Leif Has a Sister

So much has happened, most importantly Leif has a little sister named Harper Summer. It was a scary moment for him to finally meet her after watching my belly grow so big. He stared at the little bundled creature with trepidation and fear and I finally asked if he wanted to see her toes and he cautiously nodded yes. Somehow tension was relieved and little careful prods and pats began, and that was the auspicious beginning of their introduction. She is two-and-a-half weeks now and Leif is two-and-a-half years now. He has developed empathy and love for her in this short time, he is very concerned when she starts crying, although under no circumstances will he share his blanket with her.

Leif in Hotel

Leif was very messy after driving back from Manzanita to Portland, he was covered in fig newton. We immediately put him in the bath at The Hotel Deluxe. I enjoyed lounging in my hotel robe (my most favorite thing ever) and Leif enjoyed crawling around naked after his bath. He knew we were on a mini-vacation. 

Leif at the Children's Museum

We went to The Children's Museum at the Seattle City Center.  Despite Leif's "outbreak" illness, he had a great time and forgot he wasn't feeling well, at least for an hour or so.  His baby friends, Alex, Asher, and Maya also were there, but two of them were never at the same place at the same time for more than seconds to capture the moment. 

Leif liked "shopping" but preferred the "check out" line.  For awhile he "helped" a three or four year-old stranger scan things by passing them to him. It was so cute. The only time I REALLY have fun now is when Leif is having fun. I can't wait to go back when he is feeling better and with Kristian so he can see the delight.

Mom, I can't wait to go to the one in Burlington, VT with you guys.

Leif on Mt. Baker with Friends

Leif and friends all went on a snow shoe weekend to Mt. Baker.  Leif was a little afraid of Margot, the giant bulldog, at first. He's been around her a lot - I think he found it disturbing that she was inside - but they were all friends by the end. We all snow shoed next to the Nooksak River for 3 or 4 miles and all the babies were full of wonder or asleep.  Leif was snoring in his pack for the hike back.  

All and all, the babies were all cheerful little beasties, some now walk and say a few words.  Leif does not walk, and I'm not sure if anything he says equals words. Leif however does "dance" to music, nodding his head and twisting his trunk and arms when something comes on that he responds too (Mom, you saw that at the Andy Warhol exhibit).  Leif also points and says something like "there," "there," or "that," or in acknowledgement of people.  He pointed at everyone as he said goodnight from the loft above and again in the morning when we woke up and peered down from my arms. He also enjoyed eating a lot of blueberry pancakes. 

Kristian calls the other men his PEPS brothers. It's amazing how much we all genuinely like each other. I'm excited to watch the babies grow up together.

Leif and Arlene's Birthday

Grandma Arlene's birthday is on the 13th of December, and Leif's is on the 14th.  We went out to dinner, Kristian, me, Leif, Ericka, Michael, and both of Leif's Aunts: Melanie and Meggy. Wait Melanie is a Cousin?, Ericka is the Aunt. It was a nice evening.  Dessert after at one of Arlene's super designed table settings, always a work of art.  Melanie is pictured below and Leif is wondering what is going on.  It was very wonderful that Megan was in town.  I'm going to kill myself for not having a portrait of her and Leif though.  Megan you need to fly back here for this express purpose.

Leif's First Snow

We went snowshoeing on Tonga Ridge in Snoqualmie National Forest, or we sort of went snow shoeing. The drive up seemed terrifying, we were so high up on little forest service roads. It was a good dry run, but I think when we did head out on the trail, Leif was way too hot in his snow suit. He otherwise loved playing peek-a-boo on the ride home. I think he could do that non-stop for two hours.

Leif Crawls

I think tonight was officially the first crawling night. Leif was going after the little whale that Grandma Dora gave him. He's had a few crawling "training sessions" with Uncle Andy and with Carey, who's an occupational therapist, and of course we're encouraging him always . . . and he has been scooting around long distances, usually backwards or in circles.  But tonight he did right knee, left knee, right knee under his body moves - tummy of the ground - like legit crawling. He's about ten and a half months.  All his contemporaries are "crawling" but I think we've perhaps kept a stricter definition on this development :).