Smiley Sunshine Girl

I know I'm not the only mama that feels this way, but seriously, how precious is this baby girl? She seems to smile constantly. Honestly, it is rare that she doesn't have her dimples showing. It just makes my heart melt--especially when she grins so big after pitching a hissy because I left her line of sight. It is hard to stay firm when your biggest fan gives you that adorable two-toothed smile. If you have wondered why there haven't been many pictures of the wee princess recently, I have a good answer. Allergies, snotty, runny-nosed pollen and Spring wind induced yuckiness. Poor baby. I wasn't about to put the camera in her face when she was covered forehead to chin is slippery nastiness! But it seems that whatever was bothering her has dispersed and she is back to her sweetest self.  Currently she is very interested in eating dandylions, trying to stand up, and crawling away from me (or towards me depending on her mood) as quickly as possible. It is hard to believe that she has been outside for almost as long as she was inside.  Every day I am so thankful for how she completes our family!

 

Pretty

my beautiful super-boy

To my great joy, Evie loves to dress-up! His current favorites are "Bumblebee Boy" and any combination of Marvel super-heroes. And the most fun? Making the costumes that he dreams up! Two weeks ago it was wings. This week a cape (I still need pictures of that!) And yesterday he told me he needed a "black masque" Yay!!!! These things are so easy and fun to make and they bring him so much joy. It makes all the rest of it, tantrums, poop, and picky-eating totally worth it. He is so creative in his play it just makes my heart so very glad!

This may be one of my favorite pictures of Everett-EVER! He still takes my breath away. What a testimony to God's creativity.

To the Batmobile!

"Look mama, I have found a new way to give you grey hair!"

Inspiration from the smallest moments

Often I am frustrated by the seemingly endless repetition of many actions through my mornings, afternoons, and evenings.  I wonder if the laundry will ever be finished, the dishes ever clean, and if all the toys will ever be put away.  Sometimes, for a brief moment, everything is tidy and clean and orderly.  Then we wake up.  I know I am not the only mama who strives to find a balance between spontaneity and structure.  Sometimes when all my carefully planned playdates are cancelled, and Bea is teething, and Everett is all energy it can seem pointless to pick up the same toys for the third time (in one day), to start the fourth load of laundry, or to wash the same dirty dishes knowing that in a matter of minutes it will most likely need to be done again.  But, then, the light will hit glasses drying in the dishrack and the most mundane chore will be beautiful.  And then I remember, how blessed I am and how privileged my life is. And that moment is what I try to hold onto, knowing that these repetitive, mundane tasks, give me time to pray, to think, and to let my mind rest. That is something I am thankful for.

*** I love these lusterware bowls. I found four of them about a month ago at one of the two local thriftstores. Bea eats every meal out of one because they are the perfect size. And even babies deserve pretty dishes!

The first flowers he's ever brought me

Pretty Spring Things

It really doesn't get any better than fresh spring breezes through open windows, sunshine streaming onto bleached and worn wood floors, frilly Liberty print dresses on sweet smiley baby girls, and beautiful early spring flowers.  My sweet Beatrice is almost 8 months old I really can't believe how fast time goes by.  Life is always busy but recently I have been trying to set apart deliberate moments for peace and beauty.  Capturing a few of the things that make me smile allows me visual markers that I can look back on and remember how very precious this often full-to-overflowing season is. Re-reading what I just wrote I am struck with the oddest sense that I have written something remarkably similar.  Just what I need, self-plagiarism because I have "mama-brain." Well life certainly isn't slowing down. And I am not going to stop looking for beautiful moments. Neither am I going to stop trying to pause here and there to cherish the lovely serendipities. And if I have written it before, it is no less true now!

Easter Weekend