Big Boy Potty

When I got home from work today, Hunter's Granna had some big news for this Momma. Not only did Mr. H get a big boy potty this morning that he got to pick out, but he also used the potty. He skipped the easy part and went straight for a #2 in the potty. According to Granna, H woke up from his nap and asked to use the potty. She wasn't sure which word he had used (it sometimes happens. His words sound a little bit alike at times) so she took off his diaper and put him on the potty. They discussed things while he sat and lo and behold, he stood up and Granna had a surprise! Way to go kiddo! Proud of you!

First Day of "School"

Today, my sweet Hunter started his first day of "school" in the Early 2's class. He is too big! He woke up early and had breakfast, put on his new shirt with his name on it ("H is for Hunter" with a "sorse" (horse) on it. So very Hunter!) We packed his lunch, backpack, and nap mat and headed to school. Momma and Daddy walked H in. Daddy had to carry his backpack because it was too big and heavy for H. It knocked him over when he tried to walk in the building. We helped him put his things under his choo-choo name badge. Then we took the beloved first day of school pictures with the new supplies, and the very proud Momma and Daddy. We walked him down to his early class, since mom has to be there early for Bible study. He wanted to fuss a little, but one of his teachers from last year grabbed him up and he did great! The teachers at his school LOVE him and think, just like we all do, that he is just the greatest thing alive! (Okay, maybe that's a small exaggeration!)

I checked on H about 9:00. He was playing and happy and cute as can be. His class was getting ready to go to the playroom, so I sat at the top of the stairs so I could watch him go without being seen. Yes, I am the obsessive mom! His class walks through the building on a rope with plastic bracelets/rings tied to it for the kids to hold on to. H did not want to hold his ring. His teachers kept gently reminding him to hold on. I think he finally figured it out. I loved the look he gave them. It looked like he was telling them that he was just fine walking on his own and he didn't need a rope. So silly!

All of my worries about the napmat were worthless, just like everyone said they would be. I went by during my lunch break and he was sacked out, lying crooked on top of his mat. I asked if it took much to get him down. Apparently, his teachers just reminded him he had to stay on his mat and he fell asleep on his own. Yea! I'm so impressed. I really wanted a picture through the window, but I didn't dare wake him. No more lunch dates with momma, I guess. It's okay though because I can sneak peeks at him whenever I can. I love it!

Hunter had a great first day at school! Thank you God!! He came home in a great mood!!

Daddy and Hunter before school.

Hunter and Momma

Hunter's super cool backpack


On a completely unrelated note, I have graduated from my cake decorating class. Tonight was our last night. Hunter's Granna and I had a fun time learning from this funny little lady at Hobby Lobby. Here's the final cake I did. Jimmy said it was tasty.

Close your Eyes

Friday night, we headed to Arlington. Hunter talked non-stop for the first 3 hours of the trip. He got louder and louder. After we put in "Na-No" (Nemo) he settled down but did not want to go to sleep, even though it was getting late. One of us suggested that H close his eyes for a little bit. Well, Mr. Smarty-pants, dropped his head to the side, closed his eyes, then popped right back up and started laughing his head off. Of course, Jimmy and I were laughing just as hard! He did the same thing every time we asked him to close his eyes! This kid cracks us up! His laugh is so contagious! I want to get a bottle and grab some of it up and just open it when I need a smile. I wish I had my camera in my hand so I could have gotten video. Maybe he will do it again soon.

Thank you God for my kiddo's laughter and smiles!

Big Enough for Nap Mat

I truly can't believe that Hunter is big enough to sleep on a nap mat when he goes to "school" in a few weeks. Hunter is a super busy kid who has a hard time sitting still for a few seconds. He only sleeps in his crib, not in bed with mom and dad for a nap or anything, only in his bed. This momma got a little anxious when I found out that we needed to buy our big boy a nap mat for nap time. There is no way that my child will sleep on the floor! Everyone assures me that peer pressure is a great thing, even in Hunter's class. His teacher tells me she will sit on the floor next to him to help him, but I'm still a little nervous. He is such an amazing, great kid! Super flexible, surely he will catch on to this quickly too. He does love his nap mat. He gets very upset when it is put away (I have to keep it nice and new for school, of course!). I love the mat too! I think it is great! Nice and thick and cute as can be! I really can't believe how big Mr. H is getting!

I go back to work on Friday so blog posts may not come as often! I apologize in advance.

Thank you God for health and growth for my sweet baby boy and for a great "school" for him to go to on Tuesdays/Thursdays so he can be close to Momma.

***I need to give credit where credit is due. I found this mat at www.napmatsandmore.com. I'm very impressed with their stuff!!

Mr. Putt-Putt

A few weekends ago, we decided to do something fun with Hunter, so we decided to take the kiddo to Putt Putt. He likes hitting balls here at home, why not there, with the greens and animals. Sounds like fun! Well, it was a hot, still day. Surprisingly, there was little wind so it was HOT! We had a great time on the first 4 holes. Daddy showed H how to hold the club and swing. Hunter ran after his ball and picked it up and put it in the hole. All great fun! Then, Mr. H had a meltdown about hole 5 and he didn't want to play any more. Our Putt Putt adventure turned into a game. What can we do to make this fun for Hunt? He loves throwing balls so let's try to roll/throw the ball toward the hole. It worked for awhile. Thankfully there weren't many people there so we could take our time or hurry. I love any time that I can spend with my boys, fussy or not (Hunter that is, not Jimmy of course!) I'm pretty sure that I would have won if we had kept track of our strokes. I had mostly holes in 2, but I believe I did have a hole-in-one. (Don't tell Jimmy. He might think he won, but I'm pretty sure it was me!)

Daddy showing Hunter how to golf.

Hunter sitting in front of the pretty waterfall.

I loved this picture. They did this on their own. My precious boys.

Push Toy Goes for a Swim

(Mama Bonk, this post may be too much for you and other germaphobe friends. . . just a warning!)

Hunter has a new fascination with the toilet. We have caught him several times opening the lid and trying to touch the water, or putting the toilet brush in the water, once he even put his juice cup in (it went straight to the dishwasher, no worries). Today, I found him with his singing push toy coming out of the toilet. What am I going to do with this kid?!

A Fun Weekend in Arlington

We just got home from a visit to Arlington. We had lots of fun. Of course, everything is more fun with Mr. H around! Friday night, we drove in and had dinner with ALL of the Holloways. It has been awhile since all of Hunter's uncles have been together. Someone always has to work or has a softball game. Hunter and Joshua swam and had a great time in their matching swim trunks (sorry, the camera didn't make it out of the bag for this photo op).

Saturday, Jimmy played in the annual BEGE poker tournament with his college fraternity brothers. He came in 2nd for Player of the Year! Way to go! Aunt Maci and Joshua, Peyton, and Landen, came over for awhile and the boys had a fun playing together and practicing sharing. They really like to yell together. It was quite funny! My favorite part of the day was naptime. Always a favorite, but Hunter actually laid on the couch with me while "Cars" was on and fell asleep. Such a sweet cuddle time! We went to IHOP with Mimi and Papa for dinner and then came home and played a little more. Since dad got home late, Hunt was already in bed, but I did catch a picture of him waiting for daddy to come home. (He is standing in the window. He is a little climbing monkey!)Sunday, Jimmy drove home with Dixie and Wyatt while H and I stayed to play a little longer. We went swimming at Mimi's friend Teresa's house. He is just a little fish. I love that he has no fear of water. Sunday night I met my college roommate Sara for dinner. H was a little worn out at this point, but we had a great time catching up anyway.

Monday, H and I drove over to Frisco to see Becky and Jorja, Alysia and Holly. (I only got lost once on the way there, but Daniel set me straight, and thank goodness for my Iphone!) We went to the mall for Chic-fil-A and rode the carousel. I tell you what, H can't get enough of the "sorses". He loves them!! We rode three times and he was still upset when we had to get off because we were out of tokens. Hunter waved at Alysia, Becky, and Jorja everytime we passed them. After naptime, we went for a walk, then Holly came over. What fun to be with my girlfriends! It has been way too long. I love these girls! We spent more time talking than taking pictures, sadly.

(Is this blackmail worthy or what?!)

Tuesday, Hunter and I got up extra early to fly home. I was a little nervous to fly with such a busy boy, but he did great! Mimi helped get our luggage checked. She sure was sad to see H go home. We had the last row on the plane to ourselves, which was such a blessing! The man across the aisle had three kids, so he said listening to Hunter was music to his ears. Hunter spent most of the flight in his own seat wearing his big boy seatbelt. He got a little restless because he was so sleepy. It's hardwork keeping a 19 month old kiddo quiet on an airplane! Daddy was at the baggage claim to pick us up! What a fun thing to see my boys welcoming each other! It made my heart swell! We stopped for lunch and Granna just happened to be at the same restaurant! She had been missing her girl and baby boy! Then we came home and took a nice long nap.

Hunter in his own seat on the airplane

Thank you God for such a great weekend with friends and family and for safe travel home!