Baby Coffee

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

2012-01-03T15:48:00.000-05:00

For Christmas this year, we gave Lucy the experience of wading with the dolphins at the aquarium featured in the movie, Dolphin Tale. She saw this movie in the theater and begged daily to meet Winter, the star. We watched the webcams and read the book. She could rattle off details about bottle nosed dolphins and she always wanted to know how long it would take to get to Clearwater Beach, Florida.

Turns out even from Atlanta, it's a long day of driving. Especially with a 3 year old brother.

Anyone can wade with the dolphin, for the right price, of course. On this day, you should note it was very cold, high 40's, with a wicked wind. We dug deep for our Minnesota roots and donned our wetsuits. Most of the time I think Lucy was completely overwhelmed with the fact that she was actually touching and playing with a dolphin. We bought lots of schwag to remember the experience-- tshirts, bags, mugs, bookmarks. Because Lucy loves STUFF and she's a marketing executives dream.

We were in the same tank as Winter, but we played with her friend named Panama. Turns out, Winter doesn't do the shows, as she's in fairly high demand. She also can't do most of the tricks, because of her tail amputation. Panama was very sweet and at one point even dosed off as we rubbed her tummy. The trainer had to wake her up to continue the show. We also had a huge crowd gathered around the tank, maybe 100 people. There was so much to take in and experience.

Here are the best shots of the day!

Being the little brother is really tough sometimes.

Amy Bonk shared a clip with you on Vimeo

2011-12-13T20:21:00.003-05:00

Amy Bonk shared this with you:
http://vimeo.com/33495585

Bonk Holiday Video 2011
http://vimeo.com/33495585

The video of the year...literally.
Happy Holidays!

Fake Uggs

2011-12-08T15:26:00.000-05:00

Lucy has started wrapping her feet in paper towels when she wears her 'Uggs' because the fuzz gets in her feet and it doesn't feel so good.

I suggested socks, but was met with disdain and dirty looks. Clearly, I am the crazy one.

New Bath

2011-12-02T16:58:00.000-05:00

The christening of the new basement bathroom. We nipped off part of the long garage and turned it into a full bath. We've been talking about doing this for years. Now when we have guests, they don't have to go up two floors (or outside).

Friday Hike

2011-11-25T21:19:00.001-05:00

We went on a hike today, me, Lucy and Grandpa. It was about a 3 miler and Lucy was so much fun. She caught a lizard and carried him for at least a mile, begging (demanding), that she keep him for a pet. Somehow, I convinced her to let it go, back to his parents, babies, cozy home, stash of food, and whatever other lies I created to save that poor thing from a slow painful death. Here is Lucy's self portrait of the day:

New Laundry Room

2011-11-17T17:38:00.001-05:00

Halloween Outakes

2011-11-05T15:35:00.001-04:00

School Photos

2011-10-27T18:54:00.000-04:00

Yes, his hair really is that red. We suspect it came from my Dad, but really it's just from left field and still makes us smile. He's also a wee bit devilish, just like the photo.
Eli: Preschool - 3 years old

The sweetness!
Lucy: Kindergarten - 6 years old

Old Man

2011-10-17T15:05:00.001-04:00

Like an old man, Eli prefers to nap in his chair, pushed up right next to his radio and book shelf. He falls asleep most nights like this too, but I move him into his bed. For napping, I leave him there.

In Heaven

2011-10-16T08:15:00.002-04:00

But, not psyched about her assistant.

A Poem

2011-10-14T07:17:00.001-04:00

By Lucy Bonk

Pouring rain so sad
Keep out said the police
The streets are closed
The Bonk family sleeps downstairs
Lighting lighting baby crying
Mama settles the baby down
In the morning it is dry

Written "during math class". That's my girl!

Lucy reading

2011-09-26T19:21:00.001-04:00

Lucy is now reading short books from school. This is her first reading to her brother!

Eli's Day

2011-08-30T13:46:00.002-04:00

Little bro finally got HIS first day of school today. It's been all about Lucy and The Bus and Her School and Her Routines for so long he stopped asking when he would start school. Well, it was today and really no big deal. If I didn't know better, I'd think he mumbled, "Whatevs", when I dropped him off. He didn't even look up at me to say goodbye. When I picked him up and asked him in the car what he did today, he very politely stated, "We played, we ate snack, we read some books, and then you picked me up". Preschool in a nut shell from a 3 year old.

I don't know if it's second child, boy, neurotypical or a healthy combination of all three, but he's soooo easy. Even if he is running around the house without any pants on, during what should be his nap time.

Last Days of Summer

2011-08-23T08:55:00.000-04:00

Life is good for Eli after Lucy leaves for school. We break all the rules.

Mountain Park Community Garden

2011-08-16T09:16:00.001-04:00

First Day of Kindergarten

2011-08-15T10:41:00.001-04:00

Kindergarten Open House

2011-08-12T21:01:00.001-04:00

Lucy met her teachers and saw her classroom today, in preparation for the first day of school on Monday, August 15th. She drew her teachers a picture of the planets orbiting the sun. She was describing the picture to them and they seemed impressed with her use of the word orbit. It was then that I looked at them and asked, while nodding my head, that they had looked in her file, yes? I got that blank stare with a half nod, which really means, I have no idea what you are talking about.

Not very reassuring for the mother of a child with Aspergers who is sending her child off to Kindergarten, on the bus, for the very first time.

She wants to bring her teachers an apple on the first day of school, so we will stay positive and go with it. She knows her bus color and her cubby number and her teachers name. Maybe I will scribble my phone number on her arm, just as back up.
>
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Water Game Number 2,593

2011-08-08T08:25:00.000-04:00

This is why I am crazy insane by the time Ken gets home. She is always getting her animals water to drink. And then that water makes it's way throughout the house in the form of a 3 year old named Eli.

Just Because

2011-08-06T16:40:00.000-04:00

And they got to pick the decorations.

Rope Girl

2011-07-27T13:55:00.003-04:00

On the way to the pool, there was this:

And on the way home from the pool, it morphed into this:

I like to think future knot professional, rock climber, world class sailor...because does this girl ever like to tie things up and play with string/ropes/leashes. It's been a recurrent play theme for years. Just the other day she got in trouble for lowering her stuffed animal, tied up, down the wall and knocking off a framed picture. Maybe search and rescue trainer.

Fly Away

2011-07-23T14:25:00.000-04:00

And then there is this:

Lucy Flies Away from Amy Bonk on Vimeo.

The Zoo

2011-07-21T20:54:00.003-04:00

Today it seemed like a good idea to go to the zoo. Lucy has camp all week from about 9:30am to 5pm. That leaves all day for Eli to hang out with me, which gets a little boring for him. My brainstorms are much more neat and tidy than Lucy's. It was HOT today, as usual, so the zoo involved playing on the play ground, talking about the stinky animal poop, eating slushies and touching every item for sale in the gift shop.

Eli took a 30 minute nap on the way home, and then we gathered our things and spent the afternoon at the pool. No better way to spend these steamy Atlanta summer days.

Lucy is doing so well at camp, I just can't stop telling people about it. Although today, she got stung by a bee. I'm so glad it was on their time, and not mine. Because with them, she bucked up and continued on with her day. If she had been with me, The Whine would have lasted all day. And the best news out of that tidbit of trauma is that she didn't go into anaphylactic shock! So bees, we are not allergic to you.

Pirates and Princesses

2011-07-19T21:05:00.003-04:00

Eli had his birthday party on Sunday at our community pool. We had a joint party with another neighborhood friend who also turned 3 a few days later, Grace. We went with the princess and pirate theme, served some margaritas, cupcakes and chicken fingers, and called it a party.

Phoebe, loosing her second tooth in as many days.

Grace, the birthday girl

Thankfully, he has a big sister to keep him in line. Do not blow out those candles, until it is time.

After three years, I finally got a decent picture of me and both of my children.

The last of the motley crew. Most had gone home. The dedicated party peeps.

It really was the perfect party. Kids had fun, adults had beverages and it was all right here in our neighborhood. We are so lucky to live in a beautiful secret hide-a-way, with a bunch of really fun and loving group of people. Thanks for a great party!

Mighty 3

2011-07-17T09:00:00.001-04:00

And still wearing his sisters PJ's.

Happy Birthday Eli!

Swipper

2011-06-21T14:41:00.004-04:00

Can NOT

get HIM

to wear his own pajamas.

It's a race to Lucy's nightgown drawer each evening after they take their baths. You can see Eli's determination to get there first. All attempts at trying to get him to put on his own PJ's have been ditched.

(All these photos were taken with an iPad. The resolution is somewhat disappointing).

2nd Tooth

2011-06-16T21:12:00.001-04:00

Lucy lost her second tooth today, appropriately while eating a hamburger. She told me to write this note for The Fairy, because she has magical powers. Hopefully, the 2 bucks will suffice??? 1 dollar bill...and 4 quarters...wishful thinking on my part, but The Tooth Fairy does not bring live animals.

Bossy

2011-06-15T20:33:00.001-04:00

As I was putting Lucy to bed, she asked me if I was in charge of the whole house. When I asked her if she thought I was, she said yes. I then asked her why, and she told me it's because I boss everyone around all the time. I told her that someone needed to tell everyone what to do, and she agreed.

Summer, Part 1

2011-06-14T11:39:00.000-04:00

It's been a hot summer, so far, and for the most part everyone is behaving themselves. Lots of time at the pool with a little summer camp mixed in. It's barely the middle of June and we've already harvested a few veggies.

Poop

2011-05-12T06:47:00.000-04:00

The other day at Target, Eli took serious note of a box of chocolate donuts on the shelf. The kind of donuts that could sit in that box on the shelf for years. He pointed to them, looked at me with confusion and said, "Mom, look, POOP!...Can we eat it"? I guess if there is poop in a box on the shelf of a grocery store, you should be able to eat it.

The Great Name Game

2011-05-04T19:29:00.001-04:00

Below are the names of all of our frogs, fish and snails. All have died except for one frog, one fish and one snail. But, the names are so great, I had to write them down. Lucy named them all.

Frogs
Bad Guy -(big frog who picked on the little frog)
Policeman (little frog)

Fish
Goldie (Gold fish, obviously)
Costume (had a black moustache)
4th of July (was stripped)
4th of July 2 (replaced the 1st)
Movie Star (blue beta fish)

Snail
Slimey

The Truck

2011-04-30T08:41:00.000-04:00

Piles and bins full of stuff for their truck. The fun is in putting everything away!

First Tooth

2011-04-27T06:38:00.003-04:00

Big day! April 27, 2011, Lucy lost her first tooth!

Quotes

2011-04-26T15:02:00.000-04:00

I'm trying a new feature, quotes by Lucy. I'll tag them as quotes, in case you ever want a list. I should have done this a long time ago.

"Mom, watching TV for me is like smoking. When I watch TV, I'm just like, Ahhhhhhhh, I'm so relaxed".

Scarecrow

2011-04-26T08:32:00.002-04:00

This morning Lucy watched a Curious George episode where he made a scarecrow. Lucy had to make one too, and this is what she did all on her own.

Asperger's: The Answer I Have Been Looking For

2011-04-22T08:32:00.001-04:00

When you get the final diagnosis, it isn't a surprise. You've done the paperwork, demanded meetings, carried your child from therapy appointment to doctor to special class. You read the books and articles and scoured the internet for answers. In many ways, the final diagnosis is a relief. Now you can move forward, with a plan, an answer and an understanding. But just like every other parent, you really have no idea what you are doing, and the hardest part, is what do you say? To your child, to your friends, family. How do you tell people your child has Asperger's? Are you using it as an excuse to explain away some of the quirky behavior? Will people treat your child differently? You can only hope that for the best as you dip your toe into the world of those-who-know.

I've told a few friends and relatives, teachers, and classmates. But not everyone. In some ways I feel like I'm holding a secret, but not intentionally. I don't want to make others uncomfortable, or maybe I just don't have the time to talk about it in depth. Maybe I'm tired, but I am certainly not in denial.

I used to think 'awareness months' were slightly pathetic. I don't have an explanation for why. With this April being Autism Awareness month, it has opened my eyes to new information. Friends have emailed me articles or therapies I haven't tried or known about. It's been nice. So, in honor of Lucy, I decided to share her news on what started out, as her website. I named this website Baby Coffee when Lucy was a baby because she hardly ever slept, and I drank lots of coffee to get through the day. In my sleepy stupor, my only world consisted of Baby and Coffee. Five years later, this is still mostly true. It's been a bad week for sleep. Lucy has been excited about Easter and hasn't slept. She does not do well knowing that something will happen at some point in the future. Finally, in a rare moment of genius, I decided to move Easter up a few days. This morning, Good Friday, was Easter.

Below are a few pictures of Lucy. After that, I have included an explanation about Asperger's I sent out to family and friends. She's one of a kind, and is going to be a great inventor! She has come so far in the 3 years we've had her in various therapies. Her biggest struggles are mostly sensory overload and talking only about what she wants to talk about, incessantly. She is so smart, it's exhausting. I can't wait until she can read so she can research cannibalism and cancer and venus fly traps on her own!

Lucy was recently diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, or High Functioning Autism, a neurodevelopment disorder which makes it hard to process the environment around her. This diagnosis comes after years of observations by therapists, psychologists, teachers and doctors. It was not a surprise, but rather a welcomed answer and a pointed direction to concentrate our energy. There is nothing to fix, however Lucy will continue to attend various therapies to help her become more comfortable in her own skin and process complex social cues.
The purpose of this letter is to explain behaviors you may observe in Lucy so that you can interact with her in a supportive and appropriate manner. You may observe the following characteristics in Lucy:

Cognitive Skills
• Large vocabulary, above average intelligence, excellent memory
• Narrow areas of interest, to the point of obsession in those specific areas
• Strictly adheres to routines, and is very inflexible when faced with altered schedules or transitions from one activity to the next

Social-Emotional Skills
• Prefers to do all the talking, doesn't listen very well
• May talk a lot about a particular area of interest
• Doesn't understand jokes and sarcasm very well
• Frequently resorts to playing alone
• Does not adhere to the rules of play, or doesn't understand them
• Wants to make friends, even though it's difficult
• May interact more with adults or younger children, than with children her own age.
• In general, has difficulty reading people in social situations and often acts awkward. This will improve with age, but will always be a little rough around the edges.

Sensory Issues
• Extremely sensitive to noises. May cry and hold ears when around loud noises
• Very limited diet, may eat only certain foods, refuses to try new ones
• Parties and large events are overwhelming due to amount of people, noise, new foods, new routines, and visual stimulation
• Has a hard time sitting still, needs to feel sensory input by running, jumping, climbing
• Does not like to be hugged, kissed or touched, unless initiated by her.

How You Can Help
• Please don’t try to hug her hello or goodbye (unless, of course, she initiates this). A good substitute for a hug is a high five. She is also really into ‘thumbs up’ right now.
• Don’t tell her that ‘someday’ we will (make ice cream, go to the zoo, have you over to play, etc.). In Lucy’s mind this means tomorrow and she cannot let it go. She doesn’t understand that sometimes people are just being nice. She takes everything very literally.
• Kids with Asperger’s are highly susceptible to being bullied. Please help us keep an extra eye out for this. If she tells you something happened, it did. She does not have the ability to manipulate a situation and/or tell lies (very well).

Making Wishes

2011-04-09T14:22:00.002-04:00

Like, "I wish I weren't allergic to dogs", and other equally heart breaking dreams.

Tybee Island, GA

2011-03-31T16:18:00.000-04:00

We took the kids to the beach, you know, to relax. We didn't really relax, and taking a 2 year old to the beach didn't turn out so well. You'd think we know this type of thing the second time around. The trip was exhausting, and to recap it makes me tired. Here are the highlights:

We got a flat tire on the way down, an hour south of our house. The kids didn't know we were stopped for 45 minutes! They looked out the window and saw cars whizzing by, so I guess they assumed we were still driving.

Eli didn't like the beach, nor sleeping.

On the last day, Lucy discovered that she DID, LIKE, THE BEACH!

We rented a really cool house.

Eli ran away from us the entire time.

Lucy slept well!

The night before we left to come back home, a huge storm woke every one up. The power was out, Eli was very scared. Finally, at 7am we all got up and packed up in the dark. As we were pulling away from the house, the power came back on. Right?

We ate out for breakfast at The Waffle House. I brought in a stale ole pancake for Lucy and had them warm it up on their griddle.

The End.

EWB

2011-03-24T21:28:00.002-04:00

Thank you for being so easy to potty train. You took on the task with serious intensity and did NOT want to mess it up. After the first day, you really didn't even care if I gave you a reward jelly bean or not (but your sister sure did). You'll go anywhere, Target, Grandpa's, school, whatever. You don't really care, just need to do your business and get on with playing. While potty training, you decided you love to wear Lucy's nightgowns, and we let you. You even like to wear her swim suits, but I saved those photos for another day.

You are serious about your ice cream consumption. The only item on your list better than ice cream is chocolate. Put the two together, and get ready for the most excited little 2 year old you have ever seen.

Lucy's room is your favorite place to be, even if she doesn't agree. I let you play in there as much as you like when she is at school. It's only fair.

What's a two year old without froggy boots on a warm day?

You love those little frogs and it takes all your will power not to reach your grubby little hands in there and swipe one for some serious fun. You call them a family, which melts my heart.

The Gummy Bear That Never Ends

2011-03-07T19:44:00.001-05:00

Eli and Lucy sharing the biggest gummy bear on earth. Eli thinks girls nightgowns are appropriate attire for everyone, anytime. I forsee kilts in his future.

Inventor

2011-02-19T19:18:00.001-05:00

Lucy taped together all her baby strollers so she can walk lots of babies at the same time. It's called, The Biggest Stroller in the World. Naturally.

Champion

2011-02-18T09:05:00.001-05:00

And the winner of the most tortured brother award goes to:

A Girl Gets Her Wish

2011-02-16T15:37:00.001-05:00

Since it finally got above 60 degrees, I granted Lucy one of her many, daily requests. Playing in the Hello Kitty sprinkler.

Sibling Love

2011-02-14T10:32:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day

Eli @ 2.5 years

2011-02-06T20:33:00.000-05:00

Lucy's Very Special Cupcakes

2011-02-04T19:53:00.004-05:00

Nut free, dairy free, egg free, artificial color free, all vegan cupcakes! These were made with soy milk, coconut oil, natural food coloring, natural non almond extract. Even the little heart decoration is from Trader Joe's and contains no artificial coloring. And of course they taste delish.

Rainbow Brite

2011-01-29T19:28:00.000-05:00

Scored some RB PJ's at TJMaxx for $6! Lucy discovered an 80's Rainbow Brite movie on Netflix and is in love.

Non-Fiction

2011-01-27T13:10:00.000-05:00

Lucy told me her classmate Ethan killed a snake with a knife and then sucked out the blood. When I questioned the validity of the statement, she defended herself by saying, "Mom, yes he did! It's non-fiction".

First Donut

2011-01-15T09:03:00.001-05:00

The idea of a donut was much more exciting than the consumption. He didn't like he hands getting messy, but he really liked carrying the bag!

Day Four

2011-01-14T07:26:00.007-05:00

This is how I got Lucy home from an epic trip to the doctor. Just past the car is the big hill. This is the condition of the streets after four days...

And this is the Tupperware container repurposed as the vomitorium for Eli.

Totally Unprepared

2011-01-12T16:27:00.002-05:00

Ha! A medium I haven't used yet to bitch about the Atlanta snow storm of the decade! In case you haven't heard, we are on day 3 of being totally and completely snowed/iced in. No school all week, and most likely not tomorrow (Thursday) either. We've played in the snow, skied, sledded, shoveled and now we are done and would like it to go away. Atlanta is just not prepared in any way to deal with this kind of weather. I read today the city of Atlanta has 8 snow plows??? Why I spent every last morsel of my energy to chip out the ice half way up our huge hill so Ken could get his car to the top and leave it there...I'll never know. Because now, he's gone and I have two stir crazy children, one of whom barfed every 15 minutes from 6pm last night, until 3am this morning. At that time, she *only* barfed every 30 minutes until 6am. All day I've been wondering, does my stomach hurt...do I feel barf-y...or am I just hungry? Eli is running figure 8 sprints around the table then the kitchen island, something like a caged animal. And Lucy just keeps asking me to sit down with her. But I have piles of laundry! Barfed on at that!

Last night, I will admit I did escape for a few hours. It was a night of fun and adventure. I met my neighbor at the top of the big hill with sleds (to load up with supplies and pull home). We loaded them into the car (that I had stashed up there earlier in the day), and went to the grocery store. But nothing was open, except for Wal-mart. It was a eerie outing, everyone looking half showered, half asleep, like they too have been trapped inside for days. Not all the lights were on in the store, and the produce department was sparsely stocked. We took our sweet time, enjoying the time away, loading up on essentials like toys and hummus. On the way home Ken called to tell me Lucy had started barfing. While trying to park my car at the top of the hill, I got stuck in some mud and which required 4 people to help push it out. I'm not kidding when I say, it was fun and it was good to get out.

The biggest news of the day is Eli TELLING me he has poop in is pants, instead of me discovering it myself and chasing him around the house, tackling him and wrestling him to wipe the smelly excrement off his butt. He also asked me if he could eat it and then told me he smelled it and made smelling -- sniff sniff -- sounds. Like it was a freshly baked pie.

Well, at least the dolls are having a great time!

Finally

2011-01-10T07:11:00.000-05:00

Pepper the sled dog gets to do his work.

White Christmas

2010-12-27T10:08:00.000-05:00

It was a white Christmas in Atlanta this year. The kids couldn't get enough of the snow. Such a special treat. Eli broke several of his gifts on Christmas day. His excitement could not be contained and he was bubbling over with energy, determination to touch everything, and would not sit down for a minute. Lucy was in her prime, loving all the presents, being patient with her brother and in general being a lovely little girl.

As I type this, Eli is destroying my office, taking every game off the shelf and strewing it about on the floor. Game pieces, dice, cards, boxes. It's the price I pay for a few minutes to sit down.

Until next time...Happy New Year!

XOXO

2010-12-15T14:32:00.000-05:00

Lucy and her best buddy from school, Luke, have now started blowing each other kisses. She also gives him hugs and kisses when she says goodbye to him. If you don't know this, Lucy is not a big hugger, so this is particularly funny.

Santa lives in Mountain Park

2010-12-12T07:37:00.005-05:00

There are many great things about living in Mountain Park, Georgia, but I'm going to say the very best thing, is the annual Santa Run. Each year, Santa and his elves deliver Christmas presents to all the kids in our small community and the surrounding subdivisions. This goes on all day, starting at 8am and going until 5 or 6pm. The volunteer fire and rescue department coordinates the entire event, and it is an enormous logistical task. We are usually the first or second stop of the morning. The fire truck is followed by the ambulance, followed by 4 or 5 additional car/trucks filled, filled, filled, with presents. Santa and the elves are transported in the ambulance, and Mrs. Claus sits in the fire truck. The sirens blare and we go outside to wait for Santa and his elves to stop in front of our house. When everything finally comes to a stop, out pops a crew of 15 to help Santa deliver the gifts. Photos are hard to take because of the commotion. We need to be highly involved in getting the kids to sit on Santa's lap and not get run over. Lucy likes it, but the sirens and the huge crowd make her a little nervous. This year we finally wised up and let her wear her ear muffs to drown out the sound. Eli scrambled up into Santa's lap with hardly a pause. It is truly a sight that brings tears to your eyes, each and every time. It never gets old.

Santa brought Lucy a box full of accessories to help her take care of ALL her babies. Eli received a toy with lots of buttons. Of course, he likes Lucy's gift more.

Happy Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-25T07:21:00.002-05:00

Things of note this week:

Eli has jumped, fallen, flown, soared and slid off everything in my entire house this week. Remarkably, he has not (seriously) injured himself. Yet.

Lucy's teeth get smaller by the day. She grinds them and they are slowly disappearing. I see it very clearly in photos. I'm told some kids do this and once they get their permanent teeth in it will stop. I'm not convinced.

Lucy dressed up as a 'Cowboy' one day. She even went to school like this, which is remarkable in itself, since she rarely wants to call attention to the way she dresses.

Eli has taken to barfing on random occasions. In the car, at the dinner table, in his bed. He usually tells me when he is done "ALL DONE", then takes off running to jump off something else.

Picture Day!

2010-11-13T21:55:00.000-05:00

Superman

2010-11-09T10:52:00.001-05:00

Hey, he INSISTED on wearing the Dora undies. Wore them to bed, all night too.

And speaking of beds, Eli has moved out of his crib, into a bed. But, I still have the crib in the corner of his room, just in case I need to keep him contained! It's hard to slow down Superman.

Halloween Recap, 2010

2010-11-01T21:05:00.000-04:00

This was the first year that Lucy really understood the full concept of Halloween and appreciated it. That made it fun and extra special. I've learned over the years to pick out comfortable clothes for her costume -- they can't be itchy or too over the top. This year, she requested a mask to wear with her skeleton costume. She wore it here and there, around the house and in the car. But, she didn't want to wear it Trick or Treating or to any of the umpteen Halloween parties we attended.

The pathetic one of the season was Eli. Poor kid has been sick on and off for almost two weeks now. On Halloween, he was so sick, he couldn't even go out for candy. He stayed home with Dad. Conveniently, there was a Vikings game on, so Ken was more than happy to stay home with the sick kid. We were up with him most of the night, as he was raging through a fever, in excess, at times of 103. The antibiotics finally kicked in today, so he is on the mend. He keeps picking up the candy bags and looking at me and saying, "Trick or Treat'? I haven't really had the heart to tell him he missed out. We just load him up with all of Lucy's nut and chocolate candy and call it even.

She insisted on painting her pumpkin white first, then applying a face. We also carved pumpkins, but that was so hectic I didn't get any pictures.

Boo at the Zoo, with her BFF, Zella

Eli at his one and only Halloween event. He was dressed up as a Fireman, but he got too hot and took off his coat (casualty of Halloween in the south).

Here he is sick, and insisting on wearing the Tutu.

The Box...

2010-10-27T14:55:00.000-04:00

...is always more fun than what is inside!

First Word

2010-10-22T19:59:00.000-04:00

During the morning dance of chaos, Lucy asked me how to spell the word toy. I told her, and she repeated the letters under her breath. She does this often, whispering things to herself -- talking to herself. A few minutes later, she asked for some paper. I ran downstairs to the laundry room and grabbed the first thing I could find and gave her the paper, secretly thankful she was passing the time before school doing something besides watching TV. Twenty minutes later she proudly showed me 20 pieces of paper with the single word T-O-Y written on them. She had written her first word! So much excitement in the house these days.

She took all the pieces of paper and handed them out to her friends at school, so they would know how to spell the word too. Later in the day, she asked for more paper and made more flyers with the word toy carefully written in the upper left hand corner. We went out to dinner to celebrate (or just an excuse to get out of making dinner?), and she handed out the flyers to everyone in the restaurant. On our way home, she handed them out to neighbors in the streets. This is from a girl who doesn't like to wear dresses or put her hair up because "people will say things to me" (read, compliments).

Up until a month ago, she would have nothing to do with writing. Hated writing her name, wouldn't do it no matter how cleverly I tried to help. All her letters were upside down and backwards. You could see the struggle and frustration. Often she scribbled lines on a page, probably liking the way it feels, but resembling nothing. This is a major development in Lucy's world.

Apple Orchard

2010-10-12T11:01:00.003-04:00

We went to an apple farm this past weekend. Must be the thing to do with kids, since there were so many there it felt like we were living in an ant farm. These photos of Eli below capture his personality so well right now. He's two and all about it. He's been running for about a year now, but it has taken on a new seriousness lately. You really have to work at it to catch up to him. And he's strong and will fight you to the death to keep all 32 pounds of him planted on the ground. He does not like to sit, EVER, even to eat. He's always into anything, everything, never stopping. If he has something he thinks he shouldn't, he looks straight at me and shoves it in his mouth, then gives me a little smirk. Hilariously unfunny most of the time. He jumps off anything he can find. Climbs up onto the counters with no stool or chair. Has no interest in being potty trained and truly plays very quietly by himself when he has a load in his pants. He talks all the time, narrating the world around me. If I feed him anything besides macaroni and cheese, and pushes it away and declares loudly, "I don't like it". The tickle games could go on for days. If I stop he grabs my hand and tells to me to do it again. This boy is funny and has a great sense of humor. He's taller at 2, than Lucy was a 3. He likes Diego, but not Elmo. And he's really pissed that he has to sit in a 5 point car seat, while his sister gets to sit in a booster.

Lucy was like Eli too; intensely active, never letting up, into everything. People often see Eli and proclaim, "THIS IS WHAT BOYS ARE LIKE". As if I had it easy the first round with Lucy because she was a girl. And I laugh (or maybe cry) inside, because this was what Lucy was like too, only worse. Because she screamed all the time and wouldn't sleep, until just recently. So far, being five has been a big deep breath of fresh mountain air. She listens to me sometimes, even does what I ask once in a while. She sweetly tries to take care of her brother (when she isn't grabbing her toys out of his hands). Last night she set the table for the whole family without asking. I can sometimes reason with her now, explaining she has no time to watch the Care Bears because she slept late and we need to get to school. She actually accepts that answer and moves on without melting into the floor in a pile of tears. She knows when Eli is doing something wrong and lets us know. But, she hasn't taken it too far and become an annoying tattle tale. She's still the same old Lucy, but just a little softer. She gets upset when her old clothes don't fit her anymore and she tells me she wants to be four again like some of her friends. And even if that were possible, I'd never let it happen in a million years. I love five.

First Lemonade Stand

2010-10-05T14:51:00.001-04:00

Lucy's 5th Birthday - 9.19.2010

2010-09-19T21:34:00.000-04:00

Lucy celebrated her birthday with an out of town friend on Friday evening at American Girl doll store. In the past, Lucy didn't know you could BUY things from the store, she thought it was just a place to LOOK. Sorta like a museum. Go ahead moms, take that nibblet of genius for your children who have not yet been corrupted by The Consumerism. We blew the top off that old theory and bought a brother (Freddy) for his twin sister Sally, (who has been featured here in the past completely covered from head to toe with scotch tape) and a husky with a dogsled. And that decision was completely unprompted. No words like, 'look Lucy a DOGSLED'. I really don't even know if she remembers I used to instruct dogsledding courses for Outward Bound - could care less, I'm sure. She had been eyeing it in the catalog, drooling over the thought. So dogsled it was. Lucy loves dolls and dogs, so this was a perfect marriage. I never really played with dolls as a child, much to my mothers frustration. This love of all things doll related jumped from my mom, over me, right into Lucy.

Happy 5th Birthday Lucy Marlow!

First Day of Preschool, 2010

2010-09-08T08:04:00.000-04:00

The kids started preschool on Tuesday. Eli will go two mornings a week, and Lucy will be in pre-K 5 mornings a week. People have been asking what I am going to do with ALL that time...all 6 hours a week without a child. The list, it is really endless. But mostly, I will try and get on the workout wagon again.
Lucy has really grown up so much this summer. She rocked her first day of school and took it in stride. Eli is growing into a big, loud, opinionated and fast 2 year old. I sat with him for an hour on his first day (this is the way they do it), and I leave him for an hour on Thursday. The following week, we will be on a full regular schedule.

First of Many

2010-09-05T20:37:00.000-04:00

Lucy turns five in two weeks. This was her first cake, of many, over the next several weeks. Her best friend will be out of town on her big day, so they invited us over for an early celebration.

A Series of (non fatal) Events

2010-09-04T13:35:00.000-04:00

Oh, hi there! Sorry I've been neglecting all of you faithful readers. I don't know what I've been doing, but surely it was important.

Recently, I made a few questionable parental decisions, that culminated in this:

Eli perched on the top of Lucy's armoire eating gumballs

I started giving Lucy stars for good behavior and when she collects 5 stars she earns a quarter. I've been using this obvious bribe to not only get her to do what I want her to do, but to also teach her about money. She collected $1 and was excited to go and spend her dollar in the dollar section of Target. She looked for a long time. This girl needs TIME to make decisions, and finally settled on a box of gumballs. Normally, I would not let her buy this type of thing, but it took so long for her to make this decision in the first place, I just wanted to get out of that store. Next, she decided she was going to store these well earned gumballs in her room. Again, normally, I would fight her to the death on this, but for some reason, I let it go. It took all of about a half of a day for Eli to discover this new pile of sugar, which led Lucy to put them on top of her armoire, out of Eli's reach. Lastly, Eli was quiet for more than 2 seconds, upon which time I discovered him shoving colorful balls of gum into his mouth. Now, how did he get up there?

Lost count of what day of vacation....

2010-08-20T08:21:00.001-04:00

Photo credits: DAD

Brasstown Bald

2010-08-19T21:00:00.000-04:00

The highest point in Georgia. Photo taken with my new cell phone. Still on vacation!

Vacay Day Three and Four

2010-08-17T22:21:00.000-04:00

Peek

A-Boo

This is where Lucy plans to catch and transport the beaver she has been looking for since arriving here, four days ago. And she is serious. Don't even try and tell her it's not possible, because she does not want to hear it. Big plans are in store for this beaver, that will sleep in our house and eat wood and become our pet. THIS is the beaver car seat. Probably the first ever!

Vacay Day 2

2010-08-15T18:06:00.000-04:00

According to Lucy

2010-08-14T11:21:00.000-04:00

Lucy brought a rope on our vacation just in case we find a beaver. That way, we can gently put the rope around its neck and bring it inside the vacation house and feed it wood.

4 year old perspective

2010-08-12T19:43:00.000-04:00

7:35pm

Lucy: Mom, what does boring mean?

Me: (explains)

Lucy: Mom, boring is not having a sleep over every night.

------

7:37 pm

Lucy: Do we have to go on the highways to get to the vacation house?

Me: Yes, it's about 2 hours.

Lucy: Mom, my brain can't wait that long.

Family Genes

2010-08-11T16:01:00.001-04:00

That photo of Eli reminded me of the photo on the left. People often tell me that Eli looks just like his Dad, but we didn't really think so. Photos of the two at the same age showed little resemblance. It wasn't until my Uncle Fred emailed the black and white photo of my dad above that we all had our big a-ha moment. Eli and my dad, clones! All I need to do is get Eli on a horse with a Tally - Ho saddle blanket and you could hardly tell a diff.

Bad connection

2010-08-11T09:31:00.000-04:00

We are having technical difficulties with our internet connection (CHARTER, you scummy little excuse for an internet provider) and I am not able to upload photos. In fact, I am updating this entry via my cell phone. Soon, we will be upgrading to U-verse. In the meantime, all I have for you are cell phone images. This is an old one I found of Eli on his birthday!

Summer!

2010-08-03T20:47:00.000-04:00

Best Line of the Day

2010-08-02T21:18:00.001-04:00

9pm

Lucy just came downstairs and asked me if it was morning yet. When I asked her what she thought, she quickly and confidently replied, "YES"!

I think it is time for a clock in her room.

We Already Have Zhu Zhu Pets

2010-07-25T21:26:00.000-04:00

Lucy is a very persistent child. I know this will serve her well someday, I really do. She also has, what I like to refer to as 'sticky thoughts'. She gets ideas in her head that she simply can not let go. For quite some time now, she has been stuck on the idea that she needs to have a hamster. We've been very clear that she is not going to get a hamster. I think I told her she could get them when she is 7 (because that is the suggested age on the sign at the pet shop). Not because we are mean! Exactly the opposite! We are kind human beings who want to save a poor hamster from being loved to death. One day, Lucy spent 10 minutes trying to convince us that she knew everything in the world about how to care for hamsters, and thus should be able to get one. She references her book often (note: she does not know how to read). I've narrowed that 10 minutes down to 1 in the video below. We were throwing out hypotheticals to her and the kid did not miss a beat. She had an answer for everything. I must confess that I am very proud that we still do not own a hamster. Because it would have been so easy to cave on any one of the 975 times we have talked about hamsters in the last few months. Just to stop the words coming out of her mouth.

I Guess That Was A Bad Idea

2010-07-20T17:19:00.002-04:00

I checked the list of ingredients for the sorbet. All clear. But in my 'wow, this is going to be so nice', moment, I neglected to remember the scoop the ice cream store used probably scooped some nuttylicious flavor just before we walked in. I guess we will stick with popsicles. Bummer.

Celebrating Eli's 2nd Birthday

2010-07-19T11:02:00.000-04:00

Eli turned two this past weekend. To celebrate the big day, we went to Chattanooga, Tennessee for the day and spent the night. We did the town up and down, including the Children's Museum, the River Walk, swimming at the hotel, dinner, presents and cupcakes. The next day, we went to Rock City and then headed home. I present to you, a weekend in pictures:

This is the only way Eli eats cupcakes. And notice his beloved key set Grandpa gave him for his birthday. He slept with them in his crib, of course.

And now we take over Rock City. Eli RAN through the entire place, sweat covered from top to bottom. Lucy was a little less enthusiastic about the days events. But My Little Pony was there for moral support.

Lucy has officially entered that phase of her life where photos are no longer cute, but simply a way for parents to annoy their children. And this is how they get their revenge. Some things are eternal and it's almost a comfort to see them appear.

She smiles! She looks cute!!

Oh, The Whine is back. But look, My Little Pony is sticking by her side.

The picture of me at this spot has Lucy crawling through my legs and Eli trying to get out of my arms. Dad and Eli is so much better.

Aaaaaaaaaaaand, we are done.

Goodbye Kitty

2010-07-15T12:31:00.001-04:00

Dear Hello Kitty stamp pad,

Thanks so much for your help this morning as I was trying to get everything ready to leave the house! You were right there, when I needed you most. You kept Eli occupied so well, for such a long time. I should have known you were helping him discover his creative side.

Oh, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to throw you in the trash! Here, let me take this bag of trash downstairs to the trash bin, just to make sure Lucy doesn't miss you.

See you, never again!

Amy

P.S. I just found more evidence all over the closet door, the desk, the chair, the baby gate (you know, the one whose sole purpose in life is to keep Eli out of Lucy's room for just this sort of act of curiosity).

Night Rythyms

2010-07-12T15:59:00.001-04:00

Eli now rests comfortably in his crib with the crib tent attachment. I've had it in a box in the basement for him for a good 6 months. I think he knew how to get out of his crib, he just didn't really feel like it. Which was nice. But once he really grasped the idea of the freedom, there was no stopping him. This is a lovely invention. I'm planning to keep him in this crib until he is 3, or he outgrows Lucy, whichever comes first.

Lucy is a girl with a lot on her mind and a long list of to do's. This do to list really takes on a whole new meaning at bedtime. There are so many stuffed animals to put to bed, dolls to dress, beds to make and forts to build, it boggles the mind. This week, she has been sleeping with a large copier paper box at the bottom of her bed. This is where her stuffed animal Bolt sleeps. He's got blankets in there and brushes, and leashes jeez, Lucy my eyes have glazed over already.... But I did find a half eaten bagel down there too. I tried to remove it, but a complete meltdown almost ensued. The other day I looked and it was gone, so I guess he ate it.

Last Week

2010-07-07T12:47:00.002-04:00

All talk, no action.

I hope she won't be disappointed when she finds out she doesn't get to shave her face.

Getting ready for the 4th of July parade.

No fear.

Summer day play.

Hummus is back on Lucy's approved list. But she doesn't like it on anything, except her finger.

Quotes of the Day

2010-07-06T15:47:00.000-04:00

Eli, stop errupting me.

Eli is annorying me.

Mom, LOOK, there's corn in the toilet!

Toy Story

2010-07-02T18:59:00.001-04:00

I took Lucy to see Toy Story 3 today. We made it through the whole movie, including the previews. There were a few touch and go moments...TOO LOUD, I dropped my candy wahhhhh, why are they being mean to that toy....blah blah blah. She saved the big meltdown for all the people waiting to get in. It was a long time for her to keep it together surrounded by so many things that set her off. The best part was on the way home when she started crying again, telling me she didn't want to go off to college because she'd miss me too much.

Relaxing Summer Morning

2010-06-30T12:05:00.001-04:00

More Than Just Flippers

2010-06-28T20:31:00.013-04:00

First, there was this:

A woman saw us walking in, stopped and said first, "That's good exercise", and then second, "She's going to be a millionaire".

Then this:

Not pictured: Riding of the bike and getting in and out of the car with the flippers.

And finally, of course, this:

Bandaids

2010-06-27T18:44:00.000-04:00

Can't. Get. Enough.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T20:02:00.002-05:00

Happy 2010 from the Bonk clan!

Playing

2009-12-20T21:15:00.004-05:00

Lucy's most favorite place to play is in the garage/workshop. Ken keeps this place clean and orderly. But if we let Lucy loose in there, this is what happens, just about every single time. Rope keeps this child occupied longer than anything else. We just have to make sure Eli isn't around.

Stick around for the ending. The cuteness factor is worth it.

Fairies

2009-10-27T19:14:00.003-04:00

I started preparing Lucy for Halloween months ago. She is a child who needs time to think about new things; Breathless explanations and endless answers to the question why. For several months, Lucy's only answer to, "What do you want to be this year for Halloween", was Tinkerbell. I made numerous suggestions, trying to trip her up into saying something else. But she was adamant about being Tinkerbell. We poured over magazines and the Internet, looking for a Tinkerbell dress that would not be 'scratchy'. When I found what was sure to be a winner, I showed her the dress countless times, and yes, she agreed, THAT was the one.

The dress arrived the other day. She was excited. I was excited, even though I really wanted her to be something a bit more creative. I took the dress out of the bag and she promptly told me that she wasn't going to put it on until Halloween. Bad sign. I gave it a few days without saying anything. Today, while playing I suggested she try on her dress and she told me NO again. Finally, I bribed her with gummy vitamins and she put it on. That kid didn't keep the thing on for more than 1.5 seconds. She told me she did not want to be Tinkerbell for Halloween. On Thursday, she has a parade at school. So that gives me exactly 1 day to find something suitable. I suggested she could be Penny, from the movie Bolt, and she seemed to think that was a great idea. And we have everything she needs here in the house.

Would it be in bad taste to have Eli wear it instead? Because it sure doesn't seem like he minds it so much.

Puff the Magic Dragon

2009-10-15T22:04:00.003-04:00

Generally, Lucy will NOT perform in front of any type of camera. I was blown away that she did this for us. She got a new Puff the Magic Dragon book that also contained a CD. She really likes both of them and we spend a good part of our day reading and listening.

Lucy's bday photos

2009-10-10T21:12:00.005-04:00

While we were in Minnesota, Lucy turned four. Since we were traveling, we held her party at a park. Luckily, it was a beautiful day!

My friend Amy took photos for me at the party. It was so nice to have someone else do this for me, as there was no way I would have been able to watch the two kids AND take pictures. If you would like to see them, here is the link:

http://amy.wurdock.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=2901

Here is my favorite!

Minnesota!

2009-09-24T20:36:00.002-04:00

We missed out on all the drama rain here in Atlanta. Instead we were
enjoying record highs in Minnesota.

Even I can see the resemblance in this photo. Sorry kid.

Eli discovered apple juice!

Ely Sunset

For some reason, Eli also ate a lot of crayons on this trip.

Club Kawishiwi

Seasonal clothing

2009-09-11T10:41:00.000-04:00

Lucy's favorite new pair of socks is a pair of old mittens she found in her closet. Always keepin' it spicy 'round here.

First Day of Preschool '09

2009-08-31T21:00:00.002-04:00

Getting ready

One more round of 'taking advantage of your 13 month old brother' before we leave. She really was pulling him around like this.

A little too much to handle as we walked into her school. She walked very slowly past her old classroom from last year.

Patient Eli

Taking note of the room. Hardly noticed I left. I actually told her twice I was leaving, just to make sure. Kid didn't blink an eye.

The Simple Life

2009-08-29T08:54:00.004-04:00

Sometimes all it takes is a ride on the Merry Go Round, a 25 cent gumball and rubber boots.

Spectators

2009-08-25T10:30:00.002-04:00

This was a few weeks ago. Ken ran a little 5K race in our town, and the route was just one block down the hill from our house. I grabbed the kids in their P.J.'s and we walked down to cheer Ken on. Lucy passed the time by leaving small piles of cereal for the squirrels to eat. I love Lucy's goofy smile and her shoes on the wrong feet. Always on the wrong feet. I usually tell her, but she casually mentions that it's okay, she likes them that way. Eli is looking so cute, and happy and handsome. He'll be glad when he can get out of that stroller on a more regular basis and run around with his sister. Although, she's almost killed him a few times, she really does like having him around.

The park down the street...

2009-08-20T15:09:00.001-04:00

The Walker

2009-08-15T08:20:00.004-04:00

Worth All Twelve Ninety Nine

2009-08-10T20:08:00.002-04:00

Today's activity involved going to Marshall's to buy cheap toys.

I'm out of ideas.

We've hit the dog days of summer.

Eli is teething something fierce and his mood, and the boogers and the heat
rash meant it was time to stay inside.

Lucy bought this doll and it kept her happy all afternoon.

She named it Trader. Most awesome doll name ever. Probably after Trader Joe's. But Ken thought she named it Traitor and I'm all, NO - TRADER!

All hell broke out about 4:30pm. I sent an S.O.S. to Ken at work. Nothing
really new. Usually I can keep the house somewhat together, but not today.
This is what just ONE ROOM looked like BEFORE dinner.