*lunchtime*

3.25.09
Lunch time has been more enjoyable now that Tian can sit at the big table and eat along with us. Trey isn't the greatest eater, but with Tian eating right next to him, Trey eats a whole lot more. Today, they ate carrots! (Don't worry, Tian's carrots had been put into the Magic Bullet blender before devoured!)

1st day of "Playcare/Preschool"

4.3.09
The day had finally arrived and I was a nervous wreck: Trey and Tian started a new child care center. I made Justin join me in dropping them off for moral support. He didn't see the need, what man would, but I told him this was something he needed to do for me AND for the boys. So, he did! (thank you Just.)

When we got out of the car, I noticed Trey's winter coat was removed from my car. I don't know WHO unloaded the car but it surely wasn't me. I was very organized that morning, due to a late night of planning outfits, meals (I was told I could bring Trey's own lunch if he didn't like what was on the menu. I knew he would NOT like todays lunch: Chicken Salad Sandwiches, so I packed him his own.), and extra clothes/blankets. I packed everything into the car. So, needless to say, I was on the verge of serious water works. Poor Trey, going to preschool for the first day and not being able to play outside because he didn't bring his coat. Terrible mother I am!

After having difficulty getting into the building (they hadn't set our password to let us into the center), I said, "Hello" to Ms Sherryl, Trey's teacher, and told her the news of Trey's missing coat. She said, "Don't give it another thought. We have extras JUST for that reason." All day I thought about Trey, the new kid, wearing a pink princess coat because THAT was the only coat left behind for kids who forgot their coats. Also, by the way, it was pajama day for Trey, and he insisted on wearing his Superman pj's. With the cape. Thankfully he let me put a longjohn shirt underneath the t-shirt because we all know that WalMart makes their pajamas with the highest quality fabric. Justin thought he looked White Trash> I would beg to differ. He looked more Trailer Trash to me! So, Trey in a pink coat, red, ultra thin pj pants, poor poor boy!

When we arrived, all of the kids, and most of the teachers, were sitting on the floor of their lobby watching a movie. After the movie, they had breakfast (which was to be cereal) and then off to the classes.

I was a bit nervous, leaving Tian with Ms Sherryl. Ms. Sherryl was going to watch Tian until Miss Denise arrived. I hadn't met Tian's teacher, Miss Denise yet and I wanted to give her a little 411 on Tian. I left the center in knots.

At about 7:45, I called Miss Denise and had an awesome chat with her. I appoligized for Tian's nursery "barfing" all over her counter top (I didn't know where she wanted his stuff to go!!!) and I gave her a little overview of Tian. I had dropped off a 2 page "personality profile" on Tian 2 days prior but didn't have a clue if she had a chance to glance at it. She said she had!

I called back at about 11:30 and Miss Lisa, the director said Miss Denise was "in love" with Tian! She also said Trey was enjoying his movie and pj day (the movie was Wizard of Oz) and was getting ready to go see Tian! (I had told Trey if he EVER wanted to go see Tian, he could just ask his teachers! Guess they granted his request!)

I was happy to get home and listen to Trey's day! I was informed he got to wear a "Black Coat" (thank heavens!) for outside play time and he really liked his popcorn and Movie. He liked the popcorn so much, he said he was just "too full" for lunch. (I never did find his sandwich. Maybe he left it at school.) He told me "hunter" (a boy I thought was cute and nice, apparently not!) was put on a break for telling Trey "no." He enjoyed playing "Castle," and pretend.

Tian was a dream for his teachers. Am I dreaming? I think so! They loved him to pieces and said he only cried once! Bless you child!



Check out Tian's first report card. I wasn't lying when I said they loved him! Thank you Rex and Justin for making this report card available. It was a group effort for sure. You may have to double click on the image to really see just how great Tian was!

All of that worrying, on my part, for nothing! The boys did great!

Thank you all for the prayers and sweet phone calls! I am so grateful for friends and family who are concerned for the well-being of our little guys! We are truly blessed by your friendship and thoughtfullness.



Tian and Trey in their 1st day of daycare outfits. Trey in his superman/trailer trash pj outfit, and Tian in his new, cute, Panda bear outfit from our Washington Trip. All smiles for their first day! Instead of bringing "Horny the Giraffe" for preschool, Trey brought "Pirate Pete!" The lunch I packed for Trey. I just loved having my mom write little notes in my lunches for school. Don't ask me why I uploaded this picture side ways. Sorry!

Trial Run

4.2.09
The days have finally come: Trey and Tian would no longer be attending daycare at Miss Michelle's. We have found a place we love, (thanks to our friend Raundi who works at our new favorite place!) it was just a question of Trey loving it or not! I had planned on taking Trey for a half day, just to test the waters. Trey packed up his Kiki (his blanket!), a pillow, and a stuffed animal to sleep with. He would be going for story time, outside play, lunch, and nap. I would be picking him up after nap. He was excited to be sleep "on the blue beds." (we saw the cots all set up the day before when we dropped off our registration paperwork.)



Here is Trey with his stuffed giraffe he lovingly named "Horny" for the horns on top of the giraffe's head. (I just about died when he told me his toy's name.)


Driving up to the new center (which we will call D.L. for short. I know, I am a little too concerned, but I don't want weirdos knowing where my sons are attending daycare/preschool!) I just about puked. I was so nervous for Trey, definitely more nervous then Trey was acting! Trey was so excited, he kept saying he was going to be brave!

We walked into the center and were met by a smiling Raundi and Miss Sherryl who were in the middle of circle time. (I had called Raundi the night before, asking a few last minute questions, and to tell her we would be showing up around 10 for 4 hours as a trial run!)
As I sat in a little kid chair with Tian on my lap, I watched Miss Raundi introduce Trey to the class. She asked him what his first, middle and last name was. She asked him if he had any brothers or sisters (and I quietly sighed relief when Trey told the class he had only ONE brother. If you have read any of my past blog entries, Trey talked about Jesus being his older brother, and Heavenly Father being his OTHER father.) and any pets. He told the class, "I get to come spend time with you guys!" The class welcomed him and he sat next to a little boy with a huge smile on his face. I was so so proud of my little Trey-Man! I left the center with a smile on my face and relief in my soul!

While Trey was at Preschool, I took an outing with Tian! Our 2nd shopping trip ever, just the two of us. (the first one occuring when Tian was just 5 or 6 days old!)


Four hours goes by so quickly! I had all of these great plans with what I was going to do with "all of my time" but the four hours came and went so quickly. Before I knew it, I was back at the center, waiting for Trey to wake up from his nap!





Trey's friend Finley is to the right of Trey.

As I sat and waited for Trey to wake up, I spoke with Miss Sherryl and Miss Raundi about Trey's first day. They said he was great and that he already had a "friend." HER name is Finley, and it just so happened that she was sleeping right next to Trey! (she is the one in the pink floral blanket! I still haven't gotten a real good look at her, but I am sure she is super cute!) Miss Raundi said they ran everywhere "holding hands," and if they would get separated, they would reach out their hands, as if trying to reach for each other.

While I was talking to Trey's two teachers, I looked above me and saw an art project: Yellow Submarines. This weeks subject was about Water Transportation. The submarine was hanging from the ceiling, and as it blew in the breeze, I noticed TREY's name was on the back of it! Good thing I had my camera handy!






This is what Trey looked like when he woke up! It took him a little bit to realize I was standing in front of him. When he finally "came to," he asked, "Mom, how did you get in here?!"

I was so excited for the drive home! I wanted to know everything he did! He said he played outside, he played "castle" (his preschool looks like a castle!) with the other kids, he learned about Submarines, and he took a nap. I asked him if he ate lunch, he said, "I ate crackers and an apple. Mom, I was so full!" I knew he wouldn't eat the Chicken Noodle Soup they made him! This drive home was so surreal. I remember sitting in the car after school telling my mom about my day! I can't believe it is now MY turn to do the asking!

Alisha Pixton-Chang

4.1.09
Facebook, you have GOT to love it! I have reconnected with 4 old roommates from Ricks, one of which informed me she and her two cute little kids would be traveling through Boise. We planned to meet for an hour or so before she hit the road again!

Alisha was a roommate I met through a summer semester at Ricks. I didn't know anyone in my new apartment, and was a bit nervous, but I am so happy I took that leap of faith! I made amazing friends who I continued to live with the following year; the year Justin and I were engaged for!

Alisha attended my wedding reception, along with our other roommate Tasha.

Chelsea Ann and I were roommates with Alisha and I knew it would be a blast from the past if Chelsea Ann met up with Alisha and I. We decided to meet at stinky, smelly Carl's Jr. to let our kids run and it would be a perfect dinner local for Alisha and her family!

Alisha has the cutest little kids; Malachi (whose birthday was on the day we met! He's an April Fool's Day baby! He turned 3) and Boston who was 13 months!

It was as if time hadn't past. I loved our visit and was so happy Alisha would want to spend a few hours out of her long drive with us!

Love you Alisha! I am so glad we met 10 years ago in that dark, scary, smelly basement apartment!



Isn't Boston the cutest little girl ever?

Brother Jesus

3.31.09
Trey found a framed picture of Jesus in Tian's room. It was one I used to display in Trey's old room (Tian's room now) on the dresser.

When Trey found the picture, he first said, "A picture of my older brother." I said, "yes, Jesus is your older brother."

Later, this is what I found:



Trey had placed the picture right inside the front door. He said it was to show everyone who his big brother was.

I Did It!

3.31.09
On our way to a shopping trip and lunch with Tina and Grandma Marie, I put a sweater on Trey. Not asking him to button it, I turned around and this is what I saw!



Trey had buttoned his sweater all by himself! Oh, the little things in life that make us smile!

Miss Cleo's Nature Walk

3.30.09
We have found the neatest nature walk along the Snake River! Miss Cleo's Nature Walk is packed with bonze statues, bird houses, sculptures and motivational plaques. It is a perfect place for a stroller, a 3.5 year old to roam and run, and family to reconnect.

Whazoo!!!

3.30.09
Grandma Marie and Grandpa Larry took Trey to Whazoo (aka Boondocks) with the rest of the cousins while Tian and I waited for DirectTV to arrive and install at our home! Yes, we are finally got cable and I am loving it a little too much! Aunt Christina went and visit Grandma Joy and brought her back to our home to visit with us.

I sent Grandma Marie with my camera so I could catch Trey's enjoyment with his cousins! Here are some shots she took! Thanks Marie!

Aunt Christina

3.29.09
When we arrived in Idaho, Aunt Christina (Justin's older sister) was in town for a few days! She spent the night and following day with us! I loved staying up late, chatting and giggling with her! I love spending time with her and am very blessed she is my sister!

Bottle Inspection

3.29.09
Portland is very strict about baby formula apparently!

Oregon Zoo

3.29.09
We have been wanting to take Trey to the Portland, Oregon Zoo for quite some time but have never been able to! That wait had finally arrived and we spent the afternoon with Megan and Fosha (another sister of Justin's) wandering around the Portland Zoo and dodging the rain and hail!

The Portland, Oregon Zoo puts the Boise Zoo to shame!







Do you see the 2nd elephant? She is in white! Yes, this new coat is not giving me justice, although I love it so much!

There is one of the elephants behind us! They just had a baby elephant about 1 month after we had OUR little elephant Tian! The elephants name is Sam!

Tian took two naps while on our Zoo Tour. The first one in the stroller (which, by the way, was the lightest stroller I have ever pushed!) and the second one was in the Baby Bjorn.






Megan was an excellent tour guide!

Thanks Fosha and Megan for spending the day with us!

Portland

3.28.09
My parents dropped our family off at Aunt Megan's home (Justin's younger sister Megan!). She just purchased a home in a neat part of Portland (Alberta Street) and I was amazed at all of the renovations she has completed!

Megan led us to a park which housed kickball fields, a dog park area, and great play structures. The one thing that made us giggle was the sign Trey posed with on a huge slide.






Dinner was spent at a Vegan Restaurant along Alberta Street. I love that restaurant!