Justus and thumb sucking

Justus started sucking his thumb pretty much within the first few months of birth. As soon as he could coordinate it, his thumb was there. And I have to say, I was really happy about this. It meant he was a great sleeper. And we all know in those early months thats a huge plus. I never really worried about him stopping. After all, he comes from a long line of thumb suckers. I did until I was 5. My dad also was a thumb sucker and Im sure there are many more in the family lineup.

I had heard around 4 kids tend to loose their need for their safety objects, be it a blanket, stuffed animal or whatever lovey they had chosen. So I was on the lookout for an opportunity to break Justus of this habit. Then around mid summer Justus, all on his own, started asking me if it was ok if he sucked his thumb. So, I took this to mean he was ready. I prepped him by saying that when he started preschool he could no longer suck his thumb. Then when the time came, he knew the only time he could suck it was when he was in his room. (Which basically is nap and bedtime). I have been so proud of him. It was not a battle at all. He really has just owned it and keeps it to his bedroom.

Im so glad it has been this easy!

Heres a pic from July...typical Justus - thumb in mouth, blankies all around. And I believe the other is a pic of the first time he sucked his thumb.

Soccer Game - 1st one

Yesterday Justus and his team the Pollen Jocks, were out scored by the blue team. They are so cute out there tho. You can tell that most, if not all, have never done this kind of play before. They had no concept of kicking the ball continuously until it reached the net. They understood to kick it, but not in an organized way. By half time, most were done with the game. When asked to come back in a sub, most were shaking their heads no. There were even some tears.

Justus was done also. We had to have a conversation about being a part of a team and helping out. But J did get some good kicks in. Their team did score 1 goal. After talking to the coach after the game he said that team was comprised of mostly 4 year olds who probably all played together last year. Well, good thing our little ones didnt really have the concept of being beaten. So it was no worries, just a fun time of running around.

Justus first soccer practice

We took J for his first practice Thurs night. His team has only two girls on it and the rest are boys. Most of them are 3 and I think one or two might be 4 years old. I was actually impressed by how well they all did. Their coach has a 3 yr old boy on the team so it was nice cause not only is he a great soccer player but he understands how to teach a kid.

They did a few drills - learning to dribble, pass and shoot. When they were stretching and running for warm up, Justus decided he should go over to the slide and go down it. He was the only one and I couldnt believe that he did that. Oh my, I was not happy with his lack of following instruction.

We shall see how the game goes....

Justus' first Homework

When Justus preschool teacher came for the home visit, she dropped off a 12x12 scrapbook page for Justus to decorate and bring back to class. Well, I just got around to remembering to have him do it (and the note in his box reminding me spurred me forward!). Back to school night is tomorrow and I know the teacher needs it for that. So I sat Justus down and let him decide how to decorate it. Of course I guided him but after reading the LPM blog post (http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/2009/09/preschool-lessons.html) on preschool assignments, I made sure it was very Justus-lead. I think it turned out really good.

Where O' Where is Haven

Where can she be?? Neil and Justus were out on a bike ride and I was getting ready to give Haven a bath. I told her to go in her room and take her shoes off and put them in her shoe basket. As she was doing that I went to get her towel etc. When I went to go get her I could not find her. I looked in her room and everywhere else. Finally I noticed she had wedged herself between her changing table that I just moved into her closet and the wall of the closet. Wow - tight fit, but her little self was in there being still and quiet as can be.

Good times at the Beach!

This past Friday we had an impromptu trip to the beach. My sis and her fam were planning on going for the long weekend and they always let us know and invite us to stay with them in their 5th wheel. We knew we'd be going at least for Saturday but Friday morning I gave Neil a call at work and we decided we could just use some of our Marriott points and stay fri night in a hotel. Since Haven is still in a pack n play we knew staying with my sis over night would be challenging. So we opted for the hotel route. I was so glad we did.

My kids were so good. I was super proud of how they handled everything. The ride over was mostly good - no complaining or whining, or at least, very little and that was only because we ate dinner so late and they were hungry.

Then in the hotel room, they went to bed and were quiet when it was time to sleep. I really wasnt sure how that would all go down. Justus has stayed in the room with us before but with Haven in the mix I was a little leary. But it all turned out to be awesome.

Then we got up, at bfast and headed to Avila. We were there from 9 in the morn til 3. The kids played so good. At first Haven wasnt about to let her feet get all sandy but she warmed up to it. This was actually a blessing in disguise cause it meant she wasnt trying to run off.

My sis and her fam joined us about noon. We all had a great time hanging together. This was the first trip to the beach that I actually enjoyed the whole time. Haven was finally old enough to not be difficult. Justus is a champ, just give the kid a few cars and hes good to go.

After the beach we went back to my sis's to clean up, then into town for dinner. The ride home was good to cause the kids were so tired. Neither had had a nap which I wasnt so sure about, but that too was fine.

Good times at the Beach!!

My Girly-girl

Haven has always loved her shoes. She would go into her room and sit for like 20 min trying on all her shoes. These days she will put on her high heels and walk around the house. She will also take her other favorite shoes which are pink crock-types and put them on her Teddy. She insists that Teddy wears shoes also and is constantly asking me to help her get them on. It just is so funny to see/hear her click clacking thru the house playing normally yet with heels on. So Girly-girl!