AN OPEN LETTER TO AUNT DONNA

Dear Aunt Donna,

Believe me, I am ALL boy! Light switches, knobs, buttons, throwing balls and getting messy are on the top of my list of things to do. I have yet to walk anywhere without finding something to jump off. I'm also pretty crazy about teasing my sister. But I have to tell you Aunt Donna, those silver sparkly high heel slippers with the pink feather trim that you gave Clara for Christams? I love 'em. I mean I REALLY love 'em! I'm very good at walking in them, even up and down stairs. And I think they look might-y fine on me if I do say so myself. So, if you read this dear, sweet Aunt Donna, will you please send me a pair of my very own? Clara doesn't like me borrowing hers all time.

From your loving nephew who thinks you're very cool
even though we haven't met yet,
Lu

TURNING A CORNER

I've posted photos of my kids looking like they get along, play together and love each other but this has most certainly not been the norm around here. Clara has, as all older brothers and sisters in the history of siblings, pretty much viewed Lu as a plague. Our pediatrician told us that 2 months was the average time it took for an older sib to accept the new rival into their family. I had heard from other parents it could be 4 months. At the rate we'd been going, I was sure we'd near 6 months before the hourly Shakespearean level of dramatic tantrums eased up.

I'm happy to say, my timeline was way off. This past week I've really seen a change in Clara's relationship with Lu. The tone of voice she uses is kinder, or to be frank, not screaming. She actually split one of her raisins with Lu the other day without prompting -- never mind that she had a whole box. A half a raisin was just fine with Lu and he gladly accepted it. I can see and hear affection in her actions and her words and this week they've really been playing together, solving problems by themselves and enjoying each other. My greatest hope for them both is that they remain close throughout their lives, having each other to rely on, find comfort in and be there for.

4TH OF JULY