No more monkeys jumping on the bed!

Caleb likes to jump on our bed in the morning, or really on us, if we won't get up when he wants. Yesterday morning he hit his head on the headboard, and I said "see what happens to monkeys who jump on the bed." Then he asked dad "what happens to monkeys who jump on the bed?" (as if he were telling a joke), and immediately answered "they fall down and bump their head." At least he knows how the story goes, though he still tries to jump on the bed. After school today Caleb was showing the true colors of the terrible two's. He was very defiant and landed in time out more than once. I asked him if he was ready to be nice and listen to mommy. He said "no", so back in time out. Tonight I was giving Caleb a bath and he noticed dad wasn't there, so he asked "where's greg?" I corrected him again with "no, you call him daddy" I'm not sure why he keeps trying to call daddy by his first name. (But it is pretty cute!)

What a weekend!

We had an eventful weekend. It started with breakfast at IHOP with Caleb's now favorite, blueberry pancakes. It looked yummy, but what a mess! He had it all over! Then he and dad went outside to see the firetrucks. Apparently the firefighters are regulars on Saturday mornings. One of the guys gave Caleb a tour of the truck, even let him hold the waterhose. Caleb wasn't so sure about everything at first, but by the time we left, he was giggling with joy. He even got a farewell siren and light show. Next was a trip to the Ft Worth Zoo. We actually made it through the whole park this time. The weather was so nice, we weren't as exhausted as usual. Caleb was so excited to see all the animals, after each one he would say "more animals mommy." We ate lunch at the end of the tour, then rode the train back to the entrance. His face lit up with smiles on the train ride, he kept saying "I ride Thomas." Finally we ended with life group last night. Caleb stayed with the kids; they said he stayed close to the puppy all night again.

Today we took Caleb to a few Halloween stores to find a costume and get some decorations. He kept asking "what's that mommy" to all the scary decorations and costumes. Greg decided to call them cartoons so Caleb wouldn't be scared, it worked, though i'm not sure why. He decided to be Batman this year, and on the way home was asking to "trick or treat." I'm glad he enjoyed the halloween stores because I have noticed he has developed a fear of the dark, and I didn't want to traumatize him. Last week he left his thomas train in my closet and told me he was going to go get it. Then he ran back from my room saying " scary mommy, you get it." I don't know where he even learned what scary meant. Before that we were eating at a restaurant and he wouldn't hang his feet off the bench because it was dark under the table. He said "spiders were under there" and then it was "spiderman is under there", "he's going to getch you." We told him nothing was under the table. He didn't believe us, he even looked under the table one last time on our way out. We explained that spiderman was a good guy so now he's a fan of spiderman at least. After naptime, we went to Texas Twister to play games. I'm not sure who was having more fun, daddy or Caleb. They played basketball, rode rides, smashed dinosaurs, and more. We even were able to ride go-carts. Caleb loved his "race car", he told me later "i went fast mommy". We had a great weekend!

Batter up!

Caleb shared his cheerios with T-Rex before school. We get up early to account for diversions such as unexpected breakfast guests. Then off to daycare for more exploration. Wednesday night we went to Greg's softball game. I basically chased Caleb all night long. He brought his own baseball and bat to play. Caleb kept following daddy to the dugout, he would turn and point to me saying "i be right back mommy." So independent!He was up and down the cement steps throwing, and then chasing the ball. I was praying we didn't have another concrete face planting. He tested his boundaries by throwing the ball a little further, then a little further. Then when I tried to force him to sit with me, he became possessed, throwing a huge fit and shaking from head to toe to get out of my arms. I was exhausted. When daddy was done playing, Caleb returned to his sweet self. So Greg had know idea what I was talking about when I tried to explain about our possessed child. A couple of days ago I asked Caleb if he wanted to go to the zoo this weekend. Now every time we get in the car he says "i go to the zoo" "i see the giraffe". I guess I need to wait til the day before mentioning our activities. I gave him the option of the zoo or the state fair. "no stay here mommy, go to zoo" "no stay here".

Monte's wake up call

This morning I found Monte outside of Caleb's door waiting patiently to wake up Caleb. He loves to give kisses first thing in the morning to wake up Caleb. Caleb woke saying "hi monte". We had a good morning with blueberry pancakes for breakfast. I have Caleb on board with watching the Today show with me instead of Wonderpets on weekdays. He sat down on the couch and said "i watch the news." After work I escaped out the back to run, but I felt bad leaving Caleb out so I took him for a walk with monte after I returned. Then we did some floor exercises together. Caleb did some great sit ups, and then made up some new exercises too I think. He didn't think I was doing my sit ups correctly, so he helped me out on a few. Then I got some resistance training with my push ups. We had a good dinner prepared by Daddy, then Caleb helped me with dessert. We deserved a treat after working out so hard.

2 year pictures

We had Caleb's 2 year pictures done today. And again I went overboard, but it was so hard to choose between them all. We got some great shots, but it wasn't easy. Caleb was being a toot running all over the place. At least we don't have to go through that again, at least for another year. Hope you enjoy the pics!

The Joys of Parenting

I seem to be playing catch up with the blog lately. It's just been hectic with everything recently. Last week Caleb had picture day at daycare. On his way out the door I told him to grab his backpack and I'll take his picture. He actually turned to one side, foot out, and posed showing off his backpack. I think these pictures may be getting to his head.

We have been enjoying his increasing vocabulary. And his memory!! Wow!! He is remembering very specific details even weeks later. Sometimes that gets me in trouble. The other day I was trying on my new clothes while he sat on my bed playing. I asked "how does it look" he said "it's cute" (I might have taught him that too). Later he came into my closet and showed me his "bracelet" which was my hair tie, and said "how does it look". I really need to get him around his dad more before he becomes too metro sexual.

Thursday morning we had a great time riding our bike and then going to the park to play. That afternoon we played with Emma and Trae over at Shae Shae's house for some socializing.

Today dad had to go into work for a while, so Caleb and I had a leisurely morning, starting at 7am. While playing outside, I told Caleb "no,no" about throwing something. Caleb turned and shook his finger at me and said "no tell me no mommy". Wow! Wasn't expecting that one. It deserved a time out, which he also didn't like. This parenting stuff sure is fun huh!

Tonight was our friend Justin's birthday party. We had so much fun hanging out, and Caleb even got to get in the pool for a little while. Caleb has become even more independent lately. He prefers the "big boy" cup and straw, or water bottle over sippy cup, and will not sit in his booster chair anymore. Only the "big chair" now. That includes restaurants, which makes things interesting, and messy. The boys played washers and got some quality time in with each other.

"Brown Bear, Brown Bear"

Caleb was excited daddy was still here this morning when he woke up and could hang out with us for a while. I asked Caleb if he was ready for breakfast. "No breakfast, I want french toast." Not going to argue that issue. He was in a good mood on the way to school, except when he had to scold the sun again for shining in his eyes. We sang "itsy bitsy spider" and "london bridge". Drop off was quick and easy today too. When Greg brought Caleb home he had Caleb's daily progress report in two pieces. Apparently there was a tempting sticker on the report Caleb really wanted. Greg told him the sticker was stuck on the paper and couldn't be taken off; Caleb became upset and tearful. On the way home Greg heard a rip and a "I got the sticker!" Grandma came in again for a short visit, which Caleb was so excited about. After dinner we took a short walk with monte. Caleb was in control of the leash again, or maybe monte. These walks are always entertaining with Caleb. After bath time, I read Caleb his nighttime story then tucked him into bed with his puppy and duck. He wanted "Brown Bear Brown Bear" to read to the puppy and duck. We listened on the moniter to "brown bear brown bear what do you see?", then "red bird, yellow duck, green frog- ribbit ribbit" it was soooo cute!

Caleb's Daycare

In the mornings I drop off Caleb at daycare, which at times he seems reluctant to stay. Though once I'm gone he has an awesome time with his friends and teachers. To help in my departure I have got him in the habit of walking me to the door, there he kisses me goodbye and gives one last hug, then pushes me out the door so he can close it behind him. He just enjoys opening and shutting doors now. It works for me. I am glad we have such a wonderful daycare that he enjoys; it makes it easier to leave him there each day. He has learned so much from them in his short 2 years, it's amazing. Everyday he surprises me with something new he was learned. He still loves his new backpack too!At dinner Caleb spilled his milk, then said "i didn't do it". Mind you I am sitting in front of him. So I ask who did it then. Caleb says "hmm daddy?" I said daddy huh, "no not daddy" "mmm flower" (innocent flower sitting by the table), "mmm monte did it!" I have a feeling our poor dog is going to be blamed for many things in the future.Daddy and Caleb enjoyed Monday night football together.

Hurricane Ike

We had a nice leisurely weekend since we were expecting bad weather from Ike. It wasn't too bad, though we did get some wind and rain. We watched some Mickey Mouse with our dinosaur friend then played some indoor baseball. I'm sure I'll regret allowing that habit, but he does love playing baseball, and it was raining. Last night was our lifegroup meeting. Some of the teenagers keep the little ones while we meet. They said Caleb played with their new puppy all night. I hope he doesn't start asking for a puppy now. Today we took Caleb to the park, we haven't been able to take him often since it's been so hot. He was all over the place; up and down the slides, swinging with daddy, even just hanging around. I finally told him just one more time on the slide and then we need to go home; three times later Caleb is still running around to the slide before we could catch him yelling "one more time."

Caleb showed daddy a few bad tricks on the slide.

Tonight Caleb was wrestling with daddy, and he apparently didn't appreciate one of daddy's moves because he stood saying "no Greg, no." Caleb will do that occasionally, call us by our first names. I corrected him one time saying "you need to call me mommy", we went back and forth on that one. He now corrects Greg when Greg calls me Kaylynn; "no daddy, that's mommy". If you haven't noticed there seems to be a pattern of negativity lately. I suppose it's just another phase we're going through. We just had Caleb's 2y well child, and our Pediatrician said this is a fun but challenging time, and we should pick our battles. I understand that completely.

Grandma's visit

Grandma came to stay with us last night. Caleb was looking forward to her visit all afternoon, going back and forth to the window looking for her. He found all types of games to play once she arrived. They had a good time playing "basketball". Obviously Caleb has way too many plastic balls, thanks to daddy. What a mess! I think Caleb wonders if I remember who he is lately. I told Caleb he was going to be the next Michael Jordan because of his great shots in the hoop. He ran up to me (holding his shirt out as if it had his name on it) and said "no mommy I Caleb." Then tonight he was dancing and being silly after bath time and I tickled him saying "silly billy", again Caleb replied "no mommy, I Caleb!"

Nicholas's party

Yesterday we went to my cousin's house for her son Nicholas's birthday. Caleb had an awesome time with Nicholas and his friends.

They had a huge bounce castle that Caleb loved! It was so much fun catching up with them, we stayed late into the evening so Caleb was nice and tired. He actually slept until after 8 am this morning.

We were on time for church this morning, and Caleb got to be in the new toddler class. Luckily Claire, his daycare friend, was there to help with the transition. Last week we were late to church and the classes were full because of the holiday weekend, so we had to take Caleb to church with us. It was slightly distracting, but amusing. He enjoyed the singing, but every time the words to the songs appeared on the screen he said "it's over mommy, it's over!" I realized after the second time he said that, he was relating it to the credits after his cartoons; when the words appear he knows it's over, and he let's me know so I can change the channel. Then he wanted to partake in communion when he saw everyone take a "cracker" from the plate. So against my wishes, Greg let him have a piece. I felt I should try to explain the importance of this "cracker" to Caleb, so I told him "this is Jesus". He said "no mommy, it's a cracker." I guess it's a little early for the greater lessons in life. But he did lean over to daddy and say "this is Jesus daddy" before he ate it.

Labor Day Weekend

We spent most of the long weekend looking at houses. We did squeeze in some fun though. We had a picnic at the nature preserve in Plano. Then we had some fun on the playground before taking a long stroll through the preserve while Caleb napped. Later we asked Caleb what he wanted to do; he picked swimming. Good choice since it was the last day the pool was open. He loves his swimming!

Caleb had fun dumping buckets of water on daddy, over and over again!

Tonight daddy was gone for baseball again. When Caleb heard, he wanted to play baseball too. So we practiced in the living room since it was very windy outside. He is still doing well with his batting skills. When he would miss the ball he said "almost mommy, almost". I love my little ball player!

GO TECH!!!!!!!!!!!!