Relaxing with Sam

If you want Sam to slow down so you can relax and enjoy his company without having to chase him around (not that that isn't delightful), you have to turn on the TV. But not just any TV. Elmo. And then you've got about 15 minutes before the whirlwind resumes.

Weekend fun in Durham

A chunk of this weekend was washed out by Irene, but last weekend was beautiful! Friday night outdoor concert at the American Tobacco Complex.







Saturday at the Durham Farmer's Market

Because I'm Too Braindead to Be This Funny

There's a pretty funny list of must-haves for the preschool set posted over at Suburban Snapshots.

I can see what we've got to look forward to in the coming year, but some already apply.

5. Compost bin and/or garbage disposal. Quickly and easily eliminate the hundreds of pounds of food your child will ask for and then refuse to eat the second it's lovingly cut into adorable animal shapes and placed before him.

8. Duct tape. Not for the use you might be considering, but can be employed to keep shoes fastened at least until child is buckled into car seat. If you'd like footwear to remain in place for a ride over 5 minutes in duration, Gorilla Glue is sold in the same aisle.

Also, I have some experience with No. 9. "Stop licking that," has already come out of my mouth more times than I'd like to admit. And a new one, "Don't eat out of the trashcan." Twice. A raisin and a banana peel. I gave up on not letting him eat off the floor, but I'm holding fast to my trashcan rule. Boundaries.

Apple. With Cheese.

So he doesn't pine away for me all day.

I bet he's not even thinking about me at all right now.


Evidence from the daycare director that Sam is adjusting well at his new daycare. You can see he is having fun on the playground, with his new friend Naomi. She's no Pete, sir, but she's awfully cute. She seems very serious, doesn't she? Maybe that's because Sam won't let her take her turn riding the tricycle.

Catching up.

Hi. How have you been? Good, good. Hot enough for ya'?

Us? Why, yes, we have been busy. Moving during record-setting, 100-degree plus weather is no easy task. Not that I lifted a box, myself, mind you. But still. There's a lot to catch up on. Sam has handled the move like a pro. He definitely enjoyed the chaos of unpacking and exploring his new digs. The transition to the new daycare has not gone quite as smoothly, though. He misses his BFP (bestfriendPete) and the old gang. Plus, the new school makes him sleep on a MAT! The nerve! He seems to be coming around, though, because they let him take Elmo to school with him, they have learned that he finds it important to wear his hat outside (and sometimes inside), and they have a COOL RACETRACK THINGIE (his words, not mine)! I am loving the new daycare so far because they actually serve fresh fruit once a day, and I have yet to see the word "jello" on the menu. So, progress. I'm sure we'll stop crying at drop-off soon. At least one of us will.

Here's a smattering of photos from the last couple of weeks to update you on some of Sam's recent milestones.


First haircut. He wanted to look spiffy for the move.


Last playdate with BFP. I feel weepy just looking at this one.

>They're going to reunite and start a band one day, I just know it.

The two friends in their truck. At least Sam's not the one standing in the truck bed. Although I'm sure that time will come.


Sam, rocking out at the Museum of Life and Science in Durham, which we decided would be more fun than unpacking.


More fun at the museum.