Choo Choo Baby!

Since winter doesn't seem to want to give up its hold on Cincinnati, we've been going a little stir crazy around here. To break the boredom, the kids and I went to EnterTrainment Junction today. It was a little pricey, but we had a GREAT time. Here are a few pics:

LINCOLN THOMAS IS 2!!

Lincoln turned 2 over the weekend and we had 2 parties to celebrate. Mommy's family came over on Friday evening (which happened to be his actual birthday); and we got together with Daddy's family on Sunday. Unlike last year when the noise and commotion was kind of overwhelming, this year Linc really enjoyed his special day. He got lots of great presents and two yummy cakes and thoroughly enjoyed being the center of attention. Here are some pictures from the big day(s):

Opening presents at party #1 (while looking studly in his tool apron and safety goggles)

Trying out his present from Nana & Pana (he's still working on exactly how to operate it)

Cheesin' while we sing Happy Birthday

Making the cake for the next party

Enjoying aforementioned cake with Aunt Sue Thanks for all my presents!!

Quick Quotes

Linc: "Dago Please." Translation - pretty much what it sounds like, 'taco please.' it was the cute little i'm-almost-2 way he said it that made it priceless

Grace: "I said it in my forehead." Translation - i thought it, but didn't say it out loud. makes perfect sense to me :)

A Story About Mommy/A Story About Daddy

Mom: I am embarrassed to write out this story, but nevertheless, it must be told. Wednesday I locked myself (and Grace) out of the house with Lincoln still inside!!!

Here's the background story: Grace had thrown-up in the car on Tuesday, and the car still smelled like yuck. So, I had left all the car windows and the garage door open to let some fresh air circulate. I didn't think it safe to leave the garage door standing open for anybody to waltz into our basement, so I took the key out of the manual door.

Fast forward two hours: We were getting ready to leave and Lincoln was still sitting in his high chair because he was refusing so swallow his lunch. Grace and I put our shoes on and went downstairs to strap Grace into her booster seat. When I turn around and go to go back upstairs and get my picky eater I was horrified to realize that I couldn't get back in the house. Momentary panic!!

Luckily I had my house keys and was able to unlock the back door and open it about 3 inches to talk to Lincoln, but the chain lock prevented me from actually opening the door. We told stories and sang songs as we waited for Uncle Kyle to come break in and save the day. Linc was pretty calm for the first 15 minutes but was starting to get panicky by the time we got in. As soon as I could, I scooped him up and tried to comfort him, but I think he knew that uncle Kyle was the hero and wanted "Ky-Kyle" to hold him. All in all, no permanent damage done and a lesson learned.

(Side note: I have never felt so guilty about anything in my whole life)

Dad: Tonight at dinner Mommy looked up to see that Lincoln had wedged the small piece of apple that he had been refusing into eat in his right ear. He was just sitting calmly with fruit protruding from his ear, waiting for someone to notice. When Mommy covertly pointed this out to the boy's father, what was his reaction? To burst out laughing and give Linc a high five. Great. Now, when a pea or piece of corn disappears down his ear canal Daddy will be taking him to the ER.

Small Smiles

Today we had the first dentist appointment for both kids. It went surprisingly well. I was prepared for terror and tears, but the dental hygenist did such a good job of explaining and being patient that it went great.
Gracie was such a big girl, opening wide and doing exactly what she was supposed to. She was proud to tell me that she had 20 teeth. They brushed her teeth with cookie dough flavored tooth paste and then painted on some flouride. For being so brave she got a new toothbrush, some sparkly toothpaste, a sand-timer (to make sure she brushes for a full 2 minutes -yeah right), a balloon animal and a silly band!!! It was like Christmas.
Lincoln, being only one year old, was not so brave. He was happy to sit on my lap and look at and feel all the dental tools, but not so into it when it came to opening his mouth. The only thing he was forced to do was let Dr. Lambert look at his 'snagle tooth.' The doc said it's probably not a big deal, we just have to wait until his permanent teeth come in (which should be normally shaped). As a side note: Linc still got all the same prizes as Grace.
All in all, I'd say it was a success. Yearly doctors check-ups coming up next . . .