Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
He's learning so much!
Scott and I just got back from a cruise, but more on that later. I can't get over how smart Jamie is! Our kid is a GENIUS, I tell you.
We've been working on animal sounds and body parts lately, and I'm just amazed at how much he knows. His favorite animal sounds are the elephant and the lion, which he repeats often during the day. You never know when an elephant sound is coming! He also likes to do the monkey, pig and cow, from time to time. The elephant is my favorite, because he blows raspberries and puts his hand on top of his head -- very cute.
Last night, we were working on body parts. He knows his ears, mouth, nose, hands, and feet. I found a few Fisher Price apps on my phone, which are great for him. He loves the music and gets really interested. I also found toddler flash cards (either playskool or fisher price) at the dollar store, which he enjoys.
Jamie loves my new iphone just as much (or maybe more!) than I do. I really like the fact that I can download [free] apps just for him. The xylophone app is pretty cute and he knows exactly what to do -- it's essentially a classic toy xylophone that plays whenever little fingers touch it. As soon as I see him making his way over, I close out of my email or facebook, and immediately head over to the kid apps.
We discovered yesterday that Jamie can eat apple slices. He's an apple slice fanatic now.
Okay, and here's the last update -- we have a SLIDER! Jamie used to be afraid of slides at the park. He'd climb up the jungle gym, run around, and then once he saw the slide, he'd look for me and hold up his arms, wanting to be removed immediately. Well. Monday afternoon, we went to the park...and what do you know? That kid just went up there and slid down the slide, like he had been doing it for years. He follows the big kids around, trying to break into their games. Poor kid. He kept following the 6/7 year olds, who were acting like the jungle gym was a castle (I think) and when they saw Jamie, they'd all say "Oh, guys, let the baby go through, don't throw leaves on him!" Or maybe Jamie thought they were talking about some other kid. Either way, he makes the effort and usually tries to join in the conversation, using his excited babble language.
Last thing. We're going through a dress up stage right now. He has several little hats (police helmet, a few fireman hats) and a fireman's jacket that he enjoys putting on. I added an old button up shirt that Scott discarded, but he hasn't touched it -- in fact, last night, he put on his fireman's jacket and made Scott wear the old shirt and they ran around the living room together. We've gone through a few fireman hats, and I definitely don't recommend the flimsy hats that you get at events -- the dollar store ones are best. They're a hard plastic that will last several months, at least.
Well, that's it for now!
We've been working on animal sounds and body parts lately, and I'm just amazed at how much he knows. His favorite animal sounds are the elephant and the lion, which he repeats often during the day. You never know when an elephant sound is coming! He also likes to do the monkey, pig and cow, from time to time. The elephant is my favorite, because he blows raspberries and puts his hand on top of his head -- very cute.
Last night, we were working on body parts. He knows his ears, mouth, nose, hands, and feet. I found a few Fisher Price apps on my phone, which are great for him. He loves the music and gets really interested. I also found toddler flash cards (either playskool or fisher price) at the dollar store, which he enjoys.
Jamie loves my new iphone just as much (or maybe more!) than I do. I really like the fact that I can download [free] apps just for him. The xylophone app is pretty cute and he knows exactly what to do -- it's essentially a classic toy xylophone that plays whenever little fingers touch it. As soon as I see him making his way over, I close out of my email or facebook, and immediately head over to the kid apps.
We discovered yesterday that Jamie can eat apple slices. He's an apple slice fanatic now.
Okay, and here's the last update -- we have a SLIDER! Jamie used to be afraid of slides at the park. He'd climb up the jungle gym, run around, and then once he saw the slide, he'd look for me and hold up his arms, wanting to be removed immediately. Well. Monday afternoon, we went to the park...and what do you know? That kid just went up there and slid down the slide, like he had been doing it for years. He follows the big kids around, trying to break into their games. Poor kid. He kept following the 6/7 year olds, who were acting like the jungle gym was a castle (I think) and when they saw Jamie, they'd all say "Oh, guys, let the baby go through, don't throw leaves on him!" Or maybe Jamie thought they were talking about some other kid. Either way, he makes the effort and usually tries to join in the conversation, using his excited babble language.
Last thing. We're going through a dress up stage right now. He has several little hats (police helmet, a few fireman hats) and a fireman's jacket that he enjoys putting on. I added an old button up shirt that Scott discarded, but he hasn't touched it -- in fact, last night, he put on his fireman's jacket and made Scott wear the old shirt and they ran around the living room together. We've gone through a few fireman hats, and I definitely don't recommend the flimsy hats that you get at events -- the dollar store ones are best. They're a hard plastic that will last several months, at least.
Well, that's it for now!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Happy Halloween!
Jamie tried trick or treating for the first time. It went fine, until it started raining, at which point we quit for the night and hung out with friends instead. Still a fun time!
He loved holding his pumpking bucket (threw a fit when I tried to hold it), loved getting treats, and happily growled as a lion.
We're currently working on animal sounds: he knows lion, elephant and dog. Apparently, ducks say "yeah" but I suppose that sounds about right.
He loved holding his pumpking bucket (threw a fit when I tried to hold it), loved getting treats, and happily growled as a lion.
We're currently working on animal sounds: he knows lion, elephant and dog. Apparently, ducks say "yeah" but I suppose that sounds about right.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Touch a Truck!
Jamie had a blast. So did we.
It was impossible to see all of the trucks, unfortunately. There was just SO MUCH to see. The line to see the Army helicopter was pretty long. Jamie really liked the police car. He threw a fit when we had to let the other kids take a turn.
Needless to say, his monkey backpack "leash" really came in handy. We didn't lose him!
It was a really fun day. Can't wait 'til next year.
His favorite.
Driving the big rig. Actually, I think this was the recycling truck.
Inside the Army helicopter.
We're on a helicopter!
The Army guys were really nice -- great with the kids.
Wandering around.
Ben and Jamie, little enough to fit inside.
Car transporter! We recognized this from Jamie's truck book.
The friendly firefighter telling Jamie about his firetruck. Jamie insisted on wearing his construction hat.
"Lines are the worst, Ma."
It was impossible to see all of the trucks, unfortunately. There was just SO MUCH to see. The line to see the Army helicopter was pretty long. Jamie really liked the police car. He threw a fit when we had to let the other kids take a turn.
Needless to say, his monkey backpack "leash" really came in handy. We didn't lose him!
It was a really fun day. Can't wait 'til next year.
Friday, July 22, 2011
DIY
We're no strangers to saving money, but sometimes it can be challenging. Life is expensive! We've done pretty well with budgeting so far, especially on one income.
We coupon like crazy and I buy a lot of our things secondhand or on sale. We try to save restaurants when it's a special occasion and we have coupons. Really, we just do what we can to make a difference. I even started dyeing my hair at home. Most women won't admit to that, but I don't care -- it's easy to do it yourself, and the color is so rich and beautiful. Why not? Besides, my hair is starting to turn slightly gray.
Anyway.
And then there's life. We've had so many repairs come up lately. Every month, we were having to get the Buick fixed. New tires, window regulators went out, etc. It had to be done, but I wished we wouldn't have car issues for at least a month. And I got my wish. Instead, our bathtub faucet was leaking. A plumber came out, looked at it, and estimated an expensive fix. Scott and I couldn't believe it. When we were going to get a break? Scott did some research and found out that he could fix it himself for cheap. And he did. Thanks to the friendly folks at Moen and youtube videos. Bubba the plumber won't be coming back. Actually, his real name is James. Whyyyy does someone choose to go by Bubba instead of James? James is a great name!
Now we just need to find more diaper coupons and life will be golden.
We coupon like crazy and I buy a lot of our things secondhand or on sale. We try to save restaurants when it's a special occasion and we have coupons. Really, we just do what we can to make a difference. I even started dyeing my hair at home. Most women won't admit to that, but I don't care -- it's easy to do it yourself, and the color is so rich and beautiful. Why not? Besides, my hair is starting to turn slightly gray.
Anyway.
And then there's life. We've had so many repairs come up lately. Every month, we were having to get the Buick fixed. New tires, window regulators went out, etc. It had to be done, but I wished we wouldn't have car issues for at least a month. And I got my wish. Instead, our bathtub faucet was leaking. A plumber came out, looked at it, and estimated an expensive fix. Scott and I couldn't believe it. When we were going to get a break? Scott did some research and found out that he could fix it himself for cheap. And he did. Thanks to the friendly folks at Moen and youtube videos. Bubba the plumber won't be coming back. Actually, his real name is James. Whyyyy does someone choose to go by Bubba instead of James? James is a great name!
Now we just need to find more diaper coupons and life will be golden.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
A love for reading.
I love that Jamie loves his books. He's perfectly happy to sit and flip through a book. Upside down, rightside up, any old way will do. Oh sure, he runs around non stop during the day and needs to be a busy bee, but when he gets a book, he will sit quietly and "read" it. Last night, I picked 2 board books to read and we ended up sharing them. Jamie would flip through "Goodnight Moon" and then take my copy of "Barnyard Dance," handing me "Goodnight Moon". We'd switch every 2 minutes. Sometimes he'll let me read to him, but more often than not, it has to be at his pace, and he wants to take his time, studying the pages before flipping to the next one. I think he really likes "Goodnight Moon" because there's so much to look at. It's a really cute book.
I've been wanting to find "Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel" for awhile now, but I couldn't bring myself to pay full retail price on Amazon. At least, not until closer to Christmas. Could you imagine my surprise this morning, when I found a hardcover copy at a thrift store? I was ecstatic. Only 50 cents for a classic book!
There are still some others I need to find, but I'm pretty happy for now.
I've been wanting to find "Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel" for awhile now, but I couldn't bring myself to pay full retail price on Amazon. At least, not until closer to Christmas. Could you imagine my surprise this morning, when I found a hardcover copy at a thrift store? I was ecstatic. Only 50 cents for a classic book!
There are still some others I need to find, but I'm pretty happy for now.
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