Shootin’ Some Hoops

On six Saturdays in January and February, Nathan participated in a basketball for beginners class at the local rec center. He had a great time and Kev and I found that having an outlet for all his energy helped prevent explosions of temper throughout the entire week. Nathan is now officially better at basketball than I am (which isn’t even remotely hard to do) and was tickled pink that on his last day of class he actually made a basket. And let me just say that whoever plans these classes really knows how to boost a kid’s self esteem. I don’t know anyone that wouldn’t feel like a million bucks after being presented with a certificate and a trophy. Guess what Nathan took to school when it was his turn for the show-and-tell bag?



He informs us that he would like to try soccer next. And I’m inclined to let him try whatever sport he wants. It seems to really help the middle-child-syndrome.

Mad Scientist

Today was the Science Fair and like last year, when everything was all over there was ice cream to be had. However, instead of eating in consolation we were feasting in celebration! Daniel was one of the winners in the lower grades! He was so surprised when they called his name that he literally jumped. He learned a lot last year and was able to translate all that knowledge into this year's project. He was so nervous last night that he didn't sleep much, but all the work and nerves paid off.

And like any good mom (at least the ones who are total crybabies), I was so proud I cried.

Lord of the . . . Hobbits?

Matthew is feeling better and appears to be attempting to make up for all the eating he missed last week. Today he had first breakfast, second breakfast, elevensies, luncheon, mid-afternoon snack, dinner, dessert, and an evening top off. Pretty much the only time he stopped eating was during the hour he spent playing outside and while he was sleeping. But as long as he doesn't start growing copious amounts of hair on his feet and take up pipe smoking, I don't mind if he spends some time catching up on his nutrients.

Remind Me Of This Later . . .

Matthew is finally acting like his regular self again, which I'm happy to see. And yes, I did in fact just say that my 2-year-old acting exactly like a 2-year-old makes me happy. So later on, when I'm exasperated by his latest escapade, remind me that there are worse things.

Go Ahead, Kick Him While He's Down!

Last night I discovered that in addition to all his other woes, the first of Matthew's two-year molars is beginning to cut through. Poor Little Dude has had a really lousy week. End result? A two-year-old that stands in the middle of the kitchen and screams, non-stop, until someone 1) picks him up and 2) correctly guesses exactly what he wants by interpreting his thoughts based on the pitch of his shrieking.

Mommy needs a break . . . and some earplugs.

The Lovely Side of Mold

Seven hours after his first dose of antibiotics Matthew's fever suddenly broke, a fact for which I am incredibly grateful because 105 is never a number you want to see on your child's thermometer. Today is he acting like himself, albeit a very tired and cranky little self. Let me just say that I'm really glad that someone took the time to discover that mold can in fact be helpful. Had that task been left in my hands, I probably would have just pulled out the clorox and called it good. And then of course we would all be dying of the plague right now. So kudos to the scientists!

P.S. The best friends are the ones that are willing to share their TP with you. Thanks, Tiff!

Guess What Matthew Got For His Birthday?

Pneumonia! Just about the worst birthday present ever! But it could definitely be worse. He isn't sick enough to be hospitalized and hopefully will begin to feel better in the next couple of days now that we have the antibiotics to fight the pneumonia and the steroids to calm the asthma attack that was triggered by the pneumonia. But on the bright side, he got to use the funnest nebulizer ever at the doctor's office today. (Esther will realize the immense value of this discovery!)

Retail Woes

I hate when I go to the store to buy an item that was listed for sale in the ad only to have it ring up at full price and after arguing with the cashier and the manager (including showing them the ad six times) and finally getting it at the sale price, walk out of the store feeling guilty because my doormat gene tells me that if there is conflict I must be wrong and in order for all to be right with the world I must be stompled on at least a little bit.

This is just one of 500,000 reasons why I hardly ever shop at Kmart and if I didn't get such kickin' deals on boys' pants in the clearance section, I would just blacklist the entire chain.

And maybe all those researchers out there should forget about developing new and fabulous ways to look 50 years younger and focus in on phasing out the aforementioned doormat gene!