Ever since Jacob was old enough to enjoy going to playgrounds I have found myself taking a moment to look over any I pass trying to decided if it would be worth bringing Jacob to. Today as I was on my way to a clients office and I couldn’t help but snap a few pictures of a little playground. I’ve passed it a number of times so I had already determined that though he would enjoy it, as he enjoys any playground. It wasn’t worth the trip. Taking these pictures and writing this up makes me think of 2 other playgrounds I have filed away that I want to take Jacob to, perhaps next time I pass them I’ll snap a few pictures to share. Or maybe the next time I pass them will be with Jacob and I can get some action shots.
Category: Family
Project 365-032: Using a Mouse
Tonight Jacob and I sat at the computer and I let Jacob take control. He took the mouse and picked which show’s sites we went to on PBS Kids. It’s interesting to watch him with a mouse. He holds it in two distinct ways, the first, is the photo of the day. The second is our bonus Picture. When he’s moving the pointer around the screen his hand is back on the mouse. Then when he clicks he lifts his hand and moves to the button. This causes the mouse to slip some of the time making it a little frustrating for him. Occasionally he kept his had on the top of the mouse while he tried to move it around. I’ve been thinking about getting either a mouse for kids, or just a smaller mouse. To make it easier for him, but after watching him navigate around PBSKids.org today, playing different games I wonder if he needs it. Perhaps I just have to give him a few pointers he will do just fine with a regular mouse. What do you think should Jacob have his own mouse? Something better suited to his small hands?
Returning to Routine
Today is a very important day for our little family. Today is the day that The Wife goes back to work. She’s been on Maturity Leave since Violet was born and before that sick leave. So it’s been 15 months since she had gone to her regular job. It’s going to be a big adjustment for the family. First there is Jacob, this is the second time that mommy has ‘left’ him to go back to work. To be fair the first time he was only Violets age. This time there has been some tears at the thought that mommy wont be home everyday. Then We have Violet, who doesn’t know what is about to happen. She’s just going from having every day with mommy to having some days with Mommy, and some with Daddy and others with Nan. It’ll be an adjustment, but I’m sure my little cupcake will handle it.
For me there will be changes too. Fewer home cooked mails waiting for me when I come home from work, more time with just me and the kids. I’m going to miss having weekends with Melissa and the kids, she’s working 3 out of the next 5 weekends and that normal at her job. At the same time it’ll be good to get back into the regular swing of things. Of all that will change again in the fall when Jacob starts kindergarten.
For now I just want to say, Good luck at work today Melissa, the kids and I will miss having you home.
Project 365-029: Bedtime Routine
Even when he’s sick Jacob has a bed time routine we try to keep to. Brush Teeth, get into PJs, Read story and then bed. Of course lately the final step has been dragging on but he’s really good at sticking to the plan. Most nights its Jacob who starts off the routine by saying it’s time to brush my teeth. So off we go to the bathroom, Jacob climbs up on his stool I put tooth paste on his tooth brush and away he goes. I follow up with a second round of brushing and then it’s off to his room for PJs and story time.
Project 365-028: Unscheduled Doctors Visit
Last night our sweet boy turned into an angry little man. It was right before skating and for a time it seemed we’d have to cancel. But a time out and the prospect of skating with Papa seemed to clear up. That is until the middle of the night when he woke up screaming that he was in pain. He said his Ears hurt. Tylenol helped but only for a little while before he was up again. We managed to get him through the night and in the morning he just wasn’t himself. He spent most of the day in bed, or complaining about the pain. He also ran a fever, so it was off to the Kids Clinic at St Joes. The wait wasn’t to bad and the doctor was great with Jacob. It turns out to be a double ear infection. So Antibiotics for 7 days and he should be better. It’s been a while since we had an ear infection. This is the first time that he could express the pain. It’s hard to be a parent and have your child tell you he’s hurting and even where he is hurting but not be able to really do anything. Hopefully the drugs will clear it up fast.
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Project 365-025: Violet’s One Year Appointment
Today was Violet’s one year appointment at the doctors. It included to shots. It’s the first time she’s take them in her arms. The doctor thinks she’s growing just fine. Though she’s slowed a little. Today she came in at 19lbs and around 29.5 Inches long. We’re a little worried that our little cupcake may be allergic to Peanuts, she has had some reactions after getting into Jacob’s Peanut Butter Sandwiches. The doctor is sending her for tests to be sure but prescribed an epinephrine injection, just in case. And of course Peanut Butter is still bannedd from our house. All and all our little angel is doing well and growing up just to fast…
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Project 365-023: Violet’s Party
Today we celebrated Violets birthday with friends and family. Throughout the day I took a ton of pictures but when I sat down to choose one for my Project 365 shot it was this moment after the party when Jacob was pulling Violet in his wagon that I thought captured the day for me. There is a number of things that I like about this picture. The joy in Jacobs face as he pulls around his little sister is priceless but the biggest is that he got that wagon for his first birthday. I remember pulling him around on that day and how much fun he had. Now it was his turn.
Project 365-020: Let them eat Cake
Today was Violet’s first birthday. We’re doing a bit of a party on Saturday, but wanted to do something to recognize the day, so we picked up a cake and a few close family came over and we celebrated. Violet loved her first cake. She reached right for it and grabbed a handful of icing. It was nice laid back evening, though I still can’t believe my little girl is one.
Dear Violet: Your First Year
Today marks a pretty big milestone for you my little princess, you are 1. Its been 4 months since I wrote you a letter and now like then you are going through some big changes. You are on the verge of walking, starting to try and climb stairs and learning to drink from a cup, both sippy and regular. It’s quite a lot for a little girl to handle. On top of that Mommy is going to start working again soon. So you’re going to be seeing less of her. She still loves you and will be there for you.
As I write this, I think back to the past year. About how much you have grown in just 12 short months. Last night I peeked into your crib while you were sleeping, You looked so peaceful. Watching you grow is amazing, you are like your brother in so many was, but also so different. Seeing you point at things and try to sign is what being a parent is all about.
I want to talk to you about walking. It’s not that hard or scary and you will love how much faster you are able to get around. You just need to stop worrying about falling and go for it. I watch as you move around the room holding on to different things. Every once and a while you look out away from the supports and think about taking a step, but then you sit down and crawl to what ever caught your attention. You just need to try to walk. I know you can, you have taken a few steps for both Mommy and me, so keep trying you’ll get it soon. A quick note about the stairs. I know when you see mommy or me walk up them you want to follow. I’ve seen you try, but they can be tricky. So if you want to learn, make sure Mommy or me are there with you when you try?
I just want you to remember that I’ll always be here for you.
Love Daddy
Project 365-015: Getting Dressed
This is what happens when you send a 3 year old to dress himself. We were having a lounging around in PJs sort of a day, everyone was getting over being sick. Jacob wanted to build his Train Crazy Fort and I thought I would take some pictures for my Photo of the day. So not wanting him to be in his PJs I asked him to go up and get dressed. Now I was a little curious to see what he’d choose to put on, I don’t really know what I expected. What he chose was a cute little outfit. Though the shirt was inside-out and backwards and the pants were just backwards. I was impressed. Of course when I saw how he was dressed I new what I’d be using for my picture and once again forgot to get pictures of the Train Crazy Fort.