This week everyone has been sick to a greater or lesser degree. Dad jumped to the head of the list after a trip to the doctor on Monday, but everyone is starting to get better again.
Huff and Puff had some time playing with Dad while Mum slept. Here she is playing with the toys on her playmat.
She’s getting more interested in eating, and – though we haven’t had any success giving her solid food yet – we’ve started her out on (gluten-free) rusks.
It’s good to see that Puff continues to love his little sister – today (until a little disagreement about who should have her blanket) he was sitting down, sharing her blanket, and almost managed to “read” her a story.
Reading is a big thing, especially in the winter months, and when everyone is sick. It’s fun watching my kids hearing the same stories I remember from my own childhood. Amazing how the old Dr Seuss books just sink into your memory.
It’s not just reading, though: this weekend Dad took him into the backyard to kick a ball around a little bit – he loved it! After church this week, he was having a great time bouncing a ball around, and even (out of character) splashing around in the puddles. It was messy, but he survived it. We’re going to do some more outdoor things as soon as the ground dries.
Puff is making progress with his knife skills – a few mornings this week he’s been having bananas with his Weetbix, and he’s been keen to peel and slice them himself. He does a good job: even slices, and eats it tidily.
For Dad’s birthday, Mum gave him a big edition of the works of A. A. Milne. We’ve been reading Winnie the Pooh together. Tonight we reached the last chapter of the second (and final) book, which (not to give too much away) is about growing up, and leaving childish things behind. It made me sad about how fleeting childhood is, and how this stage of life – as frustrating as it is at times – will be over before I know it. Puff will be all grown up, and my role in his life will be completely different.
Helped me to resolve to take advantage of the time I have with him a little more, and indulge the electronic distractions a little less. Perhaps.