Change we weren't exactly looking forward to

No, this post is not about the election...

It's about Ethan.

Since turning two recently he's really ratched up his level of energy and intensity. Over the weekend he:

• Learned how to consistently escape from his crib
• "Helped" (or tormented?) Marta by throwing all their toys into her crib (while she's stuck in it)
• Figured out how to open closed doors
• Rummaged through the cupboards and made himself "breakfast"

Probably the most exciting moment came yesterday afternoon after he took most of the tupperware lids and oven mits and put them in the oven—where they promptly melted and caught fire once Meghan turned the oven on to pre-heat it. (Note to self: remember to check the oven for foreign objects before pre-heating it.)

Ethan also opened the front door and went outside to play with the other kids... except he couldn't find them, and wandered in the direction of the creek. Barefoot. A four year old neighbor found him and brought him home.

We now have door knob covers, new outlet safety plugs, and one less crib. We still need some new tupperware and oven mits. With luck Ethan will yet survive to see his third birthday and any hair Shauna's lost recently will regrow quickly... :-)

—Michael A. Cleverly
Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 10:16