Sun-sational Summer

This summer has been really busy, unlike most.  I'm taking a class, which means Ethan is going to daycare twice a week, for the full day.  It's so good for him to be there - it keeps him in his September - June routine, he gets lots of playtime with his toddler friends, he's learning a ton (right now he's learning to count to twenty, he's almost there!), does lots of art projects, continues to bond with his fabulous teacher, Ms. Alicia, and still maintain independence.  I know he's only 2 1/2, but I think becoming independent is so important for him.  He's turning out to be a pretty assertive, brave, and people-person kind of kid. Ethan going to daycare all day twice a week is not only great for him, but gives me a chance to get my homework done, and maybe even have some me-time, which for this mama, is extremely important for my wellness.  It's a big shift to go from working 5 days a week - having my own separate life at work - to the summer, where it's all about Ethan.  Don't get me wrong, I look forward to summer and the time I get to spend with Ethan, one-on-one, but I still really benefit from me-time.

On the other three days a week when Ethan and I are together all day, we have gone on lots of adventures.  The weather has been SOOOOO amazing the last few weeks - sunny and mid 70s with no humidity!  Perfect weather, in my book.  I feel like it's my duty to take him outside, everyday, as much as I can, because once 80s/90s weather hits with humidity, we will be spending a lot more time in the AC.

Our sun-sational adventures, in no particular order...

A stop at Moonlight Creamery, which happens to be located conveniently next to the library.  Ethan hasn't quite gotten the hang of picking out books and being quiet at the library.  A library visit for us consists of Ethan running around like a crazy-man, me trying to catch him, while I randomly pick books off the shelf without looking at the titles.  I think Mommy deserves a treat after a library visit, more than Ethan!

A visit to Wickham Farms.  Wickham Farms was hosting a story hour themed around beans.  The kids were read a few stories about beans, including Jack and the Beanstalk, right in the field next to the bean plants. Then the kids all had a chance to pick their own beans to take home.  Ethan took bean picking very seriously.  He was my cute farmer that day!  Unfortunately, my phone ran out of batteries so I didn't get pictures of Ethan in the field, but we did get one on the tractor.

Ethan got a cozy coupe!!!  Everyday we go for walks in the neighborhood, Ethan pushing his car like Fred Flintstone, and me walking next to him making sure he doesn't get hit by a car.  Right now we're working on stamina; after about 3 houses down our street, Ethan puts his feet up and says, "Mama push me!"  Once we get home, like many men whose car is their baby, it's time for a wash.

I try to meet up with my sister at least once a week so Ethan can play with his cousin, Baby Adam, who's really not a baby anymore, but a little toddler.  Last week we checked out the playground at Henrietta Town Park, which I hadn't been to in twenty years.  I was a little kid when the playground at the Town Park was built, and then it was pretty awesome, but the town has recently rebuilt the playground and it's even cooler now than it was when I was a kid.  We'll definitely be visiting this playground a few more times this summer.

It can't be all play and no work!  We have some landscaping projects at home and have been trying to let Ethan help as much as possible.  Look what Ethan found when he was using his hoe!

The Rhino, the Lion, and the Zebra

Oh how time has flown!!!!  It's hard for me to believe that today marks the beginning of my third summer with Ethan.  Two years ago he was a four month old blobby baby, and now he's a little boy - a smart, funny, chatterbox of a kid who loves to read books, play with cars, and ask lots of questions.  I know these days are precious - he won't be this cute, cuddly and fun to be around forever - so I'm trying to enjoy every moment I can.

We had a very busy day for our first summer day together, which is what Ethan needs.  He's a busy kid who doesn't like to sit still.  Since it was going to be super hot today (high of 86), I figured we get up and get moving outside early.  After breakfast together and a few minutes of watching "The Lion and the Zebra" (Madagascar), we stopped at Target to pick up some paint for an afternoon craft, and then headed over the Seneca Park Zoo.  We have a family membership, so we make it a point to go the zoo usually about once a week, even in the winter.  Ethan and I arrived at the zoo early enough to be the first ones inside and spent the next hour and half wandering, looking at all the animals.  Our number one priority today was the rhino exhibit, but unfortunately, the rhino was inside.  The tiger was particularly frisky, having fun scratching himself on the tree trunk, and we also enjoyed the penguins, who were extra vocal today.  As luck would have it, the rhino was outside and very active as we were headed towards the entrance.  Trying to keep cool, the rhino was taking a mud bath, and then spent a few minutes sharpening his horn on a tree trunk.  Ethan told me he wanted to take a bath with the rhino, to which I told him, maybe another time.

After lunch and nap time (uggg.....I think it's time for another nap time post, another day) Ethan and I made some muffins, played outside at the sand and water table, and did a craft together.  I found a post about 4th of July crafts on Pinterest and decided we would use toilet paper rolls to make fireworks.  It was fun, but my busy boy lost interest after a few minutes, grabbed Mr. Bear, and told me he wanted to watch "The Lion and the Zebra."  Since I have been fighting a cold myself for the last few days, I was not about to turn down a few minutes of cuddle time in bed watching a movie with my little guy.  We watched the movie for quite a bit longer than I expected, and then it wasn't long before Dada came home.  Something was up, because Ethan snuggled up with my husband and didn't move for an hour.  I think he's got the same cold I'm just getting over.  My poor boo boo.  

Hopefully, this cold will run its course quickly.  And, if it means we need to stay inside in the air conditioning for the next few days so Ethan can rest, I'm totally fine with that.

Happy New Year!

I've been off from school for two weeks, spending the Christmas holiday with my family. Between planning for the holidays, caring for Ethan, keeping up with household responsibilities, and undertaking some small house projects, I’ve been pretty busy. I kept Ethan home from daycare during this break, so getting all that needed to be accomplished completed with a toddler running around has been a little challenging, to say the least.  I was able to put my "to-do" list aside, though, and have some fun mommy & Ethan time.  We finally checked out The Sandbox, which is AWESOME. It's a big indoor play area for kids, with lots of ride-on toys, a “roller coaster,” two bounce houses, playhouses, train tables, basically, tons of stuff.  Ethan loved it, especially the Cozy Coupes, so I think I know what Ethan might get for his birthday.  It’s great having this place nearby.  I will definitely bring Ethan there when it’s too cold to play outside and he has some extra energy to burn off.  Speaking of too cold to play outside….we’ve had a decent snowstorm over the last two days and below zero wind chills.  Ethan was feeling a little cooped up and I was running out of ideas to keep his busy, so I consulted my trusty friend, Pinterest, and found a great indoor snow play activity to keep him busy.  We did this twice yesterday, and each time, he played for a half an hour.  Ethan took his snow spooning seriously!