Big Brother

Mason loves "his baby" and is always bringing him more blankets, toys, and giving him kisses. He impresses me with how gentle and concerned he is. We were leaving the house the other day and Mason thought we were leaving Eli behind. He was so worried and kept nagging us to go get the baby. When Mason has been away, he seeks out his brother on his return and often says "Oh hi baby!" and gives him hugs and kisses.

Now if we could just teach Mace to change diapers...

Q&A

Mason, what are you doing?

Swimming in my pond.

Say AH!

Mason went to the dentist for the first time. I was worried it might be traumatic and let him pick a stuffed animal to bring along. I should have guessed that he would love it. He's a funny kid that seems to enjoy all the extra stimulus. Like when he was a baby and loud noise and extra sensations would put him right to sleep.

He loved the waiting room with all the toys, he loved the huge fish tank, he loved the bear rug on the wall, he loved watching the movie in the ceiling, he loved the earphones, he loved getting his teeth cleaned, and he loved the sprayer and suction hose (even when it kept grabbing his tongue).


After the cleaning the dentist came over to check out his teeth. Mason obediently let him poke and prod. He said everything looks great. When we were done they gave Mason a token for a candy machine full of little toys. He loved it but now he knows what those machines do! I've been trying to avoid him learning that.


They also sent him home with a new toothbrush, flosser, and toothpaste. He has always been pretty good about brushing his teeth and letting us have a turn to help get everything clean. Now he's better than ever and asks to brush his teeth throughout the day. I can also say "Remember the dentist said not too much toothpaste" and he'll obey without a fit.

Gingerbread House

Mason made a gingerbread house at the annual Grandma Christmas Party. He really liked squirting the frosting on the graham crackers... and then squirting the frosting into his mouth. We let him munch on it as he wants since it's pretty hard and there's not much candy on it.


Actually we let him munch on it because it's so entertaining to watch him pick up the whole thing and try and get a bite off of it.

the BIG storm

We had a big storm! Jason shovelled snow all morning and when we got out of church he shovelled some more. As soon as we got home Mason begged to get dressed in his snow gear like his dad and headed outside.

Cereal and Snakes

Here are some pictures from Jason's phone.


When we go shopping Mason likes to explore the aisles. You know those awful moments where you suddenly realize you can't spot your kid? Try looking behind the Lucky Charms. He built a fort and did not want to abandon it.


Mason's Uncle Nate has a couple pet snakes. Although I don't like them much, we just let Mason do what he's comfortable with. Apparently he's comfortable having snakes crawl in his shirt and slither around his neck.

boxers and boots

groovy moves

He reminds me of a flamenco dancer. It something about the posture. 

{he has a special "window" friend that he dances for and talks to}

{he's munching on carrots the whole time}

{he's watched this video of himself over and over, laughing each time}

Babysitter Joe

Jason and I both went to an appointment. Mason is actually taking naps again (more on that soon) and we didn't want to mess that up. So Uncle Joe came over to stand guard while Mason slept. He was awake by the time we got back and had a wonderful time hanging out with Joe. Joe stayed into the evening much to Mason's delight. He's a great uncle that understands his little nephews. We're lucky to live in the same town as so many of our extended family.

in the zone

Here's Mason hard at work at his easel.
I adore that he has his 3D movie glasses pushed up on his head.
He still draws with both hands.
Lately he likes to draw snakes.

"sounds" good

Today we took Mason to a Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist in St. George. The nurse at Early Intervention (his new 'preschool') recommended we follow up with him because of an abnormal hearing test. We were worried about Mason and couldn't help but wonder if a hearing problem was causing his speech delays.


Mason was so well behaved during the appointment and let the doctor look him over and check out his ears. He put up with all the poking and proding and ended up sideways lying down in the chair laughing his head off at the doctor. He really enjoyed the special chair and the elevator. I love his legs in this picture!

The good news is that the check up went really well and the specialist didn't see anything that that would be concerning. He's thinking all is well but we do have some follow up testing to do. It was a big relief and I felt like skipping out of the office.

Mason is...ELMO!

We found this Elmo costume on sale at WalMart for about a buck after Halloween. Needless to say Mason loves it. Best dollar ever spent.

2nd week of preschool

I promise I won't post what The Stud looks like every week when he goes to school. It'll probably be just every other week ;)
I had to take a picture when he ran to the door wearing his pirate hat though.

Masonisms

Mason calls his sandals "shoe flops".

He was wearing his Elmo costume. Jason asked "oh are you Elmo?" to which Mason responded "NO! I ME!"

Mason frequently requests going to Grandpa's house. This includes 4am bathroom breaks. "I go to Papa's house?"

He'd happily listen to the Three Little Pigs a dozen times a day... except mom gets sick of retelling it.

He used to call Grandma "Fa Fa". This week it evolved to "Shamma" which he says while doing the darling/exaggerated sign for grandma.

Every(single)time he goes to the bathroom he comes out and shouts I DID IT! If you don't act adequately excited he'll say it again. Since Halloween he says: "I DID IT!!!.... TRICK OR TREAT!" and waits for a potty treat. He will also prompt others to say "I DID IT" when they um stay dry..

When he prays he usually includes praying for his baby brother, his blanket, water, and elephants.


When asked a question he usually responds "Yes I may". So we say Mason will you hand me your shoes? Yes I may. Do you want to go to RyRy's? Yes I may.

About 10 times a day he asks "Mama wha's wrong" in a tender little voice. He'll ask "You have a hard day?" When I tell him I'm fine he'll ask again and again until I smile big then he says "Happy"! When he's trying to get away with playing in my bed or avoiding a nap he'll say he's having " a hard day".

First Day of School!

This day came about 3 years sooner than we thought. Today was Mason's first day of school. He's going to preschool at Grandma Heaton's old work once a week to get help with his speech. Lucky for us (especially his anxious mom) his teacher is our friend Collette.

Running late, eating 2nd breakfast while watching the utility truck in the backyard.

I wish I could be a fly on the wall and watch his adventures without being in the way. Today I stayed to watch and see what his days will be like and how he handled the new environment. Mason loved it! They have table time, free play, singing time, snack time, etc all while incorporating the sound of the week and working on each child's individual goals. I love that he'll have a chance to have socialization and structure, all in a educational proactive environment. This certainly isn't a crowd control type of preschool.

When it was time to leave he started crying because he wanted to stay. We can't wait until next week.

Our little cheese ball