Lately

So, we've been living at Grandma and Nonno's this month as we wait for our new place to be ready.  Gemma has been crawling and cruising up a storm, and it is such a relief to know she has a safe, clean place to do so.  Aviva and Gemma have been sharing a room and it is going much better than I expected, which is good, since they'll be sharing a room in our new place as well.  The first few nights Gemma had a rough time falling asleep and she cried on and on.  Aviva sat at the side of the crib and stroked Gemma's back saying, "It's ok Gemma, I'm here.  Relax, Gemma. Go to sleep." and each night, Gemma would fall asleep like that.  Now that I've managed to work out a calmer bedtime routine for Gemmy, she goes down quietly once again, but we hear Avi playing the musical seahorse for Gem over and over until she finally gets into bed herself.

Aviva is likely reacting to the changes we've been going through, but she has been trying our patience like never before.  We've had lots of privileges taken away and one time I left her home (with dad, of course) when she threatened that I wouldn't.  With that, she's been bursting with full sentences, crazy dances and songs, and jokes that crack me up for days.  These are a few things I'd like to remember.

Me, feeling her sweaty head: Avi, you are so hot!
Avi: I'm not hot, I'm warm.

Me: Aviva, it is time to listen.  Take off your clothes, lets get into your pajamas so we can get ready for bed.  Aviva, I'm talking to you, it is time to listen to me.  If you don't listen and do what I'm asking we won't have time to read a bedtime story.  Aviva! Aviva! I am talking to you!
Aviva: PANTS!!!!!!!!

I love the way she says:
Lunch- wunch
Yogurt- regip
Sesame Street- christmas treat

Gemma, we are still trying to figure out what is the issue with your lack of weight gain.  Every day since March 25 you have eaten copious amounts of full fat yogurt, cheese, avocado, meat, and no weight has crept on to speak of.  We made a switch at the urging of the pediatrician to offer solids more than nursing to encourage weight gain, and as a result, we cut back nursing a bit.  Then I took a trip away for the weekend and didn't do much pumping.  Then I realized that I actually am ok with weaning now rather than 1 year, and so I gave you your first bottle of formula at 9.5 months.  As a result, the stress of keeping up with your demand has waned and you nurse when you are with me and have either the milk I pump at work (just one session now) or you have some formula.  I feel good about this.  I had a blood test run on myself to see if I may have passed a gluten intolerance on to you, but I am waiting for the results.  I am very eager to figure this all out!

Anywho, this month has been an incredible challenge, both within our personal lives and also out in the world.  No matter, I remain forever grateful for the two of you girls.