Jack's 3rd Birthday

I asked Jack what he wanted to do today for his birthday and he said "go to the Y, go to church and go to a big restaurant for a burrito." We managed to do 2 out of 3 of his requests, plus a couple of other activities.

We started the day out with pancakes, per his request. After watching TV, Jack was a trooper and let me take him to get his haircut. He was getting a bit shaggy and was on board with getting to sit in the fire truck at Pigtails and Crewcuts.

After the haircut, we headed to the Y for Zumbini class. We were a little late, but were surprised by the kids singing Happy Birthday to Jack. After Zumbini, Jack went to childcare to play while I did Boot Camp. Afterwards we enjoyed eating lunch with friends on the playground.

Here is a quick example of a difference between boys and girls: The girls were collecting ladybugs to show their moms. Jack (the only boy) brought me a ladybug and proudly said, "Look, I squished it!" The girls were not impressed by the squishing.

After the Y we picked up a corn dogs and a slush at Sonic. 

That night, per Jack's request, we went to our local Mexican restaurant, El Metate, for burritos. Jack was very specific in that he wanted to wear the blue hat (sombrero) after dinner.

I don't know that he was prepared for the whip cream in his face, but he was a trooper. Especially since he got to wear his special hat. Daniel and I enjoyed his sopapilla while he ate all of the whip cream. 

 

After dinner, Daniel took him to play at the playground across from our house. It was a special treat to get to play in the dark. 

I would say Jack had a successful day turning three. We plan to celebrate with some of our family this weekend.

Keeping Busy While Daddy Works

Daniel has been working a lot over the last two weeks. As in, he's only had one day off and he happened to be sick on that particular day. 

I have been coping with my current "almost-single-parent" status by keeping us as busy as possible. If you can wear your child out so that he will take a long afternoon nap, that is the definition of a mommy win.

On Monday-Thursday we typically go to the Y so that I can have some "me time" and Jack can have some fun with other kids. 

In addition to the Y, we have been hitting up local library story hours. Last week the Signal Mountain Library hosted the Chattanooga Aquarium. The speaker brought animals that live in Tennessee – things likes snakes, lizards and turtles. It was a good talk but a little long winded for my squirmy two-year old.

Last Friday I gave Jack the choice between going to the pool or the Creative Discovery Museum. 

He chose to go "dig dinosaurs." We had a lot of fun, playing with all of the exhibits at the museum. I love that we can easily go and spend 2+hours at the museum. It never gets old for Jack.

Right now they have a Wizard of Oz exhibit in their upstairs area. Jack had fun pretending to gather eggs, climbing the castle slide and brushing the cowardly lion's hair.

This week we spent all day Wednesday with friends. Jack didn't nap and somehow made it through the day.  I guess having 7 other kids to play with can keep any toddler going.

Thursday we went to the Zumbini music class on the mountain. This is our second time and Jack loved it. I think drums are his favorite. 

After Zumbini, we went to the Chattanooga Zoo with our new friends from the class. The zoo was cute. Just big enough for a toddler to run around and look at all of the exhibits without having to take a stroller with you.

We started out the visit with a train ride and ended our trip on the carousel. The Coolidge Park carousel is better, but this was still a fun experience for Jack.

I am so thankful we live somewhere where it is easy to get out and do lots of activities for Jack (that don't really cost anything). 

We will be so glad when Daniel gets back to his normal working schedule and can do some fun activities with us.