Has Big Bird always been a whiner?

I loved Sesame Street growing up as I am sure most kids of the 70s/80s did. My brother, Russell, actually started reading at 2 from watching Sesame Street and Electric Company. He is also just very bright. As most toddlers, Patrick had a great love for Elmo (who if you will recall was not around when we were growing up), but not until recently has he begun to enjoy Sesame Street. Nicholas, however, loves Sesame Street and will watch the whole show. Originally, I was just turning it on for the last 20 minutes to catch the Elmo segment, but then I started turning it on earlier and he really loves all of the characters. Which leads me to my big thought provoking question of the day. I do prefer Sesame Street over the Nick Jr, Noggin world as I had three years of Blue, Dora and The Backyardigans. It was enough to make any sane person crazy. I have been avoiding those shows with Nicholas. My nerves are just not ready for them yet. Oh, and who can forget Little Bear. To this day, Patrick still watches Little Bear. I have seen every Little Bear episode at least 5 times. I was excited when Patrick finally started watching Batman, Scooby Doo and Garfield. Those were cartoons we all enjoyed at our house. Paige told us awhile back about Yo Gabba Gabba. This has become a favorite and I like watching it, too. Nicholas likes it so much that when I say it is on he says "Yoooooooooooooooooooooo..ga..ba" and immediately crawls up in his dad's chair ready to watch. Now, I know this probably sounds like we watch TV all of the time. We do not. I think I am just anxietal about Dora possibly returning to our lives for the next few years. I hope to avoid her. I guess that is another good argument for why to have your kids close together. To get Dora out of your life once and for all, never to return again...

Nicholas has been a real cutie pie lately. Sunday, he was having a big time in church hiding under the chairs and popping out at me yelling, "boo!". Unfortunately it was during communion, so I had to take him to the nursery. He has also been attacking stuffed animals. I don't know if he is wrestling with them or what, but he hops on top of them, growls and tries to smash them with his body. He is always ready for a game of chase. Whenever I tell him to come to me, he loves to squeal with delight and run the other way. He also loves to give a big smirk and one eyebrow raise when he hears the word, "no". He keeps us laughing most of the time.

Patrick got a new bike helmet over the weekend. We had to buy an adult one! I recall having to buy him a winter cap in the adult section when he was in kindergarten! I guess we have big heads in this family.

Chuck's boss is away on vacation for 11 days and poor Chuck has been working 14 hour days. It has been a long week so far...but we will press on with our local storytimes and adventures to the park and mall. We try and stay busy around here!