Emerald City

We love going to Seattle to get a taste of the big city without having to make a big trip. In retrospect, we were overly ambitious in what we could accomplish with two kiddos. But I now know we can all sleep in one hotel room, so long as we discard any notion of sleep schedules. ESK took naps in the car and slept after 10 p.m. both nights we were in Seattle. Yes, dad had to carry her from time to time and there were definitely some grumps and bumps, but overall, the trip was a success. I'd like to go up there to visit someday without kids in tow. But I have a feeling that won't be for a looong loooong while....

Some pics:

Ferry boat ride to Bainbridge Island

It was windy on the boat!

Family at Safeco Field, Mariners v. Yankees

ESK liked the popcorn better than her new hat.

Delirious and catching SportsCenter post-game highlights w/ Dad

Dim Sum w/ Zachary @ New Hong Kong

ESK Glossary

Crown = Headband
Daddy's Kitchen = Outdoor Grill
Mommy's Bagel = Boppy nursing pillow
Dipping = Ketchup

SOS
In other news... I left AMK with the hubs last night to attend a brief evening meeting. An hour and a half later, I get a text message on my phone: "S.O.S." I show my fellow board members the text message and leave the meeting early to a shower of laughter.

Apparently, the usually placid AMK has decided she is hungry, but does not like the bottle anymore. Serious crying ensues. Meanwhile, ESK is her usual whirling dervish self and leaving behind a path a destruction in her wake.

As I walk in the door to the sounds of infant wailing, SK says, "Don't ever leave me and make me a single father!"

As soon as AMK sees me (or smells me), she stops crying.

Poor dad.

So Far...

Life with two? So far, so good... This summer has really blown by. August already? AMK is now sleeping up to 6 hours per night and has really been packing on the poundage. She now weighs in over 13 pounds, nearly double her birth weight. Quite the little chunker! This pleases me to no end since ESK was such a skinny little thing most of her short life.

ESK on the other hand has been getting long and lean. Her arms are little sticks. Tan little sticks. Seems no matter how much sunscreen I slather on, she tans. We've been working on her potty training lately. It's a work in progress. We've gotten her all kinds of potty equipment, potty literature, bribes, etc. So far, she has memorized all three of her potty books, accepted all bribes, but still doesn't like sitting on the potty. We know she understands the concept. We're starting to think she just likes playing mind games with us.

ESK has come a long way when it comes to conversation. Here are a few snippets.

Daddy: Which way is better -- Daddy's way or your way?
ESK: MY WAY!

ESK (to grandma on phone): Hi Grandma! Thanks for all the Dora stuff!
(ESK did indeed recently receive a whole lot of Dora paraphernalia from grandma)

We're working on getting her to "ask nicely" and saying thank you. But most of the time, her requests are whiny. Really drives me crazy.

Otherwise, I've been feeling pretty blessed. Despite sleepless nights, enjoying the summer days and our precious little family. Looking forward to a weekend trip to Seattle (big city!) next weekend...