Blanket Time

Wesley isn't interested in having blankets on him at night, but he loves to play in them!

Only Child

Yesterday I showed Wesley some pictures of Elaina's new brother Lincoln. Wesley looked at the pictures, frowned and said "No. No baby! No baby!" I'm not sure if the "no baby" was because he was in a bad mood, that he wanted to see pictures of Elaina, or if he was letting us know what he thinks about that idea. Guess it's a good thing he's an only child now!

Play Ball!

Wesley and I went to Duane's softball game last night. I don't usually get to go since I work Wednesday nights, but a schedule change gave me a free night. I won't lie and say we watched a lot of the game. Wesley did see his daddy bat once (he hung on the fence and called "Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!") and sat with him to keep score for a couple of innings. Other than that, Wesley and I played and enjoyed being up WAY past his bedtime. Let's see, we blew bubbles, played with a truck in the dirt, petted a puppy, chased a ball, watched a helicopter and, oh yeah, there was a game too! Pretty fun stuff!

Too Much is Never Enough

I had a day off work today, so Grandma H. and I decided to head to the zoo. Since we didn't plan this trip far in advance, the weather was perfect!!! Even better, the zoo wasn't too crowded and so many of the animals were out.

This was the first time that Wesley really noticed the animals at the zoo. He saw the wolves first. It took me a little while to get him to understand that they weren't really doggies, but he once he caught on all he would say was "More wolves." Of course, he said that with every animal we saw so we needed "more bears," and "more kitties" (pumas), "more otters," "more monkeys," "more kitty-roos" (kangaroos) and everything else you can imagine. It was incredible to watch him looking and smiling at the animals! His whole face would light up!

Animals aren't the only cool things at the zoo when you are toddler though. Wesley was drawn to the carousel by the lights and the music. We tried to sneak by it, but he kept pointing and saying "Please!" So Grandma and I broke down and went in. I took Wesley for a ride and he LOVED it! He's been on the carousel at the zoo before, but he didn't show the slightest bit of hesitation this time - he was all smiles from the moment he saw it. One ride was not enough though. As soon as we exited the carousel, he started asking to ride again. Grandma got to go the second time and I attempted to take some pictures as they spun by.
To top off the trip to the zoo, we dined on cheese pizza and frozen yogurt with sprinkles (which Wesley kept picking off the ice cream with his fingers.) I think that pretty much makes today a toddler's version of heaven.

Seis de Mayo

Today we went to Uncle Kirk and Aunt Susan's to celebrate Cinco de Mayo a day late. It was so much fun! Wesley hasn't been to their house in forever and he had the time of his life! First Aunt Sus and I took the boy to the playground across the street from their place. Wesley had a great time on the slide and really impressed Aunt Sus by plopping himself down on it and pushing off

all by his lonesome.

Please please please let this be the only situation in which I will ever see my baby boy behind bars! :-)

Up the stairs and down the slide! "I do it!"

We also played on the swings for a little bit. However the older kids at the playground started yelling "shut up" at each other and Wesley began to parrot them. Aunt Sus and I decided that it was definitely time to leave then. Wesley disagreed with us and howled for the "fings" all the way back to their house. Oh well, I'd rather have a crabby toddler than one who goes around saying "shut up."

Back at the house we plopped Wesely in the most comfortable chair in the house and covered him with 'poes (pillows) to watch Dora while the adults ate. This was perfectly fine with him, and allowed us to enjoy the yumminess that Aunt Sus had prepared - chicken chili, and fajitas!Wesley still managed to be the entertainment though. He likes to stand up and point to things on the TV during Dora. He also answers the questions she asks and sings some of the songs. Too cute!

We discovered something with more power than Dora though. DESSERT!!!!! Aunt Sus made some scrumptious chocolate dipped fruit and Wesley put the smack down on that! His favorites were the strawberries and bananas. We couldn't cut them up fast enough. Uncle Kirk thought this was really amusing and would laugh whenever Wesley demanded "stawberry. mana. chocolate!" We figured it was mostly fruit and let him eat his fill - so long as he kept his chocolately hands off the walls. Too bad the windows were unable to escape! Here is Wesley demonstrating his dessert eating technique - the grab and stuff!

Wesley spent the remainder of the afternoon chasing Logray (one of the cats). He kept saying "I want kiss kitty" but Logray was in no mood for affection from a toddler! She definitely got some exercise trying to stay out of Wesley's way! Wesley also had a great time leading "Unc Kirk" up and down the stairs repeatedly. I never thought I'd see my big brother so willing to be led around by toddler with a death grip on his finger, but there it was!

It was a wonderful afternoon and Wesley cried when it was time to leave. He kept saying "Unc Kirk. Aunt Sus. I stay!" When we finally did get him in the car, we got to listen to a running commentary of what he did "Read Goosy Goose. Unc Kirk. Aunt Sus. Climb stairs. Fing. Kiss Kitty. Unc Kirk. Aunt Sus," that continued until he passed out in the car seat. Happy seis de Mayo!

Surprise!

What a terrific day! Duane took me on a shopping spree at Jeffersonville Outlets as an anniversary/early mother's day gift. I got to shop to my hearts content while Duane footed the bill and toted the bags. It was heaven!

Before we headed to Jeffersonville, we had to drop Wesley off with Grandma and Grandpa H. And before that, we had to get the oil changed in my car. Rather than try to entertain Wesley for half an hour at a service station, Duane dropped Wesley and I off at the library to entertain ourselves.

We read books for awhile. Wesley found a Dora book to keep him occupied. What can I say, the boy loves Dora!

We played "push the button." There is a button on the wall of the storytime room that makes a sound like a cricket. It's a favorite of Wesley's.

Top the day off with a steak dinner and I think it was the best Saturday I have had in a very long time. My hubby is the greatest!

Don't Laugh at Me!

Wesley is turning into a super sensitive little boy. Yesterday he burst into tears twice because I laughed at him. I'm not laughing to pick on him, but because he's so darn cute. Unfortunately, he doesn't see it that way. Interestingly enough, both times had to do with food.

The first time was at lunch when he was demanding a cheese sandwich. He had been repeating "Cheese sandwich" over and over and over, when his voice suddenly dropped an octave and he sounded down right possessed. I was seriously waiting for his head to start spinning! How could you not laugh at that. The second time was when Wesley was mooching some of my ice cream (Ben and Jerry's Cinnamon Roll - I HIGHLY recommend it." Wesley looked at my dish of ice cream and said "One bit ice cream, please. OK." Once again, so stinking cute, I had to laugh. The poor little boy's bottom lip started trembling and the tears began to flow. I felt so bad for laughing, but I couldn't help it! People have been telling me it's part of the "terrific twos" and he's just hit it early. I hope so.

Murphy's Laws of Motherhood

It doesn't matter how many toys are scattered all over the house - which ever toy you try to put away is the exact one your child wants. No wonder my house is often littered with Wesley remnants!

Happy Birthday Sho

Yesterday was Sho's 5th birthday. I had work so I missed all the festivities, but Wesley had a grand old time celebrating with dinner at McDonalds followed by cake and ice cream! Thank you Grandma H. for taking pictures for me!

Bow Chicka Wow Wow

One of the perks (or hazards) of being sick over the past weekend was that I got to see some of the NFL draft. I love seeing where my beloved Buckeyes end up going and rooting for the Browns to pick someone who will turn the team around. Although the Colts took so many OSU players that they are going to have to be my number two team.

Of course, watching the NFL draft means watching a whole bunch of commercials for guy stuff - mostly pizza, beer and cars. However, there was a commercial for some kind of men's body spray that is having a lasting effect on our house. It's one of those bizarre commercials where the slightly geeky guy who is using the product suddenly attracts the attention of a beautiful woman. In this one the woman starts dancing to what really sounds like.....well....stereotypical bad 1970's adult film music. I think the commercial actually quotes the phrase "Bow Chicka Wow Wow" This commercial was Wesley's favorite thing about the draft. Whenever they showed it, Wesley would get this huge smile and say "chicka wow wow." Very wrong, but very funny. Even funnier, he's still doing it several days later. I hope this doesn't say anything about his taste in music.

I Like Big Buns!

At least on the sandwiches I refuse to eat!

Doggies, Swings and Puddles

Bet you can guess how we wound our weekend! Yep, we headed to the park after dinner tonight for some doggies, some swing time and more extra special fun. Wesley veered off down the path that led to the pond. He had a great time standing way too close to the water and looking at the fish. There was a family next to us feeding bread to the fish and the dad gave Wesley a piece to give the fish. Now that was pretty big stuff for a toddler! We're talking super cool fun. Wesley kept saying "Fish. Bread. Eat." I'll have to remember to take bread with us from now on - and a leash to keep Wesley from falling in!

After feeding the fish and visiting some of the many dogs in the park, we headed for the main attraction - the swings! Wesley would be content to swing all day and all night. He was in the swing for 20 minutes and even then we had to pry him out of it. We took him over to the slide and climbing equipment for a while. He finally stopped fussing about it when a little girl (who appeared to be around 6) showed up. Then Wesley had to toughen up and show her what a manly man he was. He even went down the big slide!

But the highlight of the evening was definitely when Duane and I let Wesley splash in the puddle. Let me show you....






Oh yeah, nine kinds of fun right there!

What puddle??

I'm king of the world!!!!!

Toe Tickles

Mommy Down for the Count

To think I was bragging the other day that I didn't get sick when Duane and Wesley were. Let's just say that crow has now been consumed! Then there's the big news of the day - Wesley has his first semi-shiner. Duane was in the shower this morning when I had to bolt for the upstairs bathroom. I could hear Wesley calling "Momma? Daddy? Momma! Momma!" followed by a thump thump thump thump, scream! Wesley had tried to follow me and he fell down the stairs. He's normally really good on the stairs, but I think he was in a hurry. Duane and I checked him over, and thankfully, the only damage done was a little bit of a bruise near his eye. That's some kind of boy badge of honor, right?

New Graduate

Wesley is already a graduate of the Ohio State University! Well, sorta. He participated in a study at the Cognitive Development Lab today and received this nifty diploma. I'm so proud!! I think I'll hang it next to my diploma.

Toddler Buzz

Duane and I are both pretty big caffeine addicts. Duane is all about diet soda (especially diet Mt. Dew) and I indulge in all things caffeinated. I adore coffee, but I've stopped making it at home. Not because I am trying to limit my caffeine intake, but because I am a coffee snob. I like Starbucks and the stuff I make at home doesn't taste nearly as good. Since I can't seem to make myself a decent cup of coffee at home and I can't afford Starbucks every day, I have started drinking a mug of tea (with sweetener) in the mornings.

Wesley has been pretty interested in drinking out of a cup the last couple of days. This morning he saw my mug of tea sitting there and was intensely interested in it. Since it had cooled off considerably, I decided to let him have a taste. I figured that he'd sample it, be disgusted and that would be that. WRONG! Wesley took a sip and said "mmmm...Good!" and proceeded to take many sips and finish the mug! I felt pretty guilty for a minute, but my dad used to let me sip off his coffee (with lots of milk and sugar) when I was pretty young too. Drinking coffee that way always makes me think of my dad, maybe Wesley will grow up to associate the taste of tea with his mommy.

All About Me

Today it's going to be all about me. I found a link to this on another blog I read and thought it was really cool.

Introducing my visual DNA

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Easy As 1,2,3

Wesley does a pretty good job counting to ten. We count when we go down the stairs, we count out crackers for a snack, we count Weebles. No problem. However, Wesley is starting to add "duck" to his counting repertoire. We have some foam numbers (0-9) that Wesley plays with in the bath. Included in this set of numbers is a duck shape. I don't know what that has to do with counting, but it's there. Every night Wesley gets a bath, Duane drops the numbers in and says "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, duck." Guess what Wesley now thinks comes after nine?

Whole Lot of Shaking Going On

I thought I'd start this post with a few cute pictures of Wesley from the park last evening. Here's proof that he really is good-natured most of the time.

Now I can tell you about the earthquake that shook our house last night. Wesley has been spending a lot of time in our bed since he's been sick, but we decided last night was the last night for that. When bedtime came for Wesley, he climbed straight into his bed and said goodnight. Okay, that's a good start. We locked the door from his room to the bathroom and put the baby gate up in the doorway from his room to the hall.

About two minutes later all heck broke loose! Wesley got out of bed and began shaking the doors trying to open them. He screamed "OUT!! WANT OUT!! OPEN!!" over and over, followed by ear-splitting cries of "MOMMA! DADDY! OUT!!!" After about 20 minutes, I went in to check on him. I picked him up, put him in bed and covered him with his blanket. Wesley's face turned some awful shade of red that I could even detect by the dim light of the night light. "NO BED! NO BLANKET! NO SLEEP!" He even pushed at me! I left him alone in his room and the noise finally died down about 25 minutes later. When we checked on him again, he was curled up on the floor by one of his doors, fast asleep. I managed to transfer him to his bed without disturbing him - thank goodness.

The earthquake hit again at 4:00 this morning. At that point I was ready to go get him, but Duane wisely reminded me that if we got him out then, we'd end up with him in our bed every night. Wesley wore out in only 20 minutes this time and was curled up asleep in his bed when I checked on him this morning. Here's hoping tonight is a bit smoother.

Good News and Bad News

Sorry I didn't post anything over the weekend. Wesley was still pretty sick so there was nothing to report - unless you count the fact that he added his own special "decoration" to two parties (one at our house, one at Grandma & Grandpa H.'s). But I do finally have some good news.

The Good News: After a week of illness - runny nose, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and other pains a toddler cannot yet name - Wesley seems to have turned the corner. He is talking and laughing and playing and eating and being his normal stubborn sweet self.

The Bad News: His miracle recovery came at 3:00 this morning when he began to demand juice and applesauce (which he doesn't even like). At 4:00 Wesley and Duane came downstairs and Wesley feasted on cheese and pears and more juice.

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Diaper Check

I have never in my life been so happy to see a wet diaper. Never! At 8:30 last night we ended up calling the doctor (after hours) because Wesley was still having diarrhea and had not had a wet diaper in nearly 10 hours. We were so worried he was going to get dehydrated. The doctor said that if he didn't have a wet diaper by midnight, we were to take him to the emergency room. The midnight diaper check brought mixed opinions - Duane thought it was slightly wet, but I was sure it was dry. Since we couldn't agree (and Wesley was chugging pedialyte) we decided to wait until 6:00 when we got up. We decided that if Wesley's diaper wasn't noticeably wet, we'd go to Children's.

That sweet sweet boy woke up smiling and talking and with a squishy, wet diaper!!!!!!!! Everybody say YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Silver Lining

There is one semi-good thing about Wesley being sick. I am the parent he wants to hold him and take care of him. He crawled out of Duane's arms and toddled over to me tonight. That NEVER happens!

If the Baby Ain't Happy, Ain't Nobody Happy

ARGHHHHHHH!!!!!! I am so tired and frustrated right now, all I want to do is cry. Wesley is still sick - the sickest he has been in a very long time, and Duane is sick and I am tired and the doctor's office doesn't want to see Wesley because what he is going through is "normal," and ARGHHHHH!!!!

I'm staying home to be the mommy-nurse today. That means I get to change the million of diarrhea diapers, clean up vomit, offer pedialyte when all he wants is chocolate milk, give medicine and take his temperature every few hours. I hate that he feels like this and I hate being so helpless!!!!

Bedtime

I had nightmares about Wesley having a horrible transition to his toddler bed, but it hasn't happened that way at all. He loves his bed! Last night Wesley hopped down off of Duane's lap in the middle of a book, walked over to his bed and climbed in. Duane and I exchanged amazed glances, but quickly followed Wesley's lead. We barely got the words "Good night" out before Wesley said "Night!" and rolled over. The best part? He slept all night!! Wesley didn't want to get out of his bed this morning either. He sat in it and talked and visited with the cats and (most importantly) refused any offers of help getting out. What a big boy!

He's obviously feeling quite a bit better too. His runny nose has almost stopped so we are just dealing with sneezes, coughs and that lump. But if the boy is happy, I'm happy.

Not Another Cold!!!!

Wesley has yet another cold!!! I swear, I cannot keep this kid healthy lately. Last night was a nightmare. I thought he was going to go great in his new bed. He snuggled down under the blankets and with his head on the pillow like a pro, but he was whining and needed attention at 11:30, 2:30, 4:00 and we got up for the day at 4:30. UGH!!!!!

Even worse than the lack of sleep was how pathetic Wesley acted as Duane and I got ready for work this morning. Duane got Wesley dressed as I primped. When Duane put his coat on to leave, Wesley dissolved into tears and said "No Daddy work!" but Daddy had to work, which left Mommy with a teary, boogery toddler to pack up. As I was packing the diaper bag to take to Grandpa P., Wesley went into the laundry room and dug a pair of pajamas out of the laundry basket. "Want jammies," he cried, as he wiped his nose on my cardigan. The worst though was when he sat on the floor, crying and stammered "Tough baby!" See, whenever Wesley is upset or hurt or sick, I told him and tell him "I know, it's tough to be the baby." Little did I know it was really sinking in!

I left work at lunch took the afternoon as sick leave to be home with the boy. The doctor doesn't want to see him unless the lump on his neck (swollen gland) gets red or hot to the touch or if he spikes a fever. Wesley wouldn't let go of me - even though he said "Want Daddy" several times. We snuggled and slept on the couch all afternoon. Poor little boy. I hate this!! Anyone figure out a cure for the common cold yet?

Big Boy Room

We spent today transforming Wesley's room into a big boy room! Uncle Kirk and Aunt Susan came over and we spent the afternoon converting the crib to a toddler bed, putting down a new rug, adding new bedding, new valances, new switch plate, and all that junk. Wesley now has a jungle themed room. He loves to point at the animals on the rug and make all the appropriate animal noises for it.

Wesley was in love with Kirk and Susan being here. You know, I never thought I'd see that day my big brother was sitting on the floor playing Weebles with my little boy, but there it was! Wesley also loves that Uncle Kirk isn't afraid to toss him around like Daddy does - extra bonus! In fact, when Duane and Kirk ran to the grocery store, Wesley asked "Kirk? Kirk?"

Aunt Susan is the unofficial Wesley photographer and spoiler. She loves him to death and he loves showing off for her. Aunt Susan was introduced to Wesley's new favorite game - Blanket! Wesley likes to be covered up with a blanket while you "search" for him, then whip the blanket off and tickle him. I did the searching, while Aunt Susan hid with Wesley. Who would have known that Blanket is even more fun with two! Aunt Susan - that's who!

Need further proof that Wesley loved having his Aunt and Uncle around? We walked out to the front porch as they let and Wesley wouldn't take his eyes off them or the car until they had turned the corner and were out of sight. How sweet is that?

Give That Boy Some Prunes

In case you can't tell by the title of today's post, it contains potty humor and talk of bodily functions. Consider yourself warned!!

Poor Wesley was a little constipated yesterday. Unfortunately it became apparent while we were out to lunch with Grandma H. Wesley was sitting in his high chair and began grunting with his face turning bright red. I figured I'd just have a yucky diaper to change and it was not big deal, but then he started crying and saying "Poop! Poop!" over and over. I whisked him off to the bathroom to change him, but there was nothing in the diaper. Poor little guy. I dried his tears and we went back to the table to finish lunch.

Foolish Mommy assumed that our little episode was over then. Not even close! Since it was bright and sunny out, we decided to leave from the rear door of the restaurant and walk along the sidewalk in the sun. Of course, the wall we were walking along was entirely made of glass and was packed with people enjoying their lunch. I don't think we had taken more than 10 steps when Wesley turns bright red again and starts howling "Pooooooop! Poooooooooop!" right in front of two tables of ladies who were trying to eat! It was so embarrassing, but really funny too. Thank goodness the ladies found it humorous as well.

After we finished our errands I left Wesley at Grandma and Grandpa H.'s so Duane and I could go to a party. Grandma assured me that she'd give Wesley a snack of prunes to help him feel better. Sure enough, a few hours later Wesley told Grandma "Sit potty," so off they went to the bathroom and Wesley's potty. Too late! The prunes had already worked their magic and Wesley was covered with poop! Grandma and Grandpa cleaned him up, and put new pants on him. Before they could diaper him though,Wesley said he wanted to sit on the potty, so Grandma started walking him to the bathroom. Too late - they had a Wesley sprinkler in the kitchen! Isn't potty training great!?

Hungy Catpurr

Wesley received lots of new books from the Easter Bunny, but he has an obvious favorite - The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Wesley calls it "Hungy Catpurr" and he loves to read it! Actually, what he loves it for me to put his new caterpillar puppet on my hand and pretend to eat the food in the book. I have to be sure the caterpillar makes a satisfied "ahhhh" after each item though, or else Wesley will give me a look to let me know I'm not playing the game correctly. His favorite part of the book/game is to turn to the page that shows all the different food the caterpillar ate on Saturday. I usually say "How about a pickle?" and have the puppet eat the pickle picture. Wesley will reply "H'bout cheese?" so I'll have the caterpillar eat the cheese. Then I say "How about chocolate cake?" to which Wesley replies "H'bout cheese?" In Wesley's world the caterpillar's favorite food is cheese and he believes it should be eaten at every available opportunity. Sounds like a hungry Wesley-pillar to me!

Can You Hear Me Now?

Wesley called me at work yesterday! OK, not really, but close enough. He was playing with his kitchen phone and just jabbering away, talking a mile a minute. Grandma H. asked him who he was talking to and he replied "Mama work." Oh how I wish that little phone actually made calls. That would have brightened even the darkest day!

My Apologies

I want to apologize for my rather terse post yesterday. I was feeling completely overwhelmed with work, home and everything else on the planet. See, my day went something like this:

7:20 - leave the house to take Wesley to Grandma and Grandpa P.

8:00 - arrive at Grandma and Grandpa P.'s and try to coax Wesley inside

8:15 - leave and drive to a different library (further away to do interviews)

9:00 - first interview rather unimpressive

10:30 - second interview much better

12:15 - arrive back at work for several mini crisies

12:50 - leave for dr. appointment (why oh why did I schedule an appointment in which I would be weighed the day after a holiday?)

2:30 - return to work after my appointment and another meal in the Cafe Hyundai

2:30 - 4:00 continue with lots of little crisies that have to do with the schedule, various programs, training and everything else under the sun.

4:00 - meet with teen librarian (and very dear friend) which allows me to blow off some steam and feel like sanity really is within reach

4:50 - return to department to find director waiting for me to ask me a bunch of questions about the redesign that I don't have the immediate answers too.

5:10 - leave work late feeling totally and completely frustrated about conversation with director. Eat several cookies while sitting in traffic.

6:45 - eat a below average dinner from a box

7:15 - run to Target (which Wesley can now say) and speed shop

8:00 - veg in front of the TV, stewing about a comment that Duane made that I know I am blowing out of proportion and taking the wrong way, but can't help doing anyhow.

9:30 - go to bed in a foul mood.

So that explains my yucky mood yesterday without going into too many details. To make it up to you, here's a video of Wesley with a toy bunny on Easter. Wesley had been kissing it, but when I tried to do it for the camera, he left. I guess it didn't want me showing it to his date for the senior prom some day!

Hoppy Easter

I'm posting a day late and I'm in an extra cranky mood. I'm just going to say that yesterday was wonderful and we had a very happy holiday. Enjoy the pictures.

Let's Go Visiting

The W. family headed north today to visit Aunt Carol, cousin Al and another aunt and some cousins visiting from California. I almost feel sorry for them - you run a pretty big weather risk by visiting Ohio in April. As any Ohioan can tell you, April means it might be 80 degrees one day and snowing the next. That is exactly what happened this past week. My cousin Debbie said she packed her long underwear and her bathing suit because she wasn't sure what she'd need. Smart woman!!! On the bright side of things, she hadn't seen snow before, so that was kind of cool. She even managed a shovelful for a photo op (trust me it took all the snow in the drive to even look like a partial shovelful.)

Visiting with my aunts is always a treat. Aunt Carol has pretty much decided that Wesley is not only her great-nephew, he's also her honorary grandson. It's the only explanation I can come up with for how much she loves the little guy. She is always willing to chase him around, read a book to him, or shower him with gifts. She was prepared for Wesley's visit with a football, a light up toy, and some new books. Wesley was quite alright with that!

The women on the M. side of my family are talented in many things. They all played various instruments growing up, they danced, they all taught (or were certified to teach). These are some pretty impressive women. But let me tell you, NO ONE can shop like these women and we really really enjoy eating. If you can combine the two activities, well, you have some happy ladies on hand. So that's what we did!

Our first stop was Malabar Farm. They weren't running tours, so we spent a fair amount of time in the visitor's center and gift shop. Wesley was especially impressed with the large cow statue and bestowed many a kiss upon it. Aunt Carol bought Wesley a little stuffed bunny and the gift shop. He loved so much, that he dropped OSB for a few minutes to play with it! When we left, he put it on his lap and talked to it the entire drive to our next destination.

Kiss A Cow

Is some bunny following me?

As I said, shopping and eating makes us pretty darn happy, so we headed to the Dutch Heritage restaurant (excellent Amish style food and a kick butt gift shop upstairs). Unfortunately, Wesley was not as enthralled with the place as the rest of us. He ate a few peas, and then refused anything except bread and butter. Then he pretty much wandered the restaurant with one of the grownups in tow.

Chowing down with the family.

After dinner the ladies shopped while the guys went home and Wesley had a meltdown. Oh well, we can't all be perfect.

Okay

Wesley's new favorite word is "okay." He uses it in place of "yes," which is cute, but starting to drive me up a wall. Here's an example. Wesley is currently watching Dora on tv. Dora said something like "Will you help me find the (whatever)?" Wesley looked at the screen and very earnestly replied "Okay!"

How do I change this habit? I know he picked it up from us - although he did start saying it after spending the day with Grandma H. - so I'm trying to use "yes" in my conversations with him rather than saying "okay" all the time. Here's hoping he parrots it back to us.

Complicated Climb

Ever since Wesley climbed out of his pack and play on Monday, he is bound and determined to climb out of his crib. Much to his chagrin, he can get his foot up on the first rail, but not the second - which means he's stuck! At this point, he will start to yell "Up please! Up please! Up please!" as if asking nicely will somehow stretch his little body just a couple more inches. If I offer to help him, he'll sit down in a corner of his crib and flat out scowl at me while shaking his head.

I'm ready for the big move to the toddler bed before Wesley manages to climb out and bonks his head on his wood floor. I just wish the timing was better. We are heading out of town tomorrow, I work all day Saturday and we're going out Saturday night (which means Wesley will be getting to bed late anyhow) and Sunday is Easter. Maybe we'll make the move on Monday. But that means we have to get to Target and get rails for the bed (he rolls way too much not to have them) and doorknob covers so he can't escape his room in the night.

Then there is the decision as to which bed Wesley should have. Cathy has given up a super cute car shaped toddler bed, but Wesley's crib will also convert to a toddler day bed. We are debating whether or not Wesley will continue to be an only child. If we decide to have another child, we'd need the crib and have to switch him to the car bed. But if we start him in the car bed and decide NOT to have another child, what are we going to do with the convertible crib? I guess we could use it as stuffed animal storage until he's ready for a full size bed. Or we could convert it now and make it a guest bed?

This is just a small side trip into my slightly obsessive compulsive, type-A mind. I won't even begin to bore you with my internal debate on which room we should have Wesley in and whether his current room should stay his, stay a nursery in case we have another, or become a play room. The agony of being anal retentive!!!!

Toddler Triple Play (plus 1)

1) The Potty - Wesley is doing well with his "introduction" to the potty. As long as we sing songs and read books, he'd be fairly content to sit there all day. This morning, I had to pick him up off it so we could leave on time. Way to go Wesley! (No pun intended)

2) The Meltdown - I thought Wesley was pretty good at these before, but he has perfected them over the last few days. According to Grandma and Grandpa P., Wesley achieved an unprecedented four meltdowns today. What a record! Of course, one of those was when I was leaving for work. Wesley went limp and started screaming "Mama!" while tears ran from his eyes and snot ran from his nose. That's what I get for being home on vacation for nine days.

3) The Climb - One of the meltdowns today prompted Grandpa P. to place Wesley in his pack and play in hopes he would take a nap. Grandpa left a screaming Wesley in the bedroom and walked out to the kitchen to get a drink of water. A minute later, Wesley walked into the kitchen too. Grandma and Grandpa figured that Wesley had only climbed out because the pack and play was next to the bed. The next time they put him down for a nap, they moved the pack and play away from the bed - it didn't help. Wesley still climbed out.

(+1) The Door - Wesley really wanted to go outside today. He even opened Grandma and Grandpa's front door so they would take the hint.

Who would of thought this innocent little guy could cause so much trouble!?

Denied

How is it that kids learn how to withhold their affection when they want to make a point? I wiped Wesley's yucky nose and asked for a hug a minute later. Wesley HATES having his nose wiped and to make sure I got the message he looked at me, wrinkled his brow and said "No hug!" Ouch! Point taken.

Tears of a Toddler

Wesley is just breaking my heart these days. Whatever illness he has is taking it's toll on his normally sunny attitude. The poor little guy has a runny nose, a cough and a mild on and off fever - and it's enough to send him over the edge. We get at least one of these fits every day since Wednesday. The only thing that got him to quit crying tonight was watching Elaina on her mommy's blog. We'd watch and he'd say "Laina again!" What healing powers that little girl has!

Vacation Down the Drain

There aren't too many worse ways to end your vacation than with a sick toddler. Wesley has been running a fever on and off for the last couple days. Wednesday we tried to go to storytime and he had a meltdown in the middle of it. As we were leaving the library, I asked him if he was a cranky toddler and he replied, "U-huh." Two hours later he was burning up with fever and we slept on the couch all afternoon.

Things were sort of under control yesterday. I gave him some Motrin in the morning and since he didn't feel warm to the touch, we tried going shopping with Grandma H. BAD IDEA!!! Halfway through the shopping trip he started crying and wouldn't stop. Grandpa H. came to get Grandma and Wesley so I could finish shopping. Wesley got a bit of a second wind last night though and even went to the grocery store with Daddy.

Fast forward to 11:00 PM. Wesley was screaming and crying again and nothing we could do would calm him down. He ended up in our bed once again and at 6:00 this morning was burning up. Almost 2 hours after the Motrin, he's sitting on the floor reading and downing his second cup of milk. I know it's just a small reprieve though. By noon the medicine will be wearing off and he'll be miserable again. That means no Toddler Play Zone today, no North Market and no vacation fun - not unless I want to play Toddler Roulette. When the hour is a little more respectable, I'm going to see if I can get a grandparent to come over and keep the little boy company while I make spinach and black bean lasagna for a baby shower tonight. Wesley is pretty clingy when he doesn't feel well and I don't think I can cook with an extra 25 pounds in one arm!

Little Stinker

I was at my wits end with Wesley this morning (and I'm talking between 6-7 AM). He must have known that I'd about had it because he brought me NSS bear and said "Mama. Sad." then handed me the bear. Let's just say I got over being mad pretty fast!

Bubbles and Butterflies

Wesley was a pretty lucky little guy today. Duane took the day off work, so we had family vacation day. Since it was so pretty out, we spent some time outside blowing bubbles. Well, Duane blew the bubbles, Wesley popped them and I recorded it! Not too bad. I normally sing the Popping Bubbles song, but I sound like a chipmunk on video.



We met Grandma and Grandpa P. at the diner up the street for lunch, then headed to the conservatory to see the butterflies. Wesley had a great time! As soon as you go in the conservatory door, you are met with a whole bunch of steps. Wesley climbed them all (with OSB in one hand) and said "Good job!" when he got to the top. While Daddy bought our tickets, Wesley practiced the fine art of sticking one's head through bars on a railing without getting one's head stuck. He also admired the large glass sculptures below - although he thought they were big flowers.

Our next stop on the tour was a kids area they have set up. It's full of all sorts of neat ways for young children to learn about butterflies. There was a cocoon tunnel to crawl through, a swinging chair (I forget what that was supposed to represent), caterpillar and butterfly picture books, a mural, puppets and lots of other stuff. Wesley really liked the caterpillar puppets. He even dropped OSB to play with them. We tried to buy him one as we were leaving, but they were out of them at the gift shop. Thank goodness for the Internet. I have strong feeling that the Easter Bunny may somehow deliver a new caterpillar friend. Ever the librarian's son, Wesley was also quite taken with the books - especially The Very Hungry Caterpillar. I read it. Daddy read it. Grandma read it. Grandpa read it. I tried to read Waiting for Wings to him, but he only wanted the caterpillar.


Grandpa has a butterfly on his head (guess who watches too much Laurie Berkner?)




Once we got into the conservatory proper, Wesley saw so many new things. One of the first things we encountered was a small waterfall. Wesley knows the word waterfall because one of his books has a picture of a waterfall in it, plus I'm certain Dora has at least one adventure that features a waterfall. It took us a really long time to get Wesley past the waterfall and on to other things.





Wow! Look at the water!








Really. Look! It's water!



The section of the conservatory that housed the butterflies was pretty darn cool too. On our way to that room, we passed through an exhibit that explained the life cycle of butterflies. Wesley would look at the pictures and say "Caterpillar. Butterfly." Grandma said that if Wesley managed to say "chrysalis" she was going to enroll him in kindergarten right then! Wesley saw a lot of 'flies but again, what really kept him involved was the stairs and ramps. He was so busy walking around that he missed the butterfly that landed on my head! Wesley really liked the glass sculptures in the pond too. He thought they were balls, but thankfully he didn't try to climb in and play with them. We might have to take a second trip to visit the butterflies this spring. It was definitely a great way to spend the afternoon.

It's My Potty

We bought Wesley a potty yesterday. It's not that we really want to start potty training, but he hates getting his diaper changed so much, that we figure it can't hurt to introduce the potty. The plan is not to make a big push towards potty training, but to sit him on the potty a couple times a day when we are changing his diaper, or getting him dressed (wake up, get dressed, bedtime).

Wesley woke up with a dry diaper this morning, so I figured it would be a good time to visit the potty. After a minute of sitting there talking, there was a tinkle. I was pretty excited, but Wesley looked at me and said "Oh-no!" He thought he had done something wrong! "Not oh-no. YAY!!!" I told him and said what a good job he did. I took a moment to do the necessary clean up and Wesley helped me reassemble the potty.

Now, I'm not fooling myself that he is really ready to potty train, or that it is going to be a snap when that time comes. I'm just happy he "met" the potty successfully once!