jumbo elephant

Dennis had his first piano lesson and look what he can play already! Thanks Nonnie for the great song book... he seriously loves it... especially flying around like an airplane.

stunt man

In Utah Dennis loved to jump on the trampoline and land on his bum. Well, he still does it without the tramp. ouch. And, if you couldn't tell... that's him counting before he jumps. He also does this before taking bites of his dinner. What a nut.

4 years ago

we got married. It's been a great 4 years. I am so glad that Ryan decided to marry me. He is such an amazing guy and we have such a beautiful life together. I wouldn't want my life to be any other way.
Ryan has been working the night shift at the hospital and gets home after I leave in the morning. So, he surprised me by bringing flowers to school! I was so shocked that I almost started to cry! Now I have this beautiful bouquet on my desk. Thank you sweetie.

obsession (warning)

would be an understatement for Dennis' fascination with the toilet these days. I swear I spent all afternoon in the bathroom. Dennis is constantly on and off the toilet. Right when I thought our session in the bathroom was over and I had gotten comfortable in front of the bookcase, Dennis comes running in and pulling me frantically... hmm... let me guess... potty? Sure enough, we got there just in time for him to score a slam dunk. Then he wouldn't put his diaper back on- so I was a bit daring and put some undies on him wondering how long it was going to last. Never leaving the bathroom, Dennis plays around and climbs up and down the toilet. Later, I find his undies wet. We are sad together and go to the potty to sit- to my surprise I find his puddle right on top of the toilet seat. Close.... so close. Close enough for me to put on another pair of undies. We will see what is next. 5 minutes later toilet paper party in the toilet. again. obsession.

hot summer

This year has been an unusually hot summer here in St. Louis. I hate being outside. ever. 7am I am sweating carrying all of my things and Dennis to the car. 8am 90 deg. bleh. I have found my renewed connection with the sprinkler for those days that Dennis wants to go out. We picked the perfect day to go to Grant's Farm because it was raining. I'm sure everyone could see through my clothes because I was soaked. But I wasn't hot. We had a great time and will have to return during a cooler time of year to enjoy the bird and elephant shows. Frozen treats are delish. We invested in a popsicle mold and made orange juice treats. LOVED THEM. Especially from the comfortably cool bathtub. Going outside even to eat a popsicle is too much for this northern chick.

Dear "Match Deciders"- please don't send us to some southern location in 2 years. I don't think I would survive. I would probably melt. - Rita

meiji yan yan

WARNING: this may be too much information!

In the past two days Dennis has gone potty 1 & 2 50% of the time. We are so happy for him. This morning he wasn't at all interested in it so I bought him a treat for the next time he went. The title of this post is the name of the treat. As soon as he saw it, he wanted it. I explained to him that he could get it after he went potty. So immediately, he wanted to try. Well... he succeeded. I was surprised. He can do it on command. #2.

sunday best

My handsome boy this past Sunday.