Yyyyessss!!! (With Tiger-like Fistpump)

I think Sam's earache may actually be getting better! I put him to bed last night without Tylenol and he went down as easily as a bite of Marble Slab's Birthday Cake Ice Cream! I wish I were having as much luck with my diet this week! I do not look forward to getting on the scale Wednesday.

Carson FINALLY came over Saturday afternoon and the boys had a lot of fun playing at the park. Here they are riding some of the toys that call the park home. I'm pretty sure Sam is ready for a new bike. And yes, it is a Harley!

Runway Ready

This morning, we told Sam that Carson was coming over to play this afternoon. He decided to wait for him. These pictures were taken at 9:30 this morning. Thankfully, he finally decided to come in.

Also noteworthy is the outfit that Sam chose all by himself today. I don't expect Sam will be a contender on Project Runway anytime soon. But then again, I've seen a few of those "fashion statements" and he might just fit right in! Today...the front steps. Tomorrow...the catwalk!

Duh! (UPDATED)

After two horribly long nights with Sam, it finally occurred to me that he must have an ear infection. I always feel stupid that it takes me so long to think of what then seems obvious. But, in my defense, even at 2, Sam still does not complain about his ears. He has never once indicated he was in pain or pulled at his ears. Also, this time, he's been on an antibiotic for 10 days, so I really didn't think his ears were the problem. Anyway, today I'll be taking him to the pediatrician and I'll keep you posted.

If Sam's ears look fine, then I'll be out of ideas as to why the past few nights have been so difficult. If it goes on much longer, I'll need to start drinking those energy drinks that Flora slipped me without my knowledge last night!


UPDATE: Yep! He still has an ear infection. We're on another antibiotic for 10 more days then we'll see. However, my pharmacists doesn't agree with the medication the doctor prescribed, so I'm not very optimistic. On a more positive note, bedtime was much easier last night (Thank you very much Sir Benedryl!).

Early Morning Exorcism

I feel obligated to to tell you about my morning, lest you begin to think that all is wine and roses where Sam is concerned. I am writing this at 5:41 in the morning and it has already been a long day.

It started at 4:13 when Sam first peeped. Now, I am pretty good at hearing Sam wake up and rushing to his room before he gets out of bed. Experience has taught me that it is a lot easier to get him back to sleep if his feet never hit the floor. However, how was I to know this would be the morning that he harnessed his teleporting abilities and would be at my bedside before I could untangle myself from the covers? By gently guiding my sweet boy down the hall, amidst the cresendo of "I want to go to the couch!" I did manage to get him back on the bed. I also reminded him of our "Fish Light Rule." Sam is not supposed to get out of bed until the aquarium light (which is on a timer) comes on at 6:00. Well, that didn't go over well at all. For what I'm guessing was about 10 minutes, he kicked and screamed and tried to scratch and bite. When he finally accepted that he was not getting out of bed, he decided that he wanted to look at his books. I almost had to cry as I explained repeatedly that now was not the time for books. Frankly, I'm thrilled anytime he wants to read and really don't have a problem with him waking up early and hanging out with his books that are kept on his bed. However, I knew I had to stand strong against this beast that has risen up from the bowels of the earth. Again, not what Sam wanted to hear in his emotional state. I, being the rock that I am, continued to remain emotionally disengaged while restraining him in such an artful way that would make both Carol Lyons and my CPI instructor glow with pride! I'm pretty sure I'm now the leader in the race to win this year's FedEx "Most Patient Mother" Cup.

Whew! When he FINALLY calmed down and all the evil spirits were gone, he realized that I still loved him, snuggled up beside me and gently fell back to sleep. I waited about 10 minutes before sneaking out of bed and into the shower. That was at 5:15. Note the time.

What does one think about as she watches the child she loves so much find peace after such a rough start to the day? Why, she lies there composing her next blog post, of course!


UPDATE: 7:48 Can you believe Sam woke up later in the morning just as sweetly and lovingly as if the witching hour never happened? Maybe it didn't. Perhaps it was just a bad dream. No, (looking down) I certainly did not scratch myself! It must've happened!

Big Dreams

I just had to share this picture of Sam. He loves to go with Scott to the stadium to see the "marching van" practice on the field. He's even started marching around the house. Anyway, I just love the look of pure joy on his face as he runs across the field.

I wonder...Is he dreaming of easily running the football down the field for the game scoring touchdown or is he holding his drumsticks high as the drumline meanders in double-time to the front of the field for the drum solo ? Either way, he seems to sense the roar of the crowd cheering just for him. Go, Sammy!

Not Just for Bored, Drunk College Kids

What does it say about Scott and I as parents, that Sam knows how to watch videos on YouTube all be himself?

Let me start by saying that not all of YouTube is bad/dumb. First of all, there are several cute videos of Sam that can easily be viewed by clicking here. Second of all, there are tons of songs for kids that are done well and quite entertaining. We started Sam's YouTube addiction a while back by searching for model airplane videos. He loved watching them and we created a playlist just for him. We've since added all kids of fun videos that I don't mind him watching. I promise, there's more to YouTube than squirrels or humans as projectiles, or other stupid college experiments. Not possible you say? Check out Sam's playlist by clicking here.

Now, the point of this post. It took me about 3 minutes to show him how to move the hand around and click on the videos that he wants to watch. And he LOVES his new trick! I promise you, there is no haphazard clicking around here. Just watch the video. Then, help me decide. Should I be proud that my 2 1/2 year old son can surf the net, or worried that my pediatrician is going to find out that not only does Sam watch TV (Gasp!), but that he also spends time in front of the computer? Alas, what's the parent of a brilliant child to do??? We do worry, though, that next week Sam will be bidding for toys on eBay!

From videos of Sam surfing YouTube

Worth the Tears

Scott has been gone a lot this week. He's been rehearsing with the Augusta Symphony. So, I've had lots of time to read blogs after Sam went to bed. I have laughed myself to tears over two blogs that I stumbled upon and just had to share:

Check out Cake Wrecks for the most insane professional cake disasters and their backstories. I know, you're like "Huh?" but just trust me.

Also check out The "Blog" of "Unnecessary" Quotation Marks for another side-splitting laugh.

I promise you, you'll have a good time. One night this week, I just had to have someone to laugh with, so I called my sister. When she answered the phone, I couldn't speak for laughing so hard.

Both of these blogs lead to other blogs that are just as funny.

Enjoy and let me know if you find some irresistible blogs! I love a good laugh!

(Click on the names of the blogs to visit them.)

That Took All Morning!

Well, it only took me all Sunday morning, but I finally got Sam's hair trimmed! Do you know what it's like to chase a 2 year old around with scissors? It is as scary as it sounds and not at all easy! But I think I finally got it all trimmed. So, if you see Sam and think "Looks like his mother cuts his hair" it's because she does. Proudly.

By the way, if anyone would like to know what I want for Christmas, click here.

He's All Mail

I love Saturdays! Sam and I got to play outside for a little while this morning. It was already so hot, though, that I had to give him a bath before naptime. As I was getting him out of the bath, our mail carrier arrived. I knew this because our dog, Putter, barks to beat the band to make sure I know. Now, around here, meeting our mail carrier is an event. She knows us by name and smiles lots when Sam and Putter meet her outside. She gives the mail to Sam who yells "Hi, Mail!" as she approaches. She loves on Putter, which that in itself is highly unusual for a mail carrier. She even lets Putter jump in her truck! After a few more rituals, and a "Bye, Mail!" from Sam, she's on her way and we head back in the house. Sam, of course, puts the mail on the table and goes back to whatever he was doing.

This day, since we were rushing to get out of the bath to meet our friend, I had wrapped him in a big towel. He LOVED it! I missed some cute pictures before I could get my camera out, but these will do.

 

 

 

 

New Trick!

Look at my new trick! I had to use photos you've already seen before, but It was just a trial. I like the way the collage turned out!

Twinkle Twinkle ABCs

On September 3rd, 2008, Sam presented his first marimba recital at Brightfish Hall. His program, which he's been working on for months included "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," "The ABC Song," and "Row, Row, Row Your Boat." Attendance was small (only Mom and Dad showed up) but not surprising given the impromptu nature of the concert. Sam promises to hire someone to publicize his next performance. Enjoy Sam's Premier Recital.