Goodbye Binkie

Whether it was time or not to cut the cord, we did it.
This is week two of a binkie-free household... and while it's been hard (not only for Jack, but also for Chris and myself), the crying now only lasts about ten minutes instead of thirty when it's time for sleep.

I still find myself looking for his binkie when I put him down - but I can't say how nice it is not to rely on it anymore!

For now, we still have an unhappy boy when it's time for bed. We're hoping that won't last much longer.
(Notice the unruly mane... this kid's hair gets pretty wild.)

For now, he likes to stick anything else in his mouth and keep it there for a while. We don't mind, since he's not attached to anything the way he was to his binkie. I'm not sure we'd like to go through this process again... I guess until the next kid comes along.

I will say that because Jack has only been sleeping with it since he turned one, and not having it at all while awake, I think the transition has been a little smoother. And that gives us something to smile about.

Oh, What Do You Do When It's Nice Outside?

Since, unfortunately, the nice days are few and far in between at this time of year in Utah, it's hard to remember what the days are like when it's warm outside... and it's hard to believe that the warm weather will ever come to stay.

For example: the following pictures of our driveway were taken on April 3rd; the previous day's high temperature was 65 degrees. Talk about disgusting.

The branches of the trees in these pictures are maybe two feet from the ground. Needless to say, when we're lucky enough to have the sun shining, we take advantage.

Jack loves to take walks. He normally doesn't like to be stuck in the stroller, but he loves it when we're moving.

Or just hang around outside. He prefers the pavement to the grass. Must be the texture?

Or play with friends... meet Owen and Dawson.
These three were all supposed to be two months apart. Dawson (below middle), was born on January 26th. We were all surprised when Jack came two days later when he was due in March - leaving us waiting for Owen's arrival in May.

They have fun together (as much as they can have at a year old. Because us moms are such good friends, we are determined for them to be best buddies. We hope they will continue to like to be around each other as they grow up).

We love being outside. Jack loves anything to do with it (except, of course, the grass. Hopefully he will be cured of that soon).We can't wait until the warm weather decides to stay!

Out With The Old...

The Bosch, pictured below, was given to me by my mother-in-law when she got a new KitchenAid. It's been wonderful - despite having to drag it out whenever I want to use it, and the fact that it only has two speeds. It definitely does its job though, and it's the kind of machine that might never die.

However... would I pass up a KitchenAid? I think not. Though I've dreamed of owning one, I never thought I actually would. But while shopping with my in-laws last weekend, they told me to pick my color... and purchased one for me as an early mother's day/birthday present!

Isn't she pretty?

Oh, the possibilities with a KitchenAid. For now, the three attachments it came with are enough for me... and I wasted no time once it was on my kitchen counter, making both dinner rolls and banana bread in one night.

I was not disappointed.

And, it has TEN speeds. I love my new toy.

Moral Of The Story?

Get yourself a teething rail to attach to your crib.

I guess I know what he does when he's bored. Sigh...


I guess "rushing in" might have some benefits to it after all.

Grandma

Found at my parents' house, on the Saturday before Daylight Savings a few weeks ago:

"Don't forget to set me ahead tonight. We'll be watching you. Your friends, The Clocks"

It was lovingly taped up by my Grandma Thelma, pictured below between my mother and myself.
I love this woman. Not only is she hilarious, but she can beat anyone at Encore, hand over fist.


Our family has been playing this game since I can remember. We played it over conference weekend just a week ago, and of course, the epic battle between the girls and the guys had us coming out on top.
Our secret weapon? Grandma. Just when we think we're stumped for good, she'll whip out a song from the 40's or earlier. Of course, no one has ever heard the song, but that's what makes it great to be on her team. She's the best. And of course, no one would dare to question her.

Look how happy she is?
This woman loves her family, despite the crazy stuff she's been put through. She is a rock... and one of my idols. I can only hope to grow to be half as wonderful as she is, and I have said before that I am frequently asking myself, "what would Thelma do?" Unfortunately, I'm afraid I've done far too many things that she wouldn't. I guess that's the beauty of life... having someone to look up to pushes you to do better.

The least I can hope is to stay on her team... whenever she goes (though I hope she sticks around forever), she'll be on her way to someplace good.

Our Little Helper

Because Jack is always interested in whatever mom and dad are doing, we let him "help" us out... and he loves it.

When all he wants me to do is hold him when I am trying to get dinner done, I like to try and trick him by giving him a couple of kitchen "devices" to hold him over.

It usually works, for a while. Thank goodness.
Why he is only needy when I'm cooking is beyond me.

When dad was recently putting together a new table, Jack was all about helping.
Apparently he just had to have the tool dad was using... This grin quickly disappeared when we tried to give him a different one.
...Even though this was all he used it for.

But I love that he wants to be where we are, no matter what we're doing... whether he's actually helping (which is actually the case sometimes) or just curious. And I especially love when my two boys are together... showing some skin. :)