Thursday, February 26th, 2009

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday and we went to pick Jack up from preschool. He was barely in the car when he started telling me: "Mom! The priest came in my class and wanted to give everyone dashes. But I told them I didn't want dashes." I asked him what Mrs. Pacetti said when he said 'no' to the 'dashes' and he told me, "She say that OK Jack." Today it came to light that he didn't want the 'dashes' because his forehead is too 'tickly'. (Really, Jack is very timid sometimes and a little hesitant to try new things. So I'm sure having something that looked like dirt smeared on his head by a stranger wasn't something that appealed to him- I don't blame him!)

Another story that illustrates how shy he can be in a new situation: Jack said he and his class we playing 'Buzz Buzz Sting' the other day (essentially Duck Duck Goose adapted to the bumble bee lesson that day). I asked him if anyone tapped his head and said 'Sting!'. He said someone did tap him, but he didn't run after them in a circle because he 'was too tired'. I know he was probably intimidated when everyone cheered for him. This is one of those things that I am glad that I am not there for because I always end up feeling bad for him in these situations and trying to make him feel better. Really, he needs to be exposed to these new and unfamiliar things and maybe next time, he'll be more comfortable to try them.

When Tommy got home today, Jack came upstairs from the basement with his legal pad to take our orders for 'Jack Jack'. He stated (in an almost Ukranian accent), "Hello. I Jack Jack and I wear my glasses on this day. So, want you want?" It was hilarious that he introduces himself and welcomes us, explaining about the glasses. This was followed by, "Coffee or beers? We have big beers for grown ups and little beers for kids." I was dying.

Tommy and I was having a heated discussion about the house we are bidding on tonight. We weren't upset, just animated. Jack looked at us and said "AAAHHHHH! Guys! STOP! I really tired of listening to you guys. I'm trying to write this order".

When he sat down to dinner, waiting for Tommy to pour his milk, he said, "AHHH!!! My dad's killing me tonight. I don't want milk!!" (we're trying to get away from his use of this phrase, but it's still hilarious when he does).

Annie had her 4 month check up this morning and I took everyone because I wanted Dr. Skoch to look at Jack's eyes and I wanted Mallie to have a doctor's office experience that didn't include her getting shots. As soon as I stripped Annie down to her diaper, Jack decided he really needed to go potty. Mallie still had her coat on.... So I sent Jack down the hallway to go and stayed with the girls in the examining room. Then I realized that I should never have sent my 3 year old roaming the doctor's halls, so I took the girls to follow him. Annie was naked and Mallie was in her coat yelling, "Jaaaa!!! Jaaaa!!!" searching for him. We were quite the sight.

Annie weighs 16.9 lbs now. She is rolling from her back to her tummy every day now and almost rolled the other way at the doctor's office. She's doing everything a 4 month old should be. She's perfect!!!!

Jack and Mallie were very busy today reading to each other. Jack is getting very interested in 'reading' books on his own and it never fails to amaze me about how well he remembers the actual words from these books! But he brought down a 'bathroom book' of Tommy's today about baseball. He and Mallie were paging through it on the coffee table, chanting 'Baseball Game! Baseball Game!!!" or in Mallie's case "Baaa Baaaa Ga!!!" The next time I walked into the room, they were on to another book (Dr. Suess) and Jack was cupping Mallie's chin in his hand, saying, "What you think Honey??" She was standing there still as a statue looking at him.

Mallie's latest thing is to lay on Annie....well not 'on' her, but between her legs with her huge, heavy head on Annie's little tummy. Jack thinks this is hilarious and Annie seems to find it slightly entertaining, if not interesting. Mallie is just happy being that close to her sister. I really never have to worry about Mallie hurting Annie. She may make her uncomfortable (as in this situation) but she knows when to stop.