when I started this blog five years ago, I was a pet sitter and the name animal-crackers made sense. now I'm a stay-at-home-dad and freelance writer, but rather than confuse everyone by getting a different blog, it's just easier to keep posting things here.

Dylan had his six-month review with the therapists from Easter Seals. He was such a show off. He sat up without any assistance for two or three minutes.

But he looked positively foul. It must be the concentration needed to balance his growing head.

Before today he couldn't sit up for more than 30 seconds before tipping over.

The evaluation is mostly about setting six-month goals. And it involves questions that even the therapists acknowledge are dumb.

"You want Dylan to be able to handle a spoon. How long will he have handled a spoon before you think he has mastered it?"

"What?"

"Would he need to have handled a spoon for two or three weeks before you think he has mastered it?"

I don't know. Maybe the Master of Spoons cannot be attained until the child has trapped a leaping grasshopper with said utensil.

The therapists seem to understand some of their questions are retarded, but they must be asked to fulfill federal guidelines.

After the therapists left, Josh helped me decorate Dylan's new race-car swing. He did an excellent job chosing and placing the stickers (pictures to follow). Then, after we hung the swing on the swing set, Josh pitched a fit because I wouldn't let him climb in. Sigh.