We hear it's your birthday. Mom & Dad sent you something special from Amazon. We know you'll love it. Love, J&J
Hope everyone had a great weekend. Those two {really cute} children didn't sleep well last night. Which means Tyson & I didn't sleep well either. Not sure what was going on…but we are all a little bleary-eyed today.
Perhaps they were still excited after the LIONS win yesterday! Bears fans? {you all were very quiet yesterday}
Last weekend I told Jack we needed to wash our pumpkins. I'm not sure why I told him this...because frankly, I've never done this before. But he was bored and this seemed like a good use of his energy. So he scrubbed the pumpkins. If you visit, make sure you comment on how CLEAN our pumpkins look. I know a 3 year old who was pretty proud of his work.
It's Friday and we're getting' crazy around here. Hope you have fun plans for the weekend!
Real Life Conversation (while driving Jack to school):
{Stopped at stoplight}
Jack: Mom - Look at that big F&%K!
{I look to my right and see a semi)
Me: Yeah, that is a big TRuck.
Jack: I like that f%&k. Where is that f%&k going, Mommy?
Me: I'm not sure. He's probably going to work.
Jack: I want that f&%k to come to my school with me.
{We turn left, the truck turns right}
Jack: Where did that f%#k go, Mom?
Me: He went to work, Jack.
{inner dialogue: Is this kid messing with me? Does he really know what he's saying? When he's 16 is he going to be like, "hey mom, remember when I used to cuss you out? hahaha. You were so gullible."}
Jack: I like F%&KS, mommy. I like dumb f&%ks and big f&%ks...
Me: Yeah? Me too. {Pause} Hey, Jack, can you say TRash?
Jack: Fash.
Me: {phew} Yeah. Okay, hey buddy, can you do me a favor?
Jack: What?
Me: Can you talk about BOATS while you're at school today?
And finally - make sure you watch this commercial. Yes, I know it's a VW commercial, but regardless of our loyalty to GM…it's funny.
We are happy to report that we are members at the Detroit Zoo again. Never thought that would happen. We love the Detroit Zoo! It's open year round, which means on sunny days in January - we can still go and take a walk around. Trust me, in Michigan, and despite the cold, this is a big plus!
Josie saw some flamingos and felt connected to them. Perhaps it was because they, too, were wearing pink pants.
But then she saw the zebras and was like, "What the heck, MOM? You dressed me like a zebra?" Jack didn't seem to mind that he looked like a zebra. We also saw the giraffes, gorillas, chimps, and rhinos!
Before we left we took a ride on the carousel. Jack chose a big white rabbit and Josie rode on Nemo. I was sad that no one wanted to ride on the falcon. I call it next time...
And, of course, no zoo trip is complete without a toddler tantrum. You may recall seeing Jack's a couple years back…and mine was also included. Must run in the genes:
On Sunday we traveled down the dirt road near our house and ended up in Salem, MI - at Three Cedars Farm. We weren't lost. We were on a mission to find some pumpkins! But we found a whole lot more than just pumpkins.
They have a ton of fun activities for the kids to do! Jack and Josie climbed into a barn, slid down the slides, rode tractors, and climbed on bales of hay. There were animals to see, in super cute pens - like three little pigs in a pen with houses made of straw, sticks, and bricks. Super cute!
After playing and running around saying HI to all of the farm animals - we were famished. Luckily, there were fresh cider donuts to snack on, along with delicious apple cider! The kids were in heaven. {Okay, Tyson and I were, too}
Before we left we made our way to the pumpkin patch and found two really big pumpkins to bring home. We also found some gorgeous mums for the front porch. It's looking - and feeling - like fall around Northville…and WE LOVE IT!
We spent some time this weekend in Ypsilanti visiting Nuala for her 4th birthday! Grandma Nancy, Aunt Kim, Uncle Tom, and Caitlin were all there to celebrate, too! It was a very girlie party - with clothes and barbies and princesses galore. After the other guests had left, Aunt Kim gave Jack & Josie each a present.
To say that Jack loved his gift would be an understatement. He got a Nerf Rocket Launcher. Josie was pretty excited about her Cooper-ette dog-purse, too.
Blake - having had enough princess for the day - was eager to help Jack set up the rocket launcher.
And then everyone, including the Birthday Girl, took turns launching rockets really high into the sky! (and in case you're wondering we've been launching rockets all weekend…and I'd guess we will launch them all week, as well)
We were so glad we could celebrate Nuala's day with her! She is so funny and full of life.
This post is dedicated to Doc McStuffins. I have a bone to pick with you, little girl. You see, you have given my son a false sense of reality when it comes to doctor visits.
(PS: I totally know I'm in Helicopter-Mom-Mode right now)
Here is what happened: I told Jack he was going to the doctor and he thought he was coming to see you. That was not actually the case.
Jack was excited about all aspects of his check-up. For that, I'm actually thankful. He was all grins and giggles. He jumped up on the scale, stood tall for his height measurement, and listened intently as I spoke with the doctor about all of his milestones. Before the doctor left he piped up, "Do I get a shot now?" The doctor looked at me for help before answering, "Well, yes...the nurse will be back with your shot." While we waited Jack had lots of questions. One of them was: "Why do I only get one shot and Josie gets four?" I tried to prepare him - "it might pinch a little" - while cursing myself for all those times I smiled and said, "Thanks! Now I feel better" when we were playing doctor and he gave me a shot.
Look how happy he was! When the nurse came in with his shot - he hopped on the table. She gave him the shot and he flinched. I saw him waiver between laughing and crying - so I squealed with excitement: "YOU WERE SO BRAVE!!!" He smiled and hopped down. Phew.
Josie received four shots and didn't have quite the same reaction. As a matter of fact, she stared the nurse down as she was walking out. Overall, we had a great visit! Although, later that night I asked Jack if he wanted to get shots at the doctor's office again and he quickly told me: NO! I have a feeling our next visit may not be as cheerful.
Here were the stats on the kids:
Jack: 39 inches tall, 36 pounds. That's 50% for height and 75% for weight. We'll take it...
Josie: 30 inches tall, 29 pounds. That's 50% for height and 85% for weight. She has really slimmed down!
Tyson was road-tripping yesterday & last night. That makes for a LONG day with Jack & Josie. Tyson was "working" in Bloomington. I put working in quotes because - let's be honest - can it actually be called work if you're in Btown?!? I think not.
Regardless - our day was fine - but by dinner - things were getting dicey. And by dicey - I mean I found poop on my bathroom floor. That's no joke.
While making a delicious dinner of grilled cheese, tomato soup, and carrots (went all out) - my children called a truce from their fighting and did this:
Trust me, I was shocked too! Both children are indeed sitting a mere inches away from one another, yet not touching. AND they are reading books. I did a double take from the stove, then grabbed my camera to document the event.
I'm not sure how much Tyson offered to pay them - to give me a 15 minute window of peace to cook dinner, but whatever it was, it was worth it.
We were back in FW for the 8th Annual Whiffleball Tournament. Our friends, Sarah and Blake, came up from Cincinnati. Tyson and Blake are bff's (they will love that I called them that) from their days at Beta. I sometimes overhear their phone calls and they basically talk about nothing, but laugh the entire time. I guess it's a frat brother thing?!?
Anyway, we spent most of our day at the Whiffleball Field. Jack & Josie came for a while, but left for lunch and nap time.
Saturday night we had amazing babysitters - who sent us off to dinner and then drinks! We ended up at Curly's before heading home.
Jack was sad when his friends "Bake" and "Kara" (he also called her Summer & Sari) left on Sunday morning. Ten minutes after they left, he asked if they were coming back soon.
Grandma Nancy distracted Jack with some plant watering. Here he is living out his dream to be a fireman. I see potential.
And Josie took a break at the Becker Bistro table. She may be the only person to have ever sat at this table. We can't confirm this…but I'm thinking so…
There were TWO birthdays celebrated this weekend! Cooper celebrated 8 years with our family and Jonny celebrated 27 years with us. We love them both.
Yesterday was Jack's 2nd day of Preschool and the first time he went by himself. I wasn't worried. He's been in & out of daycares since he was one. And he LOVES being around other kids. I knew he'd be excited and have a fun time.
He was SO excited - he woke up at 6:30am. Whoa, dude - do not let your excitement for school interrupt this amazing sleep thing we have going on.
We got ourselves ready and made it to school ON TIME. (over/under on how many times this will happen in the future?!?)
We did the drop off line and Jack was all - "bye, mom...bye, Jos...I'm going to school" He jumped out of the car and didn't look back.
And Josie was all:
"JAAAAACK!!"
Can you feel her devastation?
Since it was a shortened class, we hung around downtown. We read some books, grabbed a latte, and took a stroll. We bought Jack a muffin and Josie was in better spirits.
By 10:15 she was excited to pick him up.
And Jack had a great time! His report: "Mommy, I had fun. I like my school and my friends." Yay!
Yesterday it was quite warm in Metro Detroit. I promised Jack that we'd have a "fun day" - which to him means no trips to Meijer/Target/Kroger. So we got ready and headed off to Jungle Java in Canton. Basically Jungle Java is a big indoor play structure. Kids run around, climb, and slide...and moms sit & drink coffee. Unless you are the mom of a child like Josie, who insists you play in the structure, too.
Jack was IN HEAVEN. I swear he didn't stop moving for over an hour.
Me: Hey Jack, let me take your picture!
Jack: NOT NOW MOM, I'M BUSY!
And he was gone.
Luckily, JJ knew parents would have to play in these structures - and made them "parent friendly." I, along with a couple other moms and even some dads, scaled the structures and slid down the slides.
I did get Jack to take a break for a smoothie. See the sweat? I'm telling you - non-stop for an hour and a half.
When he took this break it was for a cookie. Duh, that will stop him any day. He also informed me that he had a "new best friend." His name was "Tonah" and he "finds monsters, too." Actually, his name was Jonah, but it was true - he was a certified Monster Slayer. Jack and Jonah had the very best time...and reiterated my belief that my child could make friends with anyone.
Josie, however, just wanted to cuddle up with this zebra. I'm not sure about that girl sometimes.
Jack did great for his first day of Preschool! He was excited and ready to meet "new friends." He has 9 boys in his class and 2 girls. (Poor teachers!)
Hugs from his sister before he left. She cried pretty hard as we walked out the door. Poor Jos!
He's following in my footsteps. I attended Presby Preschool for 3's & 4's!
For his first day, we met his teachers (one is an IU grad!!) and some of his classmates. We did a Sticker Hunt around the room & in various parts of the building. Jack listened to a story and played while his teacher talked to the moms about the upcoming year. A few moms expressed concern about the drop off process and their child crying. When we were finished, we joined the kids for more playtime and then, we left. It was short and sweet. Perhaps TOO SHORT in Jack's mind. As we were leaving he said, "No, Mommy, you leave and I'll stay here with my new friends."
Guess that "tears-at-dropoff" shouldn't be a concern for me…
We have been talking about Pre School a lot lately. I want Jack to love school from the beginning. He's SO excited to meet new friends. It's all he talks about when we discuss "school." {Future Beta Social Chair?}
Yes, I may be a teacher, but I up until now I have let him decide when he wants to focus on his "academics". He knows the typical toddler info: shapes, colors, numbers, & ABCs. I know what school will hold, soon enough...Plus, he's way more interested in Baseball, firetrucks, and Spiderman. School will happen - for the next 19+ years...
So Friday morning he woke up at 7:10am (which for me was like someone waking up at 4:10am). I turned on PBS and tried to get a little more sleep (stellar parenting). After about 25 minutes Jack disappeared downstairs. When he came back he had crayons, paper, and toddler scissors.
When I got up to check on him I stepped over a pile of cut up paper and found him in the hallway "working,"
He wrote his name, all by himself...which was both shocking and exciting. Note the uppercase letter and then the lowercase letters...Kindergarten Teacher Heart Melt.
And then he drew "a person." I'm sure you recognize that person, right? It's Grandpa Denny.
Today is the first day of Pre School. It's an hour-long class and I get to tag along! Will have an update on Day 1 soon...
On Thursday we ventured to our local Library to check out some books. Josie has her favorites and by favorites, I mean, books she wants to read 15 times a day. It was time for a change.
On the HUNT for new books.
I found the kids some new books and barely grabbed one for myself before we started looking like a walking circus act. There is an open grassy area right outside the library, so we stopped there to release some pent-up energy.
The game? Race to a tree and hug it. Yes, I'm raising Tree Huggers (literally).
