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Nea has been making a lot of progress lately, but not much in spontaneous speech. More so when being prompted to add the final T to words she says like “lou(d).” The final D is harder than a final T, so I say she’s just saying it in German: laut.But then two days ago she made two exciting developments. She wanted a penny to throw into the fountain so she tugged at my purse and said “money.” Later after dinner I wanted to wash her hands, but she examined her hands and said “no dirty.” Her first spontaneous two word combo.Nea turned four yesterday, and I’m feeling pretty good!
You may not know this, but it's very easy to return things to the grocery store. I don't do it that often, but it's amazing what reasons they'll accept and refund your money. That’s what the service counter is for.
Spoiled food that you are holding in front of them is Beginner Level Returns. I like to think that many years ago, when I successfully returned a $7 watermelon for which I had only the receipt in hand, was at least Advanced Intermediate Level.
I can't stand the irony of the library book we apparently lost. It's called "Where's Waldo now?" Under the radiator? Behind the fridge? Somewhere in the back of a damn closet?! How the hell should I know!!Waldo, it's not funny anymore. Ollie ollie oxen free already.
True friends contemplate taking a monarch caterpillar back from vacation with them in a jar, and placing the imposter in your veggie garden. True friends then decide not to, as none can be found that are “as big as Marvin.”
Public service announcement: If you have a serviceberry bush or tree, get out there and harvest! Yummy straight off the tree or with vanilla ice cream. 
I went downtown with the kids today. We took the train. Kids ride free all summer on Metra – did you know that? I didn’t. The conductor never came to collect my fare, either. So, that was free. Then N picked us up, since he worked a half day. We parked by Buckingham Fountain and ate the picnic I had packed. The meter was broken, so that was free. We drove to Navy Pier and parked. Went to the Children’s Museum, which is free for my company’s employees. We then went to the Shanghai Circus - Gold show, also free, through someone at N’s work (let me know if you want the info). Spent $6.50 on healthy snacks there (popcorn, cotton candy). Paid $16 on parking.
So, we saved:
$3 (train)
0.50 (parking meter)
$36 (Children’s Museum)
$75 (Shanghai Circus – Gold)
$114.50 TOTAL
And spent just over $20 for a lovely day downtown.
Wow, if you have a kid that’s about to try riding a bike without training wheels, have I got a great product for you! The Balance Buddy
made it so painless for everyone. Boo is almost done learning how to ride her bike now, and we just installed this thing over the weekend. Plus it’s only $18. Of course, we actually borrowed a friend’s. Thanks, Erin, yer the best.
Cool modern book club person or shameless product hussy? You decide! Do not expect poll to be forthcoming.
