Happy Birthday Preston!

In honor of Preston's 6th birthday I thought I would share six things I love about him:

1. His love for donuts. Even the kind you buy in the package at the gas station.

2. His crazy obsession for marble runs.

3. He's not afraid to just be himself and that includes his obsession for purple.

4. How easily he adapts to change and yet deeply longs for order.

5. He's always willing to give extra snuggles.

6. The way he loves everyone and isn't afraid to tell them so.

Happy 6th Birthday to my sweet, silly, and lovable Preston!

Playing Catch Up

Yikes! Has it really been almost a month since I've updated my blog. Sorry mom - I'm pretty sure she's my lone reader - I'll try to do better.

Lots of exciting things have happened, especially in the photography category. Both boys got a professional photoshoot. However, not together, and not with the same photographer so I've got lots of links to share.

First up, Preston had a photoshoot with my friend Jennifer Mazy. Mazy is an amazing photographer. I especially love her work with newborns. She has a gift of bringing on baby fever - no matter how long it's been since you've had a baby.

Here's the link to Preston's proofs. You'll need to enter the site (on the bottom) and then on the left and you'll see "Info". Click that. Then you'll see "Client Proofs". Click that. And now sit back and look at that sweet, sweet baby. Wait, that baby's not mine... let's move on.

For username enter "models". And now enter "models" for password. Don't use the quotations. Click "Submit".



Now you'll have to scroll past several other kiddos before you get to Preston. Or you can just sit back and enjoy the slideshow. There's music too, so as long as you don't wake anybody up go ahead and turn up the sound. Preston's photos come around number 39 or so. Be sure and see them all, there's about 13 or so. The little girl immediately following Preston was at our photoshoot as well and they have been friends for quite a while and they are only a few days apart in age. They were very cute together, unfortunately we don't get to see them very often.



For immediate family, you might recognize photo number 135 as that is the one that earned Preston this:
For those that don't know, that's a local free magazine that is available at neighborhood grocery stores, restaurants, etc. Cool, huh?

Secondly, Connor had his professional photoshoot with a Jennifer as well. But with a different Jennifer, this time with Jennifer Lauren. She is another amazing photographer but has an altogether different look with her photography. She really has a way of capturing the eyes. We spent nearly two hours together and I learned so much from just watching her work. It was truly a joy to get to know her and I now consider her a good friend.

Ok, ready for trip to the internets folks? On your mark... get set... click!

Unfortunately Jennifer hasn't completed the photos from Connor's photoshoot, but you can click here for a sneak peek on Jennifer's blog. (I promise I'll share the link to the full reveal when I get it.)

Once you get to Jennifer's blog the first thing you might notice is Jennifer's reflection in the eye in her welcome post. That is Connor's eye! I told you she had a way with eyes. Connor is also up at the top in her rotating header, but you're going to want to see the rest.

So keep scrolling down and you'll see a handful of Connor. We thought we would go for a little bit different look this time and I think it suits him well. He was just all smiles throughout the whole process. Not even a diaper blow-out would spoil his mood. It was perfect. I can't wait for the rest of the photos.

Want to own some of these portraits of my beautiful children? Well, do you mom? Good news, both photographers are offering discounts of their prints for us to purchase. Now these are professionals so they won't be Walgreens pricing, but they also won't be Walgreens quality - much, much better! Let me know (mom) if you want any and we'll place an order.

So that ought to just about catch us up... at least for now.

It's a Swim Thing

Preston started swim class the day after we got back from our trip. Thanks to Great Granddad, we were able to sign him up at the local rec center. Last year we went to the YMCA and I wasn't impressed with his teacher, so I thought we'd try someplace new.

I'm so glad we did because Preston got an excellent teacher. Chris was extra patient and kind and had a lot of fun while teaching. And since he only had one other student besides Preston it was like having private lessons. And for an added bonus our entrance to swim class allowed us to visit the city pool (located at the rec center) for free, so we often stayed after to enjoy a little fun in the sun. We almost forgot that it was a hundred and ten degrees outside.

Waiting for swim class to start

Teacher Chris, classmate Emma, and Preston having a little pow wow.

Practicing floating like a starfish

Not quite sure about it yet

Starting to get the hang of it

By the end of the session he had mastered floating on his back

Connor hung out in the stroller and cheered brother on

Waiting for your turn is sometimes boring

Preston showing off his mad swimming skills

Now that's some concentration

Towards the end of nearly every class Chris would take the kids outside and have them jump off the diving board and swim to the edge of the pool. Emma showed no fear and would jump right in. Preston needed a little more coaxing. He would get all excited but as soon as he got about half way out on the board he would turn around and head back down the ladder. Poor fella. I don't think it was the jumping but the wobbly diving board that made him nervous.

Finally Chris convinced Preston to jump from the side of the pool instead.

Chris asked Preston to "pinky swear" that he'll jump off the diving board next time and he did! Sorry, I wasn't able to get pictures of it. But you'll just have to trust me that he did it. After he jumped, he was ready to end the class and leave, but his teacher and I convinced him to do it one more time. This was such a great accomplishment for him. I know he was really scared and it took every ounce of bravery he had in him to do it.

One quick funny:

During class his teacher Chris would hold him in the water and repeat, "Dunkin' donuts" as he swung him back and forth. The point was to get them ready to be dunked in the water.

One day at home, Preston and I were playing and he asked me to sing the "Donkey Donuts" song. I had no clue what he was talking about until he started "singing" it the way his swim teacher does. I nearly lost it. I guess the dunking part was lost on Preston.

Preston had accomplished all of the class goals (something he didn't do last year). He is able to swim a few feet, float on his back, and knows the proper stroke and kicking techniques. Chris said that this was his best class by far. After our disappointment from last year, it was so refreshing to see Preston learn and accomplish something he tried so hard to do.

Gold Spandex is Totally Gnarly

Remember the movie Fame? You might remember the motion picture or maybe the popular TV series, but I'm certain you remember the theme song. Remember? Remember? Irene Cara? Any of this ring a bell?

If not, go here. Do it now. Trust me, you're going to want to see what we thought was cool in the eighties. Totally radical, dude.

Besides it'll help the following story make much more sense.

So, we take Preston to go see Up at the theatre. One of the previews just happen to be the new movie Fame (a remake of course). They play the theme song throughout the entire trailer.

Here's the last thing we hear as the screen fades to black:

Fame

I'm gonna live forever

Baby remember my name

Remember

Remember

Remember

Remember

Remember

Remember

Remember

Remember

Remember my name

Fame

Just as the theatre gets quiet and we're all poised for the movie to finally start, Preston calls out:

"What was their name?"

That's solid gold right there, folks.

A Kiss is Still a Kiss

Every night at bedtime Preston has the same routine; brush teeth, story, prayers, then hugs and kisses. Fortunately my four year old doesn't complain about giving mommy her snuggles, but no matter what he always wipes off my kisses. Finally, I couldn't help but ask him why he always wiped off my smooches.

It is this response that made me so proud to be his mommy. He told me, "Mommy, I'm not wiping off your kisses, I'm rubbing them in so I can keep them forever." So while I know that there will come a day where he will be too cool to get kisses from his mommy, for now I'm making sure he's got plenty.

Connor: Two Months

Connor: The First Month

Now Available on Video...

I was trying to take some photos of Connor smiling, but I was always just a fraction of a second from actually snapping it. Fortunately, I thought to use the video function on my camera. Unfortunately he had decided he was hungry and was intent on eating his hands. Oh well it made for some interesting video footage.

Of course I have to apologize for the poor quality, and the shaky camera handling (holding baby in one hand and camera in the other is not easy), and sorry for my bobble headed baby.

So with all the proper excuses out of the way, I present three original Happy Chaps productions, starring Connor as the Happy, Hungry Baby, Preston as the Hyped Up Preschooler, and myself as the Crazy Voice-Over Lady Who is Withholding Milk.

This first video is titled "Yes, Baby!" It features Connor and myself saying "Yes" repeatedly. I'm not exactly sure why, but the word was evoking all sorts of smiles before the camera was rolling so I went with it. Of course once the red light came on, Connor decides I'm more annoying than humorous and tries to tell me to get a new word. Baby actors are sooo demanding.

This next featurette is a sequel to "Yes, Baby!" and is titled "Surprise!" It features Connor in his most demanding role yet. (Note: rated G for "Gross")

And finally, due to much demand Connor now stars with his brother in this musical. Lyrics and choreography by Preston.

What'd You Say?!

So recently Preston has been coming up to us with some whoppers. And by whoppers I mean out-of-the-blue-seemingly-out-of-context-where'd-you-hear-that kind of sayings. This usually happens while we are having a conversation in the car. Here are a couple of examples:



Preston: Daddy, I saw you on top of the fence yesterday.

Daddy: Oh, really? I don't remember being on the fence.

Preston: I saw you, it was really funny.

Me: What was Daddy doing on the fence?

Preston: I don't know, he was up there and then he fell off.



This conversation just happened to take place after Phillip mentioned to me that he was "on the fence" about some decision.

And there is this one:

Preston: Nana, why was her head cut off?

Me: *Gasp*

Nana: Where did he hear that?

Me: *Shrugs* What are you talking about, Preston?

Preston: Her head, why was it cut off?

None of us were quite sure where to go with that... until suddenly I realized that Nana had just said, describing a co-worker, that she was "running around like a chicken with her head cut off".

This is just proof that kids hang on to your every word. They may not obey every word, but they hear it.

The Reveal!

Here is the finished product from Preston's 4 year photoshoot. Enjoy!

Sneak Peek

Every year about this time, I'm scouring the coupons trying to find a good deal on some professional portraits. Of course, I use the term "professional" loosely as I'm too cheap to go anywhere other than WalMart or JCPenney. Sometimes we get good photos... most of the time they're just ok. And I'm really good about saying "No" when it comes to all those "extras" they try get you to buy so really spending $9.95 for an 8 x 10, a couple of 5 x 7's, and the hundreds of wallet sized photos - that are always left over - isn't too bad.

But this year is different. I'm hiring a real "non-professional" to do Preston's 4 year portraits. Me! So after spending a morning "on location", I've got a few snaps that should look nice on our portrait "Hall of Fame" (literally, a hall of framed portraits). Isn't that what everybody does with their 8 x 10's? I couldn't wait to get home and edit a few, so here's a sneak peek. Enjoy my handsome little man!

Just Keep Swimming

Preston started swim lessons this week. Here's just a few pics. (Sorry they're blurry and kind of dark.)

Waiting for class to start. (He's the short one in the blue shorts)

I like to call this one "Oreo" or "SPF 50 Required". (Is my boy white or what?!)

Practicing the breathing technique with the rings.

Kicking. Our favorite part.

Stroke... breathe... stroke...




Taking the dumbell out for a swim... I'm talking about the swim apparatus!

Notice the technique. Tongue out allows you to swim better.

(Oh and notice how the instructor has one eye back on the kids? Too funny!)

Let's try swimming on our back.

Looking not so sure.

"Mom, are you sure this guy is a 'certified instructor'?"

"It's all good!"

The Big Brother's New Do

First of all if haven't heard our big news, you'll want to click here.

We finally broke down and decided to pay a professional to cut Preston's hair. Up until then my mother-in-law or myself have been trimming it here and there. I can't speak for my mother-in-law but I had no clue what I was doing and thus Preston's hair has suffered for it.

Phillip was needing to get his hair cut so we decided to go ahead and let them take a whack at Preston. As Phillip is a simple (and thrifty) kind of guy he just goes to one of those walk-in type places. Preston was called first and although the hair dresser (or is it hair stylist... beautician... beauty salon person? I haven't a clue) didn't speak much English I attempted to tell her what I'd like to have done with Preston. I kind of wanted to keep the bowl cut we had going but I had fears that she would shave the back and sides and Preston would look walk out looking like Mo of the 3 Stooges. Helmet hair is not cool. Anyway as I was laboriously trying to explain, "Just do like we have here, nothing fancy, nothing adult or teenage looking, uhm... more like a trim, well not like a trim... uhm..." At this point I'm sure she's either thinking "Oh, I got one of those moms" or "I cannot understand a thing she is saying". Thankfully she interrupts me and says, "You want little boy hair cut?" Uhm, yes that's what a I want, do that. Although I'm pretty sure that directly translates from English to her native language to mean "Shut up woman. I cut, you like." Regardless I think she did a really good job. Not exactly what I thought I wanted, but she did cut and I do like. Sorry Karen, our boys no longer have matching hair-do's.

One for the brag book

Ok, I said I wouldn't make this a "my kid did this", "look how cute/smart/great my kid is" blog. But here we go the second blog in a row where I dote on my cute/smart/great kid.

Preston seems to have this uncanny ability to recall random bits of information. Although for him I'm sure it's not all that random. I mean in the first three years of life all information is pretty important, right? I'm probably just really jealous since I can't remember what I had for breakfast.

Anyway, this evening in the car Preston is trying to get me to look at something important. Yes, something more important than the actual road in front of me. *sigh*

Me: What is it honey?
Preston: There, right there mommy!
Me: That building?
Preston: No. Up there. (Probably pointing but how would I know?)
Me: The sky? Yes, the sunset is pretty.
Preston: No, not the sun. Right there, that line.
Me: Oh the telephone pole?
Preston: No. Remember mommy at the car wash?
Me thinking: Is this a new topic? When was I at a car wash? Did I pass a car wash? Eh?

This conversation continues at this pace for several exchanges until it finally dawns on me. Waaaay back in November I took the car to a new car wash where the attendant kindly removes my car antennae so that I may proceed through the wash. Today is the day of all days that Preston decides to discuss this with me.

Later this same evening right after hugs and kisses, prayers and a tucking in, Preston decides to gives us a little physical science lesson that he learned several months ago. Mr. Ricardo (who resembles Marion Barber of the Dallas Cowboys) teaches a few classes at the Rec. Center that Preston attends a few days a week. During one class, Mr. Ricardo demonstrates how gas in one balloon floats and the other just has air. It wasn't so much that Preston remembered that one balloon had gas and the other had air, but he remembered what color each balloon was and how the "green" balloon got stuck above one of the cabinets and Mr. Ricardo couldn't reach it.

I won't even go into how he remembered a specific Christmas detail from two Christmases ago. Or how he figured out how to work all 5 of our TV remotes. I wonder if he remembers what I had breakfast?