Stella & Phoebe

Snow

2012-01-18T16:05:00.000-08:00

We've had some serious snow here this week. And the girls have had a blast.

As always, Stella's enthusiasm and joy seeps into everyone else and we've spent countless hours sledding, snow angel-ing, snow girl building and snowflake catching.

Phoebe? Not a real fan at first.

But once Stella showed her the great joy of eating snow, she turned a corner. I literally had to drag her inside once she realized that tromping around in wet (and edible!) cold stuff is actually a thrill. (Yet again, thank you, big sister.)

And the Mama? Once I resigned myself to the fact that I would be putting on and taking off kid snow gear about twenty times a day, we had a blast. It's all about attitude, isn't it? While I'm not sure I'm ready to move to Maine any time soon, it sure has been a treat to see seasons in action so dramatically. The world is a bit more quiet. The animal tracks are a bit more obvious. And neighbors you've never met are a little more likely to say hello as they beam a huge kid-like grin. Good stuff.

The Burns Family Christmas Band

2011-12-27T15:27:00.000-08:00

We spent Christmas afternoon and evening at the Burns pad in Ballard this year, and the girls were pretty much ecstatic to see their cousins. (We missed you, Hannah, Chey and Jon!)

This is Phoebe trying to negotiate for another truffle. Smart girl.

Poppy (aka Colonel Blimp.... a long and comical story.)

The family gathered with instruments in hand and rocked the carols... and then some.

Phoebe got into it as well, discovering the joy of thumping a bass string.

Mike and Charles

Amelia joined in with her ukulele and rocked the party. (Seriously, you were fab, girl!)

It was a wonderfully warm and easy night of reconnecting with family and enjoying a delicious feast. (Thank you, Mom!) And although Phoebe woke at 2am throwing up until 6am, it was a really great visit. (I know that sounds like I'm kidding, but you take the good and the bad, and we're just feeling happy the hurling waited until after Christmas day.)

Upon returning from Seattle and settling back into our quiet but cozy house, we had our usual grateful circle at dinner. (The four of us take turns saying what we're grateful for that day, and it's a real highlight of Stella's evening to partake.) It was a beautiful end to Christmas when Stella told us what she was grateful for. Presents? Candy? Cookies? Nope. This is what she told us - "I'm grateful that I got to see my cousins and that I got to share an apple with Grandma Carol in front of the warm fire." That about sums it up, doesn't it? Seeing those you adore and sharing a bit of love and warmth.

Happy Holidays to our beloveds, near and far. May your New Year be filled with laughter and love.

Christmas Morning

2011-12-27T15:11:00.000-08:00

So while we don't do Barbie or archaic Princess stories in our house and usually opt for hand crafted wooden toys, we went for it this year. We got the girls little Princess dresses for dress up. And Stella has pretty much had hers on for forty eight hours straight. (No, honey, it actually can't go in the shower.) And what's hilarious is that they have no idea they're wearing Cinderella dresses. Stella calls hers the ballerina fairy dress, and Phoebe just likes to rub her velvet arms saying "Phoebe soft!"

Of course, Princesses can build rockin' wooden slides and mazes with new wooden toys. (I must rave about my longtime favorite toy company - check it out!)

My favorite moment of the morning came when Phoebe opened her gift from Stella - a quilt Stella designed all by herself. While Mama did the bulk of the sewing (Stella helped guide the fabric for some of the blocks), Stella suggested the original idea, drew a beautifully modern design and picked out colors and fabrics she thought Phoebe would like. She calls it their Sisters Quilt, and we've already enjoyed countless stories and snuggles under it. Thank you, Stella, for you thoughtfulness and creative spark!

And I do believe Santa was quite pleased with the girls' gingerbread and milk. A very Merry Christmas indeed.

(And for those of you book-obsessed like me, I have a great list of fabulously empowered princess stories for those of us modern girls.)

An Interpretive Carrot Dance for Santa

2011-12-27T14:54:00.000-08:00

We had a lovely and quiet Christmas Eve, putting all the finishing touches on handmade gifts, wrapping in secret and making pizza together. And of course, one must write a note for Santa so he remembers what you asked for and to thank him for all his hard work.

One must also look adorably cute despite a bruiser of a week.

And then... well... I'm not sure what happened next. Just before bath, we brought out the most reindeer-friendly carrots we had and set out cookies and milk... and well... the excitement brought on this...

(By the time Stella was moving into her slow motion backward Matrix move, Brian and I were in tears, laughing so hard.)

So here's hoping that Santa enjoys a good ol' traditional interpretive carrot dance just like the rest of us.

A Very Bressler Christmas

2011-12-24T18:45:00.000-08:00

This year, we celebrated our first round of Christmas early with the Bressler family. It was great to see Grandma Jannie, Grandpa Harte, Aunt Mandy and Uncle Jeff. The girls were thrilled to host the celebration at our house and were eager to help everyone open their presents. (Of course, Vinnie partook as well. Massive piles of crinkly paper? Cat heaven.)

My skirt? Who needs a skirt when you have a new sparkly headband?

As the festivities came to an end, Stella got to partake in her first round of Bressler card games. It was really great to see her be a part of a family tradition, and both Brian and I kept thinking Grandma Bette would have been quite pleased with our little card player.

High fives with Grandpa!

Thank you, Bressler Family, for a lovely early Christmas! We wish you all a New Year full of love and peace.

Solstice Treats

2011-12-24T18:35:00.000-08:00

Every year for Solstice, we like to celebrate the long shadows of winter and the oh-so-coveted light to come. Isaac and Eddie joined us for a little Solstice celebration at one of our favorite spots in town, the Big Rock Garden, a Japanese Maple-filled sculpture park. The kids know the spot well and were totally jazzed to make pine cone feeders for the birds. We gathered cones, slathered them with nut butters and the kids rolled them in bird seed with total delight. And the shadows, as you can see, were indeed long.

The kids loved picking out spots for the critters' snacks and were great sports about the biting chill.

And yes, Stella is not wearing her coat. And yes, I ask her to all the time. And yes, I choose my battles.

2011-12-24T17:15:00.000-08:00

Our dear friends, Leah and Nali, were gracious enough to invite us to a small gathering this week to celebrate the second day of Hanukkah. Leah prepared a delicious meal of latkes, and Stella was pretty impressed by Leah's blessings in Hebrew. I love this photos since Stella and Nali are goofing around with balloons as Leah lights the menorah. There is nothing like a bunch of little munchkins to remind us that the sacred is not always quiet and composed. It includes the wacky and hilarious as well. Light is light - whether it come from candles, prayers or giggling children.

Thank you, Leah and Nali, for sharing such a beautiful celebration with us. We love you!

Visiting Santa

2011-12-24T17:10:00.000-08:00

Stella and Phoebe were joined by our best buds, Isaac and Eddie (and Lena, of course), as we visited Santa this year. They were pretty darn cute, navigating the Christmas crowds while holding hands.

Glamour Puss.

The First Nutcracker

2011-12-24T17:06:00.000-08:00

Stella experienced her first Nutcracker ballet this year at our beautiful local theater. She's been loving dance for several months now, and the thought of seeing real ballet... on a stage... in a real theater.... she was beside herself. Both Grandma Carol and Grandma Jannie joined Stella and I as we enjoyed a lovely and dignified lunch of tea and scones at our tea shop and then sat captivated watching the performance. Needless to say, it was a huge hit, and it was a sweet walk down memory lane for me and my mom since I saw my first Nutcracker around the same age as Stella and was just as smitten.

Dressing up is always a thrill.

So is hamming it up for the camera.

And soaking up the Grandmas is always a treat.

Stella has been en pointe now for about three weeks, and I think we've listened to The Nutcracker over a hundred times. Yup, over a hundred times.

A Cat and His Girls

2011-12-24T16:37:00.000-08:00

This cat has the most charmed life.

He is loved. He is adored. He is showered with attention. He is respected. He is mimicked. He is given countless treats. He is loved and then some.

The Great Christmas Tree Adventure

2011-12-24T16:33:00.000-08:00

For our 2011 Christmas Tree Adventure, we were joined by Grandma Jannie, Grandpa Harte, Aunt Many and Uncle Jeff, and our beloved friends, Leah and Nali. It was a bit hit, with the kids running from tree to tree to taste the frost on the evergreen boughs.

Phoebe was a bit quiet during our adventure, bewildered but content to just watch the process.

Nali and Stella were troopers, wanting to help pick out and carry trees.

A rare still moment.

Grandma Jannie

Grandpa Harte

As if we weren't sure they were growing...

Phoebe was pretty oblivious with the tree last year, so it was really fun to watch her get into trimming the tree.

Cookies under the tree - literally - after a chilly day at the tree farm was the perfect close to a lovely day.

Hugs

2011-12-24T15:40:00.000-08:00

I am reminded daily of how fortunate we are. We are rich in friends and family, and these two bring boundless love and laughter to our lives. May they always hold close their devotion and adoration for one another.

Bundled Up

2011-12-24T15:38:00.000-08:00

While we've experienced an unseasonably warm stretch of weather, it's starting to get a little chilly - especially for our evening moon walks. The girls were thrilled when we pulled out this year's snow suits and ran around in them like crazy chickens for several hours - inside.

A Fairy Halloween

2011-11-04T18:15:00.000-07:00

Stella is obsessed with fairies at the moment. She walks and runs like a fairy - flapping her imaginary wings at all times - and wants to find woodland sprites every time we walk in the woods. It's pretty darn sweet. So when she asked to be a Flower Fairy for Halloween, we jumped all over it. And what's better than one Flower Fairy? Two, of course. The girls were super sweet as they enjoyed friends on Halloween and as they took their first trip Trick or Treating. Of course, we had to do a lot of talking with our sensitive four year old about why some folks like to be scary on Halloween. And Phoebe would take one piece of candy from one house and then put it in the candy bowl of the next house. It was a lovely night overall.

(I think Phoebe's crown lasted all of two minutes.)

The Switch Witch brought both girls matching umbrellas this year in exchange for their extra candy. And while the candy was a hit for about twenty minutes, these umbrellas have been a hit all day, every day. Stella told me she thought the Switch Witch must be really smart. Indeed, Little One.

The Big Carve

2011-11-04T18:11:00.000-07:00

It's become a tradition to carve pumpkins with the Bressler family. This year, we had a lot of fun sharing a warm meal and digging into some pretty big pumpkins. Stella was intent on drawing itty bitty designs for Papa. Her pumpkin - thanks to Brian's willingness to carve the most minute detail - has tiny little hearts, cats and smiley faces which captures her innocent grasp of Halloween this year. Thanks to the Bresslers for a fun evening!

The Patch

2011-11-04T17:51:00.000-07:00

We had a gorgeous day at the pumpkin patch this year.

We saw farm animals...

... walked the corn maze...

...rode the barrel train...

...and took the annual wheel barrow ride with Papa.

Two buddies in an orchard.

Apple Festival

2011-11-04T17:04:00.000-07:00

We've had a spectacular fall here this year. It's been clear, dry and gorgeous. And the Cloud Mountain Festival marked one of our favorite events and times of the year again. It's so neat doing this things with kids as a way of enjoying and honoring each season as well as the girls' growth. Last year, Phoebe was just sitting up and Stella was an exuberant and defiant dance machine. This year, we have two little chuckleheads who adore one another and are ready to explore and investigate at the drop of a hat.

Stella loves the cider press.

Caramel apples are pretty much bliss on a stick.

I love that kids allow us to drop our jaws and laugh at the coolness and hilarity of a mountain of gigantic pumpkins.

And this is perhaps my favorite picture from the day. It totally sums up the girls right now. Stella is so focused and engaged. She's creative and inquisitive and so willing to soak everything up in this world. And Phoebe? She's right there beside her. Despite the fact that she can't always reach the table - literal or not - she's ready to give it all a go. She really is one going on four.

Cyclocross

2011-11-04T16:56:00.000-07:00

Brian is currently competing in his second season of Cylcocross. Since he had to take last year off because of his accident, it's been really great seeing him train and compete so avidly. (And if this was a blog about him, I'd mention he's doing extremely well!) Well, Stella is not one to simply watch in the wings. Yes, she's a cyclocross racer. Here are photos of her first race. She was totally whooped by the end of the race, but she was so proud of herself. She told me that night, as we were saying our goodnights, "I'm just so wiped out, Mama. It's from all that cyclocross racing."

Oh, yeah. Did I mention that Stella has learned to ride her bike? Yeesh. These last six months have raced past me... as has Stella. She mastered the balance bike around her birthday and then quickly moved on to riding like a champ with pedals. She even biked all the way downtown this last weekend. Although I suspect she'd find a way to fly there if possible since the market always holds the promise of a honey stick.

A Girl and Her Cat: Part II

2011-11-04T15:40:00.000-07:00

Many of you may recall Stella's early adoration of Vinnie, our beloved orange Tabby. Well, the torch has been passed on with Phoebe. Essentially, Vinnie is our version of a dog. He's affectionate and silly while packing a punch in the personality department. And he's so very sweet with the girls.

Phoebe now calls every cat she sees "Vinnie" and seems to gravitate to Vinnie when she herself needs a little break and cuddle.

And yes, she set this scene herself. She usually arranges the chairs in the kitchen just so and then pats one chair saying, "Eat, Mama. Eat." Now she's taken to doing this with Vinnie. Thankfully, he happily obliges.

Happy

2011-11-04T15:39:00.000-07:00

It takes very little to make this girl happy. How lucky are we?

Dance

2011-11-04T15:31:00.000-07:00

We're very conscious about not over-scheduling the girls and our family these days. It's so easy to get wrapped up in the modern parental mindset of having to expose your small children to every creative opportunity known to humanity all in the first five years. We are taking our time in this family and enjoying every moment. Having said that, sometimes a child leads you to an activity with clarity and... well, flamboyance.

Stella has started a creative dance class. Pretending, leaping and twirling - she loves it.

My favorite moments aren't actually during the dance class itself. It's when we return home and I catch her sashaying across the playroom or gracefully leaping to the bathroom when she thinks nobody is looking. I so remember believing I was Clara from the Nutcracker, and it's so sweet to see Stella enter a whole new world of imagination and movement. And now that she's asking me to teach her French (from what little I remember), she now does all this while saying, "Bonjour!" and "Je t'aime, mon cheri!"

Plus, how cool is this tree? After every class, the kids run outside to the gigantic tree in the courtyard and climb like monkeys.

Rhythm

2011-11-04T15:26:00.000-07:00

As Stella has happily found her groove at school this year, Phoebe and I are finding our own rhythm in the mornings. Last year, Phoebe napped while Stella was at school. And while that Mama break was fabulous, it's been lovely having several hours each day to ourselves. It reminds me of the time with Stella before Phoebe was born, and it's such an honor to watch Phoebe develop into such a charming and precocious little girl.

I swear you don't really need toys. A sink full of bubbles? She spent an hour and a half playing with suds here. I love it.

Back to School

2011-09-20T14:41:00.000-07:00

Stella is back in school and loving it. Now that she's a second year student, she's feeling confident, proud and spunky. It's so cool to head back without the anxiety and concern of last year's first year.

And Phoebe? She and Mama are enjoying full mornings of playing, reading and cuddling just the two of us. What a treat!

Sucia Island

2011-09-18T15:39:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness, we look so weary here. But it's that great kind of weary that follows four full days of island sun, fog, water and woods. Our dear friends, Lena and Kris, invited us to join them for our first trip to Sucia Island (a small, uninhabited island in the San Juans) last month. Aside from it being one of the most beautiful places on earth - can the Northwest be any more spectacular? - it was a fantastic place for kids to explore and run wild. So here we are on the dingy on our way back to the boat for our journey home, and we were all seriously tuckered but tremendously rejuvenated.

Kris and Isaac

Lena

Edison

It's so much fun watching Eddie (and Phoebe) come into their own. At a year and a half, these two are carrying up the rear with great humor and grace.

Exploring coastal shores is truly amazing. The adults were almost more geeked out about jelly fish and hermit crabs than the kids.

They thought I was still futzing with the camera.

Okay, Mama's ready. These two slay me.

This was the view from our tent every evening. As the sun set, the kids carried bucket after bucket to the shore, building and digging and laughing.

Isn't that light delicious?

This is the view from Little Sucia. If you enlarge the photo, you can spot our bright orange tent in the background. Pretty shabby scenery, huh?

Paradise

It was an unbelievably magical trip, and we feel grateful beyond words that Kris, Lena and the boys were gracious and kind enough to invite us. They have an awesome boat and an awesome family. Thanks, you guys, we love you!

One more thing... I know I use this blog to mostly focus on Stella and Phoebe's latest adventures, but I must pause to write a wee note about my beloved. We just celebrated our eleventh wedding anniversary and are about to mark our sixteenth year together. And while I don't think we've held an uninterrupted conversation with one another in about ten months, I still find this guy irresistibly charming after sixteen years. He may not be the skinny little punk with rockin' blue boots I first met at nineteen. But he's become a man of integrity, compassion and patience, and he holds my heart - as well as our girls' - with reverence and love. I am endlessly grateful he is mine. Happy Anniversary, Love.

Marrowstone

2011-09-15T18:06:00.001-07:00

Oh, how I love the sight of little sandy toes. This is what summer should look like, right? (Okay, a swimsuit is usually more typical, but here in the Northwest we'll take what we can get.) In August, we spent a week on Marrowstone Island (an oh-so-tiny island twenty minutes out from Port Townsend), enjoying the beach, eagle watching and generally chilling as a family. The trip provided a much-needed break for all of us, and it was so wonderful to watch the girls make the best of the gray and chilly weather.

I swear Stella is growing by the minute. While there are still challenges here and there, her maturity and positive perspective is truly lovely these days.

And Phoebe's curiosity is starting to rage - yipee! - as is her attempts to communicate. This wee sprite is gathering a useful little tool box of words for herself and feels pretty darn proud.

And my goodness, she's a goofball.

I love the natural industriousness of kids. But throw them on a beach with rocks, sticks, shells and sand? Watch out, Andy Goldsworthy. My little family loves them some fleeting beach art. The Mama and the Papa love this stuff just as much as the wee ones, and it was one of those moments that just felt like us.

A little glamour is always helpful.

This picture isn't exactly special, but it does capture one of the countless moments where Stella and Phoebe show their true spirits while playing. They are buddies. They are go-getters. They are silly cheese balls. They are sweet friends. They are tiny helpers. So yeah, they are definitely the worst roommates I've ever had. But they are also awesome companions day in and day out.

You said it, Phoebe.

Happy Birthday

2011-09-15T15:30:00.000-07:00

Thanks for being patient with us as we've taken a hiatus from the blogosphere. Since we really only had about five weeks of summer here, we decided to unplug and squeak out as much summer fun as we could. But now we're back.... Stella's fourth birthday party marked the beginning of a true summer, and it was a fabulous day. The kids were squealing in ways I didn't think humanly possible as they ran through the spray park...

... quickly followed by some serious chat time...

... and parent-indulging poses.

Brand new babes graced us with their presence...

... cupcakes were savored with the utmost care...

... and the frosting mustache was perfected by one elfin little sister.

Honey sticks were enjoyed by kids and adults...

... and our little Miss Scout demonstrated gracious gratitude and hospitality as she turned another corner in this growing up gig.

Thanks to everyone who helped us celebrate (near and far). We love you, Stella. Happy Birthday!

Goodbye Three

2011-07-30T15:20:00.000-07:00

Oh, gorgeous girl. I can't believe you turn four tomorrow. Actually, I can believe it. I feel like you've been with us for decades, amusing us to no end, challenging us to live our values and philosophy without reservation and loving us with unabashed passion. May the huge leaps of growth (and the giggles) continue. We love you, Stella Scout!

Island Adventure

2011-07-20T14:37:00.000-07:00

For Brian's final day of vacation last week, we headed to San Juan Island. We walked on the ferry with our bikes and ended up having a total blast tooling around the island with the girls. We happened to stumble upon the Pelindaba Lavender Festival which was heavenly. Between absurdly gorgeous photo ops, delicious lavender treats and fun Marimba music, we were in heaven.

Stella is the most focused and serious ice cream eater, I've ever seen...

... until she shares with her sister. Then the giggles flow.

This profile never ceases to capture my heart. Oh, those cheeks.

There are no words that capture the divinity of these curls.

Here Stella gives us a pretty smile.

And here she gets her groove on.

And here she is hysterically upstaged by her little sister.

Phoebe literally pushed her way to the front of my lens as I took this photo. I think we have a theater major on our hands here.

Affection defined.

We rode to Lime Kiln State Park to see if we could spot any Orcas (we apparently missed them by an hour or so) and then started the trek back across the island to the ferry. (Do you notice how tuckered the girls look? They managed to sleep in the trailer on the way to the ferry, completely mushed together, bobbing about with their helmets on. And do you notice the slight look of fear on our faces? We had a brutal hill to climb on our way back. But we endured Sufferfest 2011 with surprising grace and speed and made it in time. Viva La Tour!)

Ferries are just so darn cool. The girls were totally smitten with the whole journey. We'll definitely be back for more.

Our trusty rigs.

I guess the trip was a success. The day after we returned, the girls insisted they wear their helmets as they played for about an hour in the house. The Burnslers are apparently a Safety First family.

Baker Lake

2011-07-18T15:14:00.000-07:00

What's better than taking a dip in a pristine and placid glacial lake?

Coloring and snacking in the woods with your best buds?

Starting your day dressed like this...

... and ending like this?

Literally sinking into warm, soft sand?

Flirting?

And kisses'?

Goofy smiles?

Potty training in the woods?

(Yes, Phoebe has decided that she is totally determined to use the potty like her big sister. And this little whipper snapper is about 95% trained at 171/2 months. Yee ha!!!)

Sandy mountain lake beaches?

Her first foray with graham crackers?

A veteran with the s'mores?

Or this nightly scene?

We had a fabulous time camping at Baker Lake during Brian's week off. The girls were total troopers as we survived one of the most torrential downpours of my life. They constantly reminded us to be in the now. Any temptation to fret over keeping dry or adhering to nap schedules was thwarted as they would swiftly and comically remind us to drop everything in search of salmon berries (aka "yummies" as Phoebe says) or to throw rocks in the water. I used to think hiking and camping without kids was the only way I could really connect with nature and feel that silent solace only known in the woods. But I'm slowly learning that kids help me connect with that almost more deeply. You've got to just accept the good (bullfrogs singing in chorus as the sheets of rain kept us adults up all night) and the bad (well.... there really wasn't any) and smile at how absurdly beautiful this part of the world is.

The Depth and the Breadth

2011-07-18T15:02:00.000-07:00

A friend once told me that having one child shows you the depth of love.

Have two children shows you the breadth of love.

And while I really do believe can know the depth and breadth of love without children or with only one, the statement resonates more and more as both Stella and Phoebe show us who they are as individuals, prompting (and yes, sometimes challenging) us to shift and grow and evolve as parents and as adults. It's fascinating to see what works with one child and what doesn't with the other. Parenting to their individuality is exhausting but also totally exciting. Dynamic. Ever-changing. Satisfying.

And then one of them will stun us with their beauty or slay us with their hambone smiles, and we're all reduced to giggles and hugs and all feels right in the world.

(And yes, I'm obsessed with little kids in stripes. It should be mandatory. Stripes, stripes and more stripes!)

Seattle

2011-07-18T14:55:00.000-07:00

Recently, the girls and I headed for a long overdue trip to Seattle. We hit our regulars - the zoo, their favorite neighborhood park and ice cream parlor and Golden Gardens beach in Ballard.

Phoebe had a blast just sitting in and sifting through the sand. She people watched for about an hour, just singing quietly to herself and throwing me the occasional smile.

Of course, her big sister provided regular entertainment. Phoebe was thoroughly amused by Stella's sand angels.

Yup, these two are huggers. (And it really is the real deal. I rarely prompt them or ask them to pose for me. So sweet, heh?)

Summer, Where Art Thou?

2011-07-18T14:51:00.000-07:00

So what do you do when it's the middle of July and summer still hasn't arrived? Well, in the lush and therefore soggy land of the Pacific Northwest, you bundle up and head to the beach anyway. We're not afraid of puddles here, and a little chilly beach time ain't no thing. (She says with waning optimism.)

Sister Love

2011-06-22T18:29:00.000-07:00

My hope is that they'll always know it feels better to hug than hurt.

My hope is that they hold each other fiercely when they need love and understanding.

My hope is that they give each other space when they need love and understanding.

My hope is that they forgive one another for who they are and what they do.

My hope is that they'll make fun of me and Brian together. (For two giggling daughters are easier to swallow than one.)

My hope is that they'll couch their honesty with gentle compassion but that they'll always always always tell each other the truth.

My hope is that they'll hold one another accountable.

My hope is that they'll let each other be stupid and clumsy and crazy as long as they handle other people's hearts with care.

My hope is that they hold hands when they're older.

My hope is that they tell each other I Love You every time they talk.

My hope is that they still find each other as amusing and lovely when they're old bitties as they do now.

Beauty

2011-06-22T18:23:00.000-07:00

I always think my kids are adorable. Pretty. Lovely. (Well, mostly.) Charming.

But sometimes I find myself almost struggling to breathe for a moment. My breath is literally taken away. I can't stand it. My heart hurts, and I realize it's because I'm witnessing a beauty I don't fully understand and can't live without. It's a good kind of hurt. One I find myself looking for in those hard or banal moments of mothering. Thankfully, they abound these days, and I am awed and humbled that I am witness to such effortless and innate beauty.

Grimley Lives

2011-06-22T18:21:00.000-07:00

He would be so proud.

A Healthy Appetite

2011-06-22T18:19:00.000-07:00

Punishment?

Nope, she's a healthy eater, this one. And she likes helping me unload the groceries. I turn by back on Phoebe, and she's usually pulling out the blueberries or chomping on a cabbage. Yee ha!

A Visit from Everett

2011-06-22T18:13:00.000-07:00

This last weekend, we were lucky enough to have Nathan, Sara and Everett visit during a rather soggy "Summer" weekend. Even though Stella and Everett only see one another about once or twice a year, they got along famously. It was really fun to watch Stella so naturally assume the role of gracious and welcoming host. And Everett was a trooper in new and unfamiliar digs, playing, laughing and gaming like a pro. It's so gratifying to see Stella at this point in life. When I stand back I can really see all her (and our) hard work as far as manners, compassion and socialization. These kids are so capable and so sophisticated, and it's a real joy to observe. Thanks, Nathan and Sara, for making the trek. We hope to see you soon!

Father's Day

2011-06-22T18:05:00.000-07:00

While this isn't the best picture (Sorry, Brian and Harte!), I really love how well it demonstrates how Stella and Phoebe are surrounded by such wonderfully loving men. In their presence, they are learning how to dig into life with gusto, hold a conversation with panache and recognize that they deserve a person's full attention and respect in this life.

And Happy Father's Day to Brian, by far the most committed, loyal and exuberant Papa I've ever witnessed. You've set the bar high, Brian, and I'm constantly amazed and inspired by all you bring to our lives. I love you.

The Graduate

2011-06-22T17:47:00.001-07:00

Two weeks ago, we trekked down to Aberdeen to celebrate our beloved niece Hannah's high school graduation. This young woman is a powerhouse of determination and hard work, and we were so honored to be part of her graduation experience. And it was really cool to watch Tricia and Mike soak up all their hard work as parents. They've raised a beautiful and confident young woman, and we're all very excited for Hannah in this next phase of life.

(It was especially trippy for me to attend Hannah's graduation since she actually attended my high school graduation so many years ago. She was exactly Phoebe's age. What a gift to part of these cycles in life. And yes, I'm feeling old now.)

Of course, the grandparents were beaming.

And the not-so-little little sister was super psyched.

Aunties and Uncles cheered and hooted. (Okay, Cindie and I hooted. Bob and Chris probably clapped.)

And cousins smiled and entertained.

The dear boyfriend supported and loved.

The cousins snuggled and hugged. (Stella is in big cousin heaven here.)

And animal crackers (and a very attentive and loving cousin) afforded patience and calm during the ceremony.

The Scout ran laps (while Phoebe walked the perimeter of the field with total focus.)

And surprise, surprise - The babe charmed and amused.

Congratulations, Hannah Jo. We love you to the moon!

My Girls

2011-06-09T15:32:00.000-07:00

Oh.

Striped pajamas.

Goofy faces.

I swear these are the most dynamic and inspiring coworkers I've ever had.

Lucky me.

A Parade

2011-06-09T15:26:00.001-07:00

We hit the Memorial Day Parade again this year with our friends and all their kids. The weather held out for us, and the kids were sort of stunned, intrigued and mystified by all the parade floats and costumes.

Stella was thrilled to have Scarlet and Nali, two of her dearest buds, play in our garden after the parade. It's cool to watch these kids grow together. They're so lucky to have one another.

Well, Good Afternoon

2011-06-09T14:09:00.000-07:00

Phoebe was a little cautious the other day when she woke up to find Vinnie had snuck into her crib during her nap. (Of course, he looked at both of us like What's the Big Deal?)

She soon found the whole thing amusing.

Big Foot

2011-06-09T14:07:00.000-07:00

Maurice Sendak would be tickled.

A Dream Perhaps?

2011-06-09T10:50:00.000-07:00

What is she doing, you ask? What could this almost four year old be up to? Hmmmmmm......

... Happily doing the dishes! Yes, that's right, I might just be the luckiest girl in the world. My daughter likes to do the dishes. She asks almost everyday to help , and I must say she's darn tootin' thorough and tidy about it all. And get this, she's downright giddy as she does it. It's amazing how the combination of water, bubbles and an innate sense of purpose gives a kid (and a mama) a boost of happiness.

Grateful

2011-06-09T10:31:00.000-07:00

I'm grateful for new found quiet spots where books and cuddling are all that matter.

I'm grateful to the blur of joy that Stella spreads everywhere she goes.

(And the fact that a tutu skirt is always a good idea in her mind.)

I'm grateful for the fact that Phoebe knows what she wants and how to get it.

I'm grateful that Vinnie teaches our kids so much about love and empathy and that, for now, he's doing well (and is out of that humiliating cone).

I'm grateful that every morning before school, Stella and Phoebe end up painting for about forty minutes, giving me a chance to collect myself, clean up the morning mess and give us all a calm, centered and creative start to the day.

I'm grateful that Stella is such a genuinely loving big sister who naturally guides and protects Phoebe with such ease and compassion.

I'm grateful to live in a place where teaching children about nature, animals and Mama Earth is so darn easy.

I'm grateful for brave new steps that just a few months ago seemed daunting and impossible.

I'm grateful for this ebullient girl who told me the other day that "Love is a good thing in this world."

Amen, Stella. Amen.

A Beautiful Day

2011-05-10T18:27:00.000-07:00

I love watching these two. Lessons are learned and laughter is shared. What good buddies.

(Note how Phoebe needs to be with the big kids. It's like a magnetic pull, I swear. And Isaac is so sweet and dear with her.)

Eddie's interest in dandelions took a swift turn when he found countless mole hills. Oooooh, dirt.

Phoebe didn't mind taking a quick break from her wild play to take a picture in front of a fabulously rich red barn.

Apparently Stella did mind.

She quickly recovered.

Love and Humility

2011-05-10T18:16:00.000-07:00

As you've probably gathered from reading this blog, Vinnie is quite the showman in our house. While our other cat Cooper provides warm affection, Vinnie provides entertainment, humor and love. He's know as Vin, Vincenzo, Little Man and one of the many Bubbas in our family. We're all a bit anxious to hear back about a biopsy from a lump he had removed last week. (We'll hopefully know more tomorrow.) And while it might seem strange to some to write about the potential heartbreak over a cat, those with four legged critters understand how deeply important they are to a family. And I can't imagine our kids without this guy. He provides our girls with endless lessons on compassion and empathy (and how to strut like you own the place). It's been wonderful watching Stella grow with Vinnie, and it's even more wonderful watching Phoebe learn from Stella and Vinnie about a special kind of gentle friendship. So we've been loving him a bit more fiercely this week, brushing him and taking naps with him and making sure he hasn't lost all his dignity from wearing that humiliating collar. And we welcome any good juju you have for our Little Man.

Out and About

2011-05-10T18:07:00.000-07:00

Yup. She really is pushing that thing. Phoebe apparently possesses super human strength.

Perhaps she was inspired by our rare sighting of four rambunctious adolescent wolves at the zoo.

Or maybe she was moved by the graceful dexterity of the gorillas.

Or possibly she was just tired of riding in the back.

(People were actually pointing and laughing when they saw Phoebe pushing Stella in the stroller. She pushed that thing for about twenty yards and was ready for more. If it weren't for my sense of panic that someone would turn me in for violating child labor laws, she would've happily continued.)

One Going on Four

2011-05-10T16:03:00.000-07:00

People often say that younger siblings develop faster than first children since they've have older role models running around since day one. Phoebe is no exception. This girl so wants to be a big kid. Whenever we have play dates or head to the park, Phoebe always finds her way right in the middle of the big kid play, loving every minute of it. Fortunately, the big kids in her life and her oh-so-understanding-and-patient big sister, Stella, are unbelievably cool about including her in their wild shenanigans. But even when Stella is at school and Phoebe and I have alone time at home, she just wants to dive into what she sees Stella doing day in and day out. And while I'm more than happy to oblige, I'm also holding on fiercely to the final moments of Phoebe's baby days and the fact that she still seems to revel in being my babe. So Miss Dahlia, forgive me if you find me snuggling a little more tightly and loving a little more intently.

Hambone

2011-05-10T15:56:00.000-07:00

Reading with Poppy

2011-05-10T15:55:00.001-07:00

So sweet.

What Happens When It Rains for Months On End?

2011-05-10T15:51:00.000-07:00

Phoebe was seriously disturbed by this new look for Mama. She ripped it off me and then tried to hide it between the couch cushions. Not a fan of Mama Mustaches. Duly noted.

A Train Ride with Everett

2011-05-10T15:43:00.000-07:00

While in Vancouver, we couldn't pass up the opportunity to visit with our friends, Nathan, Sara and Everett. The kids had a great time sharing Thai food, ice cream and park play. And our visit ended with Stella and Phoebe's first train ride. Since Everett is a true train expert, it was quite fitting that we share this experience with him. Thanks for the hospitality, guys. We can't wait to see you up in the 'ham!

Great Grandparents

2011-05-10T15:32:00.000-07:00

Last month, we packed up the kids for a trip to Vancouver, Washington to visit Great Grandpa Paul and Great Grandma Peggy. Stella and Phoebe loved entertaining us all, and we had a wonderful time catching up. We enjoyed many lovely meals together and the girls particularly loved playing in Grandma and Grandpa's fabulous yard.

Phoebe was very diligent about sticking with Grandpa as we waited for our pizza delivery.

And we were so lucky to see our dear Abby who was gracious enough to visit us in our hotel room. We love you, Abby! As Abby's Mama, Anne, told us years ago, kids really believe the hotel is the vacation. Our girls were just so thrilled to ride in an elevator over and over and to run around a fully carpeted building. Oh, and the pool...

... the pool incited crazed dancing and wide grins.

Weeeeeeeee!

2011-03-27T10:57:00.000-07:00

Phoebe has discovered the little slide.

And she's a determined little thing.

She's singing "weeeeeee" to herself here.

Giggle giggle, check for an audience.

Wooooo.... weeeeeee......

Yeah!

Proud babe. Smitten Mama.

Sun

2011-03-27T10:51:00.000-07:00

It's been time to come clean - this winter has been awful. The weather has been downright foul, soggy, dark, gloomy and cold. And the wind has been ridiculously fierce this March. So we're all feeling a bit caged and antsy. So this shot of Stella sums it up - Sun, Glorious Sun!!! (She is literally shouting, "I love the sun! It's so sunny! Hooray for sun!" No joke.)

Dirt

2011-03-27T10:42:00.000-07:00

Since the time change, we've been enjoying longer and not-so-soggy days. The light has been beautiful, and the girls are thoroughly enjoying getting outside more and more. The yard is once more their favorite spot, and Phoebe is really learning how to dig into the mess like a pro. While some parents may roll their eyes at the mess, I love it. I really, really do. Seeing my kids in the muck actually makes me really happy; I feel like I'm doing something right.

And please take note of Stella's latest fashion phase. As she tells everyone, "I'm warm blooded." So it's a real struggle to keep clothes on her inside and outside of the house. So don't be alarmed if you see a spry little squirrel rolling in the neighborhood in just tights and an undershirt - her uniform of choice right now. (It's a total miracle that she's wearing a sweater in these photos!) We're still snuggled in our fleece and hats, but Stella is making me wonder if we're related to this dude. Hmmm.

Faces

2011-03-27T10:34:00.001-07:00

Sad face.

Worried face.

Confused face.

Excited face.

Yawing face. (Or About to Sneeze face.)

Crazy Eyebrow face.

(These were all her ideas and her titles.)

Blocks

2011-03-27T10:27:00.001-07:00

We've spent many rainy nights after dinner building elaborate worlds with blocks. Both girls often need a little nudge from Mama or Papa to get started, but once they dive in they run with it. While Phoebe is just starting to stack a block or two (rather than serve as a very efficient and enthusiastic one woman demolition crew), she's enthralled with emptying and filling baskets and boxes. Just feet away, Stella works on building a magic forest full of trees, bridges (for the hikers of course) and caves for the animals. And I must admit that I get just as into this kind of play, finding myself totally focused and engaged alongside two crazy creative girls.

Ooh, Crayons

2011-03-27T10:03:00.000-07:00

Phoebe has discovered crayons. After about a week of her trying to tell a tired and foggy Mama that she really is capable of using the crayons for coloring rather than consuming, Stell and I dove into the crayon tin with Phoebe. Phoebe oohed and aahed with such sweet reverence, carefully choosing each color and watching her big sister for support. And then she went for it. Funnily enough, her drawings are different than Stella's first attempts. She's a broad scribbler, large arcs and earthy colors. (I'm actually being really serious. Stella has always reached for blue while Phoebe is showing a real affinity for browns and blacks with an occasional orange thrown in for pop. I love it.)

And since Phoebe got to try out Stella's booster seat, Stella got to use the oh-so-coveted (???) high chair as her drawing board. They were at it for about an hour, grooving to music and chatting quietly. I see many afternoons ahead of us spent in this ordinary yet fabulous way.

Big hand, little hand.

(I actually went to sleep that night with this image in my head. Be still my heart.)

Casual Diner

2011-03-27T10:02:00.001-07:00

She's a chill babe, this one.

Sister Cousins

2011-03-04T18:22:00.000-08:00

While Brian was in Mississippi last week for work, Stella, Phoebe and I enjoyed a lovely and relaxing visit from Auntie Lisa, Olivia and Eva Maria. Stella is so smitten by her big kid cousins, affectionately referring to them as "my sister cousins." And both Olivia and Eva Maria were wonderfully patient and engaging with Stella and Phoebe. Thank you, Burnko Girls, for such a great couple of days. We love you and can't wait for our next visit!

Her Idea

2011-03-04T18:21:00.000-08:00

No princess costumes for this girl.

Got to Find Out What Kind of Trees These Are. They're Really Something.

2011-03-04T18:02:00.000-08:00

Those of you familiar with our house know we've enjoyed the presence of a majestic fir tree in our front yard, home to an entire ecosystem of birds, raccoons, squirrels, bugs, hawks and goodness knows what else. And we've loved that tree. Sure, we lose sleep every year when the wicked winds hit around November. But we've had it checked periodically by the pros who have always reassured us that the tree is safe and has many years left.

Well, as of yesterday, our gorgeous seventy year old, one hundred and five foot fir came down. What an event. People came crawling out of their houses in awe. And appreciation. For, as it turns out, this massive tree was ready to come down on her own, and we, well, we helped make that happen without any damage or injuries.

When we had our unexpected and fierce wind storm a few days ago, I looked out our front window to check on our tree. And much to my nauseating surprise, the tree was swaying from its very base - not good - and the ground was literally undulating directly below it - so not good.

So in three short hours, a tree that took seventy or so years to grow came down. And while we're actually pretty sad about it in this house, we're also really grateful that nothing tragic happened and, most importantly in a house that contains a very thoughtful and Mama Earth-centric three year old, we're really happy that all the critters that nested in our tree have plenty of time to rebuild their homes before they have their babies this Spring. And Stella is already helping us research what kind of tree(s) we will plant in our "new" front yard. It looks like apples are on our horizon...

(Anyone who guesses where this post's title comes from earns my highest respect.)

Humor

2011-02-23T10:39:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-23T10:23:00.000-08:00

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.

Birthday Girl

2011-02-09T14:43:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-09T14:41:00.001-08:00

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

2011-02-09T14:38:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-09T14:27:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-09T14:26:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness, I love this kid.

Papa Love

2011-02-09T14:24:00.000-08:00

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.

Hydration As A Pastime

2011-01-19T19:00:00.000-08:00

For the longest time, Phoebe has been struggling with her sippy cup. She just hasn't seemed to figure out that Mama helps her get that elusive gulp by tipping it up. Tonight, she got it. And man, did she go after it with gusto. I swear she tipped that cup up about fifty times during dinner. And the look of pride after each tip was hilarious. Hydration is now her favorite pastime.

Other developmental notes: Phoebe has started to use a fork; Mama loads, Phoebe shovels. She now says Mama, kitty, Hi, Baby and Hi Baby. And steps? We've seen some wobbly shuffles. I suspect she'll be walking in a matter of days... stay tuned.

Number Two is So Lucky

2011-01-19T18:49:00.000-08:00

While awaiting Phoebe's birth, I remember feeling so worried about Stella's well-being and whether or not she would continue to feel the endless love we feel for her. And I remember also worrying that I would never be able to give to my second babe in the same way I gave to Stella in her first year.

Nearly a year into a family of four, I now realize that while my worrying may have served some logical purpose, it was pretty unnecessary. Stella is just fine and has adjusted to life as a big sister beautifully. And watching her give love so freely and genuinely leads me to believe we're still succeeding in setting that all important example of love at home. And Phoebe? Well, she's a hoot and seems to be coping as numero dos with great style and ease. She's always entertained by either Mama, Papa or Stella. She's pretty much the happiest baby I've ever encountered and is told so everywhere we go. And to be totally honest, I now think it's a gift that I'm not as solely focused on her like I was with Stella. There's a beauty and grace to letting go when you have more than one child. Don't get me wrong, I'm still spending countless hours on my hands and knees playing, rocking and loving. Safety systems are in check, and I still try my darnedest everyday to make sure she feels loved and cherished. But I'm also more willing to simply watch and observe, letting both girls do their thing. And if Phoebe's clothes are a bit more mismatched and messy than Stella's ever were, thank goodness. We've found that a happy baby is still happy whether their parents remember to use a bib or not.

Hot Tip: Forgotten a bib? Just adjust babe's onesie after messy meal and let her run.

Laura and Her Sausages

2011-01-19T18:39:00.000-08:00

Little House fever has hit our home. While we haven't started the full version of Laura Ingalls Wilder's classic series, we regularly read the three to four year old picture book versions. Like I was as a little girl (and millions of others), Stella is obsessed with Laura Ingalls and her life in the woods. So here is Stella on a dark winter night acting out some Little House fantasy of her own. And to help you out a bit, Stella is, of course, Laura, the curtain rod she's holding is a harvesting tool, the basket is for gathering, Phoebe is her big sister Mary (not Baby Carrie) and they are harvesting carrots, beets, brocolli and sausage.

Yes. That's right. Sausage.

Apparently Laura had a healthy appetite. Who knew?

(And Tricia and Amy, here's one of the skirts I made Stella for Christmas. She loves them and has already requested several other items. Satisfied girl; satisfied Mama.)

A Final Merry Merry

2011-01-19T18:17:00.000-08:00

Okay, okay. I promise to wrap up Christmas with this post. Yeesh! For such a peaceful and mellow holiday, the blogged version has dragged on.

We finished up our celebrations with a visit to Grandma Carol and Poppy's in Seattle. Aunt Ann and Uncle Pat were in town, so it was a real treat to see family and enjoy some quiet moments in front of the fire. Stella loved playing her new Candyland with Grandma and Poppy, and she didn't take off her new nurse outfit for the whole visit.

A pre-Christmas snow walk - 2009

On a side note, I've been doing a lot of looking back lately. With the new year and Phoebe's first birthday just around the corner, I realize that just one year ago our lives were so radically different. Stella hadn't hit the three year old feisties, I was waddling around mumbling about how uncomfortable I was and little Junebug was a dreamy little dancer in my belly. The last year has brought about such intense and massive change. Some of it has been incredibly hard - see Brian's accident, three year old fits, adjusting to even less free time as adults and a couple. But it's also been incredibly beautiful - see the absurd amount of joy Phoebe brings to our lives, Brian is alive (Can I get an Amen?), three year old wisdom and humor, sharing dinner every night with my three favorite people. So while I must admit I literally find myself daydreaming of a full night of sleep and wonder when Brian and I will ever finish a conversation with one another, I wouldn't trade this humble life for anything. What a year indeed.

Christmas 2010

2011-01-18T15:09:00.000-08:00

Hey Y'all,

So, we've been slammed by several consecutive bugs around here, and any free time to update the blog has been limited. So rather than fighting with a downloading process I have yet to understand, I'm simply going to link to my fabulously talented brother-in-law's flickr site where he's documented our Christmas with the Bresslers. Click here and enjoy! (This year's Christmas is on page two. Thanks, Jeff!) In the meantime, there are some painfully tiny shots below.

We had a very lovely day with Grandma Jannie, Grandpa Harte, Aunt Many, Uncle Jeff, good friend Maureen and, of course, Lucy and Porthos (our girls' favorite pupsters). Thanks to the whole Bressler family for making the day so beautiful.

Christmas Morning

2011-01-02T14:19:00.001-08:00

You know you've hit the mark with your kids when they both dive into their modest but lovingly made or picked gifts quickly and quietly. (Books are always a smash with our girls - yeee haaa! - and my first venture into sewing - little skirts for both of them - were immediately donned with much twirling.) Our morning was quiet and lovely - perfection.

And here both girls are laying dibs on where our first big adventure will be on family gift. (Stella has been adamant for months that we're going to Africa. She still insists that we take a boat, so we'll have to negotiate that part of the deal at some point, but we're in. Check back with us in about ten or fifteen years and we'll be there.... I can't wait to see where Phoebe wants to go.)

And Santa? Santa is pretty low key around here. He enjoyed the cookies while the reindeer left their carrot nibs in the yard, and they left the girls some sweet little gifts. And again, I love the balance of three year old girls: Stella requested ballet slippers and a parasaurolophus. Stella did the talking for Phoebe this year. Appropriately, she thought Phoebe might enjoy a shaker instrument ("because she likes music so much") and a pachycephalosaurus ("because she likes to slam her head against the back of her high chair after eating, silly Phoebe"). Well, Santa delivered on such thoughtfully requested gifts, and the girls were equally thrilled.

O Tannenbaum

2011-01-02T14:12:00.000-08:00

Earlier this month, we helped the Bressler clan pick out Christmas trees at a lovely tree farm up near Deming. The girls braved the chill as they inspected which tree was shorter or taller than Stella and and watched Grandpa Harte and Aunt Mandy cut down a beautiful tree for Grandma and Grandpa's house.

Oh, how they grow.

The Deep End

2011-01-02T14:09:00.001-08:00

Introducing Princess Pruney Toes on the left and Water Pixie on the right.

A Solstice Ride

2011-01-02T14:04:00.000-08:00

We returned from Berkeley on Winter Solstice. Since the dark is no deterrent for our very determined little biker, we celebrated the mark of a new season and the coming of light with a bike ride and flashlights. And yes, we were indeed the only people out in our neighborhood, tooling around with one happy kid on training wheels and...

... and one thrilled babe "walking" next to her big sister.

To Ava & Hazel's House

2011-01-01T16:42:00.000-08:00

We pre-funked our holiday celebrations this year with a long overdue trip to Berkeley to visit our dear friends, Alex and Erik and their fabulous girls, Ava and Hazel. And this picture above captures the bulk of my visual memories of the trip. While Stella and Ava have met and played in the past, this trip marked their first big kid visit, and they were fast friends the minute we walked in the door.

The big kids and their papas braved the unusual Berkeley rains for some outdoor fun.

Phoebe and Hazel swapped accessories and smiles. (What smiley, happy loves, huh?)

Baking and love...

...taken to a whole new level.

And us Burnslers were in geeked out heaven when Alex, Erik and the girls took us to the Berkeley campus to see the full scale dinosaur bones. I swear the three of us - Phoebe is still a bit oblivious to the coolness of the dino world - were running around with huge grins on our faces. (This Mama fully admits to feeling almost high from seeing a parasaurolophus skull in person. I'm really not kidding.)

And this is what I love about three year old girls. They demand to wear tutus and leotards and dance until they're sweaty, but they're also totally enthralled by a Tyrannosaurus skeleton. Balance, indeed.

So thank you, Alex, Erik, Ava and Hazel. You made all of us feel right at home by sharing your home and a whole lotta love. We miss you already and can't wait for our next adventure. We love you!

Big Love

2010-12-15T19:14:00.000-08:00

Trying to capture a squirmy ten month old and a squirrelly three year old is, well, pretty much impossible. But as I look back at some of our Christmas card attempts, I came across this one and realized this totally captures Stella and Phoebe. Oh, these girls. They are definitely the most dynamic co-workers I've ever had, and I'm beginning to think they enjoy keeping us on our toes. But man, they take my breath away.

Mount Baker

2010-12-15T19:05:00.000-08:00

For one of Stella's advent calendar treats last weekend, we went sledding. Seeing the delight in her face when we told her what we were doing that day was so sweet. And despite the chill, it was a gorgeous day up on Mount Baker. The girls were total troopers, coping with the drive beautifully and braving the sledding slopes like pros. Phoebe was a bit like a stuffed blueberry - more bundled than ever - but she was always smiling after riding with her big sister. And Stella? I think she'd be happy to sled everyday now.

Driver's Ed starts early in Washington.

Naps

2010-12-15T19:04:00.001-08:00

Sigh.

Above and Below

2010-12-03T15:24:00.000-08:00

Shamefully dear, right?

A Girl and Her Cat

2010-12-03T15:22:00.000-08:00

This was not staged. This was not rigged. And this cat was not held against his will. He sat in this little box with this little girl for over fifteen minutes. Happily.

Pants Are Overrated

2010-11-30T19:00:00.000-08:00

Climbing is tough work...

...made much easier without pants.

I know this shot is blurry, but I love it. This is totally Phoebe. So proud. So psyched. So thrilled to be here. And OH MY GOODNESS, THOSE CHEEKS!!!

Little Sprite

2010-11-30T18:55:00.000-08:00

We don't watch TV in our house. But the washing machine? It's a surefire hit with every baby. Phoebe has been so present and keen since she arrived, but she's really developing into her own little sprite these days. While teething and a stuffy cold have her more whooped than normal, she still has such a lovely disposition. She's such an affectionate and smiley child, and I still find myself thoroughly entranced by her ability to charm anyone and everyone who crosses her path.

Can't you just tell she's got something to say? Watch out.

Gobble Gobble

2010-11-30T18:47:00.000-08:00

We had a quick but lovely visit with the Burns clan for Thanksgiving this year. This is the first year that Stella seems truly aware of the holidays which has been fun. And as always, she was beyond smitten with her big girl cousins. Hannah, Amelia, Cheyanne, Eva Maria and Olivia were all so great with both Stella and Phoebe, sharing the love and giggles. And Stella was in heaven with a full on art fest after the big meal. A lovely holiday, for sure.

(I love how Phoebe always finds Stella's hand. Walking in the double stroller, reading stories, taking pictures - she's sure to find comfort in big sister's paw.)

This girl loves her Papa.

Buddies

2010-11-30T18:44:00.000-08:00

Stella can now pick up and carry Phoebe. Needless to say, there are moments when Phoebe thinks this is a hoot, and there are moments when she looks as though she's about to puke. (It could have something to do with toddler hand placement. Baby Heimlich, anyone?) With Phoebe on the verge of walking, I can tell Stella can see into the future of fun coming her way. A playmate that walks? Wait until she starts talking. I suspect Phoebe will give Stella a run for her money.

Savoring

2010-11-15T21:23:00.000-08:00

Oh, this cutie gets sweeter by the minute, and I think we've entered one of my favorite baby phases - nine months. Phoebe's development is rapid these days. She's pulling herself up to a standing position - using everything and anything as a prop - she climbs the stairs with steady determination and is showing her rascally side more and more. And the nine month cling-to-Mama phase is in full swing. (I can't say that I mind, Little One.) She's such a love, this one, snuggling with Mama, squealing for Papa and following her big sister eagerly. It's all going by a little too quickly this time around, so we're savoring each moment and phase as much as possible.

Doing Something Right

2010-11-15T21:18:00.001-08:00

The rains have hit, and we've taken to our fall routine indoors. The other day, as I was finishing up our lunch clean-up, I suddenly realized the house was super quiet despite the fact that both girls were awake. I quietly walked from room to room and found Stella and Phoebe both reading in separate rooms. Immersed. Engaged. Content. Sigh.

Sick Day

2010-11-03T20:21:00.000-07:00

We had a sick day today.

I swear Stella's immune system is made of Teflon. The girl just doesn't get sick. The rest of us could be hacking up a lung and Stella never catches a sniffle. Until yesterday. Stella came home from school yesterday feeling whooped and ended up feverish and punk for the rest of the day. We were very mellow today, but this kid got some serious get-better-energy by hamming it up for the camera. (Please note that the following pictures were taken by me but entirely directed and orchestrated by Stella. Also note that every single block, Lego and animal is in the background of these pictures. Oh, the worlds we created today. Healing prompts some serious creativity. And finally, please note that Stella Scout is feeling just fine now, thank you very much.)

Teething face. Sad face.

Teething face. Silly face.

Teething face. Feel better face.

Happy face. Happy face.

Halloween

2010-11-03T20:02:00.001-07:00

I suppose most of you have gathered that Stella would be some sort of ladybug creature for Halloween. She's been wearing her wings for weeks now, and it was quite a treat to pull out all the stops with her full costume. For months now, Stella has been dreaming of being Ladybug Girl, her absolute favorite character. She has all her books, loves pouring over the pictures and pretty much demands that we call her Lulu on a regular basis. And I speak for Brian and I when I say we couldn't be more thrilled that Stella has such a bold, smart and confident alter ego. So bring on the Bug Squad. We're in.

Halloween was pretty low key around here. Stella pretty much understood the holiday to mean that she got to dress up in her costume for about a month beforehand. So the day was just another bit of dress up. We met up with the usual suspects - Isaac (and now Eddy!), Scarlet (and now Evy!) and Nali. The kids had a blast running around in Fairhaven as half the town showed up in full costume.

Phoebe was supposed to be a little ladybug sidekick, but it was sadly too cold. Her little sack of a costume didn't really accommodate the necessary layers of fleece and wool. So we improvised and fortunately had a little dragon snow suit (Thank you, Aunt Ann!) that the wee Phoebster rocked. (And, as you'll see, so did every other baby in town. What is it with dragons and babies?)

The expanding crew.

(Little Evy was too comfy on her Mama to disturb for a photo op.)

Carving

2010-11-03T19:55:00.000-07:00

This shot kills me. For yet another Halloween, Stella is totally grossed out by the whole pumpkin carving tradition. She's into the picking, designing and lighting of the pumpkin. But the carving? Ewww. Double grody, super ick ewww. Look at her. It's as if Brian is gutting a moose rather than scooping out a gourd.

But a hollowed out pumpkin is a bit easier to handle. So the artist starts dreaming of her vision...

... and comes up with this. She wanted a happy pumpkin.

And a happy pumpkin she got.

And Phoebe gabbed my ear off the whole time. What a little jabber booty.

Blurry Love

2010-11-03T18:50:00.000-07:00

It's the ordinary nights that blow my mind lately. As Stella and I say, "I feel like my heart is going to explode" at times, watching the girls dance around the kitchen, talking and squawking, as Brian and I clean up after dinner. No matter what kind of day we've had - and we've had some stellar days lately - our nights have a groove and a rhythm that is so predictable and so comforting. Sure, we have our rituals and routines during the day, but the fact that it's all four of us at night is just so lovely.

Brian shot these pictures the other night after we had finished up cleaning and were just hanging out on the floor of the kitchen. As I've mentioned before, I so rarely see myself as a Mama since I'm so in it. And I'm often the one behind the camera. So seeing these truly candid moments where the girls are loving on me is so sweet and so tender.

I love how Stella is so her own person at this point. She's Stella Scout, and she's ready to conquer the world. But yeah, a squeeze from Mama is always a good thing. And all the emotional stretching and growing we experienced over the summer is really paying off. She's demonstrating such a mature sense of clarity when it comes to expressing her emotions. We couldn't be more proud.

And Phoebe? This kid is a lover, I tell ya. She adores most everyone she meets and charms the socks off the grumpiest of the grumps. But she and I? We've got a love thing going on that could move mountains. Launch ships. Create world peace. So I love these blurry, impromptu shots of my girls grabbing me, loving me and giving me the privilege of loving them.

So Lovely

2010-11-03T17:51:00.000-07:00

Oh, Stella. You are growing so quickly, turning into quite the young lady. So curious. So bright. So thoughtful. So sensitive. So hilarious. So wise. I could stare at you and those lovely hazel eyes for centuries.

We've Got a Mover!

2010-11-03T17:49:00.001-07:00

Yup. We've got a mover on our hands. And watch out. Phoebe is taking full advantage of our circuilar floor plan, scooting, sliding and crawling all over the place. She's just starting to pull up on furniture and is pretty darn proud of all she can do. And, just like her sister, she's thoroughly frustrated that she can't just get up and run. Oh, but all in time, Little One. All in time.

Teething

2010-11-03T17:45:00.000-07:00

Lest you think we don't have teething rings, let me just say Phoebe is an equal opportunity teether. Everything and anything is free game as far as this little teether goes. At nearly nine months, Phoebe finally has two bottom teeth. She's a tight lipped little critter, so we've only had a handful of true sightings, but she (and we) are quite relieved the first bout of teething is over.