Bits and Pieces

The Breakup
Tonight I formally left a group I had hoped would be a good source of support and friendship for Felix and me. Despite there being nearly 200 families in the group, we only really connected with one (in two years). There were almost never kid-friendly evening or weekend get-togethers, and people would either no-show or cancel at the last minute when I tried to host. (Despite pleas for more evening and weekend events.)

This morning I was expecting 9 families to come for a bbq at 5 PM. For one reason or another (or no reason), no one showed. As Felix and I sat eating our veggie burgers, I looked around at the clean house, spiffed-up backyard, and array of condiments, buns and cheeses, I felt like I was waiting for some asshole boyfriend who was supposed to have called. I knew it was time to break up, so I did. I'm a little sad, but I can't keep putting energy into something that just isn't working.

Potty Training
Last night, Felix laid down on the floor and looked up at me. I said, "Do you need a new diaper?" He said, "Yeah. Poot." So I checked off another item on my mental potty-training readiness list and bought him a potty chair and book today. The potty chair is awful (way too small) so it's going back. But after one read of the book, he was climbing on the real deal to act it out.

First time he's ever climbed up. I think he needed to know it's for him, too.

Legal Updates
My broker reimbursed me most of the funds I was out due to the lending fiasco - thankfully I won't end up in court over it. And I won my court case against the uninsured driver from March's accident. It doesn't meant I'll ever see my money, but at least she's held liable in the eyes of the law. I'm also working with one of my State Representatives to see if there's opportunity to strengthen our uninsured driver laws. (Current fine is just $75 for first-time offenders.)

And Finally, Allow Me to Brag
Felix is the best. He eats his vegetables, lets me wash his hair and cut his fingernails and toenails, loves wearing shoes and hats, loves when I put sunscreen on him, and happily leaves his toys in the house or car when we leave/go in to the store. Last week when it was time to leave a party, he said "bye" to the trucks and waited for me by the front door. And the other day, he noticed me getting out of the shower and came running over to hand me a towel. This week we went to evening swim, the rodeo and a baseball game. All led to late nights and disrupted schedules, but he has done great.  He's just so easygoing and sweet, he makes life easy to enjoy.

He jumped in and deliberately went under over and over and over.

4th of July camping trip.

Going to the rodeo! Wildfires in the area caused the smoky skies.