Last night after dinner we went out on a search for a new park. We went to an elementary school on the west side of town with a map of the United States painted on the parking lot. We spent a while showing Henry all the places that his family and friends live. Then we headed around to the back of the school to the playground. It was quite a walk from the parking lot to the playground. I pointed the slides out to Henry. He said "That is far away. I can't go very fast I only have 2 foots not 4 foots."
When we headed back to the car we stopped again at the United States map and Henry proceeded to show us where he lives. Where Nana lives. Where Jason and Mandy live. Where Gramma Alee lives. Where Aunt Annie lives. And Florida.

We were looking over a few pictures of birthday cake possibilities for Henry this evening. He picked a train cake again, this time in the snow. I said "Okay Hanky, that is the one we'll have on your birthday." He said "But Mama when I eat too much of that cake I will get sick. And then I will be big and round like a ball."

Working...almost a little too well

We were just about to give up on Henry ever using the potty when my friend Elizabeth suggested that we try m&m's. It was the only bribe that worked for her when she was potty training her daughter. Generally I am not a fan of giving sugar to an already high energy little person, but we were desperate so we gave it a try and it worked immediately. He has been in his big boy underpants ever since. 1 m&m for a pee. 3 for a poop. Why this was not suggested in any of the 20 parenting books that I own is a mystery to me. Thank God for the advice of other Mom's. There is a problem though. Henry loves getting m&m's so much that he has been walking around with a glass of water since 8 am yesterday morning. He has two tiny sips, says "I think it's ready" and then runs to the bathroom. Even with the trips to the bathroom every 3 minutes we are all thrilled to see him use the potty. And it is fun to see him so proud of himself. Next stop....preschool!