Block Party

We had a birthday in the Neighborhood this past week.  Chris hopefully had a thirtyonederful birthday week!  We celebrated with Chris' family on Saturday, I attempted a celebration on Wednesday, and then again this weekend with my parents.  I am such a family person and I enjoyed every minute spending time with both sides of the family on these two past weekends.  I think there is no better weekend than spending it with those that I love. 

I am failing at my blogging attempts to capture memories about James, because I honestly do not remember the beginning of the week.  I do remember Wednesday, AKA the Birthday, and AKA the Block Party date.  I planned on fixing one of Chris' favorite meals for his birthday dinner, but failed to take into account the fact that he always has to work until 8:00pm that night.  I actually had all the ingredients this time (learned that last week...see blog below).  In order to have James' taco dinner ready by 6:00, I was prepared to start getting ready around 5:00 just in case.  I though that taking James to a local park would be a good way for him to burn off some energy and give him some good Mommy and Me time.  We drove to the park, looked at the map, and headed for the playground.  Either I can't read maps, or the playground looked an awful lot like a batting cage.  We decided to just walk around the track and try to find the "playground".  Instead, we found a nice open grassy area that James liked to run around in.  Not quite as fun, but he seemed to enjoy it.  He got his first grass stain!  I am so proud!  We got home just in time for me to start dinner, but James wasn't so excited about Mom paying attention to the countertop.  He threw a very large fit until I distracted him temporarily with blocks.  Here is what happened next.  James threw his first Block Party!   

He enjoyed his blocks for a few minutes, actually cleaned them up (this is part of his fun...see below), then repeated the tantrum from before.  Chris ate by himself in the basement while working, James ate a few bites of food between screams, and I inhaled my food as fast as I could so I could get "o wailing one" out of his highchair.  Must be teething.  That's our go-to when he's cranky (like PMS often is for girls). 

Little memories:

• James is taking on my personality.  Not sure if it's good or not because these traits often drive my dear Hubby nuts.  He likes to "wipe" the floor any time he finds a tissue or obtains toilet paper.  He enjoys throwing things away (I found a dog bone in the garbage tonight).  To him (and me) everything has a place and should maintain its business in said place unless he says so otherwise (i.e.: Daddy put the shampoo in the wrong place and James let him know it).  He also enjoys getting into containers.  This was always a trick of mine.  Anyone who knew me in college knew that I studied in my dorm room closet in my laundry basket.   

• James knows War Eagle!  We have been (like good Tiger Fans) trying to teach him our battle cry and it has paid off.  I thought I heard him this weekend point to Mom's AU keychain and say "Wwwwuh", but I knew for sure when pointed to the AU on Pop's shirt and said it again!  Can't wait for him to point one out in public and have a warm War Eagle Moment with another Auburn Fan!
• Not sure if this should be public knowledge, but James said "poopoo" when he tooted.  At least he didn't laugh!

What I learned this week:

• Wednesday night family dinners do not work at this time.  Please try again later.
• I will always run into somebody if I go out in public when I'm back home.  Glad I showered and put on make-up. 
• Kohl's has good sales.  I love it when my receipt says that I saved more than I spent. 
• Cake, in any shape or form, is very good.  There should always be enough cake for seconds because cake is good.
  

Hugs,

Leigh