Stuck on This!

I love everything about these Woodland Wall Decals from Blik. The scene is natural, but still so much fun! They stick to the wall for instant impact, but can be easily removed, re-stuck, or repositioned. They are whimsical without being cutesy, colorful without requiring a color commitment, and they make a statement without dominating the space. Speaking of space, I just might have something in mind for these...

Top 10 Reasons Why We Love Flitty

1. Chocolate Meringue Pie
2. Her infectious laugh
3. The way she takes care of Chris
4. Her admirable character, generosity, kindness, and unselfishness
5. The way she says "srimp" (shrimp)
6. Lemon Pie with Nilla Wafer Crust
7. The way she loves and treats babies, particularly Willa
8. Unexpected flowers and homemade dinners, delivered to our door
9. The thoughtful, hand-written cards she gives
10. The energy and efficiency which earned her the name, "Flitty"

{Thank you for the sweet note, the beautiful flowers and the delicious dinner! It was absolutely unnecessary, but you already knew that. We all love you!}

Lazy Sunday

Sean and Willa looked so sweet this morning, I couldn't resist taking these. Here Sean was, trying to enjoy a slow start to his day, and Willa was not having it. It was a truly perfect moment that, to me, epitomizes life with children and the simple joy they bring. I've never been a morning person, but motherhood has changed that. My favorite part of the day is when I first greet Willa. No matter how little sleep I've gotten overnight, I can hardly wait to pick her up and kiss those fresh, rosy cheeks. This morning, she actually played for a while in her crib before calling for one of us to come and get her. Sean and I just laid in bed and eavesdropped on her conversation. Speaking of simple joys, we could have listened for hours to the cute sounds that were coming from her crib. There is a new word she keeps using, it's something like, "Deece, Deece." It is usually accompanied by a pointed index finger, as if she is saying "What's this?" Oh, and I am also pleased to say that Mama-ma, and Dada are officially part of her vocabulary. Since I'm on the subject of her development, she has been sleeping through the night (8 sharp to 7-ish) consistently for a couple of weeks now. Her sleep issues have been our hardest hurdle, so this is huge for us. She also has 3 teeth (2 on the bottom, 1 on top) and is working on 2 more. It's only a matter of time before she bites that cute protruding tongue and decides to start keeping it inside her mouth.

Willa on Nonchalant Mom

I submitted a photo of Willa's Halloween costume to one of my favorite blogs, Nonchalant Mom, and it made yesterday's post. Mosey over and check it out:

http://nonchalantmom.blogspot.com/

It's a great blog, chock-full of helpful parenting tips and style for children, parents and the kid-friendly home.

Happy Birthday, Tara!

We're not just getting older and wiser, we get better as the years go by. And the same goes for our friendship. I am so fortunate to have had a friend like you through three whole decades (and then some.) I'm looking forward to hearing more about how you are settling into all the recent and exciting changes in your life. You should stay put and enjoy yourself for a while! Miss you.

Making History

This has nothing to do with the hot button issues of this election or my own political views. Those are definitely not things I have ever wished to discuss on this blog. I personally do not feel equipped with the knowledge to properly do so, and I recognize that many of my friends and family members who read it have very strong and conflicting views. So I will just say this: Whatever your affiliation, you can not deny that yesterday was a monumental day in American history. And I am SO excited that Willa was here to see it. While she is obviously too young to understand or remember, she will certainly witness the significant role this election will play in our future. As my friend, (and fellow new mom) pointed out to me, our children will grow up in a changed America, in which race and gender are irrelevant even in the most esteemed office of the President of the United States. And that makes me VERY happy.

Happy Birthday, Stephanie!

I hope your day is just as special as you are to us. I'm counting on you to be a significant influence in Willa's life, with your inspiring kindness and genuine nature. So we need to start seeing more of you!