Oh what a difference a day makes...





This was taken Friday, as we welcomed a 103 degree fever but no other symptoms. Mommy mission: keep Kid 2 away from Kid 1 (impossible on any given day) AND finish packing for a road trip. With a to do list taking up an entire page, I was able to mark off three things. Ruh-roh. Naturally, this happens the very morning Nanny - my second set of hands/eyes/lap -leaves on a jet plane...

After several pow-wows, very little food, a conversation with the pediatrician and a sad boy BEGGING to go to bed at 6pm:



This morning, we're off! (Note he's on the phone, chatty as can be.) He rallied overnight and his fever came down. He is back to his rambunctious, silly self and we are two very relieved parents. No further symptoms developed so we decided to move ahead as planned. Plus, they have pediatricians in SC, right? ;) it was a comical evening and an early morning for us, but we made it happen. So far the drive has been gorgeous - colors you only ever see in fall foliage.

Davis is currently snoozing after a particularly high-pitched serenade through Chattanooga. I just realized that he's already big enough to turn his car seat, yet I still have to wait for his birthday. I suspect he'll become a much better traveller come January 22!

Watching his big brother's antics -- always so entertained by Peter!

Learned about Squanto today

Their first bath together... D was up late!  ;)

splishing and a splashing...

... and so much splashing that P was "excused" from the tub a bit early.  

Peter has been making huge strides with naps and potty training.  If we were not traveling this coming week, I'd be doing a potty boot camp and taking the diapers away.  I think we are to that point, but I suppose I'll be thankful for diapers on the 10 hour drive to South Carolina.  He's still up around 5:30 each morning, but at least he's not trashing his room anymore.  Baby steps, right?  He didn't nap today (first time in weeks), so he was in bed early.  Both kids were in bed by 6:30.  It is therefore way past my bedtime, as morning time will come extra early tomorrow.

Five Thousand Words

I have commandeered the car stereo for the past few days, as a girl can only handle so much "I've Been Working on the Railroad" before she begins referring to everyone as Dinah. Consequently, Peter is getting a taste of the songs that I (gasp) enjoy hearing, and he has offered some interesting commentary. After a rousing rendition of "I and Love and You," he thought for a second and said, "Mommy, he should just say I love you." Yes, Peanut. That would sure make more sense.

The sleep saga continues. Peter has been up by 5am every day this week. And yes, this was happening prior to the time change. We have a few strategies but all require consistency so we have to try each for several days before declaring failure. In case you're wondering, we have yet to declare success. Anything requiring me to be coherent and consistent at 4:30 in the morning is doomed, yet we press onward.

On the flip side, Peter is being rewarded with stickers when he demonstrates good listening/sharing/attitude, etc. Basically, anytime he does what he's supposed to do, he gets a sticker. When he was choosing a prize to work toward, we discussed a mommy date or an outing with Daddy, a special toy or various places we could go. The kid chose pizza. Despite the fact that we eat pizza many Fridays, all he wants is to have pizza for supper. So we are trying to fill up the firetruck picture with stickers. It's a win-win. He's thrilled and I don't have to cook.

Perhaps I'll be extra vigilant and get a night off in... oh, say...2027? Note to self: next time, draw a smaller truck.

I know it has been a while since most of you have seen baby Davis. He's been the long and lean one since he was born, and then I started giving him formula. Folks, he has gained 3 pounds in 6 weeks. He's a butterball! With those big, bright eyes he reminds me of an owl. All this nonsense about refusing bottles and self-weaning -- he definitely knows something I don't. He's pulling up and starting to cruise along the furniture, so I suspect my baby gate-less days are numbered. We have our moments, of course, but infallibly he is described as so happy/smiley/easy. I suppose hearing that makes me feel pretty happy and smiley myself.

We are taking advantage of milder weather and I've snapped a few pictures from our adventures. My good pictures are on the big camera, but here are a few from my phone.

Driving the super cart at the grocery store - together- for the first time. Peter always gets a cookie from the bakery as a card carrying member of the cookie club, but you can see how that could be a problem with wandering hands so close by.

(Post costume Halloween) Sparky!?! No - meet Davis the ninja.

Playing side-by-side. Heavenly. Short-lived.

I literally was away for 90 seconds. "Wook Mommy! I

made a tower with my buckets but I knocked it over."

A daddy sandwich?

If it crinkles, he will come.

Comfy much?

We are gearing up for our big road trip to SC for Thanksgiving. Hayes is putting on the pressure to get an iPad for the trip. Kidding - we both want one but are trying to wait for the next one to come out early next year. I wish we could rent one! Sure would take the edge off of a 10 hour drive. It'll be so nice to visit with the family now that Davis is a wee bit more independent. He reminds us all of Pop Kennedy, so it'll be great for them to spend some time together.  I guess I should start making my list of lists! 

TGIF!

I've heard that having a child is like having a mirror in front of you at all times; they reflect words, actions, and mannerisms that they learn from watching and listening to you. From Peter I am learning a great deal about my own lexicon - I suppose I should just be glad that no expletives have been passed on!

Things Peter apparently hears me say:
• That's not fair.
• Keep your hands to yourself.
• (during timeout) Let's try again.
• Gotcha you rascal!
• You don't tell me what to do.
• It's quiet time so please stop talking.
• I have an idea!
• No, no baby Davis.
• In fact, ...
• What did you say?
• Here comes trouble! (when Davis is approaching)

Along those same lines, I'm a wee bit concerned that Davis is going to learn his big brother's name is "Mister" or "Buster." I am so my mother sometimes.

Well, we clearly survived another day. Peter isn't helping my caffeine habit. For the record, we tried a new approach with bedtime last night and Peter slept until 5am. Instead of 5:30 yesterday. Instead of 6:30 three weeks ago. I fear I may have to drop the nap altogether to insure we all sleep until dawn. Back to the drawing board!

Dear Family and Friends,
There is clearly no way for both Peter and me to survive age three. Given how much energy he has at 5:30 am... well, it's been nice knowing you.
syb