The difference of a year

I was feeling like I wanted to climb the walls yesterday--the rotten weather and too much time in the house with kids was making me a little crazy. Mike and I were also picking at each other a lot, and I knew we had to do something that would take the edge off. So we bundled up the boys and headed down to Pittsburgh. We called our friend Alan on the way down (we phoned Beth too, but she was busy), and within an hour we were meeting him at IKEA.

I know a lot of people (especially those who live in Pittsburgh) wouldn't be caught dead in Robinson on a Saturday, but we're crazy like that. And we had our eyes on a bunk bed for Evan. The bunk bed was Evan approved, but it wouldn't fit in our car with all four of us, so we're going to have to think of something else on that front (to ship it would cost as much as the bed, we checked). But the rest of the day was a huge success. Evan got to spend an hour in the "ball room" at IKEA, and Grady got to roll around on some soft beds when we were trying things out. Then the five of us headed to Eat N Park for a nice dinner, and we parted ways with a promise to get together again soon.

The day out was just what we needed, and I'm glad we made the trip. On the way home, as both boys slept, Mike and I got to talk a little bit. We were both amazed at how good the boys were all day. Evan had some small disappointments through the day (when he had to leave the ball room, when we told him he couldn't have a game he wanted), but he didn't throw any tantrums or get out of control. He just got a little teary, and then recovered.

Ev and Grady both did very well at the restaurant too. I have to say that shocked me--we used to avoid restaurants like the plague because they were an invitation to disaster. But Evan did great, from ordering his food to staying in his seat. G was very good too, happily sitting in his high chair as I fed him little bits of food from my plate. It was just so pleasant to be able to eat somewhere again besides McDonald's. Family-friendly establishments, here we come!

Mike pointed out that it helps that we give Evan ownership now. I think he really likes that. He was able to choose what he wanted to eat and drink, and he told the waitress himself. He was also given choices throughout the day, and we sometimes listened to his suggestions, and that seems to make him feel really good. It's a give and take that wouldn't have been possible a year ago, but with Evan's improved communication skills lots of doors are open that were not before. Is this the kind of fun stuff other parents have always been able to do with their kids? It's so nice to be in that place now.

But I've rambled on to long, and now Evan is up and he's rattling off his choices for breakfast. Time for me to go.