Here's my very first slide show!

The kids and I spent the day at the Dallas zoo. It is such a fun place! The weather was perfect. It was warm with a lovely breeze, and there are plenty of shady places to hang out. Bridget slept almost the entire time (she woke up once to eat and then went back to sleep), so I think she enjoyed it! The boys had a great time, capping it all off with a visit to the children's zoo area--or "the place with the stream" as Henry calls it.

We ended the day with a trip to McDonald's, and then the boys watched a movie on the way home. Well, Henry did. Jonah was asleep about five minutes after we left the parking lot.

In fact this is the first day that I can think of in the last four years that Henry didn't take at least a short nap! Henry is my child who does not miss a nap. He didn't sleep AT ALL today, and he had an awesome attitude the entire day! Not bad, huh?

The one we've been waiting for....

Here's the smile that makes me smile when I get up in the middle of the night!

Bridget has been smiling sporadically over the last few weeks, but I finally managed to get a couple pictures of her. Cute, huh?

Also I wanted to let you all know that I started a food blog (Cooking With Lou!) to share some of my favorite recipes. I'll try to post there at least weekly. Just Mom--you're my inspiration! :) Hope you don't mind.

Another picture of the kids.....

because I don't feel like writing anything today!

Just Pictures

"The Godfather"

"The Pirate"

and "The Princess"

Advice, anyone?

I'm looking for some parenting ideas in dealing with this child:

Jonah is a VERY sweet natured boy. He has a natural tendency to care for others. He is funny and loves to make others laugh (which he can do quite easily). He really is a great kid! He is happy 99% of the time (and when he isn't it is usually because he is tired).

The 'problem' that we are seeing in Jonah is a lack of focus. He has trouble paying attention to directions and even if he does listen to what he's asked to do, he forgets what he was doing pretty much before he starts. (And to clarify, I'm talking about simple directions such as "Jonah, go get your shoes and put them on."). Often when someone is talking to Jonah he will wander off as though they weren't even talking.

Jonah has a very difficult time hearing his name being called. He does not have a hearing problem, but he just doesn't seem to process that someone is talking to him. Sometimes it's like he is in his own little world.

Also he generally moves at his own pace. I know that this is part of who he is, but it does seem as though he could speed some things up when he is asked. (An example of this is that it can take him five minutes to get out of the van. He sloooooooowly crawls out of his car seat. Then he stops to pick something up off the floor. Then he turns around and sees a book. He starts to flip through the pages of the book. He finally realizes that I'm standing at the van door saying "Jonah, come out of the car, let's go!" and again starts to head my way. Then he notices the seat belt hanging over the middle seat. He starts playing with that. And on and on and on......)

So my question, for anyone who has any suggestions for me: what do we do with Jonah? How can we help him focus on completing tasks, paying attention to people talking to him, etc....? Have you dealt with this with your child or have you seen someone else like this? I really am feeling like we need to deal with it (somewhat) now before he is old enough to be in school. I honestly think that he would have to be home-schooled because he would get left behind in a classroom setting. (Yes, I know that he is only 2 1/2, but it's never to early to start, right?)

Thanks for your input, folks! :)

Big Brother Jonah

First I just want to thank you all for the encouragement you sent my way this week! It helped to know I'm not alone and other moms have hard days too.

I was getting the boys ready for bed the other night and Bridget was in the living room. She started fussing, Jonah said, "I'll be right back" and left the bedroom where I sat with Henry.

He came back a minute later and said, "I helped Bridget!" with the biggest smile on his face.

I went out to see what he had done....he had taken his most prized possesion (his blanket!) and spread it over his sister. If you've been reading this blog long, you know that Jonah does not often part with his blanket. It was so sweet and selfless!

He thought it would be best if he laid down with her for the picture. What a great brother, huh?