i cannot wait for the farewell party that i am going to throw for the highchair. it appears to be about 6 to 12 months away, but i am already anticipating the happy day when it goes to live at the thrift store.

it is a wonderful highchair, technically. it is a fancy-schmancy highchair that does all sorts of tricks, has reclining abilities, multiple seat covers, and several trays that snap in, thus allowing you to remove dinner and serve dessert without having to wash inbetween. but it is IMPOSSIBLE to clean. and of course, with all those trays, and all those covers, you have more to clean. i have finally realized that this is a highchair made for people with live-in domestic help. there are nooks and crannys that resist cleaning with even a toothbrush, and the straps are a lost cause. so, i have given up. when carter finishes his meal, i haul out the vacuum, suck up all of his crumbs (very effective for any highchair), wipe it down as best i can, and try hard not to look at the food wedged in the buckle that i cannot get out. i have even put it in the shower to no avail. there are just too many corners and crevices. i figure any food stuck in there eventually will have to render itself inert, and with that, i can walk away from it.

carter had his tooth filled today, a relatively short (4 minute) procedure that was nonetheless not one of carter's favorite moments. he cried, but he did stay still, which was really great.

ava started ice-skating lessons yesterday. out with the old, in with the new. she is entranced by the figure skaters. to say that she worships them might be a little extreme, but not by much. and they absolutely fawn all over her. so, it is a win-win situation. unless of course you are her mother and are having a panic attack about having to figure out this mysterious world of figure skating. but i can do that. i think. sequins and i do not have a close relationship, but things can change. and she looks so darn cute out there.