We recently got one of those pop up pools and a slide, and Jack has been having a great time so far this summer. I love this pool because it’s bigger than a standard hard plastic kiddie pool and when you’re finished with it, you can just roll it up and get it out of the way. My Aunt Neva bought us this canopy tent as a “welcome to Texas”...

Looking every bit like a Texan… This month has definitely been better than last, though we’re just wrapping up a two week visit with Mark’s parents and Jack may have a hard time adjusting to life without two adults ready to do his every bidding. I expect we’ll have a few screaming fits this week as we get back to regular life. The alarm...

Jack’s friend Abby is over today, and while they enjoy playing together, the natural tendency of those of this age to fuss and argue is always an issue. I can understand arguing about who gets to open and close the garage, who is the owner of a particular lump of Play-Doh, and even whose turn it is to play with the lid to the hairspray can, but… when we...

This month has been incredibly trying with Jack. It seems we’re in a new testing phase and he’s pushing this battle of wills to the outer limits. Mark and I are working on being absolutely consistent with the discipline, because we know that’s the only way we’re going to achieve some measure of peace around here. I’m just praying...

I had my first appointment today with my new OB here in Dallas, and really liked him. When he asked if we knew what we were having and I told him it was another boy, he said, “Well, at least they’ll keep each other busy beating each other up.” He proceeded to tell me about when he and his brother (2.5 years older) were young, his brother beat him...

One of the nicest things about being here in the Dallas area so far is seeing my best friend from high school and college frequently. Sheila is only 20 minutes away, and we’re both trying to get through the day with a 2 year old, so we’ve seen a lot of each other this week. Her daughter (exactly 1 month older) and Jack have played together really well,...