hold me closer, tony danza.

Somebody's going to be a ballerina for Halloween.

Number four on the list: Sew a skirt (modified to read) Construct a ridiculously awesome hotpink tutu. Done.

nobody's princess.

second baby eating a shoe, because we don't give him toys.

I pull him out of the car and say, "Hey, brown eyes."

I walk around to her side and start unstrapping the buckles.

She says, "Will you say, hey blue eyes to me, Mommy?"

"Of course I will, baby."

make mine a double.

Claire had a friend over for several hours. The friend's mother and I frequently swap childcare, which has been awesome. Except that today is the day after Claire stayed up 3 hours past her regular bedtime. Except that we have no milk in the house and I am working on weaning. Except.

I had planned to let the girls play until the friend's mama came to get her, but the friend requested a nap. I nestled her into the pack-n-play. Claire went ballistic. Crying, I wanna nap in dere! She attempted to climb in on top of her playmate. It was not pretty.

Then I remembered that we were out of milk.

Claire requested a sippy of milk, as part of her usual naptime routine. I told her that we were out. Tears. Then I told her that if she were quiet and calm we could go to Starbucks together after for a special treat after rest time.

With tears streaming down her face, still sobbing, she says, "Black Rock."

What did you say? I ask.

"I like Black Rock." Says my three year old coffee snob.

let it shine! let it shine! let it shine!

She used to walk around this place like a geriatric Baptist minister, fumbling the words, constantly singing. Now she knows the words. I miss it so much. Some of her highlights:

This is the day that the Lord has made, I will be Joyce and be Gladys Day.

The B-I-LEE that's the book for me!

And my favorite: This little lice is mine. I'm gonna let it shine.

another first for my first.

Dear Claire,
Today you packed treasures into your rainbow backpack: teddy, blankie and your Valentine card from the Dada. We held hands while I walked you into your classroom. I signed you in. I handed over your rainbow backpack. And then I handed over you.
After, we went to lunch, just the two of us. You chose a spot, "We can sit here, Mommy. Because we're two girls." I peppered you with questions. I asked what you learned. You played it cool. Later at the park, I overheard you whispering to a little girl that we don't know, "I go to preschool." Yeah you do, big girl.
I couldn't love you more.
Love,
Mama

guess who?

Guess who decided to take a couple of unassisted steps today?

A hint: It's the same person who thinks biting his mama on the shoulder is endearing.

trying not to laugh

She spends days pretending she's a tiger. She's a bear. She's a crocodile.

She tells me she wants to get rid of the C in her name. She wants me to call her "Laire."

She comes out of her room from a time-out in full princess garb, including tiara and tutu.

33 things before i'm 33: item #14

Make and freeze a big batch of pesto. Done.

While we were camping this summer, I made a list of things I'd like to do before next year's camping trip in August. Many of the things turned out to be about food. We are officially set for pesto around here.

for everett, who is one today.

Dear Everett,
A year ago today, I sat stunned in a hospital bed holding a 9 pound 10 ounce, miniature Nate. Face up, huge, no drugs. It was the craziest thing I've ever done. I would do it again in a heartbeat. That's all you really need to know. It's been a wonderful year.

Happy Birthday, Ev. Mister Baby. Everett Peep. I'm so glad you're mine.

Love,
Mama

she's never even seen cinderella.

Nate (complimenting Claire's latest glittery picture): You're going to be an artist someday.
Claire: No, I'm going to be a princess.