Of Vacuums and Bicycle Pumps

We can report that Our Hero is no longer afraid of the vacuum cleaner. To the contrary, he is all about the vacuum. Joe's vacuum resides right next to "Mommy's vacuum" and the "little vacuum" (also Mommy's; the dyson handheld) in the hall closet these days. You can't put a thing past Our Hero though and he knows that it's Mommy's vacuum that's the real deal. Earlier this week, Julie allowed Joe to put his hand on the handle, too, while she was vacuuming up some insulation that fell from the porch ceiling after Ted removed a board to better survey the damage wrought by the winter and an ill-fitting window.* Shortly thereafter, he discovered that the cord unwinds. Whoa. I think it's safe to say that was a highlight of Our Hero's week. Now, getting out the vacuum is a go-to activity for Joe. We have agreed after some tense discussion, that the vacuum comes out only after Clara is in the bath and thus, on her way to bed because the loud noise might scare here, and she might hurt herself with the cord. We have also established that plugging in the vacuum is "Mommy-Daddy Only." Last night, we used the attachments. Whoa again.

Also making an appearance this weekend: the bicycle pump. The tires of the stroller needed to be pumped up and the pump was stashed on the porch once Ted had finished this task. Joe glommed on to it upon our return. Keen-eyed observers will note that the pump and Joe share something in common. Joe did not notice this, and is not likely to now as the pump is back in the garage after being dragged about on a toddler tour of the house.

*The porch ceiling will be replaced on Monday, April 18, which means demolition watching fun on April 17, and no porch that day!