A Barnes And Nobles

We have had quite a bit of cabin fever around here lately.  So, I have been making an effort to get out of the house as much as possible, when the weather allows of course.  One of our favorite excursions is to Barnes and Noble.  In fact, it is so beloved in our house that the mere mention of it sends Jackson into excited laughter and shrieks.  "a Nobles" or "a Barnes and Nobles", as he fondly refers to it.  And, as we have learned, we can't utter the name unless we are damn sure we are planning to go there immediately.  Frank mentioned they other day that "tomorrow we will go to Barnes and Noble", and all night long we heard only, "a going to a Barnes and Nobles, a going to a Barnes and Nobles....NOW"  and my favorite, "Jacks NEEDS to go to a Barnes and Nobles".  Lovely.  Then the next morning after his diaper change, "we a going to a Barnes and Nobles today".  And no, the "a" in front of "a Barnes and Noble" is not a typo.  Jackson uses it openly to replace most pro-nouns and prepositions and really anywhere he wants ...the fun of learning to speak a language. 

And this is what happens when we get to "a Barnes and Nobles"

He runs directly to the Sesame Street corner of the kids section and then here...

to the Thomas table.  On this particular visit though he became side tracked very quickly by a.....

a very pink and sparkly magic wand (that Daddy was so thrilled about *insert sarcasm here*) that made lots of magical noises!  And hey, I don't blame him one bit.  He wouldn't give it up either.  It seemed to be a magnet for all children under the age of three.  They flocked to him from all corners of the store asking, begging him for a turn with the wand.  His reply, "NOOOOO, dat's a Jackson's wand".  Oh the power of being two and having something that others covet. 

 

 He was certainly interested in checking out some other merchandise (none of which we purchased) but was unwilling to relinquish the wand.

Daddy pretending to be aloof and unknowing of the "wand situation"

I can't remember the last time I got to read a book, or even browse for one at B&N.

 

Parting is such sweet sorrow!  Until next time a Barnes and Nobles.

My Funny Valentine(s)

 Just sharing some love for Valentines Day (just a little late)!  

 This is how Jackson says "cheese" (it somehow fits the "cheesy" look on my face)

He loved his puppy card from Babci & Dziadzi

 Happy Valentines Day from our family to yours!

Frozen Zoo Adventures

We thought (thought being the key word here) that it was going to warm up on Saturday, at least that's what the weather man said.  With warmer weather in mind we decided to head to Philadelphia Zoo and squeeze in at least one more visit before our season pass expires at the end of the month.  It was *slightly* warmer, a nice balmy 42 degrees, but we decided to bundle up and go anyway.  We arrived at the zoo with only about 45 minutes before they closed, but it ended up being just fine.  Jackson got to see the "gowillas" and "wepards" and run off some of the constant and continuous energy that he embodies, before my fingers froze off of my hands (literally).

The nice thing about visiting the zoo this time of year is that a lot of the animals are active and not just laying around lifeless in the 90 degree heat.  Next time we will wear gloves and plan for a longer day!

 "Wooking for Wepards"

Checking out the "Gowilla"

 

Did you know that Gorillas "rest" for more than half of the day?

 

We have our own little animal on our hands (or shoulders)

 

"Look Mom, Imina Box"

 On our way home we drove through the city, reminiscing about when we used to live there, taking in the sites of Drexel, U of Penn and Center City and excitedly talking of our hopes and dreams of exploring this city with our son who...... was not listening to us one bit!

It was a good day.

Baby Finnegan

Welcome to the world baby Finnegan Michael Bobroski (or as Jackson calls him, baby Figgin)!  We are so excited to welcome a new honorary "cousin" into our lives!  A beautiful baby for two already wonderful parents!  Congratulations to Rich & T.C.!

First Hair Cut

This first hair cut thing?  Who would have thought it would be such a big deal?  For us (for Jackson) it was loooooooooooong over due.  He has had these few long hairs, one in particular, that would fall in his face and eyes.  It never really seemed to bother him, and I just got used to pushing it over to the side, but it really, REALLY, bothered Frank who threatened to cut his hair on his own for the last month or two.  So finally last night, when I thought the threat was real enough, I decided it was time.  I'm not sure if it was my mommy instinct or my need to feel in control about the way his hair looks (there is a long history to this inner need I feel to be the, as my mother used to say, "Fashion Police"), but in any case I was not going to wait any longer to see what Frank deemed appropriate for our son to sport as his new "look".  So, with scissors in hand, and with a small bribe to watch Dora (a rare treat), I was ready.

Some "before" shots:

 if you look closely you will see that *one* hair

 just a little shaggy

ok, ok he does need a trim

Intent on watching 'Dora', he barely noticed as I made one swift cut.  Frank held those few fine baby hairs of his first hair cut in his hands while I got the baggie to keep them in where they would stay barely noticeable to the naked eye, but making all the difference in the world to me.  I feel such a mix of emotions about this first hair cut.  The expected sentimental feelings, but honestly, what was I waiting for?????    He looks so damn cute it is crazy!

 again...what was I waiting for?

handsome

 proud of his baggie of barely there hair

Now I can see Dora!

I keep reminding myself that it is the little things in life that matter so greatly.  This is one of them.