The Slog Known As November

We lived through a slog known as November back when Jadyn was an infant, but, honestly, we had forgotten the depth of how truly awful it was.  Joseph, sadly, has not been immune to the cold viruses that drag kids down that first fall in daycare, and combine that with his unpleasant reaction to antibiotics, Jadyn enjoying some GI issues of her own, and parents suffering through far too many sleep disruptions, we can safely say this November has been tough for the entire family.  We'll spare you the nasty details and focus instead on some of the higher notes of life since our last post.

Jadyn enjoyed several outings and birthday parties with friends from school.  She still adores parks and running around outside as much as possible; she has learned to pump on a swing, if you get her started with a push.  She has started texting messages to Daddy on Mommy's phone (sheesh) and is getting so incredibly good at puzzles, sounding out words, drawing pictures and doing crafty things, and writing.  She loves helping out with her baby brother as well as playing with older kids.  She's as sassy and opinionated as ever, quick as a flash, and has a great sense of humor.  She'll tell you she is "3 and 3/4" and her birthday is on February 12th.  Daddy has taught her the "50 Nifty United States" song, so she can sing all 50 states in alphabetical order, which has only increased her fascination with maps.  So whenever we talk about other places, she'll want to know which state it's in.  How fun!

Joseph is still trying to figure out how to move forward.  He does an awesome plank pose, drops to his knees, and then rocks back and forth, before pushing back too much with his arms so that his feet and shins slide away from his center, moving him backwards.  It won't be long and he'll be getting anywhere he wants to!  He loves playing in water (his bath, Jadyn's bath, washing hands at the sink), banging toys on surfaces (second only to chewing on things), and jumping in the jumper we finally remembered to make available to him.  We've resurrected the top of the music table (he isn't able to stand on his own yet) for him to play with, and it has entertained Jadyn a bit as well.  He loves being on the swings at the park, and watching Jadyn and Daddy throw t-shirts or other soft objects at each other is hilarious fun for Joseph, too.  He has started saying "mamamamama" specifically when Mom arrives to pick him up at school or comes into a room from a short absence.  He can say "dadadadada" as well.  If he's saying Jadyn, we're having trouble picking it out.  It will come soon, though, no doubt!

 

Playing in the inner tube at school

The kids endured the flights to and from Denver for Thanksgiving quite well, despite both of them being less than 100% at the time.  Our visit was too short, as usual, and it was great to see our friends there.  Jadyn got along famously with Maxine, and Enzo adored Baby Joseph.  Christmas will bring more travels, but for now we'll hunker down and enjoy rainy Seattle for a few weeks.  Hope you had a great November!

Enzo holding Joseph