February has been an interesting month. Ethan and I caught BOTH strains of the flu just two weeks apart, so we've spent most of the month in quarantine. We have had fun moments too. He got into his first "fight" at play group. You think his eye looks bad...you should see the other kid's. (okay, not really) He's started mimicking words and phrases more. My favorite is when he is told "no touch", he repeats it and puts his hands down at his side (most of the time). He loves playing with balls and has started kicking his soccer ball around the house (but only with his right foot). He also loves his stuffed puppy dogs, and patting his belly when asked where his tummy is. He's developed a STRONG southern accent when saying "bye" - it's more Mississippi than Arkansas... And we've also started to see the emergence of a strong will. The other day when he didn't get his way, he walked over to me, got on his hands and knees, and started banging his head on the floor while screaming (it was on the carpet - don't worry grandparents). It kind of took me off guard. Then I couldn't help but laugh, and then I remembered I was the mom who probably should be using this moment to teach him something...but I wasn't sure what to do. This parenting thing is HARD.
I can't believe I forgot to post Ethan's first play in the snow. (We certainly didn't have to worry about losing him - his orange clothes glowed... Sadly, Chris insisted on balancing out all the orange with some crimson and cream.) Ethan seemed pretty indifferent about the snow. He kept getting frustrated because he couldn't walk in it. Maybe next year will be more fun.
Ethan has started playing a new game. From a distance, he'll catch my eye, start laughing, and then run towards me with arms wide open. (oh yeah, talk about melting a mom's heart) Once in my arms, he proceeds to give me a big 'ole kiss. The only thing is that his "kiss" is open-mouth and ALL tongue. With face like this, it's impossible to resist...so I have just had to get used to my makeup on the lower half of my face being completely gone by the end of the day. It's so worth it.
