Highpoint View

A scene from Ever's birthday

2011-12-22T21:09:00.000-05:00

Bugs

2011-12-21T22:22:00.000-05:00

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

2011-12-20T22:00:00.000-05:00

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

Gingerbread (read: graham cracker) Houses

2011-12-14T21:54:00.000-05:00

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

2011-12-13T21:04:00.000-05:00

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

2011-12-12T21:20:00.001-05:00

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)

2011-12-06T21:09:00.000-05:00

For Ever: In A Year (part one)

2011-12-05T22:51:00.001-05:00

Twelve Happy Months!

2011-12-02T21:13:00.001-05:00

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.

Happy, on Thanksgiving

2011-11-27T11:43:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday!

2011-11-18T13:05:00.000-05:00

Fall Afternoons...

2011-11-17T10:10:00.000-05:00

were made for playing trucks on the sidewalk with good friends.

Eleven Happy Months

2011-11-16T13:15:00.001-05:00

This month's photo shoot happened early last week. For the last 10 months Ever has been such a compliant model for me. She'll give me her biggest smiles and kick excitedly while I snap 20 or 30 shots (I'm officially a mom, 20 shots is no biggie).

This month, not so much. She was a little squirm for sure. The second after I put her down she'd be positioned like the last photo. You can see her gearing up for the flip above.

She's tasted freedom and no giant mama (even with dad's iphone) is going to deter her from the promised land of running around playing with Owen.

Little chubby cheeked bug.

At 11 months, Ever:

-is walking. All over, all the time. I turned around yesterday and she was standing in the doorway to the kitchen. Her big grin showed how pleased she was with herself for sneaking away from Dad and Owen to find me.

- eats more than Owen. The girl loves everything. When she's done she'll fake you out - opening her mouth and then, just before the spoon hits, turning her head away and covering her mouth with her tiny fist. She also will stick her tongue out and spit when you clean off her face.

- loves to point at things. Usually with two arms stretched straight by her ears.

- Says "Wooooooww!" and "Yea!" Also knows dada and nainai (night night) and mama but those are used more rarely. She can blow kisses (sticks her finger in her mouth), and sign please (clapping). But where she really excels is sound effects. She does car noises, cows, and ducks pretty distinctly and tries other animals too.

- loves people. She gets so excited when we're on a walk and we see anyone or anything. She'll scream at them and point and wave.

- has just about 6 teeth. They're almost all through.

In about 2 weeks this little one will be 1! So excited about the life we have ahead with her.

Why I love fall

2011-11-09T23:25:00.000-05:00

Trees look like some sort of lung structure. And glow.

Morning light.

Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue

Even the shed flower stems are beautiful.

Cute little knit hats.

The sky turns upside down.

Traveling

2011-11-04T11:13:00.000-04:00

We had a few big airplane trips to wrestle with this summer. I'll admit that I went in to it all with very low expectations*.

Not in a pessimistic way. More in a 'I know that this could seriously rough' way. I think it helped. Compared to what I was prepared for the trips were a breeze. (*I am all into crisis management though - so I think having low expectations comes with the territory.)

I joked with another parent-friend that a flight before kids was definitely not glamorous. After kids, if you fly without them, it's kind of a vacation (they bring you fooooood! I could read a whole boook!) I definitely didn't bother taking a book. I slept.

And I'm glad we ended up packing light. Besides, it's better to use the extra space to pack fun treats like a mini helicopter (which Owen flew for almost the whole DC-Miami flight - too awesome!)

It helps to bring along a cute, happy baby. People LOVE them. And we found out that bringing a smallish one is a double bonus because of the bassinet. The bassinet is your ticket to the good life because it means you have to sit in a bulkhead row. SCORE! Leg room AND instant bathroom access. It also means that everyone waiting for the bathroom will play peek-a-boo with your cute infant (who is supposed to be sleeping in the bassinet) at 2am. And apparently a lot of people need the restroom at 2am. Babies love this and it seems to make the other passengers happy too. Win-win (win).

We just took it slow. And kissed our cranky (or happy...) babies a lot so we'd remember that we love them so much that we couldn't bear to leave them on the other side of the big, big ocean.

Scheduling in loooooong layovers helped too. I don't know who needed them more but they were a great chance to rest and see a new place at the same time.

Even though it was over 40 hours of flight time this summer (not counting layovers or car time) I we actually had fun

Which really had nothing to do with my planning (or low expectations even)

In fact...looking back at our flying 'adventures' I can only attribute it to a whole lot of grace, protection, and mercy.

So some major thanks got given (and get given) to God.

In sum, what I learned on summer vacation: Less packing, more praying and take a cute baby with you for entertainment. :) [ And on long flights try to get a bassinet. ]

How Ever Spent Her 11 Month Birthday Morning

2011-11-03T10:05:00.000-04:00

Some art time.

Sit-ups with Mama.

A little light reading...

Interspersed with pensive thinking.

aaand a snack.

Tuesday

2011-11-02T21:56:00.000-04:00

Morning trains.

Afternoon walks with crunchy leaves.

Evening baths.

Today was one of those normal days. The type of normal that makes me thankful. To say that God gives you the desires of your heart doesn't just mean that He gives you what you want. But that He determines what the 'wants' are if you let Him. And sure enough, He has made nurturing something that fulfills me even as He expands that area of my life. Something that I never saw as myself until I let Him rewire that part of my dna.

I've got a long way to go until I get this job down. Balance is still being defined and humility is being painfully learned as I fail frequently...constantly. But isn't that part of any career climb?

And daily walks in the late afternoon sunshine is kind of a nice perk.

Weekend.

2011-10-31T20:44:00.003-04:00

Jon was gone this weekend in Milwaukee so the rest of us went up to PA on Friday afternoon. It snowed on Saturday - a freak occurrence for October. It was strange to see snow on tree that still had green leaves.

Inches of snow. Perfect for sledding.

And snowmen.

Excessive snowman making led to a bad case of the 'freezings'.
Nothing a little hot chocolate and a snuggle with Pop-pop couldn't fix.

Always wanting to help. Owen mixes coffee grinds.

Everly entertains with a pot and pan band.

On a rabbit hunt in the snow.

Safari

2011-10-30T22:35:00.000-04:00

Way back in August - while we were in Kenya - we visited the Nairobi National Park. It's about 15 minutes from downtown but, if you are facing away from the clearly visible skyline, feels like you are out on the Masai Mara. We took a trip there one morning and all agreed that we could have stayed for days. It's just so beautiful.

Over 45 square miles of open land you can pretty much see any animal you'd expect to find in Kenya (with the exception of the elephants) as they roam freely and mix together. It's a rhino sanctuary too - although we heard it's rare to see a rhino.

This is a little video I put together of our visit. I thought I'd put a song over it - but some of the sounds are just too precious. (Listen to Owen as he watches out the window.)

Beach

2011-10-28T22:04:00.000-04:00

I think that my favorite time to visit the shore is in September. The crowds are gone and it's warm but not too hot.

We we fortunate to find a particularly deserted beach. Which makes for great shell hunting.

Owen quickly overcame any lingering fear of the waves and played at their edge for hours and hours. Although the presence of someone bigger was still desired at all times.

After all, it's not as much fun to play a game of "sandpiper chases the waves" unless there is someone there to scream and run with you.

Everly was much more content to ride on shoulders or be slung on a hip for long walks up and down the sand...

...eventually to settle down in a shallow tide-pool for a game of 'pick up shells'.

Little boy footprint - so happy on the sand.

Ever Walks

2011-10-26T21:55:00.000-04:00

Ever has been taking steps for almost 2 weeks now.

She can go a pretty good distance but likes to have a 'target' to motivate her.

Anything interesting will work but probably the most successful thing we've found

is Jon's phone, turned so that she can watch herself as he video records it.

This is what you end up with.

walk

2011-10-20T20:59:00.000-04:00

Hair for reigns. Love that smile. And her awesome leggings (thanks aimee! white onesie and these ARE the perfect outfit!)

10 Happy Months

2011-10-18T11:54:00.003-04:00

These were taken on the 3rd...but kinda posted late.

I can totally see Jon's smile in this photo. It's hard to choose a close-up of my almond-eyed sweetie pie. She's also got Jon's twinkly eyes.

More and more on the go. I like how the little doll is in the same pose.

Everly is well past 10 months now. Lots of big milestones being reached this month.

One interesting thing that I noticed recently is that she copies sounds much faster than she copies movements. She tries to sign 'please' and ends up clapping her hands. But I tell her that a cow goes 'mooooo' and she gets it on the first try. (Owen was much more physical - he picked up sign language pretty fast and took longer to copy sounds.) It pretty much fits with our sense that she'll be a worshiper. I have a feeling that she'll be singing a lot in short order.

Love you Evers.

2011-09-15T12:34:00.001-04:00

I was lamenting Owen's calloused feet this morning.

"Owen, who said that you could grow up?"

"God said."

He pulled out the trump card! I can't argue with God.

And so...Owen grows up.

Sweet Pea

2011-09-11T21:30:00.000-04:00

I love bath time and freshly washed babies.

I think all mamas would agree. These moments are some of the ones that make motherhood so incredible.

Travel 1

2011-09-10T22:00:00.000-04:00

This boy is such a trooper. He took whatever we threw at him over the last few months. For someone who really thrives on a schedule his ability to adapt to whatever circumstance or time zone we were in with few complaints was such a big help to two busy (and sometimes sick) parents.

I would travel with Owen anywhere (and I mean that).

I think sometimes I get caught up in the tension of two-ness and overlook just how much of a joy this boy is. He is funny and creative and cuddly and loving. I love him enough to overlook the growls of "YOU NO TALK TO ME" and focus on the pure excitement about life that he exudes.

I'm so glad he was able to travel with us. I'm so glad he got to see the giraffes in the wild. So glad he got excited about the zebas. So glad he had the chance to run and dance and crawl and eat dirt in Kenya. So glad he was able to go to summer camp in Trinidad. Regardless of what he eventually remembers he was joyful in the moment, and that's what I love.

Games

2011-09-09T21:00:00.000-04:00

Someone figured out peek-a-boo.

Birthday Scenes

2011-09-08T09:44:00.000-04:00

Birthday Cupcake (chocolate with cream cheese icing, of course)

Birthday breakfast request - donuts.
Birthday decor - balloon sculpture and signage.
Birthday dinner request - garlic mashed potatoes, steak, asparagus.

Happy Birthday, Jon.

It's always fun to celebrate you.

Nine Happy Months

2011-09-06T20:48:00.000-04:00

Check out Miss Dimples

Dear Everly,

Tonight I cuddled with you before you went to sleep. I held you just like I did nine months ago - the very first time they put you on my chest - with you head on my heart. And you looked in my eyes just like you did in those first moments. Back then I felt so thankful that you were here...with me. Tonight I felt that same wave of gratefulness. Amazed at how much you've grown since then. And very much in love with the look of recognition and comfort that I saw in your face. I love being your mama.

At nine months you...

have discovered standing and pull yourself up as much as you can. You also suddenly love walking while holding on to things. A sofa, fingers, legs. Whatever you can reach, really. One day recently you wanted to chase the cat. You let go of the table and barreled after her. For about half a second until you fell flat. But you tried.
love to eat! I give you bits of whatever we're eating, once it's soft enough (or hard enough). You like cucumber and carrots. You love lentils and rice. And oranges. Oatmeal is ok. Bananas are fine in small quantities. Smashed sweet potato was a hit. You've also tried fish and asparagus, green beans, mashed potatoes, yogurt, applesauce and all kinds of crackers. But you don't eat too much - after a bit you press those lips together and spend the rest of the meal banging happily on your tray.
squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeal. That's pretty much all I have to say about that.
still love everything and everyone but you've developed a preference for mama. And I'm a little partial too so it works out well.
have traveled the world a bit. Florida, Trinidad (Dominican Republic if you count the airport!), Amsterdam, Kenya. You travel well - not one tantrum in over 50 hours of plane time (not to mention airport time and customs time...). Not too bad for a bitty one. And, for the record, I LOVE bassinets in planes. Wish they had adult sized ones.
have your first top tooth! (confession...she got that one this weekend. But because this post is a tad late anyway I'll include it. Close enough.)

Love you so much, Ever.

The next level of pancaking

2011-09-01T22:21:00.000-04:00

I sent this note out to some friends this morning. I love these.

Guys,

You may not know this but Jon is a pretty accomplished pancake maker...I try not to be a braggarty wife but he's gotten quite a few requests in his day. However, on this...the eve of the start of his 38th year I'm publicly going to issue a challenge to him. We need some 3D pancakes, Jon.

Click here for the Jim's Pancakes site.

This goes way, way beyond the silver-dollar specials that I dish out. The bar has been raised.

A better picture

2011-08-31T21:51:00.000-04:00

...was requested. So here is one. I updated the headed too.

Home

2011-08-30T22:14:00.002-04:00

We are back now. Back from traveling to other lands, sleeping in other beds, riding in other cars, being awake at other times, eating other foods, meeting other people, seeing other sights, experiencing more life.

It has been one of the most wonderful summers and I wish I could do some sort of mind meld with everyone to let them experience the places and faces and smells and tastes.

And most importantly the deep change that we took home as a souvenir.

It's a season of change anyway, right? And if nothing else gets branded in my spirit from these trip this will: God is sovereign.

That phrase changes everything. Absolutely nothing is left untouched.

It sums up our travels.

(Heck, it makes sense of our past and defines our future. But that's for another day.)

I'll try to show some pictures (from the few that I took between toting a baby and running with a toddler) and summarize our fun. But it's safe to say that more important things happened then seeing giraffes or eating gelato. Although that was fun...and yum. Gelato...mmmmm.

Father and Son

2011-08-19T18:13:00.000-04:00

I love this picture of Jon and Owen. We were taking our evening walk around the ponds when we came across piles of giant green walnuts. Owen, ever on the prowl for things to throw, was enamored. Even more so when I told him that we could throw some in the pond. We made two trips back to the treasure trove for more.

Jon was teaching Owen proper throwing technique...the boy managed to chuck them pretty far into the water too. It's a little father son moment that got stored in my heart. I'm looking forward to more and more of them as Owen gets older. He's got such a great father in Jon.

In the summer...

2011-08-18T18:39:00.000-04:00

...sometimes you have to walk around in just your diaper. Especially when you're eating a chocolate covered pretzel...

...and your mom forgets to pack an extra pair of shorts and then lets you drink two whole cups of water without first checking your diaper status.

I mean - this is where the low slung pants style is headed anyway, right?

Yes. Leslie and Taylor got to see what type of mom I REALLY am. Namely, forgetful.

2011-08-17T17:22:00.000-04:00

I try to be very conscious about 'parenting' Everly.

It can be so easy to put her in a holding pattern of sorts while I deal with Owen or dishes or laundry or emails or the phone or, or, or. I'm sure parents of two or more children can relate. Heck, parents of one child can probably relate. You get so used to the infant stage when they really just need to sleep, eat, and cuddle a little.

But she's not an infant any more. She's picking up more and more about the world around her. She's engaging in things and interacting with people and developing a personality. Cue the sponge stage, right?

And, even though she's an 'easy' baby I can't abuse her personality. I've been sensing the need to invest more in her. To take the time to look her in the eyes and connect with her. To read the books to her and play in the mirror with her and sing the songs to her and pray with her.

It's another delicate balance with Owen around but one that is easy to find the edge of when I let God do the directing.

It's such a privilege to steward this little life and help it unfold.

While we were in Trinidad Owen attended a summer camp led by one of the women in church. It was a great experience for everyone but especially nice for Everly and me. We had hours of one-on-one time every day! I was deep in my master's program when Owen was 8 months old so really, I've never had mama-baby time like that. This age is just intense fun and those couple days were like a little summer vacation gift for us.

A little extra bonus - as if being on a tropical island for two weeks wasn't enough. ;)

Y

2011-08-16T12:20:00.000-04:00

Or rather - why not?

She even looks cute in iPhone photos.

And then I cut my hair

2011-08-15T09:32:00.000-04:00

(Mostly so Ellyn doesn't find out through a random photo on facebook.)

I now have bangs.

Eight Month Photo Shoot - Outakes

2011-08-14T14:09:00.002-04:00

We brought a bug back from Trinidad. Everly, Owen and I all were pretty miserable last week. Owen had the worst of it with super high fevers and an ear infection. Everly had a little fever too so I've been monitoring both of them since - just to keep an eye on things. Owen caught this scene on my camera after Everly's eight month photo shoot. Ever wasn't too happy but thankfully those ear thermometers are fast.

Not a bad photo for a 2.5 year old.

Eight Happy Months!

2011-08-13T16:51:00.004-04:00

Sweet Ever is eight months old. We were traveling home from Trinidad on the 2nd - and she started off her ninth month by being extremely patient and flexible and adorable 35,000 feet above the ground. Of course - that's our Everly.

At eight months Everly:

- has two teeth! Thankfully she's not prone to biting because those babies are sharp.

- has her first passport stamp! And she'll be getting her second in just a few days.

- still loves her three naps and early bedtime.

- is showing more and more interest in eating 'our' food. She'll give anything a few nibbles but prefers to smoosh it around her tray after a bit.

- is getting faster at her belly scooting. But overall she's a content child and will happily stay in one place for awhile.

- babbles and laughs most of her awake time.

- is just about the perfect size and weight to carry around on my hip. There is something so solid and smooshable about an 8 month old. I love carrying them around (once they're not too wiggly).

Happiest Eight Months sweetie pie!

Back

2011-08-03T23:01:00.002-04:00

We got back last night from two weeks in Trinidad.

It sounds cliche to say it but it was honestly life changing. I need to think about things for a while.

I also need to upload my iphone photos (since that's all I do right now) but here are a few from the flight home.

Ever, reading the instruction manual and Owen buckling the seat belt. My kids are all about safety. I guess they learned from our trip down. Never know when the engine will catch fire again.

Yes, that really happened.

A Few from the Zoo

2011-07-14T22:58:00.001-04:00

for Gina...

It's wonderful to have such a nice zoo close to home. The animals all gave us quite a show...a show-down between the rhinos, wresting and growling leopards, elephants all lined up, zebras herding together, polar bear playing in the heat. Even the petting zoo was extra busy with goats standing in line to get their coats shined up.

It's even more wonderful to have a gaggle of cute cousins to share the sights and sounds with, to hold hands with, climb in giant birds nests with and ride the train with.

Rhinos are HUGE, no?

Seven Happy Months

2011-07-14T22:43:00.002-04:00

Just a little late in getting these pictures posted. There were so many sweet shots from our blanket session that it was hard to pick!

Ever is now:

scooting across the floor - and fast. She pushes herself around with her toes. She loves crawling around the floor 'combing' the carpet with her hands. It looks like she's searching the fibers for any hidden snacks. :)

eating some solids. Her first official solid food was on the seven month mark...some frozen mango. She's had some banana, some scrambled eggs with zucchini and onion, sweet potato, a bit of a peach, a little of my oatmeal, and some frozen fruit/yogurt popsicle. She still tends to make a disgusted face when she gets something in her mouth...but she keeps at it. It's fun to include her in our mealtimes but definitely more work cleaning up all the bits of things she's wiped off the tray onto the floor.

teething! She got her first tooth two days after she turned 7 months and the second one cut through yesterday. So far she hasn't bitten me, and it still amazingly calm...but her slightly elevated levels of noise indicate that it does, in fact, hurt. Poor dear. My chin is her favorite teething toy. Poor me. :)

Figured out how to scream at a level that might cause ear damage. Happy, angry, impatient...she's pulled it out for every occasion.

She's such an incredible light. The gift that having a daughter is has only begun to dawn on me recently. But trust me...lots of thankfulness around her because of this little one.

Happy 7 months Ever bug!

Take a hike

2011-07-08T11:34:00.000-04:00

This little happy bug loves being outside, walking, hiking, swinging, sitting. Whatever. and she's finally big enough to really take it all in...even in the big kid backpack carrier.

Watching the works

2011-07-06T09:25:00.000-04:00

A few more shots from the 4th.

Ever

2011-07-05T23:29:00.001-04:00

again with the cuteness.

Fireworks

2011-07-05T22:40:00.003-04:00

We spent the evening of July 4th with some good friends in Baltimore. Upon observation of potential toddler meltdown rumblings we made one of those last minute parental changes of plan and left for home about 30 minutes before the fireworks started.

But we probably should have just stayed. I had shown Owen some videos of firework displays earlier - to acclimate him a little to the sounds/noise and the whole way out of town he was asking us to hear the 'BOooommmms" as we passed a few little neighborhood shots. He was exhausted but still craned his neck to see every little sparkler that we went by.

So Jon course corrected and we parked down near Tide Point - in a very crowed little lot, almost right beneath the launch zone. The fireworks were beautiful and Owen was captivated. Until the very end at least. Not a fan of the rapid fire finale.

I'm amazed that we got out of the city as quickly as we did - all thanks to Jon's awesome navigation skills - and Owen was asleep before we hit the highway. Ever, by the way, fell asleep just after the show started and was out cold for the whole thing.

Food Practice

2011-07-04T11:20:00.003-04:00

I've been waiting to start Ever on solids for a bit but that doesn't mean she can't get in some practice!

What to choose, what to choose?

Carrot hunk.

Mushrooms. Of the fuzzy variety.

Future gourmand - finished!

Beach Week

2011-07-01T13:47:00.002-04:00

We spent time at the beach with some of my family a bit ago.

It was wonderful. I wanted to stay much longer and hope that we'll get a chance to go back this year. The open sand is the perfect place for running toddlers - Owen ran, ran, ran, ran and SLEPT. Ahhh.

He wanted the cat. Zoe doesn't realize what a lucky kitty she is. If not for these adoring kiddos....DUNDUNDUUUN.

Ever's beach basket. She was very happy to play with a few water toys in this laundry basket. But then again...when is Ever NOT happy?

First ice cream sandwich. Jon took a video.

My favorite picture. Owen in the tide pool.

Thanks for a great time fam!!

Thinking

2011-06-12T22:35:00.002-04:00

The house is finally quiet. I'm suposed to be sleeping - I promised Jon I'd go to bed early since this 'family cold' is threatening to create a long night of baby comforting. But I just got Owen (back) down and want to give him a few minutes to work his way to a deeper slumber before I go the same direction.

As I rocked Owen for the last little bit I could not stop thinking about how I have CHILDREN. To be given the responsibility of stewarding these tiny growing lives is a privilege that sometimes floors me.

I thought about their births and how my different labor experiences speak volumes into who they are now and who they will become. I know it's not like that for every person. But Jon and I were talking today about all the moments where we can pinpoint God working very specifically in our lives. Two moments that I know, without the tiniest doubt, that God was there moving and working and communicating are the labors and births of Owen and Everly. They were unreal experiences, even in their vast differences. I am still learning from them.

I thought about how the preference of God is to partner with us. It's not that we stumble into destiny, it's that we look to Him to define our future, to explain who we are supposed to be, so that we can build life purposefully. He started drawing out the picture of Owen and Ever's future for us during those hours of labor...USING those hours of labor. And it's our job to teach them and raise them so that as their lives begin unfolding they'll be prepared for it.

Already, as they get older, I see those hints, those initial sketches, beginning to be fleshed out. Shadowing and depth added, color splashed on. The picture is becoming alive and it's like watching this amazing movie that you know the ending to. The process and the partnership are both so beautiful.

Summer Food

2011-06-12T13:39:00.000-04:00

I bought Jon an electric grill starter for Father's Day. (Thanks to this post on charcoal grilling). He already used it because, you know what, neither of us could wait 3 hours for the coals to get hot enough to grill up some bratwurst on Tuesday. The thing is awesome. It made me really happy that there are people out there willing to share their little successes online so that other people can benefit as well.

Along those lines I thought I'd share some posts I've come across. A few great recipes that I've found...and tried...and loved. All thanks to the bloggysphere.

Cantaloupe Freeze - what do you do with too much cantaloupe? This is a delicious option.

Ge Rhee Gai - takes Trader Joe's Thai Curry sauce to a whole new level.

Greek Quinoa Burgers - Yummy. I make them with black beans.

Alfredo Pasta with Asparagus and Ham - so good.

Kale Salad Pizza - I would say trust me...but why should you? What I will say instead is that EVEN JON ATE THIS PIZZA. Make it now.

Along those lines, I'm officially addicted to the the Kale Salad - just plain, by itself. I ate about four servings. By myself, alone, in front of my computer. I'm hopefully that it's going to become my new ice-cream replacement. Sorry about the garlic breath, Jon.

Thanks interweb!

Ugly but yummy

2011-06-11T23:38:00.001-04:00

Honey oatmeal

Hair brained theory.

2011-06-10T21:45:00.004-04:00

deep thinker

So, I have this theory.

I have lots of theories, actually. Mostly I try to keep them in my head, I think because I often feel like they'd just end up a sermon for the choir. But this one managed to escape. It's not a sermon though. Just some loose thoughts that have been going around and around in my head. Little pieces of grit that keep bugging me. Caught just under my skin. Maybe writing it out will help me figure out if this is really what's been pestering me.

Anyway...

More and more my eyes are being opened to how much stuff we, as a nation, have. I've been to a couple places around the world where people have nothing. Literally nothing. Mud or cardboard hut nothing. And it's impacting and jarring and sickening when you get back home and are surrounded by air conditioners and electricity that turns on with a flick of my finger. Ever single time.

Yet somehow, all of that becomes normal again.

Today I thought about this as I was washing dishes. Clear, pure, drinkable water gushed out of the faucet and down the drain while I scrubbed a dish. The feeling of excess was disturbing in that moment.

But that's not what my theory is about. Kind of. But not.

I guess that our taken-for-granted excesses naturally extend to our children. We have so much stuff. The kids have so much stuff.

It's hard for me to look at some of the colorful toys and chairs and bouncers that Everly has for too long. I start to feel cluttered and my brain goes a little crazy. Maybe I have a sensitive brain or something but it feels like I'm looking at one of those Magic Eye posters sometimes. If I just squint, or relax my eyes, or cross my eyes, or look out of the corner of my eye...whatever it is you have to do...I'll see the hidden image. But when you're not trying to see the image it just looks busy. And loud. And it starts to hurt my head.

I wonder if maybe it feels like that for babies too.

I know 'they' say that babies are stimulated by bright colors and blocky patterns. But do we have to stimulate them every single second? Is that really that crucial for their future learning and development? Or that helpful?

Or, maybe, is it creating cranky, hyper children with short-attention spans who need constant color and movement and sound for something to keep their focus.

Am I training my children from birth to be over-stimulated?

If I feel tired from looking at all this clown-like gear all day then what is it doing to Ever?

Awhile ago I started boxing up a portion of Owen's toys and rotating them in and out of use. It kept the mess down. But something happened and all of them ended up out at one point.

It was chaos. Too many toys seemed to make him agitated. He was distracted and acted out more than normal. I boxed up a bunch and we do regular pick-ups during the day now. Maybe it helped or maybe he was just teething or maybe I feel better with less mess. Whatever. I see a difference.

So my theory is this: more toys, more color, more music, more lights and flashing, more puzzles, more books, more education mobiles, more chairs and rattles and play kitchens, more games and more primary colors won't necessarily result in a smarter, more well adjusted child (no matter what the toy manufactures advertise). It might actually be harmful.

Maybe all those toys and things are just stuff. Not magic stuff. Not even developmental stuff.

Just stuff.

Maybe it's actually a case of less being more.

What do other people think?

SOLVED!

2011-06-09T14:12:00.002-04:00

Remember this little guy?

I was thisclose to digging up this space hogging, nutrient sucking, unknown and unwanted WEED.

But I didn't. I was too curious to see what would happen to it. It meant sacrificing the chives - but, eh, I wasn't that excited about chives anyway (if I'm totally honest - and why would I lie about something like chives?).

The other day I was diligently watering my wilted weed when I noticed something. Which led to some frantic googling.

Behold...

A TURNIP!

Slightly square and stunted...with a jumbled mess for a taproot...but nonetheless...

A TURNIP!

I feel like a farmer and I didn't even plant it (on purpose).

Here I was, growing this older brother to my beloved radishes and I had no idea. I would have been harvesting it's leaves and chowing down on some extra riboflavin instead of letting the bugs eat them all.

Sigh.

The only mystery now is what culinary masterpiece it will contribute to.

Or should I eat it on it's own? As a sort of thank you/sorry-for-calling-you-a-weed/tribute.

Any suggestions?

Six Happy Months

2011-06-06T21:54:00.002-04:00

(I continue to be obsessed with wanting to eat Ever up. I call her sweet cheeks, honey bun, sugar pie, honey pie, sweetie baby, dumpling...and I could go on.)

She reached the half-year mark with style last week and partied it up by starting back on three naps a day. Probably a growth spurt but I like to think she's doing it for me.

At six months Ever:

Is starting to sit up on her own. Meaning, she will stay in a seated position when placed there. For about 15 seconds. Then she slumps over into this adorable heap of melty baby fat and drool.
Loves to cuddle. Right up on your chest is preferred, but she's happy being held any which way. Jon likes the one handed, up over his head hold.
Loves to be outside. Stroller rides will keep her quiet and occupied for over an hour.
Still laughs hard at everything Owen does. The rest of us get an occasional pity chuckle.
I'm waiting on the solid foods for a few more weeks - but this little chunker knows how to eat...no worries there. No teeth yet either - and not too much drool - but EVERYTHING goes in Ever's mouth. And gets bitten. So the teeth must be close.
Discovered fake coughing last week and high pitched screaming this week. And singing. All the time with the singing. It's awesome.

Aaaaand...writing this post has made me miss her. Silly me. So smitten. I'm going to go to bed so that I can be closer to her.

Happy Half Year! (sweetie pie - as Owen says. Guess he got that one from me too. I blame it on my sweet tooth.)

Pre-Summer Pictorial (by Owen)

2011-05-28T14:13:00.001-04:00

Alternate Title: The day Owen got my phone and took pictures of the floor.

Enjoy!

Owerly

2011-05-27T14:06:00.003-04:00

If at first you don't succeed, right?

These two are still figuring out how to deal with each other. (ok...you put your left arm there and I'll...no...wait...falling...ok, try getting your right arm higher. Let's switch sides, ok, kinda better like that...nope...still falling.)

I probably helps that Everly is getting older and bigger (sturdier). It probably doesn't help that one week I'm like "DON'T wrestle with your sister, she's too delicate" and the next week she's trying to take him down.

Trying to figure out what you can and can't do with a growing baby is tough for a toddler.

He usually does great. Calls her 'sweetie pie' and pets her head. Says 'nap, nap Ever!' when she heads down for a nap.

Which reminds me.

I am really loving that they are on separate nap schedules. She sleeps in the morning and late afternoon and Owen naps right smack in the middle.

I know some parents want the synchronized naps and I totally get that.

But right now it means that I get a good chunk of one-on-one time with each child everyday. That's worth being tired and have a kitchen full of dirty dishes at night.

Especially to have leisurely time to nurse and cuddle Ever. Without simultaneously having to sing the ABC song. Again.

So hooray for quiet time where I can nibble baby toes.

Late Spring

2011-05-26T21:36:00.000-04:00

Doesn't Owen look miniature in this picture?

He and I took a wonderful walk earlier this week. We stopped to watch ants carry food across the path. Picked up flower petals and smelled them. Stuck sticks in the ground to mark a 'garden' plot. Biked 'fast' down a small hill (he made me go a few feet ahead of him to 'catch' him as he glided). We heard a branch fall from a tree and he hiked into the woods to put it back on.

I love the 'Oh! Look at dat, Mommy!' moments with my little partner. He is so insistent that I appreciate the specialness of whatever has caught his interest. Repeating the command to look, "see dat? see dat, Mama? see dat?"

He'll ask a question and then absorb the answer, usually with a 'huh?' to hold the space while he thinks. Shortly after he usually returns with, "ohhhhh" and repeats my answer to clarify.

It's been hard for both of us to be mostly confined to the living room during the last two weeks of potty training. Going outside again was like a revelation for both of us. The world looks so different, so alive. It's amazing what two weeks of growth (and rain) can do. Glad I have a pair of fresh eyes to help me catch everything.

Wednesday Shot

2011-05-25T09:34:00.000-04:00

Sweet baby

Right Now

2011-05-23T12:13:00.003-04:00

Owen ran upstairs, jumped on his bed and asked for books. I hear him upstairs reading to himself. I love how independent he's getting.

Everly is still enjoying her morning nap. I miss her.

I just finished my to-do list for today. Finished writing it, that is.

Lunch is bubbling on the stove and smells amazing. (I should put "Eat Lunch" on my to-do list so that I can check it off.)

And Jon. He's at work. He's also a warrior.

Especially considering he survived a 5K mud race with his co-workers this weekend. And jumped through fire. All with no training either. He just naturally dominates.

Proof: post race, post clean-up, in his natural habitat (with turkey leg) and traditional garb.

Dominates.

You rock.

Footsies

2011-05-18T20:39:00.001-04:00

It makes me so happy when I carry Ever and she hugs me tightly with her little feet. It's one of the little things that make this age so special. I was looking forward to when she'd be able to hold on to me with her hands - but the feet hug is just so precious.

Sigh. Those babies. They know how to get you.

Speaking of precious and feet...

(Notice how Owen dumped half the sandbox on the steps?)

I love how Ever rubs her feet together. And when she's happy she kickskickskickskicks them. I think she's foot-sensory. Pretty sure that's a real thing, too.

The rubbing her feet together part she got from me.

The pinching me with her toes deal, though, is totally inherited from her father. Thanks a lot, Jon.

Thoughts on Fatherhood: Daddy's Girl

2011-05-17T11:15:00.005-04:00

This post could also be titled, "Balancing the Love".

Since Everly joined our family just over five months ago, a transformation has happened within me. People always say that when you have a second child that your heart expands, rather than having to divide up some limited resource of love between the kids. I think this is true, but also a misrepresentation of the actual process.

I equate it to finding love that wasn't there before. It's like a part of your heart gets unlocked, and with growing intensity you move from knowing that you'll love this little person to actually caring deeply and protectively for them.

And girls are most certainly different than boys. Owen has always filled my heart with joy... for the bright and precocious little boy that he is, but also for the man I see him ultimately growing into. I always want to see him learn or grow into the next thing, and am constantly looking for indications of that growth.

Everly, on the other hand, stirs a different emotion within me. Her sweet little smiles and infectious laugh touch a place that wasn't there before. People joke about little girls wrapping their daddys around their little fingers... and, while I'm conscious of that possibility and pull, my intense sense of protection over her grows each day in a way that I've never quite felt with Owen.

It's odd too in a way since I don't get nearly as much time with her as I did with her brother at the same age. Seems that most of my time is spent tracking down and corralling our (over)energized 2-year old, while my all-to-brief but utterly amazing interactions with my daughter come too few and far between.

The trick is making sure that Owen gets the attention and love that he needs during this time of mental and emotional transition, while also making sure that Everly gets as much daddy time as possible... which unfortunately is never as much as either of us deserve.

The good thing is that both Everly and I seem to cherish our brief moments together with equal exuberance. I am mostly unable to lay her down for a nap because, if she notices it's me, she snaps awake and refuses to sleep. This is a mixed blessing because I rarely get to enjoy the "quietly sleeping baby in my arms" joy... but it's also a nice reminder that our growing affection is mutual... that I'm not just some stranger who comes in and out of her world.

So each day passes and I am increasingly vigilant for ways that I can steal moments with her... to build our relationship... to strengthen our bond... and for me, as her father, to track her closely so I can cherish and nurture her into the woman she'll become one day too.

What is it?

2011-05-16T20:04:00.002-04:00

Any ideas (Ellyn)?

It sprouted from one of my garlic chive starters. I have two dinky garlic chive shoots and this monster.

The leaves are pretty hairy - which makes me think it's a mellon or squash of some sort. But the stalks aren't mellony.

And it's growing like crazy. The leaves are all larger than my hand already.

Any guesses?

It's probably a weed...darn.

Social Media Guru (Me)

2011-05-13T20:55:00.004-04:00

Sabrina...this is for you. (But you probably already know about it.)

I'm definitely not an early adaptor - especially when it comes to social media. I figure Jon does that for both of us.

But when I heard about Pinterest the promise of an electronic image pinboard/categorization system got me really excited. My bookmark folders were crammed with images and ideas that I found online. And honestly - I would probably never have gone back to look at them.

Pinterest allows you to 'pin' any image you find online to any number of virtual 'boards' in your collection. You can create boards for fashion, kids stuff, interior design, weddings, parties, etc.

THEN they add in a social media component. You can look through other people's boards, follow them to keep current with what they are looking at or 'repin' their images. But I haven't really explored that side of it though, obviously.

The best part is that Pinterest also keeps track of where your images come from. They record the original url and embed it in the picture. A quick click takes you back. So you can save one image as a visual bookmark to a recipes or instruction. It's pretty cool.

No more piles of magazine cut outs or overstuff internet bookmark folders. Yay!

Thought it was interesting enough to share...check it out!

Mango, banana, pineapple, orange popsciles

2011-05-12T14:33:00.000-04:00

We are BIG popsicle fans here. By 'we' I mean me...and I'm assimilating Owen.

We finally replaced our broken popsicle molds and I was so excited to start freezing. I thought I'd just go with the usual suspect flavor - lemonade. However, a shortage at TJs left me bummed and waiting.

Then Owen got a bad case of diaper rash and I started looking for ways to incorporate yogurt into his diet, thinking it might help. So I mixed up some plain yogurt with a bit of fruit juice, froze it, and voila! Yogurt pops.

They were ok...not stellar. Jon ate a few bites of one and gave it to me to finish. His face was so sadly disappointed during those few nibbles. It's hard to expect something syrupy sweet and get a tangy mouthful instead. (which Owen and I like but, eh, it's not for everyone.)

These popsicles are super awesome though. I've stumbled onto my new favorite. Yesterday I was looking for a way to use a slightly overripe mango and banana sitting in the fruit bowl. This is what I came up with.

1 ripe or overripe mango - make sure to squeeze at much juice out of the stone as possible.

1 orange or juice of 1 orange.

1 slightly overripe banana

2 cups of frozen pineapple chunks

Blend until smooth. Pour into popsicle molds. (makes about 10-12) Freeze. Wait impatiently. Yum.

You could also freeze into cups and stick a spoon for a handle (in once they get slushy so the spoon will stay straight while it finishes freezing).

I also threw in one cup of plain yogurt to a second batch...we'll see how those come out. You could stretch it with some water or extra juice as well.

Might be my new summer way to eat fruit. I love that it's the actual fruit...not just the juice. Gotta get that fiber!

Anyone else have any popsicle combo ideas?

So let it be done.

2011-05-10T21:45:00.003-04:00

I know I need to get things done.

Tonight it was to eat a salad and work on a paper I'm trying to finish. I also wanted to NOT eat cookies and NOT waste time online.

So far I have...wasted time online.

But now, in a feat of extraordinary strength of will, I am going to go make my salad, eat it (at 10 pm, gosh darn it) and get to work on that paper.

And I will NOT eat cookies.

So let it be written.

Gratitude

2011-05-08T21:13:00.006-04:00

If, on this Mother's Day, I was to thank one person who played a role in my own motherhood it would be our doula Shayla.

Technically she started as our birthing class instructor.

Jon and I were a tad behind the ball in signing up for birthing classes when I was pregnant with Owen. The hospital courses were booked through March. I was due Jan 30. No one told me that you need to sign up for a class the same day you see the second blue line.

It was one of the best things that ever happened to us.

After a little freaking out (by me) I did what I do best. Researched all our options, over and over and over again. We decided on taking some Bradley Method classes. They're 12 weeks long and I felt comfortable knowing that we'd be investing a little time to learn how this baby was going to make his grand entrance.

Shayla made the whole process seem so...normal. You hear the labor horror stories all the time, right? This was one of the first times I had heard that labor didn't have to be that horror story. That there could be dignity, support, ability, peace. And yes, work. But even then it seemed doable and as my due date drew closer I actually began to look forward to labor as if it was an amazing experience, a miracle that I'd been given the chance to participate in.

I was confident in Jon's ability to help me through the process. After 12 weeks he had mastered the basics. Massage, encouragement, massage, repeat. But we were a little nervous about all the remaining unknowns. What if something did go wrong? What if the baby was stubborn? What if the pain was stronger than I anticipated? Jon and I both felt like we'd be more comfortable if we had someone there to monitor the process, someone who'd translate hospital-ese for us if needed, someone who knew what I was going through and who could work with us even if the doctor or nurse wasn't there. Someone who could spot Jon if he needed a break.

Shayla jumped into that role and was amazing. She met us at the very beginning, two nervous, excited pre-parents, trying their best to stay calm and focused. She helped us in about a million ways during those 14 hours (and I probably only remember about a tenth of it all). And at the end, she made sure we were happy and safe before she slipped out, leaving us basking in the glow of our new baby boy.

It was hard, hard work. It amazes me that she helped us with such quiet grace and strength the entire time. The nurses stopped in periodically, the doctor was there for the delivery, but Shayla was there every moment.

Birth is a vulnerable time, especially for a new mother. I'm grateful that when I play back those memories I feel only peace. I'm grateful that those hospital classes were full of snappy, on the ball parents so that we had to look for other options. And, while it may be an unlikely pick for a Mother's Day shout out, today I'm thankful for our wonderful doula. If only everyone could have that kind of support there probably wouldn't be as many of those labor horror stories.

Thanks for being a part of our happy story, Shayla.

Happy Mother's Day!

Children

2011-05-03T21:09:00.003-04:00

"I am struck by the fact that the more slowly trees grow at first, the sounder they are at the core, and I think that the same is true for human beings. We do not wish to see children "precocious," like sprouts producing a soft and perishable timber, but rather, better, as if contending gradually with difficulties, they are solidified and gradually perfected." - from the journal of Henry David Thoreau Nov 5, 1860

Five Happy Months!

2011-05-03T20:53:00.002-04:00

Warning. Ever-fest ahead.

Really though, how could I pick just one?

Everly is five months old. (What? Why??)

She:

is finally on a schedule. I wasn't rushing her but she seems to have settled into a three nap routine. Works for all of us - although some of her naps end up in a wrap - walking around the lake, playing on the playground, or at Giant. 2nd children...

is working really hard on sitting up. She does great spending time on her stomach now that she has something resembling back muscles. She sits up straighter when we hold her and does that sllloooww baby fall to the side (instead of slumping into a puddle) when we let her sit on her own.

pulls everything to her mouth. Bowls, hair, toys, cats, Owen, etc. Pre-teething? I'm guessing a tooth with show up this or next month.

still loves to be sung to. And to 'sing'. Her happiest smile still includes a wrinkled up nose - it's adorable.

laughs at everything Owen does. Even when he's 'yelling' at her.

makes me so, so, so, so happy.

Link to Love

2011-05-02T12:54:00.001-04:00

Need more family pictures? Or specifically, more pictures of Everly?

I know! Me too!

It's kind of like an addiction. A cute baby addiction.

Check out more of Gbenga's awesome work on his site.

(click below)

DescribePhotography.com

Levitate

2011-05-01T18:15:00.001-04:00

A little magic to celebrate

300 posts!!!

Describe Photography

They're ALIVE!!!!

2011-04-30T10:59:00.002-04:00

Mwahahahaha!!

basil

cilantro

garlic chives

Snapshot

2011-04-29T20:00:00.000-04:00

Firsts: bike edition

2011-04-28T09:20:00.000-04:00

I tried to be as inconspicuous as possible but the grin kept sneaking back onto my face.

It's a really ugly little bike. The colors are faded from the thousands of tiny bums that rotate in and out of the seat. The handle bars are something out of a germophobic parent's nightmare. If you look closely you can see the surface slightly wriggling. And the lack of ANY bells or stickers or buttons to push clearly identifies it as being from the early to mid 1990s.

Still, it's the only bike at the rec center and that makes it the most sought after toy among the 2-3 year old set at Open Gym. Sometimes there are tears.

It had been in the possession of an older little boy for most of the morning. We threw the ball around for a bit and Owen took a turn on the rocking police carboat. He kept an eye on it though and when it was free began his slow walk over. Owen never runs full force toward the object of his desire. He keeps it slow and looks around to see if any other kids are making a move at the same time. Not one for trouble, he tends to defer to more agressive kids, regardless of size.

This time he's unchallenged. It's a light day and most of the kids are early walkers - not yet interested in going fast.

As usual he begins to push himself around a la Fred Flinstone. And after a bit, as usual, I recommend giving the pedals a try. No pressure or anything but they really do help you go faster.

Something clicked and I could see the shock on his face as his feet actually started moving in sync with the bike. Push, push, push....pedalpedalpedalpedal. Push, push, push...pedalpedalpedalpedalpedal.

I kept my surprise in check and played it cool with one quick "There you go!" so as not to scare off the moment (or the other parents).

But as he sped off to the other side of the gym I couldn't quite stop the smile from spreading itself across my face.

Grin

2011-04-26T22:30:00.000-04:00

Either this girl thinks my phone is funny or she already knows how to smile for the camera.

Baking and Breaking Bread

2011-04-24T22:31:00.000-04:00

A post about effort. The picture above looks like bread but don't be fooled. What you are looking at is pure effort in bread form.

I've been attempting to expand myself in various directions lately. Trying to buy less and make more is one objective. It's better for us: financially, health-wise, environmentally, skill building-wise (i.e. patience building wise). It helps me learn to respect the effort that goes into the things we use/consume/want. It helps me to teach my children to embrace hard work, to be informed consumers, to understand that quick doesn't always equal good. Plus, it feels good to know that you did it. And it's empowering to learn how possible it is to DO most things.

Today it was bread. 4:30 pm found me dumping flour, eggs, butter, water, salt and yeast into the bread machine. Jon was grilling and we needed hot dog and hamburger buns.

Yes - it took longer. Yes - they weren't the same texture as store bought buns. They had flat bottoms and were a little too big. And shaped oddly.

But - they had a total of seven ingredients (8 if you count love) and were Fresh. They weren't shipped from Illinois and were only touched by one person before we ate them. I have only myself to blame if they taste horrible or contain multi-syllable stabilizers or fillers.

Effort. Let's be honest: the bread machine expended the most physical effort. My contribution was the mental effort, the shift to think, "we can do this". The push to get up and just do it. The refusal to just accept 'normal'. I'm a big proponent of not accepting something as truth or good just because our culture defines it as 'normal'.

This is my little plug to try. Try not to be afraid of effort. It might not be baking bread. It might be trying not to take the 'shortcut' at work, even though your boss holds you to a deadline. It might be reading the whole book - not the cliff notes. Thinking the thought for yourself...not taking the easy route of agreeing with what all your friends say. Staying strong when your kids demand fries an offering green beans instead - every single time.

Don't give in to the easy. Put in the effort. Because the long term benefit will far outweigh the momentary sweat.

Family Photos - Living Color

2011-04-23T22:00:00.000-04:00

Together: Everly thinks Owen is hilarious. No matter what he's doing she'll laugh at him.

Shy.

Faith.

Life.

Sweet: Ahhhhh!! Why do I want to eat her up so badly?? You are worth every spit up mess, darling.

Thanks Gbenga.

Family Photos - Black and White

2011-04-22T21:00:00.002-04:00

A few days ago Jon and I opened up the images that Gbenga sent us from our shoot. There were hundreds and about every 3 or so there would be ooooing and ahhhing or an enthusiastic "I love that one!"

Maybe it's because we've known Gbenga for years and feel a real, true kinship with him. It's probably that and a mix of his natural skill but, and I've said this before, he manages to capture us. The little threads of life that normally would only be seen by our family as we weave in and out of normal life. I feel almost as if I touched the images they would pop and you'd be able to smell the moment - the pure love, the excitement about our journey, the hilarity built on years of (usually stupid) inside jokes, the frustration of being two, the comfort of family, the tiredness of babies, the care of siblings.

I only want to show a few here but I could bombard you for days.

These are a few of the black and white shots.

Curiosity.

Journey: in it together.

Intent: This is Owen.

Love: Father and son. Maybe my favorite shot?

Joy: We only do this once. Might as well love it. (and these three make that easy)

We don't get paid for this...in fact, we pay him! And just in case you want to pay him too...Describe Photography.

At the Park with Owen

2011-04-21T10:38:00.001-04:00

We went up to Baltimore to visit a friend a few weekends ago and took the kids to Patterson Park. It was an old favorite destination and I think Owen remembered his way around pretty quickly.

This was pretty much all I saw of him the whole time:

Shots of him, from behind, going full speed.

The Back 40

2011-04-19T09:56:00.001-04:00

A few weeks ago Owen and I planted a few variaties of herbs for our back-deck garden attempt. It's more a learning experience than anything, for him and me. That's what I tell myself whenever the little delicate starter cups get knocked over or spilled. I say 'whenever' because this has become a frequent occurrence. I'll be surprised if anything grows to harvestability.

But I'm using it as a chance to talk to Owen about how plants grow. He'll see the pots and proudly declare that a tiny seed grows into a MIGHDY TWEE! I'm working on drawing parallels between that tree and his little life and spirit. It doesn't always feel like he understands that obedience, worship and all the other things that go into personal watered-ness are as crucial to his development as water and sun are to plants - but I know that it's sinking in, somewhere. Children just understand. (That and I rely heavily on grace to impart truths beyond my poor teaching skills.)

I'm also learning. Mostly that starting an herb garden is kind of expensive. Seeds are cheap but dirt and planters are kinda more than I figured. We'll probably break even next year. I'm taking this year as a bit more of a toe dip into 'real' gardening. (Real = more work than putting a few tomato plants in the backyard.) Next year I'm planning on becoming these people (my new favorite blog) and fulfilling my dream of living on a small farm and making catsup from my own garden.

Sigh, one day.

Until then I'll try my best to keep the one spindly little garlic chive plant from getting pulled out or overwatered, or swept off the porch, or smelled to death.

You can do it little sprout!!! We're all pulling for you!

New Family Photos

2011-04-18T23:22:00.002-04:00

Are coming!

Mesmerizing

2011-04-17T22:16:00.000-04:00

She's got me. Completely.

Jon and I were talking the other day about how we love our children. I mentioned that you hear all the time that people worry about loving their second child as much as their first - but are relieved when their 'heart expands' to accomodate a new life.

Yes, but no.

I was ready for that heart-doubling feeling. And it is true that my heart was captured the moment I held Ever to my chest for the first time, seconds after she was born. To be fair though - it was captured before I ever laid eyes on her. A bond was forged during those months of carrying her wiggly little body in mine. Little by little as I got to know her, felt her gentle stretches, prayed for her, discerned her spirit, I developed a deep love for my daughter.

That love continues to expand rapidly. She has her father's crooked smile that melts my heart. She lights up the room when she's happy, which is often. She giggles when I tickle her and crinkles up her eyes when she sees me. All the little moments that make up our day together add to my love for her.

So it's not exactly like my heart doubled in size- there wasn't an instantaneous, sudden change. It's more like I've been given the chance to grow a new love - starting the moment I saw that extra line on the pregnancy test. Maybe even before.

4 Happy Months!

2011-04-03T21:33:00.000-04:00

If Ever isn't her usual sunbeam self in these pictures it's because I was trying to get a shot of her without her legs all scrunched up...and she got tired of me trying. (It's about continuity, baby, sheesh.)

Look at the fuzz growing on top of her head! It's hair!! Owen was a glowing, shiny bald at four months so this is quite unexpected.

At four months, Ever is:

the light of my life. It's not all just mama blabber either - this girl is seriously sugary sweet.
still sleeping 75% of the day away.
in love with her fingers (looking at, eating, grabbing things with) and has a newfound awe of her toes.
all smiles for her brother and actually laughs at him (even when he's growling at her).
easy to take for granted. She's so happy in her swing that I've been feeling a little guilty about the lack of attention she sometimes misses. I definitely have been implementing more purposeful engagement times with her.
Loves singing - being sung too and singing to us. It's a little hard on the ears right now - usually high pitched (the higher the better) squeals - but she's so proud of herself when she gets out a few notes.
Is starting to be able to sit up with a little support and roll over! (not always at the same time either.)

My favorite daily ritual is snuggling at bedtime. She is serious about cuddling and it always ends my day on a happy note.

Thanks for indulging my gushy side.

Train

2011-03-26T10:06:00.001-04:00

Warning: baby in image is smaller than she appears.

Jon had an early hockey game the other evening which means single-parent double-duty at bedtime. Exhausted the big one, over-fed the little one and managed a simultaneous de-waking. Don't ask me how or if I can do it again.

Any parent will verify that juggling bedtime is an art. You have to get the child in bed just after the energy is spent and just before they melt down (due to the lack of energy). You have to be scarily precise and it RARELY goes off without at least one crying fit (sometimes the child, sometimes the parent).

We were probably three mini-melt downs into the bedtime routine. Nooooo! Not a bath!!! Nooooo! Not take-the-shirt-off time!!! Noooo! Not the socks too!!!! Thankfully these are mini melts; half hearted protests easily ended via a distraction (Listen! Was that a FIRE SIREN?! No? Oh well!)

Ever leaked through her diaper. Again. The girl is an artist and an activist. Freedom for poo! A bath was needed before putting her to bed. But I also needed him to be asleep to give her a bath and needed her to be asleep to get him asleep. DILEMA!

Solved by plopping her the bath with him. Why not! She has almost mastered head control.

Owen thought it was awesome and has wanted to play "train" every time she's on the floor with us since.

And that is the story behind this photo.

Quite the spectacle(s)

2011-03-24T22:25:00.004-04:00

Earlier this week the family loaded up in the Mazda and headed back to our local generic ey-doctor/glasses hut to pick up my snazzy new frames.

While waiting (in the near empty store) for my name to be called off the list we amused Owen, and ourselves, by letting him try on some of the kids' samples.

At that point I realized that I was one of 'those' parents. Then I justified it to myself because he does, after all, put them back when he's done pawing them. Plus he's so darn cute.

Evidence*:

The "I'm soooo cuuuuuuute!" face.

These were a little too Elton John for me. Or grandma.

Probably my favorite. But I may be biased by the overbite and excessive cheekage.

The "Pop-pop".

Thankfully Owen does not need glasses - at least for now. But given the stellar genetic material that he has to work with it won't surprise me if we're back at some point for a real fitting.

*Please note how Jon is holding or restraining Owen in almost every shot. It proves we are good parents.

80% Eyes

2011-03-23T23:05:00.000-04:00

Those big eyes kill me.

Laundry Day

2011-03-15T13:29:00.001-04:00

I love folding tiny clothes. They remind me of the tiny bodies that I love so much.

As most childrens clothing is held together by a variety of snaps, buttons, zippers and ties, the buzz of a zipper or click of a snap has become familiar to me now in a way it never was before It sounds like home and makes me think of freshly washed babies getting bundled up for bed.

Wet hair popping through the too small neck of a onesie. Three snaps to close it up - click, click, click. Clean, pudgy feet sliding into footed pjs. A quick zip up, careful not to pinch cubby thighs. Two little arms wrapped around my steady neck and a smooth forhead snuggled in my neck.

Yeah, I love laundy day.

2011-03-15T13:15:00.001-04:00

Picasso

2011-03-08T12:23:00.002-05:00

Part of a new series of original chalkboard art. By Owen (not me...just to clear up any confusion).

1,2,3

2011-03-03T21:36:00.001-05:00

Three Happy Months!

2011-03-03T20:39:00.002-05:00

My Everly is three months old. Still a baby but no longer an infant. At least the way I see it. Right on time for that transition too - she's developed both a set of cubby thighs AND the ability to have short conversations with me. The feeling of looking into your baby's eyes as they squeal and sing in an attempt to communicate with you is beyond description. That moment of recognition and playful replication of happy noises. It's amazing and so bonding.

For the last few days I've smiled every time I think of Everly. Images of her gummy smile flittered through my head while running errands and my heart swelled as I realized how grateful I am to be able to see that smile for the rest of my life.

She is my joy.

A few things about the three month old Ever:

She loves blowing bubbles. Her constantly slimy chin is proof.
She still sleeps most of the day. She perks up a little between 4 and 8 - but still manages to take a short cat nap or two in those hours.
She loves to be snuggled in the evenings. Morning naps are best in her swing but arms only after 8 please.
You know that you've hit a special high when you get her wrinkled nose smile. It's adorable.
Loves Owen, her dad (obviously), the cat, and pretty much every person she meets. I love her quick smile.
Has traces of a brownish color around her pupils. Not sure what the final color will be - they're still grey for now.
Aaaannnd...she's still bald as the day she was born.

Carrying Everly

2011-03-01T12:18:00.000-05:00

When I was pregnant with Owen we started taking these shots from twelve weeks and ended up with 26 weeks documented.

This time around I started at 20 weeks and ended up with 13 weeks documented. (My favorite? Week 27 with diapered Owen.)

Next time I'll be lucky to grab the camera on the way to the hospital. Kidding. Next time I'll get all 40 weeks. Or maybe I'll go crazy and do a daily picture. (not going to happen.)

I carried little Ever differently than Owen. Girl effect? Second baby effect?

Robot

2011-02-28T12:00:00.002-05:00

Owen has a new fascination with robots. I think it's thanks to a Sesame Street podcast we have on machines. Anything can be a robot - his cars, a book, a picture of the Chicago skyline on my shirt. I wish I had the ability to see into his little brain. It must be fun.

Yesterday little shell pastas - placed carefully on his finger tip - had the honor of being the daily 'whoa-bots'. Until they were eaten. Mac and Cheese flavored robots are the best.

40 Weeks - the final pregnancy shot

2011-02-23T21:30:00.002-05:00

This is a little late. Just a tad. But we were a little busy after this photo was taken. And I just happen to be working on Jon's computer and noticed them.

So here ya go...the final pregnancy shot.

For Gina

2011-02-21T21:07:00.003-05:00

So that next time you check there'll be new pictures up. :)

The new favorite game: a camouflage jacket allows him to blend seamlessly into the surroundings. Especially when standing perfectly straight and still in the leaves.

Shopping with the grocery cart. (Then it turned over in the wind, spilling the contents across the parking lot, and Jon almost got hit by a car while trying to recover the plastic tomato. The drama!)

The remains of the snow pile out front is patrolled by the local fire truck (fi-uh twuck). Because fires can start where you least expect them. Like in snow.

One bald-headed, almond eyed, sweet-cheeked babe.

First Skate

2011-02-18T12:40:00.000-05:00

I should let Jon write this post - maybe he'll come back and publish an edited version?

I would say that Jon is a hockey fan...but that'd be putting it mildly.

So naturally, he has two main sports related goals for our kids:

have at least one of them play organized hockey (read: birth an entire playoff-winning team)
have all of them comfortable on skates early on (read: birth an entire playoff-winning Mite [8&under] league team)

Owen's second birthday was designated, no, destined to be the first time he would strap on those glistening foot-rockets.

But, somehow, Jon and Owen found themselves at a rink 3 whole days before this birthday anniversary. Disregarding the deadline they threw caution to the wind and rustled up a pair of child size six, double-blade skates.

Apparently, Owen loved it. I missed the milestone - but it might be for the best. There are some lessons that need to be taught by someone with a deep passion for the subject, an innate ability to transfer knowledge, the God-given grace to break down the skill components in such a way that a 1.99 year-old can understand it...and someone with at least a degree of skating competence.

Go Flyers!

2011-02-17T12:28:00.003-05:00

(gosh, Jon has a handsome profile.)

Now that Owen is talking we have conversations all the time. Usually little ones about what he wants me to play or about a book or a puppy we saw out the window. But sometimes he gets going - usually when he’s on the ‘phone’ with Pop-pop or Hank or Evan. He starts laughing and talking so fast that the words become a blur of gibberish. Other times he whispers to me. Low, quiet secrets that I can barely hear are usually long sentences of made up words. I’ll whisper a secret back, of course - what good buddy doesn’t return the favor? We can keep these little exchanges up for a long time - with wide eyes, lots of head nodding and gesturing to drive home the (imaginary) point.

Ever

2011-02-15T20:56:00.002-05:00

sweetness

My Family

2011-02-08T11:02:00.003-05:00

is beautiful.

Especially the tall guy with a beard.

Carousel

2011-02-05T14:00:00.000-05:00

The lights, music, and galloping steeds captivated our boy. "Again, again, again," is pretty much all he could muster. Eyes wide as saucers, he watched the world beyond the carousel whirl.

Is there anything better than discovering life through the eyes of a child?

Good morning!

2011-02-05T07:23:00.000-05:00

most of us are (mostly) awake