Relaxed Weekend

There was a small, but real, chance that the drywaller would show up on Friday. He didn't (for what part of construction ever happens on the earlier of two possible days?!), but Phil and company finished cleaning out the workspace.

For the moment, it is empty and bright.

And feels, as much as 1000 square feet can feel, spacious.

It is odd to think that soon there will be drywall over all the ceiling joists. (Did I mention that drywall is not only in place for attractiveness, but also to serve as a fire barrier? I think that's interesting.)

And, without any pressure for the remainder of the weekend, Phil spent a relaxed day working on plumbing. He cut out plywood to cover the opening to the crawlspace, too.

Today he tried to install gutters again. After a frustrating afternoon, he has a plan for the future, but what he tried today was a bust.

The boys carved their pumpkins yesterday. Well, in some cases, they drew on the picture and Cheri carved the pumpkin. The older two boys' pumpkins were so thick and tough, Phil used the sawzall to cut off the tops: they were too thick for my (nice) kitchen knives.

They yielded probably six cups of seeds, between them all.

And, finally, some photos of Caleb's characteristic faces.

Phil told me today that he elicited a real smile by touching the tip of his nose and saying, "Boop."

I'm not bitter or anything, but that didn't work for me.

I don't know if it's because of the cabbage I ate on Wednesday, or something else, but poor Caleb has been more spitty since then. Fie!

Perhaps most characteristic of all are the photos of Joe and Caleb together.

Joe remains absolutely captivated with his brother, continuing to talk to him even though Caleb usually can't even turn his head in a semblance of focusing in his general direction.

Joe does seem to delight in figuring out if his brother is hungry. He pokes his finger right up next to Caleb's cheek, to see if he'll turn his head. Very sweet.