The month of May here in France is a busy one with three celebrated holidays. Schools, as well as many businesses, take part in what they refer to as the bridge holidays. The bridge happens when a holiday lands on a Tuesday or a Thursday, giving the day between the holiday and the weekend as a freebee. This year, the bridge was much welcomed with THREE four day weekends in the month of May, as each of the holidays landed on a Thursday. Hallelujah! We took full advantage of our long weekends planning small day trips to near by lakes, parks, zoos and vineyards. The family participated in our fun, and it was so great to all be together with no responsibilities other than just having fun with one another. Zaylee girl, you love any extra time with Mamie and Papi and were so happy to have full days with all of their attention fishing, exploring, playing, and just being with them. Marcel hung out and enjoyed some of the fun too, including some of his first tastes of ice cream and his first true picnic. We are so blessed to live surrounded by such beauty and were so thankful to get to see places we had not yet visited.
Throwing rocks with Uncle Lukey.
A day at Lyon's version of Central Park meets Lincoln Park in mid 90 degree weather. Hot, hot fun with the boys! :)
"Mama! Zaylee cited!"
"Hi Bambi!"
We are trying to soak in as many memories as we can in our last months here in France, and have enjoyed all the extra time we have been able to spend with the family!
The best word to describe the biggest change in you this month would be BUSY! You are on the move constantly, and are rarely ever content to just sit with us unless it is close to nap time. Gone are the days of setting you down and finding you any where close to the spot I left you, as you have started the quick army crawl maneuver. Determination is something that must run in your blood because you, my son, are a force to be reckoned with when you set your eyes on something you want and will not give up until it is tightly secure in your tiny little hands. Anything you can get your hands on is quickly shoved in your mouth and chewed on with great force. You are curious, observant, and an absolute sweetheart.
The face of determination!
You still are without any teeth, and there aren't any real signs of them coming any time soon, but you sure do love to gnaw! We have started to be more intentional about feeding you in the last week or so, and it seems your appetite is finally picking up a bit. You love your sisters crackers, and if you are ever discontent we hand you a cracker and your feet start kicking with pure joy! You mastered the sippy cup and love drinking water while chewing on the soft spout, often soaking your entire shirt in the process.
Sleep was a bit of a struggle this past month and, dare I say, is finally over and done with! There was a 9 day span of waking up every two hours throughout the night, and only napping if laying snug on my chest. I loved the extra cuddles, but am just now getting back on track with sleep training you again to put yourself to sleep. It has been a hard one, but I still consider myself blessed to have babies that like to sleep even if they need a little extra help from time to time.
You are our lover, and even through your busyness and constant movement you still love to be close to us and snuggle into our necks. As I rock you before bed, you gently play with the hair at the nape of my neck with your head tight against my shoulder. When you are looking up at us, you place your hands on our cheeks as you lean your head into ours. You are gentle, sweet, and are constantly stealing hearts and making little old ladies swoon at your charming smile, an accessory that you are never without. Lately, you have started to play shy as you tuck your head into my shoulder while smiling before looking back at the person lucky enough to steal your attention. A few weeks ago, you reached for me for the first time and my heart almost burst. You are a Mama's boy so far, and I love that you love me so!
Your sister is still your greatest source of entertainment, and you continue to light up when she enters the room. She is full of excitement over you, and gets you going with just the sound of her voice. Now that you are on the move, I fear rivalry may start to peak its ugly head but for now she seems to enjoy sharing and playing with you. She loves making you laugh, and you never disappoint always giving her the sweetest little giggles as she talks to you in her high pitched voice saved for you and you alone. I love watching the two of you together and pray your friendship grows strong and remains close through your growing up years.
Marcel Gray, you add so much joy to our little family and we are so thankful for you! I wish you would slow down a bit, but at the same time am loving watching you grow, interacting with us a bit more each day. You are wonderful, and we love you so!
