Monday, January 31, 2011

Cooking

J only asked for one thing from Santa this year.

A kitchen.
I've had so much fun watching him cook on it too...

Lately we've had fun cooking together.  Getting him to try new things as a reward for helping me cook in the kitchen.  My new year plan was to improve our eating options at night & this has been a huge step towards doing that.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

In hiding...

Lately, when I cannot find a piece to a toy set, or simply a toy I cannot find, I've learned to look in J's favorite hiding place.

Between the couch cushion & the frame.

Needless to say, when I heard J call out "Mommy Help!  I'm stuck."  I was not surprised to walk into our living room to find this...
 He on the other hand, was less than impressed with my laughter & making his wait for help so I could capture this moment...

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Kiddie Klub - Just J

These are so pictures of J I captured while we were at the Kiddie Klub with Kristi, Cam & Mall.  I love that the are all action shots, as J is starting to not want to pose for me, unless he is in the mood... 
Right before Christmas, J started expressing a love for chapstick, that can only remind me of me as a child.  It was so well known around my family that my Grandpa B used to call & ask what kind of sugar kiss was he getting from his Alicat that day.  And the flavor was always whatever flavor of chapstick I was wearing.  Generally on a string around my neck.
Mr. M & I laugh, because even though J has a gazillion +1 of his own, he still wants to steel ours.  Only, he is not partial to ours.  The one in his hand Aunt Kristi let J borrow - to avoid the "no" meltdown.
J is very taken with Minnie these days.  It was so sweet to just sit back & listen to him talk to her.  His imagination is growing so much these days, and it is fun to see it in action like this.
J LOVES basketball.  LOVES IT!  As in, we were at our first soccer meeting last night & J saw the older boys playing basketball & melted down over our not staying to let him play.  I felt sooo bad.  So naturally, when J saw a basketball at the Klub, he was all about it.  Tossing it.  Shooting it.  Setting it down & running towards. 
Is it a shock to anyone that J loved climbing?
Yeah, didn't think so...

Friday, January 28, 2011

Shoveling Snow with Grandpa...

During our visit from my parents, we got a little bit of snow.  And Grandpa P not being one to just sit on his laurels, jumped right up to shovel the snow for us.

Since J is at the age where snow is *fun*, as opposed to cold, Grandpa asked if J wanted to help.  Grandma & Grandpa M got J his very own shovel last year, so once bundled up - he was all set to go...
And shovel they did...

Well, until the wind blew the snow back in J's face - then J took a header into the snow pile.

After getting out of his snowy outerwear, we snuggled up watching Grandpa through the window.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Wait - It's Christmas again? Already?

Well, not really...  We are just running a bit late this year. 
See my niece, Mallory, ended up in the P-ICU the weekend they were planning to travel to Chicago to celebrate Christmas - BEFORE Christmas.  What the Dr. thought to be a case of the croup, ended up being croup, common cold, flu... And a staph infection in her throat.

Thankfully they caught it & did what they needed to do to help her get better.  We all did a little bit of extra celebration this year knowing she was home in her bed on Christmas Eve.
As for the kids, they think it is awesome to have such an extended Christmas.  Especially considering they got the Bitty Baby they were so desperately coveting. 

Cam's may have asked why Santa didn't get her the Bitty Baby she specifically requested.

J is already having fun with his alphabet puzzle, and is constantly bugging me to open his big present a scooter.  I have it in the garage, and every night when we get home from school J's says (in total disbelief)

"WHAT IS THAT MOMMY?"

Like he has never seen it before & cannot believe it is in his garage.  So I'm hoping for a little warm up soon so we can test it out... 
This adorable chef hat & apron was actually for J from Santa.  Santa missed the color being pink, since it was stated no where on the outside of the box.  Since we cannot return Santa gifts, we did the next best thing - passed it on to someone who would enjoy it...

After posing for this pic, Cam's decided Mall needed to pose in it as well... She has a bit of growing to do before it will really fit.  :)

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Cousins

Cousins....
Laughing...
Playing...
Having fun, like they don't live in different states...
As if they don't see each other just a couple of times a year...

J & I were blessed enough to visit my brother & his family this past weekend.  We had so much fun that J did not want to leave.  The weekend definitely passed much to quickly for both of us.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Guess who is getting a big boy bed?

When J transitioned into a big boy bed just before Christmas last year, both Mr. M & Grandma M were anxious to buy a race car toddler bed for him.

Me, not so much.

I wasn't ready to admit my little baby had gotten so big.  We converted J's crib & have been in that for the past year.

Lately I've noticed him complaining of being cramped when I'm snuggling him to sleep at night, and to be honest, I agree.  Totally.

Mr. M picked up on the thread of an opening for *needing* a new bed & found the perfect twin size Lightening McQueen race car bed.  And then I found the perfect bedding to go with it. 

J is such a Cars junky, I cannot wait to see how he reacts to this.

and possibly just a little bit excited to not be so scrunched when snuggling him at night...

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Grandpa P - teaching J to hunt

Every.single.time J & I go to the Jump Zone, we have at least one meltdown over the hunting game.

He constantly asks for money.  He really wants to play it.

I keep saying "When Daddy or Grandpa join us..."  and redirect him. 

So when my parents unexpectedly joined us two weeks ago, J happily led Grandpa right over to the game.  Grandpa had a blast working with J, however, we all found J still has a bit of development to go before he can really work on it.

He's in a "I can do it" phase, and the game required more help than he was willing to accept. 

But I did get a cute picture watching them, as J was so fascinated with it actually working... :)

Monday, January 17, 2011

Starting 2011

This is has kicked off slowly.  We've been busy, and taking it easy all at once...

J's turning 3 in less than a month.  How did that happen?

My parents unexpectedly came to visit.  It was so nice to have them around for a few days.  J got to delight in being the center of attention.  My Daddy Do list was ready & waiting on him to arrive.  It's so nice to have everything back working properly. 

I was able to create & order J's birthday invites, for a real birthday party, as opposed to just a family one this year.  I'm excited & sad all at once.  I can't believe we are already to this point.

With my parents help we decided to host J's party at Jump Zone, as opposed to Jump Central or Bellaboo's.  Jump Central had less jump tents & Bellaboo's kind of knocked themselves out by charging for each adult, in addition to the children.  Since we are including family, and there are a lot of family members without children.

My Dad & I went & signed J up for Toddler Soccer this weekend, so I'm looking forward to that starting.

We've already found a Toddler T-ball program for him to join after soccer is over in March.  Hoping J will be excited for that.  He LOVES hitting the ball off the T at home in our basement.

On our way back from soccer sign-up, my Dad & I found a bakery to try.  Up to this point we've been driving 45 mins to get really good cakes.  Yes, we've lived here for almost 5 years, but we are loyal.  After trying a lemon tort, a devil dog & my dad had a dirty dog, we've decided it is way better.  And it is an old fashioned family owned bakery, and the quality spoke volumes to that effect.

Life is good.... And loving my life.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Wrapping up 2010

Jacob,

I am in awe of how much you have changed & grown in this past calendar year.  Your smile melts my heart every.single.time.  You've very much become your own person.  Opinionated would be an understatement to how you feel about certain things.  Once your mind is set, you are very determined to ensure you have your way...

We started out the year eating a cookie, and ended it making cookies.  Visiting Jump Zone is a highlight that started at the end of last year, and has only grown with you... It is so much fun to watch you tackle things that even 6 months ago you were still too small to challenge.  Speaking of growing, you are now 39 inches & 35.5 pounds, shoes off. 

You started preschool this year, and through it learned to say the Pledge of Allegiance, improved your ABCs and counting.  You started coloring this year, and recently I've noticed you making an effort towards the picture, as opposed to just coloring on the sheet.

Eating has become more of a challenge, as you are very particular about what may cross your palate.  Bribes have been known to help entice you towards food you are resistant to trying. 

Potty-training was a major accomplishment, that in the end, was mostly led by you.

You've spent the year sleeping in your big boy bed, and we are looking to upgrade you to a twin soon.  You & me snuggling in your bed has become a bit too cozy for mommy.

I think the most surprising thing for me over the Holiday's was your improvement in the ability to focus.  You sat through several movies without moving.  You were mesmerized by "Santa Paws" and "Polar Express", both of which, I guessed (after the fact) were probably older than you...

For me, the biggest happening was remarrying my husband and getting baptized. 

We decked out the basement for you to have a place to go play on your own.  However, you still very much like Mommy or Daddy (or both) to join you in your fun.

I want to save some changes for you birthday post next month, so I guess this is a good time to stop...

I love you little man...

With lots of love,
Mommy

Friday, January 14, 2011

New Activity - Sledding...

As I mentioned before, our Elf left many fun things for J before Christmas, as he departed Christmas night - flying back to the North Pole with Santa's Sleigh.  He left a note, that he'd be back, and he hopes Jacob will have named him by then - so he can be released from his box on our shelf.
One of the fun things left was a sled.
With our White Christmas, this was a great year to make use of the sled.  And we didn't have to go far...  Our back yard has a bit of a hill, so we tried it out...
J did awesome.  He had so much fun in the snow.
Although, being so close to home led to wanting to go in & "warm up" every few moments... 

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Christmas 2010 - at Grandma & Grandpa M's

Even though J got up at 6:30, he ended up having no time to nap, between gift opening & having eggs & cinnamon toast for breakfast.  (on a side note, he is eating a ton right now... It's crazy)

When we first got to my ILs he was pretty clingy, as he had fallen fast asleep in his carseat on the way over to their home.

But after some PEZ in a White Sox dispenser (of course), he was ready to go...
And did he go... But much like home, J wanted to stop & play with each thing as he went...

When he was almost done, he stopped to take a break...  Resting up for the fun game coming between him & Aunt Liz aka "Lucy".

It was a great day that passed much too quickly, but when we left around 7:30, we were all pooped. 


Unfortunately, I ended up getting violently ill around 3 AM, but on the upside, I was the only one who got that sick.  Mr. M was not feeling well the next day either, but no where near as sick as I was...

J?  He was blissfully healthy & very annoyed we were not up & around to help him get out each & every toy to play with from Christmas...  :)

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Christmas 2010 - home part 2

J's awe on Christmas morning was awesome. He only really wanted a kitchen, which Santa did find & bring him the most perfect one. The simulated sounds of firing up the grill & watching the food cook, is just so awesome.
Santa left him food & even some McD's food to cook up in that kitchen...

And it was easy to tell what gifts were from Santa, as they had his picture, or were left unwrapped.  J loved that Santa left his shoes in the tree itself.

I wish I had on tape the "Mommy what is that?!?!?!?!" that were the first words out of his mouth, when Payton woke us up at 6:30.
Of course, there was no going back to sleep...

Mr. M wasn't feeling well, so we let him sleep while J enjoyed all the unwrapped toys (mainly his kitchen) & his stocking.  Until 7:30 anyway.

J was one happy boy, who wanted to stop & explore each gift as we opened it.  He was rather annoyed Mr. M & I made him continue opening with promises of opening the boxes AFTER we got through all the gifts.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Christmas 2010 - home part 1

Twas the night before... And J was ready... 
Donned his Frosty PJ's.  Set out cookies & Kool-Aid water...
Said a huge thank you & goodbye to our Elf...
Lastly, J set his stocking, the one he made in preschool, out for Santa to fill.

Then we all gathered in Mommy & Daddy's bed to watch a Mickey Holiday movie before heading off to bed...
At some point, around 2:30AM Santa had come & Mommy sneaked a picture before heading off to sleep...

Monday, January 10, 2011

pre-Christmas Fun...

Having possibly gone a bit overboard with the Holiday shopping, Mr. M & I let J open up 1 present Thursday night, 1 present Friday morning & another one Friday night.  I was hoping this would help get J primed for what was to come Christmas morning...  I think we are still a year away from it all truly clicking in his mind though, because Christmas mornings he was in such awe...

 He just looks so old here...
 I was happy to see his 2-year-old joy here...
As for the logs... One of Mr. M's favorites as a boy, J hasn't decided he is in love with them yet, but he has taken to the horse & cowboy.  They go everywhere with him in the house these days.  Even in his mac-n-cheese, Payton's water bowl, etc... Because they are hungry & thirsty you know...

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Cookie Monster... Holiday Style

I braved it this year, I attempted to make Christmas Cookies.  With Jacob.  And they were yummy...
However, Daddy suggested next year we let Grandma M have the honors, as Mommy struggled a bit with all of it...  Making the dough dry enough to cut into shapes, while keeping it moist enough for that doughy sweet goodness that is sugar cookies.
Plus, J's decorating... Well, let's just say - he was fond of having a little cookie with his decoration...  They may have not been very pretty, but they were delicious...

Friday, January 7, 2011

Frosty

During our break, the Elf left us more & more goodies as the days to Christmas counted down.  J loves snuggle time with Mommy & Daddy, so he was happy to find "Santa Paws" left one morning for us to snuggle & watch before bed.

He is also fond of playing in water.  In the winter time, this means washing his hands, his chap stick, his toys, etc...  So when he awoke to find Frosty sitting on the mantle waiting to be placed in his bathroom for use, he was basically doing back flips...

Although Frosty's hat made grasping him to pump a little hard for J, so he just took it off...  
I quickly realized I had to keep a good eye on J, or whenever I heard water running, it was most likely - Mr. Man washing his hands...

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Bellaboo's

I need to recap 2010, but before I do, I'd like to share some pictures from our busy Holiday season...

I took off the last two weeks of the year, which was so nice...  It gave me a chance to do all the things I'd like to do with my son every day of the week.  It also gave me a chance to see what he's like out of his routine.

And let's just say... J is much like his mother.  He LOVES routine.  He thrives on it.  And when taken out it, he happily adjusts for about a week - then he starts to get very agitated.

We started off my holiday break with a Mommy & Me activity.  We celebrated Christmas with our Mommy group.  And it was so much fun!  The place we went, neither of us had ever been - so we didn't really know what to expect.
As a result, I dressed J for comfort of playing, but really he ended up being uncomfortable.  His snow boots where just to bulky & warm to be worn inside for all that play time.  I felt horrible...  Lesson learned...
While he loved the kitchen play, I think his favorite was the water tables.  He would have played there for hours if I'd let him....
I'm looking forward to going back soon.  In the meantime, we are having fun playing with his "Hat in the Cat" board game & the DVD was a happy score for watching the "thingamajigger" in the car...