Dave captured a few funny videos at the museum of natural history this past week.
Here's mom explaining the physical attributes of the stegosaurus. She's quite scientific.
Also, Winston ran into the women's bathroom with me in hot pursuit. This film captures the aftermath. It is a good thing we were by ourselves; I think Dave would have been arrested if someone saw his camera focused on the lady's restroom door!
Thursday, September 6, 2012
What You Doing?
This is Winston's favorite question right now. he asks us constantly. We ask him this question alot too. He has some funny answers. "I'm going on vacation" is a standard reply. "I'm playing with Thomas" is another (Thomas the Tank engine). He also has discovered "treats." "Mommy, can I have a tweet?" I hear this question at every meal.
Speaking of Thomas. Thomas the Tank (and his friends Percy, James, Harold, etc) has captured Winston's imagination. We have Thomas the Tank train set that he plays with on his train table. Winston requests to watch Thomas videos almost every day. More often than not, Thomas, James and Percy also accompany us in the car. "I see Toby!" is now shouted whenever we see a metro train. "It's Toppenhat" is shouted whenever Winston hears one of us walking around the house (no, not Toppenhat, it's Mommy.")
Here's a video of Winston entertaining me with his "Faces."
Speaking of Thomas. Thomas the Tank (and his friends Percy, James, Harold, etc) has captured Winston's imagination. We have Thomas the Tank train set that he plays with on his train table. Winston requests to watch Thomas videos almost every day. More often than not, Thomas, James and Percy also accompany us in the car. "I see Toby!" is now shouted whenever we see a metro train. "It's Toppenhat" is shouted whenever Winston hears one of us walking around the house (no, not Toppenhat, it's Mommy.")
Here's a video of Winston entertaining me with his "Faces."
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Big Ears
Winston doesn't miss much. This past Sunday, we were eating dinner and I said to Dave "the air is so heavy outside." Dave Said the air is so what?" Winston piped in "heavy daddy, heavy." He repeats words with relative ease and, as a boy after my own heart, he often asks to go to the library. Is he my kid or what? He does love his books--the nightime reading ritual includes reading upward of 4 or 5 books.
One of his favorites is a book about George Washington's animals. Dave was reading it to him a few days ago. winston pointed at the cow's udder and said, "Daddy, 4 penises?" Dave about died of laughter, and said, "Winston, this is not a penis, this is an udder. Can you say udder?" Now, whenever we are changing him, Winston makes sure to clarify that he has "one penis."
Winston and I usually take a little jog/walk after work a few evenings a week. On these outings, he is in his stroller, and we usually have a running dialogue about whatever is on his mind or mine (it is usually about people, dogs, squirrels, cars, treets, flowers...whatever is in front of him). "Fire" he says when he sees a fire hydrant. I lean over to speak directly to him so he can see my mouth and my pronunciation. "It's a fire hydrant, Winston. Look at my mouth. Fire Hydrant." The look at my mouth part is something he's been hearing forever (I assume it helps him understand how to annunciate and speak clearly).
Now when he sees a fire hydrant? "Fire Hydrant Look-At-My-Mouth." Seriously. Every time.
One of his favorites is a book about George Washington's animals. Dave was reading it to him a few days ago. winston pointed at the cow's udder and said, "Daddy, 4 penises?" Dave about died of laughter, and said, "Winston, this is not a penis, this is an udder. Can you say udder?" Now, whenever we are changing him, Winston makes sure to clarify that he has "one penis."
Winston and I usually take a little jog/walk after work a few evenings a week. On these outings, he is in his stroller, and we usually have a running dialogue about whatever is on his mind or mine (it is usually about people, dogs, squirrels, cars, treets, flowers...whatever is in front of him). "Fire" he says when he sees a fire hydrant. I lean over to speak directly to him so he can see my mouth and my pronunciation. "It's a fire hydrant, Winston. Look at my mouth. Fire Hydrant." The look at my mouth part is something he's been hearing forever (I assume it helps him understand how to annunciate and speak clearly).
Now when he sees a fire hydrant? "Fire Hydrant Look-At-My-Mouth." Seriously. Every time.
Dog Days of Summer
Dave and I refer to 3 day weekends as marathons when it comes to caring for our 27 month old ball of energy. We plan our weekend days to ensure there is some time for Winston to "run free" and wear himself out so that nap time and bed time aren't too traumatic.
Labor Day 2012 was no different. In Miami, we would have been at the beach or pool every day. Here in Dc, there are more options, but we definitely miss the ease of access to water!
On Saturday, we headed to National Harbor, a new entertainment/conference/hotel facility that was built across the chesapeake from Alexandria. It is really cool...beautiful views of boats, a wonderful new hotel (the Gaylord), and the best of all there was a Beatles cover band concert going on, so we got to hear the bands playing great Beatles music.
The zoo is hands down Winston's favorite place to visit. The national zoo is just awesome -- even the bird house was great fun. The highlights for Winston are the "shower misters" that are available every 100 yards or so. I think most kids run under them to cool down. Winston is intent on sticking with it until the mist soaks him. I swear he spent 10 minutes under the mister. Anytime another child approached, he said "no, mine" and tried to push them back. Thankfully after his initial selfish tendency he opens up and enjoys sharing the fun with others (especially cute girls).
The funniest part of our visit this past weekend is that when we asked what animals he saw, he said, "lions. tigers. monkeys." We actually didn't see any of those on this trip. The child has a great imagination.
On Monday we made a quick trip to the the Natural History Museum. It is just amazing to me that Winston is growing up in a city where these incredible museums are accessible and free! I remember how much I enjoyed visiting the La Brea tar pits and expect that Winston will be dinosaur-obsessed in the next year or so. Again, the big draw at the museum wasn't in the museum at all. we took Winston down to the mall grassy area to play chase. He immediately found puddles and began to splash in earnest. This child seriously loves his water.
Because it was rainy, hot, humid and buggy, we didn't spend much time at the neighborhood park this past weekend. Instead, we turned the basement into a soccer field, with a goal post and all. We spent alot of time kicking the ball up and down the room and hallway and having kickoffs into the goal. We're going to need to find a soccer team for this guy pretty quick.
Labor Day 2012 was no different. In Miami, we would have been at the beach or pool every day. Here in Dc, there are more options, but we definitely miss the ease of access to water!
On Saturday, we headed to National Harbor, a new entertainment/conference/hotel facility that was built across the chesapeake from Alexandria. It is really cool...beautiful views of boats, a wonderful new hotel (the Gaylord), and the best of all there was a Beatles cover band concert going on, so we got to hear the bands playing great Beatles music.
The zoo is hands down Winston's favorite place to visit. The national zoo is just awesome -- even the bird house was great fun. The highlights for Winston are the "shower misters" that are available every 100 yards or so. I think most kids run under them to cool down. Winston is intent on sticking with it until the mist soaks him. I swear he spent 10 minutes under the mister. Anytime another child approached, he said "no, mine" and tried to push them back. Thankfully after his initial selfish tendency he opens up and enjoys sharing the fun with others (especially cute girls).
The funniest part of our visit this past weekend is that when we asked what animals he saw, he said, "lions. tigers. monkeys." We actually didn't see any of those on this trip. The child has a great imagination.
On Monday we made a quick trip to the the Natural History Museum. It is just amazing to me that Winston is growing up in a city where these incredible museums are accessible and free! I remember how much I enjoyed visiting the La Brea tar pits and expect that Winston will be dinosaur-obsessed in the next year or so. Again, the big draw at the museum wasn't in the museum at all. we took Winston down to the mall grassy area to play chase. He immediately found puddles and began to splash in earnest. This child seriously loves his water.
Because it was rainy, hot, humid and buggy, we didn't spend much time at the neighborhood park this past weekend. Instead, we turned the basement into a soccer field, with a goal post and all. We spent alot of time kicking the ball up and down the room and hallway and having kickoffs into the goal. We're going to need to find a soccer team for this guy pretty quick.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Tether Ball
Winston and I discovered a new playground near our house last weekend. The highlight for him? It wasn't the playground equipment: it was TetherBall! The baseball diamond was also a draw. He spent 45 minutes playing in the "sand." He came back absolutely covered in fine baseball diamond dust (dave was in charge of the bath that day!).
Here's a video of him trying to figure out this exotic new game.
Here's a video of him trying to figure out this exotic new game.
Harper's Ferry
One of the great benefits of living in DC is the proximity to incredibly beautiful and interesting historical spots. Here are a few photos from Harper's Ferry, about 60 miles northwest of DC in West Virginia.
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151156872793554.497714.520878553&type=1&l=deccbcb911
Winston loved it because there were two rivers (to throw rocks into) and a train that runs through town every few hours. Given his obsession with Thomas the Tank and friends, trains (be they metro of "real trains") bring pure joy at each sighting.
Another cool aspect of Harper's Ferry was that there were people dressed up in "period" outfits showing us what a 1800s hospital looked like (it was a dustry tent with scary looking) and the sleeping quarters of solders passing through. There was a floutist (he loved that Winston started to dance when he heard the music) playing lively music, and of course lots of interesting shops and stores to explore in the town.
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151156872793554.497714.520878553&type=1&l=deccbcb911
Winston loved it because there were two rivers (to throw rocks into) and a train that runs through town every few hours. Given his obsession with Thomas the Tank and friends, trains (be they metro of "real trains") bring pure joy at each sighting.
Another cool aspect of Harper's Ferry was that there were people dressed up in "period" outfits showing us what a 1800s hospital looked like (it was a dustry tent with scary looking) and the sleeping quarters of solders passing through. There was a floutist (he loved that Winston started to dance when he heard the music) playing lively music, and of course lots of interesting shops and stores to explore in the town.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
On a Plane
(on our way out the door this morning)...
Winston - Mommy, I want to go on a plane.
Me - Where do you want to go? Wisconsin?
Winston - No Wisconsin
Me - California?
Winston - No California
Me - Miami?
Winston - No. I want to go on a plane.
Isn't it great to think about the plane ride as the ultimate destination? (I think if Winston had to carry his own car seat and install on the plane, he might not feel that way!)
Winston - Mommy, I want to go on a plane.
Me - Where do you want to go? Wisconsin?
Winston - No Wisconsin
Me - California?
Winston - No California
Me - Miami?
Winston - No. I want to go on a plane.
Isn't it great to think about the plane ride as the ultimate destination? (I think if Winston had to carry his own car seat and install on the plane, he might not feel that way!)
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Two Years!
Today is Winston's second birthday. It is hard to believe that two years ago this morning, I woke Dave up to let him know "today's the day."
Winston celebrated his birthday this past weekend with a visit from Grandma and James from Wisconsin. Between adventures at the zoo, the air and space museum, playing in the yard, and a birthday party on Sunday, it was an action packed 72 hour visit. Winston adores his older cousin, and I think the feeling was mutual. He also loves Grandma, who brought him his awesome "2" tshirt to wear.
Here are photos from the weekend.
In my current job, I've learned that children are most dangerous - and most at danger -- at 2, when they are fearless and living without an understanding of limits. I'm glad to have this knowledge, because Winston certainly embraces this fearlessness wholeheartedly. He lives life with gusto, and has maintained a sunny, cheerful and outgoing personality (although every once in a while, the nasties take over and he throws all out temper tantrums, thankfully usually reserved for mom and dad at home and usually related to his interest in having a popsicle for every meal).
We love this little guy so much it makes our hearts hurt a little. Happy birthday Winston. Thanks for bringing so much light and joy to our family.
Winston celebrated his birthday this past weekend with a visit from Grandma and James from Wisconsin. Between adventures at the zoo, the air and space museum, playing in the yard, and a birthday party on Sunday, it was an action packed 72 hour visit. Winston adores his older cousin, and I think the feeling was mutual. He also loves Grandma, who brought him his awesome "2" tshirt to wear.
Here are photos from the weekend.
In my current job, I've learned that children are most dangerous - and most at danger -- at 2, when they are fearless and living without an understanding of limits. I'm glad to have this knowledge, because Winston certainly embraces this fearlessness wholeheartedly. He lives life with gusto, and has maintained a sunny, cheerful and outgoing personality (although every once in a while, the nasties take over and he throws all out temper tantrums, thankfully usually reserved for mom and dad at home and usually related to his interest in having a popsicle for every meal).
We love this little guy so much it makes our hearts hurt a little. Happy birthday Winston. Thanks for bringing so much light and joy to our family.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Mommy Work on a Train
Ahh, the mind of an almost two year old. This morning, as we were approaching the metro station (where Dave and Winston drop me off before heading to daycare), Winston began his logical leaps.
Winston - "Mommy go on the train. Mommy go to a hotel."
Me - "Winston, mommy's going to work on a train. I work in an office. No hotel tonight."
Dave - "Winston, mommy's going to work."
Winston - "Mommy work on a train."
When your frame of reference is Thomas the Tank Engine, how can any other conclusion be reached?
Winston - "Mommy go on the train. Mommy go to a hotel."
Me - "Winston, mommy's going to work on a train. I work in an office. No hotel tonight."
Dave - "Winston, mommy's going to work."
Winston - "Mommy work on a train."
When your frame of reference is Thomas the Tank Engine, how can any other conclusion be reached?
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Did Daddy Lock the Door?
Winston is becoming quite a chatterbox these days. Our conversations tend to be quite repetitive. Lots of discussions about the people he knows, playing outside, choochoo trains, and mommy and daddy (of course). Here's an example of a conversation this morning on the way to school.
Here are photos from a bike safety event that Dave, Winston and I attended last week (the first National Bike to School Day event!). there were 400 kids and parents on bikes, mostly all wearing helmets and coming out to celebrate the joy of biking safely. The second picture is Winston getting a metal from the administrator of the National Highway Safety Transportation Administration, David Strickland.
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Here are photos from a bike safety event that Dave, Winston and I attended last week (the first National Bike to School Day event!). there were 400 kids and parents on bikes, mostly all wearing helmets and coming out to celebrate the joy of biking safely. The second picture is Winston getting a metal from the administrator of the National Highway Safety Transportation Administration, David Strickland.
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Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Jumping...for Real
You may recall that Winston has been obsessed with jumping since he was about 16 months (here's a video of his earliest efforts to get a bit of air).
We're happy to report that he's finally acheived real jumping! We filmed this video while hiking in Maryland a few weeks ago.
Here's the latest dare devil activities of our little guy. our driveway is now a racetrack!
We're happy to report that he's finally acheived real jumping! We filmed this video while hiking in Maryland a few weeks ago.
Here's the latest dare devil activities of our little guy. our driveway is now a racetrack!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Words
The mild winter weather continues here in DC, and we are taking full advantage. On Saturday, we visited Roosevelt Island, which is in the middle of the Potomac just outside of DC. The trail is about 1.5 miles and spring is already beginning to emerge with new green shoots from the ground and on the trees. Winston delighted in all the sticks on the ground (nothing more exciting than picking up a stick, counting to 5, and throwing it back into the trees). Dave's query: "what separates our son from a golden retriever at this stage?"
The photo above makes me laugh. Winston saw the statue from afar and shouted, "MAN!" as he ran toward it. He then spent 5 minutes looking up at Teddy Roosevelt calling out all the body parts and clothing. Foot, shoe, knee, leg, pants, stomach, arm, hand, fingers, shirt, coat, neck, mouth nose, eyes, ears, hair, head. Visiting national monuments and historical places certainly takes on a different perspective with a 19 month old.
On Monday, Winston and I found a wild bird store and bought bird feeders for our back yard. We have a huge bank of windows in the living room that oversee tall trees and shrubs in the back yard. Perfect for observing birds, squirrels and other wildlife from the comfort of the couch! Sadly, the only visitor yesterday was a curious squirrel, who was foiled by the "no squirrel" design of the bird feeder. We're hoping a few curious birds make their way to our yard and discover the bounty of yummy seeds.
We ended the long weekend by taking our little golden retriever out to the park on Monday afternoon to let him run around and burn off energy. Hence the photo below.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Hello from DC
Has it really been 4 months since our last Winston update? Sadly, it has, and what a 4 months it has been. We've uprooted from Miami, including selling our home, and planted ourselves in Bethesda, MD. So our apologies for the lag in postings...we'll get back to the regularly scheduled program.
Winston is now 19 months old, 33 pounds (solid!), and 33 inches. He is a whirlwind of energy. He is talking a blue streak, stringing a few words together, and delights in his new talent of counting (he's great until 6, then needs some help). He's fascinated by mommy's new iphone...he loves recording videos, performing for the camera, and then watching his performance seconds later. He's helping with "chores" around the house, and while he exhausts us with his level of energy, he's generally a pretty good child.
He's also tough. Lots of bumps and bruises, and a new nasty gash on his forehead where he ran full speed into the bookcases at his new day care. We inspected...no sharp edges anywhere. "We've never seen a child do that." Oh boy.
Speaking of which: We found a new daycare and the transition has been remarkably smooth. Within two weeks, Winston was marching in like he owned the place, taking his coat off, navigating through two doors, and plopping down in the middle of 8 other kids. It gives Dave and I enormous relief to see him so happy. The program is pre-Montessori and it is really an interesting model for teaching children. We're reading up on it because I'm just amazed at how calm the kids are whenever we pop in. I'm convinced they distribute sedatives every morning.
We're having fun exploring the new city. There is a hiking trail not far from our house (where we took the photo above). The winter has been very mild so were taking full advantage and getting out as much as possible. There is a park a few blocks from our house, but Winston's favorite play area is next door, where Alice, a 4 year old, lives. Alice has a great swing set and whenever we head outside, he heads over.
We've had visits from Mo, as well as the Barrys, and will look forward to welcoming Mary this week and my parents and Sarah in March. We've got lots of room and would love to have you visit us in DC!
Enjoy the photos!!
Winston is now 19 months old, 33 pounds (solid!), and 33 inches. He is a whirlwind of energy. He is talking a blue streak, stringing a few words together, and delights in his new talent of counting (he's great until 6, then needs some help). He's fascinated by mommy's new iphone...he loves recording videos, performing for the camera, and then watching his performance seconds later. He's helping with "chores" around the house, and while he exhausts us with his level of energy, he's generally a pretty good child.
He's also tough. Lots of bumps and bruises, and a new nasty gash on his forehead where he ran full speed into the bookcases at his new day care. We inspected...no sharp edges anywhere. "We've never seen a child do that." Oh boy.
Speaking of which: We found a new daycare and the transition has been remarkably smooth. Within two weeks, Winston was marching in like he owned the place, taking his coat off, navigating through two doors, and plopping down in the middle of 8 other kids. It gives Dave and I enormous relief to see him so happy. The program is pre-Montessori and it is really an interesting model for teaching children. We're reading up on it because I'm just amazed at how calm the kids are whenever we pop in. I'm convinced they distribute sedatives every morning.
We're having fun exploring the new city. There is a hiking trail not far from our house (where we took the photo above). The winter has been very mild so were taking full advantage and getting out as much as possible. There is a park a few blocks from our house, but Winston's favorite play area is next door, where Alice, a 4 year old, lives. Alice has a great swing set and whenever we head outside, he heads over.
We've had visits from Mo, as well as the Barrys, and will look forward to welcoming Mary this week and my parents and Sarah in March. We've got lots of room and would love to have you visit us in DC!
Enjoy the photos!!
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