Sprinkler Time

There is a drought in Southern California. Does it keep us from having sprinkler time in the backyard? No. It is hot here! And Lydia loves her "sprinkle," as she calls it. A little water in Jack's baby pool keeps him pacified for a hour. He hardly moves or makes a peep, just relaxes. It's too nice to pass up. Megan

The Blinking Game

It is almost too easy to get Jack to laugh.  Just bat your eyes at him.  Click on the link to view clip.  http://youtu.be/1URRPmp-byk

Megan

Princess Anna and Prince Elsa

We have started doing "Lydia Playtime" to encourage Lydia to play on her own, something she does not like to do much of.  I set the timer for 45 minutes, put on her favorite music and clean.  It sorta works.  Today she enlisted Jack to be her playmate during "Lydia Playtime."  She was Princess Anna from Disney's Frozen, while Jack played Elsa.  She sang and did circles around Jack for a good ten minutes.  Click on the link to view.  http://youtu.be/4cF1J3v8sfA 

Megan

Preschool Fun

Here are some shots of Lydia at her preschool during water play and cooking time.  The school has a Facebook page and it so neat to find photos of Lydia posted there.  The last photo was drawn in response to the question "What do you want to be when you grow up?"  I was impressed with the drawing!  John claims to have taught her to draw a person so well.  But a Basketball Player...really Lydia!?!?!?  Come on, please play soccer!  Megan

Eight Months Old

What is Jack like at eight months? Oh my, I'm not even sure how to begin to answer this. I am still astonished by how much he has changed in such a short amount of time. I kinda want him to slow down a bit; I am not ready for a toddler. Jack is still sweet as can be but not nearly as laid-back as I had initially thought him to be. This kid is motivated to move. He is now a cruiser and able to pull himself up to furniture and move around it. He can stand on his own without holding onto anything for up to 10 seconds. He crawls quickly from room to room looking for any and everything to put in his mouth, Lucy's dog food and bones included. Jack will also chase a laughing Lydia around the house, a pure joy to watch. His time outside has become more limited as rocks and sticks always seem to end up in his mouth. Jack is quickly moving past baby foods and onto finger foods. He will eat pretty much anything I give him, minus plums. I am so pleased by this! He loves water; if Jack sees me drinking he will give me a demanding shriek, followed by a sweet smile, to entice me to give him some. Even with my help, it ends up all over his face and chest. He sleeps well without a bottle but cries for a pacifier several times during the night. Jack is not a long napper and often will wake up early from his naps cranky and need to be rocked back to sleep. I feel like his focus on movement keeps him from fully relaxing during his naps. This kid is focused on growing up. Megan

Now This is the Life!

A friend kindly offered to take us around San Diego Bay in his speedboat.  We jumped on the opportunity and could not have had a better time.  Lydia got to drive the boat as well as swim with John.  Jack enjoyed the sea breeze from his car seat.   The views of the city were gorgeous.  I definitely see a boat in our future.  Megan

First Wagon Ride

Jack has admired Lydia's wagon for awhile.  He got his first ride tonight, thanks to Lydia's soft lap.  Lydia was all smiles.  As you can see, Jack was all business.  Megan

So Many Good Things

We just finished a visit with my mom. There were so many good things about her visit. I guess I will just list them:
- She truly got to know Jack and I'm pretty sure he won her over.
- We explored the Little Italy Farmers Market, yummy fun.
- She took care of kids, freeing John and I to go on our first long motorcycle ride in years and a Saturday night double date with friends.
- We dined at Point Loma Seafoods and discovered a authentic Italian restaurant in the neighborhood.
- She experienced the roller coaster ride of moods that is Lydia at three years of age. The highs being laughs and big hugs. The low being the good 'ol public tantrum.
Thank you Mom! Megan

Belmont Park

Today was the Coast Guard's Birthday and John was given the day off.  We picked Lydia up from school and headed to Belmont Amusement Park to celebrate with John's coworkers.  We couldn't believe Lydia was tall enough to ride some pretty thrilling rides.  There isn't a better feeling in the world than seeing her happy.  Megan

Jack Ain't Messin' Around

This kid is serious.  Two weeks ago Jack got his two bottom teeth.  Last week he started crawling.  Today I caught him trying to stand up without holding on to anything, which totally frightened me as his balance is far from ready.  Jack grabs at everything.  He gets angry when Lydia has a toy that he wants.  He, nor I, can shovel the Cheerios into his mouth fast enough.  I am perplexed.  Who is this kid!?!?!?  Megan