Baby Onesko

Chasing Fireflies

2014-07-12T08:58:00.000-04:00

What a wonderful, wonderful day...

We started with a girls' date at the zoo and shared chit chat and cheddar popcorn in the shade. After our tummies were full, Lily wanted to go see the frog fountains. Lily is so kind-hearted and sweet that I'll admit her wishes often get overlooked to appease her gregarious little sister (love you, Abby Rose!). Today, however, we did what she wanted first and her smile on the frog melted my heart. She is such a blessing to me. Such a kind soul and the light of my life. I've never met anyone as sweet as Lily and I doubt I ever will.

After, Addy napped and Lily helped me clean. Quite the helper. She put away a ton of toys and books just to make me happy (her words) and even helped me dust. Again, she amazes me daily.

Tonite was shared with friends at the Huntington Woods Babysitting Co-op pool pizza party. We had a great time and Daddy even convinced both girls to go under water after jumping. Such a huge accomplishment. I was so proud.

I thought the best part of the day was next... shakes and slushies at Sonic. (Lily in her bathing suit and Addy naked). However, I was wrong... Nothing could compare to chasing fireflies.

Lily really truly noticed fireflies for the first time tonite. She's seen them before, but was fascinated tonite. You should have seen the look on her face when I told her we could try to catch them. So off we went... down the street. Around the yard. One girl in a bathing suit. One girl in barefoot toes and a belly. Trodding around our little part of the world. And the world stood still. For a moment while I watched.

Disney Day 1 - February 14th - Happy Valentines Day!

2014-03-18T22:17:00.002-04:00

This is going to be the beginning of a (probably too long) series of blogs documenting the best trip I've ever taken. No. Seriously. I am not exaggerating. There was something special about this trip. Lots of somethings. First, there was something so exciting about seeing Disney through the eyes of my girls. Something so magical and wonderful and enchanting. Second, and probably most importantly, was experiencing Disney with the ones I love most. All of the ones I love most. My wonderful husband and girls. My Dad and Cyndi. And my Mom. All of these people that I love so dearly decided to put the past aside to make new memories for my girls and I and for that, I'll be eternally grateful.

The trip started out with the worst part. The drive. Yes... 4 adults decided to take the plunge and drive to Florida with 2 little tiny girls. (Mimi had to fly due to her limited time off work.) We left Dayton (on Feb. 13th) at 8pm with 2 girls and their Mama squished in the first row of seats. Cyndi took the pilot seat and Grandad was the co-pilot keeping Cyndi going. Rob slept in the back waiting for his turn. Cyndi and Rob took turns driving all night and we arrived in Florida just as the girls woke up. This alone was magical. Imagine being a tiny little person who goes to sleep in the snow and wakes up to a welcome center in Florida. So cool!

We checked into a Residence Inn for a little bit of snoozing, but the girls couldn't wait to get this Disney Party started. We headed to Downtown Disney for dinner and an evening of fun. Lily and Addison were delighted! Little did they know that this was only the beginning....

** Special note... these posts are going to be full of grammatical errors and probably endless babbling. They may not make sense and they may not be good entertainment, but they are filled with love and special memories. They are a way for my family to remember the magic. :)

Just another update...

2014-03-18T21:59:00.001-04:00

Right now, I'm squished. Squished and so so happy. Two girls weaseled their way into my bed and are now sleeping peacefully. One with a "no Abby crib, Mama crib" and one with a few tears about going to school. So... for now they're right where they want to be... and so am I.

It seems like every day things are changing around here. Just little changes that you barely notice until you look back at pictures and realize how drastic they really are. Addison has officially become a "big girl." She is quite the talker and says phrases like "I did it!" and "Mess, Mama. Clean up mess." (and then she does!!). She wants to be like Lily and do everything herself, but still cannot be 2 feet away from Mama without a "Mama, I miss you! Snuggle!"

Lily has hit a bump in preschool. She loves it when she goes, but cries about it every night before. I only mention this to look back on it. Someday, I know I'll look back at this and smile remembering her wanting to stay with her Mama. Today it's hard, but someday, it will be bittersweet. Once at school, however, she's flourishing. She writes all her letters, loves to do crafts and giggles when she talks about Jackson ("who's funny when he jumps up and down"). She also likes to start every sentence with "ahem" and loves to sing songs.

Both girls love princess anything and especially love to sing the songs from "Frozen." Addison's favorite is "Do you want to build a snowman" and she sings about every 5th word. Lily belts out "Let it Go" with absolute pride and perfection. Some of my favorite moments are watching them play together. They love each other so much. Last night, while playing with her sister, Lily said, "Mommy, I'm sorry I knocked over the glass, I was just busy having so much fun." They also both love Winnie the Pooh and singing the "Up/Down" song. Do you notice a theme here? Clearly, we don't like to sing in this house!

Now, it's time for me to go back to snuggling my perfect girls. Tomorrow they'll be a day older, so I'm going to savor a few more moments of tonight.

Showers

2014-02-06T21:40:00.001-05:00

Many a night I hurry to take a shower. I sneak in the bathroom, shut the door and hold my breath to see if the possibility of showering alone exists.

Last night, like so many that followed before, I had just begun to feel the rush of hot water when I felt a rush of cold air and heard a little voice. "Mommy, can I stay with you?"

As it always is, the answer was yes. Lily pushed the bath mat a little closer to the tub and tucked herself under the curtain inside her "tent" (as she calls it). Tonight, she was accompanied by crayons and a printout of Brave we had just printed for her. The whole shower she meticulously colored, sang and chatted with me. The results were beautiful.

Last night, was not unlike so many nights, but I can't stop thinking about it. I can't stop thinking about laminating her picture and the image of her tucked in her special place, legs poking out, that sticks in my head.

I can't stop thinking about how much I'd love to shower alone, but am sort of glad I don't. I love to shower with my little best buddy, too. I love her songs. I love her chatting. And I will always love that laminated picture of Brave.

Addy Rose is 18 Months!

2013-11-11T17:25:00.002-05:00

I'm behind. Really behind... in telling you about their greatness. Telling you how great Lily's doing in school and how happy she is to be 4. Telling you about how many great things we've been doing. But I'll get there.... (Someday soon, hopefully!) Right now, I'm going to tell you about a girl who's officially 18 months old today. Wow, does time every fly.

Newborn

1 year

18 Months

Where do I even start telling you about this silly, talkative, spunky little girl and how much she's grown? First of all, she's a chatterbox (but only when she wants to be). She says a ton of words and even phrases now, too. Her favorite things to say are "cheese" (did I mention she eats A LOT??!!), "Mommy" (constantly), "Yiyyee" (he favorite person), "Elmo", "Bubble" (Bubble Guppies) and "I don't know." She also says "yah" like she's from another country (a fact pointed out by Uncle Buddy).

"Cheese" always involves eye-closed happiness! (Addy loves to get her picture taken!)

Addy Rose is very much her own person. She's the happiest and maddest toddler you will ever meet. She loves to give hugs and play with Lily. In fact, she loves her sister so much that she cries when we drop her off at school and yells, "Yiyyee!" in the parking lot. Addy only wants to do what Lily's doing. A fact that both delights and infuriates her sister.

Addison reminds me of an elf. Always active. Cute and incredibly charming. And a little mischievous, too. She is the the perfect completion to our family and we love her dearly. Happy 18 months, Addy Bug!

One day soon

2013-11-08T20:35:00.001-05:00

One day soon my house will be spotless.

There will be no more barbies.

There will be no more books.

I won't step on princess clothes when I walk.

One day soon my house will be quiet.

There will be no more whining.

There will be no more yelling.

There will be no more shrieks of glee.

One day soon I'll eat a whole meal.

No one will cry.

No one will use my meal as play dough.

No one will want to snuggle me between bites

One day soon they won't need me.

One day soon I'll have time.

One day soon I won't be frustrated.

But God, no matter how messy, no matter how loud, no matter how hungry I am...

I hope that one day won't come too soon.

15 Months

2013-09-22T21:18:00.001-04:00

(Realized this never published...)

I can't believe it. My precious little baby girl is 15 months. Where has time gone? The crazy part is that Addison seems so much older than Lily did at that age. Maybe because she fights tooth and nail to keep up with every little thing her sister does. I swear this one is 1 going on16. I know everyone says that, but really... Sometimes I peek out the window to make sure she hasn't snuck out of the house with her dressed all in black boyfriend.

Today was Addison's 15 month check-up, and of course she's doing great. Length: 30.75" (50%), Weight: 21 lbs., 4 oz. (50%), head circum.: 48 cm (95%). Yeah, my girl has a big head. (Big brains, duh!!) Addison is full of spit and vinegar and cute as a button, too.

Addison says "cheese" (both for the food and as the perfect precursor to pictures), "hi", "Momma", "Dadda", "Yiyi", "Doggie", "ball" and of course her favorite (and most used), "no." She loves to pull her sisters hair and harass her, but most of all she loves to hug, kiss and play with Lily. She also loves dolls, slides and swings (both referred to as "wee") and anything Lily's playing with.

She's the perfect mix of sugar and spice and I love my Momma's girl dearly. Can't remember how we lived without her beautiful dimpled smile. We love you, little girl!

Lucky

2013-09-21T21:37:00.001-04:00

I feel bad for the millionaires.

They're not as rich as me.

I feel bad for the lotto winners.

They're not as lucky as me.

I feel bad for world travelers.

They haven't seen the beauty I've seen.

I feel bad for the partiers.

They've never had as much fun as me.

They cannot buy the most wonderful girls.

Nor wake to them every day.

They don't see the beauty inside my front door.

Or dream of their giggles each night.

Love this life!

The lousy homemaker

2013-09-20T20:49:00.001-04:00

When I die, people will say I was a pretty good Mom and a pretty lousy homemaker. I think I'm okay with that.

I have laundry piled up in my basement that's been gathering for weeks, but I'm pretty good at playing Dora's Dad.

I feed my kids nitrate free hot dogs and in the same day feed them pop tarts, but I rock at making imaginary meals.

My floors only get washed when something gets spilled on them, but I'm always up for finger painting.

My house is always cluttered with toys, but I've never shyed away from fun because it might make a mess.

My house may be full of dust, but my heart is full of memories. And I think I'm okay with that.

Buddies

2013-08-13T19:27:00.001-04:00

I'm going to be honest. A lot of days with a three and a half year old and a one year old aren't quite fun. Sure, there are lots of fun moments, but there are a lot of tough moments, too. Some days there are great hours and some days even half the day might be exceptional, but a whole day of pure fun can be hard to come by.

That's why today was so exceptional. It really was a truly fun day, through and through. Sure, there was some hard moments, like always, but like magic, the next moment was so great that it was like an eraser to the one proceeding it.

We started out at the zoo. For once, we got in a groove that fit and no one was mad or whining or upset. We were with friends and snacked on popcorn and everyone was all smiles. We even found that the brown bear had an uncanny resemblance to our own Beary, Lily's beloved stuffed companion.

After the zoo came a flawless Target visit with a sleeping baby nestled in the ergo carrier and a little helper putting groceries into the basket. Lunch was eaten up and snacks were had. Everyone was delightfully smiley.

The best part, though, came after. Playing outside, my girls became girlfriends. They laughed and tumbled onto one another. They hugged and mimicked each other and enjoyed games of ball and climbing that they both could partake in. My heart melted as Lily embraced her sister in a half tackle, half hug and told her she was her buddy.

We spent the last of the evening with the girls guarding "their" clubhouse from my crazy ball and I felt so lucky to be receiving the gift of these moments. I felt so lucky to be the mom of these "buddies", my dear sweet girls.

Our vacation up north

2013-08-04T22:30:00.001-04:00

I have to admit it. I was a little ambivalent about this vacation. Addy's been a bit "challenging" and life a bit monotonous. I figured all of that would just come with us and appear in a different, more beautiful background. As often happens, when I least expect it, life turns things around and shows me how silly I am for ever taking it for granted.

It was nothing outwardly special. We didn't stay anywhere fabulous. We didn't do anything fancy. But it was just fun. I walked around with a perm-smile and the kids did, too. It was different and beautiful and exactly what a vacation should be.

First stop: Tony's Diner, Birch Run. Famous for ridiculously large portions of bacon. I mean really big. Like the size of my head. Maybe more. The kids loved it and so did we (especially Rob). We all ate our fill and had leftovers for the car. And yes... we ate leftover bacon in the car. That's just the kind of family we are. I didn't know we were that kind of family, but it turns out we are.

After three hours of driving, everyone was a little tired and a little grumpy. Insert three way mirror in random boutique. Boy, was this amazing. We should have sold tickets for this show. There was singing and dancing and loads of fun. Even the workers were enormously entertained. This was the moment I knew that this trip had some great vibes.

The next day was a little chilly, but chilly was perfect for our trip to fish town for the best sandwiches ever. I mean it. They are always one of my favorite parts of up north. I first met them when I was pregnant with Lily and have loved them ever since. We also met this amazing lady (see background) whose family used to own fish town, so we got to hear some really neat stories. The best part? We met her because Addy took it upon herself to start eating the woman's chips. It took us three days to realize Rob had bought Addy the wrong ones (jalapeno- oops!)

Next stop-- Black Star Farms. There, Lily officially became a real cowgirl. She'd been there before, but this time was the first time that she remembered. She loved the horses. She pet a few on the nose and a woman even took out "Daisy" for Lily to pet and talk to. Lily daily talks about being a cowgirl, so our trip to Black Star Farms really showed her what being a cowgirl is all about.

Some extra cuteness... What can I say? They're adorable. (Rob tells me daily that he's adorable. I think he's teaching Lily. ;) )

After Black Star Farms was the park. Who can resist smiling at such a cool park with this gorgeous view? Both kids loved every second.

If we wouldn't have had to leave for an emergency potty run, we might have stayed forever...

Morning number 2 started out with some light reading. Addy was really in to the USA Today and I was really in to how adorable she looked "reading" it.

Some of our best friends from Huntington Woods joined us in Traverse City, so we got a chance to join them at The Homestead in Glen Arbor. It was gorgeous and we loved getting a chance to see a new part of "up north".

After some pool time, we wanted to introduce our friends to one of our favorite things to do up north, wine tasting. We had to take time for a photo opportunity at one of our favorite vineyards, Willow. The views were breathtaking and we all got a chance to let loose. We laughed a lot and had a great time. Contrary to popular opinion, wine tasting up north is a great family activity. The kids loved running through the grape vines and one winery even had grape juice and chalk for the kids.

We even returned to Black Star Farms so that Ariella could see the horses. While we were there, the girls met another little girl only a few years older than them with her own horse. His name was Hudson and Lily was awestruck by the idea that she could one day have a horse. (Daddy could have skipped this part of our program... there will be no horses in our future.)

Day three was perfect beach weather and we moved to a hotel that sits right the best beach in Traverse City. We couldn't have planned it better. My friend, Jess, joined us with her son, Alec, and the Madgys came, too. That meant lots of kids for Lily to play with (and a break for Daddy).

(Lily learned how to spell her name on this trip!)

Addy was not into playing in the sand, but was in to being adorable.

After a great day at the beach and dinner at Don's Diner, we returned back to our hotel for a special moment with my girl. Just as we were headed to bed, Lily mentioned wanting to watch the sunset. So we did--my girl and I. A perfect Mommy/Lily moment.

...that left room for a perfect Daddy/Addy moment.

Day four. Our final day. We had planned to return home pretty early when we got an invitation to go play with our old boss and his family, the Farrs. Another great day full of memories...although little sister joined the day a little late.

Cowgirl boots make everything better! Doesn't everyone wear their cowgirl boots with everything?

After a fun day, we had to make an ice-cream stop at The General Store in Bowers Harbor. Lily loved the old time phone.

We're now back home and missing vacation, but rejuvenated by some precious memories. It was great spending time with such special people...and realizing that some of those special people are my family.

Toes

2013-07-23T19:33:00.001-04:00

These toes used to barely touch my arm when I was rocking her. Now they dangle over the edge of the chair. Where does time go?

A nighttime ritual

2013-07-20T20:54:00.001-04:00

Some may say she's too old. Some may say I'm too indulgent. All I know, is it's her favorite spot and I love it. Cuddled up into a fetal position, she takes a deep breath and every muscle in her body loosens. Her eyes gaze upon me, glassy and peaceful. Her little fist secures itself on my shirt. Her tiny toes brush gently against my arm as she stretches them to the sky. It won't last much longer, but every last second, I will drink up greedily and gratefully. Rocking my precious baby to sleep I whisper... "You are beautiful. You are smart. You are so very very loved."

Happy 4th of July!

2013-07-05T10:34:00.001-04:00

Last year, we had an infant in a stroller.
This year, that same infant was Huntington Wood's cutest baby in the parade.

Last year, Lily was just learning her way around the pool.
This year, she's an old pro.

Last year, Lily tentatively watched the fireworks atop her Daddy's shoulders.
This year, she raised her arms (as if singing in a hallelujah chorus) and jumped in absolute glee next to her friends.

Last year, we were visitors in this town.
This year, it's our home.

In this family we sing (and dance!!)

2013-06-30T09:59:00.001-04:00

Just another Sunday morning. It's 8am and it's getting ready to begin. Everyone's ready to bring the best they've got. The contestants are readying their iphones, loading their youtube list with the best of the best. Addison's practicing her head bops with a big smile. Lily's getting her game face ready. She's a tough judge. And it begins. Daddy and Mommy play music video after music video trying to win the coveted spot of the morning. Oldies. 90s. Brittany Spears and TLC. The contestants know the girl groups are the favorite. Addison loves it all and is jumping up and down waving her arms... But Lily will not be won so easily. Finally, Lily starts to sing along. Do we have a winner? "We are never never never... Getting back together!" And Mommy wins with Taylor Swift! Until Daddy brings out the big guns... The muppets. And it starts again. ;)

Addy Pie

2013-06-12T21:42:00.001-04:00

It's been a bumpy road for Addy Pie and I the last few weeks. No, no... I haven't loved her any less, but let's just say it's a good thing she has that smile of hers. Otherwise, liking her at times could be a little tough.

She's going through one of those phases. Nothing is quite right. She whines and whines and even her cuddles seem a bit grumpy. I live for those little "hi"s and the belly laughs, because the rest is a bit rough.

Even at Gramma and Papa's tonite, she struggled. One minute she was having a ball with her sister and Papa and the next minute she was a tired crumpled mess.

Then, she did something she hasn't done in a long time. She let me hold her. Not hold her to feed her, not hold her upright for security. She just laid back and let me cradle her in my arms, tousle her beautiful blonde curls and she sank into the envelope of my grasp.

We both needed it. We just looked at each other and took a breath. Instead of putting her in the car seat, I carried her home whispering "I love you"s and "my precious girl"s into her ear over and over. I carried her into her room and rocked her gently to sleep. And then I just watched her for a while. Her chubby little fingers holding onto me. Her pudgy pink thighs wrapped around my arms.

"I love you, precious girl. Goodnight."

A little piece of paradise...

2013-06-08T21:55:00.001-04:00

It wasn't the beautiful skies that made it, but boy were they dreamy. It wasn't the never-ending ocean or the dolphins that swam alongside us like friends. It wasn't the sand that enveloped our feet and smoothed them better than the perfect pedicure. But, oh how great that was. It wasn't the hammock that cradled and rocked us to sleep in the ocean breeze. It wasn't the smiles and friendly southern, "hi y'all's." It wasn't even the brightly colored houses standing like soldiers in rows or steel drums humming a lullaby to a sleepy sunset. No, no, our perfect paradise was more than all that.

It was a little girl in swimmys screaming "watch me!" for the fiftieth time. It was crawl marks in the sand. It was bagels and cream cheese on the porch and late night trips to the pool. It was "this drive is taking longer than I thought"s and arms outstretched high when we finally reached our destination. It was 2 girls having a screaming contest in the back seat. It was family pictures with a friend. It was watching my husband smile and snuggle his babies. It was long walks and long little girl talks. It was a day on the golf course cheering for Daddy and big hugs to celebrate. It was my little girl snapping like Mary Poppins to "wake the little man that opens the gate." It was holding hands and smiling faces. It was "I love it here" and "I love you"s. It was time with the ones we love best. It was our own piece of paradise.

Photo courtesy of Mandie Joy Photography.

3...and a half

2013-05-01T21:42:00.001-04:00

Life's so crazy. 3 years ago today, I was marveling at a 6 month old that could barely sit up. I was learning the ins and outs of motherhood and amazed at the deep love I felt for my little babe.

2 years ago today, my mom had found a play structure for my little munchkin who toddled up the stairs and loved the slide.

Last year at this time, we had a celebration. Now a "big girl" 2 year old, half birthdays became a big deal and she toasted with pop and a hot dog at Target. I toasted the last few days of being the parent of one.

Now, a year later, as a Mom of two beautiful girls, I am in awe of how she's grown. She is a wonderful sister, caring and compassionate. She is a wonderful friend, funny and friendly. And she is the most loving daughter a parent could ask for.

Daddy and I brought her a brownie to celebrate her "half birthday" and sang to her. The biggest milestone today, though, was a girl that can now ride a bike. A milestone that any parent can attest, makes final the transition from stroller riding baby to independent, bike riding kid.

In a matter of hours, Lily timidly navigated the seat and pedals and transitioned to a pro. she was flying down the street like a bird, finally free. I definitely took note of the milestone and a little part of me let go tonite. And a big part of me is so proud.

Addison's Baptism

2013-04-15T22:12:00.001-04:00

I didn't figure it all out.

I didn't figure out what exact religious affiliation I want my kids to be a part of. I didn't make peace with some of the injustices in organized religion. I didn't even get over the fact that they made my little girl get naked and made her cry... and that that was the only way to make her holy...

But I did feel love. I felt love for baby girl and bigger baby girl. I felt love for my husband. I felt love for the friends and family that came to celebrate with us, especially those that travelled miles just to be there. I felt love for a God that has given me all of this and more.

And that was enough.

P.S. Addison's godmother wrote her a note promising to be there for "the long haul." And no matter what religion you are, I'm pretty sure, that is enough.

...And one more thing... Had I any doubt God was listening to me, my favorite blogger, Kelle Hampton, wrote a piece about this very thing tonite. Feel free to check it out at
http://www.kellehampton.com/2013/04/a-faith-for-my-children.html

My favorite part I'll leave you with...

"Among meaningful stories of love and kindness, there are a lot of passages in the Bible that make God out to be He Who Demands and He Who Punishes. And for fun, He Who Tests You to See How Much You Love Him. As a mother who understands a little bit about loving children, these concepts aren’t things that align with the ultimate truth of parenthood (that’s what God is, after all)—Love. "

(***And thanks for the pictures, Linds!!**)

Dear Girls,

2013-04-10T11:38:00.003-04:00

Disclaimer: I normally try to keep my politics out of my blog, but I feel very passionately about this one and felt the need to put it on paper. Please know that I in no way expect everyone to agree with me, nor do I want you to. I just want my girls to know how I felt. Feel free to skip this post and move onto the next.

Dear Lily and Addison,

Sunday, Addison, Daddy and I are having you baptized. (Lily, you were baptized when you were a baby, too.) For the first time in my life as your parent, I'm afraid I might be making a mistake. Here is why...

I read an article today telling me that Detroit Archbishop Allen Vigneron (a head of the Catholic Church in Detroit) says that those church members who disagree with the church and support same-sex marriage should not take Communion. He even went so far as to say that people with those beliefs should be refused communion. For many years, I have had many beliefs that are not supported by the Catholic Church, but have thought that it was okay for us to agree to disagree. A lot of other Americans feel the same way. I read that over half of American Catholics believe in same-sex marriage, but are still Catholic. Today, however, I think it has gone too far. The Archbishop is making it very clear that it is not okay to disagree with the church and in my opinion, he is trying to bully people into believing what he believes.

Babies, I don't care if you're Catholic or not. What I do care about is that I might be sending you the wrong message. Let me tell you why. I believe that what God wants most for us is to love each other. I believe he wants us to try very hard to be nice to one another and not judge other people. This is what I want most for you, as well. When you see someone different from you, I don't want you to think of how you can exclude them, I want you to seek to understand them. You don't have to agree with them, but I do want you to try your hardest to love them anyways.

When I read this article, my heart hurt. It hurt bad for those that will have to decide today whether being Catholic is important enough to them to abandon their beliefs. Whether they're willing to love people that are different than them a little less because the church told them so. When I read this, I immediately knew that saying "I'm Catholic" is not worth it to me. I don't want to send you the message that compromising your beliefs because someone bullies you to do so should be worth it to you.

Addison, if I decide to baptize you on Sunday, it will be because I want you to get to experience what your sister got to experience. It will be because I want you to know that you were welcomed into a spiritual life of love by those that care for you most, not because I have any need for you to follow some doctrine that an old grumpy man said you should follow. It will be because I want you to have godparents, special ones that Daddy and I chose, to guide you in both your everyday life and your spiritual life, that will love you no matter what you decide to believe.

Most of all, I want you both to know that whether or not you chose a Catholic family, you will always have many wonderful families in your life that will guide you and help you along the way. You will have your Mommy and Daddy. You will have your extended family. You will have all of the friends that we are lucky enough to consider family. And Babies, I want you to chose love. No matter what religion you decide in your life, I always want you to remember to love others and to know that we love you.

Love Forever and Always,
Your Momma

A Little Perspective

2013-03-25T13:30:00.001-04:00

One could say I was spoiled, but not in the traditional way. I took the "forbidden", untraditional approach. I let my babies sleep with me and it worked out great for us. I know it's not for everyone, but for me it was the perfect thing. Nursing all night was "self serve" for my babies and meant great nights of sleep for all of us. Totally not the norm.

About a month ago, it was time. Time for both of us. Our cuddly experience started to head south and Addison found a new home in her crib. The funny part is that this welcomed the least amount of sleep for me. Now that she's in her crib, I get up to feed her (yes, I know I don't have to, but I do). It interrupts my sleep a lot more and even when she's in bed with me, it feels foreign and uncomfortable.

Last night, the crib wasn't quite working for her. She got up at 11. She got up at 3. By 5:30, we had both had enough and she was snuggled with me in bed. However, I couldn't sleep. It was no longer easy to sleep cuddled with her and I pouted. Until I got some perspective. I was cuddled under mounds of covers warm and snug. By baby was pretzeled around me safe and content. Whether asleep or awake, what better moment could there be? So I laid there for an hour or so watching her sleep. I stroked her hair and took it all in. How spoiled am I to have such an amazing life with amazing kids. Someday I'm going to miss this. Today, I'm taking it all in.

Long Awaited Update

2013-03-08T11:27:00.000-05:00

It's been forever since I've blogged, but as they say, "no news is good news." Both kids are doing great and daily bring smiles to our faces.

Addison turned 9 months in February and is full of spunk. She was almost 28 inches long at her last appointment (55%) and 18.13 lbs. (50%). She is really becoming her own person. She crawls like a pro and cruises all over the house (holding on to furniture). She even knows how to climb to the top of the stairs (to Mom and Dad's dismay!!) She has a killer smile and knows how to use it whenever she's in trouble. She waves and claps and loves to pull her sister's hair while shaking her head "no". She's also a bottomless pit when it comes to eating "real" food. She loves it!

Lily is getting so big! She loved the snow this year and playing in it with her friends, Drew and Sam. She also loves gymnastics and is a pro at somersaults, back flips (off the couch when at home) and the balance beam. She is quick to tell you she gets to do gymnastics on Tuesday (holding up 2 fingers) with Miss. Angela. She also loves to read stories like Ms. Joyce at the library and do crafts. Cooking still remains one of her favorite activities, especially with "Wanie", our cousin that we've gotten to spend more time with lately and she constantly keeps us laughing with her anecdotes.

One last update... Addison finally got to meet Grandma Juanita! She went right to her and loved her immediately! We went down to Dayton to stay with my Aunt Teresa and Uncle Pat and "Wanie" and had a great time. We're so lucky to have such wonderful family!

Remembering the Joy

2013-02-07T11:56:00.001-05:00

This morning started out like any other. "I need milk. Are you getting me milk? I need to go potty. I don't want to drink my milk. Snuggle me. I don't want to go potty." And morphed into something so beautiful.

Lily's starting to shower with me and it's become a much easier way to accomplish the task. So today we jumped in the shower hoping Baby Addi would hold out for a little bit.

She didn't. She screamed. She cried. She pooped. Everywhere. On the floor. Up her back. In her hair. While we were in the shower. (My stories seem to always have a poop/shower theme, don't they?)
Lily was mid shower, I was mid shower, so the only solution seemed to be to strip
Addison down and let her join our party.

I was terrified it would be even more of a disaster. Addison hates baths and she was screaming. Hard. I peeled off her clothes, rinsed off her body and magic happened. She curled up close to me, skin to skin, and nuzzled her head into my chest. She closed her eyes and hummed as the water dripped down her back. And I remembered.

I remembered bath after bath with Lily when she was small. I remembered the way wet baby hair smells and the way chubby little moist cheeks feel nestled against mine. I realized in all the craziness, I had neglected this precious ritual with my beautiful baby Addi. And I felt such a feeling of joy holding my little baby.

This joy ignited a fire in me for more precious moments today. Playing tag with the girls around and round the house with a dog bouncing behind with his ball. Cuddling on the couch taking funny pictures. Sharing a snack patiently instead of hurriedly. Remembering the joy.

Detroit Christmas Magic

2012-12-05T13:50:00.001-05:00

Life is filled with moments of awe and wonder and at Christmastime, it seems, these moments take on an even more magical feel. Even a somewhat gloomy town like Detroit feels special and new under the glow of glittering lights and an aura of enchantment fills the air.
It's Christmas in Detroit.

So in love with my girl

2012-12-05T13:43:00.001-05:00

Lately, liking her has been a challenge. The 3 year old "I don't love you!"s have set in and always right when her sister's screaming... but boy do I love her.

I love her when we sing "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" and she asks me what a spout is. When I tell her it's a long tube that carries water down from the roof, she looks at me with sass in her eyes and a hand on her hip and says, "why don't you just say that?" I love that sass and I love that brain always working.

I also love when she tells me over and over that Santa Clause shouldn't come down the chimney. "You should just open the door!" Well, duh! Why didn't I think of that?

I love that when Papa put a butter carton on her head, she told him it "doesn't go with my outfit!" (Insert snotty scrunched up nose and hand on hip here.)

I love that after yesterday's "I don't love you"s came today's, "Mommy, I love you. We make a great team."

And even though sometimes I don't like her... Boy, do I love my girl!