Weekend Photo

Courtesy of a friend...

Shhhhhh.....!

Each morning at about 6 a.m., I'm plucked by precious finger tips out of the heaviest part of my slumber. They reach up over my side of the bed, looking for purchase to pull the sweetest-smelling pot-bellied cherub up for another hour of dozing snuggles. Without fail, 15 minutes before 7 a.m. those same finger tips start dancing across my face. A perky lip-smacking smooch is planted on the apple of my cheek just before the faintest wisper of "outside?" bores into my ear cannals. Damn.

Put just this way, how can anyone refuse?

The monster is insatiable when it comes to the great outdoors. Whatever may be on the docket to get done, the entire day's events is punctuated by multiple sweet requests and throw-down tantrum screams to be out from under any roof. Whether it's playing in sand, walking down the road, climbing on numerous objects - from the lawn tractor to bolders to tree stumps to playstructures, feeding the horses, refereeing the dogs... it could go on and on. Invariably, I'm ready for our nap before 1o a.m. Dad seems to be better at this sort of thing, often leading the charge of mayhem as I stumble over my own feet to keep up.

Exquisite Times

A little update... not cause I was prodded with an electric stick, or anything... *cough*

The only reason I need any prodding, I'm happy to say, is because we're having so much fun that I don't want to miss a second by living outside of a single moment. And I'm running my damned feet off, I'm so busy.

I LOVE being this busy with work. I'm lucky enough to have some really great clients and for the most part, every day in my own business is a joy. I'm tweaking and primping my space, not only for an open house I'm hosting on the 1st of May, but just to make my space pop for myself. It has been a little tricky managing with recent construction in the yard, but the constant flux of mud and sand through our buildings has pushed us to finally address the functionality and aesthetics of our yards. I'm very excited to see everything finished. The looming deadline I've imposed on us will see the work done and the results ready to enjoy for the rest of the summer!

Oh, right... you guys are here for the cherub. Excuse the side-track... Our little man has passed another round of tests and scans with flying colours. He's been experiencing some fevers while coping with colds and the threat of mollars, which I understand can take a couple of years to wrap up. I can't help but feel my veins freeze every time he feels warm. It's such a massive crimson flag for leukemia, in general. We allow his body to do its thing, duking it out until we reach 100. Then we employ some artificial control in the form of baby ibuprofen and so far things have always calmed back down. Bitter sweet, is my expansive knowledge on how to dose per weight... and too, my relief at our impressive collection of medical plungers/droppers. I never trust the ones that come with the bottles. I'm glad to be confident in my handling of such things, but annoyed as to why I am.

Developmentally, our boy is sailing right along. He's stringing together three words and looking for more. His own language is still the go-to for story telling, of which he is a master and artiste. He puts his own boots on - either the mucky outside ones or the squeeky clean inside ones. He loves to pass you pillows as you make the bed, or climb under the covers as you parachute them up. He's very affectionate, with lots of hugs and kisses - especially to make a boo boo better. His sense of humour is fantastic. Puddles are the best thing EVER and I can't find it in me to stress about wet pants or booters. Changing into clean, dry clothes is part of the experience, after all. The potty continues to be a fun game - we even made it happen, once! It has also become a source of bedtime evasion, clever boy.

I hope he never ceases to be this yummy.

Birthday Boy

The big day was on the 10th, of course. We spent the day prior at the Steinbach Aquatic Centre. All I have to say is AMAZING! There was a whirl pool that carried you around a little circuit, there were water fountains, a bubbling shallow pool and even a water slide! AND the family change rooms are as large and accommodating as the regular change rooms!! Horray! Definitely worth the visit. The kid had a great time, too. In fact, we've been visiting a pool every week and I'm pretty sure it's his favourite thing to do.

Picture time:

On his birthday morning, hogging Mom's favourite slowly-wake-up spot...

And finally, some nice enough weather lately to play outside with his favourite buddies!

Essentially, not much has changed since 12:03 March 10, 2011. Oh, right... except for the raging demon that lay silently waiting within our precious child for that precise moment to launch itself full-force into every disagreement (...when did this become a democracy?), every hairy eyeball and every 5 minute tantrum. We have reached new heights with our efforts to maintain our line... I feel like a monstrous bully most of the time. Having a teammate on the same page gives me the reassurance that we're only pushing back as hard as he pushes us and that it is for his best interest. For the most part, he's still a polite and happy little dude. It's just that when his strong little opinion does differ from ours, the LID IS OFF.

I think I can hang in there... except, well damn, my knuckles are already white. What's it been... 2 DAYS?!

PoolSide

We had an awesome adventure yesterday. Cabin fever has set in at our house and we're all snapping at each other like sharks. So it was entirely fitting that we took it to the water.

Actually, we had SO much fun and it was just the break we needed to feel good again. The boy was unsure at first, but the ball was a good distraction and Mom & Dad were in the water. It wasn't long before he decided he wanted to join us.

And it took even less time for him to decide that this water thing was neat! Within minutes of being in my arms in the pool, he was exploring how the water moved over his feet and hands. He LOVED wearing the bright red life jacket and was a little sad when we took it off for a bit.

A couple of bouts of temper earned him some poolside talks and he was eager to jump back into the water on his best behaviour.

His favourite water toy was hands-down the little orange slide. "Again!" A close second was zooming on his tummy through the water (held in Mom's arms). And definitely we can't forget some righteous splashing at Dad by kicking his little legs for all he was worth.

We're hoping to go once a week.