New Playhouse

M's birthday is on Easter this year. We decided to give him his birthday present a little early to make the distinction between Easter and his big day. As the pictures show, we made it a family event. We had cousin T and Uncle S help out on the assembly. Dad could have done it alone, but it sure was a lot more fun this way!

Burgers, anyone?

Time Out

M has been cracking us up with his "self-discipline." When he makes a poor choice, he quickly puts himself in time out.

A few weeks ago, he and J were sitting in a chair together watching cartoons. J let me know that he was scratched by the little guy. He started to climb out of the chair. When I asked him where he was going, he said, "to time out." He walked at first and then sped up to a slow jog as he approached the chair. He plopped himself down and began to cry huge tears. It was all I could do not to laugh. I gave him the 30 seconds or so that he needed and then walked over for a hug. I asked him what might need to happen next. He said, "Sorry, J."

I wasn't sure if this was really going to stick. Oddly enough, it has. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it works until he's at least 16!

1st Baseball Game

Tonight we had our first baseball game. We might not have won, but we sure did have fun.

Calling All Superheroes

We celebrated J's birthday this weekend. His real birthday is not until March 30, but due to crazy sports schedules, this seemed like the best time to have the party. We had a few hairy moments, as all parties do, but all in all it was a great time! I think the pictures tell the best story.

Potato Heads

J and K had great fun introducing M to Mr. Potato Head and friends. In fact, they might have had a little too much fun. They kind of took over after about 15 minutes and wouldn't let him touch anything they built. Since M just likes taking them apart, it didn't work out so well. I quickly became the Potato Head Referee.

Field of Dreams

M is obsessed with the garbage, garbage cans, and now recycling. My better half thinks it has nothing to do with recycling except for the fact that it is related to trash (and the fact that it means a special trip to the garage...another really fascinating place). I believe this to be true as well, but I have a different take on it.

It's one of those things...a Field of Dreams analogy of sorts. You build it, they will come. At first he just talked about it because it was a form of trash. Now he thoughtfully comments and can identify objects that should be recycled. We are building a child that will be environmentally responsible from a very early age. He won't know anything different. So...I am glad that "recycle" is in his vocabulary at almost 2. Regardless of the reason, he is a reminder that we should all do our part to make a difference. If he can do it, so can we.

Dear Tooth Fairy

Our big guy has lost many teeth over the course of his first grade year. We had some scary and rather hairy moments, but we've survived. One tooth would just spin in circles and not come out...it was the worst. He lost one in his sleep, but I rescued it the next morning in the crack between the mattress and the bed frame. Now we have another sad tale. The last one is gone forever. We think it might have been swallowed in his sleep. Needless to say, Tooth Fairy panic set in. How do you get money from the Tooth Fairy with no tooth to show as the proof of your pain and agony?