A scene from Ever's birthday

Bugs

This picture is 98% Jon.  Brown eyes are mine - so I guess there's that.  And he wouldn't wear flowers on his cardi.  (and he wouldn't say cardi.)

He has some strong genes, that husband of mine.  Good thing he's so handsome.

Ever's most used nickname these days is Bugga Wug.  I believe that, at birth, mothers gain the right to make up cutesy nicknames for each of their children.  Owen started calling her that too.  (He also calls her sweetie pie and Ever bug.  And EEVVVER!!!  nonononononononononononono!  But I don't think that last one is because of me.)

Our little bug picked one up recently and has spent the last few days sneezing (in triplicate - is that genetic too?) and rubbing her little red eyes.  Few things are the same combination of sad and funny as a baby with swollen eyes and snot covered eyebrows.  Then their hair starts sticking up all strangely and gets all crunchy.  Soon their entire upper body is covered with a thin layer of dried mucus.  (Side note...I had 13 dried tissues in my pockets yesterday.)

Yet somehow, when seen through the film of mother sympathy, this only makes them look cuter.(?)   Maybe the extra snuggley-ness plays a role too.

Feel better soon Evie.

Chuck

Ever can finally wear some of my favorite baby shoes of all time.

Gingerbread (read: graham cracker) Houses

I'm not really in the Christmas spirit.  Not bah-humbugy but there is no 'magic' feel to this time of year for me.  Maybe that's a different post.  Or maybe I should just leave it at that...

(I do like the lights though as evidence by my willingness to do the whole Zoo lights outing.)

BUT I kind of like the crafty feel of the season.  The part where you make things for people.  And eat good, warm food.  And while I'm gradually parting ways with sugar...I think it's fun to play with every once in awhile.  When I came across this recipe for Perfect Decorating Frosting I really wanted to try some houses with the boys.  

(They mostly just poured sprinkles on the top.  But they were prooooud of those sprinkles.  And a little hopped up on the sugar.)

It was 20 minutes of pure seasonal fun.  I can't wait to do more things like this as the kids get older.  I love having an excuse to do fun activities.  I mean, I probably couldn't justify making dinky lopsided graham cracker houses if it was just me in the kitchen...you know?

Cleaning runs in the genes

We aren't quite sure whose genes.  I captured photographic proof of Ever cleaning this past week...her newly discovered passion.  She'll spend 10 minutes putting the blocks back.  Or clearing away Owen's cars.  

How to make this last...or harness it for good.  (mwhahaha.)

((If anyone needs a good cleaning person...I know a lady who charges by the 10 minute block.))

Zoo Lights

Jon was out of town over the weekend and, for the most part, the kids and I took it easy and hung out at home.  Where it was warm.

Also, Jon came down the a stomach bug the day before he left.  So I was trying to stay close to home in case that 'blessing' descended on us quickly.  

Thankfully we were spared.

And I thought that we should do something to celebrate surviving the weekend (in more ways than one).  So we bundled up and went to the National Zoo to see the Christmas light show.

Everly was especially impressed and employed out some of her biggest 'WOW's.  

That one trip was probably more work than an entire 5 days of single parenting. Stuffing babies in 15 layers of winter gear, DC traffic, DC parking (shiver), the hills, the cold, the tired toddler who wanted to be carried, the potty emergency that needed to be dealt with by the car...in the dark, the stroller that wanted to expand every time I tried to get it in the trunk...

But I'll do a lot when I get paid in WOWs.  That stupid stroller can't compete with a WOW.  No way.  And I am a sucker for sparkly lights.  The trees were pretty amazing.  Go if you're in the area...just take the metro.

For Ever: In A Year (part two)

For Ever: In A Year (part one)

Twelve Happy Months!

This little sunbeam is twelve months old!

What a happy, happy day.  

Owen was playing at a friend's house for almost the whole day - so Everly had a rare day alone with Mama and Daddy.  It was like a gift to us.  

Everly, 

One year ago today we brought you home.  You were only a few hours old and a tiny little squish of a thing.  Your birth had been peaceful and calm and taught me much about faith and trust and God. You slept 6 hours straight that night - right at my side.  

Today I looked at you as I was putting you to bed.  You are a year old now and a big, steady girl.  The past year with you has been just like your birth, peaceful and calm.  Caring for you is simple - you give back in love everything that we invest in you and more.  You continue to teach me about faith and trust and God - and I'm grateful for that.  

You are like a little fishing bobber, or a buoy, always floating on the sea, riding the waves with ease. the ups and downs don't phase you - Owen's mini storms can't pull you under - you just pop back up with a smile.  

Let's do another year of this together, you and me and daddy and Owen.  You know what?  I can't get enough of you...let's do a whole lot more years together.

I love you.

Mama.