Jackson's enrollment into Pre-Kindergarten.

Today was a big day at our house! We officially enrolled Jackson in the school district of Onalaska's Pre-Kindergarten program for the 2010-2011 school year.

Can't hardly believe it!

I just can't get over what a big boy he's become!
...ok, here we go with the "seems like only yesterday" speech...

...I can remember when we were those two worried parents bringing our first born child home from the hospital...not sure of much...not sure how to change, feed, bathe, or even hold our child the "right way..."

And here we are, four years later, getting ready to send our baby off to school (sob, sob); it just doesn't seem possible.



I had to "dig up" a few of Jackson's baby pictures to mark this special occasion:








And, here's our big boy today:



Jackson will be attending Irving Pertzsch Elementary school for the 2010-2011 school year. He will be going to the a.m. session, which is from 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. every day. Although this school is located just a few blocks from our home, Jackson will picked-up and dropped off (in our driveway) by the school bus. I will not be able to take him myself because I will have daycare children at our home.

I had to laugh as I scrolled through the Pre-K supply list because all the items listed are currently "in stock" at both Grandma Chris's and Grandpa Terry's superstores! In fact, we could probably come up with enough supplies (between the two grandparents basements to supply all the children in Jackson's class. So, sorry Wal-mart, we won't be needing your business when it comes time for back-to-school shopping.

Potty Training: "On the go"

The kids and I were "out and about" running errands from about 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. today. I'm happy to report it was a successful 4 hours for Jessica. Although I had her use three different public restrooms, she only needed to pee at one of them (same with Jackson too).
It's easy to forget how little the average (non-prego) person needs to relieve themselves. During the same four-hour-time-period in which both Jackson and Jess only needed to pee once, I had to go 4 times!

Today's potty journal:
- zero pee accidents
- 1 poop accident
- 6 successful pees on the potty

And, this here ends the potty training posts...

As my husband so eloquantly put it, "enough is enough!"

The first few potty posts were kind of cute, but now it's just getting down right embarrassing for our little girl. As Jason said, "I hope none of her friends get a hold of this blog someday."

Our little girl is potty trained (to our standards for the time being), and we'll leave it at that.
We are very proud of her!

Potty Training: Day 4

Breakthrough: Jessica came and told me she had to go to the bathroom.

Well, what she actually said was, "mommy, poop" and she pointed to her crotch area.

My translation of Jessica's words and actions: "Mom, I have to go to the bathroom; could you help me please?"

I took her into the bathroom, and sure enough, she had to pee (not poop), but at least it's a start.

Today's "potty journal:"
- 8 successes
- 1 accident

I'm a little concerned about what tomorrow is going to bring as we will be out of the house for the majority of the day. Since I do not have any daycare children this Friday, I have planned a day full of errands/doctor appointments. I intend to keep her in her panties and just use public restrooms throughout the day.

Am I crazy? ...maybe a little bit, arguably so...
but, I am also a mother trying to simplify our lives as much as possible in preparation for baby #3.

Potty Training: Day 3

Today was the best day yet.

- 7 successful pees, and 1 successful poop on the potty.

- Zero accidents all day long!

Let's hope this "upward trend" continues...

Potty Training: Day 2

Today was a better day.

Out of the 8 trips Jessica made to the bathroom, she "successfully peed" on the potty three of those 8 times (the other five, she just sat happily and listened while I read her a book.

Jessica only had two accidents all day long.

Potty Training: Day 1

Ok, so we have about 80 days left before the baby comes, and we have yet to accomplish the second goal on our "things-to-do-before baby comes" list, which is to get Jessica (daytime) potty trained. Sure, it would be nice to have her out of diapers at nighttime too, but let's be realistic --there's no way that's going to happen before May.

Prior to today, Jason and I have been "dabbling" in the potty training arena with Jessica by letting her sit on the potty before baths and whenever else she'd show any interst to do so. We've also had her in underwear/panties over the weekends (just for fun). I've been dragging my feet somewhat contemplating the difficulties I may run into trying to potty train during daycare hours. But, if we want to make this happen before baby #3 arrives, I have to be willing to give it a try...

Today was the first FULL day of hard-core potty training. The only times Jessica was in a diaper was during her nap and at bedtime. We made between 8 - 10 trips to the potty today; only 2 of those trips actually resulted in Jessica going to the bathroom (the other times she just sat (happily) on the potty without anything coming out).
Throughout the day, she had 6 accidents (5 pee, 1 poop).


I took these pictures of the kids this morning...



Jackson is so excited and proud of his little sister for learning how to go pee-pee and poopy on the potty!


Pretty panties? No. Super absorbent? Yes...


Sorry Jess, you can wear all the "girlie-looking" panties later once you've mastered this potty training business.


Here is a shot of Jessica going poop on the potty for the first time. Yipee!



Overall, Jessica did a fantastic job today. She was happy to hang out with all the boys today...in her underwear...all day long (no pants--just undies).
Not quite sure what that says about our daughter?

Caught ya!

Ah-ha! So, my kids do "like" each other after all!?



Today, while I was in the kitchen getting lunch ready for the kids, I hear Jackson call for me,

"Mom, Jessie's kissing me!"

I was completely caught off guard. The words I typically hear coming from Jackson's mouth are, "Mom, Jessie's hitting me" or "Mom, Jessie's bothering me."

I had to ask Jackson to repeat what he said just to make sure my ears were not playing tricks on me. And, then for the second time, I heard those beautiful words that are like music to a mother's ears,

"Mom, she's kissing me" (which was then followed by lots of giggles from both the kids).

I knew I had to react quickly... I stopped what I was doing, grabbed the camera, and ran out into the living room... I was determined to capture this never-before-seen phenomenon in pictures.

This is what I got:









Ah, yes, it was a lovely moment in the Mahlum household. And I'm glad I got some pictures because there is no telling when (or if) this moment will happen again anytime soon.

Sledding.

Jackson went sledding with Dad today. It was a big hill.

Going down -- lots of fun!...





...climbing back up the hill -- not so much.


Jackson lasted about 30 minutes before he hit his point of "total exhaustion."
When your 4-year-old asks to go home, and wants to stop playing outside, you know he's tired!

Pregnancy: entering the home-stretch.

According to most baby books and online pregnancy sites I've viewed, "your third trimester begins at week 26 and ends with labor."
Today, I am 26 weeks and 4 days along; we are officially in the home-stretch of this pregnancy!
Our most recent doctor visit was Friday, Feb. 5th. Baby's heartbeat was strong and in the low-to-mid 130s. She's a very active little girl --just as her "big sister" Jessica was throughout the pregnancy. From what I recall, Jackson was a very "inactive pregnancy" as I was only able feel movement when I was in a resting position.
I am measuring at 27 cm, which according to doc, is right where I should be at this point. My total weight gain is only 15 pounds (I use the word 'only' because I'm pretty sure I was double this amount of weight gain at this point with my previous two pregnancies). So, I'm happy with the 15. My goal is to keep my weight gain to around 25 pounds total this time around.

Most recent belly shots (taken: 5/7/10)

Welcome to "choo-choo" town!

Here's what we do when we set up our train sets...

We typically begin by setting up one of the 'Thomas the tank engine' sets:




...and, the kids play with it for awhile and then get bored, so, we set up a second 'Thomas the tank engine' set:




...and, the kids play with it for awhile and then get bored, so, we set up a third train track - the 'Geotrax' set:




...so, now, we have not one, not two, but three different train tracks set up on the floor. And, the kids are happy (and mom is exhausted).


Yes, I know the word, "spoiled" comes to mind while reading this post; however, in our defense, two out three of the aforementioned train tracks were rummage sale purchases.


Oh, and I had to include this picture too - we call it our, "flying puppy caught on film" act...



This "miracle" (as Jackson likes to refer to it) was captured on camera when Jackson tossed the stuffed animal at the exact moment I snapped the picture.
The result: one flying puppy captured in mid-air, and lots and lots of happy giggles by Jackson! I'm not sure we could do it again if we tried.

Our new pets.

Lately, Jackson has been asking me, "mom, when can we get a "new Maverick?"

mom: "when you are ten."

Jackson: "but, mmmooommm, I won't be ten for a lot of years!"

mom: "exactly!"
(end of conversation)

Jason and I have absolutely no desire to get a pet any time soon. Especially with baby #3 on the way, we just don't have time (or the room) for a pet in our house right now.

So...
when the kids received these zhu zhu pets from Grandma Barb and Grandpa Terry the other night, it turned out to be a very welcome and appreciated gift.
Now, Jackson gets to have his "pet" and mom and dad don't have to take care of it. --Perfect.

I'd like to introduce you to our family's new "hamster pets"...


as you can see, we don't have an actual zhu-zhu pets cage for the hamsters; so, we made one using a diaper wipes box and some torn up newspaper...


meet Sally...


and, Cammy... (both named by Jackson).


Although 'Steggy' is still #1 in Jackson's eyes, he does a really great job taking care of his new hamster zhu-zhu pets too.