operating instructions, please vol iii

January 2012

2012-01-07T21:07:00.001-06:00

Robster Jan 2012, a photo by Jacks mom on Flickr.

I love this picture of Rob. I took it at the library this week. What I don't like is how old he looks.
January finds us all growing either vertically or horizontally. Rob is finally growing out of his favorite sweater we will all be sad to see that one go. But it is lovely as a mom to see him growing in character and personality. Rob for good or bad does not meet a stranger- ever. The guard at the art museum this morning did a good job scaring him back to my side though but then we found an older guard in the back of the museum that Rob chatted with. But I digress. Jack has waited patiently for a christmas gift to arrive and it has. So he spent the majority of today and yesterday afternoon putting together his Lego millinnium Falcon. If there are mornings that the boys get up before Cora and I then its a sure bet they are at the lego table talking and putting things together. Cora? What can i say? She continues to charm, smile, babble, boss and love her way through her days. She hasnt committed to trains and cars or baby dolls and dishes yet. She loves them all and focus on what is at hand. Cora and the boys goof off very well together and I am thankful for it all. Happy New Year all!

Christmas 2011

2011-12-25T20:33:00.001-06:00

sillys, a photo by Jacks mom on Flickr.

What a fun week! I posted half of the pictures and will do the rest tomorrow- right now I am putting up my feet. Good night and Merry Christmas!

December 20

2011-12-20T12:41:00.001-06:00

tree time!, a photo by Jacks mom on Flickr.

Hello all, or at least the few that come here still, Merry Christmas! We have been having great fall here in memphis. My three little birds are growing growing growing. It is a very fun time and I am soaking it all up. Jack continues to have a good time at school and really loves his Clue classes. Rob is chomping at the bit to get reading as well as continue to love being outside with the bugs and the leaves. Cora is starting to try to compete for talk time at the dinner table and continues to be my constant shadow. Which I do not mind in the least, although it has possed some problems for wrapping her gifts. Bo and I are well and continue to be so thankful for time together provided by grandparents who watch the kids for free! So in the middle of a decorated house, between baking and cleaning, before naps and play I am thankful for all of this and cant wait for more. Merry Christmas everyone.

the Gordons

2011-11-29T20:07:00.001-06:00

the gang, a photo by Jacks mom on Flickr.

We were privileged to have the Gordons stay with us last week on their way back home. This is a couple that we knew as close freinds before they were married, then kids, then different jobs etc. etc. Being around them is remembering old jokes and cooking familiar food. Our kids are growing up before our eyes and it is a treat to see them together playing. Our time was even better when the Huggins showed up later in the evening and we talked and laughed for a long time. We have had a great few weeks here. Playing together, school projects and breaks from school, cool weather and hot weather, new friends and old. We are all growing and it is going fast to me. i try to soak it all in as much as I can as well as take pictures!

pink bow

2011-11-10T20:58:00.001-06:00

swings, a photo by Jacks mom on Flickr.

Halloween 2011

2011-10-31T22:17:00.001-05:00

the gang, a photo by Jacks mom on Flickr.

picking up Jack

2011-10-02T21:11:00.001-05:00

picking up Jack, a photo by Jacks mom on Flickr.

Cora loves picking up Jack from school. Here are some pictures from the last few months or so. Enjoy.

Robster

2011-09-17T12:31:00.001-05:00

Robster, a photo by Jacks mom on Flickr.

2011-09-08T19:46:00.001-05:00

there she is!, a photo by Jacks mom on Flickr.

there she is!

4 weeks of school done!

2011-09-02T16:26:00.001-05:00

Jack and the donut, a photo by Jacks mom on Flickr.

2011-08-29T19:42:00.001-05:00

Is my tooth loose!?, a photo by Jacks mom on Flickr.

I just thought this was a funny picture.

at the library

2011-08-23T19:54:00.001-05:00

reading house at the library, a photo by Jacks mom on Flickr.

I have always loved the library. This colorful building is in the kids part and the boys love to read in it. Cora is at a hard stage for the library because she loves the library only like a 18 month old can- loudly and running. Not really good library behavior. So while I grab books off the shelve and run after Cora the boys have some nice reading time in the house.

still summer here

2011-08-16T21:16:00.002-05:00

sprinkler fun, a photo by Jacks mom on Flickr.

Well while Jack is off at school it is still warm enough for Rob and Cora to play in the sprinkler. And that is just what they have been doing.

saturday

2011-08-13T11:02:00.003-05:00

As I type the boys are dashing through the sprinkler and Cora and I are having our coffee and snacks with our feet in the baby pool. Bo is putting some manual labor into our house. It is saturday. It is saturday. It is the first saturday. My favorite quote from Jack this week has been 'All we do at school is work work work!' He almost didnt go the first day. He complained that his stomach all monday morning and since he didnt have a fever I chalked it up to nerves. So off we went. Being the brilliant mom that I am chose the curviest road there. What was I thinking? I have the most car sick kid I have ever known. So when we got there and were walking up the side walk to school Jack lost his breakfast on someones front lawn. So I took a deep breath and loaded everyone back into the car and came back home. At home i didnt really know what to do. I was mad because lets face it I had my day planned out and this was not part of it. I was sad for Jack to miss the first day and I was confused about what to do next. So I let Jack alone with a sprite and the fan in the living room and sat in Coras room while she played. After a long quiet time for all of us to gain some perspective I asked Jack if he wanted to go to school now and he said YES! so trip two to the school began. Thankfully the school was very understanding and Jack was all of a sudden very excited to go to school. He finished the day great and everyday this week. He definatly thinks they work too hard. The best thing this week has been how great Rob and Jack have been together in the afternoons b/c they genuinely have missed each other. Some things that I have remembered this week has been that yes school is hard, school from a parents perspective is a whole new ballgame and it is going to be quite an adventure.

One week done.

2011-08-12T20:40:00.001-05:00

ready to go to school, a photo by Jacks mom on Flickr.

Jack did great besides a rocky start.

I asked them to smile.

2011-08-06T20:59:00.001-05:00

oh yeah thats the gang, a photo by Jacks mom on Flickr.

This is what I got. :) I posted a ton of pics and might even have time to type this week. We shall see.

2011-07-17T18:06:00.001-05:00

silly girl, a photo by Jacks mom on Flickr.

I love my new phone app. Cant you tell?

2011-07-12T14:58:00.001-05:00

playing inside

2011-07-12T08:19:00.001-05:00

playing inside, a photo by Jacks mom on Flickr.

we have too! its hot outside. I am glad we all like to play games.

at the pool

2011-07-06T12:45:00.000-05:00

Last year.

This year.

to beat the heat

2011-07-06T07:27:00.001-05:00

at the circus, a photo by Jacks mom on Flickr.

We have to find indoor things to do in the summer. So last week we went to the Pink Palace museum. I have been going there since I was a little girl and it still has some very familiar things. One thing being the model circus with moving parts and music. Cora and the boys watched it for a long time because it has endless detail and is so well lit. The little circus is one of the small delights of memphis.

6-26-11

2011-06-28T07:44:00.001-05:00

6-26-11, a photo by Jacks mom on Flickr.

pictures

2011-06-27T06:56:00.002-05:00

I had a friend visit from GA this weekend and I had a chance to use here very nice camera. I am excited about the new pics. More later!

birthday lunch fun

2011-06-26T14:50:00.001-05:00

at chucky cheese, a photo by Jacks mom on Flickr.

We went to Chucky Cheese for Jacks lunch. Opa the boys and I had a ton of fun. We lucked out and went on a perfect time and played till all the coins were spent!

Jack's Day

2011-06-22T08:03:00.001-05:00

happy birthday Jack, a photo by Jacks mom on Flickr.

Happy Birthday Jack! We love you and are so glad you are growing!

Happy Fathers Day Bo

2011-06-19T08:08:00.001-05:00

cora and papa, a photo by Jacks mom on Flickr.

I think the picture says it all. We love you and couldnt make it without you. i hope you get a nap today.

Cora, just a talkin.

2011-06-19T07:59:00.001-05:00

in the car 6 16 11 a video by Jacks mom on Flickr.

summer

2011-06-15T21:35:00.001-05:00

in the car, a photo by Jacks mom on Flickr.

Summer is in full swing around here. I hope you are staying cool where you are.

The breakdown

2011-06-05T10:03:00.005-05:00

I was considerng how to fill you guys in on life here and the best way is to break it down for you.JACK

Jack finished school very well. We are not going to the same school next year. I had a hard time trying to drive the fine line between wanting Jack to know what is going on and giving him a legittimate chance to say good bye to people there. He did great and we talked about it at length whenever he wanted to. He has also visited to the school he will be attenting next year and that helped a ton. In other everyday news Jack is continueing to read Clavin and Hobbes and play his Wii. He is sending his indoor time inventing Lego creations and inventing other things like brain wave indicator, Transmogifier and a duplicator. I was going to wait to cut his hair right before his birthday but it just got toooooo shaggy! It would also get in the way of his swim goggles which are paramont in his life b/c he LOVES the pool. It is fun to watch the both swimming and remember how much time i spent in the pool as a kid and how great it is. He is definatly the older brother around here in attitude and skill level. My goals for him are to continue to have confidence but be able to be with people around him on their level as well.

Rob

Robster is loving summer too. His swimming has greatly improved during lessons this week and he loves swimming after the torpedo in the pool as long as he can. He loves the sandbox even though we have not been aout to be outside as much this week b/c it is already averaging 95 outside and today will be 100. Rob is his brothers shadow and strives to do everything he does. Rob is better than Jack at some things though. One being solveing problems. We do a scavanger hunt every tuesday. I plant the clues all over the house and they find them. Jack gets stumped pretty easily but Rob realizes the answer pretty fast most of the time. It is going to be hard to stop Rob once he takes the lead.

Cora

Cora is walking full tilt now. No more scooting or crawling. It feels like that was a short lived time. She loves purses and saying good bye as well as peek-a-boo games and books. She is sooooo content to wander in to the boys room to see what they are doing ,mess with them a bit then comes back to see what i am doing, then back to the boys. She will do this all morning if she is given the chance. She knows what she wants and is a big 'talker'. She is still napping very well. Cora is different then the boys in that she wants to be with me more then they did and I dont mind a bit. She is getting used to the pool this week. She loves her Jack and thinks Rob is very fun even though she can already push his buttons. She is growing fast and I am soaking in all of it.

Bo and I?

We are well. We got to go to a movie yesterday thanks to free babysitting from my mom. We have had some sweet times with freinds new and old in the last few weeks. We are trying to stay ahead of the tide of our fast growers but at the same time enjoy it.

I posted a few videos and lots of pictures this morning. enjoy.

Its Official

2011-05-25T19:31:00.001-05:00

jumping Jack the tiger, a photo by Jacks mom on Flickr.

Jack is a 1st grader. Whew. One under our belt and many to go. I think is was a better year then I sould have hoped for. His teacher was amazing. I learned a ton and was reminded of a lot of good basics when I was around her during different times of the year. Jack is a full time reader now. Reading signs and calling me on missed words when I read to them. PE as usual for most kids was his favorite thing this year. Dinner has been a treasure this year as well with both boys telling about the days and Cora inflecting as much as she can. All in all we are growing. I am exhausted but fine. ONWARD to summer!

birthday weekend.

2011-05-23T21:35:00.001-05:00

Age 5 spider cake, a photo by Jacks mom on Flickr.

It was a fun 2 cake weekend. Enjoy the pictures.

2011-05-21T20:48:00.002-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my Robster! 5!

you are getting faster and running further now more then ever but your heart and compassion are keeping up! You are a joy my little man.

sand under my toes.

2011-05-17T21:19:00.001-05:00

sandy kids, a photo by Jacks mom on Flickr.

In the house not in the beach kinda way. It is totally worth it. They have already clocked hours of fun digging and creating and destroying lands of imagination. The weather here has been more then amazing for Memphis in May and we are taking advantage of it. Jack and I planted flowers seeds today and Rob helped plant our pumpkins. Hopefully I will get sunflowers in the ground before too long.

5-13-11

2011-05-13T15:16:00.001-05:00

Robster, a photo by Jacks mom on Flickr.

what I see

2011-05-09T22:20:00.001-05:00

Hmmmm, a photo by Jacks mom on Flickr.

Cora trying on some new expressions.

happy bubbles

2011-04-26T15:26:00.001-05:00

happy bubbles, a photo by Jacks mom on Flickr.

sat bkfst

2011-04-19T20:39:00.001-05:00

sat bkfst, a photo by Jacks mom on Flickr.

I am so proud of these! They are very fun and a bit tricky but worth it.

why yes,

2011-04-09T14:01:00.001-05:00

why yes, that is sharpie marker beard, a photo by Jacks mom on Flickr.

this a Sharpie marker beard. He wanted to surprise his dad. He did.

The storm and after

2011-04-05T21:06:00.001-05:00

in front of the root ball, a photo by Jacks mom on Flickr.

I was at work monday when we had to evacuate to the basemant with a school full of children. I did get a glimpse of the windows before we ducked down and it was balck outside. When it was all over we asa school were all fine as well as the building and the surrounding areas. Quite a few teachers live in my neighborhood and we started getting calls and texts that the areas we live in was hit very hard. Thankully a kind husband of one of those friends drove by all of our houses and they were safe. Others in my neighborhood had full trees in their houses and cars. Trees blocked the streets and alot of people were and still are out of power. Over all i think it was a good step for the boys b/c it was a very safe exposer to the reality of storms with out terrifying them.

On the move

2011-04-02T08:42:00.001-05:00

9, a photo by Jacks mom on Flickr.

Cora is moving around these days! One of her favorite things to do is take bags and put them on her arm like a purse then scoot to a door with a wave. it is really fun to watch but I am realizing that this is the beginning of me always trying ot catch up her.

Friends

2011-03-27T20:07:00.001-05:00

jumpin kids!, a photo by Jacks mom on Flickr.

We were privilaged to see the Maynors this friday on their way back home from Spring Break. We had a fun night and sent them off to snowy StL the next morning. It was really great to see how they have grown and catch up with Melanie about everything else.

yep, back at the docs.

2011-03-25T20:08:00.001-05:00

at docs 9:30, a photo by Jacks mom on Flickr.

I sent Cora to bed with what I thought was a couple bug bites but when I get her up this morning she was covered in what turned out to be hives from head to toe. I dropped Jack off at school then went to the docs. Her hives look different from Jacks at this age so I was afraid they were something else but the doc confirmed that they were hives stemming from a reaction to something. Her legs and feet, arms and hands were very swollen and that was the scariest part to me. Histamines and steriods led to diminishing hives for the rest of the day. We dont know what this was from and could be a simple reaction to the weather, which got down to 33 degrees last night! All in all it was familiar to walk down this road with Cora b/c Jack was this way as well but it is never fun to wake up your one yr old covered with angry red whelps. By the way she didnt complain once, she is one tough little cookie.

OH no!

2011-03-23T21:05:00.001-05:00

OH no!, a photo by Jacks mom on Flickr.

Rob, Cora and I went to the zoo this morning for a very quick trip b/c it was our last day for our membership and I couldnt stand not going on our last morning. The three of us had a blast here this fall as a trio. So we went ot see the fish and then, yes, played at the new playground the rest of the time there. Oh well. Sometimes I feel like I spend alot of energy trying to recreate a great moment with the kids. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesnt. I always need ot remember this is all new. Something else that is new is Cora's many faces. It is really fun to see that she is finally breaking her teeth in and therefore free to feel good. She is working on tons of new faces, all the time. Click on the picture for more examples. They are really fun. I felt kind of bad clicking away shot after shot on the camera of just Cora but honestly she was the only one that would stay still enough, Rob was on lighting speed for most of the day.

wednesday sing along.

2011-03-23T17:18:00.001-05:00

Movie 418 a video by Jacks mom on Flickr.

there is also a second one in the flickr account. enjoy.

Zoo day!

2011-03-17T15:34:00.001-05:00

Roar! a photo by Jacks mom on Flickr.

We skipped out to the zoo today to continue the party of Spring Break! Thank goodness we are an early crew. We saw all the animals we wanted to and had a great snack while we watched the sea lion show all before the zoo got crazy! The cars were lined up when we were leaving and I remembered why i only come on 'off' times. Happy Patty's day to you too!

little one

2011-03-15T21:32:00.001-05:00

where's Cora? a video by Jacks mom on Flickr.

Despite serious teething this week and in and out of the doctors for ear infections Cora has yet to loose her sense of fun. She is a tough little one.

Thanks for all the happy birthday wishes!

2011-03-15T21:13:00.001-05:00

birthday cupcakes a photo by Jacks mom on Flickr.

Mothers log Day 10

2011-03-01T20:05:00.001-06:00

Ahhhhhhh!
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

I smell freedom! We are all fever free for 24hours! Jack back to school tomorrow and the rest if us back to our regular schedules. So glad, that was a long week and half.

Mothers log- day 8

2011-02-27T10:44:00.001-06:00

DSC09792
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

The natives have even turned away from their Legos. Their moods swings from good to sour as well as their appetites. Our tv and movie supply has been greatly deeply depleated as well as our crackers, sprite and adult beverages. It seems as though the outside world is going on as usual although we wouldnt know if it wasnt. I have consulted the world wide web and it seems our time here might stretch to day 12. Thankfully their are two captains here today allowing one to go out for supplies and air. Onward!

Happy birthday dear little one.

2011-02-19T20:07:00.001-06:00

Give them cake!
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

Dearest little one we had a great day today celebrating your birthday. This year has flown by so fast. You are a big laugher and can be just as serious as you investigate new things. You love your little toys and take them to secret places all over the house. You never get any alone time thanks to your brothers and will come and find me in the kitchen to help me. You are still scooting around and I dont think you will ever crawl because you have begun to pull up and stand. I hope it is the only stage you skip in your growing up. We love you Cora and are so privileged to be with you. Keep growing! We cant wait to see what you are going to do.

Happy Day one of Year 2!

2011-02-18T09:58:00.000-06:00

after bath time
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

Snow

2011-02-12T07:54:00.001-06:00

Pictures from Rob
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

Thought I would post a snow picture from last week b/c it is going to be in the 60s! this week.

I grabbed the pepper in stead of the cinnamon.

2011-02-09T09:22:00.001-06:00

morning time
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

And put it on my toast, thankfully I realized this before I got to Robs toast. That is just the things that happen though when your little almost 1 year old wake you up at 4:15 in the morning. The picture was taken at 6:30. Looks like shes ready for a nap. My goal for today- keep going.

Cora 1-29-11

2011-01-29T19:56:00.001-06:00

bad hair day
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

I didnt know 11mth olds could have bad hair days. Apparently I was wrong.

snow day funnies part 2

2011-01-21T10:38:00.001-06:00

Cora in the mix
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

snow day funnies

2011-01-21T10:37:00.001-06:00

Cora in the mix 2
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

My morning still life.

2011-01-18T20:53:00.001-06:00

morning coffee
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

Snow kid

2011-01-10T19:05:00.001-06:00

Snow angel
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

Snow day today. I have to admit that snow days now vs. snow days 8 yrs are a bit different, they are harder. I was a bit of a grump this morning b/c I know what it takes now to sled, play and recover from snow days. It can be too much sometimes. Thoughts and fears of how my knee would do also hindered my usual excited about snow attitude. But I am glad to say that fun was had by all. The knee did great and we had a great mix of indoor ,outdoor, snow ball, sledding, hot chocolate, card game, dad is home!, mexican for lunch! kind of day. My favorite part was sitting in a chair with cora bundled up watching the kids and friends sled and slide down the hill. It was a far cry from sledding in StL 8 years ago but thankfully I see that as a good thing now.

MOM!! come get Cora!!!!!

2011-01-10T18:55:00.001-06:00

cora's space
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

It has begun. The closing doors, the retreating to the top bunk, the frantic pick up when they see her coming. She is standing folks. Our doc thinks she is a bit behind schedule for her gross motor skills but I think she is right on track. We all would not be ready had walking happened a month ago. She still is scooting/hopping/sitting along instead of crawling and I think that is b/c she likes to hold things in her hand as she goes from room to room and she likes to see whats going on too. So think she is thrilled with being able to stand.

Cora 1-7-11

2011-01-07T16:50:00.001-06:00

Cora 1-7-11
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

1.1.11

2011-01-01T19:53:00.001-06:00

head light
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

Well here we are. I tried all day to think of resolutions and such but I dont think they are for me. Dont get me wrong I think that I could definatly use some more planning in my life (note not programing-there different). I know there are a ton of things I could do better, I try not to let that get to me too much. But for now I thikn I am leaving the resolutions to others. I thikn I am going to, as dad says, Keep on Keeping on. dinners, mop floors, carpool, diapers etc. Those are the things you can do and touch but I am excited about these kids and what Bo and I get to be with them thruogh. Today Rob crashed o the couch and Coras woke up late, Jack had built legos for most of the day so he wandered in as Cora was getting up. I left the two of them in Coras room playing and thought how nice it is to have a big brother play in your room with you. They played for quite a while as I started dinner etc. So I am glad we were given Cora in 2010 and continue to be thankful for this spot I have in their lives as we start on 2011. HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Pictures are finally up

2010-12-27T22:18:00.001-06:00

houses before the decor
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

We really had a great weekend!

2010-12-25T07:05:00.000-06:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

23rd of December

2010-12-23T13:29:00.001-06:00

morning book time
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

Merry Christmas Everyone! I hope to see most of you this week. I had a good laugh at how telling it was that the flickr pictures only have pictures of the boys in their Jammies! We have gone places and gotten dressed but the majority of the day has been spent in PJs. cooking, playing, wrapping, Wii-ing, reading etc. One thing that has been extra fun is morning time. How quickly we get into the habit of rushing out the door for the day at school or work or errands. this week and last we have not rushed out the door and it has been fun. I get Cora up and feed her in the big bed and by that time Rob is ready to hang out so he comes in and borrows down in the blankets. Eventually Jack comes in and we all talk or read until someone is HUNGRY. And then on with our day, in jammies of course.

Tis the season

2010-12-18T22:12:00.001-06:00

decorating for christmas
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

Happy 10mnth birthday Cora

2010-12-17T22:20:00.001-06:00

MOV09030
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

We love laughing with you!

Limps alot and Scoots alot.

2010-12-11T21:32:00.001-06:00

life is hilariuos!
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

Well that describes Cora and I these days. The injury to my knee was a torn ACL in my left knee. It has been two weeks ago now. Besides pregnancy I have not been held back physicaly in a long time and it has been frustrating and humbling. I feel better and better every day but am still very slow. Cora on the other hand is developing a style of getting around that is all her own. It is like a non crawl. First she leads with a foot pushed out in the direction she wants to go then swivels her knees and so on. Basicly she is crawling with her thunder thighs. She has weathered some more painful teething lately but as the picture shows you know when she is feeling good! I am so thankful for freinds and family who step in the gap that is left when i had to be on the couch for two weeks. Bo has done overtime here at the house and at work to keep us going. So all and all we are well but are looking forward to Christmas and hopefuly some true rest.

Turkey Day, sort of.

2010-11-26T14:36:00.001-06:00

Cora making the most of it
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

When you rip tendons in your knee you get to lay down and have all the little girl time you can handle. You get out of cooking too.

T-day feast

2010-11-19T13:26:00.001-06:00

to cool for school
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

The first of two this season was today. note Robs too cool for school outfit in the back.

Happy 9 month Birthday Cora!

2010-11-17T19:53:00.001-06:00

Cora 9 mths
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

Cora now has almost 7 teeth, waving 'bye bye' , loving the brothers, playing hard, eating new things everyday and growing fast. Cora you are a joy to love.

friday afternoon

2010-11-05T17:14:00.001-05:00

afternoon collage
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

Halloween 10

2010-10-31T21:15:00.001-05:00

looking at the loot
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

It was a school night tonight for halloween so we hustled through eveything but I think the boys still had fun. We were the first kids to may houses! They are all tucked in now ready for the week.

Cora

2010-10-29T13:43:00.001-05:00

Cora
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

at the zoo today. click for more shots.

leaps and bounds

2010-10-24T19:52:00.001-05:00

cool kid
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

Well Rob officially has 4 eyes now. And he is loving it. We got the glasses on wed and everyday I hear him describing something more that he sees. Friday it was airplanes in the sky during a beautiful sunset we saw. It took me a minute before i realized that he probably hasnt seen an airplane in the sky in a long time if ever, although if you are in midtown when FedEx is coming in you can practicaly touch them they are so close. Anyhoo he loves them. I think he looks pretty darn cute too.
Jack is settling into school. I get to hear small recaps at different times of the day or week. He is learning poetry, letters, sounds, math and tons more but in usual kid fashion his favorite thing is PE.
Cora is on to real food. She started turning up her nose at the jarred food about 2 weeks ago and has not looked back. So my meal prep time has gone up and I am remembering more and more of how to feed a baby food. Peas are her favorite so far like her brother Rob and I havent seen any allergic reactions like Jack was showing at this age. She is joy to be around and a sweety. When she is 9 months I will miss her being 8 months but I know we will have just as much fun.

city farmer

2010-10-13T15:16:00.001-05:00

city farmer
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

here is one of my yard guys.

Clues

2010-10-10T22:16:00.002-05:00

Cora after dinner
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

All babies have clues to help us see and understand how they are feeling. These are Coras 'happy after I have eaten' clues. Head tilt to the side and most importantly the blowing rasberries.

Spectator

2010-10-01T21:29:00.001-05:00

up close Panda
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

So I have noticed that Coras life revolves around being a spectator. Today she got to ride to school both pick and drop off, ride in the stroller at the zoo where her brother ran around the whole time, be entertained by the boys at lunch, watch some star wars play and end the day with watching Jacks soccer game. So as a third who is not crawling yet she gets to take it all in. It is fun having a little one with me as I take it in too.

Cora in my lap

2010-09-25T09:15:00.001-05:00

Cora in my lap
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

Cora always crosses her legs. It is just one of her things.

Next and Now

2010-09-22T14:28:00.002-05:00

So you might have noticed how my writing time on the blog has dropped off. If you havent, I have. Writing is just not on the list for the days. I think about it often but it has been placed back into the list that starts with 'Eventually'. Eventually I will be able to sit still for an hour, eventually I will wear non spotted with food clothes, eventually I will . . . you get the drift. I think of it alot. There is a lot of material here to work with, that is for sure. But I think this is the time to really focus on problem solving, making time for Bo and I, working on better meals for all of us, and playing together. I am really enjoying this time and it is like setting out all the containers you have to catch the rain b/c you know the drought is coming. When I look at Jack compared to Cora I see this very strongly. She will be his size sooner than later and the boys will be on to the next thing even sooner. So instead of thinking of witty things to say on my blog to make you like me more I am going to focus more on saying things to the boys that really means something. So for now continue to enjoy the pictures and videos while I enjoy the now too.

trip to StL

2010-09-19T21:10:00.001-05:00

in the stroller
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

Bo Cora and I snuck off to St Louis this weekend to catch up with friends. A good time was had by all.

Enjoy the pics.

2010-09-15T20:29:00.001-05:00

last day at the pool
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

A bit of Cora

2010-08-31T14:32:00.004-05:00

Cora is quite the ham when she wants to be around here but she is very selective of when she talks so here is a bit. There are three short clips on the Flickr page, just click on any of the photos and it will take you there.

1st day of K

2010-08-25T20:23:00.001-05:00

1st day of K
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

I am just now posting the first day of K pictures because I had thought I had lost them accidentally. But YEAH here they are. Note the grape juice on Jacks shirt the first day, we are just trying to keep it real folks. I dont want the teach thinking he is THAT great, yet. So a week has come and gone already and he is doing great. He thinks the other boys at the table are fun and I have been glad to hear him talking about them and who they are. That has been the most surprising thing so far about this week, Jack telling us about it. I thought he would just be hopping into the car and answer all my inquiries with a short yes and no. But he has been talking talking talking. It has been really fun to listen. Rob has been ok with the whole deal. He gets to go to mothers day out twice a week with me b/c I am working there now and likes it. He did say the first day as we drove away from dropping Jack off "that he didnt have anyone to talk to now" but he is coping. I am doing well too. I saw many crying moms the first day and it seemed expected for us to cry. My hardest but most proud moment was the second day of school we went through the carpool line where we had not practiced dropping him off but he jumped out at the spot and proudly dashed into the school, without a backwards glance. I told this to Bo later for some sympathy but Bos response was 'Good thats what we have been growing him up for-independence.' Right -I will remember that.

celebrate.

2010-08-21T08:23:00.001-05:00

celebrate first day cake.
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

Its official we have a Kindergardener in the mix now. Here are the boys as we celebrate the day with a special blue death star cake that Jack wanted. During pregnancy I felt like I needed the nine months to get ready for having a little one. Now it is very clear that Kindergarden is one more step for all of us to adjust to Jack being fully on his own. Not now of course but it is a major change in lifestyle for us. Wensday night we had to leave pool early because it was a school night! Jack will be hopefully growing in character this year as well in academics. As a mom I am a bit sad. But glad too. Glad that Jack is continuing to grow. His class is a nice mix of boys and girls and he already knew a couple kids from other places we have been. So we are excited and hopeful as we head into this new adventure.

more on this later....

2010-08-20T11:21:00.001-05:00

bye hugs
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

Among other things...

2010-08-14T22:15:00.001-05:00

the Guys
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

Cora has been rolling over as well as starting to eat some rice cereal. She had a great time in StLouis and talked the whole time but continues to be pretty quiet at our house. I chalk it up to the fact that she just studies all that she can of the boys and forgets to get a word in herself. Jack starts K this week and Cora and Rob will be at Moms day out while I teach class two days at week at that same Moms day out. Jack has mixed feelings about starting school. I know he will do great but I am not sure he is convinced. I think and am inticipating that the hardest thing might be the major change in schedule for all of us. This picture is from today. I braved the heat- yes it had a heat index of 117- with the boys to take a turtle that Bo had rescued this week to a new home at Shelby Farms. Jack had a hard time letting it go until I talked about the fact that a wild turtle matches the pond and woods better than it fits into our living room. He cheered up when he saw how well it was camoflauged and that it 'took' off to a cool shady place under a tree. I personally am ready for this heat to be over and for us to get into a schedule of sorts.

girl time

2010-08-08T20:48:00.001-05:00

Leslie and Cora friday morn at M
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

Thanks for such a great time this weekend. We girls enjoyed some girl time (plus Kev)!

video by Jack

2010-08-02T17:29:00.001-05:00

video by Jack
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

swimming

2010-08-02T14:02:00.001-05:00

swimming
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

too Hot for outside

2010-07-24T09:07:00.001-05:00

Robot glasses
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

So the boys have been coming up with some fun new ways to play.

kickin the summer away

2010-07-14T20:48:00.001-05:00

silly kickin
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

Well what can I say? We are workin growin runnin and kickin. We hope you are well as well.

Happy Fourth of July!

2010-07-05T08:40:00.001-05:00

Look close and see if you can see Jack.
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

The boys played with their light sabers while we waited for fire works last night. Look close and see if you can see Jack.

Wow

2010-07-02T11:07:00.001-05:00

Rob in the morning sun with the plants
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

How did life get busy?! Oh thats right, i have three kiddos. So instead of blogging lately I have been at the pool, doing yard work. meeting new friends, grilling, doctors visits, playing with kittens, reading. This picture is Rob and I wondering around the back yard one morning looking at all the fun things growing with bugs on them when the weather was shockingly cool. Click on the picture as always for more pictures of summer fun. At least I will post pictures this summer if nothing else. Enjoy.

Birthday Boy looking all of 6

2010-06-22T22:28:00.001-05:00

Birthday Boy looking all of 6
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

2010-06-21T19:27:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday

Jack!

We think you are a great 6 year old!

Happy Fathers day Bo

2010-06-20T09:31:00.001-05:00

Papa plus Cora
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

Thanks from all of us for keeping us sane, laughing, working and together! We love you and think you are great!

half smile Cora

2010-06-16T20:43:00.001-05:00

half smile Cora
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

kickin kickin

2010-06-12T14:53:00.001-05:00

kickin kickin
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

after dinner antics

happy Birthday Iris

2010-06-05T22:16:00.001-05:00

cake
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom

We are glad you had a great day!

Cora

2010-06-04T11:33:00.001-05:00

Cora
Originally uploaded by Jacks mom