I bought these buckets to help in the toy organization department at our house. But it seems that instead of organizing our toys, they have become toys themselves. Most mornings I find Elle and Gwen sitting in these buckets while watching cartoons. Elle also likes to trap our dog Tiger in it because he is so little he can't escape. The silly face Gwen is making is one of my favorites. It is her pretend 'sad' face. And yes, her pretend 'sad' look makes me very happy.
After preschool today, Elle wanted to make magic lemonade, "just like daddy makes". Jon makes it for her regularly and told her that when he was a little boy his mom used to make it for him. Grandma taught him this very top secret magic trick... start stirring the lemonade, say "abracadabra" and then let go. And guess what, the spoon spins all by itself! Amazing. I am dying over Elle's reaction. She really is amazed each time. Love it.
With no intention of taking any photos, I was sitting on the front porch watching these two wild women fly past me down the sidewalk... over and over and over again. Each time they passed me they had to make sure that I was really watching them. "Mama, mama, mama, look at me" they kept saying. I know that this period of time where their mom is the center of their universe is not going to last long. I was sitting there just laughing at how funny they were, thinking how cute they looked, how sweet their voices sounded and how "real" the moment was. I thought about how much I am going to miss this someday. I wanted to just scoop them up and smother them in hugs and kisses. I had to capture it. Not so much how they looked (even though I do love Gwen's skid knee/pantless attire) but how I felt as I was looking at them.
I love the rain. Love, love, love it. I bought the girls these rainboots a few weeks ago and they were so excited. This morning we woke up to it sprinkling outside. Elle looked out the window and then ran and grabbed her boots. She then dressed herself and Gwen. She said since the boots were "twins" they had to be dressed like twins. The girls were in heaven. We walked down the path behind our house which leads to the park. The girls stopped at every snail and worm they saw. The highlight for Gwen was seeing a bunny rabbit. We made it to the park and they insisted on playing for a little bit even though they got soaked. It was a fun and wet morning. All 3 of us had a great time and we made a fun memory.
I am 3 months pregnant with our third baby. It is amazing how your heart's ability to love just multiplies and how much all four of us already LOVE this little one. Elle and Gwen are continually kissing my belly. It really is quite adorable. I had a dr.'s appointment today and I must say, there is no sweeter sound than hearing that little heartbeat for the first time. Our hearts are wide open and we can not wait to meet this new addition to our family.
The house was quiet, too quiet so I went on the hunt for Miss Gwenners. This is just exactly how I found her. Naked as a jay bird (or nakers as we refer to this state of undress), covered in baby powder on top of her dresser. She used her rocking lamb and opened a drawer to climb on up. Caught red handed or more appropriately, white handed. Now how can I get upset at this adorable little girl? I can't.
I was rushing to get my little Gwendolyn home for her nap today. I hurried upstairs, laid her in her crib and closed the door. This nap time of hers is also precious time for me to get things done around the house. I got downstairs and heard Gwen crying. She was crying out saying, "baby, baby,". When I rock Gwen I hold her in a baby position and sing, "hush little baby". She loves it. When she is sad, she says "baby, baby" which means, "mama, hold me like a baby and sing to me". These little ones really make you get your priorities straight. The laundry can pile up, the dishes can wait, the house can fall apart but what is most important, (which Gwen reminded me of today) is this blink of time that I have with my little girls. I went back into her room and she had a puffy face wet with tears and was standing in her crib waiting for me. I held her in my arms and rocked her like a baby and sang to her our little song. I know someday I am going to really miss this time. I feel like it is falling through my fingers each day and I wish I could just slow down the clock. I love motherhood and Gwendolyn reminded me today just what a blessing it is to be a mom...her mom.
With no preschool on Fridays, I have both girls all to myself. We went to the bagel shack this morning and then headed to the beach with towels, a chair and sand toys. Just the three of us. The girls were in heaven and I must say I was too. A perfect Friday for sure.
We ended our fun morning/afternoon with a walk down the pier. The girls loved watching the water through the slats of the side rails. There was a snack shack at the end of the pier and all 3 of us could not resist sharing a plate of french fries. Gwen was in charge of our ketchup (wow, that was a mess) and Elle danced on the table to the music coming from the radio of one of the fishermen. I love these little girls.
Both of our girls love to dress-up. This leopard number is the current costume of choice. I crack-up everytime I see Elle in it. Gwen was wearing a Tigger costume at the time but wouldn't slow down enough for me to take her picture. They were both prring like cats and crawling around the kitchen. I love how imaginative they are and I love that they can entertain themselves and me in the process.
Saturday afternoons are special. While Jon stays home with napping Gwen, Elle and I head out. It is our time...just the two of us. I had some Christmas returns to make at the mall and Elle came with me. She got herself dressed all in pink. She was loving her purse and as we were strolling through the mall she pulled me down to her level and said, "mama, I think everyone thinks I am a mommy". In other words, she felt really grown-up. While I was sitting and waiting for the salesman to bring me my shoes, I looked and Elle had taken her boots off and was prancing around with the display shoes. She looked so cute and oh so grown-up.
