Thanksgiving

Alma, after Thanksgiving, upon seeing the dark starry sky for the first time: "Can we get a book about stars, mommy? Can we make a book about stars? Let's make a book about stars."

Alma came from a far away star to grow in my belly just about three years ago, a few weeks before our wedding. A little sea turtle swimming around with a rapidly beating heart. I knew it was nothing short of a miracle. Tonight I am filled with gratitude, remembering that time she chose to come be with us, the sacred beginning of our family.

Exploring

Alma calls hikes, "run-hikes."

Alma: "Should we collect some bird-berries?"


and here's Alma almost two years ago...

we've all taken turns being sick. here's feverish alma on an odd very warm day in november. i still don't fully understand seasons in california.

It's hard being 9 months old

When I wrote time that it had been a hard month for Isaiah, I kind of figured we were through the worst of it. But my little guy can't get a break! He is on his third ear infection, a doubler, in five weeks. Then this past week spiked a very high fever for two and a half days with diarrhea and vomiting. On the day his fever left, he broke out in a classic Roseola rash all over his trunk and face. I was relieved because at least I knew what had been making him so miserable. I remember when Alma had this same common childhood virus when she was around 15 months old -- she also had high fevers but none of the other unpleasant symptoms that Isaiah suffered. I think his immune system has just been fighting all the infections and he hadn't had the time to fully recuperate. The pediatrician said we needed two weeks in Hawaii. I had to laugh. Maybe next year...


Isaiah has also been on a teething bender for weeks but has no new teeth to show for it. Just drool and fuss all day. He has, however, progressed in his efforts towards crawling. I think I can say that he is crawling now but he kind of hates it. He cries the entire time with frustration and anguish. I'm not sure why -- he just gives off the impression of "this sucks" with every little movement. He's happy to sit or stand, but crawling seems to make him miserable so far. I really do have compassion for babies. Great souls packed into these helpless little bodies. Alma was noticeably happier in herself after she learned how to walk. I think there is just frustration inherent in not being able to control your environment very much. Isaiah is such a love beam, and you can tell he doesn't want to bother us with all this. I know it will get easier for him, I just wish I could speed up certain parts of babyhood - and slow down some others.

Happy Birthday Nana DB

Here's Alma working on your card...