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...