My Goofy Ball

That's what Ellis said yesterday, "Easton's being a goofy ball" as Easton danced around Ellis's house like a loon. It made me laugh. Ellis is funny. He's a very verbal child (as you may have heard me mention before) but he's still only a two and a half year old kid so a lot of what he says it quite amusing. I guess he told his daycare teacher yesterday, "I'm going to play with Easton! Easton has a dolphin!" Meaning Dalton. Hee hee!

We had fun at Ellis's and they introduced Easton to craisins. We even went and bought some of our own today and Easton has been devouring them like you wouldn't believe E could. Easton was in rare form yesterday and was having a hard time taking turns with Ellis's toy lawn mower. Easton is normally unusually happy to share his own toys and especially seems to understand when a toy isn't his. But he really wanted that lawn mower yesterday and even hit it (the mower...he has yet to strike another child). I was not pleased. I know "it's the age"...it's still newish behavior to me.

Shortly after we got there I discovered Dalton poop on my leg. I left the diaper bag at home like a genius. So, I had to put D in one of Ellis's size 5's. Dalton wears a 3 normally. Oops. I was able to make it work but was glad it was still big on my big boy.

Anyway, without Easton's nap he was a little bit in hyperactive mode. He loved their dog BeBop and even introduced himself to the dog, "I Easton, BeBop." He was definitely a goofy ball.

Before we left we took some pictures of ourselves. Easton likes to take pics and then look at them on the LCD of the camera right away. Sometimes he'll ask to see a particular one and then he'll try to recreate it. Told you...goofy ball! So, anyway, here's what we took, "Let's make a happy face!":


And a sad face:


Or two:


One of these is scared (Easton's idea) and one is surprised (my idea)...unfortunately I can't remember which one is which:




And a mad face:


Are y'all diggin' my glasses? I thought so. The pink eye was no longer supposed to be contagious after 24 hours on the drops but we have to continue the treatment for 7-10 days so I'm not supposed to wear my contacts.

And lookie what the love of my life brought home for me last night:

What a guy. Flowers and candy. Well, candy bars. Which we ate while we watched "The Pursuit of Happyness" last night. Meh. I read the book. I liked it okay. We knew the movie was in trouble when the opening credits said, "Inspired by a true story". Not even "Based" on a true story. It did not follow the book much. Oh well. The movie made me feel kinda anxious. I think AJ said that too. She was right! Jason gets to pick our next Netflix. I've been on a bad streak.

This morning when the boys woke up I decided I would get in some E time. Really feed the E meter, you know? And so it started with a trip to McDonald's for breakfast for two and their play area. He's never been inside a McDonald's like that before. So, he was excited to sit on a "hag-a-burr":


And ate his hotcake, hash brown, and orange juice:


He could've eaten more than he did but he was anxious to play:










It wasn't very crowded and at times he was the only one there. But, I did hear one older kid ask him,

Older kid: What's your name?
E: Ee-tin
OK: What?
E: EE-TIN!
OK: Ethan?
He's cursed with a name he can't pronounce.

Later as he climbed up this slide:

He got into a bit more heated of an exchange with a bossy rule maker. I couldn't see them but their convo echoed down the tube slide:
BRM: You can't go this way.
E: Yes.
BRM: No.
E: Yes!
BRM: No!
E: Ehhhh!
The most amusing part of this story is that as I was recounting it to Jason when we got home, Easton chimed in with, "I said, "Ehhhh!"" Hee hee!

After Easton was done playing he really enjoyed going from table to table to sit in different chairs. What are you, one year old? Silly.


Dalton and Daddy had some bonding time of their own at home:








Easton and I stopped off briefly at the house, gave J his Egg McMuffin, told the slide story, and then E and I headed back out to Target. We needed some craisins of our own, you see. And some more Mommy/E time was enjoyed.

It was really nice to have that bit of one-on-one time with a kid...for both me and J, I think. Both boys were in really great moods today. I was too. It was a good day to be their mom. Easton didn't take his nap at first, but he did eventually. Oh, I think yesterday he might not have intentionally peed on the bed. Jason was asking him about it later and he said he "pee pee in his Toy Stories" (which is the Pull Ups he has--sort of like "a Bob").

One time during his supposed-to-be-nap time today he came out of his room, Pull Up in hand again and said, "I pee pee on me carpet". So I said, "Where?" and he said, "In me Cars" Again, the other characters on Pull Ups. I searched his carpet and found nothing so who knows?

After his nap E showered with Daddy and Dalton and I did some playing. He was so happy:

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Then we headed to Brian and Samantha's for a house warming party. We were warned that a severely peanut allergic kid was coming and to not bring peanuts. So we didn't. We even opted for a different bag altogether that had never had peanuts in it before. Well, the kid got to the party and I was immediately put on edge. I cannot imagine how hard it's got to be for this mom to ever bring her kid out in public. She told us Easton couldn't even touch him because he'd had yogurt for lunch and this kid is deathly allergic to milk and eggs in addition to the peanuts. Easton wanted to play with the kid so badly too. Then that mom whipped out a ball for the allergic boy. Easton of course wanted to play with that too. It was very stressful for me to have to be so on top of him. He just wanted to play. I can't imagine how hard it must be for that mom. She has to be the allergy nazi. I didn't realize Easton couldn't even touch the kid at first. E doesn't always understand the whole "personal space" thing yet and would get right in the allergic kid's face and I could just see that mom freak out. Understandably, of course. It was still stressful to me. I felt so scrutinized, like I was doing everything wrong. And I probably was. I mentioned how Easton had a milk "allergy" which is the wrong word to use when the other kid has anaphylactic reactions as opposed to just an "intolerance" like diarrhea or bleeding in the gut (what E gets with large amounts of milk, most likely). My bad. My whole point to the mom was that E does okay with yogurt, just not actual milk. I felt like a dork. They steered clear of us after that.

Later I saw the kid getting touched and high-fived by some adults at the party. I guess they're okay? I don't know the specifics. I just know that I'd be terrified to take my child anywhere with allergies that severe. Then I'd resent being stuck at home all the time. I really hope Dalton doesn't have allergies. So far so good, right?

Anyway, I was so stressed out from that situation tonight that I told Jason, "I need to blog tonight. I hope you have homework you can do." I didn't realize how edgy it made me. But it did. Then I think about how much worse it probably is for that mom. I feel better now that I've blogged about it. I knew I would. Thanks for "listening".

Samantha and Brian have a great deck. Easton did this:

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

He wasn't seriously hurt. Because we now know he is fine Jason actually high-fived me when he realized he had caught the footage. I wonder what E will think when he watches it?

Sam and Brian also have a ping pong table. Jason is quite the skilled multi-tasker:


Easton enjoyed fetching the balls. And running laps around the table:

I know his head is cut off, I just enjoy a good action shot from time to time.

So the boys are now in bed. I'm about to go to bed too. Tomorrow I get some "me time" with my birthday gift card. Old Navy here I come. And Starbucks too, I'm sure.

Before I go, I just have to direct you all to a video on Jessica's blog. Some dad has added words to Pachelbel's Canon in D. I enjoyed it very much.

And now, my friends, I shall bid you adieu. Good night!

Happy Birthday, Dear Lauren!

Today is my baby sister's 17th birthday. Whoa.



We met her and my mom for breakfast on teenager time: 11:00. Actually we were a little late as Easton is continuing to have "discipline issues" that needed addressing before we could leave the house. We're not having much fun.

He's refusing a nap again today although he did sleep till 7:30 this morning. Not that I could enjoy it because Dalton was up for the day before 6:30. Jason was like, "If it's not one, it's the other." Yup.

Anyway, I'm pretty sure Easton just took off his Pull Up and intentionally peed on his bed. I will never know for sure as I wasn't with him...he's supposed to be napping. But he came out of his room with his Pull Up in his hand telling me, "I pee pee". His bed had several wet spots which tells me it was more than just some accidental leakage. See, I told you he's being a weirdo. I did my best not to react much at all. He's really looking for negative attention from me lately. I don't like it. He's trying to get timeouts and then won't stay in the "naughty spot" when he "earns" it. If you ask him to pick up something, "Easton, I need you to pick up Tato Head" he'll go, "No! Mama take away!" He wants us to take the toys away. I still try to make him pick up the toys or he gets a time out. I know this behavior is expected, except it's NOT!!! This isn't Easton. Next week my incredible, shrinking mother...

...is going to come watch Dalton so I can take Easton to do something fun just the two of us. We need to get back to some of that. I took him to Target just the two of us the other night, but I guess that's not quite the same. My same amazing mom is also offering to come spend the night with Dalton and pop his pacifier back in for him all night so that I can try to get some actual sleep. Isn't she awesome? And so trendy too! (Check out her new outfit on her skinny self!)

This afternoon we're going to Ellis's to play. Easton's having some "quiet time" in lieu of his nap and he's in bed with some books. Awhile ago he started yelling, "All done nappy naps!" which is weird becauase I don't think I ever say, "nappy naps" but I might. I can be strange that way. I went and exchanged his old books for some new ones. He's actually being very quiet. I just don't want this "no nap" trend to continue at all. At all!

Okay, I should go give him some new books. At least Dizz is sleeping...

I Keep Forgetting to Say...

Dalton has already doubled his birthweight. "They" say it should happen by 6 months, I think. Anyway...at his appointment on Monday he was 17 pounds, 13.5 ounces. 17# 14 would be double. Wow. Easton weighed roughly that (17# 12.5) around the 1 year anniversary of his due date. In other words, he was over 13.5 months old. It is impossible for me not to compare my kids. Impossible. Dalton seems more vocal/social than Easton was. And at this age in Easton's life (adjusted age) he was already an expert sitter-upper and was starting to creep (pre-crawling). How very different they can be.

I'm pretty sure I'm not supposed to compare them like this. I just don't see how I can't. It's not like I love one more than the other for certain traits or abilities. I just note the differences as well as the similarities. Is that so wrong?

So, Easton and I had a bit of a rough afternoon. I am pretty darn sure it is due in part to his not napping today. But also because he's just strange lately. Maybe ever since the demise of the potty training? I can't remember exactly when his weirdness started and I just don't know which came first. But we threw the whole daycare business and several illnesses in with all that and he's just not quite himself. It's odd. I hope he finds his old self again soon. I know they all have their stages... And he's two... But still, we had a good thing going till a few weeks ago. A great thing, even. Not that it's all bad now or anything, it's just harder with him than usual. A little strained, perhaps. It's sad at the same time. Sometimes he calls out for me at night or during his naps. Like he's really needing to check that I'm still here? Or he's having bad dreams? Of course I feel like I've caused all this. That's why I kept saying I "broke" him. Something's amiss. Let's just hope we move on very soon. Anyway...

The big thing I keep forgetting/running out of time to talk about is our last swimming adventure. That day we had brunch with my mom (before my birthday) we also went swimming at her pool. And this time we threw caution to the wind, lathered D up in some sunscreen and let him in on the fun too!

Pictures??? Of course there are pictures. And videos. Hello?!?! It's me we're talking about here. So without further adieu:

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Waiting in the shade for the "required" 30 minutes after applying sunscreen.




I make everyone call these water squirters. I don't like guns for my innoncent little man. I honestly don't think Easton knows that word yet.




So, he's waiting a little longer than the specified half hour.


And it's time!!!

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I really must mention how stinkin' cute I think it is how he's holding on to my thumbs. And he how looks up at me when I first lower him into the water (while staying out myself hee hee! That water was cold!)

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Easton was a little traumatized at first, you know from somehow ending up sideways as he shot into the water. He started out fine, as you could see...who knows what happened when he disappeared from view?

But he wanted to go again before we left. We said, "Maybe next time."

Just a Thursday

I'm still so sick. It's my throat. It was getting better, lots better. Then last night I was miserable. I actually went to the grocery store for relief at 2 in the morning. It did help and I was able to get a little bit of sleep finally, and at that point Dalton cooperated too. Till the sprinklers outside woke E at 6:20 for the 3rd day in a row. Anyhoo, today my throat is getting better again. This is no fun.

We did make it out to Gym yesterday. My mom met us there just to show Easton that she can be around and Mommy doesn't always leave. But, like the last time we were at Gym, Easton was a weirdo and kept crying, "I want Mommy!" during his gymnastics time. Mr. Ken was all, "Is he having problems at home?" Then later he said, "I just think it's funny because it's soooo not Easton." At least he sees that. But, yeah, he's having clinging and abandonment issues at home too. I might've mentioned that. ;)

That darn daycare.

I just got our statement from them. Pricey. The $25 membership fee was for each kid. For some reason I thought it was like Gym and applied for the whole family. But no. So, $50 in memberships. Plus the 5 hours of care. Plus $5 for Easton's dinner he didn't touch. Then there's the $60 in copays for the doctor the other day. And $22 for our perscriptions. And that day Jason missed from work. Not to mention the actual cost of our parking, movie, popcorn, dinner date... Ugh. We'll be going back--just not real soon. We need some time to recover--both our bodies and bank account.

So, Easton is still not liking milk but is eating a little better than normal. Today and yesterday he had two Eggos and over half a yogurt for breakfast. This is unheard of for E. He wanted to spoon the yogurt in himself (the kind he eats tends to be quite runny) so I had him sit at the table and then told him he'd have to wear a bib since he was already dressed for Gym. He thought this was funny:

The other day he asked me to put a bib that he'd found on him...that's what gave me the idea in the first place.

While at Gym Mr. Ken asked, "How old is she now?" of Dalton. Grrrrr. Dalton was wearing this:

Mr. Ken said, "The green threw me off". Yes, the green trimmed in navy blue. Miss Stephanie can remember Dalton's name! But not Ken. Not even the gender. I don't really care. Everyone always thought Easton was a girl too.

When we were at Red Robin the other night a woman was very careful not to assume: "How old is your baby?" "What is your baby's name?" Oh, and by the way, I never mentioned the unappetizing tale of how the table next to us trimmed their children's finger nails at the table while waiting for their dinner. Ick!!!

Anyway...he's beautfiul but he looks like a boy to me:


Here is a short-ish montage of the 5 month old Dalton:

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I just love him.

Well, Easton's refusing a nap today. Great. If there was ever a day I need a nap too it's the night I went to the grocery store at 2 a.m. Oh well. Some quiet time on the couch together might do us both some good. Ta ta for now!