The New Death Star, by Black & Decker

Alex has fallen in love with his Teddy Ruxpin doll ever since I told him that we had new story cartridges for him. Yesterday, we heard the story of Teddy and the Mudglupps. We had so much fun that Alex wants to hear it again and again. 

This morning, he was listening to Teddy tell the story again and I saw my opportunity to break out my new vacuum and get to some floors! As soon as I started, Alex jumped up from the dining room table and ran to get his Iron Man mask. He put the Red Power Ranger mask on Teddy and was soon "blasting" me with his water gun/laser gun, making laser burst sounds. He informed me that he was shooting at me because I was Darth Vader. 

"Why am I Darth Vader?!?" I asked.

"Because of the vacuum cleaner!" he declared "Put it away Darth Vader! Stop making that noise!"

The Force is strong in this one, if by "The Force" you mean an intense hatred of vacuum cleaners.

Wednesday, February 2

Snow Day!!! (Times 100)

It's been snowing like crazy lately.  This morning, we ventured out to the gym.  It was a good thing we got an early start.   It was a crazy experience just walking through the park.  It was so eerily quiet.

 We walked through the park and the sound of the falling snow was all we heard.

Later in the day, we added some sound.  Teddy Ruxpin helped us out for Snack and Story time today.

I think maybe it's time to get a new Teddy Ruxpin cartridge. 

Year End Photos! Year End Photos!

I got these done at Lollipop in Davie, FL again.  The suit is his, but the hat is theirs.  I think I'm going to have to bring some costume pieces with me next time.  They don't have a selection for kids over size 2T.

Just wanted to share these.

Master of Disguise

Alex is really getting into pretend play and dressing up lately. A week or two ago, he invented "armpads" fashioned from his sandals strapped onto his arms. They become his blaster gloves that way, like Iron Man has. He's also taken to getting into full costumes, like his engineer apron and hat. 

Toot! Toot! Byoo-byuh-byuh -beeyooo! Blast!

I love my boy's imagination.

Sunday, January 2

They Tell Me That I'll Miss This Someday

Alex woke up from his nap just before 3 PM.  He has not yet stopped talking.

It's 9:30 PM.

Plans for 2011

It's a new year! We have new plans. We have new goals!

Mommy wants to get back to exercise and save more money. Daddy wants to improve his skills at his job and eat more vegetables and fruits. And Mommy and Daddy hope to accomplish the following with Alex.

- Potty training
- Preschool lessons
- A regular schedule

We started off today just great. Alex sat on the toilet first thing this morning. He needed a book and some time to be able to do anything. He says he went pee-pee in the potty. Maybe we just need to skip the little potty now.

Good luck everyone!

Saturday, January 1

(written contemptoraneously)

2011 - An Overview

Many of the entries to follow for the first half of 2011 were written in retrospect. The first half of 2011 did not prove kind to our family. What with Calculus, Alex's nap striking, Alex's potty regression, multiple illnesses and even hospitalizations - there was little time to keep up a journal like I used to. Many of these entries are written on the basis of scattered handwritten notes. Others are written on the basis of prompted memory from photos.

So, there will be many utterances forgotten, but some still recorded accurately. After all, life is made up of moments we remember forever and those moments make for a lifetime.

Saturday, January 1