Preschool Party

Last Thursday Everett had his preschool program/party. The program was in the sanctuary of the church and the moment he saw me, it was all over. He ran to the pew where I was sitting and refused to go on stage with his classmates. I was disappointed, but that is just his personality. He did however have a great time at his party. Hampton enjoyed it as well.  I don't think we are going to have a problem with Hampton not wanting to perform when he is in preschool next year.

Polar Express Pajama Party and Other Holiday Fun

My mom came to visit this past weekend and we had a lot of fun. On Friday morning I took Everett and Hampton to the nursing home (skilled nursing facility to be more accurate) where I work. We passed out some crafts Everett had done in preschool this year to all the "grandmas and grandpas." Everett loved it! He was so polite and social. He walked around like he owned the place greeting people and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. It was great.

That evening after we toured the light show at Lake Julian we went to Barnes and Noble for a Polar Express pajama party! The kids all wore their jammies and one of the workers read The Polar Express. They then did a craft and had hot chocolate and cookies. 

The boys soon just ended up at the train set however. 

Hampton sat for about a minute of the story and then planted himself right in front of the woman reading the story, blocking every one's view. Such a little rascal. 

Saturday we took the boys to see Santa at the mall. Everett had a meltdown, but we managed to get him in the picture. Hampton looked dumbfounded and sweet Eleanor just was all smiles. I will have to try to scan the picture so I can share. Meltdowns occur now and then, however we have to keep making holiday memories!

You'll Shoot Your Eye Out!

I put Hampy in this hat tonight and suddenly he became Ralphie from a Christmas story. Blue eyes. Blonde hair. The glasses. Do you see it!?!

Thoughts on Boys

I never thought I would have boys. When I was younger I pictured having 2 little girls. So when I found out I was having Everett I was thrilled, but uncertain. I wasn't sure what to do with a boy. Yet, 2 boys later I must say it is so much fun! I have learned many things about boys in the past 3 years. Boys are loud. Boys are rough. Boys can have wild tempers. Boys like to destroy. Boys like to figure out how things work. Well....at least I can say these things about my boys. 

One thing is for absolutely certain.....these boys LOVE their sister. For as rough as they are with each other, they are so gentle with her. Today Everett told me it was his job to protect Eleanor. He used the word "protect." We have never said this to him (yet) so I am not sure where he got it from, but it just melted my heart. He has said for awhile now that Eleanor is his baby, but now he is starting to say she is our baby. 

I love seeing the dynamics of the relationships between Ev and Hamp. The boys play hard, but they love as well. It is the little things like Everett sharing unexpectedly, or Hampton following Ev around like he is just the best thing ever.

Just a Few More

Cutie, Spectacles, and Kindness

Fun things are happening around here:

What she wore Thursday

Dress: Janie and Jack

Tights: Le Top

Headband: Handmade my Mama

Too Cute

Rock It

Hampton as an astigmatism. And a cataract. And a hemangioma. So we found out last week he needs glasses. Little did we know, his vision is blurry. However, whatever God gives you.....rock it. So here he is rocking his spectacles.

He got them this morning. He immediately started pointing to things that were far away. He also kept checking out the fabric on the carpet. It was like a whole new world. Unfortunately they have caused him to be a bit dizzy and he went back to crawling around this morning. I am sure he will get used to them.

Playing with my Brother

So Everett has had some issues sharing and being kind to Hampton lately. I decided to use a social story to reach him. Social stories are a great therapeutic and teaching tool that I used a lot when I was working in pediatrics. Here is how Everett's story goes:

Sometimes I want to play with my brother Hampton.

We play with cars, trains, blocks, and watch movies.

I may also tell my brother Hampton what I want to play.

But if I hit my brother Hampton he will get hurt. He will not want to play with my anymore. He will be sad.

If I push my brother Hampton he may cry. If I don't share toys he will be sad.

If I say "no no Hampton!" he will be sad.

I do not want to make my brother Hampton sad. I do not want to make him cry.

I will try to be kind and nice to my brother Hampton.

Being kind to my brother makes mommy and daddy happy.

Being nice to my brother makes God happy.

I will be nice to my brother Hampton and share because he is my friend.

I am a friend to my brother Hampton.

The End

One More Thanksgiving Photo

My mom sent me this photo tonight she had taken with her iPhone while she was visiting last week. Oh my goodness! This girl is so sweet. I am completely in love.