For Obvious Reasons, No Picture Included

I don't make a habit out of dressing or undressing in front of Jack, not because I think the human body is something to be ashamed of, but more because I don't want to scar him for life.

Last week, I settled Jack before the tv, hoping that Thomas the Tank would do his usual magic and transform him into a slack-jawed captive. I ran into the bathroom, undressed quickly and began adjusting the shower's water temp until I heard....

"Oooooohhhhh, noooooo!! Oooooh, noooo!!!"

I turned my head to find Jack staring, fear and panic evident in his eyes.

"Where pena (penis) go? Where pena? Oooooh, noooo!!"

"Mommy doesn't have a penis, Jack. Only boys and daddies have penises."

"Ooooooooohhhhhh, noooo!" Jack yelled and ran back to Thomas's safety.

And we haven't talked about it since. So much for not scarring him.

Third Annual Trip to Tanner's Orchard

Tanner's--one of my favorite fall destinations! Jack really enjoyed it this year. His favorite part was the two wooden trains that he climbed all over and pretended to drive. He also liked the long, metal tunnel in the hay maze. As always, he enjoyed the animals, and even tried to give all of the goats hugs. I was nervous about letting him ride in a barrell, but he was really good about staying inside.

Back in Illinois...

For those of you keeping score, we're back in Illinois. After eight months of unemployment, we opened up our job search circle.

More Reasons I Love You

Jack--

Things today that are striking me as some of the MANY reasons I love you so much and am astounded by you:

• You love water--baths, swimming, running through water spray. You've managed to sneak into the little pool with your clothes on and even tried to do it at Aunt Kay and Uncle Doug's today.


• You want to try new things (well, except for food!) Today you watched Everett, Kaylee and Elisabeth playing and you mimmicked almost all of it with a smile on your face.


• You amaze me with your good memory. You remember words in books, names, letters, songs....seemingly everything. I love to listen to you sing your favorite songs while I drive: Wheels on the Bus, Twinkle Twinkle and the ABCs.


• You like to spot things. Right now, as I write, you're helping Diego point out animals. Earlier you were calling "Goooooats" out the window. I know when we go play in the evening shade tonight that you'll run right over to the tree and ask for a branch to feed to Diedra.


• I love how you get excited when we are a few roads away from Aunt Dayna's house because you know where we're going.
• You love to make people laugh and you love to express yourself through laughter, shrieks, your eyebrows and dance.
• You love me unconditionally. When I feel like a failure because I haven't been able to find a job in 6 months, you remind me that when it comes down to it, it doesn't matter. You love me anyway!

New Sleeping Arrangements

Jack was doing such a great job sleeping in his 'big boy bed'. After a few tumbles and falling asleep in odd places while playing, he had been sleeping peacefully (even running to get into bed himself) for about a month.

Now he seems to enjoy sleeping on the floor every night instead of his bed. As soon as we put him to bed, he hopes out on the floor. We go in later while he's sleeping and put him back in, but by morning he's down again, waking up with the carpet pattern on his cheek.

Here he is, passed out, almost totally under his bed.

Countdown to Two Years!

Some favorite things from this past month:

• Jack loves to walk up to random people at the store and give hugs while saying "Ooooo"
• He follows me to the bathroom saying, "MeeMee go pee pee in potty? PooPoo?" If anyone passes gas, he instantly asks, "PooPoo?"
• He started daycare part time to socialize with other kids. Beats following me to the bathroom.
• When one of the cats sneezes, he says "beth you" or "coos you".
• When he isn't running, he's jumping. When he isn't running or jumping, he's probably sleeping.
• He breaks out into random song.
• He can count to ten and count actual things.
• He can do all of his abcs (but can't recognize specific letters yet).
• He still naps!

Sleeping Essentials

Jack has been sleeping in his big-boy (toddler w/o side) bed for about a month now. He's been doing very well! He's only fallen twice and usually lays in bed until I'm out of the room. He then plays for about 15 mins and then crawls into bed.

He's taken to bringing a few choice with him. In the picture to the left, he's chosen to treat his big, fluffy dog to a nap on the big bed.

He's a pretty generous boy. Not only does he love his toys, he also loves his kitties. He seems to think that when they sleep that they also need toys. Below is Charlotte who, while contently catnapping the early evening away, earned a visit from the sleep fairy. Obviously every cat needs a remote and Tonka quad runner while she sleeps, right?