Growth Spurt

This past weekend Charlie had a pretty big growth spurt. Last summer he got a bike, but never did anything with it (very much frustrating his mom and dad). He would climb up and try to pedal for a minute and then promptly declare that he was done. So, the bike went into the attic space for a long winter's nap.

In the middle of last week Charlie declared out of nowhere, "I want to ride my bike." I promptly told him, "Okay, we'll get it out and go for ride." I was really in no hury to climb back into the attic above the garage and get the bike down for a minute's "ride", so the bike stayed put until this weekend when Charlie persisted in his desire.

During this weekend's first effort, Charlie got on his bike and tried to pedal. He did this for longer than just one minute, which I thought was a big step forward just by itself. I started to just push him around so that he could get the hang of steering. He did this for about another minute before declaring that he was done. I was prepared to be content with that, so we started to just goof around. I rode Charlie's bike myself and even let him push me around. There is no video of that (luckily), but our neighbor Dave told me he watched from his living room.

A few hours later, Charlie told me he wanted to go again. This time, out of nowhere, Charlie started pedalling by himself, I was only helping him get started periodically. He wasn't great at steering, but it didn't take long before he could navigate around the cul-de-sac on the sidewalk and make corrections in his trajectory. By Sunday afternoon, he was a pro going around our cul-de-sac and up the block around the next cul-de-sac before heading home. Watch the videos below and see what you think. Dad's thinking it will be a fun summer taking bike rides with Charlie leading the way and Daniel and Ana in the trailer.

Extra Bonus: Daniel was along for the ride and he is getting very vocal, enjoy his side commentary about juice, getting down and saying "Hi!".

Winter School Pictures

Oh wow! Everyone had seriously cute school photos this time around! Primrose brings in a photographer called lilAngels to do these fun pics. The multiplier of 3 kids with 3 great poses each at $29.95 a sheet will break us!
I think I might order Charlie pose 2, Daniel and Ana pose 3. We need to get a family picture some time soon too. Click on the pictures to see them larger in a new window.

Young Love

Ana used to be the youngest in the infant room, but not any more! The director's grandson, Owen, just started and he is about a week younger than Ana. Aren't the so cute on the play-mat together?! Owen and Ana will probably move through the Primrose classrooms together just like Charlie, Tessa and Chloe did over at Bearcreek. I wonder who is going to roll over first?

the text reads:

Hi Mom,

I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner (like Monday when it happened) but it’s because I know you are going to try to talk me out of it. I’m sorry, but I can’t help it…I’m in love!

I know you’ll say I am too young, but you don’t choose when you fall in love, you just know it when you get there!

I know you think that I should take things slow, but when you hold hands with the one you love, your heart races!

I understand your reservations, but don’t worry! There hasn’t been a proposal YET (because we can’t talk). For now, we’re just enjoying each other’s company (and our shared love of comfy onsie sleepers). If we both have the same goals down the line (ie: sitting up, rolling over etc.) and are going the same direction in the future (ie: the YT room in a year or so), then we’ll see where we are and how serious our relationship is at that time! Right now, we’re just having fun! Isn’t love grand?

Orange Hair

I love the Happy gram emails from Primrose. The one above came while I was working in Richmond. It is so nice to get pictures of your kiddos throughout the day. I can tell he is having a great time!

The text reads:

Good Morning Mom and Dad,

I know that recently Charlie has been fascinated with garbage trucks and dad’s occupation as NOT a garbage truck driver.

Well, I have been fascinated with the idea of having long hair. Not just the length, but the color, too! I mean, how many 1 ½ year old boys (or girls) do you know that have silky, shoulder length orange hair? Talk about a statement! I know it would be a big commitment, with all of upkeep…the brushing, shampooing and conditioning (especially if it’s true that mayo helps your hair look shiny…ewwww!). And yes, I’m sure people might do a double take, but as soon as they see how cool I look head banging & hair flipping to my favorite song or putting it up into the punk spike mohawk, they’ll be heading straight to Sally’s beauty supply for hair extensions.

If I do go for it, The big question will be…Bangs or no bangs?

Love, Daniel

Snow!

14" and it is still coming down. The boys had fun "helping" dad shovel.: