Is TeleTubbies to Childish for a 3 Year Old?

My husband does NOT like the TeleTubbies on PBS. I can't really blame him. They don't really talk so it goes against me telling Little K to "use her words." Still, Little K makes up interesting excuses to watch the show sometimes.

This morning, I put on another show but Little K quickly squawked, saying she wanted to watch TeleTubbies because Curious George followed that show. When my husband returned to the room, he tried to convince her (as he always does) that TeleTubbies is too baby-ish for her. Little K quickly corrected him today.

"No, I want to watch TubbyTubbies," she replied. It's hard not to laugh.

Trent followed me out of the room only to point out the independent nature of our 3 year old.

"Didn't someone pray for that?" he questioned.

Yes, I did pray for an independent child. I just hope she sticks with it when she gets to middle & high school. For now, TeleTubbies can keep on playing.

Until the next nap time...

Welcome Baby Claire

Well, she's just so cute.

At left, there's a photo of my mom "Grand", my daughter "Little K" and the newest addition to our extended family Claire.

I have to admit it seems like ages ago that my own daughter was this small. Technically, I never saw Little K this small. While Little K weighed 9 pounds 1.4 ounces, Claire weighed 8 pounds 2 ounces at birth... but that's besides the point.

It's truly amazing to think of everything that must go right in order for a person to be born. Seeing a newborn reminds me of what a miracle life really is.


I can't wait to begin spoiling Claire, although I'm watching my own daughter to make sure she gets plenty of positive attention, too. (Any tips from my blog readers out there?) While Claire is Little K's cousin, not sister, I'm wondering if Little K will become jealous of the youngest family member. So far, Little K just studied Claire contently and enjoyed helping the baby with her pacifier.

Mom Colyn and Dad Victor are doing great. They'll actually stay at the hospital until Thursday but since they're at Memorial Hermann Northwest, they're super close either way. Oh how much fun. Plus, my cousin Jon and wife Lisa are expecting twins this fall so our family is growing again.

Until the next nap time...

Baby Watch 2008 Continues

When you are pregnant and you go past your due date, it's a big deal... literally and figuratively. I went one day over my due date with Little K and was out of my mind. I just couldn't wait to meet my daughter.

My sister's baby was due last Friday... yes, that's 3 extra days as of today. Colyn went to the doc today and schedule an appointment to be induced this upcoming Friday, July 25. Apparently, her insurance requires her to wait an entire week after her due date before inducing. Do they have any idea how excited I am to meet this little girl? Colyn continues to wait, of course, as does her husband Victor. Come on, Friday!

Closer to home, Little K was adorable last night. She spent the entire weekend with my parents Grand & PaPa so she was extra snuggly last night. Trent & I let her stay up late since we hadn't seen her all weekend. We went swimming after dinner, then headed up for bedtime stories. Little K and I cuddled in her big girl bed, while Daddy read us stories. (Knuffle Bunny is hillarious.) When it was time for Trent & I to leave, Little K begged for me to sleep in her bed with her. I explained that I have my own bed.

Then, she turned to Trent and asked: "Please can Mommy sleep with me tonight?"

Funny, really. I promised to lay with her for 5 minutes but we both had to close our eyes. I awoke an HOUR later. Little K was still awake but resting nicely. I kissed her good night, promising to paint artwork with her after school on Monday.

When I went downstairs to tell my husband that I fell asleep in Little K's room, he simply responded with a smile: "I figured."

I have to admit: I loved the cuddling. There's just nothing like being snuggle bunnies with your little ones.

Until the next nap time...

Cool Off with the Cub Scouts

Cub Scout Pack 40 invites all boys ages 6-11 and their families for:

• SWIMMING
• HOT DOGS
• ICE CREAM

When: Saturday, July 19 from 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Where: Northwest YMCA at 1234 West 34th St.
More info-Cubmaster Sam Stengler-281-773-3478

YMCA rules require that swimmers aged 6 and under be accompanied by an adult who in the pool with the child at all times
Until the next nap time...

First Hair Cut

At what age should your child's first hair cut be?

I think boys likely get their first trim earlier. Little K's hair is so long but people are always surprised that she hasn't had her first hair cut although she's 3.5 years old.

Today was Little K's big (hair) day.

I took her to Salon Vendome on San Felipe near the Galleria since I've had Jeff Brandon cutting and highlighting my hair for almost as long as I've been married. Jeff has a daughter of his own so he understands how we value long locks. He promptly propped K up on a booster and gave her a leopard "cape". Then, he went to work on the Princess. I couldn't believe how still my daughter sat. I assure you our morning hair styling is much more challenging.

Both Mommy & K emphasized that we only wanted to trim the dead ends off, not much at all. Jeff had her hair trimmed in about 5 minutes and then did this super cool French brain from one to the other, with an extra hair hanging beautifully along her back.

Big kuddos to Jeff Brandon for making Little K's first hair cut a sensational show. Little K feels like a gorgeous Princess and couldn't wait to show her daddy her new hair-do.

Until the next nap time...

What a Weekend

We've had a really nice weekend. Some friends came over Friday night for burgers & hot dogs. Little K played with her friend Little C until almost 10 pm when we all cratered. It was fun to just catch up with adult conversation, too.

Saturday found us running errands and then working on our Honey Do List for several hours. While I pruned our landscaping, Trent fixed the door bell and door weather stripping as well as washed the back windows from the outside. Our bodies are still sore. Then we met Miss Weefee (just a love name, not her real one) and Mr. Steve at Mardi Gras Grill on Durham. The food was good but the hush puppies were the best.

This morning, we went to church and then to Jax Grill for lunch with my sister, Uncle Victor and their to-be-born-any-day-now daughter. We capped off the weekend with swimming in the backyard. It'll be hard to get back to work on Monday.

Until the next nap time...

Swim Lessons Conclude

Thursday marked the last day of swim lessons at the local YMCA. Little K really enjoyed it. She can now confidently jump to an adult in the pool and is practicing, freestyle, backstroke and side stroke. I don't think she could get herself to the side of the pool, if she fell in though. We're working on it.

The Y was good about teaching pool safety, although I laughed when the lifeguard told the 3-5 year olds that they should call 911 if someone was unconscious. Right. My 3 year old has no idea what it means to be unconscious. Oh well.
For the rest of the summer we'll practice swimming in our backyard pool. I'm honestly hoping that a private instructor in our area will have an opening/cancellation some time this summer. If not, I'll try to set that up early next year.
Enjoy your weekend. Until the next nap time...

July 4th Recap

I'm running behind with our July 4th recap. We had a wonderful time -- building sand castles, walking the beach & watching the fireworks. Little K even played doctor on Popi, who turns out is better than we even expected. (THANK GOD!)

I'm not sure which photo is the best so I'll post a few. A special thanks to Aunt Margaret Irvin who sent the croquet game to Cici. You have no idea how much fun we had.

Until the next nap time...

Birthday Candles

This is too funny. Trent's cousin Pete sent us this YouTube video of his daughter's recent 3rd birthday party in Illinois. All was well, Pete said, until it was time to blow out the candles. Check it out. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmg4qiPI3UI

Until the next nap time...

July 4th Celebrations Around Houston

Fireworks displays abound around town. Here are some fabulous ones, plus I’ve noted some celebrations without the sparks. Before the fireworks shows, reassure your children and let kids know that the fireworks are loud but safe.

West University’s July 4th Bike Parade starts at West U Elementary at 10 am Friday and concludes at Colonial Park with food, fun, and festivities until 2 pm.

Bellaire’s July 4th Parade begins at 9:30 am at the Bellaire Triangle with the Festival lasting until 1 pm at the Bellaire-Zindler Park.

Don’t forget the Villages Independence Parade starting at 9 am at Memorial High School with a free Festival at Memorial Drive Baptist Church until 1 pm.

The Tanglewood 4th of July Parade and Carnival is 10 am until noon at 5200 San Felipe with clowns, face painting, bounce houses and more. Call 713-552-0505 for details.

Galveston celebrates July 4th, starting with a parade at 10 am at the Railroad Museum (25th and Santa Fe Place). From there, the parade will wind its way through historic downtown Galveston from Strand to 21st; south on 21st to Postoffice; west on Postoffice to 24th, and finally south on 24th to Sealy. Following the parade, there will be a 4th of July celebration at Sealy Pavilion (24th and Sealy) with patriotic entertainment, free hot dogs and lemonade, and free American flags for the children. There will also be musical entertainment. The 20-minute fireworks show begins at 9:15 pm and will last about 25 minutes. The setting is at 37th and Seawall but the fireworks can be seen as far west as 81st and Seawall, and as far east as 14th and Seawall. Physical location: 37th Street and Seawall Blvd. in Galveston http://www.galvestoncvb.com/ 888-425-4752

Pearland's Celebration of Freedom is an all-out family festival with craft booths and carnival rides. Admission is FREE, but bring your wallet for all the food, music and rides. Bring school supplies to donate to the city’s drive for needy students. Time: Noon-11 pm Physical location: Pearland High School Football Stadium at 3775 South Main http://www.ci.pearland.tx.us/

Chevy’s Freedom over Texas celebration with Fireworks is presented at Eleanor Tinsley Park along Buffalo Bayou near downtown Houston. This features a concert with several Sara Evans, Miranda Lambert & Jo Dee Messina. The concerts are followed by a huge fireworks show. Plenty of children's activities will also be available. This is the largest land-based fireworks display in the nation! Admission: $8 per person, Kids 10 and under are FREE Time: 4-10 pm Physical location: Eleanor Tinsley Park at Buffalo Bayou near downtown http://www.houstontx.gov/specialevents/cfot/index.html

Rosenberg’s signature July 4th event includes a concert, an inflatable carnival, KidZone, horseshoes and washer tournaments, food and refreshment vendors, hayrides through Seabourne Creek Park, and a great fireworks show. Guests are asked to bring their lawn chairs, their family and all their friends, but to please leave the pets and alcoholic refreshments at home. General event parking will be available immediately south of the event site. Event Partner parking and handicapped parking will be available at the Rosenberg Civic and Convention Center at 3825 Highway 36 South. Time: 5-10 pm Physical location: Seabourne Creek Park located at 3831 Highway 36 South http://www.rosenbergtourism.com/ 832-595-3520

Sugarland's annual Red, White and Bluefest will be held in Sugarland at Oyster Creek and Lost Creek parks. If you stay for the fireworks, it's a long evening but a fun one. The holiday activities include jugglers, magicians, parade, music and fireworks. Time: 4:30-11 pm Physical location: Oyster Creek and Lost Creek parks but take the shuttle from Mercer Stadium at 16403 Lexington Blvd http://www.sugarlandtx.gov/ 281-275-2885

Houston Symphony's Star Spangled Salute: Enjoy beautiful American tunes synchronized to the annual celebration at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park in the museum district. Thousands flock to this event site and it remains a great family outing. Bring a large blanket to lie on the hill so your family can lean back, relaxing to the sights and sounds. Music plays until dark when the music is then accompanied by wonderful fireworks. Admission: FREE Time: 8-10:30 pm Physical location: Hermann Park http://www.houstonsymphony.org/

11th Annual Red, Hot and Blue Festival and Fireworks Extravaganza is a 23-minute fireworks show at Waterway Square. This is the second largest in the greater Houston region, second only to downtown Houston’s show. The soundtrack for The Red, Hot & Blue Festival Fireworks is simulcast on Houston’s Sunny 99.1 radio station. Admission: FREE Time: 11 am-8 pm Physical location: Waterway Square in The Woodlands www.Town-Center.com/RedHotBlue

Kemah Fireworks: If you have older kids, this is a fun outing. Stroll through the shops on the Kemah Boardwalk, enjoy a tasty dinner overlooking the water and then watch the fireworks show. This is the same show seen each Friday and Saturday throughout June and July but gives the family plenty to do, including amusement park rides and shopping. Enjoy the fireworks show shot over Galveston Bay at 9:30 pm. Admission: FREE Time: dinner - 9:30 pm Physical location: Bradford and 2nd Street in Kemah http://www.kemahboardwalk.com/ 877-AT-KEMAH (887-285-3624)

Be safe! Until the next nap time...

Ohio Trip Recap

I've had a hard time cutting down the rest of our photos to appropriately cover our trip. What can I say? From Little K pulling onions to drawing with Cousin Bentley, splashing in PaPa Don's hot tub or playing house with Grammy and chasing the dogs, we had a wonderful Ohio trip.

Thanks for the memories -- mine and Little K's. The photos can't capture the happiness I have in watching my own daughter relish time with her Barrett family the way I used to do as a child. There's even room for me to pick peas still. Amazing.

Until the next nap time...

Pea Pickin' Memories

The remainder of Day 4, Saturday, found us at Aunt Kenny & Uncle Brad's for an all-American picnic. Cousin Lauren had returned from Europe and filled us in on her faves. Little K enjoyed chasing 3 dogs around the yard, picking peas and cuddling with Uncle Brad.

Day 5 begin with a trip to church with PaPa Don. Grammy went earlier, of course. On the way home, we stopped by Iron Horse Park for a whirl at the playground. Quite muddy, we bathed at the house just in time for the Barrett clan to return for a huge lunch. How I'll fit into the airplane seat tonight, I'm not sure.

We picked peas again today as a last effort to ingrain the memory in Little K's memory. That has been my favorite all these years. You could the pea-picking song for blocks.

Ha, Ha, Ha. You & me

Out to the garden to pick some peas.

Ha, Ha, Ha. You & me

I'll eat pods and & you eat the peas.

What fun this trip has been. Until the next nap time...

Which Hairdo Would You Like?

A long history of barbershop continued this morning in Ohio. While PaPa Don read the newspaper, Little K fixed his hair by spritzing it with Princess Spray, combing his hair and then adding a few bows. When PaPa Don explained that boys don't wear bows, Little K said that she'd add a blue bow.

I love watching this. When my sister Colyn & I were young, we'd add creative hairdos to PaPa Don's top, too. If PaPa Don fell asleep (as he often did), he'd be surprised when he awoke. One time, we added red mousse to his hair so he was VERY surprised upon awakening. We've painted his nails before. We even added make-up. PaPa Don says that his ability to fall asleep so easily is due to his clear conscience. I think he secretly may enjoy being donned over by a little princess.

We're off to scavenge at some estate sales. Hopefully, we'll find a treasure or two. More later.

Until the next nap time...

Day 1 in Ohio was fun but traveling with a 3-year-old who didn't nap is exhausting in itself. Little K was well behaved on the plane, singing to everyone on board. We landed just before 5 pm and were picked up at the airport by PaPa Don & Aunt Margaret. Little K proved to be on her 2nd wind as she was "jabber jaws" for the 30-minute ride home. One mile before we arrived, she was dozing off.

Later, Aunt Margaret had a special drink so Little K decided she also needed one. Sans alcohol, Little K soon had her own tottie -- a caffeinated drink. She was all performance at dinner at a seafood restaurant with multiple saltwater fish tanks. After dinner, Uncle Brad insisted he & Little K needed ice cream, although the rest of us were stuffed beyond belief. A short visit followed dinner back at Grammy and PaPa Don's and then we all retired to bed. I looked forward to a good night's sleep, but Little K was overly tired and woke up about 10 times last night. Oh well.

Today, Day 2, Uncle Huck read Little K a book about his dogs in Vegas. (See above. This is my mother's youngest brother Shannon, whom we call Huck.) It was too cute of a photo opp not to take. Aunt Kenny rode her bike over to visit and then cousin John stopped by to update us on his college registration at University of Kentucky in the fall. Wow, how time flies! We picked peas today. K especially liked cousin John tossing peas into the air for her to catch with her mouth. What a show! Uncle Huck & Aunt Margaret headed back to Vegas today but we were lucky that our trips to Ohio coincided. Perhaps we'll be able to venture west this year.

After naps (including mine and PaPa Don's), we fed the birds and filled the hot tub. K discovered two ducks in the yard so we quickly pulled out some bird seed to fill them. As I sit hear typing, "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling" plays in the background. Aunt Kenny, Uncle Brad & John will join our Barrett group for dinner tonight. How blessed we are to have such family and memories. What will tomorrow entail? No clue. Talk to you then.

With love... until the next nap time...

Last weekend, we spent a relaxing weekend at the family ranch. After reading the book Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder, I made a special effort to reconnect with the outdoors. We all loved it. From hiking and searching for the noisy woodpecker, to fishing and dancing in the back of the pick up truck, it was so fun.

I was pleasantly surprised at how much Little K seemed interested in the animals, plants and exploring. When Sunday afternoon came, I don't think a single one of us wanted to leave for Houston. That just means we'll look forward to a return trip.

Tomorrow marks the beginning of my trip with Little K to OHIO to see my grandparents, K's great grandparents. Trent is staying behind to work. ugh. I'll be sure to add blog updates to keep in touch. Little K is looking forward to eating PaPa Don's peas from the garden and cooking with Grammy.

Until the next nap time...

When Mom and Dad Share It All

Here's a great article from the New York Times on mothers' and fathers' role and how those roles can be redefined for more balance at home. Enjoy. It sure gives me some ideas. What do you think? Is the division of labor (or household chores & childcare) divided equally amongst you and your spouse?

Until the next nap time...

Fish Tales and More

We love fish tales!

Last Thursday, we met some friends at the Fish Gallery, located near Kirby & Hwy 59. Each Thursday in the summer, the Fish Gallery has storytime starting at 3:30 (till 4:30). We heard two cute stories about fish and an octopus as they were read aloud to us. It was amazing to listen to the stories while gorgeous fish swam in the huge aquarium behind the reader. What a backdrop! The Fish Gallery also made it nice by providing free juice and water for visitors. Kids were invited to sit on the floor while parents sat in chairs. There was quite a big group for an event that just began.

Next, George showed us how he feeds the fish and explained what the different fish like to eat... from red worms to live crawfish. It was really a sight to see. Then we toured the aquariums, where we saw Nemo (a huge hit!), eels, several types of starfish and much, much more. Kids could even touch some of the animals, although Little K & her friend Grace screamed at the suggestion and promptly hid behind me. Oh well. After attending 5 times, your child gets a "special gift".

The Fish Gallery at 4527 Lomitas, Houston, TX

713-523-FISH

http://www.thefishgallery.com/

Until the next nap time...

Chill Out in Brenham, TX

I love summer. The hot, humid weather seems to force even my work schedule to slow down a bit. Who wouldn't love that?

This weekend we took a drive to Brenham, TX. to check out a few spots that were recommended in a recent issue of Texas Monthly. We had actually been to Earnie's Restaurant before but enjoyed every bite. There was great shopping for young & old. I picked up two shirts and a wreath. How is it that we were celebrating Father's Day and I took off with the stash? Any ways, the town had just finished its Sesquicentennial Parade so everyone was in a jolly mood.

Interestingly, my husband had never made the trip to the Blue Bell Creamery in Brenham so that was a must. My aunt mentioned a water park nearby so we voyaged that way to check it all out.

The Blue Bell Aquatic Center competes with many of the Houston-area water parks with its great offerings. Check out the ice cream-themed water sprinklers and slides! Amazingly, this place is half the price of Houston water parks:

$3 Monday - Friday 11 am - 8 pm

$3 Saturday 10 am - 7 pm

$2 Sunday 1-7 pm

What a splash!

After driving by, taking photos & wishing we had brought our swim suits, we decided we needed a cold treat from the Blue Bell Creamery. Since the tours are only available weekdays, we just browsed the shop and enjoyed the tasty chocolate and vanilla ice cream. Yummy!

Brenham proves to be a relaxed town full of family-oriented offerings. Hope you can make the trip.

Until the next nap time...

San Antonio for Kids

Last weekend, we visited San Antonio. In truth, we were celebrating my father-in-law being awarded the top tax attorney in Texas by the ABA. Since the award ceremony was held at the Hyatt Regencey Hill Country Resort in San Antonio, we made it a family-filled weekend. For once, I have to say, we really seemed to hit things right.

Little K met her Great Grandma Helen for the first time ever. GG Helen flew in from Chicago. What a treat it was to see those two interact! I loved it when Little K pretended to take photos with the disposable camera and asked everyone to say "Hot Mama" while they posed individually for the shot. GG Helen didn't miss a beat. She was quite the "Hot Mama"!

I can't say enough about the hotel either. Super Kid Friendly! The Hyatt really makes it a treat for the entire family from the on-site playground and tether ball set up to the indoor face painting and evening ice cream parlor. The lazy river allows families to float around the campus in inner tubes. Even Little K thought it was a cool way to relax. Every day, families can treat themselves to a delicious breakfast buffet where children age 5 and under eat free. There's no skimping here. It's yummy. Saturday evening the hotel offered a family dinner buffet of Mexican food and festive decor in the courtyard. Don't forget the pony rides, too. The staff was incredibly helpful. Trent & I shared a room with Little K and still enjoyed the spacious room.

Saturday morning, we drove maybe 5 minutes to Sea World for a 2-hour stay that amazed even the biggest critic. Once she got over the initial shock of large animals jumping into air from the pool, Little K really got excited about Shamu's performance. I liked the fact that it was so close to the hotel so we didn't have to travel far after our hot trip through the water amusement park. Refreshing at the Hyatt was easy to do over lunch. I'd love to visit this hotel again.

After our celebrations concluded on Sunday, Trent, Little K & I headed to the Alamo. At left, Trent, Little K & stuffed-animal Dyno pose for a pic in front of the famous Alamo. The crowd was not too much either. Next, we headed to the River Walk and found the entry to the River Boats. Little K was especially interested in this, and yes, Dyno even traveled onboard the boat. Trent later told me that, while he initially hates doing city tours, he really liked the history that was shared on this one. Sometimes, you've just got to do it. I'm convinced that staying at the Hyatt for most of the weekend and then taking a short trip to the Alamo and River Walk is the way to go. I wouldn't change a thing next .... summer?

Until the next nap time...

June 14: KBR Kids Day

KBR Kids Day along Buffalo Bayou: Sat., June 14, '08
Here's something fun to do with your family this weekend!Buffalo Bayou Partnership will be hosting its second annual KBR Kids Day along Buffalo Bayou. Join us for a FREE day of adventure and bayou-rific activitiesKBR Kids Day on Buffalo Bayou. Saturday, June 14, 2008 10am-2pm at Downtown’s Sabine Promenade (Sabine Street between Memorial Drive and Allen Parkway) Click here for a map and directions

Family fun festivities include:

• hands-on activities with over 20 Houston non-profit organization partners
• Up close with birds and bugs on the bayou
• bayou boat rides and kayak demos
• wildflower plantings
• bat games and fishing lessons
• bayou scavenger hunt
• live music, park performers, balloon artists and much more!

Special appearances:
10-11 am - Skateboarding demonstration with PUSH skaters at the Lee and Joe Jamail Skate Park and Houston Texans TORO mascot
11 am-noon - break dancing performancesnoon-1pm - Houston Rockets Power Dancers
1-2 pm - Houston Rockets CLUTCH mascot
Parking available at City Lot H and C(Memorial Drive between Sabine Street and Houston Avenue)
Until the next nap time...