Hello, this is Philip.

 On Saturday, September 27^th, Debby had to go to a shower in Cleveland.  Natalie and I went along (along with one of our old friends, Renee) for the long drive up and back.  When you have a young child, anything longer than a trip to the grocery store is considered a long trip.

 Anyhow, it was my job to improvise and provide Natalie with fun while Debby and Renee had their fun.  I had heard that there was a mall up the road, so I started heading up the road in Debby’s car.  We stopped to have Natalie’s car seat inspected by firemen, and while we were there for the free inspection a firewoman suggested Chuckie Cheese.  This seemed like a great idea!

 I drove Natalie the remainder of the drive up to Chuckie Cheese, right across from Great Lakes Mall.  When I went inside, I knew it was a mistake.  There were too many flashing lights, loud noises, and racing children.  But I allowed Natalie to look around (in Daddy’s arms).  Natalie really enjoyed so much of it.  She really like seeing Chuckie and kept saying “Mouse!” to get Chuckie’s attention.  Until now her “mouse” had needed a little work.  She also really enjoyed the animated “floorshow.”  Oddly enough, she didn’t really enjoy the toddler play area that much.  She was probably just overwhelmed.

 Then we went to Great Lakes Mall.  We played at the play area (like the one at Tuttle Mall, but smaller).  On the way out we rode on the indoor carousel.  Natalie didn’t say much at the time, but as we strolled away Natalie suddenly began giggling, clapping, and saying and signing “more.”  Sorry, darling.  At $1.50 a pop once is enough.  Plus, by then Mommy was ready for us to rejoin her.

When we went to go see Mommy, Mommy was busy talking to other women.  So Natalie and I hung out around the front of the reception place (and old hotel/restaurant from 1812 or so).  There was a young boy there for another reception who struck up a conversation with me.  At first Natalie wasn’t interested but suddenly she looked at the boy, pointed at herself and said “Natalie.”  This was significant because it was the first time she had used her name to initiate an introduction.  It was her way of saying “Hi, my name is Natalie.”

 That was pretty much the fun of the day.  One more thing that has been going on lately – Natalie has learned how to remove the safety outlet covers for the electrical outlets.  So we’re watching her a little more closely these days.