Flash Cards and Trains

A few months ago I bought Jack alphabet and number flash cards. I think of the alphabet cards as an opportunity to expose him to some objects we don't see or say every day. He's quite a talker so it's fun to challenge him. The other day, I said something about our food being delicious and he said, "Delicious, too," so I know he's up to the challenge of learning new things.

Occasionally, we look at the number flash cards. We count school buses on the way to daycare in the morning so he's exposed to counting but he likes to count to 3 then skip to 5, 7, 8. After looking through his alphabet cards, I took out a few of the number flash cards (less than the number 10). While counting, he skipped some numbers so I suggested he point at them like me. That way we could say and point to them at the same time. Well, he ended up grabbing my finger and just hung around for the finger ride. So cute.

We also played with the train set his birth mom gave him for Christmas this year. With the help of a battery, the train really moves. Jack loves it!

Help Me Momma

Oh, the joys of eating stick-to-your-teeth candy.

He soon asked for another one.

Mastering the Art of Blowing Bubbles

Wow, it's blustery white outside. What a great time to be a kid and off of school, although it was mighty cold today. I took off work because of all the snow we received last night. A couple of neighborhood kids spent 20 minutes here because they locked themselves out of their house. Jack was happy to watch "Kung Fu Panda" with them.

We played with bubbles tonight. Jack mastered the art of catching a bubble on his wand. It's amazing how fast children learn.

I didn't take any photos tonight but these are pictures from November that capture my little boy's energy and love for bubbles.

I hope everyone is keeping warm. Thank God for our many blessings.

My Saucy Boy

Someone sure loves spaghetti! You should have seen his shirt.

Gym Lessons Learned

I joined a nearby gym through a reduced membership program offered by work. It's been awhile since I've been to a gym. I still feel like I don't have much time to devote to it and, frankly, I feel guilty when I'm not with Jack even though he's in Mike's capable hands.

I've been to the gym twice since the beginning of this year and these are the lessons I've learned.

• Airlines give out free headphones for a reason. They're insta junk. I tried to use one tonight and it busted on me. 
• If you're wearing a black bra to work, it's probably a good idea to bring a different colored bra (say white) if you wear a white t-shirt to the gym. AKA I don't want to do the Bridget Jones thing. It's a good thing my t-shirt was a thick one.
• The track is like a race track for bi-pedals. I use the walk lane to cool down after a jog on the tread mill. Others use it as a passing lane to run past another runner who is too slow for them. Good thing the walk lane is wider than the runner lane.

Despite feeling guilty when I'm away from Jack, it feels good to be back at a gym, although it really feels like a workout, not so much fun.

Happy New Year!

We didn't do much for New Years Eve. I had been to the doctor that day and finally received some antibiotics. So we laid low and took it easy. But we partied on New Years Day!

For the past few years, we have been invited to Jack's birthmom's family Christmas/New Years Eve party and we always have a great time. They are a loving family and I feel blessed to be with them.

Jack's birthmom knew exactly what to get him for Christmas - Thomas! He loves Thomas trains.

It took Jack awhile to warm up but after lots of grapes and attention, he started to go wild. Here he is with Uncle D and family. (Sorry about the red eyes!)

Jack's birthmom's family has this old house close to the house they live in now. They worked on the log home last year and now it is a fun place for the young to hang out, play cards, Rock Band, air hockey, or karaoke.

"1, 2, 3, Kick!"

This year, the family decided to do some wine taste testing. It was a fun addition to the festivities.

And then, the most anticipated event of the year - the white elephant gift exchange.

Some people get creative. I usually bring something that I want to come home with me. That way, if no one else likes it, at least I won't be disappointed if I end up with it. Some funny gifts this year - an apron and singing deer. It's a good thing these guys have great senses of humor.

Mike ended up with Jim Bean marinating sauces, while Jack and I ended up with a bottle of wine and this beautiful cross stitched piece. (Jack fell asleep during the second half of the exchange so I decided he really wanted the cross stitched piece!) I love handmade items.

Earlier that day, Jack was spoiled with lots of gifts from the family. He received books, balls, a stuffed bear and stuffed deer.

Although it looks like he would have been happy with a BBQ baster.

Happy New Year!

Here Comes The...

Ring Bearer! Jack's birthmom is engaged and will marry her fiance towards the end of this year. And she has asked Jack to be her ring bearer. We are honored and so excited. We are happy for Jack's birthmom and we are thrilled that Jack will be the cutest ring bearer ever!

But how do we prepare our little man for one of the biggest roles of his young life? My nephew was our ring bearer and no amount of coaxing could get him down the aisle. Jack is a momma's boy so I'm trying to think of what strategy I'll use to get him to cooperate. I guess we have time to practice and Jack will be 3 by then so maybe he'll understand more what we need him to do.

Jack is going to look so adorable in a little tux. My little man.