Megatouch: Our House

Lots of changes are going on over here. We've decided to reinvest our tax return into our house and are knocking off some big items on the "To Do" list we've been keeping since we bought the place. It's slow going, but little by little it will end up being something pretty major when we're all done.

Thought it might be fun to play a little game. Kinda like Megatouch, that video touch screen game at bars. (Yeah, I didn't remember what they were called until I googled it.)

Here is our place as it previously appeared. Pretty sweet, huh?

And here it is today:

Can you see the difference between the two photos? Do you?

I wish I had a great prize for guessing the correct answer, but I have a feeling we'd have a ton of winners. (Note: There's a clue in the picture.)

Monster Stickers!

Being the fun auntie must feel really good. You come over and the kid is incredibly excited to see you, squealing your name, doing a tip toe dance. You make googly eyes, give good hugs, giggle, cuddle, and swing the kid around and he melts. It doesn't hurt when you come equipped with special treats, like stickers, for example. Mom would never give a toddler a large book of monster stickers. Fun aunties, on the other hand, have free range.

Today's Best Friends

I like to ask W who his best friends are, but realize his allegiances aren't very strong considering the answer changes constantly. I usually ask him for his Top 4 Best Friends.

Here is today's list:
1. Dada
2. Mama
3. Jack
4. Dada

If your name isn't on the list, just wait. This kid's heart is a revolving door.

How Can You Protect Your Kid From Random Violence?

I've been terribly disturbed by the recent bat attack on two young women in Bucktown. It happened so close to our old place and reminded me the many, many dangerous positions I put myself in (without realizing it most of the time) when I was in my early 20's. It was pure luck that allowed me to safely make it home every night. Luck, not smarts.

As the parent of a toddler, I worry for his day to day safety. Concerns generally include running into the street, splitting his head open on the corner of the coffee table, falling off of a slide, or something of the kind. These seem to be somewhat controllable factors in life now.

What about all those jerks out there who somehow roam around with no respect for other people and no value for life? How will I be able to control his safety then? Check out my recent post for Chicago Moms Blog.