Worst Mom of the Year Award

Worst Mom of the Year Award in.... 3.... 2.... 1

This morning Jack was resting on the couch in the living room when I heard him yell, "Mom, get me a tissue!"

Now, this statement alone should have been my first clue, but I'm not much of a morning person. Instead, I reminded Jack that he needs to ask nicely for things, which was less than effective.

"Mom, get me a baby wipe! They're in my room!" He yelled again.

I calmly replied, "Jack, you need to talk nicely."

"Mom, you get baby wipe for me?" Jack said in a sweet voice.

"Ok," as I slipped into his room and grabbed a wipe. When I came into the living room, I found Jack sitting motionless with puke all over himself and the couch. No wonder my little guy was being so demanding!

Needless to say, he didn't go to school. Instead, we had a bath, did laundry and are enjoying a lazy day watching puppy videos on YouTube.

"Aw, how cute, Mama! The puppies are so cute!"

The Three Little Pigs

Some of the best parenting advice that Brian & I received in our early years came from my Uncle Tim & Aunt Janet. They pointed out the threadbare remains of my youngest cousin, Levi's, "Silky Dog," and suggested we buy duplicates of Jack's favorite, soothing item whether it be a teddy bear, blanket, etc. 

Jack, much to his Great Grandmother King's revulsion (perhaps, living on an actual farm has effected her affection for pigs), fell in love with pigs. His favorite movie is "Charlotte's Web". His favorite TV show is "Wibbly Pig". Many of his favorite books include pigs. He loves "This little piggy went to the market..." And, if I have to sing about Old McDonald's farm one more time!

Jack quickly discovered the extra
"Closet Pig" and will often be seen
toting two pigs about the house.

After recognizing Jack's infinite love of everything pig, his parents dutifully bought a couple more. Now, three little pigs may seem like overkill to the average parent, but today we used all three.


I awoke at 3:30AM to hearing my son intermittently, crying and puking. Poor Daddy who had to leave for work in less than 2 hours jumped out of bed (Literally. I don't think he was even awake) to help console our confused, little boy while Mom-mom cleaned up the mess. This happened 2 more times before 5:30am so needless to say Mom-mom has been doing her share of laundry today.  

Jack is seen here with "Car Pig"

Jack is currently napping with one of the pigs while mom continues to fight the laundry mountain.

So, today I find myself especially grateful for wonderful pediatricians, Jack's Daddy and the ability to use the internet to purchase matching pigs. Because what would we do in a world without pigs?

Jack with "Crib Pig"

Beach Babes

West Coast Sea Glass needed some new pictures of our cool jewelry, which makes for a wonderful excuse to head to the beach in the middle of a workday. Jack happily tagged along with beach bucket & trowel in tow. When it came time to head home, Jack could barely walk his pants were so sodden with beach water, but I'm pretty sure he still thought it was worth it. And, the old folks from a nearby retirement center got a kick out of the toddler running around in a thermal and sandals.

Jack didn't love the loud trains but clinging to Mama helps.

We brought a bucket of toys to add to our fun.

Who needs toys when you can just sit in the freezing Sound?

Jack is Eighteen Months!

After months of trying, Jack is finally willing to sit and read books. Tonight we read the same book for about 20 minutes, until it randomly disappeared.

Kim & Jack

Jack is perpetually teething. Suddenly, Jack has a mouthful of ten teeth, which he very dutifully brushes each night. He also loves to put lotion on.

Jack is quite the big helper. He helps mom empty the dishwasher and put away dishes. He helps to dig dirt out in the garden. And, he especially loves helping to unfold clothes.

Daddy & Jack on their way to Sesame Street Show

Mom daringly removed the gate above the stairs this month. So far, Jack doesn't care about the stairs unless someone goes down them. Then, he wants to follow, but luckily he also wants your hand getting down the stairs. Daddy worried that Mom was moving too quickly for our fearless climber and suggested we wait to remove the gate until Jack was 10 years old. However, I envision Jack climbing over the gate and tumbling headfirst so we're trying it my way.

But either way, I see bumps and bruises ahead. This rough and tumble guy sure loves to be on the move!

Who would believe a sweet looking boy could be so damn strong-willed?!

Midwest Meanderings

Jack and I headed to the Midwest to visit family. First stop was Dad's house where Jack worked his magic and scored lots of love & toys.

Jack cuddles Uncle Cameron

Jack loved kissing his Aunt Katie

Afterwards, Jack & I trekked to Kansas where we played with cute cousins.

Levi shows off squirt gun skills.

The sweetest 6yo. Anna is a great reader, too.

Part of the reason we were in Kansas was for my cousin, Bailey's, Wedding.

Levi was the "Ring Bear".

Cousins, Bailey & Van, during the "Dollar Dance."

It's been a great trip, but tomorrow... Home, James!

I love the PNW

West Coast Sea Glass (aka MB & Lins) took a trek to some PNW islands to track down new wholesale stores, and Jack tagged along for the food. Here are a few pictures from our couple day adventure.

Mama & Jack

Deception Pass is another one of mama's favorite places.
This picture doesn't do the view any justice.

Langley, WA

An old bridge near the Coupeville ferry.

Social Smiles

Flirting with Amy the Aussie

Lately Jack has started smiling a bit more, which makes his mommy fall even more in love with him. Last night he was quite flirtatious with his Aunt Kirby, which made mommy worry about him liking the older ladies already.

He smiles most while on his changing table...

However, Jack's favorite thing is still snuggling, especially with mom. At least, that's what he lets her think.