Day Three Hundred and Eighteen

The Mall Rats

At 4:00 AM, Adam, Ellie, and I decided to call it a night. We stayed up for hours talking – something that people just need sometimes – but it surely made for a late start to our morning. Adam’s 1:30 PM movement from underneath the covers didn’t exactly make for a fun day in the sun. Not to worry, the sun wasn’t even out all afternoon! The rain was instead. And that could only mean one thing: The Gardens Mall! 

I think Ellie liked our mall. Actually, I know she did. It’s quite a bit different than we’re used to seeing. And Hunter noticed that immediately too. In the center of all the shops and commotion, a gigantic water fountain claims the space and attention of passersbys. Especially those aged 22-months-old who can’t get enough of the brilliant water show. He was absolutely mesmerized. The entire day, he kept saying, “water, water!” When we offered him a drink of water, he would shake his head, point, and say, “no thank you.” 

Turns out: my nephew has quite the manners. And that’s something to be proud of. Ellie is such a wonderful mother to my precious boy. Her sweet, yet stern parenting skills have taught Hunter well. And at age two, when the year is supposed to be a “terrible” one, I think they’ll do just fine. I mean, look! This young man has already learned to share. And not just with his toys…his ice cream too. Ice cream! That’s when you know you’re on the right track: when your child doesn’t withhold the world’s greatest treat from you. C’mon, I don’t even like to share my ice cream!

I don’t know what this was about. Maybe he got sick of sharing? Probably not. Whatever was going on in his head, it sure came out adorable on his face! 

When we finally got home after 5 hours at the mall, it was lounge time. And much needed too. Uncle Adam arrived home around 9:30 PM and Hunter was quite happy to see him. I think at first, Big Boy was a little intimidated by the 6’4” person towering over him – I would be too - but now, they’re best buds and like to play on the iPad together. 

He even lets Uncle clean off his dirty face. That’s love. They’re so cute together. Melts my heart.

Uncle couldn’t quite get all the mess off of Big Boy though, so Hunter grabbed a few whisks, a measuring cup, and a plastic one, and we set off for the bath. This whole parenting thing really is nothing. I don’t see what the big deal is. It just can’t be that tough, can it? 

And then this happened. Ok, I reconsider. Poop in the bathtub? It’s bad enough to clean it from a diaper! Grossed out for sure. No babies for us right now. No thank you. Hahaha. 

Oh! Tomorrow, Adam pitches at 6:35 EST.