A weekly update

We're nearing the end of our three weeks without N and though it's been rigorous and exhausting for me at moments, we're all doing fine.

Some great things to report about L, who had her 4-year check-up with our pediatrician today:

We discovered that in the past year L has gained six pounds and now weighs in at 37 pounds and grew three inches, putting her at 42 inches, making her taller than 90 percent of children her age--no surprise there. She passed her first sight test with the letter board, which was pretty funny because she told the nurse that it's hard to read alphabet letters using just one eye. She also endured one immunization today and even after four years of periodic shots, I still cry with her when she gets the poke. Our nurse was warm and wonderful and produced a lollipop and a coupon for a free ice-cream cone at our favorite creamery as a reward.

May has been gray so far here on the coast, but when the sun pops out, it burns with all the intensity of a dog-day afternoon and I've got a rosy nose and forehead to prove it. The water is warming up at the beach and L's twice-weekly swim lessons are just the thing to keep cool on toasty afternoons.

Little C is closing in on 2 and has some opinions to match his upcoming jump in age. His usual cucumber-like disposition now is tainted by occasional protests when I seek his compliance with putting on shoes, using the potty or getting dressed for the day. He has taken to hitting and screeching during times of intense frustration, like when sister won't share her tricycle or if he needs attention. On the sweeter side of C, he adores his family and friends almost all of the time. He loves to wrestle, build houses out of blocks and likes to run, jump and climb. Most adorably, he now says: "I love you," with crystal audibility. He says it to me when he snuggles up to me every morning, he says it to sister when it's bedtime and says it to his favorite bunny blanket after he's been away from it for a while.

As for me, my days are full just with the solo care of these two little people. We have spent much time with dear friends who live just around the corner and whose papa also travels quite a bit. It's so nice to have that type of "family" connection nearby.

L and I are planning a trip to Seattle in June for great friend K's wedding. We're excited to have a girls' weekend with lots of galas and dressing up to go along with wedding festivities. C will stay at home with Papa for a boys' weekend, which I'm sure will also be memorable.

That's it for now. Thanks for checking in with us.