January 31, 2011

Monday:

This evening we went to the chiropractor. Liam carried his green blanket. On the car ride, Ruth and I were having a conversation about how the car drove better after replacing the tires and having the alignment adjusted. Liam remarked, "dada broke alignment." That was partly accurate. Ruth and I probably equally had a part in that. I went to have x-rays, etc. I could hear Liam in the adjacent room repeating, "what is that?" and "what is that noise" over and over again. When Ruth saw the dr., Liam played with legos on a table that had a Lego top. The doctor examined Liam and Liam was fascinated with the hole in the table. Liam finally relented to having a thermal scan and ran around the room afterward. On the way home, we were discussing dinner, I was going to make Pad Thai. Liam began repeating, 'dada make pad thai.' He then changed that to 'dada make dinner,' and then, 'dada cook pad thai.' It was a keen observation, I thought, that he interchanged 'dinner' with 'pad thai,' as well as interchanging 'make' with 'cook.' He surprises me every day.

January 30, 2011

Sunday:

Grandpa and Grandma Linda decided to bring over some old return address labels for Liam to use as stickers. We also had a box from a large package that was shipped to us, so Liam found much joy playing with that as well. Then...combining the two was quite wonderful! Not to mention the lunchboxes that he likes to play with from the pantry. All together was over an hour of fun. Perfect size for a two-year-old to fit in.

January 29, 2011

Saturday:

Every morning it's the same thing. A good thing that is. Liam usually wakes up around 7:30, goes potty, and then knows to go back to bed till the "Clock says 8". We bought him a small clock to put by his bedside so that he could see when 8:00am came. I usually go lay back down, and it's usually no more than a minute or two past 8:00 that Liam comes in and greets me with "Clock says 8!" Annabelle is usually still sleeping, so I get him Cheerios and raisins in a cup and a cup of milk and he joins me in my bed from some morning snack and cuddling. I tell him we can get up when Annabelle gets up, which lately has been pretty late, so we've gotten up when I can no longer coax him to stay in bed with me. Usually, he brings some toys, crayons, or books in bed and we play for a bit, me dozing on and off. Call me lazy, sure, but between the both of them I'm usually up 5 or 6 times a night, so a snuggle in bed in the morning for half an hour is a nice treat.

January 28, 2011

Friday:

On the way to Walmart today, with just me and the kids, Annabelle started throwing a hungry fit. Liam is now very interested in her sitting next to him in the car. I was able to swivel my arm around and calm her with a bottle of warm milk. As soon as it hit her mouth, instantly she stopped crying and Liam goes, "Ann-Belle happy." I said, "Yes, she's happy now. Are you happy?" "Yeah" he replied. "What makes you happy?". "Mom Dadn make you happy." Almost made tears fall. I told him he makes us really happy too. "Mom give you hug" he said. "Does it make you happy when mom hugs you?" "Uh-yeah." How sweet. I think he's the sweetest little boy I could ask for or ever have, such a blessing. He really does say things, that I know he doesn't know they are profound, and I'm sure they are just honest 2-year-old statements, but they really do bring back home the meaning and joys of life for me. This stage of talking can be a little wearing at times, but for conversations like this, I wish it would never end.

January 27, 2011

Thursday:

Today is the day that I routinely do laundry, and that means Liam usually has much more time for self-entertainment. He decided today he was going to be a photographer, and for only using a camera a couple times, he's pretty good. I'm surprised he was able to figure out how to get an object in the frame. His favorite was taking pictures of Annabelle. Still has some work to do with getting his models to pose for him, but maybe he's looking for a more 'natural' shot of everyday life. Who knows where this passion will take him!

January 26, 2011

Wednesday:

Grocery Day! Every Wednesday, we go to the grocery stores. Liam knows the names of them all and announces it when we pull up into the parking lot of each one. His favorite is HEB. There, he gets Buddy Bucks, which he reminds me as we approach the check out line. It really is the simple things that blow kids away at this stage. All they are are pieces of green paper with "H E Buddy" a paper sack printed on them. But, what you do with those buddy bucks is the real treat. You put them in the 'Buddy Buck Machine' where a giant wheel spins around like on the Price is Right, and Liam gets to pound a grapefruit sized, red, blinking button to stop the wheel. Then, it stops on a number and out pops a sticker that has that same number printed on it. Liam, ideally, will take them and put them in his 'Buddy Buck Magazine' to keep track of his points. Then he can cash them in for various prizes based on the season. Best of all, all of this takes place directly under the balloon cage, where of course, Liam gets a balloon. Today, it was an orange balloon. That's the highlight of Grocery Day!

January 25, 2011

Tuesday:

Liam is getting better about crying at night. He's done so well. The past few nights though, he's been getting out of bed asking for random things. Like, going potty, wanting covered up, which I will never understand, as he's covered up in bed, and then gets up and says he wants covered up. Must be that two-year-old logic. Now, he's been asking for his flashlight, which he used to sleep with, but then, after hitting with it one morning, I decided he couldn't have it back. I think he may be doing some sleep walking. He usually gets up in the middle of the night, and tries to climb in our bed, with out speaking or anything, I lead him back to his bed and he lays right down and closes his eyes and goes to sleep. Not sure what that is all about. Oh, the bed time woes of parenting.

January 24, 2011

Monday:

Today was a busy day. First the park in the morning, home for lunch, down for nap, then up with books to read with mom snuggled on the chair in the living room. Then, dad gets home, greats Phillip with a thrilled "HEY!" when he walks in. Dinner, and family time, then bath, and finally bed. Bed time for Liam has always been kinda crazy, you never know what to expect with that little one! Tonight, he insisted Phillip read a 'First Words' book, with a total of maybe 8 words in it. I say Phillip, but Liam can surely read them by now. Then, as he's covered up (not tucked in, as he doesn't like that, what the difference is, I don't know, but to him there must be.) with his Dog and Bee-Boo at his side. Then covered with the afgan and quilt that Mimi made him, which he reminds us of every night. The book tonight was "Oh the Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss. I've read it twice today, and Phillip is now topping of the evening with a third reading. Liam loves bed time, and he loves hearing Phillip read. It's so sweet to watch them. Before long, I'm sure I'll be called back there for a final hug, and then a bribe of 'If you don't cry, you'll get a no-cry-treat when you wake up!' Tonight, I may bribe with two treats come morning time.

January 23, 2011

Sunday:

Liam got the cutest jacket from Baby Gap (with a great gift card from a friend of Gigi and Papa). He loves to wear it and gets tons of compliments when he does. I try not to have him wear it to playgrounds, as I don't want it to get too dirty, so it's usually just reserved for indoor playgroups or church. He's been making this face when we ask him to smile, I think he's trying to smile. I think it's really cute. He used to make a much sillier face, like when we went to the pumpkin patch this year, that looked almost painful. He's been working on striking a pose though. I think he's got it down.

January 22, 2011

Saturday:

The homemade playdoh I made was a real hit. One day this past week, Liam's friend Violet came over and we made batches of green, red and blue playdoh. They played together on the table, sharing and smashing the magnet letter from the fridge into them. The also spent some time make hats out of the playdoh. I'm really glad Liam has neighborhood friends that are his age to play with. I figured I might as well write the recipe here in case I loose it.

1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 cup water
1 tsp oil
food coloring of your choice

Mix the dry then add the water, oil and coloring. Cook, stirring constantly till dough forms. I found it best to alternate between two spoons scraping the other when I switched. Then you knead it for a while till smooth. They loved it, and Liam has probably played with it everyday since. He's really good about putting it up, and playing with it on his kids' craft table. He's tasted it once, and didn't find it all that yummy, so I doubt he's going to do that again.

January 21, 2011

Friday:

Liam wanted the hallway light on last night. I turned it on and left it on throughout the evening. After they were both in bed, Annabelle cried out. I went to check on her and as I passed by Liam's room I noticed he was laying on his side and his eyes were as open as they could be (this was about an hour after I read his stories and put him to bed). Ruth thought that was hilarious. I told her that since we have fluorescent bulbs in the hallway fixtures, if that helps Liam fall asleep easier, so be it.

January 20, 2011

Thursday:

I think we may have figured out the bed time dilemma! When I was at Randalls yesterday, on the clearance rack, I found some fruit and veggie gummy snacks. Gross sounding. Yes, quite. Does Liam get to eat any gummy bears or the sort? No. Did they taste slightly like plastic to me and Phillip? Yes. Does Liam LOVE them?! YES! So, I decided that they will be his 'No-Cry' treats. With more time I probably could have thought of a better name for them, but in the spur of the moment with Liam asking "What is that?" I had to think of something. So, every night and every day before nap, I tell him, "If you are nice and sweet, and don't cry, when you wake up, you will get a no-cry treat!" I think he's sold. I did it once after nap yesterday, and he loved it. Worked great. Granted naptime isn't really hard, especially compared to bedtime. So, at bedtime, I told him the same thing last night. He cried and this morning, when he asked for a treat, I asked him "Did you cry last night?" He said, "Yes." So I said, we would try again at nap today, and it worked again. So tonight, I went over the whole speech again. "If you are nice and sweet and go to bed without crying, tomorrow you will get a 'no-cry' treat!" He started to whine, and then I said, "What happens if you cry?". "You don't get no-cry treat" he said, as he shook his head. So, bedtime only took about 10 minutes tonight, and for that, I am thankful.

Here's to hoping that keeps up!!!

January 18, 2011

Wednesday:

While I was getting a roast ready in the crock pot, and Annabelle sat in her exer-saucer watching me, Liam decided that he wanted to be "nice and sweet" and share his toys again. He does this frequently when she is close to his eye level. He ran and first got his tool box of wooden tools and placed the tools around her. I thought that was cute, until he come back with his whole red tub of toys and says "you share toys with Ann-Belle, be nice and sweet!" I thought it best to not rain on his parade and told him I thought that was a great idea, only not to give her little toys. "Give her BIG toys.", he replied. He did, and A LOT of them. Before long, she was filled almost to her chin with trucks, balls, an airplane, toy chain links, and random figurines. "Ann-Belle cry bout it, uh-uh." He said as he shook his head, assuring me that she, indeed, enjoyed the surplus of toys. He neatly set to the side all the small spiders and cones that he had, and said "Gee Ann-Belle lee-lel toys, uh-uh, gee Ann-Belle BIG toys, uh-huh." Pretty soon, I think she became a little overwhelmed and gave a few uncertain cries. "Ann-Belle cry bout it uh-huh. Mommy take them out." I laughed and said I agreed, I think she may be thankful, but done sharing, and that I'd help him put the toys back in the bucket.

January 18, 2011

Tuesday:

Today we spent the morning at Bonnie and Violet's house. Beth and Ari also joined us over there. It was nice for all of us to play together again. The holidays usually keep at least one of the three of us pretty busy. We plan on every Tuesday getting together at one of our houses so the kids can all play together. They are all about 1 month apart, with Liam right in the middle. It's great to see all their personalities come out. You can really tell that each of them is very different. I know some people try and lump all 2 year olds into one category, but really, each child is very different for the next. Liam had lots of fun and got lots of stickers for playing nicely with the other kids.

January 17, 2011

Monday:

Liam still asks almost everyday about Uncle Reuben. I tell him that he had to go home to Virginia, to his house, and he replies with, "We take him to airport, he live at airport." I guess for a 2 year-old mind, that's pretty good that he remembers. I told him that at the airport, there are plains that take people to their houses, but not sure if he has gotten that down yet. I does say that he wants to see them again, as well as Gigi and Papa. I reassure him that it won't be long till we see them again. Until then, I'm sure he will continue to ask, and that's okay by me. For such a little guy, he sure does have a lot of love to give.

January 16, 2011

Sunday:

So, let's talk bedtime. Tonight was rough, really rough. We started out fine, at 8:00, like always, we told him, it's time to get ready for bed, we're going to brush teeth, put pajamas on, read story....then the hitting started. He throws these fits where he hits his leg and we don't really find that too amusing. So, he went to timeout. Threw a fit on the way, of course. Then, when I was talking to him, he hits me on the leg. Ok, had enough, straight to bed. I told him, "Hitting Mommy is not okay. You should never do that, and now, we're not going to have a story at all because you hit." So he started crying and yelling. Like every night, even with a story and all the fixins of bed time. Tonight took 2 hours. In and out of bed. Wanting to go potty, even though he sat on the pot for over a full 5 minutes with no output. He wanted to get up. Wanted to move his clock. Didn't want his clock, wanted his clock, wanted to know what we were doing, wanted covered up, didn't want tucked in, wanted mom to take him to bed, wanted dad to take him to bed, wanted.....you name it.

I'm not sure what to do. It really breaks our hearts that he is upset every night before he falls asleep. He used to not do this. It's been these past few months, maybe before Annabelle was born that he started to throw these fits, and it wasn't till a couple months ago that he started getting out of bed. We know how important sleep is for toddlers, and want him to learn that it's bedtime, and that it's time for bed, and that he has to go to bed.

I'm hoping it's a phase. I'm hoping this is just part of those terrible twos and that he's going to grow out of it, and we have to continue to be patient, and calm when talking to him and soothing him and getting him to understand that it's okay to go to sleep at night and that everyone sleeps.

God give us patience.

January 15, 2011

Saturday:

"What is that noise?" That seems to be the most frequent question asked in our house. It's pronounced more "Wa EEE yat noy?" Everything, from fans, the AC, Annabelle cooing after a nap, the computer beeping, and cash registers when checking out. He's quite the curious one, and it seems, some noises that catch him off guard, are a little more scary than others, like the bathtub draining while he's still in it. He's not a fan of that. Or the blender when making baby formula. He doesn't care for that too much.

If it's not "What is that noise?", it's "What is that?". This is quite common during dinner cooking with all the veggies that we bring out. Also, in any store, with any merchandise on the shelf.

January 14, 2011

Friday:

Last night, Phillip and I went out with the kids and bought Liam a Play-Doh Bar-B-Que set. Phillip has been wanting it forever, and Liam has been wanting Play-Doh as well. He used to have some, but would get it out, make little balls with it, and then loose the balls throughout the house. I later would find dried up balls of Play-Doh when I cleaned. Se we've waited a little long to get him some more.

He really enjoys playing with it. Phillip remembers as a kid playing with Play-Doh frequently, and has always looked forward to being able to do it with Liam. They had a Play-Doh BBQ feast last night, with burgers, hot dogs, shrimp, mushrooms, onions, and lettuce and tomato salads. It even comes with a skewer to K-Bob the food on, and a little fork and knife. Also it comes with attachments to press out squirts of ketchup and mustard. At one point, Liam started to mix two of the colors and that made Phillip very concerned. We agreed that it's his Play-Doh and I guess he can mix it if he wants to.

Today, he's at it again. There is much Play-Doh playing going on in our house. He makes multiple little patties, stacks them up and says "It might fall down?". "Yes", I reply, "it might fall down." He likes to cut the buns with the knife and the plastic scissors it comes with. There's a little press where he can make molds of buns, patties, and the veggies. I see hours and hours of entertainment and imagination coming up. He's also had his first taste of Play-Doh today. I guess you can't get out of childhood with out putting some of that colorful, salty, mushy mess in your mouth. Of course, we well advise him that Play-Doh is not for eating. Eww.

Now, he says he's making an Alarm System. I guess he's still on that kick. At both Walmart and Toys R Us, he was sure to point out the alarm systems, cameras, and of course batteries at the check out counter.

January 13, 2011

Thursday:

Bubbles was a huge hit today. Liam has got it down to where he can go get the bubbles, open the jar, blow them himself, close it when done, put it back, and clean up the random spots of bubble juice left all over the coffee table. Very convenient. He's completely amused by it for short bursts through out the day and it requires little observation. It's also nice that Annabelle has some entertainment as well. I walked into the living room carrying her today, and asked me "Blow bubbles Ann-Belle?". I said, sure! So I sat her down on the couch and then he had a blast blowing bubbles towards her. Not so sure she was near as enthused by it.

I wanted to get some shots of him sitting next to her blowing bubbles, but it was getting towards lunch time for her and when he sat down, she let out a huge yell. Liam quickly scurried off the couch and I asked him why he didn't want to sit up there and he replied with "Ann-Belle loud!". I don't blame him.

January 12, 2011

Wednesday:

Last weekend, we were at Gigi and Papa's house, and Liam was very interested in the doorbell and the alarm system. Today...he is still going on about it. In our house, we don't have an active doorbell or alarm system, but do have that little white box in the top corner of the living room that he finds oh so interesting and insists on us acknowledging that it is, indeed, the alarm system of our house.

Today, at the grocery store he was quite excited to point out the alarm system there, as well as the cameras and lights that went along with it. I told him that Sunflower Market is quite the safe place to be and not to worry about needing or hearing the alarm system.

January 11, 2011

Tuesday:

Today we went over to our neighbor's house, Beth and her son Ari (who also happens to be Liam's age) to play. We had pizza, Liam's favorite, and sat and chatted. This did interrupt his 'nap time', so he had a later nap, around 3:00. I keep thinking maybe I should put him on some sort of schedule, but it doesn't seem to ever be possible. Too many things going on. Luckily, I have been able to get them both to nap at the same time everyday, which is usually why Liam's nap is never on a routine, it usually depends mainly on Annabelle.

Januray 10, 2011

Monday:

Uncle Reuben had his last day today in Austin. We decided to go over to Rayne's house and spend some time with him before he left early in the morning. Liam had so much fun meeting his Uncle again, and sadly it's going to be a while till we see him again. Kids have always been like magnets to metal with Reuben. I think Liam was a real joy for him to have, even if it was just a few hours.

Liam and Rayne also played 'Giddy-Up-Horsie', which I think is one of his favorite games.

January 9, 2011

Sunday:

On the way home from Dallas today, we ran into A LOT of snow. Liam slept the first part and then woke up to see the outside of the car filled with white fluffy snow flurries softly landing on the ground all around. He, in a quite sleepy voice, said "That snow!". I told him yes, yes it was snow. For as long as the ride took (over 5 hours) Liam was stupendous in his car seat the whole time with only minimal, short, quick fits. It was a beautiful drive, but we are glad to be home safe and sound.

January 8, 2011

Saturday:

Another day at Gigi and Papa's house. Sydney (Gigi's oldest cat) is the sweetest cat I've ever met. She loves when Liam gives her attention and is always seems glad when the other kitties go and hide so she can eat it all up! Liam loves giving her lots of love.

I have to say that I'm pretty sure that Liam is Papa's favorite Grandson. When we got to Dallas Papa was at work and Liam immediately asked where he was. It wasn't long till he came home and Liam was able to share his wonderful hugs and kisses.

Mimi was here today and Liam spent much time playing with Play-Doh. So much time that we decided to skip nap. I'm not sure if that was such a good idea seeing as how it is almsost 11:00pm and he is still up and quit cranky when we bring up the prospect of bed time. Hopefully, when we get home, we can get some kind of bed time routine set up. Mimi had a great time too and I'm glad that he was up in a way since they don't get to see him that much. I'm sure it was worth it.

January 7, 2011

Friday:

Liam was AMAZING in his carseat today. Usually, there are a few melt downs and fits, but he was so wonderful this time. I think he's growing up and starting to understand that it's a long drive up to Dallas, but it's worth it when he gets here to see his Gigi and Papa. He really does have such a sweet love for them. It isn't long after getting here that he forgets about the long trip, and is instantly immersed in hugs, kisses, love and attention that only Grandparents can give.

January 6, 2011

Thursday:

Uncle Reuben came over today and Liam had lots and lots of fun playing outside in the sandbox. Liam did fall down and got a pretty big woo-woo on his left cheek, but I'm sure that will heal. Hopefully Reuben can come back over another day so we can get some pictures of the two of them.

January 5, 2011

Wednesday:

This morning while I was cleaning up the kitchen Annabelle became quite fussy in her exer-saucer. She was making all kinds of ruckus, when Liam, the great big brother he is, came over, knelt down next to her and said "Anne-Belle, hey Anne-Belle, don't cry Anne-Belle." The cutest thing in the world. I think I may have the best kid on Earth.

Liam also had his first play date today at Bonnie and Violet's house. Of what I am told he had lots of fun playing with the sand and water table. Bonnie gave him lots of praise on great of a kid he was, especially it being almost 3:00 and Liam having no nap.

January 4, 2011

Tuesday:

Liam was so sweet today sharing is Don't Break the Ice game with Annabelle. Knocking the ice out seems to take much less time than it does putting them back in!

January 3, 2011

Monday:

For dinner, Liam definitely at his fill of sweet potatoes. I cut them in half but them cut side down in a baking dish and roasted them on the bottom shelf. He loved them! He also enjoyed cutting them buy himself with the side of his fork.

January 2, 2011

Sunday:

Today as Phillip was leaving for work, Liam said "See you alligator!". Cute. Phillip responded with "In a while crocodile!". Sweet moment.

Tonight was the first night I could convince Liam to wear his footie-pajamas. He loved them. They are quite adorable, but once he had to go potty I realized what a pain they are. Call me a kill joy, but I'd rather go back to the PJ shorts that he can pull on and off himself.

January 1, 2011

Saturday:

Tonight Liam wants to play with blocks. "Mommy want play block! Mommy want play block!" It's been a fun day. After a very trying attempt to pull his pants up on his own after pottying, he finally did. Then later tonight, he did it all by himself and ran in the kitchen and yelled "Pull pants up all by self!". Liam wanted to say that he ate a carrot stick. And he wants more. I love this little boy. :)