Friday, October 31, 2008

Happy Halloween!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Has anyone noticed I've been missing in action this week? I apologize for neglecting the blog, but I don't have anything fun, exciting, new, or interesting to speak about this week. Well, except for the fact we are celebrating no tears at preschool this week....which to us is rather exciting! We are gearing up for a fun Halloween night. I realize, many of you have been sitting and waiting very patiently to find out what Kyle's costume will be this year!

Kyle will be Thomas!! Congratulations to Angie who hit the nail on the head in my little Halloween quiz. Jennifer came in a close second by guessing a train! I will be back to share some pictures of our fun night!

Hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Halloween!

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Kyle Meets Thomas

We spent the morning and early afternoon at Day Out With Thomas. Kyle was in heaven...he enjoyed every minute! There were so many activities for Kyle to partake. Our first stop was meeting Sir Topham Hatt, the Superintendent of the railway and having our picture taken with him. Next on our tour was the gift shop, complete with anything and everything Thomas. Kyle wanted every item in the shop, but of course we didn't oblige his requests. He did leave with a special Day Out With Thomas Tanker Car for his wooden railway collection. To add to his collection we also got him Annie and Clarabel, who are Thomas's coaches.
The main attraction was a twenty five minute train ride in which we had a view of the Mississippi River, Downtown St. Louis, and The STL Arch. Kyle thoroughly enjoyed the train ride and even earned a JR. Engineer Certificate. After our ride we waited thirty minutes to have Kyle's picture taken with Thomas. John and I were pleasantly surprised how adorable the picture is...don't you think? There was a cute mini train which Kyle had fun riding...he even had a date on the ride. (Ha!Ha!)
I am so thrilled we decided to take Kyle to this event. It warms my heart to see Kyle having so much fun...smiling and laughing!
Kyle and Thomas the Tank Engine
Kyle meeting Sir Topham Hatt Kyle is overjoyed to be riding the big boy train
Kyle and Daddy on the train
Kyle and Daddy departing the train
Kyle enjoys his ride on the mini train
Kyle and his date. LOL

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Bye Bye...My Little Munchkin!

I decided to give my blog a little makeover. Since the posts aren't consistantly about Kyle, I changed the name to represent our family. This lead me to change the layout. So, what does everyone think of the new changes? Honest opinions, please!

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Am I Cool or What?

Can you guess what store this picture was taken in?

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Halloween Quiz: Just For Fun

We bought Kyle's Halloween costume today...it is SsssOOOO Kyle! Can anyone guess what he is going to be? Unfortunately, no prize will be awarded to the person who guesses correctly, but I will give you a special shout out on my blog. That's better than an actual prize, now isn't it? LOL. Now, just take a moment and leave me a comment with your guess.

My Little Fireman

This morning, we dropped John's car off at the dealership to have some maintenance work performed. As we drove in, they were hosting a Child Safety Awareness Day, complete with a firetruck and ambulance. Of course, we had to take Kyle for a tour of the equipment. He was grinning from ear to ear...he was so excited!! The fireman gave him a hat and he was able to climb inside the truck and the amublance to check it out. There was also a smoke house with a smoke simulator to teach children how to escape from the house when there is a fire. Kyle is still a little too young for this, but is an excellent service provided. Inside there were so many booths displayed where we were able to have Kyle's fingerprints made and he even called 911! It was a nice little treat for Kyle since we were taking him on not such fun outings this morning.
Kyle sitting inside the firetruck
Kyle driving the ambulance Kyle is so proud to be driving the firetruck

Friday, October 17, 2008

My Friendly Little Boy

When we are out Kyle has to wave and say "Hi" or "Hi There" to practically everyone he sees. To me it's cute and exciting to see him using his words and hand gestures. Quite a few people will only look and smile which is totally unacceptable to Kyle. He is very adament in getting a response. He will keep telling them Hi in a louder voice until they finally respond back. For now it is really cute since he is in his stroller, cart, or holding my hand. As he grows older I may not feel as comfortable with him being so trusting and friendly with strangers. So if you happen to see My Little Munchkin please, please, please tell him Hi...it will certainly make his day a little brighter!
It's finally Friday. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! We have plenty on our "To Do" list, but most of it isn't anything to very exciting!

Thursday, October 16, 2008

I've Been Tagged!!

I've Been Tagged by Jennifer, from Addie and Alex: Adorable Twins!

Let's see where I should begin:

1. I sleep with earplugs every night and have been for twenty years...that's sounds pretty scary! It actually became a habit and I just continued.

2. The checkbook has to be balanced to the penny. If not, it drives me crazy and I have to hunt the mistake down.

3. I can't stand mushrooms...the smell or taste.

4. I only drink chocolate milk. So glad that Kyle took after his Daddy...they both LOVE white milk.

5. Mail time is my favorite time of the day.

6. I only like white wine. I won't drink red wine. This seems strange to me since the majority of people prefer red wine.

7. I am addicted to playing Sudoku.

Now, for the hard part. The rules state I must tag 7 random people. This is tough since I'm not very well known in the blog world, but I will do my best.

Angie - Puhr: Party of Seven

Liz - The Preppy Lizard

Jennifer - Another Online Mom

Elaine - Our Sweet Sophie

Lauren - Adventures of a Southern Newlywed

Well, I did my best and could only come up with five people that may have any idea who I may be...I think! For everyone else, feel free to play along.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Preschool Update

Well, Kyle has been attending his new preschool for five days now. As I mentioned in an earlier post the first day we walked him to his classroom. This is the procedure he is accustomed to since I always walked him into his old school. The first day was fine...no crying, tears, etc. Well, on his second day ( Tuesday) that all changed. Kyle has had tears each day since, starting when I get him out of the car and continues until he arrives to the classroom. The teacher has said it is getting better each and everyday. One possible reason for the tears could be that I don't walk him inside. Unfortunately, he isn't able to tell me what the issue is...I can only guess! I know he will adjust as the days and weeks continue.
John and I would LOVE to be a fly on the wall and witness Kyle in action for just one morning. This week Kyle is the helper at recess time, meaning he helps pick up the cones on the playground. Next week is our parent/teacher conference so we will get all the details at that time. In the meantime, I just hope for no more tears. As a mom, it makes it that much harder to leave him.
If anyone would like to leave Kyle any words of encouragement I will pass them along to him! Thank you!

Day Out With Thomas

I just purchased tickets to take Kyle to Day Out With Thomas in two weeks. I couldn't resist that Thomas will be so close to home. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if Kyle wasn't able to experience seeing Thomas The Train and meet him up close and personal....he will be ecstatic. I can't wait to see his expression! I'm sure I will be back to share all the fun details after the event!
The tour is taking place in many areas so if you are interested click the link above for all the details.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

First Theatre Experience

Yesterday we took Kyle to see The Backyardigans Live at The Fox Theatre in St. Louis. This was Kyle's first experience in any type of theatre. Kyle really seemed to enjoy the show, which in turn helped Mommy and Daddy to enjoy the show. We were actually thinking we would leave at intermission, but Kyle surprised us and we made it through the entire show. We just don't give The Little Munchkin enough credit.
In November we are taking Kyle to the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. We are going with some friends so it will be a good time.

Family Fall Fun

Last Sunday we took Kyle to Eckert's Fun Farm in Millstadt, Illinois for his birthday. We had a blast and enjoyed the beautiful weather. Kyle went apple picking, pumpkin picking, rode carnival rides, and rode a camel. The following pictures will outline all his fun activities! If you are looking for a fun fall outing this is definitely worth checking into!
Kyle going in deep to find an apple.
Kyle has been learning many signs so I thought it would be cute to get a picture of Kyle holding an apple while signing apple.
One of the many apple trees filled with tons of apples.
Of course, Kyle headed straight to the largest pumpkin he could find.
Where's Kyle???? Look close...he is hiding in there.
Kyle loves the airplane swing ride. I used to love this ride when I was little!
Kyle's first camel ride. I didn't trust myself to ride with him so
Daddy rode with Kyle.

Friday, October 10, 2008

Nursery Tour

A fellow blogger, Kelly, is hosting a Nursery Tour. I thought it would be fun to participate and show Kyle's nursery. He just turned three so these pictures were taken a few years ago. I loved his nursery....I thought it was adorable, which was a good thing since I spent so much time in the room his first year. In the upcoming months, I will need to say goodbye to Kyle's sweet little nursery since he will "graduate" into a big boy room.
It is so fun to tour other nurseries. If you are interested in seeing some really beautiful and creative rooms visit Kelly's site to link to the other blogs.
Enjoy my Nursery Tour!

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

More Third Birthday Festivities

My Little Munchkin's birthday wasn't complete until it was cake time! This was his second favorite part of the day...his favorite being his train table. Kyle enjoyed his cake, especially the icing....probably not a good idea a couple of hours before bedtime! Of course, it was a Thomas the Train cake to fit the "theme". I was even able to find 3 Thomas candles. It was perfect and yummy!

Nice Surprise

While I was browsing in the bookstore this morning I was excited to see a new release by Nicholas Sparks titled The Lucky One. I have thoroughly enjoyed his previous books and I'm sure this one won't disappoint. I have plenty of books on my to-be-read pile it's overwhelming, but this may need to sneak up to the top of the pile. I really would like to go see Nights In Rodanthe, the movie based from the Nicholas Sparks book. I'm sure it is a great movie! Has anyone seen this movie or read the new book?

Monday, October 6, 2008

First Day of School

This morning was Kyle's first day of his new preschool. According to his teacher he had a great day! I'm so relieved and happy he did well with the new environment! John and I walked him to the classroom so he could tour the room, meet his teacher and the two assistants. At first, he was a bit shy and clung to my leg, but within a minute or two he was comfortable.
The classroom is divided into activities...art, library, pretend, discovery, and blocks. Kyle has a "blue book" which is sent home with him each day. This book will outline what he worked on in school that day and will also include notes from his teacher and therapists. We will make notations in the book as well with any information or questions we may have. Typically, I won't walk him into the classroom. There is a drop off and pick up area designated for his class.
Granted, it has only been one day, but I feel certain he will fit right in and feel comfortable in the new school surroundings. We will have a parent/teacher conference within the next couple of weeks to touch base with the teachers and therapists to see how he is doing. Tomorrow is picture day so hopefully he will smile for the camera!

Sunday, October 5, 2008

My Little Munchkin Turns THREE!!!!!

I'm not sure where the time has gone...it has truely flown by! I think back to three years ago not knowing what Kyle's future would be. I feel so blessed he beat the odds and has grown into such a happy and healthy little fellow. Kyle has overcome so many obstacles and has come such a long long way! He is my little "miracle" and I love him so very much!
Kyle's birthday weekend has been very busy and tons of fun! I will be writing several posts in the coming days about his celebrations....sorry in advance for the overload, but he only turns three once!
John and I have been super excited about his present....a Thomas train table and Thomas Roundhouse Train Set. We knew he would absolutely love it and I believe it's safe to say it was a huge hit!! The only thing he wanted to do today was play with the trains. We also decorated one wall in his playroom with all of Thomas's friends. The play area looks so cute and Kyle loves it so much!
Thomas train table and Roundhouse Set.
Thomas area in the playroom. Roundhouse Set. Doesn't the wall decor look great?? I spent hours painting and stenciling. Ha...they are stickers!
Kyle grinning from ear to ear.
Playing, playing....
and more playing!

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Birthday Tradition

For the third year in a row, we followed Kyle's birthday tradition. Each year we take him to the St. Louis Zoo in Forest Park. If you haven't been to the STL zoo it is definately a must see! It is one of the best zoos in the country...and the best part of all it is free! Kyle has always enjoyed going to the zoo and with the pretty fall weather it makes for a perfect outing to begin his birthday celebrations. Recently, there have been several babies born at the zoo...including five tiger cubs, giraffe, and a zebra. The birthday boy loves riding on the carousel and also the train.
When Kyle is several years older there is an Engineer of the Day program offered at the zoo. We plan to have Kyle be the Engineer of the Day on his birthday. I'm sure he will think it is the best thing ever!!!
Tomorrow is the Big Day so I plan to post about all of Kyle's excitement!
Kyle saying hello to the ducks!
One of the five tiger cubs..they are so adorable! Tiger cub is tired from pouncing on his mommy! Kyle is getting ready to pet the tiger fur. Cute baby giraffe. Kyle looking "cool" while riding the carousel. Kyle riding the train.
Looking at the penguins.
Exerting a little energy.
Taking a break.