Such a Sweetie.

Michael and I had the best day yesterday. (NO fits!! Hurray!!) He stayed in his pj's until after 3 pm because we stayed home pretty much the whole day. We baked a loaf of bread, which was a first for both of us. We also made a warm pot of potato soup for our dinner last evening. Michael worked on making a handprint turkey out of his hands and feet. We still have some work to do on it this evening, as the finishing touches need to be added. Michael was completely content to play with his "monster trucks" and "animals" all day. It was like he re-discovered his toys. Of course I felt guilty that Nicholas needed so much attention yesterday due to his fussiness, but Michael handled it just fine. To top the day off, Josh took Michael to another middle school basketball game. Our home team played against the school where I used to teach. Michael enjoyed the game and the extra time with his daddy.

Everything is fun when you're three.

I'm convinced!

We have hardly done a thing today, and Michael has enjoyed every single second of the day.  This morning while I made a few phone calls and cleaned up the kitchen, I introduced Michael to a new "game"  that I read about on this blog.  I wrote down ten words on ten different pieces of paper, and then told Michael to find the word and put the card on the object.  Michael received one card at a time, and I told him what the card said before I turned him loose.  He labeled various things throughout the house: the baby's swing, his blanket, pillows, cars, tomatoes, tissues, etc.  The game worked really well, until he decided that he needed to write the cards himself.  He also wanted all of the cards at the same time, and since he isn't able to read yet, I refused to give him more than one card.  He was so excited about the new game.  I made sure to save the cards so that I won't have to make new ones the next time we decide to play. It's really a fantastic idea and it helped to keep him out of the kitchen while I straightened things up!  Check out this blog for a better explanation and pictures of how it works!  I bet it would work for all ages, even young elementary school kids since they are more independent and are just starting to read. 

In addition to playing the card game, we went to the dump!  (How fun, right?!?) The trip to the dump somehow turned into an adventure.  I took a wrong turn and found myself driving right into the landfill.  I also drove up on a scale and was going to be charged for my "load".  Obviously, I rolled down my window and explained to the attendent that I took a wrong turn, so she re-directed us to the appropriate area.  Michael was very curious about this whole procedure.  He said, "Mom, you're not 'POSED' to go that way, MOM!  You're not 'POSED' to do that, MOM!"  

After the landfill adventure, we had to return a box of Swiffer pads to Food Lion because the box had a hole in the bottom.  Michael and I went in and out of FL, we didn't need to buy a thing today.  When he got to the car, he said to Duncan, "WOW! DUNCAN!  That was so fun!!" (We did bring Duncan out today for the adventure, he likes to ride in the car every now and then.)  I'm not sure what was so! fun!: maybe the dump, maybe the fact that I let him carry a basket in the store, or maybe seeing a "hoop-tee" car today?  It's hard to tell with a three year old.  

This afternoon has been more of the same--lots of pretend play, writing, eating, and playing a little bit outside.  Poor Josh has been sick all week with bronchitis, so he has been home with us the past two days.  It's been pretty fun, I must say!  Josh went to see the doctor yesterday, so the medicine really seems to be helping the coughing.  

A Mommy-Michael Day...

We're having a wonderful day: the temperature is much cooler (HOORAY!), we have been able to relax, and enjoy some time with my Grandparents, the baby isn't splitting my ribs and back, and we even completed a few errands!  

This morning Michael and I did a little craft.  Honestly, these crafts are perfect for him because of his three-year old attention span.  They are incredibly simple and interactive, but quick.  Brevity is key with toddlers, or so I'm learning.  So, here's a picture of Michael painting the "B's" for "Bumble Bee".  (The lower case b's and d's and p's really throw him for a loop.  I completely understand, they all look the same to me, too.) I don't have a picture of the letter B, as a bumble bee, so you'll have to trust that it's very cute.  Maybe he'll pose for a picture after his nap with the official finished product. ; )  (Again, check out the links to No Time for Flash Cards, it's a fantastic blog!!)

After we completed the craft and cleaned up, Michael decided that he wanted to play with the new chalk board and spell some words.  We did that for a little bit, and then got ready to complete our errands.  The number one errand being, a haircut!  

Around lunch time we went to see my grandparents, for our weekly lunch visit.  We had a delicious lunch, as usual Michael stuffed himself with whatever my grandmother offered him to eat (or, drink).  And, of course, we played in my grandparents' yard.  Their yard is like a fantasy land to him, it's so precious!  He explores, plays with his cars, inspects the grass and the dirt, it's almost like he's never seen such an amazing back yard.  

And, now here we are at nap time.  I'm sitting on our bed, with all the windows open and the fan blowing, taking in all of this deliciously cool air.  The baby is moving quite a bit and is kicking up a storm.  Sometimes I wonder if I'm growing an octopus because I'm feeling little jabs ALL over my stomach.  How's that possible? : ) I love it, I really do...

(He still pulls his ear when he's tired.  My sweet baby boy.)

A is for Alien!

Last Friday was a craft day with Mommy! 

 The letter of the week was "Aa" at the sitter's, so we did a quick project last Friday.  I found this blog (No Time for Flashcards), which is full of fantastic crafts for preschool age children.  This is one of the author's suggestions for the letter A.  Tomorrow we're going to complete a few projects for the letter B.  I am planning on making butterflies and bumble bees with the little guy! 

I've just got to figure out what on Earth we're going to do with all of these projects!  I have an idea, I just need some help from Josh because it involves putting nails into the walls of Michael's playroom.  Josh does a much better job of hanging things on the walls than me.

 : ) 

I've been updating the running blog, on the days that I actually "do something".  Check it out at www.runhappy.blogspot.com.  The link is also on the right.  Today I was able to run, yes...RUN!, three miles.  It was ugly and slow, but it was a run nonetheless.