Time to change your diaper, Daddy

After a long week of work we all decided to get out of the house tonight. We were busy every night visiting possible daycares and running errands. We had supper at Chappy's in Shueyville followed by a sweet treat of ice cream in Swisher at the Kava house. 

Brycen picked out the orange and green sherbet ice cream, Burke had a pecan and I had a mint chocolate... Yum!!!  We took our dessert outside to sit on a picnic bench to eat it on such a nice night. 

As we were eating our ice cream, Dada tooted and Brycen immediately said, "You need to change your diaper, Dada."    We immediately busted out laughing at his comment. It sure made our night! 

We had reason to celebrate because this afternoon, we received a signed purchase agreement on our house. We took down the for sale signs too. 

Happy Day!  Here's to a great weekend!

Good-bye Mama & Mommy... hello "Mom"

Recently, Brycen has been using the word "Mom" instead of Mommy or Mama. It's kind of crazy how he has just decided to change what he calls me.  He still calls Burke Dada or Daddy and Otis is his own pronunciation of "Owis."  About two weeks ago he called Grandpa Blanchard "Gramps" out of the blue, also.  It's just a sign of him growing up, I guess.

This is a picture of Brycen & Otis waiting to wave at our neighbor, Brad, after breakfast one morning.  Brad walks through our back yard to the school bus and waves at Brycen every morning.  Yesterday morning, we got done eating breakfast early so Brycen got to sit out on the deck and wait.  He's been eating breakfast quicker because he keeps telling me that all he wants to eat is his banana and a vitamin.  The boy knows what he wants!

Have a Happy Friday and a great weekend!

Why?

It's started... the questions phase!

For about a month now, Brycen has started to ask a lot more questions.  He's just so interested in learning the reasons things happen and why things are the way they are.  Within the last week, he's started using the word "why" hundreds of times per day.  At least it feels like it to us.

The sad thing with him asking why, when, where, who did it, and where do they come from... is that he's too cleaver and smart to trick into an easy answer.  It's amazing in the last few days on how much knowledge he's absorbed due to his quest of the questions.

I'm hoping this doesn't last long, because even the 45 minute drive to Belle Plaine with about 100 questions is enough to make someone pull their hair out.  It doesn't even phase Brycen and he will continue to ask the questions even after he picks up that Burke and I are frustrated.  "Just because" doesn't seem to appease him and the questions keep on coming.

We're driving to Denver, Colorado for the 4th of July to see Ross & Sarah and the car ride there might be challenging for all of us!

Memorial Day

A fun 3 day Memorial Day weekend left it's mark on Brycen... literally.  On Sunday, we went over to Belle Plaine to visit friends and Brycen got to play at his friend Mason's house.  He had a fun time playing with Mason's train table and the kids there.  We had a delicious supper with too much food and watched the storm pass through.  

After supper, all of the kids were playing outside with toys.  A Cozy Coop, two tricycles, the mower, and other fun toys.  We attempted to keep them on the driveway and sidewalk because the grass was so wet but I'm sure there were some wet shoes that evening.  

We all know that Brycen loves to push things... and Mason had a popper-mower.  Yes, a combination of the loud and annoying popper with a mower.  While mowing the sidewalk he must have attempted to mow up the front cement steps of their house and took a tumble.  

He took about a minute to get over his scratch and returned outside to play.  Now on Wednesday, the scratch has healed quite a bit and I'm sure that it will be mostly gone by the weekend.  Brycen is all boy and a  tough little boy at that.  He doesn't let little bumps, bruises or scratches get in his way of playing outside.  Burke and I are in for an interesting time watching him grow up as he will have many more of these faces... 

Brycen on Monday morning eating breakfast.  He fell at a friends house and has the mark to prove it!

On Monday, Brycen woke up after 7 again.  When I went in there to get him up I was so excited to tell him that today was Monday and we didn't have to go to Jean's house... we got to stay home ALL DAY and play! :)  He was all smiles of course and we had fun playing outside for a little while (between showers) and had fun playing inside too.  

He likes to play on the iPad and has a few of his own games.  Burke downloaded the Bass Pro Shops "Buck Hunter" a long time ago and Brycen has taken an interest in playing this game.  The game stops when you shoot a doe and Brycen thinks it's the funniest thing.  He laughs and throws his head back on the couch only to have you start the game over so he will stop it after he shoots the wrong animal.  We've tried to tell him to shoot the bucks, yet he likes how the game says, "Ooh, you shot a doe!" and it stops.  

Later that afternoon, we knocked on the neighbor's door to ask if Sara wanted to plant some sunflower seeds in her garden.  Brycen and Sara had a great time in her small patch of dirt planting many seeds of sunflowers and another tall flower.  Both of these will grow about 5-6 feet tall and it will be fun to watch them grow this summer.  

Showing off the mud on his rain boots and his dirty hands

Sara and Brycen planting Sunflowers in her garden... one seed at a time.  (Tall ones!)

No shirt, no shoes no service

You'll have to forgive me as I am getting caught up on Brycen's blog.  I've got so many stories to tell and not enough time to write them down.  We had an interesting time in church on Sunday with no organist playing for the service.  Normally, Brycen is very well behaved in church and a very good boy.  I've mentioned before that Brycen doesn't quite know how to whisper, or just chooses not to.

In church, he picked out his normal bag in the Narthex of the church to play with during the service.  In the bag was the normal toys and a train.  The train normally is a little noisy but with a quiet sanctuary, it was VERY noticeable.  We convinced Brycen to "park" his train on the floor while pastor was talking.  He listened and the train was then parked underneath the pew in front of us.  He then dug into his diaper bag (which we only ever use for church) and got his yellow truck out.  This is also a noisy truck (and will be removed from the bag before church next week) and he was being just a little obnoxious with it.  I asked him to park the yellow truck and his response was "I don't want to."

We tried to reason, saying that he could play with it, but he had to be very quiet... fail.  Next option was to take it away and that brought on a small tantrum that lead me to remove him from the sanctuary and take him outside for a short talk about how to behave in church.  When we returned, it was just about time for communion.  Now Brycen often takes his "church" shoes off in the pew and Burke and I are fine with that.  When we go up front for the Children's Sermon and for communion,  he knows that he needs to put them back on.

So, when we the ushers were directing people for communion we attempted to get his shoes on him and he responded with, "I don't want to."  At this point it was our turn to go up front, so I just grabbed him and walked down the pew and by the time I entered the aisle, he threw his head back and cried that he was missing his shoes!!  I gave Brycen to Burke and quick ran back to get his shoes.  At this point, Brycen had got the entire congregation's attention.  Most people chuckled a little, but we were a little embarrassed.  I grabbed the shoes and between the wine and the bread, Brycen finally had shoes on... just in time to walk back to our seats.

Quite a few members stopped by after the service was over to share a few laughs about the situation.  We're just hoping that we have an organist from now on and Brycen isn't forced to be so quiet.

After church, we drove by the lot and went home for brunch.  We had blueberry pancakes, strawberries, and hash browns... yum!  Brycen loves blueberries and when you add them to pancakes you can't go wrong!  (Except for the stained fingers and clothes afterwards.)  Needless to say, we needed to go out and buy new church pants the next day.

This is a picture of Brycen's animals in the "pasture" by the pond.  Grandpa Fara and Uncle Eric are in with the animals feeding them a bale of hay.  He loves playing with his tractors and trains.  These toys get completely ignored when it's nice outside, so Sunday's rainy day brings a lot of fun inside playing.

Potty training update

Sunday morning started out with this scene in the Blanchard house...

Kermit sitting on the potty

We've been trying to reignite the motivation for Brycen to continue potty training. Burke and I have finally pulled back and stopped trying to trick him into doing something he has lost interest in.  At some moments, it seems like a battle and we've pushed long enough.  

Brycen went from going 4-6 times per day  for a few months to not wanting to even sit on the potty.  So, we refreshed our potty sticker board and are starting fresh.  We've had a few small successes over the weekend and the start of this week with a total of four stickers on his new board.  Life would be so much easier potty trained, but Brycen will come around on his own time.  He's still not very excited about wearing big boy underwear, but that might turn around too.  He's just showing us that he can make his own decisions and be independent.  

Memorial Day Weekend

This year we had a very rainy, gloomy, and cool Memorial Day Weekend.  Not a very run combination for a little boy who loves to play outside!

Friday night we visited the lot in Walford and Brycen got to roam around to see the basement, big piles of dirt, wall castings, and other fun things in the building process.  We had supper at Wild Hogs and ran into a few members of our church there.  It was a pretty low key evening but it was just what the Doctor ordered after a long and stressful week for Dad & Mom.

Brycen sporting his shades after work on Friday

Brad, Brycen, and Burke in the dog house... :)

Brycen & Dad at the lot in Walford checking out the basement

Saturday started with Brycen sleeping in past 7! We showed the house one more time (hopefully the last time) to some nice people and had a relaxing morning playing in the house while the rain fell outside. 

We visited a baby shower for Grayson Kitzman!  It was so fun to see Nathan and Amy and the newest member of their family. It was a nice relaxing get-together with lots of good food. Brycen especially loved the cupcakes from Molly's Cupcakes in Iowa City.

At one point, Brycen asked to sit next to the baby boy, Briggs in the red chair.  I snapped a few pictures below.  He then asked me, "Mom can I have the other baby?"  I told him to go ask Amy if he could hold Graycen and when he did, he was sooo proud of himself!

We finished off the evening at one of our favorite restaurants in Iowa City, Jade Sisters, for sushi. Brycen had a fun time at the restaurant, yet we are reminded in quiet setting, he is very loud and still doesn't know how to whisper. He behaves very well, but just never stops talking....

Brycen laying on the floor with a big smile watching his new friend Graysen Kitzman

Devouring a cupcake at the baby shower

Brycen holding Graycen and sitting next to Briggs

Brycen flying like Super Man with Nathan

Gramps

Brycen had the opportunity to hang out with Gramps and Grandma Blanchard on Wednesday night.  They went shopping at Menards and went out to eat for supper in Cedar Rapids at Carlos O'Kelly's.  Over the weekend while Brycen went to Belle Plaine for the afternoon, he started calling Dan "Gramps" out of the blue.  

He had a lot of fun shopping and a blast at the restaurant.  Grandma said that he was entertained by the lizards and other fun things on the walls of the restaurant.  He had his favorite foods for supper which included a quesadilla, applesauce, and milk.  By the time Brycen came home around 8:00 he was beyond tired and when the pajama's were put on and teeth were brushed we didn't even finish a full book before he was telling me it was bedtime.  

Today, when I logged in and Brycen's blog has surpassed 1,000 visitors.  Wow!  So far this has beena  fun experience and I am happy that I've taken time to write down some of the fun events in Brycen's life.  This weekend will be full of fun with friends for Brycen to play with.  We're looking forward to meeting Grayson Kitzman on Saturday!  Have a great Memorial Day weekend!

A Day with Mom

Brycen & his fly swatter chasing after flies

Strong winds on Sunday evening turned into lots of damage at Daddy's work and the neighborhood on the Southwest Side of Cedar Rapids on Monday.  Brycen and Mom got to spend the day together because Jean was without power for about 20 hours.  We started our day by visiting the grocery store and picking up some snacks and treats for those helping with the cleanup efforts at Gypsum Supply.  Brycen got to see lots of trees and buildings blown over.  He was marveled at how the building fell on the trucks at Daddy's work.

Playing and quizzing with puzzles

Our next stop was at Mom's office at Kirkwood.  We stopped in to see Mary and before we even got to Student Life he spotted Nick Blomme.  Nick and Brycen really hit it off at the Kirkwood Christmas party.  Nick played catch with Brycen for over 15 minutes in the cafeteria and in the Admissions office yesterday morning.

We got home, played outside and even made a milk-jug bird feeder.  We filled it with old almond slices because we didn't have any bird feed.  It worked for the time being.  After his nap we went on a quick shopping run to Target (one of Brycen's favorite stores) to get a gift for Grayson Kitzman.  He picked out a few books for her and we then of course had to get some for him too.  :) He has a love for books and stories.  He picks up on them so quickly and can finish sentences in books after being read just one or two times.

Our milk jug bird feeder

After a quick ride through the car wash, we were back home playing outside again.  Brycen got to play with Sara before she left for her last Dance lesson of the year.  They jumped on the trampoline and she had managed to get him in his swing, too.  (Strong girl!)  Sara was surprised that Brycen knew what an "under-doggie" was.  He's rekindled his love for swinging at home since we drug the swing out of the shed last weekend.

Fun playing outside!

A quick supper and bath lead to reading too many books and a fight to turn off the light.  At the rate he's going, he's "needing" to read for about 30 minutes before he lets you leave the room.  We might try to stress just 1 book and 1 story before bedtime now... not 2, 3, or 4 books and a story.  It's getting to be a long process.

Getting dirty

Brycen standing on the digger at our new lot in Walford.  

Yesterday was a busy day! It started off with Brycen and Mom going shopping for flowers, plants, and groceries.  We came home and got to work and planted some tomatoes and other potted veggies along with some pretty perennials.  We played catch outside with his baseball glove and ball. He sure is getting good at throwing a baseball to you, but is still working in how the ball lands in his glove. :)

Pasting on the sun screen before heading outside to play.

Attempting to lounge and play catch at the same time.  It didn't work so well.

After a short 1 hour nap, we decided to pack up and walk around on the lot in Walford. Brycen got to see the "digger" that was parked there and even snap a few pictures with him standing on it. We met a neighbor and walked around on the spray painted lines that showed where the house will be dug.

Acting very grown up at the Amana Colonies.

Afterwards, we went to the Amana Colonies. We paid a visit to the smoke shop and the brewery. Brycen is just like his Mamma and loves their smoked string cheese... Yum! We sat outside and took in the calm nice day and before coming home to grill some Amana brats for supper. There was a little time to play outside, but Brycen was overly tired due to a short nap and playing hard all day. 

We got his swing out from the shed.  He's having fun swinging again!

He woke up around 10:30pm with a real high temperature of 102.8. The temp came up quickly and mysteriously so we gave his some acetaminophen and he went back to sleep for the night.  Whatever it was, it wasn't letting it bother him or slow him down.  He didn't have any other symptoms, so we're hoping that it was just the last of his teeth coming in. 

Trying them on for size.

Helping mom plant flowers and veggies.

If one tooth brush doesn't get the job done, try two!

More pictures from last weekend

Here are a few more pictures to share from last weekend's trip to Des Moines.  Also, a picture of the flower pot & beautiful flower Brycen gave me for Mother's Day.

Driving lessons



Brycen "driving" with his steering wheel

 Brycen has taken an interest in driving lately.  About 2 months ago, he was all about starting the car... it fascinated him.  He now keeps his yellow steering wheel in the car and breaks it out a few days a week in the car.  He's recently made the connection of how a turn signal is used.  When we stop at our usual turns, I hear the "click, click, click, click" from his steering wheel. 

It's been real good for him because a few months ago he learned the meanings of red, yellow, and green lights on a traffic light.  Brycen now recognizes STOP signs and what they mean and he has recently picked up on turn signals.  It's a fun game to play for the few minutes in the car to and from Jean's house. 

Hoppy

Brycen has many stuffed animals and friends and he goes through phases as to which one is his favorite.  For a while now, "Hoppy" his green frog has been his buddy.  He carries him around the house, brings him to the bathroom when he goes potty, and tucks him into bed at night.  Lately Brycen has asked to swaddle Hoppy and carries him around like a baby.  He'll often bounce him in his arms and rock him just like he's Hoppy's care giver.

On Monday, Brycen insisted that he needed to take Hoppy and his sock monkey to Jean's house.  I didn't feel like arguing so I let him.  He's never taken a stuffed animal to Jean's so I thought it would be worth trying once.  I had a feeling that it wouldn't be a great idea because I knew he wouldn't share Hoppy.  Jean said that he did let Peyton and Addie hold him, (for a short time) but she had to put him up after a while.  On Tuesday, I convinced him that Hoppy wanted to take a nap on the couch in the living room.  So Brycen tucked him in by the pillow and that is where he sat all day.

Here is a picture of Hoppy this morning as he brought him down for breakfast.  Brycen can be such a people-pleaser and really tries to take care of his stuffed "friends."

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day!

The day started off great. Brycen slept in until 6:30 and we all cuddled in bed together and watched a little Winnie the Pooh before getting ready for church. Even though Brycen didn't want to be in church too much, we had a great morning.  He was confused that Pastor Moe wasn't there and asked for him a few times. 

When we got home, we made one lets and hashbrowns for brunch and Brycen and I even got to fly his kite that he has anxiously been waiting to fly.

Brycen & Mom flying his new Spiderman kite

After his nap we played outside all afternoon in the sun. I'm blessed to have such a great family!!!

Playing catch with his baseball and glove

Admiring the blooming tulips

Sitting at the bank of the crick in our backyard, throwing in dandelion flowers

A cheese smile while enjoying the nice day

A Day at the Park

Brycen sitting on the alligator bench

Today we went to Des Moines to see Grandpa and Grandma Fara at a park. Brycen played on playground equipment, rode his bike around, played with sidewalk chalk and admired the wildlife at the  park.

Brycen got to see "uncle" Miles and Cara, too. We went out for lunch at a BBQ restaurant. We had such a great time and Brycen was zonked out in the car within minutes of being in the car. 

Brycen & Grandpa swinging ... mid-fall 

Brycen going down the slide to Grandpa

There was a turtle sunning itself right up until this moment

Dad, Brycen & Grandpa on the playground equipment

Brycen & Dad on the rope bridge

At Bass Pro Shops admiring the fish

Trapped!

Last night as Brycen was playing around last night outside as a large tractor and "digger" worked in the field behind our house.  He decided that it would be fun to play around in Otis's kennel.  It reminded me of when he was 11 months old with Otis behind the gate in the house.  So I thought I'd post the two pictures for fun to compare... Have a great day!

Brycen (11 months) and Otis behind the baby gate



Brycen (25 months) and Otis in his kennel 



Spring has finally arrived

Brycen and Otis spent the weekend at Grandpa and Grandma Blanchard's house in Belle Plaine.  He went over in his winter coat and hat, but came home without needing a coat.  The weather this year has been so incredibly unpredictable with just hitting 90 degrees last Tuesday (April 30) and Friday's (May 3) high was in the 30's.  Yesterday the nice weather continued with the sun out.  It is so nice dressing Brycen in shorts and t-shirts again.

Here are a few pictures of Brycen at Jean's house with his friends (Addie and Peyton) from last week when the weather was so nice.  They all love playing outside and the sunshine brings laughter and happiness to their lives. 

Addie, Peyton & Brycen

Addie, Peyton & Brycen

Addie, Peyton & Brycen

Looking at the dogs in the back yard

Lunch outside on a nice day

Lunch outside on a nice day

Having fun with Balloons!