After Checking this book out from the library about 5 times, I bought if for Ethan for Valentine's day.  I've never seen someone quite so intense over a book. He constantly wants me or J to read more about each bird.  In addition he has been a different bird every day, and eats only food that the birds eat.  (I'm thankful that mockingbirds eat bread in addition to peanut butter, fruits and grains.  Although, he wouldn't let me put honey on his sandwiches until I convinced him that it was, indeed similar to "suet.")  Saturday, we visited the Park for our first-ever family "birding" trip.  We actually saw some interesting birds, including a pair of bufflehead ducks, 2 red-tailed hawks, and a downy woodpecker.  However, I realized that this was going a little too far when EJ woke with a nightmare, screaming, kicking and flailing his arms, and after I helped him wake up and calm down, I asked him what happened, and he told me "I am a bird.  I am part of the Sandpiper family."
So, I have been trying to redirect some energy in a different direction:  He has been using one of those "how to draw" books to draw jungle animals for his room.  I was surprised at how well he his pictures came out, and thought they were kinda cute, so I posted my favorites below:

Alligator








A "Giddy-uping" Elephant













Giraffe












The "Drew-man's" favorite book is "Where is Baby's Belly Button," and since he likes to do whatever big brother is doing, he wants me to read it non-stop as well!
Also this week, he has decided that he is too old for a high chair, and whenever it is time to eat (or when it is not), he pushes the stool the the counter, grabs some snacks, and climbs up into Ethan's chair to eat them. Yum!