A few things

Washing dishes, Scarlett is dancing to music. She stops dancing for a moment to run over and hug my leg. I look down and she purses her lips. Bend down, she gives me a sloppy, wet kiss. Runs off smiling and continues to dance. Love.

It has been a rough couple of weeks but my goodness do I love that child. Sometimes it seems that I love her so much it hurts. It's heartbreaking and beautiful to be a mother. Watching them find such joy in simple things and learn and grow. But then there are times when you see them fall and hurt themselves and you hurt too. Or realize just how quickly they're growing and you can do nothing to stop it. Thinking that one day she will have her own life and will be the vibrant, self-assured woman that you can see her growing to be. Beautiful and heartbreaking.

Quit the binky cold turkey over a week ago and then we all came down with a nasty virus that we're still fighting. It's been 9 days of very little sleep and snot and tissues and cabin fever. It will get better, of course, but it's been a long rough week.

Still though, this is my life and I love every bit of it despite the challenges. And Scarlett, I especially love her.

Well crap

I haven't been good at keeping up with this have I? I'll get some new stuff up soon, promise. For now, here are a few cute pictures. Of my baby. Who isn't a baby anymore. And about to be 2. Yeah, in denial about that.

5 Years

5 years ago Matt and I got married. We went fancy with a courthouse wedding since we had no money (still don't!) and aren't fans of being in front of a lot of people. We wanted to keep it small and just invite immediate family. His parents, my parents, my sis and nephew came. It was planned and we dressed up and ate afterwards. That was about that.

In October it will be 8 years total and it certainly hasn't been easy. I'm still surprised he puts up with me on a daily basis. He's a wonderful guy, however, insanely smart and such an amazing dad.

Also the flip flops? Ignore those :) My feet ached by the time we got down to the gazebo and I changed shoes too early. Took pics and I directed them NOT to get my feet. This still remains my favorite picture on that day... we both look so happy! And the flip flops match anyways.

Here's to many, many more years :)

Wordless Wednesday

(First visit to Grant's Farm late May)

Because I can't resist...

Here's more.

Dear Scarlett

Dear Scarlett,

I wish you could stay this small forever. You're still tiny, never having caught up from the rough first year, particularly the first 6 months, but you're absolutely perfect to me. Your hair is finally growing and you're allowing me to put clips in to keep your bangs out of your eyes. You're so incredibly smart and amaze me everyday. You've learned approximately 80 bajillion new words in the last 2 months which just blows my mind. You're gentle and patient with other kids and always show concern when someone hurts themselves. You're also incredibly curious and full of boundless energy and love to point at mama's phone saying "song!" and then dance your tiny bum off. I can't believe you're going to be 2 in less than 2 months.

Quitting my job and staying home with you has been the best decision I have ever made. Spending so much time with you, whether it's a happy or frustrating time, is making me a better mama and all around better person. I love you, my little chip-toothed, wispy-haired pixie.

Love,
Mama

Wordless Wednesday

(hahahaha! this pic cracks me up)