Science for Christmas and the Christmas Cow

Naomi got some science experiments for Christmas, which as you can see, is in line with her interests.







Here I present the Christmas Cow.

i love myselfe mom.

Naomi's Recipe for Apple Soup

[Naomi has insisted that I post this. I do not recommend you attempt to eat it!]

Ingredients:
1. 1 Apple
2. Handful of Crushed Crackers
3. 1 cup Water
4. 1 pat of Butter
5. A dash of Honey
6. 5 Chips (ugh!)

Tools:
Knife, Bowl, Measuring Cup

Pour water into bowl. Get caught slicing apple into small pieces with sharp knife and have mom complete this step. Crumble crackers into bowl. Cut butter up and add. Pour honey into bowl. Crumble chips into bowl (augh! really?!).

[Editorial note: leave out for Laborador to get into and spill all over the floor.]

Naomi's Take on the Afterlife

Naomi, on why she cannot become a zombie: "That only happens to bad people. When good people die, they go to heaven and become goddesses, or, you know, gods."

Dave: "Naomi, where did you get that?"

Naomi: "Hercules"

[Thanks sis]

MINE!

The Labrador attempted to brazenly steal my Mac&Cheese right in front of me. Out of my cold, dead hands, dog!

Reading Contest

Her small highness's school is having their annual reading contest to encourage children to read. Parents record the number of minutes read each night. Last year this was the tipping point in Naomi deciding she would consent to read independently, as previous to making it a competition, she averred that she did not need to read, as she had "people" to do that for her.

This year, she is reading fluently and has turned into the little bookworm we expected. Problem? The school limits the minutes recorded to 30 per day, which for Naomi would now be a lower limit on a really busy day. So she reads 3 hours, we record 30 minutes. No fair!

Cruelty: The Smell of Baking Cookies

Wait, what do you MEAN I can't eat them?! Decorations only??!! What a hideous concept!

Naomi's Brownie Troop

This was a service day to bake bread. Dave was the parent on hand; the only dad in a sea of moms and brownies.

Civil engineering or Molecular Structures?

Fun in 1st grade.

Ugh

Naomi will probably survive first grade, but I'm not sure Dave and I will.

Another No-Win Basket Raffle Night

Naomi was really upset last year when she won nothing. We attempted to explain odds to her this year. Again she won nothing, and started to get upset, but better than last year. Darn, and I so wanted her to have the Spiderman webbing thrower she put in for. (Where's the ironic font?)

Naomi and Detention

So, Naomi got detention today for a series of unfortunate events that we will call refusing to be disrespected.

Dave: "Naomi, how was detention today?"
Naomi: "Fun! I got to read and draw and the Principal said it's because I'm an only child and he likes me! I like him too, he's nice."

Uh-huh.

Naomi and Dave Hiking

Naomi and Dave went hiking at Seneca Creek Greenway. Naomi took a lot of photos and videos. The shot of Dave is one where she directed him to pose for the camera.

Halloween

We did Boo at the Zoo last night. The rain held off and Naomi was well behaved, as behooved the little police officer she was dressed as. Today Dave and Naomi went out and bought a lot more Halloween decorations, plus tonight they will be carving pumpkins. She will be a Ladybug for Halloween proper, which is scary than it sounds or would be if you could see the creeping mass of Asian Ladybugs that intends to hibernate on the front wall of my foyer this winter.

Time to Pill the Child!

Pilling cats, as some of you know, is fraught with danger. As a result, some smart puncture-wound averse individual invented something called a pill popper. It is a long slender tube, with a slotted open-ended rubber portion at one end and a plunger at the other. One inserts the pill into the rubber portion, somehow manages to pry open the angry cat's mouth, inserts the tube as far into the mouth as possible, pushes the plunger, holds the mouth shut and then runs like heck.

This worked not at all on my late cat Nikki, who gave me 5 puncture wounds in 2 days and then required 2 vet techs and a vet to "show me how to give him pills", at which point they conceded defeat and gave me the number of a pharmacy who would compound his medicine into a chicken-flavored liquid. Most of which would end up on his fur, but then at least he licked it off, so ingested most of it anyway.

The point, right. One of my colleagues at work, in response to my bemoaning the lack of good data on effective treatment of asthma in children, reminded me that Omega-3 fatty acids are proven an effective adjunct for treatment of asthma. Hey, I have those at home! They are good for you, no side effects, might as well try them. Only complication is that they are large. Real horse pills.

We tried to get Naomi to swallow one this evening. The water went down just fine, the pill, not so much. Chewing was out - the gel capsule was too tough. I looked for smaller ones at the store - no luck. So, I remembered my pill popper, unused these 8 years or more. I found it promptly (I'm good like that) and took it and a pill upstairs.

"Open up Naomi! No, keep your tongue out of the way." [POP] [Gag, swallow, gag]

Success!

I asked her later if she'd prefer to try swallowing her pill tomorrow. "No mommy, I liked it the other way better." Ooooookay.

Bad puppy!

Simon chewed up a flip-flop this evening. Loose in the house privileges will be temporarily revoked.

The Horror

Soccer practice was a complete disaster this evening. Naomi did not want to be there and, despite a stern warning, decided to clown around, throwing herself on the ground repeatedly. An additional warning was only partially heeded with the end result that she went straight to her room with no supper when we got home. How retro!

Tag-Team Spider Hunting

Simon and Susie found a large, hairy spider inside. When it was down to 6 legs, I took pity on it and brought out the vacuum. You'd think they were cats!

Correct Digestion is a Glorious Thing

I finally have the correct food type, amount and meal schedule for the dogs and as a result, the weekly backyard de-mining was quick and tidy.

Grumble

1 big issue with health care - insistence on seeing patient in person for small urgent things. I have an infection, been unsuccessfully self-treating for 2 days, need meds, can't get in to the doc today. Nope, sorry, screw you if you can't come in. So I'll be hitting urgent care late this evening at higher cost, since they wouldn't just friggin' call a prescription in. I'd rather just have clinic care and no doctor, it is way more convenient.

She surprised me with her generosity

I asked Naomi to look over her toys and books and see if there were some things she'd like to pass along to her cousin Kit-Kat, who turns 1 soon. I expected a grudging offering of a few small things. Instead, she ran down to the basement, came back up with gift bags, and proceeded to fill 4 small and one quite large gift bag with toys and books. She also donated her rocking pooh bear to the Kit-Kat collection. All will go to my sister tomorrow, along with Kat's actual birthday present.

Artistry in Play-Doh

Naomi is clearly the next elementary school age Calder.

Poor Susie is so overmatched

Here's Simon after stealing Susie's ball:

Next, he pushes it back off the deck down to Susie, below, and waits to make sure she's got it:

Then he steals it from her again:

He's Here!

And currently asleep behind me, while Susie hunkers close, guarding her older sister prerogative to be closest to mama. He's a mannerless, scrawny young cutie. As he clearly does not know the name the rescue gave him, we decided this evening to rename him Firefox, or Foxy.

Took Naomi to a Dog Adoption Fair Yesterday

She got her face painted and a balloon animal. I went to look at a little red merle BC (or BC/X) named Syd. Liked him, a sweet little cutie. The adoption coordinator called today and will make a home visit tonight. Wish us luck!

Down to One Dog and a Kid

Billy's liver tumor finally ruptured and I rushed him to the vet to find that there was nothing they could do. I held him on my lap while the sedative took effect and he went peacefully into death in my arms. It's always hard to lose a beloved pet, but Billy was really special. He was my little buddy and an all around excellent dog. I'm really going to miss him.

Rest in peace my Billy-boy, and may you run all the agility you want forever.

Homesick

Much to my astonishment, after a mere 5 days of grandparent-spoilage, Naomi has become homesick and expressed the desire to come home. I honestly anticipated, after a full 7 days, that she would greet our arrival with protests and wails of despair, and that we would have to haul her off to the car weeping.

Dave, being the kinder, gentler parent, caved instantly and told her he'd come get her tomorrow evening. I would have made her stay for the full duration of the planned visit, but that's me and I'm just mean like that.

Sleep-away Camp

Naomi has indicated a strong preference for sleep-away camp. Because she does not like her camp. Where she swims, which she loves, and rides horses, which she loves, and does arts and crafts, which she loves.

Me: "Naomi, why do you think sleep-away camp will be better?"
Naomi: "Because they have S'Mores!"

Super Billy!

Here's the Bill-Meister flying over the triple jump. For a senior citizen with liver disease, this dog rocks!

Dancing or Dead Cicada? Hmmm....

I picked Naomi up from her camp party yesterday. All the other little girls were dancing on stage. Where's Naomi? Oh, there she is, on the ground in front of the stage. "Naomi, why weren't you dancing?" "Oh, I had to hold my dead cicada and I couldn't do that and dance." Of course, I should have realized.

hi my name is naomi. I have some eksiting things for you.

Naomi found out about the website

She demanded that we post some pictures of stuff she made this afternoon, so here they are:

Wearing PJs to Camp Today

Naomi's group was to wear Pajamas to camp today. Upon showing up in hers and being surrounded by children from other groups in day clothes, she was quite embarrassed. This from a child who used to insist on wearing tutus and cheerleader outfits to the gym on a regular basis.

Hopefully Now Immune

That Tamiflu stuff rocks. Critter is back at day camp. She is currently attempting to feed me toy food.

Swine Flu!

Naomi was complaining on Tuesday morning about feeling crappy. She's a bit of a drama queen and hypochondriac so we generally don't take her too seriously. I reached over to touch her forehead and she felt really hot; when I checked her temp she was over 100, so this time at least she was authentically sick. Shannon stayed home with her yesterday; today we tag teamed. I'm much more of a worry wort about this stuff than Shannon so I had her set up a doctors appointment for Naomi and I. We headed off to the doctors where she tested positive for Influenza A. The doctor said it's everywhere now, and almost certainly swine flu. Since swine flu hasn't turned out to be a particularly nasty flu bug I'm not too worried. She is going to be out of school until next Monday though, and with our luck we're going to get it next.

Dave is Mowing

Happy Father's Day - now go mow the lawn!
He did get a bike ride in this morning, though.

Travel, Lots and Lots of Travel

I've been gone most of the last two weeks on one work trip or another. The first had the advantage of being in the UK, and therefore of involving many pints of good beer. The second had no such redeeming features. Both ended in long, unpleasant trips home. But hey, no plane crashes, so good enough.

Dave had dog- and kid-duty whilst I was gone. I spent today going from the Pediatrician to the Pharmacist the Vet. Antibiotics all around! Also, Naomi has apparently completely forgotten how to clean up after herself. You may be sure that she has been reminded with some vehemence. What can I say? I do suspect a causal relationship.

Added Saturday: last night Naomi had a middle of the night asthma attack, and today she was stung by a bee after practice. Kid can't catch a break!

Field Trip to the National Gallery of Art

Naomi and her Kindergarten class went to the National Gallery of Art today on a field trip. When we picked her up from school, we asked about her day and what she enjoyed about the museum. Naomi told us that her favorite piece of sculpture was Crinkly Worm. Oh really, we asked, Crinkly Worm? And who is the artist? Alexander Calder, she promptly responded. Okay kid, sure.

I checked the NGA website for collection information tonight:

Alexander Calder (artist)
American, 1898 - 1976
Crinkly Worm, 1971
sheet metal
overall (height): 46 cm (18 1/8 in.)
Collection of Mrs. Paul Mellon, in Honor of the 50th Anniversary of the National Gallery of Art
© 2000 Estate of Alexander Calder / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
1991.7.10
On View


Kindergarteners these days are way more sophisticated than in our paste-eating days.

Much better Kindergarten picture

Naomi's hair has grown out enough for decent pictures.

The Labrador is Apparently Not Heat-Tolerant

I threw a ball in the backyard for Susie today for a few minutes. It's maybe 80 out. We've been inside for probably 10 minutes and she's still lying on the floor panting.

Tick Central

We are at ground zero of the tick infestation of 2009, as far as we can tell. I've only found one yet today, but there were three last night (that we found, that is). I pull them off of the dogs before they attach almost daily, and find the dead ones that suck down some of that fine Frontline. Dave has found several crawling on him. Thus far, perhaps being less hairy, Naomi and I have escaped the ticks, but even typing about it gives me creepy-crawlies all over. Shudder.

I'm pretty sure that Soccer is not a contact sport

Naomi tackled another kid in soccer today. Maybe she'd be better off in pee-wee rugby?

Ballerina Kitty Naomi

Naomi had to read a book and dress up as a character. Of course she chose the pink ballet cat!

You Drank WHAT!

On the way out the door from school today, Naomi told us that she had ice cream and beer, but she didn't like the beer. Um, Naomi, you had what? "Beer, with the fizzies, I didn't like it." Do you mean root beer? "Yeah, that's it!" (whew!)

She Loves to Play Fetch

Here's Susie, ready to sprint down the stairs to play fetch, if only I would throw her toss bone. Throw it! Throw it! Throw it!!!!!!

There Will Be Camping

Naomi is quite excited about an upcoming camping weekend. Her daddy, not so much. We just camped out last weekend for a bike race (the most excellent Leesburg Baker's Dozen). I have a good excuse to be home, as I am running one dog event Saturday and competing in another Sunday. So I will just drop by to visit Saturday evening. The hardship of sleeping in a comfy bed inside of an air conditioned house, I shall somehow bear up under it.

Ah, Now We Can See Her Eyes Again!

Finally talked her into a haircut. Bribed her with a toy - she chose the phone she is holding.

Success at Soccer

Naomi had her first soccer practice Saturday. She was so excited that she got up at O'Dark thirty and was starting to get dressed in her soccer gear before I told her practice wasn't until near lunch time. Dave reported afterwards that she had fun and paid attention.

Happy Birthday!

Naomi's birthday card for Grandma Bootsie.

Sure Enough

Sick kid! Fever and coughing, plus Pink Eye, because why the heck not!

Very Suspicious

I was gone most of the week on travel. Back today and Naomi was very good all evening. I feel this vague sense of unease...

Good Two Days in a Row

The kid this time. Three would be nice!

much better!

The dog, not the kid. Susie stepped up her game muchly this week and was a good Labbie at class. Naomi, OTOH, terrorized a substitute teacher for several days. Geez, she's a kindergartener, how hard can it be to control a 6 y.o.? Fortunately her very experienced teacher is back and she's no longer running wild.

Susie Started Class

Susie the Labrador started her first competition obedience class on Monday. Guess I really should start training her, eh? She didn't embarrass me overly much. Although that owes more to my years of being embarrassed by Oso than any innate virtue in Susie.

Two for Two!

Another evening of hauling a weeping and wailing child out to the car over the shoulder. This time from a walk around the Lake at the Rio. It was far too much to ask of Naomi that she stop when we told her she was too far ahead of us. One strike and no more walking thru the hedge. Two strikes and you're out, which of course sadly killed our own evening. No margarita, whaaaaaaa!

About to Burst from the Stress of Being Good

Naomi was good at school and in after-care all week. Not 100%, but really a big improvement. She made it to the end of the week, barely, and then imploded. I had to carry her out of CalTort tonight weeping and wailing. She is currently in bed, singing to herself and NOT sleeping.

It Ain't Easy Being 6

Dave reporting on a conversation with Naomi this morning:

"There's a book she took into the car titled "It's tough to be 5". She read that and then told me it's MUCH tougher being 6, because when you're 6 you have to pay attention and do what people tell you to do."

Glass half full?

On Sunday when I collected Naomi and Susie from my mom's house, she told me that the grand-dog had been good, but not the grand-daughter.
-wince-
Clearly I'm not much of a kid trainer, but at least I can train dogs.

My Odd Labrador

Susie is scared to walk on smooth surfaces. In a house with hardwood floors, this means lots of hopping from rug to rug, crawling under the bed to avoid the stretch of floor at the foot of it, watching wistfully from rug territory as the rest of the family congregates a bare expanse of floor away, and infrequent wild scrambles across the wood. When we had a thick layer of ice over snow some weeks ago, she wouldn't go out back and I had to lay towels down to make a "runway" out to the front yard.

Tooth Gone!

Naomi kept her tooth about 2 days past when it really should have come out. It made her quite cranky. Finally, her after-care teacher got out gauze and gloves and pulled it out herself. The tooth fairy had to rush downstairs and leave money on Naomi's place mat this morning when Naomi announced that the tooth was still under her pillow. Apparently the tooth fairy did not want to wake her up.

Loose Tooth

Dave is upstairs attempting to persuade Naomi to wiggle her loose front tooth until it comes out. I am having nothing to do with this!

Doing well in the Math

Got Naomi's math report card. She's got the math brain! Doing 1st grade work in Kindergarten and doing it well.

Musical backpack? Not good!

I got home from the gym this evening, sat Naomi down to feed her, and her backpack started making music. Huh? I rustled thru her pockets to find... her after-care director's cell phone! Many apologies ensued. Little Klepto went straight to be after that, as you might imagine. We are not having a good parenting month.

Oh my, what a week

We had Naomi's first parent-teacher conference ("she's doing WHAT?!"), a father-daughter stomach bug (while I was on a business trip, natch), and Dave quit his new job.

Survived the weekend

Pulled a hamstring running agility yesterday - pathetic!

15 degrees this morning at tracking. By the time it got up to 32 it felt hot.

Off to consume margaritas, and, incidentally, mexican food.

Tired already

Billy and I were at an agility trial all day, then I taught this evening. Tomorrow we head out for another agility trial. On Sunday, I have tracking class with Susie and Billy. I should be sleeping, right now.

My folks will host Naomi on Sunday though, so that Dave can ride while I track. I'm always happy to have her spend time with them.

One cold bike ride

Dave's bike computer said it was 2 degrees this morning at our ride start, and a balmy 14 degrees at the end. He had a frost "beard" all down the front of his balaclava and vest. The end of my pony tail was covered with frost and at the end of the ride I had a 2 inch long icicle hanging from the chin of my balaclava. Fun!

A great night for a bike ride!

So, it is currently 15 degrees and Dave has just finished a mountain bike ride. He called en route to the pub. Undoubtedly a good time was had by all.

Exiled puppies & screaming kids

Billy and Susie had to hang out in my bedroom so that we could have 20 over-excited kindergartners over for Naomi's birthday party. We figured 20 hyper kids and a hyper big lab puppy would be a bad combination. Billy was offended at being classified with Susie as undesirable at a party, but I've noticed he will follow non-dog-savvy kids around and steal from them if given a chance. Billy pouting:


Dave hired a magician, who handled the kids really well, but the decibel level during portions of the show was probably over the legal limit.


Everyone left with the same number of limbs that they arrived with, and all parents expecting to retrieve a child went home with one, so I'd call it a success.

Now We Are Six

We asked Naomi where she'd like to go out to eat for her birthday - Jerry's for pizza and fries!

Here is Susie wondering where her present is:

A dog-filled weekend & absentee parenthood

Billy the Cow Dog and I were gone most of Saturday at an agility trial. Sunday was tracking with Susie the Lab and Billy. Plus the dogs and I got 2 long walks in. All this meant Dave had Naomi-duty pretty much all weekend long. Naomi repaid him this evening my clinging to me and declaring me her favorite parent. Ah, child-rearing, so rewarding!