Piggy Bank

July 31st 2013 7:17pm,

Putting your coins in your piggy bank

"Money all gone!"

Leon,

       Hanging out at Grandma's (Daddy's Mama) house is always fun for you. You love playing with Grandma in the fun toy room and she always has something special for you. Today you went over to Grandma's house while I went to a doctor's appointment. When I came to pick you up you were jumping around playing and I heard a jingling coming from your pocket. I asked you "Did Grandma give you money Leon?" and you smiled really big and said "Yeah, money!"

       You had so much fun at Grandma's house that you didn't want to leave, but when we got home you were excited to put your new money into your piggy bank. You dropped each coin into the bank and then said "Money all gone!" You decided that you wanted to use the coins you had saved up to buy a new hot wheels car next time we are at the store. You are growing up so fast my little man! I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama

 



Blueberries!

July 30th 2013 11:50pm,

Time to pick some berries!

Time to eat some berries!

Leon,

       After Daddy got home from work today we thought it would be fun to go out to the blueberry farms and pick blueberries. You where so excited and kept saying "Yay! Picking!" You were in awe as we walked through the big field of tall blueberry bushes. Without hesitation you began picking handfuls berries. You would eat a few, put a few in your bucket and then eat the ones in your bucket. It was so cute to see you enjoying yourself so much. Daddy and I picked two big buckets of blueberries to take home with us. I told the owners that they should have weighed you on the way in and on the way out so they could charge us for all the berries you ate! Today was a fun day and we made great memories together as a family. I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama

 



Thank God For Naps

July 29th 2013,

Leon,

       It was a rough day today. You are still working on getting those two year old molars and I had a terrible migraine. By nap time I was in need of sleep and so were you and Naomi, but neither of you wanted to take a nap. As a last resort I loaded you up in your stroller with a snack, got dressed and put your sister in the carrier and we all went for a walk around the neighborhood. I was desperate to get you to take a nap, so even though my head was hurting I knew a calming walk was the only thing that would get you to fall asleep. With luck you were asleep after about 20 minutes of walking. We headed home, I put you in bed, layed Naomi down in her crib, and then quietly layed down to take a nap myself. We all took a long nap and felt much better afterwards. On days like today I am really thankful for nap time. I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama

A Day of Rest

July 28th 2013,

A Day of Play

Leon,

       Today Mommy really needed a day of rest, so Nana came over to help clean and get things caught up around the house, and Daddy and Papa took you out to play and have fun. First you went to the blueberry farms, only to realize that they were closed on Sundays, which was a big bummer. You came back and had a yummy lunch and then Papa and Daddy took you to the new arcade after your nap. It looks like you had a lot of fun playing there, so we will be sure to go back again soon.

       Mommy got a much needed day to rest with baby Naomi and you had a day full of fun guy time with Papa and Daddy. I love you Leon, my sweet son.

 

~Love, your Mama



New Teeth

July 27th 2013,



 

Leon,

       We started our Saturday off by sleeping in. Mommy and your baby sister didn't sleep well last night, so you and Daddy got up to play while we slept in a little later. When we got up we ate a yummy breakfast that Daddy made and then got ready for a fun day. We went to the Farmer's Market and visited Nana who was running a Relay for Life stand, a fundraiser for cancer research. You had fun running around but you soon began to get cranky. We decided to head home and on the way home you had a melt down, crying and screaming. When we got home and you finally calmed down enough you told us it was your teeth that hurt. I then realized you were cutting your last two year old molar. I gave you some tylenol and we sat down to watch some cartoons. You fell asleep curled up on the couch. Getting new teeth is hard work. At least these are the last ones you will get for awhile. You are growing up fast! I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama

Busy Day, Cranky Boy

July 26th 2013,

No Naps

Leon,

       We had a busy day today. We were so busy that we missed nap time, which made for one cranky little boy. To celebrate your Uncle Chris' birthday we went to lunch at a fun all you can eat buffet. You took advantage of that and ate a suprising amount of food, plus an icecream cone for dessert! I have never seen you eat so much, it must have been some good mac'n'cheese! You were so full that you made it half way through your icecream cone then layed your head on the table and said "Full..." in the most pathetic voice.

       After lunch we went home and your great Grandma (Grandma's Mom) stayed to visit for awhile. You loved this and had lots of fun snuggling and showing all of your toys to Grammy. You were sad when she had to go home, but then your other great Grandma (Papa's Mom) came by for a suprise visit. By this time you were getting manic because it was hours past your usual nap time. You had fun visiting while being crazy and showing off. After great Grandma left you were beyond tired, but unwilling to take a nap. Finally you calmed down and we layed down to read a book. Before I could finish reading you fell asleep. Time for a nap at last! I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama

 



Car Rides

July 25th 2013 10:32pm,

Silly Faces

Leon,

       This morning you, Naomi and I headed to church for Moms Connect. You were so excited to play with all of your friends while Mommy got to sit and talk with her friends. On the way there you were being a little goofball in the back seat. First you were dancing to the music on the radio, then you started to sing. When your baby sister started crying you looked over at her and said "Ok baby, ok baby." trying to calm her down. I told you that you were being a very good big brother, and you smiled a big happy grin and said "Yeah!" I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama



BBQ & Dirt

July 24th 2013 11:36pm,

Outdoor Fun!

Leon,

       Tonight we went to a BBQ for our church youth group. It was a beautiful evening with lots of sunshine. You took off to play as soon as we got to the youth pastor's house, running through the grass full of energy. You were very happy because your favorite teen was there as well. She works in the nursery and has become your friend. You stuck to her like glue while we were there, playing and being silly. You sat and played in the dirt for a good portion of the evening. Dirt and kids, they go together like peanut butter and jelly. You had so much dirt on you from head to toe, that when we got home and put you in the bath the water turned brown! All in all you had a very fun time at the BBQ. I love you Leon, my little mud ball!

 

~Love, your Mama



A Boy With Toys

July 23rd 2013 10:05pm,

A Flashy Car

Little Toy Soldiers

Leon,

       You always find a way to make Mommy and Daddy laugh. Whether its your fixated fascination with a new toy, like your new light up car, or the silly way you play using your imagination. You always make me smile. Tonight you took your toy soldiers with you at bath time. You insisted that they needed to be clean too. You dropped each soldier into the bubble filled bath tub and then hopped in. After a few minutes of playing and making your toy soldiers "fight" you began saying "A guy! A guy!" while pointing at the faucet. I then realized that you had shoved one of your toy soldiers up inside the bath tub faucet! After pulling him out you explained that he was "hiding." I love how creative you are when you play using your imagination. You never cease to amuse me, my silly boy! I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama

 



Play Time

July 22nd 2013,

:)

Leon,

       For you naps are a neccesity. You are a wirl wind of energy and playfulness. You love to play, you love to be hyper and you love having friends to do these things with. Today after taking a good nap to recharge your energy, we went over to Nana's house to visit. Nana was watching your cousin Sydney for the day, so you were really excited to go and play. As soon as we got in the door you were running around, going a mile a minute and ready to play, yelling "Sydney, Sydney!" After about an hour of playing with toys and running outside in the backyard you and Sydney were both getting a little tired. You sat down on the couch together and watched TV until Daddy came to pick us up. You were sad to leave, but Nana promised another play date soon and you were ok with that. I love that you have family who all love you so much! It makes me so happy knowing you get to grow up surrounded by all our family and so much love. I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama



Wake Up

July 21st 2013,

Sleepy Sunday Morning

Leon,

       Most mornings you are up and ready to go before I am ready to be awake. Other mornings, when I am already up and awake, you would rather keep on sleeping. This morning was one of those mornings. It took Daddy a few minutes to wake you up. Even as we turned on the lights, talked to you and even tickled you, you refused to wake up. We said "Leon, you need to wake up so we can go to church and have fun!" you then sat up and said "Yeah!" and wanted to get dressed.

      Once at church I took you to the nursery to play with the other kids. You did so well and had so much fun with your friends. When I picked you up after service you ran back to the nursery and said "Play again!" You weren't done having fun and wanted to play with your friends again. I told you next week you could come back and see your friends again and you were happy with that. I love to see you having such a good time and making friends. I love you and I am so proud of you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama



A Walk to the Farmer's Market

July 20th 2013,

Family Fun!

Leon,

       Saturday mornings during the summer mean trips to the Farmer's Market. We started our day somewhat early by going for a nice walk to our local Farmer's Market that is held every Saturday. You were super happy with this outing because you love going for walks, and because you got a huge chocolate chunk cookie at the market. We browsed through the stands, bought a lovely loaf of fresh sourdough bread to go with dinner and got lunch before heading home. When we got home it was nap time for you and baby Naomi. Daddy and I decided we would take advantage of the peaceful quiet afternoon and take a nap as well. Having a new baby in the house, Mommy doesn't get much sleep at night sometimes. I am so thankful for the oppertunity to take a nap on days like today. I am even more thankful we get to spend time doing fun things together as a family. I love the weekends! I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama



TGIF & Beach Fun

July 19th 2013,

My Happy Little Guy

 

Leon,

       Today is Friday, hurray! Tomorrow starts our weekend, which means Daddy is home all day. You love it when Daddy is home, because we do fun things and get to spend all day together as a family. We have some fun things planned for tomorrow!

       The weather has been really nice, so today Grandma and Grandpa suprised you by coming and picking you up to take you to the beach! You had so much fun playing in the sand and running around the beach. They even took you to have lunch before bringing you home for nap time. By the time Grandma and Grandpa brought you home, you were fast asleep. Your baby sister was asleep as well, so Mommy decided it was nap time for all of us. I love nap time together on a wonderful Friday afternoon. I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama



Its Potty Time

July 18th 2013 10:10pm,

Big boy!

Leon,

       Tonight you took a big step towards becoming a big boy. We were laying down to read a book before bed time when you suddenly stood up and said "Pee pee!" Both Daddy and I figured you had peed in your diaper. We haven't started trying to potty train you, but we have been talking to you about it and even bought you a seat for the toilet. You repeated "Pee pee!" and this time pointed towards the bathroom. I asked you "Do you want to use the potty?" and for the first time you said "Yeah!" so Daddy took you to the bathroom. You sat on the toilet for the first time with no diaper on. You didn't go pee, but you took a big step tonight. I am so proud of you, and I am hoping this means less diaper changes in the future! I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama



Songs & Hugs

July 17th 2013 9:27pm,

Playing guitar and singing to Naomi.

You love your baby sister!



Leon,

       This evening Naomi was having some tummy time playing on the floor in her room. You ran to your room and found your little guitars and brought them in to play with your sister. Sitting down next to her you pretended to play your guitar while singing her a made up song. When you were done with your song you layed down next to Naomi and gave her a gentle hug saying "I love you baby." It was such a sweet moment. I love you Leon, and your sister too, with all my heart!

 

~Love, your Mama

Your Words

July 16th 2013,

Leon,

       Over the past few months your vocabulary has really taken off. You are learning new words and phrases everyday! Sometimes you don't pronounce words correctly, or you make up your own words entirely. I thought I would take a moment and list some of my favorite "Leonisms."

 

• Wee-oo wee-oo: This is the word you use to describe any and all emergency vehicles, fire trucks being your favorite.
•  Frog: I won't write the way you pronounce this word, as it comes out completely wrong and inappropriate. You don't say "R's" very well yet, and your "G's" have more of a "K" sound...I think we should just avoid using this word for now.
• You have always put "A" infont of everything you say. "A mommy, a daddy, a mine..etc."
• Cold-cold: Your word for popsicle. Not sure how you came up with that one, but it makes sense.
• Meez: This is how you say "please".
• I ya you: This is how you say "I love you." You always sign it when you say it as well. "L's" seem really hard for you to say, so they come out sounding like a "Y" instead.

These are only a few examples of "Leon-speak." I love all of your silly words as you are learning to speak, even when I have no idea what you are trying to say. It is always fun to watch you learn and grow. I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama



Once Upon a Time

July 15th 2013, 3:48pm,

Reading Bible for Baby to Naomi

Leon,

       After lunch we settled down for some quiet time before nap time. I told you to pick out two books that we would read. I put your baby sister in her bed and you climbed up onto Mommy and Daddy's bed with a book. You crawled to the edge of the bed, opened the book and began reading to Naomi. It was such a sweet moment. I asked you what you were doing and you said "I read! A baby!" When you finished reading to your sister, we snuggled up and read a couple books, sang a lullaby and before long both you and Naomi were fast asleep. I love you Leon, my sweet little boy!

 

~Love, your Mama



Shopping is Exhausting

July 14th 2013,

Nap Time

Leon,

       Going grocery shopping is exhausting, and not just for Mommy and Daddy, but for you too. We went grocery shopping before your nap time, thinking you would fall asleep on the way home. As we picked up all the items on our list we told you if you were a good boy you could get a cookie. As we passed the bakery the lady working gave you a yummy sugar cookie. You said "Thank you!" and happily began nibbling on the cookie. A couple minutes later as we headed to the checkout stands you began to nod off while eating your cookie. Daddy took a video of you as you fell asleep, because it was so cute! He then picked you up and you slept peacefully on his shoulder as we paid for our groceries and headed out to our car. You stayed asleep as we put you in your carseat, drove home and carried you to your bed. Grocery shopping is exhausting. Sweet dreams, I love you Leon!



 

~Love, your Mama



A Day at the Fair

July 13th 2013,

COWS!

Leon,
       Being a beautiful sunny Saturday, we decided we would all go to the fair together as a family. We live close to where the fair is held, so we loaded you up in your stroller, I put Naomi in her moby wrap and we walked to the fair. All the way to the fairgrounds you kept on chanting "Cows, cows cows!" Of all the events and things to see at the fair, you were most interested in the cows. You even made Daddy and I take you back to see the cows four times before the day was done. At the end of the day we listened to a great concert and ate icecream. After the music was done you asked to see the cows one last time. We walked back to the barn and said bye to the cows. You sat starring at the cows for a moment and then turned to us and plugged your nose saying "Cows stinky!" Daddy and I both cracked up laughing! It was close to bed time, so we said bye to the cows and headed home. All in all, we had a fun and memorable day together as a family. I love you Leon!

~Love, your Mama

       

A Beautiful Friday Night

July 12th 2013 10:33pm,

Going for a walk before bed time.

Being silly and hiding from Mommy! 

Leon,

       Hurray it is Friday, and what a fun Friday it has been! This morning Grandma came over and gave you a handsome new haircut. You did very well and didn't start crying until we were halfway done, which is a huge improvement from last time. After lunch we went over to Nana and Papa's house to hang out for a while. When Daddy got off work he came and picked us up and we went home. You decided to skip your nap today, so you were a little cranky. We thought an evening stroll through the neighborhood would calm you down, plus it was nice to get some fresh air. By the time we got home it was close to bed time. You tried to fight bed time by hiding from Mommy after your bath. You hide behind the curtains giggling and being silly.

       Finally we all layed down and read a few bed time stories. We turned off he lights and then you asked me to sing "You Are My Sunshine" over and over until you drifted off to sleep. I love Fridays, especially since tomorrow is Saturday and we get to spend the day together as a family. Good night and sweet dreams little man. Tomorrow we have a fun day planned! I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama

 



Blessed With Love

July 11th 2013 9:50pm,

Good Night

Sweet Dreams

Leon,

       Tonight after dinner and a bubble bath we got ready for bed and you picked out two books to read. You, Daddy and I all snuggled up to read. Naomi was already happily asleep in her bed next to ours, so I got to snuggle with you while Daddy read your books. You grabbed my arm and put it around you and said "My Mommy! Night night!" It was so sweet and made me smile. When the stories were done we turned off the light, prayed a bed time prayer and soon you were asleep. I looked at you asleep on my arm and then I looked over at your baby sister sleeping peacefully, and I felt this overwhelming feeling of how blessed I am. I am so thankful for my family; my husband, my daughter and you, my son. I love you Leon, with all my heart.

 

~Love, your Mama

 



A Day at the Beach

July 10th 2013 11:19pm,

Sand is fun!

Picnic!

Leon,

       Today Grandma and your uncle Chris picked you up and took you to the beach to play. Grandma bought you a new shovel and bucket to play with. Mommy stayed home with Naomi, but Grandma said you had a lot of fun. You searched the sand for seashells and even brought some home in your bucket.

       After playing on the beach for a while you got hungry, so Grandma, Chris and you sat down for a yummy picnic. You had a PB&J sandwhich, some chips and a big pile of blueberries.That is a very yummy lunch. I am so happy that you had such a fun day today! I love you with all my heart Leon!

~Love, your Mama

 



Adjusting

July 9th 2013,

The New Normal

Leon,      

       Bringing your baby sister home from the hospital has been a big adjustment for you, especially when it comes to nap time and bed time. When it is time to go to sleep you do everything possible to keep yourself awake. I know you just don't want to miss anything. Having a baby sister is fun, and I am very happy that you love her. Slowly you are adjusting to life with a sibling and it is becoming the new normal. You are a great big brother! I love you Leon!

~Love, your Mama



iPod Fun

July 8th 2013 7:31pm,

Puzzles!

Leon,

       Lately puzzles have been your fascination. You have a whole drawer full of different puzzles and a few matching games that you love to play with. Today Daddy downloaded a preschool game on his iPod that has 44 puzzles. He showed you how to play and you caught on right away. Now you are hooked! As a plus, you are practicing your numbers, letters and animals! It is so cute watching you as you say the name of every animal, letter and number. You get a big smile on your face and you say "Yay!" proudly with each completed puzzle. I love you Leon, my smart little man!

 

~Love, your Mama

 



A Sleepy Sunday

July 7th 2013,

Time For a Nap

Leon,

       Since bringing your baby sister home we are all adjusting to a new sleep scheduel. Daddy had the last week off from work, so we all got used to sleeping in late. Sunday morning came and we decided we would go to church. We all got to bed late Saturday night so we slept in and went to the 11am service. It was nice to get out of the house and enjoy a Sunday morning in church. When we came home we were all tired, so when it came time for your nap I fed your sister and then all four of us took a much needed nap. Naps on a Sunday afternoon always feel great, especially when we all fall asleep together. I love you Leon, my little Snuggle Bug!

 

~Love, your Mama



A Beautiful Saturday

July 6th 2013,

A Family Photo Moment

Leon,

       Today we enjoyed a beautiful Saturday together as a family. We went for a walk and visited Nana and Papa. It had been almost a week since you saw them, so you were super excited when we got to their house. Then we came home and your Great Boppa (Nana's Dad) came by and took some fun family pictures. This picture of you hugging your baby sister is my favorite. I can't wait to see you two grow up together. Of course I know you will argue and fight as all siblings do, but I hope you will also be friends. You are already learning to be a great big brother. I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama



Baby Love

July 5th 2013,

Big brother loves baby sister.

Leon,

       You love your baby sister very much. Today while Naomi was sleeping in her cradle swing you went over and layed your head gently on her and said "Baby, hugs. I love you!" It was so sweet! You really are a great big brother and I can't wait to watch as your brother-sister relationship grows. I love you Leon, my sweet little boy!

 

~Love, your Mama



Happy 4th of July!

July 4th 2013,

Fireworks!

 

Leon,

       This morning we told you that at night time when it is dark outside we would go watch the fireworks to celebrate the 4th of July. Not knowing what fireworks are, we looked up videos on youtube and let you watch them. You immediately got excited and didn't stop talking about the fireworks all day.

       When it came time to watch the fireworks we drove to a good spot and got out of the car to see them. As soon as the loud booms and bright flashes of the fireworks started you wanted to get back into the car. I guess they were a little too scary for you this year. As a compromise we watched the fireworks from inside the car where you felt safe. You were ok with this as long as we kept the windows up. Your baby sister slept through the whole thing of course. Even though you were afraid we still had fun and made good memories. Happy 4th of July! I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama



An Afternoon at the Park

July 3rd 2013 9:34pm,

Fearless Leon!

Baby Naomi

Leon,

       This afternoon we thought it would be a good idea to get out of the house for a few hours. The weather was great again today so we took you to play at the park. You love the park, especially the slide. We even brought your baby sister to the park, but since she is too little to play she stayed safely wrapped up in a comfy carrier with Mommy. You and Daddy ran around playing, jumping and sliding until it was close to nap time. Leaving the park was hard for you as always, but we promised we would come back soon to play again. It was so great to get out in the sunshine today and we all had a lot of fun! I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama

 



A Pool and a Trampoline

July 2nd 2013 9:41pm,

Ready...Set...Jump!

Fearless Boy!

Belly Flop!

Leon,

       It is summer and the weather is finally starting to reflect that. Today you were getting bored and restless indoors and the weather outside was nice and sunny, so Daddy took you outside to play. First we got out your trampoline and you had a lot of fun jumping on it. Daddy then got the idea to bring out your pool and fill it with water. As soon as you saw this you excitedly started yelling "Pool! A jump!" And that is exactly what you did. You climbed onto the trampoline, jumped and fearlessly launched yourself into the pool. This went on until you were cold and shivering. It may have been a sunny day, but it can get pretty chilly with the wind. You and Daddy came back inside, dried off and had snack time. I love fun summer days like today, and I love watching you enjoy every moment of it. I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama

 

 



Going For a Drive

July 1st 2013 10:27pm,

Time for a nap!

Leon,

       It was a beautiful day today, so we thought we would take a little drive to get out of the house. We were also hoping to get you calmed down enough to take a nap. It is exciting for you to have a baby sister now, and sometimes it is hard for you to calm down when it is time to sleep. Luckily after driving around for a short while you fell asleep. You sat in your carseat looking over at Naomi talking. I'm not sure what you were saying, but it was adorable! I asked you "Leon, do you love your baby sister?" and you sweetly replied "Yeah." After you fell asleep we drove home. Since you were finally napping I took advantage of the time and took a nap with you as well. It was great to get a little extra sleep and get some snuggle time with my little man. I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama



Being a Big Brother

June 30th 2013,

Brother & Sister

Leon,

       You are officially a big brother and I think so far you like it. There is a lot to learn and adjust to, but you are such a great big brother! You love giving Naomi hugs and kisses. You are also a great helper as well. You help me by getting diapers for the baby and getting her the binki or a blanket when she needs it, and you are very proud of yourself for being able to help. I am so proud of you and I love you with all my heart Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama