Circle time at La Escuelita with his teacher Edna Sarah and all of his school buddies. The second picture he is holding hands with Emma who has been his “girlfriend” since they were in the baby room. They always have to hug before he leaves school!
Alternate title:
WARDROBE MALFUNCTION
Classic comment: “Yes… I see that.”
Coming back from soccer practice, we pass by one of the best places in Seattle to get Phở – the delicious, savory Vietnamese rice noodle soup. It’s in a funky little shack-type building on the corner of Rainier and Jackson. It’s also shaped a little like a ship. Weird.
Anyway, today we were passing it and Sennet asked his usual question of late, “What’s that?” and pointed at the building.
I said, “That’s Phở Bắc. It’s a restaurant where you can buy Phở.”
Sennet said, “What’s that?”
And I said, “Phở is a delicious, savory Vietnamese rice noodle soup.”
And Sennet said, “I want some.”
Long story short, we ordered some beef brisket Phở to go and took it home. It was the first time Sennet had tried Phở. I dumped the noodles and thin-sliced brisket in the rich, steaming broth, and then added the Thai basil, cut jalapeños, bean sprouts, cilantro, onions, and the chili/fish sauce and let it steep for a few minutes. I put a some of the noodles, some brisket, and a bit of broth in a small dish for Sennet. At first he seemed a little perplexed by the color and length of the noodles, but once he tried it, he gobbled them right down.
Last night we went out to dinner to one of our old usuals- The Cactus. We got there at 5:45 and all of the tables were full. It looked like most of the tables had just sat down but we decided to wait the 15-25 minutes quoted- keep in mind Sennet is still in bed most nights by 630ish but he was in a good mood so we decided to go with it.
Before Sennet, I was the queen of hovering over tables that looked like they might be getting up soon so we could grab the table- no hurry, no pressure- we just want your table when you leave . Now I am the queen of giving evil dagger looks at people as they enjoy their leisurely dinner while I am counting down the minutes until Sennet looses it.
I think it is only fair to let you know now that Sennet was great- better than great- last night at dinner. He sat and ate well- no crying or screaming- it was a glimpse into the future. In fact this morning, he asked to go out to eat again.
There is no way I could have known it would turn out this way before we were finally seated and I found myself making up some rules for diners/restaurants that are easy to follow and in my opinion common courtesy.
See, these are all totally easy and reasonable.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kK9g33JH4jU]
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It is hard to know what Sennet means at times and I don’t mean his diction- I mean his intent so I thought I would give you a guide- just in case.
Wait for me means you better let me pass you and go ahead of you or I will throw myself down and cry and scream where I stand.
Help means I will do it myself and if you touch it I will throw myself down and cry and scream where I stand.
Asking for help a second time means- see above.
Sennet does it (or I do it) means you better know when I need help- see above.
No means yes, unless it means no.
Don’t want it means I absolutely want it especially if you plan to take it if I don’t want it.
Do it again means there is a very fine line between me laughing at your attention or crying/screaming because you are being mean to me.
I’m listening means talk all you want but I will do what I want.
Sennet help mommy means I’m listening- see above.
No nap means I am so tired and will be at my breaking point soon.
Sennet goes potty at times means where are my m&ms otherwise I will pee in my pants.
Watch Elmo means you better know if I want to watch Sesame Street or Signing Time, otherwise I will throw myself down and cry and scream where I stand.
Stop means stop means I will go wherever/whenever I want.
A few fun ones:
Reindeer means sing Rudolph.
Monkey means sing monkeys jumping on the bed.
Frog means sing five green and speckled frogs.
ABC means sing the ABC song.
Twinkle means sing Twinkle, Twinkle.
You get the picture- he has one word cues for the songs he wants you to sing. Sometimes the above can be thrown at you at record speeds and you better change tunes exactly when he wants otherwise he will throw himself down and cry and scream where he stands.
There are many others but I will let you marinate with these for a bit.