Making Progress

This week we have taken definite strides towards being potty trained! I can't tell you how excited I am about this considering that Dylan is only 2 months away from his 3rd birthday and I've been anticipating this for a LONG time. Since summer Dylan has used the potty on a regular basis but has never fully expressed an interest in giving up diapers. In his defense we haven't really pushed it either-- just put him on the toilet when we changed him and had him go before bedtime each night. This week he has decided that he's ready to wear big boy underwear..... and has had only two "accidents" in the past 4 days! We still have one big hurdle to cross- the dreaded #2 and the main reason I am so stinking (pardon the expression) excited to have a potty trained child. Unfortunately, Dylan has no interest in said activity (hence the before mentioned "accidents") but I am hopefuly that his deep love of his new Thomas the Train underwear will overshadow his fear of the poo. We'll keep you posted!

Dreaming

I think I officially have the winter "blahs" that typically set in for me late in January. Maybe it's the driving to and from work in the dark, the foggy, cold weather, or the fact that I haven't had a vacation like this in a long time....hence the reason that pretty much every time I close my eyes I'm picturing a scene like the one above. Just dreaming and waiting for spring!

M.L.K. Day

After a busy and fun weekend I'm so thankful to have a day off today to relax a bit before another busy work week! It's already noon however and I can't help but wonder how days at home go so much faster than my days at work!
Last week I read a picture book biography of Martin Luther King Jr. to my third grade class. Looking at the diverse group of kids that I have and seeing the rainbow of faces that looked back at me I can't help but think that Dr. King would be one proud man to see how far things have come since his life. Considering that we are inaugurating our first African American President tomorrow I think this holiday has some extra special meaning today!

Bowling Excursion

Saturday afternoon we ventured out bowling with my Darcy, Mel, Evan and Dominic to Acme Bowl. I knew Dylan would want to participate and was worried they wouldn't have shoes small enough for him, but luckily their smallest size was a 7 and fit perfectly! The shoes couldn't have been any cuter.....Kevin and I both contemplated snatching them. =)

It was a blast to watch the boys bowl (with the bumpers up) and Dylan was so serious about his game! A couple of times he rolled the ball and I seriously didn't know if it was going to have enough speed to make it down the whole lane. They all enjoyed some bowling alley cuisine and the adults enjoyed a couple of beers. Such a fun afternoon with the fam!

Dominic and Dylan

Dad & Dylan
The cutest bowling shoes ever.
Watching his ball roll- ready for a strike!

Mom & Dylan

Elliott Jane Baker

Yesterday, our dear friends Marcy and Jake welcomed precious little Elliott Jane into the world! Marcy told me she was pregnant back in April right when she found out the news and although we don't live in the same city, I feel like I've been with her along the way throughout her pregnancy. We couldn't be more excited to meet this sweet little girl! Congrats to the Baker Family!!!

A Vegetarian Bites the Dust

For those of you who spend much time with Dylan you are well aware of his aversion to most all things meat. With exception to completely processed chicken nuggets (ugh)we have virtually not been able to get any meat down this child's mouth for the past 1 1/2 years. Recently Dylan has decided that he likes Grandpa Sid's homemade pepperoni sticks and will on occasion ask for one which we gladly oblige-- he's eating meat for goodness sake! (Thanks Grandpa!)
Last night we had planned to go out to dinner because I told Kevin I didn't want to cook. After unsuccessfully trying our hand at the Cheesecake Factory (seriously have we learned nothing about living out in Seattle for the past 8 years???) we settled on the old stand-by of Red Robin- completely child friendly and fast considering it was already 7 PM. When given the children's menu with pictures of the options Dylan exclaimed that he wanted a corn dog. Kevin and I couldn't help but laugh and asked numerous times if he was sure he didn't want the spaghetti, mini pizza or macaroni and cheese. We both wagered that Dylan would probably eat all the "corn" off the dog and have one naked wiener on a stick at the end, which is how he started out. However, much to our surprise he ate the whole thing! The kid couldn't get enough of it! Truthfully, I'm totally grossed out by the fact that his choice of meat is well, really not meat, but all in all it was worth a good chuckle. All the way home he kept telling us, "I like hot dogs." I just pray that someday he learns to appreciate a steak.
Here's a pic of Dylan enjoying his meal.

Happy New Year!

We rang in 2009 at home with our friends Chad and Hillary and their baby Hamilton (8 months). Last year Kevin and I stayed home by ourselves and barely made it to midnight so we were happy to have people to celebrate with this year. We enjoyed some cocktails and appetizers while the boys played and after we put them to bed we ate a late dinner of delicious crab legs and steak skewers. It was quite the feast-- good thing I'm back to hitting the gym like everyone else this week!

We are looking forward to a great year and all that it may bring! Here's wishing for good health, peace and prosperity in 2009!