the toddler's mind

pepe has been asking for a digger cake for a while. he was excited when i showed him the pic of his future cake, which i found on line thanks to my friend j., after lots of google searching. we bought digger invitations and announced the digger theme party. everything was set to go until today, when pepe announced: "for my bday, i want a thomas train cake". chris started laughing, of course, as i started explaining how we had talked about a digger party. to no avail. lets just hope he'll forget about the trains coz he is getting the digger....or maybe a stop and shop cake...or maybe a cupcake...

potty-potty

We have been rather inconsistent with Pepe's potty training. He is at school a lot, and we are seldom at home during the summer. Pepe wants to be naked everywhere and at all times, which I don't have a problem with, but American society does. Chris got potty treats - mini diggers and such, and started using them as a reward in a Chris-nonbehaviorist-kinda way...like, you sat on the potty, you get a treat, even if it is only 2 seconds and nothing came out, and, oh, you can actually exchange the toy after a while, too...So this is not working. Now, the past couple of days Pepe has been sticking his fingers in his butt extracting little poop pebbles and throwing them everywhere. We talked about it and he seems to be responding, and at least he does not fight washing his hands after. he is very interested in poop, talks about it, sings about it, "poopies comes out of my body", "i eat food and i make poopies". I know this is a normal stage and my mom keeps reminding me about how she found me in my crib coloring the wall with poop during my toddler years... I am just getting a bit tired of this, not concern, bc I know this will eventually happen, just tired. We filled out the application for Pepe's new school, which starts in September. pepe will be Preschool I, and on the application, where they asked questions about potty habits, there was no option for "not potty trained", I had to add that in. Chris is a bit embarrassed, as he works with some of the folks there, and so he keeps talking about Pepe getting potty trained by then. I just feel we need to have a week of naked time, nonstop, to make this happen, or at least a week where we constantly work on the issue... And then this little voice in my head starts saying -what's the big deal?

buni's excavator

Buni sent a few pics of herself driving the excavator that was used for the work on the new house in Bran. I showed the pics to Pepe this morning, and he was really excited, wanted to see them over and over and over.
AM: Do you like the excavator?
P: Yes, but it is too big for me. But I can still drive it..
AM: Maybe Buni can hold you...
P: No, mom, you can't, Buni can't hold you, it's not safe, it's dangerous...

Later on, he got a mini excavator as a potty treat, and as he played with it...

P: Yes, Buni is using you, but I can use you too, coz I need to.

visit at uncle Radu and aunt Ilii

Ilii

Radu the tuna cook
Down the slide he goes
very grown up

chris and pepe picked me up after work today to go visit radu and ilii in quincy. i was a few minutes late finishing up for the week, but pepe was busy watching the excavators taking down one of the old mgh buildings... we had a great meal of tuna and fresh salad and tomatoes and mozarella, while pepe played in the garden, picked off the petals of one of radu's flowers (yikes!), sled down the basement door (see pic above) and almost ran away as he managed to open one of the gates... it was nice to see ilii and radu, and pepe was affectionate and gave hugs and kisses. he also did well without a nap, though he did fall asleep on the way back home....here are some pix taken by master photographer radu..

cheezy post

It's so interesting to ponder back to when Pepe was born, the immediate love and connection I felt, and the change in the quality of love as he developed his own personality and I developed (still am) my parenting style... The initial love was mostly protective. I remember holding Pepe and feeling that he is so fragile and frail and vulnerable. I don 't think I would have been able to give Pepe a bath for quiet a bit, have mom not been with us. I remember the first bath, how she held Pepe, face down, with one hand, and used a cloth with the other, talking with him the entire time, how amazed I was at her ease, and how clumsy I felt. And Chris, with his shaking hands and big smile everytime he would look or hold Pepe. The next phase started when I got back to work, Pepe 2 months old. The love was visceral. I would look at the pictures on the internet between patients, and wipe a tear or two, reminding myself why I had to work. As Pepe developed, the love turned into pride - for his looks, for his charm, for his wit. I began to see myself and Chris and my family in him.

I remember growing up and how there were times when I would not be able to understand why my parents chose to give us kids "food rarities" rather than sharing them equally among the 4 of us... I remember my mom telling me many times that "I would understand it later". I certainly don't have to deprive myself of food for Pepe, but there are deprivations that come with parenthood, and responsibilities that seem heavy at times, and there is getting used to loving someone more than I love myself, and the feeling that I would do anything for Pepe, to help prepare him for a healthy and joyful life.

I don't really know what the purpose of this post was. Maybe is that I miss Pepe, who is in New Castle with Chris for a couple of days, and the house is so quiet, and I got to ponder a bit about life prePepe and how I used to fill up my days....Miss ya, little guy!

co-napping

Pepe was up at 12:00am last night, most likely bc of the heat, and was not back to sleep until 2am. Both Chris and I were exhausted this am, as Pepe slept until after 8am. We ran him around this am, hoping for a return to the schedule (after not napping at all yeasterday bc of the family reunion). We bought Lightening McQueen sheets for the big boy bed, but Pepe did not care, "I am not tired". So I suggested I sleep with him and we both sat cozy on the bed, but Pepe kept telling me to move so that he could see all the cars on the bedsheets. Fast forward 30 min..."I want to sleep in mommy and daddy's bed". So we transition there, after I make it clear that we both need a nap. Pepe agrees. In the bed, I close my eyes, and Pepe starts touching my face, "Bumpy nose", "Mommy, this little piggy went to the market, this little piggie, and this little piggie went ,...all the way home' (tickling me). I had a hard time not laughing, but I managed to keep quiet. Next, he started putting pillows over me and jumping in the bed. At this point, I said "OK, we need to go to your crib, this is not working', to which Pepe replied "Please, I sleep". "OK, one more chance, I say". Pepe starts singing: "One more chance, one more chance". "Good night mommy", "Good night Pepe". "Good night mommy....", on and on. finally, another 30 min into this Pepe gets transported into his crib, with a fresh baba. A bit of crying, ducky stories, and off to sleep. So, was it worth it, over 1 h of self torture? Maybe my memories of feeling so happy and special into my parents big bed, and the comfort memories of sleeping at times with them triggered this notion that Pepe might enjoy it too. And he does, but just a big too much for my taste, and his need for sleep...

family reunion

Jim organized a family reunion - Margaret and his side, which we attended yesterday. Pepe got to play with his cousins Margo and Fuffy, and Isabela and Michael. He has a blast. He was super independent, and, after a few moments of shyness, he became his real self - charming, joyful, playful, assertive and personable. "He is a real imp", "What a sweet personality", "He really is charming, and I mean I work with kids all day, he really is", "I just love his look" , "he is so personable" where a few comments that Pepe got at the party.

A few pearls from yesterday...

Stuck in traffic..
P: GO, GO, NOW (screaming, red in the face)
AM: Pepe, there are too many cars on the road, so everyone needs to go slow..
P: It's my road!

*
Pepe and Fuffy, his 3 y old "older" cousin found each other and went into the library and shut the door. I heard Pepe explaining to Fuffy about diggers, trains, and Fuffy listen carefully. She has a more tamed personality, a good match for Pepe.

**
At the beach, Pepe followed the big kids around a bit, but realized soon enough that the big kids (Jim's grandkids) are too big... So he settled on digging. But "I need a shovel". Immediately starts running and goes to get a shovel. Then we hear: "I need a bucket". Immediately starts running and comes back with a bucket. Chris goes after him and they find the owner of the shovel and bucket, and Chris asks Pepe to get permission to use the utensils. Pepe gets close to the child, tilts his head to the kids' face and says "Can I use this, for a second, coz I need it, right now?". The kid is nice and shares...

***
Fuffy started skipping and going upstairs after the beach..
F: I am going to change
P: Yes, I am coming
Kids go into the upstairs bedroom and close the door.
Chris checks on them (despite my rule - noone is crying, let the kids be) and they were in the bed talking...

pepe and the beach

we are spending a few lovely days in new castel, at "grandma's house". we came up yesterday, after my boot camp class. we stopped at the outlets and chris and i bought new running and tennis shoes, and pepe got to ride "rollie" and listen to "bob the builder" several times. next, the beach...oh, the lovely beach. the icy water felt so good on my sensitive hip. pepe loved the waves, and we jumped over them for a while, until we both got purple lips. next, pepe started marching the beach until he found this nice family from north carolina, with a 3 y old boy and....lots of diggers, buldozers, excavators.... "hi boy", he started, "what's that?" pointing to the a front loader (this is what pepe does when he wants something, kinda his introductory sentence). "can i use this?". the nice boy named luca shared, and pepe played for a while, and i got to talk to a fellow obsessed runner about..running, and potty training, and toddler (not) eating... then chris came over, and we went in for lunch, and a little thomas and nap for pepe. off to the pool in the afternoon, and chris and i took turns with pepe while the other one swam, chris kinda overwhelmed during his shift cause pepe did not want to wear his diper. we met annie and her husband and pepe peed as he said hi, and they went "good job, hi five" as chris kept looking around ashamed and i was laughing... i took pepe in the kids' pool during my shift and boy we had fun. he was into doing laps - me holding his arms, he kicking with his legs - but morning boot camp and .5 mile swimming got me tired, and so we had to come up with a different plan soon, which we did, as pepe found a ranger car and i did not see anything wrong with letting him "pretend drive it". apparently the lifeguards did, after 20 min of playing though, when chris was almost done with his laps. pepe did not want to leave the car, but i took him to the lifeguard and made him tell pepe that he is not allowed. man, authority instills fear at an early age. from the pool we headed out to meet jim and mike and ilene, old friends of margaret and jims, and chris's role models (i hear from chris) for some greek food (yummy) and some running around and playing catch with an impatient pepe. more thomas and bedtime for pepe, and i must confess i was in bed at 9 and asleep by 9:30. i love sleep!

since we are creatures of habit, we followed the same routine today (sans the shopping). pepe wanted to be naked at the beach and i did not see anything wrong with that - in fact, in romania i was naked at the beach until i started first grade, just like all other kids... pepe followed a couple of kids and their mom around looking for crabs and snails. at some point, he got close to the kids' mom and whispered something (maybe a " i have a penis") and i heard the mom tell him "i don't need to see your penis, and if you want to pee, move along" in a rather sharp voice. i guess not everyone is a fan of european child rearing practices.. pepe and i made tunnels in the sand, ate popcorn with goldfish, played in the water, and laughed a lot. i love to play with pepe, and am so excited that we are starting the active play phase, where we can kick a ball, swim together, run around... well, gotta go back to enjoying vacation...more later

morning conversations

Reading "Busy Town" by Richard Scarry, one of Pepe's favorite books, on the floor, in the living room. Story about mailing letters...

P: What's that?
AM: That's a mailbox. Maybe one day we can write a letter to Buni....Where is Buni?
P: She is in Romania.... (sad face..)
AM: Do you miss Buni?
P: Yes, take you top the toy store, and the gym with the police car..
AM: Yes, you had lots of fun with Buni.
P: Yes, I want my Buni back. Right now (loud and angry!)
AM: Well, she is far away, will have to get on a plane and go see her. She will also come see us here...
P: OK. And Obi too (smiling.
AM: Yes, and Obi too.

the boy is becoming a fish in the town beach water

Such amazing development in Pepe's relationship with the water. Michael and his family met up with us at the beach this morning, and Pepe and Michael had a blast. Pepe put his head under water a few times, without tears, and at some point ventured into the deep water (up to his neck) following Michael who is almost 4 and a bit taller. Earlier he and I went under the fountain again, and Pepe asked me to poor water over his head (the same act which, when done in the bathtub, is almost always followed by tears...). I complied, making sure daddy got a few as well, just for fun, you know!

So, although Pepe is no Austin (little boy that impressed me a couple of weeks ago with his soccer skills) in terms of athleticism, he could find his niche in swimming. He does have this long and lean runner type body, so maybe, maybe....but I shall stop as I am rapidly turning into one of those moms....

keys for kids

I just registered Pepe for piano lessons (keyboard) in the fall. I am outraged by the price - $350/semester, plus $50 registration, plus $20 book. Now we need to buy a keyboard as the course involves practicing at home, and hope that Pepe will be into it and actually do the practice. Will have to recruit Michael who has been taking the class for over one year now, and can actually play with two hands...and he is Pepe's favorite friend!

Still, I can't get over how expensive anything extracurricular is. I certainly am not one of those moms who overschedule their kids, and piano will be the only activity that we'll have Pepe enrolled into..maybe a bit of swimming (sans parents), will see. It's not just the money (although that's important) but I do think that it is much nicer to interact with kids in an unorganized manner, free play and take life at its own pace. There will be schedules and activities and deadlines in the near future, I know, there is no escape, but for now, taking it easy is the way I'd like to go, money aside and all.

no attachment issues

Jessie came over yesterday afternoon to Pepesit, so that Chris and I could go see Lucinda Williams in Lowell (this reminded me how much more I enjoy outdoors low key concerts in smaller venues). Chris picked her up with Pepe after Pepe's long nap, while I squeezed in an afternoon swim at the town beach. Pepe, Jessie and Chris picked me up at the rez.
AM: Hi
P: Mommy, I was sad, coz I missed you.
AM: Oh..
P: Yes, coz you were not with me, and then I was sad, and then I came to pick you up, so I feel better now.
AM: That's good. Mommy missed you too.
At home, the kid was glued to Jessie. He wanted to watch Cars, and so we put it on..
C: Pepe, wanna sit on my lap?
P: Yes...hm, maybe I sit on Jessie's lap...
We had some dinner together (I mean, sans Pepe, who had 1/2 slice of pizza and the frosting of a piece of cake at a bday party earlier in the day...) and then it was time to go. We kissed Pepe and he nonchalantly said "Good bye, OK, see you" and returned to playing catch with Jessie.

We got home around 11 or so, and the house was quiet. Jessie said Pepe was great, no food, but lots of outside play and more Cars video, and of course, stories (he is into the Thomas catalogue, pointing to all the things he wants for his bday...). Jessie said, no cries when she left the room.

This morning, Pepe greeted me with:
P: You are back? You went to a concert with daddy? I read Thomas with Jessie. I like Jessie.
Then he returned to the business of the day.
P: Lets read the Thomas (catalogue). I show you what I want. ...Ok, lets go downstairs and watch George. Which is what we are doing right now, for 10 more minutes, then playtime and waiting for daddy to come home from bball practice. It's a sunny day and lots to be discovered.

so friendly

I have posted before about Pepe's friendly personality. The friendliness continues. Everywhere we see kids, Pepe just goes up to them and tells them who he is, and what toys he plays with, or just butts in and starts playing. "Hi boy" or "Hi girl" is the usual introduction. Sometimes, he starts announcing things like "I have chips", "I am going to the toy store to buy a truck". He is very independent in these encounters, and wants to be by himself. "Go away daddy, go away mommy". This is the nice thing about the rez (town beach) - he can walk around and as long as we can keep an eye on him, we feel he is safe. Once in a while we walk behind him just to hear the conversations he has with other kids (or the duckies), and other times we have to interfere as Pepe starts playing with other kids' toys and there are protests (it's funny how it works out, Pepe wants and brings 2-3 trucks to the beach, but never plays with them; yesterday he wanted to play with a truck identical with one of the trucks he brought to the beach..just bc it was not his). He is getting so much better about sharing, letting go when kids don't want him to play with their toys. It still bothers me that I can't find another way of taking him away rather than saying "These toys belong to this boy, they are not yours". I think these "my/mine/Yours" get us in trouble as adults, starting us on the "acquiring path"; it also reinforces the destructive ego that plagues our existence....but I digress...In any case, I am realizing how much of the struggles we've had at various ages are purely developmental. Hanging around other kids at the rez I(it's all kids there!) showed me that there are other kids who scream more, other kids who refuse to go home when it's time to go home, other kids who enjoy throwing rocks in their mommy's, other kids who like to destroy what other kids build...Yes, there are other kids who do all of these, but none like MY Pepe!

affectionate boy

AM (coming from work): I missed you, Pepe!
P (giving me a hug and a kiss): I miss you more, mommy!

bed time nightmares

Putting Pepe to bed is becoming a (yes) dreaded chore. Chris and I take turns. Tonight is Chris's turn and as I type I hear Pepe fighting, pushing boundaries, doing everything in his power to delay going to bed. The new trick is that he starts crying the moment we start talking about going upstairs for stories. Tonight he put his head on the table and when Chris told him that he needed to go upstairs, he said "I sleep here". Finally upstairs. The screaming I just mentioned. Chris just returned downstairs announcing "I can't deal with him tonight. He will have to cry it out". Now, 5 minutes passed, the crying subsided, and Chris went upstairs. Will see what happens...

We tried and we tried to work with Pepe on this. his bed time is now 1 h later (8-9pm). We transition him slowly. We tire him out big time - we take him to the Rez or a playground every single afternoon. He gets to watch 15 min slow TV before bedtime. He gets to cuddle on mommy and daddy's bed, or get tickled on Buni's bed. Nothing works. Those Chris might be on to something tonight - the house is quiet!

new bed time rituals

These days Pepe is trying his best to delay going to his crib. This evening we got back late from the rez, around 7:15 or so. Pepe did not want dinner, to T-I-R-E-D (spelled out every time, coz he gets pretty upset to hear it) and wanted to watch "George". He could not get it that Curious George was not on. Chris thinks that Pepe associated watching CG with the beginning of the day, as he almost always watches CG in the am. Finally I scanned all our 7 channels and Pepe was convinced that CG was not on. He wanted chips and cheese, which he got. We went upstairs with the bowl. He did not eat any. We read a story but then he laid on the carpet with his baba in his mouth and refused to be read more books..I suggested we go to mommy and daddy's bed. we did, and we laid on the bed. i stretched my legs up the wall, and pepe thought this was funny, and did the same thing. i gave him the 10 min warning, which was met with
P: "I don't want to go to bed".
AM: Why?
P: Coz, I want to sleep here, in this crib.
AM: Why?
P: I lonely.
AM: yes?
P: Yes.
AM: So this is why you cry?
P: yes.
AM: Are you gonna cry tonight?
P: Yes.
AM: Can I do anything about it?
P: No, I like to cry.
AM: OK. I see. I like to cry sometimes too.
P: Yes.
AM: Do you remember what I told you to do when you try to sleep?
P; Yes, I close my eyes and I see diggers, and the rez, and colors..
AM: Yes, you have everything in your imagination..
Pepe closes his eyes and smiles...
AM: Ok, 2 more minutes.
P: Can I have chocolate?
AM: OK, I'll get you a piece, but then we go to your cribbies..
P: No, I don't want chocolate.
AM: OK. Listen, lets go read 2 stories and then go into the crib.
P: OK.
We read the stories. Pepe gets into his crib. A couple of protests, but that was it...

Finally swimming

Pepe was a water baby during his first year of life. I swam over 1 hour daily during my last few months of pregnancy, and so was taking some credit for his love and comfort in the water. The swimming class we took together when Pepe was 6 months old was money well spent, so I thought! But the cool water baby turned into a nerdy toddler, that did not want to have anything ton do with the water...the water in a pool, lake or ocean, that is. He continued to love the water in other forms...drinking water, spilling water. Last year we went to Walden Pond every weekend, and Pepe had his spot near the water fountain, turning it on or off for people who wanted to wash their feet... We took another swimming class in the winter, but both of us disliked it, the water was cold, and the class filled with babies. So far this summer at the rez Pepe seemed more interested to find toys he can play with, than the water. Until this afternoon. He followed a couple of kids around, and all of the sudden he went to the area with the sprinkling fountain. He was cautious at the beginning, wanting me or Chris to go with him and get close to the fountain. At some point I took him with me and we got under the sprinkles, and it seemed like we were under a water fall. Pretty cool. Pepe was fascinated. He wanted both of us to keep going there with him. We did, but then we got cold. So Pepe went by himself. Again and again. Then Chris threw him in the air and into the water, playfully, and kinda drop ed him in the water at some point, head and everything. No peep, he got out and started laughing and playing. Now, that's my kid, coolness and everything!

who's invited to Pepe's Bday?

We decided to get Pepe involved in the preparations for his party. He is very excited, mostly bc he thinks that he is turning 5, and that when he is 5 he can drive a digger...

Tonight over dinner we started talking about the party...

AM: So Pepe, who do you want to come to your party?
P: Ahm, ahm, my cousins come to my party.
AM: OK. Anyone else?
P: Uncle Ed
C: Great, who else?
P: My friends, my school friends and my neighbourhood friends.

what's for dinner

Leaving the rez this afternoon...
AM: Pepe, what do you want for dinner.
P; Pizza!
AM: What kind?
P: Peperoni.
AM: How about some broccoli?
P: No
AM: How about some carrots?
P: How about some CAKE?

And the pee went

IN THE POTTY!

I mentioned a couple of times how Pepe is refusing to wear diapers, pull ups or underwear. Once in a while he agrees to wearing underwear to bed, but mostly bc they have Thomas or Cars on. Most of the time, we put a diaper on (mostly a 2 people job) only to observe Pepe taking it off a minute later. "I need to be comfortable".

We have not done any potty training with him. Ever. We have been talking about it a lot. We have a potty seat that goes on top of the toilet, and both Chris and I tried it out. Pepe showed no interest. We also have a plastic potty, but Pepe only wanted to sit on it with his clothes on. We gave that up.

This morning, Pepe took his diaper off, and peed on the carpet (again). I decided to bring the potty in the living room, and told Pepe to sit on it if he needs to go again. "I don't want to". We talked a bit about Michael, our almost 4 y old neighbour, and how he goes potty, but Pepe was not interested. He continues to play. On the deck. I was in the living room when all of a sudden Pepe runs to the potty, peeing, and gets the last bit of it in the potty. Not sitting, but standing, holding his penis like a pro. I was so proud of him, and Pepe was so proud of himself. Of course, this could be an isolated incident, but it could also mean that he is ready. So, no more diapers in the house, only at school and outside. And plenty of spray cleaners, of course!

randoms from Chris

P: Daddy, turn the page, so I could see more..

**
P: Can you talk a story?

**

P: I love my daddy. I love my daddy so much.

**

Anytime one of us is "using" something.
P: Ahm, ahm, can I use that for a second, ahm, so, coz...thank you. Thank you so much.

his own agenda

Buni is eager to have Pepe in Romania for a visit. My brother has been building a new house in Bran, at the mountains, and mom has been overseeing the project. She had to rent an excavator when the house was ready, to clear up the yard for a deck. This happened about 2 months ago, and she had the excavator there when Pepe and I called her. I told Pepe that Buni has an excavator, and, since then, he keeps mentioning it. Like today. I called Buni this morning..
P: What you doing?
AM: I am calling Buni. But she is not home..
P: But her excavator is there...

misc

AM: Pepe, and when you get up,maybe Papi will come over..
P: Don't get your hopes up, mommy!
**

Chris had the impetus to go to Toys R Us and buy a digger for Pepe, one to use in the sand at the rez. Once there, I hung out with Pepe (after picking up the digger) and Chris went browsing. He returned with one baseball bat and ball, two rackets and a ball, and a plastic boat-crane ensemble (just like our neighbour's). "You know, I realized last night (bbcue at a friend) that this kid really does not have many toys". Now, this is such a different Chris - those of you who know him are fully aware of his hate for plastic of any kind, and I do remember the arguments we had about getting stuff for Pepe when he was a baby. It goes without saying that the love of a child changes even the most ingrained beliefs. Nice work, Pepe!

**
Michael, Abby, Ben and Amy came over for a bbcue this evening. Chris went for a run around 3 and he mentioned in passing, a 1/2 h later, that he invited everyone over. The house was a mess, but he offered to clean it, I shopped and we had a great evening. I really like them. A lot. They are not only nice, but v smart, interesting, plus Amy is the only full time working mom I know, who also works out as much as I do. Pepe and Michael played so well. They are both feisty, quick and loud. I hope they'll develop a nice friendship as Michael is such a good influence on Pepe and such a nice kid.

quick learner

We went to "Sadie's house" for a 4th of July Barbecue this afternoon. Pepe did really well, but mostly played by himself in the yard, or at the train table with a few other boys. He did well. I was proud of him. He was reasonable and shared. Sometimes I think I exaggerate the negatives when describing him. In any case, he really did not want to leave Sadie's house, as he was having lots of fun. But everyone else left and the kids were sleeping, so we decided to go. In the car, Pepe started saying, "I want to go to Sadie's house, NOW" (pressured NOW). He was not yelling, or upset, but just kept repeating this. I think he heard it from one of the kids, and loved it, so he was trying it out for a fit himself. Really cute, I must say.

He was reasonable at home and bed time was easy. Chris was in charge, and I went in for a kiss, then I left.
P: Mommy, come in.
AM: OK. What's up?
P: Talk a story to me. Talk.
AM: Pepe, daddy told stories to you. Remember that you have all the stories in your imagination. Just close your eyes and think about all the things you did today.
P: OK
I leave.
P: Mommy. I have something for you.
AM: Ok, what is it?
P (sheepish): coffee. Drink it (holds his hands to my mouths).
AM (pretending to drink): Yummy. Thank you.
I leave.
P: Mommy. I have something for you.
AM: Ok, what is it?
P: chocolate.
AM (pretending to eat it from Pepe's hands): Yummy. Thanks. I am full now. No more food for me. I am not coming back. OK? I am going to sleep.
P: OK.
I leave.
P: Mommy. I have something for you....
eventually stops. Now sleeping. Me to, in a minute.
I really love this kid. He may be difficult, but he has a good brain!

no diapers please..

and no underwear, no pull-ups, no clothes....i NEED to be naked!right now, he is peeing on the carpet, keenly observing the flow... and now he just moved away from the area, to a clean one, which will become peeped in a minute or two, given that pepe is sucking on a baba...but i am not mad, i am not mad, i am not mad....just ready to clean up for his majesty!

the bossy one

Yesterday, on 2 different occasions, we witness Pepe preparing for the trials and tribulations of school. in the backseat, he was practicing his speech for when he would face a toddler with a particular toy he might want..
P: Antoine, I need this. It is mine. I am using it. Can I have it for a second?
....
P: Stop it! I need the truck right now!

This goes hand in hand with what Chris has been observing lately at school. Leslie, Pepe's favorite teacher moved (China!) on, another teacher is on vacation, and so there is a lot of disarray in the toddler's room. The other day Chris spent about 30 minutes in the morning reading stories to 9 kids. He mentioned that Pepe is always front center, very bossy and in charge. All the practicing he's been doing, I guess....Lateley they moved him into the preschool class, as he seems to be better with the older kids (and a privileged status!). But there is hope for Pepe. I was a true bully as a young kid - bossy, in charge and v rough - and turned out OK. Actually, those who know me now would probably be surprised to read this... but it is true!


l

easily forgotten

I was away for 3 days - for work, no fun, though I must admit having a hotel room to yourself for 2 nights, meals provided, money that you must spend coz you lose them otherwise, and a friend with you was pretty cool - and I returned to find a Pepe completely glued to his father. Completely. Daddy this, daddy that. Mommy for a second. Daddy this, daddy that. Since I have been away and relaxed (Chris was unshaven for 3 days, and kept yawning in spite of having prepared one of the most of the most of all our 8 anniversaries!) I took on the challenge of putting Pepe to bed. He watched Bob the builder, and then we moved on to stories. But he did not want stories. I want soda (cranberry juice with seltzer). I bring it to him, he spills it on the carpet (fluffy white Romanian, hand made - i know, my fault for putting it in his room). I catch him 1/2 way, try to take the cup from him "I want to spill it". Brilliant idea comes to mind and I take Pepe and the cup to the bathroom where Pepe is proud that he can spill...in the sink. Next he runs into our bedroom. We play the "I put the pillows on mommy's face so she does not see" game and I pray that Pepe will emerge intact out of it (he fell many times off our bed...). He does. We try stories, Pepe is not interested. He wants to go see daddy and tell him that he spills. He calls daddy who is hiding with sports in the basement. After 1 hour I put Pepe in his crib. He screams. He tried to jump, I tell him he'll get hurt. He perseveres. Throws the baba, throws the blanket, takes hi diaper off, throws the diper... He tells me "I need a friend". I melt. I hug him. I offer a story, I offer ducky stories, I tell him my spiel about using his imagination. He screams and says he wants out. I tell him that if he does not calm down I leave. He does not, I do. I go downstairs. Chris tells me that Pepe just needs to cry. I am amazed coz Chris usually struggles with Pepe's crying (who knows how the 3 days without me were for Chris...maybe I should go away more often..). Chris and I play carcasson. Pepe cried. I go after 20 min. I go after 40 min. Chris goes after 1 hour. Pepe finally accepts the baba and agrees to put on underwear. Wants mommy and daddy. Talks about being scared (yeah right!), finally settles is and gives in to sleep...wakes up at 8:30 today.