Stuff

Oliver sat in the bath tub tonight until the water got cold, playing with cups, pouring the water back and forth from one cup to another. He loves bath time ("bat!") and water play in general. He has also enjoyed clacking around the house in Cora's high heels lately. His feet are so wide they fit into her dress-up shoes. He can barely walk in them but he loves the sound they make on the hardwood floors. Cora enjoys having a dress up partner. When I came home tonight Oliver was sporting a purple hairband. With his curls he is mistaken for a girl enough already. Every day-- "She is sooo beautiful!"--even when he is wearing blue from head to toe. Hair is a powerful marker. And at this age it is hard to tell boys from girls without clothing cues.

We're getting back to normal now and dinnertimes have been smooth thanks to the cooking brigade of Anne and Carol last weekend. Our freezer is stocked so dinner preparation and bedtime rituals don't get as pressurized, urgent and frazzling.

When Cora came out of her bedroom this morning Kate and I both had the same first impression--she grew overnight. Sure enough, we measured her against the wall and she had grown since yesterday. Amazing. She has really sprouted this summer.