Hello, Monday

Hello, there Monday. It's a FRESH new week and we are ready. Okay, actually, we take that back. We are NOT ready for the sub-zero temps...or additional snow. We're ready for spring, so...

Nolan has a tiny tooth coming in...which explains his distain for sleep lately. We've added Tylenol to the bedtime routine and the outlook is good.

Happy Monday!

Brothers Who Love

Jack has wanted a brother forever. And he has NEEDED a brother, too! He needs someone to entertain ALL.DAY.LONG. Good news - Nolan is the perfect "someone." I captured this little moment after a failed nap session on Monday.

Will you be my Valentine?

Valentine's Day was cold. Like REALLY cold and windy. We didn't leave the house. Actually Tyson and Jack went to Jack's soccer game...but the rest of us stayed inside.

Nolan debuted his "Cougars Love Me" shirt - because it's true. Everywhere he goes older women are all up in his business. Josie's preschool is the worst for this. There is something about 2/3 year old girls and babies. Ohhhh and don't even get him started on the MOMS!

This is the picture I snapped when Tyson and Jack were at soccer. It's the Napping Bed. Don't worry - I was lying next to Nolan...because that's how Nolan naps.  With his mom food source nearby.

Getting Gangsta

"Found you mom. You are a terrible hider. Now let me wear that hat." -Nolan

Nerd Alert

So last Thursday - when Jack asked me what we were going to do that day...I didn't know. It was cold and I didn't feel like spending money to entertain my children. Don't get me wrong, we throw a lot of money into entertaining them...but sometimes I just want to go someplace that is FREE and watch them have fun. Easy to do in the summer/spring/fall. HARD to do in the middle of a Polar Vortex.
We ended up at the Novi Library. Not our home library, but still part of our library network. Change of scenery, new toys...win/win.

Both of my kids love to read, but Jack has a harder time (when we are at home) just sitting and being still to look at books. The library had Starwars books. Huge hit.

Josie will sit and look at books throughout the day at home. She loves to study the pictures.

And Nolan? Well, because he was tucked in cozy in his carseat - he got in a solid THIRTY minute nap.  Over the weekend Tyson said, "Someday Jack & Nolan's ability to not require a lot of sleep will serve them well in their lives." That "someday" is NOT today.

A is for Avocado

Based on his face - I don't think he's a fan. I'm pretty sure he whispered, "I'll just have the milk, please."

Jungle Java

 Uncle Jon got the kids a pass to Jungle Java. Jack's been begging to go, so we went last Thursday. Always a fun time!

 Even Noley liked it. And he wasn't scared of the giant smiling tree face.

Such a treat! Thanks, Uncle Jon!

The Becker Three

We are diving head first into Kindergarten prep. I'll be honest - he loves writing, but sitting down and doing school work with mom isn't his idea of a fun time. He would prefer to kick a ball, jump on the couch, or have a sword fight. I get it. He's all boy.

Speaking of "all boy" - this kid is desperate to move. And I'm not ready. He can't get up on his knees yet - but he somehow manages to move around a room. It's a mystery.

Jack and Josie were rockstars at the dentist last week. They both have 20 baby teeth. No cavities.

Potty Prize

Josie has been working hard over the past month or so - using the potty. If you are familiar with me and my "potty training regime" you will know that I'm not a fan of a regime at all. Basically, I hate potty training.

My philosophy is: Wait until the child is old enough to get it ALL and then insist he/she use the potty. If the regime begins to fail - pull out ALL the stops with some amazing Potty Prizes. Offer anything. (Let's be honest, whatever it is, it's cheaper than diapers and better than cleaning up poo) Also - Josie LOVED for me to stand outside the door with my back to her and say, "I'm listening for pee pee." (so weird, but it honestly worked)

So, anyway, Josie finally got it ALL (goes without prompts, wipes, pulls up her pants, washes her hands). And as a prize she chose an Olaf balloon. {really?} You may remember her brother chose a bike. So...yeah...

Unfortunately, Olaf lived a short life.

Timeline:
12:30PM - Olaf is blown up in the store
12:45 - Josie poses with Olaf outside the store
1:15 - Olaf and Josie play
2:15 - Josie leaves Olaf behind while she goes to pick up Jack from school
2:45 - Josie returns home and shows Jack her Olaf
2:46 - Olaf takes a bat to the stomach. Done.

I'm sure you can imagine how this played out. I literally walked to the end of the driveway to get the mail and when I walked back into the house ALL HELL HAD BROKEN LOOSE. Josie was crying. Jack was hiding. Nolan (who had been catnapping in his carseat) was now awake and screaming. By the time I'd handed down Jack's punishment - I had THREE crying children and it was still WAY too early to pour myself a glass of wine.

In case you're wondering, Jack's punishment is that he has to give up his "life savings" to replace his sister's balloon. This was a HUGE blow, since he was saving for a new Skylander. Bummer.

Snow Days

Starting last Saturday night we had our first BIG snowfall of the season. About a foot and a half fell on Metro Detroit. A foot and a half. I went to the grocery store on Saturday evening...and it was busy - but most shoppers looked like they were buying for their Superbowl parties. I'm not kidding. Michigan hears  "about a foot and a half of snow" and everyone shrugs their shoulders. We are numb to winter. Literally and figuratively.

Sunday night - as the snow kept falling and blowing, school was canceled - so I let the kids stay up for the Superbowl halftime show. It was pretty great. Josie was a BIG fan of Katy Perry and Missy Elliot. "Is it worth it, let me work it..." Nolan and Jack liked the Tiger/Lion and the dancing sharks.

Monday morning Tyson, Jack, and Josie tackled the driveway. Sixteen inches of snow, plus whipping winds made that a pretty tough task. They cleared the driveway and Tyson headed off to work.

Hoosiers represent. (True story - our neighbors are also IU fans...so we aren't the only ones in cream & crimson on Freestone Dr.)

Napping Problems

We currently have a napping problem in our house. I wish it was the kind of napping problem where everyone actually NAPPED and, like, LOVED to nap. That would be a great problem to have. But no - it's that NO ONE likes napping (except Josie, most of the time). Nolan is a cat napper. Give him 20 minutes in the car and he thinks that's just perfect. This picture was taken after I dropped Jack off at school. Total trip was about 30 minutes...see that face? That face says, "wow, I feel freshed...now hold me."

And then there is the five year old...who I know doesn't need a nap every day...but sometimes, late nights and early mornings catch up to him and he just needs to sleep. But "naps-es are BORING" - according to him. I documented this on Instagram...so that when he's 18 and trying to nap the afternoon away...I can run into his room, throw open the curtains, and say "WAKE UP, JACK! NAPS-ES ARE BORING!!!" I think he will really appreciate it.

Speaking of people who love naps - today is Grandpa Denny's birthday! Happy birthday!! We'll be sending a little something special via the Nancy Express on Saturday (after she returns from Idaho).

Dear Agnes

This was originally sent as a text message when we knew Kristin was in labor. We didn't know the baby's name, so we were calling her Baby Cobra.

Dear Baby Cobra {Agnes},
Head south. Look down. The journey is worth it...there's milk out here!
Love,
Nolan

Welcome, Agnes Ruth Becker!

Jack, Josie, and Nolan are PROUD to welcome their new baby cousin - Agnes Ruth to the family! She arrived a week ago TODAY - January 28, 2015. She was 3 weeks early and she was exactly the same weight as Jack (also 3 weeks early) 6lb 3oz and 19in long. We are happy to report that both Agnes & Kristin are home and doing well.

My favorite picture.

Nolan would like to know how Agnes got SO much hair.

Look at that squish! She's beautiful! We can't wait to get our hands on her...all 10 of them!

Since Nolan is the baby of our family...he would love to be able to impart some of his wisdom on his new "baby" cousin (who will someday be in the same graduating HS class as him). He'll be doing random "Dear Agnes" posts. Check out his first one tomorrow!

The Becker Three

Children left unattended with markers WILL write all over themselves. I was *trying* to get Nolan to nap and these two decorated themselves. Okay. Fine. I get it. Drawing on paper gets old, your sister's face is WAY more excited. Hint taken.

Meanwhile - this kid is still happy as can be... Here is his modeling pic when it was Michigan's birthday and The Printed Poppy needed to celebrate. I pay in milk and cuddles.

Cincy takes Detroit

Two weekends ago our friends, Blake and Sarah, visited us from Cincy. Their son, Floyd, came too. He's our favorite bassett hound. Grandma Nancy came up to help watch the kids, so we could enjoy {an almost} child-free weekend. We hit up Zingerman's deli for lunch in Ann Arbor. Delicious.

After lunch we took in an indoor soccer game. Jack's team took a beating again...but we recently learned that they're a bunch of 4/5 year olds...playing again 6/7 years old. It explains why all the other teams appear to be World Cup contenders.

Saturday night we went downtown Detroit for drinks at Sugar House and dinner at Gold Cash Gold. Both were AMAZING! If you are venturing to the Detroit area - Corktown is where it's at! So many fun new bars and restaurants!

We skipped dessert because we knew we had these waiting at home. Sarah knows we love our Oreos!  Chocolate covered oreo truffles. Ummm. Yes.

You can read Sarah's post about their visit...and see Floyd HERE.