Sunday, September 21, 2014

Smiles, swimming, and bouncing…

"Why?" x 1000
-James

Baby fussiness peaks around 6-8 weeks so we’re hoping there’s some light at the end of the tunnel with Isa.  We love her of course, but if she’s awake she’s typically crying unless we’re walking her around the house.  I’m typing this while the older kids are playing in the bath, and I can hear her crying downstairs.  It’s hear breaking at times, but that’s part of being a parent I suppose.  We’re starting to get some brief periods of happiness though, and we’re looking forward to whatever has been bothering her to end. 

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On the other end of the spectrum, Ashlyn and James are able to make a game out of pretty much anything.  One of their favorites is jumping up and down in puddles after it rains.  We enjoy this too, as it gives us an opportunity to do even more laundry (because a load of day at least isn’t enough!).

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We were able to get one more swim in before the warm weather ends and the kids made the best of it.  Their swimming abilities have increased with their bravery in the water.  Both kids will swim out to the deep end of the pool and Ashlyn will fly off the side of the pool with abandon.

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Sunday came around and we started off the day with breakfast with PePa.  While we cooked Ashlyn did her best to entertain her baby sister.  We’ve still seen zero jealousy from either of the older kids, they’ve so far either ignored her or tried to help her stop crying.  Fights will being as soon as she’s mobile, but for now we’ll enjoy the relative peace while it lasts.

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Sunday was also fall planting day in the garden.  Mom careful tilled up some rows for seeds and the kids proceeded to spread the seeds everywhere but the actual rows where they were supposed to go in.

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With three kids all born in or around summer we knew that many outdoor birthday parties were in our future.  So we bought a bounce house instead of dealing with the inevitable rentals and we inflated to make sure everything worked before Ashlyn’s upcoming birthday party.

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Every child goes through the “why” stage, and kids are no exception.  Ashlyn went through it, but I don’t recall her adopting the word to the extent that James has.  Where Ashlyn would ask why and accept the explanation, James will ask why and continue to ask why until he’s either bored or satisfied.  He’s just a curious creature,