Okay – I had a few more – one from each child. So I thought I’d do a final installment of Sound Bytes.
Starting with Oliver.
We have several kid DVDs that mention The Great Wall of China (Little Einsteins, National Geographic, etc.), and I guess he recently took notice of this landmark. Suddenly, he gets really excited whenever he sees it and yells, “Look Mommy – the BIG Wall of CHINAAH!” Now all three of my kids call it The “Big” Wall of China. This is a source of endless amusement for me.
Then George. (Or as he likes to say, “now George – now George!”)
On our daily walk to the pool, we pass a house that displays several garden gnomes in throughout the landscaping. The twins can’t get enough of them and point excitedly every time they come into view. It’s like they’re actual gnomes running around pushing wheelbarrows and mending bird wings. Anyway – it took about two weeks for George to be able to say “gnome.” He insisted on calling them “omens.” He could easily manage the phonetic pronunciation of “nome” – yet no matter how many times I (and Eleanor, my self appointed T.A.) would ask him to, “repeat after me – NOOOOME,” his response would always be, “OOOOOMEN.” (With a huge smile) Finally yesterday he said “NOMES!” and I though, “FINALLY!” Then Eleanor said “OMENS!” Sigh.
And last but not least (never least), Eleanor.
Yesterday, George took several crayons and drew all over one of the couches. Literally right behind my back. I heard a scribbling on fabric noise behind me (at this point of motherhood I know that sound well) and when I whipped around to find the source, there he was working three crayons at once at Looney Tunes speed. Within seconds he managed to cover the entire back of the couch. I was furious. We talk about “only drawing on paper” something like…oh, I don’t know…FIFTY times a day.
While he was in solitary upstairs , I used a magic eraser to eradicate the marks, and Eleanor kept me company with her running commentary on the entire debacle:
Eleanor: George drew on the furniture. He drew right there.
Me: Yes and we NEVER draw on the furniture.
Eleanor: No. George is in time out. Because he drew right there.
Me: That’s right. He’s in time out because we NEVER draw on the walls or on the furniture. ONLY on paper.
Eleanor: I only draw on paper. Or I get time OUT.
Me: Yes – because drawing on furniture is VERY naughty.
Eleanor: [in wide-eyed seriousness] And it’s VERY dangerous.
I laugh every time I think about this. I guess they do tend to get in trouble for doing things that are “dangerous.” But George’s couch graffiti doesn’t quite qualify. Well – at least one of them is listening to me…
Your series makes me so excited for the day our 5-mo-old can talk. We already swoon for her every coo and gurgle, so I pity our friends and family once there are quotes to pass along.
Also, I saw the name of your blog highlighted in my reader and suddenly thought, "Oh, I want cake. I REALLY, REALLY WANT CAKE!!!!!!" So, (no) thanks for that. ;)
I know all too well the sound of writing on furniture fabric…and walls. Eleanor's onto something. In the hands of a lesser mom, it could be dangerous.
Hi Kate. Idiscovered your blog through pve's blog. When I read your policy on cake and saw your blog header I knew you are a kindred spirit ( I love me a corner piece with a flower if possible but always cake pleeease!!)
Love the sound bytes from your children – hilarious! The things kids say are an endless source of entertainment. I always give moms & das such credit for not cracking up when their children are in need of a scolding because so often the kids say pretty funny things while getting into trouble!
Aren't though magic erasers the greatest invention?!
Have a good weekend!
Amy =o)
Oh my god so freaking cute. Writing on furniture is so dangerous! haha!
Really? Coloring on furniture is a very dangerous activity around here….because you never know just how bad Mommy is gonna lose it after it happens. :)
I say let her think it's dangerous. If it keeps her from doing it and it doesn't scare her, go for it. NO reason to debunk that myth
I really enjoyed your sound bytes! When I was little I used to love those garden omens! And I'm glad to hear that your daughter understands the immense perils of crayola :)