John Michael's latest obsession

OK, I don't know if this is really blog-worthy, but it's a memory I want to keep, and if I don't write it down, I'll definitely forget it.

For several months now, John Michael has had a "thing" for my vacuum cleaner. Aren't kids usually afraid of vacuum cleaners? This particular one is so powerful, I don't doubt it could suck up little fingers and toes if they weren't attached so well. (Disclaimer: This is not an endorsement of any particular brand and, no, I'm not being paid to advertise, but it is the most powerful vacuum cleaner I've ever had and I've been using it for several years now. It picks up everything.)

With four kids in the house, I vacuum crumbs and dog hair off the tile at least every other day, sometimes daily. On weekends, the older kids take over the vacuuming duty. I do it so often, the dog starts heading for the back door as soon as I roll the vacuum out of the closet. John Michael, on the otherhand, will crawl from wherever he is, as fast as he can, to touch it and, yes, even kiss it. It's disgusting! Maybe that's why he's been relatively healthy? Kissing the vacuum cleaner?

It's actually quite funny at times since I literally have to play "dodge the baby" with him. I vacuum and he chases me to get his chunky little fingers on the goods. It makes my job go a whole lot faster, that's for sure. If I'm not in the mood to speed through cleaning while being pursued by a 27 pounder, I put him in the high chair at snacktime. We had a little extra fun this morning since I also had to mop the floor. I use a plug-in steamer mop, which he thought was pretty cool. His jeans actually helped dry the floor in record time :-)

Oh, and yes, that's my Christmas poinsettia in the kitchen window in the distance and mini potted Christmas trees outside the window. I don't have the heart to toss them out while they're still healthy and vibrant, but I'm ready for spring!