4/7/11: Various Blurbs

Today we went to a kid's birthday party across the street. April, Bennett, and Carter had a good time. Carter managed to get up the stairs to the slide on the playset while holding his sippy cup and a huge exercise ball. Unfortunately, Carter has not mastered the art of steering clear of swings and managed to walk behind one when his caretakers were not in position. Bennett took Carter out and Carter hit the deck (Bennett was not going too fast and Carter is pretty solid, so no one was hurt). Bennett, being the sensitive soul he is, was atually more upset about it then Carter, who would soon get down from Lisa's arms to run around some more. Sensing opportunity, April came running over and asked Lisa if she could use Bennett's swing since he was not using it any more. Unfortunately, April's timing was bad and she did not wait until Lisa had checked out Carter. Result - "Umm, NO!".

Meanwhile, Carter did manage to eat pizza. Carter also made it quite clear to his assistant at dinner that both slices of pizza on the plate were his - he was not buying the 1 slice for Carter, 1 slice for Daddy argument.

Carter quickly determined that Bennett's noodles looked much more interesting. Bennett was more interested in playing and let Carter eat half of them.

Carter then hit the JACKPOT. CAKE? Did I hear Cake? I LIKE cake! After I finally convinced Carter to leave his bib on and come inside to eat some birthday cake, Carter realized what was going on and got a big grin on his face. After the first bite he decided this cake was GOOD! In between bites he would grin madly and clap his hands.

Carter took his usual 1.5 + hours to calm down and go to sleep after we put April & Bennett to bed. We have tried napping and skipping naps, more exercise, baths, showers, lotion, classical music, and begging. So far, no dice. He is not angry or crying - he just does not want to go to sleep. He wants to play. So far it looks like making him pout after you take away the sippy cup (for hitting you) or scold him (for biting you) seems to be the best way to get him to calm down and fall asleep. He is obviously overtired.

Carter usually wakes up very happy. Today he kept running back and forth between Mommy and Daddy to get picked up and hugged. Breakfast is early on school days and Carter is able to deal with this. Carter is quick to grab his bib and climb into his booster seat when we have April & Bennett sit down for breakfast and other meals.

He went to a new park with mommy where his favorite toy was the bouncy platform with seats on it. Last night at the school playground he astounded us by climbing up the metal bars (picture the outside of a sphere with widely spaced bars). Granted, we quickly spotted him and were ready when he slipped occasionally, but this kid is fast.

He has learned to be careful on the stairs in our house and holds the banister legs when he comes down the steps.

Even though he is still in a diaper, Carter knows what a toilet is for. Not sure if he picked this up before he met us or from watching us and the other kids, but he will pee on demand if lift him over the toilet after removing his old diaper (when you are changing him).

Carter loves to throw things away and will take anything you hand him to the trash can. He understands when you tell him to pick up his toys and will help you clean up. [We know this was not a trait he picked up from his mommy!]