Gross

Blake and Parker (and Mommy too...) have been taking full advantage of the lack of rain, by spending their mornings, afternoons and early evenings playing outside. They are in a constant competition to find bugs, rocks, sticks, and anything else that can be used to throw, poke and harm each other.

Yesterday I hear Blake screaming, "Mergency! Mergency! Mergency! Mooooommmmmmmmy!!!!"

I come racing through the house, through the back door and out to the patio.

Blake is standing with his arm outstretched and finger pointing to his little brother's face.

"Mommy! Parker has a slug on his face!!!"

I stopped, looked closely, and then turned around and went inside to look for a tissue to wipe Parker's nose.

Oh Lulla

If you haven't had the chance to meet a very special member of the Needham family, let me take the time to introduce Lulla.

Lulla is light blue and dark brown, (and not because of the constant abuse she receives). Her measurements are 36 by 26. She has a special tag where you can place one, two year old sized finger for optimal dragging. Lulla came into Parker's life moments after he entered this world. They have been soul mates ever since. Sleep doesn't not happen in our house, or anyone elses, if Lulla is not a part of the process.

Most recently, Lulla's role as "the comforter" has evolved. She now is working in area of torn books and punched thighs.

Last week, Parker was looking through a book on the floor, and turned a page too fast. One of the pages ripped, and he burst into tears. I bent down to talk to him and he bolted out of the room. Moments later he returned with Lulla in tow. Through tears, he roughly rubbed Lulla all over the book. "Oh Lulla, Oh Lulla...book book book."

Two days later, after not finding enough room on the couch to share with his brother and Mommy, Blake hauled off an punched Parker in the leg. He glared at Blake, grabbed Lulla and violently smeared him back and forth on his thigh, all while mumbling, "Lulla. Lulla. Lulla."