Chore chart

I decided it was time to pass off some of the housework to the kids. I never make it through my list at the end of the day. I found a chore chart maker online and each week, I sit down with the kids and review what needs to be done. They then choose 2 things they are willing to take over for the week. Jimmy hangs his up and takes it very seriously. He vacuumed under the table for a week. He washed the windows. He said 2 things was not enough and he chose more. He chose hard jobs and did them well. He gets upset if someone else tries to do HIS job. I am grateful for his hardwork; I think when he is older he will accuse me of making him my slave!

Burning Lipstick

A few nights ago, I made "wild black bean soup" for dinner. It had 1/2c picante sauce in it, so it really packed a punch. It had a nice flavor, but it left a lot of heat in the mouth, in particular the lips. I liked it (with some hesitations, I could only finish half a bowl before I couldn't take the heat.) Amelia liked it. She ate a few bites and requested water. She ate a few more bites and requested water. She ate a few more bites and had a glass of water. She drank 5 larges glasses of water and then said "this soup is like burning lipstick!"

Copy cat!

Gary asked the children who wanted to say the bedtime prayer and Jonathan's hand was up first. "MA!" he shouted, in near perfect imitation of Jimmy and Amelia. He had no idea what he was volunteering for, or even that he was volunteering for anything. He just knew that when someone says "who wants to say the prayer" you are supposed to raise your hand and shout "ME!"
We tried an experiment: over the next few minutes, Gary asked at random "who wants to say the prayer?" and every time, Jonathan's hand flew up in the air and he shouted "MA!"

I guess it won't be long now before he can take a turn for real.

Jonny's Word List

As a former student of speech pathology, I really enjoy keeping word lists of my children's first words for the second year of life. (where the language development really takes off)
Jonathan turned one last week and he added his first word (other than Mama and Dada) After we dropped Jimmy off for the bus, he waved and said "bye bye"
So here is a list of the current words he says and uses spontaniously;
Mama
Dada
bye bye
done (da)
more (ma!)
amen (men)
Amelia (ni-ya)

He babbles a lot using sentences of made up words. He even pauses for me to respond. He can't wait to communicate!

Seeing Red

Jimmy and Amelia don't really see eye to eye on most things lately. Most apparently clothing. He loves camoflague and she loves pink. She loves dresses and tights and he only wears denim, jogging suits, and t shirts. One could say that she is a "girly girl" and he is a "boyly boy" (I can't think of the real word at this time) But they both agree on the color red. He loves wearing red jogging suits with red shirts (no collars or buttons please!) she loves wearing red dresses. The more glitter the better. (she has one that was covered with glittery dots, but the glitter has long sinced washed off) In fact, she reminds me of Ginger Grant (the red head from Gilligan's Island) sometimes. Very pretty, very formal, and overdressed for most occasions!

Happy Birthday Jonny

Wednesday marked Jonathan's first birthday. The kids enjoyed "painting" on the sidewalk with brushes and water pitchers and exploring the paths around our community. That evening, Jonny coated himself with cake and ice cream. It was a peppermint flavored snake cake (he chose the flavor.) He really gets a kick out of snakes and thoroughly enjoyed eating one to celebrate his first year of life.
His birthday present was a singing rocking horse, which we did not have wrapping paper for. We covered it with a large blanket and hid it in a corner. That was not enough to fool Jonny. First thing in the morning, I found him with head and shoulders under the blanket, dancing to the music of the horse!

New house photos

This is our living room. We haven't gotten it "just right" We are still pushing things around.

Note the ride on toys on the balcony. The kids love to play there.
This is the kids bedroom. We painted it green, to be like the room from "good night moon" We even found a moon shaped lamp.
This is the play room. If you turn right, there is a play kitchen and baby dolls. If you turn left there is a tool bench, pirate ship and a racecar eating dinosaur.















Here are some pictures of our new place. We really like it here.

MOVE!

Last week, we moved into our new home. It is a 3 level condo. Jimmy says that his favorite part is the balcony. He can often be found hanging out on the balcony, where he and Amelia pull doughnuts (that's all there's room for) with "their wheels" (trike and scooter.)

We only have 5 boxes to unpack (unfortunately the "bonus boxes" that have a little bit of everything!) and are happy to be settling in. Pictures and details to follow eventually! (thanks for your patience)

Jonathan's Tricks

In the last week, Jonathan has picked up a few cute tricks!
Trick #1
A few days ago, we were all blowing kisses after dinner and he thought he'd join in the fun. He stuck his pointer finger in his mouth and began to blow. (I guess this one is still a work in progress, but it sure is cute!)
Trick #2
Jonathan can follow simple directions like "clap your hands" or "touch my nose" (He is working on eye and mouth too)