Halloween or Not?

As we were preparing for the birth of our son, my husband and I had considered not introducing Halloween to our new son. That was rather unrealistic on our part as Halloween is one of the largest celebrated holidays in America, garnering almost $7 billion annually. Neither of us celebrated Halloween as adults, but the more I look back, I think it was selfish of us to want to take away from our son something that we enjoyed so much as children. I remember getting all dressed up in mostly custom made costumes by my mom, and going trick or treating in my community with my parents, brother and sisters, and all of our neighborhood friends. It was a great time! Although I haven't celebrated Halloween since college, I find myself anxious each year as I plan CJ's costume (Year 1: pirate, Year 2: super hero Flash), which may I boast that this year he is also wearing a custom made costume by my mom, his Granny Jane. He will be who I like to call his altar ego, Disney HD's Kick Buttowski: Suburban Daredevil. I can't wait to see him crashing into everything with pride as he is dressed up as his favorite animated character.

The main reason that I stopped celebrating Halloween was the rise of violence. I had decided that I did not want to be a part of the insanity because it was only an excuse for people to act crazy, some committing vandalism and even going so far as committing violent crimes against innocent people. The thought of my child being a victim to another person's ignorance terrified me silly. But as I reflect back to my childhood, I know that Halloween can be a fun and safe time. By all means, with all of the media influences, Halloween has moved away from the spiritual meaning which is the eve to the Christian feast of All Saints, but like anything else holidays evolve too. As parents, we just have to do our best to keep our kid's out of harms way and to teach them that it is all in fun.

So regardless of what people choose to do, no matter what cultural, spiritual or material way, as long as it is celebrated in a safe and happy way, I guess celebrating Halloween is OK with me. 

Mommy Don't Be Mad

Isn't it funny how kids always tell you that they're mad at you, but can't stand for you to be upset with them? Today was a long hot day and I am really sleepy so I am going to keep this entry real short. As CJ and I were getting ready to go to the Pumpkin Patch at Boone Hall Plantation this morning, he decides to run behind me and bite me on my thigh right below my butt. That flesh is really sensitive right there. Before I go on with the story, let me give you a little history. My older brother was a towel popper. I hate towel poppers! You know when you wet a towel, roll it up and pop people with it. It stings like H-E-double hockey sticks! I have a low tolerance for pain, especially sudden, didn't-know-it-was-coming pain. It gives me flashbacks of those towels. Stings, bites, pinches, they drive me crazy! So back to the story, as I plop on the couch, I feel little teeth pierce into my skin. Lets just say I am glad that I have some control over my reflexes, but I was really angry. My face all frowned up, I had a little talk with my son and put him in a brief timeout. I don't think he'll be biting anyone else, especially not me. It was awkward because he has never been a biter. So after his punishment he walks over and turns on the laptop and signs on to Zoodles, one of his favorite sites. He scrolls through the 3 year old options to find this interactive game he likes to play. Its a short rendition of the song 99 bottles of beer on the wall. Before he presses play, he says "Mommy, I am going to play 10 green bottles standing on the wall because it is going to make you really really happy with me." I usually sit and laugh while singing it with him so he figured if he played the song, I would not be mad anymore. It's funny how their little minds work. Now if he can figure that out, he knows better than to bite.

Toddler Sponge Theory

At 3 years old, my son CJ (Chris Jr.) is a sponge. He soaks up everything he sees and hears, especially the profane slips of mommy's sometimes uncontrollable tongue. Oops! No matter how inconspicuous I think I am as I whisper grown up things on the phone, his bionic ears signal in and my exact words are repeated word for word as if they were recorded. It may not be that day, but I can be sure that in the near future, all of my "secrets" will be replayed in a chipmunk-like voice. It's almost as if his senses have been enhanced to pinpoint my faults. Needless to say, I am a work in progress and committed to doing whatever is necessary to be the best mommy to CJ that I can be.

On a positive note, I have been testing my sponge theory, and channeling these supernatural powers of hearing and remembering things. Results: Positive! Each week, I teach CJ words of five letters or more, along with a simple definition. At 3, CJ can accurately pronounce and define a word list that some adults cannot.

These words include, but are not limited to:
1) humongous - something that is very big like an ocean, an elephant, or a dinosaur
2) responsible - to take care of your things
3) relentless - never give up
4) apologize - to say you're sorry
5) concentrate - to think about something very hard or focus
6) suffocate - when you can't breathe
7) patient - to wait calmly
8) proud - to be happy for someone
9) blind - when you can't see anything, and everything is black
10) exhausted - very tired

I usually pull these words from Sesame Street's Word on the Street, or in conversation about something he is doing or watching on television. Upon introduction, I pronounce the word and he repeats it. Then, I tell him what it means and ask him to repeat it. Several times during the week, at least once or twice a day, I randomly review the words with him. He has an arsenal of about 20 words that he can readily pronounce and define. I am so proud of him!

Who's the Mommy?