A Rockin' Birthday Party

Today we celebrated Logan's birthday by having a party fit for a rockstar. Friends and family came out to celebrate with us and we had so much fun. The kids jumped up and down in the bounce house, played with the ride on toys, and took turns on Thomas the train. The hit of the party was Big Jeff signing to the kids.

Logan's red velvet rockstar cake was custom-made to fit our theme. The cake/ice cream cone microphone and chocolate guitars were absolutely adorable. An added bonus - it tasted delish.

Endless hours spent on putting together the goody bags for the kids and babies. Mommy even made homemade chocolate lollipops.

Logan walking around with his walker

Big Jeff singing to the kids (and the mommies and daddies too)

Our little toddler

After four hours - all partied out

Thanks to Lolo, Lola, Grandma, Uncle Tommy and the Valdez clan for cooking some of the good food, helping us set up and clean up.

Fall 2010 Parent Teacher Conference

Since Dylan had just started Preschool this year, we didn't really have any major expectations. We wanted to make sure he was nice to the other kids, respected his teachers, learned to share, and built his social skills; if he learned a couple of other things (i.e. academically), then what a great added bonus!

After speaking with Dylan's teacher for an hour and a half, we quickly realized how much he's grown in just the last 4 months.

Just for us to never forget ...

What he knows?
-all of his upper case letters
- most of the lower case letters (80-90%)
- numbers
- colors
- shapes
- writing his name (although he got Daddy's penmanship)
- drawing a person, dog, etc

There are still some things we need to work on
-properly holding a pencil (can't even tell you how many times we have to remind him to hold his pencil properly)
-confusing his lower case letters: p, d, b, q, g, i, l
- coloring inside the line
- fine motor skills

We heard things that we already knew like he isn't a fan of coloring, he is easily distracted, he sometimes doesn't like to pay attention and he hates cleaning up.

As parents it was great to hear how well Dylan is doing in school. It was interesting to see the changes and improvements in his work. We were especially impressed at how his teachers complimented his manners and behavior in school. "What do you mean he isn't one of the rowdy boys?"

We also got a review on Logan who is described as "such a good baby". He sits quietly with the big kids during song, dance, and story time. His teacher is working on his balance and walking skills. They just love and adore him.

It gives us such a peace of mind knowing we picked a school that is a perfect match for our needs and expectations. We bring the kids at EOL knowing the boys will be well-cared for by people who are invested in them.

Dylan and his letters

Tonight before bedtime, our conversation went something like this:

Dylan reading the letters in "square".

D: 'p'
Mommy: No, that's a 'q'
D: 'b?'
M: it's a 'q'
D: No, I think it's a 'g'
M: Nope, it's definitely a 'q'
D: I'll just ask Ms. Parul (his teacher)

Thanks buddy! =)

Allergy- free?

Cross your fingers.. so far so good.

At about 11-12 months old, we discovered that Dylan was allergic to dairy and nuts. It broke our hearts and we went through a 'grieving period'. Although Dylan has pretty much outgrown his milk allergy, we have been hoping Logan will have it a little bit easier than his brother.

Two weeks ago we introduced Logan to cow's milk and other dairy products. Yogurt is now his go-to food, anything with cheese is fair game and he chugs down cow's milk (mixed with breastmilk) with no problem. It may be tough being the second child, but at least he can have all the cake, ice cream, and pizza his little heart desires.

Dylan eating in his sleep

After a long day at Sesame Place, Dylan was hungry AND sleepy. So why not do both?

Logan loves the round-n-round

his little laugh as he goes up and down was quite contagious

Gap Casting Call

Spread the word... vote for Dylan and Logan

Dylan

Logan

Vote until November 14 so make sure you vote once a day ;-)