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.