Nocklers

A few old toilet paper tubes, some markers, string, and a hole punch. Yes, for me at 30 this is a tired old craft, but for my children it is a novelty and a wonder. It's hard to keep in mind that the world is brand new for them, and so often I don't turn to the trustiest fallbacks.
They were absolutely delighted with this craft. As a matter of fact, James wore his for most of the day, even using them to look at the ducks later in the afternoon when we went to the park.
And as always, May was happy just to be doing the same thing as her big brother.
It's amazing to me that it only takes the slightest effort on my part to turn my children's world into a fairy tale. What an amazing gift, parenthood.

Pretty Pretty Princess

These days May has been really into dresses. *Really* into dresses. She often brings me three or four in the morning asking me to change her out of her pajamas. At which point we have a discussion about how many dresses one can successfully wear at one time. (Remember the episode of Friends where Joey wears ALL of Chandler's clothes?)
On the one hand, it is absolutely charming to see my little girl carefully choosing her frilliest outfit for the day. On the other hand, two months ago I got her stocked up on shirts and pants. Yesterday, in fact, I tricked her into wearing a shirt by telling her it was just a very tiny dress. Not sure if she really believed me or was just humoring me, though.
Although I can't say what this dress-obsession tells about May's future, I can say it has really made me sit up and take notice of how quickly she's growing up. Who knew that we would get into wardrobe arguments before her second birthday?

Matrix Snowman

Brace yourself for an image so shocking, so spectacular, that my four year old son just had to take a picture. Presenting: Matrix Snowman
Yesterday James and Chad built a snowman in the front yard. This morning the snowman looked . . . different. As though he had spent all night doing the limbo.
No matter what angle you looked at it from, this posture seemed impossible - downright gravity-defying.
As the day progressed, so did the snowman's agility.
Even May, who only says "snowman" in an ominous whisper because she finds them "scay-ree," was delighted by our snowman's special abilities.
Someday James will tell his own children about the legend of Matrix Snowman.
Tell me it's not even a little spooky.

Wee Ghostie

A little spirit has been roaming our house for the past few weeks.

Anyone know a good paranormal expert?

Nugget of the Day

Today May took her socks off and told me her toes were watching tv. I loved it.

Scenes from a Blanket Fort

Queen for the Day

May has been a little under the weather lately. Well, make that a LOT under the weather. Today I explained to James that we were going to have to do our best to take very good care of her and make her feel happy. After breakfast and a bath I suggested we have a Movie Morning. While I cued up "Horton Hears a Who" on TiVo (yay, TiVo!) James went into May's room to gather up all of her favorite things. We carefully covered her lap in blankies as she was complaining about being cold (sad feverish baby) and let all of her best friends sit next to her. Then we fetched her a cool drink to soothe her sore throat. I must say, that is the happiest little sick girl I have ever seen.