Happy fall to all!

We've had a busy fall season. We started with a trip to Washington Farms in Watkinsville, GA www.washingtonfarms.net. This is the same place we went last year. They have a pumpkin patch, hay ride, corn maze, and other fun kid activities. We went with a few friends and had a great time. This is definitely becoming a great tradition.We had many Halloween related activities this year. The weekend before Halloween we went to the zoo for their annual Boo at the Zoo event. They set up trick-or-treat stations around the zoo, so the kids gather candy as they are running around looking at the animals. Spencer was a cowboy...at least that's how he started out (this was the first year that he actually picked his costume. I think the idea came from Curious George). Little by little his costume starting sliding around and just got in the way, so by the time we made it around the zoo I was carrying the costume. Lesson learned...for trick-or-treating there were many safety pins involved in keeping the costume in place.














On Halloween day we went to a friend's annual Halloween party, them met up with some neighborhood families to go trick-or-treating. The weather was iffy (lots of rain throughout the day) but we caught a good window between rain. Unfortunately we had very few trick-or-treaters with the cold, rainy weather.

Last Friday Fred and I played hookie from work and took Spencer to the N GA mountains to ride the Blue Ridge Scenic railroard www.brscenic.com. It was a gorgeous fall day in the mountains and we had a great time (except when we hit Atlanta traffic on the way home...definitely not fun). The train ride lasts about 2 hours round trip, with a 2 hour stop in a scenic little mountain town on the GA/TN border. We didn't get to ride in the engine, but Spencer did get to help the conductor punch our tickets.

This weekend we had gorgeous weather, so we spent some time raking leaves in the backyard. And of course, as a result we had to get the obligatory 'kid in pile of leaves' picture.

Southern boy

Spencer has developed a southern accent. 'Bath' has become 'bay-ath', there is 'they-er', that is now 'thay-at'...and so on. We're not exactly sure where it came from. Obviously not from us, not from Nanny or PopPop (who are New Yorkers), and he doesn't spend enough time with my family to have picked it up from them. I thought maybe it was his teachers, but neither of them have accents. So it must be a friend from school...maybe he's trying to impress someone.

There is a little girl at school that he seems to like a lot. They were in the same class last year. This year they are in the same 'grade' but different classes. Apparently though when the kids are lined up waiting to go outside Spencer wants to line up with this little girl rather than stay with his class like he's supposed to. This has gotten him into a bit of trouble several times and we've had to talk to him about how he needs to resist her wiley ways and listen to his teachers. Who knew this behavior started so early?

We went to Fernbank Museum for the first time yesterday, so Spencer got to see his first real dinosaur skeletons. It was great fun. We bought him a new triceratops from the gift store, which he named 'Dargamel' (Fred actually suggested 'Gargamel' but Spencer misheard him). Unfortunately Dargamel and all of Spencer's other dinosaurs were all chewed up when we got home today (stupid dog...ok, ok, stupid people for leaving toys where the dog could get them). He was so upset (our sensitive little boy) that Fred wanted to go right to the store to get him some more dinosaurs. We definitely have to go dinosaur shopping soon.Spencer doesn't regularly nap during the week (I can usually get him to nap on weekends if I try). But when he's tired, he's tired! These pictures just crack me up!

Spencer goes camping!

A few months ago Spencer started asking about going camping. We would play camp in the house, with blankets and a flashlight. He would pretend to roast marshmallows by holding animal cookies in front of his flashlight. So, I bought a new tent and we contemplated the best way to camp (start out in the backyard? Just pack the car and hope for the best?). We finally decided to skip the trial run in the backyard and actually go to a campground. Unfortunately, we made the decision about a week before Labor Day, and it never occurred to me that we would have problems finding a place to camp. We decided to just drive north and hope for the best. We had 4 campgrounds in north GA mapped out, and we were just going to hit each one and hope that we found a place we could stay. Sort of a stressful situation with a 3-year old on his first camping adventure. At the last minute we decided to call Stone Mountain Park, and sure enough they had some tent sites available! None of them were choice sites of course, but given the situation we decided it was the best option. So, we made a reservation and drove the 10 minutes to Stone Mountain Park for our camping adventure. Of course the entire time were were making jokes like 'well, if we forgot something we can just run home' or 'I can run home and shower in the morning'.
We did some fishing, which Spencer was excited about for maybe 20 minutes before moving on to other things (namely sand, mud, rocks and dirt). I caught the first fish, really by accident, and immediately freaked out and yelled for Fred to come release it. The folks fishing down the beach from us thought that was hysterical. Spencer was excited to see the little fish (then quickly moved on to sand, mud, rocks and dirt again). He was a little confused about why we were throwing it back, but didn't have a fit about it.We roasted marshmallows, which of course Spencer decided he didn't like without even trying one. Fred tried to cook bacon on a fork...that didn't work out so well.
One night we decided to try to see the Stone Mtn laser show (a true redneck adventure). There was a handy little shuttle that took us from the campground to the attractions at the mountain. We got there, found a great spot on the lawn, and waited...and waited...and waited... At first Spencer had fun running around and found some other kids to play with. But around 9 he got tired and had just had enough. So he decided to leave. We chased after him and brought him back a few times, but then realized it just wasn't going to work (and the laser show still had not started). So we went to get the shuttle back to the campground, which apparently doesn't actually run during the show...just before and after. Luckily the woman in charge of the shuttles took pity on us so we got our own private shuttle ride back to the campground.

Spencer slept well in the tent, in his new little sleeping bag. The only downside really was that we were camped amongst a bunch of RVs, all of which were pulled by giant heavy duty Ford pick up trucks that sounded like bulldozers. This was very annoying when we were trying to fall asleep at night, or stay asleep in the morning and someone decided they needed to drive the 100 yards to the campground general store. I've also never seen so many golf carts at a campground; it reminded me a little bit of the movie Wall-E.

In all it was a very good camping experience. I think we'll definitely go again, maybe this year but definitely next year. And lesson learned...next time I'll make reservations (in a more tent friendly area). Maybe we can even find some friends to go with us (anyone interested???).

Where did summer go?

I can't believe it's already mid-August. Spencer starts school Monday, 5-mornings per week this year. I think we're all excited about that. He has grown up so much this summer. I can't believe his vocabulary, and sometimes because he speaks so well I forget how young he still is. He gets more and more proficient at picking up phrases, even when they are not said directly to him. One of his newest is 'That's nonsense!'. (Freditor's note: He gets that from me.) He's around 35 lbs, and is on the taller side for his age (tall and skinny). Still very blonde, but there are some darker strands showing.

We finished our T-ball season without much T-ball playing. I think Spencer got voted 'least likely to play'. But, we still went to the games. Maybe we'll try again next summer.

Our summer vacation to Grandpa and Grandma's house was great (except for the massive breakdown about 3/4 of the way through the plane ride to Phoenix...that was UGLY). Spencer enjoyed the pool, the park and playing with his cousin Mikey. And he loved their 5 dogs, especially Killer, the Chihuahua. And I enjoyed Spencer being occupied so I could sit by the pool reading my book and drinking mojitos...ah!
He is fully potty-trained, even at night. We went to AZ to visit Grandpa and Grandma in August, and he slept all night in a 'big boy' bed. So when we got home we set up his toddler bed and transitioned him out of the crib. That has been a bit of a challenge...the second night I ended up completely reassembling his crib as a threat because he wouldn't stay in his bed. His crib is still set up in his room, but we haven't had to use it except as a threat.Yesterday we took advantage of the mild summer temperature with a trip to the zoo. The weather was perfect and we had a great time. And that's all for now!

Fireworks

This 4th of July Spencer experienced his first fireworks. We went to a friend's house in the afternoon for a barbecue, and stayed for some neighborhood fireworks. After some great food and pool time, the kids started out with sparklers, which I thought would terrify Spencer. But he loved them! Even when he mildly burned his hand (yeah, oops) he was simultaneously crying in pain and crying 'I want another one!'. The kids also had a lot of fun watching the 'pooping snakes'...which it turns out is basically a small piece of rubber that just elongates as it burns (I had never seen them before). Spencer acted scared for some of the bigger fireworks, but I think it was partly just being a little tired and overwhelmed. When we ignored his whining he became much more interested in the fireworks, and less interested in being melodramatic.
Probably the most interesting...display...was when we were in the car about to leave. Fred said something and I turned around from the driver's seat to see lots and lots of tiny, purple, glowing specks all over Spencer's face, shirt and arms and the ceiling of the car. It looked like he had been infested with some sort of tiny, glowing bugs...turns out it was the liquid from inside a glow bracelet that had cracked open and spewed its contents everywhere.

This was probably the latest night that Spencer has ever had, at least intentionally. He was nearly drunk with exhaustion, and kept us laughing the entire way home with silly talk. Luckily for all of us he slept until past 9 the next morning.

In all, it was a great celebration of Independence Day!

The T-ball game that wasn't

Today was Spencer's first 'tiny t-ball' game. At least it was supposed to be his first game. And it was the rest of his team, the Bluejays, first game. Spencer unfortunately (but not surprisingly) decided he wanted absolutely nothing to do with t-ball. Even though he practiced in the backyard the night before and had lots of fun. And we arrived at the field early to get a look around. When it came time to dress out and play, he refused, kicking and screaming and whining and crying. He wouldn't even put on his Bluejays jersey even after I bribed him with ice cream. It was really fun watching the other 3 and 4 year olds 'play' t-ball...the entire outfield running and fighting over every ball, every runner heading completely randomly across the field. It was adorable and hysterical. And Spencer sat in my lap the entire time playing with grass and dirt and refusing to have anything to do with t-ball. When we finally got him onto the field, he just sat there playing with rocks. Finally, when the game was over and the kids were gathered for snacks, Spencer joined the group and even let us put on his Bluejays team hat (luckily I had dressed him in his Tigger baseball shirt).

This is certainly not the first time Spencer has reacted like this to a situation, and certainly won't be the last. I'm not sure why Spencer is this way...is it his age, his personality, or his upbringing? He's definitely a mama's boy (that's my fault I admit) but I'm sure it's a combination of the three. Though if it were his age I would have expected at least a few of the other kids to have had similar reactions. Anyway, we'll try again every Saturday for the next 5 weeks of tiny t-ball season, and hopefully for a future post I'll be able to show pictures of Spencer actually in the game!

Growing up!

I know. He's only 3. But sometimes it feels like my little boy is growing up so fast! Other parents warned me about this phenomenon.So what growing up activities is Spencer engaged in? The biggest right now is potty training. We started about 3 weeks ago, our third attempt. The first 2 were aborted due to lack of cooperation and the complete frustration of all parties involved. This time around went great. I set aside an entire weekend for this, no other plans and no other outings. We stayed in the house all day Saturday and Sunday (almost all day Sunday) and Spencer ran around naked from the waist down. He peed on the floor twice, which he didn't like, so after that it was potty only. He hasn't had a daytime diaper since, and accidents have been rare. We are struggling however with '#2'. It is oddly common for kids to do this (or rather refuse to do it). It's like a toddler conspiracy or something.

Spencer also went horseback riding recently. Not by himself, but of his own volition. No coaxing or prodding. He actually told us he wanted to ride the horse. He went right up to Dancer and hugged his leg, and helped Gamma groom him, and then got right on with each of use for a ride.
He counted to 50 today (he didn't really need help until he got to 40). He also learned about rhyming today, though that one is going to take a little more practice. His reading (or I guess listening) comprehension is really impressive. He understands the more complex stories now and will ask pertinent questions and make accurate statements. It's amazing.We got his first school pictures. He looks more like a 5 year old in the picture. He's doing great in school, except that he thinks he's the boss of everyone. And he fights the teachers a lot. His teacher told me that unlike the other kids who pretty much do what they are told, Spencer has to have options. For example, they can't just say 'Spencer, sit in time out'. They have to say 'Spencer, do you want to sit in the red chair or the blue chair for time out?'. Yep, we have to do this at home too with many different types of situations. He likes things on his terms (but don't we all?).
His trantrums, which show no sign of disappearing anytime soon, are tremendous. He is starting to challenge us more and see how far he can get away with things. He does this thing now when we tell him not to do something he pretends like he doesn't hear us 'what was that? what did you say mommy? huh?'. Huh my butt. Very clever, but very annoying.

This is his last week of school. We'll be starting tiny T-ball in a few weeks. Then next year he goes to preschool 5 days per week. Our little boy is growing up!

Easter (and where the heck is spring?)

I'm not sure where spring is this year. It seemed like we were headed for nice spring weather once or twice, but the past few days it's been windy, cool and rainy. We've had lots of rain. Spencer isn't much deterred by this, and he has discovered how very much fun it is to stomp in puddles. It did make for some chilly Easter egg hunting though. Yep, Spencer did his first Easter egg hunt this year...hunts, actually. The first one was Saturday morning down by the lake at Nanny's house, and the second was Sunday afternoon at a friend's house. The lake egg hunt was more of a 'get as many eggs as you can' as the eggs were not so much hidden as just strewn around the beach. The second hunt was really more of a hunt with hidden eggs, but luckily he had 2 older friends to help him.
The Easter Bunny also visited Spencer for the first time. EB 'hid' Spencer's basket but he found it pretty quickly. It was filled with Easter chalk, a plastic Peep chick light up bath toy (the light was much like something you would see at a rave...it was very intense, colorful, crazy flashy. Fortunately it had a short lifespan), a monster truck, some Easter themed play doh, and a few very small pieces of chocolate. All the fun Easter toys got pushed aside for the chocolate...that's my boy! EB also visited Nanny's house...that bunny sure gets around.
We had a nice Easter and we (ok I) am very much looking forward to real spring and outdoor activities.

The things kids say!

These are some of my favorite Spencer quotes from the past 2 years.

You can't always get what you want, mommy.

That's the biggest penis ever! (Talking about himself, of course.)

Daddy, what is 'crap'? (That was my fault for not doing a good enough job cleaning up my language.)

Hhhmmm...I have an idea...let's watch (insert name of show here)!

I make the rules.

Mommy, are you happy? Are you happy mommy?!? Get happy mommy! GET HAPPY!!!!! (This is the new thing when I get mad. He asks me if I'm happy and if I say no he freaks out and starts screaming for me to 'get happy'.)

Not right now daddy, I'm checking my e-mail.

When I was a boy...

And a great quote from Fred from dinner the other night when Spencer was dangling 2 pieces of spaghetti in the air: Spaghetti is for eating, not for dancing.

I'm sure there are a bunch more, but that's all I could remember at the moment.

Imagination

Spencer has really been using his imagination lately. He likes to pretend like he is a character from books or movies. Spencer's alter egos include Tramp (Lady and the Tramp), Lightning McQueen (Cars), Bambi, Scoop (Bob the Builder), Balto (the Alaskan sled dog), Winnie the Pooh and most recently Roary (Roary Racing Car or something like that). Spencer also assigns character names to Fred and I, usually I get to be the leading lady or whoever the female character is (he doesn't know the name of the female car that is friends with Roary, so my name ends up being 'pink car'). Sometimes he gets upset if we call him the wrong name (No, it's not Spencer! I'm (insert current character name here)!). And if it's a new character he'll sometimes ask me to remind him what his name is...'Mommy, what's my name?' 'Spencer.' 'No, what's my name?'. Oh. 'Roary?' 'Yes, my name's Roary, Pink Car!'

He also pretend plays a lot now with his other toys. For a while he was playing 'Lady and the Tramp' with matchbox cars and trucks. He had 2 trucks, one named Lady and one named Tramp. He had a pile of other cars that were the 'pack of dogs' that chase Lady in the story (Tramp saves the day and chases the pack of dogs away). He rolls his little cars around reenacting that scene.

He also loves Play-Doh. However, usually playing with the stuff involves him pestering Fred or I to make things for him. Generally I don't mind, but sometimes the requests get complicated, like making a combine tractor or a tree shredder. Thanks to his imagination he doesn't need these things to be precise so a block with round things resembling wheels will often suffice. He is however very particular and orderly (I really have no idea where he gets that from) so if you make a combine one day he wants it the same way the next day.

It's just amazing to watch his little mind at work!

Happy Birthday Spencer!

Wow, it's been a while since I've done any updates. Our holidays were great...we stayed home and had family come visit for a few days. It was really nice and relaxing for all of us. The month of January basically passed in a blur and here we are, February 1st, Spencer's 3rd birthday! So hard to believe.

We decided not to do anything too formal in the way of a birthday party this year. It's amazing what people do to celebrate their kids birthdays, and quite honestly I'm completely intimidated and not exactly in favor of the blowout birthday party for toddlers. I'm not good at organizing, decorating, doing gift bags, or any of that stuff parents seem to do these days. So we opted for the non-birthday birthday.

In the morning we took MARTA to the Children's Museum downtown. A couple of friends met us there, not for a birthday thing, but just a 'hey we're going if you want to go too...and it just happens to be Spencer's birthday' sort of thing. When we got done at the museum we ended up eating lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe. Very strange, but there aren't a whole lot of options in downtown Atlanta on a Sunday believe it or not. And of course I had forgotten that the Chik-Fil-A at the museum would be closed. Fred's parents came over for dinner and cake and ice cream in the evening. Spencer got a few gifts...just enough, but not too many. He kept trying to give his gifts away, even the unopened ones saying things like 'no, that's mommy's gift!' and giving it to me. Maybe he was thinking it was like Christmas?

In all it was a very enjoyable, but very busy and exhausting 3rd birthday. Happy Birthday to Spencer!

'Fishing' in the pond at the museumFavorite birthday gift...a set of mini 'Cars' (the movie) figurines from Aunt AHelping himself to his birthday cake (yellow cake w/chocolate frosting)