This week, my mom and grandma are in town. I am certain that I have gained at least 23 pounds this week. The refrigerator is bursting at the seams and so are my clothes. It’s rare that my family makes the trip out to California, so I am stocking up on tortillas while I have the chance.

We got a hand-me-down 12″ bicycle for Anna, which turns out to be too small for her already. The cranks are just too short, so it’s difficult for her to pedal. Today, I bought a 16″ bike, which seems to fit her well, and is without question the girliest bike ever manufactured–the Disney Princess Bike¹. The Costco edition of the bike includes white spoke covers, a bag for the front handlebars, and the deal-maker, a doll-sized “child seat.” If you know Anna, you know Bear, and I think Bear is going to be getting a lot of saddle time from now on. So far, Anna has only ridden around Costco, as I am delaying the assembly of said bike to promote a little extra good behavior.

Tara contracted a cold over the weekend, which she shared with her big sister, resulting in a couple miserable days a nights this week, especially coupled with some Grandmotherly outings we’ve made. Anna has been home all week so far, and has taken two-hour naps for the last two days. I’m pretty sure the last time that happened was… never. Tara also took a three-hour nap today, so hopefully the girls are on their way to recovery. I anticipate sending Anna to school tomorrow.

Anna has enjoyed greatly hearing impromptu stories from Grandma M. Overheard this morning:

Grandma M.: Want me to tell you a story that never ends?
Anna: Yes.
Grandma M.: Want me to tell you a story that never ends?
Anna: Yes.
Grandma M.: Want me to tell you a story that never ends?
Anna: Just tell me half of it.
Grandma M.: Want me to tell you a story that never ends?
Anna: No.

I remember the first time the Grandmas came to California, Anna was 3-4 months old, and started babbling for the first time beginning with that visit. So far this trip, Grandma M. has already taught Anna how to read and tell time–at least certain words from Hop On Pop, and she knows that it’s not bedtime yet.

In other news, I have started a trial of Strattera to treat my ADD; the effects so far have been subtle, because I’m gradually ramping up the dosage over the course of several weeks, and it takes some time to build up in the bloodstream. I have noticed when I meditate that it is easier to maintain focus, so something must be going on. When I’m back at work next week I suspet that it will be easier to tell.

¹ Yes, it is a Disney bike. Made by Huffy. In China. It is an affront to nearly every principle I hold dear, but I am a sucker for my little girl.