your first present

That I got you today. I think this is going to be an awesome toy!

My brain won't let me sleep

You said that too me a couple of nights.. I asked you why. You said, come and sleep with me mommy. I said, what are you afraid of? You said, monsters. I said, What do the monsters look like? Dragons, you said. I said, Austin there are no monsters in our apartment. They can't get in through the windows, because the windows are too small. And they can only come in through the door, and we haven't let any monsters in our house. And we won't let any monsters in our house. You got a big smile on your face and said, Yea!

You said, but mommy? I still want you to sleep closer. I said, i will put my arm around you and the monsters wont get either of us. You said, I love you mommy.

I love you too Austin.

Getting Close

You and I made gingerbread cookies! You ate a LOT of green icing. Fun times.

Getting Close

You and I made gingerbread cookies! You ate a LOT of green icing. Fun times.

Christmas Lights

Saturday I got a wild hair, and decided to put up all the christmas lights. You had been bugging me all week about lights. I tested all the strands I had, so I put them up all around the apartment. How festive it looks! Then I created a little fort for you in the dressing room I am going to have to figure out a better way to do that, because it was too small for me to get in, and you were totally bummed that I couldn't be in there with you. We will work on it. Then we went to kids world park to play. Carol stayed for dinner. You got heat rash, and I had to give you benedryl. I was so worried. The next morning you were fine. You are so much like me. Stubborn and allergic.

Sunday we went to the beach and you found a little guy to play with. His name was Max. Same age as you. You guys were having a great time throwing rocks. I was busy taking photos. Carol and Nena were there too. A good day.

Christmas is coming up. You are looking for santa everywhere. We are watching all the Christmas shows that come on. And all the Christmas DVDs that we own. I hope that Santa is good to you this year. Money is kind of tight, but you are a happy guy! We will get by just fine.

Power Struggle

We are having power struggles in the house. You gave me a classic example in the car the other day. I said, blow your nose. (there was snot all over your face). You said NO. i said blow, you said NO. don't talk to me. then you said, mommy get mad! :lol:

It was hard not to react at all. I wanted to crack up.

Sleep Away

Its your first sleep over with your best buddy at thier house. I am afraid you are going to come back and want all kinds of new stuff I can't afford!

I really hope more than anything you have a good time. i love you little man.

I picked you up the next day. You are having the most difficult time going to the potty. I don't know why.

You had a wonderful time. But I think it was time for you to go home. Emma and Andy were worn out, so was Micheal.

They want you to come and spend the night again before Christmas. I hope that works out for you! :hug:

Birthday Party

We went to Padero Beach Grill for your best buddies birthday. You two are like peas and carrots. Here you are waiting to open his presents.



This one is from his dad chasing you guys through while he scared you guys.



Pizza, Mac and Cheese, and birthday cake. You were both happy to see each other.

Halloween

Okay. I tried to make your mask. It turned out pretty good the first time, but you said it "smelled funny". So i had to remake it. And it wasn't as good. I think you still look really cute.



Here you are with the gang, bella & elijah. We ran around their neighborhood. Trick or Treat. All you could talk about was going back to the house and playing with the power rangers, and other toys.

We have enough chocolate to last us another YEAR! You said this morning, its almost Halloween time! I laughed. I said, don't you remember last night we went trick or treating? You said yea, I said, We have to wait another year before we can do that again. I think you were "selectively" ignoring that fact.

things you do that make me laugh

I go to take out the trash and i come back in, you have stripped down to your spiderman underwear, and have a pullup on your head!

tonight: you saw someone flashing their boobies on tv, and you said look mommy... scooby snacks!!!!

yea. funny stuff.

Halloween Parade & Bunny Festival

We went to the kids Halloween parade on Sunday. Kids walking down the street in costume, tossing out candy. You wore the mask you made at the opera party. You were shy, and wouldn't ask for candy. Kept wanting me to ask for you. You finally asked for yourself. At the end of the parade, a police car came by handing out bags with frisbee's in them. We got one fortunately.

Around the corner was the bunny festival. We stopped for a coffee and doughnut at the coffee cat. Then across the street to the festival in the sunken gardens. We pet some of the bunnies. Watched the bunnies do some games. Then we played frisbee. You did pretty well with it. After all that we went up in the tower.



Off we went to buy some new tennis shoes. And another pair of shoes. I want you to have a nice pair, just in case. Then we were finally heading back home. We had some dinner, and watched Meet the Robinson's. I turned off the TV and you CRASHED. You were still tired this morning.

a good weekend.

Opera

This weekend we went to see Hansel and Gretel. The Opera. I was unsure how well you would take this production, but it was pretty good! You sat through the entire performance, and didn't complain at all. You wanted to know what was behind the curtain. Where the animals went when they left the stage. I am guessing that you understood mostly what was going on. You asked me questions about the daddy. You weren't afraid of the witch. And you noticed everything about the scenery. The sky backdrop lighting was red at one point. You said, look mommy, the sky is red.

After the production, there was a little party. We ate hot dogs, and drank juice. We made bracelets, masks, and gingerbread cookies. We had fun!

Then we went to Carols house so you could play with the older boys. :giggles: You wore them out.

bullet points

YOU love to move.

you said to me this morning... "mommy, i have to walk around in circles."

Curious George

I couldn't find a costume, so I ordered some grey sweats, I am going to dye brown for your costume. Then you have brown tennis shoes. And I am going to try and make a felt mask for you to wear. I printed the template out from a website, and buying felt to make a little George mask for you!

this is going to be fun. I still have to find a suit for me. the man in the yellow hat. blech.

Pumpkin Patch

Decided to drive down to Thousand Oaks and go to the Pumpkin Patch with Janis. What a fun time! They had dinosaurs, pumpkins, a petting zoo, all kinds of crazy stuff. I wanted to get out of the house for a day. And we got to see Janis. You like Janis. Anyway, came away without a pumpkin, or a toy! And still had a good time. Here is our Pumpkin patch shot.



sighs. more to come from Halloween/October 2007

The Zoo with Your buddy

We went to the zoo again, and met up with Michael and his parents. What a fun day. We were all worn out from that one. You two ran and ran from one thing to another. If you weren't leading, Micheal was. If Michael wasn't, you were. You wore all three of us out! You two are like peas and carrots. I hate that we don't spend more time with him.



You both got a fishing pole with a magnet on the end, and magnetic nosed fish to pick up. You are still playing with it two days later. Saying, michael is playing with his in the tub too. Your good friend. Sadly he will be moving to the east coast soon. There will be others. You are a good kid.

happy boys.

Zoo

Saturday we went to the zoo for a company function. We got a chance to run around with Angeli and Joei. From 11 am till 5 pm. At five we ran into Michael, from pre-school. You two were so excited to see each other. I am so glad that we ran into them. It was a good day. You hugged Micheal and you both fell over. We are going to set up a play date with them this weekend in Ventura.

Its getting close to Halloween. We are going to go down to visit Janis and go to the pumpkin patch this weekend after we see Micheal of course. SWEET!

more to come.

You sang

You are singing more often. I think that you are learning songs in school and I love that. You are singing more often. I like that we can sing songs together. But you are kind of bossy. Mommy it doesn't go like that. I said, then how does it go, you sigh. Then you say, it goes like this, with hand motions and everything.

you make me laugh.

Pre School Party

Today is the pre-school pot luck dinner/get together.

Hope it goes well. ;-)

edit: this was a fun event for you. You and your preschool friends sat on the picnic table and sang songs. not very well at all, but it was so cute. Then there was food, and cupcakes. You seem to like this daycare.

Tubby Horns

man you got mad at me when I was washing your hair, so I decided to put horns on you. Cuz you were being a little devil. Then you wouldn't sit still so I could take your picture. i love that you make lots of faces. like, um lets see... where do you get that... OH i know.. ME!!!

The Girlfriend

I picked you up from school yesterday, and we were walking to the car. By the fence was a little girl that I guess you play with in school. She was all moony eyed and watching you. You walked up to the fence, and i thought you were going to kiss her, but you didn't. She started looking sad, and I said, "What did you do to her?"

You said, "I spit on her." I said, "Why?" You said, "I don't know."

I made you go back and apologize to her twice. Then you got in the car, I said do you like her? and you said yes. And rolled down your window, and waved to her and talked to her as we drove off.

I guess that explains it. When guys want to impress another four year old girl, they spit on them. :eyeroll:

Your First Somersault

Sunday Sept. 24, you did your first somersault. YES!

we are progressing.

Today we are Pirates

You wanted to stay home today and play with your toys. And with me I guess. We have made pancakes, watch episode after episode of cartoons, including Mickey Mouse Playhouse, Sesame Street, and Spongebob.

We then did some wrestling and and tickling. I decided to make mac and cheese for lunch. WE ate some lunch and you kissed me to make me feel better. Then we shared some water... and ate popsicles.

Now you want to be pirates. And you are using your "sellascope". Then you took a rubber band and put the evian bottle on your arm, and called it your power water.

I had to write this stuff down.

i am really bad at discipline.

Rainbow

I woke up this morning and walked outside. I looked up and saw this! I called to you, saying come outside, quick. A rainbow! You were holding your teddy bear, and bink in your mouth. "cool" you said.

I walked back inside to put down my camera, you said to me "Mommy bring a blanket. Let's snuggle up outside and stay warm and look at the rainbow."

thats just too darn sweet. :-)

Waking Up

You don't like to wake up in the Morning. I am going to have to get Tivo, so that we can tape Sesame Street. I don't think I can afford the extra expense, but its worth a shot.

I am beginning to check out schools, as I want to put you in the right school. By that I mean, I want you to find a place that is conducive to your abilities, and not underneath your intelligence. I am looking into the Roosevelt School, or Open Alternative. I have a tour of The O.A. School on Oct. 3rd.

We will find you a good fit. I think the Alternative may be the way to go. Parents must participate in this school, offering 2 hours of their time a week.

Off we go... Ready to get some knowledge.

The Lunch

Today, I had to bring you some clothes to the Y. You have not been doing so good on the potty training. In fact yesterday it was number 2 in the pants. poor baby.

As i was leaving I see everyone outside, sitting down to eat their lunches, including you! You looked so cute sitting there opening up your thomas lunch bag, and pulling out your PB&J sandwich, with applesauce and juice. I have to start being more creative with food for you. You are such a picky eater though.

This week I am going to try egg salad, and chicken salad with crackers. see if you eat either of those.

love you bear.

The Weekend

This weekend we went to Janis's house for a going away party for Lexi. She is moving back to Ohio. You got to be outside, and play some ball, ride the broom, and sweep the patio. You were mad at me because I wouldn't play with you more.

Then Bill and Abi showed up, and you were happy to be with the guys. Playing around, and having fun. When we went to dinner, it was nice that you had a chance to be with the men. I am glad that sometimes you get that. On Sunday, we came home and you slept a good long time. Then had a hard time going to sleep Sunday night.

You were not ready to go back to the Y this morning. But were happy when we got there.

Pre School!

You are in the pre-school at the Y. I am so excited. You are even more excited. You had a little girlfriend at the end of the second day. You are using the potty, you are talking about naptime. And you want to play basketball. What i really think you want is to be in the kid area of the basketball courts.

The first day I came to get you, you said to me, We went to the slide (ie: the outside play area) and there weren't any lions in there! And then the floor that was grey? Now its pink!

You are quite observant. Makes me worry about what I say and do more now. Happy Austin. You still won't eat anything in the morning.

Check up for School

Today you had your first checkup to get you ready for the pre-school. The doctor turned out to be the father of my coworker, and he is a nice man. You said you are low on your weight, and the doctor suggested that I start giving you ensure drinks in the morning to get more calories in you. I think I may be making a protein drink with yogurt and banana as well. You have to gain some weight or you may hurt your bones once you start doing sports and stuff.

You are supposed to be going to the potty! But you will not let go of the pull ups. who knows when you will comply to this demand. I am going to really get on you once you start in school. I want you to be able to do things that you can't do if you don't use the potty. Like swimming lessons.

Its time for you to move up to the next level. This will be our last week of sleeping in and enjoying our lazy time in the mornings. Life is going to change for both of us next week. And not a moment too soon.

Paw Paw and G-Ma

Your Paw Paw and G-Ma came to visit. They weren't here very long. You guys played on the sand at the beach, building things, and playing in the water. They also kept you for the night on Saturday.

Uncle Chris was there too, and you spent the night with him. You popped all the pills out of his medicine cards and you got scolded. I think you got upset being away from me, because you threw up the next morning, and I don't know why. After you ate toast and some eggs and bacon, you were fine! We went to IHop for breakfast, and then onto the Natural History Museum to see the Butterfly exhibit and Grossology. You had a wonderful time. Running and playing. You weren't too excited about the butterflies for very long, and was ready to go.

I think you were ready to see them leave, but were sad when they were gone! You love your Grandparents, but I don't know if you are capable of processing what is happening with them all the time.

Pizza

Okay last night we went to taffy's for pizza. you would NOT eat. you can't sit still in restaurants. Thankfully this is a family place, so you could run around. I have decided that if you aren't going to eat when you are out, you are not going to eat when you get home.

Time to play the tough guy, so you eat when there is food available. sheesh. I hate discipline.

Watercolors

Last night we got out the paints and painted. You love to paint and color now. I love that for us, its something we can do together that I love too. you make big fat sections of color, and you tend to go for the green, orange, and black. Rasta? i am not sure yet.

a fair amount of purple was laid down too. youre favorite part is the water that mixes up the diff colors that comes off your brush. You are amazed at what colors the water turns.

learning is so cool.

YOU GOT IN!

The YMCA called and you got in. Time to start pre-school is Sept. 2nd. I pray the parents can help with daycare costs in sept, since I had to pay for august. And am going to have to pay for the Oct one out of my second paycheck.

whew. its time. Thank you powers that be.

the beach

We spent Saturday and Sunday down at the beach. You spent all afternoon saturday, playing in the rocks throwing them up against the hill. I sat there thinking we need to find you someone to toss the ball around with. I am not too patient with that. Then you dug for sand crabs, and played with nina the dog. We sat in the surf for a little while, and went out into the waves some. You ate chips, yogos, and had apple juice. Then we went home. Sunday, you played in the sand all day, went for a walk with lexi, and carol. The water was beautiful down at Santa Clause lane.

We had a great time at the beach both days. I am glad that life has led us here. You seem to be also.

happy 4th birthday

Our friend Lexi, took us to a waterpark at Magic Mountain. We had a blast! You were afraid of the slide at the pirate ship ride, but you and I went down anyway. We rode on the river ride, and that was good fun. Your favorite thing was the wave pool. I think it was mine too.

You got rock em sock em robots, pinball machine, red power ranger, motorized train, pj's, hot wheels, a book and a CD, a Thomas flashlight, and a belt. All in all a great day. Today we are having a pizza party at your daycare. too cool eh?

happy little man. I am glad that you are happy.

Peeing on the Bathroom Rug

I am working on getting you to use the potty first thing when you wake up. This morning I had you go to the bathroom as soon as i removed your pull-up. I said, you go potty. Started to go with you, and you said, NO i go by myself. Ok then.

I don't hear any water hitting water sound, so I think uh-oh. I hear another sound, kind of like rain on ground. I walk into the bathroom and you are peeing on the rug. I said, why? You said, I wanted to sit down. trying not to laugh or scold, I said, next time sit on the potty. Peeing on the carpet is gross and it makes a mess.

You really weren't quite awake. Neither was I. Then we made eggs.

school

You keep asking me about going to school at the Y. I am guessing this may never happen as they have the deposit money, but you aren't enrolled yet. I am going to give this a few more weeks. then I have to move you to a school somewhere. not sure where, but somewhere.

its time for some learning. you are frustrated in your current surroundings. parenting is a difficult job.

NO Hitting and NO spitting

We are in the process of learning these rules. You are frustrated and angry with life right now... and you are acting it out physically. I am trying to get you into a school, but having to wait on the dagum Y to hire someone. I hope that happens by the end of the year.

In the meantime, the daycare lady, Cathy, says you have been hitting other kids. I spoke with you about it, you say, I don't know. But you do know that hitting and spitting are wrong. NO more power rangers until you learn that.

its my only form of punishment without striking you. i hate discipline. it sucks. but I do love you. very much.

The Beach 1

Today at the beach, you were playing like you were a jedi master, using the beach umbrella stand. You wouldn't get in the water today, you normally do. You were throwing trash at others. And you wouldn't wear your hat.

it was obstinant day! we had taco bell for dinner, you like them with just meet and cheese. you ate one and a half, then some beans, and some crispy sweet things. We read Dr. Suess and i put you to bed by 8. You and I both fell asleep.

Questions

I asked you what you wanted for your birthday . You said, "I don't know."

I said, "So do you want to go swimming for your birthday party? Or maybe we should go bowling."

You said, "Bowling sounds good. And I am not going to hurt my foot." and then you did your cute little forced faked laugh.

My only guess is you saw a cartoon that had bowling in it and the guy dropped it on his foot.

And then you said, "A Power Ranger. I want a Power Ranger for my birthday."

I said, "You are already getting one because you were so good at using the potty last week."

You said, "Yea!"

I said "think of something else you might want."

You will be four next month. Learn to use the potty please!!!!

The morning commute

We were riding in the car to daycare, and I was talking to you about what you were going to do that day. You said, "I don't know."

I asked you what you liked doing when you were at daycare, You said, "Going outside."

I said, What do you like to do when you are outside, You said, "Drive the cars."

I said, "Oh, the little cars on the patio?" You said, "Yes mommy. But you can't drive them. You are too big."

I said, "I like driving cars." You said, "You are too big for the cars. I am just right."

I said, "You will be big someday. I used to be little like you." You said, "I don't want to be big. I want to stay little."

I said, "Well, you are already getting bigger. And someday you may be bigger than me."

You said, "Nah, I don't want to be big. I am going to stay little."

I said, "We'll see."