The Year that Was...

This has certainly been quite the year. Filled with extaordinary highs and extraordinary lows, I find myself ending this year with overwhelming joy and gratefulness for being the mom of such an amazing child.

Logan started this year as a toddler and is starting the next year in pre-kindergarten. He now looks even more like a child with long legs, coordination, and a vocabularly that rivals most adults I know.

He wants to give the pennies he is earning for doing chores and good behavior to the homeless. He reminds me to recycle and conserve energy. He constantly declares his love for baby Jesus because he is "so so so so cute." He dictates letters to God and get well cards for others. He believes in Santa but notices that none of them look the same as last year. He laughs constantly. Brings joy constantly. Loves constantly. His imagination knows no bounds. He consistently reminds me of all that is good. His commentary is a source of constant entertainment.

Beyond Logan, I am genuinely blessed to have extraordinary friends and family who have made the great moments of this year even better and the impossible moments survivable. So -

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Here's to an amazing 2011!

Mini-Nutcracker and Santa

A million thanks to Nana, Grandpa, and Baba (great-grandma) for going to the mini-nutcracker and santa breakfast with Logan and I this morning. We had so much fun! Logan watched the dancers with rapt attention. Whoever decided to do a mini-Nutcracker for small children is a genius as there is no way Logan would be able to sit through the entire real Nutcracker.

Even my little Grinch-like heart enjoyed the Christmas music today, particularly the song that referred to the "italian Christmas Donkey." I don't know what song that was but it definitely made the season for me.

Merry Christmas Everyone! Hope your holidays are filled with much joy and love. God Bless!

Snowflake Dancers

Logan's amazing preschool has been going to Storytime at the Seattle Library for the last month. I lucked out and was a parent volunteer one morning.

After listening to an excellent rendition of "The Mitten," the kids were all given fabric and allowed to dance around like snowflakes. It was hard to get a good action shot but they were all fairly adorable.

It was very fun walking through the city holding hands with a little chain of 3 year olds on this adventure.

And that's what happened in the last month...

Life has been a whirlwind this last month. So, here's a recap:

Halloween was very fun. We attempted to go to the Pumpkin Prowl at the zoo with Maura and her parents, Megan and Elliot. However, the pumpkin prowl was cancelled this year so we went to the ship at Bellevue Square to play instead. Logan was disappointed to not have a location to wear his Beaver costume to so he wore it around the house. So Cute.

Logan carved pumpkins with the fabulous Charlotte (and Mark and Diane). Logan had a great time and has since settled on marrying Charlotte as she has the best toys. (Charlotte agrees and demanded the last time they were together to be kissed by "Dr. Logan." I am going to have to lock Logan up when he is a teenager if he is already kissing girls!) They really are adorable together and play so well now. It is always lovely to spend time with the Thompsons!

Logan trick-or-treated at University Village which was really fun. Nana came down from Bellingham to join us. It is a brilliant way to trick-or-treat as the kids literally go from store to store in an outdoor mall setting. (No cars and no creepy neighbors - perfection!) Logan wore his doctor costume and had a great time. It was short and sweet and the candy haul was limited (much to my appreciation). Further, he declared he was too tired to "do dark Halloween" so we decided to leave the night time trick-or-treating to next year.

November came and marched past in a blur until the city of Seattle came to a halt the last two days because of snow. Got to love a city that shuts down completely in the face of 4 inches of snow and temperatures in the teens. My childhood self would mock me for my unwillingness to be out in the cold as it is so much warmer than Edmonton. However, as we Seattle-ites are not conditioned for this kind of weather it is a bit of a shock to the system. Logan is loving it and we have been playing in the snow in small one hour doses periodically throughout the day. Thank goodness he wants to go outside because the two of us cooped up in our tiny apartment for two solid days is making us both a little crazy. What are we going to do tomorrow?!?!?!

So far we have made turkey hats for everyone in the family, a pilgrim hat for Ollie, cookies, gone for four walks in the snow, made extra dinners to freeze, built cities out of blocks, made and re-made all his puzzles, colored, made lists (Logan dictates, I write - not much fun for me! ), and discussed that Thanksgiving will still come even if he doesn't go to school.

I forgot the literalness of age 3 and had told Logan on Monday he had to go to school for three days and then Auntie Keely would come. He was therefore briefly devastated when I told him school was cancelled today and tomorrow. How would she come if he didn't go to school?... All is now understood but I think he is longing for some interaction with other children instead of just me. Perhaps tomorrow we will encounter another family who is brave enough/ stupid enough to be out in the freezing cold! :)

On a final note - Poor Ollie was such a good sport to wear his pilgrim hat! Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!

Best things overheard recently

Logan: Have you seen a mirror?
Me: There is one in your room.
Logan: I have to check out how good I look...
(Ahhhh.... 3 year old confidence is unshakeable!)

Logan (to his classmates): You may disembark the train now

After seeing a small tractor (a "Bobcat") on the freeway Logan said "Do cats drive that?"
Me: No
Logan: I guess it must be a really tiny man then...

Photos - Finally!

We finally have family photos!

Logan was amazing during the photo session. I was completely impressed as he normally dodges cameras with the best of them! I highly recommend Mary Ann (Barefeet Photography). She coaxed cooperation out of Logan unlike anyone else.

Here are a few of my favorites...

Oh Happy Day!

Contained in the delightful blue cupcake holder is a hummingbird cupcake from Trophy. Enough said. :)

(For the non-Seattleites, that is a banana-pineapple-coconut muffin with cream-cheese frosting. Sounds weird but is actually delicious)

I justify his consumption by saying that it took two days (but stayed delicious due to the cup-a-cake holder from Auntie Keely) and the cupcake is mostly fruit, right?

Great Moments

This little one of mine always has an idea. There is always a plan. Always something else in the works. A "watch this" moment. Or, a "I just dreamt this up" moment.

I am constantly in awe of the complexity and cleverness that comes with three. Three - a world full of challenges, changes, and complexities. It is remarkable and occasionally awe-inspiring to hear Logan's plans and dreams and imaginary worlds developing.

From the inspiring moments when he says things like "If the homeless man went to college would he need to ask for our money?" to the delightful moments when he explains that he and his friend Milo spent the day on an (imaginary) boat with compartments and life-preservers and levels of decks, it is amazing to hear what inspires him.

I love the "I am going to be a doctor-man, dentist-man, diver-man" moments. This little guy always has an idea...

Superman!!!

1 blanket + 1 happy boy = superman!!!

Welcome to the family Pinky!

In honor of my own birthday, Logan and I decided we needed a new, more eco-conscious car. After much debate (where I boldly tried to convince Logan we could not actually get a rainbow colored convertible), Logan decided on a blue car. I decided on a hybrid.

After purchase, I decided the car was a girl (as I was already outnumbered 2-1 by Logan and Ollie). Logan decided on the name - Pinky!

Logan now refers to Pinky by name often and seems to know what Pinky wants - as in "Pinky likes getting dirty!" (I don't think so :) Or, "Mom, where did you park Pinky?" I feel like I have properly prepared him for his first car by teaching him they must have names.

So, here's to the great white shark and grandpa blue. The tradition continues...

This week's greatest...

"I will need a lot of fresh and delicious hugs to go to sleep."

"Argh!" and "Ahoy Mateys, It's bathtime." while walking around Pottery Barn Kids holding a pirate shower curtain

"I am not just a pirate; I'm the Captain!"

"Can I be superman? I want a cape."

Inclimate Weather

True to form, Seattle produced 65 degree weather and rain for SeaFair weekend. Logan and I were supposed to get our first professional photos as a "family" taken today. (Horrendous guilt has set in at never having Logan's photos taken professionally and he is almost 3 1/2...)

Despite having a difficult afternoon (two hours of trying to convince Logan to take a nap, prompting him to take a pre-photo shower, negotiating with him to let me brush his hair and wear what I wanted him to wear, and eventually having to remove a blue mustache from his upper lip resulting from him entertaining himself while I tried to get ready), we were both finally presentable and ready to go out the door. And, what did we find - RAIN!

However, trying to be optimistic I contacted the photographer and continued driving to the beach where we were supposed to have our pictures taken. Halfway there she called me and agreed it was much too wet for photos.

Logan and I continued down to the beach "just to look" at it (Logan's request). He was pretty disappointed that he didn't get to get out and play. So, I asked if he wanted to take a photo ourselves. After 55 tries with half an eyeball for me or only part of his head, we finally ended up with one that had both our faces in it.

"YAY! DONE!" announced Logan upon seeing the photo with both our whole heads in it. "Now we can drive home and play doctor." And, so we did...

Logan and the Lexus

Logan and I are "car sitting" for my parents as they relax in Maui for a much needed vacation. When we went to pick up the car Logan essentially refused to get in it. After much coaxing and a promise that we would take it back the next day if he didn't like driving in it, Logan finally willingly got in the car.

About halfway across the I-90 bridge, as he gazed at the boats out the window, he announced "Maybe I do like convertibles!"

The next morning he woke up and told me we should "Call grandpa and tell him we will trade. We will keep the convertible and Grandpa can have our Jetta!!" Ahhhh, a child after my own heart.

(Since then Logan has brought up the possible trade daily. He is going to be a bit heartbroken when he finds out we have to give the car back. But, until then driving with the top down has become our new favorite thing to do for the summer)

A few more gems...

"Of course poodles need to go to the dog hospital" - as if poodles were so high maintenance they need care but other dogs do not

"Dogs have to go to the hospital when cars run over their toes" (clearly we drove past the dog hospital on the way home tonight.)

Logan: "Hey mom, listen...Star light star bright first star I see tonight, I wish I may I wish I might" Me: What are you wishing for? Logan: "Wishes"

Best things this week...

"Wait! We should be having dance party!!" (anytime the music is on)

"I look sooooo cool" (while looking at himself in his new pajamas in the mirror)

"I don't have all the fireman gear because it is just a waste of money"

"I like my new shorts. I look pretty awesome."

"I have a plan. Your plan, mommy, is not my plan. I like MY plan."

Only in the car...

After a weekend "vacation" at Nana and Grandpa's Logan was finally so tired he fell asleep practically the minute the car started moving. It reminded me very much of having a new baby and putting him in the car to try and get him to sleep. Only now, instead of being tiny, he is so giant he has to work to curl up in his seat.

Ahoy, Mateys!

Last night when I picked Logan up from preschool I was greeted by "Captain Logan." (They do face painting at school in the summer - tonight he was a tiger)

This morning when we were leaving for school, he put the hat back on and informed me he was a doctor pirate. Some obsessions carry over no matter the underlying profession...

Choice words from Logan recently

"I'm sorry about your sunburnt Sweetie"

"Let's go out on the town!!!"

"Who's going to keep MY company?"

"Let's play tic-toe-toe"

Parks, Parks, and More Parks

Logan returned from "camp" and we spent the weekend hitting up all our favorite parks. On Friday we went to the fountains at U. Village (not really a park but close enough). On Saturday morning we ran to gas works park and went to the top of the hill to "see the world." Then after running errands we met Nana and Grandpa at the Mercer Island Summer Celebration where the boys rode the train around the park.

Sunday Logan and I spent hours at two parks - the Train Park in Kirkland and the TOPS park near our house.

At the train park Logan shared his motorcycle with one of his girlfriends.

At the park near our house Logan collected bark chips and rocks to add to our backyard collection. I am pretty certain that most of the park now lives in our backyard (along with a large number of spiders).

Five parks in three days - not a bad way to get back into the swing of things at home.

From Logan tonight

1. Logan - "I have an owie"
Me - "Do you need a bandaid or a kiss? Kisses can fix lots of things."
LOgan - "HUGS!! Hugs are great too!"
Followed by a giant hug for me

2. Me - "Good night sweetheart. I am so glad you are home."
Logan - "I love you Mama. I am glad you are here."

And all earlier temper tantrums and the million times he asked "can we go yet?" are totally forgiven and forgotten

Water + Sun = Happy Kid

Logan has returned from his week at Camp Nana and Grandpa. As it is finally hot here, he put on swim gear and we promptly headed out for University Village to play in the fountain.

Pure Glee - made even better by the fact that there is money at the bottom. It took a bit of convincing on my part to make Logan put "other people's wishes back." He was collecting money because, after all, he "needs it to feed Calvin and Hans."

(And my explanation for why I have to work comes back to bite me. :)

Here he is living the happy life

Summer!!!

In keeping with the family tradition of stripping in public at age 2-3, here's Logan at the water park in Bellingham yesterday. Makes me grateful he's a boy! :)

Clearly he is having so much fun... You can see him grinning as he runs away!

Thanks to Nana and Grandpa for taking such good care of him at "camp" this week!

Things I like about parenting a three year old

1. They say funny things like:

Hey Hans (the imaginary friend)... Can I borrow your iPod?

Beep, Beep, Beep! Errrrrch! Crash! Mom, my recycle truck was in an accident. (on the kitchen floor; Logan's sound effects were particularly excellent : )

I told Wake that I am the super hero so I get to beat up the bad guys. Wake is the bad guy.

I am sad because I miss somebody... who were those people again?

2. Endless capacity for enthusiasm for seemingly routine things like putting on shoes by oneself (delight and arm-raising self-congratulations)

3. Sign of a decline in the need to constantly talk about potty-related activities

4. Opportunity to watch the development of strong personal opinions (also occasionally why it is difficult parenting a three year old)

5. Daily discoveries have extended beyond concrete things like discovering one's toes to discovering more nuanced things about the world

6. Expressions of affection are spontaneous and genuine (as in "I love Grandpa. Let's call him right now!)

7. Endless imagination to make up stories

8. Watching Logan "read" books to himself based on his own memory of the story (also periodically hilarious)

9. Spontaneous singing which for some reason has only happened since age 3

Marathon, Marathon, Marathon

I survived the marathon. After six months of training with Logan in the jogging stroller for most of the runs, I managed to race my way to the finish line.

The first 10 miles were terrific. I was on pace and doing great. Then the hill at mile 12 triggered cramps in my feet and calves. Not much fun. (Apparently I was supposed to drink the cytomax, not the water, to avoid dehydration. Ooops!) Miles 12 to 21 consisted of me trying to convince the muscles in my feet and legs to stop cramping long enough to cover the distance. Miles 21 to 26.2 mostly consisted of me thinking "Oh please can this be over!!!" Somewhere in the middle of the race my heart rate hit 223. I wish I was kidding.

But I finished it. I feel so happy - giddy really.

The best part is Logan feels like a complete champ because he helped me train. He kept telling my parents all morning "I helped mommy train for the marathon. I was her training buddy." And he was there on the course and at the finish line.

So, to my training buddy, I could not have done it without you!!

Having a "commersation"

Tonight as I was putting Logan to bed he tried every stall tactic imaginable. From "I don't think we brushed my teeth" (yes, we did) to "I have to go to the bathroom" to "I have a cough." All the standards and then the newest and best yet "But we're having a commersation mommy."

Our "commersation" was about fishing. Logan decided that although we have a fishing net we are sorely lacking in other fishing gear. His assessment was we need: a fishing rod, a HUGE bucket (because we are going to catch lots of fish!), and other tools. He also needed to discuss each color of fish he thought we were going to catch individually, as in "we might catch a white fish" (Yes we might). We might catch a blue fish. (Yes we might) and so on until he had used up every color he knows. Who knew he had such a color repertoire!

Although I should have cut off the fishing conversation a bit earlier, I morphed into proud mommy mode and just enjoyed ou "commersation" until the colors and gear ran out and he tried a new topic.

However, as I escaped his room and almost had the door closed I heard "we are going to have to go fishing tomorrow..."

BA DA! (or Ta Da...)

Tonight at the library Logan discovered the children's play area included a puppet theatre and puppets. I was treated to the story of the Dinosaur and the Lion which started with the above action and the yelling of "BA DA!!" which I am pretty sure is supposed to be "ta da!" It all got better from there - total joy! What a lucky mommy am I?!

The Beauty of Three

Logan endured another weekend of funeral time with a grace rarely seen in a three year old. He played and read quietly through a funeral that was 1.5 hours long. He made a sticker collage and held it up for the priest to see (sadly this priest was not amused but everyone else around him was). He hugged and kissed everyone to make them feel better - and quietly fished for sharks with a makeshift fishing pole I magically had in my purse.

He also decided he wanted to say goodbye to his Guido in the open casket. After much mental debate, I decided to go along with his request. It was what he wanted (and research on it said that it was okay). When we walked up to the casket Logan said goodbye and threw Guido one last kiss. This gesture opened floodgates of tears for me and will remain in my memory for my lifetime.

Logan was his charming, sweet, and energetic self. He endeared himself to countless family members and basked in their adoration. Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents, Great Aunts and Great Uncles lavished him with love and attention.

So, when he went back to preschool this morning and the teachers asked him about his weekend he said "I had lots of special family time." Therein lies the beauty of age three.

And then there were none

Grandparents - truly great and involved grandparents - are such an amazing gift. My parents are this type of grandparents to Logan. He delights in them. They attend his activities like gymnastics and soccer. He misses them when they are not there.

My Granpa Leo died this past weekend. His loss, following so closely on the heels of the loss of my Grandpa George, has compounded my grief and somehow multiplied it. The phrase grief-stricken holds meaning for me in a way I previously never understood.

I find myself almost unable to handle memories of my grandfathers. I am holding them at bay lest the floodgates open and the pain tumble out (along with the tears).

Logan has faced this latest news with a large amount of fear and sadness. He had not seen Grandpa George since the summer but he had seen "Guido" just a few weeks ago when we were last home. When I told him Guido died, he replied "But I loved him so much." If only this were the antidote...

Shortly after telling Logan, we drove my dad, his grandfather, to the airport. Logan became convinced that his grandpa was never coming back. Demonstrating the beauty and simplicity of three year old logic, Logan thinks you take a plane to get to Heaven (as everyone takes planes to travel to faraway places).

More than anything, these losses have me thinking about the genuine magic of grandparents. My grandparents have always been magical. Happy and wondrous people who filled my life with joy and love. Even as I became an adult, and realized their human-ness, I was also struck by how remarkable my grandparents are as people. I have been so fortunate to have been 30 and still have all of my grandparents. But, now, in the course of 1 month, I have no grandfathers. I am grief-stricken.

But sweet Logan is still in that magical place where grandparents hold the keys to joy and love. His Nana and Grandpa signify safety, fun, laughter and guaranteed trips to the park. He knows they are there for him. It is an irreplaceable gift. One that I have known my whole life up to this moment. I can only hope that Logan is so blessed as to be 30 years old before he loses a grandparent.

So, to my lovely grandpa Leo, I will honor your memory by reminding my son to be grateful for his grandfather. To not take his presence for granted. To take advantage of every opportunity to know him well.

My grandfather was funny and kind. He knew how to encourage me to have faith in my own beliefs and stand up for them. He was brave especially in the end. He allowed us to be mischievious and use our imaginations to build worlds in the basement. And, he grumbled delightedly at us for messing up his hair. He was the ultimate purveyor of treats, purchasing Strawberry Shortcake cereal and accompanying us on trips for candy to the Red Rooster. He was so grateful for all of us and saw beauty in his family, particularly when we all came together. He loved my grandmother deeply for 63 years. We should all be so fortunate as to have magical grandfathers like mine.

Dance Party in the Kitchen (Logan is officially a rubis)

Three is hard. As my sister's friend Stacey recently noted on her fantastic blog (theworldaccordingtoizzy.blogspot.com), three brings with it a whole new set of challenges and a new level of exhaustion. But it has this amazing, glorious even, moments that outshine any aspect of childhood I have witnessed so far. Moments of pure kindness for strangers, amazing insights, hilarious sayings are all the territory of three.

However, my coolest parenthood moment so far happened tonight as I realized that three also brings with it a real child - not a baby or toddler - but a kid.

Logan helped me make dinner and while we made it we listened to music. But, the crowning moment came when I started to dance and he did to. We danced around the kitchen for several songs just enjoying the moment. In that moment I realized Logan was truly a part of the long-standing Rubis tradition of kitchen dancing during dinner prep. One great thing I get to pass along.

So, three, with all its difficulties may be the best yet...

God Bless you Grandpa George

My grandpa died suddenly in his sleep on Monday morning. Although we should all be so lucky as to live so long and be so loved, his loss was unexpected rendering us all a bit defenseless in the face of it.

But the grace of it is there as well. On Sunday night I though I had reached a new low as I struggled with being a single mother and the weight of that responsibility. My darling three year old can be a bit challenging and this weekend he put me through my paces by testing both my patience and my endurance. By Sunday evening I was ready to be finished and was considering joining the circus.

Then Monday morning came and the trivial nature of my worries was washed away by the simplest of truths. Time ends for all of us and it is the moments before death that define who we are as people.

So this week as a mother I chose to be defined by my love, the joyous nature of my exuberant and energetic son, and the knowledge that deep down I am never alone.

My grandpa was an amazing man. He lived through the great depression on a farm in Alberta and was in the Canadian air force during World War II. He became a master tradesman. He had eight children. He died only a day before celebrating his 65th wedding anniversary. He was a kind, gentle, and soft-spoken enigma in my childhood. But, I could count on him to be there in the rocking chair by the tv in the evening to engage with the rest of us. I knew that he could fix anything, as he continued to fix anything and everything that needed fixing in his own home well into his 80s. The vision of him grinning from ear to ear grease-stained in his work coveralls as he was coming in for lunch after putting something back together in the garage will linger in my memory forever. I hope there is little about our moments together that I forget.

Most importantly, I won't forget his deep and clear love for my grandma - something I only began to recognize as an adult. Little moments of unforgettable kindness that demonstrated that 65 years of marriage doesn't have to erase gentleness or love.

My grandpa gave my son his airforce medals. They reside in a canister in his room. Some day I will explain to my son the significance of owning this memorabilia from a great man. Not a perfect man. A great one.

If I am a good mother, I will raise my son to know the difference.

So, God Bless you Grandpa. Thank you for reminding me that even in our darkest and most difficult moments there is something bright on the horizon that we shouldn't overlook. I will love you forever and remember you always.

Happy Third Birthday Logan!

Logan is three today! He had a great day. We started with an at home celebration including egss and cheese and oatmeal. Then he went to school and they had a party for him there. Then, he came home and Grandpa, Nana, and Uncle Garrett were here with dinner and loads of presents. We ate, had cake and opened gifts.

I cannot believe how fast these three years have gone. It seems like only yesterday he was turning one, then two, and barely even possible he is already three years old.

One...

Two...

Three!

Marathon training with a toddler

All phrases repeated incessantly for the duration of the mileage...

Miles 1-2: "mom, can we go for a short run?"

Miles 3-5: "Are we going to stop at the park?" "Did you see that bird/ squirrel/ boat/ bird/ biker?"

Miles 6-7: "This is not a short run mom!!" "CAN WE TURN AROUND NOW?"

Miles 8-10: "Are we done yet?" "I want to get out and walk"

Miles 10-12: "Do you have any more snacks?" "STOP!! I dropped my toy out of the stroller!" (on purpose yet again)

Miles 13-14: "Can we go faster?" "Are we done yet?" "I could walk, you know"

I am pretty sure that 14 miles (2:20) is Logan's stroller time limit :)

Easter!!

We had such a lovely and fantastic Easter in Bellingham with my parents.

The Easter bunny came to visit and delivered lots of treats - bunny scissors, bunny rubber duckies, and delicious organic snacks. Then the first easter egg hunt was at their house early in the morning before Grandpa had to leave for Edmonton.

The second easter egg hunt was after church up at Semiahmoo before we all had a lovely and perfect brunch. Destined to become an Easter tradition.

I wish the title of this blog was no longer relevant

Logan will be three in two weeks. Only two weeks! It is hard to believe how much he has grown and how incredibly fast these last three years have gone. From my tiny 21 inch baby to a 36 inch 3 year old that runs, walks, talks, and makes up incredible stories and songs all day long.

That imagination, although fabulous, also translates into nightmares resulting in nighttime wake-ups that make me feel as though I have a newborn again. Must my three year old get up every hour on the hour or at the least a few times per night? Must he race into my room and tackle me as I drag myself towards consciousness? And, yet, I wouldn't really change that part of it (the middle of the night tackle) as his source of comfort. It does make for an awfully painful morning run though...

I hope that when Logan turns four the title of this blog will be irrelevant. A funny nod to times past. Something tells me I might not be that lucky. :)

Aquarium, Aquarium - how we love thee!

On Saturday, Logan, Nana, and I went to the aquarium in the afternoon. Logan literally RAN through the entire aquarium. I was dodging people as Logan went to see everything he loves at mach speed (a high five for the diver in the big tank, a dodge to see the crabs and sea stars in the touch tanks, a sprint to get in line for face painting, a short run to the tropical tanks, a quick hello for the "birthday" seahorses, and then a be-line for the marine mammals and birds). And, I realized that he is completely growing up and finally becoming more secure and independent. It was truly fantastic.

The sun was out, it was absolutely gorgeous, and all the sea animals were happy as well. Both harbour seals were sunning themselves and Logan stood at the fence yelling "Hi Barney! Hi Q!" as if they were old buddies. (Note the small Barney Logan is holding as we left the aquarium)

A million thanks to Nana and Grandpa for the year long pass. Clearly we are going to make use of the fabulous birthday gift!

How to create a happy urban baby part 2

Step 1: Take bus downtown and pick up child early from preschool.

Step 2: Walk through the city five blocks to the most amazing library with a HUGE children's area.

Step 3: Ride the escalator in the library several times.

Step 4: Check out mountains of children's books and stuff them in a bag to bring home.

Step 5: Walk several more city blocks to the bus stop (include downhills to "run"). (Marvel to own self that son is actually walking and not begging to be carried!)

Step 6: Take bus home. Allow bus driver to give child "ticket."

Step 7: Stop by local pizza place. Allow son to watch chef create your dinner.

Step 8: Let son hold pizza box and walk home. (Pizza box distracts from steep two block uphill walk)

Final step: Listen to son declare that he loves his new home, new school, and the sunshine.

General Silliness

One of the best parts of having an almost three year old is the general goofiness that abounds. On Saturday morning Logan came into my room in his pjs (suddenly looking so much taller than before) and started dancing around while I got ready to go running. Catching photos of it was almost impossible - especially with the iPhone as it doesn't take photos quickly. The two attached are during and after.

Logan makes up songs and dances most days lately. He has a herd of animals that live in my closet and their "food" consists of my work shoes and giant duplo blocks he brings in with his digger truck from Grandpa. Hilarity almost always ensues...

Favorites from Logan lately

"I have super powers. They start in my feet. See my feet moving? That's the powers getting started."

"For goodness sakes, what is on my chicken!?!"

"Thanks for the kisses mom. I am going to put them in my pocket for later. Hopefully they won't stick when I get them out."

"Oliver is my friend. We build things together... well, Ollie chews the blocks but he's still my friend."

"Can we visit Handy Manny? How will we get into the t.v.?"

"Where is that bug that bit me? Maybe he is at Daddy's house now. He will be nice to daddy and not bite him, right?"

"It's almost my birthday. It should be Ollie's birthday too. Let's get him a present."

"The next time we go to the aquarium you should get the blue seahorse painted on your cheek too. Or maybe a shark. Or an eel. Or a seahorse..."

"Who else lives in the back all-lay?" (with his funny frenchish sounding accent on alley)

How to create an urban baby 101

1. Move to city neighborhood

2. Go for runs in the BOB through aforementioned neighborhood

3. Drive to school and name objects in the city that you pass daily (sea plane, space needle, city library, museum, etc.)

4. On later drives to school hear things like "Mom, there is the Space Needle. Let's go there soon. Will you hold my hand in the elevator?" "After school let's walk to the park or go to the library." "We could take the bus instead of driving." and "Let's just walk." (in reference to going to the store, out for dinner, to the park, to the post-office, really to anywhere).

Suddenly the urban baby no longer asks questions about homeless people, assumes that getting places on foot or by bus is the way to go, and is aware that the giant buildings are full of working people or places people live. Pretty fabulous...

My favorite thing Logan said today

Tonight a dress I ordered online came in the mail. When I opened it Logan decided I should try it on (stall tactic to avoid bedtime). Upon trying it on, Logan announced "You're a ballerina!"

Life and Death and all that is in between

Tonight I witnessed sheer joy embodied in my child. I filled the kitchen sinks up with water and let Logan stand in the beloved learning tower with one cup and a spoon. 30 minutes later I had to practically detach him from the learning tower to throw him in the tub and get ready for bed.

In between I felt a myriad of emotions. As Logan played in the water, busy scrubbing the counters or pretending to put out fires, I read a series of emails from my father describing his journey with my grandfather. My grandfather is dying and my dad spent two weeks at his side in palliative care.

My brain scrambled to take in all that I was reading, my thoughts punctuated by gleeful laughter.

And, so this is life, these amazing moments filled with incredible emotions that boil down to deciding whether to succumb to my own pain as my marriage ended and my grandfather dies or to instead join in the glee.

I joined in. We splashed, we played, we drenched the kitchen. He told me stories. He wants to go to hawaii with his friend Grant. He wants to take a spaceship with the aliens to the bottom of the ocean (read "Flotsam"). He wants to fish for sharks in the bathtub - they are yellow and blue and green and purple. He wants to start at his new daycare tomorrow as he has declared the old one moldy. And he never wants to sleep again. And with all of that, who couldn't be filled with glee.

Driving by age 3 - Must they grow up so fast?

Logan has decided it is time for him to drive the car. This began a few weeks ago with his first request “Can I drive us home?”

This morning Logan followed up with this…
As we were walking out the door to leave for work and school, Logan decided I should stay home today. He walked through the door and shut it. (He was a bit faster than me as I was still putting on my shoes so it took me a few seconds to catch up with him) Right before I could open the door, he opened it again and said “Can I have your keys?”

I couldn't help it and laughed out loud. He was so earnest in his request. He was shocked when I said no.

We again discussed that he must get bigger before he can drive the car. His response to this always is “I have to eat more vegetables and get growing.”

Bedtime Stall tactics = excellent thoughts shared by Logan

Last night: "Mommy - when I eat lots of vegetables and grow up I want to be strong like you... but I won't have a ponytail because I'm a boy. Okay?"

Tonight: "When I grow up I am going to be a guitar man and a doctor man and a rocket man and a fixer man and a driving man and a spaceship man and a doctor man and a driving man and a guitar man."

Am I supposed to discourage this because it is way too cute

Logan had his friend Charlotte over to play today. The two of them were hilarious screeching, screaming, and roaring like a lion (Logan) as they ran throughout the house.

Their laughter was completely infectious but as the morning wore on they got pretty tired. And, so here they are at the end of their play time.

At some point I will have to discourage Logan from cuddling with girls in bed but at this point them deciding to snuggle in for nap time and give each other kisses goodnight is just too adorable.

Why $30 for a child's haircut might not be such a bad idea

Today, in the interest of being economical, I decided to buy a haircutting kit of children at Target. For only $25 I can cut Logan's hair as much as necessary (and it is necessary often). It seemed like a brilliant idea and Logan was super excited about it.

We got it home and Logan was so excited he disassembled the box and all its components. Given that he was READY to have his hair cut but the thing takes 8 hours to charge, I decided to cut his hair with the clippers plugged in rather than cord free. Mistake #1.

The cord originally did not seem like a hindrance. I set Logan up on the ottoman in the play room and turned out Wonder Pets (kill me slowly - animals talking in fake baby voices make me want to gag) but I wanted him happy and slightly occupied. Perhaps Mistake #2.

Back to the cord - as I was cutting Logan's hair and attempting to make it even, the cord would rub his head, causing him to move quickly and resulting in patchy uneven hair that I could not fix. So, Logan has two very bad very SHORT patches on the back of his head that make him look like he is molting.

Allowing him to watch wonderpets also contributed to the bad patch problem because Logan wanted to watch the Wonder pets. I needed him to look down to cut the back of his hair. So, he would start looking down and three seconds later would sit bolt upright resulting in additional problems with the molting patches.

The front of his head looks pretty decent. And, Logan keeps going to the mirror and announcing that he is beautiful. In fact, he thinks it is so great he didn't want me to take a photo to send to his nana and grandpa. He wants to surprise them when they come back into town next week.

If I ever get the hang of this hair clipping thing, I might have saved us a fortune in haircuts. If I don't, Logan is going to permanently look like a molting bird because he never wants to go back to the hairdresser again.

That Santa... He's a good guy

This morning as we got in the car to go to work/school:

Logan: "That's a nice purse Mom. Where did you get it?"

Me: "From Santa"

Logan: "Santa got me lots of toys. He did good. We're so lucky."

Yes we are baby... Me in particular tp have such a sweet kid.

Seat belts and Superzoom

Logan has entered this fantastic world of imagination that continuously becomes more vivid and detailed as he ages.

Some of my recent favorites include:
- "put on your seatbelt and then let's superzoom" (as he puts a fake seatbelt on himself and on me before we run full speed down the hallway)

- before bed: "Mom, I just have to tell you one thing before we sing... There was a wolf and it was biting the dog's toes and tail... No, wait, it was biting everyone. Yeah, the wolf was biting everyone. Then the farmer told him to stop biting. Hmmm.... Okay, the farmer said stop biting but the wolf wouldn't stop biting so the farmer said 'No' and then he stopped. Okay, mom? Tell me that story."

- At 3 a.m. "Mommy there is a hippo in my room and it is so scary." Then, as we enter his room "See mommy, the hippo and the monster and the tiger."

Watching him think through his plans, thoughts, and stories as he explains things to me, especially the long rants at night when he unloads all his fears or happinesses from the day are my favorite moments lately. He wants to lay in my arms like a baby and reveal his magical dreams. I know this won't last for long, particularly the "cuddle me like a baby" request so I better enjoy it now.