February remains my favorite month of the year. It's a short one. My father and I share the same astrological sign- Aquarius. He was born on Valentine's Day of 1914 and I was born on February 5 of 1980. He always said that's why we got along so well. We're such lovers- Aquarians.
Very recently Jacob has been getting on all fours and rocking back and forth as though we were gearing up for a race. He is suspended in that position for about 10 seconds then collapses. This began a couple of days ago on February 26. And yesterday, February 27th, he discovered his hands can clap together and make a delightful noise. I caught it on camera and I can't wait to download it for all to see!
Everyone around us has been getting sick! There are a couple of babies who have RSV! I'm doing my best to keep my babies away from them but it doesn't seem to make a speck of difference- they still get sick! Jacob has been exhibiting a gullaz sound when he breathes for 5 or 6 weeks. I have taken him to the clinic on 4 separate occasions. "It's not bacterial, it's viral..." whatever that means... All I know is that he sounds bad! At least it doesn't seem to put a damper on his spirit. He's still as grumpy as can be! He's like an old man. He's difficult to make laugh. The only person who is consistently successful is his big brother, Joseph.
Joseph continues to be the absolute joy of my life! He's bright, happy, compassionate, caring, generous, and so darn cute I can't stand it! We went to the Museum of Flight on Sunday and Grandma left her purse on the ferry. He said, "Don't be sad, Grandma! We'll buy you a new purse and give you money to put in it!" He's so incredible. If he could only refrain from leaving his dirty socks in front of the television like his daddy!
Taryn visited Dad's grave on his birthday. She brought him 3 flowers- one for each of his children. I'm so fortunate to have such an incredibly thoughtful friend. She also brought him Almond Rocca because that was his favorite candy. He also liked Hershy's chocolate bars with almonds. He had quite a sweet tooth.
Joseph talks endlessly about missing his father. He tries not to talk about it to me but Miss Larvi says that he mentions it a lot at her home. It doesn't seem to be negatively impacting his school work because he's just coming along beautifully! Last night he read a book to me! We've been reading more than our 20 minutes a night. Auntie Sondra gave us a set of the first four books of the Magic Tree House series and Joseph is in LOVE with it! It takes us about 2 days to finish each book and we've been trucking along since number one. After we read the first four Joseph borrowed number 42 A Good Night for Ghosts, which was about Louis Armstrong and New Oreleans. Then he borrowed number 28- High Tide in Hawaii, which was about Old Hawaii. I was really disappointed in how historically inaccurate it was. There were some pretty gross misrepresentations and generalizations but I suppose it does it's job of exposing the reader to the region. The author stated that she was living on the Continental United States and one day, when it was snowing, she decided to write about a place that she'd like to live in. It reflects inadequate research but I have to keep in mind that all research conducted as such a distance (geographically and culturally) will be superficial. We went to the library together and with my guidance he borrowed 5-10. I am determined to read it in order as much as possible. Although I know, since it is Tuesday (library day at school) he will come home with a book out of order.
Joseph has taken a break from soccer. It was a bit much every Saturday. He enjoyed being the goalie and I think this break will help him appreciate being back in a couple of months. By then the weather should warm up and dry up enough so they can resume outdoor practices.
We're trucking along trying to live life to the fullest even when Dad is not here. We rarely have moments of downtime. Lots of friends to meet with and lots of activities to do.
