How to survive a long weekend

After our Saturday with no plans, we quickly discovered that to survive the long weekend, we have to fill it with kids friendly activities. 

On Monday, we went to a neighborhood festival with several neighbors. This is the first time I appreciate this kind of event. With bounce house, slides, zorb and train rides, Jackson was happy and exhausted afterwards and slept till 4:30pm!

The $%^& Jackson Does: Backfiring Incentives

Jackson has long refused to have his bowel movements in the toilet.  We knew he could control them because he was diaper-less all waking hours except for the hour between bathtime and bedtime, yet 90% of all BM's managed to arrive in that narrow window.

We discussed with his teacher and the doctor, and both suggested we bribe him.  While initially reluctant, we eventually caved and offered him a piece of chocolate for "poop in the potty."  For two months he understood the reward, but still refused.

Suddenly, a week or two ago Jackson started going in the potty regularly, especially once we realized Jackson used "my tummy hurts" as a euphemism for "I need to poo".  However, our happiness has been short lived.

Friday:  3 bowel movements between 6pm and 7:30pm
Saturday:  3 bowel movements
Sunday:  4 bowel movements (5 attempted)

Now, he will spontaneously head toward the restroom announcing "I'm gonna get some chocolate!" 

Checkmate

Yesterday Jackson was in a foul mood and refused to say anything except "NO", so I decided to try to have a little fun with it.

Jackson: "NO, NO, NO, NO"

Daddy:  "Is it sunny outside?"

Jackson:  "NO!"  (noon, not a cloud in the sky)

Daddy:  "Are you wearing a shirt?"

Jackson:  "NO!"  (he was)

Daddy:  "Can you say anything besides "NO"?"  

Jackson:  "NO!"  (check)

Daddy:  "Is "NO" the only thing you can say?"

Jackson:  pauses, thinks, and a small smile spreads across his face...

Jackson:  "yes" (checkmate)

Season record:

Jackson:  Too many to count

Daddy: 1

Norah's First Mother's Day

Grandpa captured this great shot of Norah on her first Mother's Day.

Bye bye, Ms Mimi

After 1.5 years with Ms Mimi, Jackson moved to a new classroom last week. We all loved her. She is energetic, friendly, authoritative and loves kids. Many times when I asked Jackson who's his best friend, he answered Mimi.

Last week, Jackson was noticeably upset. He said to us one day after school: I don't have new friend today. We could feel his frustration and offered our company and patience. 

I want to keep this on record to help him remember one of the first good teachers he had. 

While Mom is away, the kids will play!

When Tianhong escaped on a girls' trip to California, we had tons of fun in Dallas (well, Norah's fever wasn't so fun, but we survived). 

Smile for Mommy!

 

Daddy cooking?

Swinging with Grandma

At the Arboretum 

Out for a stroll

Norah's First Teeth

After teasing us with a hint of a tooth while we were in Mexico, Norah's front bottom two teeth cut through her gums starting about April 25th.