Bits and Pieces: January

Christopher: "Why do people who don't know you like you?"
Me: "I don't think people who don't know you like you or dislike you."
Christopher: "Well, people I don't know smile at me all the time." (Said while batting his eyelashes.)

Yes, they do, Christopher. Because you are an adorable little boy. Don't let it go to your head.

Another recent funny Christopher-ism:

Me, in the car: "Why isn't this stupid driver going. God!"

Clare: "You said a bad word. You're not supposed to say that!"

Christopher: "It's okay to say it if there is someone in your way."

And further proof that I need to watch my mouth around my children:

Clare: "Decorating gingerbread houses makes you say bad words. You said 'dumb' and 'shit'."

Anyway, moving on. January is always a strange month. At the beginning, I am relieved that the holidays are over and we have a fresh start. We always do a lot of planning for the rest of the year, and planning is one of my favorite hobbies. As we get further along in the month, though, it starts to drag and seems to go on forever.

Speaking of plans, we are going to be doing a few house projects this year, including a new backsplash for the kitchen and new siding. That is, we will do these projects if I can ever decide on a color for either. It is a big commitment!

The kids started skating lessons this month. Clare is doing well. She enjoys the lessons and has started skating backwards and doing some simple turns. Christopher, though. Christopher is not into it. He cries before every lesson and then only half-heartedly participates. I am not going to let him quit, but I wish we could find something he likes. He also did this when we had him in gymnastics and swimming. I asked him what he wanted to play, and he said football. And I said no. Actually, I don't know if there are any football programs for kids his age, but I am very reluctant to let him to play.

We took the kids to a Gopher women's hockey game this month. They enjoyed it. Clare liked watching the game, while Christopher was more interested in chasing Goldy around the stands and eating many concessions. Goldy snuck up behind him at one point and put his hands over Christopher's eyes. When Christopher realized who it was, he shrieked with absolute joy. (Clare is still scared of Goldy.)

Clare has had a few days off school this month. We spent one of the days at my friend Kerry's house, and the kids all had fun running around. I enjoyed drinking coffee and talking to my friends. It is so nice that the kids are old enough now that I don't have to watch them constantly. This past Friday, we went to the Children's Museum. It was insane there, but the kids enjoyed it, especially the slide. I sat and drank coffee and watched them come flying down. (Apparently all of my nice mornings involve drinking coffee.)

And then, of course, we had the snow day. I felt very lucky that Clare made it home safely and on time that Monday. I feel for those poor kids (and their parents) who were stuck on buses or at school for hours. I did stupidly try to take Clare to her piano lesson. I got stuck in the alley, and then stuck on Fairview Avenue before finally making it around the block to park in front of the house. My children learned a few new profanities that day as well. Later, Ben and my neighbor had to push the car down the street and up the alley. The neighbors all really banded together to help people who were stuck. And my neighbor also used his snowblower so we had a lot less shoveling to do.

The snow day itself was fun. The kids were so excited to play outside. I believe they won't see many more of these huge snowfalls in their lifetime, so I am glad they got to experience it.

My mom was here for a few days, and my sister and I took her out for her birthday. (Our usual: martinis at Moscow on the Hill followed by burgers at Red Cow.) My dad joined her here for the weekend. We always have a nice visit.

Christopher has been struggling with goodbyes at school. He sobs when I leave. I hate leaving him like that, but as soon as I leave he stops. The school has an Instagram account, so I can check it and see his smiling face. I know it just an act for me, but it still breaks my heart.

I am starting my new childcare schedule this Thursday. (I will be watching Josie and Otto four days a month.) Wish me luck! It has been a long time since I've taken care of a baby. Luckily, Otto is one of the cutest babies in the world, says his biased aunt. I just hope he'll take a bottle.

Starting the New Year with cousins is an excellent way to start the year.

Showcasing their different personalities.

Goldy excitement.

Snow!

Taken moments before her boots got stuck in the snow and she came in barefoot and crying. (We went back out later.)

Flying out of the slide at the Children's Museum.

She loves painting her face.

Found on my phone.