Neighborly Friends

Back in early June as I went out to get the mail in the evening a young family was taking a walk and passed by. They had a little girl close to Rebekah's age. When I asked her how old she was she held up three fingers and told me her age. I told her that I had a little girl who is three also, actually 3 1/2, and her parents told me that their daughter was also 3 1/2. I quickly went inside the house and brought Rebekah out to meet her new friend. Rebekah was bashful at first, but she quickly warmed up to Emmy, and now they get excited to see each other when they can. Emmy's birthday also happens to be exactly one week after Rebekah's, and the family lives just up the street from us. Because Emmy is in full-time daycare the girls don't get to see each other as much as we'd like, but they enjoy the time that they have.

This evening Emmy and her parents, Glenn and Jennifer, came by for a quick visit while out. I was just about to give the kids a bath, but how can you turn down visiting with friends? The girls had so much fun running around together for a few minutes, and I finally got a chance to grab my camera to take some pics.

Hangin' out on the front porch


The girls had a blast running around in the driveway!


We are so thankful for our new friends! They are such a precious family!

Rebekah starts Preschool

Rebekah had her first day of preschool at her new school yesterday. I couldn't be happier with the school. Orientation was last Thursday, and although I knew this is where we wanted Rebekah to get her education, and I already knew it was a great school, I was still impressed with everything. Although I liked where Rebekah went last year I feel like this new school is much more organized and has tighter protection of the children, and I have confidence in the Bible teaching and general education that she will receive here.

Rebekah with her new teacher Ms. Amy at Orientation (We call her Ms. Amy #2 sometimes.)


The first day of preschool before we left the house


In front of the classroom door


Because Rebekah is used to staying until 2:00 she protested going home at noon. Parents have the option of picking up their child at noon or waiting until 2:00. Since all they do in the afternoon is eat lunch then take an hour-long nap, and Rebekah doesn't nap, I figured I would just pick her up at 12:00 most days. Once we got out to the car Rebekah started crying, "I want to go back to preschool!" It was a challenge to get her in the car at all, and it was raining on top of all this. I told Rebekah I would let her stay until 2:00 on Thursday, so we'll see how that goes. I think she was not happy about leaving while some of the kids were staying. She didn't want to miss out on anything. At least I know that she loves her new preschool, the class, and her teacher.

One thing I need to make sure the teacher knows is that Rebekah is pretty new to the pottying world. Once we arrived home and I picked up Rebekah out of the car I noticed that her bottom was wet. I felt the car seat and it was damp. I asked her if she pee'd in her carseat. No. She told me she pee'd on the potty at preschool. I checked her legs and they weren't wet. After talking about it with Rebekah I finally asked her if she pulled her panties down when she went to the potty. No. I guess I've crippled Rebekah in this area because I help her too much. I need to give her more independence with pulling down and pulling up her panties, but she usually fights me on it because it can sometimes be a challenge for her. I've gotten into the habit of helping her, so I need to do that less. So, tomorrow I'll have a talk with Rebekah's teacher about this. I wonder if Rebekah got help from her teachers in the past or if she did it on her own. Or maybe wearing a dress that day made a difference. Hopefully Rebekah will help with the potty issues too.

Joshua's 18-month Well Check-Up

Joshua had his 18-month well check-up with Dr. Rodgers this morning. He has a good bill of health and he's growing and developing fine. Dr. Rodgers is pleased with his progress and feels comfortable in how he is developing in his gross motor skills as well.

Joshua is right at average for both weight and height. He is 24lbs. 2oz. and is 32 1/2 inches long. Nurse Mary measured his head, but we did not discuss the measurement for it. Joshua got one shot, and he's out for a nap now. Hopefully he'll get some good rest, especially since it is such a dreary day as we get off and on rain showers as a result of Tropical Storm Fay.

Staycation Day 2

For the past couple of weeks we have intended to take more days as a family to enjoy our city and the fun activities for the kids, but between families feeling unwell and Joshua's teething blow-out diapers we have postponed our activities. Friday we finally got to take a day as a family to go to Coolidge Park.

When we first arrived we took a couple of rides on the carousel. All of the animals and such were hand-carved and hand-painted. They are absolutely beautiful pieces of artwork! Joshua was not crazy about going up and down on the horse, so the second ride we all sat in one of the sleighs. It was just as much fun because they sit on the outside ring of the carousel, so you feel the pull outward from centrifugal force as you ride around.

Here are a few pics from our carousel ride.




We then stripped down to our bathing suits to play in the fountains. Rebekah seemed to have the most fun running around and checking out the statues.


After a while I took the kids to play in the water. Both the kids were hesitant at first.


As you can see, Joshua wasn't happy at first.


Rebekah, on the other hand, had a ball!


I finally got both the kids to play in a small water fountain to get them used to the larger fountains. Rebekah did wonderfully. Joshua liked it briefly then decided he had enough.



Joshua wanted to practice walking instead. He actually led me out to the big grassy area where he did most of his walking.


And Rebekah played in the water.



I think this picture is hilarious!


After a short lunch break (and I mean short, because when Rebekah is having fun and too excited to eat, lunch doesn't last long at all!) a bunch of girls from Girls Preparatory School showed up at the fountains. They were there on a field trip through their P.E. class that they call Bruiser Class. I was concerned that Rebekah would be really hesitant to play in the fountains with all those girls there, but she actually became more excited as she watched the middle schoolers squeal and enjoy the water. I also think that having already had some time in the fountains before they arrived helped her to warm up to the place, so she felt more free to play. What surprised me, though, was that Rebekah really had more fun with those girls playing there too. I guess my little girl is growing up on me.

Rebekah's Ramblings

Wednesday we met our friends Jessica, Heidi, and Kyle at the mall to play in the play area. Rebekah and Heidi had the best time playing together. Since the play area is on the lower level of the mall, and we parked on the upper level, we took the escalator. Every time, going and coming, we stepped off the escalator, Rebekah said with excitement, "That was amazing!"

This afternoon Rebekah looked at her Daddy and said, "You are terrific!" Amazing and terrific are both new words for Rebekah.

Darrin was trying to get Rebekah to go to the bathroom to use the potty, so he raced her. Of course, he let her win. When they reached the bathroom Darrin said, "You won!" Rebekah said, "No! I'm three!"

Sibling Walks

Rebekah helps Joshua walk. What a great big sis!

Rebekah helps Joshua walk. What a great big sis!

Happy Half-Birthday, Joshua!

Today marks Joshua's 18-month birthday. It is amazing how much he has changed even over the last six months since his first birthday! Joshua has gone from army crawling to walking with support, eating pureed baby food to crunchy foods such as pretzels, has cut six teeth, and has added a number of words over the last six months. Our little guy is more like a toddler these days, and he's really looking less like a baby and more like a little boy. He's our precious little guy, and we love him so much! Happy half-birthday, Joshua!

12 months


18 months

Weekend at Grandy's

Last Friday we went to visit Darrin's mom for the weekend. That afternoon we spent some time in the back yard while the weather was nice and overcast. I grabbed the camera to get a few shots of the kids with MIL.

Joshua decided to show off his standing skills. He stood for long periods of time before he had enough.


Walking with Daddy...Joshua got to where he wanted to walk a lot while holding our hands, usually with both hands. He continues to do this quite a bit every day.


Rebekah loved running to her Daddy and flying through the air!


Ann loved her flower pot the kids made for her along with the other gifts we gave her!


Hello?


Ummm...it's for you.


On Saturday Ann and I took the kids to the county park and Kids Kingdom playground while Darrin helped his brother with the horses. Rebekah had a ball playing and making new friends while Joshua practiced his newfound walking with support skills. That afternoon I hit a children's boutique and bought a couple outfits for next summer for the kids since they were on clearance. Can't beat a good sale! That night Derek and Robin came over for dinner and we celebrated Ann's birthday.

One great thing about the trip was that Joshua slept really well the first night, and although he was somewhat restless the second night he never cried or even whimpered. I think he stood up in his pack'n'play once, but he settled right back down. Rebekah never slept well when she was this little, so it's nice to be able to travel and feel at least somewhat rested.

Joshua also warmed up to his Grandy much more quickly this time than the last. Of course, Rebekah was so excited about this trip she was ready to head out the door as soon as her shoes were on before we had even finished packing! The kids had so much fun with their Grandy, and she enjoyed them thoroughly herself. It was a fun trip!

Busy Days

We've had a couple of fun and busy days lately. Yesterday I had some bread that was expired, so instead of tossing it I decided to take the kids to the duck pond to feed the ducks. Unfortunately, I did not have an opportunity to take any pictures. The kids rode in the stroller out in the grass, and as we strolled over toward the water one duck quickly headed our way. As soon as I tossed it some bread all the ducks came swarming over to us. We didn't even make it near the water!

Rebekah tossed a few bread crumbs out, but she kept climbing back onto her seat for fear of the ducks snapping at her. Boy, were those ducks famished! There must have been 30 or so of them! Rebekah liked watching them, but mostly from afar. And Joshua was sitting in his seat reaching out to the ducks! I ended up running off several yards away from the kids to draw the ducks away from the stroller for Rebekah's sake. I think she would have been fine with just 2-3 ducks, but there were a lot of them, and it was a bit overwhelming.

This weekend we are going to visit Darrin's mom for a few days and to celebrate her upcoming birthday. The kids painted a small clay pot with their fingerprints. I painted the top light blue for the sky and the bottom green for the grass. The kids' fingerprints made flowers, butterflies, bumblebees, ladybugs, and clouds. We had done this once before for my mom for Mother's Day, and I have been looking for an opportunity for the kids to make one for their Grandy since we wanted to hand deliver the gift. Rebekah especially had a lot of fun painting the flower pot, and I know it will be a special gift that Ann will appreciate.

Joshua's Gross Motor Update

After taking a break from marked improvement in his gross motor development Joshua is making some significant progress again. He is taking a couple steps here and there from table to chair or to reach something he wants. Yesterday after watching Rebekah push her doll stroller around the house Joshua wanted to play with it too. I weighted the front of it with a heavy book so that it wouldn't tip over on him. Joshua had so much fun pushing the stroller around! When he wants to do so he is also walking while holding our hands. He won't let go of one hand to walk, but he used to let his legs go when we would hold his hands so that we had to pick him up, but now he will hold our hands and walk.

Today Joshua had physical therapy and showed Amanda what he could do. He also stood to play with bubbles then took several steps in a number of directions to reach for the bubbles. I have a feeling it won't be long before he's walking. Amanda is backing off PT to monthly now, and our next visit may be our last, depending on how well Joshua is doing by then.

Extreme Makeover Blog Edition 2

Well, I've done it again. I was ready for something fresh, so I created a new template and header for my blog. I spent way too much time doing it, but I'm happy with the new look.

Things that Make You Go Hmmmm...

One word I wish I had never taught Rebekah is 'vagina'. In the beginnings of potty training I taught her the word, but I wish I had taught her 'private' or something similar. Fortunately, Rebekah has not used the word in public other than in the bathroom at the mall when no one was around, and she only says it at home, but part of me is afraid she is going to blurt it out somewhere that will cause embarrassment.

Lately Joshua has had some diarrhea and a low-grade fever, if you can call it a fever. I'm fairly confident it is due to teething. His temperature has been below 101, and his bowel movements have been mushy to runny. (OK, so if you're not a parent this probably is not what you wanted to know.) Joshua has also had a clear runny nose. Of course, these could be symptoms of a little virus, but Joshua has also had his fingers in his mouth more than normal lately, and it seems like there may be some teeth starting to work their way in, although they have a long way to go before they will cut through. I could see some white under his gums, plus it's been forever since he's cut any teeth, and he only has 6 teeth so far.

So, Joshua has had explosive diapers lately, and I was changing a very explosive one after supper. I had to get Darrin to help me some, and of course, Rebekah knew that something interesting must be happening, so she stands over me while I am cleaning up Joshua on the floor. She looks straight down at him and asks, "Is that Joshua's pbajina?" Darrin and I just give each other "the look". You know that look. It's the look that says, "What are we gonna do?" I told Rebekah no that it was his boy parts. I told her she has girl parts and Joshua has boy parts. Of course, Rebekah went on to talk about boy parts and girl parts, but I was just glad and relieved that she was content with that answer.

Walking, Talking, and Eating

Joshua is showing some more progress lately in his gross motor skills. He is now walking while holding our hands. Before, every time we grabbed hold of his hands and tried to get him to stand and walk he would let his feet go like he wanted us to pick him up. Now he is bearing weight on his legs and walking while we hold his hands. One of my friends suggested putting a hula hoop around him to hold while we guide it around the room for him to walk. I'm going to pick one up on my next trip to Wal-Mart.

Joshua is also saying new words and seems to understand a great deal. The other day Joshua was fussing after a nap. I tried all sorts of things to settle him down and nothing worked. I finally asked him if he was hungry and wanted a snack. Joshua immediately calmed down. I then asked him if he wanted a cracker and he replied, "Yeah". That was exactly what he wanted too!

This morning when I brought Joshua into our bedroom to see Darrin and Rebekah he went straight to his daddy on the bed. Darrin told him to say "Good Morning" to Rebekah, and Joshua said, "Good More". Just this evening he has also said 'tractor' and 'dog'. It's amazing to us what he is learning and saying!

Joshua has also decided to start eating with a fork by himself. Well, we stab the food with the fork and he is feeding himself.



Rebekah didn't want to be left out. She took a really big bite!

A Visit with Friends

Darrin and I have been considering the possibility of getting Rebekah her first real dollhouse for a combo birthday/Christmas present this year. We had thought about it last year and decided to hold off one more year since Rebekah was not a huge doll player. In anticipation of seeing how Rebekah would enjoy a dollhouse we went to LeeAnne's and Maggie's house to play so Rebekah could play with Maggie's Fisher-Price Loving Family Twin Time Dollhouse. Rebekah played with the house for about 10 minutes them moved on to other toys and activities. I am not sure if this is an indication that she still would not play with one much or if there were just so many other things to do that she preferred.

Rebekah and Maggie had a blast playing together! The girls don't get an opportunity much for the two of them to play one-on-one, so this was a great opportunity to give them that time together. They enjoyed each other's company so much and played so well together. Rebekah was tired by the time we left but she did not want to leave!

Joshua also enjoyed himself a lot. Once he discovered the stairs he was all about practicing climbing the steps. He does not have the opportunity to climb stairs at home since we have a rancher, so he did everything within his power to get to the stairs and climb. He never went past four steps because he would look back then climb down again, but it was good practice for him.

Joshua also enjoyed carrying around the daddy doll to the dollhouse. I guess he could relate. LOL! He also played with the dollhouse some, which I found was funny that he played with it as much as he did. Every once in a while he also plays with Rebekah's Fisher-Price Little People Sweet Sounds Home. He likes the noises it makes.

Here are some pictures from the day with our friends.

The girls playing in Maggie's bedroom


Joshua looks so happy messing with the baby gate.


Joshua enjoyed this table of cars and track.


The girls give good-bye hugs.


Hanging out on the porch swing right before we left


Maggie started tickling Rebekah.


What a fun day we had! Thanks again, LeeAnne, for having us!