Smiles in Swimming Class

I thought the day would never come, but, finally, Jason is adjusting to lessons in the water. His class at the Y today was just great. Without any prodding, he walked over to the side of the pool and plopped down on the edge. Miss Heather asked him to jump in, and as you can see, he complied!

Persuasive Playmate

Jason doesn't realize yet how valuable having a little brother will be. The other day he was intent on playing darts, or "darks" as he calls them. Our neighbor across the street wasn't so interested. But, my little salesman did his best to persuade him to come on over.
Here's how it went:
Jason: Nicki, would you like to come over to play darks with me?
Nicki: No, maybe tomorrow.
Jason: Nicki, it's already tomorrow. Would you like to play darks with me?
Nicki: No, maybe tomorrow.
Jason: It's already tomorrow. (this went on for a few minutes).

Then, finally...

Jason: Nicki, why don't you come on over and we'll play darks for ONE MINUTE. Then, you can go back home.

At that point, Nicki started to back away, slowly and without any sudden movements.

Michael was in his own world, blowing kisses to strangers and trying to get away!

At the Pool

Summertime means pooltime, and we've tried to take advantage of the pool at the Y as much as possible. Jason is taking lessons, and is slowly warming up to the cool pool. Michael needed just one minute, before he took to splashing. The boy is a little fish!

Outdoor Fun

There's been a lot to smile about recently. At least Michael thinks so. I know he would be smiling bigger if he could run around on two legs, just like his big brother--instead of crawling around on all fours. But, I know that will come in time. The boys have really taken advantage of the wonderful weather. We try to stay outside as much as possible in the evenings. Jason has really taken to riding his bike. Pictures to come!

YMCA Summer Camp

You know it had to be a busy day when a 3 1/2 year old reminds you that it's time for a nap. Today wrapped up Jason's first full week of summer camp at the Y. About 50 kids between the ages of 3 and 5 taking part in t-ball, soccer, and basketball. Those poor counselors. But, apparently, Jason stood out, earning an award for best sportsmanship. Proud as I am, I am baffled as well. This same boy nearly knocked over two elderly customers, as he ran screaming for the exit of a Barnes & Noble yesterday, clutching a book I refused to buy. This morning's ceremony in the gym, though, was all about the campers, who filed in wearing hats they designed themselves. They sang a rousing rendition of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame," which brought tears to my eyes, because they were all so cute. Sorry no pictures of Michael this time. He was too busy clapping, and hurriedly eating cantaloupe that fell on the basketball court floor before I could snatch it up. And, Jason just couldn't resist taking advantage of playtime with friends, Ian and Ethan. Sorry the photo is a bit blurry. It was tough enough getting them all in the picture!

Strawberries, Anyone?

What a great way to spend a weekend morning! For the first time, we took the family to pick strawberries. Jason jumped right in, and piled strawberries high in his basket. By the end, it got pretty heavy. I asked him today if he wanted to return to pick strawberries. He said he would be happy to, but, he said, he might need help carrying his heavy load.

Bouncing Around

We had such a good time last week that we had to return to that play area with the giant bounce houses. This time, Doug tagged along, and had the opportunity to watch Michael show off. Doug said Michael would stand for minutes at a time, until Jason spotted him. Then, bam! Leveled again. Good thing Jason had other friends to play with, like Grace. That kept him busy, until he remembered...Michael is standing, somewhere...

How Does Jason Know What Skittles Smell Like?

Just a few days ago, we thought Michael hit a major milestone. He took his first step (just one). And, of course, after that, nothing. No walking, no standing, even. I thought maybe he was simply working on his verbal skills. In the last two days, he's really started sharing his thoughts. Words like "thank you," that sound like "dada," "by-bye," and finally, finally, "mama." He's saying "ma-maa?!" so much now that Jason is asking, "Mommy, why does he keep saying that?"

Well, around midday, Michael's verbal and his physical skills were working in sync. He started throwing himself up to standing, while saying "ma maaa?!" At one point, we determined he was just showing off because he did it so many times. Too bad every time he tried to stand, Jason decided to take a stand, too, flattening poor Michael within seconds. So much for brotherly love.

After all that excitement, I took the kids to the mall, and the play area beckoned. Both boys flocked to the giant plate full of potato chips, a hot dog, and a slice of watermelon. I tried getting pictures of Michael showing off his new skills. I'll keep working on it.

Before I go tonight, I have one last Jason-ism. Doug always says that Michael and Jason's hair smells like taco meat. I'm not sure I agree. They get baths. But, Jason must disagree, too. Tonight, Jason said, "My hair doesn't smell like taco meat. It smells like Skittles."

Jason's New 'Do

Jason received a haircut the other day. You can see, he got a 'do he is used to. He was worried, though. He kept asking if he would end up looking like Michael.

Jason is becoming quite a storyteller, as well as a ham--you can tell that by the pictures. No more normal smiles. By the way, I figured out what kind of dreams a 3 1/2 year old has.

He started off one conversation tonight with--

Jason: Guess what me and Daddy did on Sunday, after you went to work?
Me: What?
Jason: We played video games and ate candy. (they did no such thing).
Me: Really? Daddy had candy, too?
Jason: Oh, no. Just me. Daddy didn't want any.

Like I said, Jason in fantasyland.

At the Ballpark

Last week, we had the opportunity to enjoy an evening at the ballpark. Jason got a snowcone, and much of it made it into his mouth. Michael was just happy he had a seat to call his own. We don't know the score, since we left early when the rain arrived. But, I know the boys will remember it as a fun-filled night. We will, too.

Jumping Fun

We have found Jason's new favorite place. A huge facility filled with those bounce houses. We took Jason there for the first time last week. We have plans to return!

Michael is One Step Closer...

A banner day here. Michael took his first step today. It was just one. No more. For the past few days, he's stood up for just a few seconds, then plopped back down. But, today, while we were on the phone with Grandma and Grandpa, he moved forward, maybe four inches. I think he knows we're pretty proud.

A Whole New World -- For Michael

My parents and brother, Tim, were the first family members to see Michael's new 'do face to face. They were a bit shocked. But I believe they're learning we like to keep things interesting. By the end of their stay, they had adapted. People find it a cut you grow to love. And, we are.

At the Park

I'm backtracking a bit. You can tell by the hair. Michael got the chance to have a leisurely get-together with Baby Kaylie a few weeks ago. We were just happy to get both of them in the picture at the same time.

Michael's New 'Do

I can honestly say Michael has less hair today than he did the day he was born. First, let me say this was a joint decision. Doug and I have been having issues with the child's uncontrollable mane. It grows in tufts. And, he has a few cowlicks. So, my esteemed colleague, Walter, agreed to help us fashion a new look for our number two. And wha-la! Here it is. Walter did a fabulous job. And, yes, the lack of hair is a bit of a shock for a boy who never had a bald spot. But, we're thinking once it grows in just a tad, it might be something you'll see more and more of. Of course, once Walter left, Jason came up to me and said, "I don't want Mr. Walter to cut MY hair like that, Mommy." Sorry, Mr. Walter.

Jason's Last Day of Preschool

It is hard to believe, but Jason officially has one year of preschool under his belt. Jason has thoroughly enjoyed Miss Beth and Miss Susanne's class. On the last day of school, he and his closest classmates got together for some fun with chalk and rocks. You'd think they won't be seeing each other the entire summer. We have a playdate scheduled next week--and there's always summer camp.

Eating Machine

Michael is getting bigger, but, perhaps, not fast enough. This is a day in his life. It has got to be difficult being pushed, pulled, sat upon, rolled over. Though vocal about his opposition, he does manage to take it in stride. And, as I've mentioned before, Jason had better watch out. Though Jason refuses to eat at Miss Michelle's house, ever, Michael has no such issues. Today, he ate a full meal of liver, beans, rice, and, I think, chicken. Then, he came home and had more chicken with Jason. I'm pretty sure he ate more than Jason did after we got home, too.

Afternoon in the Sand

A beautiful Spring day, and Jason and Michael certainly took advantage of it. We went over to Miss Valerie's house to play with Caitlin and Colton, and as you can see the boys had a blast.

Mother's Day

Mother's Day was wonderful. For the first time, I think Jason understood it is a special day devoted to Mommy. He was more excited about its arrival than I was. At preschool, the kids made a craft for us mothers. And, Jason just couldn't wait to tell me. A week ago, the day he made the craft, he came up to me and said, "I made a craft for you for Mother's Day. It's a stick. Let me show you." I urged him to wait till the day of celebration. He was so pleased the day had finally arrived, he opened it himself. You can see the stick for yourself. I love it.

Not to be outdone, Michael is leaving the kind of present that keeps on giving....in the bathtub. Hopefully, you haven't just had a big meal, but these developments are too gross not to share. For the SECOND time, my number two has carried out number two in the tub. As a result, we are now doing our best to take baths in one minute or less.

Their First Air Show

The boys thoroughly enjoyed attending an air show this weekend. It was their first one. Jason particularly liked taking a walk through this aircraft. Pilots were doing death-defying stunts in the background. He didn't care. He took the tour of this plane twice. Of course, I wanted pictures to mark the event. But, the challenges of taking pictures of both kids continue. I've mentioned before the issues I'm having getting Jason to smile for the camera. In the past, it always looked like he was saying, "cheese." Which he was. Now, he'll smile. And this is the result--the surprised look, the goofy smile, or the ham. I don't know which one I like better.

Soccer Time!

It's hard to believe, but Jason's first soccer season is almost over. We're proud to say he's doing better at running up and down the field. His team is usually with him when he does it. He's not quite at the point where he'll kick the ball if anyone else is near it, but we know that will come in time. I also think Doug has enjoyed being the coach quite a bit. One of the best parts of their practices and games is the warm-up. Doug takes them through a series of stretches. The kids get on the grass and work their hamstrings and quads. They love it, and it really is something to see their smiles. One of the parents asked me if he would volunteer again. We'll see.

Michael's Revenge

I have figured out when Michael is at his happiest. After a good meal. Tonight, Michael almost devoured a plate full of chicken nuggets on top of a couple glasses of milk. This, after two bowls of rice at Miss Michelle's house. And, as a result, many smiles at bedtime. He was in a pretty playful mood, too. Very alert as you can see, as well. For the first time, I saw him climb on top of his big brother and smack him on the head. But, you'll see, Jason was too tired to care. He could barely eek out a goodnight to Daddy on the phone.

Little Brother is Catching Up

Michael is on a roll. Continuing to eat everything in sight. Tonight, I shoveled in food and milk. He just kept opening his mouth--all this, after a full meal at Miss Michelle's house. And for the first time, I saw him crawl over to Jason, who was laying on the bed, and start pounding on his back with his fists. Jason was surprised and quite upset. I think the tide may be turning for our baby Michael.