Lake

Lake weekends are sometimes spent in your swim suit and your pajamas. Maybe a little too long in your pajamas . . .

 But they are so fun - Jack could just SCREAM!

It was a great little trip. We spent time with many of our best buddies and it was great catching up! Jack got to hang out with his friend, Oliver, on Friday and then Maddox & Jace came over for a visit Saturday! It was a toddler-friendly weekend and we really enjoyed it!

Early A.M. Visitor

Let me start by saying that we survived the night . . . barely. Jack was up from 2-4am due to the heat upstairs (he is JUST like his Daddy). We moved him to the pack-n-play in the basement with Tyson and the dogs. I slept on the couch in the family room and woke up to a pleasant breeze coming through the windows. I also woke up to an early morning visitor! Jack's Gramps is in town to play golf and came by for breakfast!

 Jack immediately introduced Gramps to his "neigh, neigh" (horse).

 Then Jack gave the horsey some kisses.

We hope Gramps has a good day on the golf course! We will get to spend lots more time with him (and the rest of my family) next week, when Jack and I venture to Warsaw for a few days!

Have a GREAT weekend!

Flashback Friday

Flashback to Cooper's life before Tucker and Jack. He was the center of his mama's world and every night before he goes to bed - he puts his puppy paws together and prays that life will go back to the perfection it once was. . .

H-E-Double Hockey Sticks

Ever wonder what hell feels like? No? Me neither. Unfortunately, I believe our house is the closest version of it . . . at this moment. Our air stopped working around 10am today. By noon I was glistening, by 4pm I was sweating, and at the current moment I'm a pretty miserable, over-heated pregnant lady.

Good news - my buddy, Frank Fratt (he calls me Miss Indiana, so I love him) came out to assess the damage around 2pm. At 4:30 - his worker bee Matt came to fix the problem.

Bad news - At 5:15pm I learned that Matt didn't have an important "part" for the motor.

Good news - He's coming back in the morning to fix it.

The lesson everyone should learn from this is - IT IS IMPORTANT TO CHANGE YOUR FILTER ONCE A MONTH. We are learning this the hard way. The $350 hard way.

Shot of Jack

Four new molars, coming in at the same time.

Orange Popsicle?

Yes, please!

Tough Decisions

No one ever said that being an adult was easy. I realized that yesterday more than ever before. I got the job offer I'd been waiting on. Yes! It was exciting and I felt as sense of reward - FINALLY. But then I heard the pay. Three years ago - pre-children, I would have taken the job in a heartbeat. Today is a different story. I have a toddler and another on the way. The cost of childcare is UNBELIEVABLE and the fact that I would be paying someone else such a large amount of my own paycheck to watch MY children - while I "watched" other people's children (and made peanuts) . . . didn't seem worth it. I've cried. I've been angry and frustrated. But the bottom line is - we chose to have a family. I chose to be an educator. And at this moment (with that offer) those two choices can't co-exist.

I'm okay with that.

Animal Fun

On Monday Jack and I ventured over to Berkley, MI to visit Greta's Grandma (Jan) at The Doll Hospital. Not only do they have a fabulous selection of dolls, they also have tons of cool toys! Ms. Jan showed Jack a Train Table and that was a HUGE hit! Although his love for trains is growing - we opted for some "educational" toys. Jack picked out a few animals that we have been learning about.

Yesterday, after a long day at "school" - Jack played with his new animals. He would get them from his grocery cart (where they live) and bring them to the coffee table. Once they were all there - he would take them, two by two, back to their grocery cart.

He did this for over 15 minutes, until his Dada walked in from work. Look at his concentration!

The "woof-woof" we chose looks VERY familiar! It's Cooper! We also have a monkey, a moo cow, a lion, a pig, and a kitty cat. Once we master all of these - we will have to head back for a visit with Ms. Jan!

Another Day, Another Park

On Sunday, Tyson and Jack took a drive around Birmingham, MI and spotted a new park for us to check out. Jack and I visited the park yesterday and it was a hit!

 Jack climbed up to the top of a play structure. Fear? Nope. Doesn't exist for this little guy!

 Taking the slide back down!

And, just to prove that he is 100% boy, we played in some gravel/dirt. We'll come back to this little park!

Krispie Chicken

I do not profess to be a good cook. I don't necessarily enjoy cooking/baking, etc - so I do what I have to do to keep the family fed. That being said - my Aunt Debbie IS a good cook and I swiped this recipe from her before Jack was born.  I had a craving for it tonight and I'm glad I made it.

This is both Tyson AND Jack approved -  and it WILL be made again (and again) in the Becker household! Go ahead and add it to your dinner rotation. You won't be disappointed.

What you need:
1 1/2 cups Rice Krispie Cereal
2 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon salt (I used less)
1/4 teaspoon thyme
1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/4 cup butter (recommend a little more, I ran out)
1 package of chicken breasts cut in strips (I made 10 + strips)

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Mix all of the dry ingredients in a plastic bag. Use something heavy to crush the cereal - Jack wanted to stomp on it, but we went ahead and used a rolling pin. Add dry mixture to a bowl. In a separate bowl - melt the butter. Dip chicken in butter and roll in dry mixture. Place in a greased baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes.

**Jack was a BIG fan and signed for "more" 3 or 4 times during our meal. When the kid eats - I'm a happy mommy!

Jack, are you ready for some FOOTBALL??

Sign those contracts, players! We want to watch some Colts & Lions football! 

Members Only Night at the Zoo

Yesterday was a Members Only Event at the Zoo. It was Tyson's first visit - but Jack and I are old pros. We showed Daddy around! Jack met the Polar Bear Zooper Hero!

We walked through the Dinosauria trail and Jack saw some HUGE dinosaurs! He didn't cry or act scared, but if Tyson got too close to one - he would shake his head and say "noooo."

 Riding around in the Radio Flyer . . . best purchase of the summer!

 We picked up some ice cream on the way home. As you can tell, Jack was happy about it!

And so were the dogs!

Farmer's Market

Jack took a wagon ride down to the Royal Oak Farmer's Market yesterday. I had Tyson on stand-by for a quick pick-up by car - if need be. 

Searching mom's purse for some goodies. He found a cookie and then proceeded to get chocolate all over his face . . . and eventually all over my shirt. Thanks, kid!

We enjoyed a Sonic Date with Sydney and her mama! I'm pretty sure that the people at Sonic know me. If you haven't heard - they have THE BEST ICE (pellets)! Tyson already knows that we will be making a stop at Sonic when I go into labor, because, as I discovered with Jack, the Labor & Delivery ice isn't up to par.

Some of our purchases from the Farmer's Market: Flowers (for mommy), Caramel Corn (for Tyson family), homemade strawberry jam (for all of us). Not pictured: fresh blueberries (for little man) and homemade doggie treats (for our pups).

Good day!

A Dog-gone Good Day

This is Tucker's idea of a good day.

Doesn't take much to make him happy.

What a good dog!

Lunch in the D

 Yesterday, Jack and I ventured downtown to have lunch with Tyson. We arrived at the RenCen and Jack started exploring.

 Look at all that space to run and roam! Toddler heaven! We looked at some of GM's newest models and I'm not being biased (okay, maybe a little) - but they have some good looking cars!

 Jack tested out how comfortable seats were in his future "mommy mobile" - the Chevy Suburban. Niiiice!

Tyson showed Jack some features in the new Chevy Cruze! Then we headed over to Grosse Pointe for some lunch. It was a fun trip into the D! I made sure to point out Canada, but Jack showed little interest. His interest level will change when he's 18 . . .

Tug-O-War

Tucker and Jack have a special relationship. Jack absolutely adores Tucker. . .and Tucker thinks Jack is fun, sometimes . . .  They enjoyed playing a little game of tug-o-war last night. Tucker is very competitive and doesn't think Jack should "win" just because he is a little guy. Jack is stubborn and persistent - and he loves playing rough. It's a win-win.

 Notice how Tucker is checking with Tyson to make sure this is "okay." Also notice that despite falling, Jack thinks this game is AWESOME!

Best Buddies.

Flashback Friday

This flashback takes us back to 2005 when Tyson and I were living in Antigua, Guatemala. Nancy, Denny, and Devin came down for a visit - which meant NICE meals for a change! Please observe Devin's shaggy hair and Tyson's red beard. Yes, that happened.

Brush Brush Brush Your Teeth

Dr. Kassey (aka: Oliver's Mom) will appreciate this post. Although Jack stole one of my toothbrushes for this picture - brushing his teeth is part of our nightly routine. Thumbs up for good oral hygiene!

Webster's Definition: Excitement

Dear Mr. Webster,

I have captured a "picture" of the word "excitement" that I think you could use in your dictionary. This is my Mother-In-Law, Nancy. . . and this was taken after she opened a box of pink sugar cookies (thinking someone had sent her a pie) and discovered she was getting her first granddaughter. I believe we captured "excitement" perfectly!

Sincerely,

Our Becker Blog

Tres Amigos

Jack was reunited with his three amigos at the local splash fountain in Warren. These kids are growing up too fast!

Always so much fun to get together - especially when we can cool off and play in water!

Cinderella

 We found these adorable pink slippers sitting outside our house. Jack was sure they belonged to Cinderella.

 He tried them on Cooper . . . too small.

 He tried them on Tucker . . . WAY too small.

He tried them on himself . . . couldn't even fit his big toe in them. 

WHO COULD THEY BELONG TO? WHO WAS THE CINDERELLA?

 Aha! They belong to his new baby SISTER! See how she's shaking her fist at him? "Give me back my pink shoes, Jack!"

We are beyond excited to welcome a baby girl in December . . . or November, whenever she decides to come is fine! The ultrasound tech said that everything looked great and measured perfectly. The only problem was our baby girl didn't want to cooperate for a picture of her heart. She had her head up by my ribs and she was facing my spine, so I have to go back in a week for another ultrasound. But that only means more pictures of her and more time to watch her dancing around in there!

So - why did I decide to find out?
1) I haven't felt as "connected" to this pregnancy as I did when I was pregnant with Jack. We had a scary first ultrasound (everything turned out fine, obviously), but I was afraid to get too attached. Plus, Jack leaves little time to daydream about the baby. I wanted to feel connected and I thought this would be the way to do it.

2) I knew our families really wanted to know. I also knew the joy our families felt would be just as HUGE when the baby arrives...regardless of gender.

3) Tyson wanted to know. He revealed this last night.

Bottom line - I'm glad we know. Nancy has probably already made a trip to Target and Von Maur. She already mentioned her doll collection . . . which is perfectly fine, except I refuse to allow the creepy dolls into my house. (Aunt Kim knows what I'm talking about!) For those who don't know - Nancy has a very large doll collection and they used to be in their guest room. When Tyson and I were dating, and I stayed in the guest room, the creepy dolls (with floppy, wonky eyes) would scare the bejeezus out of me! I would throw towels over their heads, so they couldn't look at me when I was sleeping!

So - there you have it. IT'S A GIRL! 

And for the record, her name will NOT be Jill, or Jillian, or Jaclyn . . . We do love all of those names, however, kids still read nursery rhymes and I will not have my children be the butt of jokes throughout school.

Shots of Jack

These were some shots I took of Jack after his morning nap yesterday. He was a happy boy!

Jack is off to school today. It's a BIG day for our family! I have my 20 week ultrasound at 9:30am - and like the Queen of Indecisiveness, that I am, I have still not decided if we'll find out what we're having. FYI: I'm notorious for making my dinner choice at a restaurant when the waitress is standing over me. . . waiting for my order. I like the pressure. As they say in sports, "it will be a game time decision."

I also have a second interview this afternoon! Fingers crossed.

Hot Day

With temperatures hovering in the mid-90's Jack and I only needed a few things this afternoon...

 Some cool water to splash and play in . . .

 A walk around the neighborhood . . .

A tasty popsicle . . . and a nap!

Stay cool, everyone!

Jack's Weekend in Fort Fun

Jack was sharing his fruit snacks with Grandpa.

Nancy and Denny volunteered to take Jack for the weekend. It was a win-win for everyone!

On Thursday Nancy and I exchanged text messages about weekend plans.  She said they were considering going to the Fort Wayne Zoo, the Splash Park, or their neighborhood pool - and wondered which one Jack would like best. I encouraged her to plan for all three...

Jack had a blast exploring the zoo - he kissed a goat, maybe the same goat that ate his Grandpa Denny's shorts?? He also rode a train and splashed in some water! After a nap, it was off to the neighborhood pool to meet new friends. Nancy has some great pictures of their weekend, so hopefully we can get those up soon!

When they dropped Jack off at the lake today - both Nancy and Denny confirmed my claim: "The child NEVER stops moving."  Despite his energy, they had a fun time with him and that's all that matters! Thank you, Grandma & Grandpa, for taking care of our little man!