Seattle

We went to Seattle for one of David's conferences. We had a great time!


We had some really fresh seafood at this place on the waterfront. Jacob even ate it.


I think these cranes are so interesting


Momentary peace on the flight... the 5 minutes that Bridget wasn't crying.

Words You Never Want to Hear

I left Jacob in the bathroom to finish up doing his business, and when I came back in he greeted me with this:

"I drink pee!"

Shocked beyond words, I looked at him and the cup from his potty chair that he was emptying into the toilet. Then he did a pretend sip from said cup, at which point I explained the absolute nastiness of such a thing, and had him finish. I am sincerely hoping that it was all pretend.

Potty Training Purgatory

This may not be the most interesting of things to read about, but I know that many of you out there have just gone through this lovely stage with your children. So perhaps you've got some good ideas...or at the very least, some sympathy. I'll imagine that you're all here with me, giving me sympathetic looks, and giving good advice.


Me: Hi, my name is 'No Mommy' and I have been trying to potty train my son for 8 months.

You: 8 months?

Me: Yes. My son inherited some stubborn genes from someone. Probably not me.

You: Well, what have you tried?

Me: Bribing with candy. Having him go every hour. Taking away the diapers. Having him change the pullups himself and clean up. Long discussions about what big boys do and don't do, and what baby sisters do and don't do. And last but not least...paternal example.

You: Hmmmm, have you tried the "He's not ready until he wakes up dry" theory?

Me: David, being privy to the latest medical knowledge, received a medical update just a couple of weeks ago stating that nocturnal bladder control in children is dictated by a hormone, and it doesn't kick in fully until some time between the ages of 4 and 11. So that's out.

You: Hmmmm. The only other thing I can think of is the Foley Catheter method.

Me: It crosses my mind on occasion....that and the Orogastric tube method to deal with picky eating. It may be unethical though.

You: I'll have to think about this.

Me: Please come back when you have an answer!...Please!

Good Use of a Day

We've had piles of snow around here, so David and Jacob decided to make good use of it. They spent the whole afternoon creating a playground.

A snowman surrounded by towers (Jacob made the head)


A snow house


1 of 2 slides for Jacob to sled down