Lincoln is now sleeping in a big boy bed. It hasn’t been the easiest transition, but we’ll save those issues for another post. Each night, we usually have to put Link back in his bed a handful of times. A few nights ago was no different. Finally, after round number four of tucking him in, we didn’t hear him again.

Later that night, Miles and I went upstairs to get ready for bed. While walking up the stairs, we heard the whirring of Claire’s swing. I said something to Miles like, “sounds like Link turned on the swing again—wasting the batteries.” It was dark as we entered our room. My heart jumped when I looked over at the swing and thought I saw Claire there. But that couldn’t be right because we put Claire to sleep in her bed. My next thought was “did Lincoln put Claire in the swing?” Oh, yeah right, she’s as big as he is.

Then we finally realized that it was Link in the swing—sleeping! He must have snuck in without us knowing and fallen asleep while relaxing and swinging away. We couldn’t believe it. I mean, this is a kid who has never fallen asleep watching a movie or at the dinner table. He even fights sleeping in the car. When we found him, the swing wasn’t swinging because he’s much too big for it and his feet drag on the ground. We were completely surprised! It was hilarious! I really wanted to take a picture but didn’t out of fear of waking him and enduring a few more rounds of tucking him in.

This morning, after his dentist appointment, Link came home in a state sorta like this.

Link had 4 fillings, some sealants, a cleaning, and x-rays done by a pediatric dentist. He went under for the treatment. The appointment was at 6:30am and because I needed to be home to feed Claire, Miles took him in. Luckily everything went well. Unfortunately, this kid is destined to have dental troubles. It’s likely that the integrity of his teeth was compromised during the first 3 months of his life when he was jaundiced. That compounded with the fact that he most likely inherited bad teeth—his dad had to pay $9000 for dental work before his mission—this little guy is out of luck.

We’re committed to doing everything we can to keep his teeth in the best condition possible. But why does all dental insurance suck? I mean, even the best of the best coverage isn’t near enough. Grrrr!

Because Link’s teeth are in the condition they’re in, I’ve learned a few special treatments in addition to our normal, faithful brushing:

Use a fluorinated toothpaste. Kids can safely swallow small amounts of fluoride after 18 months.

We got a prescription for a medication we are supposed to swab on Link’s teeth each night for one week each month. The dentist recommended Miles use it too. Don’t remember what it’s called. They supposedly use it on Chemo patients’ teeth.

Also, you can use a Q-tip to swab mouthwash on the teeth. Swabbing prevents swallowing too much of the stuff.

Anyone else out there have kids with teeth problems?

Last week I took Claire in for a wellness check with our new doctor. He kept commenting on how “healthy” she looked. Translated, that means she’s a cute little chunker! She weighed 10 lbs 14 oz and was 21 1/2 inches. She is in the 75th percentile for weight and head measurement, and 50th percentile for height. We love having a baby with some chub! I don’t think Link ever got above the 10th percentile at his biggest!

Check out these adorable folds and rolls!

I can’t believe how fast she is growing. Again it’s just such a contrast with Link. Lincoln wore newborn clothes until he was 3 months. Claire is fitting perfectly into 3 month clothes already.

Claire has been a real delight the last couple days. We had a few weeks of fussiness, and hope that’s coming to an end. She smiles more and more and has just started cooing. It’s wonderful to hear other baby noises besides crying!

Lincoln now surprises us daily with all the new things he knows and does. His imagination is flourishing. He and I seriously have a blast together! Recently he got up the courage to lay down on his back in the tub. He’s never really liked water, so this was a real accomplishment.

Also, we’ve been working on our monster faces. But somehow I don’t think this cute boy could ever look scary.

I’m doing great. I can honestly say I’ve never enjoyed being a mother more.

In nursery this past Sunday, when Link was asked what he was grateful for, he replied “my sister.”