Christmas

Christmas has been a little different for us this year, but still quite nice. We went to my parents' last week for an early celebration, and we are so glad we hadn't planned to travel this week when the blizzard hit.




This week, Jon also continued the Kroesche family tradition of making sugar cookies with Jeremiah. It was something that his dad always did with them. Though I should clarify, Mom actually makes the dough, and Dad cuts out the cookies with the kids. When I tried to add frosting and decorating into the mix, I heard some protests. But I prevailed--for a little while at least.



On Christmas day, we didn't go anywhere, due to the blizzard conditions and 11 inches of snow that we received. We loved celebrating at home for a change, and it was a lot of fun watching Jeremiah wake up, get excited about the presents under the tree, and then open them and try to decide what to play with first.



Jon's cleared our driveway and walks at least 3 times, and we're getting some more snow as we speak. He had a trip today and on his way to the airport, he almost got stuck on our street (which will probably not be plowed for several more days). There's no way the Vue will make it out, so I'm not sure what's happening for church tomorrow, as Jon as another trip in the morning. But we're warm, we have more than plenty to eat, and I'm not experiencing any cabin fever at all!

Come on peoples!

Last week was the Star City Parade in Lincoln. Since Jon was out of town, I opted not to go. Instead, Jeremiah and I did some Christmas shopping and met a friend for lunch.

On our way back through downtown Lincoln, the parade had just ended. Marching bands and people in costume were making their way back to their cars. Plus, the giant balloons were being led back to a parking lot in order to be deflated.

Jeremiah loved these balloons. We got to see a giant Kermit the Frog and a basketball. We were several blocks away from Kermit, and I said, "Maybe if the cars move some more, Jeremiah, we can get closer to the froggy."

Up to this point, traffic had moved fairly well, but then it got very congested and we were barely moving. Kermit continued to move past the point where we would be able to see him up close. Then I heard from the back seat, "Come on peoples! Let's go!"

Now I wonder where he ever would have heard something like that?

The Ups and Downs of 2

The age of 2 is an interesting one. There are a lot of things that I both like and dislike about this stage. I dislike temper tantrums, I dislike that ears seem to shut off when you're trying to tell them something (maybe that's all ages), and I really dislike dirty diapers being taken off and dumped in the middle of the living room floor.

But there are lots of things that I like, and just plain love, about this age, too. I love that Jeremiah still wants to cuddle with Jon and I. I love hearing a "I love you, Mommy," out of the blue. I love his excitement and wonder over little things.

And even though it's sometimes embarrassing, I love that he wants to share his excitement and whatever is going on with him that minute with the entire world.

Two examples: Last week, we were out shopping and I picked up some vitamins for Jeremiah. Now, these were his very first vitamins. Jon and I had decided that since he was so fascinated with our vitamins (and had even gotten a hold of some of mine a few times and popped them in his mouth before I could stop him), maybe it was time for some of his own. Jeremiah was quite excited about this prospect and even more so when I found some Toy Story vitamins on the shelf. As we continued our shopping in Target, I let Jeremiah hold the box. He was shaking the bottle and telling everyone who passed by (definitely not in his inside voice), "These are my vitamins. Peoples, these are my vitamins!"

Then last night, Jon took Jeremiah Christmas shopping with him. Not only did Jeremiah get to ride in Daddy's truck (a matter of great excitement at our house), he got to eat at the mall food court. Evidently shoes had come off a long time before the eating commenced and pasta sauce managed to somehow get on Jeremiah's sock. Jon said from that point on, Jeremiah loudly proclaimed to all within earshot, "I got pasta on my sock! I got pasta on my sock!" all the while holding out his foot for them to see.

I'll miss these stories later on, I know. But I'm definitely looking forward to not finding diapers on the living room floor anymore.

Thanksgiving weekend

We've had a wonderful time with Jon's family for Thanksgiving. Lunch at Bob's . . . tortellini soup . . . celebrating the soon arrival of the 1st granddaughter . . . the Kroesche Amazing Race . . . Thanskgiving dinner . . . target and trap shooting for the guys . . . a book discussion at a coffee shop for the women . . . 4 adorable (and lively) little boys . . . the movie The Blind Side . . . pumpkin cheesecake, 2 kinds of pie, caramel apple crisp . . . lots of laughs and lively discussions. It was a great time with family and even making a new friend, Melissa. A lot to be thankful for this year!

Our Little Tigger!

Jeremiah dressed up as Tigger for Halloween and he had lots of fun going to houses to get candy. After every house he would say, "Go to another house!"

Tonight . . .

as I folded laundry, Jeremiah was running around, dancing to music, waving my underwear over his head, and yelling, "Woo-hoo! Woo-hoo!" Too bad I didn't get video. That would be a great thing to haul out when he brings his fiancee home for the first time.

Our Active Little Boy

Jeremiah is feeling much better from the croup. And we were so glad to stop the neb treatments--they made for a very hyper, naughty little boy.

With being sick and the rainy days we've had this week, everyone has been kind of couped up inside. (We've had so much rain, that Jeremiah will look outside and, rain or shine, say "It's still raining, Mommy.") But we've kept busy.

First Jeremiah helped me sort through some maternity clothes that Brandee sent.



It's a long way from fitting him, but I think I'm going to grow into it. (-:

Then, Jeremiah helped me clean house this week. He loves to vacuum, sweep, dust, and mop. I wish I got as excited about these things as he does.


Thursday, we watched his friends, Brayden and Connor, and then hosted play group with 9 total kids in our basement. One of the other moms asked if I was ready to start a daycare. My answer--an unequivocal "No!" Brayden and Connor will be coming back a couple of days next week, as their mom is in the hospital on bedrest awaiting the arrival of their baby brother. As you can see, the boys have a good time together.



Today, the sun was shining! So, Jon and Jeremiah went out to play. Our backyard is a little messy. Lots of rain + clay dirt dug up for a construction project = big slop. But boys of all ages seems to love that. This is what was going on as I was downstairs working on a sewing project.



And I wonder why all of Jeremiah's shoes are dirty!

The Croup

So, we're officially the proud owners of our own nebulizer now. Jeremiah has the croup, again. He had it a few times last spring (always on a holiday weekend, of course). We did some neb treatments at the urgent care center and then rented a nebulizer. Then he went all summer without needing it, so we gave it back.

But last night, he started coughing a lot, which turned into wheezing mid-day today. I managed to get in to our doctor's office and they diagnosed it as "a cold and the croup." Thankfully, not H1N1, though I didn't really think it was that.

I'm supposed to give him a treatment in about 5 minutes. The nurse said just to do it while he slept. Hmm. Since I just got him settled down and almost asleep, I think I'll wait just a little bit longer. And then I'm supposed to do it again in the middle of the night. We'll see if the boy sleeps through any of it. I have my doubts.

Things heard at our house this week

• To the "worker" (contractor who was here putting in our window): Went pee-pee. Got candy!
• Cookies be done in 2 minutes!
• Went to Caleb's house (or played outside or watched TV or rode in Daddy's truck) the whole time.
• See Daddy's keys. Drive Daddy's truck. (Repeated over and over and over and over . . .)
• Ate snack a long time ago.
• Mommy is fun (as he's bouncing on our bed).
• Daddy, stay here, stay here (as Jon is leaving for a trip).

Pictures from the last month

Since we've been absent from the blog world for a while, here are a few pictures from the last month.

Jeremiah singing at his "microphone" outside (when the sun was still shining).

Here's Jeremiah with two of his friends--twins Braden & Connor.

About a week ago, we visited an apple orchard north of town. Jeremiah liked the apples, pumpkins, and just wandering around.

We had our first snow last weekend. I was out of town, but Jeremiah assured me he wore his hood.

Birthday Pictures

See Daddy

What do you get when you combine a two-year-old boy, a Daddy who's been gone from home for five days, and a project that keeps that same Daddy outside the entire day? One very clingy little boy who constantly asks to, "See Daddy" (even when Daddy is less than two feet away).

That was us yesterday and today. Jon was in Dryden, Ontario, from Thursday through Monday, where we could only talk to him on the phone once for about 10 minutes. Then on his first full day back (Tuesday), he needed to spend the whole day digging gigantic holes in our backyard for our newest house project--installing egress windows.

Because I knew the lure of Daddy outside, not to mention the little bobcat, would be too much for Jeremiah to stand, he and I spent most of Tuesday away from home. We went to my friend Tonya's house in the morning, home for lunch and a too short nap, then off to the zoo in the afternoon. Jon still had work to do when we got home. It was a long, long day for him. But the holes are dug, and we're ready for the contractor to come and cut holes in our basement and install the windows, which won't happen until next week.

Funny Boy

We have a funny boy who lives at our house. One who gets extremely excited about laundry, vacuuming, sweeping, dusting, and pretty much cleaning of any kind. One who is quite particular about where his toys get put away. And if any of his books are still out when he goes to bed, he can't sleep until Mommy or Daddy comes and puts them in their proper place.

This funny boy is also quite concerned about the cleanliness of our kitchen. If any tiny bit of water drops onto the floor (and I do mean tiny), he's right there with a towel that he pulled out of a drawer to clean it up. (Not sure where he got that from. It sure wasn't from his mom.)

Our funny boy likes to sleep on any bed or couch in the house--preferably not his own--but it's never nap time or bed time, and it only lasts for 30 seconds at best. He enjoys doing his "cizes" along with Mommy as she does her physical therapy. And he gets excited about picking "ma-toes" though he usually gets in trouble when he squeezes them or takes a bite.

What a funny boy we have who lives in our house! Every day has more laughs and adventures (both good and bad) than the one before.

An Anniversary, A Graduation, and Two Birthdays

This last weekend was a busy one for us in the celebration department. Dusty, Brandee, and Kaylee all came for a visit. And although my parents had planned to be here, too, there were some things on the ranch that they needed to stick around for.

On Friday, we celebrated with Brandee as she received her master's degree from UNL. She's been part of the Math in the Middle grant program the last three years, and after all her hard work, she's finally done. Friday was also our 10th anniversary. We didn't do too much for it on that day, other than exchanging cards, but have some bigger plans for this upcoming weekend.

Then on Saturday, we celebrated Kaylee's birthday (August 5) and Jeremiah's (August 29). I had a young woman from church make a special cake for them, and it really turned out well. I guess I had talked up the cake so much to Jeremiah, that when it came time for his nap, he fought it for an hour (I'd said we'd have the cake after he woke up). Then, after he finally did fall asleep and then wake up, his first words were, "Mommy. Cake!"

Brandee wasn't sure Kaylee would like the cake so much, since she didn't seem too excited about it at her birthday parties in Arthur. Maybe it was the chocolate, but she sure dug in. It's so fun to have the cousins together for things like this. Although this picture is a little staged, they really did hug (or in Jeremiah's case--tackle) each other a few times throughout the weekend.

Noise

Here's a camping story from our camping trip two weeks ago. Wow, time flies! Anyway, Friday night a thunderstorm rolled through the campground. Jeremiah and I (Jon) were in our friend's camper. They had air conditioning and it was over 90 degrees that day. We had been trying to get Jeremiah to go to sleep for a couple of hours, to no avail. The lightning and thunder got closer and closer. Then we had a bolt of lightning that seemed to be just feet away. I could see the bright light even though the camper shades were all drawn. Instantly with the the bolt of lightning was a clap of thunder louder than I have ever heard. It sounded like a loud explosion going off. It made those loud booming firecrackers, you hear on the Fourth of July, sound like a toy drum.
I must have done alright with my reaction because Jeremiah studied my face for about ten seconds. Then he pointed his arm and hand out towards the direction of the lightning and simply said, "Noise."

July Photos

When We're Not There

I think most parents wonder what their kids do when they're not around. I certainly know what Jeremiah usually does the moment I leave the room. Like two weeks ago when I was loading stuff in the car and told him not to come in the garage. He obeyed--and then promptly shut the door and locked me out. Then I heard him climb up on the kitchen stool, grab the car keys, lock and unlock the car a few times before turning on the car alarm. I had to get our extra set of keys out of our key box to get back in the house.

Then there was last Sunday as I was getting ready for small group. When I ran downstairs to grab something, Jeremiah managed to get the full pitcher of lemonade I'd just made and set it on the floor, with some spillage of course.

But we don't really know what he does with babysitters or when he's at Sunday School. Last week, his Sunday School teacher clued me in a little bit. Jeremiah gets very excited about seeing Mimi at Sunday School, a doll who helps to tell the story. His teacher said that when she starts to set up ahead of time, Jeremiah is so excited that he starts to line up all the chairs and then round up the other kids to come for storytime.

That's cool, I thought. But does he actually listen to the story? You bet, said his teacher. He's focused, one of the few kids who is.

I'm really glad he likes to listen to stories. I hope this continues throughout his lifetime.

Going to work

Jeremiah loves to copy me (Jon). So today he put one of his toy cars in his back pocket. That would be his billfold. Placed a baggage tag attached to a lanyard around his neck. Then he put the baggage tag inside his shirt. That would be me wearing my airport badge and putting it in my front shirt pocket. Finally he attached my cell phone to his shorts. He always sees me with my cell phone on my belt. Then he walked to the door leading into the garage saying "waauk" (work). He did this several times and smiled every time.

A Time-Out and A Dance

As many of you are probably already aware, Jeremiah is not always obedient. For those of you that this comes as a shock, you shouldn't be. Anyway, the other night Jeremiah was listening to music on the stereo downstairs, dancing and generally having a good time. However he found a way to get into trouble. While he was in "time-out" the music was still going on the radio. I (Jon) thought instead of us just sitting here staring at Jeremiah while we wait for his "time-out" to be over, I will ask Mindy to dance. So we danced to the music while Jeremiah stared at us. Of course when his "time-out" was over he wanted to dance with us too. So all three of us danced together. It was a very nice moment.

Random Jeremiah Moments

Sue often tells Kristin and I that we need to write down things that the boys say and do. We may think now that we'll remember them forever, but it's too easy to forget, even a few weeks or months down the road.

So with that in mind, here are a few random things that Jeremiah has said and done the last few days.

• When he got put in timeout and I told him not to get up from his rocking chair, he waited until my back was turned and then moved the chair to be where he wanted and never got up. Now I have to be a bit more specific with my instructions.
• He woke up early from his nap the other day to the sound of an airplane flying over. He said, "Ai-plane," immediately followed by, "Daddy."
• We've been reading Blueberries for Sal this week, and I told him that this little girl was helping her mommy pick blueberries just like he helped Daddy and I pick raspberries. I pointed out the pictures of her sitting and just eating the blueberries off a bush and her getting a big handful from her mother's bucket. Jeremiah has always eaten one or two raspberries as we've picked them off our bush in the backyard. But that night, Jon said he ate so many more off the bush and kept getting handfuls out of Jon's basket and eating them. I guess he was paying attention to the book!
• That same boy who will eat raspberries off the bush refused to eat them off his plate tonight. Sigh . . .
• When we said goodbye to Jon before he went to work, I said, "Say, 'I love you, Daddy.'" Jeremiah said, "I love you" for the first time in his garbled toddler language.
• Jeremiah jammin' out to "Axel F" and "Chicken Fried" playing on the computer.

Oh what an energetic, bouncing, exploring, getting-into-trouble-one-minute and being-so-sweet-you-can't-stand-it-the-next boy!

Cousin Kaylee visits (aka: Kay Kay)

So the last couple of weeks Brandee has been in Lincoln, at the University, working on part of her Master's Degree. We have been fortunate to have Kaylee and Brandee's niece, Taylor, over to visit during the day. Jeremiah has gotten used to this routine and in the morning now asks for, "Kay Kay." To which we reply that we'll be going to get Kaylee soon. We'll miss seeing them every day but we know they'll be glad to be home.

Things heard around our house these days . . .

From Jeremiah:

• "Kay-kay." Cousin Kaylee, who's here for a visit.
• "Up, up, up," as we pass by garage doors on a walk around the neighborhood.
• "Me!" meaning, "I will open the door for Maggie/go down the stairs/kiss my owie myself!
• "Poopy." Can refer to a dirty diaper or the "fun" game of looking for Maggie's deposits in the backyard.
• "Jay Jay." Means, "I want to watch only the opening theme song of Jay, Jay the Jet Plane, and then I'm done." I think that of the 7,200 views of this YouTube video, over 200 of them are ours.
• "Daddy," as he points to the iron. I really do iron . . . sometimes.
• "Owie" as he points to a bit of a fingernail/toenail that needs trimmed, or as he pats my shoulder and kisses it. What a sweet boy!
• "Oh my!" Also refers to a dirty diaper. Evidently I've said this a few times as I've changed his pants.
• "Me-ma." Means "camera," which must be taken out and used when he puts on our shoes, plays the piano, wrestles with Daddy, etc.
• "Mommy! Daddy!" Heard multiple times throughout the day, but never more frequent as when he's just gone to bed.

From us:

• "Jeremiah, don't climb on that/pull that out/open the fridge/throw that toy . . ." You get the picture.
• "Yay, Jeremiah." Used for eating more than one bite of a particular food or even more recently, when he goes to the bathroom in the toilet like a big boy.
• "It's not time to get up yet, Jeremiah. Just lay in bed and talk to your puppies." Heard almost every morning anywhere from 6:15 to 7.
• "Wow, we're tired." I can't imagine why. Can you?
  

Play Me a Song

Here he is "learning" to play the piano!

Branding Pictures

Here are just a few photos of the branding at my parents' ranch last week--all taken by Jon. He's the one who got up before 4 a.m. and went on the round-up. Me? I slept in until 6 and helped with the dinner. It's a lot less smoky in the kitchen.

No pictures with this one!

I was in the middle of making pies for branding today while a very bored little boy was in the kitchen with me. After trying to entertain him with spoons, magnets, and telling him to go play with his toys umpteen million times, he finally figured out a way to entertain himself. He was able to get his shirt off, and then ran into the living room to play--or so I supposed.

After a long period of silence (which is never good), a very excited and naked little boy ran around the corner into the kitchen. I had a moment of panic when he told me "poo-poo," but the diaper he'd left in his fort was just wet. Whew!

In Daddy's Shoes

Almost every morning, Jeremiah grabs a pair of Jon's shoes (there are usually a few pairs lying in the entryway). He runs into the kitchen saying, "Me-ma" (a.k.a. camera). Then, we have to take a picture of him wearing Daddy's shoes. He would love to be just like his daddy.