Stages

We've cracked B's computer addiction I hope, for the moment.  I would rather the children watch a program like Dora, or Odd Squad rather than surf the internet.  I think it's important for them to experience  a polished product that went through multiple layers of production.  It's been a few days since B has been sneaking onto the computer to watch Ryan's Toy Review or play games.  I don't even mind if he plays games if it is during the time of day we play games at and he has permission.

It is fun to give B treats.  Recently he asked P for some brownie.  He said "Can I have a brownie, my mouth doesn't have any food in it."

Batman!

B got this costume at a kids carnival.  Who can ever say "no" to this kid.  Not me apparently.  I don't like action hero dress up or play.  I have heard that it is good for kids, but I think it is toxic to encourage them to mimic a violent "grown-up" world.  Anyway!  B thought those spikes on his arm were for hitting people but I assured them that they were for going fast.  B has no idea who Batman is, and I'm sure that this mask is keeping anyone from knowing the secret identity of Batman.

One really fun thing about wearing this costume to the Corn Maze, was that B was not just a random red-head that day.  He was Batman!  Every kid knew his name.  Every adult knew his name.  "Hey Batman!  Nice to see you!" 

climbing

B is having a great time climbing everything.  He figured out how to get around in the crown of branches in L's cedar tree.  And more amazingly he figured out how to get down from the crown which is about 4.5 feet off the ground.  He has become very free at L's home, running around the yard to ring the front door bell....  So when he came to me after I had put him in the tree, I was surprised.  Then when he asked me to come help lP get down from the tree, I was very amused. 

There is a new playground in G-town that is amazing.  It will be required for us to visit it every time we visit grandma.  This park has amazing climbing structures, astroturf, a water splash pad, a cement tube for the big kids to play on.  It's awesome.  There is a chimney with bricks sticking out and a chamber at the top.  The kids call this the Rapunzel tower.  There is a brick wall leading up to the tower that B likes to call the Humpty Dumpty wall.  He likes to climb up and perch there 7 feet off the ground making people nervous...

Band shirt

B likes to wear this shirt.  He says "This is my band shirt.  I want to be in the band."  When B was an infant G got to lead the gator band during a half time performance wearing a jersey like this.  B has seen these pictures his entire life.  We love it!

potty trained for the moment

B has worn underwear for 3 days now and it seems to be going well. 

Helper of the day

 A tradition from waldorf tradition that we are continuing is the the "Helper of the Day".  This person prepares the snack and sets the table and serves out the food to all the children.  They ask what each person wants, and serves them before serving themselves.  They also get to blow out the candle if we're having one.  B loves to be the helper.  He loves to come in and help me cook whenever I will let him.

 While in NYC B learned to be very independent in new situations.  He learned to slide down a fire pole and scale any playground equipment.

He learned to ride with training wheels on this rad bike from the cousins.  This reminds me I need to get the training wheels put onto one of our bikes here at home.

developing

B is potty training.  Recently we were getting into the car and B said he had to potty.  I asked him if he wanted to pee on a tree or put on a diaper.  His expression as that question percolated into his mind was hilarious.  It was like he was saying "I didn't know that was an option!  Yes!"

little einsteins

B has discovered "Little Einsteins" and he's in love.  B has a slow rate of speech and the theme song for "Little Einsteins" is the first one he's tried to sing along with.  The kids were in the car and giving each other a character from the show.  You'd think B would choose Leo since that is the red haired character who drives the ship!  But B insists that he is rocket.  Yes.

Sharing

We teach the kids to share.  When one child is being potty trained, they get a reward (jelly bean or gummy bear), and so does everyone else.  B is bringing this full circle.  He found a bag of gummy snacks.  "Gummy Snacks!"  he cried.  Then he brought it to me and said "Can I share this with everyone?"

Can't say no. 

my baby!

B is very possessive of his brother.  He tells lP  "He's not your baby.  He's my baby!"

friends

B loves his friends.  We see the Y family at least 4 days a week.  Between Church, piano, homeschool group, choir and Animal playdates, it's a lot.  We've been passing colds back and forth which is a frustration for all of us.  B is so happy to spend time with the Y's.  They are a great family to know.  I'm so grateful to be able to be in their lives and how special they are to my kids.  Miss A is very special to my kids and I love how B asks to go to Miss A's house. 

On the down side, B is nearing the end of his 2nd year and starting to push boundaries.  It's so hard to see that happening because there was never a cuter or sweeter child, I know!  And when he does things like throw a whole shelf of books on the floor, or pick up the baby....  Oh!

He says "Don't get mad!" and "You are screaming at me!" in the same stilted way that I adore.

I love you B.  I'm so sorry that the next few years are going to be hard.

this boy!

B has been singing "Jesus Loves Me."  We sang it once a week in March for homeschool group.  I love my little song bird.  Today I gave him back the birs song book that plays the songs for 100+ birds.  He was so entranced.

He also sneaks into the garage often and gets into things. Literally!

leprechaun

He is full of magic and gold.  He tells me "You're special to me.  I'm special to you."  He doesn't want hugs ans kisses during the day but at night he's a sugar boy.  One tome I was blowing my nose and he said "I'm proud of me watching you use a tissue."  He speaks with a tentative monotone and sings like a bird.  I love my little boy.  He grants me wishes every day.

carnival fun

P took the 4 big kids to a carnival yesterday.  B rode a few rides and it was adorable.  Another ride with fish was really fast and bumpy.  He was terrified and stoic for most of the ride.

dangerous in deed

I don't even remember what he did recently but I thought "Yep.  danger indeed."

Bug, bug.

My sister gave us several hex buggies last year.  B is fond of them and every month or so will come around saying "Bug, bug."  I still always ask if he has seen a bug.  Hey, it's Florida.  But thankfully, he is always just asking for the little robo bugs.  I put a new battery in one and he has a little friend for a few days.  Then it "dies" and he forgets about it, until next time.

B's speech has come along brilliantly in the last 6 months.  I find myself speaking to him in a slow enunciated manner, as he speaks to me.  It's fun.  He really pays attention to word endings, more so than any of the other kids.  It's like he needed more time to get that all sorted out.

B is such a song bird.  He loves to sing "Luyah...luyah...luyah..."  When P put on the Hallelujah chorus today, B grinned so big.  B also sings the "Gloria....." from Angels We have Heard on High.  Of course I'm bragging, he's my kid!  And it's so fun being his mom.