Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Monday, April 05, 2010
Hamslice Sings
Here are some movies of my little guy singing in the car. We don't quite have all the words down yet, but I'm happy to hear that he can carry a tune.
=)
The ABC Song
Baa Baa Black Sheep
=)
The ABC Song
Baa Baa Black Sheep
Friday, April 02, 2010
Famous Hamslice
Our family was selected for BGE's energy savings household promo video -- you can see how much better we all look when there are professional video editors in the mix.
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Hamslice Fisherman
One of our favorite activities is going to the Bass Pro Shop to look at the fish. Here's Hamslice getting "into the action". Just a couple more years before we can all get back to fishing as a hobby!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Monster Face
Mommy got a new phone that has a video camera in it. Now you will see Hamslice in Motion, like this:
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Monday, February 08, 2010
Homebound, Day III the Saga Continues
This is all going to be great to look back on, but this is my third day of hard time in the house taking care of Hamslice while Hambone plows for the entire day. (He just landed a City Emergency Team contract, so I officially have to stop whining about this)
I have been trying to cook to keep busy, but the derth of ingredients makes it a little tough. Last night was pea soup that contained a bag of dehydrated black-eyed-peas and some of our Christmas ham leftovers form the freezer.
That culinary experiment led to the discovery that Papa Johns across the street was open, but only accepting carry out orders. That means pizza is ready for us in 20 minutes. No muss, no fuss. That's the good news.
The bad news is that we're starting to run out of things like milk and toilet paper. We're living the cliche.
I'm also running out of fun things to do with Hamslice. Three days of kids movies is my absolute limit, so we're experimenting with splashy time in the tub and thinking about where there may be a street or sidewalk open to go take a stroll.
The house and I are also starting to turn on each other. I walk into room after room thinking, "My God this place is filthy." So this morning I cleaned Hamslice's room, including sorting all of the clothes in the drawer.
With the 10 inches of snow we're supposed to get tomorrow, this may be an endurance run. Stay tuned.
I have been trying to cook to keep busy, but the derth of ingredients makes it a little tough. Last night was pea soup that contained a bag of dehydrated black-eyed-peas and some of our Christmas ham leftovers form the freezer.
That culinary experiment led to the discovery that Papa Johns across the street was open, but only accepting carry out orders. That means pizza is ready for us in 20 minutes. No muss, no fuss. That's the good news.
The bad news is that we're starting to run out of things like milk and toilet paper. We're living the cliche.
I'm also running out of fun things to do with Hamslice. Three days of kids movies is my absolute limit, so we're experimenting with splashy time in the tub and thinking about where there may be a street or sidewalk open to go take a stroll.
The house and I are also starting to turn on each other. I walk into room after room thinking, "My God this place is filthy." So this morning I cleaned Hamslice's room, including sorting all of the clothes in the drawer.
With the 10 inches of snow we're supposed to get tomorrow, this may be an endurance run. Stay tuned.
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Snowmageddon II
Here are more snow pictures. This was so amazing to see that I had to show all of you too. We have officially broken ALL snowfall records for Baltimore. I can believe it!
These pictures were taken while Hambone, Hamslice and I were joyriding in the Bobcat. We had to put the plow away because there was too much snow. Instead we drove around with a giant shovel on the front of the Bobcat, lifting massive heaps of snow and carrying them to the sides of the road.
We call these people the Federal Hill Zombies. Nothing was open today, but people still wandered aimlessly around hoping to find something to do. They walked in the middle of the street looking like they would actually eat brains if it came to it.
And I have to ask "why bikes?" they were everywhere, as if bicyclists think a bike is an ATV.
These pictures were taken while Hambone, Hamslice and I were joyriding in the Bobcat. We had to put the plow away because there was too much snow. Instead we drove around with a giant shovel on the front of the Bobcat, lifting massive heaps of snow and carrying them to the sides of the road.
We call these people the Federal Hill Zombies. Nothing was open today, but people still wandered aimlessly around hoping to find something to do. They walked in the middle of the street looking like they would actually eat brains if it came to it.
And I have to ask "why bikes?" they were everywhere, as if bicyclists think a bike is an ATV.
Hamslice Snowball
Snowmageddon 2010 is underway. 2 feet so far (easily).
State of emergency was declared last night by the Governor, so this is officially cool now.
Last night we went to bed poo-pooing this storm because there was only about 2 inches on the ground and it was still 40 degrees. During the night, we heard a lot of thunder -- so much that it woke Hamslice up at 4am. We all peeked out the window at that time and whistled low and long.
Here's what we have:
Hambone and Hamslice plowing out the street together, and both having a marvelous time. Hamslice was so relaxed in the Bobcat that he fell asleep in the cab for an hour WHILE Hambone continued plowing.
This is the front of our house, looking south.
This is the Hamslice snow depth meter. His feet didn't go all the way to the pavement because he's too light, but waist deep is about a foot and a half or more. This isn't a snow drift he's standing in, it's the sidewalk au naturale.
This is Hambone trying to get out the back door to get to his plow. This took a while.
The view out the front window at 6:30 am
One more Hamslice measurement: see how high the snow is on the door? That's also not a drift.
Our yard, at 5:30 am.
State of emergency was declared last night by the Governor, so this is officially cool now.
Last night we went to bed poo-pooing this storm because there was only about 2 inches on the ground and it was still 40 degrees. During the night, we heard a lot of thunder -- so much that it woke Hamslice up at 4am. We all peeked out the window at that time and whistled low and long.
Here's what we have:
Hambone and Hamslice plowing out the street together, and both having a marvelous time. Hamslice was so relaxed in the Bobcat that he fell asleep in the cab for an hour WHILE Hambone continued plowing.
This is the front of our house, looking south.
This is the Hamslice snow depth meter. His feet didn't go all the way to the pavement because he's too light, but waist deep is about a foot and a half or more. This isn't a snow drift he's standing in, it's the sidewalk au naturale.
This is Hambone trying to get out the back door to get to his plow. This took a while.
The view out the front window at 6:30 am
One more Hamslice measurement: see how high the snow is on the door? That's also not a drift.
Our yard, at 5:30 am.
Friday, February 05, 2010
Embarassing Bath Photos
I wouldn't be a parent if I didn't post at least one bath photo in public, right? Here you go...
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Early Morning Fishing?
Have you ever gone fishing for crappie or bluegill? Well do you remember how the flop all over the dock once you bring them out of the water? It's chaos with the flipping and flapping and leaping into the air. You'd never forget it.
Now picture that fish at 5AM, flopping around in your bed, and then call that fish "Hamslice." That's what we woke up to this morning. Our little guy crawled into bed early in the morning, and a very noisy F A R T from one of us woke him up. For the next hour, he flip flapped in bed until we all woke up for the day.
We've got to get a lock on that bedroom door.
Now picture that fish at 5AM, flopping around in your bed, and then call that fish "Hamslice." That's what we woke up to this morning. Our little guy crawled into bed early in the morning, and a very noisy F A R T from one of us woke him up. For the next hour, he flip flapped in bed until we all woke up for the day.
We've got to get a lock on that bedroom door.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Whisper
Our little Hamslice is an early riser, and likes to get out of bed far earlier than his parents. As a compromise we let him crawl in bed with us after 5:30 for some snuggle time and (we hope) maybe some additional sleep.
Hamslice knows he's supposed to be quiet during this time, so he uses it to ruminate about things he has seen, or things he'd like to do during the day. And he talks to himself in a soft, feathery whisper.
He mostly says things like "Today I'd like to stay home from Montessori and play with Mommy" and "I want to go to the playground with the slides and tunnels."
But there's something about the sound of his whisper that lends a "Stephen King" tone to the discussion, making my hair raise when he says things like "Mommy's getting fat" and (terrifyingly) "I want to eat your eyes"
Hamslice knows he's supposed to be quiet during this time, so he uses it to ruminate about things he has seen, or things he'd like to do during the day. And he talks to himself in a soft, feathery whisper.
He mostly says things like "Today I'd like to stay home from Montessori and play with Mommy" and "I want to go to the playground with the slides and tunnels."
But there's something about the sound of his whisper that lends a "Stephen King" tone to the discussion, making my hair raise when he says things like "Mommy's getting fat" and (terrifyingly) "I want to eat your eyes"
Monday, January 11, 2010
Go Raisins!
Because the Baltimore Ravens are doing so well in the playoffs (thus far) Hamslice's Montessori class is learning about football and what it means to cheer for their home team.
His teachers were crying with laughter when I picked up Hamslice last Friday -- evidently when they asked if he likes the Ravens, he said "yes, I like raisins very much."
Go Raisins.
His teachers were crying with laughter when I picked up Hamslice last Friday -- evidently when they asked if he likes the Ravens, he said "yes, I like raisins very much."
Go Raisins.
Sunday, January 03, 2010
Pecking Order
Sometimes it's tough being 2 1/2. Evidently, you don't get the respect you think you deserve, so you look for a patsy.
This afternoon Hambone and I found Hamslice in the kitchen, bossing around our terra cotta chicken. He was sitting on his zebra scooter, pointing his finger and commanding the following:
"You go to bed right now or I'll close the door"
"Don't make me mad"
"When I get mad, I get scary"
and so on. It was so adorable, but kind of a reminder of what jerks we can be as parents too. Humbling, really.
This afternoon Hambone and I found Hamslice in the kitchen, bossing around our terra cotta chicken. He was sitting on his zebra scooter, pointing his finger and commanding the following:
"You go to bed right now or I'll close the door"
"Don't make me mad"
"When I get mad, I get scary"
and so on. It was so adorable, but kind of a reminder of what jerks we can be as parents too. Humbling, really.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Happy Holidays Everyone
Our trip to Michigan was full of excitement and visits with dear old friends and family. Hamslice was not as loud on the airplane as I'd feared he would be. He went with "creepy" instead. At one point during the flight he stood in his seat and pointed to the young man behind him, shouting "You are NOT my DADDY"
He's just chock full of surprised like that these days.
We also found out at Uncle Curt's house that we have a little musician on our hands. He played piano with perfect hand form, and even a recognizable musicality. Here are some pics...
He's just chock full of surprised like that these days.
We also found out at Uncle Curt's house that we have a little musician on our hands. He played piano with perfect hand form, and even a recognizable musicality. Here are some pics...
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Gratuitous Hamslice Pics
Happy Holidays everyone. Here are some Hamslice pictures to counterbalance my complaining about the "Terrible Twos" He is still, clearly, the cutest thing alive. And I'm not biased at all!
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Wow, these are Terrible Twos
Lately Hamslice has been fighting his nap routine quite a bit. Evidently when he is at home he thinks it's a napless wonderland of cuddling with Mommy. Mommy, of course needs a little break in the afternoons.
Today I put him down for a nap at 12:30. At 1:15 he was still screaming his fool head off and throwing things at the door. When I went in to check on him, I saw a wonderland of destruction:
First step inside the door, I crunch down on his shattered night light. OW.
Second step in the door, I am surprised to see him completely naked.
Third step in the door, I am overwhelmed by the smell of poopy.
Fourth step in the door, I step into the poopy from step 3.
I must admit that I lost my cool a little bit after step 4. We cleaned up and put on a new diaper, I changed my socks, and put him down. Wouldn't you know it, he was snoring in three minutes.
Hmmm. Let's have TWO kids. Yowza.
Today I put him down for a nap at 12:30. At 1:15 he was still screaming his fool head off and throwing things at the door. When I went in to check on him, I saw a wonderland of destruction:
First step inside the door, I crunch down on his shattered night light. OW.
Second step in the door, I am surprised to see him completely naked.
Third step in the door, I am overwhelmed by the smell of poopy.
Fourth step in the door, I step into the poopy from step 3.
I must admit that I lost my cool a little bit after step 4. We cleaned up and put on a new diaper, I changed my socks, and put him down. Wouldn't you know it, he was snoring in three minutes.
Hmmm. Let's have TWO kids. Yowza.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Jingle Bells
How in the world did Hamslice hear about Christmas so early? I've never seen someone so completely za za over the season in my life. He is in love with the song "Jingle Bells" and sings it constantly. It's to the point now where he sings that song almost as much as he sings the jingle from the Luna Carpet commercial.
He also refuses to drink out of non-Christmas themed cups, and has become infatuated with a Christmas tree ornament he found in the cupboard the other day. All activities are framed with "Can I do this even though it's not Christmas Yet?"
It's cute, but I am starting to wonder if our plane ride to Michigan this December will include rousing choruses of Jingle Bells (One horse open sleigh... HEY!).
Our last ride was a study in how many times he could sing "happy birthday to you" and I'm still a little unsettled by that.
He also refuses to drink out of non-Christmas themed cups, and has become infatuated with a Christmas tree ornament he found in the cupboard the other day. All activities are framed with "Can I do this even though it's not Christmas Yet?"
It's cute, but I am starting to wonder if our plane ride to Michigan this December will include rousing choruses of Jingle Bells (One horse open sleigh... HEY!).
Our last ride was a study in how many times he could sing "happy birthday to you" and I'm still a little unsettled by that.
Monday, November 09, 2009
Terrible Twos
So my sweet baby boy has started coming into his own opinions about how the world ought to run. Lately we've started seeing full-on tantrums that include throwing things, and lying facedown on the floor kicking, punching the ground, and screaming.
To counteract this new phase, we have instituted the "naughty chair" which seems to be effective in a random and arbitrary way. Sometimes he sits in there sulking for ten minutes, other times he goes into the chair joyfully, shouting "Sorry" on his way there, so he only needs to touch his bottom in the chair before going back to play.
To further complicate things, he is also starting to potty train. Sometimes we send him to the naughty chair, but he says he needs to go potty. So then what??
Clearly we're out of our depths here...
To counteract this new phase, we have instituted the "naughty chair" which seems to be effective in a random and arbitrary way. Sometimes he sits in there sulking for ten minutes, other times he goes into the chair joyfully, shouting "Sorry" on his way there, so he only needs to touch his bottom in the chair before going back to play.
To further complicate things, he is also starting to potty train. Sometimes we send him to the naughty chair, but he says he needs to go potty. So then what??
Clearly we're out of our depths here...
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
HappyHalloween
Last weekend we took Hamslice to one of those combination "yuppie overpriced pumpkin patch/cheesy halloween decorations farms. The weather was spitting rain and a little bit below 40 degrees with a lot of wind. Hambone was totally over it, but Hamslice enjoyed the hay ride. They were both a little overwhelmed with trying to find just one pumpkin to buy in the giant field, but eventually the wind prevailed and the just picked whatever was by their feet.
On Sunday we carved the pumpkins and I roasted the seeds in the oven. We had a Walton's moment. Awwww.
On Sunday we carved the pumpkins and I roasted the seeds in the oven. We had a Walton's moment. Awwww.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Just Like Daddy
We're doing some pretty intense landscaping in the back yard, and of COURSE Hamslice wanted to participate. Here he is "being big like Daddy" on this teeny tiny tractor...
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Baseball's newest fan
Hambone was able to score some sweet tickets to the Washington Nationals' game over the weekend. Hamslice had an absolute blast. He was cheering for the teams (both of them) and chanting along with the crowd.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Farmer Hamslice!
We went to Antique Tractor Days in Iowa last weekend and had so much fun with the petting zoo and miniature kid-sized tractor displays. The big tractors were also interesting, because they were remarkably well preserved. Some pics are posted below.
This is also Hamslice's first airplane trip as a 2 year old. He thought it was a great idea to sing "Happy Birthday to You" at the top of his voice for all four hours on the plane. Nicely done, buddy.
This is also Hamslice's first airplane trip as a 2 year old. He thought it was a great idea to sing "Happy Birthday to You" at the top of his voice for all four hours on the plane. Nicely done, buddy.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
FarmerMarket
Here's a cutie little picture of Hamslice for you hopeless addicts out there. He's definitely talking up a storm these days, including some baffling terms. For instance, we're not "mommy" and "daddy" anymore, we're "Mommy HOTA" and "Daddy HOTA" now. Even Maggie has a HOTA after her name. Can't quite figure that one out. . .
Monday, July 27, 2009
SaltNFlour
Last weekend I was baking zucchini bread, and Hamslice wanted to help quite badly. Since the batter for this particular recipe was pretty sloppy, I set him up with Salt N Flour dough instead and let him play with that on the ground. Evidently I didn't have enough salt in the mix, so it was a little more pasty than we had planned.
Oh well. It's easy enough to clean up, right?
Oh well. It's easy enough to clean up, right?
Thursday, July 16, 2009
HamsliceWithGparents
I am finally getting around to posting this cute picture we got when Grandpa & Grandma came to visit. The trip was fun for all of us, and it was nice for Hamslice to be able to spend time with his G&G. Here's to hoping they come again soon. Hamslice keeps asking when Grandma is coming again, and he enjoys looking at the photo that we have on the counter of G&G when they were dating.
Sorry it took so long, guys...
Sorry it took so long, guys...
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
FromKiddo
Kiddo sent along a video of his little guy that I wanted to share. Kiddo is getting all sophisticated on me with his video editing abilities...
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Bubbles
Hambone was off cutting down a tree last weekend, so Hamslice and I had more time for fun stuff like playing with the bubble gun. What sweet little buns...
In other news, we had a potty training breakthrough yesterday, when Hamslice finally started to understand that when he goes poopy on the potty chair, he can stop wearing diapers. (Evidently, diapers are no longer "in vogue" for his set)
As we left Pizza Hut last night, Hamslice started asking for the potty chair in the car. By the time we got home, the urge had passed, but he made some good noises on the chair anyway.
Today I ordered another brick of diapers...
In other news, we had a potty training breakthrough yesterday, when Hamslice finally started to understand that when he goes poopy on the potty chair, he can stop wearing diapers. (Evidently, diapers are no longer "in vogue" for his set)
As we left Pizza Hut last night, Hamslice started asking for the potty chair in the car. By the time we got home, the urge had passed, but he made some good noises on the chair anyway.
Today I ordered another brick of diapers...
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
FancyShoes
Hambone and I attended a wedding this weekend, and I left my "fancy" shoes out in the living room. The next morning I found Hamslice walking around in them.
Quite a change from his usual preference... he generally asks for hiking boots.
Everybody gets a day with sparkly shoes, I guess.
Quite a change from his usual preference... he generally asks for hiking boots.
Everybody gets a day with sparkly shoes, I guess.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
LetUsEatCake
It's Rhubarb season in Maryland, and as a tradition, Hambone, Hamslice and I go to the Farmer's Market (conveniently located under the highway 83 ramp) and get some nice, fresh stalks. Then we bake Rhubarb Cake, which is Hambone's all time favorite
Hambone always wants to get twice as much as is needed for the recipe, so we make a superbly rhubarby cake, which I like quite a bit.
This year, Hamslice give me a hand with the batter. He was such a good boy -- he sat on his chair for more than 1/2 hour watching me mix, chop, fold butter and didn't get antsy. As a reward he got to lick the bowl. =)
Hambone always wants to get twice as much as is needed for the recipe, so we make a superbly rhubarby cake, which I like quite a bit.
This year, Hamslice give me a hand with the batter. He was such a good boy -- he sat on his chair for more than 1/2 hour watching me mix, chop, fold butter and didn't get antsy. As a reward he got to lick the bowl. =)
PottyTrainingAlready
??? Hamslice seems determined to figure out the whole Potty Chair concept. When I brought one home from Target the other day, he sat on it like it was a pony and scooted all over the house and yard on it.
Later that night he wanted to put poopies in the potty, so we tried it, but were both scared and a little traumatized by the event.
Since then he's asked to pee in the potty, but instead of actually Getting On the potty, he crouches next to it and pees on the floor.
To encourage him, I've started announcing when I go to the potty. And, little trouper that he is, when he hears that I have gone to the potty, he points his wiener under the door and pees toward me to show solidarity.
Ahhh. Such wonder.
Later that night he wanted to put poopies in the potty, so we tried it, but were both scared and a little traumatized by the event.
Since then he's asked to pee in the potty, but instead of actually Getting On the potty, he crouches next to it and pees on the floor.
To encourage him, I've started announcing when I go to the potty. And, little trouper that he is, when he hears that I have gone to the potty, he points his wiener under the door and pees toward me to show solidarity.
Ahhh. Such wonder.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
BoyOhBoh
We've had a few warm days here in MD, so Hamslice has been sporting the "diapers only" look. He thinks it's terrific.
And here he is with Hambone, trying to dial Hambone's blackberry. He's remarkably tech savvy for being such a little guy -- he can work the TV remotes and does some interesting things with our phones.
And here he is with Hambone, trying to dial Hambone's blackberry. He's remarkably tech savvy for being such a little guy -- he can work the TV remotes and does some interesting things with our phones.
Monday, May 11, 2009
HamsliceAndConstructionUpdate
Thanks to all of you who have called and emailed over the weekend reminding me that it has been too long since I posted info on this blog. I know you're hanging on my every move, and in the interest of keeping you all from getting your own life, here's a big old posting with lots of pictures.
Below is Hamslice wearing his dad's hat and his swimming suit. Over the weekend we pulled out a small swimming pool for him and he had a lot of fun splashing around in it.
It should be noted that Hamslice is now so cute that random strangers give him presents. When we go to the store (any store) together, people stop us and hand him things like stuffed animals and sunglasses. It's a phenomenon!
Hamslice got distracted from swimming, though, once Hambone started pounding bricks out of the wall between the old house and the new one. He wanted to help very much, but was relegated to simply watching and providing editorial comment here and there.
For Mother's day, Hambone sealed the roof up to keep any future rainstorms from flooding the kitchen, and then pounded out the first hole separating the old house from the Shed. See the light coming through the second floor there? That's our laundry room. This morning there was a bird on the dryer.
We discovered that a family of ROBINS has taken up residence in the rafters here. There are little baby Robins right now, and we're perplexed about whether to continue the construction on schedule or wait for the Robins to take flight. What a dilemma. Right now we've got about 12 weeks to figure it out. Hurry up and grow, Robins!
Below is Hamslice wearing his dad's hat and his swimming suit. Over the weekend we pulled out a small swimming pool for him and he had a lot of fun splashing around in it.
It should be noted that Hamslice is now so cute that random strangers give him presents. When we go to the store (any store) together, people stop us and hand him things like stuffed animals and sunglasses. It's a phenomenon!
Hamslice got distracted from swimming, though, once Hambone started pounding bricks out of the wall between the old house and the new one. He wanted to help very much, but was relegated to simply watching and providing editorial comment here and there.
For Mother's day, Hambone sealed the roof up to keep any future rainstorms from flooding the kitchen, and then pounded out the first hole separating the old house from the Shed. See the light coming through the second floor there? That's our laundry room. This morning there was a bird on the dryer.
We discovered that a family of ROBINS has taken up residence in the rafters here. There are little baby Robins right now, and we're perplexed about whether to continue the construction on schedule or wait for the Robins to take flight. What a dilemma. Right now we've got about 12 weeks to figure it out. Hurry up and grow, Robins!
Thursday, May 07, 2009
ThePeacock
Last weekend Hambone and I got a babysitter, and actually went to a party like grownups. It was a strange new experience to be able to go out and ... you know... not have to watch the kid all the time.
At the party, things got a little musical toward the end. The highlight was when "the Peacock" (I have no idea what his real name is) got up and started singing the blues. See the video below and share the joy...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0IQNbD-XJA
At the party, things got a little musical toward the end. The highlight was when "the Peacock" (I have no idea what his real name is) got up and started singing the blues. See the video below and share the joy...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0IQNbD-XJA
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