Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Summer Bugs

How can summer be nearly over? This one flew by.

Goofing around - July 28, 2018

August is usually a busy month for us, and 2018 was no exception. Family vacation in Tahoe, birthdays, play dates, Grandma visit, bought a van, took three trips to San Francisco (twice with the beasties), and the little ladybug officially became mobile.

Happy Birthday, Daddy! - August 8, 2018

Hitting milestones with Imogen is a ton of fun, and it reminds us of when Everett went through the same stages. We reminisce and think about what's coming up around the corner (using a spoon, cruising, walking, talking). As Immy grows, her personality comes out more and more. She loves Evie - especially when he interacts with her or sings. She loves reading, singing, and especially chewing on everything she can get her hands on. While we didn't have to worry much with Evie and putting things in his mouth, we will not get that free pass with Immy.

If she stops eating hats, I'll eat my hat! - August 25, 2018

Everett had a blast hanging out with his cousins for a long weekend in Lake Tahoe. Oh yeah, and he can swim and dive under water now. His language is hilarious - often telling us, "that's not correct!", "you made a mistake!", or "sometimes you have to share." He can do his ABCs forwards and backwards (which Chris still struggles with), climbs into the van all by himself, and wipe his own hands and face clean.

Beach babe watching Evie play in the sand - August 5, 2018

Paddleboarding - August 5, 2018

Ruby Red Anniversary Family Picture - August 4, 2018

Things can get stressful and busy, but when we sit back and look at it. Parenting these living kids...it's easy. Getting to share with them, teach them, listen to them, and cuddle them is so rewarding. And the "tough stuff" isn't even that tough. So, we're tired. So, we're overscheduled. So, we're stressed about making sure they have enough enrichment and social interaction. While there may be moments where it feels like a lot, those moments are few and far between.

New van! - August 10, 2018

Giving Stitch a check-up - August 11, 2018

The heaviest thing for us is the same as it's been the past coming-up-on-four years. The missing little boy. Our Oberon. All these day-to-day stresses are just so minuscule in comparison, we often just laugh at them. So, our toddler screams in our faces. We do our best to remain calm, name his emotions, explain that we understand why he is upset, point out the actions he can choose to take. Sometimes we laugh. Because that screaming, that developmentally appropriate expression of emotions, it is so unmistakably alive. How alive Everett and Imogen are may give us fleeting moments of frustration, but it never gives us grief.

Enjoying the sun - August 12, 2018

One of Chris's birthday presents from Elizabeth - Artist: CarlyMarie Dudley