Cheese to the rescue

I don't know why, but it's become my ritual to sing this commercial song to you when dispensing the cheese. And now you finish it for me. Me: "Cheese...." You: "to the rescue!"

Time to say Goodnight

If I could sing or remember lyrics, this would be the song I sang to you at "nigh nigh" time.





We were watching Sesame Street clips on Youtube yesterday afternoon and stumbled upon this - my favorite one of the day.

You two....U2?!

I came home from work last Thursday to find my little munchkins wearing identical white t-shirts.
This is the day Grandma Candy comes over to watch you. I kind of sensed something was up. Normally I hear Grandma ask you guys "who's here?" as I walk in the back door. Then the little footsteps start approaching and I get a big smile and a big hug. This time I heard "just stay here a minute".
Antennae up.
They greeted me in the hallway. I could sense Mike and Grandma waiting for me to pick up on what was going on. I looked at the back of the shirts.



My Mom has U2 tickets!!


Shirts by dad, tickets courtesy of Grandma Candy.
Woo hoo hoo!!
My first concert ever was the 1987 Joshua Tree Tour. 4th row at the Civic Center in St Paul. I was a member of the U2 fan club and got the tickets thru the club. Yeah, I know. Although I see they do a similar thing now with their online site...

Anyway. Not only are these U2 tickets, but they are GOOD U2 tickets. 4th row again (slightly different set up, but still really close).
Woo diddly hoo! :)

I'm excited.
Thanks Grandma Candy!

The Wiggles

File under "if you would have told me this 10 years ago I would have said you were nuts".

We splurged.
I don't know how this happened. What was the trigger? Daddy got a blu ray player? Was that the starting point? Back in November your dad found a good deal on a blu ray player. Movie/tv viewing nut that he is he'd been waiting for an opportunity to get one. Me, well I don't really see the difference. And I REALLY didn't want to open the floodgates. He's a dvd collector. He WAS a dvd collector before we put the reigns on spending (due to you guys and due to the economy). Getting a blu ray player made me think that he'd find this the opportunity to re-buy his favorite films in a new format. NOOOOOOOOOOO!
At any rate the blu ray was in the house.

He strategically purchased one that had the capability of streaming Netflix. Did we have a Netflix subscription?
No.
Within a week we did.
Was our internet connection fast enough to stream movies?
No.
Upgrade our connection speed. Upgrade to a new router (to boost the wireless connection), buy a new modem (to fix the connectivity issues, which later turned out to be our providers issue- they kept bumping us back to a "heavy users pool" even after we paid the extra $5 a month to avoid this)...Ah. Finally by Christmas we had the Netflix portion of the blu ray fully functioning.

It is AWESOME!

We've been watching episodes of LOST from the start. We got into it late, so it's been fun to go back and watch the first couple seasons of episodes.

Then one night I was scanning the instant download kids section and saw the Wiggles. I'd heard of them, so I thought I'd check it out. The particular title I found was their "You Make Me Feel Like Dancing" dvd. Wow. Really?



Lots of Color, music, dancing. Zoe and Roman were mesmerized. A short time later I found another one - the Wiggles Go Bananas.
Monkeys! Bears! all kinds of aminals. I've lost count of how many times we've watched that one now. Zoe dances. We keep trying to catch it on video. Let's see if we're successful.

So...It is AWESOME too. In a different way. I think I actually enjoy Go Bananas as much as the kids. And that has come as quite the surprise to me. Oh well, embrace it.:)

Belows a link to a short promo. The cockatoo in the beginning always makes Zoe laugh. And the song is one of my favorites on the disc. It comes with some dance moves the kids are going to enjoy when they get a bit bigger.



I really like this song. Roman and Zoe like this song. Daddy - he's tolerating it.


Amended later
Monkey Man by the Wiggles


inspires Zoe (not good quallity, but you'll get the idea)

Starting up a band.

Bowls and spoons make for a decent percussion system.



Okay, decent when they are your kids and they get a big grin doing so.




Impromptu = totally fun.



Watch out Tito Puente.

O Christmas Tree

O Christmas Tree
You are stashed in the corner



O Christmas Tree
O Christmas Tree
We let Daddy decorate ya



Not only fun when winters here
but also fun when I get near



O Christmas Tree
O Christmas Tree
One week of nirvana.



Weak, I know.
But daddy took a trek out to the garage and found his bachelor apartment Christmas tree, which fits perfectly atop the side table in the living room. Perfect.



Not sure how successful we'll be at keeping little hands away. But it's only going to be up a week. This morning Roman was at the foot of it, grabbing Christmas Grover and going for the plastic ornaments. Zoe was hanging over the arm of the couch. Oh boy. No more leaving them in the living room while I do dishes.

Piano interlude

Mama's out of town, but I was able to half post some entries here (pictures uploaded, but no commentary). Now I have the time, the Internet connection and a bit of the motivation. Just a bit. It's so quiet in a hotel room by myself. Actually it's just kind of confusing, I'm not sure what to do. And walking back to my temporary home from work I realized I could pop into the bar for an adult beverage. But that doesn't appeal to me - it'll just make me fall asleep! (I'm not the same person I was... In most ways that is a good thing).

I enjoyed the weekend with the kids. Dad had to work a few hours on Saturday, but otherwise we got to be a happy family.
We've had a piano sitting in our living room for many years. My maternal grandmother Vivian had it in her retirement apartment. When she passed away my mom got it. Then I got it. No, I'm not really a piano player (but I'd like to be).
When I was a little girl (somewhere under 10 years old) I'd tinker with the piano that my aunt Carolyn had in her house. She lived 2 houses down, so it happened fairly frequently. Then I begged and begged and begged for a piano. (oh boy, I'm in for paybacks). We had a piano for a short time. I took a few lessons. Nothing really came of it. Then in my first stint back in college I took piano as a class. I got to the point where I could play a couple of songs (look ma, both hands!). Wow. For me, an accomplishment. I'm sure I drove everyone nuts with my practice - same thing over and over again.
Then I didn't touch a piano again for 10 years or so.
I got my grandma's piano from my mom. Not sure why, I think I was talking about getting a used piano and my mom offered grandma's piano to me. Have I touched it since? Not really.

Now, well now there are kids. Maybe they'll take an interest.

Ah, yes. Roman with Dad. Sitting at the piano. Dad knows a one-handed song or two (theme to Jaws, anyone)? Roman- he's playing the theme to Junglebook? ;)

Turn the pages. Dad joked that Roman could play jazz with him. Yes, he could. Experimental, funky jazz. "Ladies and gentlemen, I call this one 'Vanilla Gorilla'"

"...and I call this one 'You Can, Toucan'..."

Roman likes music. Maybe he'll get some of the musical aptitude that my dad's family had (although it seemed to skip him and me).

Your dad and I had talked about some remodeling projects that would essentially make the spot in the living room for the piano vanish. We'll see. I'm not so sure I want to take away that option from you two just yet.

CORRECTION: Grandma Jane set the record straight. Great Grandma Vivian had a piano just like this, but it wasn't this piano. Grandma Jane got one to match. I like my fictionalized story better (and this is how family lore starts).

New trick

Zoe's Wednesday "I can do myself" trick.




Hands on head. We'll be teaching her to make faces like "OH NO!" pretty soon.

Or work on pointing to the shoulders so she can do the actions to "Head, shoulders, knees and toes (knees and toes!)"


p.s. Yes, we're bring the kids to the casino already (Black Bear). After walking thru their kids arcade I realized the dingdingding over 18 area is just a more expensive arcade. I made your dad spend $5 trying to get the plastic viking helmet out of the crane/claw game. He didn't get it. Usually he's pretty good at that.

I'm Popeye the sailor man!

I'm Popeye the Sailor Man.
I'm strong to the finich
Cause I eats me spinach.
I'm Popeye the Sailor Man.

p.s. I gave your dad ample opportunity to use this picture, but I can't stands it no longer. I had to get it on the blog and archived in my "published folder". Don't let anything linger too long for mama. Gotta get er done.

A hand for Roman & Zoe please

The other day I pulled out a book - What to Expect in the First Year. Every time I do I tell myself I really shouldn't be reading it because Zo & Ro going to do what they're going to do when they do it. When they're ready. It's too easy to overreact if they aren't "measuring up", even though they are preemies and time based milestones get thrown out the window. But still I think we want to compare. Instead I say let us be blissfully unaware and rejoice in the triumphs as they happen.

I did however read about a couple of things that I really never thought about as achievements - but EVERYTHING is. It's really an amazing way we come into the world.

Achievement: Putting their hands together. I've notice Roman doing that, often when he sleeps, tiny hands clasped together. No, I guess he didn't do that a month ago, did he? They are both more aware of their hands but I don't think they realize yet that they belong to them. They don't sit and stare at them yet, but they are beginning to grasp items. I showed R how to swat at one of the musical toys in his crib and he kept on doing it. That day he also enjoyed the rattles on his little booties. That was pretty fun to see the little legs kicking away.

Sunday I tried to get Zoe to interact with her playmat toys. She's not too interested yet. But she will sit and study my face and smile, laugh or scrunch her nose when I try to get a reaction. She's also very interested in observing the world. Let me see what's going on mama!

A very curious girl indeed.

It's time to play some music..

Oh joyous ones.
Just got done giving both a bath, then feeding Zoe a bottle. She was a bit cranky before the bath and I thought it might cheer her up. They both like to splash! splash! splash! and kick! kick! kick! in their little tub. It's funny. They both slouch the same way and hang their right leg over the edge. So I keep pouring warm water over them and dunking their foot. Gotta keep warm.

I also sang to her - the Muppet Show theme. She liked that. Mom got a lot of grins from Zoe. We've been watching dvds of the Muppet Show. Several years ago I bought Daddy the Time-Life series for Christmas. He had asked for the Mark Hamill episode (imagine that- Star Wars!) and I figured we might as well have the set. Of course now Daddy wants to fill out the collection with the actual series collection...but that's another discussion for Mom & Dad! I digress...back to you two. After he got them he talked about watching them with our kids some day. The day is getting closer and we both are looking forward to it! In the meantime we watch in wonder. It's still a good show, although there are some things they couldn't get away with today (a smoking puppet?).

Sing along, won't you?


[Kermit] It's the Muppet Show with our Very Special Guest Star, ... (Zoe & Roman! yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!)

It's time to play the music
It's time to light the lights
t's time to meet the Muppets on the Muppet Show tonight.

It's time to put on makeup
It's time to dress up right
It's time to raise the curtain on the Muppet Show tonight.

Why do we always come here
I guess we'll never know
It's like a kind of torture
To have to watch the show

And now let's get things started
Why don't you get things started
It's time to get things started
On the most sensational inspirational celebrational Muppetational
This is what we call the Muppet Show!

(Gonzo blows his trumpet)

Rolling, Rolling Roman

This isn't exactly the way I want it, but you know what? It's good enough. I could spend hours working on getting a video exactly the way I want it, but I ain't got the time!

Tonight I had this song in my head. I asked daddy, "you don't have the Blues Brothers soundtrack, do you?". He does. After some digging in the basement, I found it. YEE HAW.

Behold!
Rolling, Rolling Roman (with a little Zoe thrown in for good measure). This would be the extended version (there is no short one..not yet at least).

Zoe Smiles, Roman Fusses

More from New Years Day 2009.

Our smiling little girl.
And as much as he loves his pacifier, he can't keep it in his mouth!

The No Yo Do'h Song for Zo and Ro

Yes, Mommy's a little crazy with the video thing right now. I was prompted to finish this when I got an email from daycare provider Shawn. Her daughter Katie likes to call the baby who comes the days R & Z aren't there "Mo". I think for no other reason than it rhymes with Ro and Zo. By the email I got Katie might have a new nickname too - PO. Hmm, a list of other possibly rhyming names....The cast of characters in the life of Zo Ro may expand soon.

Bo
Foe
Go
Ho (ho ho)
Jo(e)
Ko(be)
Lo(la)
So(phie) or (phia)
Toe
Woe

May there be no woes or Foes for Zo and Ro
May they go make many friends, including Bo,Joe,Ko, Lo and So
If they toe the line they may get dough from the man who says "Ho,Ho,Ho"
(any maybe mom will get a glass of merlot)

Oh boy. Mom is tired. It's the middle of the night. I better get some sleep.

Hey Howdy Hey

These would be the actual sing along actions with "Hey Howdy Hey", also on the Toy Story 2 soundtrack.

You've Got a Friend in Me

When I first heard this song my wish was that Roman & Zoe grow up to be best friends. And always remain there for each other.
So, a little video. Mom found the editing software on her computer finally. Hey it's free so it's not up to Grandpa Ba standard... But here goes.



It's just under a minute.

Too much fun

I worked on a video that I scheduled to post Saturday morning (there would be 10 posts in one day and none for 5 if I didn't schedule these things)... And now I just did this one quick too. Too_much_fun! Didn't want to wait to post.

La musica es de Toy Story 2. Good soundtrack - now on the top of my favorites list.

Soundtrack for a bath (or two)

Tonight we did the bath routine again only this time I brought some music in the bathroom with us. I'm really liking the Jack Johnson Curious George soundtrack.
Samples here.
I'll be listening at work so that I can sing along (with the actual lyrics!).
Good stuff.

• People Watching by Jack Johnson And Friends
• Wrong Turn by Jack Johnson And Friends
• The Sharing Song by Jack Johnson
• Broken by Jack Johnson

Super-powered by iLike

Our new ipod selections...

Above is a creation by Daddy, something he made awhile back to amuse Mommy. You see Mommy still has fond memories of Curious George books from when she was a little girl. As Grandma B tells it I loved to go to bed with my "boops" and I recall warm feelings when I look at the 'classic' Curious George books. I loved the pictures. I still do.
When Daddy saw the picture of Wicket he decided it needed some modification. Maybe he'll make another comic book snapshot for us...

In keeping with that (sort of) I decided to update our music selection for you. I made a stop to the lovely St Paul Public Library and found a selection of music for people your age (and some of it for our age too). Among the mix is the soundtrack to the Curious George movie (which you'll be watching in a few years). I listen to it now as I write and you two sleep behind me. Roman in his vibrating chair and Zoe on her play mat. Well, Zoe isn't quite sleeping...

But the music is enjoyable for both of us. This song was actually played quite a bit on the radio when it came back: Upside Down.

p.s. I still love, love, love Curious George and can't wait until the two of you can sit in my lap and have storytime.

pps The cartoon now on public tv is very cute too, I can't wait to watch those with you too!