Looked After

Phoebe is one lucky little sister. Stella has taken it upon herself to make sure Phoebe is looked after these days. Sure, she still declares "I need space!" here and there - fair enough and well said - but she's mostly very attentive to her little shadow. She's very serious about making sure Phoebe doesn't topple over onto our hard floors since she's still "a bit wibbledy wobbley" - hence the massive pile of pillows.

And Stella has decided to read to Phoebe regularly.

Do you think Phoebe is pleased?

Oh yeah.

It's Larger Than Sputnik

We've long known Stella was bright. And she's been dabbling with letters and spelling for quite some time now. But she's entered a whole new phase of self-motivated interest. She's constantly asking how to spell words and if she can play with her Rainbow Sticks so she can spell on the kitchen floor. (The best dollar I've ever spent, I tell ya.) And as adults who can't get enough of this learnin' gig, it pleases us to no end to see Stella get so excited about expanding that big noggin of hers.

The List is Long

My love list for Phoebe grows longer every day. And I suspect, just like with Stella's, it will never end.

I love her little hands. I love the food stains smudged everywhere because she's a terrifically messy eater. I love her little elf ears. I love her fierce need to cuddle Mama. I love how she chews on my shoulder and coos. (I will miss that so very much.) I love her smell. I love how she twists like a little punk whenever I try to change her - little stinker. I love her willingness to simply go for the ride.

I love how she watches her sister. I love how she beams and squeals every time Stella enters the room. I love that she's like her sister and nothing like her sister. I love that she's helped me be a better and calmer Mama. I love watching her reunite with her beloved Papa who can now hold and snuggle her again. I love seeing her examine people. I love watching her lock eyes with strangers from across the grocery aisle and make them smile. Did I mention the ears?

I love her eagerness to smile and love and laugh.

She's a little moonbean, this one. Lucky us.

The Beauty of a Butter Knife

We're seeing changes around here. Great, big grown-up changes.

Stella has attended pre-school for only two weeks now - she LOVES it, thank you very much - but we're seeing huge shifts in her independence and sense of pride. While we're thrilled that Stella feels engaged and embraced at her new school, we're even more thrilled with her new found love of "doing it by myself." It's so obvious that she feels genuinely proud of herself with all her new accomplishments, and we're more than content to sit back and admire what a beautiful person she's becoming. She's turning into quite the problem solver - "Mama, I have a plan. I'll fix it, okay?" - and is always thoughtful of others - "Let's bring lavender bouquets to all my friends at school today!" And today, she offered to make her own sandwich for lunch while I fed Phoebe. I seriously thought she'd just end up standing at the counter licking the butter knife as she dipped it in and out of the jars. But no. She made that sandwich like she was disarming a bomb - total and complete focus. We're all about process around here right now, and I love it. It's an honor to be witness to such gorgeous growth.

(And no, I can't keep pants on this kid, let alone underwear. We've hit the Little Nudie phase with a vengeance in our house. It's a good thing those buns are adorable!)

Tiny Dancer

Is it embarrassing to admit to owning Madonna CD's at this point? Well, consider me embarrassed, but I'll own it since Stella is now in love with the Material Girl and I am, of course, responsible. Every morning before school, Stella says, "Let's fly, Mama. Can we fly?" Which is my cue to put on Madonna's "Ray of Light." She then soars around the kitchen with a beaming smile and then seriously boogies. And I have to say it's not an entirely horrible way to wake up; I'm usually right there beside her, jumping around like a crazy, happy chicken.

Today I swear Stella looked at me with the purest form of delight when I showed her how to use the spoon as a microphone. For a moment I was Madonna in her eyes. (Fantasy fulfilled. Moving on.) This brings back so many memories for me - Oh, the Go Go's... Oh, Grease... Oh, The Beatles - and I see many years ahead of us watching our girls ham it up to the latest.

Heartbreaker

We've had some long days around here. But Stella's first days of pre-school have gone beautifully, Brian is mending bit by bit and then there's this little sprite.

Sigh.

I could dwell on the crummy stuff. Or I could soak up this wee one's sweetness.

Easy choice.

A Birthday for Poppy

We gathered for Poppy's birthday this weekend in Ballard with the Burns clan. Stella was beyond thrilled to see her big kid cousins and reveled in helping "Poppito" celebrate.

And it wouldn't be a true Burns celebration without the wigs. Oh, the beloved wigs.

And a crown or two...

Stella played her first game of Bingo - Dinosaur Bingo no less - with her favorite big kids, Amelia, Cheyanne, Olivia and Eva Maria. (It was pretty hysterical hearing Stella correct everyone on their dinosaur name pronunciation. Who can pronounce ankylosaurus? Stella can!)

And sweet, warm cuddling with Auntie Tricia is the best. Ah, love.

Happy Birthday, Dad. We love you to the moon!

Little Mama

Stella has become quite the Little Mama lately. She gladly entertains Phoebe, makes sure she has safe toys to play with and proudly feeds her. (Yes, she loves feeding Phoebe, and Phoebe gets a total kick out it.) In the top photo, Stella had draped Phoebe with one of her play scarves so she could give her a haircut. She then proceeded to give her a pretend trim. A sweet babe for a sweet girl.

Babes in a Basket

According to Stella, she and Phoebe are "sailing to Africa" here. She dreams big, this one.

Little Scooter

Phoebe has started the backward scoot. She's turning and spinning on her tummy and seems thrilled with impending mobility. Bring it on, Little One.

School Days

It's official. Stella goes to school.

With great anticipation and countless proud smiles (on the part of Stella and Mama), Stella started pre-school yesterday. After about five minutes of last minute anxiety, Stella was ready to rock and kept begging me, "Can I go to school all by myself now? How about now? Now? Let's go!" Her brief first day was wonderful, and she was totally psyched to go again this morning. When I dropped her off this morning, she looked back at me with a huge grin and said, "I love you, Mama. See you soon!" And as I was waiting to pick her up, I caught her chatting with her teacher, Kathie. She and Kathie were just gabbing, smiling and holding hands. As we adjust to this new phase of schedules, new friends and wholesome learning, I am so pleased to know our Big Kid Scout is in such loving hands.

(If you're interested in seeing Stella's school, let me know. I'd love to pass on their wonderful website. We couldn't have dreamed a better place for our girl.)