Dear Similac,

The 6 1/2 months I have known you could only be described as turbulent, yet liberating. Our first encounter was not a planned meeting, but I was curious to see what you had to offer. Your proposal was ridiculously costly, but your guarantee to "calm colicky babies" was all I needed for a quick sale. Amanda meet Alimentum; Alimentum meet Amanda. I wasn't very happy with you at the beginning because your calming technique wasn't as successful as I had hoped for, but an improvement nonetheless. And hey, who honestly LOVES to breastfeed? So your substitution was a great excuse to pack away the nursing bras.

I was advised by my doctor to use Alimentum sparingly. He felt the weaning process to "Regular" would be easier if we didn't allow Alimentum to stay too long and get comfortable. He was right, as usual. The weaning process was a breeze and "Regular" took over nicely. He has been a great companion for the last five months and our contract isn't up for another two weeks...but guess what people? Sue me, hang me, whatever you want...we're not paying for this companionship any longer. We think we're now well equipped to move on without your assistance. I have an old friend that I'm introducing that has an impeccable work history and doesn't expect much in return. (Evan meet Vitamin D Milk; Vitamin D Milk meet Evan).

Similac, I'm sure we'll be doing business again. Let "Regular" know we hope to stick with him the whole time the next go 'round.

Always,
The Stinnetts

For Our Amusement

A Walk in the Park

You would think the Town of Ponce Inlet would have enough money to repair the playground equipment at the public park, but apparently not. The equipment has been roped off with caution tape for several months now. Evan and I go for a stroll almost every day and I keep thinking these public service workers might get on the ball and have the playground up and functioning again. I continue to be disappointed.

So today I decided to go in search of another park so Evan could at some point experience a swing or a slide before he's reached his school years. I drove around for about 30 minutes before I found a public park nestled back behind an older neighborhood in Daytona Shores. It was in great shape and there was not another soul in sight. Bingo. We were able to swing on the swing set and go down the slide. I also tried to force the monkey bars on Evan but he wasn't quite catching the concept. I believe the slide was his favorite and definitely the most dangerous which was probably the attraction. We'll be heading back when Daddy can tag along. Sliding and taking pictures simultaneously didn't produce the best pictures. But I did capture a few cute moments.

He Goes Out Walking