I show you "After School Special"

The other day I was trying to get Jack to brush his teeth and had been begging him to head towards the bathroom. We made it nearly there when Jack sat down on the stairs, his back to me.

I said, exasperated by this point, "Jack, it's time to brush your teeth!"

He folded his hands in his lap and dropped his head. He said in his most feeble, sincere voice, "I know Momma.. but.. I just don't understand."


Really? Where could he have possibly learned that drama!!?? ;)

Dear Jack B'Hat,
You finally live in Eng-wend!! After months and months of talking about it, and pretending to ride on the big airplane, we did it! I have to say, the last month has been one of the most difficult in my life. The move wasn't necessarily the hard part. That was all paperwork and organization. The part that was hard was leaving people we love and trust and who love us back.

Of course I'm talking about grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins and friends. But also, there was Ms. Laura. How in the big wide world were we ever going to find another Ms. Laura? As your Momma, I knew it wasn't really possible. I settled into the idea that we would just have to "settle" and that maybe in this transition to pre-pre-school, you wouldn't notice that any major change had been made. But that was a ludicrous idea! Not so much for you. You're very flexible at the moment. It was more about my meltdown, and how no one was going to be good enough.. UNTIL we met Jackie.\

Jack, you are one lucky kid to have such amazing people in your life. Jackie, a very British, free spirited lady has just taken to you like a bee to flowers. She calls you her Mensa boy and goes on about how smart you are, "and the puzzles! he loves his puzzles, doesn't he?" She's taught you about scaffolding for roof repair, where water goes when it goes down the drain, and that you shouldn't touch anyone else's poo, particularly Baby Bode's. The reason I know these things is because you tell me all about them.

In fact, sometimes I worry that you get so upset when it's time to come home. You love being at Jackie's and next week, all of the other kids come, too! Your school is called "Little Mac Nursery" and there are 8 kids coming from 6 different nationalities. It's basically an international pre-school that is literally around the corner from our house. We walk every morning to get there. LOVELY!

Overall, you are adapting nicely. We've taken a couple of small road trips - Bath, for example and last week end we went to Windsor. In any case, your favorite parts are most definitely the playgrounds (as it should be), and you are a healthy, happy kid!

Love you, Jack B'hat!

Momma

JACK IS THREE!

Dear Jack B'Hat,
I can hardly believe I'm saying this but... Today you are three! THREE!!!
Everyone is in town to celebrate. Yaya is here and so are Grammy and Grand Schmob. We have a big boy party planned at Chuck E. Cheese complete with monster cake, pizza, party favors and rides! (Pictures to follow.)
When Yaya arrived she asked me if I felt better today than I did three years ago. I paused to understand what she meant when - oh yeah - I was in labor. So, yes. The answer is yes. I am much more comfortable, both as your momma and as a person.
Things are definitely crazy right now. The house is in boxes. We aren't sure when we'll move to England or where we'll live when we get there. We don't know what exactly we'll do when we get there. What we do know is we're chalking it up to having an adventure. We know that because we love each other - your Dada, you and me - that we'll be fine. Better than fine, actually. We'll be fantastic.
So happy birthday, my sweet three year old! Your life is on a path to brilliance. You're incredibly smart, curious, well spoken, and sweet. Nothing but good things are coming. I love you baby (ahem) little boy!!
Love,
Momma

A Toddler Joke

Momma: Dada, Jack can get to the choc-o-lick (Jack's word for Chocolate).
Dada: Do we need to move the choc-o-lick?
Jack: I already move the choc-o-lick.
Momma: Where did you move it, Jack?
Jack: I move the choc-o-lick into my mouth.

Grandy and Gagi and Jack!

New Experiences

It's been a big month Jack!

You went on your first protest march in Austin (which you didn't like at first).

(see more pictures here)

You sat around your first campfire and had up close and personal conversations with cows!

(see more pictures here)

Awesome!

We've created a monster.. er. ahem.. toddler. We've created a toddler!

Is it bad that my favorite part of this video happens just after he runs around the couch? And the "You stop it!" bit.. Where does he get that? I am proud to say that he only reserves hitting for technology (when Momma's not looking) and not people. Note that even when he strikes the computer, he looks to see if I've noticed.. (sigh).

30 Months

Dear Jack B'Hat,

I missed your monthly post day due to work, but it is only a day late. Maybe it will give you some consolation to know that I received this message in my email today:

http://www.portablenorthpole.tv/watch/guest/0RUIn8-qvKotE7Bz0EilBA


We're totally ready for Christmas! The house is decorated to the point that your Aunt Gagi would be proud! The tree is gorgeous; the mantel looks like a wintry wonderland; there are little pockets of Christmas cheer all over the house, including a fiber optic snowman in your room and tiny spruce bouquets in all of the bathrooms. We even bought Christmas cacti from the AHS FFA and they are in bloom! Jack, you inspired and helped with all of it!! We even made Christmas cookies and hot cocoa on the day we hung the lights outside!!

Needless to say, your Dada and I are so looking forward to Christmas this year, especially now that you are more aware of the holiday. You remind us of the magic and wonder Christmas brings. :) Happy 30th month, baby!!

I'm proud to be your Momma!

Love,

Momma

29 Months

Dear Jack B'Hat,

Hi! This has been a very eventful month with all the Halloween goings on and such. In fact, I'm exhauseted and so are you most days. We both give everyday our all and by the time our heads hit our pillows, we're out. I'm going to keep this letter short and sweet.

Here are some things that have happened this month:

*You went trick or treating for the very first time!! It was awesome! You were a blue "color" and Momma wore her striped hose and a witches hat. We held hands and walked around the neighborhood. We looked for "porch lights on?" and you were in charge of ringing the doorbells. Sometimes you weren't very enthusiastic in your doorbell ringing, but as soon as the door was opened, people melted at the sight of you! "How cute!!!" they would exclaim. You would whisper, "twickotweet?" and folks dropped candy in your pumpkin bucket. Then you would say, "I'm goin' to the park!" I don't know why you felt the need to tell people that. Still, it was pretty cute.

* You are especially eager to play in the dirt lately. When I say "play in the dirt" I mean that you dig in a flower pot and shovel the soil into your dump truck. You're such a boy.

* This is probably too much information, but everytime you toot, you mention that you've done it, and then Dada reminds you to say "e-choos me."

(Dada's input here)

I love you, Baby Boy! I'm proud to be your Momma!!!

Love,

Momma

Pumpkin Patch Halloween 2010

28 Months

Dear Jack B'Hat,

Hi! I miss you. I suppose this is a milestone in that it is the first time that you are on vacation without Mama and Dada. You're in Amarillo (and have been for almost a whole week) visiting your Grammy and Grand Schmob and all of your thousands of cousins and people who love you. In a way I'm very jealous, but also Dada and I are going on a vacation too. The house has seemed too quiet without Dora and Diego in the background, your percussion practice, and the lovely, continual chattering you do. But I do know that you are happy and having a great time thanks to your grandparents. And I can witness it for myself thanks to Skype!!!
In the mean time, here are some noteworthy happenings this month:

1. You went on your first field trip with Ms. Laura!! She took you, along with two other kids, to a farm in Burleson where you got to play in hay, see animals, and pick out your very own Jack-sized pumpkin. You had a great time! For me, it is a reminder of what a big boy you're becoming!!

2. We taught you how to "Eskimo kiss" where we rub noses. I don't think you've quite figured out that you are supposed to actually touch, though. You mostly just wiggle your head back and fourth with your nose in the air. That's worked out well since that's about as close as a Momma and her boy can get on Skype. Did I mention that I miss you??

3. Your language skills are incredible. It shouldn't come as that big of a shock since language acquisition is the milestone that is agreed upon in all of the parenting books. Still, it's fascinating to watch you learn language! I can't even keep up with all of the words that you're learning, words like: mailbox, ambulance, ice cream truck (the vehicle you confuse with an ambulance), and no way! You speak in complete sentences sometimes which sounds really nuts coming from our sweet baby.. ahem.. big boy.

4. Speaking of "no way!",you say this. Often. Especially when you emphatically don't want to do something. I haven't taught you that sometimes being concise is best. A simple, firm "no", for example, would probably be more effective than a "no way!" which actually is cute and endearing, probably the opposite effect of what you're going for.
5. You're afraid of the potty. Damn. I mean, you're interested in it, as long as you aren't the one having to use it. Anytime we ask you if you want to sit on the potty, you say, "Sure!" The non-negotiable part of that "sure" is that you meant you wanted only to look at the potty, and if forced to sit upon it, you would very much like to leave your diaper on and your pants fastened at the waist. If Dada or I try to actually sit you on the potty properly, all hell breaks loose - screaming and gnashing of teeth, darkness descending onto the planet, monsters devouring babies, etc.. You get the picture, and it's not pleasant. What are we going to do?

6. You're the most wonderful kid on the planet. All of your grandparents marvel at how pleasant and happy you are - that you don't mind taking naps and wake-up happy in the mornings. They are curious as to how you - our phenomenal boy - could possibly be part of our brood. But Dada and I know the answer. It's because you are all the best parts of both of us combined, and by some miracle your genetic code didn't pick up our vastly annoying character flaws.

We love you, Jack. I can't wait to see you soon.

Love,

Mamma

27 Months

Hi Jack B'Hat!

You are so happy! Seriously! Ever since we switched babysitters, you've been over-the-moon happy! Everyday you go to Ms Laura's you run to her and squeal her name. When I buckle you into the car on the way home from her house you look at me with big, concerned eyes and ask, "Lawa? Lawa?" I'm pretty sure there is lots of dancing at her house which is your favorite activity, but also she has two little girls who dote on you - they pick you up, hug you, kiss you, and pet you. You LOVE them. Also, you get to sleep on your nap mat which, coincidentally, is your new favorite word. You walk around the house saying, "Nap mat? Nap mat? Nap! Mat! Animals!!"

Needless to say, I am thrilled with our new arrangement. It is so much nicer to be around a happy boy rather than a sulky, fit throwing one. I'm sad to question the idea that perhaps it's because you disliked your other sitter and that I made you go there anyway. But then, the weather is cooling, you know more words, we're back on schedule, and things generally seem to be looking up. Maybe you're through another phase.

Here are some tidbits about you this month:

1. You like the word, "Mud" - Mud i' duwt n wadder. Twactor inna duwt. Mud. - Translated as "Mud is dirt and water. Tractors are in the dirt. Mud."

2. You love to read. We have a new coffee table book , courtesy of your Aunt Renee, about the Cotswolds in England - little cottagey towns with gorgeous church steeples, pastoral fields of sheep, and sleepy kittens sitting on stone walls. You adore this book. You point at each page and ask, "What's that?" And I say, "sheep" or "church" or "flowers" or whatever it is. You concentrate really hard and respond, "Oh. Yes." And then I question you.

3. We've gotten into the good habit of reading before bed. The bad habit is I let you take your books to bed with you. Dada does not. When Dada was working late the other night, I tucked you in with the aforementioned Cotswold book and I turned on a nightlight so you could see. For an hour I could hear you turning pages and quizzing yourself, "Oh. Yes. That a road. Cow, Moooo. Church." What's the harm?

4. You really enjoyed playing with your cousins, Duncan and Bobby last week end. You called Bobby "Body" followed by something that sounded like "the wonder duck." We had a great time and it was fun watching you interact with the bigger boys, and of course with your Mamaw and Aunt Renee and Uncle Gerry.

5. Favorite show - Dora

6. Favorite book - Oakey

7. Favorite food - (nothing) Please eat, baby! You make me nervous!

8. Favorite possession - Nap! (your beloved blankie)

You're a happy, healthy kiddo, Jack! I love you so much and am glad to be your Momma!!!

Love,

Momma

26 Months

Dear Jack B'Hat,

You are growing so quickly right now! You often surprise us with things that we know we haven't taught you. Probably we will get used to it since once you're at school that will happen all of the time, at least until you're a teenager and decide to quit telling us things. But for now, it's surprising and wonderful and scary.

I have to be frank and tell you (for the integrity of the record) that things are kind of tense around here. Some of the reason is you wield the word "no" like a ninja samurai in the middle of a heated battle. This is the battle: we have the audacity to suggest that you eat a snack, or watch a show, or play with your cars. Any request/suggestion/demand/idea is treated with the same abhorrence. Simply put, you've gotten a bit of an attitude. And when Dada or I respond with a "yes" to your "no", you throw yourself in the floor and scream bloody murder. Shrieking din might be a better description for the sound that comes out of your mouth. This happens anywhere and everywhere and is such a shocking change from your usually even temperament.

Tonight, for example, we interviewed for a new babysitter/preschool since your current one decided to resign. Suffice it to say, it did not go well. At. All. In fact, the new sitter suggested that you weren't ready to come to her house because you would possibly be a distraction to the other kids. I begged her to give us a chance - all of us since you are a reflection of us and we lovingly and proudly represent you, fit or no fit. She is going to give us a two week trial, and hopefully by then we'll have some things ironed out.

We don't understand the sudden change. It's been a long, difficult summer mostly spent with just the two of us since Dada was away working. I probably allowed you to break more rules than I should have. Still, you didn't throw these kinds of fits. Also, we've had some tough times recently: the new daycare that didn't work, schedules that kept changing, the air conditioner that broke (twice - we spent the night in a hotel last night..*), your molars are probably coming in, etc.. I don't know.

Momma and Dada are exhausted and stressed to the max, so I can only imagine what it might be like for a little one like you who can only express yourself through actions. I just wish I knew how to make it better for all of us.

I love you baby. I know it will get better as soon as everything calms down some. Sorry to be a downer this time, but I figure that our relationship has to be genuine. When you are big enough to truly understand these letters, I trust you will also be big enough to understand that life isn't always perfect.

Still, with all of this challenge, I am so proud to be your momma. I love you more than I can explain. My heart is just bursting!
Love,
Momma


*Reason why this is a late post

Freakin' CUTE

25 Months

Dear Jack B'Hat,
I'm not sure when my monthly letters should become semi-annual ones or even yearly posts. There is so much going on in our lives that it's hard to keep up. Pictures, too, are fewer and far between. Some of that is because it's summer and Dada has been away for most of the time. That means that you and I have spent lots and lots of time together. That's a good thing, but it also means it is more difficult to take and upload pictures. That, plus you threw the camera into the kiddie pool during a moment of passion - as in you were pissed about something and needed to throw something. It ended up that the camera was the closest thing, and the pool just happened to be in front of you. It is ruined. But not to fret. We got a new camera and as soon I learn how to upload pictures on it, I'll post some. (sigh)

Here are some things that have happened this month:
1. We started at Ms. Kay's, the new daycare. You seem to like it ok, and have made some new friends.

2. You've had your first official play date with Connor. It was an interesting experience. Connor came over to our house and for the first time in your life, you became a little bit protective of your stuff - as in Connor wasn't allowed to touch anything, especially your "colors." You also did not want Connor to eat. Hmmm. Could this be the face of an only-child toddler rearing it's ugly head? Perhaps. I feel overcautious about that being the case. It also could've been a bad day. Or maybe it's just part of learning to be social. In any case, we had to do a little bit of time out, and then you were back to your charming self.

3. This morning, you decided that your breakfast would make a really funny hat. Unfortunately, your breakfast was yogurt, cereal, and juice.. Tonight will be a forced bath night, even though you generally only get one every other day.

4. You had your 2 year check up a few days ago. The doctor says that everything looks great and that Dada and I are doing a good job. You've only gained a pound since you were one, but it's ok, because you've started running and climbing and jumping. You're in the 85th percentile for height and the 10th percentile for weight.

5. One of the cutest things you've started doing is when we suggest doing something you love - playing at the park, going on a bike-ride, playing in the water -you become the most agreeable person on the planet. I say, "Let's put on your shoes," and you say, "Ok! Sure! Alright! Ok."

6. Something else that is cute, but only because it's so toddler-ish, is when you are testing a limit (i.e. getting in trouble for something), you get down in the floor and lower yourself slowly into a face-down position. You watch us as you do it to see our reactions. We have to try not to laugh..

7. You love wanting to play in water, but you don't actually want to play in it.

8. You have started jumping - in place, off of window sills and porches, off of footstools, highchairs, etc. The great part is, you announce "jump!" before you do it, so if it's not safe, Dada and I can get to you before you do it.

9. Last night for the first time ever, you turned the doorknob and opened a door. YIKES.

10. You LOVE LOVE LOVE Toddler Time at the library. You sit at the front of the mat, right in front of the teacher. You sing loudly, clap passionately, and dance your heart out. Your the friendliest one there, and I can tell that you're the teacher's favorite. If school is anything like this for you, you'll be a great student.

I can't think of anything else at the moment, though I am positive that there is more to share..
I'll try to post pictures soon.
I love you, Jack. You're the best, most wonderful 2 year old on the planet!!!
Momma

Jack's 2nd Birthday

This is being posted a little bit late - my apologies!- but we've been busy, busy!!
I love you, Jack. Here's what we were up to on your second birthday!!

23 months

So here we are - 23 months.
Just shy of two.
Almost Terrible.
And so it begins…

Mom’s out of town for the weekend so here’s one from me, dear ole dad. Of course you’re not terrible – at least not yet. Maybe when you hit 13 or so. But you are exploring limits. My guess is you’re just trying to figure things out. I try not to get too upset when, after being reprimanded for banging your sippy cup against the window, you stop but immediately move six inches to the left and smack it again and then turn with a look that says “Is this OK?” “No.” So you then move six inches to the right. “How about now?”


As a result of this drive to explore, and the fact that “slow” is not a speed that exists on your transmission, you have discovered the world of scraped knees and bruises. I’m not quite sure how you managed to scrape the bridge of your nose right between your eyes. But I do think, whatever hit you, you should have seen it coming.

You also love to help with things like loading/unloading the dishwasher. Sure, when you ‘help’ it usually takes about three times longer and quite often you are helping unload when I’m trying to load or vice versa. But it’s the thought that counts, right?


























So here you are finding new exciting places to hide the remote, making random calls on the cell phone (Sorry Mrs. Kubinski), and raging against the injustice of a closed door. All I can say is fight on little man, be bold, be strong… but bed time is still 8:00.

22 Months

Dear Jack B'Hat,Happy 22nd month!! You are so close to two and have already begun what grown-ups call "the terrible twos." When they say this they mean that their children are no longer able to be contained as they once were, and they get into everything they can possibly get into, even though their parents spent a tremendous amount of time and money making sure that they couldn't get into anything. (shaking and rocking) But they do...Anyway, you're there kid. We've learned that you laugh in the face of the baby-proofing industry and you openly mock anyone who calls himself an expert on toddler rearing. It's a really good thing you're so freaking cute since you are testing both the limits of what you can and cannot do and also the limits of your parents patience. (!) (Right now you are standing in a chair, defiantly looking at me..)Sadly, Momma has been pretty sick this week and couchbound as a result. Even now my body is wondering why I'm vertical. I'll have to post some pictures and leave it at that this month. But please know that I love you with all of my heart. It makes my heart warm when you say it back. The best is when you bring your nap to me and ask to snuggle. You're the best kid on the planet!!

I love you!!!

Momma

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Spring Break 2010

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