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]

I've Got a Chocolate Bunny, La La La

Kiva was our darling again yesterday. I had Weavers group here at my house in the morning, and they all think she is a true angel. She was very quiet while we had the meeting, playing in her "house", sitting in my lap, looking at the weaving samples being passed around. Then Ken and I took her with us to the Nugget market in Roseville; we wanted to try their organic beef. Kiva held my hand all through the store, and Ken bought her a dark chocolate rabbit covered with gold foil and with a fancy ribbon. It was soooo entertaining to see her unabashed and triumphant glee at her score. She held it in the store and the clerk gave her a little bag, which she thanked her for most prettily. Then all the way home she was making up impromptu songs about her bunny "I've got a chocolate bunny, la la la, Grampa bought me a fancy bunny, tra la la, I love my chocolate bunny." It was hilarious, and this was all before she was allowed to actually eat any of it. I had her put it in her bag for home and she ate a good dinner just before Dad picked her up. When Dad got here, he was talking to Ken and Kiva was asking if she could eat her bunny. I told her "not yet", and she said politely "My Dad is here and he is the boss". Of course she was absolutely right, and so we waited and she asked Dad if she could eat her bunny and was allowed to eat the ears. Ok, I know this is all trivial, but I find it so entertaining. Kiva is a little love and we enjoy her visits tremendously. [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]

Wool on Her Arms

Funny Kiva....She told granpa and me that she had "wool" on her arms just like sheep. She then pointed to the microscopic golden hairs on her arms and legs. Too funny. [Joan]

One Now and One After Lunch

Kiva was a little darling (as usual) yesterday. We had a good day in our three way mutual admiration society. Kiva went with me to my physical therapy appt, and was so well behaved! She read her books while I was being hooked up to the electrical devices, then laid with me on the table to read books while the treatment was underway. We are still working in our workbooks in the morning and she did a dot to dot puzzle by herself...it went up to number 14. We also went shopping since Kiva said the special thing she wanted after the Dr was candy. She seemed to already know the way to the See's candy store in Sunrise Mall :-) and was very good about "one now and another one after lunch". When we were walking through Penny's Kiva was admiring the dresses, and would always say "that one would look beautiful on my mommy".....at least until she saw a really sparkly prom dress, then it was "that one would look good on me". We got a new bathing suit for her, since the 2 year old size one she has been wearing is finally getting too small. We got a very pink, very sparkly one with a short skirt that she was just thrilled with and we tried it out in the hot tub. I had to get a size 5, so as you can imagine she has plenty of room to grow in it. We worked in the garden and Grandpa dug up a very large fat worm for Kiva at her request, which she took care of and played with until we went inside, then she set it free in the lettuce patch. Kiva was really enjoying playing with the toy tools too yesterday. She was wearing the little tool belt and had her screwdriver, hammer and pliers all ready to take care of anything that needs fixing. She looked adorable of course. [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]