Blog neglect

This blog has been neglected and I apologize for that. Once again, I'm feeling spread a little thin. Leo, as wonderful as he is, sort of sucks the life force out of me and by the end of the day (my usual blogging time), I'm pretty spent.

Last weekend, Nana was here and made life much easier for Tom and me. She helped me run errands, did laundry and entertained Leo for long stretches of time so I could grade papers and veg out a little. Honestly, it is wonderful to have her here and her absence is felt as soon as she leaves.

Here she is walking with Leo around the cul-de-sac before the rain came.

Leo loves to wear hats. Today he found a few of them and decided to put them on...all at once.

"Mom, help me get this on so I can complete my look."

"Don't I look dashing?"

Leo is really smart. I'm sure all parents say that about their kids, but I swear it is really true. Yesterday we went to the Children's Museum and Leo was so observant and methodical and focused while engaging in various activities. At one point, he watched how some big kids were playing with a display and when they left, he stepped up to try it himself. Other moms we know notice Leo's thoughtfulness too, so it's not just my bias. His language is developing slowly, but I'm not worried. Leo has proven time and again he does things at his own pace. He uses a handful of signs, which help us communicate throughout the day. Here's a little video of him enjoying his hats and demonstrating a few of his signs.

Oh, and I promise to be a better blogger.

Containment...Entertainment

We've had workmen at the house the last couple days. They are moving around some wiring and getting our family room ready to mount the new TV. When it is all done, it will be pretty awesome. But while the work is happening, it is disruptive, messy and very toddler unfriendly. Lots of choking hazards, dangerous tools and exposed wires. Good times! Yesterday I needed to make Leo lunch while keeping him out of the workers' way. I sat him down with his crayons and that kept him happy long enough for me to whip up a meal.

They should be done tomorrow, just in time for Nana's arrival on Saturday morning.

Rainy Day

It rained all day today. A steady downpour, which is unusual in California. Typically it rains on and off, with various strength. But today, it was a constant flow. It represents our last week and a half or so. We've all been sick. Tom was particularly bad off last weekend and spent the entire time miserable on the couch. The only upside was he suffered in front of his new TV. Leo spiked a fever on Wednesday and I canceled my class so that I could be with him. All he wanted was to sleep, nurse and be cuddled. It was a long, rough day and he still isn't 100%. It gave a me a glimpse of what his surgery recovery may be like. Though, I actually think the recovery may be easier. Needless to say, I'm (once again) behind with grading, still have a bit of cough and have been neglecting the blog. So here are some pictures to make up for it.

Yesterday we tried to get out and get some fresh air before the bad weather, but it turned out to be pretty darn cold at the park and we only lasted about 10 minutes. Leo was overdue for a haircut so Tom commenced with the torture.

"Why are you doing this to me, Daddy?" (We put stickers on his arms and belly to keep him distracted. It helped but he was still pretty miserable.)

"Okay, Dad. It doesn't have to be perfect and I can't take this much longer."

When it is a little too quiet...

there's usually a reason. Could he have a more "I didn't do it" face?

Awesome April pictures

Both Tom and I are under the weather. Luckily, Leo seems to be unaffected and is actually in very good spirits, which makes it much easier when I feel so crappy. It's no surprise we ended up sick since we both work in germy environments. It seems like all my students have been sick at one point this quarter (or at least that's what they claim when they miss class) and some come to class hacking up a lung and snotting all over the place. Though I appreciate their dedication to higher education, I rather not have to deal with their cooties.
I haven't let my state interfere with our demanding playdate schedule. The kids are getting to an age where they interact more and more (though it is mainly to pluck toys out of one another's hands), and Leo is very big into the various snacks brought to the park. All the moms are very generous with their offerings and Leo is good about signing to make his desires known.

Here are some beautiful shots taken by April at our local park yesterday. I love this arty one.

Eating Doug's grapes.

Mooching Doug's cheese.

Superbowl Sunday

How best to enjoy Superbowl, Leo-style....

Give mom a hand preparing snacks. Enjoy a delicious sandwich.

Get some fresh air and sunshine.

Grab a refreshing beverage.

Strap on your 3-D glasses for a cool commercial .

Realize you really aren't that into football yet and get mom to rescue you.