Our Beach Boy!

This weekend we took another trip to the beach!  We drove down Saturday during Ford’s nap to Karin and Scott’s house in Mt. Pleasant.   Once we got to their house we unloaded our stuff, got in our beach gear and drove the very short drive to the Isle of Palms.  Ford was even more interested in the ocean, it’s waves, and digging in the sand then he was last month when I took him.  He especially loved sitting in the water, digging, and then dropping the wet sand on his legs.  Another favorite was running into the water  and getting knocked down by waves.  He laughed each time a wave would knock him down and sometimes it seemed like he was just sitting down on his own, not completely being knocked down by a wave.  Sunday we went back to the beach again and Ford had just as much fun as on Saturday.  There were small “pools” of water by the pier that he enjoyed running through too.  He definitely “played hard” on Sunday and after cleaning up and eating lunch at Karin and Scott’s we drove home (and it took less than 5 minutes in the car before Ford was sound asleep).  It was great to see our friends and to spend some more time at the beach.  Ford had been looking forward to seeing Scott and Karin for a few days prior to our going.  Last week I told him we were going and the next few days following that he would say their names as if asking if that was the day we would see them.  He was happy to spend some time with his friends, and to get to feed Scott’s fish both days too.  We all had a great time and are thankful we were able to “get away” together.   

The sign of a great fun-filled weekend

Gymboree Play

This summer Ford started attending classes at Gymboree Play and Music.  I bought a “bubble pass” which meant that I could pay upfront for 3 months for a set price, and then bring him to as many classes for his age group a week as I wanted.  Almost every week (with the exception of the few we were out of town), Ford and I have gone to at least 3-5 classes per week, and sometimes have gone for the open play time on Thursday and Friday afternoons too.  It was such a deal and one that we really enjoyed!  We have gone to music class on Monday afternoons, play class on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings, and art on Fridays at lunch time.  This past month Jeff started taking Ford on Saturday mornings to a play class, just the two of them.  Last weekend I joined in for the first half, and let the boys finish the class together.  I am thankful for the fun we have had and that Jeff has been able to enjoy some of the classes with  Ford too.  Here are a few pictures of Ford at Gymboree on August 22, 2009. 

“Stop and Go” week

Playing “red light, green light” with Dad

“Lo?”

For the last month Ford has started saying “Hello” when playing on a phone.  It comes out “lo?!” or “do” (but mostly “lo!”).  He will pick up a phone, say “lo, lo!,” jabber a bit, then say “bye!”  And then will start it all over again.  Last week I bought him a phone at a consignment store and it has been a huge hit!  He has wanted to play with his “hone” (his latest version of “phone” which was first “pone” and then “mone”) quite a bit and didn’t put it down for the first three days.  He loves to carry it around and also enjoys flipping through the “phone book” portion, usually stopping on the cat.  Ford definitely loves phones!

Self imposed time-out

Today towards the end of lunch Ford started throwing things down on the floor from his highchair.  The straw to his cup, eggs, banana etc.  Each time he catapulted something on the floor he was reminded not to throw, but continued.  So, Dad sent Ford to time out.  He has been to time-out just a few times and we have used the corner by the front door.  We face him in the corner and kneel behind him while we count out loud to ten.  So, Jeff did that.  When he got out of time-out we told him again why he was there and mentioned that he broke the “rules.”  So, Ford excitedly said “rules” and then happily went back to the corner, sat down, and proceeded to “count.”  Meanwhile, Jeff and I ran into the kitchen where we were laughing hysterically, hoping Ford wasn’t hearing or seeing us.  He did this a few times, going to sit briefly in the corner and then hopping up, making us smile each time.  Not so sure how effective time-outs will be. . .

First day of school. . .

But not for me!  Today would be the first day back for student’s if I was still working at Oak Pointe.  I am extremely thankful that I have the opportunity to stay home with Ford and that he is my job right now!  I love our days together, love watching him experience new things, and love being with him.  We have been keeping very busy together with classes at Gymboree (music class, play class, and sometimes art class), walking and playing in the park with friends, play dates, going to the library, running errands, and just hanging out at home.

Ford continues to amaze both me and Jeff.  He will say something or do something that gives us a reminder of just how smart he is, and how amazing it is that he is learning what he is.  An awesome process to witness.  Today we drove by the church we have been going to (but have only been to maybe once in the last month) and he said “church.”  We pass by the grocery store and he says “Bye Pu- kicks” and “milk” (we go to Publix for their milk and usually to Wal-Mart for our big grocery shopping).  It doesn’t take him but once or twice to know the name of someone, or something, or to make an association.  We pass by The Little Gym where he went to classes from January through May and he says “Emily” (his friend who was in his class).  We pass by the restaurant Zoe’s and he says “Emily” or “Gran” or “Mimi” (Emily his friend who we go to Zoe’s with after Little Gym and Gran and Mimi the grandparents of the man who owns it, who help out in the restaurant and adore our kids).  We pass by The Happy Cafe where we have eaten maybe 3 times since the beginning of the year and he says “Bibif” (Elizabeth) and “Paka” (Monika), two friends that work with Jeff who we have met there to eat.  We start driving towards Jeff’s office and as we get closer he says “Office, cocky!”  It really does amaze me.  He remembers people’s names and will bring them up in conversation without hearing them mentioned prior.  He will start “talking” about his friend “Charlie” or “Hampton” or “Isabel” who he just met last Saturday, but has seen a couple times and really likes.  He is really starting to enjoy seeing his friends.  Still mostly parallel play, but he enjoys being around them and will sometimes give them hugs, both on demand and spontaneously.  He is such a sweet boy.  He says bye to each friend at Gymboree and usually will say their name (sometimes needs prompts on this one).  He still loves greeting people when we are out.  He has just started saying “thanks” and “thank you” in addition to signing “thank you.”  He can now say “Ford” and also says “Jeff” and “Allison.”  If he  hears me or Jeff calling for the other, Ford will join in and call the name as well.  He holds his hands to say prayers before he eats and before bedtime and says “God” (“Gog”), and “Amen.”  When we say “thank you” in his prayers he usually signs it.  He loves his polar bear stuffed animal and likes to hug him and carry him around.  He will go over to the chair where Duffy usually sits and say “Hug” or “Duffy” and give him a big long hug.  He loves reading books and now has books he gets to keep in his bed for when he wakes up.  A lot of mornings he will call us and once we go to get him he just wants to keep reading and have us in his room, but not take him out of his crib.  Last week he walked up the stairs by himself, reaching almost on his tip toes to use the railing to help him balance!  He also walked down the stairs by himself, using the wall as his help.  More and more signs of him growing up!  We are really proud of him!

I can’t believe 19 plus months have gone by.  I want to slow down time or just freeze it for awhile.  I love this stage with him and am already sad that in four years he will be going to school and won’t be with me all day.  Another reason to be thankful that we have the opportunity for me to “work” at home with Ford right now rather than somewhere else.  I am so thankful and happy for how I get to spend my days.  I appreciate Jeff’s work and provision for our family so that Ford and I can benefit greatly in the many ways we do!  Four years from now I will be a mess, bringing my “baby” to school for the first time for someone else to take care of and teach for the bulk of the day.  Until then, I will love on him and teach him and enjoy him as much as I can.  I know it will go by way to fast.

The little boy who has captured our hearts with his Moose

“Bauce”

Ford has found a new kind of treat. . .”sauce,” or “bauce” as he pronounces it.  “Bauce” is any kind of anything that he can put on top of his food, or simply just dip his fingers in and lick off.  This includes but is not limited to hot sauce, cocktail sauce, barbque sauce, marinade.  You get the picture.  The boy likes dipin’ and lickin’ and having some “bauce.”  At times it works to my advantage as I can get him to eat more of his “main dish” if there is sauce involved.  However, it can also backfire and all he wants is the sauce, no food to go with it.  He can also get quite obnoxious in his constant requesting for more sauce, even if there is still sauce on his plate.  I remember my friend Colleen telling me earlier this year to hold off on introducing any sauce as long as I could. . .  well, I finally understand why she gave that advice.  If only we had listened and held off a little longer.  Oh well, it is fun to see Ford enjoy the little “extras” that can be offered at meal time. 

Ford and his cocktail “bauce” August 13th

Going in for a lick of “bauce”

Not exactly what I had pictured. . .

Yesterday morning we took Ford to the Horseshoe area on campus to run around, explore, and to hopefully get some cute pictures.  It was extremely humid and sprinkled off and on.  Ford wanted nothing to do with any sort of smiles what-so-ever, and truth be told wanted nothing to do with anything but what he wanted to do.  So, we spent our time trying to convince him to smile, not whine, and to not run away from us.  He enjoyed himself I do believe, especially when he got a good head start running in the opposite direction from where Jeff and I were.  He also really thought it was great fun to push his stroller.  He did not think it was necessary for anyone to help him, and would fuss any time Jeff tried to put his hands on the stroller to help him.  Such an independent little guy we have.  Another highlight for Ford was going up to the president’s house and knocking on the door.  Thought he was pretty funny doing that trick.  Ford was interested in the fountain and thought the water looked nice and refreshing.  I actually considered putting him in except I couldn’t tell how deep it was, so we passed.  After spending some time on the Horseshoe we headed to Jeff’s office which Ford was really excited about.  He says “office” quite clearly and loves getting to go to Jeff’s office to visit and to see “Cocky” (any logo with a gamecock in it, the stuffed gamecocks in the lobby, etc.).  We changed Ford into his gamecock onesie to head to lunch and then to fan appreciation day at the Colonial Life Arena.  Ford is 2 for 2 in attending fan appreciation day and was really excited to see Cocky.  I should clarify.  He was excited prior to actually getting inside on the same level as Cocky.  After looking at the fountain outside we walked inside and up the stairs as Ford excitedly called “Cocky, Cocky!”  However, once we were upstairs closer to him, he got quiet.  Then it was Ford’s turn to see Cocky and the meltdown occurred.  Jeff held him and Ford clung to Jeff, crying and shaking and trying to get as far away from Cocky as possible.  So sad.  Especially considering how much he has loved Cocky in the past, and how excited he is any time he mentions Cocky or sees a Cocky.  Oh well.  Ford also got to see Sir Big Spur.  As we were walking up to him Ford said “chicken.”  We clarified and he repeated “rooster,” and “Gamecock.”  He liked him for a bit and then decided Sir Big Spur was not quite his friend either and started to get upset again.  All in all, he was not loving fan appreciation day this year.  When we got to the car though, Ford fussed to see Cocky- go figure.  Also, when he got up from his nap all he could say was “Cocky, Cocky” (and did so excitedly).  I think he must have forgotten the terror he had when he met Cocky.  He also has wanted to look at his pictures with Cocky and is so happy when he sees him in the picture.  Such a funny boy.  So our day yesterday did not give me the cute pictures I had envisioned (our family with Cocky, Ford with Cocky etc).   However, it gave us a few good laughs and memories, and funny pictures.  So although I did not quite get the pictures I had envisioned setting out for our day, it was still a great day.

The Horseshoe on the University of South Carolina campus 

Knocking on the president of the university’s door (he lives in a house on the Horseshoe)

Outside the Colonial Life Arena

Duck, Duck, Moose!

When we were in Minnesota last month Ford got a new onesie with one of his top four favorite animals on it. . . a moose!  The other three animals in his top favs would be chipmunks, dogs, and cats.   Here he is sporting his new onesie that he wears to bed sometimes. . .

Hanging out before bed July 29th

 

August 12th – ready for bed with his good pal, “Moose”

 

Lots of recent pictures

Playing outside and pretending to water the plants July 19

Look at those sweet curls!

Helping Mom go through the mail August 5

All clean and ready for bed August 5 

Dragging Duffy around the room Aug 9

Love my boy with no shorts on!  August 10

Studying his straw

Dairy Queen Date

This weekend was a very productive one for our family.  We had no plans other than to try and get some things checked off our “to-do” list, and to just be together.  It was a very successful weekend!  One of the things on our “to-do” list included a family date to Dairy Queen for a “treat.”  The ride there Ford made sure we knew he wanted a “treat” by saying it over and over.  We got a Girl Scout Thin Mint Blizzard and Girl Scout Tagalong Blizzard.  Ford was given his own cup and spoon with some of the Thin Mint Blizzard.  It was a hit and he enjoyed his treat!  He thought it was even better that on the wall was a Carolina logo with “Cocky” in the middle and proceeded to say rather loudly, “Cocky, Cocky,” over and over for everyone to hear.  Our boy (and his parents too) definitely enjoyed his treat out with our family.  Some of the other things we got accomplished include yard work, laundry, and shopping for a new TV.  It felt great to get some things done, have a “date” out, go to church on Sunday, and just hang out.  We were very proud of Ford at church.  He was upset when we dropped him off and was crying.  When we went to pick him up we stood back and just watched for a bit.  He was happy and playing with some of the toys!  When he saw us he was still happy and didn’t start crying (like he has done in the past).  The report was that he was upset for a bit, but calmed down and was fine after that!  Yea for Ford!  He said “church” a few times before we went and after we got home and I think he actually might have had a decent time.  Maybe next week there won’t be any tears at the drop-off.  We can only hope.