Random Summer Events:
Earlier this month, we went to Georgia to see my brother, my parents and Mandy and Jake's house progress. Geoff was amazing with the boys (buying them little gifts, but not letting them get away with any nonsense). My poor parents took us to the Georgia Aquarium where I informed them "you cannot sit down", after losing both boys within the first few minutes of being there.
While we were there, we realized that there were no penguins. My brother, Geoff asked every worker (especially the cute girls) if we could see them and we got escorted back into a hallway where the penguins are kept until their new habitat i finished. It was very exciting!!
The beluga whales were mesmerizing and we got to eat lunch watching them swim back and forth. The boys were enamored with their poop.
Mandy and Jake's house is still coming along slowly! She's getting frustrated with the tiny details at this point but I am sure that means their move-in date is getting that much closer.
Two weeks ago, Miles had an amazing beach trip with Ella, Judi, Memomma, Jerri and Jane (the only reports I got of others was "Uncle Richard made pancakes" and "Keller plays drums"). They went to the park, played at Jerri's house, went to the condo adn the beach, visited Sam's Fun City (the amusement park), hardly napped and had a late bedtime (a preschoolers dream come true). He had a great time and I don't think he missed us for one second that he was gone. He had a busted lip and skinned knees when he got back because "the kwonkwete won". For days after the trip, Miles kept telling me how much he loves and and would cuddle up to me. It's great having him back.
Judi showed me video of Miles running and jumping into the pool and then swimming with his face in the water until he runs out of breath!! He was so proud and was telling me all about it when he got home. Then he said, "But you and Daddy didn't get to see me do it so next time you have to come with me to the beach".
Will didn't seem to miss Miles too much while he was gone. I think he enjoyed having all the toys to himself. But whenever we got in the car to go somewhere he would look over at Miles' empty seat and say, "Mo". That's when I realized that that's how he says 'Miles'. It's so cute!!
I will post pictures when I can get copies!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Miles is Cat./Will is a Dog
I've decided that Miles is a cat and Will is a dog. Will is just as content as could be (until someone takes his bone). Miles, on the other hand is a little more quirky! He sleeps with Bubba and Big Old Dog (using BOD as a pillow). This morning he told me that he has to tuck Big Old Dog's arms under because if he doesn't they bother him. Then at naptime, he turned Big Old Dog around, over, and upside down until he was just perfect. Then Miles laid his head down and twisted and fidgeted and squirmed until at last he was perfectly settled. Then he said, "Soft me" ... just that simple. (Softing is that soft scratching that people like as they fall asleep).
Miles doesn't like fruit in his yogurt. He prefers things not too hot but not too cold. He wants "lots of water" added to his juice cup. He doesn't like sleeves (I'm hoping it's a seasonal thing). When he wears his Buzz Lightyear costume, he wants the pants legs "twisted" but not twisted too much. Even with all those preferences, he's still the cutest 3 year old in the world! He loves to "plus" (i.e. "Mommy, if you take one dog plus and two kittens, what does that plus" and "if I eat two bites of peas and three blueberries, what does that plus"?) and he always gets the math right!
Last week at nap time, Miles and I were reading a book and I asked him, "What do you want to be when you grow up"? He thought for a minute and then grinned and said, "When I grow up, I'm going to be a Daddy like my Daddy". He's very aware of "big boy" vs "little boy" stuff right now and can't wait to be a full-fledged big boy!! At a playgroup last week, a boy called he and his friend "babies" and Miles was offended beyond description.
Will is really into training Jessie (by the way, our dog was 'Molly' for about a week and is now officially 'Jessie'). The problem is, he is still pretty nervous around her. But he'll grab a treat to give her and just shiver with fear, blinking his eyes as she dances all around waiting for it!
Will can say lots of words these days (about time, right): Buzz, Jessie, juice, paci, panda, cheese (for pictures and snacks), and especially Memomma ... Jake's mom, Judi (Mimi JuJu) tried all day when she kept them this past week, to get him to say, "Mimi JuJu" but of course he thought it was hilarious to refuse and only say, "Memomma". Last week when we went to visit Memomma after her knee surgery, I told Will to 'tell Memomma bye-bye' and he said, "Bye Me Bye Momma" and it was one of those moments when you children are so precious you think they really are an angel!
Will is a dancing machine! If a song comes on, he will be rocking out to it in no time ... it's pretty phenomenal. If I can figure out how to post a video you can see for yourself.
Finally, this summer, Miles has re-named us all. Miles is Buzz Lightyear (of course). Jake is Zurg. I am Woody. Will is Mr. Potato Head. The names come out around the time Jake gets home from work. Then it's "game on" and Miles is ready to wrestle Zurg. Jessie and Mr. Potato Head jump in but Mr. Potato head giggles so hard, he can't really do much damage right now. Woody just kicks back and watches.
Miles doesn't like fruit in his yogurt. He prefers things not too hot but not too cold. He wants "lots of water" added to his juice cup. He doesn't like sleeves (I'm hoping it's a seasonal thing). When he wears his Buzz Lightyear costume, he wants the pants legs "twisted" but not twisted too much. Even with all those preferences, he's still the cutest 3 year old in the world! He loves to "plus" (i.e. "Mommy, if you take one dog plus and two kittens, what does that plus" and "if I eat two bites of peas and three blueberries, what does that plus"?) and he always gets the math right!
Last week at nap time, Miles and I were reading a book and I asked him, "What do you want to be when you grow up"? He thought for a minute and then grinned and said, "When I grow up, I'm going to be a Daddy like my Daddy". He's very aware of "big boy" vs "little boy" stuff right now and can't wait to be a full-fledged big boy!! At a playgroup last week, a boy called he and his friend "babies" and Miles was offended beyond description.
Will is really into training Jessie (by the way, our dog was 'Molly' for about a week and is now officially 'Jessie'). The problem is, he is still pretty nervous around her. But he'll grab a treat to give her and just shiver with fear, blinking his eyes as she dances all around waiting for it!
Will can say lots of words these days (about time, right): Buzz, Jessie, juice, paci, panda, cheese (for pictures and snacks), and especially Memomma ... Jake's mom, Judi (Mimi JuJu) tried all day when she kept them this past week, to get him to say, "Mimi JuJu" but of course he thought it was hilarious to refuse and only say, "Memomma". Last week when we went to visit Memomma after her knee surgery, I told Will to 'tell Memomma bye-bye' and he said, "Bye Me Bye Momma" and it was one of those moments when you children are so precious you think they really are an angel!
Will is a dancing machine! If a song comes on, he will be rocking out to it in no time ... it's pretty phenomenal. If I can figure out how to post a video you can see for yourself.
Finally, this summer, Miles has re-named us all. Miles is Buzz Lightyear (of course). Jake is Zurg. I am Woody. Will is Mr. Potato Head. The names come out around the time Jake gets home from work. Then it's "game on" and Miles is ready to wrestle Zurg. Jessie and Mr. Potato Head jump in but Mr. Potato head giggles so hard, he can't really do much damage right now. Woody just kicks back and watches.
Monday, July 6, 2009
4th of July
This past weekend, we packed the family up and took a roadtrip to Nolensville, Tennessee to visit our good friends, the Watsons. I've known Jay and Shantel since they moved into Spring Aire Apartments just after they got married. Jay and I were at Beeson together and then they lovingly welcomed Jake into the fold. Jay even officiated our wedding.
We got to their house and Miles was a little shy at first. But it was not long before he, Will and the Watson's twins, Hope and Hannah Chayse, were chasing one another, digging out all the toys and wrestling Jake on the floor.
In the playroom, Miles found a princess pop-up tent and said, "We can play in here" and the girls seemed thrilled to have a 'prince' around (who wasn't their cousin).
This was really the first time that Will had been around them and the first time in almost two years that the children had played together! But it was amazing how well they did together. Within an hour or two, Miles and the girls both asked if we could stay forever! It was so precious.
The most beautiful part of the weekend was seeing a friendship spark between our children with such ease! It was so effortless and automatic. We have been blessed to be a part of Jay and Shantel's lives for years and then to see that deep appreciation and love come alive in the playtime of our children was an even greater blessing.
Pray for their church - Life Community - and listen to Jay's sermons online - you will see why we love this family so much! http://www.lifecommunitytn.com/
One of my favorite moments of the weekend was watching the fireworks. Will was slightly nervous but when he sat in my lap he relaxed a little. He even gave some sound effects, "pop", "boom" and waved his hands in the air. But my favorite moment was when Miles needed to go tee-tee right in the middle of the fireworks display. He came over to me and said, "Record it, Mommy" ... that means "pause" it thanks to our DirecTV that allows us to pause, record and rewind favorite shows. For some reason, he calls it "recording" when I pause so that he can go potty without missing anything! It was hysterical. I wish life were like that ... with moments we could pause and just savor (or run to the potty and not miss anything).
We got to their house and Miles was a little shy at first. But it was not long before he, Will and the Watson's twins, Hope and Hannah Chayse, were chasing one another, digging out all the toys and wrestling Jake on the floor.
In the playroom, Miles found a princess pop-up tent and said, "We can play in here" and the girls seemed thrilled to have a 'prince' around (who wasn't their cousin).
This was really the first time that Will had been around them and the first time in almost two years that the children had played together! But it was amazing how well they did together. Within an hour or two, Miles and the girls both asked if we could stay forever! It was so precious.
The most beautiful part of the weekend was seeing a friendship spark between our children with such ease! It was so effortless and automatic. We have been blessed to be a part of Jay and Shantel's lives for years and then to see that deep appreciation and love come alive in the playtime of our children was an even greater blessing.
Pray for their church - Life Community - and listen to Jay's sermons online - you will see why we love this family so much! http://www.lifecommunitytn.com/
One of my favorite moments of the weekend was watching the fireworks. Will was slightly nervous but when he sat in my lap he relaxed a little. He even gave some sound effects, "pop", "boom" and waved his hands in the air. But my favorite moment was when Miles needed to go tee-tee right in the middle of the fireworks display. He came over to me and said, "Record it, Mommy" ... that means "pause" it thanks to our DirecTV that allows us to pause, record and rewind favorite shows. For some reason, he calls it "recording" when I pause so that he can go potty without missing anything! It was hysterical. I wish life were like that ... with moments we could pause and just savor (or run to the potty and not miss anything).
Friday, July 3, 2009
Lazy Summer Days
It has been a CRAZY summer so far! I am absolutely loving being home with the boys every day and the only “side effect” they seem to be experiencing is an increased anxiety when we are not together!
We’ve been to Moss Rock Preserve, the Zoo (and back again with Nanny Ray and GrandBob), Tannehill, the library for a puppet show, and a lot of playtime outside on the trampoline and backyard!
We took a hike nearby at the Moss Rock Preserve and stopped for lunch by the creek. Miles soon needed to “poop” but was afraid a BEAR may come along so his body denied the process!
Will pooped in the potty this week! He asks to go frequently but I think he has either just recently gone or it is a false alarm. But he legitimately said, “poopoo” and then sat on the potty for a few minutes and out it came! He was soooo proud. It was his second time but we thought the first time was a fluke. Since then, he has asked and gone tee-tee as well.
Continuing with the poop updates: Miles had “to go” and said, “Mommy, if I squeeze your hand it will be easier.” As he pushed a little tear rolled out of his eye. He looked at me so sincere and said, “Sometimes when you push real hard, a tear pops out but it’s not because you’re crying.” It was one of the most precious things … he had this look like he wanted to make sure I understood that he was not sad at all, just working real hard at going.
Saturday we got a puppy. I’m a firm believer that children need animals as they grow up so that they can learn empathy, care, responsibility, loyalty and good old play! So far Will (who loves dogs) has been terrified of the cute little caramel colored wet-nosed puppy but IS learning to talk more (“down”, “no”, “help”). Miles on the other hand (who can sometimes be a bit rough) loves her to pieces. He runs and she chases – both of them full of absolute glee. He even laughs hysterically as she nips his ears and licks his hair when he’s low enough on the ground. Multiple times Miles has said, “my little baby” to her and it is wonderful to see his precious tender side. As of naptime today, they were both sleeping soundly in Miles’ bed (though it took some settling of all the giggles and wiggles).
Miles is really into Buzz Light-year this summer. He was the ring bearer for Amanda and Ryan’s wedding about a month ago where he got a Buzz costume for “walking down the aisle with that pillow”. He did a great job and we were very proud of him and delighted that they asked him to be a part of such a special day! He has worn the costume daily since then (and once to church). Jake says he will end up losing 60 pounds this summer but I love that just 10 minutes of playtime on the trampoline in the middle of the day increases his naptime by about an hour!
As a child, our family took trips on what my Mama calls, “backroads. ” You never knew where you would wind up, just following some forgotten dirt road that inevitably (serendipitously) ended up at a waterfall, old cave or forlorn house in the woods. Then after playing for a while, we’d let the tailgate down and have a snack lunch of Vienna sausages, slices of cheese and crackers (and of course an ice cold Coke).
My favorite day this past week was like stepping back in time to one of those trips. I had never really been there so I didn’t know much about it but my parents went with us and it was literally like living out something I would have done as a child growing up!
We found a cute little creek (very very cold) that spilled into a small river. The boys were tentative at first but then really started to love it. They would “swim” back and forth to me (in the deep) from GrandBob (in the creek). After a meager lunch (keeping in line with childhood trips), we decided to go up the “waterfall”. You would have thought that Miles was forging the river with Lewis and Clark. Each of the boys found a walking stick and then they turned into “fishing poles” or good old “water slappers.” And as it happened – every stick looked like a snake to me just as it did when I was a child. The worst part was trying to find a good place to get out. I finally had to pick them both up and wade chest deep in the water (losing one of my favorite shoes). But it was worth it! My heart swells to capacity when we get out in the “wild” like that. These wild Indians loved every minute of it, too.
We’ve been to Moss Rock Preserve, the Zoo (and back again with Nanny Ray and GrandBob), Tannehill, the library for a puppet show, and a lot of playtime outside on the trampoline and backyard!
We took a hike nearby at the Moss Rock Preserve and stopped for lunch by the creek. Miles soon needed to “poop” but was afraid a BEAR may come along so his body denied the process!
Will pooped in the potty this week! He asks to go frequently but I think he has either just recently gone or it is a false alarm. But he legitimately said, “poopoo” and then sat on the potty for a few minutes and out it came! He was soooo proud. It was his second time but we thought the first time was a fluke. Since then, he has asked and gone tee-tee as well.
Continuing with the poop updates: Miles had “to go” and said, “Mommy, if I squeeze your hand it will be easier.” As he pushed a little tear rolled out of his eye. He looked at me so sincere and said, “Sometimes when you push real hard, a tear pops out but it’s not because you’re crying.” It was one of the most precious things … he had this look like he wanted to make sure I understood that he was not sad at all, just working real hard at going.
Saturday we got a puppy. I’m a firm believer that children need animals as they grow up so that they can learn empathy, care, responsibility, loyalty and good old play! So far Will (who loves dogs) has been terrified of the cute little caramel colored wet-nosed puppy but IS learning to talk more (“down”, “no”, “help”). Miles on the other hand (who can sometimes be a bit rough) loves her to pieces. He runs and she chases – both of them full of absolute glee. He even laughs hysterically as she nips his ears and licks his hair when he’s low enough on the ground. Multiple times Miles has said, “my little baby” to her and it is wonderful to see his precious tender side. As of naptime today, they were both sleeping soundly in Miles’ bed (though it took some settling of all the giggles and wiggles).
Miles is really into Buzz Light-year this summer. He was the ring bearer for Amanda and Ryan’s wedding about a month ago where he got a Buzz costume for “walking down the aisle with that pillow”. He did a great job and we were very proud of him and delighted that they asked him to be a part of such a special day! He has worn the costume daily since then (and once to church). Jake says he will end up losing 60 pounds this summer but I love that just 10 minutes of playtime on the trampoline in the middle of the day increases his naptime by about an hour!
As a child, our family took trips on what my Mama calls, “backroads. ” You never knew where you would wind up, just following some forgotten dirt road that inevitably (serendipitously) ended up at a waterfall, old cave or forlorn house in the woods. Then after playing for a while, we’d let the tailgate down and have a snack lunch of Vienna sausages, slices of cheese and crackers (and of course an ice cold Coke).
My favorite day this past week was like stepping back in time to one of those trips. I had never really been there so I didn’t know much about it but my parents went with us and it was literally like living out something I would have done as a child growing up!
We found a cute little creek (very very cold) that spilled into a small river. The boys were tentative at first but then really started to love it. They would “swim” back and forth to me (in the deep) from GrandBob (in the creek). After a meager lunch (keeping in line with childhood trips), we decided to go up the “waterfall”. You would have thought that Miles was forging the river with Lewis and Clark. Each of the boys found a walking stick and then they turned into “fishing poles” or good old “water slappers.” And as it happened – every stick looked like a snake to me just as it did when I was a child. The worst part was trying to find a good place to get out. I finally had to pick them both up and wade chest deep in the water (losing one of my favorite shoes). But it was worth it! My heart swells to capacity when we get out in the “wild” like that. These wild Indians loved every minute of it, too.
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