Ground Zero

This is Owen's big boy bed. His new found freedom has become ground zero of sleep struggles (not to be bested by Mitchell's desire for a 4 am snack) and the bane of my existence. My great crib sleeper has turned into an exceptionally early riser demanding to come in bed with us - never a good idea - or to have one of us sleep with him - equally unappealing. Sleep deprivation in the Linker house is at an all time high.

Enter the "okay to wake" clock that turns green when it's time to get out of bed, 6am in our case, and the sleep chart. Seriously, what has become of my life?

I'd like to say that these tools have been working like a charm but that would be a flat out lie. Today, I'm afraid, is another three cup of coffee day. There were tears and tantrums between 5 - 6am when the light finally turned green. We can only hope that tomorrow will be better.

It comes as no surprise that Steve is the good cop in this scenario. This morning as we were coming downstairs for breakfast Owen told me, "I love my Daddy." I responded, "I know, Owen. Your Daddy is nice." Being a Mom is so humbling. Time for this bad cop to have that third cup of coffee.

Why Are You Crying?

My Mom sent me the very funny book, Reasons My Kid is Crying. The book is based on a blog started by a father documenting the irrational reasons his toddler was crying such as...his cheese stick broke in half or his popsicle was cold or he couldn't play with broken glass. You get the picture. Well, yesterday I was able to capture such a moment at our house.

Owen is crying because he wanted the wings on his rocket ship to open. The story behind the story is that the wings do, in fact, open. I just didn't know it. Sorry Owen!

The Interview

Another birthday, another snow storm. Two out of three of Owen's birthdays have been marked by nasty weather. This year, we celebrated the day before the storm with an outing to Mystic Aquarium, a trip to the gift shop (see above) and cupcakes with friends.

Additionally, as suggested on Pinterest, I conducted a birthday interview. It's an abbreviated version, that I assume will be more comprehensive, and more interesting, in subsequent years. 

1. What is your name? Owen (We started off easy)

2. How old are you? Three

3. What is your favorite thing to do? Play with the Gup-X and the Captain (He's Octo-obsessed)

4. What do you want to be when you grow up? A witch (Okay?)

5. What is your favorite food? Cantaloupe (Owen, what happened to the noble muffin?)

6. Who is your best friend? Mitchell and Daddy (Awwww)

7. Who makes you laugh? Mommy (Obviously), and Owen (It's a good thing he's modest!)

8. What is your favorite time of the day? Breakfast time (Naturally)

9. What do you like to learn about? Penguins

10. Where is your favorite place to go? The aquarium

11. What is your favorite book? The monster book (Not sure about this one?)

12. If you had one wish, what would it be? The Gup-X!

NOOOOOO!

YESSSSSSS!

"Fun" in the Snow

While you wouldn't know it from the media coverage, Rhode Island was hit by last week's blizzard. Natives of the Ocean State have an inferiority complex and after living here for three years, I kind of get it. No one outside of Rhode Island cares about Rhode Island.

Grandma was able to make it here from Chicago before the storm hit and was lucky enough to hunker down in the sick house to care various for Linkers battling runny noses, coughs, ear infections, sinus infections and cabin fever.

 

Owen has been so excited for snow. During the snowstorm we prepped him for all the fun we would have playing in the snow and making a snowman. Well, our "fun" in the snow lasted exactly five minutes before sending us straight back inside.

Hmm...maybe next year?