Happy Halloween!

Disco Ethan was out in full force last night. He had a blast! First we carved his pumpkin and then went to a party hosted by a neighbor. Ethan loved spending time with all of the big kids. When it was time to "Trick or Treat" away he went! He RAN all the way around our block going from house to house with all of the kids. Up the stairs, down the hills, jumping in leaf piles along the way, grabbing his "hair hat" (as he called it) laughing and screaming the entire time. He was the life of the party! He had perfected his dance moves and saying "DISCO!" while pointing his finger in the air and made good use of his skills to entertain the crowd. We had such a wonderful evening watching our little guy have the time of his life.



Carving Pumpkins



"DISCO!"



Leading the "Trick or Treat" Gang

Lessons for the Week

I have learned:

1. Don't leave your child unattended in the next room while you are running late making lunch for daycare. Even if you think he is just washing his hands for the tenth time or (only acceptable because we were running late) unrolling the toilet paper. He did say "PAPER!". I have learned that if you underestimate the child who is starting to potty train he will not only lift the lid of the toilet seat, unravel all the toilet paper, but also put ALL the "PAPER!" in the toilet. Thank God we haven't mastered the flush. Secondary learning experience, keep rubber gloves at home for "fishing expeditions".




2. That door knob child protection is available and should be used. Ethan can not only open and close doors, he can do it to any door in the house. Ethan knows where the dog treats are in the pantry. He decided to get the dog treats and "Treat" Emma to God only knows how many fat patties. If you are asking yourself where I was, I was 10 feet away in the kitchen! The kid is CIA material. Stealth like. I should have been suspicious of the dogs being more than eager to endure Ethan's abuse, I mean love.



3. Don't listen to a single darn book or chart that tells you what level your kid is at or what they should be doing. That works for the first eight weeks of the eating, sleeping, and pooping schedule (yes, I said poop. I swore I never would but try to get Ethan's French teacher to understand what a bowel movement is, or to try to tell your one year old "YEAH- You had a bowel movement on the big boy toilet!" Yes, I said poop.) This kid thinks he is five. He wants to play with the kindergartners and older kids who live around us. As he says, "NO Babies". We also now need to move him to the big bed. He is eating his crib and knows how to scale the side.



Forget getting my Masters, I need to do more homework on raising an independent, strong-willed little man!

The Sweetest Little Boy

I was reminded this evening of how innocent, gentle, and kind hearted our little boy is.

Tonight I read his bedtime stories and just as we were getting ready to get into the rocker to say prayers and snuggle, the dogs started barking. After winding down this startled both of us. Ethan settled back down and drank his milk. I said goodnight and put him to bed. Just as I got to the stairs the dogs began to bark again. Ethan was hysterical, startled and scared. I ran back upstairs.

I decided that it would be a perfect evening to snuggle with my son and rock him to sleep, which at this age normally only happens when he is not feeling well. I rocked him for quite awhile, thinking the whole time about life and everything that has been on my mind. His little body relaxed as if he were asleep.

As he laid on my chest, I gave him a big hug and whispered, "I love you Buddy." He then picked his head up off my shoulder, took out his pacifier and gave me a big kiss. I whispered, "Thank you Buddy." After giving me another kiss he went into his crib and went to sleep.

As you can imagine, my eyes were filled with tears and I was reminded again of how complete my life truly is.

Eating at the Big Boys Table

Yes, it is true. Ethan has officially moved out of the high chair and up to the big table. He is so proud of himself to be eating with Mom and Dad on his own chair. He insists on using his silverware and does very well with it. He even uses a real plate for most meals. I probably should reconsider this one if I want to keep a full set of china.

His only issue: He thinks it is hilarious to put his foot on the table. We have tried telling him no, casually removing it EVERY stinkin time he puts it up there, and ignoring the behavior and laughter. It seems to be getting better but boy is this kid stubborn!

Otherwise, things are good. Ethan is having a few issues with allergies and his asthma. We are still doing the nebulizer treatments every night and today he started an allergy medication. Over the weekend, as Patrick's and my allergies are kicking up, we noticed Ethan sneezing, rubbing his eyes until they were red, and having a dry cough again. I called the doctor today so they are hoping this works to keep all of his symptoms and his asthma under control. He is trooper though, never whines about any of it.

Ethan's summer love is his boats. We ride our bike almost every night down to the sound to watch all the boats. He just loves it! It has gotten to the point now that after dinner every night he points at the back door and says "Boat?" or "Where's the boat?" How can I argue with that!

Happy Birthday Grandpa Hurford!

We just wanted to wish Grandpa a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! We hope you had a wonderful day. Sorry your card is a little late :)

Ethan's Kitchen is Open for Business

Come one, come all! Ethan's kitchen is open for business. We have now set up a playroom for Ethan in the basement complete with his new kitchen. He LOVES it! It is a guaranteed 20 minutes of uninterrupted playtime (which Mom and Dad LOVE).

Here is short clip of Ethan in his kitchen. It is so funny how he loves to pretend at such a young age. Eating fake bread, drinking air (coffee), stirring a pot of air (soup), etc. It is just another reminder of how quickly he has gone from being a baby to a little boy.



Lately, Ethan is also singing songs. He know "Row, Row, Row, BOAT!" (Row, Row, Row your Boat), the Quack, Quack song (The Wiggles), "Ashes, Ashes, DOWN!" (Ring around the Rosie). We are also working up a special rendition for football season. He has "O", "H",__, "O" with hand movements. Almost ready...

Ethan's Discovery at Church

Ethan had an eventful morning at church. A bit more truthful, we had our hands full at church today. Ethan discovered the echo in church. As usual like good Catholics should ;) we arrived 10 minutes before church to settle in and pray. In that short time, Ethan discovered that if he did "fast feet" (dancing in the pew), fake coughed, fake sneezed, and ultimately yelled, it would echo throughout the church. It was quite entertaining the first few times but then the Deacon started waving to Ethan. He had not only been noticed but mass was about to begin. Out came the pacifier. That only lasted until he discovered it was fun to drop on the pew to make noise. Then the event that got him out of church. He threw the pacifier across the center aisle into the opposing pews. We promptly decided to head to the back.

At offering we decided to try again and joined Daddy back in the pew. We just made it until communion and then took the long walk straight out of church. Let's just say Ethan showed God all his talents at church today.

Independence Day Celebrations

At the starting line



Ready to race



Can I go again?

This Fourth of July we celebrated our independence by staying home and enjoying our family. Patrick left for Germany yesterday for two weeks so we decided to relax and spend as much time with Ethan as possible on the 4th.

We were busy though. Ethan ran his first race on Friday. Yes, a legitimate 25 yrd dash. We decided to attend the Village of Larchmont 4th of July festivities. It was an old-fashioned community gathering with kids races, water balloon toss, a fire engine to hose down the kids (I think it was riot control just in case), free watermelon and hot dogs, and parent relays. Ethan was so tired when we arrived but once he saw all the kids away he went! Then it was his shining moment! As they called the pre-k kids up to race he decided he was running too. It took everything to hold him on the starting line until they said go but on the count of three away he went! He was by far the youngest little guy and although he finished last, by the cheers of the crowd, he was the winner! He ran the entire 25 yards in a straight line all the way to the finish! He was awarded a third place ribbon (which I thought was a little unfair given his age disadvantage, but at least this is still America where in the real world everyone doesn't win). He proceeded to run the next two races lagging behind the older age groups and then was quickly distracted by a dog passing by. Oh the joy of being one!

I am sad to say we have no video of the actual event because we did not bring our video camera. We had no idea what to expect from the gathering. I also have no good photos because I was chasing Ethan in the races and did not think to pull it out. (DAH!)

We also discovered Ethan LOVES blueberries! He ate half a pint yesterday by himself.

Other than that, we are having a nice summer. Busy as always but trying to relax and enjoy life and our little boy every moment we can.

Hello again!

Ethan at his music class


Daddy's new bike with a bonus for Ethan


Best Friends


BUBBLES!


Ethan's Sandbox



It's been a while but we are all still here. Busy, busy, busy. But what else is new, this is the American lifestyle!

Ethan is definitely a toddler, although he will always be my baby. He know all his animal sounds now, jumps, runs, climbs, eats with utensils, speaks a few two to three word sentences, identifies food and counts to three. That's only what I can think about. The child is crazy! But the source of every bit of joy in our days. He is so much fun!

Patrick just celebrated the big 3-0! We had a surprise party in the city after work on Thursday. He was shocked! Literally could not place his own parents when he saw them. The look was priceless. I felt bad though, he was expecting a romantic dinner with yours truly- I am sure he was disappointed not to have the anticipated event:)

Otherwise, nothing too new and exciting. Grandma Lucy came to visit last month to give Patrick and I a chance to get away for the weekend. It was wonderful. The only disappointment was that we were so looking forward to sleeping in but found ourselves waking up at 5AM out of habit. Luckily we were able to stay in bed.

This summer is passing by too quickly. We are hoping to return to Michigan before September. Patrick has a few work commitments, possibly going to Germany, to take care of before we can set any official plans. Otherwise we find ourselves playing in Ethan's sand box and blowing bubbles on the weekend. Oh how Ethan loves his bubbles! There is nothing cuter than to here that little boy squeal "BUBBLES!" as they blow off the wand!

Anyways, I will try to be better in the future about posts...

Our first family destination vacation

We took our first family destination vacation to Siesta Key, FL with the Fino's. The Welch family was kind enough to take us in for the weekend. Patrick had a wonderful time golfing and I was very fortunate to have five wonderful days with Ethan.

Ethan LOVED the pool and the ocean. He was definitely not afraid of the water and enjoyed jumping in off the side saying "GO" with every jump. He also loved the waterfall and ledge where he could watch various objects go overboard, circle and pop out of the water for him to retrieve. He also enjoyed the geckos.

After our vacation though Patrick and I quickly decided we needed a VACATION- a relaxing one for both of us. Grandma Lucy is coming at the end of the month. I am a little hesitant to leave Ethan but I know he will be in great hands and once I sip a strong margarita the world will just slow down. I can't wait!

Happy Birthday Baby Boy!

Good Morning Birthday Boy!


Party Soccer


That's YUMMY!


Birthday Boy


This is fun!


Destroyed!


Thank you for my cards!


How many attorneys and ex-Navy Seals does it take to assemble a toy? Ok, bad joke.


Cousins


Where is my after party?







I don't care what anyone says, this big boy will always be my baby.

Saturday was Ethan's first birthday. Despite being diagnosed with a double ear infection at 5:00PM Friday evening, Ethan was a little champion on his birthday! We started the day with his music class where everyone sang "Happy Birthday" to him. He always gets a kick out of hearing his name in a song. Then we spent the day with him enjoying the nice weather and his new wagon. The party started at 4:30PM and by 5:00PM everyone was here, eating and having fun.

Ethan was too excited to eat but had fun following the big kids and kissing the babies. Then came cake time. He had his eggless, milkless, cupcake (they were even good) in front of him but he had no idea what to think. First a little frosting on the finger to stare at, then a little frosting in his hair. Then a lot more frosting in his hair. His "King" hat was ripped apart and finally he destroyed the cupcake! It was quite humorous. Everything a one year old should do with a cupcake.

He was not too interested in his gifts so we let the other kids, and Mommy, open them. Bows, balloons and the cards were more fun for him.

Finally it was time for bed but the poor little guy literally twitched from the sugar until he finally crashed. What a day!

Now the reality is that my baby is one and not a baby any more. He is such a big boy running around, dancing, jabbering non-stop (I wonder where he gets that from), making animal noises, and testing his parents. It has been such an amazing year to watch this little helpless baby turn into a sassy little toddler. Time passes by far too quickly. I continue to learn to cherish every day.

Anyways... Happy Birthday Ethan! May this next year be full of new learning experiences, fun, growth, and memories.

We love you!

First Haircut

Getting ready for the first cut.


No problem, the Wiggles are on!




Such a good boy.




Just curious



Ethan's new look



After three people last weekend complimented our beautiful little girl we decided it was time for Ethan's first haircut. Yesterday we went to Sharkey's Cuts for Kids armed with the camera, video camera, plenty of toys and snacks, and an open mind to a new experience. We only needed the cameras because Ethan did great!

Ethan sat in the jeep shaped chair, watched the wiggles, and played with a balloon the entire time the stylist miraculously cut the hair on his wiggling head. No tears, no screaming, he didn't even try to get up. Only dancing and curiously trying to follow the scissors.

The cut is great except he looks like such a big boy now! Patrick and I just can't believe how big our little guy is and now he looks even bigger!

Happy Easter

The smile from an Easter suprise!




Ethan's new basket


What's in this egg?


Are there any more?


Ethan's monkey even fits!


The cheesy family picture


Happy boy


We hope everyone had a Happy Easter! We had a wonderful Easter today. We went to church this morning where Ethan and the little boy behind us ended up trying to kiss eachother. The other boy's grandfather quickly put a stop to that- it was rather humorous. The Finos came over for dinner and enjoyed watching Ethan's first Easter egg hunt with us.

The hunt was not much of a hunt, more like a find. Ethan's face when he entered the room and saw all the new toys and eggs was priceless. Grin from ear to ear. It certainly made it all worth it. So with two video cameras rolling and the digital camera snapping we caught nearly all the fun moments.

Our little Bully

Yes, I have to say my child is a bully. I say this with a sense of pride in that he is bullying two and three year olds at daycare. I swear, and the daycare ladies agree, that Ethan thinks he is at least as big and as old as the two year olds.

I was worried about two weeks ago that he was being bullied at daycare by one of the older boys who I witnessed throw him down while I walked in one day. I voiced a concern and was assured that they would keep an extra eye on him but was told that Ethan has no problem holding his own. Now I know this to be true.

Exhibit 1: Tuesday I walked in to watch Ethan yank a toy out of a two and a half year olds hands, knock him down and make him cry. (Daddy says, "That's my boy!")

Exhibit 2: Thursday I pick up Ethan only to learn that earlier in the day he wanted a toy that was at the bottom of the toy box and could not reach it. One of the older girls (three to four year old) reached in and took the toy he wanted. Ethan followed her and yanked the toy from her hands and ran away.

Exhibit 3: Today I arrive to see Ethan rocking the "babies" (4-6 month olds) in their seats, saying "baby", patting them on the head and hand gently and giving them kisses. Immediately following this he pushes through two older boys to get a front row seat at the door gate to see who was at the door. Once again making one boy cry.

My only problem is now he is picking up the behavior or the two and three year olds. Can you say temper tantrums?!? One day this week he did not get what he wanted and literally stood in the middle of the living room floor bouncing up and down, pounding his fists, screaming and crying hysterically for ten minutes. I called Patrick so he could hear his son, remember the "That's my boy!" comment. I refused to acknowledge the behavior so when he finally threw himself to the floor I asked him if he wanted to sit with me. He came over and I held him. At that point I don't think he even knew why he was crying anymore. Then it was over. Luckily that was the first and only so far.

He is doing great otherwise! He is learning to feed himself and is doing very well. He feeds himself his applesauce and yogurt now. The only thing I do is help him dip the spoon in the container. He is also saying "bye, bye" and waving at the appropriate times. Today he even did it leaving daycare without being prompted! Animal sounds are coming along. He can point to the animals but really only quacks like a duck so far. We are working on it. I think he hears enough barking in this house and is refusing to bark like the dogs. His favorite game is hide and seek and loves going to the park.

Concentrating on feeding himself, and doing a fine job!

Our latest news is that Ethan will be starting a 10 week music class on April 11 called music and movement. I am really excited to take him because he LOVES to dance and hear music. He is a Wiggles fan- the only show I let him watch (thank God for DVR).
Eating a snack and watching The Wiggles

We are looking forward to Ethan's first Easter egg hunt this weekend. We'll post pictures after the weekend. Have a Happy Easter everyone!