Sweep Away the Monsters

A couple of weeks ago after reading the book "Where the Wild Things Are" a few too many times, Ethan started having nightmares about monsters. He would wake up in the middle of the night, screaming, "the monsters are going to eat me all gone". Not fun, especially at 2am. Then it got to the point that he didn't want to go to bed either. He told me that the monsters were under his bed waiting for him. Where he got this idea from, I haven't a clue, but if there is one thing that I don't deal well with, it is bedtime battles. By the time I finish work, drive home, make dinner and clean up, the last thing I can handle is having a child that won't go to bed. So I set out to find a solution.

Luckily, one of my colleagues had a great one: the monster broom. I was armed with a new plan.

That night, I got a small broom out of the closet and shared my new knowledge with Ethan. "Ethan, mommy's friend at work told her that monsters are afraid of brooms. Right now we are going to sweep all of the monsters out of your room. Afterwards, we will leave the broom by your dresser so that they stay away. FOREVER."

I have to say, he looked a little skeptical when I swept the floor, but he did make sure I got underneath the whole bed. That night, when I tucked him in, I reminded him that the broom would keep the monsters away all night long. And voila, he went right to sleep, and didn't wake all night long. Amazing. Since then we have not had any issues. I am forever indebted my friend for the brilliant idea that allowed me to resume a peaceful night's sleep. Now lets hope he doesn't learn about witches!

Happy Belated Valentine's Day!

Party Weekend!

It has been a busy weekend! Yesterday we had a party for about 15 kids and 30 adults to celebrate Ethan's birthday. We got super-lucky with the weather and were able to have it outside--the high yesterday was 65!

A few of our balloons got away, if you look really closely, you can seem them floating above Mt. Tam.

We held the party at a park by our house, and even rented a jumpy house--which was a huge hit with the 3-year-old crowd. Jason actually went in it too and said it was so tiring! Needless to say, Ethan took a great nap afterwards.

In the evening, we went down to the city to celebrate great-grandpa's 87th birthday! Had a yummy dinner, and a second round of cake. Talk about sugar overload. But we are very thankful that we got to celebrate with him!

And today, we are having some friends over for a superbowl party....

Happy 3rd Birthday, Ethan!

Today, we are celebrating Ethan's 3rd birthday! Amazing, I cannot believe he is 3!!!

A list of his favorites on his third birthday:

Favorite color: pink
Favorite shape: triangle
Favorite friend: Shelby
Favorite dinner: french toast (we made it tonight!) or chicken tikka masala, depending when you ask.
Favorite toy: Pepito, his stuffed monkey
Favorite TV show: Jake and the Neverland Pirates
Favorite song: wheels on the bus


We realized tonight as we were celebrating that this is the fourth different home that we have celebrated in since he was born--I cant believe how transient we have been. The next birthday will be a new home too, but hopefully that will be the last new place for a long time!

This is the first birthday that he seems to understand. He told all his school friends that it was his birthday, and was so excited all day long. For a present, we gave him a little piano, which so far has been a big hit.

Happy Birthday, Ethan. We love you!