Day 2656

Christmas, Again is over! We have survived another Christmas! It’s a Christmas miracle!

Day 2655

It’s a proper home again; my jangling companion is back where he belongs.

Day 2654

The garbage final day of vacation when you have to travel home and your kids have gone feral and you don’t get enough sleep and you end up having a picnic on the floor of the airport.

Day 2653

Don’t count your puppies even after they’re hatched.

Day 2652

Provided moral support and watched a dog have four puppies. All three kids got to watch at least one birth too; they witnessed their first non-human birth on the same day their Grandma did.

Day 2651

Watching your brother peer pressure your parents into drinking and staying out late and feeling like asking for a pardon for all the shit you got in trouble for that he talked you into...

Day 2650

A full cup and desperately overtired children.

Day 2649

The kid most excited about Santa gets his first trip to the ER.

His big sister remained calm for the “big emergency” and helped him out as best she could.

Day 2648

It is always a delight sharing a fine baby with connoisseurs.

Day 2647

That feeling when the skittish puppy decides she likes you...

Day 2646

Eavesdropping on kids’ imaginative play is the best.

Day 2645

It is decided: no more flying with children who can’t toilet themselves.

Day 2644

Every time we start thinking about going on vacation, I forget that that means we will have to pack for vacation.

Day 2643

Peace at last; Husband is home again.

Day 2642

Those golden, glowing moments when the children are enjoying and supporting and caring for each other... before they start bickering about whether they’re bickering. Or bickering despite holding the same position on the matter at hand.

Fill your cup when you can; try not to headdesk.

Day 2641

I have offerings available to any gods that care to listen to ensure that my children continue to not bicker to the death.

Day 2640

A reminder that babies can sense weakness.

Day 2639

Chinchilla is very stubborn in his sadness: wouldn’t sleep train, will just stay lying face down on the floor being sad until you submit to long term hugs.

Day 2638

I have a daughter who can write words by herself.

Day 2637

The dog continues to be a favourite at the vet.

The boy is already known to his big sister’s principal (in a good way).

Our first school concert went off adorably well.

The boy stayed pretty quiet and clapped very enthusiastically for the performers. Banana sat calmly and watched the whole thing (while chewing on her father’s hand.

Every now and again I am struck by how very very lucky we are.

Day 2636

Another evening of evidence that no naps = super double extra two.

You know it’s serious when you can’t hug the extra two out.

Day 2635 (Belated)

When the baby sleeps for ages and you’re making bets with yourself about whether she’s going to be longer or whether she’ll have figured out a new trick when she wakes up.

Note from the future: she continues to sleep forever and her belly is gigantic. How long is this baby planning to be?!

Day 2634

This is how the machines take over: by giving their pet humans daily goals and trilling rewards and achievements.

Day 2633

Survived our first real kids birthday party. Where do we pick up our medal?

Day 2632

Counting down to when birthday celebrations will be over and we can go back to vegetables and sharing.

Apparently it’s pretty hard when you’re two and another kid is having the birthday that never ends...

Day 2631

Chinchilla did his wiggle dance and we all had a big family snuggle on the couch. Filling my cup.

Day 2630

My sweet girl came into my room this morning with a little note she made so that I would remember she’s five now.

It’s hard to forget when it goes so fast, and when you have such a sweet, smart, silly girl to celebrate and be proud of.

Day 2629

One day you put your four year old -one of the oldest four year olds in the world- to bed for the last time.

Goodnight, child four. Good morning, child five.

I love you always.

Day 2628

Everything is better when the baby sleeps and the course is over.

Except pneumonia.

Day 2627

Course ends; baby decides she can start sleeping in the evening.

Day 2626

Celebration of champions: Blue Planet and Chinese food.