Alone with the two littles

Last week Cata smiled at me for the first time. Little Mona Lisa smiles that I knew to look for this time. Cata fussed less last week and we were all happier. Whether it is my careful nursing diet or her passing through the early weeks of fussiness is anyone's guess.

Joaquin seemed to shake off his melancholy after a spectacular tantrum on a Friday afternoon. The Tantrum started while he was playing quietly in the backyard with me nearby. I showed him a melted crayon nub on the ground. After smushing it further, Joaquin requested that I fix it, I make it back into a crayon. This simply was not possible and the tantrum of all tantrums ensued. It was a sad tantrum rather than an angry one. But I could not get him to snap out of it- not with distraction, not with time outs. I even sprayed him with the garden hose to make him laugh- which he did and didn't. He ended up in the yard, naked except for his bubblegum pink Crocs. My sister Clararose who present to witness the tantrum wisely decided to step in and she cleverly convinced Joaquin to give up his howling and sobbing. They played in the yard together while I nursed Cata on the sofa inside. Joaquin then played naked in the yard on his own for another hour. That afternoon seemed a turning point. Since then his exuberant, joyful, curious and cooperative spirit has returned. Perhaps the tantrum was cathartic?

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He looks like wild sasquatch in these photos I secretly took through the window screen.
My first days alone with two littles started last week. For the three days so far its been quite easier than expected. Joaquin is quite patient with Cata's needs for nursing and diaper changes. Cata has been a cooperative sleeper who takes multiple hour naps in the morning and afternoon which allows me to spend time with Joaquin and also get in a little nap while he naps. Perhaps the cutest thing is how Joaquin lingers near my knee while I nurse Cata. He stays close and I pet his hair. It is really quite delightful having my two little children snuggle happily around me. He often asks for milk too. I happily oblige with his sippy cup and hold him in my lap for as long as he allows me.

The doubts of having a second child have passed for the moment. Already Joaquin seems to have a new sense of independence that brings him contentment. He also seeks out and appreciates affection more and I am enjoying having a little tippytoes, thick eyelashed, blond mophead sprite looking for extra love.