It was another long night. Patrick wasn't into sleeping after eating, but looking around and being bounced. While I was standing. Couldn't even sit. I'm hearing lots of interesting news on NPR at 2am. But I forced myself to take a nap today. Difficult to do in this gorgeous weather.

But we did have a rather accomplished day, the four of us. Kevin busted it at the storage facility he's been cleaning out for work, and was blessed with lots of helpers. An end is finally in site to this project. Nancy, on top of helping me stay organized with Patrick in my arms, scrubbed my outdoor furniture cover, bleached my shower curtain, and overall kept my house looking wonderful. Patrick and I managed to do some errands during his long afternoon sleep cycle. We went to the library and farmer's market, plus dropped off stuff at Goodwill.

Did I mention I took a nap? I find I do lots better with a nap. Not so short tempered and sensitive.

Tonight we'll see Kevin's family for a bit. The grandparents took our niece on the ferry boats for a third birthday trip, while her parents tackled a painting project at home.

Mimi Cindy (that's her chosen grandma name) and Uncle John Michael will visit next weekend, I have plans to see a favorite friend from work, and the Akers clan is coming up on the fourth to save the day. Turns out they would love to take our uncut wood (left over from big trees) home with them! 27 rounds. Such an easy way to check a chore off the list. So the very least we can do is cook for them.

I'm discovering that calming Patrick is a learned skill, one that requires lots of flexibility and patience. Different ideas work at different times, and he's definitely not interested in the clock. Such a change from how I normally run my day. But I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn how he and I will work together. I think this three months will go faster than I ever would have thought.