Jett: Superheroes, Words, Woofs, Potty Training & Da Bones

Superheroes
Jett is in that awesome stage where his whole world revolves around being a superhero. He is always dressed wearing a superhero shirt, cape, mask or all of the above. To top it off, he's got some awesome light up Spiderman shoes his super cool mom gave him. Because of my new hobby/business, I go to Hobby Lobby a lot, like, a whole lot, and they always remember him there because he's the kid with the cape. There is something about little kids dressing up that makes me smile. Because they don't do it just the week of Halloween, they do it all year round and only that age group can get away with it. And to top it off, they just don't care what anyone else thinks. It always makes me smile.

Words
Since Jett got his tonsils out 4 months ago, his speech has blown us away! He is talking more and more every day and is tailing Cruise as far as expressive language. His receptive language is amazing, so Dave and I have to watch what we say in front of him. We've actually started speaking in Spanish so they won't know what we're talking about. It's helpful. It is so much fun to listen to the two boys talk to each other. They both know what the other one is saying and they have conversations and play together so well! It is absolutely incredible!

Woofs
Jett calls all dogs "Woof"s. He loves Lucy and all other doggies. He has to have her sleep in his room now days. He sings to her every night and it is adorable: "Baby woof. Baby woof. Baby woof."

Lucy wearing Jett's tie.

This poor dog puts up with so much.

Potty Training
I have tried potty training this kid one too many times that I think I've given up. I'm just gonna wait until he decides he's going to go potty on his own. I tried the technique I used with Cruise, but Jett would just keep a little bit of pee in so he could pee every minute to get another candy. Then I did stickers and that worked for a day, and then he didn't care any more. I swear, that kid is so hard to motivate! But the good news is, is that lately he's been wanting to wear his underwear, so I'm just going to do the hands-off approach (since he obviously knows HOW to go potty in the toilet) and just let him work it out. Yep. I'm done.

Da Bones
Jett has a slightly unhealthy obsession with the dinosaur museum at Thanksgiving Point. We literally go at least twice a week. He will even ask to call "Papa" if I tell him we can't go that day:
Jett: "Caw Papa?"
Me: You want to call grandpa?
Jett: Uh huh!
Me: Ok. (dials and calls Papa)
Jett: Hi Papa! Wanna see da bones?

He really doesn't spend that much time actually looking at the dinosaurs, but he really loves it. Then we always have to go to the Farm Country afterwards and ride the pony and the wagon ride. Cruise's routine there is pretend to make the milk, buy a carton of milk, ride a pony, ride the wagon ride, go home. So Jett has adopted this routine as well.

Jett is such a joy to have around. He's my little buddy during the day when Cruise is gone. He is so easy going and loves to give loves and kisses. There's just nobody like my Jett-man!

Cruise: ER Visit #2, Kindergarten, & Gymnastics

I've been a real blog slacker. I'm going to break all the posts up, but this first one is about Cruise.

ER Visit #2
On August 13th, Cruise had a terrible accident that landed him in the ER. I was making dinner and Cruise was standing on a chair behind me watching. After cooking the noodles, I turned off the burner and went to drain them in the sink when Cruise started jumping up and down on the chair, lost his balance, and used the burner to catch his fall. I turned around instantly and put his hand under some cold water, but his hand was already blistering and just looked awful. He was screaming and I knew he was is more pain than I could alleviate myself. I grabbed the first thing I could find in the freezer (frozen cooked meatballs) and stuck his hand in it. I grabbed both the boys, my keys, purse and insurance card and put them in the car as fast as I could.

As I drove, I had to decide if I was going to take him to the ER or to the Instacare, but my personal experience with the Instacare has proven to me that it is not "Insta", so I got on the freeway and booked it to American Fork Hospital. Cruise cried and screamed the whole way there, in the waiting room and while the doctors looked at him. It wasn't until the Lortab that they gave him kicked in and he finally calmed down. This whole time, Jett was so good and just did what he was told. Such a good little boy.

Cruise writing with a chicken feather and paint.

The nurses wrapped his fingers and we were instructed to take him to the burn center in SLC the next day. The burn center nurses looked at his fingers and said that he had sustained 2nd degree burns but that luckily he wouldn't need physical therapy and should heal without any problems. They taught me how to change his bandages and care for the burns until they healed. It took about 3 weeks for them to completely heal; there is still scarring but luckily they healed up nicely. Now he is always telling Jett not to go near the stove because he can get burned. So glad he learned! But now I'm paranoid about keeping the boys away while I cook.

Kindergarten!
Cruise is in Kindergarten this year! That blows my mind. I can't have a Kindergartener! I still remember Kindergarten! Where has the time gone?! The week before school started, I decided to take Cruise school shopping for the first time since he won't wear what I pick out. Old Navy was having a back to school sale, so I took him over and let him at it. I guided him to the boys section where he proceeded to grab every green or yellow shirt in sight. and not just one of each, but like entire stacks. After helping him find his sizes and put the rest back, he was ready to make the purchase. I kid you not, he was in and out in 15 minutes. Now THAT'S a shopper!

The next day was the open house for his school. He started a new school this year because of the move and the Autism program. He got to visit his new school and his new teacher, Mrs. Bair. On the ride there, we were telling him his teacher's name and of course he was thinking "BEAR", so he gave himself the name of "Cruise Snake". So when he introduced himself, he told his teacher that his name was Cruise Snake. He was so excited that he actually thought he was going to be able to stay for school, but after explaining to him that we were just visiting and that school would start the next week, he was even more upset. The kid really loves school. We had to go back the next day for assessments and I overheard Cruise answer these questions:

Mrs. Bair: What's your first name?
Cruise: Cruise
Mrs. Bair: What's your last name?
Cruise: Snake!
Mrs. Bair: How old are you?
Cruise: Ummmm....snake!

I was sitting there slapping my forehead and laughing at the same time.

Cruise & Mrs. Bair

Over the next week I got Cruise ready with his social story, but I didn't really feel like he needed it, he was already so excited!

The first day of school came and the bus situation didn't pan out, again. So I ended up driving him, but it didn't make much of a difference; he was just happy to be back at school!

Jett wanted to go to school too.

Cruise's first day was good, however he came home with band-aids on his face. Apparently he had gotten upset with another student and knowing he shouldn't hurt them, he scratched up his face instead. But since then I've only heard good reports: he has been participating and having great days! I love that he loves school!

Gymnastics

I wanted to sign Cruise up for some sort of sport. After all, the kid never stops moving and really needs that sensory input. I decided to stay away from contact sports and signed him up for gymnastics at the local recreation center. The first day he was border-line meltdown until I took him inside the gym. After that, he was so comfortable and didn't need me at all! He followed the directions to the best of his ability and interacted just fine with the other boys. I was floored seeing him do things that should be difficult, like holding yourself up on the rings and pointing your legs straight out in front of you. The second week he learned a double bars exercise like a pro. He just loves gymnastics and I am so glad he can participate in something that is mainstreamed. I will have to get pictures one of these days. Parents have to sit above the gym to watch, so I just haven't gotten around to getting a good picture of him in action! 

Cruise has been doing so awesome lately and I am just so proud of him! The other day he drew his first family portrait. I'm the one without shoes on. He pays attention. 

From left to right: Cruise, Mommy, Daddy, Jett (and the sun in the upper lefthand corner).

He makes us laugh all the time and we just don't know what we would do without him!

Today You Are Five

Cruise's Birth Day

1st Birthday

2nd Birthday 

3rd Birthday

4th Birthday (sick)

5th Birthday

Dear Cruise,

Since before you were born I’ve always been amazed by you. You have never been like anybody else; you’ve always marched to the beat of your own drum and I wouldn’t change that for the world. In fact, there is nothing I would change about you.

You are growing so fast and learning so much every day. I love that you wake each morning on your own, dress yourself, brush your teeth, make yourself chocolate milk, and greet everyone with a sunny disposition. I love how you share with your brother, even when it’s hard to. I love that you know your sensory limits and can take a break all on your own. I love that you love others, are quick to forgive, and even quick to apologize.

I love that you can ride your bike like a pro. I love that you draw rockets, aliens and write your name when you draw. I love that you wear your “bird hat” everywhere, and hang it up when you get home. I love that you are so obedient and trusting of Daddy and I. I love that you notice the little things when no one else takes the time to. I love that you love space and astronauts.

I always look forward to putting you to bed because I never know what you’re going to say. Your sense of humor is absolutely fantastic and I love our little chats before bedtime. Now that you can speak much better, it is so fun to hear your thoughts on things and to hear about how you see the world. You always make me laugh and I stay as long as I can in your room before you say, “Okay, you go now Mom.” Lately you’ve started hugging me before bed and saying, “I love you, Mommy.” I may have waited five years for that, but now that you say it, I treasure each moment that you do. There is nothing like a Cruiser hug.

You’ve accomplished so much this past year. You became conversational and learned to write your name while holding the pencil correctly. You’ve learned your numbers and some shapes. You are really good at playing Cut the Rope and Angry Birds. You are so good at following directions and making eye contact. You are absolutely incredible and I thank God every day for you.

This next year is going to be big for you since you’ll be starting a new school with a new teacher and new friends. It may be hard for awhile, but I want you to know that there isn’t anything you can’t do. I’ve seen you do the impossible, over and over again. If anyone can move mountains, it is you.

Cruise, never forget how much we love you. I know things can be hard sometimes. I know sometimes you don’t quite understand what we say or how other people act. And I know that some days are harder than others. But something that will always be consistent is my love for you. And I want you to know that your Heavenly Father loves you so much. You are so special Cruise. Every time you smile, sunlight fills the room and you bring the Spirit to our home. Thank you for being such a sweet and wonderful boy. I couldn’t ask for a better 5 year old son.

I love you, Cruiser!

Love,

Mommy

Cruise's Space Party!

I can't believe Cruise is going to be turning 5 in a couple of days! For his birthday this year, he wanted a space party. Because of my insane need to plan fabulous childhood parties, I started planning it in May. Shoot, I even watched 3 seasons of Cake Boss so I could make Cruise a space shuttle cake.

The Invite:
I made the mistake of planning on EVERYONE we invited being able to come, but unfortunately half the party couldn't show, so last minute I invited some of Cruise's friends that we hadn't seen in a while. It turned out fabulous, but I was sad that the latter invitees didn't receive one of these:

Inside they say:

You have been selected for Astronaut Training for a Mission to Outer Space!

Mission Objective:

Help Commander Cruise have a Happy 5th Birthday

Report for Duty:

August 4, 2012

Countdown Begins:

1:00 PM

Return to Earth:

3:30 PM

Launch Site:

Ybarra Space Station

Coordinates:

(Address)

To accept this mission, contact your flight director, Emily, (phone #)

We will be training in our Weightless Environment Training Facility. 

Trainees must be dressed in their underwater uniforms.

The Cake:
Friday, day before the party, I spent most of the day making the cake. I had originally planned on doing a moon cake, where you cook the cake in a bowl so it comes out a half-sphere, but that just seemed too easy. I decided a space shuttle cake would be just the thing to get not only my creative juices flowing, but my anxiety to kick in as well. I honestly didn't think I would pull it off, but apparently those hours of studying every episode of Cake Boss really paid off!

 Okay, so it's not perfect, but for my very first 3D cake, I think it turned out pretty well! For the cake itself, I went the lazy way and bought 4 boxes of pound cake mix. Cooked them in a 12x18x2 inch cake pan and cooked it for about an hour. Let it cool while I made the rice crispy treats and fondant. For the fondant, I used this recipe for marshmallow fondant and found that not only is it pretty easy (yet messy), it tastes pretty decent! I was pleasantly surprised!

Once the cake cooled, I evened out the top so I had a flat surface to work with. I cut it in half to leave two 12x9x2 inch rectangles. I put buttercream in the middle (I had planned on doing a chocolate ganache, but found that it took about 5 hours, so had to just do the buttercream) then stacked one rectangle on top of the other. Then came the messy/fun/nerve-wracking part: sculpting. Earlier in the week I drew out the shape of the body, wings and tail onto cardboard and then cut it out to use as a guide. So when it came time for me to sculpt, I put the cardboard on top and then cut around it. The hardest part was doing the next step which was carving the rest with no guide at all.

Once that was done, I dirty iced the cake in buttercream, rolled out my fondant, and placed it on the cake. Using a fondant smoother, I smoothed the fondant onto the cake so it didn't have any dents or ripples. Once that was done, I cut out my rice crispy treat wings, dirty iced them, and covered them in fondant as well. Using toothpicks, I stuck them into the sides of the shuttle. The tail actually proved to be the most annoying part as far as covering it in the fondant and cutting it so you couldn't see the cardboard edges. But after a few tries, I managed to make it look at least presentable. Finally, I had to come up with the engines. I really didn't have much of an idea as to what I was going to use. I thought possibly those mini donuts, but decided against it. I then spotted these little cups and figured they would be perfect! I fastened them in with toothpicks and got to work on the decoration.

Using a cookie cutter, I cut out a 5 and placed it with frosting on one of the wings. I got out my edible markers that I got from Hobby Lobby and got to work on the windows, flag, name, and coloring of the 5. Using black decorator frosting, I piped the nose and edges and then smoothed them the best I could using a butter knife. And voila! There you have it! All in all, it took 7 hours from start to finish. It was then I realized why personalized cakes cost so much!

The Party:

Just like last year, I set up the party in a very autism-friendly style. I am so glad Cruise's birthday is in the summer! I set up the stations:

The Lunar Exploration table consisted of homemade moon dough (4 c. flour + 1/2 c. baby oil) and added in Cruise's small space toys. 

The Blaster Range was an awesome water space pack (bought off of Amazon.com) and some printed out aliens taped to the fence. The kids were all over it. I wish I had bought a couple more.

The Weightless Environment Training Facility. Pretty much a pool and a slide. But I also bought a blow up space shuttle which made it awesome! And the shuttle was really well made. Everyone had a blast with it!

The Rocket Launch was epic. I had Dave build a bottle rocket launcher and I made sure I stocked up on soda the whole month of July. It had about 100 psi and those rockets flew pretty stinkin' high. We had to keep running to the neighbors to get the bottles back.

The Space Art station wasn't the party favorite, but the kids still got into it and made some pictures.

The Birthday Boy 

Dave at his post: the bottle rocket launch

Cruise blowing out his candles. They were white, so you can't really see them, but I promise he's not just giving the cake a kiss. 

For the party favors, I bought these adorable favor boxes off Amazon.com and filled them with Space Sludge Silly Putty, space stickers, glow sticks, and Starbursts. They also each got a little certificate for completing the Astronaut Training program.

My husband thinks I go a little overboard, but what he doesn't understand is that this is me toning it down a little. He hasn't even seen overboard. But he is a good sport and helps me out with the parties. I think Cruise had a great birthday. He had a lot of fun, his friends had a lot of fun, he got some fun gifts and loved his space shuttle cake. Totally worth this week's anxiety attack. 

Cruise opening his gift from Mom & Dad! 

Finally gets his own camera!