The Star Chart

I'm happy to report that we have been paci-free for weeks now...thank you, thank you. We almost suffered a damaging relapse when Ben found the missing blue and orange paci in a basket while Mommy was in Vancouver...but luckily, the Paci Fairy knew that there were some extra Star Wars toys in the closet and lo and behold...crisis averted.

We had about 2 seconds to bask in the glory of this when we as parents were faced with another challenge...the middle-of-the-night awakenings.

For some reason, Ben started this fun little habit of waking up between 1 and 2 am...which would be fine if he would just stay in his room. It was getting to the point where he wouldn't even wake us up as he was crawling over us to get under the covers in our bed...and that was another bad habit we wanted to nip in the bud.

Enter creative parenting technique #2. The patent-pending Star Chart.



I have to completely give Brad credit for this one...I guess he was the one getting kicked in the middle of the night by our little sleepwalker. Here's how it works: every night that Ben sleeps in his bed, he gets a star drawn in one of the boxes. If he makes it through the whole night without an accident, which means that Mommy doesn't have to change his clothes and sheets in the middle of the night, then he gets another star. When all 10 boxes are star-filled, he gets a prize! (When we introduced this concept to him, he quickly announced that he wanted a pirate sword. Valerie said "Well, at least he didn't want a fairy wand." Touché, Val...we consider this a huge success in itself.) Here's how it's working out:

Night #1 - After pumping Ben up about the whole idea with lots of "Star Chart Rah Rah!" pep talks, he was completely ready for the challenge...while we were cautiously optimistic. He woke up, as usual, around 1:15, but when he came to our room, I whispered to him, "If you want a star in the morning, you need to go get back in your bed..." The kid must have been dreaming of that pirate sword because he turned right around and got back into his bed! Woo hoo! Success and 2 purple stars drawn on the chart! (Of course he picked out the color.)

Night #2 - I still consider this a success even though no stars were awarded. I'm not making excuses, but when he has a little bit of a cough, he likes to sleep with a cup of water next to his bed that he can sip on throughout the night...so last night was interrupted with an accident. The successful part? It didn't happen until 3am! (Who would have thought I would be thrilled to be woken up at 3am?!) Well, this means that he's changing his sleep pattern, which is the ultimate goal. So, no stars on the chart, but still progress in my book.

Night #3 - Last night was a prime example of how parenting is totally a trial-and-error, make-it-up-as-you-go endeavor. Since Ben didn't get any stars on Night #2, I channeled the wanna-be teacher in me and gave him an extra credit opportunity...take a bath, get a star. Now, I know I shouldn't have to bribe my child to bathe, but unless you've been locked up in a tiny, bungalow-style bathroom with a stubborn toddler who WILL NOT get his cute little tush in the bath because he has a boo boo on the bottom of his foot that he refuses to get wet...don't judge me. So, squeaky clean with a blue star added to the chart and ready for bed, Ben announces that he won't get out of his bed...and he doesn't until 5am. Again--small steps towards the overall success! No accidents + an almost-full night of sleep = 2 green stars for Ben.

Stay tuned...we're halfway there...

Dude looks like a lady...

That's my boy.

As his imagination kicks into high gear at age 3, it's only natural that part of pretending is to play dress up. And, I have to admit, that for over a year, he's donned just about every Disney princess gown there is...and on several occasions, I've caught him putting on Mommy's dresses and heels at home.

I'm perfectly OK that my son is already in touch with his feminine side. When that feminine side of his encourages him to look at my wedding picture and say "Oh, Mommy--you look like a princess!", who wouldn't be OK with it?? To this day, any time I wear a skirt or a dress, he thinks I'm dressed up like a princess...and there's no way I'm going to tell him otherwise.

My point is this: someday...far, far, FAR into the future, he's going to try and woo some lucky little lady. And he'll know right off the bat to compliment her outfit.

Some things you just can't teach.

Say what??

Artic. Exspresso. Nucular. On any given day, you might hear people mispronounce any number of words. As a parent, the probability that you will hear something verbally incorrect and hilarious on a daily basis increases exponentially...heck, Bill Cosby knew that "Kids Say the Darndest Things" was a comedic goldmine.

Ben comes up with some funny ones, I'll give him that. Stwallaberries were his favorite fruit for a long time, and we all remember laughing at the new name he gave Percy the green train...let's just say that one's x-rated, shall we? Perhaps I can chalk this up to him being a toddler...but maybe, just maybe, there is a hereditary explanation to all this.

My mom, sister and grandmother are all notorious for mispronouncing things...and even misidentifying things. (Please, Mama, Chelle and Mamaw...don't be mad at me...I'm laughing with y'all, not at y'all. And are you even reading this?!) Mamaw has placed several orders at eating establishments that made the waiter blush...from the Firecrapper Special featured on July 4th to the yummy fa-jigh-tas with salsa, we've all had a good chuckle. So it shouldn't be any surprise that her daughter and her daughter's daughter are plagued with the same language disease.


*Disclaimer--this was years ago...and we all laugh about it so I'm totally not making fun of my family.*

I don't think we'll ever forget Michelle announcing at the breakfast table, while pressing her thumb in the middle of her ribcage, that her scrotum hurt. Really? If that's the case, Chelle, then your ribcage is the least of our worries...

This all comes to mind because Mama and Daddy are visiting us, and they were reading a book review that I have in the latest issue of ISLANDS magazine. She read the first line and finished it with "...the island of O-hoo-ah..." and I stopped dead in my tracks. O-hoo-ah? Apparently, it's the lesser known Hawaiian island...right off the coast of OAHU.

She just laughed like she always does and said "Oahu? Isn't that what I said?"

No. No it wasn't. ;-)

Now, I...had...the time of my life...

Have you ever done something that just made you think, "Yeah--I LOVE my life!"?

Now that I'm back in the real world, I've had some time to reflect back on my experiences at the Olympic Games up in Vancouver. I know I didn't have much time there--trust me, I wish I could have stayed for the whole thing--but what I was able to see and do will stick with me for the rest of my life. Of course, there are too many things to write here, and I don't want to bore you with all that, but I did narrow it down into some highlights and interesting tidbits:

1 - The streetlights in downtown blink green sometimes. I thought it was to warn you that they're getting ready to turn yellow, but I'm not sure about this. If anyone knows why this is, please enlighten me.

2 - Speaking of lights...a lot of people still have their Christmas lights up. I just chalked it up to celebrating the Olympics, but no--they just do that.

3 - Cool people I met: Summer Sanders - Olympic swimmer, Nickelodeon hostess; Andy - former Bachelor--the "Officer and a Gentleman" season; Chris Davenport - extreme skier; Suzy Chaffee - '68 Olympic skier; Prince Hubertus Von Hohenlohe - Mexican skier.



4 - This one deserved its own line...Alberto Tomba. Tomba la Bomba. Apparently, he's pretty much one of the best skiers in the world. Ever. And I had no clue who he was. We were walking to get a late night bite to eat and ran into a colleague, Roberto. An Italian guy was with him, he introduced us, and this guy started taking out postcards of himself and signing them for us. My first thought was, "Uh...who does he think he is?!" Well, after we had our picture taken with him and he kissed us each on the cheek, I was filled in on exactly who he was. (As if I didn't feel stupid enough, after telling my mom on the phone who I met, she squealed like a schoolgirl and asked if she could have a copy of his autograph to take to work. That's right--Mama even knew him.) So, in hindsight, I guess that was the coolest person I got to meet.



5 - Right up there with #4 is this...THE red mittens. (C'mon, now--did you think I would get up there and lose my sense of shopping?) I, along with half of the modern world, decided that these were my must-have souvenir...and I would be willing to roam the streets looking for these coveted hand-coverers. Much like a designer purse, the knock-offs simply wouldn't do. I was going with the real deal. They were sold out everywhere in the adult sizes--and trust me--I felt a little like O.J. trying to squeeze my man hands into a kiddie-sized pair. Heartbroken and downtrodden, I left the Olympic store...and there he was. Steve. Or was it Spencer? Who cares--he had Rubbermaid tubs full of mittens!! The real ones!! This genius had found the loophole--he was 'trading' mittens for pins...plus a charge of $15. Was it legal? I didn't care. What were they going to do? Deport me? I was leaving soon anyway. So, I sealed the deal and walked away with my prize...and it's a good thing that I have them now because it's colder back here in "sunny" Florida than it was up there. ;-) Along with my official US Team shirt by Nike and my Canada sweatshirt...I'm set.

6 - The energy was absolutely amazing. Fans and athletes alike filled the streets in Whistler Village, and just to be present in that atmosphere was an opportunity of a lifetime. The memories I have of the times spent with some great people are things I'll cherish forever.

I've heard it said before--the spirit of the Olympic games unites the world for 2 weeks in a friendly competition...and it's totally true. Swedes were high-fiving Jamaicans, Canucks were hugging Koreans...and for a brief moment in time, we're all cheering for each other to succeed.

Go world...go le monde!

Just Whistler While You Work...

Oh Canada...

Well, I hopped off the plane in YVR…and boy is it amazing. Flying in over the opening ceremonies was incredible—we could see the fireworks and the spotlights going like crazy. Making our way through the airport was an experience in itself…in a good way! Brad would have loved this—so many natural materials, lots of glass…amazing. It was pretty cool to watch the ceremonies while waiting for our bags knowing that they were taking place only a short distance away. I exchanged some money and got my ticket for the charter bus up to Whistler….and can't wait to take that trip during the day--the Sea to Sky Highway was pretty amazing, even in the dark! Driving through downtown Vancouver was awesome--I can honestly say that this is one of the coolest cities I've ever seen. Being able to see the actual stadium over the bridge was incredible...I only wish I had more time to spend downtown!

I got into Whistler about 1am PST...and boy was I tired. Even at that hour of the night, things were alive--everyone I've met is so nice...and I can't wait to get out in the mountain air and see the sights.

Since the men's downhill event was postponed this morning, we have a little bit of free time before we have to get the SNOW house ready for the Patron party tonight...I know--it's a tough job, but somebody's gotta do it. ;-) Staying in the condo with us is France Lessard from Rossignol--thanks for the cute Rossi t-shirt, France!--and Hannah Hardaway, former Olympian herself. She modestly told us she placed 5th in the women's mogul event in Salt Lake City--needless to say, the conversation over coffee this morning was pretty amazing!! Barb, my publisher, and Joan texted me a picture of them last night at the opening ceremonies, and they'll be here shortly.

I've got my WiFi set up and I'm ready to keep y'all posted!! No pics yet...stay tuned!!

Let the Games begin!!

Well, I'm packed and ready to go...and it still hasn't sunk in yet that tonight I will be flying into Vancouver over the Opening Ceremonies to the Olympics.

This is such an amazing opportunity and I can't wait to get there!!

Stay tuned for updates and pictures from this weekend!

The Paci Fairy

Being a parent isn't always easy. But witnessing your child reach milestones makes it all worthwhile. Seeing your baby sit up, crawl, walk, talk...yes, those are pretty big. But, there are a few that are incredibly underrated: being old enough to get Mommy a new roll of toilet paper out of the closet in an...uh...emergency, learning how to put your own dirty dish in the sink (please pass this one on to Daddy), appreciating a variety of shoes to choose from...and, last, but CERTAINLY not least...getting rid of all pacifiers. Yes, folks, this is huge.

We are officially on Day 2 of being a Paci Free Family.

And we're exhausted.



So here's how it went down. We had every intention of Ben being Paci Free by his third birthday...and that came and went. We were down to 4 pacifiers--2 blue ones and 2 Shamu ones that were bought out of desperation on two separate trips to Sea World when we weren't able to find the aforementioned blue ones. Ben would sleep with ALL 4 clutched in his little hands every single night...forget the adorable monogrammed lamby that Chelle gave him at birth...these latex suckers were the only security blanket he needed. We honestly had no idea how to rid him of this habit. Let's face it--I had pretty much come to accept the fact that I would be taking him to get his driver's license and he would hand me the paci in order to be able to say "cheese!" for his picture.

And then Dana came to the rescue.

Over dinner and a bottle of wine, she introduced us to the Paci Fairy. (She'll give credit to the Super Nanny, but she's the super one if you ask me!) Apparently, this Paci Fairy comes at night, after the kids place their pacifiers in the mailbox and, in return, leaves a present. The used pacifiers then are taken to little babies all over the world who need a paci. (Thankfully, Ben was so preoccupied with visions of this Tinkerbell-ish fairy that he didn't question the hygeine of this theory.) We figured it was worth a shot.

Fast forward 2 weeks and Ben's got 6 Star Wars figurines and we're down to just one green and white paci. (I know, I know--I didn't list that one before, but he gave up the 2 Shamus and a blue one, then lost a blue one and somehow found a green and white one. Whatever--just stay with me.) Like a good friend, Ali stepped in and helped/made me dispose of the pacifiers at work...knowing that I may have a tantrum-induced state of weakness, causing me to dig a paci out of the trash for my own sanity. At this point, I have to give the kid credit--he totally gets that this is his last one and that if he gives this one away, he won't have any left. So he demonstrates his first act of procrastination. He keeps saying "I'll put this in the mailbox tomorrow, Mommy." This goes on for 3 days. I finally decide that since this is his last paci, and the last thing standing in his way of really becoming a Big Boy, this feat deserves an extra special reward.


Hiro the Train. (I have no idea how he knows about this train since he has only seen it on a flyer that came in another Thomas DVD, and as smart as I think he is, I'm pretty sure my little prodigy can't read yet.) Ben wants to add this to his extensive collection, so I figure this will be the perfect distraction...I mean, reward...for giving up his final paci. I bought it, had it wrapped and just waited until Ben was ready to take the plunge.

Yesterday afternoon--around 3:00pm--he was ready. For whatever reason, he figured the Paci Fairy could come in the middle of the day. Who says she can't? So, he placed his beloved paci in the mailbox and then waited. He checked a few times, and when he had to go to the bathroom, I ran out to the mailbox and made the switch. When he saw tissue paper and ribbon spilling out of the mailbox, he was so excited...and I was cautiously optimistic about our success. When he saw that his reward was Hiro, he said "I'm so happy!" and we were so proud of him...but knew the real test would come later, when the sun went down and he would want Ol' Green and White to help soothe him to sleep.

8:15pm. The Colts were still on track to beat the Saints...and Ben's in his PJs. Crying. Devestated...just like Peyton Manning would be in the near future. "I want my paci!" I tried reasoning with him...I tried encouraging him...I tried explaining that even though he didn't have his paci, he had an awesome new train!!! Who wouldn't want that?!?

He looks up at me, and hands me Hiro. "Here--put Hiro back in the mailbox and tell the Paci Fairy I will trade her."

Ah crap.

Short story long, he woke up twice, crying for his paci and was very upset this morning when he realized that it wasn't coming back. Getting ready this morning, I heard Brad talking to him in the living room and asking him why he didn't like Hiro anymore. After a minute, Ben said "I know that I like Hiro...I just don't like him right now."

So, here we are on Day 2. The last time he cried like this, he was 2 months old and trying to figure out how to sleep through the night...but he couldn't get out of the crib on his own then.

Oh well--sometimes as a parent, you have to be stronger than your child and do what you have to do...just knowing that this, too, shall pass.

The Channel formerly known as Noggin

I watch a lot of TV. I mean, A LOT. The Bachelor...Grey's Anatomy...Modern Family...Project Runway...Real Housewives of Anywhere...you name it--I'll watch it. Again, this is one of those things about myself that I'm willing to admit/live with...but that I'm slightly afraid that I will pass on to my child. If you've had kids or are pregnant, you know the feeling of being bombarded by books and experts telling you a million different things: don't use a pacifier, breastfeed until they go to college, don't drink during the pregnancy...DON'T let your child watch too much TV!! All very valid points/opinions. But I'm not sure that these so-called experts tuned in to channel 134 on Brighthouse in the Central Florida area before casting their ruling.

Noggin. Nick Jr. Whatever you want to call it--I call it the best tool a parent can have in his/her arsenal. Throw in a DVR and you've pretty much hit the jackpot.

As I'm typing this, I am home with Ben who is sick and he is watching Oswald. That's right--that giant blue octopus who is friends with a penguin and a giant daisy and has a daschund named Weenie. Here's the kicker--Oswald is brought to life by the voice of Fred Savage. That's right, folks. He's come a long way since The Wonder Years. And he's not the only star who enjoys lending his/her voice to animated creatures--Kristin Davis (SATC's Charlotte) is the voice of Miss Spider--a giant spider with 8 buggy kids who live in a tree in Sunny Patch.

But the Nick Jr. show that pulls in the biggest names has to be Yo Gabba Gabba. Wow. This show is really...interesting. I've never tripped on acid, but after watching about 5 minutes of this show, I think I get a general idea of what it would be like. Having said that, they really get some big names on there--Andy Samberg, The Roots, Rachel Dratch, Jack Black...they've all been on there. And they are there to promote good messages to the kiddies out there--don't bite your friends, love your family, try new foods...it's all good.

Of course, as Ben's gotten older, he's progressed from Blue's Clues and Wonder Pets--although, he still enjoys watching Lenny the Guinea Pig (who, by the way, is surprisingly a girl), Tuck the turtle and Ming Ming the duckling...(I am pretty sure that he likes this show so much because they sing a lot--what can I say? The kid is pretty much destined to like musicals.)

So, yes--he watches a lot of TV. My justification is this--he doesn't watch any during the day when he's at school, and really--it's educational and entertaining at the same time...and it's not like Ben's addicted to it...yet...