Sunday, December 25, 2011
Reese is REALLY on the Move
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Christmas 2011
Big Boy Bed
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head Abbott
Apparently these look like Jim and I. JJ made these today and when I asked who they were he said Daddy and Mommy. I then asked him, do these look like mommy and daddy? Without hesitation he said yeah!
Monday, December 19, 2011
Reese has added "uh oh" to her vocabulary. Now she can say "dada", "mama", and "uh oh." What a big girl.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
We had our first Christmas party of the season with the Allen side. It was a great time. It wad their first time seeing Reese and they couldn't get over how much they look alike and how JJ has grown. The kids did good, Reese of course wanted to put all the wrapping paper in her mouth and JJ kept asking for "more?!" What a great day. After JJ opened his last present he waved at each person individually and said , "bye bye." Thankfully everyone got a kick out of it. That night Reese went to bed a bit earlier so Jim and I toolkit JJ downstairs to watch the Polar Express. I was amazed, the boy was glued to the T.V., at the end we asked him if he liked the movie and he said, "yeah! More," with so much excitement. I think Jim and I spent most of the movie watching JJ and his reaction, then watching the actual movie.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
It's the Little Things.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Imitation is the greatest form of flattery.
Friday, November 25, 2011
JJ working on the Tee
Check out his practice swings off the tee. First swing attempt at live pitching and he connects.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
9 and Counting.
I am amazed that my little girl who is 8 months old has 9 teeth! I discovered this while tickling her. As she laughed I was astonished to see so much white. At the time I was only aware of four. To my surprise there were a few that were hiding. She officially has 7 that have popped through, but I can see the other teeth waiting to pop through. Her new name...... jaws!
A Flashback!
When I was going through my photos I came across this picture of JJ in his Christmas pajamas 1/15/11. I had to post the photos of him then and now.
Going for our first ride.
Reese got to go for her first ride in the cozy coupe, before we will have to put it away for the season. She enjoyed it and JJ enjoyed his bike. We're still working on the pedals.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Reese and her first puff!
Today we gave Reese her first puffs. After one being thrown in the floor she got the hang of it and enjoyed them.
Countdown to Christmas.
We made our Christmas countdown chain. JJ is starting to get the hang of tearing off a chain each night before he goes to bed. He points to the chain and says Ho Ho Ho.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
First Snow
JJ went out and gathered his first snow of the season with his Mimi. He was super excitrd when she let gum bring it inside to play with.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Friday, November 4, 2011
Outing with Friends
Thursday, November 3, 2011
New Bedtime Tradition
Learning New Things
Monday, October 31, 2011
Halloween 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Trunk or Treat
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Bedtime Routine
Mom Let's Me!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Halloween Cookies
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Happy 7th Anniversary
Ask and You Shall Receive
Friday, October 21, 2011
Apple, Mama, and Bulldog
Monday, October 17, 2011
School Update
Friday, October 14, 2011
Costume Time
Thursday, October 13, 2011
My Little Lion
As JJ was getting ready for bed he began to roar at me. He was crawling on all four and roaring like a lion. I could not stop laughing. This was one of those moments.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
He Never Stops Amazing Us!
Monday, October 10, 2011
School Update
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Anderson and Girls Orchard
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Drinking From a Big Boy Cup
Big Boy Cup
Monday, October 3, 2011
School Update
Today JJ was a good eater at school, he napped from 12:35-2:00. He explored an aqua doodle, made a box, and purple quilt for art class. Of course JJ loved dancing in the activity room today.
Wednesday
He was not a very good eater today, only fruit and he slept for an hour. :-(. He explored window crayons, made an airplane, and worked on colors and numbers. In the special notes it said that enjoyed dancing today! He also did a great job helping to clean up the classroom several time today! That's our boy!
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Art Prize 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
School Update
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
J.J.'s 2 Year Old Checkup
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Eating With Friends
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Friends for Dinner
Tonight we sat down for dinner, but JJ invited some quests to join him. After I asked him to smile for this picture he then turned around every animal to face the camera. I proceeded to take another photo, I got up to get something, came back and they were all on his tray hovering over his food. Now he always grabs some friends to join us for dinner.
Caledonia Harvest Festival
Jim and I both decided that the slide would probably need to be something he ventured on next year and we took him to the bouncer. In typical JJ fashion he got in and just sat there while he took everything in. All the kids were bouncing around him, but he didn't quite know what to do at first. I told him that he needed to stand up and jump. Eventually he did. When he decided to come out he kept pointing at the giant slide, so we took him over to it. There was a little girl that was nice enough to walk behind JJ as he climbed up the ladder to get to the top. Once he was at the top he smiled and slid down with that little girl. After that he was hooked. He went up and down that slide at least 6 more times all by himself. We decided to take a break so we went to see the horses and then James tried to catch some fish in the fish pond. After 20 attempts, almost falling in, and getting mom wet, he finally caught 2 fish. We put them in a bag and he brought them to his dad to show. He was so excited. When Jim asked him how many fish there were he said 2!!!! After the fish JJ decorated 2 pumpkins then we saw Katie L. the library elephant. He was happy to look at her from a distance, but nothing more. Reese was a little different and she struck a pose with the giant elephant. JJ's friend Tana showed up and they tried to go ride the horse that was there, but JJ decided against it after waiting in line. He then wanted to show Tana the slide. So once again we waited in line, when JJ finally got up to the top he sat, and sat, and sat. After 6 minutes or so we had to send Tana after him. We then ventured over to the stage where they were playing music. JJ had his first pulled pork and ate all of it! Then we had a mini dance party in the street. Reese even joined in and was the hit of the afternoon. She was shakin what her mama gave her as she jammed to Michael Jackson. That's my girl! It was such a fun afternoon and so many wonderful memories were created in only 2 and a 1/2 hours. Great day!!!!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
JJ's First School Photos
Monday, September 19, 2011
Date Night
School Update
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Second Day of School
Monday, September 12, 2011
First Day of School!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
So Smart
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Sweet Dreams
Monday, August 29, 2011
Blow on it....it's hot.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Reese is 6 months old today!!!
Sunday, August 21, 2011
His Sweet Side
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Wow, he does listen!!
Friday, August 19, 2011
The Games They Play
Thursday, August 18, 2011
What Nice Neighbors
Saturday, August 13, 2011
JJ's big day
Sunday, August 7, 2011
The Girl Has Moves
Friday, August 5, 2011
Diaper Derby
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
First Sea-Do Ride
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
The Things Kids Say
Thursday, July 28, 2011
It's Only a Matter of Time
Friday, July 22, 2011
Such a Helpful Son
As I put JJ to bed tonight we did our typical routine, but as I put him in his crib he saw one of his Easter eggs that he must have gotten out of a drawer. He asked for it so I gave it to him. As I gave it to him I told him that I would put a liitle kiss in it so that he could open it up later if he wanted. Of course he opened it up right away, laughed, then gave it back to me to refill. I did, said good night and went to check on Reese. As I did I heard him scream out so I went back into him room to check on him. The egg had fallen behind his crib and he couldn't get it. He was standing there crying with tears coming down his face. I picked up the egg, put another kiss in it and handed it back to him. He gently set it on his matress and sat down to read one of his books.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Ballplayer in the Making
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Middleville Trail
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Reese Exceeds the Standards
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Wow, Busy Day!!
Later that night Jim and I took the kids to Campau Corner for some ice cream. We met up with the Coates family. JJ didn't eat any of his ice cream, was constantly running around chasing Tana, and then proceeded to fall off of the tall planter landing on his knees and finally hitting his head. Needless to say, I was so glad when we got home safe and sound.
The Word Hi Never Sounded So Good
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Thumbs Up
Friday, July 8, 2011
Big Boy Books
Playdate
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
New Library-New Experience
Friday, July 1, 2011
Rolly Polly
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wow, what a Day!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
I will miss these days.
Mini Playtime
Saturday, June 25, 2011
A Tradition Continues
Friday, June 24, 2011
First Summer trip to the cottage
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Reese's first tooth!
Monday, June 20, 2011
Like Mother like daughter
Thursday, June 16, 2011
What a big boy.
Fourth Day of Summer
As Mimi, JJ, Reese, and myself returned, we saw Papa fixing the broken sprinkler. JJ ran right out to him to help him. This was also the time for James to encounter his first sprinkler. His face was full of excitement and his mouth was wide open as he was trying to run away from the water. However he was running away in the same direction that the water was going. He finally broke free from the water and ran right to Papa with his arms outstretched. JJ then decided to help Mimi with the trimming of the lilac bushes. He grabbed all of the trimmed pieces and through them in the weeded side lot. After all that excitement it was time to go take a nap.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Third day of summer
As we were all getting ready for bed, I put Reese down first. JJ wanted to be lifted up to see her so I did. He noticed that she didn't have her binky in so he grabbed it and tried to put it in her mouth (it was upside down), but it seemed to work for a bit. He then blew her a kiss and it was his turn. In his room we picked out a book then sat and read it. We then sang our little song and danced (which he sings with me). I ask him if he loves me and he shakes his head yes. I ask him how much and he throws his arms out to the side then throws them around my neck with a little chuckle. A little kis come next, and with that everyone goes to bed.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Papa as a teacher
Saturday, June 11, 2011
A Day of Milestones
Then we had a fun first day of summer. We had a last minute garage sale, which went well. Then we went to Nana's for a summer kickoff cook out. It went so well. JJ and Reese did so well. JJ was the hit of the home again. He kept going up to the residents and smiling and waving. He had his first hotdog (when Jim found out he was not to thrilled. Ha ha). He was feeding the ducks and the staff gave him 9 balloons to take home. As we packed up the car JJ wanted to make sure that he had his balloons. I kept telling him that Kiki was putting the balloons in the back of the car, but he must not have believed me because he said, "I want it!". I was so proud of him. Kiki must have been too because she ripped a balloon out of the bouquet and gave it to JJ. Then we went to the car wash and JJ didn't cry. :). Finally when we got home, JJ and I were having our bedtime snack and Reese was playing on her mat. We were sitting watching her and SHE ROLLED OVER!! I couldn't believe it. What a great kick-off to summer.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Try New Things
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Life is Good
Going into Reese's room, if she's in her crib he'll say "shhhh" and put his finger up to his mouth. However, after it he will then talk in a normal voice, so it appears that he is just mimicking me. The other day we were in there and he kept pointing to her changing table. I asked him if he wanted to go on it, he said yes. For some reason he thought he was so cool up on her changing pad. Then I asked him, where is Reese? He went over to her crib and lifted up her bumper to point at her.
When I put JJ to bed tonight he reached his hand out through his crib for mine. I grabbed his hand and he lit up. It almost broke my heart because he didn't want to let go of my hand. If I could have crawled into that crib with him I would have. He gave me the biggest kisses through the slats in his crib. What an amazing kid.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
If He Could Live on Pizza
Monday, May 16, 2011
It's the Little Things
I was taking some pictures of Reese and JJ today. JJ would lay on the floor next to Reese, he kept changing his position. I then told JJ I wanted to get some pictures of him. I asked him if he would smile. To my surprise he flashed me the cheesiest smile ever. I love that boy.
Mom said that Reese almost turned on her side today as she was grabbing for items hanging above her. She's so strong.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
I Love You This.....Much!
Monday, May 9, 2011
Mother's Day 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
A Great Day
After Jim got home I was sharing these stories with him and he had one for me. Today Jim and JJ had their first game of catch. Jim was so proud of his little guy. While I was at work Jim started to toss the ball to JJ. JJ would pick it up/catch it and side arm throw it back to Jim. Jim said that JJ did this 5 times and hit him square in the chest. He said it was the coolest thing. What a great day!
Monday, May 2, 2011
A JJ moment
We then proceeded to move over to where Reese was swinging in her swing. As she began to cry JJ let me know ( like he always does) what I need to do with her next. He stopped the swing and put out his arms telling me that he wants to get her out and to help. Help he did. As I put my hand under her head he put his hands with arms extended under her body and started to take her out of the swing. Of course had I let him do it himself Reese would have fallen to the floor. For you see once he lifted her out of the swing he dropped his hands and turned away giggling.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Easter 2011
We had a great Easter weekend. To start off, JJ, Reese, my mom, and I went to Jim's Grandma's for an easter egg hunt. JJ had a great time, except for the fact that he was more interested in Chauncy "the dog" and the other kids. He was the last one to get going when they said the hunt was on, but he ran with all his little might. Luckily Mimi was there to stop another little boy from getting the only 4 eggs that remained. JJ was thrilled with the 4 eggs that he found and we all enjoyed the memory.
Then on Saturday JJ and I went to Lakeside Park in Caledonia for the easter egg hunt. We got there about 10 minutes before it began. The hardest part was trying to keep JJ from getting the eggs. I kept telling him to wait...wait...wait... So wait he did. He decided to sit on a rock. Then once he was on the rock that is when they told everyone they could begin. JJ was last again =( but he still had fun.
By Easter day he was really getting the hang of this egg thing.
Back to Work
Monday, April 18, 2011
Sibling Interaction
I asked JJ if he thought that Reese needed some tummy time and he said yes. I got out her surfboard and he grabbed a burp cloth to put down "which I always do so I don't have to wash it as much," man he knows the routine. I put her face down and he pointed to her feet, he wanted me to take off her socks(I always do this). After I took off her socks he immediately went to the opposite side that I was sitting and laid belly down in the floor and started to shout out some words. I realized that he was trying to call out her name, "again, this is what I do when Reese does tummy time."
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Vacuuming
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
A Day in the Life
When we got home JJ helped me with the laundry (like always), putting dirty clothes into the washer, transferring the washed clothes to the dryer, then helping me fold the laundry and put it away. However, whenever he helps me put things away they always seem to end up in his pajama drawer. After laundry it was nap time so he searched through his books and picked one out to read as he fell asleep.
2 hours into his nap I heard my son cry out then silence. I waited a few more minutes and heard nothing. I figured he had gone back to sleep. About a half an hour later I thought I would check on him. As I opened the door to his room I saw him sitting in the corner of his crib with a book in his hands. He looked up at me like I had just disturbed his reading time. Super cute. What a good boy.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Timeout
Eventful Day
We went for a walk to see the horses today, even though it should only take us 10 minutes to walk, it took about an hour. JJ stopped to pick up almost every rock that he saw and then he would throw it. We spent a lot of time throwing rocks into the water. Seeing the horses was the only thing that kept us going. When we finally go to the horses he said hi, bye, and we were on our way back. After carrying him the majority of the way back we came inside and ate. Then on the 15 th time that I changed Reese's diaper today he again told me to put he on her play mat, but he had to hold her first. With his arms stretched out he held her and gave her a kiss. Gotta love it!
Then as I was feeding Reese, JJ decided that he wanted to take all of his books from the living room and put them on his book shelf in his bedroom. One by one he picked them up, ran down the hall, I heard a bang, and back down the hall he came. After he was done he wanted to show me what he did (he was so proud). After he showed me, he then took all of his books one by one back to the living room. :-)
Monday, April 11, 2011
On a happy note Reese slept for 6 hours last night. Ahhh, uninterrupted sleep.
Zoo..rific
On Saturday we took JJ and Reese to the John Ball Zoo. It was JJ' second time being there and he loved it. It was a 50 degree day and although not a lot of the animals were out, we still had a lot of fun. Reese slept through the entire thing after spitting up on me within the first 10 minutes of getting there. :-). It seemed that JJ's favorite part of the zoo was the lions and bears, of course. He loved them. We had so much fun, we can't wait to go back.