In the age of swine flu

Recently public health organizations everywhere have published guidelines for how to avoid contamination in the event of a global flu pandemic.  Such virus doesn't stick around long in the air or on surfaces, so the advice tends to revolve around saliva. In essence, avoid contact with other people, don't sneeze or cough (or if you have to do it, make sure you do it into your sleeve, napkin, etc).  It is hard to watch a newscast nowadays without getting a primer on proper saliva etiquette in the new flu era.  Not everyone gives the advice its proper consideration...

A birthday weekend

Happy birthday to Mom (on the 23rd), Grandma Ingrid (on the 24th), and Grandpa Charlie (on the 25th).  Hope you all had fun!

Hitting 90 degrees!

Summer made an unexpected visit a bit ahead of the usual schedule!  In fact, it hasn't been this warm since July of last year.  We celebrated the arrival of the green season in the only way that seemed appropriate: ice cream at Dairy Queen! 

Notice that in spite of us being outside in the elements and eating sticky ice cream with even stickier chocolate sauce.... the trusty blanket has a place of prominence.

And still no teeth...

It seems like months now that Johan has been 'chewing' on anything on which he can get his hands.  Perhaps it is the increased motor skills... But is seems voracity with which he will grab an object and sink his gums into it is intensifying to levels we never saw with his brother. Not to mention his permanently drool-soaked shirts.  And all the while, there isn't a single tooth to show for it!   It's just not fair.

The Favorite

The two co-chairs of the Ericka fan club with their idol.

Happy Mother's Day!

Practicing

A parent breaking the news of the pending arrival of a second sibling to the firstborn may try to sugar-coat the event along the lines of "Guess what! You're getting a brother/sister who can play with you!".  Truth is, there is very little playing being done by the new arrival for a long time.  At least until he can walk...  So M is very excited that his brother is making progress in that department.  Granted, he can't crawl yet. But with not-so-little assistance he can stand up. That's a start, right!

A boy and his entourage

Over time, the lineup of absolutely critical buddies has expanded.  We're  now up to 6 or 7 - depending on the day - with the green and purple blanket being the über-companion.  It is starting to show its wear but it goes everywhere. The washing machine always seem to run slower when we manage to convince the young master that it really needs a bath.

As true friends they were there for him when needed...  When he figured out how to climb out of his crib he first threw out all the animals to cushion the landing on the floor!

He has now been upgraded to a Big Boy Bed.  So far it is working very well and he is very proud of his new digs! No, he doesn't sleep on the couch.  I just don't have a photo of the bed...  Of course, with all those animals and a few blankets in the bed it gets pretty crowded.