Evan's Computer

Mommy went to a shop today and brought home the coolest toy - Evan's first computer! Well, sort of. It's actually a baby-sized keyboard that fits OVER a real keyboard, and after you install the software on the real computer, lets kiddos learn how to use the computer just like mommy and daddy do.

We haven't installed the software yet or even used the keyboard on the real computer, but Evan doesn't care. He is super happy to simply practice on the keyboard, any time, any where. We'll have him typing 100 words per minute soon...

Bounce-n-Play

There's a new playplace in town - the Bounce-n-Play. It's a huge space filled with everything any kid could want. There's a toddler area with a life-sized play house, tiny roller-coaster, dress up clothes, and mini-piano. There's an art area with tables, a huge color-on-me mural on the wall, and a glass shower-like space (pictured) encouraging kids to paint on the walls - they wash it down with a hose and squeegie every 30 minutes. There's plenty of space for birthday parties and a great cafe offering adult and kiddo foods. But the majority of the space is taken up by 5 humongous bouncy houses! Slides, bounce spaces, games, and general fun and exercise are encouraged and loved by all.

Evan visited the new space today with some friends, and had a great time. He loved the bouncy slides (we didn't take photos because my hands were full having as much fun going down the slides as he was!), and the art was a huge hit. Evan was too short for the painting smock, so we simply let him take off his shirt and make a mess. It was perfect! Evan also made his own play area by climbing the stairs then running pell-mell down the wheelchair ramp. What a ham.

Pictured with Evan is his friend Walker showing Evan how to paint on the glass wall.

Man in the Mirror

At our hotel at the ACC Tournament, most of the bathroom had mirrored walls all the way around. Evan couldn't have been happier - he loves looking at himself and hamming it up for his very attentive audience. After bath this morning, he hung out and made faces at himself. What a cutie!

ACC Tournament

Evan went to his first ACC Tournament this year, and we all had a blast! We drove down to Greensboro on Wednesday and settled into the hotel while daddy went to check out the arena and be at meetings for work. That evening we went with our friends to a party at a bar downtown, where Evan had an absolute blast sitting in the middle of the pool table, throwing pool balls, and generally being the center of attention.

The nights in the hotel were more adventurous than we were hoping for. Evan wasn't in his home element and in a small
room he can see mommy and daddy when he goes down to sleep, so he figured Why Sleep? He refused to go to bed and cried all night. We spent part of the evening snuggling on the couch since he was definitely happier in our arms, but the bulk of the night found Evan in bed between the two of us. It was great for a one-time treat. He very sweetly woke us in the morning by sitting up and softly patting us on the face. I could swear he said, "Action!"


Every morning Evan went down to breakfast in his UVA footie jammies and hat.
The ladies at the front desk gave him a pom-pom that is super fun to shake. He was so happy to have a breakfast buffet - yogurt, fruit, and potatoes to his heart's content - there's nothing better!

At the games we were lucky to sit close, and Evan paid extra special attention to Coach Tony to try to get some tips. During breaks in the action, Evan was more than happy to entertain everyone around him! He was quite the little star - he, mommy, and Sara made it on the jumbotron at least twice, and we found out via text that he was on ESPN for a moment too.

The Wahoos won their first game, so we got to stay an extra day. The second night was much better in the hotel, and the second game was a very very close nail-biter. All in all the whole weekend was tons of fun, and we can't wait to do it again next year. Go Hoos!

Bag Man

Evan has learned a lot from Mommy; most recently, the value of a good bag. He's taken to carrying bags around the house whenever he can. He digs diaper bags out of the closet, work bags from the office, and lunch bags from the pantry. Here he's carrying a Pooh diaper bag around the house, and his favorite, a custom-made AUCD diaper bag from one of my colleagues. They're just his size, and so much fun!

Animal Sounds Update

Here's a better video of Evan's animal sounds repertoire; in the original animal sounds post Evan refused to do all his sounds at once, so we pieced them together. Today he was a much better performer! Duck has always been his favorite, in fact that was pretty much his first word, but he's excellent at the rest now. He can spot a cow a mile away and has been known to moo in the backseat of the car when we pass a farm...it must be his Wisconsin blood.

Bedtime Update

Remember Evan's great bed time routine? He's added some new tricks! There are better (read: sloppier) kisses for us all, and even a great kiss for Ernie. Here's a minute of his kisses for everyone. We sure do love this little man!