Most 3

Sunday we went to the dump with our recycling and there is a playground right next to it so we took Gus over there to play for a bit since the weather was decent. There is a sandbox there that everyone brings old trucks and sand toys to and just leaves them there for the kids to play with. Gus along with every other kid loves it!

We were out there and three other kids showed up and we told Gus to tell them hi. Here is how the conversation went. Mind you the kids were 10, 7 and 3.

Gus: Hi kids!!

7 year old: Hi! I am (name). What is your name?

Gus: Name Gus! (as he pats his chest)

7 year old: I am 7. How old are you"

Gus: Still 2!!

I interject and say, "yep, you sure are still 2, but not for too much longer."

Gus: Most 3!!

7 year old and his dad: You are almost 3?!!

Gus: Yes (nodding his head)!

Very, very cute conversation.

Jake and I just looked at each other and smiled. We are so proud of you, Gusley. We often find ourselves asking each other, is he really our child? We love you and keep on keeping on!! You are such an inspiration to us! Each day you teach/remind me of a valuable lesson in life in your actions and the simplicity of what you do. Thank you! You seem to be a lover, like your daddy and not a fighter. If ever a toy or anything gets taken from you, you just move on to something else and shrug it off. This my friend, will come in handy one day as you will see that it is the small things in life that matter and life is not about having it all, but just living and loving what you have.

Green Bay All the Way!

A few weeks ago we were watching football at mom and dad's house and Green Bay was playing and I was chanting "Green Bay All the Way!" This was of course, after the Saints had been beat and were out of the running. Gus really liked my chant and has been saying it several times a day ever since. Anytime there is a football game on he says, "Geen Bay All Way!" I guess we will be rooting for the Packers during the Superbowl! They have always been my runner-up team to the Saints so I am really looking forward to the Superbowl again this year!! And all the yummy food that comes along with Superbowl parties!!

GREEN BAY, ALL THE WAY!!

Gus-isms

It is unbelievable what a jump Gus has made lately. He is talking up a storm. A chatter box for sure! I have been trying to keep track of the cute little "Gus-isms" that he says or conjured up because they are so stinking cute. Here are a few....

Shabe = shave

Dribe = drive

Kill George = Curious George; NOTE - he has NO idea what kill means, that is just how he thinks curious is pronounced!

Cow's House = Chick-fil-A

Oucho chips = nacho chips

Flickee = Flicker the Flashlight from Handy Manny

Star Stickee = star sticker that he gets after he goes to the toilet

Da Da Sue = Dr. Suess

Tat Hat = Cat in the Hat

Bouncehouse House = Jump Zone

Oakshake = milkshake

B-yack = black

Mew = Blue

Mo-A = more

Bus-stache = mustache

MM = Cousin William

Kids or cuzz = cousins

Ibb = Cousin Vivian

Taa-kee = tacos

I know I am forgetting some, but I will add as they come to me!





Expressions:

Oh Dear!!

Oh My!!

K, K, K! = OK

Inside (insert where ever we are going) house!

A few weeks ago we were all sitting in the living room playing and Gus got up and walked around the living room and counted off 10 different random items, but counted to 10 all on his own! A very proud moment for Jake and I!!

Lately he has been really in to rocket ships and 3, 2, 1, blast off so he will count down and blast whatever he is playing with off into the air! Total little boy!


A little white lie as told to me by Gusley:

The other day I picked Gus up from Mom and Dad's house and on our way home we were talking about what all they did. Here is a breakdown of the conversation.

Me: Gus did you have a good time with Nice and Pops?

Gus: Eat oakshake at Nice house.

Me: You had a milkshake at Nice's house? What else did you do?

Gus: Nice cat, bite Gus.

Me: Nice's cat bit you? Where?

Gus: Nice cat bite Gus toes.

Me: Really? Which cat? Rosa or Marley the black one?

Gus: B-yack one bite Gus toes.

I knew he was more than likely fibbing, but I do know that Rosa is infamous for biting toes (hence her nickname "Tosa") so I called mom to see what happened. I told her our conversation and she said that never happened as far as she knew, but that Rosa did bite HER toes and she fussed her so maybe he wanted in on the action and added his toes to the equation!!

Little mister Gusley, what are we going to do with you? I love that it was so innocent and he was so serious the entire time we talked about it!

Say What??

My friend Amanda and I have been going to Zumba for over a year now. Not consistently, but we do try to go at least once a week. Sometimes Jake and Gus drop me off at "dancing" and Amanda will bring me home. (Thanks, Amanda) Anyway, the other week when they dropped me off this was our conversation:

Gus: "Mom, dancing?"

Me: "Yep, mom is going to dancing with the other mommy's."

Gus: "A dancing?" - He refers to Amanda as "A", her husband Tyler as "T" and their daughter Endi is "E"

Me: "Yep, Ms. Amanda will be at dancing."

Gus: "E dancing?"

Me: "Nope, E is at home. Dancing is just for mommy's."

Gus: "Mom, water?"

Me: "Yep, mommy has her water."

Gus: "Mom, shit (shirt) off?" The way he says shirt sounds just like shit!

Me: Looking at Jake puzzled, I tell him "No, Mommy keeps her shirt on."

All I can figure is that I had put a long sleeve shirt over my workout shirt because it was a little chilly out and he was making sure I was not going to dance in my long sleeve shirt!! Certainly a SAY WHAT? moment!!

Lollipop, Lollipop, Ohhhh Sollipop!

Gus has found a new love.....lollipops or as he calls them - SOLLI-POPS! He knows that when we go to the bank they give out "sollipops". We went today after hours and he was a little bothered that he did not get one. Thankfully Walgreens is right next door so we headed over to get a lollipop since he had been a good boy! You would know that as soon as we walked in there was a lollipop display....not quite as elaborate as this picture, but in his eyes I am sure it was! He chose the BIGGEST, REDDEST lollipop! There was no changing his mind on this matter. So we checked out and headed home with the world's larger than any 2 year old's mouth sollipop. I do believe it will take him several months if not years to get to the stick of this thing...if it doesn't make it to the trash before then!!

Holdin on tight

A few weeks ago we went camping and took Gus for his first canoe ride. We made sure to reinforce that he would have to "hold on tight" while getting in and out of the canoe and while we were riding. He really took to our directions! So much so that "holding on tight" can be heard at least 10 times a day some days!! Whether we are picking him up or putting him down or if he is climbing into his seat for a meal he makes sure to tell us that he is holding on tight and it is just the cutest thing! Oh Gusley, I love you so much and it is days like this that bring tears to my eyes knowing that you are growing up and growing up fast! I love you and keep holding on tight!!

Taking roadtrips to a whole new level

Currently we are embarking on our second roadtrip in 2 weeks. I am still in the process of completing the post from the first one. It will come in due time!! Anyway, thought I would document a few moments of this trip thus far.

First things first, Gusley is OBSESSED with Bob Marley, well just one of his cd's. More particularly, Three Little Birds and Buffalo Soldier. He carried the cd to the car and gave it to Jake as soon as we were ready to leave. We listened to it in it's entirety about 5 times. Possibly more. It does soothe him and it did put him to sleep so kudos to Bob for that!

Secondly, we are very proud of Gus and that he can recognize and tell us the sound that all but about 5 letters make. He also knows #'s 1-9. Each and every truck we pass he is calling out all the letters and numbers in the order they appear and waits for us to repeat it back to make sure he has it right! It is rather entertaining because we have to figure out what he is looking at and spelling! It certainly helps the time pass! Sometimes he will get us and call out the numbers on the radio and clock. He is keeping us on our toes!

And finally, I will have to being you up to speed from the trip 2 weeks ago.....Gus got carsick so bad that we had to purchase a new carseat the next morning. Once we got home we were able to really put some elbow grease into it and get it clean and it is now like new. Since this incident he has been in the new not so fancy seat. Here is the reason for the intro:
He refers to his butt as "boo, boo" (sounds like a cross between boo and poop) so tonight he began squirming and saying "boo,boo" and pulling at his backside. He did not have a dirty diaper he just had an uncomfortable bum. Pulled over put him in the fancy seat (yep, I packed BOTH carseats....hell after what happened last time I will always be prepared!) hebis sleeping so sound and looks oh so comfy.

I am enjoying my chocolate milk and powdered donuts while Jake sips coffee and we listen to Ben Folds Five and enjoy each others company!

Not sure if this will post on the 12th, but if so, Jake, through the past 11 years I would like to thank you for being my friend, boyfriend, fiancé, husband and baby daddy.....in that order!! I love you and am looking forward to many, many more years with you!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Trac-tor

Today we were looking out the window and a tractor was driving down our street, I said to Gus, "look at the tractor" and he looked at me and said, "trac-tor"! This made me smile! I told him how proud I was of him and he said it again with the biggest, proudest smile.

A little later today we were having crackers and he looked at me as said, "crack-er" with his precious smile! I think there is a pattern....words ending in "ER" or "OR" seem to be the words of the week. Keep up the good work Gusley. Mommy and Daddy just love to hear your little voice!

Last night Jake was going over the alphabet with Gus and he wasn't sure of "B" and "C", but after Jake sounded it out to him several times he got it so that makes 15 out of 26!

We went to the grocery store last night and stopped at my parents' house to drop some pictures off and on our way home he pointed out every zero on every speed limit sign and every "O" on every stop sign. We told him it says "two zero, twenty" and he would repeat, "ooo, oohhh"!

Alphabet Soup

Two weekends ago I picked up an alphabet puzzle for Gusley for a buck at a yard sale. It is in perfect condition and under each letter is picture of something that starts with that letter. To say that he LOVES the puzzle is an understatement! He is obsessed with the puzzle. Each night he has to complete the puzzle before bed and the other night we could not find "D" and "L". I guess they were on the DownLow!!! Anyway, we searched and we searched, upstairs, downstairs, under the furniture, EVERYWHERE. As Jake and I combed the house Gus walked around carrying the puzzle with a perplexed look on his face saying, "hummm, hummm" over and over and over until we finally located "D" and "L"! This was very cute and it has since become a game...Alphabet Soup!

He has gotten really good with his letters and it may take him a few tries but he manages to get all the pieces in the correct spot with a little help from Jake and I. So far he for sure recognizes and says the following letters: A, E, G, M, O, S, T, W, Y.

The other night when we were putting him to bed he looked at the clock and said "E" and I looked over at it and the time was 8:30. He can recognize a backwards "E"!!!! We went to Target the other night and he pointed out and said "O' for the o on the stop sign and while we were in the store he pointed out and said "E" for the emergency exit sign! We are having so much fun with Gus at this age! He is such a little sponge and is always eager to learn and sometimes try something new!

He has added a few more words to his vocabulary such as shoes, boots, keys, oh no, my momma, uice = juice, Maw, Gee, Paw, bu-boo = bubbles, goos = glasses/goggles!!!

Getting closer....

I am not sure if there is any cause and effect relationship between me washing my hair and Gusley have to make #2 on the potty, but it sure seems that there is a pattern. (See previous post) Today we went for our walk and I planned to take a quick shower while he brushed his teeth and washed his hands (usually a 5-10 minute process). As I was rinsing my shampoo I see a little head peeking through the curtain saying "poo poo poo" and pointing to his bottom. I check his pants...all clean. I immediately get his shoes, pants and diaper off and place him on the potty. I am thankful for our clear shower curtain because I was able to keep an eye on him (on the toilet) and finish my shower. Multitasking at its finest. As I watch through the curtain he pee-peed then he did #2 just like he told me!!!!! Again, the clean up of the soap, suds and lots of water was so worth it!!!! Go Gusley!!! I am so amazed at the leaps and bounds he has taken in the last month! Look for more updates........

Maw and Dee

Slowly but surely Gusley's vocabulary is expanding! Jake and I just love his little sweet voice. The later it gets the more raspy his voice gets and it is just too cute! Tonight we were talking about going to Louisiana and seeing all of his Maw-Maw's and he looked to Jake and I and said "MAW"! We were tickled!

Saturday evening we met Endi and her parents at the park and had dinner together at their house after. After the park we went pick up supper and we passed up Endi's house to get to the restaurant and Gus lost it - crying hysterically and between breaths he would shout "DEEE" "DEEE". As soon as we got back their house all was well!! Dee, Gus loves you oh so very much!!

Blue Suede Shoes

The word of the day is BLUE!! Enjoy!!

Another Snow Day...

Last night there was sort of a wintery mix if you will. Then that turned to snow and when Jake got home around 6:15ish the snow was really coming down. By 7:15 or so the grass, driveway, toys everything was covered in snow. It was so beautiful and peaceful to watch it come down. We have had flurries off an on for the last week or so and they are predicting that this will continue for the next week or so! I really enjoy the snow, but I really enjoy being able to play outside and go for walks with Gus.......hasn't happened since October or November. There were a few days here and there that we were able to get out in the yard for a little while, but then there are days like today the it is 28 outside but the wind is whipping so it feels a little like 15 or lower.....burrr!

I have to add a few words to the list:

guu - egg - pronounced with a long g!
ert - Bert - which he recognizes all of the main characters (Big Bird, Oscar, Count, Bert & Ernie, Elmo, Cookie Monster, Zoe, Abby, Elmo and Grover)

During his bath we ask him where all his body parts are and he has that down. If we don't ask him where his head and hair are within the first 3 questions, he keeps his hand on his head until we do! Not a very productive day over here...hoping tomorrow will bring a little sunshine our way!! Nighty-night!

Knock, Knock

Word of the day is "knock, knock"!! Every door we walk by, every door in any book and any door on any toy we have to stop and let Gus knock. It is so cute!! He makes a fist and says knock, knock while actually knocking at the door!! He has also expanded his vocabulary a little and is starting to repeat a few more words!

New words:

ba-oon - balloon
ball
reah - red - he recognizes and points to colors when we ask him (red, blue, yellow)
down
Gus
douu- dog
caah - cat

We are currently working on "Who Dat" and "GO SAINTS"!!!

T is for Turtle

Last night Gus became very fond of a stuffed turtle. He brought it to Publix, held it during the entire Saints game, fell asleep with it and woke up looking for it! Today when I would ask him what he had he would say "tu-tul"!!! Not a very pronounced "l" sound, but hey, I'll take that! It seems that each day he is saying something new. It is so fun to watch this unfold day by day. We have been drawing letters and objects to correspond with the letters on his chalkboard everyday. He really enjoys this! I have decided to take a letter a week and work on it with him. This week is the start so we are beginning with "A". At the end of each week I will give a progress report.

Words of the Week

Gus is very vocal, in his own language, but this week he has been saying some new words. We know that he is taking everything we tell him in and that he is comprehending everything. If we ask him to get something, to do something, where is an object or to put something away he will go get it, do it, telling or show us where the object is or putting the item away. It is so neat to watch him and to see when he has completed the task because he is so proud of himself. We know he takes it all in because I once wiped a DVD to make sure it was clean before putting it to play and now each time we change out the DVD Gus has to wipe it off on his leg (usually he has the wrong side down) but it is just the cutest thing. We can't wait to hear his voice talking in sentences. He has this new cry that is a little deeper than his usual cry and it is so cute!! Well I'm sure you are wanting to know what he has been saying. He does not say these on command, but at his leisure or when he feels it is necessary.

Here they are:

ish = fish
hoots = owl
car = Oscar (the grouch)
bu-buud = Big Bird
si-sit = sister (what we sometimes call Buttercup)
waving his hand at Buttercup as if to tell her to stop barking...very cute!
he counts in his own version of 'one, two, three' but as he is counting the objects he is pointing to them as well and looks to us with a smile beaming from ear to ear....very cute!
he has shape cube and he can put all the shapes in the cube with little to no help


I know I have listed more than just words, but this blog is to document milestones and to keep the family abreast of what is going on in our lives. We Gus does begin to speak he will have ALOT to say!! I will try to post words of the week once a week so we can compare and see what he has picked up from week to week!!

Ner-nie

Since we have the car, I took Gus to the library today on my lunch hour. He was fascinated by the children's area...it had been a while since our last visit so he was like a child in a candy store! We went over to the video section and I showed him a few movies and let me know which one he wanted with a big, loud, proud, exclamation of NER-NIE!!! I was so excited and beaming ear to ear...couldn't wait to get in the car and call Jake and tell him about the word of the day!!!

Ner-nie it was, we checked out our movies and books, headed home and he is down for a nap, but will be watching Ner-nie very soon!! Go Gusley!!!

This is the Ner-nie movie he chose!

STICK!

Last night I hosted Bunko so Jake and Gus spent the evening at Mom and Dad's visiting with Aunt Lisa. As I was asking Jake a million and one questions about their evening he told me Gus was holding two sticks (pieces of mulch out of the flower bed) and he said stick 'TICK'!!!!!! I was thrilled!! I smiled and held back tears at the same time. Folks this is one of his "first words" if you will. I mean he says mama, dada, ball, and a few others, but nothing like stick!!!! He KNOWS and RECOGNIZES so much, but this was a monumental moment for me!! Go Gusley, keep up the good words!! Mommy and Daddy love you so much and we are so proud of you sweet baby!!