Monday, September 29, 2008

A New Park

Paul and Adam found a great park! It even has "diggers." Adam loves the TALL blue twisty slide and insists on climbing up and going down it all by himself. When ever he reaches the bottom, he always remembers to give himself the appropriate applause. Adam thinks these slides are "too slippery" and has not wanted to try them out yet. Even when the twisty slides are taller, they still don't seem quite as scarey as the straight ones.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Adam's Surprise

What happens when a camera is left out on the table and an exhausted Pediatric Resident says he'll watch Adam while Kim cleans up dinner?

Friday, September 26, 2008

Lauritzen Gardens

We went to the Lauritzen Botanical Gardens today with some friends. We actually didn't go to see the plants, instead we went to see the trains. They have a display of electirc trains that run on tracks around dwarf-sized plants to make it look like a little city. It was a huge hit! Adam loved running alongside the trains as they rode on the tracks next to him. His favorite train was an old-fashioned steam locomotive. It only had two cars, but he loved it! It always stopped in front of one of the miniature buildings, so Adam assumed it was the train's house. Adam stood in front of the house for a very long time just so he could see the train "come home."

Adam's favorite train is on the lower track (the one he is watching).
Waiting for the train to "come home."
The Botanical Gardens had another exhibit called "Kid Structures." Each structure was built to stretch the definition of a traditional "playhouse" and many represented various aspects of nature, but we didn't have time to read any of the signs. The boys were too busy running from one structure to the next. They loved trying each one out!


All that running and playing made for some VERY big appetites.

Kenefick Park

Kenefick Park is right next to the Botanical Gardens. It commemorates the Union Pacific Railroad's role in developing Omaha and the West. Centennial No. 6900 (yellow) is the largest and most powerful diesel-electric locomotive ever built. Big Boy No. 4023 (black) is the world's largest steam locomotive. Adam was VERY excited to see the "big" trains up close. Being around the trains gave Adam quite an energy boost.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Our Little Helper

We had a picnic dinner in the living room tonight so we could watch a movie. While Paul and Kim were watching the movie, Adam took it upon himself to clean up. What a terrific job!!! (And yes, he did it all by himself!)

In the Words of Adam - Part 2

September 22, 2008 – Adam must have hit another growth spurt. His pants are all too short and his shirts are getting a bit snug. While getting Adam dressed today, Kim said “You’re growing so big!” Adam replied, “Like Clifford!”

September 18, 2008 – We try to let Adam make decisions as much as possible. Sometimes he has a hard time deciding between the choices we give him. This was our lunch conversation today. Kim: “Adam, what would you like to drink: milk, water, orange juice or apple juice?” Adam: “Ummm . . . yes, please.”

September 11, 2008 – Adam had a very hard time falling asleep today for his nap. After playing in his crib for over 45 minutes, he finally became quiet. The quiet lasted for about one minute. He then called out, “Adam awake!” He must have wanted Kim to believe that he had fallen asleep and was now ready to wake up and play.

September 10, 2008 – While watching a movie about animals, Adam pointed to the elephants, and while shaking his head in disbelief said, “Elephant eat stick.” (He was referring to the elephant’s tusks.)

September 9, 2008 – While grocery shopping today, Kim let Adam sit in the back of the basket with the food. Adam stood up and began throwing all of the groceries to one end of the basket. When Kim asked him to stop, Adam looked at her innocently and said, “Like garbage truck.”

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Nebraska City

Paul went to his Pediatric Intern Retreat in Nebraska City this weekend. On Saturday, Kim and Adam drove down to join him. We had a great time meeting the other interns and their families. This weekend was also the annual AppleJack Festival, so there were lots of activities to do around the city. We spent part of our day at the Arbor Day Farm. (Fun Fact: Arbor Day was established by J. Sterling Morton of Nebraska City, Nebraska in 1872). Adam especially had a great time at the farm.

Paul and Adam looking down from the treehouse. Adam trying out the xylphone.

Adam LOVED throwing acorns into this children's water area. When Adam sat down at the block station, he quickly started to build this tower (at least that's what we thought he was doing). Then he started pushing his creation around and announced that it was a train! Eating a carmel apple was at the top of Kim's to-do list. After all, how can you visit a tree farm during Apple Fest without tasting one? The sun was shining right into Adam's eyes, while he played in this hammock. To shield himself, Adam pulled the hammock up around his face. It took less than two minutes for him to drift off to sleep.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Clifford

Adam loves to read Clifford books. Today was Clifford day at the library. Adam wasn't too excited to see Clifford in person, but we still had fun. As part of the activity, we made a Clifford hat for Adam. He didn't want to wear it at the library, but once we got home he gave it a try. Now he loves wearing it!

Monday, September 15, 2008

A Tragic End

What makes a cucumber plant go from this
to this?
The answer:
Actually, we can't put all of the blame on this little guy (although it was a regular occurrence to see him out there enjoying his breakfast). After talking to a local nursery, we learned a cucumber beetle and cucumber blight are also to blame. Well, it was fun while it lasted. We enjoyed 7 giant and delicious cucumbers over the past month!
As for the good news, our tomato plant is doing great! It has grown so much that we had to tie it to the fence in several places to prevent it from tipping the pot over. We also have MANY tomatoes. It's expected to start freezing at night in a few weeks, so we hope they hurry and turn red!

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Primary Songs

Not only does Adam like to dance, but he also loves to sing!

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Big Boy Bed

We let Adam sleep in a "Big Boy Bed" tonight. He actually only slept in it for a few minutes. We put him back into bed many times, but it was only a matter of minutes before he found his way to the floor again. When we woke up in the morning, we found him curled up by his night light between the changing table and his toy shelf. Surprisingly, he told us he slept well and he requested to sleep in his "Big Boy Bed" again.

Monday, September 8, 2008

In the Words of Adam

Adam is constantly saying funny things. Here are some of our latest conversations:

September 7, 2008 – We bought Adam a new bib. It has a picture of a tiger on it. While eating today, Adam began shoveling his food into the catch tray of his bib. Kim asked him to stop and began scooping the food back onto his plate. After Kim finished cleaning out the bib, Adam scooped up another bite and dropped it back into the catch tray. He then looked at Kim and said, “Tiger eat it.”

August 20, 2008 – Today at lunch Adam became very excited while drinking his milk. He pointed into his glass and exclaimed, “Moon!” The small amount of milk left in his cup had made a crescent shape and Adam recognized it as a moon.

August 13, 2008 – To help teach Adam, we have been using the “time out” method. Occasionally, we count to five if we need him to come or do something we have previously asked him to do. Today, Adam and Mommy went to a friend's house. When Mommy told Adam it was time to go home, he went to the front door to get his shoes. While Mommy was saying goodbye, she could hear Adam yelling something. She walked closer and heard that he was counting to ten. When she came into the hallway where Adam was sitting he said, “Mommy time out, no come.”

July 20, 2008 – Adam loves to play with our cell phones. Today he picked up Mommy’s phone and put it up to his ear. Mommy asked him who he was calling. Adam’s response was “Just Minute.” He proceeded to walk around the room saying “Just Minute” over and over again. Apparently Adam has learned this is what you say when talking on the phone so you don’t get interrupted.

File Folder Games

Kim thought it would be fun to make some file folder games to help Adam practice his colors, shapes and letters. With the help of this great website, Kim had fun making four new games. They turned out really well. Adam also had fun playing with them. . . . After matching the pieces correctly a few times, Adam decided it was actually much more fun to purposely put the pieces on the wrong match. What a tease! He then discovered how much fun it is to put the pieces on the table and blow! He especially enjoyed watching the snowmen fly. It looks like Kim is going to have to come up with more creative ways to teach Adam.

Friday, September 5, 2008

Adam's New Skills

Adam is constantly amazing us. He is a quick learner and has a GREAT memory!