We'll start out with a little video of the two munchkins...
This summer has been filled with growth and change for us, most of it good, however we are ready to slow down and relax with the rhythms of the changing season. The growth part was mostly done by Whitney, with a little help from Lyell. She celebrated her sixth month birthday yesterday with a yummy bowl of yogurt and rice cereal. The development of a newborn in the first six months is astounding, and I can hardly keep up. It seems I am always learning through experience that (crash!) she can no longer lay on the couch without rolling off, and (splatter!) it's not a good idea to eat a bowl of cereal with her on my lap. Whitney is now a mover and a shaker. She is lightning quick and makes it a personal goal to put everything within a six foot radius into her mouth. Her favorite person in the world continues to be her big brother, who fortunately feels the same way about her. Unfortunately, until each learns a safe way to express their love, their time together needs to be closely monitored. Thus far Lyell has tried to teach Whitney how to jump on the bed, climb on his back, and (my personal favorite) rub her head to toe with lotion after their bath. As many parents can relate- it is so darn cute until all of a sudden there is lotion in eyes, hair, mouths and everybody is screaming at the top of their lungs. But somehow all members of our household have managed to keep their appendages intact, and actually feel quite healthy despite all of the action in our lives. Since our last post we have experienced...
- Five weekend excursions
- Three camping adventures
- One car accident
- Renting our house out and moving to El Portal
- Being evacuated from our El Portal house due to a forest fire
- Returning to El Portal for one night before heading to a four-day Strawberry Music Festival
- Flying to Chicago for Matthew's sister Jeanne's wedding
Phew! I am afraid that Lyell was most affected by all this transition as he ran out of names for all the different houses we were at. We started with "new house" when we were camping, then said, "other house" when we moved, then when we were evacuated Lyell just started saying "everybody's house." Lyell likes to give everything he sees a label these days- part of the whole language acquisition thing I am told. I can chart his language development with Whitney's age; when she was born he called her "Bee," then he caught on to the two syllable "Whitney" at about 6 weeks. When she was three months he could string together Baby Whitney, and start adding on verbs like "Baby Whitney sleeping." Now, at six months, he puts a hand on his hip as I am furiously typing away at the computer trying to get just one thing done, and says "Mommy, Whitney feels sad. Needs a new diaper now. Stop, 'puter, stop." Oh geez, he's onto me... online shopping will now have to wait until after bedtime :)
Lyell seems to be taking after both of his grandfathers these days. Grandpa VK has passed down his salesman's negotiating skills. Many nights the conversation goes something like this, "Lyell, put on your jammies and we will read two books before sleep." "No mommy, four books and play trains, then sleep." (big smile, wide eyes... guess how many books we read? :) During his waking hours Lyell exhibits his budding engineering skills passed down from Papa Marcis as he constructs tunnels and bridges for his trains. He has suddenly passed into a new phase of development called "independent play." It is lovely! I've made an entire purchase on Amazon and Lyell hasn't even looked up from the elaborate bridge/tower he is designing.
Our move to El Portal has been wonderful. Matthew's commute to work consists of walking 200 yards down the hill. Although we experienced some "downsizing pains" as we went from 2 acres to 900 square feet, the process of simplifying felt very cleansing and we were able to create a beautiful new space. We also made the final decision that I not return to work, and I feel so grateful everyday to be able to stay home with my children through these early years. Most days I find I am moved to tears by the beauty and wonder (and sometimes the frustration) of it all. On one of the more frustrating days, Lyell looked up at me and said, "Mommy sad. Need a hug. Feel better." and after hugging me he hopped down from my lap and said, "Thank you. Welcome" and scooted back over to his trains. Of course this made me really cry until I laughed and soon we were laughing and pushing the trains around to stop at every station in our house.
Now for the pictures. Taking pictures this summer has been a bit problematic. When I actually remember the camera on a trip, and remember to charge the battery, and remember to put it somewhere logical so I remember to take pictures... well then Lyell is usually naked or half-naked or running away from me. Whitney, however, is still extremely cooperative ;)
Our first camping trip of the summer up to Tenaya Lake
Lyell stripped down and jumped in...
... and realized how cold the high country water is.
On our second trip to Tuolumne Lyell met Lyell (boy on the left) both named after the mountain and canyon we were camping next to.
With our friends the McKinneys and Cathedral Peak in the background.
Throwin' rocks in 'da riva'
The only family photo we managed on all our trips :)
Whitney sleeping on the banks of the Kings River on our annual rafting trip.
Lyell directing traffic in his "uniform." It was above 90 degrees all day and he was quite happy in his birthday suit.
Cooking dinner for 20 with our dear friends Josie and Nate
The failed family photo attempt :)
Lyell helping with the potato harvest.
Look who's driving the moving truck!
Playing in the crib. Lyell would love nothing more than to have Whitney sleep with him all the time.
This is a picture of the Motor Fire from our porch (pre-evacuation.) The amazing fire crews prevented the flames from cresting the ridge in this picture, thus saving all our houses!
Two hours into our trip to Chicago and Lyell has already managed to remove his pants.
En route to the zoo with Auntie Carrie in Chicago.
If you look closely you can see the baby monkey above my head which kept Lyell spellbound with it's antics.
Whitney at six months
Lyell spotting his first tarantula (a common sight here in El Portal in the fall.)
Taking care of one another.
Lyell at two years and three months
All for now from the Sierra Foothills. Much love to each and every one of you. As the days grow shorter, may we all settle and find that peace within.
