Tommy, the “Indian-Bad Hat-Baker-Flyer,” going on a picnic.
Elizabeth’s First Haircut
Jan 6th, 2012 by ECM
Yesterday was warm again, so I gave in and let the kids pull out the kiddie pool, mostly so that I could say they were playing in it on January 5.
Elizabeth’s nearly-naked state somehow accentuated the scraggly appearance of her hair. Derek has been telling me for years to cut it, but she has so little that I’ve resisted until now. But seriously, look how uneven it was from her twirling her hair:
So I got out the clippers, trimmed Tommy up while he was naked, and then used the scissors to cut two inches off the back and right side of her hair. I did not have to trim her poor wispy left side at all.
She would not hold still last night to get a decent picture, but I’ll try again today. And no, I did not cry like I thought I would. Probably because Tommy was pushing a screaming Susie, toilet screw cap in hand (are my kids the only ones who try to eat those?), out of the bathroom while I tried to keep Elizabeth’s head still.
Anatomy of a Re-Entry
Jan 5th, 2012 by ECM
4:23. 5:08. That’s when Susanna and the big kids woke up yesterday, respectively.
Today was much better–5:45 and 6:20.
We’re adjusting to re-entry, and it’s not just the three hour time difference that’s wearing us out. (Though I couldn’t keep my eyes open at 8:30 last night, so that’s a big factor.)
The 60 degree temperature swing has us all dried out and parched. The influx of new stuff has me trying to find new places for old things and creative places for new things. The transition from five adults around to one adult has the kids clambering for my attention, but Derek still has four more days away at a DC conference. A reread of this milkshake post helped me realign my attitude yesterday morning.
So instead of trying to get everything done yesterday, I sent Tommy outside to water our parched lawn, compiled my Sprouts shopping list (all fruits and veggies–we’re detoxing from the sugar overload) while the kids made mudpies in their skivvies (it was 81 degrees!), and pulled the shopping cart out of its time-out in the garage so that Susie had something to walk with. I made sunflower seed butter and jelly sandwiches for the kids for lunch and dinner. I let the kids pull every pillow off the couches in the living room to make a fort (hey, I needed to vacuum underneath the seat cushions at some point, anyway), imported our new Little Bear audio CD to our computer, and changed out all of Susanna’s 3-6 month clothes out for 6-9 months. And though it’s not yet 7:30, the kids are dressed and ready to go to the park this morning.
I can always finish unpacking tomorrow.
Desperate for Snow
Jan 4th, 2012 by ECM
We’re pretty bummed that Michigan decided to just be gray and rainy for most of our visit. The kids were so desperate for snow that they geared up even when just a few flakes fell… Oh well! Better luck next winter!
Making Pizzelles with Nona
Jan 3rd, 2012 by ECM
Pictures with the Fam
Jan 2nd, 2012 by ECM
Last week, we celebrated Jason’s grad school graduation over at the Busses’ house. (Fam, let me know if there’s one that you want me to email to you.)
Susie and her Great-Great-Aunt Dee-Dee
Susie and Nona
Great-Great-Uncle Ray is a Susie fan, too
Jason cuts his cake
The whole Fam
The Mullers
The Busses
Sisters, sisters…
Brotherly love
The only girls born in the Tata family since 1956
And the only boys born in the Tata family since 1920
National Coney Island
Dec 31st, 2011 by ECM
The kids like National as much as Daddy!
A Few More Christmas Pictures
Dec 30th, 2011 by ECM
Grandma and Grandpa with the kids on Christmas Eve
Christmas morning, waiting for their uncles to wake up!
Elizabeth “helping” Susanna play with her new toy
Andy helping Elizabeth use her little magnadoodle
I’m going to get more photos off the camera tomorrow…
Traditional Couch Picture with the Coles
Dec 29th, 2011 by ECM
One of the great things about Royal Oak is how many other Hillsdale (and earlier) friends are from around here! We were glad to be in town the same time as the Coles–and to laugh at how much bigger William is than Susanna (he’s two weeks younger, but about 6 pounds bigger). I have a feeling these two are going to be very good friends!
Last Christmas, when Kelly and I were pregnant, we eagerly anticipated having 10 people on the couch for this year’s picture. But I think we’re maxed out on space…
The Christmas Ravioli
Dec 28th, 2011 by ECM
Two hours (not counting the filling) to make 243 homemade ravioli that were eaten by 11 people (the kids didn’t want any!) in under 30 minutes. And totally worth it.