Cousin Camp

While Owen was at home learning how to walk, his big brothers were enjoying a week at their first-ever camp: Cousin Camp at Nana and Pop-Pop's house. Judging from the responses I overheard when Samuel and Jude were offered the phone ("Hey Jude, do you want to talk to Mama?" Shrieking "NO!"), I gather they had a fantastic time. Who can be bothered with long distance parents when there are cousins, doting grandparents, zoos, waterparks, juice boxes, a big backyard, a sandbox....

The day I came to get them was like any other camp finale--The kids were oozing with excitement and couldn't wait to share the special community they'd created during the week away from us. They jumped and hollered while showing me where they'd slept, sharing pictures they'd made and new books they'd read, teaching me new games they'd learned.

Cousin camp rocks.

It's Been a Quiet Week

It's been a quiet week in Wauwatosa. Having only Owen at home is fun, and feels like rewinding my life three years. It's not as easy as I thought it would be, though. I'm used to the pace of corraling three little guys and usually spend a lot of time trying to establish more routines so we can all get through the day calmly. While it's just Owen and me, I'm inclined to think I can wing it. Thanks to my winging, in the last few days I have left my wallet at the grocery store checkout, my car keys at the bank, and an assortment of never-leave-home-without-it baby gear at home. Samuel and Jude will be home soon to take care of me.

Here's Owen grooving to my favorite Rufus Wainwright CD.

Our newest toddler

Owen took his first steps last weekend under the guidance of Coach Nana. This week is practice, practice, practice. Samuel and Jude are at Cousin Camp (a week with their cousins at my parents' house), so Owen has our undivided attention. Look out.

Never What I Expect

(1) So odd: Jude was playing downstairs alone, and when I stopped in to check on him he was wearing a pillowcase over his head and just walking around.

(2) So polite: Jude was holding a piece of paper with a large letter printed on it while riding in the van. He dropped his letter and we discussed that we could pick it up when we got home. As soon as we pulled into the garage, Jude hollered "I need my wetter!"
Samuel: "I can pick up you etter, Jude." (Only 2 of 5 people in my family can pronounce the letter L.)
Jude: "Thank you."
Samuel: "You're welcome."

(3) So not a bed.