Patience

Perhaps because she hears it so often, one of Charlotte's favorite phrases is "wait a minute." (She usually says it as we're trying to get her to bed). Claire likes that too, but she prefers phrases like "me do it", "MY Spencer Broder," or "What doin'?" She also has begun to insist that her middle name is not Alice, but Christine. Mummy finds this interesting, since she used to joke that Claire was the reincarnation of Nana Chris.

We all had a lovely Thanksgiving celebration at our next door neighbors' home - delicious food, great company, and no cooking, cleaning, or drama. Louise & Alex behaved beautifully and jumped at the offer to have a sleep-over a few days later. It didn't work out - the two Alpha Firstborns were overtired and had a rather heated dispute about toothpaste ownership - but they may try again in a few months. The next sleepover at Chez Atherton is more likely to be in Claire or Charlotte's room. One morning this week, Charlotte woke and, rather than going into our room, went to visit Claire.