Ugh. The dog days of summer. The time when I curl up under a single sheet on the bed, flailing this way and that to find a cool spot on the mattress. Bleah. At times like this, I would like to be amphibian. Or reptile.
It hasn't been discussed, but we may have officially given up on watering the lawn. Denver is incredibly dry this year, and our poor pseudo-lawn and xeriscape plants have suffered. Xeriscape plants can suffer, you say? Oh yes, young one. When exposed to sun at this altitude and put under the care of the neglectful Porters, anything is possible. I'm not saying that you shouldn't visit and that we won't water you, but uh... maybe.
Amos' single tooth continues to threaten us with its deadly sharp edges. He delights in having me feel his little calcium nugget and proclaim, "Tooth! Amos has a tooth!"
I told Phil last night that this is the only time in Amos' life that he will have just one tooth. Then we both looked at each other, and I said, "Well, hopefully." Let's not encourage Cletus to neglect his mouth hygiene.
I'm thankful that his teeth are finally making an appearance. We've had Amos on the dental plan since January, thinking that he might be like others his age who had mouths full of teeth that were already covered in gold and diamond encrusted grills. Not so for Amos.
Although Amos has three other teeth threatening to show up on the scene, what does a dentist do for just one tooth? Do we learn how to brush one tooth, and then show Amos how to floss on each side of it? Do we buy whitening stripes and then cut them down to size and wrap that one tooth over and over until it gleams? Do we allow Amos to puncture canned goods like an old-timey can opener? Maybe he could punch decorative holes in a copper sheet so that I can have a pie safe like my grandmammy used to have.
Whatever new uses we find for that tooth, I know which one I am ruling out: chewing on my finger. He has already maimed my index finger with that fang. This might be the first time I am thankful that I stopped breastfeeding him.
Before you all soil yourselves from the rage I spewed the other day, I apologize. It was therapeutic, though. Very helpful. Scream and rant sometime. Quite cleansing.
We've had various family activities to keep us occupied during this holiday. Thursday, we sat in the park and listened to the Colorado Symphony play patriotic songs. I shed a tear or two during the salute to the armed forces. I'm not a big supporter of the war (not a supporter at all, actually), but when an old man stands up to humbly be recognized for service to his country, it makes me proud.
We picnicked and relaxed in the grass while people admired Amos (as usual). It was a lovely evening full of stars and beautiful music. Lovely, lovely.
Last night, we walked toward downtown to watch the fireworks. We found a spot in the grass (dirt and dried twigs) overlooking the highway and with a clear view of Coors Field. The Rockies were in a tight game that went long, so we sat and then sat and then we tried sitting. All kinds of humanity ebbed and flowed around us. Finally, around 10:30, maybe later (maybe sooner - who's counting?), the official fireworks began. Not that we hadn't already been entertained and frightened by the various illegal items popping around us. Balls to the cars that actually drove through a fervent display of sparkles on the street. That was either ballsy or sheer stupidity. Don't even get me started on what I think about the two guys on bicycles who peddled through it.
Anyhoo...
Amos enjoyed (sort of) his second Fourth of July. He was only a few weeks old during '07s July 4th, and a few neighbors popped loud and colorful things on the street. Despite his tiny stature, Amos was not intimidated. That is when we decided that we have a cool kid. This year, Amos was a little shy, but then he warmed up to the sounds and lights. He pointed at the sky and said, "Huwah!" I take that as a sign of approval.
On the way home, we ran through a sprinkler gauntlet that was much like Indiana Jones bookin' it away from that giant boulder. Except, it wasn't like that at all. Imagination and a little wine are great for a late night walk.
Today was full of shopping. Phil delighted himself with picking out little outfits for Amos. I swear, Phil is turning into a teenage girl with the way he coos over Amos' little man britches or how adorable a T-shirt will be on him. I think I'll buy him some Hello Kitty gear. For Phil, I mean.
Tomorrow, God willing and Sleepy Sarah willing, we will trudge through the mountains for our weekly hike. I'm addicted to the mountains again. How is it that we have lived here for so long, yet we only hiked after we moved here and have just suddenly revived the idea? The Porters: not always intelligent.
OH. OH!
And Amos just got his first tooth! We see the little nugget breaking the skin. I look forward to the day when I can feed him food that he will actually chew rather than gumming away at and then packing into his big chipmunk cheeks.
So, I bid you farewell for the evening. Here's a tasty drink that I toast in your general direction:
1 part tequila
1 part triple sec
1-2 parts 100% pomegranate juice
Yum yum.
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