Some like it hot

We're experiencing a little heat wave here in the Pacific Northwest.

And by "little," I mean it is literally hotter than it's been in Seattle EVER.

Awesome!

I've had several people mention that it must be nothing to me, seeing as I'm from the steamy Midwest. True, I've seen this temperature before, and with MUCH higher humidity. But still, 100 degrees is 100 degrees. HOT! Thankfully, unlike most people, we have air conditioning courtesy of the previous owners of our house. Apparently, they are wusses too and don't buy that "but it's only hot for one week out of the year" bullcrap they sell out here.

God bless them.

Meanwhile, I've been attempting to keep us as busy as possible without Bean getting heatstroke. On Monday, we met Coffeegrl and her daughter for the next stop on our Cupcake Tour of Seattle '09. (To be followed by the Donut Tour of Seattle '09.) She also knew of a lovely shaded playground nearby, so the kiddos could throw dirt at each other burn off the sugar. Tuesday we went with some friends to a local park that has a water play area. It was packed, naturally, and Bean was so nervous that he clung to me desperately. I was covered in sweat and toddler the entire time. But I haven't been this tan in probably 10 years. Today we canceled our plan to take a safari tram ride at Northwest Trek with our preschool pals, and instead I hosted a playdate at our house (see above reference to air conditioning). I kid you not, Bean slept the whole time. He fell asleep 5 minutes before the first guest arrived, and he woke up as everyone was leaving. So much for socialization!

Tomorrow we were supposed to meet IF Optimist, then... for some outdoor fun, but because of the heat, she suggested that we go to the mall instead. Which I'm pretty sure means we are going to be soul mates. Then on Friday is blueberry picking with the MOMS Club. If it's still too hot, we'll be going to another water park instead. I'd have more fun if I could get in a bathing suit. But trying on my pre-Bean suit evokes memories of the "fat man in a little coat" scene in Tommy Boy, and all that's left at the stores are hot pink leopard print bikinis and grandma styles with skirts the size of winnebagos.

I've been trying to let Bean play outside only in the morning when it's not too warm and our entire backyard is shaded by the house. He's been pretty good about not torturing me with plaintive cries and banging at the sliding glass door. My parents bought some outdoor toys for him -- one of those red plastic car things and a green wagon -- which have been serving as a wonderful indoor distraction until it cools down a bit.

I've also been trying to help Bean with some of his new skill development. Last Friday, one our preschool friends watched him while I went to the doctor. I was only gone an hour and a half, but when I returned, Bean was sitting in a high chair eating yogurt with a spoon. By himself. He also had learned to ride a trike and added another word to his vocabulary. I'm hoping if I keep having "doctor appointments" that eventually she will have him potty trained. And in college.

Today I put some yogurt in a bowl and handed a spoon to Bean, hoping for a repeat performance of Feeding Oneself with the Appropriate Utensil. Indeed. As a reference, Bean has written and illustrated a handy guide for those little ones out there who are on the cusp of this development as well.

Step 1: Use your creativity! Make fun designs with yogurt on your tray. (Don't forget to spoon some on your lap too.)

Step 2: Food is fashion! Drip yogurt all over your bib and rub it in with your fingers.


Step 3: Pour yogurt onto your hand. Just 'cuz.

Step 4: Bowls are for sissies! Dump yogurt directly on tray.

Step 5: Wait, what was the point of this again?

Step 6: Be polite. Always share with others.

Step 7: When you've mastered the first six steps, try advanced applications such as painting crackers with your yogurt.

That should do it!