The entry falls under the heading of "TMI"

Warning. . . . if you have a weak stomach you might not want to finish reading this entry

Consider yourself warned.

I had a great day with Noah (who is on winter break from preschool for the next two weeks). He helped me pick out anniversary cards for my parents, played a bit, and then we had a "big boy" lunch at a fantastic Mediterranean place with my mom and Auntie Arlene. Not wanting to cook or hang out at home tonight we took Noah to the mall where he had dinner and rode the merry-go-round together. It was a nice evening. Until we got home.

Noah had not had a poopy diaper all day. No big deal. So we got home from the mall, got him undressed for his bath, and then he ran around the house naked like he does every night. Next thing we know, he is standing in the kitchen next to Dan and I and there is a big turd on the floor (at least he had the good sense to do it on the tile and not our newly cleaned carpet). While Dan and I were trying to process the fact that our son has just pooped on the floor, our lovely dachshund Elie came into the kitchen, put the turd in his mouth, AND CARRIED IT INTO OUR FAMILY ROOM AND ATE IT! When he was finished, he just looked at the three of us with this shit-eating grin on his face, as if to say "what's the big deal."

It's been an hour since this happened and we are still stunned. And repulsed. And it goes without saying that neither one of us wants Elie licking our faces (or any other body part) this evening.

It's Hanukkah Time!

And needless to say Noah has been having a blast. For the first night of Hanukkah we had family over and had a nice Shabbat dinner complete with homemade for latkes which were a huge hit with everyone, including Noah. Dan and I got Noah one big gift which we gave to him on the first night: A bike, complete with training wheels and an Elmo helmet with knee and elbow pads. Noah was so excited and he tried riding his new bike all over the house. The next morning we took it to the park but he didn't want to wear the helmet nor did he want either one of us to help him with the pedals. When I tried to help him he said "No help mommy, I'm a big boy." Whatever. He is determined to figure out how to pedal the bike on his own without help from Dan or I.

Since the latkes were so good I was asked to make another batch for the second night of Hanuakkah which we spent with extended family. 10 lbs. of potatoes took 2.5 hours to make. But it was worth it. Noah had so much fun! He got to make a gingerbread house with his cousins and he received so many cool things for Hanukkah, including new Wiggle pj's, a Bob the Builder tool kit and a cowboy dress up outfit. It was nice being with family and it's fun creating traditions with Noah the revolve around the holidays such as lighting the Menorah or saying the blessings. Enjoy the pictures!