The Haytko Family Homeschooling Blog

And the Winner Is...

2012-02-06T17:07:00.002-05:00

So, we selected the preschool that the kids will attend this fall. After visiting a Montessori, Quaker, and Catholic preschool, we ultimately went with the local Catholic school. We liked the school on the whole, although it was a tough choice between it and the Quaker one (which we also really liked).

I'll be volunteering at the school beginning this month, in their library. I havent done real library work since I resigned in 2009, pregnant with the twins! So, that's exciting. :) It was the suggestion of a mom in the parish, whose kids go to the school. It will give me a good understanding of the school, and help me get to know the staff, teachers, etc. Since I'm not altogether comfortable with the kids going to a traditional school, I'm hoping this will help.

One of the hardest decisions is transferring parishes. In order for our kids to attend the local Catholic school, we have to transfer our membership from our parish (in a neighboring town) to our local one. It's a nice church, but I will miss Fr. B. and our parish family. I still plan to cantor at our parish monthly, but it wont be the same. We're finishing up our ministries there and will be transfering membership to the new parish in the coming weeks/months. Tough choices... But with the school closures/combinings, we cant stay at our old parish and send the kids to this parish school.

So, lots of changes coming in the coming months!

Catholic Preschool Visit in Review

2012-01-26T14:25:00.003-05:00

To catch up on our previous two preschool visits, you can click here to read about our visit to the Friend's preschool and click here to read about our visit to the Montessori preschool.

As some history... We are Catholic (no secret) and attend 3 different churches regularly. We visit the Shrine monthly, where Nicholas, Sophia, and Alexander (as well as P's brother, Robert) have candles and we usually have lunch after Mass (Sophia's favorites!). Of the other Masses each month, we attend 2-3 at "our" parish, the Catholic church that we've attended for years, where Bobby and Maya were baptized and the other children have memorials, and where we've been extremely active. The remaining 1-2, we attend at our local parish. It's not that we don't like the local church; it's nice.  But SMG is home... We've been there for years, know people, and have a relationship with our priests. It's a warm place... It's home. We've cut down on our ministries since our time is needed with Bobby and Maya at home, but I still cantor there, Peter and I are involved in PreCana, and I may be getting involved in the RCIA program for a bit. But, at the same time, we support being active in our local parish. They have a playgroup that we used to attend until the kids started visiting their grandparents on that day (but I'm thinking about getting more involved with, even if we only stay for the first hour and then head out to the grandparents), their adoration chapel is 24/7, and the priests we've met have all been friendly.  They still have a convent, and there is a sister in the kindergarten class! So, it's a good parish, too, and we know that it's possible we may be transferring our membership there at some point in the (near) future, but I'm getting ahead of myself...

We toured the preschool today (Thursday). Of all the ones we've visited, the security was best here. (I know I harp on security, but it's a big deal to me... I'm not altogether comfy with having my kids without me in another, unfamiliar environment... even if it is only 2 mornings a week!). I'm sure that part of that fact is that it is a "real" school; instead of being a preschool in a church, it is a K-8 parochial school that expanded to include a preschool. So, the security is that of a real elementary school. And, even though someone went into the school just prior to us, she made sure the door was shut so that we would have to buzz. I liked that. It gave me a sense of this staff person taking the security of the hundreds of children inside seriously.

As we got there, they were doing a monthly fire drill. Again, I like this. I like that they are prepared and that they timed the kids! (Once a year, the fire marshall comes and does a timed drill, in accordance with state standards).  We saw the kids walk nicely out, including the 3 year olds! I was impressed. After the kids came back inside, our tour began.

The preschool area has their own secure/locked entrance. If kids are late, they come to the main entrance, but for normal drop off and pick up, teachers are there to greet kids and help get them squared away when it is time to go home. It's 2 mornings a week, like the Quaker program, so it's a good comparison.

There is one classroom with two teachers. Once a week, the kids experience a half hour of gym with the PE teacher. Once a week, the librarian comes to the classroom for a storytime and library visit. Once a week, the music teacher comes to the classroom for a music "class" (15 minutes or so). And each day, one of the teachers does art with them. Their morning starts off with playing, followed by prayer and religious instruction. (The school has a prayer room, where Mass takes place and where a weekly Rosary is said. While I'm sure preschoolers normally dont attend these, when the kids are older, it is an option for them as part of their school day). They have a snack and their "educational" instruction focuses on numbers, letters, days of the week, months of the year, etc. They have circle time and "station" time, where the room has different tables of play/instruction that the kids select to participate in (very Montessori like).   The teachers are all state certified teachers, and many have their Masters. The school also has 2 learning support classrooms, where the student-teacher ratio is small and children who need assistance can have extra help. The teachers are both Masters degreed, and they divide the children by lower level and upper level grades.

The school is divided by grades as well. The preschool kids (and their bathroom) is in one section, the 1st-3rd graders have their own area (and bathrooms), as do the 4th-6th graders and the 7th-8th graders. I liked that as well. The preschool area is closest to the youngest grades.   The student-teacher ratio changes based on grade level, but for the 3 year olds, there were 13 registered kids (there were 10 there today) and 2 teachers.  The teacher we primarily spoke with teaches the 3 yo class as well as the 3-day 4yo program, so she gave us some information about the 4yo class as well.

While we were there, the kids were snacking, but Bobby and Maya were invited to play on the alphabet rug, which they LOVED. And the teacher was impressed that Bobby knew (and was reciting) all of his ABCs (too bad she missed Maya singing the ABC song this morning!).

There was definitely a good feeling while we were there, and added to it was the feeling that I get whenever I'm in a Catholic or Orthodox church... I cant explain it, but it's just this feeling of peace and holiness.

Because of the recent changes in the Archdiocese with schools, our local parish school will be joined by kids from a neighboring parish that is losing their school. Because of that, they are only going to be able to accept families from the local parish and this neighboring parish, which means that we will need to technically transfer our membership from our parish in a nearby town to the local parish, and become more active in our local church. I plan to remain as a cantor at SMG because I love it so much (and I love our music director, who is also my Confirmation sponsor), but I think the other ministries we've been involved with will slowly become ministries at the local parish (as the kids get older and we get more involved). This is something we'll be discussing this weekend as well as we make the decision about which preschool to submit an application to.

A lot of things to think about! But, we've visited the 3 schools on our list, have ruled 1 out already, and have 2 really good schools to choose from. So now, it's time to pray, reflect, think, talk, and choose!

Friends Preschool Visit in Review

2012-01-19T14:09:00.001-05:00

So, I posted last week about our visit to the local Montessori preschool. As much as I'd hoped to fall in love on the spot, that warm and fuzzy feeling eluded me. The week before that, I'd met a grandfather at the playground. As our kids played together (and we discussed the alarming amount of things we have in common, including their being members of the local Parish), he mentioned that his children and grandchildren all attended (and, in one of the GCs cases, still attend). Because I'd really hoped for the love-connection (and because I'm not super big on the whole idea of preschool anyway), we had planned on interviewing other schools only if we really didnt like the local one and felt called to. Afterwards, I scheduled an appointment with the Friends school, as well as our local Parish's school (which will be a week from Thursday/today).

The Friends School is run by the Quaker faith. Peter and I have a great respect for the Quakers (learn more about them here and here), so it is actually fitting that we investigated their preschool. And...

WE.LOVED.IT. It was everything we were looking for, from a preschool standpoint.

When I called to make the appointment, I spoke with the director, and found her warm and welcoming (just as she was in person). In addition to inviting us to tour the school and ask questions, etc, she invited the kids personally (for both the Montessori and St. Stan's preschools, I asked if it was alright to bring the kids; she specifically asked me to bring the kids so that they could play, if we felt comfortable doing so). We arrived about a half hour after school had started.

Walking from the parking lot, we were able to see the Kindergarten room (through the windows) and I loved the set up (very much like our home classroom, just bigger and with more stations) and the children seemed to be enjoying themselves. Initially I had the thought of "oh no, not again" when I opened the door, which was unlocked. But immediately, my feelings from our previous tour (where security had been a problem for me) were settled. Before we'd gone 2 steps, the director was greeting us. (I'll talk more about security in a bit).

She was very nice and walked us down to the 3 year old classroom, where she also was gracious to Bobby and Maya, speaking to them by name and inviting them to take off their coats (and hang them on the peg board). And once they were inside the classroom! Oh, how they loved it. The teachers (there were 3 total for 18 kids) were lovely and encouraged them to play as well. The kids had a blast while Peter and I were able to learn more about their program.

Did I mention that we loved it?

One of the things that I loved was that it felt like I was feeding the teachers the answers to my questions. What they said was what we were looking for. They believe that kids learn primarily through play (CHECK), with some formal/structured "class" type things, like Science and Math, thrown in (CHECK), but that at this age, the primary point of preschool should be socialization with other children and exploring the world through play (CHECK CHECK CHECK). The three hours, two to three times a week, isnt meant to replace education at home (CHECK) but is meant to help give the kids time to be kids with others their age (CHECK). I kept nodding and just wanted to say "You're speaking my language!"

The teachers were certified. The one we spoke with primarily also was trained as an occupational therapist, so when I discussed evaluating the kids, she was right there. And my favorite phrase from that talk? "All kids develop at their own pace. It isn't necessarily that a child is exactly at the norm, but that they are developing at a good rate, on the curve that is right for them." YES YES YES. If kids show developmental delays, they notify parents and help arrange therapies to help the child succeed.

I brought up my worries about security and, rather than try and knock them back with a "we havent lost a child yet" type comment, the teacher said "I completely understand. Other parents have asked about that too when they first visit." Because they are Quaker in foundation, they dont lock the doors. And, because they dont lock the doors, they have a deep awareness of when the door opens. We saw that first hand. They teach the kids to be aware of things outside the windows (and not just from a 'boogyman' type standpoint; there's a fair amount of wildlife like deer, so it's actually quite an educational experience, too) and the teacher told us that often the kids will tell them what they see outside (not strangers, thank goodness, just the wildlife thus far!). The teachers also know if they are expecting students or not; and if not, then they are extra vigilent when the door opens. And the director has a view, so she, too, knows when that door opens (and is right there). Honestly, I had the impression that because their isnt a lock, the staff are MORE aware than the previous experience where there was a lock. I mean, that time, we were right in the thick of it and no one batted an eyelash; here, someone greeted us at the door (and there were eyes on us the entire time we were there- I mean that in a good way, not a creepy way). I actually felt more safe. (I also realize that, lock or not, if someone wants into a school, chances are they will find a way... That doesnt make me feel better about the prospect of sending them to a traditional school setting. But the same can be true about a break in- if someone wants to break into my house and do damge, they could. It's just not worth worrying about that every second of every day.) But, as to the security, I actually felt more secure, and so did Peter.

The ratio was different as well (this was my other big issue). The first school was 7 to 1, with one classroom of 14 to a teacher and an aide. This 3 year old class was set up as 2 classes in a big room with a divider that closes the room into two rooms when need be. For open play, the kids are together in one room, with the 2 teachers/1 aide or 3 teachers. When the rooms are divided into 9 students each, there is 1 teacher in each, with the aide/teacher floating between the two. So, the ratio drops to about 6 to 1. (Looking for the PA regs, it's 10 to 1 as the requirement). While it's only 1 kid different between the two we've interviewed so far, it actually is a bigger difference. If a child has to be removed for some reason and an adult leaves, in the previous scenario, that leaves 1 adult with 13 remaining kids; in this one, it leaves 2 adults with 17 kids (or about a 1:8.5 ratio). Add to that, a floating aide or the director comes in until the other adult returns, and you are still looking at 3 adults. So, that made me feel better as well.

Educationally, I think the kids would learn wherever. But, so far, that warm, fuzzy feeling I was looking for? Yep, found it at the Friend's School. We are still going to interview the local, Catholic parish school*. We feel like it is important to look there as well. If the feelings of warm & fuzzy are present there too, we are going to have quite a decision to make!

Oh, and both the Quaker and Catholic 3 year old programs have another big thing: 2 day programs. For the Quaker school, there is a 2 day and 3 day to choose from; St. Stan's is just 2 day. But, one of my major heartbreaks is the idea of them gone for 3 mornings a week; 2 days is much more easy to handle, I think. And the teacher at the Friends said that most of their 2 day kids are "young" 3s (meaning summer/early fall birthdays), so Bobby and Maya, as September babies, would be truly among peers, versus older threes in the 3 day program.

So, we have a contender! I'll update on our remaining interview after it happens next week!

*Local Parish: So, we live within walking distance to St. Stan's, the local Catholic church (and school), but because we've been so active in our previous parish (SMG), we've been attending there and havent switched membership over. SMG was just told that, as part of the reorg, the school would be closing and combining with another parish (CC). If we decide to send the kids to St. Stan's, we'll most likely be changing parishes from our current to our local. So that is also a consideration as we explore the school.

Montessori Preschool Visit in Review

2012-01-11T02:12:00.000-05:00

Previously posted here

Okay, so in fairness... I'm not sure what I was expecting. I dont want to say it was a bad experience- it wasnt... It just wasnt what I thought. I wanted to fall in love on sight- and I didnt.

So, there's a joke... "Did you know Lansdale has a Montessori school???!!!" I was so excited about this fact a year ago that, every time Sarah and I passed it on a run, those words would slip out. To the point that now it is a private joke that is sometimes said whenever there is a need (someone brings up something for the umpteenth time). Needless to say, I'm in love with the Montessori Method for educating kids and the fact that we had a REAL.SCHOOL.WITHIN.WALKING.DISTANCE made me super excited. Even though I love the idea of educating at home... Even though I'm not sold on the idea of 'traditional' school settings... Even though the pricetag knocked me over... But, we promised ourselves we'd consider it and, once the kids hit two, I knew we needed to make an appointment to tour it if we had a chance of getting in for their third birthday. So, we did. I read up on how to interview, what questions to ask, and even blogged and FBed about it. (and thanks for all the suggestions!) So, this morning, we made sure the kids were clean, we looked presentable, and off we went!

And that's about where it fell apart.

We pulled in and, although classes were in session, there were parents still doing drop off. And one let us in. Actually, she held the door open for us. So, although there was a keypad and doorbell 'security' system, we got in with no administrator the wiser. And then, since we had no clue where the office was, we proceeded to walk upstairs to where the classes were... And all the kids... And, no one stopped us. We finally stopped a parent and asked where the office was. And when we got there, the secretary looked, in her own words, like a deer in headlights, wondering how the hell we'd gotten in.

Yeah. Not cool. I have anxiety about sending my kids to traditional school settings for exactly this reason. So, security? I wasnt impressed. You can assure me all you want that you try to avoid these instances, but... Yeah... No. I walked in where the kids were. Where the classes were. I could have snatched a child in a heartbeat. And then, to make light I'm sure, the secretary said "We havent lost one yet." Really? That's reassuring. When we visited the classroom, too, Peter's comment was that Bobby or Maya could easily (and quietly) slip out if they felt like it and based on where the 3 year old room was (and how easy it was for us to get in), getting out of the building, while no easy feat, wouldnt be impossible for the daredevil duo. That, in and of itself, isnt as concerning to me, though, as the fact that someone could get in. I realize the door is locked. And there's a keypad. And, really, Peter and I had 2 kids in tow- that mom probably thought we were just doing drop off, too, and that she was doing us a favor. But it left me with a huge stone in the pit of my stomach.

The classroom was nice. It was definitely Montessori-esque and they'd even made the sandtable/watertable into one with the peanuts people use in posting items, for easier clean up. Loved that idea. May try it! So, loved the classroom... But, it looked like the school/playroom we have here. Which I guess is good on the one hand, but I dont know, I guess I expected more? I mean, I'm not a teacher and, although I've read a fair amount on the Method, I guess I just expected there to be something that wowed me. The skills of the 3 year old room (academically speaking) seemed to be things we are learning now... at 2 years old. For example, my kids can count to 20 already. This room was learning 23. And the toys/learning tools... 90% of what they had, we have and they are learning those and mastering them... So, I guess I just expected more? Maybe I shouldnt have? (more on this later) But, all in all, I liked the classroom. And a primary thing was how well the kids interacted together and with their teacher/aide. Loved that. The teacher explained that they've been working on this skill since the term started in September, but the kids were doing really well in my opinion.

The other thing that really bothered me was the teacher/student ratio. And, again, maybe I'm off (teachers- especially you, Paula!- weigh in for me). There were 14 kids in the room and 1 teacher/1 aide. So, a 7-to-1 ratio. For 3 year olds, that just seems really high... I guess I expected maybe double that? 2 teachers/ 2 aides for that large of a room? Am I nuts? Is this the average ratio and good for that age group?

And, while we are on teachers, only one (the director who is also the kindergarten teacher) is Montessori certified (in addition to being state certified). The other teachers are state certified and the director then educates them in the Montessori method, but they are not certified Montessori teachers. This doesnt bother me as much; the classrooms looked to be set up in the style, and the room we saw was definitely being run in the Montessori way, which we are happy with. But I guess I expected more by way of that certification, too. But that's not as big a deal to me as the student/teacher ratio, and the security issue.

So, overall, I'm left a little bummed. When I talked to Sarah, she asked if maybe part of the reason is that I'm not sold on traditional education in the first place. I think that's definitely a part of it. But I know that the kids need more socialization than what we have now. They love to run into kids at playgrounds. I want more of that for them.

When Peter and I were decompressing, he had a more positive view of the school then I did. The security didnt trouble him as much (WHAT????!!!!) and he said that he expected our home educating and the school's to match up (so he wasnt expecting that wow factor that I guess I was). His big thing is socializing them for both that and the independence, as well as increasing their verbal communication skills. In that way, he liked the interview and felt the school was fine. But he's okay in viewing others too.

We have an appointment to tour the local Friends (Quaker) preschool. I talked to the director today and their pricing for 2 days a week for the kids would be around $3k for both, and 3 days would be around $4400. While the 3 day is about average with the Montessori school, we hadnt really considered the idea of a 2 day, which may work better for us. (St. Stan's, the local Catholic church school, also has a 2 day, and we will be touring them too). In thinking about it, a Tues/Thurs set up would allow us to keep the kids with their current visit to the paternal grandparents on Wednesday and with my dad's visits on Fridays... So... We shall see. We're touring the Quaker school on Friday and I have yet to make the appt for St. Stan's, but will this week. Even if they do go to a preschool, be it for 2 or 3 days, we will still continue the Montessori homeschooling. And, if they dont do preschool, then I'll just continue it more formally.

Some friends recommended meetup.com to find playgroups. Most of the ones I've encountered do afternoon playgroups- right in the middle of our naptime. But I'm hoping to find either morning playgroups or ones close by that we could do after naptime. Because, at this age, play is important, and doing that with other kids, would help with their socialization, independence, and communication.

So, all in all... I guess I need to really evaluate where I'm coming from. Is nothing going to be right, because deep down I dont want it to be? I hope that isnt the case; I truly want what is best for them (be it home school, private school, or public school). But, as a cousin said, knowing what feels wrong is just as important as knowing what feels right. And, as much as I wanted the local Montessori school to be the right fit, it just doesnt feel right...

28 Months

2012-01-10T13:34:00.004-05:00

I'm behind... I know it... I'm sorry (if there is anyone out there who reads this). I post things about the kids on my other blog, so I'm often there to the neglect of this one. But, we are indeed at 28 months old at Casa Haytko!

Playroom/Schoolroom:
We have an upstairs playroom. Bobby and Maya share a room now, and Maya's old bedroom is now a fully functioning playroom/schoolroom. And they LOVE it. The other day, we had a rare warm winter day and I had to ask them THREE times if they wanted to go to the playground, which is unheard of in our house! We moved the majority of their lower level playroom toys upstairs (because of it being colder in the basement and us rarely being in there, we are making it into a yoga studio for me to conduct classes at home for Mending Heart Bellies!) It also helped us to clear out some of the living room, making it more of a family area and less of a toy laden area. There are educational posters on the wall of the school/playroom, work/play stations for the kids, and everything is there level. There's no TV (although they do have musical instrument 'toys') and the majority of the tactile toys are wooden. LOVE THIS ROOM.

Skills:

Both kids can count to 20. Bobby can count backwards from 10, and Maya from 20.
Both kids can recite their ABCs and are starting to sound out words.

Bobby's first "read" word was "Norwich", the university that Peter and I attended. We have a blanket, with the NORWICH spelled out. He recited the words, then said "N-O-R... nor... W-I-C-H... norwich." Which was amazing because we had just started the "ch" sound!
Maya has sounded out the word "vegetable" and she is still quite the mimic. Her vocabulary is insane. And the retention of it...
I personally think that Maya speaks clearer than Bobby, but part of that too may be that she is a chatty cathy and wants to be talking all-the-time. Bobby is more quiet, but when he wants to say something he can. He still has moments of extreme frustration and we have to just tell him to relax (and sometimes hold him, looking him in the eye, until he does).
Bobby uses progressive verbs more than Maya does. She, however, has started using pronouns and has realized pluralization (i.e. one egg, two eggs)

They love to help cook. Bobby is my go-getter. He wants to go to the pantry, fridge, etc, and get whatever we need for the meal. Maya is my preparer. She wants to be right in the action, making food and getting ready to serve it. That child LOVES to set the table. They both love to 'wash dishes' too. It's adorable. :)
They are learning how to put on their socks, shoes, and coats. (see below)
They are learning how to clean up after play. (see below)

Things we are working on:

Potty training is still a big one. Maya will ask to go to the potty, although we usually get there late. Or, she will sit there with no action. She's peed in the toilet once. And we are/were thrilled! (So was she- she ran around telling Bobby and Peter that she "peed and wiped my vagina!" and she was so excited). Bobby, for the longest, hated the potty. Would have a freak out every time we tried to sit him on it. So we stopped. And let him direct it. He's now sat on it a few times with no freak outs, but he is in control and he decides when he does it. We ask, or if he takes us there, then we go. So far, no action. But it's a positive step. We're really hoping to continue doing 'child led' potty training, but I'm hoping they decide sooner, rather than later that they want to use the potty consistently!
Getting Dressed (without help). The kids consistently help us pick out their clothes and get dressed, but we are now moving towards having them put on their socks (they are getting pretty good at this!), shoes (working on it!), and coat (hit or miss, but more hits as the winter moves on!) independently.
We are now at the age where they are following directions better and are helping to clean up areas of play when they are done (although the school/playroom does NOT reflect that right now!). It's still a work in progress but I am trying to reiterate that when we are done with something, we need to put it away. Last night, Bobby helped by putting away the foam letters before he went to the recycled wood pulp blocks. I was SO proud. I didnt even ask him to do so, he just started! And Maya has been putting chalk and crayons back in the easel trays when finished. So, we are getting there, but we are just starting with this.

I found some interesting charts about developmental milestones at this age. This one is from Babycenter, for 25-30 months.

Child's Age	Mastered Skills (most kids can do)	Emerging Skills (half of kids can do)	Advanced Skills (a few kids can do)
25 and 26 months	Stacks six blocks Walks with smooth heel-to-toe motion	Uses pronouns (e.g., I, me, you) Washes and dries own hands	Speaks clearly most of the time Draws a vertical line
27 and 28 months	Jumps with both feet Opens doors	Understands descriptions (e.g., big, soft) Draws a vertical line	Starts to recognize ABCs Balances on one foot
29 and 30 months	Brushes teeth with help Washes and dries own hands Draws a vertical line	Draws a circle Balances on one foot	Puts on a T-shirt Names one color Names one friend

I am happy to report that our kids are doing well!! They both stack, walk, jump, open doors, brush teeth, wash and dry hands, and can draw lines (the most kids can do section). Maya is starting to use pronouns, but Bobby has not, and she also speaks more clearly than he does sometimes (this is from half of kids/few kids). They understand descriptions/verticle lines, and can draw circles. (from the middle section for 27-30mo). Balance on one foot? When we do yoga! ALL THE TIME!!! And they love love love love love going to the playground and climbing on the (terrifying) big kid jungle gym! They dont just recognize their ABCs- they know them and sing them!! They can put on shirts, name several colors, and can name each other (or repeat the names of others). Sadly, we dont really have a playgroup, etc, so their friends are mostly family/godsiblings. But this made me feel like "Whew! On par!"

We have their developmental assessment at the end of the month. I feel pretty awful about this actually. They should have had one in September and one in December (one at their 2 year and one at 2 years adjusted)... We were just so busy and had so much on our plate... But I made their appt this morning, so it is now on the calendar!

Things on the plate:

Preschool (possibly). We were excited about the possibility of doing a few hours a week at the local Montessori preschool... But, we interviewed there this morning and, honestly, I didnt love it (another post coming!). So, we're going to look at a few other places... We'll see. I love educating at home; but I want them to have more socialization. We are lacking in that... Hence
Playgroups. We've struggled to fit in at a playgroup. Most take place in the afternoon around here. We do lunch at 12/12:30, then nap around 12:30/1pm until 3pm or so. So, an afternoon playgroup just doesnt work. Our local parish does a weekly morning playgroup... But it's on Wednesdays- which doesnt work, because the kids visit their paternal grandparents. So... Friends suggested meetup.com, which I checked out, and we may be able to find something that works for us! I really want the kids to be able to make friends (and I'd love to get to know more local parents of toddlers, too).

Montessori Preschool Interview

2012-01-10T13:05:00.003-05:00

(originally posted here)

I can't believe this day has come... Tomorrow, we are going for our tour and interview of the local Montessori preschool. It's not just nerves about how the kids would do in that setting (remember the Bible study fiasco last fall???) because they will be 3 years old when beginning, but there's also our strong preference for homeschooling (along with our desire to have the kids in a setting where they can make new friends and interface with adults other than us, hence the idea that a few hours during the week wouldnt be that bad and would actually be a good thing). Montessori is what we do at home and is a style we really like, so in that regard, too, it's a good thing. (While I love the idea of Waldorf, the closest school is over a half hour away). And the school is highly recommended by folks we've talked to.... Still... I'm nervous. I've got questions (of course!) and concerns (the price tag is a big one!).

School stuff... We know it's Montessori, but which association certifies them? What are their standings in the state? Are their teachers certified (both in Montessori and as early educators)? Do you do fire drills? Do you have an emergency/disaster evacuation plan? Who can pick up the kids if, for whatever reason, I cant? Do you have a videocam so that parents can check in and see what is going on in the classroom?
Classroom stuff... How many classes? How many kids? (They are mixed age groups, which is a principle of Montessori) What's the teacher-to-child ratio? How many aides are in each class? Are all the people in the school cleared by the state and FBI with child abuse clearances and are they updated? (Hey, Peter and I have these- they should too) Will the kids be in the same class? Will their class have the same teacher daily? How often due teachers leave (find other employment)? What is the behavioral problem management style of the school? How do they discipline (ie is it a type of isolation, physical punishment, etc)? What's a typical day like? Is there TV (and if so, how much)? Is there naptime?
Education stuff... How much reading/writing learning takes place? Is there daily art/music/play-gym-recess? Do the kids go outside daily, weather permitting? Are there field trips of any sort? When are the kids evaluated on skills? (kids develop at differing paces, but if there are learning delays, we'd like to know sooner rather than later so that we can get some intervention)
Hygience stuff... Kids must be potty trained, but will there be someone there to help to ensure cleanliness? (I know kids in elementary school who still struggle with their bottoms being clean). Hand washing? Is there a snacktime and, if so, are hands washed first/after? Do we provide snacks? Do they? Are children required to have certain immunizations? (We use Dr. Sears as a guide and dont follow the AAP guidelines) Sick policy for kids?
Is the director onsite? Who teaches a class in the event a teacher is sick?
Is parental involvement encouraged? Can I visit the classroom unannounced? Do you communicate with parents on a regular basis?

What am I missing? As someone who has A) never done this before and B) never really planned to send my kids to a preschool, I'm at a loss. The other big thing we are discussing is time. We know that we want no more than 2-3 hours away from home, and in the morning (since we do nap in the afternoon and I'll want to 'homeschool' a bit with them still, in addition to hearing about their day, playing, etc). How many days? Some places, like the Friends (Quaker) preschool offer 2 and 3 days, while the local Catholic school offers a 2 day, but the Montessori offers 3 day and 5 day. Which is best? And then, of course, there is cost... While the Catholic school is $3260 for both for the year and I havent heard back from the Quaker school yet, but the Montessori school is (gulp) $4140 (or about $3700 after discounts for 2 kids and paying in full) for 3 day or $5400 (or about $4750 after discounts). (Waldorf: $1040 for both kids... 4 days, 4 hours a day, but we could apply for financial aid). So, still, we're looking at several thousands of dollars... For a few hours a day...

So, there's a lot to think about. While I'm still not 100% sold on the idea, we do think that the kids could benefit from it. And I want that for them. I want a good, academic environment that still allows them to be children. I want them to forge new friendships and make connections with folks... I'd like to meet other, local parents of kids Bobby & Maya's age... So, there are positives. But I'm nervous...

Share your experiences- good and bad... And, if you have them, any additional questions we might want to consider. Our appointment is at 9:30 tomorrow, so I'll let you know!

(Unsure about what the heck I'm going on and on about??? Here's a link that explains the differences between Montessori and Waldorf preschools)

Big Kid Beds for My Little Big Kids

2011-09-01T09:53:00.001-04:00

Bobby and Maya have been in "big kid" beds for a while. Well, in theory. They've slept on twin size beds since they were 7 months old. In the beginning, they had bolsters to keep them from rolling off the bed. We've practiced the Montossori method of bed sleeping for the longest, moving the matresses on the floor. This was great for a lot of reasons. We didnt really worry about the kids getting hurt if they fell off, but they also have been great helpers when it comes to changing their bedding.

For their second birthday (I still can't believe that is so quickly upon us), we decided to get them the Step 2 Lifestyle Bed that we found online. Maya's room is fairly small and we always knew we'd need a loft bed with built in storage for her. These beds are great. They are made of the hardcore plastic (like most Step 2 or Little Tykes toys) for easy cleaning and disinfecting. They are closer to the ground than the traditional top bunk bed and the bottom serves as storage (or a play fort!) Also, the bed portion is surrounded so little big kids (and their night-night toys!) can't roll off.

The pricetag, however, was cost prohibitive. Listing for $350 each, and the best online price for new ones being nearly $300 each, meant that we'd have to drop between $600-$700 for beds! We just couldnt do that. So, I started looking on Craigslist. Eventually, I found 2 (and only 1 day apart!) for $200! It's still a lot, but we are hoping to use these until the kids are 10-12 years old and will want more "grown up" furniture. They have a 250 pound weight limit, so if we need to for whatever reason, we can still cosleep on the rare ocassion.

"Aunt Sarah" and I picked up Maya's bed on Tuesday. It was a nice time for us to have a girl time too, since it was 90 miles away. When we got back, we put it together in a half hour (and that included 3 errors that we had to fix since we were working without directions). They thought it was the next best thing since the playground since they got to climb the stairs.

That night after her bath and PJs, she lunged for the bed. I tucked her in, gave her Bear and Sheep, and then flipped the light and left. Not a peep.

So, yesterday, Peter picked up Bobby's bed in the late morning and I brought his lunch to work and got the bed. I put it together- alone- in 20 minutes. Piece of cake!

Bobby saw it just before bedtime, which I wasnt thrilled about, but the kids were visiting their paternal grandparents and weren't home. Again, slept without a peep!

This morning, we played in the under storage area, although right now they seem to like opening/closing the doors but not really going under the bed.

During the day, their rooms are closed off (with gates). However, we are planning on (gulp) opening their rooms up to them to go into outside of naptime/bedtime and changing dipes/clothes times. Our big concerns are that they have sliding closet doors and could hurt each other accidentally. I've already removed their room doors (to avoid someone getting slammed by one) and Peter will be taking their closet doors off the hinges. Once that is done, we will be removing the gates. I'm both excited for them in this transition of growing, nervous because- OMG- they will have even MORE free range, and a bit sad because it's another sign of just how grown up they are getting. Two years old. The time has flown by. Less than 2 weeks til the big day.

For now, it's just my big little kids... in their big kid beds!

Princess of the Potty (MLAL)

2011-05-22T21:08:00.000-04:00

Originally posted here

Anyone who's around here knows that we've had the potties since the kids were around 17 months old and that we've done a gradual introduction to them. Over the last 2 weeks or so, I've been making "potty time" where I sit the kids on their potties and talk to them about peeing and pooping. I know. Fun times. They each have potty books

(in addition to Mommy and Daddy reading some of their own potty literature). And, while it wasn't alot (it was only a few drops), Maya went to the potty and peed today! After breakfast, they got naked and each sat down on the potty and Maya had a little bit of activity! (We'd just read the books outloud, and she was quite pleased with herself!)

So, while we still have a long way to go, I'm pretty proud of my Potty Princess!

20 Months: Upgrading...

2011-05-17T13:33:00.000-04:00

...to 90 minutes of directed homeschooling each day (as opposed to previously 60 minutes of directed each day)!

We are operating under the philosophy of X directed hours per year of age. (I'll get into directed versus undirected in a moment). Obviously, infants cannot sit for long periods of time for educational practices, and they would (most likely) get bored in one long stretch; the same is true of toddlers (to a lesser degree), to children (to an even lesser degree), and even to teens and adults! In our homeschooling, there are 3 aspects to the day: directed homeschooling, indirect education, and visual stimulatory education.

Directed Homeschooling: This takes place when either one-on-one or one-on-two, I sit with them and go through an activity with them. It could be storytime, coloring, directing their hands to draw letters, offering them shapes for the shapesorter (and talking about them), talking to them about the shapes as they work the pegboard, or going through the alphabet (or other puzzles) with them (or a variety of other things!). The key thing here is that they are either being actively engaged with me or by me, and that we are doing activities together. These are the activities that I log and keep up with. This isn't to say that the other 2 sections aren't just as important, but as they make up the rest of our day, I dont log them the same way (nor am I as anal about making sure time is kept, except with the TV aspect).

Indirect Education: This is the largest part of our day. It's where the kids play without me trying to direct them or get involved. And it is a broad spectrum. Sometimes, it's all of us dancing to the music or the kids climbing on top of the furniture and practicing their foreward rolls. It could be them playing on the piano, learning their letters and sounds on their little LeapFrog Laptops or "reading" their boardbooks themselves. They could be playing with their kitchen or making music with their drums. There's no end to what they do or what they might create! But, since we break up our directed work and our visual stimulation into 10-20 minute chunks, this is the largest aspect of our day, by far!

Visual Stimulatory Education: This is my nice way of saying education via television. It's no secret that we don't love the idea of putting kids in front of the TV for extended periods of time, but I'll give credit where credit is due: there are some AWESOME programs available and they can be integrated into the day. We have Comcast as our cable provider and their On Demand menu for Kids has a section for babies that is full of educational gems. Daily, the kids watch either a shape/ABC/numbers program (10-12 minutes) and a language program (10-14 minutes). They love them and they are nicely done (and free with our cable subscription!). We DVR a lot of programs since we dont want to be tethered to watching them at a specific time where something else might come up. For religious education, the kids watch one of 3 different religious cartoons that we DVR from EWTN: We Are Catholic, The Animated Rosary for Kids, or My Catholic Family. These run about 20 minutes each episode. For positive educational reinforcement, they LOVE the PBS show SuperWhy!, which is half an hour. Sometimes, if they get cranky as I am cleaning up from breakfast, I will put on The Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About That, which is also half an hour but they rarely watch that and it serves more as a background distraction why they either "help" me clean or play with their toys. The same is true of Dinosaur Train; they may watch that in snippets if I need something going on while I am cleaning up. All in all, they get about 20 minutes of educational videos plus 20 minutes of religious education and 30-40 minutes of PBS programming a day, for a total of up-to 80 minutes or so. Sometimes the TV will be on something educational and we'll watch it as a family while we are playing, but usually, the cablebox is on a music channel of some sort (Toddler Tunes is a favorite throughout the day; Soundscapes is a must-have during naptime) and the TV screen is turned off.

There are other important things to, of course. In addition to breakfast, lunch, second lunch, and dinner, they get 3 snacks throughout the day plus their 2 hour nap (inbetween lunch and second lunch). We also try to get outside (weather permitting) each day for at least half an hour; weekly, they visit their paternal grandparents and their maternal grandfather comes here for a visit. They also have their weekly 45 minute music class and weekly 45 minute toddler tumbling/gymnastic class; if I can make a playgroup, I do so, otherwise I try to get them out on another sort of play outting. They also do our weekly shopping with me, which gets them out of the house and gives them a new world to explore as we discuss the food and items we pass and put in our cart.

The kids are learning to put themselves to sleep and to self-soothe if they wake up before they are ready to do so. We dont (nor do we plan to do) CIO; we will let them whine or complain, but if it progresses to crying, we intercede and reassure them. Maya is outstanding. When she hears naptime, she snuggles my shoulder for a moment then pulls away for her bed. She wants her "sleep entourage" of Baby Stella, Sleep Sheep, and her lovey, then her sheet and blanket, and then you to leave her alone! If she wakes up, she will talk to her dolls until she falls asleep. If she is awake and finished with her nap, she will come to her door for you to open the gate. Bobby still needs a bit more intervention. Usually, I leave and have to go back in 10 minutes or so (sometimes twice over a 20 minute period) to help him. He doesnt like being alone, which is tough when you are trying to have him fall asleep on his own! But he will, and, if he wakes up, he usually sings himself back to sleep.

The kids LOVE the park. It's a shame that, at this age, I simply cant take them by myself, but until I have a way of safely doing so, we wait until we have someone to go with us during the day or until the evenings/weekends when Peter is home. We all walk to the park 4 blocks away or Peter and I walk and push them in the stroller to our favorite park, a mile away. They love the swings and the slides, and are fearless! It's so cute to watch them. They are never happy to leave, no matter how tired they are!

Mealtimes are still awesome. They love to eat, and eat a diverse diet. It's really amazing to watch them discover a new food and chow away.

And bathtime remains a fun way to end our day. They end up playing for 15-20 minutes or so, until they are washed, dried off, massaged, and pajama'ed. It's a fun time for Peter to have some DaddyTime (while I straighten the kitchen up post dinner).

20 months have come and gone. It's amazing, for me, to watch them grow, and to see just how far they've come as we approach their second birthday.

(I have a second part of this as well, but that will be saved for another day... We upgraded our supplies since we are moving towards 2 hours of directed HSing each day as they hit their 2nd birthday. But I dont have any new pics yet and am still getting the hang of my new planner!)

Food for Toddlers (MLAL)

2011-05-06T09:22:00.000-04:00

Originally posted here

Again, props to Mrs. J. for keeping my mind off of things that I havent yet found the words to write about, by giving me a project! She asked that I write some ideas on feeding toddlers.

I'm not a good person for this. Just putting that up there up front. My kids eat and they eat a variety of things, but we are rebels amongst the toddler parents we know.

1) Offer them everything. We offer our kids some of everything on the table. Does some of it get thrown away? Yes. But they are exposed to it and are able to try it. As a result, these kids love salmon (and almost any other seafood we've thrown at them), caviar (that was Peter- not me), and Greek yogurt.

2) If you wouldn't eat it, then don't try to force them to. This doesnt mean that if you dont like it, dont offer it, rather, if it looks and smells like crap and you wouldnt try it, why do you think they want to? Open a can of baby food and eat it. Yeah. It's that nasty. It's no wonder kids dont want some of that stuff! Now, peel a mango and make your own paste for your infant, or give a slice to your toddler. Mango baby food- not so great. Real mango- delicious.

3) If you dont want them to have it, then reevaluate why you're having it.  Now, dont get me wrong, I love my Guinness and white wine. Do I give the kids that? Of course not (although Maya does her damnedest to get into my Guinness whenever she can!). Some things you dont give them because they arent old enough (like booze). Other things we dont give them because we know it's bad. Like soda. High Fructose Corn Syrup is not a vegetable, even though the word "corn" is in it. If you wouldnt give it to your kids, think about that as they watch you eat/drink it. They know you want it... which means they want it... Childhood obesity is no joke. Stop it while you are still in control of their dietary choices.

4) Eat well. Let your kids know where their food comes from. Prepare it with them (or at least while they watch). Talk to them about it. Let them know that it is good and good for them. I know this sounds nuts, when it comes to toddlers. But I swear, our kids love to hang out in the kitchen and "help" me cook.

5) Eat together.  We eat our meals together. We have breakfast and dinner together as a family and try, monthly, to visit Peter at work and have lunch together. The kids and I have lunch together while he is at work otherwise. They do have snacks (although I tend to have a small snack with them). Eating is a family activity. It's a shared activity. It shows them variety. I have whole grain cheerios for breakfast; they have a bowl with me, then have some fruit and yogurt. Morning snack is rice cakes of some sort, with a soft goat cheese. The kids love it. How many toddlers do you know who go nuts over goat cheese and hummus (another favorite additive to rice cakes)?

6) Find your mojo.  When we first started feeding the kids what we eat, some folks were pretty torn up about it. What? No chicken fingers or mac-n-cheese? No pizza (although we do eat pizza- it just has feta and fresh mozzarella and spinach on whole wheat crust! we eat regular pizza stuff too, but that's a favorite!)? No hotdogs? What will they do when they are around other kids! I guess they'll eat... And eat food that I'd like to eat too! A common thing was "You dont want to give them good food; then it will be too expensive when you go out to eat and they dont want to order off the kid menu." Then, I suppose, we wont be able to go out to eat. Why would we relegate them to food that they (let's be honest) shouldnt be eating in quantity, that is over processed and is so far from being "real" it's ridiculous, when they could have fresh seafood or organic meat or steamed veggies? One of their first restaurants was Pure Food & Wine in NYC. They were just starting to eat solids. One of their first meals when they were eating solids was at Le Gourmet in North Wales, where they dug into a salmon eggs benedict. Food is something to be shared with them! We want them to enjoy those experiences, as we do! If it means we go out to eat every 6 months because they are ordering off the "real" menu, then so be it. I'd rather do that than have them think that McDonald's-style food is what they should be eating.

So, that's kind of our take on things. We feed them what we eat. It works. They love food. And that's an awesome thing. But you have to do what works for your family. This is just our experience.

Watching Them Grow

2011-04-18T11:46:00.000-04:00

It never ceases to amaze me- that speed with which babies become toddlers and then the rate that those toddlers continue to grow. Just yesterday (it seems), we were taking Bobby and Maya home from the hospital. And now, they both take their naps & bedtimes after being briefly snuggled and then put to bed awake, and Maya didnt take a bottle before bed last night (we are attempting Bobby tonight).

The bottle weaning has been completely a baby led experience. When it seemed they liked their cups, we took away all their daily bottles... No issues, no fight from them. When it seemed that, if they woke in the middle of the night, they were briefly thirsty for a glass of water and not a bottle, we took away the middle of the night feeding... No issues, no fight, and thankfully, full nights of sleeping for all four of us! When, last week, Maya began taking a drink or two of her "snuggle bottle" (which was only 4 ounces at this point, weaned down from 9), we realized she was telling us she was done with bottles for good. To make sure, we finished out the week and, last night, I made Bobby his new amount of 3 ounces, and Maya had no bottle. After her bath, I snuggled her like normal, and then placed her in her bed. She took her "sleep entourage" of her lovey, sleep sheep, and Baby Stella doll, all covered by her favorite baby blanket and then her comforter, and went to sleep. Bobby took his bottle, although Peter said you could tell he did it because it was there, and then Peter snuggled him and put him to bed. Sometimes he'll sit up quietly for 15-30 minutes before crawling into bed and going to sleep. It's interesting to sneak a peak at him.

So, tonight, it looks as if we may try Bobby without his bottle. He seems to be giving us signals, albeit differently from Maya. I think it will be strange to look in the cabinet and no longer see Born Free bottles... to no longer have them on the drying rack... to no longer wash level 3 nipples and apparatus pieces... to no longer have babies drinking bottles. It's a good change, of course. But it does tug my heart as well. As it is, there are only 6 bottles left in the house (down from, at one time, 30 bottles!) But I think packing those up and giving them away will truly feel like the end of an era.

Update to 18mo

2011-03-30T08:45:00.000-04:00

The kids had their 18 month check-up last night and the results were:

Bobby:
height: 35" (greater than 95%)
weight: 28.2 lbs* (75%)
*they used a standing scale, and he wouldn't stay still, so the nurse said it could be up to 1.5 lbs off!
head circ: 20" (greater than 95%)

Maya:
height: 30" (10%)
weight: 20.2 lbs (5%)
head circ: 18.5" (75-95%)

These measurements are not adjusted for prematurity.

Overall, the doctor said they are extremely healthy and are doing great!! Her words: "No one told them they were premature. They are on track as full term singletons." YAY!!!

They had their final Prevnar booster and today, they have a rash on their face :(

Changing It Up

2011-03-14T13:49:00.000-04:00

It seems that, as the kids move into one schedule and get comfortable, they decide they need to change it up! Perhaps it is Mommy's Gemini influence or the way they are headed because of the time change or maybe it is just a one-time fluke! Who knows!

Normally, the kids wake around 6am-6:30am, play until 8am or so when they have breakfast, nap around 10:30, then wake-up around noon-12:30 and have lunch. Not today! Today, they were up at 7:30am, ate breakfast at 8:30am, played and homeschooled until 11:20 when they wanted lunch, then went to bed: Maya at 11:45 and Bobby at 11:40. They slept until 2pm! I realize they'll want a snack probably around 3, but I dont think we'll be having dinner at 5:30 and bedtime ritual at 6! We were hoping to push them back a little anyway (since, with daylight savings there will be more daylight). So, my plan is dinner at 6:30, followed by 7pm bedtime ritual and, hopefully, bed by 7:45!

We'll see how that goes!!!

18 Months Old (MLAL)

2011-03-10T11:44:00.003-05:00

Originally Posted Here

18 months.

at the playground, 3/5/11

18 calendar months. A year and half. 548 days since Bobby and Maya exited my womb and entered the world (and, funny enough, just a few days from when they were conceived and began their lives six months before that!)

The day was like today, actually. From my window, I could see that it was misting and overcast, and people told me that it felt like fall was on its way (much like spring is on its way now!) My girlfriend and Maya’s godmother, M, came to visit with her daughter, L, who was 11 weeks old. I snuggled with her and could feel the babies saying hi with their gentle kicks. She left, and my MIL came, bringing my current craving of Olive Garden’s fried calamari (which I cant stand and don’t dare to even think of eating without giving myself a sick stomach!). After she left, my girlfriend, Lys, who was getting married to Peter’s friend and, at the time, coworker, came and we looked at bridal books and discussed the (gorgeous) bridesmaids dresses she’d selected for us. Her wedding was just over a year away and we joked that the babies would *fingers crossed* be about nine months old then.

They had other plans, though…

When she left, the contractions had already started. I remember drinking A LOT of water and laying on my side. When that didn’t help, I started watching the clock and when I realized I could time the pain, I rang for the nurse. My nurse didn’t come in (as she was with someone else) and the CRNP came instead. The TOCO didn’t pick up anything but, by this point, I was feeling *something* that wasn’t right. Dr B was at a conference and Dr M had left the hospital already. The “on-call” was the doctor I’d initially talked to on the phone when I started laboring with Alexander. I remember thinking “hell no- these babies are NOT coming if he is thinking HE will touch me.” They called the resident, whom I liked and at least knew our situation well enough to be able to discuss it with me (I’ll give the hospital a lot of credit; their residents were really great and, even if they read charts before they entered the room instead of holding the info to heart, they always presented as very informed). She brought an ultrasound and did a digital exam; I was dilating against the cerclage and Bobby’s head was RIGHT THERE. MFM was called and I was given Procardia- no go. A second round: still contracting. At this point, my two favorite APU nurses were there and while one (who was herself pregnant and due on Halloween) rubbed my back to help with pain management, the other (who has a personality like mine and is very much a no BS type of woman) looked me square in the eye and, as calmly as she could, told me that I was in labor and that they couldn’t stop it, and that my babies would be born soon. I remember crying and saying something along the lines of “it’s too soon” and she told me that, she promised, they would have the best care possible.

As they wheeled my bed into the hallway and towards L&D, it struck me that my APU nurses would stop at the door and the L&D nurses would take over. K, the aforementioned nurse, was next to me and holding my hand and, as we got to the L&D doors, I remember saying “Please don’t go” and she laughed and told me she hadn’t spent the last 2 months monitoring the monkeys to leave at their grand entrance! Somehow, she worked it out so that a delivery nurse would go to APU and she would stay with me. She held me during the spinal and stayed by my side the entire delivery, leaving only to bring Peter into the room once he was there. She was also the one who laughed and told me that Dr M had returned to the hospital to do the C-section. I cant tell you how relieved I was. I didn’t want a surgical delivery but, if I had to have one, then it was either Dr B or Dr M that I wanted there. In a matter of moments, Bobby and Maya were born and in the hands of their neonatologists, and K was telling me that they were okay and beautiful and that they were going to be fine. (I cant remember without getting choked up right now…)

When Peter followed them to the NICU, K stayed with me during the stitching up and didn’t leave until I was in recovery (keep in mind, her shift ended at 7pm; the babies were born at 7:20ish, and I didn’t get to recovery until close to 8pm). Just before I was taken to the NICU, she and J (the other nurse I’d mentioned) came to see me. J had waited around to make sure all was okay, and the two of them went to the NICU and then came back to tell me that the babies were okay and doing great. They were both so excited to tell me that they were breathing room air and didn’t need ventilation. I trusted those two women and, at that moment, I really believed my babies were going to be okay. All of the assurances prior to birth meant so little in comparison to these two mothers and nurses telling me that the babies were okay. “And big!” J added, as they hugged me and left. “See,” K laughed, “those vegan brownies did the trick!” (I had a huge hankering for Whole Food’s vegan chocolate-peanut butter brownies and, when I was diagnosed with GD, was SO sad that I couldn’t have them anymore. Maybe not having them for that last week I was pregnant pushed Bobby and Maya over the edge???)

Maya, 9/10/09

Bobby, 9/10/09

I was so relieved to see Bobby and Maya that first time… Those beautiful little toes and adorable bellies and gorgeous faces… Their breathing and heartbeats clearly visible on monitors to tell me that, yes, they were alive and well.

Nine weeks later, having them home, was a dream come true and I’m constantly amazed by the miracles in my midst. Time has flown by and it seems amazing to me that they are now a year and a half old and that, from this day until September 10^th, we’ll be moving towards their second birthday…

(**They don’t have their 18m check up until the end of the month, so the weights I’m giving are based on our bathroom scale and are probably not that accurate since the babies love to play on the scale and don’t like to stay still!**)

Bobby, 3/10/11

Bobby, originally born at 14.25 inches and weighing 2lb13oz, is now **34 inches tall** and **30lbs**. He wears 24mo and 2T clothes (with a few 3T PJs thrown in!). He loves to give this look where he lowers his head and looks up at you from underneath long lashes with those dark eyes. Women of the world, look out!!! The other night, while I was snuggling him before bed and singing my nightly version of “Oh Bobby Boy” (the kids each get “Oh Bobby Boy” or “Oh Maya Girl” to the song “Oh Danny Boy”), he had fallen asleep and, as is my custom, I usually sing either an Irish or Native American blessing to them before I put them down. As I start the Irish blessing, he opens his eyes and is, clearly, in this place between waking and sleeping. His lips are slightly parted and he’s watching me. He smiles and says, softly, “love you”. I melted… completely… Those words have never been more beautifully said to me in my entire life. I finished the blessing (with his eyes open and a small smile on his face) and then went back to “Oh Bobby Boy” and, before I was through the first verse, he was asleep and in his bed.

Maya, 3/10/11

Maya, originally born at 14 inches and weighing 2lb4oz, is now **30 inches tall** and **22lbs**. She wears 18mo clothes (although it’s more for height- I think she could probably easily get into 9mo at the waist!) She is a daredevil and loves to give you this “I’ll do what I want” laugh when you chastise her. She climbs on EVERYTHING and her current favorite is to climb the couch and lean on the passthrough when I am in the kitchen. If my back is to her, she says “Mama…” and when I turn around and give her the traditional “Maya!” she laughs and scurries off the couch and to her favorite spot (the bookcase) to where she will sit and look at me like “What? I was just reading! You must be seeing things!” If she isn’t standing, on one leg no less, on the rocking horse or trying to climb the piano, then she’s probably asleep!

Bobby & Maya, watching "Super Why!" and in their own personal "book club", 3/8/11

Bobby and Maya’s 18 Month Evaluation

2011-03-10T11:41:00.001-05:00

The kids wont have their 18 month check-up until the end of the month, but here is my low-down of the babes, at 18 months old. (Where has the time gone???)

Bobby’s Statistics (using home scale/measuring tape: official apt end of March)
height: 34 in.

weight: 30 lbs.

Maya’s Statistics (using home scale/measuring tape: official apt end of March)
height: 30 in.

weight: 22 lbs.

Standard Eating Schedule (self fed unless otherwise noted)
Breakfast:

eggs, toast , fruit-or- fruit, breakfast bar, maple corn puffs, served with water or oat/nut milk
Snack:

2 rice crackers OR 3 fruit/veggie ‘wheels’ OR 2 biter biscuits, served with their drink from breakfast, as desired
Lunch:

cheese or veggie corn puffs, fruit cup, cheese, PB&J single slice of bread “sandwich”, mixed veggies, served with juice, oat/nut milk, or water
Snack:

2 rice crackers OR 3 fruit/veggie ‘wheels’ OR 2 biter biscuits, OR share a Greek yogurt with mom (spoon-fed by mom), served with their drink from lunch, as desired
Dinner:

cheese or veggie corn puffs plus family dinner (cut up), served with juice, oat/nut milk, or water
Other:

6-7oz. bottle of whole, organic cow’s milk before bedtime

· Bobby and Maya will both hold spoons, forks, and sporks, however, their primary eating tools are their fingers. They will dip their eating utensils in food (help by others) and place in their mouths correctly when they wish to do so.
· Bobby and Maya drink from either Camelback Bite-Valve bottles or straw cups. Their nightly bottle will be eliminated between 21-24 months.

General Notes:
A typical day begins at 5:30/6am-7:30am with playtime. Breakfast is normally 8 am, depending on when the children wake up and begin showing “hungry signs”. Morning nap begins 10:30am-11am, and routinely lasts until 12:30pm-1pm. During the morning, the children watch Super Why!, a PBS program focused on reading and words. They have 30 minutes of schooling (shapes, colors, letters, numbers) and play. They usually watch an episode of Dinosaur Train, a PBS program that educates young children about dinosaurs. On Wednesday mornings, they attend a multi-age playgroup, and visit their paternal grandparents for the afternoon. On Friday mornings, they attend a 45 minute toddler music class, and visit with their maternal grandfather in the afternoon. On Saturday mornings, they attend a 45 minute toddler tumbling class. After their nap, they play together for 15-30 minutes, until they begin showing “hungry signs”. After lunch, Bobby and Maya have 30 minutes of schooling, watch an educational or religious cartoon, and play. We may have a visitor, do errands, or visit the library or park (in good weather) during the early afternoon. Our afternoon ends with 15 minutes of schooling and then they watch an educational or religious cartoon, before their father returns from work (when he plays with them). We have dinner at the table as a family, and the children eat whatever we are eating (cut into smaller pieces). Their bedtime ritual begins immediately after dinner and involves their bath, massage, PJs, bottle, and bed. Maya will self sooth herself to sleep at both nap and bedtimes (if put to bed awake), however Bobby struggles to do so and, usually, is put to bed asleep. Bobby and Maya attend church services on the weekend, and, in addition to weekly playgroup, attend 1-2 monthly playgroups(weather and health of other participants permitting). As a family, they go with us to restaurants once-twice per month. Once a week, they visit at their grandparents for 5-6 hours. Bobby and Maya both walk and run, and they sleep in their own beds for nap and bedtime in their own rooms. They will, on occasion, help put toys away when directed and shown what to do. Both enjoy playing on the piano and try to mimic whenever a person plays the keys. They will both go to the piano to play and sing when no one is playing on it.

Bedtime
We had noticed a problem with their sleeping habits. Both babies were waking up in the middle of the night, consistently. We implemented the No Cry Sleep Solution and, in a month, the problem had all but gone away. The kids take 1 nap in the late morning-early afternoon, and then begin their bedtime routine immediately after dinner (which we moved up to 5:45ish from 7ish to accommodate their new sleep schedule). They are in bed by 7pm and sleep until 5:30-6am.

Personal Hygiene
Bobby and Maya take baths once per day. They enjoy bathtime and play for 15 minutes before they are bathed and removed from the tub. They sit in bath chairs and are in the tub together. They are both still in diapers (Bobby is size 6, Maya is size 5). Bobby has started patting his bottom when he has a bowel movement and both children will go to their rooms and bang the gates if they need a diaper change that has not been picked up on yet by the adult in the room. Potty chairs have been purchased and we are currently introducing them to their potties in a non-threatening way. No attempts to potty train has been made yet. The children are sometimes dry/clean after naptime/bedtime, but are not consistently showing the physical signs of being read to learn the potty.

Discipline and Behavioral Issues
Overall, both children are well behaved. We have not had to utilize time-out in months. They play with each other and around each other well. Maya is a daredevil and loves to climb the furniture or stand on her toys (that are not meant for standing). Both understand the word “No”, although they don’t always heed the order. We do not spank, rather choose to take the child away from the situation and explain why we don’t want them to engage in the behavior. They are young and this happens multiple times before they understand (for the moment) that they are not to behave in that fashion. They still chew on their board books when teething.

Verbal Communication
In addition to many non-verbal forms of communication, the children both communicate to their parents and each other. When they are told it is time for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, they both will walk to the kitchen gate and, once inside, to their chairs. When told it is time to be changed in X’s room, they will both go to the appropriate room. When told “No”, they stop their behavior and look in the direction of the parent talking. When they want to be held, they both can say “Up” and when they want to get down, they can both say “Down”. When he is thirsty, Bobby will say “Drink”. Both will tap their trays when they want more food and Maya will smack her lips when she is thirsty. They both understand the sign language for the name “Jesus” and will make that sign when they see a crucifix in church. Maya will routinely mimic what is being said to her and Bobby will do the same, on ocassion. She will say several sentences based on what is going on. Some favorites are “It’s raining” and “I did it”. Bobby will echo a version of “I love you” when he is told that (usually a few times); he also routinely says “I’m done.” They both will say “again” to repeat an action. They have a version of the word “milk” and their own versions of names for different people. The children routinely communicate to each other in verbal tones that we, as of yet, do not understand. They routinely speak 15-20 words and will often catch us off guard with new words.

17 Month Schedule

2011-02-09T20:35:00.000-05:00

It's funny how, since I kind of poo-poo the idea of schedules (hey, I'm pro-BabyLed everything!) that it's this combo of baby-led and scheduling in our house as we near the year and a half mark. So, at 17 months old, here is a loose time schedule and what we do around the Haytko house!

Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays
7:30am Babies wake up (if we are lucky, sometimes it's closer to 8!), morning snuggles
8am: Super Why cartoon
8:30am: Breakfast! (for a sample menu, click here)
9am: Breakfast clean-up and change out of PJs. The kids pick out their own outfits.
9:30am: Homeschooling (we play with puzzles, identify animals, and usually watch a 10-15m program on either ABCs, animals, or 123s)
10:15am: Snack Time! (for a sample menu, click here)
10:30am: Storytime (2-3 stories)
10:45am: Bedroom cleaning (the kids "help" make their beds and straighten up their floors; clean baby laundry is usually hung up during this time)
11:45am: Lunch prep for Mommy, independent play
12pm: Lunch time! (for a sample menu, click here)
12:30pm: Lunch clean-up, independent play, nap prep (since the kids still snuggle for naps, I usually take the most tired one around now to try and get them down, then switch to the others)
1pm: Nap-time
3pm: Snack Time! (for a sample menu, click here)
3:15pm: Homeschooling (we play with puzzles, identify animals, and usually watch a 10-15m program on either ABCs, animals, or 123s)
4pm: Independent Play
5pm: Religious Cartoon as we wait for Daddy to come home (around this time is about when they start asking for "Daddy" and climbing on the loveseat to look out the picture window for him. It's also when I start dinner prep).
5:30-5:45pm: Dinner Time! (for a sample menu, click here)
6:15-6:30pm: Bath Time
6:45-7pm: Massage with lavender lotion and PJs
7:15pm- Nighttime Bottle of milk fortified with rice
7:30pm- Snuggles and Bedtime!

Wednesdays

7:30am Babies wake up (if we are lucky, sometimes it's closer to 8!), morning snuggles

8am: Super Why cartoon

8:30am: Breakfast! (for a sample menu, click here)

9am: Breakfast clean-up and change out of PJs. The kids pick out their own outfits.

9:30am: Playgroup at our local church

11:30am: Arrive at Uita and Grandpa's house for weekly visit afternoon.

The kids spend the afternoon at their grandparents' house, where they have their lunch, nap, and afternoon snack. They play with their grandparents and have stories.

5:30-5:45pm: Mommy and Daddy arrive; Dinner Time at Uita and Grandpa's house! (for a sample menu, click here)

6:15-6:30pm: Leave for Home

6:45pm: Bath Time

7pm: Massage with lavender lotion and PJs

7:15pm- Nighttime Bottle of milk fortified with rice

7:30pm- Snuggles and Bedtime!

Fridays

7:30am Babies wake up (if we are lucky, sometimes it's closer to 8!), morning snuggles

8am: Super Why cartoon

8:30am: Breakfast! (for a sample menu, click here)

9am: Breakfast clean-up and change out of PJs. The kids pick out their own outfits.

9:30am: Homeschooling (we play with puzzles, identify animals, and usually watch a 10-15m program on either ABCs, animals, or 123s)

10am: Snack Time! (for a sample menu, click here)

10:15am: Leave for Music Class

10:30am: Music Class

11:15am: Leave Music Class, pick up PawPaw for visit

11:45am: Arrive Home, lunch prep

12pm: Lunch time! (for a sample menu, click here)

12:30pm: Lunch clean-up, independent play, nap prep (since the kids still snuggle for naps, I usually take the most tired one around now to try and get them down, then switch to the others)

1pm: Nap-time

3pm: Snack Time! (for a sample menu, click here)

3:15pm: Visit with PawPaw

4:15pm: Leave to take PawPaw home

5:15pm: Arrive home, Religious Cartoon as we wait for Daddy to come home (around this time is about when they start asking for "Daddy" and climbing on the loveseat to look out the picture window for him. It's also when I start dinner prep).

5:30-5:45pm: Dinner Time! (for a sample menu, click here)

6:15-6:30pm: Bath Time

6:45-7pm: Massage with lavender lotion and PJs

7:15pm- Nighttime Bottle of milk fortified with rice

7:30pm- Snuggles and Bedtime!

Saturdays and Sundays

7:30am Babies wake up (if we are lucky, sometimes it's closer to 8!), morning snuggles

8am: cartoons

8:30am: Breakfast! (for a sample menu, click here)

9am: Breakfast clean-up and change out of PJs. The kids pick out their own outfits.

Weekends are tough. A lot depends on what our plans for the day are and when we go to church. They still get a snack mid-morning and their lunch around noon, followed by an afternoon nap, afternoon snack, and playtime.

5:30-5:45pm: Dinner Time! (for a sample menu, click here)

6:15-6:30pm: Bath Time

6:45-7pm: Massage with lavender lotion and PJs

7:15pm- Nighttime Bottle of milk fortified with rice

7:30pm- Snuggles and Bedtime!

*Of course, if I have errands to do during the week, things get changed around. I try to make sure they get at least an hour of directed schooling and at least an hour of independent play NO MATTER WHAT else is going on through the day. But we are not a rigid family. Education can be done anywhere and comes in a variety of ways.

The Potty

2011-02-07T16:36:00.002-05:00

When I said I was getting potties for the monkeys, these weren't the ones I had in mind...

I mentioned a bit ago that the kids were showing different signs of potty prep. While we are nowhere close to the official potty training, we decided to start looking for chairs so that we could introduce the kids. (They love the "big kid" potty, but, for obvious reasons, we arent going to start training them on an adult toilet!).

After quite a bit of research, we settled on the Prince Lionheart Potty Pod. It was one of the few potties that people loved, regardless of whether they had a son or daughter. I half thought of getting two different (or at least two different colors) but, let's be honest. They'd want the other's potty. It's always the way it is. Maya wants his toys and Bobby wants hers. The last thing I wanted was to get a boy friendly potty only to have Maya confiscate it (and me have to end up cleaning up pee because the potty Bobby used didnt have a special "boy" shield).

The Potty Pod has a "deflector shield" which I like to think of as a penis protector. Apparently, it helps to deflect the pee into the removable potty so that, when a little boy is learning to pee, his penis doesnt go everywhere (thus sending pee everywhere). This deflector, however, is removable so, if Maya needs hers removed, it's a simple matter to take care of. Thankfully, however, save the potty part itself, it's difficult for them to try and remove the pieces.

That potty though... It goes everywhere. On someone's head. In someone's bedroom. Usually anywhere except in the Pod. But, we are working on it. Right now, it's the month of "hey, look, it's a potty". Around their 18 month birthday, we'll reevaluate their potty signs and go from there. But, for now, at least the (other) monkeys like the potties!

Sleep Training: Week 1

2011-02-03T09:17:00.002-05:00

originally posted here

So, as I mentioned last Friday, our little sleeping beauties became zombies who wanted to stay awake all night. In desperation, I turned to Elizabeth Pantley's No Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers and Preschoolers. I'll admit, I was a little hesitant to believe that putting them to bed early would make a difference.

But I'll also admit when I was wrong.

And boy was I wrong.

We'd been really lucky that our kids liked to sleep. They would stay up with us, go to bed, we'd stay up later getting stuff cleaned up, etc, and then we'd go to bed, and we'd all get up with the morning alarm. They seemed fine, took their two naps, and so on and so forth. We were tired, but that was the way it was supposed to be.

Enter in a few weeks ago. They were still going to bed between 9pm-10:30pm, which meant we were up until midnight cleaning up, then the kids were up by 1 and played musical awake until 4 or so, when we were both so tired that we just.wanted.them.to.sleep. By 7am when the alarm went off, we were tired and snippy, and just wanted to roll back over and go back to bed. But, no, the kids were UP and ready to go. Repeat... Repeat... Zombie... Zombie...

January 27th was the first night that I wrote stuff down. We decided to embrace her technique full throttle and create a nap schedule as well as a prebedtime schedule. With our enjoyment of eating out and entertaining in, we knew that gearing up for the next few (gulp) months wasnt going to be easy, but we made the commitment to get the kids squared away with decent sleep patterns (and enough sleep for their growth!). Instead of eating late, at 7:30 or so, we've changed dinner time to when Peter gets home from work, around 5:30-5:45. (We all eat together, around the table, so this was an important change for us. It has resulted in Peter usually snacking on something like cheese and crackers right before bed because he prefers eating late). At around 6:15-6:30, dinner is over and the kids are stripped and have their bath. Peter now handles bathtime. This gives me time to get their only bottle of the day (the night time bottle) ready and warming in water, while straightening up the kitchen. After the kids play 10 minutes or so, he begins washing Maya. I take her once she is finished and give her a massage with lavender lotion and put her in her PJs. By this time, Bobby is finished with his bath. Peter takes Maya for her teeth and hair brushings and I massage Bobby and put him in his PJs. Then, we switch again and Peter does teeth and hair for Bobby while I get the milk. We turn on soft music and turn off all the lights. The only light is from the fire (it also should be said that we blocked off the nightlights in the kids room so they are a very dull glow instead of the beam of light they were before). In silence or with a soft lullaby, we give the babies their bottles and then snuggle them until they drift off to sleep. (At this point, neither they or we are ready to give up the snuggles... We will first move towards independent napping (when they are 21-24 months old) and then independent sleeping.)

These kids are in bed around 7:30 (8 at the latest). No kidding.

So, below (in abbreviated form) are their naps and sleep cycles for the last week. This is just the first week, and we have confidence that things will get better as we continue.

NAPS

Thursday: Bobby and Maya- 2.5 hours (at Uita & Grandpa's house)

Friday: Bobby-2h20m, Maya-2 hours

Saturday: Bobby-1h15m, Maya-1h40m

Sunday: Bobby and Maya- 2h15m

Monday: Bobby-1h50m, Maya- 1.5 hours (babies woken by doorbell)

Tuesday: Bobby-1h40m, Maya-1h50m

Wednesday: Bobby and Maya-2h5m

BEDTIME

Thursday: Bobby- 8.5 asleep hours, 2 awake hours, 2 wakings, total sleep for the day 11 hours

Thursday: Maya- 10 asleep hours, 50 awake minutes, 4 wakings, total sleep for the day 12.5 hours

Friday: Bobby- 8h40m asleep hours, 1h40m awake hours, 3 wakings, total sleep for the day 11 hours

Friday: Maya- 10h35m asleep hours, 45 awake minutes, 1 waking, total sleep for the day 12.5 hours

Saturday: Bobby- 11h20m asleep hours, 40 awake minutes, 3 wakings, total sleep for the day 12.5 hours

Saturday: Maya- 10h25m asleep hours, 20 awake minutes, 2 wakings, total sleep for the day 12h5m

Sunday: Bobby- 10h55m asleep hours, 25 awake minutes, 2 wakings, total sleep for the day 13h10m

Sunday: Maya- 11h25m asleep hours, 5 awake minutes, 1 waking, total sleep for the day 13h40m

Monday: Bobby- 7h40m asleep hours, 3h5m awake hours, 3 wakings, total sleep for the day 9h30m (teething)

Monday: Maya- 11h45m asleep hours, 30 awake minutes, 2 wakings, total sleep for the day 13h15m

Tuesday: Bobby-9h30m asleep hours, 1 awake hour, 1 waking, total sleep for the day 11h10m

Tuesday: Maya- 9h55m asleep hours, 20 awake minutes, 1 waking, total sleep for the day 11h45m

Wednesday: Bobby-9h40m asleep hours, 1 awake hour, 1 waking, total sleep for the day 11h45m

Wednesday: Maya-10.5h asleep hours, 30 awake minutes, 1 waking, total sleep for the day 12h35m

Things still arent perfect. We still spend some time in the kids beds. For example, last night, during the single waking, we both fell asleep. But, that's getting better. We've spent more time in bed together recently, and since we are going to bed earlier (see below) we are getting more sleep!

When my baby is out (or, if P's baby goes out first, he takes mine), I finish cleaning the kitchen. Then, if there are other things I've got going (like laundry), I finish that and put it away. Finally, I grab any overnight provisions we might need and straighten up the toys in the living room. Usually, by this point, Peter is on his computer relaxing, and I climb into bed and read for a bit. But, between 9:30 and 10pm... I'm in bed. And it is great.

Like I said, we have a ways to go until the sleep situation is optimal and this is only the end of week 1. But, right now, I'm ready to nominate Elizabeth Pantley for sainthood.

What They Eat

2011-01-26T10:00:00.000-05:00

I've gotten quite a few emails after yesterday's post, asking what exactly the kids eat, so while this is no way the full list (because it constantly changes!), this is some of what goes on in our kitchen.

First, I'd like to start by saying that once they were able to start handling food, we've introduced what we eat to them. And we've been heavily rewarded. They both enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables, all sorts of ethnic food (Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, as well as Italian and Puerto Rican just to name a few), and typically can be found eating some of what we are eating. When they are at my MIL's on Wednesday's, she typically still utilizes babyfood for some of what they eat, but that is becoming more and more rare around here.

A second big thing is that our kids eat at our dining room table. When they were much smaller, we used high chairs, but, once they were able to better sit, we bought booster seats with removable tables. They usually sit pulled out from the table a bit (so they cant attack the table cloth!) and with their trays, although at restaurants we take our portable boosters without self-tables and they eat at the main table. Mealtimes are family eating times. For breakfast, they have their food and we have ours, which tends to be similar. For lunch, they eat while I eat. For dinner, we are all (usually) together around the table (unless something comes up and they have to eat without us, i.e. bad traffic when Peter is on his way home, etc; in that case, I feed them first and we eat after).

So, as to what to do they eat... They'll eat just about anything! They love shrimp, scallops, and salmon. They really enjoy scrambled eggs with olives and (funny thing) rye toast (although they'll eat pumpernickle and wheat, too). They cant get enough of the newly introduced peanut butter and I think, if we'd let them, they'd turn into an avocado. Pickles are still a big hit. Apparently, oat milk is a good thing too. They'll each eat a piece of veggie pizza themselves! If I'm making it for dinner, they get some and, if they want more, then we give them more. So far, we havent run into too much that they dont want to sample.

Typical Breakfast (served with organic whole milk or, as of 1/24, organic oat or nut milk, or sometimes juice):
1) eggs scrambled with milk, butter, & black olives and toast, with some maple puffs as an appetizer and a shared fruit bar
2) whole grain cheerios (no milk), diced fruit (pears, peaches, apples, bananas, grapes- you name it!), animal/graham crackers with creamy peanut butter, cheese
3) maple puffs to start, pancakes or waffles, diced fruit

Typical Lunch (served with milks from above or water):
veggie or cheese puffs to start
diced fruit
cheese crackers
cubed bagel with cream cheese or cubed pita with peanut butter
yogurt or banana custard (baby food)

Typical Dinner (served with milks from above or water):
In addition to whatever we are eating, I usually give them yogurt or custard and their meal starts with cooked mixed veggies (carrots, corn, green beans, green peas, lima beans). Our dinners consist of a protein source, a vegetable, and a starch, and sometimes bread and salad. (For example, last night, dinner was scallops, roasted squash & carrots with olive oil and herbs, yams mashed with almond butter and cardamom, and salad).

Throughout the day, they get 2-3 snacks: rice cookies, graham/animal crackers, cheese, fruit, or rice cakes. They also get their cups with milk (no more than 16-20oz during the day), juice (no more than 4oz a day), or water. At night, they take an 8-9oz bottle, fortified with 2 scoops of rice, before bed. (And, since we're discussing routines, they also get a 1ml dose of vitamins with flouride, take a bath, and brush their teeth daily... I'm about to add a second tooth brushing since they like it so much.)

Obviously, these menus change based on what we have in the house, what I'm making for a meal, or if we eating outside the home. Kids should get about 1000-1400 calories per day, approx 40 calories per inch of height. Using that calculation, Bobby needs about 1320 and Maya about 1200. They average between 1200-1300 with their drinks and snacks added. About 500 of their calories come from milk or milk-like beverages. That leaves 7-800 from food. Each meal tends to be 200-250 calories (600-750 calories total). Snacks tend to be 50-100 calories each (2 snacks=100-200 calories for the day). So, on average, that comes out to 1200-1450. It's a little bit of work to figure out how much they are getting but well worth it to watch them have such a varied diet that keeps them growing.

(Oh, and, this morning, we're trying hazelnut milk... doesnt, so far, seem to be as big a hit as the oat milk!)

Different Milks

2011-01-25T09:42:00.001-05:00

When the kids turned a year old, they switched from the preemie formula they'd been on for 9 months (since my milk dried up) to organic whole cow's milk. I'd talked to the pediatrician about other types of milk (rice, almond, etc) but her concern was that they would need the calories offered by the cow's milk (150c/8oz). This is a large difference, when you consider almond milk is 60c/8oz (for original; unsweeteend is 40c). That being said, these kids are good eaters, so as we've been discussing adding even more new foods into their diets, nut and grain milks have once again come up. Some are fairly high calorie, so it wont be a big deal, calorically. And, since I keep up with what they eat and about how many calories they are getting per meal, adding in a little extra for a snack or meal isnt an issue either.

So, today... Their cups have been filled with oat milk! With 130c/8oz, there's only about 40 calories I'll need to make up throughout the day (they normally drink about 16oz of milk throughout the day from their cups). That's easily made up with a cinnamon graham animal cracker covered with peanut butter (the kids get the creamy while I love the super chunk!). The problem is that they will go through a box of the oat milk today! Since they are a little over $3 each, it makes it out to be about the same as the organic milk we buy ($7/gal, and we go through a gallon every 2 days). I bought one box of oat and one of hazelnut milk too, although at 110c/8oz, I'll need to add in 2 more cookies/PB to their snacks. And, I have a box of hemp milk (140c/8oz) to try.

The oat milk is a hit it seems... I gave them their cups with breakfast at 8:30am. Normally, they need a refill at lunch time (around 1-1:30pm) and that carries them through the afternoon, when they get water (or, if I give them juice, then they get their milk at lunch and drink through dinner). But, at 9:30, I had to refill Bobby's cup! Usually, he drinks more than Maya by an ounce or two (she's drank half her cup so far), so this is quite the love of (oat) milk! We'll see if hazelnut and hemp milks are as loved! EDIT@11:30am- The box of oat milk? GONE! I just filled up their cups (M for the 1st time, to make for her second cup, and I topped B off to make for his 2.5 cup). Talk about excited to drink!

(Just a side... I dont plan on introducing soy milk into their diets in the near (or distant) futures. We do eat a fair amount of meat substitutes, but we typically eat Quorn products which are soy-free. However, when I make things using Morningstar or Boca, those items do contain soy. With them getting it in that, as well as a food additive (which, it seems, it is in everything!), they already get soy. Nine times out of ten, I'm cooking with Quorn so I dont worry about it, but it isnt something I want to add on top of everything else.)

Bottle Weaning

2011-01-24T09:21:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure why it is so hard for me to contemplate weaning Bobby and Maya from their bottles. Part of it stems from my view of them as "babies" still. I know that, technically, they are toddlers, but to me, they are babies. My babies. My itty, bitty 2lb babies. Nevermind that sixteen and a half months have passed since that time... Nevermind that, together, the two of them are 50lbs (instead of barely 5lbs). I dont know when I was weaned from the bottle, but Peter was 2! It just seems so strange to be contemplating taking away the bottles of my little ones now, so early.

It's strange, too, because, in some ways, we have done things quicker than other people. For example, our kids haven't been in a crib since they were 7 months old. Practicing the Montessori (and, I think, practical) method of putting them in twins, they love their beds! They climb in and out, "help" make the beds in the mornings, and love to snuggle in their comforters. We're often asked if they get out in the middle of the night, but that's never been an issue. They know that their beds are their beds. They sleep there. The same people who chastised me for dare removing the crib from the equation now ask for my advice because their kids dont want to leave the crib. Ours dont know any different. Their bed is their bed. But, I do realize that, at 7 months old, most people are not thinking of putting their infants in larger beds. It worked for us (and still does) because we cosleep if the need arises. I havent tried to crawl into a crib, but I'm sure it wouldnt work so well! But the bottle thing... I hear people saying they are weaning too and I am on the other end, asking "arent they awfully young for that?..."

We're down to 1 to 1.5 bottles a day. If the kids happen to wake early because they go to bed earlier than normal (normal is 9-10pm, early is 8am, in which case, they wake around 4am), we'll give them a small bottle to help them go back to sleep. At night, they get their 9oz rice-fortified bottle. But, throughout the day... I've stopped with the pre-naptime bottle. And that is tough for me. It's easier to give them a bottle (and, with a 2 to 1 ratio, I love easy!) than to give them their cups and try to figure out how much milk they've got and if they want more or if they are just playing with the cup, etc.

But, it's working. Friday was my first full day of the no-bottle-before-naptime experiment. Previously, I've tried to limit it to only before one nap (they still, most days, take 2 naps, but I can see that may soon be coming to an end!), but Friday, I made the decision to go all the way. It's hard when it is just me because, if they both want to snuggle pre-nap, it's difficult to do so and then, when they fall asleep, get them both to their beds, but they are good about sharing. It's like they understand that Mommy only has one set of arms (and that they are heavy!)

So, we'll see how this goes... I dont expect to end the nighttime bottle anytime soon, but for now, the weaning is underway!

Bobby and Maya's 15 month Evaluation

2010-12-22T15:22:00.001-05:00

Originally posted here

Prior to their development assessment and at routine times, I usually put together how the kids are doing. It saves a lot of questions and also gives me a place of "hey, this is going on", where I might otherwise forget. For 15 months, the following is what I've put together. I'm sure there is stuff I've forgotten, but I've got to record stuff somewhere! At their appointment yesterday, the doctor pronounced them perfect and told us that we are addressing Bobby's behaviorial issues in an age appropriate and positive way (and that, thankfully) he will grow out of it soon!!!) :) Both kids are on target for their birth age of 15 months and, although Maya is in the bottom of her birth age percentile in weight, both are on the birth age charts (Bobby's height was 95th!!!). So, all in all... A great appointment, even if the kids did get 2 booster shots (DPT and HIB). They have their developmental assessment next week, so we'll see how that goes!

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Bobby’s Statistics (as of 12/21/10 check-up)
height: 33.75 in.

weight: 27 lbs.

head circumference: 19.5”

Maya’s Statistics (as of 12/21/10 check-up)
height: 29 in.

weight: 19 lbs.

head circumference: 18.25”

Standard Eating Schedule
Breakfast: eggs and toast -or- fruit, breakfast bar, maple corn puffs, water (self-feed)

8oz. bottle of milk before a.m. nap (60-90 min)

beginning Jan. 2011, bottle to be replaced by straw cup

Lunch: cheese or veggie corn puffs, fruit cup (half), string cheese (half), water or juice (self-feed); fruit & vegetable baby food, yogurt (spoon-fed)

8oz. bottle of milk before p.m. nap (60-90 min)

beginning Jan. 2011, bottle to be replaced by straw cup

Dinner: cheese or veggie corn puffs, roll, vegetables, water or juice (self-feed); vegetable baby food, custard baby food (spoon-fed)

8oz. bottle of milk with one scoop of rice cereal before bed

Bobby and Maya will both hold spoons and sporks, however, their primary eating tools are their fingers
Bobby and Maya drink their juice and water from either Camelback Bite-Valve bottles or straw cups

General Notes:
A typical day begins at 6:30-8am with playtime. Breakfast is normally 8:30-10am, depending on when the children wake up and begin showing “hungry signs”. Morning nap follows about 90 minutes after breakfast. During this time, the children have 15-20 minutes of schooling (shapes, colors, letters, numbers), watch an educational program, and play. After their nap, they play together for 15-30 minutes, until they begin showing “hungry signs”. After lunch, Bobby and Maya have 15-20 minutes of schooling, watch an educational or religious cartoon, and play. We may have a visitor, do errands, or visit the library or park (in good weather) during the early afternoon. Afternoon nap typically begins between 3-4pm and lasts an hour to an hour and a half. When the children wake, they play, have 15-20 minutes of schooling, and watch an educational cartoon, before their father returns from work (when he plays with them). We have dinner at the table as a family, and the children eat whatever we are eating (cut into smaller pieces) 90% of the time. Bobby and Maya attend church services on the weekend, attend 1-2 playgroups a month (weather and health of other participants permitting), and go to restaurants once-twice per month. Once a week, they visit their grandparents for 5-6 hours. Bobby and Maya both walk and run, and they sleep in their own beds in their own rooms. They will, on occasion, help put toys away when directed and shown what to do. Both enjoy playing on the piano and try to mimic whenever a person plays the keys. They will both go to the piano to play and sing when no one is playing on it.

Discipline and Behavioral Issues
Overall, both children are well behaved, however Maya is the more laid back of the two. Bobby will pull hair for no known reason or will pull/push Maya in order to take a toy away from her that he wants. Maya rarely fights back or tries to take a toy from Bobby, although she will try to manipulate a toy from him (i.e. when he picks up a toy she wants, she will pick up one of his favorites and parade it around until he drops the toy she wants so that she can drop his toy and get hers). To deal with Bobby’s hair pulling, etc, we have tried smacking his hand and saying “No”, although this did not seem to help. Our current discipline includes removing him from the situation and forcing him to sit or lay on the floor near us for a preset period of time (30 seconds-1 minute). After the 3^rd offense where this is not working, he is placed in time out in his room. We talk to him as we take him to his room, explaining the situation and why he is going to time out. He stays in his room for 1 minute, 2 minutes, or 3 minutes (4^th, 5^th, 6^th offense). We haven’t had to go beyond 3 minutes thus far. Maya has been to time out one time for pushing Bobby. She showed no response to time out and hasn’t been back. Bobby hasn’t been to time since 12/15 and seems to be moving away from the behavior after the 2^nd or 3^rd time. Maya has exhibited some behavior that appears to be a type of masturbation. She will take a toy and lay it underneath her and roll around on it for several minutes. Then, she gets up and goes back about her business. For a while, she was doing this several times a day. Now, she does it perhaps once-twice a day. Maya also enjoys chewing on her board books. When told “No”, she will stop, but after an hour or so, will usually try again.

Verbal Communication
In addition to many non-verbal forms of communication, the children both communicate to their parents and each other. When they are told it is time for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, they both will walk to the kitchen gate and, once inside, to their chairs. When told it is time to be changed in X’s room, they will both go to the appropriate room. When told “No”, they stop their behavior and look in the direction of the parent talking. (Maya will stop the behavior; Bobby will usually go back to it and needs to be told multiple times.) When they want to be held, they both can say “Up” and when they want to get down, they can both say “Down”. When he is thirsty, Bobby will say “Drink”. Both will tap their trays when they want more food and Maya will smack her lips when she is thirsty. Maya will routinely mimic what is being said to her. She will say several sentences based on what is going on. Some favorites are “It’s raining” and “I did it”. Bobby will echo a version of “I love you” when he is told that (usually a few times); he also routinely says “I’m done.” He will also say “again” if you are singing to him or doing something that he likes. The children routinely communicate to each other in verbal tones that we, as of yet, do not understand. They also will communicate to us their needs in a way that leads us to believe stronger language skills are on the horizon.

Response to Questions

2010-12-17T11:15:00.000-05:00

I had a comment that, as I was moderating via email, got deleted instead of published. My apologies. In response to the questions: I discuss issues that arise with both developmental specialists and our pediatrician, and proceed with their advice in mind, as well as the advice garnered from child rearing books written my doctors and educators whom we admire and agree with, such as Dr Sears and Maria Montessori. Maya's behavior is completely age appropriate with her toys and I'm not concerned, although it is something to be noted at her 15m check up. Bobby's behavior hitting/pulling hair is also age appropriate and, although it isnt behavior we like, we also know that he will grow out of it. There are stages to punishment; he is told know, he is removed from the situation, he is sat with and not allowed to play, and then we move into smacking his hands or time out, which begins with 1 minute. It's hard to discipline and no parent likes to do so; however, injuring his sister (which has happened) isnt something we can allow. Homeschooling infants can be a rewarding experience. It is difficult to put things in "play" sequence so that there isn't that risk of rigidity. However, our work using the Montessori method of infant/toddler homeschooling has led to our children- born 3 months early- acting neurologically age appropriate for their birth age and beyond. Our developmental assessments are always glowing endorsements of our homeschooling behavior. While I realize that teachers who work in a school environment support public/private/group schooling (and they should if that is their calling), our practices work for us. Every child is different; every child ages differently. Perhaps when they are older, this method wont work and we will adapt and adopt a new one. We'll cross that bridge when we get there. Potty training: they will potty in the toilet when they are ready and not a day before. We discuss their behaviors with them when we are changing them with the knowledge that one day they will be ready. But that day is not today.

Thanks for stumbling across and for being curious enough to inquire!

A Long Overdue Update

2010-12-09T22:39:00.000-05:00

It's been three months (almost) since I last posted. In October, we bought our first home and have been settling in. But, in that time, the kids have made leaps and strides. Both are walking and talking. Bobby is showing the first signs of potty behavior; he touches his bottom whenever he has a bowel movement, which is making it easier for us to identify, but is also making us think about when to start potty training. They both love to play the piano.

Right now, we have about 1 hour of formal homeschooling a day. I pick a number, color, and animal of the day. The words are repeated in English and Spanish. The kids watch their Rosary as well as language tracks to help with their words and foreign language. Sometimes they also watch shapes with classical music. We do a lot of interactive playing. They both are excellent when it comes to making their toys sing by pushing different buttons.

Napping wise, they go back and forth between 2 naps and 1 nap a day. With two naps, they tend to go down for 2 hours or so around 10-11am, and then an hour around 3:30-4:30pm. Bedtime tends to be around 9pm, and they wake up around 6:30am. When there is one nap, it tends to be around 1pm and lasts for 2-3 hours. At this point, we still snuggle them to sleep or they fall asleep with their bottle while we are holding them.

In problem news, we find that Bobby is becoming a smacker/hitter. I think, sometimes, he is trying to just pat Maya on the head, but he ends up hurting her. Other times, he is irritated with her and lashes out. We've been using time outs to try and combat this. The first 2-3 offenses get a smacked hand and "NO!". After that, it is 5 minutes in time out (in his room while we are in the living room). Maya, however, should share some of the blame, as she is an instigator. She is always taking his favorite toy and then taunting him... Things we are working on.

In addition, we find that both children are "discovering themselves". Bobby tends to keep a hand down the back of his pants recently (which isn't great for a multitude of reasons!); Maya likes to lay down on top of a toy and rock back and forth. Completely age appropriate for both of them, but something we will bring up to the pediatrician at their 15 month check up regardless.

They will have their 15m check up next week; then, they have their 12 month adjusted developmental assessment at the end of the month.

12 Month (Chronological) Check-Up

2010-09-15T08:38:00.000-04:00

We took Bobby and Maya for their developmental check up yesterday (for 12months chronological; they will get a 12 month adjusted in December). This is the second time they have had a developmental check-up. They went at 6 months old for the initial scoring, and, because they didnt qualify either by the NICU clinic or the county intermediate unit for any early-intervention services, we have not seen anyone since. The NICU Developmental Clinic is a 2 part clinic. For babies who need/qualify for services, it is free, ongoing therapy to help bring premature infants up to their chronological milestones over the course of the first 6 years of life. For babies who dont qualify for services/need services, they see the kids every 6 months (except they see them on both their 12 mo chronological and 12mo adjusted birthdays) to garner statistics of how babies born at X gestation and taken care of by our hospital NICU (and the 2 sister NICUs of the health system) are doing. It also allows the specialists to identify if delays occur later (typically within the first 2 years) so that babies who may not have needed services initially, can get the help they need should they need it.

On communication and verbal, Bobby and Maya scored 14-16 months!!!!!!!!! On all others, they averaged 12 months (they score them in ranges and both ranged 8mo-12mo. For example, because Maya is not really interested in walking around, she scored 8-9 months for her gross motor skills, but because she was very interested and intrigued by every little object and picking them up, she scored 11-12months for her fine motor skills; Bobby was the reverse, as he wanted to do nothing but pull himself up and walk around, so his gross were 11-12mo and his fine, since he really could have cared less about picking up objects if he could try and walk to another object!, were 8mo-9mo.)). What is notable about this is that they normally do NOT score above their adjusted, neurological age (which, for them, is 9mo). We could not be more happy!

The therapists were very interested in the Montessori homeschooling we are doing, and I was able to share some information with them, which I'm hoping can be useful for other parents. There is a lot available online, and there are some very good books out there. I've already packed a lot of my materials, but I know I have some other things I want to give them when we go back in December for the 12mo adjusted check-up.

They also had their 12mo checkup at their ped, and Bobby weighs 23lb10oz, was 31in long, and his head circum was off the chart for his age, LOL (he has Daddy's noggin). Maya was 7lbs lighter at 16lb10oz and (I think) 27 or 29 inches (the card is in my purse...). Both are growing with the curve (even though Maya is at the bottom of the chart), but the doctor was very happy. She thinks Maya just may be petite, and says she has full term babies who are her size, so not to worry as long as she is staying on her growth curve, which she is. Bobby is in 12mo-18mo clothes, and Maya is 9mo-12mo, so they are both growing well! (They are viewed on their chronological age chart, not their adjusted chart. If their ages were adjusted to 9mo, Maya is at the top and Bobby is off. Since size was never a problem and the kids were meeting their chronological milestones, our pediatrician has never adjusted their age.) They received the MMR vaccine, which they both hated. Peter doesnt normally see the vaccinations, as he's usually at work, and I think it just broke his heart to watch them cry for a solid 5 minutes because it hurt. They go back next week for the Varicella vaccine. Some of you may know that we had initially opted to not do the Chicken Pox vaccine; we changed our minds after we realized that some of the folks closest to them couldnt receive the Shingles vaccine because of the risk of exposing the kids. After researching the vaccine some more, while it still wasnt on a "Yes, we think they NEED this", we opted to give it to them, as a public health issue (their public, not necessarily the public at large). However, we did decide to not give it in combination with the MMR shot. They go back at 14mo and 15mo for their 2 flu shots. Fun times... After no shots for months, I dont think the kids are going to like us very much this fall...

The New Typical Day

2010-09-14T11:52:00.000-04:00

A typical day for Bobby & Maya, as of 9/14/10

7am: Wake Up*, have 5-7oz bottle

7:30am-8:30am: play while parents shower/have breakfast

8:30am-9am: Rosary for Kids (20 minute tv program)

9am-10am: Independent Developmental Play (blocks, talking animals, shake toys, puzzles)

10am: Breakfast (either independent puff eating followed by eggs, toast, and juice -or- independent puff eating followed by 1-2 containers of fruit and grain baby food and juice).

10:30am: Bath, followed by massage and getting dressed

11am-12:30pm: Nap

12:30pm: 4-6oz bottle

1pm: Group Developmental Play

2pm: Lunch (independent puff or cookie eating, followed by 1-2 containers of vegetable and grain baby food, 1 container of baby yogurt, and water or juice)

2:30pm: Clean-up, Story Time, and part of Kung Fu Panda DVD

3:30pm: Walk outside**

4pm: Nap (if willing… they took 2 naps up until about 2 weeks ago and have started bypassing their afternoon nap in favor of longer play)

5pm: (if up from nap) Independent Developmental Play and part of Kung Fu Panda DVD

6pm: Daddy comes home from work; playtime with Daddy, 4-6oz bottle (sometimes), and 2^nd walk**

7:30pm: Dinner (cut-up portions of whatever food we happen to be eating for dinner, juice or water)

8:30pm-9pm: Playing with parents, storytime, 4-6oz rice bottle

9pm: Bedtime*

*Until 11 months old, Bobby and Maya would wake up around 8am and go to bed around 11pm. At 11-11.5 months, we noticed a shift in an earlier bedtime and an earlier wake time. This shift in wake/bed time also coincided with a change in naptime. The twins were taking a 2 hour morning nap and a 2 hour afternoon nap (10am-12pm and 3pm-5pm) but now they have started to wean to a single nap per day, with some additional light napping during their stroller rides.

**Weather permitting, sometimes we stay outside for longer walks and nap outside on the porch.

End of Summer Walk

2010-09-07T09:05:00.000-04:00

September is here and the summer is quickly fading, as the heat and humidity are replaced by cool breezes and the smell of apples in the air. I took Bobby and Maya for a walk, and we were able to enjoy the beauty of a gorgeous, late summer day.

We are fortunate to have a great walking trail near our house, where we can watch the trees begin to change colors and the butterflies twitter around all the plants. It's absolutely beautiful.

Afterwards, the day was just so nice that I brought their playpens outside and we spent an hour in the backyard, just relaxing and taking in the fresh air.

Independence

2010-09-06T23:28:00.000-04:00

In reading my Montessori books, I have found a large emphasis placed on asking the child questions or permission (even when doing things like changing their diaper), especially when they are still learning to understand. In addition to teaching language, it also gives them the gift of independence. They are a worthwhile person capable of controlling their own actions. "Can I change your diaper?" Even though they can't say "yes" and you will change their diaper, the infant learns the questioning voice and, eventually, that an answer is required from them. Some days, I swear Bobby and Maya, with their flopping and crying, are yelling "NO!!! I WANT THAT POOPY DIAPER!!!" yet, I change them anyway!

Recently, I began letting them pick out their own clothes for the day. I take them to the closet and hold it open, ask them what they would like to wear, and bring them close enough to touch their clothes. Whatever they yank on, I put on them. It has resulted is some great choices, as well as some mismatched shorts/shirts for Bobby and a day where Maya wore a church dress (on a weekday). But, they get so excited! And, as crazy as this sounds, it seems like they eat better and neater when they are allowed to choose their outfit of the day! (Again, I know that sounds nuts... They are T-4 days until their first birthday, so the jury is out on whether or not they choose to be neater eaters because they have chosen their outfit, but hey... if it works!)

August Update

2010-08-27T23:13:00.001-04:00

It seems that, just as I write a "schedule", the babies decide to do something different!

Bobby and Maya are growing like weeds. I'm sure Maya is 20lbs (or at least almost 20lbs) and Bobby is pushing towards 25lbs. He actually looks like a toddler more than a baby, while Maya is still retaining some of her babyish features. They both can pull themselves up, and Bobby has taken a few unassisted steps on several occasions, but isn't walking (without a walker) full time yet. He has seven teeth, and Maya has four. They eat three meals of solids a day, and will pick at our plates if we are eating outside of their meal time. They have dropped to about 3 bottles: one in the morning, one in the afternoon, and one before bed. They LOVE puffs.

A typical breakfast is a scrambled egg, a piece of dry toast, and, sometimes, potatoes or, if we are keeping it "light", usually a baby food mixed fruit & grain (a favorite is apple vanilla granola) and puffs. A typical lunch is a baby food (a vegetable or mixed veggie & grain) and a yogurt, although recently, we've been adding a second baby food (a green veggie) because they've been hungry, and we start off with a Baby Mummum or puffs. Dinner starts with puffs, and then one or two veggies or a fruit and veggie (of baby food). If we are out, they eat from our meals (and, consequently, love ethnic foods of ALL varieties), or we'll order them a dish to share and put the small pieces on the table so they can feed themselves. They truly enjoy feeding themselves.

In the morning, when they first wake up, they usually have a 7-8oz bottle each. Then, early afternoon (about 2-3 hours after lunch), they eat between 6-7oz each, sometimes fortified with barley or oatmeal. Their final bottle is just prior to bedtime and is fortified with rice. They eat between 4-7oz each, depending on when their last meal was.

Throughout the day, they get puffs when they want a snack, or a teething cookie or Baby Mummum (a favorite). They love yogurt juice and get that for a snack as well, and sometimes, with their solids, they will get a veggie juice or water. Maya especially loves to drink her water from a "big girl" cup and is trying to wean herself from the bottle.

We have their 12 month (9 month adjusted) developmental assessment in mid-September, just after their first birthday. It will be interesting to see how they rate on the NICU scale!

Schedules

2010-07-07T12:44:00.000-04:00

So much stays the same, yet so much is different.

I havent blogged here much because we are still doing (pretty much) the same things, although the kids are growing and changing.

A typical day is:
7am: first feeding, cuddling with Mommy and Daddy
8:30am: Animated Rosary for Kids
9am: Quick Nap
9:30am: Developmental Play/Practice Walking
11am: Solids, followed by bath (every other day) or sponge bath (when not a real bath), infant massage, and bottles
12pm: Quick nap
12:30pm: More developmental play, reading, going for a walk, etc.
2:30pm-5pm (or so): long nap of the day

Peter is usually home between 6-6:30, and I go to the gym or take a run or we do some family activities. There are bottles throughout the day, every 3-4 hours, and I plan on integrating a second, formal "solid" feeding. Right now, the kids eat some of our dinner (as appropriate) but only have their brunch as a formal meal.

Their solids have evolved from stage 1 foods to stage 2 and sometimes stage 3 foods, mixed with oatmeal or barley, that I feed them on a spoon. They start out their meal with puffs and a rice husk, which they feed themselves. Today, for the first time, Maya fed herself some of her stage 2 apricot and mixed fruit, which I mixed with oatmeal. I held the spoon steady, but she held it as well and directed it into her mouth. She was ready to stop eating (when she hadnt nearly eaten enough!) when I gave it to her and she finished her meal! I was so proud of her!

They also drink out of Camelbak Bite Valve bottles! They are recommended for kids 3+! Maya loved to play with mine, so Aunt Sarah got them their very own, and they love them. It's so cool to watch them enjoy playing and drinking.

In nine weeks, they will turn a year old, and every day is such a journey and blessing. They hold their books, they furniture surf, they show reasoning and cognitive development in problem solving. I feel so lucky. So very blessed.

Future Scientists

2010-06-09T19:23:00.002-04:00

While visiting my family in Nashville, my mom and stepfather, who have a jungle in their yards, amazed the kids with their different plants. Bobby especially loved to touch anything they would let him near! We may have a future botanist on our hands!

Shhh.... We're Reading!

2010-05-10T09:10:00.000-04:00

Of course, they arent "really" reading, but they loved to hold the book between them and take turns turning the pages. Maya, especially, has the dexterity to hold the book and turn pages on her own. She loves her board books (probably because she can hold them easier AND eat the pages) but she does well with regular books too. I have to keep the library books away from her for fear that she will love them too much! Bobby is more than happy to have you hold the book and he'll help turn the pages.

Nature Walk

2010-04-14T09:24:00.001-04:00

Monday night, Peter had a men's/father's group meeting, so I decided to take the kids on a walk to Rita's. We usually take 2-3 walks a day, and that evening, as dusk began to settle and the world took on a blue hew, I decided to walk home via the park. I pointed out the different trees, the animals that we saw, and the bubbling brook. Eventually, Bobby and Maya settled into a nap as we continued home, but it was wonderful to share with them the beauty of a spring evening. What colors! What sounds! What smells! It's the perfect outdoor classroom!

What You Know and What You Dont

2010-04-01T00:41:00.000-04:00

An education isn't how much you have committed to memory, or even how much you know. It's being able to differentiate between what you know and what you don't. - Anatole France

Neglect Not My Soul

2010-03-30T00:40:00.002-04:00

An eternal question about children is, how should we educate them? Politicians and educators consider more school days in a year, more science and math, the use of computers and other technology in the classroom, more exams and tests, more certification for teachers, and less money for art. All of these responses come from the place where we want to make the child into the best adult possible, not in the ancient Greek sense of virtuous and wise, but in the sense of one who is an efficient part of the machinery of society. But on all these counts, soul is neglected. - Thomas Moore

Where We Learn

2010-03-29T00:37:00.002-04:00

"A recent MORI poll, commissioned by the Campaign for Learning, found that 90% of adults were favorably inclined towards further learning for themselves.....The bad news is that 75% said they were unhappy and alienated in the school environment and that, therefore, they preferred to learn at home, in the local library, at their workplace - anywhere other than a school-type setting." - Meighan

The Joyful Child

2010-03-28T00:35:00.000-04:00

I've had several emails requesting information about Montessori homeschooling for infants. The primary resource that I am reading, at this stage, is called The Joyful Child. It is available in paper format for $7 from the publisher by clicking here or you can read it online (links are also below). In addition to being a resource, it also serves as a catalog of suggested developmental toys.

AGE: PRENATAL AND FIRST YEAR

Click here:
THE FIRST YEAR—The Senses Appropriate Materials

Click here:
THE FIRST YEAR—Reaching Out, Grasping, Changing the World Appropriate Materials

Click here:
THE FIRST YEAR—Sitting Up, Working
Appropriate Materials

Click here:
THE FIRST YEAR—Crawling, Pulling Up, Standing
Appropriate Materials
Click here:
THE FIRST YEAR—A Gentle Beginning—Trust in the World
Appropriate Materials
Click here:
FIRST YEAR—Respect for Unique Development—The Child's Self Respect Appropriate Materials

AGE: BIRTH TO THREE+ YEARS

Click here: A SUPERIOR ENVIRONMENT Appropriate Materials
Click here: PARENTING & TEACHINGAppropriate Materials

AGE: ONE TO THREE+ YEARS

Belly Laughs

2010-03-23T09:38:00.000-04:00

Last night, we read My Little Sister Ate One Hare.

It's a counting book, similar to the 12 Days of Christmas, where one number builds on the next, and so on. Bobby just LOVED it!!! He laughed and laughed, until his little belly shook! When I finished it, he just looked at me like, Okay... Why'd you close the book??? Then, he started to cry! I ended up reading it twice, before his bedtime bottle, and then he was out like a light.

What a fun read!

Spreading the Word

2010-03-23T09:35:00.000-04:00

We had a developmental assessment for Bobby and Maya yesterday and, praise be to God, they assessed well beyond their corrected age! We are just so thankful. They were expected to assess at 2mo-3mo (CA is 3 months). However, they assessed at 4mo-6mo! This is wonderful, since they assessed at birth age at their initial (state) assessment back in November, when they came home. (They were being evaluated as "newborns", but scored 2mo-3mo!)

As I was talking to the developmental specialist, speech therapist, and NICU doctor who did the evaluation, they asked "What are you doing at home?" and we told them about developmental play and book reading, and how we have just started Montessori homeschooling for infants. The NICU doctor was very familiar with Montessori, but not with teaching babies and toddlers. What a learning moment! I actually have two copies of "The Joyful Child", so I will be passing on a copy to the clinic so that they can share with other patients!

I started reading my Montessori Teaching Curriculum for Infants and Toddlers. I found that so much of it coordinates with not only what Peter and I have been talking about for so long, with regards to how we want to educate and instill a love of learning, but also in the practicality of practice. It's so wonderful to find something that you feel so drawn to, that just feels so "right", especially when it relates to your children.

(A note about corrected age: Premature babies are not judged by their birth age when it comes to developmental assessments. They are judged by the age they would be had they been born at 40 weeks. (Even though "full term" for twins is 36 weeks, they would still be adjusted to 40 weeks.) This continues until they are 2 years old (CA). The reason behind this is that development begins on day 1 of life- in the womb. So, even if a child is six months old, if they were born 3 months early, their brain development is judged by days of life, which begins at day 1 and continues throughout their life.)

The Life of a Child

2010-03-21T00:33:00.000-04:00

"The development of the child during the first three years after birth is unequaled in intensity and importance by any period that precedes or follows in the whole life of the child."

- Dr. Maria Montessori

Education is Everywhere

2010-03-17T00:19:00.001-04:00

We went to the park today- twice. It was so nice to get the babies out into the sunshine and warm weather. And I think they loved playing! (Well, I loved it!)

When we came back, I read the most beautiful book, called Angel in the Waters. It was such an educational and gorgeous journey from conception through birth. I am so happy I purchased it to share with the babies.

"Educating is...the lighting of a fire."
-William Butler Yeats

The Big Choice...

2010-03-15T15:09:00.000-04:00

We've always wanted to homeschool, since well before we had children to even consider educating! We've debated on doing the PA virtual charter school, using the Seton or Catholic Heritage curriculums, unschooling, doing traditional or classic homeschooling, or creating our own curriculum. Last night, my husband suggested looking into Montessori homeschooling. We were aware of the Montessori method, but had never investigated the model as it related to homeschooling.

I've ordered the recommended text (The Joyful Child) for homeschooling infants through age three, using the Montessori method, in addition to The Complete Montessori Teaching Curriculum for Infants and Toddlers. One One of the things that has drawn us to Montessori homeschooling is the fact that they have done research in educating infants, even prenatally! Also, this isnt a curriculum that we need to follow step-by-step, so the flexibility that we are looking for is there. We will, most likely, order textbooks from CHC or Seton because we do want to integrate religious studies into their secular studies, but we also feel a need (in part because of Peter's scientific background), to make sure that they have a diverse education. Even though they will be brought up Catholic, they will be raised with an understanding and (if we are lucky) a love of all different religions and customs.

Right now, Bobby and Maya are six months old. I've gotten quite a number of "how can you homeschool a baby?" questions. Obviously, we arent sitting them down at a desk and giving them homework! But there is so much education in play. Songs and conversation teach them language and, because their minds are sponges right now, songs and conversations in multiple languages give them the gift of being bilingual or even trilingual. Holding their hands and moving them over paper teaches coordination and, as they are becoming more aware of words and letters, teaches primitive penmanship. Hand motions and directed play teaches hand-eye coordination. Physical therapy and practice walking teaches balance. Loading them into the stroller and walking around the block not only gives them air and gets them outside, but opens their eyes to the beauty of nature. Taking them to church, watching religious cartoons, and reading the Bible with them teaches them our faith. They may not be able to articulate it today, but their minds are working. It may sound like a lot, but when you break activities into a few minutes at a time, you work within their attention span and it allows you to expose them to so much.

I feel so lucky to be able to stay home with them and educate them; I am grateful to know so many who homeschool successfully; and I am so blessed to have a husband who supports us financially, emotionally, and spiritually.

Knowledge which is acquired under compulsion has no hold on the mind. Therefore do not use compulsion, but let early education be a sort of amusement; you will then be better able to discover the child's natural bent.

~ Plato