Too Long Since Last Post - Too Much Growing Going On!

I know it's been way too long since my last post but our little one has really been going through a lot of changes the last few months.

First, Jacob started sleeping on a cot at daycare so I had the brilliant idea that he now must sleep in a toddler bed here at home. The result: we hear happy feet running around his room when he's supposed to be napping or going to bed; we find him passed out in the rocking chair or the changing pad that's now on the floor (the table was too easy to climb without supervision); and we think he's asleep until we hear a loud crash following by a roar of tears - he's fallen off the bed backwards, slipped onto the radiator, and has slammed a finger in a drawer.

Then Jacob became interested in going potty so I had the brilliant idea that he must want to be rid of the diapers. Well, turns out I was right on that front. However, I don't think I really need to tell you that this transition has not gone perfectly. At home, and even when running errands, he's gotten really good about it, even if we try to keep him in just underwear for around the house as we go through fewer pairs of shorts that way (2 or 3 pair in a weekend instead of 12).
We've also taken to trying anything to wear him out on weekends - like going to the park a lot, running through fountains, or playing in the wading pool at home. It makes naptimes and bedtimes easier, but it also wears us out.

Jacob got to have some fun at the prairie dog area at the National Zoo - there's a neat area where kids can pretend to be prairie dogs.
On top of all that our garden has gone a bit out of control. The lettuce and spinach were the first to really take off but we're now enjoying sugar snap peas and summer squash and waiting for all the tomatoes to ripen. Yes - I did let the weeds get a little out of control but for several weeks there it was raining every other day and those tended to be the days when I had a few spare minutes where I could have done some weeding.

Weekend at the Beach

Our little trio went to Ocean City last weekend for the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers 50th Annual Convention (it is a lot more fun that it sounds, trust).

Our handbell choir's director was one of the honored directors and directed about 550 of us ringers on two songs including one that was written just for her. Anne did an amazing job!Jacob and Steve both enjoyed our concert on Saturday afternoon (after rehearsals Friday night and Saturday plus classes on Saturday). Jacob was thoroughly engaged in the music and stayed put on Daddy's lap for all 6 pieces. After the bronze-level piece (an advanced level peice that was rather exciting and got really fast at the end) Jacob turned to Steve and requested, "Again".

While I was ringing away, Jacob and Steve had a terrific time trying to find things to do besides play on the beach as the weather was typical March beach weather. There was lots of rain, wind, and fog. Sunday morning was so foggy that even though we had an oceanfront room we woke up to the sound of the beach...but no view. Just a wall of fog. Thankfully we had purchased a pair of puddle-jumper boots for Jacob on the day we headed to OC. His pants still got wet, but at least his one pair of tennis shoes that fit were still dry.

Here's Jacob on a dune-crossing.Did I mention the wind...and the fog?Jacob was a little scared of the ocean, but totally let loose on a puddle on our way back to the hotel.Jacob grabbed an apple to eat while Steve and I packed up to leave - it was a big apple.

Bliz2010 Part II Pics

Ok - just to make it clear...Yes, Fargo has gotten way more snow than we have in one winter season (I believe 90" is the current record) but they usually get it slowly. Over a period of months. Not all in one week.

Like every other homeowner in the DC region - we have cabin fever, back aches, arm aches (after all, it takes a lot more arm strength to shovel snow above your head), and we're numb to all things white. Enjoy the photos anyway!

Bliz2010 Part I Pics

Videos

Marsha and Al came over Friday so we could all be snowed in together! We had a great time. More photos to be posted later. Here are 2 videos.

Haircut!

I almost totally forgot to mention tha tJacob got his first haircut! He was starting to have trouble with a small bit right in the center of his forehead always falling into one eye or another and another small bit right at the back of his head that kept getting caught in bib snaps.

Mommy was brave and brought the scissors out while Daddy distracted Jacob during a mealtime.

Here are the first photos after the haircut.

I did my best to 1)avoid accidentally cutting a squirming boy and 2) to keep the bangs a bit wispy since that's how his hair has always been.

Bunches o'Stuff

Jacob is really growing up quickly in so many ways. He's starting to combine words, is doing so well with a spoon, is getting better with a fork, can drink out of a regular glass, and wants to be helpful, mostly, when we ask him to do things. These transformations are just amazing!

One recent evening Jacob started saying "Hi Daddy" over and over and over. At the same time he was running around the room only to throw himself on the floor over and over again. I think I captured on video one of the last times he did it that night.


Then, finally, after doing all these things for what seemed like an hour (it may have only been a half hour) he said the 2 words that I had been waiting to hear all day...(listen for it at about 19 seconds)

My heart melted!

He's doing lots of cute things late, like climbing into and out of his toy bins.He loves getting horsey rides from either one of us, which usually end with him purposefully falling off somehow.He looks adorable in the sweater GrandMary knit for him for Christmas.He still loves to flirt with girls. Becky came over the other day and Jacob cozied right up to her for a book.Best of all he obviously loves his Mommy and Daddy.
I just wish he would willingly let me put him to bed once in a while. *sigh*