Random things I don't want to forget

Claire is 4 months old already! She's such a happy little girl, grinning for everyone. She especially loves her big brother. Cor and Owen are the only two who can make her giggle on a regular basis. She recently discovered her hands and loves to gnaw on them, and uses them to grab anything within reach to stick in her mouth. She's so content...too content, it turns out. She's not eating enough, or my milk is too watery, or some combination. She's gained less than a pound in 2 months. My pedi is a full-on supporter of breastfeeding but handed me a sample can of formula and suggested topping off with an ounce or so after every feed until we can get my supply up. I'm guessing the days of breastfeeding-only are done, and we'll be supplementing here on out. With Owen at 4 months I was completely done, so we did better this time around. I just want her to put some chub on! Today was the first full day of supplementing. She took the bottles but threw up a lot, she's just not used to eating that much. I hope that changes. She loves to kick and stand, we tried the doorway-jumpy-thing today, she loved it.

Owen had his first Christmas programs this week. Sunday he played a "modern day wiseman" and gave Jesus some cookies. He was a pro! Went up by himself, even though the other kids had to be escorted. I was so proud. Then, on Tuesday night, he had his preschool program. Participation wasn't as great, there. He just stood there while the other kids sang. He didn't look angry, or embarrassed, or sullen, just stood there and looked around. Oh, he did jingle his bells. He told us and his teachers that he would sing when he got big. They sang "Jesus Loves Me" and "Jingle Bells." Today I finally got him to sing Jesus Loves Me:



He's giving me grey hairs lately. This 3-year-old thing is testing my patience daily and most of the time I fail badly. I feel he's been watching too much TV lately, so much so that he's forgotten how to play, so for the immediate future he's video-free. He is reading amazingly well and has gotten into drawing pictures. He adores preschool. I love his teachers, I know they tell every parent that their kid is special but they really make me believe it. He has a friend, Nolan, and I'd love to see them get together for a play date.

Owen loves his baby sister. We still haven't even seen a hint of resentment. He loves to snuggle with her and try to make her laugh, and offers parenting advice ("She's not hungry! She wants her nuk!").