Had to get up early this morning to meet a guy at Eastern Market for a tour of LGBT sites for a story I'm working on for The Post. I had quietly gotten out of bed and showered, only to find that Rachel, while I was showering, crawled out of her bed and into the guest bedroom, her blanket with her and her Groucho Marx-like nose and glasses on.
She tried to grab onto me but I gently disengaged myself, saying that I really had to get ready.
As I was finishing up, she got out of bed, pointed her arm at me and said, "Remember. You are the best mommy in the whole world of mommies."
Nothing could dim my mood after that. The fact that it was in the mid-60s and sunny helped, but still...it was a great day because Rachel started it out that way.
Saturday, February 20, 2016
Friday night
I took Rachel to an activities fair Friday night because there are still a few weeks of summer that are unaccounted for. We are planning for two weeks (or most of two weeks, anyway) for vacation. Rachel has expressed an interest in going to...Canada, because "I've never been out of the country," to we are looking at Montreal and Quebec City because, Rachel insists, she's a city girl and likes the busyness of cities. So, probably not Nova Scotia this time.
That is, if we're not busy moving. We are crossing our fingers that our landlords spend another three years overseas so we can get Rachel through the 5th grade at McKinley, and frankly I am just not up to moving right now. But if we must, we must. Our lease expires in July.
We found a bunch of interesting-looking camps. So far, she is signed up for computer animation camp (Girls only! Woot!), music camp, PONY camp, and probably Summer Laureates, the academic enrichment program she has done the last two summers. We have two weeks left to fill, and we're thinking French-immersion camp (because Rachel has expressed an interest in learning French) and either a swim or a general outdoor activity camp. Geez, that kid is going to have a better summer than I will! Although I'm really looking forward to outdoor swimming again...
We left way late (around 7:30), and I had gotten only six hours of sleep the night before so I was really cranky. I spoke sharply to Rachel, who was shrieking with energy when we got outside (she was excited because she had picked up a bunch of free items like sunglasses and a Groucho Marx-like nose and glasses) and explained I was cranky, and she got very upset and wouldn't tell me what was wrong until we got to the restaurant. Then she unloaded, saying, "Mom this is about you, no offense," and then launched into the fact that it wasn't fair that I got to take out my crankiness on everyone but every time she's cranky, Drew says, "Just because you're cranky doesn't mean you get to be cranky and rude to other people." She was essentially upset because she thought there was one rule for us ("I know you're grownups, but it's not fair") and another for her. We talked it out, and I agreed to try not to take my crankiness out on everyone and Drew said he'd go a little easier on Rachel when she's out of sorts.
Getting some burgers, fries and chocolate cake into all of us helped, and by the time we got home Rachel was sweet and cuddly and insisted that I read with her in bed.
That is, if we're not busy moving. We are crossing our fingers that our landlords spend another three years overseas so we can get Rachel through the 5th grade at McKinley, and frankly I am just not up to moving right now. But if we must, we must. Our lease expires in July.
We found a bunch of interesting-looking camps. So far, she is signed up for computer animation camp (Girls only! Woot!), music camp, PONY camp, and probably Summer Laureates, the academic enrichment program she has done the last two summers. We have two weeks left to fill, and we're thinking French-immersion camp (because Rachel has expressed an interest in learning French) and either a swim or a general outdoor activity camp. Geez, that kid is going to have a better summer than I will! Although I'm really looking forward to outdoor swimming again...
We left way late (around 7:30), and I had gotten only six hours of sleep the night before so I was really cranky. I spoke sharply to Rachel, who was shrieking with energy when we got outside (she was excited because she had picked up a bunch of free items like sunglasses and a Groucho Marx-like nose and glasses) and explained I was cranky, and she got very upset and wouldn't tell me what was wrong until we got to the restaurant. Then she unloaded, saying, "Mom this is about you, no offense," and then launched into the fact that it wasn't fair that I got to take out my crankiness on everyone but every time she's cranky, Drew says, "Just because you're cranky doesn't mean you get to be cranky and rude to other people." She was essentially upset because she thought there was one rule for us ("I know you're grownups, but it's not fair") and another for her. We talked it out, and I agreed to try not to take my crankiness out on everyone and Drew said he'd go a little easier on Rachel when she's out of sorts.
Getting some burgers, fries and chocolate cake into all of us helped, and by the time we got home Rachel was sweet and cuddly and insisted that I read with her in bed.
2nd quarter report card
"Can I see my report card?" Rachel asked excitedly when I picked her up Friday afternoon. Report cards come in letter-size envelopes so the kids can't see them. Rachel said that some parents don't show kids their report cards, but I told her I'd be glad to show it to her. The fact that she knew it was coming and that she was eager to see her progress impressed me.
Her teacher, Ms. Burke, said: "Rachel had a wonderful second quarter. She remains to be an avid reader and take advantage of any opportunity to read. She also began working on a Navigator unit, which helps to develop close reading strategies, and she will work with her group to complete it in the coming weeks. Rachel has shown growth with her writing and successfully completed several expository pieces and friendly letters. The use of graphic organizers has helped her develop her thoughts before she begins writing and her pieces are well organized and maintain a clear focus. However, I will continue to challenge Rachel in this area next quarter and will encourage her to include more descriptive details into her pieces. I would also like for her to make a habit of checking her writing for proper use of capital letters before publishing a final draft. Rachel demonstrates a strong understanding of the math concepts we studied this quarter. A math goal for her next quarter would be to practice her fact fluency with subtraction problems. Rachel continues to do well with her iPad and is eager to learn new apps. I so appreciate her positivity and her enthusiasm for learning, and I am looking forward to a great third quarter.
From her art teacher: "Rachel is very creative, and loves anything having to do with art. It is a pleasure having Rachel in art class."
From her phys ed teacher: "Rachel continues to have a great year. She worked hard to improve her skills and it showed during our rolling and bowling unit. Her jump roping has improved throughout the quarter as well. She works well independently and with others."
Areas of difficulty: using capitalization and punctuation appropriately.
Areas of strength: reading independently and computing accurately in math.
Her teacher, Ms. Burke, said: "Rachel had a wonderful second quarter. She remains to be an avid reader and take advantage of any opportunity to read. She also began working on a Navigator unit, which helps to develop close reading strategies, and she will work with her group to complete it in the coming weeks. Rachel has shown growth with her writing and successfully completed several expository pieces and friendly letters. The use of graphic organizers has helped her develop her thoughts before she begins writing and her pieces are well organized and maintain a clear focus. However, I will continue to challenge Rachel in this area next quarter and will encourage her to include more descriptive details into her pieces. I would also like for her to make a habit of checking her writing for proper use of capital letters before publishing a final draft. Rachel demonstrates a strong understanding of the math concepts we studied this quarter. A math goal for her next quarter would be to practice her fact fluency with subtraction problems. Rachel continues to do well with her iPad and is eager to learn new apps. I so appreciate her positivity and her enthusiasm for learning, and I am looking forward to a great third quarter.
From her art teacher: "Rachel is very creative, and loves anything having to do with art. It is a pleasure having Rachel in art class."
From her phys ed teacher: "Rachel continues to have a great year. She worked hard to improve her skills and it showed during our rolling and bowling unit. Her jump roping has improved throughout the quarter as well. She works well independently and with others."
Areas of difficulty: using capitalization and punctuation appropriately.
Areas of strength: reading independently and computing accurately in math.
Science Fair, Part 2
Science Fair night was Thursday, and there were only two other kids in 2nd grade who did projects (it's required in 4th and 5th and we want to get Rachel used to the idea of doing one so that it doesn't seem overwhelming when it's not optional anymore). She got some nice compliments, apparently. The adults, apparently, were impressed that she didn't choose an experiment from a book like the other kids did.
I congratulated her by phone at work, and I said, "Aren't you glad you did a project?" "You MADE me do one," she reminded me, not very enthusiastically. Well, I'm glad we did because it was an important lesson in stick-to-itiveness. Which hopefully will serve her well in life.
I congratulated her by phone at work, and I said, "Aren't you glad you did a project?" "You MADE me do one," she reminded me, not very enthusiastically. Well, I'm glad we did because it was an important lesson in stick-to-itiveness. Which hopefully will serve her well in life.
Post-ice storm
It was raining on Tuesday -- really raining -- but, of course, Arlington Public Schools were closed because of the ice the night before that had already started melting Tuesday morning. No, school closures make no sense.
Drew went off to work and I told Rachel I'd bring her to Daddy's workplace because I had to work at 3:30. She came into our bedroom in the morning and the first thing she said was, cheerfully, "Did I miss the adults' heads exploding??"
What could I do but laugh?
I told her I had to do some work that day, but we ended up having a late breakfast and just hanging out. Nicole asked us if she could bring Sydney over for a playdate, and I asked Rachel if she wanted to do that, but she said no, she wanted to spend the day with me alone. I told her that made me feel really good and wrote Nicole back. She was very understanding.
Rachel and I walked to the station -- about a mile -- and she remarked several times that she's not used to getting that much exercise, but she never whined about it. And I encouraged her to do some puddle-jumping because the ice had melted quickly with the rain and warm temps. "I love you, Mommy!" she kept saying.
Really, I think she loved the fact that she got to spend time with me, which she hasn't this week because I've worked five days.
Drew went off to work and I told Rachel I'd bring her to Daddy's workplace because I had to work at 3:30. She came into our bedroom in the morning and the first thing she said was, cheerfully, "Did I miss the adults' heads exploding??"
What could I do but laugh?
I told her I had to do some work that day, but we ended up having a late breakfast and just hanging out. Nicole asked us if she could bring Sydney over for a playdate, and I asked Rachel if she wanted to do that, but she said no, she wanted to spend the day with me alone. I told her that made me feel really good and wrote Nicole back. She was very understanding.
Rachel and I walked to the station -- about a mile -- and she remarked several times that she's not used to getting that much exercise, but she never whined about it. And I encouraged her to do some puddle-jumping because the ice had melted quickly with the rain and warm temps. "I love you, Mommy!" she kept saying.
Really, I think she loved the fact that she got to spend time with me, which she hasn't this week because I've worked five days.
Ice storm
Drew had off President's Day. Rachel had a sleepover the night before with Sydney and from what Nicole said, they didn't get a lot of sleep (Rachel told us that Sydney wanted to play a game on her iPad when it was time to go to bed; all Rachel wanted to do was sleep, poor thing). We picked her up in the early afternoon, and they drove me in to the Ballston Metro for work.
On the way home that night -- I had decided to go in, despite the fact that my boss told us all that we could work from home because of the impeding ice storm -- it was perilous. A sheet of ice covered the bike path, so I hiked on the snow by the side of the path when I could, and crossed ice-coated bridges very very carefully. I had finally made it close to home until I reached the house across the street from ours and realized that I couldn't cross. It was too slippery. So, I slid my bags and umbrella (it had started raining on top of all of this) across the street and thought about sliding on my butt across -- but as soon as I did so, I started sliding down, not across. (I had called Drew by this point, and both he and I realized that I could go to the bottom of the hill, walk carefully across and then back up in the melting parts near the sidewalks.) I finally made it back home, with Drew carrying my bags inside, vowing NEVER EVER EVER to try to walk to the Metro station and back in an ice storm. Why risk it, when I can just as easily work from home?
On the way home that night -- I had decided to go in, despite the fact that my boss told us all that we could work from home because of the impeding ice storm -- it was perilous. A sheet of ice covered the bike path, so I hiked on the snow by the side of the path when I could, and crossed ice-coated bridges very very carefully. I had finally made it close to home until I reached the house across the street from ours and realized that I couldn't cross. It was too slippery. So, I slid my bags and umbrella (it had started raining on top of all of this) across the street and thought about sliding on my butt across -- but as soon as I did so, I started sliding down, not across. (I had called Drew by this point, and both he and I realized that I could go to the bottom of the hill, walk carefully across and then back up in the melting parts near the sidewalks.) I finally made it back home, with Drew carrying my bags inside, vowing NEVER EVER EVER to try to walk to the Metro station and back in an ice storm. Why risk it, when I can just as easily work from home?
Happy Valentine's Day!
We had a lovely Valentine's Day last Sunday, even if I did have to work. Drew made chocolate-chip pancakes and bacon and bought me a lovely bouquet of roses. We all exchanged gifts: Drew got me a beautiful sweater; I bought him a tie with a light-bulb pattern from the National Archives gift shop (at Rachel's suggestion; she thought the tie I had picked out, a red pattern, was too boring), and we both bought Rachel a Magic 8-ball which she has been mooning over for MONTHS. She was so happy when she opened it!
She made us cards and gave me a miniature rose-potting kit. Very sweet.
There was no religious school because of the President's Day holiday weekend.
She made us cards and gave me a miniature rose-potting kit. Very sweet.
There was no religious school because of the President's Day holiday weekend.
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Valentines...
Rachel got some lovely valentines from her classmates -- many handmade, containing lollipops or candy -- and I'm so glad we insisted she do them in return (hers included tattoo stickers of animals, which apparently went over really well).
Bad Mommy didn't attend her class Valentine's Day -- I will do better next year, I promise -- and today she unveiled a really clever card, with inserts! that she made Drew and me. It was in art class. Most of the other kids just made flat cards, but she took the time to do some creative touches which made the card really stand out. I told her I was very impressed, and it went right up on our mantel.
Neal, one of the class jokers, gave her TWO valentines -- one said "Be my valentine," which puzzled her. A girl in her class, Bennet, apparently has a "secret admirer" because she got two unsigned valentines and nobody knew who gave them to her! A class mystery that Rachel wants to write on the classroom blog, even though I urged her not to.
I was relieve to hear that Rachel thinks nothing of getting valentines from boys, even extra ones -- she still doesn't have any crushes yet. Hoping this lasts a long, long time.
Bad Mommy didn't attend her class Valentine's Day -- I will do better next year, I promise -- and today she unveiled a really clever card, with inserts! that she made Drew and me. It was in art class. Most of the other kids just made flat cards, but she took the time to do some creative touches which made the card really stand out. I told her I was very impressed, and it went right up on our mantel.
Neal, one of the class jokers, gave her TWO valentines -- one said "Be my valentine," which puzzled her. A girl in her class, Bennet, apparently has a "secret admirer" because she got two unsigned valentines and nobody knew who gave them to her! A class mystery that Rachel wants to write on the classroom blog, even though I urged her not to.
I was relieve to hear that Rachel thinks nothing of getting valentines from boys, even extra ones -- she still doesn't have any crushes yet. Hoping this lasts a long, long time.
Science Fair
Rachel had indicated several times last year that she wanted to do a science fair project for the school's annual Science Fair, which is this coming Thursday. She discussed various ideas -- comparing yawning rates between adults and kids, blinking rates -- that sort of thing.
Science Fair is totally optional for kids until they reach fourth and fifth grade, and then it's a requirement.
Earlier this week, she announced to Drew that she didn't want to do the fair because she's in a lot of activities and she was feeling stressed out (she also didn't want to do class valentines, either, which Drew said was optional, as per her teacher's instructions, but I shut that down firmly with a "She HAS to do valentines. That is NOT an option." Because the last thing I wanted was for her to get a ton of valentines and not give out any; it's a social thing, and I want her to be sensitive).
"WHAT," Drew said when she announced she didn't want to do the science fair. He freaked out and talked to me about it one night when I called home from work, and I told him that I'd talk to Rachel on the way to school the next day. I think, I told him, that she just feels as if she has to do it all by herself and that it would help if we told her that she isn't in it alone.
So, the next day, I said to her, "What's this about you not participating in the science fair?" "I have too many activities, and it's my decision," she said. "Um, no, it's not," I replied. I told her that she had committed to doing it, but that "Daddy and I will clear your schedule this week and next to help you. You have all of Saturday and Sunday off (there's no religious school because of the Presidents Day holiday Monday)."
"No swim lesson?" she said. I told her she could do swim lessons and gymnastics, and she reminded me that she had a playdate with Sydney. Which I said she could do, but that was it. And I told Drew later that she was excused for writing in the Mommy-daughter journal we keep every day so she can practice her writing (the entries are pretty good sometimes, and it gets her mind flowing).
Bottom line: She decided to measure blink rates in adults and kids, and Drew said she has really gotten into it, using a timer to time her friends and their parents, and they checked out a book about eyes to do research, and bought poster board on Friday, so now we are totally committed. I'm so glad we insisted that she follow through. It's a huge life lesson that I want her to internalize early.
Science Fair is totally optional for kids until they reach fourth and fifth grade, and then it's a requirement.
Earlier this week, she announced to Drew that she didn't want to do the fair because she's in a lot of activities and she was feeling stressed out (she also didn't want to do class valentines, either, which Drew said was optional, as per her teacher's instructions, but I shut that down firmly with a "She HAS to do valentines. That is NOT an option." Because the last thing I wanted was for her to get a ton of valentines and not give out any; it's a social thing, and I want her to be sensitive).
"WHAT," Drew said when she announced she didn't want to do the science fair. He freaked out and talked to me about it one night when I called home from work, and I told him that I'd talk to Rachel on the way to school the next day. I think, I told him, that she just feels as if she has to do it all by herself and that it would help if we told her that she isn't in it alone.
So, the next day, I said to her, "What's this about you not participating in the science fair?" "I have too many activities, and it's my decision," she said. "Um, no, it's not," I replied. I told her that she had committed to doing it, but that "Daddy and I will clear your schedule this week and next to help you. You have all of Saturday and Sunday off (there's no religious school because of the Presidents Day holiday Monday)."
"No swim lesson?" she said. I told her she could do swim lessons and gymnastics, and she reminded me that she had a playdate with Sydney. Which I said she could do, but that was it. And I told Drew later that she was excused for writing in the Mommy-daughter journal we keep every day so she can practice her writing (the entries are pretty good sometimes, and it gets her mind flowing).
Bottom line: She decided to measure blink rates in adults and kids, and Drew said she has really gotten into it, using a timer to time her friends and their parents, and they checked out a book about eyes to do research, and bought poster board on Friday, so now we are totally committed. I'm so glad we insisted that she follow through. It's a huge life lesson that I want her to internalize early.
Technology
This past Wednesday, Rachel's class had an open house for parents to come in and ooh and aah over the cool stuff their kids are doing on their iPads. I came, of course, looking about as dragged-out as it is possible for me to look -- I had worked a late shift the night before, slept in and had just enough time to throw on clothes and run my fingers through my hair before I had to go to school. (I hadn't showered because I was planning on heading to the pool afterward.)
Rachel's whole face lit up when she saw me -- clearly, she delights in my presence, which is very comforting these days -- and she eagerly showed me the iMovie she'd made, the games we could play (all educational, of course) and her CLASSROOM BLOG, which is the coolest thing ever but can only be accessed directly on her iPad, sigh. She clung to me when it was time to leave after 20 minutes and made me walk outside with everyone for outdoor recess -- and then she kindly showed me how to get to the main part of the school and the road home. Not so easy at it sounds, because there's construction everywhere.
I was in awe of the technological know-how she has. I was showing her my Twitter account tonight (which is pretty pathetic because I have only 132 followers, but I'm working on that), and she sighed and said, "Mommy, you're so good with computers." Um, not really, sweetie. You have already passed me on that front -- you just don't know it yet.
Rachel's whole face lit up when she saw me -- clearly, she delights in my presence, which is very comforting these days -- and she eagerly showed me the iMovie she'd made, the games we could play (all educational, of course) and her CLASSROOM BLOG, which is the coolest thing ever but can only be accessed directly on her iPad, sigh. She clung to me when it was time to leave after 20 minutes and made me walk outside with everyone for outdoor recess -- and then she kindly showed me how to get to the main part of the school and the road home. Not so easy at it sounds, because there's construction everywhere.
I was in awe of the technological know-how she has. I was showing her my Twitter account tonight (which is pretty pathetic because I have only 132 followers, but I'm working on that), and she sighed and said, "Mommy, you're so good with computers." Um, not really, sweetie. You have already passed me on that front -- you just don't know it yet.
Working mom's dilemma
Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia died -- in the middle of a Supreme Court term, in the middle of a wild and woolly presidential campaign, for God's sake -- and so I immediately volunteered to come in to work. Turns out that they don't need me tonight, but my boss asked if any of us would be available to work extra this week. I immediately emailed her that, sure, I'd be available Monday and Tuesday (I was scheduled to work Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday).
That's great news for me -- a fatter paycheck next week (we can really use the money) and it always helps to volunteer to assist during a huge breaking-news story. Or so I thought, until I informed Drew had Rachel what I'd done.
Rachel immediately burst into tears and stomped upstairs, threw herself on her bed and started sobbing. (She's under the weather today; this morning she said her head felt like it's "filled with oatmeal" and her nose is stuffed up; her throat hurts so much she can barely talk and she has been whispering most of the afternoon while she's working on her Science Fair project). "First, you didn't come to my Valentine's Day party, and THEN you're working on President's Day! The people at work get to see you more than I do, and it's NOT FAIR!"
I read something last week about parenting -- that kids don't respond if they're in the middle of a tantrum and you try to reason with them, like saying, "Well, sweetie, we need the money that I'm making, and it helps if I volunteer because then maybe they'll hire me full time, which means we may even afford to buy a house and take nice vacations," they just won't respond. So, I let her sob and get upset, and then I took her into my lap and explained that I know she feels a little cooped up, and nothing feels good when you're sick. Short of telling my boss that, forget it, I can't work those extra days, what would help?
"NOTHING," she insisted.
So, I suggested that I let her sleep with me tonight -- I'll put her in the guest room and crawl in beside her after Daddy and I have had some time along together (hopefully we'll get to watch a movie downstairs). That seemed to comfort her a little. Really, there's not much more I can do.
That's great news for me -- a fatter paycheck next week (we can really use the money) and it always helps to volunteer to assist during a huge breaking-news story. Or so I thought, until I informed Drew had Rachel what I'd done.
Rachel immediately burst into tears and stomped upstairs, threw herself on her bed and started sobbing. (She's under the weather today; this morning she said her head felt like it's "filled with oatmeal" and her nose is stuffed up; her throat hurts so much she can barely talk and she has been whispering most of the afternoon while she's working on her Science Fair project). "First, you didn't come to my Valentine's Day party, and THEN you're working on President's Day! The people at work get to see you more than I do, and it's NOT FAIR!"
I read something last week about parenting -- that kids don't respond if they're in the middle of a tantrum and you try to reason with them, like saying, "Well, sweetie, we need the money that I'm making, and it helps if I volunteer because then maybe they'll hire me full time, which means we may even afford to buy a house and take nice vacations," they just won't respond. So, I let her sob and get upset, and then I took her into my lap and explained that I know she feels a little cooped up, and nothing feels good when you're sick. Short of telling my boss that, forget it, I can't work those extra days, what would help?
"NOTHING," she insisted.
So, I suggested that I let her sleep with me tonight -- I'll put her in the guest room and crawl in beside her after Daddy and I have had some time along together (hopefully we'll get to watch a movie downstairs). That seemed to comfort her a little. Really, there's not much more I can do.
Shabbat dinner remarks
It was really, really cold yesterday (Friday), and I was out of sorts: I hadn't gotten enough sleep Thursday, so I was exhausted; and I arranged for a work colleague to come over to teach me about Twitter; and when I hauled myself out of a dead sleep to walk Rachel to school, Drew told me that he thought he was taking her in, which meant I forced myself awake for nothing (once I'm up in the morning, I can't go back to sleep). To top it all off, Rachel invited me to her class Valentine's Day party, and I had to say no because of my colleague coming over -- and she was so disappointed that she stomped off, and I scolded her a little for being mad (although, really, scolding her for expressing her emotions really isn't a good idea). I had to bring in strawberries, and I was hoping that Drew could do that so Rachel wouldn't have the chance to ask me to come. (In fairness, the party didn't need parent volunteers, or I would have signed up.)
Anyway.
When I got back home, I managed to stay awake long enough to run to a kick-your-butt fitness class that I do every Friday -- it's called Barre, and it's like ballet on steroids -- then to a bakery for a treat, and then home to meet my friend. We actually finished early enough for me to race to Rachel's class, but I hadn't showered and I desperately needed to sleep, so I crashed for an hour on the couch. Does that make me a bad mom?
When I picked up Rachel from school, she actually wanted to play with Sydney at extended day, so she asked me to hang out and wait. Drew and I discussed dinner (I hadn't planned on anything because I figured we'd go to a summer activities fair that ended up getting canceled because of fear of a snowstorm with bad ice that never actually ended up happening) and he made the brilliant offer to grill steaks outside (because although it's hideously cold, it's not raining or snowing -- his two disqualifiers for grilling). So, we ended up having a fabulous dinner of T-bone steaks, baked potatoes and roasted brussels sprouts -- a heavy dinner that was exactly what I wanted.
***
At dinner, Rachel said: "Dad got all Lord of the Rings-y with that parking space." (Turns out Drew was so excited to find an open space near school that he rubbed his hands together and said, 'My PRECIOUS!' with glee.)
Later, when I expressed an interest in watching last Sunday's episode of "Downton Abbey," Rachel said, "You can do book with me, or watch DOWNTON Abbey (with a thumbs-down sign and a terrible face) and get the silent treatment for a month").
Guess which one I chose?
Anyway.
When I got back home, I managed to stay awake long enough to run to a kick-your-butt fitness class that I do every Friday -- it's called Barre, and it's like ballet on steroids -- then to a bakery for a treat, and then home to meet my friend. We actually finished early enough for me to race to Rachel's class, but I hadn't showered and I desperately needed to sleep, so I crashed for an hour on the couch. Does that make me a bad mom?
When I picked up Rachel from school, she actually wanted to play with Sydney at extended day, so she asked me to hang out and wait. Drew and I discussed dinner (I hadn't planned on anything because I figured we'd go to a summer activities fair that ended up getting canceled because of fear of a snowstorm with bad ice that never actually ended up happening) and he made the brilliant offer to grill steaks outside (because although it's hideously cold, it's not raining or snowing -- his two disqualifiers for grilling). So, we ended up having a fabulous dinner of T-bone steaks, baked potatoes and roasted brussels sprouts -- a heavy dinner that was exactly what I wanted.
***
At dinner, Rachel said: "Dad got all Lord of the Rings-y with that parking space." (Turns out Drew was so excited to find an open space near school that he rubbed his hands together and said, 'My PRECIOUS!' with glee.)
Later, when I expressed an interest in watching last Sunday's episode of "Downton Abbey," Rachel said, "You can do book with me, or watch DOWNTON Abbey (with a thumbs-down sign and a terrible face) and get the silent treatment for a month").
Guess which one I chose?
Book presentation
One of the "projects" Rachel has had to do this year is a presentation about a book she read -- an in-class, posterboard, stand-up-in-front-of-everyone-and-present thing. She was great about getting a head start on the work (with Drew's great encouragement and gentle pushing) and with only a few bumps at the end (she didn't appreciate having to correct her sentences after Drew and I copy-edited them -- a bad business, having a mom for an editor) she got it done.
I had a chance to look at some of the presentations earlier this week when I dropped by Rachel's class (more on that later) and my heart sank a little when I saw how creative some of them were: full-scale models of, say, trucks and figurines, and beautiful poster boards of "Amelia Bedelia" with sparkles and colorful lettering. Our philosophy on class projects is to let Rachel do most, of not all, of the work, with us being there for gentle guidance. (The same applies to Science Fair, which is this upcoming Thursday.) He thinks that many parents in Rachel's school do much of the work on projects for their kids (in fact, Billy, Ivy's dad, told us that Jenny is doing "most of the work" for Ivy and Liam's required Science Fair entry -- they're twins in fourth grade, so they don't have a choice of entering) and he doesn't want to follow that path.
So, it was nice to come home from work one day this week and see this from Rachel's teacher -- a "scoring rubric" for vocabulary, content, oral presentation and neatness/quality of work, with scores of 1 (needs improvement) 2 (acceptable) and 3 (exceptional).
Rachel got 3s in everything except for oral presentation; she got a 2 for "appropriate volume and rate of speaking." (Apparently her voice was a little soft).
She got a total of 11 points out of a possible 12 in the "exceptional" category. "Well done Rachel!" Ms. Burke said. "I love all the art work on your poster and you chose excellent vocabulary words. You spoke with confidence but next time, try to speak a little outer. But overall you did a wonderful job!"
I made sure to compliment Rachel not just on the work, but all the effort she put in.
I had a chance to look at some of the presentations earlier this week when I dropped by Rachel's class (more on that later) and my heart sank a little when I saw how creative some of them were: full-scale models of, say, trucks and figurines, and beautiful poster boards of "Amelia Bedelia" with sparkles and colorful lettering. Our philosophy on class projects is to let Rachel do most, of not all, of the work, with us being there for gentle guidance. (The same applies to Science Fair, which is this upcoming Thursday.) He thinks that many parents in Rachel's school do much of the work on projects for their kids (in fact, Billy, Ivy's dad, told us that Jenny is doing "most of the work" for Ivy and Liam's required Science Fair entry -- they're twins in fourth grade, so they don't have a choice of entering) and he doesn't want to follow that path.
So, it was nice to come home from work one day this week and see this from Rachel's teacher -- a "scoring rubric" for vocabulary, content, oral presentation and neatness/quality of work, with scores of 1 (needs improvement) 2 (acceptable) and 3 (exceptional).
Rachel got 3s in everything except for oral presentation; she got a 2 for "appropriate volume and rate of speaking." (Apparently her voice was a little soft).
She got a total of 11 points out of a possible 12 in the "exceptional" category. "Well done Rachel!" Ms. Burke said. "I love all the art work on your poster and you chose excellent vocabulary words. You spoke with confidence but next time, try to speak a little outer. But overall you did a wonderful job!"
I made sure to compliment Rachel not just on the work, but all the effort she put in.
Snow! (again)
It snowed again on Monday -- big, fluffy flakes that didn't stick much. But, they were beautiful (especially because we knew they wouldn't stick!)
As Rachel and I headed downstairs, she said something very poetic: "I love having evergreens! The snow looks so pretty. It looks like powdered sugar."
"That's so beautiful!" I exclaimed. "Don't ever tell me you can't write."
As Rachel and I headed downstairs, she said something very poetic: "I love having evergreens! The snow looks so pretty. It looks like powdered sugar."
"That's so beautiful!" I exclaimed. "Don't ever tell me you can't write."
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Will and Chloe!
Tonight was our rescheduled dinner with Will, Steve's son and Ruth's stepson, and his girlfriend, Chloe. We spent much of the day cleaning the house and preparing the meal -- a capon (which Drew found on a whim a few months ago and put in the freezer for an occasion such as this), wild rice (Drew's idea, again; much lighter than the roasted potatoes I had planned on) and roasted brussels sprouts with garlic aoli. I made the brussels sprouts and the chocolate-chip cake; he made the rest and it was FABULOUS, if I do say so myself. So glad I'm married to someone who not only really enjoys cooking, but is excellent -- a real natural -- at it.
Rachel was great throughout the day; she cleaned up her room, did her regular homework and her Hebrew-school homework, and stayed out of our way the rest of the time reading. Normally, I prefer that we spend Saturdays doing cultural or outdoor activities, but the house really needed cleaning and I wanted to make sure that we made a nice meal.
Will and Chloe know just how to talk to kids; Will asked Rachel the most interesting questions at dinner, one of which was, "Who do you learn the most from -- your friends, your teacher or your parents?" "My dad," she answered instantly, saying that Drew had taught her how to wink with both eyes and a couple of other things. "What about your MOM?" I asked, and she said, "Well, I don't see you because you work!" Which is true, I work at night, and I didn't really feel badly; as long as at least one of us is teaching her things, that's fine with me.
As for Rachel, almost as soon as we sat down she asked Will and Chloe brightly, "Any marriage plans?" "RACHEL!" I yelled. Will and Chloe reassured me that her question is perfectly okay, and that when they make a decision, "You'll be the first to know." Luckily she's at the age where she's still charming enough to ask those kinds of questions and get away with it. Rachel was very talkative at dinner about her friends and her teachers, and toward the end of it, Will looked at me and said, "So, how can we guarantee that amount of precociousness in our children?" Thus we launched into a long talk about parenting and screen time, with Drew and I saying that we don't know how to parent all kids, just our own, and that Rachel isn't a huge TV watcher because we aren't. (When Will asked Rachel why she doesn't watch much TV, she said, "We're a reading family.")
We gave them some chocolate-chip cake to take home, and they said they'd have us over to dinner next time, which we are really looking forward to. They're the rare young couple who really understand kids and know how to talk to them, so we can't wait to see them again!
Rachel was great throughout the day; she cleaned up her room, did her regular homework and her Hebrew-school homework, and stayed out of our way the rest of the time reading. Normally, I prefer that we spend Saturdays doing cultural or outdoor activities, but the house really needed cleaning and I wanted to make sure that we made a nice meal.
Will and Chloe know just how to talk to kids; Will asked Rachel the most interesting questions at dinner, one of which was, "Who do you learn the most from -- your friends, your teacher or your parents?" "My dad," she answered instantly, saying that Drew had taught her how to wink with both eyes and a couple of other things. "What about your MOM?" I asked, and she said, "Well, I don't see you because you work!" Which is true, I work at night, and I didn't really feel badly; as long as at least one of us is teaching her things, that's fine with me.
As for Rachel, almost as soon as we sat down she asked Will and Chloe brightly, "Any marriage plans?" "RACHEL!" I yelled. Will and Chloe reassured me that her question is perfectly okay, and that when they make a decision, "You'll be the first to know." Luckily she's at the age where she's still charming enough to ask those kinds of questions and get away with it. Rachel was very talkative at dinner about her friends and her teachers, and toward the end of it, Will looked at me and said, "So, how can we guarantee that amount of precociousness in our children?" Thus we launched into a long talk about parenting and screen time, with Drew and I saying that we don't know how to parent all kids, just our own, and that Rachel isn't a huge TV watcher because we aren't. (When Will asked Rachel why she doesn't watch much TV, she said, "We're a reading family.")
We gave them some chocolate-chip cake to take home, and they said they'd have us over to dinner next time, which we are really looking forward to. They're the rare young couple who really understand kids and know how to talk to them, so we can't wait to see them again!
Family Shabbat
So, this Friday night we went to a 2nd-grade Shabbat service at the synagogue. I really need to stop going to the dinner part of these things; they're expensive, the food is so-so (and most of it Rachel won't eat), and we never find anyone we know (Dani's parents, Stacy and Peter Leff, usually don't attend). And the people seem to know each other but don't always reach out beyond introducing themselves and then they go back to talking among themselves. (It was especially acute this week because three of the women at the table all have kids who go to the same elementary school, Cherrydale, in tony McLean, Va.)
Rachel sang at the service, along with the other 2nd-graders, and the sermon really spoke to me; it was about being the best person one could be rather than trying to be someone you're not. Words that especially resonate for me at this moment.
Afterward, at the oneg Shabbat, they had Israeli dancing. Rachel coaxed me out of my somber mood by persuading me to dance with the group, and it did make me feel better. I really love klezmer music and for a moment I could visualize myself dancing in a hall on a kibbutz in Israel. If I had the time, I'd probably take up Israeli dancing -- but I work nights, so that isn't likely to happen.
Rachel sang at the service, along with the other 2nd-graders, and the sermon really spoke to me; it was about being the best person one could be rather than trying to be someone you're not. Words that especially resonate for me at this moment.
Afterward, at the oneg Shabbat, they had Israeli dancing. Rachel coaxed me out of my somber mood by persuading me to dance with the group, and it did make me feel better. I really love klezmer music and for a moment I could visualize myself dancing in a hall on a kibbutz in Israel. If I had the time, I'd probably take up Israeli dancing -- but I work nights, so that isn't likely to happen.
Thursday, February 4, 2016
Sweet girl
As I said in my previous post, I haven't seen Rachel awake in the last few days, but she has come into my room in the morning. Not to wake me up, I guess, but just to cuddle next to me and hope I respond.
On Tuesday, I did. I turned two her and gave her a big hug, then snuggled into her chest and stroked her face and hair.
"Not every mom would do this," she said.
If they had a daughter like you, they would, I thought.
On Tuesday, I did. I turned two her and gave her a big hug, then snuggled into her chest and stroked her face and hair.
"Not every mom would do this," she said.
If they had a daughter like you, they would, I thought.
Did I really just hear this?
Tonight was the first time I've seen Rachel in almost a week -- I've worked three late shifts, and she has crawled into bed with me a few times in the morning, but I've been half asleep -- and her face just lit up when Drew brought her home from her swim lesson. "MOMMY! MOMMY! MOMMY!" she exclaimed, hugging me over and over.
As I followed her upstairs -- she insisted that I read with her in bed -- she said, "Look, I can go two steps at a time!"
"Careful," I warned, a little tremor in my voice.
"Careful, shmareful!" she replied.
"Did you really just make that up?" I asked.
"Yes," she said.
As I followed her upstairs -- she insisted that I read with her in bed -- she said, "Look, I can go two steps at a time!"
"Careful," I warned, a little tremor in my voice.
"Careful, shmareful!" she replied.
"Did you really just make that up?" I asked.
"Yes," she said.
Rachel the video star!
Here is the bit.ly address for The Post's video, "Kids analyze the presidential candidates" that has gone viral as I write this:
http://wapo.st/1SykVWo
The reaction has been tremendous. It has been shared multiple times on Facebook; I've gotten lots of compliments for Rachel's appearance at work (one person told me her favorite part of the video was anytime Rachel said anything); and it was even shown on the morning TV talk show "The View"! Rachel was a little embarrassed by the end, which shows her falling (gracefully) off her chair, but she loved the video -- even if she's a bit embarrassed when kids say things like, "You're an Internet star!"
http://wapo.st/1SykVWo
The reaction has been tremendous. It has been shared multiple times on Facebook; I've gotten lots of compliments for Rachel's appearance at work (one person told me her favorite part of the video was anytime Rachel said anything); and it was even shown on the morning TV talk show "The View"! Rachel was a little embarrassed by the end, which shows her falling (gracefully) off her chair, but she loved the video -- even if she's a bit embarrassed when kids say things like, "You're an Internet star!"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)