Me and My Shadow...

My Shadow and I...

Yesterday morning for the first time Jack REALLY noticed shadows. Before sometimes they would catch his eye, but nothing like this. He spent about twenty minutes studying the "little boy" in the living room with us and that mysterious "hand" that kept moving around. I love being a stay at home Mom so that I can catch these things first hand and document them for all that love Jack.

"I know I'm not supposed to touch electric outlets...but that little boy is so I guess it is alright today."
"Wait little boy....I won't tell on you...come back."
"Oh no...Is that your Mom...did you get a spankin'?"
(While rubbing his head) "Am I still asleep? This is weird...it is usually just Mom and I in the living room this early in the morning."
"I know I'm not supposed to talk to strangers much less hold their hands...but ya'll seem nice and Mom did let you in the house. By the way...where are we going?"

Our little Monet...

Sunday we decided since we were resting before our Safari that a low key activity like coloring would be fun for all. Jack got all ready for his first coloring experience with his art smock-too cute. We taped the paper to the floor to help it stay in place and let his creative juices take over from there. He knew they needed to go on the paper to make a mark, but had troubles figuring out which part of the Tadoodle (Crayola Crayons for 12 month olds....easy to hold) to put down. In the end he really had more fun walking around with them and handing them back and forth to Nick and I. We'll try again another day...I bet the blue lines on the kitchen floor will still be there whenever we do try again.

Melting Pot

Here is a melting pot of pictures I thought were cute of Jack but haven't gotten around to putting on the blog.

Speaking of melting pot....Last Friday night I was steaming snap beans for Jack. Nick was in the process of cleaning up from dinner and all of a sudden I smelled and saw smoke pouring from the stove top. When I turned around Nick had put the tray cover to Jack's highchair on the stove top and even though it was on the front burners and the beans were on the back burner...I had accidentally turned on the front burner. I am so glad that we were right there in the kitchen...scary. The house stunk for awhile but we opened windows to help get the smell and chemicals out. Good thing the highchair came with a back up...probably because they figured people would melt at least one to the stove.
Jack still loves bananas but will no longer eat them if they are cut up. You have to feed it to him whole...or better yet...let him feed himself.
This is usually what our little monkey's face looks like after a bite.
The day after Papa C and Bebe left Jack just wasn't himself. He was moping around and kept going to the door of the guest room. That afternoon his friend Olivia came over to play. We were all in the toy area but Jack wasn't and was way to quiet. I look over the couch to see what he is doing and this is what I find. After they left I took his temperature but he had none...Guess he was just depressed that Papa and Bebe were gone...he never stays still for more than a second much less lay down...too cute!
Later that night Nick and I were cleaning up while Jack was playing. The house is pretty Jack friendly once we close all the doors so we let him roam around freely. He was again quiet and so we snuck down the hall to see what he had gotten in to. The door to his room was accidently left open and yes he had taken every book off the shelf but it was alright because how can you deny him books when he loves to read so much. He is our Future Scholar!!

Bluebonnets

Tonight Nick, Jack, and I headed to a field of bluebonnets by our house. It is the same place that Jack and I took pictures together last year. We are a little late in getting to them so the field was sparse, the weeds were high, and we got these little clear/red bugs that "sting" all over us...but some of the pictures came out cute so that is all that matters...right?!?

Click on the thumbnail to take you to the slideshow.

Texas Bluebonnets 2008

Our Safari in the Rainforest

We headed home after dropping off Deborah at the airport to rest up for our safari in the Rainforest at Rainforest Cafe. The plan was for all the gang to get together so the kiddos could experience it together...but schedules didn't work out so the Relle's packed up our safari gear and headed out into the Rainforest on our own.

Jack is hanging out with the frog outside the restaurant/gift shop while waiting for our table.
The huge fish tanks that were at the entry caught his eye immediately and were his favorite by far. Now I'm so excited about our trip this Summer once Nick is off to the Dallas Aquarium...Jack is going to LOVE it.
At the table we had a huge waterfall in front of us and a leopard above our table that Jack liked to watch his tail and head move. Whenever all the animals started making noises, moving, and the lights were flashing I was worried he was going to freak out and start crying...but he never did...he just danced and made noises along with them. I did mention fearing that this experience might scar him-which is still up for question.
After dinner we walked around checking out all the animals up close and personal. The gorillas are kinda hard to see here....the Rainforest is a pretty dark place.
These elephants were huge and Jack was able to touch the tusks (I'm sure you weren't supposed to touch the animals...but hey...he is learning so who cares)
The turtle was fun to touch too!!



We got home and did or normal nightly routine.....Jack had a ton of troubles going to sleep and woke up a few times last night...not sure if it was his tummy, over stimulation from the busy weekend, or nightmares about the Rainforest. It was a lot of fun and next time hopefully our friends will be able to join us on our safari.

Deborah's Visit

Deborah came to Dallas for the first time to visit us Relle's on our own stomping ground. It was a whirlwind trip (Saturday morning til lunch on Sunday) and I'm already looking forward to our next visit.

After picking Deborah up from the airport we played at the Highland Park playground a bit to stretch our feet. From there it was a tour of "the city" which included a trip to The Container Store (of course), The Village where Nick and I used to live, and lunch at Central Market.

With our bellies full Jack and I took Deborah to a make up Gymboree Class so she could see how much fun we have had together this year. They had so much fun together. Nick met us at the end of class to claim Jack so we could head out for some shopping, just the girls.

All of us were exhausted so we decided to stay around the house for the rest of the day. We played and Deborah even did some good old manual labor to fix Jack's basketball goal.
Dinner together was nice and once Jack was asleep Deb and I enjoyed a movie (even though it was sad) before calling it a night.
I had so much fun spending quality time with Deborah (even though I did have to share her with Jack). We've been best friends since First Grade and it's been a long time since we have had time together without holiday madness or wedding chaos.
Although...I must say...by seeing the two of them together it seems like those two have been best friends forever. Jack sure loves his Aunt Deborah and he is even more excited that she is going to be his Godmother!

We love you Deborah!!!

Jack's Nanny

Thank you to the few people who provided Nick and I any thoughts regarding Jack's care next year. Due to the lack of feedback and us not being able to decide between the two we have chosen to go a different route.

A Nanny!I know she might look a little harsh...but she resigned after they couldn't get enough evidence to support the many reports filed by parents, staff, and students. With her education background it will be our way of providing Jack with a combination of traditional daycare (no hugs...just hours of playing with minimal supervision) and the montessori educational philosophy (teaching Jack how to get her a beer out the fridge, dust her studio apartment, etc.). Plus...here is the best part....she is only $100 a month. That is a bargain which means we can afford new carpet, a second child, and maybe one or two nights with a babysitter...probably her since she only charges a 6 pack for the whole evening.

I'm sure all of you agree that Nick and I have made the best choice. I know now I'll finally be able to think about something other than daycare choices during the day and there won't be anymore tears at night obsessing about which place will be best for our perfect, precious Jack to be more than 8 hours out of everyday without his parents to hug, teach, and praise him.

You know I am just kidding....obviously bitter about the situation at this point. We have til 6:30 this evening to make the decision and I'm going to be in meetings in McKinney with Jack in tow....so I guess it will just come to us once Nick gets home....we'll let you know what we decide.

In Need of Opinions

So it is that time again...find a daycare that Jack will be in next year while Nick and I are working (but this time I have no choice but to follow through with the plan). We searched out what seems like hundreds of facilities in the Plano/Allen/McKinney area and boy...there aren't that many worthy of even considering. Some I didn't even have to tour because once I saw their CPS Inspection Reports online they were out. We've narrowed it down to two (one traditional and one Montessori)...Jack is already guaranteed a spot at one location because we put down a deposit for August, but the other place has a deposit of half a month's tuition. In order to guarantee a spot for August she is willing to hold it til Wednesday, but if we put such a great amount of money down...that is where he will have to go.

I know that the majority of you reading this are close to me...therefore you are scared to ever voice your opinion in fear of things not going right and me coming back to get you...but this isn't going to be like that. We love both places but they are both so different and seeing as it is JACK...we want to consider everything before making the decision. I'm putting a link to both daycares in this post...please take sometime to look through them and let me know what you think via comments or email. Both schools just opened (Cornerstone in August and Watters in March) so their sites are still a work in progress in terms of a more personal touch with pictures etc. If you have any personal experiences, experiences of friends, or resources regarding traditional daycare vs. montessori please, please share them with me.

Cornerstone School of Allen

www.CornerstoneSchoolAllen.com

Watters Montessori Academy

www.wattersmontessori.com

Thanks...this decision is starting to consume me...go figure and I appreciate any help especially from those that understand because they love Jack just as much as we do.

What a Wonderful Weekend

Friday morning Papa C and Bebe made it to Dallas (without running into the terrible hail storm we had) and the wonderful weekend started. First it was off to Gymboree, had a tasty lunch at Scotty P's, from there we went to McGowen Elementary (where I am teaching next year) to drop off a cake to Robin, toured the Montessori School, and toured another daycare. By the time we got home it was past, past Jack's bedtime and time for me to get dressed for Nick and I's night of bowling and dinner with his work friends.

The picture is kinda dark but this week at Gymboree we worked with sounds so Jack got to experiment with a ton noisy instruments.
Making the bells chime with Bebe by shooting the ball in the hoop.
Jack went up and down these steps forever with Dad...funny how there is a room full of equipment...and all he wanted was the wooden stairs.
Here the kids are working on shaking and stopping on que...well, there is our man Jack...not with Bebe...in the center of the circle...and believe me...at every "stop que"....Jack was the only one still shaking away.
Where's Papa and Jack?!?! Under the parachute. It was funny to hear Dad's voice much deeper than all the Moms singing Twinkle, Twinkle from underneath the parachute.
Here is Nick later at bowling...I didn't bowl very well...I'm blaming the bowling alley beverages. After about 3 hours of bowling we headed to Kelly's for a late night dinner then headed home to rest up for the boil.
Saturday was a lot more laid back. We woke up, had breakfast, and then headed to the park in the neighborhood next to ours. Jack was still tired from the whirlwind on Friday so we didn't stay long.
He didn't even have enough energy to whine...just was yawning and uninterested.

Well...at least Dad and I had fun playing on the playground. We went home and when Nick and I left Jack and Papa were both asleep and the yard was set up for water fun when they woke up...the sand/water table, baby pool, kiddie table, and sprinkler. Mom and Dad took pictures for I forgot to put them on the computer before they left so I'll post them if I'm able to get them. Looks like they had a ton of fun...and so did we!
This year the DFW LSU Alum crawfish boil was sold out...at least crawfish tickets were...There was jambalaya, fried turkey, and drink tickets available at the door. Here was the line for first trays shortly after they started serving...Nick and I took it as we started eating since we were second in line.
Nick didn't take any chances of not getting his moneys worth....you had to wait til everyone got one tray to go back for seconds. He took my number 2 stub, Jeremy's, and another...which meant while some people at the boil only got 1-2 trays...Nick managed to get FOUR!!! It was so good and there is nothing like dipping your potatoes in good ole Caine's sauce and chasing it down with cold beer.
It was so fun to be with Nick, at such a great event, with a beautiful scenery, fabulous weather, and our friends South of 635 that we don't often see now that Jack has joined the clan.
It was great catching up with everyone...here is Miley and I on the blanket catching up...the rest of the gang-Jeremy, Trey, Meredith, Box, etc. were there and we stayed until they shut the kegs down around 9:45...then it was off to Deep Elum to eat again since we played, danced, bid at the auction, sang, and talked up an appetite at the Crawfish Boil.

The next morning Nick and I were tired so Jack had his bottle in bed with Papa C and Bebe.
We all had a tasty scrambled egg breakfast.
Read the paper.
And then it was time to take our picture by the tree...obviously this picture shows what a wonderful weekend Jack had with Papa C and Bebe (Nick and I too even though we didn't get to visit with them much...getting out twice in one weekend sans baby was needed)
Sniff, Sniff...waving bye-bye.

It's always so hard whenever company leaves or we leave town...tears are usually involved on my part because I see how much Jack blossoms being around family. Just this weekend alone he smiled more than I've seen him in a long time, started blowing kisses, and hugging his animals. It just stinks that he isn't able to have this kind of quality time with those that love him more often...but I just have to remember that what we can offer him here we would never be able to offer him back home in Louisiana (and a brother/sister would never be an option with their teacher salaries). Can't wait til our visit home in May.

Lunch at the Lake

Nope not a picnic at a lake....Northlake Elementary where Nick works. Since we hadn't been in awhile and I knew Nick wouldn't be getting much Jack time this weekend with Papa C and Bebe in town...we stopped by Chick-Fil-A and hung out with Nick in the teacher's lounge during lunch.

At first Jack was being shy and flirting from the safety of in between Nick's legs but not long after we got there he was making his rounds getting attention from all the nice teachers.
To make it easier Jack and I held off our lunch til we got home but he did snack on some Cheerios which always lights up his face.

It was nice to see everyone and Jack got tons of compliments (of course). Ms. Howell even let him bang on her keyboard...pretty sure he sent an email to a ton of people...oh well. We tried to talk administration into letting Nick come home with us...no such luck! Can't wait to go back soon-that is if he didn't get some rare Elementary kid disease that will keep him indoors for the rest of his life :)

Jack's Got Mail

Jack loves going to the mailbox. He carries out the mail, opens the box, puts it in, closes it, puts up the flag, and then tries to take it back out. Well today to his surprise there was a card in the mail addressed to him.

He walked around for awhile carrying the envelope, putting it in his fridge, and even handing it back and forth with me. Finally I tore the corner a little to help him get started on the envelope destruction.
Inside was a card from Papa C and Bebe with a note and picture instructing him to look at their picture a few times daily so that he will recognize them when they get here on Friday...unfortunately the yellow envelope was a bit more entertaining for him this afternoon.
He carried around the pieces of the envelope like they were gold.
"Look Mom...this shred has part of a stamp on it....I bet it is worth money...wanna e-bay it?!?"

I personally loved the 25 minutes (that's right.....25 minutes) that he was self entertained with the envelope pieces and loved even more that he personally threw each piece in the garbage can and closed the lid so I didn't have to bend over to pick them up.

Looking forward to this weekend....you know....Nick and I going out two nights in a row, with people, without children, and there will be bowling, drinks, and crawfish involved....guess we're looking forward to visiting with Papa C and Bebe too. :)