August at Home

August at Home

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Ever since the STP bike ride on July 14, I've devoted pretty much all my spare time to getting the garage "finished" (see "Garage Complete"). The building permit, which is valid for 18 months, was set to expire on September 7 and while it is a simple matter to extend it I wanted to use that as a deadline for myself. I made it, but it meant not having much fun with the family on weekends or evenings for more than six weeks.

Carol, wonderful as always, took up the slack on the parenting front. We usually alternate which child each of us puts to bed every evening (because Audrey is a much bigger time investment), but many evenings during this push Carol put both girls to bed and cleaned up the kitchen (usually my job, since she cooks). Audrey is showing the effects of Dad-deprivation - she is obviously in need of some individual attention. I'm working on that now.

Audrey is substantially potty trained at this point. We still have the nightime part to deal with but during the day she pretty much has it down. Audrey started her third year at the Phinney Co-op Preschool this morning. She now goes three days a week from 9:30-noon. Carol only has to work one of those days, so she can get a little more free time now if she puts Charlotte in the inexpensive day care at the preschool or takes her to Grandma's house.

Charlotte is still being pretty stubborn about talking. That's a little behind the curve age-wise, but nothing to worry about yet. As everyone who spends time with our family knows, Charlotte doesn't have to talk. Her index finger and the noises she makes suffice to get her pretty muich anything she needs. She does say a new word now and then. The other day she said "apple." I've tried coaxing her to say the word for whatever object she wants at the moment, but that just makes her angry. It seems pretty clear that she is choosing not to talk. If she only knew how much easier life would be for her if she communicated with words. Oh well, she'll figure it out.

Carol is the chair of Audrey's preschool class this year. She had a ton of organizational work to do in the month before school started today. Yesterday was her big meeting to get it all finalized and delegated and she's very glad to be over that hump. She worries about every detail but of course does an excellent job.