time on the porch

Time outside on the porch is most important for these two.  Sharing an afternoon snack, playing an imaginary game, riding bikes or just painting the house (with water) are favorite activities out there most afternoons.  The unstructured time together without my ideas, suggestions or opinions does wonders for them.  Stepping back to let them discover and explore together has become an essential part of their day...

 

until the bickering becomes so loud I am afraid the neighbors might complain!

could you make those cookies with the pink frosting

When I was young, my grandmother always baked sugar cookies and frosted them pink this time of year.  She carefully packaged them up and sent them across the country to us for Valentine's Day.  Each year my siblings and I could hardly wait for that package to arrive in early February.

It has been quite some time since my grandmother's cookies have been made.
These eager little ones were ready to recreate the cookies we loved so much as children.

They rolled out dough and enjoyed stamping old cookie cutters.

When it was time to frost the delectable treats, we found no food coloring in the pantry.  We hunted for something to make the frosting pink {and purple--a request from this generation of cookie bakers and eaters}.  We ended up using jam mixed with the homemade frosting to make an ever-so-slight hue of pink.  My eldest thought blueberries would make a great purple color so we smashed and strained blueberries until we were left with a darker pink hued paste.  We mixed that with the frosting and came up with two very Valentine-inspired frosting colors. 

What will you be baking this Valentine's Day?

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