Sweet Freedom

This morning, Emily enrolled Jonah in a daycare for two days a week during the school year.  That means I will be watching Jonah only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and will now have Mondays and Wednesdays to myself.  I'm absolutely giddy knowing I will no longer have to run errands, clean house, and take care of the company books on weekends.  I'll still need to get Elliott to and from school everyday, but he's enrolled in full-day Kindergarten.

The Jorgensens and I toured Brilliant Beginnings yesterday afternoon.  It's a daycare/preschool in the same complex as our office.  I immediately saw how their large play rooms are perfect for toddlers.  Without hesitation, Jonah began exploring, playing, and enjoying the toddler-sized furniture.  By the time we got to the third room, which was the tumbling area, Mike and Emily were comfortable leaving Jonah while we toured the rest of the facility.

I was the only one anxious because I'm still learning how different Jonah is from his brother.  If we would have left Elliott at 16 months, he possibly would have been traumatized for life.  Jonah isn't nearly as sensitive.  He's more a go-with-the-flow always-smiling boy.  I just wish he would stop long enough to give cuddles sometimes.  But I have no doubt that he'll eventually learn that hugs and kisses for grandma go a long way.

Thank You J. K. Rowling

Today is the release of the last Harry Potter movie.  I hope to see it sometime this weekend.  When I do, I'll be sure to bring a packet of tissues.  I know from the book that the last installment will be extremely emotional.  It'll probably be better if I don't wear eye make-up.

No one, including J. K. Rowling, could have predicted the phenomenal success of the "boy who lived."  Of course, that statement from the series now has greater meaning.  Simply based on five-year-old Elliott's enjoyment of all things Harry Potter, the boy wizard will live forever.

For years, there's been no doubt that J. K. Rowling is a gifted storyteller and writer.  But I am now seeing her as a brilliant business woman also.  She recently announced the October launch of Pottermore.com.  (You can submit your email address at the site now to stay updated.)  A recent description in Entertainment Weekly promises deeper character development, unpublished pages, and background stories.  As if that wasn't enough to drive traffic, Pottermore.com will be the only place to purchase the books in digital form.  Once again, thank you J. K. Rowling.  My Kindle is shaking in anticipation.

Don't Wake a Sleeping Grandma

Elliott stayed over last night and, for the first time, slept late.  In the past, he always woke by 6:30 A.M.  But, this morning, he slept until 7:45 A.M.  Just another reason why watching a five-year-old is easier than taking care of a baby or toddler.

Unfortunately, however, Jim and I were awaken at 6:30 A.M. by the construction crew next door.  Before we went on vacation last week, Benton Builders dug the hole for one of the two houses they're building.  While we were gone, they poured the foundation walls and, sometime yesterday, a load of lumber was delivered. Since they're starting with the house furthest from ours, the noise hasn't been too bad. That is until today.

This morning it sounded as if they were about to come through our bedroom wall. Not a good way to be roused from a sound sleep.  After taking a look, with several other neighbors, it appears they're now digging the hole for the second house.

I'm all for progress, especially since the house that used to be next door was an eyesore.  But I think there must be a city ordinance against excessive noise before at least 7:00 A.M.  Hopefully, this morning was a unique incidence.  If not, I'll be calling city hall and doubt I'll be the only one.

Afternoon of Legos

Elliott is due to arrive soon for a sleep-over. We're going to spend the afternoon building the Diagon Alley Lego set and, tonight, we'll watch Harry Potter movies.  I'm really looking forward to time alone with Elliott.  And, to be honest, I'm grateful for an excuse to play Legos.  I'm becoming a little addicted.  The only problem is I never want to break them down once they're built!

I recently bought  the Lego Harry Potter book. It's a chronology of all the Harry Potter Lego sets ever made.  Now I wish I would have bought every set as it was released.  One of the biggest Lego frustrations is that the only way to get many of the minifigures is to buy specific sets.  And since the older sets are no longer being made, recent fans are out of luck.  Of course, an older set can sometimes be found on Amazon or Ebay, but it's never less than several hundred dollars.

My advise is, if you ever find a Harry Potter Lego set at a garage sale or flea market, or on clearance, grab it.  I guarantee it'll be one of the best investments you ever make.