Sunday, March 4, 2012

Tradition


Eddie and Phoebe
2012


Isaac and Stella
2010

Fitting In


Rainy day bubble baths. Love it. 

(They were both in there for over an hour.)

Two Peas in a Pod


I love when I turn the corner and find these two canoodling in some sort of snuggle or scheme. It's such a hoot seeing Stella and Phoebe play more and more as comrades and equals. Stella's patience and compassion amaze me, and Phoebe's chutzpah and verve keep us laughing. What lucky sisters they are. 

2!!!



Happy Birthday, Phoebe Dahlia! 

We adore you more than words, our precocious little moonbeam. You are the dearest little sprite, and we are beyond grateful for your affection, humor and love. We can't wait to see all the joys and growth TWO brings. We love you!




(This photo cracks me up. If there's any question as to whether or not these kids are loved and adored, look here. It seems as though every adult in the house is nearly always transfixed and amazed by Miss Stella and Miss Phoebe. Thank you to all our family and friends for loving our girls with such depth and generosity!)

Tiny Reader



Saturday, March 3, 2012

A Trip to Ballard


While Brian was in the Netherlands for business last month, the girls and I took a long overdue trip to Ballard to visit with Grandma Carol, Poppy and our favorite critters at the zoo. 

Mustache camaraderie is a good thing. 


As is snuggly bedtime reads with Poppy.

Thanks to everyone - Grandma Jannie, Grandma Carol and Poppy, Joseph, Catherine and Olivia and the Shammels - for all the help while Brian was gone. The girls and I appreciated the love. We are so beyond fortunate to have such loving and giving family and friends. Thank you!

Small Moments




It's these small moments that get me. As Phoebe has hit two with passion and will and Stella navigates her growing independence and boundless curiosity, I often find myself focusing on the grander moments of fiery challenge or gorgeous beauty when I reflect upon our days. But as most parents know, it's the small moments that are often the most humbling and beautiful.

Frankly, the world seems really hurried right now. I know this isn't an original or revolutionary idea. And I know I'm not alone in thinking this. So as I attempt to create a calm, uncluttered and conscious home from which our kids can explore, play, stumble, rest and love, I'm trying to take note of these little moments. And since I remember playing dress up by myself, reading stories with my mom and driving to school with my dad more than any spectacular adventure, I am reminded that my effort to create that more conscious and centered home is good, worthwhile work. 

And really, shouldn't we all be stretching and playing in our bathing suits all day long? (Actually, it's a miracle these kids are clothed at all in these photos. I swear, these little naturalists have finely honed my appreciation for cutie patooties.) 

4 1/2


Ask any 4 1/2 year old - half birthdays are INCREDIBLY important. And while we refrain from the gift-giving tradition of whole birthdays, we do like to celebrate those half milestones with... yes, a half a cake.

You gotta love their flair for ritual and celebration. 

Happy half-birthday, Stella Scout. We love you!

Klum's Got Nothin' on this Kid


May this always be the form of rebellion she chooses. 

Overheard


Overheard this afternoon:
"Oh, Vinnie. I know you can't draw with my new pens. Ahhhh. But I'm going to draw you a beautiful picture, and you'll feel happy. I know just what you'll like. Let's try these new pens out, shall we?" 



Such dear buds.