Some Assembly Required

Matthew loves helping Daddy with construction projects, and building the swingset was a good activity for both of them. Dennis had to build the entire thing by himself (Matthew did "help" by handing him the screws, but that was mitigated by the fact that he kept running off with the drill bits). The box says "build and play in one day," which is probably only true if you have more than one adult building the set!

We did get it done by Memorial Day, and as you can see, it is a big hit!

Don't Tell Daddy...

The weedkiller he put down is going to be totally ineffective this year!!!

Water+Boy=Fun!

Materials:

• Tricycle, muddy
• Galoshes
• Hose
• Bucket
• 2 year old boy

Method:

1. Turn on hose. Give boy sponge, bucket, and hose.
2. Remove yourself from the immediate vicinity. A distance of at least 3m is advisable.
3. Obtain every bath towel you own in preparation for "drying off" at the end of the activity.

Results:

• One very happy and soggy boy
  

My First Bike

We have a couple foot-to-floor bikes and one pedal-driven plastic tricycle, but none have the sufficient speed to keep a 2 1/2 year old boy happy for long. Lo and behold, Grandma has provided the windfall of a brand-new tricycle! One with pneumatic wheels, a metal frame, and a running board in the back. And a bell- one must not forget the importance of a bell.

Sadly, we brought the bike home and it immediately began to rain. Such are the trials of living in Western New York! Sunny days should prevail again soon- until then we are left indoors with our books and legos.

Johnson and Johnson's Baby Bath Gets a Workout

Usually, Daddy puts Matthew to bed. Last night, Mommy was requested for bedtime and I very happily set off with the munchkin to read a book (or four) and settle him down for the night. Apparently, I didn't verify the bathroom door was shut before venturing back downstairs.

At 9:00pm (one hour past bedtime) we hear that delightful pitter-patter which means someone is NOT asleep. We hear him trying to climb over the gate. He's saying, "I eat! I eat! Berry!" He's been unusually hungry lately, so Dennis went to check on him. Dennis didn't come back downstairs. I hear the bath running. I honestly debated feigning sleep downstairs, because a part of me just didn't want to know.

Turns out Matthew believes Desitin really belongs on one's hair rather than the area of the body its intended for. Turns out that Desitin is rather hard to get out of a kid's hair, though it does make an excellent styling medium (we have been fashioning spikes out of his hair this morning, even after washing his hair 4 times).

One thing we can be sure of: the bathroom door will be secured tonight! And his face will be free from diaper rash!

8 Months Old

I can't believe that Nolan is 8 months old. His infancy has been going by so quickly that it seems like he was born yesterday!

His hair is turning a reddish blond (almost looks like copper) and he has amazing blue eyes. He only weighs 16 pounds, 5 ounces and is on the bottom of the growth chart, but he'll catch up. At least, we assume he'll catch up- his brother did!

Nolan likes:

Real people food (forget the baby food, folks)!
The cats
His brother
Mommy (he might get renamed Velcro)
Eating grass (ack!)
Car rides

Nolan dislikes:

Baby food
Sippy cups
Strangers
Strong wind
His high chair

New milestones?

Squealing
Babbling (still 4 consonants and 1 vowel)
CRAWLING (heaven help us)
Pulling off his hat and socks
Pulling to a stand

I can't believe how quickly my baby is growing. I'm going to miss those dimpled cheeks and toothless smiles when they're gone!