Today (February 25th) would be my mom's 58th birthday. I thought I would post a couple pictures in honor of her birthday. We miss you and love you Mom!
Baby Neo at 6 weeks old
Prairie Days Princess
Mom's 50th birthday
Monday, February 25, 2008
A beautiful day at the park
Last Thursday Grayson and I drove into Olympia and went to Bigelow Park. Even though it was pretty chilly, Grayson enjoyed playing, sliding and swinging.February Photos
Ok....after some time playing around with the photos, I finally was able to post them. Here are a few taken throughout this month.
Grayson reading his alphabet book with Lilly.
Our new little rockstar!
Proud mama and her little rockstar
Grayson gets a kick out of putting mine and Heath's shoes on and walk around. I remember doing this with my parents' shoes....so it cracks me up when I see him doing it.Technical difficulties
Grrrrr......
Sorry for the delay in picture posting, but I'm having issues with uploading them onto blogger from our new computer. It acts like it loses its internet connection....whatever. So, I will probably have to email them to myself and then post them using the laptop. I haven't posted pictures in awhile and now that I would like to....I can't. Check back soon...hopefully I will have it all figured out.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Toddler gym
I took Grayson this morning to toddler open gym at the Yelm Gymnastics Center. It was an hour and 1/2 of running around, going on the balance beam, running down the long trampoline, hanging from the bars, playing with a big ball, and playing on all sorts of other soft climbing toys. He absolutely loved it! My friend told me about it a long time ago, but we just never got around to going. I wish we would have....this is a great place to get exercise, especially on crummy days. I plan on having him go as much as possible on Fridays, whether Heath or I take him. There were quite a few kids today (which apparently is abnormal...usually only a handful), but it didn't matter because the place is really big and open. Since Heath will be off on Monday, I think we will plan on taking Grayson to it....they also have a Monday open gym and will be open. I'm sure Grayson will sleep really well today and tonight!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Busy couple of days
Well, we've had kind of a whirlwind last couple of days. Whew!
Friday I spent some time doing some work for a friend and for dad doing some cleaning. Following that I ran home quickly to get a shower and then leave for the High School Regional Wrestling Tournament. Heath and Grayson had to leave without me so I had to drive in on my own. We went to watch Brenda and Bob Thornhill's son, Caleb wrestle....he is a freshman and has been wrestling his whole life as dad as his coach. Following his match we met up with Justin and his new girl, Sarah at Bar Cinco for dinner and drinks.
Saturday.....Heath's Birthday (party in the evening) Happy Birthday!
Saturday I got up early to go into Olympia for my 8.6 mile run with the training group. Quickly after that I zoomed back into Yelm for the beginning of day 2 of the wrestling tourney. I didn't even have time to change.....wet from the rain and sweaty. Oh well. Heath met me there, but missed watching Caleb because he was nice enough that morning to make his own birthday cake. Following the semi-final rounds (which was exciting because a lot of the Yelm guys won their matches) I ran back over to dad's for some more cleaning. I didn't have time to run home a take a shower so I just changed and went back to the wrestling tourney to catch the finals. Heath was able to get Debbie to come over and watch Grayson while he came back to the tourney. However, things were running behind so I stayed till about 3 pm then ran home (approx. 17 mins away) to gather up my shower stuff, clothes and the cake....then pick up Grayson.....I had to be back at the school at 4pm for the start of the finals. I really wanted to get there on time to see the one girl wrestle (from another school).....she is pretty good and I kept missing all her matches. I had zero gas, but Grayson and I got to the school a couple minutes late, but I was able to watch the girl wrestle a bit. Was quite interesting. She didn't win by the way, but got 3rd in the Region....and will be going to State next weekend. Anyway, we got to see Caleb who was wrestling for 1st or 2nd against his teammate, Marcus. It was a close (and good) match, but Marcus won. So...Yelm took 1st and 2nd in that weight division. I had enough time to see a few more wrestle but had to leave to run back over to dad's. It was time to make the frosting and put the cake together.....oh, and order the pizza. Once I got that taken care of (around 5:50pm) it was time to shower (way over due). Family were due to arrive between 6 and 6:30 for the party. Thankfully Aunt Judy finished the rest of the cake while I was getting ready. So....needless to say I was quite ready for a glass or 4 of some good red wine that dad picked up in Seattle. Boy I was sure tired that night!
Today was more of a lazy day mixed in with a little tax preparation. Since I have my own business, there is bit more work involved with doing taxes.....I want to make sure I have maximized all neccessary deductions. Still not done....actually I should have been working on them instead of writing this blog. Oh well. Tonight we also met up with dad, Justin and Sarah for dinner....Justin is moving to Maui tomorrow. We aren't sure for how long...but he does have a good job with the Maui Glass Blowing Factory (Da Factory)
By the way....check out Justin's website.
ok....blah, blah, blah.....lots of ramblin' on in that one! I'm tired!
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
The life of a toddler
So, out of the blue Grayson has become such a toddler. Ok, I guess he's been doing toddler-ish things for quite awhile and is technically considered a toddler....but there are new developments in this department. The "terrible-two's" are rearing their ugly head. Grayson has always been a really good little boy (not to brag or anything)....and we've never had any real behavior issues, excessive crying, naughtiness, etc....but lately we can tell that life as a sweet little baby is nearing the end. Don't get me wrong, he is still super awesome and for the most part listens to what we want him to do. As I write this, he is supposed to be coloring on his paper but has now taken to coloring on his canvas cushy chair....and doesn't have any intention of stopping. These do happen to be "washable" crayons, but since I just got them I don't really know how "washable" they truly are. So for the time being they are now in my possession. Ok...let me get back to my thoughts.
I bought a book the other day....a guide about toddlers. I was hoping this would enlighten me with all the tools to deal with toddler issues. This book is pretty superficial and hasn't given me too much insight besides an overview of general common sense. I would really like a super-nanny to come in and give me a class. I'm one of these people that wants to know everything....I don't like "winging" it all the time. I looked into taking a parenting class for toddlers at the community college, but was too late. Maybe next quarter. But I don't want to wait that long! I am really glad that I have a good group of mom friends that remind me that we are all in the same boat....toddler antics are universal.
So, new things that he has started doing lately are excessive whining and crying when I leave and go into another room in the house or when I take him out of the pantry or do something he doesn't want to do. Hi....typical toddler, I know. I'm trying to ignore the whining, but boy it gets old. Another typical thing is that he will keep doing something when I tell him not to.....he thinks its funny (I guess this is from my dog-yelling voice). He likes to climb onto my antique rocking chair, stand up and start rocking. This would be no big deal except this chair is old and has a broken spring and would easily tip over. Definitely an independence thing....which is good and bad.
We have also created a monster....a sleep monster that is. We've tried various techniques (we think anyway) to get Grayson to fall asleep on his own but nothing but our hands really works. You know how most kids are attached to a special blanket, toy or stuffed animal....well, our kid is totally, obsessively attached to our hands. It really isn't to us being there....its our hands. I asked Heath if he thought a fake hand would work if we put it in his crib. I know this sounds demented, but I'm almost willing to try it. Heath didn't quite agree with me. Lately Grayson is seeming to be more obsessed with our hands and will fiddle around with them forever. He has been waking up in the middle of the night again (maybe due to teething or habit from when he was sick). Last night it was only once, but it takes my hands to get him to fall asleep....and it seemed like it took forever. The night before he woke up 4 times....by the 3rd time I was on pretty much going to lose it and said a few choice words. That was when Heath got up and took charge. Thank God....I felt like I was seriously going mental. So, my new plan for getting him off the hands is to place his soft fuzzy bear/blanket combo in our hands while holding his. My hope is that eventually he will be cool with just the blanket. I'm probably delusional, but maybe it will work...I hope! I've also thought that maybe a somewhat large doll with good hands would work too. I just don't think going cold turkey is an option.
Ok...enough with the ranting....on to the bragging. Even though there are trying times with this toddler age....fun times also still exist we enjoy him all the time. He is really funny, loving and is still my little cuddle bug. I am watching him right now read his favorite book (that has some torn pages out of it).....it really looks like he is reading. He is just staring at the pages and taking it all in. Now he is touching the pictures. Its pretty funny to watch.
We got him a kitchen (I had a Discovery Toys party last week and got it for 1/2 price)....he is really enjoying playing with this. I was thinking I would take it to dad's for him to play with there, but I may keep it here and take something else instead. Its a nice break from all the trucks, tractors, cars, etc that he loves to play with all the time. I'm totally cool with my kid becoming the next Jamie Oliver (love that guy), minus the British accent (but the accent would be cool too).
When I pick him up at daycare....I just crack up. He runs to me from where he is playing....smiling....and doing his silly run. Then he will say "back" which means that he needs to go put the toy he is playing with back. He is very helpful at daycare and at home with putting things away.
I put a little kids table in our living room for him to sit like a big boy and eat his snacks and for doing art projects. He really enjoys sitting there....and tip his chair back like we used to do in school and get in trouble for. Luckily he has his cushy chair in the way so he can't really fall. But I am waiting for the fall someday. I just bought him color wonder stuff (thanks to some of my mom friends), playdoh and those washable crayons. I kind of forgot how cool playdoh feels....except of the lovely residue.
I really need to get a picture of this reading thing....he is really into it!
Favorite word: Backhoe (all tractors are backhoes now).
Well, that pretty much sums it up for now. That was one long post! Any advice or tips are appreciated. Even though the toddler times are here, Grayson will always be my sweet little baby :) (ahhh!)
I bought a book the other day....a guide about toddlers. I was hoping this would enlighten me with all the tools to deal with toddler issues. This book is pretty superficial and hasn't given me too much insight besides an overview of general common sense. I would really like a super-nanny to come in and give me a class. I'm one of these people that wants to know everything....I don't like "winging" it all the time. I looked into taking a parenting class for toddlers at the community college, but was too late. Maybe next quarter. But I don't want to wait that long! I am really glad that I have a good group of mom friends that remind me that we are all in the same boat....toddler antics are universal.
So, new things that he has started doing lately are excessive whining and crying when I leave and go into another room in the house or when I take him out of the pantry or do something he doesn't want to do. Hi....typical toddler, I know. I'm trying to ignore the whining, but boy it gets old. Another typical thing is that he will keep doing something when I tell him not to.....he thinks its funny (I guess this is from my dog-yelling voice). He likes to climb onto my antique rocking chair, stand up and start rocking. This would be no big deal except this chair is old and has a broken spring and would easily tip over. Definitely an independence thing....which is good and bad.
We have also created a monster....a sleep monster that is. We've tried various techniques (we think anyway) to get Grayson to fall asleep on his own but nothing but our hands really works. You know how most kids are attached to a special blanket, toy or stuffed animal....well, our kid is totally, obsessively attached to our hands. It really isn't to us being there....its our hands. I asked Heath if he thought a fake hand would work if we put it in his crib. I know this sounds demented, but I'm almost willing to try it. Heath didn't quite agree with me. Lately Grayson is seeming to be more obsessed with our hands and will fiddle around with them forever. He has been waking up in the middle of the night again (maybe due to teething or habit from when he was sick). Last night it was only once, but it takes my hands to get him to fall asleep....and it seemed like it took forever. The night before he woke up 4 times....by the 3rd time I was on pretty much going to lose it and said a few choice words. That was when Heath got up and took charge. Thank God....I felt like I was seriously going mental. So, my new plan for getting him off the hands is to place his soft fuzzy bear/blanket combo in our hands while holding his. My hope is that eventually he will be cool with just the blanket. I'm probably delusional, but maybe it will work...I hope! I've also thought that maybe a somewhat large doll with good hands would work too. I just don't think going cold turkey is an option.
Ok...enough with the ranting....on to the bragging. Even though there are trying times with this toddler age....fun times also still exist we enjoy him all the time. He is really funny, loving and is still my little cuddle bug. I am watching him right now read his favorite book (that has some torn pages out of it).....it really looks like he is reading. He is just staring at the pages and taking it all in. Now he is touching the pictures. Its pretty funny to watch.
We got him a kitchen (I had a Discovery Toys party last week and got it for 1/2 price)....he is really enjoying playing with this. I was thinking I would take it to dad's for him to play with there, but I may keep it here and take something else instead. Its a nice break from all the trucks, tractors, cars, etc that he loves to play with all the time. I'm totally cool with my kid becoming the next Jamie Oliver (love that guy), minus the British accent (but the accent would be cool too).
When I pick him up at daycare....I just crack up. He runs to me from where he is playing....smiling....and doing his silly run. Then he will say "back" which means that he needs to go put the toy he is playing with back. He is very helpful at daycare and at home with putting things away.
I put a little kids table in our living room for him to sit like a big boy and eat his snacks and for doing art projects. He really enjoys sitting there....and tip his chair back like we used to do in school and get in trouble for. Luckily he has his cushy chair in the way so he can't really fall. But I am waiting for the fall someday. I just bought him color wonder stuff (thanks to some of my mom friends), playdoh and those washable crayons. I kind of forgot how cool playdoh feels....except of the lovely residue.
I really need to get a picture of this reading thing....he is really into it!
Favorite word: Backhoe (all tractors are backhoes now).
Well, that pretty much sums it up for now. That was one long post! Any advice or tips are appreciated. Even though the toddler times are here, Grayson will always be my sweet little baby :) (ahhh!)
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Grayson's "movie"
I really wish that I could somehow post the photo montage that Grayson has been obsessed about lately....but I don't think it is entirely possible. So, instead I will post a few of the pictures that he loves in his little slide show. The slide show I'm talking about is one that had about 10 or so photos that I uploaded to the new iMac computer. Grayson and I were looking at them and I decided to try the slideshow view. What came up was a full screen slideshow that went through each photo a little differently by zooming in and fading out, etc. The best thing is that it automatically started in on one of itunes I downloaded. The song seemed very fitting....upbeat and catchy (Underdog by Spoon). Anyway, Grayson wants to watch his "movie" all the time now....and gets a little bit of an attitude if he doesn't get to. Sometimes I will catch him in the office trying to get it started. Whats crazy is that one time he did. Smart kid, eh? When we sit together and watch it he is all smiles....just chillin' watching photos of himself and also his friend Fraser visiting with the sheep. He wants to watch it over and over and over. A lot of times I just let him sit in the office chair by himself to watch. Now if he hears this song playing he gets all excited....its his new favorite song. I think I will put this song on here just so you can get a little idea.
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