I Can Think of a Couple People...

...who are loving having their Daddy around more:


That photo above was totally candid. I was in the kitchen making dinner and looked up to see my guys all cuddling on the couch like that. Had to snap a pic.

Then these ones were posed but I love how Eastie is trying to ruin them:




Jason's break is actually going better than I thought it would. I've gotten really behind on the laundry and daily cleaning tasks...but we did some joint effort cleaning today and it was great. I could get used to this. :)

I think the boys are really loving the extra parental attention as well. Easton's behavior has really really improved, partly (we think) from re-cracking down on the discipline and partly from just getting more positive attention and such. It's been really enjoyable. Hope it lasts even after J goes back to the office.

Dalton...well, he's always happy. Erm, nearly always happy. Instead of a baby gate, I may have mentioned that we often push the whole friggin' loveseat in front of the "exit" from the family room. Today Dalton was stuck in there by himself while Jason was in the kitchen and I was upstairs gathering piles of laundry. Poor guy wanted O.U.T.:


But, he look at all this extra cuteness later at dinner. Jason LOVES this movie and named it what it is:

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That's all I've got for you for now...

Sledding!

Thanks to the huge dumping of snow we got (all during my drive home from yesterday's haircut) today was the perfect day to break out the sleds the boys got for Christmas. Neither kid had even been sledding before, and actually, neither had my Louisiana Man. So, after breakfast at McDonald's with an oil change next door, followed by naps for BOTH boys we then hit the slopes. Err, hill.


Easton was so very excited and got to wear waterproof snow pants for the first time. That's a good thing to have.


Dalton has a really cool enclosed sled. He was bundled not unlike Maggie Simpson in her star suit. Nice and toasty in there.

We wished we had a big labrador to pull him around, it seemed perfect. Instead Jason and I took turns pulling Dalton on the flat ground while the other one sled with Easton.

We had a blast, except the newly recharged batteries in the camera crapped out on us after this pic of me and E:


When Dalton was lulled to sleep in his little sled we had to resort to using the camera phone to capture how precious it was:


Look at how we tied him to the sign like a doggie. But hey, you don't want your 11 month old sliding solo down a steep hill...


Sledding was fun, we let Easton go by himself a few times towards the end and he did great. He liked just running around, plopping down for spontaneous snow angels, or "surprising" us with a snowball. He's definitely a snow bunny. Good thing we get a lot of it here.

Feeding Time

Easton decided HE was going to be the one to feed Dalton the other night...

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De-Hairing

I've been itching to cut my hair for awhile and Jason's time off has been the perfect excuse to get so very many things done. So, hair cut time it was.

I didn't really know what I wanted. I don't care THAT much about my hair, only that I don't spend my time on my hair aside from washing it. So, I couldn't tell the stylist what I was looking for only to say, I want it shorter...maybe shoulder length...and something that looks like it has a style even if I don't do anything to it.

She was like, "Tell me what you DON'T want" and she went from there.

Um, I don't want this:

I'm looking frumpy on purpose for my unhappy "Before" shot.

So, she did her thing, it didn't take long at all. On the way home I wasn't sure I liked it and I was afraid to show it to my "But-I-Like-Your-Hair-Long" hubby. And, to top it off I had an hour and a half drive home thanks to the sudden snowstorm. Grrr. It took forever.

But, turns out, Jason seems to like my haircut, and looking back at the "Before" pic he agreed it was truly time for an 'update'. :) He's been very complimentary which makes me like my new 'do even more, of course.

You're probably wanting an "After" picture...well, here it is, complete with Jason trying to get in the shot too:

He saw it and said, "that's actually a cute picture of you, sorry for trying to ruin it". My silly hubs.

Luckily the boys still recognized me too...

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I have yet to wash it or {not} do it myself...so we'll see how it goes and if I keep liking it. For now I do. I was none too pleased with my longer hair. But I had it that way for Jason. He likes it long when I straighten it which is never. So, it's gonna be short for awhile now and I'm glad.

Edited to add: Here it is when I "do" it myself which means, briefly towel dry, then run my wide toothed comb through it and part it:

Daddy's First Trip to the Children's Museum

Wednesday morning we made our trip to the Children's Museum. We have a family membership and this paternity leave is the perfect time to use such a thing. I was really looking forward to having two parents there with two kids as my boys don't really enjoy the same stuff right now.

They have a cute little area for babies with soft hilly terrain to practice crawling and walking on, padded areas to roll around, giant teddy bears to crawl on...all with signs to keep the big kids out. It's great. So I took Dalton there for a bit:





He was such a good little explorer and had lots of fun. I like him.

I had sent Jason and Easton off to explore the rest of the museum and at some point Dalton and I went to find them. I had the camera so I needed to get some pictures of Easton too, right?

Easton did a little puppet show for us featuring a triceratops and a ladybug. Not quite sure how the story goes, other than the "Raaaar" he gave us.






Daddy and Dalton were thoroughly entertained by the performance:


We tried to spell some things with magnets after that but they were lacking in the letter department:


So we went to the market instead. Jason and I thought it was so cute to see our son "shopping" with his little shopping cart, he'd pull something off the shelf, pick out produce, and things from the bakery...


Then he pushed his little cart over to the check-out lane:


Other kids were playing too, of course, and there were some field trip kids that were needing some closer chaperoning. Poor Easton got squeezed out of the way more than once, he looked at me for help with a, "Mama, it's my turn" said very sweetly but apparently I am afraid of 8 year olds and couldn't confront her. I just said, "I know it's your turn honey" and just kind of passively hoped the other kid would get the hint. What the heck is wrong with me?!?! Poor Easton. His mom is a wimp.

Later we went and hung out on the fire truck while Jason took pictures of the outside of the building for work as planned. The only way Easton could reach the rope for the siren was to stand on the seat and then hang from it...

That was another time I was a wimp and didn't stick up for Easton's turn. I guess I figure the kids will work it out for themselves but there are older kids that aren't as nice to little people. I'll try to do better next time.

We left just in time for my camera batteries to run out. They had this cow thing outside and Easton wanted to sit on it. I whipped out my camera to dead batteries! Luckily Jason had his work camera on him, unluckily he didn't think to focus it for such short range...but look how nicely in focus Invesco (where the Broncos play) is in the upper right corner:


Easton had a total low blood sugar meltdown on the way home. By the time we were home he was sooooo upset and was shaking as he tried to spoon in his yogurt. Poor kid. He'd had breakfast. He rarely eats a snack in the morning. But I guess it was time for lunch. Clearly it was time for lunch. He was fine after that.

In fact, we had a really great day.

He Did What!?!?

Jason went to work...on Tuesday...he barely lasted two days with us. Okay, it's a little bit of a joke. He just went in to the building...briefly. And the boys and I were at a playdate...we didn't even miss him. :)

We sat down this weekend and kind of mapped out the week...I planned what our dinners would be, and an activity or two for each day: movies with Easton, the playdate, the Children's Museum, breakfast at McDonald's while we got the oil changed next door. You know...that kind of stuff. Well, for work, Jason needed to photograph the Children's Museum exterior...and since we were already gonna be there he went to work to pick up that fancy camera. And the plan was for me to take it back to Microsoft when I went up to Boulder for a haircut. Worked out well.

Although he is checking his work emails and such still...I guess it'll make it smoother for when he IS back in the office. It's not interfereing with our family time at all so I'm good with it. Heck, I like to check my email frequently too.

So Easton pulled a funny last night before dinner...he went into the bathroom, closed the door (he never does this because he's only 3 and doesn't understand modesty yet), and then he turned on the fan and made a poo. We were rolling. We thought the fan part was especially funny.

And Dalton, sweet Dalton. He says "Mama" now. Like, all the time. I'm still not at all convinced he knows that's me or if he means me. But he calls in the mornings. In fact, the other day he was saying it so perfectly that I actually walked into Easton's room thinking it was him! Easton was actually still sleeping and I was like, "No way! That was Diddles?" And yes, it was. I love it...whether he means me or not, it's sweet to hear my baby calling my name. Nights with him have been rough again. But he does have his 7th tooth now. His second on the bottom right.

Anyhoo, I didn't bring my camera on the playdate today. I did take a couple of pics tonight...




And this movie with Easton as Cindy Crawford...

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The First Day Off

Today marked the official beginning of Jason's time off. As Dalton cried for milk around 6:15, Jason turned off his alarm clock (that wasn't even set) in his sleep. Made me laugh.

We started off our Monday as we start off most Mondays: Krispy Kreme. I think the doughnut lady was surprised to see the "homeless guy" I'd picked up for doughnuts on the way as J was unshowered, several days unshaven, and sporting flannel with sweatpants. But we had lots of fun as he joked how he was kind of the observer on our day. Like he's on Supernanny or something.

We continued our tradition of eating "like a picnic" in front of the Wiggles. Jason joined us and witnessed first hand how much Blitz enjoys the fallen doughnut crumbs. If he likes them so much, why not help clean them off Easton's pants for a laugh:


Not too long after breakfast I put Dalton down for a nap and just Easton and I headed to Wal-Mart. It was a great trip. He was a great boy and it was nice because some people stopped to give Easton some attention--without baby Dalton there to steal the spotlight. An elderly couple came up to me and jokingly offered to buy him, "He's a dandy!" they said. Then it was fun because they said, "Is he your first?" and I said, "Yes, he is...but I have another one at home." They were slightly confused as I think anyone would be. "You mean, you have another one after this one at home?" "Yup, he's 11 months". I didn't bother to explain who was watching "that one". I'm glad Easton can still impress strangers without Dalton around. He's still got it! :)

We wrapped up at Wal-Mart and headed home briefly to put away the groceries before going on our movie date. I took Easton to the new Veggie Tales, "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything" and it was a hit. It was great. We got there, got some popcorn and snuck in some M&M's and a CapriSun. We were a teeny bit late so the theatre was already dark and the movie was just starting on the screen. Easton was captivated. It has been over a year since he's been to a movie theatre. He never looked away, even if I'd ask him a question or offer popcorn. He did great! We ate all the popcorn and all the candy. I took this shot in the dark, no flash obviously, and then tried to lighten things a bit in PhotoShop...this is the best it got:


I took this one in the bathroom afterwards!!! Hee hee!


We got home to a sleeping Dalton and my showered but still unshaven husband. Easton was "writing" his birthday thank you notes and then decided he wanted to draw Veggie Tales with Daddy:


Jason then took Easton outside to try to teach him to finally pedal his tricycle...but nope. Not getting it! We did learn that both our across the street neighbors are pregnant. Something in the water on that side of the street? It sure ain't over here. :) Neither of them have found out/are finding out the genders of their babies. Love it! Actually one of the women's husband knows what she's having and has successfully kept it a secret from her the entire time. She's due Thursday. That's gotta be a hard secret to keep! It's their 3rd and they already have "one of each" so she didn't need to know.

Okay...that was a random tangent...anyhoo...

We've got plans figured out for most of the rest of the week. Some of it actually involves Jason doing a little bit of work! Oh well. I guess it'll make it easier on him once he does go back to the office next month. Still...he's working?!?!

Silly man.

My 600th Post

I'm gonna post a couple of pre-written posts, because I kept blogging--for me--like I want to. Anyway, the dates of these posts are the real dates, I know they're almost two weeks ago...

Sunday we were blessed with gorgeous weather. The said the high was supposed to be 59 and I'm pretty sure we got above 60. It was a beautiful sunny day. And we weren't the only ones itching to take advantage of the warm spell. We headed to the "cool park" with about 100 other families. It was so crowded, there were lines for the swings!

But eventually we got the boys on...one at a time:

Jason asked Easton if he wanted to go slide and stuff. Easton said, "No just a lot of swinging."

Dalton and I waited for his turn on a swinging park bench:


That darn snaggletooth again:


Then it was Dizzle's turn to swing:


I think it did all of us some good to get outside like that again. It had been awhile. Got our dose of vitamin D for the week. And some cute pictures too:






My climber, at it again...



That is Easton on the big kids playground. Three times people said something to him. One time a dad looked at him being a daredevil and the dad told Easton, "I don't want you to jump. Where's your dad?" so Easton stopped and called for his dad. Good listening to other adults, E! Although that dad was more protective than me. I was watching E the whole time and was fine with what he was doing!

Another time he was wanting to cross the monkey bars and a little girl patted him on the head and said, "You need to ask your mommy or daddy" so I was like, "I'm here!" and I helped him. And a little boy at another point told Easton, "It's not safe." Whatever. It's a playground. Perhaps I should be more protective if other children are doing my parenting for me :)

For dinner that night we decided continue to take advantage of the lovely weather and decided to cook some burgers on the grill. Haven't used our grill in awhile. Dalton was happy to sit and watch us prepare things while he munched a Zweiback...




Both boys went to bed slightly early, it was a long--but great--weekend.

Party Hearty...And Heartier

Saturday was a two party day for Easton. What fun.

In the morning we went to Rachel and Wee Laddie's combo birthday party at a really cool indoor amusement park. We actually wanted to take Easton there on his birthday (instead of the bounce place we went to) but the indoor amusement park is closed on Wednesdays. We were very happy to hear that Rachel and Wee Laddie would be celebrating there. Their birthdays are back on Christmas (Rachel) and New Year's Eve (Wee Laddie) so they waited to have their parties as you can probably understand. Daddy and Dalton decided to stay home, with another party the four of us would be attending later in the day we wanted to make sure D could get adequate rest and such. It was a good thing.

Easton and I had fun. He had a blast, actually. All sorts of cool things to do there:

A carousel...


Tea cups (he rode by himself which made me both sad and proud)...


A little train ride...


Spider stomp...


The indoor ferris wheel which he was soooooo excited to ride...


I got to go too...


And let's zoom in on my new snaggletooth...


See how he's inside yet outside up at the top here?


Swings... (blurry but I still think he's cute because it's just a real, rather than posed, smile):


"The Whip" which you might guess why it's named from his position as he makes the corner there.

He was so cute on that thing. He rode it once. Then wanted to go again so they didn't make him get off. After the second time was over I saw the attendant ask him if he wanted to go again, he said, "No I want to do some-ping else with my mom" so she helped him with his buckle. I love to see him talk to other adults without me right there. That doesn't happen often as I'm so often with him.

He had fun with the guests of honor in the ball pit. This is after Rachel's dad "sacked" him. (That's his sleeve in the corner). I just love E's gentle smile here. He's got such a sparkle, doesn't he?


Trying to figure out how to make this thing go. You should have seen us with him on my lap on the contraption.


One of those barrelly hamster wheel kind of things...


We shared a piece of pizza and he wolfed down some cake. Rachel's dad offered him a bite off his spork but then pulled the wedding cake move and booped it on his nose instead. I think that kind of embarassed him and he didn't trust her dad the next time he tried to offer a bite. It's kind of cute to see his little emotions like that. The rest of us thought it was funny--too bad he didn't feel exactly the same way (he is soooo much like me that way). Could've been a fun food fight, though! :)

Anyway, it got time for me to feed Dalton so we headed back home, way before Easton was ready. Still, it was a fun time.

Later that afternoon was Baby John's party. It was at his house with his extended family. We were really the only "friends" there so we were, of course, honored to be invited to the family affair. They catered barbeque from my favorite BBQ place in town and we had a great time watching the 3 boys play and practice sharing and such. At one point Easton "reminded" Baby John to "Be nice." to Dalton. He's getting a little bossy (again, just like his mama). We'll need to work on that. We're having to work on manners again too, he used to be so polite. I'm hoping it's just part of this phase.

I didn't whip out the camera there, I totally stole these pictures from Krista's account. :) They were sooooo sweet and accomodating and made Easton macaroni and cheese:

When John the dad asked Easton what he wanted to drink Easton said, "Um, Mom, what should I want?" Hee hee!

They even let Easton stick his finger in the icing. In fact, they insisted he take part...


Enjoying their cake:


Other pics...






We called it a night before it got too late for the boys. Easton played with the party blowers on the way home. He made himself into a triceratops (which I loved that he came up with this on his own):


And the standard "blowers in ears" pose:

(By the way, I'm noticing how his chest clip isn't in the right place. Big oopsies!)

Here's just a few of Dalton thrown in as this post was overloaded with Easton pics:




Playing with the kitty...


Marching to the beat of a different drummer, or to an invisible drummer...I have no clue what he's doing here, actually...


And that wraps up Saturday. We don't know anyone in town with any birthdays for quite some time. Way to get 3 out of the way at once. He went to two parties in one day back in July too. Mr. Popular, that one. Shyeah.