oh boy... this can't be good

While Steve was in China, I got into the practice of paying Declan $2 per day so I could take a shower. By Myself. Without a Baby. It is probably worth eight times that much, but $2 seemed reasonable for 20 minutes work. Since his return, I often still employ Declan for two reasons ... first it is more convenient to shower during daylight hours. The evenings just get too crammed between dinner and lacrosse practice and general life. Secondly, Declan is trying to make a little extra dough. This arrangement works out well for both of us.

However.... yesterday, I came down from my shower to Declan excitedly relating a new skill Isaiah took on while I was busy sudsing my hair.

Take a look for yourself:

We are busy preparing for our trip to Washington DC. So I'll leave you with a few pictures...

Head Injury

Angus suffered a concussion yesterday at recess  during school. He slipped on some sand on the Plaza (painted concrete) and his feet went right out from underneath him! Poor guy has a goose-egg on the back of his head but all neurological testing showed nothing out of the ordinary. We watched him pretty closely through the night, waking him up to make sure he was responsive and rousable, and he looks much much better this morning! WHEW!

But I'm afraid he is out of lacrosse for a while. 

First Cold

dang. I knew this would happen eventually.

Poor little guy is terribly congested and was running a fever last night. Sleeping and nursing are particularly challenging, which is oh, about 85% of our existence these days.  The other 15% is spent trying to get into/onto stuff he shouldn't (like climbing the stairs). Favorite objects of his desire are: dvd cases, electrical outlets and wires, cat brush & bowl, cat, stone fireplace hearth, magazines.

On a positive note, yesterday while at story time, Isaiah demonstrated more independence and ease with strangers. He seems to really look forward to our weekly excursions. This week he was anticipating the adventure as we climbed the stairs to the third floor. As soon as I put him down on the floor, he was off exploring, crawling into other mom's laps (!) and investigating other children. He really can be quite social!

short video of the lil guy and some quiet time with mom...

Biking with Baby

We got our new bike trailer last week. Isaiah and I have been going out for a bike ride every day ever since. :)  My butt is a little sore but I can't help myself but to go. It was especially nice because Steve was gone all week in China but I still got to work out every day. I have been running with the jog stroller but I didn't really get to ride much last year so this is a welcomed relief for me ~ to get out on the bike and just move.

We go late morning, after he has eaten and is quite tired from playing, so he just naps most of the time. He seems quite comfy and content in there with his blankie and stuffed animals. Yesterday he woke up about 5 miles from home and started singing. What a delight!

peacefulness

lazy mornings

Angus and Declan are so helpful with Isaiah, especially this week while Steve is gone. I am never without an extra set of hands around here, offering to hold him for me while I get a task or two done...

Declan's Music

Declan, a member of the Middle School Choir, performed this past weekend at MICCA (Massachusetts Instrumental & Choral Conductors Association) Festival. The choir took home a gold medal (superior rating), the highest honor available.  They will be invited to participate in the Stars at Symphony 2009!  Quite an achievement!

Link to local article here: 

http://carlislemosquito.org/2009/2009-04-10/index.html