kicking and screaming

we've had a week-long flu bug that has almost killed us. okay, I'm being slightly dramatic, but it was a rough couple of days there. Luke and Ben were the only ones not infected and I am crossing my fingers they stay healthy. Aaron had to come home from work because he was sick, which never happens. Poor Zacky has been SO lethargic, he literally hasn't moved since Wednesday. Simon has lost 20 lbs and now weighs the same as he was born. Being pregnant and sick is no fun, and cleaning throw up all day is the cherry on top. It seems like that's all I've done this past week. Anyway, I'll stop complaining... and exaggerating.

The other day, while I was trying to get caught up on laundry (something that multiplies with illness) Simon was screaming, "Help! Mom!" from the staircase. I thought he had thrown up again, but instead I found him trying to carry a small watermelon up the stairs. This was after he hadn't eaten anything in over 48 hours and all of the sudden, he was hungry! Luke said he watched him climb off the counter with the watermelon in his hands, and I totally believe it. He's our little monkey.

He wouldn't smile for the camera because he wanted me to take it from him and cut it up. He gulped half of this "melon melon" in one sitting... and threw it up about 20 minutes later.

He's been talking up a storm these past few weeks and I feel terrible about the fact that I haven't filmed any of it. He's been my earliest talker (by far) and is starting to put several words together... although I am sure our family is the only one that can understand what he's saying. Some of his favorite phrases are: see ya later, good girl, sunny, I want it, and I love you. The other day, with temps at 103, he wanted to be carried- which never happens- he lifted up both arms and said, "Mom, I carry you." He's said it everyday several times since and it's so darling. I never want to put him down!

One of the silliest things he says is "actually" before he starts to say something. It's so funny what they pick up on. His favorite words are "MINE" and "NO". when you tell him NO, he will scream it right back at you... he's not messing around. He is also very good at hitting, biting, kicking and pulling hair, while screaming "Mine" and "NO". we're proud of our multi-tasker.

He's a big helper and wants to be right in the middle of everything. He is always right by my side when I am changing a load of laundry and wants to be handed the wet clothes so he can put them in the dryer. If I skip over him and throw them in myself he says, "I do dat!" He is becoming a master chef in the kitchen. He has his usual spot in the stool at the island and wants to be scooping, pouring and cutting along with whatever I am cooking up. It's cute and also really annoying. He can unlock and open EVERY door in the house, including the sliding glass door in the back... and that's super "fun" with our dog. He will let her in, only to demand she goes outside again. He points and says, "outtide, now!" That poor dog has to put up with a lot. We all do.

Simon is an expert fridge opener and dishwasher unloader. It's so hard keeping him out of trouble and my house clean! But he sure is a cute little "helper". Just tonight, he was loading the dishwasher with me. Just as I was about to finish, he grabbed a little detergent cube from under the sink. He opened the wrapper himself and decided to take a bite of it before putting it in the dispenser. He quickly spit it out and said, "dat's yucky!" while nodding his head as if to tell me, "all this time, you were right. it is yucky!" He also loves spray bottles, and will often squirt cleaner in his own mouth. And we wonder why his been throwing up for a week straight...? I will be so proud of myself if I can keep this child alive until he's out of diapers.

Speaking of which, he's showing interest in sitting on the potty.. which is exactly when Zack started potty-training himself. I am not getting too excited here, but you never know. He's very aware of when he's poopy or not and will bring me diapers, wipes and powder when he needs to be changed. If I ever lay him down when he's not poopy, he will shake his head and say, "tinky." I especially love when his head agrees or doesn't agree with what he's saying..

He's into talking about body parts and will point to anything you ask him. If he doesn't know what you're talking about, he will take a guess and point to somewhere random, which makes us all laugh. And when he's really naughty or grumpy, you can tell him to spank himself and he will give his behind a good little smack or two (which quickly turns his frown upside down). Next, I am going to teach him how to whack himself with a wooden spoon...

Simon is a HUGE lover boy and it's really hard to stay mad at him for very long because he's just so adorable. He will hug and kiss ANYONE at ANYTIME. His arms stretch way behind his back and his lips pucker out so far, it almost looks unnatural. Before bedtime, he will give each of us ten or twenty juicy kisses and big squeezes-- it makes all of the messes and tantrums totally bearable. He is also a great sleeper, which balances things out a little, too. We sure do love our Sy-Guy. I stress just thinking about adding another baby to the mix, especially knowing how busy he is (and will be for the next year) but I just keep telling myself that if the next one turns out half as cute as he is, it'll be worth it.

I wish I had more pictures (or videos) to upload, but it's 1 AM and I need to get some rest. This motherhood thing really is the BEST and the most exhausting job I've ever had. Most days I believe I am underpaid and overworked, but you'd have to drag me (kicking and screaming) out of this messy house... it's exactly where I want to be.