Fun Week

This last week has been fun. Sunday the 21st was Luc's 2nd birthday and we took him to Chuck E Cheese for the first time. Some how though he was already familiar with Chuck E Cheese and pointed excitedly at the restaurant as we approached it. We assume he saw their tv commercials and recognized Chuck E's cartoon likeness outside the restaurant. Anyway, once inside he quickly got acquainted with all the games and the pizza, which is his favorite food right now. There are some photos of Luc at Chuck E Cheese in the new photo set. A few of them are of Luc walking on the ball ramp which looks unusual but there were no other kids playing at the time.

After Chuck E Cheese we came home and Luc got a much deserved nap. Mom and Dad could have used one too but instead we set up his birthday presents so they would be ready when he awoke. His main toy was a blow up fort that holds dozens of small plastic balls. You can get in (or I should say Luc can get in) and play with the balls. Which he did and then threw all of them out on the floor. All 170 of them.

Another present was an electronic drum pad made for kids. Luc enjoys banging on things and we thought this would be a good way to focus that energy. It also has a rhythm machine so he can play along. He seems to get a kick out of playing the drums, dancing to a Samba rhythm, and kicking his 170 plastic balls under the sofa and other places that Daddy can't fit under anymore.

Thursday was Thanksgiving. We had a delicious meal that was a combination Boston Market and Diane. We got the Chicken and some sides from Boston Market (because it's so good and so much easier) and Diane made pecan pie, potato casserole and stuffing (because they're so good). It was a delicious meal and Luc even tried little bits of everything.

On Friday we braved the crowds and ventured out to the mall. Daddy and Luc spent a fair amount of time at Barnes and Noble while Mommy shopped for Christmas presents. The kids section of our B&N is pretty good. It has a wooden train set which Luc enjoyed for a long time. He also enjoyed spinning the globes and spinning the book displays that rotated. And walked up and down the steps to the Starbucks more than once. It's really amazing how much there is to do in a bookstore.

Saturday Daddy worked some OT and Mommy and Luc had the morning together and decided to venture downtown. Of course, this is nothing new for Mommy but it was Luc's first trolly ride and first subway ride. Apparently he liked the trolly better and would not get on the first subway that came along. Diane was patient and got him to ride the next one and kept him calm all the way into Center City. Once downtown Luc was at home in the crowds and very happy to sit and eat his Auntie Anne's pretzel and people watch and window shop.

So it has been fun week where we got to spend 6 out of 9 days together, all day. That's unusual. Christmas will be like that too. During these extended times together I can really see just how much Luc is developing. Just one year ago he couldn't walk and could speak just a few words. Now he walks, runs, dances, jumps, climbs stairs and can put together short sentences like "More Daddy sit".

And in addition to his strides with walking and talking he is also blossoming into a very happy child. He laughs more than ever, enjoys being tickled, loves to group dance with Mommy and Daddy, and seems most content when all three of us are just sitting together on the sofa or bed watching a movie or cartoon. For me, at this 2 year marker, it is a sign that we are doing something right. We are novices at this baby-rearing thing so seeing him blossom into such a beautiful, happy person is the best reward.

Enjoy the photo set.