Worn Out

Not too long before the end of "quiet time" yesterday afternoon I noticed that there was no sound coming from Thompson's room...which led me to wonder if he had (for the first time) decided to take a nap on his new bed. My assumption was partly true: a nap...yes, on his bed...no, but right beside it! By the time I returned from obtaining the camera he was beginning to wake up, but this picture give you an idea nonetheless.

Big Boy Bed

Well, we took the plunge yesterday and transitioned Thompson out of his crib. Although he has been content sleeping in his crib (not trying to get out when the railing is up - we don't think he knows he can - and knowing he can climb in and out when it is down), we figured...why not? After all, it was inevitable and I think most people are surprised to learn that he still slept in a crib (and even a pack-and-play when we travel!) at 3 years old.

While we haven't got his official "big-boy" bed set-up, we thought we'd start the transition by placing an inflatable mattress on the floor. We discussed the ground rules of big boy beds...no standing, no jumping and staying on the bed...and from what we can tell, he's doing OK. This morning, he told us that he didn't get off the bed at all last night and he got off a couple times during nap time. Ahh - the honesty of a 3-year old! We were also please to see that overnight he pretty much stayed in the same location and didn't fall the 6 or so inches onto the floor.

Provided the next week goes well, we will take the second and final step in the transition by removing the crib from his room and setting up his twin bed. Stay tuned for updates and pictures.

When I Grow Up...

I'm gonna drive a car just like you. And when I get bigger, I'm going to drive a digger. Yes, Thompson's looking towards the future these days with thoughts of what he wants to do when he "grows up" or "gets bigger". Today he's thinking about becoming Jonah (although he's indicated he wants to obey God and make Him happy so as not to get swallowed by the whale!)

Snow Day

After it was all said and done, we got about 3 inches of snow last night that we were able to enjoy today. Thompson made his first snow angel and snowman and enjoyed his first sled-ride with Anna.  We are still keeping our fingers crossed for that "big" snow, but for now, we've decided this will count as a sufficient "snow day".

Nemo Ties for First

Well, Finding Nemo has managed to move to the first place spot alongside The Polar Express. I sound like a broken record, but we are amazed at the numerous scenes that have captivated Thompson's attention. One noteworthy scene is early in the movie when, against his father's instruction, Nemo swims beyond the drop-off to prove his bravery to his friends. Thompson reminds us that Marlin says in a loud voice "Get back over here right now Nemo or else you're going to get into trouble!" And we ask, what did Nemo do? "Nemo not listen and obey. And he got scooped up." So, when we need a reminder about obedience, we're turning to Nemo!

Update...and lawnmowers

Oh my goodness...where does the time go! I cannot believe a month has passed since our last post. My apologies to those of you who check our blog frequently for updates on "This Jones Family". So, where to begin???

Thompson is an young boy (I know we are biased, but still) who continually amazes us! As you may recall from a December post, his favorite movie is "The Polar Express". In early January he learned a life lesson (at least for a 3-year old) about asking for help to load a movie into the DVD player after having loaded this one incorrectly and scratching it so bad that it would no longer play. Long story short, we decided not to replace the movie as we did not want to set the precedent of immediately replacing a toy if it is broken...not to mention Thompson reminded us that Santa had brought the movie and we would have to go the North Pole to ask for a new one.

And if you think the story ends here, then you're wrong. Rather, we find Thompson using his imagination daily to reenact scenes from the movie. We can't decide whether we are more amazed at his memory (recalling scenes nearly word for word) or his creativity (using a flashlight for a lantern, a blue fleece blanket for a bathrobe, his navy blue socks as coal, a sand shovel to shovel the coal, a bed or barstools as a train, and the list goes on!) Of course, his imagination is not limited to "The Polar Express"...Thompson can cover many other sights and sounds.

He continues to enjoy music - both listening to it and playing it. We've discovered the children's TV program "Jack's Big Music Show", which introduces children to a wide range of musical genres, instruments and topics. Needless to say, it's been a hit! To foster Thompson's innate musical abilities, we have re-enrolled him the spring semester of Kindermusik.

Some of his favorites books these days are Big Words for Little People, Hop on Pop, Animal Serenade, Drummer Boy, Mike Mulligan and His Steamshovel, Every Friday, and Chugga Chugga Choo Choo. Thompson is enjoying school, looking forward each week to music and chapel. As he tells his teachers, "I like chapel."

Oh, and we'd be remiss if we didn't mention how much Thompson enjoys jigsaw puzzles. This too has been an facet of his play time that has amazed us. We love to sit and observe him as he assembles puzzles in a very methodical and Thompson-like way. He has quickly mastered 24-60 piece puzzles and does not want any help. As he reminds us, "I can do it by myself."

Over the past year, it has been eye-opening to realize how much information Thompson's little brain absorbs, retains and shares...it is like one big sponge! And like a sponge, what is absorbed, is what comes out. We've been reminded that these years play a significant role in his development as a young boy (and future man) of this world and any moment we can turn into a teachable moment to instill good manners, to learn about making good choices, to learn how to interact and speak with others, to respect others, and to learn about God's unconditional love is time well spent.

Finally, speaking of what his little mind remembers, enjoy the video clip below. After looking at it, click on the following link (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puK4NxGKNdQ) and see if it sounds familiar!

Eavesdropping

As Thompson was bathing this evening (with the oversight of his beloved "older sister" and our neighbor Katie), Bobby and I overheard him telling her that "When mommy says no, it makes me not happy. When mommy says yes sir, it makes me happy." As we eavesdropped from the other room, we were amazed to hear him articulate his feelings so well.