Thursday, September 22, 2011

Thank You, Technology!

I completely love the fact that my phone has a video camera in it... I mean what did people do 20 years ago to document all of these wonderful moments?  Oh wait, I know, they tried to make the kid continue what they were doing that was just so cute while the found the massive, over-your-shoulder video camera (that actually held actual size VHS tapes).  Advancements in technology have not only helped those moms (like me) who rarely have time to wash their hair on a daily basis, but everyone in the world around us!  Now, every time I see Preston doing something I just never want to forget, all I have to do is grab my phone (which we all know is sitting right beside me even thought half the time I can't answer it due to my very demanding one year old), flip on the video camera, and try to capture it.  Sometimes Preston just stops performing the instant I press record, sometimes he starts screaming because he wants WATCH himself in his videos on my camera instead of being recorded (this is one of his favorite things to do), and sometimes, just sometimes, I capture what I'm trying to get- my cute little boy doing cute little things (well, at least him mom thinks so)!

Last week, Preston had a very rough week every day after school (let's be honest, I had one of my most trying weeks as a teacher as well, and I'm sure that rubbed off on him).  One day, I just couldn't take it.  Preston had been screaming for about 20 minutes straight and NOTHING I was doing was working.  I called Brad (maybe by this point I was also crying) and said... WHAT DO I DO???  Immediately he said, um take him outside.  Does father know son?  Yes, yes he does. I asked P... "Want to go outside?"  He STOPPED, said "ow-side," and ran to the door.  No intense crying after that.  I took him outside and brought his fancy dinner of easy mac along with us (don't judge me- please read the previous statement about it being an awful week for the both of us <and to be honest, even if it wasn't an awful week, he'd probably still be eating it>).  Here is what I was able to get on camera... I was trying for more, but as you can see, the boy was busy (NOT CRYING)!



This past weekend we were at my mom and Greg's watching the Cowboys game.  Preston was playing, girls were chatting, and boys were watching the game.  All of the sudden, Greg said something and ended the conversation with "One."  Preston immediately said, "two."  I was shocked.  I thought, that had to be a fluke.  So what did I do?  Said one again, that's right.  Preston said "two." I said "three."  Preston said "fur."  (At this point I was freaking out.  I said five, and yes, he said "sii."  I didn't try any other higher numbers because I was pretty sure he had learned this from his breathing treatments he does daily.  He is required to use his inhaler 2 times twice a day.  Each time he must take six breaths, and each time Brad and I count very clearly and loudly to six.  That means for over a month is has heard us count to "6" four times a day... and what did he pick up?  Of course, I made him do it about a million times that day, and was just SO proud of my boy.  First thing Monday afternoon, I finally thought to get out my phone to record it, and of course, it isn't as perfect as I'd like it to be... but he eventually gets it down a little bit (just forgetting four)!  I love my smart little man:)


And finally, two nights ago, the weather got a little crazy, so we brought his "side" in.  Preston has loved it being in there!  Yesterday, he was cracking himself up going down the slide!  Thank you Meme for such a great birthday Preston- the boy can't get enough of it:) 

Friday, September 16, 2011

Labor Day Weekend

Our family had such a great time celebrating a birthday, seeing family, going to the aquarium, and playing outside over Labor Day weekend!  I always think... why do we need a holiday so early in school year... this year has proven why!  I needed this break more than I could imagine.  We enjoyed just about EVERY minute of it!  It was absolutely beautiful here (finally BELOW 100) and that just set the mood for an incredible weekend!

First, we celebrated Preston's buddy, Logan's first birthday!

 
"Happy Birthday, Buddy!"


Sweet Girl!





Sunday, we went to the new aquarium in Grapevine with Gigi, Aunt Kaitlyn, and Ava!  It was so neat.  I was a little disappointed because they made me turn my flash off (something about it being harmful to the fish, blah, blah, blah), so I didn't get the quality of pictures that I would have liked... We did have a great time!  Preston was FASCINATED with it all... I had no doubt he would be!





He loved the crab!












Ava was able to touch a star fish.

Preston was not a fan of that



Finally, Monday (LABOR DAY), we had a nice relaxing day with the Emerson's.  The weather was PERFECT, so we were able to take the kiddos OUTSIDE to play!



WA-WHO!





Ava being silly because Preston wouldn't stay still for a picture.







I'm Growing Up and Getting Crazy

Preston has been interested in eating with a spoon (or fork- he just calls then all spoons) for a very long time.  Though he is not very good at it at all, he loves to try (even if sometimes becomes so distracted he forgets to eat <I wish I had that problem>).  He is now in his FIFTH week of school CAH-RAZY... and he basically a sponge!  He learns sometime new EVERYDAY and it just amazes me.  Eating with a spoon- he's almost got it down (especially if it's something like yogurt).  He's still not the best at it, but he's getting there.  Just to think of the new things he learned in the past 5 weeks (and yes, Brad and I are taking credit for some because we DO in fact like to teach him stuff too):
  • Identify and say many body parts (hair, mouth, nose, ears, eyes, fingers, toes, feet, button, and bo bo)
  • More animal noises (everything doesn't say moo anymore... well, some still do, but most of the time he gets monkey, dog, and bird)
  • Identify (while pointing and saying) airplane, several animals, tree, outside, bath, book, car, dada, mama, aba (which is Ava is Preston language), cup, milky (thanks to Brad for adding a y to everything), brush, color, baby, elmo, pillow, paci, cracker, cookie, berry, banana, UUGGGHH and so many more
  • His vocabulary is OUT OF THIS WORLD!  He just gets smarter and smarter by the day!!!!



Here is Preston with his new self feeding skill!


AND here he is doing what he does best- getting into everything!



Thursday, September 15, 2011

Hanging with My Peeps

A few weekends ago, Sissy, Aunt Candace, Uncle Justin, and Ava came to visit!  We had such a great time just hanging out at the house (and, of course, one quick trip to Target to get new rugs for my kitchen I have been telling my moms about for weeks)!  Nothing makes me happier than spending the weekends with people we love and enjoy everything that Preston does (even if he is throwing ups at your face or slapping you in the back of the leg...)




Ava brought her DS for her and Uncle Brad to play
(he freaking loves it as much as she does)
Of course, she is annoyed to explain minor details to the very focused Brad.

Preston wanted to see what all of the fuss was about.



I like my Daddy's shoes!

And Preston earned himself some new house shoes at Target!





So did Miss Ava


I am IN LOVE with these two kiddos!


Looking for bugs with Sissy!