Girl, no no, MINE

Super boy is here! Energy and smiles all over the place. Jack has been looking at a lot of books today, and we talk about all the pictures. There is one with a little girl and her brother playing with a train, but the girl looks like she is using her arm to keep the little boy from touching the train. Jack looks at it and says "girl, no no, MINE". So funny. And so smart how he is interpreting the body language shown.

After Jim leaves Jack and I always have the following conversation

Jack "daddy go?"
me "daddy went to work"
Jack "mommy go?"
me "mommy went to work"
Jack "ci ci go?"
Me "ci ci went to school"
Jack "jack go?"
me "jack came to grammie and grandpa's house"
Jack ...then runs to me and gives me a big hug and snuggle.
what a sweetie he is. [Joan]

So Entertaining

Jack was so entertaining yesterday, talks ALL the time. We spent time out in the yard in the afternoon and I did some weeding while he played with his yard toys. Jack also helped me weed and pick up yard waste and put it in the barrel. After his bath (around 330) he was just wild to play. I think the bath perked him up instead of calming him down. We were doing a lot of chasing around the house and riotous tickle games. So funny and fun. Then after a big meal we had a long quiet time snuggled on the couch looking at my photo albums on my computer. Jack loves looking at the family photos of all our recent events, naming everyone pretty accurately. He insisted on seeing photos of Mommie especially. [Joan]

Ni Ni Baby

Jack was his usual sunny self yesterday. We went to the park, and were the first ones there even though it was 10AM when we got there. Jack was climbing on the play structure when other kids and their parents started to arrive. Apparently Jack saw himself as owner since he had arrived first. So every time a new kid would show up, Jack would wave happily from his spot, calling "hi" to kid and parent. Too cute. Jack was also fascinated by a baby girl, probably a year old and just barely staggering around. He kept close to her and touched her gently, telling me "baby, baby". She wasn't too interested and tried to smack him a few times, but he dodged away.
In the evening when it is close to pick up time, we look at books on the couch for a wind down time. I brought a whole stack of books over and Jack looked through them carefully. He didn't see his favorite, and we had to go back and search the bookcase until we found "goodnight baby" which he loves. He was very clear about what he wanted, saying "no" to every book I showed him and saying "ni ni baby" repeatedly until we found his special book. What a great memory he has. [Joan]

Charming Their Socks Off

Jack was a complete honey today. We had breakfast, played with our toys, and then he went with me to the Dr. to get a smaller boot. Talked to me all the way to the Dr., then greeted every person he passed with a big smile and hello, held my hand all the way from the parking lot to the Dr's office. Jack talked to the people in the waiting room, went in to check on the nurses and receptionist, then when we left turned and called out "bye bye" loudly and cheerfully. Amazing to see a whole room full of grumpy people perk up, smile, and in unison say "bye bye" to your sweet boy.
We then went to American River College Library, where I had to sign a paper for my guild ladies who are packing up our textile library for moving. The lady with the paper was late, so we had to wait a half hour in the room where guild members were packing books. Again, Jack conquered the whole room. He very politely said "thank you" to the lady who offered him a fig newton, and walked around talking with the women and charming their socks off. The 82 year old lady who is the terror of the Guild hissed to me "he is so beautiful!" Like I didn't know it :-)
Home for lunch with Grandpa, then bottle and nap. Ken and I were sitting in the living room and we could hear Jack in his crib rattling around a little bit and the Jack started calling "grandpa" "grandpa", not crying, just yelling a bit. Ken called back "it's time for you to take a nap Jack", and there was utter silence. I went in to the hallway 5 minutes later and used the mirror to peek into his room. There Jack was, sound asleep, looking like a pink angel. He is so grown up when he is awake, but when he is sleeping, you can see he is just a baby still. He then slept for almost 4 hours! When Jack got up he ate a big meal, and we played outside and inside then read books for a long time. Thanks for sharing your boy with me today. Jack is amazingly easy to get along with, especially for a "two year old". No tantrums, no acting out, no breaking/tearing/crushing stuff, no grumpiness, just ready to play and laugh all day long. [Joan]

'Side, Potty

We were outside this morning inspecting the yard when Jack went to the door and said very clearly "side, potty". We went inside, he headed for the bathroom, I put him on the potty and he went pee pee. What a big boy!!! We made a huge deal of it of course. I'll get some pull ups next time, he is definitely ready to go. Yipppeeee
Later - Can't resist sending this...I put Jack on the potty and he did both poop and pee!!! He was so proud. Amazing.... I could tell it was deliberate, not just lucky coincidence. Ain't he a fabulous kid? Just got back from the park, he's sacked out...I hope
Much later - He made the big ewwwww sound when he looked at the potty results too. Very funny! He is SUCH a sweetie. I got another long cuddle this morning while he ate a pear on my lap, the rest of the day he was either in motion or sleeping. Ate well, slept well, played well all day. Just to make sure we remember he is a little boy though, he did pee on the floor while I was looking for a fresh diaper, and later when I turned my back he had the sugar bowl on the floor getting a big handful to eat. Didn't spill any sugar, just carefully lifted it down to where he could dig in.
We went to the park twice today, plus played outside so he should be tired even though he did nap from 12 til 3. [Joan]

Perfect Storm

Lordy what a day! In the morning my orthopedist put me in a frankenstein boot and crutches (a month!) for the tendonitis. Vanessa has been winding up a huge project she has been working on...lots of stress and lucky her it coincided with Jim's trip to London. Last week their sitter, Traci, had mysterious physical symptoms so bad she was taken to the hospital, then transferred to Stanford for further diagnosis. So...Jim comes back from London sick as a dog, Jack has pinkeye so he can't go to any daycare at all today and he is home with sick Dad while Kiva is over a friends house for the day. Vanessa was up most of the night last night working on her project, and will be again tonight. I'm home sulking with my crutches this afternoon when Jim called; he was so sick he was headed for the emergency room. So I picked up Kiva, met Jim at the hospital and received Jack, hobbled home where Ken fed us all and the kids (bless their little hearts) were sweet and entertaining, til Vanessa picked them up. Naturally, Vanessa's final presentation of her project is tomorrow! Jim is now home, he has the flu, badly. Fortunately care has been arranged for the kids tomorrow, and the pressure will be off Vanessa after her presentation (well mostly). Hopefully Jim will not have a protracted bout with the flu but we shall see. [Joan]

Mr. Crash and Burn

Mr. Crash and Burn at times, Jack is sooo eager to get to something he ignores every hazard in his path. He just finished lunch and is taking a nap. Jack ate a little rice and chicken, but then granpa said "I'm cutting up some oranges for you Jack" and he gave the big smile, lit up eyes, and pushed the entree away saying "all done". Then Jack just demolished all the oranges Granpa would fix for him. Too cute. Ken peels the orange, cuts each segment in pieces, then peels that too...no wonder Jack likes it. Ken will be peeling grapes for him next :-) [Joan]

Dead Man Drape

Jack had his usual quota of bangs and smashes, but after a comforting hug he brightened right up. He is a tough little guy for sure. I'm beginning to see drama with him from time to time. When he doesn't get what he wants he tries the frown and the beginnings of a whine. However, Jack's sunshine personality just doesn't let him carry it through...he's usually grinning after 5 seconds of frowning and whining. Also when he gets hurt sometimes I think he is playing it up a bit. The agonized face, the loud squall, the "dead man" drape over my shoulder, the sobs, then he sits right up looks me in the eye and grins and says "hi". So funny. P.S. what DID he eat yesterday??? EUWWWW to quote Jack. [Joan]

Smug Grandpa

Jack was just fine today. A couple of minor tantrums, but very minor and quickly over. Jack ate well all day, played happily, napped from 11 til 130 and was generally a happy camper all day. He is impetuous that's for sure, but he is so cheerful and good hearted that it is charming. I can't remember him ever being "bad" (if children can ever be said to be bad). Jack loooooves his granpa though. He knocked his head on the coffee table (I know!) and was crying pretty hard and I picked him right up. He said "no, grandpa" and sobbing went across the room to the smug grandpa. [Joan]

EUUUUWWWW

Jack was quite the personality here today. You know his obsession with phones, and we have one that is his. Not connected to the phone system, but it does have a charger so it gives some satisfying beeps and lights. He was playing with it and put it down and forgot where it was. When he started looking for it. I asked him "where is your phone Jack?" and the little genius walks over to the charger, presses the "page" button, follows the beeping sound to the phone under the table and then calmly pushes the correct button to make the phone quit beeping! Now granted, he had been playing with the "page" button, and I had showed him how to turn off the phone beeping, but sheesh! That little cookie is smart!
Then in the afternoon after his nap we went up to the mall and the indoor play area (and the toy store) which he really enjoyed. When we got home he told me he wanted a bath, so upstairs we went. When he was stripped he was kind of swiveling his hips (like Elvis) and looking like he was trying to aim that little water pistol so I asked him if he wanted to go potty. Last week when he took a bath he deliberately peed on my sandals as soon as he got his diaper off. Jack looked interested so I put him on the toilet and he very deliberately peed. It was clearly on purpose! He was sooooo proud and I made a big deal out of it.
This morning Jack ate a good breakfast as soon as he got here...his favorite oatmeal and mango pudding. He didn't eat a huge amount, but a respectable bowl full of each. He was then playing around with us and his toys about an hour later when he quite suddenly stopped, hurried into the kitchen calling "eat, eat, eat" and trying to climb into his chair. I didn't have lunch ready, so warmed up the rest of the oatmeal for him. He couldn't eat fast enough! Jack kept making the sign for more, more, more, until he finished all the oatmeal. He was still signing more, so I got him more mango pudding and he ate that too. It was really funny, like he was struck by lightning...."hey, I'm still hungry!" and just dropped everything to fill up.
Jack is so much fun to have over, and I feel like we are really connecting every time he is here. Lots of playtime and books. Jack seems to feel more comfortable with us every week, and we are falling into routines that all of us enjoy. This morning Ken was drinking his quadruple espresso when Jack walked over and stuck his finger into the foam and took a taste. Jack then made a loud, dramatic, "EUUUUWWWW" sound and walked over to the towel to make a huge big deal about wiping his finger clean. Tooooo funny. [Joan]

Huge Vocabulary

Jack has an amazingly huge vocabulary! He can't say many of the words, but he understands hundreds. I asked him if he wanted to give Dancer a treat, he immediately ran to the laundry room door and when the door was opened tried to open the right drawer. When given the treat he carefully carried it out the living room and gave it to Dancer.
He is working hard on speaking many of the words too, and gets impatient when I don't understand. Like all good Americans he just says things louder and louder hoping that I will eventually understand.
He also knows what he wants, when he wants it. Jack ate another huge breakfast (fruit and oatmeal) and played with us til around 9. Then he told me "ni ni" and then "ba ba" pointing at the microwave. When I started getting his bottle out he ran to get his little blankie and then sat on the floor and pointed at his shoes saying "off". What a little genius! Also what a little sweetie. Off to bed and he went right to sleep while I of course am taking the opportunity to rest up for the remainder of the day :-).
Jack has learned to make that frowny face work for him too. When something doesn't work (like his cell phone), he tried to make it work and then hands it to me with the frowny face. When I put it in the charger and it starts beeping, he is all smiles. [Joan]

ba ba ni ni

Jack in a great mood, although he does look a little ragged with the sliced forehead and bumped lip. He ate a huge breakfast as soon as he got here...oatmeal and applesauce. He heads for the high chair as soon as he gets here bellowing "eat". I got a bunch of extra snuggling this morning as he came running for cuddles every time the window shook with the wind. At 930 he started demanding "baba ni ni" and is still sleeping now. I expect to hear him any minute and have lunch on standby for him. Jack his usual charming self. So self confident with me and grandpa...I just love it. Ken likes it so much when Jack just climbs up on his chair and snuggles down. [Joan]

Oh, I Love Tofu

We went to a Japanese restaurant for lunch. I put some of the tofu from the miso soup on Kiva's plate and she said "oh, I love tofu" and ate it right up, using her chopsticks! The waiter had rubber banded them together at one end for her. She wouldn't try the miso soup until I told her it tasted like tofu, then she drank the whole bowl. She was a little sweetie again yesterday, and the grumpy grampa was heard to say last night after she left that she was an "enchanting" child. Kiva ate well, slept well, and we had a long laughing soak in the hot tub in the rain. She has learned many of her letters and I told her that when she knows them all we will do something special, maybe a train ride. Also, I have some lovely Madame Alexander dolls, the characters from Little Women, and I told her when she can read the book the dolls are hers to take home. Kiva really is a very very intelligent little girl even if I am a biased grammie. When we read stories, she will stop me at any word she doesn't know and wait for a definition.
Hope Jack is feeling better and I get to see him today. I really noticed how much he pays attention to his big sister last Wednesday. He is learning a lot by watching and trying to do everything she does. His language is really moving along. When he was finished with his snack on the way home I heard a loud "all gone" from the back seat. [Joan]

EAT!!

Yesterday I asked Jack if he was hungry.."do you want to eat?" He immediately went to the kitchen, found the spoon he had thrown on the floor, and stood in front of the microwave, waving the spoon and yelling "EAT!" [Joan]

Staring at the Ceiling

Jack presently out in the yard with Granpa while I take a quick email break. Jack is very affectionate, but he is so energetic that all you get are these brief hugs or snuggles and off he goes. One of the reasons I love giving him his bottle, it's one of the few times he stays in one place; although today he was absolutely determined to stick his finger up my nose! :-) He drank his whole bottle with me staring at the ceiling to keep my nose out of range. [Joan]

Hot?

what a treat Jack is today. He has been so energetic!!! but also comes over to grammie pretty often for looooong hugs that are too sweet. When Ken came down this morning, Jack immediately went to his chair and tried to climb up, I helped him into Ken's lap and Jack just laid his little head on Ken's tummy, wrapped his arms around him and just laid there for a long time smiling. Ken had this huge (Who's the special grandparent here?) smile on his face. Jack is also definitely talking. He does ask "hot?", says granpa (papa) and yaks his little head off telling me about his views on things. I had a cup of hot tea and he asked me "hot?", so of course I said yes, and he asked me again and I said yes again. He peeped into the cup and got that devil look again and just had to stick his fingers in it to check. Fortunately I'd put milk in it to cool it down so it wasn't that hot. But this boy is going to test the limits I can tell. We went to Costco with him too and when he got bored with sitting in the cart he walked all over charming everyone as he walked by saying "hi" with that sweetie smile. [Joan]

Such a Daredevil

Jack still is afraid of the swings, but must have gone down the slide 50 times. He climbs the steps himself and I help him sit and he pushes off. Very funny. He is such a daredevil. When "walking" down our big stairs, I can get him to hold on to my hand and the railings, but then he puts his feet on the edge of the step and slides them forward so he just drops down a step, instead of actually walking. [Joan]

Poopy Butt Boy

Your boy got me good today :-) When he woke up he took a major and I mean MAJOR poop, and while changing him I realized I didn't have enough wipes and I didn't have a fresh diaper. So I wiped as good as I could with what I had, grabbed him facing me to my chest, and ran to the office to get a clean diaper. Of course while I was rummaging he peed all over my shirt and jeans. So, there I was holding a naked poopy butt boy, both of us dripping with urine. Hilarious actually, so I headed up to the bathroom and Jack had his first shower with Grammie. Jack enjoyed the shower, as did I. When I got out, I wrapped Jack in a towel and carried him in to Ken who was laying down on his bed. I wish you could have seen the mystified look he gave his wet naked wife as I handed him a wet naked Jack so I could quick dry off and get dressed and then get Jack dressed. I don't know what I would do if my life was dull and dreary. These guys really make me laugh.
P.S. Our little genius stacked THREE spools today, we both clapped and said Yayyyyyy [Joan]

I don't eat solids at Grammie's

Jack is doing great. I do see the temper coming though....I think a big storm will hit us soon. Today I had the baby gate leaning against the wall behind one of my spinning wheels. It was tipped forward against the spinning wheel, and Jack decided he wanted it to stand up straight against the wall. He kept pushing it up and it would fall back against the spinning wheel. He got increasingly enraged, until he was in a full hissy fit, hitting the baby gate, red faced and screaming. Oh my goodness he was MAD.
On the plus side, otherwise he has been a really good mood, and has apparently gotten over the "I don't eat solids at Grammie's house" thing. Ate two bowls of chicken cacciatore with noodles, a full bottle and is now sacked out. We went to the park this morning which he just loves. Jack went all over the sand pit handing out his toys to the other kids, except his little truck which he kept a tight grip on. Then an older girl took it out of his hand and walked off. Jack didn't yell or anything, just kept following her all over the playground, watching his truck. He didn't make any attempt to take it back either, just kept a little beady eye fixed on it. Her daddy then made her give it back. Too funny. Jack and grandpa were on the floor playing with trucks this morning, very cute. [Joan]

Getting a Reputation

What a darling! Also what an adventurer Jack is these days. Loves to play and throw that's for sure :-), also our little genius now stacks blocks, and puts lids on properly on toy cooking pots. Brilliant! He did however walk straight into the dining room table this morning and bonked his forehead. I'm afraid I'm going to get a "reputation" at the park; last week Kiva and her shiner, this week Jack and his forehead knot and eye owie. :-) We went to the park this morning and as usual Jack loved it. Cruised all the clusters of kids in the sand box, if they were filling a bucket with sand he would come back and get his little scoop and go over and help. He's a little toughie too...he took some real flops in the sand where he tripped, fell and rolled, looked up, and then went on his way. I think he loves the freedom at the park. I let him pretty much cruise around, as long as I can reach him in say 5 or 6 steps. He will walk over to the grass, over to the play equipment, but checks back to make sure he can see me. Jack's personality is really shining through stronger and stronger. He gets really angry if I step over the baby gate to get something and leave him behind, shakes the gate yelling. Playing lots of verbal mimicry games too, I love the clicking noise he can make now. [Joan]