Saturday, July 19, 2008

"ABC drumming"

I found out today, thanks to Karen and her wonderful connections, that my son is normal.

Developmentally, that is.

I wasn't super worried that there was something wrong with his speech seeing as he can say "tapioca" clear as day (and it's awfully adorable)... but I was curious about how he puts "-in" at the end of MANY words, and also switches his words around like he is speaking another language.

For example- headin, handin, hottin, coldin, beddin, footin... and "tapioca some" instead of "some tapioca". Or, "Blanket put away" in place of "Put away blanket."

Yay for being developmentally normal!

It was nice to have a visit from Karen, and her wonderful boy Calobin (Caleb) today. They totally saved me! I was going nuts!

We were hanging out and I realized it was 8:09pm already! I wanted to keep playing, but our boys definitely needed to be put to bed. After my friends left Trevor helped me put his toys away and then held my hand for the walk down the hall. Before I had a chance to say, "OK now get in bed..." he plopped down on his bed like he was spent. He bounced a little and jabbered once I turned the light on so I could arrange things (he likes to take his pillow and blanket into the living room [office] area), but stayed on his bed.

When I went to give him his last kisses and hugs he asked, "ABC's Mommy?"

There was no way I would deny my child that! Even if it was 11:30pm! Haha.

Once I started singing he threw his hand playfully in the air and started flickering his fingers all different ways (his version of the sign language ABC's). I joined in (doing them correctly, of course) and he shot up like a rocket. He was so excited and smiley he looked like I had granted him his one true wish. It was awesome!!

We sang it about 4 times, and signed each time, when he started drumming on the bed. He was following my beat :).

I stopped amidst L-M-N-O to see if I would throw him off...

What did he do? He looked at me, beat once on the bed, and said "P!"

Oh, could I be anymore proud of my little two year old? His favorite letter (so far) is "w". He always points them out in words, and will point at "M's", too... thinking they are "w's".

The last round of ABC's he said every letter after me. I love that.

I told him it was time to go to sleep and he went to kiss me but stopped, looked at me, and said, "Lion?"

"Would you like me to get Lionel for you?"

::He nodded::

I returned and handed him Lionel, the lion teething toy (even though he's not teething anymore he loves that toy), and again proceeded to kiss him. He looked at me again and said, "Lemoo?"

"You want your lemur, too? Wow... OK... hold on I will be right back..."

I playfully trudged out the door and I could hear him laughing so genuinely. He was (is) one happy kid. I got back and he squealed (yes squealed) and grabbed for Lemoo. He plopped, once again, down on his bed and reached an arm out for a hug. I hugged him, and before I could back away he pulled me in for a smooch.

I LOVE nights like this. LOVE. :D

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Procrastination.

Yep.

I said I was going to post pictures of Six Flags. I will. Posting pictures on this blog is such a pain sometimes. Really.

Also, I have an essay to write for school. It's due by the end of the month- how much you wanna bet I don't start it until the 28th? OK you would lose that bet because technically I have already started it... but not really.

It's just so hard to interview automated answering machines... I mean... It just doesn't work.

"Hello, thank you for calling (___name of shelter__). For adoption services press 1. For animal control services press 2..."

How am I supposed to get anything accomplished? I guess I could email these places, but for once I would prefer to speak to a real person. What's the stinkin' world coming to? And I HATE talking on the phone- but as far as interviews go I would like to HEAR how a person really feels about something.

Statistics are so flat. Granted, that's what my essay is supposed to be... but when have I ever written like I am supposed to? Practically never. It's a good thing I have a relative sense of humor or I would have failed English every year.

...Here's to procrastination and all it's glory! ::Lifts imaginary pint of Guinness Draft::

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Decisions

You know it's bad when several of your pet peeves picked up over years and years of human contact all conglomerate themselves within one person.

Definitely bad.

And I have no idea why I named this blog Decisions.

End.

Monday, July 14, 2008

A question, or two..

So, here is the ordeal. I am about to finish my dog training school and get certified and all that (I know, it's about time, right?).

I understand- completely- that I don't have years upon years of dog training expertise, but I DO have years of training knowledge and years of dog knowledge.

So why is it, that it seems no one wants to listen to me? Don't ask me dog advice, if you're not going to take it.

Nothing has really happened lately- it just seems like since I have started my career people don't take me seriously. I guess if I ask for money maybe they WILL take me for what I am- a REAL dog trainer. I might not do it every week- but I definitely get my fair share of exposure and I certainly keep myself updated.

People- if you want dog training advice and don't want to hear the truth, talk to your other dog owner friends... not me... because it pisses me off when you don't care enough to keep your dog safe or take my advice after "needing it".

I am going to have to come to grips with this reality and understand it happens to every dog trainer (or any kind of teaching profession) where the "student" thinks they know more than the teacher. Maybe they do- but if they do not... ::sigh::

I'll stop. I could gripe for words and words but I have an essay to write.

Sorry.


To all my friends and clients who have followed my teaching and have done a great job and are much happier with their dog- thank you!! It means the world to me that you trust me!

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Thanks!

I just have to say I have awesome people in my life! I do!


We went to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom today and it was a loooooong day, but totally worth it. I am super tired, pretty burnt, and very thankful.

Trevor was amazing (duh). He didn't get a nap but was so wonderful the whole time. There was definitely enough to keep him occupied.

I will have pictures and whatnot posted soon- as for right now, you get a video of dinner right after our adventure...