My Confession as a Stay at Home Mom- 6 Weeks Old

Oh what a blogable (if there is such a word) week this has been. It has taken me time to post due to the internal debate of whether or not to let this information go public. As a public service and a tribute to all Stay at Home Moms I will unveil the most memorable ten minutes of my week as an honest account of what I feel happens in so many homes yet goes unsaid.

It was a typical Wednesday morning with my sweet baby (Happy 6 Weeks Alex) and my terrific, I refuse to say terrible, two year old. Ethan was having one of his days. As a fabulous two year old he was whining about nearly everything, pushing every button he thought he could push, pulling every bit of attitude he could muster into every little sarcastic comment he made, and listening to about every third instruction he was given. The morning had already seen a few time outs, which have now escalated into alone time in his bedroom with the shades drawn and door closed- he began asking for time out on the stairs so that he could roll off the steps and climb the outside of the staircase when I wasn't looking (yes, he made it up six stairs before I found him dangling, the laughter gave him up). I told you this was a confession. But after lunch was when the ten minute memory began.

Ethan had just gotten up from lunch and was sitting on the sofa playing with a few toys. I was doing dishes in the kitchen, just around the corner, when I heard a loud crash! Then I hear, "WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED!" And there it was, used properly unrepeated at the moment (not that that has ever happened) as loud as thunder, Ethan's first curse. I nearly died. I'll be honest, of laughter. I am by no means proud of this but it instantly reminded me how little ears can hear the best. I contained myself before rounding the corner to find a big pile of toys and the lamp partially tipped next to the sofa. As I begin to clean this up Ethan announces, "I HAVE TO POOP!" We run to the bathroom. A few minutes later he runs out announcing he has finished. As I am cleaning him up and the ever-so-clean toilet of a two year old who has to "do it myself" I hear, "I PUKED!" Yes, Ethan had puked all over the kitchen floor. Not sick. Ethan's new trick whether at the table or not is to either gag himself or cough until he pukes. He does this to either not eat something he doesn't like, get attention, or be funny. So, he runs off and I begin to clean up puke. Around the corner again, approximately eight feet away, Alex has been sleeping this entire time. All of a sudden out of the corner of my eye I see Ethan wind up about to throw a ball at Alex! I yell, "ETHAN! We do not throw toys at baby brother." and in the most sarcastic of tones I only hear from one other larger boy in this house I hear, "OHHH, O-K-A-Y BETH!" I about died! I was rendered helpless. When asked again what he said he then repeated it laughing. The kid knows exactly what he is doing. I finished cleaning up the puke and laid him down for his nap. That day I fought every urge in my body not to crack a beer at noon, I waited until 4:30.

Ethan also had his first visit to the dentist. He did very well sitting in the chair, letting them count his teeth, checking out all the instruments and talking with the staff. When it came time for the cleaning he had no problem with them cleaning his finger but wanted no parts of the "tooth tickler", as they called it, coming anywhere near his mouth. We will stick to brushing for now.

Alex is doing great! He is sitting up with the assistance of the sofa or the bumbo. His smiles and coos are adorable. He is also staying awake for longer periods during the day. During tummy time he has rolled over twice from his stomach to his back and consistently rolls on his side. He bats at toys dangled in front of him and loves the same little dog rattle Ethan did. The precision weight method of mommy on scale with Alex has him weighing in at 13.1 lbs. He just keeps growing!

Bo, our fish, is on suicide watch. He successfully cleared the bowl yesterday. This was about a 3/4-1 inch jump for the little beta. Luckily we were eating lunch and saw him flopping. Ethan was hysterical but after returning Bo to his home we reassured him Bo was okay. Bo's water level was depleted before bedtime last night. We can't take any chances.

Now that it has taken me three days to complete this post I will publish it before Friday rolls around yet again. Time flies when you are having fun!

Note: I keep forgetting to mention... We will be back in Michigan at the end of September and beginning of October for Alex's Baptism which will take place in Detroit on October 3. We hope to see everyone then.


Smiley Man


Can you feel the love?


Watching Cartoons


Bathtime- Alex's thoughts: Please Don't Splash Me!


First Visit to Dentist- This is what the Fear of God looks like

5 Weeks and the Inevitable

Alex is officially 5 weeks old and is doing great! Big Al, as I affectionately call him, tipped the scales at his one month pediatrician visit at 12.2 lbs! 95th percentile and growing stronger by the minute. He is eating 5oz every 2-3 hours, is in 3-6 month clothes and some 6 month items and is already in size 2 diapers. A little perspective on this is that Ethan was this size when he was 3 and 4 months old. The doctors comment was, "I would never suggest a baby is fat, I'm only saying to make sure he is hungry before you feed him. (Pause) And he's not spitting up after every meal?" My reply was, "Obviously not." He has great head control and can kick himself forward. His other big news for the week: Alex is officially smiling! He has given us random smiles for the last two weeks but nothing consistent. Now, Ethan can get a smile almost every time. I can only get one occasionally.

And the inevitable... "Momma, When is Alex going home?" We knew the day would come. That day was Wednesday. He took the answer well. I explained that this was Alex's home too and asked him if he thought that would be alright. His response was, "Sure." Hasn't brought it up since.

Ethan continues to crack me up daily. As I hear is normal, someone please reaffirm this belief, with multiple children it is difficult to feel like you are not giving them both as much attention as they need and you would like them to have. Ethan has his moments but has been very patient about playing by himself while I feed Alex or when I am holding him. He has become my "Super Helper" and as a team we are juggling through the day. Classic Ethan today. While changing Alex, Ethan was playing in a toy stroller behind me. I hear, "Momma, I'm stuck." Which he often says kidding around just to get me to come and pick him up. I paid little attention telling him to just get up. His response, "No Momma, I'm REALLY stuck!" Sure enough, I turned around to find that he had busted the seat and had his bum wedged in the hole of the frame. I couldn't help but laugh.

Otherwise we are all good. I just wanted to say thank you again to Grandma Lucy and Grandma and Grandpa Hurford for visiting us in the last few weeks. We truly appreciate the time you took to be with us and everything you did for all of us while you were here. We can't wait to see you all again soon!



All this sleep must mean he's growing



Sumo Alex in his Bumbo



The Hurford Boys



Lazy Sunday Afternoon



Grandpa Hurford and Alex

One Month

Alex is celebrating his one month birthday today. He is growing like a weed! A very cute little weed though. He is eating a ton and by my scientific weight method (Mommy stepping on scale without baby and then with baby) he weighs 12.2 lbs! Yes, folks that is a 4.2 lb weight gain in one month. It is no wonder though. He eats 5 ounces every two hours during the day. I feel like a dairy farm with all the pumping I am doing to keep up! He is very bright eyed and is tracking objects very well. He loves tummy time and is very strong. He still prefers sleeping in his car seat but is getting too big. Patrick and I are going to suck it up tonight, prepare to lose sleep, and yes, make him sleep flat on his back. I will let you know how that goes.

Ethan is still the same old "Entertainer of the Year". Grandma Hurford is visiting this week and Ethan is loving the audience. At the park yesterday two approximately 8 year old kids gave Ethan the peace sign saying, "Peace, Dude." Ethan without missing a step held up his own fingers and replied, "Two." Then proceeded to count to ten for them and then once again showing them his fingers saying "Two". No intimidation here. The quote of the week however is once again a potty story. So this morning while Ethan is on the potty he says:

Ethan: "I'm a boy and you are a girl."
Mom: "That's right."
Ethan: "Daddy's a boy. He is a big boy."
Mom: "Daddy is a man"
Ethan: "No, Momma. Daddy's SUPERMAN!"

How cute is that!

Everything else is great. We are having a lot of fun with the boys and have been spoiled with Grandmas here two weeks in a row. Thank you Grandmas!



Alex One Month- aka Butterball



That's what Big Brothers are for!



Fun at the Park



Grandma Hurford and Alex



The Boys

Week two... and almost three

Alex two weeks old

Summer fun at "Ethan's Beach"

Alex and Grandma Lucy

It's another Buckeye!

"Momma! I do it myself!"


Alex is officially three weeks old today and has grown and changed so much already. At our weight check appointment last week he already weighed 9lbs 2 oz which was a 1 lb 5 oz gain in six days! No failure to thrive in this family! He already seems to be giving his first little (non-gas) smiles in the last two days. His big gummy grin is adorable. He is sleeping and eating like a champ! I only half joke with Patrick that he will make a perfect middle child.

Ethan is doing great! He is definitely Mom's little helper and loves talking to his baby brother in the cutest little voice I have ever heard. He has his attention seeking moments like when he asks for his milk in a bottle, for a diaper and to be changed on the changing table, and my favorite, for a pacifier. I guess we all have our moments. He continues to entertain us daily though with the things he says and does. My favorites for this week were when Grandma Lucy was visiting. She was telling him all the things he could do after dinner and when she was finished he said, "Otherwise, Grandma can go do it." He also likes to tell us and show us how big and strong he is. One morning while on the potty he said, "Momma, I'm growing up." Me: "Yes Ethan." Ethan: "I can have gum." Me: "Um, NO." Ethan: "Um, Think about it." This kid cracks me up!

Grandma Lucy was here for the past week and helped so much! We all had a great visit and Ethan of course loved all the attention. I loved watching Grandma drink a beer. Yes, she drank the first full beer of her life and actually had another the next night. Cheers and thank you Grandma Lucy!

Today is my first day solo with the boys and at the expense of a shower have found time to blog. Priorities. Now it is time for laundry. Then maybe a shower :)

Week One

Well, we have survived the first week at home with two little ones and are still smiling. Patrick and I have successfully mastered a man on man defensive technique that seems to keep everyone happy.

By Sunday Ethan realized Alex was here to stay and started his own crusade for attention from all. He never ceases to amaze us with his creative mind and clever antics. Everything from throwing toys at baby brother all while announcing how he is just sharing to asking to burp him and then trying to wail on him. Monday and Tuesday were ugly battle days with more time outs than Ethan has ever seen in his life. Even the pediatrician at Alex's appointment reminded us to just have patience after being in the room with Ethan for just two minutes- the receptionist however couldn't stop laughing at us. With a little patience and persistence we made it through. Ethan now seems to understand that Mom and Dad are sticking by the rules and his actions still have consequences despite his new audience member. He is actually very sweet when he wants to be giving Alex hugs and kisses and telling us how cute and sweet he is. My favorite, "I love baby brother." Ethan has also been enjoying all of his one on one attention with Daddy. They continue on their daily adventures. My favorite was when they came home laughing from grocery shopping. Daddy has not quite mastered the "Truck Cart" at the grocery store and apparently took out the Coppertone display sending bottles of summer accessories everywhere! Ethan thought it was hilarious.

We had a little scare with Alex. He developed jaundice after coming home from the hospital so we had to return to the hospital on Monday and Tuesday for additional level tests. The level on Monday suggested he may have to be readmitted for treatment but the levels had dropped enough on Tuesday to suggest we were heading in the proper direction. His yellow tan has already started to fade, thank God! Baby boy had already gained back three ounces at the pediatrician appointment and continues to eat beautifully. He even sleeps in 2 to 3 hour stretches at night giving Mommy and Daddy much needed sleep. It is hard to believe he is over a week old and is already filling out and changing.

Emma and Bella are neglected I have to say but they seem to be coping well. At least Ethan still plays with them. Poor dogs.

We are looking forward to a family outing tomorrow to take Ethan to the Fourth of July races for kids in Larchmont. He had so much fun last year. We just hope it doesn't rain- again :)


First Bottle



Hello Alex


One Week Old


Brotherly Love

Happy Birthday Alexander Charles!

Alexander Charles Hurford
June 24, 2009, 5:51 PM
8 lbs, 20 inches

Welcome Home Alex! Ethan and the girls were happy to welcome Alex home on Friday. Everyone is doing great with the newest addition to the Hurford home.

Since many have commented on the fact that Patrick and I look much less exhausted in this set of birth pictures than the last I thought I would let everyone know that, WE ARE!!! This labor and delivery was so, and I can't emphasize that enough, much different than with Ethan. Everything was smooth and relatively easy- if that is possible with having a baby. As opposed for pushing for over three and a half hours, Alex shot out with one contraction and three pushes. I was eating lobster within an hour after delivery. Alex is a great eater and as the pediatrician put it, "seems to have read the textbook" on eating and being a healthy baby. We couldn't be happier.

Ethan loves his baby brother. He reminds us all, "He's so cute!" He loves to hug and kiss him and share his toys. We have to watch him though because he tries to pile the toys on Alex. From before he was born he was anxious to meet him. Even at the hospital he could hardly contain himself to wait to go to the nursery to get him. He immediately started looking under the bed and in the cupboards asking where he was. The only hint of jealousy we have seen is that Ethan still wants Mommy at bedtime and wants to sit on my lap sometimes while I am feeding Alex. Daddy has been a great distraction though. Ethan and Daddy have really buddied up in the last few days and are doing all sorts of fun things like bike rides, throwing rocks and seeing the boats, and are currently out buying a new movie. You can only watch "Cars" and Lightning McQueen so many times.

Thank you to everyone for your congratulatory messages. We are very excited to introduce Alex to all of you in the near future.

Happy 5th Anniversary!

It's hard to believe that five years have already flown by. Patrick and I can hardly believe the time that has passed. It has been a busy and eventful five years and we are happy to report that we can't imagine our lives any other way. We are so blessed to have each other, two (well almost) beautiful little boys, and the love and support of all our family and friends. The only downside to the reflection of the last few years has been that either camera quality has gone down or we are starting to look old!

Happy Birthday Patrick

Happy Birthday Patrick! (June 12) We quietly celebrated this year as a family. Ethan had a ton of fun baking a cake for Daddy, decorating, and celebrating. He has learned how to sing "Happy Birthday" and serenaded Patrick as soon as he returned from work. I wish I had it on video, it was priceless! Patrick picked a birthday meal of bbq chicken on the grill and green beans with homemade carrot cake, of course! The boys had fun with their birthday crowns and Patrick shared the spotlight with Ethan to blow out candles together on their cake. We can't wait for another birthday or should I say "Birth Day" very soon.




Birthday Crowns



Celebrate!




Blowing out candles, for the 47th time :)

Ready for #2

We are all ready for #2. I think Ethan is the most anxious one in this bunch. He understands that his baby brother is in Mommy's belly but is having a hard time with the concept of the wait and understanding that the baby is coming soon. When I leave he asks if I will bring the baby home. When he hears the train he sometimes asks if the baby is on it. Sometimes he asks if he can ride the train to the city to get the baby and every morning he asks if the baby is home yet.

Yesterday we made a countdown train to help him understand when the baby will be here. We remove a ring every morning, before feeding Bo who is doing very well, and I think he understands that when the rings are gone the baby will be here. The only thing that needs to happen now is #2 needs to arrive on or before the due date or my plan is foiled. I think this is working for Ethan because he was able to explain the "Baby Brother Train" to Daddy and Eileen (our sitter). I just think there are too many darn rings left :)



And for all those who are curious... with the recent Jaba the Hut comments and Big Momma references, here is a pic of the ginormous belly. It's worth a good laugh.



37.5 weeks

I blame Disney...

On Monday the gardeners were here to do their weekly duties and as usual, Ethan was keeping track of their progress. When it was time for the blowers to clean up there was a change to the normal routine. Mr. Mike, the owner, usually runs the blower but Monday one of his young Hispanic workers was on blower duty. Ethan immediately started asking, "Who's that?" I told him it was one of Mr. Mike's workers. He then asked, "What's he doing?" He knew what he was doing but I answered. He once again asked, "Who's that?" Again, I gave my standard answer. He took a moment then turned to me and said, "NO Momma, that's Manny!"

For those of you who don't know, Handy Manny is a cartoon on Disney where Manny is a young Hispanic handyman who fixes anything for anyone. Talk about teaching young children racial stereotyping! Ethan would certainly be dismissed from a Supreme Court nomination for this one. I blame Disney!

Our new addition- don't get too excited

Welcome to our nuthouse Bo! I really don't know what he is more excited about, his new flag or his new fish. Ethan got his first fish today. I was very skeptical that the fish he picked would make it home. Of course he picked the sickliest looking fish the store had. I tried to convince him to get a different one but the protest to keep Bo was overwhelming. Let's put it this way, after examining the container up close the cashier, unprompted, felt the need to share that if anything happened in 14 days I could bring him back so I should keep the receipt. But, after a healthy lunch of McDonalds (wink, wink), Ethan dumped Bo into his new home. To my surprise the fish perked right up and actually even looks 100% better.

After waking from his nap the first thing we had to do was "wake up" Bo and watch him. Then we were off to wave our flag. Friday fun!

UPDATE: The fish's name has changed again. First it was Kitty Cat Milk (same name he claims will be his baby brother's), then "X", he had settled on Bo for most of the day but now his name is just Mr. Fish.

Ethan Updates- for the last two months...

I hope you can all sense that I am hiding my head in shame. I would like to blame work or baby preperation or anything other excuse I could come up with but I have no good one.

Everything at our house is busy, crazy, fun, exciting, and great as we are awaiting the arrival of #2 and watching Ethan grow up far too quickly. Ethan is such a big boy now! As of the end of March he is potty trained! YEAH!!!!! He has done such an awesome job whether at home, in the car, at the doctor's office, the zoo, you name it! His vocabulary amazes us on a daily basis and his personality is hysterical. He is too smart for his own good and definitely keeps us on our toes!

A few stories to share:

- Ethan is great at sharing but also at telling others how to. If I have something he wants but it is either something he can not have or something that he is too anxious to wait for he will say very sternly, "Share Momma/ Daddy!"

- His favorite sayings, "Look at THAT!" or "What was T-H-A-T!"

-After painting his Easter artwork on the front door he scratched some of the paint during a tantrum. The next morning when showing Daddy his work he said, "Look Dadda, I ruined it!"

-One night at dinner he made Patrick feel awful. He told Patrick, "I go to bed when Dadda come home from work."

-One Sunday morning we were getting ready for Church and told Ethan we were going to go pray to Jesus, he said, "NO!, My Jesus!"

- I officially have a back seat driver. (Thank God I know better than to curse anymore with a little parrot around) If a car in front of us stops or is slow he will yell, "Come on man!", "Come on Dude", "GO!" or a number of other things. My favorite was one day in the McDonald's drive through we were waiting in line. From the back seat Ethan yells, "Come on people! Momma, honk the horn!"

- He is starting to tell knock knock jokes. His favorites: Knock, Knock, Who's there? Nobody! and Knock, Knock, Who's there?, Ethan, Ethan who? Ethan Hurford

-Ethan now prays every night by himself saying "God Bless______, God Bless______,......" He is very good about blessing EVERYTHING from Momma, Daddy, himself, Emma, Bella, Trains, Trucks, Thomas (the train), animals, kids you name it. One night I suggested baby brother, his response, "NO!, God Bless Gordon (another train)!" Since then he blesses baby brother every night though.

- Ethan is very sweet about the idea of baby brother. He kisses my belly and tries to squeeze it to hug the baby, he will tell you how he will share his toys with the baby and teach him to play baseball, and likes to feel the baby move. The two things we have to get over is that he is convinced that the baby is in my belly but will arrive on a train and when asked where everyone in the family sits at dinner insists that the baby will sit in the cupboard- doors closed.

- Ethan got a rocket (like the big kids) to play with outside. Don't worry it is soft foam that doesn't hurt even in the event of a direct hit- thanks Patrick for testing that. Daddy liked it so much that the two of them would argue outside with Ethan telling Daddy, "It's my turn now!" To end the arguments I bought a second rocket for Patrick, as a joke, for his birthday. Ethan and I hid it in the closet to save it. I quickly learned Ethan can't keep a secret. When Ethan saw Patrick he immediately started telling him about his "Rocket Birthday". I told Patrick I had no idea what he was talking about but Ethan quickly went to the office saying "Yes Momma, it's in the closet! Remember?" There went that surprise! But the boys are happy now not to share.

I wish I could think of more right now but my baby brain is failing me. We are having so much fun with the little man. He is just growing up too quickly. It is so weird to have a complete conversation with him but we are so proud of his development. There is so much joy in witnessing his thought process and the way he focuses and contemplates his decisions, listening to his ideas and observing the way he pretends with the greatest little imagination I have seen. It don't know how it gets any better!

Number two is doing great. They estimate him to be "long and lean" and think he will weigh less than Ethan did. We shall see. He is an active little guy though and feels strong. We are full term now so any day we will hopefully announce the birth of the newest Hurford.

The dogs are good. Miss Bella had to go on Prozac (it was very difficult for me to pay money for that junk after selling Zoloft for so many years) for her anxiety. She has always had her issues but lately has gotten worse with her hemmorhagic gastritis. Any change in routine or environment has an effect on her. I think she is really sensing the upcoming events due to all the baby stuff returning in the house and the changes in my schedule. Knowing that we will also have a number of visitors and the obvious fact that the next few months will be crazy the vet felt this was our best option. We shall see. Emma is still a happy lab as long as dinner is on time.

Otherwise, I think we are up to date. I will really try to keep up from now on especially with the new baby!

Happy 2nd Birthday Ethan

Happy 2nd Birthday Ethan!



The future baller



Happy boy with his Thomas cake



Oh- More Thomas stuff...



The great egg hunt


Ok- so I'm a little behind...

Ethan's 2nd Birthday was very low key this year but very successful. His birthday this year fell on Easter Sunday so we decided to give him a birthday weekend! We predominantly celebrated on Saturday but continued the party on Sunday. Saturday morning Ethan woke up to balloons everywhere, a birthday crown, and the beginning of his presents. His little face was so precious as he rounded the corner coming down the stairs and saw all his decorations. He was beaming from ear to ear!

We did not have a party but Grandma Lucy was here to celebrate for the week and Uncle Brian, Aunt Michele and Baby Oliver came over on Sunday to share Easter dinner, celebrate Ethan's birthday and witness the great Easter Egg Hunt! Ethan loved all of his gifts: his new basketball hoop, picnic table, Thomas the Train tracks, buildings and new cars, bubble mower, and everything else he was spoiled with.

Ethan had a lot of fun blowing out his candles this year. I think we sang "Happy Birthday" about 400 times in two days and the candle is reduced to a stump! He enjoyed his Thomas birthday cake though by digging in to an entire car all by himself! Yes, I made the cake and am happy I did. I will however mention that the cake could have probably fed 20 kids and took about an hour and a half to frost. Thank God he requires eggless cake or I may not put in the effort next year.

It was an exciting fun filled weekend devoted to doing whatever the little man wanted to do. If you ask him now how old he is he will tell you "Four!"- he thinks he is hilarious. He has quite the sense of humor and will happily tell you not only his "age" (he knows he is two), but also that he is a genius. Daddy taught him that.

Deleted Videos

I promise I will update soon (within the next few days) however I wanted to let everyone know that I will no longer be posting video on the blog until I figure out a way to do it other than you tube. A creepy individual apparently subscribed to view my videos and from their profile it seems they only view/subscribe to kids videos. I was naive in not realizing anyone could subscribe to your videos and get notification of new videos once they discover your account.

I have permanently deleted my you tube account so any previous posts with video attachments will not work.

I am sorry to do this however I wish to take every precaution to keep pictures and our family news as private as possible while still being able to share it with all of you. Thank you for your understanding.

Update...

I am racking my brain for updates but the best my brain can give me are bullet points and pictures so here goes:

- The belly is getting big. As of March 8 we can watch the baby move. It is pretty amazing. The little guy is EXTREMELY active. At our last ob appointment she had a hard time finding the heartbeat for more than two seconds. I told her he was active, her comment, "You aren't kidding." She finally gave up and guessed the heartbeat between 140 and 150. We are currently at 24 weeks 2 days (but who's counting) and are measuring at 25 weeks.

- Ethan has discovered that his Mommy and Daddy have names other than Mommy and Daddy. When he can't get our attention fast enough you hear, "Mommy... Mommy... Mommy... BETH!" or "Daddy...Daddy...Daddy...PAT!" We are working on this issue. Although it is concerning it is quite hard not to laugh.

- Thomas the Train has invaded our home. Yes we have officially been sucked into the Thomas empire. That train must have a golden grille and wheels for the scam he is running on all of us suckers who buy these overpriced pieces of wood. Yes, I am jealous I can't create such a genius scam. By the way, if anyone knows anyone getting rid of this stuff please let me know. I scour ebay and craig's list on a regular basis.

- Ethan continues to progress physically and intellectually. He is singing the ABC's, knows his opposites, colors, and continues to count to twenty, although he finds himself hilarious by mixing up the numbers. His favorite combo, "One, Two,...Five" followed by uncontrolled laughter. He is catching the football and pitching very well. He still kicks his leg up for dramatic effect at the end of the pitch. He loves to pretend, play "I spy", and is doing a great job with associations. One of his train books has a car carrying grain. He stopped the story one day and started repeating "Grain". He got out of bed and got his John Deere tractor book and turned to the page with a combine and grain and said "Grain". I explained how the combine harvests the grain, puts it in the bin, the tractor takes it to the train (yes I skipped the truck and processing part), the train takes it to the factory and the factory makes cereal. He will now tell you the story of what happens to grain. It is truly amazing though how he associates and connects things. He also has most of his books memorized so he will "read" them to you or if you stop on any word in the book he will say the next word or words.

- Ethan had his first visit to the ER for injury on March 1. He fell into the edge of the coffee table in the living room. The gash in his lip went horizontally across the inside, down the front of the lip and horizontally back across the front of the lip creating a nice little flap that gushed blood. After bleeding for over an hour despite ice and pressure and an ER consult it was determined that he would not need stitches. He was hilarious in the ER and won the accolade of best patient of the night. The doctor and nurse were impressed how Ethan explained the monitor and his heartbeat and identified the giraffe reflex hammer. Of course it took stickers to get him to give it up. He never cried once and the total ER time was one hour. I will never go to another ER as long as we live here. By the way, this is our delivering hospital with the lobster dinner.

Other than that, here are some pics from the last few weeks. Enjoy.



Family shot in Central Park



Ethan and Daddy



Ethan loves to run on Bow Bridge. It makes a great noise. (This is one of my favorite pictures)



Tickets please!



Fun in the park.