Mr. President

For the past few weeks, Tater has had this obsession of talking about death and people going to be with God. We're not sure where it's coming from but it is a reoccurring conversation - particularly when we are driving in the car. This morning G Baby and I took Tater to her Tumble Tots class at our local rec center. On the way home we passed a church with a funeral procession lined up out front. As we went by, they were carrying the casket inside. Well, I braced myself for the questions, anticipating a day of many conversations revolving around this event - but thankfully I was wrong! Tater saw the big, long black cars (aka the hearse and the limo) and the flags on them, and asked "Momma, is the president here? Can we go see him?"

Toddler Trickles

There are always a few hidden joys when dealing with toddlers and diapers (note the sarcasm!). Poor Bruiser Boy decided to inhale three handfuls of raisins a few days ago. He is now paying the price with a horrible case of diaper rash. So today before his rest, I noticed the tell-tale stench lingering behind him and knew we were in for another loud and unpleasant diaper changing experience. I successfully laid him on the changing table, removed his pants, and began to remove his onesie that caught what the diaper failed to. Well, I realized this was going to be quite the endeavor when he refused to sit on his bum while I removed his top. Okay, so I decide to remove the offending diaper first - four wipes later and he is no cleaner. I had never seem poop like this - it stuck to everything, including Bruiser! Bath time!

All went well with Bruiser sharing my shower - we both got clean and the bathroom didn't get too wet! I wrapped him in his towel and headed to his bedroom for fresh clothing. As I was bending down to dig in the drawer for something cozy for him, I hear the sound of liquid hitting the carpet and look up to see my diaper-less, un-potty-trained toddler peeing on the rug! Just as I was about to yell, I noticed his face and began to laugh. Poor Bruiser Boy had no idea what he was doing and couldn't figure out where the liquid was coming from. This of course lead to him putting his hand into the stream as he tried to figure out this anomaly - even more laughing on my part!

Needless to say, we both were ready for rest time and are in no rush to figure out this potty training business. Thank goodness it is Friday - Daddy gets diaper duty for the weekend!

Filling

This is a family favorite on the Sprout side. A family holiday meal (and even meals in between) are not complete without it! Attempts have been made to make it healthier but it never taste quite right. And the best versions of it have been made in the "filling bowl" which I am now in possession of!

Filling

(Thanks to Pop-Pop)

1 loaf of white bread, cubed
4 celery stalks, chopped
1/2 sweet onion, diced
1 stick of butter
3 eggs
1 c. milk

Saute celery, onion, and butter until smooth and colorless. Slightly beat eggs and milk. Pour all over bread cubes and mix until moist. Bake in a ceramic bowl at 350 for 45 minute or until golden brown.

Tips

We usually double it.

Always tastes best fresh out of the oven and right out of the bowl

or heated up the next day!

Wordless Wednesday

Snack Time with Pop-Pop!

A Middle of the Night Visitor

All of our children are good sleepers. Bruiser takes a 4 hour nap each day and still sleeps 12 hours at night. G Baby has slept 8 hours at night from her second week home from the hospital. Even Tater is a fairly good sleeper - most of the time! You see, she requires routine to establish a good sleeping pattern. Unfortunately, we have had lots of interruptions in her routine since G Baby was born - visitors sleeping in her bed, holidays, travels, etc. So, all these disruptions have lead to disrupted sleep and frequent middle of the night visits. Monday morning she ended up in our bed at 5am - wide awake and ready to start the day (Mommy and Daddy were not so ready!). That visit prompted us to establish the rule that she could not come into our room until she hears Daddy's alarm in the morning - good thought, huh? We thought so until this morning!

Tater has an incredible memory. She can tell you details from over a year ago - it's amazing! Every night she asks whoever doesn't tuck her in to check on her later. And we swear she lays awake until she hears the door open and close again. Well, last night Daddy fell asleep on the sofa and didn't check on her. At 4am she was sitting in the hallway screaming that Daddy didn't check on her! SHE NEVER FORGETS! Not only did she know that Daddy didn't check on her, she knew she couldn't come in our room!

When I Wish Upon A Star...

Daddy and Tater just let Shadow out into the backyard. As they were waiting for him to "take care of business," they noticed a sky full of stars. Tater got all excited as she saw a shooting star. "Daddy, I need to make a wish!" Daddy was curious to find out what she would wish for - you never know how a three-year-old's mind works! Her response is going to make someone's "heart cry" - "I wish I could see my Papa right now." Sniff, sniff!

Splish, Splash!

Bruiser Boy and Daddy are taking swimming lessons at the local YMCA. As Pop-Pop says - Daddy went for a swim and Bruiser Boy went for a carry. Stranger anxiety and a fear of large pools of water are not a good combination! Things are improving, I suppose - Bruiser did try to kick a bit and even make a fairly good jump into the pool. We'll just get him used to it and the lessons will be over!

Splash, splash!
Getting ready to jump!

Hi, Pop-Pop!

Update: Bruiser, who refused to lay on his belly and blow bubbles in the pool, was just laying on the living room rug and kicking his feet while pretending to blow bubbles - must be learning something!