A new year...

“The kindergarten children are confident in spirit, infinite in resources, and eager to learn. Everything is still possible.”

-Robert Fulghum

Excitement mixed with a bit of apprehension fills her smile and nervous hands today.  

As we send her off we hope for a positive start to a new school, a new phase...a new chapter in our lives.  We are assured by all the loving teachers who deeply care about our children while they are away all day.  Hooray for first days and new beginnings!

with my sister...

Bless you, my darling, and remember you are always in the heart - oh tucked so close there is no chance of escape - of your sister.  ~Katherine Mansfield

I love the way these sisters are bonding through hair brushing, pretending to be the Momma and just plain old playing on the floor.  I hope these bonds will last a lifetime!

making someone's day...

I love this quote.  

Have you ever held onto that sweet note a friend wrote at just the right time,

 or remembered someone's kindness during a tough time?

Those little acts are so meaningful and will be cherished forever.

the highlight of our day...nature's tranquil morning

Cool morning air has recently graced our mornings and we race to get outside before the hot steam arrives with the sun.  Lately, these two are delighted to push their little sis in the stroller.  On this morning, we had a little kitty accompany us on our walk.  The bebe is calmed by the cool breeze and bumpy stroller ride.  We are happy to take advantage of the mornings together before we all go our separate ways in a few days when summer comes to a close.

{This Momma couldn't help but be a little sentimental about that...}

lost

Just after lunch, she bit into a sticky chocolate brownie and just like magic her very first tooth came out.  Delighted, she quickly dashed across the kitchen to show me the chocolate-stained tooth.  After washing it carefully, with the sink plugged, she made a call to Daddy to tell him the wonderful news.  A letter was carefully written to the Tooth Fairy and everything got tucked into an envelope to put under her pillow.  She is so proud of her new smile.  A smile with a window.  A place to wriggle her tongue or to carefully wedge a drinking straw.

your little pictures

These funny little people just began popping up all over the house.  Any place you can find a bit of paper and a drawing utensil, there is a little person scribbled on paper.  These little people all have different personalities.  Some look like aliens, ET, happy, sad or just plain goofy.  This Momma couldn't be happier.  I wondered if people would begin to appear in her drawings or if quick scribbling would always be her drawing style.  Now, on to letters...

After-baby's arrival favorites...

A friend recently wrote about her favorites on her blog.  I love finding new products through others who have tried them.  So...I thought I would make a favorites list of my own.

After the arrival of our third, I have stumbled upon some favorites that seem to make my day run smoother.  Some are tried and true favorites and others are new-to-me.

1. Noise machine or air purifier 

Honeywell

We got one of these for our room to help the air quality from 2 sweet dogs that like to sleep in our room.  I am convinced that the white noise it makes helps our little one sleep more soundly.

2.Tervis Tumbler

Tervis Tumbler

I love this tumbler for so many reasons:

it keeps my drinks cold

it does not sweat which means I can set it down anywhere and not worry about a puddle

the designs are super fun and colorful

 3. Nike Sport Tempo Shorts

Nike

These are the most comfortable lounging/workout short around.  The elastic waistband is perfect for after pregnancy when your body is in between maternity and regular clothes.

 4. Carseat Tent/Protective Cover

Wendy's Whims

A good friend made me one of these for our new bebe.  They weren't around when my other kids were infants so we just used a blanket to throw over the carseat when we were out.  The problem with a blanket is that it always fell off and needed to be readjusted.  This awesome tent velcros onto the handle of the infant seat and protects the baby from germs and unwanted strangers peeking their nosey heads into the seat to see the baby.  It is a definite must-have!

 5. Muslin swaddle blankets

Aden and Anais

I discovered these wonderful light-weight swaddling blankets with my last baby.  They are the best swaddling blankets because they are so much bigger than most of the others.  The muslin is also light-weight and breathable so I don't worry about overheating the bebe.  They also get softer with each wash.  We love them and my 3-year-old still uses hers for a little cover up during naptime.  

6. Vintage little outfits with pin-tucks, embroidery and lace

I love the styles of vintage baby outfits.  They are full of sweet details unlike baby clothes made today. These are fun to dress the bebe in because they make me feel happy.  Who doesn't love pintucks, lace, puffy sleeves, smocking and beautiful linens?

7. Keurig 

Keurig

Coffee at the push of a button is a must with a newborn!  One-handed gadgets are the best!