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?