Big boy bed

So...

This weekend, while away at class, Jack decided it was time to crawl out of his crib. {funny how these wild adventures always seem to happen while I'm away} Well, he ended up getting both his little legs stuck between a couple rungs. After three adult men and a can of Pam came to the rescue, Jack was set free.

We decided it was time to convert Jack's crib to the toddler bed ASAP.

In hopes of not having a nerdy Disney toddler bed, we thought we might as well try the little bed converter that came with his crib. We set it up, with Jack's help of course...he loved being able to climb in an out!

Night one:

We tucked Jack into his bed. We almost shut the door and ran out. We hugged each other and chatted about how big our little boy has gotten. Seconds later...in walks Jack with the biggest smile on his face! Not only did he crawl out, he also opened the almost shut door. Stinker! We tried again...same thing. After lots of snuggling, patting, and convincing...Jack feel asleep after a few minutes.

Mom and dad = sleepless night of worrying about him falling out

Jack = good night's sleep mostly in his big boy bed

In the morning, I decided I had to go check at 630. Jack was snuggled on the blankie we had on the floor with his Mr. Snuggles and blankie sleeping soundly. Phew! A full night's sleep. A happy little man.

A 15 month old already in a big boy bed?!

Tonight is day two. Three minutes of crying and I snuck in to find this:

I think I'll get more sleep tonight. He can't fall far, and clearly he's enjoying his new big boy "bed". It's a nice stepping stone to the twin bed he'll call home in the coming months. Time sure flies!

A day at the park

So, we happen to have this little park across the street. Good thing? We thought so, that's why we picked this lot. Well...now that Jack's old enough to know better...the park is the only place he wants to be.

This was our first adventure to the park. Clearly, it was unforgettable for Jack; everyday when we get home from daycare, I plop him out of the car to walk inside and he turns and runs towards the park! Snow, sleet, rain, or hail...he'd rather be at the park. After I corral him inside, we have a few minute break-down-and-cry-it-out session, followed by a stare out the office window at the long-lost park.

On our way!

Before we even got there Jack was entertained by the grass...

And dirt.

Wee!

I just love his expression here. He's figuring out the world is much bigger than he once thought!

This picture made me realize how big Jack has gotten. He can walk and play while I step away and snap pictures. Kids grow up too fast!

His thinking face..

If you look closely, you can see Daddy in the glare! Jack is copying him...SO BIG!

Like father, like son. So cute!

It's a blessing having a little toddler park across the street. It's a nightmare having a little park across the street. It's going to be a long summer -- but I sure can't wait for it to be here!

Life is good...

good and busy.

It's been almost a year since we moved into our house -- and I can finally say I know which light switches power the ceiling fan and which switch powers the stairway lights.

Jack is a mover and a grover. He's a social butterfly like his daddy. He's SO content when his cousin, Bailey, comes to play with him. Otherwise he wanders around the house with my make-up and an empty pop bottle in his hands singing his version of "twinkle, twinkle". He shuts doors and drops his cup to an on-the-spot "uh - oh" every time. He completely understands the words "NO!" and "yuck-y" and will shy away from anything if we say either of them...including my all-glass front door. Baby smear prints are no more.

I am busy with classes, the newness of standards-based assessment at school, and having impromtu dance parties with my family at nights. Our weekends are filled with visits to the playland at the mall, home improvement projects, family and friends.

Jack doesn't cry in the car anymore. A bigger carseat and a dvd player tuned into "Your Baby Can Read" volume one has done the trick. Thank goodness. He can point to his nose, mouth, and sometimes ears if you ask. Jack mimics everything. Right now, when he has to poop he usually tells us.


Eric and I ventured into a little DIY this weekend. We tiled our backsplash and added hardware to our kitchen cupboards! I picked up the materials on Saturday while Boogs napped...and we were done by Sunday evening -- cleaned up and ready to go! It was fun to work as a team...and to accomplish something we didn't really know how. If you want to do any home improvement project - you MUST go to Lowe's. They know their stuff. And, they have the best selection.

People always said after you have kids your house will not be as clean. Not true :) Maybe I'm a little particular. Maybe there's a random plastic french fry under my couch cushion. However...my house is still really clean. Where we find the time I'm not sure? But, I'm glad I could prove that idea of a messy house wrong.

In a few weeks we're off to Puerto Vallarta! Eric's first time on a plane. Our first real vacation. We can't wait! I'm trying not to shop too much... :) I'm going to miss Jack a whole bunch though. He'll be in good hands at my sis and bro's house though. We're thankful we have people who love him as much as we do!

As usual, I'm counting down the days until May 23rd. Swimming pools, the park across the street, and messy faces filled with melted ice cream are screaming our names. I. Love. Summer.

Life is busy.

Life as a momma is unexplainably wonderful in so many ways.

Life is good.

Rolling with the punches...

Before Jack:

Eric and I were neatly organized, perfectly planned, and over-prepared for life. I would usually plan out my wardrobe a week in advance, write out to-do lists galore, and my desk at school was perfectly clear and organized. Not to mention, our house was impeccably spotless. I think I went almost an entire school year without using a single sick day. Each night I fit in a work out, a home-cooked meal for the two of us, and we spent quality time chatting about our days while I cozied up into a steamy bubble bath that Eric drew for me. I was to the point where I was bored with being bored. There's only so much shopping and cleaning a girl can do!

Planned.

Organized.

Structured.

After Jack:

Last week, Jack came down with terrible ear infection. We spent two nights home with him {gasp, sub plans suck!} and had lots of cuddles and snotty noses. Eric's parents were in town and we decided to treat them to Jethro's -- the amazing new BBQ spot in Waukee. After 17 pieces of food landed on the floor and two, count them, two helpings of strawberry fruit snacks to tide Jack over, we decided it was time to go. A messy diaper bag in hand...

Now-a-days, we're a little less structured.

A little less organized.

Tonight, we attempted to find Daddy a new set of shades...it's been 7 years since he's updated his lenses. After Jack ran around the store, took about 100 pairs of glasses of the shelf, and managed to annoy every person in the room...we realized, again, it was time to go. A 7 o'clock bedtime usually comes in handy, but on "running errands" kind of nights with a ear infection...7 o'clock comes awfully early.

It stinks to see Jack sick, sad, and tired...all at the same time.

It sucks to write sub plans and to disappoint my kiddos.

It is hard to live this less structured, much less glamoursly planned life.

Most days of mommyhood are amazing. Some are difficult. Almost every day gets a little messy!

As we enter into this not-so-sure-what-kind-of-a-mood-our-toddler-is-in stage, I'm learning to

roll with the punches...

I wouldn't trade any snotty night, any tired and sick snuggle, and any scream {no matter how loud it gets} in the middle of the store. I just love my little guy...and all of these adventures he takes us through. I'm sure there'll be more ear infections, more syringes filled with antibiotics, more sub plans...and that's okay. I'm learning to be cool with the less-planned, more happy mommy lifestyle!

Jack with his burn, runny nose, four molars coming in and an ear infection...still smiling :)

Jack having fun with Gramma!

Jack and Grandpa! He loves his chips and dip :)

Three generations!

You should have seen my black granite counter tops after we let Jack dig into the dip! AH! :)

Toddler Must-Haves!

As I walked through the recently beloved Target Baby aisles, I realized how much of the "must haves" I used to search for aren't needed in our house anymore. However, a new collection of go-to items have surfaced into our oversized diaper bag.

Sippy Cups: Jack loves his milk and his ice-cold water. Wherever we go, a sippy cup or two is always in hand. In fact, we bought him a new carseat tonight {in hopes of a happier camper in the car?!!??!!} and it has two...count them, two cup holders! We did figure out tonight, however, that Jack's mastered the skill of sucking through a straw. Now, he can share my water {that is, if I don't mind drinking his goldfish crumbs he leaves behind in the straw...gross!}

Cardboard books: Jack can toss them, chew on them, stack them, and stand on them...and they stay in great shape! No matter when or where, he'll crawl into our lap for a good book. It's definitely a staple in every room in the Krieger house.

Applesauce cups: AAAAAAAAAAAApppplle is usually the first thing Jack says after waking up. Honestly, I believe Jack would eat applesauce for every. single. meal. Swear! Applesauce cups are our friend. We have strawberry/banana, peach, regular, cinnamon, and more stocked in our fridge and in our lazy susan. I usually have a cup or two tucked into our diaper bag, too! Jack. Loves. Applesauce.

Puma velcro shoes: These things are to-die-for! They are velcro, really, really easy to get on, and Jack literally holds them by his feet when he doesn't have them on in attempts to get them on himself. Jack has fat little feet and these little shoes fit perfectly.

Pampers Baby Wipes and Target Diapers have never failed us. I just love the fresh baby scent and sturdiness (is that a word? I'm making it one...) of pampers wipes. Buy them by the case and they last a lifetime...or a month or two. Target diapers are the best invention of all times! They are pretty much leakproof, cheap, and adorably adorned with blue and green polka dots. Highly recommended for ANY baby/toddler out there.

Baby Gap Jeans {or everything}: these things are irreplaceable! Enough said :)

Pillow Pets: it's a pillow, it's a pet, it's a pillow pet! Jack snuggles his little pillow pet and sleeps with it all night long. These could win the most annoying commercial contest, but they could also win the get-my-baby-to-sleep-fast award, too.

Johnson's Baby Wash: tried and true. Not often mentioned or thanked, but this bottle of joy makes our bathtime special. It is gentle on our little guy's eyes, makes him smell like a clean little man, and disintegrates all the spaghetti, applesauce, and boogers that may be left on him when he hops in the tub. Just a squirt or two and he's all clean! Thanks for an amazingly simple but wonderful body wash.

As our little dude gets older, he needs a whole heck of a lot less. Now, a sippy cup, a single diaper, and stack of wipes and we're out the door! It's fun to watch him grow and change. We're working on the word no, animal names and sounds, and of course patty-cake. Oh the adventures of mommyhood :)