Preview

Today was picture day.  I don't really like picture day; it's extremely tiring.  I spent a lot of the time sitting on the floor, trying to convince Patrick to do whatever the photographer says to do.

I'm always pleased with the results, but still, it's picture day.

Since I had a coupon and Patrick just got a haircut, I took advantage of the situation.

Here's a preview of what's to come...

Museum-ing

We've had a busy few weeks in our neck of the woods and frankly, I haven't taken many shots of well, anything.

Today, Patrick had a birthday party at the local kids' museum and we found out quickly how much he (still) enjoy spending an afternoon there.

Playing chess

Frozen for Days

I know my family and friends north of us have been experiencing some terrible weather the last few weeks, but to us in North Carolina, this is pretty extreme.

A few days ago...

Our front lawn

One big sheet of ice

Tree

Right outside the front door

Garbage and recycling

Incredible

While most of the ice has melted, we still have portions of our yard that are icy.  I really can't wait for Spring.

The Things He Does (and Says)

Patrick is really enjoying the gifts he received from Santa Claus for Christmas.  He is constantly asking to play with something or for us to open something or even for us to join him in his playing.

Last night, as we were cleaning up the house of most of the holiday decorations and putting away ornaments, we pulled out his new easel and put in a place where he could easily access it.

He certainly did.

This month, I've noticed a big change in Patrick's speech.  He is definitely speaking more, and has figured out a way to get his point across without having a fit.  I know it's normal, especially at his age, to accomplish this, but it's so different from the pointing, waving, and grunting of years' past.

A typical conversation:

"Mommy, can you open this?  Open this, please.  Will you open this for me?"
"Not right now, Patrick."
(Thinks for a second)
"Can you take the paper off?"

"Mommy, why are you cleaning the table?"
"Because it's dirty."
"Why it's dirty?"
"Because we ate dinner on it."
"Why we eat dinner?"
"Because we need food to get big and strong."
"Okay."

I have a feeling the "Why" questions are going to get a bit more elaborate as the year progresses.