2015 was a year of growth for our family, both physical and emotional, and it was also a year for movies. The kids have both reached an age of cognition and bladder control that makes attending the cinema a fun family experience. They love movies, so it only made sense that we play upon the design and ideas of one of our favorite films from this year: Inside Out.
It’s Christmas, 2013. The Miles Rausch Family suffers a grave tragedy when a novelty ornament is found missing from their Christmas tree. Later, it’s discovered smashed and shattered in a far corner of the room. Parents put Ainsley, the family’s two year old, in timeout for the crime. She says she’s innocent — though she can’t exactly be understood. But someone can, her older brother, Ian. The trouble is, his story doesn’t add up.
This is the story of Familial, our Serial podcast parody and holiday gift to you.
Visit our 2014 Christmas Card and click “Download” to listen.
If you aren’t sure what the Serial podcast is, you really should check it out. So good, you guys.
Well, the Miles Rausch family welcomed its newest member this week: Ainsley Ann.
Her stats:
Everyone is doing well. Older brother, Ian, is absolutely obsessed with baby sister, which is a mixed blessing that will eventually get better.
It’s been a while. Sorry about that! I’ve got legitimate excuses, but they don’t matter.
Ian’s two years old now and growing so much! In length, (not weight) and in his brain. He learns so quickly and is very curious. He loves to help, even when we don’t want help. I’m using this to my advantage on new Saturday morning cleaning times. Last weekend he helped me sweep and wash –and dry– the kitchen floor. Next time I think I’ll hand him a duster. I hope that this time invested in showing him how to clean will pay off when he’s a little older and needs no guidance with how to help. Some day he might be able to show his little sister the ropes!
He’s stringing several words together now into near-sentences (“Ian all done supper”, “mommy supper all done too”). “Nian”=”Ian” and “all done” is basically one word when he says it, “ah-done”. I’m not sure how he learned the concept of “too” or to say “go away” instead of his previous “go”. I think he picks up most of his new language from hearing conversations at home and daycare.
He is very focused on the concept of possession. Not just the typical toddler “mine” but pointing out my clothes vs. Miles’s clothes when doing laundry. Or whose milk glass belongs to whom. “Nilk.” Mommy’s or daddy’s car. And saying bye bye to each item as he stops thinking about it or it leaves his sight. “Bye bye daddy water”.
We’ve recently gotten out the baby pool left us by the previous homeowners. Ian likes playing in it, and I like sitting in it. Though I wish I could float around in it.
Baby sister is kicking and squirming and growing and all things babies do when they’re not ready to join this world quite yet. We’re looking forward to meeting her, and I’m feeling quite anxious about how her arrival will change our family. Ian puts his hands on my tummy, though he hasn’t felt her moving yet. He’s excited but also doesn’t understand and sometimes will say “no, no baby” when we’re talking to him about her. He’ll be a great older brother and an eager helper when she arrives.