masochism

Poor little Rafa doesn't always know how to get across his anger and frustration. He's not super verbal and so when he is stressed by those emotions, he's taken to trying to hurt himself, sort of. He also doesn't really like getting hurt, so it's not full on tantrum or massive head banging. He first started by bending over and knocking his head in the floor once or twice. Think downward facing dog. Then he looks at us to see if he's gotten our attention. I think that became too much effort because he then started banging his head on the spindles to our stairs, the back of the chair, or whatever was more easily in reach. He's given all that up and started biting his finger. Poor guy. We try to ignore the masochism and focus on whatever might be causing the frustration since he's really just doing those things to get attention. Hopefully the words will come soon before he does too much damage to his little body.

sleeping babies

I had the opportunity to watch the twoddlers sleep. To see them rest peacefully. To gaze at their sweet faces and let that image burn itself into my memory. This was a rare treat. And I know it sounds cheesy, but it really is as wonderful as the cheesiest description possible. And then some.

playground pics

Separation anxiety

The twoddlers seem to be rounding the corner on the separation anxiety. Hooray!

Sylvia still gets a little upset when we drop her off at the nursery at church, but it now only lasts a few minutes, not the entire hour. One of our favorite caregivers happily reported one Sunday that she played with a little boy! Although, she said that Sylvia told the little boy, my chair, my milk, etc. I'm not entirely sure that falls in my definition of 'playing', but interacting with other kids is good. I think like us, she's a little enamored with Sylvia's speech. I don't really know where she picked up the word 'mi' (my), because it's not something D or I have used with her and it's hard to imagine that the nanny has used it with her. But, it was inevitable. Both of the kids are talking (well, saying words) and singing and it's SO adorable.

They are also MUCH better when we leave in the mornings for work. They give us kisses goodbye and keep on with their playing or reading with the nanny. Ahhhhhh. We even left them with a babysitter last night, someone who has sat for us before, but not someone they see often and it was a breeze. I think it's easier that it's in our house, which is comfortable for them, but it's just really nice to be able to leave the room and they not break down wailing.

They just keep growing up before our eyes!

gratitude

I am incredibly grateful for this guy.

For loving and caring for me more than I deserve.  And for loving and caring for our children more than most wives get from their husbands.

26 weeks

Here is a pic of baby 3.  I showed it to Rafa and he said, "baby!"  I showed it to Sylvia and she said, "Rafa!"  We still tell them that there is a baby in my tummy and we still think that they have no idea what in the world we're talking about.  Soon, enough, though, they'll get to meet the little one!

For comparison's sake, the 4D pics of Rafa and Sylvia at 31 weeks are here.  I don't know that the kids really resemble their gestational pics, but that's probably not necessarily a bad thing.  This baby is incredibly active, so it was a little challenging to get a picture of the face without a foot or hand in front.  My doc had a couple PA students following him around, so I think he was determined to get this shot.