marching on...

 Kate went to a fun Fancy Nancy party.  I did not get a great picture of her with Fancy Nancy, but you can tell by the pose, she was a success.

 Norman came to stay and so did Norman's bed.  It was cleaned before coming because Jack lays on it every time it is in the kitchen.  He rolls, he cuddles, he moves it.  Maybe I should just make a pallet for him on the floor and call it good.

We had Jack's year appointment and all seems well.

 The new tent is a hit with Ezra as well.  He also takes trips through the tunnel, much to the kids' laughter.

 Dudley, the school bear came home with us for his fourth visit this year.  It was snowing and we were trying to capture that in the picture.

It has been a bleak winter, and each time we think spring is around the corner, gray skies loom.

Happiest of Birthdays, Jackers

An Open Letter to Jack

My sweet boy.  Many told me I would fall in love with you when I first met you, but I didn’t believe them, because I did not think I could figure out how to love a boy; I only knew girls.  I must admit how utterly wrong I was to believe you would not steal my heart.  This past year has challenged your health, but you have been such a trooper.  Starting with RSV, we have had to figure out what is happening with you without your input.  You have always been the happiest little guy. 

You have the best big sister, too.  I did not know how Kate would be; especially since she wanted a sister.  But there has never been a moment of jealousy or meanness from Kate.  As soon as you whimper on the monitor Kate wants to come to your room to see you and play with you.  From the beginning all she has wanted is to hold you…much to you not wanting it now that you are on the go, but she just loves you to pieces.  Playtime spent with Kate is one of your favorite times.  The two of you have your own way to play and you watch her in amazement, trying to imitate whatever it is she is doing.  Most times Kate plays to your level.  Countless stacking, Easter egg hunting, kitchen prepping has gone into the time you have with Kate.  I am so lucky to have the two of you at home with me to play and watch you grow. 

We have loved your crazy hair and all of its “styles.”  We have loved the many faces you have.  Trust me, there are many.  We have loved the way you put your head on our shoulders/legs/hands/tummy for just a moment and then you are off.  We have loved your grunts to get our attention and the way you are able to have a full conversation without words. 

You are an active little dude that keeps me on my toes.  Some call you Motion Man, and you are.  If there is something to get into, you are there.  And when told “NO,” you just smile or, better yet, shake your head “no” and continue to do it.  You cry when I smack your hand or bottom and you shake when I come back to do it again, but you are determined to do it regardless. 

This year has been such a fun time for me.  I can’t believe how full my heart is.  I can’t believe I get to stay home with two of the greatest kids (and I really believe that).  I can’t believe how fast the time has gone. Here’s to the next year with the two of you.  

 Jack got a new tent for his birthday.  It had to be big enough for both kids as Jack tore Kate's tent up in less than 2 months.  She had it for 3 years.

 Jack got a big, blue ball for his birthday from Kate, but he likes to play with her pink one (of course) instead.  And smiles like he knows  it isn't his.

 Birthday cupcakes made by me, decorated by Kate.

 The birthday boy.  Love this little guy!

 Another new ball for his birthday...and a singing card from Mom.

 Cake time.  Too bad Jack only eats dry, crunchy carbs.

 Kate helped blow out the candle, because that's what big sister's do!

 Is this party really for me???? What do I do with this cupcake?  Upside down? Right side up?

 Well, it is better than that he thought it would be, but that doesn't mean he wanted more.

Happy one year of Jack.  We have loved (most of) it!

Oh, February...where did you go?

Yep, I have gotten quite slack about posting.  Sorry, Jack and Kate, you can wonder where this time went later.  Actually, I spent most of it playing with you.  Kate has become my little card shark and every time Jack naps, Kate wants to play Fish.  She wins almost every time and that is not because I am letting her.  She is getting strategy and she starts with quite a bit of luck.  She also can win most games of memory against adults; again, no one is letting her win.  During the times Jack is awake, we are chasing him around.  He loves to play and has even started wrestling.  He likes the full attention of Kate and spends his play time in the playroom if she is in there.  Lots of music and laughter fill this house.  Now, a few pictures from the month...

One morning when Jack woke from his nap, this was his hair.  Kate states, "Jack looks like a macaroni penguin."  This was not taught by me, so I am quite pleased with what she is learning at school.  And yes, he did resemble one.  Rather, his hair did.  

 In February, we all took turns with the flu.  First Kate, then I had it, followed by Jack and then Matt.  Lots of fun around here. And lots of sanitizing.  What to do when the doctor says no school for a week and the card games take too much energy?  Spa day!

 Luckily, we also had a box from Amazon that served as a play toy for three weeks.  Kate actually was upset when I put it out to recycle.  She drew a TV in it and spent hours with just her legs hanging out.  Of course Jack had to check the box out, too.  She even put some toys in there for him.

Some days were bright enough to get outside with just a couple of layers.  We definitely took advantage of those days.  Kate wanted me to take pictures of her making funny faces.  She is such a fun kid these days.  Lots of goofiness and BFF moments happening.  

We also got out the airbrush kit she received from Santa.  The requirement is that I have to pump the green handle to make the air in the canister while she pulls the trigger.  Messy and fun.

 Once back at school, we had Dudley, the school bear, come home with us.  We played, took pictures, and wrote a journal while he was here.

 This is the saddest face I know.  It is also the face I see each time the remotes, iPad, iPhone, and anything else electronic is moved out of reach.  Get used to it, Buddy.

The dude reeks havoc on all that he touches.  A little like Midas in that way though no gold.  His favorite time of the day is right after I have cleaned up the playroom and family room.  SO.MUCH.FUN to pull out everything and then move onto a new toy.

 Smiley folks.

 Jack has started laying his head on anyone laying on the couch.  He especially likes Kate because she giggles when he does it.  And then it is funny, so it is repeated.

 Piano Man.  Or entertainer.

 "Helping" my mom with the dishwasher.

 Kate likes to take baths with him sometimes.  She is such a fun big sister for him to have.  She puts bubbles on him, drops toys so they splash, and picks up whatever he throws out of the tub.  Lately, he has been playing with her hair in the tub.  He is a little rough, but he thinks it is fun.

 We made an evening out of a girls basketball game, and Kate took her IU megaphone to rally the team.

 Sweetness.

 Girly-girl lost another tooth.  It was quite loose for a couple of days but she didn't want anyone to touch it.  Finally, while eating a piece of candy, it came out.  Whew!  The tooth fairy visited and a trip to Target took place the next day.

 The laundry goes 'round and 'round.

 Popcorn while swinging at the park.

 Happiness.

 Jack made this at "school."

living it up

This is my boy.  Plain and simple.  In fact, I have a hard time calling Jack my #1 guy because that is what I call Drake.  Somehow, this guy is my buddy.  Over the past week, while Kate and I have been sick, he has not left our sick bed.  He stays with me, like he knows.  because he does.

 This is the treat for Kate -- Chicken minis.  She went with me (early) to the grocery so that she could have these.  Special time for my love.

 These are blurry, but Jack has taken a loving to Norman and his bed.  And Norman doesn't love it, but he is so sweet about it.  Just sort of a "you've got to be kidding me" look.

 We had an ice day.  So Kate and I got some "go fish" time in.  And Crazy 8s, War, Memory, and Old Maid.  Girlfriend wins almost every time.  Not fair.  :-)

 We also cooked up some M&M cookies, because why not?

 All in two minutes, while I was trying to change the laundry.  Kate was NEVER like this.  Jack is into everything.  And I mean everything.  Kleenex is just something to tear up and then put small pieces in to see if they taste better.  Dog food is tasted most days.  New object on floor is fun to see, no matter what it is.  Quickest little squirt I know.

 Drake got a treat one night before I threw the jar away.

 Yep, this is the face that stole my heart.  Goofball for sure.  And I love every minute of his goofiness.

 My sweet girl and I have the flu (currently, as does Jack), and she really wanted to paint my toenails.  This was a huge thing for me to allow her to do as I am such a type A, but she did it.  And liked it.  In fact, she didn't even want me to paint hers after, so I didn't mess mine up.  She is becoming such a little girl and not a toddler anymore; I think I miss my baby.  I have not enjoyed being super sick, that is true, but I have enjoyed the time I have had cuddling with her.  We have slept together for almost a week (Matt does not want to be around us), and the time just spent loving on her has been great.  No real sharing of Mama with Jack, and that has been fine for both of us, temporarily.

 See?  Girl, not baby.  She was dancing in the kitchen the other night, and I said to Matt that she no longer has baby legs but girl legs.  She is changing all the time.  Brightest spot of my day.

 While we were sick, (and before Jack was), my mom kept Jack.  She confined him and gave him some pot roast.

 All of my loves...all of them minus Drake and Ez.

 Kate told me Jack looked like a Macaroni Penguin the other day.  After finding an image, I laughed so hard and wanted to remember this.

 We have Jack yogurt because he won't eat anything besides Chex and Cheerios.  20 minutes were spent playing with it, but not once did he put his spoon to his mouth or put his fingers in his mouth.  So much for yogurt!  :-)