Ma-ooow!

I just put Jackson down for a nap.  His typical "calm down" routine is to roll around the crib, talk, and/or kick through the slats on his crib (my least favorite).

From the kitchen Lily realized that he was saying "Ma-ooow!" in his room over and over again.  She then said, "He must see a cat".

Realizing that all of his blinds were closed in his room, I decided to peek in through his door and check out what he was up to.

He is reading a book!  It's one from the "Brown Bear, Brown Bear" series.  He is on the "black panther" page, so therefore he is making his cat sound "ma-ooow". :)

If I could take a picture without ruining the moment, or worse, ruining his "calm down" period, I would.
He is quite the "reader" lately.  From the moment he wakes up in the morning until he is ready for bed at night, he is always bringing a book to Daddy or I saying "Ack!" "Ack!" (book! book!)

Where is my videocamera when I need it!?

Kelsey just came inside from her potty break outside and, as she typically does, went over to her water bowl for a drink.  As most dogs do, she dribbled a bit.
I was at the sink, and as far as Jackson was concerned, not paying attention to anything he was up to.
He came up behind me and grabbed the hand towel.  After Kelsey left her bowl, he immediately went over and cleaned up the dribbles she left behind.
If you could see me, you would see a grin from ear to ear.  What a helpful little man we have!  Who knows...he may be Mommy's little cleaning tag-along!
Now...on to vacuum training...:-)

Stranger? What's that?

Jackson is definitely a social butterfly.  I realize that at his stage in development, the "stranger danger" phase comes and goes.  But I'm wondering if it ever arrived?


Lately, he has been approaching anyone who will give him a smile or attention and putting his arms up to be held.  He also has been targeting moms with small kiddos = SNACKS!  Yes, he is a moocher.

As adorable as this can be, at times it can be scary!  His (quick!) mobility combined with his lack of stranger anxiety causes many "freak out Mommy" moments.  It's tough to keep tabs on him!

Thankfully, the ones that he has approached have been very gracious and seem harmless. :)

Case in point- Lily's last soccer game.  We sat next to the coach's mother- a grandmother of 14 grandchildren!  He took one look at her and climbed right into her lap.  This made me smile.  He knows a grandma when he sees one!

  And because she is a grandma of 14 grandchildren, she has SNACKS!  Extra bonus!

He spent the entire game either in her lap or playing in one of the strollers next to her.  He is such a sweet boy and loves attention.  Wonder where he gets that from? :)

Spring Soccer- FC Bayern Munchen Angels

This spring marked Lily's first season in a team sport.  And she chose soccer!  I was very excited about her choice, since I really enjoyed playing the game when I was younger.

Her team name was FC Bayern Munchen Angels.  I had to Google this name since it sounded so different.  The FC Bayern Munchen is a German sports club, best known for their professional soccer (football in Europe :).  Lily was placed on a "test" team for an up-and-coming girls club division.  She was fortunate to be placed on this team with a professionally-trained coach (Paul).  Because this was her first experience in a team sport, I was praying she would have a good coach.  He was extremely patient (crucial for 4-5 year old girls!), and had excellent communication with each girl.  And I loved that he called Lily "Lils" from the sideline.

Here are some pictures of her first practice in March. 

 

 These pictures are of Lily's first game!  

(The blue uniforms were temporary while their "professional" red uniforms were on order)

 

receiving instruction from coach Paul

My favorite picture!

After her first game!  Pink cheeks and all!

  Here are some of the highlights from the season...

Instead of paying attention to the game, this is primarily what Lily was doing on the sidelines :)

listening to the Referee- getting ready for the game

family day at Lily's game!

Grandpa B. wishing Lily a good game!

Grandma B. keeping tabs on the two youngest spectators

 New uniforms for FCBM Angels!

picture day!

This picture was to show that my camera is not equipped for action shots.  She was doing so great, dribbling down the field, and the moment I snap the shot, BAM!, she falls down.  My luck!

So proud of our little soccer star and a great first season!  Looking forward to many more to come!