Just Jack

I honestly cannot keep up with the adorableness that abounds from Jack each day.  Don't get me wrong - him building independence is still challenging, and we definitely still have our behavior issues, but my goodness - he just says the cutest things.  This might be a long post - I've fallen a few days behind for a couple of super-cute reasons:)

{Yes - they are my reasons}

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Belle likes to eat Jack's food, but Gracie prefers Jack's small toys.  The other day, Jack found Gracie happily chewing on a tiny Bullseye toy.  He promptly took care of the situation, directing her to "get in the crate."  When Belle followed Gracie into their crate, he responded with, "Oh, Cuddlebug, you're not in trouble.  I'm sorry - I didn't mean to scare you!"  Belle does not like to be without Gracie, so she wouldn't come out of the crate.  Jack came up to me and said, "Mommy, she won't come out of the crate but she didn't do anything wrong..."

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One night before bed, Jack wanted us to call Grandma and Grandpa to ask them to come over the next day.  When we tried to explain that it was late and we'd call in the morning because Grandpa was already sleeping, we could see the wheels begin to turn.  Jack's response: "Well, call Grandma.  She's awake."

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At the beginning of last school year, I happened to learn a little bit about an animal I'd never heard of before - an animal called the aye-aye.  Literally, I'd gone 30 years without ever hearing of it.  But my precious three year old can tell you all about the aye-aye, thanks to the nature shows he watches with his daddy.  He'll explain that they take their long finger and stick it in the hole in the tree, and then they eat the bugs all up.  He can even act it out:)

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The other night, while taking a shower with Daddy, Jack got water in his eyes.  Which he hates.  A lot.  From the bathroom, I listened to Daddy try to explain that it would be okay.  Then I heard Jack say, "But you don't understand."  My jaw dropped - I seriously thought that was a teenager phrase we wouldn't hear for many years to come, but clearly, no such luck.

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Upset that Grandma didn't put his cars in their "proper" racing positions, he told her, "Please don't do that EVER again, Grandma."  (A phrase he's heard us use when trying to keep him safe from physical harm.)

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Jack constantly dresses up in his Spiderman pajamas and Spiderman sandals and declares that, "he's actually spectacular Spiderman."  I knew he was a little obsessed - I just didn't realize HOW obsessed until the other night in his sleep, I heard him over the monitor loud and clear.  "Spiderman," he mumbled.  Completely. in. his. sleep.

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His newest phrase is, "Mommy/Daddy, I've got a problem for you."  Then he'll proceed to tell you about something or ask something that really isn't a problem at all:)

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Jack's sock seams have to be perfect on his feet, or else we have serious problems for the day.  One morning after trying several times and becoming more and more frustrated, he told me that they were "tricky socks" and asked for help.

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Last night while the four of us were snuggling in Jack's bed at bedtime, I had Hannah on Jack's chest to say good night.  She was a little fussy because she wanted to eat, and when she cried out, her adorable big brother assured her, "I know Hannah...I have to go to sleep too."  Clearly, he thought she was rather sad about having to get ready for bed.  How sweet is that?

Then, just this morning, Hannah was in the swing.  When she started to stir and make a little noise, I watched Jack rush over and try to soothe her.  He fixed her blanket, and whispered to her, "It's okay, Hannah.  You're alright.  I'm right here."  Man, I love that boy!

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One of Jack's toys broke the other day, and unfortunately, it's not one that can be fixed.  When we both tried to explain that it couldn't be fixed and Daddy made a sad face and said that he was sorry about the toy being broken, Jack wasn't ready to give up.  As he walked away with the broken parts, he said, "Maybe some glue will fix it," like it hadn't already occurred to us had that been a viable option:)  Super-cute, but also broke my heart a little bit.  I hate to see him disappointed.

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During a play-day with Daddy, Jack had a plan.  "First we'll take a nap, and then we'll play for two hours and two minutes.  Okay, Daddy?!"  He's nothing if not precise.

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Along with "why?" Jack also asks lots of other questions, like, "Wasn't that gross?  Isn't that serious?  Isn't that silly?"

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"Let's kiss!" Jack exclaimed to me after I'd asked him for kisses and he was too busy playing.  A few minutes later, he came up to me, determined to get some love:)  And that he did.

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Last Thursday, this is the precious message I got on Jack's daily sheet from school:
     Our Jack is growing up to be such a sweet young man.  Today he helped his young friends sing the lunch time song as well as the steps that go with it.  Jack always puts a smile on everyone!

This mama's heart just beamed, I can't even tell you.

All in a Day's Work

Remember how I mentioned that keeping up with Jack and the adorable things he comes up with is nearly impossible?  Yeah, all of these things I'm about to share with you - they all happened today.  And today was a school day for Jack, so he wasn't even with me all day:)  Just imagine...

*It started like this:

This is exactly how Jack laid out his pajamas after taking them off to put on his swim trunks for Water Day at school.  I was under strict orders to not put them in the hamper because when he got home, he was "going to be Woody."  Does this remind you of anything?!  I'm noticing a pattern.

*After I dropped Jack off at school, I came home and started to put some laundry away.  When I walked into Jack's room, this is what I found:

Now - I was NOT surprised by the tortoise.  We've had the tortoise for a few weeks; his name is Tuck.  Jack really loves Tuck, and he especially loves the fact that he's allowed to touch and hold Tuck occasionally.  But, if you notice Tuck's sand, you'll notice that it appears as though he went sliding or skating.  Maybe you don't know a lot about tortoises, but I can assure you that they DO NOT slide and/or skate.  So someone (I'm not naming any names) must've taken Tuck and slid him through the sand all on his own.  And then kindly placed him on top of his lettuce (you know, so he can eat).  How kind of that someone...

*This evening, Jack and I made a quick stop at the grocery store for some orange juice, milk, and carrot cake (I'll explain the cake later).  Jack loves to ride around in the shopping carts that are also cars, and as he climbed in, he looked back at me and said, "Hey Mama, maybe {insert Baby Girl's name here} can ride in here with me."  I think he really is understanding this whole other person situation he's about to encounter.  Although we did talk about how we'd have to wait for her to get a little bit bigger.  I hope that when she's big enough to ride, Jack will still be small enough to fit in there with her because that will just be the cutest thing in the world.

*After dinner, Jack wanted a piece of carrot cake.  It was his idea to get the cake at the store, which surprised me because he doesn't really like sweets unless it's Oreos, Chips Ahoy, or gummy bears.  But I love carrot cake, and it was only a single layer cake, so I figured we'd give it a go.  Sure enough, he ate nearly an entire piece of carrot cake, and the funniest part was that before he'd take a bit, he'd close his eyes and slowly eat the bite.  Like he was savoring and fully enjoying every last bite - pretty much, the way I eat anything I absolutely love:)  I tried to get the video camera, but I just couldn't move fast enough to catch it.  But trust me when I say - it was absolutely to die for.

*While I was filling up the bathtub and Jack was supposed to be getting undressed and going to the bathroom, this is apparently what he was doing:

*And finally, during our bath tonight, I noticed Jack was repeating some of the lines from One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish.  He was filling a cup with water and pretending to put fish inside of it, and he was saying something about wishing for fish.  So, trying to be cool, I said something like, "Are you wishing for fish on your ish wish dish?"  (Straight from the book, mind you - I didn't make it up.)  Do you know what Jack said?  Jack said, "Mommy, it's just a blue cup."  Well, excuse me.

And that's just one day:)  I wonder what tomorrow has in store...

A Revelation of Sorts

We've recently purchased some storybooks that are centered around being a big brother and adding a new baby to the family to help Jack with his upcoming transition.  I'd love for it to go as smoothly as possible, and this is one of the ways I could think of, especially since Jack loves books as much as he does.

Tonight before bed, Jack chose to read this book:

When we came to these pages, and I read the part about Papa Bear, Mama Bear, and Small Bear, Jack proudly pointed to the illustrations, explaining, "That's Daddy, and that's you, Mama, and that's Jack," just like I've done many times before...

only this time we were interrupted by Daddy (whom I often refer to as Papa Bear, by the way).  

You see, apparently Brad had this book as a small child.  And he was also read this book before his sister Jessica was born.  So when Jack went rattling off the characters and how they matched up to our family, Brad nearly corrected him to say that no, in fact, Small Bear was actually him.  And then he realized that he was, indeed, the Papa bear, gave a little chuckle, and filled me in on everything he'd just realized.  

I laughed so hard I cried.  Which made Jack laugh, and exclaim that, "Daddy's silly!"  And then, in all seriousness, Jack looked at Brad and said, "You're an old bear."

And I laughed so hard I cried some more.  I love story time with my boys - definitely never a dull moment!

Be Still My Little Heart

This is the conversation that occurred between me and Jack this morning on our way to SoccerTots:

Jack: Can I wear my hat into SoccerTots?  Would that be okay?

Me: Of course, Sweetheart.

Jack: (after a moment of quiet contemplation)  You make me happy, Mama.


Little Man, you will never know exactly how happy you make me on a daily basis.  You are my sunshine, and Mama loves you!

Just Jack...Recently

I can't believe our little man is almost three years old - the time goes by way too fast.  I wish I could push pause...  Here are some of his latest sayings and doings that I want to remember always:

* Jack says "of course" all the time.  It's the cutest thing ever because he very clearly says it with my inflection, but if I ask him if he'd like a cookie or some more milk for example, he'll go, "Of course."  I can't get enough...

* He's constantly saying "watch me," or "look at me, Mama."  He loves to show off and wants to make us proud - he always succeeds:)

* He also says "Because, because, because..." in response to most questions.  I guess he just repeats it so many times to think of the real answer, but it's pretty darn cute either way.

* He can put puzzles together like a mad man.  I'm super impressed, but you'll have to take my word for it because while I thought of videotaping it, you'd probably fall asleep watching a video of someone else's kid putting together a puzzle.  You're welcome:)

* He still loves to snuggle.  Thankyouthankyouthankyou!

* After a trip to the reservoir to release a box turtle with Daddy, Jack was picking up rocks.  When Daddy asked him if he could put the rock down, Jack replied, "No, because because because I'm going to give it to Mommy and she'll love it forever and ever."  He then proceeded to pick up other rocks, but Daddy was able to convince him I'd only need one.  And so this very normal, every day rock is now a staple in my nightstand:)

* While he knows that Mommy is having a baby girl and he's going to be a big brother to a little sister, Jack is still convinced that he's having a boy.  This could be tricky...

* Jack is still learning how to conjugate the verb "do."  For example, one afternoon, he was telling me that Cuddlebug wanted to come into the bathroom with him, and I was trying to explain that she didn't want to.  He replied, "I think she doos."  I did correct him by saying, "You think she does?" but it's still the cutest thing under the sun.

* He compliments me, and my heart melts every time he does it:)  The other morning I came out of the bathroom from doing my makeup, and he said, "Oh Mommy you have your flower shirt on.  It's so pretty!"  This past weekend, as I was putting it into the washing machine, he asked, "Is that your flower shirt, Mommy?"  I think he's got the memory of an elephant...

*  He has very skilled negotiating skills.  In other words - I'm in trouble.  The other morning as we were preparing for SoccerTots, Jack asked if he could have some Oreos (this is at 9 am).  When I said no, he explained, "Okay, well we'll just take them in the car and then after SoccerTots we'll have a snack and we can eat them in the car.  I think that would be good idea, Mama."

Oh, we love him so much!

My Little Helper

Today when I picked Jack up from school, I noticed on his daily sheet that it said he was a great helper.  On the way home, I asked him about it:

Me: Jack, were you a good helper today at school?

Jack: I helped pass out the napkins (is what I thought I heard).

Me: You passed out the napkins?!  That's great!

Jack: No, I didn't help pass out the napkins.  Taylor passed out the napkins.

Me: Oh.  What did you do then? (expecting something like, "I passed out the cups," or "I helped clean up."

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Jack: I ate cookies.

Lovely.  Perhaps his teachers were mistaken.

They Say the Darndest Things...

Jack and Daddy spent lots of extra time together this weekend since I was so sick.  Daddy showed Jack how to use his "man toys" to build the shelving units for our storage room.  While Jack was busy working away, Brad apparently had a reflective moment, thinking about how he'd thought he'd have two boys to build with one day and said, "I thought I was going to get to do this all over again, Buddy."

Jack quickly looked up from his work saying, "It's okay, Daddy.  We'll do it again another time."

Brought tears to Daddy's eyes, that one did:)

Out of the Mouth of Jack

"Mama, you are my best friend I ever saw!" he exclaimed as I was in the bathroom the other morning and Jack was visiting.  Seriously, the little man brought tears to my eyes.  Is that not the sweetest thing?!

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"He'll be so impressed!" he confirmed after I told him that Daddy would be so proud he ate all of his bread after church on Sunday.  What a vocabulary!

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Let's just say that while little eyes are always watching, little ears are always listening.  On occasion (twice this past weekend!) I've heard Baby Jack utter some words in frustration that I'd rather he not know.  Or say.  Mommy and Daddy have to be so, so careful these days because both instances were very clear, very expressive, and very appropriately used.  If it were at all appropriate for a toddler to swear.  Ouch.  Must work on this one.  Thank goodness that he couldn't see my reaction because surely that would have inadvertently encouraged these utterances.

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"Oh, that will be so fun!" he gasps while putting his hands up to his little cheeks and widening his eyes to near-saucer size.  Jack says this to any plans of ours that I share with him.  Precious.

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"Really?!  Really, really?"  he asks excitedly if what we're about to do excites him so much I think he might burst. 

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I couldn't possibly love this kid anymore than I already do.  My little heart might just explode out of my chest:)

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!

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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.

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...

Boots

So, in an attempt to allow Jack's calluses to heal, I hid the boots. For the majority of the day Thursday, this is what I heard:

"Boots, where arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrre you?!"

or

"Where my boots go?" (with his little arms up in a questioning stance)

It was literally breaking my heart.  I caved - I just couldn't take his sad little face anymore.  He was so elated to be reunited with his Toy Story boots:)

He might just have to have a worker's hands when he gets older!

Some Pinot, Please

I have two quick, funny stories for you today regarding my little man.

*Last night, Grammy came over to join me and Jack for dinner.  I asked her if she wanted anything to drink, and here's how our conversation went:

Me: Would you like something to drink?

Grammy: Sure - what do you have?

Me: Soda, Juice, Wine...

Grammy: I'll have some wine.

Me: Would you like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio?

Grammy: Oooh, I'll have some Pinot.

Jack (while playing on the floor in the kitchen nearby): I'll have some Pinot.

Note - Jack DID NOT, in fact, have some Pinot.  But nice try, Bud.

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*I left a watered-down cup of Coke in the office yesterday after reading my mommy blogs during Jack's nap.  When he woke up, he found my glass.  Here's how that went:

Jack: This is Mommy's juice.

Me: Yes, that's Mommy's juice.

Jack (licking his lips): I want some please.

Me: Okay, just a little sip.

Jack (his first taste of soda EVER): Just a little sip.

Jack takes a very teeny, tiny sip, smacks his lips, gives me the biggest grin, and says, "I like this juice."

Out of the Mouth of Jack

Here's just a few of the wonderful and adorably cute things I've heard Jack say just this week:

• "You wanna piece of me!" - as he chases Belle back and forth across the house.  Thankyouverymuch, Toy Story:)

• After napping in Mama's bed, Gracie decided she wanted some snuggle-time with me, and Jack thought she got a little too close.  So he smooshed himself inbetween me and her, nuzzling his face in Gracie's fur.  With big, blue eyes and a serious face, he looks up at me, and says, "I love her." (melt.my.heart.)

• This morning, while getting dressed, I decided on a pair of green shorts, when Jack announced, "It's cute."  My first compliment from my precious son:)

Oh, I love him! 

Out of the Mouth of Jack

Here's just a few of my favorite things that have come out of Jack's mouth recently:

• "Sticky" - Jack says "sticky" whenever anything a tad bit messy somehow lands on him, be it dinner, lotion, urine, or sand.  As of yet, I've been unable to catch the facial expression that accompanies this saying on camera, but I'm not giving up.

• "There's a boy in there, Mama" - This is what Jack says when he catches his reflection in the oven door.  To.  Die.  For.

• "I NEED _____" - fill in the blank.  Jack has been saying, "I need it," or "I need this," constantly.  Just a few examples:
• "I need this lollipop." (referring to a treat he found before breakfast)
• "I need this Buzz." (referring to any book, moving, clothing, or toy that has anything to do with Toy Story whatsoever)
• I need this car." (referring to a set of Hot Wheels cars lurking at a checkout aisle - mind you, they look exactly like the other 145 Hot Wheels cars we already have at home)

I love listening to Jack learn to express himself.  We never know just what he's going to say next.  Hopefully, I'll be able to catch some really great video of the above examples.  I'm on a mission!