Lights and trees and ho ho's please

We have started decorating for Christmas, as is obvious from my last post. 1 broken ornament down...so far we are doing pretty good with the "leave it on the tree" theory. This year Jonathan decided to step it up with our outdoor Christmas decorations. As I held the ladder I couldn't help but feel like National Lampoon's Christmas vacation. All crises averted, we have a beautifully lighted outside:






Josiah sends his best via the new video and these photos:

still learning.

I'm experiencing several injustices in the world, mostly self-inflicted.

I just yesterday figured out that "adjustable" children's jeans really do mean that they are adjustable. Apparently, that button and piece of elastic on the inside that I have conveniently ignored really is useful. It makes so much sense in retrospect. I have done my fair share of complaining about how I bought all of these 24 month and 2T jeans for Josiah and he can't fit in any of him. I chalked it up to him being an early potty trainer with underwear instead of a diaper and put him in 18 month pants instead. He recently experienced a growth spurt and is too tall for the 18 month pants. This is where I must address my judgmental self. I have always condemned the mother that let her child wear high-water pants because she didn't realize they were just too small. In the last week, I have found myself denying the pants were too short so that he could actually have appropriate sized waists. Coming to grips with reality, I succumbed to the larger size and, consequently, large waist...until I realized why my girlfriend at work told me to buy the adjustable pants.

I of course DID buy adjustable pants...completely naively and without any clue how to use them. Yesterday I tugged on the elastic and realized that I had been complaining for months and had a solution within reach. Note to first timers out there: the elastic pulls through and actually adjusts the waist smaller. Who knew. Apparently my girlfriend at work (who is also a first timer). At least the child has a whole new world of pants that will actually fit now (even if by elastic manipulation).

Injustice #2- Can someone please explain to me why "training" toothpaste that is fluoride-free and supposedly the step to teach children how to spit instead of swallow tastes so sweetly of bubblegum goodness? THIS is certainly a parenting injustice. Really?! How am I supposed to teach the child to spit out such a delightful flavor? P.S. The smell of kiddy toothpaste makes me want to gag, and it is INCREDIBLY potent.

Injustice #3-I thought because my child has a little more self control this year that we would be able to decorate the whole Christmas tree this year. Last year the bottom third was grossly bare, and the garland had to be replaced each night. We decorated the tree last night, and this morning I have discovered my ill fate. Not only does my child have access to more of the tree simply because he can reach 6 inches higher this year, he has the problem-solving skills to push a chair over next to the tree to access all of the ornaments I very intentionally placed out of reach. A couple hours later we are still working on behavior modification and learning to appreciate the ornaments on the tree without taking them off again. I'll keep you posted on how that goes.

giving Thanks.

Thanksgiving is the most important holiday to my dad's family, at least as far as getting together is concerned. It's so important, that I am willing to trade working Christmas to be able to travel for Thanksgiving every year. In fact, it was a huge faux pa when Josiah was born only two weeks before, preventing us from participating that year. We modified and went to visit a month later, but it was enough for us to try and coordinate no impending or fresh births around late November in the future. Perhaps that's a little extreme...with a little truth to it. We of course will gladly welcome any child on any day of the year the Lord apportions for him or her. We won't be scheduling another due date around Thanksgiving, though.

For over 13 years, my dad's extended family has continued to perfect our Thanksgiving traditions. The only problem we are encountering now is we are coming up with many more delicious things to eat and we aren't willing to let go of the current menu. That truly means that "Thanksgiving" is 3 days of constant fresh baking, eating, and eating some more. We always do a large and excruciatingly painful jigsaw puzzle, play cards (including a very serious Spades tournament starting on Thanksgiving Day), and stay up until at least the middle of the early morning, be it for pie baking, catching up, or a competitive hand of spades. We have a family cookbook that was initiated at my wedding, and every year we make the most prized recipes when we get together. Everyone is required to contribute new recipes each year. Sometimes we surprise ourselves and concoct a recipe at Thanksgiving that is mandated as a contribution for the following year. This year we had that happen. The new addition is a delightfully fluffy cheesecake with chocolate chip cookie dough crust.

Seeing that Josiah is over 2 and required to have his own plane ticket, we weighed the cost with the convenience and decided that it was in our best interest to drive this year. We have never driven before, as it is 12 hours away. I was extremely hesitant, as I am not one for long car rides and I didn't think any potty-trained two year old is either. We packed our car full with small toys, every "favorite" book, and LOTS of snacks, as we have learned in the past that snacks are the key to car-riding happiness. We set off at 5:30am on Tuesday, bound for Tulsa, OK.

We stopped in Memphis for some barbeque and let Josiah play at a park for a little while before continuing. Josiah was a DREAM, and traveling in our new Element was key to our success. It is so roomy that we were able to sleep and change positions comfortably, use Josiah's potty right inside the car, and have easy access to all of those necessary snacks. In case you wondered, Josiah ate his weight in clementines, raisins, and fruit snacks by the time the day was over. We finally arrived in Tulsa around 7:30pm (our time), just in time for the Tuesday dinner traditions.

These were the necessary modifications needed to the car seat for a comfortable nap.

Josiah being silly.

Once we were there, we had a fabulous visit with all of our family. In fact, Jonathan and I both think it was our best Thanksgiving yet. My cousin and I have perfected the best apple pie--completely from scratch. She was also the pioneer for the cheesecake this year, and it will most certainly be around every year from here on out.

Josiah charmed all of the family members and fell in love with every one of them, too. He is still asking me about Eli, Judie, and Grandpa Grady. He REALLY fell in love with the dog, Maggie. Every morning he would wake up and ask about Maggie, and if I told him she was still sleeping, he wanted to give her a "magic kiss" so she would wake up. Apparently, Maggie loved Josiah with equal enthusiasm.

Josiah loved to throw her ball for her, and he would even get down on his hands and knees and prompt her to lick him from his chin to his forehead in one messy swipe. Though there were two dogs in the house, Brandi was merely "dog" in Josiah's book. He would say, "Awww, Mags" like they were old friends, and then he would look at Brandi and say, "Hi dog." It was mighty hilarious to me. I took a little video of Josiah with the dogs. He was spontaneously "playing" with the dogs, and I had to capture his antics on film. Watch the video to see what I mean.

As always, the food was wonderful, the family time was priceless, and we can't wait to go back again next year.

Josiah and Grandpa Grady

Josiah and Eli (ie, Aey-yi) Josiah looks remarkably like Eli did as a toddler (not surprising since we have always passed as siblings). This may be a preview to grown up Josiah. Only time will tell.

There were lots of things to climb on there.

eating up!

Grams, Tim, and Karen working hard in the kitchen.

the smallest cartographer.

A couple of months ago we discovered that Josiah has one skill that we thought was setting him apart as a prodigy. He has this geographical mapping skill that has us convinced it is beyond normal developmental milestones for his age. Keep in mind, it is just Jonathan and myself that are convinced...but perhaps you will be convinced after you hear what it entails.

For a few months now, Josiah has been able to successfully direct us to the park a half mile away. When we pull up to the main intersection a few blocks from our house, he can successfully determine which way to turn at the four-way stop to go to Chickfila, and which way to go for church (two different ways). Before we round the bend in the road, he starts to cheer in anticipation of the choo-choo tracks that still lay out of sight a tenth of the mile down the road. He can navigate his way through my parents neighborhood to the pool, the duck pond, and the tennis courts. He also starts to ask if we are going to their house if we get on the main road that leads in their direction.

The mapping doesn't only apply to the area near our house. He will cheer for Monkey Joes before it comes into view (a good 15 minute drive away), and in most situations he can accurately determine where we are going before arriving.

The only problem with this amazing skill is when he is smart enough to know we aren't going where he thinks or wants. The other day we were out running errands, and I was going from the store to the bank. They are in opposite directions of our house, so we passed by the turn to our house on our way to the bank. Please keep in mind the "turn" is a few blocks from our house. As we drove by the street, Josiah got incredibly distressed in the backseat. He was crying and saying, "Mama's HOUSE! Mama's house!" as if I needed reminding that I missed the turn. When we were about a quarter mile from the bank (which is situated next to Publix), he started to demand to ride in the Publix car (the one for kids on the cart). He was so distressed when we went to the bank and NOT to Publix, that I found myself secretly wishing that I could turn this magical skill on and off at my convenience. Backseat driving from the 2 year old takes quite a toll on me sometimes.

All of this really stems from the fact that Josiah has a stellar memory. He only has to see something one time, and months later he can discuss the association. Go ahead and entertain yourself with the possibilities. This is MOST DEFINITELY a disadvantage to any parenting slyness we would hope to have. He can open things, turn things on, find items that are supposed to be hidden, or chat your ear off about where he thinks you might be going.

He talks in associations, so if we say we are going to church he starts to ask about doughnuts, playing the drum, checking the microphone, and Mrs. Cynthia--his favorite Sunday school teacher. If we talk about Nana's house, he starts to talk about the basketball, walking the neighbor's dog Mac, and patting the kitty-kitty. If we talk about Noni and Paw Paw's house he names all of the pets, talks about the toys he plays with at their house, and even about Noni playing tennis. If we talk about Monkey Joes he starts to talk about jumping and asks for money for the basketball game. The tiring part is he asks it all in questions, ie- basketball goal?! doughnuts?!, and one must affirm each question every time it is asked...which is over, and over and over. Long car rides can be miserable if there is a basketball goal on the other side. I have tried the distraction method, the ignoring after a certain point method, the "we already talked about this" method...all are for naught. It always ends in an escalating version of:

"mama...mama...basketball goal?"

"Yes, Josiah, there is basketball goal." (2 second pause)

"mama...mama...MaMa...MAMA...MAMA!!!!"

"yes Josiah?"

"basketball goal?"

"yes, love, there is a basketball goal." (2 second pause)

"Mama! Ma-MA!"

So on and so forth until I am completely and utterly exhausted of talking about basketball goals or we arrive at our destination. Usually they are simultaneous.

If you don't want him to know how to do something, most certainly don't EVER do it in front of him. For example, when he demands a towel for the tee-tee accident on the rock outside, don't just wipe it around with your shoe to help it dry faster and ease his distress. He will do it the next time, a full month and a half later. Or, don't try to cut a corner in any aspect of your life just one time, because he will most certainly remind you of your bad habit next time...and the next time...and there will not be such a thing as just one time. It could be a very innocent corner--such as using your teeth to open something, or wiping something on your pant leg instead of grabbing a napkin. Regardless, the child remembers.

This brings us to the funniest "copy cat" event of the week. I was sitting on the couch in the morning, chatting with our upstairs roommate when Josiah walked over to his little potty, pooched his belly out, and successfully aimed his pee-pee into the bowl of the potty. My jaw dropped as I asked him, "Who taught you that?!" No one has taught him that. He just has watched Daddy at some point or another. He looked at me to ask if he could try again, and since he did such a good job the first time, I couldn't do anything but agree. He hasn't tried it since, but it sure was startling and hilarious when he did it out of the blue.

Birthday Party photos.

Here are the photos of Josiah's birthday that we have all been waiting to see. Many, many thanks to Callie for doing a great job at capturing the joys of a second birthday party. I think these photos are fabulous!



Here are the photos of Josiah's birthday that we have all been waiting to see. Many, many thanks to Callie for doing a great job at capturing the joys of a second birthday party. I think these photos are fabulous!






Here are the photos of Josiah's birthday that we have all been waiting to see. Many, many thanks to Callie for doing a great job at capturing the joys of a second birthday party. I think these photos are fabulous!

Going the distance.

My very best friend ran her first half marathon this weekend. While you might think that this was a great feat, you truly would have a much greater appreciation if you knew a little more of her history.

Callie and I have grown up together, and she has always had the incredible gift of maintaining a model-like figure on a diet of fried foods. When we were in high school she once told me "salad is for rabbits." Needless to say, she has never had to physically exert herself to burn calories, and who can blame her for not wanting to? She moved to California and got a little granola in her veins (just kidding), and all of the sudden she discovered what she would describe as the joys of running. Oh how the tables have turned. Over the last couple of months I have been blown away by her dedication to her new found hobby as well as her discipline to train her body for such a feat. She is trying to convince me to join her in this thing of long distance running, and I am still looking at her like she has 4 heads. My words to her were, "If I had time to pick up a new hobby, running most definitely would not be it." I have always loathed running just to run. However, this persuasion is coming from the girl that ate a Chickfila meal as an afternoon snack and couldn't run more than 1 mile only a few months ago...so I will sheepishly admit stranger things have happened. That being said, I am SO incredibly proud of Callie. I really cannot express how much I admire her for what she has been accomplishing out in California. I just hope she doesn't disappear completely after burning all of those calories!

This weekend Callie came home to run her very first half marathon. We went out to the sidelines of Mile 9 to surprise her and cheer her on.

Josiah waiting on her to pass...

Still waiting...

This was her right after she passed Mile 9 (and us). Seriously? She looks incredible! (and she was beating her projected time!)

Here she is about to cross the finish line...

There it is in all of its glory---Callie RUNNING across the finish line after not stopping for 13.1 miles. P.S. Callie beat her best projected time and finished in 2 hours and 9 minutes. WOW!

DONE!

The rest of the pictures are of various people there to support Callie and run the race themselves. They are posted so Callie can have them. It's really difficult to carry your own camera on a 13 mile run.

I am so proud of you Callie!

Chickfila and Choo-Choos

Today we had Josiah's 2nd Birthday party. We did it with the theme of Chickfila and Choo Choos, as they are two of Josiah's favorite things. We just invited family and close friends, primarily those with small children. I suppose it was a perfect storm (or our friends secretly don't like us), because none of our friends with kids could make it. Seriously, none. So, we had a great party with about 10 adults eating Chickfila nuggets off of train plates and oogling over Josiah performing (sometimes unwillingly) all of the traditional birthday tasks. When I say great, I am not lying. It really was.

I didn't really take many pictures, as the house photographer (ie, my best friend Callie) was in attendance. Hopefully I will be able to share what she captured in the coming weeks. Here are the few photos I did take:

This was the cake after he blew out the candles and pulled the trains off!

All of his birthday loot. I don't look forward to figuring out what to do with everything once we have multiple children!

The Big Boy is 2!

Josiah's 2nd birthday was Wednesday, and we spent the day doing everything he loves to do. We went to Monkey Joes and jumped until his heart and legs' content. He loves to play the basketball game there, and usually we just play once or twice since it costs money. That being said, on your birthday you can play as much as you want! He played quite a few games of basketball. He enjoyed putting the money in the slot. For some reason he pronounces "money" as "te-ting." I'm honestly not sure why he thinks it sounds the same, but since playing he has taken great pleasure in asking for "teting" for his pockets.

After Monkey Joes we went to the pet store to choose a fish, one of our gifts to Josiah for his birthday. He had a good time looking at all of the fish. He is still learning how to be gentle with the fish bowl, but he LOVES to tell me that the fish needs food. He holds his hand out so I can put some pellets in his hand each day.

After choosing our fish we went to Chickfila where Josiah ate his very own Kid's Meal and ice cream and played in the playground.

He was so exhausted from our activities!

After his nap, we went out to Noni and PawPaw's house, because no favorite day is complete without that. Noni and PawPaw got him the gift of all gifts--a rideable train! What a fabulous cap to the end of a birthday.

I feel so blessed to have had the privilege to carry this child in my womb and watch him grow up for the last two years. He is a beautifully sweet boy, and I pray that the Lord will use him in a great way in the days and years to come.

Halloween

For Halloween we decided to continue with tradition and share the evening with our dear friends, the Foss'. Of course, this year was much different, as the belly Lori sported last year has turned into a very cute 7 month old baby girl! It was raining intermittently and misting the whole night, so we went out to visit just a few houses. Josiah became QUITE a professional with the trick-or-treating. It was really funny when in the days following he would go to his pumpkin, reach for candy, and then look at me sheepishly and say, "trick or treat!" as if that would HAVE to mean he could have some. He sure is in love with candy (and not a day too soon). Check out our little trick-or-treating video on the video bar!

Happy Birthday, Grandpa Grady!

Today is Grandpa Grady's Birthday! As a special surprise, I videotaped Josiah saying Grandpa Grady's name for one of the first times (it is pretty hard, you know!). Though we don't get to see Grandpa Grady very often, we still love him very much and look forward to seeing him next month! Happy Birthday, Dad!