First Bath Together and Other Fun Things...

Claudia and Wilson shared their first bath together this week. As you can see, Wilson did not particularly enjoy this "first."

This, I have to admit, saddened me because I was reminded the other day during a conversation with my sister how much fun we used to have in the bath together. We would lure an unsuspecting pet, normally one our much too tolerant cats, into the bathroom and then, oh so "accidently," the cat would inadvertently "fall" into the tub! Or, we would drain the water out of the tub and soap it up and slip and slide around the tub. Although, now that I think about it, I do seem to remember that I normally ended up being in the back and taking the brunt of the forceful push-offs that sent us flying across that porcelin mini-autoban. Ah, memories....

Back to the present. Claudia and Scott have found a new special place to play in--the "Super Tent." I don't know who came up with the name, but I do know that they normally spend a little time in it each night when Scott comes home from work. It is located in the basement and constructed of couch cushions and blankets.

Playing in a tent must be something that only dads can enjoy with their kids. It must bring back the long last boy scout days or something. I don't know, but to me, sitting on the floor and crouching down in a small space leaves a lot to be desired. What a good dad and husband to spare me this!

Breaking News!

A milestone has been reached at the Walker household! Wilson has rolled over from his tummy to his back! Yeah, Baby Wilson!

A Post From Scott:

This is daddy's first post, so it may not be as witty as mommy's, but I'll do my best.

My - how times have changed since we grew up. We didn't have VCR's or Microwaves, let alone a camera. In these modern times, Claudia has found a new hobby - digital photography. Once in a while we let Cluadia snap a few pictures with our old camera, and surprisingly she gets some pretty cute shots (probably about one in ten, which is about what Rachael and I average when taking pictures). Anyhow - this is a picture of Claudia taking a picture of her favorite new subject - Baby Wilson!

Daddy Duties

I don't know how it happened, but Scott has become the bathgiver at our house. Claudia and Scott will spend what seems like hours in the bathroom. Claudia will get all wrinkled and cold from sitting in the bath so long, but they just love it.

I normally stay out of the bathroom during baths, first and foremost, because our bathroom doesn't accommodate much more than one and a half people (it is what my grandpa would call a 'one butt' bathroom) and I think that it is nice for Scott to have something that only he does with the kids.

I have always had the inkling that Claudia likes this time alone with her dad, but an exchange that Claudia and I had last night confirmed this.

Scene: Me standing in the bathroom running the bath water, in walks Claudia.
Claudia: "Oh, you're in here."
Me: "Yes, I am running your bath water."
Claudia: "You should go, I just want daddy."
End of scene: Me trying not to feel hurt walking out of the bathroom.


So, that got me a little curious about what is so fantastic about daddy's bath-giving skills. I waited a little while and then went in to check it out.

Here is what I found.

Yep, that is Scott getting his hair shampooed and rinsed. No wonder Claudia likes when she has bath time with daddy.

(Oh, and if you look just over Scott's right shoulder, you will see floating face down in the water another of Claudia's dolls, "Rubber Baby." This unfortunate, little doll got its name because Scott and I would say to each other, "Oh, will you get that rubber baby so Claudia can give it a bath?")

Some News

This seems to be the best way to inform you of a very major decision at the Walker household. I have decided not to return to my position at the museum and instead join the ranks of the full-time moms!

I have agonized over this decision--I love the museum and have always felt very honored to work there. However, I know how quickly kids grow up--I can't believe that Claudia is turning 3 on her next birthday(!)-- and I feel like I would regret not staying at home with Claudia and Wilson if I had the opportunity to.

So, we are off on a new adventure! I am thrilled (and I must admit a little scared)!

More time to blog--lucky you!

I Suffer from Some Guilt

As a second child, I have often given my parents a hard time about the lack of photos of me as a child. There are ample professional photos of my sister, Sarah, at age appropriate intervals. I think that the first professional photo of me was taken at around age 5 (of course with my sister in it). (You can stop the violin playing now.)

I vowed to myself that I would treat my second child differently. In looking at the posts that I have submitted so far, I realize that I have failed thus far. So, please enjoy a photo of Wilson--a very sweet and blog-neglected little boy.

Please meet Two-Seven and Two-Eight!

Here they are!

Two-Seven is on the left and Two-Eight is on the right.

Many of you have asked about these little dollies and wondered why Claudia named her dolls numbers. We really don't have a good explanation except that she is learning to count at school and we get quite excited every time she counts.