babies on the brain

That pretty much describes us these days.

The girls are taking a special interest in caring for their baby dolls and it is so much fun to watch them become little mommies. Their faces show such concern and tenderness. Then they drag them around by the heel or squeeze the doll's head in, which is not quite as sweet. But somehow still endearing.

Today we spent the morning at the art museum making prints, building towers, cutting and glueing and painting and enjoying being together. Later when we were home, we crowded into the rocking chair - not sure how we all still fit but that may explain the broken chair arm - and read classic Winnie the Pooh stories.

After dinner I watched them dance in the living room wearing tutus (with Sophie also insisting on wearing a "super fancy shirt" which almost created an apocalyptic meltdown). I love everything about them when they dance - the way their ponytails begin slipping down and to the side, the wispy curls around their faces, Aida's giant smile and Sophie's serious concentration.

The baby is currently doing her own little dance. Perhaps she's preparing for her grand entrance? A pink elephant can only hope.

peace

Even after a rough day, how can I not be head-over-heels in love with that?

We have had some rough days, but mostly are thankful for a little bit of peace that has settled over us as we spend these moments together. The girls have been extra snuggly lately and this colder weather we are having this week is perfect for gathering under a blanket on the couch to read or sing or tell stories or just sit and look at each other. I am soaking these sweet girlies in.

* * * * *

Related, in a round-about way, is the way my daughters help me come to peace with my - how shall we say? - rotund figure. Last night, as Elijah turned off the light in their room and the girls' nightlight cast our shadows on the wall, Sophie announced, "Mommy, your shadow is fat!" Which was the perfect compliment to Aida's comment last week when, after observing the color of my dress, she stated very matter-of-factly, "Mommy, you look like a pink elephant."

photo shoot

Some days are fabulous. Children play happily. Mommy plays happily with them. Everyone is (at least somewhat) well-rested. I delight in these sweet gifts that God has given me.

Other days...not so much. Children whine, push, grab, scream, cry, and act like little savages. (Who is raising these kids, anyway?!) Mommy has little to no patience. Everyone is exhasuted. I start to get very...grumpy (that is putting it nicely).

But we have found an antidote to that 2nd kind of day around here. We call it the "photo shoot". Find the camera, set the automatic timer, grab crazed children, and dare them to make their silliest faces.

Works every time.

Because how can I not delight in this?

And they think it is pretty fun, too.