Jordan and Jaxon's World

The very snowy day....all boys must go out to play! (McKinney, TX Children's lifestyle photography)

2011-01-10T09:24:00.000-08:00

Snow around here doesn't come to often (or stay very long)...and days home from school... even more rare! A perfect day to run wild and be silly! Gotta love little boys!

2011-01-07T19:42:00.000-08:00

2011-01-07T19:41:00.001-08:00

Children's Photography....

2010-07-09T12:05:00.001-07:00

What I've been up to......

www.yellowsunflowephotography.com

break from blogging.....

2010-03-24T09:29:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry to say, but think I've become more interested in posting pics on Face Book and emailing vs. blogging. Shoot me an email if you'd like some updates by emails (if you aren't on Facebook). I've been blogging for a few years now....and think I've gotten bored of it. I plan on trying to print out what I've done thus for for the boys to keep in an album.

Thanks for reading.....

Shrinky Dinks

2010-03-12T12:08:00.000-08:00

I'd had forgotten about these, but recently found them to do with Jordan. I used to love Shrinky dinks when I was a kid and I think I still do

!!!

video- my little walker

2010-03-10T17:53:00.000-08:00

who needs toys.....

2010-03-06T12:18:00.000-08:00

WHEN YOU HAVE ROCKS!!!!?

happy 15 months!

2010-03-01T18:31:00.000-08:00

Jaxie is 15 months and such a kid now! We are full fledged in the toddler days again and having so much fun!

Mr. Jax, you do so many new things every day and are growing and changing so rapidly (we can hardly keep up)! You bring so many laughs into our lives and we love you so much!!!

We're on the move

2010-02-26T08:54:00.000-08:00

Ole Jaxie boy has finally realized that he knows how to walk! He still thinks that crawling is faster and "safer", but I just keep standing him back up......hoping that the crawling around will end soon....especially when we are out and about.

Valentines Party in Pre-K

2010-02-12T08:07:00.000-08:00

Jordan's "Frog" class had their Valentines party on Thurs. Everyone ventured out despite the snow! I got to peep in a few times, while running my own party next door. He's made some great friends in his class. Several of the other boys are pretty silly and little characters just like our Jordie!

a foot of snow in DALLAS!!!!!

2010-02-12T07:54:00.000-08:00

I think this is our 3rd round of snow pics this year! I don't remember ever seeing snow like this in my life. Jordan has been having a blast and thinks we really do live in a winter wonderland. I hope the next winter he won't expect it to come back!

Joining the team....

2010-02-07T07:26:00.000-08:00

Jordan is going to play on a T-ball team very soon. I am trying to introduce him to some different things to see what he's good at and enjoys playing. So far, the only sports that he's mentioned are football and basketball (both are which wouldn't be until later....and I'm not sure he's got the "body" for......but never say never).

He went to a T ball clinic yesterday and did really well. He was pretty much the youngest one there....but kept up! He's going to be on a league just for 4 year olds...so it will be a good introduction to the game.

I felt bad because everyone had their own bat....and Jordan was a little sad about this, but he was able to borrow. I took him afterwards to get his own. He was really excited to pick one out. (on a side note....) Jordan has a really bad habit of taking stickers of of things....labels....price tags etc. So, while we were at the sport store, I noticed that he had a price tag in his hand. I assumed that he pulled it of his bat and I told him to put it back on. Well.....when we checked out, the bat rang up as $98!!!! I told the cashier that we needed to find a "different bat". As it turns out.....he took the sticker off something totally different. I have learned my lesson about having him put a random sticker on something.

Jordan now has his own practice T.....and is having a lot of fun hitting!

14 months

2010-02-01T07:57:00.000-08:00

Jaxon is 14 months today. It's funny because, my mom had to remind me on this one. I just think about him being one and I forget the months thing!!!

you are just about on the verge of walking. You can stand for about 30 seconds and have taken a couple of steps on your own. You cruise around on everything.
you LOVE apple juice
you eat SO fast....I have never seen anything like it. Your teachers are always laughing about this
I finally found a stroller that works for you!
you love to stand by the bath and splash water
you love anything that makes music
your favorite thing to play is still ball
you still crack up at many things, especially Jordan
you are getting so many teeth! I think you have like 4 molars coming in.....which has made you a little fussy
you are losing interest in milk....I hope it's just a phase
you are doing really well with going out to dinner again.....yea!!!!
you can now play with big bro at the mall play area
you like to swing at the park
you love your GRAMMY!

Science Experiments

2010-01-31T07:21:00.000-08:00

One of Jordan's most favorite activities to do are Science Experiments. He pretty much asks me to do these every day. His favorite is to take primary colors and make into other colors. He's now gotten to the point that for his "reward" he wants to roll out the 'ole test tubes for the afternoon!

I think there is definately something in his future with colors or art or something. Since he's been about 2, he's always loved to paint and mix colors together.

Sat. night fun

2010-01-23T17:55:00.001-08:00

The last several weekends we have started a new tradition of going to California Pizza kitchen, at the mall, and playing there with the kiddos on Saturday nights. It's really great because Jaxon now has a lot of fun playing and exploring! Jordan usually finds another 4 year old boy to be "best friends" with and they run around chasing each other for ever!

Four is really a great age. They love to interact with other kids and form friendships so quickly.

One is pretty cool too! Jaxon does something new just about every day. He can balance for short periods of time and can walk holding onto to one hand. He even slid himself down and small slide all by himself today!

cookin'

2010-01-18T06:58:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite games to play with Jordan has always been "cooking" and working with all his play kitchen stuff. Well now Mr. Jaxie can get into the mix.

Jordan has really been sweet and patient with his little bro lately. I hope that's a trend that will "stick"! We've been a great phase of good behavior and great listening....I am enjoying it while it lasts!

Jaxon is changing and developing so much every day. It's really amazing to watch a 1 year old grow. He wants to walk and will be soon I think. I catch him letting go from time to time, so I know he's got the balance. For now...we are cruising around from thing to thing.

Oh yea....and Jaxie graduated from ECI (early childhood Intervention). They just worked with him for a couple of months and it seemed to sort everything out!!! I love them!!

Tennis

2010-01-09T09:16:00.001-08:00

We are trying out some new sports at the Y, and this month is tennis. Jordan did great and, most importantly, had so much fun.

our 13 month old BIG BOY!

2010-01-02T06:27:00.000-08:00

We are officially out of the "baby baby" phase and have another TODDLER on our hands. Though I love the cute and cuddly baby days...I love the personality and activeness of a big boy!

you are cruising all over the place and are getting SO STRONG
you can drink from a cup
you ONLY fall asleep in your bed (we could be in the car for over an hour....big bro is OUT....but not you!
you are such a daddy's boy.....especially after you spent 3 days just the 2 of you.
you are great about me leaving you at the nursery for a little bit
you think the dog is SO FUNNY
you crawl so FAST and really want to walk (won't be long)
you love to venture into Jordan's room
you love to close doors on people
you love your Baby Einstein videos
you laugh so HARD....it's hilarious
you can go up....and DOWN the steps in our room.
you love daddy's music
your favorite toy is still the BALL.....and you can already throw it overhanded!

Merry Christmas 2009!

2009-12-25T14:18:00.000-08:00

We had a great Christmas. A bit smaller than usual and very laid back, but nice. Jordan is still really into to Santa and Jaxie is getting into the spirit. It's so fun watching them run around (crawl) together! I was really excited and surprised to have SNOW on the ground this year.

Jaxon 12 month checkup

2009-12-18T08:26:00.000-08:00

We had a great visit at the doc. Jaxon is no longer delayed in any area and in great shape. He's 23 pounds and 31 inches tall, which puts him in about the 60 %. He's very healthy and happy! He loves to crawl around and chase after his bro.

Jordan's School show and party

2009-12-16T14:55:00.000-08:00

Today was Jordan's Christmas show and class party. He did a great job and even had a speaking part in the program. I was really proud of him!!! He had a bunch of "Jordan antics", but overall he did just what he was supposed to. All his friends were so cute. Our very own Grammy did the class party and she did an awesome job along with her buddy Peggy!

our other Christmas boy!

2009-12-11T11:53:00.000-08:00

Jaxie has discovered the Christmas tree and ORNAMENTS. I did let him play with a few.....minus the hooks!!!!

getting ready for Christmas

2009-12-04T20:16:00.000-08:00

We are getting ready for Christmas at our house. Jordan is REALLY into it. He couldn't wait to decorate. He helped me with the lights outside and decorated the whole tree by himself. I can still remember when he would just knock the ornaments off or pull on the tree. He's such a BIG KID now! Poor Jaxie was alseep during the festivities......but there is always NEXT year.

happy Birthday Jaxie!!!!!

2009-12-01T12:45:00.000-08:00

Our baby boy is 1 year old today!!!!!

my little chef

2009-11-30T17:29:00.000-08:00

Jord loves to help in the kitchen, especially if cookies are involved and SPRINKLERS (as he calls them). He always wants to wear a chef hat and will find something that will work. Today he noticed a Subway bag hanging on the door....and yep.....it was a chefs hat!!!

Good eating chart

2009-11-29T06:56:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, I decided to make Jordan a "good eating chart" in attempts to....well....get better eating out of him. We pretty much took all the candy and snacks out of his diet as well, which has really helped. I wanted to try some positive reinforcement, as Jordan seems to respond well to that kind of thing.

My idea was for me to fill in the squares, but he seems to get a real kick out of making his numbers and smiley faces himself.

I didn't realize how quickly he'd burn through the all the squares, so it looks like we will be making frequent stops to his "reward" store.

All in all, it's made a huge difference in his eating and a lot less DRAMA around the house!!!

Tree lighting

2009-11-27T18:15:00.000-08:00

Today we went to the annual tree lighting in our city. This was Jaxie's first time. We went a couple of years ago when Jordan was a baby, but we keep forgetting the last few. Jordan really wanted to wear his fire man hat and daddy's camping head lamp. People kept asking us where we got that "lit up fire hat". It was a ONE OF A KIND creation though!!!!

Got a new camera

2009-11-24T11:57:00.000-08:00

My old Camera died, just in time for Jaxon's 1st birthday, the holidays and Jordan being the "Special frog friend" at his school (and I am supposed to document his outings with the frog from class). My parents rescued me and got us a new Kodak! I am still learning about it, but am enjoying the process.

We have had a lot of fun so far for the Thanksgiving break. Yesterday me, the boys, and my mom went to the Ft. Worth zoo. Today Jord got the play with his buddy from class. I am also cleaning out all the rooms in our house. We have lived in the same place for 8 years now!!! I can't imagine moving or finding another house as much as I love ours....so I just change everything around...and it feels like new again.

Thanksgiving Feast

2009-11-20T09:08:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was the Thanksgiving feast, or as Jordan called it, the "Thanksgiving Beast" at our school. One of the perks about working at the kiddo's school is that I get to watch all the fun stuff. It was really cool. Half the kids were indians and half were pilgrims. The classes all ate together (except for mine....as we have some major peanut allergies).

I have been trying to really crack down on what Jordan has been eating and to get rid of most of the junk out of his diet.....but yesterday he got a free pass to enjoy.

Jordan is really growing up. The phrases and ideas that he comes up with daily amaze me. I never know what's going to come out of that kiddos mouth.

On a Jaxie note: He is crawling all OVER the place and happy as can be!!!!

We're on the move

2009-11-13T06:43:00.000-08:00

We have worked with ECI just 2 times, and Jaxon is already making A LOT of progress. He can now get himself to sitting and crawl. He is so much happier and having a lot of fun exploring. I wasn't really sure how I felt about ECI, at first, but now.....I am a big fan. The lady that works with Jax is great and has really eased my worries.

Website

2009-11-02T11:24:00.000-08:00

If you go to www.jcpenney.com, click on KIDS and then toddler....this is what you will find.....

started physical therapy with ECI today

2009-10-28T14:43:00.000-07:00

Today was day 1 with ECI and Jaxon. I really like the ladies who came over. It's really interesting and I'm learning a lot about movement, but the jury is still out on whether all this is really necessary. I figure it can't hurt and it's only twice a month for 45 minutes (not to mention it's FREE). She shows me some exercises to do with him during the weeks as well. I see daily progress on his mobility, so we will see how long with need our PT. The plan is for 6 months.

Weekend 'O fun

2009-10-18T06:22:00.001-07:00

This weekend was probably the most fun we've had in a long time. I really love Fall and all the Halloween activities that go along with it. We all went to the Dallas Arboretum yesterday and played and played. That place is the most beautiful and awesome place around. I am always amazed by it every time we go. Jaxon was a real trooper, missing his second nap.....but is making up for lost sleep today.

After the Arb, Jordan went to his first Halloween party. Our neighbor's mom really went all out and all the kids had the bet time. Mr. Jax and daddy sat that one out. I didn't take the 'ole camera to the party, as I'd just taken like 130 pics at the arboretum and was a little photo'd out!!!!

Pumpkin patch...take 4

2009-10-17T06:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my sis-in-law, Miri, and I took the boys to the pumpkin patch. It's been a tradition that we started 4 years ago with Jordan and I look forward to it every year. I don't remember if people did that when I was a kid, but I don't think that we ever visited one. This year we got to go on a Friday (since we are all home that day) and it was WAY less crowded. It was a bit muddy though, since it's been raining here for like a month. That made for a very interesting hay ride. The weather was so nice and the sun was shining!

Jordan got a little crazy this year and wanted to play "pumpkin bowling" with all the little ones. He got to learn that phrase "they might kick us out of here"!

Jaxon loved touching all the baby pumpkins too!

We were so glad to have "our" Miri back after many months of being with her family in Mexico!!!!!

ECI evaluation

2009-10-14T12:58:00.001-07:00

I met with ECI today and I feel a lot better after the eval. Socially, cognitively, adaptability, verbal, etc....Jaxon scored 12 months....his movement was 8 months. It was really funny though, because when they refused to let him roll back over on his back, he was able to get up on his knees and push to sitting. She said a lot of the reason for his delays are a lack of tummy time as a young baby. I never did a lot of tummy time with him, as he would spit up really bad when I did. She is going to work with him 2 times a month and show me what to do with him. She said he should catch right up and there is nothing to worry about. She also mentioned that his personality has lot to to with it too. Some babies are observers and others are explorers.

the kiddos "on the wall" at JC Penneys

2009-10-12T13:17:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to my brother-in-law for sending me these photos!!! See if you can spot Mr. Jordan and Mr. Jaxon!

I love Sundays....

2009-10-11T11:14:00.000-07:00

I love getting pics of the boys on Sundays before church because they always look so cute in their "nicer" clothes. Today we let Jordan wear his "rock star" shirt....but usually it's the only days he'll be in a button or collared shirt. He's all about comfort and would really like to wear shorts and and a t-shirt everyday.....preferably one with some sort of truck on it. Jordan has been very picky about what he wears for as long as I can remember. He is getting better though and I can usually bribe him with something....or tell him he can change when we come back home. He's got a little step ladder in his closet and usually just climbs up and picks out what he wants. He does do pretty well with matching, I will say!

BTW....if you have a JC Penney's in your area....check the wall in the infant/toddler section as Jordan and Jaxon are BOTH on Christmas posters there!!!

October so far....

2009-10-09T16:07:00.000-07:00

October has been a great month so far, aside from a few illnesses around here. This is the first year that Jordan really understands that Halloween in just around the corner and can't wait for it to arrive. He asks me DAILY, when Halloween is and if it's tomorrow. Today we pretended to trick-or-treat around the house, just to get in the spirit.

Jordan got a Science experiment kit for his birthday and today we cracked it open. He has been asking me since August to do it with him, but I just wasn't sure what all was involved. Well....it was so much fun and the looks of excitement on that little guy's face were priceless.

I really enjoy my Friday's at home with both boys. I know when and when not to drag them out of the house....and that helps a lot. Tired or hungry boys are not happy campers out and about. I really don't mind being around the house a lot anyway and we can usually find something fun to do. When you have a little comedian and a baby that laughs his head off.....there is much fun to be had!!!

Jaxon gets evaluated by ECI on Wednesday for some Gross Motor Delays. I really think he's getting up to speed now. I hadn't payed much attention to "his milestones" until the doc mentioned there might be a problem at his 9 month checkup. With Jordan, I was always reading those baby books, but with Jaxon....not so much. Since that visit, we've really been working to strengthen his arm and leg muscles.....baby boot camp we call it. This morning he went onto his stomach and started crawling backwards. He can also stand now by himself, holding onto things....so I think we are good!

The big news around here is that Jordan auditioned for a commercial this week. I really don't know how it went, as he did it ALL BY HIMSELF. It's for Cooks Children's hospital and has a bunch of kiddos dancing around. It was interesting to see everything behind the scenes. He is also on a poster in the baby/toddler section at JC Penney!!!

Happy 10 months Jaxie!!

2009-10-01T16:31:00.001-07:00

BIG personalities come in small packages....

2009-09-27T06:40:00.000-07:00

One of the first things people say when they find out that Jordan is 4 is "wow you are really small". His usual response is "no, I'm BIG!". I have always admired that about him. He has such a big personality and you will always know when he's around. He enters a room with a loud "HELLO HELLO" and is so enthusiastic about the day. I have also noticed that older kids just flock to him. We will be out somewhere and he'll become the ring leader of a pack of kids in no time. My goal is to teach him that we all come in different shapes and sizes and to proud of who he is.....whatever SIZE!

a perfect match

2009-09-20T13:36:00.001-07:00

Jordan loves to entertain and Jaxon loves to laugh his head off. These two are a match made in heaven. I could just watch them for hours, making each other laugh. They were truly meant to be together.

I think that's the best part of having siblings....just sitting back and seeing what they will come up to do together.

After school time

2009-09-17T14:41:00.000-07:00

Some of my favorite time with the boys is after school. We are done by 2, so we get plenty of time to play play play before daddy comes home (and be as messy as we want!!!).

Jordan loves his school so much that when we come home, he role-plays his day. He loves to be the teacher and have mommy and Jaxie be the student. I pretty much know everything that the teacher tells them.....and have been pleasantly surprised by what I hear!

the silly boys

2009-09-16T13:46:00.000-07:00

A New video...

9 month checkup

2009-09-16T13:39:00.000-07:00

Mr. Jaxon is 29 1/2 inches (57 %) and 21 pounds (67 %). He is very healthy and happy. He is a little behind in the Gross Motor Skills area and we are working to get him up to speed with a little "baby boot camp". ha ha

what we are up to

2009-09-15T17:44:00.000-07:00

This is our 3rd week of our new routine. I am working 3 days a week, teaching 4-5 year olds at Crosspoint church near our home (from 9-2). Jordan goes there 4 days a week and Mr. Jaxon is there with us 2 days (the 3rd day, my wonderful friend Deanne keeps him). Jordan is the room next door to me and I see him about 10+ times a day! It really makes my day when I see him and I get a kick out of watching him in action. This is a much different school than what he's been used to, but it will be a great transition to Kinder next year. He has made 2 good buddies, and hasn't mentioned his old school, though we will still keep in touch with several of his friends from over there. I really don't see Jaxon at all, except when he is being carted around with his baby buddies in a big cart with wheels. That's pretty cute to see. I do miss hanging out with him all the time though.

I am enjoying being back at work, but am starting to get a little tired. The hardest part is just right after school when Jordan is all hyped up and I am pooped. He does let me rest for a "little" bit though and Jaxon takes a nap.

Jaxon has done well with all the transitions. He is still really easy going and doesn't have the "stranger danger" thing yet.

Overall, I'm really happy with our new schedule and it's nice to have a little extra $$ rolling in.

new blog

2009-09-15T14:29:00.000-07:00

So I decided to start a new blog, in part, because I was getting a little bored of the other. I initially set it up to go in another direction and since Jaxon came home, the title of other blog bothered me a bit too. I always felt a little weird logging on it and I wanted to have a spot that was a littled more personal too. With only a limited amount of readers, I can do that here. So for those of you that followed us here...thank you!

Welcome

2009-09-13T17:31:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our new blog.