Chuck E. Cheese

On Saturday, Thomas was invited to Chuck E. Cheese for a birthday party. I have to admit I was hoping that he could go through childhood without knowing about that place. I just wasn't looking forward to the noise, the children running around, or the meltdown that could happen when he was told it was time to go. Since Ken was on stand-by I got to take Thomas by myself. (Lucky me.) I have to admit, it wasn't that bad! The child's birthday party was early so it wasn't too crowded. Thomas got tons of tokens and had fun collecting the tickets. He loved playing SpongeBob Bowling (imagine that). The place has really changed since I was little. There was no ball pit. It was much brighter, I always remember ours being so dark inside. At least they still have skee ball. We had a really good time and it was nice to catch up with the other moms there, too. I would take him again but only early in the morning. I was most impressed that he didn't have a melt down when I told him it was time to leave. Here are some pictures of his first visit there.

Happy Easter!

With being so sick for the past week, we decided to take it easy this Easter. We were bummed that we missed the Easter Egg hunt at the Green's house, but we just couldn't risk getting new germs or spreading the ones we have. We slept in and then we heard this shouting.... "Mom...Dad...the Easter Bunny came!! I got candy!" I looked at Ken and said, "This is why people should have kids. This is the best!" I love the fact that he "got it" this year. He was rather nervous about the Easter Bunny coming IN the house to bring his basket. He wanted it left outside. I convinced him it was ok that the bunny leave the basket in the living room. He was really excited that he got candy, a movie, and a new puzzle. Within an hour he devoured most of the candy. After we got dressed, we dyed Easter eggs. Of course he had to be in full costume for that! He picked out the colors and didn't need any help this year. He's growing up! Later today, we plan on going to Nana and Papa's house. Thomas is going to spend the night there tonight. His school is closed tomorrow for Easter Monday and I have to go back to work. Since Ken is working stand-by, he'd lose his over-time if he took off to watch him. Nana and Papa are excited to save the day. Thomas is happy about it, too. It really makes me excited knowing that this time next year, we'll have Baby Nathan crawling around looking for eggs. :)

Spring Break

We have been counting down the days for our Spring Break to begin. Sadly, Thomas and I were sick the entire time! It started with my sore throat and congestion. Then Thomas started weezing, putting him back on around-the-clock breathing treatments. By mid-week, I couldn't get out of bed. We had so much planned. We had plans to go to the zoo, go bowling, go to the movies, etc. It was supposed to be so much fun. I am limited on the types of medicine I can take since being pregnant so I had to suffer most of the week. When Friday rolled around, I forced myself to feel better and Ken and I took Thomas to Firkin & Kegler's to play mini-bowling. The alley is child-size with lighter weight balls and they have a big arcade there, too. Thomas had the alley to himself and he had so much fun bowling spares and strikes, just like he does on Wii. (He will be having his 4th birthday party there, too.) Afterwards I got some shopping done for the new baby at Carters and then got some new maternity shirts at Motherhood and by that time I was ready for a nap. It was such a lousy week, but I guess I'm thankful I didn't have to use my sick days at work. Here are some pictures of the future pro-bowler.

Mr. and Mrs. Coffaro

We had such a wonderful weekend. My best friend Emily got married!! Finally!! :) It was a destination wedding so we got to drive to Clearwater Beach for the special event. The ceremony took place on the beach at sunset. We got there early so that I could go with her to get her hair done, her make-up done, and to help her get ready. Thomas carried the rings down the sand aisle. (no worries...the real rings were in Tom's pocket.) Thomas was shocked to see Emily wearing a fancy dress! It totally took him off guard. After the ceremony, the reception captured Emily and Tom's personality. It was simple yet full of incredible details. The food was delicious and they even had a kiddie-area which kept the kids busy while the adults got to enjoy the evening. Every detail was thought of! Here are some of my favorite highlights of the special day. Congratulations to Emily and Tom!

Poor Little Guy

Last Thursday,Thomas got a 102 fever near 10 pm. I should have known better. That night I felt his head twice and it was warm, but I didn't think it was that high! By 2:30am Thomas was running a 103 fever and his eyes were swollen shut. I mean SHUT! I couldn't even help open them. He was so afraid. He kept screaming, "I can't see. What's wrong with my eyes?!" Because I wasn't sure if the fever made his eyes swell, we called Nana and got her advice after waking her up. We went ahead to the Arnold Palmer Children's ER. After waiting a while for the doctor, she said that the swollen eyes must be from "environmental allergies". Although, she couldn't explain the high fever. She gave us a couple prescriptions and sent us home. His eyes were swollen for the next 24 hours although by the end of Friday night he could open his eyes half way to wacth TV. All he wanted to do was lay in his wagon to watch TV. I think that's because the metal wagon was cool on his hot body. By Saturday morning, his fever was 104 but no swollen eyes. The fever finally passed by mid-afternoon and luckily by Sunday we were fever free. I got some pitiful pictures of him in the wagon and a couple of him feeling much better. My poor little guy!

Silly Boy!

The other day at school, Thomas and another child bumped, leaving him a busted bottom lip. Of course the best home remedy I know is popsicles! So, Thomas had three popsicles that day. When it was time for bed I thought it would be best if he put some chapstick on it. I thought it was on the bathroom counter. Apparently not. Thomas was searching in the medicine cabinet. When I walked in the bathroom this is what I saw.

Please note that I fully understand that by capturing his picture I am only encouraging the behavior. It was just too funny.

Simply Unbelievebale!

So, I am going to TRY to tell this story without putting in my two cents, but it may not work.

I took Thomas to school this morning, like always, and as soon as we walked into the Great Room he sees his little friend named, Michael. Michael is one year older than Thomas and in the 4 year old VPK class. Thomas went over to him and they started doing puzzles. Then, Michael goes to his backpack to show Thomas something. I am busy signing him in and all I hear is Thomas asking this boy if it's a "game" that he has in his hand. ("game"=video game) The little boy says that no..it's his cell phone. I tell Thomas that it's like a phone we have at home that doesn't work anymore....it's pretend. The boy, mind you....he's 4 years old, tells me that I am incorrect. It is a real phone. He proceeds to turn it on and show me the menu on this Nokia. My mouth drops open and I turn to the teacher and she says, "yes, that's his phone." Holy Cow! Right?! The teacher also lets me know that he has a type of MP3 player in his backpack that plays full length movies.

So, I ask you....what is this child going to desire when he's 16? A vacation home on the beach? A sports car? And I am hoping that Thomas does not come wanting to add a cell phone to his Christmas wish list. I found this bit of information rather alarming as a parent and just had to share it with you. (You can close your mouth now.)