At Long Last

So, what's a couple of years? A momentary pause? A lifetime of development and experience? A passage into a whole new lifetime?

Well, whatever it may be, I am sentting down, again, some years later to share more of these beautiful beings with you.

Aenaon's final day of Kindergarten was today. And after school we swam in Turtle Pond.

Picture with Papi

I found this one on the computer- it's cute, so I think I'll post it.

First Professional Haircut

These

These were the best that I could get. I really didn't want to post any picture of me on here (since this phase has been a bit unkind, but there it is, anyway).

Aenaon was a perfect subject in the barber's chair. All were quite impressed. Not one twitch or protest. I think he rather enjoyed it, and felt proud. I deftintely didn't want his hair that short, because I love his curls. I thought I expressed that to the hairdresser, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to allow a new style (it will always grow back). I think I could use a whole new style, myself, and though I had a few inches taken off, maybe I'll get a whole new look in the near future. He looks so grown-up with his new 'do, though.

Aenaon has matured so much that it's a shame I haven't recorded more of his progress. Perhaps I'll do so later.

Peace to all. Aenaon would love to see you soon. (He is constantly talking about all the people he knows!)

Cognitive Developments

There will always be moments that will take me by surprise. Sudden cognitive leaps that will catch me off-guard. Today, while taking a left to head toward 1A, Aenaon exclaimed, "No! I don't like this way! Go different street! Go that way!" And I immediately laughed, as it was funny to hear such a strong opinion about our choice of roads.

Later in the day, when he was riding in the back seat, with ginger candy in one hand, and soy chips in the other, he observed, "Too much junk food" (again, to laughter). And this evening, after waking with much lingering trauma from sleep deprivation (which is wont to happen when he naps too late in the day, and is extrememly overtired) he cried for some time, with much dramatic flair, and I was holding him in a chair at one point (he had been offered water, milk, limonata, dinner, ginger candy- all of which he refused), so admist the tears he suddenly uttered, "Want more junk food." (with spontaneous laughter again from my quarter-- ah! what is one to do?!)

A Few Moments

How fast it all goes by. Adara answered a question for the first time yesterday. I asked her, "Do you want this?" as she was squirming and whining, and she stopped and said, "yeah".

I wish I could describe how beautiful the children are to me. It is impossible to really tell of the love that is inspired by one's children. And as fast as eveything is changing in our lives- the love only intensifies in its own recognition. I've found a daycare arrangement that will ensue on Tuesday- and I think it's the best possible arrangement, given the circumstances. It will really only be thirty-three hours a week. And I can walk to work from there (and look lovingly at the house from the fourth floor hallway of the school). Conceivably I could even hang out for a portion of my off-period, which further decreases the hours they're on their own in the daycare. The woman who runs it is just opening on the 2nd, the day I need to begin. And Aenaon and Adara will be the only toddlers. She will have her four month old daughter, and a three month old. She's only taking the four of them for now (but she's licensed to have six). I think everyone will do fine. Like everything, it will take some time to get used to, and to build strong relationships, but I feel confident it will happen.

The children fared pretty well on Christmas. It's wonderfully fun to watch them enjoy the whole process- the excitement of giving and receiving, of unwrapping surprises, of enjoying family and feasts, the anticipation of Santa Claus- and the fruits of their unwrapping labor. I think pretty much everything was a hit with them. (It's probably an easy age to please, of course.) So far they've done well spreading out their time playing with everything (and have not yet tired of anything) which is great! Aenaon got a train set he really loves, and a singing/dancing Pablo (the Backyardigan). They both enjoy the tent and tunnel which are now set up in our playroom (formerly a dining room). The portable desk and crayons and markers and coloring books, etc. have already gotten a lot of mileage. So it works out well for both parent and child- and we're all enjoying it.

Well, that's all I have time for now.

Happy New Year!!! (If you subscribe to that establishment (as opposed to the Spring equinox, for example...)

Frozen Fun

In these uncertain times Aeanon's been getting his fair share of junk food, thanks to my weakened will, or energy. But, he's enjoying it. (Here, pictured with chocolate covered frozen banana, a la Trader Joe.)

AAARRRH!

Arrrrhhh! I be the pirate Aenaon, brother of Adaaaaarrrrrrrraaaaa! But this ol' bloggaarrrrr won't let me post more pictures!

Stay tuned, matey!!

Books: A Few Favorites and Tear Jerkers

I thought I would compile a quick, short list of a few books that have held special meaning for us over the past two years (for one reason or another). Some of the books mentioned are Aenaon's favorites from his earliest months, and some are the ones that Mom had trouble reading without my voice cracking, and tears welling up in my eyes.

Early Favorites (I can recite any favorite by heart!)

Jamberry (first 16 months) [now destroyed due to overuse]

Goodnight Moon- Margaret Wise Brown

The Very Hungry Caterpillar- Eric Carle [second copy still hanging in there. The first time I opened this book I had a flashback to being 2 or 3 and poring over it in the "hideout" in our basement. It's always so wild when memories like that come back to you, because they are so sensational (as in, you remember them with all of your senses fully engaged).

The Tale of Peter Rabbit (first ten months)

Ten Little Ladybugs

Buenas Noches, Maripositas

Pretty Poems and Wonderful Words- Baby Einstein Collection

Moonhorse- Mary Pope Osborne (great paintings, we particularly liked this as a bed time story)

Tear-Jerkers

Runaway Bunny- Margaret Wise Brown (I think the first couple of times I read this I got choked up.)

The Whales' Song- Dyan Sheldon (with beautiful paintings by Gary Blythe). I think I had tears streaming down my cheeks with this one (and it took about ten or so readings before I could keep my voice from cracking. The theme felt rather pertinent at the time. I still resort to drawing a parallel to the character "Uncle Frederick" where appropriate.)

Song of People- Lois Lowry (with wonderful paper construction pictures made by a Boston architect (featuring scenes in Boston). Very simple, subtle, humane and poignant.

Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez- Kathleen Krull (with beautiful illustrations by Yuyi Morales)

A Haitian Story of Hope: Selavi - Youme

I Am an Artist- Pat Lowery Collins (illustrated by Robin Brickman)

Celebrating Families- Rosmarie Hausherr (got choked up on the first couple of reads. But this book very simply portrays a variety of families in a variety of circumstances. Socially conscious. Accompanied by photographs.)

Brother Eagle, Sister Sky- paintings by Susan Jeffers (story is adapted from speech Chief Seattle gave the government commission at meeting to finalize purchase of his people's land.)

We have a large assortment of books which we read and have thoroughly enjoyed. But I felt these were the few worth mentioning.