Fits, Continued

A little behind-the-scene funny...

I got a few sign books at the library today to mostly figure out some of the signs he's been flashing us lately. I emailed Fred and said that maybe now Elliot will express his feelings via sign instead of thrashing. Fred's response?

You should have got one one how to sign: "Stop throwing a fit or daddy is going to sit you outside to live with the squirrels"

Oy.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

Here are some things that have changed recently:

For starters, I've changed my list to be only what Anna's reading. It seems I'm the only one reading things anyway these days.

Sienna is no longer allowed outside, per me. I heard a terrible sound the other night followed by Fred running out into the yard. In my dreams it would've been her getting run over by a garbage truck - but instead it was her trying to maul a baby bunny. Fred swears she only got a little fur - I prefer to not know the truth. A week or so ago, she brought a mole up to the back porch. You! Inside, Now! Not that I particularly love having a dead-mole-mouthed cat around Elliot...

My computer password at work changed. Now, instead of typing in "Wendi" each morning, I have to type in "banana." Why banana? Why not!

What else has changed? I could talk about weather and the price of gas, but then once I post this all I'd hear is a collective groan. And I'd be joining you in that.

My peaceful and funny mornings have changed. This entire week my mornings have become a screaming death match between Elliot and whatever just made him mad. Some folks say these last until 3 years - I hope that isn't our case.

I wish I could change into jeans. But - at this job I don't get the luxury of wearing my Canadian Tuxedo on Fridays. Perhaps I should have thought harder about losing this perk when I left the City?

Coming Soon to a Highway Near You!

If you see Elliot on the side of Highway 2 one of these days, know that I have had my fill of his temper tantrums. He's in full swing these days - flailing, kicking, head-butting all while screaming and crying.

This morning I was seriously tempted to take him for a "long drive in the country" like some folks do when it's time to oust a not-so-loved family pet. I decided, though, that if I dropped him off on the Highway that he'd have a better chance of some family picking him up. Then he can scream at them for a while.

I love him.. don't get me wrong. But, boy he's really testing my patience lately. Not old enough to understand a time out and too fresh off an ear infection (3 days ago) to completely ignore him.

So if we don't answer our phones it's because we forgot to take our ear plugs out. And if you drive through our 'hood and hear screaming - either come take him from us for a while or keep on driving.

Letter to Aunt B

Dear Aunt B,

I ran a mile tonight.

Love,
Anna

Great Way to Start your day

I have to disagree with my wife's post, I think wanting to challenge yourself and see what your are capable of is completely normal. This morning's half-marathon did't go like I had planned. I really wanted to race the Full again this year but when I caught the Flu so bad late this winter it kept me from running for nearly 3 weeks, it was like starting my training all over again.

This year's race was bigger than ever with over 6,000 entrants. As always it was a blast. I am amazed at how small a town Lincoln can be sometimes as numerous people out cheering recognized me and yelled at me. What really makes this event special is how the city has grown to love it and the wacky things they do to cheer the runners. From Elvis at 16th & O to the Waiter handing out water on 48th, to the bearded Nun on 27th, Lincolnites of all shapes and sizes come out to cheer on the runners and watch the race. It truly is a sight to behold seeing 6,000 people all running through Lincoln, it's one of the greatest events in this city. Even for non-runners it's something that a lot of people look forward to each year as it brings people from all 50 states to our city for a weekend.

My race went OK, I started too far back in the pack and couldn't hit my pace until mile 3 or 4 due to all the congestion. So many walkers start at the front, that it really makes it frustrating when you constantly have to go around them in the first mile. I felt pretty good once I finally got going and finished only slightly slower than my goal. I ran the half in 1:49:19 which was 102 out of 256 people in my age group, I always say my goal is to finish in the top half of my age group, so I guess I succeeded there. The highlight of the day really might have been Elliot enjoying the medal once I got home.

The Definition of Normal

According to my pal Webster, normal means "conforming with, adhering to, or constituting a norm, standard, pattern, level, or type; typical."

According to myself, abnormal means "Elliot James."

This week started with the bovine disease. Then I find out he's still anemic and is now on a vitamin supplement until he's two. Friday, daycare called for me to come get him - he threw up and had a mild fever. Since last night at 6:30, he has slept a combined amount of 15 hours and is snoozing as I type. Perhaps I should check to make sure he's breathing...

According to myself, abnormal means "Freddie William."

He's running the half marathon tomorrow. I'm not sure what type of person finds it nearly as enjoyable as he does. Sure - it's a goal of mine to some day accomplish but I don't know that I'll be springing out of bed that morning to do it. (By the way - I will be out there cheering him on if anyone wants to join me!)

I could go on for days about how abnormal our cat is...

And we all know that I fit the bill of "normal" perfectly so there's no need to comment on that.