Don't Mess With Texas...ahem, I mean Jack

Tonight, while giving Jack a bath, I was soaping up his body when I accidentally put him a little off-balance while he was standing.  And, I kid you not, this is what he said to me:

"Don't push me around."

Obviously, Jack's teachers have been working with him on using his words rather than his hands with his friends at school.

And...I would have to say that it's working!

**********

Just a few minutes later, while looking at the blessing ring (a ring of all of the gift cards given to Jack since I was pregnant) on his dresser, he announced that he was looking for the Cookie Monster card that he loves so much.  The next thing Brad and I heard him say was, "He's great."  Matter of fact, every day comment...nothing special, just, "He's great."  What?!?!

Have I ever told you how much we love him?  Because we really do.

The Best Thing

The best thing that happened to me today was when I told Jack that my tummy hurt, and my sweet, little man lifted up my shirt and gently kissed my belly, saying, "Jack make it all better, Mama."

Yes.  Yes, he did:)

Happy Days

This weekend was fantastic, but I can't believe it's almost over:(  Right before I wrote this post, I put the finishing touches on our very clean house.  It is sooooo clean, and I am so proud of myself.  Bathrooms, dusting, clean sheets, sweeping, laundry, vacuuming...you name it, I did it.  It feels wonderful and makes me so calm.  I love a good, clean house...especially my own.  Of course, it did take me all weekend as I'm constantly combatting with a two year old boy, two puppy dogs, and a husband who leaves tools everywhere!

Yesterday, we had a low-key day at home, but after Jack's nap we all got cleaned up and headed out.  We had dinner at Chili's and then went to Bed, Bath, and Beyond.  We finally found new bedroom bedding that we agreed on, and I can't wait to paint our room and decorate with our new color scheme.  It's warm and wonderful - I'll be sure to post the before and afters once we get the project under way.  After Bed, Bath, and Beyond we went over to Lowe's, and I'm pretty sure we have narrowed down the possibilities for the bedroom paint.  I'm thinking maybe we'll tackle painting the bedroom over Columbus Day weekend...we'll see. 

Today, Jack and I got up early and went to church.  It was a rainy, chilly morning, but it just screams fall, and I love it!  During the children's sermon, the minister was talking to the kids about helping others whether you have a lot to give or just a little.  She said that she was going to give some of the children a dollar, and throughout the week, they had to help someone else with that dollar and then report back how they helped next weekend.  While other kids were raising their hands, I watched Jack as he figured out what was going on, and he put his little hand up in the air.  This week, Jack will be giving a dollar to someone in need.  I was so proud of him:)

On our way home, we made our weekly run to the grocery store, and then came home and played.  We both took a really great nap while Daddy worked around the house, and then when we woke up, I went back to work to finish the cleaning.  Jack was in such a good mood all day - I love those days!

Now - off to watch Dexter.  Oh, I hope my little heart will be able to handle it this season...

Finally...Friday!

So I've been a little MIA this week, but with good reason.  Tuesday after work, Ryan came over to hang out with me and Jack and to talk weddings - one of my all-time favorite subjects.  We had a pretty good time, but Jack was more than a little fussy for no reason that I could figure out, and he certainly wasn't saying.  After she left, I gave Jack a bath and tucked him into bed.  About half an hour later, I heard him crying which is pretty unusual for our little man.  It seemed like maybe he had to go potty, so we went, and then I put him back to bed.  Another hour later Jack was up again - only this time he was screaming, holding his ear, and saying, "My ear hurts, Mama...my ear hurts."  Suddenly it all made sense - the squirming during the cleaning of the ears, the constant fidgeting of his head on my shirt during storytime, the fussiness (oh, the fussiness).  Mommy believed that Jack had his very first ear infection.  I didn't know what to do, so I Googled.  We gave him some Motrin and held a warm wash cloth up to his ear until the pain medicine started to kick in, and then I took him back to bed.

The next morning we were at the doctor's at 7:30 for their walk-in hours.  Have I ever mentioned how much I heart our pediatrician's office?  I do:)  On the way in, and in the waiting room, Jack told EVERYONE that his ear hurt and waved.  At least he was in a good mood!  He even stood on the scale without crying - he usually breaks out into an all-out wail right about that time, but he just kept saying, "I go to the doctor's like a big boy."  We happened to get our favorite doctor (the one I usually request when given more than eight hours notice), and sure enough, Baby Jack has his first ear infection.  I'm so glad that he can talk because it obviously would have taken me much longer to notice had he not come out and told me what was wrong.  No mother-of-the-year award headed my way, but that's a whole other topic:)

Jack was cleared to go to school that day, but I felt bad because I knew he was feeling under the weather.  I, however, had eight teachers to see that day for lessons and follow-up visits, and if you've ever tried to schedule something like that before, you realize what a feat that was in itself the first time.  I couldn't even imagine having to do it again.  Luckily, Jack's grandma and grandpa were available to take Jack for the day so that Mommy could go to work.  Have I ever mentioned how much I heart my in-laws?  I do:)  When I dropped Jack off, I took his chubby little cheeks in my hands, kissed his nose, and said, "I love you so much."  He mimicked my every move, right down to his little dimpled fingers on my face, and said, "I love you so much."  Be still my little heart - I don't think I could ever forget that moment as long as I live.

The good news is that Jack is apparently feeling much better.  Not so fussy.  No crying in the middle of the night.  No more complaints about ear pain.  Thank goodness, because I wasn't sure that I could take his sad, teary little eyes while he told me what hurt much longer.  We're so lucky that Jack is such a healthy boy...

Speaking of feeling much better, he apparently has had a little trouble at school the past few days taking turns and keeping his hands to himself.  Had to have a little chat with the teacher this afternoon in fact...not good.  We're working on it!  While there may be a few little behavior issues, Jack is definitely continuing to learn at school.  This week I noticed he can:

-twirl spaghetti noodles on a fork (I know, seriously?!)
-sing Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes
-sing Five Little Monkeys
-talk almost always in complete, somewhat complex sentences (so much so that when we took Gracie to the doctor's on Thursday, the nurse asked Jack, "So this is Gracie?" and Jack replied, "Cuddlebug's at home."  Or tonight when Brad asked Jack what he did with the remote, and Jack replied, "It's in my bedroom.  I'll go get it.  Be right back!")

Here's a little video of Jack singing Five Little Monkeys in the bathtub before I discovered he pointed out his ear infection:

Down on the Farm

There is absolutely no better way to spend a Sunday morning

than with my family

posing for silly pictures,

snuggling up to my hubby,

going on a hayride,

enjoying the beautiful fall weather (oh, how I heart you, Fall!),

searching for the perfect pumpkin,

walking through fields,

giving my son a piggy-back ride,

watching him go down the slide,

playing with my little man,

cherishing every fleeting moment,

capturing some on film,

and never wanting it to end.

{Rypie - thank you for joining us on such a fun morning and for capturing some of life's greatest moments}

Silent Sunday

Friday Fragments

*Throughout this post, I've added random pictures that I took of Jack this evening while practicing some of my new photography skills.

Original - too dark

Edited - adorable, cheesy smile

Brick background - too dark

Edited - maybe a little overexposed

Tonight, we were watching a bit of Wall-E before Jack's bedtime, and he said, "Eva's got two eyes, Mama."  Hmmm...at first, I thought it was kind of a random thing for him to say, but I didn't want to ignore him, so I replied, "Yes, she does."  And then I thought about it some more and realized - ohmygoodness, he's counting.  He actually understands what 'two' means.  My little heart soared...I am so proud of my little sparky:)

 

Not great light-wise, but too cute not to share

Hammin' it up

I'm a sucker for the upwards glance, what can I say?

Another pretty funny thing happened tonight after we put Jack to bed.  I had gone downstairs to clean up and shut down for the night, when all of a sudden, I heard Jack screaming.  I go running upstairs thinking something is horribly wrong and meet Brad at the landing when we realize that he's actually screaming, "GOOD NIGHT - I LOVE YOU!" over and over again.  We just laughed and laughed and called back to our little man. 

I'm also a sucker for these two.  (SOOC - straight out of the camera)

Edited

Hangin' out in HIS Mustang:)

Happy Friday, Everyone!

Not So Wordless Wednesday

Early this morning, we were off to a rather interesting start over here.  I went in to wake Jack up, and he literally rolled over and said, "Leave me alone, Mama."

I wonder...how does a two year-old learn to express himself in this way?  Now, I don't doubt for a minute that it's exactly what I would mumble had someone been trying to wake me up before I was ready, but seriously?  At two?  It was just too stinkin' cute to be mad or hurt...he's just such a little person.

Besides, he very quickly redeemed himself, as this morning, for the first time as we were leaving the house to go to school, he came up to me, stuck his little paw up into the air, and said, "Hold your hand, like a big boy, Mama."  (As opposed to carrying him on our way out the door.)  Be still my little heart:)

Today was the first good day at work in many, and Jack also had a good day at school.  When we got there, he gave me a kiss, waved and said goodbye, and then went off to play.  At pick-up, he wanted to finish his puzzle before going home.  He's really enjoying the big boy classroom; as much as I miss the Toddler Teachers, I think Jack had outgrown the room.  I'm so glad that he's so happy.

Daddy came home early this evening, so we decided to go out to dinner (something we don't get to do very often due to his late work hours).  We took Jack to Famous Dave's, and aside from the huge cheeseburger and Oreo cookies that he ate, his favorite part seemed to be the giant bear outside the restaurant.  I didn't have my camera with me, but we took some photos from our phones to tide you over.  I know I've been slacking on the pictures lately, but I'm going to practice some of my new skills this weekend.  Just you wait!

Famous Dave's Bear

Jack must have learned to say "cheese" during Picture Day!

Giving the bear a hug

Adorable, Jack

He kept asking me to take his picture eating his big cheeseburger, and then he'd immediately move.  Oh, the difficulties in photographing a toddler...

ABC's

Today, on the way home from school, I noticed that Baby Jack was singing an all-too familiar tune.  I believe he has learned his ABC's at school:)  Over the next several hours, after much poking and prodding, I got him to sing them to me, and he hasn't stopped since.  This was his first performance for Daddy.  I realize this isn't perfect, but I'm still impressed.  In the world of education, we call this "using, but confusing."  For two years and three and a half months, I'll take it!

Daddy, His Little Boy, and Their Tools

Today, Jack and Daddy spent lots of time together.  And because I'll be at a fabulous photography workshop tomorrow partly hosted by Amber from Little Moon Photography, they'll be spending lots of time together then, too.  I always love to hear how their time together goes when I'm not around, but really, I love to watch it in person.  Like, today.  Today Brad got a new tool, and Jack was loving it:)  See for yourself!

Absolutely adorable, no?!

Puppy Dog Days

Wednesday after work, Aunt Jessica and the latest addition to our growing family came to visit.  That latest addition happens to be an adorable puppy named Clash.  For the short time they were over here, there was constant movement from all the little friends he had to play with, including Jack, Belle, and Gracie.  I had forgotten how much energy puppies really do have and exactly how much they love to nibble on EVERYTHING.  Even constantly-moving two year-old boys:)  See for yourself how cute and snuggly he is!

Clash loved Jack very much

But Jack and the puppies weren't quite sure how they felt, so they ran to Daddy for protection

(Note: Did anyone else notice how thrilled Gracie looks?  I think she was rather worried that he might have been staying.  Also, the boots.)

Maybe you can't tell, but Clash has Woody's hat in this picture.  I'm sure you can imagine the near-heart attack that Jack had when this happened...

Clash in action

Smiley

What a sweet, lovable puppy you and Jimmy have, Aunt Jess!  We are so happy for you:)

Thankful Thursday

Today, I am thankful for...

...adorable two year-old boys who call to their mommies that they have to go potty first thing in the morning, realize that their pull-up didn't stay dry overnight, softly say, "It's okay; sometimes it happens" just like their mommies, and then proceed to go pee pee while announcing, "I'm pushing...it's working."  I don't know if there is a better way to start your day.  Seriously.

...the women that finally took off my braces today and the wonderfully, smooth feeling that I get when I run my tongue across the front of my teeth.  Oh, how I've missed that!

...Cuddlebug, who somehow is indestructible, and survived a near fatal accident involving her stealing a piece of very rich, very chocolatey chocolate cake just hours after having been freed from punishment for stealing Jack's blueberry muffin breakfast.

...the Sterling Park neighborhood that helped us find dear Buddah.  Did I tell you we found Buddah?!?!

...Jack, who just this afternoon during pick-up dropped Woody's hat onto the floor of the Jeep, and then very promptly spouted off, "What's a cowboy without his hat?"  Straight from Toy Story 2, I tell you.  Inflection and all.

...Toy Story 3, for being released on November 2nd and saving me from a hell place where I only watch Toy Story and Toy Story 2 on TV during Jack's every waking moment.

...my hubby, who very adorably ordered my Amazon.com shopping cart items that I've been saving since Fall 2005.  No, I'm not kidding.

...my little man, who spotted a man painting the gate this afternoon on our way home and clearly said, "Mommy, that man is painting."  The way an adult would say it.  Complete sentence; nonchalant.  I love it!

...Motrin, for allowing me to get through the braces-removal process without crying like an eight year-old girl.

...City Cash because I love new clothes from NY & Co, and I have something to look forward to.

...the smooth feeling on the front of my teeth.  Did I mention the smooth feeling on the front of my teeth?

Can I come with you?

This is Jack's new phrase - "Can I come with you?"  It was really cute the first several times he said it, but it's been a very LONG day, and it's getting to be a bit much.

He's getting over a little bug - so I understand that he doesn't necessarily feel like his usual self, but my goodness...it has been a trying day.  It started this morning when I left to go shoe-shopping with my mom and Aunt Kathy.  Jack followed me to the door, big, splashy tears streaming down his face, crying, "Can I come with you?!"  I felt so bad.  I figured that it would get better after I actually left.

But it didn't.  He didn't really want to play with Daddy today, so he hung out by himself and actually fell asleep in the middle of the family room floor.  He's never fallen asleep randomly like that before, but it sure sent his naptime into a tail-spin.  In other words - he didn't nap.  Not good for a two year-old who's feeling under the weather. 

Ever since I went in to get him up from his nap, he's been following me around, asking, "Can I come with you?"

I wanted to go to the bathroom.  "Can I come too?"  Sure.

I tried to take something downstairs.  "Can I come with you, Mommy?"  Of course.

I tried to refill his juice.  "Can I help you too?"  No problem.

Literally, every small step I've taken today, Jack has been less than 1/2 a foot behind me. 

Patience is a virtue.  Patience is a virtue.  Here he comes now.  So please, if you're going on vacation...

Can I come with you?!