Carson is officially enrolled at Gymboree. I realize we are paying money for him to play for an hour but it's good for him to be around other kids his age, and it's good for us - we might make some friends! haha
Quick breakdown for those that don't what this is. It's an indoor play area for kids. They have certain classes for different age groups that include free play - where they just run around and explore and some structured play where every sits in a circle, sings songs, plays w/ toys, etc.
Last week was Carson's first Gymboree class and I was able to join the boys!! We weren't sure how we would do. In fact, we were worried that he would be clinging to us the entire time. Boy, were we wrong! The second we opened the door to the play area, he took off! Throwing balls, climbing up ladders, sliding down slides! He loved it! And, to make it even better, he kept looking back and giving us such a proud smile, like "hey guys, look at me - did you see that!" Adorable!!!
He and the other little ones (10 moths-16 months) didn't really interact much. If their paths did cross, they just paused, looked at each other and then went their separate ways! Kind of funny!
Carson and I went back on Saturday - just me and him. Again, he had a blast! So, I say it's well worth it! He's growing up so fast....it's scary!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Father's Day
No excuse - I'm just really late on this blog entry. But, it's too important to pass by.
A couple of weeks ago we celebrated Father's Day Weekend!! Unfortunately, I had to fly back to Dallas on the afternoon of Father's Day so we made the entire weekend a tribute to Daddy!
Saturday we drove down to Newport Beach (about an hour south) for brunch and then to explore. Brunch was good - the view was better. We sat on a patio overlooking a marina. Those that know Greg well, know that he was in heaven looking at all of those boats! He even asked if one was his Father's Day present....I'm not that good of a wife! haha
We drove around Newport Beach (such a cute city along the water) and stumbled upon a ferry. So, we did the most logical thing - we got on the ferry! It was adorable - it only held three cars and a few bicycles and pedestrians - good thing we didn't have to go far. It was just a short ride to Balboa Island. Again, what a cute place! They have a carnival type area w/ a ferris wheel, merry-go-round, and other rides for the kiddos. There were also lots of shops and restaurants. We headed down to the pier and beach area - beautiful!
From there we drove up to Long Beach. There are definitely areas in Long Beach that you want to avoid, but we stayed down by the water (and more boats). We grabbed a drink and snacks at Yard House, which has a ton of beers on tap. Again, for those that know Greg well, he loves him some cold beer!
Sunday, we walked down to the village for some breakfast at a restaurant we've never tried - it was great!
I cannot even begin to put into words what a great father Greg is. Seeing those two boys together melts my heart - every single day. I know some people think we're "backwards" with me working and him staying home w/ Carson, but it works for us right now. These boys have such a special bond that will last throughout their lifetime. I admire everything that Greg is and does. I knew from the moment I met Greg that he had a kind and loving heart. I just think it's so amazing that he gets to use those gifts only a daily basis with our son. Carson has such a great role model in Greg. I know that Carson will have that same big heart like his daddy.
Happy Father's Day Greg. I love you.
A couple of weeks ago we celebrated Father's Day Weekend!! Unfortunately, I had to fly back to Dallas on the afternoon of Father's Day so we made the entire weekend a tribute to Daddy!
Saturday we drove down to Newport Beach (about an hour south) for brunch and then to explore. Brunch was good - the view was better. We sat on a patio overlooking a marina. Those that know Greg well, know that he was in heaven looking at all of those boats! He even asked if one was his Father's Day present....I'm not that good of a wife! haha
We drove around Newport Beach (such a cute city along the water) and stumbled upon a ferry. So, we did the most logical thing - we got on the ferry! It was adorable - it only held three cars and a few bicycles and pedestrians - good thing we didn't have to go far. It was just a short ride to Balboa Island. Again, what a cute place! They have a carnival type area w/ a ferris wheel, merry-go-round, and other rides for the kiddos. There were also lots of shops and restaurants. We headed down to the pier and beach area - beautiful!
From there we drove up to Long Beach. There are definitely areas in Long Beach that you want to avoid, but we stayed down by the water (and more boats). We grabbed a drink and snacks at Yard House, which has a ton of beers on tap. Again, for those that know Greg well, he loves him some cold beer!
Sunday, we walked down to the village for some breakfast at a restaurant we've never tried - it was great!
I cannot even begin to put into words what a great father Greg is. Seeing those two boys together melts my heart - every single day. I know some people think we're "backwards" with me working and him staying home w/ Carson, but it works for us right now. These boys have such a special bond that will last throughout their lifetime. I admire everything that Greg is and does. I knew from the moment I met Greg that he had a kind and loving heart. I just think it's so amazing that he gets to use those gifts only a daily basis with our son. Carson has such a great role model in Greg. I know that Carson will have that same big heart like his daddy.
Happy Father's Day Greg. I love you.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
I can't give it away with the title....
I've learned that parenting includes a lot of firsts. With that being said, we experienced yet another "first" on Friday night.
I'd like to start by thanking Brad, Julianna and Missy - it was because of you three that I even decided to get the Flip video camera out.
Carson was taking a bath Friday night and playing w/ the boat that Brad and Julianna got him for his birthday. He loves that thing!! (I think he has his daddy's liking for boats). Put all of the toys into the boat, piece by piece, take all of the toys out of the boat, piece by piece - repeat, again and again. Sometimes he would even put the boat on his head (it's shaped like a bowl). I thought - "how cute, Brad and Julianna would love to see this!" And, Missy sent us a video from Carson's birthday party (which I loved) and it made me realize we need to take more video. And, what's cuter than Carson in the bathtub playing!
So, I grabbed the Flip and started filming. Of course he wouldn't put the boat on his head - the only thing he wanted to do was reach for the camera and see what I was doing. He stood up which is always followed w/ me saying, "sit on your bottom"....over and over and over again. I kept the camera focused on his sweet face as I was reapeating myself and I suddenly heard a trickling sound. The camera view quickly dropped to see that he was going pee-pee in the bathtub! I said, oh man, I'm telling daddy about this (Greg thinks that it is so gross when Carson potties in the water. I always tell him that Carson probably does it during every bath, we just don't know it...it won't hurt him). :)
But then it happened - I put the camera back on his face and as he was smiling, he started bearing down. You know the look, when they are trying to push something out. I jumped and yelled, "are you pooping?" And then a smile of relief came across his face...and something else came floating into the water. Sure enough, our sweet little angel had pooped, standing in the bathtub! I immediately started screaming for Greg but I could not stop laughing.
I panicked at first because I had no idea what to do. I quickly grabbed the cup we rinse him off w/ (thanks Sohaila for the baby shower gift) and scooped up the poop and took it to the toilet. Greg was now on the scene so I threw Carson in the shower with him so I could start the process of sanitizing the bathtub.
Now, I won't be posting this video on the blog....but, I do have it on the computer and I will be showing this to Carson and his future wife someday...and maybe even his kids too!
I'd like to start by thanking Brad, Julianna and Missy - it was because of you three that I even decided to get the Flip video camera out.
Carson was taking a bath Friday night and playing w/ the boat that Brad and Julianna got him for his birthday. He loves that thing!! (I think he has his daddy's liking for boats). Put all of the toys into the boat, piece by piece, take all of the toys out of the boat, piece by piece - repeat, again and again. Sometimes he would even put the boat on his head (it's shaped like a bowl). I thought - "how cute, Brad and Julianna would love to see this!" And, Missy sent us a video from Carson's birthday party (which I loved) and it made me realize we need to take more video. And, what's cuter than Carson in the bathtub playing!
So, I grabbed the Flip and started filming. Of course he wouldn't put the boat on his head - the only thing he wanted to do was reach for the camera and see what I was doing. He stood up which is always followed w/ me saying, "sit on your bottom"....over and over and over again. I kept the camera focused on his sweet face as I was reapeating myself and I suddenly heard a trickling sound. The camera view quickly dropped to see that he was going pee-pee in the bathtub! I said, oh man, I'm telling daddy about this (Greg thinks that it is so gross when Carson potties in the water. I always tell him that Carson probably does it during every bath, we just don't know it...it won't hurt him). :)
But then it happened - I put the camera back on his face and as he was smiling, he started bearing down. You know the look, when they are trying to push something out. I jumped and yelled, "are you pooping?" And then a smile of relief came across his face...and something else came floating into the water. Sure enough, our sweet little angel had pooped, standing in the bathtub! I immediately started screaming for Greg but I could not stop laughing.
I panicked at first because I had no idea what to do. I quickly grabbed the cup we rinse him off w/ (thanks Sohaila for the baby shower gift) and scooped up the poop and took it to the toilet. Greg was now on the scene so I threw Carson in the shower with him so I could start the process of sanitizing the bathtub.
Now, I won't be posting this video on the blog....but, I do have it on the computer and I will be showing this to Carson and his future wife someday...and maybe even his kids too!
Friday, June 17, 2011
Goodbye Bottle!
I'd like to start this post off with a big "Way to go Greg"!!! We decided to move from the bottle to the sippy cup a couple of weeks ago. It was not an easy task - for those with kids, you understand, it's not easy to take something away or change something that your child is used to.
We went with the cold turkey method. Greg was tasked with working on introducing the sippy cup during the day....ALL DAY, ALONE. The first night we used the sippy cup, and not the bottle, it took an hour and a half to finish his milk. Whew....there was a lot of cheering, clapping and encouragement for Carson. He didn't have a problem with the milk, it was the method in which he was receiving the milk.
Each day was a little better - slowly but surely. I kept telling myself that there are no adults walking around drinking out of bottles because they never learned how to drink out of a cup - therefore, he would get it. haha!
Sure enough, he has mastered it! Way to go Carson! I definitely think he was testing us - the final score was probably something like mommy and daddy 1, Carson 28. BUT, our 1 outweighs his 28! haha!!
We went with the cold turkey method. Greg was tasked with working on introducing the sippy cup during the day....ALL DAY, ALONE. The first night we used the sippy cup, and not the bottle, it took an hour and a half to finish his milk. Whew....there was a lot of cheering, clapping and encouragement for Carson. He didn't have a problem with the milk, it was the method in which he was receiving the milk.
Each day was a little better - slowly but surely. I kept telling myself that there are no adults walking around drinking out of bottles because they never learned how to drink out of a cup - therefore, he would get it. haha!
Sure enough, he has mastered it! Way to go Carson! I definitely think he was testing us - the final score was probably something like mommy and daddy 1, Carson 28. BUT, our 1 outweighs his 28! haha!!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
We're saving the world - one bicycle ride at a time!
Well, we probably won't save the world but we have certainly enjoyed our recent bike outings! Over the Memorial Day weekend there was a big festival in Hermosa Beach (about 5-8 miles north of us) called Fiesta Hermosa. They offered free bike parking in a guarded lot so we thought we'd give it a try! We rode the strand most of the way up to Hermosa, w/ only just a mile or so on the streets. Parking can be a huge pain w/ limited spots and if you're lucky enought to find one, you have to feed the meter. I could not believe how many bikes there were but it was great to see!
A couple of months ago we bought a trailer for Carson that's pulled behind the bike. I'm not sure that Carson is a fan just yet but he's adjusting. We strap him in but after awhile, he starts sliding down and falling to the side. I guess it's not that bad - he's fallen asleep a few times!
Here's his new ride!
And here's the big guy in action! That helmet absolutely cracks me up!!
We've started riding our bikes or walking more which has been great. Since we live on a hill (thank goodness not at the top) it's super easy to get down to the beach, grocery store, shopping, etc. But, the only problem with going down hill is that you must go back up the hill to get home. We've tried multiple routes but we just can't seem to avoid the hill! haha But, here's my outlook - we're getting a good workout and burning some calories!
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