Landon says the darnedest things. I often wish I had something to write with, or could reach my phone to record it, because I know I'll want to remember them. Here's some of my recent favorites:
While looking at freezers at Sears, Landon opened one that was lit with blue LED lights. He gasped and said "Momma...it's beautiful."
His sense of time is a work in progress and his favorite sayings are, "We'll do that tomorrow" and "I'll show you in a couple weeks."
Landon is very observant and notices even the slightest changes around him. If something is new or changed, he'll point it out right away. The same goes for hearing things. Whenever there's a "different" noise it's "Momma, what's that noise?"
He's discovered that it's funny to make his voice really deep and contort his face while he talks. He sounds like a grown man sometimes.
If I'm not sure what he's talking about, or I don't understand him, he gets a little exasperated and says "I show you momma."
Every night while we tuck him into bed we pick different people (or things) to sing "Happy Birthday" to. He just loves that song. My favorite part is waiting to see what he'll pick.
When he gets hurt, or one of the dogs bump him he yells "That's not OK!" Jim and I sometimes hear this if we upset Landon.
Every day is an adventure. We love this boy!
November 20, 2012
November 15, 2012
Holidays
It's that time of year...Thanksgiving is next week and the Christmas bonanza has begun.
We're hosting Thanksgiving for the first time this year (I feel so grown up) and I just ordered our Christmas cards.
We're doing some Landon shopping tomorrow night (I love a date night that includes shopping) and getting in Thanksgiving cooking mode.
We recently had new family pictures taken during a mini-session. We're pretty cute!
We're hosting Thanksgiving for the first time this year (I feel so grown up) and I just ordered our Christmas cards.
We're doing some Landon shopping tomorrow night (I love a date night that includes shopping) and getting in Thanksgiving cooking mode.
We recently had new family pictures taken during a mini-session. We're pretty cute!
November 5, 2012
Halloween
We had a fabulous Halloween and really enjoyed all of the fun events leading up to it. We took a family trip to the pumpkin patch where we picked out pumpkins for our porch and 14 little pumpkins for a class project. I love being able to contribute to Landon's classroom fun and learning, and his teacher is always very appreciative.
The Friday before Halloween Landon's school held its annual Harvest Carnival. This was the third year we attended and the first time Landon really enjoyed the games and the treats. He knows what candy is now and had no problem waiting in line for his turn to earn some loot!
Halloween was on a Wednesday, which made it a little tricky logistically. Luckily, everything went really smoothly. I picked up a pizza on the way home for a quick dinner. After we finished eating and cleaned up, Landon put on his costume—he's a big fan of the movie Cars and the main character is Lightening McQueen. His costume is a race car driver with McQueen and other characters on the front. A few houses on our street go all out with the decorating. One of them had a Mickey Mouse decoration that Landon was enamoured with, so that was our first stop. We went to seven houses and Landon made quite a haul. I was so proud of him. We'd been practicing saying "Trick or Treat," but I wasn't sure how he'd actually do walking up to a strange house and talking to a stranger. He was great and even remembered to say "thank you" without being prompted.
When we got home we handed out candy for about 30 minutes and then it was bedtime. To avoid the doorbell and dogs barking we put the basket of candy on our porch. Needless to say, it was gone very quickly!
A few other fun and random thoughts...
The Friday before Halloween Landon's school held its annual Harvest Carnival. This was the third year we attended and the first time Landon really enjoyed the games and the treats. He knows what candy is now and had no problem waiting in line for his turn to earn some loot!
Halloween was on a Wednesday, which made it a little tricky logistically. Luckily, everything went really smoothly. I picked up a pizza on the way home for a quick dinner. After we finished eating and cleaned up, Landon put on his costume—he's a big fan of the movie Cars and the main character is Lightening McQueen. His costume is a race car driver with McQueen and other characters on the front. A few houses on our street go all out with the decorating. One of them had a Mickey Mouse decoration that Landon was enamoured with, so that was our first stop. We went to seven houses and Landon made quite a haul. I was so proud of him. We'd been practicing saying "Trick or Treat," but I wasn't sure how he'd actually do walking up to a strange house and talking to a stranger. He was great and even remembered to say "thank you" without being prompted.
When we got home we handed out candy for about 30 minutes and then it was bedtime. To avoid the doorbell and dogs barking we put the basket of candy on our porch. Needless to say, it was gone very quickly!
A few other fun and random thoughts...
- Landon is really into Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on the Disney Channel. We've also found lots of episodes on YouTube. He knows all of the characters and likes to do the Hotdog Dance at the end.
- He is doing a great job of relating one thing to another. He often says, "Momma, look at that...it kind of looks like" (fill in the blank) I'm always amazed at the correlations he makes.
- I have toddler songs on my phone that we listen to during our commute. He has his favorites and really gets into singing them. His current favorite is Little Miss Muffett, Hot Cross Buns and I've Been Working on the Railroad. We went out to dinner to have Pho (Vietnamese Noodle Soup). On the way there, he said "Momma, I'm going to have hot cross buns with my soup." Ha! I laugh multiple times a day at my son's humor and creative mind.
- Landon can count from 1 to 14 without any help! He knows all of the numbers from 14 to 20, but often mixes them up. We're working on writing and spelling his name and letters.
ABCs
I know that Landon knows most of his ABCs, but I'd never heard him recite the entire thing alone. We were reading an alphabet book and he did it. He did it a second time for the camera. He's a little sick, so his voice is hoarse, but it's SO cute!
October 19, 2012
October 1, 2012
Adventures in mommy guilt
Tomorrow morning Jim and I are leaving for the big island of Hawaii. I feel like I'm split in half. One half of me is uber excited about the opportunity to spend so much uninterrupted time with Jim exploring, laughing and relaxing. The other half of me is a guilty, nervous wreck about leaving Landon. My mom is graciously staying at our house with him, and he'll still be going to school, so his routine won't be interrupted. He adores my mom and I know they'll have a great time...it just feels so wrong to leave him behind.
I'm really hoping that once we're there and settled we can relax and enjoy ourselves. The trouble is I know Landon would have an awesome time with us. The only thing that is making me feel better is reminding myself about the awful return flight home from last year's trip...
On another note, the end of our summer was a great one. We spent lots of time with our little family and spent time with friends and family members. We did lots of grilling and spent time at our local playground.
We also have some really exciting news....LANDON IS POTTY TRAINED! He is a rock star. I really think it helped being surrounded by other kids going through the process. His teachers were wonderful and helped set up a routine that was easy to follow at home. He had been in Pull-Ups (Lightning McQueen to be specific) for about two months while we got him comfortable with the potty. We used M&Ms as incentive. One for pee, two for poop. He took the color selection very seriously. I bought him lots of underwear and we made the transition the week of Sept. 10. That first week was a bit of a challenge, but he got the hang of things very quickly. He hasn't had an accident for more than two weeks. When we started we set the oven timer every 45 minutes and helped him on to the potty (at school he went every hour). Now he doesn't need to be reminded and loudly shouts "I need to go potty" as he runs to the nearest toilet. We are still using a diaper at night because he sleeps at least 11 hours and can't always stay dry (changing crib sheets is hard enough during the day, I don't want to attempt it at 2 a.m.).
Oh, yes, Landon is still in his crib. He could totally crawl out of it if he wanted, but he's never really tried. We've lucked out with a great sleeper. When he cries or calls for us we know he's ready to get up or really needs something. At this point, there's no rush to transition him to a bed because he's perfectly comfortable where he is (and he can't roam his room and the house).
More random thoughts and announcements...Jim and I got the stomach flu over Labor Day Weekend. Landon remained germ-free, but we were down and out. Lucky for us my mom came over to help with Landon. I can't remember the last time I was that sick. Yuck.
Jim decided not to ref football this season. He really enjoys it, but it's a big time commitment and takes him away from us several nights each week. It's something he wants to do again, but when Landon is older. I really respect and admire his decision. He's a great hubby/daddy!
Up next...Landon's first dentist appointment and pictures from Hawaii. Stay tuned!
I'm really hoping that once we're there and settled we can relax and enjoy ourselves. The trouble is I know Landon would have an awesome time with us. The only thing that is making me feel better is reminding myself about the awful return flight home from last year's trip...
On another note, the end of our summer was a great one. We spent lots of time with our little family and spent time with friends and family members. We did lots of grilling and spent time at our local playground.
We also have some really exciting news....LANDON IS POTTY TRAINED! He is a rock star. I really think it helped being surrounded by other kids going through the process. His teachers were wonderful and helped set up a routine that was easy to follow at home. He had been in Pull-Ups (Lightning McQueen to be specific) for about two months while we got him comfortable with the potty. We used M&Ms as incentive. One for pee, two for poop. He took the color selection very seriously. I bought him lots of underwear and we made the transition the week of Sept. 10. That first week was a bit of a challenge, but he got the hang of things very quickly. He hasn't had an accident for more than two weeks. When we started we set the oven timer every 45 minutes and helped him on to the potty (at school he went every hour). Now he doesn't need to be reminded and loudly shouts "I need to go potty" as he runs to the nearest toilet. We are still using a diaper at night because he sleeps at least 11 hours and can't always stay dry (changing crib sheets is hard enough during the day, I don't want to attempt it at 2 a.m.).
Oh, yes, Landon is still in his crib. He could totally crawl out of it if he wanted, but he's never really tried. We've lucked out with a great sleeper. When he cries or calls for us we know he's ready to get up or really needs something. At this point, there's no rush to transition him to a bed because he's perfectly comfortable where he is (and he can't roam his room and the house).
More random thoughts and announcements...Jim and I got the stomach flu over Labor Day Weekend. Landon remained germ-free, but we were down and out. Lucky for us my mom came over to help with Landon. I can't remember the last time I was that sick. Yuck.
Jim decided not to ref football this season. He really enjoys it, but it's a big time commitment and takes him away from us several nights each week. It's something he wants to do again, but when Landon is older. I really respect and admire his decision. He's a great hubby/daddy!
Up next...Landon's first dentist appointment and pictures from Hawaii. Stay tuned!
August 17, 2012
Camping and other summer adventures
It’s mid-August and we are finally getting the heat. I’m all for warm sunny days, but when my house is 85 degrees at 9 p.m., that’s too much for this Washington girl. We have AC in our bedroom, but I feel like a loser going to bed at 8 p.m. Landon does much better than me. Open his windows, give him a fan and he’s good to go. Me on the other hand, I’d melt in my bed without the AC. What can I say? I’m a wimp.
We’ve been busy, busy this summer. Landon finished up soccer and we made it to most of the classes. It was quite a rush getting home from work/school, eating, changing and getting out the door again in 30 minutes, but we managed.
The Reptile Man visited Landon's school at the end of July and he was a hit. Landon got to ride on a tortoise, pet an alligator and hold a boa constrictor.
In early August we went camping at Rimrock Lake with Jim’s dad, Sue, Emily and Ryan—Sue’s nephew from Swindon. The weather was perfect, the lake was beautiful and refreshing and we had a great time. Poor Landon came down with a fever and what we thought was a cold…turns out he had a virus commonly known as hand, foot and mouth disease. More than 15 kids at his school had it too. It’s most contagious in the early stages, so the little ones were spreading it around before the rash broke out. Landon’s hands, feet and crevices (elbows, neck, knees) were covered in red blisters. His arms and legs had a measles-like rash on them and his poor bottom was absolutely covered in the blisters. Luckily, the rash didn’t start until we got home, but he wasn’t himself on the trip. We spent a good majority of the time bundled up watching movies in the camper, but he really liked throwing rocks in the lake, splashing with daddy and riding on the boat (minus the life jacket, which he loathed).
He had a vacation week from school while he healed and Jim and I took turns splitting days at home. My mom and Emily stepped-up and spent lots of time with him too, which was very helpful.
That next weekend, Jim’s aunt Val, cousin Donna and her daughter Mackenzie came to town for Jill’s (Jim’s other cousin) baby shower that I hosted. Val stayed with Jill and Rich, and Donna and Mac stayed with us. It was a lot of work cleaning and prepping the house, but the shower was a hit and Jill received lots of great gifts to help with baby Mariona (she’s due in October).
On another note, we finally sold our Steilacoom house. It was a long and stressful process, but it’s over and we’re moving on. It’s bittersweet, and it was hard to say our final goodbye, but things truly worked out for the best.
Today’s Friday and I’m willing the evening to get here quickly, because Jim and I are having a date night!
All-in-all, things are good in the house of Taylor!
We’ve been busy, busy this summer. Landon finished up soccer and we made it to most of the classes. It was quite a rush getting home from work/school, eating, changing and getting out the door again in 30 minutes, but we managed.
The Reptile Man visited Landon's school at the end of July and he was a hit. Landon got to ride on a tortoise, pet an alligator and hold a boa constrictor.
In early August we went camping at Rimrock Lake with Jim’s dad, Sue, Emily and Ryan—Sue’s nephew from Swindon. The weather was perfect, the lake was beautiful and refreshing and we had a great time. Poor Landon came down with a fever and what we thought was a cold…turns out he had a virus commonly known as hand, foot and mouth disease. More than 15 kids at his school had it too. It’s most contagious in the early stages, so the little ones were spreading it around before the rash broke out. Landon’s hands, feet and crevices (elbows, neck, knees) were covered in red blisters. His arms and legs had a measles-like rash on them and his poor bottom was absolutely covered in the blisters. Luckily, the rash didn’t start until we got home, but he wasn’t himself on the trip. We spent a good majority of the time bundled up watching movies in the camper, but he really liked throwing rocks in the lake, splashing with daddy and riding on the boat (minus the life jacket, which he loathed).
He had a vacation week from school while he healed and Jim and I took turns splitting days at home. My mom and Emily stepped-up and spent lots of time with him too, which was very helpful.
That next weekend, Jim’s aunt Val, cousin Donna and her daughter Mackenzie came to town for Jill’s (Jim’s other cousin) baby shower that I hosted. Val stayed with Jill and Rich, and Donna and Mac stayed with us. It was a lot of work cleaning and prepping the house, but the shower was a hit and Jill received lots of great gifts to help with baby Mariona (she’s due in October).
On another note, we finally sold our Steilacoom house. It was a long and stressful process, but it’s over and we’re moving on. It’s bittersweet, and it was hard to say our final goodbye, but things truly worked out for the best.
Today’s Friday and I’m willing the evening to get here quickly, because Jim and I are having a date night!
All-in-all, things are good in the house of Taylor!
July 26, 2012
Our Summer Bucket List
I've seen a lot of summer "bucket lists" popping up, so I started thinking about what I'd like to accomplish with my little family. Here goes...(in no particular order)
1. Make lemonade
2. Visit the ocean
3.Take a boat ride
4. Go to the zoo
5. Golfing with Jim
6.Go swimming
7. Have a picnic
8.Purchase fresh produce baskets
9.Make pizzas for dinner
10.Get a pedicure
11. Take a family hike
12. Cheer on the Rainiers at an evening game
13.Eat a s'more
14. Host a family BBQ
15.Visit a farmer's market
16. Take the dogs to the dog park
17.Make ice cream sundaes
18.Take Landon to the library
19.Homemade Greek yogurt (epic fail, but at least we tried!)
20.Have a living room dance party
21.Go camping
22. Ladies night with my girls
23.Cool cocktails on a restaurant deck with Jim
24. Movie night with Landon
25.Try a new restaurant
What's on your list?
1. Make lemonade
2. Visit the ocean
3.
4. Go to the zoo
5. Golfing with Jim
6.
7. Have a picnic
8.
9.
10.
11. Take a family hike
12. Cheer on the Rainiers at an evening game
13.
14. Host a family BBQ
15.
16. Take the dogs to the dog park
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22. Ladies night with my girls
23.
24. Movie night with Landon
25.
What's on your list?
July 25, 2012
Spanish
On the drive home...
"Momma, I had water at school...agua."
"You did? Is that how you say water in Spanish?"
"Yes, Momma."
"Momma, I had water at school...agua."
"You did? Is that how you say water in Spanish?"
"Yes, Momma."
July 19, 2012
Cozy!
On weekdays it's hit or miss in the morning. Some days we have to wake Landon up, others he wakes up on his own. He loves getting cozy in our bed with his milk and movie. (Which makes it very easy for us to get ready right next door in the bathroom.)
I don't think he could be any cuter.
I don't think he could be any cuter.
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