Little Sprouts Here I Come...

With the holiday we've had a short week at daycare, however, big news! Two out of the three days this week I got to hang out in the next room up, Little Sprouts, to try it out and see how I would do. I’ve got to spend small increments of time on & off all summer pending teacher coverage and/or for certain activities but not the whole day!

My teachers feel that I'm ready maturity & listening wise and recommended today that I begin an early transition to the next stage/room. Typically they wait until you turn two (*which as you know I will in November) however, they feel that I’m ready and that it would be good for me to continue up with some of my older friends who have moved up the past couple of months. Dad & Mom signed off on it today so next week, the start of the fall session, I will spend two days in Tiny Tots and two days in Little Sprouts. Mom said it seems like yesterday that I was in Sweet Peas. This may be tougher on her than on me! I sure was tuckered out tonight after my big day in Little Sprouts and can’t wait for more fun next week.

Labor Day Weekend

Well, we haven't given you an update on what we've been learning at daycare in August so I thought I'd catch you up.  This past month has been one of change meaning we've been reflecting on how far we've come in our toddler room.  We started the spring/summer sleeping in cribs and eating from highchairs, and now we've all transitioned to sleeping on cots & eating at our own table & chairs.  We even sit still until told excused.  How we're growing up.  We've been working on keeping our feet on the floor, using gentle touches, taking turns & sharing, sitting for circle time and holding hands with friends as we move from room to room or place to place.  We wash our hands at the sink and can pull down our own paper towels (*which can be really fun!).  As you know we paint, color & glue and learning to tear up paper and/or work with scissors.  I am a little sad to see my best friend Ethan move-up to the Little Sprouts room in September however I have been getting to spend some time there on & off so he's not too far away.  Some of our other friends are moving up as well and some newer ones will be coming in.  Change can be tough but it sure has been lots of fun too.

On Monday, Aug. 29th I went back to daycare for the first time in a week and half!  I had a little trouble settling down at nap time although I did get to take my new tractor mat but overall I had a great day.  Mrs. Jean thinks I'm very expressive and thought I was funny today at the face I made when the toy I was playing with did something unexpected and then I giggled & of course said, "Wow!"  On Wed., August 31st I got the spend the day in the Little Sprouts room which was fun and I got to check out all their trucks, cars & trains which were amazing & new.  We did do one art project this week which is kind of hard to see but we painted with stencils.  I preferred the yellow star stencils as we were doing a night sky as you can see below:

This week I also got to wear my new tractor P.J.'s we got over the weekend & as you can see are so fun!

Here you can see the little tractors on my P.J. pants!

We started getting things for fall as I've pretty much out grown of all my 2T clothes and need to move-up to 3T full-time. Notice I also picked out these fun fall P.J.'s with trucks on them! Dad loves them too:

Friday, Sept. 2nd started our long Labor Day Weekend which was awesome.  Friday we took Kato to the vet as we had found a lump in his rear, left leg however, got good news that it is not cancer!  They ran some additional tests and everything came back today saying he's healthy and in the clear.  We couldn't be happier.  While in Mankato for Kato's appointment he also got puppy parlor time while Mom & I did lunch and ran some errands.  We even found a lamp for my new big boy room with cars & trucks on it!  On Sat., Sept. 3rd we got to play outside all morning as it wasn't raining like Friday.  Between playing outside & helping Mom decorate for fall I was so tuckered out I took an extra long nap.  When I got up Dad, Mom & I went to Mankato for haircuts and to get a few fall clothes for me.  I sat pretty good during my haircut but got a little nervous around the clippers.  My regular guard she uses now is a 3 (*Dad uses a 1).  I had a blast playing in the kids gym area at the Mall and afterwards we got my Halloween costume (*which matches Kato's!)  You'll have to wait & see though.  We had an excellent dinner at TGIF's before heading home.  The best news of the weekend was Iowa State won their first game over UNI which we listened to on the way home.

 

On Sun., Sept. 4th we went to church and then spent the rest of the day playing at home.  We did the same thing on Labor Day, Sept. 4th, and most of the time we were outside as the weather was amazing.  I got to explore the equipment and even learned to honk the horn on Dad's 9330 tractor as well as turn on all the lights (*we didn't learn to turn them off yet which Dad learned when it got dark!)  We had such a fun, relaxing weekend it was hard going back to daycare today but I did get a special treat as Grandma Judy picked me up in the afternoon & I got some special Grandpa & Grandma time tonight.  We explored the shop, drove a tractor with Grandpa and had a fun dinner.  I love visiting the shop & hanging with the men.  I missed Dad today though as he was gone to the Cities today for work but it is always good to give him lots of hugs when he gets home.  Hope you're having a great week too! 

Great Plains Zoo!

On Thursday, August 25th I got to spend all day with Grandma Anne while Dad & Mom worked.  We had lots of fun playing and even watched a tractor bail hay which was so cool until it broke down.  It was neat to watch them fix it though too.  On Friday, August 26th we met Grandma Judy for breakfast, shopping/park time before we went to Mom & "L.B."'s doctor appointment.  The appointment went well and everything still looks healthy however little brother had a growth spurt in August and is now measuring 3 weeks ahead!  The doctor is hopeful things will slow down, just like they did with me, but they are still monitoring things closely.

After lunch & some shopping at the Farm & Fleet (*I got a John Deere nap mat for daycare!) we headed to Sioux Falls, SD to see Uncle Jared & Aunt Ashley.  I napped the whole way but was so excited when Uncle Jared greeted us.  Uncle Jared & I took up the luggage (*notice I did all the pushing & Uncle Jared just steered).  I tell ya!  Grandma & Mom thought it was pretty funny, so did the front desk guys, that I wanted to push the cart so they took some fun pictures.  Here's me taking everything inside:

After we unloaded everything we had to take the cart back downstairs and Mom & Uncle Jared joked that I would probably push him so Uncle Jared got a free ride.  Yep, I pushed him all the way to the elevator, although, he did help steer again.  Here's me working hard:

Here I'm trying to turn us towards the elevator.  Do you like my Twins cap?  Grandpa Allen went to a game this past week and they had one in just my size.  I have barely taken it off (*the first day I got it I ate dinner with it on & tried to take a bath with it too!).  Go Twins!  Mom thinks I need a Yankees hat too to even things out but Dad said no way!

Friday night we had a nice dinner with Aunt Ashley's Mom and we got to see Uncle Jared & Aunt Ashley's new place.  They even have a little playground area where I got to show off my climbing skills to Uncle Jared going up the ladder to the slide.  I had a blast running around their new place getting into everything.  I was a little bummed we couldn't go swimming in their pool like planned because of my recent surgery but hopefully next time.  After a long day we went back to the hotel for bed time and I slept in my own big boy bed!  I did pretty good all night and in the morning woke up & climbed into Mom's bed to snuggle for a bit.

On Sat., August 27th Grandma, Mom & I picked up breakfast & went to pick-up Uncle Jared & Aunt Ashley to go to the Great Plains Zoo in Sioux Falls.  It was a beautiful day, not too sunny or hot, and we had an amazing time.  We did so much while we were there figured it would be easier to tell you by showing you some of our favorite pictures.  It is a great zoo for younger children, perfect for me, and they are always growing so you should definitely check it out!

The first animal we saw was the tiger which I thought was amazing to watch.  There were 4 total and we saw all of them!  One even came & paced right in front of the window I was watching from (*you can see above he's a little to the right down the fence line).  I kept saying, "Wow" and pointing and when asked what does a tiger say I would roar with everyone.  Everyone thought I was so cute!

Here's a close-up of one of the others who didn't move much and was just hanging out.

Here's Mom & I watching the buffalo or the "tatonka".

Here's me with Uncle Jared & Aunt Ashley - I love them!

The Great Plains Zoo helps with the endangered species program including the Black Rhinoceros.  The Black Rhinos are native to eastern and central areas of Africa & we learned that they have a pointed upper lip vs. a square lip like the White Rhinos.  The above is a picture of one of the baby Rhinos & his Mom that is part of their breeding program which we got to see eat watermelon and other fruit during their 11:30 a.m. demonstration.  They are pretty neat & really gentle.

Here's Aunt Ashley, Uncle Jared, Grandma Anne and I entering the land of Africa...

When we were in Africa we got to ride a tram (*that looked like a train) through the whole country.  We got to see Bongos, Meerkats, Reticlated Giraffes, Peacocks and Cheetahs!

I loved riding the train & getting to look around on my own.  Here we stopped in front of the Cheetah habitat & you can see two laying right in front of us to the left.  They say they are really fast but they looked kind of lazy to me!

I thought the Black Bears were really neat and they are huge!  Here I am pointing them out to Aunt Ashley.

Mom took me on the carousel & I got to ride the Black Rhino one.  I was pretty brave as the ride continued and hung on with just one hand!  Notice they did have great seat belts too.

Next we went to the Farmland Petting Zoo sponsored by Hy-Vee (*thanks Uncle Jared & Uncle Byron who work for them!).  I got to feed baby & adult goats which I wasn't scared at all & thought they tickled a bit.

I even fed the cows right out of my hand & they had longer tongues which felt even stranger.  I loved petting their noses though and they were so friendly.  Mom was impressed how brave I was.

Afterwards I got to ride a camel!  Yes, that is right a one-humped camel and since Mom with baby couldn't ride with me Aunt Ashley did as apparently only her & I haven't ridden one before.  Even my Dad has (*well Mom made him during their honeymoon!).  I was a little unsure at first but soon loved it and thought it was fun.  Here's Aunt Ashley and I riding our camel.

Afterwards we got to pet and hang out with the camel for a bit and I think she liked me!  After our camel ride (*thanks Aunt Ashley!) we saw a few other animals, the museum & then did lunch.  I took a big nap at Uncle Jared & Aunt Ashley’s home before we headed for home.  On Sunday, Aug. 28th we went to church and then I took a 3.5 hour nap!  I was tuckered out from my big weekend.  I had so much fun in the afternoon playing outside and Kato & I had a blast playing in the weeds/grasses doing our form of hide-n-seek.  What an amazing week and weekend with family.  So blessed!

Surgery...

As you know on Monday, Aug. 22nd we had a myringotmoy surgery scheduled or known as getting tubes in both ears at 6 a.m. at the Mankato, MN ISJ Hospital Out Patient Surgery Ward.  Mom, Dad & I headed up a little after 4:30 a.m. (*I slept the whole way only after I saw my present in the back seat that had a tractor on it & pointed, said tractor & then slept!).  At 5:45 a.m. we checked in and waited until a nurse came to get us.  Since it was taking a bit Dad & Mom gave me my big boy surgery present while we waited.  It was a tractor/farm backpack with two tractor books inside!  I was sooo excited.  One of the books even has a button you push to "start" the tractor's engine.  Since there was no one else around I got to push the button as much as I wanted.  When an older couple walked into the waiting room & heard the tractor noise they thought that, along with me, were pretty cute.

Here's me with my new backpack & Dad helping me open it.

Here's Dad & I playing with my new tractor book that has the fun button.  We soon got taken to my room where we waited until they were ready for me.  While we waited the nurses came in to discuss the surgery, get all of my information (*I didn't like when they connected cords to me), give me my gown & cap and do all my pre-op day of tests.  We then met with the Dr. Pearson, my surgeon, who marked my ears with a purple marker (*it made me look like I was wearing earrings) so they knew where the surgery was going to be.  Dad & I thought I looked pretty silly.  The best part of waiting was that they had wagons in the hallways we could go on rides in.  Dad & Mom took turns taking me around in the wagons and checking out the sights.  My room had spiderman & Disney princess decals in it which were ok but I got to check out two other rooms that had Disney Cars and John Deere tractors in them.  If I have to go back I'm making a request!

Here's Dad and I in the wagon we used.  At about 7:30 a.m. they had me get ready for surgery by putting my gown (*they put my cap on once I was asleep) and here's Mom and I right before I went in.

At 7:45 a.m. three nurses came to take me to surgery and of course I went right with them no tears, no fighting, just looking around and interested where we were going.  One nurse carried me and the others took my bed (*above), my chart and my cap.  At about 8:15 a.m. Dr. Pearson came out & talked to Dad & Mom and said that everything went really well, they did a lot of drainage and the tubes went in easily.  I was in recovery waking up & they would bring me out soon.  Mom & Dad were relieved and the doctor re-affirmed surgery was the right course of action and this should help me out a lot.  For the next few days they gave us drops to put in my ears (*5 drops, 3 times a day until gone) which would help my current double ear infection as well as help my tubes/ears heal.  At about 8:30 a.m. they brought me to Mom & Dad and I was really brave as barely upset at all.  Mostly didn't know where I was but as soon as I cuddled with Mom I was fine.  Here's me after my big surgery:

I wasn't able to eat or drink anything from midnight the night before until well after surgery so when I got some water after surgery I was excited & it tasted good.  We hung out for two more hours while they monitored my progress and kept checking my vitals so I got to take turns snuggling with Dad and Mom and I even got to watch Curious George on TV!  Here's Dad & I watching George.

 By 10:30 a.m. I was back on my feet and starting to feel more awake.  I was still pretty sleepy and quiet however had a few smiles and was excited when they told me I could go home!

By 10:45 a.m. we were in the car and heading for home.  Mom & Dad told me we were barely out of Mankato and I was fast asleep and slept until about 1:45 p.m.  I was hungry when I got up so I got some toast and juice and kept everything down.  My tummy wasn't upset at all.  Granted I didn't like getting the drops (*it did help if you warmed the drops in your hand before you put them in - didn't sting as much but still didn't care of it).  I spent the rest of the day hanging out doing quiet activities and slept pretty good through out the night.  So far I've done well all week.  My tummy has been fine, my ears have been good & healing well and I go back for my next appointment in October so keep your fingers crossed. 

As daycare is closed this week I got to spend time with Grandma Judy on the 23rd and today, the 24th.  This worked out well with my surgery as I got some additional quiet time, snuggles and lots of love.  My Grandma Anne is coming to stay with me tomorrow, Thurs., Aug. 25th so being a little spoiled with love continues!  What a nice week.

My 1st Kernel Days

On Sat., August 20th I had a fun filled day at home playing inside and outside and was so worn out I even took a 3 hour nap (*that and still not feeling so hot)!  My favorite things to do outside are exploring the yard and equipment.  Note I have to touch everything...an auger, a rock, tires, hoses, help Mom & Dad water flowers with the watering can, love jumping & playing in the weeds, following Kato into the corn stalks or playing in the grass with Kato, etc.  Mostly I love to point out all the tractors and/or trucks I see and then say "tractor" or "truck" over and over and over and over again.  New word of the week has been "bombine" or combine which Dad is really excited about.  He said even I am gearing up for fall harvest.  I even point out the differences in my books between a "bombine" and "tractor".  Pretty sly!

In the late afternoon we met Aunt Jenni, Cousin Hannah and Grandma & Grandpa Prestegard for dinner at the Dairy Queen in Wells, MN before the big Kernel Days Parade.  My favorite part was the ice cream of course.  We found a great spot for the parade and I couldn't wait to see the trucks & tractors.  Here is Grandma & Grandpa and Cousin Hannah and I. 

 Although we've been to a few parades now this was the first one I actually picked up candy and put it in my own candy bag!  Cousin Hannah and Aunt Jenni showed me how (*you can see them in the background too) and I learned if you hold onto the chocolate candy for too long it melts in your hand and is really messy and looks gross.  I decided to hold onto my box of dots, which were really good by the way, and a little rubber, blue ball that I got during the parade.  Starburst are good to hold onto as well - they don't melt!

Of course I loved seeing the large equipment and pointed and got excited and would stand up as soon as I'd see them coming.  I thought this spreader was really cool and kept saying, "Wooww!"  If only Aunt Jenni and Mom would have let me run up to get a closer look but they kept holding me back.  Maybe next time.

 Here's Mom, Hannah, Aunt Jenni and I watching the parade and I really wanted to go on a ride on the Grandma tractor (*that's what I call the lawn mower) train.  I also wanted to meet the princesses that were in the parade as apparently when I saw them, they were pretty cute & waving at me, I decided to take off and run down the street to ride with them.  There were two different princess floats and yes, I did run after both which the people sitting by us thought was pretty funny.  Mom was just surprised because the second float didn't have any blonds and usually that's my preference.  May be expanding my taste.  Although I didn't get to ride with them I did wave at them and I did a great job waving at most of the people in the parade and I would say, "Hi!"  Mom was pretty impressed with how social I was.

We had such a fun night and hopefully can go again next year with my little brother.  Here's Grandpa and I heading home.  Today, Sun., Aug. 21st we went to church and then hung out at home all day taking it easy with my double ear infections and before my big surgery tomorrow.  Wish me luck...

Surgery it is...

This past week at daycare was pretty mellow as we're gearing up for our annual shut down which means I get Mom, Dad & Grandma time next week! On Mon., August 15, 2011, we became "bugs" and I colored and became a very handsome ladybug.

On Tues., Aug. 16, 2011, during nap time I made Mrs. Jean laugh as she tried to "sleep" to show us how to nap so she snored & pretended to be asleep, hoping I would sleep too.  Instead I imitated her snoring & giggled the whole time! Naughty Hayden. On Wed., Aug. 17, 2011, we played connect the dots and played with dot paint markers which was really fun. Here is my picture:

After daycare on Wed., Aug. 17th Mom & I had a date night as Dad was out of town so we went to the pool & out for dinner. My friend Jack from daycare showed up which was fun to swim with him too! On the 17th and 18th I had a lot of trouble sleeping through the night which we soon found out why.  On Thurs., Aug. 18th we quilted, well glued, and made our own quilts.  Mine turned out pretty good, however, Dad said he didn't appreciate the pink ballet square but I thought rather cute!  Here's mine:

Today, Aug. 19th Mom & I had to be up early to drive to Mankato, MN for my Ear, Nose & Throat appointment. We met with Dr. Pearson who specializes in ENT for pediatrics and after a very swift exam determined not only did I have a double ear infection but fluid build-up in my inner ear and needed to get tubes. She scheduled surgery immediately for Monday, Aug. 22, 2011, at 6 a.m.! Within 2 hours we went from having a consultation to a full exam and physical, pre-ops, registering for my hospital stay and meeting with multiple doctors, surgeons and an anesthesiologist. It went by in a whirlwind. They decided to schedule surgery right away to assist in clearing up my current infections as if we waited for oral meds to work the infection may take awhile to clear up and with my fluid build-up not sure if they would truly clear-up right away and/or at all.  I will get antibiotics on Monday during and after the surgery which should help heal everything directly.  Mom took me to Olive Garden for lunch where I impressed her and those around us for how well I behaved & how well I ate with my spoon. I didn't spill on the floor at all! After a big nap, the morning wore me out; we played outside and had a fun afternoon. What a day!

This past week Mrs. Jean brought us some spring time out takes during my time at daycare and thought you may like to see.  Here we are outside in our buggy:

 Of course I'm sitting next to my buddy Ethan :)

 Having fun driving the firetruck.

Playing on the play set and about ready to go down the slide.  I love being outdoors!

21 Months!

This past week at daycare we had lots of fun doing arts and crafts.  On Monday, Aug. 8, 2011, we made a fish which we practiced cutting and used paint markers.  We also finger painted woodland creatures which I did an owl, a bear and a crow.  I even got to pick out which colors I used.  I had a lot of fun with brown and even got some in my hair!  

Here are some of my awesome artwork:

 Had a lot of fun with brown although I was running low by the time I got to the bear.

 I thought a black crow was boring so did greens and blues.  Note I was smarter than I realized and even made a yellowish color!  Color is a lot more fun.

On Tues., Aug. 9, 2011, I found a new book at daycare which was filled with full pages of trucks & tractors.  Mrs. Jean thought it was "composed" for me.  I also had lots of fun "jumping on the bed" as we read & played no more monkeys jumping on the bed or rather trampoline.  On Wed., Aug. 10, 2011, Mrs. Jean was excited that I said, "Pop" when we played with bubbles and said, "Bump, Bump" when we went on a buggy ride.  I even said, "Star" and pointed to our star mobile in the room on Thurs. Aug. 11, 2011, which surprised Mrs. Jean.  When we had our sing-a-long time with the Sprouts room in the afternoon we were singing "Row, row, row your boat" which I didn't really want to sing so I made the alligator chomp motion and said, "Alligator", as that was the song I wanted to sing.  You should have seen the look on Mrs. Jean and Ms. Linda's faces when I did that.  I think they were surprised!  Hey, a boy wants what he wants. 

On Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011, I turned 21 months and how I've grown over the past month.  Here are some of my big changes:

• I'm staying steady at about 33 - 35 lbs. however have grown taller and now am in mostly 3T clothes pending brand.
• I'm talking a lot more, even if no one can understand what I'm saying, and love to say the animal noise when Mom & Dad ask me something like, "What does the lion say" and I respond "roar" and even sometimes with my "paws" up like a lion or the motion of a monkey.  Other sounds I do are for a puppy dog, horse, cow, chicken, monkey, sheep (*which is my favorite to do), etc.
• I play more independently, listen to & follow instructions more, help pick-up my toys or whatever we need to like hand Mom my cup, imitate actions, give kisses & hugs and even eat better with my spoon / fork as well as make fewer messes.
• I'm an awesome climber!  I can climb up the stairs to the slide or anything else at the playground, the ladder to my top bunk (*so we keep the ladder put away), the chairs at our counter, etc.  Watch out world!
• I'm getting better at getting dressed and help with putting on my shoes and coat (*will retrieve them) and if I really want to go outside I'll get your shoes and help you put them on too!
• I'm getting better at doing puzzles and matching shapes.  I barely get frustrated with it and will try until I figure it out.  I like to do it over and over and over again.
• I love exploring and touching everything and picking things up to figure what they are.  A leaf, a rock, stick, etc.  I love trying to figure out how things work especially if there is a lever, handle, etc.
• I point to more body parts when asked such as nose, head, eyes, ears, etc. and am learning to help brush my teeth better & even stick out my tongue to help!
• I am starting to show real signs of independence when I don't get my way.  I am starting to react and if I get scolded I show signs of embarrassment and/or that I know better like look down or hide my head under my arms.  A good example is if we are walking somewhere and I want to go another direction I'll sit down where I am and stop walking.
• The biggest change this past month is I found out I'll have a little brother which means I've been moving my toys, clothes, etc to my big boy room.  Later this month we'll start taking naps and slowly transitioning, if I'm ready, to my new room.  I do love playing in there though!

This past weekend on Friday, Aug. 12th I got to go to Waterloo, IA for my Grandma & Grandpa Sergeant's 25th wedding anniversary.  Their big day isn't until October 4th however celebrating a bit early.  We had lots of fun playing, seeing family and I even got a big boy inflatable bed that has a Buzz Lightyear sleeping bag that I slept in for the first time like a big boy.  I slept in it all night and did an excellent job.  Today, on Sun., Aug. 14th, we all went to Rochester, MN, to see my Great-Grandpa Pete as he's been in the hospital for the past few weeks.  We brought lots of love & prayers to him and while we were waiting to see him I got to see a bright, blue helicopter take off from the roof right above me.  I just kept saying, "Wooowww!" as it was really neat and I was sad when I didn't get to see it come back.  We had a very nice weekend with family and got to play lots & lots!  This upcoming week we have my appointment with the Ears, Nose & Throat doctor so we're anxious to meet with her and see what she says.  Keep you posted!

My Big Boy Room!

Had a great week at daycare this past week.  On Monday, August 1, 2011, I tried to pet our class fish!  They said we couldn't pet them but they did let me feed them instead which was fun and I kind of got it everywhere.  On Wed., August 3rd I really enjoyed our small playground because I got to see an up close show of the Blue Earth city trucks prepare and pave a road near by.  They even brought in a digger that I got to see them operate.  My teachers thought it was pretty funny that I sat still watching them for 15 minutes straight!  I did think they were pretty amazing.  After daycare Dad was out of town for work so Mom & I had a date night.  We went to the pool and played.  Mom said I still have no fear because even if I got to the deep end I kept tyring to walk even if the water was at my neck/head.  I loved the shallow end because I could lay on my belly and pretend to swim.  It is always fun at the pool.  Afterwards we went out to dinner just the two of us.  Can you believe I can eat an entire sandwich all by myself!?!  I was pretty hungry.  I must say I was worn out by the time we got home & slept really well.  I started having trouble sleeping this past week as my 2nd molars are starting to come in.  The very last of my baby teeth.  I think Mom is a little sad.

On Thurs., Aug. 4th we got to color "food" at daycare and make a picture picnic on the wall.  We then sat around discussing what we want to be when we grow up and when Ms. Linda asked me and of course I said, "tractor".  One of the older kids from the oldest room, the Explorers, said I couldn't be a tractor but Ms. Linda corrected him and explained I could drive one and work with one when I grow up so it counts.  Dad was most happy with my response.  We stopped by the shop and saw Grandpa & Grandma on our way home and they liked my response too.  When we stopped I got to drive a tractor with Grandpa which made my day and confirmed I wanted to be a tractor.  Again I was pretty hungry when we got home and I ate a whole taco plus more!  Dad & Mom are pretty impressed with my growing appetite.

On Friday, Aug. 5th my new big boy furniture came and we began setting up my new room.  As you'll see we painted the walls a fun transportation theme.  The top color is Behr's Grass Cloth, the bottom is Behr's Deep Royal and my road or the border stripe is Behr's Colorado Springs with Grass Cloth stripes.  We added Wallies Trains, Planes & Trucks peel & stick wall decals which I actually helped smooth on the walls with Dad & Mom.  I'm still pretty excited about them and go to them and point at them each time I'm in my room.  Dad worries when I start sleeping in there I won't!  We picked out Signature Design by Ashley Furniture twin over twin bunk beds and chest dresser.  I had a lot of fun jumping on my new mattresses and love climbing up the ladder which yes, I can do all by myself.  We picked out Pottery Barn Kids bedding which just happens to be named, "the Hayden Bedding Collection".  They must have designed it just for me!  Especially since the Hayden Sheet Set is full of cars, trucks and tractors!  When I first saw them I hugged them and ran around the room holding them which I'm sure you'll find hard to believe.  Although we haven't moved all my stuff over and need to put my art up on the walls here is a sneak peek at my new big boy room:

 We even made a matching light switch plate cover & night light!  I picked out the fire truck to be by my bed and I picked out my car pillow which I hugged the whole time we were in the store.

 Dad decided to put my red fire truck here and I can't wait to fill my dresser up.  Right now I just enjoy opening and closing the drawers.

 We moved in some of my toys to begin playing in my room and to get me use to it.  Mom said starting in September I'll take my naps in my room and slowly transition nights pending how I do and what I'm ready for.  We even got side rails so I don't fall out!

 Here's my favorite decal, the tractor.  I got to place it right when you walk in so the first one you see when you come through the door and the last one I see when I go to sleep as it's across from my bed.  Grandma Anne likes that it is green.

 Mom made clouds to go with my airplane and I love looking up and pointing to it.

Dad's favorite decal, next to the tractor, is my cement truck.  Looks like the cement is turning doesn't it?  I hope you like the start of my new room as I sure am excited about it.

After having an eventual Friday setting up my new room I got to have a Dad weekend as Mom was gone for her annual girl's weekend with her college friends.  On Saturday Dad and I did manly things like go to the Home Depot and went to two parks I've never explored before in Albert Lea.  We even got ice cream before we headed home.  After dinner we went to the Hansen's annual party which I got to see my good friends Ava and Addison.  Addison is getting closer to keeping up with us as Ava & I had a ton of fun running around all over the yard.  I was so tired when I got home that I slept in almost until 9 a.m. on Sunday!  Dad had to wake me up so we could get ready for church.  Dad said I was pretty well behaved all through church and after some fun at the shop and after a big lunch Dad and I (*and Kato) took a long afternoon nap.  I had a blast during my guys weekend but was also excited to give Mom a big hug when she got home.  What a fun week!

My 1st Swimming Lessons

On Tues., July 26th I had my first swim lesson for my Parent & Child Aquatics Levels 1 & 2 class at the Blue Earth area pool.  I was so excited when we arrived that the baby pool was open I ran right in before Mom had her shoes off!  This was the first time in the past couple of weeks the baby pool wasn't contaminated and I finally got to play in the all the fun sprinklers & waterfalls we've seen from afar.  During our first lesson we went over the pool rules, our swim instructor, Annika, read a fun book on water safety and we worked on putting our heads under water, front and back floats, flutter kicking and spider crawling on the side of the pool to the deep end.  Mom said I did really good at getting my head wet, I even tried blowing bubbles and the only thing I wasn't sure about was laying back on our back float.  We'll keep trying though.

Here's me checking out the water on our second day, Wed., July 27th.  On the 27th I did even better in the water and instead of "jumping" in off the side of the pool from a sitting position in the deep end to Mom I actually stood up and "jumped" in to her over & over.  Less and less tentative.  Mom says and so did a couple of other moms that I'm fearless.  By the second day I started making friends with the other kids in the class & it was nice to know some from daycare.  I was the youngest in our class but did really well according to our instructor. 

 Checking out the temperature & wondering why the sprinklers were turned off.  We learned they turned them off when class is ready to start and when the pool takes breaks.

 I love the water!  Swimming pro Hayden!

 Big boy walking around the water all by myself.  Soon after I dove in head first as I love to lay on my tummy in the water and pretend I'm swimming.  By our third day on Thursday, July 28th I completed all our skills like an old pro.  I would lay on my front and lay on my back during our floats with my face completely in the water.  Again, no fear!  I even got better at kicking when we did our glides and made friends with the blond life guard (*of course)!  I also got my weekly report at daycare on the 28th in which Mrs. Jean said I'm showing social growth each week.  I'm getting better each day at listening to & following directions.  On the 28th we introduced a new fine motor / eye-hand coordination skill which was dropping clothes pins in a 2 liter bottle and I did really well and really liked it.  Daycare likes to keep me on my toes.

This week at daycare we made flowers out of our hand prints to hang on the wall of our woods/meadow theme.  I choose the color blue and I think they turned out pretty good.

 By the forth & final class on Fri., July 29th I learned how to get in & out of the water safely both from the ramp, the sides and the stairs.  The stairs & railing were by far the most fun.  We also did life jacket safety in which I jumped in with it on and laid right back in the water to float.  They were a lot of fun.  We even got to go to the deep end diving board and jump off into the water with them on.  I didn't get scared at all but I think Mom was a little nervous.  Here's Mom & I practicing floating on my back in the life jacket.

 After our final class on Friday, July 29th we officially "graduated" and got congratulations certificates for both Level 1 & 2.  Here's a photo of my certificates:

 Now that I'm a professional swimmer I think I'm a pretty cool dude!

On the way home Thursday night I got to stop by Grandma & Grandpa Prestegard's and see my cousin Hannah & Auntie Jenni.  What a treat!  While we were there Grandpa let me help drive a John Deere 3010 tractor to grade the yard for their family party on Saturday and Grandma & Grandpa put up a new tire swing which Hannah & I got to test out!

 Weee!  Cousin fun!  Hannah was a great older cousin watching out for me and making sure I hung on tight.  As you can see below I was all smiles the higher we went.

On Fri., July 29th we met at Grandma & Grandpa Prestegard's for family photos.  Uncle Kyle, Auntie Jenni, Cousin Hannah and of course my Mom & Dad were all there.  Here are some of our favorites:

The whole gang!

 Me & my Ford truck which is just like Dad's!

 Dad, me & Mom (*with baby brother!).

 Grandma, Hannah, Grandpa & I (*with my truck).

All of us clowning around.

On Sat., July 30th we went back for a noon lunch & a fun filled afternoon at Grandma & Grandpa Prestegard's for their family party.  We had an excellent time and I got to try keg Rootbeer for the first time.  It was delicious!  I got to play lawn games with my extended cousins, well watch them play, swing more and of course explore the yard and equipment. 

I did get to ride the big kids John Deere trike which was a ton of fun.  Although I couldn't reach the pedals I did make it work and rode it all over.

 We finished the day with dinner at Pizza Hut in Blue Earth with all the family who was staying over and got to eat pizza & bread sticks.  What a fun family weekend!  Today, Sun., July 31st we had a relaxing day at home and finished getting my new big boy room painted & cleaned out as my furniture should come this week on Friday, Aug. 5th.  I can't wait to see the room all put together. 

 While playing at home I did show Dad how to line up trucks/tractors properly, one of my favorite things to do.  Dad thought it was funny when he put one out of alignment but don't worry I fixed it right away and sometimes would even let out a breath of frustration with him too!  Dad thought that part was even funnier.

Notice even my PJ's have trucks on them which I love and I even got to pick them out at the store.  Thanks everyone for a fun family filled weekend; I had a blast!