We are just over halfway through my mom's visit here, and already I can tell how much Madeleine (and I!) will miss her when she leaves. I have rarely seen Madeleine so happy to spend a whole day inside, just following Grammie around, helping her with everything possible. She loves to "sit on the couch in the sun" with Grammie, each with a cup of "tea" and a snack. She gives Grammie big hugs and kisses and if my mom leaves the room, Madeleine immediately asks "where Grammie going?" I'm relieved that when we say good bye this time, it will only be for a couple of months, since we are planning a trip to Canada in October.
Ross also loves the extra attention and cuddles from Grammie, and especially loved being part of the roll-the-ball game this afternoon (although he was quite serious and intent on holding onto the ball).
Ross is 6.5 months now and loves joining in on meal times... he's tried a huge variety of things from lamb to pineapple to zucchini, and is slowly getting better at getting the food into his mouth and not just onto the floor.
Madeleine recently discovered my shell collection and has lots of fun sorting through them all. I feel so justified in hanging onto that collection over the past three moves we've done.
Steve is putting in long hours of thesis-writing, which makes both kids even more excited to see him in the evenings when he comes home for dinner. Neither one can get enough of Daddy, and I think we'll all be glad when the thesis is submitted in October.
Here is a rare family photo of us all! Three out of four of us looking at the camera is as good as it got... maybe next time I'll put some pants on Ross and make sure I don't have food in my teeth.
