From the Mouths of (Our) Babes

It's cool out this morning. We haven't felt this weather for a WHILE. Avery is thrilled. He immediately ran out into the back garden and asked if they could water the plants. He said, "When it's hot, you have to stay hydrated. Even plants."

We had a little dinner get together the other night. Avery was the photographer, and I think he captured something in his shots. I love that these are from the perspective of someone who is under four feet tall.

Avery didn't want to leave Juliet's side when she was staying with us. I am unsure she was used to such devotion. When told that he was petting her a little to hard, he was happy just to sit by her side. But no, we are still not getting a cat.

Avery showed me an off white colored crayon, part of a new set we just got. He asked what color it was. I said I wasn't sure. He replied with confidence, "It's MAYONNAISE!" Nan said we should call Crayola with the idea.

Avery had a bad dream last night and slept in our bed. When he woke up, he opened is eyes wide and the first question he asked was, "Mommy, did I come out of your belly button?" Just wondering.

We are babysitting for John's cat this week. She's very charming, and her name is Juliet. Avery loves her, and cannot figure out why she doesn't love him back. He's a little intense, but they'll get used to each other. He's been reading to her, singing to her, following her into small places where only a cat and a four year old can fit, and generally making himself available to her. So we talked about possibly getting our own cat, maybe some day. Avery had a great idea for a name. He woke up from his name yesterday to share it with me. He said, "Mama, if we get a cat, I know what I want to name her. I want to name her Chicken."

I came home yesterday and the basement was a total mess. Avery's friend, Will, stopped by and it seems they didn't have a chance to clean up. We discussed with Avery that friends can only come over if they all clean up together afterwards (it took more than an hour to straighten!) To remind everyone of this, I wrote up a sign and put it in the basement. The sign says (if you cannot read it), "Please Clean Up After Playing". I just left it in the basement, and Avery was playing. I came upstairs to make some tea, and things got quiet. I went down to check, and saw that Avery had a different opinion on the subject, clearly.

Two kids grabbed my phone off a table where I put it down to organize my bag for a second. They ran into the subway with it, never to be seen (by me) again. When I came home to tell Avery, he first asked, "Do you think they took it so that they could give it to their mommy?" Then, he followed with, "You can just get a new phone, mommy." I realize we've been teaching him that these things happen. Like, popcorn falls on the ground and you can't eat that popcorn anymore. And it's ok, you can replace it. It's a material thing. We'll make new popcorn! It's alright! Don't cry! So of course this translates into just get a new phone. ... (not going to dwell on all else that is scary about 1) two young kids being bold enough to do that in broad daylight in a busy area at rush hour and 2) whatever is available on that phone that I cannot wipe out---Hello Mobile Me for next time!)

Avery just opened the fridge and asked, "Is there anything in the fridge that is not greasy or drippy? I wanted to eat something on the sofa." And, clearly, he's not allowed to eat greasy, drippy stuff on the sofa.

The bowl of strawberry gelato Avery served to me: and the bowl of chocolate gelato he served himself:

Roses are red, and flowers are blue, and I love you. Avery Shore Gilmore, 4:26pm on July 11th

Avery's been waking up early lately, but staying in bed. A few days ago, he called for us. Walker went upstairs and he said he did not want to come down for breakfast, he just wanted to read, and asked for his Richard Scarry's Best Storybook Ever. He was up in his room for more than 20 minutes before I went to check on him. He was just reading, doing that little subarticulation thing---or whatever you call reading under your breath in official talk.

Even though Avery has two very healthy legs, he still likes riding on daddy's shoulders.

Why is it on the nights we go out we are always so exhausted, hMmmmmmMMMm???