Catching Up....

I just posted about our weekend and I realized that there are some other things to catch you all up on!
Last weekend, Thomas was my garage sale buddy. He was so excited to go shopping! W got up early and went to McDonald's and got pancakes. There was a community garage sale in the Huntington subdivison and I have taught many of the children there and enjoy visiting with the families. Thomas got ALL this for only $22.75!!!!












The Power Wheels Jeep was only $2 (although we ended up having to buy a $70 battery for it!) We also got this Pottery Barn Kids Table and Chairs for a great bargain. It's a great addition to our playroom.
















Once the battery in the Jeep was charged Thomas LOVED learning to ride it. It has two different speeds and also goes in reverse.



























(Born to be wild! ...sunglasses and a tattoo on his left arm. I think have trouble on my hands!)

Also, last week (September 30th) there was a family night at Thomas' pre-school. He got to paint a plate and it will be put in a kiln by a ceramic company. Ken, Thomas and I each painted a portion of the plate and it will be something special for us to use. While we were there he got to see some of his friends and teachers. It was cute to see the kids interact with one another.











(I tried to fix Colin, Thomas' friends eyes, and over corrected the red eye. His eyes don't look like this. I have to get Emily to help me!!)













(Ms. Hill, the assitant in Thomas' class. He just loves her!)














We have lots of things planned for October and will have more pictures to post soon. :)

Cutting the Cord...

We had a monumental weekend. Thomas had his first sleep-over at Nana and Papa's House. To help with the transition, we were thankful that Christian, Thomas' cousin, could also spend the night. Thomas was all packed and ready to go with excitement. I packed every possible item that might be needed...just-in-case! (Motrin, a pad for the bed in case he had an accident, 4 changes of clothes, etc.) He brought lots of toys and his new Power Wheels Jeep he got from last weekend's garage sale. We dropped him off near the 5 o'clock time on Saturday. Everything was fine until he realized that we were leaving. He was a little weepy, but had lots of fun. He got to ride his Jeep and stay up late. On Sunday morning they all made pancakes (one of Thomas' favorite foods!) Ken and I picked him up near 11:30 on Sunday morning.

This was the first time that Ken and I had a night together without Thomas. Since he has always gone to bed early we never felt that we needed our own time. Ken and I went to The Cheesecake Factory, walked Park Ave. in Winter Park, and then went out to listen to some music and dancing. It was 11:45 and I was ready to go home. It was way past my bedtime. It was the first night that I didn't get to tuck Thomas in, read him stories or brush his teeth. I didn't have to listen for the baby monitor for any cries or coughs. I got to sleep in and we even went out for breakfast before we picked him up. I realize now that even though Ken and I have quiet time together after Thomas goes to bed, it's not the same. We actually had dialogue that wasn't interrupted by someone shouting,"Mom?Mom? Look at me! Mom, listen!!" It was incredibly difficult to cut the cord but I am so thankful that Thomas was happy to sleep over at Nana's and Papa's and that maybe Ken and I can start planning more time together. Here's a picture of him all packed up with his stuff.....the Jeep was already in the car!! ( I can't imagine what it would look like if we went away for a week!)

Illness update

Thomas was up most of the night with a 102 fever, runny nose and I think he sneezed literally 50 times! Poor Guy! I woke up at 8:oo and he was still asleep...I knew something was wrong with that picture. When he got up at 8:30 his poor little eyes were swollen shut and red. I called the doctor and they said to bring him in right away. Turns out that he has a sinus infection. The fever has not returned today, thank goodness. He had a good nap and is now coloring pictures for his teachers. Ken is staying home with him tomorrow and probably Friday. Here's a picture of him when we left for the doctor.

Lots to Share!

It's pretty sad that it has been a month since I've updated this site. That pretty much tells you how busy I have been. It's rather pathetic that the only reason why I am updating it at this moment is because I know I get to stay in my jammies tomorrow. Thomas came home from school today with a 102 fever and he is still running a fever, so we are staying home. I am kind of looking forward to playing "catch-up" during the day. I already have my lists of "Things to Do". None of them are exciting things, but I will hope to feel productive.

Within the last month Thomas has simply amazed me. I don't even know where to start. He is enjoying school . He doesn't cry when I drop him off. He goes to his teacher and tells me bye. He comes home telling us events that have happened during the day and has made lots of new friends. We even see one at our church. I guess I don't have to look into homeschooling anymore!

He has become very interested in reading. He read the word "Publix" off of a semi on the way to school. I asked him what was inside the truck and he said, "a man!" Duh, ma! At school, he can read almost all the names of the kids in the class. When he pointed to the name Vivian in his class, he tried to convince me it was the name, Brian. I said, "No, no, that's Vivian's name." He said, "No, Mom!" Then he pointed to the name and said, "see...-i-a-n. Brian!" I think I have an early reader on my hands.

He is also becoming more brave. He really enjoys riding his bike around the block. He rides sooo fast that I have to run to catch up to him. He doesn't fuss about wearing a helmet which is good since he likes to look down while riding. We are trying to teach him to stick to ONE side of the street....not the middle.

He is also learning to be an entertainer. He has a few CD's that he MUST listen to in the car and in his room. At times I feel like he is already a teenager. He shuts his bedroom door and BLARES the music. Then I poke my head in and I see him dancing and having "jazz hands". Where does he learn this?? I'm not teaching him that! It is so funny. I hope to get it on video.

He has been able to verbalize his opinion so well lately. He talks from the moment he wakes to the moment he falls asleep and sometimes even in his sleep. (Gee....I wonder where he gets that?!) He says the cutest things. The other day he asked his Nana if she had a watch. She said yes. He said, "My mommy has a watch but it's broken." Nana said, "Maybe it just needs a new battery." He replied, "Yeah, double AA's." From the mouths of babes, right?

Here's my new favorite photographs of him. They were taken at his school. You have to buy photo packages when they turn out this cute! The following week he had MORE school pictures taken. I haven't seen those proofs yet, but I'm sure I'll be broke soon just from him going to preschool!

Preparing for Halloween...already?

It's been a while since I have had time to update this blog. We have been busy trying to get into the routine of school, but a little storm named Fay altered our routine for a few days. Thomas is getting used to going to school but still quite upset when I drop him off. It's getting better compared to two weeks ago. Nana and Aunt Lizzie (and Ken, too) are going to take turns picking him up early so he doesn't have to stay for the afternoon daycare. He is so happy about that plan. We are going to try it for a few months and maybe by Christmas he'll be able to handle a full day at school.

Lately Thomas has been obsessed with the movie Toy Story 2. We have several of the character dolls and action figures. He jumps off the couch just like "Buzz Lightyear". It made it really easy to decide what he should be for Halloween. I got the costume off ebay and I am still looking for the accessories that go with it. It came in the mail yesterday and Thomas loved the costume and it fits perfect. Here's a sneak peak of what he'll look like for Halloween.

"To infinity....and beyond!"

First Day of School

Today we reached another milestone....the first day of school.

We started getting ready the night before by choosing the special "first day"outfit, we also prepared the lunchbox, and picked out a special stuffed animal to take for naptime. We accidentally oversplept this morning which added to the stress of it all. I didn't get to snuggle him long enough as I planned. We made it to school on time and we were so glad that Ken took the morning off to go with us. Thomas wasn't too sure about going. He told me, "I'm going to leave my lunchbox in the van." Translation: if I leave my lunch she won't let ME stay at school because I won't be able to eat. (Ha! And to think he's only three! ) He did cry as we were getting ready to leave him. He said to me, "Bye, Mommy....it's ok, daddy's going to stay with me." Talk about disappointing him! Needless to say, the staff said he had a good day with some tears. I suppose that's normal and to be expected. He is a little upset that I am making him go again tomorrow. (By the way, Thomas took flowers to his teacher this morning just like I did on my first day of nursery school. )

Our Home Visit

Thomas begins "big boy" school on August 11th at St.Luke's. It is customary that the pre-school teacher makes a home visit to get to know the child in their own environment. Since Thomas was rather anxious about summer camp, I thought it was a good idea for his teacher to come over and play. The teachers he had in summer camp are not the same ones that he will have for this school year. The teacher's name is Mrs. Lowney. She brought pictures of her family to show Thomas and also pictures of her assistant. She asked Thomas lots of questions and was able to understand him with his three year old voice. We talked a lot about their procedures and our seperation anxiety issues. Thomas was sad to see her leave and I think having her come will make him more excited about going to school. He's a picture of Thomas and his first teacher. :)