Hurricane Ike

A Category 3 Hurricane is headed for Houston and is expected to make landfall late tonight (Friday) or early tomorrow morning. But you probably already knew that. I bet you are here because you are wondering is how the storm affects the Larson family.

Our home is located far enough inland that we aren't concerned about the storm surge. Click here to see where our county is in regards to the coast. We are on the Southernmost side of the county. No evacuations have been issued for our area. In fact, we have been asked to shelter in place so that residents nearer to the coast can make an easier exit.

We are worried about the very high winds and rain that will accompany the storm as it passes our neighborhood. We live in a densely wooded area, with many large trees on our lot, and felled trees may present a problem if the winds are as strong as predicted. Loss of power is very likely, and with 'round the clock heat in the high 90's with very high humidity, I am not sure how long this pregnant woman and toddler will be able to hold out without AC. Our plan is to leave Houston after the storm if power will be out for an extended period of time. That is, if there aren't too many trees blocking our path.

Don't worry too much about us. We will let you know how it all goes. I like to read this blog by the Houston Chronicle. Check it out to see what is going on with us over the next few hours.

10 Reasons Ian is the Coolest

1. He got his first skinned knee this week at the park. That seems to seal his arrival to toddler-boyhood.

2. He calls out for "Mom" now when he needs somebody. (You were right Tori! Though I still cease to exist on Saturdays and when Scott first gets home from work.)

3. He just fell out of his Tonka Truck (because he was standing in it) and then scolded the truck, "No-No Truck!", complete with finger wagging. He also pretends his Tonka truckbed is a recliner.

4. He strings together several words to make mini almost-sentences. Like "Yunch, Jelly, Iiiit, Okay!" ("Let's go eat peanut butter and jelly for lunch") And he says many of his words sorta jumbled and backwards, like Sit Down = more like "Das Sown!" And he always says that one like it's a command.

5. He announces every burp and toot by saying, "Bup!" and "Toot!", respectively. I did not teach him this. But at least he is now ready for Cub Scouts.

6. He grunts "Umph!" along with me as I lift him over the baby gate, or as he leans over to pick something up. I do accept responsibility for teaching him this.

7. Ian punctuates many sentences with "Okay!", especially if he is requesting something. Like, "Shoes, Go, Outside, Okay!" It is very persuasive.

8. He can identify a tube of "Gas-gar-a" (mascara) and even prefers to play with a tube of the good kind.

9. Ian says "Thank you!" and "Mmmmm!" when he takes the Sacrament each Sunday.

10. Today a gigantic wasp flew by him, and he gleefully began yelling "Birt! Birt! Teet-Teet!" and chasing after it. I stopped him and explained that it wasn't a bird, but a very nasty bug. However, he picks up any bug he sees, so I may have made it worse.

Ian really is the coolest little kid. I love being his mom.

Tax-Free Diapers

A few weeks ago, Texas had a "Sales Tax Free" weekend for Back-to-School items. This mostly covered backpacks, pencils, tennis shoes and sweaters, but I was delighted to discover that "baby underwear", aka diapers, were also included. So we stocked up on our very favorite brand. Here Ian is enjoying the spoils.

Babies

Looking at some old photos of Ian has made me really, really excited about having another infant in our home. Isn't he a cutie? I can't wait to meet his brother.

Around 8 months old

Around 3 days old

Around 2 months old

Around 4 weeks old

Around 5 months oldAround 4 weeks old

Around 3 weeks old