I Love Olives

The other night I made one of Steve's favourites, Greek salad, as a side dish. Tyler was curious as always to see what Mommy and Daddy were eating. He already loves cucumbers, one of the ingredients contained in the salad. This time he wanted to try an olive, so Daddy took the pit out of a few for him to try. The smile on his face was a sure sign that he was in taste heaven. We'll have to take him to Crete someday so he can try the real thing.

" I love my Fophie!"

Ready?

When I was changing Tyler's diaper yesterday morning I asked him if he wanted to try and use the potty. His reply was "yeah!". I then asked him if he could show me where his potty was. He opened the closet and pointed to the box that it was still in. For awhile now, Tyler and I have been having talks about going to the potty and how it's done and where Mommy and Daddy go potty and where big boys go potty. So he has a good general idea of how it all works. However, I was planning to teach him how to potty at 27 months, as recommended by our pediatrician.
Nevertheless, I decided to take the potty out of the box, just so he could see what it looked like and try sitting on it himself. Even with his clothes on, he can get a feel for what it's like so when it's time to start him on the potty, he'll be more familiar with it. He sat on it for a few minutes, but then he ran to get his foot stool or "hucco" as he calls it. Don't ask me where he came up with that name, because I have no idea..LOL Anyway, he put the foot stool directly in front of the potty and got on it that way. I guess he saw the photo on the box of the foot stool in front of the toilet, so assumed that he needed one for his potty..LOL Then he wanted both his Winnies have a turn sitting on the potty. After about 15 minutes, we put away the potty and went on to something else.
Later that afternoon after his nap, he was looking out the window waiting for Daddy to come home, while standing on his foot stool. All of a sudden, he said "pee pee" and took his foot stool with him and ran to his room to where I put his potty and sat on it! I was shocked and thought, hey maybe it's time that we started to learn how to use the potty. I then put the potty in the bathroom, but he didn't want to sit on the potty, he wanted it on the toilet, so I put the seat on the toilet and he was eager to try it that way. Meanwhile, he was still fully clothed.
Tyler also wanted to try flushing the toilet, so I let him. He had fun with that watching the water go down. He kept saying "bubbles". I got to thinking that maybe we'll try taking his diaper off and have him wear training pants. Tyler really liked the pants on a lot. He went all crazy running around the house with them on, it was funny to see. I told Tyler to tell me when he has to go "poo poo or pee pee" and we kept the pants on until bedtime with a couple of changes because of accidents.

This morning, we decided to try it again. I put the training pants on him around 8:30 but between then and 10:00 he urinated about 6 times and this was in his pants. I really feel that Tyler is psychologically ready for the potty, but physically, he is not. In order, to be ready to use the potty, toddlers should have dry periods of at least 2 hours. Therefore, Tyler's bladder is not fully mature to handle potty readiness. It's OK though, we really weren't going to start him until 27 months as recommended by the pediatrician, and there was no way I would force this on him because it would only backfire later on. Tyler will be ready when he is ready and we're not in a rush to have our little boy grow up too fast.

New Engineer on the Track

All aboard!!! Those going on the Tyler Train better get going because the train is about to leave. Last night, Daddy brought home the batteries needed for his new Geo-Trax train we bought him for his birthday. This was the first time we had it going because we didn't have the right size batteries. The track was put together for a few days now and so it was quite exciting to finally see the train in motion.
This is Tyler's very first remote control train. Daddy had to teach him how it worked. It only took a few tries for Tyler to master it on his own. Tyler drove the train around for awhile and then went on to play with another toy, leaving a chance for Mommy and Daddy to give the train a drive. What fun!!! Daddy is really excited about Tyler's new train and wants to get some more to add to the set. When you have children, you in turn get to be one yourself :)

Fun for All

It's Sunday, which typically means a day to get out in the fresh air for some hiking and geocaching! Though it was a little chilly at times during the day, it just felt good getting out of the house after a busy week that included house guests and a birthday party. We took some photos at the first cache we found because of its' pretty location and fun at the nearby playground.








Dad and Tyler had some fun on the teeter totter.






Mom helped Tyler on the jungle gym and cheered as he went down the slide.

There were a few more caches we found that were located at playgrounds, so we had tons of fun today.

A big HAPPY BIRTHDAY goes out to Janell. Best wishes for the year ahead and always!!!

Birthday Party

Today we celebrated the 2nd anniversary of the birth of our only child. The party started at 3 p.m. with cake cutting at 5 p.m. All of Tyler's friends were there, including a little girl and boy his age and another little boy a year younger. Of course, his best buddy, Beka, was there as well. This was Tyler first real birthday party. Last year, it was just Mommy and Daddy, so it was quite an exciting day for him.
The day before I spent the entire day baking and decorating his cake. Since he loves his "choo choos" I decided to decorate a train cake. Yesterday was also our friend, Glen's birthday, so we surprised him with a lemon cake that I also made.
Tyler received lots of great birthday presents that will surely keep him busy for the next while. After the presents were opened and the food was eaten, Tyler had a blast with the kids running around and playing with them. Thank you everyone who helped make our son's birthday a very special one! Steve took some video of the party and we will upload it onto the blog soon.

Birthday Buddies

Happy 10th Anniversary of turning 30, Glen!!! You didn't really think we wouldn't put this photo up on here, did you?! LOL Gotcha! See ya tonight!

Happy Birthday to a wonderful friend from back home! Best wishes for your birthday and always, Rhonda! Can't wait to see you again! Lobster Pound, my treat :) We put a birthday request at the station today, though your co-workers probably already got it on the air.

Tyler Turns 2

Our baby boy turns 2 years old today! Even though we are celebrating his special day on Saturday with a birthday party with friends, Tyler and I were so happy that Daddy had the day off to spend it with us.

Two years ago we were blessed with the most precious miracle. We never would have imagined how much someone so tiny would grow into such a beautiful little person and fill our hearts with so much love. What a wonderful world Tyler has made for us! Each day with Tyler is a gift from God. Happy Birthday, Sweetie Pie!!! XOXOX

Last Day :(

This morning we were really feeling the need to get out of the house for a bit, despite the cold temperature. So we packed up the car with the intention of going to the playground on base, but we took a wrong turn and ended up going to another park. It was freezing outside, so we really didn't stay too long, just long enough for the kids to get some fresh air and some fun. On the way back, we checked out another military recreation centre that we haven't been to yet. Then we came home, had lunch and chilled out the rest of the day. Tonight the kids had so much fun running around chasing each other. Steve and I were laughing so much watching them.
It's too bad that they have to leave tomorrow. It was wonderful watching the kids playing together and it was so good for Tyler to interact with other kids since we don't get to very much. Tyler absolutely loves Aya and Danielle and I know he is going to miss playing with them. Aya wants to take Tyler home so that he can be her little brother. Danielle and Tyler are like two peas in a pod.

Larissa and I were just saying how quick the time went by. It really seems like they just got here. The next time they come visit we will definitely have to plan for a longer stay. Larissa, Aya and Danielle, we will miss you guys! Hey, maybe we can get stationed somewhere together again :)

Larissa, Aya, & Danielle Visit

Last night, Larissa and her two beautiful girls arrived after a long drive from Connecticut. We are thrilled that they will be staying with us for the next few days. Tyler is having a blast playing with the girls. Aya is 6 years old now!!! Gosh, as I'm writing this it is sooo hard to believe that Aya is 6 years old. Larissa was stationed with us in Sicily and Aya was just 1 year old when we first met. Anyway, Danielle is 2 and a half years old which make it perfect for her and Tyler to play with one another. They really like it other and have been inseparable since last night.

This morning Aya was giving Tyler and her sister rides in the bus wagon. They would go round the kitchen and the living room until Aya finally said she was tired. Then we basically chilled out the rest of the day watching movies and when it was nap time, Larissa and I caught up on our lives and put together the car seats we washed.

After nap time and just before dinner, Steve got home and went in to Tyler to catch the "partners in crime" getting into some mischief. Tyler and Danielle climbed up to the dresser using the toy organizer and got into the wipes. Danielle was sucking on wipes while Tyler sucked on the wipes pad. LOL Oh my, it should be an interesting next few days. Just kidding! We actually wish that they lived closer. Tyler is having a blast and Steve and I are really enjoying Larissa's company. We may have to keep them here a few more extra days ;)

More Roses!

Last night, we received more Valentine roses! During our usual Friday night dinner with Richey, Barbie, and Glen our other friends, Sue and Mark came along too. Sue and Mark's family own a horticulture business and they had some bouquets of roses left over from their Valentine's Day sale. Barbie and I chose several bouquets from a huge box they had. It was a difficult choice as they had so many beautiful colours. Sue made the arrangements herself. What you can't see in the photo is the pretty sparkles she added.

After we got home from the restaurant, I went over to Ute's and gave her some. She really appreciated them and the smile on her face was even more beautiful than the roses :)

Mr. T

We have a little piece of Mardi Gras courtesy of our blogger friends, The Nielsons. Every year Rayna, Scott, and Chance receive so many goodies from the Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans that they mail some of it off to their friends. This year we were lucky enough to get in on the deal! When our "Mardi Gras package" arrived, before I had chance to open it, the box was sitting on the kitchen counter top. Tyler went over to it several times and kept saying "pizza". LOL I guess because of the shape of the box, he thought it was a pizza box.
So when we finally got to open it, he was quite surprised to see all sorts of beads. After putting several beads around his neck, he was then transformed into Mr. T! LOL Thanks again Rayna, Scott, and Chance, Mr. T and I are having lots of New Orleans fun! It was really nice of you to think of us :)

XOXOXO

When Steve kissed me goodbye this morning on his way to work, he said that we got a good snowfall over night and that I should show Tyler when he wakes up. Well, as soon as Tyler woke up and I went in his room, the first words out of his mouth were "Snow, Mommy! Snow!". He must have looked out of his window before I came in the room.

So after I cleaned up the house a bit and did most of my daily chores, I got Tyler dressed. Today Tyler wore his Valentine's Day shirt given to him by our friend, Robyn and her daughter, Leila. The shirt reads 'Mommy's My Valentine" and is absolutely adorable on him. Then we got our outdoor clothes on and went outside. Even though it wasn't that cold out, we didn't stay too long because he only had his sneakers on because I could only find one of his winter boots. Nevertheless, we still had fun in the snow. Sophie escaped outside too and I was surprised to see her walk all the way out to the backyard in the cold snow.

Steve has duty this week which means that he gets off later than usual. I cooked a salmon dinner for our Valentine's meal and I gave him a box of Godiva heart shaped chocolates and of course, a Valentine's Day card. When Steve finally came home, I was greeted with a beautiful bouquet of stargazed lilies and red roses. Stargazed lilies are my most favourite of all flowers!!! My sweetie also gave me a beautiful card and not one, but 3 boxes of chocolates!!! He said he bought a box a few weeks ago so he wouldn't forget to buy something for the occasion and hid them in the car, but with the crazy weather we've been having, he wasn't sure what shape they were in...awww!!! He also had a card for me from Tyler :) Tyler got a card from Nanny and Grampy and some books in the mail. We also gave him a Thomas the Tank Engine card and Thomas stickers. Overall, it was the BEST Valentine's Day I've had in a long time. How lucky I am to have two wonderful guys in my life! I love you sooo much Steve & Tyler!!!!! I just couldn't be happier in my life!!!!

"Reorganizing"

New Dining Area Now Open

As well as the toy organizer, we also bought Tyler a little table and chairs to eat and play at. When we went to a birthday party a few weeks ago and Tyler saw that there was a little table and chairs for his size, he was so happy to sit in them like a big boy.

Though the chairs are just a tad bit big for him yet, he does really good getting in them and it won't be long at all before he is a pro.

To celebrate his new dining area, Steve thought it would be a good idea that we all ate as a family at it for the first night. Even though the chair was too small for Steve to sit in and he had to sit on the floor, we had fun sitting at Tyler's table. Ever since then, Tyler and I have been having our snacks and lunch there together throughout the day while Daddy is at work.

Time for a Change

Tyler has outgrown his changing table and for the past few weeks I have stopped using it, changing him on the floor instead. It'll be only a matter of months before I start him on the potty anyway. So it was time to use the space for something more constructive. Steve took the changing table completely apart and put it up in the attic.
On Saturday, we took a trip out to Ikea and noticed this organizer in the "As-Is" section. It was on sale for half the price, bargain! Once we put it all together, Tyler loved it! It looks great in his room and we even have a lot more space. What a good change!

Bed Buds

Now that Tyler is older, he can have some buddies join him for bedtime. For the past few weeks, he has chosen his two Winnies. The large Winnie was given to him by one of my best friends, Rhonda. Tyler has always taken a huge liking to Big Winnie. He will give him huge hugs and carry him around the house. When he sits Big Winnie down in a chair, Tyler always says "Sit Winnie", so cute!!!

The other Winnie, Tyler calls "Nanny Winnie" because it has a photo of my mom and him on the front. Nanny Winnie, was of course, given to him by Nanny. It plays music when you wind it up in the back. It used to sit on his dresser and every morning, Tyler used to point for me to play the music for him.

Every time Tyler goes to sleep now he always asks for "two Winnies". When Tyler wakes up, the first thing he does is passes me the two Winnies and then he asks to be picked up. Then he takes Big Winnie and carries up out into the living room and sits him down in one of his chairs. It is really cute to see.

Ichey's, Barbie's & Beka's Beep Beep

Tyler loves to "read" through our junk mail and so last night he was very excited to come across an advertisement from a local car dealer that displayed "beep beep" photos. His excitement grew even further when he saw a picture of a Jeep. He kept saying "Ichey's Beep Beep!", "Barbie's Beep Beep!" & "Beka's Beep Beep!". Tyler knows Jeeps all to well. Every time we are out with our friends, he always points out their vehicles as we are walking in the parking lot. Tyler likes to call Richey by the name of Ichey...LOL

Lego Boy

Just about everyday, Tyler drags out his Lego blocks box and dumps all the blocks out onto the floor. Instead of playing with the blocks, he plays with the container. He likes to crawl inside and sit and sometimes he uses it as a drum. Either way, Tyler is having fun and that's all that counts. Meanwhile, Mommy is the one who likes to build towers with the blocks...LOL

Update on the pacifier weaning: I'm happy to say that Tyler slept the entire night through without the aid of his pacifier. Not bad for it only being Day 2. Initially he did have trouble falling to sleep though, but that's to be expected.

Special Birthday!

Sweet little Anna is the birthday girl today, celebrating her very first birthday. Hope you have a terrific birthday and we can't wait to see you the next time we're home!!! XOXO from Tyler and I.

Broken

At nap time yesterday afternoon, as I was putting Tyler down he showed me his pacifier and said it was "broken". One of his newer words just happens to be "broken" and he likes to use it a lot. So I looked at the pacifier and sure enough it was broken. There must have been a little angel looking down on Tyler because the rubber part was almost completely off and if he should have sucked on it, there would have been a good chance it would have come loose and he would have choked.

I was using his 2nd birthday as a deadline anyway to finally wean him off the pacifier, so since his birthday is only in a few weeks time, it was perfect timing. Tyler said he wanted Daddy to fix the pacifier and I said that we would have to see what he could do when he returned from work, but that it looked like it couldn't be fixed. Tyler wasn't too pleased of course and so it took awhile for him to finally fall asleep.

We typically use the pacifier only for sleeping and we stopped using it in the car and he does fall asleep without it there. Last night, he woke up 3 times, but it was only briefly before falling back to sleep again. Tyler understands that "friggy" (this is what he calls his pacifier and sippy cup) is broken, so I don't think it's going to take much time at all before he is completely weaned off of it.

Boys and their Toys

Happy Birthday Peter

Happy Birthday to a wonderful brother-in-law! Today Peter turns 27. We hope you have an absolutely fantastic day today for you truly deserve it!

Society Meeting

Saturday morning we met up with Richey and Barbie and we road together over to Arundel Mills area to attend the Maryland Geocaching Society (MGS) Meet & Greet held at the Golden Corral. Our friend, Glen, met up with us soon after. This was the first meeting of the MGS since the election of officers at the beginning of the new year, so it's purpose was to introduce us to the core members and update the members on new business. We already new Sue (the new president) and of course, Richey (the secretary), but it was nice to put a face to the names of the remaining officers.
The meeting was a success, attracting lots of members to the event. The area designated for the event was packed and actually some members had to eat in the public eating area. The food was awesome! Barbie and I took full advantage of the buffet...several times! It was the first time for Steve and I to eat at the Golden Corral and for anyone who hasn't eaten there, their breakfast is a must. Their omelets are incredible!

After the meeting, we did some caching with Richey and Barbie, and their friend, Bucky. We picked a park that had about 7 caches so we didn't have to drive as much. Richey and Barbie are Jeep owners, as well as Bucky. Apparently, as Jeep owners, it is difficult to pass up a chance to play around in the snow or mud given the chance. There just happened to be a snow pile at the parking lot of the park and so Richey had to have a little fun before we left. Unfortunately, he got stuck trying to drive over the pile of snow, so it was a lucky thing that fellow, Jeep owner, Bucky was there to safe the day. Overall, it was an awesome day spent with friends and enjoying our favourite past time.

No Nap

Though he hasn't tried another attempt at climbing out of the crib, he did have an interesting "nap" yesterday. Tyler is usually pretty good at taking his naps, but for the past week and a half he has been having a difficult time falling asleep.

Generally when we put him in his crib, he puts the pacifier in his mouth, lays down and we typically don't hear from him until a few hours. This was definitely not the case yesterday. At first, he was quiet for probably 20 minutes, but then he started to cry to get out. I let him cry for awhile, but then I thought he should have been asleep by now, so I went in and what I found was quite shocking. Here was Tyler stark naked from his waist down. He had pulled off his pants and taken off his diaper. So after putting back on his stuff, I put him back to bed. Again, he took his pacifier in his mouth and laid down. I really thought he was finally going to sleep now. No, this was not the case, again he started up with the crying and as time went on and he didn't stop, I went to check on him and this time he had the front of his shirt pulled over his head, exposing his chest. So again, I put his shirt back on him and he laid down. A few minutes later, he started crying again. At this point, he would have been up now after his nap and it was obvious he was not going to sleep so I got him out of his crib.

Last night, just before I went to bed I went in to check on him, like I always do, and he was still awake! Then he woke up at 1 am crying again. He NEVER wakes up crying through the night. He hasn't done that since he was just a baby. So now I'm thinking that he might be cutting another tooth. I noticed this morning that he does have a little red patch on one of his cheeks. Usually this is an indication that they are getting a new tooth in.

About 30 minutes ago, I put him down for his nap and so far it's all quiet in there. Hopefully he'll get a much needed nap today.