Toes

These toes used to barely touch my arm when I was rocking her. Now they dangle over the edge of the chair. Where does time go?

A nighttime ritual

Some may say she's too old. Some may say I'm too indulgent. All I know, is it's her favorite spot and I love it. Cuddled up into a fetal position, she takes a deep breath and every muscle in her body loosens. Her eyes gaze upon me, glassy and peaceful. Her little fist secures itself on my shirt. Her tiny toes brush gently against my arm as she stretches them to the sky. It won't last much longer, but every last second, I will drink up greedily and gratefully. Rocking my precious baby to sleep I whisper... "You are beautiful. You are smart. You are so very very loved."

Happy 4th of July!

Last year, we had an infant in a stroller.
This year, that same infant was Huntington Wood's cutest baby in the parade.




Last year, Lily was just learning her way around the pool.
This year, she's an old pro.







Last year, Lily tentatively watched the fireworks atop her Daddy's shoulders.
This year, she raised her arms (as if singing in a hallelujah chorus) and jumped in absolute glee next to her friends.







Last year, we were visitors in this town.
This year, it's our home.

In this family we sing (and dance!!)

Just another Sunday morning. It's 8am and it's getting ready to begin. Everyone's ready to bring the best they've got. The contestants are readying their iphones, loading their youtube list with the best of the best. Addison's practicing her head bops with a big smile. Lily's getting her game face ready. She's a tough judge. And it begins. Daddy and Mommy play music video after music video trying to win the coveted spot of the morning. Oldies. 90s. Brittany Spears and TLC. The contestants know the girl groups are the favorite. Addison loves it all and is jumping up and down waving her arms... But Lily will not be won so easily. Finally, Lily starts to sing along. Do we have a winner? "We are never never never... Getting back together!" And Mommy wins with Taylor Swift! Until Daddy brings out the big guns... The muppets. And it starts again. ;)

Addy Pie

It's been a bumpy road for Addy Pie and I the last few weeks. No, no... I haven't loved her any less, but let's just say it's a good thing she has that smile of hers. Otherwise, liking her at times could be a little tough.

She's going through one of those phases. Nothing is quite right. She whines and whines and even her cuddles seem a bit grumpy. I live for those little "hi"s and the belly laughs, because the rest is a bit rough.

Even at Gramma and Papa's tonite, she struggled. One minute she was having a ball with her sister and Papa and the next minute she was a tired crumpled mess.

Then, she did something she hasn't done in a long time. She let me hold her. Not hold her to feed her, not hold her upright for security. She just laid back and let me cradle her in my arms, tousle her beautiful blonde curls and she sank into the envelope of my grasp.

We both needed it. We just looked at each other and took a breath. Instead of putting her in the car seat, I carried her home whispering "I love you"s and "my precious girl"s into her ear over and over. I carried her into her room and rocked her gently to sleep. And then I just watched her for a while. Her chubby little fingers holding onto me. Her pudgy pink thighs wrapped around my arms. 

"I love you, precious girl. Goodnight."

A little piece of paradise...

It wasn't the beautiful skies that made it, but boy were they dreamy. It wasn't the never-ending ocean or the dolphins that swam alongside us like friends. It wasn't the sand that enveloped our feet and smoothed them better than the perfect pedicure. But, oh how great that was. It wasn't the hammock that cradled and rocked us to sleep in the ocean breeze. It wasn't the smiles and friendly southern, "hi y'all's." It wasn't even the brightly colored houses standing like soldiers in rows or steel drums humming a lullaby to a sleepy sunset. No, no, our perfect paradise was more than all that.

It was a little girl in swimmys screaming "watch me!" for the fiftieth time. It was crawl marks in the sand. It was bagels and cream cheese on the porch and late night trips to the pool. It was "this drive is taking longer than I thought"s and arms outstretched high when we finally reached our destination. It was 2 girls having a screaming contest in the back seat. It was family pictures with a friend. It was watching my husband smile and snuggle his babies. It was long walks and long little girl talks. It was a day on the golf course cheering for Daddy and big hugs to celebrate. It was my little girl snapping like Mary Poppins to "wake the little man that opens the gate." It was holding hands and smiling faces. It was "I love it here" and "I love you"s. It was time with the ones we love best. It was our own piece of paradise.

Photo courtesy of Mandie Joy Photography.

3...and a half

Life's so crazy. 3 years ago today, I was marveling at a 6 month old that could barely sit up. I was learning the ins and outs of motherhood and amazed at the deep love I felt for my little babe.

2 years ago today, my mom had found a play structure for my little munchkin who toddled up the stairs and loved the slide.

Last year at this time, we had a celebration. Now a "big girl" 2 year old, half birthdays became a big deal and she toasted with pop and a hot dog at Target. I toasted the last few days of being the parent of one.

Now, a year later, as a Mom of two beautiful girls, I am in awe of how she's grown. She is a wonderful sister, caring and compassionate. She is a wonderful friend, funny and friendly. And she is the most loving daughter a parent could ask for.

Daddy and I brought her a brownie to celebrate her "half birthday" and sang to her. The biggest milestone today, though, was a girl that can now ride a bike. A milestone that any parent can attest, makes final the transition from stroller riding baby to independent, bike riding kid.

In a matter of hours, Lily timidly navigated the seat and pedals and transitioned to a pro. she was flying down the street like a bird, finally free. I definitely took note of the milestone and a little part of me let go tonite. And a big part of me is so proud.