Brandon’s Birthday Extravaganza August 31, 2008

Brandon turned 3 on Monday and to celebrate we had a totally overdone but small Buzz Lightyear birthday party for him.  He behaved wonderfully (with the exception of a play boycot at the beginning because we wouldn’t give him a cupcake).  He sat at the table and did a craft with the other kids and ate pizza, then sat smiling while everyone sang him Happy Birthday and he blew out the candles (it was just a coincidence that Joe was behind him when they actually went out–wink, wink).  Then we opened presents and he loved everything, especially his Buzz Lightyear and Zurg toys that he has to sleep with every night now.  He gave everyone a thank you hug and some unwanted kisses, but it was the thought that counts.  He has changed so much this year.  He now has an unlimited vocabulary, he is working on sentences and will “talk” a stranger’s ear off, he isn’t nearly as shy around other kids, especially if he knows them, and he has turned into a little boy, running and jumping on everything.  He evented Balloon Knun-chucks and has turned our living room into a mini-Wipe-Out course.  He’s not a baby anymore (big sigh, here) but he still loves to cuddle and hug on mommy when he isn’t trying to karate chop me!

Brandon waiting for cake…he was very patient!

Brandon with the bean bag toss I made.

Brandon in his birthday hat.

Brandon hugging Bess whether she wants to or not!

Brandon hugging Caleb as a Thank you.

Brandon’s friends watching him open gifts.

Brandon was so interested in Buzz, he wouldn’t look up for a picture.

I loved my Buzz and Zurg so much I had to sleep with them.

I love my Buzz balloon!

Hello out there!

Brandon and Mommy with his cake

Brandon’s first day of school August 27, 2008

Since this was such a monumental day, I decided to write about it first.  It went really well…no tears from either of us!  I think if he had cried I definitely would have, but he was excited and went right in.  Our biggest fear of the day was his potty training.  It was been a rocky process and with so much going on lately, it has not been going well.  But luckily, my little boy has the bladder of an elephant and was able to hold it for about 6 hours.  His teachers said he sat on the potty and never went and when we got home he still wouldn’t go until about 2 pm.  Honestly, I figured this was the only way he would make it home in the same clothes I sent him in.  He is a little bladder shy and with a new environment and new potty, I didn’t think they would have much success.  I’m just glad he didn’t have an accident, because he only gets 3 before they send him home for a week, which would really stink.  Anyway, they didn’t tell me much more, but there were no bad reports so I guess that was good.  When we first arrived, his teacher showed him his cubby and he got so excited he did a little happy dance (which is his new thing) and then waited in line for his turn to wash his hands.  He also met his new speech therapist who seems okay, but for some reason she rubbed me the wrong way so I am trying to get over that.  She kept calling him “dude” and telling me things I already know.  Totally my problem, but still, I wish we could have stayed with Jayna.  Overall, a great first day and we will see how tomorrow goes. 

Putting up his back pack

Hugging Mommy bye

Brandon’s new backpack

Ready to learn!

Waiting while mommy signs in

I’m back! August 27, 2008

Okay, I know I have taken ahiatus from writing but I have a really good reason…for those of you who don’t know (which at this point is very few people…apparently it is the talk of the town) I am pregnant with our second baby!  We are very excited and Brandon keeps switching between wanting a baby brother or sister, depending on the day.  My due date is March 30th and I will keep you posted throughout the pregnancy.  This brings me back to my original point…apparently, being on the computer aggravates my “morning sickness” (this is in quotes b/c I have not been that sick just felt wonky) and makes me feel carsick, so I have only been on long enough to check e-mails.  Ialso, am starving all of the time…seriously there is not enough food in the world to feed me, so a lot of my spare time is spent eating or scrounging for food in my bare cupboards. 

Anyway, we have had a very exciting couple of weeks…baby news, vacation, Brandon’s birthday and his first day of school.  Because I have a ton of pics and stories, I am going to address each of these in different posts, but they may not be in chronological order, depending on my mood.

Vacation time! August 10, 2008

I know I haven’t written in a while, but I haven’t had any new pics to motivate me, since the only way Brandon will stay potty trained is with lots of naked time, therefore, discouraging any picture taking!  Last night he tinkled on my parent’s couch (a lot!) so I think everyone probably thinks I am lying about him being pottty trained, but I swear he is most of the time! 

Anyway, I am off on a week long vacation with my side of the fam, so I will not be around but I promise lots of fun pictures and at least one exciting story, even if  have to make it up!  After watching shark week last week we are all a little nervous, so wish us safe travels and no sharks!  Love you all!