Guess who LOVES cupcakes?

Birthday party pictures are coming soon. In the meantime, hopefully this picture will tide you over for the weekend. Dean had his Thanksgiving Party at school this week and REALLY liked the green, yellow and orange frosted cupcakes. His teachers reported that all the kids ran around the playground like banshees after the party, took horrible naps and were wild maniacs the rest of the afternoon. I wonder why?

Dean's 2nd Birthday

Since Dean's birthday fell on a Friday, we celebrated at home. His birthday party was the next day. After dinner, we gave him a chocolate chip cookie with a candle in it and sang "Happy Birthday." Dean thought it was really hilarious and laughed through the song. Maybe he was laughing at Chad's singing?

Dean, doubled over in laughter

He was very proud that he blew out the candle.

First, we read the fun cards everyone sent. Dean's favorites are the ones that play music. He likes to play the music OVER AND OVER AGAIN.

Then, the presents came out! We opened all the family gifts that were sent. He's asking if it is really okay to open the presents now.

(Moments before the "grip it and rip it" technique was employed)

This present was like Mary Poppins' handbag. He kept finding more stuff in there.

Finally, we read all the new books and played with the toys. He got some really great things. Thank-you to our family members from afar!

Fun Day At The Playground

24 Month Check Up

28.2 lbs weight
34.5 inches length
18.9 inches head

Dean had his 24 month check up last week (birthday pics are coming soon!). You may remember his previous check ups, here, here, here, and here.

His appointment went very well. Dean showed off a lot of words for the pediatrician, who was impressed. He is right on track for everything, so he only has to go back annually for check ups. Way to go, Dean!

Potty Training Update: Potty training is going very well. Dean gets rewarded with stickers each time he goes. We have a piece of cardboard he can put them on, but he mostly prefers to put them on his shirt. As a result, some days he has many stickers on there! Katie has to remember to remove them when doing laundry or it can get very messy. At school, he gets rewarded with a smiley face stamp when he goes on the potty. Katie is reserving some M&Ms for when potty training needs to get ramped up, but the stickers are working for now. Keep up the good work, Dean!

Name This Post Game

Back by popular demand, is the Name This Post Game. All you have to do is post a comment that best narrates or describes these pictures. The winner gets the satisfaction of a job well done. Happy posting!

Yes, That's a Nemo Bandaid On His Shirt.

At the end of September, Katie's mom made a quick visit to hang out with the Deaner. We had a wild and crazy Saturday night. The bandaid was Gigi's idea to help Dean overcome his intense dislike of bandaids by calling them "stickers," having Nemo on them and putting them on his shirt. Dean is fine with all of that, as long as it doesn't go anywhere NEAR HIS SKIN.

Family Visit

Katie's mother recently reminded her that she is behind on the blog (duh). She *helpfully* sent her a cd of pictures that she could post to commemorate her family's visit in August. In the spirit of Wordless Wednesday and catching up from our busy summer, please enjoy the music while you wait the photo essay.

He is loved.