Stick.

I recently read an article online from Wired Magazine titled The 5 Best Toys of All Time. Stick was first on the list. I loved the article; it was a cheeky yet sobering commentary on today's brand of over-consumerism. 

And then I took Haven to the park and lo and behold, she found herself a stick. Nothing new here; she always finds at least one stick and one stone that she carries throughout our walk (sometimes leaves and acorns too).

Haven found this stick and thrust it proudly over her head in triumph, complete with a joyful shout. It was about the cutest thing ever, so I of course had to immortalize it in photographs.

Seriously, she was busting. Best. Stick. Ever.

.

Photo essay: Playing is learning. I hope.

Did you notice?

No-nap afternoon, so let's go to the library. There are books there, you know. We can take the books home and keep them for three whole weeks. Lots and lots of books...


And yes, there are some toys. And computers that you have no idea how to use, thank goodness.

But please remember why we are here: BOOKS! ...did you notice you are surrounded by books?

Alright, don't worry; Mama's on it. I'm picking some amazing books, girls. You just ...do your non-book thing and I'll stock up. I know you'll be excited once we're home. Yeah, once we're home, you'll be talking about how great all the books were at the library. 

Funny, that.

Fast asleep.

I don't often get to see Haven while she sleeps; I haven't since she was around five months old and I started putting her in her bed awake to try to help her learn to fall asleep on her own. It worked, but as a result I've definitely missed holding my sleeping baby and watching her sleep. Even though Sonja's sleep habits were not as healthy as Haven's (she sleeps fine now, but she certainly didn't for a long time), I look back and relish all the times I got to be with her as she slept.


There are obvious pros and cons to each approach.

When I walked into Haven's room this afternoon to wake her from her nap, I noticed immediately how deeply she was sleeping and I quickly found my camera. I do this every chance I get and I did it with Sonja too. I simply can't resist; they are so lovely.


Last Monday, Haven feel asleep in the stroller when I was out for a run. She nodded off in the last five minutes of the run and when I took her out of the stroller, she slumped on my shoulder, fast asleep. I realized that was the first time I've held her while she slept since she was five-months old. I could have cried. 


I'm such a Mom.

Work it.

Rock those tissue boxes, Kid. Work it.

Every once in a while I take a photo of one or both of my girls and think, "this one's gonna end up in a yearbook or a wedding-day slideshow." Uh-huh. This whole sequence is gold.

The most beautiful.

I don't think many parents can watch their children grow without thinking at least once, "My child is the most beautiful child who ever lived." ...or something similar. And of course you know that all children are beautiful. ...but yours is just the most beautiful.


Those crystal clear and shining eyes, that flawless skin, those perfect lips, that wispy, curly hair; how could this child not be the most beautiful child who ever lived?

I take comfort in knowing that all parents feel this way at some time or another. And I am also keenly aware that we are supposed to feel this way; they need to be the most beautiful children in the world so that we love them no matter what they do. 


No matter how frustrated I get, one look at these photos, one gaze into those eyes, one hug, one kiss, one "I love you, Mama" and I'm done for. I'm putty. It takes an iron will to stay upset or to follow through on any discipline. Those eyes are freakin' powerful. 


And that smile just seals the deal.