In honor of Mother's Day, I am posting a "poem" below that hung on my Mom's refrigerator since before I can remember. It must have come from a school letter that was sent home to the parents, b/c on the back there is a partial elementary school calendar. It is pretty ratted and torn, but I love it and it has hung on my refrigerator since I had John. (Sorry Grammy, I think I said I would give it back, but I have come accustomed to seeing it every day, so I think I will keep it!)
It is not really sappy or anything, just thought provoking for us parents.
If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy.
If a child lives with jealousy, he learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with encouragement, he learns confidence.
If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate.
If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice.
If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith.
If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find live in the world.
I hope all of you Mothers out there have an incredible day with your family, make lots of memories!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Friday, May 7, 2010
26th month
The most memorable moments of this past month have probably been the development of attitude and fits. Fits and whining are in full effect! Unfortunately this also means that time outs are in full effect. Well, not all the time, we are still playing with different ways to calm the fits and/or avoid them all together. Some of the fits include hitting or yelling or outright defiance; those are fun. I realize this is just him learning/testing the limits, but man oh man does he know how to push our buttons!
One day he put himself in time out for hitting Daddy with a plastic golf club, it was pretty funny. Then he peeked around the corner and said "hi Daddy, sorry Daddy". Then of course he got to come out and play. Sometimes he has to stay in time out until he can say he is sorry, but he takes his sweet time. He will flat say "I can't say sorry" and stay in time out.
I try to remember these funny times and laugh about it, but I also pray every night for patience and strength, along with repeating "this too shall pass" several times a day.
A few other memories from this month:
- Favorite phrases: "I can't like it", "I don't want to go pee pee", "On your mark, get set, go", "I want to eat" (personal favorite, it warms my heart to see him eat a full meal), "Mama is a girl, John is a boy, Daddy is a boy"
- He asks for and remembers his friends can come over and play. At least 3 times a week he asks if someone is coming to play.
- he got his first little boy hair cut. I miss his long hair, and am trying to convince Daddy to let it grow back out.
- He can remember the most random things and tell you bits and pieces of the story. Like one day went to Grammy's office and she had a dinosaur book for him in the drawer. He will randomly say "Go to Gammy's office, get dido book and see chairs" Then he proceeds to talk about the horse statue that was outside of her window. It makes me think about how much he has been soaking in before I knew it and wonder if I was censoring his world enough?!?!
- Potty training is still 100% done on the poo-poo side, but still only about 90% on the pee pee side. He still dribbles and he will not consistently verbalize when he needs to go. We are staying strong and patient though. Today I am going to start a potty chart with stickers, if he goes a full week (maybe shorter at first) with sticker everyday then he gets a special toy/treat/activity. Actually these past 2 days have been really good, so maybe we have turned the corner.
- He will 'read' book to us now, I am going to try my darnedest to get this on video, but he always clams up when I bring it out.
- MUCH more social at the Little Gym and at play dates. He still is not totally comfortable if I have to leave the room, but no more tears or latching himself to my leg. I think maybe I am seeing a little bit of a sharing issue starting, but am trying to derail it before it starts. But, you know what, I am actually okay with this b/c at least he is being social and he has the opportunity to learn how to share.
One day he put himself in time out for hitting Daddy with a plastic golf club, it was pretty funny. Then he peeked around the corner and said "hi Daddy, sorry Daddy". Then of course he got to come out and play. Sometimes he has to stay in time out until he can say he is sorry, but he takes his sweet time. He will flat say "I can't say sorry" and stay in time out.
I try to remember these funny times and laugh about it, but I also pray every night for patience and strength, along with repeating "this too shall pass" several times a day.
A few other memories from this month:
- Favorite phrases: "I can't like it", "I don't want to go pee pee", "On your mark, get set, go", "I want to eat" (personal favorite, it warms my heart to see him eat a full meal), "Mama is a girl, John is a boy, Daddy is a boy"
- He asks for and remembers his friends can come over and play. At least 3 times a week he asks if someone is coming to play.
- he got his first little boy hair cut. I miss his long hair, and am trying to convince Daddy to let it grow back out.
- He can remember the most random things and tell you bits and pieces of the story. Like one day went to Grammy's office and she had a dinosaur book for him in the drawer. He will randomly say "Go to Gammy's office, get dido book and see chairs" Then he proceeds to talk about the horse statue that was outside of her window. It makes me think about how much he has been soaking in before I knew it and wonder if I was censoring his world enough?!?!
- Potty training is still 100% done on the poo-poo side, but still only about 90% on the pee pee side. He still dribbles and he will not consistently verbalize when he needs to go. We are staying strong and patient though. Today I am going to start a potty chart with stickers, if he goes a full week (maybe shorter at first) with sticker everyday then he gets a special toy/treat/activity. Actually these past 2 days have been really good, so maybe we have turned the corner.
- He will 'read' book to us now, I am going to try my darnedest to get this on video, but he always clams up when I bring it out.
- MUCH more social at the Little Gym and at play dates. He still is not totally comfortable if I have to leave the room, but no more tears or latching himself to my leg. I think maybe I am seeing a little bit of a sharing issue starting, but am trying to derail it before it starts. But, you know what, I am actually okay with this b/c at least he is being social and he has the opportunity to learn how to share.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Camera training
When we were getting John's 2 year pictures done with Jonnye, I noticed that one of her services was camera training. I had asked her about it and then one day she called and said she had a cancelled session - so I rushed over there for some tips and tricks.
I was only there for a couple of hours and there was a lot of information to absorb. I am one of those people that learns by doing something, so it is going to take a lot of practice. But I already feel like I can implement some of the techinques and take better pictures.
I post this becuase if you have the opportunity to do this with Jonnye (I know at least 2 of you blog readers use her too), or if you know a photographer that offers this service I recommend it.
Here are two examples:
I was practicing one evening with bath time and this is me taking a picture as I normally would:
And this is me using some of the lighting and other techniques I learned:
Also, here are some taken the day we went fishing from Carl's phone (not the best example, but shows what I mean)
And here is one I took:
I am not saying these pictures are great, in fact, they both are probably a little over exposed, but I am learning. It just amazes me the different things you can do with a camera if you know your way around.
I was only there for a couple of hours and there was a lot of information to absorb. I am one of those people that learns by doing something, so it is going to take a lot of practice. But I already feel like I can implement some of the techinques and take better pictures.
I post this becuase if you have the opportunity to do this with Jonnye (I know at least 2 of you blog readers use her too), or if you know a photographer that offers this service I recommend it.
Here are two examples:
I was practicing one evening with bath time and this is me taking a picture as I normally would:
And this is me using some of the lighting and other techniques I learned:
Also, here are some taken the day we went fishing from Carl's phone (not the best example, but shows what I mean)
And here is one I took:
I am not saying these pictures are great, in fact, they both are probably a little over exposed, but I am learning. It just amazes me the different things you can do with a camera if you know your way around.
Monday, April 19, 2010
First time fisherman
We got up early on Saturday morning and headed to East Texas with Nana and Da to take John on his first fishing trip. We went to Gary Yamamoto's ranch (www.innatbkranch.com)in Palestine, Texas. It was beautiful and a really cool experience.
There were 8 lakes to choose from, including 1 really large lake. Carl had some inside scoop from some friends that had been earlier and told us which lake was the best. So we pulled off the main road and onto some dirt roads filled with cows! John loved this, although he was a bit concerned that we were driving in the grass ("go in the grass?! go in the grass?!:). When we got close to the cows John would scream out the window "moo cows moo", he thought they were moving because he was talking to them.
No time wasted, we pull into the field and started fishing. John listened really well and did not seem to be tempted to get in the water which was my fear. John had his own fishing pole. One of us cast it and then he would hold it and reel in the worms. He was loving life! He actually caught some fish on his pole, and with some help would bring them in. He loved to touch them and then give them a kiss and put them back in the water. The rest of us had some good luck too (Da caught the first fish, but I caught the biggest!).
There were cows sharing the lake and surrounding pasture with us and this was John's other favorite thing about the day. He would try to get up close and of course they would run away. He was "chasing the cows".
After a picnic lunch we are did some more fishing, but John was wearing down a bit. Him and Nana built a tent out of the picnic blankets and chairs. They had fun in their pretend world of orca whales and dolphins and alligators, etc., etc. Great imagination!
We headed home around 2:30, but I think we could have all stayed all day long. It was a really good time and I can not wait to do it again!
Here are some pictures from the day:
There were 8 lakes to choose from, including 1 really large lake. Carl had some inside scoop from some friends that had been earlier and told us which lake was the best. So we pulled off the main road and onto some dirt roads filled with cows! John loved this, although he was a bit concerned that we were driving in the grass ("go in the grass?! go in the grass?!:). When we got close to the cows John would scream out the window "moo cows moo", he thought they were moving because he was talking to them.
No time wasted, we pull into the field and started fishing. John listened really well and did not seem to be tempted to get in the water which was my fear. John had his own fishing pole. One of us cast it and then he would hold it and reel in the worms. He was loving life! He actually caught some fish on his pole, and with some help would bring them in. He loved to touch them and then give them a kiss and put them back in the water. The rest of us had some good luck too (Da caught the first fish, but I caught the biggest!).
There were cows sharing the lake and surrounding pasture with us and this was John's other favorite thing about the day. He would try to get up close and of course they would run away. He was "chasing the cows".
After a picnic lunch we are did some more fishing, but John was wearing down a bit. Him and Nana built a tent out of the picnic blankets and chairs. They had fun in their pretend world of orca whales and dolphins and alligators, etc., etc. Great imagination!
We headed home around 2:30, but I think we could have all stayed all day long. It was a really good time and I can not wait to do it again!
Here are some pictures from the day:
Saturday, April 17, 2010
2 year birthday party!
We had John's Dinosaur themed birthday party with his little friends at The Little Gym. It was a huge success! I have to say that for a friends birthday party at this age, Sunday afternoon seemed to be a great time slot. Thank you to all of his friends for coming to share with us!
We sincerely missed our Oklahoma clan and LOVE them for thinking of John on his party day!
For the first half of the party John was a bit overwhelmed, which surprised me. I chose the Little Gym because he was so comfortable there and he could run around and play. It must have been all of the parents, or the chaos, or the new teacher, or something; but after he relaxed a bit, the thumb came out of his mouth! He had fun the whole time though!
The teachers led the kids through different activities and then some free time on all the equipment. Then we had cake and ice cream. The Little Gym employees did a great job! They set everything up, served, and then took it all down. I highly recommend going there for any one who has them in their area.
We did not open presents, as there was not enough time for John to enjoy it, so we did that later at home. He loved all of his presents, and favorites have come and gone since the party, but some big hits included: play dough, the slide, Diego bubble machine, legos, Junior Leap Frog, his monkey plate, a "Cars" cd player, cars and trucks, and a pretend doctors bag.
Here are some pictures from his actual birthday and party day:
We sincerely missed our Oklahoma clan and LOVE them for thinking of John on his party day!
For the first half of the party John was a bit overwhelmed, which surprised me. I chose the Little Gym because he was so comfortable there and he could run around and play. It must have been all of the parents, or the chaos, or the new teacher, or something; but after he relaxed a bit, the thumb came out of his mouth! He had fun the whole time though!
The teachers led the kids through different activities and then some free time on all the equipment. Then we had cake and ice cream. The Little Gym employees did a great job! They set everything up, served, and then took it all down. I highly recommend going there for any one who has them in their area.
We did not open presents, as there was not enough time for John to enjoy it, so we did that later at home. He loved all of his presents, and favorites have come and gone since the party, but some big hits included: play dough, the slide, Diego bubble machine, legos, Junior Leap Frog, his monkey plate, a "Cars" cd player, cars and trucks, and a pretend doctors bag.
Here are some pictures from his actual birthday and party day:
Sunday, April 11, 2010
2 year Dr.Visit
The next couple of posts are a bit outdated, but I really want them on the blog to look back on.
Our 2 year doctor visit went as smooth as usual. Here are his stats:
Weight: 31 pounds (82%)
Height: 35 inches (66%)
Head: 19 3/4 (85%)
I measured him again when we got home because he was all over the place when the nurse tried to do it. But sure enough, she was right on; I guess she is used to hitting moving targets. So, Dr. said that meant that he would be right around 5'10'' to 6'. Not that this was surprising, but think it is fun. :)
He is not quite ready for 2T stuff yet. In fact, I bought all of his new shorts and short sleeved shirts in 2T. I am HOPING he will fit in them by the end of the summer. 18 month stuff is a bit small, but especially with no diapers, that is what we are buying. However, I do think it is right around the corner and I think we are going to change sizes during the same season. Which is fine, except on the wallet!
Dr. said we could start in with the 2% milk. I asked why and he said to switch if we were worried about his fat intake! WHAT?!?! I am trying to fatten that monkey up! We will be sticking with the whole milk for now (My big brother STILL drinks it and he is skinny as a rail, I think we are good!)
He also said that we should start using fluoride toothpaste, just no whitening. I asked when we should take him to the dentist and he said that unless we see any problems, not to go before the age of 3. He looks as if he is going to have a bit of an overbite, but I am sure that is due to the thumb sucking. I think we will wait on the dentist, especially if it is anything like sitting in a chair at the hair cut place - I would rather wait until he is older than traumatize him forever.
Dr. also said to start potty training (if you will remember, he told me to start this at 18 months too!). At the time I had no intentions of starting until it was nice and warm outside. Well, fast forward a few weeks and read the previous posts for that update.
Our 2 year doctor visit went as smooth as usual. Here are his stats:
Weight: 31 pounds (82%)
Height: 35 inches (66%)
Head: 19 3/4 (85%)
I measured him again when we got home because he was all over the place when the nurse tried to do it. But sure enough, she was right on; I guess she is used to hitting moving targets. So, Dr. said that meant that he would be right around 5'10'' to 6'. Not that this was surprising, but think it is fun. :)
He is not quite ready for 2T stuff yet. In fact, I bought all of his new shorts and short sleeved shirts in 2T. I am HOPING he will fit in them by the end of the summer. 18 month stuff is a bit small, but especially with no diapers, that is what we are buying. However, I do think it is right around the corner and I think we are going to change sizes during the same season. Which is fine, except on the wallet!
Dr. said we could start in with the 2% milk. I asked why and he said to switch if we were worried about his fat intake! WHAT?!?! I am trying to fatten that monkey up! We will be sticking with the whole milk for now (My big brother STILL drinks it and he is skinny as a rail, I think we are good!)
He also said that we should start using fluoride toothpaste, just no whitening. I asked when we should take him to the dentist and he said that unless we see any problems, not to go before the age of 3. He looks as if he is going to have a bit of an overbite, but I am sure that is due to the thumb sucking. I think we will wait on the dentist, especially if it is anything like sitting in a chair at the hair cut place - I would rather wait until he is older than traumatize him forever.
Dr. also said to start potty training (if you will remember, he told me to start this at 18 months too!). At the time I had no intentions of starting until it was nice and warm outside. Well, fast forward a few weeks and read the previous posts for that update.
Friday, April 9, 2010
My potty champion!
At the ripe old age of 25 months, John is WELL on his way to being potty trained. Had I written this post 2 weeks ago, I would have called him 100% potty trained, but as most first time parents do, I would have been jumping the gun a bit.
The week after his 2nd birthday, John told me "no more dap daps... so for the rest of the evening we went with no diapers. I told him he had to tell Mama when he needed to pee pee....sure enough.... he did! So, the next day I thought I would play with it a bit. He had a couple of pee accidents the first day, but basically for 2 weeks, he was accident free (yes, including poo). SO PROUD of him!
The first time we went out to dinner, I went ahead and put a diaper on him, but he told me during dinner that he had to go and we went to the potty, he was dry! So, after that - no more diapers at all during the day.
We were either bare bottomed or in underwear, we chose not to use pull ups at all. It seemed to work for us, but every child and situation is different. We started doing a "pee pee dance" after he used the potty, he REALLY liked that. He then got to flush the big potty and wash his hands. All of this was fun, fun, fun!
Now, all of a sudden, the fun is gone and he does not want to stop what he is doing to go to the bathroom. He starts to hold himself, so I can tell. He knows when it is coming too, because he will go behind the couch or something. He will let out just a bit, almost to relieve the urge. When I realize the accident has happened, we go sit on the potty and he goes A LOT! So I know he is controlling the off switch. :)
He never fights us when he is ON the potty, but sometimes we have to trick him into the bathroom all together.
After worrying about how to handle the accidents, how to make it HIS responsibility, etc. etc., and after reading many articles and books, I have come to the remember that he is still a baby and he needs to us to remind him and take him to the bathroom. Sometimes I forget that John is only 2, he seems like such a little boy in so many ways, but in the end, he still needs us to remind him to brush his teeth, eat lunch, pick up his toys, take naps, and a lot of other every day tasks, why should reminding him/taking him to the bathroom not be on this list too. I suppose it could take several months and even a year, but I am ready and willing!
If there is anyone else out there reading this that has any suggestions or advice, I am ALWAYS open to hearing it. In my 2 years of parenting, the most successful thing for me is to take advice and information from several different (almost always conflicting) sources and pick the pieces that work best for my little family of 3!
PS - I am OBSESSED with buying him underwear. I am not kidding, he probably has 30 pair right now. My favorites are the little boxer briefs from Gymboree! hehehehe!
The week after his 2nd birthday, John told me "no more dap daps... so for the rest of the evening we went with no diapers. I told him he had to tell Mama when he needed to pee pee....sure enough.... he did! So, the next day I thought I would play with it a bit. He had a couple of pee accidents the first day, but basically for 2 weeks, he was accident free (yes, including poo). SO PROUD of him!
The first time we went out to dinner, I went ahead and put a diaper on him, but he told me during dinner that he had to go and we went to the potty, he was dry! So, after that - no more diapers at all during the day.
We were either bare bottomed or in underwear, we chose not to use pull ups at all. It seemed to work for us, but every child and situation is different. We started doing a "pee pee dance" after he used the potty, he REALLY liked that. He then got to flush the big potty and wash his hands. All of this was fun, fun, fun!
Now, all of a sudden, the fun is gone and he does not want to stop what he is doing to go to the bathroom. He starts to hold himself, so I can tell. He knows when it is coming too, because he will go behind the couch or something. He will let out just a bit, almost to relieve the urge. When I realize the accident has happened, we go sit on the potty and he goes A LOT! So I know he is controlling the off switch. :)
He never fights us when he is ON the potty, but sometimes we have to trick him into the bathroom all together.
After worrying about how to handle the accidents, how to make it HIS responsibility, etc. etc., and after reading many articles and books, I have come to the remember that he is still a baby and he needs to us to remind him and take him to the bathroom. Sometimes I forget that John is only 2, he seems like such a little boy in so many ways, but in the end, he still needs us to remind him to brush his teeth, eat lunch, pick up his toys, take naps, and a lot of other every day tasks, why should reminding him/taking him to the bathroom not be on this list too. I suppose it could take several months and even a year, but I am ready and willing!
If there is anyone else out there reading this that has any suggestions or advice, I am ALWAYS open to hearing it. In my 2 years of parenting, the most successful thing for me is to take advice and information from several different (almost always conflicting) sources and pick the pieces that work best for my little family of 3!
PS - I am OBSESSED with buying him underwear. I am not kidding, he probably has 30 pair right now. My favorites are the little boxer briefs from Gymboree! hehehehe!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Recent updates (25th month + a little bit)
It has been awhile since our last update, and I am going to do my best to post things as they happen. I am not sure what has happened over the last couple of months - they were here and gone before I knew it!
- The fits have started. I hate to admit it, as I was fooled into thinking we were going to skip this stage. I am still hopeful that it is short lived (I guess everything is in the grand scheme of things). The typical things that you would expect break him into hysterics. Mainly he does not much care for change or things not going his way. Right now, we can still just calm him down within a few minutes and move on. However, we have also had to pull out the time-out until he has calmed down. These are frustrating times for all three of us, but I am trying to look at it as opportunities for life lessons (okay, so it is not that easy sometimes, but it gets me through it.
- He has full blown conversations with us now. He will tell us about his day or what he sees. He tells us when he likes something or dislikes something. He asks us what we are doing or eating or watching.
- He loves to sing or be sang to. He knows the following songs: 'ABC's', 'Twinkle Twinkle', 'Old McDonald', 'Row Your Boat', 'Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes', and 'Hawaiian Rainbow'. He really sings them along with the tune, SO CUTE!
- Still loving his animals, but the newest obsessions is with fish and sharks. He has a little toy "cars" fishing pole that he loves. Daddy tied a small plastic shark to the end, so he can cast it and reel it in. He is really good with it too. Daddy can not wait to take him fishing.
- Still loving his books, we have progressed into short stories now more than his board books. He will sit and listen to longer stories. He loves two short story book in particular that his Uncle Chris, Aunt Adrienne and Cousin Tyler got him. One has a ton of short stories about all of the popular pixar characters (Nemo, Lightening McQueen, Toy Story, etc.); the other one is all about baby animals. Both are PERFECT for him.
- I would list his favorite TV shows, but he actually has stopped watching TV shows. I normally would turn them on when I needed to get something done, but now, he will totally play on his own and entertain himself for up to 20 minutes sometimes(see imagination discussion below). He does love his movies though; favorites include: Toy Story (1&2), Jungle Book, Cars, Ice Age:Dawn of the Dinosaurs.
- His imagination has really started to show itself lately. He is sort of out of the 'baby' toys and is more into things that he can build stories around or play with. Loves to play with his Dr. bag, build tents with blankets, build his legos, fish with his fishing pole, etc. He will talk and narrate the story the whole time. I LOVE to watch him!
- A couple of bad things that have come along with the imagination discussed above is that he is having dreams that are waking him up at night. I will go up there and calm him down and he will tell me about it "orca whale doesn't fit in the basket" or "give me my phone back", etc. Another thing is that is has started showing fear of the most random things, one in particular - the wind! There for a few days he would go into hysterics, but we have managed to convince him that the wind helps the birds fly, it tickles the trees, and it makes Mama's hair look funny.
- And of course - POTTY TRAINING! A separate post to follow...
- The fits have started. I hate to admit it, as I was fooled into thinking we were going to skip this stage. I am still hopeful that it is short lived (I guess everything is in the grand scheme of things). The typical things that you would expect break him into hysterics. Mainly he does not much care for change or things not going his way. Right now, we can still just calm him down within a few minutes and move on. However, we have also had to pull out the time-out until he has calmed down. These are frustrating times for all three of us, but I am trying to look at it as opportunities for life lessons (okay, so it is not that easy sometimes, but it gets me through it.
- He has full blown conversations with us now. He will tell us about his day or what he sees. He tells us when he likes something or dislikes something. He asks us what we are doing or eating or watching.
- He loves to sing or be sang to. He knows the following songs: 'ABC's', 'Twinkle Twinkle', 'Old McDonald', 'Row Your Boat', 'Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes', and 'Hawaiian Rainbow'. He really sings them along with the tune, SO CUTE!
- Still loving his animals, but the newest obsessions is with fish and sharks. He has a little toy "cars" fishing pole that he loves. Daddy tied a small plastic shark to the end, so he can cast it and reel it in. He is really good with it too. Daddy can not wait to take him fishing.
- Still loving his books, we have progressed into short stories now more than his board books. He will sit and listen to longer stories. He loves two short story book in particular that his Uncle Chris, Aunt Adrienne and Cousin Tyler got him. One has a ton of short stories about all of the popular pixar characters (Nemo, Lightening McQueen, Toy Story, etc.); the other one is all about baby animals. Both are PERFECT for him.
- I would list his favorite TV shows, but he actually has stopped watching TV shows. I normally would turn them on when I needed to get something done, but now, he will totally play on his own and entertain himself for up to 20 minutes sometimes(see imagination discussion below). He does love his movies though; favorites include: Toy Story (1&2), Jungle Book, Cars, Ice Age:Dawn of the Dinosaurs.
- His imagination has really started to show itself lately. He is sort of out of the 'baby' toys and is more into things that he can build stories around or play with. Loves to play with his Dr. bag, build tents with blankets, build his legos, fish with his fishing pole, etc. He will talk and narrate the story the whole time. I LOVE to watch him!
- A couple of bad things that have come along with the imagination discussed above is that he is having dreams that are waking him up at night. I will go up there and calm him down and he will tell me about it "orca whale doesn't fit in the basket" or "give me my phone back", etc. Another thing is that is has started showing fear of the most random things, one in particular - the wind! There for a few days he would go into hysterics, but we have managed to convince him that the wind helps the birds fly, it tickles the trees, and it makes Mama's hair look funny.
- And of course - POTTY TRAINING! A separate post to follow...
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Happy 2nd birthday week: Dear John:
Dear John:
Today you turn 2. You are no longer a baby, but a little boy all your own. It is hard to believe how fast the time flies. I have said this at every stage of your life, but again I say that this is my most favorite age, and I think yours too.
You take your time with new things and when faced with a new environment you would prefer to soak it all in for a few minutes until you decide how you feel about it. And MAN, if you do not feel right about it, Mama has learned not to push the issue because you are going to stand your ground. On the other hand, when you find something that you like, you go all in! Some of these things are a passing phase, but some things you fall in love with and can't get enough. These are the things that Mama and Daddy live for; because to see your face light up like it does is the best feeling in the world to us.
When you are at home and in your element, you have fantastic level of confidence, but are still very careful. I love this balance. You totally trust us to catch you or hold you, sometimes to the point that it scares us because we don't know your are going to jump! :) You are careful though and seem to know where the limits are when we are not right next to you.
You demand acknowledgement and will repeat yourself and/or get louder and louder until you get a response. But you also are quick to give thanks even when we are not sure what you are thanking us for.
You are the sweetest boy that I have ever met. You are free with your hugs and kisses and would sit and cuddle ALL day if we would let you. You rub our cheeks or play with our ears or chin while you cuddle or when you are tired. However, you have not said the words "I love you" quite yet; I know you will say it on your own terms and that day will live in infamy and melt our hearts. You love when we have group hugs. You love on Bailee and Kallie and your stuffed animals and you make sure that they kiss and hug each other too.
You are all boy and can be super rough, but also know how to be gentle ("easy"). You are a good listener and you totally know when you are doing something you are not supposed to; evidenced by the mischievous look on your face. You are very well behaved and we are so proud of you.
You are starting to really get an imagination and we love watching you play and be creative. You can find true enjoyment in the most simple things. I hope you keep this attitude throughout life.
Today, baby boy, we wish you the happiest birthday and pray that you enjoy life, as you do today, for all of the years to come. We love you more than words.
Today you turn 2. You are no longer a baby, but a little boy all your own. It is hard to believe how fast the time flies. I have said this at every stage of your life, but again I say that this is my most favorite age, and I think yours too.
You take your time with new things and when faced with a new environment you would prefer to soak it all in for a few minutes until you decide how you feel about it. And MAN, if you do not feel right about it, Mama has learned not to push the issue because you are going to stand your ground. On the other hand, when you find something that you like, you go all in! Some of these things are a passing phase, but some things you fall in love with and can't get enough. These are the things that Mama and Daddy live for; because to see your face light up like it does is the best feeling in the world to us.
When you are at home and in your element, you have fantastic level of confidence, but are still very careful. I love this balance. You totally trust us to catch you or hold you, sometimes to the point that it scares us because we don't know your are going to jump! :) You are careful though and seem to know where the limits are when we are not right next to you.
You demand acknowledgement and will repeat yourself and/or get louder and louder until you get a response. But you also are quick to give thanks even when we are not sure what you are thanking us for.
You are the sweetest boy that I have ever met. You are free with your hugs and kisses and would sit and cuddle ALL day if we would let you. You rub our cheeks or play with our ears or chin while you cuddle or when you are tired. However, you have not said the words "I love you" quite yet; I know you will say it on your own terms and that day will live in infamy and melt our hearts. You love when we have group hugs. You love on Bailee and Kallie and your stuffed animals and you make sure that they kiss and hug each other too.
You are all boy and can be super rough, but also know how to be gentle ("easy"). You are a good listener and you totally know when you are doing something you are not supposed to; evidenced by the mischievous look on your face. You are very well behaved and we are so proud of you.
You are starting to really get an imagination and we love watching you play and be creative. You can find true enjoyment in the most simple things. I hope you keep this attitude throughout life.
Today, baby boy, we wish you the happiest birthday and pray that you enjoy life, as you do today, for all of the years to come. We love you more than words.
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