Things I have been considering

Attempting to raise another human being to be a well rounded, polite, respectful, considerate, happy, and confident takes a lot of time, reinforcement, patience, and support from your husband/partner.  It seems as though both people need to be on the same page in effort and waiting out your stubborn little one.  This journey of parenthood is beginning to become a bit more challenging.  As CJ gets older he begins to assert himself, having his own preferences, and now understanding that he does have some control over what he does and when he does it.  I don't consider CJ to be in the "terrible twos" because he really isn't terrible.  I do see him growing up.  I hope that this portion of child rearing is one where we (Eric and I) can pull together and support one another.  These decisions about how to correct bad behavior, time outs versus spankings, how long you wait for an apology.  Not that I really would follow a manual, but there are times when I would like to have one to refer to.  Right now I am working on naming things that have happened, pointing out if any one is hurting emotionally/physically, and waiting for an apology.  This seems to be trying my patience.  I want to do the right thing and be the sweet quiet example of not losing your cool or letting your temper get the best of you, I think I need to increase my prayers and give myself some time outs.  I really love my little guy, Colin is truly an amazing gift in my life.  I want so badly to do right and raise a great person!  Here's to my attempt!
A

Dentist Visit #1, a success!

Colin had his first dentist appointment this week!  He was an amazing patient!  Thanks to Dr. Silberman allowing him to accompany us on all our visits.  Colin had his teeth inspected, cleaned, flossed, rinsed, and dried. hehe  At the end of the visit if the kids have no cavities they get to pose with Flossy the parrot.  CJ got his first picture!  I'm such a proud Mommy!  Every night this week that we have brushed he has asked to see Flossy, I'm hoping we don't have to make a trip to visit Flossy to keep him happy. ;)
Amanda

Photo Overload

Today I set to work on getting my photos uploaded and posted to this blog.  I am sorry that I have issues with keeping everyone current to our activities, it is getting more difficult the closer I am to finishing my Masters.  It seems that I am on track and should finish before June 2013.  I am taking one class right now, one during the summer, one in the fall, and my Action Research 1/2 credit in the Spring.  Today we took a trip to the fan fest for the Maryland Blue Crabs and had a lot of fun.  Granpa Meyer is in town and he helped Eric to patch some holes and set up our storage shed. (Finally)  Who knows what is in store for dinner.  As for Easter in case you all were wondering we went to church at St. Peter's and worshiped with the Wackerles.  Afterwards we came home and CJ opened his Easter Egg Hunt in a box that Grandma JuJu(Julie) sent.  He had a blast and we fixated on the words "Easter Egg" every time we see one he over enunciates and makes sure every one around knows that he knows that it is an Easter Egg!  Right before we left for our Spring Break trip my colleague sent CJ a 'Shake em Up' Materdor truck, Conner has one and CJ loved playing with it and got upset when we had to leave the toy at their house.  I shared the story of how sad CJ was with Mrs. Strother and she bought him the toy so he could be happy.  Boy was he, carried Materdor around the whole vacation.  Thanks to Mrs. Strother for the truck!  For our Spring Break trip to Myrtle Beach we had a good time, the speed of our vacation was very different.  We had more down time, and swimming in the pool time.  On this trip CJ shared his enthusiasm of watching "Mater Tow Truck" and we did give in and let him indulge.  We ate at some of our favorite spots and tried a new one. (Which had good food, but was a bit over priced in the dessert department)  Looking ahead for this Spring/Summer season we are excited that our friends are getting their boats ready so we can mooch off their boating time!  A lot more swimming time for CJ since we found out he really likes it!  I will be traveling at the end of this month to see the Kennedys, especially Baby Evan and Angie!!!!  I am working on keeping up with my book club readings, this new book is The Unit and I will let you know how it is. (Our recent reads have been; The Hunger Games, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and Suburgatory)  I have also signed up for a weight loss competition at school, some encouragement would be helpful and needed!  So in order for me to "win" I am getting back into my running routine (did almost 4 miles today) and I will be working on the diet and increasing my physical activity.  Can't hurt to help me get bathing suit ready either.  My parents and sister will be vacationing in Gailtinburg, TN the second week of June and we will be joining them to hang out.  Still don't really know about the 4th of July plans, as Eric says "It's 2 months away" but since I am taking that class I might not make it out to the Midwest this year.  Wah Waaaaa  Gotta walk Rufus!
Take care and let us know if you are ever in the area or have some time to hang out!
Love,  Amanda

These photos are from March, Garden, the Materdor box, and the quick visit with the Strzyzs