Having Fun in the Sun

What is summer without a good tan? If you can't get it in the midwest then it is time to head down south, which is exactly what we did. We spent a week in FL with family and it was a lot of fun. We flew with the boys, and I think that we have learned that flying with the boys is a piece of cake, but flying with Becky is not as much fun. Upon arriving at the airport I was ordered, by my husband, to give them all a break and buy a large glass of wine before we went through security. Which, by the way, really does relax you. We would like to take time now to brag about our children and say that on the way there and back we received many comments from other passengers about how well-behaved our children were. I can only say: yes, of course, they act that way all the time- don't your kids?

In FL we spent our time doing a lot of nothing and it was fabulous. Jack built a lot of castles, forts, and mountains. Slowly he built up courage to go in the ocean and let the waves splash him. He would even let Pete hold him and take him out as far as I go, which isn't far because the last thing I need is a shark biting at my leg. He developed major swimming skills while wearing floaties. He could kick his legs, move his arms, go from one side of the pool to the other by himself, and had no problem being thrown from dad -to uncle-to uncle-to pappy. He developed a fear of jellyfish though, and by the end of our trip thought everything on the beach was a jellyfish. In trying to make light of the whole jellyfish phobia I told him that once I got stung by a jellyfish and daddy had to pee on my leg, true story and probably TMI, but I thought Jack would appreciate it.

Luke was super excited about the pool and loved every single minute of it. Smiling, kicking, splashing, and just living the life of being held in the water. He got to sit by the ocean and feel the sand move under his feet- he loved it all. We got to show everyone what a hunka munka he is. I don't think people really believe me when I tell them how much he eats because he isn't a chubby baby, but now I have people who will back me up.

Pete built a lot of castles, forts, and mountains, made up wonderful pool games with Jack like: dragon throws, turbo kicks, dolphin rides, pushing people in the pool, and more games than I could keep up with. He was able to go out in the ocean with his brothers, watch movies with them, and have 'conversations' with his dad.

I mostly read, held baby Luke in the pool, tried to work on my tan (instead of bronze I turned a real nice red), and was able see my cousin and her two boys. I also tried to give my mother-in-law a heart attack by spilling red wine on the carpet. I guess I should have told everyone I am a huge klutz. I always spill something, but it usually lands on me.We played min-golf one night, and it was Jack's very first time. While he doesn't have it down pat, he was actually really good. I see a bright future of holes in one. I couldn't tell which way he held the club because he had his own special way of holding it, but Pete swears he golfed left-handed- this is news because he writes right-handed.
We got to spend the week with Poppa (Pete's grandpa) and it was great to see him and Jack get to know each other a bit better.
So there you have it- a week in FL did us all good. P.S. Cassie we left you and Sean a note. :)

Hey Shawty -it's your birthday(and other awesomeness)

I have twisted the words of this song around a bit, but you'll the point-- Hey shawty it's your birthday and we're going to party like it's your birthday. We don't even care if it is your birthday. So the words aren't spot on, but I sing this the week leading up to my birthday. And this week I turned.........29! Sorry KY friends- I know you all are turning 30 soon, don't worry it will all be ok.

Friday night, spur of the moment, we went to Adelino's because we had a coupon. They serve food tapas style and it was so good. We had pitas and hummus, goat cheese on toasted bread, cherry peppers stuffed with provolone and wrapped in prosciutto, rabbit wrapped in cabbage, lamb, asparagus, and I tried the wine flight which included chianti, lambrusco, and a third I can't remember. It was so so good! (Jack really liked the goat cheese on toasted bread).

Then Sunday we had a family fun outing to the student union where we went bowling, played arcade games, and walked to the fountains on campus. Pete made dinner and it was also delicious - Filet for me, Strip for him, asparagus with hollandaise sauce, french bread with dipping oil, and cabernet. Then there was triple berry cheesecake made by Pete himself-- it is to die for. So so good. (Man, I love good food!)



Last week we received a washer-- thank you!!!!! It is awesome. We got the dryer to work by flipping the breaker, so we didn't have to get a dryer too. I just had to take a picture of it.



Our couch cushions looked disgusting and we thought they were beyond repair, but guess what? Just stick them in the washer and they look brand new! I love having a washer. Thank you! thank you!

Then this was our big news of the day. I told you all that Jack participated in the library reading program, and at the end he got to enter his name in a few prize drawings--- well-------HE WON!!!! He got the Lightning McQueen Scooter!!!!! I think Pete and I were happier than he was-- well at first. Once we picked it up from the library he started jumping up and down and said- Wow, this is impressive! haha - He is too funny! So of course here are a couple pictures.





Overall this has been an awesome week!! Yay!

swim/food

We have spent the last two weeks in swim lessons. I cannot honestly say that it went well at the beginning. It would not be a stretch to say it was miserable for everyone involved. Jack is very used to having mommy and daddy around all the time. We don't do babysitters, because well I don't trust them, and when we do go out, more often than not, we wait until Jack is asleep before having a friend come over. So parting with his parents to a class with absolutely no one he knows and three teachers he has never met was perhaps not the best idea, but it is something we have to do eventually, so we did. The first day he cried and cried and cried. The whole entire class he was sobbing. The next day was worse. He refused to go into the pool area. I was holding him and when I went to put him down he raised up his legs and refused to put them down. The little helper who is about 12 was in charge of him at first. I finally just walked away. Then I went around to the gate so I could watch, but this was not the best idea because he tried to squeeze between the gate posts to come out. He cried and cried. After my trying to talk to him through the gate ( in order to calm him down) I finally walked out of eyesight. Eventually the teacher, Ms. Emily, held him while she taught the rest of the class. He began screaming and kicking while in her arms. After the class he was so mad and upset that I had left him with those people he didn't know that he starting smacking my leg. I was so upset I asked if it would be a good idea to pull him from the class. They said they were willing to deal with him as long as I willing to bring him. [I would also like to note that after his first class we ran into friends waiting for the session after ours so I moved Jack to her class so that he would know at least one person]. Pete and I talk things over and decide Pete will take Jack the next few days and he will be in charge of the decision. Ok- I was glad it was out of my hands. Pete being far more objective and fair to Jack said he noticed a slight improvement. The next day was raining so they did a safety lesson and Jack was great for that part. Then the next day he asked me to come with him and daddy to swim lessons and let me tell you that child was AMAZING!! Now he loves loves loves swim lessons. He is so excited every single day to go. So here are some pictures of my amazing little swimmer.

He sure loves jumping

It was life jacket day-- they got to swim in the medium pool instead of the baby pool

Hanging out with Madeline

Success in the pool with Jack is not translating into success with Baby Luke. He had been sleeping through the night, but then one day he decided he was hungry in the early morning hours. So fine I feed him- I mean it is my job. This was fine and dandy until he decided that he was even hungrier. Ok I do it, but now I am starting to get annoyed. It isn't nice to toy with mommy like this-give her sleep and then take it away. Then he decides he is hungrier still. Ok that is it-- I am done with you little baby- it is time for a change. We decided to try rice cereal. Here are a couple pictures as to how that went down.




Just a little FYI-- Luke HATES rice cereal. I don't think any got into his tummy. The child was mad at us for even trying. We tried for about 2 weeks (not every day). We also bought formula. This is a huge big huge deal. We have never ever used formula before. I was a bit antsy about it, but my supply and what Luke needs is not compatible at all. Last night I told Pete he was in charge of feeding because I was not getting enough sleep at all. I feed Luke like normal, then Pete feeds him 5 oz later that evening, then I feed him at some point that night/morning because Pete was super groggy. Then I wake Pete up because Luke is hungry again-he eats 5 more ounces. Then around 8am this morning I feed him. The child is a little chunka munka. This morning it is decided- screw the rice cereal because that is not working. We are moving on to greener pastures-applesauce here we come.

Summer Reading

J completed his summer reading program at the library! He set of goal of having us read 20 books to him- which is very easily accomplished in this house. We wrote down all the books he/we read and here are a few: The Poky Little Puppy, Make Way for Ducklings, Another Monster at the End of This Book, The Little Red Caboose, The Walking Coat, and This is the House That Jack Built. He has also been having us read How to Train Your Dragon books. [He loves dragons and most of his play involves dragons.] At the library he got prizes for 5 book increments so first he got a coupon for an ice cream cone at DQ, then a frisbee, then a book, and finally a coupon for a meal at Chic-Fil-A. Plus, he got to sign up for all sorts of prize drawings: $100 savings bond, free birthday party at Monkey Joe's, Lightning McQueen scooter, Mix and Match Dinosaur book, ticket to a water park, and I think there was one more thing. The drawing is in August so keep your fingers crossed that he gets something. :P Oh and his name is on sea horse in the library for completing the program. Go J-Bone!!!.

I have been reading this summer too, which really should be no surprise. I have been reading: Let the Trumpet Sound (biography on MLK JR), The Devil in the White City, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl who Played with Fire, The Lion's Game, Eat, Pray, Love, and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. (Reading this list now I feel like I may have told you some of this information before, but as reading is ever so important, I have no shame in telling you again plus adding on some of the newer additions to my list.)

Pete has even read two of my books: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and The Lion's Game. Plus, all of his chess and math books.

I should say that Luke has mostly been listening in on J's books, but sometimes he gets board books by Bill Martin Jr., Margaret Wise Brown, Sandra Boynton, and various other authors.

Next blog entry I plan on writing will be about swim lessons, but I feel like we need a few more days of them before I can fully explain. I know you are all holding your breath for that one.

Pete's Summer Fun

Pete went to Quetico with two uncles, his dad, his brother, and soon to be brother-in-law. I am not going to write about what they did because frankly I have no idea, but here are some pictures his uncle took of their trip. Enjoy.

Learning in Hendo

I have learned that Dora has a huge effect on my son and can get him to do anything she wants. If she says- Say backpack or if she tells him to pull the rope or if she needs help figuring out where to go next Jack is right there for her doing whatever she asks. I am not sure that I like her having that much control over my child, but at the same time I am able to write this while sitting next to him without being asked too many questions. I fear Luke may enjoy it too. I put him in his playpen to sleep, but he has raised his head up in the direction of the tv. The beguiling vixen.

Jack is under the impression that a thermometer in your bottom is what gives you a fever. I took Luke's temperature yesterday and told Jack he had a fever. Jack looked at me and very seriously says- It is because you put the thermometer in his butt.

Apparently Jack had some trouble going to sleep last night. My brother called me into the bathroom and there were a variety of bottles and tubes lined up in a straight line. However, there was no mess. I decided to check out the other bathroom and noticed the toothpaste tube had no lid, but otherwise nothing. Well, on a mother's knowledge of her son, I went to check him out. I rolled him over, he was asleep by now, and saw that from chest down to left leg he was covered in pink toothpaste which was covered in some other sticky stuff. I tried to wake him up but he wouldn't stir. I decided I would just clean him off with a wet rag. I had to scrub and roll him from side to side, but that kid never ever woke up! Wow to sleep like that is amazing.

I have learned we need to emphasize asking other children their names. Jack just calls them boy or girl. Ex. We went to the children's museum and while Jack was playing with magnetic cogs a young boy came over and grabbed an armful. Jack looked at him and said- Don't take all of those boy!

I was watching a few episodes of The Closer Monday when Jack walked in and caught a glimpse of Kyra Sedgwick. He said- She is nice. When will she be back on? This is my favorite show.

Here are how J and L are looking these days.

Our busy weekend

We have been a bit busy over the last few days. On Thursday we moved into a rental house. It is a nice change from a third floor apartment. The first day there Jack and I ate pizza in the front yard, and it was so quite minus the birds chirping- which was noticed by Jack who turned to me and said: ' I love to hear the birds sing.'

Friday was our 5th anniversary. It was celebrated against a backdrop of boxes up to our necks, a sense of chaos, and a little boy with a fever. I suppose after 5 years you have to expect life to get in the way- I mean that is why we said: I do- right? Even with all this, a friend still came over to watch the boys so Pete and I could get some dinner.

Saturday I realized my tiniest boy is teething!!!! He is still just a baby- a tiny baby-- tiny babies can't be teething. I am still hoping that this early stage of teething lasts a long time and that little tooth does not pop through for at least two months. It is possible right? He has been crying at night for no real reason, which doesn't match with his personality at all. I gently rubbed my finger over his gums and at first- nothing. Then I pushed a bit harder and felt a little bump where his bottom left tooth would be. I have also noticed the baby move of rubbing his tongue over that part of his gum.

Sunday afternoon Pete went out and bought sparklers and smoke bombs. As soon as he got home the boys went out and played. Jack loved them. He even lit a smoke bomb. Around 10pm Jack walked out of his bedroom, having avoided sleep all night, so we stood at the end of our driveway and watched the sky as our neighbors lit fireworks.

We were able to get a free washer and dryer through a friend, and it was so super nice of the couple to give it to us, and things were great until they weren't. The washer kept filling up with water and it never kicked on, and when I went to check on it I discovered that the water was leaking out of the bottom. Oh no. We unplugged it and cleaned up. The dryer was working until we half dried the clothes from the washer and then it just stopped. haha oh my. It was free- there had to be a reason- still it was nice of them to offer it because there was a chance they would work.

Jack has yet to sleep the whole night in his room, and this has had Pete sleeping on the floor in the living room. We bought Jack Toy Story curtains and a Toy Story poster to help make his room more friendly and fun. He does love them, but it hasn't helped with the sleeping issue. Since he has been sleeping in my bed he has been able to get up and move around at will in the morning, which he really hasn't done, except this morning when he left to climb on top of the counter to eat brownies!

The next couple weeks are going to be pretty busy and hectic as well. Pete is going to be gone for a couple weeks so it is going to be me and the boys-alone!! I think I can I think I can I think I can.