When I went to change the bag in the diaper pail, I opened the lid to find Bobby's pajamas on top of all the diapers.  I knew he liked tilting that thing, but I didn't know he really knew how to work it.

When we ride the bike, he tries to take my hands off the handlebar so he can do it.

He really likes to identify birds we see - by making a beak of his hands. Does it whenever he sees, or even hears them.  Also into spotting airplanes when he hears them, he looks up. (sometimes identifies the sound of mack trucks though)

I got him to eat a bite of chicken.  He chewed it for probably 15 minutes.

We are going to the Ann Arbor Art Fair tomorrow.  http://www.artfair.org/

well i was going to blog but Bobby just woke up after about a 30 minute nap.  he's sort of a pain these days.

but when he's not a pain, he's pretty fun.  quite the mimic.   he wants to put the lids on everything.  sippy cup, apple juice, medicine.  that's where they go.

if you dunk your chip in guacamole or stir something up with a utensil, he wants to too.

wants you to wear the shoes that are on the floor, knows where they go.

weatherman: "it's going to be very warm today! 88. "

so i have more, but if this kid doesn't sleep, you'll never get to hear it.

Home alone - therefore I ramble

Tonight, we went to Light up the Night, in downtown Tecumseh.  It was underwhelming to say the least.  It was an antique car show, music in the park, and downtown business something.  Basically some cars in a bank parking lot,  a (good) band on the side patio of a store and one flower booth.  I guess I expected a little more.  But we (Bobby and I) took some dinner and listened to the music until they took a break, walked through the cars and then home.  There was a baseball game across the street from us so we watch an inning there too - just missing the ice cream truck.  On reconsideration, the cute little downtown is generously three blocks and nothing useful.  Everything is rather expensive too.

They were also fighting the Manchester Chicken Broil up the road, 4x 100 foot grills,  19,000 pounds of chicken   14,000 rolls.  This is why I need my own car.  Would have loved to gone.   There is 2-3 more festivals this weekend, don't know what Ricks schedule is though.  

Statistics say the population of 8,600 is evenly distributed, but there seems to be a dearth of 20 somethings.  Which is totally understandable, but it's weird to not see the attractive, fun, young people (that are older than high school)  I would also say I don't see young families, but I have walked/biked about 80 percent of the streets and see a lot of bikes and sandboxes and playsets in yards and garages.  Just can't find the families.  Seriously,  I have been to 3 elementary schools, the middle school and 3 parks - morning, noon and night - and I have seen noone else on the playgrounds.  Same with the library and pool and the lake - no one for me to play with.

Bobby is almost a walker.  He's pretty good at it, but just doesn't do it that often.  Mostly while playing in the basement.  He likes shoes. Tries to put them on, etc, but can't walk in them.  He's not eating well, which drives me crazy.  I think it's his teeth, but he's also really picky.  At this age, he should be eating a lot more than grilled cheese, yogurt and dry cereal.  I want to throw some asparagus tips, black beans and chicken cubes on his plate but that would be wasted.  And I've tried to mix it in different sauces and soups, but then I have to feed him and he doesn't want that either.  Oh well.

What's new

Slow week here.  Lots and lots of walking and biking.  There are tons of playgrounds and parks here.  We went to the community (indoor) pool today.  Nice facility, only have open swim 1.5 hrs/week and the water was cold but we had a nice time anyway.  Tomorrow, we try "the Pit" - some sort of lake and park recreation area.

Bobby hates his high chair,  even his new fancy booster seat hybrid thing.  Even if we all sit with him and eat. No tricks work.  He eats on the move if he is distracted.  I do not like this pattern but otherwise it's 3 bites and done.

After I wrote how well he was sleeping, I totally jinxed it.  He woke up twice the next night and up for the day at 6am.  Last night was better, slept through the night and today napped twice for 2.5 hours.  He's been sucking his fingers a lot so I keep expecting teeth, but nothing.  Occasionally I give him ibuprofen for them.  Hope that's not bad!

He also is biting a bit, but totally grabbing free skin and swiping at our faces.  He thinks it's pretty funny.  Ricks open scratch says otherwise.

Tour de Tecumseh

Tour de Tecumseh
Originally uploaded by sld78

We are up and running! (or biking at least).  He has been doing really well for long periods in the stroller and even getting in it himself in the mornings, but now we can go even further faster!  I got a new six speed bike at Meijer on sale and then the iBert bike seat from BabiesRUs online.  All for under $200.  $6 helmet used too. I think he likes it, but the jury is still out.   I got a mens bike so Rick will ride too but it would be more helpful to have the cross bar lower.  I have to ride with my knees just a tiny bit wide so if you have longer legs, you can put the seat up higher and it wouldn't be a problem.  Also tilted handle bars would help lots, but Bobby likes to hold onto them either way.

I think he is finally adjusted as he is sleeping better and whining less.  He slept about 11.5 hours last night and then took a two and a half hour morning nap, and was still ready right on time for his afternoon nap.  I am hoping to get the truck up and running for Rick next week and then Bobby and I will start our daytrips.

Notes

Obvious, but, there are very few foreign cars on the road.

At this rate, Cooper will be weaned before Bobby and Archer

You can get a lot of ice cream for $2 here.

We have hard water.  I don't really notice a difference (no dingy hair or clothes yet) Maybe Bobby is a little slimy in the bath.  Not as bubbly lathers.

Bobby has a "summer cough" He's had it for a while.  No fever, irritability or other symptoms, but either in the middle of the night or morning, he hacks pretty bad.  Nurse said to give him honey, or warm juice, plus use the humidifier etc, but nothing works.  Any ideas anyone?  When should I worry?

Happy Birthday Emily

13 months

I can't believe I've been here a week.  It feels like a month at least.  I've walked the whole town.  Mostly in 90 degree heat.  Nothing left to explore.  Except for the nail salons I guess.  Maybe we should get a babysitter and actually go out, but I don't even think there's places to eat, just ice cream.  And I don't think Rick will see Twilight.

I put Bobby to bed a little later tonight, in hopes that he will sleep past 5:30am.  He is sleeping through the night, going down super easily, but only sleeping about 10.5 hours.  He's not walking too much yet.  Standing up and down lots but not taking the steps.

He is crazy exhausted.  We play all day in rocks, mulch, grass, pebbles, swing, slide and in heat.  He's not eating that much which I hate, but I keep trying.  We're on a pasta kick now.  Probably since we don't have access to Harris Teeter mac and cheese.

I'm enjoying all the new pics and news when it comes.  I realized today I have no interaction with anyone but Bobby and Rick.  Small town yes, but not southern friendly.  Maybe they know I'm an outsider.  We'll try the library again tomorrow, haven't seen too many moms of little ones.

http://nymag.com/news/features/67024/    Okay, I haven't actually read this whole thing yet, so can't really push it as a recommended read, but here it is nonetheless.