Monday Routine

Studies have shown that kids like routine.  Studies have also shown that there have been enough studies, on every subject, that you can preface nearly any statement with "studies have shown" and say anything you want.  Try it you will sound fiercely intelligent and no one will dare disagree with you.

It's only now that it feels like dust is settling from Lydia's birth and we can create that routine the studies say kids like.

And they do.  In our first quiet Monday in a while, we stuck to the routine of eating, changing diapers, playing, changing diapers, napping, changing diapers, ...and the day develops a rhythm of its own.  And we fell into it.  The rhythm of spending time together and not much else.  After a few weeks of trying to do everything under the sun on our days together, I've dialed it back a little.  A little less errands, a little less gym (gotta work on that flesh sweater for the winter anyway), a little more nothing.  A little less moving time and a little more quality time.  It's worked wonders.  We're all happier.

reading a book

 getting so good at looking at the camera for daddy

loving lydia

this is the dramatic pause (for emphasis to show she really means it) in between saying

 "daddy.."

...no tickle".