I smart, BoBo...

Ashton really is a pretty bright child - he comes by it about honest :)

Granny had picked Ashton up from school on Monday, and they went to WalMart before heading to Granny's house for supper. BoBo had gone to the gym and stopped by to get Ashton and her car - PaPa had taken it to Bud's to get the tire fixed and she was in Mommy's car. Ashton was a bit confused by all the car-swapping: "Dey fix you car, BoBo? Where Mommy car?"

He just warmed my heart on the way home from Granny's house last night, though. On Sunday, Ashton hurt his chin on a table at church - bit his lip, scraped his chin a bit, etc. That night, we read his big children's Bible with the pictures, including the stories about Jesus healing the man who couldn't walk whose friends lowered him thru the ceiling, and the story of the centurion's son who was healed. On the way home last night, Ashton told me his face didn't hurt anymore - "Jesus heawled me, BoBo, just like dat man and dat boy." He remembered our Bible stories!! We thanked God for "heawling" Ashton.

On Monday night, BoBo and Ashton curled up on the couch and watched Milo and Otis after picking out what we were going to wear on Tuesday. Ashton had a ragged fingernail and asked me to cut his nails for him. So, I cut his fingernails, and even managed to talk him into letting me trim his toenails! We went to bed fairly early after reading his Clifford puppy book with all the stickers and pull-outs, and listening to our prayers with Mommy and Daddy.

This morning (Tuesday) all was going well. Everything was ready to go, packed, birds out, everyone in the car by 7:29. Then, when BoBo cranked her car, the PSI on her tire was just 16! Aaagghh! She called PaPa and he met her and Ashy at Bud's. Ashton asked why we were there, and BoBo told him to get her car fixed. He asked "Dey not awready fix it, BoBo?" When PaPa got there, BoBo was just going to swap cars (hers for Erica's) with PaPa, and have him bring Ashton to school, but Ashton wanted his BoBo to take him to school. So, we loaded everything up in the Explorer and headed to Southeast while PaPa stayed at Bud's to get BoBo's car fixed again. Ashton got mad when he realized BoBo had left his "piwwow" in her car, and told me I was in BIG TROUBLE!

Just when BoBo was getting the hang of toddler life...

Well, Mommy and Daddy will be home on Thursday. We will have to figure out how to explain to Ashton that Sissy will not be with them. He is fairly reasonable - especially for a 3-year-old - so hopefully he will understand that Mommy and Daddy will go back to Ukraine for Sissy when God has her all ready for them.

This morning was the exact opposite of Toddler Training Camp from last week! We got dressed (with hair AND teeth brushed!), car loaded up, birds let out, prayers said, PaPa called and to school and work before 8AM!!! Ahhh, finally getting the hang of handling toddler life with just a few days left of my tour of duty. I will be happy to relinquish my "Mommy duties" to Erica when they return, but I will be kind of sad not to be a part of Ashton's daily routine anymore. He is "BoBo's best buddy". I will not, however, be reluctant to reclaim my own bed and stack of pillows :)

Oh, and sad news update for you celebrity news hounds: Apparently, Lil' BoBo and the pirate are no longer girlfriend and boyfriend. According to reliable reports (that would be Ashton Cade Reed), they "bwoken up, BoBo."

I tired, BoBo

Well, it is Sunday afternoon at Granny and PaPa's house. Granny is in her chair snoring, and Ashton is asleep on the couch with his "piwwow and blankie." Ashton has had a big weekend.

On Friday, PaPa picked up Ashton from school. PaPa had already been informed that Ashton was not to go to the airport or WalMart because of his ill-temper that morning. PaPa asked Ashton if he had been bad for BoBo that morning, and at least Ashton was honest :) He said yes, and that BoBo wouldn't let him wear his dinosaur shirt (Apparently, Eston in his class has a really cool dinosaur shirt, and Ashton wanted to show his off, too). After BoBo got home from work, the family grilled out hamburgers and hot dogs. BoBo and Granny went shopping in Nashville and Ashton stayed with PaPa. BoBo and Ashton had already planned to spend the weekend with Granny and PaPa (BoBo needed a little break).

By the time Granny and BoBo got home, Ashton and PaPa were already in bed asleep. On Saturday morning, everyone was awake early. Granny was meeting some friends for breakfast, and Ashton was ready to go to Trent's party!! Ashton didn't want much oatmeal, but he ate an entire banana at breakfast. Ashton got to talk to his Momma and Daddy for a little bit in the morning. PaPa ended up taking Ashton to Trent's party 'cause BoBo wasn't feeling all that well. Ashton never did take a nap on Saturday - too afraid he might miss something, I guess. He watched his Rudolph movie, then came upstairs with his BoBo. He tried to make me turn the TV off, so I had to reinforce to Ashton the vital importance of watching SEC football on Saturdays in the Fall. He already knew how to say "Defense, Defense" and "Go Team, Go" from our MTSU game, so I had to teach him how to say "GEAUX TIGERS!!!!!" and cheer for LSU :)

Ashton went to supper with Granny and PaPa because BoBo had date plans. However, he had to ride back over with his PaPa because BoBo had a flat tire and couldn't find a spare key to Granny's car!

This Sunday morning, Momma and Daddy called. Ashton was still asleep, but BoBo and Granny were soooooooo glad to talk to Erica. Ashton ate all his oatmeal this morning with PaPa helping feed him. Granny and PaPa have to leave for "the big church" lots earlier than Ashton and BoBo, so Ashton came upstairs to watch Mickey Mouse club while BoBo got ready for church. BoBo was still in Granny's car, and Ashton wanted to know: "Where you car, BoBo?" I had to explain that it was broke. He may not understand what flat tires are, but broke is a concept he can grasp :) By the time the two of us got to Northside this morning, Ashton was just about asleep, so BoBo had to carry him in to Ms. Sarah's class. So many people have been so kind to ask how Erica and Jason were doing, if we had heard from then, and how Ashton and I were doing, too. THANK YOU GUYS SO MUCH FOR ALL THE LOVE, PRAYERS, & ENCOURAGEMENT!

After church, BoBo went to pick up Ashton from his class. He was snacking on his animal crackers as we left, and telling BoBo about stars. When I looked at his paper, I realized that he was telling me about what they had learned: Abraham's descendants would be as numerous as the stars! Even the little ones can learn God's word! Ashton dozed off on the way home, but woke up when he found out we were going to eat lunch at Bell Buckle Cafe. He loves to eat and watch the train come by, visit the fire engine, and climb on the train car! We called Momma and Daddy on PaPa's phone so that Ashton could talk to them. He kissed and talked to them, and then handed the phone to BoBo. He misses his parents, but was absorbed by the cows and barns and motorcycles he saw :) After lunch he helped PaPa eat his ice cream cone, then we looked at the fire engine, the train car, and watched one more train go by. By the time we made it back to Rutherford County, though, he was out!

Toddler Regression

Today (Friday) was NOT an easy morning for Ashton and BoBo. We had been doing much better since Monday's no-BoBo-day, but today was a regression. Ashton did not want to wear what BoBo had ready. He wanted to wear his dinosaur sleepshirt, but it was shortsleeved and it was way too cold to wear it today. BoBo had to chase him around the nursery and literally struggle to get every item of clothing on Ashton. He kept insisting EVERYTHING was too small, although nothing was. He cried and screamed. I think he really was just missing his Momma and Daddy, and I know he didn't sleep well last night. He tossed and turned and cried out a lot.

I had to apologize to Ashton for fussing with him, and we said our prayers on the way to school, asking for patience and to be nice today - both of us! I think I hurt Ashton's feelings, because I told him BoBo was disappointed in him for being sooo bad this morning. He is also grumpy because I told him that he would not be able to go to the airport or WalMart with PaPa today - if he couldn't behave like a big boy, he didn't get to do big boy stuff. We made peace, but both of us were exhausted by the time we reached SouthEast this morning. I love him, and know I need to be patient with him - SO, PLEASE SAY A PRAYER FOR US BOTH TODAY!

I watch my movie, BoBo...

Granny picked Ashton up from school on Tuesday so BoBo could go to the gym. It was rainy out, so they went ahead to Ashy's home to put up the birds, feed Reagan, and wait on BoBo. Ashton was "hungy", so Granny went ahead and fed him dinner: mac 'n cheese, applesauce, and a pudding. BoBo called to let them know she was on her way, and Ashton told her "hurry up, BoBo! I at my home."

After Granny left, BoBo and Ashton played with the Pirate ship: apparently Lil' BoBo and the pirate are girlfriend and boyfriend :) Ashton wanted to watch his Scooby Doo pirate movie again, so BoBo put that in while she ironed his clothes and got stuff ready for Wednesday. Aunt Ne and Nana both called, but Ashton was too engrossed in his movie to talk much, the little stinker! He kept shooshing BoBo and saying "Weave me awone, BoBo!" I know he will be excited to see them and all his cousins on Saturday for Trent's birthday, though!

Last night we skipped the bath. He had not played outside and told me "I not tink, BoBo." That means he will definitely be having a bath tonight after church! Ashton was sooo sleepy he barely made it through the end of his movie. He did manage to snag one of BoBo's peanut butter n' crackers, though - a true favorite of the toddler (and his auntie!)

We listened to prayers with Momma and Daddy, and then had special prayer for their meeting at the agency today. We snuggled into his bed, with me on the other side than the previous nights (which fact I am paying for today - my back is a little stiff, even though I was only in there for a few hours before heading to "the big bed"). Ashton asked me if we are best friends, and I told him I would certainly be his best friend if that's what he wanted. Every once in a while, especially when he is tired, he will accidentally call me "Momma" - then will giggle and say "You NOT Momma, you BoBo!" when he realizes what he says. Last night we read Spiderman before going to sleep, and had to shoot webs at the bad guy in the book.

This morning was the smoothest yet, time-wise, even with Ashy not particularly wanting to get up for school. He didn't want to wear his jacket - told me it wasn't raining and he didn't need it. I convinced him to put in on, though, so he could help me let the birds out. We sang God Our Father on the way to school, then prayed again about the appointment. We tried to call Nanny Shields, but had to leave a voicemail message on her cell phone. We did talk to Granny, though. (We had already talked to PaPa to let him know that we would go ahead and let the birds out).

At school, Ashton made sure I pulled all the way under the covering before we got out of the car, even though it wasn't raining. He gave me a big kiss, and promised to be a good boy and to share his toys. Last night he told me that he and Eston were arguing over a truck toy. I told him that we didn't hit or push, and that we needed to share.

Tonight, Granny is going to pick Ashton up from school, and BoBo is going to meet them at "PaPa's big church" for a Thanksgiving meal. If it is not too late when we finish eating, we will head over to NBC for L.I.F.E. class and Puggles.

BoBo is getting better at this toddler thing...

Granny and PaPa picked Ashton up from school on Monday - much to his delight. They went to Ashy's house to take care of the animals, and then headed to PaPa's house to wait for BoBo to get off work. Ashton LOVES his new Scooby Doo Pirate movie, and was watching it for the second time when BoBo got to Granny and PaPa's house.

Ashton and BoBo kissed Granny and PaPa bye and headed to Ashy's home. The animals were already up, which was a good thing as it started to rain on the way. Ashy giggled as BoBo "cleaned" her windshield with the wipers and it squeaked. Once they got home, Ashton and BoBo kicked off their shoes and got comfortable. Ashton was "hungy", and wanted PB&J with baked cheetohs again. BoBo fixed Ashton a sandwich (he "helped" by sticking his finger in the PB and "wickin it" and popped some popcorn. After Ashton ate all his sandwich - even the crust - he ate popcorn with BoBo. She fixed herself a sandwich, and he ate half of it, too. He played hard, so was really hungry - even had part of an apple. Ashton wanted to watch his Scooby movie again, so BoBo put it in for him to watch while she ironed his clothes and cleaned his shoes.

Monday was bath night, and Ashton was ready to splash. It took BoBo a little bit to figure out the plumbing is reversed in the bathroom: she had the water turned to warm, but it was not getting hot. Once she figured out the problem, she turned it the other direction and added some Superman bubbles to the mix. Ashton splashed a bit, then BoBo pulled the plug - much to his dismay! "I play, BoBo. I not wike you! I play!" She cajoled him out of the tub with promises of more Superman bubbles at his next bath. Once his PJs were on, Ashton was ready to go to bed. He had gotten a new book in the mail over the weekend, so Ashton and BoBo read the story about the Tiger who couldn't sleep. Ashton kissed everyone's pictures on BoBo's phone, and listened to his prayers with Momma and Daddy several times before finally snuggling under the covers.

This morning, Ashton woke up wanting his BoBo (she had gone to "the big bed" about 2:00) so he climbed up with her and promptly fell back asleep snoring. The morning routine went MUCH smoother today! It helps knowing where all the cups and utensils are. I had gotten everything together last night. So, once I got Ashton dressed, I turned cartoons on for him and put everything I has assembled in his lunchbag with the ice packs. I even remembered to brush his teeth and comb his hair. We were out the door by 7:30! We said our prayers - Ashton wanted "God Our Father" so that is what we went for. We even called and talked to PaPa on the way to school.

Ashton got grease on his hand getting out of BoBo's car at school, so he headed straight for the sink after we checked in. His teacher was glad that I had told her that he calls me BoBo, because apparently he was talking about me yesterday. He promised to be a good boy, so we'll see. He is excited that Granny is picking him up, but wanted PaPa, too. We talked about where Mommy and Daddy are. He likes to show me on the map Ukraine (and Mommy, Daddy, and Sissy), and tells me they are coming back to "merica" on Jake.

Toddler Training Camp - Morning #1

Whewww! BoBo is tired, and it is only 11:00 in the morning!

BoBo finally got Ashton to sleep in his bed last night, and after a few hours with a tiny little toddler foot in her kidney, she went to "the big bed" for a few hours of sleep. BoBo had ironed Ashton's clothes for Monday the night before, had his blanket and bag ready for school, and was dressed before she even got Ashton up. This shouldn't be an ordeal, right? Erica had said 10 minutes, right? BoBo can do this, no problem, and be at work with time to spare, right? HAH!!!

Ashton "tan't walk" this morning. He didn't want to take his night shirt off, and when BoBo finally managed to tug it over his head, he didn't want school clothes on. In fact, he didn't want anything on. He wanted his PaPa, his Granny, his pillow, his anything - just NOT his BoBo. We managed to get clothes and shoes on - "I told you too tight, BoBo" and "I want my water, BoBo - NO, other water", etc. being the refrain of this morning. I went to get his lunch ready - already later than anticipated, mind you, and couldn't find the sippy cups Ashton drinks milk out of! AHHH! Phone call to Granny's house! The only thing I could find was a sippy cup that looked like for a Baby. Granny and PaPa didn't know where to look, either, so I finally got Ashton awake enough to inquire as to where his milk cups were. He sighed rather dramatically when I showed him the one cup that was on the counter and said "Dat for BABY, BoBo!" He just shook his head at me and pointed to the cabinet where the milk cups were. I know he had to be thinking, "and they left HER in charge?"

We managed to make it to the car and loaded up - and I do mean loaded up: His bag, blanket, pillow, lunch bag AND my bag, gym bag, and lunch bag.

I did remember to pray with Ashton on the way to school - I think more for my benefit that his, at that point. We made it to school, and he gave me a big kiss and hug before he turned to play with his friends. As I left, it suddenly occurred to me - I don't think I brushed his hair. Man! It was almost a relief to make it to the office. BoBo survived!!! How many days left? Will I get better and faster at this?!? CanToddlers smell fear!?!