It's the LAST week of school!!

It's the LAST week of school!! YAY!! It's the LAST week of school!! YAY!!

Only 2 more days for my big boy and 3 for the other 2! No more homework (and fighting to get them to do it)! No more getting up early (and fighting to get them to do it - we're night people)! No more hurrying to get stuff done in the evening (and fighting to get them into bed)! (Are you seeing a trend here?)

We get to sleep 'till we want to get up! We get to go to the pool! We get to PLAY!

Oh yeah, I'm supposed to write something about Jack! Well, here's an update. We finally got him to stack blocks, roll a ball to Daddy and big brother, and took a tiny step (more like a shuffle)! He's becoming more toddler-like every day. He has definite opinions about being held and loved on :(, and wants to do more himself. He likes to drink out of his sippy cup but has this annoying habit of throwing it down after a sip. We've tried taking it away after the throwing but then he wants another drink and mom is a sap so I give it back. He has a roomful of toys that I put away every night and we dump out again every morning. He has an amazingly soft blue blanket that I got as a shower gift. The friend that gave it, embroidered his name on it. It was with him in the NICU and he's slept with it since he came home. He loves to hold it and cuddle it. Right now he's "combing" his hair with a comb that M threw at her brother 'cause she was mad. Sometimes, he actually does it right!

Another Funny!

Okay, here's one from the child that would prefer to remain nameless :)

This particular child wanted to have toast for breakfast one morning, but we ran out of time and had to leave before the toast was eaten but after it was toasted. I forgot the toast was in the toaster all day so when this child returned home and discovered the still available toast, he/she decided to eat it (yes, after it sat in the toaster ALL DAY). He/she put some jam on it and tried to take a bite. Deciding the toast was too hard (really?!?!) he/she was seen dripping water onto it using fingers only. When asked (by me, trying hard not to crack up), "what are you doing?" the answer was "re-hydrating my toast" as though I really should have known! Who says "re-hydrating"?? Oh my gosh, it still cracks me up!

Quick Jackson update :
He stands from crawling in the middle of the floor, he will take a tiny itty bitty step without holding on very occasionally, he's becoming very opinionated and quite the toddler, but he's still very yummy and gets more kisses than he'd like. We have an ENT appt on Thurs. due to some fluid in his left ear that won't go away. Hopefully, it will be nothing as he hasn't had any infections yet. I'm not holding my breath though.

Mother's Day!!

Well, it turned out to be a good day! Which is surprising since I had to plan when and what to eat (just like any other holiday) and I had to buy my own gift (so I get one). But I already mentioned what I got (BEAUTIFUL DS Awareness bracelet from Amy) and I did get another cool surprise - Ty planted me a marigold at school! He also made me some coupons and drew a few neat pictures for me. There were 3 coupons. This is what they were for:

1. a box of crayons
2. a massage chair
3. time with just me and him together

Is there anything better? Lordy I love that child! Also another wonderful surprise - M made me a picture frame out of popsicle sticks and shells and it had a pic of me and her in it! Love it!! I also got a card from hubby and another from all kids. So, it was a good day!

More good news - my mom has recovered enough from her hip surgery to come for a visit this week-end! YAY! I guess this means I have to clean. Yuck! Oh well, mom and dad are coming to visit! YAY!! Wish me luck on the cleaning!

Jack went camping!

Yep, we camped last weekend! A couple of years ago, before Jack, we decided we liked camping but we didn't like tents. So we bought the coolest camper out there (heh heh). It's fun and we have a bathroom! It'll be better when Jack can walk but we sat by a campfire and took a hike and didn't answer any phones!

He's getting closer to walking. He's been standing from sitting on the floor without holding on for awhile now (maybe a week). We're working on his balance when he's up there; he only stands a few seconds before sitting back down. The good news is, he stands on his own and when he sits it's a controlled sit, not just a big plop.

More news? The diet isn't going well. Darn food. I bought myself a Mother's Day gift - it's a Down Syndrome Awareness bracelet made by Amy over at The Flege Farm blog. When I learn how to make that a link, I will. Anyway, it's just beautiful.

So what am I grateful for today?
1. Jack is a constant source of fun and wonder. I love watching him taking in the world.
2. My oldest son got a haircut! I forgot how good looking he is!
3. My middle 2 are reading together as I type! It's a miracle!
4. My family loves me, even if I need to lose 40 lbs and can't fit into any of my shorts.