Clara is here!!

Our precious Clara Elizabeth arrived on Wednesday, October 13th at 6:57 pm.  She weighed a healthy 7 pounds, 7 ounces and was 20 inches long.  What a tremendous blessing!   I can't wait to post more about her arrival but as you can imagine life with a newborn and a big brother under the weather doesn't allow much time for blogging.  Don't worry I'm making a list of everything I'd like to share and hope to catch up in the next few weeks.  For now here are a few pictures of our new little angel.

First pic with mommy and daddy

Mommy and Clara

First kiss from big brother

First day home

Berry Patch Farms

Jackson and I spent the morning picking raspberries.  We went to Berry Patch Farms with some friends and had a great time.  Actually, let me clarify, Mommy spent the morning picking berries Jackson spent the morning eating berries (the raspberries are organic and safe to eat off the bush).  He ate as fast as he picked and any that mom put in his basket.  Lucky for J, mom was diligent in her efforts and managed to fill a basket....just about enough for a tasty cobbler for dessert tonight!!

A Day out with Thomas

We spent our Saturday with Thomas the Train!  The Colorado Railroad Museum, located in Golden (about 30 minutes from Denver), hosts a Day out with Thomas Event each year.   This was our second year to attend.  It is so much fun!  I thought Jackson loved it last year but this year was even better.  He ran from exhibit to exhibit with a huge smile on his face.

The ticket price includes admission to the museum, a 25 minute ride on a full size Thomas and access to all of the carnival style Thomas exhibits.  It is definitely a Thomas enthusiast's paradise and Jackson was in heaven.  He had his picture taken with Thomas, met Sir Topham Hatt for story time and played with all of the elaborate train sets in the Imagination Station.  A local fire station brought one of its trucks for the kids to sit in.  They also passed out jr. fireman helmets to all the kids.  The regular trains at the museum are fun to look at and explore as well.   It was a great family outing and we are already looking forward to next year!

A dress for Clara

Last week I got a crazy idea to try and make a dress for Clara.  I've never sewn clothes before so I'm not really sure what made me think this was a good idea.  I happened to see a dress online and thought to myself I can make that.  After that, the idea was stuck and I had to give it a try.  I made my own pattern and spent less than $10 on materials and supplies.  I haven't sewn since Jackson was born so it was a lot of fun to pull out my sewing machine and spend time doing something I've always enjoyed.  Not to mention the challenge of making something from nothing is always fun and creative.  Below are a few pictures of the finished product.  

Yes, I drew and appliqued the pumpkins myself so they are not perfect but I think you can tell what they are. 

preschool

With a new baby arriving this fall, I realized that J and I probably aren't going to get out of the house as much as we usually do this fall and winter.  To combat what I feared would be boredom, I started searching for something we could do together at home that would provide a little structure.  In doing so, I found an online preschool curriculum for 2-4 year olds.  I liked the way it was laid out and it covered things J was ready to learn.  He can say his alphabet and count but he needs to learn how to recognize his letters and numbers.  The program is 26 weeks long.  Each week has a theme, a vocab word (relating to the theme), a letter, number and either a shape or a color.

I told a couple of friends about it and they were interested in doing it with us.  We decided to meet once a week to introduce all of the week's concepts in a play based/interactive environment and to take turns teaching.  We started two weeks ago and it is going really well!  The kids love it and are actually learning.  We added a memory verse to the curriculum.  I've been blown away by the ability of  2 and 3 year olds to memorize scripture!

Aside from the socialization benefit, another perk of introducing the concepts once a week in a group setting is that the remainder of the week doesn't require any prep work.  We can reinforce what he is learning in conversations or everyday things we find in our environment.  We make a  learning poster each week with all of the concepts and then hang it up in a high traffic area he sees everyday.  Jackson loves it.  However, lets face it he's only two this isn't rocket science or critical to his lifelong education.  Anything he retains is awesome and what he doesn't he'll learn in his own time.

Here's hoping the rest of the year goes as well as the first two weeks!  Below are a few pictures from the first class.  I was the teacher and have to admit I really enjoyed the creative outlet of planning the lesson and preparing the crafts and games.  The best part is I only have to teach every three weeks.  The break in between affords me the time and energy to be really creative when my turn rolls around.

Like any preschool, snack time is important!

Children's Museum

Jackson and I spent our morning at the Children's Museum.  We had a wonderful time!  J is at a great age to really enjoy the exhibits.  I was amazed at how much more engaged he was compared to our last visit.  I have a feeling this will be a great destination for us this winter.  Clara can sleep in the stroller and J can burn energy running and exploring all of the exhibits!

The firetruck is one of his favorites.  He loves to drive and sound the sirens.  The water pump in the back is fun too.  He moves it around yelling, "Whoosh!  No more fire!"

The grocery store is another big hit.  Its set up like a Whole Foods with little grocery carts and a check-out station.  It also has a kitchen to the side where you can cook dinner after buying your groceries.  J loves pushing the cart around and gathering his food.  The biggest draw is the cart, which he can quickly turn into a game of bumper cars.  What can I say, the boy loves anything with wheels!

We both really enjoyed the bubble exhibit set up especially for the summer.  J had a great time making bubbles.  He looked like a mad scientist in his lab coat and safety goggles!

This was so cool.  When you pulled the rope a big bubble formed all around you.  J could make and stand inside his own bubble.  :)

Mommy doesn't let J use paints very often at home.  Way too messy.  I now know I'm a bad mommy for letting the mess deter me from encouraging what is clearly a budding Picasso.  

After we explored everything inside the museum, we hit up the playground outside.  Whew!  What a fun (and exhausting) morning!  I really enjoyed watching J play and explore everything.  He had a blast and is already asking when we can go again.  All in all, it was another wonderful morning with my favorite little man.  

Flying Jackson

What happens when you combine two thrill seeking dads and one fearless little boy?  Apparently, one high flying adventure!  Not sure what prompted this activity but its clear by the smile on his face J enjoyed it.  :)