Doug created a new site to host his photos, and it includes shots like these from his last visit to Lawrence. You can also find images of the girls and their friends from Ava’s seventh birthday party. Check it out!
27 Jul
A little love note
Ava hand-delivered a little note to me last week. It reads:
Dear Mom,
Thank you for all you have don for me! I am sorry for all the times I have been nauty! I could never wish for a better mother! I am also very sorry for fighting with my sister. Thank you for all ways giving me another chance all the time. If I were you I would not give my children another chance. I love you with all my heart.
Love, Ava
I think I mentioned the last couple of weeks have been a bit challenging, but moments like this make me think we’re at least on the right track with these little beings. Certainly, a letter was not necessary nor expected, but it made my whole day. It strikes just the right balance of sincerity and blatant pandering, which I appreciate.
The girls have been in Nebraska with Grandma and Grandpa Smith all week. While we’ve very much enjoyed the quiet time this has afforded us at home, I have to say I found myself missing the ladies by Monday. I figured I’d coast through at least Thursday night. It feels strange to have my brood apart, though I know they are having a blast, and the time here is good for Bryan, me and Owen. Still, I will be glad to have them back tomorrow.
26 Jul
Mom and Owen
Laura was kind enough to take a few photos of me with Owen while she visited last week (more on the aunts’ visits soon!).
21 Jul
Adding Owen
While back for a second visit last weekend, I asked Mom to add Owen’s name to the family bassinet. This little crib has held four generations within the Stolz family, including Grandma Great, my mom, me and my sister, and now three of my own children.
We were so glad to have Mom and Dave back for a visit—hope to see you again very soon!
17 Jul
Owen at two weeks
Owen is the calmest baby imaginable, at least by my standards. He’s still sleeping a vast majority of the day, but we’re seeing his eyes more and more. When they’re open, he seems to look a bit concerned, perhaps wondering exactly what he’s gotten himself into.
He had his first real bath last night, and remained completely relaxed throughout.
Of course, it could just be he seems calm by comparison, because the constant racket around him never seems to cease.
Two weeks in, Owen’s big sisters are still adjusting to this new little one. Ava has taken on the role of mother, reminding us to support his head and feed and change him regularly. I’m pretty sure she’d hold him all day long if I’d let her.
Olivia is smitten as well, though it’s obvious she’s having a bit of trouble with the whole situation. She’s directing her ire entirely at Ava, which certainly keeps things interesting (and rather loud) around the house. Every day seems to be a bit better, so I’m hopeful everything will settle down in another few weeks.
In the meantime, we’re relatively well rested, thanks to a good five or six hour stretch of sleep and lots of snuggling and relaxing during the day.
Smith Family Weblog 