The next Picaso?

Yesterday Ford went to his first art class at Gymboree.  We have signed up for the 3 month summer session and get to go to whichever classes we want, as often as we want throughout the week!  I think it will be wonderful, especially as it gets hotter outside and we will be looking for air conditioned places to run around!  So, yesterday Ford and I headed to the art class for the first time.  I wasn’t sure what to expect, but overall was pleased.  The class started out by playing with play-doh.  This was Ford’s first introduction to play-doh and although he tried to put it in his mouth a few times, overall he did OK with it.  Did not particularly love it, and wasn’t super interested in it, but he managed to keep himself busy during play-doh time.  Then it was time to start making things!  This was the part Ford enjoyed most.  First he chose a yellow butterfly made out of construction paper.  Then he was given paints and a paintbrush and he painted on one wing.  Then Momma helped by folding the butterfly in half to make the paint go on the other wing so each wing has the same pattern.  We then glued it on another piece of construction paper, added eyes and hung it up to dry.  Unfortunately, we did not take this one home so I don’t have a picture of it, but I absolutely love it.  The next activity was making small butterflies using cupcake liners and a pipe cleaner.  First, Ford colored on the liners with creamy crayons.  Then he took a wet paintbrush and painted over the crayon which made it look more like water colors.  Next, Momma helped by putting the pipe cleaners on, turning the cupcake liners into butterflies.  The class ended with building with big, foam blocks, but Ford wasn’t too interested.  He wanted to explore, but all of the equipment was covered.  Overall, I think he had a great time and we will definitely visit Art class again.  I loved watching Ford discover art and absolutely love the pieces he made!  I am very proud of him!

Check out the beautiful blues and greens Ford painted on his leg!

Not a fan

Today Ford went to the dentist for the very first time.  I know, he only has 7 teeth, but his pediatrician recommended he go sometime after he turned one (despite the low number of teeth) to get familiar with going, and in case of an emergency (like, if he were to fall and knock out his front teeth like his mom when I was little, however, let’s pray we don’t have to deal with anything like that) he would already be established somewhere as a patient.  So, today was the big day!!  He was excited to be in the waiting area.  Lots of people and toys and he loved sitting in a big chair next to me.  He was great up until the point where we walked back into the room where they clean teeth and we sat down together in the dental chair.  He started clinging to me and was furrowing his eyebrows as he carefully checked out everyone in the room, all the equipment etc.  The crying started as soon as the technician started lowering our chair (he was laying down, his back on my belly).  He kept trying to get up, so she decided it was best to just get Dr. Green.  She came in and looked in his mouth (an “exam”) and talked about cleaning his teeth, a few things not to do, etc, and that was about it.  He would not let them do anything else and cried/fussed the entire time.  I guess you have to start sometime and hopefully in time he will grow to understand that it isn’t something to get scared or upset about.  He was given a blue duck toy by the sweet ladies who were helping us and a bit later he found it to be quite fun.  He recovered quickly overall, but when I went back in the room to put him in the chair for a picture, the crying started again.  However, it quickly ended as soon as I got him down from the chair.  Oh boy.  Hopefully his next appointment will be a little more productive, and a little less fussy.  

 

The funniest book ever

Last Monday Ford checked out new books from the library (this has quickly become a weekly activity).  That afternoon I asked him to bring me one to read to him.  So, he picked one out of the pile and brought it to me.  After I read it, I asked him to go get another book.  This time he brought “Blue Hat, Green Hat” by Sandra Boynton (he loves her books).  It was the first time we had ever read this book.  Ford was not far from me, but not sitting down while I read.  But, I read the book anyway and hysterical laughing soon started.  Each page ends with a turkey doing something silly (which Ford wasn’t really looking at) with a piece of clothing and you say “oops” when you get to the turkey.  This apparently was so funny to Ford, who could not stop laughing while I read through the book.  The next night I brought it up to Ford’s room so that Jeff could read it to Ford before bedtime and see Ford’s reaction to the book.  Jeff read Ford the book and again, hysterical laughing the entire book.  Then we asked Ford to read the book to us.  When we heard him say “ooo” (his “oops”) we started laughing, which made him laugh.  It was too cute. 

To watch Ford laughing and reading:

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXJNPe47e20

Milk shakes, slushes, doughnuts, oh my!

The title pretty much sums up the terrible parenting that has been going on in our house the last 3 days.  But, let me explain why.  Last week Ford started getting pretty fussy during the day.  His appetite was decreased and I noticed sores on his tongue, hands, and a couple on his feet.  Oh, no.  I knew what it was as it turned out that Charlotte had it at the beach and none of us knew it.  Hand, foot, mouth disease.  What a terrible name.  I really thought he had by passed it, but he didn’t and that is what it was.  I called the nurses line at his doctor’s office to make sure they didn’t want him to come in and was reassured that in fact, there is nothing you can do except give Tylenol or Motrin to help ease their pain.  I also asked about it being contagious and was told if he didn’t have a fever he should be OK to be out (hence going to Little Gym on Thursday, although I did keep him away from hugging or kissing anyone that day).  Well, by late Thursday night I had horrible sores in my mouth and could barely move my tongue to swallow or talk.  I then noticed that the blisters on my feet that I thought I had gotten that day from my sandals, were not in places that my shoes would have caused. . . and then Friday morning noticed more sores on my feet as well as sores on my hands too.  Yep, I now had it too.  I scheduled an appointment with my doctor to make sure that what was going on in my mouth and elsewhere was in fact what Ford had and to see if there was anything I could take differently.  The doctor confirmed I had Hand, Foot, Mouth as well and gave me a prescription that is supposed to numb my mouth (notice I said “supposed to”, oh yeah, and by the way adults don’t usually get the sores on their hands and feet but I am one of the lucky ones that did! ).  Both Ford’s doctor’s office and my doctor suggested Popsicles, milk shakes etc, things that are cool and feel good to eat.  So, on Friday Ford and I went to Sonic and he had his first Sonic Slush (a tad earlier than I had planned on introducing the yummy treat), grape flavored (or a small part of one, mixed with water).  He also had some of my melted chocolate malt.  Saturday the three of us headed to Sonic for our frozen treats again before heading to the park to play for a bit.  This morning I was so tired of not being able to eat that I thought maybe soft doughnuts would be something I could handle.  So a trip to Dunkin Doughnuts was in order and we brought home a carton of “munchkins” and Ford tried his first (of many) doughnut hole.  They were a hit.  He got so excited when we gave him one and would kick his legs with joy.  I think Ford feels much better today.  Last night was the first night he slept through the night after having a few nights of getting up at least once (and a couple times then staying up for 30 minutes or so before feeling good enough to fall back asleep) and slept a tad later than usual.  He has also been in a great mood today, so I am hopeful that he is feeling better and will only continue to feel better in the next few days.  I am also hopeful that I too will soon feel better, although at the moment, mine has gotten worse over the last 3 days.  My hands and feet feel better, but my mouth is extremely painful.  But, I have hope it won’t be much longer.  In the meantime, I am trying to enjoy my milk shake, slush, and doughnut diet as much as possible, and praying that Jeff can somehow dodge getting it. 

Ford’s First Sonic Treats!

To see Ford’s excitement for his first Doughnut experience go to :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-VkQKLKmeo

Little Gym

Every Thursday since January Ford and I have gone to a Little Gym class at 11:00 together.   Our friends Colleen and Emily (who is 2 months older than Ford) go to Little Gym with us which makes it even more fun.  Since day one the class has been a huge hit with Ford!  He has truly enjoyed his classes there!  Every class started out with the kids and moms getting bells to use while singing the hello song.  After cleaning the bells up (which Ford is great at doing) we usually did a song where we introduced ourselves.  Then it was “warm up” time on the red mat.  A lot of times it was walking, running, jumping, trying to get the kids to do a “wheel barrow” etc.  After mat time it was time to explore the gym.  This was Ford’s favorite part.  In fact, he often would start exploring before it was time to explore.  He wasn’t the only one to explore early, but he definitely was one of the most consistent ones who took off the red mat early.  During the exploration time the teacher would stop the music and demonstrate a couple of skills.  Then each of the kids would take turns practicing the new skill.  Ford got to play on all sorts of cool mats, a spring board that he could jump on with me, uneven bars, balance beams etc.  One of his favorite things to do turned out to be forward rolls.  When doing his roll this is what we would say “be tall, be small, tuck your head and roll like a ball!”  That would be his cue to put his arms up, then bend down and roll.  He definitely loves to roll and that is becuase of what he learned at Little Gym.  After free time we would come back to the mat for ball play and bubbles.  We ended with our good bye song and Ford always got a stamp on his hand at the end of class.  Ford was always wiped out after each class.  He definitely played and explored hard during his classes.    He loved his class and I loved going with him.  Yesterday was his last class of the semester, “performance day,” (which is really quite funny for 10-19 month olds) and it was so fun to watch him.  Jeff was able to come for part of it too.  At the end of class each child climbed up the “podium” and their teacher, Miss Megan, put a medal around their neck.  This was Ford’s first medal ever!  He wasn’t too sure about it, but left it on for awhile, before deciding he had had enough of it and it needed to come off.  All in all he had a fabulous last class and we signed up again for the fall, but will be doing different activities this summer.  I am very thankful for the time that Ford and I had together each week at Little Gym and am very thankful to Ford’s Great-Grandma (G.G.) who gave them as a gift to him!   

Emily and Ford

Doing a hand stand to get bubbles on his feet

To watch Ford showing his forward roll and “back handspring” go to:

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

Ford climbing the podium to receive his first ever medal!

 

To see Ford climbing on the “podium” to receive his medal go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsLFIXz9o5k

Checking out his first medal. . . and not too sure about it

Here are a couple from earlier this spring:

Kiawah Island

Quite awhile ago our friend Chrissie sent out an email to some of our TCU friends about getting together the week of May 11-17 for a vacation to celebrate Travis’s (second) graduation from TCU (this time with his B.S.N.) on May 10.  It was eventually decided that we would find a house on the beach and we ended up in Kiawah Island, which is 2.5 hours from our house.  Late last Sunday night, May 11, the Vorels and Stuntzes flew to Columbia.  They stayed with us until Monday afternoon when they all drove down to Kiawah Island.  Ford loved having his Texas friends, Josh and Lillie Vorel and Thessalie Stuntz, at his house to play on Monday.  He even said their names, with “Josh” being the most clear.  On Thursday morning the Everlys flew into Columbia and after lunch we all drove down to Kiawah to meet up with the Vorels and Stuntzes.  Ford was excited to welcome Charlotte to South Carolina and loved having his friend ride with him in the back of the Yukon.  Amanda and I laughed as one of them would start making a sound and then the other would make the same sound in response.  They also reached their hands out towards the other, but their arms weren’t long enough to reach.  After unpacking our cars at the house all four families got in the pool for awhile.  Ford hadn’t been swimming since last summer, but enjoyed it.  In fact, he enjoyed the pool so much over our weekend that he now says “pool,” even spontaneously!  He also had fun that evening getting kisses from Charlotte and giving her high fives.  He hugged her once and then she gave him a kiss, and so then he kept leaning his forehead towards her to get more kisses!  The rest of the weekend any time I told him to give Charlotte a hug, he would instead go to her and lean his head out to get a kiss!  They are so cute together. 

Ford leaning in to get another kiss

Friday morning we had a slow going start as we just enjoyed talking and letting the kids play before we all headed out to the beach.  While at home that morning Ford, Thessalie and Charlotte had a great time on our bed playing with all of the bottles and toothbrushes in my toiletries bag.  They also enjoyed Charlotte’s booster seat anytime it was on the floor.  They each wanted a turn to climb in and sit down, trying get the buckle done.  Who needs toys when you have fun things like that around?

Of all the one year olds, Thessalie definitely loved the ocean the most!  She was so cute to watch as she headed straight into the waves when we got there and loved every minute!  Ford went in the ocean for the first time and seemed to liked it.  He held both my hands and we stood in the water so that when the waves came in, they came up to his belly button.  He also really liked it when I held him and dipped his feet and legs into the water, swinging him as the waves came.  A few times he also got on his hands and knees (usually after losing his balance when he wasn’t holding my hands) and just “sat” in the water, smiling as the waves came in.  After spending some time in the water Ford was ready to dig in the sand.  He got so sandy that day!  There was sand covering every inch!  Definitely a successful trip to the beach!

First day on the beach and headed for the ocean!

To see Ford and Jeff going in the water:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BP8QldQkV4E

Loved the water and now headed to dig in the sand!

Digging in the sand is hard work. . . and doesn’t leave much time to pull your pants up!

After naps Jeff and I took Ford to the nature conservatory just a few minutes away from us on the island.  They had some small animals, like fish, turtles, a bunny etc.  Ford also had fun just walking outside and climbing stairs he found.  Speaking of climbing stairs. . .  we had to block the stairs off in the house so that the little ones would not climb them.  They were all interested in them and would head towards the stair case and get frustrated that they couldn’t get up them.  Friday evening we all spent time in the pool again. 

Saturday morning Amanda, Courtney and I headed into Charleston and did a walking tour that ended with a glass of  iced tea and a cookie in the guides garden (Chrissie wasn’t feeling great so stayed behind).  We all loved our guide, an older British woman who was incredibly knowledgeable.  After our tour we had lunch and then stopped at Cupcake to get some dessert to take home to share with everyone. 

Ford enjoying sitting next to Josh on a foot rest while the moms were in Charleston

      

Saturday after the kids got up from their naps we all headed back to the beach for awhile, followed by another dip in our pool.  They all had fun again, as did we! 

Before leaving for the beach Ford and Charlotte realized that the stairs weren’t blocked. . . and the others soon followed!

Proud of themselves for “sneaking” up the stairs!

Saturday beach time

 The guys. . . Jason, Travis, Joseph and Jeff

The girls. . . Courtney, Chrissie, Amanda, Allison

Ford loving being dipped in the water and waves

Thessalie and Ford hanging out in the wagon on the beach

 Enjoying his time in his floating crab in the pool

Ford and Jeff relaxing in the pool with Lillie and Jason

 Our long weekend was such a great one.  The house we rented was wonderful and made for fun times.  Our evenings after the kiddos were in bed we spent cooking, eating, talking and laughing.  I am so thankful for our friends came out to South Carolina for their vacation and that we were able to join them!  We miss them already and Ford is wondering where all of his friends went.  We are looking forward to seeing them next time! 

Recent Silliness

Having fun with the lens cap to our camera

A few weeks back when my Dad was here Ford started doing this.  We laughed so hard but could not figure out what in the world he was doing.  The next day though, we realized he was trying to do a forward roll like he does at his Little Gym classes!  He will still get in this position and we know now to help him complete his roll. 

 

As you know Ford loves to climb our stairs.  He also loves closing doors.  So, he especially loves to climb up the basement stairs and close the door at the top.  He thinks this is pretty funny and is laughing at the fact that I am on the other side and can’t open the door (as it swings in towards him).  Jeff was in the basement with him to capture Ford laughing at himself.

 

When I went to get Ford up from his nap on Wednesday he was in a terrific mood.  He kept running around his crib, falling down, laughing and squealing.  He did this for a good 5-10 minutes before letting me get him out of the crib.  To see him in action:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkMOJA_0buQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqhIUG04s2s

Ford’s trip to the library

Last Monday, May 4, Ford went to the library for the first time.  We are lucky to have a branch just a short drive from our house that we can visit frequently.  It was Ford’s first time to go with me and he was able to check out four books and even a CD to listen to (which he has loved).  He enjoyed his new books and this past Monday was able to return them and pick out some more.

Ford’s book choices and CD

Enjoying his library books

Ford’s second round of check outs

Mother’s Day 2009

This weekend was a great one.  It started Saturday morning with a yummy brunch out with some friends.  That afternoon Jeff gave me a great present. . .an afternoon to run errands and do whatever I wanted to do away from the house. . .by myself!  It was amazing.  I can’t remember the last time I was able to get away for such a long time.  I was able to go to the mall and get Ford some new pjs, exchange a few things, and even look for me.  I was also able to get a Starbucks and then cash in a pedicure gift certificate I had received back in JUNE!  It was awesome.  While I got my pedicure I listened to my ipod and read through 2 magazines.  It was wonderful.  I really appreciated Jeff and Ford hanging out together and letting me go off by myself.  I know they both had more fun together than they would have with me.  While I was gone they were busy boys.  They went to Home Depo and bought white and red begonias and they planted them in the front and back yard!  As I drove up I saw beautiful flowers that made me smile!  Jeff said that Ford got quite dirty playing outside with him and loved the dirt.  No surprise to me as he is quite the outside guy lately and always finds a stick to play with, dig with etc.  On Sunday we were able to go a short walk before heading to church.  After church Jeff took us to Starbucks (two days in a row!  such a treat!).  We had a pretty relaxed afternoon and I was able to read, read, read!  Another thing that I don’t always take time to do and it was awesome.  After Ford woke up from his nap we headed to the park for a bit and then to Home Depo to get a plant for our front porch.  Jeff picked up pizza for dinner (as I requested) and we watched one of my favorite shows, Amazing Race, as we ate.  Then he surprised me with Blue Bell Birthday Cake Ice Cream!!  It was a wonderful weekend!

I am so thankful to be a mother and can’t imagine life with out Ford.  I think he is the sweetest, most precious son I could ever imagine and I wouldn’t change one thing about him.  I love that he is so friendly and says “hi” or “hey” to others wherever we go.  I love that he adores our “Kitty,” calls for her throughout the day, and gives her hugs.  I love that he is a fruit-aholic and will ask for more fruit without fail at each meal.   I love that he is “all boy” and enjoys carrying around a stick and digging in the dirt with it.  I love how he explores the park and has a huge smile anytime he goes in the swing.  I love the way he belly laughs when he gets tickled and love how easy it is to tickle him.  I love that he is pretty head strong and knows what he wants and doesn’t want/like.  I love the way he says “Momma” and “Mom.”  I love that he is adventurous and brave.  I love watching him walk around everywhere, and love it even more when he will hold my hand while we walk together.  I love that he enjoys “sweeping” and “swiffering.”  I love that he “sneaks” into his room, reaches through the slats of his crib, and gets “Giraffey” (his lovey) out and carries it around laughing and smiling.  I love that when we put Giraffey back in the crib Ford says “byeeee” every time.  I love his hugs and that he will now give a hug when asked and I absolutely love anytime he snuggles with me.  I love that he tries to do forward rolls and love his smiles and squeals as we help him roll on the carpet or on beds.  I love that he has started “teasing” us by acting like he is going to give us something and just as we reach out he pulls away and laughs.  I love his exploding vocabulary.  I love that he is sensitive and sometimes starts to get upset if he hears/sees another child get upset.  I love that he is persistent and determined.  I love that he has started folding his hands while saying a short jabber to pray.  I love that God created Him and has a plan for him.  I love that God blesses me each day with Ford and that I get to be the one that he calls “Momma.”  I feel so blessed that God created both my “boys” and that He made us family.  Life is so much fuller and more joyful because of both of them.   

Before church

Fun at the park

Helping Mom clean

  Ford and Jeff with some of their newly planted begonias

The apple doesn’t far fall from the tree

Wednesday, April 29th, was Baskin Robbins annual $.31 scoop night which benefits the Fire Fighters.  Jeff was out of town that evening but I decided Ford and I would go.  They had part of the parking lot closed off and had lots of activities going on.  They had a fire truck for the kids to see, a Dare ambulance type truck, a dunking booth, face painting, bounce houses, the K-9 dogs (one of which Ford got to pet!), a police boat, and a basketball hoop.  They also had two ice cream booths set up that had six flavors to choose from.  I decided to go to one of the booths since the line was much shorter than going inside.  I bought a scoop of rainbow sherbet for Ford and a scoop of Reese’s for me.  It was Ford’s first taste of ice cream and it was a hit.  He is definitely like his mom and dad in that respect.  I gave him a few bites with the spoon and then took the spoon away and was getting ready to clean him up when he decided he wasn’t done.  He had no spoon but that was not going to stop him from tasting his tasty treat.  He started dipping his fingers in the ice cream and then putting them in his mouth.  Smart boy.  After a few “dips” Momma took the sherbet and it was time to go home.  It was a fun outing and I know next year Ford will enjoy it even more than he did this year. 

Ford’s first taste of ice cream!

Going in for some finger dippin’ and lickin’

To see Ford enjoying his first ice cream go to : 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t19_EwhdZkg