Mister "Independence" Day

Isn't it funny that just about the time we celebrate our Independence as a country, my vivacious toddler has begun to celebrate his Independence as a person?

I knew it was coming. All of my friends with older tots told me about it, the books said so, and I could see Jack beginning to do things on his own. It's just like everyone described... he is torn somewhere between wanting to be his own person and needing the security of Mommy.

Emphatic "Me do it" and "Do it self" are constant phrases around here. But, only a few short minutes later they will be followed by whining pleas for "Mommy" or "help peeeas". It's just as frustrating and exciting for Jack as it is for me.

A menial task, such as getting into the car to go somewhere, can turn into a challenge that causes us to be 15 plus minutes late. Ironically on Independence Day, this is a scenario that took place...

'Jack hop in the car, it's time to go'

Jack climbs half in and gets stuck on the floor board of the car in between the door jamb.

'Here let me help you", (as I begin to boost him up)

'No, ME DO IT!!'

(Hands off--I wait patiently...for quite a while)

Jack struggles while chanting, 'do it self'

Finally he is in and up on the back seat!...and then the challenge starts all over again with getting him into the actual car seat.

On the flip side one of the great perks about Jack's self declared Independence is it's one of my best discipline tools to date. For example, "Jack it's time to go. You can come over here by yourself of Mommy will do it for you." And just like magic, 90% of the time it works. Jack would rather "do it self" than have Mommy do it for him. (That is unless he is in clingy Mommy mode)

So this weekend while Jack was struggling between Mister Independence and " Where is my Mommy?" we celebrated the true Independence of our country with lots of pool time, friends, family and food. It was a nice reminder that anything worth having (in this case Independence) is worth working for...even it makes you 15 minutes late anywhere you go!

Happy 4th to all! Here is a peek at our celebration...

"Jack let me help you with that big boy cup"...Jack answers,"Do it self!"


Soooo Patriotic!

Mommy and "Mister Independence"

This is Jack's new photo face...tongue out! I have several pictures from the weekend like this...lucky me!

Okay, I really don't like this picture of Clay and I, but I couldn't resist that precious Jack smirk...mmmm, love that boy!

Summer Fun

It is officially summer and I am loving it. Summer has always been my favorite season of the year. Give me hot weather and flip flops any day and I am a happy girl. I'm guessing it may have something to do with growing up on the beach in Florida.

Everyone warned me, "you will hate being pregnant in the summer". And surprisingly, I don't hate it at all. It's actually been super nice to have the option to throw on sun dresses and put on sandals. As opposed to trying to squeeze my over weight body into pants and my swollen feet into closed toed shoes. The clothing dilemma hasn't been much of a "dilemma" at all this pregnancy. And let me tell you, it was more than a "dilemma" with Jack's pregnancy.

I will admit that the heat can be uncomfortable at times. But, hey, just being pregnant to me is totally uncomfortable. Might as well be doing it nice weather.

Plus, it's been pretty easy to keep Jack entertained the past month or so. (Keep in mind, I didn't say pretty easy to keep him behaving!) We have filled our days with backyard play dates, swimming at the club, a trip to Florida this past weekend, and the zoo. Yes, Jack's second home is the zoo. A couple hours checking out animals in the sun equals a mighty fine nap!

Today we enjoyed a fabulous day poolside. Cristina, Sophia, and baby Alexandra hosted a pool play date in their backyard. Just say "Sophia's house" and I can get Jack to do anything. It's the best bribe I have to date! He is absolutely in love with his best pal, Sophia. We packed lunches and joined the other 12 kids and their Mommies for lots of wet entertainment. And guess who Jack was attached to the whole play date?...you guessed it, the hostess herself, Sophia.

Sharing a poolside snack with Sophia. I think Sophia might be the only other toddler Jack will share with and that's not even guaranteed.

Look at Miller sneak in on the action.

Mommies and kiddos enjoying the sun and water...I'm sure they love me for these bathing suit shots--even though they all look fabulous!.

There is no other place Jack would rather be than swimming with Sophia in the "baby pool". Okay, actually it's the hot tub without the heat, but Jack thinks it serves nicely as a kiddie pool. Whatever makes him happy!

Happy Birthday Meg

Splish, Splash! Splish Splash!

What a Blast We Had at Meg's 3rd Birthday Bash!

Thanks for letting us celebrate with you Meg! We hope #3 is the best year yet!

Do you think I put enough sunscreen on the poor boy?

The birthday girl and her princess cake.

Mmmmm...this was, of course, Jack's favorite part of the celebration.

It looks like Meg enjoyed it too!

Splashing was Jack's specialty at the party. Every pool party needs at least one.

All bundled up in his "Mi-ee Mous" towel and ready to go home. Jack loves Mickey Mouse these days and all because of this towel. He's never even seen him on t.v. or anywhere else for that matter!

To My Dear Family

I'm just coming off of a long visit by some of my family. And in the sensitive, emotional state of pregnancy, I realized just how much I love them. I always love them...but, this time when they left, well, it was just different. So here are some 'Thank Yous' to my family and I hope that they each know there is a giant 'I Love & I Miss you" behind each one.

*Thank you for the endless hours of entertaining Jack...i.e. book reading marathons, play dates in the playroom, trips to the zoo, backyard fun, and so much more.

*Thank you for not only putting up with my pregnant,overtired, hungry, emotional self, but embracing it and not making me feel 'crazy'.

*Thank you for letting me eat dinner without being the one to cut up food, correct Jack's behavior, and clean messy fingers and cheeks.

*Thank you for letting me sleep in and putting Jack to bed at night.

*Thank you for making my kitchen look like a lot of happy hungry people live here.

*Thank you for our first outdoor dinner of the season.

*Thank you for the crazy chaos that makes us a family. It wouldn't be the same without it.

*Thank you for letting me be the one who lives in the middle of everyone. We love filling our house!

Look what Grandma brought me..a pirate book!

Jack enjoyed teaching Grandma how to use the frisbee.

Now it's GG's turn to read to Jack.

We visited The World of Coke and Jack actually enjoyed checking out the memorabilia or maybe it was that smoothie that Grandma bought him that kept him at bay.

Family pic with the Coke Bear. Notice how the boys stayed out of this one.

Jack sporting his 4D glasses before we entered the movie.

Just waiting for our turn to enter the theatre.

Jack would take story time anywhere he could get it...inside or outside!

Grandma must be an enchanting reader, she had a full audience.

Joel cooked our first outdoor meal on Daddy's' new Father's Day gift.

Now it's Aunt Scrub's turn to read. Jack made his rounds before and after dinner.