A Me Day

I owe my wonderful hubby lots for allowing me to have a total "me" day! While he stayed home with the boy, I went with my mom, and Susan to a fund-raiser called "ChickLit and Chocolate." You know you are in for a good afternoon when you walk in the very first thing people want to do is give you brownies, a chair massage and sign you up for a drawing for a cruise! We drank chocolate martinis, ate chocolate fondue, hot chocolate, chocolate chip cookies, baked brie and rumaki. We shopped at a couple artists booths, we listened to Clare Cook (author of Must Love Dogs) talk, and listed to the author of "Eat Chocolate, Lose Weight." We bought books, got autographs, laughed and ate more chocolate. It was WONDERFUL!!!!

After gorging myself on chocolate and girl time, Duane and I went to Shadowbox with several of our friends. I was exhausted, but it was a very fun evening. I barely saw the boy, but sometimes I need to be "Heather" instead of "Mommy." I can be Mommy again tomorrow.

Just Say No

It's official! We have a toddler! Wesley discovered the word "No" this week. So far, we've been lucky and he hasn't really used it in defiance, but we know that time is fast approaching.

On Wednesday Wesley spent the day with Grandma H. Grandma has a tall skinny lamp that Wesley loves to shake. He has been told no numerous times by Mommy, Grandma and Daddy. Wesley knows he isn't allowed to shake the lamp. On Wednesday, he went over to the lamp and ran his hand up and down it. He checked to see if Grandma was watching him. She was and Wesley immediately said "No". "That's right, no" replied Grandma. "No," Wesley repeated - then viciously shook the lamp.

Yesterday, Wesley was standing in front of our video shelves. We have been trying very hard to keep Wesley from pulling all the videos off the shelves. Every time we see him in that corner we tell him "No" and move him away. When I saw Wesley standing in front of the shelves, I asked him "Wesley, are you supposed to be over there?" He looked at me and said "No," before moving away! Definite progress!

There is such a thing as too much progress though. This morning I asked Wesley if we should change his diaper. It was meant as a hypothetical question, but Wesley promptly replied - "No."

Stains Your Teeth

Wesley is currently a little crayon challenged. Oh he can say "crayon" and "color" and even manages to turn out a few scribbled masterpieces. The problem is that crayons look so delicious to him. He's content to color or take the crayons in and out of the box for awhile but then he gets this overwhelming urge to taste them. First he'll bring the crayon to his mouth a few times and check to see if I'm watching. "Yucky!" I'll say, and he'll lower the crayon for a few minutes before trying again. Sooner or later he'll get the crayon into his mouth. Then comes the moment when he discovers that crayons don't taste as good as they look. Yesterday he burst into tears and threw the yellow crayon across the room when the taste disappointed him. I just hope we don't have to sample all the colors before learning not to eat the Crayolas!

Computer Virus

Wesley seems to have come down with a computer virus that is making the rounds among toddlers in our area. It's called Nogginitis. Whenever the computer is on, Wesley believes it should be showing Noggin videos and nothing else. Sometimes the computer doesn't even have to be on. He'll walk over to it, grab the mouse and say "Na-noo," which is Wesley speak for Noggin. Ah, the power of Moose and Zee, Dora, Jack's Big Music Show and Move to the Music.

Where to Librarians Go on Their Day Off?

To the library, of course!!! I didn't intend to go to the main library today. Grandma H. and I planned to go to COSI, but because their levy didn't pass they are only open Weds - Sun. and we forgot that important bit of info. Oh well. We had a great time at the library. They have a ton of stuff for Wesley to do!

Our first stop was the fish tank. Wesley had a great time looking at all the fish. He even tried to kiss them. Um...YUCK!!!!

Then we checked out the hidey holes in the tree.

It's much cooler to hide in the tree without Mommy!

We checked out the decor too. Who's been stepping on my rug?

Wesley is suddenly very into "choo choos" so the train table was a big hit!

Wesley was sure to give all the little girls a peek at his domesticated side as he fed the baby doll pretend baby food. What a good little daddy!

You can't go to the library without finding a cozy spot to read. What a great afternoon!

Happy New Year

Man, that was some party last night! That's the last time we celebrate New Years at my crib!

Out With the Old

Time to close out 2006. We spent yesterday putting all the Christmas things away. My January decorations were brought up from the basement and I'll probably put them up today - even though snowmen in 60 degree weather just seems wrong. I think we're going to move the furniture today too. Duane has some master plan of how the front room should work, so we're going to give it a try.

No huge plans for New Years Eve. We were invited to a party, but no babysitter means a night at home. I have grand plans to cook a gourmet dinner for me and Duane. I'm really excited about it, but it would have been cheaper to go out!!! Oh well, I think we deserve a heck of a celebration!!

See you in the new year!!

16 Months!

The big news in Wesley's part of the world today is a new word - "apple", or as Wesley says, "a-pool." The other day Grandma H. and I were saying "apple" while Wesley ate some chunks of cooked apple. Once he started saying "apple," Grandma showed him a yellow apple. OK, fine. He can say apple. But today he brought me a red plastic apple and said "a-pool!" What a smart kid if I do say so myself. I'm not going to declare him a genius quite yet. He was eating brie and kept calling it cottage cheese, so I guess we still have some work to do.

Stay at Home Mom (for a Day)

I have a comp. day from work today, so I'm pretending to be a stay at home mom. Except for the meltdown first thing this morning, we've had a great day! We went to Target to pick up some things and checked out the after Christmas sales. I didn't buy too much, but did pick up some Sesame Street ornaments for Wesley's tree and a couple pairs of pants for him. It was so nice to just look around and know I didn't have to buy more Christmas gifts (at least for another year!)

I bought Wesley some crayons and a pad of paper, so after lunch we had some quality coloring time. This is the first time Wesley and I have really colored together (I know - slacker!) He was so cute! He'd take each crayon and barely touch it to the paper before picking up a different color and repeating the process. I plan on saving our jointly created art work from today.

We've spent a lot of time putting Christmas gifts away and rediscovering our goodies from that day. Wesley has been playing with everything on and off, but right now he is focusing his attention on TMX Elmo. Wesley still isn't real sure about the laughing, but he's currently dragging it around by it's arm and trying to make Elmo sit in his truck. Looks like Wesley and Elmo are going to be buddies one way or another.

Merry Christmas Achoo!

Never mind what the songs say. I don't want a hippopotamus, my two front teeth or even snow for Christmas. I wish my guys felt better. Duane has spent today sounding like a frog and poor Wesley has had boogers running down his face and a big ol' cough all day long. Not exactly the recipe for the merriest of Christmases.

It was a fairly sleepless night for all of us. We rolled out of bed at 7:00 - probably the standard time Christmas morning begins for families with young children. I popped the traditional Christmas casserole in the oven and we staggered into the living room to find goodies from Santa pouring out of our stockings. Wesley perked up considerably when he discovered his dog ornament that barks "Jingle Bells." The maracas were also a big hit. I was so glad to see him smiling and not looking miserable for a few minutes! Other hits included a car sent by his cousins in Seattle and the dark chocolate candy bars that Santa left for Daddy. At least we know the kid has good taste!

Duane and I enjoyed a breakfast of casserole and scones while Wesley refused to eat anything except a banana, then we got ready to go to Grandma W.'s. Wesley was stuffy and sleepy by the time we arrived, and Grandma wasn't feeling too hot herself. Uncle Doug, Aunt Melissa, Aunt Judy and I got the food and table ready while Duane held Wesley (who refused to be put down). Wesley did manage to eat some lunch - mostly mashed potatoes and "cracks" (crackers) but as long as he was eating, I didn't care if it wasn't a balanced meal.

Wesley's mood quickly deteriorated after we ate. No one could hold him except Duane or he screamed. Every time I tried to take him so Duane could help with the dishes or unwrap a gift or put together a toy for Mark Robert, Wesley would go limp and scream. By the time we left Wesley was doing nothing but whining and crying. I felt pretty much the same way. I had a very large headache from the boy's cries and the fact that he had been on a search and destroy mission. Add in the extreme rejection I faced from Wesley all day and I was on the verge of tears. I just don't understand why I don't exist to him if Duane is around. Everyone tells me it's a phase, but it's been a phase for 16 months now and it's starting to pierce my heart.

Wesley fell asleep in the car on the way to Grandma and Grandpa P.'s. We managed to get him into his pack and play for a nap and I soothed my bruised ego with a couple glasses of Lambrusco and the delicious nibbles Grandma had prepared. By the time Wesley woke up I was feeling a little less sorry for myself, even if he did still want Daddy and only Daddy. Wesley nibbled some cheese and "cracks" and fudge until it was time to open gifts.

Wesley is quite possibly the luckiest boy around. Not only does he have tons of family in town that love him, but apparently they see it as their personal mission in life to spoil him. Wesley might have held onto his little Dora the Explorer figurines all evening, but I was stunned by two of his presents. Grandpa has been on a mission to get Wesley a TMX Elmo since about September. He has had people in other cities looking for them. He and Grandma went to separate stores at 5:00 AM the day after Thanksgiving looking for one. He even had Wesley's 16 year old cousin Aaron on the lookout. Well, all that perseverance (and some time on e-bay) paid off and Wesley now has a TMX Elmo. I think he's a little apprehensive of it when it's laughing, but when it was standing still, Wesley hugged it and gave it a kiss.

I was completely blown away by another gift Wesley received. Grandpa MADE Wesley a beautiful rocking horse. I mean, it is gorgeous!! I know my jaw hit the floor when the cover was pulled off it. I know Wesley doesn't understand yet, but it's something that his children and grandchildren will love too. My eyes tear up just thinking about all the work and love that toy represents. I pray Wesley will always know how much he means to his Grandpa. Wesley didn't want to sit on the horse, but he petted it a few times and said "Nice" so I think he likes it!

Wesley spent the rest of the evening watching the "choo choo" around the tree and dragging Mommy up and down the stairs about 17 times. Apparently I am not good enough to hold him, but stair climbing is in my job description. It was a terrific evening and by the time we got home, Wesley was fast asleep.

I can't believe Christmas is over. I can't believe how incredibly blessed our family is and how much love we receive. Thank you all for being the wonderful people you all and I hope your Christmas was as happy and merry as could be!

Twas the Night Before Christmas....

....and all through the house, not a creature was stirring - except for Daddy, Mommy, Wesley, Sadie, Gus and Sanders! It's a crazy night! Duane has a cold, Wesley has a worse cold and the cats are tearing around like nobody's buisness. There will be precious little sleep tonight.

We've already had a very full Christmas. We spent this afternoon and this evening wtih Grandma and Grandpa H., Great Aunt Carol, "Big Al", Uncle Kirk and Aunt Susan. Aunt Susan took some WONDERFUL pictures that I will share later (she's going to burn me a CD) but until then you are stuck with the few and semi-pathetic pictues I managed to take. It's hard to be in charge of the camera, chase a sick child who doesn't understand that you want him in the same room with everyone else, unwrap your gifts, your child's gifts and still pay attention to everyone else. The picture to the right is Wesley playing in the dining room while we all unwrapped gifts.

Back to the story. This afternoon and evening was lovely! Grandma prepared a ton of munchies to enjoy and we exchanged gifts. Wesley just didn't get it. But he did love the stuffed dog and puppy he recieved. He kissed them and carried them around the house. He also had a WONDERFUL time playing with his new train - or as he says "Choo Choo". He spent a lot of time standing in the middle of the track pushing the train around. Everytime it jumped the track, he'd hand the piece to his Great Aunt Carol. She was such a good sport. She'd put it back on the track and he'd get it going until the next derailment.

Round and round and round he goes!

Through the tunnel!

Wesley quickly deteriorated from cute little toddler playing with his toys, to sick little boy who only wanted his Daddy. He was so cranky that we decided to take a short drive in hopes he'd fall asleep before church. It worked and he slept blissfully for the first 20 minutes of the service. He was so cute when he woke up. Although we were at our church, we went to the traditional service in the sanctuary. We normally go to the contemporary service which is held in a different room. Wesley wasn't sure what to think of the sanctuary and kept looking around with wide eyes. Then the bell choir started playing. Wesley whipped his little head around and didn't take his eyes off the players the entire time. He was entranced. Too bad it didn't last. Wesley is a toddler and sitting through Christmas Eve service was not going to happen. Duane and I spent the rest of the time taking turns walking around with Wesley. Duane and Wesley found a ball and we went into the fellowship hall for a little game of kick the ball to pass the time.

We came straight home after church and put Wesley to bed with a reading of The Night Before Christmas and some Christmas lullabies. Unfortunately it didn't last and Wesley will be spending the rest of the night coughing and tossing around in our bed. The cats are tearing around like they broke into the catnip while we were gone. Peace on earth would be incredible, but I'd settle for peace in this house.

Too Cute for His Own Good

I have often said that kids (especially little boys) and puppies are cute for a reason - so you don't kill them before they have a chance to grow up! :-) The problem is, kids and puppies know exactly how cute they are. And if they don't know there are plenty of folks willing to tell them!

Wesley, Grandma H. and I went to do a little last minute Christmas shopping today. We went to four stores and in every store at least one person told me how cute Wesley was. Usually the comment was made as I was following him around the store because he didn't want to be in the cart, or while he was dragging me around by the finger. Part of me loves hearing that and part of me wants to scream "SHHHH!!! Don't say that in front of him!!!!" He knows he can get away with way too much if he flashes those big blue eyes and a squinty smile. Do we have to encourage it?

He Can Be Taught!

Improvements have been made since yesterday's milk fit. Today when Wesley finished his milk, he still threw the cup and started screaming. However, the screaming lasted for much less time before he picked up his cup. Of course, Wesley thought he could bypass the mommy step and headed directly to the refrigerator. It's a start.

Wesley is also starting to learn he really does need to be gentle with the cats. Wesley was in our bed for part of the night. When he woke up he saw Sanders at the foot of the bed. Wesley toddled over to the cat and said "Hi!" Then Wesley started petting Sanders and saying "Nice," which is what we say when Wesley pets the cats - "Pet nice." Sanders was very impressed.

I'm Outta Here

Apparently Wesley is unhappy with the way he was portrayed in my earlier post. He grabbed his suitcase, his teddy and I'm pretty sure I heard the words "I'm going back to Grandpa's!"

Oh Yeah, He's a Toddler!

How much slack can I cut the kid for teething and coming down with a little bit of a cold? It is not even 7:30 in the morning and he is in rare form. He's throwing a super fit and do you know why? He's out of milk in his sippy cup. Now if he had brought me the cup, I would have taken it into the kitchen and filled it with milk for him. Instead, he threw the cup across the room and began screaming as soon as he finished the last sip. It's much too early to deal with that, and I refuse to get him something (even something as simple as milk) if he is acting like that. I'm going to type and ignore the banshee until he calms down.........

.....so after a few minutes of screams and tears I got him to pick up his cup and bring it to me. "Oh? You'd like some milk, please?" So I filled his cup, he happily drank all of two sips, dropped it on the floor and began to play with his toys. Is this what I can expect throughout the toddler years? If so, I'm going to need a LOT of chocolate and coffee to make it through.

Overnight Success

Wesley had his very first overnight at Grandpa and Grandma P.'s last night. I was a little worried because Wesley had never been there overnight and he had been running a bit of a fever all day. Apparently I worried for nothing. Wesley did just fine. He went to bed at a reasonable time and slept all night. I was the one who called several times and had a little trouble sleeping since I was worried about him.

Of course, now that Wesley is comfortable sleeping over at both Grandma and Grandpa H.'s house AND Grandma and Grandpa P.'s house I see possible getaways in my future. Just think with double the folks able to keep the boy overnight maybe Duane and I could sneak off for a romantic weekend sometime. Sigh. I know, dream on.

Paradise

This is Wesley and Grandpa P.'s version of paradise. Wesley sitting on Grandpa's lap in his warmest footie jammies, being fed vanilla ice cream while watching Noggin clips on the computer. Add in the occasional snuggle in to Grandpa's side and, as Grandpa said, "It doesn't get any better than this!"

Willful!

There is a very fine line between "independent" and "willful." Wesley has crossed that line several times today. If you have met Wesley, you know he is normally a pretty easy going kid. He ususally has a smile on his face and a rather infectious giggle. He's always had an independent streak and definately wants to do things his own way, but it hasn't been too much of a problem. However, the word "no" is coming out of Mommy and Daddy's mouths more often and Wesley doesn't like it one little bit.

Today was the family Christmas party. Wesley did really well for most of it. There were lots of kids there and the weather is still unseasonably warm, so the kids were all running in and out of the building. I didn't want Wesley to go outside unless Duane or I were with him, but if he was reaching for the door handle and I said "no," he would look at me crossly and whine/cry for a minute before trying it again. Taking him away from the door didn't work too well either, because he'd make a beeline for it as soon as we put him on the ground. We did go outside a few times, but tried very hard not to make it a response to his whining. I will admit that I took him outside when he toddled across the room, grabbed my finger and pulled me to the door, but that was so cute - who wouldn't have taken him!?!

Now we are playing battle of the wills over a Sesame Beginnings DVD. We have gotten in the possibly bad habit of letting him watch one every night (they are just as powerful as Dora.) But now he thinks that as soon as Noggin goes off the air at 6:00 he needs a DVD immediately! He points at the TV and whines. Points to the DVDs and whines. Goes over to the DVD player and presses the power button a few times just so we get the point. Mommy is being a toughie tonight though and I don't want him watching one until 7:30. Then when it's over we'll start our bedtime routine. Wesley is currently laying down on a pillow in front of the DVD player, just so we'll get his subtle point. A few minutes ago he brought us the phone. We're pretty sure he was asking us to call a grandparent so he could tell them how unfair his parents were being. Must be tough being a toddler!

Haircut Happiness

OK, "happiness" might be a bit of an exaggeration. We went for a haircut today and to be honest, I was dreading the whole thing. Wesley hates to get his haircut. He cries from the moment he sits in the chair until we leave. Not today though! Today there were still a few tears shed, but no screaming, no howling, and the tears were few and far between. I'm not sure what really made the difference, but I think I know. First of all, I asked the stylist not to put a cape on Wesley. For some reason, that always makes it worse. Also, she didn't try to buddy up to him. Wesley doesn't really like strangers so that helped too. Add the fact that Dora was on the tv, and he was chewing on his bear's tag and things were pretty good. He even took a trip down the slide when the cut was done and happily chose a balloon. Maybe we're over that painful phase.

CATCH!!

I know that I have lamented before on how difficult it is to get a picture of Wesley's face these days. He is always a blurr of motion!

Yesterday I was getting ready for work and Wesley was tearing around through the bedrooms, saying "Catch! Catch!" He wanted me to chase him around and catch him. Everytime I'd scoop him up he'd giggle wildly. As soon as I put him down, he'd be off again, yelling "Catch!" Guess I don't need that gym membership for Christmas after all!