Thursday, January 14, 2016

They're happy, they're sad, they're angry, they're tired, . . . all the feelings

January 14, 2016
Desert Avenue Home
Tucson, Arizona

Peter and Fredaric

Frenemies. That's what they are. They are friends and enemies. Frenemies. They love to hate each other and love to love each other. Today they were at each other's throats. There was a lot of fighting with the iPad and Kindle Fire. On a positive note, they played well at Paige Ricks' home. She has a baby girl Daphne's age and a boy, Benjamin, about Fred's age, or a little older. Paige elaborated that they were so good, she was able to get things done! Imagine that.

Fred was my little monster and made sure that the laundry was unfolded. Fred and I snuggled a bit today which was sweet. Peter was tender with Fred and offered him a boost onto the taller piano bench and Fred struggled to climb up.

Daphne is my smiley, happy girl and charmed everyone she came in contact with today. At the doctor's office, she bewitched a little old lady and the working nurses. She loves to smile and loves to see others smile. While she is super pleasant and agreeable, she is seems to be either super tired, super hungry or in super pain for a good portion of the day. She has been pretty fussy during stretches at night and periodically during the day.

The sounds of fighting, crying, screaming happy and screaming anger are regular noises that fill our home. I contribute to this as do the children. It was a good day, though not my best parenting. I love my littles. They are my world.


Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Let the Semester Begin! School for Dad and Park for Kids!

January 13, 2016
Brandi Fenton Memorial Park
Tucson, Arizona

Peter

Peter had pre-school. They learned about igloos and built their own with marshmallows, sugar cubes and frosting. It was cute. We when to the park around lunch time and Peter rode his balance bike. He is liking the bike more and more and would ride from the smaller playground to the older playground. Peter's imagination is growing. He would pretend to have trouble climbing the jungle gym and then call out for Fred, "Help me! Help me!". Fred would then grab Peter's hand and pull him up onto the platform.

This afternoon he played on the Kindle Fire. He raced down the stairs where Gavin was on his computer on the couch and I was in the kitchen. He called out "Mommy, a afteroid (asteroid) came across the sun and through the earf. Crash! and the dinosaurs all said owwie. . . and they crashed the ballcano (volcano) and BOOM! Chuggachoochoo!"

Basically he is the cutest Peter ever. I love his interest in space, volcanos, airplanes, trains, helicopters etc.

Fredaric

Fred had a good morning just chilling out while Peter was at pre-school. Getting him dressed is like dressing a crocodile. He loves to yell and growl like a monster or dinosaur. He builds tall Duplo Lego towers. Taller than he is. He has been building these all week. He plays well with Peter, when he is not torturing Peter or the other way around. He helped Peter on the playground while Peter pretended to struggle onto the platform. Fred loves to climb and slide down the slides. He is so cute as he plays and sucks his pacifier. He fought the nap, but went down eventually. He is a helper and often willing to clean with Mom and Dad and clear the table.

Daphne

Daphne has two teeth. We discovered them on New Years Eve! She is not even 6 months and cut teeth. She is the earliest. Peter and Fred cut their first teeth between 8 and 10 months. She sits and plays on her own. She is starting to get her knees under her and rock back and forth. She rolls everywhere. She is eating baby snacks and has tried peas and peaches. Separately and doesn't show a strong interest in either. She is full of smiles and is the happiest when she sees smiling faces and when she nurses. Mommy's milk is her favorite.

We got a couch! Gram found a steal at the Goodwill and it is in excellent condition. It's a loveseat, but it fits our front room perfectly. Gavin started school today. It's off to the races with the second semester of his Masters degree.