Pleas of Peas

Hank and Clara have added a new word to the vocabulary: "please". We definitely needed this word to come into their vocabulary. With so many of the babies' requests sounding like demands, we are now able to request that they add a softening word like "please" to cushion the demands. Of course, articulation remains an issue, so Clara in particular, sounds like she is repeatedly asking us for peas. Since peas remain one of the few vegetables the babies willingly eat, this can definitely be a confusing thing. But, any move from demanding to manners is a welcome one!

Glorious Messes

I keep thinking that as the kids get better at eating with forks and spoons, the food related mess will ease up. Apparently, it doens't really work that way. This morning's attempt at Cheerios, blueberries, and cottage cheese is more on the high chairs than anyone's tummy. But, it was worth the effort to let C&H try. I find that the more indepence they are given during the mealtime, the less hellish the whole thing is for the parents.

Speaking of messes, we had a wonderful time getting all the cousins together last week, but man oh man, it's amazing how much five kids can make a home messy, even in the height of the summer. Hank and Clara loved watching Alex and Natalie explore their world, as only big kids can. And Madeline was often Hank's shadow, crawling right behind him every where he went. Clara had some reservations about sharing Mom, something that is increasingly difficult for her to do. But, it was all in all great.

Now, it's time to turn our attentions to our next adventure, which is heading out to Rochester for an overnight camping trip. Will Hank and Clara be good campers at age 18 months? I have my reservations...