First Dip

It's been a hot week. Even though it was sweltering, we had to get outside. The baby pool was quite refreshing for us all. Steven indulged Matt and put on his suit and joined him in the pool. Lots of tom-foolery. Matt enjoyed his popsicle until the last couple bites slid off the stick and into the grass. He didn't appreciate that too much. It was also Will's first experience with the backyard pool. He definitely enjoyed it. In the buff. And why not? I don't think I can even find a suit small enough to fit his petite little body. And when you look that good...why cover it up?

Jumpy Jump

I let Will try out the jumperoo the other day. Bless his heart...he's so little I really had to adjust it so that his little feet could touch the floor. And I had to stuff the sides with two rolled up blankets. He seemed to like it for a few minutes. Naturally, Matt thought it was a hoot and enjoyed bouncing Will up and down. Will tired of that pretty quickly. I think in another month he'll really dig it. Cutie pie.

Zephyr

We went to Zilker park this morning to play. Matt has been asking to ride the train for weeks now. We grabbed breakfast and headed down there. Matt played for awhile on the playground, but was mainly excited about the train. We all crowded into one seat and enjoyed the ride. Well, Will was asleep for half of it. But I think he enjoyed the parts he was awake for. Matt just had a silly grin on his face the whole time.Part of the playground was closed off because a tree branch had fallen down in the middle of it, and Matt couldn't understand why he couldn't play in that area. That was the beginning of the meltdown. We quickly took our tired boy home. It was a great morning. Who doesn't like a train ride?

Playin'

During Will's naptime the other morning, Matthew and I had the chance to play together like old times. It really was fun, and he is such a sweet, happy little boy. We put together all his puzzles, bounced on his bed, played trains, read books, and played with blocks. He built this big tower and the blocks on the floor beside it are the river, he said. He was quite proud. I like the concentration on his face while he's microwaving me some soup. He told me to be careful because it was really hot. And then he made me some fish and even cut it up for me. Adorable.Yesterday was also our first experience with the public library. We have a brand new one that just opened up really close to us, and I've been anxious to go. I put Will in the sling and held Matt's hand and we waltzed in to find Ava all cuddled up next to Joy reading a book oh so peacefully. Matt was everywhere. Having never been to such a place he instinctly felt the need to explore. I tried to get him to slow down long enough to look at the books and pick one out to maybe read like the Rener girls were doing. No way. He then spotted the huge display of CD's and DVD's...and it was all I could do to prevent him from rearranging the whole thing. Meanwhile, Will spit up on me in the sling no less than 3 times. Ick. I felt like I was just chasing Matt in circles and constantly putting CD's back on the shelf. Will was getting antsy, and the Rener's were headed out so we quickly followed suit. After I filled out the paperwork for a library card, of course. Next time, I think I'll just take Matt. You should have seen us walking out. I've got Will in the sling, I'm dragging a very whiny Matt who was in no way ready to leave, I've got my purse in one hand and a stack of 6 books in the same hand. Not pretty. Just look at that big, brown-eyed boy! So cute I can't stand it. He's so talkative, too. I don't remember Matt doing that at all. That looks like a big ol' collar from the 70's doesn't it? Our little disco superstar!

Visiting

We had dinner and pool time at the Rener's the other night. Those two goofed around as usual. It was a lovely time! Matt and Ava ran countless circles in the front yard as we stood and watched a huge thunderstorm roll in. They're really getting fast. I think Matt only knocked down Ava once. We got home just in time for the heavens to open. Matt said he didn't want to hear the rain, so we told him just to close his eyes and go to sleep. It worked! The storm didn't phase either of the boys.Saturday we visited with my grandfather and step-grandmother (that's sounds funny, but I guess that's right!) over at Bryan & Sarah's house. It was great to see them. They both looked wonderful and seem to be thriving on each other's company. They were on a tour of the Texas hill country and also in search of some good Fredericksburg peaches.We had a really nice talk with them, and I know they enjoyed watching the kids run around. We stayed and hung out for awhile so the kids could play. We left right before Mary Claire was due to perform at a dance recital. I would have liked to have gone, but I knew my crowd of boys wouldn't make it. Matt missed his nap that afternoon and was a mess. We headed home and called it an early night. This afternoon I imagine we'll be getting into some form of water--it's darn hot today. Summer has arrived!

Pool

What a pose! I got out the old baby pool the other day for some backyard fun. Matt had a grand old time. Will and I had to relocate because we kept getting doused with water. It felt nice to me, but Will took offense to it. He was happier laying under the tree talking to the leaves up above.Matt eventually missed our company and joined us.

Today we had more fun in the sun with Caroline, Mary Claire and Ava at a splash park near Sarah's neighborhood. Sadly, I didn't bring my camera. But, Matt had a blast digging in the sand and running countless times through the sprinklers. He is still crashed out in bed. So is Will. Happy weekend everyone!

Naked Baby!!!

So long diapers

This is Matthew eating his well-earned sno cone the other day. Blue bubble gum. I am proud to say that Matt is now completely potty trained. The transformation has really been pretty fast when I think about it. Not even two weeks ago he was still in diapers and quite happy about it. Now, he's even waking up dry at both nap time and after bed time. It's incredible. I never thought the day would come. Now, we have to carry through on our promise to take him to the toy store as a reward for doing so well.And little Will. He's just as cute as can be and such a happy baby. He's totally committed to thumb sucking now. He hasn't used in a pacifier in a week. How we managed to get 2 thumb loving kids I'm not sure, but it sure is nice that the little one can settle himself.The other day Matt's friend, Aiden, from preschool came over to play and those two had a blast. They ran all over the back yard and then trashed both the living room and Matt's room. It was a good time. What a goofy grin.

He's Wee

This morning was Will's 4 month well-check. Dr. Brown was impressed with our little guy; he sleeps 12 hours straight at night, stands up tall on his legs, and grasps tightly. He passed with flying colors. He's a whopping 12 lbs. 7 oz. now (10%ile), 22 inches tall (less than 3%ile), and his head is 41 cm (25%ile). Let's just say he's not deviated from his curve yet. Small is just fine! And, what I had thought was a tooth coming in turns out to be a cyst. It's swollen and pointy in one place, so it's easy to mistake it for a tooth. It will allegedly go away on its own and is no big deal. Whew! He fussed through his shots but recovered quickly. Matt really wanted to see the tiny band-aids they put on his legs. And, for being such a patient big brother Dr. Brown gave him a little plastic toy football. Today also marks the 8th anniversary of Dr. & Mrs. Steven Jones! This picture didn't scan too well, but some of you may see yourselves in it! Steven, my love, I am blessed and ever grateful that you are my husband, friend and father of our beautiful children. You continually amaze me. We look forward to a few hours by ourselves tonight enjoying a nice dinner out. That hasn't happened since...uh...??? Oh yeah, before Will was born.

A New Man

This post might be a little gross for some of you. It contains potty talk, so proceed with caution. Like I said, Matt is one stubborn boy. He tortured his body in needless pain just to avoid having to go #2 on the potty. He looked completely miserable for days. No amount of pleading and cheerleading and bribing and coaxing could convince him to just let it out already. I don't know how he did it. Finally, after holding it for 6 days--and after rivers of tears and fits of "I don't want to!!!" he allowed it to come out. As Steven so poetically said, "the eagle has landed." More came later that evening. And again in the morning. His poor little body. I think he might be back to normal now. He still doesn't entirely trust the toilet, and it takes a village to get him to go #2 on the thing, but at least he's doing it now. Hopefully, it will only get easier. Right? He's lost the bloated look and isn't nearly as cranky, so we're glad to have our little boy back. Steven was cleaning out an old box full of assorted electronics from days of old and found my trusty old Discman. Matt latched onto it immediately. Our little 3 year old rockin' out.