The Alarm

A few weeks ago when we were up at the condo, I put Elias down for a nap in our room because we had guests staying in Elias' room. About halfway through his nap, someone asked, "Is that an alarm?" Sure enough the alarm clock where Elias was napping was going off. One of Elias' favorite things is to play with the clocks (so always check the alarm before going to bed). He slept right through it. When he woke up and I went in to get him, he was clapping along to the beat.

Babies

Quite a few of our friends are having babies! Gina and Cam were one of the first people to come meet Elias, so we went up to meet Alex soon after she was born. They seem to be having a great time. A tiny, cute little package, just in time for the Holidays.

Spicy

Elias doesn't eat much variety. His main meal either consists of soy sloppy joe, pasta or soy hot dog. We decided to try something new and gave Elias some red lentils that Matt made one night. Matt had added a little too much curry so they were pretty spicy. Elias ate them up and kept asking for more. Time to find some new recipes online. I guess he likes spicy.

You Want Me to What?

So, Elias had his first dentist appointment a few weeks ago. The place was great. They had a big castle inside with tons of toys for kids. We played while we waited for our appointment, and Elias loved it (the toys that is). The dentist was an older woman who was a bit over the top. She was so glad I had brought Elias in when he was 1 (I said...well he is really almost 2), and she just couldn't get over the fact that I had thought to take him to the dentist (I am apparently one of the best parents ever). The real reason to bring him in was to find out how and if we were supposed to be brushing his teeth...especially because he really doesn't like it when we do it.

To say that Elias did not like the dental exam is an understatement. But I was a little amused when I got the dentist to sing the A B C song with me to try and calm him down. It was relatively quick, and she scrapped off quite a bit of plaque. Then she proceeded to tell me we should brush his teeth dry, then with a little kid's toothpaste and then floss. This leads directly to the title of this blog, "You want me to do what?" They gave me a little flosser and told me it was a must since Elias' teeth are all crammed together (braces are very probable). The dentist was amazed that he didn't already have cavities. She said it must be because we haven't been giving him juice.

The funniest thing about this is that when it is time to brush, Elias gets very upset for the dry brushing and keeps asking when we get to floss. He doesn't mind the paste as much, but he loves the flossing. Flossing a 20-month-old's teeth...and him enjoying it. Who would of thought?

Kent

We were lucky enough to have our Berea, Kentucky friend, Kent, stop by for about an hour last week. It was fun to get caught up on each others' lives during his quick visit. I love that feeling I get when old friends slip back into my life so easily...and it seems like they were hardly gone.

A Gymnast?

I think Elias might have a potential future as a gymnast. Elias' new "game" is to climb up on the headboard in our room and walk along the edge.


Then he prepares for his dismount,

and falls back on the bed getting a perfect 10. But then again, the judge might be a little bias.

Ahhh, that Fresh Pine Smell

We got our real, live, yummy smelling Christmas tree up and decorated last weekend. It has been interesting trying to keep Elias out of the lights - his favorite part. It is hard to believe another Christmas is already here. I think I have discovered that all of the years start to blend together because the pictures are often so similar. Check out the Christmas tree picture from last year.

The New Look

Matt has decided to start shaving his head. There seem to be mixed reviews at work, so I thought I would make my own poll:

A. It makes Matt look younger.
B. It makes Matt look older.
C. Who in the heck is that?

Elias' First Shower

For the longest time, Elias has liked getting into our shower and playing. He especially likes it right when someone has finished using it. I guess the extra water inside makes it feel more like the real thing. Last week, we decided to let him have the true showering experience with Matt. I'm not exactly sure what he thought of it, but I know for sure that he didn't really get it. Right when he was done, he wanted to take a bath. One thing is for sure, this kid likes water.

Thanksgiving

What? A turkey? You must be thinking, now wait a minute...Matt and Erica are vegetarians. It's still the case, we just shared our Thanksgiving with two friends who happen to be excellent cooks...and meat eaters. We headed up to the condo on Thursday morning and cooked some super yummy food. They made the golden turkey pictured above, brussel sprouts, sweet potato casserole, wheat bread, and homemade vanilla ice cream. I made pecan pie, and Matt made stuffing, cranberry sauce and potato strudel. It was a weekend of feeling very, very full. The three of them went skiing on Friday and Saturday, and Elias and I walked to the playground. We also splurged one night and our friends made homemade fudge sauce for the vanilla ice cream. I think I ate more with just a spoon than I did on my ice cream. The way Thanksgiving should be.

Air-Pane

Who knew there were so many airplanes flying by every day. Every time one goes by Elias points up and says "air-pane". Then a few moments later he says, "Bye bye air-pane".

33

I've been 33 now for almost a month, and I am just now getting around to writing about it. I guess the older you get, the less important they become.

I had a great birthday. Matt surprised me the day before by inviting friends over for pizza, and every single one of them got me a present. I got chocolate from two of them (they know me well), a toaster for the condo, a homemade bag and homemade earrings, and a bar of natural, yummy smelling soap. Unfortunately for me the Broncos were playing that night, and most of them wanted to watch. Not what I would have chosen, but it was still nice to have everyone over.

On my birthday I opened many wonderful cards, had breakfast in bed and went to work with cake. I always try to bring a cake in on my birthday because then I just get that many more people to celebrate with me! That night, Mom and Jim and two of their friends were in town, and we went out to a nice Italian dinner. I got a beautiful scarf and some wooden spoons to round out my birthday loot. I'd say I made out really well.

Do I feel older? That depends on when you ask me, and if Elias is having a good day or not.