Cole LOVES taking baths. He and Franny have such a good time that they stay in the tub and play even after they are all clean. They make quite a ruckus and the bathroom floor frequently needs to be wiped down afterward, as the splashing does get out of hand and the tub becomes more of a mini swim pool than a bath tub. But, they are getting much better about limiting the mess. And, when they have this much fun, it’s easy to not get too upset about it.
Today, Franny and Cole had a lot of fun dressing up in old Halloween costumes. What a difference two years makes!
Do you think Cole and Franny are sitting in a chair? Oh, think again—this is a rocket ship. They spin around and around and around and then Blast off! Cole gets off when the countdown goes too fast for his liking, but Franny, the lover of speed, can’t go fast enough. Either way, it’s their new favorite game and they love it. I love their imagination.
It’s been quite an adjustment, with the birth of Delaney, since she requires so much of my attention. I couldn’t have asked any more of Franny and Cole—they have done so well given so much change. Unfortunately, the one-on-one opportunities I have with them, and especially Franny, are few and far between. There is so much that I want to do with Franny; most of it simple things, like doing fun craft projects and helping her with her reading and writing, reading books and doing puzzles. All those great things she loves and makes her who she is. Fortunately, as Delaney gets older I am better learning how to make time in creative ways. I have a lot of ideas that I am looking forward to trying out. She is such an amazing and special little girl and deserves my best. I just hope I can figure out how to give that to her.
There is unquestionably an uneasiness and anxiousness about the H1N1 virus. In general, I haven’t been overwhelmingly concerned about it, as the symptoms mimic a severe flu. Not that the flu is trivial, but seldom critical for the healthy. But, being in a ‘high priority’ family with Delaney under six months, we thought it best to follow our pediatrician’s advice and seek out the vaccine for all of us. Last night, we joined hundreds of other people at a local high school in an attempt to receive the vaccination. Needless to say, we were turned away, as they only had 700 vaccinations and the line already extended from the cafeteria, outside and around the school, and nearly the full extent of the soccer field. My heart ached for those families with young children who felt the urgency to wait in line for hours in the dark and cold, in order to protect the health of their family, as well as for those who were turned away. That image still bothers me, as there is something that seems inherently wrong with it. For our family, however, we were more fortunate. Today, the kids’ clinic’s supply was replenished and they both received theirs this afternoon, while I was able to get mine from my own doctor—all of our appointments taking just minutes. Rick remains unprotected for the time being, but we are definitely better off than we were 24 hours ago. I just wish everyone could feel that same comfort.
Franny loved the power blower--but not in the usual, functional way, of course! She's so lucky to have a silly daddy...
Leaf blower from T on Vimeo.
No, it is not a blemish. The shiny spot on Delaney’s forehead is the unmistakable evidence of Cole’s kiss. Since it doesn’t seem to phase her, I always wait until he’s not looking to wipe it off.
Since her arrival into the family, Delaney and Cole haven’t been the fastest friends. His exuberant affection has been somewhat unwelcome and frequently upsetting to her. But the last couple of weeks, these two have seem to have found a connection. She now smiles whenever she sees him and he makes her giggle like no one else. Today, he made her laugh out loud—the first time I’ve ever heard her do this. I am sure it is that she is older now, and can better appreciate his sweetness and silliness; he is learning to be more gentle with her, as well. It is wonderful to see them enjoy each other so much. He had obviously adored her for months, but it was definitely not reciprocated. He has a squeaky voice that he uses only for Delaney, which is both hilarious and sweet, and he always tries to help her and play with her. As she gets older, it’s going to be a lot of fun to see this relationship evolve.
This weekend, Delaney discovered her feet, and has been completely fascinated ever since. I think it’s one of sweetest milestones of this age.
Much has been said about the eldest cousins—and there is no disputing that they have lots of fun together. As for the younger cousins, they have always tagged along with them, having a good time but not really creating their own fun. During yesterday’s visit with Great Grandma, however, the younger cousins actually broke off and did their own thing. And, they really had a great fun, playing together and giggling away nearly the whole time. It was very sweet to watch—I have no doubt that they will become the good friends their older siblings are.
