pumpkin parking lot (patch).

We have no "pumpkin patches" in Florida, or at least where we live, just the good ol'fashioned Church parking lots.

Jonah I stopped into one on our way home the other day.   He wasn't in the mood and it was impossible for me to get him to look at the camera...but here are the few I managed to take.

NYC

Well I am happy to report I survived a weekend without Jonah!  It was actually easier than I thought'd it be....well after the first few hours.  I cried my way through security and a little bit on the flight.  I arrived Friday evening into JFK with puffy eyes and a runny nose, but was determined to not think about it and have fun!  I did have a great weekend celebrating Meghan's birthday.   We shopped, ate amazing food, danced and laughed - a lot!  All in all a great re-charge of my Mommy batteries.

Brody had a great time with Jonah too.  He was really good about sending me pictures and video texts that it helped with my anxiety a lot.  Even though when I got home, Jonah's hair was a mess, the house looked like a tornado hit it, Jonah's pants were on backwards and he borderline had a black eye....they seemed to have fun!  He took him for bike rides, for smoothies, walks and even to the beach!  He had so much fun that when they picked me up at my gate in the airport, he didn't even seem to care I was home!  I have to say though, he has been Mr. clingy today!

I don't have pictures of NYC, but I will get some from Meghan soon and post a few of my trip! 

getaway.

I am leaving tomorrow for a weekend trip to NYC.  One of my best friends, Meghan, is turning 30 and we are all celebrating!  I am very excited to see all my JMU girls, but sad (and a bit terrified) to leave my boo boo.

Brody is Mr. Mom starting tomorrow at 12:30p.m.  Let's pray for him to have patience...and a lot of fun!!

I'll let you all know how Jonah does.  I'll be a crying mess at the airport when I have to say goodbye, I just hope Jonah isn't too :(

I am going to miss my boo boo baby so much!

love yourself.

Time out.

Mimi came to see us this past weekend and we were so excited! Unfortunately Jonah was not on his best behavior; in fact he was downright bad! I have been battling tantrums and Mimi got to see firsthand what a handful Jonah is. I am off to Barnes and Noble tomorrow to purchase some books on dealing with "high-spirited" children. The polite way of saying "brats!!". I have received lots of remarks lately about Jonah when we are out in public, from "my what an active boy" to "fun age isn't it?". I am starting to think I should become a hermit and never leave the house as to avoid any more public embarrassment.

Jonah loves his mimi on skype but in person he wasn't as sure. He had wonderful moments with her tickling at the table and watching movies and bad moments screaming and trying to bite her!!! I have a few battle wounds from Jonah's tantrums as he is quite strong and likes to hit, bite, kick, head butt.....I am open to suggestions. Right now we spank and send to time-out. I am working on ignoring the tantrums (harder in public).
I am feeling more like a parent than I ever have. Learning to discipline is proving to be my biggest challenge, especially with how young Jonah is. He is smarter than I give him credit for and I believe he is mastering the art of "manipulating mommy." I am determined to persevere through and continue on my quest in raising a kind, compassionate and well mannered child - and pray he'll grow out of it :)
Here are some snapshots of mimi's trip. I didn't take as many pictures as I would have liked, mainly because I was busy reprimanding!!



We went to the zoo of course, our favorite place!  Mimi getting attacked by the Lorikeets.



Next stop - DISNEY!  My mom was kind enough to treat us all to a day at the Magic Kingdom!  It was Canadian Thanksgiving and Columbus Day so it was beyond crowded, but we made the best of it.  Jonah was really good on all the rides we could make it on, he just wasn't so good at waiting in line....

This was about 3 seconds before he threw a fit and practically threw himself off the horse.

Although it is mid-October, it's still hot and humid in FL.  Cool pineapple treat was just what we needed!

Thanks for everything mom, we loved seeing you and miss you already!  Next time you see Jonah hopefully he will have grown out of his terrible temper :)

practically picasso.

I took Jonah recently to make a plate for mimi (my mom).  He may have been a little too young and it took us about 5 minutes before we were "over" the activity, but it came out very cute!

family rules

The Welte Family Rules

let's hope we can learn to follow them all!

cold front.

We had a cold front move down FL this past weekend and with it brought amazing weather!  Jonah and I spend almost everyday outside...all day!  He ate well, napped well and had very little "Jonah" moments (all out tantrums!).  I think the outdoors agrees with him.

entertaining a tot.

Finding new and exciting activities to entertain my growing toddler is becoming ever challenging.  We aren't quite old enough to enjoy painting, we eat crayons, we throw sidewalk chalk, and we run with scissors.  Luckily the internet provides lots of ideas for clueless mommies who have very active children.

This idea was right up our alley - cheap and easy!

Pipe cleaners and a colinder....Martha Stewart on a budget!