Handsaker Family Blog: June 2013

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Say Cheese

It's far harder to take pictures of two kids than it is just one... there was a lot of, "look over here... no, not at your brother, at me..." "smile," "Leo!" (insert adult goo-goo, gaa-gaa noises). Then there was the stability factor, trying to capture a cute shot while trusting your toddler to support your baby. All in all, both were good sports and no one got hurt. Here they are, Georgia and Leo at three and a half years, and three months old.

Friday, June 21, 2013

In the City

This week we decided to take in a bit of our own city. First, we hit up the Red Door in Fremont for lunch, the place where nearly 11 years ago, Brian and I officially hit it off. After a fun lunch, we headed to the Seattle Science Center, I hadn't been there in years. Georgia had a ball, watching the fountain, listening to music and just running around. It was a last minute decision that turned into a fun family day.

Lunch with my love bugs

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Three Months Old

My beautiful boy Leo, you have reminded me how a tiny person can have a huge impact on my heart. You are sweet, there is something in your eyes that brings through a sweet, sweet nature. You're happy and becoming so much more expressive, smiling, laughing and talking. A few weeks ago I had only planned on being gone a short while but ended up being much longer, when I came home you were almost asleep but heard my voice, I took you into my arms and you gave me quite a scolding, literally having a little rant, not crying but clearly not happy with me.

If your needs are met you're a pretty mellow guy, putting up with your sister constantly in your face, you love it though, always smiling when she's entertaining you. Although we're not much of a scheduled household, your sleep needs are becoming more predictable and you are sleeping longer stretches through the night - hallelujah! You continue to grow at an amazing rate, I don't know how much you weigh but I'm guessing around 16 pounds, as far as height, all I can tell you is that your 3-6 month pj's are suddenly capri length... you are a big boy, but are pretty height/weight proportionate so really, you just look like you're about six or seven months old.

I feel so incredibly lucky that you are my son, it's only been three months but I can't imagine life without you, we love you sweet Leo.

Occasionally you'll put yourself down for a nap

You are so strong and love to stand

Georgia giving you a morning computer lesson

Here is a little pre-bath chat..

There's nothing better than a baby giggle

Little Gym

Georgia started Little Gym about two months ago, something I knew she would enjoy and was thrilled that she was finally able to try. Her class is called the Funny Bugs, about 10 kids, ages 3-4 who are instructed by two teachers. Her class is the first one in the Little Gym series where the parent doesn't attend with the child. She was so eager to join the class and had no trouble leaving me to watch. Last week was "Show Week" where each class puts on the routine they've been practicing. It turned out to be much more of an event than I anticipated, Georgia had a cheering section of Brian, Leo, Nana and myself. The kids were called out one by one, did two forward rolls then lined up for the show to begin. Georgia's was the first name to be called, she was right on queue and had a huge smile. The class was split into two groups and rotated around the gym showing off what they'd learned. Georgia was the only one in her group that willingly participated at each station, clearly enjoying showing us her moves. At the end, each student was called up to the podium and received a metal, the teachers made a few comments about each child, we heard that Georgia is a very good listener which made it easy for her to pick up on the exercises and activities that were being taught, they also said she had a wonderful smile, one that lights up a room... clearly these are very intelligent teachers! I'm so grateful that Georgia is able to participate in Little Gym, she is having so much fun.

Here comes Georgia!

Starting her routine

Big jump!

On to the bars...

Ta-Da!!

Getting ready for her beam routine

Up on the podium

Thursday, June 6, 2013

A Long Time Coming

Last week all four of us boarded a flight, a trip we'd planned months earlier and had been dreaming about for far longer. The flight attendant came on the intercom and announced this was a flight to Maui, Georgia turned to me with a concerned look and said, "Mom! They said this plane is going to Maui, you said we were going to Hawaii." Brian and I both laughed, and smiled, knowing what each other was thinking, this was the beginning to a trip that at times seemed unreachable.

Both kids did great on the long flight and the short hop over to Kona, we checked into our condo and quickly settled into the island lifestyle. We stayed 10 days, each of them filled with sun, sand castles, swimming and a whole lot of smiles. It was hard to watch Georgia and not feel overwhelmed with pure joy and gratitude. After all that shes had to endure, we were here, a seemingly normal family. My daughter who couldn't dig in dirt the year before was covered in sand, swimming in the ocean, and loving every second. No one should have to go through what we've been through, but when you can't change your reality it certainly makes you appreciate every little moment of happiness.

Our vacation was all that I'd hoped for, napping baby, happy, healthy toddler, family time, relaxation and an occasional cocktail. We're looking forward to many more.

On our last beach day, Brian and Leo headed to the car while Georgia and I gathered up the last of our things. Georgia walked toward the path but paused at the tricky step up, a woman sitting close by moved toward her and offered a hand. I was steps behind and thanked the woman, before I could get all of my words out she looked at me and said, "wow, she is a very special little girl.". I smiled and said, "well, I'd have to agree." She went on to tell me that she works in the field of holistic health, she said she was struck by Georgia's powerful energy. This opened up a brief conversation about Georgia and where she's been. Before leaving, she leaned in and looked at Georgia, she said, "you have a lot of important work to do here Georgia." I smiled and couldn't help but think, it takes a long time to do a lot of work.