a sense of humor

In case you were wondering, today's word was made for this blog: vitiate.
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Things have settled back down at Chez Imperfect, after the euphoria of the Eldest's self-infusion. Bouyed up, he tried it again a few times, and now has a batting average more appropriate to his age. I found this both a little disappointing (he's not a prodigy??) and a relief (he's not a prodigy). He, however, was undaunted, and at a recent bleeding disorder event was explaining to the mother of a 5 year old that sure, Ben can learn to do his own factor! He's five, like me, and five year olds are ready to learn. The other mum respectfully inquired as to whether the Eldest would come and offer a tutorial. He agreed, but wanted to be absolutely certain that she understood that Ben can learn it on his own, because he's five. I rather begged to differ, and pointed out that, in my tutorial sessions with the Eldest, there has been much parental supervision.

Meanwhile, the Toddles has been taking his own leaps and bounds:

In the highchair, flanked by Mary Jr. and the Mama:
Toddles: round and round! draws circles with finger.
Adult: Yes, that is round.
Toddles, with emphasis: round and round!
Mama: what's round and around?
Toddles, proudly: eyt!

Indeed, the number eight goes around and around. Good point, kiddo.
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When not polishing his abacus, the Toddles has also been refining his sense of humor. His sense of timing is really quite good, though his sense of audience is perhaps a bit lacking - as we saw today, when he flung a handful of dirt at a co-community gardener. He laughed, she...was tolerant.

Here, then, is his first knock-knock joke:
knock-knock
who's there?
moo.
Moo, who?
moo. laughs hysterically.

In case you were wondering, this is a variant on:
knock-knock.
who's there?
impatient cow.
Impatient-
(interrupts) MOOO!

The Toddles has simply skipped the penultimate line for his part, and focused on the punchline. You'll note, however, that he's worked out which bit is supposed to be funny, and defers dissolving in laughter until that point. Clever kiddo.

Humor is a quality in short supply around here right now, as we prepare for the Great Family Vacation, a plan that has been 1.5 yrs in the making. With my grandmother turning 90, and her gift of airfare, we're trundling off on Sunday to go Down Under for most of a month. Wahoo!

It's been an uphill affair thus far: Qantas told us to stay home if we have that many allergies, TSA told us not to bring food, the home care company struggled to figure out how to ship clotting meds and medical supplies overseas, and I've organized my not-so-teensy ass off.

It's coming together. We're renting an apartment, we're borrowing a car and a million pieces of kitchen equipment, Zina lent us a baby carrier for hiking, my uncle and aunt are arranging for groceries to be waiting for us when we arrive, I've mailed hard-to-find pantry items to ourselves (which Zina collected for us), Mary Jr. worked countless extra hours while I ran around looking crazed. She quietly closed doors/ovens/shut off open flames behind me, drank endless cups of tea with the Toddles and played a version of Uno unique to her and the wee one. Hours of discussion later, I think I've explained to the h.c.co how to mail meds to us. I hope (there was still some uncertainty at the end of the day). Oh, yes, and I told TSA not to be silly, stared Qantas down and stocked up on documentation enough to stun a charging hippo - or an overeager TSA/customs person.

Man, am I wiped. But we might just be ready. Now, if only I had a birthday present for the Great-Grandmere! A year and a half, months of planning and saving and I forget that? Sigh. How (say it with me, now) imperfect.

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The tea party (see left) looks enjoyable, but occasionally carbs are in order. With that in mind...we've been eating this for the past week. I toss in cherry tomatoes, avocado, cucumber, whatever's around to freshen up the leftovers. Despite my efforts, the boys are completely fed up with it, but I'm still happy..

Rena's Marvel Mit Ze Non-Couscous

1/3rd cup olive oil
1 tsp cumin
1 c. quinoa, rinsed 2-3 times
1 onion, chopped
3 scallions, chopped (or red onion)
4 Tb fresh mint (or use dried, to taste)
2 sticks cinnamon
3/4s cup dried cranberries
2 Tb wine vinegar
1 can white beans, rinsed

Heat oil, cumin and cinnamon. Add onion and saute gently. Take off the heat. Once cool, add everything but the quinoa.

In the microwave (or on the stove), cook the quinoa according to the package directions. Add to onion-spice mixture. Toss and serve.

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having fun... thanks to the DW!

What Your Soul Really Looks Like

You are a warm hearted and open minded person. It's easy for you to forgive and forget. You are a grounded person, but you also leave room for imagination and dreams. You feet may be on the ground, but you're head is in the clouds. You see yourself with pretty objective eyes. How you view yourself is almost exactly how other people view you. Your near future is all about change, but in very small steps. The end of the journey looks far, but it's much closer than you realize. For you, love is all about caring and comfort. You couldn't fall in love with someone you didn't trust.