I thought I'd take a quick break from reading about early Zionist settlements in Palestine to update you on life here.  I'm sure you'd rather than I'd just talk about my research (ha!), but cute kids will have to suffice.

Tristan had his one year check up a couple weeks ago.  He's now weighing 23 1/2 lbs (62%), 30 inches long (50%) and has quite the set of lungs on him.  He screamed, cried, and wriggled throughout the exam, so the length might be slightly off.  He also had yet another ear infection, so it was back on antibiotics for him.  At some point, we'll have to figure out what to do on that front.  Ronan has only had one or two ear infections in his life, while Tristan is now on number 5? 6? I've lost count.  Either way, it's a lot.  He doesn't seem to really get sick in any other way, but his poor ears can make him miserable.  Other than that, though, he's doing well and the doctor was quite impressed by his walking skills.  After more than two months now, eh's really becoming a pro and can zip around quite fast.  He also is learning to navigate the three wide (and carpeted) stairs that lead into our sun room.  Occasionally he just falls down them, but he's getting better at crawling down or even walking.  Ronan likes to try to help him walk down too, and it's cute to watch him try to teach his little brother how it works.  Sometimes, though, he just grabs him and pulls, which is not quite as helpful as he thinks.

Speaking of Ronan and helpfulness, I've been really amazed lately at what a good helper he can be.  He likes to help me make the beds, he insists on carrying in some of the groceries when we get back from the store, and he often likes to help me cook dinner.  He'll even try to distract/play with Tristan while I'm trying to get something done, and even though that doesn't always work, it is definitely appreciated!  I just hope I can keep up this love of housework through his teenage years, when he can really make a difference!

We had a lovely Easter here, even though the weather didn't completely cooperate.  We went over to Tom's aunt and uncle's house for the big Easter celebration and the kids had an Easter egg hunt (indoors).  Once Ronan finished gathering his eggs, he went through and helped Tristan find his.  I just realized, however, that we left those baskets over there.  Oops.  Oh well - between the baskets I made and the baskets they got from Grandma Jenison, Ronan is well stocked in terms of candy.

The big event coming up though is Tristan's first overnight stay at Grandma's.  I'm presenting a paper at a conference on Friday morning, so I'm leaving Thursday and spending the night out there.  Because of Tom's work schedule, the boys will be staying with Grandma.  I'm a bit worried about how it will go, since Tristan is in super-clingy/separation anxiety mode lately.  I know he'll be ok - I just feel bad for my mother-in-law, who's going to have to deal with the screaming child!  Hopefully Ronan will be able to help out and after a little while, he'll calm down.  I guess it took a couple hours the last time I left him over there.  not sure how things will go at night.  Usually, he wakes up now at about 11 p.m. and then around 4 or 4:30 a.m. to eat.  Hopefully he won't wake up more often than that and hopefully he'll just take his sippy cup and be ok with that.  Keep your fingers crossed for them!

And with that, high-ho, high-ho, it's back to work I go.