Merry Christmas...

The wrappings are thrown, the ribbons stored and the memories made. Merry Christmas! A few special moments and then on to the video montage of Jack and his loot.

I had visions of Jack storming in our room at 5:30 am shouting "SANTA CAME!" The reality? I woke Jack up at 8:00 am...our early bird transformed to a sleepy head. Look here he still has Mr. Sandman's sand in his eyes!

He was wonderfully patient as we all took turns opening gifts...though I caught him sneaking Santa's leftover cookie during Pop Pop's turn. HA!

And then a few of those memories that one day will be funny (promise...) like Maddie removing the left hand of Jack's new fireman only to go back for the right hand a few hours later (Buster would have eaten the hand first but he was nursing a sore shoulder..) or the five times I had to put the Crown Roast back in the oven because it was still bloody red in the joints (literally). All in all it was a perfect holiday...good presents, good food and most importantly a GREAT family! Here's the montage...Pop Pop took all the good pictures and promises to send them. So forgive the grainy shots and enjoy!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Prelude to Christmas

Christmas is 95% anticipation. This was Jack's first Christmas at home. Besides visiting Santa, scoping out the tackiest Christmas lights and watching every Christmas movie suitable...we built up the anticipation with a few additional traditions.

Cookies

I was all set for an idyllic morning of cookie baking and decorating. Minni and Pop Pop were eager to join in...that is until I pulled out the Betty Crocker mix. WHAT? Not homemade? They exchanged those glances couples do when the wish to communicate telepathically. I pressed on citing all my reasons for using the mix...highest rated by Consumer Reports, fool-proof, I AM A WORKING MOM for Pete's sake. They graciously accepted all the reasons and the fun began. Thank you Minni for teaching me the proper way to "roll out" cookie dough. Good grief Betty! We used the traditional cut-outs of trees, snowman, stars, etc. and then Pop Pop got a little creative with the free hand...let's just say I don't think Rubbermaid will be making a mold for his "Jack Frost's side profile" cookie. However his rocket ship cookie was Jack's favorite (big surprise!) After 8-9 minutes those puppies were ready to cool off and get some cookie clothes on. Pop Pop took the decorating seriously remaining focused on his art. Minni claimed to be terrible at dressing cookies only to turn out the prettiest ones (which might say more about the rest of us than Minni's skill...hu-hmm), I proved to be a copy cat and Jack continued his streak of disdain for crafts and his love of sugar. He ate all the toppings while the rest of us decorated. After we all tried a cookie I ate some humble pie and promptly snuck out of the house to call Aunt Meg for her homemade sugar cookie recipe. Without as much as an "I told you so" Pop Pop and Jack helped me make (and eat) the homemade cookies the following day (much much better). Thanks Aunt Meg!

Oh Christmas Tree!

Our second new tradition. Decorating a tree four our friends outdoors. I dragged Minni and Pop Pop out in the frigid cold to string popcorn and cranberry garland while Jack and I made pine cone bird seed ornaments. We discovered that borderline burnt popcorn is rather difficult to work with. Like the sugar cookies I made a new batch of popcorn. Much better. Minni finished her string of garland first (not that it was a competition or anything!) Her reward was to pick the dinner venue for the evening. Pizza. Excellent choice. Jack impressed me as he hung all the ornaments. Limited by size only he hung the ornaments in varied heights and distances to create a rather aesthetically pleasing arrangement. He may have his father's arranger talent after all. We would have more garland but Minni and Pop Pop threatened to go on strike with only one demand (an outdoor fireplace or heat lamp...my choice!)

Christmas Eve

Jack's advent gift on this day was Reindeer food. We bravely ran out in the rain to spread it on the grass--ensuring Santa's sled pullers were fueled up for the ride up to the roof top! But before this we celebrated the birth of Jesus at our Parish's 4pm children's mass. Ninety percent of the time I am so proud of how articulate Jack is...understood by most. And then there are other times...such as in the middle of the Gospel when a hush falls over the parish and Jack says so clearly (and loudly) in a resolved voice, "I want to go home now!" I swear I saw a man's shoulders' shudder with laughter six pews up. Jack's other proclamation...after we returned from receiving the Holy Eucharist he sang out "My blessing has worn off! It is gone!" Oh my...if that isn't reason enough to return to church next Sunday...what is? The night rounded out with delicious nibbles, drinks, carols and family. Jack opened up his gifts from Uncle Robby, Aunt Meg and the kids...here he is with his awesome remote control Monster Truck. Daddy read us Night Before Christmas and tucked Jack into bed...with sugar plums dancing in his head! How could he sleep! The anticipation...isn't it enough to just sleigh you (groan!)

A Jack Attack?

Jack's teacher pulled Gary aside Wednesday to ask if anything was going on with Jack at home.  Hmm...there's a loaded question.  Apparently the sweet boy we all know, the one whose previous teacher said he would NEVER hurt another kid--hit, pushed, pulled, and bonked another kid on the head with a toy.  WHAT?!?!?  Shocked and confused we came together and had a "chat" with the boy.  We went as far as to roll play what you DO say when angry with another child.  We also recognized his sleep is all off and we have been on-the-go with business travel and holiday prepartions so we slowed down and had two wonderful nights at home and early bedtimes.   When he woke this morning he told me, "It is HARD to be patient."  Yes, Jack it certainly is.  His teacher said yesterday was perfect...old Jack was back.  Fingers crossed the same for today.  Did we just handle our first important discipline issue?  Is this what parenting a teenager is like--only times 100?  No more attacks, Jack.  Thank you.

First Hansel and Gretel...and then Jack

Gingerbread House

This morning Jack pulled not a toy or candy from his advent calendar but an activity to do with mommy--make a gingerbread house. He was a fantastic helper and together we created quite a decadent house. Of course he thought his biggest job was to TASTE the product. At one point when mom had removed all candy and icing from his reach he resorted to the only other way to get an icing fix...he lunged mouth first for the roof of our house. tsk, tsk. By the way...Minni and Pop Pop, I suggest you don't eat any of this gingerbread house when you come for your visit...just a friendly suggestion.


Here he is placing a dot of candy in each "square" of the roof-top. He even gave thought to alternating the colors once he saw that he had four blues in a row.

Towards the end he was so chock-full of both sugar and Christmas spirit that I was able to capture a moving (literally) rendition of Night Before Christmas.

Over the Hill and through the Woods to...

Jack, Gary and I want to give Grandma and Grandpa a BIG thank you for going over the hills and through several wrong turns to get to our home to take care of Jack last week while his Mom and Dad had out-of-town business trips! Jack thoroughly enjoyed his grandparents' unexpected visit (he especially enjoyed Grandpa giving him TWO ice creams with dinner the first night and then Grandma sharing chocolate cake the second night...) The grandparents proved to be super nanny's not being deterred one bit in the face of whining, picky eating, or even the most complicate set of remote controls ever created. The only kryptonite for these two were the gazillion stairs in this house. Sorry about the aching knees :(

Jack is blessed to have two sets of very loving grandparents that have helped us immensely this past year!!! THANK YOU! And now we get ready for Minni and Pop pop to come for Christmas!

Ho Ho Ho

Santa, Christmas lights, snow flurries and hot cocoa!!! What a wonderful time of the year. We had a fantastic weekend!

ZZZZzzzzzz....

Let's start with some very exciting news...Jack went to sleep all by himself without running out of his room! THANK YOU AUNT MARY! Between vacation and the most recent bout of pneumonia we gave up trying to teach Jack to stay in bed and fell into the very bad, albeit cozy habit of laying down with Jack in his bed until he fell asleep (which usually happend right after Dad or Mom fell asleep...shameful, I know.) Well, no more! I decided on Friday night we were going to tackle this once and for all. New twist. I added the flashlight and book option to the deal (Mary's idea). In addition to our tried-and-true bedtime routine, Jack now takes a flashlight and books in bed with him to look at after I kiss him goodnight AND LEAVE THE ROOM. And here's the kicker...it works! He STAYS in bed! (I hear trumpets playing in the far distance!) More importantly he falls asleep (like right away!)...oh Merry Christmas indeed!

Jolly Old Saint Nicholas

Santa made an appearance next door and Jack was invited. Gary and I were curious as to how he would "receive" Santa this year. Based on his exuberance for all the Disney characters we were prepared and had the camera set to sports mode...but apparently Jack understands Santa's power and respected Father Christmas. He approached him right away but once within inches of the snowy white beard he FROZE. He remained statuesque until said Mom and said Dad picked up said boy and placed him on Santa's lap. I think I heard Jack whisper his Christmas list...a fire truck, ladder truck, dump truck, armor truck and pickup truck. Good grief! Santa gave Jack a dry erase board with permanent marker. Alrighty then...I wonder if a Magic Eraser is going to be in my stocking from Santa this year. Thanks Santa ;)

A family photo with Santa and Mrs. Clause at our neighbor's house this past weekend.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Gary slaved on decorations this year and while his idea of elegance won out over my desire to decorate our lawn with every Christmas item sold at Gradinroad...I think in the end he may have had the better vision. Look how pretty it turned out. Simple and elegant. Just like him. The only item missing is SNOW...and you know what? We almost had it. Flurries danced from the heavens to earth in our own backyard Saturday morning. There is hope for a White Christmas in the South after all.

Yummy

I know there are some serious popcorn addicts in the family (yes, I am referring to you...Minni and Gary!) Looks like last night gave birth to one more. The Jackal devoured his first bowl of popcorn accompanied by hot cocoa. The popcorn wasn't the only first of the evening. Jack stayed up to watch his first Christmas TV special. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. He was very excited about the evening. We went up early for bath and pajamas. Jack loves him some bath time...but he was so excited about cocoa and movie that after only a moment in the comforting water he stood up and declared that he was ready for PJ's. He enjoyed the show...and I discovered that my husband who can remember nothing about his childhood could quote all the popular lines from this show. Jack's favorite line of the night was by Yukon Cornelius: "Didn't I ever tell you about bumbles (the Abominable Snowman)? Bumbles bounce!" So after ending the show with a 10-minute imitation of bouncing bumbles Jack slept soundly the entire night. Here's a picture of Jack before the show with his prized bowl of popped corn!

I am Thankful for a New Post

SORRY!
What is it they say about the road paved with good intentions? Oh never mind. It has been a month since the chronicles of Jack have been documented on the world wide web. I understand I got a few family members hooked on Jack's happenings and then abruptly caused some (who will go unmentioned) to go through withdrawals. I hear chocolate cake helps with those nasty withdrawal side effects :) My intent was not to avoid any permanent record of the month of November as it was a FANTASTIC month for Jack and family. I just couldn't fathom a new update until I got the Disney pictures and musings organized. Well clearly I still have to finish that but decided what the heck...let's just jump into current events ( I promise to soon post about Disney and the big 03 birthday!)


Gobble Gobble
Flexibility anyone? Tuesday afternoon Jack's school called asking us to come pick Jack up--he had a fever. Oh, he didn't look well when I arrived. By late afternoon we had a diagnosis of pneumonia and my mom was busy finding people to take turkey off her hands as she ordered a 19 pounder expecting Gary for dinner (HAHAHAHAHA!!!)

Determined that we would not spend Thanksgiving in the hospital Jack routinely yelled at his chest, "Pneumonia go away...you are not welcome for Turkey Day!" Okay, so I coached him a bit on this little poem ...but you never know the powers of self-healing. At the very least it was entertaining.



We pulled off a very nice last minute, stay-at-home holiday. Jack enjoyed the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade and did a rendition of the Rockettes with mom. He is a very high kicker, FYI. We saw all the grandparents via Skype and Jack even gobbled up a turkey leg. Well, licked it a few times is more accurate...but he had pneumonia for Pete's sake.

The Day After

I know, he doesn't look sick. But as the shoppers were sipping their Starbucks Eggnog Venti Lattes searching for sales at Macy's, Jack and I had the first appointment at the pediatrician's office as a follow up. While his fever is gone and he has more energy for sure the doctor heard the pneumonia in both lungs this time around. No x-ray needed. Treatment stays the same. A little double pneumonia didn't stop him from getting his jingle on. In between productive naps Jack helped Mommy and Daddy decorate for Christmas. He loves the tree and remembered the "one finger touch" rule created last year and used it ad nauseum as he touched each ornament multiple times...but always with one finger. Good grief. Fa la la la la...

Walt Disney World...Most Magical or Contagious

Happy Halloween

Ghosts and goblins and spooks, oh my. Astronauts and Spider man and the Postman, oh my! Jack went to our neighbor's Halloween party last night. They had the ever-popular bouncy house and Jack showed off his jumping skills winning the award for last man standing. Only the promise of a hot dog could lure him out of the red jumperoo. Here he is with his neighbors...spidey and the postman. Can you believe he still has the hat on? The rain moved us all into the garage. Jack enjoyed his hot dog and fruit kabobs!
The real fun was bobbing for donuts. The tasty pastries were hanging by a thread (literally) and the costumed creatures competed to see who could gobble up the sugar treat first. Of course the catch was"hands behind your back". Jack was what we call...determined...not to win, just to devour the donut. That he finally did with a bit of help! Tonight he happily wore his space suit again. Whew...I wondered if we weren't going to be hunting down a fireman jacket at the last minute. While posing for a pic by the pumpkin he uttered "Buzz Aldridge is a silly astronaut." (scratching head) He joined some neighbors and we learned for the first time just how hilly our neighborhood really is. After a dozen or so houses which equated to 300 some stairs (small exaggeration) he returned happy with his loot. On his way to bed the door bell rang. As I went to hand out candy Jack told his father "Sorry Dad I have to stop to watch the kids at the door." My favorite thing about Halloween too! Like mother like son. Happy Halloween (insert spooky music).

Monster Mash

Jack got a head start on Halloween last night. Check out his Monster Mash Montage.

Isn't Greed One of the Seven Sins?

Connect the Dots (and Popsicle greed)
Sunday we noticed Jack's eyebrow was red and swollen. Monday morning his cheeks matched. The doctor suspected the Tamiflu from last week. Benedryl and cold compresses are keeping him comfortable. We went back at 8am this morning for a flu shot and follow-up. The lead doctor came to see Jack and is not happy that Jack is now suspected to be allergic to three different meds. He said the rash looked Scarlet Fever like and did a strep test. The test came back negative and they are now doing the 48-hour one to be sure. He wanted it to be strep versus a medicine allergy. Pooh. Looks like allergy testing is in Jack's very near future. On the bright side our little boy showed great negotiating skills at the doc's today.

Jack to Doc: Maybe Jack can have a blue Popsicle? Please.

Doc: I think the nurse just gave you one, right?

Jack to Doc: That was for the strep test. Maybe now I can have one for the flu shot.

He did get it...and it was blue, too. He also took his shot and strep culture like a pro.


Daddy's Little Boy (and money hungry)
Jack is going through a very pronounced Daddy stage. It is doing wonders for mom's self-esteem. Every morning Jack wakes wanting his Daddy and upset that he is at work already. This week he has come up with some interesting alternatives to explain Daddy's whereabouts:

• Daddy isn't at work. He went to the bank to get Jack more money.
• Daddy isn't at work. He is at Giggles getting Jack a lot of new toys.
• Daddy isn't at work. He went to get Jack some more paint for my arty arty craft day.

Hmm...does anyone see a theme?

The Great Pumpkin Rises Again

For the second year in a row we attended the Stone Mountain Pumpkin Festival. It was a very chilly day, but fun was had by all. They were playing Ghost Busters when we first entered the park..Jack's new favorite song. We made quite an entrance with Jack screaming "Who you gonna call...GHOST BUSTERS!" Here's Jack with his backup singers. Jack and Daddy painted a pint-sized pumpkin. We learned that green paint mixed with purple paint equals ugly paint...sorry to the children following us as we didn't discover the water to clean the brush in between paint dips until too late. Oops. Jack enjoyed storytime at the gingerbread house. When we discussed the story again at dinner the part Jack remembered most was where ice cream was dished up with the apple pie. HA!

We took a ride, albeit a very slow ride on a train around the base of Stone Mountain. Jack learned a bit of physics...if the base of the train is 5 miles around and we are only going 5 miles an hour how LONG is this train ride of us staring at a block of stone going to last??? Joking aside Jack enjoyed riding a Diesel, even if he called it Thomas most of the time.

We ended the evening with hot chocolate and the laser/fireworks show. Grandpa would be pleased to know Jack bellowed "KABOOM" with every firework. Happy Autumn to all!

Where Art Thou Sleep?

I have heard stories all my life about my own love for sleep. About how I would fall asleep right at the dinner table...using the marinara sauce as my personal night cream. I remember when I first dated Gary 16 years ago how he would miss our 12pm Chinese Politics class because he overslept. So where did Jack's hatred of sleep come from? Which one of you who share our blood caused this? Fess up! HA! He has not been to sleep before 10:30 pm once this week! And to add insult to injury the other night during his nighttime ramblings I heard him declare...

"Maybe mommy could be pretty and wear a dress."

So as Jack says..."Good night. Sleep tight. Don't let the dump trucks bite."

Jack Feels Good

All Better?
Either Tamiflu is a miracle drug or Jack had a more mild virus than the flu...as he was fever free all day yesterday and through the night. He is off to school this morning. Thanks for all the well wishes (and invite to Hawaii!!)

101 Uses for Chopsticks
And we wonder why Jack is on the slim side...perhaps because dinner time is more frequently known as silly time around here. This is a re-enactment...as the original was not on film and included lots of impressive chopstick letters. HA!

Sick Jack

Jack came down with a fever last night at dinner. By the time we were putting him to bed it was 103 degrees. He typically runs a bit high, though. He slept long but restlessly. He asked to see one of his doctors (Dr Carol) around 3am in the morning. That is when I knew he was really sick. He also screamed out "Where is Minni and Poppop?" and calmed only when he learned they were with Grandma and Grandpa in Charlotte. At one point he told me that cupcakes do not have chicken bones but drumsticks and muffins do (I think we might have gone over 103 degrees at that point). We did see the doctor today and because of his high fever and his high risk as a preemie, recent pneumonia, and pint-size she prescribed Tamiflu. It is suppose to shorten the life of the flu and speed recovery dramatically. He has taken two doses thus far and was quite active around dinner time tonight. So much so that I am calling this the silly flu versus the swine flu. I am not sure if the Tamiflu can work that fast...but I am sure hoping so! He is in bed now with a fever hovering only around 100 degrees. Here's praying he has a good night!

Dr Suess Would Be So Proud...

or maybe not. Jack made a rhyme today. I had him re-enact it for the camera. He now delights in repeating this phrase in public....of course.

The Gym

Jack continued his love of Dr Seuss on the way to the gym. Oh yea...we signed him up for gymnastics since karate will have to wait another season :) We thought it a great idea to help him build more strength since he is no longer doing physical therapy. He attended the class a few weeks back as a trial. Oh boy...was it interesting. As you know Jack can become a bit over-stimulated in new environments with his desire to explore every nook and cranny. His Director at his school says it is a sign of intelligence...Jack must be a genius then because by the end of the gym class there was only one person huffing and puffing...ME...from chasing him all over the gym. Well, this time things were much different. I brought Daddy along for help :) Actually we have been saying "At gym you have to stay with the group" as a mantra for the last two weeks. It worked. Jack took off a few times but once we uttered that phrase he came back willingly. Phew. I was amazed at how in three weeks he has actually built some strength...the first time around he could not do a wheelbarrow. He just could not support his body weight with his arms. This time I walked him several feet in wheelbarrow mode. Last time he could hang from the rings for a second. This time he not only hung from the rings but pulled his knees up towards his chest and it lasted...well, three seconds! We have nine sessions to finish the year. So, what about the Dr Seuss comment??? The whole way to the gym Jack kept saying "I have a wocket in my pocket!" which considering the gymnastics class is made up of 100% girls (just this class by fluke)...I was growing a bit nervous with his comment. hee-hee. All was well. He is a preschooler after all.

Hi Ya!

Jack had a private assessment to determine his readiness for a tiny tigers Karate class. I have never wished for a video camera to fall out of the sky and into my lap more than I did during his audition. What were we thinking? He actually did VERY well! Though they encouraged us to come back in January to see if his "focus" is a bit more developed. I am not sure what they are talking about...unless it has something to do with the following random interruptions coming from Jack during the middle of his "focused" karate instruction (while the instructor was talking nonetheless!):

• Woa! The air conditioner just turned on...and I see a fan!
• You are my teacher and that guy is a teacher and that is my daddy and mommy...
• That green cone is a rocket ship...it could fly to space...
• I want to go pow on the bags now...

We knew it wasn't looking good when the very disciplined Karate instructor was repressing his own giggles and commented "Okay...you know a lot of words. Jack can you look at me?"

We were actually quite proud and he LOVED it. He followed their direction very well and watching Jack bow on command, stand tall, punch and kick on command (even when all the kicking caused his pants to fall down) was more than adorable. He had joy written all over his face the entire time. Like I said...wish a video camera had fallen from the sky!

Fireman Jack

Did you know our sitting room has been on fire for THREE WHOLE MONTHS! That is right. Each morning before school I play the role of "scared mommy" and Jack plays the dual role of "preschool hero" and "Fireman Jack". We have kidded since Jack was a baby that his love of fire was a sign of two things: paramonia or born fire fighter. The later seems to be more fitting. Roll that beautiful bean footage:


Did you notice the fire hat? We found it tonight at the costume store. It was a clear must-have, purchase. Jack brings a lovey to bed each night...usually a bear Minni gave him before he was even born...but last night the bear slept all alone on the floor...the Fire Hat was the chosen lovey and Jack fell asleep holding it close to his heart. All together now...awww. Of course a few minutes later I hear "Ow...it hit my face!"

Smile for the Camera

Picture Day
It is officially a tradition. Mom keeps finding ways to mess up picture day. Last year I forgot. consequence: Jack is easy to spot in the class photo...he is the disheveled one in play clothes. This year...I planned ahead. I even ordered the coolest dress shirt from littleboyschic for his pic. Except:

• I didn't complete the order. I caught my mistake on Sunday. I paid for the extra shipping...it is scheduled to be delivered this afternoon. Cruel world.
• Jack slept in to 8am for the first time ever. Why didn't I wake him up? I was in his bed sleeping too (oops!)
• The second to the top button of his shirt popped off. All he needs is a gold chain to complete the look now. Welcome Back, Kotter?
• I spritzed him in the eye while trying to style his hair. It was just a bit pink :)

There is always the 2010 school picture...

Does Anyone Know Someone or Something?

Lately it has been like a Family Circus cartoon in our house.

Dad: Who did you play with at school today?
Jack: Someone.
Dad: What is their name?
Jack: Someone.
Dad: Do you have a best friend at school.
Jack: Yes.
Dad: Who?
Jack: Someone.


Mom: What do you want for your snack today?
Jack: Something.
Mom: Apples with PB or Crackers and Cheese?
Jack: Something.


Jack: A policeman came to our class today.
Dad: What was his name?
Jack: Someone.
Dad: What did he do?
Jack: Something.

Dear Santa

Some little elves have begun inquiring about Jack's birthday/Christmas wishes. If you ask Jack he only requests a trip to Saturn...so Mom and Dad thought they would help "round" out his list with a few starter suggestions:

• Lego Sets (has firetruck)
• Wedgits Starter Set
• Dado Squares
• Supertructs
• Puzzles (25-100 pieces)
• Pretend play costumes
• Board Games
• Melissa and Doug Cookies
• PlayMobile Toys (has pony)
• Stomp Rocket Jr
• Toy Golf Set, Croquet, or Foam Horseshoe Set
• Any car/truck/vehicle that has a button on it and makes noise...HAHAHAHA!

Of course this list will be obsolete as of Jack's next trip down the Target Toy aisle ;)

Bedtime Excuses

As Jack continues to transition to his big boy bed...we have heard some interesting reasons why Jack can't go to sleep and Mommy and Daddy need to come back into his room!

• Mommy come in because I am getting in trouble! [Jack jumping on the bed]
• Mommy you need to go to bed too! Come in and sleep with Jack!
• Grandpa!!! Grandpa!!! [after calls for mommy and daddy had gone unanswered]
• There is a BEAR in my bed...he is under my covers.
• THE QUILT IS TOUCHING ME!
• I am not sleepy. I am not even tired.
• Jack needs to get out of here and run! [and so he does]
• I see a little light outside still. It's not my bedtime. NOT YET!

The Artist Gets a Haircut

The Haircut

Ah...Jack got the overdue haircut today. Handsome, isn't he?

The Artist
Jack has never been the arts and crafts type. So imagine how pleased I was to walk into his playroom and find him sitting at his desk with the Aquadoodle Grandma got him last year for his Birthday. He announced he was going to "draw something." This was his masterpiece.


Of course I asked what it was. Are you curious? Jack said, "It is a wall. A rectangular wall." Apparently he has my singing AND art skills (sorry!)

First Day of Primary Class

Jack's transitioning to the Big Boy Class. He moves up from the Montessori Toddler program to the primary class. He leaves those 1-3 year-old vultures--always swooping in and stealing his toys (his sentiment, not ours) to be with the 3-6 year-olds.

Jack's Morning
Jack wore his ridiculously priced, European skinny jeans and extra spiky hair this morning (to compensate for the haircut mommy never schedule that is desperately needed!) As we pulled into the school parking lot Jack cried out with disappointment and confusion, "This isn't the big boy class mommy...this is the same school!"

Jack's Day
Jack spent a little over an hour in the big boy class. Apparently he did just fine...a bit excited with all the newness and apparently he was not interested in the teacher's plan to count beads. I should have told her he prefers to count fire alarms! When they came to take him back to the Toddler class he did not go willingly. I suppose this is a good sign?

After School
Jack reports that he spent "a little time" in the big boy class. That he likes their puzzles. And, he doesn't want to go back to his old class. He goes again tomorrow...perhaps a little longer?

Hot Housing?

While other toddlers are busy learning a second language I thought you might want to see what we are spending our time teaching Jack.

Jack and the Bean Pole

Big Boy Jack
Jack made it through most of the night in his new bed. Twice he woke crying...poor guy didn't know what to do waking to all the wide open space. Both times he was easy to soothe back to sleep. Nap time went perfect! Whew.

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Ode to the Skinny Jean
On another note we went jean shopping today. Being 38.5" and 27 lbs has him two inches too tall for 2T and about 10lbs too small for 3T. So we have to choose...butt pockets stretching to the front or Michael Jackson style highwaters. Thank goodness the Europeans are still obsessed with skinny jeans (or are they just skinny people.) We found two brands that will work for now. Of course why jeans with LESS material cost MORE is beyond me...is it bad I am hoping he doesn't grow any taller at least until spring.

Moving On Up...To the Big Bed...

Another milestone achieved. Jack said goodbye to his proverbial and literal crib of the last three years. At 4:30am this morning Jack came into bed with Mom, and Dad dismantled the crib and removed all traces of baby Jack's nursery before leaving for work. Jack and Mommy woke at 6:30 am to an empty baby room. Taking Jack into his empty room could have gone a few different ways. Of course I feared some Llama Drama...Terms Of Endearment grieving moment (from me...not Jack.) But we both handled it brilliantly. Jack reasoned immediately what this could mean (no, not repo time)...BIG BOY BED time!

Daddy and I finished up with work a few hours early in order to get the room ready for the BIG REVEAL! We still have to paint, hang wall coverings, purchase new window treatments and a new chair...but the bones are in place. Take a look.

BEFORE





AFTER





So, what did Jack think? Here's the vid from THE REVEAL.



Clearly Jack loves it. But I know what you are thinking...at least what my mom is thinking...what happened at bedtime. Here's our first good sign. It is 10:32pm and I am with all of you at the computer. Surprised? Well, I didn't say I was here without battle scars. It was a mixture of cunning parental strategy, sheer perseverance and a stroke of good luck. All was looking real good until Jack actually confronted the bed. Our first hurdle was to figure out what "THE BED IS RUINED...GET IT OFF!" meant. We finally figured out that Jack loves his quilt so much (did you notice in the video how he called earth home...HAHAHAHA!) that the sheet, blanket and comforter were all in the way of a cuddle session with the quilt. So after removing the ever-so-tedious sheet, blanket and comforter Jack snuggled up for his bedtime stories and all looked good again. After four books, bedtime prayer, a prince Jack story and two lullabies (yes, I indulged a bit) we kissed, turned out the lights and I ran like he** in hopes of avoiding any last minute negotiations. HA! How long do you think it took before Jack was out of bed and in our bedroom...


How long is an actual Nano Second???


We had heard the war stories from the front line of those that have gone before us...we anticipated some bedtime wrangling. If you know me, you know I researched every "expert" opinion on "transitioning" to the big bed. Our strategy was "Do Not Engage". The theory is that he will become bored by our lack of engagement and quit getting out of bed and go to sleep. So, when he ran out of his room we picked him up without words or even eye contact...and placed him lovingly back into bed. We are not completely stupid. We have seen Super Nanny. We didn't think it would work right away. We took bets. Gary bet that after repeating this 17 times Jack would be asleep. My optimistic husband...I love him so. I bet 35 times. I don't know how many it actually was but somewhere close to 50 we decided this wasn't working. Maybe we are stupid. HA! It seemed we had created some sort of Jack Ping Pong game and he was now as hyped up as a kid on candy at Disney World the day before Christmas. Plan B. I scooped him up, sat in the old rocker, sang another lullaby and waited until he calmed down...put him in bed and left. He chatted to himself for a few and then drifted of to sleep! EUREKA!!!

Now...will he stay in bed all night? Bets?

3, 2, 1...BLASTOFF

Daddy is back from his business trip to D.C. Jack and Mommy are VERY happy. He came bearing gifts. All for Jack (ah hem....) The big present was Jack's Halloween costume. The space obsession continues...

Christmas Starts NOW!

Jack and Mommy went to Pikes today and bought some Mums to welcome in Fall. While there Jack spotted the Christmas display. It wasn't too difficult as it took up half the indoor retail space. I mumbled how Christmas starts earlier and earlier every year...and then realized that just makes me sound like an old fart! So we decided while welcoming Fall we would also give a nod to the upcoming Christmas season. Jack tried on Christmas hats and while Mommy wasn't looking stuffed a stocking full of plants. Mommy then unstuffed the stocking (Scrooge!) We capped our 'Christmas Starts Now' evening off with our favorite Christmas song. I even caught it (well most of it) on video. And I promise no more Christmas talk until at least November :)

Hi! I'm Jack. What's Your Name?

As scrapbooking was a stretch of my limited creative skills and his journal has no spellcheck, we have decided to enter the world of blogs. Jack's blog is written by his adoring parents (mostly "The Mom" with "The Dad" serving as ghost writer and censor.) It is written for our family, friends and Jack himself (as we no longer trust our aging minds to remember his childhood for him!) We caught Jack practicing introducing himself awhile back, as we woke in the middle of the night to "Hi I am Prince Jack what is your name?" being repeated with different inflections for upwards of thirty minutes. He has since dropped the "Prince" and begun to repeat this phrase to numerous strangers when out and about (mostly when they are not paying attention. HA!) I thought it fitting for this to be the title of Jack's first blog. Stay tuned as we chronicle our little boy's childhood days.