Noah and Emme

NEW BLOG!

2009-08-20T21:07:00.000-04:00

Come on over to my new blog:
http://www.andreahallettphotography.net/
Hope to see you there!

Buns

2009-06-22T23:06:00.003-04:00

I was looking through some old photos and found this one of Emme when she was about 6months old. I had a slight flower hat obsession going on then. I actually still do come to think of it.

It's a really good thing those buns are covered by a diaper most of the time, or they may have been nibbled off by now.

"How to Enjoy the Beach" by Emme

2009-06-05T23:26:00.002-04:00

Emme just returned from her first official trip to the beach and she would like to share some helpful tips with you!

Firstly, sand is fun! And tasty! Don't be afraid to get your favorite dress a little sandy. You only live once, right? Plus, Mommy can always wash it. She's a little neurotic about that stuff.

Two words of advice whilst lounging by the pool: Work it. Work it good, honey! (ok that was 4 words) Put on those shades and dip those dainty toes in the water. Afterwards, enjoy a frosty beverage. Preferably Mommy's ice coffee. Ahhhhhh -refreshing!

Bring along a strong daddy to toss you in the air. Fun! Then pretend you are just playing the sand when you are really eating it. Watch Mommy get that crazy face when she sees you eat sand. Giggle. Repeat and repeat.

Also, bring a big brother to show you the ropes. And don't forget to enjoy the beautiful view.

I hope you enjoyed this brief tutorial-have a great summer!
Love,
Emme

Five

2009-06-01T23:20:00.001-04:00

He is five.

Five years ago today he came into this world, screaming and kicking with huge blue eyes and pink lovely lips. He is tall and skinny, smart and stubborn, kind and naughty. He loves all things boyish-running and jumping, cars and trucks and boats, wrestling and general unruliness. But he will pet a dog or cat ever so gently and carry a worm from the danger of our driveway to a safe muddy home.

When he is happy he is lit from within. When he hurts he feels it deep in his soul.

But he forgives easily and forgets quickly. He is the child who made me a mother and I love him to the moon and back.

Happy Birthday my sweet Noah.
XOXOXO

Today I love . . .

2009-04-07T00:41:00.006-04:00

The smell of Hyacinth. Seriously. You should smell my kitchen right now. HEAVENLY!

And big blue eyes . . .

And real, genuine smiles . . .

And little boys with a passion for trains.

Flowers and Lillipops

2009-04-05T23:28:00.003-04:00

You know it's Spring when the forsythia are in bloom everywhere you look! It feels so good to see color and life where drab brown and grey used to be. It make me want to plant something pretty and try not to kill it from benign neglect. It makes me want to run through the streets of our subdivision in a dress made out of fancy draperies, singing "the hills are ALIVE ! With flowers and stuff!!!" It makes me want to buy lots of sunscreen and then forget get use it. I always forget to use it!
AND . . .
It makes we want to take some pictures of my chickens. They never forget their sunscreen and are much more photogenic then me. Especially when encouraged (bribed!) with GIGANTIC lollipops. My goodness -look at the size of these!

I took away Emme's lollipop here. She was not pleased.

Oh and did I mention?

Here comes the sun . . .

2009-03-22T23:48:00.003-04:00

And oh, how we've missed you! A beautiful day here today so I bribed Noah with some ice cream (chocolate on a cake cone with chocolate jimmies PLEASE!) and we went downtown for some quick photos. He's growing so fast. So I've decided. He needs to stay this age forever.

I thought this old car we happened upon deserved a vintage look . . .

Don't hate us because we're beautiful -Part II

2009-02-25T21:01:00.003-05:00

Last spring the kids and I were stuck in a rut. We needed desperately needed a change, so we all got makeovers. "Hollywood" makeovers to be precise. If we were going to go for it we didn't just want great -we wanted FANTASTIC.

Well, it's that time of year again! This year, our makeovers were inspired by the celebrities who attended the Oscars. Just because I watched the Oscars wearing Joe's old sweatpants while scarfing down the remainder of Noah's Valentine candy (shhhhhh, I told him his dad ate it) doesn't mean I can't look like a star? Right? Right?

Here's Emme. She liked Sarah Jessica Parker's style. Hey Mr. Big, what does a baby have to do to get a Cosmo around here?

But instead we went for an effortless, low-maintenance look. Blond and side-swept. Perfect for story time at the library followed by drinks at McDonald's!

Noah likes Sarah Jessica too and the way his new wavy locks blow in the wind as he skips off to brunch with Charlotte and Samantha. Bon appetite ladies!

It was a tough decision but after Noah saw Jennifer Anniston's hair at the Oscars there was no denying -THIS WAS THE LOOK FOR HIM. Say hi to Chandler and Monica for Mommy sweetheart!

My makeover decision was easy. Beyonce ALL THE WAY BABY. As soon as my hair was done, I could feel my already awesome musical abilities strengthened as I wrote and performed my original song "Tickle Her 'till She Toots" for the kids that evening. Needless to say, the song and performance were a certifiable HIT. Thanks Beyonce!

But in the end I had to agree with the kids that Sarah Jessica's hair is the look of the moment.

And we are all about keeping up with the latest styles around here!

Why I Love Joe

2009-02-21T18:47:00.002-05:00

Conversation held this morning after I got dressed and went downstairs:

Me: My pants just split.

Joe: What?

Me: Yeah, I put on my jeans and was doing some squats to stretch them out and I heard a big riiiiiiiiiiiiip. . . .they split right up the back.

[Most women will know the squat move used to stretch out tight jeans. Two or three extra bendy squats tend to make tight jeans a bit looser, thus, buttonable. Women who claim to not know of this move are either crazy or lying. Thank you]

Joe: Well, they must be made of defective material.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oh, and because of his 50% genetic contribution to these . . .

Do you like to Par-tay?

2009-02-13T08:37:00.002-05:00

You do? Well, so do we. Actually, Noah does. He's onto day 3 of the Valentine party circuit today. The finale is tonight featuring a blow-out Valentine bash with 10 fellow party animals. Sadly, parents are not invited to the bash tonight so Joe and I will have to go to dinner alone. We are really sad about it. Boo hoo. We will drown our sorrows in nice wine and try to figure out how to eat at a table without getting up every minute to get a drink, wipe a spill or supervise someone on the potty. Hopefully, we will survive.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Noah's Valentine

2009-02-05T22:56:00.003-05:00

He really wants the SpongeBob Valentine's Day cards. Or maybe the ones with the candy inside or footballs on the front. I tried to convince him that a Valentine with the most gorgeous little boy I know on the front would be so much better! I may still end up back at the store looking for SpongeBob (already got the candy!) but in the meantime, here's take 1:

And, my personal favorite:

And still working on some more. I still have 8 days after all!

Oh Happy Day!

2009-02-03T21:57:00.004-05:00

WARNING: Frivolous post ahead!!!!

Emme is now officially big enough to fit into J.Crew Crewcuts! Horray!!! I have been lusting over these little girls clothes for years, and since Noah refused to wear the girl's line (naughty, naughty child), and they don't make baby clothes, I've had to wait and wait and wait . . . It's been hard. Really hard. I need a hug.

Anyway, today was out first Crewcuts "fashion show" with the help of my fashion assistants, Mr. Lollipop (who always comes through for me) and Noah, who stood behind me and made donkey noises so she would laugh.

Congratulations Emme on reaching 27 lbs, 33 inches. You've made mommy very, very happy.

My Sunshine

2009-01-23T22:10:00.003-05:00

Finally, a warm(ish)day, a day to get out of the house without bundling ourselves up like Eskimos. The sun was shining, N&E enjoyed the fresh air, a ride on the swings, a scoot(?)on the scooter. . . And I took some pictures of course!

After this picture we went inside and they resumed bickering over toys and punching each other. But it was fun while it lasted!

More pics from this "winter session" on the poor, neglected photography blog. :)
(adorable hat by NuxieMade on Etsy)

16 Months

2009-01-13T20:45:00.002-05:00

She is growing too fast. Can I just stop feeding her so she will stay this little forever? There's probably some law against that though, huh? This morning I lifted her out of her crib and she felt HUGE, like a little girl and not a baby. She resisted her nap the other day so I attempted to lie her back in my arms and rock her . . her legs dangled down so far out of my arms and she would not be rocked like that! So we settled for her lying against my chest in the glider. Sniff sniff. No more rocking? I guess my back thanks her but my heart is not so happy about it . . .

She says so many words; doggie and kitty, crackers, juice, cookie, down, up, NO!, mama, dada, night-night, nee nees (nursing), MORE!, and this morning, she exclaimed, out of the blue from her car seat "thank you! bye bye!" I guess I go through drive-thrus a little. OK, a lot.

She loves Caillou, that freaky (whiny!) little bald kid and does a happy dance in her car seat when I put the DVD on. Let's hope this is a short phase. She walks, she runs, she dances with her dolls and eats everything in sight. She brings me books to read to her and learned the whole animal sounds book in one weekend (after about 50 read throughs -fun for me!). And the best, she gives real kisses and big hugs, but on her terms, of course. When Emme's giving out kisses and hugs the whole family lines up for a turn. You never know when she will decide hug and kiss time is OVER and shut you down. Can you blame us? Those lips, who can resist?

Not me. Happy 16 months to my big (little) girl.

Winter. (a poem for Jessica)

2009-01-08T18:54:00.007-05:00

Winter.

Noses . . . running.
Snot . . . dripping.
Clear
White
Green (eww)
Lips . . . chapping.
Pedicure . . . lacking (but who really notices?)
Boots . . .clunky (but warm!)
House . . . suffocating.
Children . . . bickering.

Dreaming of . . .
Flippity flip flops
Juicy watermelon running onto
Sticky, chubby fingers
Windows open
Knees exposed (but not the thighs, NEVER the thighs)
7:00pm Ice cream safaris . . .Jimmy cone or Baskin Robbins? (Does it matter?)

Winter.
You suck!

Thank you and thank you very much. Does anyone know how I would go about submitting this for Pulitzer consideration? I think we have a winner here!!!!!!
(see Jessica, this is what you get for complaining that I haven't updated this silly little blog ;))

So . . .I thought this poem, though perfection in itself, would be further enhanced if accompanied by a photo session of N&E acting out its "theme" . .

Here I asked Noah to look "angst-y." Of course he asked what that meant and I said, "just look like you have a bad headache" and this is what I got . .

Emme was easy to get in the mood -the poor thing was so cold . . .

Here's Noah contemplating why the earth must grow cold and die each year, when flowers and green leaves are so much nicer. Actually, I just asked him to look "serious." Not too bad!

Aww, really, how could you be bummed when you have these faces to look at every day. . .

Because it's freakin' COLD, that's why! Happy Winter. Blech.

Christmas 2008!

2008-12-26T00:26:00.001-05:00

We had a lovely Christmas filled with good friends and great food. I hope yours was everything you wished it to be. Here's a bit of our day and one of my favorite Christmas tunes. Merry Christmas!

Christmas SPECTACULAR!

2008-12-15T22:58:00.002-05:00

OK, I may be exaggerating about the SPECTACULAR! part, but Noah's preschool Christmas concert had to be a close second to the Rockettes performance in NYC. There was singing, there was dancing, there were reindeer antlers (bet the Rockettes didn't have those!) Oh, and we had FREE COOKIES. Which was the #1 reason Emme came along. The girl loves her cookies . . . and doughnuts and crackers and anything you might be eating too.

Here we have Noah getting ready to go onstage with the rest of his class. As you can see, Noah is an "individualist." He likes to create his own "look" if you will.

Emme waited patiently nearby to cheer on her brother . . .

For the sake of class unity, Noah's antlers were adjusted into the proper position . . .

Kids love to sing for large groups of parents with cameras and camcorders in their face. They love it.

Emme lends moral support . . .

And the concert is coming to a close-can you tell?

May I have the pleasure of presenting . . . .

2008-12-12T23:53:00.004-05:00

The new PRESIDENT of the Noah Hallett Fan Club:

Emme promises to fulfill her Presidential duties to love, honor and adore Noah until the end of time, or, until he messes with her bunny blanket . . whichever comes first.

Can you feel the love tonight?

My delicate little flower . . .

2008-12-10T22:20:00.003-05:00

1. Ate half a MEATBALL sub (with cheese) for lunch today. No joke!

2. Walks around the house lifting up her shirt, slapping and rubbing her pot belly.

3. Dumpster dives so often that I need to get a lock for the garbage can so she will stop going in there and fishing around. And we DO feed her (see #1)

4. Steals dirty underwear and socks out of the hamper and drags them around the house.

5. Eats toilet paper (clean paper, thank goodness!)

6. Has way more gas than any 14 month old baby really should (see #1)

Silent Night

2008-12-07T20:00:00.004-05:00

Sometimes Noah actually stops moving for a minute. It is truly a sight to behold and deserves to be documented.

Ahhhh . . . here he is . . .

All is calm . . . because he didn't take a nap and thus passed out at 6:00pm while watching "Shrek the Third" Cute movie by the way!

All is bright . . . because, yes, those are Christmas lights strung up on the windows behind him. The child is obsessed with Christmas lights and laments daily that we do not have a lights display on our house worthy of Clark Grizwald. This was our compromise.

Round young virgin . . . wait . . what?

Sleeeeep in heavenly peace . . . . until my camera goes "click" and then . . .

I woke him up. No more pictures, mommy. What does a kid have to do to get some heavenly peace around here?

Emme and Janie=BFF!

2008-11-28T13:24:00.005-05:00

Well, Emme thought Janie was her BFF anyway -not sure if Janie had the same feelings!
My little minx Emme and I got to meet up with my dear friend and her daughter this week. My friend and I were pregnant with these munchkins at the same time but she had the audacity to move away (humph!) so this was the first time they've met in person.

Our visit is best summed up in this way:

# of times Emme swiped Janie's pacifier: 5-ish?
# of times Emme took Janie's sippy cup: 4?
# of times Emme made Janie cry: 2
# of sweet kisses Emme laid on Janie: awwwwww . . . 5?
# of pine cones eaten by Janie and Emme: 2 that we know of . . .
# of grilled cheese sandwiches nibbled and then thrown on the floor by Emme and Janie: .5
# of Junior Mints given to Emme and Janie in the car so the moms could talk: 4 . . OK maybe more like 6 . . . can you blame them? Junior Mints are AWESOME.

AND -i got to do a mini photo session with Janie -she was close to nap time and not amused by me and my camera, but I just had to get a picture of that cherub face and super gorgeous curly hair. Oh and her beautiful mom as well . . .

How did this one get in here? ;)

And all of us together. The only way to get a picture of the girls close to each other was to hold them down -excuse the blur -I had the camera on the timer!

When bribes don't even work . . .

2008-11-22T23:40:00.003-05:00

And you need a good model to practice on, you work with what you have.

This little guy stayed so still! He did laugh quite a bit when you poked his tummy though . . .

Does he look too stiff here?

Awwww, I know this one just pulls at my heartstrings . . .

YIPEEEE!

2008-11-06T11:11:00.000-05:00

Halloween 08!

2008-11-01T12:34:00.007-04:00

It's Halloween! Well, it was Halloween yesterday and I didn't get time to post until now. In my defense I was pretty worn out from keeping up with Noah's extensive calendar of social engagements. Noah had 3 (THREE!) Halloween parties in a 2-period so there were cupcakes to be made (ok, BOUGHT), refreshments to be supplied, costumes to manage. . . Being Noah's personal assistant is hard, hard work.

Noah's preschool party consisted of a parade, trick or treating with all the parents, a class party, cupcakes, cookies to take home, and FREE PONY FOR EVERY CHILD. Ok, I'm just kidding about the free pony. It's such a pity that these kids are so deprived of fun. It's just so, so sad . . .

Noah went as a jet pilot-specifically a "Top Gun" jet pilot! He was the only jet pilot in his class. Popular costumes this year were princesses, princesses and princesses!

Noah really got into his role this year. After the parade and songs, Noah and the other boys had a sweaty beach volleyball game.
I know. That was just wrong.

Thankfully, Noah always has his best friend Goose at his side. Goose is dressed up as a flower fairy. No, I don't know what a flower fairy is specifically, but it sure is cute. Just go with it, OK?

Picture taking coming to a speedy end. Things are starting to go awry . .

It's pretty much over at this point, but I had to show the helmet that got worn for, oh, about 5 seconds. That flower headband didn't stay on either. I even tried staples! I'm totally kidding, I would never use staples on a baby! I used my hot glue gun -very effective!

So I asked Joe to take a picture of me and the kids. Please forgive the end of the day Mommy hair and overall look. If I wasn't so lazy I would photoshop some long luxurious hair on my head and Heidi Klum's face. Might as well add her body too while I'm at it . . .

Hope everyone had a Happy Halloween!

Model Behavior

2008-10-24T22:26:00.007-04:00

Ever since he was a newborn, Noah has been my #1 model/muse/victim, call it whatever you wish. I always had fun taking photos of him and he always delivered the goods. The same child who will not sit at the table for 5 minutes to eat his dinner will follow me around to three different locations in the cold, lie in an overgrown field, sit on a dilapidated shack-all in my pursuit of a photograph.

He does "big eyes", "small smile" "look happy!" "look at the sky!" He is amazing. Sometimes I forget he is four years old and the only thing in it for him is a $2 Matchbox car from the grocery store. I will probably NOT mention to him that some professional models refuse to get out of bed for less than $10,000 a day -or 5000 matchbox cars in Noah's world. He'll figure that out soon enough on his own. Until then, I'm going to keep enjoying photographing him. More pics from this session on my photography blog!

How to Walk! by Emme

2008-10-18T22:31:00.008-04:00

Emme is thisclose to walking well on her own. She has some advice for anyone who may be interested. First off, it helps that she has a big brother with more than three years of intense walking experience under his belt. Because things can get sort of dicey sometimes when it comes to the art of walking, a big, strong brother is nice to have around. She highly suggests picking one up if you have the means!

As Emme demonstrates, it's also very important to get steady on your feet before you begin . . .

Here, Emme starts out well, but then tries to execute the front foot crossover, an advanced move best attempted by intermediate to advanced level walkers . . .

This results in an unsteady situation and when Emme gets into an unsteady situation she suggests simply squatting down where ever you are. As you can imagine, under a fabulous layer of squishy, chubby fat, Emme has hamstrings of steel! You can too!

After all of this strenuous walking, Emme would advise you to take a break with a friend, regroup and discuss future walking strategies.

Huh?

I hope you all enjoyed this brief tutorial. If you have any follow-up questions or comments for Emme, please email her at shesababyforgoodnesssakeshedoesnothaveanemailaddress!.com

Why you're probably jealous of me . . .

2008-10-15T22:21:00.003-04:00

See this girl? This girl right here? She's pretty cute, isn't she? She's so cute and sweet that I don't even mind hunching over the bathtub every night to wash her plump little parts, I don't mind getting splashed by the water, and I have learned to live with the absolute look of disgust she gives me when I insist on brushing those little teeth. (The screaming is another matter.)
But at some point I draw the line. At some point I may call to Joe and say, "This bath experience is not what I had envisioned."' Or, "This bath experience is not working for me right now." Or, perhaps, "I had something else in mind as far as bath experiences go." Or, maybe . . . just, maybe . . .

"Joe! Emme pooped in the tub! ACK! Get the bleach! I'm calling in the HAZMAT Team! Do we have a HAZMAT Team? No? Then I'm running away. "

Oh no she DIDN'T poop in the tub! Oh yes she did. I knew she would get me back for brushing her teeth. Darn vengeful baby. Does anyone have any Clorox I can borrow?

How YOU Doin'?

2008-10-11T12:50:00.004-04:00

Really . . .How ARE you? How are the kids, the fam? Work going OK? I was just wondering . . .

Dummies

2008-10-08T14:42:00.008-04:00

Eight years ago today Joe and I were married in a lovely little ceremony at a historic building in Salem, Massachusetts. We knew how to hire the caterers, the florist, print wedding programs and even plan a honeymoon to Maui -but did we have any idea how to be married? How to be a husband and wife, a partner, a friend through "good times and bad"? Did we know how to be parents to a newborn, a baby, a toddler, a preschooler and teenager in training? Did we know how to change a diaper, calm a tantrum, soothe a sick child, simultaneously clean up barf, run a bath and throw in a load of laundry, all on 2 hours sleep?

Had we any idea at all that, in the thick of child rearing, establishing careers and trying to maintain our relationship, we might occasionaly relish the thought of walking away. Saying "I'm done. " This was not what I signed up for. But we did sign up for it, innocently, with good intentions, but ignorantly, like a couple of dummies.

They say ignorance is bliss, and had we known in advance, had we been forewarned, where would we be? Yes, we might still have the orignal washing machine that croaked during the "Great Puking Fest of 2005" we might have a few less wrinkles and grey hairs. But we would not have our family, a home in the greatest sense of home -a place where you can "hang your heart," hear a four year-old tell you about his day, squeeze the smooshy cheeks of a giggling baby. . .

And then you smell something. It's her diaper and it is NOT fresh. Oh and while you're upstairs, can you bring down the garbage bag from the bathroom? It's trash night. Oh and one more thing? I love you -I'm glad we were dummies. Together.

Bootie Call

2008-10-06T20:44:00.002-04:00

Not that kind of bootie call you naughty, naughty girl!

I'm talking about MiaJoie BABY booties that you can get at the amazing MiaJoie shop on Etsy. I put Emme back to work today -Yes, that's 2 days in a row, -I'm probably in violation of some child labor law. Please don't tell on me. IT WAS FOR FASHION. Need I say more?

Baby booties and Matilda Jane - so happy together!

Emme is rockin' the Hayden Pom Pom hat and the Fern Pink knot dress with her booties.

I love this little rose. I want a pair for ME.

She will not work under these conditions . . .

2008-10-05T22:47:00.005-04:00

Emme was really sick last week. Scary sick. Lethargic, listless, weak -just not my spunky little Emme at all. I took her to the doctor and she said it was just a virus, let it run its course, and after 5 long days I think she is on the mend. I had an idea that she might be feeling better this evening when I was looking through the newspaper -she crawled over to me, grabbed every single section off my lap with a mischievous glint in her eyes, and promptly ripped them to shreds. Possibly her opinion on the role of media in society today, or possibly she likes the sound newspaper makes when it rips and crinkles. We may never know.

I did try tonight to get a few photos of MiaJoie's stunning new baby slouch booties and mary jane shoes. Did I mention that they go fabulously with Matilda Jane's Westside collection? I fear I haven't done them justice as our photo session was cut short by a little girl who had had enough. She wasn't even accepting lollipops anymore. That's when I know she's really done!

Slouchy booties -so soft and sweet!

Matilda Jane Fiona in Calico peasant top and Hayden pom pom hat

And these pretty little mary jane shoes . . .

They are nuttier than a fruitcake . . .AND I LOVE IT!

2008-09-26T22:37:00.005-04:00

Noah and Emme are freaks. And I mean that in the best possible way. Several times each day they say and do things that are so strange and kooky that I wish I had another sane adult with me so I could look at them and roll my eyes -like -"these kids are really strange, I wonder who their parents are?" But I am usually alone with them so I just roll my eyes at myself. It's not very satisfying. I wouldn't recommend it.

For example, Emme likes to imitate us coughing. If I clear my throat or cough, even in the next room, I will hear the tiniest little "ack! ack! (giggle)" coming from Emme's general direction.

She also likes to make her chubby little hands into fists, punch them into the air and go "pow! pow! pow!" which sounds more like "pfft! pfft! pffft! hee hee hee hee hee!!" Whacko.

Recently she has started pursing her lips at me when I ask her for a kiss, except she doesn't follow through, she just sits there with her lips on your lips until eventually one of you needs to breathe oxygen and pulls away.

Noah has his own long list of quirks and oddities. My favorite was when he was around 2 years old he insisted upon sleeping with one of my lip glosses clenched tightly in his hands all night long. I would finish tucking him into bed and before I reached the door he would whisper, "Mommy, can I have a lip gloss to hold? I'll keep it safe for you!" I really couldn't think of a reason why not, so Noah kept my lip glosses safe for many a night until eventually he stopped asking. If there was ever a lip gloss burglar in town on one of those nights, they were not getting my lip glosses -no SIR, my lip glosses were safe in the hands of my kooky little boy, and I wouldn't have it any other way!

Pumpkin Patch

2008-09-21T23:41:00.005-04:00

Tis the season. The ubiquitous pumpkin patch pictures. Would it really be autumn without them? I think not. Living where we do pumpkin patches are EVERYWHERE this time of year. And we have very high expectations for our pumpkin patches. First off, there must be PUMPKINS. And LOTS of them. We want slides, and a corn maze AND a petting zoo thankyouverymuch. No hot cider you say? Pffffffffttt!!!! See ya later alligator! Oh and don't even THINK of telling me you don't have any of those little homemade doughnuts. AKA: puffy pillows of delicious fried perfection. I may throw a temper tantrum RIGHT here in front of your scarecrow display!!! I'll do it!!!! I WILL! Hand over the doughnuts and no one will get hurt!!

I think I am off my meds this week. Don't mind me one bit.

ANYWAY, some of my dear Noah at the first of many pumpkin patches this season. We DO need to do our research around here.

Please to enjoy!

Jumping off bales of hay for me. This is the only picture I didn't have to bribe him for.

On the tractor ride to the pumpkin patch.

I totally had to bribe him to get him to pose for this one. He got some of those pre-filled plastic Easter eggs with the candy inside. I found an unopened bag of them in the basement the other day when I was doing laundry. For some reason, Noah is OBSESSED with these eggs, even though you only get like one or two Hershey's Kisses or Reese's Cups per egg - kind of a let down if you ask me -but Noah LOVES them. I think he likes the surprise of opening them up and seeing what's inside and he will do ANYTHING to get his hands on some. And I plan to milk that for all it's worth. Oh YES I do.

He was standing in a fort structure they had there and peeked over at me.

We're talking huge bribe here. HUGE. Anyone have any of those Easter eggs stashed away anywhere? I don't think I'm going to make it until next April . . .

Par-TAY!

2008-09-13T22:22:00.004-04:00

Today was Emme's first birthday party! The rain held off, the cake was yummy and we partied like rock stars. Well, like baby rock stars who have to be in bed by 8pm. And don't play rock, really . . .and I wouldn't call us "stars" per se, except in our own minds maybe . . .but anyway, I DIGRESS! It was FUN and here are some pics!

The DRESS! (by BellaSophia on Etsy)

The SHOES: (by MiaJoie on Etsy)

The CAKE:The CANDY BUFFET. That's right my friends, I said CANDY BUFFET and I'm not even joking. The buffet was the favor for the party guests and it's presence may or may not have resulted in the heads of several young children EXPLODING upon seeing it. It was a candy extravaganza and I make no apologies. Not now or ever. EVER!

Emme enjoying her cake:

A KISS from her brother . . .or a mauling . . .you decide . . .

My sweet girl:

Isn't She Lovely?

2008-09-10T13:34:00.008-04:00

I've always wanted a daughter. Not just a "girl" but a daughter-to play with, talk with, and make sure she knows what a special and wonderful person she is ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS.

When I was pregnant with Noah and we went to have the 20 week ultrasound that lets you find out the gender of your baby, I was SURE it would be a girl. I mean, "I" am a girl. I love everything girly, I never had a brother and didn't really know much at all about raising a boy. So it HAD to be a girl, right? Well, no, it was obviously a BOY. And once I got used to the idea (about 5 mins later) and he was born I could not imagine NOT having this precious boy, my son, in my life. I've learned to put intricate train tracks together, make paper airplanes, and enjoy touching worms and bugs. OK that's a lie -I will never ENJOY touching worms and bugs, but at least I don't run away from them screaming anymore. See? Progress!

But even as Noah filled up my heart those first few years, having a daughter some day was always in the back of my mind. Someone who loves pink, who loves playing dolls and tea party, a soft and gentle female soul to love. And even if one day, she eschews pink, shaves her head in a mohawk and goes completely Goth, she will still be my beloved daughter. And I will buy her a subscription to Gothic Beauty magazine and a black cashmere sweater and hope she invites me to hang out once in a while.

On Friday, my sweet girl, my Emilia Elisabeth, will turn one year old. She is a sparkling light, a tender cherub, a delicious treat . . .

She is my dream come true.

Sunset

2008-09-10T00:31:00.004-04:00

We were outside tonight as the sun was setting, so I took some pictures of N&E.

This one makes me laugh because she was so D.O.N.E. with pictures. She is like "hurry up already."

I even got Noah to sit still for .5 seconds. He is WAY too busy for pictures but sometimes he takes pity on me and I get a genuine smile . . .

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2008-09-06T22:54:00.004-04:00

Noah went back to school this week! Some pictures from his first day . . .

Right before we left I took a couple out front -Note the spiffy new watch, Noah's back to school present . . .

He was a little unsure at first and he asked me to stay for awhile so I hung around. Then his teacher brought out the piece de resistance -PLAY DOH.

And all was right with the world! There is nothing like fresh, untouched by germy preschooler hands play doh to make it all OK.

He had a great day, made some new friends and ate graham crackers. Life is good. Preschool is cool.

Field Day

2008-09-02T22:48:00.005-04:00

Emme and I went antiquing last weekend while Joe and Noah saw "Kung Fu Panda" at the movies. Emme and I aren't really into Kung Fu, and we have nothing against pandas, but we thought it would be more fun to hit the shops. It turns out the antiques capital of Maryland is just one town over and a 10 minute drive. We saw lots of nice things but ended up with a really old chair that was so threadbare and worn I was sure it would fall apart the minute I sat on it. But it was remarkably sturdy and had nice lines so it came home with us. I though it would be fun to put it in a field and take some pictures with my most cooperative (for now anyway) model.

Now I'm off to put some calamine lotion on all the mosquito bites I got tonight. The light at sunset is great for photos but the bugs are crazy!

Blue Eyes

2008-08-31T23:21:00.002-04:00

Sooooo blue and so hard to capture sometimes!

SIGH. I could look at these all day. And those lips! Don't even get me started . . .

Warming the Bench

2008-08-30T13:45:00.004-04:00

Some Emme photos I just edited: We took some shots on this worn out bench at the park while the boys kayaked on the lake. We are trying to eek out every last beautiful day of the summer, because soon we will be hibernating in the house!

I like how b&w brings out the bench in this one.

I just love these little footsies!

And experimenting with a vintage texture.

Oh and here's what the boys were doing:

Suiting up -Safety First people!

And out on the lake.

Neglectomatic 5000

2008-08-29T11:20:00.004-04:00

Noah, Emme and I were at playgroup recently and the hostess had this toy, the Step 2 Roller Coaster, out for the little ones to ride on. It was such a hit with the 3 and under crowd (and the big kids too, actually) that tantrums and fits were thrown over it! Emme in particular, who is usually pretty sweet and even-tempered, went BALLISTIC when I took her off the coaster so another child could have a turn. Who knew that going around and around in a circle could be so much fun! Now I know what the appeal of Nascar is! I was wondering about that . . .

So my sweet friend was nice enough to sell me her roller coaster, because apparently these are harder to find than a Cabbage Patch doll in 1985. And Emme has been LOVING her new toy. I put her on it and she goes around and around with a big grin on her face. Sometimes I feel bad she is just sitting there going around and around, so I try to take her off of it, she screams and I get a kick in the gut. So around and around she goes. I must admit it is nice to be able to get dinner ready with out a munchkin pulling on my legs and whining. The only downside is that it takes up our entire dining room area. My decor in the house has taken on a new style I like to call "Toys R Us Chic." There's nothing like giant heaps of brightly-colored plastic everywhere to portray that stylish and modern look. I expect a call from Martha Stewart any day now.

See Noah, he's playing a little game he likes to call "Get run over by the train" He'll lay on the train tracks until the last second and then move out of the way. Emme finds this hysterically funny. Mommy is getting more and more grey hairs. At least his socks are cute!

Matilda Jane Premiere!

2008-08-27T17:07:00.005-04:00

Saturday was the premiere of the Matilda Jane Fall 2008 "Sack Lunch" collection and it was a wonderful success! It was so sweet to see so many little girls running around in their Matilda Jane garb. It was also really fun to meet all the other MJ fans (fanatics?) who love the clothes as much as I do!So here is part of my trunk set-up BEFORE the chaos set in. By chaos I mean about 25 ladies and little girls checking out the MJ goodies . . .

Speaking of goodies, take a look at these cute little "sack lunch" bags I made for my guests to take home. See that big old flower on each bag ? That's actually a flower PIN and JOE made them! It was so cute to see a 6' 2" guy delicately hot-gluing 30 flowers to a pin back. It was even more cute when he wore one to work on Monday! I just love pink on a man. :)

Anyway, what my guests loved the most was, of course, THE CLOTHES. And the Fall line did not disappoint.

And I can't resist a pic of my two favorite MJ models. One of the benefits of living on a street with lots of cute little girls. That, and the potential for a wide selection of AWESOME babysitters.

Thanks to everyone who came to the Premiere! I hope you had as much fun as I did!

Grandma Emme

2008-08-26T11:02:00.004-04:00

I decided I didn't have enough to do with taking care of a 4 yo dynamo and his baby sister, AND starting up my own little business, so I thought it would be fun to open up my own nursing home, or "Assisted Living Center" as the old folks like to call it. I'd like to introduce you to our first resident, Grandma Emme. Grandma Emme is quite the firecracker! Despite her advanced age she still likes to "get up and go!" with her walker.

As you can see in the video, it can be slow going sometimes. Grandma Emme has a bad hip, arthritis and a bit of the gout. But she keeps on going, bless her old, wrinkly heart. We enjoy having her around. Even if she does fall from time to time. We got her one of those "Life Alert" bracelets for when she's fallenandcan'tgetup (sorry I couldn't resist) and a clapper and she's good to go! Welcome Grandma Emme, it's lovely having you around. Please stop leaving your Depends Undergarments in the hamper. Thank you

It's coming in 5, 4, 3, 2 . . .

2008-08-21T22:43:00.002-04:00

ONE day until the premiere of the Matilda Jane Fall 2008 "Sack Lunch" collection. You can check it out at www.matildajaneclothing.com. I'm going to be busy preparing for my premiere over the next day or so, but I'll be back with pics of what looks to be a really fun event.

GOOD TIMES!!!!!!! AIN'T WE LUCKY WE GOT EM? GOOD TIMES!!!!

(with apologies to JJ Walker and the gang . . )

A little comparison . . . .

2008-08-20T22:16:00.003-04:00

And my paternal grandfather who I REALLY think he looks like -oh and look at those clothes, the hair! The ciggy! LOL -the 40's look like they were a lot of fun. I bet after this picture was taken my grandparents got up and went swing dancing or something . . .

Is he 4 or 24?

2008-08-19T12:00:00.002-04:00

When I took this image of Noah last weekend at the park, it really surprised me! He looks so grown up and mature. Looking at this picture I can imagine what he will look like as a young man. I wonder what be will BE like? It seems so cliche to say that I hope he will be healthy and happy-though I certainly do. I guess I also hope he will be KIND, first and foremost. The sort of person who would help a stranger with a heavy package, hold open the elevator door, tell you (gently and discreetly) when you have toilet paper stuck to your shoe . . .

I also hope he and Emme are great friends and confidants, he finds a partner to love and job that does not feel like a "job." I really hope he still likes me and "home" to him is a place where he finds acceptance and warmth, and a place he wants to visit often.

I see sparks of this future Noah every day, but for now, I am still loving the 4 year old I have, even if he does run around the house naked, shrieking, "Shake your Bum Bum! Shake your Bum Bum!"

Vintage Emme

2008-08-17T23:24:00.002-04:00

Here's quick one -playing around with my camera and photoshop tonight . . .

Where did you come from?

2008-08-16T20:13:00.010-04:00

I was sitting here on the computer this evening as I often do, checking email and keeping up with Anthropologie's latest offerings, when Noah came hopping down the stairs into the office to say goodnight.

He smelled liked soap and bubble gum toothpaste and his eyes lit up as he glanced toward the computer speaker and heard Billy Joel singing, "She's Got a Way." He wrapped his skinny arms around my neck and pulled me in for a hug. As I felt his still-wet hair against my cheek, he whispered "Nice song!" into my ear. I couldn't help but laugh, "Where did you come from?" I said, something I remember my own mother saying often to ME.

He just giggled in response, and skipped back up the stairs to his Daddy and his bedtime books, but not before stopping halfway up, whispering, "Mommy!" and blowing me a kiss.

Where did he come from?

Emme's Birthday Shoes

2008-08-14T10:33:00.001-04:00

My sweet friend Jessica over at MiaJoie Boutique on Etsy is making these GORGEOUS shoes for Emme's first birthday. We get to be the lucky ones to try out MiaJoie's new "walking" shoes and we are happy to participate. If her collection of walking shoes are even half as beautiful as her baby booties then Stride-Rite , Primigi, and Naturino will be hiding under their beds and peeing their pants in fear! Now that's a picture for you!

Are these too cute or WHAT? I love the vintagey look of them. Now to pick a dress! I've narrowed it down to three options. Ok four. Oh, and I just saw this other cute one . . . What to do . .what to do . . .

So anyway, I have something for you today, YES YOU! Here it is . . .

Wait for it . . . .

It's coming . . . .

Hold on, Emme's eating a Nerf ball, gotta get the pieces out of her mouth . . there . . .

OK HERE IT IS!!!!

FOR YOU! Happy Thursday!

11 months and counting . . .

2008-08-12T00:01:00.001-04:00

Emme is 11 months old today. She is chunky, sweet, sassy, determined, squishy and delicious. She crawls faster then some people walk (think elderly), pulls up on anyone and everything (ow! my boobs!) is brave and fearless. She ADORES Noah. Physically lights up when he enters the room. The same with her Dad. Me? Eh, I'm OK I guess. There's just something about Noah and Daddy that delights Emme completely, and that's a-ok with me.

I think she's fond of me though. Sometimes I'll be carrying her around on my hip, her absolute favorite place to be (besides in the middle of whatever toy Noah is playing with) and she will lightly pat, pat, pat me on the back. As if to say,"You're doing an OK job Mom. You could have made it to my room a little faster last night when I woke up, and if you never wiped my face again I wouldn't mind one bit, but overall, not too shabby!" At least that's what I'd like to think she's saying . . .

I am lucky to have had 11 months so far with this gorgeous little creature. To get to be the one to kiss those cheeks every day, to bathe her and dress her and feed her and LOVE her. What a gift. Happy 11 months my sweet little Emme.

I wish I could quit you, STARBUCKS

2008-08-10T23:28:00.006-04:00

Specifically, Starbucks venti iced coffee with extra cream and sweetened and a raspberry scone please. SIGH.

I need to quit my Starbucks habit. It's expensive, unhealthy and, I suspect, the reason my ALMOST ONE YEAR OLD baby wakes up several times a night. But oh how love my Starbucks iced coffee in the morning. I don't think I am truly awake until I taste that creamy cool beverage -ahhhhhhhhhh. And my raspberry scone -yummmmmmmm. One day they were out of raspberry scones and I seriously was frozen for a second. No raspberry scone? How could it be? Am I going to have to get something else? Like a BLUEBERRY scone? NOOOOOOOOO!
I ended up getting a cheese danish. Not too bad actually!

But I digress. I MUST stop it with the coffee. It's so bad that they KNOW me now at the drive through. Before I can finish my order, drive thru guy says "and will you be having a raspberry scone today (heh heh heh)?" He mocks me. Part of me wants to say, "No, that's all!" but why should I punish myself just because HE'S a Dingaling? I get enough grief from the backseat where Noah repeats my order word for word as I'm saying it. He's heard it so many times.

It gets worse when I actually reach the drive-thru window and drive-thru guy (Dingaling) starts chatting me up like we are old friends! I just want to pull him aside and say, "Hey drive-thru guy, YOU know and I know that I come here often. VERY often. Let's just pretend that we don't know each other and you've never seen me before. K? (See how grumpy I am before I have my coffee. Society NEEDS me to have coffee. It's true.)

To truly achieve success with my recovery, the first step is ADMITTING my problem. Which I just did. Next I will make a list of all those people I have hurt due to my addiction. Let's see there's . . .no one really. Maybe Dingaling? I do tend to give him some attitude. Maybe I'll go see him tomorrow, around 8 am or so, just to say "hi.' And if he already has my coffee ready, I really can't refuse it right? THAT WOULD BE RUDE. And I am trying to make amends here!

Maybe just ONE more coffee . . . and a raspberry scone please.

Push it!

2008-08-08T17:19:00.006-04:00

Push it good. Push it REAL good.

Emme's new thing is pushing anything and everything around the house. The kitchen stools, her highchair, basically anything that she can stand holding onto and slide around. I finally took pity on the poor thing and dragged out Noah's old push wagon from the (scaryspiderfilled) basement. She was thrilled! She even gave the old teddy bear a lift. I foresee a career in the transportation industry!

Noah wasn't to happy to see Emme pushing HIS wagon around. Even if he hasn't used, wanted or even thought briefly of that wagon in YEARS. The minute he saw it it immediately became his "favorite toy ever" and why were we giving it away to the baby? We explained that the baby really, REALLY needed to BORROW HIS wagon and if he let her BORROW HIS wagon then maybe she wouldn't spend so much time ruining his perfectly lined up rows of matchbox cars?

So anyway, Noah finally agreed but not without letting everyone in earshot know, each and every time Emme rolls on by with the wagon, that it is HIS wagon. Emme's just borrowing it. OK? Got it? Oy vey.

[Oh and thank you so much to my friend Leigh, who helps me make my pictures look so pretty. Leigh is such a fabulous photographer that I wish I could take her and keep her in a room in my house so she could take photos of the kids all day. Of course, that would probably be considered a felony in some states, and I don't feel I have the right personality for the prison life, so I won't do that. In my defense, she has the nerve to live far away, so drastic measures may need to be taken to get her here. I'm just saying . . .]

I love these kids . . .

2008-08-07T14:38:00.001-04:00

That's all. Just really, really loving them today. :)

Almost Famous

2008-08-05T10:13:00.003-04:00

Coming soon to a billboard near you . . .

And MOMA . . .

And the red carpet of course . . .

That's hot!

Peaches Good! Flowers Yucky!

2008-07-16T15:17:00.006-04:00

Experimenting with my camera a bit on my only subject who can't get away!
Mu wah ha ha ha! (that was my evil laugh in case you were wondering. . . )

She loves her some peaches!

Not so crazy about flowers -they look better then they taste I guess.

All recovered, I love this face!

Milkshakes and Waterslides

2008-07-13T16:21:00.005-04:00

Noah and I went to see a cute kid's concert this weekend -Milkshake. Noah and I were both interested in going just because the name of the band sounded delicious. They weren't giving out milkshakes there, much to our dismay, but there was ice cream and Noah enjoyed his thoroughly. It was HOT though and crowded with kids -who would have thunk it? So we escaped to home for some cool waterslide fun!

Wouldn't you have loved to have one of these as a kid? I admit to taking a few runs down this thing myself but pictures of THAT are strictly forbidden. Let's just say I exceeded the weight requirement by a few pounds and I think I heard the waterslide groan and sigh when it saw me coming. Bite me waterslide I just had a baby! Like, um, 10 months ago, but STILL!

Overheard from the Back Seat

2008-07-09T20:50:00.005-04:00

In the car this afternoon on the way home from Karate class . .

Noah: KNOCK KNOCK MOMMY!

Me: Who's there?

Noah: CHICKENBANANABUTT!!!!!

AH HA HA HA HA HA!!!!

Me: ChickenBananaButt who?

Noah: CHICKENBANANABUTT WITH MARSHMALLOWS ON TOP!

AH HA HA HA HA HA HA!

Me: ???????????????

Emme: GA BA BA BA WAHHHHH! BAAAAAA!

Then, not even 5 seconds later:

Noah: Mommy, the sun is going down. Where is it going?

Me: The sun is going to light up the other side of the world.

Noah: NO IT ISN'T! [Noah has a new habit of asking me a question and then immediately disagreeing with the response. It's charming!] The sun is going to another PLANET.

Me: Okay, Honey! [I have learned to pick my battles. Let his Earth Science teacher deal with this one. This child can argue so vehemently he makes Johnny Cochran look like a doormat. Plus I was tired.]

And immediately following that . . .

Noah: I love Christmas! At Christmas I get lots of presents! I wish it was Christmas!

Me: And Christmas is about GIVING too, right? Giving and sharing with people we love? [forgive me, having a Pollyanna moment]

Noah: Yes, and PRESENTS!

Me: Okay, Honey!

Self-Portrait by Noah, Age 4

Summer Summer Summertime!

2008-07-08T21:19:00.003-04:00

Wow it's been a hot and busy week here in Noah and Emme Land. Noah's been having fun at camp and Emme and I have been taking lots of Matilda Jane pictures. I'd love to show you lots of cute pictures of Noah but he is usually running away from the camera and who wants to see a picture of a blurry back? I did catch this one this afternoon when we were cooling off in the sprinkler. He looks like he's having a terrible time doesn't he? Poor thing . . .tsk tsk.

Emme watched from the safety of the deck. She is not having ANYTHING to do with pools or sprinklers this summer -even when it's 100 degrees outside. She will let me take pictures of her though and here are a few from today.

Standing on the ubiquitous chair

And sitting -she really wanted those cute little shoes off. It was hot but sometimes we must suffer for the sake of fashion!

Independence Day=Excuse to Dress up in Cute Outfit

2008-07-04T17:11:00.004-04:00

Hope you are all having a wonderful 4th of July! Emme and I took some photos before the storm clouds rolled in. She is very patriotic, don't you know?

What's cuter than a baby in a basket?

Those are fake apples the poor little thing. hee hee.

It's raining now so we are back inside. I think I'm going to eat a ton of potato salad and take a nap. Happy 4th Everyone!

Tummie Yummies

2008-07-03T15:29:00.005-04:00

We got a sweet little package today -just in time for snack! Oh my goodness if you have never had these amazing little "cake cups" from The Sweet Spot you are truly missing out! they are TO DIE FOR. The treat arrived in a beautiful pink package but as far as I am concerned they could have been packed in a brown paper bag because after one bite no one was noticing the packaging anymore!

All right Emme liked the packaging but we all know about her and her paper products "problem".

We got 4 amazingly scrumptious flavors: Vanilla Bean which was the most yummy vanilla with real flecks of vanilla bean and a sweet creamy frosting -YUM. My favorite so far though is the Chocolate Peanut Butter which was so moist and chocolately with a peanut butter frosting -amazing. I am hording my favorite flavor- the Carrot Cake with cream cheese frosting -in the back of the fridge so no one else can eat it. We also got a Vanilla Coconut which I am about to go hide right now too. Poor Joe. I might give him one bite. ONE.

Get your little mitts off my cake cup Missy!

100% TROUBLE!!

2008-07-02T14:27:00.003-04:00

This girl. I cannot get the house baby proofed fast enough! She is a fearless little minx I tell you! We took some photos today in the yard and she had no problem whatsoever standing up on the rocking chair -even though she's only been standing for, oh, 2 days now. Apparently she feels she is a pro.

She also has some new favorite things in case anyone is looking for gift ideas:

Electric cords
Electric outlets
The stairs (preferably the top)
Soap
Kleenex (still)
Cheese-Its
Giving Mommy a heart attack

I think I'm going to try to rent her out to some baby proofing company so they can test their products on her. She has been freeloading long enough!

What have I become?

2008-07-01T22:14:00.005-04:00

I actually said this today. Minus the "probably" part (we are 99.9% sure it is Joe -at least that's what the genetic testing said -and that's good enough for me! hee hee) I admit that this phrase has left my mouth on one of those loooooooong afternoons where reasoning, punishments, and bribes have failed to change the behavior of a certain young man who is sleeping down the hall right now. Other things I have done that prove I am now officially a parent:

Licked my finger to wipe dirt off the kids' faces. Noah hates this and even I think it's kinda gross but I still do it.

Refused to let Noah do something because "you'll shoot your eye out!"

Responded "Because I said so!" when pushed for a reason.

Yelled "Slow down!" "Be careful!" "Not so high!" "Watch out!" too many times to count.

"You'll break your neck!"

You may see a cute baby smiling for the camera. I see a choking hazard and potential trip to the ER. I don't think my neurotic tendencies will be getting better anytime soon. There's just so many things to worry about -school, sports, the bad influence of friends, Lyme disease, getting their driver's licenses!!!!! It never ends! Oh well. I guess I'll just let their father deal with it when he gets home . . .

Blueberry Eating . er . .Picking!

2008-06-28T21:26:00.003-04:00

Noah and I headed off to the farm today for some blueberry picking good times. With the help of Noah's trusty sand pail we trekked deep into the wilderness to hunt and gather the delicious blue fruit. Actually we drove about 10 mins to our local farm and walked into a field. But it really FELT like we were ONE with nature -and that's all that matters right? And anyone that knows me will tell you how much I LOVE to be one with nature. As long as "nature" is a fabulous hotel with room service and a spa. I love "nature"!

The berries were beautiful and ripe. SO ripe in fact that Noah and I agreed we would NOT eat the berries until we filled up the pail.

Noah must have misunderstood our agreement.

We eventually filled up that sand pail and headed over to the raspberry bushes. I have no pictures of that because right near the raspberry bushes was a small lake with geese and Noah quickly abandoned me in favor of chasing geese. Did you know that raspberry bushes have tons of thorns and are not easy to pick? After about 15 mins of trying to pick them by myself I thought "why am I out here in the 90 degree heat when what I really want to do get the heck out of here and get a huge Coke from McDonalds?" So I gathered up my boy and off we went. I got a cheeseburger too.

Emme didn't get to come but she enjoyed the "fruits" -ha ha -of our labor tonight at dinner.

Yuck Mouth

2008-06-27T09:22:00.007-04:00

They call me Yuckmouth

Cause I don't brush

No I like my teeth like this

They call me Yuckmouth

Cause I don't brush

How's about a little kiss?

Got some beef in my teeth

Got some chicken too

Ouch!

That's a cavity

Hey, that's new!

Well if you don't brush your teeth

Then yes, you too

Will be a yuckmouth

Don't be a yuckmouth!

Remember that little ditty from the 70's? I remember hearing it during Saturday morning cartoons. It was a catchy little jingle! Whatever happened to poor old Yuckmouth? Probably died of periodontal disease or something . . .

We sing the Yuckmouth song at night when Noah brushes his teeth. He is VERY into dental hygiene and I have no idea where he gets that. I myself am terrified of the dentist and would do just about anything to avoid going. I blame this aversion on Hitler -esque dental assistant to my orthodontist and a bad. bad root canal experience in my early 20's. I still can't talk about that one. Someone please hold me.

When it was time for Noah's dentist appointment this Spring I tried my hardest not to put my own fears (hate!) of the dentist on him. Let him form his own opinion of those crazy kitten and puppy killers. Actually, the pediatric dental practice Noah goes to is really kid-focused and they actually make it - dare I say? -FUN for the kids.

For example, when they "take a picture" of their teeth (xray), the lead blanket they put over them to protect from radioactivity is really "giving them a hug." Awwwwwww.

You know that medieval torture device suction thingy they stick in your mouth to suck up spit? Why that's "Mr. Thirsty"! Mr Thirsty loves to drink your spit!!!!!

And it goes on and on -the toothbrush is "tickling" your teeth, they get to pick out sunglasses to wear, there's a toy box to go to after your cleaning to pick something out . . . crazy!

"Mr. Thirsty" - Yeah right!

So, suffice to say, I don't have to worry about Noah having Yuck Mouth any time soon. He loves to brush, floss, and go to the dentist. The dentist is cool in his book. Even if they do torture baby chicks . . .

Things to do today . . .

2008-06-25T10:16:00.005-04:00

Take Noah to Karate class.

Find out where those tiny ants are coming from and make them RUE THE DAY they set foot in my house. That's right ants, I have an economy size can of Raid and I'm not afraid to use it! Run for your lives!!!!

Get back here with my crackers you little *^%%$%#!!!

Consider a new career in Professional Figure Skating so I can participate in the 2010 Winter Olympics. I've always wanted to see Vancouver and aren't the outfits cute?.

I could totally do that. Piece of cake.

Install baby gate at the top of the stairs.

What are you doing today?

Fat Baby Giggling

2008-06-23T17:03:00.003-04:00

For your viewing pleasure . . .please to enjoy!

Bubbly

2008-06-22T10:18:00.003-04:00

What the heck?

Want to attract every kid in the neighborhood to your house? Oh, you do? Well, then get out a bottle of bubbles and DUCK. I tried to do another one of my infamous "photo sessions" with the kids. I start out really optimistic that THIS TIME it is really, really going to work! The kids will cooperate, the delay on my #$%&$% camera will work in my favor, and the pictures will be fantastic. Photographers around the world will be envious of my artful pictures. I will remain humble. Instead, I ended up with 2 cranky kids, my $%^$% camera acting like it usually does, and me a dirty, sweaty, frustrated mess cursing under my breath.

I did manage to attact every shorty in a mile radius. Started out with just Ems above (Noah was not interested in one of mommy's picture taking sessions. I wonder why? they are always so RELAXING and FUN.)

Never one to miss out on the "fun" Noah joined us

Late Breaking News!!!

2008-06-21T19:19:00.004-04:00

I interrupt tonight's regularly scheduled blabbering to bring you the fantastic news that Emme can now CRAWL! That's right! With the help of some overpriced breath mints from Starbucks and Noah's shockingly realistic sounding dinosaur, Emme has reached another milestone of babyhood!

Excuse me now while I venture to our scary spider-filled basement to drag out the Baby Jail (also know as a "Pack and Play" in some households).

You crawl with your bad self, girl!!!!

Mommy Confessions

2008-06-21T10:46:00.013-04:00

MOM OF THE YEAR I have belonged to a private message board since I was pregnant with Noah and recently we all posted our deepest, darkest, funniest and weirdest confessions about being a mommy.

Here are some of my friend's posts that made me LOL (all names have been changed to protect the innocent):

"I bribe my kids whenever it will work and threaten them if the bribe isn't working. I refer to it as "The double bribe threat combo" and I actually have no problem with this method of parenting. "

"I let my voicemail pick up 90% of my phone calls each day and only return about 10% of them"

"I ate the last piece of my daughter's ice cream cake after I told her there was no more left. "

"I'm too lazy to take my daughter's binky away at night."

"I let my dog "vacuum" my floor if the kids spill crackers or something."

"I tell my kids food is spicy if I don't want to share."

"I rent porn on occasion, tell DH it was not me and he calls Comcast ranting and raving about erroneous charges "

"I hold my laptop more than I hold my baby. Actually in my defense I do them at the same time (BFing). I told DH the heat from the laptop keeps her warm. LOL"

"I will be a sad sad woman when the kids stop believing in Santa... Santa threats make 85% of my problems go away!"

"When make cookies or cinnamon rolls for the boys, I always pick out the "best" ones for myself (the ones with the most chips, or the most icing)"

"I also tell the kids places are closed when I really just don't want to go there! My son was soooooo surprised that Chuck E. Cheese was open for his birthday party! LOL"

"I take my laptop in the bathroom with me and surf the web ..DH thinks I just have an upset stomach"

"I buy treats at the store and hide them from my kids & DH"

"If we all sleep in until 8 or 8:30, I lie to DH and tell him we've been up since he left (7 a.m.) I try not to sound too lazy. "

Oh and if you are curious -here are some of mine (oh there are so many many more . . ):

I don't recycle. And I only feel a little bit bad about it

When Noah's fish died I was elated! That damm fish food smelled so bad it made me want to barf. Oh you didn't know Noah had a fish? Yes, Fudgy the fish died before I had a chance to even write about him. Did you know you cannot pet a fish like a cat or a dog? Well, now Noah does!

Sometimes I let Emme chew on a piece of Kleenex. The girl loves paper products! I almost always get all the pieces out before she swallows them.

Noah caught me saying "crap!" one day and started repeating it. I convinced him what I actually said was "crack!" as in "crackers" so now whenever he drops something or stubs his toe he says "oh, crackers!!!!"

I miss Fudgy :(

I eat Kleenex -yummmmmm!

Reality

2008-06-19T20:45:00.001-04:00

You know what's a relaxing way to start the day? Taking a nice, warm, much-needed shower while your 2 children SCREAM and CRY outside the bathroom door. Ahhhhhhhhh, bliss. One of them is pissed because you ordered him to sit on the bed while you were in the shower because you KNOW the minute he sees you not watching him he is going to bop his sister over the head with a pillow. The other child is equally perturbed because, well, because you had the NERVE to take a shower when you should be acting as her personal taxi/entertainment service 24/7. The NERVE!

Stop looking at me like that!!

Ever have one of those days (weeks) where, no matter what you do, someone. at any given time is just not happy with you? I set Emme on the floor with some toys so I can make Noah a snack and Emme goes ballistic. I make Noah leave the playground before he is ready (meltdown!) because Emme is WAY overdue for her nap and if I don't get her to bed soon she will morph into one of those Gremlins who got fed past midnight. NOT PRETTY PEOPLE.

I would love to say that things are always roses and sunshine around here but the truth is, they just aren't. Being a mom is way harder than any job I've ever had. It is relentless, physically and emotionally draining, there are no breaks and no sick days. Oh and no pay. If I were a different type of person I would now tell you a heartwarming story about the kids and say that their kisses and love make it all worthwhile in the end. But I am not that person. And this is not that blog (try pollyanna.com). Right now I am researching one-way tickets to Bali. I hear it's really nice there this time of year. Who's with me?

My Friend

2008-06-15T21:52:00.004-04:00

Sending every positive thought I have your way.
Love you girl!

To Joe on Father's Day

2008-06-15T10:34:00.003-04:00

Can you believe you are a father -of 2?!?! It seems like yesterday that we were rolling our eyes at families with misbehaving children in restaurants and now, the horror, we are THEM! Shame on us. But you are a father now and you do it so well. I am amazed at the time and patience you have for Noah and Emme. I have great admiration for the seemingly endless amount of time you can play "train tracks" and cars without wanting to jump out a window! You know I have a very low tolerance for pushing matchbox cars in a circle for more than 10 minutes and you save me from this regularly. I will do the same for for you when Emme plays dolls or tea party, I promise.

You are also the master of "Na! Na! Na! Na! Boo Boo!" and "Hide and Seek." You do both so well that the neighbor kids want to play it with you too. Emme never squeals in delight louder than when you walk in the house at night and toss her in the air. I am so happy she will grow up with such a warm and loving father in her life. So Happy Father's Day, my dear. Here's to another year of warm hugs, sticky kisses, poopy diapers, tantrums, giggles, whining (mine) but most of all LOVE.

And she smells like strawberries . . .

2008-06-12T14:03:00.007-04:00

Little Emme is 9 months old today! She just had a check up at the pediatrician's office and could not be healthier. A chubby one at 23 lbs too. She has 4 teeth, is "almost" crawling, can say "dada" and "mama", tries to pull up on everything and everyone, is happy and curious and just passed AP calculus! OK I am lying about the calculus part. But she did do our taxes this year. Ok still lying.

Have I mentioned how delicious she is? I wish this blog was scratch and sniff because she is literally the most scrumptious thing. I swear she tastes like sugar (don't ask me how I know this). And those cheeks. Even Noah can't stop talking about how plump and juicy they are. Emme better watch out before one of us takes a bite out of that flabby belly. I'd like to spread some jelly on it and eat it up. I'd like to cook her up with some whipped cream and chocolate chips. I'd like to smear some . . . Ok that's enough. This is getting disturbing.

Happy 9 months my little Emme!

Someone call the National Enquirer

2008-06-10T16:43:00.004-04:00

Check out this two-headed monster I found lying around the house. One of the heads drools a

lot and the other side keeps asking me for Goldfish crackers. I am thinking of selling it on Ebay for Etsy money -any takers? FREE SHIPPING!

Speaking of Etsy -check out Emme's super cute pants. I love a pair of pants that can also double as a tablecloth! I think I need a pair for myself, too.

Help me out by buying my monster -did I mention that one side has 4 new teeth? Perfect for opening that summertime cool beverage! More details and measurements upon request!

Who's 4 Years Old?

2008-06-02T20:34:00.005-04:00

Noah is! My sweet little baby is 4 WHOLE years old and walking (running!) and talking (all the time people) and really not a baby anymore. To celebrate we headed over to Lancaster, Pennsylvania for the weekend and DUTCH WONDERLAND. Wow oh wow is this a fantastic place to be if you are under 5 feet tall. There was a water park and rides and games and lots and lots of ICE CREAM.

Emme enjoyed the day too.

When we got home the sugar shock continued in the form of a super duper awesome race car cake, and presents galore! Including, yup, RACE CARS!!

He also got some really cool golf clubs from Uncle Mike and Aunt Laura! Don't you love his golfing attire? So sleek. . .

Emme has some new tricks too, she just loves to stand holding onto things. She could stand here all day in fact.

Happy 4th birthday my sweet Noah. XOXOXOXOXO!

Fun at the Street Fair

2008-05-19T19:07:00.003-04:00

We went "downtown" this weekend to our local street fair. It was a very cute little fair with lots of food, unique crafts, and the highlight, an extremely HUGE moonbounce slide. Needless to say, but I will anyway, that's where Noah spent the day. There and the lemonade stand.

Did I mention this moonbounce/slide thing was HUGE?

Emme was amazed at the size as well.

Ahhhh -to be 3!

They were selling these cute little octopus toys on a string.

This sweet lady cracked me up. She carried around this blow up hammer all day long. What a nice Grandma. I hope she didn't mind me taking her picture. . .

A Walk in the Park

2008-05-14T20:49:00.004-04:00

We had a lovely walk around the neighborhood today. Well, I walked, Emme rode in the stroller and Noah rode (pushed) his bike.

We had a quick snack at the playground.

Then the (non) picture taking began. I swear these kids are plotting to never cooperate with photographs. I imagine their conversation goes a little something like this:

Noah: Hey Emme! Mommy's got the camera out again. When she asks us to look at her that's your cue to look ANYWHERE but at her. OK?

Emme: But I really want to eat this grass. It looks super delicious.

Noah: That's OK too. Just don't look at the camera in a happy way.

Emme: No problem. Nice shirt by the way.

Noah: Thanks!

Not looking at me.

Crazy faces (I actually like these, don't tell Noah)

Grass eating. Don't worry, I got most of it out of her mouth. This counts as a vegetable, right?

Our trip to HELL (aka McDonald's Playland)

2008-05-12T21:53:00.004-04:00

So it was absolutely POURING rain all day today. And since there was no school today and Emme napped through drop -in gym class, the munchkins and I were desperate to get out of the house for a change of scenery. Thus we ended up at good old McDonald's and their kiddie germ petri dish disguised as an indoor playground.

While Noah played Emme hit a major milestone: Her first french fry!!! And, confirming that she really IS my daughter, she loved it. That french fry really put those teething biscuits I've been giving her to shame. Once she tasted that salty fried goodness there really is no going back. I know, I know, you want to nominate me for "Mom of the Year." Providing your infant with fast food before the age of 1 is surely grounds for such an honor! Actually you probably want to report me to Child Protective Services, and that's A-OK too. If you call them tell them I said "hi" and we are file #6528809.

Death grip on the fry.

Savoring the delicious morsels.

Her big brother took a break to congratulate Emme on her accomplishment.

Then we went home. Noah caught some raindrops on his tongue and we called it a day.

Tutu Cute and more Matilda Jane

2008-04-23T16:16:00.005-04:00

Emme had her professional pictures taken for the second time (remember this one:))

This time by a photographer here in town- in her tutu:

Matilda Jane Dress:

I just love this face she is making!

Swingers

2008-04-19T16:52:00.004-04:00

We got a new baby swing for Emme and she loved it! Also got some cute shots of Noah and Emme trespassing in the neighbor's garden. We are so enjoying this weather after being stuck inside all winter.

Noah "helping" me push Emme in the swing.

This handsome devil . . .

And his lovely sister . . .

McKenzie took our picture:

The PooperSaucer

2008-04-18T14:02:00.004-04:00

A strange phenomenon has been occurring here lately. It seems that Emme will only poop in her Exersaucer. Maybe its the standing-like position or the leverage she gets but she will not poop for days and then I put her in the Exersaucer and it's Poop City. This will not be good for resale value. A quick caveat for those of you taking notes -this only works with the Exersaucer, NOT the Jumperoo. I think I may have stumbled on an overlooked business opportunity here. . .

Introducing The PooperSaucer! by Andrea! A high-tech, yet natural, cure for your baby's constipation! Get it now for the LOW LOW price of 3 payments of $99.99. Don't you want the BEST for your baby? Only a BAD BAD neglectful mommy would not buy this!!!!! CALL TODAY! 1-800-GET-POOP. Thank you. (this ad copy may need work)

Here's Miss Emme in said PooperSaucer. Immediately after I took this picture she asked for my US Weekly magazine and some privacy.

My Loves

2008-04-16T22:18:00.004-04:00

I'm feeling a bit sentimental this week, not sure exactly why? Maybe it's the beautiful Spring weather we are having that has made every one's mood much lighter.

Noah is getting so big so fast. He amazes me every day with his thoughts and questions, the way his mind works. He wants to know everything and anything. If I use a new word or phrase he will notice and and ask for an explanation. A detailed explanation! He is like a little sponge sucking the marrow out of life. I could learn a lot from him. He doesn't let me cuddle him as much as I'd like, but at bedtime he is like a giant kitten. He wants to be rubbed and "tickled" (our word for a light massage) as much as possible. When I think my hands are about to give out and I cease to rub him he will whisper "more tickles mommy? " and hike up the back of his PJ shirt. And more tickles it is.

And Emme. She is at such an adorable age. She is so much a baby with her jelly rolls and scrumptious fat all over, her huge cheeks I am sure she is storing something inside. She is the happiest little girl all the time (well, MOST of the time). She wakes in the morning making her baby dinosaur noises and when she sees me peek over the crib her big blue eyes light up and I get a gorgeous smile. Oh and her smell. . . the smell of a just-woken-up-still-soft-and sleepy baby is just divine. We sit in the rocker and I kiss her downy head, smell her neck and hands, drink her in. I know how quickly this time goes by and I want to remember it. She will never be a baby like this again.

More Matilda Jane!

2008-04-15T17:21:00.005-04:00

Emme showing off her sweet new dress and hat. Ugh -my camera and photography skills are the worst! Better more professional pics coming soon . . .

Noah

2008-04-12T22:14:00.002-04:00

i carry your heart with me (i carry it in my heart)

i am never without it

anywhere i go you go, my dear

i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)

~e.e. cummings

Beautiful Day

2008-04-12T21:28:00.008-04:00

It was such a beautiful day here today! All of the neighborhood kids came out of hibernation and braved the sunny 75 degree weather. Noah, Cori, McKenzie and Antonio humored me with a quick picture before resuming the shenanigans.

Noah was not cooperating with the camera today (surprise!) so there are too few of him. Fortunately, Emme can't get away from me yet so I got a few of her with her Mom and Dad.

Who's 7 months old today?!?!?

Who has a big belly?!?!? (besides me)

Who loves her Daddy?

A kiss on those squishy cheeks-Delicious!

She's got a way . . .

2008-04-09T10:06:00.000-04:00

She's got a way about her

I don't know what it is

But I know that I can't live without her

She's got a light around her

And everywhere she goes

A million dreams of love surround her

Everywhere

She's got a smile that heals me

I don't know what it is

But I have to laugh when she reveals me

She's got a way about her

I don't know what it is

But I know that I can't live without her

Anyway

Friends

2008-04-08T23:03:00.001-04:00

Noah had his friend Mckenzie over to do some EXTREME arts and crafts. Yes we do EXTREME arts and crafts over here -no regular boring arts and crafts for us! Aren't they the cutest? It's hard to tell because she is such a petite little flower but McKenzie is almost 12 years old. She is going to make a fantastic babysitter in a couple years. Until then, we love her visits! She plays with Noah and keeps him busy so Mommy can surf the Internet and mainline cheese doodles and leftover Easter candy.
She's the best!

Time for a change!

2008-04-05T16:50:00.000-04:00

We all got new hairstyles this weekend -what do you think?

Here's how it looks when I put it up -you know -for red carpet events and all the award shows we attend.Noah stole my look here:

Then he decided to go blonde -what a diva!

(hee hee -I actually thinks he looks kind of pretty!)

Emme would not be left out. She prefers bangs and a longer length:

Thanks for looking! Don't hate us because we are beautiful!

Faux Hawk

2008-04-02T19:29:00.001-04:00

Noah was trying out some new hairstyles tonight in the tub -we like this one the best!

And another lovely face just for YOU!

Chaos!!!

2008-04-01T10:14:00.001-04:00

This is what the house looks like right now and I am losing my miiiiiiiiiiiind!!!!
We are doing a bit of redecorating and I believe it will be worth it in the end but right now it it causing me anxiety attacks! And, of course, it is pouring rain outside so Noah, Emme and I are confined in the upstairs bedroom for the duration. HELLLLLLLP!

New Season = New Shoes!

2008-03-29T18:05:00.001-04:00

Emme got some new shoes today from an adorable baby boutique MiaJoie http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5708284

She thought they were delicious too! It was really hard to get a good picture of them because she wanted to eat them up they are just so pretty!

And another picture -acting like a little goofball -must run in the family!

SUPER Excited it's Spring!

2008-03-28T20:15:00.000-04:00

Did I mention that we were excited -SUPER excited?!?!?! Well we are!

Happy Spring Everyone!!!!!

Holding Hands

2008-03-27T13:40:00.000-04:00

Since Emme's been in her new (big girl!) car seat, she and Noah have started holding hands in the car sometimes. Sorry for the blurry pic but this was the best I could get while driving 70 mph on the interstate. TOTALLY KIDDING. I was only doing about 30 in our subdivision. Don't tell the state troopers, but being a mommy takes extensive skills such as being able to take a picture of your kids being cute in the backseat while simultaneously looking for the Disney station on the radio and wiping a runny nose. I GOT MAD SKILLZ YO!

Driving Miss Emme

2008-03-26T11:04:00.000-04:00

I had to laugh this morning when I put Emme in her new (big girl!) car seat. With her flower hat and her fluffy seat belt covers she looked just like a rich little old lady being chauffeured around town. I half expected her to demand 'To the beauty salon, Jeeves, and make it speedy!" but she just drooled a little and said "Gee" and "Gah!"

Here's the other little one I chauffeur around town -not cooperating with the camera! I swear this is what he does when I tell him to smile NICELY for the camera. I give up, really.

One more pic of these little pumpkins -this one I caught today. I am amazed by their big blue eyes and how they both have the same expression. I would love to say that they were staring at nature or a fine work of art but honestly they were watching Dora the Explorer. What can I say? That Dora is quite captivating.

Easter Weekend

2008-03-24T22:38:00.000-04:00

It was a quiet Easter weekend here as we are all sick (again) with some nasty cold/flu thing. Everyone is cough cough coughing all over the place. But the weekend started off nicely with a package from Grandma. Grandma sent some books for Noah and Emme.

Noah perusing his Clifford book:

Emme liked her book too -it tasted great!

Sunday morning Noah found his Easter basket. The Easter Bunny left a trail of chocolate eggs from Noah's bedroom door to his basket. Noah was very excited to learn the the Easter Bunny was walking all over our house, dropping chocolate eggs. I just hope he took off his shoes first. Wait -do bunnies wear shoes? Hmmmmm. Anyway the basket was a bit hit and Noah wants to know when it will be Easter again. Um, not for 364 more days kiddo!

It was pretty chilly here this weekend but Emme demanded to try on her cute new strawberry dress. Actually, she was more interested in chewing on the bottom of her dress and rolling around in a most unladylike fashion.

That's all for now! Hope you all had a fantastic Easter!

Emme and Me

2008-03-20T15:48:00.000-04:00

Gosh -she just gets cuter and squishier every day! I could really eat those cheeks up!

I found this old picture of myself at about the same age -don't you just love the groovy 70's pink velvet pillows?

And in a similar stance -Emme lounging on our pillows -circa 2008!

Giggles

2008-03-17T15:02:00.001-04:00

Ohhh -Emme had the giggles this weekend. Her daddy can get the best giggles out of her. She is our chunky little meat loaf and we love her :)

More giggles below . . .

Sugar Shock

2008-03-17T14:53:00.001-04:00

Noah went on an Easter Egg hunt this weekend at our local park-he did great at finding some hidden eggs and and was even better at eating the candy inside!

Then that afternoon we made some Easter cookies. Except that the only cookie cutters we had were snowmen and Christmas trees. Oh well, they tasted good anyway! There are no pictures of the finished cookies because we ate them all up. Yum! But here is Noah rolling out the dough:

Yes, that's frosting on his lips. Isn't it great to be 3? (almost 4)

Noah and the Paparazzi

2008-03-13T14:23:00.000-04:00

Trying to take a good picture of an (almost 4) year old is a little like trying to put a cat into a bathtub -it's just not happening! It's not that I don't want to post tons of cute pics of Noah here -he just won't let me take any! I'm starting to feel like the Paparazzi in my own home -stalking this child around the house, trying to get a picture of him. Here's a taste of a typical photo session:

"OK, I'll let you take ONE PICTURE MOMMY!""STOP! I said ONEEEEEEEE!"

And he's done. Session over!

Emme is 6 Months old!

2008-03-12T13:29:00.000-04:00

Emme is 6 months old today! Where has the time gone? It seems like yesterday she was a newborn and was snuggled up close to me like a warm loaf of bread. Not that I snuggle with warm loaves of bread or anything (ususally), just that she was all warm and snuggly and smelled yummy in that new baby way. Now she is weighing in at 21 lbs and 29 inches! She still smells yummy (most of the time!). Here's some shots I took today.

Obligatory nakey bum photo:

Ubiquitous flower hat photos:

Would you like some butter with those rolls?
AND,
Picture to prove that Emme actually has a head and hair under those hats:

And for fun, one of Noah at the same age: