I am Loved

At least I'm good for something.

Three Months

I took the pictures on Monday. I am a few days late posting them on the blog.

Bug-Eyed Boy

Any photography tricks to take a non-bug eyed baby picture?

Besides a sleeping picture?

Muy Bueno

We went to an Mexican restaurant last night for dinner. We were the only non-Spanish speakers in the place. The food was homey and unpretentious. We've heard that they serve up an awesome Pazole stew on Sundays (recommended by Jose the cable technician who said that it "tastes just like his grandma's"). We will have to go back again for a Sunday dinner.

The girls each had a ground beef taco with a side of beans, I had 2 pork loin tacos, and my husband? He ordered 3 tacos--1 beef tongue, 1 goat meat, and 1 pork skin (not fried skins--just flaccid, gelatinous goo!). Yikes. Gus whispered in my ear that he thought his dad's food looked disgusting. I agreed! Chris couldn't swallow the pork skins, but the tripe went down the hatch. Next time he said that he probably would only order the goat meat.

Claire is pumped to start doing her Rosetta Stone Spanish again. Her excitement to be bilingual lasts for a few days, then fades until our next visit to an ethnic eatery.

Zzzzz

Babies like to be warm and cozy, right? Heating pads are warm! I have been turning one on to warm up Gus's bed every night. Here is my translation of his collective grunts and noises at bedtime:

"No. Don't put me down. Oh. Ohhh. That's warm. I like it. It feels real ni-ZZZzzzzzz."

Why didn't I think of this when the girls were babes?

Difference Between Boys and Girls

Chris (as he tucked our daughters into bed last night): Claire, what was your favorite thing about today?

Claire: Playing ball.

Chris: Lily? How about you? What was your favorite thing about today?

Lily: Playing ball.

Chris: What kind of ball was it? Softball? Kickball? Basketball?

Lily: No! Like the fairies and princesses kind of Ball. There was one queen and the rest of us were princesses in beautiful dresses invited to the Ball.

Toddler Check

Quick! Everyone...where is your toddler?

Make sure that yours isn't spreading hydro-cortisone cream all over her body upstairs in the bathroom like mine just was.

Easter Morning

Drawn in her Hello Kitty notebook!

We are all in great moods--can you tell? Easter morning is never stressful at our house, always relaxed and peaceful.

Easter Baskets

Pipe cleaners!


A watch--just like Michaela's!

No more chocolate eggs Izzy!

I agree--it is too early in the morning (5:56 AM).

My Pippis

My Pippis in all their glory!

Holy Week Laugh

"Mom? Is it Monday or Thursday today?"

"It's Maundy Thursday."

"What? Monday or Thursday?"

"Go ask your Dad."

Cake and Presents

Two candles! She is getting so big!


She got a Maisy doll and books from Grandma and Papa...

and sparkle shoes from Mom and Dad! (Yes, we're crazy about glitter all over the house. It's great!)

What a difference a year makes.

Visit

Jeannette bravely drove around the lake to visit us last weekend. It is always wonderful to have her around! She is a soothing balm to everyone in her presence. Gus and Izzy immediately started crying at her departure (I think I did too).

The girls of course loved the time to play together. There were afternoons playing "doggies" and "kitties". Gabe started a game of "pirate treasure" that still has my daughters intrigued.

One of my favorite memories of the weekend was watching my nephew Gabe lovingly entertain and play with his sisters and little girl cousins. He is exceedingly patient and kind, and comes up with oodles of games and conversation to satisfy their girlishness. In a moment of escape he whisked away to the piano to practice. Hearing the music, Claire put on a leotard and tutu and demanded "faster accompaniment" for her dances. He smiled, even if a little annoyed, and played a little faster. He will make a fine catch someday!