More Birthday Girl

As promised (I did warn you!)
Some fun tissue flowers. More garlands. This yummy birthday cake. It was delish with blackberries.
Although, The Babe couldn't care less and only ate her ice cream.








The day before she picked raspberry mango pie out of her ice cream as well. Perhaps Her Highness would prefer an ice cream cake next time?!

These giggly pictures make me laugh. So true to her nutty personality!

Tricycle

The Babe keeps asking for this...

10 Things

If you want to feel all warm and fuzzy check out these lists of happiness. I remember (with fondness) the days when the sound of rain or sunshine on my shoulders or holding hands with boyfriend would have made the list. Oh so simple those times. So much time. And so hygienic.
And so it is with a most respectful nod to all that happiness and a wistful sigh that I make my own list of:

10 Things That Make Me Terribly Happy...
1. sleep. any sleep. a nap. sleeping in (anything past 7am). just blissful sleep.
2. any meal I don't have to make/buy/plan for/clean off the floor
3. any day that does not include sticking my hand in the toilet to clean poop off of something (rare these days)
4. going to the grocery store (or any store) by myself
5. my pvr. oh how I love thee
6. the internet. oh yes I love you too. sometimes you are the one moment of sanity in my day. and I never have to clean your poop.
7. Grey's Anatomy - don't feel bad that Husband mocks you. I still love you. And I will wait faithfully to find out if George/Izzy (Grizzy?) dies. And it's cool that Meredith is happy. And I like little Grey. And McDreamy is still McDreamy. And I will buy your soundtracks.
8. 8pm. Kids are in bed. Usually. So. Nice. Really. And the light in the back yard is amazing.
9. the way my skin smells in the shower after a nice long day outside in the warm sun
10. quiet times and chatting with my charming husband. and if he wants to hold my hand that's cool too.

Daddy's Present

The Babe got the coolest new bike from Daddy! And a new helmet (for our little chick-let). I can't believe how grown-up she looks with her new gear.












Nana and Papa were here to help and brought a Ladybug for her bike. Rather than squeaking or honking like a horn, it chirps. So cute. I think it confuses the birds.








Big brothers making sure it all works!

















She still can't quite ride it, but I'm sure it won't be long. Such a big girl!

Baby Girl 2 Years

Ok, I apologize in advance for all the pictures I will be posting. I think I took about a gillion since last Thursday. We're feast or famine over here. And we had a lot going on the past few days...

Here are the 'official' 2 year birthday photos. You know how I like to be official. ha
I had some fun rigging up a backdrop and got The Babe all fancied up. Which was great for about 4 minutes when she grabbed her puddle boots and went to chase the neighbour's dog! That's my girl.
It didn't really hit me that it has been 2 YEARS already until I started thinking back and I remember so vividly the day she was born. And it wasn't always easy those early days. And all those sleepless nights....ALL THOSE NIGHTS...
But here she is 2 years later. Full of light and joy and laughter (sometimes maniacal). Always a soother (ala maggie simpson). Full of energy and moxie. A little lispy. Brave and sweet. Sometimes a little punchy. And we couldn't love her more.
Happy Birthday Babes!

Happy Birthday Baby Girl

Oh how I love this baby girl!

Shadow Family Portrait

Graduating Amy

This is our beautiful cousin(niece) Amy on her graduation day! This girl has the most amazing skin and gorgeous green eyes. So sophisticated and elegant at 17...
I got to follow Amy and the family around a bit taking photos. The kids had the best time exploring at the farm and we all got to visit and spend some time with cousins and Auntie B and Uncle T and of course Nana and Papa.
Congratulations Amy! Love and hugs from all of us.
































I adore this last photo. In her room. Sweet girl!
More to see here.

On Mothering

Aaaahhh...Mother's Day.
What a journey it has been. I have to say that being a mom is not the easiest thing in the world for me. Not a surprise to anyone who has every read this blog. And I don't think I was blind going into it, but Mother Nature has a way of sneaking stuff in on you. You just don't realize how it's going to be until you're in it. And it blows your mind. In all kinds of ways.
So to all those moms who make it look easy, I hate you a little bit, but mostly I envy you. And to those of you who struggle sometimes I support you. I applaud you. I encourage you. New moms and young moms and 'pro' moms and grand-moms. It is such a journey.
The one thing I'm quite certain of, through it all, is that I'm a better person for it. Not a slimmer or more rested person, but a more compassionate, more understanding, more loving human being. Perhaps slightly less selfish.
There are times when I'd trade most of it for a good night's sleep and a chocolate bar. But I have three beautiful people in my life, who have become my life. And if I work really hard and don't wreck them too much they will always be in my life. And maybe when I'm old they will know how much I always wanted the best for them. And how much I love them completely. And I would do it all again in a heartbeat.
Which brings me to my own mother. Who I'm so happy to say I love dearly and has always been my champion. Even when I was(am) difficult or selfish I always felt loved. She has a way of not judging. Her sacrifices are tangible. And still I have always felt her joy in motherhood. And now her joy in my children.
And I am thankful for it all.
Happy Mother's Day.

p.s. for the record, I did get breakfast in bed - so cute!

Summer Series 09 - 1

Ok, so we're still waiting on the 'green' to arrive, but our first big day out was quite a success. Not without mud. Or cold, wet boots (on the inside). Or a crazy snowy/hail storm. Still no one complained.
The Bug likes to tell me when he has a good day.
This is a good day Mommy.
Yes, it is.

Boy + Cars

One sweet boy and some of his favorite things. Photo by CH.

Baby Girl 23 Months

It seems like a lot has happened in the past month. Sunshine, snow, Easter, learning how to get out of a bed.
Yeah... that last one has had the most impact. Since little miss has figured out how to get out of her crib (although not back in) mornings now consist of a bright eyed, eager little person coming into our room whenever she happens to open those baby blues. It is always before I would choose to be awake. It's incredibly sweet when she climbs up into our bed for about the first minute (or less) while she elbows and kicks and climbs on top of us. And sits on my head. While we try to kid ourselves that we can still be asleep. It become clear very quickly that sleep time is over.
As luck would have it The Bee is also usually awake, and more than happy to play/join her/partner with her in making sure that we all know the sun is up.
When she couldn't get out of bed, the boys would often go and play in her room and entertain each other so that we could pretend to sleep a few more winks. Now their show is on the move.

This has also changed nap time. For the first many days, she would simply get up and play in her room. No napping. Tired grumpy girl at dinner time. Not fun.
Although I think it was her daddy who had a stroke of genius and put down a little pillow and blanket on the floor at naptime, and now she will lie down and snooze a bit. At least on a good day!

The other great accomplishment this month is figuring out she can reach her own snacks! And who doesn't like some cereal for a nice snack? I just make sure the bran cereal is on a higher shelf...

Wow, only a few more weeks until we officially have a two year old in the house again. I have to say I look back at when she was born and I had TWO OTHER TWO YEAR OLDS ALREADY. No wonder I have grey hair. And I can't spell anymore. And I don't remember much...but we made it. Everyone is still in one piece. And so I'm sure we'll survive this time too.
And I think we might even have some fun!