Family Night

Friday night was family night. A trip to the grocery store, where yes, Jeff became disgusted and annoyed at the shoppers loitering in the isles. Once we got home it was on your own for dinner since it was already 6. I know, I know one your own night has happened a lot at the Brown's house and I could make up some fairly valid reasons but it happens. After dinner Jeff gave Max his bath and tracked down Megamind at the Redbox. We turned down the lights got all of Maxwell's favorite cuddly things and started the movie. Really cute movie and a really fun night. I recommend both whenever you can get them!

Also unrelated but exciting. During therapy Jamie brought over a walker. We aren't keeping this one but he did really great with it so we are looking at getting a different model.

Cars and a Cupcake

I was sick last week and was home for part of the week from work. Max got really used to me staying home and he has been having some separation. Thursday I picked up Maxwell from school and you could tell he was more excited than usual to see me. I had been home with him until Thursday when I went back to work. It was a rainy day so we went home. One of Maxwell's favorite things right now is the Disney movie Cars. When I say favorite what I really mean to say is that he is obsessed! So we got comfy and had a cupcake while watching Cars. I really love days that end like this.

I know this one turned out blurry but I LOVE it!

Signing Book

The other day I had the idea to make a signing book so that Max's teachers could have a reference if he makes a sign that they are not familiar with. Hopefully it will work. Each month the teacher sends home the words that the kids will be working on and the color. I figure that I'll print off the new colors and shapes and add it to a section of the book.

I didn't make this for Max but he seems to like it too.

 This is the section of signs that Max knows.

 Sections for spoken words, signed words, learning new signs, signsfor school lessons and misc.

 Words that Max can say and how they sound when he says them.

I know, I know but I'm back now!

Life gets in the way sometimes and the blog is one of the things that fell by the wayside. Max had one of his tests done on February 16th. This was the simple test for Fragile X. The doctor doesn't really think that is what is going on with Max but she says that insurance will cover it and it is best to rule it out since he has some similarities of the disease. Max really has become a trouper. I didn't even cry a single tear. When the phlebotomist took out the needle and began to say "ow" and shake his head no. I felt so bad for him. Of course he got ice cream for being so brave. Max goes through so much and is so strong. I'll let you know once we get the orders for our other tests but looks like we are going to be waiting a while for that still.

Be My Valentine!

Ever notice how certain days that used to be really special before are more laid back. Valentines Day has become that kind of holiday for me. Kind of just another day but I get some chocolate too. I worked a 12 hour shift yesterday so I didn't get off work until 6:00. I met up with my two favorite Valentines and we got a sandwich for dinner and ran a couple errands. When we got home with my very cranky kiddo (he has refused to nap for 3 days now) we got him ready for bed and gave him his Valentine from me and Daddy. He got a new car, a flashlight and some Cars chocolates. He loved them and it got him in a bit of a better mood. After we put Max to bed Jeff and I were tired from a long day and I'm not going to lie, we were also kind of cranky. I felt much better after Jeff surprised me, really surprised me, with a weekend trip for the two of us that I get to pick. Apparently he has been saving money here and there for the past several months and selling some of his memorabilia and saved the money for us to go. Now all I need to do I bake a batch of oatmeal cookies for my dad and I know he'll watch Maxwell. That man will do anything for an oatmeal cookie... really try it out. So apparently what I thought was a normal day turned out pretty good in the long run. Thanks Jeffekins!!!

  The picture quality is not good cause I forgot my SD card at work and had to use my phone...Oops!

Mama!

I have been remiss I'm so sorry. But I have really big news to report... Max says Mama now. And now that he has figures it out he says it all the time, and especially when he wants something. It all started last Sunday and I have been so excited ever since. And Mrs Amy if you are reading this his signing has been going really good with his signs. Yesterday he said "no touch" and he is doing better with help. But of course I'm most excited about about him saying "mama" and of course Jeff hasn't said but I like to think that he is jealous that he hasn't said Dada since he was a bitty baby. And I know what your thinking I'm on the ball today with these posts but this is the last thing. Jeff and I have been to lax about punishing Max and when we do he laughs at us. Not good. So on Tuesday we had a play date with the usual group and Maxwell stole, yes stole, Nicholas's cupcake. Nicholas took a bite set it down to take a drink and Max pounced on the chance to eat it and shoved it into his mouth. I told Ashlee to just give him m&m's instead and apparently he decided different. Ashlee saw that when I was telling Max no that he wasn't listening and she took over. This woman is like the supper nanny or the baby whisperer or something. She made Max look at her and then put him in the corner. And he actually stayed! I have been refreshed and got a glimpse that Max is able to actually listen to someone and now I know it. When I got home I told Jeff about it and we agree because of everything that he has been going through we have been to easy. No more! I am taking a page from the Supper Nanny Ashlee and we are setting up some consequence for bad behavior. So I'll let you know how it goes and wish us luck!

Snow Day

It is crazy how often school is out for snow. Today is the 7th snow day for Edmond this year. Jeff and I were scrambling to find someone to watch Max since he was supposed to be in school today. The best we could do was have me come home at 10 and Jeff go into work late. I'm hoping that Max and I can maybe get out and play for a little bit. The temperature right now is 12° which is up from only 2° this morning so hopefully we can go out for a few minutes. Maybe head out to do our grocery shopping a day early. Who knows maybe I'll lay down for a nap when Max does. Big day with big plans!

This is Max last week during the bigger snow storm. We had to get out to get some milk and it was still cold but the snow was melting.

Only in Oklahoma can we have a snow storm and predicted 70° weather all in the same week. I love this state!



Found Dog

Monday I was introduced to someone I have lovingly have called Creeper. Before the next snow storm hit (which I guess you could say we are coming back from now) I took Max to Target to get out of the house. When I got back I found what looked like a yorkie poo inside the house. At first I thought someone was messing with me. My sister has a dog that looks identical and I thought maybe she came into town and was playing a joke. Negative! I loaded up Max in the stroller and went door to door asking if anyone knew who owned the dog. I had no takers so I tried to make the dog leave. I finally got it to leave and Jeff came home 30-45 minutes later and the dog followed Jeff in. Ugh! This dog wasn't catching the hint. We put up signs and listed the dog with animal welfare and on Craig's list. We though we found it's owner but that was a no go. We have finally gotten rid of the dog and given it to a nice family in the city who promise to take car of him. Have a nice life creeper, glad I didn't have to take you to the pound.

Eggs Hatching

I already know what your thinking "ugh! another post with Max in a bathtub!" Yes it is and it is adorable. Max got new bath toys because the other were just getting yucky. Also my friend Toni got Max this cool dinosaur egg that hatches in the water.

Ooh Ahh, the egg made the water turn purple and best of all it smelled like GRAPE!

Sorry about the quality I used the video on my camera instead of the flip but you can at least get my favorite part of him saying his favorite word.

Helping little hands.

Friday on my day off Max and I stayed home for the most part and piddled around the house. We did a few crafts and had fun. Max helped me make Valentines for his teachers and therapists, but I think he ate more of the candy hearts than anything. I like how the smaller set came out but on the two that I made second I had to use larger styrofoam balls and it looks a little silly. Oh well, they were made with love and that's what counts. Other than eating all the candy Max loved putting the chocolate candy hearts in the cup. Going from one cup to another and of course attempting to sneak one hear and there.

Including everything that I got for this it was just $12 to make all 4 Valentines!

Here is the smaller and larger version.

After nap was over we made another craft that I have been DYING to make, homemade bath tub crayons that wont stain the tub or cost me an arm and a leg. Again I went thrifty and it only cost me $.50 to make them. Unfortunately they did not turn out as great as I may have hoped. As you will see in the picture they just kind of turned into mush. So I either need to figure out a better way to harden them than the freezer or break down and buy some from the store. I was fun to make them though.

Items needed: cheese grater, bar of white soap, food coloring, water and a tray of some kind. I used this beach theme silicone mold I got from the dollar tree. 

This is where they turned into mush.

And a big thank you to Ben for the photo editing of this picture. I'd hate for Max to never speak to me again because I failed to blur out the no no zone.