Let's Potty!

We are in the beginning stages of potty training! Yippee! We started by getting Jaidan a new potty, which he likes to sit on and flip open the lid. We also checked out a few potty books at the library to read to him, including 'Caillou and His Potty' and 'On your Potty.' We hope he grows to love potty time as much as his parents do!

Sometimes you just need a lap to lay on...

Cuddlebug

There are definitely moments in parenting that are tough - but then there are the sweet, cuddly times that make it all worthwhile. Tonight was one of those. Manish was out at a work dinner so we strayed from his normal bedtime routine and just laid in our bed reading stories. Jaidan was drinking his milk and I held him close as we read his favorite books. It was past his bedtime, but we were having so much fun that I didn't pay much attention to the clock. He kept wanting to read the books again and I did (in different voices each time, of course.) Every once in awhile, Jaidan would look up and kiss my cheek or playfully pinch my nose and I wondered, "Does it really get any better than this?" I hugged him tightly and smelled all his sweetness and just looked at him in awe. I love you Jaidan, with every fiber of my being. I am so proud to be your mommy!

Timothy's Naming Ceremony and Brunch

We were honored to be a part of our friends' Rob and Whitney Strauss' son Timothy's naming ceremony today. In Jewish tradition, Timothy was given a Hebrew name in a lovely ceremony with blessings and good wishes from family and friends. Timothy is Bobby's new baby brother (Bobby had the fabulous birthday yesterday at Pump It Up) and they are the cutest pair!

Whitney, my good friend from college, deserves a "mother of the year" award - she was on partial bedrest for sometime during her pregnancy and then full bedrest in the hospital during her last month before Timothy arrived. All the while, she had such a positive attitude and was so excited to bring Timmy into the world! We had a great time celebrating with the Strauss boys this weekend and Jaidan especially enjoyed himself!

Jaidan behaving himself like a little gentleman at brunch

Birthday Party Double Header!

As any parent knows, children's birthday parties eventually become a huge part of your social life. Today was no exception with two back-to-back birthday parties on the agenda. The first, Bobby's Pump it Up party, with a special appearance by Spiderman, was fun for all of us. Bobby turned 5 and I really can't believe how time flies - I remember holding him as a baby not too long ago!

As soon as we arrived to the party, Jaidan was on the go and did great keeping up with the big kids. He loved the huge slides and was fearless! Can't say the same for his mommy though! He kept wanting to go up and down the slides - Daddy did most of the work, carrying him up to the top and then flying down while Jaidan squealed with delight!

Afterwards, we came home to recharge for the next soiree - a cake and ice cream party at our neighbor Pam and Nathan's house. Their son Gavin just turned 2 and he and Jaidan attend the same school. We thought Jaidan would be tired after his busy morning, but as soon as he got to Gav's house, Jaidan went straight for the trucks and entertained himself until it was time to leave. Needless to say, he had an early bedtime tonight!

The whole gang at Bobby's party - almost

Happy Birthday Bobby!

Look - it's Spiderman!

I love this place!

Let's do it again! (and again...)

Wow - that was fast!

The party goes on - second fiesta of that day at Gavin's!

Happy Birthday Gavin!

Jaidan made his way to the trucks and stayed there all afternoon.

A new way to beat the heat!

August is the hottest month in Texas. Just taking a few steps to check your mail or walking to your car is enough to make you feel like you will burst into flames! I was looking for something for us to do outside over the weekend since being inside all day can make you go stir crazy after awhile. A friend of mine suggested visiting this splashpark and it was a hit with Jaidan! A splashpark is basically a large blacktop with fountains spraying up from the ground. There were waterhoops to run through, big buckets that dumped water over your head and giant waterguns throughout the park. I wish these parks existed when I was a kid! I actually forgot my camera that day, but captured some shots on my cellphone:

Hot Hot Hot!

Another 107 degree day. And that means another day in the pool! The neighborhood mamas and our babies headed to the local pool today to cool off!

I love Craigslist!

Not only did I find my first apartment on Craigslist (8 years ago in San Francisco) but over the weekend, I was able to find a FANTASTIC Thomas the Train table along with about 30 trains, track, and other accessories all for a great price. MUCH less than what it would be at retail. The best part was seeing Jaidan's reaction when he saw it for the first time! Definitely the best item I have bought on Craigslist. (And I have bought alot over the years!)