Broken Bone, Bug Hunt

Much has happened since my last post... last Friday evening Stephen took a head-first spill out of the jogging stroller (it was stationary at the time) and was pretty bent out of shape. We had company over for dinner and didn't see any blood, bruise, swollen area or protruding bones, so we figured he was OK. Poor Stephen was really unhappy and he wasn't using his left arm at all. That night he didn't sleep until I propped him upright in his bed with a huge retaining wall of pillows. So the poor boy slept sitting up right. He was still quite whimpery after the long sleepless night, so we took him to the pediatrician, then to the hospital to get an x-ray, then back to the pediatrician to seek the x-ray and learn that Stephen has a broken collarbone :(

So, poor guy can't jump on the trampoline, can't climb trees, can't play at the playground or pool. We can't pick him up and he needs help going to the bathroom, washing his hands, getting dressed and undressed.

To combat the boredom and frustration that this confinement might cause, I've tried to entertain Stephen in new ways... such as plastic critter hunts in the backyard, living room or porch. Here's Stephen on the hunt:

Cincinatti Trip

Last Friday evening, we drove through the night to Cincinatti for a quick day-cation with the Parrinos to celebrate "Papa's" 60th birthday.

There were some great views in Newport, Kentucky, where the Aquarium is located.

Though not as big as Chicago's Shed Aquarium or Chattanooga's Tennessee Aquarium, the Cincinatti Aquarium was just right for us, taking about two hours to complete. They were also quite kid friendly.

A ginormous puffer fish. He was like an overgrown football with fins and an unusual flowing tail. I wanted to take him home with me, under my arm.

Rockam enjoyed the views of several aquarium tunnels from the double stroller. Uncle Jack and Tia Cris were also with us for the weekend. They relieved me of Stroller Duty almost the entire time... cuz they're awesome :)

Stephen got nose-to-nose with a little puffer. I can't decide who is cuter.

Rockam managed to get some time out of the stroller too.

Ever since an aggressive Lorakeet gnawed on the webbing between my thumb and forefinger when I was trying to feed it at the Cleveland Zoo, I haven't been so fond of the colorful and cachophonious birds. But that didn't stop Papa from trying his hand at feeding them from a cup. No, I didn't ask all the strangers in the photo to smile. They all did it on their own.

He tried three times. Each time, the Lorakeet quickly snatched the cup out of his hand.

Until another Lorakeet came along and snatched the cup from him.

After the aquarium, we walked over to a seafood restaurant and had some awesome calamari (along with other food). Stephen LOVES calamari and requests it every time we go to a restaurant. Every restaurant. Sometimes it's tough to explain to a 3-year-old why Waffle House doesn't serve fried squid.

After enjoying Newport's quirky Levee district, we headed back to the hotel where Stephen went swimming with Papa and Uncle Jack. Once appetites were restored, we sang "Happy Birthday," slapped on our Spidee masks and feasted on cheese, fruit, pretzel rods, nuts and an enormous cheese cake. A pretty normal birthday celebration.

Spider women can shoot imaginary webs too.

Oddly enough, I think the one who looks most like a spider (Little Mr. StickyFingers)  isn't wearing a mask.

Nashville Science Center

Last Wednesday, we had a family day in Nashville. We took Stephen to the Adventure Science Center, where he ran through the galaxy, operated a digger in a ball pit, watched choo-choo trains, and climbed the tallest playground equipment Joe or I had ever seen. Here's some photos and videos of our adventure.

The altitude was making this kid crazy.


Steve can use a wheelchair!


Watching Daddy- aka "the drunken marionette!"

Walking pro

After being carted around the Paducah BBQ festival all afternoon, Munchie was ready for some green space. We let him loose on the lawn of the Quilter's Museum.

Cook me, please.