thirty something years ago...

"Thirty something years ago you sat there in that same high-chair, eating those same peas with that same look on your face."

And thirty something years before that, she sat there in that same high-chair, eating those same peas with that same look on her face.

There is something so wonderfully familiar and warm about heirloom things passed down through the generations.  I love placing my baby in the high-chair that has held so many babies in our family.  I love that it is solid wood.  Plain and simple yet so special to us all.

almost

Almost seems to be her destiny these days.  

She is almost able to reach the toys she screams for.  

She is almost ready to eat fingers foods but doesn't really have the chewing thing down too well.

She is almost ready to move to the big car-seat but Momma really likes being able to tote her around while she sleeps in the little bucket.

She is almost ready to sit-up unassisted but still falls uncontrollably to the side after a few solid minutes.

She is almost ready for 12 month clothing but isn't quite big enough for it yet.

She is almost sleeping through the night but those achy gums and new teeth coming up prevent it most nights.

She has almost cemented her nap schedule but the numerous pick-ups in the afternoon have her goofed up.

She is almost able to find her binkies in her bed at night but most times gets too frustrated looking.

Oh dear little one, your almost days will soon be done and we will miss them...

we will forge ahead as you scream and grunt through this funny little time. 

six

You are completely obsessed with your feet, your bare-feet that is.  Many would argue that you are just like your mother who constantly walks around barefooted.  Your hair continues to take on new styles daily--it has a mind of it's own.  

At your 6-month appointment, you weighted 18 pounds!  Momma was in utter shock because her other babies reached that weight closer to a year old.  I guess the old addage of tripling your birth weight in the first year holds true.  Nevertheless, we are so happy because you continue to be healthy and somehow combat all the nasty germs that follow the older children home from school.  I was amazed that you didn't even whimper when you were given the flu shot in your chubby little thigh.  I guess all that fat helps.  

You watch your sisters and other children like a hawk.  They provide hours of entertainment for you.  The other day, you were caught at Cinderella's castle messing up the order of things your older sister works endlessly on daily.  You have found that the combination of rolling, screaming and scooting on your belly can take you most places you want to go. 

You are particularly happy in your Exersaucer outside.  I am sure it is because you are standing up and able to take in more of your sisters' games that way.  We have thoroughly enjoyed the warmer winter weather this month.  You love being outside!

We are delighted to watch you grow.  You make us all so happy!

too much Cinderella...

via

Yes, as sweet as Cinderella may be, we have had enough {the adults, that is}.  My no.2 is constantly in her own little world with all the characters from the movie.  Sadly to say, I have become the "stepmother."  She loves to run around playing with her mice and dressing up to go to the ball.  Some days, it feels like I am the real Cinderella as I work endlessly on the house chores while my little Cinderella flits about singing and dancing.  

We have definitely had too much Cinderella!

"now we are six" -- A.A. Milne

“When I was one,
I had just begun.
When I was two,
I was nearly new.
When I was three,
I was hardly me.
When I was four,
I was not much more.
When I was five,
I was just alive.
But now I am six,
I'm as clever as clever.
So I think I'll stay sixnow forever and ever."

Now We Are Six by A.A. Milne

Now you are six!  We celebrated your sixth with dear friends at a little park for kids.  It is a little park I remember going to when I was your age {Yes, vintage nostalgia seems to be the theme of the kid parties this year}.  You particularly loved riding rides with all your friends.  We enjoyed watching your new confidence emerge as you explored with sweet souls nearby.  No longer do you always need us close-by.  We are delighted to see your little spirit grow brave.

As the words of A.A. Milne so accurately state, "you are six and as clever as can be!"
Enjoy this wonderful year!

 "There is something you must always remember: You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."  -- A.A. Milne

finally!

It is here!
Finally, after all the waiting and all the other birthday celebrations this past month, your day is here!

Like a rite of passage, your hair was finally long enough for pigtails behind the ears.  On your birthday this year, you chose to wear your hair back in a ponytail.  You were so proud of your longer locks that we could now pull away from your face.

We measured you on the wall and marked a new spot for this year's growth.

You spoke to numerous family members on the phone who called to wish you a wonderful day.  You read most of the cards you received in the mail all by yourself.  

You ate donuts on your birthday morning and shared some with your class later that day.

You were delighted to receive your very own rolling "art cart" for all your supplies.

 But most of all, you were overjoyed your day finally came!

1. What do you want to be when you grow up?

i want to be a doctor...i mean a mother...a mother too

2. What is your favorite thing to do inside?

play PBS Kids on your computer

3. What is your favorite thing to do outside?

play...i mean, play on the swing

4.  What is your favorite food?

french fries and chicken

5.  Where is your favorite place to eat?

burger fries

6. What is your favorite color?

purple

7. Where do you want to go someday?

that place up on the mountain...you know, that steakouse where daddy goes for work

8. What is your favorite thing to do at school?
make books at free choice centers time
9. What is your favorite book?
Curious George
10. Why do you like Curious George?
because he is always very curious
11. What is the best way to celebrate a birthday?
getting to play with your friends a lot and getting to have birthday cake
12. What do you want to do this year before your next birthday?
go to The Oasis
13. What is your hair color?
brown
14. What was the best thing about your birthday this year?
going to celebrate with the family
15. How tall are you?
what do I say?  50 inches long

a little time away

I recently had time to do a little of this.
24 hours to be exact.  

24 hours sans our little ones.  

24 hours to unwind from our busy lives, explore, discover a new place, eat slowly, watch the fire, look out a window and drink coffee while it is still hot.

It is the little luxuries that make all the difference sometimes.

Although we missed our brood, the little time away was just what we needed.