Three Mama Hens

Paula has always enjoyed playing with baby dolls. I often catch her rocking, feeding, and singing to a plastic bundle of joy, pretending to be a miniature mama. During the weeks before baby Wylie was born, all three sisters joined in the baby doll game, asking me to help them wrap their babies and playing "house." 

As various baby gear made their appearances around the house (infant car seat, baby bouncer, bassinet), I found baby dolls and stuffed animals placed inside as part of a game the girls were playing. Around this time, Paula seemed especially interested in practicing for her upcoming role as big sister.

Once their baby brother arrived, Ramona and Mika were perpetually fighting for a turn to hold him and cuddle him.

 

One day, Ramona read a book to Paula at the same time she was holding Wylie. That earned her some bonus big sister points, for sure!

 

 

 

Initially, Paula shyfully declined opportunities to hold her baby brother. But after three weeks, she finally agreed to try. She seemed so pleased.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These girls have really taken Wylie under their wings and are always so eager to give him attention and care for him. Let me just say--I had no idea three little girls could love their baby brother so much!

Father of Four

Father's Day 2016:

 

 

 

A tie Paula made for Forest at church (she was so pleased to give it to him)

I can't say the kids were all perfectly behaved for him that day, but at least he got a nap and a chance to watch most of a basketball game. Happy Father's Day, Love!

Domo Arigatou

During all the transitions that happened between finishing out the school year and bringing a baby home from the hospital, Jii and Baachan were there helping out. For three weeks they stayed with us, doing household chores, providing childcare, and allowing me to get some much-needed rest.

They read the girls lots of books and took over preschool drop-off and pick-up . . .

. . . they taught the girls Japanese and brought over plenty of activities and gifts to keep them occupied (and accessorized) . . . 

They watched Ramona, Mika, and Paula for an entire day while Forest and I were at the hospital, and evened out the adult-to-child ratio in our home at a very crucial time.

 

Baachan put scrupulous effort into food prep and meals after Wylie was born . . .

 

. . . while Jii let Paula boss him around as they played with baby dolls and toy doctor kits (he was a very patient patient).

 

Both Jii and Baachan took the girls to the park multiple times. . .

. . . and prepared a special graduation ceremony marking the end of the girls' Japanese lessons with them.

 

Ramona composed some acrostic poems about both Jii and Baachan: 

Baachan--black hair, always hates the Sun, chatty, hates not realistic, on time, new grandson

Jii--generous, intelligent, (not) imagining

For a couple of days after they left, Paula kept asking: "Where's Jii and Baachan?" It took a while for her to understand that they were not living with us anymore.

We are so grateful to them for all of their support. Domo arigatou, Jii and Baachan!