Jacob likes to participate in anything that goes on around the house. If I'm sweeping, he climbs in the broom closet and gets the dust pan. If I'm doing laundry, he wants to start the dryer or help pour the laundry detergent and put it in the washer. One of his favorite things is to help cook...or pretend to cook by lining up his dishes along the couch. (See video) He frequently wants my cooking utensils or a pot with a lid. Today, I was loading the dishwasher, and asked Jacob to get the soap (which he usually does automatically, even if it's not full enough to run yet). Jacob got the liquid dish soap out instead of the dishwashing detergent at first, then handed me the right bottle. I added the soap, started it up, and noticed Jacob had gone into the living room...and the dish soap was gone. I went into the living room and Jacob had gotten out his play dishes, and was pouring soap all over the dishes to wash them. He had the right idea, so we decided to wash the play dishes in the kitchen sink with water...which kept him busy for a long time. He is so fun, and he tries so hard!!!

Jacob and I baked cookies today for the neighbors as a thank you for helping with the trees this weekend. Just before his bedtime, Jacob came in and wanted a cookie, reaching up for the one in my hand. I didn't want to give him a whole cookie so close to bedtime (and he had a few already!), so I said "hands down...you can have a bite". He immediately bent all the way over, and put both his hands flat on the floor and waited.

Jacob is really good at asking for what he wants by signing either "more" or "please" and then pointing. Sometimes you have to guess at what he's pointing to, and if you get it wrong, he shakes his head no and signs "finished" (which looks like he is waving you away to dismiss you).

This weekend, he started to actually say the word "no". He says it sympathetically, as if to say "it was a good try though".

More pictures from the weekend!

Now that I am getting more active,

we've decided to set up a new way

for everyone to keep updated

on what new things I am doing,

current pictures, and even video too!

You can check it out anytime!! Enjoy!! :)

Thursday morning after the storm

Helping saw the trees Saturday afternoon.

I'm wearing red so I'm easier to keep track of in the yard!

Had lunch with Carol. Gave all of my senior friends high fives.

Mommy and I went to Cabela's to see the aquarium, and I wanted to ride the 4 wheeler!

Mommy and Daddy and I went out for pizza. They had a model train that drove around the restaurant that I liked watching.

Mommy, and Daddy, and I took Grandma Birkeland to the MN Zoo. It was my first time there!

Today I mowed the lawn with Daddy. And after supper, I rode my first helicopter and car ride all by myself at the St. Tim's Carnival!

First time cutting with scissors. I caught on quick!!

For breakfast, I pointed to the kitchen counter with banana bread, and signed "banana".

Walked around Menards with Mommy, I can show you where the bathtubs, sinks, and toilets are if you ask!

Mommy helped me make banana bread today.

Slept overnight at Grandma and Grandpa Birkeland's house last night.

Went to Menards and got new windows for my room today!

Jacob sitting in the apple tree in the back yard.