pumpkin painting

This was an interesting experience! JJ wanted to pull the paper off and paint the table... he painted his paci... it was quite fun. The kids got creative and made some pretty neat pumpkins. Here's how they turned out...

Boo Bash

So, today we went to the Grand Ave Boo Bash in St Paul. We definately decided to go earlier in the day and use the stroller if we go again next year. It was fun, though. They had the big bouncy houses, but Ally wouldn't go in without JJ (he's too small yet). Lots of folks passing us thought JJ was super cute in his horse costume (best 6 bucks spent lately!). I have to agree he was. Costumes have gotten sooo expensive that I'm really glad I went ahead and got him one last year. We got one for Ally today and it was $30! I bought it big so that maybe she can wear it next year and/or she can play in it for a while. At any rate, we had a good time. Tonight, we plan to paint a pumpkin. That should inspire some fun pictures....

Apple Picking

What a beautiful day! We had wonderful weather and beautiful fall colors! JJ had a great time at the apple orchard. He got to pet a goat, ride a pedal tractor (his favorite part!) take a brief ride behind a real tractor, and pick a few apples. We spent the day with the Rosenau family and JJ enjoyed spending time with his friend Collin. They played as toddlers do with so much to explore. We got them together for one activity-the pedal tractor! We may have to get one of those for at home!!! It was definately was a great fall day!

OY!

Our precious son has turned into a little terror! Well, just at home. He's so stubborn-sound like anyone else you know? It wouldn't happen to be at least one of his parents??? Anyway, he's quite the little tantrum nut this last week or two. Now, I know that much of this is because we moved, I went back to work and he started daycare. That's a lot for a little guy to swallow! The icing on the cake is that we've all been sick. We're on the second cycle of colds in two weeks (thanks again daycare)! I thought adults were suposed to have stronger immune systems than that! And there's the first year molars working their way through! Poor kid!

He seems to be adjusting to daycare. It's a slow process, but it's coming along. The last couple of days, he's fussed to get out of his seat in order to go in to daycare. That's the end of his enthusiasm though. He even tried to pull me back to the door when he saw one of the teachers yesterday (and he usually likes her!). He seems to calm down relatively quickly once I'm out of sight now - from what I can see through the windows, anyway. They say he's playing with the kids more, which is a relief to me because he's never been so antisocial!

I know that his emotional roller coaster is a result of the stresses going on for him right now. This too shall pass. But, boy do I wish this one would pass a tad bit faster!

1st day of daycare & fall fun

JJ did well with his first day of daycare, though it didn't hit him that we were leaving him there until he saw us out the window about to drive away. Poor thing! He was fine until he refused to take his afternoon nap. He got real fussy after snack time according to the teachers and struggled until we picked him up-thankfully, not much more than an hour. It may just be my imagination, but it seems like he is beginning to understand that words are a pretty cool thing and seems to be trying to repeat the key phrases we say to him (thank you, all done, more, and I'm good). Over the weekend, we went to a community festival at the park. They had pony rides for the kids and gord painting. JJ got to eat cookies (yes, papa lyle, we let him have cookies) and listen to music-always a favorite activity. He didn't even seem to mind that he was the only one dancing!

We're back!

At cousin Malinda's wedding

Oh, what an interesting few weeks it's been! Since our last post, we have moved and made a number of other life changing decisions. Jameson keeps growing and growing! Always the adventurer even in his own house. He has been practicing his words-we think he's said the word, "cheese". Yep, our son's first word was cheese. I guess it is his favorite thing to eat. He has also said "doggie" and "dog".

I have also decided to go back to work. I will be working with TBI clients in an independent living setting at a supervisory level. JJ is going to daycare and will start on Monday. So far, he seems to like the people he has met up with. He's only been there a few hours, but there are a couple of teachers we like and he seems to enjoy watching the other kids. He hasn't really played with them much which surprises me a bit considering how much he typically likes other kids.

We're beginning to get settled in to our apartment. It's nice because Jim is so much closer to work and I will be close to work now too. Plus, the apartment is bigger than the last couple of places we've had. JJ seems to really like the space (as we remove the random boxes from it!).