Playground

We discovered that the playground is a WONDERFUL thing! Here, Scrumpy can run around for a good hour or so and really work out his energy. One of his favorite things to do is climb UP the slide. We don't have the heart to tell him he is going against the grain. He loves the sand pit and of course, the swings. He can run in circles until he falls down from dizziness. No wonder he can eat so many carbs and truly not look like he's gained any weight. Our only challenge with him is that he wants to do everything by himself and unfortunately his is still too small, and quite frankly not that coordinated. It will happen soon though, sooner than we know it. Until then, we will continue to use the playground to help us survive the evening hours.Playing with Daddy in the Sand Pit

Trying to climb the jungle gym

So proud of himself!

Scrumpy vs. the Pacific Ocean

Well...I go in waves apparently. Some weeks I am really good and others, not so much. I have a few entries to catch up on, so here we go!

It has been a very hot September! One Saturday, we woke up at 6am to 75 degree weather. It was clear that we needed to move towards cooler climate, less some of us got too cranky from the heat.

We spent the day at the Ferry Plaza in San Francisco. On Saturdays, there is a great farmer's market with fruits, veggies, nuts, and lots of food vendors. Scumpy loved all the people watching, especially when we let him loose to run up and down the Plaza! After walking around the Ferry Plaza, we went across the street to the lawn so he could run up and down the hills. This was our feeble attempt at making him tired. Not so sure it worked.

We grabbed lunch and by 2pm, it was about 85 degrees in San Francisco. I was cringing at the thought of what it was like in Livermore if it was 85 in the city. What do you do when faced with that dilemma? Keep going WEST!

We took highway 1 to Half Moon Bay. After strolling around a bit, we headed toward the beach for Scrumpy's first foray into the Pacific Ocean. This was an unexpected trip to the beach, so we were not prepared. No sand toys, no towels, nothing. It didn't seem to phase Scrumpy as he thoroughly enjoyed using his sandal for a toy!

The ocean was another story. Patrick tried to get him into the water, he loves taking baths, but he was not amused, intrigued, thrilled at the concept of all the cold rushing water at his feet. He must have abs of steel because he lifted his lower body up and kept it raised for quite some time, trying to avoid the water!

Overall, it was a great day. He saw many things, ran around, played in the sand and was traumatized by the water. Our goal was accomplished. We avoided blistering heat and got him to sleep long and deep when we got home.

Genetics

We are always told Scrumpy looks like Mama. Well maybe that's just because my features are darker. But if anyone had a doubt who his Daddy was...well there must be something in that Irish DNA. The pose is almost freaky!

Babe Magnet!

....or should I say Cougar Magnet???

Last month, Scrumpy attended a birthday party that had the coolest backyard. There was a functional train complete with western saloon scenery that passed by as you circled the tracks. Well, wouldn't you know it, there was a 2-year old little girl who was just plain smitten with Scrumpy?! Her mother kept telling us, "she loves babies." It is hard to believe the little girl thought Scrumpy was a baby when he was taller than she! Well the Cougar just HAD to sit next to him during the train ride as well as at the kiddie table when cake was being distributed. MY BOY'S GOT GAME!

Not the slightest bit afraid riding the train

Is that cake? Move over!

Beyond the little cougars, he did enjoy all the other cool parts of the party and the backyard oasis, filled with balls and toy cars. It's a shame Gilligan has taken hold of our backyard as we could maximize playtime and have him just run around in circles until he tires out.

Teething is a tough thing

My normally happy little boy goes to a dark place when teething occurs. We were hit with it all at once with his first eight teeth so we thought we would be given a short respite. It was not meant to be. For the last two weeks, he has been waking up with the most annoying "smoker's cough". Needless to say, I assumed he was asthmatic. To top it off, he started to hit his head, repeatedly. He even took one of his play bats and started hitting the side of his noggin! Now, not only does he have asthma but he's sadistic!

He went to the doctors and the doctor confirmed, yes, all symptoms due to teething. He has fluid building up, drool, etc...and most teeth migration happens at night, hence the crazy nighttime behavior. Clear lungs, clear throat, etc... The doctor did say he has several teeth budding all at once which is why the symptoms are so pronounce.

Poor guy...I guess if beating his head with a bat helps, so be it. I know I often feel like hitting my head against a wall.....