Thomas is growing up so fast. He has always been a good talker and he continues to surprise us with the things he knows and remembers.

• He knows that Barak Obama is not really the President yet. When someone calls him The President, Thomas will correct them and say Obama is the President Elect!
• He knows that Samuel is too young to do some things like eat food, use the potty or play with his Wiggles figures – and he’s not afraid to tell him.
• If you mention anything yellow, you are quickly reminded how much Thomas likes yellow (and how no one else is allowed to like yellow because HE likes yellow).
• He has been reminding us for the last week that you don’t eat turkeys that are alive (apparently dead ones are no problem).

Thomas is starting to recognise letters and has even started spelling. His first word? Not bat or cat or tub. No, it’s Sam. And not as in Sam-short-for-Samuel-my brother. No Sam as in the Wiggle Sam. This Wiggles thing is out of control.

Put this under the heading of “Why didn’t I buy one sooner”? I had a rice cooker in Japan – 10 years ago. I loved it but never got around to buying one either in Australia or here… until last month. I love it. I love the fact that I can just turn it on and forget about it. I love the fact that the rice will stay warm regardless of the time dinner is ready. I love that it has a vegetable steamer and apparently I can make a whole bunch of other recipes in the rice cooker. Although let’s be real – it will be used to cook rice 99% of the time. And that’s just the way it should be.

Birthday party time again. This time a combined party for two little girls from daycare. The party was at the local community center which is within walking distance of our house so I didn’t experience the usual getting out the door frenzy of other parties. We also knew most of the people who attended and they did a book swap instead of presents so this was probably one of the most relaxed parties I’ve been to.

The other bonus – a huge gym for a group of three year olds to run (and drive) around in.

Happy birthday “Camellia”.

Two things I want to do this year. Do more arts and crafts with Thomas to keep him from going loopy when we are kept inside during the cold and wet Winter, and actually make (and send) a few little Christmas gifts. Enter Christmas project 2008. Thomas and I made the most of Samuel’s naptime and made a few ornaments to send to family around the world. I wanted to make pretty coloured christmas ball decorations. Thomas wanted the penguin and the bear. Thomas won. Oh well, at least we got a chance to make them a little fancy with the glitter glue.

We’ve resorted to bribery. (at this point I should warn you that potty talk follows). Thomas has peeing worked out. It is rare for him to have an accident these days and when he does it is only a small accident and then he manages to hold it until he gets to the toilet. He even pees standing up.

Unfortunately he refuses to do the number 2 on the potty. Thankfully he’s past the stage where he just did it wherever (I was SO over that). Now he waits until we put a diaper on him at naptime or bedtime. It’s so frustrating. He knows when he needs to go, he just chooses not to.

Enter The Wiggles. These are our latest bribe tactic. One wiggle of his choice each time he poops on the potty. Those who are familiar with The Wiggles will notice that I have only photographed three of them. Sam (the yellow Wiggle) is missing. That’s because Thomas has him. Seems The Wiggles may be working – or at least helping. They should. I had them shipped all the way from Australia.

Samuel’s view from the high chair. Not quite big enough to see over the top and he has trouble staying upright. Still, I can’t believe he is already eating solid (well pureed) food. 

I love that Thomas will spotaneously burst into song. No fear, no shame, just an enthusiastic rendition of whatever’s in his head at the time. Often it’s a Wiggles tune, but on this day it was “You are my sunshine”, standing on a chair and using a drumstick as a makeshift guitar.

I came home from work a few days ago and as soon as I walked in the door Thomas stood on his chair and sand “You Are My Sunshine” to me from beginning to end. It was just so adorable that there were tears in my eyes.

We were driving in the car a couple of days ago and Thomas was sing “Frog went walking”. When he had finished the song he said “that one’s in my head”.

Ours too buddy. Ours too.

This is the balloon that won’t die. More than three weeks and it’s still floating on the ceiling. In fact I don’t even notice it anymore – it’s become part of the furniture. I am tempted to pop it but I think I might just wait and see how long it will stay inflated. Call it my own personal challenge. Yes – sometimes I lead a very dull life.

Apparently we don’t wear matching socks anymore. I’m not sure when this happened. Thomas just woke up one day and decided that odd socks were more fun. And you know, he’s right. Besides, there’s no need to match the socks after doing the laundry anymore.