Maow and her Spongebob toy collection

Every time we go to the movies, we buy Maow this 50 cent Spongebob toy from a machine. At first it was meant for Theo, but she took possession immediately.

This video cracks me up because you can see her with all three of them. How she doesn't lose them, I'll never know. Watch as she goes from an old one, to a new one (the difference is quite clear) and then another old one. We're going to see the Simpsons movie tonight. Can't wait to bring her home another Spongebob!

I equate her Spongebobs to the Velveteen Rabbit. As you can see, the new one is yellow and crisp, and the old ones are torn and tattered. That's how you can tell how much love they've gotten.

The Twinkle

Theo has been getting a twinkle in his eye lately when he knows he's being funny or when someone else is being funny. I'm thrilled to see his sense of humor developing so well!

The other day Joe and Theo were on the train and Theo asked, "Where's mommy?" Joe told Theo mommy was eaten by an alligator.

"No, daddy. Mommy not eaten by alligator."

And to be a scootch, he calls my mom Grandma Popcorn and Joe's mom Grandma Ice Cream. Always with the mischieveous twinkle.

Little Man

I am guilty of not posting for a while. I've been meaning to talk about how cute Theo was a couple of weeks ago, when we took him to see the Disney movie Ratatouille. The movie is about a rat who dreams of being a chef--and becomes one.

Theo, who has been my sous chef, recognized some chef-like things. "Cut it!" he exclaimed when the rat chopped veggies. He yelled out other things throughout the movie, like "rain! look, rain!"

For some reason Theo insisted on sitting in the row in front of us. Is he already old enough to be too embarrassed to sit with mom and dad? Of course, he periodically turned around for help opening his drinks and food.

The Good Patient

Poor Theo has strep. But, as is usual when he is sick, he is in good spirits. He never minds going to the doc; we chanted "doc-tor! doc-tor!" on the way over, and I'm willing to say he even got excited!

When we got home, he passed out on my bed. A couple of hours later, he woke up and guided me to the couch, making it clear that it was huggie time. He's especially mushy and cuddly when sick!

He is very sad, however, that he didn't get to ride the school bus today, and will be even more upset to learn he can't tomorrow either. "No school bus? No Grace today?" "I want schoooool buuuuuus."

Central Park Sunday

Yesterday, Theo and I met up with a couple of my friends, one of whom has a five year old son, Honor. We've gotten the boys together every so often for the past few years.


Honor's a year older, but Theo's taller! What else is new?




Theo repeatedly climbed a super tall ladder and slid down a super high pole for at least an hour. I watched as other kids--who were older than he--chickened out. Theo may be a daredevil, but at least he's a skilled one.

After spending all that time refusing to go near the water, he insisted on "swimming" right as we were about to leave. How's this for a switch? He soaked his jeans and I changed him into the bathing suit I had packed to take him home in!

Annual Independence Day Coney Island Trip

We were particularly excited to take Theo to Coney Island this year. One reason, of course, was that it was Astroland's final summer. Another reason was that Theo would be tall enough for every kiddie ride!

We got there, watched the hot dog eating contest, and then devoured some hot dogs of our own--albeit not 66 of them. On the kiddie rides, Theo and I rode the roller coaster, and he rode the airplanes, motorcycles, trucks, horses, etc...



He laughed so hard when we were on the coaster. I made sure we got the best and fastest ride--the back car, of course!

By the time we went to the beach, it was chilly and about to rain. Still, Theo was convinced he was going to swim. We allowed him to take off his shoes and shirt and approach the water. Needless to say, only his feet made it in. But he sure loved running in and out of the water!



Here's Theo jamming with the street performer he gave money to.

Theo passed out on the hour long train ride home, and woke up in time to watch the fireworks from our window. Or "rain," as he called it. He was so cute shouting out the colors!

Coney Island may never be the same, but we will continue to go every 4th, no matter what. What can I say, it's our thang.

Windy Summer Morning

This morning as Joe and Theo were leaving to wait for the school bus, Theo gave me his usual hug and waved, "Bye, mommy!"

Joe said to Theo, "No, say goodbye like this." And he lifted his leg and farted.

Theo in turn lifted his leg and said very seriously, "No, not like this."

Family-Filled Weekend

Theo saw just about everyone on the planet this weekend!

He saw Aunt Lisa on Tuesday. He saw Uncle Elliot on Wednesday. And on Saturday we went with Grandma Ice Cream and Poppy to see Nonny and Aunt Donny. Then, that night and Sunday he stayed with Grandma Popcorn, Aunt Jodi, and his cousins. Talk about action-packed! And he loved every minute of it!





Especially Nonny's house, where he repeated "I want meatballs" until his demand was met by an enthusiastic, thrilled little ol' lady.

This picture of the cats is here because I haven't paid them any blog attention in a while, and they're damn cute and deserving of it!