Exersaucer

Just to show you we're still taking pictures of her, here's Lindy, hanging out in the exersaucer. 

New Experiences...

OK, everyone says how the middle child gets slighted. I just want to dispell that. Oakley gets to do stuff at this age that Aspen never did because Aspen is around to make it happen. For example, we went roller skating on Saturday. Aspen got invited to a roller skating party next week, and we wanted to get her some experience. Aspen and Oakley both did well, on the carpet in particular. By the end, Aspen even ventured on to the rink without prodding and was mobile. Let's consider that a success. And to her credit, Aspen has become more adventurous as of late. We like that.

Of note, Aspen's friend Michaela was over on Friday and they were doing some tree climbing. Aspen ventured in to parts of the tree she'd never seen, and I think that's pretty cool. It is easier for me to say that than Jenn, however, because I didn't have to witness the fall from at least 6 feet, headfirst. Yes, all is well. She has a nice bruise on her belly from a branch she broke on the way down, and Michaela's mom managed to break her fall. Jenn said she herself was crying before Aspen hit the ground.

Back to the new experiences... We also checked on the circus this weekend. We did have fun, but I must say, the production values of a circus are incredibly lacking when compared to any of the Cirque de Soleil shows. It's not even close.

We saw the standard stuff. Animals, trapeze, clowns, etc. The girls enjoyed it, but seem to enjoy a Predators' game more. It didn't really strike me at the time, but one of the events was the elephants walking over some ladies. I think this may have lead to the story that follows...

So, I put Lindy down on the floor. She was content, and the girls were in the family room with her. I went into the basement to tell Jenn something. We heard a few big booms, as we often do when the girls jump off the couch. It's a common event, and something we permit. After a little while, I went back upstairs to check on things. Well, it turns out that my two older children had been jumping over my youngest off the couch. Yes, that's right, Lindy was serving as a hurdle for Evil KnAspen and Evil KnOakley. I have to admit that I struggled a bit not to laugh about it...

Oooooh!

Oakley is funny.

We're in the midst of a deluge here in Nashville right now. Constant rain, all day. I had rehearsal tonight, and I picked up dinner on the way home. Oakley expressed concern to Jenn about me getting wet. Jenn told her that surely I was wearing a raincoat and would be OK. Of course, I was not. As I walked in, Oakley said with great concern...

"Oooooh! Only a waffle knit!"

"It was my idea too"

I sent the girls upstairs prior to their bath tonight. Just before I went upstairs to join them, I heard Aspen saying, "Shhh, he might be coming..."

Well, I got upstairs, and they were both hiding under the covers of our bed. They were tough to find, I'll tell you. So, I jumped on them. They giggled, of course.

Tim: feigning anger Whose idea was this!?
Aspen: It was mine.
Tim: Is that right, Oakley.
Oak: nods
Tim: OK, well then I have to do this Aspen. gives big zerbert
All: much laughter
Oakley: It was my idea, too!

She did, of course, receive the zerbert as well.

The Best Baby

Yes, I am well aware that people always tell you want to hear. But the folks at the nursery on Sunday were falling all over themselves to tell me how amazing Lindy was. She didn't make a sound; she took care of herself; bring her back every time. It was a bevy of compliments.

Well, I just wanted to let everyone know that I agree. We've been blessed with an awesome baby again. Who'd a thunk it? 

Oak, with the Oak leaves

 

A nice winter today

Today is why we live in Nashville, not Milwaukee. It's January 8th, and the high today was something like 69. It was excellent, and we skipped naps to play in it.

The wind was whipping a bit, so we created a nice little leaf pile. The girls certainly enjoyed it. 

NPPITC

NPPITC... No Physical Play in the Car.

It all goes back to Papa, Vince Martin. I can remember this phrase so clearly. Prior to the days when we flew most places, I can recall drawing an imaginary line down the middle of the back seat so that Karen and I would not cross paths. And when we did, frequently tickling was involved. (Karen was so mean, she tickled me endlessly. I was a poor, helpless, child, 7 years her younger, and she just abused me.) Inevitably, the words would echo from the front seat.... "No physical play in the car!" And that was the end of that. I can even remember saying to Karen, "NPP, ITC!"

Well, today Aspen and Oakley started playing with each other. They were touching and tickling or something. When I wanted to tell them not to, I could think of no other thing to say...

"No physical play in the car!"

It's all my dad's fault.

Hostess for a Day

Aspen got to be the hostess for her Encore class today. Welcoming everyone, choosing a book, and bringing the snack. It's big fun. 

Happy New Year!

Lindy wishes everyone a Happy New Year!