Well, almost a month has passed since my last post, so you know what that means!? Try to play catch-up and document lots of memories! :)
I've taken so many pics of MJ over the last couple months that I've wanted to be sure to share, so I'll let the pics do the talking...
Earlier this fall, MJ made his 3rd trip to the dentist. I'm so thankful for a great dental practice that is so wonderful with kids! I've been through enough un-fun dental procedures to be nervous myself, so it's great to be surrounded by gentle, loving, and patient providers when we go. The first two visits were not especially productive. They'd show him all the instruments, let him do some exploring of all the tools, really try to hype it up, and he'd talk a good game, but then when it came time to sit back in the chair and actually open his mouth, it was a no-go. I was mostly expecting the same outcome this time; however, MJ pleasantly surprised us all. The night before, we really hyped it up and read a story about visiting the dentist. The next day, he was such a big boy! He played in the room and watched while I went first and got my teeth cleaned. They were showing him lots of short animated dental videos up on the screen in the meantime. I seriously think this might have been the game changer! This kid loves his cartoons and seeing all the characters getting their teeth cleaned was way more motivating than just me encouraging him. When it was his turn, he climbed up in the chair. Don't get me wrong, he's looking a little apprehensive here, and he was, but he was so trusting and such a great listener!
He sat still for the whole nine yards-teeth polishing, flossing, and all! I was beyond proud of him and was sure to let him know it. This certainly made him seem like a "little boy" to me and no longer baby-ish in any way. I hate to break it to ya kid, but this is just the first of MANY dental cleanings in your future.
When we bought our new house, one of the huge motivators was knowing that it was going to have more space, including room for a play room. I snapped this picture one day while downstairs playing trains with MJ. It makes me so happy to see him have room to spread out and play with his toys. He's not a huge fan of going down and playing by himself yet, but I'm sure that will come with time and age.
I tried to set up some of my old teaching materials in order to have some good educational space for MJ as well. Hey, they're just going to waste in boxes right now, so I figured I could definitely start making use out of them with my own little student. He loves to practice counting his numbers!
MJ continues to absolutely adore school. As much as we debated over the decision, I'm so glad we chose to send him each afternoon. He's really growing and blossoming, and I think his school is partly to thank for that! This picture was taken on the morning of his first-ever field trip. They rode the trolley down to the river walk and viewed all the sculptures on display. MJ loves the riverwalk and has been there many times with us, but he was especially excited about riding the trolley. When he came home that day and I asked all about his field trip, all he could seem to tell me was that they rode the trolley on the highway! This made quite the memory apparently. It was a little bittersweet, as part of me really wanted to be there holding his hand and watching his every reaction during this milestone. It's strange for him to have a big new experience and not be a part of it, but I know this is just part of him growing and gaining some independence.
A couple weeks later, I was able to go to MJ's school for Mother's Night. This was MJ showing me one of his items of "work"-a bird watching station. There was a little book with bird pictures and info along with a pair of binoculars to look at the window with. He was excited to show me all the areas of his room. We read a few books together before leaving for the night. It has been a very chaotic day here at home with the renovations, so I was really thankful for this time spent just with him.
Crazy kid loves his haircuts! It's special time just with daddy usually. I don't think I'd been to one of his haircuts since he was one. I tagged along this time though to see how big and independent he'd gotten with the whole thing. No more lap sitting. He climbs up in the chair and sits on a booster, lets them use the clippers, and is quiet and patient. He'll do about anything for a sucker! He was even treated to some special red spiky gel that night, and was sure to show off his best punk-rock look!
Our fall has been so consumed with the house renovations, that we haven't gotten to do quite as many fun fall activities as I'd normally like. It's one of my favorite times of year-I love the pumpkin patches, hayrides, animal feeding, etc. etc. We hadn't had time to get to one of the local pumpkin patches here, but while we were in St. Louis, we made it to Thies Pumpkinland. It was so much fun! More pics to come later, but the first picture is of MJ doing the kid's zip-line. I couldn't believe he was up for trying this, but once again I've underestimated his bravery and independence. Love the pure joy on his face in that picture!
The second picture was taken just across the street at an elementary school's pumpkin patch. MJ thought he was so big pulling around a wagon and trying to load the big pumpkins into the wagon all by himself. He was bound and determined he could lift this huge pumpkin. This pumpkin however, did not make it into the wagon. Maybe next year little man. Keep workin' on those muscles!
MJ had the opportunity to go bowling a couple weeks ago with Mat and a group of Mat's students. I was home with Charlotte, and Mat sent me a video. I couldn't believe how MJ could throw the ball down the lane. It was so cute, so I insisted we had to go again, soon, and that we did-the very next week! The casino has a really neat bowling alley in it, and so we made a little trip of it while my brother was in town last week. And, can I just say that the little toddler sized bowling shoes are adorable? I only bowl with an 8 lb. ball, so I'm pretty impressed how he can throw a 6 pound ball! He takes his sport very seriously. He waits his turn behind the line and is sure to tell the person after him when it's their turn. Oh, and he also eats a little snack each time he's waiting for his ball to be returned. TOO CUTE!
We recently just had Uncle Jeff and Gigi here for Halloween week (more to come on that one), and MJ was a little bummed to take Uncle Jeff to the airport to fly home. Uncle Jeff is like his own personal playmate, in his eyes, and he is quite fond of him! Before we left the house to go to the airport, MJ expressed his sentiments by saying "Thanks for coming to visit me, Uncle Jeff." This was completely unprompted and brought us all a bit to tears. We sure miss living so close to Jeff and are thankful for such a long visit!
Being 3 is tough work, guys! MJ has given up naps for the most part, although I think his body still needs one. He goes and goes and goes,and then sometimes in the car, he just finally crashes! So sweet!
On Facebook this month, in spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday, I've been listing something I'm thankful for each day. This was my post yesterday and sums up my thoughts and feelings on this little boy of mine quite well:
"Today I remember to give thanks for my little three year-old wonder. Oh, how I longed and prayed for this child. Often in the day to day life of an energetic, playful, inquisitive, and determined preschooler, it's easy to be exhausted by the stubbornness, but yet during the calmness, I always remind myself what a blessing that trait is! For it is his stubbornness, strength, and determination
...
that made him be our one embryo, out of five, to make it. Those same qualities saw him through his first few days of life when words like "ECMO" and "critical" were thrown our way. I believe God has big plans for this little boy of mine, and this morning when we woke up early and he was in my bed snuggling with me, I gave thanks to God for blessing me with this beautiful, precious life. May I never take it for granted! ♥"
