The McGinnis Family

We had a beautiful weekend out here this weekend. We're supposed to get a bit colder again later this week, but we are trying to enjoy it as much as possible. CJ spent much of the weekend outside and was pleased as punch about it. He really loves to chalk on the sidewalk so he was thrilled when Daddy wanted to do some work on the Jeep because CJ got to chalk for hours. We even got to go and get ice cream after Daddy was done. The pic above is actually when we got ice cream with Christy in Chicago, but you get the idea. Saturday Mama had to go to the law school so Daddy took CJ to music class. This did not go over well. CJ proceeded to hide behind Case through most of the class when he wasn't running to the window and asking where Mama was. Even Miss Karen couldn't get him to help with his favorite game. Hopefully, next Saturday will go better. CJ is in to being shy now. He definitely realizes its an attention getter so he often acts shy even around us. Work. CJ has also tak...

We had a great weekend here in Delaware! CJ is very much into heading off to school now. You can't see it in the picture, but he's got a packpack (backpack) on his back, his doogy packpack on his front, and a colorful cross bead necklace! He was ready to head out. He is saying cheese in the picture, which is a new favorite. As most of you saw, we received a lot of snow Sunday night and CJ and Daddy spent most of the day outside playing in it. Mama stood in the doorway snapping pictures. I realized that neither Casey or myself have any appropriate snow clothes so next year we will have to stock up. CJ, on the other hand was decked out with his new snow boots and snow pants. He's become a little pro at walking in his boots and we're looking at planning a trip up to the mountains before it all melts.

What? We're ending February and I didn't post at all this month. Sorry. I think we had a chance to touch base with most of you though. I'm at work and don't have a pic handy. However, I will give you all a brief updated on our star. CJ started music class two weeks ago and seems to be enjoying it. He never wants to leave at the end even though he likes to take 2 potty breaks while class is happening. He likes the songs, but is pretty shy around the other kids. Speaking of potty training, our kid is a pro. We still have a few slip-ups now and then, but in general he's good to go. The funny part is we never have problems when we are out in public. We have problems when we don't want to stop watching Max and Ruby or some other funny cartoon. He's a riot. The more he talks, the funnier he becomes. The other morning he informed me that Rice Krispies are too sugary for little boys. He's just growing and changing so fast, we seem to blink and he...

This week is potty training week! So far CJ is off to a great start. In fact, he just called me to say he's pottied again. We're very proud. It's a lot of work for him (and us). The first day he looked so tired by the end of the day, but at dinner that night he said very loudly "Oh no! I am going potty!" Luckily, he wasn't yet and he made it on time. We thought the candy reward would be the best part, but he seems to like pouring and flushing best. He says, "good-bye pee!" as it goes down. The second day we hit the potty more times than we missed and today we've only had one accident so far. We are really, really proud of him. I have to say though that he seems really relieved when he gets to put his diaper on for bed. He hasn't been asking for one during the day though. I think he likes the feeling of not having one on even if its hard to remember to go. He's a bit sad about being a big boy too, I think. He's been asking to be held a...

Okay so it's been a long time since I updated the blog. I really have no excuse since I'm no longer in school. I came back from KC sick and of course, made CJ sick. The poor little guy had a stomach bug that lasted fro a week. He's so skinny now. He really lost a lot of weight, but he's back to being active! Christmas was wonderful. We tried to make sure we got a chance to see everyone, but as always ran out of time. The days were filled with adventures such as riding on the train at Union Station and visiting Crown Center. CJ loves going back to his Pop Pop's house at the end of a long day, but enjoys hitting Grandma's in the afternoon to play with the kitty cats and eat snacks. The picture is actually of Christmas in Newark. Everything here is fine. We are enjoying a quiet break before Casey heads back to classes in February.

Well, Santa officially visited the McGinnis household and rewarded CJ for being such a great kid in a tough year. CJ was delighted by his new kitchen and loved his Tonka dump truck. He has spent hours playing cars on his new full service car garage and ramp. He can already kick his new soccer ball like a champ! Overall, we'd say he had a wonderful Christmas. He wasn't much interested in Mama's spa present, but Daddy's new drum is really exciting. CJ made sure Santa had cookies and then strangely insisted we put them on a plate in the tree to make sure Santa didn't miss them. The picture shows CJ with his beloved sprinkles making the cookies Christmasy. He even managed to sing a rousing Jingle Bells for Mama as he worked. Right now we're at the hotel in Philly ready to get on the plane in the morning and fly to Kansas City. CJ is excited about the trip and can't wait to see his Pop Pop, Nana, Grandma, and all his aunts and uncles. Mama and Daddy are ready fo...

Well, we survived. CJ survived. We made it. Casey finished his last final on Tuesday night in American History. I submitted my final paper on Wednesday! I think Casey is more excited than I am. He has been such an amazing support over the last four years as I struggled to get through. Speaking of support...we can't forget our number one trooper, CJ. Yesterday I was so tired I could barely see straight. CJ told me to go night night and kept saying shh...mama sleep. What a great kid. We're always amazed at how truly smart he is becoming. Casey was driving me to work on Tuesday and CJ says from the back seat, Hey, Mama. Today is Tuesday. Then yesterday after I finished at the law school, he sighed, laughed, and said Mama's last year of school! I definitely think he's a listener. The picture is from a few weeks ago when we had our first snow. That is one thing CJ loves! Snow and snowmen. He cannot wait until there is enough snow to build the best snowman ever. He immediatl...