Hiking at Simpson's Gap Park

Mommy, Logan and Delenn met up with some friends this morning to do some
hiking at Simpson's Gap Park. Logan and his friends, Portia (now 3) and
Alana (4) were VERY excited and practically ran up the steep hill.
There were some gorgeous views in all directions -- with the Gap on one
side and Mt. Gillen on the other. Delenn rode in the sling and looked
around (and giggled) the entire way. Logan was so tired after the hour
and a half long hike that he wanted to go straight home and go to bed!
Both kids had great naps this afternoon which left Mommy with more than
an hour to herself!

This weekend promises to be a busy one with the celebration of Daddy's
birthday in the morning, the Independence Day celebrations, fireworks, a
soccer game, and more!

HELPFUL HINT: You can click on the pictures below to see an enlargement.

Alana, Portia and Logan (Kim behind) get ready to hike up a big hill near Simpson's Gap.

Alana (age 4, left) points out one of the nature signs. Portia's anxious to get going.

Logan did a great job hiking up the hill on his own.

Delenn stops for a rest.

Everyone admires the views.

Alana points out the view to Logan.

View of Simpson's Gap

Getting ready for a snack at the top of the hill.

Refueling for the hike back down.

Crossing the murky shark and crocodile infested waters.

Cruising Through the Week

Every day Delenn gets more stable and a bit stronger. She now spends a
lot of time walking to an object (mostly a ball of one type or
another--that seems to be her favorite thing at the moment), bends down,
picks it up with one hand and then continues on her way with ball/object
in hand. Today, she seemed to understand that if her feet hit an object
she could make it move because she also spent a lot of time crushing...
I mean kicking... various things around.

Delenn is also clear about the books she wants. For the past week or
two, Mommy's been holding two books up for her to choose from. Today
both at nap time and bed time, Delenn pushed the books aside at one
point and made a lunge for a different book (not given as an option!)
She'll also kick up a fuss if Mommy declares book time "all done" and
she still wants more books. For example, this evening she struggled to
her feet, reached out and HAULED a book decisively off the bookshelf!

Logan is doing well too. He and Delenn have a lot of fun together. He
constantly makes her giggle. Mommy was amused earlier today when he
looked over at Delenn (who was sitting in front of a bin of toys) and
Logan said to her, "Good job playing on your own, Delenn." Words
STRAIGHT from Mommy's mouth!! It made Mommy chuckle and also warmed her
heart to know that those little things ARE heard.

Logan was a bit grumpy this morning, but the good thing was that he took
a good nap. And for the first time in ages so did Mommy and Delenn.
Logan and Mommy went to sleep around 1:30. Delenn woke at 2:15, but
Mommy whisked her into bed, nursed Delenn and eventually both fell
asleep again. Mommy was stunned when she woke up at 3:55 with both kids
still sleeping! (Normally we try to make sure Logan is up by 3:00 to
make sure he'll go to sleep at night.)

Life is so enjoyable with the kids healthy again! We've been having a
lot of fun playing race cars, rockets, farm animals, treasure box
(hiding a small toy in a recipe box to 'discover'), blocks and Legos --
and playing with various things outside. It was so cute today when
Delenn held a 'hockey stick' (plastic golf club) and walked around
(holding Mommy's fingers) also trying to hit the balls)! Logan is
getting pretty good at being able to hit the ball into the cardboard
tunnel. The weather sure is gorgeous. The paper said this was the
coldest month in thirty years (Remember our record heat wave this past
summer in January?). But remember, it might be freezing or below at
night, but during the day the temperature is between 70 and 75degrees!
Lovely!

Delenn doesn't crawl, but spends as much of the day as her tired parents can stand it (ha ha!) walking around the house. For the first two weeks she needed to hold on to both our hands. She stops often to pick up stray objects (cars, CD cases, a plastic golf club, etc.) By 9 months of age (July 12), she could then walk holding onto just one hand.

The little walker in action.

Logan may be crawling around with his race cars, but Delenn'll have none of that!'

A disembodied Logan

Now for the real image! A much cuter version of Logan!

Logan's getting really good on his tricycle!

Watch out, Mommy, here I come!

New Pictures Have Been Posted

Logan is finally over the rotavirus. Whew! As you'll see from the
pictures below, he's back to some serious playtime with Delenn!
Unfortunately, Daddy was pretty ill today -- and spent the entire
morning in bed. He felt good enough in the afternoon to take over
watching the kids while Mommy played hockey.

Delenn's balance and strength improves almost hour by hour. She even
insisted (in her own way) on walking out to the car yesterday. We just
can't get over this little baby that is so headstrong and determined to
walk like everyone else!

We posted a number of new pictures below -- including our trip to Jesse
Gap and John Hayes Rock Hole a couple of weeks ago. Keep scrolling down
to view all the pictures -- they've been added in chronologically so
some are pretty far down the page. Enjoy!

Delenn spends as much time as possible walking about (with help). She hates being left sitting on the ground (as she won't/can't crawl).

Mommy's back is aching. Any clue as to why?

Please? Can't we go outside and go walking again? It's not that late.

I'm smiling at my new found mobility and freedom. Let's go!

The master chefs at work.

Making scrambled eggs (and a LOT of noise!).

Caution! Construction work in progress.

Slowly on the Mend

Well, it's day four of the supposed 3-day virus. Logan still has watery
diarrhea, but overall is doing pretty well. He got up at 3am -- and
according to Daddy ate something, spent time on the potty and rested on
the couch until Mommy and Delenn got up. As for Delenn, it wasn't a
terrible night (up 3 times) -- so Mommy feels slightly more well rested.

Poor Daddy isn't feeling very well. The combination of sleep
deprivation, late days at work, and an upset tummy is wearing him out.

Logan played all day today. Since we still can't go out anywhere -- we
did all sorts of activities at the house. We played rockets (flying
them and building them out of Legos and blocks), tea party, pots and
pans (yes, those were separate events!), bugs (building a bug cage out
of wire cooling racks and displaying the numerous fake bugs we have),
and we even went outside to drive cars and trucks, play hockey, build
sand castles in the 'sand pit' (a 18inch by 2 foot bin of sand we have),
and ride bikes. In fact, Logan (and Delenn) were so into playing that
they didn't watch any TV during the day (just in the evening when
Logan was wiped out and Mommy needed to get dinner on the table).
Delenn, as always, tried to spend as much time as possible upright and
walking around (holding on to Mommy's hands). I know we mention this practically every day, but that's because it amazes me that she can walk the length of the house holding on (with both hands) to mine! Of course she can't really go around things (and plows right into whatever's in her path), but boy is she one determined girl!

Much to Mommy's surprise (umm... dismay might be a better word!) NEITHER
Logan NOR Delenn napped today (again, I think it has to do with the fact
that both of them were so into playing). I tried everything, but no
amount of crying on their own, nursing, etc. would get either of them
down. Oh well, at least they both went down early (Delenn before 6pm
and Logan at 6:30pm).

Delenn seems to have added mum,mum to her vocabulary. Nope, it doesnt' seem to indicate "Mom" yet. But she has been waving like mad since she started a few days ago. So now she has general signs for 'up,' 'all done,' and 'hello/goodbye.' We sign to her all the time -- most especially at meals, book time (before her two naps and before bed) and in fits and spurts during play time. Oh, and speaking of book time, Delenn has started turning the pages of her books now (using her hand kind of like a club, but obviously turning the pages nonetheless). It is astounding how she adds new things every day.

We still will stay home tomorrow since Logan still not better, but it's
great to have Logan so much more perky!

Sorry about the lack of pictures and many, many words here at the
website. Hope to rectify that... well, sometime!

Logan's feeling a bit better. Delenn and Logan build rockets!

Delenn shows off her bottom two teeth.

Logan shows off his top two teeth!

Playing in the 'airplane'

Is red my color?

Watering the flowers

Pretty in pink!

Showing off those long eyelashes.

Sickness Day 3

Last night was another tough one. Delenn was up quite a number of times
(though eventually settled at the end of the night after teething gel
was rubbed on her gums). Meanwhile, Logan got up again to throw up (and
to have his nappy changed), but luckily Daddy took care of his needs.

So obviously, Logan is still sick, though on the mend. Today he was up
several times for anywhere from 1/2 hour to an hour and a half. (The
past two days, he has spent most of the day in bed.) He ate a bit more
and even popped up from a nap at one point saying he wanted to get in
the truck and get pizza and chicken. (In reality, he ate two crackers
instead!) Unfortunately he still has diarrhea and is sitting on his
potty as we speak, 7:45pm (with Daddy there for moral support).

Delenn is still healthy, though it was a tough day since Logan was more
needy (in that he wanted to be picked up any time Delenn was in Mommy's
arms or holding onto my finger and walking around. Since Delenn
basically ALWAYS wants to be 'walking' if I'm around, it made for a
tough time.) On that note, Delenn still shows little interest in
crawling (though she'll prop herself into a semi-crawling position).
She is happiest standing and pulling DVD cases off the shelves or
playing with toys at the low tables (coffee table/train table).

On a different note Daddy got approved to take several computer classes
in the next several months, so he'll be very, very busy in the coming
weeks and months.

Look at how well I'm standing!

Sickness -- Day Two

It's been a tough day (worse that yesterday because yesterday Logan
slept so much of the day). At one point today I had both kids
crying/sobbing hysterically - one on each leg. One would stop then see
the other still crying and then resume. Then the other would stop...
Logan kept saying - Mommy I NEED you. He's had a fever all day. And,
while the vomiting stopped last night, today he had massive diarrhea.
At one point he spent a good 45 minutes on his potty. Poor kid.

Delenn is a trooper. She's so great about playing on her own (Logan
NEVER was). I would plant her in front of a bin of toys and head off -
sometimes for 20 minutes - and she'd do just fine. The medical clinic
said there's a virus going around (when isn't there here in Alice
Springs?????) - and that usually it lasts three days. So, we're
two-thirds of the way through this!

Delenn's Sense of Humor!

Delenn and Mommy went outside to get a bit of fresh air late in the
afternoon. Mommy was showing Delenn the flowers and handed her one that
Logan had picked a couple days ago. Delenn, of course, immediately put
the flower to her mouth. Mommy gently grabbed her wrist and said "No
eating." Delenn smiled and did it again. So Mommy again gently grabbed
her wrist and said, "No eating." Delenn giggled and tried once again to
put the flower in her mouth. This time Mommy gently pushed her wrist
away from her mouth, said, "No eating" and then pretended to take a bite
out of the flower, "Harumph!" Then said, "No eating!" Delenn looked
just a bit surprised and burst out laughing!! So again and again, Mommy
pretended to eat the flower and then said "No eating." Again and again,
Delenn burst out laughing! This probably lasted a good five minutes!

Delenn Pulls Up, Logan Wears Pull Ups

Last night was a rough one. Delenn was up at 11pm (as normal) to feed.
But then she was up again at midnight talking, chatting and trying to
have a feed. Delenn looked at Mommy quite seriously for a minute as
Mommy said and signed -- "all done, milk" and then told her "night
night, milk" -- she grizzled for a minute, but seemed to understand.
After some teething gel, Delenn was put back into her crib and slept.
Meanwhile, Mommy had a terrible nightmare and woke up at 1:30am in a
cold sweat and couldn't sleep for a while with her pounding heart.
Delenn was back up around 3am. Then woke up permanently sometime around
4:30am. Mommy heard Logan call out (though without hearing aids,
couldn't hear what was said), so she said "it's the middle of the night,
Logie, go back to sleep." Logan started to cry. Mommy popped up and
realized he had thrown up in bed. Running for the basin and hollering
for Daddy back up, Logan continued to throw up every 15-30 minutes (and
still is -- now at 11am). He took a long nap, but is still not well
(and seems to have the runs now too -- thus the "pull ups" instead of
undies). Delenn also slept for (her normal) 45 minutes.

Anyway, Logan had the energy a bit ago to make some rockets out of
blocks. While Mommy was building with Logan, Delenn took the opportunity
to pull herself up to a standing position at the train table. That's
the first time she's fully done that on her own. Usually she needs to
balance and pull herself up using Mommy/Daddy's hands.

Hopefully everyone (including Mommy) can sleep this afternoon!

Shoes

We wanted to add that Logan is doing a great job putting on his shoes.
Daddy showed him how the shoes make a triangle when they're put together
-- and ever since then, Logan has been getting them on the correct feet!

And, on that note, Logan has also mastered putting on his own coat,
though he still needs help with the zipper.

We had a nice day today. Daddy got breakfast in bed for Father's Day
(yes, we're doing the American Father's Day because we'll be out of
Australia in September for the one we normally celebrate!). When Delenn
went down for her morning nap, Mommy went back to bed too -- and slept
for four hours (Delenn slept for just 45 mins)! This meant that Daddy got some great bonding time with the kids this morning! :)

This afternoon we went to the Telegraph Station for a soccer team
barbeque. We had a nice time catching up with friends and kicking the
ball around (in a casual manner!).

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! Hip Hip Hooray!

Mmmm... breakfast in bed.

Delenn's 8 Month Update and Some New Events for Logan

Delenn is 8 months old. Logan will be three in a couple of months.

Life here has settled back down again to some semblance of normalcy.
After two hard, hard, hard weeks of teething and a runny nose/cold we
seem to be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. For a good ten
days, Delenn woke up very frequently (every couple hours early in the
night and up to every half hour by the end of the nights). That may
because Mommy became too comatose to be able to administer any kind of
meds (Infant Tylenol or Oragel). The past couple of nights have been
STELLAR with just one feed at 11pm and one at 3am. (Delenn goes to
sleep at 6:30pm after her bath and books and gets up usually at 6:00am.)
For all that pain and agony -- Delenn now has one top tooth through and
is in the process (still) of breaking the skin to get the second top
tooth and her third bottom tooth.

Delenn is very much a Momma's Girl at this point. She always reaches
out for Mommy and shies away from others (hides her face in Momma's
chest) when (most) people talk to her. Daddy can handle and entertain
her, but ONLY if Momma is not around (not seen OR heard). Usually Dad
is also able to calm Delenn down without Mom around by feeding her Mom's
milk from a sippy straw cup. However, the other night, while Mom was
out giving a performance (playing the oboe as part of the Alexandria
Quartet) for a large ball at the convention center, Dad did everything
in his power to calm his little Girl down. No milk, no singing, no
swaying or looking out at the stars and sky would calm her down. Nope,
it wasn't until he stuck on the evening news and she saw the female news
presenter that she finally calmed down. Within 5 minutes of the news
Delenn was back out like a light and in her crib asleep.

Delenn now has a running vocabulary of bababa and dadada (though dada
doesn't yet seem to mean Daddy). She also imitates our pitch and tone
of voice (which can make meal times quite loud with Logan chiming in too
with those excited squeals). She seems to be understanding lots more
these days. For example, when Mommy reads her books she'll hold two
books in front of Delenn to choose from. Delenn puts her hand on (or
grabs a hold of) one or the other (and it's not always the one on the
right or vice-versa!!) [Incidentally, Delenn's favorite books are Baby
Chick's Day (that Auntie Wendy and Uncle Joe bought for Logan) and the
touch and feel books. She's also just starting to be interested in flap
books.] Delenn also started to sign 'all done' at meal times and will
get a big grin on her face when Mommy signs some things like milk, duck
(for the ducky in the bath) or light (when pointing up at the light on
the ceiling). And much to his delight, Delenn waved at Daddy when he
got off the bus a few days ago.

Delenn continues to astound us with her eating mayhem! She is eating
finger foods--and her diet ranges from pieces of avocado, steamed
carrots and broccoli to bananas, cooked and raw apples to Cheerios,
Alphabits (a sugar free (non-sweet) cereal like Cheerios) and graham
crackers (which disintegrate into mush). She also likes the turkey
broth soup Mommy made some time ago and has chowed down on small pieces
of chicken, ground beef and chick peas. If there is some sort of baby
food in a bowl (like yogurt or whatever), Delenn works hard to put her
spoon into the bowl (though she really hasn't ever scooped anything onto
her spoon yet). She is so determined to do it all herself. (Hmmm...
does this mean she'll be headstrong??) To those of you not up to date on
your baby know-how, most babies don't start to self-feed until well into
their nine or tenth month. Delenn is only just now eight months.

Delenn also gets a big kick out of feeding Mommy and offers her whatever
she has in her tiny hands. Mommy gobbles it up with great gusto
(pretends, that is), much to the amusement of Delenn. She definitely
has a sense of humor. The other evening, Logan put some cotton batting
on his head. Then he'd tilt his head and the cotton would slide off.
You should have HEARD the BELLY LAUGHS Delenn let out!

While many kids start crawling around 6 or 7 months, Delenn still has
not started crawling yet. Perhaps that's because she is SO determined
and driven to walk. She spends a lot of time trying to pull up with the
help of Mommy or Daddy's fingers. In fact, she's not content to sit if
she has the option of holding on to Mommy or Daddy! She's even now
trying to pull up on tables. And, whenever she can, she 'walks' while
holding on to Mommy/Daddy. Of course, she has little balance at this
point. Still, she definitely has the knack of moving her legs forward.
Some kids skip the crawling stage -- and we wonder if Delenn will be one
of these?

Logan has had an adventurous few weeks too. Daddy took Logan to see his
first movie a few weeks ago -- Ice Age 2. Logan did pretty well, though
Daddy said that he did the best when he was eating (popcorn!) or
drinking (water from home). Today he and Daddy went to the Disney movie,
Cars. He did better (at being quiet and not running around) than many
of the other (older) kids that were there. There was one scene where
the main character race car and a hick tow truck were tractor tipping
(instead of cow tipping). Logan laughed hard at that. Directly
thereafter a lot of other kids began to laugh as well. Guess it took
Logan to point out the humor for the rest of the kids.

Logan had his first soda at his friend, Portia's birthday party two
weeks ago. He was offered some orange soda and announced quite loudly,
"Mommy, I LIKE SODA!" (We very rarely even offer him apple or orange
juice. He primarily drinks water, milk or 'mala' (milk with vanilla or
chocolate vegetable powder).

The previous weekend Dad and Logan went off for Australia's biggest
off-road racing event, the Finke Desert Race. In last year's blog we
went out camping with visiting family and friends to see it. This year
because of Delenn's teething, we decided to stay home and watch it from
the start/finish line. Firstly, on the Friday (8 June), we went to the
scrutineering event. There spectators can check out the motorbikes,
quads, buggies, and trucks that are all entered in the event. Logan
really enjoyed checking them out and asked all sorts of questions.
Before long he was commenting on the placing of the engines, the
suspension, and where the spare tire was kept (and why there was a spare
tire in case they got a flat). It was getting quite cold (has been down
to almost freezing these last few days) and Logan noticed other kids
with 'hot dogs' (sausages or snags as they're called here in Australia).
We got one to warm up and sat on some bleachers. Logan then commented
on his own about thanking me for the hot dog and 'I am pretty lucky
Daddy to have this hot dog and to have you as my Daddy'. I don't know
where and why the kid will suddenly come out with this stuff, but it
certainly makes Dad laugh out loud with his 'out-of-left-field words',
but more importantly it makes Daddy all happy and warm-feeling at the
same time. The next morning, Saturday, Dad took Logan and his pal
Nicholas off on an hour long bike and hike adventure (with whom we said
a sad and permanent goodbye to at the airport later that day along with
Kristen, Steven, and Matt) After Logan and Nicholas biked around the
block to the foot of a hillside, they got off and we proceeded to hike
up a quite lengthy and precariously rocky 'mountain'. This was quite
exhilarating for the boys and they were quite pleased with themselves
once they made it to the top and could look down over a good deal of the
surrounding area. This, coupled with several bouts of 'bindi' attacks
(stickers that get caught up in their shoes, socks, and hands), made for
something similar to the likes of Sir Edmund Hillary and his expedition.
Anyway, the secretive primary purpose of the adventure was to wear the
boys out. Dad is pretty sure he succeeded. On Sunday morning Dad went
out to the Finke Desert Race start and finish line to see the racers
blast off. Logan really liked watching the red light switch to yellow,
then blink yellow (the engines would really rev hard at this point),
then go green, and then see the race vehicles blast off. They'd go two
at a time every minute.

Logan will be turning three in a couple of months, so Mommy and Logan
have been to check out three-year-old kindy (for kindergarten). At
Kindy, kids get to play at various stations (such as animals, office
(with pencils, pens, stamps, keyboards and play telephones),
cars/trucks, etc.) There is also usually an area for dress up,
painting, play dough, and/or climbing equipment. They have circle time
(to sing songs or listen to a story). And all this fun is done for 2
1/2 hours (without parents on hand). We first went to check out the one
held at the Toy Library. Even though we go to a playgroup held at the
Toy Library and know one of the teachers, Logan was very shy and clingy
when we went to check it out. On the drive back home, Logan said,
"Mommy, I was scared." I was impressed he was able to verbalize that.
Last week, we went to check out the other Kindy in town (the Gap
Three-year-old Kindy). Mommy knew the director (We played hockey
together about four years ago) and has always really liked her. Logan
jumped right in and had a great time there (even though we had never
been to that facility before.) In fact, he even played with some of the
other kids. Mommy jumped right in too... at one point reading a book to
six kids (but not Logan!). It has a large sand pit which all the kids
seemed to enjoy -- and also had various stations set up (as they did at
the other kindy). But, seeing how comfortable Logan was, we put him on
the waiting list. He should get a spot when we return from the States
in October. He'll start with just one morning (9 to 11:30am) a week and
then may go twice a week after the New Year.

Logan amuses us with his stories these days. We always ask him how his
day was (and he'll ask us periodically throughout the day as well).

I think we mentioned this before, but Logan is honing his skills at
distraction (ie. distracting his parents). 'TALK' Mommy -- he'll say if
he wants to be doing something he shouldn't (like sticking his fork into
his straw or whatever).

Earlier this week, Mommy made chocolate chip cookies. Mommy had her
back turned and was sneaking bites of cookie dough and fresh baked
cookies. Feeling she had gotten away with her crime, she turned (still
munching slightly) to find Logan bent over a snack cup filled with
Delenn's Cheerios. He too was sneaking a few bites and looked up at
Mommy with innocent eyes (and munching mouth). Mommy BURST out laughing
-- and so did Logan! (Both feeling that they had been CAUGHT!)

Delenn is usually up around 6am. After breakfast and some play time,
Mommy turns on a 'movie' (such as Dora the Explorer, Little Einsteins,
the Letter Factory, etc.) for Logan and goes back to read books and
nurse Delenn. She usually naps around 8am. By 9am, she's awake again
and we head out for morning activities. Last week, for example, we went
to John Hayes Rock Hole to go hiking with Le and Linda on Monday.
Tuesday we went to the book library for story hour/craft followed by
Kindermusik. On Wednesday we checked out the Gap Kindy (though starting
this next week, we're planning to get together with two other kids
(Portia and Linda) and do activities. The Moms will take turns weekly
coming up with activities for the kids while the other two Moms go off
to do other things.) Thursday Logan went to play with Kimberly at
Rosalie's while Mommy ran errands. And, on Friday we went to the Toy
Library play group. We try to be home by noon so we can eat (or finish
eating) lunch. Delenn naps basically as soon as I can get her down
(usually around 12:00, but sometimes as late as 1:00 if it's been
particularly busy). Logan has an hour or so of Quiet Time (with naps
happening just once or twice a week these days). Mommy tries
desperately to clean up (toys, the dishes, the food hurricane, etc.).
Then we play for a bit before heading out to ride bikes (Logan and
Delenn each riding their tricycles)... or for a ride in the bike trailer
or stroller. Most days we try to meet Daddy and Noel at the bus stop.
Then it's dinner/bath/bed -- and WHEW -- maybe(??) an hour or two before
Mommy and Daddy collapse. (Well, no I take that back, Daddy is naughty
and more often than not stays up to work on things. He's been doing
some studying and only finds time at night.)

A bit ago, I talked briefly about Delenn enjoying her books before her
naps and bedtime. Logan also enjoys reading books as well. Most days
he gets two or three books before Quiet Time or bed time. He doesn't
have any favorites at the moment -- it ranges from non-fiction books
about the doctor, dentist, rockets, race cars, animals, etc. to Disney
books, story books and so forth.

Mommy still plays oboe in the Alexandria Quartet. We now have a cello
player (who is terrific). We worked hard to put together a three hour
concert for a function at the Convention Center last Thursday night.
And Mommy has thoroughly enjoyed playing (field) hockey for her team.
We have had some great games -- and Mommy has improved steadily over the
course of the season. Daddy and Mommy also play soccer, though we are
on a four week break at the moment. We'll be going to a soccer team
picnic tomorrow instead.

Oh--and to those who don't know it yet, Mommy decided not to teach for
the Univ. of Maryland this coming year. With two little ones (and other
interests), I decided I would enjoy life more spending that extra
time/energy on the family instead. I thoroughly enjoy browsing the
preschool books for ideas rather than spending time focusing on WWI,
WWII and other bits of history or grading and responding to students.
It was a difficult decision because the truth is, I love teaching
(history/adults), but having made that decision I am VERY VERY happy.
(So I know it's the right one at this point in my life.)

We know we have left out lots of funny stories, but the days blend
together. We're doing well and are enjoying life immensely!

Let's see... what to play with next?

Believe it or not, I'm getting better at getting the food INTO my mouth!

Logan and Linda show each other some interesting bits of sand. Le looks on. (Jesse Gap)

Linda and Logan scale the boulders at Jesse Gap.

Logan goes free style rock climbing at Jesse Gap.

Now how do I get down?

Kangaroo at John Hayes Rockhole.

Linda and Logan check things out at John Hayes Rockhole.

Linda, Logan, Mommy and Delenn pose for a picture.

We climbed to the top of a 'mountain' (up a steep hill) to look at the vista.

It was quite cold (Delenn had two hats on!)

Daddy and Delenn read books together.

I like chicken... mmm...

Food,Teeth, Meltdowns, Signs, etc.

Delenn is not the best eater because she's so insistent on doing
everything for herself. At age 7 1/2 months, she self feeds herself
cheerios, small bits of papaya, zucchini, pumpkin, meatballs, and cooked
carrots. We shake our heads in wonder and amazement since Logan was
still happy with the mashed up homemade versions at age 11 months or so.
Delenn wants the chunky stuff -- and will do it HERSELF thank you very
much!

Delenn is teething once again. She is cutting her top teeth. The night
before last she was up every three hours in the beginning of the night
and then every hour later. It was a long night for Mama. She was dosed
up with Infant Tylenol and teething gel, but she was obviously in a lot
of pain. Last night was better and today we can see and feel the ridge
(so it's through). The other tooth is not far behind. This afternoon
Delenn was screaming bloody murder -- and didn't sleep for more than 1/2
hour at a stretch despite Mommy's valiant efforts to get her to sleep.

Mommy, Logan and Delenn enjoy going to get Daddy at the bus stop every
afternoon. Logan rides his tricycle and Delenn is pushed in her
tricycle by Mommy.

Logan had an enjoyable morning with Kimberly and Christina. Rosalie and
Mike took the kids to Squiggles. Logan was in tears when Rosalie
brought him back, because he didn't want to come home! After three days
in a row without naps, Logan had a MAJOR meltdown at quiet time. Mom
just had to leave in the room to cry and throw himself about. Finally
ten minutes later when she went in to check on him, he was hiccupping
softly but sound asleep. She scooped him up and put him in bed. He
slept soundly for two hours (til Mommy and Delenn came in to wake him
up).

We're all still doing sign language at home. Delenn has begun shaking
her hands (sign for "all done") at mealtime (usually part way to most of
the way through the meal), so we're pretty sure she's trying to convey
that she is finished. She has been signing "up" since she was 5 months
old, this is her second sign. She definitely watches Mommy when she
signs various animals, etc. when we read together. We'll keep you
updated with Delenn's emerging conversational skills!