House of Crab

Molly's rash is still improving, so we decided to forego the trip to the doctor's office. So, we don't know exactly what she has, but I'm pretty sure it is viral. Dad is still feeling terrible and Mom isn't feeling well either. Although Max doesn't appear to have any obvious symptoms, he has been CRABBY the last couple of days. Add a cantankerous two (almost three!) year old to a sick toddler, mix in two grouchy, ailing parents, and you have the House of Crab!

Max had better watch it, because at the rate he's going this week, Santa is going to be leaving an awful lot of coal in his stocking. From the time I came home to work until dinner was on the table (a half hour, tops), Max did the following naughty things:

• Pulled a chair up to the kitchen counter (this never bodes well)


• Helped himself to some of his brother's gingerbread house ("MmMmmm, candy!")


• Turned the answering machine on and off several times


• Snagged a taco shell off the counter and took a bite before anyone could stop him


• Grabbed a pencil and tore through a stack of Post-its -- placing a perfect pencil squiggle on each Post-it before throwing it on the floor


• Discovered the container of Altoids on the counter and helped himself to several ("More candy!"). The upside to this infraction is that the "curiously strong" mints didn't seem to phase him and his breath is now delightfully minty fresh.


• Grabbed another taco shell and took a bite out of it


• Attempted to get the bananas and "open" them


• Opened the baby-locked cupboard (he's recently mastered the cupboard locks) in search of "oatmeal breakfast"


• Opened about a dozen YouTube windows on the computer

You can tell when he's getting tired and hungry, because he goes into "Wild Thing" mode -- he runs around and gets into trouble just for the sake of getting into trouble. Molly's "Wild Thing" mode involves screeching and writhing around on the floor. We were graced with both versions tonight - I'm not sure which is preferable. ;)