boondocks boulevard

I don't know if I've ever woken up completely alone in this house at any point in the last two years. That is, until today. It's incredible. I just ate cereal in bed and watched a show. I have another hour or so to myself, and so here I am on my computer. In my bed.

After dealing with a toddler who has been refusing naps and waking up in the 5 o'clock hour screaming "Mommy!!" it's a break I really needed. He's having some sort of sleep regression (or more likely a power struggle) and will hopefully outgrow it sooner rather than later. I'm tired, he's tired, and his behavior is atrocious. But luckily Daddy Dylan arrives home late this morning. He's always had greater success whipping the little guy into shape.

Gavin's bad attitude didn't help things to go smoothly at soccer practice. He participated in the teamwork exercise, sat out and cried when it was time to kick the soccer ball for the bulk of practice, and then ran the race with the other kids at the end. However, we're not going to give up. Coach gave me kudos for sticking it out till the very end. She thinks that at some point he'll get over himself and join the rest of the kids. That made me feel good because sticking it out in the 100 degree heat with Sir Cranky Pants was not my idea of a great time. But, I didn't drive all that way for nothing, and I do really think he'll come around one of these days.

That afternoon, we headed back out to celebrate our big 4-year-old, Cruz! We hit everyone's favorite pizza joint...Peter Piper. Gavin's exhaustion finally overcame him, and he fell asleep and started snoring in his car seat on the way there. (He never usually falls asleep in his car seat.) But not to worry, he perked right up as soon as I opened the car door, and he was a really sweet guy during the birthday celebration. He had fun riding rides and playing games with his cousins, and we all had a blast celebrating Cruz. Gavin even hit the jackpot in one of the games! I put the token in the machine, and he saw a button light up, so he pressed it. This released a ball onto a rotating platform of about 20 holes, and lo and behold the ball fell into the jackpot hole. It was hilarious. He had no idea what was happening, but his big cousins taught him to say "Jackpot!" and so that became the word of the night.

Sweet little cousins in a teacup.

Riding a motorcycle. His dream come true.

He loves singing Happy Birthday, but I think he loves cake even more.

Jackpot!

Milk thief

Having a grand old time at N & P's house.

We had a playdate fall through on Saturday which allowed us to stick close to home. I think this helped me be successful in getting Gavin to sleep after an early and rough morning. It took one hour and one poopy diaper, but he finally took a one hour nap and woke up in a decent mood. We headed to my parents' house in the afternoon, and I left him while he was having a great time playing with Nonna. I made my way to the WT party, where some people thought I wasn't actually pregnant but that it was part of my costume. I had a great time seeing everyone again and eating things like fluffer nutter sandwiches. I was one of the first people to leave because I was tired and had a long way to go. I finally made it home to a quiet house, and here I am! I'd better begin freshening up for the day's activities.