Life With A Boy

Because you smell stinky after playing with worms...

Make Sure to Hide the Silver...

While on the subject of how Dash is really more responsible and better behaved than I tend to give him credit for...

We were invited to a baby shower for my former boss and friend who just had an adorable little boy. I didn't want to post pics of him without her permission, but let's just say he has the best hair ever seen on a baby this side of the Mississippi. The hostess insisted that I bring our two little guys (even though I offered to get a sitter) to an extremely nice club for the luncheon. I was a little nervous about having both boys there. But Dash did wonderfully, even though it was during his naptime. He was so very excited about all the silverware. Stingy Mommy only lets him eat with one fork at a time. Here they GIVE you three and there are bound to be a few more in your reach before Mommy realizes what you are up to and rearranges the table.

Here he is enjoying his dessert of blueberries out of a crystal goblet. He began by using the spoon in a very controlled manner.

Then the more efficient (if somewhat less elegant) fist took over.
Jack-Jack found a cozy seat in the arms of the guest of honor's grandma.

I have also been letting Dash help me in the kitchen more. He is my resident potato scrubber.
I was discussing homeschooling with a friend from college the other day who is expecting a baby this summer and relating some of the general principles and ideas I have read about homeschooling-- leading an integrated life of learning, books and faith and realized that in many ways I have put many of these ideas into practice already...sometimes unconsciously. While I still have much to learn, I am realizing that homeschooling may not be nearly as dramatic as I thought it would be and that this is a good thing. It is a natural way of learning.

Our (sniff) Big Boy

I've mentioned how sixinthecity inspired me to give Dash more responsibility. Since her advice has always been great, I decided that since Dash was chucking his sippy cup all over the kitchen we would give drinking from a glass cup a try. Our experiments with the little plastic dixie cups failed horribly causing me to abandon the effort last month. But the small, weighty glasses from Ikea are working beautifully.
If this wasn't enough to make a mother's heart swell with pride even as I blink back tears that my baby is growing up so quickly, Dash made his long anticipated "crib break" yesterday. We thought that if he really wanted to take the plunge he would be tall and strong enough to do it. A floor shaking thud was followed by a plea to Dash's guardian angel as I sprinted to his room praying that nothing was broken. Dash was fine, just very shaken up. So last night we abandoned the safe shelter of the crib for the "big boy" room.

Two twin mattresses on the floor have provided weeks of jumping fun. I never got around to posting these pictures of our "big boy" room several weeks ago when we got the mattresses.

Last night we read our books, said our prayers and turned out the lights. Mr. Incredible and I took turns rubbing his back, though when we left the room it sounded like a human pinball machine. It took him about an hour to settle down enough to sleep. Naptime today was somewhat successful...I was happy that he fell asleep at all! Dash enjoyed practicing sleeping on his bed most of the day today.

What Do You Ask of God's Church for Jack-Jack?

That he be baptized!

Only the sheer grace of God and the intercession of Jack-Jack's patron permitted everyone to be present at Jack-Jack's baptism. Tornadoes at the airport, canceled flights, 1am airport pickups (not to mention the godmother on a plane for 7+ hours with a baby!) and having the actual baptism after the mass instead of during it permitted everyone to be present during the baptism. It was a very blessed day and weekend! More pics from the weekend soon...

A Joyful Easter

We started Easter morning with some blueberry chocolate chip pancakes, followed by a frantic search for winter coats that I had just put away last weekend. Sweaters took the place of spring Easter clothes. Again, the boys loved posing together.Dash's godparents joined us for Easter mass and we made it all the way through sitting in the pew as a family (minus one diaper change, but no behavioral problems other than Dash flirting with the young girls in the pew behind us...still a minor miracle!).

Dash was pleased to find his Easter basket filled with goodies.
We had a lovely lunch and decorated some Easter eggs.
Dash quickly grasped the concept of hunting for eggs . Then he hunkered down to check out his spoils with his Aunt. Since he did not yet have enough sugar coursing through his veins, he ate a bit more of Grandmom's bunny that we had assembled the day before...

Jack-Jack found a comfy seat in his Aunt's arms.

And Mr. Incredible kept pace with the Masters scores.
And Jesus has risen! Alleluia!

Please Tell Me Someone Else Has Uttered These Words...

Upon coming out from Mass to find Dash dressed in his spare change of clothes I keep in the car, Mr. Incredible said, "I'll always remember this as the Palm Sunday when Dash went for a swim in the church fountain."

So Happy To Report...

We weren't sure just after he was born, but here is the definitive proof...
Jack-Jack has the same big dimple as Dash!