Hannah and the kids

Hannah, 12 months old, watching her bro and sis play their DS games

Ethan and Abigail are home for a 4-day weekend.  It feels like they just had their 2-week holiday break!

Even though the chaos in the house gets a bit overwhelming when I have all the kids home for multiple days, I have really seen a huge change in Hannah when they are here.  Ethan and Abby shower her with attention, love to play with her, and make a strong play to include her near them at all times.  We never have to ask them to do that, they just do it.

During the holiday break, they spent a lot of time with Hannah.  Every day, multiple times a day.  I really think Hannah thrived on it because … well, let’s face it, they are more fun to be with than Mommy and Daddy are!

Hannah seems to thrive on the attention from them too.

With Ethan, she just lights up when he comes to her.  I never get a smile that big unless I’m carrying her bottle or she is tired and wants to cuddle.  He knows her limitations, but still tries carefully to push her and teach her things (like putting things “in” or throwing a ball, both of which she has not been able to do yet.)

With Abigail, it is different.  She is very motherly with Hannah and protective.  Making sure that Hannah’s toys are near her, making sure they are turned on.  Always wanting to be her “friend” and play her toys with her as Hannah watches and learns.

I’m thankful that Hannah is well enough these days to be able to spend time with her brother and sister like this…without machines, without significant problems, etc.  Just a baby girl and her big brother and sister.