What do we do all day? (Visiting)

December 3, 2011

Esme seems happy to go to the Dojo with Dad

     This past week, Esme had several adventures in various places.  On both Tuesday and Thursday, we went to visit the Genyokan noon class, watching Dad's friends practice Aikido.  Both days, Esme was able to sit and watch (rapt with attention at some points) almost the entire class.  On Tuesday, she fell asleep in Dad's arms once class got a little loud.  On Thursday, she got a little loud while Sensei was talking.  (We left the mat area until she calmed down.)

     I would think that the sounds of Sensei and students counting loudly in Japanese or of people's arms and legs hitting the mat would be enough to scare her, or bother her, or at least keep her awake, but I'm beginning to think that she shuts down when she's overwhelmed.  Like I said, she slept quite well during class on Tuesday, and only during the loudest parts.

Logan and Annie

     Also on Thursday, following our time at the Dojo, we went for our first walk with Logan and Annie.  To the best of my knowledge, Logan was the first kid Esme ever saw who was younger than her.  (And as a parent of a 10 week old, I went from thinking how small Esme is to how huge she is, when compared with a 4 week old.  Wow, they really do grow quickly!)  Once we got back to Annie and Doug's house after the walk, Esme really got a look at Logan, and couldn't seem to take her eyes off of another baby.

      Annie and Doug are fellow Aikido students.  They've been living in California for the past several years, but moved back home to Michigan to have Logan.  He slept for the entire walk, and, for once, Esme was the fussy one while out on a trip.  Perhaps trying to do two things in one trip was a bit much for her.  We had fun in any case, and hope to have many more adventures with Logan and Annie!

Esme couldn't stop looking at Logan

     Maybe Adelaide (Alison and Joerg's baby in Oakland) will recognize her fleece outfit.  We sure were happy to have it on that chilly afternoon.  Thanks Adelaide!!!