kidding around

I have posted several times about my guilt with my disorganized photos and lack of baby books for my 3 kids. Well, I am making some progress! This summer, I tackled Ellie’s photos and can now proudly say she has her baby book. I made it very clear as I presented it to her on her birthday that it is mine, but when she is off on her own she may take it with her to keep. There are no fussy pages here, just lots of origami paper and photos.

The best thing, as I was digging around in my boxes of “memories” (it’s so hard for me to do this, I get too sentimental) I discovered the journal I kept while pregnant and her first year of life. To say this is a treasure is an understatement. I used a lot of the entries as commentary throughout her baby book.Simon asked if I kept a journal while pregnant with him, I had to honestly tell him no…BUT all of the sentiments were just multiplied with him and Penelope. Seriously.

This journal was also a gentle reminder of my optimism, naiveness, and commitment to my new baby at the age of 25. I really need to get back in the habit of keeping a journal, it’s so cool to open up such time capsules.

Oh- and I love this page. I had actually printed out this photo of Ellie emphasizing that it was sent over the internet. Back then (now I am sounding old), such technology was mind boggling. At least for this low tech girl.

It’s also really crazy to look at my 3 kids’ photos…

1. Ellie- all prints
2. Simon- all prints, some digital
3. Penny- mostly digital!

Next step, actually printing out what is on my iPhoto…good grief, what can of worms am I opening?!

Happy Thursday!

I know a lot of you dear readers will relate to this statement:
“I can’t believe my baby is growing up!”.

My first baby…the one that changed my world, made me a better person, gave a new meaning to love, filled my day with joy and yes, sometimes stress is now 10. She is wonderful and I am eager to see what the next 10 years will bring her. Thank you Elisabeth Helene for being so compassionate, forgiving and eager!

Like many of you mothers, you re-live your birth story with each of your kids on their special day. Hmmm, I think right about now I was told I was not making much progress and was given pitocin. By evening, I had my little girl in my arms and had forgotten about the contractions, pacing, pain (no epidural, THIS time), tearing, focusing…and was totally in love.

With every birthday, I try to make something for the kids. I love figuring out what I will make and then using that time of creating to reflect on them and their future. That’s what is so cool about “handmade” there IS so much more behind the actual gift! I picked this jacket up a few weeks ago at the thrift store and have one more to make for Peppy.

I did make something else that I am really proud of, but that will wait until next week. Happy weekend!

So school started this morning and we had to take our traditional “first day shot”. We had a half day which is fine, but I think it’s cruel for us to have to all wake up so early and then be tired for the rest of the day! Oh well.

Ellie is in the 5th grade and will soon turn 10 (this Friday, actually). She totally “gets school” and was less than thrilled of the routine, homework and early mornings. Simon on the other hand, was saying all day yesterday: “Today is not ending soon enough- I can’t wait for school and to see my friends!”. I’m imagining this school year we will experience a wide range of emotions and stresses.

Hate to break this to you, if you have young kids, as your children get older it gets more challenging! This summer, I concluded that I will not always be popular with my kids. Sure, as they were young I had no problems with setting boundaries and disciplining, but now we have added the foot stomp, rolled eyes and slamming of the doors. Geesh. At least I have Penelope that STILL thinks I am the best. (By the way, she is missing from the photos because of a sleepover she had with a favorite Nana.)

Anyway, I am happy to say that when it comes down to it- I am so grateful for these two kids and all their quarrels, crabbiness and back talk. They really are so great to be with…I mean, aren’t we all raising our kids so that we will enjoy them even more as adults? It’s even better when those around you enjoy their company as well- I suppose my unpopularity has paid off in this household.

It’s so nice to post again. Hopefully I will find a rhythm to my day that will include this blog.

When the kids and I pulled into the driveway yesterday, this is what Simon discovered. Man, that kid is observant.