I admit, it was me and that was before Hunter became concrete-footed about going grocery shopping. He was adamant: "No, you go!" I tried to be nice. I tried to be firm. "No, just you go!" In the end, I bribed him with a possible treat. So I got him in the car at least.
When we arrived at the store he didn't want to get out. No one wants to be that mom whose kid is wailing and disturbing all the happy shoppers. "Why can't I stay here?" He asked. "Because I can't Hunter, come on, I need you to pick out your treat." I begged. He finally looked like he would. "I want to get out that door" he said, pointing to the other passenger door. "Fine" I agreed, "I will open it for you." Then he says "No, you get back in and I'll come up." I didn't lose it. I closed the door and counted to five hundred.
He slowly made his way to the front seat. I went to open the door. "No, I want to do it!" he pouted. I closed the door and vibrated. And waited. He looked like he had the handle but there was no movement. I simmered. Nothing. I couldn't stand it. I did have some sort of timeline here as I was trying to get back home before the kids finished school. I opened the door and he protested and I picked him up anyway, carrying him as he cried and arms wide as he stared longingly back at the truck.
He doesn't like being in the cart but I just wanted to get the shopping done. I put him in and he continued to cry. "Okay" he tried, "I'll listen!" "It's not that, Hunter, I just want to be quick." And he cried and cried while I tried to grab produce. Eventually he was able to move himself into the top basket but he was still in the cart so I left it be. Then he got to the lower cart. Then he got out. At first he was helpful.
I replaced two jalapeno peppers that he picked up for me. I replaced bagels. I couldn't find him. He came back. We got to the dairy section. "Can I have this?" He asked, holding a Yop. "Yes you can, please stay with the cart." I replaced Jello. I grabbed milk and couldn't find him. "Hee hee hee" I heard from behind the freezer. "Okay, I see you, come back please." He ran and hid by the chips. I waited and patiently called him. He came back after about three times. We kept filling the cart. I continued to replace stuff.
We got in line and I remembered I needed two more things. We left the cart and he followed. He hid behind the water. "Come on Hunter" I called. He followed. I'd lost my place in line. "No worries" I told the lady. And I meant it. Whatever. It was just a completely full cart waiting to be unloaded. "Ooh," Hunter says as he pokes at the cart, "Marshmallows." "Those are for rice crispy squares" I told him. "Oh that reminds me" says the lady who took my spot "I need Rice Krispies for that too. You can have your spot back." And I was actually glad that she didn't ask me to hold it for her.
We were in line, everything was out of the cart, and I was waiting to pay when I realized - again - that Hunter was gone. I assumed he wasn't far and I paid, moved my cart out and went to see if I could find him. He was in fruit. In a box of fruit. I picked him up and brought him back to the cart, opened the yogurt drink and made him sit. I packed the boxes up and came home.
About fifteen minutes after I'd finished putting everything away, Hunter comes in "Can I play at William's house?" "Yes you can" and he's so excited and happy yelling "She said yes!" and ran to play with his friend. Little kids suck.
Showing posts with label Hunter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hunter. Show all posts
Monday, 9 September 2013
Monday, 12 August 2013
Apologies Are Best Served Unordered
Unordered does not seem like it should be a word but spellcheck is leaving it alone and it's the word I wanted so I will let it be. If you've been following along, I've made a grand attempt at reorganizing my home so that I may enjoy some sort of organization in other areas of my life. I've been lucky because everyone (who's been here) in my house seems to be on board. Ocean and Ethan are coming back this afternoon but I don't see too many issues there - I've kept on the other boys, I can get Ethan too.
Aaron has been an absolute darling since he was able to play his game; so I don't really chalk it up to the fact that he likes the house now but it's still a remarkable improvement. When I call him, for anything, he answers straight away. When I ask him to do something, he does it. And I've had to ask. "Where does your hoodie belong?" He puts it away. "Where do your plates belong?" He puts them away. I've said it before, I don't mind reminding them so long as they do it - and I've been getting it done without complaint.
Last night Hunter had taken a container of cereal into the living room (and Geoff was right there - not impressed) and spilled some on the floor. I had to pause their movie to get it picked up but I did it. I'm becoming really adamant about that stuff now that the place is pre-tidy. Geoff, obviously realizing his place in this moment, came over to do it and I told him not to and Hunter, seeing this, said "You pick it up Dad" (!! - Nana picked up after me, I picked up after my kids and it doesn't do any good - I'm speaking from experience here!). Hunter did pick the stray pieces of cereal up - with his toes. I said nothing because I don't care how you do it, just do it. He eventually used his hands because he accidentally spilled the container twice while using his toes. Obviously, that cereal hit the trash but it was old anyway and I guess I'd forgotten it was in the cupboard.
Every morning and night when Hunter takes off clothes I ask him where they go. "In the laundry basket" he says and puts them there. He has no issues running around naked so sometimes I find the clothes in weird places: the hallway, the kitchen, on the stairs. I call him and ask where his clothes go - and he puts them away. I also try to get them to put shoes away to keep the entryway clear. So far, so good.
This morning Hunter was snacking on Life cereal. He had taken a fistful out and of course some dropped on the floor. I was in the kitchen, had noticed this, and figured I would ask him to pick them up after I was finished with whatever I was doing. Then he came in after a few minutes and said "I'm sorry Mom for mumble, mumble, mumble." I bent down. "What are you sorry for?" "I'm sorry for getting cereal on the floor" he said. Well doesn't that just warm your heart! "You don't have to be sorry" I said with a hug and a smile, "just come in and pick it up." And he did.
The most amazing feeling in the world is when you see your kids doing something so well - and you know it's because of something you said or did. I felt amazing when he apologized because he was not only aware of the fact that he had left the cereal on the floor, but also that he shouldn't have left it on the floor - that kid makes me think there's hope for all the boys. And has also given me the motivation to continue with my housework today because before I put this all down, I didn't want to do a darned thing. Now I'll go organize something because apparently, even the little guy appreciates it. :)
Aaron has been an absolute darling since he was able to play his game; so I don't really chalk it up to the fact that he likes the house now but it's still a remarkable improvement. When I call him, for anything, he answers straight away. When I ask him to do something, he does it. And I've had to ask. "Where does your hoodie belong?" He puts it away. "Where do your plates belong?" He puts them away. I've said it before, I don't mind reminding them so long as they do it - and I've been getting it done without complaint.
Last night Hunter had taken a container of cereal into the living room (and Geoff was right there - not impressed) and spilled some on the floor. I had to pause their movie to get it picked up but I did it. I'm becoming really adamant about that stuff now that the place is pre-tidy. Geoff, obviously realizing his place in this moment, came over to do it and I told him not to and Hunter, seeing this, said "You pick it up Dad" (!! - Nana picked up after me, I picked up after my kids and it doesn't do any good - I'm speaking from experience here!). Hunter did pick the stray pieces of cereal up - with his toes. I said nothing because I don't care how you do it, just do it. He eventually used his hands because he accidentally spilled the container twice while using his toes. Obviously, that cereal hit the trash but it was old anyway and I guess I'd forgotten it was in the cupboard.
Every morning and night when Hunter takes off clothes I ask him where they go. "In the laundry basket" he says and puts them there. He has no issues running around naked so sometimes I find the clothes in weird places: the hallway, the kitchen, on the stairs. I call him and ask where his clothes go - and he puts them away. I also try to get them to put shoes away to keep the entryway clear. So far, so good.This morning Hunter was snacking on Life cereal. He had taken a fistful out and of course some dropped on the floor. I was in the kitchen, had noticed this, and figured I would ask him to pick them up after I was finished with whatever I was doing. Then he came in after a few minutes and said "I'm sorry Mom for mumble, mumble, mumble." I bent down. "What are you sorry for?" "I'm sorry for getting cereal on the floor" he said. Well doesn't that just warm your heart! "You don't have to be sorry" I said with a hug and a smile, "just come in and pick it up." And he did.
The most amazing feeling in the world is when you see your kids doing something so well - and you know it's because of something you said or did. I felt amazing when he apologized because he was not only aware of the fact that he had left the cereal on the floor, but also that he shouldn't have left it on the floor - that kid makes me think there's hope for all the boys. And has also given me the motivation to continue with my housework today because before I put this all down, I didn't want to do a darned thing. Now I'll go organize something because apparently, even the little guy appreciates it. :)
Friday, 9 August 2013
Laundry Day
After you finally get it out of their hands and insensitively ignore their pleas, tears and total heartbreak, they might look like this during the wash cycle.
Their eyes will become wide with anticipation when you pull it out. "Blanket!" They will say with their little arms stretched out. And then you will break their heart again when you pull it away and tell them it has to go into the dryer. And they might look like this.
Then, if your kid is both smart enough and strong enough (it's not a good thing where I'm headed) you may have to guard the dryer door so you can ensure the rest of the clothes also dry. And it may look something like this.
All said though, that Blanket will probably dry fairly fast and doesn't actually need to stay in the dryer the whole time. Pay attention; ten minutes tops- you probably have to stand there anyway and it beats waiting for everything to dry. You will be able to take it out and make your kid look like this again.
And that is priceless.
Monday, 5 August 2013
Oh My Gosh, What a Sunday!
Good morning, fabulous holiday Monday morning! These are seriously my absolute, most favourite days - but this one feels even better than they usually do. Why? Because yesterday I was able to spend the whole day doing things I wanted to do. Why? Because I worked my tail off the whole week and there was NOT ONE pressing thing I had to do yesterday.
There was one surprising small hot chocolate spill (gee, Hunter maybe?) but it was wiped up in a flash. There was no laundry because I finished it on Saturday. I swished and swiped in the bathrooms when I was in there but there was nothing dire. People, I had a real day off! And now, on this glorious holiday Monday morning, I, once again, have nothing pressing aside from the blog. I cannot tell you how much I am looking forward to my second day off!!
My mom-and-dad-in-law are stopping by today on their way through town, and I'm ready. We had no dinner dishes last night because we treated ourselves to dinner out. Actually, that was more from a lack of planning because apparently no one wanted the ribs from the other night and I hadn't taken anything else out. Meh, it happens.
So we hopped in the car and headed out. We actually don't do this often because Hunter can hardly sit at our own table for a prolonged period of time but once in a while, we try it anyway because he has to learn. Well, I think I can say he's evolving, though I'm not sure if I'm proud of it or not. Aaron of course is fine because he's seven. However, as a baby, he would sit in his highchair at mealtime - he loved it. Hunter hated it. We shall see.
Anyway, Hunter is definitely not afraid to demand attention. Most three-year-old's are not I guess, but this is the first time he demanded it of someone else to the point of minor embarrassment. I suppose we can give the kid some credit for understanding the whole "server gets everything for you" idea. We had ordered drinks and the kids' came in tiny kid cups. They both opted for chocolate milk. We were otherwise occupied I guess because not long after we heard the "sluuuuurp" as Hunter finished his. Whoops.
We didn't think much of it because dinner was definitely going to be a bit yet. Aaron and I were doing his kid's sheet crossword and Geoff was reading a paper. Hunter had been colouring as well but he got our, and the hostess' attention when he stood up and yelled "Scuse me! Can I have some more chocolate milk?" It wasn't busy in the restaurant so we only had red faces for the hostess. We hushed Hunter but really, he got it right. Why ask Mom and Dad? They don't get the chocolate milk at the restaurant.
When our dinners arrived, Hunter looked at his plate of chicken fingers and fries with utter disappointment. I noticed this and wasn't sure why - it's exactly what he ordered. He was staring at it and Geoff, who was sitting beside him, saw why; a cup of sweet and sour sauce. Hunter doesn't use it and apparently was unimpressed that something he hadn't asked for came with his meal. We removed the offending cup and all was well. We started eating and the server came by to ask how everything was. It was great, thank you. She was walking away and Hunter (who had not said anything at the time due to a full mouth) yells "I like mine too!"
Now at the time, it was like, Oh my gosh Hunter! Stop yelling at them! But having sat on it for a bit I've actually come to another conclusion. Hunter was being a customer. When no one came by to see if our drinks were okay, (and why would they? It had only been about eight minutes) he asked for one. When she came by to see how our meals were, and most everyone does this, she only waited for our reply. Hunter felt slighted.
Strangely enough, now, I'm proud of the little guy because he showed a real sign of getting bigger: his opinion matters. He showed an understanding of the whole process and also that he wanted to be involved with it. Pretty cool, little man, pretty cool.
There was one surprising small hot chocolate spill (gee, Hunter maybe?) but it was wiped up in a flash. There was no laundry because I finished it on Saturday. I swished and swiped in the bathrooms when I was in there but there was nothing dire. People, I had a real day off! And now, on this glorious holiday Monday morning, I, once again, have nothing pressing aside from the blog. I cannot tell you how much I am looking forward to my second day off!!
My mom-and-dad-in-law are stopping by today on their way through town, and I'm ready. We had no dinner dishes last night because we treated ourselves to dinner out. Actually, that was more from a lack of planning because apparently no one wanted the ribs from the other night and I hadn't taken anything else out. Meh, it happens.
So we hopped in the car and headed out. We actually don't do this often because Hunter can hardly sit at our own table for a prolonged period of time but once in a while, we try it anyway because he has to learn. Well, I think I can say he's evolving, though I'm not sure if I'm proud of it or not. Aaron of course is fine because he's seven. However, as a baby, he would sit in his highchair at mealtime - he loved it. Hunter hated it. We shall see.
Anyway, Hunter is definitely not afraid to demand attention. Most three-year-old's are not I guess, but this is the first time he demanded it of someone else to the point of minor embarrassment. I suppose we can give the kid some credit for understanding the whole "server gets everything for you" idea. We had ordered drinks and the kids' came in tiny kid cups. They both opted for chocolate milk. We were otherwise occupied I guess because not long after we heard the "sluuuuurp" as Hunter finished his. Whoops.
We didn't think much of it because dinner was definitely going to be a bit yet. Aaron and I were doing his kid's sheet crossword and Geoff was reading a paper. Hunter had been colouring as well but he got our, and the hostess' attention when he stood up and yelled "Scuse me! Can I have some more chocolate milk?" It wasn't busy in the restaurant so we only had red faces for the hostess. We hushed Hunter but really, he got it right. Why ask Mom and Dad? They don't get the chocolate milk at the restaurant.
When our dinners arrived, Hunter looked at his plate of chicken fingers and fries with utter disappointment. I noticed this and wasn't sure why - it's exactly what he ordered. He was staring at it and Geoff, who was sitting beside him, saw why; a cup of sweet and sour sauce. Hunter doesn't use it and apparently was unimpressed that something he hadn't asked for came with his meal. We removed the offending cup and all was well. We started eating and the server came by to ask how everything was. It was great, thank you. She was walking away and Hunter (who had not said anything at the time due to a full mouth) yells "I like mine too!"
Now at the time, it was like, Oh my gosh Hunter! Stop yelling at them! But having sat on it for a bit I've actually come to another conclusion. Hunter was being a customer. When no one came by to see if our drinks were okay, (and why would they? It had only been about eight minutes) he asked for one. When she came by to see how our meals were, and most everyone does this, she only waited for our reply. Hunter felt slighted.
Strangely enough, now, I'm proud of the little guy because he showed a real sign of getting bigger: his opinion matters. He showed an understanding of the whole process and also that he wanted to be involved with it. Pretty cool, little man, pretty cool.
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