Sam: 3.5yrs

If you ask Sam how old he is, he will tell you, "I'm three and a haaalf." It took him awhile to embrace the "half." At first there was a lot of "No, I'm three!" It may not seem like a big deal, but I think the latter "half" has really been a remarkable development, all about embracing change and the dynamic nature of life, especially with a rapidly developing baby sister to adjust to. 

Sam's now sharing his room with Elsa and has accommodated well to planning ahead (retrieving jammies or jackets before Elsa's gone down for a nap). He's also pitching in quite a bit, cleaning up toys left out in the evening, whether he played with them or not. He's dressing on his own, using the potty on his own (only one toilet clogging thus far), and attempts brushing teeth on his own.

I had the occasion to observe him in his Montessory preschool a few days ago and he was very proud to show me his work building a Roman Arch (A what?), working with metal inlays ("In-sets, Mom!") and hand-washing (which involved lots of basins and perhaps too much water). He was calm, focused, and process-oriented. 

Most recent new terms/phrases overhead include: delicate, by-the-way, definitely, and what's-going-on?

Elsa: 11 months

At 11 months, Elsa is really emerging from her infant cacoon and is transforming into a unique, charismatic being. She likes to laugh and throw her head back. She is reaching for things and continues to give her Elsa-style "kisses." She's an easy sleeper and loves to eat, especially chicken and, most recently, pureed minestrone soup. She is pulling up to standing and crawling like it's a racing event.

She likes to play in mom and dad's big bed and will throw herself backward into the soft covers, laughing all the while. She enjoys "inspecting" the cats. She continues to babble: Ah-da, da, and ma are  some of her most common sounds. Each day brings new surprises from her and we're enjoying all of them!

Sam Selfie Series

Spring!

The kids have been developing so quickly these days that I feel sorry I haven't been posting more frequently. I also think about how intended this blog to include more reflection on what it's like to be both a physician and a mom, but all I (barely) have time to do is post photos of the kids. So, perhaps this blog really is reflective of how busy it is to be a Doctor Mom!

I've had a lot of physician-themed posts in mind, particularly with residency graduation approaching. These include my thoughts on anesthesia, reflections on training, and my decision to take employment Way Far Away from all the family we love. But perhaps another time...

For now I give you: Elsa at 10mo and Sam 3.5yrs:

Elsa is moving well now. Crawling, sitting, clapping, and reaching for everything. She likes to say "Ah!" to get our attention or "Ahh-dahh" when she's talking to herself (sounds a little like "all-done"). We moved her into Sam's room for sleeping at night and now they are both sleeping well, through the night together. Hallelujah! Elsa continues to be on the quiet side, but remains easy-going and happy. She loves watching Sam and laughs quite a bit when watching him. She enjoys the swing at the park and watching crows and airplanes. She's got 4 teeth on top and two more coming as well as 3 on the bottom.

Sam continues to be sweet, talkative, and active. He volunteers affection to Elsa and is very conscientious about plans and people:

Sam: "OK Mom, you can go bathe Elsa while Dad plays with me."

He is often discussing his "options" or "plans" and is discovering how to negotiate. 

Me: After you dress yourself, you can have a bite of the chocolate easter bunny.

Sam: Actually, how about I eat the bunny first, then get dressed?

He's at Montessori for full days now (9a-3p) and has stopped talking afternoon naps. I was worried about that transition, but now I find that he falls asleep better at night without the daytime nap. At school, he's been enjoying the map puzzles, artwork, and the "practical life" area (washing, polishing, folding). They had a visit from a marine biologist and he told us a lot about "Mike the Whale."

Sam works well within our structured day and we've really appreciated the "1-2-3 Magic" approach to discipline. He gets the occasional time-out, but more often, we don't have to take it that far. He loves anything to do with competition and moving quickly, so it's a great motivator:

Me: Sam, I bet you can't get your jammies on by the time I return from hanging up your towel!

Sam: Ok, Mom. I'm gonna go really fast and beat you!

Could it be that easy? For now, at least, it often is...

Watching the kids interact together is perhaps the greatest joy in the family right now. Sam is so sweet and concerned about Elsa. She is so intrigued and amused by him. They make a great pair.

And it makes my heart just melt.

"I never get tired of looking at the flowers."

-Sam, 3.5 yrs old

Elsa, with blanket

Spring Forward 2014

A sampling of photos -(courtesy of Steve, of course) in no particular order- capturing some of the wonderful family time we've had this late winter-spring. Including: our trip to see Alexis and Corey in Southern California and subsequent visit to Disneyland and the kids' recent trip to Atlanta with Kyle.

(More pics to follow.)