The Girls

Daddy person and Grady have left town to attend a funeral in Detroit MI. Cora and I have stayed behind to watch after Chester... and to work out the kinks in our relationship. Nothing huge going on, but I certainly have needed this time to connect better with my Daughter who likes to tell everyone that her name is Sister. She is a sensitive little giggle monster. Criticism can not be delivered gently enough to this beautiful soul. I love her goal oriented ways. Though I know we are not the same person she is giving me insight into who I am, the way that I was born to be.

We needed this time. Grady has been a great big brother and loves to play with Cora so much I have taken much of a back seat in the play department. When I try to discuss simple curiosities with Cora, like the different smells of a lemon and lime Grady would bemoan the stuff he already knows, making little room for natural wonder of a two year old. I will have to work a little harder to steal moments with Cora where she can feel normal about not knowing things Grady learned Three years ago.

The funny thing is, I was alone with Grady for over a month when he was this exact same age. It was hard then, but the adjustment was much greater this time. There was way too much quiet for me at first. Cora, of course, wanted so much more interaction than I was used to giving. We will have our boys back tomorrow, and it will be great to see them again. I think I will miss this crucible of growth Cora and I have shared. Perhaps again sometime soon, who knows. Boy does she miss her Daddy and Gay-dee.

Another trip to Maryland postponed due to illness.

Fevers

So my kids have come down with illness right before a trip to Maryland for the second time. This time is has been a draining 102.3F or so fever. With each child I monitored the fever for the first 12 hrs or so and kept them comfortable and hydrated. When they asked for it I provided them with a dose of Advil. One dose each. Then this fever tapers down to the 100.1F or so. In another day it seems to be all better.

Unfortunately this results in a lot of TV watching. It is eTV, but still it is TV. Otherwise I am so very good at keeping it off. When they are little zombies it does seem to help the day. Besides my brain is fried from being p all night long monitoring fevers and being prodded for "milkies".

Family visit and some home schooling music, crafts and Native American history.










Jennifer, Lindsey, Pete and the big yellow lab Lucy came to town for a visit. We had a wonderful relaxing time catching up.









Then we had a particularly productive day making a model Wigwam and Teepee and then we paint their bodies in an exploration of the video for the song "somebody that I used to Know" by Gotye.



Jennifer using her Music Therapy talent to conduct a music class for the kids and a friend.

Our 1000 Piece Puzzle was a family week long effort. Lucy Stole a cuddle with her "buddy" Chester, too cute.

If we take our eyes off Cora she will try a few tricks like stacking and climbing Chairs.