Confession about Easter

We didn't take Jack to see the Easter Bunny this year.  We thought about it but a) he looked kind of creepy and b) I didn't want to pay for pictures and not know how Jack would react.  He's been making this "Whatever Mom, this is soooo boring face" lately and I'm sure that would have been his Easter Bunny face.  I'm sure next year we will take him there.  We also didn't get him a basket.  I know, we are horrible parents.  I really wanted to get him The Velveteen Rabbit but I couldn't find it in town.  Typically I would have been able to go to Barnes and Nobles and get it but a water main broke there so they weren't open.  I'm still looking for it though.  I may shop on- line or go and see if Gigi has it and if Papa minds if we take it. 

Jack went to church on Palm Sunday.  We sat all the way up in the balcony so we could easily get up and move if we needed to.  Jack helped preach, yelling in this very serious voice.  I didn't realize how loud he was until the pastor commented that she loved hearing him all the way at the front of the church.  Oops!  I guess being named after a minister he kind of has the preaching in his blood.   After church we went to Grandma and Grandpa's house because Great Grandma was in town.  Jack showed them how awesome he is at rolling which is his new favorite thing.  He started rolling belly to back a while ago and figured out back to belly at his four month well check.  Except now he has forgotten belly to back and just kicks around like he is swimming when on his belly.

On Easter Sunday we went to my Aunt Robin's house.  Jack didn't cry when anyone else held him and he held on to Papa's finger which is a big improvement from the last time he saw him.   Our family had seven girls pregnant at the same time.  Five of the babies were at Easter and one mommy was in labor at that time.  So it's getting a little crazy at Norton get togethers! 

Norton Babies 1-5

For dinner we went to see Andrew's extended family.  He has some younger cousins and it's amazing to see how much they change over the course of a few months.  I don't think you realize how much kids grow until you have your own. 

I wish long holiday weekends didn't have to end.  I love being able to see our families and show them all the amazing things Jack is learning to do. 

Confession about Mondays

Most people hate Mondays. 

I love Mondays.  After being away from Jack for 27 hours in three days I look forward to that first fill day with him every week. 

We usually get up right before Daddy leaves and Jack sits in our bed talking to Daddy.  Then I read him a book or two. (He already has 88 books so I have plenty to choose from.)  We play, sing, take walks, sit in the yard, and run errands.  I love the challenge of trying to squeeze in as much time with Jack while figuring out dinner for the week and catching up on laundry and dishes.

We are trying a vegetable garden this summer so lately Jack and I have been going outside in the mornings or late afternoon to pull weeds up front or get planters ready for veggies.  I thought he would hate the grass but he actually loves it. He sits in the grass and grabs it with his hands.  He grabs blades with his toes.  He lays on a blanket and grabs his feet (who needs toys when the best toys are attached.) 

Andrew appreciates Mondays just as much.  After caring for Jack all weekend, work is a break for him.  Programming is something he is more comfortable and familiar with than parenting.  He spends most of Monday evenings singing to Jack.  He loves his ABC's (forwards and backwards), Head Shoulders Knees and Toes, Itsy Bitsy Spider, and the song his bear sings.  I love hearing Jack laugh at Andrew's silly sing song voice and the song motions. 

I am so blessed to be able to stay home with Jack.  I love having the opportunity to watch him grow and discover new things all the time.

Jack's favorite toy.