My kids are great kids. They are smart (too smart) and loving and so kind to each other and to their parents. They are both quite verbal (too verbal) and they talk all the time. ALL. THE. TIME. I mean, it feels like I haven’t written much lately and it is largely because Ella has […]
Tag Archives: ella
Timeline of Family Growth and Development Milestones, As They Relate to Dora the Explorer
2008-9: Small, new, baby–too small even to watch television–arrives. I have never seen Dora the Explorer. My world is about to change. 2010: Family trip to Asia with an 18-month old in coach. I unveil the magic of television watching for the first time, hoping it will be a spellbinding gift that will buy hours of […]
My kids are taking me, literally
My brilliant gymnastics teammate from college, Carolyn, is a real-life actress. And I really love one of her recent comedy sketches about children as the “Literal Police.” First, check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myD4w4c3qbE So, this video hit close to home because I always use hyperbole, and my kids have literally become the Literal Police at our house. […]
Lessons from the First Kid
Lessons: Yes, your baby can be naked in PF Changs, though people get judge-y. Two sets of clothes, always two sets of clothes. Never bring the small pack of wipes. Everything is a wipe in a time of crisis.
To my future internet-savvy children
Dear future Ella and D2, The year is, I guess, 20…20? (I don’t know, actually. I think this guess is influenced by my having just gone to the optometrist.) and you are *on the Internet.* Maybe its after school. You idolize me still, and want to read the blog you’ve seen me work on over […]
Getting Your Kids to Listen: Pro Tips from an Expert
If I got a dollar for every time I said: “Thank you for politely listening right away!” … I’d start saying it all the time. Not because it was true, but because it would be nice to be a salaried parent. And I’d be saying something that–when true–probably makes you feel like a really amazing […]
That Girl’s Got it Figured Out
Me: Ella, please come in to help set the table for dinner. Ella: I am not [Ella]. I am Queen Chila. Me: Queen Chila? Ella: Yes. I am a ruler of a far-away land. Me: I see. And what brings you to my kitchen? Ella: I am on vacation here. Vacation from all my problems. […]
The Modernization of School Projects
Last week I attended Ella’s school’s “Art Showcase” to learn about how the teachers incorporate arts and technology into the standard curriculum. Ella loves school, brings home cool art, and seems to be learning a lot, so I was prepared to be generally impressed. Any organization that wants to provide the paint and glitter and […]
Payment in kind
Ella: Is there a cost to my surprise present? Me: Yes! A kiss. Ella: Hiissssssss. Me: No. A kiss. Ella: Hiiiiissssssss. Me: No! K- K- Kiss! Ella: I don’t understand your point.