Jamboree

As Jack's birthday looms on the horizon(two months away now!), I find myself questioning every move I make.  I have changed the general 'theme' of his party three times now, mostly because I know he won't remember this, and I want to save some of the more memorable ideas for a later birthday.  As we all know, I am a sucker for a theme, particularly a simple theme that can be executed outdoors, and I think we have finally hit on one we like, so now I need a little input.  How does this look?

I am thinking we will play up the fall colors with some hay bales, etc.  Any ideas/input would be welcome!

Parents are Weird

I am not one to post updates on my physical health, but we have all been hit with a lovely summer cold here at Country Mouse Headquarters.  One week back with those dirty little junior highers and my husband come down all achy and snotty, then it was my turn, and we are just hoping that Jack fights it off.

In an effort to turn our day around yesterday, I felt the need to dress Jack up as a tiger.  You know...cause that's a normal response to a cold and all. 

He had inherited a tiger costume from his cousin, Emerson, and the label said nine months, but then again, Jack is kind of a tank.  I managed to squeeze him into it, but as I zipped up the tiger suit, his belly burst right through.  I laughed until I cried at my dear, sweet, bare-chested, tiger-boy. 

He absolutely loved it, he would pull at the hood, then turn around and grab his own tail, then make a mad dash over to Daddy where he would stop and turn to clap his hands for me. 

The kid is a riot. 

My $5 Find

In anticipation of the coming fall season, I find myself dreaming of the crisp autumn day when Jack will kick through the fallen leaves in these little darlings.  I can picture him so clearly, kicking his feet the way he often does when he is excited, crushing the leaves in his chubby little hands, maybe even wearing these tiny moccasins at our Thanksgiving dinner, stuffing turkey and stuffing into his face like there is no tomorrow.

Oh yes, Fall is coming little shoes...just you wait!

The Numbers

6 - The number of teeth that make up Jack's smile.

2 - The number of teeth trying to work their way through his little swollen gums.

11 - The number of times Jack woke up last night.

3 - The number of Orajel tubes scattered strategically throughout the house.

2 - The number of frozen washcloths in the freezer for chewing.

3 - The number of onesies he has soaked with drool this morning.

Poor little dude is miserable!  Which, you know, makes for a really fun Monday.

Anyone out there have any more teething advice?  What works for you?  How do you help your little one get some relief?

Another Summer Ends

I know technically we still have a few more weeks of 'summer', but here at Country Mouse Headquarters, our first family summer is officially over.

While it is nice to return to routine and days spent with just my little guy, I miss my big guy too.  I don't say it enough, but that man is such a blessing.  He is an integral part of this family, not just a figurehead.  He is a loving husband, and a devoted father in every way.

Today is the first full day of school for Matt, and it would be a lie to say I am not sad to see our first summer as family of three draw to a close.  I have drawn immense enjoyment from our months of family time.  We have splashed, swum, played, and learned together, and I can't believe it went so fast.

Sure, there were times that it was stressful to spend all day everyday together.  Sure, he leaves his boxers on the floor and forgets to put the milk away, but all that fades when he would bend down, give me a kiss, and utter those sweet, sweet words in my ear...

"Honey, you can go back to bed, I got him this morning."

That's romance, people!