On to the Next. . .

MamaCumLaude is closing it's virtual cover.  After almost 600 posts, I've decided to turn my energies to other writing projects.  It has been at times joyful and therapeutic to share here our daily life with small children.  Thank you so much for following along and for sharing your thoughts and comments and even your "I've been there too's". 

I've turned the blog into a hard cover book; I think some day Evelyn and Henry might like to read it, especially when they become parents.  I know I'll enjoy looking back from time to time as well.

Big Adventures

Today was a big day in our house.  Henry had a Daddy date with Chris.  An outing for just the boys, they went to the Museum of Flight.  This outting also marked a very successful diaper-free day for our big boy.  Evelyn and I got to spend five hours together too.  It was such a treat.  She is really at a great stage right now.  Evelyn is almost 4 1/2 and she's quite good company.  We stopped by Flying Apron, played dragons and Archer Princesses at a playground, walked around looking at Christmas decorations, and had a lunch date before stopping for hair cuts.  Evelyn really enjoyed this time together; she told me, "I just love spending our whole day together Mom.  This is our first time ever alone all day!"  It wasn't our first time, of course, spending a day together-- but it had been a while.  We really needed this family time today.

Evelyn's Creation

Bear made from recycled materials

Swimmers!

This is what Evelyn looks like for the majority of the lesson.  As soon as her turn is over, she is back under water, flipping around or doing somersaults. 

Henry likes to hold toys while he waits for his turn.

The Grumpy Funny Toddler

Here's one to remember.  Henry has been a cranky toddler most of the week due to a lingering virus.  His fever is long gone, but his tantrums and short fuse are making the rest of us dance on eggshells to keep the peace.  Tonight, after bath time (which was cut short because Henry continued to scoop water out of the tub), Henry and cuddled in his bed and he nursed a bit.  He looked up when Daddy came into the room and we were laughing and joking.  Henry looked down at me, laughing on his bed and burst into fresh giggles:  "Your Nana is laughing, Mommy!"  That's my two year old.

A Family Weekend



 Henry was quite ill from the middle of Friday night to Sunday morning and when he gained some energy, he had some tantrums.  These tantrums ranged from run of the mill to full-fledged toddler anger.  My poor boy was frustrated and still a little run down, even after his fever broke. 

 

Fortunately, he did reason to perk up a bit.  Chris set up a big boy bed in Henry's room.  Evelyn and Henry were both excited and eager to "help."   



Today was full of moments of like this. 

And this.

But, fortunately, there were also sweet moments.

Water colors are fun (and calming) for a while.

Evelyn, the preschooler

Evelyn has been learning some general aspects of Native American culture in preschool in preparation for Thanksgiving.  All of the preschoolers chose new names; Evelyn is Sparkly Star.  She is really in her element at preschool.  She talks to all of the kids after school and excitedly yells "'Bye!" or tries to set up play dates.  Evelyn knows, of course, that the kids themselves can't schedule these play dates.  She goes right to the source.  It's not at all uncommon for Evie to give me a rapid-fire "Hi Mom, look what I made!" before turning to find another mother and ask if she can set up a play date.   

Brother and Sister

We like to get into each other's business in this family.

Happy Halloween!

 

Henry really enjoyed the big bowl of candy.

A train and a cyclops!



Our very energetic girl

Evelyn was thrilled that her swim cap arrived in the mail today.
 

Tonight, Evelyn donned her new swim cap with her goggles and giggled herself silly upon catching a glimpse of her reflection in the sliding door.  Then, of course, Henry had a turn with the swim cap.  It was all quite entertaining.  When I asked for a picture, Evelyn danced and bounced around.  It was the perfect precursor to bedtime!

Over the weekend, Evelyn and I had one of our outtings at a cafe.  We had a great afternoon together.  She drew for at least half an hour and then decided to add stories to her illustrations.  She dictated them to me.  Mostly, the stories involved a rainy day, a rainbow, and an excited girl who went outside to play on the "sunny side" of the house. 

A family portrait (Henry is very tiny and Daddy, according to Evelyn, is actually the tall one with the bob haircut).

 

Henry and his get-a-way car

Happy Birthday, Chris

Henry, the two year old

I haven't had a chance to write down all of the new things Henry has mastered lately.  He is in full-fledged little boy mode, I'd say.  Henry speaks in sentences-- and clearly enough that on the phone he has been mistaken for his older sister. 

Speaking of speech, Henry can't seem to say the "ST" sound yet. It's very cute. He'll tell Evelyn, "Top it, sissy! It's tory time. Come on, Evewyn!"

He knows that his name is spelled "H-E-N- Y" but forgets the "R" most of the time and he recognizes many letters and numbers one through ten-- with the occasional confusion over six and nine.  It's so much fun to see all of the things he's picked up on. 

Some of Henry's favorite things:

• building blocks-- he makes very well-balanced towers and then knocks them down (fun for a good half-hour)
• reading books ("Tory time"), specifically:  Berenstein Bears "Kindness Counts", "Ten Little Babies" by Gyo Fujikowa, any lift-the-flap books, and Usborne's "1001 Things to See Under the Sea"
• nursing, especially anytime I happen to be sitting down or standing still and between the hours of 9 and 11 PM and 5 and 8 AM
• The Wiggles, Caillou, School House Rock
• gymnastics!

Cannon Beach, OR Trip

Haystack Rock

Let's fly a kite!  Evie ran around with her kite for about an hour.  The wind was extremely cooperative.

Sunset

Dining Room update

Another day, another wedding

Cute Toddler

Tonight, before bedtime, Henry took a turn reading.  Wearing a pair of Evelyn's old pajamas (pink moose print), he held "Green Eggs and Ham" upside down while reciting: "Eat it in a car?  NO!  Eat it in a train?  NO!  Eat it with fox? NO!"  He giggled each time he said "no" and this went on for some time.  It was adorable.

A Family Day Trip

Beach babies

Evelyn and I walked out onto the bridge for a  spectacular view.

Deception Pass, Whidbey Island

New Inspiration

Ornamental Oregano-- I could design an entire room around this.  

Beep, beep!