A few things from the past month:
- He 'burps' after every drink he takes. Not real sure where he learned this (if anyone wants to confess, please do). He thinks it is funny. We have tried telling him no, but have since moved on to ignoring him. What do you do?
- Potty Training: a little lapse since we have come back from our FL trip (blog to come on that), but overall, still about 90% done with pee-pee.
- Fits: Good news first - the fits of getting out of the bath have stopped! YEA! Bed time fits are still 50/50, but I suppose it will be that way for years to come. Fits in public have shot up this month, awesome. Newest fits are when we get out of the pool, going to be a long summer.
It seems to work (sometimes) when we talk him through it before we stop whatever we are doing. If you start to say "no whining..." he finishes it "no crying, no fussing". All with a smile on his face. Although he still sometimes does it. Just part of this age I guess.
- Things we hear often: "I want to take a bathtub"; "I can't like that"; "me do it"; "no don't get me"; "its not nite time"; Me: John what do you want to eat? John: "papcanes" (pancakes) or "chicken and fres fries"
- Current favorites: Toy Story (we can't wait for June 18th when Toy Story 3 comes out!) movies and toys; drawing; reading; finger paints; being outside; swimming
- He loves to sing! He wakes up singing, he falls asleep singing, he sings in the car, while playing, in the bath, EVERYWHERE!. His current favorites are 'old macdonald', 'twinkle twinkle', 'muffin man', 'you are my sunshine' and 'abc'.
- When he is really trying to tell you something, he will take his time and give you this certain look, but he will look you in the eye and keep repeating himself until you understand. I love it.
- Everything seems to be getting easier when we leave the house. No more high chairs at restaurants (unless it is a long meal), or sippy cups, I rarely bring a change of clothes (which will bite me one day), no strollers, or toys. We just get in the car and go. Now, of course, long trips are a bit more involved, but overall, i have this under control.
- goes in eating spurts where he 'can't' like anything and I hardly get any food down him, to eating anything and everything I put in front of him. I do my best and offer mostly healthy choices, but sometimes I finally go with what the Dr. said.... He will eat when he is hungry. He does choose healthy things on his own....case in point.... We took him for ice cream on memorial day and he asked for almonds in his ice cream in the face of 20 jars of different candies!
- still plays with your ear or face when he is cuddling with you. :)
Monday, June 7, 2010
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
3 years!
Today marks our three year wedding anniversary! I just wanted to take this moment to tell my wonderful husband how proud I am of everything you are and am so blessed to be spending the rest of my life with you! I love dreaming big with you! ;)
Here is to another exciting year!
I love you!
Here is to another exciting year!
I love you!
Friday, May 14, 2010
A reminder
Just a quick note to myself to remember how good today is!
Today John woke up at 6:30am (normally sleeps until 8, so this is a big difference, and one that I hope I don't have to get used to yet.); I was just sure he was going to be tired and it was going to be 'one of those days'. And of course it was on a morning that we had a lot planned....
To my surprise, he has been a ROCKSTAR all day long! We left the house at 9:30 and did not get back until 1:00. He went every where with me, including 2 Dr. offices, the toy store, the bank and out to lunch. He was sweet and well behaved the whole time, he told me every time he needed to pee-pee and even went poo at the Dr. office.
He crashed as soon as we got home.
I am so proud of him!
Today John woke up at 6:30am (normally sleeps until 8, so this is a big difference, and one that I hope I don't have to get used to yet.); I was just sure he was going to be tired and it was going to be 'one of those days'. And of course it was on a morning that we had a lot planned....
To my surprise, he has been a ROCKSTAR all day long! We left the house at 9:30 and did not get back until 1:00. He went every where with me, including 2 Dr. offices, the toy store, the bank and out to lunch. He was sweet and well behaved the whole time, he told me every time he needed to pee-pee and even went poo at the Dr. office.
He crashed as soon as we got home.
I am so proud of him!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Children Learn What They Live
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!
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!
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.
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