New Trick

Guess what Jack learned to do?

I'm not sure where he learned to do this. He just came to me very excited the other day, exclaiming, "I did it!" Gee, I'm so proud.

Bad Boy Hurt Jack

When Stuart is out of town, I try to do one new thing with Jack while he is away. It's my attempt to make his dad's absence easier on him. Yesterday, we ventured down to the the Children's Museum of Phoenix. This place was awesome and Jack had a blast. I can't believe I haven't taken him sooner. There are so many activities aimed specifically for younger kids.

We ran into some trouble, however, in the car section. The kids get to climb up a ramp and race cars down a track. To race the cars, they have to climb up 4 steps to reach the chute. Jack was happily playing with this game with 2 other children who were around the same age. Of course, no kids are good at sharing at this age, and they all pushed to get to the top spot. One little boy didn't like Jack trying to climb up behind him, so he turned around and shoved him. Jack flew down the stairs and landed on the metal grate...face down! I was panicked and flew up the ramp, heart racing. Jack cried hysterically, which is terrifying since he doesn't often cry when he is physically hurt. The staff was great and got him some ice for his eye and even checked back in later to make sure he was ok.

Jack soon calmed down and went back to playing the same game. (After this incident, he was so good and taking turns! I was so proud of him.) I, however, took awhile to get my heart rate back under control.

What still bothers me is the father of this kid was standing next to me when it happened and said NOTHING to his son. Not one word. I understand that kids need to accept consequences when they push or shove, but this was way too severe a lesson for Jack. I am still angry that the father didn't think his son needed to be told that hurting another person is not ok, EVER.

When we got home, I asked Jack if he wanted to look in the mirror to see the blood on his eye. Normally, he likes the blood part, so I thought he would think it was cool; I was wrong. He began crying again and said the "bad boy hurt Jack." It was rough calming him down again.

My poor baby. I physically hurt when he hurts and it never gets any easier.

It actually looks a little worse today. Being the brave kid that he is, he has already asked to return to the museum.

U.S.A.

Guess what daddy taught Jack?

Baby Rabbit

I grew up in Arizona, before the building and development took over most of the state. I loved being able to explore and experience nature when I was a kid. One thing I love about our home is that it still offers a rural experience for Jack. We are surrounded by mountains. There are tumble weeds everywhere and plenty of wildlife. We see lizards, quail, rabbits, and snakes all the time. I have even had javelina cross the road in front of my Jeep.

Yesterday morning, one of the workers installing our sun screens let us know there was a baby rabbit in our pool. He had clearly been there for quite some time and was out of energy to keep afloat. Stuart fished him out and we attempted to nurse him back to health. Jack was eager to get him food and water and take care of him.



He didn't want to leave the bunny alone, so we set up his temporary home outside of a window so Jack could keep an eye on him while the bunny got some rest.

I was a little worried because the last bunny we found in the pool was already dead when we pulled him out, so I didn't want Jack to be upset if he didn't make it. He seemed to be doing better when we left for a birthday party. When we returned, the rabbit was gone. Jack was so excited that he helped make him better so he could hop away. (I was relieved.)

I know it is only a matter of time before Jack starts bringing animals home. I might not like this area as much when that starts.

Aiden

So, last week I took Jack with me to my sister's house where he got to meet her new kitten, Aiden. Jack was instantly in love. The whole drive home he begged to turn around and go back...partially to see his cousin Ryan, but mostly to see Aiden. At home he began searching around for little Aiden. Finally, I pulled his stuffed cat from his crib and told him I had found Aiden. Jack was thrilled! He talked and played with him for the next 24 hours straight. I'm really not exaggerating people. The second he woke from his nap he asked to see Aiden.




He was so sweet and gentle with him. I decided to get out an old shoe box and the blanket his great grandma made him so we could give Aiden a little bed.



Now Jack walks around with the box and brings it to us, explaining it is a surprise present. He loves for Stuart and I to open the present so he can excitedly exclaim, "It's Aiden!"

The Obsession Grows

Jack's love of Iron Man grows deeper every day. Last week while we were shopping at Old Navy, he found an Iron Man shirt that he had to have. He immediately put it on in place of his Spiderman shirt (that is saying a lot because it used to be his favorite.) They did not have it in his size, but he didn't care. Notice his Iron Man flying stance...it's pretty good.

He loves to fly like Iron Man all the time.

His shirt came with a free tattoo. Jack loved it. After about an hour or so of wearing it, he became very concerned, telling me, "Iron Man's body is gone. It's gone." When I asked him what happened to it, he replied, "Somebody took it." (He says that a lot right now when he can't find what he wants, somebody took it or everybody took it.)

During dinner last night, I told him he had to eat all his peas if he wanted to grow big like Iron Man. He responded with, "No, eat pepperoni make me big like Iron Man." He cracks me up.

Spiderwebs

We are at such a fun developmental stage over here. Jack loves to make up games to play. Last week, while watching Curious George, Jack was excited to watch the monkey make a spiderweb out of tape. He begged to make one too. It was a blast.

It didn't stay up very long, but Jack had a lot of fun running through it and tearing it down. He then insisted on wearing his web.

I love this boy!

Crowded

Jack's list of bedtime buddies has grown. In addition to his monkey, kitty, and 2 dogs, he now insists on sleeping with all of his little dogs. (For a total of 7 dogs.) The funny thing is, he doesn't want them near him, but wants them at the foot of his crib and he won't let me remove them. Oh, and he must have his big Ironman and pink flashlight too. And, don't forget his blanket. At this rate he's going to outgrow his crib pretty soon.

Animal Planet

Jack still loves animals. Animal Planet is one of his favorite channels.

I just love how squeaky his voice gets when he is excited.

I - DI - OT

So, Jack has become quite the talker these days. I love that I can better meet his needs now that he can articulate them. There are, however, still many miscommunications that occur. Last month, we were all in the car running some weekend errands, when Jack says, IDIOT, carefully drawing out each syllable, "I...DI...OT." Stuart and I are stunned. I can't imagine where he picked the word up. (Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of bad words he could have picked up from me, but this isn't one I say.) Jack keeps repeating it, "I..DI..OT. I...DI...OT Mommy." Stuart and I keep telling him that is not a nice word and to stop saying it, but he won't stop. About a week later, when he and I are alone in the car and he is saying it again, it hits me. "We there yet?" This is what he had been saying all along. I owe that kid an apology for assuming the worst....bad mom!

Here are some of my favorite Jack phrases:

• He fakes cough and holds his throat, saying, "I sick Mommy. Need apple juice."
• When Jack is watching one of his shows on TV and I am talking to Stuart, he tells me, "Mommy, Don't Talk Daddy!"
• Once, when using the potty, he grabbed himself, so I asked him, "Is that your penis?" He responded, "Yes, it's a big penis."
• He told me, with much concern, that I had "polka dots" on my shoulder. I guess that is what freckles look like to a 2 year old.
• Last week, after we put him to bed for the night, he called out, "I need help Mommy." I came to check on him and he told me his arm was hurt because Ironman shot him.
• There are many more examples, but my favorite is when Jack throws his arms wide and asks, "I get a hug mommy?" And when I hug him, he says so sweetly, "I love you."