Instagram

I just wanted to say again that pictures from our phones end up on Instagram, instead of here.  They're also updated much more regularly (there is something new several times a week, I think ).  You can find those at: https://www.instagram.com/greteanemone/

Peek-a-Boo --- March 5

We were sitting at the table eating our supper, and all of a sudden Jane giggled such a big giggle for a little girl, and we had no idea what she was laughing at.  Pretty soon we were all laughing.  We figured out that Andrew had turned away to say something to Hazel, and turned back to look at Jane, inadvertently playing peek-a-boo with the baby.

At the beginning, it is Hazel and Vivian blowing raspberries, trying to get Jane to laugh.  What makes her giggle is Andrew disappearing and reappearing, not the antics of the big girls.

Jane Eating -- March 5

Jane started eating a few solid foods in March, mostly things that we're eating too. Here she was eating a little bit of banana.  She has since improved her technique a bit.  She smiles a little too.  I can't quite figure out what the older girls are talking about in the background, Hazel says "it's going to be so pretty and beautiful!" but I don't know what "it" is, and Vivian responds by saying "she going to have she mommy and family?" Then I think Hazel is talking about Jane when she says "she moved her eyes."  But I'm not entirely sure!

Hazel Reading -- March 1

We started working through a book called Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons in January, and now we're about 60 lessons in.  It's been pretty amazing to see Hazel learn each new skill, and she is definitely well on her way to reading, as you can see!  This video is from March 1, so she has progressed a bit further even than what you see here.

Hazel and Vivian Drive the Shopping Cart -- November 2015

This is from last November, but it was fun for us to discover.  If you listen, you can hear Hazel announcing "we are there!" and Vivian saying "no we not!" along with discussing turning the heater on in their car.  There are also some car sound effects.

Skiing (More Snow) -- March 18

After Vivian woke up from her nap, we got all dressed up to try out the skis in the backyard.  How have we not done this already this winter?  Vivian tried too, but got frustrated and cold before I ran in to get the camera.  Vivian made it around the yard a few times.  Hazel is getting more confident, and she had a lot of fun in spite of her falls!

For comparison, you might want to revisit Hazel skiing from two years ago:

Chap Stick -- March 16

Vivian found Chap Stick in my purse, and asked to try it out.  Hazel joined in.  And then they wanted more, and more, and more.

Lunch! - March 15

Precarious Position -- March 15

Now that Jane can sit on her own, we really have to remember to buckle her into her swing!   

T-shirt Weather Again -- March 11

Chillin' on the 4 -Wheeler -- March 10

Singing to Baby Jane -- March 9

Tracks and Snowmen -- March 8

And then it Snowed -- March 7

Lest we get too comfortable with our warm weather, we had some spring snow.  Hazel and Vivian got brave and put on their winter gear first thing in the morning with the intention of going out and building a snowman.

They were not outside very long, but we read books about snow for a while anyhow!

Backyard Afternoon -- March 6

We were able to get everyone out in the backyard on a lovely Sunday afternoon, for some basketball, soccer, and lounging in the sun.  Even Jane was out!  We brought her mat and she read a book in the sun, with Vivian to keep her company.  Vivian really likes to be with her little sister, and lately she's been so sweet about bringing Jane toys, and putting Jane's clothes in the laundry at the end of the day.

Hazel trying very hard to make a basket!  Andrew is pretty good at making it from a substantial distance.

Many Faces of Jane at the Table -- March 5

After her six month well-baby visit, we started offering Jane some solid food if we had something suitable on the table anyway.  She likes ice cream and yogurt and smoothies the best, but she'll eat mashed potatoes and bananas too.

Happy Baby -- March 4

Hazel's Drawings -- March 3

Since we started working more on writing letters and numbers in January, Hazel's drawings have really changed.  She draws a lot of people now, and trees and animals.  The blue figure is Hazel's self portrait.  

This one is a table on a porch, with lots of chocolates, and people there eating at a party.

Sisters in the Morning -- February 29

LaPrele Park -- February 28

It was a fairly warm and still afternoon for taking the girls to the park.  We are within walking distance of two parks, but it's a bit of a hike if the weather is unpleasant.  The big girls rode part of the way in the stroller, and Jane was in the baby carrier.  

Vivian really likes to run, and she led the way running across the little strip of prairie near our house on the way to the park.

LaPrele Park is nice because the equipment is similar to Washington Park, but is a little bit smaller (closer to the ground) so we are happy to let them just run and climb.  

Vivian likes these stairs, and she is super proud of herself for being able to climb up them now.

Hazel has mastered this piece of playground equipment this spring, she's just barely big enough to make it work!

Emma is always good company at the playground!  She likes the walk, and she is happy to follow us around the playground.  Kids often ask to pet her, and she is happy to oblige.  She recently turned six!  Not a puppy anymore.