Sly as a fox

A few weeks ago, I grew tired of climbing on the top bunk to make the bed. So, I told Jacob that if he made his bed everyday, he would get a pound at the end of the week. He's really into filling his piggy bank with English money, so he did it every day. Last week he grew tired of it, but I pesterred him to do it. This week it has been great. I told him so yesterday morning. And he looked at me with a cheeky little grin and said, "I know, I haven't been sleeping in my bed. I sleep on the top with another blankie and then my bed is always made." I kind of stood there in shock and went and told Tom. Tom knew already because every night Jacob has pleaded with him to not go under the covers. What that child will do to avoid work! I hope this isn't a pattern! Tom's thought? He said, "Sounds like something you would do, Joy." WHAT?!

Aiden is Potty Trained!

Oh, it feels so good to write that title! I've waited for two weeks since I didn't want to jinx myself. But, Aiden is asking to use the toilet for both #1 and #2 (only a mom can write that and beam with pride!). This morning their was an argument at 6:25 am between the two big bros. Aiden had to "go" and Jacob told him just to "go"in his diaper (he still wears that at night - I'm not crazy enough to go all the way just yet). Anyway, Aiden wasn't having it - he wanted to keep his diaper dry and go in the toilet. We now have a rule to wake up mom or dad rather than Jacob when he has to "go."

So, now that that is over we can move on to the next drama in the Koops house: Jeb teething. When you have 3 kids, your odds are stacked against you for any kind of peace. Can't complain...we did ask for it!

Aiden turns 3!

Where does time go to? It's right what they say - time flies when you have kids. I cannot believe that Aiden is three!

We had the big celebration last Friday, the 18th. Aiden got to choose what we did that day. So, we went to the library for a music session (although he threw a fit b/c he decided at the last second he didn't want to go), went to Costa for a biscuit for Aiden and hot chocolate for Jacob, and then back home to make pizza and have blue Thomas the Tank Engine cake. It was a perfect day. He was so excited for his presents, exclaiming "tool (cool)"when he opened his Roary the Racing Car race track. Take a look at the video - it's a long one, but you can see how we celebrated.

p.s. Mid-afternoon Jacob said to me, "Mum, I don't think I'm getting enough attention today. Oh Jacob, you get the most attention 364 days a year...just give it up for one day! :)

Oui, Oui Mi Cheri !

We hopped the Eurostar this weekend for a quick getaway to Paris. Key words here are: no kids! We left very early Saturday morning and were at the Louvre by noon. We stayed for a little less than an hour, enough to see Mona Lisa, Winged Victory and some other DaVinci pieces. Next we went to the Arc de Triomphe. Climbed the 200+ stairs to the top to see some unbelievable views of Paris. The metro took us out to the Eiffel Tower. We spent a majority of our time here due to the two hour wait to get to the top. Well worth it though. Next stop was the hotel to drop off our backpack and rest before dinner (which was so great!). After dinner, a boat cruise down the Seine. So much fun...Tom was cold. Apparently he didn't get enough of the french wine b/c I was just fine! The city really is magical at night with all the lights. We topped off the night with a Nutella crepe off the street. Yum!

Sunday we slept in (yeah!) and then headed where else but to Notre Dame. We were lucky enough to sit in on a service and hear the beautiful voices of the choir. The cathedral is breathtakingly beautiful and it's so amazing that it took nearly 200 years to build! We decided to climb to the top of the bell tower (344 steps this time) where we saw the big bell and saw more stunning views of Paris. It was noon by the time we were through, so we quickly went to a cafe and got a baguette. Sat in the park and people watched while eating it. No place else does a baguette sandwich taste so good!

Back to the train station after that and we were home by 4:45. I did miss the boys, but it was nice to get away. Jeb went right to me and gave me a big cuddle. He knows how to work his mum!

Did you know...if you looked at every piece of art in the Louvre for only 3 seconds, it would take you 3 months to see it all - day and night.

A Sunday surprise!

It's taken me awhile to get this on the blog, but it is blog-worthy! Last Friday we had temps in the 60s and we were running around without coats! Saturday was spent in Cambridge where Tom's mom and I punted down the river while it got colder and colder and finally rained. So dissapointing. I didn't think it could get worse until I got up on Sunday to my boys acting like it was Christmas. I nearly fell over when I saw that it looked like it was. Remember, this is April. I'm beginning to think England's weather is crazier than Michigan's!!

Jeb is 6 months

I've always said that 6 months is my favorite age. Jeb is no exception. He is so happy, with smiles and laughs readily available from the moment he gets up until he is in bed for the night. If he is a bit unhappy, all we have to do is get Jacob in the room. He loves to look at Jacob. He looks at Aiden as if he is from another planet. (Sometimes I think he is). Jeb has rolled a few times, but for the most part he just hangs out. Food is another issue. At 13 lbs (2nd percentile), he needs his solids, but his body doesn't want to give them up. Prunes, prunes, prunes. No result. Visit to the doctor, who gave us some sugar water and bam! He was much better. I wasn't - I've never seen so much poo in my life! While on holiday...yet Tom was no where to be found!!

Six months goes too fast. I hope the next half year slows down. We are enjoying every second with Jeb!