The Sickies

Today you are sick Asher. You are down for your second nap on this cold, wet, dreary, fighting-the-spring March afternoon. A slimey snail trail perpetually seeps out of your nose. You cough and cry out in the middle of the night, but you don't want to be picked up out of your crib. You just lie there, paci in mouth, crying and hollering. Like some wild animal. You just hold right on to that paci though. It remains in your mouth as you cough and scream. Paci skills like you've had since you were a bitty.

I have to admit though, there's part of me that likes this time of not-quite-wellness. Many Mamas and Papas can attest to the same thing: the cuddle factor. You little ones are quite content to sit still, recline and snuggle even, when the sickies come.

Your sissy took a nice long nap and you and I took a nice long cuddle. First actual movie you've watched, Cars. One of Pixar's best. And I think you liked it. You certainly didn't attest. "Car. Car." you pointed. "Mater" you recognized from your book.

I hope you get better soon my sticky-nosed one.

Imagination Station

Boy did we have a fun day today, kiddos. Papa took the past few days off to get some things done around the house and to hang out with us. Then, he had the great idea of going to the Imagination Station today. This was our first "field trip" as a family. You guys aren't even old enough for them to charge admission on you, nor will you have any recollection of it whatsoever, so Mama will try her best to freeze this day in time for you...

Peekin' out the tree house

Driving an ambulence with Papa

Water works!

Doing some administrative tasks at the hospital...

Mama's got hops!

Sissy just took in the sights, quietly looking around the whole time.

Wind tunnel
Hurricane simulator
Fireman on the move
Papa and I not only had a great time with you kids, but being kids ourselves. In fact, I had a harder time keeping track of Papa than I did you, Asher! I would turn around and he'd be out of sight, discovering exhibit after exhibit.

Asher, you are a joy to watch. It is a pure, concentrated joy to watch you soak everything in like a sponge. And right now buddy, you answer yes or "yesh" really, to just about anything (except for things you really don't like or want to do. Like diaper changes. Or vegetables). So when asked if you had fun today, you so confidently responded a loud and proud, "Yesh!".

Can't wait for more days like this one. Love you guys!

Dancing

A couple of nights ago Mama and I loaded up you kiddos and headed out to an international potluck. It's great way for us to learn how to love people of different cultures together. Amelia was her usual chill self. But big brother...

Asher, you were a dancing machine. I don't know if it was the adrenaline rush of staying up an hour past your bedtime or a natural sugar high from the roughly 78 grapes you ate but you were a beast on the dance floor.

Two-stepping, spinning, flailing arms, rosy cheeks--you were a sight to see buddy. And nearly everyone was watching you. You started swaying with a Chinese song, breakin' it down during a Swahili number, and took command of the dance floor when music from India came on. It was pure joy for you. I loved every second of it.

Your dancing Papa.