Teeth - coming and going

Last Friday night, we took Madeleine to the deli for dinner to try to get some more information on her trip to Philadelphia. We didn't get too much out of her other than it rained on them, they rode in a double-decker bus, and the mummy exhibit was very dark. We did learn at dinner though that one of her bottom teeth was loose. This was thrilling for Madeleine - several of her preschool buddies, both younger and older, have lost teeth and she's desperately wanted a loose tooth. Fortunately, that night we took what turned out to be the final photo of her full baby-toothed grin. The next day after her swimming lesson, Madeleine was chewing on her towel and pulled it roughly out of her mouth. After her surprise at seeing a tiny tooth and bit of blood, Madeleine was thrilled. The tooth fairy came through with $2 and Madeleine has been showing off her newly gapped smile to everyone.

Fresh from the pool and with a new smile:









Josephine is ramping up her speaking though that doesn't really mean that she's readily understandable to the world. Context and familiarity still help enormously when talking with Josephine, or rather when she talks to us. Last night, Michael pointed out that she has mastered the three 'M's - mama, milk, and monkey. She also says "helloooo" (sometimes to us but more frequently into a toy phone) and has been known to say something approximating 'dog' as well as a very clear 'tiger.' She's also sleeping through the night more reliably (though not always), and has a favorite book (Monster Mama Loves Me So) which she likes to read rather endlessly. I don't think that she has any words yet for book or reading, but you know what she wants when she grabs her book and stands by the sofa. Once she is in this position and catches your eye, she'll yell if you walk past without stopping for the story.

Madeleine and Josephine have been enjoying seeing their aunt, uncle and cousins in from Jamaica. We've taken all of the kids to the pool a couple of times and got to play a great game of Apples to Apples with the big kids. Shelby and Spencer are both adored by and very sweet to Madeleine and Josephine. We hope to get to see all of them more before they head out on the rest of their trip.