Trampoline!

Today, we went over to Jake's friend Leo's for a playdate. We had a blast. Leo is 3 1/2, but despite their age differences, they play pretty well together. Jake's favorite toys were the trampoline, their cat, and the wooden train tracks.
He definitely loved the trampoline and was pretty good at jumping up and down! We had lunch there as well, Jake ate three bowls of spaghetti, plus a big slice of pizza and yogurt for dessert.
Then we came home and after his nap, he had yogurt covered raisins, regular raisins, blueberries, all that was before supper.
Then he shocked me by eating all his pork, potatoes, a slice of bread and cantaloupe for supper. He must be going through a growth spurts.
All in all, a great day. We played with friends, spent most of the day outside, and ate well. :)

Happy 18th Birthday Andrew!

My little brother Andrew is 18 years old today. 18 on the 18th, it's his lucky year. We had a party for him tonight, the plan was originally to make him tacos, but as the guest list grew, the menu did as well. We ended up with chicken enchiladas (http://annies-eats.net/2010/02/15/chicken-enchiladas/), tacos, quesadillas, tostitos and dip, mexican rice, and a smartie chocolate cake. It was all delicious!

Jake was really good. Nina, his absolutely favorite person was there. When Nina is there, even I don't exist anymore. He would only go to her and insisted on her bringing him up to bed and everything!


I was trying to get a picture of Jake in his jeans, but he wasn't having it. I really think he can rock those skinny jeans!
He did let me take a picture of his butt though. He's eating a new favorite snack: yogurt covered raisins. This kid loves raisins in any shape or form.
Jake was showing off his belly button in front of everyone. He has an outie, and he likes to poke at it. It's pretty funny and a little random.
Having Birthday cake with the birthday boy!

Back from vacation!

(My parents...not us!) My parents were away for a couple weeks on a cruise, and they got back late last night. Jake was happy to see them!
We got up in the morning and watched the hockey game. (I tape them since they are on too late, then avoid the internet in the morning and watch the game when I wake up.) And they won! Woot! Woot! Jake was happy too. :)
We then went to the American Base, then the NATO base to run errands.
We played outside for an hour or so.
Had supper.
Then Jake had an epic meltdown when I told him he was done brushing his teeth. Apparently my child doesn't throw tantrums because he doesn't want to brush his teeth. He throws tantrums because he WANTS to brush his teeth. Repeatedly. For a long time. Weirdo. It's a fine line between wanting to promote healthy dental hygiene and it being time to go to bed.

Just a quick update

It's been a really busy two days.
My parents get back from vacation tonight, so we've been getting ready for that.

Jake also had a babysitter come over to play with him. He loves her. Nina is more popular than I am. (He seriously cried when I tried to take him away.) It was wonderful to have some help!

Not much else going on. I'll post pictures tomorrow!

Gelsenkirchen Zoo!

Yesterday, we went to the Gelsenkirchen Zoo with Andrew. We had a blast. It was a nice day (a little chilly, but nothing bad), there weren't very many people there, and we saw a lot of great animals.
Jake was very good too. He alternated between walking/running around and being pushed in his stroller and did really well. There were a few parks scattered around, so he was able to unwind as well as look at animals.
The zoo was divided into three sections (Asia, Africa and Alaska). My favorite was Alaska because I loved the seals and the bears. Jake's favorite was probably Africa because of the boat ride and the park. Andrew's was Alaska because of the little polar bear.
Jake and Andrew coming down from an observation tower. Actually, Andrew had to go get Jake because he kept going up and down.
Jake trying to get a better look at the camels. LOL. (No, I did not let him go over)
The orangutan. There were actually several and some of them were swinging. They were fun.
Jake getting a better look at the goats. There was a section with farm animals that was a little neat.
Outside the lions den. Jake is the king of the world!

Baby giraffe (1 month old)


Playing at the park!
Getting a better look.
The seals were a lot of fun. They swam around, and we got there right during feeding time.
Jake stood on a rock and just stared at the seals.
Little polar bear Antonia. She's 21 years old, but she's the size of a child polar bear. She was cute.

Swimming!

Jake and I went swimming today. It was a pretty good success. I was a little scared since he had a couple of tantrums before we left. He's so independent, that he doesn't want help with anything, he got very very mad when I put his highchair away. He likes to do that himself, I didn't even think about it, and Jake sure let me know it wasn't okay.

Then we got to the pool too early, I didn't realize it didn't open until 10am, and we had about 20 minutes to kill, but that was fine, we just went outside and Jake walked around.

Jake did pretty good. He was wearing his Puddle Jumper for the first time. Jake is still wary and hesitant about the water, but today at least he was happy. He spent the first bit glued to me, but was laughing when I blew bubbles and would let go of one hand to splash the water. After a little bit, he did stand on his own on the step and splash, then he would grab my hands and come to me. He also eventually let me hold his stomach and would kick his feet and splash with his hands.

We are working on bubbles. So far, he does a rasberry out of the water, but then drinks it instead. It's an ongoing process. I'm really pleased how he's improved from the last time. We'll keep going and he'll get better!

(I don't have pictures...I didn't have my memory card again...FAIL)

Boring Monday

Well, it wasn't boring, it was more uneventful.
Jake went to daycare, I drove Andrew to Snowworld, Jake came home, had a nap, woke up, we went to pick Andrew up at Snowworld, had supper, then Jake went to bed.

Tomorrow should be more interesting, we are going swimming in the morning. :)