Update

Many people ask if Liam and Emily were as dark (complexion-wise) when they were babies as Clara is now. The answer has always been yes but I think the question is about to change. Today as I was changing Clara, I noticed that her arms, hands, legs and feet seemed to be noticably paler than the rest of her. I'm thinking whatever process causes baby skin to lighten (and I'm sure it's different from what Michael Jackson used) has begun with Clara. I wonder what might happen to her hair colour?

On another note, Liam hates reading. He loves being read to but the 'work' of reading really seems to discourage him. He still reads every night but most nights he's not too happy about it. He is making improvements but I don't think he sees them or maybe he doesn't value them. We've tried many things and will continue to try. Here are a couple of our latest successes.

Liam loves being a big brother. So we thought, why not have him read his story to Clara. He seems very keen about this. I think we will also try to get him to read some of Clara's stories to her.

Sarah and I both independently came across information about sight words and as a result we have created a couple of flip style books for the kids containing some sight words. Liam loves flipping through the books and showing us that he knows most of the words. He also likes showing Clara that he can read them. We're hoping that success with the sight words will translate into success with reading.

On a more positive note, Emily, Liam and I had a great time during our first canoe ride of the season. It also marks the first time we've been in the canoe without Sarah. Things were great though I wouldn't want to try it in a heavy wind. Emily really enjoyed the chorus of frogs and both of the kids loved going over the waves of motor boats that went past. We saw some turtles as well as a couple of dead catfish.