Conversation with Micah 01.01

Micah was playing with Isaiah's Spiderman, having a grand time pushing the button to make him talk (over and over and over again!) One of the things he says is "Let's go round up some bad guys". I guess that't Micah's favorite line because now he's calling Spiderman "bad guy".

Conversations with Isaiah 04.045

We saw a commercial for Beggin' Strips and after they said "There's no time like beggin' time" Isaiah chimed in with "There's PLAY time!"

Conversations with Isaiah 04.044

We had to run to Walmart today because apparently they're the only place that sells our humidifier filters...

Me: Okay, we're just going to run into Walmart real quick.
Isaiah: I want Stompeez!
Me: Ummm...what?
Isaiah: Stompeez! I need slippers for when it's cold.
Me: No, I'm not getting you Stompeez.
Isaiah: But you HAVE to!
Me: No, I don't.
Isaiah: Yes you do...they're available at Walmart's everywhere!

Conversation with Isaiah 04.043

"Look, Mommy! I had cheese for lunch and look at what I can do!"

Conversations with Isaiah 04.042

Becca was watching the boys for us today and told me this story:

Isaiah was playing with Lego's and something started falling apart. I asked Isaiah if he needed any help and he said "No, I'm a MAN...shhhh!"

Conversations with Isaiah 04.041

This was his "show" for Jeremy: "Hi! I'm your host Mr. Isaiah. (He holds up his cork gun) I'm here to tell you about guns. And how they hurt"

Conversations with Isaiah 04.040

Isaiah was putting on a "show" for me:

Isaiah: Look! These are guys. They're different from girls cuz....they're awesome.
Me: What are girls?
Isaiah: Uhhh...they're just....They like GIRL stuff.

Conversations with Isaiah 04.039

We were watching Star Wars: A New Hope (the 1st/5th movie) last night with Isaiah. At the end Luke and Han Solo were walking up a long aisle to get medals from Princess Leia. When Isaiah saw it he turned to Jeremy and asked "Are they getting married??"

Our Trip to Branson

We took our first vacation in YEARS this past weekend! On Thursday we loaded up the car, went out to lunch and headed SOUTH...to BRANSON.

Now, the boys and I have never been to Branson so Jeremy was really the only one who knew what to expect. Thankfully, we timed things pretty well and Micah slept for over half the drive...until we had to stop so Isaiah could pee. Which happened along the side of the road since it was a "I need to go NOW". The rest of us made it to a gas station for the restroom/diaper changes.

The main purpose of our trip was Silver Dollar City, so our first night we checked in to the hotel and drove around Branson a bit. Jeremy wanted to check out Harry & David (since we don't have a local one anymore!) and the outdoor mall where it's located had some coin operated rides that the boys enjoyed checking out...and WIN on the car with TWO steering wheels (Yes, Micah DID enjoy it, despite the look on his face here!)


We tried to find some arcade place that Jeremy remembered from when he was a kid. Unfortunately, either the places have gotten more run down or it was just more exciting when he was younger. Isaiah played a few games and seemed to enjoy himself but most of the place was shut down (off season during the week...oops). We did see this lovely sign, though...in case you can't read it, it says "You can smell our butts for miles"...it was a BBQ place.


Driving around also took us outside of Branson where we found a scenic overlook and a trail. We were all ready to stretch our legs after all the time in the car, so we started down the trail. Little legs couldn't/wouldn't walk so Jeremy and I had to take turns carrying Micah. Needless to say, the hike didn't last very long. Isaiah wasn't amused when we told him we were turning back. But we told him we were going to eat, so at least there wasn't a mutiny!

After dinner we went back to the hotel. Isaiah was quite amused by the shower caps, so he got to wear one for bathtime. Then, it was lights out so we could all rest up for the park on Friday. Isaiah was SO excited to try roller coasters!






The next morning we were up early (big surprise) but by the time we had all showered, dressed and eaten (a surprisingly good breakfast offering at the hotel) it was time to head to the park. We found a pretty decent spot near a tram pickup.  Micah wasn't sure what was going on, but he was game. Isaiah was WOUND UP and ready to go!





We actually go to the front gates right as they were opening, so we killed a few minutes looking at all the scarecrows they had set up outside. A nice couple offered to take our picture, so we managed to get ONE of all of us! Micah, of course, wouldn't look at the camera for anything (why look at STRANGERS, Mom?). Such is life. The line filtered in pretty quickly so we went on in to the park.




First stop was a magic shop so Jeremy and Isaiah could check it out. Then we went out down to the measuring station where the guy there "helped" Isaiah be tall enough for ALL the rides. We started easy, though. First on a little roller coaster. Isaiah had to sit on the inside so it was tough to get a picture of him but Jeremy seemed to enjoy it.





Then we tried out the other offerings for kids' rides. A "Dumbo"-type ride. Teacups. Swinging dragon (YAY!). Isaiah tried them all out! Jeremy started to get antsy to try some "real" rides, so we left the kids area and started wandering around the rest of the park.

Micah....being the squirt he is...was only big enough for about 2 rides. So he took turns hanging out with Mom or Dad most of the time. He wasn't always amused by that.

But, sometimes he was good just chilling on a curb.



After that we wandered around for a while, checking out some of the smaller rides and other stuff.

Grandfather's Mansion	This was....creepy
Worn out little bug	Once they started....Jeremy did all the work
Having fun!	Funnel cake!

Isaiah rode his first real roller coaster. I tell you, this boy showed NO fear! We also rode a log ride a few times...we got wet and COLD!

Eventually we were all exhausted and headed out for dinner then back to the hotel for bathtime/bedtime. We tried to find another arcade place, but there really wasn't anything like whatever Jeremy was looking for.

The next morning we had breakfast at Silver Dollar City (can you say BREAKFAST BUFFET?! YES!!) We got there early enough the wait wasn't too terrible...by the time we were leaving the line had gotten quite ridiculous!

Teacups!

Next stop was once again the measuring station. The lady there that morning was not about to bend the rules at. all. She even made us measure Micah when we only wanted him to have a wristband in case he got separated from us! And Isaiah measured less than half an inch too short for the roller coasters! He was disappointed...so we took the band off and stuck it in his pocket. Cheating? Yes! But the boy wanted to ride the coasters again!

We went on the silly train ride. Isaiah got a kick out of it, especially when we stopped and the guys were doing their silly skit. Micah wasn't near as amused, but at least he was quiet and didn't get fussy!

There was a kids area we hadn't checked out the day before so we wandered over to it. They had a huge tree house type thing that Micah wasn't big enough for, but Isaiah wandered through a few times. Micah and I found some sand to play in and then Isaiah wanted to go on some swings.

It was a lot busy on Saturday then Friday so the lines were longer and crowds thicker. We skipped a few things due to long lines, but Isaiah and Jeremy went on Powder Keg (which had been closed on Friday). I didn't do this one, but let me tell you...it freaked Isaiah out. When they got back to where I was sitting with a sleeping Micah, Isaiah was STILL a little white. Jeremy was apparently concerned that Isaiah was going to pass out for about half the ride!

The last thing we did was wander over to another kids area that had a lot of water guns and splash pads, etc for kids to play in. Jeremy and Isaiah climbed way up into the play structure and were having a good time. Micah and I messed with some huge water guns, put mostly I just followed Micah around while he ran around some columns.

Everyone looking at the camera? Not likely!

As we were getting ready to leave the park, it just happened to be time for the last group to head in to one of the caves. We decided to give it a try but, let me tell you, bad idea. We had to shove everything in the (small) backpack we had...including Isaiah's new toy pop gun. Then, Isaiah got tired (and maybe a bit freaked out) and ended up being carried on and off for the whole HOUR trip. The floors were to slick and drop offs too terrifying to put Micah down even once. So I carried him the whole time. Oh, and I don't like being deep underground because I'm irrationally afraid of cave-ins. So a good time was had by all.

Our last dinner we went to....Steak and Shake. Silly, perhaps, but we were too tired to think very hard about what we wanted to eat. Jeremy and Isaiah worked on one of the kids' menus while we waited for the food. After we ate, we wandered down to the landing area. Jeremy wanted to check out the local Build-A-Bear, and he talked shop for a bit with one of the managers there while the boys and I looked around. Isaiah had money burning a hole in his pocket, but all the local businesses had closed for the night and we couldn't find anywhere else that had toys! He was pretty upset when we headed back to the hotel without spending all his money, but the boy is SO indecisive...we told him he could get something from Target when we got home (much cheaper, anyway!)

Sunday we got up, had breakfast, packed up, and drove home. We stopped 3 times on the way home, twice for the bathroom and once for lunch. All in all, we survived our first vacation as a family of 4! Maybe next time we won't have to carry Micah the whole time.

:D

Conversations with Isaiah 04.038

What Jeremy sang: Jimmy crack corn and I don't care, Jimmy crack corn and I don't care, Jimmy crack corn and I don't caaaaare, My master's gone away.

What Isaiah sang: Gimme that corn and I don't care.....

Conversations with Isaiah 04.037

Isaiah: Why can't I eat whenever I want? Ruff does!
Me: Because he's a grown up dog and you're a little boy.
Isaiah: So? Why does that matter?
Me: Okay...you can eat whenever you want, just like Ruff....but you have to eat the same thing every time.
Isaiah: Okay! I just want pizza every time.

Can't out-logic a 4 year old!

Ren Fest!

We brought the boys to the Renaissance Festival today. First time for both of them! We got there right after they opened and they were totally overwhelmed by everything at first.

One guy pointed out that someone was holding a peregrine falcon. They talk about them ALL.THE.TIME on one of the PBS shows Isaiah watches, so he thought it was cool. They told us about a bird show.

Then, Isaiah saw a dragon swing. I LOVED it as a kid! He had brought some of his own money, so we let him ride it if he paid for it. When the guy really had it going I thought Isaiah was going to get sick (or freak out) for a second...but he settled down and really enjoyed it. The only problem with that was he wanted to ride EVERY other ride he saw!

We did stop and watch the bird show. Micah sat through...the first bird and was done. He and I stood back and (I) watched after that. Jeremy and Isaiah kept their front row seats for the rest.

Next up was lunch. Micah gobbled up some fried fish! When we were walking around after lunch Micah was fascinated by some gypsies. They stopped and were saying hi to him (and he was just staring at them....) I asked if he wanted a picture with them, and (to my surprise) all 3 people plopped down on the ground. Micah freaked, but Isaiah got down there for pictures. They were an interesting bunch (of course...its Ren Fest!) But it was SUPER awesome when the guy let Isaiah strum his guitar and they launched into an impromptu song with Isaiah helping the guitarist!

Watch Isaiah play the guitar!

Lots more wandering around. We watched a magic show then went to see the gypsies' show. They remembered Isaiah and let him help with the performance by giving him some shaker thing. He wasn't great with staying on rhythm, but it sure was fun for him.

We found a petting zoo right before we left and those sheep were RUDE! When we got some food they jumped up on Jeremy and I think would have done the same to Isaiah if we hadn't kept an eye on things. Micah did pretty well with them too, he wasn't scared but I got nervous they'd knock him down so he fed them from my lap.

After that, we let Isaiah pick out a sword and headed home. Made a quick pit stop for root beer floats and cherry limeades at Sonic. The boys are worn out (and grumpy) now...but we sure had fun!!

Cyst Removal

Today, I had the pleasure of bringing Isaiah to the dermatologist to have a cyst removed from his face. He's had this spot on his left cheek for....months. At first, we thought it was a pimple but it never went away and would seem to change color (getting lighter so we THOUGHT it was going away, but then darkening again).

So, we mentioned it to his pediatrician when he was with us at one of Micah's checkups. She gave us an ointment to try, thinking it was maybe a blood vessel close to the surface (or something?) When that didn't do anything we were referred to a dermatologist. Two visits and she voted it was a cyst. We decided to have it removed since it wouldn't go away on its own and it could potentially get bigger.

Isaiah got to stay home from school this morning since the appointment was at 10:00. He and I hopped in the car and headed off to the doctor.

Here we go!

When we got to the office they were finishing up with someone else so we hung out in a regular room for a bit. He was excited about having a new movie to watch while they did the procedure.

Waiting...

When it was Isaiah's turn he got to get on the bed and they raised it up. His movie was started and he was pretty distracted by it while they were getting ready. 

Watching "Planet 51"

The worst part was while he was getting the shots to numb the area. He started freaking out and they were holding his arms down. I had been sitting in a corner (out of the way) and when he started crying I got up and started rubbing his leg. Eventually, one of the nurses moved away and I was able to hold his hand. I ended up watching the entire procedure very carefully. They were able to cut it out and while he was getting stitched up I apparently started squeezing his hand harder and harder. At one point he said "Mommy, you're hurting my hand" and I realized how tightly I was grabbing him!

He ended up with two stitches and a GIANT bandage on his face. Seriously, the thing was overkill! The doctor mentioned something about scar tissue at the bottom, so maybe it wasn't really a cyst? I'm not sure, but the sent it off and will call when they get the results.

We loaded up in the car to go home. He had gotten to pick something from the treasure box and was happy with his green monkey. Poor guy was a bit subdued when we got home but after going out to lunch (he picked Red Robin so he could get a balloon) the rest of the day he was acting pretty normal.

Giant bandage!

As an aside: While Isaiah was watching his movie we all kept asking him questions about it to keep him distracted. At one point I asked what was going on and he said "I dunno...I think the plane is approaching." Everyone kind of looked at me all surprised...'approaching' is kind of a big word for a 4-year-old. I said "Yeah, he uses some big words....my son's a genius"  ;)

Conversations with Isaiah 04.036

Isaiah gets to go to specials this year! Yesterday was his first day of Spanish and he was telling me what he learned about...

"We didn't learn any Spanish words today. The teacher told us about her Mommy and Daddy. They came from a long, skinny place called Cuba. There's a bad guy there. His name is Casper..."

Isaiah's Second, First Day of School!

My big boy started school again today. Since he's going full days now he's wearing a UNIFORM and looks SO BIG! 

Don't mind the fake smile...it's what he does!

The backpack isn't quite as giant on him this year...and Micah's photo bomb.

Hope you have another great year, Big Man!

Conversations with Isaiah 04.035

Isaiah: Mommy! I have a joke for you!
Me: Okay, what is it?
Isaiah: Mommy! You need a doctor!
Me: Why?
Isaiah: Because....you're BLEEDING!

Conversations with Isaiah 04.034

"Daddy! We got the kitties medicine so they can poop out their worms!"

Conversations with Isaiah 04.033

Isaiah was telling me his throat hurt so I said we should get him some orange juice. He asked why and I said it would help him to maybe not get sick. He said "ohhh I thought maybe I was gonna turn into a zombie or somethin'!"

Isaiah @ 4.5

I have a four-and-a-half year old on my hands now. Four going on fourteen most days! 

Isaiah can still be the sweetest little guy sometimes. I love that he will still randomly pop out with "Mommy, I love you" throughout the day. He has recently been turning away when I want to give him a kiss before leaving for work in the morning. It's quite sad, really.

Isaiah's had some weird thing on his face for several months and we were referred to a dermatologist. She promised me it's benign so I guess that's reassuring but the fact that she can't tell us WHAT it is doesn't convince me that she can say that 100%. I can't say I'm worried like I was with the whole "my heart is squeezing me" stuff that we went through buuuut....really, it looks like a zit that just will not go away.

Micah completely adores his older brother. He will walk over to him and try to hug him or just lean on him. Isaiah loves it most of the time but when Micah starts trying to swipe toys things get tense. The boys actually had their first real fight about a week ago. I can't remember what is was over but they were tugging back-and-forth and when Isaiah got it Micah raised his arm like he was going to smack Isaiah on the head. The first of many skirmishes, I'm sure.

Isaiah is 41 inches and somewhere around 40 pounds. These are not "official" measurements, however.

In another couple weeks Isaiah's going to be trying out school full time. He will still be in his Montessori classroom but doing more things with the Kindergartners since he's such a smart little guy. His teacher recommended it at the end of last year and I was SO excited that she thought it would be a good thing for him because he's doing so well at things. As we get closer to it, I'm honestly not as excited. I'm worried he's not ready for it...then I worry if it's really ME that isn't ready for him to be gone all day. (Yes, he was in daycare for years but....I dunno...that's baby stuff, this is SCHOOL.) With the stinky way he's been acting lately we've been enforcing nap time again which obviously won't be an option while he's at school.

Today, Isaiah declared he wanted to be an artist when he grows up.

We've gone to the zoo almost weekly this summer until it's just gotten too darn hot for me to pull the two of them around the zoo in the wagon. Since we are FOTZ members we signed up for free train/tram/carousel rides which is a hit with both boys. Isaiah has also really enjoyed the bird show and LOVES the animal show. So far he's gotten to touch a chicken, a snake, an alligator, and an armadillo.

He's definitely starting to read. I can't really tell you what words he knows, other than his name and "or". I know there's a lot, but I haven't really kept track. I know he surprises me every time he points to a word and correctly tells me what it is. I always get SO excited so I hope that's encouraging for him.

Isaiah's vocabulary is ah-MAZE-ing. Seriously, the WORDS this kid uses...well, if you read this blog with any regularity you know how he can be. And he has counted to 100 with help on the 10's. By himself he gets to the high-20's then seems to get confused by it. He's outgrown his bike and so we need to get him a bigger one at some point. He actually asked to have the training wheels taken off the other day! I told him that had to wait for a time when Mommy and Daddy are both home so we have someone to help him. I don't want to DISCOURAGE it...but can a 4 year old really be ready for only 2 wheels?!? I have NO idea!

That's about all I can think of at this point so, a couple pictures.....

Micah @ 16 Months

I figured that once Micah passed his first birthday I'd switch over to updates every six months. After all, once kids hit 1 they don't change as quickly...right? Well, they may not have milestones as often but they sure do change just as fast as when they are infants. So, at 16 months Micah:

• Says kitty "ghee", dog "doh" reliably. He also shakes his head for yes and no, but doesn't SAY either of those yet.
• Has said "there's a kitty", "I love you", "Dada", "Ma"
• LOVES to play with the computer mouse, my camera...pretty much anything with buttons.
• Is a RIDICULOUS mimic when it comes to just about anything his brother does.
• Isn't a great eater anymore. He's hit the toddler "hot dogs, cheese, chicken nuggets only please" stage. Occasionally we can sneak some fruit in. Veggies, less often. Other meats even LESS often.
• Technically has a toddler bed now...we took the side down off his crib. I am not convinced of his ability to get out on his own...he just cries when he wakes up anyway.
• Still loves books but wants to turn the pages at his own rate which is usually faster than I can read.
• Has started giving kisses (so cute!) mostly to his brother (ADORABLE!)
• Still nurses about 3-4 times a day: wake up, nap (if I'm home for it), bedtime and middle of the night.
• Doesn't spend the whole night in bed, but will at least start out there. He wakes up between 11pm & 4 am (big range, I know). I usually stumble in, grab him & go back to bed. If I climbed in next to him I'm sure he'd go back to sleep in his own bed...but that never seems like fun in the middle of the night!
• Will tickle us.
• Is starting to get pretty good at feeding himself with utensils. Mostly fork (stabbing is easier than scooping!)
• Will lift his shirt when I say "where's your belly". Walks to his dresser when I say he needs his diaper changed. Will grab his shoes when we say he needs to get them on. Walks to the door when we say it's time to go.
• Is walking, running and climbing. Walks pretty far too, we just came back from a walk around the block (maybe a mile) and he walked probably 3/4 of that!

We also found out Micah is quite the little water baby! With our pool passes we've spent quite a bit of time at the indoor pool the past couple months. Micah is pretty much fearless. He starts squirming & squealing when we walk in. He will walk out until he can't touch anymore and, if he has a noodle, he will start kicking his legs (though he doesn't do well staying on top of it). If he goes under water (which I often let him do) he will still automatically hold his breath so there's no sputtering/coughing/getting upset about it. If I'm holding him he'll excitedly kick his feet and move his arms. He LOOKS like he could be swimming! I've had several people ask how old he was and are always very surprised when I tell them.

Just a small list! He seems to be doing SO MANY NEW THINGS so quickly lately! 

PICTURES!!

First watercolor!

LOVES to play with hats!!

I will update again at 18 months!

Conversations with Isaiah 04.032

Isaiah was telling me what happened on Frankenweenie after he had watched it: "Frankenweenie got run over by a car. Then they planted him...." (They BURIED him....)

Conversations with Isaiah 04.031

We were watching Wipeout tonight and Isaiah was cracking up. Suddenly he blurts out "This show is CRAPPING ME UP!"

Conversations with Isaiah 04.030

We were listening to some kids songs and "It Ain't Gonna Rain No More" came on. When Isaiah heard the part where they sang "How in the heck can I wash my neck if it ain't gonna rain no more?" he said "uhhhhhh...go inside!"

Micah Firsts...

Today Micah said his first sentence...when Mabel walked in the room he pointed to her and said "There's a kitty"

Conversations with Isaiah 04.029

When Isaiah and I were playing guys today our people were supposed to go see a movie. I asked him what the name of the movie was, and he said "Fred, the Desert Ninja"

Micah @ 15 Months

Stats

20 lbs, 6 oz (5%)

29 1/2" (10%)

Comparing...

Micah                        Isaiah

20 lbs, 6 oz (5%)     26 lbs, 8 oz (93%)

29 1/2" (10%)                31" (41%)

Conversations with Isaiah 04.028

"Mommy, look! I can speak Ninja.....haaaaa-yah!"

Conversations with Isaiah 04.027

Isaiah: Mommy, I don't want to be a daddy when I grow up. I just want to live with you for always.
Me: Why don't you want to be a daddy anymore?
Isaiah: Because it's boring....
Me: It's boring! Who told you that?
Isaiah: Daddy.....

Conversations with Isaiah 04.026

Isaiah was telling me how well he'd be playing a game on the computer....

Isaiah: I won, Mommy! I got all the creditors!
Me: You got the creditors?
Isaiah: Yeah! I got the creditors away! There were LOTS and LOTS of creditors!

Conversations with Isaiah 04.025

Isaiah: Who's THAT for?
Me: It's for Auntie Beeb.
Isaiah: How's she gonna get it? She's on a different PLANET!

Too true, son....too true!

Conversations with Isaiah 04.024

Isaiah: My mouth is soggy.
Me: Oh? What does soggy mean?
Isaiah: It means...it's hot and spicy.

Conversations with Isaiah 04.023

Me: I love you, Isaiah!
Isaiah: I love you, Mommy. (starting to sing) I looooove you, you, youuuuuu!
Me: I looooooove you...
Isaiah: Mommy! Don't coffee me!
Me: Don't what?
Isaiah: Don't COFFEE me!!

Isaiah Starts Soccer!

Isaiah has embarked into the world of team sports. With SOCCER! I've never played soccer so I'm absolutely no help with any of it...other than I know you don't use your hands. There MIGHT have been a lot of that in the beginning, but he got better as the morning went on.

We got there a little before 9:00 and Isaiah started playing around with the balls they had laying around. We had a lot of "Don't use your hands!" but mostly just let him have fun while we waited for things to get underway. He liked to move the ball right in front of the goal (with his hands) and kick it in.

Then he met his coach and got his jersey and practice started. Isaiah got several "c'mon, Isaiah"s...which made us feel better. He doesn't just dawdle for us! Practice was 30 minutes (enough for 4 year olds!) and then some stretching and the game started! This league is nice because everyone gets equal playing time. Some kids are WAY better than others. They don't keep score. It's just fun. Isaiah had a great time!

A few highlights from the game:

• Isaiah got the ball at one point and started kicking. He  missed the goal...so he just kept on kicking right on off the field. The coaches started yelling "Stop! Come back!" He didn't get far...but it was funny. 
• Another time Isaiah was running next to his teammate who had the ball. Isaiah started trying to shoulder the poor other kid out of the way so HE could kick the ball. I think we need to work on recognizing teammates ;)
• At another point Isaiah got the ball and started kicking the wrong way! Thankfully he listen or realized what he was doing and got turned around going the right way! His teammate got the ball and made a goal! (Does that count as an assist?)
• He NEVER watched the game when he was on the sidelines! I think he was watching the other teams practice? I don't know....at the end he started actually talking to one of his teammates. So cute!

That's about it. The games are only 15 minutes each and his are back-to-back. Micah did pretty well during the hour plus that we were there. Jeremy, Mom and I took turns walking him around. He had some snacks. At the very end he got cranky because he was tired and passed out on the walk back to the car.






We ran to Target to get Isaiah a soccer ball and grabbed a cheap slinky for Micah (he LOVES Isaiah's springs for his Gears bucket). Of course Micah woke up when we got out of the car, but passed out again when we were on our way...clutching that slinky :D