January was a busy month. Between starting back at my job/Theo starting daycare, a few rounds of illnesses, a trip to San Diego for my nephew Brandon's first birthday, and the other odds and ends of family life, February snuck up on us! So - sorry for no January post.
The highlight of the month for me was getting to take Theo to San Diego for Brandon's first birthday and blessing celebration. It was special to get to spend so much one-on-one time with Theo (who is often just left to fend for himself when his brother and sister are around!). It was also wonderful to get to spend some more time with Brandon, Susie, and Cliff, and to see Grandpa without a Mustache and Nana again. The party was a huge hit. There was a bouncy house, a taco cart, and many, many people who very much love Brandon. The blessing was lovely. I was honored to be a part of it, and to be asked to be Brandon's godmother.
Matt and the kids had a lot of fun at home. They went to a local restaurant for dinner, went swimming, to the science museum where they saw their first iMAX movie, got bagels, and just generally had fun. Some pictures.
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| Moments before Brandon asserts his superior agility and strength |
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| Easily distracted |
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| Not napping |
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| Brandon roaring at Grady's dragon |
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| Excited to be back in Portland! |
The rest of the month we have been getting used to our new schedule. I'm back at work now at 40%, and Theo started at Clara's school. Clara was really excited to get to take care of her baby brother. She is always around for a hug or to give him his pacifier if he gets sad. Theo adapted to daycare super fast and has been having a great time there - although sleeping is a bit tricky.
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| Posted by Theo's school - happy post-nap |
It's been an adjustment going back to work, especially since for January I was back at 40% but only had daycare for Theo for 20%. Starting this month Theo will be in daycare two days a week, so that should help make things a bit saner around the house.
Milestones. Grady is continuing to learn lots of French, although he doesn't much like to speak it at home. I have let him play with some French apps on my phone, and he is shockingly good at knowing the French word for various images. We are now deep in the process of trying to figure out Kindergarten for him for next year. It's tough. Grady is starting to get interested in learning to ride a bike, although at the moment it is still mostly mommy or daddy holding him up and steering. It takes a strong back to help a kid learn to ride a bike!
Clara got her first haircut and looks so much older.
We are in the process of potty training, which is sort of hit or miss. Seems like more miss than hit, but we are working on it. She is also suddenly able to draw pictures that look like the thing she is drawing. Here is her first person, and her first dinosaur.
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| Man made out of food |
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| T-Rex |
Theo can now say cat, dog, dada, mama, clap, maybe ball, maybe duck. He is a pro at clapping, "so big," signing all done, and high fives. He is working hard at pulling up. He can easily get to his knees, and occasionally can move all the way to his feet.
We've got some cute photos from the past few weeks. Here they are.
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| Dino baby |
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| Something on my face? |
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| Besa has found a use for these little people |
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| Prepared for a jog. And looking like Clara. |
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| Just chillin' |
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| Silly selfies |
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| No feet on the table |
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| Might be time for a haircut |
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| Taken by Grady |
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| Taken by Clara |
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| Taken by Grady |
