Potty Chronicles - Part 1

[disclaimer: this blog contains obnoxious bragging AND bathroom vernacular. If either repulse you, feel free to disregard the blog below]

So, now that the bulk of our summer travels are over with, we are buckling down and starting the potty training. I blogged before about getting Jackson a potty seat and some success. Since that point, every time I mentioned the potty, he responded with "No! No! NO!".

Several months and several kiddie books on potties have reignited his interest. I left the small potty I bought out in the den for him to see all day today and talk about. We went out tonight and bought more undies. He tried them on and was so excited about his Thomas big boy underwear!! Within a few minutes, he pulled them down and sat on the potty -- and peed all over me and the floor (he wasn't quite on the seat all the way - but who cares!)! After much celebration, we called Granddaddy Pete to wish him a happy birthday. Jackson got on the phone and said "Hey Granddaddy Pete.... I pee pee!!".

Now, I know that this is just the beginning and that there will likely be some setbacks and the like in the weeks/months to come... but, I have to say that I was pretty proud of him today! (And, yes, I see the irony that I am celebrating getting peed on...I doubt that I'll ever be able to say that again in my life!)

Jackson the Brave

We have been swimming every day, while at CWR. Jackson has become even more brave around the water! He has adjusted to swimming with the lifejacket on - his doggie paddle is adorable! And, he insists on swimming without holding on to mommy, even in water way over his head(don't worry, he's within arm's reach). Our daily routine has been to take him down to the swim dock and let him jump off of it and into the water (& daddy's arms!). Daddy can even back up pretty far and Jack will leap off and get some pretty good air. Thought I'd post a video for your to enjoy! :)

Camp Willow Run

Our family is at Camp Willow Run this week. Jackson and mommy love coming with daddy when he comes to speak (see Courtney's blog for a little CWR background). For Jackson, camp is about as good as it gets. For one, CWR is a train-themed camp. The cabins are actually renovated train boxcars. There is a real engine at the front of the line of boxcars and a real caboose at the end. The dining hall is made to look like a train depot. Staff stay in Baggage Cars. For a Thomas the Tank Engine obsessed little toddler, this is heaven. He call the engine Thomas (same colors and number as the real Thomas!).

Besides the trains, Jackson is surrounded by all the things he loves – the water, sports and balls, all the attention from the campers (there's a group of middle school girls that are in love with him), and silly songs and skits by the staff. I told someone earlier that this is like Disney World to him. There are other younger kids here for playmates (camp staff's kids). One of the staff brought him a tricycle (it's pink and says My Girl on it - Ha!) and little car to play with while we are here this week. As if he wasn't already having enough fun!

The Latest Antics

Some pics of the new (and much needed) short haircut for Mimi.

His latest antics...
He has a bad case of Toddler OCD: must do things in certain order or he has a fit… ex: on evening walks, he MUST take a certain path on the green way that lead to a certain playground. No variation allowed.

Jackson is big on praising himself. He knows all his shapes, colors, numbers through 12, and at least 12 letters of the alphabet. When he sees ANY of these (IE letters on Wheel of Fortune) he SCREAMS the letter, claps like crazy and says “Dats right! A “T”! Yaaayyy!”. He is his own personal cheerleader.

He can spend up to an hour and a half playing with his cars or Thomas the Tank engine toys. He lines them up perfectly, makes them race, makes them interact with each other, and even pairs up all the types that go together.

Jack loves to play pretend all the time now... he especially loves to pretend to be animals. Lately, what really gets him giggly is when I pretend to be HIM. He reciprocates and plays mommy. Very cute.

New favorite phrase: “of course” - used instead of "yes". Example:
Mommy: I like your castle stamp on your hand. Does a queen live in the castle?
Jack: Noooo
Mommy: Does a king live in the castle?
Jack: OF COURSE, Mommy. [with an exasperated look on his face].

Todays Pool Adventure

This is the first summer that we have enjoyed the pool at our new neighborhood. Our pool has a great kiddie pool – not too small, fenced in, etc. We figured out early this summer that the rule of thumb is that any toy brought to the kiddie pool was game to be shared by all. Jackson has done well sharing his toys – and certainly enjoys playing with the toys of others! Today, Jackson was enamored with a duckie float that a girl brought in, but she and her mother quickly showed that they did not wish to share. No big deal. I took Jack over to the “big pool” for a little bit. During our time in the big pool, I noticed that same family in the kiddie pool section packing up their belongings…including OUR bucket and 5 of our toys. So, I am faced with the dilemma of what to do… this would have been the perfect time for Jackson to have a fit that his toys were being taken – but no luck, he was feeling generous. :) Thankfully, they came over to where we were to enjoy the big pool, too. When I tried to explain everything I discovered that English was definitely a 2nd language for them. Finally, after much gesturing and smiling, they understood and handed me back our toys with much apology. Within a minute of this, one of their boys came into the pool next to me and went right under water and started to panic and flail his arms. I quickly scooped him up and put him back on the steps where his mom and grandmother came running. I have no idea what they said to me, but there was a lot of bowing and hugging.

On a side note, I am so pleased with how well Jackson has done in the water. He still shows no signs of fear. I am trying to give him some foundational lessons on swimming. If I could only get him to close his mouth and stop drinking in half of the pool!!!

No Pudding Wasted

Mommy learned very early on that Jackson was a very messy eater... in fact, she takes off his shirt and sometimes his shorts altogether for certain foods - like chocolate pudding. In these pictures, Jackson decided to eat his pudding while standing... thus, causing the pudding to drip all down his big belly! Never fear - this didn't stop him. He preceded to take his spoon and rake the pudding off his belly and eat it.