A Bond

Okay, so I know Phoebe looks a bit nervous here (and uncharacteristically serious in all these shots), but these two have a sweet little bond growin'.

Stella and Phoebe have a funny little relationship. Unlike most of our friends with toddlers and new babes, our girls seem to be slowly warming up to one another instead of being best buds right off the bat. Actually that's not really true. Stella is slowly warming up to Phoebe. Phoebe thinks Stella hung the moon. When she finishes nursing after her naps, she always cranes her head toward the door where I can tell she expects Stella. She follows her big sister around in her little walker with a satisfied little smile, and she emits the most darling little laugh whenever Stella dances or sings or just hams it up.

But just in the last several weeks has there been a shift in Stella. She's always loved Phoebe; that's been clear from the start. But she's really starting to like her. She's taking care of her on a whole new level, and she's starting to shower her with affection.

Case in point.

It's an honor to watch this bond slowly evolve and grow. I know how deeply I care for my siblings. And while we may live our busy lives separately now that we're all grown up (when did that happen?), I think I speak for all of us when I say we have an unfaltering sense of affection and admiration for one another. We will always share a certain shorthand in this life, and we will always be there for one another. What a gift.

We send a hearty congratulations to our dear friends, Alex, Erik and Ava who welcomed baby Hazel June last month and to Kami, Michael and Scarlet who welcomed baby Evelyn Violet just last week. We love you guys!

Goofball

Fossils

As you've all gathered, Stella's interest in dinosaurs is more than a little extraordinary. So when Grandpa Harte suggested a hike where there were actual plant and bird fossils, Stella was thrilled. While Phoebe and I enjoyed some precious alone time, Stella and Papa headed for the hills with the Bressler clan. The experience only added to her love of nature and science. (This morning she asked me if I could carry her on my back and Phoebe on my front while we hunt for dinosaurs in the yard. Anything for you, my little explorer.)

Cousins

While Phoebe stuck close to Poppy all evening, Stella soaked up her "big friends," cousins Eva Maria and Olivia. Stella is enchanted by these two. And we had a lovely evening of playing while celebrating Aunt Lisa's birthday.

The Stomp

It's official. Stella had her first art show.

Here's the proud artist, showing everyone the piece she calls "Stegosaurus and Her Babies."

Little did we know, our little neighborhood has turned into a happening place. Last night, our hood hosted the second annual Sunnyland Stomp, an event that proved to be super cool. There are several prominent artists in our neighborhood, and The Stomp showcases these folks and their work. We heard about it last year and thought, "Cool." And this year, our lovely neighbors and friends hosted several artists and were thoughtful enough to encourage the kids from our block to submit their work. Again, we thought, "Cool." A brief little showing for kids; no big deal.

We had no idea how cool this would be.

Here's Stella chillin' as she watches a constant stream of 'hamsters flow through our neighbors' yard. Several people paid special attention to Stella's drawing, marveling at her accuracy, cleverness and the fact that she's not yet three. She seemed pretty psyched. There was live music from our other beloved neighbor and tasty food and beer from dear friends. It was a total hoot.

And to cap it all off, Stella had her face painted. She was very thoughtful about what she wanted. After taking a long to time to decide, she finally said "Color. I want lots of color. And circles. Fun, spotty circles." And she got it. (I think this is the coolest face painting I've ever seen.)

And Stella was of course over the moon the whole night because she got to hang with her favorite big kid, Sarah. (She's obsessed with Sarah, asking to see her morning, noon and night.)

And while Stella and I made the rounds, Papa and Phoebe relaxed in the shade. Phoebe was totally transfixed by the viola (Bach, thank you very much) and happily charmed everyone in attendance.

For those of you in town, we'll be sure to invite you next year since we've realized this is one of the coolest events in town. And who knows, maybe we'll host next year....

Upright

A whole new era is beginning.

Phoebe is starting to sit up (with help). She's teething with a vengence. She's laughing all the time. She's scooting and turning on her back. And she's getting cuter by the minute.

A Long Lazy Day

Today was dreamy.

The light was perfect. Papa took the day off. The girls were in good spirits. The garden saw progress. We took a leisurely walk through the neighborhood. Our own kale was consumed. Beloved neighbors returned from many months away. Phoebe watched the olive tree sway above her as she laid on the picnic blanket. I was told we need to go to the parasaurolophus store to buy a parasaurolophus. Stella and Papa decided to sleep in the tent. Stella and Papa have yet to come back in to sleep inside.... fingers crossed. And Phoebe laughed uncontrollably at the sight of her sister jumping around in her underwear.

And I got to stare at this gorgeous face all day. Ridiculous, isn't it?

Thrill Seeker

Like most kids, Stella loves the swing. She could literally spend hours chatting, observing, laughing, dreaming - all from a swing.

On a recent outing with our dear friends, the Poulsons, Stella spent most of her time swinging with Anne, Eric and Isaac. (We miss you, Abby!) She even got to decorate her swing with flowers under the artistic direction of the ever fabulous Anne. But then... then the real fun began.

Stella began to twirl...

... and twirl...

... until she became one of those troll dolls.

I Love This Photo

Little Bonham

Ah, the tradition lives on. Just as Stella honed her infant airdrumming skills with Brian, so does Phoebe. Rock on, little one. Rock on.

(We'll have to post a video of this since Phoebe lets out the most hilariously cute squeal and giggle when Brian does this. Coming soon...)

My Babe

What you don't see here is my desire to gobble up this kid. Delicious, I tell you. Delicious.