"Go-Goo!"

Tonight Lucas had a case of the giggles! Back in November Lucas started saying "go-goo." He started saying it on our drive back from West Lafayette. We had been visiting Steph and Will. I don't remember Will ever saying this phrase. Steph, does it sound familiar??? Anyway, when Lucas would say it he would say it in a "sneaky" voice. Like he was saying a bad word or something. When Brian repeated it Lucas got a look on his face like "yeah! you get it! You know what I am saying!" Now, it is just a game and Lucas thinks it is hysterical when we repeat it back to him. We still have no freakin' clue what it means, but it makes him happy!!

*PS- please ignore the pile of clothes that need to be folded in the green chair!

Update

I am thrilled to inform you that Lucas is emerging from his picky eater phase. It has been a long 4+ months! He has been eating like a champ the past few days. He is eating turkey and chicken, too! He also only throws 1-2 pieces, at most, of food on the floor a day!! I guess he got tired of picking up his mess. Instead he is learning to give me the food he decides he doesn't want. But, like I said that isn't much because he has been cleaning his plate. This mama is feeling so much better!

The Haircut Face

Mall Playdate

We met some friends at the mall play area this morning. Of course my camera battery dies and I only get a few shots. Lucas finally figured out how to climb the stairs and slide. He spent a good 20 minutes sliding. Here are a few of the pictures I managed to snap before the battery died.


I think Lilly was giving Lucas a pep-talk here

Sliding with Lilly

Lilly kept asking me to take her picture, but would look away

every time I tried to take it. Silly girl!

Wordless Wednesday

The Naughty Spot

If you have ever watched Super Nanny, then you know what the naughty spot is. Lucas is a very good little boy, but he does have a couple of bad habits we need to break. 1. Biting. Most the time this is done out of frustration. He gets upset and doesn't know how to "release" his rage. :) We usually can stop him before he clamps down, but Friday he bit my arm leaving a bruise and broken skin. 2. Throwing, mainly his sippy cups, usually at the dog. He thinks it is hysterical when Pacey scurries across the hardwood floors.
His naughty spot is up against the door upstairs. It is a place where we can see him, but he can't see us. He has to sit there for 1 minute. (The length of the time out is suppose to be the number of minutes equal to the childs age.) He has caught onto it really quickly and will go sit down in his naughty spot when we ask. The first two days he just sat there quietly. Today when he has been in the naughty spot he has either whimpered or cried. I think he is realizing that the naughty spot is not a fun place. He has actually decreased both the above mentioned behaviors since the naughty spot was introduced Sunday. Super Nanny is awesome!

Here are pictures of Lucas in his naughty spot. (He wasn't actually in trouble.)

Cookie Dough

I know, I know! Salmonella!!! Every kid has to lick the beaters at some point in their lives. We have all done it...some of us still do it!


Getting into position...



Definitely a pro!

Gearing up for Valentine's Day!

I am so excited for Valentine's Day this year! I am not a huge Valentine's Day celebrator. At least not since elementary school when Valentines Day was awesome. I remember every year we made our Valentines Day card boxes or pouches. They were always decked out in glue, glitter and the finest heart shaped doilies! Picking out the perfect Valentines Day cards to give to your classmates was so fun and finally opening all your cards at the end of the day...one word..."awesome!"

I am so excited this year because my good friend Katy, or as Lucas likes to call her Auntie "Kitty" has volunteered to babysit Lucas while Brian and I go out to dinner. This is major league people. Brian and I rarely, I mean rarely go out just the two of us. Which is fine because I hate being away from Lucas. I honestly don't think we have been out to dinner without him since he was born. We have gone to less then a handful of movies since his birth and thats ok. I would much rather be with him then without him, but its good to have some couple time now and then. I've already made our dinner reservations at The Vine. Come on Feb. 14th! I'm ready!

One can't live on hot dogs alone

Oh, is Lucas ever good at being a toddler! Our biggest battle right now is meal time. Lucas was always a terrific eater. He would eat anything and everything when it came to baby food. He loved his fruits and veggies and delighted in trying new foods. Nowadays, I am lucky if he eats more then a few bites of something before it ends up on the floor. The only lunch meat he eats is ham & bologna. Healthy, right? He will not eat chicken (grilled, fried, nuggets, etc) or turkey. He doesn't like fish. I can't get him to eat eggs, either scrambled or hard boiled. He doesn't usually eat beef. He ate a mini cheeseburger a few weeks ago when we were out to dinner, but wouldn't eat the leftovers the following day. He will only eat a few bites of veggieburgers. He won't eat pasta or spaghetti sauce. When it comes to veggies...no thanks! They are on the floor before I even finish putting them on his tray. I'm not a fan of giving him juice, but I have resorted to giving him the Juicy Juice Harvest Surprise because it contains vegetable juice. He also gets half a Flintstones Vitamin per our peds suggestion.
I hate to admit this but right now Lucas' diet consists of fruit, nutrigrain bars, turkey franks, cheese (he does love his cheese), grilled cheese sandwiches, sometimes mac & cheese, ham, bologna, pizza, milk, juice, raisins, carrots, cereal and crackers. I want him to have good eating habits, but he won't eat anything but crap! I think his biggest issue right now is texture. If he doesn't like the way something feels he won't try it and if he does get it into his mouth he spits it out and looks repulsed. If he doesn't like something he throws it on the floor. I have no idea how to get him to stop this. I have recently started making him pick up all the food he drops on the floor when he is done eating. So far this is something he enjoys doing so it really isn't getting him to change his behavior. My biggest thing is the waste. Not only what he throws on the floor, but all the half eaten cans of vegetables, or boxes/bags of food that he decides he doesn't like.
Anyone have any suggestions? Other types of foods to try? What are your toddlers favorites?

i HeArT mY liTTle BoY!!

Favorites

When we were at Soccer Zone this morning, I decided to buy Lucas his first real soccer ball. It is a mini Manchester United ball. Daddy was really thrilled with Mommys purchase. Lucas is very good at kicking the ball around. He also really loves building with his legos. Aunt Janice and Uncle Jeremy bought him 3 duplo sets for Christmas. Lucas' friend Dane also loves to play with legos. They definitely need to get together and get their build on! :)

A boy and his dog

Kid Zoodles Jump Zone

We have an indoor soccer place just a few minutes from my parents house. They have recently added these giant inflatable jumpers and slides. It is just $3 an hour for both Lucas and I to play. You can't beat that on a cold winters day! I have a feeling this will be a valuable resource as Lucas gets older. This was our first time and we met my friend Ashley and her daughter Taylor (who is about 1 1/2 months older then Lucas). We actually had the place to ourselves, which was nice. Lucas and Taylor both enjoyed the giant slide, but it was a workout for the mamas to climb up to the top! They were a little unsure of the enclosed bounce house, but got the hang of it after a lot of prompting. They have a little toddler area that was a huge hit. I think Lucas needs to be just a little bigger to fully understand it all, but we will definitely keep going back!

Getting ready for the big slide....

Bouncin'

I think he was watching Ashley demonsrate the art of the bounce

Taylors scrunchy face

Rocking on the puppy. Lucas kept pulling off his black nose.

The difference between dogs and cats

"Excerpts from a Dog's Diary"
8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

"Excerpts from a Cat's Diary"
Day 983 of my captivity. My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. B*$t*rd$!There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe...for now...


*Note: Lucas and I are meeting some friends tomorrow at an inflatable jump zone. I hope to get some good pictures to post tomorrow evening.

This is what a 103.6 fever looks like

Pretty pitiful, huh? Yesterday afternoon Lucas started spiking a fever. After some Motrin he was fine the rest of the evening. He woke up warm at midnight and I dosed him, again. His fever was even higher at 5:30am, so I had to give him Tylenol. At 10:15am I called the doctor because he was up to 103.6, maybe higher, but he didn't like where the thermometer was and he began protesting! :) He has no other symptoms, so a trip to the doctor would not have been helpful. The nurse at the peds office told us to alternate Motrin and Tylenol until he is fever free and call if he develops symptoms or fevers get higher. About 45 minutes after the pictures above were taken his fever must have broke because he wanted down off Brian's lap and played until close to 3pm when I put him down for a nap. Hopefully, he is on the mend.

New Button

I have added a new button to our blog. It is for a little girl named Abby. Abby is 4 years old and has recently been diagnosed with a very deadly form of leukemia. Today she started the phase of treatment she is least likely to survive. Abby was born in Guatemala and adopted by her American parents. I have a special place in my heart for her. Brian's Aunt and Uncle adopted their daughter Carrie Jo from Guatemala and she will be 4 in May. Keep this little girl in your thoughts and prayers!

Day 3 of Captivity...

We, meaning Lucas and I, haven't left the house since we returned home from a get together on Sunday around 6:00pm. The walls are closing in! This weather is getting ridiculous! My car is not conditioned for snow, let alone blizzard conditions. Seriously, we are under a blizzard warning! It is so snowy and bitterly cold outside, I just can't see the point of going out in it. Actually, the major thing keeping us indoors are the road conditions. If it was just me it would be fine, but I get so nervous when traveling in bad weather when Lucas is in the car with me. Plus, there are always drivers out there who think that white stuff is just a mirage and drive like it is sunny and 70 degrees. Morons! I am so looking forward to next winter when we can hopefully afford to purchase a vechile with four wheel drive. It really is a necessity around these parts in the winter months.
I have been introducing new things to Lucas to keep his boredom at bay. Yesterday we played with his macaroni bin and I added spiral noodles and tiny shells to the mix. He loved it and spent a good thirty minutes playing with me and the noodles then a little time playing alone. Yesterday afternoon I also made homemade play-dough which he enjoyed playing with this morning while I did the dishes and cleaned up the kitchen. I certainly don't think Lucas feels as bored or cooped up as I do as he has been in a very good mood almost all day the past 3 days. We do have plans to meet up with our playgroups on Thursday at an inflatable jump zone as well as Friday for open gym at a place called fun-n-fitness. I am praying the weather will improve so we can get out and Lucas can burn off some energy!
Here are some pics from his morning with play-dough!

PS- I couldn't find the cookie cutters, so we went ghetto style and he used a plastic spork, some tupperware, a plastic pizza cutter and a melon baller. Ehh, he doesn't know the difference!

Recipe for Homemade Play-Dough

1 cup flour

1/2 cup salt

2 TBSP Cooking Oil

Food Coloring

1 TSP Cream of Tarter

1 Cup of Water

Boil water, oil, food coloring

Add dry ingredients and stir over low heat

Knead for at least thirty seconds

Seal in air-tight container or plastic bag

Have fun!

Lucas and I have a new mission...

That's right my friend...POTTY TRAINING!! Those two words strike fear in me! I am super motivated though. Trust me, big boy poops are getting nastier by the day. He eats big people food and makes big people poops! Sorry, is that TMI?! What has me so motivated you ask? (You did ask, right?) I will tell you...Saturday I was at a dinner with about 35 other moms. We are all a part of a mom's group called Mother's and More. (It is a national organization, so all you moms out there should see if there is a chapter in your area. It is wonderful!) Anyway, one of the other moms was telling our table that there is this magical window between 18-24 months that your toddler will be very receptive to the idea of potty training. If you miss this window, it is likely they won't be interested in it until closer to age 3. She said she read it somewhere, but has no idea where so maybe it is just made up. But, she has two boys. One that was potty trained before age two (he is now 5) and one who is almost 3 and refuses to even look at the potty. Hey, I am willing to give it a try. Before potty training success can happen a few things need to be in place. First, Lucas has to have some sort of bowel/bladder control. He by no means wakes up dry in the mornings, but he seems to have pretty good bladder control during the day. He often has a dry diaper during the day, thus a decrease in diaper changes. Also, we can tell when he is pooping as he stops whatever he is doing and grunts and groans. They say the average age of sphincter control is age 18 months. Secondly, Lucas needs a way to communicate with us that he indeed has to go potty. Over the weekend I began asking Lucas if he was pooping when he obviously was. Several times he reacted to my question by patting his diaper area. I am making it a point to always use the words "potty" and "poopie" when changing his diaper. I am also introducing the sign for "potty" or "toilet" to him. Since he is only 16 months old, I plan to keep reinforcing the words with his actions and teaching him the sign so that by 18 months he will understand and we can introduce the potty chair & begin actual potty training. If he is absolutely not interested at all when we start this at 18 months I am definitely not going to force it. I think it is definitely worth a shot and I don't think it is impossible. Although, it would be nice to send him to potty training boot camp. Hopefully, this potty training stuff will be easier then I anticipate...maybe not! I will keep you posted! (I am sure you are thrilled!)

PS- I am totally open to any advice, tips, words of encouragement, etc. Just leave me a comment!

Party!

Saturday, Lucas' friend Abbey had her birthday party at McDonalds. Lucas was a little small for the playplace, but had a good time anyway.

finger in the mouth, gotta love those molars!

I took this picture while Lucas was sitting in my lap. It is

a little washed out, but i think photoshop can fix it. I think

it's so cute!

The birthday girl and her barbie princess cake!

Lucas helping to pick up the "trash." A favorite activity

around our house.

We miss you!

Last year, on January 7th, we lost a very important person. My "Pa," Lucas' Great Grandpa, passed away. I am SO thrilled Lucas was able to meet his Great Grandpa. Lucas was Pa's first, great-grand child. I wish Lucas could have known him better, he was a hoot! I know he is watching over our little munchkin, though! We love you and miss you, Pa!

Happy Birthday, Grandma!

Happy Birthday, Grandma!! I love you!
Love,
Lucas XOXO

It runs in the family!

As I was making dinner this evening, by "making" I mean arranging fish sticks on a cookie sheet to bake in the oven, I had Lucas and Pacey both at my feet. While I am arranging, I hear a little voice saying "eyes, eyes, eyes, eyes." Not thinking much of it, I continue on. Once I finish with my task I look down to see Pacey in a headlock and Lucas with his finger in the poor dogs eye, still saying "eyes, eyes, eyes!" This had been going on for a few minutes. Sorry, Pacey! On the upside, we just might have another optometrist in the family! =)

I love this dog...

Before we had Lucas, Pacey was our "baby." I love him. He is such a good dog and even though he gets ignored and Lucas constantly torments him, he is ALWAYS happy to see us and wants to be close to us. I was sitting on the couch playing on the laptop and didn't even notice Pacey "sneak" up onto the couch. He will put himself in the oddest positions just to be near one of us. I am not sure if you can tell by the pictures, but he is laying at an incline. His butt is on the arm of the couch while the rest of his body is slanted down and on a bunched up blanket. Silly puppy!

Eatin' & Playin'

Lucas has had no desire to eat spaghetti or spaghetti sauce. Tonight, he finally gave it a try. He is SO picky when it comes to textures. It sounds terrible, but we literally have to force certain foods into his mouth in order to get him to realize he likes them. Most recently it was cake and sherbet. Turns out, he loves them both! Stinker! After his spaghetti and meatballs we headed to the tub. Surprise! For once I don't have a nudie bathtub pic to post! After his bath he played with his tub-o-macaroni, a new favorite. It is a little ghetto, but he loves it. Then he did a little light reading in his baby papason. Yes, he is too big for it. We actually got it out when my niece was visiting, but Lucas LOVES sitting in it. We plan to buy him his own toddler chair soon. After he read he enjoyed playing with his legos & farm. He ate a light snack and it was off to bed. A pretty good night, if I do say so myself!

"Do I have something on my face?"

I have a terrible fear that I will be sending him to college

still wearing his drool bib! Hopefully, he won't need it once

the top molars are all in.

"Haha! That Barney! What a card!"

I had to share...

Tonight Brian was having some one on one time with Lucas. They were reading one of his books that has a button on each page to push. One of the pages has a picture of a mommy bear and a baby bear. I think they are reading or something. When you push the button it makes a "kissing" or smooching sound and a little voice says "I love you!" Lucas attempted to repeat it several times and a few times it came out "I love you!" clear as a bell! So sweet, I love it!

Cooking Lessons

Lucas was having an "off" day today. I think it was a combination of teething, fatigue and just not feeling well. Before his bath we made some brownies together. He REALLY enjoyed it!