Boo-Boos

We were playing outside a couple of days ago, and I noticed that both of my boys were covered in "boo-boos"! Each boo-boo was from its own single incident; however, they were adding up to make my angels look like the walking wounded! They LOVED pointing the boo-boos out to me and getting pictures taken of them, probably hoping for some sympathy and support!


Quinn's cheek (from tripping and falling onto Mack the truck):



Quinn's knees: (Don't get me started on those pitiful looking Cars sandals! He does not want a new pair; he calls them his "play shoes"!)



Holden's knee (his forehead also has a lovely bruise that's healing!):




Enough sympathy? I think so . . . on to some fun playtime pictures:

Mommy: "Holden, don't eat that!" . . . "Holden, get that out of your mouth" . . . Boy, when will the put-everything-in-your-mouth phase end?!?
















Happy Thursday everyone!

When Big Brother is Away . . .

When big brother is away . . . little brother gets to play!

Quinn goes to a church preschool 2 mornings a week. He LOVES to go to school! I LOVE all of the great things that he gets to learn/experience there . . . socialization skills (sharing, taking turns), chapel services, circle time, listening and following directions (from someone other than me!), etc. I feel very blessed that we've found a terrific program for him.

I use school mornings to run errands, get things done around the house, and have one-on-one time with Holden. So, for those 3 hours twice a week, Holden gets to feel like an only child; he gets free reign of the playroom/house! Look at his joy this morning . . .

















A message from Holden: Please excuse my messy clothes! I had a lovely morning snack in Target, and my silly Mommy forgot my bib! Oh, well . . . :-)

What a Weekend!

We had a great weekend! It felt like summer with temps in the high 80's. We stayed close to home due to Potty Time 2009 (see Friday's post), but what a great weekend to be stuck at home! **There is a potty update/progress report at the end of this post!


Just some highlights:

Holden discovered the joys of a big boy chair:




Like father, like son ("blowing" the leaves off the deck):







Popsicles on the back deck:
*Just look at those red cheeks! It's not sunburn, just heat! I cannot imagine who they get that embarrassing trait from!!!













Papa and Mama Quinn sent the boys gift cards to Dairy Queen for Easter. So, we took the boys on Sunday night. Thank you Papa and Mama! You can tell that they LOVED it!

Holden was hamming it up for the camera/Daddy while Quinn and I got the ice cream:










Ice Cream Time:










Oh, what a mess! But, so much fun!!! :-)


**Update on Potty Time 2009: GOING GREAT!!! 1 accident on Friday, 1 tiny accident on Saturday, and none since!!! Even had some poops on the potty (too much information?)!!! It's definitely getting easier. Quinn's doing a great job!

Potty Time 2009!

Oh, how I wish it is was Party Time, Hammer Time, anytime other than Potty Time . . . but it is!

Today was the start of Quinn's intensive potty training experience. Up until now, he has used the potty inconsistently, without any real push from me. However, he is now 3. Time to get the show on the road (one of my favorite expressions)!

And, I must say that I am exhausted! I can now see why I've been putting this off this lovely experience. It's a lot of work!!!

Anyway, my friend Maridith loaned me the book that she used with her daughter . . .


I have read and reread that book many times in preparation for today. I love the caption at the bottom of the front cover "A tested method for teaching your child quickly and happily!". I don't know about the happily . . . maybe a bit of an overstatement!

The book suggests going straight to underwear, loading your child up with drinks, trying to potty every 15 minutes, and providing a reward for successful potty business. So, last night/this morning I gathered my supplies . . .


Coffee/caffeine for Mommy:



Marshmallows and juice boxes (for hydration and rewards, aka bribes!):



An inspirational and instructional DVD (to set the mood and get everyone excited about the day):



The tub of big boy underwear:



The royal potty:



Teddy did not want to miss out on the excitement (he is also 3, of course):



The eager student (well, maybe "eager" is not the appropriate word to use):



And, we were off! All morning, I followed the book, and I must admit that it went fairly well. Quinn LOVED the juice (we always save juice for special occasions)! He only had one accident (note to self: amend the time from 15 to 10/12 minutes), and he was pretty cooperative.

Cooperative until lunchtime . . . Everything fell apart! All 3 of us were tired, hungry, hot from playing outside (I took the potty, drinks, treats, extra clothes, etc. with us . . . fun!). We went inside for lunch, and the whining and crying began (from all 3 of us, actually!).

Quinn was so hungry. He wanted to sit and eat, but he had to potty, didn't want to leave the table, cried for his Daddy (to save him from this torture), and asked for "baby diapers". Holden cried out of hunger and sympathy for Quinn. And, I cried out of frustration!

After finally getting it through to Quinn that he could potty and come back and finish lunch without starving to death, all was well with the world, but I was left with a huge headache!!!

The boys are now napping peacefully, and I'm relaxing on the couch with my feet up. Quinn's using Pull-ups for naptime and bedtime . . . I'm no saint! We'll tackle those sleepytimes once we get the rest of the day under control!!!



On a happier side note,
Guess who had an awesome PT session yesterday, with consistent periods of 6-8 independent steps?



That's right . . . Holden!

He is getting much more confident and stable on his feet. Praise the Lord!!!



Look, Mom . . . no hands! :-)

So, big things are happening at our house. One boy is learning to potty, and the other is learning to walk. Two major milestones at one time. Am I crazy?!?

A "Grasshopper" for $1!

*One of Quinn's birthday presents from Mama Carol was his first wallet, a Cars wallet with $3!

Earlier this week, Quinn had his first taste of economics and the joys of being a consumer. We took our weekly trip to Target on Monday, but this time Quinn had his "own money" and was free to make his first purchase ever!!!

Before we got out of the car, I tried to prepare him. I explained that he had $3, and that he could get anything he wanted (as long as it wasn't more than $3). We started in the dollar section at the store's entrance (isn't that a cool spot?). He immediately made his selection . . . 2 giant bugs!!!

I was a little surprised, but I wanted to be supportive. I then took him to the toy section to look and see if there was something else that was more appealing to him (other than giant plastic bugs). I knew that there were Disney Cars and matchbox cars in his price range. After looking and playing with the toys (yes, we do this weekly!), he informed me that he would "stick with his bugs". Passing up Mater, Sally the sports car, Luigi, etc.? Really? Really!

And, then the cutest thing ever, I took him to the checkout to pay. I handed him his wallet. He gave the nice lady the bugs. He opened the velcro wallet, pulled out his money, and handed it over. He informed the lady that he did not need a bag (he wanted to carry his prized possessions himself) and said "thank you" when he got his change. Too cute! His first true shopping experience!

I was very proud of him that he stayed within his budget without any whining/crying/etc. He was truly happy with what he got! I'll try to follow his example at my next household budget meeting with Brant! :-)

Well, he is still playing with those bugs, some 3 days later! In fact, one is on the floor beside his bed now as he is napping!


The favorite bug out of the 2 . . . "grasshopper"



This morning, Quinn requested a trip to the science museum to see the other grasshoppers (and could he please bring his "grasshopper" with him?). So, we were off . . .


Holden must be thinking: "Who are these crazy people?"



We were able to see the sloth up close! He's usually in his box at the top of the tree. We had to be super quiet not to scare him. Quinn stared at him, in silence, for at least 5 minutes . . . a record!



Holden's silly face!






Quinn: "Hey Holden, see that?"









Introducing one "grasshopper" to another! Joy!!!

A Home Tour with Holden

The boys are constantly running/walking/crawling/chasing each other around the house. They usually follow the same path: a little loop from the family room, through the kitchen, into the foyer, and back to the family room.

A few weeks ago, I photographed Holden taking the loop b/c his method is so funny. He takes little pit stops/breaks along the way to enjoy his surroundings (look out the door, play piano, etc.).

Quinn, on the other hand, employs a much different method. He just runs the loop continuously until he collapses on the living room floor and announces that he "needs to take a break".

To each his own! :-)



We'll start in the family room



Next stop . . . the kitchen



A break at the front door
Is he trying to escape the crazy lady with the camera?
*Reminder to Mommy: Make sure that all doors are locked!!!



Back to the family room



A stop at the piano to play you a tune



Okay, enough of that. Time to play!!!