Today was Brielle Day, a craft fair in Brielle. We go every year. I told John that we were going and to get twenty dollars out of his little safe to put in his wallet in case he found something he wanted to buy. He did as he was told and I turned around and he was gone. He came back downstairs smiling. He said "I got another $20 for Gillian. In case she wants to buy something! She can pay me back when she gets bigger or never."
At Brielle Day, Gillian found a stand that had outfits and dresses that would fit her American doll. We found one that she liked and as I was asking how much to the vendor John came over. He pulled out his little wallet and handed the lady his twenty. I'm so proud of my little man. He's such an amazing big brother.
Today we picked up Gillian's new glasses. She is very excited and very proud of them. On the way home, she looked at John and said "Do they make me look smarter?" He said "Let's test them! What is Pi?" Gillian took a moment and then said "Pie is something you eat. It's in the grain family." He said "Mom, tell her what Pi is!" I explained "Pi is a number it starts 3.14 and goes on forever." Gillian was a little disappointed. But John said "But you did talk about the health stuff. That's good. Don't think it comes from the glasses."
I made meatballs and pasta for dinner tonight. I served everyone their dinner and we proceeded with talking about our day. I watched John help himself to seconds and I saw him make sure he got two extra meatballs. Gillian asked me "Mama, can I have another meatball?" I said "Sorry, Johnny got the rest of them. There's no more left." She pouted. John meanwhile, cut up his meatballs. He took half and said "Here Gill!" She was so excited. Daddy and I were so proud. Such a good big brother.
Let me start this post by saying, Kyle and I are not planning on having a third child. We love our little family and are quite content.
In the car this morning, John said to me "When a baby comes to our house, then we will have a problem." I know he has baby on his mind, because of his new cousin, but I wasn't sure where he was going with this. I asked "What do you mean, when a baby comes?" He said "You know, if we get a baby. Then we wouldn't have enough rooms." I said "John, I'm not sure we are going to have another baby. And if we were then we would decide to move or stay in our house. If we stayed than maybe you and Gill would share a room when the baby is little." He said "Well if the baby is a boy then we could share." Again I said "John, I would love for Gillian to be a big sister, but I don't think that we will be having another baby. I like our little family." John said "Well, if we get a baby like Aunt Missy, that could take awhile. And I want a boy." I said "Yes, having a baby takes nine months." "That's really long. That's like a whole year! I laughed and said "Yea, maybe we should just enjoy baby Kenzie for now." John agreed, "Yea, when can we see her again?"
I sent the kids upstairs to the bathroom for bathtime. I found them sitting on the floor waiting for me. Gillian was hugging John. John looked at me and said "What it's her? She's doing it." Gillian said "What? I just love my brother." They are so sweet to each other. Before bed they made sure to give each other kisses and squeezies.
We decided to take the kids to the Monmouth County fair today. Today's forecast called for thunderstorms. We decided it was worth trying to see if we could have some fun rather than caving and finding an alternative.
We arrived at the fair. There were some ominous clouds overhead, but we charged on. We started first with some free activities sponsored by the park systems. The kids got to paint their hands and go through an obstacle course. They got to play a few holes of mini golf, make butter out of heavy cream and learn about horses.
It was really hot. After all the park system activities, we got something to drink and a little snack. We took a break and watched a few pig races. As we were watching the races, this big black cloud came overhead. Daddy and I looked at each other and agreed if we didn't attempt to go on the rides right away it would start to rain while watching the pigs. We headed over to the rides and got the kids wristbands for unlimited rides. They started with some easy rides, the boats and train.
Next they went on the spinning berries. We told John, not too fast. But our warnings didn't matter. Gillian loved it and was smiling the entire time!
Next they went on the fun slide. I was a little concerned. The last time we did a fun slide John was scared to go by himself and I went with both of them. But John carried Gillian's mat to the top and they came zooming down and loved it!
The next ride the kids picked was the dragon. It's a little rollar coaster. This is one of the kids favorite rides.
We took a break and had some yummy funnel cakes. And then we went back to the rides. John got to go on a few big rides with Daddy and then we all went on the Ferris wheel. Gillian loved the Ferris wheel. She said "You can see everything up here!" While we rode around we picked out our next rides.
Daddy and John rode together. John said "On the way down, I yell 'Ahhh-sylvania'." Love this!
Our next stop was the swings.
Daddy and John went on a few big rides and Gillian went on the dragon a few times. She loved it! She went on and got off and got back on again.
Then I got to go on a ride with John! He was so brave and he loved it.
After we had fun on the rides, we went past the petting zoo. A nice man gave us some food and the kids got to feed the animals.
We had a great time at the fair. I'm looking forward to next year.
Today we took the kids to Barnes & Noble to pick up some summer books for the family. Gillian picked out a Tangled book and John asked her "Do you want me to read it to you?" She said "Yes!" So they sat down and he read to her. She sat patiently for two pages and then got up and started walking around.
It turned out that she was upset that he was holding "her" book. So we found another book for her to look at while John continued to read "her" book.
John and I picked Gillian up from school today. We found her and her class in the big room playing. Well Gillian wasn't playing. She was in the corner crying. She came running over to us saying "I just miss you so much!" She was sobbing hysterically. John and I tried to calm her down, but nothing we said or did made much of an impact. So we left with her crying. She stopped by the time we got in the car. We drove down the street until I heard John say "Come here Gill." She leaned over. And he said "I just wiped away a tear." He is such a sweetheart.
A couple nights ago, I tucked Gillian in and gave her kisses. I went back to my room and I could hear her crying. I sent Daddy to check on her. He was in there awhile and finally came back to our room and said "Gillian said no one gave her squeezies or kisses." Well that's not true. I did give her kisses. Anyway I got up and went in to give her kisses and squeezies. I asked her "Why did you say that?" She said "I didn't get no squeezies or kisses!" I said "I gave you some." She said "I wanted one more." Sneaky girl. I gave her squeezies and kisses and went into John's room to give him some too. He said to me "I went to Gill." I asked "What?" He said "I went to her. I didn't want her to be sad." My boy has such a big heart. I said "That's very nice. You are an amazing big brother. Don't ever forget that."
We put the kids to bed tonight. About ten minutes after being tucked in, we heard Gillian calling for Mommy. I went to check on her. I asked "What's wrong?" She said "I scared of the dark." She has never been scared of the dark before. I know this is just a delay tactic. She just wanted me to stay with her or invite her to our room. So I went into John's room and got his stuffed dragon. I brought Scorch to Gillian and said "This is John's brave, tough, dragon and he isn't afraid of the dark. He will protect you." She grinned and grabbed the dragon. I kissed her good night and went into John's room. I thanked him for giving one of his stuffed animals to his sister. He said "Well I have four!"
I just checked on the kids. Gillian was sleeping soundly with Scorch tucked under her manket. I guess he helped her.
Gillian loves Sofia the First. It's a show on Disney Junior about a princess. Sofia wears a special amulet that helps her talk to animals. Yesterday, I picked up the kids from school. Gillian had her stuffed bunny Clover. Clover is one of Sofia's best friends. Gillian told John "I need my amulet. I can't hear Clover!" All through dinner, Gillian kept telling us "I need to find my amulet!" After we ate dinner, John worked on his homework while Gillian went to find her amulet. I even helped. But we couldn't find it anywhere. John helped us but we still couldn't find it. Finally, I searched in the cushions of the couch and there it was. Gillian was so excited. I put on her amulet. She got all sad and said "My amulet isn't working! I can't hear Clover!" John said "Let me try." He took off her amulet and put it on. He held Clover and said "Oh. Ok." He smiled and said to Gillian, "You need to hold him close to your ear. Try it now." He gave Gillian back her necklace and Clover. She held Clover to her ear and she said to us "My amulet is working now!"
On Sunday, John and Gillian came upstairs to get some juice boxes. Gillian asked John "Can you bring mine downstairs?" John said "No." Gillian said "I can't carry it! It's too heavy." John said "Fine, if I carry it, I get to drink it!" Gillian screamed "No! It's mine!" John said "Well then you gotta carry it." Gillian said "I can't!" John didn't take that excuse, he said "You just gotta be strong!" That worked and she carried the juice box downstairs.
Every night, I go and check on the kids after bedtime. Gillian still takes a nap at school, so most nights when I check on her (around 9) she is still awake. Last night, she was awake and she invited me into her bed to snuggle with her. I snuggled up with her and asked her to tell me about her She told me "My friends like my sparkly nails (we had just painted her fingernails and toenails)." She then paused and I thought she was done talking to me. So I kissed her again, and said I will see you in the morning. She said "Let's talk about Santa Claus!" She was so matter of fact and I had a feeling like I was being set up. But I responded with "What about Santa Claus?" Gillian said "Him is nice. Him bring me and Johnny presents!" I said "Really? What kind of presents would you like him to bring you this year?" She didn't hesitate and said "Babies. I want more babies. And a little table and chairs for my babies. So they can have a tea party and a picnic." And then as if she just remembered she had a brother she added "And presents for Johnny too!"
Gillian and I picked up John from school today. We noticed that there was a plastic fireman's hat in his backpack. I asked John if a fireman came to school today. He said "Yes! We learned about fire safety." I asked him to tell Gillian what that means. He said to Gillian "You can't play with matches or lighters or fire. You know why? Because then you would lose everything that you love the most. You know what that is? You would lose your Baby!" Gillian said "I no play with fire!" He said "And Mom, you know what? In the kitchen, you should put a rug in front of the oven. And then you should tell Gillian that she can't play by the rug. And you know what? You should also put something on the handles of the pots. That way Gillian can't get hurt. And you need to not let the candles go to the ceiling! And we should clean out the garage. We need to make sure all the matches and stuff that makes fire is put away." He kept going, and I said, "We should remember about the candles." Gillian said "Yes. The candles." I asked Gillian, "Do you remember what do with the candles?" She said "You put them in the cake!" Everything always goes back to dessert with this one. But John didn't miss a beat, "No, Gillian, we need to make sure the candles don't go up to the ceiling. And we should only use them in case of emergency. And only adults should light them!"
When we got to the house, I was able to tape John telling me some fire safety tips.
When Daddy got home, John told Daddy "I got to see the inside of a fire truck today!" Daddy asked him what you are supposed to do if you get caught on fire. John said "First you stop (and he stuck out his arms). Next, you drop (and he fell to the ground). Then you roll (and he rolled all over the floor)." John truly enjoyed having the fire department visit his school and he learned a lot today.
John started building one of his new Lego sets on Sunday. He has been working in the living room on the coffee table. All the little pieces have been very tempting to Gillian. Any chance she gets, she touches the pieces or the Lego men. Which always ends up with John saying "No Gill! Mom, Gill is touching my Legos!" John finally completed his set today. He brought the vehicle downstairs to show Daddy. While John was distracted, Gillian took the Lego guy out of the vehicle. John yelled at her "Gill!" Daddy said "Gillian, you know you have your own Legos." Gillian didn't know that we kept the Legos that Gillian bought for her big brother when she was born. They are Toy Story and Cars Dupleo Legos. We showed the bin and she went right to work building. John started to help her, but Daddy stopped him. "John, you don't like it when Gillian plays with your Legos, then you shouldn't play with her Legos." John left Gillian alone. She built a little castle while he played with his new Legos. Great night with my little builders.
Everyday when Daddy picks up the kids, one of them gets to be line leader. They get to lead the line of Daddy and their sibling to the car. Daddy is very diplomatic and alternates the line leader everyday. John and Gillian love to be line leader. It is their chance to be first. Gillian was line leader on Friday, so today was John's turn. Daddy picked the kids up from the playground today and told John that he was the line leader. John waited patiently at the sidewalk for everyone to join him. When Gillian lined up behind him, John moved next to her and put his arm on her shoulders and they walked side by side to the car. My sweet little boy shared being line leader with his little sister.
This morning I asked Gillian which one of her friends she liked to play with most. She immediately said "Dorlisa!" The. She paused and said "Johnny!" When I dropped off the kids at school this morning the whole school was outside on the playground. We went on the playground together and John immediately went running to find his friends. Gillian was being a little shy and wanted me to pick her up. I kneeled next to her and said "Do you want to play in the sandbox?" She shook her head. I pointed out some of her friends and said "Do you want to hang out with JoJo on the bench?" Again, she shook her head. I then said "Well John is playing in the playhouse. Do you want to go play with him?" And she ran away from me to go find Johnny. He took her hand and the two of them ran around the playhouse a couple of times. I didn't get any goodbye kisses or hugs this morning. But I did get to see my big boy take good care of his little sister. I am lucky that they are good friends.
We drive past St. Leo's church everyday on our way to school. Every year they have a fair in June. The kids have watched the rides slowly assemble and every morning as we drive past, I hear "Can we go tonight?" This week has been a little busy for us, so last night was the first night we were able to go.
We arrived around 6 o'clock. We were able to walk around and figure out what rides each of the kids could go on and which rides to avoid. The first ride the kids wanted to go on was the Dragon Wagon. The Dragon Wagon was a little roller coaster. Gillian was a little short to ride by herself so Daddy was going to go on with her. But Daddy was a little too big. We just let John and Gillian ride together. They loved it. When the ride was done, Gillian said "Again!"
Daddy took John to the Super Slide and I took Gillian to a small kiddie ride. She was not too impressed.
We met back up at the Elephants. John and Gillian went together. While waiting in line, John held Gillian's hand and made sure she gave the attendant the tickets. They climbed into a blue elephant and off they went. Gillian was much happier on this ride, because it went higher in the air. Next they went on the "Tub of Fun" (basically the wild teacups). John was determined to spin their tub as fast as possible. Gillian was loving it, until her head kept bouncing on the side of the tub. Daddy and I would watch Gillian's face and then tell John to go fast or to slow it down. Again, she loved it.
Our next stop was the Super Slide. John was going to go by himself, but there was a last minute change, and Gillian and I went too. We got to the top of the steps and climbed onto the slide. John waited until I was settled with Gillian. He held my hand and off we went. Gillian giggled the entire trip. Check out the video below.
We then let John go on a bunch of rides without Gillian. He went in the fun house, on the elephants, and again in the fun house. He loved the fun house. I think it was just because there was a slide at the end. While John was on the Elephants, Gillian said "No go on the Elephants. I go on the crocodile." She kept calling the Dragon Wagon, the crocodile.
The kids went on the Crocodile, aka Dragon Wagon, two more times. The last time, they got to ride up front. Gillian says "The crocodile in the front." was her favorite ride of the night. We ended up our trip to the fair with a cotton candy to share. Overall a fun night out with the kids.
It was so nice outside today. Daddy picked up the kids and decided to go to a local playground. I met them there. John had already made a friend by the time I arrived. John was chasing the little boy all around the playground. Then John started yelling, "Hey! I got a sister! Her name is Gillian!" "Hey I'm over here!" Then John banged his head on a slide and he blamed it on the little boy. I made John apologize. It wasn't the boy's fault. He was no where near John.
Gillian was playing contently by herself. She would climb up a ladder and go down the slide. Or climb up the rock wall. One time she went down the slide and then lost her footing and fell down. She giggled and got back up again. She went down the slide again and "fell" at the bottom. Again she giggled. She thought it was so funny. "I fell down!"
John's new friend had to go home. So it was just John and Gillian on the playground for awhile. Gillian was trying to climb the rock wall. She had done it a few times during our trip but somehow she lost her confidence. John stood at the top of the jungle gym and said "Come on Gill! You can do it! Keep going!" That's all she needed, a little support from her big brother.
I give Gillian baths at night. And every night there is drama about getting the soap out of her hair. I have tried to get her to lay down on her back and lean her head back but she doesn't want to try. She gets upset and refuses to lay in the water. Even though when she is playing, she will lay down on her belly or her back. Anyway, last night I washed her hair with my shampoo (I have to do that at least once a week). So I asked her to lay back in the bathtub so that I wouldn't get any water in her face. She shook her head. "No!" I called in the big guns. I asked John to show Gillian how I get the soap out of his hair. He said, "This is what I do." Then he laid down on the bathroom floor and tilted his head back. She watched him and immediately laid down in the water. We got all the soap out of her hair with no tears. All thanks to my John.
Tonight we started to have the same problem. But all I needed to say was remember what John said? She laid back in the bathtub and we rinsed her hair. John checked on us saying "Do you need my help?" When I told him that she rinsed her soap out like a big girl, he went running to Daddy shouting "She did it! I didn't even need to show her!" I love that he was so proud of her too!
