This week marked a return to the great outdoors, as temperatures remained above freezing and even approached the 50s in the afternoons. Each afternoon, we bundled Daniel into the Baby Bjorn carrier and got Edward into his boots, and a few times his snow pants--not for warmth but for dryness. We took walks around the block that lasted up to an hour, and Edward spent a lot of time splashing in the puddles of melting snow. In some cases the puddles were so large and so deep it was more like wading. Even the boots and snow pants weren't fully up to the challenge. Wearing them enabled us to stay out longer, but he still had to change socks and pants when we came in. A small price to pay for a refreshing change of pace. Daniel didn't seem to mind, falling asleep for most of each excursion. Yesterday, John and Edward even went to the park for a little while. They came home muddy and wet, but happy. Or, at least Edward was happy!

For indoor fun, we recently took out the play mat that had been stored away since Edward outgrew it. Daniel seems to like it and since Edward can't fathom a toy in his living room not belonging to him, he has gotten in on the action a bit too. We have to remind him to be gentle next to Daniel and not to use him for leverage when he tries to get up. It's a work in progress. We also attached the aquarium activity bar to Daniel's bouncy chair, so that makes TWO toys that are Daniel's, not Edward's. We are trying to explain that there is no need to turn on the sounds when Daniel not sitting in the chair or is sleeping in it!

At Daniel's two-month check-up, the doctor asked if he was "smiling responsively." We've seen the occasional smile, but couldn't say for sure that we'd ever actually coaxed one out of him. She also asked about "vocalizations," but other than "he grunts when he's trying to poop," we couldn't answer definitively. What a difference a week makes. Grandma and Grandpa came for dinner Saturday night and Grandma had him smiling and cooing up a storm. It's hard to get a picture because of the camera delay, but this one gives a pretty good idea of Grandma's "baby whisperer" skills.

In other developments, Edward has started getting himself out of bed without waiting for one of us to come get him in the morning or after his nap. At first we thought we'd just adapt. After all, we'd had a four-month honeymoon since we moved him from the crib to the twin bed. It's about time he figured out he didn't need us to get in and out. However, we're reevaluating our "do nothing" approach after a 5:50 wake-up this morning when the doorknob rattled and Edward came toddling into our room from the office. Those who know the layout of our house will understand our alarm, as this approach meant he'd left his room, wandered through the living room, kitchen and office, and then found his way around to our room. We didn't hear a thing until he opened our door. So now we're working on reminders to "call Mommy or Daddy when you wake up" and we'll see where that gets us.

The shamrock shirts are washed and ready for the big day tomorrow. Whether we'll manage to capture photos before they are stained beyond repair is an open question. Watch this space and find out.