My Personal Playmate

Von thinks Nana is his personal playmate. I think she might be a little tired of playing Thomas but she doesn't show it. They've been cooking, reading, doing puzzles, painting, taking walks, and of course playing train from the moment Von gets up til he goes to bed. He's very spoiled to have a nana that devotes all her time to him. Von knows how much she loves him. I think he uses that to his advantage.

EOA = VON

Von can verbally spell his name and he's just two! It sounds a little like he is saying EOA but he means VON.

The Healing Begins

Von is already feeling better and it's only been 12 hours and 2 doses of his antibiotic.

Ear Infection

Von got an ear infection that backed up to his eye. This right before we started an antibiotic.

Not One, But Two and Two and Two!

Yes, Von has not got over counting higher than two. Anyways, the other day Von was leaving with Grandma and before getting into the car while we waiting for Dad to put his seat in Von came running back to me to give me a kiss. He then returned to the car, looked back at me and came running saying "Two". I needed two. Then two wasn't good enough so he came running back, I got four! I'm so lucky. :)

Colors of The Rainbow

Von has been working on his colors. We use colors everywhere. Every bath time we get to pick one or two colors to make our water. We also get to pick which color our pancakes will become. And we love to paint with lots of colors. We just love colors. So now we're working on saying them in Spanish!

No, No

Von has gotten into trouble lately as three days in a row when Kilian (the dog) was eating Von went over took the bowl and flushed it down the toilet. One of the days Von took his bowl and pour the food in a bucket then put a blanket over it so Kilian couldn't get to it. Von is learning to be nice to Buddy even when he doesn't feel like it.

The Attack

Von had spent a little too much time with his Aunt Becki earlier that day. When I was sitting on the floor with him Von came running out of his toy closet with his ninja mask on and his swords swinging.

Our Creation

Von and Daddy made a monster out of play doh! It scarred me! What about you?

Just Like Dad

Von and Dad were playing cars in Von's room and Von would copy all the sounds Dad did. when flying the plane Von had it go around and around in the same circle in front of him.

The Wilderness

Von went to visit Grandma Angel with Beck and Karen the other day. While wondering around the farm Von went into some of the trees. Beck called to him to come out of the wilderness. When Von did he was crying as he had a throne in his leg. Karen pulled it out and he was all better. Back to exploring the farm.

Oh My

When Von laughs hard he'll over his mouth. At school they played Dance Freeze where they dance until the music stops. Von would dance then freeze in the same position but when the music would start up again he would be laughing too hard to start dancing again.

I'm On TV

Von loves to chat with Nana and Papa over the internet. Steve will hook it up to the TV so they are life size. Von goes back and forth from his toy closet to get things to show Nana and Papa. Then he'll place things on the computer for them.

Popcorn

Grandma is the only person Von eats popcorn with as it is one of the top chocking hazards for kids under the age of 4. But he sure does love it.

Von is...

The owner of Von's school described him as being full of energy and very engaged in whatever it is they are doing.

Just Like You

Von climbed up into Grandma's chair, took her book and pretended to read it just like Grandma does when she is relaxing.

Family

Von's teacher put up pictures in his classroom of all the kids families. The first day they were up Von had to show all his friends his family. He kept bring a friend over to see the pictures of his mommy and daddy.

Samson's Strength

After Steve showed Von how the rock wall worked he climbed it all by himself!

Chocolate or Salt?

Chocolate! Von is a chocolate freak. He got that from my side as the Barker's are salt lovers. (Well, except Papa.) Last night Aunt Juli went to make some brownie and she asked if Von wanted to help. When he saw the box his eyes popped out of his head and he went running for the kitchen to help (eat it all).

Grandma Let's Go

Whenever Grandma comes to visit Von at our house he thinks she is coming to take him home with her. Last night Grandma stayed at our house but Von wonted let her out of his sight until he was sure she wasn't going anywhere.

When Grandma came to pick up the girls and go home Von got his bag ready thinking he was going to get to go too. He'll always sad when he doesn't.

My Bed

Aly and Hannah stayed the night last night so they could watch Von today so they stayed in Von's room last night. When Von and I went up to go to bed he fist said good night to everyone with a big kiss for each one of us. Then waved good-bye. When we got upstairs and he started headed to his own room I told him he was going to sleep with Mommy and Daddy. He started crying "No" and when back downstairs. He wont come to bed for another half hour. He was too upset that he had to share his bedroom for the night.

Drawing In The Sand

Von and I wrote our names in the sand while at the Beach Cabin with the Knoflers.

How Do I Look?

Von did his own hair today with Daddy's hair wax.

Snow Balls

Von throw snow balls for Tank when we got all that snow. He has quiet an arm I've been told by a San Francisco Giant's Baseball Team Recruiter (he's also one of my patients). Not too many toddlers throw strong over handed. It takes more muscle then under hand. I know you're jealous.

Too Bright

The sun was too bright for Von so he used his hat to cover his eyes.

Don't Let The Bed Bugs Bite

Von learned about bugs last week at school. Butterflies and spiders. Of course, him and dad then had to find some bugs. I left the real bugs alone and stuck with spider tickles. 

Thomas the Train

Von went to see Thomas the Train live yesterday. He loved it! So much so that when it was intermission he thought it was over and started crying that Thomas left. 

Pillow Fight

Von loves having pillow fights. We'll blame this on Grandma as they have a pillow fight before bedtime at her house.

Brrrrr

Von and I had to run a few errands the other day. It was a little cool and windy so every time we walked out of a store we had to shiver and make a "brrrrr" sound. Well he fell asleep right before we walked into the last store...and he was out! I carried him through the store and through the checkout, all sound asleep. He didn't even wake up on the walk to the car. When I finally sat him down in his car seat he cracked open his eyes and gave me a half asleep "brr" and then passed out. At least he tried, right?

Hell's Kitchen

Von is quite the chief. He has made dinner every night this week. Last night while making stir fry Steve tried to help and Von nicely said to him "Go away". Once Von was done stirring in everything he thought it was done. So he climbed up into his chair and wanted to dish it up. He was very disappointed when he had to wait for the rice to be done. 

Hello

Von loves to come to my work and do a lab around the the unit in the wheel chair saying hello to all the patients. Today when he got to my work all the patients had gone home already. Von was very sad.

My Friend

Von has a new friend from school named Kevin. Yesterday they both lined all the cars and trains up in one long, straight line. Then the stood back and looked at them with pride. 

Good Night

Von has now slept in his own, big bed all by himself for two nights. He also slept the whole night through! Steve and I feel rested for now.

In the morning when Von is ready to get up for the day he comes to me saying, "Eyes, eyes" as he brings me my glasses.

I Don't Want It

My grandma got a stuffed bear for Von the other day. She gave it too him in a bag with a motorcycle too. Von pulled out the bear, looked inside and saw the motorcycle, gave the bear back to Grandma Angel, and took the motorcycle. Since then she has tried to give Von this bear every time she sees him but he wont take it. Time to give up, he just doesn't want it.

Grandma Angle found something Von wanted! She bought him a big headed Mickey Mouse.

School Please

Yesterday Von really wanted to cook something. He loves cooking. But it was only 930 am so we decided to make his lunch for school. Once we were done he thought it meant it was time for school. (School is at 11:00) He went to the door saying, "School please, school". I said you don't even have your shoes on, so he got his shoes. I said you don't have your hair done, he got a hat. I said you don't have a coat on, he got his coat (the dirtiest coat in the laundry may I add). I said I'm not ready Von, my hair isn't done or make up on, he went and got the car keys stood by the door and cried for school. I ran around the house getting ready and then we went for a drive to see Grandma until it was time for school. 

All By Himself

Today Von picked out his clothes all by himself and everything matched. Well, not the hat but everything else did. :)

Von The Counter

Von now counts to TWO! So we're working on three now. I think he likes the number two as it's his age. He is also talking and talking. He adds words daily and repeats everything you say so you better be careful. His new favorite word is, Gross, and he says it with a look of disgust. Dirty or wet diapers are gross and need to go to the garbage right away. He also likes the word, Cold. When he gets out of the bath tub, "It's cold". He also knows the face parts and when we get to the tongue he sticks his out and tries to spit. We never know what the word of the day will be. 

1st Day Of School

Von had his first day of school today! His teachers are Miss Kim and Miss Allie. The week theme is Ocean friends.He learned about octopuses and how to sign octopus.  He participated in star yoga, music movement, building with moon sand, and reading time. He worked with puzzles and read "Herman the Helper" by Robert Kraus. A book about an octopus named Herman. His favorite thing was playing outside with is new friends. Von ate half his lunch of a star jelly sandwich, apples, cheese, milk, and a breakfast bar.  For snack he had pretzels, apples, and cheese. Von also sat on the potty four times! The whole morning before we went over to school he kept saying, "School, school." He was very excited and we're so glad he had a good day. Von we are so proud of you. We heard you were a very nice boy and had a good day. 

Play Doh Time

Von loves Play Doh Time. He can sit at the table playing for hours. His favorite is to make monsters using his Mr. Potato Head. This morning Von was making Play Doh waffles for me for breakfast. When I pretended to eat them he thought I really did. He gave me a look of discuss and said, "Gross". Then he grabbed my lips to get it out. I had to explain I was only eating them for pretend. Now I know he isn't going to eat any of the Play Doh. 

Dress Up Time

Von is really getting into dress up. He not only will dress up in my clothes (like he is here in my bathing suits) but he also has a dress up box filled with costumes like Buzz, GI Joe, Dr, Cowboy, etc... He loves all the hats and shoes. 

Save, Save, Save

Von opened his first savings account yesterday! 

Ouch!

Von is really into bandages right now. If anyone has else has one he must and not just one but two or three.

Bossy Helper

I was cleaning the couch the other day when Von came over and found a spot that needed to be cleaned so he pointed it out to me. Once I started cleaning it he said, "Thank you" and walked away.

Von also helped with all the leaves at Grandma's. He is a good helper. He had to get his own wheel barrow out to be just like Otto J.

Von At 2

Some of Von's phrases at age two are...

Where's Woody?

Where'd it go?

It's broken.

Thank you.

Please, Mommy, Please.

Shoes and socks.

Mine.

Hat.

School.

In Here

When Von needs something and doesn't know how to say it he'll come over and get you, guiding you to whatever it is he needs. So this morning Von came over and lead me to where the scissors are to get the tag cut off his shirt.

He guides us where he wants to go. He's very opinionated and bossy for his age. I wonder where he gets that? :)

Show Me The Money

Von found a dollar in Steve's car last night so I asked him who's money it was and he replied, "My money". 

Brownie Lover

Von got a free sundae for his birthday at Apple Bees last night but when the Blue Ribbon Brownie arrived he pushed that ice cream away and dug into the brownie. Brownies are both Von and my favorite dessert. 

Toy Story

Von's favorite movie right now is Toy Story. He also has Woody and Buzz night diapers. When he wants to fine Woody he comes up to you as says, "Where's Woody?" It's really cute.

2 Years Old

Von Charles VI is turning two! I can't believe it. Looking back at all his pictures, seeing how much he has grown. I just love him so much and tell him over and over. I can't get enough of him. He is my miracle, my gift from God, my joy. He is more than I could have ever asked for. He is perfect. He brings happiness, laughter, smiles, and tears of joy. Of course, there are moments of frustration, days of extreme exhaustion, but he is worth every sleepless night, every tense moment, and every day the house is over taken by toys. God, there is no way I can even begin to express my thankfulness for him. Even if I served you as many days as there are stars in the sky it would not repay even a tenth of the debt I owe you for him. Call him to you. May he come to worship you as his savior, to serve you as his maker. Thank you for him. He is truly a blessing. He is mine, all mine and I thank you for that. Happy 2nd Birthday, Von Charles. Know you are loved. 

A Sad Good Bye

Von is spending the weekend at Grandma's and when he walked into the bathroom to look for all the Christmas decoration and saw that they were gone he sadly said, "Where'd they go". He was very sad when Grandma was first trying to take down Christmas that he would keep taking them back out of the boxes as she was trying to package them away. He would cry, "No go away." 

Copy Cat

While Von and I were in the bathroom getting ready for the day Von picked of his little mirror, held it up to his eyes and touched each eye pretending to put in contacts. Do they not copy everything we do or what.