You’re In

Why yes, Ms. Klum, yes I am. Sucked in, that is. Today I’ve discovered what the rest of the extended cable endowed already know and embrace: Project Runway. It’s so late that I’m not even going to link that reference. (I also don’t want to read any spoilers.)

Tonight I go to bed with a bellyful of Gobstoppers (not a recommendation, mind you), a head full of 12 fashion designers, and a birthday wish for my mom. Happy birthday, Mamacita! I love you.

Hm.

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Who has known the mind of toddler? Who can discern its ways? When Sesame Street is over, when the hardwood floors are bitterly cold, why does the two year old remove her slippers and socks? And when it comes to places to sit, places to ponder deep thoughts, why does the wee one deposit herself under the sink? Adult minds will never know. They will simply observe. And take pictures.

Jack Frost Pays a Visit

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I’m Dreaming of…

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Warm days at the beach where a cool breeze floats in off the waves and the sun creates more freckles on my face. Delicious entrees of fresh seafood — crabcakes, shrimp, fish, clam chowder. Huge oaks draped with spanish moss, gravestones dating back several hundreds years, churches with historical significance.

St. Simons Island sounds lovely today.

Livia-isms: Heartbreaker Edition

The other day I cracked open one of Livia’s Christmas presents and began at the beginning with the story of Creation. After storytime we called Jeremy (who was completing a freelance project) and Liv related what she had learned: that God created the first man and first woman, Adam and Kristin. By the next phone call, this time to Papa, the names had changed. Adam and Evil.

I picked up an especially lovey-dovey Livia from Nana’s house this afternoon. Man, it’s great to be greeted by a toddler who says, in her own special toddler drawl: I mi-issed you, Mom. The utter melting of my heart left a puddle on the floor.

Earlier today I deviated from our normal route home in order to pick up a breakfast sandwich from Burger King. As soon as I pulled into the parking lot Livia started clapping. Wondering if my daughter had finally picked up on my affinity for eating-out I asked, “Why are you clapping?”
“Because I’m happy,” Liv replied.
“Why are you happy?”
“Because Jesus loves me.”

Right in the heart, people. She gets me every time.

Adventures in the Animal Kingdom

I carried on the most ridiculous conversation yesterday with an employee at a local fish store.

Me: Um, hi. My in-laws purchased a betta fish for my young daughter and, well, I don’t think he’s doing too well.

Fish Guy: What’s he doing?

Me: Laying on his side. He doesn’t want to eat. He hardly swims around. But I know he’s alive because he moves when I tap the bowl.

After running through a short list of betta care questions, I’m left with this: our betta may have had a stroke.

So evidentally I’m feeding and cleaning the bowl of a stroked-out, $3.50, slightly crazed betta. See what I mean about ridiculous?

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Our outdoor “pet” situation is no better. Our front porch slats, apparently, provide delicious munchies to a very cheeky, obstinate and, dare I say, vicious squirrel. I tell you what. This thing looks me in the eye and just dares me to take a step in his direction. I had the audacity to head out front to pick up our mail and the little thing stared me down and refused to budge! I swear he’s going to charge me or the Wee One someday. Jeremy laughs at this concern, but he hasn’t seen the challenge in this squirrel’s eye yet.

Tredways: 0
Yard Rat: 2 (Just ask Liv how Daddy broke his foot)

Nana and Her Girls

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Livia thinks Madeleine is the coolest thing in the world.

I love the way her hand so casually rests on her baby cousin’s head here… It’s like Liv’s thinking, Yeah, we hang out all the time.

Snow Play

Wow, big break from blogging there, huh? What can I say… It was a brief hiatus.

Note: No child was harmed or neglected in any fashion in the following photo opportunity. The featured child has become quite dramatic in recent days. Such drama needed to be captured in film for posterity.

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2007

I’m welcoming a new year by taking a deep breath, and a bit of a blogging break.

I’ll be back…

Toddler in Motion, Christmas Day

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