While Annie and I were getting ready this morning (running late, of course), she asked me the strangest question. "Daddy, do you want to look bald?" Where did that come from? "No, honey, I don't. Why do you ask?" "I don't know. I don't want you to look bald, either."

Look, it's just receding a bit... I'm not balding!
Combing it over...

I just spent about $120 on a few pairs of pants, few pairs of shorts, and a couple pairs of shoes for Annie. Mind you, I spent $100 on pants a couple of weeks ago, too... She is growing so fast, and they don't make pants that really fit her. She's tall and gangly, like her father. So, last time I bought size 7. They fit pretty well in the leg, but are way too big around the waist. She was almost in tears about it last week, so I found one pair of pants that fit her, and tried to match to that this time. I'm done trying to get things a little bit big in hopes that she will grow into them. It's a waste, because she is Ms. Destructo. Her last two pairs of shows were destroyed within a couple of months. The pair that her mom got her blew out so bad that on Thursday when I picked her up, she could easily stick her toes out of the shoe.... with them on.

See? Kids should just run around naked until puberty. Or maybe just wear grocery bags or gunny sacks. I could easily convert the chicken-feed sacks to a suitable covering. Then they could talk about things like "Oh, you use Thompson Seed? My dad says that there is too much filler in that, and the eggs come out soft."

Well, I guess I'll put away the size 7 pants for a while. By the time she fits them in the waist, she'll look like she's expecting a flood.

Glad she isn't worried about who makes the pants, yet...

The last few mornings, Annie has gone to bed early, and woken up early. It's been great. We've arrived at school really early, and been able to enjoy our morning time much more. Of course, this will all go to crap when the time changes next week...

This morning, we were the first ones in the room, and we even took a few more minutes to play I Spy after I parked. (We generally play a game on the way to school.) I checked the plants from our experiment a couple of days before, and was pleased to find a seed that had sprouted a root (Aidan's). We also took a few minutes to watch the swallows that had constructed some amazing nests out of mud on the side of the school.

Well, the teacher was there, and some more students had arrived, so I thought it was time for me to go. My mind had started turning towards work, and what I needed to do. I was already thinking of how I was going to configure this machine in the lab to do what I needed it to for an experiment. My little angel had other plans. She was yanking on my arm, asking me to read a book. Yes, pickle, I have time for that.

We sat on the floor and began reading a book about nouns. Within a few pages, Colleen was sitting next to us with a book in hand, listening to the story. Immediately after, Julianna was there... with a book... listening and looking. Jerry, with his typical wide-spread grin was standing behind me. Annie and I finished the book, and before I could say "I need to go now", Colleen had offerred her book to me. I couldn't say no.... and this was a long book. Annie invited Colleen to share my lap (I don't have a say in these things). So, I had a kid on each leg. The audience continued to grow. The bell rang half way through the book, but Mrs. Friedlund needed to get something from the art room, and asked if I could hang out a few more minutes. Of course. I hate to leave a book half read! So we finished the book. Mrs. Friedlund (Annie's teacher, by the way) returned. After we finished the book, Julianna cautiously offered her book, and Jerry was tentatively holding one as well. By this time, I really needed to go to work. I apologized profusely, and finally made my way out, waving bye to Annie as I walked away, as she stood at the door.

The truth? I'd have much rather stayed there all day reading to them...

An avid reader

I'm constantly asking Annie to be gentle with Lilo. It's easy with Sandy, because she hisses when she's upset. Before Annie could really talk, we 'd ask her what sounds animals made, and she was very good at it. When asked what a kitty said, she'd meow, but when asked what Sandy said, she'd hiss. Well, Sandy has finally warmed up to Annie. It only took five and a half years. But, Annie still has respect for Sandy, and doesn't try to tote her around like a rag doll. Lilo on the other hand, gets concerned, because he doesn't feel he is given the opportunity to use his own legs.

After dinner and Annie finishing her homework (I never had this much homework as a kindergartener... but I like it), she was allowed to watch a Blue's Clues before bed. She fell asleep before it was over. As I finished some work, and a phone conversation with a dear friend, I was watching Annie sleep. She was laying on the dog bed, with the soft green blanket on her that is normally draped uselessly over the blue arm chair. At her feet, their was movement. I large bulk was moving and shifting under the blanket in a determined attempt to gain freedom. Finally, a large black and white cat erupted like a cannon shot out from under the blanket. I can only imagine that Annie had him pinned under her loving arms when she fell asleep, and he finally found his way out. Despite the treatment, Lilo likes to lay on the pillows above Annie's head (she doesn't usually use pillows), and watch over her all night long. The bond between kids and animals is very deep.

Hoping everyone has that guardian angel animal

I had an absolutely wonderful morning. I had been planning for this event for a while, and it all went like clockwork. I worked with Annie's class on plants! Yesterday, I hauled a 50 pound bag of planting soil to the classroom... all the way up the hill... Today, I brought in a cooler full of my demonstration tools. See? All that show-n-tell stuff I did as a kid has paid off!

My greenhouse has petunias growing out from between the pavers on the floor (don't ask). I yanked one out, and it had enough root for the first demonstration. We went through parts of plants: roots, stems, leaves, flowers and seeds. As we continued, I asked if they had ever seen a plant get up and walk around. They laughed, and I asked how seeds got scattered around. So, I pulled out a pinecone and we talked about the wind, and how animals would eat and/or carry seeds around. I wanted to mention that sometimes it came out when the animals um... went to the bathroom, but was satisfied just saying that they were carried somewhere else...

Our next discussion was about how important plants were. Of course, they all knew that plants were food. So, I pulled out of the cooler various foods and we talked about what part of the plant they were. Corn- seeds, lettuce - leaves, potatoes - root, and many, many more. I even had a chocolate bar to talk about sugar and cocoa beans. It was great. They were yelling out answers, and excited. I even thought I was going to stump them, and didn't. I pulled out an artichoke. I never would have known what an artichoke was at that age, but virtually every one of them did. I guess that's part of growing up so close to artichoke country. I asked what part of the plant the artichoke was. It was quiet for just a moment, before some bright kindergartener yelled out "flower!" I was amazed. Some of them had that look of shock on their faces, and we talked about the flower a bit.

Then we went to the next "easy" use for plants: building and materials. That one went quick. I pulled out a piece of paper, and a 2x4. The next one I didn't have a show-n-tell for, though. We had talked about molecules before, so we now were talking about the co-dependence of animals and plants through the generation of oxygen and carbon-dioxide. I was worried that I was losing them, until I asked what the plants put out if they "breathe" carbon-dioxide. I was practically ecstatic when someone yelled out "Oxygen!"

Lastly, we talked about an oft over looked use for plants: medicine. And no, I didn't use the most prolific plant medicine in the Santa Cruz Mountains, I showed aspirin.

So, the experiment was planting peas. The McDonald's in Scotts Valley gave me a bunch of sundae containers (I thought they'd be ideal). A big thanks to them for the donation! I had planned on using a spade bit to drill a 1" hole in the top of the lid for the plant to escape. You see, one of the goals is to show how plants grow towards the light (not in a Poltergeist kind of way...). I had planned on them turning the cups upside down at some point to see how the pea plants continued to reach towards the sunlight. I'm not sure that is going to happen now, we'll have to see.

Anyway, I knew that I had to have some way of placing the cups so they could be managed in the window. I originally planned on drilling 3" holes in a 1x8 and stacking two of them like shelves. When I started this yesterday evening (yes, I waited too long), I discovered that what I thought was a 3" hole saw, was a 3.25" hole saw. Crap. While I was mulling over several options, I noticed that the cruddy lattice in my deck rails looked like 3" squares. Sure enough, the cups fit perfectly. So? In a move of total dedication, I removed a section of railing to use the lattice for the shelves. It isn't pretty, but it works. The cups don't sit upside down well, though, so that's why we might not show that phenomenon that way...

All 20 kids (one was absent) worked with me in groups of five to put the soil in their cups, pack it, plant the seeds, and water. Fortunately, Mrs. Friedlund had a broom and dust pan... There is often a disconnect in kindergarten brains regarding holding something while you are working on it to avoid spilling. I filled the planter for the one missing child, and all 21 are now sitting patiently in the window. Mrs. Friedlund is also using this as a tool to continue their work with writing. Each student is keeping a daily journal of what the seeds do.

Doing this kind of thing with Kindergarteners is so much fun. They aren't worried about being cool, or appearances, they just want to do it. And, geez, we got to play in dirt today! Engineering school would have been so much more fun if we'd had buckets of dirt in the classroom! I love the things they come up with in an effort to have something to say. Hands go up with comments like "I had medicine one time that was from a rock", "my mom takes medicine some times", "popcorn has seeds", or "my mom has plants, but they all seem to die".

One boy, who was Annie's "boyfriend" for a brief romantic time, told me his mom loved flowers, and he was going to give her the plant after it grew. I reminded him they were peas (stupid me), and his face clouded as he realized this might mean he would have to eat peas. I quickly added that they would flower, though. He said he could take the peas off and throw them away. While working around the table on putting the soil in the cups, one of the kids said something like "I've had peas before", which of course brought on "yeah? I've had " from others. I almost laughed out loud, though, when one kid said "I've even had beer!" They are so innocent, and say whatever comes to mind. I love it. I see some, though, that make me sad. For journal writing, I wrote down March 30 - planted seeds. There were a few that even though they were into the planting, didn't want to focus on writing. One literally scribbled for five or six lines, and tried to tell me he was done. He wasn't. The worst one was a wonderfully good natured boy who told me he just couldn't do it. Typical for me, I told him that he could do anything he wanted to. He finished his journal article with pride, and I gave him the praise he so desparately needed. Encouragement is the best tool parents have.

Well, it was a great morning. I love living in a small town. These kids see me in the grocery store, hardware store, gas station, wherever, and smile and tell me something that relates to the latest experiment. If you have the opportunity, you should really take the time to do something with your kid's class. Do it before they get too old, and are embarrassed by your presence. Annie's teacher asked me if I was going to be available next year, and I laughed and said that then I would be part of the First Grade Class. She chuckled, and said maybe she should hold Annie back, but that that wouldn't work, because Annie was too sharp.

What a great morning...


Next experiment? Either gravity or electricity. We'll see how it goes...

sometimes teacher, always a student

Annie talked to her mother tonight, and came back with a concern. It seems that mommy told her she couldn't listen to a certain song: Disco Inferno. She had tears in her eyes, and I asked why she couldn't listen to that song anymore. She said she didn't know. I looked up the lyrics, and was livid. Annie asked if she could still listen to another favored song: Candy Shop. With fear, I looked up the lyrics to this song.

No, honey, that is not an appropriate song for you to listen to. In my opinion, it's not an appropriate song for anyone to listen to. She was so upset.

So? I called her mother. I thought I was trying to be understanding. I thought I was trying to be open. I asked her about the issue. She said she told Annie she couldn't listen to that song. That's good stuff. However, I asked how Annie ever heard the song, and the floodgates of wrath were open. I truly don't know how it came to this, but we suddenly had a fight. I really, really wanted to talk about aligning our parenting goals, and it became a terrible fight. At one point she exclaimed that I wasn't that great of a parent, either. Wow. She knows me well enough that she knew that was the kick in the groin. I promise to the blogging deities, I just wanted to align and understand. Apparently, my typical forcefulness turned it into something else.

I couldn't care less what happens to my ex anymore. I just wanted to find some common ground to discuss how Annie is raised. We didn't even come close. It was just a confrontation.

Irritated with myself and my ex.

Annie has been spending more time "mothering" her babies and stuffed animals lately. I understand where she gets the desire to role-play being a school teacher, now that she's in school. However, I was a little surprised by her recent desire to role-play being a mother to a baby. I think it comes from being around her infant nephew when she is at her maternal grandparents'. My exercise bench is currently serving as a baby's bed. I replace all materials precisely after using it. I take pictures, have a ruler out in the pictures... I watch too much CSI. I'm hoping to be an extra in the long anticipated CSI: Boulder Creek.

When driving her to Nana and Papa's house to eventually go home with her mother:

Annie: Make sure you take good care of my baby while I'm gone.
Daddy: Will do.
Annie: If she stinks, you need to change her diaper. She probably has poop.
Daddy: (silent pause)
Annie: Are you ignoring me?
Daddy: No, honey, I'm just listening to your instructions.
Annie: It might be pee, too, though... if it stinks.
Daddy: I'll take good care of her. I've done this before, you know...
Annie: I know. You took care of me.
Daddy: I sure did.
Annie: She'll need a bottle if she gets hungry. And you need to make sure she takes naps when she's tired.
Daddy: ("pregnant" pause)
Annie: (groan) I forgot to make a list for you.
Daddy: (stifling a chuckle) I'm sure I'll be alright.

She is so focused when she wants to be.
Proud of my burgeoning monster

Please, don't call social services on me. I'm really not a bad parent...

Annie is next to me on the bed as I type, feeding her "baby". She has informed me that if the baby spills, she'll clean it up. And, I shouldn't worry, because baby food doesn't stain. While I'm writing this, she is giving me instructions on how to take care of her baby while she is at her mother's.

A few minutes ago, though, we had the following dialogue:

Annie: (Lying on my bed, big blue eyes awake and alert at 6:30 am)
Daddy: I have to go to the bathroom and make some stink. Do you want me to save some stink for you?
Annie: (without a pause) No, I've already been making stink... I farted in your bed.
Daddy: (Speechless in the presence of a master.)

Wondering if she'll find it funny when she goes on her first date

The sleepover was a great success. We had one moment where a tired Pickle was upset, and we had to go have a private talk, but aside from that, it was wonderful. They were so tired, theyslept until a little over 8:00 am. Their day began by running into my room to look after the "babies" that were left in there the previous night. I slept in my small corner of the bed so as not to disturb the other sleepers, and apparently was successful. A little later, they went to feed the cats, and settled down for a donut breakfast. After breakfast, I asked them to take all the animals/babies out of my room. They did after a bit of whining and complaining (mostly by Annie - apparently it is much, much easier to make a mess than clean it).

They had another picnic at the top of the road during a rain break. They wanted to go for a hike in the woods, but the rain came back. So, they turned my room into a Disneyland Hotel Room. In a matter of one hour, my room went from being clean again, to me not being able to walk across the room. They had a blast. I was working on plumbing and walked into my room to find that the bench under the window had become a kitchen. They were making tangerine juice. The bathroom trash was overflowing with tangerine peel. I was nervous that they would become sick, but haven't shown any signs. There are tangerine peels strewn about the house and property like a drunken Hansel and Grethel leaving a path.

I thought that lunch would give us the break we needed to start the transition to getting Colleen home. No such luck. They went right back to playing with the "kids". Well, they played a little longer, and I finally informed them they need to clean up. They did a reasonable job, and Colleen was escorted home. Shortly after returning home, Annie fell asleep.

It was a great sleep over.
a Survivor...

There is so much to write about, I don't know where to start... Colleen is spending the night tonight, and they've been moving so fast, I have no pictures. I'm a bit worn out. On the way from picking them up, Annie twisted to talk to Colleen in the back seat. She detailed ten things that they were going to do (didn't ask, of course, just informed her). The ten things were a detailed list of activities such as play, play school, put kids to nap, etc. As usual for our household, those plans got blown apart. However, they have had a great time thus far.

They've played Old Maid, Winnie the Pooh on the computer, drawn pictures, worked on spelling words, had a picnic outside in the saturated grass, started "Spirit" on the DVD player (but quickly moved on to more imaginative activities), played a wonderful game of "jump on Annie's Daddy" (that's been my favorite so far), ate some pizza and bread sticks, and are now playing dress up. They gave me a wonderful tap show after dressing up and wearing "pretty shoes". Colleen started out very quiet around me, but has finally achieved a confidence level of telling me what's on her mind.

They have been debating about where to sleep. I offered to let then sleep together in my bed (closer to the functional bathroom), or in sleeping bags in Annie's room. The fact that there are seven animals sleeping on my bed with special blankets on them will most likely mean that we all sleep in another room. I've already been given instructions on where I'm allowed to sleep, should I choose to sleep in my comfy bed. The implications of messing up are formidable. In fact, Colleen was kind enough to let me know that my allowed sleeping area was the work-out bench. Yeah. I'm going to sleep on a four-foot bench that is 1.2' feet wide.

Our most recent exchange?

Girls: You have to babysit the kids, because we don't want to.
Me: Ok.
Girls: If you smell stink, you need to change them.
Me: Ok.
Girls: At 9:00, they will need to have something to drink. If they cry, you need to give them milk. Here is the orange juice, here is the grape juice. This is apple juice, and they can't have that.
Me: Got it.
Girls: Ok, we're going back to our party.
Me: Er... ok. (Wondering where they got the idea that partying versus childcare was ok... and dreading that I know the answer.)
Girls: I love you!
Me: (Blast it... that always works.)

Looking forward to the book reading and time for sleep. Only problem? They've taken over my nightstand, and I don't know where my book is...

I got my revenge just now, though. They were hiding from me behind the black recliner, and while I pretended not to know where they were, I approached the chair with a water bottle and squirted them. I quickly informed them that that was not allowed on their part, even though I'd already had my fun.... It's good to be the dad...

Hmmm... now all the pillows are off the couch, and they are running and jumping into them. Apparently, this is the necessary ritual that comes before making a tent out of pillows... Engineers-to-be: they are now constructing the tent structure into "apartments". I just hope they don't become slum-lords...

Civil Engineers they are not. The whole thing just fell down on them... I think they are finally beginning to wind down... That means they are only moving at Mach 2...


Proud to be a Daddy