July 26, 2007

JP: Hi Mom!

Mom: Hi JP!

JP: Ohhh, I'm getting thirsty again.

Mom; Didn't I just give you some juice?

JP: Yeah.

(Very long pause while I try to make him lead the conversation. After my computer clock ticks away 2 whole minutes I proceed to type this sentence. My action draws him back to me.)

JP: What are you doing Mommy?

Mom: I am typing words. What are you doing JP?

JP: Well, I was looking at Bob the Builder paper. See.

(Shows me a Bob flyer that comes with the vehicles. These show all of the toys they sell. JP has always loved these papers almost more than the actual vehicles.)

Mom: Do you like Bob the Builder?

JP: Yeah.

Mom: So JP what did you do this morning?

JP: Well. First yesterday I play soccer. With purple shirts on.

(Before coming to make words he was watching a home video from last year. On this video he was playing soccer. This was our old team where they wore purple shirts. We now wear white.)

Mom: Oh, were you watching your old home video when you were on the Eels team?

JP: Yeah, I played soccer.

Mom: You used to wear purple shirts. Now your team wears what color?

JP: Purple.

Mom: No, what do you wear now?

JP: White.

Mom: That is right! Did you know that soccer starts next month?

JP: Yeah.

Mom: Are you excited to play soccer again?

JP: Yeah.

(He says very unconvincingly. Not a hint of excitement anywhere.)

Mom: So JP where did you go this morning?

JP: Well, I went to school.

Mom: You did!

JP: Yeah.

Mom: Was it fun?

JP: Yeah.

(This is like pulling teeth! I want more than a bored yeah from him!)

JP: What did you do there?

Mom: I did got down the slide.

(Earlier he told me he did not do the slide)

Mom: You did the slide.

JP: Yes, and we spread around the room.

Mom: What did you do around the room?

JP: We can't spread around the room because we'll get peanut butter everywhere.

Mom: Peanut butter?

(I am thoroughly confused.)

JP: Yeah.

Mom: Was there peanut butter at school?

JP: I think I gotta finish my movie.

Mom: No, come here. Did you have a lunch today?

JP: Yeah.

Mom: Was there anything special about your lunch?

JP: Yeah.

Mom: What?

JP: Because I did work.

Mom: You did work? How did you work?

JP: Because I made a tree.

Mom: You did make a tree! I saw it in your backpack.

JP: Yeah.

Mom: You did a great job on that tree.

JP: Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.

Mom: What else did you do at Jump Start?

(The phone rang and interrupted this amazing conversation. Since it has been such a dud I'll just let it end.)

July 25, 2007

Mom: Hey Fred! How are you today?

JP: I feel great!

Mom: Great, huh! That is new. How come you feel so great?

JP: Because I am so happy!

Mom: You are happy?

JP: Yeahsss.

Mom: Are you happy because you had fun at Jump Start?

(Mostly he is happy because I agreed we could paint the train we bought this weekend. We mixed the mold yesterday but then had to wait for it to dry. I told him we could paint as soon as we make words on the computer. It is a little weird to be topping a reinforcer with a reinforcer!)
JP: Yeah.

Mom: What did you do at school today?

JP: I did recess and recess.

Mom: You had two recesses!

JP: Yeah!

Mom: Was one on the big playground?

JP: Yeah. And the little playground.

Mom: Do you like the big or little playground best?

JP: The big playground.

Mom: What kind of cool stuff do they have there?

JP: Swings and slides and a board to walk on.

Mom: Did you walk on the board?

JP: Yes, I had walked around.

Mom: You walked around the board?

JP: Yes.

Mom: Did some of the other kids walk on top of the board?

JP: Yeah. Yesterday they all was rushing around.

Mom: What do you do when you are on the little playground?

JP: Well. I went on the slide carefully.

Mom: Was it a straight slide or a curvy slide?

JP: It's a straight slide.

Mom: Did you go fast or slow down it?

JP: Fast.

Mom: Did the other kids do the slide too?

JP: Yeah. They did that at the farm.

(His recent fixation is watching home videos from April. This is when we did our field trip to the farm. He is proudly watching himself go down the slide into the pile of hay. We have visited this farm 3 times. This time he refused to do the slide again. I persuaded him to do it so I could make a movie of JP going down the slide. He has now watched it 1000 times and talks like this is his favorite slide in the world!)

Mom; But did they also do it at school today?

JP: Yes.

Mom: Is it hot or cold at recess?

JP: Hot.

(During recess on the small playground he covered his ears most of the time. When his teachers asked what was wrong he said he was trying to get cold. This playground has less shade so it is hotter. They couldn't really figure out what was his real issue. It didn't appear to be any louder and he didn't complain about any noises. ????)

Mom: Were you upset because it was too hot today?

JP: Well, I was frightened. Well, the whistle blowed and I ran up the sidewalk and headed up the hill.

Mom: Was the whistle loud.

JP: Yeah.

Mom: Did you cry?

JP: But I didn't.

Mom: Well, that is good. Were you kind of scared though?

JP: But I wasn't. I was afraid and I run up the sidewalk and into my teacher.

Mom: Well, that is fabulous because that is what you are supposed to do when the whistle blows. Can you tell me what do you do when the whistles blows?

JP: I chased him up the hill.

Mom: When the whistle blows that means recess is over and all the children are supposed to line up to go back inside. Right?

JP: Yeah! That would be too fast!

Mom: Was recess too short? Did you want it to be longer?

JP: Yeah.

Mom: Did you play with any children today?

JP: Yeah.

Mom: Who did you play with?

(I have not prior information on this. His teachers did not mention any playmates.)

JP: Hmm. Maybe I played with (sounds like Ronald) McDonald.

Mom: Huh, Ronald McDonald was at school?

JP: Huh uh, I said (****) McDonald.

Mom: Huh? Is it a boy or a girl?

JP: Girl.

Mom: So it is a girl named something McDonald? Was her name Hannah McDonald?

JP: I think it was (****) McDonald. I said pick up the sock and blow up.

Mom: You said that to (****) McDonald?

JP: Well, I said that to the monster. It had a human sock stuck on my head.

Mom: Oh, did they have to call in the special agents to give you a special shower?

JP: Well, I did a magic word. The magic word is agents from the child protection agency pick up the sock and blow it up.

Mom: JP, did you listen to Monsters Inc last night too?

JP: Well, I was listening to that at night.

Mom: Last night?

JP: Yeah.

(JP was coming into our room as early as 1am so we gave him a talk about going back to sleep in his own room. Then he woke up the next night sobbing for Daddy. The last several nights he appears to get up in the middle of the night and turn off his music. He puts back in his CD Storybooks. The problem is that he then stays awake listening to them. For the past three nights I have found Bob the Builder back in his CD Player. This morning Bob was in there again. However, he is scripting from Monster's Inc. That means that he also listened to his Disney CD as well! That is atleast 2 hours of listening! I am getting a little nervous about him being wide awake for 2 hours in the middle of the night and my not knowing it!!!!)

Mom: Did you listen to that and bob the builder?

JP: Yeah.

Mom: Did you ever sleep last night?

JP: Yes. Let's make a train.

Mom: Oh, should we go paint your train that we made yesterday.

JP: Yeah (with an exaggerated head nod)

Mom: Okay, but I need you to run upstairs and change your clothes first.

JP: Okay, Mommy.

(What do you know...some things you don't have to say twice!)

July 24, 2007

Mom: Hey handsome! Where were you all day?

JP: Well. I was at Kindergarten Jumpstart.

Mom: Did you have fun?

JP: Yeah. I didn't dance.

Mom: You didn't dance?

JP: Well. I'll try dance later.

Mom: Will you dance tomorrow?

JP: Sure.

Mom: You promise Mommy that you will dance with Mrs. G tomorrow during the freeze song?

JP: Yes. Is it the mermaid the song?

Mom: The mermaid song?

JP: Yes. There is something I gotta show you. (Tries to pick up a new sprinkler toy I got.) Look at this. This is my new water ball box. It will shoot water in the air!

Mom: Yes, but right now I want to talk about school.

JP: Okay.

Mom: So what was your favorite thing today at Jumpstart?

JP: My favorite thing was the...blocks. Build the blocks.

Mom: What? Building blocks?

JP: Yes.

Mom: Did you do that alone or with a friend?

JP: With a friend.

Mom: Do you remember your friends name?

JP: I don't know.

Mom: I think I know.

JP: Who.

Mom: What did Mrs. G say his name was?

JP: I don't know. I don't know.

Mom: Was it Sam or Tyler?

JP: Tyler!

Mom: Did you have fun playing with Tyler?

JP: Yeah! He was building blocks with me.

Mom: That is so cool. So you and Tyler liked doing blocks. Did you know that friends play together. So you and Tyler must have become friends today! That is great! So did you do PE or gym today?

JP: I did PE. We were in the garden and we ran around the garden. Through the trees.

(They have an enclosed atrium in the middle of the school. I am guessing that this is where the met with the PE teacher.)

Mom: Did you play chase?

JP: Yep. Well. The people started to follow me but I am running past them but they were running. But I was running behind them.

Mom: Cool. Was it the kids that were running or the adults?

JP: The kids were running! Watch me.

(Stands with arms out.)

JP: I look like a bubble and when we run into each other we pop. I might turn back into a bubble.

(I'm not sure what they played but he appears to have been taught to stand in this position. Maybe a form of freeze tag where they have to stand with their arms out for a peer to tag them so they can move again?)

Mom: Did you learn that at school?

JP: Yeah.

Mom: Was that what you played during PE?

JP: Yeah.

Mom: What did you do during music?

JP: Well. I tried to dance but I didn't.

Mom: How come. Why didn't you dance.

JP: Because I lose and go crashing into a prickly floor!

Mom: Did you cry?

JP: But I didn't.

Mom: Were you sad?

JP: I wasn't. I was confused.

Mom: Were you confused because you didn't know how to dance?

JP: Yeah. But I didn't dance because I had two left feet. I can't go to parties and dance if I have two left feet. (This is a quote from Christopher Robin from a "Growing up with Winnie the Pooh" video)

Mom: Did you do any art today?

JP: Yes.

Mom: What did you do?



(He came home with a picture of a Dog that he colored in with crayons. This is actually more coloring that he typically will do. He even used multiple colors!)

JP: Uh, I did songs there. Then I did a goodbye and then I went home.

Mom: Did Daddy pick you up?

JP: I think you pick me up.

Mom: Oh, that's right. You rode home in Mommy's tractor.

JP: I think it is a van not a tractor!

Mom: Was Mommy being silly? Was I messing with you?

JP: Yes.

Mom: Did you eat lunch at school?

JP: Yeah.

Mom: What did you eat?

JP: I ate lots of food.

Mom: Like what food?

JP: Dominos. (aka Doritos) Pickle. Turkey (actually it was ham) and grapes and some fruit punch.

Mom: That sounds yummy! What was your favorite?

JP: Well, fruit punch.

Mom: Did you drink the water Mommy sent for class?

JP: Well. at Brymentary school I don't.

Mom: Why not?

JP: Because I was thirsty for lemonade.

Mom: Well... but at school we only get to drink water and at lunch probably milk.

(Surpise! Dad came through the door. He is home from work and is sick. JP is distracted so we will end our transcription of our first day of JumpStart into Kindergarten.)

July 23, 2007

Mom: Hi JP! What should we talk about today?

JP: Hmm. I know. What about Skateland?

Mom: Do you like Skateland?

JP: Yes!

Mom: What do you like most about Skateland?

JP: I like the new Graham's house.

Mom: What do you mean the Graham's house? Do you mean the bounce house?

JP: Yes. Graham's going to love it.

(We have a buddy named Graham but we have never been at Skateland with him. We have never done the bounce house at Skateland with him.)

Mom: Did you jump on the bounce house?

JP: Yes. But I jumped on the floor and I did the slide and climbed and I slide down and I ran out of the slide.

Mom: Did you do it a second time?

JP: Yes, I did it first, second, third.

Mom; Did you do it 3 times that day with Kristine?

JP: Yeah.

Mom: I don't remember that. (I really don't think he did it 3 times! I don't remember but we are talking about something that happened in April. He recently watched home videos from April so we are currently reliving this event...over and over again!)

JP: Yes. I did.

Mom: We only have movie of you doing it that one time.

JP: Yes. I know.

Mom: Are you sure you did it again?

JP: Yeah.

Mom: I'm not sure I believe. Are you fibbing?

JP: Ye..., no! I am a big boy not a fibber.

Mom: Well, big boys fib sometimes too. Fibbing just means that you aren't telling the truth. Sometimes big people even fib.

JP: Oh! No, Mom!

Mom: Are you telling me the truth? Did you do the slide again?

JP: Hee Hee! Yes. Mommy!

Mom: Hmm. Maybe I just didn't video tape it.

JP: Silly Mom!

Mom: Do you like to roller skate at Skateland?

JP: I think I am to tired to skate. Ha ha! (Big boisterous fake laughs- attempt at avoidance)

Mom: I think next time we go we will try to skate. Do you remember skating at OT2 with Mrs. Chris?

JP: Maybe I can skate by Graham's house.

Mom: What is the Grahams house?

JP: The Graham's house by the slide.

Mom: What does it look like?

JP: It is like very big!

Mom: What color is it? (Skateland's was green)

JP: It is green.

Mom: Why do you call it Graham's house?

JP: Because its very big.

Mom: Are you calling it "Grand" house or Graham like Mrs. Becca's boy?

JP: A Graham house like Mrs. Becca's boy.

Mom: But I don't think we have ever been there with Graham. Have we?

JP: Well, maybe.

Mom: Oh, we did go to the pizza place with Graham. Is that were you remember a bounce house with Graham?

JP: Ha! (fake laugh) No Mom. I think we went to Skateland.

Mom: Well, Mommy is confused.

JP: Silly Mommy! You are supposed to not be confused!

Mom: But I am. Why do you call it Grahams house?

JP: Because it is very big.

Mom: Is it a Grand house?

JP: I think it is a Graham house.

Mom: Okay. We'll figure that out later. I want to talk about Kindergarten.

JP: Not, kindergarten. Because kindergarten is just dangerous.

Mom: Dangerous? Why is it dangerous?

JP: Because like finding good food.

Mom: Is there good food at Kindergarten?

JP: Yes, but it is just dangerous.

Mom: What is dangerous about it?

JP: Because dangerous is scary. To run away. Run away is hard. Run. Run.

Mom: Are you a little scared about Kindergten?

JP: Well. I'm okay at kindergarten.

Mom: Because it okay to be scared. You know what. Mommy was scared when she started kindergarten.

JP: You don't need to be scared. Are you going to be happy at kindergarten?

Mom: Well, I started out a little bit scared but I did get happy. I loved kindergarten. I liked learning new things and doing art and playing with the other kids (I'm lying through my teeth here) What do you think you will like most.

JP: At kindergarten you don't need to be scared. You don't need to be scared mommy!

Mom: What do you think you will like most about kindergarten.

JP: I'm going to try games.

Mom: Games, cool. Which ones?

JP: At Brymentary school.

Mom: Do you remember your teachers name?

JP: Yes. Whose the teachers name?

Mom: It is Mrs. A, remember? Do you want to see a picture of her?

JP: Yeah.

(looks at picture)

JP: Look! There is Mrs. A.

Mom: Wow. She sure looks fun, doesn't she.

JP: Yeah, I know.

Mom: Do you remember Mrs. M? (speech path)

JP: Yes. He's at Brymentary school

Mom: Yes, she is. she was also with you at Kindergarten Roundup, wasn't she!

JP: Yes.

Mom: Did she help you a lot?

JP: Yes we went there that night.

Mom: Do you remember playing cars at Roundup with Devin?

JP: Yeah.

Mom: Is Devin one of your new friends?

(silence)

Mom: Did Devin ask you to be friends?

JP: Yes.

Mom: What did you tell him?

(JP yelled boo at him. This was all in my post about Kindergarten Roundup)

JP: I tell him...........................about time.

Mom: Really? You know if someone asks you to be their friend. You could say, "Sure, let's go play."

JP: Okay. Let's play the computer.

Mom: Yeah, I suppose I did promise you that you could play NickJr after we made words. You have done a good job talking to Mommy. Thanks JP!

JP: Yeah. Okay Mommy. You are done.

July 12, 2007

Mom: Hey there bug! Where did you go today?

JP: Well, I went to Camp M play. Hey, why don't we play questions on the computer.

(We have several therapies at this same location. We have them labeled as Camp M speech, Camp M play, Camp M writing school)

Mom: What questions did you want to play?

JP: The question about what JP says.

Mom: Okay. You start.

JP: If I say JP says...do it. If I don't say JP says...don't do it. ***

Mom: Okay.

But you gotta get back here (points to here***on the computer screen) and you gotta get back here and spell "Then you are out of the game".

(Sometimes I am convinced he is actually reading the words I type here. He has been known to correct my typos!)

Mom: Oh, Oops! So I should have typed..."If I say JP says...do it. If I don't say JP says...don't do it. And then you are out of the game." Right?

JP: Yeah! I am getting thirsty of Pepsi.

Mom: I know I promised one when we got home but let's finish our game first. Are you going to play JP says?

JP: Yes. Let's go.

Mom: I'm waiting. We can play here.

JP: Hmm. How about in the toy room?

Mom: But if we go in the toy room Mommy can't type our words out.

JP: Hee Hee. Oh (fake yawn) I guess. Let's try it in the kitchen.

Mom: Again, I can't type in the kitchen. How about if I sit right here and do what JP says?

JP: How about you do it and when I say. Come on Mom, I'll show you. "JP says roll over."

(Mom gets on the floor and tries to roll over - not an easy task in my tiny office)

JP: Tuck sit.

(Mom doesn't do anything.)

JP: JP says tuck sit.

(Mom tuck sits but apparently doesn't do it right.)

JP: That's not right. JP says tuck sit like this(and demonstrates)

(Mom does it right.)

JP: JP says touch your nose.

(Mom does it)

JP: JP says run around.

(Mom does it)

Mom: Touch your ears (says mom out of turn but trying to prod him to drop the JP says part!)

(JP touches his ears)

Mom: Oops! Your out! Mom didn't say!

JP: I'm not out! Huh uh! I didn't say JP says. And you are out Mommy!

Mom: Did you play this game at camp.

(We've tried simon says before but he never showed much interest. Where has he finally picked up the concepts?)

JP: We played Duck Duck Goose there. Not JP says.

Mom: Where have been been practicing JP says?

JP: I said JP says like Benny says.

Mom: Who is Benny?

JP: Benny is a door from in Todd World.

(Todd world? What the hell? Oh, duh! A preview on one of the movies that Grandma had at her house over the weekend!)

JP: Todd world. Todd help me. Todd used to be...I'll be todd at 7 o'clock.

Mom: Did you see Todd World at Grandma's house.

JP: Hee! I watched him on the TV. We are going to get Todd.

Mom: Was he a preview on your video?

JP: Yes!

Mom: What video was that?

JP: Yes. It was from Build It and They Will Come

Mom: Ah! Isn't that the video where T learned to stick his tongue out.

JP: Hee Hee! No, Mommy!

Mom: Isn't that where he was pretending to be a kitty?

(There was a scene where Mommy cat was licking the baby cat. T would pretend to be licking everytime we watched it. WHICH WAS A LOT BECAUSE JP KEPT REPLAYING IT!)

JP: Yes. I'll be right back.

(Runs to the refrigerator.)

JP: (Shrieks) Two Pepsi! I know. I'll just get one.

(Brings it to Mom)

JP: I found something for you. I have something for you!

Mom: What is that?

JP: It's Pepsi!

Mom: What are we supposed to do with that?

JP: We can drink it! Don't dump it. I'm going to get a sippy cup.

(He runs to the kitchen)

JP: I found a sippy cup. Can you pour it into the sippy cup, Mommy? Do you want to pour it in the kitchen.

Mom: Yeah, we should probably do that in the kitchen just in case Mommy spills.

JP: You take the sippy cup apart and the lid. I'm going to take this Pepsi. Do you think you could do that?

Mom: Okay.

(Brief break while we go to the kitchen to fill cup with Pepsi)

Mom: So JP can you tell me what you did at Camp today?

JP: Yeah. I was playing duck duck goose and fell down. But I didn't score.

Mom: Did you hurt yourself when you fell down?

JP: No. Oh and then I made a mistake.

Mom: Oh?

JP: A mistake . I'm sorry Mommy!

Mom; What was your mistake?

JP: To fall down. I did a lot of cheating.

(JP always has a meltdown when we play Duck Duck goose at his preschool. We are not really sure why. It probably has to do with the unexpected nature of not knowing if you are going to be "Goosed". Anyway he always goes limp and all the bones leave his body. The teachers at his speech preschool just drag him through the motions and make him get through it. Once it is done he is all smiles again. He just screams and sobs during the part of the game when he has to be up and involved.)

Mom: How did you cheat?

JP: Because I fell down.

(Interesting. He is actually right about his choice of the word "cheat". He knows he is not "playing fair". However, lately he is accusing anyone of cheating when they get what he wants.)

Mom: Did you throw yourself down so you did not have to play?

JP: Well. I didn't throw.

(Okay. Oops. Shouldn't have used the word "throw". I forget his about his literal brain sometimes.)

Mom: Did you lay down so that you wouldn't have to play?

JP: Well I was trying to keep my feet under there. The man and I were going to play ball.

(Mom is confused by this turn of events. Feet under where? Man who? His buddy at camp today was a girl. Playing ball? Perhaps one of the guy buddies took him off to the side to play ball instead of Duck Duck Goose? Not sure that was a great option for working him through this...)

Mom: What man?

JP: The man from camp.

Mom: Do you remember his name?

JP: Hmm. Was it Bob?

(I don't know their names. I just meet his current days buddy each morning. Haven't met a Bob yet.)

Mom: I don't know, was it?

JP: Yep.

Mom: Was it Bob the Builder or a different Bob?

JP: A different Bob.

Mom: Was Bob one of the buddies?

JP: Yes, from camp. Maybe.

Mom: So you played Duck Duck Goose. Did you get to tap on peoples heads?

JP: But. Yes. (mumbles. Not sure what he said)

Mom: What did you say?

JP: Well. I said woops!

Mom: Why woops!

JP: Because I fell down. And fell into the floor.

Mom: Did you get back up?

JP: Well, I was stuck.

Mom: Did you cry?

JP: Yep.

Mom: What did the big people do?

JP: They tried to help me up but I was falling down.

Mom; Could you have gotten up if you wanted to get up?

JP: Well, if when I'm big I might break the ceiling.

(huh?)

Mom: JP, why do you always fall down and cry during Duck Duck Goose?

JP: Because I have a bad dream.

(Apparently it is his worst nightmare to have to play Duck Duck Goose)

Mom: What dream?

JP: The dream from Duck Duck Goose at camp.

Mom: Can you tell me about that dream?

JP: Yes.

Mom: Well. What happens in the dream?

JP: I have fell down and I fell into the parachute.

Mom: Hmm. Did you play with a parachute today?

(That I know that they did. It was on his note sheet that came home with him)

JP: Yes!

Mom: Was that fun?

JP: Yes! Just like this one. (As he pulls our parachute off the shelf. Now it will get drug around our house for days...(big sigh))

Mom: Did you shake the parachute?

(We used to be terrified of the parachute. In the recent past he will help shake it but he has only gone under it a few times. He is still terrified of going under it during a group activity. However, our parachute at home is different. He will wrap himself up in it and shake it and go crazy with it. But if you add the other kid variable he shuts down!)

JP: Well. I didn't.

Mom: Did you touch the parachute?

JP: Well. I didn't. There was an ice cube on it.

Mom: An ice cube?

JP: Yeah.

Mom: Did the kids shake the ice cube around?

JP: Maybe in the next morning when the ice flies I might jump and catch it.

(Translation: It looked like fun. I wanted to do it. Maybe next time I'll do it. Tomorrow morning always translates to next time. However, we rarely do it next time without intervention!)

Mom: That would be cool. Was the ice cube hot or cold?

JP: Hot.

Mom: Really? I though ice was cold. Are you sure it was an ice cube?

JP: Yes. Ice is cold. And the rain.

Mom: Yep. Ice is from water and it is actually raining outside right now, isn't it?

JP: It's ice in my juice.

Mom: Yep. You are right about that too! So, JP, did you go to (**our hometown**) this weekend?

JP: Well yes. And yesterday I did.

Mom: What did you do there?

JP: I got my Muck and T got his Sumsey.

(Bob the Builder characters)

Mom: Yeah, Grandma P bought you some Bob the builder guys, didn't she?

JP: Well. The guys were Muck and Sumsey.

Mom: That was so nice of her!

JP: They were my favorite toys! Oh, now! I forgot my control Scrambler.

(JP say a remote control Scrambler toy at Walmart a few weeks ago. He is in love with this toy. However it talks. This feature would ruin the toy for JP. I explained that to him. He told me I would take the batteries out. I tried to explain that without the batteries Scrambler probably couldn't drive. He doesn't believe me. He keeps bringing up this toy. Literally every day! Finally I explained that we didn't have money to buy every toy he thinks looks fun. He told me it was okay...the bank has money. I explained that Daddy works to put money in the bank. And right now we don't have enough money in the bank to buy this toy. The next day when Dad came home from work, JP told me that there was now enough money for his control Scrambler since Daddy worked. After camp today he asked if he could get Scrambler. I explained that we didn't have money again. He said we could stop at work and pick up money from Daddy. Last night, Dad and I decided to try and use this Scrambler obsession to teach JP some understanding of money. So I am going to set up a system for him to work for the dollars needed. He thinks he is home free! Silly boy!)

Mom: You have a remote control scrambler?

JP: Yes!

Mom: Really? When did you get that?

JP: Hmm. I don't know. But hey! It is at Walmart.

Mom: Yes, but remember, Mommy doesn't have money.

JP: Oh, no! I forgot money.

Mom: So we can't buy a remote control Scrambler.

JP: Oh no! How are we going to get the remote control Scrambler.

Mom: I don't know.

JP: Oh I know! Money! That is what we're missing.

Mom: Well, how do we get money?

JP: Well, I know. There is some at Daddy's work.

Mom: Well, no, not really at Daddy's work. I told you Daddy works to earn the money. And maybe JP can work to earn the money to buy Scrambler himself.

JP: Ha! Okay!

Mom: Are you going to do work to earn money so you can buy Scramber yourself!

JP: Yes!!!!!

Mom: Okay. Mommy will get you a list of work that you have to do to earn your money!

JP: Okay! Maybe the control Scramber will be at Walmart 3.

Mom: Is that the Walmart we saw it at?

( I honestly have no clue which one he saw it at. He went with me to three different metro Walmarts a few weeks ago to drop of some paperwork for donations for the autism society I got suckered into. If it was one of our regular Walmarts he would call it "Walmart" or "Different Walmart". So I have to figure out which one is Walmart 3. That day we went to Different walmart and then two others. So does #3 represent the third store catalogued in his head or was it the 3rd one visited that day?)

JP: Yes.

Mom: Okay. You understand it is going to be a couple weeks.

JP: Okay. Come on lets go. I think it is movie time.

Mom: Well. You've been at camp all day and you came home and made words on the computer with Mommy. I think you can have some alone time. What movie do you want to watch?

JP: CARS!!!

(sure he picks the longest one!)

Mom: Okay. Let's go!





JP says watch a movie.

July 2, 2007

Mom: Hey bug. What do you want to talk about today?

JP: Oh, hi! Let's talk about baseball.

Mom: Okay. What do you want to say about baseball?

JP: Daddy will be the pitcher and I'll be the catcher and you'll be the batter.

Mom: Oh, I get hit the ball!

JP: Yeah!

Mom: Cool. Do you suppose Mommy will hit far or not very far.

JP: Far!

Mom: Cool. Do you like hitting or catching best?

JP: Catching.

(Not necessarily accurate as he doesn't even try to catch and he is actually really trying to hit the ball. However he gets frustrated when he doesn't connect.)

Mom: Okay. What else do you know about baseball?

JP: I don't know. I'll be the pitcher and Mommy will be the catcher and Daddy will be the batter.

Mom: Do you suppose Daddy will get a hit?

JP: Yes. I'm going to be the pitcher and Mommy will be the catcher and Daddy will be the batter.

Mom: Yep. That is what you said. Do you like hitting when I pitch to you or off the tee better?

JP: Off the tee better.

Mom: How come?

JP: Because I can hit the baseball.

Mom: Yeah, but I have seen you hit it when I pitch sometimes too!

JP: How about you pitch it to Daddy and he is going to run bases.

Mom: Sure. Which base does he run to first?

JP: First base.

Mom: Then where?

JP: Second base.

Mom: Then where?

JP: Oh, uh three base.

Mom: And then?

JP: Four.

Mom: Is that what it is called? Four?

(No response. He knows it isn't but isn't able to come up with the right name. Rather than say so he is just sitting here silent.)

Mom: Is it called four or Home plate?

JP: Home plate!

Mom: That is right. It is first base then second base then third base and finally home plate! Then we score!

JP: Yeah! We scored one. We slide down and get dirt all over our clothes!

Mom: Yeah, we see the big boys slide into home plate, don't we?

JP: Yes!

Mom: Do you like watching your cousins play baseball?

(We have two cousins who play traveling baseball and occasionally come to the big city for tournaments. JP is usually oblivious to the game. Actually my kooky sister screaming at the players scares the dickens out of JP. We usually have to sit off to the side away from the crowd.)

JP: Yes. The pros like to play baseball too.

(I made him a social story in his computer software (My Own Bookshelf) about the basics on baseball last summer. This summer we rented a Baby Pro sports video that talks about soccer, basketball and baseball. He is scripting a lot of their lines from the video here.)

Mom: Do you suppose you and T will play baseball when you get older?

JP: Yes. You are right. I know! Let's play baseball. Mommy, I got a question. Don't move. I"ll be right back.

(and he runs to the toy room. I hear a "Ta Da" and footsteps running back to me.)

JP: I found one!

Mom: Oh, cool. You found a soccer ball.

JP: That's a baseball!

Mom: Oh, you're right. My mistake. JP do you ever make mistakes?

JP: Hee Hee, yes!

Mom: Is it okay to make a mistakes sometimes?

JP: Yeah.

Mom: That is how we learn, isn't it?

JP: Yeah. It says Franklin. Maybe we could hit that baseball.

Mom: Sure, next time we go outside we will hit the Franklin baseball.

(JP isn't willing to go outside today. Last time we were out a neighbor let off a bunch of firecrackers. These unexpected noisy booms scare JP and his hands go to the ears and he goes inside himself. Sometimes he isn't even functioning enough to drag himself inside the house. He just sits there crying, "Want to go inside". I have tried explaining what they are and that they won't hurt him. I don't think we are getting anywhere on this.)

JP: Oh, you are right!

Mom: So are you excited for the 4th of July?

JP: Yes.

Mom: What is your favorite thing about the 4th of July?

(silence)

(Obviously nothing is his favorite about this sensory spectacle!)

Mom: Do you like fireworks?

JP: Yeah. Fireworks live in the dark sky.

Mom: Well, that is true. We do often see them in the nighttime sky. But some fireworks work during the day.

JP: Hoooo! Not in the day! Night!

Mom: Well, you know some of those bang bang bangs you hear when we are outside are fireworks in the day. Do those sometimes scare you?

JP: Yeah.

Mom: It is kind of scary when you can't see them but they just make a loud noise when you don't expect them. But there isn't really any need to be afraid. Okay.

JP: Okay. I'm going to get something.

Mom: What are you going to get?

JP: A ball. Don't move. I'll be right back. I'll be right back, Mom. Don't move!

(And he doesn't come back. Apparently we don't want to talk about fireworks anymore!)

June 26, 2007

Mom: Hi JP!

JP: Hi!

Mom: How are you JP?

JP: Great. Tomorrow I am going to grow big as Frankenpooh.

Mom: Cool! Just like your Pooh video from the library.

JP: Yeah!

Mom: Is Frankenpooh scary?

JP: Yeah! He is big as his friends. Tomorrow his friends are going to grow big!

Mom: Wow, that will be cool to see!

JP: The will be both monsters! Then they will be all the monsters!

Mom: Are monsters scary?

JP: Yes. Pooh and his friends will be a lot of monsters. There will be monsters everywhere!

Mom: Can you think of other monsters?

JP: Maybe Jimmy the Pirate could be monster. Maybe FrankenJimmythePirate!

(Jimmy the Pirate was a character they used last week at speech group. The played a few pirate games and did a treasure hunt for Jimmy's Loot.)

Mom: What about Mike and Sully?

JP: You are right! They are in Monsters Inc.

Mom: Do we watch that movie?

(Nope. JP is afraid of the movie. He'll read the book or listen to the CD but is afraid if the movie gets put on the TV)

JP: Yes.

Mom: Really? We watch it on the TV?

JP: Yes.

Mom: No, I think you listen to it on your radio and read the book. Why don't we ever get to watch the movie?

JP: Well. You know. I know! Let's go pick a movie. Come on...

Mom: No. I want to talk about why you are afraid to watch Sully and Mike on TV.

JP: Hee Hee! I don't think so!

Mom: So then why do you leave the room if Mommy puts Monsters Inc on TV?

JP: I don't think Monsters Inc is on TV. I think it is gone.

Mom: Yeah, we haven't seen it in a long time. Because you won't usually let Mommy put it on. So, JP, where did you go yesterday?

JP: Well, I don't know.

Mom: Did you, T, and Mommy go somewhere?

(We went to the zoo. We haven't been to Bob's Museum in a few weeks)

JP: Where? We went to Bob's museum.

Mom: No, I was thinking somewhere with animals.

JP: We see some at the zoo.

Mom: Oh that is it! The zoo!

JP: You are right!

Mom: What was your favorite thing we saw at the zoo?

(We have seen the train before. We usually make sure we stop and see it. However, we are afraid to ride on it. Yesterday we did not actually see the train but we did hear the whistle.)

JP: A whistle noise.

Mom: Oh really! What made a whistle noise?

JP: A train!

Mom: A train. Did you ride the train?

JP: We are going to try on August!

(We are putting off the things that are scary until August. We have a lot to do in August!!!)

Mom: You are! Cool that will be so much fun! So we are going to ride the train in August?

JP: We don't have much time though. We'll have to start bright and early in the morning.

Mom: Is there anything else you want to do in August?

JP: The carousel!

Mom: Oh cool! That will be fun! Is there a particular animal on the carousel that you'd like to ride on?

JP: Well. I don't know. Huh, let's see. Uh. A seat.

Mom: Okay, yeah. We'll want to sit on a seat. What animal seat do you want to ride on?

JP: How about an up and down horse. Can it be a moving horse? If the carousel moves, the bell will ring first. It goes, "ring ring" and when it stops it might ring again!

Mom: You are right! That is how the kids know it is time to get off! I think I would like to ride on the tiger!

JP: Oh! I'm going to ride on the horse.

Mom: What should T ride on?

JP: He can ride on the seat with the ostrich on it!

Mom: Oh that would be cool. I didn't know you knew what an ostrich was!

JP: If the carousel moves will I let go of T?

Mom: No, it is Mommy's job to hold on to her boys. I'll be there to hold on to both of you. Or if I can't do it...Daddy will.

JP: If Daddy doesn't do it. I guess Mommy and Daddy have to let go of T.

Mom: Why do you think we would have to let go?

JP: Becuase he can be excited.

Mom: Yeah, if he is having fun we could probably not hold so tight. But we would still be there in case he got scared.

JP: Okay.

Mom: Do you ever get scared?

JP: Oh, don't need to be scared on the carousel. I would be excited!

Mom: Great! You know we don't have to wait until August. We could try to go to the zoo next week. Would you want to ride the carousel then?

JP: Yes. Let's try the train first. Let's carousel first and the the train. When the bell rings there will be the lights. The bell is on top of the carousel. It goes "ring ring" when the carousel moves its wheels. There are some under the bottom. I'd be excited.

Mom: How come we haven't ridden the carousel before?

JP: Maybe when it gets stuck I might pull on tight. I could push the horse until he moves.

Mom: That is good thinking!

JP: If the carousel wheels bump into anything it will have brakes.

Mom: Yep. They would just stop it.

JP: If it stops, it will have brakes.

Mom: Yep, it would stop. Brakes make things stop.

JP: Just like Scrambler! He's in Bob the Builder.

Mom: Say, do you have a favorite animal at the zoo?

JP: Uh oh! Mommy!

(T wakes up from his nap. We hear him through the monitor)

Mom: What?

JP: T woke up!

Mom: He sure did.

JP: I know. Let's go get him. I'll go get him. You get going Mommy. I'm going to go get him.

Mom: What are you going to tell him?

JP: Mommy will be right there. I'll go get him. I'm coming T. JP to the rescue!

(I hold back to listen to the monitor. I hear JP chanting to T ... Mommy will be right there. T there is no monster. Mommy will be right there.)

June 20, 2007

Mom: Okay, JP. What should we talk about?

JP: Well we can talk about the beach. I have this handle. To blow.

Mom: Yeah, that is a cool whistle.

JP: Should I try it?

(blows into a whistle)

Mom: Sure! That is great job! So JP, what did you do this morning?

JP: Well I went to Brimentary school.

(That is what he calls his school. This was day 2 of summer school.)

Mom: What did you do there?

JP: Well, I have played outside.

Mom: What did you do outside?

JP: Well, I got to go on the old bridge. It was trying to snap. By the way, agigators down there under the bridge.

Mom: Did an alligator get you?

JP: I don't think so. I was really high up.

Mom: Oh, I am glad you were safe.

JP: I have ran across the bridge.

Mom: Were there other children on the bridge with you?

JP: Yes. The children ran past me. I yelled and ran across the bridge in a panic.

Mom: Who was in a panic?

JP: Some agigators down there. Snapping agigators.

Mom: Did the catch any children?

JP: What's an agigator?

Mom: You don't know what an alligator is?

JP: But it is an agilator, actually.

(He has been saying it "agilator", I just assumed we were talking alligators. Apparently who ever said there were alligators under the bridge said agigator and JP has been assuming agigators were different from alligators. However he is treating them as equally scary!)

Mom: So is an agigator the same as an alligator?

JP: What is an agigator?

Mom: I'm not sure. I think it is like an alligator! I think an agigator is an alligator? Does that sound right?

JP: Yeah. They chomp in water.

Mom: What do they eat?

JP: They eat bread.

Mom: Oh, bread, huh?

JP: How does that happen? Well, let's talk about the beach.

Mom: What do you want to say about the beach?

JP: Some anythings. In the water and it was very hot. But she has some ice cream today.

Mom: Who does?

JP: The ice cream lady has some ice cream?

Mom: Where is the ice cream lady at?

JP: At the beach.

Mom: Has JP been to the beach?

JP: Yeah.

(No. He has not ever been to the beach. And there has never been an ice cream lady there.)

Mom: When?

JP: I went to the pumpkin patch there. At the pumpkin patch who was that puffing down the track?

(we rode a train at the pumpkin patch last fall?)

Mom: Was it Thomas?

JP: Ha! It was a train, silly! I can't wait to see Thomas!

Mom: Did you ride on Thomas?

(Dad did get him to reluctantly ride on the train at the pumpkin patch.)

JP: I don't think so. He'll be at the top of the hill by the ice cream factory.

Mom: (Eureka!) Is this like a Thomas the tank engine story?

JP: Right. It looks like the story about "It is great to be an engine!"

Mom: Cool. That is a great story.

JP: I like Thomas!

Mom: I know, Thomas is a great engine!

JP: He is a really useful engine. Maybe he will be at the top of the hill by the ice cream factory.

Mom: Hey, can you tell me some of Thomas' friends names?

JP: Sure, there is Spencer and Percy and Gordon and Edward and Diesel and Emily and James and Toby and all their friends!

Mom: Wow! He has lot of friends!

JP: Yeah! They were in "Calling All Engines" the movie!

Mom: Do you have some friends, JP?

JP: Yeah! I have going to see my train friends. Next morning I am going to see Thomas the Tank Engine, Diesel 10, Emily, James and all their friends.

Mom: Does JP have any friends that like to play trains too?

JP: Yes! Bob the Builder, Wendy, Mrs. Percival, Mrs. Potts and all their friends.

Mom: Does your friend Jake like trains?

JP: Yeah! He likes Thomas the Tank Engine and friends.

Mom: Does your friend Graham have a train?

JP: Yes, he has some back at his house.

Mom: Does your brother T like trains?

JP: Yeah! Well maybe "Calling All Engines will be on the V.Smile.

Mom: Well, you have been great at making words and I need to put T up for his nap. Would you like to pay V.Smile for a few minutes?

JP: YEAH!!! That is a good idea Mommy!

(and he is gone!)

June 17, 2007

JP: How about we talk about mornings.

Mom: Okay. What do you want to say about mornings?

JP: In the back of the morning I went to Bob the Builder at the museuam. We'll try them on Friday after Walmart. Could we do that?

Mom: Well try to get back to Bob this next week.

JP: Well, there will be a Scrambler toy up there where Bob the Bulider is! At the elevator. He's up there. I like Scrambler.

Mom: Do you like Dizzy?

JP: Haa! Don't be silly. I like Scrambler. Not Dizzy. I like Scrambler and Scoop.

Mom: Oh. Do you like Wendy?

JP: Yep. I do like him.

Mom: Is Wendy a boy or a girl?

JP: A girl.

Mom: So would you say "I like him" or "I like her"?

JP: I like her.

Mom: Perfect!

JP: If Wendy is a boy he might put on his helmet.

Mom: Yeah, but even though she is a girl she can wear a helmet.

JP: You're right.

Mom: Do you like Pilcher?

JP: YEP!

Mom: Is Pilcher a dog?

JP: I think he is a cat.

Mom; Oh, yeah. That is why JP has been pretending to be a cat all the time. Are you pretending to be Pilcher?

JP: Yep. Maybe Pilcher will be at the museum.

Mom: Yeah, I think I remember his standing by Bob when we first got off the elevator.

JP: You are right! Let's go to the Bob the Builder museum!

Father's Day

Mom: Okay, JP. Do you know what today is?

JP: I don't know.

Mom: Where you supposed to tell Daddy something this morning?

JP: Yes, Happy Fathers Day!

Mom: That is right.

JP: Hee Hee, you are right!

Mom: Do you know that Fathers Day is our way of making today a special day for daddy. We need to show him and tell him how much we love him.

JP: Yeah. I had a competition.

Mom: With who?

(JP woke up talking about Ronald McDonald in his dream. They had a competition and JP didn't like his white face so he threw it in the trash.)

JP: Ronald McDonald came to our house and he made a railroad track and he heard JP yelling so he had to come rescue me.

Mom: Is that kind of like the Ronald McDonald commercial?

JP: Hee, Yes. He is on TV on Nick Jr. Is he?

Mom: Well, I think so but I want to talk about Daddy right now.

JP: What. What Daddy right now.

Mom: Well, what is your favorite thing you do with Daddy?

JP: Play with anything with him.

Mom: Did you and Daddy play yesterday?

JP: Well. Yeah. I tried that in the pool in our house.

Mom: Did you and Daddy swim in the pool?

JP: Yes. And me and T too. And you too.

Mom: That is right. Did Daddy make you fly?

(Daddy tossed JP in the air a couple of times. JP said he went flying.)

JP: Yes. I started on the first one and then went flying.

Mom: Where did you land?

JP: I landed on my feet. I didn't take a chance of flying that way. Actually I did take a chance on that way.

Mom: Did Daddy take you to gymnastics yesterday?

JP: Yeah. But hmm. Let me think about something. Well, let's see. Yeah, strawberry limeade shop! Daddy and I got strawberry limeades at the strawberry limeade shop!

Mom: Oh, cool!

JP: I love strawberry limeade.

Mom: That is neat. That is like your thing to do with Daddy, isn't it?

JP: Yes, it is yummy.

Mom: What else do you and Daddy do every day?

JP: Well, tomorrow we are going to do a different toy surprise. Bob the builder toys will come in the mail.

(I've been ignoring all the requests for Bob the Builder toys. So I told JP if there were any at Walmart we could get some. Then when we looked, there weren't any. Darn. Apparantly JP has learned the order of things. We look at Walmart first then we order off the computer and it comes in the mail. Damn the kids is too quick. The other day I told him we couldn't get a toy because we didn't have any money. He said, "It's okay Mommy. Daddy has money in the bank.")

Mom: Does Daddy put you to bed at night?

JP: Yep. First he puts me to bed. And then we read a book with black bear.

Mom: What is your favorite book for Daddy to read?

JP: His favorite book to read is Bob the Builder.

Mom: Well, I think you listen and read Bob the Builder after Daddy leaves. What did Daddy read to you before you turn out the lights last night?

JP: Ha. Oh Dear. Well. Last night Daddy read Owl's World.

Mom: Did you like that book?

JP: Yeah, I was sleeping in my bed and then suddenly I was in my competition.

Mom: What competition is that?

JP: The Ronald Mcdonald competition.

Mom: How does that work?

JP: He had take those carrots. Because he wants to feed the little animals. They are very hungry.

(huh????)

Mom: So after you and Daddy read your book. What do you do?

JP: Daddy turns on the Buzz clock and McQueen lamp and the Bob the Builder CD.

Mom: Who turns off the light?

JP: Daddy lifts me up to do it.

Mom: Then Daddy says... What does Daddy say?

JP: He says...Good night. He love you.

Mom: And what do you say?

JP: Good night Daddy. I love you.

June 7, 2007

JP: Look there is Devlin

(JP is looking at a framed picture of our cat, Devlin. Devlin passed away last fall. )

Mom: Yes, isn't he a pretty kitty.

JP: Yes. He's stuck at the top of the sky. (JP's version of heaven)

Mom: Yeah, Devlin is in heaven, isn't he.

JP: Haa! You're right! I'm getting thirsty.

Mom: You are?

JP: Well, how about a black one with Cokey. Can you guess what it is? Do you know what it is?

Mom: Is it prune juice?

JP: Haa! No! It's Coke.

Mom: Oh, but we can't drink Coke in the morning.

JP: But I'll get it. I'll be right back.

Mom: No. Come here.

JP" No, I'm not coming back.

Mom: So, JP, you wanted to make words. What do you want to talk about?

JP: Well, how about characters.

Mom: Okay...I'll pick the character.

JP: And I'll pick the character too.

Mom: First Mommy picks Diego.

JP: And my favorite character is Spiderman and Superman. They are good friends.

Mom: So tell me about Diego.

JP: Diego's rescue pack will turn into a hang glider so he can fly down anything.

Mom: Why does he need to fly down?

JP: Because he can find all the animals.

Mom: Why does he need the animals? Just to say hi?

JP: Yeah. I can say "hi" to baby jaguar. Baby jaguar goes "rah rah". When he goes "rah rah" he will be stuck in the mud slide and Diego will have to rescue him. His rescue pack will have to turn into a board so he can skate down to baby jaguar.

Mom: Does Diego have a sister?

JP: Yes.

Mom: What is his sister's name?

JP: My sister is...Dora. Dora is his sister.

Mom: But isn't her name Alicia.

JP: Hee Hee...oh dear. Our characters are gone.

Mom: So did you go swimming last night?

JP: Yes. I swimmed all the way to our yards but if the walls open in our swim house more water might fall into the pool. Then there might be more water.

Mom: Oh, that is good thinking. Did you wear your floatation belt last night?

JP: Yes.

Mom: The whole time?

JP: Well, yes. In the beginning I put my belt on.

Mom: Then did you take it off?

JP: I did that when I float on my back.

Mom: You did the back float!

JP: Yeah, hurray!

Mom: That is great! Was it fun?

JP: Yes, but our characters are gone.

Mom: Yep, we are talking about swimming now.

JP: Oh, no. But Mommy our characters are gone!

Mom: Are you excited for Daddy to get our pool put together in the backyard?

JP: Yes, but our characters are gone.

Mom: Yep, bye bye characters.

JP: But they're gone. They swiped our candy. We've got to find them.

Mom: Who swiped them? Swiper the fox?

JP: Swiper swiped Dora's things in Dora the Explorer Adventure.

Mom: Is that nice when Swiper steals things?

JP: Yes.

Mom: Really. Would you'd like Swiper to steal your Coke?

JP: Ha! Not my coke. Maybe Swiper will take me to his garden. Maybe Swiper can have a drink of my Coke. When he drinks it he might be happy.

Mom: That is really nice of you to share your imaginary Coke with Swiper!

JP: Maybe I can take Swiper to his playground that was Dora and Bob the Builder at. Maybe I can take Swiper to Bob the Builder's museum.

Mom: Well, bud, we'll just have to see.

JP: Maybe we'll do that on Friday. We'll get back to the museum and see if Bob the Builder is inside.

June 6, 2007

Mom: Wow JP! We had a busy day! Didn't we?

JP: Wow! Great! There was a close adventure. We made it to Bob the Builder's museum.

Mom: We did, didn't we!

JP: Yes.

Mom: What was your favorite part about the Children's museum?

JP: Pilcher the cat.

Mom: Oh, you even posed for a picture with him.

JP: Oh wow! And Bob too!

Mom: That's right! You also posed with Wendy and all the vehicles! Which vehicle was your favorite?

JP: My favorite vehicle is wrench.

Mom: Who?

JP: A wrench.

Mom: Isn't a wrench a tool?

JP: Yeah, great.

Mom: Oh, I thought maybe you would say your favorite was Lofty since you had mentioned him before. Did you see Lofty at the museum?

JP: Yes, I did. He was a toy. He was upstairs where he was a toy.

Mom: Oh, Lofty wasn't one of the big cars?

JP: I think Lofty was a toy of the little one.

Mom: Huh. What else did you like at the museum?

JP: I like the water when I had some two waterfalls.

Mom: Yeah, that was a pretty cool water play area.

JP: That was a game. That was a really happy game.

Mom: I would definitely say that you and T were happy playing it!

JP: And Friday we'll get back to the museum. And let's see if we can find Bob the Builder.

Mom: Do you remember making faces with that little boy in the art area?

(We played with a little boy who was already there. He and JP made faces together for atleast 5 minutes. Of course I helped organize them but they both seemed to have a blast and coordinated well with each other. It was a really good social experience. They were both giggling at what showed up when they looked at the results.)

JP: Yep.

Mom: That was so cool. My favorite was the one with your face in your hands...

JP: Your right....Hey, why don't we talk about a character.

Mom: What character do you want to talk about?

JP: About Spiderman.

Mom: Spiderman? Why Spiderman.

JP: Because he is my guy. And baby jaguar too. And Diego too!

Mom: Did Spiderman go somewhere special with you today?

JP: Your right. And when Spiderman's people is in trouble...I need your help to rescue it. To rescue Spiderman's people I had to go skate with Diego and talk about why Spiderman's people are in trouble. Maybe our packs will turn into a hang glider so we can slide down to Spiderman's friends. To find the baby animals.

Mom: So did Spiderman go to the dentist with you?

JP: Ha! Yes. When he's a toy he went there.

Mom: Did Spiderman get a cavity filled?

JP: Yes. In the movie he was very black. Very, very black.

Mom: Yeah, that is kind of confusing on the TV commercials for the new movie. They show Spiderman as black. Usually he is red and blue.

JP: You are right. Maybe we can watch him in the next morning.

Mom: But I want to hear about the dentist. What did the dentist do to you today?

(Monday was our first Dentist appointment...ever. I know I am ashamed. Although it went well we discovered that JP had a cavity. Today he was scheduled for his filling. Ugh! I was very anxious. But I have to admit that it went phenomenal! We just talked about everything (before) and as it was happening and he really did amazing! Here is a bit of translation...the drill was tickling. The filling was painting. And they used a device to dry it and that was the blow dryer. JP did not receive any anesthesia. He did awesome but I have to admit that I am now more than ever convinced that he can not express pain. I assume that he felt pain but he would not admit it.)

JP: It cleaned my teeth.

Mom: Well, he actually cleaned them on Monday. Today we went back for something else. Do you remember what?

JP: Yes. Hmm. Let me think. Think. Think. Think. I got... I know... Hey, I know. I got to get my cavities before I go to store.

Mom: Did he fix your tooth?

JP: Ha! Yes.

Mom: Did it hurt?

JP: Nope.

Mom: What did he do to your tooth?

JP: He fixed it and gave me a drink of water. And we played in some at Bob the Builder's museum.

Mom: Did the dentist tickle your teeth?

JP: Yeah. Yes.

Mom: Did it feel funny when he tickled your tooth?

JP: Hee Hee. Silly mommy! He did. Yes!

Mom: Did he tickle your tooth and then paint on your tooth and then blow dry your tooth.

JP: He did blow on my tooth. It was silly.

Mom: Was it scary?

JP: Haa Haa...not scary! It's happy.

Mom: You were happy with the strange tools and noises they made?

JP: Yes. And along the way I got something around. And I got to see Bob the Builder around that museum.

Mom: After the dentist did you get a special treat? You know for letting the dentist do all of his work without getting upset.

JP: I got Superman, Supergirl and Batman. They are good friends.

Mom: Yes.

JP: Hurray!

Mom: So JP what was your favorite thing you did today?

JP: I did the museum when Bob the Builder was inside.

Mom: Yeah, that was pretty cool! Well, It sounds like Daddy is ready for you. (It's bedtime) You should be a very, very tired little boy. Good night!

JP: Well if I go to sleep I want my characters. Superman, Supergirl and Batman.

Mom: Okay...let's go find them.

June 5, 2007

Mom: Okay since you asked to...let's do words. What do you want to talk about?

JP: Well, how about we talk about a character!

Mom: A character. Which character would you like to talk about?

JP: How about...I like to talk about Bob the Builder.

Mom: Do you like Bob the Builder?

(We have had a Bob DVD for 2 years now. JP refused to watch it. He'd never watch it on TV. I bought a discounted CD Storybook at Christmas just to see if he'd give it a try during his read along bedtime routine. No dice. However, something must have clicked. Last month he asked to listen to Bob the Builder at bedtime and ever since has become a Bob fanatic. )

JP: Yes. Maybe Bob the Builder will give me some...a Bob the Builder Costume.

Mom: So you can pretend to be him?

JP: Well, maybe, Bob the builder will give me a Bob the builder costume and then I'll try it on.

Mom: But what if it is too small.

JP: Well it will be big. We'll have to see. Maybe we'll try him on the next morning.

Mom: Do you like Wendy too?

JP: Yes. And all the machines!

Mom: Which is your favorite machine?

JP: My favorite machines is Lofty. And Pilcher and Travis and Spud. Spud is my favorite character. Maybe Travis will feed the bunnies and the mice.

Mom: Is spud a potato?

JP: Nope he's a scarecrow.

Mom: Oh, a scarecrow. They have those on farms don't they?

JP: I don't think so! Mommy, you're right!

Mom: Where did we see a scarecrow?

JP: I see one at the farm.

Mom: When did we go to the farm?

JP: To check all the animals.

Mom: No, I was wondering when did we go to the farm. Not why...when.

JP: Because I can see all the animals.

Mom: Did we go to the farm with your preschool class?

JP: Yes! Hurray!

Mom: Did you have fun at the farm.

JP: Yes. Well, I guess we'll have to get started. I'm hungry. And I'm thirsty too.

Mom: What should we do about that?

JP: Well, how about I am thirsty with black juice when it's cold. Can you guess what it is?

(mom laughs)

JP: What is it when it is black and cokey. Do you know what it is?

(mom is to stunned that he is asking her to guess what he is describing!)

JP: IT IS COKE!

Mom: Do you like coke?

JP: Yes.

Mom: Well, JP. I must say something. I think that was super how you described the Coke to me and tried to get me to guess what you were talking about. Because JP knew he wanted Coke. But mommy didn't know. And I love how you made me guess! That was super! And that was fun!

JP: Hurray!

Mom: That was awesome!

JP: It was really awesome! Come on, let's get me Coke. Let me find the Coke. Maybe I'll check the frigerator. Should I check the frigerator? Mommy! There it is!

Mom: Let's go celebrate with a Coke!

JP: Can we do it! Yes, we can! (This is chanted in Bob the Builder lingo!)

(JP had a very nice Coke)

May 23, 2007

JP: Hey let's go make some words! Hey I got an idea.

Mom: What is your idea?

JP: That means I can get thirsty with some black juice. And it's Coke. Do you know where it is?

Mom: I do but you have to earn it first.

JP: When it's Cokey its Pepsi!

Mom: Do you like Pepsi?

JP: Yeeess! I like the little one.

Mom: You like the little cans?

JP: Yes, I like a little can with a Pepsi on it. You can open my little Pepsi with some Pepsi in it.

Mom: What are going to do with that Pepsi?

JP: I'm going to drink it.

Mom: Is that because you are hungry?

JP: (giggle) Not quite. That's for when I am thirsty.

Mom: Oh, I always get confused.

JP: That's not when you get confused. That's the one when I make you happy!

Mom: You always make me happy JP!

JP: Oh, me to! Well I got, hey, let's drink the little Pepsi together.

Mom: Well, remember when Mommy said after we do our work and play our games we can have a snack of popcorn and Pepsi.

JP: Oh, sure. Look I can dress up as a dragon!

Mom: A dragon!

JP: Yes.

Mom: Is it a scary dragon?

JP: But its a magic dragon costume.

Mom: Who wears the costume?

JP: Spud does in Spud the dragon movie in Bob the Builder CD on my radio. Tomorrow we are going to get that movie at our house and we'll watch it instead. Maybe we can do that. We'll do that next morning.

Mom: Well, honey, I don't know if I can find the movie. You have the story on the radio. We'll have to look to see if the library has the movie.

JP: Yeah! Now lets drink the popcorn and the little Pepsi together. Or now let's eat the popcorn and drink the Coke together!

Mom: Do you like popcorn?

JP: Yes, but they are soooo yummy!

Mom: What other food do you like?

JP: I like some Wiggles fruit snacks.

Mom: Those are good.

JP: Yeah, you are right. Maybe let's find the Pepsi and then let's cook the popcorn.

Mom: Where should I cook the popcorn?

JP: Into the microwave.

Mom: Oh, the microwave. Good thinking!

JP: Then let's find the little Pepsi. Maybe it's downstairs. In the basement. Let's go find it and see. Mommy are you coming?

Mom: Where in the basement?

JP: Maybe it's on the little frigerator. Inside.

Mom: Is that refrigerator bigger or littler than the one in the kitchen?

JP: Littler. But its NOT in the kitchen. It's downstairs in the closet room. Come on let's go find it so I can drink it. We're on my way!

Mom: What if I told you we were out of Pepsi. (mean, I know!)

JP: Ha! Oh no! But we are not out of Pepsi! We're full of Pepsi! We got to drink some.

Mom: But let's pretend we were out of Pepsi. Where ...

JP: BUT we are NOT out of PEPSI!!!!

Mom: Where would we go to get more Pepsi?

JP: Just downstairs. Hey look there is me flying with Woody! I got to get Woody and drag him into the trash.

(He's looking at a Photoshop picture I made. It is Buzz and Woody flying. I put JP's head on Buzz. It is a "thank you" to his teachers telling them that we wish we could take them to infinity and beyond with us! I also made a Superman one. JP talks about these pictures like they are real. "When I was Superman and I flew through the sky..." )

Mom: If there was no Pepsi downstairs where would Mommy have to go to buy more?

JP: At the store!

Mom: You are right! What would I have to have in order to buy the Pepsi?

JP: Because they are hiding!

Mom: Does mommy have to give the cashier something before we bring the Pepsi home?

JP: Ha! Good thinking!

Mom: What does Mommy give the cashier?

JP: Some money!

Mom: Yes, you are such a smart cookie!

JP: Yeah! Now let's go find the little Pepsi! Let's go find it downstairs!

Mom: Okay, I give up! Let's go!

May 21, 2007

Mom: So what are you drinking?

JP: I'm drinking some Coke..or lemonade...or Pepsi.

Mom: Oh, Pepsi. How come Mommy is giving you a special Pepsi?

JP: Because it's down stairs. In the basement. Between those boxes. On top of the frigerator.

Mom: But what did you do to earn your Pepsi?

JP: Because I dranked it. Or because...ummm!

Mom: No, listen carefully. What did JP do today to earn his Pepsi. Did you have to do something special.

JP: Yes.

Mom: What?

JP: Well, I just have to get started...playing games with our friends.

Mom: Did you have OT2 today?

JP: Yes. What did you have to do at OT2 in order to earn a Pepsi?

Mom: Write and play games.

JP: Were there any special rules mommy made....

JP: Yes...

(spills entire Pepsi on om's lap as she is transcribing the conversation)

Mom: Oh! JP! Ugh!

JP: (stunned silence)

Mom: What happened!

JP: I spilled my Pepsi.

Mom: Quick let's get a towel to clean it up. It's okay these things happen.

(JP is very anxious and on the edge of freaking out. Mom gets a towel and together we mop it up.)

Mom: Did that make you sad?

JP: But it make me confused.

Mom: What was confusing?

JP: I don't know...but hey I got an idea.

Mom: What's that?

JP: I'm going to give you a think.

Mom: A think? Can I have my think?

JP: Yes.

Mom: Okay, I'm waiting for my think.

JP: Let's see. I'll pick and see. I pick...videos.

Mom: Oh, I see. Well I'd rather keep talking here at the computer.

JP: Well I like to play my Nick Jr.

Mom: What is your favorite game on Nick Jr?

JP: My...I like... the Backyardigans driving their truck.

Mom: Anyone else?

JP: I was trying to play the Backyardigans racing adventure. But it's a puzzle. We got to put it on before it disappears.

Mom: Why would it disappear?

JP: Because I have to turn it back on. I have to click the mouse to turn it back on.

Mom: I see.

JP: Maybe...I know...let's think about...I know I can play my Playhouse Disney.

Mom: Did we have company last week?

JP: Oh, yes, Mommy! But hey! I can play my Playhouse Disney. Spell. playhousedisney.com. First make a www dot and a playhousedisney dot com.

Mom: Yep, you're right. But Mommy asked you a question.

JP: Oh.

Mom: Did we have company last week?

JP: Yes.

Mom: Who?

JP: Me.

Mom: Did anyone else stay the night?

JP: Yes, my friend baby bear and bob the builder CD. Spud the dragon, Bob's boots and Bob's big surprise and Pincher goes fishing. (The 4 stories on his Bob CD storybook)

Mom: JP, did Grandma and Grandpa visit us last week.

JP: Yes, but Mommy. Grandma is going to be here to go to the boy parade.

(huh?)

Mom: Did Grandma come to help mommy with the garage sale?

JP: Yes.

Mom: Did we sell some toys at the garage sale.

JP: Yes. But I got a question for you.

Mom: What is that?

JP: I can make a toy parade. I can move and pick up toys. Be careful to not bump into the furniture or you lose toys. (script from a nickjr game)

Mom: Did you sell any of your Thomas at the garage sale?

JP: Ha! I did one. I had one. I had one BIG Thomas.

Mom: And you sold him!

JP: Yes, I was so happy to be him.

Mom: Did you like that Thomas.?

JP: But that boy likes him. Maybe if the boy doesn't he'll bring him back here.

Mom: I think is great that you are giving him your Thomas.

(This was a motorized BIG Thomas that JP was afraid of for a couple of years. He loved Thomas but NOT that particular one. We used this train to teach him to say "no" and "turn it off please". At first he would break down in hysterics if it got turned on. Finally with a lot of effort he got so he could tell us that he didn't want it on and asked us to turn it off. So needless to say it was a love/hate relationship. Still JP was very intrigued that this other little boy wanted the train and actually did really well with the other little guy walking off and taking it home. JP keeps alluding that the boy might bring it back. I have a feeling JP would prefer he wouldn't!)

JP: But he will bring it back here! Later.


(THE END)

May 8, 2007

JP: Mommy, can we make words on the computer?

Mom: Okay, what should we say?

JP: How about we say the magic words?

Mom: What are the magic words?

JP: But hey! How about ....some ...how about we talk about anything!

Mom: Okay, lets talk about "gym and swim" (class at the YMCA) today.

JP: Close! How about some computer games.

Mom: Okay. What computer game do you want to talk about?

JP: I want to talk about "My friends Tigger and Pooh".

Mom: Oh, that's that cool TV show that is coming to Disney.

JP: It's on Playhouse Disney. It is coming on Saturday 9 central. On Playhouse Disney next month!

Mom: Are you excited to watch it?

JP: Yes! There will be Darby and Tigger and Pooh.

Mom: Will Piglet be there?

JP: Yeah. And Roo!

Mom: Cool! Can I watch it with you?

JP: Well, not really. We can watch it on next month!

Mom: You know what! It isn't next month anymore it is this Saturday!

JP: It is Saturday! Now we get to watch "My friends Tigger and Pooh".

Mom: Hey do you remember what Saturday means?

JP: I don't know....It means pajama day!

(I declared last Saturday as Pajama day and we were "couch potatoes" all day. JP loved this as he was wearing a new pair of Superman pajamas. Unfortunately, he then tried to declare Sunday as pajama day and Monday...)

Mom: That is right. What is pajama day?

JP: Because I can wear superman shirt with a superman cape on it. On my back. And I got to wear my blue superman long shorts. And then there will be a superman!

Mom: Cool. Did you wear them until breakfast.

JP: Ah! Yep!

Mom: Did you change in to clothes after breakfast.

JP: Yes. I wear them at bedtime.

Mom: On pajama day do you wear clothes or pajamas all day?

JP: Pajamas all day! But we can play a game.

Mom: What game do you want to play?

JP: How about...how...we could watch a movie.

Mom: No, no movies.

JP: But I'll find one.

Mom: But we are listening to the Dr. Seuss CD and typing on the computer. Isn't this fun?

JP: Oops. That's close.

Mom: What story is on the CD next?

JP: "The Cat and the Hat" and "The Cat in the Hat Comes Back".

Mom: Which one is your favorite?

JP: My favorite CD Story is ...is.. is ...Horton hear a Who.

(I don't believe him. He never listens to Horton Hears a Who. He always zaps it and goes back to a cat in the hat story. Right now, Horton Hears a Who is playing because he is in my office with me and not readily available to rewind to his favorites.)

Mom: Really that is your favorite or that is what is on right now?

JP: I got an idea.

Mom: What's that?

JP: Maybe to watch Jack Jack attacks.

Mom: Is that the Incredible's short movie?

(Jack Jack attack is a 5 minute clip about what really happens while Jack Jack (the baby in the Incredibles) is home with the babysitter. The rest of the family is off saving civilization. The family doesn't think Jack Jack has any special powers but he has lots and he really messes with the poor babysitter!)

JP: Not quite. That is the dark incredible movie.

Mom: What do you mean dark?

JP: The dark is Jack Jack. Maybe we can watch that one. Hey what are you waiting for. Let's go to the toy room and watch Jack Jack Attacks.

Mom: No. Mommy wants to play a game first.

JP: But Mommy! We got to finish our movie first.

Mom: What game shall we play?

JP: There is no time for play. There is no time for games. But there is movies to be done. But when our dad went out for the day. My dad said...Mommy and me, Dash. Well then who should come up? ...Maybe Daddy is coming tonight? He's coming on Saturday at 9:30 central.

( A bit of Cat in the Hat at play here. Interestingly though he gets side tracked. A bit of explanation: Dad is out of town for 3 days and JP has already asked about him a couple of times today. Unfortunately, no Daddy in the forecast for tonight but JP was very relieved to know that Daddy will be here for the "My friends Tigger and Pooh bonanza he is planning on Saturday at 9:30 central!)

Mom: Oh, good then he'll be here to watch my friends Tigger and Pooh.

JP: Oh of course! Let's watch Playhouse Disney.

Mom: But Playhouse Disney isn't on at 4 in the afternoon.

JP: Maybe we'll try to watch its. It's on 06.

Mom: What is that?

JP: To watch Playhouse Disney.

Mom: Yes but what is 06?

JP: Channel six is Playhouse Disney.

Mom: Actually Playhouse Disney is channel 48.

JP: Well, I can turn it on. Maybe I can do that...I'll be right back!

(He turns on the TV and starts flipping channels. He gets up into the 60s before coming to ask Mom for help. I show him channel 48 which actually has the Disney emblem on the bottom corner. He believes me that it is the right channel but demands that I put Playhouse Disney on.)

May 3, 2007

Mom: JP, how was your day?

JP: Great!

Mom: What all have you done today?

JP: I don't know. But first we have to snap my Superman costume and tie my belt. Can you snap my Superman costume please?

Mom: Nope.

JP: Oh, but of course you can!

Mom: Why should I do that?

JP: Because you can snap and tie my Superman belt. And then I need to put on my cape.

Mom: No, Superman doesn't wear a cape.

JP: But Superman does wear a cape! (he is starting to get a little peeved)

Mom: Are you sure?

JP: Yes! And the snap my superman suit and tie my superman belt and my cape!

Mom: Okay.

(Mom helps him put it on)

JP: Look! I'm superman!

Mom: You look just like Tigger.

JP: Nope, I'm just like Superman! Silly.

Mom: Is Superman a boy or a girl?

JP: He's a boy. And he's a superhero! But I'm Superman.

Mom: Oh, are you a superhero.

JP: Yes, but I'm right here. Shall I watch my movie when I am Superman?

Mom: What movie?

JP: Sing along song movie. I'll go push play.

Mom: No, No, No. Come here. Mommy asked you what have you done today?

JP: I have done Disney Preschool and Camp Munroe speech. And I played at the park with with...T and... and... J.

Mom: Was anyone else there?

JP: I went down the yellow slide and I saw the water. I splashed the water.

Mom: There was water on the slide?

JP: Yes

Mom: How did water get on the slide?

JP: Because the rain fell on it. We used the umbrella to keep us dry.

Mom: That's right it rained on our drive to speech, didn't it?

JP: Yes.

Mom: Who else played on the slides with you?

JP: G!

Mom: Yeah. He was even at our house last night, wasn't he?

JP: Hurray!

Mom: Did you and G have fun last night.

JP: Yes, but Uh oh! I hear T!

Mom: Yep, it sounds like he is waking up from his nap. I hear him in his monitor.

JP: But, I'll go get him. I'll be right back.

Mom: Are you bringing him back with you?

JP: Oh yes. I'll be right back. I'll get T. Well, actually will you get T.

Mom: Oh, do you need my help?

JP: I don't need your help. How about you get T and I watch my movie.

Mom: I'll tell you what. How about if you go tell T that Mommy is coming.

And he is off like the flying superhero he is!

May 2 2007

Mom: What do you want to talk about today, JP?

JP: Movies!

Mom: Movies, which movie?

JP: Sing along songs Lion King Circle of Life.

Mom: That is a good movie. Which is your favorite song?

JP: My favorite song is "I just can' wait...my favorite song is Circle of Life.

Mom: Wow, I like that one. But do you remember what Mommy's favorite song is?

JP: Mommy, what's your favorite song?

Mom: Do you remember me telling you before?

JP: Yes.

Mom: What did I tell you?

JP: I don't know.

Mom: Okay, I'll give you a clue.

JP: Oh, a clue!

Mom: It has to do with bugs.

JP: Bugs Life?

Mom: No, it is a song on the "Sing Along Circle of Life" movie and it is a song about bugs. Do you know what I am talking about?

JP: The Lion King Timon and Pumbaa.

Mom: What song is that?

JP: That was from "Yummy Yummy Yummy! I have bugs in my tummy".

Mom: Yeah, that's it! That is mommy's favorite song.

JP: (fake cough) excuse me.

Mom: Goodness, do you have a tickle in your throat?

JP: I have a tickle in the way home on the van.

(I wouldn't know about this but the van driver relayed this story to me today. The two boys on either side of JP ganged up on him and were tickling him. He was screeching and she didn't know if he liked it or not so she pulled over the van to make them stop. JP protested, "No, don't make them stop!" (big smile)

Mom: Oh, you mean when Drew and Jack tickled you.

JP: Yes. But I got an idea.

Mom: What idea?

JP: To watch a movie.

Mom: No, I think right now we are making words on the computer.

JP: But after we are done we'll watch a movie.

Mom: Actually, I think we will do some writing and scribbling.

JP: Oh, writing and scribbling! Writing and scribbling with two markers.

Mom: Which two do you want?

JP: blue and black.

Mom: Why blue and black?

JP: Because...I'm going to watch a sing along song. But when I am done writing I am going to watch a sing along movie.

Mom: Well, then I thought we would play a game or do a puzzle. Which would you like to do?

JP: Play a game.

Mom: What game do you want to play?

JP: I want to play...I want to play...I like to play...I like to play...let me see...well, I like to play (grabs a soccer ball) soccer.

(We are in my office where I have every single game we own lined up on a shelf. JP looked them all up and down. Apparently he didn't like any of them.)

Mom: Well, soccer would be fun. But I think that might be best outside after T gets up from his nap. Can we do that then?

JP: Maybe. Well. After Kristine gets here.

Mom: Well, Kristine came yesterday so she isn't coming today.

JP: Well, he could come on June.

Mom: Maybe in June.

(Actually yesterday was Kristine's last day. She is a student at a nearby university and is heading home for summer break. She might be back in town to work at a camp over the summer and will pick up a few hours here and there but nothing predictable. I explained to JP that we wouldn't be seeing her until school starts next fall. I don't think he is quite understanding that...)

JP: Good idea!

Mom: When T wakes up do you want to go outside?

JP: Yes, we can go outside but I got to put on my shoes. After we go outside...we got to put on my shoes first and then we'll go outside.

Mom: Yes, you are right. Do you want to wear your new Spiderman shoes or your sandals?

JP: I like to wear Spiderman shoes.

Mom: Do you like sandals?

(the answer would be no to that questions--but as usual avoidance is his method of answering)

JP: Well. I like to go...we can go outside and jump on the trampoline with the net on it. On the trampoline we can go jump jump jump. We can play gatorade gatorade gatorade we all fall down!

Mom: Did Kristine teach you that?

(She and JP spent a lot of time on the trampoline yesterday)

JP: Yes.

Mom: Cool. I like Kristine. She is fun.

JP: Kristine jump on the trampoline with the net with me!

Mom: She sure did. Was it kind of different jumping with someone else on the trampoline with you?

JP: Yes. But Mommy, who's coming today?

(The poor guy has learned that if we aren't leaving the house than someone is coming here. But then busy is good, right?)

Mom: Remember we are just hanging out this afternoon and then G is...

JP: going to be here! Oh!

Mom: Did you remember that the trampoline was G's. It used to be in his backyard.

JP: You and Daddy build that in my garden.

Mom: Yep, but G's mommy gave it to us for your garden. Wasn't that nice of her?

JP: Yes.

Mom: You should make sure you tell her thanks! And tonight you need to make sure that you let G jump on it.

JP: Can G and I jump on it?

Mom: Yes, but sometimes G might want to jump alone atleast until he gets comfortable on the trampoline. So can you give a little time to get comfortable.

JP: Oh, yes. But the trampoline will make me bounce.

Mom: Oh, bounce. Like Tigger!

JP: Did Kristine make me bounce.

(Once again, leading a conversation with a question. He always phrases it with a question. We can't seem to break that habit.)

Mom: I don't know, did she.

JP: Yes. But, hey!

Mom: Yes.

JP: Maybe the trampoline will spin and high my jump.

Mom: Huh? Maybe the trampoline will what.

JP: ...???? Once I jump high I'll spin and high my jump.

(I'm confused)

Mom: Do jump high on the trampoline?

JP: Yes.

Mom: Okay, are you reading to write and scribble?

JP: Yes. Here it goes.