Thanskgiving is for sharing

Happy Thanksgiving!!  On this day, as every day, we are incredibly thankful that Ford is part of our family.  He adds lots of love, joy, and smiles to our days.  We are thankful for the heart and personality that God has given him and feel privileged to be his parents.

Not only is Ford a loving and fun little boy, he also often thinks about others.  The following are two great examples.  Ford and I were spending time outside on October 28 when he decided he would share his crackers with Kitty.  She agreed to the sharing and quite enjoyed her pita crackers, and Ford quite enjoyed giving them to her.  Then a couple weeks ago I caught Ford trying to give Kitty a sip of his drink.  That’s our boy. . . trying his best to do a great job of sharing and trying his best to get in the Thanksgiving spirit.

Some current favorites

The books  “Llama Llama Mad at Mama,” “Stretch” (which has been a favorite for quite some time now), ”Put me in the Zoo,” and  ”Elmo’s ABCs”

Ford reading “Stretch” back in August

Loves to play with his trains and especially likes “Diesel” for whatever reason

Loves playing with the car and car garage (this new “play” started, along with the trains, about three weeks ago)

Lemonade (“memade”)

Chick-fil-a (or the “cow place” as he now refers to it)

His Disney cell phones from Wal-mart.  $2.98 each.  He now has a Cars, Nemo, and Mickey phone and loves them (with Mickey being the absolute favorite).

Art (painting).  He especially loves to paint the palm of his hands and fingers and press his handprint down on the paper.  Getting paint in his hair is also fun, as well as trying to taste the paint once in awhile.  Makes for a fun clean up.

He doesn’t watch TV much, but when he does, he loves Mickey Mouse Club House (on Disney) and Toot and Puddle (on Noggin about two pigs who travel).  He even says “hot dog!” like Mickey does, calls for “Toodles!” and dances during the “hot dog” dance at the end of every Mickey episode.

Getting treats- any kind will do.

Sitting on the couch to read, play on his phone, be tickled, or watch Mickey

And some of our of our favorites. . .  when Ford says “Momma hold you” or “Dada hold you”. . .  to see/hear this go to:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCdr4-RQCNg

We love listening to Ford read.  After he “finishes” a book, he always says “the end.”  To see/hear Ford reading in his bed, being silly, a little drama, and saying “love you” after a nap on October 23 go to :  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nq1DlkOVUOY

Watcing Ford dance.  He likes all kinds of music and especially loves the Beach Boys song “Barbara Ann.”    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-RXf8OVl0Q

Recent things

Ford loves to hold hands with his friends.  He will say “hand, hand” and hold out his hand towards his friend.

He is big into giving his friends hugs.

He loves Kitty.  He adores Kitty.  He wants to give her hugs, kisses, and “hold you Kitty” (hold her).  He also likes to give her food and let her inside the kitchen where he can pet her, sit on the floor and hold her.

He says “hi” and “bye” to everyone we see when we are out.  Doesn’t matter if anyone responds or not, he will continue to greet them until someone acknowledges his greeting.

He loves to be outside.  All the time. 

He likes to use his toy vacuum and broom.

He still loves to push or pull toys- like his green machine, vacuum, his wagon (until I ran over it and broke it), his cozy coupe car, lawnmower etc.

He still loves Giraffey.  When we go in to get him in the morning he will greet me or Jeff with a loud “Hiiiii!” and then usually says “Giraffey” (still sounds more like “daddy” though) and then will often show us Moose and Sammie as well.

He has started calling Jeff “Daddy” sometimes and not just “Dada” or “Dad.”  I occasionally am called “Mommy” but most often am “Momma” or “Mom.”

He loves to play on the phone.  Cell phone, land line phone, or his play phones.  A lot of times you can pick up who he is “calling” and maybe a word or two here and there, but then a lot of nonintelligible things as well if it is a long “conversation.”

He will fold his hands for prayer time.  He will say “Amen” (sometimes extremely enthusiastically).  And will say “God” (usually leaves out the “dear” part)and then will say or sign “thank you.”  We are working on saying something he is thankful for.  He will repeat what we say after “thank you” and is starting to add some things he is thankful for on his own. 

Like two of my good friends have said at completely different times and not in the presence of the other, Ford is very passionate.  We are getting a glimpse into “2,” especially lately. 

I love that he will say “bye” to just about anything.  “Bye Publix,” “Bye Wal-mart,”  “bye rocks,”  “bye car.” 

I love his ability to recall.  I love that he knows people’s names after meeting them one time and knows which mom goes with which friend.

I love that he recalls things he has done days and weeks ago and retells them to me.  One night  it was “fair, pigs, cow, moo.”  All one utterance to tell me we went to the fair, saw those animals and the cows were mooing at us.  Also, we saw turkeys at the fair and he said to us “turkeys, moose, zoo.”  Letting us know that at the Colorado Springs Zoo he saw turkeys that were in with the moose.  Also, awhile back we got “buzzed” to get him out of the nursery at church.  That was the first time it has happened and was becuase he could not calm down.  Any time we pass by a church he tells me “church, sad.” He remembers that he was extremely sad at church Sunday.

He has now added “C” when he sings the “ABCs.” 

He has been singing along with songs in the car.  For example, he says “mmm” along with “Deep and Wide” and “no” along with “This Little Light of Mine.”  Also, when he hears the call letters for the station we listen to he will sing “K” (it is WMHK).  He also tried to sing the Beach Boys ”Barbara Ann.” 

Ford now will “count.” A lot of the time the numbers are in the correct sequence and at others not as much.  Or, he might just start with five and count up to nine (but usually correct sequence).

He loves fruit.  Loves it.  Veggies not so much.  Carrots are about the only vegetable he will eat right now.  I think he would eat a diet consisting solely of fruit if we would let him.

Every morning he eats oatmeal with fruit on it.  When he wakes up he will also tell us “eat” and then say “fruit! oatmeal!  oatmeal, fruit!”

I love that he now tries to jump.  Doesn’t get his feet off the ground but he bends down and tries really hard. 

I love how he dances.  He basically just picks one foot up and then the other, usually picking up the right foot and raising it a little higher.  I also love how he runs.  He swings his left arm very excitedly, his right arm staying more by his side, and his feet move a tad faster than his walk.

I love that when he gets excited his whole body shakes– from his arms to his legs.

I love how he says “here ya go” or “there it is” or “here it is!”  I also love his “aaah, man” or “oh, no” or “oops.” 

Lately Ford has been eating with his left hand more often than his right, but not long ago he would eat primarily with his right.  He loves to throw balls and uses his right hand for that as well. 

I love listening to Ford read, anytime.  I especially love listening to him on the monitor in his bed after he has gotten up from his nap.

I love seeing and hearing Ford’s excitment when Jeff comes home from work.  He literally shreaks and chants for “Dad” or “Dada!”

I love family hugs.  Ford will ask for family hugs sometimes too which is cute. 

Ford is now pretending to sleep.  Such a fun game.  He will lay his head down, say “night-night” then make a snoring sound.  Then he will pop up, say “hi” and “wake!” 

The other day I heard Ford say “hair cut” while he was petting Kitty.  I also could tell she was not happy and wondered what he had done (thinking he most likely had pulled her tail).  The next day while Kitty was in my lap and we were both petting her Ford said “Kitty, hair cut” and started pulling the tips of both of her ears with his fingers, giving her a “hair cut.”  We think he was touching her ears for a hair cut since Kelly moved his ears a tad when she used the shaver.  It was soo funny and so hard for me not to just crack up.  Instead I just told him that he did a great job but that Kitty was all done hair cut. 

Ford calls a “comb” a “cone” and I love it.

Ford says “bless you” after someone sneezes, including himself.  The other morning we were all still in bed and I heard him cough in the other room, then sneeze.  Then we heard him say “bless you!” 

At the park Ford loves to swing.  I think it might be his favorite thing most of the time when we go.  He will swing for quite a long time and sometimes leans back to look up at the sky while I push him.

At the park on Sunday the 15th Ford saw a little boy somewhat fall and Ford said “oh, man!”  He also saw a soccer team who had pizza and decided he would like some and kept asking “pizza, please.” 

Ford thinks that if he says “please” it means he will get whatever it is he is wanting. 

I love how Ford says:

banana = “beena” 

water=  started as “laloo” then went to “waloo”

animals= “aminals”

Ford continues to be a joy and  pleasure to have in our family.  He makes each day special and fun.

Brittany and Brian’s visit

On Friday night Brittany and Brian drove in from Indiana.  We were so happy to have them visit and to spend some time with them.  Ford loved playing with them and showing off some too.  On Saturday after breakfast my dad stayed home with Ford while Jeff, Brian, Britt and I drove around a bit and went to the bookstore for them to get some Gamecock gear.  Afterwards we all watched College Game Day which was at TCU!  Ford was supporting his Frogs and was just as excited to see them on TV as we were.  Jeff had to leave for work after Game Day ended so the rest of us decided to head to the park for a picnic and some playing which was a big hit (notice the switch to Carolina colors to support his Gamecocks too)!  When it was time for Ford to take a nap we had a sitter come so that we could all go to the Carolina vs Florida game.  The weather was beautiful and overall it was a great game.  Half time was awesome, paying tribute to wounded soldiers and even included a fly-over.  On Sunday my dad left early and after breakfast the rest of us went to the zoo before they had to leave to drive home.  Ford loved showing Brittany and Brian all around the zoo.  We had such a great time and are thankful they made the trip to see us!     

Having fun with Aunt Brittany and her phone while watching Game Day!

Playing at the park

At the Riverbanks Zoo

Papa’s visit

My dad came for a visit on Wednesday night and stayed through Sunday morning.  As soon as we told Ford that he was coming we heard a lot of this: “Papa hold you,” “zoo, Papa,” “Papa, park, zoo,”  “Papa giraffes,” “park Papa” etc.  Non-stop.  It was a little much and made us realize we should have kept our mouths shut a little longer about his upcoming arrival then we did.  However, we were able to mark off all of Ford’s list of to-dos once Papa was here.  We were able to go to Little Gym on Thursday and Ford was more than happy to show Papa his latest tricks, like hanging on the bar and dropping while laughing the whole time, and walking on the balance beam (with help).  We were also able to go to Gymboree for open gym since it was very rainy on Thursday.  Ford enjoyed the slides and just running around with both Momma and Papa there watching.  Thankfully the rain stopped and on Friday we were able to take our trip to the zoo.  There were many highlights for Ford.  He was not too sure about the two huge gorillas right by the glass window so we stayed back, but once we left the exhibit he talked about the gorillas the rest of the time.  He loved the giraffes of course and liked being in Papa’s arms while Papa fed her lettuce (Ford was not into feeding the giraffe himself).  Papa even got a kiss on the neck from the giraffe (the volunteer held food right by my dad’s neck in order for him to be “kissed”).  Next up were the two ostriches.  He was very into them this visit and has mentioned them since.  Another highlight was the carousel.  Ford preferred sitting on Papa’s lap on the peacock bench rather than being on one of the moving animals.  He enjoyed the ride though and wanted to go again.  The last highlight was definitely feeding the Koi fish some food.  He and Papa both threw the food pellets into the pond where lots of fish gobbled them up.  Papa’s trip also included two trips to the park, some snuggling on the couch, and lots of reading and playing with trains.  Papa loves trains too so it was a great match.  My dad even helped me set up the train tracks in a new design.  Late Friday night Brittany and Brian drove in (more about their visit in another post) and overlapped with my dad on Saturday.  We all watched College Game Day at TCU and then when Jeff had to leave for work the rest of us had a great picnic in the park.  Ford had a babysitter Saturday afternoon while we all went to see the Gamecocks play Florida.  After our game my dad, Brian, and Jeff watched the TCU game.  It was a very fun-filled three days and we are so glad that Papa was able to come and visit. 

At the zoo 

having fun at the park

Papa taught Ford how to “ride” the green machine and he loved it!
 

Made me smile

When Ford got up from his nap on Monday this is the hair-do I found.  The top portion looked like he had slept in big rollers.  He is such  happy guy and I just love that I never know what his hair will look like when I get him up in the morning or after a nap. 

The love between a boy and his cat

Whether you are a fan of cats or not, there is no denying that our boy loves Kitty.  After his nap on Monday (November 9) we let Kitty in the kitchen to give her some attention.  Kitty is only allowed in the kitchen for us to pet her and we close the doors to keep her in there.  The pictures below capture some of what Ford was doing with Kitty.  Lots of lovins. . . hugs, kisses, resting his head on her, petting her,  just being next to her, sharing stories with her, etc.  I didn’t tell Ford to do any of this for the pictures, I just had my camera and snapped away.  As a side note, we still do not know if Kitty technically belongs to anyone else, but as Jeff said “Kitty knows who she belongs to”– us! 

To see Ford with Kitty last night (he was sharing stories and then telling secrets) go to :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FI1ejaexDn4

 

Fall

I love the fall and I love the fall we have in Columbia.  The trees actually change colors and the air gets crisper.  The dogwood trees are always the first to change, the first to drop, and are my favorite.  Our dogwood tree out our back is my favorite.  It was just as beautiful as always and we enjoyed watching it change colors (almost all the leaves have dropped now).  With the nicer weather Ford has been able to spend more time outside, which he loves.  We have gone to Heathwood Park a few times, meeting up with friends, and have gone to Citadel Park as well.  Ford always enjoys the park, especially the swings and the slides.  With the fall also comes more yard work.  Jeff has done a great job keeping up with all the leaves and pine needles and Ford has done his best to help his Dad out as well.  While Jeff is outside blowing the leaves or raking Ford will “mow” with his lawnmower, help Jeff pull the wagon with the leaves to the curb, pick up sticks, and do just about anything else he can think of.  Yesterday after raking a pile of leaves we showed Ford how to grab a handful and throw them up in the air.  He joined in on the leaf throwing, but kept his Nemo cell phone in one hand at all times.  The fall has been going fast, but has definitely been a great one for our family. 

Henry’s birthday party

On Sunday, November 1, Ford was able to attend his first birthday party for a friend!  His friend Henry from Little Gym turned 2 and invited Ford to join in on the celebration, which also happened to be at The Little Gym!  Before we left for the party Ford was carrying Henry’s birthday present around our house so proud.  He even tried to put a few extra toys inside it.  Jeff took Ford to the first half while I drove my mom to the airport and then I joined them for the second half.  Ford discovered the water fountain and spent quite a bit of time drinking from (and unfortunately, licking) the water fountain.  He had fun running around, swinging from the bars, and eventually even enjoyed walking/running on the air mat.  His favorite part though was the cupcakes!  He had eyed them throughout the party and was happy to partake in the birthday sweets!  All in all, Ford had a great time at Henry’s birthday!

Carrying Henry’s present around the house

Having so much fun with Dad!

Running on the air mat!

Time for cupcakes!

I love this picture of Ford and his friend, Isabel.  Look at her checking out how Ford is about to grab his cupcake! 

Henry and Ford.  A typical picture of two toddlers together.

 

Gramma’s Visit

Last week my mom came in for a visit.  We kept very busy going to Ford’s  Gymboree and Little Gym classes, as well as our Halloween events I already posted about.  We also took a trip to the zoo on Saturday, ran errands, and still had time to play at home.   Ford enjoyed reading with Gramma (especially his new book “Llama Llama” ) and playing with his trains and with his car garage with Gramma.  Ford loved having her here and knew exactly who to go to for treats.  In fact, on our way home from the fall festival the night she left he was wanting a treat and we said no.  So then Ford proceeded to whine “Gramma, treat.”  She had already left, but he was still trying to get her on his side.  The funny thing is that he hadn’t had that many treats.  It just happened that when he did get a treat, Gramma was the one who helped him with it.  Our visit went by fast, but was sure a fun one! 

 Gramma playing along with one of Ford’s new games. . .pretending to be asleep

More pretending he is asleep-  and the way his leg is crossed is often what he does when I put him in his crib for a nap or at night (so cute!!)

Listening intently to Gramma’s reading

At the zoo

Can you see the sticky, chocolate fingers on our boy?  He had just finished a treat with Gramma

Giving hugs and kisses before Gramma left