Our little man is already 2 months old. Over the past several weeks, he has found his voice! We have had some screaming sessions due to one of two things: hunger (his appetite is massive) or heat (we've enjoyed many HOT days in Eastern Washington this month). Screams aside, he is still a low-maintenance child who naps in his carseat so that his big sister can go to outdoor summer concerts or play at the splash park, who eats while mommy walks around the kitchen making lunch for big sister, and who happily nuzzles in the Baby Bjorn while I eat dinner and drop crumbs on his balding head. His smiling, his cooing, and his new LAUGHING bring much joy to D, E, and S. The three of us have spent many hours making funny faces and sounds to elicit his smiles. When he flashes his big smile, I think his facial expression (eyes, in particular) looks just like Doug.
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| Perfect example of R attempting to get in a morning nap while big sister enjoyed a beach playdate |
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| Please note that Child #2 is stuck in the stroller (in back of photo) while Child #1 and I did some back-to-school shopping! |
Other items of note: The kids and I spent the past week in Spokane. Our week included swimming, banana splits, rides on the carousel, exploring all the beauty at Manito Park, a trip to Couer D'Alene to track Mudgy the Moose and Millie the Mouse (characters from one of Soph's favorite books), nighttime runs and swims for me, and lots of cuddles for R and S. On our last night there, after days of 90+ degree heat, my parent's house had heated up to an uncomfortable level that no fan could ease. Both S and R were crying, struggling to go down to bed at night despite all-star attempts by me and my mom. So, my mom pulled Sophie out of her bed, and I grabbed Ries out of his. We converged outside in the cooler air. Sophie and my mom sat on a wooden swing singing lullabies while Ries and I rocked in the hammock. It was one of those sweet and loving moments that I know I'll never forget; it gives me chills to think about how special it was.
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| Grandma was the best swimming teacher, and by the end of the week, S could dog-paddle and tread water with water wings. |
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| She loved her giant banana split. |
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| Sophie could barely contain her excitement as we tracked Mudgy and Millie all over the waterfront |
Another item of note is to share our family's absolute prayers of thanksgiving this week. My dad was on a horseback riding/fishing trip in Montana when an Act of God--lightning--struck right in front of him, causing his horse to buck him off. With 5 rib fractures and a collapsed lung, he had to be airlifted out. It was truly an Act of God that my dad did not suffer any more serious or critical injuries. S, R, and I were excited to be home when he was transported back. We are praying for a speedy recovery. After a week with Grandma, Sophie, Ries, and I know firsthand that she will take great care of PaPa! xoxo
