My Brown Eyed Girl

One of my most very favorite smells, above lemon and dirt of course, is my little Sadie bug...especially the memory of her tiny newborn head as she was given to me for the first time. That distinct sweetness that entered my senses that day was one I hoped I would never forget. I remember resting with her in our hospital room the morning after her birth just breathing her in...trying to produce a memory of that moment so that I could bring it back on her 16th birthday or when I was going to have to one day send her off to college.

It's really, really hard to watch your babies grow up.  We wait with baited breath for those first steps or that first word but wish only to be able to go back and see it all again...so this time, could it please be in slow motion. 

The mixed pride and sadness I felt when I heard my 21 month old exclaim her own formed sentence of  "I want to draw a picture mommy" just about knocked me over.  I was losing my little baby and I was so afraid of forgetting all of that time when I would rock her in my arms.  I desperately tried not to cry as I got her some crayons and paper and watched her scribble something only her mommy could see as art. 

I knew I needed something to hold onto.  Something that would remind me of how she felt her first few years and something to show her how much I loved her as a baby.  I knew it had to be more then a picture or a journal entry.  It needed to have the smells and the feel of what she was when she was so tiny.

 I'm sure you have all done it...smelled each memory soaked outfit as you pulled it out of a dresser or box, trying to decide if you should let it go.  A while ago I did this same thing as I was going through her baby clothes.  Each one had a story and I had a really hard time putting anything into that cardboard box headed for Good Will.  I, instead, made three piles.

1. Perfect Condition that held a distinct memory

2. Most Loved, filled with memories but well worn and a tiny bit stained

3. Stuff that never really got used.

I packed the first pile up into the usual Tupperware and put it high up in the garage for a possible girl #2, sent the 3rd pile to a sister-in-law who had just had a baby girl and then I cut the 2nd stack, the ones I just couldn't let go of, into small squares for a quilt... my something to hold on to, cuddle and smell as often as I wanted. After I had enough squares to make a pretty good sized quilt I went to work.  I cried a lot as I made this.  In fact I'm sure there are mommy tears in some of these pieces.  It was harder then I thought but I just kept picturing Sadie and I curled up at night in her bed, when she's old enough to really get it, and getting to tell her about each small square.

One of these was the cute little top I had picked out for her on her first birthday and the bib I made her so that her cake wouldn't get all over it.  I'll get to tell her about all of the people who loved her enough to come and how she preferred her watermelon over her birthday cake.  Sadie, to me, was that color and those ruffles. I couldn't let go. 

These pieces of her past make up this tangible, useful treasure that I want her to love to bits.  Each square has a fun story.  There are so many people who love her that are involved in this project.  Each tiny dress and cute top was given to her by those who will make her who she is.  I can't wait to tell her everything I know about each one of them. 

 Letting go of precious time will always be hard.  Remembering it though, will be a joy!

  

3 Sweet Memories

Valentine's Day has always been special to me.  Not because I look forward to getting flowers or because I'm excited to see what special cards come in the mail.  I'm not a very romantic thinking girl or one who shows my affection in public so when I have the excuse to let it all out I do and I try to make it worth it. 

I find it thrilling to decorate a table extra pretty for that special morning with treasures on it for the people I love.  I love hiding tiny surprises around the house so that that day seems extra exciting.  I like to dress in pink and now I like to dress my little girl up in pink to commemorate the blushing that takes place on this day.  I try to create these lasting memories because when my mom did the same for me I felt like she loved me more then anything else.  I want to be a mom who makes extra efforts for her family...just so they know for sure how much I really do adore them.

For three years now my little Payton and his sweet Sophie have been special friends.  They have always gravitated towards each other, they seem to almost always get along and we, the parents, have only encouraged it.  They hold hands, they dance (which to Sophie is getting married), they play house and to them, right now, they will always be together. So, on Valentine's Day we make a plan, they go on a date and we sit and watch and soak it all in.  There is always a valentine exchange and a kiss or two.  They love it.  We love it. 

Here is a tiny glimpse, thanks to Cortney's talented husband Jason, of the last 3 years for these two.

2010

 A candle lit dinner for two: heart shaped grilled cheese sandwithes, grapes, chocolate covered strawberries, sparkling apple cider and special personalized heart cupcakes made with loads of love by Sophie and her mom Cortney (who also writes for this blog).

2009

 A picnic lunch on Alki Beach: transportation - a wagon pulled by daddy and a fun stop at the ice cream parlor where cones and kisses across the table were shared.

2008

 A First Date:  He picked her up with gifts for his favorite in hand (lollipop bouquet, a puppy with a heart in its mouth, and handmade valentine and a box of chocolates) and whisked her away to their favorite spot: McDonalds.  They each had a happy meal and were dressed up so fancy.  After their romantic meal and a quick change into play clothes: a night out at the family fun center.  Oh...they were so little.

Some ask us when we'll stop...I can't seem to have an answer.  I guess as long as they are small and happy...which will always be the case (wink, wink).

Home Is Where You Hang Your Heart(s)

I have a Christmas tradition, like many of you I'm sure, of giving each of my children a special ornament every year - either hand-picked or handmade by mama. This year, we started hanging their ornaments on their own special wreaths in their bedroom windows. They loved having their own little bit of Christmas right there in their rooms.

After Christmas, though, I forgot to take their wreaths down until after I'd had everything else all packed away. So I figured: this is the northwest, evergreen branches are a year-round thing here! And I left them there. And then I realized they're a perfect way to add some holiday cheer to the kids' rooms no matter what holiday it is! These particular hearts are cutouts from magazine pages with big spots of pink or red or purple, hole-punched at the top and hung with bits of string and ribbon - super easy! (We also hung the kids' paper snowflakes in the center, since we don't appear to be getting any other snow this winter.)

Also, do you notice the tiny hand-print smudge in the lower left-hand part of the window there? I didn't until I was about to upload. And I must say, it makes me love this photo all the more.