Resusitation

Every so often I make a small effort to revive the blog; it's generally very short lived.

Hopefully not this time.

Last week I received a letter from the school indicating that Kessler was selected for the gifted and talented program. There was a questionnaire about various milestones--when he started walking, talking.. I had to refer to my blog to answer some of them. Wow, I'm just so incredibly happy that I have video/photos/stories to help me remember those years!! I suspect that 5 years from now, I'll appreciate that I brought m2k2 back to life!

Back to my gifted and talented boy. He is. There's no doubt about it. The fact that he knew 40 different species of dinosaurs when he was 3... what they ate, how fast and tall they were. Mark and I had to work really hard to learn the names just so we didn't feel inadequate when he'd quizzed us. We were still wrong. Often. The one thing I hope never to forget is his pronunciation. Seriously. 4-6 syllable names he'd repeat after only hearing it once or twice. Watching him concentrate as he listened, then repeated.. Just amazing.

One of the questions that was interesting was about when he first began to talk. He didn't speak early, but when he spoke, it was in complete sentences. I'm so happy to have a video posted of him "talking".

Another question that I found interesting was about his sense of humor, whether it appeared to be more mature than his age. Mark and I have always noted how funny he is. His delivery is far better than mine. He often says something funny, without ever cracking a smile. He can be silly like a 5 year old too, but there are those moments where you know there's so much going on in his head, you can't help but marvel.

Anyway, I'm not sure how the program will go. I'm very proud of him for being selected, but a little sad for Makena. She's not quite as focused, but she's a smart cookie too. She's a bit more laid back, and happy-go-lucky which definitely has its merits. When she makes her mind up about something, you'd be hard-pressed to stop her.

One thing is for sure, they are two beautiful kids. I'm so lucky to have them!

What does identical mean?

I was reading news online; Mark and Kessler were reading a book. I heard Kessler ask, "What's identical?" "It means the same. Like my butt and your face." Gawd that sounds awful. While it probably is, Mark says things like this in a very conversational tone which generally causes the kids to do a double take then say something like, "Silly daddy!" Or something along those lines. Not this time. Kess responded, "Hmm.. kinda.. except your crack is bigger and it goes the other way." Mark's antics are failing as Kessler is very analytical.

Give that girl a raise!

A few weeks ago Makena said I look like the girl from Modern Family when I straighten my hair.  I wasn't sure who she was referring to.  She clarified last night:

She will receive an increase in her allowance and perhaps a trip to the optometrist.

November? Really?

This is going to be a spastic post.  I managed to get Kessler off playing in his room while I applied for some jobs.  He came in said, "I spelled your name, but I can't do the "d"."  Given that unless he's spelling my middle name, Denise, he's not spelling my name.  I went to his room to find this: 

I told him him he wrote dad.  He said, "Oh."  And asked if I could help him spell "mom".  He was quite proud of himself either way.  He's such a wonderful kid.

Anyway, I took the photo and texted it to Mark and realized that texting is not great for posterity's sake so I thought I'd take this opportunity to update my blog.  (November was the last time I updated it!!)  Which reminded me that I should write about how Kessler lost his first tooth today!  It's been a source of much angst for him the last week or two.  It's exciting for him to partake in some of the big kid stuff like his big sister.  But, he didn't seem to like having a loose tooth.  He didn't want anyone to touch it because it would hurt.  A few days ago he and Makena both started screaming because, "Kessler's bleeding!!!"  We thought he must have cut himself badly so Mark and I both dropped what we were doing and ran to the bathroom only to find it was from his almost totally detached tooth.  It's been overdue to come out for several days.  This morning, after finishing up their morning routine Makena came barreling down the hallway announcing that Kessler had lost his tooth!  The only problem is he actually lost his tooth!  He's not even sure when it fell out.. he only noticed it when he was brushing his teeth. His first idea was to go check the bed.  He'd been up for at least 45 minutes.  So... I'm guessing the tooth fairy will just have to trust us on this one.  The funny thing is, that is SO unlike Kessler.  He's so switched on normally. 

There's so much more to write about, but this will have to do for now.

I'm 'right.

Kessler and I went to the mall today so I could get a haircut and highlights.  I've never taken him with me to get my hair done, but he's such a good boy--I was certain there would be no problems..  Worst case, I'd just give him my phone and he could watch dinosaur things on YouTube.

All was going as planned until he desperately had to go to the bathroom... while I had my hair full of foils.  I tried to convince him to hang on; he did his best to oblige, but mother nature was more convincing.  So, we ran through the mall to the furthest end of Myer (similar to Macy's).  I'm sure people noticed, but I didn't notice them noticing me because I was too busy making it a point to reassure Kessler that we were nearly at the toilet.  Not for his sake, of course.  Anyone within earshot was going to know that I do not accessorize with foils.  

Kessler finished his business and we sauntered back to the salon.  I searched for ways to surreptitiously explain my appearance to those who might have missed the first spectacle.  I drew a blank.  Finally we were safely back at the salon.

About 30 minutes later, nature called again.  At least this time the stylist was nearly finished drying my hair so we made our way to Myer for the second time.  Kessler made a mad dash as soon as the restroom door was in sight.  I arrived just a few seconds after him.  After a few more seconds I stood outside of the only stall with a closed door.  "Are you okay, buddy?"  "Yes."  "Do you need any help?"  "No."  "Okay, let me know if you do."  "Okay."  A few seconds later the lock began to turn.  I gently pushed the door open so I could go in and help him button his pants.  Much to my horror I found an equally horrified woman staring back at me.  In typical Aussie style she says, "I'm 'right; thanks for checking."  

Regaining composure, I quickly scanned the row of stalls once more trying to find the closed door that I previously missed.  There wasn't one.   "Kessler?"  "Yes."  I walked toward his voice and found him 2 stalls down, door wide open.  Just sitting there, resting his chin in his hands, without a care in the world.  

Kessler and Polina

This is a photo of Kessler and his best friend, Polina!

My lovely girl!

Sorry for the orientation of the video.  My phone has lost its bearing; it doesn't matter which way I hold it, it's going to be wrong.

Makena has been taking piano lessons at her school for about 3-4 months.  (It's an external company, but they come to school to do the lessons.)  Every other term they perform a concert.  Makena was supposed to do 2 songs, but I think the teacher forgot.  The laughing you hear in between songs is because of the exchange between Makena and Marcus, her teacher.  She wasn't going to get up until she played her 2nd song!!  Well done, MakNaks!