Baby G

I suspect hese are the pictures that'll melt my heart the most as the girls get older. That belly! That bare belly in diapers with those cute toes and hands! The simplicity of a warm morning in the fall.  How easy and calm life is now before pre-school and kindergarten and homework and a million activities that I feel I should be having them do.  Maybe this is the real activity. Playing a little computer game after snuggling and watching the birds feed from our bedroom window feeders.  I love this today. I'll miss it tomorrow. 

Her Buddy Owen

Their chemistry is unique. I can't quite explain it. Both are super active, whitty, sassy, and smart. They met in preschool.  I've never heard anyone make Annika laugh as hard as Owen.  I'm not sure what the future holds but i've told Brigitta, I hope Annika marries someone who make her laugh and think the way Owen does now. She lights up but in the most organic and natural way when they are together. I love, love, love that he has never told her she can't play with him and the boys because she is a girl and girls aren't super heroes. He may be the only boy who hasn't said that to her. There is something to their chemistry.  

Violin

Annika has been playing the violin for one year.  She started in October 2012.  She has had one recital and one event where she has had to play in front of people.  It's been good and with each performance she gets more comfortable in the public eye. 

She loves it. She hates it. I see too many good things coming from the violin to let her stop.  It's developing her focus and her awareness that doing something everyday, even for a little bit, has a huge impact.  We practice about 5 days a week for anywhere from 15-20 minutes.  I saw her hold a cup the other day and realized she has developed dexterity and strength in ever single finger in both of her hands.  She has violin hands! I love it.  Today I saw her play with a sense of ownership i've never seen before. Confidence is building.  This is why we do it.  Personal growth and confidence.  

Team Ferdig

Tonight P had a private swim lesson.  This coming weekend she has her last meet of the season and we thought a little bit of technique could help her get a little faster.  It was her first lesson with Laura and it went really well.  

But the highlight of the night was when Gemma went over and asked P if she wanted "wa wa?" and brought over the water bottle to the pool's edge and fed it to P.  Dave and I looked at each other and our hearts melted.  We both almost started crying.  

Gemma gets into all of P's swim practices.  She is so excited.  She runs to the edge of the pool and cheers her on.  It's sweet and wonderful.  She's part of the team.  Today she is side lined because of her age but tomorrow Gemma will be in the pool as well.  Until then she is absorbing all the things P is being taught. 

First Sleep Over

P had a friend sleep over for the first time ever. He is a classmate. We've had him over to the house a few times. He is so sweet and kind. His family just moved here in January from Spain.  We've connected on some of these common Latin roots.  

It's interesting to have a friend over. Her buddy is so independent and different than P and they are both basically the same age. P would not do a sleep over right now.  She also still wets the bed at night. She's very independent in other areas but the night time routine is not one that she would let go of. And, she still crawls into bed with us anywhere between 3-5am.  There are moments I wish I had more freedom to go away. But for the most part I'm glad we still have that closeness. 

Well, we'll see how well everyone makes it through the night. 

Jubees Birthday

Yesterday was Jubees 36th birthday.  I'm horrible with sending cards out on time. Peanut and I decided to take pictures and send him a note via email.  I love this one of her.  Her spark and funny bone have not gone away.  That I am grateful for. 

Gett'n Dooown!

A little someone has found her independence! Today Gemma started getting down off our bed very confidently.  I love it!  I taught her how and helped her out for about two weeks maybe, and today she finally went for it without me being around..or so she thought. It was pretty wild to see and fortunately I had my iphone right next to me in bed.