Swinging fool

Jack continues to be great. All that tip toe walking has made him a very fast runner. The kid can move. Still interesting in toilets and climbing on everything. Does play nicely alone when given a chance.

Boys will be boys

And he has a good arm. Mostly demonstrated with food, but combined with his temper, he can launch things if he's angry. 

Love our evening games 

I know pajamas are supposed to be tight but its been a solid 85-90 here so without air conditioning, out house has been a solid 80-85 too. So loose or no clothing is the norm. And lots of outside time, but that is true for jack regardless. 

Unimpressed at the Lego knight

He wears shoes a little better but still fairly infrequently so it's not helping the situation.

Loves to climb into chairs and sit

He is quite the mimic. He tries to throw the frisbee and swing baseball bats and golf clubs. He will slam his body into the wall after Bobby does and he tries to make noises in the fan like Bobby does. He has figured out how to blow raspberries on my stomach and he cracks himself up doing it.

Jacks first cone ever

He is talking a bit in the words that only we can understand. Bobby, booby, dog. Maybe a few more but not so clear. He does know words like ball even if he doesn't annunciate them yet.

Hanging out watching the gardner

He's a good napper which is nice and will be nice when Bobby goes back to school this Monday.

Selfie.  So big.

We've had a good summer since we got back, lots of playing outside and with friends. Bobby is really into Legos and is building quite the collection. We really need a better storage system, but the kitchen counter is doing just fine. Bobby is really into Candy Land and has some interest in "shoot some ladders."

Just a few of self shots he took 

There's more interesting stuff going on with them but I never bother to write it down quick enough.

My little SoCal dude

One of the dads on our street apparently broke his elbow on our street basketball hoop, so Rick and I were talking about it.

Bobby: So he broke his arm
Us: Yep
B: And now he takes it off
B: And he has to get a robot arm

Hearing the music playing, "Aw, The ice cream truck ran out of ice cream" oops. The lie has been perpetuated.

Put the WHOLE thing together himself. 200 pieces. We pulled the pieces he needed together, mostly dor the sake of time, but he totally clicked them all together. All I said was, look at the picture, and push the piece down harder.
SUCH a big boy.

And with Jack, it's just dealing with a lot of climbing. Napping a lot - too much? 

Good Day

The great summer fun continues and after today, the boys crashed hard. We had friends over this morning after not seeing them for two whole weeks (which when going from 4-5 times a week, that's a long time) then a little rest, a little Costco and a lot of pool time. Bobby is absolutely killing it in the pool. He jumps fearlessly and today dove for a toy 3.5-4 feet down. He hasn't figured out the technicalities of his arms and such, but he can swim far and knows how much air he has and stuff like that.  He's a smartie pants too, so observant and really cool to talk to one on one. We are still working on lots of things (greetings as a manner, being selfless, patience) but he's a good kid and growing up fast. I don't know how it came up but we were talking about more and less, and I couldn't really grasp if he got it. Maybe he was just being silly, but wouldn't say 3 is more than 2. he would just say 2 is less than 3, and, 3 is not less than 2, but never "more". Anyway, brought out some M&Ms and he got it real fast.

Weeeeeee

Jack will make a beeline for the tiniest crack in an open door. Just like Bobby was, he wants to go outside first thing in the morning. He loves to throw balls to himself and swing a bat or club. He was almost to tired to eat tonight at 6:15 (late for dinner, but way early for bed). You would think this would translate to a good nights sleep, but he usually only stays asleep until 11 or 12, then after that never more than 1-2 hours at a time. It's getting a little old.  But despite all that, he continues to be the happiest and smiliest.

One last bit of fresh air before bed

Okay, so not thrilling stuff, but such is our life!

The baby is gone.

Now I have a toddler. With a personality. Nay, with an attitude. All of a sudden, he knows what he wants. And he wants it now. And he has learned that thing they do where he arches his back and throws his body weight back in protest. Almost got dropped a few times. He has learned a good squeal/squawk and is not afraid to let you know that he is MAD about something. Putting a diaper on him is like World War 3. But he is still a ham and a cutie. His new thing is (trying to) crawl under cars. And the little bugger is fast. His favorite thing to eat is crayons. He loves to climb. And can get up on all our chairs, which all seem to lead to another level. I better get him a helmet. And a coat of armor. He is also turning into a real person. He tries to put puzzles together. And shape sorters, and that kind of stuff. He doesn't get it right, but he knows what he's supposed to be doing. Sigh, better freeze time. Also, no one mentions how disarming it is to see #2 in #1s clothes. I'll pull something out and can completely see Bobby in it still - that's Bobbys shirt. Aaah. 12 month appt/shots tomorrow.

Bobby is having a great summer. He is so good at swimming and has gotten really brave, jumping in and falling backward, and cannonballing. He is doing his part at toughening Jack up indeed. He wrote his whole alphabet the other day and only had to ask what the Q looked like. He is really into the chapter books and we are flying through them. He is still a huge talked and very inquisitive. He says I am'nt. - so I'm not, just putting the contraction in the wrong place, and it's too cute to correct.

Devri came to town from Texas for work visit so we got to swing by and see her near 11 month old. He was a cute little chunk. Devri has the most beautiful auburn hair, and you wouldn't think it would get passed on, but little Keaton was another redhead (although a little subtler in real life) and they all played pretty well for being in a hotel room.

Blogging Extravaganza!

Three posts in one day, WTF. Flood after the draught. Plus I realized I could blog from my phone. 8:41pm, Rick isn't home so I'm online looking for books on Amazon (instead of cooking dinner) because we are 13 pages away from the end of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory that we got yesterday. We only read 2-3 chapters of 3-8 pages each, but either it's the wording or the story, but I guess it takes a lot longer than picture books (duh). Bedtime including peeing and brushing teeth etc. took 40 minutes tonight. Not that much longer, but it might be totally on me too, you know the book worm I was. And he was begging me at naptime today, Just Read it. And you might be able to hear that near whine if you know Bobby, I just want to watch it - is how it usually comes out. So Roald Dahl and EB White box sets, I hope you have free shipping, my baby is gonna be a reader.

Gimme that strangulation hazard!

This one is going to give me grey hairs. I cannot leave him alone for a second. If I do, he is either outside, in the trash, heading for the bathroom, or trying to climb on something. Eating a lego at this point is the least of my worries. He got up on the coffee playtable way too easily and then proceeded to stand up on it. My pinkie toe is rather balck and blue from stubbing it on my mad dash to save him after he went up the recliner. He does have some sense of the edges of things and sort of tries to put his feet first. 

Bobby, despite this sweet moment, is driving me nuts. I have pulled a few toddler toys back in from the garage and Bobby will not hardy let jack have them. And even when jack is playing super nicely alone, bobby has to intervene. Even when it's just moving things between baskets or boring baby toys.  

B: "Am I five this day?"
Sorry bud, we don't take turns with birthdays. We've got a draught here for a while.

Of course that was at 6:30am and on the one morning Jack slept in, because he had just been up at 5:30. Sigh. I was all set to take him to the doctor, but he is acting so much better, so we'll see...

Jack Turns One

Big Guy

I dont' know what it was, and it wasn't second child syndrome, but I had no desire to celebrate Jacks birthday. I just thought it was not really necessary and was cool to treat it like any other day (sorry little man) And I was the same way with Bobby, had it not been for his baptism, I think it would have been a super quiet day. But, for Jack, people kept asking what I was doing.... uh.... so we had the inner circle over and it turned out to be quite the perfect little party.  I ended up making it more than I had to, but it was hardly a party (no theme, invite, decorations, favors) just sandwiches and cake really. 

The only drawback was that Jack is pretty sick. He is just not himself at all. And it comes in waves, but he is so hard to console and nothing I try makes him happy.  Started a cough and cold, but I bet he has an infection now and may be getting his molars too.  He is sleeping normally, but really not eating so he has a lot of liquid poops and a real rashy butt -his first rash honestly. So he was a trooper and wanted to play, but was a little uncomfortable at times.

Glassy eyed sick guy

I served chicken salad on pretzel buns and caprese salad. Watermelon from the Fourth. And thats it. Some drinks. Ham and cheese for the kids. Strawberry and whip cream white cake. Simple simple. I used our leftover Batman party plates and napkins. It was more just a playdate with my favorite people.   More Pictures.

What do I do with this?

We did the 'cake smash' with a tiny cupcake with a strawberry on top. I'm sure he didn't eat any of it, but it's fine. Just enough of a mess was made. I don't usually get my kids anything much for birthdays or Christmas, but I did find a slide that I wanted used so now I can worry about Jack climbing up on that instead of just the table and chairs. He got a few books, a new toy of his own or two, good stuff.

Blowing it out before Jack grabbed the flame

Done by 1/1:30 or so for naps. Then Bobby headed down to the street to Jakes (his cousin was born at the exact same time/place as Jack), but he was napping so he stayed and played with Violet, which was nice and unusual, but I think nice for her especially

Hanging out the day before (you can tell b/c Batman and Superman are all B wears)

Jack was pretty cranky so he actually got a third nap in, then all the kids ended up here and played as usual. mostly outside, a lot of superhero stuff. It got pretty late, so we scrounged them up some dinner (because I needed more clean up!) But it was great. Rick was ready for the day to be over, but I love it.

Meatballs and Broccoli. Hungry Kids.

It was a busy day and I should go to bed now, but I have some Amish Friendship Bread in the oven (more dishes!) because that had to be done today.

Jack is Walking

He's been putzing around for a few weeks now, but all of a sudden, it's not even special anymore, he just up and does it. Across the room, down the hall, see ya dude.

He is a wild child. And knows it. In the bathtub, he stands up, arms above his head and then drops down is a big slamming splash. Or he tries to walk the length of the tub. Or he drinks the water. And he knows all those things are wrong.

His language comprehension is growing. Not talking, but definitely knowing what words mean.

Bobby is good. Typical jealousy/attention issues. Riding his pedal bike like a boss.

He's been trying. You could see the cogs turning trying to figure out if there was something more. And sure enough, Jack took a few steps today. Or actually he took a step or two a few times. And one time he was in the bathtub.  From the second he learned how to use his hands to crawl, he knew he could use his hands to pull up and he rarely was content playing with a toy while sitting. Recently, he's been standing unassisted more and more, and if you watched him you'd see when he want to go somewhere, it used to be drop and crawl, but lately he got more hesitant to drop down quite as fast. So he today, at 10.5 months, he went right, left, then crawl.

And this one,

10 Months

I am trying to keep a monthly photo of Jack to chronicle the differences, but I'm done. I don't know how people do it, some even weekly.

The latest installation had me get this picture. Don't ask me how. Also don't ask me why I put a pale red head on a couch this color with that wall color and never bother to use the natural light in the mornings.

Standing, or jumping?

Here is his face being forced to sit still.

 Bobby has mastered his scooter, except for the stopping part needs some work. I better invest in some more shoes though.

10 Months

Likes

• trashcans
• toilets/toilet seats
• unrolling toilet paper and pulling tissues out of their boxes
• charging for open doors to the outside
• electrical outlets and nightlights
• the computer printer
• the door stopper springs with removable plastic tips and sharp screw nails
• standing up
• bathing and all water
• meat
• food
• whatever toy his brother has

Dislikes

• eating with a spoon
• sleeping through the night

Bobby is good. He is a great brother, if not a little aggressive. He wants to help Jack stand, gets mad when Jack tries to knock his buildings down or take his toys, but he also has never been so excited to play with baby toys and get in Jacks way too. Bobby threw a mango for Jack to catch. Last night he said, "God bless Batman"

I'm ready for August

Grandsons, a photo by sld78 on Flickr.

9 Months

Let's talk (again) about how awesome Jack is. Because he is, so you should come visit him. Easy check up and 2 shots today at his well visit. About 21 pounds, so a bit bigger than Bobby was, but very normal and on his growth curve. He is an active and strong baby. So freakin happy. Only wants to pull up, can get around fast.  Loves the trash can, the toilet, the tv wires and Bobbys nightlight and outlets. Eats everything he is offered, and if you're not fast enough, what you're eating too.

Just a boy and his pizza

He is sleeping well in his crib, goes down easily, is fond of his blanket. He wakes a couple times a night still, but goes right back down after being fed. He LOVES the bath, and will charge for it. He wants to explore the outside so badly. I can't think of anything he doesn't like.

This is my normal

Sometimes it's hard to strap him in the carseat. He doesn't know how to drink out of a bottle. Rick watched both boys from 6am-2pm and Jack did well without me. (So did Rick) He has a top tooth in, but just one. And it looks huge, so the other one better hurry up.

What I have to do with him while I pee.
Look at those mischievous eyes.

 He loves his brother and his brother loves him.
So right before this, I dropped my phone in the bathtub (it was bound to happen) and I thought it was fine, but apparently the microphone has suffered a bit. So it's worth turning up your sound.

Friends!

Easter

We love our friends here. Both the kids, and even better for me, their moms. This is the bunch of usual suspects. They're the best, are like us, approach parenting the same way and we all have a good time.

The lovely little Eleanor

Troy and Liam are just 1 month older than Bobby and every time we get on the freeway, Bobby wants to get off at their exit. And although, he never shows it, he likes them immensely and has a great time. Words can't express, so I won't try.

Our buddies, Troy and Liam

Goofy goobers at breakfast

A sweet moment

Bobby seems to like school once he's there, but he doesn't seem to like getting there.  He does have fun and plays a lot, but I can't say much else.  In 8 months, he's brought home 2 pieces of art. I know that's not his thing, but nothing at Christmas time, come on. He likes his little buddies, and there seems to be some boys boys that he plays with mostly, no surprise there. (I don't know who this kid looking at me is) I'm sure the moms are all friendly, but we just haven't clicked in the few minutes we see each other at drop off.

Hat day at school

There are several Stroller Warrior babies right at Jacks age, and a ton in the 1-2 year old range. Jack is the active baby of the group so far.

Such the ham

Bristols face just kills me

This was right after Jack whacked her on the head

We ended up living on an awesome street. There are 2 other 3 year olds, two 2 year olds, a 1 year old, then another five kids between 6-10. It's nice to be able to walk out front and find someone to play with right before dinner when I'm the most tired or we all need a change of scenery.  Jake is 2 months older than Bobby and they are trouble together. They will run back and forth between houses and we are all able to give each other breaks when needed if someone needs to cook dinner or Jack is sleeping etc. They played on Saturday for at least 5 hours non stop. And then both woke up asking about the other.  We want to buy a house for sure, but are in less of a rush because we'd have to leave our street!

Violet waiting on them in helmet and tutu

Leading the bike posse

Strider buddies