Half Birthday

Well, here we are: six months old (for about two more days). Although it seems like yesterday I was bringing my tiny newborn home from the hospital; it's also less surprising when I see the other two sprouting up just as fast right alongside him. I believe the saying is: "The days are long, but the years are short."

Not all days feel long, but there are more than a few I'm watching out the window like a puppy for my backup to pull in the driveway. But I almost never actually run away by myself the minute he walks in (like I often threaten to). Because once Mitch is home and there's another set of hands, another form of entertainment, another adult to talk to...well, it's a new lease on the day. I love our family time all together in the evenings, hanging out with four of my best friends.

Today I took Abram in for his consultation before next week's surgery. Poor dude has to get tubes in his ears. After four antibiotics in a row couldn't kick his ear infection, the pediatrician sent us to a specialist. Turns out he's just got too much fluid in his ears and even when he doesn't have an infection, the pressure from the fluid alone is painful. He and I have had a rough month and a half of sleep and although he's still pretty cheerful, I notice a difference in his mood during the day too. I'm scared of the anesthesia and the procedure, but I want him to stop hurting.

Some Abram fast facts:

• He's the first kid to not like avocado. The other two loved it, he gags like he's being poisoned. 
• He's just over 17 pounds now and wearing 6 months clothes. 
• We've reached that really cool age where he realizes he can make VERY LOUD NOISES. (Maybe no more restaurants for awhile.)
• He loves to pet the doggies and talk to a blank ceiling. (Seriously, what is up with that? Kinda creeps me out like maybe he sees something/one I don't.)
• If it weren't for the ear troubles, I'm pretty sure he'd be sleeping through the night. Let's get back to that, shall we?
• Bites like a rabid badger at any hand within his reach. No teeth yet.
• He's got a pretty nice little tripod sitting pose, even if it only lasts 30 seconds or so. 
• And oh yeah, he loves to chew his own toes.

Birthday Girl

Suddenly, my two-year-old is three.

 She wears twirly dresses and tutus and tells fart jokes.

She idolizes her big brother and can push his buttons like no one else.

She loves to tickle and rough house until it goes too far. (It always goes too far.)

She can say the sweetest things and just slays me with her tenderness, affection, kindness, and helpfulness.

She astounds us with her raging fits and stubbornness.

Her quirks include a love of being naked, eating still frozen foods (peas, french fries, etc.), and the great way she pronounces words like "bunch" or "mulch" with her mouth all funny.

She's blossoming into quite the little artist and has a great imagination for pretend play. She loves to dress herself and add jewelry, cowgirl boots, and purses. Her stepping stool is her best accessory and she totes it all around the house, reaching everything she can. 

She's so smart and funny and such a joy. She fills our days with laughter and sweetness...our Evelyn is such a gift. What a fun three years it's been!