Hannah Grows Up

For Hannah’s sixth birthday, we have an obnoxiously large party. It involves decorating the whole first floor, or more precisely, making Hugo decorate the whole first floor.

And our little princess is pleased.

The princess and the pirate — why do I feel like I’ve seen a movie or two about this?

The kids and I are drinking alcohol-free cocktails, obviously, but there are so many cups sometimes you have to taste-check you’re about to drink from the right one.

So many kids. The red-head I’m talking to is Nolan, after his incredible growth spurt.

He’s also apparently staying a ginger. Miranda says now she knows for sure who his dad is, at the very least. She’s only ever been with one ginger.

You can count on Grandma to watch over the kiddos.

Apparently it’s been a while since Miranda and Mam have seen each other, too!

And now comes the moment everybody has been waiting for.

“You ready baby? All the candles at once?”

“Yes! Yes!”

And my baby grows up.

Incredible News

Understandably, we head back, yet again, to the Clinic. Very often. And Hugo comes with me every time.

But the treatment has worked, and there is not a single issue in sight.

Better yet, the doctor has great news to give us! We’re lucky we have such a big home…

Back Home

We finally head back to our quiet home, and the first thing we do… is collapse on the couch, exhausted from the trip.

Especially me.

And after so long in Granite Falls, we need a bit of time to readjust to San Myshuno.

Hannah is starting to really understand what this growing belly entails — it helps that she can now feel her baby brother or sister moving around.

And she’s already really protective. Or jealous, I can’t tell.

Telling Hannah

We’ve been in Granite Falls for some time now, and my belly has started to get rounder; so it’s time we tell Hannah about the sibling she’s about to have.

I’m not sure she fully understands — what kid does? —, but she seems excited, and she knows that it means I have a brother or sister in the tummy, and she’s more than willing to have a nice family cuddle time.

It’s extra special for Hugo and I; we couldn’t be happier, and more hopeful about the future, than we are right now.

Night Cards

When the toddler and the cat are asleep, Hugo and I sneak on the balcony to have a game of cards, like the two elders we actually are.

Truth be told, I have something in mind, and finally getting some peace and quiet makes it much better.

Once Hugo has wiped the table with my poor cards skills, I take a deep breath…

And give him the big news.

Little Angler

Day two of our family trip to Granite Falls. Nounou is still scared of the trees, but he has Hannah to reassure him.

I go back to my first Granite Falls love: yoga under the cold sun, with the sound of wind through pine branches as my meditation soundtrack.

And Hugo… Hugo fishes.

An activity Hannah is starting to take an interest in.

And Hugo is more than happy to share this passion with her.

I doubt she will catch any fish…

But she’s adorable.

Fish for dinner again!

Breakfast

It’s the early morning; Hannah is wide awake, and in the cold morning, she patiently awaits her breakfast by playing with Nounou.

I have to admit I’m always impressed by how gentle she is with that kitten. She’s not a brute by any means, but she’s still a very young kid; yet when she picks the cat up, it’s clear he thinks safe.

And I love that she will systematically ignore all of her many toys to play with her little friend instead.

This is what Hugo and I comment on while we get our lazy brunch ready.

The Evening

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The night alls over Granite Falls, and since Hanna shares our bedroom, Hugo and I have to get crafty.

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There are some perfectly acceptable bushes around the lodge.

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And at the end of the day, when we’re all properly exhausted, parents, toddler, and cat all drop in our respective beds for a full night’s sleep.