Music prodigy? Here, Ethan is 'creating' his own music...

Monkey See, Monkey Do

Larry came home, went upstairs, and as Ethan does, followed him...

Ethan is such a copy cat. He thinks he is much older and bigger than he actually is. Naturally, he idolizes his father and tries to mimic or copy his actions.

Tag

Okay, I made this one up on my own, but the same rules apply as with any tag. I got this idea from a request a friend of mine sent me.

Name three of your favorite things in your closet, who makes it, where you got it, and why you like it so much:

1. Halter Dress by BCBG from Bloomingdales in TX. I got it while going to the Duck's wedding and realized I didn't bring a dress for the rehearsal dinner, duh. It's my favorite because I wore it then and all through out my pregnancy, and wear it now - it is spand-aculous!

2. Strappy sandals by Michael Kors from Michael Kors store. I love the color of the shoes, which is a yellowish champaign color. I love them because I wore them when we got married.

3. Jeans by 7 For All mankind. I pick them up everywhere. My friend, Carla got me hooked on them but Debbie and I are addicted. They fit so awesome, and I can never find jeans that do.

Now, tag Andrea, Lavinia, and Pat

Argh!

Why does it have to be so difficult? I am trying to get Ethan off of the pacifier. He is now 19 months old, he's been off of the bottle since he was right at one (well, he only had a bottle in the morning, because it was more convenient for me). Ethan does not have it during the day, or during his naps, but needs it at night. Sometimes he'll wake up fumble around, find his pacifier and go back to sleep. I am thinking this is more of a convenience for me. When he can't find it, he comes in and wants to go downstairs to play. Not that much fun at 3 am. No matter what - he knows bed time and knows he has to have his pacifier to sleep. Help - anyone?

Okay, so I try to be one who compromises on the house stuff. And really, I feel like I am pretty agreeable. Well, when we first moved in Larry was starting the night shift at NIU. If any of you know and remember - he has to have it dark and silent (impossible for me. I am exactly opposite, you know, since I don't go to bed 'til the sun comes up anyway). I made this very thick and black curtain that Velcro'd to the actual window ensuring no light could seep through. Since it was black (and we also planned on getting a new bedroom set) I wanted bedding to somewhat match and drapery too. Keeping the first part in mind - I wanted to get bedding Larry would not hate. I ended up getting this black, cream, blue and chambray and white striped/plaid Nautica set. I did NOT like it at all. But I thought it was masculine, and surely Larry would approve. It has been 2 years. I announced the other day (not wanting to hurt his feelings or seem fickle) I wanted to get new bedding, I had tired of the current. Larry burst into "Thank goodness! I hated the stuff we have now! It is SO ugly, it's an eye-sore, what were you thinking?" I had no idea... I started laughing. This is what I ended up with... which I like, because I have been obsessed with the chocolate brown - and if you remember, I have always loved the sage green and mushroom colors. I think it's simple, but I feel like it is still decent. We have to consider the cats, Ethan, and that Larry and I have two opposite temperature levels at night (his 100 and mine zero below).

First Day at the Park This Year

As y'all know, our weather has been horrific - I suppose - as it is every year. We all have had severe spring fever, so when we saw it was going to be such an awesome day on Sunday, we took Ethan to the neighborhood park. He loves being outside!

Blah Blah Blah

As you know by now, Ethan loves 'talking' on the phone. We don't have a land-line, and probably never will. We don't get a babysitter often enough. Whenever we have had one she had her own cell phone, or Larry or I left mine with her in case of emergency. Last weekend was the first that I had to get a babysitter on my own (Larry had to work). In true Victoria fashion, I started freaking out (why do I do that?). Not a big deal, we added a line to my cell phone service which was cheaper and more logical than getting a pre-paid phone. The actual phone that we got was a free phone - wow, this has turned into a long story... sorry - it is really small. And, fortunate for Ethan, just his size. He is just so relaxed on the phone. It's hilarious, because he will 'talk' for-EVER!

The other day, Larry was cleaning out a box of old stuff. He came across a harmonica I bought years ago for him. Still brand new, of course. Naturally, Ethan is curious -

My Child is a Genius...

Alright, I know: every parent thinks their child is the smartest and so advanced for their age. But mine is... just kidding. But seriously, I was reading the Baby Center update that I get once a month after subscribing when I was pregnant (for anyone expecting for the first time, it is awesome). In it this month... Your Toddler at 18 months... blah blah blah... time-outs... chewing gum... table manners...

"To be on the safe side, hold off on gum until at least age 4. Like small hard foods such as popcorn, hot dogs, and dried fruits, gum is a choking hazard. Most children don't understand the concept of chewing without swallowing until they're around 4"

Well, Ethan has been chewing gum since before he was one. He actually chews it and retains it. He likes the Ice Breakers gum but he will chew the Trident for at least 2 hours or more.
Then, I read this:

"Your toddler is surer on his feet, loves to climb all over your furniture, and can connect with a kick ball if he concentrates hard enough".

Ethan has been kicking soccer balls since he was walking - literally.
So... in summary, yes, my child is very advanced and may be a genius... maybe not, but it's all about me and what I want to hear.

You Are Mulan!

Strong and spirited. You're no one's girly girl; actually you are very determined person with a strong sense of self. Never let go of that! The only thing that equals your sense of self is your family, but the traditions of society can always be bent to protect something or someone you love.

Which Disney Princess Are You?

The Force is Strong With This One:

Impressive, but you are not a Jedi yet...

...You have much to learn, my young Padawan.

(Don't laugh at the PJ's, I think they are so cute, but Larry hates them, and so do some other friends of ours... thanks a lot... PIWO!)

The other day I was on the phone with Andrea, my youngest sister (in-law). Ethan was on my toes holding on to my legs because he needed to speak with Andrea. Apparently, he had something very important to discuss.

From the looks of it, it was an intense conversation, one not to be taken lightly...

and apparently, none of my business.

Happy Birthday, Tami

It is my older littler sister's birthday (8th). She is very young, of course. I am so happy to have a sister and friend in her.

Tami is my best friend - but it was not always that way. Growing up we disliked one another, and she was way too smart to be hanging out with the likes of me. Tami was a debater and on the fast path to being a gold medalist gymnast and lawyer. I was not. In fact, I was just in the now and having fun.

When we were very young, Tasha and I were so antagonistic (yes, I know, hard to believe!) and would make Tami so mad she would yell at us (but she was taller than me then). When Tami yelled, the vain in her neck would pop out, so we were antagonistic to see it pop out. It was way cool. Not like Tyler puffing his face, but that is another story for another time.

Even though we shared a family and some of the same friends (her senior year) or friends in the same families we did not hang out that much together or even talk. The day Tami & Ly got married is the day that changed. I don't know but for some reason we have been very close ever since.

I know I have scared her and tested her and ticked her off, but she has always been by my side.

I love you my sister, my friend! (I hope she approves of the pix I've used here)

Fun

It was such a nice day today, and Larry has been working 12 hour shifts, so we decided to take Ethan out.

Larry looked up this place we drive by every day on I-88, Odyssey Fun World (we are going to take him to Chuck E. Cheese's as well to compare). Ethan is driving...

I tried to put Ethan on the coin/token operated rides like they have outside of K-Mart or inside of WalMart and other silly stores. He was not having it at all. I put him in the 'car' with me to race and he loved that because he got to steer.

We went to this room that I think Ethan loved running around the playroom rather than actually playing in the structure. It's a good thing I'm so little, because I actually followed him through the levels and tunnels. We stayed for a few hours, but it was just long enough for Ethan to sufficiently show off for all of the adults watching their own children.
Ethan and Larry played in the balls together. Ethan got so excited sinking into them, I don't think he knew what to do, but he loved having his dad in there with him. They threw balls at me!

Happy Birthday To You!!!!

Happy Birthday (April 6th), Andie! I am so happy that Todd and Andrea chose each other. Andrea is a great addition to our family, and she is just like another younger sister I can boss around. Okay, I'm kidding. I don't really boss anyone around, they just humor me. Andrea is such a sweet girl, and we are lucky to have her as part of our family. Happy birthday!

Just Hangin' Out:

Who's The Baby Now?

Tuesday we converted Ethan's bed from a crib to a toddler bed (basically, we just dropped one side and put up a very short section) and I rearranged his room. It has been interesting to see how he has taken ownership so quickly. Ethan has not really played in his room very much at all, but now that he has a 'bed' he is in it reading, jumping, and playing.

Nap time, however, is a different story. I'm sure y'all remember that!

I can't believe I forgot this. My Mom sent a package to Ethan because Mom is always thinking about us, since I am the favorite child (of course this is not true). Ethan was very excited and jumped around saying 'bit bit, bit bit', which of course is ribbit ribbit... duh!

Mom also sent this very cute book, "I Love You More Than..." and there are lights and music, which Ethan loves! But is also has a picture of us at the very end.

Pee-ew!

I totally forgot about this... When Ethan was about three months old, I took off his socks and thought what is that smell? It was Ethan's feet. He has very stinky, sweaty feet. And now that he wears shoes and walks around - it's worse. Oh, and when I take his socks off now, he looks between his toes for lint or 'toe-jam'. Gross. At least he doesn't suck his own stinky toes. So gross.

April's Fools

Well, I think I am very funny and very clever, of course. I played a very well thought out and flawlessly executed prank on a co-worker. It went so well, I came home with my confidence hoping to wreak more havoc.
I had a doctor's appointment last month - true. I had to get some lab work done this week - true. I got test results today - true (just general girly stuff). Larry is aware of the series of events. So, when I came home from work I set it up by asking if he was in a good mood. We moved on to other things. I told him we needed to have a discussion. Now, over the last 12 years whenever I say "Larry"! he knows, crap, here is comes, what now? We walked to Ethan's room, and I showed him how to convert Ethan's crib to a bed - rather, the logistics of it. While in Ethan's room, I reminded him of my girl stuff, and said... yadda yadda yadda, "I'm pregnant"!
Well, it didn't go so well. He threw up a little in his mouth, and almost cried. He was visibly upset, so I quickly threw in an "April Fools!"
Larry was not humored. He was mad. I was laughing but had to apologize because he really looked like he was going to cry his little eyes out.
It was a good April Fool's joke, because he believed it.