When Mommy says no...

When Mommy says no, Andrew has found ways to attempt to break me down. Here are some of his "reasoning" tricks:

1. If Andrew wants some of what I'm eating, and I say no, his response is "OK, mommy, then I'll just have a couple."

2. If Andrew wants me to play a game with him, and I say no, his response is "OK, Mommy, you play just one time."

3. If Andrew wants to watch a DVD in the car, I say no and "we only watch them on long trips." Andrew no longer asks to watch a DVD. He now enters the car and tells me, "Mommy, let's take a long trip."

4. If he wants to go inside, and I say no, a moment later he will pretend to "swat at a bug" and say, "Mommy, go inside. Bugs are biting".

5. One time he wanted to run after a ball in the street, so I told him that "we only run and play in green grass". (I meant- stay in the yard.) Now if he asks me to play with him outside, and I say no and sit on the porch/deck, his response is, "Mommy, you have to stay in the green grass."

6. If Andrew wants to take a toy another child is playing with, he simply snags it and tells me reassuringly, "I'm sharing this Mommy."

Well, if you put it that way, Andrew... the answer is still no. Nice try.

:)
Anne

The Dining Board, part 2

Andrew has no fear. It's equal parts super cool and super scary.

:)

Anne

Summer begins!

Andrew and I started summer with a bang! We went to the zoo last week and were so excited that Grandma Mary could come, too!

We followed the same formula as last year to ensure success: get there early, bring water and snacks, and wear comfy shoes!

The Dallas Zoo just opened the Giants of the Savannah exhibit, which blew our minds! Before we got to that exhibit, Andrew demanded a stop with his old friend, the gorilla. (Andrew calls it the Gorilla-dilla.) Last year, Andrew and Wyatt spent time with the female gorilla who seemed truly taken with the boys. This year, the male gorilla seemed equally interested in Andrew and Grandma Mary.

Next we visited the new exhibit, which got us eye to eye with the elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, and lions!

After our close encounters, we were on a hut for the zebras, and stumbled upon a new adventure. Camel riding!

The last place we hit was the children's zoo. Most of the animals were sleeping, but Andrew did find a sweet goat to pet and a sleeping pig that didn't seem to mind us either. He also spent some time analyzing the fish with Grandma Mary.

After all that fun, we decided to pack it up. The clock said nap time, so we decided to stop at the Zoo McDonald's for a nugget meal to share... and to keep Andrew awake for the ride home. It worked, and we all had no trouble napping once we got home!

We can't wait to go back! Hopefully Daddy can come with us next time!

:)

Anne

Baby Shacklett

Dear Baby Shacklett,

You may not know for a while but your big brother already loves you. Tonight as we got ready for bed, I asked Andrew about you. "Andrew, do you want a brother or a sister?"

He thought for a moment and turned in my lap to look in my eyes. He very quietly said, "Mommy, I just want the baby. I want to hold the baby like this." He cradled his arms around his Lovie to show me that he was ready for you.

You are going to have a wonderful big brother. He can't wait to meet you.

:)

Anne

Hello Summer! Hello Foodie?

I don't know if the moon is in alignment with Jupiter or what, but I don't care. A new side of my son... a foodie side of my son has emerged. I know what you're thinking, "A foodie, that can't be!". I agree. I wouldn't believe it if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes.

So here's the run down of new foods since mid-May:

1. Kiwi

2. Strawberries

3. Apricots

4. Donuts (not exactly a health food, but a new food... who cares)

5. French Toast- the real deal. It was homemade, mushy, and covered in eggy goodness. He ate 2 full pieces!!

6. Peanut Butter- that was about 15 minutes ago, and I was able to snap some shots of the newly crowned foodie in action. He started out cautiously with little tastes on his finger... then he took my whole spoon...and another...and another!

:) Here's to trying new things and loving them!

Anne

PS: I know Aunt Bre will be happy that her little guy is becoming a foodie! Maybe he'll try something new with her in San Antonio!!

Introducing...

Introducing the newest addition to the Shacklett family. Baby Shacklett is scheduled to make an appearance on December 7. If you can't tell, this is a video of my latest sonogram. It starts out slow, but then you can see little arms, legs, a big noggin, and a big belly...Also, at around 30 seconds, you can hear the sweet heartbeat!! The doctor estimates the baby is about the size of a peach! We are so excited, and Andrew is already practicing how he will rock the baby!

:)

Anne (+1)

PS: Lady can't wait either!