Sweet Perseveration

Erik asks thousands of times each day if I am going to turn the mixer or the washing machine on. I admit that sometimes I feel like using earmuffs or earplugs to escape the repetitious questions after a few hours (the thought of me answering the door with furry earmuffs on is actually pretty funny, now that I think about it). He still adores appliances that spin. I now hoard piles of dirty laundry so I can pop them in while Erik is home to enjoy the machine. He continues to retrieve his fleece blanket and Stinky Dog before making himself comfortable in front of the little window in the washer. Sometimes I hear Stinky Dog and Erik having a discussion about the laundry.

Last night Brian was at a meeting, and Erik and I had the house to ourselves. One of us was a little on the grouchy side, and it wasn't me. I went through my recipe collection, desperately searching for muffins or cookies that don't contain butter or milk, and I finally found a recipe for gingersnaps. Score. Erik was pretty happy about that. He ran through the kitchen screaming, "Mommy's going to use the mixer! Yaaaaaay!" And the house smells lovely this morning. His fascination with my KitchenAid appliance overrules his sensitivity to sound, although he keeps his hands over his ears most of the time.

Stinky's Wild Ride

I finally got Stinky away from Erik long enough to place him in my new washing machine. I think this is the dirtiest Stinky has ever been. His ears were actually stiff. And the smell! Oh, the smell. When Erik started giggling, I took photos. Stinky should be good and dizzy at the end of the cycle. I am hoping he doesn't vomit on my other linens.