I See the End

Matt is just not napping well today so I decided to throw caution to the wind and take the boys out for a long walk. Both did very well and I got some much needed fresh air. As Matt slept, Jack and I talked about planes, trucks, tow trucks, city buses and street signs. We found a school bus that was in a bank lot (not sure why) but he loved seeing a bus up close. The best part of the walk was seeing a train pull into the station. The driver waved and blew his whistle. Jack could barely contain himself. We ran into a neighbor when we got home. Jack usually clams up around her but talked her ear off this time. She kept driving away a little and he would yell out "his whistle was really loud" and "I saw the end". (For some reason, seeing the end of the train is so exciting for Jack. Even when we play trains he is always talking about the end of the train.) It was really cute.

Wednesday

Yesterday the boys and I went to my grandparents house and met up with Debbie and my mom. Jack had a blast as usual but Matt was super crabby at first. He can be wonderful one minute and then a terror the next. Luckily he napped during lunch and woke up very happy.
When it was time to leave Jack curled up next to his Pop. He loves to sit on the couch with Pop and his green blanket. Jack rarely snuggles (or sits still) but he will for my grandpa which just melts my heart.

The Library

Every Tuesday, Grandma Janet and Jack go to the library for story hour.

Matt and the Fan

Matt's favorite place to sleep is outside the bathroom door with the very loud fan running. How can I deny this little angel such a luxury?

Odds and Ends

Nothing too exciting has happened this week. I have just been counting down the days until we have some warmer weather. Enough is enough. I want to be outside. Until then we have had fun with a visit from Grandma Johnson, a few play dates, library time with Grandma Janet and lots of hours playing trains. Our train play has spilled onto the floor now. Not only do the trains run on their tracks but they go into the "water" and over "hills" on the floor. I like the change of pace but now you must be very careful when walking through the playroom. I don't want to accidentally crush the Griffin train.
Earlier this week I was making breakfast for Jack and myself in the kitchen when I heard Jack say "I am putting a blanket on Matt and playing with him". I thought it was very sweet that Jack stopped playing cars to take care of Matt. Jack definitely misses Matt when he is not around but really does not pay too much attention when he is around. I am anxious to see the two play together when Matt is more mobile.
We also got a new dishwasher this week. It is beautiful and will even clean oatmeal off the bowls. I think the installation was the highlight of Jack's week. He kept talking to the man asking him what his name was and if this was the new dishwasher and if that was his truck outside. When the man tossed a tool into his bag Jack reprimanded him and said "don't throw that". Where does he hear these things?

Dinner at Mom's

We skipped Jack's afternoon nap and went to my parents for dinner. Matt was great and Jack always has fun. The best part was when we got home at about 6:00, Jack asked if he could go to bed. Of course you can! We had both kids in bed by 7:00 and barely knew what to do with our free time. We ended up making hot chocolate and watching Knight Rider. Unfortunately Matt was not feeling too well that night. He was up coughing a lot and we had to steam him a few times to loosen up the congestion. He was all smiles this morning so I am hoping it is just a small cold.

The Doyle's

Playdates with Hayden and Declan are always so much fun. I miss them as neighbors and seeing them everyday!
The younger boys are getting so big. I can't wait to see them crawling around. Jack and Hayden had a good time playing trains and eating Pez.

Bath Time

Bath time with Jack was always fun (still is) and Matt is enjoying just as much. His skin is getting too dry so I have to cut the baths to once a week. Here are a few pics from our last bath.
Incidently, Jack used this tub until he was 2 years old. Matt looks like he is ready for the bath tub. Even with the boys 2 years apart, I think Matt is going to grow up very fast.

Jack's First Haircut

At 2.5 years of age, Jack received his first haircut. Terry and I dropped Matt at my parents so we could fully focus on Jack. It was a great outing. Jack chose the red jeep, watched Thomas and patiently sat as he got his hair cut. I saw one of his hands clutching the side of the jeep but he never complained. At the end, he chose a blue sucker and got a little certificate that held his picture and a lock of hair. Terry and I cannot get over the transformation. He is now truely a little boy.
We did a little shopping and then went to eat. The mall was not crowded but the restaurant was and we had to sit in the bar. I was nervous about Jack sitting on a chair three feet off the ground but he sat well and ate his lunch. Everyday Jack gets a little older. My sister keeps telling me that every few months I say "this is a good age" but really I think 2.5 is a good age.

Winter Blues

We have had so many cold days and so much snow. More than I can ever remember. The boys and I are trying to keep busy but without being able to play outside, go for walks or drive far distances, it has been challenging. We spent one day at our friend, Ava's house. Jack got in touch with his feminine side. He played with Ava's makeup set, hairdresser set and loved pushing her dolls in the stroller. Ava's dad bought a new paper shredder which proved to be the highlight of Jack's week.
Matt is sitting up better and loves a duck shaped rocker that his grandpa gave him. He also loves his little booster seat. It allows him to watch Jack and me "play trains" all day.
Tomorrow, Jack will have his first haircut. I am so excited. I have showed him pictures online of the place and told him about the process (pick a car to sit in, get a haircut, choose a treat from the toy chest). Hopefully it will go well. I can't believe Jack is 2.5 and has never had his hair cut. Ava is two days younger and has not had her's cut but her hair is down her back.

GiGi and Pop

This morning the boys and I went to my grandparents house for lunch. Jack loves going there. Today he was enthralled with a magnifying glass. He spent a long time looking at various books "close up". When he wasn't reading, he was chasing my dad or pretending to have tea and spilling it everywhere. Matt slept long enough for me to have lunch but he wasn't a happy camper after that. I am excited for Matt to know Pop and Gigi (and his own grandparents) the way Jack knows them.