Ezri is looking at a guidebook to My Little Ponies. Ivan is pointing out Spike the Dragon with an energetic exclamation of “Dragon!” whenever he occurs. Ivan also likes to point out Pinkie Pie by saying her name.
It’s book time.
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Author Archives: amanda
Rolling Out
As we tried rolling out to the park, I worked to convince Ivan that he wanted to ride in his stroller or the wagon or his “beep-beep” car. He kept saying, “Coot-TAH. Ivan Coot-TAH. Mine.” and jockeying for position beside his big sister’s scooter.
Ezri tried convincing him that the Beep-beep car was awesome by showing him that she wished she could ride it too.
Ezri offered to show him how the scooter worked. I said she could but for going to the park we’d need a more practical conveyance for Ivan who does not steer well.
Ivan insisted on the scooter and let me know he planned to ride it to the park. “Ivan Coo-TAH! Park.” I said, “How about the Beep Beep Car?” Ivan said, “NO Cah. Coo-TAH!”
I figured I could carry both Ivan and the scooter if I needed to so I said I’d let him try. Oh, JOY! I told him to ride for real he needed a helmet. He chose this one.
I’ve had two walking children for awhile now, but I am not sure I am ready for two who propel themselves on wheels.
We made it to our near park (about two blocks) and back. Ezri had to wait for her little brother to catch up as she’s getting pretty fast on that bike. Ivan may not be fast but he is determined and stubborn.
Ivan helps unload the dishwasher.
He said, “Ivan AT! AT!” Nice hat, kid.
If Ezri has star sunglasses, Ivan wants ’em too.
This week Dad turned 37 and Grandma Liz turned 70. Ivan gets cake!
Ivan sang along to our happy birthday song. He also really liked banging on the piano and shaking his “Me- racas” which is Ivan-speak for “my maracas.” Grandpa Harvey played songs for him on the piano and his response at the end of each was either, “more” or “again.” He got plenty of encores. Ivan was very excited about the tricycle the grandparents had in their garage on our visit though he lacks the coordination for either steering or pedaling consistently. He got a good push around on the trike.
Ivan thinks birthday cake is good.
His dad does too.
Hanging with grandma, big sister and assorted objects. Liz is wearing the necklaces the kids crafted for her.
Family Concert at the Arb
Ivan just put a grape in his mouth.
This granite ball fountain is a favorite stop all summer long.
They are both pleased with this situation, but neither is showing the joy on their face.
The concert had the kids dancing all around. Ivan enjoyed seeing live music and watching someone play the guitar and the drums. He made himself a spot right at the front. We had a picnic dinner and there were many bubbles and some sidewalk chalk fun too.
New Toddler Bed
We are two nights into using the new toddler bed. It is the old crib with a side removed. On Sunday Ivan got out of his crib the hard way, so it was time for a change.
Ivan loves the new bed though he has been so excited at his new ability to get out of bed that getting him to sleep has been more challenging. Last night he was right at the door after being put to bed saying, “Evie! Evie! Doe! Daddy. Open. Doe!” This translates to “Ezri, could you please open the door so I can go see daddy.” He can get out of bed on his own, but cannot yet operate the doorknob.
We’ve left him sleeping on the floor or on his sister’s bed, but when we return we find he has gotten into his toddler bed and decided it is the place to sleep.
Bucketheads
Ivan has a bucket on his head.
Ivan, why did you put a bucket on your head?
Because anything my big sister does is super cool.
The family that reads together
Sometimes your sister gets to the lap first.
But, two grandmas = no having to wait to have your book pick read
Sometimes it is nice to have the lap all to one’s self.
Sometimes it is nice to share.
Ivan Speaks
Another collection of Ivan’s quotes and conversations:
“Arrr, matey!” While wandering around holding a rain stick up to his eye.
“Gookie Bah” – This is Ivan’s word for a cereal bar that is essentially an overgrown fig newton. While I call it a cereal bar, Ivan knows it’s like a cookie bar.
Similarly there’s “Gookie Bread” which is his word for both cinnamon raisin bread and banana bread.
Ivan and his sister were squabbling over a crocheted purple bear I’d made before they were born. They were arguing the point of ownership, so I told them the bear was mine. Later Ivan approached holding the bear and showed he understands collective pronouns.
Ivan: Me purpuh beh (translation – My purple bear)
Me: It’s Amanda’s bear.
Ivan: Ow-err purpuh beh? (translation – Our purple bear?)
Me (laughing): I will share the purple bear with you.
For happy hour snack we were eating crunchy cornpuffs called booty.
Me: Do you want booty?
Ivan: YEAH!
Me: When someone asks you if you want booty, what do you say? (I asked anticipating that cute, enthusiastic YEAH again instead Ivan whipped out his manners)
Ivan: Booty, peas.
He got his corn puffs.
Me: Ivan, could I have one of your raisins?
Ivan: No.
Grandma Tam: Can I have a raisin?
Ivan: No
Grandpa Mark: Can I have a raisin?
Ivan (smiling and handing raisin): Here ya go.
I guess we know who Ivan likes best.
