these days

What does our day look like when we have the whole day to the three of us?

Different, but mostly the same, really. Paisley’s favorite breakfast right now is blueberries and pancakes. Or even better; blueberry pancakes!

There’s a nap somewhere between ten and noon, which is usually prompted by a mommy rocking and cuddle session.

Afternoons are spent running errands or keeping busy outside. In the evenings, Andy cooks and we finish off with our nightly rituals.

Here’s a peek.

Morning. Six-thirty-ish.

We let the fresh air in and play quietly while dad gets a few extra zzz’s.

Nine-ish. Depending on when it gets warm, wagon rides are in order.

All day. The girl ALWAYS wants to play outside.

Afternoon. There’s a tiiiny bit of grown-up time in there. Until there’s not.

With cuddles in between.

Evenings.

We never skip bath time. It’s the heal-all winding down activity of the day. Unless, of course dad is in the tub with her :) Then it’s more like splash time.

Bedtime is always done the same way, the same time, the way we all like it. With stories, of course. Right now we are liking Skippy John Jones, Baby Sign Language, any feeler books, and some Sesame Street.

We get our real grown-up time after seven when the girl is fast asleep. We like to watch our DVR’d shows(me), play PS3(not me), catch up on emails, and edit and blog! Oh yeah, and dessert!

Holidays

Now they really start. Pea’s birthday marked the beginning of our fall/winter festivities and I just can’t seem to take down the Happy Birthday banner that hangs in my dining room.

Now we fly straight into Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and slew of birthdays. As I’ve mentioned before, things are ever-changing in our house with a girl that is growing so big, so fast. Leaves falling are a sign of change and we are wearing an extra layer around here. This indoor mommy is being pushed daily to step outside and explore the fall around us. “Buh” with a tiny finger pointing up is a bird sighting, and a little grin appears each time she causes a crunch with her tiny feet.

But the family is changing, too. Brothers and sisters moved (far) away, creating new traditions for our own family, and not being the “kids” anymore. It’s weird, different, and good in some ways.

This year we have tried to give our girl the best that we can give. We will continue to teach her, cuddle her, laugh with (or sometimes, at) her, and let her go a little more each day.

Last year on this night, Andrew set up signs in the yard “DO NOT KNOCK OR RING DOOR BELL”. For there was a 9-day new baby sleeping in the house. We wanted Halloween to pass quietly, for every moment of sleep was sacred. This year, we visited with cousins, put on our costume one more time, and stayed up a little past bedtime.

It really does seem like minutes since this time last year, but we are embracing it, enjoying it, and always freezing it in time :)

Monday, you have exhausted me.

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Robeez, we need to strike a deal soon. Buy two, get one free? Buy three, get two free? I’m pretty sure I own part of the company now. I’ll be awaiting my coupon…

Mini Shoez-Kendall

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Bring it, holidays.

birthday, birthday.

We invited family.

We ate pulled pork and beans.

Daddy baked eggless vanilla cupcakes.

We have a house full of toys.

My girl got her first blue box.