Catherine, Yes, it does. My daughter is starting school this year and it feels like it's looming ahead and we only have 3 weeks left. We planned our summer vacation for the last week of August and so that is looming, too. Packing and then running around when we get back. But, it's been a fun summer and we still have 3 weeks left to enjoy. Glad to hear from you again! We missed you. Meg
I had the end-of-summer melancholy today as well. Seems I'm thinking about fall clothes and school supplies, actually worrying I won't be prepared. I had a "missing-the-first-day-of-school" dream (nightmare?) on behalf of my preschooler! We got there and school had been in progress for a while. It was pretty disconcerting. Off to read wondertime...
Oh, I've been enjoyably melancholy over Summer's Sad Demise for a few weeks now. Since - counting backwards - mid-July. Which really makes me a special kind of dumb, doesn't it?
I agree. Bemoaning the end of summer before it's actually over is a bit like compiling a Best of 2007 on Dec 3. ANYTHING can happen between now and then! I enjoyed the Bowie reference at the end of the Charlie article.
Re Cornier Than You Might Expect: Your kids, they slay me. Ben and "when someone introduces infinity into a conversation." Birdy, waiting for her moles, thinking of amazing fans, infinity reminding her of poodles. And you slay me, too: "Granted, this is less an empirically observed phenomenon than just a hunch I have." Ha ha ha!
Catherine! It was surreal seeing your BIG KIDS in Wondertime this month. I almost couldn't believe it. I told my husband, "I've been reading her online journal since THIS ONE (Ben) was two, and THIS ONE (Birdy) was conceived. Isn't that crazy?"
It is a funny thing, knowing someone and at the same time not knowing them. But the article was great.
Re Something Fishy: I would enjoy it if you'd write sometime about Ben and his hair. My 8-year-old boy is just showing interest in choosing his own hair style, and it appeals to me to let him choose (I just now called him over and showed him Ben's picture and said, "Would you like to have your hair like this boy has his?" And we enjoyed imagining how he'd look with his hair like that.) And I'm remembering how much I liked your writing about letting Ben wear pink, which is another decision I agreed with--and, more importantly, liked how you wrote (I would have liked how you wrote it even if I would have made a different decision about it).
Oh, that is not exactly RE the goldfish story. ACTUALLY re the goldfish story is that I love your girl who says cheerfully that at least there is another fish, and then realizes how sad she is. And I love you asking if she could maybe be sad in a quieter voice or in another room, and your "secular-composting-cycles-of-life."
Yes, summer is a-flyin' by. My 3-year-old went outside this morning, and, dressed in shorts, commented on the "chilly air." Fall is around the corner, for sure! I love all the columns, too, and the fish death scene was eerily similar to what happened in our house. Although, my 6-year-old was sad and angry at the fish at the same time, which made it hard to know how to comfort him. Ah, the circle of life.
I second the request for a column about Ben's hair. My 3.5 year old wants to grow his curly hair long "to look like a girl." I'm mostly ok with this, but what to do during the transition stage when I'd clip a girl's hair back? Ok, maybe I'm not 100% ok with it, which is why I'd love to hear your thoughts on hair.
So silly, but I had bookmarked here on your blog and forgot to bookmark the articles at Wondertime, so busy I thought it was all the same chick, same writing -Silly! Beautiful writing, made me want to take them to the beach. I have three, and I struggle a lot to keep my cool, to not freak out all the time, and these articles of yours, these posts of yours, this outlook of yours, really help me to reconnect with my intention. Thank you so much.
Hi Catherine. That fish column was really wonderful. So, I've been a reader for years, and I've been meaning to ask . . when did you start reading Ben (and eventually Birdie joined) longer stories, a chapter per night, as opposed to shorter children books? I'm wondering when I should start with my four year old son, as I want him to be exposed to more literature. Thanks! Vanessa
Catherine, I feel exactly exactly exactly the same way today, honey! Just now I read my husband your blog, and then burst into sentimental tears! Summer is ending so fast! Too fast! My baby girl is now in her big girl canopy bed! Too fast! My baby boy is now dribbling a basketball with his daddy! Too fast! Peace to you, my friend. I think melancholy is part of motherhood, part of our sentimental personalities.
Summer does seem to be winding down. I have to keep reminding myself that there are weeks! not hours, left. We are traveling from the 17 to the 29th, so when we get home summer will be pretty much over. I've had a few whiffs of fall though, with all the school stuff out in stores and all, and it will be welcome when it comes. I'll be sad summer is over, but ready to make apple pies and wear sweaters again.
Who am I kidding? I think I've maybe made...2? pies in my life. It's just the idea of it...
My daughter started Kindergarten last Thursday and it feels like fall is quickly approaching in every way except for the temperature, which is still in the 90's and keeping us in the pool after school. Still, though, the early bed times, the quiet house all day long, the waiting for the school bus, fall soccer sign-ups. Tonight we were even discussing Halloween costumes. It makes me kind of happy and kind of sad at the same time.
It really does feel like summer is ending. Something has shifted in the last few days into late summer. Still great produce, but on our merry way to gray short days. Hmmm...
Catherine, I've told you this before, but I thought you'd enjoy hearing it again..... when I am feeling tired or blue or grouchy, I automatically pull up the list of your Ben and Birdy journal entries, and read them, and they always make me smile! (yes, I own the book, and have read it twice also!) Thanks for sharing all your thoughts! (someday I'll finally sign up here, so I can stop being "Anonymous") Take care.
Someone at Wondertime or Baby Center blogged that they read chapter books to a three year old and it changed their relationship proundly and forever. The child would tell stories and lots of detail about the book.
I read the Disney Fairy book (Egg, Dust whatever it is--a big hardcover) to my daughter a month or two after she turned four and she was ENGROSSED. She waited for any icon or picture but she loved it.
We have read shorter chapter books with lots of pictures from the library and bookstore since then. Barnes & Noble staff or any can point the way, there are lots of options with a picture/drawing on almost every page if that helps.
However, my daughter has an unusually accelerated love of languages and books but I was thrilled to see someone else with a similar experience blogging. Some schools of thought would say that it is too advanced and intimidating. Try it and monitor your child but if books do not work, any TV or movie at all is likely off the table too besides parts of sesame street. I would rather over-challenge with books and less TV!
I get weary of summer at this time of year. It feels blasphemous, but I can't help it.
I loved your fish story at Wondertime! When our fish died a few years ago, I was blown away by my son's profound sadness. He wept at the window that looked out on the grave site for hours. He visited and talked quietly with his buried fish. Imagine what would happen if we had a dog? Yikes.
Summer? Over? Here in Alabama, schools started last week (yes, August 9th!), but it will be hot through Halloween. I am so jealous of the commenters who are talking about the chilly night air and the signs of fall. I guess we have the worst of both worlds..."summer" is truly over with the kids back in school (although, I only have a one-year-old), but the heat is never ending.
When I was growing up in New England, there was always THAT DAY, in August, when you noticed that the light in the sky had changed and you knew that summer was coming to an end. I live in the Pacific Northwest now, and we just had THAT DAY last weekend. Only now it's not about summer coming to an end, it's about the time accelerating - kids going back to school, kids growing up so fast.
I've been reading your journals since the Babycenter days - thanks for never failing to bring a giant laugh (or cry, sometimes) every week!
When Birdy gets really hysterical, you could have her try this particular cry: "BwwaaaaaHaaaaaaaHaaaaa". It's really effective and sounds completely out of control. Also, kind of maniacal. My son has found it to be the best sob of all. You can thank me later.
Oh, and I'm really sorry about your fish.
And I agree with the readers who commented on how big your kids are getting. They are so, so beautiful.
I, too, am a special kind of dumb. Way before the end of every summer, I think: I heard it in the wind last night/It sounded like applause/Chilly now/End of summer/No more shiny hot nights
Thank you. Thank you. For introducing me to the sinful addiction that is WEEDS. When my kid is screaming and all I want to do is sell him to the neighbors...I refrain because once he's in bed, I can watch WEEDS. I also think you might resemble Nancy Botwin a bit...and Ben might remind me a teensy bit of Shane. But you don't sell pot and Ben doesn't make terrorist videos. So...maybe there's not that big a resemblance...
Funny you should say that. Every year I dread June 20th (solstice) because it means that the days officially begin to get shorter. My husband says it is because my winter countdown begins it June that the summer goes by so fast. So here I am in august, dreading the winter...
...frozen peas... I really never knew that, or about the seriousness of goldfish constipation. I had a gold fish die of "Ick" (yes, real. And, well, icky) when I was a kid. Poor goldfish. We are truly lucky to have the miracle of the internet's wealth of information. Because I'd hate to read about that goldfish's possible other fate.
Yes, Yes, YES. How strange that summer ends in the middle of August. Ours has been magical and I am genuinely sad that it is ending. Mercer (just about 4) is starting pre-K, FOUR days a week. It's only 2 1/2 hours a day but it feels WEIRD. Henry (2 1/2) is starting twice a week too and I'm sad. But I'll have a little Greta (5 1/2 months) time to myself. Still, time marches on and I'm a little blue.
On another note, I just can't believe the fish story. Truly spectacular. Way to go!
Catherine - am a huge fan from your first days on the Parents website, where I read your blog the minute it was posted, back when there was only Ben and Birdy was en-route....live in Wellfleet and just saw your posting on Caleb's blog...nice to hear from you on a local level. We are a great community here in Wellfleet and I am glad you got to witness that. Terri Frazier
Catherine,
ReplyDeleteYes, it does. My daughter is starting school this year and it feels like it's looming ahead and we only have 3 weeks left. We planned our summer vacation for the last week of August and so that is looming, too. Packing and then running around when we get back. But, it's been a fun summer and we still have 3 weeks left to enjoy. Glad to hear from you again! We missed you.
Meg
Gasp! I've been overboiling my corn!
ReplyDeleteI had the end-of-summer melancholy today as well. Seems I'm thinking about fall clothes and school supplies, actually worrying I won't be prepared. I had a "missing-the-first-day-of-school" dream (nightmare?) on behalf of my preschooler! We got there and school had been in progress for a while. It was pretty disconcerting.
ReplyDeleteOff to read wondertime...
Oh, I've been enjoyably melancholy over Summer's Sad Demise for a few weeks now. Since - counting backwards - mid-July. Which really makes me a special kind of dumb, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteI agree. Bemoaning the end of summer before it's actually over is a bit like compiling a Best of 2007 on Dec 3. ANYTHING can happen between now and then! I enjoyed the Bowie reference at the end of the Charlie article.
ReplyDeleteRe Cornier Than You Might Expect:
ReplyDeleteYour kids, they slay me. Ben and "when someone introduces infinity into a conversation." Birdy, waiting for her moles, thinking of amazing fans, infinity reminding her of poodles. And you slay me, too: "Granted, this is less an empirically observed phenomenon than just a hunch I have." Ha ha ha!
Catherine! It was surreal seeing your BIG KIDS in Wondertime this month. I almost couldn't believe it. I told my husband, "I've been reading her online journal since THIS ONE (Ben) was two, and THIS ONE (Birdy) was conceived. Isn't that crazy?"
ReplyDeleteIt is a funny thing, knowing someone and at the same time not knowing them. But the article was great.
Re Something Fishy:
ReplyDeleteI would enjoy it if you'd write sometime about Ben and his hair. My 8-year-old boy is just showing interest in choosing his own hair style, and it appeals to me to let him choose (I just now called him over and showed him Ben's picture and said, "Would you like to have your hair like this boy has his?" And we enjoyed imagining how he'd look with his hair like that.) And I'm remembering how much I liked your writing about letting Ben wear pink, which is another decision I agreed with--and, more importantly, liked how you wrote (I would have liked how you wrote it even if I would have made a different decision about it).
Oh, that is not exactly RE the goldfish story. ACTUALLY re the goldfish story is that I love your girl who says cheerfully that at least there is another fish, and then realizes how sad she is. And I love you asking if she could maybe be sad in a quieter voice or in another room, and your "secular-composting-cycles-of-life."
Yes, summer is a-flyin' by. My 3-year-old went outside this morning, and, dressed in shorts, commented on the "chilly air." Fall is around the corner, for sure! I love all the columns, too, and the fish death scene was eerily similar to what happened in our house. Although, my 6-year-old was sad and angry at the fish at the same time, which made it hard to know how to comfort him. Ah, the circle of life.
ReplyDeleteI second the request for a column about Ben's hair. My 3.5 year old wants to grow his curly hair long "to look like a girl." I'm mostly ok with this, but what to do during the transition stage when I'd clip a girl's hair back? Ok, maybe I'm not 100% ok with it, which is why I'd love to hear your thoughts on hair.
ReplyDeleteSo silly, but I had bookmarked here on your blog and forgot to bookmark the articles at Wondertime, so busy I thought it was all the same chick, same writing -Silly! Beautiful writing, made me want to take them to the beach. I have three, and I struggle a lot to keep my cool, to not freak out all the time, and these articles of yours, these posts of yours, this outlook of yours, really help me to reconnect with my intention. Thank you so much.
ReplyDeletethis is me
http://alicemullen.blogspot.com/
It isn't just you. School starts next week here.
ReplyDeleteAnd also: What? Existential insanity? Pray it isn't so, cause I'm in bad trouble if 'tis.
ReplyDeleteAnd is it wrong that now in my head I hear H.J. Whats-his-face whispering, "I fan dead people!"?
It's been so chilly here lately, not like August at all... I don't mind not boiling, but summer, don't go yet!
ReplyDeleteHi Catherine. That fish column was really wonderful. So, I've been a reader for years, and I've been meaning to ask . . when did you start reading Ben (and eventually Birdie joined) longer stories, a chapter per night, as opposed to shorter children books? I'm wondering when I should start with my four year old son, as I want him to be exposed to more literature. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteVanessa
Catherine, I feel exactly exactly exactly the same way today, honey! Just now I read my husband your blog, and then burst into sentimental tears! Summer is ending so fast! Too fast! My baby girl is now in her big girl canopy bed! Too fast! My baby boy is now dribbling a basketball with his daddy! Too fast! Peace to you, my friend. I think melancholy is part of motherhood, part of our sentimental personalities.
ReplyDeleteNope it is not just you and in fact Beck posted about this just the other day. I have to head over to Wondertime and catch up.
ReplyDeleteNice to hear from you though! Hope you wring as much as you can out of what is left of summer.
Summer does seem to be winding down. I have to keep reminding myself that there are weeks! not hours, left. We are traveling from the 17 to the 29th, so when we get home summer will be pretty much over. I've had a few whiffs of fall though, with all the school stuff out in stores and all, and it will be welcome when it comes. I'll be sad summer is over, but ready to make apple pies and wear sweaters again.
ReplyDeleteWho am I kidding? I think I've maybe made...2? pies in my life. It's just the idea of it...
My daughter started Kindergarten last Thursday and it feels like fall is quickly approaching in every way except for the temperature, which is still in the 90's and keeping us in the pool after school. Still, though, the early bed times, the quiet house all day long, the waiting for the school bus, fall soccer sign-ups. Tonight we were even discussing Halloween costumes. It makes me kind of happy and kind of sad at the same time.
ReplyDeleteIt really does feel like summer is ending. Something has shifted in the last few days into late summer. Still great produce, but on our merry way to gray short days. Hmmm...
ReplyDeleteCatherine, I've told you this before, but I thought you'd enjoy hearing it again..... when I am feeling tired or blue or grouchy, I automatically pull up the list of your Ben and Birdy journal entries, and read them, and they always make me smile! (yes, I own the book, and have read it twice also!) Thanks for sharing all your thoughts! (someday I'll finally sign up here, so I can stop being "Anonymous") Take care.
ReplyDeleteIt does....it is getting darker earlier and you can feel the cooler air at night...sigh....why does time go by so fast?
ReplyDeleteSomeone at Wondertime or Baby Center blogged that they read chapter books to a three year old and it changed their relationship proundly and forever. The child would tell stories and lots of detail about the book.
ReplyDeleteI read the Disney Fairy book (Egg, Dust whatever it is--a big hardcover) to my daughter a month or two after she turned four and she was ENGROSSED. She waited for any icon or picture but she loved it.
We have read shorter chapter books with lots of pictures from the library and bookstore since then. Barnes & Noble staff or any can point the way, there are lots of options with a picture/drawing on almost every page if that helps.
However, my daughter has an unusually accelerated love of languages and books but I was thrilled to see someone else with a similar experience blogging. Some schools of thought would say that it is too advanced and intimidating. Try it and monitor your child but if books do not work, any TV or movie at all is likely off the table too besides parts of sesame street. I would rather over-challenge with books and less TV!
I get weary of summer at this time of year. It feels blasphemous, but I can't help it.
ReplyDeleteI loved your fish story at Wondertime! When our fish died a few years ago, I was blown away by my son's profound sadness. He wept at the window that looked out on the grave site for hours. He visited and talked quietly with his buried fish. Imagine what would happen if we had a dog? Yikes.
Summer? Over? Here in Alabama, schools started last week (yes, August 9th!), but it will be hot through Halloween. I am so jealous of the commenters who are talking about the chilly night air and the signs of fall. I guess we have the worst of both worlds..."summer" is truly over with the kids back in school (although, I only have a one-year-old), but the heat is never ending.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was growing up in New England, there was always THAT DAY, in August, when you noticed that the light in the sky had changed and you knew that summer was coming to an end. I live in the Pacific Northwest now, and we just had THAT DAY last weekend. Only now it's not about summer coming to an end, it's about the time accelerating - kids going back to school, kids growing up so fast.
ReplyDeleteI've been reading your journals since the Babycenter days - thanks for never failing to bring a giant laugh (or cry, sometimes) every week!
Thanks, Pam, for the info on chapter books! I will try them with my son.
ReplyDeleteVanessa
When Birdy gets really hysterical, you could have her try this particular cry: "BwwaaaaaHaaaaaaaHaaaaa". It's really effective and sounds completely out of control. Also, kind of maniacal.
ReplyDeleteMy son has found it to be the best sob of all.
You can thank me later.
Oh, and I'm really sorry about your fish.
And I agree with the readers who commented on how big your kids are getting. They are so, so beautiful.
I, too, am a special kind of dumb. Way before the end of every summer, I think: I heard it in the wind last night/It sounded like applause/Chilly now/End of summer/No more shiny hot nights
ReplyDeleteI guess I am dating myself!
Am I posting this a zillion times? If so, sorry.
Thank you. Thank you. For introducing me to the sinful addiction that is WEEDS. When my kid is screaming and all I want to do is sell him to the neighbors...I refrain because once he's in bed, I can watch WEEDS. I also think you might resemble Nancy Botwin a bit...and Ben might remind me a teensy bit of Shane. But you don't sell pot and Ben doesn't make terrorist videos. So...maybe there's not that big a resemblance...
ReplyDeleteFunny you should say that. Every year I dread June 20th (solstice) because it means that the days officially begin to get shorter. My husband says it is because my winter countdown begins it June that the summer goes by so fast. So here I am in august, dreading the winter...
ReplyDeleteI don't think its just you, it was in the forties this morning and we've got a few trees that show hints of turning.
ReplyDelete...frozen peas... I really never knew that, or about the seriousness of goldfish constipation. I had a gold fish die of "Ick" (yes, real. And, well, icky) when I was a kid. Poor goldfish. We are truly lucky to have the miracle of the internet's wealth of information. Because I'd hate to read about that goldfish's possible other fate.
ReplyDeleteYes, Yes, YES. How strange that summer ends in the middle of August. Ours has been magical and I am genuinely sad that it is ending. Mercer (just about 4) is starting pre-K, FOUR days a week. It's only 2 1/2 hours a day but it feels WEIRD. Henry (2 1/2) is starting twice a week too and I'm sad. But I'll have a little Greta (5 1/2 months) time to myself. Still, time marches on and I'm a little blue.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, I just can't believe the fish story. Truly spectacular. Way to go!
Love,
Hadley
Catherine - am a huge fan from your first days on the Parents website, where I read your blog the minute it was posted, back when there was only Ben and Birdy was en-route....live in Wellfleet and just saw your posting on Caleb's blog...nice to hear from you on a local level. We are a great community here in Wellfleet and I am glad you got to witness that. Terri Frazier
ReplyDelete