Spinning Explosion

So we were a little off this morning because normally I don't dressed Jack til after his first nap. With our snow play he had already been dressed once and changed since he got wet. I was on the phone with Lisa cleaning his bottles right before he went down for his already late nap when I noticed Jack had taken out a Diet Dr. Pepper from the 24 pack that was on the floor. Literally the second Lisa and I finished a short discussion on whether it would be alright for him to roll it around (Lisa said as long as I didn't think it would open/explode)...I heard the pop of the can dropping and then in slow motion watched as it spun around spraying Diet Dr. Pepper everywhere.

When I say everywhere it is not me being the normal Jennifer that tends to exaggerate...it was literally EVERYWHERE. All I could do at first was laugh...but really I was crying deep inside. The clean up took almost 2 hours, lots of towels, Clorox anywhere, Resolve, Soap & Water, the Mop, and TONS OF SWEAT. There was Diet Dr. Pepper on cabinets in the kitchen...the high ones too, the laptop, my planner (I know...I'm going to be OK), the door leading to the patio, the couches, carpet all the way in the living room past the fire place, and even on the back wall in the living room...that is some distance. I have done as much as I can see but it is surely something that years from now whoever owns this house will say..."Hey, I wonder what that brown spot is from?"

Jack was covered. He was licking it and going back for another Diet Dr. Pepper after the initial shock of the spinning spray passed. Knowing the clean up I had ahead of me we did a sponge bath to get it out of his hair and off his face...another outfit change, and now I am hoping since it took all of his nap to clean up that he sleeps a little longer so I can recoup.

This is what Jack looked like after the explosion.

Here is where the can dropped. Notice him going back for another one...not phased at all by being covered in it and the mess it just made.

I wish this was the only area it got...not so lucky.

Here is the door. I stopped taking pictures because well....the house was a disaster.

Lesson learned: Don't let your child play with a can of carbonated drink.

By the way: Jack said all he wants for his birthday is hard wood floors. For real-I didn't even tell him to ask for it.

Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

The weather yesterday was just plain gross...cold, wet, and it even hailed. By dinnertime the snow started coming down. Not thinking it was going to be much snow we put Jack down to bed but Nick was like a little kid checking every 2 seconds to see if it was going to stick in hopes of school being cancelled. By around 10 there was about 1 1/2 to 2 inches of snow and it was falling really hard (to us that is)....so being the picture obsessed and not so practical all the time parents we are...we woke up Jack, bundled him up, and headed outside so he could "experience it". Yes I know...never wake a sleeping baby, getting him cold could make him sick, and he isn't going to remember it...but we did it anyways.

"Is it morning yet? I'm so confused...and cold."

"Yes, it is neat...but why is it so dark if it is morning? It sure doesn't feel like I slept enough last night. "

"Is this a dream? Surely not because it is way to cold and wet to be a dream. OK Mom and Dad...you've had your fun...take me back to bed now."

Mumbling under his breath this morning, "Stupid Super...I can't believe they are making me go to work today. No swimming for Jack either Jenn."

Here is the snowman I built for Jack before he woke up. He had a real carrot nose but I had to improvise and use chocolate chips for the eyes, mouth, and buttons.

Jack didn't seem to interested in the snowman sitting next to him. Instead he ripped off his gloves and started handing snow to me.

I had put him down on a garbage bag so he wouldn't get wet...but being the mobile one...that didn't work out to well. Once he got all wet the water works started so we headed in to dry off and warm up.

Here is a short video I took last night so you can see how "heavy" the snow was falling.

Divine Consign

As tired as I was this morning, as germ affraid as I am, I can't resist a sale. Karen and I were at the Divine Consign this morning at 11 for when the doors opened. It is impossible to describe the madness...you just have to experience it. Essentially it is a huge garage sale in a convention hall of only infant, toddler, kid, and maternity stuff. And when I say stuff...I mean tons of stuff. People are rummaging like crazy, filling up bags they brought in, stripping their babies on the isles to try on used clothes, and piling it on top of their kids in the strollers. But, if you go with a goal in mind you can really make out. This Fall I got Jack a $45 Gap jacket for $10...the person that owned it before us probably wore it about 3 times like Jack did so it was worth the madness. Today I didn't score any clothes but did however get some great deals on toys.

Excited with my buys I came home, bleached them all down and presented them to Jack. Well, while cleaning Jack found the Bib Clip (a clip that allows you to turn any napkin into a disposable bib while on the run) and as usual became very attached to it. We thought he would we happy to hand it over and play with his new toys but instead got this reaction...

Those of you that know Jack understand that this type of temper tantrum doesn't happen EVER...but lately we have been seeing it more and more...YIKES! Being the pushovers we are this is the photo that followed the one above...

Jack happy again with his Bib Clip and bar stool....notice the tears still fresh on his face...my how they turned off quickly when he got what he wanted.

After he calmed down he had a blast with his Fisher Price Intellicube that I bought him for $9. It can't be bought in the stores and sells for around $55 new but Olivia had one the night before that Jack (OK-I) loved so I knew it was a must. Again notice in the picture...still holding that darn Bib Clip....we lost it shortly there after by bribing him with a Baby Nutragrain Bar. I'm noticing a pattern. Good thing it looks like he is going to have Nick's metabolism.

Here is the $4 Basketball goal I got to play on the patio with this Spring/Summer.

And the $3.50 phonics radio I bought to leave in Louisiana...until I saw that it is normally $50 so I think we'll keep it around here so he can get smart by using it all the time...or not-

because with all the new toys I pushed, lugged, and gave up some of my budget money for...all he wanted to do was climb on the gray tub that used to be the "gate" to the cage...but not anymore because he climbs right over it. Guess I might as well never bring in the maid's cart I bought him because he'll still prefer to pick up dirt in the carpet and hand it to me. From now on...Bib Clips, gray tubs, and dirt is all the boy needs.

Social Butterflies

We have been wanting to get together with so many people that I pulled out the calendar and started filling up the dates. This weekend we did dinner Friday at the Sullivan's and Saturday at the McWilliams. Exhausted is what Sunday was.

Here are some pictures from dinner at the Sullivan's:

"OK Willow, you know the routine by now...smile for the camera and they might leave us alone."

"Jack get our the shot...your Mom is trying to get pictures of the real star...ME."

"Aunt Jennifer did you get my good side in that picture? Will we be able to crop Jack out?"

"Alright Willow...photo shoot is done. You should let me show you how to do this...I am already walking and am almost one...trust me...I'm experienced."

Here are some pictures from dinner at the McWilliams:

Karen opened the toy cabinet to show me something and guess who went "running"?!?

"Jack, I don't think we are supposed to climb in there but I am following because Mommy won't get mad if company is over...Wait, those are my toys."

"Jack's Daddy, I told him not to go in there but he said I was a girl and to hush up."

Both nights were nice getting to visit with our friends and letting the kids play together which really translates to them playing with each others' toys. Jack did great Friday but by Saturday he was tired of sleeping in the Pack and Play in random places. From now on...only one out of the house activity a weekend.