Princess and the Pea

The first month has flown by. I guess I did not realize how much more time it would take to care for one more little person. I hardly check my email or take a shower. My mother stayed for a blessed two weeks. Mostly to drive us around, feed us, and cloth and entertain Callie constantly. Gigi got to play "Bug's Life" about three times a day (a made up imaginary game). When she left I cried. Callie has said a few times since, "Come on Dad you be Gigi, OK." Bill and Karen also came for a brief visit to meet Avery. Since then, us girls have ventured out daily for little outings. This brave feat may be the cause of all three of us getting colds. I think I will slow down next week. The little sweet pea is doing her best to gain favor with the princess, who notices her more each day. Callie will even sometimes offer Avery a blanket, or pacifier when she seems flustered. Not the total adoration we expected, but we are giving it time.

Avery is a sweet baby. She sleeps well, like all LaDukes, but definitely has different preferences than Callie did as a baby. In comparison to Callie who could lay and look around curiously in one place, Avery wants to be held, swung, changed, or fed when she is not asleep. She prefers the swing to the gym, and prefers my arms to the Bjorn. Some milestones we have counted: First involuntary smile, day two. First roll over (three times in a row) from front to back, day three. Then, day four, rolled from back to front. These rolls were also involuntary and have not occured since. So probably don't count. But they do show how wiggily Avery is. She has things to do. She seems very long and skinny, with delicate little features, long fingers and toes. Since birth she has had a little mark on her bottom that is shaped like an upside-down heart. Fitting for a little Valentine.

Callie has been manipulating us to get attention (I wouldn't call it manipulation; she just wants to make sure she hasn't been forgotten. CL). Recently we were trying to get her to eat a good dinner. This is a constant battle. She wanted some Easter candy like her Dad. We told her she had to eat something good first. The conditions were simple; if she had a bite of her peas she could get some ice cream. Her response to this deal was, "Mom, peas are good for you, but candy is good for me." The deal was off; neither party would budge.

Callie continues to go to ballet. She also continues to choose at-will what moves she will follow the instuctor in and what moves she will not. As long as she is standing on her square the teacher does not mind too much.

Our Easter weekend was fun, exhausting, delicious, moving, and filling. On Saturday, the J. Rueben Clark Law Society had a barbeque and egg hunt for the 4 families still in town. Our good friends, Kiel and Sheri Berry, hosted the event, and Callie was happy to hang with Allie, Mercy and Cortney, the all-girl possie. On Sunday, we started early, as usual, with an egg hunt before 9:00 church. Easter morning did not start out as exciting as Saturday's events. As at Christmas, and in full Callie-form, Callie resisted participating in Pagan Easter traditions and requested to play "Super Why" on the computer. When we convinced her candy and suprises were involved she quickly changed her mind. She was a champ, finding all 40 of the eggs left for Avery and her. Avery soundly slept through the event. For dinner, we had Lily and Jason Wright over in addition to Aaron and the three cousins. Callie was thrilled to have the big and the little Lily all in one place. Cameron started the meal with a touching and thought provoking spiritual lesson. We had Lamb roast, potatoes, rolls, and salad. Lily brought a decadent carrot cake, and delicious asparagas. What a great feast! We are now gearing up for a visit from my Dad and Sherri. And then, this weekend, all the LaDuke-clan is coming for Avery's blessing.