Jakeisms

Here are some of Jake's favorite expressions:

"What are you talking about, Mommy?" (said in exasperation, when he doesn't understand something I'm trying to tell him)

"Oh my goodness!" (when something surprises him)

"Good my grief!" (when something amazes him)

"Dagnabbit" (when something annoys him)

"Bummer, dude" (when something disappoints him)

If Only...

After being away from Jake from Tuesday through Friday, it was wonderful to come home. As much fun as he had with Poppy, he cried for me every night at bedtime...not something he's done for a long time.

After hugs and kisses, Jake and I spent the evening together hanging out--playing outside, eating popsicles, etc. We were cuddled up watching "Curious George." After each episode, they show a bunch of kids doing something related to whatever George learned about in the episode. They always preface it by saying, "Curious George is a monkey so he can do things you can't do."

I said, "Oh yeah, we can't do that." Jake says, "You can, Mommy! You can do anything you want to do!"

I wasn't sure what to say...was he spouting back some affirmation he'd heard at school? Or expressing that adults can do what they want? I figured given the context, it was the latter. "No, Jake, even Mommy has rules and things she can't do. Everyone does. And everyone has to have good behavior."

He just looked at me and sort of rolled his eyes. I guess from his perspective, adults can do whatever they want to do...if only!

Go, Go, Go!

Jake was quite impatient this morning in the car. We were sitting at the light, getting ready to get on the Beltline. It turned from red to green. "Go, Mommy, go!" I hear from the back seat.

"Jake, there are cars in front of me, I have to wait."

"But it's the green arrow!"

"I know, but I have to wait for the cars in front of me to start driving, or I will hit them. Besides, we're going now."

"Yeah, but that car is winning!"

Oh my, I've created a speed demon. Every time I stopped at a stop sign, he would pipe up, "Go, go, go! Mommy, let's go!"

He was also in a singing mood today. Besides Laurie, he sang along to Eddie and the Cruisers and Kermit the Frog. Kermit sings "The Rainbow Connection" which is the song I've sung every night to Jake for...well, years now. It was so sweet to see Jake singing along and smiling, although he said, "That song makes me tired!" I guess he associates it with bedtime!

Big & Little

Alex got a guitar from our friend Jen (her old practice guitar, thanks, Jen!) so he could learn to play and teach Jake. He even got the chording for "We Are the Dinosaurs," Jake's favorite song.

As Jake said to me this morning, while getting into the car, "Poppy is a good guy, Mommy."

Going to Bed & Waking Up

Last night, Jake had a hard time going to sleep. He actually hopped out of bed and came down the hall a couple of times (usually he just calls for us).

One time he appeared at my bedroom door and said, "Mommy!" (big smile). I said, "Jacob..." and he finished, "...Nathanael Piper!" Little smartie.

This morning, he woke up very early, at 4:45 am. I heard him stirring around. He fell back asleep a couple of times, but was pretty restless. I got up at 5:30 to take my shower. I heard him over the monitor saying, "Mommy! Mommy? Come here, I love you!" He kept repeating it, and when it had no effect, he switched to, "Mommy! Come out and get me! I need kisses!" He never got upset though, and was in a really good mood when I got out of the shower and fetched him for kisses.

I'm Gonna Be a Rock Star!

Jake finally realized a long-cherished dream -- at least, as long-cherished a dream as a two-year-old can have.

He got his very own guitar.

He was so excited! He actually slept with it the first night. He likes to play and sing, "just like Laurie." In fact, we put on his Laurie Berkner DVD and he runs around and plays to all of the songs.

I picked him up from school today and the first thing he said was, "Hey! My guitar is at home."

He likes when Poppy or I play rhythm on his drums or tamborine. We are not allowed to sing, of course.

Who knew that so much happiness could be had for $15? Ask Jake if he's going to be a rock star when he grows up and he says, "Oh yeah!"

Feel the Love, Part II

Jake has been very affectionate lately. He tells us he loves all of the time. Except, he says, "I love you, too!" Which is doubly cute, because not only he is expressing affection, he's acknowledging the fact that he knows we love him.

Nothing is better than having your adorable son come up to you, throw his arms around you, and say, "I love you too, Mommy! More than anyone!" Sniff. Melt.

Of course, he's not above using affection to get what he wants. At night, his favorite delaying tactic at bedtime is to ask for a hug. "Poooooopppppyyyy!" he'll call. Poppy sticks his head in the door. "What's up, Jake?" "I need to give you a hug!" says Jake, holding his arms out. Who could resist?

Thank You. Thank You Very Much.

Jake is getting more adventuresome in his choice of evening "videos" with Poppy. His current faves:

* "Don't Mess Around With Jim" (their toothbrushing song, for some reason)
* Brandy (the "hippie" song because it shows the original band with their 70s hair)
* Our friend Jen Cass singing at her husband's birthday party (probably because it also shows her little girl)
* KT Tunstell's "Black Horse and a Cherry Tree" (woo hoo!)

And of course, Elvis. The other night, Elvis said, "Hunh!" during the video in that Elvis way. Jake went, "Hunh!" complete with head toss and lip curl. Don't mess with the King, baby...