Xander Meets the Dentist

Xander went to the dentist for the first time shortly after his 3rd birthday. I prepared him as much as I could. I had a teeth cleaning the week before his appointment and I took him with so he could watch. Dee, my hygienist, was so good and showed him the tools and talked him while she worked on my teeth. He even got to meet Miss Leah, his hygienist, for next week too.  I still wasn't sure if he was going to want them to use any noise making tools in his mouth. I love everyone at our dentist office and they told me that unless I had concerns they never pushed kids to do anything at their first visit.   He was a champ though. It was one of those moments where he was so mature about everything and I was just so proud. (I am going to let all the nice people at the dentist think he is that way all the time.) 

 Listening to Miss Leah explain what is going to happen,

 Miss Leah counting his teeth. He even let her clean and polish them with the electric brush. 

 Look at those sparkling teeth! 

 Dr. Holzinger coming in for the final check. 

 All done and looking great! 

Thank you Dr. Holzinger's and Dr. Seller's office for a wonderful first trip to the dentist. A big thank you to the wonderful hygienist, Miss Leah. If you decide to quit this job you would make a great preschool teacher! 

Happy Birthday Henry!

There are not many people who can say they have been friends since they day they were born, but Xander and Henry can. Henry I have enjoyed watching you grow these past three years along with Xander. Even though you boys have your own personalities they seem to complement each other nicely. I love watching you guys play together with your crazy banter that I assume is normal for three year olds. I have also enjoyed (kinda) your weird boy humor that is seemingly emerging. I can't say that I really understand it, but your dads don't seem too worried about it.  My prayer for both of you is that you grow up to men of integrity who love the Lord (and selfishly your wonderful moms too). I hope that each of you will be a positive influence in each other's lives. 

Happy 3rd Birthday Henry!  

 Xander and I visiting Henry on the day he was born! 

 One of the few pictures where Xander is noticeable larger than Henry. 

 Their first easter egg hunt. 

Xander's 1st birthday party.

                                                           Just last week

Xander and the Potty

I can't honestly say I had officially begun to potty train Xander. We knew we were going to be traveling over Labor Day weekend, so I knew I didn't really want to start until we were going to be home. Xander seems to have the type of personality were he at least has to think the idea to under take a larger project is partially his idea and lets face it I really needed him to be on board with this one. A few months ago I decided to begin what I lovingly call the "brainwashing" portion of his potty training. I headed to the library to collect any and all books and DVDs they had on making using the potty seem like the best idea ever (which by the way are painful for any adult to watch). We read the books and tried to watch one of the DVDs everyday (brainwashing). We bought a little potty that he liked to sit on, but not use. Than on Monday night while Jason was watching football and I was in the other room on the computer Xander emerged from the bathroom, diaper-less and pant-less, proclaiming he "put his pee pee in the potty". Jason, who was kind of suppose to be the one watching him, says he became increasingly nervous as to what he would find in the bathroom (because if there was pee all over my walls I probably won't have been happy). Nevertheless Xander had apparently made it to the potty, taken off his clothes, and peed all in the potty all by himself!

It's A Girl!!!!

I was in complete shock when the ultra sound lady told us. Jason says I asked her recheck 4x (I didn't realize it was so many at the time.) We are very excited though. Xander is looking forward to "giving the baby rides in my dump truck". I am sure she will love it. :)

The Building of the Edem Sandbox

Jason decided to build Xander a sandbox. He followed the directions off another dad's blog that he found. He decided to make the sandbox a little bigger (8x8 sand area 10x10 including bench around the edge).

Picking out materials at Lowes.

We had to bring in some dirt for around the porch. The box sits off the porch to the right.

Building the Frame

You can see the fame with top behind Xander. I painted it with a tinted deck stain.

Ready for the top to be painted.

Filled with sand and being enjoyed.

**These are older pictures. We built the sandbox in the early spring. Xander had been enjoying it all summer. **

Baby Edem #2

We are very excited about welcoming a new addition to our family on (or before) January 14, 2011!

Gram and Gramp's New Pool

So the new pool is a big hit. Here is Xander having fun with Dadoo and Uncle Eric.