Ethan is strong and fierce and not infrequently angry. When he's mad, he is a swirling vortex of fists and feet and teeth. More than once I have said, "use that toy for good not evil!" when Ethan comes at me with some sharp implement. So, we try to help him channel his aggression. Our tactics include whacking one another with foam swords, wrestling, hitting trees with sticks, "chase you" and (our favorite) smashing old junk with hammers. Goggles on!
Taking babies outdoors sometimes feels like a battle against Mother Nature. Ugh, so sunny, so windy, so sandy! But while beach adventures are a total mess, mama still gets a few moments to savor warm sand between the toes while wiping it out of baby's mouth and big brothers can find cool crab shells and beach glass. And afterwards, you can brag about how you survived taking both children to the beach. This summer, I took the boys to Rye (by myself!) and to Peak's Island (with Jeremy). Ethan saw a seal from the ferry and our porcelain baby somehow did not get sunburned. A success, I'd say.
We had a vacation at the Curren-Rowles home in Portland. We were totally exhausted from travel and sleeping/not sleeping, eating, and playing in new surroundings. But Ethan loved playing with Declan and checking out the Children's Museum (especially the rocket ship!) and Jeremy and I enjoyed connecting with Molly and Dustin about the fun/frustrating insanity of parenting babies and big boys.
Sam is a delightful little guy. He's just starting to roll. He loves to laugh and smile, especially at strangers. He usually doesn't mind Ethan's loving full-body assaults. He only cries when he's really tired. He wakes up all the time at night but he's so sweet and my days are so chill that I don't really mind. He still hates tummy-time and baths but with less vigor. Mostly, he's our watchful little sidekick.
Sometimes Jeremy even gets to hold him.
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