July 31, 2013 ~ Why is in time out

That's it! I've declared it. Why is going into time out. No more whys, no more wherefores. You cannot say why.

Why, you ask?

Uh, uh. You broke the rule. Why is in time out. 5 more minutes of no why. And you can't ask why.

Well, what did why ever do to you? you might ask.

Fine. What is not in time out, so I guess I'll answer that one.

Why has been bugging me for months. It keeps randomly popping out of my toddler's mouth all day long, hundreds of them every day. Why is getting pretty annoying. I've asked why to stop asking random why questions, but does why ever listen? No. So, time out for not listening.

So, carry on. I'll let you know when why is out of time out (if ever).

July 29, 2013 ~ new haircut

The Big Summer Camping Trip of 2013

This weekend we took Billy for another camping trip, back to a favorite campground in Shenandoah.

Billy has been excited for a week about this trip. He would have been excited longer, but we didn't tell him about it.

Camping comes with some dangers (like a giant open fire) but it's every little boy's dream vacation. Bugs, sticks, rocks, hiking. Who could ask for more.

The very first thing Billy wanted to do was go hiking. Of course, we had to setup camp, cook dinner and then go to bed. So the very first thing he wanted to do in the morning- even before breakfast- was go hiking.

So we went hiking. After breakfast. And coffee. (I'm no fool).

Unfortunately, it rained ALL Saturday. It rained on our hike. It rained on lunch. It rained during nap. It rained when Cub arrived. It rained while swimming in the lake. It rained on dinner. Then it stopped. Yep, it rained a lot.

Hey, yes I did say Billy had a friend join him. They ran all over the camp site. We went swimming in the lake and swam (ahem...walked for those of us over 4 feet tall) out to the island in the middle. It was COLD. But, we were determined to go swimming, even if it was raining. The water was actually warmer than the air.

Let's not forget the bears. And no, I'm not talking football. We've been camping a lot. And we're always careful about food and trash, even if there have been no bear sightings. But I've never actually spotted a bear.

That is, until Billy and I were walking back from the bathroom. Yes, a black bear. Yes, a wild black bear. The camp hosts were there with paint ball guns to scare it off. But it was right there in the campsite just down from ours. A little too close for comfort.

The boys also got to go "fishing". By fishing I mean their Daddy's tried to catch fish with the toddler rods to no avail. That kind of fishing.

So, it was a busy and good weekend despite the rain. Billy didn't want to leave. "Mommy, can we stay. I like camping. I want to stay camping."

Drawn In Thursdays #70

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A true story from yesterday.

July 23, 2013 ~ A Night Out

Billy and Daddy went for a boys night out. This was because I was having a ladies Night In at the house, and well, the boys weren't invited.

I actually have no idea what they did or where they went. They got home after the end time of the party, although there were still plenty of guests around. Billy was a little shocked by all of the ladies.

He and Daddy went into Billy's room to try to go to sleep. Of course, I still have a baby monitor in his room, so I could here a few things.

"Daddy, those womans are loud!"

I guess we were keeping him awake with our yammering. (Yes, he says womans and not women.)

This morning he got up and was looking for all of the guests. We told him they had gone. "Mommy, there were a lot of womans here. A lot." He gave me a serious look.

I guess a room full of women can be pretty scary. Especially, when it's a Scary Mommy party. ;)

July 22, 2013 ~ Family Pictures

We had a photography shoot done. Here are some of the results:

July 21, 2013 ~ Big Beach Weekend

Billy got to spend the weekend at the beach.

Did he like it?

This is where he was all day long. That's right, in the water, insisting on holding someone's hand but having a blast.

Towards the end of the day Daddy picked him up and took him out a little farther into the waves. It was really rough. Not so bad if you can dive under the waves or over them, but definitely too rough while holding a toddler.

The ocean proved its point by knocking Daddy and Billy over. No worries, Daddy got up seconds later with Billy. Was Billy phased? Not one bit. He didn't want to do it again, but he was more than willing to play in the water's edge. The ocean also stole Daddy's sunglasses. That's what you get for wearing them into the ocean.

Our little family seems to have a problem with holding onto sunglasses...

Unfortunately, the beach isn't what it used to be. Sure, Billy had fun. But the beach replenishment means that the waves are strong and break close to shore. After extensive digging I was only able to come up with 2 small sand crabs. I used to get that many in a single handful. And all of the baby clams are gone. Once upon a time the breakers were much further out so that the water's edge was shallow and gentle, unlike how it is now. The whole beach ecosystem is different, and I doubt for the better. While I don't want to see the beach wash away into the sea, the animals live there too, and finding them was half of the fun of being at the beach!

July 18, 2013 ~ Lil Backseat Driver

Mommy, it's yellow. Slow down. Slow down, Mommy! [sees a yellow exit sign on the highway]

Mommy, it's green. Go Mommy, Go! Too slow, Mommy. You gotta go! [said just as the light turns green with a bunch of cars in front of us still stopped]

Stop! Mommy, stop! It's red, you gotta stop! [sees a red store sign on the sign of the road]

Mommy, you're driving too fast. Too fast Mommy. [said while doing the speed limit, which is apparently too fast for that road]

Hold the wheel, Mommy. You're not holding the wheel. You gotta hold the wheel! [said while I had one hand on the wheel at a stoplight]

Sigh. My lil backseat driver. He now knows what the lights mean and insists on directing my driving from his carseat, even if he's wrong about the rules (like turning into oncoming traffic, because it's green, which means go.)

Drawn In Thursdays Postponed

Sorry folks. You know what happens when I'm too busy to see straight? I don't have time to draw the cartoon. Drawn In will return to it's regular schedule next week when I'm not so busy.

July 17, 2013 ~ Murphy's Law

I knew that if I wrote about our potty training successes that I would be shooting myself in the foot. I was right.

Already we're back to accidents. 5 straight successes and the playground got us again. I don't know what it is about playground equipment that inspires his bowels. As long as I keep him away from the playground we're good. Too bad there's one at school that he gets to play on every day.

*Shuffles off to do poopy laundry.*

July 16, 2013 ~ We Have Poop!

Listen, I realize that normal people don't get excited about bodily functions. I get it. But when you've been potty training since September and it's now July, poop is a big deal. BIG deal.

That's right folks.

4 consecutive poops in the potty by none other than my favorite toddler. That's not just chance. That's a streak. Not only that... he pooped at school, a friend's house, grandma's and at home. By Jove, I think he's got it!

So far he has received (in no particular order): gummy worms, Reece's Pieces, a trip to the ice cream store, a football, a set of bouncy balls and a promise for more ice cream and toys if he keeps it up.

Fingers crossed!

The Sunday Post ~ 1948 Ride On Indian Motorcycle

Buy it here

This replica is for the 2-6 range, but not to exceed 60 pounds. Weighs about 20 pounds.

If you grew up in the 80s or 90s you'll probably think of this little vehicle as a Power Wheels. Technically, it's not the same brand, but the concept is the same.

This is the perfect little ride-on for the toddler that is too young to ride a bike.

Flat surfaces are a must: It goes 1.6 miles per hour, which seems fast, but it much slower than walking pace. There are no brakes, so keep that in mind. It stops when the child takes his foot off of the "gas" pedal. It has zero chance of making up a slight hill, but does present a minor hazard when attempting to go downhill without brakes. 

Despite the "training wheels" the bike is extremely tippy, especially making tight turns or navigating up a slope at an angle. Helmets are a must. Getting on and off also presents a tipping opportunity, so be sure to help your child on and off.

Unfortunately, all of the cool details on the bike provide ample things to break. We have already had the tail light break off twice, and have only had this item since Christmas. Be prepared with superglue if you buy this item, since you will definitely have to make repairs to it.

My toddler adores this bike. He even rides it instead when the weather is poor. But it's not the best of toys from a parent's perspective. While cool, it requires care and keeping a sharp eye on the rider for unexpected falls.

July 13, 2013 ~ Our Newest Resident

ASorry to be behind on posting again. I haven't had a busier week yet this year. Hoping to get back to normal.

Anyways, we have a new resident at our house. Well, not so new, but I finally have a picture.

Meet Chuckie:

(Name courtesy of Cub's Dad)

This is right outside our back door. No fear of dog or people. He lives in the bushes behind our house.

Billy wants to pick him up. Um, no...

Drawn In Thursdays #69

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A true story from this week, and a good problem to have with a large family and a toddler.

The Sunday Post ~ Dexton Kids Ride-On Mercedes

buy it here  (but you can find it elsewhere for MUCH less- I know.)

If you grew up in the 80s or 90s you'll probably think of this little vehicle as a Power Wheels. Technically, it's not the same brand, but the concept is the same.

This is the perfect little car for the toddler that is too young to ride a bike. Due to the size of the vehicle, however, your child will outgrow it before the age of 6, depending on your child's height.

Flat surfaces are a must: It goes 1.6 miles per hour, which seems fast, but it much slower than walking pace. There are no brakes, so keep that in mind. It stops when the child takes his foot off of the "gas" pedal. It has zero chance of making up a slight hill, but does present a minor hazard when attempting to go downhill without brakes. 

It's fairly sturdy and when on a flat surface presents a relatively safe driving toy for a toddler.

Lightweight, but a pain to store due to it's size. And just like any car, requires buffing to keep it shiny.

My toddler adores this toy and it was the only thing he wanted from Santa. So far it has been worth the money.

We decorated it- does not come with American decals.

July 5, 2013 ~ Little Lost Glasses

Poor Billy has lost his first coveted item. 

A few weeks ago we bought him Spider-Man sunglasses to replace a pair that got broken while camping.

He wore his sunglasses in the Fourth of July parade and lost them at the after activities.

Billy made me drive back to the parade route and search for them. I'm sure some kid picked them up and is enjoying them. Meanwhile a toddler is lamenting their loss.

He keeps asking me to find them. Off to Amazon to hunt down a matching pair.

July 4, 2013

I'm not going to title this post. The date is the title.

Billy started his holiday by decorating his little red race car. I wasn't sure if we would actually put him in the parade, but at least we could be ready for it. We decorated it with stars and flag stickers that I made. He was very excited to decorate the car.

"Do you want to be in the parade?"

"Yes. What's a parade?"

The parade is a collection of kids on bikes, golf carts and old cars all decorated for the Fourth.

It was a scorcher. So I had Billy wait in the shade a the top of the hill and join the parade half way along the route. The car is so slow I didn't think it would make it up the hill.

Well, he stole the show. He waved like the Queen of England at the onlookers. I tried to get him to pull over to watch the rest of the parade, but parading was serious business to him. He kept going past the route and I had to get him to stop and join the post parade festivities.

There were Popsicles and turtle races and tug of war. He was very intent on all of the activities, which happened to take place during nap time. Consequently, he was asleep before we got home.

As tradition goes, after nap it was off to a cookout. That was followed by a boat ride to watch fireworks. Although to be honest, he was bored with the boat because he couldn't run around.

Happy Fourth of July!

Drawn In Thursdays #68

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A true story from today

July 2, 2013 ~ The Little Fisherman

I grew up around water. I mean REALLY grew up around water. I could fish, crab, swim and sail and handle a power boat long before I could ever drive a car. It's second nature to me.

Billy's turn.

Only, this time around, I have to wonder...

Daddy just bought him is very own fishing rod. Now, when I say fishing rod, I mean it looks like a fishing rod, but really it's a toy. No hook (there's a rubber fish in lieu of a hook) and a push button release for the line. It reels in the same way. Oh, and it's a Mickey Mouse fishing rod. All of maybe 3 feet long.

Granted, I'd never give a fishing rod with a hook on it to a 2 year old without serious supervision... aka me holding the rod and letting him help me reel it in. I'd never let him cast it.

But when I was little, I learned with a real rod with a real hook on it. We baited the line and I wasn't allowed to cast, just to drop it into the water. Casting came later when I was older. I have no idea how old I was when I learned to fish. Not very old, since my hatred of fishing goes way back. (Sitting in the sweltering sun waiting to catch a tiny fish you can't eat is not all that appealing. Little different now that I'm older... bigger fish and beer.)

I'm wondering how this will play out with Billy learning to fish on a rod that is hookless. Daddy is already teaching him to cast. They were fishing in the back yard last night. I'm wondering if it will make him (and us) blase to the real dangers with fishing. Hooks are sharp. I've seen plenty of people stab themselves with one. Nasty things, hooks.

Just another thing to add to the list of uber-safety for the little ones. Not sure if it's better than when I was growing up. I made it out alright. I guess we'll find out in 30 years.

June 30, 2013 ~ The Special Stick

You would think with all of the wonderful toys out there that Billy would prefer one of those. Nope. He wants a stick.

Not just any stick.

This stick is a piece of driftwood he found along the river. It's his special stick. (Yes, yes. Laugh now. Minds out of the gutter, folks.)

Billy was playing with 3 other boys of varying ages and insisted on carrying his Stick with him everywhere they went. Swimming? Had to bring Stick. Fishing? He used it as his fishing pole- and didn't catch anything. Playing around the house? You betcha that Stick was there. Eating? Stick was nearby.

2 days. 1 Stick.

And so as the boys were getting ready to leave, the dad was cleaning and chucked Stick into the river. Oh. My. God. In slow motion the adults in the know screamed "Nooooo!" There went Stick floating down the river.

This required a Stick rescue effort. Spotters on shore watching Stick drift away. (Did you know driftwood drifts slower than new wood?) The dad down on the dock prepping himself for a Stick retrieval. Luckily, Stick was saved from the perils of the lazy river and was completely fine except for getting wet.

When the boys left it was time for Billy to head off for a nap. On the way down the hallway he was swinging Stick and...

"Snap!"

Oh. My. God. A broken Stick! All that for a rescue only to have Stick perish in a hallway??? We had to whisk Stick off to the the Emergency Room of Wood Repair (aka the kitchen) and surgically reattach the broken end. It's only temporary, though. Stick will require another surgery to permanently reattach his severed limb.

We'll keep you updated on Stick's progress.