"Goup Ha" ... also Group Hug

Here's Landon and his bird puzzle piece.  We really enjoyed the unseasonably warm weather we had last week. LT and I went to an outdoor playground nearby and had a terrific time playing with lots of other kids also enjoying the weather.

Lately, LT has been saying group hug, pronounced "goup ha", and pulling D and I in for big hugs and kisses. He did this for both sets of grandparents - Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop K on Sunday night and Mom-Mom and Pop P on Monday night.  They both loved it! 

Landon giving the Nutcrackers a "Group Hug"

Landon and Mom-Mom K doing "Soooo Big"

Landon enjoying Ernie snacks the other morning

Weekend Review

LT had a terrific weekend because Mom-Mom and Pop P slept over and took great care of him on Saturday night.  (In fact, he woke up on Mon morning and the first thing I heard on the baby monitor was "mom-mom, mom-mom" ... over and over).  When D and I got home from our night away, the house was full of new clothes, books, and toys that LT got from his grandparents for Valentine's Day presents! D and I had a nice time and Landon absolutely loved it.  At least now I know that we can go away and he'll be more than ok with Mom-Mom and Pop!


Landon is enjoying his dinner!



Since the weather was not as freezing as usual today, LT and I ventured outside for some fresh air and exploration!  He happily ran and sang down the steps - by the way, he can just about get down the steps by himself this year with some assistance from this railing, but I was right there to catch him!  We examined a lot of sticks today and touched a lot of dirt and ice!  We also found a few good rocks and LT even put one in his pocket, which cracked me up because I didn't know he was really aware of his pockets?!  He also made sure to pull me over to a worker-man in our development who was taking down a fence.  We said hi and Landon made sure to put his fingerprints all over his work truck :-)

Singing and chattering away ...

Working with a stick

Tonight we had Monday night dinner at the P's house - delic!  Landon had a great night, as Sasha cat actually was somewhat friendly and after Pop caught her, LT was able to pet her back, paws and whiskers!  He made "meow" sounds the whole time.  Mom-Mom had a special Valentine's cupcake for her little cupcake.

YMCA Update

Yay! We are making some real strides at the YMCA! Today was day #3 for taking LT to the Y early in the morning - 8am ish, as per the director's suggestion because it is less busy and he can get the 1-on-1 attention he needs right now until he's more comfortable with the transition to be away from me.  Landon did cry when I first dropped him off but after 45 minutes of exercise, I went back to the "Kid Zone" (as they call it) to pick him up and I found him happily playing with a few other children around a train table. I am soooo proud of him and sooo thrilled to see some real progress.  I was legitimately worried that this would not work out.  I don't want to get too excited just yet, but I see a light ... the Y offers LT a great opportunity for socialization and to learn that its ok to play, talk, and interact with other children and adults, and that mommy only leaves him with safe, caring people, and that mommy always comes back!!!  Its also a wonderful outlet for me!

Separately, thanks to CW and K for a truly fantastic Wednesday morning playdate!  CW is adorable, funny, and smart to boot!  Landon and I just love spending time with the K family!  Looking forward to our next "date."

These 2 book worms enjoyed a short story - and matching blue & khaki outfits this day!

D and I are going overnight on Saturday evening to get away - it's my first time away overnight from Landon.  I am ready :-)  Mom-Mom and Pop P are coming over and spending the night at our house to take care of Landon.  I think everyone is going to have a terrific time!  I can't wait!

What a Daddy!!

Well, Daddy played poker as he always does the 1st Friday of the month, and so Landon, Mom-Mom & Pop-Pop K, and I shared a pizza and played at home.  Mom-Mom helped give LT a bath and we all read his latest favorite book - Thomas & Friends, Look & Find (thanks CW) before bed. We had a nice time playing and visiting with the grandparents.

Saturday was a special day for Landon and Daddy!!! D gave me the opportunity to go the gym and get an early morning workout and surprised me by saying that he wanted to take LT out for breakfast - what a great idea I thought!  So, D and LT went to local establishment, "Meghan's", for a father/son big breakfast.  Both boys had a tremendous time - Daddy ordered LT his own pancakes and said LT signed "please" and said "mmmmm" in between each and every bite!  LT also said "bye" so loudly that the entire restaurant heard him and everyone responded back "bye".  On the ride home, D asked LT if he had a good time, and LT signed "thank you" - awww!  After I returned from the gym and was ready to start the day, D again surprised me and said he wanted to try to take LT to the YMCA.  I have not mentioned in previous entries, but we recently got a family membership at our local YMCA - so far we love the facility and its offerings. One option in particular is the childcare - you receive up to 2 hours of childcare while mommy/daddy works out or takes a class - included in your family membership.  The teachers are all nice, certified, and the place is clean (BTW - I have high standards for where I'm leaving my most precious cargo - so we know its good).  LT has been having a rough time adjusting to me leaving him in this "daycare" place while I try to exercise.  We know its normal since its his first time apart from us and he's never been in any other daycare, but its a heart-wrenching and at times, frustrating, experience for us.  So when D said he wanted to try to take LT and drop him off, I was very happy ... albeit nervous, its in my nature, but having lots of wishful thinking that it'd go better with D rather than me leaving him.  In the end, D did seem to have a little more success, but LT was still very upset. I did, however, get another hour at home to myself on Saturday afternoon.  Then, I had a 3:00 hair appointment on Saturday, so once again, D and LT were on their own.  Later that evening, I left shortly before LT's bedtime to run an errand, and when I left the house and said bye-bye, LT did not cry or get upset - first time for that!

Sooo, I want to thank D for being a tremendous daddy and having such a special, loving day with LT.  It was good for all of us!   I love you!

Sunday morning D worked on his dissertation (soon to be Dr. K) and later that afternoon we had a small Superbowl party and Mom-Mom and Pop P, and Pop-Pop K joined us for food and fun!  We also started searching for our beach house rental this summer - we cannot wait!

Great weekend!

Daddy shared his eggs today before work

D told LT these were a good source of protein for muscles

Eat, Play, Keep Warm

M and LT happily playing
It seems LT likes pretty red-heads

Last evening we hosted our good friends, the K family, for dinner, what fun! D and I were just thrilled with how nicely soon-to-be 3-year-old "M" and Landon played together!  LT has been very clingy lately, more so than ever since he had his stomach bug, and we were a little unsure how he'd react to our company - but we were soooo excited to see how great these two got along.  LT was chattering away all night and M was very patient when he repeatedly destroyed her nice, neat row of cars!  LT even happily accepted and reciprocated a hug from M. Towards the end of the evening, it just melted my heart when LT tried to hug M on his own!  Awww, it was the first time that D and I ever saw LT try to hug another child - soooo sweet!  It was great to catch up with the K family. We are so glad everyone is doing so well and we were able to share such a nice night - thanks for a wonderful evening - can't wait to do it again!

Keeping Busy in the Cold

Here we are with another winter storm ... I hope its over soon!  We had a fun and busy weekend.  Friday night we ventured to a local mall just to get out of the house after a long week of being ill.  Landon enjoyed a Rita's mango water ice and he perked right up.  We also bought him a little present - a bumble-bee pillow pet that he loves.  He is still talking about it today - "mall" ... "bee" ....  It was a nice evening.  On Saturday morning we began with LT's 2nd haircut.  The place we chose was fantastic and his stylist was terrific - I'd highly recommend this place to any mommy with a toddler who's a little less than enthusiastic about a haircut.  Then we traveled to the pet store next door, then home for lunch and a nap, then a basketball birthday party in the late afternoon. Landon was very timid at C's 5-year-old party, but when we moved out of the gym and into a play room at the facility, he had a blast playing with the bouncy balls and enjoying pizza, soft pretzel, and cupcakes - who wouldn't! Sunday we went to church, the grocery store, and later in the afternoon made a trip to Borders and Pier 1. It was a busy weekend, but full of fun! Yesterday, Landon and I went to the YMCA in the morning and had a "date" at Wendy's for dinner because it was just the two of us all day.  I told him we were going on a "date" and he kept saying "date" - it was so funny!

Here are some pictures of Landon playing with the Nutcrackers - still not packed away yet ...

The Viking

Moving his handle

Reading "ho ho's" list

Nutcrackers are #1

Is it spring yet???

I've been taking some heat for the lack of blog updates recently and I have no excuse other than to say I have been so busy - but really, what mommy doesn't find herself saying that?

This week; however, the entire K family grappled with an awful stomach bug.  We had a lovely weekend last weekend; visited our dear friends, the H family, visited a pet store so Landon could see the "pups", and had a delicious home-cooked meal at Mom-Mom and Pop's house.  I went out shopping for some new pants for the long-legged Landon, and after a short stop at our Great-Grandmother's house for a visit, I came home to learn that my little sweetie had gotten sick (vommitted) for the first time!  Imagine my heart-ache.  I walked in to see Daddy (sans shirt) and Landon cuddled in a blanket on the couch watching Finding Nemo - also a first. 

The poor little thing was very tired but seemed ok, so we took it easy, thought we were out of the woods, and even went to dinner as normal on Monday evening at the grandparents.  Monday night I felt like I was hit by a train and the stomach bug got me - Tuesday morning, it got Darin.  Tuesday afternoon it got Landon, again.  The last few days have just been terrible, as we've all been so sick - the weather hasn't helped, but happily D and I are mostly recovered today, but little LT is still not himself.  All the Pedialyte and watered-down Gatorade (doctor's orders) help a little, but this is really taking its course on his system.  We hope to make it to C's 5th birthday party tomorrow afternoon!

On a positive note, I'm pleased to report that LT's vocabulary is really growing! Everyday he tries to say several new words and is putting two words together.  Its very exciting for us to listen and watch. D and I have known he's understood everything we've been saying and his sign-communication has been great, but its wonderful to hear his sweet little voice and see him expanding. I just LOVE his voice!