We're still here...

...and mostly recovered.  Our home has been hit by a bout of illness followed by a bout of "we live with a 4 1/2 year old and an almost-2-year-old".  It's been intense.

The illnesses have passed but the 4 1/2 year old and the almost 2-year-old (thankfully) remain.  They are mostly delightful little humans in between the moments of whining, demanding and not listening (that would be Mr. 4 1/2) and the screaming and tantrumming over slight injustices (that would be little miss almost-2).  Suffice it to say this past weekend had some trying moments.

But I'll leave my venting at the door and use this moment to reflect on the finer points of the two little people sharing our home...

Tonight-- the girl:

She's almost two and sweet as sunshine, full of love and opinions and new words to express it all.  Her speech has been exploding recently.  Every day she  is amazing us with new sentences, new words, her expressiveness and her sense of humour.  She pronounces "water" like "wat-oh" and she is so very polite.  "Help me pick up dat?  Peeese?" "Nank you, Mommy!"  She knows how to take compliments beautifully, a confident "Nanks!" greeting us when we praise her.  She still loves her "nummies" and nurses after naps and at bed and during her (still ongoing) nighttime wakings.  I try not to begrudge her those mid-night snuggles because I know tiny girl will never be this small again and before too long my strong will little girl will not press herself into the crook of my arm and snuggle in, one hand over her eyes, softly peaceful.  Already her independence is growing every day. "Me do it!!!"  A little emphatic elbow pushing away our offer of support, a frustrated yell when we buckle her carseat straps for her...No one will push this girl around, that is for sure.   She tempers her strength with that sunny smile and kisses and pat-on-the-back hugs and sweet questions of concern for others-- "'kay, Jack??"  and it is impossible to be frustrated with her for long. That blond hair is getting longer every moment and still has some curl but she won't leave a bow in and usually impersonates a tiny, doll-beautiful street urchin.  I love her beyond measure.

Tune in tomorrow for the boy.

For tonight, a few more pictures I uncovered from Lulu's recent visit.  I love all the love in these photos...

And-- spring in our neighborhood...

 
Don't you wish you were here?

Illnesses and frustrations aside-- this is a beautiful life, isn't it?