Easter Day

Shortly before Linus woke up on Easter morning, I got out of bed and quickly hid our dozen Easter eggs for him to find. He got up shortly after that and approached his basket with a sleepy face. He woke up quickly as he excitedly looked at the jelly beans, chocolate rabbit, and other goodies. Then he started spying eggs in various places in the living and dining rooms. He found them all quickly and joyfully. One thing that did disappoint Linus was that he thought the Easter Bunny was going to come and knock on our door for a visit.

Later we went to a friend's house for brunch with them and their family. We celebrated with a bit of Ukrainian influence in the menu of borscht, boiled eggs, sausage, special bread, and homemade donuts with a rose jelly filling. Then we relaxed and played games with the kids. We really did have a wonderful celebration of Easter this year.

Easter Eggs

We hosted an Easter Egg hunt at our house yesterday. We invited eight kids over to hunt for eggs in the back yard. At the suggestion of one of the five-year-olds, the big kids (ages four and five) hid the eggs for the little kids (ages two and three). That was a great idea because it gave the big kids a fun job to do. The six little kids did a good job of finding the eggs and when they reached their quota they stopped or helped the others find eggs. With some prompting from Matthew, Linus shared a few of his eggs with Chase. Then we all marched back inside and watched the little kids open their eggs while a couple of the dads hid eggs for the big kids. I got a kick out of watching the younger ones shoving candy into their mouths and moving on to more of their eggs. In addition to candy we put bunny barrettes, rubber lizards, paratrooper bunnies, and stickers in the eggs.

After the big kids found all of their eggs all of the kids ran around the yard digging into their baskets, playing with the paratrooper bunnies, and generally having fun. We wrangled them all together to get a group picture and then everyone packed up to go. It all went smoothly and not a single kid ended up in tears.

Later I went for a haircut and when I returned Linus gave me a gigantic hug and said, "Thank you for coming home." Then, to keep the non-stop celebrating going, we colored eggs. Linus preferred to dip each egg into at least three colors. Those eggs turned a pretty brown color. I did one egg, Matthew did two, and Linus did the rest of the dozen. He really got into the process of putting an egg into a mug, waiting and monitoring the other eggs in their dye baths, and then moving the eggs into other colors.

(The one picture shows Linus and Chase interacting very sweetly together. The parents were taking pictures of the group and I zoomed in on the two of them.)

Visit to Lexington

We woke up at 3 a.m. the following day to head to the airport for our trip to Massachusetts to see Matthew's family. Linus was a good travel companion throughout the long day and was quite the trouper through the various car and plane rides, security procedures, etc. Before our plane could take off they had to de-ice the plane. Linus soaked up every bit of information Matthew gave him about the process and the plane. Our first night there Linus got to run around outside with his cousins, Wesley and Lorrie, and open birthday presents from them.

We experienced nearly a full day of rain there and that was one of my favorite parts of the trip. I continue to miss not having rainy days now and then. We had a really fun time seeing the birds and farm animals at Drumlin Farm. I liked the lambs the best. Linus still talks about the red fox.

While at grandma's and grandpa's house Linus enjoyed playing with the pine wood derby cars from Matthew's Cub Scout days, bristle blocks, puzzles (including one from Jean's childhood), and he got a lesson in how to build a cabin with Lincoln Logs. He liked having us read Richard Scarry books to him.

Our last night there, Linus had a tantrum that lasted at least 45 minutes. Nothing would comfort him. He finally calmed down and told me he wanted to go home. That was a break through, because then I could talk to him about homesickness.

Third Birthday Part 2, The Party

The next day we held Linus' party with his friends. We invited Chase, Barrett, and Lena, whose brother, Gabriel, came too. The kids were playing nicely in Linus' room with Matthew overseeing it all while the moms hung out in the dining room drinking coffee and chatting. When I felt the kids get restless I got them started on an egg and spoon game. I didn't want it to be a competitive race, so the kids were told to show us how well they could balance the eggs on spoons. I had them take the eggs from one basket to another. It turned out quite well. It was just the right amount of challenge for them. Then Gabriel suggested that he hide the plastic eggs for the other ones to find. Great idea! After a couple of rounds of that, I gathered everyone around to watch as we marked Linus' height on his growth chart. From there we transitioned over to the cake.

Linus requested a raspberry cake. I put together a lemon cake with a raspberry filling. I iced it with a lemon cream cheese frosting. I colored some of the frosting blue and made my first attempt at using decorator tips to make a pretty border around the cake. I knew I had to get some sprinkles on there because Linus LOVES sprinkles. I put a red sprinkle dot on every other blue blob shape in the border. After doing all of this I then had to figure out how to cover it up so it wouldn't dry out before the party the next day. Matthew helped me create a plastic tent over it using cans of tomatoes, a cutting board, and plastic wrap. Before we closed it up he put in two small dishes of water to provide some moisture. What crazy things we do to deal with the dryness here!

The second we all sang the last word of Happy Birthday, he blew out his candles. We couldn't have timed it better if we'd rehearsed it! Until he understands how to make a wish, I've been making his birthday wishes for him each year. I hope it still works if I didn't form the wish in my mind until after the candles were out, since he moved so fast!

While they were eating their cake and raspberry sherbet, Linus and Chase kept saying, "Mmmmmmmmm. Mmmmmmmmmm." Everyone was silly and happy. To myself I proclaimed the party a success.

Third Birthday

This year Linus' birthday celebration lasted over a week. The fun hasn't quite stopped yet. I heard evidence of this when Linus asked me today where his growth chart was. I told him I had put it away until next year. He said, "But it is still part of my celebration birthday this year."

On his actual birthday Matthew took the day off from work so we could celebrate together. Linus has been on a raspberry kick so I baked a special breakfast of Lemon Raspberry French Toast Strata. It was so easy to make, but looked gorgeous and tasted lovely.

As he opened gifts I tried to keep up taking notes of what he said about things, but it was hard to do. He first opened up a Magic Garden kit from Star, John, and Junie and exclaimed, "They're beautiful! Yay! Oooooooooh!" His comment when he opened a present from Stephanie, Brian, and Brandon was, "A book! A book! Look Matthew, a book!" He was hilarious as he tried to figure out what the present was as he opened the one from us that was Curious George pajamas: "It's this! It's that!" As he opened up each gift he'd run to his room to put them away. (I'm all for that kind of behavior.) He received an ant farm and ant book from Sara and Billy and he wanted to get the ants immediately. He asked to go outside and catch some. While he started playing with his gifts I started cleaning up and he told me, "You're the best birthday mama." What a sweet compliment that was to receive.

He loves all of his gifts and they are all perfect for him. Thank you everyone for your thoughtful gifts.

(He has been cracking us up as he gallops around the house on the stick horse we got him. He chose to wear his plaid shirt that day, which he calls his "handsome shirt.")

Three New Skills

In the space of five days Linus developed three new skills: riding his tricycle, dressing himself, and completing 25-piece puzzles. Last Thursday he was starting to get the hang of pedaling his tricycle in the backyard, so I suggested going out front and riding it on the sidewalk. He pedaled backwards quite a bit when trying to go forward after a stop, but he was so focused on the task. The next day Matthew stayed home with him while I volunteered for the Denver Public Schools' Shakespeare Festival and when I pulled up in front of the house that evening I saw Linus pedaling like a pro down the block. Now when we go for a walk I actually get a bit of exercise because he keeps pedaling and doesn't mosey along examining every little thing he sees. He does stop for ant hills and gets down on his knees to watch the ants. He's my sweet, little pacifist and takes great care to make sure he doesn't run over any of the ants.

Some fun things he has said to me recently:
"When we go to the library I want a book about monkeys drinking something. Water or juice."

Referring to a baby at the playground, "She is cute to my eyes."

When I went running out the back door to put out the recycling and I was freaking out that I might have remembered too late, he told me, "That's okay. Accidents happen sometimes."

Sliding Quickly Into Three

So, yeah. I'm worn out. Keeping up with Linus requires a lot of energy. We've been busy with the usual stuff: laundry, playing trains, pretending we're snakes, reading about meerkats, baking bread, playing in the yard, etc. The biggest thing to happen since my last post is that Linus is in bink recovery. After telling him for several months now that he is nearly three and needs to give up bink, we pulled the plug (pun intended) on March 1. The picture here is the one I took before I hid away his two binks. I didn't just throw them away because I wanted to honestly say that they were put away in a safe place. He cried the first night and I teared up a bit too. I think this is the first time we were pushing him to grow up. He has gotten over it quite quickly and I shouldn't have underestimated him. He asked about it each night at bedtime for about a week, but now it is as though he never used a bink.

One person advised me to cut the tip off of the pacifier and tell him it was falling apart. Then over a couple of weeks cut it smaller and smaller until it isn't satisfying for him any more. Neither Matthew nor I felt comfortable with deceiving Linus, so we went the cold turkey route.

Some things Linus has said recently:

He asked me what grape starts with. After I told him he paused for a bit and then asked, "Do all grapes start with G?"

Matthew worked late one night and Linus offered to help me do the dishes. When we let the water out of the sink he asked if the water was going into the recycling. (We keep our recycling under there.) I couldn't believe we hadn't addressed this yet because he asked about the bathroom plumbing a while ago and seems to understand that. We crawled under the sink together and I showed him how one sink drains into the garbage disposal and then joins the water from the other drain to go down through the basement, etc. When we finished he said, "That's fascinating! I'm so happy you showed me. "

While putting honey on his bread he said, "The honey smells like the bees that made it."

While eating lunch together he said, "I'm so proud of you and Matthew for things you do for me. Like drive the car and go places with me. And plant things with me. I love you." Okay, that earned him a few points back that he lost for throwing some tantrums lately.

(Other pictures are of Linus insisting that his stuffed animals get to have cookies with us and of Matthew and I as we got ready to go on a date to celebrate our fourth wedding anniversary.)

Favorites

Linus' favorite undies, the Thomas ones, photographed because as I folded the laundry I was musing over how cute little kid underwear is.




Linus has been telling me that a number of things are his favorite. When he tells me this he says "favorite" in that intense, drawn-out way that is mostly used by kids. I must admit that I still use it now and then.

Tonight he came into my office* and heard the Wisconsin Public Radio classical station streaming on my computer. He said that the music was lovely. I told him it was piano music and he said, "Pianos are my favorite." "They are?" I asked. "Yes. And bass drums, horns, and fifes."

Over breakfast we were discussing what to buy his friend Lena for her birthday and he thought she would like Thomas trains. When I asked him what he wanted for his birthday he said, "Morning glories. I like morning glories best."

He also said, "Candles are my favorite part of a birthday cake."

*As a stay-at-home mom who has always had a craft room, I'm finding that I need to clearly define whether I'm going downstairs to craft or to do work on my business. I'm trying out referring to the room as my office when I'm doing work. I showed Linus the logo concepts I got back from the designer and his favorite was the one everyone I've showed it to liked least. It has a lighthouse in it. It is pleasant to look at but has nothing to do with the business.

Sunshine and Clouds

It was a rough week in some ways. Linus threw so many tantrums this week. I think it is just a developmental phase coming with turning three soon.

We had a few really warm days and we played outside a lot. Linus found the first ladybug of the year and one day he played with a friend. They stacked rocks and grass in his wagon to make a giraffe habitat. He also had fun helping me water bushes and trees. He played a lot with the garden hose. He usually pretends he is watering zoo animals.

We were out in the car and drove by a CBS affiliate. He saw the logo and told me, "They sell eyes." When I asked, "They do?" He said, "Yes, to put on your face. And eyebrows to put above your eyes."

Over breakfast this morning we talked with Linus about giving up his pacifier. I told him that sometimes when a kid outgrows their bink, they give it to a baby. He quickly came back with, "The baby would tell me to keep it, its yours." The dentist told me he can see where sucking on the pacifier is starting to impact Linus' mouth. Linus won't hear any of it.

In the first picture, if you look closely, you'll see the very first letter Linus has ever written. He wrote an L. It is hard to see because he continued writing around it and the train shows through from the other side. Look near the train's eyes. Linus was using my mechanical pencil and he told me he wrote a letter. When I asked which one, he said an L. I went to look and was amazed that he had, indeed, written an L. Sure, it is backwards. It is still very exciting, especially since I haven't tried to teach him how to write yet.

In the second picture he is eating candy with the birthday girl. Barrett turned three and had a princess/knight-themed party. The kids all got dress up clothes to wear. Linus didn't know what a knight was. I said that knights protect the realm, help people in need, and get to ride horses.

The third picture shows him playing with sidewalk chalk on our patio.

All Sorts of Stuff

One of the limos


Linus waiting patiently for a look at Obama


Being super cute


If you watched any of the news about Obama being in Denver to sign the Recovery Act, well we were there! In the morning leading up to heading the one block to the Museum of Nature and Science to welcome our fine president, Linus kept bringing up the topic. Some of what he said included:
"Yay! Barack Obama will be happy to meet us."
"We'll clap and smile."
"Did the girls come? I really like them."
While smoothing down his shirt he said, "We are neat and tidy for Obama."
After saying that Obama might visit our house he said, "Maybe he'll want to use my crayons and draw a picture in my notebook. A picture of himself."
"What will he wear?" I said, "A suit and either a red or blue tie. Probably red today." (He did.)

As we walked to the museum we joined up with some neighbors and people who parked on our street for the big event. As a group we expressed our giddiness and debated from which way the motorcade would come and where should we stand. We stood very near the corner where the motorcade came from the north and then turned into the Museum drive. For it just being the motorcade and our not getting an actual Obama sighting, I was surprised by how emotional I was about it. It was hard to snap pictures, cheer, and wave all at the same time. There were three limos in the motorcade and I couldn't tell which one he was in. After the police let us cross the street to go back to City Park, we went and stood near the police tape that kept the people back from the Museum. We waited for a long time for an Obama sighting because we'd been told that Obama and Biden were going to see the solar panels on the roof. After waiting for over an hour I was finally able to convince Linus to go home.

The wind was terribly gusty and blowing dirt in our eyes. It was also rather cold. I thought the police standing guard there probably thought I was the one making Linus stay there in the cold, but instead it was he who had the courage or craziness to tough it out. He was sad about not seeing Obama. I knelt down to his level and talked with him about our both being disappointed, but wasn't it fun to welcome Obama to our Museum? He felt better then and we walked home.

Today at the bank Linus told the banker that Obama had been on tv and she was amazed that he knew who the president was. I just shrugged and said, "We talk about Obama a lot at home."

He and I have been running a number of errands to government and bank offices as I get my business started. I'm so proud of his behavior. At the Department of Revenue today he sat in a chair and read his magazine while I conducted my business. He behaves like a polite and well-mannered kid.

Preschool update: Linus didn't get in to either of the preschools to which we applied. Both schools require parents to commit early in March, so we'll see how far the schools get in their waiting lists. The especially bad news is that Linus is dead last on the waiting list at the Denver Cooperative Preschool, so odds aren't in his favor.

Preschool Disappointment

We received a letter today telling us Linus didn't get into Montview. I'm very disappointed. If I'm going to part with Linus, that was the place I'd want him to be. His friend Chase got in. I'm sure his other two friends got in because they both have older brothers already attending there. Life isn't always fair. One sweet thing on this topic: two of the moms had told me recently that they really hoped Linus would be in class with their daughters. I'm pleased that they feel that way about him.

I signed Linus up for a program at the Denver Firefighters Museum. We attended for the first time today. There were five boys attending. They started by playing on a rug with toy fire trucks. Then the teacher, Miss Bree, read a story about rhinos being fire fighters. She talked to them about what things have fire (matches, candles, stoves) and to stay away from them. Then they watched a little video about what to do if fire gets on their clothing. They did a fun activity to practice the stop, drop, and roll procedure. She stuck flames on them made of felt and then they took turns rolling around on a mat to get the fire off. For a craft they colored a picture of Sparky, the teaching character that fire stations use, glued a colored flame on him, glued him to a rolled up piece of construction paper, and they each can practice stop, drop, and roll with Sparky.

On the way home I complimented Linus on his courteous behavior. He listened to the teacher and did what she asked. A couple of the other kids played with the toys when they weren't supposed to and talked instead of paying attention.

Dress Up

Linus and I went to a thrift store in search of pants in size 3T and some clothes for him and his friends to play dress up. I was thrilled to find a pair of red cowboy boots that are only a few sizes too big for him. We went through the racks trying to find a cowboy shirt and instead ended up with this patriotic one that looks appropriate to wear in a rodeo. We also found the fancy pink hat and a green purse. Here is the ensemble he put together when we got home.

He was pretty excited about the prospect of playing dress up, but hasn't played with any of it since. He is perfectly content to pretend he is wearing a hard hat. This morning his hard hat was a cardboard box he put on his head. The only way he would let me sweep the house was if I pretended I was a construction worker moving dirt.

Linus' Two Cents Worth

After eating one tangerine, he asked for another one. After a few bites of it he told me, "This is an exceptionally good one." It struck me as being a very well developed sense of taste and difference.

This morning Matthew helped Linus put a different outfit on the Madeline doll and as the two of them headed upstairs I could hear Linus say, "I like Madeline best. She's my friend."

Last night I was in my craft room doing work for my new business. As Linus headed toward the door I could hear Matthew warn him that "mama is working." Linus replied, "That is insane of her." Matthew and I both busted out laughing. It was appropriate commentary on several levels.

He's been having more tantrums lately. During one of his bouts of being contrary he blamed it on his body. Here is how the conversation went:
Me: Tell your body to behave.
L: My body isn't being have!
Thirty seconds later he hugs me.
L: My body is hugging your body.
M: I like your body.
L: I like your body too.
M: I also like your mind.

(Pictures are from Linus' first pony ride and the first time he's eaten with chopsticks. I got him cheater chopsticks for Christmas.)

Knife Lesson

A few weeks ago I gave Linus his first hands-on knife lesson and had him slice up two zucchini for the pasta dish we made together for supper. He is very good about listening to and following directions. I kept a very close eye on him the entire time and was impressed at how careful he was being.

He tends to be a careful kid. He climbs down things instead of jumping off of them and he is cautious as he climbs tall structures at the play ground. For the most part he makes sound decisions regarding safety. Even so, I don't let my guard down too much. I can just imagine trying to explain to the emergency room personnel why my two-year-old was using a knife.

A few days ago I accidentally tipped over the kitchen trash can and it made a loud thump sound. Linus called in from the living room, "Are you okay mama? Do you need me?" He truly is a sweetheart.

We're Alive

We are all alive and doing okay. I'm just worn out by the pace of a nearly-three-year-old kiddo.

1.20.09

January 20, 2009 isn't a date Linus will commit to memory, but I shall carry the memory for both of us. He and I went to watch Obama's inauguration at Rich's and Lisa's house with other friends from the neighborhood. We watched the parade at home in the afternoon while eating lunch and playing. Linus was very interested in talking about Sasha and Malia moving into a new house. When the moving trucks were shown on the tv he was concerned that their trains and stuffed animals would be moved in.

At night all three of us attended a party hosted by other neighbors, Lon and Wendy. It was wonderful to spend time with friends and new acquaintances, reveling in the magic of the day. Linus got to bed an hour and a half late and passed out almost immediately. I was emotionally drained but still hyped up at bedtime. I have yet to have a chance to absorb and process all of the symbolism of yesterday and what it all means to me.

I woke up this morning feeling buoyant and very conscious all day that Obama was already at work tackling the challenges our nation faces at this time. Linus wanted to be the first to open the newspaper and pointed out the First Family on the front page. He named off Barack Obama, Michelle, Malia, and Sasha.

Parades

Since attending the holiday parade in December, Linus has liked to play parade. He insists on leading the way and distributes instruments to me as he sees fit. A few days ago I took him downtown for the Western Stock Show parade and now he tells us about steers, horses, and cowboys marching in our parades at home.

I was afraid we wouldn't get a good viewing spot and I'm no longer able to boost Linus up onto my shoulders. I needn't have worried; there wasn't much of a crowd where we went along the parade route. We met a nice woman from Colorado Springs who was there to photograph her husband riding by on horseback representing a group that worked security during the Democratic National Convention in August. She took the picture of Linus and me together. We don't have many pictures together, so each one is worth a lot to me.

The grand marshall was Baxter Black, a cowboy, poet, and humorist, known on NPR as the Cowboy Poet. When he rode by on a wagon pulled by horses, I yelled out to him, "Hooray, Cowboy Poet." I don't read his poetry or follow him in any particular way, but one doesn't get many chances to cheer for a poet. If Linus were older he would have been mortified. Tee, hee. Baxter Black did give me a big smile in return.

Matthew and Linus have been tending to me as I recover from having my wisdom teeth removed on Friday. I'm healing fine. When we remind him that my mouth is sore he tells us, "My mouth is sore too because I'm growing a new tooth." He has had the first of his two-year molars coming in for weeks now.

Pig Tails

I'm so glad I captured this shot of Chase cleaning paint off the back of Linus' arm. I see a lot of sweetness in this. The two had been painting on sliding glass patio doors with window paint, which Linus thought was so cool. Then they had fun wiping the paint off with wet paper towels. When I started cleaning Linus up, Chase jumped in to clean off his arm. Her pig tails are adorable. All of his girl friends have long enough hair that they can wear pig tails.

Linus and his friends have been playing so well together. It is really fun to listen in on them using their verbal skills. An example:

Linus: Can I have them when you are done? Would that be alright?
Chase: Yes, when I'm done.
Linus: Okay. Thank you.

Linus and Chase ate lunch together and before leaving the table he sweetly asked, "May I please be excused?" Langley was so impressed. This example of fine manners was cancelled out by how he drank his milk. She served each child their milk in their own little pitcher. This way they could have the fun of pouring their own milk into their glasses. Linus' pitcher was a creamer in the shape of an elephant. He loved it and proceeded to drink his milk from the elephant's trunk. This gave Chase the giggles and the two had a giggle-fest all through lunch.

We are feeling lots of bread love in our house. Thanks to my new high-altitude cookbook from Matthew, I've been cranking out loaf after loaf of delicious bread. Today we polished off an entire loaf of cinnamon raisin bread between the three of us. I guess I can't make that one too often if we are going to be so piggy about it.

Dinosaur Ridge

We drove out to Morrison yesterday to visit Dinosaur Ridge. In the 1870's several dinosaur fossils were found for the first time here, including the Stegosaurus, Apatosaurus, and Diplodocus. What was most remarkable to see on the tour were the dinosaur tracks that we could clearly see because staff shaded them in with charcoal twice a year. I don't know that Linus learned much about dinosaurs, but he had fun getting on and off the bus and doing a bit of climbing. Our tour guide was wonderful about helping him climb. Later last night Linus did talk about wanting to see real dinosaurs and I explained that they are extinct.

The wind was very blustery up there in the foothills, but we were fitted out in new knit hats from BryAnn. It was fun to all wear new hats at the same time!

We have visited the two preschools that we are considering for Linus for the fall. Both are parent cooperatives and are play-based. They are what we want for Linus, but both schools have waiting lists and use lottery systems to fill the slots, so we'll just have to wait and see if they pull Linus' name. I prefer Montview because it is close to our house, we've heard great things about it from parents we know, and it really felt like kid heaven. The playground has won awards and features a sliding hill and a great circular paved path that goes around the playground equipment. Kids were riding trikes and scooters around and around. The classrooms had a great vibe. The kids were active and having a good time and I liked what I saw of the teachers. Of course if he doesn't get in, he'll stay home with me for another year. I'd be happy about that, too.

Musical Beginnings

One of the interesting things I've noticed is that Linus sways or bobs around when he plays instruments. You can see a bit of this in this video.

Our New Life

With trains in our house, very little is the same as before. Strangely, Linus' favorite activity is to pretend to shop for trains. He loads all of his trains, cars, trucks, etc. into his shopping cart and has me ring him up at the kitchen counter. Personally, I'm rather bored with this, but I am getting better at remembering each engine's name. It seems that no matter what we are doing, Linus mentions the Thomas trains. Any time we walk anywhere he insists on leading the way and being Thomas and he relegates us to being Annie and Clarabell. It is nearly impossible to dress him any time before 10 a.m. because he is too busy playing to stop for even a couple of minutes.

Posted is a picture of Linus actually playing something else. He thinks it is funny to knock down the bowling pins. I have to keep reminding him to back up so he doesn't knock the pins over directly with his hands.

Tidbits:
When he left for work Matthew told Linus, "Have a good Wednesday." Linus laughed and said, "That's funny." Matthew was already gone when Linus repeated it to himself and laughed again.

We were dancing around pretending to do ballet and he told me, "You're supposed to leap way up in the air!" Then he said, "That might not be a good idea for me."

When we were decorating the Christmas tree he enjoyed unpacking the homemade ornaments. He kept exclaiming how cute they were. When he saw the one I made for his first Christmas he said, "I like this one best. Mama made it for me."

We were out shopping and while standing in a check out line he started up a conversation with a girl who was around four years old.
L: I'm wearing a coat.
Girl: I'm wearing a new shirt.
L: I got Diggity Dog.
Girl: I have no idea what he is talking about.

When Matthew returned to work after being home five days for Christmas, Linus and I both missed him. He said, "I miss Matthew. You miss Matthew. Matthew misses his self."

Today it is 60 degrees so Linus and I packed up a little picnic to eat at the Garden. We were watching the construction just outside the entrance and then Linus grabbed my hand to pull me into the Garden because "Matthew is lonely." Matthew joined us for a picnic and Linus told Matthew, "I miss you. It is fun when you stay home all morning. I miss you, but mama keeps me company."