It was October.

It's been months since I've even turned on the computer.  These days I answer email from my phone with a baby in one arm.  I've debated even continuing my blog.  After all I have 9 readers, and little time or inspiration.  But I know it is a great place to record family memories and save them for our girls.  I'm gonna try to make more time to record and recount memories before they pick up too quickly for me to catch-up.  Excuse the back track (if there is anyone out there still following along.)

So, back 6 months ago, it was October.  We were exhausted, but we pumpkin patched, dressed-up and experienced our first trick or treating.  We visited about 10 houses on our cul-du-sac; Chloe loved it all.  But mostly, dressing up as a kitty.  And Remy worn Chloe's first Halloween costume too.  Seeing them start these sister memories is so special.

A visit from Lump!

The fun didn't stop.  Our dear Roxana drove up from San Diego to spend the evening with us.  And brought along Easter treats for Chloe.  She is such a thoughtful ray of sunshine and had Chloe squealing with laughter within minutes of her arrival.  As usual we talked ourselves silly and by the end of the night we were both ready to drop.  Holiday weekends aren't for the faint at heart.  We look forward to living so much closer in a few weeks.

P.S. Don't ask about the nickname.  Lump is our term of endearment to one another.

 

Oh my heart these days, somewhere in between sheer devastation for the families in Newtown, CT and overwhelming gratitude for my little one at my feet.  I'm not sure if it's being a mama or if everyone feels this deep ache for the families of those beautiful children.  I've hid from the news the last few days, my heart can't take anymore.  But daily, I'm saying a prayer, lighting a candle and hoping they all find the hope, faith, strength and love to carry on day by day.  I'm certain your hearts are feeling the same.

Only a week ago, I was thinking about how busy these days have been.  The holidays send all of us into a tailspin of lovely parties, playdates, gift buying, tree trimming and how I really enjoy all of it.  But this year, I want to let some of it slide and be present and not too overwhelmed to sit and read 100 Christmas books a day with my little bloom.  So that is exactly what we've been doing.  Sitting tree-side and reading together.  (Between, parties and playdates, and park trips and errands.)  The house has fallen to pieces and I'm certain my sweet husband walks through the door wondering if we've been ransacked by wolves while he's been at work, by the magnitude of toys filling the living room floor.  But I'm letting it go, if only for another few hours so that we can simply sit and be present and focus on, what truly, deeply matters most.

On a gifting note:  I saw these prints for sale in benefit of the Sandy Hook families, I knew I could be of support from a far by sending some funds and writing a letter of love to those who need it most.  I thought I'd share, just in case you, my lovely, faithful, 11 readers, were interested, too.  They would be perfect for children's rooms, play rooms or any place that needs a dose of color and encouragement in your home or office.

Also, the post office has set up a PO box for condolences, drawings and love to be showered upon the Sandy Hook families:

Messages of Condolence for Newtown
PO Box 3700
Newtown, CT 06470

I'm not sure what I'll say yet, but I'll be sending some love via snail mail for certain.  
Operation Sandy Hook on Brickyard Buffalo.  Here.  There are several more prints to pick from.  All for $5 a piece and you print them from home.  Add a frame and instant art.  Only 6 more days left for the deal and giving.

Print by Caravan Shoppe.

Print by Maypole Handlettered.

Print by Kelli Murray.

Trip to MacDonald's Ranch.

Her special horse, Felina.

Bird lover.

Cheesy family shot in the pumpkin patch, we had to.  Check out those cactus. 

It was hot and dusty but we made it out with some perfectly festive pumpkins.  And Chloe rode her first horse.  I could hardly reach her to hold her on to the horse as we walked a long, and she was totally silent until it was time to get off.  Then naturally, she wanted more.  I see more horse riding in our future.  The chickens were her favorite part of the petting zoo. This girl really is a bird lover.

Mama's Day 2012.

Wild as usual, our little bloom didn't want to hold still.  Toddlers have a mind of their own, can you believe that?  But this photo is memorable.  Being her mama is such a gift.  And one thing is for sure, I don't ever wanna be called mommy or mom, just mama.  It melts my heart.

The day was a bit bumpy, but we had some nice moments sprinkled throughout.  And my loves certainly showered me with love.

Kevin and I were both blessed with extraordinary moms.  I feel so lucky to have their example to follow.  This day in particular we were so thankful for all they have given us.

My mind kept recalling last years celebration and the blessing I had that day to have my mom, mother-in-law and Chloe all together.  It was my first Mother's Day and perhaps will always be the most memorable.  But there are so many beautiful times yet to have.  One day far from now I hope to be surrounded by a small team of children to love, snuggle and call my own.  I know one thing is for sure, we've got a lot of love in these walls.

Easter Sunday.

On Sunday, we went to church to celebrate all Easter signifies.  I cried as we watched the little kids sing in the choir, felt gratitude for sacrifices and deeply missed my mom.  I'm a softy like that. 

Then we strolled around town,
stopped to smell the flowers, and
were happy to see signs that businesses still believe in tradition.

We wore cute spring shoes (us girls, anyway),
saw bunny shaped trees!
dined at Whole Foods,
enjoyed basket surprises and a (last minute) egg hunt.

We (he) watched golf online,
read books,
cleaned up the after-math,
and wore matching (cheesy-some may say) dresses.  I had to do it at least once.  And nope I did not make them, although I wish I could.  Every woman at church asked me that.  One day I'll learn to sew.

The day was simple, sweet, unlike any Easter from the past.  But the three of us had one another and that was (is) enough.

And have I mentioned the way our little bloom says, bunny?  It's so darn darling!  I'll have to record it.  Bunnies might be taking over as her new favorite these days.  

Did you wear your green?

Oh and on St. Patrick's Day, we wore green.  But drank no green beer, ate no green eggs and ham, did nothing Irish.  I even forgot to pinch anyone all day.  That's my favorite part!

But we did this silly photo shoot, just because we could.  Chloe holding up her"baby" puzzle piece in the last photo was so spontaneous and hysterical. 

What did you do?  My nine loyal readers. 

Merry & Bright.

Way back in November my beautiful friend Andrea of Merry & Bright Photography took these family photos for us.  It was our first month in Phoenix, the start of a new chapter.  They turned out so beautifully.  We couldn't really pick favorites, they really are that much fun. (I'm biased, of course.)  Thank you Andrea!

My Grandmother Doris' baby bracelet, she loved it!

Our bloom is a whole 3 months older now.  Where is the time going?  I love her expressions.  The best part, all these faces were candid.  She really does have a lot of personality.

I told you, I love them all.