A super-charged, lovable, excited Josephine on the morning of her 3rd birthday!
Love you Jozie!!
Sunday, 28 February 2010
Saturday, 27 February 2010
Nearly 3
On Friday, we went to a wholesaler shop to buy some party supplies. Normally, there are business people cruising down the aisles with these out-of-proportion trollies loading on massive portions of sausages and currywurst-sauce or whatever. Unusually, you see a mother with her out-of-proportion sized trolley trying to manevour it whilst bouncing a not so little baby in her baby-pouch and controlling an enthused about- to- be 3 year old. That was not too bad. What really toooooook the cake was: Josephine decided to get toilet urges (diarrhea of note) minutes after arriving. Well, to see the glass half full, I am pleased as punch she never got it while in the car. So. Be that as it may. We didn't have our store card with us, so we had to fill in forms etc. After a 15 minute entry delay, we just went through a one-way boom and Jozie looked up at me, crunched over gripping her tummy and saying, "Mamma. I need to go to Potty." Me thinking: oh no. So I asked the lady who had "signed us in" where the toilets were. To put it mildly (and as we say in South Africa) they were doer-and-gone! Just an arms length on the other side of the boom. And no, they could not (?) lift the boom we had just come through for us. Everything was a one-way with automatic doors that only opened from the other direction. So close, yet so far.This shop has the same layout as Ikea and so we had to weave our way to the other end, squeeze past folks standing in line at the tills, through the controlled exit and .... wala, toilets. It's too much to describe how to manage 2 children in a public toilet where one feels like you can't touch anything. Evie was most uncomfortably squashed in her pouch and throwing herself backwards with protesting cries while Jozie was hovering (me holding her) above the loo. Well, it relieved her (and me) and after we were done in there, we made our way, back through one way automatic doors, the boom, to find our trolley, to start our shop. That was the first time. This whole thing repeated itself 3 times. The lady next to the boom just smiled meekly at me each time we made our way past her again. And again. And again. 3 times. She must have wondered if we had mistaken the shop for an athletic track or so.
Anyhow, we all survived and in the end it was worth it as we got all we needed.
Jozie was also extremely fascinated by huges boxes being fork-lifted up to the ceiling (it's a big big shop) and them racing around with goods. More about that later..
Once home, she played outside on her Puky (balance bike's name) and raced up and down up and down the driveway. That was great fun. I am always amazed at their co-ords. Skimming past cars where I catch my breath thinking "Expense! Coming up any second now!"
Sitting around the dining room table on "birthday -Eve", we were talking about how things would be when she turned 3. Of course a birthday is major fun for a little one and so it should be. That's where the focus is too. But I did take my chance, as a mother seeking out her every opportunity, to say "you know, when you turn three you'll be a bigger girl. And girls who are 3 can even wet their own hair. They can lie down nicely in the bath and look up at the ceiling so that the water doesn't go in their eyes....etc etc. " She listened with big eyes. When I had finished investing in some hopeful future co-operation, she said: "And yes, when I turn 3, then I can sit in that chair" (pointing at Pappa's chair). That's why ("because") I going to be a big girl and then I too big to sit in this little chair. And that's why I also big to drive a forklift. Yes, I going to drive a great big forklift really really fast! And maybe I can marry Spiderman!?!"
(mother and father looking a little gobsmacked!)
Anyhow, we all survived and in the end it was worth it as we got all we needed.
Jozie was also extremely fascinated by huges boxes being fork-lifted up to the ceiling (it's a big big shop) and them racing around with goods. More about that later..
Once home, she played outside on her Puky (balance bike's name) and raced up and down up and down the driveway. That was great fun. I am always amazed at their co-ords. Skimming past cars where I catch my breath thinking "Expense! Coming up any second now!"
Sitting around the dining room table on "birthday -Eve", we were talking about how things would be when she turned 3. Of course a birthday is major fun for a little one and so it should be. That's where the focus is too. But I did take my chance, as a mother seeking out her every opportunity, to say "you know, when you turn three you'll be a bigger girl. And girls who are 3 can even wet their own hair. They can lie down nicely in the bath and look up at the ceiling so that the water doesn't go in their eyes....etc etc. " She listened with big eyes. When I had finished investing in some hopeful future co-operation, she said: "And yes, when I turn 3, then I can sit in that chair" (pointing at Pappa's chair). That's why ("because") I going to be a big girl and then I too big to sit in this little chair. And that's why I also big to drive a forklift. Yes, I going to drive a great big forklift really really fast! And maybe I can marry Spiderman!?!"
(mother and father looking a little gobsmacked!)
Monday, 22 February 2010
Home in Gifhorn
from the back
backgarden and view of neighbour's small-holding
come on in!
view of neighbours' place from our lounge/dining room
our street (we're on the left here)
coming home
Photos from Gwan - 13 Feb
Thanks Gwan for all these photos. They are all treasured! xxxxxxx
Jozie jumping for joy!
adorable Evie
Gwan peeling off the onion layers after being outside. Thanks Gwan!
Jozie absorbed in play
Evie beams
kissy Evie
grabbing handfuls of face, hair, eyes. All in the name of love!
making a-way
dancing queen
circus tricks
loving Evie
"I need a bweak"
shovelling together (Jozie was using a dustpan)
What exactly is "a big girl"?
A big girl is someone who:
- is allowed to eat chewing gum
- drinks coffee
- doesn't sit in a highchair
- can sit on the toilet without a child's toilet seat to stop them falling in
This morning on our way out: "Josephine, you please wait here at the front door while I put Evie in the car. I am coming back for you and I will carry you to the car because your shoes are there. Just wait for me. Don't, please DON'T try to come out on the snow & ice in your stockings. Ok?" "Ok Mamma. I wait to you."
....while belting Evie in....who do I see through the backwindow skidding around like a duck on a frozen pond? Jozie. Of course, my Jozie. Not on her stockings though. In my snow boots which look like skiis on her. Was quite funny, I have to say. We both had a laugh. Some things are just too funny to scold. :-)
- is allowed to eat chewing gum
- drinks coffee
- doesn't sit in a highchair
- can sit on the toilet without a child's toilet seat to stop them falling in
This morning on our way out: "Josephine, you please wait here at the front door while I put Evie in the car. I am coming back for you and I will carry you to the car because your shoes are there. Just wait for me. Don't, please DON'T try to come out on the snow & ice in your stockings. Ok?" "Ok Mamma. I wait to you."
....while belting Evie in....who do I see through the backwindow skidding around like a duck on a frozen pond? Jozie. Of course, my Jozie. Not on her stockings though. In my snow boots which look like skiis on her. Was quite funny, I have to say. We both had a laugh. Some things are just too funny to scold. :-)
Shaking the blues
Being in a "new" environment without all the known play areas, people, streets, things, whatever has left me at a bit of a loose end lately. Topping that with getting used to driving on the wrong (lol) side of the road and a lot of snow (also meaning getting fully kitted each time we want to even go into the back garden) .... has been a change I've been struggling to adapt to. But today I pulled my socks up and decided to "get out there, no matter what!". And it was well worth it. And we did a lot!
-we went to a birthday party to which some neighbourhood people very kindly invited us to
-after midday sleep we had lunch
-we went for a nice walk around this area, popped in at some neighbours, had an appointment at the dr for Josephine, visited and stroked the horses across the road, and even (!) made it to the grocery shop. WOW! Was great! I think in all honesty, Josephine prefers to play her imaginitive games with her horse/car/whatever she can find at home than be "dragged" around. Evie loves all the people and getting around. She's very sociable and smiles at anyone who affords her a glance.
Anyway, tomorrow we have plans too! Yay! We're going to a church toddler group in the morning and then to a kiddi sport group in the afternoon. Interested to see what that's all about. I don't think Jozie (who is adventurous, but cautious) will quite leap off any slide or climbing frame (or whatever they have there) to accentuate the addrenalin rush like her American friend, Owen. :-) Girls will be girls, and boys boys. :-)
goodnight!x
-we went to a birthday party to which some neighbourhood people very kindly invited us to
-after midday sleep we had lunch
-we went for a nice walk around this area, popped in at some neighbours, had an appointment at the dr for Josephine, visited and stroked the horses across the road, and even (!) made it to the grocery shop. WOW! Was great! I think in all honesty, Josephine prefers to play her imaginitive games with her horse/car/whatever she can find at home than be "dragged" around. Evie loves all the people and getting around. She's very sociable and smiles at anyone who affords her a glance.
Anyway, tomorrow we have plans too! Yay! We're going to a church toddler group in the morning and then to a kiddi sport group in the afternoon. Interested to see what that's all about. I don't think Jozie (who is adventurous, but cautious) will quite leap off any slide or climbing frame (or whatever they have there) to accentuate the addrenalin rush like her American friend, Owen. :-) Girls will be girls, and boys boys. :-)
goodnight!x
sleepy sayings from Jozie
After reading Josephine her bedtime story tonight, Michael and I both stood next to her bed hugging while we waited for her to have a short drink of water. Mid-sip, she said to us: "You two hugging yourselves?" Giggle, giggle. Followed by her usual: "Mamma/Pappa, you please take my hair out of my ears?" (i.e. please get this mop away from my face altogether, it's driving me mad).
Today she has been giving me massive smoooooches! Smooches from heaven. We call them our "juicy, summer strawberry kisses!" And boy, they are wet and leave one gasping for breath in the end due to the length. But divine!
Today she has been giving me massive smoooooches! Smooches from heaven. We call them our "juicy, summer strawberry kisses!" And boy, they are wet and leave one gasping for breath in the end due to the length. But divine!
breakfast table
"Mamma. You getting fatter and fatter."
"EX-C-Use me!?!"
.."Mamma. You getting bigger and bigger. Just like me."
phew!
I gave Josephine a little activity sheet. On it were 5 little Indian children. She had to identify how many feathers each of them had in their headband things. Three of the indians had 2 feathers. When we got to them, Josephine looked hard at them and said. "No Mamma no. These are bunnies"
(upon closer inspection, I have to admit their feathers did look very much like bunny ears)
We're off to a little birthday party this morning. I said to Josephine that it's her birthday Next weekend. "Yes Mamma, I going to be THREE! And Evie is still going to be nought. Evie's still a little baby and I a big big girl."
Josephine loves to show LOTS of affection to Evie. Little Evie, on the other hand, prefers to manage it in smaller doses. It's a fine balancing act: encouraging love, respecting limits. Right now, Josephine found a new way to hold Evie's hand despite her crying.....we're sitting at the breakfast table and usually we hold hands and Josephine says grace "Gear Lord Jesus, Tank you for da food. Amen." Well, today she has said grace 5 times, each time making a point of holding Evie's hand. Now which mom can stop the prayers and the hand holding that goes with it? :-)
....this second: Jozie is trying to hug Evie in her highchair. Awkward angle = ripping the neck. Evie starts crying. Crocodile tears rolling. Jozie quickly backs away with her hands over her mouth saying "I sorry, I sorry! I just Loving Evie!"
"Ok, Jozie, I know you're just loving Evie and that is very kind of you. I like it when you love Evie. But when Evie starts crying, you need to give Evie some space. Evie is still a baby and she still needs space." Then turning to Evie "And Evie, you need to learn to let Josephine love you. She's only hugging you, she's not trying to hurt you. You can be more friendly to your big sister. You are lucky to have a big sister who loves you so much!"
and now for the rush of getting ready to leave in 90 minutes....xx
"EX-C-Use me!?!"
.."Mamma. You getting bigger and bigger. Just like me."
phew!
I gave Josephine a little activity sheet. On it were 5 little Indian children. She had to identify how many feathers each of them had in their headband things. Three of the indians had 2 feathers. When we got to them, Josephine looked hard at them and said. "No Mamma no. These are bunnies"
(upon closer inspection, I have to admit their feathers did look very much like bunny ears)
We're off to a little birthday party this morning. I said to Josephine that it's her birthday Next weekend. "Yes Mamma, I going to be THREE! And Evie is still going to be nought. Evie's still a little baby and I a big big girl."
Josephine loves to show LOTS of affection to Evie. Little Evie, on the other hand, prefers to manage it in smaller doses. It's a fine balancing act: encouraging love, respecting limits. Right now, Josephine found a new way to hold Evie's hand despite her crying.....we're sitting at the breakfast table and usually we hold hands and Josephine says grace "Gear Lord Jesus, Tank you for da food. Amen." Well, today she has said grace 5 times, each time making a point of holding Evie's hand. Now which mom can stop the prayers and the hand holding that goes with it? :-)
....this second: Jozie is trying to hug Evie in her highchair. Awkward angle = ripping the neck. Evie starts crying. Crocodile tears rolling. Jozie quickly backs away with her hands over her mouth saying "I sorry, I sorry! I just Loving Evie!"
"Ok, Jozie, I know you're just loving Evie and that is very kind of you. I like it when you love Evie. But when Evie starts crying, you need to give Evie some space. Evie is still a baby and she still needs space." Then turning to Evie "And Evie, you need to learn to let Josephine love you. She's only hugging you, she's not trying to hurt you. You can be more friendly to your big sister. You are lucky to have a big sister who loves you so much!"
and now for the rush of getting ready to leave in 90 minutes....xx
Thursday, 18 February 2010
Evie habits
Evie is changing so quickly, especially now it seems!
She "talks" by saying "Da-da-da-da" or "Ta-ta-ta-ta" or "Ga-ga-ga-ga" etc. And her all time favourite is a loud "AH!" Despite the fact that she can't say a specific word yet, she's a very competent communicator. It's usually fairly clear what she's after!
She plays quite a few games effectively:
1) she likes to play Peekaboo. I say "Peekaboo!" and where I at first said "boo!" SHE now says "AH!" in response. She definitely means this instead of "Boo!". So I say "peekaboo" and she says "ah!"
2) she plays "Taa-game". I give her a toy and say "Taa for Evie". She laughs and stretches out her hands to take it. Then I say: "And taa for Mamma?". Oftentimes, she hands it back smiling (she knows the game!). Sometimes you can see her handing it back and just before she actually deposits it in my hand, she changes her mind!
3) she also plays "hard-to-get"! When she's in my arms, she beams luringly at Gwan / Pappa. They then want to take her in their arms and she then dives her head into my neck, peeps out with smiling eyes and dives back in again. Very cute!
4) she plays "throw the stuff on the floor". Give her a toy and she often purposely throws it on the floor just for one of us to pick it up again...and again...
5) her favourite toy is a little bell. She loves (!) to ring it!
6) She likes music (when I sing to her) or if we all sing "The wheels of the bus" or "Wind the bobbin up" or "Round and round the garden" at the table. She goes very quiet, beams and listens.
Eating: she loves her food! Lately she's taken to even eating things straight from my plate including rice, mince, egg, peppers, etc. She also drinks from a cup with handles very well. Also, I have noticed she's able to get a spoon clearly into her mouth .... now I just have to take the leap and give her her own bowl of food to feed herself from (can however just imagine the mess that will cause)
Playing: she loves to watch Josephine! She sits on the carpet, tips a box of toys out and eagerly rakes them towards herself. She can play alone (if she's not tired or hungry) for quite a while (15minutes?)! Impressive!
She "talks" by saying "Da-da-da-da" or "Ta-ta-ta-ta" or "Ga-ga-ga-ga" etc. And her all time favourite is a loud "AH!" Despite the fact that she can't say a specific word yet, she's a very competent communicator. It's usually fairly clear what she's after!
She plays quite a few games effectively:
1) she likes to play Peekaboo. I say "Peekaboo!" and where I at first said "boo!" SHE now says "AH!" in response. She definitely means this instead of "Boo!". So I say "peekaboo" and she says "ah!"
2) she plays "Taa-game". I give her a toy and say "Taa for Evie". She laughs and stretches out her hands to take it. Then I say: "And taa for Mamma?". Oftentimes, she hands it back smiling (she knows the game!). Sometimes you can see her handing it back and just before she actually deposits it in my hand, she changes her mind!
3) she also plays "hard-to-get"! When she's in my arms, she beams luringly at Gwan / Pappa. They then want to take her in their arms and she then dives her head into my neck, peeps out with smiling eyes and dives back in again. Very cute!
4) she plays "throw the stuff on the floor". Give her a toy and she often purposely throws it on the floor just for one of us to pick it up again...and again...
5) her favourite toy is a little bell. She loves (!) to ring it!
6) She likes music (when I sing to her) or if we all sing "The wheels of the bus" or "Wind the bobbin up" or "Round and round the garden" at the table. She goes very quiet, beams and listens.
Eating: she loves her food! Lately she's taken to even eating things straight from my plate including rice, mince, egg, peppers, etc. She also drinks from a cup with handles very well. Also, I have noticed she's able to get a spoon clearly into her mouth .... now I just have to take the leap and give her her own bowl of food to feed herself from (can however just imagine the mess that will cause)
Playing: she loves to watch Josephine! She sits on the carpet, tips a box of toys out and eagerly rakes them towards herself. She can play alone (if she's not tired or hungry) for quite a while (15minutes?)! Impressive!
How do I know I'm back in Germany?
Weather:
-loads of snow, snow, snow!!
Driving:
-on the right-hand side of the road
-fast and aggressive drivers
-more speed traps
-right of way to the cars coming from streets on the right (unless a special sign is up for you to go)
-few roundabouts
-no street lights between villages (ie no lights apart from in cities and on the motorways). Only a tiny cat-eye reflector on interspercent white poles following the road
Grocery shopping:
-smaller shops, smaller varieties
-opening hours limited (Mon-Sat 8am-8pm max)
-trolley deposits (be prepared with your 1Euro coin!)
-rushed feeling at the tills as your groceries go at 100miles per hour past the cashier's scanner
-own shopping bags
-stinky cheese on other end of the shop to be smelt even in the stationery aisle
-expensive
-fun car trolleys for kids to sit in
-bakery...smells and looks divine!
-Slimming World shopping challenging :-(
-lots of coffee varieties
General:
-strange listening to German radio and TV (miss the English, I must confess)
-people are very direct (takes getting used to again!)
-beautiful architecture (old tudor houses so charming)
-people friendly
-loads of snow, snow, snow!!
Driving:
-on the right-hand side of the road
-fast and aggressive drivers
-more speed traps
-right of way to the cars coming from streets on the right (unless a special sign is up for you to go)
-few roundabouts
-no street lights between villages (ie no lights apart from in cities and on the motorways). Only a tiny cat-eye reflector on interspercent white poles following the road
Grocery shopping:
-smaller shops, smaller varieties
-opening hours limited (Mon-Sat 8am-8pm max)
-trolley deposits (be prepared with your 1Euro coin!)
-rushed feeling at the tills as your groceries go at 100miles per hour past the cashier's scanner
-own shopping bags
-stinky cheese on other end of the shop to be smelt even in the stationery aisle
-expensive
-fun car trolleys for kids to sit in
-bakery...smells and looks divine!
-Slimming World shopping challenging :-(
-lots of coffee varieties
General:
-strange listening to German radio and TV (miss the English, I must confess)
-people are very direct (takes getting used to again!)
-beautiful architecture (old tudor houses so charming)
-people friendly
Jozie's words of wisdom...
Today, Josephine came into the room and in a cheerful/fun tone asked Gwan and I:
"Hey! What are you guys doing on earth!?!"
(What she meant to say was: "Hey! What on earth are you doing?". She really had Gwan and I laughing and as a result repeated it often! Actually, it is a good question though despite the twist of words...)
"Hey! What are you guys doing on earth!?!"
(What she meant to say was: "Hey! What on earth are you doing?". She really had Gwan and I laughing and as a result repeated it often! Actually, it is a good question though despite the twist of words...)
Tuesday, 16 February 2010
Gwan sayings for today
"Men are supposed to be the leaders in the home. But hang man, they can also learn from their wives!"
(said in all earnestness)
(said in all earnestness)
Monday, 15 February 2010
Celle and Wienhausen
Today we prepared ourselves as if for a 2 week holiday, but it was in fact only a short excurtion from the house. Pack gloves, scarves, hats, jackets, boots, food, drinks, bibs, nappies, extra clothes, camera, bribery, purse, phone, etc.
Once we were rolling, it was great! Always great to get out!
Celle was lovely with all their middle-age buildings. Gorgeous! Bought Jozie a pair of slippers there. She chose boy's blue slippers with dinosaurs on them. Picked up some lunch from a bakery and headed back to the car. (again, got stuck at a snow mound for 20 minutes, at least). But it was actually not only a mound, it was a carved slide with ice steps. Amazing! And mega slippery!
After Celle we drove to Wienhausen which was basically on the way home. Stunning, stunning, stunning! An old monestary next to a charming old mill. Beautiful with all the snow. Absolutely beautiful.
Gran took lots of photos! Will post soon, just a bit behind with my own photos...
Once we were rolling, it was great! Always great to get out!
Celle was lovely with all their middle-age buildings. Gorgeous! Bought Jozie a pair of slippers there. She chose boy's blue slippers with dinosaurs on them. Picked up some lunch from a bakery and headed back to the car. (again, got stuck at a snow mound for 20 minutes, at least). But it was actually not only a mound, it was a carved slide with ice steps. Amazing! And mega slippery!
After Celle we drove to Wienhausen which was basically on the way home. Stunning, stunning, stunning! An old monestary next to a charming old mill. Beautiful with all the snow. Absolutely beautiful.
Gran took lots of photos! Will post soon, just a bit behind with my own photos...
Second impressions of Japan
Michael phoned this morning and reported the following:
-work was "interesting". His colleagues were sassing him out and still a bit distanced. Understandable I suppose!
-he went to a fancy restaurant with his colleagues and ate many things he never recognised. There was apparently a huge variety. Seeweed was NOT his favourite and his politely swallowed one mouthful and couldn't manage more. I hope he didn't offend anyone? But in the same breath I am mega proud of him for trying being the fussy eater that he is!
- he said the scene at the restaurant was like out of the movies: the waitresses all wearing their tracksuit pants up to their armpits and taking tiny-winy steps quickly across the floor.
- the bathrooms are "cosy". Now why would Michael say that? Sounds odd. Anyway, he was impressed. He said "there are more buttons for the toilet than on my car dashboard." Had to smile at that one!
- food was "edible". For Michael, that means, you can swallow it. But not enjoy it. Everything was "edible" except the dried seeweed.
-as I write he is seeing (hopefully!) a property agent who's taking him house-hunting. Can't wait to hear how that goes.
-work was "interesting". His colleagues were sassing him out and still a bit distanced. Understandable I suppose!
-he went to a fancy restaurant with his colleagues and ate many things he never recognised. There was apparently a huge variety. Seeweed was NOT his favourite and his politely swallowed one mouthful and couldn't manage more. I hope he didn't offend anyone? But in the same breath I am mega proud of him for trying being the fussy eater that he is!
- he said the scene at the restaurant was like out of the movies: the waitresses all wearing their tracksuit pants up to their armpits and taking tiny-winy steps quickly across the floor.
- the bathrooms are "cosy". Now why would Michael say that? Sounds odd. Anyway, he was impressed. He said "there are more buttons for the toilet than on my car dashboard." Had to smile at that one!
- food was "edible". For Michael, that means, you can swallow it. But not enjoy it. Everything was "edible" except the dried seeweed.
-as I write he is seeing (hopefully!) a property agent who's taking him house-hunting. Can't wait to hear how that goes.
Sunday, 14 February 2010
Jozie sayings today
While putting Jozie to sleep each night, I've kind of gotten into a bad, but nevertheless extremely special habit of climbing into her little toddler bed. It's very little space in there, but the place of big discussions:
Scenario: Evie sleeping downstairs, Gwan in the lounge, Michael in Japan, Gwamps in England and me in Jozie's bed with her.
"Mamma? You can put Evie down while we playing, Mamma. Mamma, I you must put Evie away. Evie can go to Gwan. I need your loves, Mamma. Mamma you can play wif me. It won't be a pwoblem, Mamma. I fink we can do it."
another one whilst going to sleep:
"Mamma, I love you soooooooo LOTS! I love you soooo lots. I could eat you up LIVE, Mamma! (taking a little little bite (pretending) out of my hand."
then...
"Mamma, I love you soooo sooooo LOTS! (squashing my face between her little hands). Mamma, I make you flat as a pancake!"
...ending off my bedtime cuddle with her:
"Mamma, don't go. You stay wif me, pleeeeeeease. Please Mamma. Don't make my heart sad. No Mamma, don't make my heart sad."
(a tough one!)
My response: "Jozie darling. All good things must come to an end. Mamma also doesn't really want to go, but I must also go and do some things before I go to bed too. I have to also shower now and wash my hair."
...sitting upright in her bed: "don't wowwy (worry) Mamma, I going to help you. I going to turn the shower on to you. It's not going to be a pwoblem, Mamma. Don't wowwy. I just going to be quick. And maybe before (when) I finish the shower, THEN I go back to bed."
Scenario: about 6 months ago we met a really lovely boy called Sam. Unfortunately it was a once-off occassion. But he really impressed Josephine. He showed her how to hide like a tortoise. And she has never forgotten him.
"Mamma, I also want to get married. Maybe I can marry Sam? Maybe Sam can be my prince? Mamma? Maybe I can wear your wedding dress? I just going to be quick! I love Sam. (with dreamy eyes and voice)"
oh-oh!
Words:
Diccifult = difficult (she likes using and experimenting with this word a lot at the moment)
pwoblem = problem
It's easy to me = it's easy for me
BUT = a new favourite
Scenario: Evie sleeping downstairs, Gwan in the lounge, Michael in Japan, Gwamps in England and me in Jozie's bed with her.
"Mamma? You can put Evie down while we playing, Mamma. Mamma, I you must put Evie away. Evie can go to Gwan. I need your loves, Mamma. Mamma you can play wif me. It won't be a pwoblem, Mamma. I fink we can do it."
another one whilst going to sleep:
"Mamma, I love you soooooooo LOTS! I love you soooo lots. I could eat you up LIVE, Mamma! (taking a little little bite (pretending) out of my hand."
then...
"Mamma, I love you soooo sooooo LOTS! (squashing my face between her little hands). Mamma, I make you flat as a pancake!"
...ending off my bedtime cuddle with her:
"Mamma, don't go. You stay wif me, pleeeeeeease. Please Mamma. Don't make my heart sad. No Mamma, don't make my heart sad."
(a tough one!)
My response: "Jozie darling. All good things must come to an end. Mamma also doesn't really want to go, but I must also go and do some things before I go to bed too. I have to also shower now and wash my hair."
...sitting upright in her bed: "don't wowwy (worry) Mamma, I going to help you. I going to turn the shower on to you. It's not going to be a pwoblem, Mamma. Don't wowwy. I just going to be quick. And maybe before (when) I finish the shower, THEN I go back to bed."
Scenario: about 6 months ago we met a really lovely boy called Sam. Unfortunately it was a once-off occassion. But he really impressed Josephine. He showed her how to hide like a tortoise. And she has never forgotten him.
"Mamma, I also want to get married. Maybe I can marry Sam? Maybe Sam can be my prince? Mamma? Maybe I can wear your wedding dress? I just going to be quick! I love Sam. (with dreamy eyes and voice)"
oh-oh!
Words:
Diccifult = difficult (she likes using and experimenting with this word a lot at the moment)
pwoblem = problem
It's easy to me = it's easy for me
BUT = a new favourite
Today's happenings
Today was great. As other moms with 2 little one would know, routine is everything. So we got through the breakfasts, dressing, hairbrushing, some sleeps, you name it and by 3pm we were amped to get out! So after another 30minutes of getting dressed for the snow, we emerged. Out. Into the fresh air. Like rabbits out of a burrow. Even our neighbours asked where we had been the last days. Well, to put it short and sweet: we have been indoors: waiting for this one to wake, then that one, then feed them, then change them, all the while managing Josephine who has diahorrea of note. So that's how it is at the moment. And that just made the fresh air this afternoon all the more fresh. It was glorious! We walked a hundred yards where Jozie found a mound of snow. She climbed up it. She climbed down it. She repeated this 20 (?) times without showing a flinch of boredom. No, she only felt more motivated to climb it faster take a different route or whatever. I then asked myself (out loudly) why (?) we had spent 30minutes getting dressed for the cold just to walk a hundred yards (20metres for the rest of the world) just to climb a mound. Ok, ok. In all fairness, it was not just a mound to Jozie. It was Everest. Or something really great. It impressed her greatly. After watching this repeated climbing up and down and up and down, Mamma (that's me) then licked and cajouled her to join her in a walk. The aim was to do a loop....a way down the road, over the bridge, past a big field with horses, around past some quaint little homes with smoking chimneys and then back towards home. Forget it. Wishful thinking! That mound was it. We crossed the road (another cool 10metres) and....she found another mound. Sorry: Everest. I realised then that I had lost the fight. But this time, her mound was right outside the window of someone's lounge. So after hanging around virtually breathing mist onto their windows, I felt a little bashful (hihi, I like that word), and encouraged everyone to move back home so we could build our own mound, sorry mountain, in the privacy of our own backgarden. So after making a short pitstop at the neighbour's house to say a quick hello, we completed our marathon and rounded our afternoon off with shovelling loads of snow into a heap and having fun on that. And it really was great! We all loved it! Gwan with her camera and hooting for and watching Jozie; me with Evie in the pram and Jozie. I shall definitely post some photos once I have some ready. It was memorable, for us at least.
Gwan to stay
I have decided. Gwan's next birthday present shall be....a superman outfit in her size.
Ta-ta-da-DDDDAAAAA!!!
And she shall wear it proudly. The Gwan who always comes to the rescue, who helps ordinary citizens (moms like me included).
Not only a big big help and fantastic company, but I just love having her around with us. And Jozie just adores her. So life is just fine at the moment, despite the gaps left by Pappa and Gwamps!
Love you mom!!! You're MY mom - wish you could stay loooonger! And Gwamps to come too!
Ta-ta-da-DDDDAAAAA!!!
And she shall wear it proudly. The Gwan who always comes to the rescue, who helps ordinary citizens (moms like me included).
Not only a big big help and fantastic company, but I just love having her around with us. And Jozie just adores her. So life is just fine at the moment, despite the gaps left by Pappa and Gwamps!
Love you mom!!! You're MY mom - wish you could stay loooonger! And Gwamps to come too!
First impressions of Japan
Yesterday Michael left for his first business trip to Japan. Am I dying to know his first impressions? YES!!! The man must empty his brain out on me!! So when he phoned to kindly let him know that his long flight went better than expected and that he had in fact slept fairly well on the plane etc etc etc....I rudely interrupted: "AND? What does the place look like? What do you think? Is it a place for small children to be in? Is it busy? Is it OK?" The reply was: "Um, well. I've just arrived and it's night, so it's hard to tell. But the skyline looks lovely from the 32nd floor of my hotel." Then a nervous little laugh from him while clearing his throat: "And, it appears to be a concrete jungle. Not sure if it's something the children will wildly appreciate."
Well, we know from "reading" that it's a huge city (14m in Tokyo and 42m in the metropol), so it wasn't a surprise. But please, tomorrow when the sun comes up, may he see a park or some spot of greenery where the kids can run and be set free when leaving the flat. I shall let you know the results of that one.
Also, he has a little house-hunt on Tuesday with an agent. I am very keen to know whether the pictures we've seen on the internet indeed are as good as reality. Again, I shall keep you posted.
GMT+1 20.32pm
Tokyo 04.32am (the man is in the land of nod, I hope!?! Or climbing the walls with energy?)
Well, we know from "reading" that it's a huge city (14m in Tokyo and 42m in the metropol), so it wasn't a surprise. But please, tomorrow when the sun comes up, may he see a park or some spot of greenery where the kids can run and be set free when leaving the flat. I shall let you know the results of that one.
Also, he has a little house-hunt on Tuesday with an agent. I am very keen to know whether the pictures we've seen on the internet indeed are as good as reality. Again, I shall keep you posted.
GMT+1 20.32pm
Tokyo 04.32am (the man is in the land of nod, I hope!?! Or climbing the walls with energy?)
Thursday, 11 February 2010
nature kids
Today was a busy day. We spent ages at an ENT specialist getting Jozie through another hearing test, further ear checks etc. She still has a lot of fluid behind the eardrum, but the middle ear infection is nearly cleared. Her hearing is still down in the right ear though, but they're hoping this will pick up once the fluid drains. We have to have some more hearing tests etc in 4 weeks time. Today was the first time that Jozie really flinched while the doctor did her checks. I must say, the doctor was pretty "rushed" and didn't take the time to "warm up" with Josephine making it difficult for the more sensitive prodding to be done. A child's trust is vital for these things and the best way to gain their trust is to gain their friendship. Make them laugh, take a minute. Whatever! Afterwards Jozie kept saying "Mamma, that doctor makes me "owa" (sore). That doctor not very nice!". Of course, one has to nevertheless draw her attention to the fact that the doctor was helping her by looking into her ear and so on. Anyway, enough of that! I also got a little pep talk that socks are not appropriate attire in this cold country. Stockings next time, please! So off we went to the shops to get some. I actually have many pairs, but size 2-3 is now too small. And size 3-4 is too big so that they need constant pulling up. Well, I now found some that goes with leg length, so that should be better. I'll try them on her tomorrow.
More interestingly....Jozie sayings from today:
(outside in the driveway, some bird singing sweetly in the nearby trees) "Mamma, mamma! Where's that sound coming from!?! That sound is a noise, Mamma. It's hurting my ears! I close my ears to THAT sound Mamma!" I had to laugh. When she found out it was a bird, she realised what she had said was funny and we both had a laugh. My little "nature girl". Wow, I feel embarrassed! :-)
At the lunch table today I said "Jozie, guess who's coming tomorrow?"
"Gwan! Gwan is coming. Gwan is coming on the big BIG aeroplane to visit to me."
silence....thinking....
"I don't want to make a poopsie next to Gwan. No, no. It too stinky to Gwan. I don't want to do that..."
Ok. :-)
At the lunch table I told her and Evie that we had to go into the city to go shopping and get some stockings and other things.
....thinking....
"Mamma. I got lots of money too. I buy a mousetrap to Jerry. I buy some of dat cheese and give it to Jerry as a present on the mousetrap. Jerry will be sooooo happy, Mamma. It will be a special treat to Jerry."
Too much TV me thinks!
At the lunch table she put a toy rooster on the chair next to hers. "Mamma! You must share your food with the chicken, Mamma!"
"Well, Jozie, why don't you give a pea to the chicken from Your plate?"
"No Mamma no. It's your job. You must share to the chicken, Mamma. Ors you make the chicken's heart sad"
"Ok Jozie, we don't want to hurt the chicken's feelings. Here you go chicken, here's a pea" I said as I stretched over the table to place it in front of this ungrateful chicken."
"MAMMA! DON'T stretch at the table. You get into big trouble, Mamma, to doing dat!"
More interestingly....Jozie sayings from today:
(outside in the driveway, some bird singing sweetly in the nearby trees) "Mamma, mamma! Where's that sound coming from!?! That sound is a noise, Mamma. It's hurting my ears! I close my ears to THAT sound Mamma!" I had to laugh. When she found out it was a bird, she realised what she had said was funny and we both had a laugh. My little "nature girl". Wow, I feel embarrassed! :-)
At the lunch table today I said "Jozie, guess who's coming tomorrow?"
"Gwan! Gwan is coming. Gwan is coming on the big BIG aeroplane to visit to me."
silence....thinking....
"I don't want to make a poopsie next to Gwan. No, no. It too stinky to Gwan. I don't want to do that..."
Ok. :-)
At the lunch table I told her and Evie that we had to go into the city to go shopping and get some stockings and other things.
....thinking....
"Mamma. I got lots of money too. I buy a mousetrap to Jerry. I buy some of dat cheese and give it to Jerry as a present on the mousetrap. Jerry will be sooooo happy, Mamma. It will be a special treat to Jerry."
Too much TV me thinks!
At the lunch table she put a toy rooster on the chair next to hers. "Mamma! You must share your food with the chicken, Mamma!"
"Well, Jozie, why don't you give a pea to the chicken from Your plate?"
"No Mamma no. It's your job. You must share to the chicken, Mamma. Ors you make the chicken's heart sad"
"Ok Jozie, we don't want to hurt the chicken's feelings. Here you go chicken, here's a pea" I said as I stretched over the table to place it in front of this ungrateful chicken."
"MAMMA! DON'T stretch at the table. You get into big trouble, Mamma, to doing dat!"
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
little car mechanic
In the car today Josephine and I were talking about different jobs people do. From the backseat her little voice pipes up:
"Mamma, only BIG people can fix cars, Mamma. Only big BIG people can do that."
"Yes, Jozie, only big people can do that. And people who fix cars are called car mechanics. And oneday when you're big, maybe you can be a car mechanic" (....yikes!) ...."or would you prefer to be a doctor or a teacher?"
silence...thinking...
"No, Mamma, no. I don't want to be a (me)chanic. I too little, Mamma. I want to be a little girl Mamma. I like to be little. I first go to kindergarden. Then school. Then I be a chanic, Mamma."
love her to bits!
Also, yesterday (on the recommendation of a good friend in the States), I started a reward chart. I explained to her how she can earn her stars. She took to it very quickly and is now a highly motivated nearly 3 year old. Today I even managed to get her hair brushed with minimal complaint! Thank you Amy!!! It's working!!
"Mamma, only BIG people can fix cars, Mamma. Only big BIG people can do that."
"Yes, Jozie, only big people can do that. And people who fix cars are called car mechanics. And oneday when you're big, maybe you can be a car mechanic" (....yikes!) ...."or would you prefer to be a doctor or a teacher?"
silence...thinking...
"No, Mamma, no. I don't want to be a (me)chanic. I too little, Mamma. I want to be a little girl Mamma. I like to be little. I first go to kindergarden. Then school. Then I be a chanic, Mamma."
love her to bits!
Also, yesterday (on the recommendation of a good friend in the States), I started a reward chart. I explained to her how she can earn her stars. She took to it very quickly and is now a highly motivated nearly 3 year old. Today I even managed to get her hair brushed with minimal complaint! Thank you Amy!!! It's working!!
Tuesday, 9 February 2010
Pappa the Hedgehog
Michael went past the hairdressers on the way home from work. The hairdresser had kind of spiked it up which is different to the way he's had it in the last few years.
Jozie's reaction while stroking and examining it close-up was: "Pappa? You a Pappa hedgehog?"
Jozie's reaction while stroking and examining it close-up was: "Pappa? You a Pappa hedgehog?"
Sunday, 7 February 2010
Pressing my buttons
Today ended on a good note (phew!), but was not the easiest of days. After not having attended church for so long due to sleep routines, and actually also just ending up playing in a back room anyway, we decided to get going to our old church in Braunschweig. So with good intentions we all started getting ready. Now as any parents with very small children will know, it takes several hours to get to a state where you can actually leave the house and know that someone's not going to cry out for food on the way to where you're going or fall asleep or need this or that. When I'm on my own at home, I bargain with 2 hours to prepare myself for an outing, even if it's just to go do grocery shopping or the doctor or whatever. Anyway, coming back to the point...we started getting ready for church the moment we awoke. Breakfast, some playing in between, brushing teeth, getting each one dressed (pulling over a shirt while they're on-the-run), preparing snacks and drinks and some distration toys for the car trip.... It's exhausting. Oftentimes in the week I decide to rather stay in for this very reason. It's like swimming upstream. Josephine only wants to play. While she's interested in reaching the destination, she doesn't care to brush her teeth or get dressed let alone Evie or I taking our turns.... "Mamma, maybe you can play with me?" she asks in her sweetest voice. So for each task that needs doing, once it's done it is rewarded with a short play time. Doing it differently is easier said than done, I find. Anyway, today I just blew my lid when she had a massive tantrum as she didn't want me to brush her hair. She wanted Pappa to do it. Pappa is a man. Men don't have much experience in brushing long hair. So, the job was...well, there were still knots that needed brushing out. During all the performance, I had just had enough and time was running out. I just flipped. Evie had already started crying - she was tired and actually needed to already be in the car so that she could have her sleep on the way there, etc, etc. So everything started backfiring. I got really upset and turned up the volume on Jozie who wasn't helping us get her ready and marched Evie downstairs. I gave up as there was still a whole lot of other things I didn't have ready yet in time. I put Evie down to sleep and asked Michael to please take Josephine out for a bit as I needed some "space". So, we never made it to church. We'll have to try again next week. Or maybe I'll even see if they've got some activities for mothers and children during the week that we can attend. Let's see! I hope there's something!
By the way, after we had gotten ourselves past this point, we ended up having a very nice afternoon with Janet, Lutz and Sophia coming around for tea.
And now with both kids in bed...we're exhausted!!
By the way, after we had gotten ourselves past this point, we ended up having a very nice afternoon with Janet, Lutz and Sophia coming around for tea.
And now with both kids in bed...we're exhausted!!
Saturday, 6 February 2010
Our girls
Hot off the Josephine press from 1 minute ago....
While putting Josephine to sleep, she was very affectionate saying through clenched teeth how much she loves me and giving me massive hugs. I hugged her very heartily back. She stopped and said: "Hey Mamma! Don't hug me too much. I going to pop. Don't pop me Mamma!"
Most nights, I usually snuggle (and squeeze) into Jozie's bed. She stands up and pins herself tightly against the wall while I maneuver my way in and says "Mamma, I just making space for you, Mamma. I just making space. You're a big lady Mamma!" Hmmm.
"Askoek, it's time for you to go to sleep." "No, Mamma, no! I not your Askoek. I Gran's Askoek, not yours!" (Askoek is an Afrikaans term of endearment). "Ok, Fifi, it's time for you to go to sleep." "No, Mamma, NO! I Gramp's Fifi. I not your Fifi Mamma". "Well, then Jozie if you're not my Askoek and if you're not my Fifi, what can I call you?" "My name is Josephine, Mamma". Ah! Well let's try that then. :-)
Evie loves to:
-swing her arms wildly around and around when she's happy to see someone walk into the room. We call her our little windmill. Josephine cracks herself up when we call her that. And that just gets Evie going then too.
-do "bottom lifts". With her feet planted on the ground while lying down, she lifts her bottom very high up. Slaps it down. Lifts it up. Slaps it down. And so on!
-make eye contact. Oftentimes I'm busy talking to Jozie or doing this or that. Each time I glance at Evie, she gives the biggest gummy smile ever. She waits for the eye contact.
-she sticks out her tongue and moves it around when we talk to her.
-she likes to dance
-she loves being sung to ...most times unless it's "Twinkle twinkle"....then she knows it's her cue for bedtime
-she's a brilliant eater. Give her anything, she'll give it a go. She always tests it first and then opens her mouth wide like a little bird in the nest
-she loves being carried around, even in the baby carrier
-she loves hanging upside down and being tickled
-is fairly independent in comparison to Josephine at that age and stage - surely due to the fact that I simply can't pamper her as much because time is now divided.
-she loves to go in her "walking chair" (walking ring) - she feels like king kong and really scoots around from one end of the room to the other bashing into the furniture to stop her, occassionally getting stuck in a corner.
-she's recently learnt to sit alone
-her first tooth came through this morning! Bottom right (from her view)
-she loves to say "Dadadada and Gagagaga and Tatatata"
-she doesn't like to be left alone in a room (at the stage of separation anxiety)
-her red hair is growing. Her fringe is hanging in her eyes, so she is getting "clip-trained".
While putting Josephine to sleep, she was very affectionate saying through clenched teeth how much she loves me and giving me massive hugs. I hugged her very heartily back. She stopped and said: "Hey Mamma! Don't hug me too much. I going to pop. Don't pop me Mamma!"
Most nights, I usually snuggle (and squeeze) into Jozie's bed. She stands up and pins herself tightly against the wall while I maneuver my way in and says "Mamma, I just making space for you, Mamma. I just making space. You're a big lady Mamma!" Hmmm.
"Askoek, it's time for you to go to sleep." "No, Mamma, no! I not your Askoek. I Gran's Askoek, not yours!" (Askoek is an Afrikaans term of endearment). "Ok, Fifi, it's time for you to go to sleep." "No, Mamma, NO! I Gramp's Fifi. I not your Fifi Mamma". "Well, then Jozie if you're not my Askoek and if you're not my Fifi, what can I call you?" "My name is Josephine, Mamma". Ah! Well let's try that then. :-)
Evie loves to:
-swing her arms wildly around and around when she's happy to see someone walk into the room. We call her our little windmill. Josephine cracks herself up when we call her that. And that just gets Evie going then too.
-do "bottom lifts". With her feet planted on the ground while lying down, she lifts her bottom very high up. Slaps it down. Lifts it up. Slaps it down. And so on!
-make eye contact. Oftentimes I'm busy talking to Jozie or doing this or that. Each time I glance at Evie, she gives the biggest gummy smile ever. She waits for the eye contact.
-she sticks out her tongue and moves it around when we talk to her.
-she likes to dance
-she loves being sung to ...most times unless it's "Twinkle twinkle"....then she knows it's her cue for bedtime
-she's a brilliant eater. Give her anything, she'll give it a go. She always tests it first and then opens her mouth wide like a little bird in the nest
-she loves being carried around, even in the baby carrier
-she loves hanging upside down and being tickled
-is fairly independent in comparison to Josephine at that age and stage - surely due to the fact that I simply can't pamper her as much because time is now divided.
-she loves to go in her "walking chair" (walking ring) - she feels like king kong and really scoots around from one end of the room to the other bashing into the furniture to stop her, occassionally getting stuck in a corner.
-she's recently learnt to sit alone
-her first tooth came through this morning! Bottom right (from her view)
-she loves to say "Dadadada and Gagagaga and Tatatata"
-she doesn't like to be left alone in a room (at the stage of separation anxiety)
-her red hair is growing. Her fringe is hanging in her eyes, so she is getting "clip-trained".
Thursday, 4 February 2010
Gwan and Josephine's playdate(s) at Gambados
During our last few days in Milton Keynes, UK Gran spent a lot of intense playing time with Josephine. They spent many an hour at Gambados - a playcenter in MK. I believe they both had a ball and Jozie thrived on all the attention she got from her "Gwan". THANKS GWAN for spending the time with Josephine and in doing so also helping us sort out the move. And thank you also for these lovely photos!! xxx
Josephine in the magic (warped) mirror at "Bados" (Gambados)
Playing at a slide
all smiles!
Playing "Vet"
Hard at work. Doing what? Building houses, offices, stables, you name it!
Building or demolishing work? Hard to tell! x
Getting on top of things! Table top walking!
I like this one!
Caring for her much loved "Sassy" (cat)
Mischievous!
Our girl!
ooooh, I like this pic of my Jozie!
Riding "Lucky Day" (seahorse character from Shark Tale)
Daily happenings and Jozie expressions
Putting both girls to bed at the same time can be a challenge. If it works, the reward is great - peace to unpack the boxes without "assistance". Kind assistance is offered regularly, but is most unhelpful in all honesty. Anyhow, I put Josephine down (upstairs) with Evie's "assistance", did her little bedtime ritual, kissed her, left her with 2 little sleepy snacks and milk hoping (haha) she'd kind of do the rest...ie sleep. I then went downstairs (that's just how it is at the moment in our house...we don't have enough bedrooms upstairs) and I put Evie in her cot (new promotion to a cot as of yesterday).. and while she bellowed her disgust I nearly tripped over Josephine who had crept back downstairs "I just coming to help you put Evie to sleep, Mamma". "Thank you Jozie, that's very kind of you, but it's a big help if you can stay in your bed upstairs. Now off you go!" Hushing her down the passage with Evie's bellowing creschendo-ing (however that is spelt). So back upstairs, hurrying her along -direction, bed. Into bed again. "Mamma, maybe you can snuggle wif me?" "Yes Jozie, that would be nice, but maybe tonight? I have to go and finish putting Evie to sleep." Bellowing downstairs reaching astronomical proportions. Jozie starts to cry too. "Mamma, you "gotten" (have forgotten) to give me a kiss! Mamma! Give me a kiss!!!" "Of course Jozie. I'll give you a kiss." Me sitting there on the edge of her bed, stroking her hair, giving her kisses. Trying to appear as if time is of no concern. But Evie still hollering. Suddenly Josephine sits up and says with an instructive tone, "Mamma, you go downstairs and tell Evie to Ssshooosh (spit balls flying). You tell Evie to SSSSHUUUUSH! and you give Evie a "Snack-bottom"! And tell her to Shuuush. It's YOUR job Mamma! You go tell Evie to Shush. It's YOUR JOB!". OK, ok, I'll go says me. Well, by this time, Evie had already toned down to a loud mutter, but it wasn't crying anymore. Probably had given up. So I just kept my eye on her and thankfully (!) she settled down. This is the Only reason I can write something here now.
Other Jozie sayings from today:
Today we were playing with a framed handwritten message from Gran and Gramps which they gave us at Jozie's birth. It reads "28.02.2007 Welcome Josephine! xxxxxxxx". While I was feeding Evie, Josephine stands the frame on the table and talks to it: "These words say: you must give Josephine lots of kisses. And you must give Josephine lots of hugs. And you must look after Josephine."
Jospehine likes the movie "Aladin". With the same frame, she came to me and said "Mamma, these words...they say "Aladin must kiss Jozie. Yes, Aladin must kiss Josephine now." (starting a bit young!?!)
Bana = banana
Kumkin = pumpkin
a for apple
b for bana
c for cat
d for dog
etc etc
E for Evie
m for Melman (from Madagascar)
Sitting at the table eating she wipes her face up and down and mutters to herself. Upon closer inspection I notice she's doing something Gran taught her (while wiping you hand over your face from chin to forehead say "uneven". Then while wiping your hand over your face downwards from forehead to chin say "even".)
Yesterday we were invited over to the neighbours for some tea. Midway through Josephine came to me and reported (silently thank goodness) that she was "just giving the dog some treats". Apparently the dog liked it.
Well, no unpacking has taken place. Just 15 minutes of updating a blog. And Evie has awoken. Goodbye free time! x
Other Jozie sayings from today:
Today we were playing with a framed handwritten message from Gran and Gramps which they gave us at Jozie's birth. It reads "28.02.2007 Welcome Josephine! xxxxxxxx". While I was feeding Evie, Josephine stands the frame on the table and talks to it: "These words say: you must give Josephine lots of kisses. And you must give Josephine lots of hugs. And you must look after Josephine."
Jospehine likes the movie "Aladin". With the same frame, she came to me and said "Mamma, these words...they say "Aladin must kiss Jozie. Yes, Aladin must kiss Josephine now." (starting a bit young!?!)
Bana = banana
Kumkin = pumpkin
a for apple
b for bana
c for cat
d for dog
etc etc
E for Evie
m for Melman (from Madagascar)
Sitting at the table eating she wipes her face up and down and mutters to herself. Upon closer inspection I notice she's doing something Gran taught her (while wiping you hand over your face from chin to forehead say "uneven". Then while wiping your hand over your face downwards from forehead to chin say "even".)
Yesterday we were invited over to the neighbours for some tea. Midway through Josephine came to me and reported (silently thank goodness) that she was "just giving the dog some treats". Apparently the dog liked it.
Well, no unpacking has taken place. Just 15 minutes of updating a blog. And Evie has awoken. Goodbye free time! x
Wednesday, 3 February 2010
Japanese Bowing Traditions
Heading for a new country with a majorly new culture, leaves us feeling motivated to GET READY! We've just gone online tonight after our move to Germany and are already glued to the computers reading up on all sorts.
Toilet slippers: don't forget to put them on. And don't forget to take them off.
Bathing is for relaxing. To do the cleaning part, sit on a bench in front of the bath and only enter the water in once you're shining. Ok.
In Milton Keynes at the hotel, we found an empty stage. Gran is very creative and she got Josephine up on the stage and taught her 3 things. 1) how to cope with stage fright. 2) how to do a ballerina twirl. 3) how to bow. The dancing part she did just fine on her own. The bowing ended up being the cutest part with great concerntration as she endevoured to get her arms and legs in the right place at the right time and then....stooooooping. Low. Coming up, proud of herself. Something I won't forget in a hurry. Anyhow, that was all "concert-related" bowing. But of course, soon, she'll have to be bowing and scraping for all sorts of other reasons too. If you have 2 minutes, watch this youtube link. It's a humorous insight into the japanese art of bowing! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9hcF6_YeMc
And so, Josephine's bowing lessons shall continue...as will ours.
Toilet slippers: don't forget to put them on. And don't forget to take them off.
Bathing is for relaxing. To do the cleaning part, sit on a bench in front of the bath and only enter the water in once you're shining. Ok.
In Milton Keynes at the hotel, we found an empty stage. Gran is very creative and she got Josephine up on the stage and taught her 3 things. 1) how to cope with stage fright. 2) how to do a ballerina twirl. 3) how to bow. The dancing part she did just fine on her own. The bowing ended up being the cutest part with great concerntration as she endevoured to get her arms and legs in the right place at the right time and then....stooooooping. Low. Coming up, proud of herself. Something I won't forget in a hurry. Anyhow, that was all "concert-related" bowing. But of course, soon, she'll have to be bowing and scraping for all sorts of other reasons too. If you have 2 minutes, watch this youtube link. It's a humorous insight into the japanese art of bowing! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9hcF6_YeMc
And so, Josephine's bowing lessons shall continue...as will ours.
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