Tuesday

I thought I was done last night when the kids were in bed. I turned off the computer before Jack called for me, so I couldn't get this on last nights blog. When I went in to his room, he told me he was "All none" (all done). I asked him what he was all done with and he said; "C'ib." He felt he'd been in his crib long enough. I had to disappoint him and tell him he needed to go to sleep, which he did. Good boy.
When we got home from dropping Leesha off and running some errands, I asked Jack if he would like to go potty. He did and did! Afterwards, we washed hands singing the ABC's, and he sang along for part of it. Then he got his m&m.

All none!

I thought I was done last night when the kids were in bed. I turned off the computer before Jack called for me, so I couldn't get this on last nights blog. When I went in to his room, he told me he was "All none" (all done). I asked him what he was all done with and he said; "C'ib." He felt he'd been in his crib long enough. I had to disappoint him and tell him he needed to go to sleep, which he did. Good boy.
When we got home from dropping Leesha off and running some errands, I asked Jack if he would like to go potty. He did and did! Afterwards, we washed hands singing the ABC's, and he sang along for part of it. Then he got his m&m.

m&m's and more

This morning, after dropping Leesha off at school, I was watching Jack through the rear-view mirror. He was making noises and sticking his fingers in his ears. He realized that it sounded different when his fingers were in his ears than it did when his fingers were not in his ears. Interesting to watch.
I picked up some potty training supplies today - the little seat that goes on ours, training underwear, m&m's. This afternoon, when we got home, I showed him how the seat goes on ours, and let him try it out. Leesha asked if he wanted to watch his video, which we'd gotten as part of a white elephant gift at Christmas. He wanted to, so they're watching it. It's more information for parents, so I guess Leesha will be all clued in now.
Yesterday, I decided to try transferring the video of Toto's ultrasound onto the tape we have with Jack on it. Just to get to the right spot on the video, I watched what footage we had of Jack. It was his first few moments of life. How precious! And to think we get to go through it all again. Life in itself was too much of a whirlwind with Leesha that I don't remember her birth as well as Jack's. I wish I had a video of that time, but also realize nobody was there to tape it.
The other day, I showed Jack the small photo album we have with his pictures. He liked it so much we had to look through it again.
Well, I finally got some of Dad's video footage transfered to a tape, and just at the end of it, Jack said; "Poopin'". I asked if he wanted to go on the potty and he said yes. Sat him down, and he went! He got m&m's for the puddle he created on the floor while sitting on the potty. Good boy!
At dinner, Leesha finished her food and got to have the dessert of her choice which was miniature Oreo's. Jack kept saying; "Wa' some!" (I want some.) So, we told him that he had to finish his food, then he could have some. He did! I think that's the first time he's gotten the concept of; first finish this, then you can have that.
Now, three times on the potty and 2 miniature Oreo's later, we have a very cute little guy running around the house like he's had some sugar.
8:30pm - the kids are in bed, I'll stop now.

Venting and update

I apologize to those that keep looking to find news of our family, and have been disappointed. Approaching the 6 month mark of this pregnancy, I'm getting to the point where I can't do all I did before, and yet am expected (by myself and others, but mostly myself) to be able to do all that I've been doing.

A moment to vent on my own thoughts before I share some of the joys around our house. I'm nesting! I have a list of stuff I would like to have done before the baby arrives. It includes fixing some stuff around the house - replacing moldy drywall in our bathroom, filling in the holes in our wall and floor, putting carpet on the stairs so that if any of us ever falls on them, we won't be quite as hurt, trying to re-wire our circuit box to allow for some outlets in the basement, etc. Trying to find people with the know-how and time to help with that is taking up some time.

We also need a bigger vehicle, so we've narrowed it down to a Toyota Sienna. I didn't want to ever NEED to buy a van, I wanted to chose it if it ever came to that. This is choice. When I babysat our friend's little guy the other day, I realized it will be so much easier to accommodate 3 carseats (when necessary) in a van versus the whopper SUV. Who enjoys used car shopping when they're not as car-minded as some? Thankfully, a friend of Jeffry's at work has offered to look for us which is a huge relief. Now to be able to find one for what we think we'll be able to afford that will be safe and reliable.

We also should get some work done on our CRV which is never cheap. So little time, limited resources, how do we decide?

So, there's my venting ... Now some highlights ...

Personally,
Jeffry went through some of the CD's stacked on our conference table
I found a freezer and it fit in the back of the CRV, Jeffry took it out one morning before he left for work, and we got it into the basement that same evening.
Mom was willing to watch Jack all day on Monday when I only needed to work a half day, so I was able to get some errands done without the extra considerations of putting Jack in his carseat, getting him out and trying to keep him dry in the rain.
"Toto/Baby "M" is busy! How fun to roll over in the night and feel those little kicks reminding you that someone new is coming.
Pricing out projects at Menards tonight wasn't as expensive as I'd thought it would be. Our largest cost will be the tub surround to replace our seafoam green plastic tiles around the tub.
We're all healthy again!

Now for the family,
Jack has moved towards sentences. He will say things like; "Happen a wader" (what happened to/with the water?) He's also taken to screaming. Whether its because that is Keane's first line of defense against Jack, because it seems to get mom's attention when Leesha is not listening to his protests, so mom steps in, or it's just a phase, who knows? Regardless, screaming = annoying. So, the age old phrase of; "Jack, please use your words" comes up frequently.

Leesha is busy working on a project for Government. Today, that meant that one of her friends from school came over to the house for a little while. They finished their poster and had some time to play.

During Gym class yesterday, she decided to run backwards and fell down. She's got a sore backside.

Jack has learned how to open doors. Yay! (without enthusiasm) I'll have to get some of the doorknob covers.

Both kids are loving the (slightly) warmer weather and want to be outside more. It's nice that Leesha's old enough to be trusted in the yard herself. We have a ways to go to reach that point with Jack.

Jack is starting to seem irritated by unclean diapers, and can alert us to the fact that he's done "something". Is it time to start training him? Is that something I want to take on now? I'm going to give cloth diapers a shot again for this purpose. Thank goodness for the feeling of "wet". He may just surprise us and do it all on his own. I suppose I'll have to get one of those little toilet seats too. Where's my shopping list?
Later in the day: (noon to be exact) feeling of "wet" not successful at the extra push to get him to use the potty - at least for today.

I'm tired and sore. I'm going to call it quits for the day. Hope you enjoyed the venting and update.

Play dishes + plastic food = hours of fun for just about any person, regardless of age. I just pulled ours out and Jack has thoroughly loved them.

I think Emily Elizabeth (Clifford's owner) has lost out to "Bi'ney" (Brittany, Leesha's friend). Jack is enamored with her. Very cute.

Other vocabulary:
"were" = where
"s'up" = syrup
"cay'un" = crayon

Piggy

Jack was trying to recite; "This Little Piggy" the other day. I should have remembered how he was saying it. Of course it always ends with; "Wee wee home."

He's got a Little People pig that looks like it's sitting in mud. He calls it; "Messy pig" or "Doody pig" (dirty pig).

Leesha loves to take him outside and go for short walks. Jack loves it too.

Leesha's friend from a few houses away is over for the night. I hope they have fun and that Leesha is a good enough host to ensure Brittany's friendship in the future.

Jeffry and I were having dessert in the kitchen moments ago and Jack pulled out his Little People snowman and high chair. He insisted that the "'No-man" get "ka-kit" (see below) and "i-keem".

"Dissin" = dancing
"Keeker" = stinker and sticker
"Guck" = stuck
"Ka-kit" = chocolate (guess who taught him that one? : >))
"I-keem" = ice cream

Today, at Grandma "Daleen's" house

Mom took Jack to Half Price Books. When getting him out of the car, she said; "Know what? I love you." Jack kept repeating it today. In fact, he had his longest string of comprehendable (sp) words on our way home; "Know what? I love you Daddy."

Leesha was able to go see Seussical Jr. this morning and then play with some friends to celebrate a classmates birthday. Then she got to go to California Pizza Kitchen to celebrate Bri and her other Grandma's birthdays.

I had an easy day working a half day in a high school and then doing 3 hours at an elementary school in their after school program. Boy, was it good to get out of the house and work today.

Frills, "because"

We got to spend a little time with Grandpa Steve and Grandma Holly on Saturday when they arrived to see Smith. Then the kids and I got to spend some time with them again today. We met at Rosedale in the kids play area. Leesha made a bee-line for the automated rides and paid for Jack to ride one. (I on the other hand, didn't care if he ever knew they were rides and not simply stationary toys to climb on.) As he was "driving" he was watching a small screen of a race or something. A couple of times, he looked very concerned and said; "Oh no!" I'm guessing there was a scene of an accident.

His word for today was; "because".

I finally gave Jack another haircut today. He looks so sharp when it's freshly cut.

I finally got the kids singing "Jesus Loves Me" on the camera. Keep checking posts for it.

Jack has a growing frustration with my growing belly encroaching on my lap. He sat down rather hard on my belly the other day. I think Toto gave it back to him by kicking when he was sitting with me moments later.

Leesha got an ant farm today. It uses gel so you can't mess with the ants by shaking it and destroying their world. She's very excited. I'll likely have to go online and order the ants tomorrow - hope I have the energy.

I'm biting (not eating) my words about a minivan. I've long said I will only buy a minivan by choice and now I'm making that choice. I had Keane on Monday and realized that if we went with the bigger SUV to accommodate all the butts in our house comfortably, that I'd be trying to maneuver carseats and kids into the third row seat if I do any babysitting. Therefore, I think it will be a van. Now how do we figure out financing and all of that? I'm getting rather stressed about adding this 5th member. Excited, yes, but stressed as well. We've got to find a new vehicle, figure out financing of the new vehicle, try to get rid of the old Jeep, fix up some stuff around the house and of course, the fun preparations - packing the suitcase, making the lovies, blankets, etc. Oy!

On the page of excitement, we stopped in at The Children's Place on our way out of Rosedale. They had a cute green jumper and white onesie, so I got it for "Margaret" - or rather, Grandma Holly got it for Margaret. I think it's adorable. With Leesha, I respected Jeremy's desire not to put her in frilly things. I'm not going to do the same with Jeffry - frills it is BUT ONLY if we have a girl. Aunties, Grandmas - have fun!

I can't do this anymore

As I leaned over the gate at the top of our stairs the other night to put some shoes on the steps, I groaned; "I can't do this anymore." Jeffry asked; "What?" I replied; "Lean over the gate."

Jack's phrase of the week; "Leesha share!" I think he's picked up the word when playing with Keane. Unfortunately, he has not grasped the meaning yet. To him, it can mean; "Leave me alone." "Get out of my space." "Give it back to me." As well as other similar meanings boiling down to; "I want it my way."

Another thing he's picked up while with Keane; "Pee wew" which translates to "pee-yew". That's what Eric says when he changes Jack's dirty diapers. I asked if Eric says that, so now he informs us; "E'ic says pee wew."

He also says "C'ib" for crib.

While with Gramma Darlene today, he fell down and bonked his head. Apparently, he went to the door looking for me to kiss it. Awww....

We've been quizing him on Grampa's being gone, asking him where Grampa is. He'll respond; "In'ia" (India). We'll ask what he might see and he'll say; "E'fin. Giger." (elephants, tigers). And Leesha taught him to say; "P'ay" (pray) when asked what Grampa is going to do there.

We have a new nephew as of last night at 10:15pm. Smith Thomas Willis. I was excited about working on his pillow and lovies today, but forgot some of the fabric and was therefore unable to do the work I was hoping to do.

Escape Artist

Jack just got out of his crib. He was put down for a nap and he wasn't even trying to fight that fact. We closed the doors most of the way and he continued to chatter and mumble. Before we know it he opens the door and exits his room. He apparently got out of his crib and down to the floor safely and quietly.

How? We don't know.

Emily, not Clifford

Jack has a crush on Emily. She is the owner of Clifford. Now when asked if he wants to watch Clifford, he yells, 'Emily'! Emily seems like a nice girl. I think he has good taste in women. After all, she's a dog person.

Here's an interesting fact - Clifford is a giant Vizsla.

Ladybug!

In an attempt to begin the potty-training process, I'm asking Jack if he wants to sit on the potty. He's done it a couple of times just for fun. Tonight he wanted to, so I sat him down. He started tooting, so I asked if he was tooting. He thought that was funny and therefore continued. Well, as it turns out, he was successful in pushing out a little more than air. We called Dad up and made a bit of a "to do" over it. He looked in the toilet and said; "Ladybug."

Hey big guy!

Well, at least that's what it sounded like on Tuesday morning. However, Jack was informing me that there was an "airplane in the sky".

It must have been last week when Jeffry took him outside to settle him down a bit. Jack saw "tars in 'ky" (stars in the sky)

This morning, the "bouddie sinnin'" (birdies were singing).

Since Grandpa David left for India, I've been telling Jack that Grandpa is with the elephants and tigers. He'll say; "e'fin, tiger".

Jack has yet another cold. It's been a rough year for our household so far. After he sneezes, or when his nose is running, he'll request; "wipe-a nose".

He's also learning the words "be nice" and "share", but has little concept of what they mean. Jack will inform Keane that he should share when he wants the toy that Keane is playing with.

Yesterday, Leesha started choreography in preparation for the Spring Musical on May 21st. She's learning how to Swing Dance! She also gets to be one of the beautiful women and a king-fanner in this production of Esther-ordinary Faith. She's excited about it. Drama may be one of her "things". I think she's got some artistic talent.

This week wraps up her Read-a-Thon as a fundraiser for school. She's been so excited to read. I even got her a copy of The Wizard of Oz as they'd watched part of it during Art classes - with the "witch" parts fast forwarded. Isn't that a relatively important part of the movie? Oh well, some political correctness in everything, huh?

Age-old bedtime shenanigans

"Toto" or "Baby M" finally allowed Daddy to feel him/her kicking on Sunday morning.

I just had to tell Jack to: "Let go of Hazel's ear." He repeated; "Let go Hazo ear."

Last night, he wasn't tired when we put him down to bed, so he stayed up chatting for a while. When we were done watching Battlestar, I came upstairs where I was able to hear what he was saying. He was saying; "Blankie back." (I want my blanket on my back.) Once that was done, he said; "More wader." (More water.) I went to fill his cup in the bathroom and he said; "More wader kitchen." Apparently, not just any water will do. From my first sentence, you can guess we're dog-sitting Hazelnut for our friends the Browns. Jack has been toddling around saying; "Hazo" and "Hazo-nut". When we got the water situation figured out last night, she laid down on his rug and he kept saying; "'Night Hazo" as though he were expecting her to respond. When I'd laid him down, he'd had one of our combs. He dropped it out of the crib and later informed me; "Doppa comb."

This morning, when I woke him up, I asked him if he remembered where he was going today. His response: "Keane house." I took him over to our friend Eric's house where he gets to play with his buddy Keane. I was highly impressed that he remembered me telling him that last night.

As we drive now, we'll point out things like; "Big truck" or "Big yellow school bus". Jack was saying; "'Lello 'coo' buth" this morning on our drive. I find myself wanting to point those things out even when Jack is not in the car.

Woodland Hills Church Usher

Leesha has been serving Woodland Hills Church as an usher for about a month now. She helped collect the offering today at the 11:00 service. They have her in a purple vest and everything and they've given her a name tag. She's doing a great job, too.