First Day of School 2015

 

 

Jack had a wonderful first day of school!  Hooray!!!

I was worried that he would cry, not sleep and not eat.  Two out of three ain't bad!  There weren't any tears, he napped...but didn't eat much.  I packed all of his faves so I'm just going to chalk it up to nerves and a new atmosphere. 

Jack walked right into the classroom, made himself at home and started doing puzzles with his friend from the playground right away.  He really seemed to have fun and even earned a special sticker for helping another kiddo on the playground.  Obvisouly Jason and I are super proud. 

I'm so happy I could have a light day at work and was able to drop him off and pick him up!  

The second day was just as good - he ate a little bit more, was happy the entire day and was even the example at Chapel on having a kind heart from being helpful on the first day.  He earned a special heart that they present each week at Chapel for his kindness. 

I'm a little bummed that we already have a homework assignment...I'm not creative and don't love arts and crafts assignments, but I know this is the first of MANY I will do with my kiddos so I'm going to suck it up, grab the glue and enjoy it!

Thoughts for Thursday :: Getting Ready for Preschool

I truly can't believe that my little baby is starting Preschool on Monday!  He will only go two days a week, but it's for a good chunk of time {9am-2pm} on those days.  I know he is going to love the social interaction and learning new things, but I just can't wrap my head around it.

Will he eat his lunch?  Will he nap when he's supposed to?  Will he play nice with others?  Will he miss home or not want to leave in the afternoon?

I'm trying to prepare myself mentally for a rough few weeks during the transition period.  We are in a different situation since our nanny will drop him and pick him up most days {except the first...that's all me} - which leads me with a whole other ball of guilt and frustration since I'll want to be the one doing these things.  

Being the overanxious mother I am, I've done a good bit of "prep" to get him ready for school.  I mean really he doesn't need half this stuff, but it makes me feel good and prepared to do it all...

Clothes & Shoes

Jack's school does not require uniforms so for clothing I like him to look nice, but be comfortable of course.  We are still in the triple digits in Houston so it must be cool too.  I watched all of the back to school sales and purchased some $4 pocket tees at Old Navy that I had monogrammed by Two Magnolia Lane.

I was able to score shorts from Carter's and Gap both on sale along with a couple of other cute tees from both places.  I don't like spending too much on his clothes since he grows so quickly and could ruin something in a matter of seconds with his messy eating and playground trips!

For shoes, he lives in Natives most of the time, but for school needs to wear something with socks.  We love the "Made 2 Play" Stride Rite sneakers which you can find at Stride Rite or Nordstrom.   I bought two pairs of these during a BOGO sale + tax free weekend!  Again, I hate paying full price for toddler shoes since his feet grow so fast!

Backpack and Lunchbox

Two Magnolia Lane came through again with the cutest matching backpack and lunchbox combo with his name monogrammed on both.  We opted for the larger size backpack to ensure his papers, extra clothing and lunch + snacks would all fit.  He looks precious with it on!

Food Storage

As silly as it sounds to experienced moms, I've never had to pack a lunch for my kiddo before so this brings me a ton of anxiety!  I want to make sure he gets full and likes what I give him, but also that it's healthy enough {I've read horror stories of parents being reprimanded if the lunch isn't healthy enough}.  We also have to pack two snacks a day...so all in all, that's a whole lot of packing each day.

Some items I purchased include:

Spencer Bento Box - Sandwiches Cutters - Ice Packs - OXO Tot Straw Cups, 11 oz.

Teacher Gifts

Image via Jolie Delights

If you live in the Houston area then you need to check out Jolie Delights who created these adorable Mason Jars with Pencil Cookies!  This is what Jack will be treating his teachers to on the first day this year.

Megan from Honey We're Home posted a great list of other cute Teacher Gift ideas - perfect for the first day or throughout the year!

What have you done to get ready for school?  

And what are your thoughts about first day teacher gifts - thoughtful or unnecessary?

-- 

 I'm linking up today with Annie and Natalie today for Thoughts for Thursday. 

Watermelon Summer Session :: Jack at 27 Months

A few weeks ago I took Jack for a "Watermelon Mini-Session" with Momma's Gonna Snap Photography through Houston Moms Blog.  I wanted to capture a few professional images of him at two years old since I didn't do a formal two-year session for him.  I love how they turned out and really captured his silly and sweet personality, skinned-knees and all! 

And since I'm carrying around my own watermelon right now, I jumped in a few shots too even though it was hot and muggy as heck and my hair wasn't dealing well.  Vanity goes out the window when your little model is just so sweet and handsome. 

Hope you have a great day!

Happy 2nd Birthday Jack Grayson

Dear Jack,

I can't believe you are already two.  I feel like we were just having your First Fiesta!  You are the sweetest, most caring little boy I've ever known and I can't wait to see what another year will bring all of us. 

We are gearing up for your Mickey Mouse themed birthday party because you just love Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.  I never thought I'd be one to throw a Disney character-themed party until I saw your love for Mickey.  We are having your party at one of your favorite places, The Little Gym, where you have been going since before learning to walk. 

At two years old you love Mickey (of course), animals, cars, trucks, trains, airplanes, puzzles and books.  You rotate between your favorite stuffed animals, but right now your favorite is Mr. Shark, or "kark" as you call him.  Your favorite books these days are Goodnight Moon, Llama Lllama Red Pajama, The Quiet Book (still) and Little Blue Truck. And you still are never without your blankie, or "mimi" as you have started calling it. 

You are wearing 2T and 3T clothing and size 5-6 diapers.  You are Mr. Personality at home, but sometimes get a little shy in new places or with large crowds.  We love that you aren't sad going to the church nursery anymore.  You love your "Nana" and she just took you to the Downtown Houston Aquarium for a birthday celebration this week where your favorite animal was the white tiger.  You loved to growl at it and announce to everyone when it had to "pee-pee." 

You love being outside - whether it's a walk to the neighborhood park or just playing with chalk or bubbles on the driveway.  You also love your brother, Tucker or "Kucker" as you call him.  He hasn't quite warmed up to all of your poking and proding yet, but I'm sure you are growing on him. 

You love to eat chicken, mac & cheese, avocado, cuties and strawberries.  Although you love eating fruit, I'm having a harder time getting you to eat veggies these days.  You still love bath time and your bedtime routine.  Although you are giving us a hard time on your daytime nap, you are the best sleeper at night so I can't complain too much.  You generally sleep from 8pm-7am everyday. 

We love you so much Jack Grayson!  This year I'm so excited for you to start learning to swim, start preschool in the fall and become a big brother!  What an exciting year you have ahead of you.  I hope you stay a mommas boy...please, please, please.  Happy birthday my little pumpkin! 

Love,
Momma

You Sit On A Throne of Lies

Jack visited Santa last weekend...and it was not pretty.  Luckily we had an appointment so no lines, no waiting and the entire thing took less than a minute.  As soon as I picked him up from Santa's lap he was happy again, even blowing Santa kisses goodbye.  He is such a sweet boy.  He just gets a little scared, but really, who wouldn't!  It's a super weird custom we have to sit our child on a stranger's lap and expect them to pose for pictures. 

 

 

 

Images by: Tanya Saenz Photography

Location: The Turquoise Door {Tomball, TX}

 

Oh Santa... 

 

Happy First Birthday Jack!

 

Best. Year. Ever.

 

Five on Friday: Cinco de Mayo

Excuse my absence this week while I'm up to my ears in pinatas, sprinkles and sombreros.  I've been a busy bee this week getting ready for Jack's first fiesta tomorrow {hello 50+ people at our house!!!!}.  Tomorrow is also his actual first birthday too (tear).  Follow all of the shenanigans on Instagram using #jacksfirstfiesta

For my Five on Friday post, you can catch me over at Houston Moms Blog today talking about FIVE easy ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo coming up on Monday!

Time to Fiesta!

 

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Jack visited Santa last week.  I'll let the pictures do the talking. 

Images by Laurenland Photography

Location: The Turquoise Door {Tomball, TX}

Jack: 7 Months!

 

Length: 27.5 inches

Weight: 19 lbs
Head Circumference: 17.5 inches
Based on measurements we took at home, aka very unreliable

Milestones this month:

• Eating fruits and veggies
• Sitting up all by yourself
• Clapping 
• Scooping things up in the bathtub
• Wearing 9 and 12 month clothing!
• Sitting in public highchairs - we haven't tried shopping carts yet, but I feel that coming soon!
• You waved bye a couple of times when others do it to you...especially when the nanny says "Adios Pappito"

Things you like this month:

• Tucker or "Puh" as you call him
• Clapping
• Bath time with Dad
• Your stuffed animal friends especially the raccoon
• The Exersaucer
• Food!  So far you love oatmeal, avocado, peas, pears, sweet potatoes, mangos and bananas
• You love to give me kisses...wet ones...with your whole mouth. You especially like to bite my nose. 

Things you don't like this month:

• Sleeping - ha!
• Getting dressed
• Getting strapped in your carseat
• Getting your fingernails cut
• Carrots
• Not being held
• Laying down or being held like a baby.  You would rather sit upright and look around

Special memories this month:

• Your first Thanksgiving
• Leaning over and giving me a hug
• Introducing you to new foods
• Getting to see Ashley and your BFF Graham
• Seeing all of your family in the Corsicana/DFW area including Cousins Cohen and Landon
• Taking you to "the shop" to see Aunt Vicki and Mauri...of course you went straight for the diamond Rolex

Dear Jack,

 

Another month where I am telling you to slow down!  Also another month where your dad and I proclaim that this is our favorite stage.  Except for the fussy nights due to stupid teething you are a dream baby with such a huge personality.  It's like you know exactly when the camera is on and how to turn up the cuteness.  Do I see modeling in your future?  Maybe you will just be a charmer.  You are more outgoing at home and tend to be shy and introverted when we get out in public...just like how I was at your age. 

 

Some people think it's crazy that your dad and I haven't had a proper date night since having you.  We just can't think of anything better than being with you on the weekends and after work.  We will work on that though!  I haven't really left you alone much (aside from the weekly grocery store trip) since having you.  I know I need to work on this, but I just cherish my time with you so much especially since I'm away from you during the week.

 

I can't wait to celebrate your first Christmas and share you with all of our family and friends.  Boy are you going to get spoiled!

 

Love,

Momma...practice saying it Ma-Ma

Jack: 6 Months!

 

 

Length:  27.5 inches

Weight:  18 lbs
Head Circumference:  17 inches
Based on measurements from your 6 month checkup on 11/8/13

Milestones this month:

• Starting solids...right now you are just on rice cereal, but boy do you love it!
• Sleeping on your tummy sometimes
• You are not quite sitting up unassisted, but you are getting so much stronger. 
• Scooting on your butt
• You learned that kicking your legs in your bouncer and mamaroo makes the toys bounce around so you are a busy guy with those legs
• Reaching and grabbing for everything.  When you want something you start clenching your fists
• Much more talking
• Discovering how funny Tucker is and wanting to grab him
• First fever after your 6 month shots (this isn't really something to celebrate, but I wanted to document it...I guess it is cause for celebration that you made it 6 months without getting sick).  Knock on wood! 
• Recognizing people other than mom and dad...like his Mimi {who is now squeals and laughs everytime he sees her}

 

Things you like this month:

• Mirrors
• Shrieking...especially during church
• Music
• Animals
• Being outside
• Your mommy, Nanny Y and Mimi
• Bath time
• Watching Tucker
• Your stuffed animal friends
• The Exersaucer is your favorite, but you also love the Jumperoo

Things you don't like this month:

• Afternoon naps
• Getting lotion applied after your bath...oh the screams!
• Getting your fingernails cut

Special memories this month:

• First trip to San Antonio and first time in a hotel
• Spening the weekend with Mimi and Papi in San Antonio
• Laughing hysterically with Nonni singing "What does the fox say"
• First trip to the pumpkin patch
• Taking holiday family photos
• Showing you off at my company picnics in Houston and San Antonio
• Discovering Snuggles the cat at Pops' house
• Getting more comfortable nursing in public...we are both getting so much better at this!
• Feeding you rice cereal with a spoon for the first time
• Screaming and laughing with Mimi while in your exersaucer

Dear Jack,

No way has it been 6 months.  We just brought you home.  Next thing you know we will be planning your first birthday party.  I am so proud of you and love watching your personality develop.  You have the cutest little smirk these days...it's like you know how cute you are!  We have so much fun together and I miss you like crazy when we aren't together.  I've always been a bit of a scrooge during the holidays...until this year!  I can't wait to celebrate this special season with you and create new family traditions for our little family of 3...plus Tuck!  I love you so much Little Jackamus.

Momma

Wednesday Wishlist: Jack's Christmas List

  

I'm linking up again this week with Annie and Morgan for Wednesday Wishlist.

 

Here are some fun items on Jack's Wishlist this year for his very first Christmas!

 

Any other suggestions for an 8 month old?

 

 

Playskool Elefun Busy Ball Popper
Elephant Plush Rocker by Pottery Barn Kids
Pottery Barn Kids Anytime Chair
Stuffed Animal Storage Bag by Boon
Trunk Snack Box by Boon
Radio Flyer Classic Walker Wagon (thank you Annie for the idea)
Kushies Zolo Fuzzi, Lovebug(to replace the one I ruined...oops) and Stacker
Aden & Anais Sleep Bags
Books
& of course clothes with lots and lots of monograms (picture above from Ribbons and RickRack!

Can you tell we like elephants in our house? 

 

Jack's First Halloween

Here are a few more pictures from Jack's first Halloween!  A lot of the pictures are just of us sitting around waiting for the trick-or-treaters to come.  Our neighborhood Facebook page kept reporting that kids were starting around 5:30 so we waited...and waited...and finally got some around 7pm. 

 

And yes, Jason made a fire even though it was so hot hotside...he said it added to the spookiness.  He loves Halloween.

 



My sweet elephant was so tired from all of the picture taking



Love that little tail!



Mimi got Jack a giant Jellycat Elephant that is just about his size



Tucker the Lion!



My babies

Happy Halloween!

We hope you have a wonderful {and safe} Halloween!  I'm so excited to be celebrating Jack's very first Halloween.  And of course I can't wait to pass out candy to all of the sweet trick-or-treaters tonight...one for me, one for you!  I'm in big trouble though this year because it's supposed to be very bad weather and I already bought 5 huge bags of chocolate.  If you brave the weather and come to my house you might get way more than a handful!

What are your plans? 

Studio Ainsley captured these adorable images of my little elephant last weekend at their annual Costumed Cuties event.  Be sure and follow their Facebook page to be in the know about other fun upcoming events they are hosting. 


Boo!



...and so done!