Argh Matey!

This is the shirt that Jack picked out to wear today. Isn't he precious in his Halloween inspired shirt?!?

Had big plans today to get out if Jack was feeling better and go Apple Picking at one of the two "nearby" Apple Orchards I found. He didn't have a fever so we were all ready to go...good thing we called...one was closed due to rot and the other the owner had been deployed...it would have been so sad if we'd have driven the hour and a half to get there. It was a sign though because Jack's nose, ears, and fever got worse...thanks to Karen's diagnosis after my mentioning the funk in his ear and him being sensitive to the touch, Jack was diagnosed with an ear infection in the right ear at the After Hours Clinic and was prescribed antibiotics. Nick called in a sub and will be staying home with him tomorrow.

I'll skip all the details and call me mellowdramatic if you want...but you don't know, so you can't talk...I HATE MY LIFE RIGHT NOW(love my boys though no matter what)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Weekend Fever-Hurry! Hurry!

Friday night when we were eating dinner before heading to the McWilliam's house for a "Happy Hour/Assist with Baby Shower Prep Gathering" Jack wouldn't eat dinner, had teary eyes, and would just start crying sad tears (not mad or frustrated-truly sad) so we made the call to stay home. Good thing because by this morning he had a fever and crusty nose. Not willing to eat breakfast and upset because Nick was leaving Jack and I layed down in our bed at 8:45..I finally woke up and was able to get my arm out from under him around 12:45 and he didn't get up til after 1:30. Ate some lunch, hung out a bit, and then went down for another nap. His fever seems to be controllable so hopefully tomorrow morning it will be gone...if not...Nick will have to call in a sub to stay home with him since you have to be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school. Shocked we made it this long without him getting sick from daycare, sad he feels bad, but loved, loved that he was willing to sleep next to me and even sat in my lap for our kitchen floor lunch picnic.

Here is Jack tonight at dinner....can you tell he feels bad...wasn't much for not having Wub in his mouth the few hours he was awake today.
And you know Jack is feeling bad if he was wanting to be spoon fed...he hasn't done that in forever. He ate much better and was smiling some after eating all his mashed potatoes and fruit (not interested in Italian meatloaf and broccoli with cheese). Watched a little of the Tigers play and sound asleep in his crib as I type.
On a random note: When Jack was born I registered him for the New Baby Book Dedication at the Allen Public Library. They sent us a notification soon after that but every time we were at the library the book was checked out. Now that I go more often to get books for lessons we were able to put it on hold and pick it up when we were there.
Here is the dedication on the inside cover page. Jack loves reading the book...Pretty cool that whenever other children check out the book they see it is dedicated to our Jack Anthony Relle!

Wordless Wednesday

JULY 2008

BATON ROUGE, LA

McGowen PTA

Tonight was a McGowen PTA Meeting so Nick picked up Jack from Watters (where he only had to sit in the "Thinking Chair" one time today-Improvement-Yea!), met me up at school, and we did dinner together before the meeting (McCallister's Tuesday Kids Eat Free Night). Then it was back to McGowen for the PTA Meeting.

Jack probably paid attention to the speakers more than anyone but I gave him my lanyard to keep his hands busy while he listened.
I had to stop by my room on the way out and my neighbor has a cute little scarecrow outside her door....Jack had so much fun shaking it's hand.
dancing with it...
And hugging it!

Here is a video of Jack in the gym with the kids that had finished their ice cream from the cafeteria. Everyone thought he was a hoot...Boy's got rhythm. (Sorry it is sideways...this computer is very lacking in programs...upgrades are on the list....but you know it isn't in the Top 3)

I captured Jack on video with the scarecrow too.

Enjoy!!

Weekend Recap

I am giving ya'll a recap of our weekend instead of doing my progress reports...after checking a ton of collected work, filling out GT paperwork, and filling out Speech paperwork (for just one student...it was a TON) there is no way I can think school anymore tonight. Between meetings, paperwork, and testing...not sure when I am supposed to plan effective lessons and follow through with them...I will stop here I promise.

We had a nice weekend! Nick, Jack, and I headed to the Parnell's Friday night for dinner. We hadn't spent time with just them in FOREVER. Glad we were able to get something together and hopefully it won't be so long before the next get together.

Jack loved the Mac and Cheese that Ashley made the boys. He is discussing something with Nathan right here...just not sure what. I know it involves a questions...you can tell by his what/where/why hand motion.
After dinner we did put his shirt back on but the pants were way too cheesy. Ashley did offer some of Nathan's but we thought we'd let him finish off the white trash look with a duck hanging out his mouth and leading Nathan around like a dog on a leash.
The boys were soooo cute. If you told them to hug they both embraced each other and while Jack snuggled his head on Nathan's shoulder Nathan would pat Jack's back. I know in this picture it looks like Nathan doesn't like it...but I promise they both loved to hug their best friend.
It was about time for us to head and as I was trying to pick up the mess both boys gave me the, What are you doing crazy lady, look although I'm sure it took Nathan just as long as Jack to fall asleep...that's right...we weren't even out the neighborhood.
Saturday morning the Relle Clan slept til about 8:45 (Nick and I even went to bed at 10:15-we don't even do that on school nights) and decided to head to McKinney to take advantage of a $10 credit that was expiring on Sunday. Jack wasn't enjoying his grilled cheese (which is not normal) so we decided to see if he would be interested if we gave him the whole half.
He wasn't so much interested in eating it but though it was hilarious to hold it in his mouth without using his hands. I know it is hard to see, I can't find the pictures of him without a bib, but he was a precious Tiger fan in his purple and gold plaid shirt that Mary Beth had made for him. The whole Relle Clan was wearing their spirit wear and of course Jack was strolling in style (LSU Stroller) many heads turned our way when walking around after lunch-GEAUX TIGERS!
It was 6 (too close to kick off for Nick to go out and about) but we couldn't pass up checking out the Balloons from the Plano Balloon Festival...we had planned to be up and there for the 7 AM launching...but you know us Relle's...we need our beauty sleep. So we loaded up a sac of snacks, grabbed the picnic blanket, and drove to an area in the Tavares neighborhood where we were able to watch them from afar...but FREE!
Jack wasn't too sure what they were but did point to all of them...and the passing cars...and the other people watching the launch.
Utopia!
Tiger football kick off is important...but not nearly as important as experiencing such a beautiful site, on such a perfect evening, with the most wonderful family in the world.
As the balloons started to drift farther out of site we decided it was time to head home and cheer our Tigers on to their entirely too close for comfort victory against Auburn.
During a commercial I had the camera looking at the balloon pictures and Jack wanted his picture taken so I did just that....OK....I took a lot-but how could I not? He is so cute!
Hi Jack!
Say Cheese!
Just love those eyes!
Things in our house happen during commercials during football games so eventually Jack had his bath and was ready for bed and of course tried to prolong it by falling. His cheek slammed into the corner of the coffee table on the way down. I still had the camera on the couch so I captured some of this pitiful site for you all to see.
He wasn't exaggerating...it was a pretty bad mark even with the ice.
But apparently his "teeth" were bothering him too. :)

Tonight for bed we tried on some Superman PJs that Gramps sent Jack awhile back. It took us forever to get them washed (with the sticker on the shirt...argh) and although we thought he looked precious...he wasn't down with the cape.
No matter how many times we would put it on he would circle around like a puppy chasing his tail until he got it off...then he would hand it to us while squawking.
Content without cape he got Nick's slippers to complete his bedtime outfit Jack style.
He is my Superman!!!
On a side note-Today I hosted an Uppercase Living Party. If you haven't seen there products check them out at http://www.uppercaseliving.com/ Here is one item I purchased at a previous party that we finally got around to putting up in Jack's/Guest Bathroom. It is like a fat head/vinyl sticker that when removed doesn't damage the wall or surface it was applied on. There are so many creative things you can do with them for your home, gifts, etc. If you are interested in purchasing anything let me know. We are closing out my party on October 1st. I love so much it is going to be hard to narrow down my shopping list.

Off to bed...Must get my sleep for Monday :(

Trouble has been in the Thinking Chair This Week

So remember that alter ego our sweet little boy Jack has named Trouble?!? Well, he has come to visit us this week. Monday when Nick picked up Jack Mrs. D said he had pushed a little girl and when she said no Jack started shaking his finger in her face, squawking at her, and laughing. Thinking it was a one time thing since Tuesday there wasn't any behavior news to report I went to pick him up Wednesday to get another report...Jack, I mean Trouble, had stood on the table pounding his chest like Hong Kong...When place in the "Thinking Chair" he gave sweet eyes and then busted out laughing...YIKES....What are we in for...I sure hope Trouble disappears again for awhile because I can't send tasty treats to Watters everyday of the week.

Then this evening Jack, again- I mean Trouble, decided for the second night to throw all his dinner on the floor...so we made him pick it up. Since he was picking it up, eating most of it, and taking forever- we pulled out the mini broom and dust pan and put him to work cleaning up his mess.

Despite him having to sit in the "Thinking Chair" Jack is well known at Watters...we are told daily (and we already know first hand) that he is the biggest attention getter...he can't walk through a room without doing whatever it takes to get the attention from everyone. He won't let us leave either until he has said good-bye to them all. Speaking of saying good-bye...Jack has finally started to pick up on a few more words. None other than Dada, Bye-Bye, and Papa are really clear to those that don't know him and what he is saying, but he has also added: dog, ball, duck, quack, hi, Bebe, more, and he is doing a few more animal sounds....our biggest accomplishment this week is Geaux Tigers with the arm movements and all...So proud!!!

TGIF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wiggly Play Center-Uptown Dinner Date

Sunday Morning the Relle Clan woke up early, had milk and breakfast (see picture below...Jack's first Biscuit Ring...he wasn't as big of a fan as I expected...oh well, more for me), and then we all went back to bed til 11.

The weather was nice as you can see we opened the windows for the first time since the Spring BUT the grass was still wet and I wanted to try Wiggly Play Center before it got so nice we never wanted to be indoors. So a quick lunch and off we went.
"Um...pretty sure these guys are weird...but the cars are cool!"
"Ha Ha Mom and Dad...you paid $8.45 for me to get in here and all I want to do is play in the red Little Tikes car that you can buy on Craigslist for $5."
"Thanks for forcing me out of the car. This is exciting after all!"
"Which slide to pick? Decisions! Decisions!"
"Ya know...I'm a little uneasy about this one. The max limit of persons said 6 (there are WAY more than 6) and the max weight limit per person is 74 lbs. (you're skinny Dad but not that skinny)."
"Why don't they have this in the Toddler Area? I can totally handle this!"

"Yo Mom..What's Up? Dad's up here freaking out because this pipe is unstable, a little girl pushed him, and he says you probably won't let him in the bed til he bathes in Clorox."
"Let me just sit back and check this place out for real...kinda dirty, really crowded, and your right Mom...we probably have every funk under the sun now."
"Let me drive this little cart back to our shoes, get this darn bracelet off because it is freaking me out, and maybe you can bring me back when I am up to date on all my shots and you have had a few shots. Thanks for bringing me though...I love a good adventure!"
That night after Jack took a long nap we headed uptown to have dinner with Miley and Johnson at the Dream Cafe (pretty sure it was in a random location and had a playground attached to it). The food was pretty good, but the company was long overdue and great which made the night perfect.
"They seem a bit unsure but hey...that blonde is cute and he is skinny like Dad so they can't be all that bad."

"Mom and Dad..you are so country...have you seen Johnson's phone? It's like a computer/TV/AWESOME. Can I have an iPhone?"
"Wait, this playground was here the whole time and I'm just now getting to play on it as we walk to the car...what's up with that?!?!"
"Hey Mom-Look we parked right in front of the liquor store. For old times sake with you and Aunt Miley let's get some booze."
"Hello, what does a boy have to do to get service around here? I'm knocking politely."
"That stinks...these places are closed on Sundays even in the big city? Do ya'll have a key to Uncle Jeremy's apartment? I'm sure he has some we can drink and pay him back later."