The 52 Project

10//52

flynn:: it's exciting to see how all this work we've done on overcoming obstacles, learning how to deal with stress and managing nerves is all coming together. i saw it front and center this past weekend at his soccer tournament, where he previously would have been a nervous wreck, nearly paralyzed by his fears and this time he was able to settle in, stay calm and turn that anxiety into something much more productive.

jonah:: if anyone deserves a medal it's the younger siblings who sit idly by on the sidelines for hours and hours (and sometimes days) while others get to participate. when he wasn't bemoaning the loss of an action figure, rating his level of boredom on a scale of 1 to 10 or sniffing out food he was cheering on his brother's team, keeping us entertained and being his usual easy going self. he definitely earned that day off on Monday to recover from a weekend spent doing nothing much of interest.

indy:: wild-haired, bleary-eyed and covered in goose poop, dog hair from new puppy buddies and dried grass he rolled through the weekend in the way that only toddlers can. oblivious to what was actually happening he wandered around, skipped naps and practiced his clapping skills. 

THE 52 PROJECT

8//52

"A portrait of my children once a week, every week, in 2016."

flynn:: watching him have a lengthy (and loud) conversation with two tamarinds reminded me of the years...plural...when he whistled constantly. 

jonah:: a birthday celebration filled with so many animal visits that i thought his little head was going to pop off. six is going to be a great year. i can feel it! 

indy:: why? why???! what jerk puts a glass wall between a baby and a pack of meerkats? life can be so cruel, sweet baby. 

THE 52 PROJECT

6//52

                                  "A portrait of my children once a week, every week, in 2016."

flynn:: our new fun arrangement - i exercise at the rec center while the two oldest boys shoot hoops. and just what flynn needed: another sport! i never take for granted that he's the kind of guy i can trust to hang with a younger kid and that it affords me some of the freedoms that i've been looking forward to for a long time now. 

jonah:: that granny shot is getting dangerous! i predict we'll see some hoops in no time. this kid's tenacity is always inspiring, even when he's using it to weasel out of looking for his missing gloves. and hat. and shoe.

indy:: when the court is clear he loves to have space to run - that crazy, wobbling, swerving Franken-baby run. i just love to sit and watch him, he's thrilled to chase brothers and doesn't even mind when a stray ball bounces off his head. 

THE 52 PROJECT

                                        "A portrait of my children once a week, every week, in 2016."

flynn:: he's been staying up a little later at night and I so love this time with him. often he joins me in yoga, or helps with dishes, or draws or reads but he's always conversational, always making us laugh and offering to help out. 

jonah:: just weeks shy of turning six, he's flexing his muscles in the arguing department. this week brought, "it's not like you're the boss of me" and "I'm not arguing with you. I'm just telling you you're wrong." good thing he's still so sweet and cuddly. 

indy:: what a big week! pointing to his little teeth that hurt him so, pointing down forcefully when he's had enough confinement at the table and later on this same day, seemingly out of nowhere, he started walking. arms high overhead, huge grin and lots of squeals, this little one took his first steps while his brothers cheered and clapped in the background. what a great week. 

THE 52 PROJECT

  "A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2016."

flynn:: this week he once again showed his incredible knack for getting shot in the face with sprays of water. thank you, museum water features, water pik and flynn. i needed that laugh.

jonah:: i'm always amazed by the kid who complains, "I can't do it" while doing it. i hope he knows just how strong those little legs are! 

indigo:: so many firsts this week: first forceful headshake, "no", first time climbing up the steps to the deck, first time sneaking out the front gate and making it all the way to the edge of the curb before being caught. 

The 52 Project

3//52

                                  "A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2016."

flynn:: today we were talking and i put my hands on his shoulders. i couldn't believe how strong they were. his face is looking older all the time. his body takes up so much physical space in our house. 

birdie:: we hosted brunch and he assigned himself the role of official greeter. there was a little greeting, but mostly there was running around, doling out animal facts and offering to entertain by sucking on lemon wedges.

indy:: i've noticed we're nursing a little less these days, although the requests still come with the same demanding, forceful hand squeeze gesture high overhead and are now accompanied by "Maaaaaa!" otherwise he can be found begging to have the record player turned on, hoarding spatulas, dropping food into the bunny's cage or this: standing at the sink in the bathroom, peacefully pouring water onto the floor. i'll always remember this day when flynn and i were both forced to read in the bathroom (him curled up in the shower stall, me cross legged on the toilet) for over an hour so indy could get his sink time in. 

The 52 Project

2//52

                                    "A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2016."

flynn:: this week I'm reminded of one simple fact: fourth grade is hard. and yet here's my almost ten year old, always willing to help, happy to see his baby brother make an appearance in his class, offering to help paint and load dishes. lately we focus on empathy, compassion, honesty and friendship knowing that at the core, there is a very golden heart. 

jonah:: back to school and an invitation to share something about winter break gets this, "My mom let me walk through a tunnel to see the F-word." 

indy:: this kid has never known a day without excitement, chaos and so much love from his brothers. and now that the boys are back in school i'm proving to be very poor entertainment. 

The 52 Project

1//52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2016."

flynn:: he's learning so much about himself all the time. that loom from last Christmas that gathered dust all year brought the important realization that when it comes to crafts and games, he's an instant gratification kinda guy. so after popping out all the pieces of star wars risk and reading overly complicated directions he decided he is better off sticking with chess and gladly put it in the donation pile. 

jonah:: i'm a big believer in swing-set therapy and he is exhibit a. wind in his hair, mud in his toes, zebras on his leggings. every day. 

indy:: we're certain "billy bob" - that lone front tooth, won't be alone much longer. i so love seeing him bust out a big grin with his goofy toof.