Sure enough, tooth #2

In less than a week, Charlotte's second tooth appeared, right next to the first one.  Her first food, banana, has gotten mixed reviews.  She got her first taste on Solomon's birthday--at Nova's suggestion.   

Solomon Turns Eight!

On Monday, Solomon turned eight!  I can't quite believe it, though he certainly looks the part.  A recent growth spurt has put him level with my collar bone, and a few weeks go someone mistook my sandals for his (we don't actually were the same shoe size yet, but at a glance it is hard to tell).  

His birthday started with a leisurely breakfast and a bath, and then he was off to fiddle camp, which happened to start Monday as well.  I heard that everyone sang him happy birthday at lunch and that fiddle camp was "great!"  That was welcome news to Charles and me.  Solomon has been home schooled since first grade, and we found ourselves with a case of parents' first day of school jitters as we packed his lunch and stuck labels on his belongings.

While the birthday boy was at camp, Nova and I put the finishing touches on his present. 

Tonight we get to hear what he has been playing and even dance along at the camp's finale.    

Charlotte's First Tooth!

It is just a little white line, but it is there...a baby tooth.  I first felt it yesterday, and have yet to actually see it, though others have been privileged by a one-toothed grin.  (Solomon assures me my description is correct.)  There has been a little crying and fuss, but mostly lots of chewing and drooling.  Based on Charlotte's continued taste for washcloths and fingers (any fingers--hers, mine, or yours) more teeth are coming soon.  Pictures will be up as soon as she opens her mouth for the camera.  Nova can't wait to feed her, but, with her sore gums, Charlotte hasn't been up to any first tastes just yet.     

Results of the Nothing Diet

After more than a month the results are in!  No dairy, no chocolate, no WHEAT!  Everything else seems to be okay (thank goodness I can have eggs and nuts!).  On the up side, Charlotte now just spits up a normal amount, instead of every time you turn around.  I've found that most sandwiches can be converted to baked potato topping, and those that can't do well on rice cakes.  Bread-like foods are harder.  Here is our favorite wheat-free muffin recipe to date.  I made it up.  

Peanut Butter Banana Muffins

Mix

2 cups oat flour

3/8 tsp baking soda

dash of salt

Add 

3 heaping tablespoons peanut butter

2/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup honey

splash of vanilla

one banana, mashed

2-3 tbs softened butter (optional)

I usually taste test before adding eggs.

4 eggs

Bake in greased muffin tins at 350 for about half an hour, or until fork comes out clean.  

 

Nova's new bike riding skills

About three weeks ago, Nova decided she was going to ride her bike without training wheels.  The video below is from about day two.  She had it mastered in less than a week.  (Notice the social equivalent of the Heisenberg uncertainty principle taking place).

Imagine a video of Nova biking...it will be up when the technical difficulties are over.