self belaying

self belaying, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

songs

Zachary has been exploring the world of composition. He has been enjoying making up all sorts of funny and silly songs.

one of his recent (and more sensicle) is about not killing animals

Sarah caught most of it ....

Zachary is currently alternating between singing the spanish days of the week song, "Animals are good you shouldn't kill them they are part of nature don't cut down treeeeees", Batmaaaaaan.... Gold ranger!.... "Dinosaurs, dinosaurs, you shouldn't kill dinosaurs... Dinosaurs, dinosaurs, you can't find dinosaurs..."... oop, now spoken word "I am saying the introduction... This song is called the flight of the bumblebee... BZZ BZZ BZ I LIKE TO BZZ BZZ!...flying is my job.. making honey is my job!... " (repeat sections as you see fit) 

And then his brain exploded

Watching Zachary try to fall asleep is like watching a sperm whale battle a giant squid. It is painful, and intriguing, and you're never quite sure who is going to triumph.

This evening he was charming, but his brain is literally exploding like a pinball game gone sentient and out of control. As he was falling asleep he cycled through the following questions/statements/musings

1) What does it feel like when a mommy has a baby in her belly and she doesn't want it there? What does it feel like for the baby? Do you have to kill the baby? (I think, after some gentle exploring, that this is a mash up of our explanations of my work with The Lilith Fund along with one of his old teachers being very pregnant.) We discussed it. If you ever need advice on talking to your 5 year old about making babies, miscarriage, and abortion, let me know, because now I've been there. Heads up? Watch Mr. Popper's Penguins first.

2) How do you make rock? Can we make rock now? (No, go to sleep)

3) Is our sun going to explode? (In these instances being an astrophysicist totally pays off.)

4) Mommy, I want to take a break from Power Rangers for this week.  (why?) It gives me scary dreams. I want to only watch gentle shows this week. (DONE.)
(NB - We do not, a la "Clockwork Orange", hold his eyes open and force him to watch Power Rangers. I know, you're shocked.)

And, as Mark mentioned, he WROTE HIS FIRST CAPITAL R.  We did not initially appreciate the significance of his original announcement, but he drove home the point. "No, Mom. My first capital R EVER. I AM BLOWING MY MIND RIGHT NOW"

Point taken. Consider that all of us.

He finished the rest of his valentines tonight. He was quite insistant we finish them this evening. As we were getting ready for bed, out of the blue, "I am SO relieved about the valentines." (in what way?) "They were really pressing on me".

Oh man. He is so my kid.

valentines

"I want to make Willow a valentines"

pause

"actually, no I don't cats can't open them!"


At the behest of Zachary's preschool teacher, he is writing his name and the name of each classmate in their valentines. It has been an exercise in adorable. He was jump up and down in his seat excited when he figured out how to do a capital R.

Parent panic

Me walks into kitchen, where only minutes before Zachary had been eating breakfast. It's empty, ghost ship empty.

I call out "Zachary?"

nothing

Again "Zachary?"

I glance around the room to see if he's hiding anywhere. I notice the front door locks are unlatched.

nothing

this time with a little panic rising "Zachary??"

nothing

I peek into his room and ours, nope. not there.

"ZACHARY?" panic plus loud enough to get his attention if he's slipped outside


"yes Daddy" from behind me

that right he's standing on the toilet looking in the mirror brushing his teeth, 'course he couldn't answer.

Reading

Like with whistling, when Z sets his mind to it, there seems to be no stopping him.  At a parent teacher meeting recently, Diane suggested we take home the "Bob Books".  Zachary was stoked and is now sounding out books 1 through 4.  WOW! now he's a "reader", how did that happen so fast?

son of m0nk3yphd

monkey does

Star Hat

DSC_0107, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

Zachary and I thoroughly enjoyed our trip to McDonald Observatory with Sarah. In the background you can see the HET which is "mommys telescope". And just behind the orange fencing is the structure that will hold all her spectrographs.
We toured all three big telescopes at McDonald with a some staff members and later with the tourist guide. Both were great, we got to ride on the HET as it spun around and learnt about the history of the site. It also snowed, Zachary was very excited, although it didn't settle. But there was a few small patches left from the last big snow. He made a snow angel and had lots of fun throwing it around, mainly at small signposts. Because it was a little to gritty and icy for a really snowball fight. In other exciting weather, we got a texas duststorm and 60+ mph winds. Bit chilly, so during the star gazing party at the visitors center, Z fell asleep all bundled up during short lecture. But I was impressed with the number of questions he answered without a pause before curling up in the seat next to me. Including, if you can't see Jupiters red eye where is it? "on the other side", and what's the next planet out from Jupiter? "Saturn"... no prompting from me, and quick than anyone else in the room! A trip to remember for sure. His highlight, listening (for the first time) to Harry Potter and the philosophers stone audiobook on the eight hour drive out and back to austin.

snow angel

DSC_0014, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

Dangers of a hipster 'hood

Dangers of a hipster 'hood, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

aviators and a nerf pistol, ready for anything. Now, I'm tempted to teach him "the name's Collins, Zachary Collins"

Zachary camping

IMAG0429, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

"you and mom are in the tent"

LGBT Texas cookie made by Z

LGBT Texas cookie made by Z, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

with some help from Grandma. Zachary mixed the three primary color food coloring to get a spectacular (and tasty) rainbow icing.

Zacharys Crystallization Experiment

IMAG0409, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

Reaping the rewards of growing sugar crystal, after two weeks he gets to eat them. Also check out his new glasses.

Snow Day

townlake ymca snow day, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

The grand reopening of the Y here in Austin, had a few tons of "snow" dumped on the playing fields out front. All the kids had a great time in the muddy snow, while it was 65F and warm in the sun. There was also a snow slide.

"two wheeler mode"

IMAG0300, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

Easel Painting

flowers and sky, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

Zachary is getting to do lots of big upright painting. His teacher told us that it helps the kids develop the arm muscles they need for learning to write in school next year. All those big up and down stokes on the easel also make for beautiful art (read as soppy parent).

monkey on

Last weekend we stopped at a playground in Georgetown to enjoy the sunshine. Zachary made several friends while playing and showed us he can do this.....

"I AM SO EXCITED!"

jumpoline

VIDEO0035 a video by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

Yes, gigantic trampoline bouncing. To wear out the kids before christmas eve.

Pooping Penguin

Yup. It poops candy. It is a wind up toy that poops candy. A.. birthday gift? Christmas gift? from a classmate. Everyone got one! Different animals!

The poop is "cola flavored"... Although it tastes a bit more like.....

Jokes

why was the toothpaste on the wall?
because it someone squirted it on the towel.

why couldn't the airplane couldn't fly?
because the spaceship was putting it down on the ground insted of up in the air.

they make no sense, don't worry. Apparently silly is a stage they go thru.

I love to solder

I KNOW! ME TOO!

Quick catch up. It is chanukah. Night five, to be precise. We've been doing some candle lighting. Some latke eating. The usual. Zachary has gotten some presents. It turns out the theme is probably survival of (fill-in-your-favorite-catastrophe) apocalypse, but that was totally unintentional (bow & arrows, walkie talkies, learn to solder kit)... He was *so* excited by the learn to solder kit (Sparkfun is amazing, and you can find the kit here).. It comes with tools! (which now all have is name on them) It makes hot! And light! Big hit. I know you're surprised.

We did some of the soldering this evening before dinner. We took turns holding the solder and the soldering iron. I'll take a picture when there is some blinky light action for everyone to see.

In other news? Z also attended my work holiday party with me, and managed to bring home a golden reindeer in a scarf. A glittery golden reindeer. There was a raffle (they were the table centerpieces) which we did NOT win. But he clutched this one like it had a place in his heart, and our friend Emily sent it home with him.

I tried to leave it on the porch for decoration "and protection". But he pointed out how foolish that was because "The cats can protect us fine, and IT CAN'T MOVE so it can't protect us."

Obviously.

innocent?

IMG_3554, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

born archer

IMAG0365, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

learning important skills to be ready for the zombie apocalypse.

All asleep

All asleep, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

PIcture in your minds ear a slightly squeeky, wheezing murmur, that's a cross between a purr and a happy sigh. It's adorable. It's Z snoring.

Looking for Y

Looking for Y, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

Eddy the Pirate - kite

IMAG0348, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

Z had a world of fun flying his new kite (Thank you Lori) on a warm, breezy Saturday afternoon in Zilker park.

My House

My House, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

What doesn't really come across in the picture is the amount of sparkle in the iridescent paint.

one, two ... my new fish shoe

DSC_0151, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

three, four ... get stuck all the more

Body parts from school

Body parts from school, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

One of my favourite things in Zachary's class room is when the kidlets draw, and then narrate to the teachers what it's all about, or what they've learnt during a particular session.

I want to be a paleontologist ..

is what Z declared half way through "Discover: T-Rex: "New Science, New Beast"

Also a few days ago, Zachary performed his first experiment! For his quiet bed time reading he chose "the knowhow book of experiments".  He found it very entertaining, and called me several times to explain (even without reading) the pictures and the experiments they showed.  The next morning, we picked one to try.  He gathered all the equipment he needed (a ruler, a rubber band and two pencils) and we made high and low notes by moving the pencils.  The teacher/scientist in me then drove home the idea by talking about his violin and the pencils are like the bridge and his fingers! It was eye openningly adorable!

First experiment - high and low notes - by Z, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

Psyching up in the dug out

DSC_0295, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

onto the next house for more CANDY

DSC_0245, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

Pulling up the anchor

Pulling up the anchor, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

at the crown and anchor

international day at daycare

DSC_0188, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

running

DSC_0158, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

El Día de los Muertos

DSC_0187, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

Happy 5th Birthday

IMG_7576
Originally uploaded by Niais

It is practically impossible to imagine that five years have passed.

The birthday was a great success, thanks to Mark's culinary skills and mystery hunt. Everybody had a blast.

Frog in the tub!

IMG_7546
Originally uploaded by Niais

distraction on the field

DSC_0023, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

That number is one THousand

That's right, Z and Sarah are reading about the Mars Rover and he pointed to a number on the screen and says "that number is one thousand" and he was right.  "it's because it has three zeros"

Master class violin

Irene Michell (Suzuki Strings of Dallas) came for a group master class. The kids all learned about Dy (back of hand to forehead) nah (hand swipe of no thanks) mix (mixing a bowl). Here are three videos of the boy playing his violin. The two groups are playing Twinkle and May Song, while one other kid plays Twinkle Harmony.  But all doing Dynamic echo's together... then it gets really complicated as she mixes them all up.

Old Video

Found these on my phone, and wanted to portray the Cra-Z-y, at his best.

Busy evening, remaining good

Z got through all of the Yom Kippur closing service yesterday. It was such a pleasure to see him sit mostly still and quiet, while listening to the melodies and standing up to see the ark open. Plus he got to blow our shofar at the end. He also enjoyed the break fast, and got lots of yummy things to eat. We then stopped by the austin urban beekeepers meetup and learned about honey extraction among other things. He was fascinated, by both the conversation and his richard scary book. He was so good that someone actually came up to say "what a well behaved son [I] had, and it was a pleasure to see him listening and reading". WOW that never happened before, win, I guess we're doing something right.

Zachary's fabric crayon colouring

Zachary's fabric crayon colouring, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

Tonight he gets to use the pillow case for the first time! He had so much fun colouring it.

Who has the button

DSC_0037, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

Z has the button. Click. Click. Click .....

Who switched my child?

So Z and I talked over the weekend about having a quick and speed morning, with more of a schedule. I've been trying to get him into the idea of going to kindergarden at Maplewood school which starts at 7:45AM! Anyway we agreed to set the alarm clocks and when the morning came around I went to check on him and his alarm got louder and louder and he just didn't even move. Ok I turned it off gave him a cuddle and went to get on with my morning, he could have a bit more sleep and I'll give up the early plan. So just as I get out of the shower I hear, thunk. I check. His door is closed and the light is on, "don't come in daddy". OK I'll leave him be and while I'm getting dressed, I hear clink clank. "hhmmmm" I go to the kitchen. Z has got out the whetabix, milk and is now getting bowls, not only for himself but for me. Awwww. And he is fully dressed! Amazing, so I ask again who came in the night and switched my child?

Game 1 - YMCA Longhorns vs SALL ninjas

DSC_0015, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

Great game, mostly chaos. All the kids are still learning how to play; battling and fielding. We went through two innings for each team, with everyone getting a turn. Z clouted it both times he was up to bat, and had fun chasing the ball. When he caught it with his glove he threw it to first. Current rules are no outs so it's more just about playing as a team and learning the skills. Fun was had, sportsmanship is adorable!

DSC_0043, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

Coffee is delicious

Coffee is delicious, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

That's why I was being a jerk!

Zachary has been a little meshugah. He burst into tears in the car going to violin. At violin. He burst into tears when he took apart some of his legos. He clung to me in a weird crazy way.  I figured it was because I was an awful mother. Because I'm about to start travel shenanigans again. Because I've been working a lot.

Oh hey. Maybe it isn't all about me? I was about to go do an errand and Z started complaining and I said, in my least good parent flippant way "I am just about ready to give you COUGH SYRUP." And then I paused. And then I said, Zachary, do you have a fever?

Commence thermometering.

Fever confirmed. Tylenol dispensed.

After five years? Still a little slow out of the gate.

And his response, once I've taken his temperature. "That's why I was being a jerk!"

Me too, kiddo. Me too.

No training wheels !

No training wheels !, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

Yup he asked to try without. He doesn't quite have the balance down, but with his speed it is super close.

T-ball Fun!

IMG_7381
Originally uploaded by Niais

T-ball starts next weekend! We went to the YMCA and picked up Z's jersey. It is reversible, grey and green, which seems wildly clever to me. Zachary is totally excited to play. We let him pick between soccer (which seems to be the predominate kid's sport of choice) and t-ball, but he's been set on playing baseball of some flavor for ages. I tried to talk Mark into coaching (they were a few coaches short) but apparently he thought he was unqualified. C'est la vie. We'll just shout wildly from the sidelines. "GOOD EYE, KID, GOOD EYE." (That's all I remember. Hints welcome).

at the symphony

at the symphony, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

We went to see the Austin Philharmonic with Zachary's violin group. It was fun except it was late and he was tired.

sonic

" I want to wear my flame shoes to show Drake" "uh huh, you need sock first" "because I want him to see me run fast, faster than sonic"

sick day jigsaw

sick day jigsaw, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

Growing up - independence

10 button morning - teeth brushing without prompting, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

We've been encouraging Z to be more helpful and independent. He gets buttons, for good and helpful behavior. We're filling up a jar with marks for ice cream and higher up a movie.
Recently he has been ROCKING the being good, and wants to be indepent. He is occasionally getting his own juice and ice, or a cheese-stick from the fridge. Or getting n'ked for the bath, scrubbing, drying, and getting PJs! He was amazing this morning and tonight.

He did this himself too

IMG_7354
Originally uploaded by Niais

Please note the orange clog slippers. See? When mom goes to amsterdam, it *totally* pays off.

Independence Day

IMG_7356
Originally uploaded by Niais

Zachary is suddenly doing things ALL BY HIMSELF. He's been able to *doooo* stuff, but now he's combining them together... It is a little bit like the songs he learns on violin. He can play little chunks of something, and remembers and forgets them. And then suddenly one day he's playing something all the way through, FWOOP, fluid, that we didn't even realize he knew.
LIke that. He runs into his room and tells us to look away and keep our eyes closed. And out he popped this morning fully dressed including shoes and rolled socks. Serious business. After this he ducked back in to get his glasses.

Helping the ball down the lane...

IMG_7330
Originally uploaded by Niais

You have to stare it till it drops. That's the rule. (This is glow-bowling, in case anyone was wondering).

AirHockey Wizard...

IMG_7336
Originally uploaded by Niais

Sing along time...

homemade cupcakes

homemade cupcakes, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

Snail

DSC_0238, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

Sundial

DSC_0602, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

not much use with this much fog

Marching with Grandpa and the Golowan Band

DSC_0188, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

Dangerous Cliffs

DSC_0576, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

The weather here in cornwall is amazing, we have only seen sun twice in two weeks. Upcountry it was a tad warmer (see stonehenge pic), but we are reveling in not being in an Austin heatwave (109F/43C a few days back!).

Stonehenge 2012

DSC_0471, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

Watch Out for the Vampire Rabbits of Lands End

Hands up, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

Shortly after a highly entertaining time with Grandma and Grandpa's friend Eddie the Priate. Zachary and I wandered over to the little petting farm next door. We saw all sorts of amazing chickens and some goats that looked like the were stuck on the side of a small cliff (but probably weren't) and then we went to feed the rabbits. DUHDUHDUH.....
Unfortunately the over enthuasastic beastie took a bite to hard and got Z's finger. Tears blood, and a short ride to the emergency room but all is well that ends well. Z has a awesome looking bandage and a new green teddy bear.