Trio

There is unquestionably an uneasiness and anxiousness about the H1N1 virus. In general, I haven’t been overwhelmingly concerned about it, as the symptoms mimic a severe flu. Not that the flu is trivial, but seldom critical for the healthy. But, being in a ‘high priority’ family with Delaney under six months, we thought it best to follow our pediatrician’s advice and seek out the vaccine for all of us. Last night, we joined hundreds of other people at a local high school in an attempt to receive the vaccination. Needless to say, we were turned away, as they only had 700 vaccinations and the line already extended from the cafeteria, outside and around the school, and nearly the full extent of the soccer field. My heart ached for those families with young children who felt the urgency to wait in line for hours in the dark and cold, in order to protect the health of their family, as well as for those who were turned away. That image still bothers me, as there is something that seems inherently wrong with it. For our family, however, we were more fortunate. Today, the kids’ clinic’s supply was replenished and they both received theirs this afternoon, while I was able to get mine from my own doctor—all of our appointments taking just minutes. Rick remains unprotected for the time being, but we are definitely better off than we were 24 hours ago. I just wish everyone could feel that same comfort.

Franny loved the power blower--but not in the usual, functional way, of course! She's so lucky to have a silly daddy...

Leaf blower from T on Vimeo.

No, it is not a blemish.  The shiny spot on Delaney’s forehead is the unmistakable  evidence of Cole’s kiss.  Since it doesn’t seem to phase her, I always wait until he’s not looking to wipe it off.

Since her arrival into the family, Delaney and Cole haven’t been the fastest friends. His exuberant affection has been somewhat unwelcome and frequently upsetting to her. But the last couple of weeks, these two have seem to have found a connection. She now smiles whenever she sees him and he makes her giggle like no one else. Today, he made her laugh out loud—the first time I’ve ever heard her do this. I am sure it is that she is older now, and can better appreciate his sweetness and silliness; he is learning to be more gentle with her, as well. It is wonderful to see them enjoy each other so much. He had obviously adored her for months, but it was definitely not reciprocated. He has a squeaky voice that he uses only for Delaney, which is both hilarious and sweet, and he always tries to help her and play with her. As she gets older, it’s going to be a lot of fun to see this relationship evolve.

This weekend, Delaney discovered her feet, and has been completely fascinated ever since. I think it’s one of sweetest milestones of this age.

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Much has been said about the eldest cousins—and there is no disputing that they have lots of fun together. As for the younger cousins, they have always tagged along with them, having a good time but not really creating their own fun. During yesterday’s visit with Great Grandma, however, the younger cousins actually broke off and did their own thing. And, they really had a great fun, playing together and giggling away nearly the whole time. It was very sweet to watch—I have no doubt that they will become the good friends their older siblings are.

Driving cars

Sidewalk chalk

Posing for the camera

Decorating pumpkins

Yesterday, the kids enjoyed an extra special visit from Great Grandma.  All morning they were asking when she was going to arrive, and were quite thrilled when her car finally pulled into our driveway.  For Delaney, it was a very special visit because it was their first meeting.  And, they seemed to become fast friends, as Delaney sat on her lap for quite an extended period of time.  It was very un-Delaney like.  She must have known she was in good hands.

Cole was one of two little boys whose older sisters attended the birthday party on Halloween. To be among so many girls really didn’t phase him. I have to hand it to him—with Franny playing with her little school friends, he was left on his own but still had a great time. He did a few of the crafts—including making a beaded necklace—and even played with the girls when they included him. When they didn’t, he played on his own without complaint. He’s such a great little brother.

Halloween was a very fun, but very full day for the kids. First, there was a Halloween-Birthday party for one of Franny’s school friends. There was lots of different crafts and LOTS of running around. It was the first party we’ve been to where the guest list was comprised entirely of girls. It made for a different dynamic, but was still a lot of fun. And, it was fun for us to see Franny interact with her school friends, since that is something we normally do not get the opportunity to see. Then, it was home for some quiet time before the kids got into their costumes and headed to the neighborhood community center. There, they did some trick-or-treating and enjoyed the festivities and music playing. At long last, we returned to our street for the big trick-or-treating event. They finished off the evening with handing out candy back at home, which was a lot of fun for them. It was great finish to a week long series of parties and fun.

Cinderella Franny

Elephant Cole

Little lamb Delaney

There was a lot of silliness in our house today. For Franny and Cole, most of it was spent doing two things: playing with the half-flat Red Robin balloons from last night’s dinner and playing with this empty diaper box. There was no shortage of giggling, that is for sure—and that is the best way to spend a Monday afternoon.

There are a lot of pumpkin patches to choose from in the Portland area, but for me, none compare to Kruger Farms on Sauvie Island. Here, there is a real feeling of harvest; there aren’t a lot of extras, but that is what gives it such an authentic feeling. And, it has the important things—corn maze, hay ride, hot cider, kettle corn, caramel apples and other treats, and lots of great pumpkins! Franny enjoyed looking for pumpkins, while Cole loved the tractor and the hayride. He also loved washing the pumpkins, (even though he didn’t pick one out due to his focus on getting back on the hayride). After choosing our pumpkins, we all enjoyed the festive atmosphere with some kettle corn and hot cider. It was a perfect Autumn day—the sun was warm and air cool. Everyone had a great time—even Delaney—and it was a great way to kick off a week of Halloween festivities.