Working Outside

On Saturday morning while we were outside working in the yard our two boys were happy as could be.  Crews enjoyed playing in his bouncy seat and Ford spent quite a bit of time decorating some of our dogwood trees for spring.   They looked beautiful before the big rain storm came and washed them clean.  Ford also had fun “mowing” alongside his Dada and raking some of the leaves.  It has been nice to spend more time outside lately. 

Valentine’s Day

Ford brought home lots of wonderful Valentine art from school the first two weeks of February.  They have been practicing their cutting skills quite a bit and we are so proud of how Ford is improving!  Almost every heart in his art he had to cut.  Ford has also been cutting some at home.  In fact, he cut out two hearts after painting them to give to his Dad for Valentine’s day.  Ford and I also made robins at home one day too.  Maybe not exactly a Valentine’s activity, but he enjoyed it and I love seeing his robin hanging on our door. 

On Valentine’s day Ford and his class got to decorate cookies for a special snack.  They each had a bag and it was filled with cards and sweets from his class.  Ford picked Cars Valentines to give to his friends.  He went through and chose which Cars valentine was for each friend.  He then signed his name on the back of each one.  He also gave them heart-shaped rice krispie treats that we made.  When we got home from school he loved going through his bag to see what he got.  Lots of treats and a few doughnut coupons too.  His expressions trying to figure out which card was from who were hilarious at times, and I loved his excitement when he saw that Mrs. Frannie gave him Skittles!  He was thrilled!  For Valentine’s Day from us Ford got a small thing of M&Ms, ABC flash cards (which he has loved and is doing a great job with!!), and his own notebook and crayon ”pens” to use.  He was so excited and throughout the day kept telling me thanks for his Valentine’s goodies.  We didn’t do anything on Valentine’s night as I had a meeting, but we had a family Valentine’s dinner the night before.  I made breakfast for dinner with quiche that had a heart made out of bacon on top, pancakes with a couple of heart shaped ones, fruit, and for dessert we had heart-shaped rice krispie treats.  All in all Ford had a great time preparing for and celebrating Valentine’s day.     

The hug he made us

A valentine for the birds…bird seed included which Ford loved putting out for our birds.

Ford’s footprint Robin we made at home.  He ended up painting the tummy rather than using marker like he started to in the picture below. 

The hearts Ford painted and cut out for Jeff

Going through his valentine bag to see all of the cards and sweets from his friends at school!

“Yes!  Skittles!”…from Mrs. Frannie

Crews enjoying his Valentine treat…rice cereal

Ford’s Christmas Art 2011

Ford’s present to us.  He decorated the ornament and the wrapping paper.

Ford’s Spring 2011 Art

January

February

 

March

“March comes in like a lion. . .

And out like a lamb”

April

May

Ford’s Art from the Fall

I have tried to take pictures of the most of the things that Ford has made that comes home from school, saving some of our favorites.  Here are the pictures I took from August through November (I have already posted all of his December work).

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!  We hope you are having a wonderful day celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus!  This Christmas season has been such a special one with Ford.  What a difference one year can make!  He has really understood so much this season.  We have spent this month reading all kind of Christmas books, not just about Santa, but also about the true meaning of Christmas, the baby Jesus’s birthday.  At school they spent time talking about baby Jesus, and making all kinds of darling art.  Below are pictures of the things he made at school.  I plan to take the paper items to be laminated so we can put them up in the years to come.  We are thankful for Mrs. McCall and her creativity and thoughtfulness in the art projects she chose for Ford’s class.  Yesterday Ford was excited to go to church for “baby Jesus’s birthday” and loved blowing out a candle on Jesus’s birthday cake after the service back at home.  This morning when I  went in to get him he said “Mommy, I want to open presents!”  But as he opened a present he said “Happy birthday Baby Jesus!”  What a special thing for us to hear from our almost three year old.  He is getting that this season is not just about wanting and getting and Santa, but about something so much bigger and more important.  It will be interesting to see how much his understanding continues to grow in this coming year.  He did think he was going to be able to see baby Jesus last night, so we do have some room to “grow” (but I guess we all do).  But, it has been an incredible gift to see his understanding of Jesus and that we give presents to celebrate his birth.  And today, watching Ford’s excitement as he opened his gifts, and handed gifts to others, helping them open their gifts, was so priceless.  Again, what a difference a year makes.  Last year he cried as we tried to get him to open more gifts.  This year he loved it, but with each gift opened he said “I want to play with this!” or “oh, I want to read this!”  He has had a fabulous day so far, and so have we.  We are so blessed and thankful.  We hope your Christmas has been a special one as well. 

Ford colored the star that had information about Baby Jesus on it and helped glue the cut out of Baby Jesus on the candy cane.

A beautiful nativity scene they made by glueing cut-outs and tongue depressors as the stable.  I love that the Baby Jesus is upside down.  To me this shows Ford is getting to do his own art (or most of it anyways).

Ford’s hand print Christmas tree with fingerprint ornaments

Ford’s thumb prints Baby Jesus ornament that Mrs. McCall stuffed with hay.  It is precious and we are so thankful for it.  We have it hanging on a stand in our kitchen so we can see it easily and often.

The back side

Ford’s gingerbread man that he colored yellow and helped glue on the stick

Our Christmas present from Ford.  It is a canvas of Santa and his reindeer made with Ford’s finger prints that also has a red ribbon to hang it on the wall (can’t see it in the pic).  Mrs. McCall even beautifully wrapped this gift to us and had a gift tag that said “To Mommy and Daddy, Love, Ford.”  Precious.

Santa Night at Kilbourne Park

Thursday night was Santa Night at Ford’s school.  The three of us went and Ford was able to see Santa again, although he wasn’t quite as comfortable with him as he was earlier in the week at the zoo.  He was excited to show Santa the reindeer on his shirt (see picture below) and was quizzing Santa with questions such as, “Where’s your sleigh?  Where’s Mrs. Claus?  Where are the reindeer?”  After seeing Santa Ford had a Chick-fil-a dinner and was able to see his friends Hayes, Tripp and even Isabel.  The boys were being so silly together and pretending to be robots all around the room.  After eating we headed over to the craft rooms and chose two art projects that Ford could make.  He made a snowman face where he glued on the nose and drew the eyes and mouth.  Jeff and I were so proud of his eyes and mouth as it was his first time he has actually attempted something other than just coloring all over a page.  The other craft was a reindeer.  Ford had his hands painted and made the reindeer’s antlers.  When we went back in the building where Santa was to say good-bye to our friends Ford went right up to the stage where Santa was and got his attention to proudly show him his reindeer and snowman.  We all had such a fun night and were reminded again how wonderful Ford’s school is, and just how much we love it there.

Ford and Hayes, such sweet buddies.  They did this on their own.  I just asked if they would stand by each other and this is what I got. 

Tripp and Ford

Making his reindeer

Sweet sounds

I wrote this on Friday, May 14, but forgot to post. . .

This morning as Jeff was getting ready for work I was doing a few things around the house.  Ford had eaten breakfast, was still in his jammies, and was playing in the family room.  First he had his shopping cart and bag that he was pushing around.  Then we started hearing some nice music from him.  He had gotten out a lot of his instruments, put them all out on the couch with him, and was playing the xylophone, maracas, drum and using his microphone.  I quietly walked in on him and this was the video I got. . .and then a few pictures of our little musician too.  Ford has gotten really good at playing by himself.  There are times he definitely wants to be with friends, or have me playing with him, but he has definitely enjoyed playing alone lately as well.  It is so wonderful to just “listen in” while I work in the kitchen or am doing things around the house.  He talks away as he plays on his turbo turtle, or in his kitchen or with trains.  He is a happy little guy and I love just sitting back and observing him.  Today was one of those times my heart just smiled as I heard him playing his music, happy as could be. 

To watch our musician:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8iPQTX4UgI

Before, during and after

Ford had his first professional hair cut on Friday, October 23, at Hair Doodles.  Miss Kelly cut his hair and he did an excellent job sitting in the chair while his hair was cut and even while she had the clippers out (I had to look away during this part)!  Miss Kelly gave him some animal crackers while she cut his hair and he was given a lollipop when he left!  I am proud of my big boy for doing such a great job!  I have to admit it was a little hard to watch his sweet baby hair go, but it really did look like he had a rat-tail in the back center of his head.  The curls were out in full force one last time the day I took him as it was really warm and humid.  On the dry days, Ford’s hair in the back looked especially terrible.  So sadly, it was time to say good-bye to not only the “rat-tail” but also the sweet curls. I am missing them, but do love my cute boy with his big boy hair cut!

Taken in early September

The last long-haired shots of our boy before we left for Hair Doodles

Just getting started

After his hair cut with his pumpkin he made in Art class that same day, and trying a lollipop for the first time!

little bit of a rough patch

But before I get into that part, here is our happy boy doing “art” a couple weeks ago.  He was making G.G. (my Grandma) her 95th birthday card to give her when we were in Colorado (more on that later).  He loves painting and calls it “art.”  This particular day he said “art” so I got out some colored pencils but he kept saying “art, art” and went to the drawer where the paint is kept.  Obviously, “art” only means “painting” to him right now. 

Now on to the meaning of today’s title.  I am writing this not to necessarily remember our hard few nights, or lack of sleep, or the heart wrenching cries we have been hearing, but to be able to remember back to when our boy still needed us in the middle of the night, and wanted to be held and with us.   And to remember that yes, we are always learning and trying to do our best, and to do the best for him too.

It started Tuesday night.  Ford went to sleep just great like always, but at 9:30 woke up crying.  I went in and held him to comfort him, but when I put him back in his crib the crying started again.  So I tried just sitting in his room to be with him but without holding him, but it didn’t work this time.  Jeff came up to comfort him and the same thing happened.  I was so tired I finally told Jeff just to bring Ford in our room and I could lie down in bed with him and at least “rest” while he slept next to me.  I knew it wasn’t a great idea, but was honestly so tired I couldn’t face the thought of having to sit in the chair in his room holding him.  So, Ford and I snuggled in bed.  He finally fell asleep while I just rested and waited until that perfect moment I thought I could get away with transferring him to his bed.  Ford did not wake up when I put him in his bed and stayed asleep until the next morning. 

On to Wednesday night.  Jeff and I went out with friends and we shared a babysitter at their house.  We have never done this before but thought it would be worth a try.  The boys had so much fun together and both fell asleep (Ford was in Tripp’s pack n play in the extra room).  When we went to put him in the car he woke up.  Once we were home we tried putting him in his bed and the crying started.  I left the room and heard him crying “books, books” so decided I would try reading a book or two, saying prayers with him and then put him in bed (our normal routine for his typical 7:00 bedtime).  Well, it didn’t work.  By this time I was again exhausted and laid down on the twin bed in his room with him next to me.  When I tried to put him back in the bed the crying/screaming started again.  For some reason I took him to our room to see if it would be better, but it wasn’t.  He wanted to play and would roll over to Jeff and try to climb on him, or sit up against the big pillows and laugh.  All the while I was telling him to be quiet since it was time to go “night night.”   Finally at midnight I had had enough and back he went to his crib, still awake.  Again, the crying started and five minutes into it Jeff got up and went in Ford’s room.  He kept Ford in his bed and just laid down on the twin bed.  It worked.

Now for the doozy.  Before going any farther I guess I should mention that when I say “cry” I really mean “scream” and “cry” and the same time, while yelling hysterically ”Momma” or “Dada” or “hold you” (what Ford says when he wants to be held- it’s so cute and hilarious during the day, but not in the middle of the night).  He also screams these things over and over and over again in between trying to catch a breath or two.  It is terrible.  Ok, so on to last night.  Evening started out wonderfully like they do.  Ford was tired and ready for bed.   Said good night, and he was out.  For three hours.  Ten o’clock rolled around and I had just gotten in bed to read and I heard him.  My heart stoped and I held my breath hoping that maybe he would quickly go back to sleep on his own.  But, oh no,  that did not happen.  The crying, screaming, yelling out hysteria began.  I had told Jeff that Ford could not get into bed with me no matter what which is exactly what he wanted to do.  On the one hand it is sweet that my boy wants to snuggle with his Momma, but on the other it is a terrible habit and one that I don’t want to continue.  So, I held firm.  The hysteria continued, and continued.  Also crying “out, out” in between his usual comments and “bed” every now and then,  he was literally shaking he was so upset.  He also decided he would try and climb out of the crib, which got me worrying even more.  So, I took the front bumper off so he couldn’t use it to stand on like he was.  I have to say he was getting pretty close to being able to launch himself out he was so determined.  It was awful.  I hate hearing him cry, even just a normal cry, and this was way worse than a normal cry.  It was a gut wrenching, tear your heart out cry to have to listen to, and to deny his requests was extremely hard.  We would go back in to check on him, try to reassure, give a hug to him (which when we did, Ford literally held on for dear life), etc.  Nothing worked.  Our boy wanted “out” and in the bed or in our arms.  11:45 rolled around, and by this time I had read about 100 plus pages of my book, and quiet began to set in around our house.  Finally, he gave in and was asleep.  At 2:30 I heard him start to cry but he quickly went back to sleep, thankfully.  4:30 he was up again and that time started his hysteria again.  For 30 minutes.  Finally at 5:00 am our house was quiet again.  8:30 am Ford woke up (which is about an hour or more later than usual) and was in the best mood.  Our super happy boy had returned, but his parents were dragging a little bit for some reason.  I am hoping that tonight the crying will decrease and in a few nights this will all be just a “memory.”  It really is hard to hear him cry out “Momma, hold you, out, bed” and to have to say to him “no,” and watch him get hysterical right there in front of me.  I love holding my boy in my arms.  It is the best feeling, but I know this is definitely for his own good.  And we thought his crying spells before bed when he was an infant were bad.  Guess it goes to show you that you always get through it, and it doesn’t necessarily mean the worst is over.  But, we also now know that he will get through it, and so will we, and it won’t “damage” him (at least we hope). 

Ford has had a great morning.  We went to the zoo with some friends and he loved seeing all the animals.  At one point he wanted out of his stroller and said “out” and then said “hugs.”  Smart boy.  Knew that the hug request would get him out and into my arms.  Ford is such a sweetie and so gentle.  He is still so friendly and remembers people’s names after the first time of meeting them.  He gives people “love pats” on their backs, especially kids.  He did this in Barnes and Noble the other day to a girl maybe 9 years old.  He went over to her, said “hi” and then patted her on the back (she was sitting down reading).  He also did it in the O’Hare airport last week.  He found two brothers, 7 and 8 years old, ran over to them, said “hi” and then started patting one of their backs (these boys were so cute and played with Ford in the play area- I hope Ford will be gentle and sweet with little kids like they were to him when he is their age).  It is so precious.  Ford is just a loving little guy.  Luckily all the kids he has given back pats too have been sweet. 

After our zoo trip Ford discovered the iPod and wanted music, or “guhgic” as he calls it.  Here he is sporting my iPod (and his new Keds), looking like a big boy!

Also, Ford is starting to create some 3 word phrases.  In Colorado he told me “Papa go work” and today he came up to me and said “Mommy do it.”  He also says “push you Momma” which means he wants me to push him in his car outside.  His vocabulary is exploding and he talks all the time.  It is amazing to hear him tell stories and recall what we have done– even days or weeks before. 

Ford is 21 months old today.  It has been an amazing 21 months and I am very thankful for the boy that God created and blessed us with.