Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Atticus Speaks

The so-called language explosion has begun here, and our 22-month-old seems to surprise us with a new word every day.

Our favorite: "dinks." I was always under the impression that thirsty children first learn to say some variation of "cup," "water" or "milk." Instead, Atticus ask for "drinks." Or as he says it: "dinkkksss" -- definitely elongating the K and the S. It's pretty darn cute.

Everything is currently the color "blue" and he just may recognize the letter "A" for Atticus. He'll attempt to repeat his own name, and Edith's, too. But he usually just says "E-deeee," which his sister definitely doesn't care for.

If he sees a picture of an apple, he'll say "apple." If he sees a picture of a dog, he'll say "dog." If he sees a picture of a cow, he'll say "moooo!"

Can't wait to see what he learns next!

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Spring in the Winter

In the dead of winter, in the middle of my least favorite month, it's nice to get a bit of a reprieve. This past weekend, I got two of them.

First, Mom and Dad came for an overnight visit. That always feels like a vacation since, of course, the kids just want to play with Grandma and Grandpa and ... that's it. No bothering me for 24+ hours. Score.

And second, the weather was beautiful. I'd take temperatures in the mid-60s any spring day, let alone in January. We all spent quite a bit of time outdoors, and the kids even broke out the chalk.

But Grandma and Grandpa returned home, and this week brings back rain and cold weather, and maybe some snow later on. Oh, how the real world interferes.

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Snow White at CCT

What do parents do if not try to pass down each and every one of their hobbies to their kids? That's why I've already introduced movie musicals to Edith. That's why she asks for the "Hamilton" soundtrack as soon as we get in the car. And that's why, for the second year in a row, Edith and I went to a show by the Columbus Children's Theatre.

OK, so children's theater isn't exactly a hobby of mine, but I do love to see a good show. And a 50-minute show without an intermission seems like a good introduction before going to see something much longer -- and more expensive. Last year she and I saw Rapunzel as part of her Christmas present. Last week it was Snow White.


The productions are low-key but well done -- minimal sets, four actors/actresses and lots of audience participation. Edith loudly asked some questions during the show, but no matter. With a theater full of children, it's bound to get a bit noisy.

And we couldn't leave without meeting Snow White, of course. If I heard correctly, Edith was describing her shoes.


Tuesday, January 10, 2017

The End of the Nap

I'm never prouder to be a mom than when my kids are asleep.

I jest, but only in part. The other part recognizes just how much more difficult it's been lately since Edith has cut back her naps.

Edith turned 4 in November, and I'm lucky she held on to her daily nap until then. The two hours or so when Edith and Atticus would nap at the same time (and Atticus, usually another hour after that) was a welcome respite.


But it wasn't long after her birthday that her naps became more sporadic. Even still, she will occasionally take them, particularly if it's been a big day or we're in the car in the evening. But nowadays she has mostly "quiet time" -- and that phrase is definitely supposed to be in quotation marks since it's never as quiet as I wish.

Perhaps the naps will return when we're able to get out and about more. The frigid temperatures over the last week have kept us largely indoors. In any case, I have recently seen a slight increase in my freelancing work, so nap or not it needs to get done. Really, Mom is the one who needs the nap.

Friday, January 6, 2017

Photo Friday: Family Portraits

Let's start the year with two family portraits from the last few months -- the first from my sister-in-law, the second from a Disney photographer.



Tuesday, January 3, 2017

From 2016 to 2017

The holiday season has been punctuated by illness. The worst of it was nearly a week ago, but I'm sneezing even now as I write this on Monday night.

Christmas was great. It was a day spent shuttling between family in Hilliard and Defiance, like usual. Unfortunately, my sister and her family were sick and out of commission that day, but I assumed we would likely see them later in the week. It didn't happen.

On Tuesday night Edith puked. It was a one and done, and she was better in no time. On the other hand, I was throwing up every 45 minutes from 1 to 5 a.m. Wednesday. I hadn't felt so bad since the early days of my pregnancies.

I was nauseous most of the rest of the day and slept it away while Paul and my parents watched the kids. Worst of all, we had to cancel plans to see some friends that evening.

The next day I was 100 percent better, just in time to go back to Columbus. We went to a party Friday night and hosted our own on New Year's Eve. Then on New Year's Day entered the congestion and sneezing. Nothing serious, but way annoying.

The end of the holiday season is always a bit depressing, and this year it feels even worse. I'm already ready for winter to be behind us.

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