Dance, Dance, Dancin-Machine!

My son has moves.

It started last month, when he stamped his feet in time to a '60s cover band, during our family vacation. Then he added a head bop. And now, he's discovered the magic of spinning.


Unfortunately, he hasn't quite learned how to stop. Or how to go in the other direction. So he just spins, and spins and spins until he gets dizzy and falls down.

Case in point. Scott gets his groove on at Jim's company holiday Christmas party.
 

(And while it doesn't transfer well via still photo, here are some shots of Scott mid-groove a few minutes later.)

Perfecting the 'head-bop'

Working on my shuffle step.

I am a total ham!

I have to admit, I love that my kid is into music. And that he doesn't discriminate. Country, rock, jazz, holiday classics...you name it. All we have to do is say "Dance, Dance Dance!" and he obliges, with glee.

He likes to play too. He's got a xylophone at home and a drum set that he bangs with gusto. For Christmas, he's getting a toy piano.

I will probably regret fostering this love of music when he's in high school and playing the drums in the garage of our home at all hours of the day and night.

But for now, dance on, young man. Dance on.

Being "Mommy" is Job #1

Sometimes, you have to take a step back. Re-evaluate.

I've spent the past year juggling. Trying to create a delicate balancing act between a demanding career that I love and an equally demanding little boy that I adore.

After 13 months, a non-stop array of respiratory illnesses, ear infections, trips to Walgreens, a flood of tears, and countless stressful nights that have left me with a perpetually painful, deep shoulder knot, I made a very difficult decision: little boy wins.

In October, I went to my editor and asked to be reassigned off the Governor's Office beat. I told my employer that I wanted to cut back my hours and spend more time with my family.

I am beyond lucky.

My husband has been nothing but supportive as I've wrestled (and not usually gracefully) with this decision. And my bosses at the Republic have been beyond accommodating. My request was met with zero resistance, and a genuine desire to find a role that will allow me to keep working and satisfied professionally, while still giving me the flexibility I need at home.

Starting Monday, I cut back my hours. I am still temporarily on the Capitol team, still covering the Governor's Office. But those days are limited. I don't yet know what my new role will be at the paper.

But whatever it is, I am eternally grateful that I still get to keep working.

And even more grateful that I get to spend some more time with this guy. Could you resist this face?

Me neither.

Halloween roundup

Yes. I am aware that is Dec. 1.
I am just getting around to posting about Halloween.

But between the never-ending merry-go-round of colds, earaches, croup, one freakishly bad eye infection, a sick cat, buying a house, a week-long vacation to the Caribbean, and pneumonia, my blogging took a hit.

Month-long hiatus, over.

I need to memorialize Scott's second Halloween. He was here for it last year, but at a mere six weeks old, was asleep in my arms by 7 p.m., and pretty much unaware of anything going on around him. (He did look awfully adorable in his Superman costume though.)


This year,  I "gave" Jim Halloween. He indulged my book-themed first birthday party, so I let him pick the costume. He chose football. Shocker. But, somehow appropriate for our bruiser Tank.

I hit the big time when I found a replica Arizona State University costume online. Never mind it was for kids ages 4-6. I safety-pinned the jersey, and just let the pants be a little baggy. The only thing we couldn't use at all was the helmet. Still, a little of mommy's mascara smeared under each of Scott's eyes, and the "look" was complete.

That's one handsome footballer, no? (And yes, that is one adorable Minnie....Scott's slightly older cousin, Peyton.)

First up was a family trip to Boo at the Zoo, where Scott tried out his new walking skills. It is also the only family photo we have of the entire "holiday."

Next was the Halloween parade at Scott's daycare. He got to join the big kids in the room next door, and after an initial freak out, laughed it up like he belonged there.

Our plan was to go trick or treating in one of my colleague's neighborhoods. But as has been the case too many times in Scott's young life, he came down with croup the night of Halloween. (If anyone is counting, this is time #5.)

So we decided to stick closer to home. Cool night air is actually good for croup, so we loaded Tank on to his big-boy trike/scooter (which he loves) and cruised the streets in our neighborhood for about an hour or so.

Scott discovered the sheer goodness that is a lollipop, and, in the throes of a sugar high, was kind enough to share his second one with Daddy.

Oh my GOD! This lollipop is good, don't you think Daddy?

His cuteness generally netted him extra goodies at each stop, so by the time he got home, his football (of course) themed Halloween basket was overflowing with sweet stuff.

Scott charms yet another neighborhood candy-hander-outer.

Halloween #2 = big success.

Not bad for a first time stash.