Pause

Lulu turns four years old this week, and I would like nothing more but for the world to just stop turning. For her to stay three forever. For her to tell me that I’m a super-mommy and that we’re the same because we both have blue eyes. For our frequent performances of her schoolday, as told in song and dance, in our kitchen to never end. For our early morning meetings, eyes puffy and cheeks red from snuggling into her pillow, to go on for years.

For her birthday, Trent and I are getting Lu her first two-wheeler. Pink and purple with streamers on the handlebars and a pretty basket on the front. Just like she wants. Because she’s gonna be four, and four year olds don’t ride tricycles.

*sniff*

But for every part of me that wants to hit pause, the good side, the wise side, tells me that pause won’t help me now. She’s growing up. Every minute of every day is another minute older.

When I think of who she was as a baby, who she was at two and then three…I get excited for four. For me at least, she only gets better. More fun, more lovely, more amazing.

So I’m choosing to embrace the play button instead.

brooklyn.jpg

(Photo by Theresa)

Best Family Picture Ever

Good Parents (edited)

Taken by Erin, right after the Rutgers graduation ceremony. In our defense, I was calling Trent’s mom, who’d been separated from the group, and he was trying to text her. But it just looks like we’re total bonehead, hipster parents. Which, eh? We can be sometimes.

And Lulu is gifting me dandelions. Which is just so, so her. Love it.

Cuteness Explosion: First Friday Edition

It makes me so happy that my lovely friends from my hometown are finally moving to my home away from home. I’ve lived in Kansas City now longer than anywhere else, except that town where I grew up, and at times I find it hard to believe that I’ve been here over six years. Insanity, I tell you. Complete craziness.

The best part about said friends moving here is now I can meet them at KC haunts that I love to share, like First Fridays in the Crossroads District. At First Fridays all the galleries are open for viewing, and it’s one of those times I’m really proud to be a Kansas Citian. Lots of culture and music and dancing in the streets. Rare for our city, but it’s there, you just have to look for it.

Or, if you’re like us, you wait in line with three kids for snowcones and then shiver while eating them in the 50 degree weather.

Fun First Friday with the @nicoleman's and @maralynntho. Cuteness explosion!

Still, totally worth it.

(Photo of H and Lu taken by Nicole with my iPhone, the only camera I’m carrying these days.)

Some Things I’ve Learned Since Becoming A Mom

Goofs

1. Take time every day to cuddle.
2. When your kid wakes up in the morning, don’t forget to ask what they dreamed about.
3. Dress babies in plain onesies, because trust me, those stains are not coming out and you’re just gonna end up throwing them away.
4. There is no “right” way to be a parent.
5. Putting your baby or child in daycare will not scar them for life.
6. Don’t use the super-strong hair tyes in your kid’s hair if she twirls it. She’ll just yank them out, along with huge chunks of hair.
7. Try to cook dinner most nights, but pizza is okay too.
8. When your kid won’t eat veggies, try avacado and cream cheese sandwiches.
9. The best incentive to work out is if your kid loves going to the gym daycare.
10. Movie nights are a must.
11. Don’t buy Barbie DVD’s unless you are willing to watch them 487,025 times.
12. No matter how much you discourage it, your girl will probably love princesses.
13. If your kid says she wants to be a princess when she grows up, say that will be fine. But make sure to tell her princess-doctors are even better.
14. You will screw up.
15. Swaddling really does work.
16. Making time for your partner is a goal you won’t always achieve, but you can’t stop trying.
17. Take a mental picture every time your kid compliments your outfit. That won’t last forever.
18. Teach your kid to say “please” “thank you” yes ma’am” and “no sir” at a young age.
19. Have dance parties in the kitchen.
20. Hold hands whenever they let you.

Cuddlebug

Poor Lulu. She's got my inherent clumsiness. Cuddling after 5th injury of the day.

Bruises cover her legs. Scraped up knees and shins. Toe and fingernails caked with dirt. Tear stains streaking down her face. Thumb in mouth. The poor kid hurts herself more than any other child we know. Skipping and jumping and twirling and falling. Good thing I can relate. The clumsy gene most certainly comes from me. So after the fifth injury of the day, we snuggle up under the covers, and just relax. And recover. Until the next time.

Song of the Moment – Get Better, Mates of State

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