Saturday, July 10, 2010

Qualities of the Youngest Sibling

Being the youngest sibling myself, I know it isn't a job that just any Average Joe can do.  You have to have special qualities to be able to deal with your older sibling.  
The youngest sibling will naturally be patient. 

The older sibling will most likely have to be taught this quality.  (As Mommy and Daddy are pulling their hair out!!!....They need to be patient too!)

It starts from the time of conception.  

Mom is tired during her 1st pregnancy, she naps or goes to bed early.
1st baby of the family is crying, he/she is quickly comforted.
There isn't another sibling to steal toys.
The world simply revolves around him/her!

The youngest sibling.....
Mom doesn't take naps during pregnancy.  Focus is still on 1st baby.
2nd baby will learn to self soothe as Mom tends to oldest child who is in need.
2nd child's toys are stolen from day 1. 
2nd child's world depends on their older sibling's current mood.....because that is what's going to determine Mommy and Daddy's mood, too!

They learn to be patient.

Sometimes they have to just wait for their moment.

Find joy in playing with the little toy....
Understand that when the older sibling asks you to become involved, it is probably to benefit them in some way....
When they see their older sibling is in need, they will help....
They enjoy seeing their older sibling happy....
But they can't always figure out their older sibling.  Sometimes they may THINK their brother or sister wants their help, but there are moments when the oldest wants to PROVE that he/she doesn't need help!
The youngest will want to scream.....
But, the youngest has a sense of humor.
The youngest just sits quietly, waits, and thinks.....

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Garrett’s Room.

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Garrett’s new “Big Boy” room is complete.  There are a few little things I still want to do, but for the most part his room is being checked off of my “to do” list. 

Take a look…..

His new bed and bedding.

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Close up of the sheets, which is the theme of the room, Transportation.DSC_1365

The Rug.

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His Dresser.

….which was his changing table, but we removed the top….Potty Training will start soon…..ugghhhh….not looking forward to it.

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Lamp Shade.

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Curtains.

I was so excited to find these.  They are from Pottery Barn Kids and they are from their rugby line which is discontinued.  I really wanted something bold and boyish for his curtains.  I didn’t want them to be too “matchy matchy” with his bedding or just a solid color.  I wanted something to kind of break it all up.  I remembered that PBK had this pattern, but after looking online, I realized they were no longer available. 

I went to PBK yesterday and was happy to find one on their shelf, but I controlled my excitement because what good is ONE panel….(his window is too big to do my old trick of making it into two panels) but then I quickly realized there were TWO panels in the pack!  I then got excited and thought “What a deal!  Two for the price of one!”……NO….the price was just doubled.  Oh well, I found what I was looking for!!

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Airplane finials on his curtain rod. 

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Remember he had a monkey cover for his chair, but I decided to order him a new cover which is identical to Jackson’s.  I am learning that 2 of the same is much easier….

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{Focus on the cute frame, not the empty frame!}DSC_1355 DSC_1354  DSC_1371 DSC_1359

Monday, July 5, 2010

4th of July Weekend.

We spent the weekend at my parents' house with my mom & dad, my sister, Ricky, Harleigh, & Savannah, my Grandma, Aaron's brother Michael & his girlfriend Casie.  

Here is a snapshot of our fun weekend:

4th of July Cakeballs.....
For what it's worth, in my mind I pictured taking a picture of the boys together sitting in green grass with their arms around each other, while holding a little American flag...

But in reality, I couldn't get the 2 of them in that position.

Well maybe I could have if I REALLY tried, but sometimes I just don't have the energy.

So, this is what I got instead - 

Savannah
I brought stuff to let Harleigh paint a shirt like the boys did.  She told me she knew she would be great at painting her shirt because she has been taking art classes since she was in kindergarten!  :)  
My dad & Savannah
My Family
My Family including my Grandma
(Grandma was "The Dog Whisperer" to Rigley all weekend)
Cousins
My sister and Garrett
After eating lots and lots of chocolate covered strawberries - 
Jackson trying to make Savannah laugh -
Kid's Slumber Party -
Garrett with his Uncle Michael and Casie - 
Jackson was such a "BIG KID" in the lake.  Not a worry in the world....
He jumped off of the boat dock 1,462 times.....
Getting ready to jump - 
"CANNONBALL!!!!!"
Garrett fell asleep -
Even Rigley went for a swim - 
Just hanging out with the guys.....
Fireworks and ice cream....
"HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!!"