My Other Son

Zack was in my life first.  It was just Zack and I at the end of the day.  Before husband and baby were even thought of.  In fact, funny story... when I first started dating Kevin, Zack decided that he would welcome Kevin to our home by peeing on his back while he was sitting on the sofa.  Good times.......  I consider myself lucky that Kevin called me again for another date!  :)   When I was pregnant,  we were a little concerned about how the puppy would take to the new baby.  Poodles, by nature, are very loyal to their owners and some from what I have heard from other poodle owners, do not take to the new baby at all.  But when Peyton finally arrived Zack did alright.   Well, okay...let's just say he just ignored the fact that Peyton existed.  Then as Peyton got a little older, Zack stayed away from him and only got close enough to pick up the crumbs that Peyton threw around.  But by this time he was getting braver and sitting closer to Peyton...even played tug-a-war with him.  Now that Peyton is  much older and a heck of lot more mobile, Zack really just "puts up" with Peyton.  Especially now that Peyton can be a little rough.  We are always telling Peyton to please not kill the dog!!!  Peyton, to get the puppy's attention, loves to antagonize and usually I will hear growling and sometimes snapping as a result.   But Zack never really hurts Peyton.  When the snapping does reach Peyton's little fingers (which Peyton deserves I am sure) Zack has the most guilty look on his face, just knowing he is in trouble for biting his brother.  Sometimes I can't help but smile when I see this "look"!  :)  But all in all  Zack loves Peyton for his food and Peyton knows it!  There is nothing like watching your child run around the house with a cookie up in the air laughing at the dog for relentlessly following him.  I guess if that is what it takes to get Zack to play.  I often wonder how their relationship is going to be in a couple of years.  I sure hope to  find out.   

Bye-Bye Diapers

Peyton has been accident free for two weeks now and a week dry when he wakes up!!  Even though we are so proud of his accomplishments, it is kind of heartbreaking for me at the same time.  He is no longer a baby!  I have known this for a while now but I always closed my eyes to the fact!  You always want your baby to be your baby.  :)  But nonetheless, we are proud of our little man and because he has been doing so well, we went to Walmart today and bought a waterproof mattress cover.   So good bye diapers!!! 

School Searches

So the search for schools begins.  Yesterday I stopped over by St. Luke's which is located right behind our house.  I really, really like this school and the way the classes are set up.  The 2, 3 and 4 year old classes are surrounding the Director, Mrs. Beth's office so she can practically hear everything that is happening in each class.  I don't know why but that makes me feel so much better about sending Peyton.  The only problem is that they only have a program from September to May.  They are  closed for the summer.  So Peyton would have to wait until the fall to begin.  

 Today I went to Lakeview Presbyterian School and just missed the touring time but did get some information and had a chance to check out the front and back of the school.  I really didn't get the same feeling as I did for St. Luke's, however, I didn't tour the place so I really don't trust these feelings yet.  I guess what gave me the sour taste is that number one, they shouldn't have a particular tour time.  I kind of feel that this chosen time is when teaches are told to be on their best behavior in case someone walks in.  I feel that I should be able to walk in anytime and check out the school, not when you tell me I can.  Second was when I was signing in, a teacher (I assume) was in the arts  and craft closet and was hollaring a question to another teacher.  I really looked down on that and I think only because I worked in a preschool many, many years ago and we were not allowed to hollar anything to the kids or each other.  Raised voices was a big no-no.  However,  I am going back on Monday morning so I may feel a little better about the place when I leave.  The same issue though is that they are closed for the summer.  So, we are still on the search for a good summer school.  I may check out Little Red Schoolhouse on Metairie Road.....but that is too far away as far as I am concerned but we will see. 

After visitng Lakeview Presbyterian School, Peyton wanted to play some in the public playground next door.  Today turned out to be such a beautiful day, so why not!  :0)  We strolled on over and we both were excited to see two other children playing.  Not too long after we arrived one of the parents left with a child but there was a little boy around Peyton's age who took to him very nicely.  While they played together the Grandmom and I struck up a conversation and then I was told by her that her grandson, PJ, was out of school today because he has pinkeye.  REALLY?  AHHHHHHHHHHH.  Nobody could hear me but trust me when I say that I was screaming NOOOOOOOOO in my head!  I wish I could have seen the look on my face but before I could even respond Peyton ran to me saying he had to peepee, which gave me a great excuse to say our goodbyes, quickly leave, go home and scrub the heck out of our hands.   What was that Grandmom thinking to bring her grandson to a playground touching everything when he has pinkeye???  Did she not know how contagious pinkeye can be????  :0(    Especially with a child Peyton's age that all they do is put their fingers in their month.  Well, I just hope that Peyton (and I) do not come down with it.  I had it when I was pregnant with Peyton after catching it from my prenatal visit and it surely was not fun for me and can just imagine dealing with that with a three year old.   Lord help me!!!

On a good note, Peyton is really drawing up some great smiley faces.  He sure is a cutie pie!!

Construction Mania

Today we had a play date at Cherie and Maddie's house to watch all the construction work going on around their house!  He had a great time looking at all the dump trucks, trailers and excavators!  He also enjoyed Maddie's car Mercedes!!  He must have played in that car practically the whole play date!  That boy and cars!!

Silly Boy

Today we had a playdate at our house.  And...I forgot to take pictures!  What's wrong with me??  :)  We had a nice time even though it was a little too chilly to go outside this morning.    Our silly boy was so excited to have some friends come to his house to play.  He really took to the little boys in our playgroup.  Someone to play cars and trucks with is his cup of tea!  Kevin and I discussed this evening about starting him in preschool just two days a week from 9am-12pm.  I have mixed feelings about it.  I really want him home with me, but know that he really needs and craves to become more social with other tots his age.    I am still thinking about it.  I will call the daycare next door to see if I can get a tour.  Then we will decide I guess.   

Guys Night Out/Girls Night In

Tonight Daddy and Peyton went to the Hornet's game and Mommy and Kim had a girl's night in watching horror movies, eating sushi with a couple bottles of wine!  GREAT EVENING!   :)

And Peyton did so great with being out and using the potty.  He told Kevin every time he has to go.  We are proud to say that Peyton is fully potty trained!  We are so proud of our little man.

A Family Dinner

Tonight Mom cooked her famous Andouille Gumbo and invited Kevin, Peyton and I along with Angela and Mike over to eat.  The gumbo turned out very, very good.  Even Peyton loved Mimi's gumbo!!  :) 

Up, Up & Away

Finally we have Peyton's swing done.  And he LOVES it!  He couldn't wait to get on it and scream Up, up and away as he was swinging higher and higher!  Such a cutie pie I swear.  :)

Such a Big Boy Now!

Potty training for a long time was not successful for Peyton and I.  I tried for several months, but Peyton would have absolutely no part of it.  He didn't even want to look at his underwear!  So instead of pushing him, I would wait a couple more weeks and try again.  This went on for a couple of months but I decided that when the big number 3 rolled around, it was going to be serious business!   I waited for all the excitement of his birthday and new toys to die down and I started Monday of this week.  For the first two days, he would stay in his undies for a couple of hours in the morning and we would try to potty every 20 minutes but Peyton kept saying that it "wouldn't work".  Funny!  Then after those couple of hours he would have a tantrum wanting his diaper back on.  I gave in those first couple of days but then it hit me that Peyton was holding it until he really, really had to go then screamed for his diaper.  So I decided that the following day, I wouldn't give in.  And it worked!  During his tantrum I kept firm and told him that diapers were for bedtime and during the day he WILL wear his undies and absolute no, no, no to diapers.  I sat him on the potty and he just started going.  Peyton's excitedly said "IT'S WORKING".  And since then he not only had very few accidents, he has been telling me that he has to pee and prefers to stand by the toilet like such a big boy!  It's like we have been training for weeks with how good he is doing.  He still does the other duty in the diaper, but he has been telling me when his stomach hurts (gas) and I throw a diaper on him, he goes, and I put him right back in his undies.  Today he even acted disgusted with the dirty diaper after his deed was done and asked for his big boy pants!!!  Yay!!!  This is working out great!!  We are so proud of our little guy! 

Game Faces

One of Peyton's birthday gifts is an air hockey game.  As I watched my guys play, I noticed that Peyton makes a lot Kevin's 'game faces'.  I can totally see Peyton making these same type of faces when he is older and playing a real sport.  Like father like son! 

And tonight Auburn won the SEC Championship Game.  Kevin was excited of course!!  Nanny and Mike came over  to watch the game with us and I forgot to get some pictures.  What is wrong with me?!  :) 

Birthday Dinner

Today Grammy and Grand Dad came over so that Grand Dad could help Daddy start putting together Peyton's swing set.  We had a bad winter storm come through, so they had to start with certain parts indoors.  But they got a lot done and while they were finishing up Grammy and I started on the Garlic Shrimp which turned out really delicious.  Afterwards we enjoyed the rest of the evening by the fireplace drinking wine and Costa Rica coffee.  And Peyton was really excited when Grammy and Grand Dad gave Peyton an extra little birthday present.  It was a Disney Cars flashlight!  He loved it and kept  looking under the couch at all the dust bunnies!!  :)  It was a very pleasant evening!   

A Birthday Letter to My Son

Dearest Peyton,

Today is your 3rd birthday!  It is so hard to believe how fast you have grown.  I look at all your birthday pictures and I am so amazed at how different you look every year.  You are growing up so fast. 

This time three years ago, I became a new Mom to the most amazing little boy.  You are so bright, fun-loving and beautiful in so many ways.  I am so lucky to be your Mommy.   This time three years ago I was so surprised that it was time for your arrival.  I didn't even have all your clothes washed yet!!  I still had three weeks to go!  But you came and to me that was the best thing.  You came unexpected and that was almost as good as just going into labor.  It was a wonderful surprise and it just made me cherish your face even more when I saw it for the first time. 

I love you my little man.  Happy 3rd birthday!!

Love, Mommy

Toy Overload

A couple of hours after Peyton's party we headed over to Troy's for some boiled shrimp and to watch the Saints play in the playoffs.  Peyton made friends quickly with the ladies at the shrimp boil and played with all his new toys with them.  He was very cute!!  But.... unfortunately the game was not a good one and the Saints lost but we still had a good time.  Afterwards we headed home and Peyton was on toy overload and stayed up to 10:00 playing and acting silly by making his hair stand up with his birthday balloons.  Gotta love that hair!!  :)

Peyton's 3rd Birthday Bash

Today we celebrated Peyton's 3rd birthday at the Monkey Room.  We had a blast with all of Peyton's little friends.   And Peyton loved his theme which was Hotwheels!  Peyton got all kind of new cars and trucks (he was in heaven) and from Mommy, Daddy, Grammy and Grand Dad, he got a wood swingset.

 Happy Birthday my little guy.  You are growing up so fast and already showing me your three year old "attitude"!   I love you my little man.