Hide and no seek...

Today we got the play dough out. Sometimes I feel bad for Parker because Maggie is too young to know how to play with a lot of fun things so she ends up messing up his creation or stealing the tools. I guess those are the things that build the older siblings character. This is Maggie with the play dough roller hiding from me. Every time I called her name like I was looking for her she looked down a little further and leaned in the closet a little more. It was so funny. As soon as she saw I had a camera she turned around and cheesed for the camera.
Parker made me a cake! I just love play dough cake!

Preschool

For anyone who knows me knows my precious baby boy has had a rough first semester of preschool. I, being a former teacher and former class pet was truly horrified by the wildness of my perfect child. I could not believe for example he 1. stuck his tongue out at the preschool director 2. Slapped his teacher of the bum! 3. and countless other minor infractions during the course of the semester. I have been extremely emotional about the whole thing. I have been unable to talk to his teacher about it without tearing up...which has made things slightly awkward. LOL. During the course of my bible study last week I discovered this whole thing is NOT that big a deal. The problem has been my attitude. I learned I can not control my son. It doesn't mean I can't discipline him but I can't control him and I can't let his behavior control me. I have given it to God. I am working on responding instead of reacting and would you believe he has had WONDERFUL reports this week. Another teacher actually stopped me to compliment his behavior at recess. Recess is where most of his problems seem to happen. I know he won't always have perfect days. He is three. But I have decided I will not agonize over his behavior any longer. I will be diligent in discipline and leave the rest up to God. I think God knew what he was up to because this week happened to be Parker's turn to be "Star Student" This entitles him 3 blissful days of bringing snack, leading the line, sharing show and tell, AND

holding the flag! For snack his crazy mom thought it was 'N' week but really it was 'O' so the Nemo fruit snacks, Nutty bars, and Nilla Cakesters were a waste. ugh...it pays to be organized! So Parker and I made orange jello jigglers, and oreos to make amends for Wednesday's and Friday's class. I guess I can say that preschool has definitely been a learning experience....I just hope I am not the only one learning.

Big gol Pannys!

Maggie has become infatuated with the potty lately. She pee-peed in the potty a few mornings in a row. Since we are stuck inside with bad weather I decided we would try out our new panties. I was convinced (still am) that little boy underwear is the cutest thing ever but Maggie in panties is almost a tie.

The title of this entry comes from my niece Anna. When she was learning to talk my mom kept Parker and her while I was still working. My mom was folding laundry which included her underwear. Anna kept saying what my mom thought was "Big Ole Panties!" My sister laughed when mom told her what Anna said. Then figured out she was saying "Big girl panties!" Too funny!

Update: in the less then ten minutes from her initial visit to the potty, my taking the picture, and starting this post....a puddle on the floor and a very confused 20 month old. Oh well she only has three pair. This potty training session will go by quickly!

Examples of those questions/arguments:

"Mom, what are they doing?"

"It looks like they are cutting down trees."

"No they're not.......Well if they are why are they doing that?"

"Maybe they are going to use the wood to make a house or paper. We use wood to make lots of things."

"Like zoos?"

"I guess some things at the zoo are made from wood."

" I bet they are building a zoo there." (keep in mind this is on a rural road in Bryant)

"I don't think they are building a zoo right here."

"Yes they are! Why would you say that Mom?"

I knew as I wrote my post yesterday I wanted to remember those conversations that happen 100 times a day. So this is for me....one of those things I will look back and laugh at but right now drive you up the wall when they occur sooooo often. I love that kid!

Speaking of cute!

Today at nap time I found Maggie in Parker's bed. She said,"night night, bubba" I said you want to sleep with Parker. " uh huh" She then points to the bookshelf and says "I uh book." Her communication blows me away. Parker could list hundreds of nouns at this age. He did not speak to communicate at her age. It was totally to list. He loved word books, so does she, but she wants to talk about the pictures. It is amazing to me. She can tell me she is hot or cold. She can tell me, "i wan down/up" She can ask me to open or close something. She even says thank you without being prompted. I have definitely seen babies more advanced them my two but I still think mine are brilliant...and being exceptionally sweet doesn't hurt either. We went to lunch the other day and ran into a girl I went to high school with. She has cerebral palsy and is slightly MR. Parker knew right away she was different and was a little scared. As soon as I introduced her to the kids he was so sweet. He told her about T-ball in the spring and I could tell it lightened her day. Or maybe it was just me being proud that he wasn't hiding behind me.

As far as communication goes with little ones...I am so excited that Maggie can tell me what she wants. I am sure in a year or so I will be wishing for a rest to her tongue. I know some ...okay most days with Parker end that way. He can ask questions that have no answer and then argue when you try your best to give him an answer that makes sense. Remind me of my pride of her vocabulary next year!

Best friends and baby Jonah

If I could go back in time 3 years and whisper something in someones ear it would be to my best friend Adrienne. I would say, "On January 18, 2009 you will hold Jonah Russell and he will be perfect." My best friend has been on a roller coaster ride for three years now. One that us moms that conceived relatively easily will never understand. Sunday morning I got a call from her husband that she was being admitted. In two hours I had my kids dressed and ready for church, their spend the night bag packed, arrangements with my sister made. I packed myself picked our third b/f and we were on the road to NWA. Adrienne is a true tough nut. Sometimes I think she enjoys pain. Why else would you run three miles pregnant? I think she met her match yesterday and it was called child birth! I told her in a few days she won't even remember the pain. She said she hopes not! He is absolutely perfect! Seeing that little round backside in a sleeper with his legs pulled up makes any mom skip a heart beat. As I left the hospital today to return to my own precious babies I got really sad and couldn't say goodbye. Those of you who have a true best friend...the kind where you were inseparable spirit for a good part of your life know what I mean. I have hurt for her so bad these past few years and now that he is here it stinks to not be able to be close enough to be there. As we left, her family and those that surround her on a daily basis were coming in. I have to say I was quite envious of their time. I had only a few short hours to do those best friend duties like cleaning house and making meals. All those things she did for me even in her own pain. We have cried together over drill team/cheerleading, boys, separating for college, boys ; ), we have been each others maids of honor, we have called each other practically daily for the last fifteen years of life which made yesterday so wonderful to me. Jonah is truly blessed. He was and will be prayed for and he has a mommy that wanted him so badly. Congratulations! Love you!

It's a bird, It's a plane!

I made Parker a cape for Christmas. With all the other gifts it kinda ended up in a corner somewhere but it thrilled me when he put it on yesterday to do some super hero work in the front yard. Love that kid!