No more crying!

It started about 3 weeks ago.  Lincoln would cry every day when we would drop him off at daycare.  He would walk in the room, and burst into tears.  Then, we would go and press his little face up against the glass patio door and whale as he watched us leave. 

Worst feeling in the world for a parent.

Then, it got worse.  He started crying before we even got in the door.  We even had 2 days were it started in the van - he didn't want to get out of his seat.  He even re-buckled his seat belt so I had to pry him out.  Then, he clung to me the whole walk in.

I wanted to quit my job and stay home with him forever.    Then I remembered all the things he has learned at daycare that I wouldn't have even known to teach him.  And I listened to my gut, which told me it was just a phase and he would outgrow it.

But it was a tough few weeks!

The switch finally flipped last week.

Brian was home all week with strep, so I was single mom with the daycare drop offs and pick ups.  I think the change of routine was good.  It was a little more hectic in the mornings trying to get everyone fed, dressed and out the door on my own.  Evidently I said more than once that we had to get going cause mommy had to get to work, and Lincoln picked up on it.

It was mid-week when I heard Lincoln say it in the car.  "Mommy has to go to work.  I go to Toddlers".  Good thing I had toughened up and realized everything is as it should be, or that would have totally pushed me over the edge to stay home.  It helped him deal with his separation anxiety.  Plus, Miss Kathy was good about distracting him when we would drop him off - taking him to get a book. 

I'm happy to report that we haven't had any tears this week.  He still says Mommy has to go to work from time to time, and I'm ok with that.  He now walks in the daycare room, still goes to the window, but stands there and waves and smiles at us.  I love that little smile.  And I love the bigger smile on his face when we pick him up even more!

Gator rides

This past weekend, we headed north to spend a quiet weekend with my parents.  We didn't have any plans for the weekend - just visiting, getting a Father's day gift for my dad, and I wanted to see my Gram.

As the weekend drew closer last week, we shared with the boys that we'd be making the trip to Mawmaw and Pawpaw's house.  They were excited, and asked if they would get to take a gator ride (on my Dad's John Deere Gator).  We told them yes, and upon hearing that, Jackson said "I take a gator ride with Pawpaw, brother, and Daddy".  I thought it was cute, and told him that Mommy wanted to take a gator ride with all of them too.  What he told me next astounded me..."No Mommy, no gator ride, you stay and make dinner!" 

You see, often times when we get home from daycare, the boys want to go for a wagon ride or a walk.  Often times, I tell them they have to talk to Daddy because Mommy needs to go in and make dinner.  So, I guess I shot myself in the foot!

On Saturday morning, my dad got the gator out, and Brian and Lincoln could hardly wait to go for a ride.  Jackson however didn't want to go - he wanted to stay with me.  I was getting ready so we could go visit my Grandma.  So, we hung out at the house while the rest of the boys went for a ride.  On Sunday morning though, my dad took all 4 of us for a ride, and it was great spending time with the 4 most important men in my life!

Time to get up....

Yesterday morning, I had to wake the boys up for daycare.  Jackson said "No, no, Mommy.  I don't want to get up yet.  I go back to sleep".  Unfortunately, that wasn't an option.

This morning, I again had to wake them up, but this time Lincoln had a few choice words for me.  He told me he wasn't going to get up, and that he was going to stay in bed all day long.

Both the boys are tired from a fun weekend at Mawmaw and Pawpaws, and they are missing their daddy terribly.  Brian hasn't been feeling well this week, and has had to stay away from the boys so they don't get sick.  I've told the boys that Daddy isn't feeling well, that he needs his rest, and somewhere along the line, I must have said that he had been in bed all day.

Brian has been keeping his germs away from me too - he's been sleeping in the office.  This morning, he was actually up with me and the boys, but observed from a distance.  He did tell me though that he heard Jackson in the night.  He fussed a bit, then Brian heard him say "Clock blue.  I go back to sleep". 

And he must have, because I didn't hear a thing! 

Although I've had to wake the boys every day this week, I'm sure they will be up bright and early on Saturday!

Twins complement each other, right?

Our boys have always shared a special twin bond, even though they are very different boys.  They seem to complement each other's characteristics - Jackson is very stubborn, Lincoln more easy going.  Jackson is very athletic, and Lincoln loves to read books and cuddle.  We definitely got the best of both worlds.

Last week, I noticed something about the two of them, and it made me chuckle a little bit.

We pray each night before we eat dinner.  The boys caught onto "Amen" a long time ago, but have recently picked up on the sign of the cross before and after the prayer. 

Here is Lincoln's version:

Father
Son
Holy
Amen

Here is Jackson's version:
Father
Son
Spirit
Amen


Do you see what's so funny?

Lincoln's friends...

First, let me say Brian was in rare form on the way home from work last night after the "Some Buddy's" birthday issue.

We continued on our drive home, and Lincoln mentioned his friend Evie.  We think Lincoln has a little crush on Evie, as we hear about her a lot.  She is older than Lincoln, but she is tiny and adorable (especially compared to Lincoln who is both the tallest and heaviest kid in his class!).  Brian asked Lincoln if he and Evie played together today, and Lincoln said "Yes, Daddy.  I played with Adam too". 

The next thing I know Brian is doubled over in the van seat laughing.  He finally said "He played with Adam and Evie today...were they in the garden of Eden?"

Yes, it was his sense of humor that made me fall in love with him.  They say if you can find a man who makes you laugh, marry him.  Guess I got something right!

It's Somebody's Birthday!

Yesterday, the boys daycare celebrated it's 47th anniversary of being in business.  Each year, when the anniversary comes around, they have spirit week, and they celebrate the birthday of their mascot "Good Buddy".  (They have lots of themes at the school about being a Good Buddy to others, etc.) 

We've had crazy hair day, wear your favorite sports team shirt, and backwards day this week.  Yesterday was the actual birthday celebration - they line the driveway with 47 little "Good Buddies" and tie balloons to them.  They do field day activities, and they celebrate with birthday cupcakes. 

When we picked up the boys yesterday, we received certificates indicating they participated in field day, and what their favorite activity was.  Jackson's favorite activity was the bean bag toss, and Lincoln's certificate said "Cupcakes!".  Miss Paula (his teacher) told us how funny he was, as he tried to shove the whole cupcake in his mouth (typical Lincoln) and had crumbs and frosting everywhere.  He makes me so proud.

Once we got the boys in the van, we were asking them about their day and the field activities.  Jackson saw all the "Good Buddies" and balloons, and got so excited.  He kept telling us "It's Somebody's Birthday!  It's Somebody's birthday!"  Brian was cracking up laughing.  Jackson didn't quite understand that they were saying it was Good Buddy's birthday....so he was saying it was Some Buddy's birthday!

Putting our colors to use

The boys received a "Tot Clock" for their birthday back in January.  So far, it's been a great night light in the boys room, and helps Brian and me keep track of what time it is when we are up with the boys during the night. 

Now that the boys know their colors, I'm hoping it will be even more useful!

Earlier this week, I explained to the boys that if they woke up and the clock was blue, they should go back to sleep.  I didn't push it too much as through the week it's not a big deal if the boys get up a little early.  However, I am trying to get them to let US sleep in a bit on the weekends.  5:30 a.m. is too early for a Saturday/Sunday!

I went into the boys room this morning to get them up.  Jackson was awake, laying in his crib smiling at me.  I was selecting clothes for the boys to wear today when I heard Jackson say "Clock is yellow."  I turned and looked at him and asked him what that meant.  He very confidently told me "It's time to get up.  Clock blue - I go back to sleep!"

The good news is, he remembers what I told him.  Now, we just have to see if he understands and actually does it!