Indy 500 Parade

We hit the road to see friends in Indy for the holiday weekend. One of the big events was attending the Indianapolis 500 parade. A first for Gilbert, we were not sure how he would react, but being a laid back little guy, he loved it!

As floats came by he would just stare wide-eyed.

He clapped the entire time and when the Purdue Boilermaker train came by he was incredibly excited.

Biking

Kristen cleaned up her bike and has started to ride in preparation for her upcoming triathlon. Gilbert has decided to train as well. He particularly likes to wear Kristen's helmet. The scary part is the helmet fits both of them!

We couldn't get the helmet off him either! He wants to wear it all the time!

Bathtub Runway

Gilbert needed a place for his airplane to land. Problem solved!

I'm So Glad

Enough said.

Al Fresco

Kristen spent last night cleaning the balcony. Quite dirty from city life, we want to spend more time outside eating and being in the nice weather.

Well, the next moring Little Man and Kristen ate breakfast al fresco! He loved it!

Art Day at School

Friday Gilbert's school had an art show. Each classroom displayed work the kids have been doing lately. For the parents it was an opportunity to tour the school. Lots of fun!







For the kids it was an opportunity to be, well, kids! As we toured room to room, Little Man and his classmates seemed to end up in the same places at the same time and were happy little sprites running around. A true joy to watch!

Can't and Don't

Gilbert's two favorite words (after 'train engineer'). He is in that phase of wanting to establish his independence (like school doesn't do that enough for him already!) and control over decision making.

Now when we asking him to do anything his immediate response is, "I don't want to do that," or "I can't do that." The 'can't' drives me bonkers. I loathe that word. Don't even know what it means.

We've learned, though, to ask him to do something by going opposite so he feels as if he's making a decision yet we don't banter back and forth. Kristen still battles with him a bit, but I've mastered the Machiavellian approach to getting him to do what I need/want him to do.

Time for shoes? "Gilbert, please put on your sandals."

"I don't want to put on my sandals."

"Okay, then how about your shoes?"

"Okay." Mission accomplished!

As for the 'can't', that is a bit tricky and we have to work with him to show that yes, indeed, can can do it.

Compound these situations with 2 1/2 year old whining, and ARRGGGH!

This morning I called him out on it. He was whining wanting breakfast and just being a grumper (imagine that; the result of him wanting to wake up at 5:30!). I put him on our bed and told him to stay until he stopped whining. A few minutes later he called down and said, "I'm not whining anymore." And then crawled off. A small victory, but sometimes it is just tiring!

Stunt Man

Gilbert is enjoying being more physical. On a lazy weekend morning, he decided to work on his flips.

The Weekend

Kristen's mom was in for the weekend as they celebrated her birthday (and with Kristen's coming up on the 18th). That meant Gilbert got to enjoy cake!



Kristen and her mom then met a friend and enjoyed a dinner out. On Sunday, the three headed to the Field Museum for the Mammoth exhibit. They had a good time and Little Man ended up with a large stuffed Wolly Mammoth animal!

A Moment on Television...

You must be thinking all Gilbert does is watch television! The last few posts involve him staring at the tele. We do not believe in television for him and in fact he's lucky to see a 1/2 of it a week. But more recently, he's seen more. Is this the natural evolution of kids and the boob tube?

So far, we have limited him to stuff with a purpose... the shows that I mentioned before that are about trains, helicopters, etc. and the occasional 'treat' such as a Neftlix Thomas the Train.

And then we do leave on golf and he can watch the Bears during Football season. His interest is not in watching television, but watching something specific on the television. The goal is to keep it that way. Fingers crossed!

National Train Day

Saturday was National Train Day. Festivities took place in a few cities around the US, but Chicago was one of the main locations. I stumbled upon this kernel of knowledge by accident, but with a train lovin son, what a great way to burn a few hours!

We didn't tell Little Man about the event, rather just explained we were going to a new train station. That was all he needed to hear. He insisted on wearing his Thomas the Train shirt and Metra hat. Sidenote, ask him who he is and the response is, without exception, a "train engineer."

The event was fun and crowded! We didn't stay long, but the impact was dellible! Gilbert loved it all. We even snuck onto a freight engine (the line for the official tour trains was too long!).

Happy Mothers's Day!

I think these pictures sum up the great day Kristen had today!

Even as Little Man offers up a smooch to his mommy, he's looking out the corner of his eye as a Metra train was going by!

Winding down on Sunday, we were watching the episode on trains we recorded on the History Channel's Modern Marvels. Good snuggles! About the show, I highly recommend it. We've seen ships, helicopters, boats, and more. Actually good learning tools and enough information to keep us informed. Before this picture Gilbert was sitting up on his knees yelling, "Rail Yard." "Diesel engine." "Boxcar." YELLING! It was hysterical!

Soldier Down

Gilbert had his first casualty yesterday. Walking down a steep hill to the neighborhood park, he picked up speed, lost his footing and tumbled over. He must have twisted his ankle, because Little Man was in pain limping around. He lost any interest in the park and wanted to be picked up and go home.

At school, any booboo gets ice. As such, he's conditioned. He immediately wanted ice for his pain. Now, imagine trying to conduct triage with a 2 1/2 year old. Where does it hurt? "My knee (As he grabs his ankle). I ask again, Does your knee hurt? "No, my ankle." (and then grabs his ankle). He knows his body parts, but it is clear something hurts he just isn't sure where. So we ice the ankle. Thought it would be fun to prop it up like a 'big boy'.

To keep him placated, he got the treat of watching Thomas the Train (thanks to Netflix streaming through my Wii!). A few minutes later he announces he is 'feeling better' only to get up and run before crumpling into a ball on the floor crying after about three strides. His ankle really does hurt. Cause and effect took root and he walked around the rest of the night slow and deliberate.

I'm pleased to say that this morning he is doing better. Still walking somewhat gingerly, he was more spry, but I have money on the over of at least five times today at school he repeats his fall to floor as I'm sure he will run around too much.

How do you tell a child to 'take it easy'?

P.S. His Bears hat. Kristen bought two. The same hat fits both of them! His head is large and Kristen's is small. Nothing like meeting in the middle. On me, the hat looks like a tea cup.

Sleeping (Bad) Habits

Recently, Gilbert has taken to sleeping on the floor. At first, we thought, "no big deal." But now we have to go back to the basics.

A few months ago, Little Man took a renewed interest in all his stuffed animals (we had them stored away in his closest). At first it was just a few and then the whole animal kingdom was roaming his room! He has favorites, but otherwise they all get some attention.

Still sleeping on his bed, they would be on the floor, on his bed, and in some instances he would be snuggling with some of furry creatures. Initially, he would get up from sleeping, move them all down to the floor and then go to the floor as well. At least he was sleeping. Now, though, he rolls around on them and loses his bed space resulting in not being able to fall asleep.

We put him back on the bed and we get a "my back hurts. Need to sleep on the floor." He's a bit of a yarn spinner so we don't know how much of what he says is legit and what portion is bs. And then this past week he started moving all the animals, pillows and blankets behind the door!

As of today (er, tonight) it is back to the bed. All animals will be relegated to the window sill and he can have 2-3 to sleep with. We explained the new plan this morning to him at lunch so by dinner it will not be too much of a shock. Stay tuned...

Ring Around

Who says you need other people to play this game!

A 45 set on 33 speed.

Jumping G

I'm proud to announce I was able to teach Gilbert how to jump. How did I do it?

On a lazy Saturday morning, I put a chair on our bed (much to Kristen's dismay) so he could get a solid surface to launch from yet have the luxury of a soft landing (e.g. the bed). In no less than 15 minutes he was jumping without assistance! I moved the chair to the floor, no problem.

Little Man is know a jumping fool! I took him to the pool over the weekend and I had to be vigilant in being by his side as he did not hesitate to jump into the water.

A few minutes to kill this morning before work and school, we had some jumping fun in his room.

Gilbert's Music Machine

Gilbert LOVES listening to music and dancing (as you've seen his sweet moves).

He now knows how to work his CD player. Quite fun to watch.

Dancing With The Stars

I don't see an appearing for Gilbert in the near future with these moves!

And yes, those are Santa jammies. If they fit, he is wearing it!

The End of the Blog?

Is the end near? I'm giving serious thought to ending the blog. I'm a bit burned out and frankly, wonder who is reading this running notepad?

On the Street

Walking to work today, I was ambushed by interns at the local ABC affiliate. Apparantly there were quizzing people on their knowledge of basic facts. I was up to the challenge.

• How many stars on the flag?
• How many stripes on the flag?
• How old do you have to be to run for US President?
• How many continents are there?
• What is the closest star to Earth?
• What is an omnivore?

How did you do. I screwed up omnivore. I said an animal that eats plants only. Omnivores eat both plants and animals. I should have responded with "the only 'vore that matters are carnivores!"

Just A Day In the Park

Finally catching up on the blog posts. Settled back in, we headed to a nearby park for some fun and sun!

The Most Amazing Fireworks

Fireworks do not impress me. Seen one seem them all right? Not so! Check this out. This was one of THREE firework shows at the Dubai World Cup!

Dubai Videos

Here are some fun videos from our trip. I don't know why, but it feels like I always get picked out of the crowd. And of all the things to get picked to do...

Dune Bashing

This was a blast. A planned tourist excursion out in the desert! Kristen was really looking forward to this outing; riding a camel, a henna tattoo and just getting an authentic'ish experience.

I was all about the dune bashing! I caught the front seat which was the equivalent of being in the front car of a roller coaster. Awesome! Our driver seemed irritated by having to conform with the other cars...he just wanted to let loose. So I felt we got the best driver of the bunch!

The camel riding was a bit of a let down. I don't know if Kristen thought she would have free reign and get to be Lawrence from Arabia, but her experience was quite memorable. Another family had just come off the camel ride, but one of the kids had to wait for the second go around. The short pudgy and likely youngest of the bunch, he was being teased by his siblings for having to ride with Kristen. It was quite comical!

A Day in Abu Dhabi

Less than an hour's drive from Dubai is Abu Dhabi, the neighboring emirate. The two could not be more different. Abu Dhabi is old school to Dubai's modern approach. Palm Springs vs. Phoenix.

The emirate is more lush, green, and definitely has an older 'feel', but that is quickly changing as its growth is deliberate, yet less frenetic. Palm Springs of the Middle East!

The day trip was to go to the beach and to see the Grand Mosque. What a magnificent structure! Unfortunately it was closed to non-believers, er, non-muslims. Nonetheless we were able to get close enough for pictures. Amazing!

Progress is taking place, though. Sitting back and learning from Dubai's mistakes, new, creative buildings and projects are taking place. The Ferrari Theme Park with F1 track is expansive and impressive in its scale. Then on the drive in we noticed this interesting building we dubbed 'the quarter' as it looks like a coin. Currently on hold, Abu Dhabi has an ambitious plan to create - from scratch - the first zero carbon city...Masdar.

Regardless, the visit was fantastic. The beach was nice, the sun warm, and in the distance we could see the Emirates Palace. A breathtaking complex that has seen its share on the big screen (The Kingdom and the upcoming Sex and the City 2, to name a few).

Easter

First weekend back from Dubai and it was off again, this time to MI for a nice family Easter.

For us, we got to see Gilbert's new cousin, Iara. For Gilbert, it was the opportunity to run around a yardplaying with cuz Jasper, chase outdoor life and collect eggs. Heaven!