Baba is teaching NJ how to properly clean the bathroom. He has this bathroom mostly to himself except for guests. It's good for him to not only learn how to keep it clean, which we've been teaching him, but also to actually clean it. He did a pretty good job. 

We had a lot of chopping, preparing, and cooking to do. So we asked NJ to help with some extra chores. He was happy to get a paper money. He says (almost daily) to Baba, "When can I earn paper money?" His wallet is totally full with coins. 

He stood up on a stool to watch Baba prepare the wontons and lumpia. 

And he could also watch me make some cupcakes. 

I should have done only half the recipe, it was a lot more cupcakes than I thought! Oh well, it's good to share generously!

Baba has a great helper that was faster than him! We were all grateful for the help.

Awww... baby. Baby's first night out with us crazies. He did great considering all the noise we made. We (as usual) made so much food! We had wontons, lumpia, lettuce wraps, rice and chicken, chili, bread with brie, cheese pizza, and cupcakes. Of coarse I hardly took any pictures because I was too preoccupied with staring at this adorableness. 

Tofu and Cheese

Dinner is over, but I'm still finishing up in the kitchen while NJ is setting up a game for us. He insisted on Candy Land but the by the time I got over there, he had put that away and set this one up instead. I guess I shouldn't take so long. He won the game. 

Already prepared, he had a stack of books for me to read to him after our game. Most of the stories he can recite almost word for word. And there were others that he really can read a lot of it. I'd run my finger along with the words I was reading and pause to let him read it or try sounding it out. Pretty soon he'll be reading his favorite stories and books to me instead. 

I was chopping some tofu for something I'm making tomorrow. NJ had to have one. I told him, "How can you want a piece of tofu when you didn't even finish your dinner?" There was one piece left of his cheese quesadilla still sitting on his plate that I hadn't cleared yet. He grabbed it and starting eating it. So I gave him a slice of the tofu thinking he'd have one in each hand. No, he stacks it and eats it together. Not a combination I'd think of, but he seemed to enjoy it. 

Dotty watches closely as usual. As soon as he was done he said his tummy hurt. Well, I wonder why.

We made noodles for dinner and I gave him the Thomas chopsticks I picked up in Japan. He was unsure about it, but did fine. That tofu game helps!

He wanted to play chess with Baba, but first he pulled out chutes and ladders. The three of us played together. Mama won, hee hee hee (doesn't happen often).

Time for chess. Such serious faces!
Before getting into bed NJ started talking about how he needed to bring his wallet to school and it sounded almost like a frantic presentation and explanation. He said, "I need to bring a dollar so I could buy something tomorrow, only tomorrow at recess and lunch for only a dollar!"
What's this something? Treats, of coarse! What kind of treats?
"Brownies, cookies, and icees!"
Are you sure you want to spend your money on treats? You can save it for legos that you want.
"Ok. I don't have to get it."
We knew he really wanted it just by his excitement. So the next morning we gave him a dollar to get something so he didn't have to spend his own. 

"I don't think so"

NJ ate his whole churro without using his hands. A little strange, but I'm somehow a little impressed.
Sitting down to dinner, I was the last to sit down. I made my own plate and NJ immediately comments. He says, "Woa Mama, you're gonna eat all that?" He looks at Baba and says, "I don't think so. Right Baba?" Even my son knows I don't eat much. They bet on who was right whether I'd finish my plate or not. Baba was right. 

Some after dinner chess with Baba.