Stay Cool Babies

It is hotter than h-e-double hockey sticks in St. Louis today. The heat index is approximately 4 scorchillion degrees centigrade. With 8 meltillion percent humidity. These numbers may seem made up, but I assure you, they are not.

It's been building up for the last week, with a little reprieve here and there; this weather trend is likely to continue for the rest of the month if history is any guide. August in this city is possibly the absolute worst place on earth (again, you might think I'm exaggerating, but sadly, I am not). Especially now that we have an active toddler living in our house. As Justin said yesterday, "You can only play barn, Lola, and cooking so many times before you can't take it anymore". We've pulled out books we haven't read for awhile, made up new games (taking turns yelling is a current favorite), and taken 5 second walks outside. We've spent quite a bit of time at the Hartford and CooperElla, and I hate to admit it, but I'm starting to lose my love of the latte. And worst of all, Eliot is starting to seem a little bored.

Just GO somewhere, you might be saying. But there is no relief in that as our broke-down ass cars don't have working air conditioning, and while we are no longer under the crippling fist of a mortgage, we just don't have the extra dollars to either fix them or get a new car. We are saving in anticipation of summers ahead, which will be great, then, in the future, the time that is not now.

Any suggestions on how to entertain a toddler on no money in the midst of these hell-like temps?

Rain, Rain, F**KING Go Away Already!

Today is an exception. The sun is actually shining in Saint Louis today. For now. The forecast for the next week looks something like this: sun today, rain, rain, sun, rain, rain, rain. Which translates to: what in the hell else can I do with my toddler? Indoors?

This winter seemed to be worse than years past, but that might have just been because I didn't have a toddler to entertain back then. Yeah. The good old days.

That's only a half joke.

Eliot and I (and sometimes Bronte and/or Parris) have been to one child-friendly coffee shop or another probably four of the last 7 days. That's a a lotta lattes. (Please forgive that last sentence, I'm still high on a Splenda buzz). We're not even meeting other people for organized play dates. I just need to get out of the house, and be around people who are talking. Adult words and thoughts talk.

By now, the temperature in St. Louis is on average 9000 degrees with a gabillion percent humidity. Approximately. But lately it's just been chilly and wet and blah. Not at all conducive to long walks in the park, hours at the playground swinging and talking with my mom friends, sitting on the porch waiting for daddy to come home and counting bunnies, or going to the zoo all morning. Not at all.

So, hear me, oh ye gods of spring! Let's pick up the pace! We are ready for your shining sun, your warm breezes, your allowance of flip-flops as acceptable footwear! Bring it!