Not Dead, Just Dead Boring...

Yes, I know it's been a while since I checked in. Life hasn't been terribly interesting lately. Ethan's taking a little break from his job search while I get used to the idea of possibly going back to work in the near future. I got an unexpected call from a recruiter earlier this week that made me think it might be time for me to get back to the grind. Whether that particular call amounts to anything or not, we shall see. It has prompted me to keep my ear to the ground for other opportunities as well. If I were to nail down this position at the high end of the salary range they're offering, the increase from my previous salary would totally offset the cost of childcare. I couldn't afford not to take it!!

However, it looks as though unemployment will be extended through the end of this year, so even if I don't land the perfect job immediately, I'll still have that cushion. I feel very good about putting Tobin in daycare from this point on. He's extremely confident and social and happy. Not once has he pitched a fit when we've left him with someone for a few hours or even overnight. I think he'd settle into the daycare routine very quickly and really appreciate the daily interaction with other kids. Weather permitting, I try to get him to the playground at least 3 times a week so he can be around other kids his age. If it rains, we go to the indoor playground at our local YMCA. He's just reaching the age where he wants to really interact with the other children rather than just observe them.

Speaking of "interacting," this past Saturday we were at the playground with friends when he approached a pretty little girl a few months younger than himself (he usually prefers the older ladies) and gently touched her face. I said, "Be gentle! Why don't you give her a hug?" Instead he leaned in slowly, looked deep into her big brown eyes with his smouldering baby blues and gave her a kiss. Everyone who witnessed this let out an "Awwwwwwwwww!!!" in unison. He pulled back to judge her reaction, which was a look of complete and utter terror. Undeterred, he gave her a second kiss. This time she burst into tears. Still not getting the message, he leaned in for #3 when I finally pulled him away and redirected him toward another part of the playground. I blame the two toddler hussies at the play area at the mall who planted smooches on him right around his 1st birthday. Ever since then he's been trying to kiss every girl he can get his hands on. He doesn't bother trying to hug or kiss other little boys. He only has eyes for the ladies.

On top of being a total mack daddy, he's a daredevil to boot. I have no idea where he gets his excellent coordination or lack of fear of heights, but it ain't from Mom and Dad. Today he climbed to the highest point on the jungle gym for 5- to 12-year-olds (did I mention he's a mere 17 mos?)and went down the spiral slide all by himself. I clapped and hooted and hollered, I was so proud. He hopped off the slide and looked at me like, "Bitch, please! I do this in my sleep..." The only thing he hasn't conquered at that playground in the rock climbing wall. His limbs simply aren't long enough yet. I'm thinking he'll have it mastered by the end of the summer.

In other news, we're headed to Florida for 8 days in July to visit Ethan's Dad. Two of those days will be taken up by travel. Ethan won free airline tickets at his holiday party, but the only available non-stop flights were very late at night or very early in the morning, so we opted for connecting flights. It'll be a pain in the ass, but we're saving almost $700, so I'm not bitchin'. Will be nice to log some beach and pool time. I'm hoping we spend our share of Saturdays "down the shore" here in Jersey, too.

Other than that, no big plans. It's all up in the air. Could be working, could still be an SAHM. Time will tell. As long as it includes quality time with my two favorite boys and many mojitos, it will be a fantastic summer.