The Big 1 approaches!

As one approaches and two new teeth have arrived we are getting more vigilant on the tooth brushing thing! We had been doing the finger brush now and again before, but NOW we are using our regular tooth brush daily and even baby toothpaste.


He even has to check to see he's doing it right! I brush them first, then let him have the brush. He does chew on it a lot, but he actually moves it around his teeth and gums too! I'm trying Auntie Amy!!

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Sorry I have been a little lax on photos this week. Jansen and I did a lot of catching up with friends, but I was so busy I forgot to take pics. We also have been on a "Let's sleep the weekend away" kick, so he's been napping extra on the weekends and I lay next to him and read so he doesn't roll off the bed. He naps best in the bed, but he sleeps like a champ at night in the crib so I'm not complaining!

Jansen has those third and fourth teeth poking through visibly now on top along with his original two on the bottom. These were no easier coming in than the first two and I hear that the canines are supposed to be worse. We haven't even seen a hint of those yet, but UGH! These 4 were tough enough. We're NOT looking forward to those coming in. He's also very nearly walking. He still cruises everything, and lets go now and then. When he realizes he isn't holding on to something he panics and lunges for support again. He has taken a couple of accidental steps to me when he lets go of the coffee table and lunges for me, but they have yet to be intentional!

Jonathan and Dad went to see Monsters vs. Aliens on Sunday and both reported it to be quite funny and a good time. Jonathan will be coming again Friday for 2 weeks. I promise more pics then!

Before Jonathan left yesterday we had a little visitor arrive. She was sitting on the front porch when I went out to put the trash in the bin after some storms rolled through. She appears to be a Chiuaua mix and very pregnant. She is very obviously someone's pet because she really wants to come inside and gets really excited when she sees the boys, but with no tags and a baby I can't take the chance on having her around Jansen quite yet. I called Animal Control and the two vet's offices here in town hoping the owners will call in, but so far no calls. I didn't have the heart to have animal control pick her up and lock her away since she's so sweet. I'm not a chiuaua person, but she's really a heart melter. We have tossed around the idea of rescuing Cody a friend for about a year now and just when we are certain we are not going to do it, along comes this little gal. She is driving him insane! Since she's preggo he is crazy with wanting to be around her all the time as if she's in heat! He was so bad this morning he woke Jansen by howling at the front door where we have her tied up for now. Yup, channeling his inner wolf he was. Howling away. He's got crazy eyes all spinning around and everything trying to get her to fall for him. What a Casanova! If she isn't claimed by tomorrow we'll probably have to call Animal Control after all. We just can't have a litter of pups with all else we have going!

I am still enjoying my summer off. I had a workshop on the 10th and another this Friday. The first one really renewed me as a teacher and I look forward to using much of the material in my classes this school year. I'm hoping for great things to come of this next one as well!

Now, to answer the question I am getting asked most frequently... What does Jansen need for his birthday? The answer Nothing Really! We appreciate the thoughts, but there isn't anything we NEED. If you do decide that a gift is what you want to do, we are looking to increase his library so Children's Books are a great choice. He's also nearly walking so things that entertain a walker are useful as well. On a different note we are proud to let everyone know that every cent of cash money (well, or check) he has been given since his Baby Shower has been put into a special account offered here in Texas for guaranteed tuition when he reaches college age. Our Goal is to get him 200 units by the time he turns 5. This will give him 2 full years at a mid-priced school, and a little more or less depending on the cost of the tuition. They figure the cost by units instead of actual cost at the time he enrolls so he has a guaranteed portion of his schooling paid for. More is great, but since we are a moderate income family we are shooting for half, thus 200 units. If anyone wants to read about it more here is a link: https://www.texastuitionpromisefund.com/. We are doing the pay as you go so as he gets money gifts or as we have a little we will put it in instead of a monthly set amount.

Richard is coming up on a conference of his own for a few days in August. He's busy as ever!

I must rescue my lint brush from my son. It appears he is using it for a mid-morning snack. I'm not sure if he's licking it because the texture feels new and different on his tongue or if I didn't give him enough breakfast and he's actually filling up the void with lint!