Life with three is....wow....busy. (To say the least). Blogging takes a way, way back burner, but I'm sad about that, about missing this record of our life, the mundane things, the progress of the kids. Can one have too many memories recorded? I think not.
I can't really go back all the way to March, so I'm just going to start with the current stuff.
At the beginning of this month, Kioko turned one. ONE! I know, this is not remarkable, but it just seems so huge to me. A milestone, and an an end of an era. The last baby. All his firsts are the LAST firsts and it just breaks my heart a bit. He has not been an easy baby (the SCREAMING! and the biting while teething and being busier and needier than the others) and still, I mourn the end of his baby hood, especially as he is on the cusp of walking.
We did...not much...for his birthday. Started the morning out with (dairy-free -- because Malaikah can't tolerate dairy :( ) pancakes with fruit, and then did a little photo shoot in the afternoon. I've discovered that little boys in bowties is just about the best thing ever.
July 1, 2017
Oh! That evening we spent hiding in our basement because of a big tornado warning. My first time. That was exciting. I'm happy to report nothing really came of it, though. Phew.
I had wanted to get a picture of the three kids, but the weather was quickly turning, and moods were turning quicker so I gave up on that idea. Tried again on Sunday, after church:
Huge success! 😆
Kioko fell asleep on the 10 min ride home, and Malaikah was ready to be anywhere else. Still, I love this picture.
I also wanted to get pictures in the Kenya shirt, of course:
these brothers.
My greatest joy is watching the kids interact. Kioko laughs hysterically at Malaikah's antics. Kyalo always seems to be looking out for him. It won't be long until he's really a part of them, a three-some of trouble and activity and mischief.
Kioko loves, loves, loves food. Seriously, I'm not sure I can keep up with him. Favorite things right now: eggs, blueberries (most fruit), salmon, hot dogs (it is summer!) ham, turkey, and so on. There's just one thing that I've given him that he has seemed to refuse (but I forget what it is. Maybe he will, too). He's still nursing a lot (waking up too much at night, unfortunately).
At his check up this month he weighed in at almost 20 pounds, 9 ounces, and was around 29 1/2 inches tall. He's doing all right.
with his awesome pediatrician
And now, for a glimpse into our days....
beginning to climb out of his high chair
Getting into:
cabinets...
...and drawers....
...and climbing up the stairs, and on the couches (and back off),
a moment of quiet repose
a picnic of sorts with Malaikah in the yard.
and now he's standing in the high chair. This is not good news, as the high chair was a great place to plop him. Even with a lot of food he gets antsy and needs to be climbing out. Oh boy.
summer!
Look at Malaikah's face!
(still with me? almost done)
His latest tricks -- aside from climbing all over everything -- are standing for big stretches of time, clapping with glee and pride. Not long now till he's able to walk independently. Just this week, I said to him, "Kiss!" and he made a noise, and pursed his lips like he was trying to kiss me. So it is basically my favorite thing ever now, and I try to get him to do it all the time. These sweet moments. They help the hard ones.
He also says 'mama' rather consistently, but I'm never sure if it is actually referring to me, or if it is just the only consonant he can say. I'm still claiming it as his first word, though.
Happy in the jump up.
surprisingly tolerant of the abuse of his sister.
There's so much more to say. But mostly, he's healthy and happy. He seems to love life. He loves music and books. He follows Kyalo & Malaikah around like they're the sun and moon. It is bed time for me, and he's waking up (sigh....), but even so he's the sweetest and we love him.
And here's hoping I'll be back again soon. Preferably, before Malaikah turns three in September.
