In the Life of Smikel: 2016

Spring has been lovely here. I lost track, but there were nice, no-coat weather days starting in March I believe. We have had many beautiful outdoor days.

Work has been slow for Mike's company, so at least we get him home for dinner. He is done with physical therapy and has the summer off from soccer. He'll be taking a break from the church choir, because it's impossible for me to handle our children on my own for Mass.

Childcare has become abruptly more demanding due to Martin's mobility I assume. I am beginning to see myself transitioning into the "more experienced" (euphemism for older, obviously) mother's role rather than young and always full of life. I certainly wish all my children (present and possibly future) could know only the 24-year-old mother I was. But then, with age comes a lot of wisdom and other gifts. On the plus side, I have been better about prioritizing fitness lately - an upcoming summer wedding is helping to motivate me - and meal-planning and keeping the house clean. I do get so much joy and satisfaction out of mothering and homemaker duties. :)

Elaine is our sweetheart and typifies what comes to mind when you think "little girl." She only just passed the 3 and 1/2-year mark but can be very quiet, respectful, and ladylike. Both children are eager readers (well, listeners); we are at the library once a week getting our 20-30 books. She is still extremely shy with strangers, at least the ones who make eye contact and pressure her into answering questions. An arts-and-crafts-lover, she will proudly help herself to her entire art box and spontaneously start any kind of project without direction. Lately she gives off a list of ideas that she wants to do. E.g., "Here Mommy. We'll go back home and get Daddy and then come right back here and play. And then we can sleep here at Miss Jessica's."

Martin - oh, Martin. He is obsessed with playing ball. It's day and night, from waking to laying down to sleep, balls! He can be so charming and gentle, but when our agendas don't align, prepare for the fallout. I tried to leave Goodwill without a soccer ball and his piercing screams made the entire store stop and look. I estimate he is saying between 35-50 words and can understand many more than those. In the past few months he has learned to love dancing (shuffling in a circle), variations of peek-a-boo, looking for worms, painting, drumming, swinging, pretending to fall slowly and roll over on his back, giving high-fives and poundies.