Super 8

Dear Internet,

Here is your eight month update.

xo,

~w

Once upon a time...

I don't really know what to update on.  How's that for an intriguing intro?  Kinda reaches right out and grabs you huh?  Okay, well, bullets are handy:

• I'm pretty sure Tallis has grown taller, but not heavier.  We measure our kids on the wall every six months, so we'll see how much she's grown on her birthday (the day after tomorrow).  Her pants are shorter, but her belly is smaller.  She's already pretty lean, but now she looks more proportioned without her bloated belly.
• Tallis does not fall even half as often as she used to, but she's still pretty clumsy.  She has weekly injuries, but they are more mild now.  Now if only she'd stop running into walls (and furniture, and kitchen counters, and people...).
• English is still a problem for Tallis.  She understands way more than she can communicate, but it's still limited.  And any nervousness sort of makes her unable to fully comprehend what we're saying sometimes.  She's really insecure in this area.  Tallis is a smart little stinker and she gets that she can't talk like everybody else.  She speaks the best when she's just playing with her brothers or other kids.  She sort of chickens out with adults some.  Daily communication is really fine, though.  It's matters of the heart that we find challenging to get through.  Lying, sneaking, etc.  Good thing she's got a conscience, though, and can probably put two and two together when she gets caught and gets in trouble.
• Tallis loves playing with her baby dolls most of all.  We had to teach her how to have imaginative play.  She went from dressing and undressing them over and over to now pushing them in the stroller, "shushing" them, talking to her babies, and, all the while, chatting on her cell phone to Daddy saying "uh huh" over and over.  She's a good little multitasker.
• One of our bigger issues is how much Tallis loves new people.  She is way too friendly with total strangers.  She'll even pout when we take her away from someone or restrict her from giving the store clerk a hug.  I don't know, call us crazy!  I am often challenged with accepting that Tallis is not shy like her brothers (which I can relate to more).  She has her own personality and we just try to guide it along the right path without trying to change who she is.  And, speaking of, Tallis' fearlessness and out-going personality is actually really good for Seamus and Rowan. She will do things that they won't without thinking twice; and, not wanting to be outdone by their little sister, they have been more willing to try new things.  God knew exactly what He was doing!
• Hey!  Did anyone know that girls are sensitive and cry over EVERYTHING?!!!  I need some patience because I cannot believe how dramatic one little girl can be!  
• Tallis is half fish.  She took swim lessons for a few weeks along with the boys and she is a real go-getter in the water.  It took a while for her to grasp that breathing is not very successful when your head is under the water...but she eventually got it.  
• Tallis is smart.  The other day, as I was singing loudly, Tallis squinted her eyes and said as plain as day, "That's annoying!"  Precious child. 
• Tallis is obedient and often gullible.  One day, Rowan told Tallis to climb over the edge of the jungle gym.  I looked out the window in time to see her little leg hanging over as she was obediently climbing the side and on her way to an eight foot fall.  I stopped her in time.  Now, close your eyes and you can likely hear the talking-to that Rowan received.  Can you hear it?  'Cause it was loud.
• Raising two four year olds can be interesting.  I will comment no further on that subject as my nerves are beyond frazzled and may not survive a flashback. *nervous laughter*
• Tallis loves to help any one at any time.  She's an absolute expert on cleaning her room and I'm hoping that will rub off on her brothers eventually. 
• The boys don't remember that Tallis wasn't always here.  Which is awesome.  Seamus recently said, "Tallis was here last summer, Mom.  Why can't you remember that?"

And that's about it.  I could go on, but it's really just normal stuff around here these days.  We've had a busy summer swimming, exploring, and consuming ice cream as often as possible.  Oh!  Tallis just had her first night away from the rest of us.  Damon took the boys camping and fishing this last weekend, and I took Tallis to my parents' house for one night.  She did fine, but I'm glad that she asked for me often.  

I'll upload some pictures tonight.  So check back!