Thursday, April 15, 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
April 14
I was ready to capture the running leap and the "Mommy!!!!!" at daycare pickup. Today I was greeted with an extra exclamation- "I pooped on the potty!!". Hooray!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Done
I posted a lot today. I wanted to catch up. I won't be posting every day, so I'll be back maybe this weekend!
Daycare conference
We had a daycare conference with one of James' teachers today at 5:15, before Jim left for his Tuesday night of pool. It was just a normal, bring us up to speed kind of conference for 20 minutes. Ms. Reina reviewed how James does in the classroom- his motor skills, his social interactions, his potty training, letter recognition, etc.
We learned that he has been writing his name! I mean, at a 3 year old level. They used to guide his hand and help him write it but now they give him a dotted tracing of his name (hard to describe) and it's very crude but you can see that he is trying to trace his name! I wish I could have taken home his signature. He does need to work on his pencil grip. I'm going to try and find the kind of thick pencils that they use and help practice at home.
He is able to recognize his name. J-A-M-E-S! Sometimes he refuses to acknowledge that he can do it, when they ask him to look for his name on his locker or his "popsicle stick" (kinda like their attendance system). They suggested that when we read him books, we use our finger to follow along with the words, especially in the easier books. He'll eventually recognize some of the words. I tried that tonight and he really did catch on! We were reading his Star Wars book and I used my finger to follow the words as I read them but I stopped on certain words like "R2D2", Jedi ("J like James!"), and Yoda. I finished the book and leafed through it, stopping at some of the words and asked him, "What does this say?" And he did recognize R2D2 and after a few prompts he did say "Jedi". Hmmm. Brilliant :)
He's not the last kid in his class to be potty trained but we did learn that he will need to be trained before he can move up to the next classroom, the Red Room. (Right now he's in the Orange Room.) There are a few kids still in the process of being potty trained so we just need to step it up. The teacher suggested that one weekend we just put him in underwear and let him have his accidents. He will be uncomfortable and will notice the pee and the poop. And yeah, we will too! I imagine that we'll spend most of the time outside that weekend so we don't make a mess in the house :)
We've seen many times that James is a shy and sensitive kid. Daycare sees that too. He rarely breaks down and has never really had a tantrum there, but Reina said that James has broken down in tears and cried and has a hard time identifying his feelings. Something to work on. James needs to express himself and say WHY he is upset and what he is feeling. We see the shyness and the anxiety that he sometimes feels when he is unsure of a situation (someone visiting the house) or when he is out of routine.
We learned that James has been "attached at the hip" to Daria these last few weeks. James has a girlfriend!!! :)
Well, we have a normal, healthy, sensitive, wonderful little boy. No complaints from us or daycare! I think they love him too.
We learned that he has been writing his name! I mean, at a 3 year old level. They used to guide his hand and help him write it but now they give him a dotted tracing of his name (hard to describe) and it's very crude but you can see that he is trying to trace his name! I wish I could have taken home his signature. He does need to work on his pencil grip. I'm going to try and find the kind of thick pencils that they use and help practice at home.
He is able to recognize his name. J-A-M-E-S! Sometimes he refuses to acknowledge that he can do it, when they ask him to look for his name on his locker or his "popsicle stick" (kinda like their attendance system). They suggested that when we read him books, we use our finger to follow along with the words, especially in the easier books. He'll eventually recognize some of the words. I tried that tonight and he really did catch on! We were reading his Star Wars book and I used my finger to follow the words as I read them but I stopped on certain words like "R2D2", Jedi ("J like James!"), and Yoda. I finished the book and leafed through it, stopping at some of the words and asked him, "What does this say?" And he did recognize R2D2 and after a few prompts he did say "Jedi". Hmmm. Brilliant :)
He's not the last kid in his class to be potty trained but we did learn that he will need to be trained before he can move up to the next classroom, the Red Room. (Right now he's in the Orange Room.) There are a few kids still in the process of being potty trained so we just need to step it up. The teacher suggested that one weekend we just put him in underwear and let him have his accidents. He will be uncomfortable and will notice the pee and the poop. And yeah, we will too! I imagine that we'll spend most of the time outside that weekend so we don't make a mess in the house :)
We've seen many times that James is a shy and sensitive kid. Daycare sees that too. He rarely breaks down and has never really had a tantrum there, but Reina said that James has broken down in tears and cried and has a hard time identifying his feelings. Something to work on. James needs to express himself and say WHY he is upset and what he is feeling. We see the shyness and the anxiety that he sometimes feels when he is unsure of a situation (someone visiting the house) or when he is out of routine.
We learned that James has been "attached at the hip" to Daria these last few weeks. James has a girlfriend!!! :)
Well, we have a normal, healthy, sensitive, wonderful little boy. No complaints from us or daycare! I think they love him too.
Forgetful
I forgot to include these pictures in my April 4th post. What the heck, they deserve their own post.
At Menards. We had a few things to pick up and we browsed in the garden section for ideas. I saw this gnome and shuddered. I just really don't like them. I faced my fear and had James look at it. He wasn't amused either.
James doesn't normally fuss with fruit but he's been slowing down his eating of even his favorites. I wanted to dress it up a bit and tried to make a butterfly with part of an apple and orange. He recognized that it was a butterfly and was happy, but only wanted the orange parts.
At Menards. We had a few things to pick up and we browsed in the garden section for ideas. I saw this gnome and shuddered. I just really don't like them. I faced my fear and had James look at it. He wasn't amused either.
James doesn't normally fuss with fruit but he's been slowing down his eating of even his favorites. I wanted to dress it up a bit and tried to make a butterfly with part of an apple and orange. He recognized that it was a butterfly and was happy, but only wanted the orange parts.
Last day of Spring Break
So what did we do on our last day of Spring Break? Nothing. Really. It was a dreary, kinda wet, cold day. I tried to get James outside before it rained this morning and we got all bundled up but then he asked to go inside after five minutes. So we played inside.
We played:
Lightsaber battles
Star Wars figurines (more battles)
Catch with James' new MN Zoo ball
Hockey
Leapfrog video games
Golf- putting
Art- we made paper bag puppets!
Bounced on Mommy's bed
Legos
Read books (I'm so happy he loves his new book- Chick)
We also watched the construction next door.
It was a full day despite my being kinda bummed that we had to stay indoors.
Puppets- James loved the glue stick. I ended up placing most of the pieces on the paper bag but with consultation from James. He knew where to put the eyes, the ears, most of the pieces.
It is amazing that this little boy knows how to use a computer mouse so well! Arrow keys and the keyboard are also new skills.
The lightsaber is never too far away!
I had a cute moment with James when we were lying on my bed, resting and just talking. I told him that Easter is over. (I was getting him ready to face the fact that I put away ALL of the Easter baskets, plastic eggs, Easter toys.) I told him that the next holiday is Mama's Day! James told me, "No, no. Not Mama's Day. James Day!" When I told Jim that James wants "James Day", he said the same thing that I was thinking- every day seems to be James Day around this house!
We played:
Lightsaber battles
Star Wars figurines (more battles)
Catch with James' new MN Zoo ball
Hockey
Leapfrog video games
Golf- putting
Art- we made paper bag puppets!
Bounced on Mommy's bed
Legos
Read books (I'm so happy he loves his new book- Chick)
We also watched the construction next door.
It was a full day despite my being kinda bummed that we had to stay indoors.
Puppets- James loved the glue stick. I ended up placing most of the pieces on the paper bag but with consultation from James. He knew where to put the eyes, the ears, most of the pieces.
It is amazing that this little boy knows how to use a computer mouse so well! Arrow keys and the keyboard are also new skills.
The lightsaber is never too far away!
I had a cute moment with James when we were lying on my bed, resting and just talking. I told him that Easter is over. (I was getting him ready to face the fact that I put away ALL of the Easter baskets, plastic eggs, Easter toys.) I told him that the next holiday is Mama's Day! James told me, "No, no. Not Mama's Day. James Day!" When I told Jim that James wants "James Day", he said the same thing that I was thinking- every day seems to be James Day around this house!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Take me to the Zoo
James has been excited about the Zoo since he read his Dr. Seuss book, Take Me to the Zoo. I registered James for a toddler class more than a month ago and Jim took the day off. We were going to make a fun day of it!
Right away James was all about climbing on everything- rails, rocks, anything. Here he is getting a better look at the monkeys.
We had just a little time to kill before the class so we headed to the aquarium.
And just a few minutes before class we went outside to get some air. James loved jumping and climbing on these rocks. It's the simple things in life, you know!
Animal tracks stamping
It was during the structured, large group activities that he kind of gave up. He refused to leave my lap and dance/move like the others. We got him to take a hold of the parachute (remember those from old school gym classes?) and then he let go quickly.
The goats always make James giggle!
I think I've caught this pose before too during other Zoo trips.
But these looks are funny. This was the boys' favorite part of the day, I think. They caught a HUGE pig taking a massive poop and piss.
We used this opportunity to tell the pig that he should poop in the potty like a big boy!
James played in the hen house. Climbing, climbing, crawling.
More climbing and exploring at the bear den. No bear close up this time. They were snoozing on the rock cliffs in the distance.
Right away James was all about climbing on everything- rails, rocks, anything. Here he is getting a better look at the monkeys.
We had just a little time to kill before the class so we headed to the aquarium.
And just a few minutes before class we went outside to get some air. James loved jumping and climbing on these rocks. It's the simple things in life, you know!
The Forest Friends class was kind of a flop. James started the class so well, he was excited, started chatting to the teacher right away, and actively playing at each station during the free time.
Animal tracks stamping
It was during the structured, large group activities that he kind of gave up. He refused to leave my lap and dance/move like the others. We got him to take a hold of the parachute (remember those from old school gym classes?) and then he let go quickly.
He did sit and pay attention to the animal visitors. We saw a skunk (de-skunked) and a turtle! We all got to touch the turtle. It was a great thrill. Ha.
Back to the Zoo...
Again with the climbing, on the zoo trail.
We made the mistake of mentioning a playground (I think we did the same thing last time) and then James got it in his head that he wanted to play and play and play at the playground. It was a little disappointing because we can do a playground anytime but not see the animals. Oh well. We gave in for about 20 minutes.
I was glad to see this though. I'm sure I have many pictures of James at this particular playground at the zoo. He seems to gravitate towards this chain bridge, and in the past he's always needed my help to get across. He is such a big boy now that he did this all by himself! He was so proud of himself and demanded our praise each time he went across!
So after a period of time we convinced James to leave his beloved playground and head to the Farm. The Farm Babies part of the Zoo is open just for April, so we were there for the early part of it. There were plenty of babies to see! Pigs, cows, chickens.
James and I had a great time watching the cows in the outside pen. James enjoyed climbing up the fence and getting up close and personal. (Of course I was there to watch and make sure he didn't get his little fingers licked or bit.)
The goats always make James giggle!
I think I've caught this pose before too during other Zoo trips.
But these looks are funny. This was the boys' favorite part of the day, I think. They caught a HUGE pig taking a massive poop and piss.
We used this opportunity to tell the pig that he should poop in the potty like a big boy!
James took this picture with random girls. They all climbed up on the pig statue and just stared at us parents. I took the picture.
James played in the hen house. Climbing, climbing, crawling.
More climbing and exploring at the bear den. No bear close up this time. They were snoozing on the rock cliffs in the distance.
Wow. So tired on the way home. I am guilty myself of catching a quick nap in the car, with my mouth wide open and probably snoring too! Poor Jim, the driver.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Easter, at last!
So the big holiday is Christmas. There is the good and naughty thing to encourage with a kid, and then that's over. What helps a kid behave after that?! Valentine's Day. And then the Easter Bunny! For weeks (maybe months?) we've been telling James that the Easter bunny brings good boys a basket. He's also heard or seen stories on TV about chocolate eggs, small gifts, chocolate bunnies, etc. so he knew what to expect.
(No comments please about how we bribe our child! It's a necessary evil, I'm afraid... He also knows to be good because Mommy and Daddy expect it and it makes everyone happy. So there's that.)
The big day finally arrived and we told James that the Easter bunny hid the basket. He very excitedly looked for it!
"I found it!"
Wow, look at all the stuff! Star Wars toys, books, candy!
The Battle Droid and Obi Wan immediately had a fight.
M&M's are my favorite!
Whoa!!! A light-up lightsaber! It makes noises! (Gee, thanks Grandma.)
James' eggs are on display on our NEW DINING TABLE!!
I also ordered the official Obama Easter eggs! I have the 2009 and 2010 eggs now :) The 2010 egg has the Let's Move theme on it. (Man, I love that Michelle Obama. I love what she's doing for kids and hopefully school nutrition. Hey, that's a separate post!)
I regret that I didn't get not even one picture of our Easter brunch and guests. Sorry, peeps. It was nice to enjoy the moment and not run to my camera though!
(No comments please about how we bribe our child! It's a necessary evil, I'm afraid... He also knows to be good because Mommy and Daddy expect it and it makes everyone happy. So there's that.)
The big day finally arrived and we told James that the Easter bunny hid the basket. He very excitedly looked for it!
"I found it!"
Wow, look at all the stuff! Star Wars toys, books, candy!
The Battle Droid and Obi Wan immediately had a fight.
M&M's are my favorite!
After the world's quickest light breakfast James let loose on his chocolate bunny.
Grandma Rosie was the first to arrive that day. (Some of our family came over for Easter brunch.) She is always anxious to spend time with her little handsome man. She brought a gift...
Grandma Rosie was the first to arrive that day. (Some of our family came over for Easter brunch.) She is always anxious to spend time with her little handsome man. She brought a gift...
Whoa!!! A light-up lightsaber! It makes noises! (Gee, thanks Grandma.)
James' eggs are on display on our NEW DINING TABLE!!
I also ordered the official Obama Easter eggs! I have the 2009 and 2010 eggs now :) The 2010 egg has the Let's Move theme on it. (Man, I love that Michelle Obama. I love what she's doing for kids and hopefully school nutrition. Hey, that's a separate post!)
I regret that I didn't get not even one picture of our Easter brunch and guests. Sorry, peeps. It was nice to enjoy the moment and not run to my camera though!
Jim caught this picture of James and his Uncle Joe having a lightsaber duel! Yup, there will be lots of these I have the feeling :)
Happy Easter!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
ChaCha & Donkey
We always love a visit from Tia and Tio! Especially because they come ready to play!
After a quick lunch on Saturday we headed outside to enjoy the beautiful (but cold) day. James had great fun playing baseball with Tio Rich. Rich always has so much energy to play, jump, and chase James around. James screams with delight!
Baseball turned into a lightsaber duel!
We took a walk to the nearby playground and all of a sudden ChaCha and Donkey turned into kids themselves! They bumped each other on the swings and we all laughed.
Behave yourself, Tio!
ChaCha helps James with the playground puzzle.
It was pretty cold so we headed back to the house, even though James could have played and played for hours. ChaCha and Donkey are always so much fun!
After a quick lunch on Saturday we headed outside to enjoy the beautiful (but cold) day. James had great fun playing baseball with Tio Rich. Rich always has so much energy to play, jump, and chase James around. James screams with delight!
Baseball turned into a lightsaber duel!
We took a walk to the nearby playground and all of a sudden ChaCha and Donkey turned into kids themselves! They bumped each other on the swings and we all laughed.
Behave yourself, Tio!
ChaCha helps James with the playground puzzle.
It was pretty cold so we headed back to the house, even though James could have played and played for hours. ChaCha and Donkey are always so much fun!
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