It's a....

It goes without saying...

My diet

I have this sandwich every day. Yum! Whole grain bread, pickles, lettuce, tomoatoes, turkey, cheese, smothered in yellow mustard. It's better than a slice of pie. Can I say any more?

Our routine

I have a confession. When it comes to TV, it is always on at my house. I don't sit and watch all day, but I do like the background noise and sporadic distractions it provides. (Though its rarely on after 6:00). The downside? We discovered cartoons a while ago, and now P's morning if filled with Super Why, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and Special Agent Oso. P doesn't just sit and watch them, but I can say he's learning a lot. He recognizes his basic shapes, colors, and most of all, he dances to all the music. We have formed a bad habit, though. Porter eats better under distraction, so breakfast is spent like this, in his high chair, in front of the TV. Shame on me for letting it happen, but he does ok without it too-don't get me wrong. The best blessing for me is that he can sit there for up to an hour if needs be, eating, while I take a shower and get ready in the morning. It provides the perfect entertainment, and I think it's better than cleaning up a torn-apart bathroom from my human tornado after my relaxing shower.

The other discovery? CARS! Now, Porter NEVER will sit and just stare at the TV, no matter what's on, however, we bought cars for the trip down to St. George, and he didn't really pay attention to it in the car. A few days later we put it on at home, and his eyes never left the screen. It was like magic. Though Evan and I agree we will not use this as a baby-sitting tool too often, it sure is a blessing when we need to distract him. For example, we had a friend over the other night and we wanted to play some games, but with P around, that's impossible! So we put on CARS, and he never bothered us once! A blessing in disguise!

Grandma, Double-G, and spring

We went to St. George this weekend! It was a short trip with my mom, sister, and little P. He absolutely LOVED it! It is so nice to have a little boy that just wants to play all day. We did virtually everything we needed to there without him tracking us down and getting in the way. He stayed downstairs and played with his older cousins' toys the entire weekend! We had several projects to do while there. One was to make, or buy, a wreath for grandma's front room. My grandma is all girl, old fashioned, and frugal. She loves the color pink. Her kitchen is pink-original 1960's decor, her walls are pink, her clothes, and everything else she can get away with. My mom and sister and I went to Tai Pan to price out flowers and get some ideas. We came across a wreath with NO greenery in it. It was beautiful. I was convinced we could make her one for much less than $130. We went to Michaels and bought the flowers and wreath, and 1 1/2 hrs later-voila! We LOVED it. Most importantly, grandma loved it! (under $60)
We also cleaned out the closet in one of the rooms and made a DI run. We took some old toys off my aunts' hands, and had a great road trip, not to mention the spring weather!
We also took P out to the Dairy-the one my grandpa worked until his death last year- so P could see the cows. He was scared to be put down, but liked to imitate the moos! Here's some pics of us at the Dairy.

We all fall down

P took a tumble at the playground this week. Though he was all bloody and hurt, he didn't want to leave. He cried at being hurt, he cried for leaving. Thus the toddler years have begun!

It's official!

Evan presented his dissertation last friday. It was a well thought-out, well thought-through presentation, one of hundreds he's done, though I've never seen him so nervous. His committee was there-all 5 professors, causally sitting at the back, and colleagues and family were there. It was surreal to listen to perhaps the most critical presentaion of his whole life. He did well. At one point, Evan's sister Terri turned to me and asked, "What language is he speaking?" To be honest, I didn't understand it either, but I liked the pictures. Evan did a wonderful job. They kicked us out of the room while they interrogated Evan for 30 min, then kicked him out to deliberate. He passed! He had a few minor edits on his paper, and now, he's submitting it to the library. The last step! Next week he will be officially graduated!!!!!

I'm grateful to have married such a smart, grounded man. Though his research and career won't save the world, or solve political problems, (I don't care about those things) he puts food on our table and money in the bank. I love you so much. I'm proud of all you've accomplished. I'm glad you're done, and I would do it all again just to see how happy you are! I love you Dr. Zaugg!

P enjoying his meal at the Olive Garden. Doesnt' he look happy? Happily he wasn't there at the presentation!

18 Months Old

Porter,

You've brought such happiness into our family. We love your friendliness and energy. "Hi," you say to everyone, and "bye" as well. There's nothing in the house that you can't climb. You love to help me with everything. You love "Super Why" and anything with music. You dance with your head and feet, and sing the Elmo song. You're still my shopping buddy, and act so well in public. You love to sleep, and wave good-bye as we put you in the crib. You love the outdoors, no matter the temp. Long car rides are getting better as you interact more with us. You know that the green light means "go go go!" You are starting to use your imagination and can play more by yourself. We love to hear your voice as you try new words and sounds. You love reading, and playing ring-around-the-rosy, but you don't fall down (at least not all the time). Do the rules not apply to you? We love you Porter-boy. Please always keep that sweet disposition! Keep the sensitive side that gives you sympathy for others, and always know you can do anything you put your mind to!

Love,

Mom and Dad.