Transition time

As I reflect on my last days before going back to work, I realize that my goals for my leave were much more ambitious than what could actually be accomplished. On the plus side, I did clean out about half of the basement, and I caught up on some movies that I had wanted to see. I read a library book and returned it only 7 days overdue. I decorated and undecorated for the holidays, and I experimented with some new recipes for dinner. But I didn't get to work on the kids' baby books, or edit any of our home videos from the past 12 months. Most meaningful, though, was the time I got to spend with Liam. I really did enjoy that, even though some days I felt as if I had gotten nothing accomplished. I was really fortunate to be able to stay home as long as I did. I've got to focus on the fact that it's sometimes just not important to cross things off a list.

One of my other accomplishments during my leave was to get Charlie to his first dentist appointment, which I did on Monday. We met with the dentist, and she counted Charlie's teeth. Next time he'll get them cleaned. Charlie enjoyed seeing the stuffed animals that they had at the office, and he got a balloon and a prize. As we walked through the exam area to see what the chairs looked like, another child was crying and upset. Charlie clearly made note of that, but I also pointed out the other child who was being examined quietly. Ever since the visit to the dentist, Charlie has been obsessed with brushing his teeth, not just before bed, but also sometimes in the afternoon or in the morning.

Charlie has been getting really good at catching a soft football, as long as it's thrown in the vicinity of his chest. The other day he put on my stocking cap, and John's gloves, and said the cap was his "helmet."

Liam sneezed yesterday, and Charlie said "he's making bless you." I guess he's so used to people saying "bless you" when he sneezes, that he thinks that is what it is called! He is learning other words for bodily functions, like "gas" and "fart." And he's showing more interest in trying to go on the potty again.

Liam has slowed down his eating a bit, but still sleeps through most of the night, getting up at about 4 or 5 for one feeding. I put him into his first 6 month outfit last night. It's amazing how much bigger he is than Charlie was at this age. 3 month photos are posted on my flickr site.

We're off tomorrow to Disney, and Charlie is really excited. I hope he becomes comfortable with the larger than life characters quickly, and isn't too shy. Speaking of which, I'd better get back to packing!