I wanted to brag on my daughter, but I didn't think starting a thread just for that was cool - so how about a thread where everyone can share their kids accomplishments? Hatrack kids are, as we all know, amazingly talented and smart.
So, I'll start by bragging on my middle daughter Emily. She is 7, and this year she started taking gymnastics for the first time - began in September. Emily has always been athletic, and she asked if she could take gymnastics after three years of dance.
Well, she started and did wonderfully - she progressed very fast and in February they moved her up from beginner to intermediate. I was very worried about her, so I asked the coach if she could keep up. She said "Emily? Are you kidding? We'll probably have to hold her back."
Well, she's been in intermediates for two months now, and last night she perfected a move on the uneven bars - a cast hip circle (I think I'm saying that right) Basically, it's where she swings out then does a 360 loop with her hips against the bar.
She did it several times, perfectly. The coach hi-fived her and called all the other kids' attention to it. Emily is the only one in the group to master the move - and except for one other kid who moved up when she did - the group has been working on it since September. She never even tried it before February.
The coach's basically insisted that she come for the summer session and said they wouldn't be surprised if she moved up to Advanced level before next fall.
Most importantly - she loves it. She has so much fun in gymnastics and it's encouraged a lot of good habits for her - she is always bugging me to make sure there are green vegetables at dinner and that kid can put away a plate of broccoli like you've never seen! The coaches told her she needed to eat vegetables and drink a lot of water to help her conditioning and she took it to heart.
To make things even more cool, today Emily had a checkup at the dentist and the dentist came out and complimented me - he's seen all four kids in the last two weeks for six month cleanings and checkups and said I was doing an incredible job - all of them had excellent oral hygiene.
*beams*
I like feeling like a good mommy!
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
Yay Emily!!
I've always admired gymnasts -- I am nowhere near flexible. I love to watch them on the Olympics.
My daughter is Mary Poppins - practically perfect in every way. That - and she did really well on her ACT test, so probably can now choose whatever college she wants, which makes me happy.
Farmgirl
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
*awesome!* AJ
Posted by Scott R (Member # 567) on :
I am proud of Litebrite. With little coaching from Mrs. R and I, she decided to self toilet train.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Scott - that is huge!
WTG Litebrite!
Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :
Good Mommy Belle!
Awesome skills for the Litebrite!
Posted by scottneb (Member # 676) on :
I walked into my son's room this morning and was literally taken aback by the smells he produced. He noticed me and flashed his famously toothless grin at me. So, I'm proud that my son is so evidently MINE!
[EDIT] He's seven-months-old now.
[ March 30, 2005, 02:05 PM: Message edited by: scottneb ]
Posted by TMedina (Member # 6649) on :
My baby knows how to sit on command, drop her toys and when to snuggle up because somebody is feeling badly.
Granted, she's a rat terrier, but still...
-Trevor
Posted by dread pirate romany (Member # 6869) on :
Wow! Emily sounds so dedicated for such a young age. And anything that has them wanting green veggies, you gotta love.
WTG Ivygirl!!
Go Litebrite, too!
Posted by advice for robots (Member # 2544) on :
My daughter, who barely turned four, can write all of her ABCs and numbers up to 10, as well as spell her full name, select other names, and some short words. She's been perfecting these skills over the past year. She was speaking in sentences before she turned two. Given her age, she has no box to think inside yet, and therefore she produces some simply amazing artwork on paper with inks, crayons, and paints, and even on the computer in MS Paint. I mean, I work with designers all day and I am impressed at what she does with shapes and colors.
My son, who just turned two, has perfected an abbreviated alphabet and can also count to 10. He can even produce a few of the numbers on his fingers. He's not as quick to talk as my daughter, but he's definitely a smart one, too.
[/brag]
Posted by Olivetta (Member # 6456) on :
Cool! We really need to get Emily and the boys together to play again. They always have so much fun!
Liam is writing his own little books and illustrating them, to immitate his brother, who has been doing that since before he could write (I used to write down what he told me to, but now he does it all himself). My current favorite is a book he cut and stapled himself. Now, Liam knows his abcs and numbers, but he's just getting a grasp of phonics (he starts kindergarten this coming fall). This book he made me is really cute. It says "KOOKD DBOOK" on the front, because it's a cook book. Obviously, he had no guidance with spelling, but it was an excellent attempt. The book is full of lots of all caps writing and wirey pictures of people with extra limbs. The back page says, "DN" for The End, which totally slays me.
Robert had to do a booklet on landforms for science, and Liam tried to copy it, too. However, he took it to school, so Liam was doing the drawings from memory and trying to sound out the words. He wanted to call the book 'Volcano Day' and wrote it 'OKNODAE', which is spelled pretty much just like he said it before we told him it started with a V.
Robert got an O for 'outstanding' in reading, which made me very proud. Also, he's sorted to the Language Arts G/T class, so it's a big deal to be outstanding in reading when you consider his peer group. His Young Writer's contest story got third place, but I have not been allowed to read it yet. He tells me it was about an otter. I should get the hard cover version soon, since the school has them professionally printed. I can't hardly wait!
[ March 30, 2005, 02:43 PM: Message edited by: Olivetta ]
Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :
I think I mentioned it somewhere, but I'll say it here just in case. Mango has been moved out of the ESE math class into regular math. She's not so sure she likes the change yet, but it pleases me.
She brought home a spelling quiz with a hundred percent on it the other day. It's the first good grade she's ever brought home on any assignment done at school on which there were incorrect answers. She even drew almost all her letters on the correct lines, and the correct size (except she forgot to make the t in her last name taller than the other lowercase letters).
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
We had an escape this morning! Usually the Ketchup Princess gets up in the morning and either calls for Abba, then Mama if he doesn't come, or goes to her door and knocks (sometimes after playing a bit.) This morning, I heard the wake-up noises, then the making her way to the door, and then... no calling, no knocking, just the ominous sound of the doorknob turning! Since she's never managed to get her door open on her own, it being a bit tougher than the front door (which slips right open and we have to keep deadlocked), I expected a few tries and then some knocking and calling. No such luck! I heard little feet padding around checking out the situation, then a knock on my partly-open door and "Mama? Mama?" The little escapee then plopped her LittleTouch LeapPad (talking book) up on the bed and followed herself, played with it while snuggling a bit, then climbed down, led me to the fridge, and said, "Yeah! Now et berkfust!"
She's obviously very proud. So I thought I'd tell you all.
We're gonna have to start locking our door when we don't want a visitor...
Posted by starLisa (Member # 8384) on :
My daughter's school is down in Hyde Park, on the south side of Chicago. We live far enough north that we're virtually in Evanston. So she takes the bus every day, as do about 30% of the kids in her school.
She's in kindergarten. There's a 2nd grade girl on the bus whose mother arranged with my partner to take her home on Tuesdays, because her mother can't make it to the bus on time.
This week, she asked if my daughter could come for a sleepover this Friday night with a couple other girls. My partner was happy, but asked her, "Wouldn't your daughter rather invite kids closer to her age?"
The woman's response was, "Your daughter is smart. My daughter can't stand dumb kids."
Now... I wouldn't want to see my daughter, or any other kids, shunning kids who were perceived as less bright, and I don't think that really happens at this school. But I was tickled to hear this. And the 2nd grader does play with my daughter as a peer when she's over on Tuesdays.
Posted by zgator (Member # 3833) on :
Ryan knows how to open doors and as we found out recently, can undo the deadbolt as well. Apparently it's time to put a chain on the front door.
He never leaves his room in the morning when he wakes up, though. He'll call out and wait patiently until someone comes in. Even if he plays quietly, he always gets his toy and then takes it back to his bed. He's like his Mom. He just doesn't like getting out of bed in the morning.
Posted by Primal Curve (Member # 3587) on :
Why don't you buy those door knob cover thingies that you have to squeeze in order to open the door?
Posted by zgator (Member # 3833) on :
We have those on any interior doors we don't want him getting through. They won't work on the type of handle on the front door, though.
Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :
Cool. I no longer have to bear the burden of having killed this thread.
Oh, and, both girls are starting to read fluently now. Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
It wasn't dead, just sleeping and waiting for the appropriate time to rise up.
And glad to hear it!
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Hatrack kids are amazing!
Aerin rolled over yesterday, two months ahead of schedule. She also spit up like a pledge during Greek Week.
Posted by Enigmatic (Member # 7785) on :
"She also spit up like a pledge during Greek Week."
--Enigmatic
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Icarus, your news about your kids is wonderful.
Daniel is on track in kindergarten, he seems to be overcoming the issues with his fine motor control. His handwriting is legible, the biggest issue is that he tires quickly when writing. That's normal for kids with hypotonia, because they have to exercise such muscle control their muscles get worn out.
In celebration of Emily making it to the competitive team in gymnastics, I'm taking her to see the SEC gymnastics championships tomorrow night. Should be fun. Posted by mimsies (Member # 7418) on :
Sequoyah got a part in a play he auditioned for (I posted aboout it in another thread I started). He is the youngest in the show, and knows all his lines and cues (learned them by rehearsal number 2) and has at least one singing solo.
He is being called back to audition for a speaking role in one or more movies that are coming to the state in the next couple of months.
He is starting to sight read more words and can read easy readers with sounding out only about half the words and just knowing what the others are. I'm really proud because reading has been a struggle for him and he's been really afraid of it because he thinks it is too hard, and hates to do things "wrong" and he can't read perfectly.
On the other hand he doing really great with math and has a really good understanding of fractions and multiplication, and is starting to memorize the facts, which is not too shabby fr a 6 yr old.
*** sorry for such a big brag.
-mimsies
Posted by Sopwith (Member # 4640) on :
BabyDot ate her first entire piece of pizza. She's also packed on a pound and a half over the last month or so. She's still small, but at least people aren't worried about her as much.
Posted by dawnmaria (Member # 4142) on :
Brags with pix. Yay! Posted by Olivet (Member # 1104) on :
Liam has mastered all his necessary Kindergarten skills, according to his report card, and there are still nine weeks left of school. I think he's motivated because he has an older brother to keep up with, I guess. His handwriting is almost as good as Robert's, but Robert's is really bad (takes after me, I guess). He got an "N" in P.E. because he has been a thorn in the coach's side this period, but I find it hard to be anything but amused by the irate "Liam whistles in gym class" notes.
Robert has come on like a champ with the school work recently. I'm really proud of him because this has been a rough year for him socially. He's really never had to put any effort into school work until he had to memorize the times tables, and got really angry when he couldn't just do it perfectly the first time. Some skills take repetition, and I'm really proud of him for not getting discouraged. My wee perfectionist. *shakes head*
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
A few weeks ago Livvie had her Badge Dance at Ballet. The dancers are judged on a short dance they choreograph, knowledge of ballet terms, and leading floorwork and a warm up. Out of a possible 22 points, she got 21.5!
Posted by Goody Scrivener (Member # 6742) on :
Goodlet #1 tried out for and made Swing Choir for the '06-'07 school year!
There are about 75 kids in each of the 6th and 7th grade choruses and about 50 in 8th grade (a regular class). Swing Choir is only about 25 kids, combined 7th and 8th, and an extracurricular by audition only activity.
Posted by Teshi (Member # 5024) on :
Hatrack Kids are ridiculously smart and talented.
Posted by mistaben (Member # 8721) on :
Best. Thread. Ever. !!!!!
Daughter #1 started saying "Hi!" at some ridiculous age, like 6-9 months. Now at 3 1/2, she's probably about a year or more ahead as far as grammar and vocabulary are concerned. Her diction is also beyond the typical. Her pediatrician was amazed when she buttoned and zipped up her jeans after a check up all by herself, telling my wife that those skills usually come around age 5!
She's friendly to all, adults or children. She's always been cuddly (though wiggly) and is extremely loving. But she's MINDBOGGLINGLY strong-willed! I have yet to encounter a child so determined. My wife and I now know some of the best ways to reward and discipline her, but these came through 18 months of trench warfare.
#2 is 14 months old and has amazing dexterity. She's been walking for about 3 weeks and loves it. Her speech is composed of words like Dada, Mama, Nana, Gaga, Bapa, Bama, Lala, Zhazha, etc. Like her sister, she can pick up just about anything with her feet. Her smile could stop a train, and she uses it to tease without mercy.
The most amazing talent she has is mimicry. Whatever pop, buzz, raspberry, tongue-click, or other sound effect we make, she tries to imitate it. Her success rate is perhaps around 75%.
One night when she was 10 months, we were in the girls' bedroom reading scriptures. She pulled herself up on the changing table (a then-uncommon accomplishment) and announced "Gu-grl!" When I closed the scriptures, she pronounced "Ah-dun!," followed by "Nai-nai!" We thought our miracle baby had started talking, but we've never since heard those words.
Ah, my sweet princesses! How remarkable is your generation!
Posted by dawnmaria (Member # 4142) on :
Super-K and I played Talisman yesterday when we were both home from church sick.
We don't play with spells, but all of the rest of the rules are in place.
He beat me fair and square. What's better is that he understands the math of the game. It's really neat to see him add up STR + [dice roll] and come up with the right number AND know that that number means that he beat a Dragon, AND because the Dragon had a Strength of 7, he gets an extra strength point that he can then use to smack Daddy's puny minstrel around the board...
And oh, yeah-- he's FIVE. I'm glad I didn't eat him.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
I took Em to the SEC gymnastics championship Sat. night. At the end, they gave out all the awards, and she asked me what the "Scholar Athlete of the Year" award was for. I told her.
Then on the way home she asked me if she would ever be good enough to compete in gymnastics on the college level. I told her I didn't know, but it was certainly possible if she remained dedicated and worked hard. Then she said if she did make it, she wanted to win a Scholar Athlete award. I asked her why that one, because there were other awards like Athlete of the Year. She said it was because she would be going to college not to do gymnastics, but to learn. And since she wanted to be a nurse one day, she needed really good grades, so if she got the scholar athlete award it would mean she was doing what she was supposed to be doing.
*sniff* What a great kid.
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
Goody and Belle-impressive accomplishments!
Mistaben- aren't early talkers fun?
Scott- your son rocks. What a great job of early geekifing you've done.
Posted by lem (Member # 6914) on :
As someone who started school with my mom only being able to understand 50% of what I said and my teachers being unable to understand anything I said, I have usually been leery of bragging threads. Kids mature at different rates.
That being said, I LOVE READING this thread. I guess until I became a parent, I never fully recognized how fun kids are. So I am trashing my philosophy and bragging too.
Toshi is only 21 months old, but he has been drawing alot for a couple months. My work was throwing out reams of dot-matrix printing paper, so I took some home. Toshi created his first work of art from it. I wrote a little story to capture it on my blog. I also have pictures. Here it is! He is such a good little artist.
quote:Over and over, day after day, Toshi hones his skill. The cycle of intensely creating something and dramatically discarding it finally begins to give form to what is on his mind. At first the face seems too abstract to comfortably identify, but each rendition is clearer.
[ May 24, 2006, 11:45 AM: Message edited by: lem ]
Posted by Olivet (Member # 1104) on :
So cute! Such fabulous Hatrack Kids! Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
lem , I loved reading that. Your description of Toshi's artistry is so poetic.
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
lem , I loved reading that. Your description of Toshi's artistry is so poetic.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
I loved reading it too. maybe not as much as romany, because she felt the need to say so twice.
Just kidding, romany, I'm sure the double post is a hatrack glitch.
Posted by pooka (Member # 5003) on :
My parents are really awesome people.
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
Congradulations Farmgirl! That is so cool they graduated. Toshi as 16 years to go. Dual Major--4.0!??!
I like your blog btw.
Posted by Olivet (Member # 1104) on :
So, Robert and I had a "date" the other night. I figured some one-on-one time would do him good, since Liam is often the squeakier wheel, if you take my meaning.
So, after dinner Ron and Liam went to play tennis with Ben, and Robert and I set off on our adventure. First, we hit the library. I was all set to order him the second book in the Jedi Apprentice series (he SO loved the first, because he thinks Obi-Wan is the coolest ever) from another library in the network, when the lady said she thought there was a paperback of the same book on the rack around the corner. We found it and Robert checked it out with the machine, and we talked about what he thougt would happen in the story. *glows with pride at her little Star Wars geek*I just love how this kid is growing into such an interesting person, with his own ideas about things. And he still thinks it's cool to hang with me.
Then we hit the pool. There were young people there with beer, which is a no no, but we ignored them and passed a ball back and forth in the pool, rode noodles and generally had a blast. Some kids Robert knew from school peeked in, but they didn't have their trunks and were hostages to their parents at the tennis court, anyway. He seemed content to play with me.
We got out and dried off, hauled everything up to the truck and went to Brusters for ice cream. He got exactly what he wanted (a cup of purple vanilla with green sprinkles and eyes, plus a baby cone hat) which was cool. he read the first chapter of his book to me while we drove, then we sat in the truck a bit to eat the ice cream (since it was beginning to be dark and chilly outside).
By the time we got in, showered and ready for bed, the other men in life were back, and I read the boys a couple of chapters of another book we've been reading together. Then lights out.
The really cool thing was that Robert and I really connected. The difference in his overall attitude has been incredible. Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Emma has begun to fearlessly go down the 8-foot-tall slide at the park-- all by herself. She climbs up the stairs, runs across the bridge without hesitation, and goes up more stairs, around the big hole with the ladder (I'm mortally afraid she'll decide to jump down there head-first and kill herself, even though I know she's a cautious kid and I shouldn't worry, and it's soft ground anyway), and straight down the loooong slide. This from the kid who, a month ago, wouldn't go down the baby slide without Abba holding her hand to the top and Mama waiting at the bottom for her, much less cross the bridge without holding onto the railing with one hand and Abba's hand with the other! It's amazing how she grows up by leaps and bounds.
And Olivia, I know how cool it can be to spend some one-on-one time. Once a week or so, Ems and I go out to lunch. We pack Bridget in the carseat and into the stroller, and that puts her straight to sleep so we can go to Burger King or Taco Bell and enjoy each other's company (and the kids' meal toys) without screaming interrupting us or a baby in Mama's arms. I enjoy it a lot, and so does Ems; I can only imagine how much cooler one-on-one time will be when she's grown up enough to have opinions about series books and Star Wars. Posted by mimsies (Member # 7418) on :
Whew, I disappear and show up to brag about my kid every once in awhile... sorry.
Well, aside from bronchitis and pneumonia over the past 1.5-2 months, my boy has been amazing.
He's had performances of how to Eat Like A Child every weekend this month and has held up wonderfully. He even went on when he got bronchitis (AGAIN) last weekend. He has a solo, which he does SO well, and everyone wants to talk to him afterward to tell him he is a natural and destined for stardom.
Never gotcallbacks for the movies like the casting director said we would, but, oh well.
My favorite thing is he's started raising money to send little extras to the two kids he is sponsoring through Children International. I see a long summer of lemonade stands ahead.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
I have to resurrect this to brag on Emily again.
Saturday she went to an open workout at gymnastics, this is an optional workout that the kids don't need to attend, but they can if they want to work on mastering a new skill or refining their routines.
When I got there to pick her up, I was shocked - she was doing back handsprings all by herself! She just learned it that day, and the coach allowed her to do them without a spotter she was doing them so well. She was the only girl at her level that was allowed to do them without a spotter. She also learned the front handspring, but still needed to be spotted on that one (seems odd, but front handsprings are apparently more difficult to master than back ones, because it's a blind landing.)
She was so excited, because the back handspring is the skill she needed to learn to advance to her next level. Of course, the competition season is about to begin, so she won't move up a level now, but it does mean that when the time comes for promotions, she'll almost definitely get promoted.
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
Woo-hoo! Go Emily!
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
Sasha is going to sleep by himself, without us standing by his door until he falls asleep.
Posted by mimsies (Member # 7418) on :
Sequoyah auditioned for a movie on July 28. He went in and they toldhim to sit against the wall and "Look Sick" The Casting director said "excellent" and wrote "Good sick kid at the top of his paperwork.
He had a callback yesterday and was cast. We are waiting for the filming schedule still. His part is small, one of a number of "sick children" but they really liked him. His scene may be cut from the final movie, who knows? But still he was cast. He's thrilled!
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
quote: Well, aside from bronchitis and pneumonia over the past 1.5-2 months, my boy has been amazing.
So.. he had a lot of practice getting the right "look" for this part, didn't he?
I mean, I'm sorry he's been fighting so much illness lately, but in this case, I'm sure it gave him an edge to know exactly how it "felt" and so he made a very believable sick kid!
.
(*crap! top of page!)
Posted by mimsies (Member # 7418) on :
I think you have a good point there.
AND his giant brown eyes are so convincing when he's acting serious, sad, or sick.
Hmm, I can't link to just his profile at the talent agency... it goes home so you have to search for him... too bad
I figured it out! Through a different site he is listed on. Just ignore the bottom, to view a picture select the thumbnail, then if you want it bigger click on it in the larger frame. I hope that makes sense
[ August 02, 2006, 03:25 PM: Message edited by: mimsies ]
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
Mimsie, he's so cute!
Tell him to break a leg Posted by mimsies (Member # 7418) on :
Filming his scene wrapped up at 1 am Friday morning. He has a 12.5 hour day. His first day was 10 hours.
He's not sure he wants to do it again. He still wants to act, in plays, and maybe in movie speaking roles, but doesn't like being a featured extra.
I will talk to him in a few days to gauge how he feels about it. I already told him that he should probably do 2 ot 3 more featured extra roles for his resume, then only accept speaking roles. But it'll be up to him.
After all that he can't even see his first movie because it is scary!
He held up through it all, and did a GREAT job, and listened and followed directions, and he is just SO sweet and kind and well behaved. He is just amazing.
What a kid!
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Sunday was Em's first gymnastics competition. It wasn't really a competition, but a judges evaluation, so she didn't get scores, she just got evaluation sheets from the judges so she'd know what to work on for the real competition season.
Well, turns out gym equipment isn't quite standard, different brands of equipment can feel different. All our girls were falling off the bars at this gym, they said they were "slippery" compared to ours. In the warmup, Em fell off the bar during her dismount, her hands just slipped off and she hit the ground, hard. Hard enough to snap her head all the way back until it struck the ground. She immediately complained of pain in her neck. (Keep in mind, I'm in the stands and parents are absolutely NOT allowed on the floor, so I had to watch from a distance.)
They took her to the trainer, who checked her out and applied ice. Then they came and asked me if it was okay to give her ibuprofen, I said yes. Trainer said she could continue, it was her choice.
Naturally, she said she wanted to. First event was floor, and I thought she did great. Second event was vault, her best event but I knew she was hurt, because I've seen much better vaults out of her. Then I got concerned, because the vault requires you to complete a dive forward roll, which rolls on the neck. Then she got to bars, and missed her windmill - a spinning move on the bar - and she's been nailing it in practice for months so I knew she was in pain. She did, however, get the dismount which she earlier fell on.
At that point, they lay her down and put ice on her neck and came and got me. The coach said she was crying with pain and they wanted her to withdraw and not compete on beam. She said no. Then her second coach tried to convince her, reminding her that there were no scores so her average wouldn't be affected (you have to average a certain score all year to move up to the next level next year), but she still begged them to let her compete. So both coaches left it up to me. I knew if I said no, she'd be crushed but at the same time, it was a neck injury which had me spooked.
The deciding factor was the fact that the beam routine had no rolls or anything that would put pressure on the neck. I said okay. And she competed, didn't fall, but it wasn't a great routine.
Afterwards, she got the score sheets from the judges and found out that her potential scores, while not great, were pretty good. On floor especially, she would have received over a 9 had she been competing, and of the girls that were competing, I saw very few nines being handed out. Her first real competition is September 15, which also happens to be her birthday, so maybe that will be a good omen and she'll do well. Also, our first competition is hosted by our home gym, so she'll know the equipment.
At any rate, I'm extremely proud of her for being willing to play through a little pain and not quitting. That showed spirit and heart that means a lot more to me than any score from a judge. On the other hand, I was hysterical and crying in the stands because I was so afraid for her and don't know how I'll make it through a real competition or a really serious injury.
Posted by mimsies (Member # 7418) on :
^ ^ ^ Bell, how did the September meet go? And any since then?
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Hey mimsies, yes, she competed the whole season and finished up with a 12th overall placing in the state in her age group and level. For her first year, that's a pretty good result.
She is now working on the prep-optional season and her next competition in that is in February. She's done wonderfully, I'm so proud of her. She was promoted to the next level, and increased her hours in the gym each week from 4 hours a week to 6 - and her grades have not suffered one bit. If anything she's doing better - I think the extra discipline and focus of gymnastics has spilled over into the rest of her life. She always completes homework before practice starts and has been making straight A's. Great kid.
My other kids are also awesome - Natalie is still a top student and will be trying out for the high school dance team in March - I can't believe she is going to high school next year! Daniel and Abigail are both doing great in first grade.
How bout your beautiful boy, anything new going on?
Posted by DaisyMae (Member # 9722) on :
That is totally cool!
Posted by mimsies (Member # 7418) on :
Hi Belle,
Thanks for the updates. I've been thinking about you lately, and realized that because I am not around much I never found out how gymnastice was going. That is really wonderful how well your children are doing!
I hope Natalie has a great audition. I know that more important than actually getting the part or the spot on the team is being satisfied with the audition, knowing that you did the best you could.
It is hard to conceptualize my little guy ever being old enough for highschool. It'll come, but still can't imagine it.
Sequoyah must be fairly close in age to Daniel and Abigail, because if he went to school (he's homeschooled) he'd be in 1st grade this year, albeit an older first grader because his birthday is in November. First grade is such an important year for most kids because it is a real year of growing up. Many of the kids I work with think of it as their first year of "real school". I'm really glad that your little guys are having a good time with it.
How is Sequoyah doing... It seems like he is just keeping on keeping on, but ther are things that have happened, I'm just used to them. He is now reading really well, probably on a 4th grade level. He seems to be a little dyslexic, but less so than I or my brother are... he already knows his right and left better than I do (I'm always lost on directions).
He and I are both in an upcoming production of Annie Get Your Gun at the local theatre. He didn't get the role he wanted because he was "TOO LITTLE Jake," but was the only child selected to be in the show who was not playing one of Annie Oakley's siblings.
He's had a few commercial, PSA, and movie auditions, hasn't gotten another deal yet, but we are still waiting to hear back about speaking roles in two feature films shooting here in New Mexico. He is now listed on IMDb with a picture, which is kinda cool. I like to go look a his listing!
He's still having some health problems. He had his tonsils out a week after his birthday, then the stomach flu two weeks later, and is just recovering from the croup. He's kinda old for the croup, but his asthma makes him susceptable. He is growing like a weed, he's gained a half inch in the past 2 months.
I guess I am just constantly proud of him because he is so sweet and kind, and stands up for what he thinks is right and for other kids, even when it would be easier to be quiet and let it slide.
Again thanks for the update, but also for asking about my son and making me stop to tkae stock of all that has happened and all I have to be proud of and thankful for in him.
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
It's good to hear an update on the Bellekids and on Sequoyah! I am convinced Hatrackers raise superior children Posted by mimsies (Member # 7418) on :
quote:Originally posted by Belle: She is now working on the prep-optional season and her next competition in that is in February...
... Natalie is still a top student and will be trying out for the high school dance team in March ... Daniel and Abigail are both doing great in first grade.
How did the meet go?
Has she had that tryout yet, and if so how did it go?
Are they still liking 1st grade? I bet they are!
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
We have another meet Saturday. I'm convinced "there is always another meet."
But she's doing great, got a career high score a couple meets ago, and has posted some really high individual scores.
Natalie made color guard...but hasn't tried out for dance line yet. You have to make color guard first, then you try out for dance line. if you don't make it, you still get to be on color guard. The good news is that there are ten vacancies on dance line, and about 20 girls trying out...so that means a 50/50 chance but it's probably even higher than that because many of the girls trying out do not have the years of dance training she does. In fact, the dance line sponsor asked her to demonstrate some jazz moves to the color guard group, even though she was new...because she could see her dance training. She then asked her if she were planning on trying out for dance line and when she said yes, the sponsor said "Good. I need people with training." So, she's encouraged.
The twins are doing great...Abigail's dance recital is in May and Daniel is planning on playing football next year. yes, they play tackle football as young as first grade - this is Alabama!
thanks for asking. Posted by mimsies (Member # 7418) on :
If Daniel likes to dance, dance training really contributes to speed and agility in sports like basketball, football, and soccer...
This may seem silly, but I put down "Belle's Daughter's dance audition in March other daughter's meet in February" on the monthly overview for March in my planner. I just wanted to know how it went!
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
John ate an entire smooshed banana today.
Okay, it's not as exciting as trying out for danceline or getting a part in a movie, but I was still pretty proud. Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Hey, that's a big step!
Speaking of big steps, Bridget stood up from the floor without holding on to anything and balanced for several seconds today. Twice. While wearing a dress.
And Emma came to choir practice with me and demanded her own hymnal and music folder, then listened carefully and sang several words correctly, on pitch, with the sopranos (what I sing right now.) Before she decided to dismantle my purse, found the one Tylenol I missed when cleaning up the meds that fell out of my broken bottle (I keep all medicine in my purse in child-safe bottles, but one smashed), tried to eat it, and started screaming, that is. (She only got 1/8 to 1/4 of it in her, and spit out as much as she possibly could. She didn't seem to be harmed by it, although we are still watching her closely. I swear, this one is my death-defier. I hear most parents have one.)
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Are you kidding, dkw? For John's age - that is very exciting! I bet he loved it. Smooshed bananas are good stuff. Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Bridey, who is now 14 months old (and walking and running and climbing!) but does not talk much, has been picking up signs like crazy lately. She has never strung them together, though. She just signed her first "sentence"-- "cereal more me." She wanted more Fruit Loops!
I'm so proud. Especially because it's frustrating for all of us when she can't communicate what she wants. (Emma almost always knows, which helps, but at the same time I think has held back her speech a bit. But Emma is at preschool today.)
So this is a big step! Now to teach her to sign "please"...
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Tonight she walked up to me, tried to climb on my lap, I lifted her up, she leaned in for some kisses, and she tried very hard to make the sign for "I love you".
Awwww.
Posted by brojack17 (Member # 9189) on :
I think signing for kids is great. We did it with our youngest two. It was great for them. They don't remember much of it now.
Congrats KQ, sounds like a doll.
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
Bridey is 14 months? NO way!
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Yes, she is. And she has quite the personality.
Posted by scholar (Member # 9232) on :
Mine sometimes signs milk. Not yet consistent, but occassionally. But we really haven't been trying too hard to teach her. Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
I babysit for a little girl who is 15 months younger than her brother and didn't talk much until about 18 months. But she signed "more" from about 10 months onward taught at her daycare (which is in hte school her mom teaches at). Now very verbal she still wants more.
Posted by mimsies (Member # 7418) on :
My 2 yr old nephew has a speech delay. In therapies, they've been teaching him signs, and it seems that after he starts using a sign consistently, he then picks up the word vocally as well. I am currently a big fan of sign with lil' guys, even though I didn't use it with my pie guy.
Congrats KQ she'd sounding adorable!
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Oh! And I forgot to brag, Emma has learned to color inside the lines, and drew her first purposeful drawing. Posted by DDDaysh (Member # 9499) on :
wow, everyone seems to have such amazing kids.
My own hasn't had any amazing accomplishments, he's still hard to understand (at 3) and never picked up on the sign language thing. But...
I was SO proud of my son on Friday evening. He was such a little man.
About a month and a half ago, my little brother got married, and my son was the ring bearer. It was a very small wedding, they had only one attendant a piece, so my son got very attached to my brother's best man, Justin.
Well, Justin's dad passed away Thursday morning after a long battle with pancreas cancer. Justin is only 21, so you can imaine, it hit him pretty hard. I took my son with me to the viewing on Friday, and he was so well behaved. We walked up and said a prayer over the casket, and then turned to wear the family was seated. He walked up to Justin and said, clear as a bell, "I'm sorry about your Daddy" and gave him a big hug. It was so sweet, and made the whole family smile and laugh a bit. I know it was only for a moment, but I was so proud of him.
Posted by Javert Hugo (Member # 3980) on :
When my mother died when I was 20, I stayed that afternoon at my neighbor's house. Her little girl was two years old and could tell things were sad, but didn't know why. We sat a watched a really awful movie, and the little girl spent the entire movie walking back and forth across the living room, picking up popcorn out of the bowl and feeding it to me. I still remember.
Posted by Zalmoxis (Member # 2327) on :
My daughter read the first 14 pages of "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" on Saturday and she only needed help with the names and maybe two or three longer words.
Granted her reading is pretty much all sight words and so she'll need to work on her phonics when she gets to school (she's 3 and a half) so she can read words she doesn't already know. But still...
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
My middle daughter the gymnast got her kip. I know, for many of you that is meaningless, but it's a difficult skill that some gymnasts can take years to perfect. She got it and then repeated it at least 15 times today, so she's pretty solid on it.
If you're interested, here is a good page explaining kips and how hard they can be to develop, and shows a sequence of shots showing what it looks like:
Congrats Zal!!!! That's an awesome book.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Emma just peed in the toilet. For the first time ever.
And there was much rejoicing. And many M&Ms. And promises of a Curious George coloring kit tonight. Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Posted by scholar (Member # 9232) on :
My baby seemed to completely bypass her diaper (it looked clean on the inside) and pooped all over her crib. So, kinda the opposite of peeing in the toilet. We also think she might have figured out how to take the diaper off partially. I am jealous of parents who are moving out of the diaper phase.
Posted by brojack17 (Member # 9189) on :
Yay for pee.
Scholar, we had to duct tape diapers on our kids for awhile. Don't worry, we wouldn't tape it to their skin (sicko ). We would take a good length of tape tear in in half long ways and go completely around their waist making sure as to not get it on their skin. I would use my medical scissors that have a blunt tip to cut it off. It was a rather short period of time that we had to do this, but it was necessary.
As for bragging about my kids, THEY ALL GO TO SCHOOL TOMORROW. All four kids will be in school starting tomorrow. One will go into Pre-K, one in Kindergarden, and two in fifth grade. Very exciting and sad at the same time.
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
Zal- awesome! Isn't seeing our kids get book wonderful?
Belle- yay for your daughter!
kq- peeing is awesome too!
Posted by brojack17 (Member # 9189) on :
My fifth grader came home today and told us she made Circle the State with Song. She is already in Honor Choir and 5th Grade Honor Choir. This choir only takes twelve students. We are all very excited for her. It is a huge confidence boost.
Yay Mariah! Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
brojack that is an amazing achievement! Congratulations to Mariah!
Posted by DeathofBees (Member # 3862) on :
As an alternative to duct tape, pinning a disposable diaper snugly with old-fashioned diaper pins seems to keep little hands from pulling it off. If your child has a really small bone structure, however, there may just be no way on earth to keep it from being pulled down. Some kids just don't have hips!
And another YAAAAAY for pee in the potty, kq! Our little guy is turning 2 tomorrow, and still maintains a bored "no" when asked if he'd like to try the potty. He does inform me proudly the moment he makes his BM, however, which is a step in the right direction. He seems to be fully aware of his functions--just doesn't want to deposit them in the more socially appropriate location.
Posted by brojack17 (Member # 9189) on :
Thanks Belle. She has really struggled with confidence (she has a dad that is not very... um... active). I am her step dad. I have been in her life since she was three and very active with her. I have always treated her as my own. Her bio dad doesn't get involved in anything and it really hurts her. I think this will help her see that she is really worth something. That's the point her mother and I have been trying to get across for a long time now.
Thanks again.
Posted by scholar (Member # 9232) on :
Keeping her in onesies and not shirts has helped. With her crawling, she is not a big fan of dresses anymore anyway. Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
brojack, I just wanted to commend you and tell you that I see a lot of kids who are involved with activities alongside mine whose parents are divorced. I must say the ones that have step-parents that are there and involved certainly get a boost from it.
And as a child of divorce I know that even if the child says they wish the biological parent were there instead, they DO notice the attention and care of the step-parent and will remember it in years to come. You sound like a loving, caring dad for Mariah and I'm sure she's lucky to have you.
Posted by brojack17 (Member # 9189) on :
Thank you very much. I really appreciate that.
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
9th Avenue School of Dance presents "The Nutcracker" Dec 14-16. Olivia Wiebe-Lullaby girl Andrew Wiebe- Mouse, Bonbon.
What's a lullaby girl? I don't think our nutcracker has them. Different productions are so different.
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
I'm ashamed to say I don't know either.
Posted by brojack17 (Member # 9189) on :
Another brag for me... er... my kids. My other fifth grader (my birth daughter) made the competitive clogging team at her dance school. She will compete in contests and perform at festivals around the area. They may have the opportunity to perform on a cruise ship sometime next spring. I have already volunteered to chaperon.
Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
Nathan had acolyte training last week. They had them practice in robes and with the candlesticks. They all looked like adorable angels, but what really struck me was his comment afterwards:
"As soon as I put the robe on and walked with the candle, I felt all calm and peaceful."
"Wow, son, that's great!"
"Yeah -- well once I took the robe off I felt all crazy inside. Can you get me a robe to wear all the time?"
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
brojack- very cool!
Shan- Nathan may be onto something there. If that would work- wow.
Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
Given my horrendous reaction to 7th grade and his necessary learning curve (please note: this includes "failures" as well as successes, and therein lies the angst -- at least for me) perhaps I need the robe . . . *sigh*
The Dark Is Rising is coming soon, isn't it romany? Are you taking your kids to see it?
Posted by Ivygirl1937 (Member # 10918) on :
I am very proud of my son. He did really well in school this past year (he sometimes struggles with that somewhat) and he sent me a letter recently with two pictures that he drew in it. He's such a good artist. Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Thread resurrection time! I want to hear what the hatrack kids are up to.
Not too much going on here - Emily is still in gymnastics, she just got promoted to level 5 and we increased our practice time again. She finished 7th in the state overall two weeks ago, which was pretty good considering she fell on both bars and beam - this year her best events. She did a cartwheel on the beam, a bonus move for her level, and didn't quite hold the landing - but I'm proud of her for trying. As it was, her beam score was higher than some kids who didn't fall - so that tells you had she stayed on it would have been a great score. But, falling and getting back up is a skill in itself we want her to learn.
Natalie is still on color guard, she never made dance line and decided afterwards she loved color guard so much it was a good thing. She wants to try out for captain next year.
Daniel is playing piano and loving it - he has moved ahead in his book and memorized songs the teacher didn't assign to him, and she thinks he's wonderful. She is encouraging me to keep him in it, said most 7 year old boys are not as interested and dedicated and he seems to really like it.
Abigail is taking a tumbling/dance class that is supposed to prepare her for doing cheerleading, but she doesn't really like it. She wants to be on color guard like her big sister one day.
Everybody's health is good, as are their grades, so all is well. What's happening with all the other wonderful, smart, talented Hatrack children?
Posted by scholarette (Member # 11540) on :
My baby has an imagination. She loves her doggy and she goes over to where we keep his food and pretends to pull a piece out and then runs to the doggy and pretends to give it to him. Then she runs back and does it again repeatedly. When her daddy gave her doggy treats to do it for real, she was so excited. She also is a little geek in training. We took her to the mall. At build a bear, she cried and wanted to cling to us and leave. So, we decided to go home. As we walked by the Apple store, she got very excited. We went in and she was enchanted. Ipods and laptops and computers! It was her perfect store. And they had some computers set up so toddlers could play on them (it was a Dr. Seuss computer program). She sat down on the kiddie chairs and smiled and laughed and hit buttons. A guy walked over and said, wow, she's pretty little to be so into it, how old (15 months)? Then, we decided we had been there long enough (like 20 minutes) and we picked her up and she screamed and screamed.
Posted by Mama Squirrel (Member # 4155) on :
We received the following letter in the mail this week from Mooselet's school.
quote: "It is with pleasure that I inform you that your child has been selected by his/her classroom teacher to receive recognition at our upcoming All School Dolphin Assembly.
The character attribute for the month is "Honesty/Fairness". I trust you are as proud of your child as all of us are at Dos Caminos.
Our assembly is scheduled for Thursday, April 17 at 1:15 p.m. in the MPR. Please mark your calendar and plan to join us in celebration of your child's success.
P.S. - Remember…This is to be a surprise!"
Posted by scifibum (Member # 7625) on :
My 2 1/2 year old correctly conjugates some of his verbs. The 4 1/2 year old still usually doesn't, so it seems pretty awesome for my 2 1/2 year old to do that. (I knew that huge noggin of his would have extra processing power inside!)
Posted by Boon (Member # 4646) on :
My almost-four-year-old just told me, "I'm almost full. Can I put this back?"
And he *put back* the DONUT he was going to eat so he'd have room for the CHEESE he also had.
Yeah, we've been talking about healthy eating choices.
But he still loves PEZ. Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
My kids keep amazing me by growing up. What a ride!
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
I've been keeping a running list of Sophie's quotes on my work blog. Some of my favorites:
It is very nearly your birthday so I think it would be mostly okay for you to open just a little present now.
I think I ate too much pizza. My tummy was saying "no" but my mouth was saying "yes."
(eyes narrowed) She thinks she is cute but maybe she is not quite so cute as me.
Mama, no! Do not gobble up Haley! She is quite absolutely small and helpless and not for gobbling.
Babies are not for kicking. We can only kiss them on their little fuzzy heads.
Daddy, I am going to sit on your lap forever all day, okay?
They call those buildings highscrapers because they're higher than the just-regular scrapers.
I don't think I would like to not have feet.
You're almost nearly as silly as a Wiggle.
Ah! You sworded me! I will sword you until you are dead!
No, cat! We do not sit on babies!
(upon seeing a unicorn figurine for the first time, in a hushed voice) Oh, daddy! You have to buy that right now. It is quite absolutely the most perfect thing ever.
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
On the way to Tom & Christy's yesterday John was singing a song about himself singing a song. I don't remember many of the words, but they were hilarious. Bob & I were cracking up.
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
I think "quite absoultely" is quite absolutely my favorite new phrase.
It is now "Some Day" in our lives. When my daughter was 2(she is now 13), she asked if we could go to Disney. I said, "Some day." She responded, "Boy, we're gonna do a LOT on that day!"
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
Oh, it is Some Day because we are going to Disney in six days!
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
Sophie appears to have learned somewhere that adverbs are more effective when paired.
(Enjoy Disney! *grin* You should look up Joe while you're in Orlando, by the way; he and his family have season passes, they're Disney fanatics, and they give excellent tours. They also know all the "how to avoid the lines" tricks.)
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
Oh, we have spoken, and I hope to be able to see him. We are going with another family, but I am not going every day(I am hoping for only two). Disney on a low budget is...challenging.
Posted by DSH (Member # 741) on :
The BEST "how to avoid the lines" trick is to visit Disney on a "Make-A-Wish Foundation" sponsored trip.
"Wish Kids" (and their families) enjoy a line free experience at Disney (with one exception: exiting the park at closing time!)
However, I wouldn't wish the accompanying medical nightmare that earned us that trip on anyone.
Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
quote:Originally posted by TomDavidson: (eyes narrowed) She thinks she is cute but maybe she is not quite so cute as me.
They are all quite absolutely ridiculously cute.
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
I think Sophie is spot on. I have been a fan for a while.
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
They spelled his name wrong, it is supposed to have an h on the and of his first name. Oh well. I assume they'll fix that when they get a chance.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Wow, mimsies, that's a big deal for sure!
We went to a party on Friday and there was an open mic. Emma sang 4 songs. In key. And knew all the words. Posted by Sachiko (Member # 6139) on :
My four year old just learned to read. She is determined to catch up to my 6yo and 8yo.
I love watching that particular lightbulb go on; it's like watching a kid walk for the first time.
My 2yo Cherry Blossom taught 1yo Moose how to yell "Banzai!", which he does all the time now, with his arms over his head. Banzai, banzai, banzai.
*edited to add: Sorry to butt in. I don't know if I'm considered a "Hatrack parent" or not. Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Of course you are! That's what the thread is for!
Posted by Sachiko (Member # 6139) on :
Well thank you kindly, KQ. Posted by mimsies (Member # 7418) on :
KQ... AWESOME! I love it when really little kids sing on tune with all the words right. Everyone is always like "WHOA!" and I grin. BTW my 8 yr old is only on tune MOST of the time, and that's with voice lessons, for a 4 yr old to be on tune is phenomenal.
Sachiko... reading at 4 is pretty impressive! Bonzai yelling is way cute, hope it doesn't drive you bonkers!
course you're a Hatrack parent.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Congratulations mimsies and Sequoyah! (is that spelled right?) I've always wondered - is filming a scary movie scary? I mean, I can't stand scary movies, but I guess on set with all the lights and camera people and stuff it isn't really that spooky.
Sachiko - learning to read is awesome. I really considered majoring in elmentary just to help kids learn to read because I loved it so much when all four of mine learned to read. Unfortunately, I don't think my temperament is right for elementary education, but I do agree with you that it's a magical thing to watch and see take place.
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
WOW!! Congrats to Sequoyah!!! Sachiko, isn't that just the best?
Posted by Sachiko (Member # 6139) on :
Thanks everyone.
I kinda like the "BANZAI!" It's the whining that turns my brain into pudding and makes it dribble out my ears.
TomDavidson, your kids sounds SO much like Lola from "Charlie and Lola". That show is my favorite and is my best. Posted by mimsies (Member # 7418) on :
Belle,
Filming the movie wasn't scary, but the audition scared him silly, mainly because it was the first time he'd read the script, and he has a very vivid imagination.
They film it all out of order, and do several takes of each shot (trying it different ways), and there are SO many people there, cameramen, Assistent Directors, makeup people, hair people, numerous techies. He looks all alone, in the house, but he's actually almost surrounded by people who were all very sweet to him.
His favorite part? The end when they gave him a gift, the whole crew pitched in and got him a super soaker and a few Lego sets. He also liked when they special ordered him a breakfast burrito for dinner.
Since it is a 10 minute short, it was unpaid. But as a leading role, it was great for his resume and for exposure.
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The little escapee then plopped her LittleTouch LeapPad (talking book) up on the bed and followed herself, played with it while snuggling a bit, then climbed down, led me to the fridge, and said, "Yeah! Now et berkfust!"![[Wink]](wink.gif)
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"She also spit up like a pledge during Greek Week."![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
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