1st T-ball practice

I feel like I kind of dragged James to his first t-ball practice. We pumped him up about baseball and he was enthusiastic but when he saw the other kids and adults, he became a bit shy. I was glad that he was willing to toss the ball back and forth with this little girl. I crept away slowly and tried to separate myself from him. I think I lasted three minutes before he needed me back with him. (He wasn't the only child not willing to separate from his parent. There were a few.)

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

The coaches gathered the kids in a huddle and divided them into groups to work on different skills.

First, the kids were encouraged to run a base and shout out their names when they arrived at first base. Kind of an icebreaker. (I despise icebreakers in my own life!)

James was one of the last kids to do this (gathering up his courage?) but did it well!

He kind of refused to participate in the groups. He pouted. I tagged along and it went a bit better.

The last skill was batting. James did well!

So it wasn't a complete success but we got through it. We've missed the next two practices, including the team pictures (darn!) but James told me that "next time" he'll do better. He spied a playground on the way home and said next time we should play there. I told him that if we have a good practice next time we'll stop for some playground time. He has mentioned it a few times since so I think it will be a good bribe.

I am willing to give up t-ball if it feels like I'm forcing him. I'm hoping to give it two more tries?

November 18

4 year wellness check. James lost his 'tude with the doctor and ended up cooperating and even smiling. Well, at least until the shots. Oh and then he threw up all over us at the restaurant but we're still calling it a success.

First Fish!

I had a school event on Saturday (5/15) so the boys were on their own! I heard later that they ended up meeting up with Uncle Joe at the Lake for some fishing! And James caught his first fish!!

Uncle Joe had given James a fishing pole a while back, finally we've been able to let him use it. He's such a big boy, you know!

I caught a moment between Jim and James-

We have a lot of fun in our house :)

Tia Kiki

At the risk of making my sister cry I am re-posting this blog entry from May 2007. Tia Kiki is far away and missing her familia, but she has lots of memories to remember and lots more to still come! I mean, she can't stay in Japan forever :)

I read this entry and wanted to cry! Just thinking about how time flies and how much older James is and how many milestones he's had in his three years of life. Wow. Just wow!

Dear Tia Kiki (Kristina),
My Mommy is writing this for me because I can't type yet. I'm just learning my letters.

I wanted to thank you for the best time ever! I'll have lots of fun memories:

Remember when...

you sang me the elefante song?

you offered my Mommy the "2 for 1" deal?

you would greet me with "Good morning, Handsome!"?

you grabbed my chubby thighs and called them porkchops?

and then you grabbed my tummy and called it applesauce?

you played the butt drums?

you sang the Baby Croki songs to me?

you helped me with my sore gums and "toofers" (teeth)?

you tickled me and made me scream with laughter?

you introduced me to my first cats?

you took me shopping and bought me my Polo outfit and drum?

you taught me how to roll over and crawl (still trying this, Tia!)?

And there's probably lots of other things that my Mommy can't remember!

Well, I will miss you. I know you'll always be there for me and loving me from wherever you are. I hope you come to visit me whenever you can and I'll be waiting with many, many kisses!

Oh, Tia, get on my Mommy to send you a video soon. I know you'll want to see me crawling and take credit! And those top teeth are going to pop out any day now!

Te amo, Tia Kiki!
Besos,
James "Handsome" Landon Tauer