Runaway

It's been AGES since I post an Asher update!  

I've been keeping notes, though!

First, a story...

One Sunday, about 2 months ago, I took Tessa out with me to run some errands and left the boys at home.

Originally I had planned to take Asher and leave Tessa at home - mostly because Matt was planning on putting up some shelves in the basement and I didn't want Ash to be in his way.  The kids, however, rebelled at their assigned roles.

As is to be expected, Asher was a major handful for daddy, just like Tessa was for me.  I don't know why we let them decide, I really don't.

Tessa and I were gone for about 3 hours, during which time she wandered away from me about 300 times and asked for at least 2 dozen ridiculous items..  

At home, Asher began crying that he wanted to go with mommy exactly 5 minutes after I pulled out of the driveway.  He remained whiney the entire time we were gone, insisted on playing under daddy's feet and completely refused to take his nap.  Instead, Matt turned on Cars and set Ash up on the couch to watch it for quiet time.

As Tessa and I came around the corner on our street, I saw a black lab with a red collar, and said to Tessa "Is that Indy?"

A split second later Allie ran across the street in front of me...to my baby boy, still in his pajama's and with bare feet, standing by the curb across the street from our house.

I slammed on the brakes, threw the truck in park, jumped out and grabbed Asher - who had begun walking toward me when he recognized my truck.

He was happy as a little clam, grinning and quite proud of himself for being outside.

I left the truck where it was and stomped into the house, through the front door, which was standing wide open.  The second I crossed the threshhold I screamed Matt's name in a voice meaner than I knew I had.  

Nothing.

So again, I yell - REALLY loudly - "MATT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

And I hear a toilet flush and Matt appears, still buckling his belt.

Long story short, he'd been in the bathroom for about 90 seconds at that point, and Asher learned to unlock not only the deadbolt, but the handle lock on the front door (which totally sticks and gives even me trouble!)

He demonstrated for us.

He hasn't left the house again, though I was terrified that he would for weeks.  I think all the yelling that afternoon convinced him it's a bad idea.