Today, Jack's teacher, Miss Amanda, leaves to pursue graduate work in Alabama. We all love Miss Amanda, especially Jack, so it's going to be hard. Miss Ashley will be taking over though and she and Jack also have a very special relationship from the baby room, so we know he will be in good hands and will continue to be showered with love. We wish Miss Amanda all the best and know that she will go on to do amazing things and brighten the lives of so many other children!
Yesterday we had our very first parent-teach conference with Miss Amanda. I had no idea one started such things at this age, but it was actually very informative as she does see him a very different light than we do and it seems he does things for her that he doesn't for us, and vice versa. He got a great report and while I don't have any pictures to share (though she did show us all of his fabulous artwork and once it comes down off the wall, we'll be sure to share it), I did want to capture the comments that she wrote on his Developmental Progress Form.
"Jack has made leaps and bounds since becoming a Chickadee! His motor skills have improved dramatically and he is happy in his class. Jack loves playing with his friends but is also content playing by himself. Jack loves telling teachers the sounds that animals make and is constantly smiling and laughing. We are working on adding words to his vocabulary for increased communication, as well as becoming more comfortable with people who come in and out of the classroom. Jack loves books, toy tools in the dramatic play center, and building with blocks. Jack is a great listener and a very affectionate child."
Good job Jack! He really had a rough little start in the Chicks room, after being home with me, and it's amazing to see how far he's come in 2 months. Keep up the good work buddy and thanks again to our Tuckaway family for making his days so bright and fun!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Jack's chair
Jack has recently developed a fascination with chairs. I'm not sure if it's just his age or if sitting in a real chair at the lunch table at school has something to do with it, but he can't get enough of them. He can't quite climb into a big one yet though so Grandma bout him his very own comfy chair that he can get into and out of all by himself, and he loves it! We watch Sesame Street in the mornings before school and here he is yesterday in his chair with his breakfast. I couldn't get him to look at me...Big Bird is much more entertaining...clearly!
Rumor has it that Emory also had a chair like this when he was about this age. I hope Auntie Stephanie has some pictures so we can compare the red-heads in their chairs!
Thanks Grandma!
Rumor has it that Emory also had a chair like this when he was about this age. I hope Auntie Stephanie has some pictures so we can compare the red-heads in their chairs!
Thanks Grandma!
Last weekend's fun
Friday night Uncle Harold and Judy invited us over for dinner. Jack's not the best dinner guest these days. He's messy and doesn't sit still but they have a fantastic deck that has one of the most amazing views of the James that Richmond has to offer I think, and it has no stairs so it's completely kid-friendly, so it worked out really well. Uncle Harold is a very talented chef and the food is always great! The company was wonderful and the weather was also perfect - it was just a lovely evening all the way around.
I love the expression on Uncle Harold's face here...it's so him! Jack's not cooperating at all, but that's usually how it goes these days if he's not allowed to be up and running around.
I'm not sure what the expression on Jack's face is about here at all, but it made me kind of chuckle. I think he's just got a mouth full of snacks.
Saturday Kenny had to go paint a house for his summer class. Yes, really, paint a house. What's that got to do with accounting you ask? No idea. Anyway, Jack and I were on our own and took a trip to the Farmer's Market and then to the park after we beat the wooden spoons together for a while.
He's not all that into the equipment at the playground, he much prefers just running around and exploring, but he screams as though you are removing a limb when you try and take him home!
Saturday afternoon Grams and Gramps invited us to the pool! Planet Granite has a great baby pool but I think Jack preferred the big pool.
He loved swimming with Grams and Gramps and after they left, we played basketball and peekaboo and had such a good time!
Sunday we had lots of chores to do to get ready for our big beach trip coming up so that wasn't as much fun, but it was still a great weekend, filled with summer fun!
I love the expression on Uncle Harold's face here...it's so him! Jack's not cooperating at all, but that's usually how it goes these days if he's not allowed to be up and running around.
I'm not sure what the expression on Jack's face is about here at all, but it made me kind of chuckle. I think he's just got a mouth full of snacks.
Saturday Kenny had to go paint a house for his summer class. Yes, really, paint a house. What's that got to do with accounting you ask? No idea. Anyway, Jack and I were on our own and took a trip to the Farmer's Market and then to the park after we beat the wooden spoons together for a while.
He's not all that into the equipment at the playground, he much prefers just running around and exploring, but he screams as though you are removing a limb when you try and take him home!
Saturday afternoon Grams and Gramps invited us to the pool! Planet Granite has a great baby pool but I think Jack preferred the big pool.
He loved swimming with Grams and Gramps and after they left, we played basketball and peekaboo and had such a good time!
Sunday we had lots of chores to do to get ready for our big beach trip coming up so that wasn't as much fun, but it was still a great weekend, filled with summer fun!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Catching up
This post is going to be a bit scattered but we've been busy and it's late and my brain is about to turn off for the night. Kenny is taking a pretty intense summer course that requires a lot of his time after work. I'm still trying to remember how to work and be a mom all at the same time. I've also been sick for the past couple of weeks and Jack wasn't sleeping well, so it was just a little hectic. But I think we survived and things seem to be back under control. Kenny's class ends next week and then we get to go to the beach with the Seaborns and boy, are we EXCITED!
Jack is pretty full of himself these days. I think he picks up a new word every day! He's such a happy kid and so curious...he's hard to keep up with but at least he keeps you smiling all the while!
He's really into chairs. He thinks it is great fun to get up in the big leather chair with a book. He also has a little chair just his size that he likes, though he's a little too good at standing in it for my taste!
He also likes to bring you a book and sit in your lap while you read it to him. It melts my heart. Jack likes listening to Aunt Audrey read to him...
and liked showing Uncle Eddie all his favorite animals!
He's also very curious about how things work. The Weavers brought him these great construction trucks that hook together via magnets. He can't quite figure out how they work, but he sure studies them!
Aunt Lyndsay came to town with her new beau and Jack sure checked him out! But he approved - in fact Jack warmed up to him within seconds...that's a good sign Lynds and we hope to see you guys again soon!!
Jack LOVES to eat these days! He'd eat all day every day I think if we let him. Saturday morning he had 3 bowls of cheerios with milk! It was his first experience of cereal with milk and I think he liked it!
I got a piano for my 13th birthday. I loved it, until I didn't. Lessons grew old and I was just over it, but it sure is pretty! Jack took her for a spin the other day and somehow knew to play with both hands. I don't know if that's weird or not, but it seemed kind of odd. I expected him to hit one key at a time. Anyway, maybe he'll be a pianist! Maybe not...we'll see!
This weekend we celebrated Granny's birthday! I am always struck by how beautiful she is. My mom looks just like her but unfortunately, I don't look so much like them. Granny's a fairly young great-grandmother but I'm 32...so she can't be that young. And she looks great and is so active and just inspiring. This weekend would have been her 62nd wedding anniversary too, if Papa were still living. I bet they would have been happier than ever too. Love you Granny and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Gramps and Jack went on a worm hunt...
But all Jack found were rocks!
Then he helped Granny blow out her cobbler candle!
And fell in love with ice cream. What a great weekend!!
I love this picture...two of my most favorite folks, smiling!
Hope you all are well and the week is off to a great start!
Jack is pretty full of himself these days. I think he picks up a new word every day! He's such a happy kid and so curious...he's hard to keep up with but at least he keeps you smiling all the while!
He's really into chairs. He thinks it is great fun to get up in the big leather chair with a book. He also has a little chair just his size that he likes, though he's a little too good at standing in it for my taste!
He also likes to bring you a book and sit in your lap while you read it to him. It melts my heart. Jack likes listening to Aunt Audrey read to him...
and liked showing Uncle Eddie all his favorite animals!
He's also very curious about how things work. The Weavers brought him these great construction trucks that hook together via magnets. He can't quite figure out how they work, but he sure studies them!
Aunt Lyndsay came to town with her new beau and Jack sure checked him out! But he approved - in fact Jack warmed up to him within seconds...that's a good sign Lynds and we hope to see you guys again soon!!
Jack LOVES to eat these days! He'd eat all day every day I think if we let him. Saturday morning he had 3 bowls of cheerios with milk! It was his first experience of cereal with milk and I think he liked it!
I got a piano for my 13th birthday. I loved it, until I didn't. Lessons grew old and I was just over it, but it sure is pretty! Jack took her for a spin the other day and somehow knew to play with both hands. I don't know if that's weird or not, but it seemed kind of odd. I expected him to hit one key at a time. Anyway, maybe he'll be a pianist! Maybe not...we'll see!
This weekend we celebrated Granny's birthday! I am always struck by how beautiful she is. My mom looks just like her but unfortunately, I don't look so much like them. Granny's a fairly young great-grandmother but I'm 32...so she can't be that young. And she looks great and is so active and just inspiring. This weekend would have been her 62nd wedding anniversary too, if Papa were still living. I bet they would have been happier than ever too. Love you Granny and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Gramps and Jack went on a worm hunt...
But all Jack found were rocks!
Then he helped Granny blow out her cobbler candle!
And fell in love with ice cream. What a great weekend!!
I love this picture...two of my most favorite folks, smiling!
Hope you all are well and the week is off to a great start!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
4th of July
Still behind...
We had a great 4th though - Jack kicked it off with his first school artwork!
Thursday night we drove to Manassas to visit with Great Grandma, Great Grandpa, Grandpa and Uncle Alan! Jack was so excited he didn't sleep the entire way and didn't go to bed until after 10! He didn't sleep much the entire trip and in fact (since it's a week later now), it took him 5 days to get back on track once we got home. 5 nights of at least one middle of the night waking, short naps and grumpiness. Jack needs a lot of sleep and he needs it at consistent times. It's not always convenient but it's the reality. Oh well...it was worth it!
Friday morning we went to see the Dunhams! Jack got to ride in Carter's very cool red wagon on our walk to the park. It was so great to see them - we miss them so much. It was so wonderful having great friends right next door who were going through the same things we were (Carter and Jack are just 6 weeks apart!) and enjoyed the same stuff we did. We are of course excited for them and their new adventures but we do miss them. A lot. But we'll visit often I hope! Miss you guys and thanks for sharing your day with us!
Friday afternoon we spent the afternoon just hanging out and enjoying the beautiful day.
Jack was fascinated with brooms all weekend.
Great Grandma has lots of magazines and Jack was sure Uncle Alan hadn't read them all...
That evening Jack found one of the many lions that reside at Great Grandma & Great Grandpa's house and walked around with it roaring. He probably had the most fun just exploring their big house!
He moves so fast these days it's really hard to get a good picture...unless he's being held hostage!
Saturday we went to a big cookout at Aunt Jo Ann's! It was heaven for Jack. 3 acres of wide open mowed spaces to run, a big jungle gym, cars, balls and ROCKS!
Come on Grandpa, let's go!!
I think Jack and Great Grandpa were discussing who was going to wear the Uncle Sam hat...
They even had a tiny little table just for little guys like Jack!
We had a great time and I especially enjoyed meeting so many members of the Lion family that I hadn't had the chance to meet before!
After a long nap in the car, Jack woke up at Grams and Gramps' house and Grams & Jack read a book about Lady Liberty! He was asleep long before any fireworks (and so was I since he hadn't slept well the nights before) but maybe next year we'll catch some!
Hope your 4th was also grand!
We had a great 4th though - Jack kicked it off with his first school artwork!
Thursday night we drove to Manassas to visit with Great Grandma, Great Grandpa, Grandpa and Uncle Alan! Jack was so excited he didn't sleep the entire way and didn't go to bed until after 10! He didn't sleep much the entire trip and in fact (since it's a week later now), it took him 5 days to get back on track once we got home. 5 nights of at least one middle of the night waking, short naps and grumpiness. Jack needs a lot of sleep and he needs it at consistent times. It's not always convenient but it's the reality. Oh well...it was worth it!
Friday morning we went to see the Dunhams! Jack got to ride in Carter's very cool red wagon on our walk to the park. It was so great to see them - we miss them so much. It was so wonderful having great friends right next door who were going through the same things we were (Carter and Jack are just 6 weeks apart!) and enjoyed the same stuff we did. We are of course excited for them and their new adventures but we do miss them. A lot. But we'll visit often I hope! Miss you guys and thanks for sharing your day with us!
Friday afternoon we spent the afternoon just hanging out and enjoying the beautiful day.
Jack was fascinated with brooms all weekend.
Great Grandma has lots of magazines and Jack was sure Uncle Alan hadn't read them all...
That evening Jack found one of the many lions that reside at Great Grandma & Great Grandpa's house and walked around with it roaring. He probably had the most fun just exploring their big house!
He moves so fast these days it's really hard to get a good picture...unless he's being held hostage!
Saturday we went to a big cookout at Aunt Jo Ann's! It was heaven for Jack. 3 acres of wide open mowed spaces to run, a big jungle gym, cars, balls and ROCKS!
Come on Grandpa, let's go!!
I think Jack and Great Grandpa were discussing who was going to wear the Uncle Sam hat...
They even had a tiny little table just for little guys like Jack!
We had a great time and I especially enjoyed meeting so many members of the Lion family that I hadn't had the chance to meet before!
After a long nap in the car, Jack woke up at Grams and Gramps' house and Grams & Jack read a book about Lady Liberty! He was asleep long before any fireworks (and so was I since he hadn't slept well the nights before) but maybe next year we'll catch some!
Hope your 4th was also grand!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
16 months (& 4 days)
I know, I'm late! We've been busy. We went away for the weekend, Kenny is taking a pretty intensive summer course that meets over 8 hours every week and then there's work and school and chores and such. Time really flies - good thing we're having so much fun!
Month 16 was just as great as I expected. Jack's mind is growing at warp speed and he's figuring things out so fast. He often brings us books that he wants read to him and will even sit through them sometimes.
I can't help but think that school is helping a lot with that. Jack LOVES school so much - it really makes me like working a lot more because I know how much he'd hate not getting to go. He gets so excited when he and his Daddy head for the door in the morning! Most mornings they start the day on the playground and Jack gets so excited when you enter the gate and head for the sandbox!
Life with a more mobile child surely has its drawbacks but watching how excited he was to get up and get going surely made it all worthwhile. He was just so proud! Now he's moving so fast he seems to be running into more trouble (or falling more often) but he's still so much fun to watch. He's becoming a very expressive child. His faces tell the whole story most of the time...and bring plenty of chuckles from Mom and Dad!
Rocks continue to be his favorite things. Just tonight as I washed dishes I found 4 in the kitchen. And there's a growing pile on the front stoop as well. Nothing makes him happier than finding a good rock and taking it with him.
He definitely went through a serious growth spurt this month. He even ate TWO whole pb&j's one night!
Applesauce is definitely his favorite food right now. He LOVES feeding it to himself. It makes such a mess but he loves every minute of it and that's what baths are for, right? He also learned to love ketchup this month and often dips his chicken sticks in the ketchup only to suck the ketchup off the chicken stick and use it again...it's merely a ketchup delivery device!
Despite the look of these pics, he's doing fairly well with a spoon and fork. There's still room for improvement, but he's got the basic hang of it! This picture just makes me laugh...
He's getting a little more adventurous with different types of food too which I also attribute to daycare. Chef Sam whips up real homemade meals and snacks for the kids every day and it exposes Jack to a lot more variety than I would bother to offer him. He also has learned to put his plate in the trash after he eats at school and his cup in the dirty dish bin and then heads to the sink with his hands out for Miss Amanda to wash! I didn't really believe it but Kenny saw it with his own 2 eyes!
I made the boys blueberry pancakes one morning though and Jack picked out all the blueberries!
Jack did learn how to scream or screech this month. It's painful. But the reading I've done encourages you to ignore it and whisper back to them. We'll see how that works... If anyone else has any suggestions, I'm open to them!
Hope the next month is as much fun for you all as I know it will be for us! We're headed to the beach in 24 days with Mary Alex and Jack will turn 17 months while we're there!
Month 16 was just as great as I expected. Jack's mind is growing at warp speed and he's figuring things out so fast. He often brings us books that he wants read to him and will even sit through them sometimes.
I can't help but think that school is helping a lot with that. Jack LOVES school so much - it really makes me like working a lot more because I know how much he'd hate not getting to go. He gets so excited when he and his Daddy head for the door in the morning! Most mornings they start the day on the playground and Jack gets so excited when you enter the gate and head for the sandbox!
Life with a more mobile child surely has its drawbacks but watching how excited he was to get up and get going surely made it all worthwhile. He was just so proud! Now he's moving so fast he seems to be running into more trouble (or falling more often) but he's still so much fun to watch. He's becoming a very expressive child. His faces tell the whole story most of the time...and bring plenty of chuckles from Mom and Dad!
Rocks continue to be his favorite things. Just tonight as I washed dishes I found 4 in the kitchen. And there's a growing pile on the front stoop as well. Nothing makes him happier than finding a good rock and taking it with him.
He definitely went through a serious growth spurt this month. He even ate TWO whole pb&j's one night!
Applesauce is definitely his favorite food right now. He LOVES feeding it to himself. It makes such a mess but he loves every minute of it and that's what baths are for, right? He also learned to love ketchup this month and often dips his chicken sticks in the ketchup only to suck the ketchup off the chicken stick and use it again...it's merely a ketchup delivery device!
Despite the look of these pics, he's doing fairly well with a spoon and fork. There's still room for improvement, but he's got the basic hang of it! This picture just makes me laugh...
He's getting a little more adventurous with different types of food too which I also attribute to daycare. Chef Sam whips up real homemade meals and snacks for the kids every day and it exposes Jack to a lot more variety than I would bother to offer him. He also has learned to put his plate in the trash after he eats at school and his cup in the dirty dish bin and then heads to the sink with his hands out for Miss Amanda to wash! I didn't really believe it but Kenny saw it with his own 2 eyes!
I made the boys blueberry pancakes one morning though and Jack picked out all the blueberries!
Jack did learn how to scream or screech this month. It's painful. But the reading I've done encourages you to ignore it and whisper back to them. We'll see how that works... If anyone else has any suggestions, I'm open to them!
Hope the next month is as much fun for you all as I know it will be for us! We're headed to the beach in 24 days with Mary Alex and Jack will turn 17 months while we're there!
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