Do you have some time to kill?

I know most of you have oodles of time to peruse blogs.  If you'd like to add one to the list, check this blog out.  Crappy Pictures--a mother's account of daily happens with well, crappy pictures.

tough decisions...

with upcoming life changes (no, not another baby)we are scaling back on unnecessary spending.  jason thinks we should forgo our once a month apartment cleaning.  i think jason should cut back on golfing.  this all begs the question, what is unnecessary spending?

on to happier thoughts...

last august stella was my laundry partner.

 this august anton is my laundry partner.  he tips onto his face more often than stella did.  more about that another time.

Accidents

Stella stumbled and fell face first onto our wood floor.  It was definitely the hardest she has ever fallen and possibly the hardest she has ever cried.  Breathless and soundless for a few moments and then her little body shook with sobs. It wasn't my finest moment either.

Luckily her teeth stayed in her mouth.  Luckily there was only a little bit of blood.  

But look at this sad fat lip. 

And while I'm on the subject of accidents.  My mother and I had one last week.  What was supposed to be a little trim turned into choppy blunt bangs.  Jason was not happy about it.  I'm just glad I learned this lesson when she's 1, not when she's 9.

Here are the "before" and "after" bangs.  Clearly we need to meet somewhere in the middle.

On Their Way...

Our far away grandparents are on their way.  A stop over on their way to the Emerald Isle.  We are so excited!

 

It seems fair for me to give a shout out to Haley Miller.  She's the amazing photographer who took Stella's six month shots, photographed Ali's wedding, and most recently took Gardner family pictures with the two new additions.  So she staged this shot and I snagged one with my point & shoot. 

Put This Cliche In Your Pipe And Smoke It.

During nap time I have to decide between cleaning the apartment or myself, plan ahead for lunch/dinner or pack the diaper bag if I have dreams of leaving the apartment.  I desperately try to fit in blogging, reading, my church calling, making doctor appointments, maintaining friendships, etc.  At the end of most days,  I feel like nothing "got done."   Blah blah.  Everyone's life has challenges.

But in moments of clarity, I realize none of that matters.  I was looking through my iPhone (which yes, I am falling in love with) and found these pictures.  Ready for those cliches?  My babies are so beautiful they move me to tears.  I look at Anton and feel like we've written a symphony.  Professional cheerleaders have nothing on me when Stella tells me a train says, "Choo choo" or folds her arms to pray. 

I finally get what Maurice Sendak was getting at, "Please don't go. I'll eat you up, I love you so."  

I really could eat 'em up.

Stella pushes me to new limits Every. Single. Day.  I call her my handful and half.  But what comes with her energy and determination is the best sense of humor and intense affection.  She is passionate and clever.  She is a darling with Anton and now that he'll smile at her, forget it.  I've been reminded by several wise people that these personality traits make successful adults.

 

And Anton.  Sweet Anton.  He is peaceful and happy.  He smiles whenever his dad enters the room and is easily comforted.  The gas that was burning our nostrils seems to be fading.  He lets me know when he needs something, like "Um, are you going to put me down for a nap today?" but goes with the flow.  The other day I found myself thinking if our next baby is like Anton, I could have it next April.  (NO not an announcement).

 

Stay tuned.  I'll try to out-do my cheesy level soon. 

Out For A Walk

Looking Up.

 Looking Down.

If you live in Harlem

be careful about what your kids pick up on the sidewalk.

Of course I swatted that dimebag right out of her hand after I snapped a quick picture.