My Jamesy

Only I call James "Jamesy". I don't call him that often, just when we're being silly or cute. I guess I have a lot of nicknames for him- but they're all mine!

Tonight I put him to bed and it was a very fun, sweet bedtime. We read the Tickle Monster book and he insisted that I tickle him with the monster gloves, even after the book was done.

We always say "Sweet Dreams" (like my Mom used to say to us when we were little :) but tonight James wouldn't say it. He insisted on a HUGE hug first. He wouldn't let go. He told me, "I'm going to hug you forever. We're going to get married. And then we're going to stay around like this."

Sometimes I cry a little with happiness!

In that moment I had a little flash forward of James as a teenager. Whenever I see kids at my school get dropped off by their parent I ask them "Did you tell your Mom 'I love you' and give a kiss? You need to do that!" I hope I'm still getting the hugs when he is 12, 13, etc!

This picture is his newest Preschool picture. I stole a snapshot of it from the photographer's website. We are ordering the digital picture so we'll be sure to get copies to our family. NO worries but it may take a few weeks to get the CD files in the mail.

I'm in love with this picture. It is so him- the shy tilt of his head, the sparkle in his eyes. Ahhhhh!

Jam Packed Day

On a Saturday (6/4) Jim was out of town so James and I hopped in the car and had many adventures.

First we went to a "donut restaurant". This was very exciting. We took donuts to go and went to visit my (former) student Catherine and her newborn Juliano. James was great using his quiet voice around the baby and even looked at the baby briefly. He wasn't very interested. Ha.

We headed to the Mall of America's Sealife Park. I have a free season pass since I'm a school employee so I added James to my account for another $10. We can now go to the aquarium anytime we want!

Stingrays.

James sat in the glass cubby.

Cute.

We spied a simulation ride and James really surprised me by wanting to ride it. We prepared for a bumpy ride!

Self-portrait.

I was a little worried when I saw him panicking.

But it quickly became a fun thrill ride

The nice employee took our picture outside the ride.

Ooooh jellyfish.

James wasn't scared of the aquarium tunnel, but he started to pout and refused to move forward. It was hard not to laugh.

After the aquarium we got in the car and just drove. We ended up in Uptown and ate at a Vietnamese restaurant because James wanted "cream cheese chips" (wontons).

Looking at the city.

And then since we were so close, I drove us to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (AKA one of my favorite places in the world). I was so excited to share this place with James.

He really could care less. Ha! He took SOME interest in the art but was disappointed that there were no finger paintings. Silly kid.

James was unimpressed by Frank. He chose to pick his nose instead.

The best part of the museum? Finding a stick in the parking lot grass!

Uptown again. Sonny's Ice Cream.

Our last stop was the Lions Park playground in Coon Rapids.

Tongue out, really concentrating.

He was trying to kick me, playfully.

What a great day!

Mom/Son Date

One Saturday James and I had a date. He's really into ice cream right now so he was very happy to head to DQ. Afterwards I told him "Thank you for my ice cream date." He gave me the biggest, most beautiful smile and said back, "Thank you for my ice cream." He LOVES his ice cream. Chocolate or vanilla, you never know which will be his favorite on a particular day, but he switches between them.

Cheers!

Fun with Mommy at the Park

More Chores

We're still working on chores around here. We've been picking different chores that James should be learning anyway- like getting dressed himself, acting/talking nicely, and just recently we added trying new foods.

Here is James getting dressed all by himself. He gets very proud of himself.

Celebrating with a jump on the bed. I edited this picture with some cool effect.

Folding more towels.

And then on another day.

Stormy weather

We've hunkered down in the basement twice this weekend. James is learning that the Emergency Broadcast System interruptions on TV are not a good thing. Last night we went down, just the two of us, because Jim was out for the night at a poker party. Today James and I were both napping when Jim woke us up, saying we needed to go to the basement. It was definitely not a good way to wake up! I was groggy but hustled.

James told me that Blankie would protect us. Jim snapped this picture of both of us, making the most of the situation. We both were holding on to Blankie. Blankie also gave me a Kiki kiss for protection. Sweet boy :)

My Day

Okay, it wasn't just all about me. I guess there are other Mothers in the world :)

Here is James yesterday as we uncovered the Pineapple Upside Down cake for Grandma Rose's dinner. James was so excited about the cake but didn't end up eating one bite. Silly goose.

That morning James slipped a homemade-by-James Mother's Day card under my bedroom door. He later serenaded me with his Mom Song.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

We had Grandma Laura, Uncle Joe, and Shannon over for breakfast on Sunday. Afterwards me and my boys went out for some family fun.

Choo Choo Bob's. Train watching.

Cupcakes at Sweets bakery.

An ice cream shop right next to Sweets was calling our names, so we indulged.

Shoe shopping. Trying out the cool lights on the shoes. Stomp stomp jump jump.

Yeah, we didn't walk away with any shoes. He just couldn't settle on a pair.

But hey, who is that good looking boy??

Wow, he sure is cute!

We stopped for some munchies at BW3 and then came home because it was raining. It was a great day to watch Empire Strikes Back, all cozy in the basement with blankets and pillows.

What a great day!