Giant Lightning McQueen

Enjoying my new set of wheels courtesy of Santa. It's a pretty sweet ride. I just need a little work on my steering technique. And I very much enjoy lifting the hood to show off the motor - especially to Neighbors D&M.

Mall Playtime...

Our local small city mall has just become a lot more friendly for kids my age. 

Here are some photos. This holiday season no gifts were purchased from the mall. However, we did very much enjoy the new play structure inside! We'll be going back - after the holiday rush is well over.

And here I am looking at the reindeer surrounding Santa's area. I thought they, as well as the moving "Frosties," were "very cool".

Hopefully, all the shopping is done because tonight, I'm heading to bed early to await Santa's arrival!!! I'm pretty excited this year. It's all just seemed to click and now I understand. 

Mom has threatened on more than one occasion to call Santa's assistant and report a naughty T Rex if I don't behave. In the end, no calls were made. But I'm not sure how long she can keep playing the Santa card after the big day has past. Time will tell...

Merry Christmas!

Santa...

This week I wrote my letter to Santa and then stopped in for a visit.

I had just come from a long appointment with the pediatric opthamologist, hence my eyes are dilated. (A good check up but I need stronger lens to go in my new frames.) This was the exact scenario as last year. Except, this year, I was ready and eager for my visit.

Another photo from my visit. To the left you can see Bebe Sister looking on. Mom and Dad did not have her sit with him. She had already missed her morning nap and was very hungry so we did not want to disturb her still happy nature. However, I did ask Santa to bring her a "baby doll". And I even took a couple of Cars with me to show Santa the kind I was wanting. He even suggested a couple of other items to add to my very modest list.

There were also so really cool decorations where Santa was at. This reindeer one was of utmost interest as were the snowmen around the area.

Here's my letter...

What's on your list?

Decorating for Christmas...

First, I had to look over all the tree ornaments while Dad put lights on the tree and Mom put Bebe Sister to bed (I earned the privilege of staying up a little late). I went through the entire box of non-breakable ones but yet still managed to break a few of the more "fragiles" - pulled off eyes or smashed legs.

Then onto actual decorating of the tree. "No higher than one step" - I think I can still hear Mom and Dad's voices echoing in my head.

Hanging the 90+ year old angel - I LOVE angels. It must have something to do with a certain book we've been reading - The Cat Who Climbed the Christmas Tree.

I have a little tree of my own for my use and amusement so I don't get into the ornaments on the big tree. Here I am hanging candy canes on it. Yes, I'm wearing my Buzz Lightyear jammies.

Here are a few other of the decorations that are just for Bebe Sister and me. Frosty is a favorite as is Woodstock "with muffs" but he's already managed to escalate to bedtime status so he's not in the photo below. Can you see my Cars are in the mix, too? We've been reading "A Cars Christmas" - a definite favorite.

Three Year Well Check

Yesterday I went to see the nurse practitioner. I was very excited to go and get my check up. Mom has been practicing health assessments on all of us in the family to prepare for her final exam. Plus, I have my own medical kit which I also regularly use on Bebe Sister or Grandma and Grandpa.

Here I'm being measured.

All smiles after my examine. Mom and Dad were so proud of my behavior.

If you'd like to compare, here are my two-year old well check stats.

T Rex Stats:

Weight: 33.5lbs (60%) - I had a lot of clothes on so this is not the most accurate

Height: 37.25 inches (50%)

Blood pressure: 92/58 - within normal limits

What I'm doing:

Mom's been doing my preschool lessons here at home while Bebe Sister takes her morning nap. For 1-2 hours each day, we work on Spanish, reading, spelling, math, shapes, music, and art. My Spanish vocabulary grows more every day and sometimes I mix my English and Spanish. 

I've also started doing some reading. Mom's teaching me phonics and since I know the letter sounds, I have been learning to sound out words. Plus, my favorite SpongeBob books are also phonics based so I enjoy reading those, too. 

I know all my shapes but now I can tell you the name and color in Spanish, too.

We've also been working on some simple subtraction and addition - nothing past 5 yet. Although, I can count to 99. But I can only count backward from 10.

I enjoy sitting on the piano and singing along while Mom plays.

And I like a good art project but it has to incorporate my cars if it's going to maintain my interest.

Favorites:

- Songs: Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, Twinkle Twinkle Giant Luna (Mom made this one up), Five Green and Speckled Frogs, Down at the Station, Animal Crackers in my Soup - we do a lot of singing around here (no TV and 1-2 videos/week). And often, Mom can get me to eat all my food by promising to sing "Five Green and Speckled Frogs" really fast.

- Foods: these are virtually unchanged from last year but I now love waffles and French toast, too.

- Still will only drink "tepid" water. No juice, cold water, or milk

- Favorite characters: Toy Story (Buzz Lightyear) and Cars (Lightning McQueen)

- Favorite Books: Now I read "Good Night Moon" to Mom and Dad. Plus, most any other books, but especially SpongeBob ones or Cars ones.

Miscelaneous:

- Still taking one nap daily 1.5 hours to 2 hours.

- Asthma continues to improve. Now only using albuterol as needed and antihistamine once daily.

Nurse NM declared me to be healthy and was impressed with my manners while being examined. And the best part, I got a new Cars sticker when I was all done!

Rocket Launcher...

One of the super cool gifts I received for my birthday. It launches up to 100 ft. We can launch a rocket the entire length of our house. When the snow melts, we'll hit the park and then see how far we can get it to go.

Below is a video of me playing with my new toy.

Suiting up for Snow...

Last week we had a bit of snow and Mom realized I did not have the proper clothing to stay warm and dry in the cold, wet conditions. A few bargains later, I am ready for the really big snow fall that happened today.

These are my coveralls/bibs - Columbia brand. $12 off ebay.

My coat - London Fog $24.99 from Costco.

Boots - L.L.Bean $39.99

Fleece mittens by Mom - free

We are happy to report, my attire performed flawlessly!

First Trip to the Dentist...

Today I made my first visit to the dentist. My dentist is also one of my favorite people - Uncle Doc.

Here he's counting my teeth. My job was to hold the mirror while he did so.

Here my hygienist gave me a demonstration of "Mr. Thirsty".

Because Mom and Dad had been reading me "SpongeBob goes to the Dentist" I was totally prepared for my visit and it was a most positive experience. Plus, it helps when your uncle is also your dentist!

Yes, I think I'm growing...

Being measured on my third birthday with an armful of birthday presents...

Pumpkin Pie Helper...

Short video of our pie making...

Snow and Snowballs...

 

Short video of me playing in the snow...

Don't these photos make you feel cold?

Pavo Project

 Translation: Turkey Project

This is my recent Thanksgiving art project. We've been trying to do at least art project per week (outside of stickers - Mom says this is not really art but I think so). I've been asking her to make a turkey or "pavo". This is what we came up with...

Mom rates this project as very, very messy. I rate it very, very fun! We used an old paper grocery sack to make it. We purchased the feathers at the craft store. We are still finding feathers even though we vacuumed everything including me!

 

  

Posing with my completed "Pavo Project"

Just...

Mom and Dad are trying to sneak in as many 2 year old photos as they can before I turn 3 in the forth coming days. However, when asked, I will reply that I am 3 (even though I haven't had my birthday yet).

Sesame Street Meets Cars...

Here is the residence they have established...

And here's the video that shows our playtime...

I'm Buzz Lightyear...

To infinity and beyond...

Practice Time like Mom...

Mom's been practicing health assessments for school. She finally found me my own set of "tools" so I can do some of my own practicing. She says my technique is perfect!

Here I am demonstrating my skills for G & G:

Playing Airport...

As you can see, there are several Buzz Lightyears and Rex the Dinosaurs riding on or in the airplane along with a random panda bear thrown in for good measure.

And for the record, each Buzz has a name (Tall Buzz, Rectangle Buzz, Green Buzz, Soft Buzz - yes, I have many different ones - maybe a small obsession).

Just...

I asked Mom to take these photos while she was studying the other day...

This is my pose.

Laundry Day Revisited...

I love helping Mom with the laundry, here is one of my earlier helping sessions.

I think I enjoy it mostly because I really enjoy play time with the laundry baskets.

Can you find me? I'm in one basket and my "guys" are in the other.

Reading about Grover and babysitting.

I think it's cool that I can still fit inside the baskets but also able to get in and out of these tall baskets. It's a good stage to be at!