Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Humor


This kid has such a funny little sense of humor. She sat like this for about ten full minutes the other day just smiling and laughing. And yes, she did this to herself.

Quiet and Constant

These two are rarely apart these days. And while Stella occasionally declares a need for space - rightly so in my eyes - she's highly attuned to Phoebe and her needs at the moment. But it's funny because it's not a flashy or loud kind of attention she gives to Phoebe. She's not that kid who brags to strangers about her baby sister or coos loudly as she lavishes Phoebe with affection. No. Her adoration and loyalty is much more quiet and calm. As she crawls into my bed each morning - Papa already gone for work and Phoebe and I snuggling after just waking ourselves - Stella quietly hands Phoebe one of her beloved stuffed animals that she sleeps with. "Here you go, Phoebe. You can have Sleepy Bear this morning." And just like that, Phoebe's whole day is made. And now that Phoebe is walking and saying more and more words - Papa, book, truck, block, fox, night night, hi - she makes for a much more interesting companion. I often find them as pictured above, both huddled around some sort of creative chaos, sorting, lining up, emptying, gathering, building and knocking down. And I'm always so overwhelmed by Stella's protective compassion and thoughtfulness when it comes to Phoebe. Again, she's not loud about it, and it has nothing to do with "doing the right thing" or impressing anyone. It's genuine and heartfelt, and I couldn't be more smitten.


And there's nothing like hearing your girls laughing uncontrollably together in the other room... only to see them coming around the corner like this. Sigh.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Birthday Girl


Miss Phoebe Dahlia is one!

Oh, Bubbadoo, we can't get enough of your sweetness. It blows our minds and hearts that you've only been here for one year (although how did that fly by so quickly!) since you fit so naturally and so effortlessly into our hearts and lives. Happy Birthday, Moonbeam. We love you so.



Okay, so that was the sweet message. This is the exasperated Mama message - Phoebe was so sick last night during her birthday dinner, she couldn't stay awake. She's been hit hard with a rough ear and chest infection, and the poor babe was in sorry shape. Stella was a fabulous big sister, giving her gentle hugs and encouragement, helping her by opening her presents. (Thanks to Stella for picking out a new cuddle for Phoebe. Good thinking, big sister!) But despite feeling so sad that Phoebe spent her first birthday feeling so punk, I also felt like it was a gift to just hold her all day and all night. Both Brian and I kept glancing at each other with a sense of contentment and purpose that reminded both of us of why we chose to be parents. It's not about the presents, the cuteness, the milestones, the hullabaloo or even the memories that we will have (or not have depending on how tired we are). It's about being in the moment and making sure that moment is rooted in love. So happy birthday, sweet Phoebe. We love you beyond words and will hold you, comfort you and love you as long as you like.

The Upside

The upside to a wicked ear infection and nasty cough is that darling little moments of cuteness like this emerge. I'm so sorry you're ear hurts, Bub, but this pose just kills me.

Working Hard


This little one is working hard these days. She's turning developmental corners every day. She's saying more and more - her new favorite is "bear" - and is pretty much sorta kinda walking now. (Yes, a video is order. We'll post soon.)

I love seeing her feel so satisfied as she figures out how to do something new. Learning in action is so beautiful. I love it.

Three and a Half

If you live within a hundred mile radius of our little family, you've probably been informed, by the big kid herself, that Stella is now three and a half. Thank you very much. We celebrated Stella's half birthday this year with some sweet treats and a lovely run around in the chilly but clear outdoors (which has been rare these days since it's either been super soggy or super cold). Aside from enjoying her ice cream cone, Stella was just so proud to finally be three and a half. Because, ya know, half birthdays REALLY matter at this point. It's so great to watch her enjoy the growing process and feel proud of herself for mastering more and more in life. She's working really hard on her writing, is insatiably drawn to her little buddies and adores her family dearly.

And this little scene is Stella celebrating a random after-school day last week with her imaginary friend Charlotte (not to be confused with the very real and very cool live Charlotte). Stella is so in love with her friends, she asks to have play dates every day. And while we do manage to meet up with our buds a few times a week, I'm also very aware of my role as the Protector of Downtime (aka the Mama who says "no"). So on this day, Stella really wanted to have Charlotte come for a visit. And while it would have been lovely and I'm sure they would have had a blast, I could tell Stella needed time to just decompress after school and play quietly. Stella accepted this fate graciously, decided that an imaginary Charlotte would suit her just fine and proceed to create an elaborate imaginary world replete with cake baking, rain forest trekking, story reading and tea brewing for about two and a half hours.

Imaginary Charlotte can come over any time.

A Hoot

Oh my goodness, I love this kid.

Papa Love

One of my favorite moments of each day is watching both kids run around little crazy chickens when they hear Papa's car pull up to the house. Lucky girls. Lucky Papa.