conversation with a 3 year old...

My friend Kathryn posts her quote of the week (and with 5 kids, she has some great ones).  Nate is finally making more sense in his conversations...here is one we had during bath this week.

Me:  Nate, did you know we are going to Mama's house this week?
Nate:  I like Mama's house.
Me:  What do you like best about Mama's house?
Nate:  Grandpa!

1st day of school!

Nate had is first day of school yesterday.  He was in tears when I left, but when a couple friends walked by his room a few minutes later and they said he was fine.  The teacher (Mrs. Beth) said he did good, not great.  Room for improvement!  Every so often, she said he would ask when I was coming, but he did well otherwise.

When I asked Nate what he did, he said "boo hoo" (he cried).  He also said he went to the playground (which seemed to be his favorite).  When I asked him if he wanted to go back, he said "yes".  He also sang me the cleanup song, and a few other things that I couldn't decipher.

Mrs. Beth said he never took off his glasses, and only quickly showed her his eyes!

Hopefully tomorrow will go better...I don't think I'll be crying in my car again.

Year 2 in review...

Okay...a little overdue...

Highlights:

• most changed - talking!  getting quite a vocabulary!!
• travel - FL, DisneyWorld, MS, AL, LA, TN, OH and PA
• loves - Lightening McQueen - especially his "chow", racing cars, Mom's tummy, Phineaus and Ferb, Toy Story, ipad, sunglasses, pants and tattoos, buzz lightyear pajamas

• favorite foods - apple juice, mac and cheese, pepperoni, chips and goldfish

• first movie - Cars 2
• wants everyone to be included
• has lived with us, Tessa neni, aunt Danielle and uncle Justin
• can navigate the ipod/ipad

I think the most significant is his communication.  Nate can really tell us what he wants, although some "baby talk" sometimes gets mixed in.  He also sings songs, and loves to dance and music.  Fortunately, he likes the same music as mom, so I'm not getting tired of baby songs...

He's also become quite independent.  I can send him upstairs to get something, or he can find my matching shoes in the closet.  He also likes to help unload the dishwasher (I put him in charge of the silverware) and help set the table.  And he rarely forgets to serve Charlie his dinner.

Nate has gotten quite used to Dad being at home.  With the sabbatical in October and 2 months off in January and February, he has had lots of time with Dad.  He loves it, and loves helping his Dad with all the projects around the house (you should see him with his little mallet).

Well, my little toddler is growing up into a little man...sometimes I just can't believe he is the same one!  But then, when he rubs my tummy...I know!  And here are some of my favorite pics...one from each month!

 

 

 

Nate is 3!!

Okay, I realized I've forgotten to do my quarterly posts.  Well, they have been on my to-do list, but it gets long, and I forget...and well, then it doesn't get done.

So, here is an update on today.  This weekend Nate turned 3!  We had a great birthday going on a mini train, lunch at Chuy's (a family favorite, and Nate love the creamy jalapeno), presents, and cupcakes!  And Nana and Papa were here to celebrate with us!  I think everyone had a great time.

And it was a very Cars birthday - sheets, blankets, pillows, playmat and cars...big boy room redo pics coming soon!  And his first digital camera too!

Here are some photos, and maybe a 2 year in review will happen soon... :-)

 

  

2.25...

Well, my little baby is turning into a little man!  These past 3 months have been filled with activity.

First, we celebrated Nate's birthday with this great aunts, uncles and grandparents in Pennsylvania.  We had a good time getting away from the Texas heat and having fun with everyone.  Then was his dog days of summer birthday party!

We've also gone to 2 baseball games (saw Msgr. Mike throw the first pitch), lots of playdates with friends, going to the pool, TCU scrimmage, music concert, Dave and Buster's (he loved the racing game), first trip on a boat (thanks uncle Justin and aunt Danielle), Mommy's birthday and lots of time with the family and friends (especially those from out of town like Mrs. Kulle, aunt Amy and the Bratten's)!

My favorite phrase is "luv you".  And Nate knows exactly when to do it!  Especially if he has been a little naughty, or just trying to make mommy happy.  He's also a good echo, for whatever you are saying!  He's been enjoying watching Clifford ("doggie") and Phineas and Furb (I think Ry may like it more than him).

Nate also loves playing with his cars.  He now has 4 Lightening McQueen's and loves them all.  He's getting good playing with cars - making the sounds and all.  He also loves playing with his sports balls.  Just kicking the ball around is lots of fun.  I may have watched a little too much World Cup this year...

Nate also also found out that he likes 2 musical instruments - the guitar and piano.  I see some classes in his future...

We have said a few goodbye's this quarter - Tessa neni moved out in July and our good neighbors and friends next door moved out in September.

And here are a few photos!

Blue Dog Rescue

For Nate's birthday, in lieu of gifts, we got donations for a local dog rescue called Blue Dog Rescue.  It has taken a couple months, but we finally took the items to the puppies!  Thanks to everyone who gave such great gifts.  Nate sure had fun sharing the loot!

A special thanks to the families who donated items - Parker, Lange, Nicholson, Morel, Morgan, Parks, Rose, Gentry and the K's.

The loot

meeting the doggies

sharing the items

and time to go!

2 year photo shoot!

Tessa's friend Abbey did it again - a great photo shoot!  Here are some pics of our recent venture to South Austin to capture out little 2 year old!

You can find more photos here.

my favorite

Our family