Venezia is at that age where she is constantly learning new words, adding them to her vocabulary then attempting to use them in her everyday life and conversation.
Recently, when she was trying to persuade me to let her watch television, her convincing argument was to ASSURE me that whatever we chose to watch would be “appropriate” and “nutritious”!
When did the dentist become a pariah? It hasn’t happened yet for Venezia, as we’ve been able to build it up as something magical and she still seems to consider it practically a trip to the candy store. Of course there is the balloon, the selection of prizes, stickers, toothbrush and dental floss at the end!
I was able to sit in on the visit this time, and Venezia was a true trooper despite the reality of the procedures: x-rays (she was statue still, only to have the x-rays misplaced by the careless attendant), cleaning (uncomfortable!) and fluoride (a little hurty!). Check out the snapshots:
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If Venezia were a boy, I’d say this sounds like an Oedipal thing, but alas… this morning, we had a not-too-uncommon pre-dawn meltdown as Venezia insisted Medora get up with her. She proceeded to force the entire family out of bed, and later when I asked her why she did this, she responded: “I just love mommy so much. It’s makin me crazy over her.”
If I hadn’t heard it with my own ears I wouldn’t have believed it!
After Venezia was born, and we named her, a couple times I got the comment about the “complexity” of her name–in regards to how teachers or kids would have to learn how to pronounce it, or how she “really had her work cut out for her” when learning to spell and write her name–something to that effect!
As it turns out, kids have amazed me the most with how well they will remember her name and pronounce it correctly–moreso than the adults.
As for Venezia learning to spell her name, she has that down solid. We came up with a little rhyme–since I figured that would be the best way for her to remember it. It goes like this: (you have to say it in a little sing-songy-rap voice)
V-E-N-E-Z-I-A
That’s the way I spell my name.
V-E-N-E-Z-I-A
Won’t you spell with me today?
Today she was was drawing and she told me excitedly she had spelled her name. I went to look at what she had written, expecting to see some lines and circles (something she is very good at), and this is what she showed me. Click on the image for a larger size.
I think we can all read what this says, and she’s only 3 years old (OK, 2 weeks shy of 4, but you know what I mean…..!!!) Isn’t this great??
One of Venezia’s favorite things now… making Sadie laugh.
Venezia’s eyes. Sadie learning how to suck her index finger.
Venezia made up a cool new game with her kids frisbee. First one person throws it, then both people run to try and get it. Then she asks “did you just throw it or did I” (of course she knows the answer but it’s part of the game to ask anyway). The person who didn’t throw it last gets to throw it next. Fun times!
On Saturday Medora and Mony took Sadie and went on a homes tour of San Francisco. Venezia hung out with the guys as we hit the Apple store, walked through Chinatown, and watched the PGA at a local haunt in North Beach. We had a great time!
Myah and Steve threw a great party the day Medora and Co. headed to Portland… here is Venezia having fun…
This week Venezia participated in her first dance camp. I learned about the camp through her Rhythm and Roots teacher at the YMCA. She puts on a camp called Akoma which means “heart” and it is an African dance and theater camp. Venezia only participated in the dance portion which was the first half of the day, 9 to noon, Monday through Friday. This was a wonderful change to our normal, ho-hum, poking around the house with me and baby mornings. This gave Venezia a chance to meet other kids, be active, and do something fun. And of course it was great for me to have 3 hours off from Venezia.
Venezia was VERY excited for Dance Camp… (more…)
