TToT Part Two – A Day with My Daughter
This is a first-ever event, friends. I’m linking up with TToT for a second list this weekend!
I’ve seen others do it and wondered, “How in the world do they have two whole lists in that short a time?” Some weeks I have to really stretch my brain to get the first list finished.
But yesterday I spent the day with Kidzilla. And it was awesome. And I realized I have another whole bunch of stuff that I would throw on a TToT list – and so I’m doing it. Not all of these are directly related to the time Zilla and I spent together, but it all sort of wraps up together into a list of lovely things. This one’s a bit lengthy, so hang with us!
My day started off with a haircut – finally! The cut and the conversation were good and I got to go alone. OK, that’s weird if this is about my great day with Kidzilla, right? Wrong. A mommy needs to go for a haircut alone otherwise it makes everybody sad – the mom, the kid, the stylist, everybody else in the salon…so this was necessary. And blissful.
The Fab Hub was in a recording session all day with the intent for this session to produce a new CD. (Yay – exciting!) That makes my list because no matter what else he ever does, the Fab Hub is a musician at heart and I just love that he’s been able to play for himself again over the last year and a half. OK, sure, the only reason that really happened is that his job was eliminated, but I’m still holding on to the belief that everything happens for a reason. He’s already edited three of the recorded pieces from yesterday’s session and is doing all the technical stuff like balance, etc., and he’s really happy with the result. Like really happy. So that could very likely mean a new CD with the group of guys he’s been playing with of late. And these guys are good.
So with the Hub away all day and me at haircut, Zilla needed a place to be. I am thankful that her Godfather and his wife – honorary Godmother without a doubt – were able to take her for a visit. They had Christmas gifts to exchange anyway, so that worked out perfectly. And I got to visit with them a while after when I picked up Zilla, so that was also great.
Zilla and I then headed out on a shopping excursion. If you know me and the Fab Hub at all, you know that we generally do not take Zilla on solo shopping trips. It’s just smarter to have two of us in play at all times. But this needed to happen in a very short window between snow and super cold temps and the forecasted freezing rain. So off we went. We picked up a pair of boots for Zilla because she outgrew her others. She loves them, they fit, and they were almost free – more on that in a second. I picked up a much-needed winter parka. I have wool coats for winter, but they don’t work well in snow and ice – I just end up soaked and smelling like a wet sheep. With all the wet weather this year so far, I figured it was time. Got one. We also grabbed a couple of couple of hand towels for the powder room and a treat for Zilla and were on our way. So we were thankful for a successful trip, minus snow boots for me because the store had nothing left in my size that was a functional snow boot.
![20140105_154624[1]](http://www.themeaningofme.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/20140105_1546241-e1388955214873.jpg)
So, in addition to finding what we wanted (minus boots for me), I am also thankful for the ridiculous amount of money we did not spend. The boots were marked down from $45 (what I personally think is far too much for kids’ boots – although they are leather…) to like seventeen bucks. And I had a coupon for $10 off which made them $7. Is that not amazing? The coat was 50% off, as were the towels. Zilla’s treat was 25% off. AND THEN I had a coupon for 15% off my total purchase. So all in all, we walked out of there having spent less than half the price of the coat alone. That, friends, is a super-win.
It gets better. This solo trip with Zilla went as swimmingly as it possibly could have. She was well-behaved, patient, and incredibly helpful. Despite the cold temps, the sun was shining and it was what I call “faker warm” outside. (It’s cold but the sun makes you believe it’s not…until you step in the shade.) It was unbelievably bright and we were at high temp hour for the day, so we ditched our heavy coats in car and took a quick sprint into the store. (Don’t tell my Mother I let my kid scoot across the parking lot un-bundled.) There was purpose here, though, because this particular store is notoriously over-warm inside. Plus, who wants to shop for boots and coats when you’re dragged down by…boots and coats? Anyway, Zilla tried on her boots, helped me shop for some, helped me locate my coat and offered her helpful little opinion on the color, style, and bonus of an attached coordinating scarf. And then the pièce de résistance – Zilla waited in a check-out line of about twenty-five people without whining, complaining, or otherwise irritating her Mamma or anyone around us. She was patient and wonderful. And I didn’t whine, complain, or otherwise irritate people around us, either. It was a great trip.
We then headed to McDonald’s for a promised lunch treat, took it home, unloaded the car, and enjoyed a late lunch together. Zilla did not holler into the drive-thru speaker while I was trying to order, as she is wont to do, and she helped unload the car and carry things up to the main floor like a champ.
We spent the late afternoon cleaning her playroom and the only one who had a tantrum about it was me (although it more than qualified for my fifteen minutes of de-cluttering for the day, so that’s OK). We spent the early evening putting together the 200-piece building set Zilla had purchased that afternoon. The Fab Hub usually takes Lego duty with Zilla, so this was my first hands-on experience building one of these with her. She is amazing. First of all, 200 pieces? At five years old? Wow. And the fact that she reads and understands the instruction diagrams well is just astonishing to me. And, her attention span and focus while doing it were terrific. She experienced minimal distraction and stuck to the task at hand. Just more proof for me that her little ADHD head taps into the hyper focus trait just as effectively as her Fab Dad. OK, and me.
We had a late dinner with the Fab Hub when he got home. Leftover stew from the day before is a good thing when you have a late arrival for dinner and are busy building a Lego tree house. Oh, and it’s even more delicious the second time around because sometimes leftovers just are. Everything had time to marry and the flavor was just sublime.
I just said sublime about leftover stew. I do not, as a rule, enjoy stew. Yeah, that so gets its own item on the TToT list.
Zilla went to bed late, but without hassle, and I watched about three movies at the same time because I couldn’t make a decision.
Oh, almost forgot – Zilla likes tea. I’m not really thankful that she likes tea – although it does have great health benefits. I’m thankful that she likes tea because I also like tea. It’s a connection. It’s a Mamma-Zilla thing we share, like the Fab Hub has Zilla-Daddy mac and cheese dates. So we’ve been enjoying tea together lately and it’s fun. We also share a love for eating McDonald’s French fries in the car before we get anywhere near home to eat the actual lunch. I pulled out of the pickup window and Zilla instantly said, “Mom, we always eat the fries in the car. Hand over some fries, please.” I laughed out loud. She’s right, we always do. And so we did.
And speaking of junk food, here’s an odd one. I think the Fab Hub and I are thankful to have discovered beyond a shadow of a doubt that Zilla has very clear reactions to red dye 40 and yellow dyes 5 and 6. This is another story for another time. Why are we thankful? Well, it helps explain a lot in terms of behavioral issues and those dyes can certainly exacerbate ADHD symptoms so knowing that we can help her by teaching her how to avoid those things is a pretty big deal. I’m also extremely thankful (and, sorry, a bit proud) that when we originally made this determination and scrutinized every label in our kitchen to see what products we had that were offensive…we found none. Well, one – a candy treat that came in Christmas stockings. Well, two – the beloved Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. So the best news is that as a rule we’re already avoiding those things.
And at some point – can’t forget to add this one – I quickly read a few blog posts and while reading Lizzi’s, I suddenly was all “WWWHHHHHHAAAAAAAA??” because Lizzi had put me on her list for a Sunshine Award. How cool is that? More on that one later because I think it needs its own post.
And I have continued to do my fifteen minutes of de-cluttering each day. Amazing how much progress I’ve made already – and that’s all by my little self.
I am certain that is ten and perhaps beyond. If you’ve hung in here this long, thanks! And to those who have asked for more on the amazing stew, it’s coming – promise!
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Yay! You fixed it! I wanted to comment, but….
Your shopping deals were definitely a super-win! But where’s the picture of you and your new haircut, hmmmm?
It’s so wonderful that Kidzilla is able to wait in that long line without getting squirmy and whiny! You both did great 🙂 I love shopping/errand days with my daughter.
I think everyone should order an extra order of french fries when they go to McDonalds just to eat in the car on the way home. Every time I pick up food from their drive-thru to take home, I SWEAR I’m not going to open the bag and eat any fries, but I always do. Because they’re at their very best right then!
See, doing a second list wasn’t so bad after all, was it?
Yeah, the Fab Hub told me there was no way to comment. NOT THAT HE COMMENTS EVER…
The haircut is not exactly new…just a trim of the old. 😉
You know what – the French fry thing? As Zilla and I were taking care of business with ours in the car, we both said we should probably order an extra one next time for must that purpose. Great minds think alike, right? I don’t even pretend to try to have self-restraint because you’re exactly right – they never taste quite as good as they do right there in the car.
The second list was great mostly because it is helping push me past my hump of bah-humbug about things not moving forward positively enough for my impatient taste right now. And now I feel like I can sit at the big kids table! 😀
AWESOME! zilla is my new hero… cleaned the playroom and carried stuff and practically stole that outerwear outfit! Ok you get credit for that one but still! I also love that you are taking the dye thing so seriously but that you apparently were also more on top of nutrition than ya thought!
She was QUITE the little shopper and helper. Even better is that she is taking the dye thing seriously. No kid wants to be told you can’t have this or that – especially where treats are concerned. But she does know how her body and brain feel during a reaction and she doesn’t like it. So we are happy that she’s being so receptive to the rules. And yes, I was thrilled to see that we were already avoiding those things. Score one for the mom!
LOOKIT YOU! *SQUEEEEEEEEEE*
Your first Twosie. I’m so proud 😀
So in summation:
You + Coupons = WIN
Zilla + Queues = WIN
Zilla + Legos = WIN
Car + Fries = WIN
You + TToT = WIN
Love it.
And also this – http://unfuckyourhabitat.tumblr.com/post/42115227575/emergency-cleaning-unfuck-your-whole-house-in-the
Look at all that winning! Yessss! And the article? Genius. Although I do hope my house doesn’t smell funky and I honestly haven’t had to do the rescue the random dirty dishes from all over the house thing. I’ll get back to you on that when Zilla’s a teenager…
I found it the other night when I was thinking I needed some help. And by ‘I’, I mean ‘Husby’.
I haven’t sent it to him yet 😀
Fab Hub liked the title – and he peeked at the article.
He has not cleaned the house. 🙁
This post was full of win! My 18 month old is terrible when I go out shopping that I always need my husband to come with so I totally understand. I’m glad Zilla was very cooperative. I’m also glad you saved a lot of $$$ on overpriced kid boots! 🙂 Here’s to more days full of win.
Hi, Bianca, and welcome! It was really a great day all around.
This is just wonderful! What a fabulous day! I identify with so much of what you say, but I’ll only comment on how much it means to me to find little things in common with my daughter. She is SO her daddy’s girl that I treasure our moments so much.
Oh, and the Lego event? AMAZING! She sounds like such a joy to teach. I love a child with a little challenge but great aptitude, and she sounds like one.
So glad you had such a great day.
P.S. I got a Sunshine from Beth Tehilo, and I’m going to pass it on to you, among others. So wait a bit.
Aw come on…comment on whatever you like!
Zilla is definitely Daddy’s girl AND Mommy’s girl – really would be tough to say she leans heavier either way. I think it’s awesome, but our just girls moments are s sweet.
Yeah, the Legos…she loves them. Both of her parents loved them as kids so I don’t think I’m too surprised.
More sunshine??? OMG how awesome. 🙂
I’m glad you figured out the relationship between the dyes and your daughter’s behavior. I have a friend whose children’s behavior changed dramatically when they cut out artificial colors/flavors, etc.
Congrats on your bargains!
The dye conclusion was definitely a good one. Zilla has plenty of ADHD without the dye, so finding a clear set of indicators that these are exacerbated by the dyes is just more good weaponry four arsenal. She’ll still have what she has, but knowing that avoiding those foods might alleviate symptoms that are worsened by the dyes will be a very good thing for her to know.
ewww, wet wool. I’m with you sister. We are always freezing here, the parka is a must.
And will you be posting the stew recipe?
My snappy new parka was awesome this morning walking the three blocks from parking lot to building in the cold this morning! And it was indeed raining, so I was very glad not to feel like a soggy sheep.
totally with you on the French Fries… lol, I don’t get there as often as I used to, but I do know that we you get lucky enough to have *your* fries happen to be from a batch they just finished and they are genuinely hot (and they slipped and put on tons of salt)…it would be a crime to not eat them at the first opportunity. (I don’t know, say when your at the exit, waiting for the traffic to let you leave the parking lot.)
total congratulations on the double T!!
Fries are great at McDonald’s in general, but you could not be more right about right out of the fryer and freshly well salted. Perfect. I think it’s a law somewhere that you have to eat those the minute you get the bag in the car. We’ve been known to dig in before they even finish handing out the drinks.
The second TToT was way fun! 🙂 I should get a prize or something.
This sounds like a superb day! So glad it went well. I love days with just me and my daughter, but she is 11 so it’s a little easier. Just think of what you have to look forward to! Sounds to me like you got some amazing deals which to me is epic! I love a good deal so good for you! I have heard a lot of parents I know contribute dyes (especially red) to worsening ADHD symptoms so good catch there. My son is a Lego addict and puts tons of those sets together. A 200 piece set at 5 years old? That is pretty amazing. My son was exactly like that and is still going strong at almost 10 year old. Now, though, the sets have 750+ pieces. I think it’s a sign of genius, personally…just be prepared for the abundance of Legos you will own one day!
Definitely a good day! I am honestly not much of a shopper – I prefer to find what I want online, go with a specific item/plan, grab it, and go. And the stores are always too warm! Ugh. But going with the Kdizilla is so much fun.
The Fab Hub and I both loved Legos when we were kids, so I’m not surprised that she loves them, to. She’s been doing these 200 piecers since her birthday this summer. If nobody minds my saying so, she is pretty amazing and we’re pretty sure she’s way up there in the “genius” category. The Zilla is scary smart. Thanks for the warning on the Lego takeover…is it a bad sign if we already have about eight or so and she just started big kid Legos six months ago???
Sounds like a totally amazing day with your daughter!!
I love to take mine on shopping trips, but since I have two being accompanied by another adult (usually my mother) is a must….
And yes, children’s shoes are insanely pricey, so finding those pretties for 7$ is a little miracle!!
Seriously, how do you not love $7 boots that were supposed to be $45??? I completely agree on the second adult – we only have one Kidzilla and we rarely do solo trips so I can imagine having another adult to kick two back into play is a key component to taking two kids out!
Can’t wait to read that doll post – and did you ever figure out what that Christmas request was???
We have red due sensitivities here too, and yes, we were thankful when we nailed that down!
Yay on the kid boots! Did you find any for you? I have been making do with fashion boots, but it has gotten too icy. I have actual winter boots now and they are u.g.l.y. I’m hoping to find some fashionable but functional ones soon. . .under $100 if possible.
No, no boots for me. We found one pair and I would have even taken ugly (they were hideous) but they did not fit well at all. Sad because like you said it has become way too icy for dress boots and I think we have a long way to go with weather yet this winter.
I believe you qualify as a ray of sunshine! Absolutely.
Aw, thanks, May! 🙂