Rachel Writes

Everyday is a lesson in getting along with each other. The lesson for today is trying to see other people's needs and wants through the overwhelming needs and wants of our own. The kids both surprise and disappoint me at times. (I am using the word disappoint. Yes. I feel disappointed, but not in a crazy way. And I try not to send that message to the kids to give them undue guilt-- "you're disappointing me." No, it's just that feeling of "come on! why can't we all get along? It'd be nicer if you'd see another point of view.") For example, right at this very moment, Sojo cannot understand why I need  to type something instead of helping her make sugar cookies NOW IMMEDIATELY STAT! But just earlier in the day, she stopped her playing to help a crying Thaddeus feel much better. It's something we're all working on.

Soj and I made a scarecrow today. We stuffed some of her old clothes with wood shavings and used a manila envelope for the face. She helped me put in about two handfuls of wood shavings before saying, "Dirty." Heaven forbid! So I finished it. I do love a good random craft. Sojo is also enjoying saying that she is scared of things lately as it means that I will pick her up. So as soon as the scarecrow was brought to life (stuffed and standing) she reached up for me. "I scared of scarecrow." "No you're not," I said ( invalidating her feelings) with a smile, "But I'm happy to hold you." Everyone is in better health! We had a Thanksgiving meal with Soj's babysitter and our house helper and their families. It was a lot of fun! Missing many of you at this time. Be blessed.

Sojourner and I went to the pediatrician again this Saturday. We get there half an hour before it opens so that we can be first or second on the waiting list, because by the time Dr. B gets to his office around 9, there are at least 10 patients waiting to see him. Dr. B had diagnosed Sojo's cough and runny nose as allergies. That was 3 weeks ago, and after all the medicine she's been taking , her condition still had not changed. So (drum roll), we're on to new medication. We should see improvement in a week. I just don't want to mess around with the health of Soj's lungs. Especially since she uses them a lot. She's loving singing lately-- loud, unrestrained, anytime, anywhere singing. It's refreshing. I've been tired lately, but had a wonderfully relaxing Sunday, so am feeling very good this morning. I have a large list of things to do before the baby arrives sometime in June, but am not panicky (right now). We'll see what gets done today. And then...

Cool Kid Sweetie There's nothing like a good swing.

If I do not wake up before Sojourner, I can kiss my shower and prep time goodbye until noon. This is not any fault of hers, it's me. I cannot seem to think straight enough to handle getting Sojo ready for the day and myself. It's one or the other. When she's ready to nap, I can have some peace and think about the day. She is toddling everywhere. It's so very cute. We play with blocks, monkeys , puzzles, and random objects. The top to a thermos is one of her favorite toys. Sojo eats about 5 mini meals a day. She enjoys most foods. I'm trying my hand at being her nutritionist . I hope she's getting all that she needs. If we go to a store, it's best to go in the morning. That's her best time of day. We end our day with a bath and a story. I hope that she gets to interact with more kids her age when we get to the Philippines. I think that will be fun for her and other kids.