I am a Truck

Youngling

2011-08-15T22:55:00.004-04:00

A major bookstore chain was going out of business and Family G splurged on the 50% or more off deals. We never buy those fancy pop-up books just because they are so darn expensive but since the sale prices were so good, K got her pick. For tonight's bed time story, K wanted to read her new fairy pop-up book. The first page was filled with gruesome pictures of beautiful maidens turning in to trolls and naughty toddlers morphing in to devilish imps. Well, this scared K a little bit. After our usual after story snuggle:

Kesiah: Daddy, I'm still a little scared.
Dad: Babe, you know fairies aren't real right?
Kesiah: (nervously) yeah
Dad: And you like fairies like Tinker Bell and Silver Mist.
Kesiah: yeah but I'm still scared.
Kesiah: Can, I sleep with my lightsaver (translation: lightsaber)?
Dad: Sure babe, let me get it.
Dad: (returning with her lightsaber) Here you go sweetie.
Kesiah: I might turn it on. Sometimes. Is that alright?
Dad: Of course sweetie.
Kesiah: You know, to chase away anything that may try to get me.

I couldn't help it. There was additional snuggling time. She seemed to be asleep so I left. For the next thirty minutes, three times I heard a familiar "SWOOSH". She activated her lightsaber but never called for me. Ten minutes after that, I took this picture:

Camp Nana Stories

2011-08-15T22:51:00.004-04:00

K was having a weekend sleep over at Nana's. We called it the Camp Nana weekend. During dinner, Grampa Mac was taken back by K's charms:

Grampa Mac: Munchin, you are just so pretty.
Kesiah: Thank you.
Grampa Mac: Well, what else is there to say.
Kesiah: You're welcome.

A Lesson to Take Away

2011-07-29T11:43:00.002-04:00

Just 10 mins ago, Evin and Kesiah were working on subtraction. Evin decided to work on subtracting 0.

Mom: If you had three cookies and gave me none. How many would you have?
Kesiah: All of them
Mom: Which is?
Kesiah: Not nice.

Belly laughs

2011-07-17T01:15:00.004-04:00

This afternoon, as I prepared a sandwich, the child walks into the kitchen:

K: I'm going to go play with my belly button!

E: o_O

Turned, walked to the comfy chair and did just that.

Capoeira

2011-07-11T23:20:00.005-04:00

As most of you already know, Family G has been busy taking Capoeira the last few months. This all started with a request from K to learn drums, dancing, martial arts, and acrobatics. I'm not surprised considering this kid requested to have a monster/princess/purple themed birthday party only to be followed by a robot/space/princess themed birthday party the next year.

Luckily for us, Capoeira is an elegant solution to her eclectic wish and does not require any quick thinking and jerry riggin' on our part. By the way, it also is a solution that is easy on the pocket book considering that K gets the bonus of learning a little Portuguese on the way. /Begin Shameless Plug. The teachers at Capoeira Maculele Decatur are the BEST with kids and their adults classes are challenging, fun, and encouraging. Check them out: http://capoeiradecatur.com/ /End Shameless Plug.

A really fun part of Capoeira is receiving an apelido or nickname. I won't go in to the history of an apelido here but do check it out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capoeira#Apelido. At first K was apprehensive about Capoeira and at times is still intimidated by some of the movement. We are PROUD that she stands up to this challenge but we still set up milestones to keep her inspired (i.e. After entering a Roda, she earned her uniform). Since receiving my apelido, K has been curious as to what hers would be. Seeing an opportunity to add more inspiration, I told her that if she keeps going to Capoeira she will eventually get one too. K enjoyed predicting what her nickname would be:

Kesiah: I think it will be PRINCESS!
Dad: I think it will be some sort of flower.
Kesiah: How about Special K? (Thanks Femi!)
Dad: Well, we don't choose it. It's given to us.
Kesiah: I hope I get princess!

Apelidos are based on your personality, a physical trait, or anything that uniquely identifies you. There was no doubt in my mind that when K gets hers, it would be something endearing and cute. I am seriously biased but if I have to pick one talent of K's, it would be her ease in putting a smile on your face. Speaking of, last week we had a visiting instructor from Brazil. He is an intimidating, tattooed, pierced, muscle bound hulk of a man. A few parents watching the class enquired "does he ever smile?" Well guess what, he did and only after he interacted with K. In case you are the intimidating, tattooed, pierced, muscle bound instructor reading this, you are VERY sweet and great with the kids! It is an honor to have you in ATL. Alright back to blogging...

Today, Evin reached her own milestone. She finished the beginner sessions and joined us in the regular class. Can I tell you how awesome it is to have my partner in crime, my heart and strength, my other reason for living taking Capoeira with me??? Well, it's awesome! Not only was E joining the regular classes, through a series of unfortunate events the head of our group, our master from Brazil or Mestre is stuck in ATL for a couple months. I feel for him and his family but what a boon for us. Evin explained to K that it is especially important to not interrupt us during class with Mestre Fran here. After a sushi bribe was made, K was ready to comply. Class went without incident from K, except for a brief case of the "meows". For some reason, K was watching class and became inspired to meow LOUDLY for a few seconds. It was a funny reprieve from a challenging and sweaty class. After class, Mestre Fran gathered us together for our end of class pep talk:

Mestre Fran: Portuguese Portuguese Portuguese Portuguese (points to Evin and me).
Mestre Fran: Portuguese Portuguese Portuguese Portuguese.
Mestre Fran: Portuguese Portuguese (points to Evin and me) Portuguese.
Mestre Fran: Portuguese Portuguese Portuguese Portuguese
Juba (my instructor): Portuguese Portuguese Married Portuguese
Mestre Fran: AH!!!! Portuguese Portuguese Capoeira family Portuguese
Juba: Portuguese Portuguese Kesiah (gestures describing someone short and points to Evin and me).
Mestre Fran: (inquisitive look)
Everyone: Portuguese "Meow! Meow!"
Mestre Fran: Ah! Gatinha!
Everyone: Nickname! Apelido!
Evin: Oh! Her apelido!
Mestre Fran: It means um... ah...
Everyone: pantomiming a sexy lady
Evin: (Shoots the hairy eyeball at Mestre Fran)
Mestre Fran (Hands in a defensive pose): No no no... it also means um... um...
Mestre Fran's daughter: Sweetheart
Mestre Fran: Yes, sweetheart.
Evin: Ok! (BIG SMILE)
JackieChan (Thinking to himself): What's going on?

After Evin explained to me that K received her apelido (all the Portuguese dumbfounded me) and what it was, she grabbed K and brought her to Mestre Fran to hear it from him. She was ECSTATIC! She went around the room telling everyone and I joined her by showing everyone my "glyph" tattoo to show how fitting it was.

Gatinha is definitely fitting for her now but when she becomes a teenage Capoeirsta the other meaning... well, let's just say that I'm glad she's learning how to kick people.

So in honor of K receiving her apelido, here's the video of K earning her uniform.

Kesiahtarians Eat See Food

2011-05-27T09:26:00.006-04:00

It truly is remarkable to see K develop and grow. Exploring the rules of this world, and the ever malleable rules of personal interaction with various people of varying roles, this little kid navigates this quagmire of do's, don'ts, and maybes soaring like a leaf on the wind (Thanks Wash!). K carefully traverses the not-so-mutually exclusive intersections of the desire to conform, to please, and to be unique exuding confidence, inserting her own sense of self, and displaying that cute, gentle, and often hilarious way she does things (I'm calling it K Style). Blending all these factors, K came home one day after school and announced she is a Vegan.

Apparently, there is a Vegan in her class and K was completely impressed with the special meals Vegans eat. The concept of dietary restrictions never was considered, especially when you can do neat stuff like eat Vegan burgers and Vegan cookies and wear Vegan clothes and maybe drive the Vegan mobile.

Speaking of Vegan clothes, I wondered just now if Vegans wear wool, so instead of visiting "http://lmgtfy.com/?q=do+vegan+wear+wool", I asked E:

N: Do vegans wear wool?
E: I guess some do. As long as it's organic or cruelty free.
N: Cruelty free? Oh, so you mean they don't shave them in to mohawks.
E: Oh no, they do.
N: Oh. So, they don't make fun of them? At least not to their face?
E: Oh no, they say "You got a F***IN' cool mohawk, sheep!"

Anyway, we are not opposed to K trying this out and we would be supportive if you chose to do it. In fact, E recommend we try it for one week. After trying Veganism for one day, K ask for a glass of milk with her dinner:

Dad: You know baby, Vegans do not eat any animal product. That means no honey or milk.
Mom: Or cheese or ice cream.
Kesiah: Oh.
Dad: Well, you can try to be a Vegetarian. They eat dairy products and honey but no meat.
Kesiah: I'm a VEGETARIAN!
Mom: We'll ALL do that for a week then. (I think E looked at my belly when she said that)
Dad: Well, there are also Pescatarians. They eat fish. I did that for a long time.
Kesiah: I'm a VEGETARIAN!

Well, the week went by and it was fine. K was loving it. She would tell everyone about it. She was proud and felt special. So we decided to keep it for up for as long as K could. The next following week, E was again gallivanting in Europe saving hapless dancers from disconnected swingouts and the like. Sure it was going to be just K and I, but I fully intended to stick with her Vegetarian diet. The first day of Evin being away, I had a tough day and had to work a little late. I picked up K from the babysitter and still had yet to make dinner. We were three steps out of the babysitter's home when:

Kesiah: I'm hungry.
Dad: So am I. Here's the thing. I do not feel like cooking.
Kesiah: Can we go to a restaurant?
Dad: Sure
Kesiah: Let's go for SUSHI!
Dad: Sorry sweetheart but Vegetarians don't eat fish. We can go for cheese pizza. That has no meat in it.
Kesiah: What are vegetarian that eat fish called again?
Dad: Pescatarians
Kesiah: I'm a Pescatarian!

Well, she got her sushi. Too bad. I really wanted pizza. By the way, K has been keeping up with her dedication to Pescatarianism with only one brief lapse when she was sick and wanted chicken soup.

By "Fairy" We Don't Mean Gay and Other Inappropriate Moments

2011-05-27T00:11:00.005-04:00

Last weekend, we took K to the Georgia Renaissance Festival or as she calls it now "Fairy Land". She got all dolled up in her favorite fairy costume, her favorite fairy wings, even her socks had her favorite fairy on them, Silvermist. Evin even did her hair in incredibly fancy pants fairy (French) braids. On the way there, we listened to fairy music which E and I quickly defined as the album "Treasure" by Cocteau Twins.

Armed with her scepter and homemade fairy wand, we entered the Land of the Fae and quickly sought out royalty. After some time, fairy spotting and royalty searching can build an appetite. On our way to Ye Ol' Food Court, we discovered the Queen of the Fae holding court in the pavilion. Like we had a choice... we took seats in the pavilion. Fairy friends and visiting fairies were presented to the queen and receive fairy wishing stones. Those were FREE! Awesome! The pics here are of K's presentation.

Anyway, the woodland fairy served as entertainment for the queen and performed song and dance. The queen requested a jest and the woodland fairy obliged with many G rated jokes. After exhausting her repertoire, she asked those in attendance, "Does anyone have a joke for the queen?" K was the first raise her hand.

Woodland Fairy: Do you have a jest for her majesty?
Kesiah: What do you get when you cross a chicken and a brown cow?
Dad: Er.. um.. uh... um... (mouthing silently "we did not teach this to her")
Woodland Fairy: I do not know little fairy. What DO you get when you cross a chicken and a brown cow?
Kesiah: (in her best 1970's movie disco music) BROWN CHICKEN BROWN COW
Dad: (hangs head in shame)
Mom: (shakes head in embarrassment)
Crowd: HAHAHAHAHA!
Fairy Queen: Oh my!

The Laser Flower Continues...

2011-05-26T23:43:00.002-04:00

Ever since K invented the Laser Flower on New Years Eve, she has been finding ways to insert it in to her play at least weekly. Like all jokes that are repeated, they evolve and take on a life of their own (eh hem, "Ask me if I'm a truck.") This is K's latest permutation of the Laser Flower joke:

Kesiah: Daddy, do you have a laser flower?
Dad: Um, nope.
Kesiah: If you did... DON'T TURN IT ON!

Domo Arigato

2011-02-08T22:59:00.004-05:00

Not too long ago I posted pics of Evin's notes to K demonstrating where K may get her sweet side:

http://iamatruck.blogspot.com/2010/11/apple-falls-not-far-at-all.html

Let's not forget that this kid loves robots, wants homemade spaceships for her Barbie dolls, wants to build a spaceship to go to Mars, and has already requested a robot/space/princess themed birthday party.

Here's an example of one of my notes.

Uncanny, Isn't it?

2011-02-08T22:35:00.003-05:00

I am used to people remarking on how K and I look alike. Personally, I think she is a perfect blend of Evin and I but apparently we are all wrong. Behold (Evin's picture is in B&W):

Rocking the Manischewitz

2011-02-08T22:18:00.003-05:00

This past Saturday morning, the Family G went to a neighborhood kid oriented and adult friendly Shabbat service. During the service, the host led the kids in a song and stopped at each kid asking them what they like about Shabbat.

Host: (in song) What do you like?
Host: (in song) What do you like?
Host: (in song) What do you like about Shabbat?
Host: And what's your name?
Kesiah: Kesiah!
Host: What do you like about Shabbat?
Kesiah: When we get to drink the wine!
Host: (in song) Kesiah likes...
Host: (in song) Kesiah likes...
Host: (in song) Kesiah likes to drink the Wine!

Awkward Turtle

2011-02-08T22:07:00.004-05:00

The other day K and I were having dinner and quietly for once. Without any prompting, K decides to break the silence:

Kesiah: Vagina!
Dad: What?!
Kesiah: That's my favorite word.
Dad: (chuckling) Why?
Kesiah: I like the way it sounds.
Kesiah: Va
Kesiah: Gi
Kesiah: Na
Kesiah: Vagina!

If you don't have anything nice to say...don't sit next to Kesiah

2011-01-14T00:41:00.003-05:00

So the other night we hosted Shabbat dinner at our house and had a lovely time with the enormous J clan around our table. During the course of conversation, we started talking about someone who was causing a lot of trouble in one of our lives.

Us: This person is so annoying! They think they're so great, but they're so so so annoying!!

Kesiah: Mommy? Do I know this person?

Mommy: No, sweetheart

Us: Arrgh! Could this person be more annoying???? And unethical!!??

Kesiah: Does anyone like this person?

Mommy: Yes, honey, some people like this person

Us: And another thing! About this person!!

Kesiah: (hands over her ears) STOP! Everybody, stop!

All of us fell silent.

Mommy: You're right, Kesiah. We shouldn't say all these things, should we?

Better than a Rabbi, Kesiah is the Loshon Hara police.

**NB "Loshon Hara" translated literally is evil tongue/language. It's the Hebrew word for gossip or speaking ill of someone. And for the record, it wasn't, technically. Because it was done in the context of gaining advice and insight. So there.

Birds of a Feather

2011-01-10T12:01:00.002-05:00

On the way to the car from a restaurant, K wanted to pretend that she was a mommy bird teaching her chicks (her mommy and daddy) how to fly:

Kesiah: Everyone! Flap your wings and fly my babies!
Kesiah: Oh no! The wind is blowing us around.
Kesiah: Everyone, blow the wind off.
Dad: Is that like fighting fire with fire?
Kesiah: Blow the wind off, my babies!
Dad: Is that like getting dry using a garden hose?
Kesiah: Stop that daddy. It is quite annoying.

Haha! She is sooooo much like her mommy.

The Great Potato Phantom

2011-01-10T11:48:00.007-05:00

K wanted to play zombies.... again. But this time, there is a new twist:

Kesiah: Dad, let's be zombies!
Dad: Okay, arrrrrgh!
Again, Kesiah goes in to the rules again on how zombies don't eat each other... again.
Dad: Okay, got it. Arrrrrrgh!
Kesiah: Wait, hold your hands like this.
She holds her arms in front of her at waist level with her palms pointed up. It is obvious she is pretending to carry something heavy.
Dad: Why? What's that about?
Kesiah: You're holding a big potato.

After a while of playing zombies, K became a person again. Haha! I'm still a zombie! Now here's my chance to get some scrumptious K fanny:

Dad: I'm still a zombie. ARRRRGH!
I open my mouth wide and make my way slowly to K.
Kesiah: If you're hungry, just take a bite out of your big potato.

Foiled by the foresight of a 4yo.

Paper Cornflakes

2011-01-10T10:59:00.006-05:00

After playing in the snow this morning, Evin and K retired inside to enjoy some hot cocoa and a warm breakfast. This demonstrates the downside of telecommuting. Poor productive me could not join the fabulous snow bunny duo on their frozen adventure. Instead, I needed more coffee and embarked on my own java adventure when I happened upon the weary campaigners warming their toes and tummies:

Mom: Hey Dad! We're going to make snowflakes after breakfast.
Dad: Really? Neat!
Kesiah: How do you make snowflakes out of breakfast?
Mom: Hee hee, not breakfast honey. Paper. We are going to make snowflakes out of paper.
Kesiah: Oh, I thought you said to daddy that we are going to make snowflakes out of breakfast.
Mom: I don't even know how to do that.
Kesiah: I know how but I need some dry cereal.
Mom: I bet you can but we are going to stick to paper.

I was making my way back to the office when I looked at Kesiah as she announced her breakfast transformation skills. I have never seen her this serious before.

Well That Explains it

2011-01-10T10:38:00.003-05:00

One Friday night, I was watching K while she brushed her teeth before bed. Normally she does this alone but she asked me to keep her company. Thinking I may have "favored" status, I tried to get the most cherished snuggle time that seems to be mainly reserved for mommy.

Dad: Hey Kesiah, I'm going to snuggle with you for a bit tonight, okay?
Kesiah: I have an idea. How about I sleep in Mommy's and Daddy's bed and I can snuggle both of you.
I turned to look at Evin to see if she was cool with it. I gots the silent approval.
Dad: Sure baby but the last time we did this, you spent the whole night on Mommy's side. I would like some snuggling too.
Kesiah: I want to tell you something but I don't want you to feel bad.
Dad: What is it my dear?
Kesiah: Sometimes you don't smell so good.

NYE Coloring

2011-01-03T13:23:00.005-05:00

As promised, here is the picture K colored as explained in "NYE Weekend with the K". Read it to understand it's full glory!

Give 'em what they want

2011-01-02T18:58:00.003-05:00

Kesiah, still a four year old when it comes to gift etiquette and also not a fan of receiving clothing, was losing patience with her loot and booty on Chanukah. After outfit number two, the exasperated child sighed, "Ugh! I don't WANT clothes!"

Mommy: It's much nicer to just say "Thank you"

Kesiah: Why?

Mommy: [insert brief explanation of gift-giving] Also, how would you feel if someone said they didn't like a gift you gave them?

Kesiah: I'd like it!

Mommy: (dubious of this answer) oh, really?

Kesiah: Yes. Because then, I could say "Oh! I'm sorry, let me get you something else!"

NYE Weekend with the K

2011-01-02T18:42:00.005-05:00

The family went to Asheville to celebrate NYE at Lindy Focus. K's wit sure did make an appearance.

After exiting a stinky bathroom:

Kesiah: When I grow up, I'm not going to let anyone poopy in my bathroom.

While eating out in Asheville:

Kesiah: Don't touch me 'cause I'm electric and if you touch me you get SHOCKED!

While out having NYE dinner with Paddy and Macy:

Kesiah: I don't like the duck. It stings me.
Kesiah: Excuse me, I want to tell you something.
Server: Yes, how can I help you?
Kesiah: Tell the chef that the duck has stingers.
Server: The duck has stingers?
Kesiah: Yes and tell him to remove the stingers from the lamb. I don't like them.
Server: I'm sure the chef wants to know that. I will make sure there are no stingers in your food.

While playing at the main NYE dance at Lindy Focus:

Kesiah: Let's pretend we're zombies.
Dad: Sure, Rowwrrr!
Kesiah: But we don't eat each other. We are nice to each other. We only eat other people.

Also at the Lindy Focus NYE party:

Kesiah: (coloring in her book) Look daddy!
Dad: Hmmm... that's pretty.
Kesiah: She has a laser flower. It's shooting her in the face and making her cry.

Yeah, I'll have to post a pic of that one.

A Bit of Trivia

2010-12-21T13:21:00.004-05:00

The last 3 posts "Punk Drunk Love", "Namaste Part 2", and "The True Channukah Miracle: Mind Reading" all happened on the same day within the span of 2 hours.

Life is so good with this girl.

The True Channukah Miracle: Mind Reading

2010-12-21T12:58:00.003-05:00

Channukah is over but it did not pass without some K cuteness. During one of the nights of Channukah at my in-laws, K witnessed Moshe and Leandro open up their gifts and exclaim "Hey, it's just what I wanted!!! How did you know???"

Unfortunately, I can not capture the sarcasm or humor behind what they were saying. We all previously exchanged wish lists so the sarcasm behind "How did you know?" was well founded. Our observant little K did catch the laughter following their appreciative exclamations and if you haven't figure it by now, K is not one to be upstaged.

Abuela: Your turn Kesiah. This one is from Grampa and Abuela.
Kesiah carefully opens her gift and reveals a brand new baby doll.
Kesiah: (gasping with joy) I didn't even know I wanted one! How did you know?

Namaste Part 2

2010-12-09T14:43:00.002-05:00

If you have been following this blog for awhile, you may notice that K does and says some funny things when she is in a car. This entry is no exception...

Kesiah: Everyone do this yoga pose!
She starts in namaste pose, keeping her hands together she raises them above her head, and then spreads them apart and wide then rests them to her sides. She screams...
Kesiah: Interrupt! That's the volcano pose!

Well, obviously she meant erupt and we have mentioned this to her but she prefers to say interrupt. Side note, she also likes to say "pacified" versus "classified" when she is pretending she is EVE from WALL-E. It's just her way. So there, on with the post...

Dad: I know a pose.
Kesiah: Show me daddy!
Dad: It's called the peeping turtle pose.
I shrug my shoulders and lower my head then relax shoulders and extend my head.
Kesiah: That's not a peeing turtle.
Dad and Mom: (laughing) No. It's peeping.
Mom: Like peek-a-boo.
Kesiah: I know a pose. It's called peeing turtle volcano.
She then executes the volcano pose with shoulder shrugs.
Mom: (quietly to me) Next time call it the peek-a-boo turtle.

I can see the turtle part of her new pose but where was the peeing part? I wanted to ask but I thought it best to quit while I wasn't too far behind.

Punk Drunk Love

2010-12-09T13:32:00.005-05:00

The other day K and I were sitting in the car, while Evin ran in a store to get some things. I will usually entertain K by pretending to be really sad that Evin is gone and K gladly comforts me. Usually it goes something like this...

Dad: Oh no. Mommy is gone. Will she ever comeback? (big frown)
Kesiah: It's okay daddy.
Dad: I miss her so much I think I'm going to cry. (begin the sup sups)
Kesiah: Don't cry daddy. I'm here!
Dad: Ah, much better.

K LOVES this game but on this particular day, K was in a mood and just wanted to sit there...

Kesiah: Daddy, can you play some music?
Dad: Sure baby. (radio on and manual scan started)
I got to Album 88 and Youth Brigade's "Sink with California" was already playing.
Kesiah: Thumbs up!
Dad: (singing along) Sink with California when it falls in to the sea!
Dad: Ya know, I listened to this stuff when I was a kid. It's called punk rock.
Kesiah: I love Punch rock!
Youth Brigade was followed by 7 Seconds' "Walk Together Rock Together".
Kesiah: Thumbs up!
Kesiah: Can you make it louder?
Kesiah: I LOVE PUNCH ROCK!

I guess I have to add 7 Seconds to her list of favs. My kid is cool!

If you are unfamiliar and curious about what she thumbed up, here it is:

Sink with California:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ou5OFEWj9Jg

Walk Together Rock Together:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3Kk0Fgls8U

Sashimi Grade Pumpkin

2010-12-02T18:52:00.003-05:00

Today K brought home some artwork from school. Apparently they were reading "Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater". So the kids made construction paper pumpkins. Now these are special pumpkin eater pumpkins that are equipped with a manually operated flap that reveals what they love soooo much that they store it in the pumpkin for safe keeping. Please note that it is just a symbolic representation.

The Apple Falls Not Far at All

2010-11-30T23:52:00.005-05:00

I am told quite often that K is a sweet kid, not that I need a reminder. I hear it so much that it seems like I have canned responses:

"That's all her mom!" or "I blame that on her mom!" or "That's her mom in her!"

I'll tell you this. They are not canned responses. I truly mean it. The following are examples of the notes Evin leaves Kesiah in her lunch. Please excuse the quality. I had to be all spy and ninja like to get them without Evin noticing. Why did I sneak shots of paper? It's more fun that way! Anyway, I think you can see where K gets her sweetness.

My Heart Belongs to Mommy (Still)

2010-11-29T23:07:00.003-05:00

Bedtime at the Family G household is usually one parent reading bedtime stories to K. Sometimes K gets the pleasure of both of us, either by request or just because. Tonight was a "just because" night. K did choose mommy to read her stories but I snuggled in next to her to listen to the stories too. I was met with the most satisfying smile as I got cozy. The conclusion of the story is normally followed by some snuggling time. At the conclusion of tonight's story...

Kesiah: Daddy I want you to...
Kesiah: Mommy, how do you politely say...
Kesiah: (inaudible whisper)
Mom: (inaudible whisper)
Kesiah: I want to cuddle only with mommy. Could you please leave?
Dad: Sure. Thanks for asking my nicely. Kiss me first.
Kesiah: Muah.
I attempt to get up.
Kesiah: YOUR CANE YOUR CANE!

I guess I have been getting use to having almost equal status with mommy and I have been feeling extra special with all the attention I've been getting due to my darn ankle. At least, I didn't have to say "Now is that the way to talk to me?"

I find it sweet that she cares enough for my feelings that she asked how to say politely "I don't want you, go!" and to remind me that I have a cane.

Daddy's Little Helper

2010-11-29T11:41:00.004-05:00

Well, I did it again. This time it was me on the losing end of a match against a trampoline. K has a great sense of empathy and loves to pretend to help the sick and injured. Now that her daddy is hurt, she is willing and happy to jump to action...

Dad: Kesiah, could you get me a glass of water? It's just too hard for me to walk.
Kesiah: Sure.
She returns with a big empty glass.
Kesiah: I can't reach the sink.
Dad: That's okay sweetheart. You can use the bathroom sink.
Kesiah: Okay!
Dad: Thank you, baby.
This time she returns with the glass filled about an eighth of the way.
Dad: The glass wouldn't fit, huh?
Kesiah shakes her head but I gladly finish what she was able to give me.
Kesiah: Do you want more?
Dad: That would be great baby. Thank you!
This time she returns with a full glass.
Kesiah: Daddy, look! I used my cup to fill your glass.

She was so proud that she figured out to use her "after teeth brushing rinse" cup to fill my glass. This warmed my heart knowing that she was motivated by the desire to help her daddy. Later, we had lunch at Nana's. While Evin and Nana were preparing our meal, I plopped myself on the couch and Kesiah kept me company...

Kesiah: (holding about 8 toy animals) Daddy, want to play with me?
Dad: Of course, baby!
Kesiah: (isolating one of the animals) This one is the seeker. You be the seeker and the rest will hide.
Dad: Sweetheart, I can't really move around a lot.
Kesiah: (throwing the seeker in to my lap) That's fine. I won't hide far. Close your eyes.
She then proceeds to hide the rest of the animals within two feet of me.
Kesiah: Open your eyes. I made sure you can find them. Want a hint?

The rest of the day was spent injured on the couch with Kesiah using my lap or my arm as a pillow with random kisses on my cheek and touching my forehead checking for a temperature. I have the BEST KID EVER!

Storytelling

2010-11-29T09:56:00.004-05:00

K's favorite activity is anything that has to do with a narrative. While I am pleased with her enthusiasm for stories, it can backfire once in a while. Not too long ago...

Kesiah: Daddy, could you tell me a story please?
Dad: Sure. Once...
Kesiah: Make it a long long one.
Dad: Okay, Once upon a time...
Kesiah: Make it about the kangaroos. The daddy kangaroo, mommy kangaroo, and baby kangaroo named K.
Dad: Okay, Once upon a time, there were three...
Kesiah: and K is sick.
Dad: May I tell the story?
Kesiah: Sure.
Dad: Once...
Kesiah: and K never gets better. Ever. She is sick forever and her mommy and daddy are happy because everyone is sick and never gets better.
Dad: Okay. (pausing and waiting for more)
Kesiah: and there's an angry monster that is MEAN and a fairy with a broken wand and can't ding everyone better.
Kesiah: and the fairy is sad because her wand is broken and she goes to the doctor and everyone is running away from the monster because he's scary and the princess yells "Off with her head"!
Kesiah: The princess wants to wear the same clothes to bed but she can't because they are dirty and her daddy gets all mixed up and says different things like "you're clothes got dirty when you saved all of China" and the princess says "No, daddy that was Mulan!"
Kesiah: Yes, tell it like that.
Dad: Do you want to tell the story?
Kesiah: No thank you. That's okay, you can do it.

This Gift is Off the HOOK!

2010-11-24T10:36:00.003-05:00

Yet another old photo that was revived in my memory from a comment by my awesome brother-in-law, Moshe. This was taken by him at K's 4yo birthday party. She opens a gift, finds some pretty dresses, removes the dresses from the hanger, raises the hangers in genuine glee, and yells "I GOT HANGERS!!!"

A side note about her party... she originally wanted a monster themed party. After we coordinated with the folks at "Little Shop of Stories", she changed her mind and wanted to have a princess party. Well, being a little girl in love with the world she changed her mind again but finally came to her ultimate party theme. She wanted (and received) a Monster, Princess, Purple Party!

Does it have all the wifi's and the larger G.B.'s?

2010-11-23T16:17:00.001-05:00

I know this is an old picture but here it clearly shows that K wants an iPhone.

The Fun One

2010-11-23T14:47:00.002-05:00

Evin told me about this one. The night of Abuela's concert:

Mom: Gather your things so we can leave for the concert.
Kesiah: Okay.
Moments later, Evin checks on Kesiah only to find her playing with her toys.
Mom: Kesiah I said to gather your things.
Kesiah: Oh yeah. Okay.
She continues playing.
Mom: If you do not gather your things, you will stay here and I will go to the concert.
Kesiah: That's fine. I want to stay home with daddy.
Mom: Okay, then daddy will go to the concert and I will stay here.
Kesiah then jumps up gathers her shoes and jacket.

Who's the fun parent? Yeah, that's right!

Words of Wisdom

2010-11-23T13:40:00.004-05:00

Almost a year ago, I used to practice with my Lindy G.F., F.G. Some of our practice sessions took place at my house since I had to watch K. K was thoroughly content to watch us dance and listen to the input we would give each other. Well, one time I was having a particularly rough day while telecommuting...

Dad: Oh c'mon! (yelling at the laptop)
Kesiah: Daddy, what's wrong? Are you sick?
Dad: No baby, I'm just frustrated at work.
Kesiah: Do what F.G. says?
Dad: What's that baby?
Kesiah: Just play.

It's a Really Big Stork!

2010-11-23T13:26:00.003-05:00

After seeing Abuela perform with her orchestra this past weekend, K spotted a pregnant woman and excitedly approached her (A special thanks to Bela on this one. Although I was there I could not hear her over the laughter)....

Kesiah: (excitedly) Is there a baby in your tummy?
Momma-to-be: Yes.
Kesiah then lifts the new momma's shirt, gently strokes her tummy, then points to her belly button.
Kesiah: Is that the baby's finger pushing through your tummy?
Momma-to-be: (roar of laughter) Haha. No it's my belly button.
Kesiah: How did the baby get in there?

Our Little Word Painter

2010-11-23T12:07:00.003-05:00

Here's another one from that past that I randomly remembered. I've heard from many people how impressed they are with K's vocabulary (that's all her mommy). What impresses me the most is K's ability to choose the exact word that conveys all of her ideas. For example, when she was almost 4yo...

When asked if she slept well and if she had nice dreams:

Kesiah: I sink in to my dreams.

Commenting on playing the piano:

Kesiah: Listen. (She then taps on a few keys) Drops of sound.

Among wanting to grow up to become a doctor, a mommy, and/or an illustrator, she also wants to be an author. I think she is on the right track. Just in case you are wondering, according to her, she is already a Scientist and a Lindy Hopper. So there is no need to set those as goals.

Bath Time Fun Time

2010-11-18T15:32:00.002-05:00

Kesiah's current favorite bath time game is best described as "Hearing Impaired Octopus Gymnastics". Seriously. There is an octopus involved and it is hearing impaired. She made up this game and looks forward to playing it. I think that I'm going to have to film this one.

Well, you're kind of right...

2010-11-17T21:18:00.003-05:00

A while ago, Noah had to go work for a week in DC. While he was gone, Kesiah asked after him and was curious where in the world he was.

Kesiah: Is Daddy coming home today?

Mommy: No, sweetheart, not today.

Kesiah: Where is he?

Mommy: In Washington, DC. Hey, you know who lives there. Who lives in Washington, DC?

Kesiah: Robots?

Well, hm. Yes?

Wrapped Tightly Around that Little Finger

2010-11-17T14:57:00.003-05:00

The internationally renowned mommy of this happy family was off dancing, teaching, and earning a living in Zurich leaving me and K to find ways to entertain ourselves. On the night before Evin was returning...

Daddy: Guess who's back tomorrow?
Kesiah: (shrugs shoulders)
Daddy: Mommy!
Kesiah: oh
Daddy: Mommy will be home tomorrow. Aren't you excited?
Kesiah: Daddy, our time together has been sooooo special. I don't want it to end.

Yep, I am completely and utterly FUSED to that finger of hers.

Finding Potty

2010-11-17T14:37:00.004-05:00

Just 1 min ago...

Kesiah: (on the potty) WaaaahWoooooAaaahWoooooahhhhhh!
Daddy: (thinking to himself) What the???
Kesiah: OooooooohAhhhhhhhWoooooahhhhh!
Kesiah: WaaaaahOooooAhhhhhWoooooahhhhh
Kesiah: Wooowaaaah.... Mommy! I can speak whale!

Apparently they watched "Finding Nemo" instead of taking a nap at school today.

Short Stories

2010-11-17T14:28:00.002-05:00

Last night at bedtime...

Dad: Good night my love.
Kesiah: Could I have one more story?
Dad: Yes, but it will have to be short. It's late.
Kesiah: Can you make it up? No no no. Can I make one up?
Dad: Sure, I would love to hear it.
Kesiah: One day there was a daddy kangaroo, a mommy kangaroo, and a baby kangaroo named K.
Kesiah: They live happily ever after.
Kesiah: Was that short enough?

The Legend of the Guardians: The Pumpkins of Ga'Hoole

2010-11-17T11:21:00.003-05:00

Hello again, it's been a while so let's start with a quick one...

For Halloween, Kesiah chose to be a pumpkin. Evin, being her rocking self, made an awesomely cute costume (pictures to come soon). K LOVED it and she looked adorable. Since mommy was off gallivanting in Zurich, I decided to take Kesiah to the movies Halloween morning as a special treat. We saw "The Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole". It was a bit too "big kid" for her and she didn't like it. Yeah, I should have known.

Well, off for some early Trick or Treating to save the day...

Kesiah: CAW!!!! CAW!!!! (Let me remind you, she's dressed as a pumpkin)
Dad: Hey love, what are you doing?
Kesiah: I'm an Owl Guardian and I'm going to save the day and get candy!
Dad: (chucking) You know love, crows caw.
Kesiah: I KNOW! CAW!!! CAW!!!

Not until you're 30.

2010-10-22T10:23:00.003-04:00

Kesiah has managed to make a lot of good friends at PreSchool, and often we all go to the park together after school. Among her closest friends are Maddy, Marie, Anna Rose, Jamie, Alexander and Sebastian. On this particular day, we were at the park with Alexander, Sebastian and their parents.

Overheard on the playground...

Sebastian is running to the swings. He is bigger and faster than K

Sebastian: Let's go to the swings! (takes off running)

Kesiah: Wait for me! Wait for meee!

Sebastian: Kesiah, why do you always say that?

Sebastian's mom: Maybe it's because she wants you to wait for her.

Sebastian: Or maybe it's because I'm her special friend.

Oh, no you didn't.

Kesiah and the Hula Hoop

2010-08-24T01:38:00.003-04:00

Need I say more?

The Hebrew Hammer

2010-08-24T01:00:00.005-04:00

During Kesiah's first week of official pre-school, she has been coming home and describing the actions of this one boy that sounded very much like bullying. Pushing, yelling, taking toys, etc. My first reaction was complete rage. I wanted to tell her to just hit the kid back but I reminded myself of a past not-so-proud parenting moment that I will eventually blog about later.

Anyway, level-headed Evin took the more diplomatic approach that would instill confidence, as well as, mitigate the bullying action. Evin's approach empowered Kesiah with several options and, most importantly, the language to deal with the situation. Needless to say, my heart was breaking at the idea that my sweet little girl had to deal with such a stressful situation instead of being free to explore and learn.

One morning while I was apparently stressing about this, K paid me a visit before she left for school...

While I was shaving there was a knock on the door:

Kesiah: (knocking on the bathroom door) Daddy?
Dad: Come in sweetie.
Kesiah: We're leaving!
Dad: I love you baby. You know what to do when name-omitted pushes you, right?
Kesiah: Daddy, I'm brave and strong and I stand up for myself.

Now that warmed my heart but did little to calm the anger and worry. C'mon, this is MY little girl! When I came home from work I asked her about the bully...

Dad: Anything happen on the playground today with name-omitted?
Kesiah: I told him NEVER do that again!
Dad: Great! That's very brave of you. What did he do?
Kesiah: He pushed me.
Dad: Today? He pushed you on the playground today?
Kesiah: No, the other day.
Dad: I mean what did he do today?
Kesiah: Nothing. I just said that and he left me alone.
Dad: You said that TODAY but he didn't do anything?
Kesiah: Yes and now he leaved me alone.

Now that's my proactive girl!

I know only one way to deal with bullies.... you punch them HARD then tell the teacher. After speaking with many of you, I know most agree with me. However, after speaking with her teacher, I learned that this kid just turned 4 and has an issue with manners (ie. sharing, taking turns, standing in line etc.) This kid nudges others to cut in line, grabs toys without asking, and likes to yell. That's not a bully. That's just a 4 year old that needs to learn how to play well with others. If we followed my strategy, then K would have escalated unnecessarily and would have appeared a bully herself. I am HAPPY to say I AM WRONG! Thank you Evin!

Lyrics

2010-08-08T22:53:00.004-04:00

I just ran across some old notes on stuff I wanted to blog. These are some lyrics K used to sing when she was younger than 3...

Take Me Out to the Ball Game:
One, Two, Three, wrists you're out
At the old ball BRACE!

Do Re Mi:
Do, a deer, a female deer
Re, a glop of golden sun

Singin' in the Rain:
I'm singin' in the bath
just singin' in the bath

ABC's:
Now I know my ABC's
Next time wounch you
I know them FOREVER!

Yeah the "wounch" is my fault. When Evin sang "won't you", Kesiah corrected her.

Lemonade! Lemonade For Sale!

2010-08-08T21:01:00.006-04:00

Earlier this summer, K really wanted to have a lemonade stand. So on a super hot day, we loaded up the wagon and headed over the heart of Oakhurst Village. Evin made two kinds of lemonade: Classic and Fancy Pants Lavender (yes, we used real lemons). With a selection like that and being K's first business venture, only a high traffic area would do.
After we set up, K began yelling her pitch to all passers by. She made up the pitch herself...

Kesiah: LEEEM-MONADE! LEMONADE FOR SALE!

After a few thirsty cyclist stopped by, I thought I could leverage K's popularity and drum up some buyers from the local businesses. While making my rounds letting people know about K's stand, I thought it would be a neat idea to stop by the fire station...

Dad: Hello, anyone here?
Firefighter: (wiping sleep from his eyes) Um, yeah?
Dad: I'm soooo sorry to bother you but my daughter loves you guys and has a lemonade stand across the street. She would love it if you could stop by.
Firefighter: We'll see what we could do.
Dad: Thanks! Please don't feel obligated. I'm sure you have more important stuff to do.

Man, I felt bad for waking him and I started thinking "Why did I bother the fire department!" Anyway, the stand was doing well and little K was selling her heart out. About 20 minutes after my FD visit, the garage doors opened and the engine started rolling out.

Kesiah: Daddy! Look!
Dad: Wow! They are probably going to fight a fire!

Well, the engine pulled out and parked right next to K's stand! Kesiah started yelling her pitch! Not only did they buy lemonade, they let her climb in to the truck! Needless to say, K loved it (ok, me too!).

Eso. Si. Que es?

2010-08-08T20:28:00.006-04:00

S-o-c-k-s! What? Never mind, bad joke. Back to the post....

With a little creativity, self sacrifice, and knowing when opportunities present themselves, learning a new language can be fun!

K was sitting in the living room chair with her cute little feet dangling over the edge. I crouched down and slowly crept up to K. When I got close and peeked up to look at her, I notice her feet were right by my face. Instead of the usual joke of pretending to pass out from stinky feet (she thinks this is hilarious), I, for what ever reason I don't know, placed two of her toes in my nose.

Dad: Dos toes in my nose.
Kesiah: hee hee
Dad: What does dos mean?
Kesiah: two

See it worked!

I'm late, I'm late for a very important date!

2010-08-01T20:33:00.004-04:00

I can hardly wrap my mind around it, but Kesiah starts school tomorrow. This is crazy. Granted, it's only Pre-K, but this is a big step. Her first continuous experience of being away from home every day. I know she'll be fine, but I'll be a mess, I'm sure.

Anyway, since we have to get up at 6 am tomorrow, and li'l K normally sleeps until about 8:30, she went to bed at 7:00. Almost an hour later...

Kesiah: Mommy?

Me: (walking back to her room) Yes?

Kesiah: Is it time yet?

Me: Time for what?

Kesiah: School!

Namaste

2010-08-01T15:41:00.002-04:00

Just 10 minutes ago, K and I were doing some stretching/yoga. Of course, after a while she was making up her own stuff....

Kesiah: Dad, want to see another yoga move?
Dad: Sure!
Kesiah: Wait, I need to get a stroller.

This is Gaye

2010-07-29T12:17:00.003-04:00

I have Marvin Gaye stuck in my head and it reminded me of a few things. One thing is K's taste in music. This kid is awesome. Some of her favs include: Hum, Sliversun Pickups, Erykah Badu, and Marvin Gaye. Btw, she goes nuts when she hears Fugazi or Pailhead.

Anyway, here are some Marvin Gaye related K events:

While "Let's get it on" was playing...
Kesiah: What is this song about?
Mom: (snicker) Um...
Dad: It's about good friends.
Kesiah: Wow, they must BEST friends!

On a different occasion "Let's get it on" was playing...
Kesiah: I like this song and the "You're all I need" song.
Dad: "You're All I Need to Get By"?
Kesiah: YES!
We both start singing the intro.
Kesiah: I like the "Get By" song because it is nice. I like "Let's Get it On" because it has groove!
Dad: You know what groove is?
Kesiah: Yeah. Groove does this.
She started bopping her head.

Yet another dinner when she requested Marvin Gaye for ambiance...
Kesiah: Dad, when he sings "baby" will you sing "maybe". Yeah, do that. Please.
K is referring to the song "I'll Be Dog Gone" and transforming it to say:

"Then I wouldn't be dog gone. I'd be long gone... maybe"

Big Helping Hand

2010-07-22T15:02:00.003-04:00

Doesn't this look like K is feeding me with a HUGE hand.

Stay Tuned

2010-07-21T02:08:00.003-04:00

As you already know, this blog has been recently resurrected. We have a huge back log of K related funnies but more importantly, we have pictures and videos to share. Please be patient and stay tuned.

Butt it's the Morning

2010-07-21T01:57:00.005-04:00

I have been imploring Evin to blog this one and even consulted our good friends Paddy and Macy who completely agree on its blogability but Evin has yet to do it so here is a second hand but "accurate as can be" post.

One morning while Kesiah was finishing her breakfast served by Chef Mom, Evin took the opportunity to get dressed for the day. A few moments later K entered our room and...

Kesiah: Mom, guess what I have in my butt.
Mom: What is it dear?
Kesiah: I have a piece of cereal. See?
K turns and proudly brandishes her nekkid behind.
Mom: I don't see anything.
Kesiah: You have to open it up.

Inquisitor

2010-07-21T01:41:00.002-04:00

Our little girl is growing up. Her gregariousness and self confidence undoubtedly reminds us that the apple does not fall far from either tree. Tonight was orientation for Pre-K at College Heights. After the principal delivered boring answers to all the grown-ups' boring questions Kesiah raises her hand..

Principal: (with a BIG smile) Do you have a question?
Kesiah: Do you stay at College Heights or do you leave College Heights?

Apparently K wanted to know if she lived at the school. The principal affirmed that she, in fact, has a home and her own children to tend to. After a few more speakers, it was the nutritionist's turn. Evin had a food question (I know, can you believe it???) and raised her hand...

Kesiah: Do you have a question?
Mom: I do.
Kesiah: I want to help.
Mom: Okay
K then held Evin's arm aiding her in keeping it raised. We both thought this was cute and the extent of Kesiah's desire to help. Little did we know. As soon as the nutritionist answered the first question...
Kesiah: (screaming loud enough to echo in the silent auditorium) MY MOM HAS A QUESTION!!!!!!!!!

Oakhurstville Horror

2010-07-20T02:04:00.004-04:00

I should save this for a "Halloween Edition" but something happened tonight that gave me the willies! This may very well be Kesiah's imagination at work but nevertheless it does not fail in giving me a spine traveling shivering tingle when it happened.

When we first moved in to our new home...

Dad: Kesiah, go take off your shoes and put it in your closet. It's time to get ready for bed.
After a few minutes...
Kesiah: I don't want to.
Dad: Why baby?
Kesiah: (visibly disturbed) There's a scary man in my room.
Dad: Where? Show me baby.
She takes me by the hand and guides me to her closet. She nervously points directly to it.
Dad: Where?
Kesiah: He's standing right there.
Dad: What is he doing?
Kesiah then hunches over and positions her hand as if she was holding a cane.

Then TONIGHT during bedtime stories...

Kesiah was nervously distracted.
Dad: What is it baby?
Kesiah: Who's that girl?
Dad: What? What do you mean?
Kesiah: The girl at the door.
Kesiah points to the empty place at the threshold.
Dad: Maybe she wants to hear the story.
Kesiah: She didn't leave. Dad, you're Quack remember.

Earlier, we were pretending that I was Quack and she was Chirp from the PBS show "Peep". My guess is that she wanted to things to be fun again.

These two instances are not the only times she has claimed to see a little girl or an old man in our home. C'mon now, isn't that freaky fun???

Fan Club

2010-07-02T11:15:00.002-04:00

This post is not about what Kesiah said but some of my favorite things I've heard you say about her.

Jill Hopkins (After seeing pictures of Kesiah and I shaving):
"My uterus just exploded!"

Adam Haer (After seeing Kesiah doing her "pull my finger get raspberry" trick):
"You have just weaponized cute."

Jared Silver (After reading this blog):
"Your kid makes me feel like I just ate a bag of Halloween candy!"

Meanwhile, Back in K's Room...

2010-07-02T01:30:00.027-04:00

During the same good night session mentioned in "Princess and the Pea"...

Dad: How was story time?

Kesiah: We read Pete the Cat!

Dad: I love that book!

Kesiah: Yeah and we were almost done and it was almost time for milk and cookies then...

Kesiah: DING!!!! Two more stories!

Kesiah: Hmmmm....

I had to mention this. The inflection in her voice and her hand gestures displayed her skill in crafting a narrative. The "Hmmmm..." at the end was pasted on her face with a quiet smile in joyous reflection. After returning from being lost in a replay of a completely satisfying day, she turned to me in a genuine state of satiated relaxation and said...

Kesiah: I think we should cuddle for awhile.

The Princess and the Pea

2010-07-01T22:19:00.002-04:00

Upon coming home from a long study session with Jared, Kesiah requested that I come in to her room to say good night. How can I say no.

Kesiah: Good night Daddy.

Dad: Good night little one.

Kesiah: Let's talk for a little bit.

Dad: Sure, what do you want to talk about?

Kesiah: Let's talk about peas with arms.

Love is...

2010-06-29T01:34:00.009-04:00

After a weekend long sleep over with Nana, I've been craving some K time. As luck would have it, highly technical and important thing-a-ma-bobs broke at work and I had to remote in to monitor these really technical thing-a-ma-doos leaving Evin to teach Monday night classes with F.G. (More to come with F.G., keep checking).

Well, this means one on one K time and more opportunity for her magic to materialize from the ether. Of course, not seeing Kesiah over the weekend meant she was pummeled with "I love you's", hugs, and kisses. I guess love must have been on her mind. Tonight during our Father/Daughter dinner...

Kesiah: Love is invisible.

Dad: Oh yeah, why do you say that?

Kesiah: (giving me the "duh" look) Because I can't see it.

Dad: Ha! But you can feel how much I love you, right?

Kesiah: ???

Dad: You know how much I love you. You must be able to feel my love.

Kesiah then waves her hand and pretends to snatch something from the air.

Kesiah: It feels fuzzy.

Kesiah: Your love is fuzzy. Mommy's is soft.

Modern Kid

2010-06-20T18:17:00.002-04:00

I'm just floored by how modern tech is shaping Kesiah's world view. As much as "clicker" and "beeper" are a part of my generational experience, the prominence of personal computing has sculpted this four year old's outlook.

During breakfast one day...

Kesiah: How many kinds of butterflies are there?

Dad: (still lacking morning coffee) I don't know baby.

Kesiah: Look online.

While working from home...

Kesiah: Daddy?

Dad: Yes dear.

Kesiah: Will you logoff and play with me.

Father's Day

2010-06-20T18:09:00.002-04:00

While waiting for the family to arrive at our place for Father's Day brunch, Kesiah and I were hanging in her playroom just goofin' off. When she heard the family arriving, she jumped to action and bolted for the door.

Kesiah: (running for the door) YAY!!!!
She then stops looks at me and with sweet loving eyes. She reaches towards me with her cute little hand...
Kesiah: C'mon daddy. Let's go celebrate Father's Day! I love Father's Day!

Welcome

2010-06-14T08:48:00.003-04:00

Yes, the blog has been inactive for quite sometime despite the requests to resurrect it. For that I apologize again but hey... I'm too busy enjoying life with Kesiah. Well, this blog is back and it is to no small part to Kesiah's very own mom and source for most of her goofiness.

Welcome Evin and I look forward to reading more of the K-driven events you deem bloggable.

A Wrigley Heart

2010-06-14T00:05:00.002-04:00

The family made an appearance at Ben Lovelace's bachelor party. Yes, it was a very progressive and forward thinking party to allow the presence women and children... bachelors, take note. Anyway, my good old sister-in-law had to stir up trouble in a room full of Bulldog fans...

Bela: Kesiah, when I say Yellow you say Jackets. Yellow!

Kesiah: Jackets!

Bela: Yellow!

Stacy (Georgia Fan): Bulldogs!

Crowd: Oooooo!

Bela: Kesiah, what's your favorite team?

Kesiah detecting the lines being drawn selected a very politically safe answer.

Kesiah: The Cubbies!

Our Little Taoist

2010-06-13T18:43:00.002-04:00

Before hopping over to the last dance of ATLX7, the family enjoyed a little Fika at Java Monkey. Kesiah was amazed at the open mic poets (seriously, they were not bad at all). Inspired by the eclectic expounding from local artists, Kesiah tried her own word painting...

Kesiah: Oh starry night oh beautiful sky.
Kesiah: Wherever I go I am never sad.
Kesiah: Because all the places I see, I love.

Food Styling

2010-06-12T22:28:00.002-04:00

The other day Kesiah was sitting at the table drawing. She abruptly got up and started a new activity like 3 year olds do (yes, this was a while ago). I took a look to see what she drew and gazed upon a yellow scribble on a piece of paper. Again Kesiah hilarious mind strikes again...

Dad: Hey K, what did you draw?

Kesiah: Um, oh that. That's mustard.

She started to walk away and continued telling me...

Kesiah: I forgot to draw the sandwich.

Inappropriate Breakfast Conversations.

2010-06-12T22:11:00.004-04:00

The other morning, during breakfast, K and I were rhyming words, as we often do. Wordplay is a favorite game of hers. So we were rhyming "oot" sounds. Out of nowhere, K says

"Speaking of poop, let's make a butt! Like a pretend butt!"

What?

Ok.

I Guess it's a Special Order

2009-10-09T00:10:00.006-04:00

Evin has been preparing Kesiah for the eventual passing away of our really old and faithful canine companion and friend, Sammy Kablammy. Evin has explained to Kesiah that Sammy will be with Hashem soon and he will not return. Expertly weaving it to the analogy of watching a released balloon float away until it is out of view, Evin explained that we know it's still there but we can not see it and it is not coming back. Kesiah completely jives with this. Anyway, she woke up this morning and asked...

Kesiah: When Sammy is with Hashem, can we buy a moth as a pet?

More Dinner Time Funnies

2009-07-06T22:06:00.002-04:00

Tonight at dinner, Kesiah said...

Kesiah: Mommy, may I have a drink?
Mom: Yes, you can have some water.
Kesiah: Phooey... I really wanted juice.

Then at dessert time...

Kesiah: Daddy, it's like I'm eating a not cold popsicle.

She was eating a banana.

PreSchool Effects

2009-06-06T12:47:00.002-04:00

Since Kesiah started preschool, she has developed an ear drum shattering, glass breaking, make you tense every muscle in your body building up so much pressure that when you relax you'll find your eye sockets empty, high pitch scream and she discovered her love for dirt. To add to all this, she said this morning during breakfast....

Kesiah: I'm pretending to eat dirt out of my shoe.

The Power of Music

2009-05-20T01:49:00.003-04:00

First, unemployment does a number on one's self esteem. Second, be warned that this update is not about Kesiah. In between looking for employment, updating my skills, and being a husband/father, I still have time on my hands. Due to Album 88 (awarding winning college radio from Georgia State), I've found a new love for soul music. On one of my "soul searches" I came across a soul-inspired album from one of my favorite bands during the early 90's, the Charlatans UK. One song moves me in such a way (especially during this difficult time) that I find the need to share, even though Evin dislikes the vocalist's styling on this song. I've posted the lyrics, as I hear them, so you can see why I find it so moving. I hope you enjoy it (link to the song at the bottom):

A Man Needs to be Told by The Charlatans

A man needs to be told there is a world going on
There is a world going on
There is a world going on
A man needs to be told to look into the light
Or he can get lost in the day
Or he can get lost in the night
A man needs to be told...

A young boy once told me I'd be an old man and I am only 15
It wasn't part of the plan
It wasn't part of the dream
Ever wonder how much the man who wrote White Christmas made?
How evolution began
How revolution was fake
A man needs to be told...

A man needs to be told there is a war going on
There is a war going on
There is a war going on
Every man needs to be told there is a truth in his eye
There's a rest in the dawn
There's a point in his life
And a man needs to be told...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMr-r8p2dNY

Bad Horse

2009-04-28T02:20:00.003-04:00

Please keep in mind that Kesiah has not seen "Dr. Horrible's Sing-a-Long Blog"...

Kesiah: How does Bad Horse hold a pencil?
Dad: He probably typed it on a big typewriter.
Kesiah: But he signed it. How does he draw his name?

For the uninitiated, click on this: http://www.drhorrible.com/

After hearing the songs on an NPR interview with Joss Whedon, Kesiah has repeatedly asked me to sing "Freeze Ray" and "Bad Horse (Letter)".

In Frankie's Memory... Thank You Mr. Manning!

2009-04-27T11:24:00.007-04:00

Today, Frankie Manning passed away. His influence has directly touched Evin's and my life forever. Thanks to Tia Bela, he has touched Kesiah's life as well. Tia Bela bought "Happy Feet" for Kesiah. This is a cute children's book about the Savoy Ballroom, in which Frankie "Muscle Head" Manning is mentioned.

Mom: Noah, Frankie is in the hospital.
Dad: Oh no...
Kesiah: Is he sick?
Mom: Well, Frankie is very old just like Sammy.
Kesiah: Who is Frankie?
Mom: That's Muscle Head.
Kesiah: Like the book?
Mom: Yes. Did you know that mommy danced with Frankie once?
Kesiah's jaw hit the floor with thud. She was speechless but pleasantly surprised.
Dad: He yelled at me once.
Kesiah: Why?
Dad: I'll tell you about it when you're older.

Good Dog

2009-04-26T14:39:00.004-04:00

Last night during dinner, Evin and I were talking about our old but still kicking dog. Kesiah, of course, wanted to be a part of the conversation...

Kesiah: Is Sammy a bad dog?
Mom: He's a good dog.
Kesiah: But he poops on the floor.
Dad: He's just old and sometimes poops on the floor.
Mom: Yes, he doesn't mean to do it. It just happens. He forgets sometimes.
Dad: He is still a good dog.
Kesiah: At least he says "Excuse me, I going to POOP on the FLOOR!"

Kesiah yelled the last part with much enthusiasm and with the most awesome-est facial expressions and hand gestures. We were having dinner on our screened in porch as couples were walking to the church at the end of our block to attend the "Gay Men's Choir". I can only imagine what they were thinking if the heard this and our roar of laughter after.

Rothko Eggs

2009-04-23T21:37:00.003-04:00

I believe it was Mark Rothko who noted the similarities between the art of the Modern artist and the art of children. After seeing the results of Kesiah's first time painting eggs, I do believe Rothko was a man of understanding.

Color Blind

2009-04-20T18:37:00.002-04:00

This morning Kesiah woke me up with a kiss and a smile. Then she explained to Evin...

Kesiah: I love daddy because he's brown.
Kesiah: Brown is the same color as poop.

Dessert Time

2009-04-18T20:03:00.005-04:00

Just the other day, the family was having an ice cream treat with Paddy and Macy+1. Kesiah had a small cup of chocolate with sprinkles, Evin had a scoop of chocolate on a cone, and I had a malt with extra-extra-extra malt. Yes, I ordered like that and they happily complied.

Anyway, after enjoying our individual desserts for a bit, it is inevitable that Kesiah will exercise her sharing skills.

Kesiah: Daddy, may I try your Ma... ma... ma...
Dad: Would you like to try my malt?
Kesiah: Yes
After a deep and thoroughly enjoyed sip...
Kesiah: (loudly) OOOOUUUUUUU!
Mom: Would you like to try my cone.
Kesiah never had a cone and gladly took Evin's offer.
Kesiah: Next time I'm going to have a cone!
Kesiah: And you're going to have a cone!
Kesiah: And Paddy and Macy are going to have cones!
Kesiah: (Pointing to everyone in the room) And he's going to have a cone and she's going to have a cone and he's going to have a cone and he's going to have a cone...
In a final loud crescendo...
Kesiah: EVERYONE HAS A CONE!!!!!
Dad: But I really like malts.
Kesiah: Even after I had a cone?!?!

I guess she likes cones.

Alligator Face

2009-04-18T19:57:00.002-04:00

Here's a quick one: Lo! (no need to behold) This is the K girl's Alligator Face.

Ryan's Visit

2009-04-17T02:22:00.005-04:00

Our very good friend Ryan was in town for business. That's a fancy way of saying he was in town checking to see if people are building stuff. Anyway, Evin just taught Kesiah the art of the "Knock Knock" joke. Surprisingly, Kesiah remembered Ryan and not surprisingly wanted to tell Ryan a "Knock Knock" joke.

Kesiah: knock knock
Ryan: Who's there?
Kesiah: Ryan
Ryan: Ryan who?
Kesiah: I'm glad I didn't say banana.

I'm All Done... Now with Subtitles!

2009-04-17T02:10:00.000-04:00

Check it out:

Cafe Adventures #1 - Stage Debut

2009-04-17T01:57:00.007-04:00

A while back, the family took a nice walk to our local cafe, Kavarna, for a little treat. Kesiah has charmed and renamed two of the employees there and therefore we are required to visit from time to time at her request. After saying hi to the "mustache guy" and the "cooker\maker\sweeper", Kesiah wanted to dance to the live musical act.

Unbeknownest to the performer, she was singing in the spot where Kesiah wanted to dance. Boldly approaching the stage, Kesiah started entertaining the room with her version of Lindy Hop (or Crunk... I can't tell). After the aw's and ah's were done, the performer decided to do an improvised song and asked Kesiah to give her the subject. Well, here's the rest...

Performer: So what would you like me to sing about?
Kesiah (looking at mommy): What she say mommy?
Performer: What's your favorite toy? Do you have a favorite toy?
Kesiah: Books.
Performer: What your favorite part about books?
Kesiah: The end.

Apologies

2009-04-17T01:41:00.003-04:00

I am very sorry for the lack of updates. In my defense, I have been trying to avoid bombarding you with little cutsie things that Kesiah does and turn this blog in to "Kesiah says the Darnedest Things". My definition of "bloggable" has become so strict that nothing seemed worthy and (even more sad) I have missed some precious moments that could have been saved and shared.

So to make it up to you, me, and Kesiah, I have sat down, remembered, and noted everything I could. If this turns in to the "Kesiah says the Darnedest Things" blog so be it. Her smile alone is an embrace of pure joy and I if this blog makes you smile, then the work is worth it.

If the Shoe Fits

2008-12-28T13:54:00.002-05:00

After spending nearly thirty minutes (perhaps over) trying to get Kesiah ready to go out and run an errand with Evin, Kesiah decided she wanted to stay home with me. That was short lived...

Mom: Alright Kesiah, I'm going. Kiss me good bye.
Kesiah: Wait, I'm going too.
Mom: Alright, hurry up and get your shoes on.
Kesiah ran off to her room to get her shoes screaming "YAY!" Kesiah returns and...
Kesiah: I'm ready.
Mom: Did you put your shoes on?
Kesiah: One is on my hand.
Kesiah: The other is in my armpit.

... but my Heart Belongs to Daddy

2008-12-27T00:56:00.005-05:00

Here's yet another car performance from Kesiah I find blog-worthy. Now, it's not that much of a gem but it is just darn cute. Not even three years old and she knows how to win me over. Just let me explain.

This girl is well versed at musicals. Since she is constantly asking us to sing we oblige her with songs from the musicals of our childhood. For Evin, it's "Fiddler on the Roof". For me, it's "The Sound of Music." I know it is not as cool as "Singing in the Rain" or "Dr Horrible's Sing-a-long Blog" but Julie Andrews is HOT! (That one is for you, grandpa).

On our way over to Shabbat/Birthday/Hannukah dinner at my in-laws, Kesiah asked us to sing "Matchmaker" with her...

All: For Papa make him a scholar. For Mama make him rich as a king.
All: For me, well I wouldn't holler if he were as handsome as anything...
Kesiah (with much excitement): Just like Noah!
Kesiah: Noah is handsome!

Gee, she just earned her first car.

Birthday Karma

2008-12-17T23:41:00.007-05:00

So, four months before the sweetness of my life turns three, or in her words "flee", the idea of kissing her daddy is the equivalent of sitting through a lecture expounding upon how AstroTurf can be engineered to be close to the real thing. This denial of affection is coming from a little person who aggressively hugs and kisses items she had just encountered while saying "I love it SOOOOO MUCH!" These items include, but is not limited to, stuffed toys, balloons, books, leaves, sticks, and the occasional piece of junk mail. Evin just reminded me to include the seat for the potty.

Perhaps I may be taking water conservation too seriously and should shower more. Anyway, I did not imagine this would happen so soon. Considering my upcoming birthday, I figured I could use this as a bargaining chip. My requests for birthday kisses and/or hugs were consistently met with "No daddy, you get cake."

Well it's my birthday and I really want what the random object seems to get easily. Seeing a lesson in persistence, I continued to exploit any opportunity for some affection until finally....

Mom: Kiss daddy good-bye.
Kesiah: No
Dad: How about a hug good-bye?
Kesiah: I don't want that.
Dad: Just wave good-bye then.
Kesiah: I don't want that either.
Dad: C'mon Kesiah, I just want a little hug.
Kesiah: ok
As I approach for my hug, she stops me by putting up her cute little finger.
Kesiah: On your birthday.

Now any request for a hug or kiss is met with the finger shrug off and her saying "You get a hug on your birthday." I definitely need to stop laughing at behavior I do not want to reinforce.

Corporate Pig

2008-12-08T00:22:00.003-05:00

Here's another little gem that happened while we were driving. Perhaps we should strap this kid to a seat more often, it seems this is when she shines the brightest. Anyway, we were on our way to Uncle Moshe's when she spotted a billboard and asked...

Kesiah: Mommy, what is that pig doing?
Mom: What pig honey?
Kesiah: The pig with the fancy sweater.

Kesiah then pointed to a Coke-Cola billboard of Santa guzzling a bottle of Coke.

I'm All Done

2008-12-06T01:08:00.005-05:00

Witness Kesiah doing what she does best... being Kesiah. Evin was going to put subtitles, but it's a PAIN IN THE WAHOO. If you really want a transcript contact me.

Driving Miss K

2008-12-06T00:53:00.004-05:00

Evin was driving the family on our way to have dinner with our friends/neighbors Paddy and Macy when this cracked me up....

Kesiah: Mommy, did you drive when you were little?
Mom: I learned to drive when I was a teenager.

Kesiah, after thinking to herself for a few seconds, put it all together and excitedly shared her revelation.

Kesiah: (softly) you were little and you got bigger...
Kesiah: and bigger...
Kesiah: and bigger...
Kesiah: and bigger...
Kesiah: (screaming) and now you are THE DRIVER!
Kesiah: I don't drive because I'm little.

First Aid

2008-12-02T20:17:00.005-05:00

At dinner tonight, Evin and I were finally having a conversation while Kesiah was quietly peeling her clementine.

Mom: Have you ever read any of the original Winnie the Pooh stories?
Dad: Just the ones you have.
Mom: I remember in one...
Kesiah: (mumbling) Look at me mommy.
We turn to find that Kesiah has taken off her Winnie the Pooh sticker and stuck it over her mouth.
Kesiah: (still mumbling) It's my band aid. I hurt my lip.

All Hollow's Eve 2008

2008-11-24T23:50:00.002-05:00

She was right in the middle of trick-or-treating and she wanted to lay down and look at the stars. Everyone around (like 10 families) was cracking up. That kid is the best.

Was I Born Yesterday?

2008-11-24T22:33:00.008-05:00

Kesiah and I were playing when she covers her face with a card size piece of paper indicating that she is now playing the hiding game...

Dad: Where's Kesiah?
Kesiah: I'm in Chicago.
(realizing she gave away her location she dropped the card)
Kesiah: I was born in Chicago.
Dad: Oh yeah?
Kesiah: I was born in Chicago the other day!
Dad: Really?
Kesiah: I'm going now.
Kesiah: I'm going to jump over the moon.

Welcome to America (Reminiscing Part 2)

2008-11-24T22:25:00.004-05:00

Sometimes Evin and I are funny too. I will spare you from the details leading up to the photo and just let you absorb it. This is what we call our immigrant photo.

This one's Blog-able

2008-11-22T20:05:00.009-05:00

The 3 of us were driving home after dinner with my other equally wonderful in-laws when...

Kesiah: (adamantly) I want to look in the kitchen bowl!
Mom: Are we in the kitchen right now?
Kesiah: No, we're in the CAR!
(sits, ponders what she just said.)
Kesiah: There are no cabinets here. Just doors.
Dad (quietly to Mom): That's blog-able
Kesiah: THAT'S BLOG-ABLE!

Obsolete Children

2008-11-22T03:41:00.008-05:00

I overheard this conversation a few days ago. Evin believes it happened differently but it's my blog and my memory, so I am posting it this way:

Kesiah walks in to the room with a little booklet.
Kesiah: Look mommy.
Mom: So, do you like that catalog?
Kesiah (with great excitement): It's a boring book! What is it?
Mom: It's a book of things to buy.
Kesiah: Oh... for boring kids?
Mom: For grown-ups.
Kesiah: Grown-ups are boring kids.

Photoshoot (Reminiscing Part 1)

2008-11-22T02:07:00.000-05:00

When Kesiah was 1.5, she asked me to follow her around our Chicago apartment and take photos of her doing various things and standing next to random objects.

She set up this shot, looked through the viewfinder, and asked me to "click it". Enough said.

For the whole shoot, visit www.flickr.com\photos\galangfamily and it is somewhere in there. Create a free account and I will friend you so that you can see the whole collection of cuteness.

Kesiah on Showers

2008-11-22T01:21:00.000-05:00

Since starting this blog (I just realized it has been only ONE DAY) I have been plagued with questions every time Kesiah does anything cute or funny... "Is this blog worthy?" or "Should I write this down so I don't forget it?" or "Should I tweak this to make it more funny?"

Notice I never ask myself, "Will this embarrass her when she gets older???" ;)

The real question is, "Does this ruin moments with Kesiah?" Nope, but it is a nagging thought. Anyway, being new to blogging and worried about its blog-ability, I test drove this little tidbit on some of you and it only had a lukewarm reception. Oh well, here it is. This is pure Kesiah, pure amazement, pure joy, and never tweaked:

I just came out of the shower
Kesiah: Did you take a bath?
Dad: I took a shower, sweetheart.
Kesiah: I don't like showers.
Dad: Really? Do you know the difference between a shower and a bath?
Mom(in the background): About 20 gallons.
Kesiah: Yes and I don't like showers.
Dad: Well, maybe you'll like showers when you're older.
Kesiah: When I'm older and I'm a mommy and I carry a baby and I pee pee... I will def-fin-nit-ly take a shower.

Yes, she said definitely. She said it very slowly but she definitely said it.

Shaving with Kesiah

2008-11-20T15:55:00.000-05:00

Being a mix of various Asianalities, I rarely have to shave but I do on occasion (if only to get those weird wiry hairs off my neck). Seeing that I do not shave often, Kesiah is very curious at this oddity. After explaining that I have to shave those little black dots off my face, she wanted to shave as well. Nothing funny was said but her cuteness is totally blog-able!

The pics were taken 10/14/2008.

Kesiah on Football

2008-11-20T15:20:00.000-05:00

About a week before the "Ask me if I'm a truck" incident, my wonderful in-laws were giving Evin and me a break and had Kesiah over for dinner. Grandpa being a Georgia Tech fan had the game on in the background. Of course hilarity ensued and here it is:

Grandpa: Kesiah, do you like football?
Kesiah: Yes and Noah likes football too.
Grandpa: Who do you think is going to win?
Kesiah: Obama.

Am I a Truck Saga Continues

2008-11-20T15:05:00.000-05:00

11/11/2008 Kesiah at 2.5 yo

So during dinner I asked Kesiah to ask me if I was a truck (as I have annoyed many of my friends with this type of never ending questioning). Here's her response:

Dad: Kesiah, ask me if I'm a truck.
Kesiah: Are you a truck?
Dad: Nope
Kesiah: Are you sure?

She did not skip a beat, bat an eye, or even wait for my answer. She just returned to eating her dinner.