the list

For a while whenever I asked Wren what she wanted for Christmas, she would say, “Oh Mama, just a card.” It was like talking to my Grandma, but she was dressed in bright pink 2T fleece. Then “just a card” turned into “presents” and then last night the list turned more specific. I plan to update this list in the next few weeks to reflect any changes, which I’m sure will likely happen on (at least) a daily basis. Tune in for more Christmas fun as we, as Wren likes to say, “start up Merry Christmas!!!!”

11/28

yellow tape
purple yellow socks
peanut butter toys
a live animal toy
two little dog fish
little windows
a tiger
a fish puzzle

12/4

a pink ribbon for my hair

12/17

frozen pig

two and a half

Happy half birthday to my (biggest) little birdie! Seems like you just turned two, but the calendar tells us that you’re now halfway to three! Although your cheeks are still round as a cherub, you open your mouth and out flow your thoughts, which are wise and wondrous and well beyond your two and a half years. Papa and I think you will probably surpass us soon with your vocabulary, memory and deep thoughts. You just don’t miss a bit, little lady. You keep us on our toes and we’re so very thankful for you and your uplifting spirit. You bring so much joy to so many people. XO Mama

Return to Sand Mountain

I’m not really a nostalgic person; I don’t usually try to relive great moments; I also don’t really enjoy sitting around and chatting about the “good ole days.” But when Chris suggested heading out to the Dune Climb, aka Sand Mountain, I jumped at it. But it wasn’t really because we had such a great time there earlier this fall. It was because it seemed daunting to take our whole family of four (!) out there and I knew it would do all our spirits (and lungs) good to GET OUT. And we did it! And had a great time. Every time I get out with both girls and get home safely without any complete meltdowns or disasters, I feel like I won the lottery. Maybe not a big, retire-now-and-travel-the-world lottery, but a decent one. Yes!

three weeks

Sweet Phoebe Jane is three weeks old. I was going to write “already,” but that’s awfully trite (but true too). She’s waking up a bit more every day and although we’re still getting into a rhythm, she seems so much easier than Wren as an infant. This is probably a combination of her easy-going nature, our more easy-going parenting this time around and also, it’s still early. She’s still sleeping most of the time and doesn’t have many gripes about the world as long as she’s fed, warm, cozy and dry. Yet! I remember that things got a bit trickier as Wren woke up to the world and decided to voice her concerns about things other than food, clothing, temperature or attention. Was it world peace? Social injustice? Gender inequality? The art work in her room? We’re still not quite sure as that pre-verbal stage is a tough one.

A couple more shots of my littlest birdie. Baby feet? Can’t get enough. And a profile pic, which seems to exaggerate the size of her ears, but cute anyway. Isn’t she sporting just the cutest little pixie haircut? Hey, a Mama’s meant to gush a bit, right?!

P.S. I just love a baby in a simple white onesie. You?

first snow!

We woke up to a beautiful blanket of snow this morning – the first of the year! Wren’s enthusiasm is infectious – she couldn’t wait to get outside and taste it. She’s got a long list of snowy day pursuits: creating snow angels, building a snow man, eating more snow, catching flakes with her tongue, kicking snow, rolling around in the snow, pointing out all the things that are covered in snow… The trees! The cars! The fence! The birdfeeder! The sandbox! The picnic table!

And now I’m new-Mama-of-two stumped. It’s tough to play outside in the snow with a newborn in tow… I will attempt to bundle us all up and snuggle Phoebe in the baby carrier. Wish us luck! Any tips, Mamas?

P.S. the Wool & Honey giveaway ended last night. Check back later today for the winner!

We’ve got a winner!

We’ve got a Wool & Honey giveaway winner, lovelies! Congratulations to Kelsey Dilts! Kelsey won a $50 shopping spree to Wool & Honey’s new online store. What a special treat! I am thrilled to share the love for this beautiful shop. Supporting independently-owned shops that sell handmade things is such an important thing for all of us to remember, especially during the holiday season when we are choosing how to spend our holiday gift money…