Henry's hot tummy

Henry hasn't eaten much today, and no bowel movement. So, tonight when he started complaining about his tummy it took me a minute before I realized it might be gas or constipation. But as he was complaining of his tummy being hot, and then with both hands on it commanded me, "Stop it, stop it, stop it!", a shot of terror ran through me as I wondered what in the world could be the problem and thinking I can't stop it. In the midst of all of this I suggested that he had to go to the potty. A minute later he too said, "Maybe I have to poop."
"Maybe," I agreed, and we trundled into the bathroom.
No luck.
He started feeling much better and I was convinced at this point that it was a bowel issue.
Prunes. Or, as we call them, "Prunies." Lucky for me, Henry loves prunies. So, I cut up two, afraid to cut up any more for fear that he would explode -and he gulped them down. As it turned out, I guess I could have given him many more as nothing wound up happening, other than he started feeling better. Those and some dried apricots were all he ate for dinner, so I think after a prunie breakfast tomorrow, there should be some effect.
Whew.

Kev and I were in bed with Henry the other night, we had read all the stories, and just chatting. Henry lay there quiet for a bit when all of a sudden he said,
"Guys, Walter's sleeping. Close your eyes and your mouths. It's time for sleep."
Uh, okay...

Minnesotans

Walt and I were at the library listening to a gentleman inform the librarian (who we happen to really like, by the way) that everyone says, "how are you" now instead of "hello", and that he is "really tired of that" since "they don't really care". My back was to him as I looked over the movies and I found myself rolling my eyes over the fact that a Minnesotan would bitch about people being nicer to one another (whether they mean it or not).

The librarian, who clearly knew the man - at least to some degree - stated that he should know that when she asks she really means it. He began to dispute that, inducing more eye rolling on my part, when all of a sudden the librarian interrupted him to walk away and do something elsewhere.
I nearly fell over in laughter.

Tidbits 2

At nap Henry putzed around for a long time before falling asleep. This happens sometimes. I always know when it's happening as it includes his singing, yabbering, putting his legs up on the wall, kicking the wall, crawling under the covers and curling up around my legs... Then sliding over my legs. Then, if things are really bad, he sits up at the foot of the bed and doodles around. But today it wasn't that bad. Finally I took on my stern "Don't Mess With Your Mother" voice and informed him that if he didn't stop talking I would leave the room (we lay there until he falls asleep - and if you have anything at all to say about that let me be very clear in saying: I do NOT want to hear about it). Henry, being sharp as a tack, had nothing else to say, however chose to make a variety of noises following my ultimatum, one being the loud and obnoxious snore. I swear to God, I was ready to jab my eyes out.

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After almost a week of pretty close to fantastic eating, Henry is back to normal - eating only when threatened or bribed. This morning was no exception.
Me: Do you want jelly or apple butter on your english muffin?
Henry: I don't want some.
Me: Let me be clear. You are being given an english muffin. On that english muffin would you prefer jelly or apple butter?
Henry: Apple butter.

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As I've stated, Henry isn't the best eater. He used to be a phenomenal eater and ate all sorts of good vegetables and fruits. Not so much now. But the other day he looked up from his yogurt and said, "Can I have some more please?"
Oh my gosh, I was so stunned. Teary, I offered whatever he wanted and suggested maybe he take some food off of his brother's plate.



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On the subject of food - Walter is a good eater. Today for lunch I offered some "healthy" hot dog (and by healthy I mean it came from the co-op and I am pretty confident that I know what it was made of), and I could not cut it up fast enough. As I put spoonfuls of it on his tray (because stupidly I assumed he wouldn't eat all of it), I found myself fearful that he might bite my hand. It was rapidly vanishing, and while I typically find little gifties for me here and there and - believe me - everywhere - upon taking him out of the highchair, I didn't find one hint of hot dog.


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Henry likes to play "Fishing", which is when one person is the fish in the water and they swim around on the floor waiting for the person sitting in a chair ("on the dock") to reel them in. I am typically the one on the dock - for which I am grateful - and when my fish gets near, he calls out of the water, "tow me up". Then usually, the fish is easily "towed" up and gives me a kiss. Pretty cool, and much better than actually fishing, in my opinion.


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Henry has been requesting privacy when pooping - albeit, still refuses to use the potty on a regular basis. As I was getting ready for work one day, I opened Henry's closet door to find him crouched in there. He yelled out, "Leave me alone! I'm working."

Henry's Nests

Henry likes to build nests. ("Yeah, sometimes I do." He says about this.)
His nests are well enclosed by a barrier of things - stood up and open books, toys, baskets, boxes, etc. Inside the nest one might find dolls, but certainly a blankie and a pillow - which I suspect is required of all nests.
He snuggles in and announces that it is "cumpable" (or, comfortable). It is always, "cozy and warm". Sometimes, like at our first soccer class, his nest was on my lap. And he did not stray from it.