Interview with a Three Year Old

I got this idea from my friend Jennie when she did this with her son. I tried it with Jaxson before but it was much more successful this time. I will make sure I have more questions prepared for next time!

And on a side note, I am going to have to use my point and shoot for videos as this took 2.5 hours to upload since my DSLR shoots in HD. I am not trying to make a blockbuster and would rather have my two hours back!!

On My ToDo List

So tonight, as I am feeding Asher before bed, I began to look back on the blog to find out when Jaxson began sitting up, crawling, to compare and get an idea of when Asher might start doing some of those things. I first realized that Jaxson was early to do alot of that sitting up and crawling at 6 months, and walking along couches and with toys at 7months old. But the main thing I took away from tonight's stroll down memory lane is I took alot of videos. This is something I don't do as much with Asher. My new camera does take video but it just isn't as convenient as my old camera to do it. Although better quality. So, starting tomorrow I am going to make it a point to start taking some video of Asher. I definitely don't have the "second child syndrome" which is when you have a second child their life isn't documented in photos as much but I do have it slightly if we are considering video. We can't have that. And the fact that I just sat and watched my Jaxson take his first steps and it brought tears to my eyes I know that it is important that I have the videos along with the pictures for Asher as well. Someday not too far from right now my boys will be grown up and the videos will be my way of reliving them as my cuddly little babies.

 Here are some of my favorite videos of Jaxson in his first year. You can probably expect many Asher videos in the coming months...

Jaxson giggles.. and mom acts really dumb..

Jaxson standing up

Jaxson beginning to cruise

Jaxson taking his first steps

Eggtastic

 Jaxson is an interesting kid with interesting taste buds for a three year old. Nothing is too out of the ordinary but I am just surprised by some of the things he loves eating at three. He loves hardboiled eggs. Just peel and enjoy. No salt, although he will eat it like that, I figure why put salt on it if he likes it just as well without? After dinner tonight we were watching Toy Story 3 and he asked me for an egg. Not a popcicle or any treats, but an egg. Umm.. ok...?? So Dave set him up with a hard boiled egg at the sink with a small stream of water running and he went to work peeling away. It takes him awhile but he gets the job done and usually perfectly too since he is slow and careful. I am happy he likes them as they can be an easy snack to give him some calories not filled with junk. And the best part is that he can peel them on his own and it keeps him occupied for a bit. :)

Getting started

Inspecting for perfection

Happy with his work

Enjoying the fruits of his labor.. or the egg of it I guess..

Bedtime Stories 2

 So with many classic movies there is usually a sequel. So with one of the blog's "classic" posts I decided to do a sequel. Jaxson and Asher laid together and read a bedtime story shortly after we came home as a family of four. It was the sweetest moment that I can remember between them as brothers and I am so glad I was able to capture it for the blog so I can always look back on it and remember. Here is the original post Bedtime Stories.

Tonight Asher laid down with Jaxson for a bedtime story but there was more giggles and wiggles this time around. Some things have changed. First, and most noticeable is how much bigger Asher has gotten. Second being that Jaxson isn't afraid of being loud and silly with his brother now. When he first came home Jax was much more cautious when interacting and holding him. He is still careful and gentle, just less nervous.

One thing that hasn't changed is the way Jaxson looks at Asher with so much love. He truly loves his little brother. He still holds his hand, still strokes his hair, and whispers to him quietly when he gets upset. I love Asher with all my heart and he is the perfect addition to our family. What I am most happy about is that we decided to give them each other to grow up with.

Coleman's Meet Asher

We went to the Colemans house for dinner on Sunday. Sara is one of Dave's sister's good friends from high school and family friend of the Barry's ever since. They have a sweet two year old Essix that makes for a perfect playmate for Jaxson and they have not met Asher yet so we made a date to get together. Jaxson, who is usually very shy, was "talkative" instantly and ran off with Essix right away to play. They wanted to play with playdough and we were hoping they would forget by after dinner. They didn't of course. So they got to play with playdough but Jaxson took more to the doll house than anything. He obviously doesn't have many girl toys like dolls or doll houses and he actually really liked playing with them.

Little Essix took to Asher making faces and kissing him. She may have like Asher but Asher loved Essix! He was all smiles and giggles, and his eyebrows went sky high as she came in for a kiss. It was super cute.We get together only a handful of times a year but when we do it is always a great time.

Essix giving Asher a kiss

Jaxson playing with her doll house. He was getting in touch with his sensitive side.

These two made fast friends

All Five Fingers

On Saturday we spent most of the day at Beth and Luke's. We started with Addison's birthday party. She is officially showing off all five fingers to say how old she is.. FIVE! Of course their house was filled with kids from the neighborhood and family. She opened presents as fast as she could to get to the good stuff; The giant cookie and water balloons. The kids had alot of fun! Then we stopped at the store near their house to pick up stuff to make a quick salad and stayed for their evening barbeque as one of the many welcome home's for Ben after his arrival on Friday afternoon. He has made it home from Afghanistan safely and everyone is relieved. None more than Kyra, Avery, and Fischer of course. And it didn't take long for the trash talking between Luke, Ben, and Dave to start for the upcoming Ribbapalooza (the annual rib smoking competition) This is last year's competition. 

Happy Birthday Addison!

The boys were taken with Miss Addi, as you can clearly see.

Getting ready for the balloon fight. Holding hands so no one throws early.

Jaxson walked over to Dave and got him because he was too shy to throw them at the other kids.

My New Job

I am a month into my new job. I can say that I am loving it!! I guess I am not surprised by the job requirements really since I had this job from Wednesday afternoon through Sunday every week. But I can say that I love to be with them all the time.

We go to Mel's a couple times a week for Jaxson to play and I help. I can say that being a daycare provider is a hard job. I have mostly heard everyone complain about how expensive childcare is. And rightfully so! I honestly think you should pay more!! Mel knows every kids quirks, favorites, dislikes, and somehow manages to keep every kid happy all day long. She knows which kids want to play with what. She is somewhat of a short order cook at lunch time if she knows certain kids will only eat certain things. It's amazing.

Dave has still helped every night cooking and I hate to admit it, cleaning as well. I am lucky that one he likes to cook, and two is willing to clean up as well. I think it is somewhat because he would rather me just take care of the kids and him do the cleaning up because he thinks I am 'better at it.' But really, many stay at home moms always have to do both the kids, cooking, and cleaning up, so really I hit the jackpot in the husband category.

My second job working at the marketing research company has been interesting. I have learned alot about how the process works and I have found that people aren't as likely to sign up for a focus group as I would have thought. I mean, two hours of talking about what you think then someone gives you a check when you walk out, seems like a good deal to me but most people are skeptical. I am getting better at it which makes me feel more confident when I am there.

Overall, I wish I would have made this change about 3 years and 1 month ago when our little Jaxson was born. But, I am definitely making up for lost time and loving all the time I get to spend with them.

Brothers

How is Jaxson growing in his role as a big brother?? As Asher gets older and more playful their relationship has changed. Jaxson's patience for him has lessened slightly as he has gotten more comfortable with life with a baby. He will tell me to put Asher down with an irritated tone to his voice. It has only happened a handful of time in 4 months so I can't complain. Jaxson has never been mean to him or hit him or anything so I am so so thankful for that. I know that sometimes it can be rough for a two year old to adjust.

Most of the times I find Jaxson playing with Asher, talking with him, gently kissing his cheek, or rubbing his hair. As Dave and I were running around getting ready to go to the baseball game the other night I heard Jaxson talking to Asher. But when I came around the corner I found Jaxson reading to Asher. Jaxson was making sure to teach Asher the colors and items on the page. Asher was watching Jaxson, then back to the book, so intently. And he made sure to get books from Asher's room so they were 'baby' books.At the end Jaxson said "happy ever ever after" and ran to get a new book. I can't tell you how it warms my heart when I watch them together.

Perfect..

As some of you heard on Facebook I have now had mastitis three time in four months. It is one of the most awful things to get once let alone three times in that short amount of time. The first time Dave peeled me out of bed and made me go to the doctor on Sunday (I was trying to wait until Monday), the second time I caught it the second it started and I was able to have it not get so bad, and this last time I caught it quick but it came on with a vengence. On Friday I got home and found myself with a 102 temp. Wowzers.. So Saturday I let Dave play with the kids and I pretty much did nothing. I just laid there and let the Motrin and antibiotics do their job. I am finally feeling better today. Whew.. But on Saturday I was able to take a nap in the afternoon and had the most perfect cuddle buddies. They are the best medicine I could ask for...

Making Friends

 Jaxson always sees the neighbor kids playing in their backyard. Yesterday we were playing in our yard and he waved to them but wouldn't say anything. I asked Jaxson if he wanted to ask them to come over and he whispered he wanted them to come over and play bubbles. So we went over and asked them come play and they agreed. They are older than Jaxson but he was pretty excited and shy to have them come over. After awhile he lightened up. He didn't say much but he was playing basketball with them and TBall, and blowing bubbles of course. It will be fun for him to invite friends over more as he gets older.

Cool July Evening

 On Thursday it was such a beautiful day. It was mid 80's for the high and cool 70's in the evening with sunny skies. We took the opportunity to do something outdoors and went to the ICubs game. At the end of the night Jaxson agreed to go to bed so I knew we tired him out. It was a perfect day....

To The Lake

 After doing pictures of baby Joey we headed straight to Anne and Dan's lakehouse. First thing first, we got Jaxson set up with a bucket of water and some Tupperware which kept him busy for a long time. Dave and Dan played several games of bags then we were off on the boat. I didn't take my camera on the boat but  got a few on Dan's phone. It was Asher's first time on a boat and he loved it. He was smiley and giggly or lulled to sleep at one point. It was also Jaxson's first time swimming in the lake. He sat on Dan's lap most of the time and even enjoyed a few pieces of cheese and crackers while lounging in the water. It was such a great day to be at the lake. Looking forward to doing again before summer is over.

This was Asher's version of swimming. He was sitting in the shade with a little bit of water in the container. He played put his little hands in it until... 

 he dumped it out..

 and played with the water some more..

A little sunscreen works great to make a little mohawk.

Asher looks like he just thinks he is too cool in this picture. But really he was giggling up a storm while bobbing in the boat.

Compare and Contrast

As we sat on the deck looking out to the lake yesterday Anne asked me how the boys are different. It was such a great question but I couldn't really think of much. I really started to think about it the last couple days..I know Asher started out a bit more fussy. Not that he was a bad newborn, just that he was more demanding. And even now I think he still is more vocal. He baby talks more than Jaxson did and when he isn't happy about being in the swing or laying down he will let you know quickly. Jaxson was easier entertained, as in he could hang out in his swing for a long time and be happy. The other big difference is that when it was Jaxson and I, it was just that, Jaxson and I. I would hold him all day if he wanted me to. Or if I wanted to, which I wanted to alot. Asher doesn't have that luxury. But Asher, who likes more variety, gets alot of it. We go to Mel's still a couple days a week where he plays with different toys and watches the kids. And he gets a big brother, who adores him, to play with and watch run around with bright and colorful toys.

Asher Joseph at 4 months taken on July 9th

Jaxson at 4 months taken on October 31st

Jaxson on Halloween, 4 months old

After looking at these comparison pictures I actually think they look fairly similar. More than I thought actually. They have the same exact nose for sure. Obviously Asher is considerably larger with darker skin tone and less hair. Jaxson had long hair!! And I know Asher's cheeks make his face look more round but I actually think they have the same face shape/structure too. I am actually surprised to see these pictures, I thought I would think they looked nothing alike!

Jaxson around 4months.

Asher, July 4th (4 Months)

Asher Joseph: 4 months

 Happy Monthly Birthday my little guy! I am keeping my promise and taking pictures on the 9th of each month until his first birthday (Or close to it!). Yesterday we visited Dan and Anne at the lake house and I took the opportunity to take some pictures of our little guy in the sun on the bright red couch. Such a perfect spot. 

His new favorite things are now talking and giggling. His giggle is intoxicating. He can officially roll as in I saw him do it several times in a row. I knew he could since I have left him on the floor for a minute to go to the other toom and have come back to him in a different position. But I have witnessed the roll now so that makes it official! His other new "skill" is to grasp his feet, and as of tonight I saw him successfully get one foot in his mouth. And he still is the drooliest little baby you will ever meet! And I love him more and more everyday.