Peek-a-Boo

Jack was on a roll today in the cuteness department! All day long I kept getting tickled by his funny antics. It started this morning when he covered himself in pillows on the couch and then sprang forth like the surprise of the century. He was having a blast! All of his little activities were adorable today. He locked Gracie in his room with him again and they played in there while I took my shower. He has been super agreeable and easy going. We went to the garden store where he got to see the Koi pond and helped me pick a few herbs for the garden. Then a quick stop at Trader Joe's where he got an organic lollipop (who knew such a thing existed) for being such a nice boy. He ate a great lunch, we read a few books and then he helped clean up his toys before nap time! (Who is this kid?) After a 2-hour nap (can you hear the angels rejoicing?) he quietly came out to the kitchen and his first thought was "posisle?" He must have had sweet dreams about his Ironman popsicles while he napped. And after a 2-hour nap I would've given him a Mercedes if he'd asked for it! So we went out to the yard for popsicles and planting. I am anticipating an equally pleasant evening with a well rested, happy little boy! As ordinary as it was, today may have been one of the best ever.

Feels Like Summer

Another beautiful day for us here. We started off with a bit of overcast this morning, which was perfect for a quiet morning at home with homemade buttermilk donuts topped with warm maple glaze! I can't believe I'd never made homemade donuts before! The only problem is that it makes a LOT of donuts. So, we shared with any neighbors who were awake! Not many at 8:00 in the morning!

This afternoon after Jack's "No Nap" we cut up some watermelon and hung out in the backyard with Gracie. Jack is finally getting the hang of eating only the red part of the watermelon. It was such a yummy melon that it was dripping all the way down his elbow. He managed to throw Gracie's toy a few time between bites.

We are really enjoying our quiet weekend at home, especially with several busy weekends ahead of us. Between graduations and birthdays, June looks like it'll keep us on our toes!

Ups and Downs

Jack and I met my class for lunch at the park today on the CB Navy Base near our school. We brought Subway sandwiches, chips, soda and cookies. The kids were on their way to a fun afternoon of bowling with my teaching partner. Don't get me started on the craziness trying to get on base! The bowling alley managed to get the kids names on the list, but not me or my partner! And the guys at the gate were total jerks! They wouldn't call the bowling alley to confirm my arrival, nor would they give me the phone number! Miraculously they were able to call for my partner (chaperoning 20 kids), but not for me (chaperoning a 2 year old and all of the LUNCHES!) Well, needless to say, we finally made it in and I bit my tongue when I pulled back up to the gate 20 minutes later to find the guard on the phone with the bowling alley. Karma can be killer, I'm sure he'll get his.

After taking NO NAP (Lord help us please in this department) Jack and I went to my doctor's appointment. He got to hear the heartbeat of his little sister, but couldn't care less! He was more impressed with the lollipop and fishtank in the lobby. Great news, the amnio results showed NO abnormalities and the baby is looking great. I am nearly half way baked at this point and feeling great. The baby is a real mover and shaker, so now that I can feel her I hope she learns to sleep at night.

On a sad note, we learned tonight of the death of legendary coach John Wooden. I feel so honored to have met him and feel so grateful for the impact he has had on my life. His wisdom has helped me on my journey and I will continue to consider his insights as I tackle future obstacles which lay ahead. There was something purely magical about being in his presence, perhaps it wa the simplicity by which he lived that was so marvelous. Rest in peace Coach Wooden. I know you are with Nellie again, finally.

Mohawk Boy

With his shampoo mohawk and Buzz Lightyear tattoo, you might wonder what kind of little hell-raiser we are raising...but he is just as sweet as always!

I apologize for the lengthy gap in posting. You'd think with 6 weeks of bed rest I'd find a little time to post something! Yes, but with Jack going to daycare everyday so I could rest, there was little going on to post about.

Well, the good news is that I am back to work and back to life. Officially 18 weeks pregnant now, so nearly half way there. At our last ultrasound everything looked great, so we are just awaiting the amnioscentesis results to be sure. Another exciting detail is that we can paint the nursery PINK! We have had two different ultrasounds confirm that it is without question a girl. Jack does not understand what is coming up for him. "Baby in Mommy's tummy, uh-huh." Say the words all you want little boy, but you have no idea what they mean to you yet! You will soon enough!

On an unrelated topic, today at the grocery store we had an Ironman incident. Jack is so fascinated with Ironman that when we walked by the superhero popsicles he HAD to have them. And let me tell you that the manufacturer knows this, so they don't put Ironman on the box of 8 pops, NO, I had to buy 24 frozen rocketpops that take up half of my freezer shelf! But at $4 I figure it is a small price to pay for peace and happiness. Besides, summer is upon us, so I know we'll use them up fairly quickly.

My little angel is now up from his "No Nap" so I am off to curb the chaos. Have a great day!

Mother's Curse

"When you grow up I hope you have a child just like you!"

We've all heard about the mother's curse, but last night Rob and I got to experience it first hand. Jack was playing around at dinner, so I told him to sit back down or else he'd get a time out. To let him know I was serious I began the count down, "One, two, three..." His response, while still goofing around was, "...three, four, five." Oh, brother! We are in for it, for sure!

But Jack managed to be as cute as ever this morning. He insisted that I take his photo this morning. Too much!

Mother's Day Weekend

Grandma Laura came up for an overnight along with Auntie Kelsey and Scott. Jack was thrilled. Rob picked up Wood Ranch BBQ for dinner on Saturday night. Our littlest carnivore was in hog heaven...or perhaps I should say cow heaven. He spent 10 minutes working on a beef rib that was as big as his leg! Video of that will follow.

He also spent some quality time cuddling with Kelsey and Scott (and the iPad) on the couch. He taught them how to play his new Ironman game. I know it's Rob's iPad, but I think Jack is clocking equal time on it. He plays games, watches movies and feeds the fish in his computer aquarium. Truly so simple a 2 year old can use it!

Finally, this morning he got to go to Santa Barbara airport with Grandma to see off some passengers. He got to check out the inside of the private jet they were flying in to the Virgin Islands...not to shabby! But really he was most impressed with the popcorn inside the terminal! We all had a lovely brunch, flowers and a beautiful day to enjoy. Hope you are all having a wonderful Mother's Day too.

Rites of Passage

Today was room and board day in the Fredericks' residence. After a trip to Lowe's, the boys installed a lock for the sliding glass door to keep Jack from wandering out on his own. I am sure if he knew we were locking him in he would never have helped! But he was mezmerized by the drill, screwdriver, etc. Rob was very patient about showing him how everything worked. Honestly, it was one of the most adorable things I've ever seen. And the bonus is that it works! No more 6:30 AM playing in the backyard with the loud popping lawnmower. I'm sure the neighbors will be grateful.

Jack also wanted to help with the recycling. I don't know how that little boy managed to carry a bin as big as himself. After about 5 feet he asked, "Mommy help?" He did manage to carry an empty box to the recycle bin. At least it's a step in the right direction.
I'm going to enjoy his helpful spirit while it lasts, I won't expect this much cooperation when he's a teenager. But it is Mother's Day weekend.