Home Two Weeks

Hard to believe we have now been home with our sweet girl for two weeks.  In some ways its seems like so much longer, but in others like less.  We are still trying to figure out a routine as this little one seems to like to keep us on our toes! 

Sleep is still our biggest issue but getting better.  She is now sleeping in her crib with one of us on the futon mattress on the floor in her room.  Some nights still require a lot of patting to go to sleep with frequent waking, but other nights she'll sleep for hours and hours without waking.  Naps are short with lots of patting but that is to be expected; we don't "co-sleep" with her during naps, since the boys are awake and need our attention. 

Daytime is great joy here for the most part.  Kyle and Lauren are already having the traditional sibling rivalry.  She always wants what he has and he wants her to stay away from his toys and not give him "slimy kisses"!  They already know how to push each other's buttons, in both good and bad ways.  Cameron continues to marvel us with his big brother skills.  Whenever Lauren is upset, he immediately tries to make her feel better and is such a big helper.

On August 1st, Lauren woke up in her crib and looked down at daddy who was still asleep, and said very clearly, "Dada".  She loves to mimic others, but this was done all on her own.  Good job!  She has become a great walker over this past week too, even holding our hands while walking.  Soon she'll be running after her brothers!  She is a very independent girl who wants to do everything on her own, so holding hands was a big step for us.  Lauren loves to torture the cat by pulling her tail and giving it big kisses.  She loves the water and is a little fish - no pool of water is safe with her around!  She is a big dancer too and enjoys it when we clap for her dancing.  She has the sweetest laugh.  When eating, she must have two spoons at all times, or one piece of food for each hand, otherwise screaming could ensue.  She is also one of the messiest eaters we have seen!  Everything must go in her hair and all over her face - amazing how a little squished banana can act as hair gel.  Add in the fact that she hates to have her face washed, and mealtimes can be challenging. Luckily, Robin discovered Lauren likes to do a "yes yes yes" and "no no no" game where she shakes and nods her head - if you distract her with this game, you can usually get a face cleaning accomplished.

Summer camp ended this week for the boys.  Where has the summer gone?  They both had a great time and are already looking forward to next summer.  We have been spending a lot of time going on walks, biking, playing at the park and in the back yard.  We have also ventured out as a family to the grocery store, Target, Dairy Queen, the bookstore, and Como Zoo - many "Minnesota Firsts" for Lauren.  Its so nice to have Mike home with us during these first few weeks home so we can have some quality family time.  Here are some photos of our week:

Lauren loves the kiddie pool.

Time to rest with mommy.

The girls!

Loves the bay window!

Ice cream and smiles at the park!

Fun at Como Zoo.

Cool Boys!

Lovely!

Riding high with daddy.

Checking out the fish...followed shortly by trying to join them.