June

On my last entry I promised a biweekly blog -- but now I feel that a blog entered weekly using the Fibonacci sequence would be much more interesting (1-1-2-3....) In all reality, breaking the biweekly promise does help free me from the guilt that has been plaguing me for nearly 1.5 weeks so now the promise is: I'll blog when I'll blog. So here it is....

Tonight seems particularly appropriate for a new blog entry. I can now say with confidence that the Holman family has settled into our new home in Spring Lake. As of today, Kira has been back at work, Annika has starting her summer school camp, Grandma and Auntie Anjali have watched the girls for 2 weeks and Harland has officially been dubbed the "office sweetie-pie."

This morning, Harland and Kira drove to work together. Work is a challenge. We are constantly surprised at the stories we hear behind closed doors in the office. Sometimes all we can do is hope that we can make a difference not through the medicine we offer but perhaps through our interactions with the patients. We are learning every day.

Annika is now officially 3 years old as evidenced by the pictures attached today. I will record the following information for posterity sake (I'm digging deep now for that sentimental bone in my body). Annika's official birthday was spent with the Sieplinga extended family celebrating several family graduations. We then celebrated a week later with aunts, 4 grandparents and 2 great-grandmas. Annika requested a "purple Dora/boots castle cake" and mommy delivered! After cake was eaten, presents were received and an exhausted 3-year-old fell asleep, it dawned on me that 3 is officially not a baby any more. As Annika constantly reminds me...."3 is not a little, it is a few" Our little girl is growing fast. She is riding her purple princess bike keeping up with her friends in the neighborhood. She is playing dress-up, puzzles, dolls, bus and whatever her amazing mind can dream up. She just began school at Michigan Dunes Montessori. We are looking forward to her actually telling us what happens there -- we just get a daily report on the snack offered. :)

Greta is growing fast too. At her 9 month check, she was 21.5 lbs and her length scored at the 95th percentile (you can tell I've already forgotten what it was). She spent a nice weekend with her "bestest cousin Miriam" who visited from Denver. She is creeping around tables, chasing after Annika (much to Annika's delight and chagrin), makes lovely messes at the dinner table and is practicing her loud voice. She has a beautiful smile and a sense of humor that is starting to come out. She seems enamored with her grandparents but has a very cute shy/coy look when they come near. We actually made it through one church service with her in nursery.....she's growing up too.

So that's the Holman's at the beginning of June 2010. We're looking forward in the coming weeks to Harland's birthday, a visit from cousin Matisse, 4th of July at the cottage, Kira's triathlon (she just realized that this is pronounced with only 3 syllables) and Harland's big fishing trip. We miss Kentucky but are loving our new home and new office. Thanks for reading!