Toddler Talk

Listening to my children speak makes me happy and quite entertaining. Talking with them, encouraging them to tell stories and "use their words" is simple enough. I thought I would share some of my favorite JQ and Stellita words and phrases while they are still in that baby, toddler talk phase. Soon enough they will be correcting my grammar so I am going to enjoy this little bit of toddler-hood while I can. 

Things Joaquin "The Kid" (as he insists on being called) says at four and a half years old:

huge-mongous = humongous

fixie-dollars = fifty dollars

eleven-teen = eleven

fink = think

hang-gauber = hamburger

busy = dizzy

teef = teeth

auppissal = Octopus

 Both kids say Steh-wah = Stella

Lithia Park, Ashland OR.

I am consistently taken by Stella's use of words. Some things she says at just three years old:

TB = TV

weeto = huevito 

jammaz = pajamas 

brrr-day

Joaquimmm

foam = phone

fings = things

make-ed = naked

dat = that

 Lithia Park, Ashland OR.

Boy Meets Preschool

Hoy Joaquin va a visitar Una Escuelita. Today Joaquin is going to visit what will be his Preschool. It's a big day with first impressions being made and all and this is just a visit, an introduction. He is scheduled to start next month. Those that follow this Blog or know us in person are aware JQ has never been in Daycare or Preschool or even away from me for more than one night! So starting Preschool for two days a week, three hours a day is pretty humungous. Mi Escuelita Maya seems to be the perfect fit for our little guy, our parenting style and family values. I met with the director, Maria a couple weeks ago and am excited for JQ to do the same today. Here's to hoping he loves it!!
Linking to Small Style hosted by Mama Loves Papa.
JQ wore:
Hurley hoodie, OshKosh jeans, Black leather Converse high top.

Coming Through In Waves

We lay on the rug in the living room in a rectangle of light, warmed by the late afternoon sun. On our sides facing one another the windows are open and it is quiet in the house. Rare to have JQ, my sweet boy, quietly lying with me. He is holding his canteen in one hand(his comfort) and rubbing my elbow with the other (something he has done since he was a baby). Stella is napping down the hall and I close my eyes. He is as sensitive and emotional as he is stubborn these days. Balancing these two things has me scrambling for a new approach. A new Mom strategy I guess. I can't seem to get threw to him. Maybe in bits and waves and at moments but not the way I am so delicately trying to. In a steady, routine, affirming way. He regularly over reacts, cries easily and shouts in disapproval at me. I miss my playful, active boy. Did some of that get lost in the move? I set the thought aside and peak to see if his eyes are open, they are. He too is searching. Searching to understand the changes, the distance and why much of his family can only be seen and talked with on a screen. Searching to comprehend the meaning of new words and explanations given to him. He is growing and discovering. The beach, the park, the kids in the neighborhood. These thoughts and images fade in and out as I peek open an eye to find him looking back at me with his fathers gorgeous dark eyes. I could easily fall asleep here on the floor if only he would too. But we won't. We will lye in the quiet, peeking at each other now and then. He, still rubbing my elbow and occasionally giving it a pinch. I love this little guy with all my heart and then some.

Linking to the EO for Just Write

Wordless Wednesday - Driftwood

Still not wanting to go past his knees in the water, JQ decided to collect small pieces of driftwood instead. Also are there any Jim Gaffigan fans out there that have heard his joke about swim shirts? I had to smile at these photos of JQ in his "swim shirt". If you haven't caught Gaffigan's show check out Mr. Universe. Seriously funny stuff. He jokes about life as a parent, cosleeping, homebirthing...all that stuff that I can relate to. Good for a much needed laugh!

Linking here, here and here

Word-ful Wednesday. Things my 3 Year Old Says

Actually he is almost 3 1/3 and says a heck of a lot more than what I have listed below. These are just some of my favorites and some I hear multiple times a day! And while the little fits he threw when he was two are long gone there is a new kind of tantrum rearing it's head lately and it is u.g.l.y! In fact I am aat a loss im how to "deal" with it and am feeling the need to buy some books on the subject... Any words of advice?

Things Joaquin says:

Wait ah me!

TB = TV

Baff = bath

5,6,7,H,9,10

Lechitita = lechita = milk

Poof = move

I no see

Fick it = fix it

Plantadon = platano = banana

Ice sweem

Chalk it's = chocolate

Stellwa = Stella

Linking here

Faces

A month ago (give or take a month) we got the kiddos each a Doodle Pad/Etch-A-Sketch type thing. (Yes we are already buying two of everything!) We take the Etch-A-Doodles err whatever in the car and it occupies JQ & Stellita for a great amount of time. They LOVE them and therefore, I love them! Since getting these JQ has been drawing, freely. Before he would have me draw him things and would get quite upset if I didn't or when I asked him to try. Now, Joaquin has started to draw faces, characters, animals. A while back, before the move even, Mr. made a toddler sized chalkboard and I positioned it at Joaquin's height in the nursery. It is in there room still but has gone mostly unused. Unprompted, while playing on his own in his room JQ drew these two faces on the chalkboard. He called me in, so proud and happy. I am pretty stinkin' proud too little buddy. I think its time to pick up some more chalk!

Linking here.

Happy Day Joaquin!

Three years ago today I had the most life changing experience of my life. One that I am still completely in awe of as well as proud. Now I get to watch this beautiful boy grow and add to my life even more. 

For his "Happy Day" we decided to surprise Joaquin with a train ride and party. Luckily, the Fillmore & Western Train Co. offers a weekend scenic train ride. So with a car full of Joaquin's primos, tia & GiGi & PopBee we headed out for the 4 hour excursion. I'm pretty sure they all loved every bit.

When we returned to the house Joaquin's Abuelita had decorated it top to bottom with balloons, streamers, a pinata and a house full of guests. Pozole and a Thomas Train Cake waiting for him as well. Una verdadera fiesta Mexicana!!

Happy Birthday Joaquin!

We love you more than we can say(or write).

Linking up with Unknown Mami for Sunday's In My City

Middle Trail Tale

We are thoroughly enjoying our holiday in Northern California. The air is cold but still we have been venturing out for long walks. Little ones need to run, explore and sometimes "eat it" in the dirt.

 At least that's what this little man did before I could get a picture. Joaquin's style most often includes a dirty knee (or two) so this is seriously a real style post!

He loves Middle Trail in Upper Bidwell Park. Do any of you know it? It is fairly flat and takes you along side a small lake. I have come to realize, aside from the occasional slide, Joaquin prefers a good walk and bit of adventure over a playground.

Linking to Small Style!

Joaquin is Sporting:

Sweater-Thrifted

Polo- Old Navy

Cords- Osh Kosh

Shoes- See Kai Run

Small Style-Winter Sun

Someone is going to be three years old in a month. That someone warms my heart even on the coldest of winter days and it is about to get a bit colder.

Today we will follow the train tracks east past the citrus orchards and fields of celery and chive. Then north over most of the state until we reach Chico, home, for the holidays.

Warmest wishes to all the sweet Small stylers and their savy stylista Mamas!! 

Linking up for Small Style once again.

On Joaquin: 
Flannel-American Living
Jeans-Gap
Shoes-See Kai Run 

A Movie, Snuggles & Cookies Too

Lately, Stella has been the only one napping in the afternoon. So, Joaquin and I are left together to snuggle, watch a movie and eat cookies with whipped cream, his sweet treat of choice. Today is no different. The cookies, the snuggled and the movie, we watched Astro Boy. As much as I would really, I mean really love to have an hour to myself I really cherish the alone time with my little man. He tells stories to me in his half understandable language, using his entire body when he talks. Hmmm. I wonder where he gets that? He still asks for skin to skin snuggles and has started singing along with his usual dancing. Right now his song of choice is Jingle Bells! Loving it and MUST get it on video. He will be three the end of next month, THREE! We are planning an afternoon train ride and visit to a local train museum. I am very much looking forward it. Now if you will excuse me I must get back to snuggling this cutie!

New Dance Moves

It has been a while since I posted video of Joaquin dancing (which he still does daily). The other evening while out I caught him between the clothing racks. The kid can dance, what can I say. The clip is short but it is quality stuff friends!

Happy Wednesday.

A Boy & His Bike

The Lightning McQueen push toy has officially been replaced by a Red Flyer tricycle.

JQ wants his bike with him always! If he cannot have it with him he likes to know where it is. If we go in the car, the bike goes in the car. If we go house shopping, on a road trip, to visit friends and even to lunch... the bike goes with us. Shoot, this little trike is pretty much one of the family.

Enamored

These two have completely stollen my heart.

Life will never be the same...

Linking here & here.

Mini Man Lunch Date

 

Having a lunch date with my mini man.

Taking time with just him.

No distractions. Just him and me.

Lovely.

We did a little shopping (at a toy store of course!), had lunch, went to a museum, met a turtle.

Finished off with some sweets from our local bakery and taking the long way home.

Linking up with:

Potty Training Continues

It is pouring rain out. The slip n' slide, water table and other summer toys are all getting wet. The babies and I are looking out the large living room windows, playing with forgotten indoor toys and watching Peter Pan. Joaquin calls swimming, flying (sounds like "frying"). Maybe it has something to do with Never Never Land, Peter, Wendy and the Lost Boys? I think it is a pretty awesome analogy for a 2 1/2 year old actually.

It is supposed to be triple digits again by Sunday. A good thing because we have familia coming and a birthday/swim/ice cream party planned for Little Miss. I can't believe she is turning 1. I can't believe we are done breast feeding. I can't believe I won't have anymore babies...

I am a bit worried about keeping consistency with Joaquin's potty training with all the company coming. He really is doing very well and I am trying to keep up with all the "added" laundry. We haven't "gone out" with just undies on yet but around the house he is still all undies all the time. Undies are called "Kapowies" in this house, for your information. I showed him how to pee outside this week. He thought it was hilarious! ...And I should add that I showed him how in the confines of our backyard for those of you totally horrified right now. He is a little boy and we live in an area that most would consider to be the sticks.

I don't mind a little summer rain as long as it makes way for the slip n' slides, water tables, glow sticks and fire crackers to come.

Potty Talk

Potty training is in full effect this week and we have had some great success! Needless to say it has been extra tough to try and sit down and blog a bit about it and our week/weekend!

 The first day of Potty Training was tough and I sort of feel like I need to disinfect the house again because well, there were a few "accidents." Which is totally to be expected. But still this "peepee in the potty" stuff is tiring for Mommy and JQ. I had planned to start potty training with Joaquin this summer for a few reasons. 

1. We would be outside most of the time ( minimal clean up if accidents occur!) 

2. JQ could run around in his chonies and not much else. (Again, minimal clean up, SWEET!)

3. Lastly, JQ seemed ready.

 I did a little reading on the subject to make sure I wasnt going to totally confuse the little guy and to hopefully make the whole thing easier on both of use.The information I found most useful (so far) is this. There are three indicators that your child is ready (or not) to tackle the potty and kick the "Pampers." They should be verbally, physically and social ready. Yup, that is what I am going on so far and advice from some other Mommies, Grandmommies I trust.

So while around the house JQ is sporting super cool Car chonies. He loves the movie Cars so he is totally into his new look. Every little bit helps! There have been a lot of high fives and a lot of laundry as well but we are committed!! When we finally get it, we will all be doing the happy dance for sure!

(Joaquin dancing across the Sundial Bridge, Redding, Ca.) 

Happy Truck

We have a spare vehicle of sorts. A four cylinder, manual everything going on fifteen years old little truck. The partially oxidized, chrome peeling eye sore sits most of the time rarely getting used or driven. Pretty un-cool really. Mr. And I had talked various times about selling it in fact. But it IS a truck and those comes in handy now and again, right?

Lately though it has made a certain someone very happy.

He loves that truck.

He asks to sit in it and go for drives. Actually he days "bye-bye, truckie?" but I speak toddler so ya know.  Being the indulgent parents that we are, we take him for little rides around the neighborhood and occasionally to run an errand. He sits in the cab, touches and explores everything while we are parked of course!). He bobs his head to the radio and attentively looks out the window. So for now I think we will hold on to that little spare truck 'cause... the truck makes him happy and that is pretty darn cool.

Warmer Weather Sweetness

One of our very favorite treats on warm evenings is a scoop of ice cream from a little local shop downtown. I'm pretty sure JQ is enjoying this warm weather ritual as well. Because he cannot quite express to us a favorite flavor we have been getting him a different kind each time we go (about once a week!). So far...he hasn't refuse any! Personally I go for chocolate, any variation will do.
This week a chunk of my family left for my cousins wedding in Alaska, Yukon Island. While another part of my family is returning home from a very warm weather "vay-kay" in Mexico. With all the comings and goings I am really getting the itch for a little time away myself. Really, I am wanting to take the littles to the ocean, to the sand, to some housekeeping please!!

Just A Few Things...

Relaxed mornings & coffee
The Saturday Farmers Market, tamales and Joaquin quietly playing
Wednesday night church
Dinner out with my Mr. and laughing with friends
Weekend routines
Rain on a warm day
Strawberries
Easter baskets & colorful goodies
Just A few things I am enjoying and thankful for

Happy Feet