Miles' Birthday

For Miles' party this year, we just had Abby, Casey & Liev over for cake the Sunday before his birthday. Because of my breakdown last cake attempt last month (Pokemon), Dave and I came to an agreement that I needed to tone it down a bit. So as painful as it was for me to do that, I did and it still turned out awesome.

I used chocolate cake box cake and chocolate frosting from a container (gasp!), had the boys remove the white stuff from the Oreos and crush them, crumbled a Butterfingers, and broke up a Crunch bar. I bought some little trucks, colored some white container frosting green to make some grass and voila! A "good enough" cake. But a good enough cake that didn't include crying, stupid amounts of anxiety, and an all day fiasco of making everything from scratch. So, I'd say it was a success. 

We found all the leftover party decorations from birthdays past and Jett helped me decorate and we had bought some balloons the night before.

 After decorating and getting it all set up, we woke Miles from his nap and he was over the moon when he saw all of his balloons!

 We sang Happy Birthday to him and he looked like he had no idea what was going on. We told him to blow out the candle and he was a little concerned. So Cruise showed him how it was done, and then, of course, we had to sing to him again. And then again. He loved it.

 We finally got to cut the cake and of course, Miles didn't want any. But he sure had a blast with those trucks!

Then we gave him his present! A month ago I was at Target with the little guy and he started playing with this car that makes noise and music and has some impressive hydraulics. He screamed all the way out of the store when it was time to go. So I knew exactly what to get him.

On his actual birthday, he got a special surprise in the mail from Grandma and Grandpa Ybarra: a bouncy horse.

 He was a little unsure of what it was supposed to be.

 We blew it up and he wouldn't touch it. So I showed him how to ride that thing!

 He warmed up to it and had a blast! Thanks Grandma & Grandpa Ybarra!

Grams (Great Grandma Jaeger) sent him a card with $15 in it! He's only 2 and already raking in the cash! My sister Ruth managed to make all the boys their birthday presents at once. She made Cruise a Pokeball beanie, Jett got a Minecraft beanie, and Miles got a Minion beanie (which will go with his Minion costume for Halloween next month). She always makes the cutest stuff and these were no exception. Thanks Ruthie!

I'd say he had a pretty great birthday!

Today You Are Two

Dear Miles,

Well, it's official, you are no longer a baby. You're a full-blown toddler! (But, I'll probably always call you Baby). It is unreal how quickly the past two years have gone by. Time flies when you're having fun!

Miles, you are such a sweet little boy with a calm demeanor, a silly sense of humor, and a loving disposition. Your Dad and I are always commenting to one another just how wonderful and sweet you are. We love having you in our family and are so grateful to be your parents. I am so grateful the Lord sent me you; you've completed our family in the most lovely way.

I love your big bear cub hugs, usually paired with kisses all over my face. I love how you dance with such intent and style. I love how you wake up happy in the morning, full of giggles and snuggles. I love how you say your prayers. I love how you love your brothers and look up to them. I love your cheesy smile and your adorable laugh. I love taking walks with you and learning more about you and what you find interesting. I just can't get enough of you!

Miles, I couldn't have asked for a better son to be my last. You have been pretty easy on me and you're even a very mild 2 year old. Thank you for that kiddo. I know I'm not a perfect Mom, and I know sometimes I seem to be distracted or impatient, but I love you perfectly, and I always will. I can't imagine a life without your sweet spirit and those beautiful blue eyes.

Happy Birthday Baby! I love you so much!

Love,

Mom

Cruise's Baptism

On September 5th, Cruise was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Preparation was lengthy and extremely prayerful. For the past year, our FHE lessons addressed aspects of baptism and the Holy Ghost for the most part. When we asked him this summer if he wanted to be baptized, he said "yes", although you could tell he had a lot of anxiety about it. Dave and I wrote him a social story and Dave practiced with him a few times.

His Bishop interview did not go well. Dave returned slightly deflated and shook his head as he told me, "It did not go well." Cruise, when asked if he wanted to be baptized, responded "yes, but I'm scared" and "I'm really nervous". Then he started talking non-stop as he does when nervous. At one point he said to the bishop, "You have a big head! You must have a big brain! You must be really smart. How many inventions have you invented? I have a big head too! I have an autism brain!" When the bishop said, "Well, you need to have a big head to fit a lot of brains in there," Cruise became confused and said, "You can't have more than one brain! Otherwise you'd need two heads!"

Needless to say, Dave and I had to return to the Bishop's office to discuss whether or not Cruise is really ready. After our discussion, the Bishop felt better and we all came to the conclusion that Cruise was in fact ready.

The day before the baptism, my parents shopped for all the food for the brunch, and I made a whole bunch of dark chocolate cupcakes complete with green cupcake papers and cake toppers. Dave and I spent the day cleaning the house and getting things ready.

The day arrived and we all were up super early. After getting myself ready, we got the boys ready and were out of the house by 8:20am. Cruise was still very very nervous, but still wanted to get baptized. We got the Stake Center where he and Dave got their awesome white jumpsuits and we all made our way to the chapel where there was a talk and a beautiful musical number. There were six kids in the stake to be baptized, 4 of which were from our ward, so they put them in groups of 2. Cruise luckily was in the first group.

A girl went first, since Cruise requested he go last, and then it was Cruise's turn. All the littles sat in front of the font and Miles, as soon as he saw Daddy, began pointing and saying "Dada! Dada! Dada!" I sat there trying to shush him as Dave helped Cruise down the stairs into the baptismal font. Dave said that as soon it was time for them to step into the font, Cruise's anxiety was gone and he pushed Dave along. My dad and Mary's husband, Joseph, were the witnesses. Dave dunked Cruise and his big toe poked up out of the water, so they had to do it again. Cruise did awesome and had no problem getting dunked twice.

After the baptism, we moved to another room for the confirmation. Of course as soon as Daddy was out of sight, Miles completely lost it, so I didn't get to hear most of the blessing. But Cruise was so happy and calm by this time. I was so proud of him!

So many people came to support Cruise. My parents flew up from California, Abby and Casey, along with their new little baby Liev, Dave's sister Mary and her family, his brother Dan and his daughter Elizabeth, my Uncle Dodd and Aunt Annalyn, and my Uncle David and Aunt Susan and my cousin Hailey all came. It was such a great surprise to have my uncles and aunts come and join us in such a special day. We were so appreciative of everyone who could make it. After the baptism, we all went to our house and had brunch. Cruise got some nice CTR gifts from Uncle Dodd & Aunt Annalyn, he got a nice set of scriptures and carrying case from Grandma & Papa Greer, earlier in the week, he received a sweet letter from Grandma & Grandpa Ybarra all the way from Germany.

Since his baptism, I have noticed a difference in Cruise's demeanor, his intentions, and his maturity. I honestly wasn't expecting that. He talks about the influence the Spirit has on him and I love hearing about how he feels and experiences the Holy Ghost.  Every night in his prayers, he asks for forgiveness for certain things he did wrong that day, it is so sweet.

I am so proud of Cruise and am grateful for his little seed of a testimony that grows and grows every day. He is such a good example to our family.      

Jett's First Day of Kindergarten & Violin Lessons

Miles wanted to go to school too. Even wanted his hair done like Jett.

Jett's required homework box that he decorated  (Minecraft style of course).

Jett started Kindergarten at Eaglecrest Elementary on the 26th of August. It was an interesting morning because all the parents were supposed to stay for the first 45 minutes. Since my kids have been in school, I have only known small group sizes, so for me to walk into this room with about 25+ kindergarteners plus their parents was a little overwhelming.

This is his "how many pictures of me do you need, mom?!" face.

His teacher is Mrs. Tipton, who definitely seems to be organized and on her game (my kind of teacher!). She had a list of things she wanted us to do with our child there in the class that first morning, like show them where their cubby is, where to hang their backpack, where the bathroom is and procedures for washing hands, etc. After 45 minutes, I was no longer needed, I gave Jett a big hug and kiss and walked out. Jett was as confident and ready as ever. And I did great as well. I am not a big crier when it comes to first days. Maybe a little anxiety, but no tears. More than anything I go home, exhale a huge sigh of relief, sit on the couch for a bit and enjoy the sounds of (almost) silence.  Two down, one to go!

His first day went great and he really likes his teacher. I ask him every day if he's made any new friends, but he says "no". It can be hard going to a new school where all the kids probably know at least one other person. But he's a likable, social kid, so I'm not too worried.

He and Cruise started taking the bus this week and luckily this year it's only a 30 minute bus ride versus the hour long ride Cruise had to take last year. Jett was over-the-moon happy that he got to take the bus, and asked me beforehand, "Can I sit next to Cruise?!" I was more than willing to pick them up each day, but Jett insisted on taking the bus. So I send them with their Gameboys and a snack in their backpacks to make the time go fast.

Jett started violin lessons today! We rented a extremely loved (aka very, very used) violin that is the cutest little thing. I can't believe how small it is. His teacher is actually the mom of his little girlfriend from last year, Emery. She is super cute and nice, and I feel like she doesn't charge enough. But I'm not one to complain. Ha ha! $35/month is a steal!

Today he learned how to hold his violin and bow, the parts of his instrument, posture, and the E string. He kept complaining that his arm was getting tired. I told him that no matter what instrument you play, you have to get used to using certain muscles more than usual. But overall, he's pretty excited and shows off his violin to all of his friends who come to the house.

Cruise's First Day of 3rd Grade & Guitar Lessons

Cruise started 3rd grade last week into a new class with a different teacher, Mr. Middleton. I had thought he was going back into Mr. Harris's class this year, but I found out he was changing a week before, which threw me for a loop and sent me into major anxiety mode. But after talking with the Speech Therapist, Kristen, who I have a pretty good relationship with, I felt a lot better. She seemed to think he would do really well in Mr. Middleton's class and that he was ready for a more mature setting.

The day before school started, we went to Back-to-School Night and met Mr. Middleton and Jett's new teacher, Mrs. Tipton. I walked into Mr. Middleton's room, which is a lot bigger than Harris's, and was a little disappointed at the lack of posters, decoration, and color. But after thinking about it for a few minutes, I realized that it is because these kids get so distracted and many can get visually over-stimulated (like Cruise). I then met Mr. Middleton, who seems to be more of a "let's get down to business" kind of guy. Not like the nurturing feeling you get from talking to Harris. So that's a change. However, I noticed about six Apple desktop computers in the room. Apparently they use a lot of technology in the class to aid in their academic learning. Middleton explained to me that he teaches the same thing in multiple ways so that everyone will learn the concepts. I thought that was pretty cool.

Anyway, Cruise's first day arrived and he was so excited! I had printed out his To-Do chart to help him focus on what he needed to do in the morning before school. He puts a sticker next to the item he finishes and then reads what is next. For breakfast I made the boys waffles, eggs, and orange juice. Cruise put on his regular green attire, his brand new shoes, and his new Pokemon backpack with a Pokemon lunchbox inside. I had spent a couple days teaching him how to tie his laces and so he tried them on his own this day and did it! I was so proud of him. He brushed his teeth, combed his own hair, and was ready to start the 3rd grade!

I drove him to school and walked him to his classroom where he immediately bolted for the door instead of letting me hug him goodbye. He was just too excited! When I picked him up from school, he was super happy and already had earned a prize! When he got home, he wrote in his new journal the Condies gave him for his birthday:

The first week of school went really really well and came home each day happy and content.

On Saturday, Cruise had his very first guitar lesson! I asked the boys a couple months ago what instrument they'd like to learn, hoping they'd pick something in my price range (pretty much just the drums). To my surprise, Jett said violin (he starts next month) and Cruise said guitar. Luckily I was able to find teachers for both! My parents offered to pay for lessons and instruments, which is a huge relief since I didn't know how I was going to fit that in the budget. My dad ordered Cruise's guitar and case and had it sent to us, and we are going violin shopping this week for Jett.

Right before it was time to take Cruise to his lesson on Saturday, he started complaining and throwing a fit, saying that he didn't want to take lessons, he just wanted to play! I told him it was important to take lessons so he knew how to read music and to know how everything works. He still said he didn't want to go to lessons. So I said, "How about you go to the lesson today and if you don't want to do it anymore, I won't make you." He agreed to that.

I drove him to his lesson with Heidi who lives close to Cruise's school. Before we got out of the car, I told him what Heidi was going to show him and that I expected him to be nice, to not throw a fit, and to listen to his teacher. "Okay Mom."

She began by telling him what everything was on the guitar, the names of the strings and frets, and how to tune. They got right into his book where he played Rain, Rain, Go Away and Hot Cross Buns. He had to learn how hard to push down on the fret to make the sound he wanted. He also liked playing with a pick, so I'll have to get some of those. By the end of the lesson, he asked if he could play the songs again! He exceeded my expectations in both behavior and performance. I was so proud of him! The whole lesson he didn't let frustration get the best of him and he actually seemed to be calm and focused. He'd play the song, look up at Heidi and quietly ask, "Like that?" Of course, when she asked if he had any questions, he's start going off on Pokemon and inventions. So from there, she would ask, "Do you have any questions about guitar?" Ha ha!

As we were leaving, Cruise told Heidi, "Before I came here I didn't want to come because I thought it was going to be long! But it went by fast! I really like guitar. I will keep coming back." Success!

23 Months...

We're almost at the point where I can use his age as an excuse for any and all behaviors he exhibits:

"He's two...so..."

Miles continues to learn new words every day. He also is really good at trying to repeat words he hears. He learned how to say 'yes', but he doesn't say yes. If he wants to say 'yes' he throws his hands up in the air and says, "Woohoo!" And that means yes. So just to be clear: "uh uh" accompanied by a head shake=no and arms thrown in the air accompanied by woohoo!=yes. He's also learned "help", "boo!", "book", "balloon", and "go".   

He has also turned up the silliness. He likes to wear different helmets and hats around the house. When I try to get him to step into his pants when getting dressed, he sticks his head in instead and he laughs so hard (because he's just so dang funny!). 

I win the World's Worst Mother award because I use t.v. as a babysitter. I'm willing to admit that, and yet, I've found my peace with it. Miles currently loves Toy Story and this really weird show on Netflix called DinoTrucks. I really don't understand the attraction, but it keeps his attention so I can get dinner made or help one of the boys with homework.

Miles loves loves loves music. He will dance or bob his head to it whenever it's playing. Even if it's just me playing my drums, he gets down! I love that I can play music and he just soaks it up! Cruise couldn't listen to it when he was little because he'd scream from the sensory overload, I never had it playing when Jett was little because of Cruise, but now that Cruise is older and can handle more noise, Miles is my music baby. Which he should be, he is named after the great Miles Davis after all.

Miles loves his bottle. And I hate it. I want it gone! And every time I'm just about to remove it completely, he gets sick and it's the only thing he'll eat. But if I'm really really mean and make him wait for a meal (which I've been doing the past week), he'll eat real food. And of course he'll make a yummy sound.

I got him to try pineapple for the first time today and he looked at me as if to say, "This is amazing! Why have you kept me from eating it all this time?!"

This is him being caught trying to feed Lucy. I think I've figured out the deal there: Miles feeds her scraps and she'll let him jump, climb, attack, and poke her with a stick all he wants. 

Miles is getting so big and it makes me sad. I love his sweet hugs and cuddles, the way he runs at me growling and "attacks" my legs, his giggles and the way his short little arms just barely make it around my neck. Even though I call him "baby", he's really not a baby anymore. And he's only got a couple years until he's not a toddler anymore. I think it's lame that the shortest period of our lives are spent being a kid. So, as much as I want my kids to learn how to work and be independent, I'd much rather have them enjoying every second of being a kid. Because being responsible is so overrated.