(mostly) Wordless Wednesdays

I got this idea from another blog I read. The idea is to tell a story with as few words as possible, and I thought it might be a fun little creative challenge for me. I'll probably do it today and then never again because that's just my style, but anyway, here it goes.

So I made a little play area for Lily on the patio. I thought she'd enjoy crawling around outside.


I added some "new" toys


But she was drawn to the dirt. (picture is on its side, sorry)


More toys


Toys were no match for the rug and all its dirt, leaves, and kitty hair. (another picture on its side, sorry.)


Then she found her prize.


A dead leaf!


It was endlessly fascinating. She broke little pieces off and I tried to keep them out of her mouth.

Best.firstkiss.ever.

Photo update

Ok, so it's been a while since I've posted bunches of pictures. I will make up for that today. On the Shutterfly site, there are two new albums, February 2009 and March 2009.

In February 2009, you will find pictures of random pictures at home (including some of her in her cloth diapers), Lily and Kitty, Lily and Sophie, Dad's visit, Busch Gardens, Lia's first birthday party (fun with all her cousins!)

In March 2009, you will find pictures of random stuff at home, shopping, couldn't-help-myself cute outfit pictures, book-eating, sleeping in her crib, more random stuff at home, trying to wake Daddy up, crawling, crazy hair from day care, and a visit with her cousins.

Also, check out her 9-month photo shoot at the Picture People. Yes, I know we do this a lot. But we all have our addictions, and it was my birthday so back off. The link is here, and I'll store it with the other links on the left.

Now, it also occurs to me that perhaps I am the only one who could wade through hundreds of pictures of my baby and think "aw, how cute," over and over and over again. And I'll also look at them all and think, "yes, this picture is different than that one because look how she's turning her head. I need to keep this picture, too." But perhaps just maybe the rest of you are thinking, "Damn, Kate, Lily sure is a cute baby but do we really need 7,000 pictures of her? Do you ever put the freaking camera down?" For you, I give you the short version. Here are a few of my favorites from the last couple of months:

Grandpa taking Lils for a walk

With Uncle Pouk. Notice how Pearl does not look happy to share her daddy.


Playing with her cousin, Connor.

The birthday girl! Lia with her daddy behind her. On the playground equipment at her party.


Crashing at the end of the birthday party. Love this picture of Lily with her daddy. So sweet.



Cute!


In her crib. She likes it in there. Wish she liked to sleep for longer than three hours in there, though.


Trying to wake Daddy on the weekend. Not an easy task. Trust me.

Mission accomplished

Let's face it, Nana came here with one goal in mind: To make sure Lily knew her and loved her. Sure, it'd be nice to spend a little time with me and Khan, maybe do a little shopping, and just get a little Florida sunshine, but only as long as it didn't interfere with the main objective.

Lily's been nothing but sunshine and giggles for at least a month. Just the happiest little squirt you've ever seen. But then she must've known that Mama had plans or something because she pulled out her crabby pants. I still don't know what's been wrong with her. (All the signs point to teething, but there's not so much as a tiny white bump to back up that theory.) A few days before Nana got here, she started getting fussy and irritable. And then she stopped sleeping, so that made her even more fussy and irritable, and the sleeplessness brought me down with her. (I mean, really, I can handle a night feeding or a night waking or whatever, but SCREAMING for two hours for no discernable reason is just really hard on the nerves.) So Nana had her work cut out for her.

Lily and I went outside to greet them on Monday when Nana arrived. Lily looked at her like she'd seen her before but she just couldn't place it. She gave a little smile, but still fussed whenever Mama or Daddy was out of sight. For the next day or so, she was just a little bit unsure about this somewhat familiar person hanging around.

But Nana was relentless with the games, the cackles, the bouncing, the clapping, and the hurrahing. Even when Mama wanted to start quiet activities because we were trying to wind down for bed, Nana seemed to "forget" and got Lily all riled up again. Before we knew it, Lily was reaching for Nana to pick her up and smiling whenever she came around. She even initiated Nana's fall-down-and-go-boom game. Yup, mission accomplished indeed.

My birthday wish

It seems that I don't have a big wish for myself this year. I mean, sure I wouldn't mind a digital SLR or a Circut Expression, but there will always be things to want. But I have a lot more in my life than I ever would've hoped for myself at 31.

But I do have a wish or two for my baby girl. In fact, my head is filled with wishes and hopes for her all day every day. (Unfortunately, it is also filled with the fears, but I won't dwell there. I can't dwell there.)

So, I've been meaning to let her know, and what better time than my birthday. And yes, this is long, and I could go on and on.


Little baby girl,

There is so much that I wish and hope for you, I really don't know where to start. I guess we'll start with the basics.

Health. Take good care of yourself, love. I'm doing everything I know how to give you the best start to healthy life, but at some point it's up to you. Walk, run, jump, whatever you need to do to keep healthy. And for God's sake, take excellent care of your teeth. If you believe nothing else I ever tell you, trust that sugar+Coke=your 20s spent with a dentist.

Love. Real love. Not that "true love" mythical malarkey that fate drops at your door. Nope, I hope you find real love. The kind of love that doesn't appear in a gaze across a crowded room, but rather builds over time, giving you faith in its validity. Real love makes you look forward to growing old just so you can share a lifetime of memories. Real love is built on mutual respect, passion, and trust. If any of these things is missing for either party, keep looking. And if someone ever tells you -- while apologizing for something stupid -- that you're too good for them, believe them.

Security. The kind of security that only a family can provide. If we do our part well, you will never doubt that Mama and Daddy are here, always. Even if you tell us you hate us and you want to run away. We will be here, loving you. I hope that when you look back at your childhood, it will be filled with happy memories. I know that sometimes you won't be happy. I can see that already in your fishflopping fury because Mama wouldn't let you eat paper. But I hope that one day you'll know that all those times that you were mad at me, it's just because I was trying to keep you safe.

My baby girl, if you have these three things, you will have more wealth than the combined Powerball lottery winners. But as long as I'm wishing here, I'm going to throw a few details in with the basics.

Value your friendships. It doesn't matter if you have 50 friends or a couple of good friends. Friendship has nothing to do with quantity and everything to do with quality. Spending time with friends is one of life's best highs. Enjoy those laughs together. You'll also need them to help you move. But if they help you move, you'll have to help them, too. That's how friendship works.

Make something. When you grow up, have a job or a hobby that allows you to create something that you can hold. Enjoy the satisfaction of your work.

Enjoy nature. Even if it's in small doses or from a window or a photograph the way your mama does, just appreciate the earth you live in and the beauty it holds. Do what you can to take care of it for my grandbabies.

Cuddle furry creatures. They have a way of knowing that you had a sad day, and they'll be there with a tail wag and a cuddle. Personally, I'd suggest a kitty or a puppy, but if you prefer a potbelly pig, well that's your business when you have your own house.

Take responsibility. Your life is a result of your choices, and you won't always make the right ones. When you make a mistake, own it, fix it, and move on. Moving on is often the hardest part.

Try new things. You know what, this is probably going to be harder for me than you. I actually dread the day you'll come home and say, "Mama, can I go sailing with little Suzy's family?" And I'll spend those hours flipping out until I know you're home safe. You know what? Maybe don't try new things. READ about new things. Your imagination can take you anywhere. Safely.

Never stop learning. Oh, sugar, I love to watch you explore right now. You are so filled with wonder. I love that look you get when something just clicks. There's always something new to learn, but some things might never click, like algebra. Don't let that discourage you. There is so much knowledge out there -- grab as much of it as you can.

Just be Lily. We're just getting to know you. I know you're sweet, and I know you love your mama and daddy. You also love to look out the window, go for walks outside, and play peek-a-boo. I know you do not like it when we the remote control away -- and I know that you have a temper that might match your mama's. I know you have a smile that can crack my crabbiest mood -- that is nothing short of a miracle. Every day I wake up and can't wait to learn more about you and watch you grow. You really are that amazing, and don't you forget it for a second.

Love you.

Mama