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!

The Up Side of Murphy's Law of Toddlerhood

The up side about getting up at the crack of dawn is that we've had great morning. I got my shower when Dora was on TV and we managed to make it to the main library for story time. Wesley did a fantastic job, considering he's only been to a handful of story times in his life. Yes, I know that is pathetic considering I'm a children's librarian, but most story times are when I'm working. Wesley loved the songs and even seemed to listen to the books. I just can't believe we made it there AND he was soooooo good!!!

Another up side? I got the menus planned for next week and a big dent in the grocery list. Too bad I'm yawning and have a full day of work ahead. If I could take a nap in the afternoon with Wesley, I wouldn't mind starting our days off nice and early.

Murphy's Law of Toddlerhood

I may have complained about this before, but a good gripe always deserves another airing. Why is it that on days that I have to be at work in the morning, Wesley could sleep till 9 and I have to wake him up and pry him out of bed, but on the days that I don't go in until the afternoon, Wesley wakes up at the crack of dawn? This is especially annoying when Mommy and Daddy have stayed up past their usual (pathetically early) bedtime to watch a movie.

I'm a morning person, but getting up too early is bad! It causes me to spend time musing about weird things, like "Why doesn't Prairie Dawn have a nose? Bert, Ernie, and Grover all have noses, but Prairie Dawn - who is supposed to be a person - is without a nose. How strange is that?" And of course the bigger question, "Why do I even care?"

Which Cat is Which?

Sanders









Gus

Sadie

Three cats, three different and distinct names. So how come Wesley calls Gus and Sadie by their names, but won't call Sanders anything but "Kitty Kitty?"

Toddler Police

I've been busted by a 17 month old. This morning I was getting ready to leave the house. I said goodbye to Wesley and put on my hat and gloves. Wesley looked me over, then tapped his head and said "Hat! Hat! Hat!" Wesley always has to have hat on if we leave, so I guess he figured I needed a hat too. As soon as I showed him I had a hat, I was permitted to leave. Guess it's a good thing I got off with a warning!

New Baby Trick

I was going to title this post "stupid baby trick" but that sounded kind of rude. So "new baby trick" it is. Wesley's new trick this weekend is a new word. Duane had to run into work last night, so Wesley and I passed the time watching a little hockey. After a little coaching, I could say "Wesley, what are we watching on tv?" and he'd reply "Hockey!" We repeated this trick over the phone for Uncle Kirk, Aunt Susan's voice mail and our friend Ray. We also called Grandma H. and Grandma W. so they could listen to the newest little hockey fan.

He was still going strong with it this morning. He'd even run around the living room chanting "hockey hockey hockey hockey" But would he perform at church when I tried to get him to tell Johnny what we watched last night? NO!!! But he'd tell us in the car. Now we just need to get him to say "football."