a new "do"

Despite a recent haircut on her birthday,
Molly's hair was constantly in her face.
So, we made the drastic decision to chop it off.
My sweet baby girl did so well...not one tear. And when we were done, she was jumping up and down, saying "I did it!".
And now, she not only looks more like my baby pictures, but looks so much older!!

smart

Last night, Molly and I went out with Shalimar and Salvatore.
We had dinner, and then had some shopping to do.
When we pulled into Babies R Us, Molly kept saying "animals" over and over.
Inside the store, she continued...the whole time.
So, when we were loading up the cars, I said, "Molly, where are the animals?"
And she pointed to 2 stores down.
And there was PetCo.
(the crazy thing is that we have never BEEN to that shopping center, so she truly did recognize the sign!)

Fingerprint Friday

There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says: I can see the fingerprints of god. When I look at you, I can see the fingerprints of god. And I know its true. You're a masterpiece, that all creation quietly applauds. And you're covered with the fingerprints of god.

So look around you and see where YOU can see God's fingerprints.

Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Where do you see them?

Guess who this guy is?

Remember, my tiny hero, Talan?

(2 days old...25 weeks, 1 pound 12 oz)

I am reminded of the fingerprints when I think of his amazing story.

After walking for the March of Dimes last year, I also was introduced to this amazing little girl.
I never knew her, but followed her mom's blog. In her short and happy life, she touched so many lives....she also has a new baby sister!

I also found this amazing miracle, through another blog (I swear, I am not a stalker!)

These tiny babies, their families, nurses, and doctors all inspire me to make a difference...

Last year, I exceeded my goal of $500, thanks to many of you.
Think I can do it again? Think we can do it again?
Click here if you'd like to support March of Dimes and all the babies born too soon.

Isn't this face worth it??

(and for more fingerprints, check out The Rusted Chain)

Wordless Wednesday

Fingerprint Friday

There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:I can see the fingerprints of godWhen I look at youI can see the fingerprints of godAnd I know its trueYou're a masterpieceThat all creation quietly applaudsAnd you're covered with the fingerprints of godSo look around you and see where YOU can see God's fingerprints. Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Where do you see them?


It's been raining. Today is the 5th full day of rain.
It's been a long week, where I cannot send my 24 five year olds out to play or eat.
BUT, I was able to take a break and enjoy the water, with my 6 year old.
We brought the boots and jacket and umbrella to school.
And after school, we let nature supply the entertainment.

Thank you, Jack, for giving me a chance to see the fingerprints, during a week where I was struggling to find some.

For more inspiration, check out The Rusted Chain.

serious

I am very much aware that my kids watch too much tv. The Wonder Pets are a new favorite for my animal loving 2 year old. Ming Ming, the duck, always declares the emergency as being "serious"...and now, so does Molly.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

sometimes...

I gasp when I look at certain pictures of my baby.
I gasp because everyday she seems to be less and less babylike.

Birthday

Between my mom, my brother-in-law, and myself, I have over 200 pictures from Molly's party.
Don't worry, I won't make you look at all of them!
But, we had a wonderful time....
with lots of friends and family...and lots of animal friends, too.The Gabba Gabba cupcakes were a HUGE hit...and worth every hour of work!We were so happy to get a BEAUTIFUL California day.
In January, it's hard to predict, but we were actually squeezing in to be in the shade!!!
If you REALLY want to see them, you can check out the rest of Molly's birthday excitement here!

loved

Probably one of the biggest things we worry about is who will watch our kids when we go to work. We have been beyond blessed with my mom and the people who have watched our kids.
Both Jack and Molly are very loved when we are not at home.
But, this fall, as I was looking again for a good fit for Molly, I was really anxious.
She isn't always the easiest to take care of...so, it was very important for me to find a good "match".
And I did.
These women truly love her.
And today they showed it by having a birthday party for Molly.





When we pull up in the morning, Molly exclaims, "Yay! Friends!".
And I drive away knowing that she is loved.

cupcakes

Molly loves Yo Gabba Gabba!
And I love Molly.
So....

Plex

Muno

Toodee

Brobee

Foofa

5 characters x 10 cupcakes of each!

Making cupcakes for your favorite 2 year old is...

AWESOME!!!

two words: Daddy's Girl

When I was pregnant with Molly, I just felt like I would have another boy.
And I was SO o.k. with that.
When we found out I was having a girl, a DAUGHTER, I was so surprised.
Ken went to my favorite kids' clothing store, and bought an outfit.
From shoes to hat. All accessories included.
I knew, from that second on, she would have him wrapped around her tiny fingers.

And, today, those tiny fingers are pink.
All because of Daddy.

2

I have a 2 year old who:

- still does not sleep through the night

- loves throwing things in the trash can

- finds incredible joy in using crayons and markers...on surfaces that are not meant for art

- refuses to be wrapped up in a towel after a bath and prefers to drip dry

- loves to eat everything off my plate instead of her own

- screams her head off in the car if she drops something

- gets mad EVERY day when I only give her 2 vitamins and ignores her plea for "more"

- gets irritated when her shows are over and you change the channel....



But, I also have a 2 year old who:

- smiles so big it warms my heart

- loves her older brother so, so much

- can dance (and sing) with great accuracy

- exclaims "yeah, friends!" when we pull up at daycare

- puts her dishes in the sink when she is done eating

- declares things as "awesome"

- tells me "this is fun!"

- loves to "read" books

- can count to 14, because that's how many stairs we count everytime we go up or down

- almost always says "thank you"

- has more wonderful friends than most 2 year olds I know

- names all the people at the table on Sunday dinner at my mom's

- bonds with animals like nobody I have ever seen

- carries her special blankets everywhere we go

- thinks the Small World ride is probably the best thing ever

I have a 2 year old.

And I think she's perfect.

Happy Birthday, baby girl!

“A two-year old is kind of like having a blender, but you don't have a top for it.”

Jerry Seinfeld

just so you know

After school on most days, I usually run up to the office to make a few copies.
Jack usually is content with a book, or his DS, or Spongebob cartoons.
Today, I came back, and he wasn't there.
I didn't panic...because I found this:

And, he was with Gavin...just so you know.

you know you listen to it TOO much when....

Make a Smilebox slideshow

our little ROCK STAR!

Happy New Year! Happy 2 Years!

I started my blog on January 5, 2008.
Looking back, I didn't realize I would become so dedicated to this whole blogging thing.
It's been lots of fun, reading the comments from all of you, and sharing the details that make life at our house crazy, and fun, and wonderful.
I found a cool thing that will "track" who visits my blog...I had a lot from Ohio and California, no surprise there. But, I was shocked to see that I had "hits" from some pretty interesting places (South Africa?)...
In this NEW year, I want to continue the blog AND know who is "out there" reading it.
So, leave a comment, so I can formally "meet" you...
and thanks for reading.
2010...here we come!