Friday, June 26, 2009

This past week Jeff was out of town so John got to spend some extra time bonding with Gramma Queen and PopPop. He now has a name for the Queen- its 'banda' who knows where that came from!!! He has loved cuddling on the couch and reading stories, especially the Thomas the Tank Engine catalog! But also some of the favorites from my childhood :)


The other morning after breakfast John and PopPop were playing trains at the kitchen table. PopPop remembered that he had his Top Hat in the closet so he snuck away to get it. When he came back into the kitchen, John wasn't paying attention so PopPop said something like "John, look who has come to see you" and I wish I had the camera ready to capture the look on John's face when he saw PopPop looking like Sir Toppham Hat. Priceless. These are the moments in life.....

The Farm...

Last week we went on a trip down to Pond Hill, a local organic farm. I posted about it around this time last year here
This year John was much more interested in seeing all of the animals, although he still wasn't so sure about letting them eat from his hands.





He LOVED the tractor,

again.....

but I think his favorite part was the little Corgie dog that followed him around

they made perfect playmates!

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Birthday Weekend (Recap)

Just a bit of the fun we had BEFORE the big birthday party! I just love how these two boys play together, its been so much fun watching them get to know eachother again! We can't wait to see you Bubby Owen!


Giving Uncle Jeff (Daddy) kisses through the glass door


Cooking breakfast with Uncle Jed


Opening eachother's presents before the party


A little quality potty/reading time together


Aw, baby Julian is so cute! (KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF THE SWING AND DON'T WAKE HIM UP!!!)

Friday, June 19, 2009

Breathe

We are here at Gamma and PopPop's house in Cross Village, Michigan. It is one of the places in the world where I feel like I can breathe freely, full of peace.






Top 10

This is a list I cut out of the newspaper in New Zealand. Sometimes its good just to read things like this as a reminder- especially #10!

1. When your child wants to show you something, stop what you are doing and pay attention.
2. Be physically affectionate - children thrive on hugs, cuddles and hand-holding.
3. Talk to your child about things that interest him or her, and tell them about aspects of your day.
4. Use lots of descriptive praise when your child does something you want to see more of, eg. "Thank you for doing what I asked straight away."
5. Activities such as play dough, coloring, dress-ups and making forts stop children getting bored, which is when they are most likely to misbehave.
6. Teach your child new skills by doing the task yourself first, then letting them try, eg, say "please" or "thank you", prompt your child to speak politely too, then praise them for their efforts.
7. Set clear limits on your child's behaviours. Sit down as a family to talk through the rules and consequences for breaking them.
8. When your child misbehaves, stay calm. Tell them, clearly, to stop misbehaving and outline what you would like them to do instead, eg, "stop fighting. Play nicely with each other." Praise your child if they stop, otherwise follow through with the consequence you had worked out as a family.
9. Have realistic expectations. Even though you are trying to be the perfect parent, you will have some discipline hassles.
10. Look after yourself. Try to find time to let yourself unwind.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Fins...

My child is a FISH!!!




We went to the Harbor Springs Community Pool Tuesday night for John's first swimming lesson. I was really excited because John has always LOVED water, but also a little nervous that he'd get upset in the new surroundings, indoor pool, new people etc. I shouldn't have been nervous! It was so hard to even get him dressed and hold him on my lap before the lesson started! Unfortunately there is only 1 other child signed up for the class so they cancelled it, so we will be joining the next level up! Originally they wanted him to join the younger children, but after the lesson we talked to the manager and we agreed that with John's enthusiasm he might fit better in the TOT 3 class.


Before the lesson, notice the tight grip I have on him- and direction his eyes are looking?!

We are in the water!!!


"KICK KICK!! REACH REACH!!"


On his back with the instructor, he was so comfortable in the water that she used him to demonstrate!


Leaving, my little Water Baby :)

John's own fan club, Daddy and Tashi (TaaTeee!) were there taking pictures, so we got some good ones for sure!

Monday, June 15, 2009

I Don't Know....

How we went from here:



To here!


HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN!!!