Gym Class fun

Here's a hodgepodge of photos from his last OSU gym class and post-class lunch on campus.

more Easter...

Easter inside

This is Easter morning. The weather was so cold and rainy that morning, so Marek explored his Easter eggs and basket inside. We spent Easter morning over at Grandma's house. In addition to his Easter basket from the Easter Bunny, Marek woke up to a chocolate bunny cake made for him. He had wanted a "brown bunny cake" for the occassion.
A pizza almost the size of Marek! He was excited for the delivery of pepperoni pizza this evening for dinner over at Grandma's. We just got back from a trip to Tacoma and Marek was looking forward to spending time at Grandma's when we returned. He hasn't been feeling well today, so it was a nice treat for him to spend the afternoon and evening, resting at Grandma's.

I promise to upload more pictures soon. I lost my USB plug to upload my photos from my camera. I'll try to transfer some this week to my laptop and send along more. Hope all is well with everyone! Happy Spring!

Oregon Winter 08

These photos are from one of our our recent snowy days in January. These brief encounters with snow were fun for Marek. We are doing well. The weather is back to typical soggy Oregon days and I'm looking forward to spring! Marek is taking music and gym classes this winter. He has really taken to music lately - singing songs, trying out instruments, and dancing. He's becoming quite the ham, too. Each day is full of his experiments with new ways to "be funny". This involves a lot of singing, making up new words and plenty of laughter. He has also fully entered into the preschool scientist pattern of inquiry. "Why?" is an endless question now. I am looking into finding a better way to share photos and stories of Marek online in a format other than blogging. I'll keep everyone updated. Speaking of updating, I'll share some holiday photos soon. Hope all is well with everyone.

post-thanksgiving

Greetings! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving this year. Marek and I have been in the midst of a move during the past week and a half, so I haven't had time to post new photos or stories of him lately. Most recently, I returned from a trip to Chicago for a conference. The conference was great and I had a fabulous time in the windy city. I love that city! Marek stayed with Grandma that week. They had a good time, but it was a great reunion to see him again!

Marek got his new big boy bed this past week and is pretty excited about it. His new room is bigger and now he'll have two houses to explore here! His birthday is coming in about two weeks...I can't believe how fast time flies! He'll be 3...and it just seems like yesterday when he was born.

He finishes up gym class this week. He's been really interested in music, building things, reading books (he almost has the whole ABC song down), and especially puppets these days. We went to the annual Christmas parade in town last night. I am excited for the holiday season this year. But time has been moving especially fast lately - so I hope we all have time to savor it a little! I also have plenty of great Marek stories to share when I have more time. Hope all is well!

Fall update

Happy Fall! Hope everyone is doing well. We have a great big maple tree in our backyard that is midway through losing its leaves. Marek is having a ball playing with them, jumping in them...and as you will see below - being buried in them. We even started a book for him with his first leaf collection.





Today he also headed to the annual model railroad show at the library. He just loved it! There were all different scales of trains and he was mesmerized. I can't wait to build a layout with him when he is older! Uncle Kevin will have to give us some tips.





For those of you who haven't heard...our Halloween was not too eventful this year, as Marek decided he didn't want to wear his costume. [Anyone need a lion or chick costume? :) ] He did head to the Halloween party downtown, but it was "too noisy" and he wanted to leave early. He went to the downtown trick-or-treating with Grandma and me on his walk to the toy store, but only wanted one piece of candy. I think the costumes actually frightened him this year. But that's ok! We just went out for pizza, then headed home for an early bedtime. He had skipped his nap earlier, so that may have accounted for some of it! But it was a good day anyway!

We are all doing really well...very busy these days (as you can guess by the lack of regular posts here!). I'm heading to a conference in Chicago next week and will be missing my little guy like crazy then! But the conference should be interesting, too. I hope everyone is doing well these days and we will be in touch soon! Love to all.

Music Time!

One of Marek's favorite songs these days is "Ring of Fire" by Johnny Cash. Whenever we listen to that song, he gets wild with dancing around the living room. It's very cute to watch. Who knew he would be a Johnny Cash fan? He discovered the headphones the other day and wanted to listen to "Ring of Fire" in a new way. But, he insisted that mommy dance around to the song in the living room while he listened using the headphones.






This morning we were watching a live performance of Raffi on DVD. Marek moved along to the music and clapped with enthusiasm every time the song finished. He is really starting to like songs that he can act out as well. (He still sings Wheels on the Bus, the ABCs, and Twinkle, Twinkle very well. I wish you could all hear him!) Additionally, I've been playing some classical music during his quiet play times and a few times before bedtime or nap. He really seems to like it and calls it his "bear music."



We aren't doing music class this fall because I didn't want to overschedule him. So I'm happy to see he is still interested in a lot of music on his own. If we do music class in the winter, it will be interesting to see if a few months older makes him more participatory. We went to the indoor play park on Friday morning and he was much more social than usual. I'm happy to say he isn't as out of control or aggressive as some of the other kids there. He just loves his friend Elizabeth. She was there, too, at the play park. He recently went to her 2nd birthday party and still talks about her on and off throughout the week.

We're taking swim classes again this fall, as well as his favorite gym class at OSU. He could stay at gym class all day! I'm hoping everyone is having a great start to the Fall this year! We definitely are - we love the cold, rainy, cozy days! Marek picked out his first pumpkin of the season and we decorated the kitchen windows with Halloween fun. I haven't picked out his costume yet...but I'm leaning towards a lion this year.

Keep in touch and take care!

Wheat grass

Marek was busy this past month with planting his first pot of wheat grass. He was excited to watch it grow everyday until it became a huge pot of tall grass to be proud of.

He is getting so big and curious. He wants to know how everything works.

I just applied for our new apartment. We'll see if we get it and how he transitions to our own place. He loves it here with Grandma in his big house and yard, so hopefully a small apartment won't be too much of a shocker!









Here is a photo of the end result - tall wheat grass to sit and admire! He still likes to watch it everyday. He feels very proud!


Hope all of our friends and family are doing well.
We miss you all!

We Heart Bikes

Marek loves hanging out in the garage and working on my bike. (He calls it fixing my bike.) This basically means he spins the pedals and watches the gears turn.










He's also a big fan of turning on my lights on my bike. This is serious stuff. He's starting to learn how to pedal on his own bike, but of course mommy's bike is more fascinating.










"Come on guys! Let's go hang out in the garage!" Stop by our house and you'll hear this often.

Can't wait until that day when we start pedaling together!!

Hiking in MacDonald Forest

Friday morning I took Marek hiking in MacDonald Forest. Here he's running toward me at the Oak Creek entrance. He loved crawling under the gate and reading the signs. It was great weather here that day. We didn't hike too far - his little legs still only want to walk (or run) so far before he demands being carried. But it was a nice hike anyway!







He found a dried leaf along the way and fell in love with it. He carried it the rest of the way during our hike. We had to bring it home with us.












Stopping to read a trail closure sign next to the creek. He really wanted to go see the water up close and get off the trails at times. But poison oak would not be a fun side effect of that for him!

Whenever we see a sign, he always demands that we stop and read it. He is learning the scientific names of flowers and plants this way. Not sure he remembers it or has any idea what I'm saying when I read these names, but when he becomes a scientist, I'll take credit for adding to his vocabulary.





Here's our friend, snail. It was pretty big and moving as fast it could. Marek was fascinated and wanted to watch it go across the gravel in front of us. He kept cheering it on, "Have a nice trip snail! See you later!"









Marek posing with the snail and his leaf - the two treasures of the morning.

Sandbox Fun

Marek's showing off his new sandbox that Grandma and I built for him with his friends Isaac, Madeline and Caitlyn.

He loves the sandbox. I wish we'd built it much earlier in the summer!








Marek enjoying the sand and sun in our backyard!

Finished painting the seats...just need to hammer them down.

As promised, here are a few photos from Marek's recent trip to see his cousins, Aunt Michelle and Uncle Rob.
Here is a picture of Ashby, Marek, Robby and Makenzie.

Here is a picture of Robby and Marek. Marek just loved hanging out with Robby and playing trains.

Although this turned out dark, I think it's a great photo of Marek and Makenzie sharing their thoughts about being toddlers over breakfast.

Marek and Grandma (and Monkey) as they wait for the train to head south...

Makenzie, Ashby and Marek hiding behind the furniture.

summer training

Marek and Grandma are back from vacation in California. I'll be posting some photos from their
trip shortly. He had such a good time with his cousins. He road the train down with Grandma, played with his extended family in Tehachapi, and then headed back home via train to Mommy. He definitely got homesick, but also had so much fun playing with everyone there. We can't wait to return at Christmastime. I wish he had a big family here to grow up with. He is becoming more social these days. Yesterday he asked if he could go visit his cousins again. Of course, next time he has to bring me with him!















These photos are from summertime in Tacoma...
Marek is working on his stance on the skimboard.














Toes to the nose - Jake has been teaching Marek the basics...
No sharks in the backyard at least!













One of the highlights of Marek's summer was going fishing with his "honorary Uncle" Jim from Tacoma. Marek came back talking about fishing, the boat, and Jim's big truck. All very important things!

He also saw his Grammy from South Dakota last weekend and had a great time visiting with her.

Marek and I met up with our friends this morning for a playdate. We hadn't seen everyone in awhile, so that was really nice. Marek is definitely playing well with the other little ones. He remembers picking strawberries with them and Isaac's play "house" that he loves. Summer is flying by way too fast this year...

summertime adventures...we're back!

it's been a long time! the coast was calling last weekend, so we headed there on saturday. marek was thoroughly fascinated with the hundred steps he got to climb down to the beach...and to discover the process of erosion. he climbed as many rocks as his little legs (and safety/his mommy) allowed.

we could have spent all day there. i look forward to many days/years ahead of us exploring the sand and waters together.
here he goes on the upward climb...only rarely stopping for a little help. he's off right now to visit his cousins in california. so far, the report is that he has bonded with my nephew Robby - especially due to their shared love of trains. to take my mind off of missing my little guy, i went on a morning hike up bald hill. it was beautiful and humid outside. hope everyone is doing well. i'll be posting again more regularly. take care!

wednesday

Hope everyone had a happy St. Patrick's Day! We've had a great week so far! Marek had a luncheon with his Grandma and her friends today. He had a terrific time playing, eating lunch and ice cream at a little red table, and socializing with his honorary grandma clan! Meanwhile, I have been pulling overtime at work. Interviewing candidates and working on some big projects. All is very good, though! Marek is still very much interested in helping out and "cleaning" and anything outdoors. The weather was terrific today - I hope it stays that way for my day off tomorrow with him! Hope everyone who received his new photos in the mail recently enjoyed them.

sweet as pie

Marek is still tool-obsessed. After painters came to our house last week, he has been trying to use his tools to paint and screw and fix just about everything. He climbs on a stool in his room and pretends to screw the light switch on and off. He is also bursting with energy to play - especially when it involves the outdoors, balls or running.

Happy is also his mommy who now regularly hears "love you mommy!" It doesn't get sweeter than that.

march days

I can't believe it is already part-way through March. Marek is growing so much each day. Today we went to his indoor play park. He has such a good time there with the other babies and toddlers. Sharing is still something he is getting used to! We have a playdate later this week before I leave for a conference for parent educators. I think he'll enjoy the play time with his friends. He has been helping a lot in the kitchen. Last week he helped cook playdough and cookies. He is still really excited about his tool book and his new set of tools from Grandma. Perhaps he'll build me a house one day...

bouncing back

Marek was sick last week with a fever and was pretty lethargic. Poor guy. Lots of TLC, holding him, wet washcloths, and Tylenol helped him fight the virus within a few days. I'm so glad he's back to his happy self! The weather has been so nice here the past few days too. He's been playing outside quite a bit - getting dirty, having fun! He also had a chance to go on a hike with Lily, which he loved. It was muddy that day and he just loves stomping in mud. I took him to our indoor play park on Monday. He had a blast sliding, playing with tool benches, the kitchen, balls and playing barn with Dylan...until the two two-year-olds decided that sharing was too difficult! He's been helping around the house quite a bit, too. Still very much interested in doing things himself when he can. His favorite book right now is: I Love Tools by Philemon Sturges.

He also had a fabulous time at Kindermusik last week. He is really warming up to the teacher and other toddlers now. He's participating and smiling a lot, sharing more and having fun! Sometimes it just takes awhile to blossom in a different situation....!

rain & school

This weekend I put in an application for Marek to attend a preschool next year (or when he is potty trained - which could be later, that's up to him!). I can't believe how fast he is growing up! He still has 3 1/2 years before he enters elementary school, so he definitely still has plenty of little guy time left. Hurray for that! I have toured the school twice, talked with the guides and administration, and observed on one occassion. I also know some families who send their preschoolers there, so hopefully it will be a good match for him when he's ready to attend. The classrooms are the most warm, inviting atmospheres for little ones and I love the philosphy.

It has been raining a lot this week and weekend so far. Dreary and cold, but cozy too. We're having the walls painted in the house tomorrow. As much as I love the rain, I am ready for a little warmth and sunshine to get me outdoors soon. Work is keeping me busy, although I had to leave early today because I wasn't feeling well. I am pretty excited about some projects I'm working on at work, so I hate to miss time there. Overall, things are going really well for everyone here!

love, strawberries & trains

So, the biggest news I have is that Marek said "I love you!" today! OK, so he just repeated it after me, but it still was great to hear! He loves building things - and especially building "houses" out of blocks or anything similar. We've been reading a picture book on building houses and he loves it. He is still demanding to do everything himself - whether it involves him or not. Recently he was very upset that someone else answered the phone. He called out "I do it!". He has also been taking very good care of his "baby" - getting him ready for bed, changing the baby's diaper and so forth. We got our photos back from the photographer last week and they are awesome. We'll be sending them out to everyone this week. The photographer has asked to display our photos in his studio. Marek is a super cutie! He has been eating better too - blueberries, strawberries, sweet potatoes and broccoli have been recent successes. I can more than understand the strawberry love....along with train obsession.

Valentine's

Happy Valentine's Day to our family. It's still a few days away, but Marek and I have been celebrating! We both had a great weekend. Tonight he helped me bake a chocolate cake to celebrate the holiday. He did a great job mixing the frosting -- and of course, eating it too! It was a super busy week - both for work and play. Next week he starts a new round of music classes, which I'm excited for. He is still in his stage of insisting that "Marek do it!" and it is fun to have him help out more and try new things. We miss our California and Indiana family & friends and hope everyone is doing well! (By the way, I'm wondering who takes a look at our blog, so please leave a comment or let me know if you visit!)