Baby Claire

I'll put up a few more soon...

Ava

These lovely lips that refused to stay up have really grown on me.

A few more of Mary

Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary...

This little one had no interest in staying still.

A few neglected pictures

People pay to have lips that look nowhere near this full...

One of the gorgeous older sisters.

I want to get a picture of my kids jumping together.
Sort of a random moment, but such a good time.

More Evie

I have grown rather fond of this little angel.

I've never been a big fan of pictures like this, but seeing a baby fit on my shelves was kind of funny.

Evie

Isn't she lovely?

This little one reminds me of my own kiddos.

A new favorite

My baby playing airplane with her aunt. I love how much joy kids get out of the simplest things.

The mushrooms are taking over

All the moisture we've been getting means mushrooms of all sizes are taking over my pots. This is a baby one.

Hydrangea it is . . .

Boxwood and hydrangea for the front yard I think. I am excited. I know certain hydrangea grow blue flowers with the right amount of acid in the soil, and while I am planning on sticking with whites and greens to go with our red brick, having the option of turning things blue if we paint our brick could make for a very stunning yard.

It is funny how our tastes "evolve." I loved the landscaping on our last home, but knew it would never work with our current place and now actually no longer like the old look. If you would have told me 3 months ago that I would be trying to grow a manicured hedge I probably would have given you a weird look. Fortunately I like change and learning from my personal style evolution.

There's been some crazy weather this Spring . . .

More Greta

A few more of baby Greta . . .

This girl has more volume in her hair at 2 weeks than I would have with an entire bottle of hairspray.

Ava and Elsa

Greta's unbelievably gorgeous big sisters.

Ava and my M are friends and have pretty similar personalities, so I loved that she was jumping off the furniture while we were waiting for little sister to fall back asleep. It is always nice to see another monkey child.

Greta

Such a little love . . .

In my quest to figure out photographing newborns I am remembering just how precious they are.

Haven't forgotten all the other stuff though.

Finally . . .

Spring Blossoms

I accidentally clicked on a folder of blossom photos and found myself liking this first one. Out yard has an abundance of Spring blossoms and it is hard to describe how truly magical it looks, and I sure couldn't figure out a way to capture it on camera, so this was a fairly pleasant surprise. If only the thick branch wasn't there.

Discovery

I really, really like sharing new experiences with my kids. It is such a privilege to introduce them to something completely new, then watch their faces light up with the joy of discovery. It is strangely fascinating to realize how much they don't yet know, and scary to realize that it is up to me to teach and show them.

I frequently catch myself saying something I just expect them to understand, and then realize that there is no way that that could make sense to them/they would know the background. Stepping back to give what is a simple and basic explanation to me makes me think, and makes me realize that it isn't always easy to go back to the basics and clarify daily "moments," sayings, or experiences that are taken for granted and just understood for what they are. I don't know if what I just wrote makes sense, but I assume I could compare it to saying/teaching slang to someone that speaks a different language. There isn't always a logical explanation, but it just makes sense when you get it.

I know that they will eventually figure things out on their own, but I like being part of the discovery, and I like that I can exert my influence at this early age. I want them to look and think outside of their little world and realize the potential in everything around them. I really just want them to think and discover for themselves, to be a little braver, a little more intuitive, a little more aware.

Today, M requested lettuce with his dinner, and happily ate a few leaves. He even ate an onion that had been caramelized in butter and honey (How could you not?). While these are very rare occurrences, they thrill me. Maybe he is becoming a bit braver, a bit more adventurous, a little more aware.

For My Dad

Because no one would have enjoyed this more than you. Too bad we live across the country.

(You would be proud, there is only one tiny piece left! No 3-month old Haagen Daz this time.)

Palm Tree Background

I think this photo from the trip would make a fun background for an invitation, card, or who knows what.