It's a school day!

"No. Me stay home-a Momma."

 

You're killin' me, Smalls. Today marked your sixth day of preschool and you cried. Again. You've cried nearly everyday at drop-off. Now, the teacher in me knows you're just fine. You love it there and you have to go. It's good for you to be around other kids and adults and have some structure to your day. But, the Momma in me is dying. DYING!

 

Why do you do this to me? This morning the tears started before we even got in the van! What makes matters even worse is that you're no longer doing the obnoxious screaming/attaching yourself to my leg deal. Nope. Now, you're just hanging your head and quietly crying big, crocodile tears and telling me you'll miss me and your "Naycer". Oh. Dear. God. You're good!

To be honest. This is all surprising to me. I thought you'd be just fine. Excited to go. Thrilled to get away from me and your loud, annoying little brother. That's how I'd feel if I were you... You are JUST like me, you know. Did you know that? Yep. It's true. You may look EXACTLY like your father, but you ACT just like me. Happy, out-going, independent... a little sassy and bossy, impatient (very easily frustrated and annoyed) and apparently EMOTIONAL.

I do recall stories about myself at your age. A story about a Mom who had to run into the bank while her two year old stayed in the car with her Dad. Apparently I cried, no screamed, as my Mom left and Dad and I drove around the block waiting for her to return. I also remember crying for a week straight while my parents went on a vacation (I stayed at my grandparents' house in Iowa). I literally clung to a tree and screamed (everyone jokes that I was 14 at the time, but I think I was more like 8). I had some issues with separating from my mother, apparently. I avoided sleep-overs too (until I met Liz and thought of Cheryl as a Mom - by then my Mom and I would do anything to be apart:).

The point of the story... it's hard being a Momma. Even when you think everything's just fine, your kid has to go and do something totally out of character. It surprises me that he's this attached to me. Most of the time, we're fighting. But, then again, my Mom and I were just the same. Too much alike, I guess.

We will get through this. It's harder on me than it is on him, I'm sure. I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree... He'll probably call me from college telling me he changed his mind and to come pick him up. And I'll probably tell him he's just fine and to stick it out! (Thanks, Mom)

AND... He sits!

It's official. I'm going to say it! Jayce has been working VERY hard on sitting up lately. It seems as though he's been close for weeks, but just couldn't seem to get his balance and coordination under control, but now I think he's got it!

He's still a bit wobbly while on a super flat surface (like the hard floor), but he puts his little arms right out to hold himself up. He's also able to use that fat belly to help support that heavy head!

Here are just some of the pictures I've captured! Sorry for the overload... we just didn't know if he'd be able to sit independently, so the fact that he's doing it (and at only 6 months) is HUGE for him! Go Jayce, Go!!!

He sits in the bath tub!

 Splashing is super fun these days!

He plays with his toys in the living room!

Wild man!

Nice one, little man!

He looks a little nervous, but he's excited too, which inevitably causes him to fall over sideways!

But, his most favorite place to sit is outside on a blanket!

He loves to watch his brother play, especially when he's playing with his

remote controls!

 

In Wil News...

He may have had one of THE best days of his life yesterday. Our neighbors (3 boys between the ages of 6 and 11) were playing in their backyard. Wil loves to watch them, but is never brave enough to go ask if he can play too. Surprisingly, Adam was able to convince him to try last night. Wil walked right over and said, "me play, too?". Of course they said "SURE!" (THANK GOD!)

 

Heaven...

I snapped this picture from inside the house. Adam told me not to embarrass him! :)

He's getting so big!

 

First Day of School!

My baby started preschool today (Yes. At age 2)! We were wait-listed for months and got the call early this summer that space was avialable so we jumped on it!

He was super excited to go. Last week, we bought a new backpack and filled it with all of his things ~ extra clothes, a new water bottle and pictures from home.

 

Here are some pictures from the Open House that was held last Thursday morning. The kids were able to come with their parents to look around, play and meet the teachers (Miss Joan and Miss Kristen). Wil and I got to go, while Grandpa stayed home with Jayce.

The loft above and kitchen below. Wil loved this spot!

Circle time for calendar, books, songs and dancing!

Another one of the kitchen!

The block area, which include MANY cars and trucks!

Birthday bulletin board... notice the fish tank.

Wil got to feed them on his first day because he was so obsessed with them!

Art supplies and easels.

The baby goats! Wil's preschool is "out in the country" (sort of).

It backs up to the woods where there are many trails, which the classes use as the year goes on.

The kids learn about caring for animals and spend A LOT of time studying nature.

This was a huge selling point for us when we were searching for the perfect preschool for him.

He's our outside guy and we knew he'd love it here!

The playground!

 

When we arrived at school today, Wil placed his backpack and water bottle in his cubby and then had to sign-in. We found the laminated paper with his name on it and he signed it on the line below. Good thing we've been practicing his name. He was able to find and then "write" his (W) ~ "down, up, down, up", he said. It's a blob now, but hopefully it'll get better as the year goes on!

 

Then, he had to place his apple in the pocket chart by matching his name to the shape on the chart. His name is always paired with a tree picture (so that he can find the image along with his name).

His job for the day was "inspector".

I have no idea what that job means (neither did Wil at pick-up time).

Maybe next time he'll have a more self-explanatory job!

 

We then walked outside for drop off. The kids start each day on the playground. There was a little boy crying like crazy and literally being pulled off of his mother, so Wil (along with 10 other kids that were there) was kind of nervous. It took two attempts, but finally I told him I'd be back in a minute and to have fun. With a quick kiss and a scoop up of the brother, I was outta there.

 

I returned just in time to spy on some group time. I couldn't stand those Moms when I taught preschool (only because it makes the kids bonkers ~ I promise I'll never do it again), but who cares... I couldn't resist! They were dancing and singing "The Itsy Bitsy Spider"!! Then they started a fun book.

 

Annnnd... He sees me.

Crap! Turn around, child! Behave!!!

 

He had a wonderful first day and told me it was "super fun"!

He's very excited to go again on Thursday.

I did suprisingly well too. It's the first time I've left him in over a year!

So excited for a fun school year!

 

 

 

6 Months...

Is it possible? Yes! It's true! You are officially 6 months old Mr. Jayce. In fact, I missed it! I didn't even write you a Happy 1/2 Birthday post. Oh no. Bad Mommy! I have all of these fabulous media outlets (Facebook, I-Phone, I-Pad, etc. etc. etc.) and I've been letting my little bloggy down. I am back, though and promise never again to take a one month (+) leave of absence.

Ok. Back to the nature at hand. You are one half old, Mr. Jayce! I cannot believe it! It's been a crazy 6 months, but we're not even going to go there this time. Nope! This is a happy post all about you.

You officially weigh 14lbs. 8oz. Still a peanut, but hey, just think of where you started! You're GIGANTIC, I tell ya... HUGE! You are such a joy, my little Tooters. You are always so darn happy and smiley! Colic ~ when? really? No. Not Jayce... YES! It was yucky, but you're like this completely different person these days!

You love to eat ~ pears and sweet potatoes are your favorites, but you've been diggin' the peas and peaches lately too. You love, love, love your Jumperoo. You're a maniac in that contraption and you are enjoying your Bumbo these days too. You love to be outside and go for walks. You still enjoy your Jungle Gym (laying on your back and reaching from side to side here and there to grab a toy is fun, but too easy these days). We've been working hard on rolling over more consistently and sitting up! Bring on the mobility, baby. Let's see what you've got!

 

I'd have to say that your most favorite things these days are your brother and your dog. You could watch these guys all day. You do, actually. Always smiling as one of them catches your eye or giggling when Wil does something funny. Speaking of Wil... he sure is fun! You love to play with him. He's "gentle" most of the time and is doing a great job sharing toys. You both enjoy building with blocks and playing cars. Well, you eat them, which is frustrating to Wil, but he'll get over it.

Wil thinks you're a big guy too. Just like him!

 

For your 6 month birthday, you received something mighty special... your first set of hearing aids! You were so brave as Wendy, your audiologist, placed them in your teeny, tiny ears and you responded right away when they were turned on! She was quite impressed!

You've had your hearing aids for 10 days and you're amazing! You've heard many new things for the first time: clapping, the vaccum cleaner, the lawn mower, and maybe even your brother's squeels (sorry!). Happy Birthday, my little fighter baby! Mommy Loves You!!