Weird and Wacky Jack Fact #3

I really don't know what to say about this one...

Cousins

Jack loves kids. I set up a playgroup in our neighborhood and it's been good, but those kids just don't compare to his cousins. (It's the one bad thing about where we live...so far away from his cousins.) Jack has LOTS of cousins. On Stuart's side of the family, the cousins are all adults, but there are tons of kids on my side since I have about 100 first cousins. It must be a Lambson trait, but they are much more active and physical than most other kids and Jack LOVES that!

Last week we had the pleasure of hosting some of my family at our new house. My brother Kevin was in town and stayed a couple of days with us. Jack loved seeing everyone, but especially loved his cousin Bremen, who is 6 years old. He spent hours chasing him around the house. When he woke up each morning, the first thing he said to me was, "Bremen here?" I swear Jack didn't eat a thing while Bremen was here. He was just so excited to play with his cousin. Poor Bremen had trouble getting in a peaceful meal himself. These pictures are of Bremen attempting to eat breakfast while Jack tried his best to patiently wait for him to finish. (Obviously, patience is not one of Jack's best qualities.)

After Bremen left, Jack continued to call out and look for him in the house. A couple of days later, he found one of Bremen's socks and got very sad. He really misses him.

Happy Dance

Jack has a happy dance. It is reserved for very special occasions. Specifically, if he is about to get chocolate, or in this case, when dad is going to let him use the vacuum.

He's weird, we know. Just another reason we love Jack.

Bedtime

Bedtime is my favorite time of the day. And not because Jackson is finally going to sleep and we get a break, but because I love the whole routine. I am a big believer in rituals and have seen the positive impact on our boy. He knows what is coming, it is calming, and he is just so freakin' cute before he goes to sleep. At night Jack is at his best. Some of my favorite night time happenings:

• Jack is so happy. He is extra silly at night. There is so much laughter in our house and it is a great end to the day.
• He is especially ticklish.
• He loves to cuddle with mom and dad.
• He loves to run around naked and make you chase him after his bath or shower.
• He hates to put on his jammies, especially now that I broke out the winter pairs that are long sleeves.
• He often refuses his bedtime story because he knows that means bedtime is next.
• He usually asks to take a toy to bed with him, which we allow. (Lately, his choice is a couple of his small cars.)
• When I take him to bed, he often asks, "rock you?" (meaning he wants me to rock him first.)
• He has begun to sing along with his bedtime songs.
• When I finally put him in his crib, he grabs my arms and tries to pull me in and says, "cuddle, cuddle." He insists on pulling my arms around him and he smiles as we "cuddle."

I can't help but watch him sleeping. He is so cute. Here are some of my favorite pics of him sleeping.

Sous-chef

I have an awesome assistant in the kitchen. He is focused and determined.

He will always do what is needed to help with dinner. (Although, he may have no intention of eating it.)

He's a great help, although you have to watch him closely. He gets eager. Last week we were making cookies when I stopped to talk to his sister, Heather, on the phone. Jack couldn't wait and decided he could add the salt without me. Straight from the box of salt. At least a half of a cup. I tried my best to scoop it out, but there was only so much I could do. If anyone wants some salty oatmeal butterscotch cookies, we still have a few dozen left.

Potty Time?

I think it might be time to start potty training Jack. (OK, I know it's time, but in all honesty, I am scared.) I have heard the "experts" who claim all kids are ready by 2 years of age, but I disagree. I am learning that no kid fits perfectly into any developmental schedule. Jack has shown most signs of readiness for awhile, except the crucial one: the ability to clearly communicate. This has been my reason for procrastination. I figured until he can tell me he has to go, there was no sense in pushing the issue.

Well, his ability to speak has improved dramatically in the last 2 months, so I think it is time. He also hates to have a wet or messy diaper. (That is an understatement of monumental proportions.) We have gotten his bathroom painted and ready for him to use. His potty has been in there for awhile and he is very comfortable with it. (Although his desire to use it comes and goes.) And, recently, he has told me he has to go to the bathroom before hand on several occasions. So, the only delay is me. I really feel nervous about doing this. And diapers are so convenient for when you are out of the house with your child....

But, I think it is time to bite the bullet. The other day, Jack woke up from his nap with a dry diaper and insisted on using the potty. SUCCESS! He then refused to put his diaper back on and opted for his Cars underwear instead.

Doesn't he look grown up? He kept them dry and even told me when he had to go again about an hour later. I gave him m&ms as a reward for this accomplishment. He was so proud.

Of course, when his dad came home from work, Jack was too excited to focus on anything else and the accident was unavoidable.

I tried again yesterday, but discovered a problem. When he peed in his underwear, he didn't want to take them off. He cried and threw a fit. He refused a different pair. He wanted his Lightening McQueen underwear. (The lead car in the Cars movie. No other pair would do.) Now, these came 3 to a package, but only the 1 pair is apparently acceptable to Jack. Not good. Later in the day, he found the wet pair in the hamper and tried to put them back on...the ensuing fight was not pretty. This could be more of a hassle than I want to deal with right now.

I am going to try again, but would appreciate any tips or suggestions anyone would like to pass my way.

Weird and Wacky Jack Fact #2

Jack adores his dad. When we run weekend errands, I will occasionally drop Stuart off at a store, while Jack and I wait in the car. This is usually met with many hysterical tears as Jack seems to think we are leaving without him. Being the master of distraction, I invented a game to play with Jack whenever this happened. I drive around the parking lot and point out various people, asking "Is that daddy?" To which Jack replies, "nooooo." It calms him down and he has fun looking for dad in the parking lot until he returns.

Lately, Jack likes playing this game on his own. When we are driving in the car, Jack points people out and asks "That Daddy?" and answers himself with "noooo." It is so cute. I have even heard him doing it around the house, pointing at cars, cows, and other various toys while playing. He is just too cute!