He's a Genius!

There's a story in my family about me learning to read. I used to memorize my books and "read" them to my family. When I was really little I "read" a book to my Grandma D. She was amazed and told my dad that she couldn't believe I was reading. My dad tried to explain to her that I has memorized the book and wasn't really reading yet. My grandma snapped back "She's reading!"

I think I know how my grandma must have felt now. I was putting clothes away in Wesley's room and he was sitting on the floor looking at books. All of a sudden I heard a little voice say "Night moon....balloon....bears, chairs....comb, brush...hush" I turned around to see Wesley with his Goodnight Moon book. He was "reading" the story out loud. Now I know my eighteen month old was not reading, but I will admit, my eyes teared up. He may not be reading, but he's on the fast track with those ever important pre-reading skills. My little genius.

Ready....Go!

Somehow Wesley has learned "ready....go!" This morning he was standing in the front room and said "ready...go!" then took off running. I guess you'd call it more of a sprint, because after a few feet he stopped, said "ready...go!" and took off again. The way he was laughing, it must have been a very fun game for him, but it was even more fun for me to watch! We played "ready...go!" when it was time to go upstairs to get dressed too. I usually count to three then lift him over the baby gate. Today I said "Ready?" and he shouted "Go!" I lifted him over the gate and he scrambled up the stairs as fast as his little arms and legs would carry him. What fun!

Fashion Emergancy

I should know better than to leave the house without a spare outfit for Wesley. I've been a mom for one day shy of eighteen months now. I should know better, but I don't. Nope I am content to live dangerously and tempt fate. The result - Wesley had a leaky diaper while we were on the other side of town. Grandma H. and I made an emergency stop at Target today between doctor's appointments and changed Wesley into a brand new outfit in the restroom at the store! Is that what it takes to get new clothes? I'm not sure I'm willing to go there, but there is this dress I have my eye on... Nah!

OK- on with the cute story. We ate lunch out today and Wesley entertained himself by feeding OSB. He charmed the waitress and the couple in the next booth with his parenting skills. What a good boy! And what a cute outfit (for something that was picked out in less than five minutes!)

Home Sick

I'm home sick today with a tummy/intestinal problem. I seem to be doing a little better than I was during the night (read: no longer running to the bathroom every 10 minutes) so that's good.

Wesley has been impressing me with his sentences this morning. So far, I've heard "I need help" when he was stuck behind his toy box, "Hello Gus" when Wesley went to pet Gus, and "Chocolate milk please" when his sippy ran out of nutrasure. Not too shabby.

Wesley and I both have doctor's appointments tomorrow, so more then.

Getting to Know You (and Me!)

OK - I totally stole this from Elaina's mommy, but it seemed like such a fun idea!

2007 Version of Getting to Know Your Friends:

1. What time did you get up this morning? Got up at 7:07 after a couple snoozes

2. Diamonds or Pearls? I love pearls because they are so classy, but I do wear a pair of diamond stud earrings every single day.

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Happy Feet - which is really pathetic when you consider it was a "date night"

4. What's your favorite t.v. show? I hate to say this, but I am addicted to some reality tv. I adore America's Next Top Model, Top Chef and Dancing with the Stars. Other than that, I watch Noggin.

5. What did you have for breakfast? I treat myself to Starbucks one day a week. Today I had a tall, sugar-free vanilla, non-fat, extra-hot latte and a reduced fat cranberry oat bran muffin.

6. What is your middle name? Pendleton

7. What is your favorite cuisine? Any and all. I love spicy food though and had some fantastic szechuan duck last night.

8. What foods do you dislike? I'm not a huge seafood fan. I don't care for squid, mussels, oysters, or salmon. I'll try most anything else though

9. Your favorite Potato chip? Jones' Honey BBQ

10. Favorite CD you've been listening to lately? I listen to books on CD when I am in the car. Right now I'm listening to "Gods in Alabama" and just finished a fantastic teen novel.

11. What kind of car do you drive? Hyundai Elantra

12. Favorite sandwich? I am a sucker for a Reuben. LOVE THEM!!!

13. What characteristics do you despise? Racism and compulsive lying

14. What are your favorite clothes? I'm a jeans and v-neck shirt kind of gal. But I would so dress in head-to-toe Coldwater Creek or Ann Taylor if I could afford it.

15. If you could go anywhere in on vacation where would it be? A cruise! If it was just me and Duane it would be to Greece and Italy. A family Disney cruise would rock too.

16. What brand of clothes is your favorite brand? the brand that is marked 50% off!

17. Where would you want to retire? Near my son

18. Favorite time of day? I am such a morning person, it isn't even funny.

19. Where were you born? Same hospital Duane was born in and that I gave birth to Wesley in.

20. What is your favorite sport to watch? Football (Buckeyes and Browns) and Hockey (Blue Jackets)

21. Pepsi or Coke? Pepsi One (although I drink Coke Zero too)

22. Beavers or Ducks? WHAT?!?

23. Are you a morning person or a night owl? We established this in Question 18

24. Pedicure or Manicure? Pedicure- I'm less likely to chip my toenails.

25. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? Nope! I'm an incredibly dull person!

26. What did you want to be when you were little? A teacher

27 . What is your best childhood memory? Nothing in particular, but knowing I was loved no matter what sure ranks up there.

28. Ever been toilet papering? YES!

29. Been in a car accident? Yes, several - but nothing major and only one when I was driving (fender bender)

30. Favorite restaurant? Depends what I'm in the mood for

31. Favorite flower? daffodils and yellow roses

32.Favorite ice cream? pistachio

33. Favorite fast food restaurant? see question 30

34. How many times did you fail your drivers test? Passed it on the first try!

35. From whom did you get your last e-mail.. ? Old Navy

36. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Coldwater Creek, Ann Taylor, Gap

37. Last person you went to dinner with? Ann, Ann, Astrid and Michael

38.How many tattoos do you have? Two - just kidding, Dad!

39. Favorite magazine? Well, I have subscriptions to Every Day with Rachel Ray, Paula Deen, and Bon Appetit

40. If you could meet any famous person, who would it be? Natalie Maines from the Dixie Chicks, I just think she'd be a blast to hang out with.

42. If you could choose another first name, what would it be? Don't know, I never really felt like a "Heather" though.

43. If you could change your profession right now, what would it be? Stay at home mom - or a Disney expert!

As Han Solo Would Say...

"I've got a bad feeling about this." Wesley is very aware of the fact that he has two bears now. This morning he woke up to find NSS in his chair with milk. This was OK for about ten minutes. Then he grabbed me my the finger, walked into the laundry room and said "Bear." I asked if he wanted his other bear (OSB) and he said, "Yes." The problem is that he refused to relinquish NSS. "So I suppose you want both bears," I said sarcastically (BTW - sarcasm is lost on toddlers). Wesley responded with a resounding "YES!" He's been carrying both bears around ever since.

I guess I don't mind it so much in the house, but this could be a problem when we head to Sam's Club later. I refuse to take two stuffed bears to keep track of. Wonder which he will want to take with him? Wonder how I'm going to get the other one away from him?

Can You Find the Original Stinky Bear?

Wesley sure can! Not-So-Stinky Bear (NSS) arrived yesterday and Wesley is not fooled for one moment. When Duane got home, he asked Wesley if he could see his bear (Original Stinky Bear - OSB) and did a quick behind the back swap. Wesley grabbed for NSS and immediately flipped him over to suck on the tag. However, when he examined the tag area, he could tell something was off. Maybe it was the lack of disgusting scent, maybe it was the absence of slightly yellow crust that no amount of washing will remove, but Wesley wasn't buying it.


Duane let Wesley see both bears together. Instead of causing confusion, Wesley was thrilled. Two bears!?! How cool is that!? In fact, we have discovered that although NSS can't be a replacement for OSB, they can be traded back and forth a little. NSS is good for big hugs and for using as a pillow, but not for tag sucking. OSB is good for tag sucking and MUST be available if Wesley is feeling anxious or sad.

We figure that after a week or so, NSS will be gross enough that he might be able to be confused for OSB. We'll just have to see (or smell as the case may be.)

Definately the Child of a Librarian

Wesley and I just got back from a trip to Target. While we were there I picked up a couple of board books for him. One was an Elmo book from the dollar section and one was a puppy valentine's book that was on clearance for .10. Let me tell you, that was a dime well spent! Wesley couldn't put the book down while he was in the cart and whined when I had to put it on the counter to pay. When it was time to go, I had managed to get the Elmo book in the bag, but Wesley would not let go of the puppy book. I finally told him that he had to let go of the book or his bear because I needed to hold his hand in the parking lot. HE LET GO OF HIS BEAR!!!!! I can't believe it!! He read his new puppy book all the way home, while Bear rode in the bag. Poor Bear.

Best Kitty in the World

I know there are some faithful readers out there who really don't like cats. I try to be respectful of their opinions, but if they had a wonderful cat like my Sanders, they might feel differently. Sanders was adopted from Cat Welfare about 10 years ago. He had been adopted by a family when he was a kitten. They kept him for a year, then returned him because he was "vicious" and would "bite the children". Sanders' vicious nature has become somewhat of a family joke because he is an extremely docile cat and puts up with so much from kids. When he gets sick of the attention, he walks away.

Last night Sanders was sitting on my lap having some good snuggle time when Wesley decided he needed to be on my lap too. Below are the pictures that tell you exactly how vicious Sanders is.

What you don't see in these pictures are the many kisses Wesley bestowed on Sanders furry little face. Vicious, indeed.

Wesley's New High Chair

Think he likes it? It's a great exercise tool for Duane too!

Year of the Boar

Tonight we celebrated the Chinese New Year with Grandma and Grandpa H., Aunt Cathy, Sho and Kai.

A restaurant in town had a special Lion Dance tonight, so that's where we decided to dine. It was a lot of fun, but Wesley forgot his restaurant manners once again. He cried anytime we put him in his highchair and refused to eat even a morsel of the delicious food. He spent most of the evening wandering around the restaurant with either me, Daddy or Grandma H. Why does he do this? Most of the time he is fine at a restaurant, but if it's a special occasion of any sort, he refuses to cooperate! He wasn't bad, but it's hard to have a nice family dinner when someone is always off walking the toddler.

The Lion Dance portion of the evening was a lot of fun. It was loud with drums and cymbals and there were three separte lions throughout the restaurant. Sho and Kai were a bit scared (especially Sho) but Wesley didn't seem to mind the whole thing. He even reached out and petted one of the lions. My brave boy!

The Deception Has Begun

I just logged off amazon.com after purchasing a new Stinky Bear. In 3-5 days we should have a brand-new, stink-free version of Wesley's most beloved toy. Now I just have to decide if we will rotate the two bears, or wait until the original Stinky Bear has some sort of accident. I'm fairly certain it won't be long until that happens. This weekend Wesley started grabbing the tag between his teeth and pulling it - an act almost certain to shorten a toy's life span. Here's hoping this works!

Love Fest

Wesley and I are having a little love fest this morning. I've been showering him with loud, "smacking" kisses all over his face and neck. He rolls around an laughs and grins. When I stop, I say "I luvvvvv you," and he giggles some more. Then I ask if he wants more kisses. Wesley will wait for a moment, then say "Yes!" and the whole game begins again. I think the best part of it is that he's starting to say "I love you" after I say it to him. Sigh!

Happy Valentine's Day

I used to really hate Valentine's Day. I hated that there were all these expectations to have this incredibly romantic day and nothing you did could ever live up to the hype. When Duane and I got together he promised me that I would never have another bad Valentine's Day and he's been able to keep that promise each year.

Duane gave me a vase of beautiful yellow roses and a heart shaped box of chocolates on Tuesday night. He said he was going to hide them in the basement, but since we have an outside entrance to the basement, he was afraid he wouldn't be able to get to them this morning! I thought that was wonderful and more than I needed since we were also going out to dinner. But he had another surprise up his sleeve. When I turned the computer on, I noticed my background was totally different. Instead of a picture of Wesley, the screen was red with two arrows pointing to a new icon and the words "Try this! Happy Valentine's Day!" Duane waited until I went to sleep last night and downloaded my favorite computer game for me. I am totally addicted to the free version of Zuma, but I can beat it with my eyes closed. So Duane paid for the "real" version! You thought I had a Zuma habit before!

The weather is still pretty stinky and the library was closed again (I had already taken the day off though, so all that meant for me was that I didn't have to go in for a meeting.) Wesley and I spent the day hanging out together and it was so much fun! His Valentine's treat was a sippy cup of strawberry milk - yummy. I got to be the coolest mom in the world for awhile this morning too. I broke out the Gymboree bubbles and let loose in the kitchen. Wesley was running around saying "Bubbles! Bubbles!" and laughing up a storm. I think we had the whole room covered in bubbles! It was a perfect diversion for an inside day (even if I did have to mop the floor afterword)

Wesley gave me a great Valentine's Day gift too. We took a two hour nap together on the couch. I count this as a gift because for two whole hours I got to have my best little guy snuggled up against me. Wesley doesn't like to sit still for too long, so I know those moments are going to start coming less frequently. It was perfect for today though. I would have stayed there with him for hours more if I could have.

We ended our Valentine's Day by going out to dinner with Grandpa and Grandma H. There used to be a completely over the top Polynesian restaurant called the Kahiki. It closed several years ago, but some of the former employees have opened a smaller restaurant featuring many of the same dishes, tropical drinks and slightly more refined decor.For two hours we escaped the ice and snow. We wore leis, drank tropical beverages, listened to a guitar player sing Hawaiian songs and ate yummy food. It was like a mini vacation. Wesley wasn't overly interested in sitting to eat. He wanted to look at the fish tanks and dance to the music and jabber away to the guitar player - that's why he looks so thrilled in the picture. No one cared though. Everyone in the restaurant was there to have romantic getaway, but it was just loud enough that Wesley's occasional whines didn't interfere with any one's evening. The highlight for us, was the desert we ordered. It was called the Big Fat Mamasan and was a gigantic concoction of fruit and ice cream. It arrived at the table flaming and then the waiter poured water on a tray of dry ice it was sitting in. Wesley loved the "fog" rolling over the table from our dessert almost as much as he loved the ice cream. It was a perfect evening.

Snow Day part 2

What a wonderful lazy day it has been! Wesley and I have done a whole lot of nothing and I have loved every second of it. I even took two naps! Duane came home a little early too. Wesley and I went outside for all of two minutes as Duane shoveled the ice and snow, but what fun those two minutes were!

It's a SNOW DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I woke up this morning with a horrible feeling of dread. After my two hour commute home last week, the mere word "snow" makes me sick to my stomach. However, when the phone rang at 7:00 this morning and the caller ID said it was my boss, I knew exactly what was happening - SNOW DAY!!!!!! I had to call the six people I supervise to give them the news and it was so much fun! Everyone was so happy to hear from me!

Let the snow come falling down today! I am comfy in my jeans and sweatshirt. I get a whole day with my boy! We are going to drink hot chocolate. We are going to play in the snow. We are going to read books and play and watch TV and it's going to be terrific!!! I called Duane at work to let him know (he goes in at 7:00 and only has a 2.5 mile drive). He's a little bit jealous and said, "well, I wish I hadn't cleaned off your car," but I could tell he was kidding. He knows how much I hate driving in the snow and I know he's glad I'm home today.

HOORAY! HOORAY! IT'S A SNOW DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Blueberry Boy

I am losing my battle of wills against Wesley. Remember when I said I was not going to fight with Wesley over food? I lied. I lied BIG TIME! Wesley has become the stereotypical toddler who will only eat some of the time and only some of the food offered. The problem is, there is no rhyme or reason to it. Yesterday he ate like a pig, today he's barely touched food all day. Some bites of food are acceptable to eat, but some bites of the same food must immediately be thrown on the floor. I am starting to dread mealtimes!

Duane and I have instituted a rule that Wesley does not have to eat the food on his plate, but he does have to sit with us during dinner. Of course, we aren't real good about that rule. We desperately want him to eat and can't leave well enough alone. Tonight we waited until he started whining, then stuck a forkful of mashed potatoes in his mouth. Once Wesley tasted them, he decided they were acceptable for at least a few forkfuls. We cheated though and sneaked bites of pork chop and broccoli in the potatoes. That worked for while. Then, when he started whining again, I popped a blueberry (previously frozen) into his mouth. That worked for awhile too. Wesley suddenly remembered that he likes blueberries and ate several. Good thing it's bath night! He also worked on a piece of bread and butter. It was a far cry from a meal, but at least I know he got some food in him.

Super Hubby Strikes Again

Have I told you all lately how wonderful, incredible and all around terrific my husband is? Well sit back, because here comes another "Super Hubby" story. I woke up this morning a little after 8:00 and headed downstairs. I arrived in the kitchen to find Duane at the counter, cooking. "You ruined the surprise!" he said. "It's hard to bring you breakfast in bed when you are already up." So he sent me into the living room (where Wesley was) to read the paper and relax while he finished breakfast. A few minutes later he presented me with Raspberry Chocolate Chip Pancakes and a mug of hot tea. After I finished eating, he rubbed my back and shoulders too! I am so spoiled! The spoiling continued as he went to Panera for me this afternoon and kept Wesley busy while I did some creating in the kitchen. I just can't get over that this amazing guy is really my husband!

Self-Control or Secret Plan

Wesley amazes me on a daily basis. I love to watch him and listen to him because I never know how he's going to astound me next. I guess that's part of the joy of being a parent.

We went to the memorial service for a family friend today. Wesley did pretty well at first. He had just woken up from a nap in the car and was busy taking in the sights (including Grandma and Grandpa H.) The service started and I broke out the Taiwanese candy from Aunt Cathy. Wesley loves that stuff and since I break it into tiny pieces, a little lasts for a long time. Eventually Duane did have to take Wesley out of the room, but the little guy continued to behave.

After the service ended, everyone stood around and talked for awhile. It was during the social time that Wesley discovered the nifty carpeted steps in the hallway of the funeral home. There were only about six steps and Wesley had a grand time climbing up them. "Climb!" He'd say and start up them! However, mean ol' Mommy wasn't sure that was the best thing for Wesley to be doing at a memorial service, so I pulled him off the steps, told him no and carried him down the hall way. The first chance he got, Wesley ran back over to the steps - but he didn't climb them!! He stood at the foot of the stairs and babbled away. He'd point to the steps, he'd say "Steps" and he'd say "I climb steps." But if I told him no, he didn't put so much as one foot on the step. We repeated this for a good five minutes How impressive is that!? That's the self control part. The secret plan part is as soon as my eyes were averted, he climbed the steps. Guess he figured he had lulled me into a false sense of security and it was time to make his move. Toddlers is tricksy!

He's Got Your Number

Wesley surprised me tonight by saying a number other than two. We were counting his Weebles and he said "six" right after I said five. Mind you, he didn't say any other numbers but I've still decided it's progress.

A "Must Buy" Book

Since I am a children' librarian, it's amazing that I don't post about books more often. I have volunteered to update our Baby and Toddler book list at work, so I've been on the search for new books that Wesley enjoys and I could recommend to others. This week we discovered "Dog" by Matthew Van Fleet. It's part touch and feel book, part pull tab and all cute! Grandma bought it for Wesley yesterday and the boy is in love! The first thing Wesley did when he woke up this morning was get the book off the table and say "Uff! Uff!" - which is Wesley for "Woof! Woof!" The book is adorable! If you have a dog fan at your house, you MUST check it out!

Snow STINKS!!!!

I always say that I like winter through New Year's and then I'm done with it. I've been a little more lenient this year until this week, but I'd officially like to say I am DONE with winter. It just took me two hours to drive home from work (normally a 20 minute drive in rush hour traffic). ARGH!! The good news is that I didn't slide and I didn't see accidents and everyone was being very cautious, but two hours to get home is too much! I barely got 1/2 hour in with the boy before it's time to get him ready for bed. At least tomorrow is my late day. If I had to go in at 9:00, I think I'd cry.

I Dub Thee Sir Wesley!

Wesley is in love with the Weebles castle that his Aunt Judy gave him for Christmas. The other night he didn't want to listen to any books at bedtime, he only wanted his castle. When we put him in his crib he cried and cried and reached out for it. Wesley played with his castle for nearly 4 hours yesterday with only a couple short breaks! I had no idea that toddlers could have an attention span that long. Although the music it plays started to annoy me somewhat, it did allow Duane and I to watch the Super Bowl. Wesley sat three feet away from us, played with his castle and almost never looked up. In fact, the poor guy played with the castle until he was so tired, he could only lift one finger to press the button. I think I'll have to get him some more Weebles play things!

Random Thoughts

1) I knew that having a little boy was going to expose me to a certain amount of grossness. It goes along with being a boy. Wesley already thinks burps are hilarious, but I didn't think I'd be telling my 17 month old to stop picking his nose!

2) Remember that post about Prairie Dawn's nose? Well, it started an avalanche of comments on my friend Kate's blog. Duane asked that I air his children's show complaint. On "Blues Clues", why is Blue (who is blue) a girl? Shouldn't she be pink? Also, Mr. Salt and Mrs. Pepper have a little boy named Cinnamon, which Duane firmly believes is a girls name - funny, I always thought it was a spice. Of course, we just a had a discussion on whether Linny on "Wonder Pets" is a girl or a boy. I say girl, he says boy. Anyone care to weigh in?

It's COLD!

I don't mean to sound like a whiner, but it's COLD!!!! I like living where we do because I enjoy experiencing four seasons. I was actually a little bummed out when it was near 60 degrees a couple of weeks ago. I guess I'm paying for it now.

We have gone into hibernation mode. Our furnace doesn't like to heat our 100 year old house very well when it's in the single digits outside. We woke up to the high 60's inside, which is about 3-4 degrees colder than normal and kind of noticeable. Duane lit a fire in the fireplace, Wesley pulled all the blankets out and we all (even the cats) congregated in the front room. I made a cold weather breakfast of banana chocolate chip pancakes (Weight Watchers) and the guys have thick sweaters on. The plan is for them to stay inside all day. I have to go to work, but the boys need to stay nice and cozy. Sometimes hibernation is good.

Cousins

I feel bad that I haven't posted any pictures of Wesley's cousins, Sho and Ki. We spent a little time with them at COSI yesterday. Here are a couple shots from the ever popular water table.
Sho is the older boy in the yellow raincoat, while Ki is in the blue.


Sho had a great time leading me around the Kidspace and showing me all his favorite things. For the most part, Ki hung out with Wesley. Poor Ki has been trying to give Wesley a kiss on the cheek ever since they arrive in Ohio. He finally succeeded yesterday. It just tickles me how much they like their little cousin. They even call me "Wesley Mama" most of the time!