Things for which I am grateful...

...NOT! Zeke developed a list of endearing habits, talents and interests in the past few months that require a little sarcasm. I can put all of this in perspective and know how blessed we are with good fortune and a good kid. Still, a few things make me take a deep breath.

• Zeke figured out how to open the refrigerator and take things out by himself.
• Zeke figured out how to open most doors in the house and even some of the simple locks. He did lock me out of the house at least once this summer when I was out on the deck (though I did have my keys on me).
• Zeke did start jumping in July -- a physical milestone I was looking for him to hit. It quickly became leaping and then it became bounding and then bouncing on couches and steps and chairs and anything else vaguely dangerous. It all required the purchase of a trampoline that takes up a good deal of floor space, but is good for redirection.
• Zeke has to touch things with his feet, including the dog. I don't think it is malice, just a form of dominance. It says something along the lines of "I touch you with my feet and you shall obey me." He also does this to anyone that sits next to him at meals. I keep trying to tell him "Gentle feet" or "NO KICKING!" but I may just have to wait for this phase to be done.
• Zeke picked up the habit from someone in the family, a four year old that shall remain nameless to protect the innocent, of exclaiming, "NOT!" in response to many things. It works in the four year old's family and it is funny. It can drive me nuts when Zeke does it, though, especially when he says it after I mention for the 11th time that it is time to take a nap or stop kicking the dog. I appreciate the irony.