Monday, August 2, 2010

The Send Off...

Jason and Grace weren't in our home for as long as we had originally planned, but they did teach us a lot in that short amount of time.  I hope that they can find their way back into a permanent home filled with love and security so they can blossom into the sweet kids that I know they can be.  Jason is a caring older brother.  He loves to kiss and hug Grace and be around her.  As long as these two have each other, they have a lot.


Goodbye!

Grace

I admit that I am a terrible photographer. These pictures do not even come close to showing Grace's roll-over skills! But she's such a cute subject, you can hardly complain.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Adjusting

I don't want to give everyone the false idea from looking at all these happy pictures that Jason and Grace's transition was painless.  It has been difficult for everyone involved and we continue to struggle with a few things.  When Jason first arrived, he would throw loud, screaming temper tantrums for little or no reason.  Sometimes the only provocation was me telling him "no" or "not right now".  With time-outs, we have mostly overcome these tantrums, but they resurface now and again.  Later, Jason decided that his frustration would result in biting the nearest object: a shoe, a book or all too often, my son's arm.  That behavior has also been curbed (thank goodness!).  Jason also likes to take off his clothes (diaper included) when we least expect it.  We got some good advice from a friend and have started duct-taping his diapers on.  Now at least he doesn't leave little surprises for us.  Some days are harder than others, but we are trying our best to keep these two happy and cared-for.  They are both eating well and sleeping through the night (good indicators!).  Jason does well in Nursery but is still working on sitting through Sacrament Service without incident.  We're hopeful that he can do it.  Meanwhile, Grace is on a roll!  This girl can roll back to front and back again.  Hooray for strong tummy and neck muscles!  Mobility is right around the corner...

Fountains

Nothing beats the heat like a trip to the park to play in the fountains.  Jason loved it!  Grace liked watching from the shade.

Ice Cream in the Park

One hot night, we went out and got some ice cream and ate it in the park.  Jason ate his fill and then was ready to play.  He is adventurous and was willing to go down any slide.  The swings were another favorite.

4th of July

For Independence Day, we spent the evening at a friend's house. There was a barbecue, slide and pool and fireworks. Jason really enjoyed the pool and glow sticks. Not such a fan of the sparklers. Grace pretty much slept through most of it.

How About a Haircut?

Jason's hair was starting to grow over his ears, so it was time for a haircut.  He did really well and held still for the whole thing.  I think he looks really sharp!  Just for reference, here are the before and after:



You know it's time to bring out those child locks again...

...when the two-year-old gets into the cabinets and puts dog food in EVERY SINGLE PAN!


Get this girl into a yoga class...

Grace loves to chew on her toes. If only those darn sandals weren't in the way!