Spray Park

Spray park on Monday with Grayson.
These are the only two pics I took.
As the unofficial James' family photog, I figured I should post them.(Haircut post coming next...)

Somepin & Nuffin

Just a couple I don't want to forget:
- "Somepin" = Something. Asks for a snack by saying, "Mommy, I want somepin."
- "Nuffin" = nothing. If I ask him what he is doing, he'll say, "nuffin".
- Starts almost EVERY sentence with Probably. He's still stuttering a bunch, so sounds more like, "Prah-Prah-Prah-blee". It's hard not to giggle sometimes.
- Climbed on his toy kitchen and daddy told him not to. He replied, "Prah-Prah-Prah-blee mommy would let me." Oh really? I quickly bantered back that I would not!

Sweet Dianne lent us several animated movies. So, had movie night on Monday to let Reece in on one of my favs, Finding Nemo. What we did find is that Reece is sensitive. He was emotional when the characters were, and cried out several times that, "it's scary", turning his face into my body. D and I were sad that movie night wasn't a treat after all. But, it's interesting to see how he really understood what was going on. It isn't just cute characters like fish swimming in the ocean anymore.Prah-prah-prah-blee that's somepin.

Guitar

Last minute plans to spend Saturday night poolside with our travel buddies, the Miller's. Our our trek over, we realized poolside was quickly turning to inside instead.

Jenna and Hank were so excited to show Reece their rooms and toys. It was really sweet. We ate pizza and got it a good amount of adult conversation. The kids raced cars, swung the baseball bat (Jenna is quite the slugger), played Hullaballo and strummed a bit on the guitar.

Brendan's 3rd

What a day. Went bonkers and then pumped it up at Brendan's 3rd.
Pics are horrible, but still wanted to remember a few.

Last time we were here, I carried him up the big slide and crawled with him through the obstacle course. This time was much different. He climbed up two ginormous slides by himself over and over.
Just a little time passes, but a lot changes.Reece came so close to throwing the ball
into the plinko-like game - he threw and he threw.Grayson and Keith coming down the big slide.Brendan's mom is a pastry chef...quite impressive.Happy, Happy Birthday, Brendan.
Hope to see you more this summer and around school this fall, although you're too big for our PK2 britches now. ; )

Bonkers

Fun Friday's met at Going Bonkers in Lewisville.
Thought it might be too far and wasn't confident he'd like the indoor playground contraption.
Nope.That place was a jackpot.
The play structure is made of seatbelt-like material, strong, but see through. And, it is BIG. Unlike the plastic tunnels, it's well ventilated and you can watch them as they play. It took a little warming up, as most things do, but was a lot of fun. The menu was good, free wifi (which we didn't use), and lots of playing w/ friends.A win any way you look at it.
The only downside was the ride home. Several days into no paci in the car is wearing on us both. He's done great on the way to places, but when tired and on the way home for a nap, he misses it.

First

It became official Thursday.
Eyes That Can See Photography had it's first client.
Feels soooo odd to say, almost silly. (Hence the picture.)
There is so much to say. I'm not sure I have words right now.
Big thanks to Anne for the referral, Mel for the watermark and ton of encouragement, and Angela for Reece-sitting service and
real, honest conversations about my where my passion really is.

I enjoyed today and plan to continue doing portraits some, but Angela and Darren helped me realize something:My true passion comes in things that happen more organically.
Things like this. And this.
Dear friends confirmed. And for one more confirmation,
this very same afternoon Christy asked me to photograph her birth.
I now have my second client.

Window scurry

A lizard scurried along the outside ledge of our window. He was fast.
Reece barely caught a glimpse of him in time. I love that big window. It's not particularly sturdy or clean, but it's big and the view from it feeds my very soul daily.

I grabbed a plastic lizard, and we reenacted the lizard's trip past the window with great silliness.Too sweet not to post.
(An example, however, of the first in a series for me in manual.)There is so much truth in that.

God made

Reece was jabbering and singing at the breakfast this morning.

He didn't want to sing the song from school that talks about everything God made, but started in with his own talking version...
"God made Reece"
"God made Mommy"
"God made Daddy"
"God made Shell" (Michelle)
"God made the lady" (who just walked by our window)
"God made Lisa"
"God made Olivia"
"God made Bailey"
"God made Chris"
"God made Kellie"
"God made Phoebe"
"God made Ronnie"

That's about where he ran out of steam.
~~~
I was reading my bible this morning at the table and he said that he has a bible too.
I agreed. Then he asked, "Does daddy have a bible?"
~~~
"Why does the clock go like this (clicking his tongue on the roof of his mouth)?"
That followed a discussion about clocks, what makes them tick, and then I took him to every clock and let him listen to it keeping time.

Didn't I JUST write something about a verbal spurt coming on?
This week has been fun just spending time together. I love this curious nature and being able to talk about textures, colors, what God made, and how things work.
Lovin' every minute of it, my little Loverboy.

Nature Walk

Tuesday afternoon Reece woke up a little bit early, I had dinner already set, and so we set out on a nature walk. Well, that's what I called it. We took a walk around the block and searched for things to put in our box.I've been having so much fun this summer with my guy.
Today was another good one.
Before we set out, I asked him what kinds of things he thought we'd find. "A ladybug", he said. (remember that for later)He was quite pleased with himself when he found the ladybug in Olivia's yard. Silly, Reece.Even though these were just common things, I enjoyed talking about each one that God made and how it's different from the other. He learned about the shape of oak leaves, thin pointy pine needles, thick (and crunchy) magnolia leaves, magnolia blossoms, lotus wings, a bird's feather, and nuts both pre and post squirrel. It was hot one, but not too hot for a short nature walk.

Top Chef

2 1/2

When anyone asks how old you are, I look and ask you.
"2 1/2", you proudly say sporting a peace sign w/ your fingers. It took you a while to get those two fingers up. You practiced and practiced by holding the others down with the other hand. And, the "2 1/2", I guess you picked up from me, but people always think it's funny.

"Why?" has only increased in frequency, and now you add "Why, mommy?" and "How come?" to the mix. It's a lot. It seems funny that you say that so often at this age. You usually ask follow-on whys rather than repeating why for the same question over and over. Thank you for that! I love that you are curious. I answer you just about every time...sometimes my answer is "because I asked you to". ; )

When I'm away from you, say a tennis match or something, one of the first things you say to me is, "I missed you, mommy". What an incredibly sweet boy you are.
When I tell you "I love you" often in a whisper, you say it back in a soft voice, "I love you, too". These things seem so small, and I just don't know when or where they stuck with you. But, I treasure them.

You love to dance, spinning around while kicking your leg up into the air. It's hilarious. Sometimes you have some break dance moves on the floor.

Baseball is your favorite sport and you want to play all the time. You like to both catch and hit. You hit the ball so well when thrown to you, drop your bat, run the pretend bases (often in the wrong direction) and then slide. Man, you love to slide. The other night you slid with both feet forward, but usually it's one back and one forward, or head first. You love watching baseball on tv, particularly with your daddy just before bedtime. I think that's a little routine you have going when I'm at tennis practice or meeting with my accountability group.

We run to meet daddy most days when he gets home. You vie for his attention immediately and go back to the bedroom to change clothes with him. But, changing clothes isn't just what it sounds, it usually involves quite a bit of bed jumping, wrestling, and giggling, followed by the word, "again". Daddy "gives you the business" and now you give it back to us. You give Lucy the business, but get scared when she gets excited and you run back to daddy for protection.

When you have a big fall or are hurt in any way, you still cry quickly with tears. My comfort and kisses are still good medicine. When you spill something or fall when it doesn't hurt you, you tell me, "It's okay", and move on joyfully.

Breakfast is still your best meal. You love scrambled eggs with ketchup, cereal, oatmeal, breakfast casserole w/ grits, and most fruit. With other meals, I never know what you're going to eat. Peanut butter and jelly is your favorite sandwich, and you like to help make it with me. You're pretty good at spreading, but a lot gets into your mouth rather than on the bread. ; ) At lunch, you often prefer what anyone else is eating, you stinker. For dinner, you get what we get, and sometimes you don't eat much. I think you would eat macaroni and cheese every night, if I'd offer it. And, you'd snack all day long on crackers if I'd let you. : )

You don't know your colors yet, despite some of my best efforts. It seems like all of your friends know them. But, I know you will learn them eventually. Plus, the most important thing I desire for you to know has nothing to do with colors. This week we picked out some books on colors together at HPB. You have asked to read them every day since. One of them contains Van Gogh paintings, and I love talking about the art with you while we go through the colors.

You've been stuttering a lot the past few days, and I have a feeling you're going through a verbal development spurt.
I can't wait to hear what comes out next.
Speaking of verbal, you do like to speak your mind, particularly when you want or don't want something. "I DON'T WANT TO!", is a phrase I hear from those sweet little lips. We practice speaking more politely, and you do well by saying things like, "Please don't do that."
Sharing is a challenge for all of you little ones. Food you share well, but toys are hit or miss. You will share usually, and apologize consistently when you hit or swat at someone in frustration. Man, the hitting is embarrassing, but I try to remember that you are just learning how to deal with your emotions. "A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control." That's a verse mommy has learned for herself, but we talk about it a lot for you too.

We read before naps and sing songs before bed. You love songs, and sing a lot during the day, which warms my heart. My favorite is a twist on Twinkle Twinkle Little Star that you learned at school. It is usually the last song I sing before bed, animated in the glow of the stars on the ceiling above your bed...

Twinkle twinkle little star
God has made you what you are
Up above the world so high
Like a diamond in the sky
Twinkle twinkle little star
God has made you what you are

When I check on you just before I go to bed, sometimes you wake-up. You look at me bewildered and ask, "What are you doing?"
I tell you I'm just checking on you, I put on your blanket, and within seconds those heavy eyelids close again. It is one of my favorite parts of my day, and just about the very last thing I do. Sometimes I wearily get in bed, having forgotten to go in. But I faithfully get out of bed and go see your sweet face one more time before the dawn.

Despite any frustrations that come with 2 year olds, I absolutely love this age and love being with you. I am enjoying our time together so much right now, and I hope it only gets better.

This is just a brief glimpse, from what I thought of while I started typing this. But know this...
I'm so proud of the little boy you are (just as you are),
and I am so thankful God has made you what you are.
I love you so much.

Helping Daddy Mow

Reece, I'm so sorry, sweetie. Clearly, I've been depriving you. How many times have I thought about getting you a bubble mower, but just didn't fork over the few measly bucks?

Saturday morning, I was determined. We got up and went straight to the store for your mower. You didn't want to go at first b/c Daddy was getting ready to mow and you didn't want to miss it. I told you we were going to the store really quick to get a present and that we'd be back in time to help daddy mow. You immediately knew what we were going for, and talked about getting your own mower on the way to the store. How did you know?

Diligently wearing the sunglasses and hat we required, you absolutely loved helping daddy mow.

Where the boys are

Wednesday morning Grandmama came over. Reece was thrilled to see her as he always is. I ran to the gstore while they played and read books. Totally forgot to pick up the camera.

Thursday morning we went to church for a speaker on parenting. Reece had a great time with his friends while the moms got to listen uninterrupted. These days he's usually busy playing when I come to pick him up. Man, I remember a time when he was whining at the door waiting for me.

Friday, dear Anne kept Reece while I had a photoshoot for the church. THANK YOU! D will love this picture of Reece, which is how I found him when I came back...We have so many friends with little girls, D often asks where the boys are. When Reece is joined up with his girl friends, he ends up with mountains of beads and strollers w/ baby dolls. I think it's funny, and am glad he gets to play with them some. Besides, clearly the boy prefers a ball and bat. ; )

Friday night met the James' at Dream Cafe where Reece got some man time with Grayson. The two were a bit like brothers at times, but were in sync that edamame is deelish. Got to see Keith's cool office across the street, where the boys jabbed one another with the foosball poles and threw every ball they could find in the place.
Ah, yes....boys. : )

McQueen

In our afternoon underwear experiment this week, Lightning McQueen made an appearance. Although his favorite character (even over Elmo), he's had accidents of both kinds in this pair. Thankfully, it was easy clean up. I think he's getting a little more shy of the big boy underwear after tonight's leak at the dinner table. Not a feeling he's used to. We'll see. Checking himself out in the bathroom mirror.
If anyone is reading this, I'd love your feedback on another topic - Big boy beds.
Background: Reece loves his crib bed. He hangs out in there, sings, and plays both in the morning and in the afternoon after his nap. He knows how to get out, but he doesn't do it, I think b/c it's pretty uncomfortable shimmying down the side. I think it would be sweet to read books, sing songs, and have our nighttime prayers in a big boy bed. I think he'd like it, too. I just don't know when it's time. And, I DO know that times will certainly change after that. I like my sleep. I also don't need him to grow up any faster than he already is. But at the same time, I want to provide opportunities for independence if a bed is part of that. It seems like many of you have already made the switch.

I'd love your thoughts, experience and honest feedback...

Zoo keeping

Summertime is great. Lots of fun things to do and lots of friends to do it with. Tuesday, we went to the zoo.Kyle and Bailey watching the otters.The kids got hungry a little early and we headed to the food court. Thank goodness we did. Shortly after some crazy winds blew in and then rain. Cleared up pretty quickly and then we were back out. It was significantly cooler and I was so glad we stayed.Even the tiniest puddle was a jumping and splashing event. Kyle was the best spotter. One time I parked my stroller over a puddle to keep them moving. He was not fooled one bit.Bailey using the branches as pom poms,
while Tara multitasks w/ her camera and phone.Walked around to the tiger viewing just as the zookeeper put food out. She set a piece right in front of the window. Moments later, he arrived...Kyle excitedly watched the tiger come right up to the window and wasn't afraid one bit. Reece was a little more cautious, not as comfortable being that close. But, all the kids were really excited about the tiger paying them a visit...and frankly, we moms were too.Ok, have to say these next are some of my favs. There are so many in this post that it's unfortunate when all crammed in together. Is he adorable or what?These were a couple of the sweeter ones. There were a few silly faces and brother/sister moves as well.No worries, I'm not on a new b&w kick. There was just something simple and interesting about their positioning.