.

Snow-not-Bored

2012-02-11T05:44:00.000-08:00

We have been up to the mountain twice in the last two weekends, and I have decided that I could get used to going that frequently. Calvin did great both times. He never falters when we are on the mountain. No complaints, no breakdowns, not a single tear. We eat snacks/breakfast on the way up, get on the mountain and snowboard for 4 hours straight, stopping for water or a quick snack only once. Then we get in the car and stop at McDonald's on the way home and meet my sisters somewhere to collect Harrison.

Our second go at it ended well. We got onto the 'next biggest' hill from the bunny hill and Calvin found his front edge. He did a great job on it and really worked it. We went back to the small hill to perfect it and see if he could really control himself and he did it. He was so proud of himself when he got to the bottom and was able to stay standing instead of falling in order to stop himself. He did a few more runs that way and then on the last run, he slowed for a minute, looked at me, felt his back edge and then slowly creeped some more, and fell to his knees. I was so completely excited inside. He found his back edge. It was time to go by the time we got back up to the top of the mountain, but it was a great day.

We have one more lift ticket on the triple play pass, so hopefully we can capitalize on this itty bitty little bit of snow we got today (2 inches?? maybe). Hoping one of the next few weekends can translate into some fun on the mountain.

The Most Dangerous Game

2012-02-11T05:37:00.000-08:00

My husband has taken to being a hunter. My children, dinosaurs. Since we have made a hole in the fourth wall in our house and created a running track that circles completely in the layout of the house, the boys run. That, combined with the latest in the Nerf gun line has created a place for the boys to run and run and run until the ammo runs out.

Most nights, my husband sits in the dark between our sofa and chair and a half, crouched waiting for the sound of pattering feet. The sniper-light on the gun helps guide his marshmallow bullets to the boys. When I participated in the 'hunting' Calvin could not contain himself. He ran and ran. He went from a plain boy to a velociraptor in seconds. I was coached to 'just miss' them and shoot the walls next to them as they passed. My husband let me know that they really like it when they can hear the bullets against the wall. The squeals upheld that claim.

As we were partaking in this activity, I wondered what it would be like to have parents who did things like this. Not that my parents were not fun, because we had a lot of fun as children with our parents and with each other, but it was not this kind of fun. So I kept wondering how my more child-like behavior would affect the perception of me as 'parent.'

What does shooting your children with Nerf guns at night translate to in school, into adolescence, adulthood? I don't know. I think that this must be the great experiment of parenting. We aren't really following the scientific method so much, but hopefully we can draw some conclusions at some point and provide others with valuable evidence.

HP Meadows

2012-01-17T18:17:00.000-08:00

after the storm - the new new path

poses

very creative work

'for the boys'

a Real Boy

2012-01-17T18:07:00.000-08:00

Calvin turned 6 yesterday and we had a crazy party with his classmates. Hangyeol, Ian, Alex, Ciara, Claire (who will be moving the end of February), Sabina(Calv's number one girl), Fiona, Adelina, Isabella (and her sister Penelope), Flor, and Henry. It was a crazy blast. There were kids in every inch of our house.

We made pizzas, cooked them and then ate them. The cake was also made to look like a pizza. I think the kids all had fun and I guess that's what matters most.

Calvin gets very excited when people come over, even if it is one person. He runs around and just wants to wrestle and play with whoever is here. It was 10 times that with ten kids in the house.

We have seen a little bit of progress in terms of reading. He does not love it. He will read some when encouraged or when I sit down with him and have him do it, but he still struggles at times and uses the pictures a lot to inform his reading. BUT - he has been sounding out letters and can do it on his own...when he wants.

He has also started adding. He has more of an inclination to practice adding on the spur of the moment than sounding out letters or trying to write them. He will ask about adding in the car and do it himself. I am thinking math might be his strength as time goes on. He just started subtraction and I think he is having trouble changing his brain from the adding he has learned to the subtraction he is now doing. But he is getting there slowly. We have been trying to support a bunch by doing adding and subtracting with any old item we can.

He still rushes with his drawing and still struggles with the letter G and N. I think he is good with M, but for some reason the N gets him every time.

One of his recent activities is that he will turn the lights down in the dining room and living room (since they are connected) and he will sing a song he has made up. The song goes something like this: I wish we were a family,
We need to wait a long long time,
Until we can get married and have children,
I wish we were a family,
me and Sabina.

That is usually the extent of it. He takes breaks. And then he sings it over and over again. He did not like to have us watching at first because he was afraid we would make fun of him, but since he has noticed that we will not. He has let me stay in the dining room while it is going on. He is still not so sure about Pete watching yet though. Sometimes Harrison helps out on the drums.

He has had 2 cavities (not sure if I mentioned those) and he recently had his 4 adult teeth sealed. He is able to make his own hot chocolate and also his own oatmeal. I usually deal with the hot bowl and sometimes taking things out of the microwave, but everything else is on his own. The first day he tried, he got a little of the cocoa powder in the oatmeal bowl so he tried some chocolate oatmeal. It was not a favorite.

We have been able to visit with Dylan(Tony) and we have planned a trip to Albany to visit and go snowboarding with them. Hopefully all will go well and they will enjoy the day on the 'slopes.' We will see.

I am hoping to get up there next weekend and maybe even sleepover at grandma's (mae mae's) house in Wilkes-Barre, PA.

His family party is this weekend - we are making pizzas but with his cousins and Owen and Kira (from the beach). I am looking forward to a more low keyish evening. Pete is taking him to Medieval Times on Saturday with Logan and Shaun and Uncle Daniel. I think they will have a great time there - I can't wait to hear about Calvin's reactions to things.

He has been going to soccer this weekend and also going to some activities at the East Brunswick Public Library - a Lego day where people come and build with Legos and also something called Science Scene where they set up lessons for kids to learn about science. I think he really gains a lot form being in another environment. We also went to see "Outrage-hiss Pets" and were able to be there with Mary and Owen over the winter break.

There is a 'Milk and Cookies' program at the State Theater on Saturday that we will go to. Sometimes the boys are with it and like the activities and other times I feel like I am forcing them to stay just because I think it isn't right to go somewhere and then leave early. We will see how this one goes.

Thanksgiving and Christmas was a really great time. He loves his cousin JohNny and they always have a great time hanging out together.

Halloween was also great. We were all over the place a little too much though. We went to grandma's and then to Grandpa Ron's and then to Diane's (Keith's mom) and finally back home for some good ole, round the block trick or treating. Hangyeol came over and they went around the block to the houses in the neighborhood. The dads took them out, so it was a nice time.

Here are some pics from the party:

Alex

Hangyeol

Sabina

the pizza cake

Hangyeol and Claire

Sabina

Calvin, Hangyeol, Claire, and Fiona

Penelope, Claire, Adelina, Flor, Isabella, Ciara, and Sabina

all the same as above plus Henry and Harrison

Some Halloween pictures:

Toothless (not the dragon)

2011-10-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

Last week, I opted to help Calvin brush his teeth just by chance. It had been quite some time since I last helped him. He is 5 "and a half" as he always tends to remind me, so I usually let him brush all on his own and floss and rinse (he loves using the kids mouth wash).

This time, I just had some energy and just wanted to check on everything that was going on inside of there. As soon as he opened his mouth, I almost freaked when I saw 4 little teeth in 2 sets staring back at me on the bottom row. Apparently teeth #O and #P did not come out on their own and the adult teeth were already half way up and out of the gum. (Maybe that's why he was acting so immature the past few days).

I informed him of the new discovery, sent him to bed after brushing and pee pee and then got onto the internet. After some cyber searching, I found that it was pretty common (if 30% is common) and that the dentist will just remove the teeth if they think there isn't enough room for the new set.

We scheduled the appointment and they were removed. Calvin was a champ. Dr. Brunsden's office is amazing at "tricking" the kids into having no idea what is going on in their mouth, so it went rather smoothly - even if a little Novocaine. The only thing Calvin did not take well to was the flavor of the Novocaine. He had a little trouble managing that, but after that came out of his mouth, he was 100% awesome. He got his toys, stickers, and his teeth and to the house we went.

The tooth fairy came that night (she almost forgot, but Calvin didn't even notice) and he and Harrison got some toys at the dollar store with the money. (Calvin wanted to get Harrison an ice cream cone and a toy, buy I convinced him that he should use some of the money for himself).

Calvin is really enjoying Kindergarten. He likes school a lot. He seems to have some new friends, but he is also holding on to his old one, which I like a lot. He has a girl, Claire, that he likes a lot, but he says she doesn't like him as much. He said she loves her in her glasses. (Looks like he is already going for the nerdy type, and I like it).

He has a first year teacher this year, but I think she is a keeper. We are crossing our fingers that Calv learns how to read this year without a hitch (or at least reads some words). He is on his way.

Big Day

2011-07-10T20:41:00.000-07:00

Today, Calvin had some huge developments and he just let them keep on rolling. This morning while getting ready for church, he tied his shoes for the first time. I hope this act will continue. I informed him that he can now purchase shoes without velcro - wahoo!

Next, and almost immediately following the shoe tying, he began practicing snapping. He snapped and snapped. He asked dad to snap, he asked me to snap (and informed me that I snap louder than dad). And he continued to snap. And now, I think he thinks he is an ace at snapping.

Then, we went to grandma's neighbor's pool for a swim (grandma has some awesome neighbors) and I told Calvin he was going to swim today. And he did. He swam with two swim noodles and then one pool noodle. He jumped off the steps into (and under) the water. He swam the length of the pool with 2 noodles and the width of the pool with one. He has not yet done the swimming without a noodle, but he is getting much, much closer. He is trying to get stronger and to be more daring and it is awesome to see his pride in himself.

We had a great night last night at the spray park with Katie and her friend Emily, Logan, Lyla, and Owen, and of course Harrison. It was such a nice night to get out and hang out. Everyone had a great time playing together and really did a good job taking care of each other. Hopefully Hanygeol will make it with us next time.

We have been writing everyday and working on letters and numbers. Today we did some flash cards, 1-20, and all but 5 of them could be identified. I know that he can do it, and hopefully by the end of the summer he will be there and be super confident for kindergarten.

Today he had 2 gifts, one for grandma and one for grandma. He asked for help to read them, but after i read the grand part, he knew the next letters and knew who the gifts were for. He is getting there. I know he will be such a good reader.

Shaved

2011-06-27T06:19:00.000-07:00

The boys got their heads shaved last night. Calvin loved the transfiguration more than he ever has before. He kept going to check to see what his hair looked like in the truck's mirror. He couldn't stop smiling. He also helped Pete shave his head and he was so careful and listened so closely to what Pete was asking him to do.

Pre-K is over for Calvin. He had a great year and really loved his teacher and his classmates. He also really loved having grandpa come to class once a week to volunteer. Mrs. Zarra gave all her students a frame with a class picture in it. I know Calvin will cherish his.

On one of the last days of school, Calvin got to go over Isabella's house. She lives very close to our house, so I am hoping to have her come to our house for one day to play this summer. Ariella, Elianna, and Ciara were all playing at Isabella's house too.

We have been going to the spray park again this season and the boys just love it. Today we are bringing Tony(Dylan) to go play. He is only here for a few more days and then he will be driving up to Albany to his new house. It will be tough not having him nearby, but I hope we can make it up there for a visit this summer.

Gymnastics came to a close also. Calvin really enjoyed it and I don't want him to lose his skills, but I think we will wait until the fall or winter to give him another class. Soccer as well. I was thinking he should try a 5 day camp, but now I am thinking he will just start up in the fall with everyone else.

He had Owen's birthday party this past Friday and had a great time playing with all his toys and running around with the little kids.

He also had field day at school last week and he really loved it. I got to catch a little bit of it and he and Tony got to be part of the pizza box carrying relay. They are so awesome together.

In sad news, Calv has 3 cavities he needs filled already. We will be heading to Dr. Brunsden's in a few weeks to get them taken care of.

Turkish Nannies

2011-05-17T20:28:00.000-07:00

I recently found out that Calvin's best friend Tony and he share something in common. They both had Turkish nannies. Tony's mom told me that Tony had a Turkish nanny for the first 3 years of his life, which would bring him right up to when he met Calvin. And Calvin had one from when he was 1.5-2.5 years old.

Calvin and Tony were just made for each other. I don't know what else to make of it.

Too bad Tony is leaving for Albany this summer. I am hoping we can visit at least once a year (or vice versa).

Snowboarding Pics - Proof!

2011-04-11T16:43:00.000-07:00

Snowboarder

2011-04-02T18:02:00.000-07:00

Calvin has officially entered the world of snowboarding. I realized I had one more "play" on a pass I had and that 5 yr olds are free. Had a free day and just went with it.

We started on the ski school hill and he really took to it and loved going down fast and going after things. It was awesome. But then, I didn't know where to take him. I figured I would take him up the mountain because I did not recall the bunny hill (even though - of course there was one). So - up we went on the "big boy" lift. Calvin was a champ. We made it down in about 45 minutes with many stops and burst of frustration that turned into some solid boarding. He just picked himself up and would grunt a little and then really go after it. I loved seeing it. I loved that he can now use these moments to reflect on other things that happen in his life that might be difficult or frustrating and he can say that all he needs to do is grunt and push through and he will be able to overcome whatever frustration it is.

I have one or two photos from the day, but they are in the parking lot. Because it was just me, I didn't bring the camera and then put it away. I just played all day in the snow with him. I can't stop thinking about how proud I am of him and how excited I am to see what else he can do that I love.

After the Green run, we took a break and then went back at it. We went back to the ski school hill, because yet again I could not locate the bunny hill in my mind so I thought it didn't exist. Then, I thought one more time, and then I consulted a map - and found it! For the next hour, we went up and down the bunny hill and he really really began to get into a rhythm. He was tired, but kept on. He even threw in a few jumps (he had practiced some unexpectedly on the ski school hill). His jumps were great. For the most part he stayed up. He would come back down, catch his balance and keep right on going. He had the most trouble with steering. Whenever something got in his way he would just fall down in some direction to try to avoid it. Hopefully we can work on "steering" more next winter season.

I am working on getting him a board for next season. We will see how it goes. I can't wait!

Taller than You

2011-03-16T18:27:00.000-07:00

Calv was very proud that he was taller than me when he stood here.

Pooridge Party at School

2011-03-15T21:26:00.000-07:00

classic booger shot.

my obedient child.

nervous HAGAN habit

Calvin's class had a porridge party the other day at school, so of course I went to watch their performance. It was excellent. The only thing that was not so excellent was Calvin sulking during the song. It was so sad, and no one knew why he wasn't playing or singing. He knew all the words - he had been singing the songs all week long before the performance.

At the end of the performance, we come to find out that he didn't get blue bells like his friends. Instead, he had red bells. And that made him sad.

We had a discussion about how being sad only ruined things for him, and that he should be happy he even has bells to play with. Hoping that will kick in the next time he wants to whine about something.

Winter Beach Visits

2011-03-15T21:13:00.000-07:00

Warm Saturdays and Sundays call for a visit to the beach. We have gone at least 3 or 4 times in the past month and a half. The weather has been pretty awesome. Calvin loves taking off his shoes and digging holes. He also plays this flying squirrel game that Dad created. Something with putting your hand under the sand and having someone else try to catch it.

this one was during our visit with Tony - they wanted to see them KISS

Luckily we got to visit with Aunt Kristin and Aunt Aimee and we brought Tony down for our beach visit. Annie B was also there of course. We love that girl (as long as we are on the beach).

TONY

2011-03-15T21:01:00.000-07:00

"pretend" sleeping at the State Theater's "Milk and Cookies" program

the milk and the cookies

Calvin has created quite a strong bond with his first real boy. Tony from Ohio. We had our first outside of school play date this past Saturday and I think we might have to move in now that they know their parents can call each other. When Tony left our house on Saturday he was asking if we could meet at the green park on Sunday. Apparently the two boys made plans to meet at the "green" park today and Dad tried to follow through with the plans, but Tony wasn't there. After calling, I did find out that Tony was in fact going to be there, so we went and they played. Upon leaving, Tony again asked if they could play together tomorrow. Really - they need a place where they can grow up together.

Birthday Celebration: friends

2011-01-30T19:00:00.000-08:00

Happy 5th Calv


Hangyeol: Calvin's most current bf at school									(not including any girls)

Calv's snake

Ciara from school

classic b-day shot (minus kira)

yum

We had a celebration last Saturday at Make Me, Take Me in town. Since we had it there last year, it seemed like it would be a good spot to do it again. We invited a few friends from school and some old friends too and some from the beach. It was nice having a few corners of friends meet in the middle. Everyone painted their hearts out and we got to distribute the works of art tonight. Calv always gets very nervous walking up to someone's door, but he loosened up after the second house. We have a few more to finish up tomorrow, so I am hoping he is super brave by the end.

Biggest Boy Ever

2011-01-21T17:23:00.000-08:00

Calvin washes his hair with the "big boy" soap all by himself now. He is so proud of himself and even called me in to see him do it tonight. It is so cute.

During our night time routine he tells us the best part of his day. Tonight it was going to Mc Donald's and getting a cool truck toy. But then he followed it up with, "And that girl." Oh, that girl.

When I asked him about it more, he said that there was a girl he played with and that he liked her hair and that he was sad when she had to leave. It was so sweet. He gets so attached to girls and I love it right now. I can see the good husband developing in him. The husband who is terribly smitten with his wife and won't let her out of his sight, but will respect her space.

I can't wait to see who my boys choose to marry -- and they are only 5 and 2. But I can't wait!

DiNOsaurs

2011-01-21T14:56:00.000-08:00

the tar pit

intense

the troops

Calvin got a bucket of dinosaurs from Pete a week or two ago, and he just recently became obsessed. For 2 days straight he played with the dinosaurs and the homemade play-doh from grandma's house. It was delightful.

5 BIG years

2011-01-17T14:44:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to you...Happy Birthday to you....

go get 'em!

it looks like it is his birthday

Calvin has done so much already and he is only 5 years old. When I think about, it is quite overwhelming how many planes he has been on and how many places he has been to. It took me more than 20 years to get to those places and fly on those planes, and Calvin has done it in his first 5.

By the time he was 4, he was on 17 airplane rides. He also visited 6 different countries: Turkey, N. Cyprus, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Italy. He also had layovers in some European countries, but we never left the airport - those can't count. He will have to make his way back to them to explore some more.

Calvin has learned a lot this year, with the help of his family, friends, and his lovely teacher, Mrs. Zarra. She is a wonderful teacher and really shows the kids generosity and how to love the plane they live on. "Compost" is already in his vocabulary thanks to her. What a wonderful woman.

We have settled into our new home, and I think Calvin is starting to be more grounded than ever before. He is still disturbed by the "other" people who live in our house (our tenants), but one day we will have the place all to ourselves.

Calvin loves watching Ninja Dinosaurs right now, and has been playing on the Leapster quite a bit. He recently started playing Angry Birds too and has come to like that also. What I love about Calvin is that he knows he can turn the technology off. When he is asked to put something down or turn it off, it takes a slight bit of coaxing, but he does turn things off himself and give gaming systems to mom and dad when asked. I love that he can play in his own imaginary dreamland with his own dinosaurs and trains and that he can also play in someone else's too.

Calvin is learning letters at school and has really gotten good at identifying letters that are in his friend's names. Rutger (his cousin) told him the letter that started his name, and Calvin will never forget it. I can see that he likes that they are meaningful and that he can use the spelling of the name to identify the person. When we passed out birthday invitations at school, Calvin could recognize everyone's names. He was so proud of himself.

He went to the "Please Touch" museum in Philadelphia with Aunt Kristin and Uncle Jeff today. He was really excited and he and Harrison piled in the back of her car and were off. They were both grinning from ear to ear and so excited they had their aunt and uncle to themselves.

I love that we are in America. I love that we can spend time with family. I love that Calvin is making bonds with people that he will keep for years to come. I am so glad we are home.

We are looking forward to Calvin's birthday party at Make Me, Take Me again this year. We are hoping to have family and friends at the house next year.

Sleigh Riding

2011-01-12T13:21:00.000-08:00

Donaldson Park: Dad and Son

working the "eyebrow"

faceplant

slide go faster in snow

snuggle time

the clark tongue

whoa!

one more time

Snowiness

2011-01-01T19:57:00.000-08:00

I think Calvin just got snow poisoning. We were outside for most of the morning, and as the snow melts, it gets closer to the ground. So as my son eats it, it gets him closer to sick.

He just threw up and we cannot figure what it could be. Between the Peanut butter and Jelly and the crackers and lollipop he ate today (nothing like throw up to help you realize what you feed your child is not quite as healthy as you imagined), there is nothing that is even remotely stomach churning.

It's gotta be the snow consumption.

ready before i could even get all his clothes out

Exhibit A

he loved diving in

brudders

Here are some pics of the snow playing earlier this week.

Christmas Eve

2010-12-24T17:52:00.000-08:00

daddy was shooting "photo shoot" style - Calv thought it was funny

his very own creation

if it involves sugar...

waiting for its presents...

Calvin helped make cookies today, and I think that is all he ate - cookies. We also worked on a small handmade gift for Grandma and Aunt Therese. These hand print pot holders. I kinda like them, so we kept a couple for home. One for Calvin, one for Harry.

Can't wait for Santa.

Kiss Your Brain

2010-12-23T08:12:00.000-08:00

Mrs. Zarra has been an excellent teacher and such a great influence on Calvin. They seem to get on together really well, and Calvin always comes home with a new saying of hers each week. He never remembers that it is hers, but I am sure that Pete and I don't say it and I never heard anything out of grandpa's mouth like that.

The latest was when Calvin did something, I think he remembered something, and then he took his hand, kissed it and said, "Kiss my brain," while then putting the kissed hand to his head. It was so cute. I try to keep it going now too since I want him to keep doing it. I thought that maybe I could use it at school - even with 12yr old kids, no?

Everyone should kiss their brains more often.

Santa Baby

2010-12-19T11:29:00.000-08:00

Calvin wrote his first Santa Letter this year. I wrote it and he copied it, but he was sure to write the entire thing.

the back (a drawing of the dragons he wants, for clarification)

the front

He was also very particular about where to send it. He wanted to put it in the "big" box at the Post Office in the neighboring town. So, off he and Pete went one afternoon to drive all the way down there to send it. We even had to put it in an envelope (of course).

Construction Vehicle

2010-12-11T18:15:00.000-08:00

This was spotted before getting into the car from our stroll in the Meadows, and the boys just couldn't resist. No "Caution" tape, they're in!

Highland Park Meadows

2010-12-11T18:11:00.000-08:00

We discovered this place the other day. Calvin loves this short walk in the woods. There are twisty branches and trees to climb on. There is water to throw sticks in and mud. Yesterday there was ice to crush (not today though).

he wanted to throw this in the water

look at this

heave ho

my favorite from the day

watch harrison on the back hill

he is climbing up and up

My boys love blazing a trail.

The Rock

2010-12-07T18:59:00.000-08:00

We found some rock climbing classes for Calvin and here is what he does there.

Gingerbread Haus

2010-12-07T18:48:00.000-08:00

Calvin heard the story of Hansel and Gretel this past week. We bought a gingerbread house and made it and ate it and it was delicious. Calvin was an expert decorator and wanted everything to look like the picture. He ate the sugar people first (and tried to throw me in the oven later).

His Name!

2010-12-06T17:45:00.000-08:00

Saturday I decided to have Calvin try writing his name a few times to see if he could do it by himself. He got to "a" and then he asked for help. I gave it to him and then asked him if he wanted to write it again, and he did. He tried one more time, but he still only got to "a" and then stalled and wanted prompting for "l."

Tonight just after we did our night time routine, said our prayers and he told me the best part of his day (which inevitably includes going to sleep), he called Pete and I into the bedroom to, "Come look."

We both went in and he said, "Look, I can write my name on monkey." He has a plush monkey that he got from Aunt Amanda when he was first born and we have loved it ever since. And on it, he was writing his name. He started with the C then the a then the l and so on until he got to the "n." It was so awesome and I was so excited. I asked him if Mrs. Zarra taught him how to do that. He said no, that he taught himself.

I told him how proud I was of him, and he said, "I am so proud of me." He had that smile on his face that I want plastered there for the rest of his life. It was delicious.

Dr. Max

2010-11-30T18:48:00.000-08:00

We went to the dentist (Dr. Brunsden) on Monday and had a blast. Aunt Kristin's artwork is still on the play thing in the waiting room and the people are all sweet as pie, and the hygienist was lovely.

Dr. Max did a 5 second consult with Calvin (he had a special needs boy waiting in the wings and my son's teeth were not the primary concern), and the best part of the visit was when he slapped a "No Cavity Club" sticker on Calvin. Calv beamed and stuck his chest out. I didn't think much of it at the time, but by the time we made it into the car, Calvin was bursting.

"He said I was in the club, mom. Now Daddy can build the tree house because I'm in the club."

It was the cutest thing ever. I guess I should start some clubs of my own: the"I don't jump on the couch" club, the "I don't need to wear pull-ups at night anymore" club, and the "I eat all of my vegetables, even if they are cold by the time I get to them" club, and the "no whining" club. I am sure the list is endless.

We brush and floss nightly now (it has been 2 consecutive nights, hopefully we can keep the pace).

Early Writings

2010-11-26T13:02:00.000-08:00

So Calvin has started to choose the writing center at school, so I wanted to show some of the work he did there. I also added everything else we have hanging around the house that he has done at school. He is such a good little student. I love it.

this is a pic of dad that calv did a second draft of because the 1st one didn't look quite like him

the dinosaur (but of course)

apple graph, writing center work, drawing of dad, and pumpkin project we did at home (for school)

this is what he did at the writing center - tree names: white oak, sycamore, tulip, gingko, and maple

one of the first projects of the year

Oh - and the other day Harrison was all into his birthday, so Calvin drew a birthday cake on the chalk board seat in the corner. I thought it was pretty awesome. Of course, that's because I am his mom.

happy birthday harrison

Funny Things

2010-11-19T20:01:00.000-08:00

Calvin said a couple funny things tonight. Pete just shipped out for UT for 10 days, and the house always feels it when one of us is away, so Calvin totally knows. As I was putting him to sleep he said, "You are going to be so lonely in that big bed all by yourself." Gotta love a thoughtful child, even if it just may be that he would like to plant himself in it next to me. I wouldn't mind.

I told him that it was okay that I would be alone in the bed, that I would be all right, and then I thanked him for his concern. He said, "I love my daddy. My daddy lets me chew gum, and brings me to McDonalds, and lets me watch TV all day long." I love his Daddy too, maybe for different reasons, but what a man.

As his show ended ("Martha Speaks"), I let Calvin know that it was bed time, and he said, "Oh thank goodness because I am tired." I love the idea that I was keeping him awake, and that he should be so grateful I was letting him finally get some rest.

He was playing with friends yesterday at the playground at school, and he was yelling to some of his friends, "Who wants to play frozen tag?" over and over again. I loved hearing it.

I feel bad that Calvin can't travel with his dad. He would so love to go on a plane again. The past few times Pete has flown to UT, I have seen the wonder in Calvin's eyes when he tells me about the "wheels" in the airport (the conveyor belts). I also am reminded of how much he likes and remembers airplane travel when we are in the car wash and he hears the air blowers come on, and he says, "Like on the airplane, right mommy?" This boy better travel the world, because I would love to follow him.

He went to the writing center again today at school, and he came home with 5 tree names written down again - this time they were all written left to right. (Yesterday's, 4 out of the 2 were written right to left). I love that he is branching out into writing and really starting to get his letters.

I'm a Nut

2010-11-16T18:15:00.000-08:00

Last night Calvin and his Pre-K classmates were asked to sing some songs for the Board of Ed in our town. Apparently, the Board of Ed meets in each of the school buildings at least once a year and when they do go to a particular school, the school is asked to demo a little of what goes on there.

Can't go wrong with singing 4 yr olds.

All the kids filed in and then we waited and waited for the Board to arrive. By about 7:45p they came in and the kids sang, eyes drooping and heads bobbing. Their bodies were telling them: "SLEEP, SLEEP."

One of the songs they sang was this cute song where they bopped their heads. Calvin and I sang it on the way home. I told him I didn't know it (because I didn't) and he proceeded to sing it to me and "teach" it to me.

Here are the lyrics:

I am just a little acorn round,
Lying on the cold cold ground,
Everybody stomps on me,
Which is why I have a crack you see.

I'm a nut (clock - clock)

I'm a nut (clock - clock)

I'm nutty.

They also sang over the river and through the woods -- which I loved and a song about leaves. Calvin loves all of his friends: Agapi, Kira, Elianna, Ariella, Sabina, and Fiona. Two sets of the girls are twins and he likes all 4 of them. I am so glad he is so loved. They kept trying to pick each other up and they were giving each other hugs. It was delightful.

Cake Making

2010-11-14T11:29:00.000-08:00

Calvin was very excited to help with making Harrison's birthday cake and these are the results:

Calvin's beautiful additions

finished, baked product

Shots

2010-11-10T17:39:00.000-08:00

Calvin had some shots at the doctor's office today. He was a little apprehensive, but I talked to him about it and explained what was going to happen, and it seemed to take the worry away.

For the most part, a trip to the doctor with both boys involves a lot of lights being turned on and off (in the waiting room and the room the check-up takes place in), window blinds being played with(when there is clearly a sign that says not to play with the knobs), sinks being turned on, hands being washed and dried multiple times, the paper on the check-up table being played with and usually wrinkled to the point where it is the size of a party streamer, and of course the check-up.

When the doctor comes in the room, the mayhem continues up until the point the instruments come out and the doctor starts poking the boys. Then, all of a sudden, they are quiet school children sitting and obeying every order. It is crazy. I know every time the doctor walks in they are thinking, "Oh man - this is going to be crazy." And it always is while we are conversing, but then they are little angels for those 15-20 minutes when their bodies are being looked at. It is so weird, but I kinda love that they are at least "good" when they really need to be.

Calvin took the first 3 shots like a champ. He squinted a little and then kind of laughed after she pulled the needle out and said, "Huh - that didn't hurt." The 4th one, we weren't so lucky. It must have been a muscular one or something, and the nurse administering the shot said that the "medicine burns" - whatever that means. He cried a bit and for 30 seconds said that he did not want to come back. But then he calmed down, I made him laugh, and told him we needed to come back for 2 more shots like the first ones and he agreed that it would be fine to return.

He is so sweet.

He is in the 90th percentile for height and weight. And he has 20/20 vision and his hearing is doing fine.

School: We are practicing letters over breakfast and dinner. Calv seems to be catching on, but we have only gotten as far as "G." I am hoping to get to Z by June and hoping that he will be able to point to each one at random and tell me what the name of the letter is. Slow and steady.

Dreams

2010-11-04T15:04:00.000-07:00

So Calv woke up and told me he had the best dream last night. He defeated 2 dragons (toothless ones), and then a girl kissed him. And then another girl kissed him. The second girl was Kira (from his Pre-K class). So sweet.

Man of the World

2010-11-01T18:01:00.000-07:00

Calvin got to play on the awesomest turf field the other night. It was totally awesome. I wanted to play.

they will follow Spencer wherever he goes

Then he had his Halloween party at school. We dressed and acted out stories and sang songs and read stories and of course, marched in a good ole Halloween parade.

Kira helped him with his wings...awww.

Then, we went to DC together for the awesomest rally. John Stewart and Stephen Colbert had a rally for "normal" people and people who don't normally rally for anything. I went to meet Aunt Alisha and Aunt Dawn and Calvin came too. He is such a great travel companion.

Then it was Halloween.

The Farm

2010-10-20T17:51:00.000-07:00

Calvin went to the farm today with school. He said he pet a chicken and he was not scared. A big accomplishment for a boy who wants to be picked up around Aunt Kristin's doggy still.

He spent the past Saturday at Uncle Roland's house and wanted to take home Rutger's Hess trucks. Rutger kindly let Calvin know that one of the trucks cost 56 dollars. After realizing they were special trucks, Calv settled happily for a plus frog that Ms. Ryland located for him. He has slept with it ever since.

Our first homework assignment: decorate a paper pumpkin. We will see if we get it done by Monday.

Soccer has been tough. For some reason, Calv just wants to wrestle and hasn't been real focussed on playing the game. It is only when the parent coaches are in charge, and I am not sure why that is since they are good coaches. Hopefully he will iron himself out with a little "sticker" encouragement.

Coloring and Sketching

2010-09-26T10:52:00.001-07:00

Calvin now knows what a line is. He always could control where he drew it seemed, but he never really tried. I think school is helping him/showing him how to try. He did this the other day and it clearly shows he has found the elusive "line."

Last night as he was trying to avoid bedtime, he came in with a small section of post-it note pad that I had given him to bring in to bed and he sat at the kitchen table. I was reading and Pete was catching up on his TV programs that he missed this week.

Calvin said (as he usually does), "Mommy, Daddy, I have an idea." And then he started sketching while talking. With pencil still on paper he said, "We should build a door and put this on it." He kept drawing. When complete, he turned it and showed us his new architectural idea, and my eyes could not get small again.

Pete was a bit more calm and said, "Show me where you want this door." And they walked into the other room and door plans were made. Pete had just finished a platform bed for he and I (we have been on the floor for way too long because our box spring could not fit up the staircase), and Calvin wants a door underneath so when he plays underneath the bed, he can have some privacy.

Celtic Picnic

2010-09-25T04:42:00.000-07:00

Calvin has his first girlfriend. Her name is Kira and her mom has an Irish brogue. He is in heaven and so am I.

I met his girlfriend and another little girl that the two are friends with, and I was blissful watching them play hide and seek and running around after each other and doing the ole I will try to pick both friends up at the same time.

I am glad that is what he gets to go to school to everyday. Thanks Agapi and Kira's mom. you made some sweet little girls who love my son.

Networking

2010-09-18T17:48:00.000-07:00

Tonight as I was getting Calvin into bed, he said he wanted to talk to Daddy (stall technique), but I explained to him that Daddy was playing video games with Uncle Jason. Calvin of course asked, "Uncle Jason is in our house?"

I told him that no, Jason is playing at his house in UT on the internet. And Calvin had an epiphany of things that did not exist when I was young. He said, "Ohhhh...so Jason is in his house looking at the TV and Daddy is here and they are connected by wires?"

I beemed. Who wouldn't beem. I am not sure whether he has heard this from someone else before, but I loved that he knows what networking is and that if nothing else, wires connect all of us.

Sister

2010-09-18T05:07:00.000-07:00

Calvin has requested another child a few times. Once in passing, once by touching my stomach while I was laying on the ground and asking me if there was a baby in there, and the most recent one when he told me I need to have a baby girl. I let him know that when and if he gets another sibling that it might be a boy or a girl, he informed me that it needs to be a girl. I asked why and he told me because he needs a girlfriend.
I let him know that his sister can't be his girlfriend and he said, "Oh - ha - that's right. I forgot."

I am glad he is open to the idea - I just hope that when and if we have another child and if it is a boy, that he won't be disappointed.

As I write, he just took 2 straws out of a drawer an has slurped up the milk from his cereal.

B.C. (Before Cereal) he also requested that he have gum. When I informed him he at least needed to eat breakfast first, he told me to "look" at something on the wall and then proceeded to snatch the gum off the counter. When discovered, he thought he was super sneaky. He loves being a sneak-er.

End of Summer

2010-09-09T17:52:00.001-07:00

We hit the spray park the day before school started and it was awesome. The boys were 2 of 3 children playing there and they loved it.

We also took 2 trips to the canal this week because the weather has been brisk but sunny and I don't think beautiful is the right word for it, but something like that.

Calvin looked in the sky and said, "Look Mommy, a circle," and then gave a knowing laugh. He is so cute.

Calvin has started to gain a photographic eye. He has been experimenting with my camera a bit. The following is what I found. My favs are the self-portraits.

Butt Burp

2010-09-06T11:19:00.000-07:00

This is what Calvin decided a fart is. Calvin butt burped today and then told me not to smell it. He then asked me if I heard it and reminded me again not to smell his butt.

I think everyone should call it a butt burp.

Another thing I forgot that I love that Calvin does is when we cross streets he always says "Thank You!" to the waiting car. I try to remind him to put his hand up so they see we are thanking them, but he told me that is stupid and that he will just say it louder if their window is closed.

Two Things

2010-09-03T11:27:00.000-07:00

While I was running, Calv told me today that I was going "haaah - haaah" (mimicking my panting during the jog) and that I should slow down. I agreed and slowed to a slow jog, and then minutes later he realized I wasn't walking and said, "You're still running mommy," in an accusatory tone.

The other day he was also looking at the family tree wall photo mural we have (that we have not changed since we left from Turkey and lots of things have changed since then) and he said, "Aimee has a different boyfriend. You need to put new pictures in d'ere."

This child does not even sound like that squishy son I used to be able to boss around just last year. When I am on the phone with him, I can barely recognize him with all the talking.

He told me he got an "awesome" robot from McDonalds and he started to describe all the colors on the robot and what it did. He is really getting into this being human thing.

PS - we now also have obtained a pirate puppet.

In academic news - Calv starts school on Tuesday. He has a teacher that has come recommended by others, so we are thinking this will be a good start this year. He still have trouble with his ABCs. He replaces letters and skips over some in a series and then comes back to them later. He DEFINITELY has them up to "G" but has a lot of trouble finding "H" in his mind. He likes to skip to LMNOP or QRS. He can identify about 5 letters so far. A, C, X, Z, and I know there was another one, but I can't think of it right now.

He still has trouble with Twinkle Twinkle, but generally can sing most of it himself at this point. Sometimes his speech is still slow to come, but he can carry a conversation with just about anyone when he is not nervous or embarrassed by anything.

In friendship news...
He likes hanging out with Owen and has seen Alex and Ian every once in a while. He sees Logan sometimes and went to his birthday recently. He likes talking with Ian a lot so far. He sometimes has small battles with Owen (like he has with his own brother).

We went to the beach to visit my second cousin Cindy and he played with Jake and Eva like he has known them his whole life. It was really a beautiful thing.

He also plays with Kira and Kel when we are at the beach and at birthday parties. He finally started connecting with Kira at the beach this summer when they ate some ice pops together.

He LOVES Rutger right now. I think because Rutger has a DS and he lets Calvin watch. But Calvin always asks to sleep with Rutger whenever Rutger is visiting or at g-ma's or Aunt Chantal's or anywhere in the vicinity. He likes Ryland too, but they are made from the same stuff, so sometimes they have some arguments about stuff.

Whenever Aunt Chantal watches the boys, Calvin always comes back talking a mile a minute. He has so much to say and can't wait to say it. I don't know if she gives him vocabulary quizzes when they are together or what, but there is something good going on there.

When he stays with grandma and grandpa he tends to come back wanting chocolate milk and juice and ice cream and dessert and treats. He loves watching movies when he is with them, but he especially loves playing with grandpa which involves grandpa laying on the floor, lining up animals or setting up a "city" or "town" and making the animals talk and interact. The last time we stopped by, Calvin asked grandpa,"Could you come play with me?" I love it.

So it was more than 2 things. But school is starting and I know so many things are going to change again, so I wanted to get a status update on the way things are right now. And this is where he is at.

Oulala...

2010-08-25T16:52:00.000-07:00

We have a new member of the family, and I think he will be requested at dinner from now on. We have the puppet chef, and we have not named him yet, but I am sure it is coming.

Pete did a French-ish accent and kept telling the boys how yummy their food was and that they should eat it. They loved it. Every time they ate, the chef would tell them "GOOD JOB!" in his loudest voice. They ate and cracked up at the same time.

We first saw the real puppets at Logan's birthday party at Uptown playground, and Pete and I decided we should get one for the boys. It is awesome. Sometimes I ask Pete to have the chef talk to me too.

This is what happened when I asked for a kiss:

Hider Dider

2010-08-25T16:47:00.000-07:00

I think we are firm on the name now. He has even been to a Pet Parade (and he was loved). We went to the East Brunswick Public Library yesterday and took part in a small walk around the lake there with all the other kids and pets that turned out.

The weather was cool and cloudy for August, but not rainy at least. The pets seemed to like all the attention. There was a fish and 2 hamsters, dogs and of course the ducks at the lake. I think there were at least 30 people there with their pets, if not more. Calvin seemed very proud of his animal, however, when a dog would come 'round he was terrified. All he wanted was to be held.

Here are some pics of Hider Dider.

To The Beach

2010-08-25T12:26:00.000-07:00

I think that if you could, you would have asked to go to the beach every day this summer. I just didn't let you.

Calvin really had a great time at the beach this summer. He was tentative at the beginning of the week, but he really came into his own by the end. He was even putting his head under the water and almost "riding" the waves in. It was awesome.

He still wanted me to bring him out to the spots where he couldn't stand, but he wanted to do his own kicking and digging (as long as I was still holding on). It was incredible to see him want to be physically independent in the water. It was almost as good as walking.

He was really good at jumping the waves and loved doing it with Grandpa's cousin Barbara Jo. She was wonderful with him. She got a little bag that was shaped like a turtle with sand toys in it. It was so sweet. Calvin even fell asleep with it on the last day at the beach. He had been toughing it out all week and just dropped his eyelids and that was it.

Owen came to visit us one of the days when we were at the beach. It was fun "fighting" with him for toys and also playing and running with him all over the beach. We even got to sleep over his house the next week.

I am planning to get Calvin either in gymnastics this year or maybe even some rock climbing classes. I am excited to see what he ends up loving.

Hider Bider.

2010-08-14T19:33:00.000-07:00

Calvin,

I love that you can never settle for the name of an animal or toy. Your father adopted a guinea pig with a story while we were away at the beach and we have asked you what you want to name him and you do, and then you rename him later. Dad thinks we should just give him a name and have you go with it, but I love the changing names. Hopefully Guinea Biddee won't mind.

You were so excited when your dad brought out the guinea pig and tonight, you wanted him to sleep in your room. We put the cage next to your bed and you laid on the ground next to him. You asked about him getting out of his home, but you reminded yourself that he cannot escape.

You love your guinea pig. I know because you keep saying it. You keep asking to pet him and the play with him. He does poop though, so we always keep him on a towel (one we will put in the wash after).

This guinea has a story. Dad told you that he was picked on by other guinea pigs and that we saved him. His ears look a little chewed on and he is super cute. He has a little spot where all his hair sprays out from the top of his head. You like his story a lot. So you like him a lot.

What a way to end a week at the beach. The "house" we are in is freshly painted and has a new floor. And - you got a guinea. What a great boy you must be to deserve all of that.

We love you Calv. You had a great week this week, and I will write to you with some stories from it soon.

Love,
Your Mom and Dad

For the Love of Soccer

2010-08-09T05:28:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we went to a make-up session for soccer since we are headed to the beach this week with Grandma and Grandpa Hagan. We showed up and there were 5 older children, probably ranging from 6-7 yrs old. With Calvin, being 4, I was nervous that his play would not fit in with the older kids. I was not disappointed. He totally fit in.

He did a drill/relay race with them. Then he learned how to turn on the ball after doing a pull back. Then he played a game (kind of like knock out) where he was a rabbit in the rabbit patch and he followed the rules better than one of the older boys there.

Then they scrimmaged and he did awesome. He didn't score any goals this time, but he was a great passer and really helped his teammates.

Last night before bed, when I asked him the favorite part of his day he said that he loved soccer and that he liked playing the bunny patch game. It warmed my heart. I love that he loves soccer.

Just So

2010-08-07T11:03:00.000-07:00

Today we were making a birthday card to go on a gift for Calvin's friend Logan. As we were making it, something fell out of Calvin's hand and he said, "Goodness snakes." I love it.

Thank You Email

2010-07-29T17:54:00.000-07:00

Calvin wrote his first thank you email last week.

I gave him some underwear that Grandma Hagan had picked up for him, and I let him know that he should probably thank her for them - possibly even send a thank you note in the mail. And he said,

"I have an idea (another saying he has), let's send her the note on the 'puter."

Genius.

So, I typed while he talked and he told her that he liked them and that he will use the soccer ball ones for soccer practice and the Lightning McQueen ones for playtime.

Calvin loves clothes.

Eeeek!

2010-07-29T17:51:00.001-07:00

Calvin just came in to the kitchen and asked me to feel under his arms, in the armpit area. I tickled them, and he said, "No, feel them."

I complied, but then I asked what I was feeling for, and he said,

"I have hair under there. Like you Mommy."

I am not sure which one to be more disturbed by, but I know one thing - I need to shave a little bit more frequently.

Boob Tube

2010-07-26T18:32:00.001-07:00

the television makes us do funny things.

Soccerama

2010-07-26T18:01:00.000-07:00

This is the second summer that Calvin has taken part in Rover's soccer "camp." There are full day camps starting at 4yrs of age, but I wanted him to have a stress-free 4 yr old existence and decided that the once a week activity will be enough for him. He loves it. He is the loudest laugher and the goofiest goof. He tries his best and just wants to please Spencer. Good ole Spencer.

I heard Spencer explaining to someone the way he runs his camps and that he makes the kids (and frankly the parents) feel like they have been here forever. He pulls everyone right in and makes them feel at home and that anything anyone does is acceptable - as long as it is good and nice. He teaches the value of showing appreciation and being a good sport and for loving not only the game, but your teammates.

Calvin loves the attention from someone besides family and I love seeing him in that situation.

He scored his first goal today. It was beautiful. I just finished tying his shoe and he ran off and shot the ball right in the net. He was so proud of himself. He had never done it before. He had played and kicked and ran and pushed and kicked some more, but scoring a goal has not been what he was thinking about.

But now. We have a forward on our hands.

Bucket Boats

2010-07-25T20:19:00.000-07:00

It rained today after a long few days with not a lot of the droplets falling from the sky. To get ourselves outside after the cooling rain, I suggested to Calvin that we make paper boats. I found that I was making the paper boats, but Calvin is a really good supervisor.

"Write my name on one and your name on the other!"

"Show me how it works!"

He is so sweet.

When we went outside to find puddles, there weren't any. He immediately suggested we put water in buckets and that the boats could float there.

So to the "under construction" backyard we went. The boats did not stay afloat long, but that didn't seem to bother the boys. I guess there really isn't anything like a pile of mud to play in.

perfect retribution.

Louise

2010-07-23T06:19:00.000-07:00

Calvin has a funny habit of picking up people's sayings now, and I have one that has definitely stuck for him. I will hear from him quite a bit, "Cheese Louise." It is pretty funny and now whenever I say it, I can't help but think about him saying it - which makes me want to let him have the saying all for himself.

He also will say, "It's a mystery" or "That's interesting."

I am sure there are more, and I will try to jot them down as the day goes, but Geez Louise has to be my current favorite.

Since he asked...

2010-07-07T04:43:00.000-07:00

Calvin was telling me about his dreams again last night before bed and at the end he said, "You put that on the 'puter." So I obliged and here we are.

He told me about a fish and a scary man and a cage. That is about as far as the description went. He usually includes grandma and grandpa, but I can't remember exactly whether they were included. But the part where he told me to put it on the computer is the part I want to remember.

He has been so cute. At night, I lie in bed with him and we just talk for a little bit before he goes to sleep. And when he wakes in the morning, he usually tells me whether or not he has dreams and what they are about. I love him so much. He is growing into such a cute boy. Like, not a baby. A boy who says and does what he wants and thinks his own thoughts.

Dreams

2010-07-05T09:40:00.000-07:00

Calvin has been telling me about his dreams lately. He tells me about how there are scary men that he busts. But right now he is telling me about his dragon and his fish.

"There is a big hand with 2 bags of fishes. I was talking to a lady and something goed in my poopy. And the dragon one. It have when I was breaking people's umm..umm..toy and we fixed it together. And she was killing the dragon. There was umm...in the night too. And...and...and...and...the man was getting me with his cage gun.

Rutger and Ryland and their dad and grandpa were in the dream and there were creatures up on the mountain. And me I was flying...no,no...I had a knife with the big man and I didn't have my knife to cut those big mans and after they be nice and changed their minds. There was one little boy and he was getting me and another little boy and he was nice.

Doggy dream- he was a big man and my little boy friend. The big man sent the doggies to my friend and my friend was being dead.

And...that's it."

I try not to analyze them too much at this point.

Dreams of fireworks dance in their heads...

2010-07-05T04:33:00.000-07:00

Calvin and Harrison were tagged last year as the firework sleepers. After attending the Manasquan fireworks with Aunt Chantal and Aunt Kristin and Uncle Jeff, they both passed out half way through the show.

This year, Calvin did a bit better. I imagine it is because he did not just get off a plane that came from a seven hour time difference a week before. He was a champ. We hit Manasquan's display on Friday night and followed it up with a good "piece of Americana" as one Realtor put it, at Donaldson Park in HP on Saturday night.

The routine was this: play, walk, play and play some more, set up blanket, run around like a wild man, make a fort when the fireworks began, tell people who are present where to place themselves and their arms so as to make him (T. Cal) feel safe and like he was surrounded, and then peak from behind whoever was the "front man" or the front object and get a small sliver of a look at the fireworks, get in the stroller, and then sleep on the car ride home.

Not such a bad night for a 4 yr old.

Calvin loved having AUnt Mary to himself on Friday night and Grandpa at "his" park on Saturday.

Sesa Place (as named by Owie)

2010-06-26T17:36:00.000-07:00

T. Cal and Hare went to Sesame Place yesterday and it was awesome. We were there from open until about 45 minutes to close and Calvin wanted to stay all night. Aunt Aimee had taken Harrison over to some dry rides while I finished up two braids in Eva's hair, and when I asked Calvin if he wanted to go to dry rides or stay "here" with grandma before we go, he said he wanted to stay. Just stay. He didn't want to leave the park.

Poor boy. I am sure Big Bird wouldn't have minded one more "egg" in his nest.

Make a Nest

2010-06-26T17:31:00.000-07:00

Calvin has been requesting that we make a nest around him before bed time. We take all the blankets we have in the house (maybe 4 or 5) and we wrap them around him so that he is in the middle of the nest with his select number of toys to sleep with. This has been for about a solid week now.

The other night, I was building his nest like a good mother bird (minus the food regurgitation), and when I went to say goodnights after prayers, he picked up one of his bakugan toys and showed it to me and said with a note of discovery in his voice, "This is my egg," and then shoved it under his bum, like a good mother bird. The holding back of laughter is a skill every parent must cultivate.

My Little Beaver

2010-06-12T10:04:00.000-07:00

Today we stopped at the bamboo garden at Rutger's Gardens out on the edge of EB and Calvin was like a little beaver. But humans do not make good beavers. He was trying to build a dam to stop a small waterfall that was flowing down and he spent a good 20 minutes piling rocks and even using some bamboo leaves (not known to stop water) to ebb the flow a bit, but he just couldn't stop it. I told him - maybe next time.

I think we have a big project on our hands now.

When I told him I was going to write about this story on his blog, he informed me he was not building it. He was trying to make it so that Harrison would not trudge into the water and get wet (which had happened previously in the playtime because Calvin had an emergency poopy that we had to take care of in a nearby bush - not the first time).

There is something else that he has been doing that I keep saying to myself - I need to write that on the blog...but my mind cannot remember it since Calv is sipping a smoothie in my lap right now. Maybe upon reflection later it will come to me.

Park Friends and Gym Friends

2010-05-27T19:10:00.000-07:00

Calvin has become very good at making friends and he loves running around and being chased by them. It is funny how the 4-7 (and sometimes even up to 9) year olds don't really care about the age difference. They all just run around and scream and play and repeat each other. Calvin recently learned the phrase, "Liar, liar pants on fire" as means to taunt the 9 yr old lion that was "chasing" him yesterday.

He and Hare had to wear hats yesterday for our mile walk to the park. It was H-O-T and sunny, so we lubed up with the block and wore our shady hats.

Imaginary Friends

2010-05-25T16:35:00.000-07:00

Calvin has added to his imaginary friend list and it is quite big that I really can't keep up. He sometimes plays with "the man" which involves a lot of punching and spinning that looks a bit like Capoiera.

At night he also has me hug "ghost" and "poopyhead" and "lulu" and "nahnah" and then I stop listening and tell him I will only hug ghost and poopyhead. Then he usually tells me he will hug everyone else and I say okay and shut the door.

I still need to capture his night time "set up" - it is really unbelievable.

Feeding Frenzy

2010-05-13T16:01:00.001-07:00

Calvin has been very helpful with entertaining Harrison and he has been really helping him to improve his language skills. Sometimes he will give him sounds to mimic and other times he will come up with words that he thinks he should say. He says the word and then Harrison repeats it and Calvin says, "Good job Harrison...alright, let's try_______." And they go on and on until one gets tired.

Tonight Calvin wanted to get in on Harrison's food shots, so this was the best of the bunch:

Remembers Everything

2010-05-07T11:12:00.000-07:00

Calvin has been getting better at pointing out mine and Pete's mistakes. He often will remind us that we haven't gotten something for him or remind us to close doors or get snacks when we forget to do so. He is a good little helper all of a sudden.

His favorite complaints right now are, "I am too tired." and "I am too hot." They basically mean the same thing: "You get up and do it because I don't feel like it." I love them both.

We will be signing Calvin up for pre-school next week. he is getting to be sooo big. I am not sure I am ready to send him into the big world of school.

Pete told me he was at the gym the other day and was playing with some friends and he kept telling Pete how he loved this one girl Natalie. It is so sweet to see that he can have positive relationships with other people. I love it.

Calvin loves Dora and Diego and will sometimes say things in Spanish. Yesterday we were taking a walk and he pointed out a "beautiful bird" and said that we were going on an adventure and we should look out for beautiful birds.

I am not sure whether I told this story before or not, but one day when he was put into time out he was yelling "Amiiiigo!" which is what Diego yells when he needs help. It cracked me up and I almost wanted to leave him in his room longer just so I could hear it some more.

Gymnastics and Swimming have ended, so now onto some more soccer this summer. I am excited to see which sports he will end up liking when he gets older.

A Disaster

2010-03-06T17:29:00.000-08:00

I had you and Harrison all to myself this morning and we got everything together to head off to the park, but when we got to the van, I opened the door to find that the car seats were left in the back of our other car with Daddy. We couldn't go anywhere by car. To me, it wasn't a big deal because we have a gigantic park in our backyard and all it took was pushing the stroller up to the front of the house and roll her down the hill.

As I was saying, "All right everyone, let's go get the stroller."

Calvin instead said, "This is a disaster. What a disaster."

It cracked me up to hear his Daddyisms coming out of him.

I love Them

2010-03-06T17:22:00.000-08:00

There will be a picture to follow - if I can follow up after his head hits the pillow. Calvin just requested that he bring a toy to bed, to which I said yes. "A" toy turned into 2 toys and ultimately into any toy that I decide I want to bring. He has a treasure chest, some of Pete's paintball things, some of his tools, a grabber thingee from the museum store, a big construction grabber thingee that harrison is afraid of, and a stuffed animal. Don't tell me why he brings a stuffed animal to bed with him. It makes no sense.

When I tried to force him to pare down his choices, he went on a 10 minute rant about how he loves each of them, picking apart each one at a time and walking in circles in front of me in the living room. I could not hold in the chuckles and asked him for a hug at the end of his shpeel, which ended with a point of the finger at me. How could I resist scooping up all the necessary items that he "loves" and helping him arrange them in his bed?

Right now, as I type, I can view flashes going off from the camera. It is pretty funny. Good night Calvin. Hurry and go to sleep so I can get a picture of this.

Boom Boom Boom

2010-02-27T16:40:00.001-08:00

Thank you Black Eyed Peas,

Thank you so much for writing a song that my son liked so much he tried to mimic it just the way his mommy (and Fergie) sing it. The laughs we got in the car tonight and the memory of our son continually trying to figure out what "You got that" really was has been priceless. He was trying with things like, "Eck Eck Ugh" or something to that effect. It was great. The "Boom Boom Boom" that followed over and over and over was worth recording, but alas my technological savvy only goes so far.

Thank you for having fun with language because that means that my son gets to do the same.

Boom Boom Pow,
Calvin's Mom

No Time Like Snow Time

2010-02-27T10:13:00.000-08:00

The most beautiful picture of brothers together yet. I was so happy to have both of you in an agreeable mood - if only for a brief moment.

Inside snow angels.

Calvin decided that brushing his teeth was a good idea while outside. My teeth are too old for that - it hurt!

Career Exploration

2010-02-27T10:06:00.000-08:00

Hair dresser? Based on his work, I don't imagine it is in the cards. Although, maybe he can see into the future.

Archaeologist? Calvin got an awesome little archaeology set from his cousins for his 4th birthday. Those little glasses are so cute - I think they would help him land quite a lady.

Five

2010-02-20T16:26:00.000-08:00

When Calvin was 2, he always said he was 3 and the day he turned 3 he stared saying he was 5. I think he understands that he is 4 right now and still asks sometimes, but he is accepting of the 4 year old label.

The other day T. Cal stayed with my dad for the day, and when we were driving later on in the day my husband was talking to him about grandpa and asked him if he loved grandpa and he said yes and then Pete asked how much he loved grandpa and he said, "5." Pete then asked how much he loved him and he again said 5, and without a beat he said, "And I love you 5 too mommy. "

I love you 5 Calvin.

Snow time

2010-02-10T18:02:00.000-08:00

Calvin and I built this snowman after the first storm today, and then the second storm came and the snowman looked like this:

When Mom's not Home

2010-02-10T17:48:00.000-08:00

The O.K. Corral - Calvin likes to put people in here and pretend they are sheep, cows, horses, etc.

Silly String

Bubbles

Oh Calvin

2010-02-05T17:19:00.000-08:00

You are the sweetest boy I know - that is when I get that evening time with you alone. During the day it is hard since we are always pushing and pulling everyone out the door and in the door and to the dinner table, but oh those sweet moments before bed are oh so sweet. Snuggling in front of the TV watching Backyardigans or reading a book (we are just starting to edge up on those oh-so-adult "chapter" books).

A few things you did that surprised me today:

When Dad spelled the word N-A-P, you went and said "nap....N-A-P...nap" -- thoroughly impressed.

The other thing was when you were trying to persuade me to give you just a few more pieces of pretzel before dinner (you had 3 in your hand), you said - "You give me 2 more and I will have 5" -- that response warranted the two pretzels.

Love you growing boy.

Magic

2010-01-16T19:14:00.000-08:00

Make Me, Take Me

Highland Park, NJ

2010

Rutger, Owen, Logan, Harrison, Ryland

Ian, Alex, Katie, and Kira

After about an hour in a store where paint that was separated turned into grays and browns and then was smeared onto mugs, we ventured out to punctuate the party time. It was unusually warm and we capitalized on the heat.

Some of my favorite things about the park today:

Feeling the warm sun on my face in the middle of January.

Watching some of my closest and oldest friends and their kids play together.

Sitting in awe that enough time has passed that we can now say Calvin is 4 yrs old.

Having great people surrounding my son's life and celebrating it.

After taking a much needed nap, Aunt Chantal picked up Calvin and took him to the famous Chuckee Cheese! Who would have thought it would be crowded on a Saturday night - but it was. They played a bit and then finished up the night with a Happy Meal at Mc Donald's. Calvin loved his chocolate (shoklit) milk.

Look, No Hands!

2010-01-07T18:13:00.000-08:00

Calvin has removed his hands from reaching out in front of his face. We can see his face!

Happy bath time.

Christmas Time

2010-01-07T18:02:00.001-08:00

We took a trip into NYC with close friends and stopped at Mc D's on the way out. Calvin was still in "hands in front of the camera" mode, but I tricked him a few times and told him I was taking pictures of other things.

Groggy Christmas

2009-12-27T07:25:00.000-08:00

Calvin woke up at 6am on Christmas morning to come tell us that Harrison is awake and crying. So, I went into their bedroom to get him and to create a bit of excitement for the day and ask Calvin if he remembered what day it was and he seemed barely awake enough to walk. We wandered into the living room and I guess the presents didn't take up enough room, because he barely noticed them and he plopped himself on the couch to watch his morning cartoons.

Once the gifts were pointed out, we were on our way to celebrating, but it took a lot of warming up. Calvin loved all his gifts and he has been playing with them non-stop for the past 72 hours. I am hoping this lasts through until next year.

Plus - Grandpa Ron got Cal a camera all his own. He loves telling other people to hold still and smile.

Red Means Stop

2009-12-27T06:55:00.000-08:00

Whenever we come to a stop light and I remember, I like to work with colors and tell Calvin that red means stop and green means go. I think it originated on a day when we were going somewhere and Calvin was yelling about something in the back seat and I needed to distract him, so I had him look at the stoplights as we drove (there are a lot on Rte 18).

The other day I was having Calvin look at the lights again and we came to what I thought was a stop at a red light and made a right hand turn, as we repeated the mantra, "Red means stop, green means go."

Calvin then blurted, "Red means stop mommy!"

I responded, "Yes, you are right - red means stop and mommy stopped."

"No, no mommy. You didn't stop."

Perplexed, "Yes I did Calvin. It was red. I stopped."

"No mommy, you just slowed down."

He was right, I stopped - Turkish style.

Twas the night before Christmas...

2009-12-25T05:53:00.000-08:00

As we were getting the cookie plate together for Santa, Calvin was counting out all of the cookies to put on the plate and I told him it would probably be okay if we just put one or two. Santa got 4 cookies. Then I asked him to check if we had carrots, we did. SO I took out one carrot and asked him to put the bag away and he reminded me with large, concerned eyeballs, "But Santa has 5 reindeer." (5 means "a lot")

I had to be quick with a hopeful look in my eye that my offer might be accepted, "That's okay. The reindeer can share the carrot."

With a more relaxed expression and a knowing laugh where the dash stands, "Oh yeah - they can share."

And the bag-o-carrots made it back in the fridge, only one down.

Santa is coming...

2009-12-20T18:05:00.000-08:00

When Calvin first saw the accumulated snow on Saturday night (when he woke up after a 7 hour "nap") he was so excited all he could talk about was how Santa was coming and how there is a lot of snow so Santa can come.

This morning we went out in the snow and played some...

and then got to do some tubing at Thompson Park with Aunt Aimee, Aunt Lindsey, Aunt Jen and Uncle David, JohNny, James, and Aunt Aimee's friends. It was great. Calvin didn't want to go down the big hill, so he just kept going down the short hill on the back side and he loved every second of it.

Santa is coming...just not today.

Football

2009-12-20T17:33:00.000-08:00

Soccer was a success. We ran, we kicked, we ran and kicked some more. My favorite part of the night is when Spencer convinces the boys they are mud monsters and they have to kick the ball into the alien's legs and then they will be "stuck in the mud." In order for the aliens to save each other they have to crawl through each others legs. There is nothing like creating an imaginary world for 3-5 yr olds and have them kick a soccer ball around while he does it. This program is worth every cent.

Sing-a-long

2009-12-20T17:29:00.000-08:00

When we cross the Rte 27 bridge into Highland Park, 9 out of 10 times Calvin is belting out an original song. At the completion of each creation he asks, "Is that good song Mommy?" Of course it's a good song. The subject matter changes. It can be anything from his brother and mom and dad to the river to brushing his teeth. No subject is too dull to put to music.

Letters

2009-12-08T21:09:00.001-08:00

Calvin loves finding the letter 'A' on the map in the kitchen, and I love watching him find the A's. We did A's and then a few C's. However, when asked the next day to look for A's and show them to Daddy - we pointed to O's followed by A's three times without a change in order.

We're getting there.

In other language news:
Amazing, Awesome, and Cool...have all entered the vocabulary and are used when things are truly being enjoyed.

Computer usage has also gotten better and better. Today Dad told me he figured out how to "turn on movies" on nickjr.com. Love it.

Indoor Soccer

2009-12-08T21:07:00.000-08:00

Thursday night will be the first night of indoor soccer. I am nervous. Why - I don't know. I want you to like it and I also want you to do well. So please like it for me and please have fun while we are there. I cannot wait.

Sockings

2009-12-08T21:03:00.000-08:00

Calvin likes these better as socks. Maybe he will think otherwise when he realizes that things that are not feet will be put in them.

Messiness

2009-12-08T20:57:00.000-08:00

Calvin is super tactile and loves getting his hands into everything. So - we let him. A friend was over and grandma had discovered we had left our finger paints at her house, so they happened to be readily available for play time. We squirted the paint and disrobed the boys and they did the rest.

My favorite part was the discovery of paint ending up on other body parts besides hands. What awesome finger-painted sleeves. It's a new trend.

Castles on the Floor

2009-12-08T20:53:00.001-08:00

Calvin has been working on his block building skills and was a bit reluctant to work on them by himself. I had to attend to other things and I returned to the room to find this:

What a great interpretation of a castle. Not necessarily going to get a C.O. on the place, but it looks very creative.

Day Two of castle building ended with something a bit more structurally sound. I will see if I can get my camera on it. He does like leaving these creations standing for at least 3 days before the demolition team comes in the form of his brother.

Holiday Crafting

2009-11-25T12:41:00.000-08:00

Calvin was helping me feed my need to craft, so we sat down to make some Turkey place card holders for the kids at Thanksgiving tomorrow. We glued and stuck and cut and peeled. I picked up some of the foam letters because I figured that would be the easiest way to get him to work with letters and be able to lend a hand.

He was also brainstorming about how to make the pom-pom turkey heads stick to the pine cones and thought we should wait until it dried and maybe that would work. He is so smart.

It worked. He totally took charge. I picked out the letters and he applied them, in a line, onto the paper. It went swimmingly. The only hiccup was that he demanded that an 'O' be added to his name. So -- there it is. He will now be the one called T. Calvino.

Glorious Leaves

2009-11-25T12:37:00.000-08:00

Pete told me about some leaves that were at the park and the boys got a double dose of playing in them. Calvin is all about running around and specifically AWAY from the camera. It will be interesting to see what comes of tomorrow's big family photo at the Hagan house.

On Ice

2009-11-25T12:30:00.000-08:00

We got a chance to go see Disney on Ice. A friend of ours had some free tickets and we were lucky enough for her to ask us to go. It was awesome. I was afraid that Calvin might be bored or that he would not be able to sit still for that long to enjoy the show, but I must be an idiot. It was really great.

He loved that he recognized all the characters and he kept saying, "They are from all the movies (noonies) mommy!" At one point though, he brought it right back down to earth when one of the skaters came up to a corner location on the ice and we could get a good look at him, Calvin said, "They're different mommy. The face is different." Can't pull the wool over his eyes.

It was so awesome driving up with Aunt Jen and cousin JohnNy and we really all got a chance to bond. Including the moment when Calvin decided he wanted to open the back door while we were driving home on the NJTP.

Holy Icing

2009-11-14T12:58:00.000-08:00

Thank goodness brothers have birthdays, so we can eat things like this more than once a year on our birthday. Calvin loved his Elmo cupcake and if you notice, just about gave it a hug. However, he did not finish the whole thing and after 3 days it is still sitting in the fridge untouched.

A LOT

2009-11-14T12:56:00.000-08:00

of this lately...

why does everyone have to grow up?

Pow-Pow-Power Wheels

2009-11-14T12:48:00.000-08:00

When Pete kept saying we needed one of these things, I kept saying, "Really?" And then he came home with one, and I would never go back. This boy was born to ATV. He will install his own battery, remove the tarp that protects it, ride up and down the small hills in our little neighborhood, and return it to its parking spot on the back patio, complete with replacing the tarp. He loves his "car."

Help!

2009-11-14T12:37:00.000-08:00

Calvin has been into helping lately. He helped Dad bring in the shelves for the entertainment center stand pictured. He insisted this was meant for blankets, but also played in it for 30 minutes with Harrison.

Other things T. Cal is up to: putting together 24 piece puzzles by himself, drawing letters by copying mommy and using dots to guide him, identifying his own name, cooking dinner (specifically his rabbit shaped meatloaf) and baking cakes (specifically Harrison's birthday cake), and he also loves mediating mom and dad's discussions. He often will stop us and retell us the things we just said to each other -- it is actually rather helpful.

Amen.

2009-11-03T10:36:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time there was a little boy who loved his brother so much he would always say, "But he's my brother mommy," after being scolded for squeezing his head in a vice like hug.

This little boy was known for being wild and crazy and occasionally jumping off coffee tables and backs of couches because, "Mommy, there are sharks in the carpet."

He sometimes sits and reads on the couch to himself while mommy makes dinner for him and creates worlds with the pictures that the words on the page do not quite capture.

And at the ends of these stories he finishes with, "Amen."

Amen.

Allowed

2009-11-01T18:37:00.000-08:00

You are allowed 2 melt downs if it means we get to see almost the entire Hagan family across the State of NJ AND hang out with some new church friends.

Aunt Kristin and Chantal with Jen, Dave, JohNathan, and James and Uncle Jeffrey in Manasquan - Mom, Dad, and aunt Aimee in East Brunswick - and then on to Jenalynn's in Spotswood.

Halloween was as successful as they come - candy was weighed and we went to sleep with all our "babies," none crying. (Calvin likes to pile all of his stuffed animals on his bed and he has moms and babies paired among all of them and none can be missing when bed time comes).

Good show Obi Wan. Good show.

Fall Festival

2009-10-31T18:44:00.000-07:00

Crafting at church the night before Halloween. There was a chili cook off, a costume parade, coloring, bowling, pumpkin crafting, and face painting. The camera somehow missed the face painting job you and Kia did at the end of the night, but it was awesome.

Calvin created 3 pumpkins at the crafting table and colored in a pumpkin and shared his monster hand trick or treating bag with Kia at the end of the night for some serious cashing in on candy.