Slurping Spit

Evan has learned how to slurp spit. At least that is what Bryan calls it--the "technique" that involves gathering a ball of spit at your lips, then letting it drip down a few inches before sucking it back up. I have known that at some point, Evan would come home from school doing this, trying to see how far down he could dangle his spit before slurping it back into his mouth. But, I figured he'd be six or seven--not 16 months. He must be advanced for his age because yesterday we were playing with him and he did it--letting the spit drop in a small string with a teardrop shape glob at the bottom then sucking it back in.

Bryan and I looked at each other with wide eyes. "Did he just..." It could be a fluke, right? He probably didn't even know what he did. But he did it two more times later in the day! I'm not sure where he learned this. It could be an innate boy trait or it could be something he picked up at daycare. Either way, I don't know if I should be proud or disgusted (I mean--he did get it clear down to his chin without it breaking)!

We're Back on the Charts

Evan had his 15-month appointment today (disregard the fact that he is 16 months and three weeks--we got a little behind). The good news is, he is growing into his head! Evan has a large size head for his age. He has been off the charts since he was three months old. The pediatrician even had us consult a neurologist because Evan's head was growing so rapidly. The neurologist took one look at Bryan's and concluded it was genetic. As a precaution he sent us for a CT scan. Science confirmed big heads just run in Bryan's family. The photo below demonstrates it, too.

At today's appointment, Evan's head measured in the 95th percentile, so it is still on the "big" side--but it is getting there!

I have to say though--his head doesn't look big to me. I told the pediatrician that at Evan's 12-month appointment. She just looked at me like, "Are you serious?" I followed up with, "But I guess I don't see toddlers all day long." She actually replied, "It is pretty big."

I accepted it a few months ago when I had to buy a size 4 T hat for my baby that is just now getting into 2 T outfits. That extra size leaves plenty of room for brain growth, which must account for the five words he says and the 10 words he signs. The pediatrician gave him high marks and added that he was one of the "most pleasant" 16 month olds she has ever seen.

The Germs Are Winning

My cold has morphed into a sinus infection and the bad news is the germs are winning! I had to call in reinforcements, so hopefully my amoxicillin will start taking over soon. I took Evan with me to the doctor and cringed when he wanted to play with the toys in the waiting room. We had a full bag of toys that were only contaminated with the germs I am packing around (and at least I know I wash my hands throughout the day). Evan was deep into play with one of Annandale Family Medicine's worn out toys when it was finally my turn. I tried to make him part with it, but I really wasn't up for a fight--pick your battles, right? As much as I hated to do it, I asked if we could take the toy with us. Oh, the germs that must be living on that thing. When we got into the back, I washed Evan's hands in the doctor's sink. I doubt it did much good since he went straight back to his play, but I figured it probably didn't hurt. I really need to start packing hand sanitizer around with me! Hopefully Evan's immune system is strong enough to ward off anything he may have come in contact with at the doctor's office!

Playing Hooky

Evan played hooky from daycare today, going to work with mom for a bit and then spending the afternoon with the neighbor and her grandson (who actually in Evan's class at daycare). Evan and Nate (the neighbor's grandson) were really cute playing together, but Nate gave Evan a push when Evan tried to kiss him. We're going to have to teach Evan a little lesson about who he can kiss and who he can't. He is just so sweet! The boys also had a few grunts over some rocks that neither one of them wanted to share. Those boys and their rocks! I think Evan enjoyed the break, but I don't know if it is going to make it better or worse tomorrow.

Time Marches On

Tomorrow will mark Evan's first full week of daycare. It has been a rough week for all of us. On Saturday, Evan came down with a cold, which I now have. For some reason Bryan is convinced that "baby" germs can't infect adults, but I can definitely prove him wrong on this one. Evan still isn't adjusting well and cries the full day. I've started leaving work by 2:30 so Evan can get home a little earlier. He is pretty exhausted when we get home and is pretty fussy.

Today I was bound and determined we were going to have some fun after I picked him up, even though I don't think either of us felt like it. I got my swimming suit on as soon as I got home and then wrestled Evan's on him through a few tears (I'm not revealing if they were his or mine). Evan has figured out how to turn on our car alarm--the red button on the FOB--and loves to push that button if he can get his hands on my keys (as soon as the horn starts beeping Evan will look at me with wide eyes and say, vrooom, vrooom). As we were leaving for the pool he made a valiant effort to get the keys. When I wouldn't let him have them, he launched into a meltdown. I was holding Evan under one arm, our towels under another, gritting my teeth and saying, "Come on, Evan. We're going to have some fun." It could be that he was tired, or maybe he just doesn't trust my intentions when I put him in the car.

As soon as we got to the pool, he loosened up and we had a great time. I took him in the baby pool and the real pool, where he learned how to jump in off the side. We did that about fifteen times before I was completely pooped. As he was sitting in the baby pool, I dangled my feet in. I happened to look down and see a patch of hair on my ankle that apparently I have missed while shaving since, oh--I don't know, junior high. How is it that I could miss the same spot THAT many times? I'm sure the mom sitting next to me saw my shameful stubble (she had a two month old and a 20 month old and looked like a million bucks), which means Evan probably won't be getting a playdate with Brendan any time soon. (Have you seen Evan's mom? She doesn't even SHAVE! Poor thing has really let herself go.) I am going to have to get into some sort of a spa routine before he hits preschool.

I'm still struggling with the daycare since Evan is having a hard time. I have talked with my boss about possibly going part time. She is out of town this week, but I hope we can come up with a plan soon. I'm considering going to Utah for a few weeks to have my mom watch Evan. My boss has agreed to let me work from there, even though I know it isn't the perfect solution for her.

I know Evan would enjoy it more, even though we'd be away from Bryan. I know I would rest easier. I think I've been up most of the nights since our "Plan B" fell through. My mom has agreed to this plan and I'm sure I can tap into Grandma Betty and Grandpa Stu. Although, Grandpa Stu had back surgery just a few short days after his stint as Evan's manny. Anyway, I am sure we'll get it all straightened out. Thank you to all of you who have sent encouraging e-mails! I've been bad at responding, but if it makes you feel any better, I'm neglecting multiple things right now (except Evan!). I'll catch up as soon as we get everything in order.

Picking Dandelions

During our Great Canadian Adventure, Grandma Roz taught Evan how to blow on a dandelion. It was one of the cutest things I've ever seen. My heart melts every time I look at this picture.

He Looks Like He's Crafting a Plan

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

We took this picture when we were in Canada. I love the little look in Evan's eyes and the way they are looking to the side. I have no idea what he was thinking, but I would love to know!

By the way, Bryan told me yesterday's post was too sad! I didn't mean to be sad, I think it is just the mood I've been in lately. But c'mon, not every thing can be as funny as the tourists who went crazy over Evan, right?