Comfy

Dexter got a comfy bathrobe from my parents for his birthday. He loves taking a bath so he can wear his new bathrobe afterwards.  Now, if we could just get him to wear slippers...

What To Do With Railroad City?

Railroad City has evolved over the years to include any and all "things that go" and a range of "building materials" including tracks, blocks, lincoln logs, musical instruments, cardboard boxes, and prefab buildings.  It is Dexter's creative outlet where he can build a world and direct the interactions of its inhabitants.  Sometimes it makes me think that this is what I sounded like playing with my dollhouse as a kid (nice that boys' pretend worlds extends beyond the home). But Railroad City is continually creeping out of its designated corner. And, now, its designated corner is going to be temporarily given over to the Christmas tree. I have a feeling that we will all be living in Railroad City through the new year.

Holiday Spirit

Dexter and his classmates got into the holiday spirit, putting on a fabulous holiday party at school. I was sorry to miss the excitement. Apparently, Dexter asked Santa for a train - he started crying genuine tears that evening and told me that he forgot to tell Santa that he really wanted a puppy dream light for Christmas.  I explained that he didn't need to worry, that we would let Santa know. This suggestion was not specific enough to satisfy him. So I said that he could write a letter to Santa explaining about the dream light. This was not immediate enough. Only when Daddy said that he would have a personal meeting with Santa tomorrow was Dexter able to calm himself down and go to sleep.

My Bologna Unfazed

Nothing fazes My Bologna anymore..

Fit Throwing

On the Razor's Edge

This past week has been a bit of a nightmare.  I had carefully planned my end-of-the-quarter schoolwork, carving out time between work and family to dedicate to creating a presentation, writing two papers, and studying for my final in quantitative methods. In true "Murphy's Law" fashion, I woke up last Wednesday at 4am to the sound of Ben throwing up in the bathroom. Turns out he was really sick with a tummy bug and spent the next two days in bed (and the bathroom). That means I spent two days taking care of him and Dexter (and obsessively cleaning everything with Clorox). I had to miss giving a presentation in Wednesday's final class. By Saturday, Ben was feeling better and, having adjusted my schoolwork plans, I was beginning to believe that I just might be able to get everything done by deadline as long as I didn't get sick. Until I heard the pitter patter of little feet coming into our bedroom at 5am on Sunday. "I''m throw upping," Dexter announced. Sure enough, I spent Sunday dealing with and trying to comfort a four year old who does not like throw-upping. I've never washed my hands so much in my life. Concerned that I would be sick for Monday's final exam, I emailed my professor, explained the situation, and asked if we could develop a Plan B in case I got ill before the exam. She was great and, as it turns out, I was able to take the exam as planned (although I didn't have the study time I had hoped for). I also made it through Tuesday's presentation (I had to miss Dexter's pre-school holiday party but at least he was feeling better and able to go with Daddy). This morning, I finally submitted my last final paper (due at 5pm today). I can't believe I made it. Nice try, universe, but a little vomit is not going to stop me!

Birthday Bash: Shared Celebration

The day of Dexter's fourth birthday was Ian's actual fifth birthday. As if the cupcakes weren't enough, we brought out two cakes and sang Happy Birthday to both boys.

They both blew out both candles...eventually. One of the funniest moments of the evening was when they both were blowing and blowing and the candle on Dexter's cake wasn't going out and Monica said, "It's like a COPD commercial." The adults all lost it.

Dexter must have been high on sugar because he picked up the whole cake and took a bite out of it.