Surprisement

One day last week, a while after putting the kids down for their naps, I heard Rooke's door open and his little feet running out of his room.  A bit annoyed (because he's not supposed to come out of his room during nap time), I waited for him to find me.  He came running into my room, then dramatically stopped, spread his legs, and threw up his hands to show me his "sock gloves".  He had the biggest smile on his face I have ever seen.  I couldn't help but giggle, which quickly turned into lots of laughter.  He was cracking up too and mid-laugh he said, "Mommy - I'm not laughing at my socks.  I'm laughing at your surprisement!"  Unable to do anything but enjoy my son in that moment, I grabbed the camera so I wouldn't forget my surprisement.    

Siblings

Lately I have loved watching a friendship grow between Rooke and Gretchen.  I've been praying for their relationship for quite some time and it thrills me to see some of those prayers answered in recent interactions.  Rooke is still too rough sometimes and Gretchen still instigates trouble by taking toys she knows he wants, but they are having more fun together.  They are enjoying each other.   

Gretchen adores her big brother.  She would rather be doing what he's doing, sitting where he's sitting, and eating what he's eating than anything else.  He's started to notice the admiration, which is helping him be more patient and gentle.

Rooke is becoming quite the helper.  He helps her eat, holds her hand while walking, helps her find Bunny, helps her read books . . . he loves singing "Jesus Loves Me" to her before sleeping and is demonstrating a new sensitivity towards her that I don't see him show to anyone else.

I love my kids

Our Thoughtful Son

Rooke had a few bites of his lunch left and I asked if he was done.  His response: "Yes, I'm going to save the rest for Daddy.  We can take it with us when we move to England and Daddy can eat it there."  I love this guy.

She's a Girl

I've never been one to get offended by the common mistake of commenting on how "cute she is" to my son or "what beautiful hair he has" to my daughter.  Yes, I dress my kids in traditionally gender appropriately colored clothing, but I understand that not everyone cares how I dressed my baby that day and doesn't take time to notice before commenting on precious he/she is.  

Because they are precious.  Both of them.

But now Gretchen is almost 15 months old and she is still being referred to as a boy.  She's in all pink, people!  I get that she doesn't have much hair, but a pink dress?  Really?

So I took it to the next level last Sunday.  Being totally sure that the headband would last all of five seconds, I picked out her outfit using a pink flower clip I made.  To my total surprise, Gretchen left it on after just a few encouragements not to touch.  In fact, after a minute or so - she LOVED it!  She would grunt and whine if it started to fall off and was very disappointed that she couldn't wear it for her nap!  I think I could get into this girly hair-bow thing quickly if means people will stop referring to her as a boy.

Last Days of Fun

We've been soaking up our last days in Seattle and filling them with family and friend time.

Jessie tipped me off to a killer deal that scored us two free gourmet burgers.  Seriously.  They are in a league of their own.  The skillet roams around Seattle.  I'd always heard about their amazing burgers, but I had no idea.  Oh my!  Who knew such goodness could come out of a large silver bullet?!  And I don't even like burgers that much!

We also enjoyed a morning at the Seattle Science Center with our neighbors and partners in crime.  Sarah and I pile in her kid-mobile with all our little ones and we're off for an adventure that's bound to be fun!  Sarah captured these moments . . .

Rain, Rain, Go Away

We're ready to play outside.  

The sun gave us glimpses of spring today, but only to be immediately followed by hail.  And rain.  And cold wind.

We've resorted to coloring on the windows.

And reading a LOT.

We built the wall of Jericho . . .

. . . that cam tumbling down

And Thomas and his friends have seen a lot more action. 

Gretchen has also worked on learning her body parts:

More Birthday Fun

A few days after I turned 15 + 15, G-Daddy turned 30 + 30!!!  He flew in on his birthday and we spent the weekend celebrating his youthful age.  He's an inspiration in many ways at 60-years-young!

Birthday cheers!

Not only did we have fun with G-Daddy, but Aunt Kaydonna as well!  She is brilliant with kids and loved on Rooke and Gretchen so well while she was with us.

They treated us to an afternoon at the Aquarium.

It was octopus week.  What an incredible creature!

Thanks for spending your birthday with us, G-Daddy.  We miss you and Aunt Kaydonna already!

She's a Gorilla

One of the few things left on my "to do before we leave Seattle" list was go to the zoo as a family.  We had a great time!  The gorillas were Gretchen's favorite. 

Beating her chest like a gorilla

After the zoo, we headed to our favorite Seattle pizza spot to cash in on a birthday coupon for a free pizza!  I don't think a small will feed the four of us anymore once Gretchen realizes she would rather have pizza than the stuff Mom brings along for her to eat.