Plastic chicken out, back rubs in

A little bit o' news from life in the Spotts house. This morning our friend Chandni arrived by train at 5am from Goa. She's been Libby's friend for over a decade, was in our wedding, etc. and generously agreed to live with us and help with the kids for about 2 months. We're thrilled. Soon Asha will be walking and baby Bella in a predicatable sleeping pattern, but until then, life is very busy for Libby and extra hands much appreciated!

In other news, Asha has officially discarded her favorite toy from the last two months: a plastic/toy fried chicken leg. She now prefers climbing up on the couch (a new thing) and 'reading' books. She also coos at her doll.

Shane -- who isn't always touchy-feely -- has been requesting lots of back scratching lately as he falls asleep or lounges downstairs. He's fighting a cold and low grade fever, too. He is the king of using Libby's laptop to access starfall.com (a educational website to which we just bought a subscription). He'll officially start pre-school in June.

Lukas continues to make amazing speeches and tell relatively complex stories. At 2.5 years old, he's truly articulate. A few days ago when mommy said, "You're so sweet I want to eat you," Lukas replied with a startled look on his face, "Mommy, don't eat me! We eat chapati and rice and yogurt." (Chapati is a flat Indian bread.)

Bella is entering the last (we hope) of the 'fussy' weeks in normal baby development. Overall, she's eating/sleeping fine and just a bit grumpy for a few hours each evening. We had an 'emergency' on Friday when the baby swing quit working and I searched the town for a new one.

At the end of most days we're exhausted, but truly happy with our four awesome, beautiful kids.