New Driver!

Well, the day has come much more quickly than I anticipated....my little guy is a new driver! Granted, he does have a few more skills to learn (umm, steering), he sure is cute behind the wheel! 

We had a sticker chart (that came in a package of pull ups) that Jonah got to fill in each day that he was "all clean all day" while potty training. At bath time each evening, if he had not had an accident, he got to place a sticker on that chart. We told him when it was full he'd be getting a big truck...he just had no idea how BIG it was! 

By Good Friday he had earned his last sticker...but he wasn't home that night, so we waited until Easter Sunday. It was getting dark when we got back home, but not quite as dark as it seems on the video. We let him "play" with it that night, but didn't charge the battery until after....so I took more video the next day. 

Five for Friday: My Wish List

Getting into this pregnancy I've begun to think about products that might be useful. I have most of the "baby" things (highchair, crib, car seat, etc.) that I need. But, I've discovered some neat things that might prove handy after the baby comes. 

These bumpy labels will be my our first purchase after the ultra sound. Once we know the gender I'll order a package of these with the baby's name on them.  They are great for the church nursery. Especially when there is more than one kid with the same type bottle/sippy cup. 

I just saw this little thing called the Tag-Along. I've been debating this double stroller . But, I already have a Graco stroller that matches our car seat. I'd hate to not use it. And we have an umbrella stroller...and a jogging stroller...I just don't think I want to purchase/store another stroller. I'll have to keep thinking about this one. I wonder if the tag along will hook on to a shopping cart?

Speaking of strollers/car seats. What about these mesh "bug screens?" Since we will spend time outside (ie: have nice weather and a two-year-old) when this baby comes, I want to protect the infant. 

I also think I want one of these Cooshee Boosters for our big boy. 

 The new baby won't need the high chair for a while, so I have time to shop around. 

While I'm wishing, why not wish big! 

How about this nice video monitor. The monitor we use now is just fine. It is a 13-year-old hand-me-down, but works for us. I would probably rest more easily with a video feed of the infant. (especially with our split floor plan...save me a trip across the house in the night) We have some friends who said we could have theirs when they are done, but their baby will be exactly a year when ours is born. I wonder if they will be ready to part with it then? (or 3 months from then when we move the baby to the crib, perhaps)

I would love to hear from those of you who've made the one-to-two transition...are there any FABULOUS products out there that I should know about? 

Any input I shouldn't live without? 

Friday Already?

It's Friday again? Didn't I just write a Friday post??? Well, I don't have a fancy list today. I don't have a plain list either.  Today, for your Friday viewing pleasure I have a picture. A. Singular. Just one.  But, that's ok, it's a good one!

Yep, we have a new favorite thing in our house!

He still loves to play with a ball the very most. But, he is taking an interest in characters these days. 

Car Adventure: Part 2!

We have officially entered a new era!

The Atkins Family owns a MINIVAN.

Whoo Hoo...let's hear it for the swagger waggon (or a somewhat simpler version).

We like our new ride. It suits us well, I think.

First, we had to say goodbye to the car. 

Jonah "picked" me some "flowers" for the occasion.

And now, we have welcomed the MINIVAN with open arms!

Isn't she a beauty?

Now, I think she needs a name. (I don't know why it's automatically a "she" or why "she" needs a name, but that is just the way it is). Do you name your cars? I always have. It's kinda fun to be going up a big hill (plenty of those in our Ozark region) and say "C'mon Betsy, you can make it!"  So, I'll take suggestions, but will work with Jonathan on our final choice! (we can't use Betsy, cause that was the name of the car...and unlike some people ...*ahem*, my sister,... I can't use the same name on a different car)