tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post5435008607998389012..comments2024-03-28T09:10:39.441-04:00Comments on ben and birdy: BenBirdy1http://www.blogger.com/profile/13328557199418095755noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-68018328494006104972007-08-23T14:08:00.000-04:002007-08-23T14:08:00.000-04:00Catherine - am a huge fan from your first days on ...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 FrazierAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-43270975949002804502007-08-22T22:52:00.000-04:002007-08-22T22:52:00.000-04:00Yes, Yes, YES. How strange that summer ends in the...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.<BR/><BR/>On another note, I just can't believe the fish story. Truly spectacular. Way to go!<BR/><BR/>Love,<BR/><BR/>HadleyHadleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09810445267670567520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-28973363024813145142007-08-21T12:06:00.000-04:002007-08-21T12:06:00.000-04:00...frozen peas... I really never knew that, or abo......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.theflyingmumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18087901455694508640noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-14922868869177767542007-08-20T19:32:00.000-04:002007-08-20T19:32:00.000-04:00I don't think its just you, it was in the forties ...I 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.spryngtreehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12020704572037565814noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-24120849306893077442007-08-20T19:28:00.000-04:002007-08-20T19:28:00.000-04:00Funny you should say that. Every year I dread Jun...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...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-89678721937110695012007-08-20T10:40:00.000-04:002007-08-20T10:40:00.000-04:00Thank you. Thank you. For introducing me to the si...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...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-87795916837863388822007-08-19T01:37:00.000-04:002007-08-19T01:37:00.000-04:00I, too, am a special kind of dumb. Way before the...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<BR/><BR/>I guess I am dating myself!<BR/><BR/>Am I posting this a zillion times? If so, sorry.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-1213852426377381022007-08-18T10:50:00.000-04:002007-08-18T10:50:00.000-04:00When Birdy gets really hysterical, you could have ...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.<BR/>My son has found it to be the best sob of all.<BR/>You can thank me later.<BR/><BR/>Oh, and I'm really sorry about your fish. <BR/><BR/>And I agree with the readers who commented on how big your kids are getting. They are so, so beautiful.anniemcqhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04321843578386603574noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-44077340306466945182007-08-17T08:14:00.000-04:002007-08-17T08:14:00.000-04:00Thanks, Pam, for the info on chapter books! I wil...Thanks, Pam, for the info on chapter books! I will try them with my son.<BR/><BR/>VanessaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-79104315665740865782007-08-17T02:12:00.000-04:002007-08-17T02:12:00.000-04:00When I was growing up in New England, there was al...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. <BR/><BR/>I've been reading your journals since the Babycenter days - thanks for never failing to bring a giant laugh (or cry, sometimes) every week!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-9584814288358726762007-08-16T14:54:00.000-04:002007-08-16T14:54:00.000-04:00Summer? Over? Here in Alabama, schools started las...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.Katehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04142171064904548993noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-57184166603978306042007-08-16T13:01:00.000-04:002007-08-16T13:01:00.000-04:00I get weary of summer at this time of year. It fee...I get weary of summer at this time of year. It feels blasphemous, but I can't help it.<BR/><BR/>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.Janethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00567374243896229606noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-40078940983347420362007-08-16T06:08:00.000-04:002007-08-16T06:08:00.000-04:00Someone at Wondertime or Baby Center blogged that ...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.<BR/><BR/>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. <BR/><BR/>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.<BR/><BR/>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!Phttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16301340414658686677noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-4063411808122806082007-08-15T20:06:00.000-04:002007-08-15T20:06:00.000-04:00It does....it is getting darker earlier and you ca...It does....it is getting darker earlier and you can feel the cooler air at night...sigh....why does time go by so fast?Mommato2https://www.blogger.com/profile/13475207169746158064noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-29853976970313645742007-08-15T14:18:00.000-04:002007-08-15T14:18:00.000-04:00Catherine, I've told you this before, but I though...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.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-69498974515454064002007-08-15T01:08:00.000-04:002007-08-15T01:08:00.000-04:00It really does feel like summer is ending. Someth...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...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-90029578019354145382007-08-15T00:01:00.000-04:002007-08-15T00:01:00.000-04:00My daughter started Kindergarten last Thursday and...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.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-49047237363622685912007-08-14T21:46:00.000-04:002007-08-14T21:46:00.000-04:00Summer does seem to be winding down. I have to ke...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. <BR/><BR/>Who am I kidding? I think I've maybe made...2? pies in my life. It's just the idea of it...Marie Greenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03830798429713169174noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-69886297199125446572007-08-14T20:42:00.000-04:002007-08-14T20:42:00.000-04:00Nope it is not just you and in fact Beck posted ab...Nope 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.<BR/><BR/>Nice to hear from you though! Hope you wring as much as you can out of what is left of summer.Jeniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13100043209000589029noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-55104200549097599752007-08-14T20:37:00.000-04:002007-08-14T20:37:00.000-04:00Catherine, I feel exactly exactly exactly the same...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.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-84564104702007676212007-08-14T20:21:00.000-04:002007-08-14T20:21:00.000-04:00Hi Catherine. That fish column was really wonderf...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!<BR/>VanessaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-7037560857724762332007-08-14T19:42:00.000-04:002007-08-14T19:42:00.000-04:00It's been so chilly here lately, not like August a...It's been so chilly here lately, not like August at all... I don't mind not boiling, but summer, don't go yet!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-34865323030020698772007-08-14T19:17:00.000-04:002007-08-14T19:17:00.000-04:00And also: What? Existential insanity? Pray it isn'...And also: What? Existential insanity? Pray it isn't so, cause I'm in bad trouble if 'tis.<BR/><BR/>And is it wrong that now in my head I hear H.J. Whats-his-face whispering, "I fan dead people!"?Psycho Kittyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05633634991906191853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-32640310062328732832007-08-14T19:12:00.000-04:002007-08-14T19:12:00.000-04:00It isn't just you. School starts next week here.It isn't just you. School starts next week here.Psycho Kittyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05633634991906191853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31773345.post-22218165204053991652007-08-14T17:35:00.000-04:002007-08-14T17:35:00.000-04:00So silly, but I had bookmarked here on your blog a...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.<BR/><BR/>this is me<BR/>http://alicemullen.blogspot.com/Alicehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18170431861379741804noreply@blogger.com