Two Drifters

Her Valentine clothes

2012-02-18T00:23:00.000-08:00

IN NO WAY am I setting a ridiculous precedent for myself in making everything Mila wears on Valentine's or any other celebration...I think I just got used to staying up crazy hours around Christmas trying to get everything done, and here it is nearly 2 months later and I'm still in the habit of staying up late working on 'stuff.' Oh the allure of having time all to myself when everyone else is sweetly tucked in.

The heart-doily-painted shirt started out like The Artful Parent's, where I first it. Instead of painting the actual doily, though, I slapped it on the shirt and painted the doily's negative space onto the fabric with a small foam brush. I think the lacy effect came out so pretty and delicate.

I still can't believe I was able to spit out that skirt. It's here at Make It and Love It (via Prudent Baby), such a well-written tutorial; if I can do it anyone can! I grew up with my mom making us a lot of handmade clothes with tons of love, and it makes me so happy that I'm starting to figure out this thing called a sewing machine (still have a long way to go though). p.s. When I first showed Mila the skirt on Monday (I wanted to try it on her to see if any adjustments were needed), she stopped dead in her tracks and opened her mouth so big. That's when my heart burst and I instantly forgot how tired I was from staying up until 1 the night before. I just love how this girl gets excited about things big and little, and everything in between.

And the little stripey legwarmers...remember these? I had made that navy blue-and-white pair at the beginning of my pregnancy and now that Mila finally fits those I thought another pair was in order. You know...for the ballet classes in her future :)

Felt Food Fridays

2012-02-17T00:00:00.000-08:00

This is all about holding myself accountable to turn out some felt food in time for Mila's 2nd birthday in a little over six months (noooooo!). We're planning on hunting down a play kitchen as her 'big' gift and, well, what's a play kitchen without food? If it's anything like a real kitchen without food, then it's pretty bleak (trust me on this one). I know I can buy the felt food (and I'm sure I will be buying a few pieces as it gets closer to August), but a lot of it seems so easy. Why not give it a try?

I thought I'd start easy and healthy. There's a boatload of free felt food tutorials out there but this one is from an etsy pattern I bought on sale around the holidays, from Gulf Coast Cottage. Orange wedges! They're in season, they're a symbol of Florida, and Mila unashamedly slurps the heck out of them come snacktime. I ended up stuffing mine with a little polyfill to give them a juicier look--does that make them look like orange empanadas?

Our Valentine's

2012-02-16T00:25:00.000-08:00

Wugs and I awoke to flowers from Papa with sweet little love pictures in the center of each bloom, there were heart waffles for breakfast and Wugs had pink milk, too. The three of us spent the day together, going to music, playing at the park, watching Mila and her sweet friend hug and kiss each other for the first time. Then for dinner I got to cook side by side with my favorite man, just like the old days, while Wugs entertained us (and herself!) with kazoo playing. And Mila gave me a wonderful present--no, I'm not talking about the early bedtime (even though she did that too)--she nursed to sleep, something she hadn't done in a long time. Lately her nursing has been shorter and not quite so frequent, something I know is normal but still makes me sad to think of this era starting to wind down (but I still think we're a ways off from weaning). But last night, all nuzzled in my arms and sleeping against my chest, it was just like old times too. I rocked her for several rounds of Edelweiss just because I didn't want that moment to end. Steve and I went on a date in the teepee and watched Parenthood together. I like this thing they call Valentine's Day.

Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T01:30:00.000-08:00

I think Valentine's Day should be a reminder to tell the people you love exactly that in your words and actions. I hope they feel that every day, though, and not just today. Valentine's Day, every day! My little family makes my world and I feel very blessed.

Our weekend

2012-02-14T01:20:00.000-08:00

We had a Mila and Mama weekend since Steve worked both Saturday and Sunday. And we

...fingerpainted.
...made cinnamon pull-apart bread. Delicious and I think I like it even better than cinnamon rolls. But baking with a toddler requires a whole new skillset than cooking, I've realized. I'm convinced it can be easier but I have to do some things differently next time.
...begged Mila to just give me another 30 minutes to sleep. She gave me 15 and then the gig was up.
...explored the Botanical Gardens at Tilden where Mila thoroughly enjoyed herself throwing pebbles and attempting to clean every single plant identification marker with a baby wipe.
...I did it; I sewed my first article of clothing. A skirt for Mila. Holy crap ( it is far from perfect but you have to start somewhere, no?).
...read A Ride on Mother's Back: A Day of Baby Carrying Around the World 492 times. And by read I mean I would turn to a page, eek out a sentence before Wugs would slam it shut, then demand for me to "read" it again. Aaaaaaand again.
...read Carry Me, Babies Everywhere 489 times, same way as above.
...ate dinner by the light of our ice lantern.
...sewed another quick heart garland for M's teepee, stripey.
...painted my toenails red and sparkly.
...got all dressed up for church...
...and since we were 25 minutes late pulling into the parking lot I made the arbitrary decision to play at the park instead.
...so we went on the swings (you push her so high! one mother said to me. Well, she's a daredevil, this Miss Wugs), played in the sand, and watched the tennis players.
...appreciated Marmousch being supportive when I confessed that we had played hooky from church.
...went on a Mila and Mama date to a bagel shop where we sat in their courtyard, ate our bagel sammiches and watched the BART train whiz by.
...made red playdough together and I tried to get Mila to keep the pink glitter confined to the storage bin she was playing in.
...made cream of mushroom soup since Steve would never, ever eat that. (I take full advantage when he's gone to eat food he hates--like mushrooms or smoked salmon.) Wugs gobbled up that soup. I'm so proud!
...decided to stop cursing the fact that we live in a 2nd floor apartment since Mila's getting really good at going up and down stairs. She probably wouldn't be getting practice like that if our apartment was on the ground floor.

At least baby can't say no.

2012-02-10T00:15:00.000-08:00

So this is what I do now. I dropped everything when I saw this ear warmers DIY on pinterest last week to make Wugs something cute to cover her noodle (never mind that it has been so warm here that we are in shorts, fan on, windows open- no really!). She loves my headbands, digs any amount of frou-frou dress-up that we can get ourselves into--she loves to say and wear her tata, translation tutu in Wugsspeak. So quirky ear warmers* equals a home run, right?

Unfortunately, my unpredictable monkey wouldn't even let me put the finished ear warmer around her head to snap a picture. I tried. I really tried. Not even Baby wearing said ear warmers could entice Mila to follow suit. Relinquished to the dress-up drawer in the hopes that someone will have a change of heart. Sigh.

*For what it's worth the ear warmers were so easy peasy to make, even for a clumsy sewer like me. That won't be the last thing I make on Prudent Baby, I'm sure. And pom-poms, well they are just too fun. I highly recommend pom-pom making (I use my hand!), instant mood boost :)

Feeding goats and watching airplanes

2012-02-07T23:56:00.000-08:00

Oh, the places we will go. When your daughter with the sparkly eyes maa's like a goat (not to be confused with her baa's, mind you) and does airplane wings and a neeeeeeeawwwwww (that is the best airplane phonetic sound I can muster) each time she hears one flying overhead...well. You try to make these things happen.

Breakfast of champions.

2012-02-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

My breakfast this morning was my usual delicious cappuccino and a slice of this delicious shaker lemon pie. I finally did it. This pie. Keeper!

Every year around this time I walk by the meyer lemons in the produce section and think I should buy some and see what all the fuss is about but then talk myself out of it because I haven't planned ahead and don't want them going to waste. I always resolve to go home and find a meyer lemon recipe to try for next week...and never do. This happens every year, and then that short little meyer lemon window closes and I still haven't seen what all the fuss is about.

So last week I was at our grocery store and saw those meyer lemons. You guys are coming home with me! So with Wugs papoosed to my front in the ergo we reached in the bin and didn't stop until we had pulled out 16. Sixteen! And off we went back home, Mila dreaming about cats and babies and me dreaming about all the meyer lemony things I was going to make.

First up was the above Shaker Lemon pie. Oh my gosh. Win. (I went with her pie crust 102 recipe and it was so perfect...and easy...that it's going to be my go-to crust recipe here on out.) Then I attempted meyer lemon curd that was going wonderfully until I ignored the phrase careful not to let it boil. My poor burned curd...I will be making you again, my pretty. More meyer lemons are already on the shopping list for next week.

While we're talking about breakfast here was Mila's that same day. Wugs never used to be a big breakfast eater except for scrambled eggs (but scrambled eggs every day? That gets old.) and then I stumbled upon a great combination she was actually into. Homemade granola (I have loved this recipe since SouleMama first posted it, but Wugs also gave her seal of approval to this one) with a little milk, then whole wheat toast with jam that she (sorta tries to) lather on herself with a small spatula. Oh my plum puddin' girl. Just look at her.

Next up in my 2012 Meyer Lemon Fever are linguine with meyer lemon zest, creme fraiche and parmesan cheese from Cooking for Mr. Latte and a meyer lemon aioli to go with some veggies for superbowl snacking. I made a forgettable meyer lemon buttermilk cake last night (still ate it though. Ha!). Who knew that 16 wouldn't be enough?!

This is...winter?

2012-01-31T00:28:00.000-08:00

It's been glooooorious here in northern California these last few days. Sunny, not cold, not hot, just right. How could we not spend our weekend outside? We headed to Tennessee Valley which is a favorite spot of mine in the North Bay but almost a little too popular, especially on weekends. That trail was crowded. Wugs loves stranger danger attention though, so she reveled in all of the attention coming her way. Compliments on her mocs, her eyes, her smile, her airplane imitation, whatever--she eats it all up. Ham. Like her papa.

In other exciting news, Mila has discovered her shadow. Let the imaginary friendships begin!

p.s. You know that saying It's not about the destination, it's about the journey? Nothing illustrates that point better than hiking with a toddler. We never even made it to the beach on our hike since Wugs became fascinated with all the sticks and leaves on the ground (I swear she gets out daily) and was sitting every 20' ;)

At the table.

2012-01-29T23:35:00.000-08:00

As of last Wednesday, a little change has occurred in the Weibel household. That's right...

hello booster seat! Goodbye, high chair. My big girl. I still remember the first day we sat her in that high chair to eat solids for the first time...her eyes dancing and full of excitement because she seemed to just know this was a big deal. The end of something from Mila's babyhood is, as always (does it get any less magnified the more kids you have?), a mix of sadness and excitement. It does help that the high chair was a royal pain to keep clean--I swear there were magnets in the crevices to attract caked-on food. It also helps that in the last month Wugs decided she very much enjoyed standing in her high chair and climbing onto the flimsy tray. Lil bugger.

And it's hard to be too sad about the whole high chair sayonara for very long when you see this little big person sitting at the table with the grown-ups. I love this girl.

Also gonna brag for a second here...Mila's eating has been awesome lately (before you hate, know that she still does not consistently sleep through the night...we just stay tired 'round here). Nowadays I can get her to eat just about anything. Some foods she's had and enjoyed of late (i.e. signed for more over and over): olives, pomegranate, mushrooms, tuna fish, chickpeas, lentils, beets (beets!), sole, cabbage, ...she gobbles up vegetables and can't get enough of fruit. Steve puts his foot down at giving her oysters and sushi but I am just counting down the days, friends! My foodie partner in crime has arrived!

Of course I realize that by putting this out there, tomorrow Mila is going to turn into Miss Picky once again. I know how this mommy thing works, y'all--I know that the second you get used to something then BAM, the whole game changes on you. At least I now have proof that at this point in time she was a rockstar foodie.

Happy Birthday!

2012-01-29T01:23:00.000-08:00

The quality of a father can be seen in the goals, dreams and aspirations he sets not only for himself, but for his family.

- Reed Markham, American Educator

Happy birthday Dad! (It's one of the big ones and he has worked oh-so-hard to get there. I am proud of him.)

p.s. That's my sweet baby and her Nonno one year ago, she's wearing his baptismal gown in those shots. Wait, what?! How has it been a year?

New favorite books

2012-01-25T00:39:00.000-08:00

Mila's favorite books of late, in no particular order:

A Ride on Mother's Back: A Day of Baby Carrying Around the World
Catch That Baby! can you tell my kiddo has a baby obsession?
A Nonna recording of Goodnight Moon
Love You Forever (she sings along with me during the "I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always..." part, going aaaaahhhh aaaaahhhh aaahhhhh ahhhhh. That means so much because it was a favorite book passed down from my mom. I even have my old copy from 1985!)
Good Night, Gorilla she thumps her chest like a gorilla and shouts aaaaaahhh! in a different way than the singing ahh's.
The Life and Times of Mila H. W.

The last one is a book I made for Mila on Pinhole Press. Did you see that article on custom storybooks in the December issue of Martha Stewart Living, like 2 weeks before Christmas the way I did? Did your jaw drop in the middle of the checkout line at Joann's like mine did? So I did what any crazy, I'll-sleep-when-I-die mama would do, I spent the next 3 nights making my girl a storybook chronicling some of the highlights of her first year. Here is the book and a few of my favorite pages from it:

Sweet just doesn't describe the scene as Mila pulls out her book over and over again, lighting up when she those images. More customized storybooks to come (says the mama who continues her I'll sleep when I die! battle cry).

Our long weekend in Lake Tahoe

2012-01-23T23:42:00.000-08:00

Note that this was not this past weekend, but the weekend before. In other words, the weekend before 8 inches of fresh powder blanketed Tahoe and all the ski resorts and other local tourism rejoiced.

Ah. Well, it would have been nice to wake up in our cozy cabin to a blanket of fresh snow outside, but I'll just have to settle for waking up to my sleepy milk monster. Best consolation prize ever, no? At least a few ski resorts were making snow and we did get some sledding in. Mila had a ball nibbling on bits of snow (I tried to make sure it was clean, I really tried). Sledding, not so much. I don't think it was so much the speed that did her in, but rather the kicked-up watery snow that her face seemed to be a magnet for. At first she signed 'more' but by the second day we were the ones walking with our screaming banshee down the hill, nervous that we were dangerously treading into Toddlers and Tiaras territory.

-things I forgot to pack: my jacket (!!!WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?!), sleep sheep (again, stupid), socks. I need packing training. Checklists or something.

So in the absence of sleep sheep we desperately downloaded 'baby sleep sounds' on itunes. Steve had it on a loop but all of a sudden we hear the first few notes to Gold Digger...you know, she take ma money, when I'm in neeeeeeeed...yeah she's a triflin' friend indeeeeeeeed...oh she's a gold diggah. I just about choked on whatever junk food I was devouring (twizzlers, oreos, doritos, take your pick) as Steve moved faster than I had ever before seen him in order to shut that Kanye up. Sorry Kanye, a lullabye master you are not.

Christmas 2011

2012-01-08T00:24:00.000-08:00

I know Christmas was so 2011 and everyone's moved on, but I am as usual late to the game and want to post a few pictures from ours. I loved our Christmas, both the first one with just us and the second with my parents (hoping to merge the two this year!). Christmas was pure magic to me growing up and nothing is more rewarding than to watch that same magic unfold before your children's eyes. What a way to end the year.

Christmas, 2011

Mila made me play google's jingle bells no less than 28 times in a row.

Mila got frustrated at something (I can't remember what now, it was probably something like me not letting her have the wrapping scissors or something) and in a fit of frustration, hitting a box, then hitting the Christmas tree, and then --stopping short upon seeing me, walking over and giving me an I'm sorry kiss. And sidenote, how long does this hitting phase last?

Mila and I went on a Christmas Eve bike ride, first one in months, for some much needed fresh air. A good beach walk and some driftwood put us in a better mood since I was scrooging that Steve had to work.

Being the last one in the house to go to bed and looking back at the tree with all its glorious presentscape one last time, I felt...blessed. Not from all the material and tangible things that were in the room, but because of all the love we had put into making this moment special.

Wugs walked out into the living room to find presents piled up in a bubble wonderland (and that image seared into my mind is all I'll ever need).

I loved the simplicity of the handprint salt dough ornament Mila "made" for the Papa (despite under duress).

Mila's first painting is forever commemorated on canvas. It was her present to Steve, is already hung up and we stare at it constantly. I only wish that were an exaggeration--proud parents.

Alameda's Christmas Tree Lane all decked out. We didn't see it on Christmas, but it was one of our favorite Christmasy activities we ended up doing. Mila The Red-Caped Beauty danced at the houses that played music from their displays.

Wugs loved and appreciated the two soft dolls I made her...both are sleeping with her in the crib, per request, as I type this (along with 14 other dolls/softies/lovies but hey).

I think wrapping presents is my favorite part now, thanks confetti! Fewer things are more satisfying then taking your prez with the double-sided tape design, dumping a big bowl of confetti on top, and then shaking off the excess. Glorious. Try it!

Steve got in on the Christmas present making with not one but two gifts for Wugs. The first was inspired by this...the 2nd was a little treasure trunk in which he painted on a few beloved dadas (obviously a hit.)

A new favorite book around here -- We Are In a Book! Not Mila's favorite. Steve's. It is read aloud, and often.

I did think of something more satisfying. Seeing the name Wugs on a pajama butt.

Parent's Creed

2012-01-03T00:44:00.000-08:00

Steve found this tucked in the pew at church yesterday. Coincidence? I don't think so, not one bit.

Parent's Creed

If a child live with criticism,

He learns to condemn.

If a child lives with hositility,

He learns to fight.

If a child lives with ridicule,

He learns to be shy.

If a child lives with shame,

He learns to feel guilty.

If a child lives with tolerance,

He learns to be patient.

If a child lives with encouragement,

He learns confidence.

If a child lives with praise,

He learns to appreciate.

If a child lives with fairness,

He learns justice.

If a child lives with security,
He learns to have faith.

If a child lives with approval,

He learns to like himself.

If a child lives with acceptance and friendship,

He learns to find love in the world.

Well hello 2012!

2012-01-01T21:44:00.000-08:00

New Year's Eve hike * poor man's cinnamon rolls (our dough failed to rise --enter husband to the rescue) * Mila's latest hat, my favorite ever to knit (from More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts) * lots of tired families in church - did fireworks wake their kids too? * fondue lunch (when is M old enough for Melting Pot? was a topic of conversation) * eating lobster in buttah for the first time (Wugs) and oh yes, loving it * my glittery New Year's garland made from leftover wrapping paper...so fun I think it's going up on the teepee as soon as the tree comes down * a Wugs kiss is ze very best kind. Her bathtime ones are especially sweet.

Happy New Year! Welcome 2012, let's make you incredible.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T00:16:00.000-08:00

This has been an incredible year, I think it goes without saying. It has been a year of financial healing, and while certainly not easy at many seemingly insurmountable points along the way--I think we grew up this year. We moved across the country, first Steve in January and then Mila and I pulled up the rear in February. It was cold and rainy in California then, and my attitude reflected that. I like to think if we have similar February weather in 2012, it will be handled much differently. We'll be the crazy ones gleefully stomping in puddles over there, can you see us?

It's also the year I learned to sew, learned to cook while entertaining a baby, learned to survive on very poor sleep when my sleeping-through-the-night infant became acquainted with her teeth (teeth I shake my fist at you). This was the year I really, really missed my mom more than ever...okay, maybe it was on par with my first year away at college, but it is most certainly too close to call. This was the year my daughter took her first brave steps, said her first word, started really getting it. The year we became a family of three and not just two adults with a baby. Parents, you know what I mean.
I started the year breastfeeding and I'm ending it still proudly breastfeeding. We quietly toasted our Wugs (was she a Wugs then?) above her crib in the dark of her room and we're planning to do it again in just under 2 hours from now.

"Picnik Show"

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Elving.

2011-12-24T20:00:00.000-08:00

So this is what Santa's elves feel like. It's 7:30 on Christmas Eve (!), Mila just went to sleep and I came straightaway into the kitchen to make coffee. It's going to be a long night, but a fun one.

I really love this part. Really really. Even before having kiddos I romanticized how fun it would be to stay up ridiculously late with your husband all in the name of Christmas morning magic. Does that excitement ever wear off? I guess it helps that I'm a night owl. Now Woogus, she's still very young but isn't too little to know beautiful surprises when she sees them. I hope not, anyway. I'm so excited to hear her happy, breathy aaaaaaahhhhhhh's when walking out into the living room in just a few short hours.

Oh I can hardly wait.
Merry Christmas, world. May it be just as bright.

oops, Advent Calendar 2011

2011-12-13T23:36:00.000-08:00

It's a simple one from Martha --every day reveals a different photo for Wugs of her dada's, or her with mama, with papa, beloved Nonna, etc. The pictures are 'laminated' on both sides with contact paper to withstand Wugs lovin' (lots of kisses and toting around). I made one for Marmousch too with all Mila pictures. Does a grandparent ever get tired of photos of their babies' babies? We'll see.

I already have an idea for next year's. I think. I love advent calendars. I saw a draw-your-own one in a store the other day and it nearly blew my mind. The thought of Mila drawing her own pictures in those windows in a few years! Be still my heart.
p.s. Here is last year's, and the year before.

And the love affair continues.

2011-12-13T23:08:00.000-08:00

I forgot about this little gem. It was taken last month but this still happens on a several-times-daily basis. Thanks, Hoodes, for being so patient with your biggest fan.

p.s. Replace the dada with a gorgeous greyhound and you've got Mila with our friend Heather's dog yesterday. Just an all-around animal lover, that one.

A day in the city.

2011-12-08T23:55:00.000-08:00

Our highlight from today, spent in San Francisco.
Although I'm pretty sure this was just a high point for Steve and I. Wugs was all WHO ARE YOU AND WHY DO I HAVE TO SIT IN YOUR LAP?!

I'm done with this.

And more from today...Union Square is quite magical this time of year.

p.s. Last year's Mila-with-Santa photo.
p.p.s. Two years ago today we found out there was going to be a Wugs in our lives. Even though at the time, I didn't know what a Wugs was.

Tiptoe.

2011-12-03T01:21:00.000-08:00

Oh how I adore those getting-into-everything tiptoes. And the dimply calves attached.

Before fall ends (a fall cardigan)

2011-11-29T23:34:00.000-08:00

I finished it the first week of October, honest. But we had such a warm October that for the longest time I hardly put it on her-- and suddenly it's colder to the point where I can't just put that on as her outer layer. Know what I mean? Luckily it's roomy. I love how the sweater turned out. Where the buttonhole loops are --probably the easiest part for any other knitter-- I made a few goofy mistakes so if you look closely the whole thing is jimmy-rigged, like looking beneath an antique chair and seeing that its legs are held together with masking tape. Not that I'm comparing my knitting to antique craftsmanship.

Once it was finished I realized how insanely, coincidentally perfect it was that this sweater I made for my Best Thing Ever is made with alpaca wool. A llama sweater, for my llama girl.

Wanted: one Nonna.

2011-11-27T20:05:00.000-08:00

Nonna nonna nonna nonna she says every time my cell rings, or whenever the computer is opened, wanting to skype. I know, baby girl. I miss her too. Marmousch coming for the week was heaven for us all. Now we're just counting down the days until she comes back.

Oh and might I add.

2011-11-26T00:01:00.000-08:00

What a difference a year makes. Thanksgiving 2010.

Thanksgiving, 2011.

2011-11-25T23:59:00.000-08:00

forget the turkey, check out the Movember beard.

She spent Thanksgiving in her Chinatown pj's

Mama, I stacked it!

Thanksgiving morning found the three of us in our bed, all of us stuffed up, coughing, sniveling sick. A trio of snorers and moaners. It was actually kind of sweet, now that I think about it. Somehow we got dinner on the table (it was all you, Steve). It was just us, there were no food revelations, nothing earth-shattering like past years' tried-and-true's; Wugs didn't even want one bite (from a menu so thoughtfully planned with her in mind!) and instead we had to heat up a Dr. Praeger's spinach pancake for her. Hmph. None of that really matters, though.

I am thankful for my family both near and far. For friends so close they're like family. For my health. For my husband who, go ahead and try, you will not find a more supportive and kind man. Bonus points because tonight while he was folding laundry he came and found me just to show me how teeny our daughter's pajama pants are. He understands how the minute I finally get her to sleep all I want to do is cover her with kisses. He understands because he does, too. I am thankful for this beautiful girl that God entrusted me to guide and teach. Every day she makes me a better person. Motherhood is amazing.

Sorry for the crickets.

2011-11-13T22:46:00.000-08:00

Let's see. Quick recap since Steve is on his way as I type to pick up Marmousch from the airport (!!!) and I still have to clean the bathroom before she arrives. What is it about mothers coming that make you want to have a flawless, so-clean-you-could-eat-off-the-floor home? At any rate, the gig is up tonight. The tiny yet mighty love of my life is nothing short of amazing. Every day I'm hearing new words (or as often the case, hearing her try to say new words)--today it was piedi (feet) and I could have sworn she attempted saying edamame at dinner. Dada is Mila's word for gato (cat) and her obsession. Ob-SESSION. We are slightly concerned that we're raising this, but when I see her love up on Hoodes I just melt. She is perfect in every way. Today in a store she had her first mini-tantrum...I say 'mini' because she was in the ergo so she wasn't flailing or anything like that (there's time for that, I'm sure), but I'm classifying it as 'tantrum' since she wanted something that I refused and wouldn't stop crying until we left the store. And the object in question....BARBECUED NUTS! Mind you she has never eaten nuts, not bbq'ed or any other flavor. But the Wugs wants what the Wugs wants. Too bad Mama gets in the way sometimes.

What else...one of my dearest friends in this world is having her baby this week. I wish we didn't live so far away but am still so thrilled for her! To be having your first baby, those first few days and weeks running on adrenaline and clumsily trying to figure it all out--some of life's best moments are bottled up in that little window of time.

I already have Christmas music playing in the house when it's just Wugs and I. It's too early for Steve, when he's home it's still 70's music and classic rock, but I figure it's never too early to start embedding those carols into Wugs' head.

Am trying to finagle an early Christmas present out of Steve in the shape of a sewing machine.

Scrapped my original plans for Mila's stocking to be sewn and just cast on last night for a knitted one. I hope I can get it done in time. The last time I knitted a stocking it was done 2 months later, in time for...Valentine's.

Is it wrong to covet both physical features and material things of your daughter? I want her eyes (including those lashes, thankyouverymuch), new moccasins, and beautiful handmade dress that my wonderful friend Sarah sent her. It has a wide yellow sash that ties around the waist. Sigh.

It will be just the 3 of us on Thanksgiving so we are keeping things simple. I think that sounds kinda perfect and dreamy, actually.

This Saturday I am putting on heels and going out with my husband on a date. Just the two of us. For our seven-year anniversary. For the first time in ten months. I think I am most excited about that. That, and getting to spend the week with Marmousch.

And now I really have to get on that bathroom.

2011-11-07T23:59:00.000-08:00

While feeding the birds together last Saturday it hit me that she no longer needs to keep her hands up by her shoulders to balance while walking. It comes fluidly and naturally to her now.

This growing up business is not for the faint of heart.

Sick.

2011-11-06T22:51:00.000-08:00

Sick bébé in a Nonna-made pixie hat (I think it's my most favorite hat of hers, will you look at the back!) is possibly the most adorable and simultaneously heartbreaking thing I have ever seen.

2011-11-05T23:44:00.000-07:00

Different ways I could have titled this post:
How Wugs is engaged while Mama gets dinner ready.
She's not big on playdough but spaghetti? Yes please.
Don't worry, we didn't eat it afterwards.

Getting out of the way.

2011-11-03T23:57:00.000-07:00

Wugs didn't take a single nap today despite my best efforts. By 4:00 I just took a deep breath and braced myself, the way you freeze as the wave crests up and up right before washing over you. She was asleep by 6:35.

Like a weed.

2011-11-02T23:19:00.000-07:00

This afternoon Steve offhandedly put Mila up against our growth chart and in shock we realized she's grown nearly two inches since her first birthday. That's two inches in two months. Holy growth spurt. This explains so much. So much.

Favorite moment from yesterday.

2011-11-01T20:58:00.000-07:00

Oh boy. There were so many. Steve (the more gregarious one) trick-or-treating with his daughter. Wugs smiling at that little group of 9-10 year-olds as they squealed at her, not so much saying Yeah, I know I'm cute but rather to say, Hey guys, where have you been? I've been waiting to hang out with y'all.

We never did get around to carving our pumpkins by Halloween (but when M awoke to November 1st a jack 'o lantern was waiting for her), and this was the first year that we didn't have a single trick-or-treater at our house (how sad is that? Ugh.). But none of it mattered as we sat around eating our Chinese takeout--Wugs in the middle sandwiched by the two people in the world so lovesick crazy about her that they can't see straight.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T22:46:00.000-07:00

love,
Llama Llama Red Pajama,
her mama,
and her hard-working, rushing-home-just-in-time-Papa.

p.s. When people gave Wugs candy tonight, she would give them a piece already in her trick-or-treating bag back. Such a giver! I LOVE THIS GIRL.

Things Wugs learned this Halloween season.

2011-10-29T23:21:00.000-07:00

Pumpkins.

She definitely knows pumpkins.

Bats.

She digs those bats I made.

Ghosts.

She loves up on her sweet homemade ghost

Leaves.

After all, when else will we have a chance to hang up fall leaves? Not in Florida.

Gourds. Honest. She pointed them out to me when we were at the Academy of Sciences last week.

For next year: witches and spiders.

p.s. Mila likes to pull that chi iron around our apartment like a dog on a leash. I promise she has real toys, they're just not as exciting to her. Go figure.

Then and now.

2011-10-28T23:26:00.000-07:00

In the 1st picture, she's turning her nose up at homemade applesauce.

Applesauce. It was delicious and velvety.

In the 2nd photo, she is inhaling the roasted seaweed from Trader Joe's

which I now buy no less than 10 bags of at a time.

Isn't there a scene in The Grinch Who Stole Christmas

when Grinchy is stealing all the gifts

and all you see is a hairy green hand snatching something away?

I see flashes of that as we're barreling down the road,

me handing sheet after sheet of seaweed every 1/2 mile

to keep happy this chubby, little, and demanding hand

that's peeking out from around the car seat.

p.s. Sorry for the weird haiku-like format. It is driving me nuts as well but I really want to go to bed now instead of trying to battle html.

Things that have made me smile the last couple days.

2011-10-27T22:51:00.000-07:00

The way Wugs smelled like butter after downing a Miette graham cracker (nicknamed coma cookie by my friend for the stupor that ensues).
Thinking about having a little girl to dress for Christmas Eve mass.
Wugs choosing broccoli over anything else on her plate for lunch (and believe me there were some not-so-great options).
All-day playdates with our favorite people that are so fun you can't help but pass out for the ride home (giving Mama a peaceful drive from San Francisco, thank you Wugs).
Mila literally stops to smell the roses these days.
Texas Roadhouse rolls (we are all fans here).
Steve watching the World Series with the chair pushed right up to the TV screen.
Online yarn shopping.
Halloween costumes. Done!
Having coffee at home that's better tasting than the stuff I could buy out.
Mila's animal sounds. Lately her MEOOOOOOOOOOOW has given her baaaaa BAAAAAAAAA a run for its money.
Steve surprising me with kolaches from Weikel's Bakery in La Grange, Texas.
The animals that intimidated Mila at Ardenwood today: the turkey and rabbit. Not the huge horses. Not the cows kicking up dust.
Helping Papa to push the stroller.
Wugs walking around in her new suspender-ed waders, looking like the newest crew member of Deadliest Catch.
Finger-painting. Watching Steve try to suppress his cringes at the potential mess.

Perfect start.

2011-10-25T23:17:00.000-07:00

I got to sleep in an extra hour this morning. When I woke up Steve was just putting my coffee on the table. and bacon. and runny eggs (how I like them).

We all love his days off.

Countdown.

2011-10-24T22:30:00.000-07:00

One week to go, lots of costume dress rehearsals going on around here. A certain someone walked around with a tail all afternoon.

Immortalized (in doll form)

2011-10-24T22:25:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning we skyped with everyone in Italy and they saw their dolls. I made them for Wugs' birthday while Italy was still fresh in our minds from Angry Chicken's awesome tutorial, except my bodies were just drawn on with a fabric pen. I figured Mila would have fun coloring them in when she's a little older. For now she's busy just holding and kissing them...we say give Nonna love and she runs over to grab her Nonna doll. The sweetness is almost too much to bear.

Her pa.

2011-10-22T23:30:00.000-07:00

We stumbled upon a huge local soccer game this morning and Wugs was heartbroken, nay, devastated that she could not join in. She says pa for ball because the Italian word is palla. I made sure to bring along her pa on our walk this afternoon.

2011-10-21T23:59:00.000-07:00

Whoever does bathtime in our house does the following after dinner, in no particular order (and with a fabulously adorable helper/sidekick underfoot):

Start the bath. Which reminds me, I need to buy more bubble bath.

Toss a few bathtime toys in. This is Mila's favorite (don't worry, she is 100% supervised, blah blah blah blah).

Make sure the tub doors are closed so that Curious Girl does not accidentally fall in. I don't think she would, but still. Don't wanna find out.

Set her towel out. Bonus points if the dryer is free and you remember to warm the towel beforehand.

Put Wugs' toothpaste and the bulb syringe thingy on the counter for teeth-cleaning and booger suctioning after bath, respectively.

While you're at it have the finger toothbrush rinsed and ready because Wugs isn't too thorough in her dental hygiene.

Go in the bedroom, lay out Woogus pj's, diaper with nighttime insert, lotion, booty balm, and some kind of distracting toy on bed. Dental floss if you're feeling particularly ambitious.

Turn on soundscape in Wugs' room: soothing ocean waves.

Turn on fan.

Locate Llama llama and Mama Kitty and make a big Goodnight, see you soon! production about it involving lots of kisses and hugs.

Pick out a bedtime story and put on chair, just out of Wugs' reach so it doesn't walk off in the next 5 minutes before she gets in the tub.

Fill dropper with fresh water and put on table next to chair, to squirt in her mouth after that last feeding. Keep this out of Woogwamicus' reach as well.

Put bedtime candle/matches on table also (do I have to say it?).

Most likely you'll want to bring into the bathroom that cup of milk Wugs was sipping on during dinner, to fill up that potbelly that much more and buy us all a little more sleep.

And if she turned her button nose up at dinner, go ahead and bring in the backup--good ole toast with almond or peanut butter. You know, so she can nibble on it in the tub before inevitably ~~dropping~~ throwing it and taking pleasure at the sight of bloated bread floating in bathwater.

Bathtime! Sit back, relax, and enjoy your Wugs.

Grateful.

2011-10-20T23:59:00.000-07:00

Left my wallet in our other car today and couldn't scrounge up enough tollbooth change to pay for my purchases. But then I see her quiet focus as she sweetly gives Mama Kitty bits of food and drink and realize the only thing that matters is the human being we are raising.

Field trip.

2011-10-19T22:17:00.000-07:00

The Academy of Sciences in San Francisco was our destination today. Butterflies that sneaked up and made Papa shriek like a girl, snakes who were forthcoming with their tongues, and a stunning floor-to-ceiling aquarium were just a few of the things that delighted Wugs.

And may I just add.

2011-10-18T21:03:00.000-07:00

Remember last year's pumpkin patch visit?

I do.

Bliss is...

2011-10-17T23:28:00.000-07:00

...being able to strip down to your underwear because it was Africa hot at the pumpkin patch today. I know it's been awhile since I was in Africa, but trust me on this one.

Bliss is also finding that perfect pumpkin just your size.

Stuffing mouth with food.

2011-10-16T23:23:00.000-07:00

New discoveries here: caramel apples and donuts, both the glazed kind and the apple cider donuts found everywhere on Apple Hill. We don't dangle sweets in front of Wugs like a carrot, there's no 'if you eat your broccoli, I'll give you x'. I don't want her to have that perception of sugary food. Right now the sweets are on a level playing field with everything else--even if we are just starting to dip our toes in that water.

Hello, apples.

2011-10-15T00:11:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday we corralled She Who Runs, loaded our car with yummy snacks, and timed a little road trip {coinciding with nap time = smart parents} to Apple Hill. Wugs, time to see where apples come from. Trees! And after meandering along the sweet country roads and thinking out loud about how awesome it would be to live in the country we found a u-pick farm. We surprised Mila with her wagon; she hasn't used her wagon in months since starting to walk, but oh, was she thrilled at the little reunion. Hey wagon, look what I can do now! I can step away from you and I don't fall!

We set off into the apple orchard and Mila seemed to know exactly what to do. She picked up apple after apple after apple off the ground, setting them in her beloved wagon. Pointing and squealing, walking and stooping and picking. We didn't have the heart to tell her that the apples off the ground weren't good so in a sneaky switcheroo move I distracted her while Steve dumped her apples out and put his basket in. I think she was onto us, though. That Wugs is a smart cookie.

And now let the apple-picking pictures commence. After all, it's another first for us.

p.s. apple plans: apple and carrot shortbread, Breton apple pie, apple tart cake, apple napoleons.

I went there.

2011-10-11T00:33:00.000-07:00

My daughter and I wear matching sandals. And I'm going to keep doing this, every year, until the day she will inevitably turn to me and tell me she doesn't want to anymore.

I know that day is coming but for now will relish the way her face lights up when I walk into the room.

Allowing another blueprint.

2011-10-04T20:56:00.000-07:00

:) One day last week I burst through the door after an agonizing workday to find a blanket fort. A Papa-made honest-to-goodness blanket fort. AND news that Wugs took a two-hour long nap, impressive since I pretty much do backflips if she naps for an hour. Hold the phones! Fun times beneath a blanket fort and a long nappy nap?

Months ago I read a Leaky Boob post that talked about allowing your partner to leave their blueprint on your children. Stepping back, letting go of the alpha parent role and giving them a chance to guide, to take the lead, to trust in them doing a fantastic job. When I am at work and find myself worrying if Mila's going to be able to nap without me there, or am saddened to hear her crying as I walk out the door--I just remember the importance of another blueprint to make its mark on our daughter. Even if it may not be the way I would have done it...does not mean it's not a good way. It would be pretty boring if Steve and I were exactly alike, no? Mila is going to be a better person by having both of our influences. Besides, I have known he would be fantastic as a father since before children were even on the horizon. These days are just a confirmation of that.

p.s. Today was Mila's first time out playing in the rain. She stomped her feet in delight, but missed the puddles. I really really love that girl.

Book Week

2011-10-03T00:24:00.000-07:00

Wugs reading to Hoodes

In honor of National Book Week (all right, it was last week), here are a few of Wugs' favorite books of late:

There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly: Is it wrong to say that I have a 3-times-limit for singing this book? After that I...hide it. Wrong? I mean, that book is exhausting. But on a sweet note, it always brings me back to Marmousch singing it to me when I was little.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? or equally loved Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?: Both Steve and I do the animal parts each with different voices.

Mama's Milk/ Mama Me Alimenta: Touching and heartfelt English and Spanish book about babies--human and animal--getting their Mama's milk. Wugs goes crazy over the cover, which is why I bought her Nursing Nina for her birthday. Nina Kitty is now held in regard nearly as high as Llama Llama. Which brings me too...

Llama Llama Red Pajama: It will always hold the distinct honor of being the first book Wugs wanted to hear again and again and again. And again. And again. And again. And--oh please, not llama llama again. Ask Papa to read it to you this time.

Where is Baby's Belly Button?: The book that led to Mila discovering Mama's belly button. Mama's belly button is Mila's happy place. Is that weird? I think she would enjoy her own belly button just as much except that little chugalug of a belly just gets in the way of effective umbilical exploration.

Global Babies: Oh Global Babies, you are awesome. What with your Fijian baby who sticks his tongue out at my daughter and makes her squeal, or Peruvian baby with his ruddy cheeks that beg to be pinched. Babies love other babies and Wugs is no exception. This always comes with us to church without fail to buy us a little quiet pew time.

The Pigeon Wants a Puppy!: I think I have a wee crush on Mo Willems. I have no idea what he looks like. But he writes as a father first (a good one). Mila loves this book so much that Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! is definitely going to be under the Christmas tree.

The Monster at the End of This Book: Chip off the old (but he's not old!) block; this was Steve's favorite book when he was little and now it's his daughter's as well. We actually read from his worn, much-loved copy. Also, I'm told that my Grover voice sounds Bengali. Hmmph.

On the Night You Were Born: When we moved away Marmousch recorded this book in Italian. All Mila has to do is open the book and she's instantly transported to Nonnaland. So she opens it. A lot. A sweet way for Mila to hear her voice even though she's far away (I couldn't open it those first few weeks we were in California or I would end up in tears).

So many great books, such little time. I just placed an amazon order for a few more on our wishlist. Happy reading, Wugs!

2011-09-30T00:14:00.000-07:00

Same park, five months later. My friend Cori took this little video yesterday while I introduced Mila to the joys of concrete slides. Because it's the little things in life.

Me and my sidekick

2011-09-28T22:56:00.000-07:00

I've been itching to go on bike rides with my chugalug since she could hold her head up. But I waited--patiently at times and not so during others--until she got a little bigger. Here we are! Three days a week we're car-less so this opens up a whole world of possibilities; on Monday we hoofed it over to the nearest branch library for storytime. Last weekend we found a new park (it was a dog park, does that count?).

Mila's snug as a bug up in front. My favorite part is when she leans her head back (poor heavy head with that ginormous helmet) and gazes up at me with her gold-flecked eyes and sleepy smile.
I've said this before but this mama gig just keeps getting better and better.

Hello!

2011-09-28T00:13:00.000-07:00

I'm learning to feed myself ova here!

And my favorite thing to do is put washcloths on my head, especially while wearing Mama's apron. It makes Mama and Papa laugh so hard-- so why shouldn't I do it all day long?

The last of the summer food pictures

2011-09-25T23:58:00.000-07:00

first a gratuitous straw-drinking shot.

fry bread! from here.

Wugs' first taste of ice cream - from Ici

kale chips--Wugs went apey over these

red velvet strawberry shortcake

Also worth mentioning:
this shrimp, bacon and avocado salad
this chocolate pretzel tart. I was CRAZY about the crust, not so much about the filling for some reason. But the crust was amazing. So much so that I scooped out the filling and ate just the crust in its entirety one day while Steve was at work. When he inevitably asked me for a piece I told him I had spotted a bug on it so threw it all away. Despicable! (He doesn't read this blog very often so I think my secret will be safe.)

-Um, I can't really remember anything else. It's all a blur and now my food brain is going nuts over butternut squash recipes and homemade cider and roast chicken. You know, fall stuff.

We came, we saw, we camped.

2011-09-25T00:25:00.000-07:00

Kirby Cove, we liked you. I had always wanted to camp beneath the Golden Gate Bridge although blaring foghorns every 6-15 seconds certainly wasn't part of the fantasy. Yikes.

We need a bigger tent. Duh. This little person surprisingly takes up a lot of room (especially when sleeping).
If the boys' cold-weather pajamas at REI are $25 cheaper than the girls' version than good golly dress your little lady in blue stripes! Have faith, she can pull it off. Even while wearing a lumberjack pullover on top. And even if she's still as bald as the day she was born ;)
I've said this before but Thank you, Thank you God for breastfeeding! I don't know how people get through those incoming molars without it. Not directly related to camping but oh. it. was.
It just isn't the same without the blazing fire and s'mores (refer to the pic above. Just our luck!). But on the flip side, going out to eat in Sausalito meant me eating my first caramel apple of the season. I will be trying to recreate it over and over again as a result.

Aside from the obvious camping stint, a few other firsts for Wugs happened:
1st taste of chocolate ice cream (pit stop through the city). 1st deer sighting. 1st wheelbarrow ride.

Oh and check out her headlamp. Coolest camper award, no?

Indian Summer

2011-09-20T20:36:00.000-07:00

Indian summer! Indian summer! Indian summer has descended upon us! I didn't believe in it, all you Californians, I thought it was something you were making up just to defend all my whining about how miserably cold I was and how wrong it feels to put a wool hat on my daughter in July. Just plain wrong. But no, I apologize, I should have had more faith in you. Today they opened the doors wide open during music group! I am sweating! Are you really going to last through October, Indian summer? Oh pretty please?

Woohoo! It is so hot we are topless up in here!

Well, alrighty then, here we go. We'll make the most of you, Indian Summer. We're heading on our FIRST WUGS CAMPING TRIP! It's a local one, we're just testing the waters really, but I am still so excited. Husband is outside packing up the car as I type. I still have so much to pack and prepare tonight--cornbread to bake, s'mores essentials too!--I love the night-before frenzies. And OH, Indian Summer, do you think we could even get a little swimming in? The kind with just the right balance of toasty air outside and cool-but-not-freezing water inside. And just a few more weeks for open-toed sandals? Wugs and I got matchy-matchy ones and we look pretty awesome in them if I do say so m'self. Am I asking too much now, Indian Summer? Fine. I will take what you give me. Your nonbeliever no more.

I'm rusty at blogging but come bearing a slideshow.

2011-09-12T22:21:00.000-07:00

I don't even know where to start. Lots of big happenings happened around here. Most importantly, our Wugs turned one. I really don't even know how to wrap my head around that. I am still writing her one-year love letter. Steve wrote his in five minutes one evening--what can I say, the man doesn't mince words. Me, I'm overthinking it as I overthink everything. At any rate, posts may be sporadic around here as I work on her baby book, daily journaling that I did all throughout her first year, and a photo book chronicling this big adventure that I aim to have finished by the end of 2011.

Secondly, last Tuesday, September 6th I worked (like for pay) for the first time since Mila was born. Not by choice; I don't love what I do but I try to do it with love. I'm working because it's the right thing for our family. Thankfully it is only two days a week and Steve takes care of Mila when I'm at work. I am with her when he is working and thus we still have a couple days off all together. I have been very blessed to have had this time with my baby girl-- and even though we had to do without in many areas and make huge life changes to make it happen (hellooooo, California!), we have no regrets.

For the last two weeks I've been working on a slideshow trying to convey how thrilling it's been being this girl's Mama. I have skydived, I have bungee-jumped; I've climbed glaciers, white-water rafted, traipsed through Asia with nothing but a backpack, parasailed, paraglided--basically if there was a 'hold-harmless' form to sign then I was ready and willing. And none of that held a candle to the joy I feel when I think about Mila. You've come a long way, Wugs. What a year.

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

I've got my green shoes on.

2011-08-23T23:48:00.000-07:00

These beauties were made just for Wugs by wonderful super-awesome Kat. She gave them to me at my baby shower, addressed to Baby Weibel and back before any of knew this little person that would be gracing these shoes. I am so grateful that she made them bigger than newborn-sized (genius!) because lo and behold, I hardly ever put Mila in shoesies back when she was a baby baby. What was the point, only to have them kicked off five seconds later? But now that she ~~staggers~~ walks around, they are perfect. I'm crazy about the bright green.

Kat and I have been friends since kindergarten (she picked ME to walk her to the nurse's office after throwing up in music class! I was on cloud nine.). She is undoubtedly a lifelong friend. Her little girl was born back in January and I love that Mila will have the same friendship in sweet Ella. We just have to get back to Florida (goshdarnit).

p.s. Why yes, that is a vintage Pooh dress Mila is wearing in the pictures (Marmousch of course). Lucky girl.

Meeting her Grandpa.

2011-08-23T21:14:00.000-07:00

On Sunday Mila met her Grandpa for the first time. I don't know who was more taken with whom; the one who kept receiving hand-picked flowers at every turn, or the one who was being constantly flirted with.
We'll call it even.
Thank you for visiting us, Grandfridad! And we're going to hold you to that promise you made to spy on Mila at her prom.

Weekend!

2011-08-19T22:33:00.000-07:00

Happy weekend. On Wednesday we drove in search of summer (it's FREEZING living right on the bay!) and found it in the form of a water park, where we had a ball. We liked it so much that tomorrow we're going to try to find summer again, this time someplace different. We are determined.

Meanwhile, two wonderful article about a subject near and dear to my heart. The first is one I wish I had could have read before having Mila. It would have saved me so much is this normal? agony those first few months.

And the second...well, the second (via Marvelous Kiddo's twitter feed) just makes me very happy. All the things I feel, put into words perfectly.

Nursing Mila, 2 months old

I-dentical!

2011-08-19T00:36:00.000-07:00

This is my latest favorite photo of Mila. And not just for the obvious milestones going on here--standing, taking off and walking. No no, there's so much more to it than that. Jazz hands, for one. Football huddle. And you know that scene in My Cousin Vinny where the prosecuting attorney is questioning the auto expert and suddenly he slaps his hands together and exclaims I-DENTICAL! Does anyone (besides Steve and Lamb) know what I'm talking about? Anyways. There's that. All that and more rolled up into a Wugs.

We have a lovey!

2011-08-17T23:42:00.000-07:00

Name: Llama llama
You may know him from: Red pajama fame
Tell him what he wins, Bob: Kisses from Wugs (open mouth!) and lots of scruff-o'-the-neck grabbing as he gets taken from room to room...to room.

must learn how to take non-blurry pictures of a very mobile Wugs

carrot break

Um, can I just say how thrilled I am that my little girl has found her first lovey, her first favorite?! She is truly starting to come into her own. Leaving behind babyhood, entering toddlerhood. It all makes me very sentimental (weren't we swaddling her just yesterday?) but I am loving getting to know this incredible person.

Welcome to our family, llama llama.

Last week, in pictures

2011-08-15T12:17:00.000-07:00

Steve's favorite flower

wading

40 candles on the cake

nursing an almost-toddler

oh yes. Tasting cake is even better than my beloved bananas.

seaweed!

on the slides with my sidekick

playdate

Classic Wugs

Weekend

2011-08-13T11:58:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone is having a relaxing weekend. I was planning for one but we are knee-deep in the middle of a cat-intervention here so it looks like the relaxing will have to wait. We love having pets but sometimes...well, I'll just leave it at that.

The best thing I read this week was this article, via Cup of Jo. It was such an eye-opener for me. I have a running dialogue with Wugs throughout the day (she must think I never shut up!) and find myself constantly commenting on how beautiful, adorable, gorgeous etc. she is. While I still (and always will) think she is the most beautiful soul I've ever laid eyes on, I'm making more of an effort now to comment more on her intrinsic qualities--her generosity, kindness, her evident love for animals, newfound skills, that sort of thing. I know my little Woog Wam Woo is still oh so small but I want to start good habits now, you know?

Mila's threads, continued.

2011-08-11T23:46:00.000-07:00

Another one. This one was knit by Marmousch. Amazing, right? Note the beautiful yarn over's going down the front! Marmee is one of those knitters who doesn't even need a pattern; actually, she says she knits better without one (whaaaaaaaat?). I am standing up and clapping. I love this dress and Mila rocks it.

She is drunk with power.

2011-08-10T22:55:00.000-07:00

Banana power. This was taken right after Wugs ate her favorite dessert tonight...her favorite anything, actually: frozen banana.

She looks all greasy and sweaty here, no? It's the banana. That crazy look in her eye? I blame the banana.

Now do you see why her 1st birthday cake is going to be a nanner one?

Mila's threads

2011-08-09T22:20:00.000-07:00

going...

...nearly gone.

Knitting. It runs in the family, you see. Here is Mila wearing one of my favorite handknits, from my Nonna. Isn't it beautiful? She made, just for Mila, a sweater with matching scarf, hat, and shoes.

And my favorite part? Nonna embroidered Io sono Mila (I am Mila) on the front. I can just picture Wugs' great-grandchildren swooning over that wonderful little detail someday. Grazie Nonna!

Celebrating

2011-08-08T23:11:00.000-07:00

My man's birthday was yesterday.

It was one of the big ones.

In past birthdays we've taken getaways to a lighthouse, to a cave, to romantic rooftop rooms at b & b's where we had a jacuzzi to ourselves; we've gone on a kayaking trip, stayed in a private cabin and could hear a glacier calving we were that close (we were also joined by a bear! but that's a story for another day). There was the birthday with the I heart Steve banner. Last year I was a million months pregnant but I still managed to stretch a dress over my enormous belly and we went out to a romantic dinner in Orlando, spending the night excitedly talking about this little person about to enter our lives (and change it all).

Fast forward to this year. No crazy romantic dinner in the city. No whirlwind getaway. No big fanfare or surprise party.We spent the day relatively quietly, just the three of us. I made a cake. We took Mila to the park and held her hands between ours as we walked and she squealed at puppies. Are we boring? Steve said this was what he wanted, but I couldn't help but draw comparisons.

I'm going to be really honest here and say that you have to keep an eagle-eye vigilance over your marriage that first year after a child is brought into the mix. When you're struggling with a crash course in babies, dealing with little to no sleep, and trying to find your "new normal," it's easy to turn on the only other adult in the house and attack. We've had some moments I'm not so proud of, but at the end of the day I love him more than ever. And we are stronger than ever. Seeing him as a father sheds a whole new light on everything and I am privileged and honored to share this lifelong road with him. He is brave, he is ever-optimistic, and he is ours. Mine and Mila's. We will hold onto him tightly.

So yes, this year was a quiet one for a very big birthday. That is okay. There is a place in our future for parties and trips, but in the meantime we'll enjoy each other. Just as it should be.

Happy day of your birth Pook.

It's Friday.

2011-08-05T23:23:00.000-07:00

All those gorgeous kites last weekend reminded me of other beautiful things I've seen in the sky, like hot air balloons. In 2007 Steve and I went to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta (dubbed The Greatest Show Off Earth!) and it was just amazing. I can't wait to return there with Wugs in tow in a few years. A kids' dream, I would think. Anyhoo, I dug up some of our pictures from the Balloon Fiesta. We didn't ride in a balloon there, Steve had surprised me with a balloon ride for my birthday a few years back so we were more than happy to take in the view from the ground .

I have to say I'm happy to see this week come to an end. It's been a very tough one for my family. If you pray, please send up a prayer for us. I would be so grateful. Good night!

More Italy pictures

2011-08-03T23:20:00.000-07:00

Some recent poladroids

2011-08-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

Our camera has been in the camera hospital the last few weeks (too much hard partying in Italy) so we've been making do with our old one. Old as in we hardly ever use it, Wugs plays with the lens cap whenever I have my back turned, and it could probably use a good cleaning. I'm not too crazy about the image quality so I turned a few of those photos into poladroids. The next best thing to instagram.

helping with laundry

Wugs dressed me up

dim sum

Wugs + Papa

wildflowers

walk softly and carry a big stick

shaving cream painting

Berkeley Kite Festival

2011-08-01T11:14:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we went to the Berkeley Kite Festival. Aren't the octopus awesome? They dominated the sky. There was choreographed and synchronized kite-flying and we even bought a little ladybug kite for Mila's birthday in a few weeks (gulp!). I'm so happy we went (between her pretzel, people-watching, and kite-gazing she loved it as you can imagine).

August

2011-08-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

Both of my loves are born in this month. Welcome, August.

Eleven months.

2011-07-29T10:22:00.001-07:00

In a month I'll be helping you to blow out those birthday candles. I just can't believe I'm writing that. Wasn't it yesterday that we were bringing you home and uncorking the champagne as you slept in our arms?

You're having fun, aren't you? Your Papa has asked me this question on more than one occasion when he comes home from work and I'm telling him all about our little moments from the day.
We sure are. I'm exhausted at the day's end, but it is a full, rich life. One evening last week I was putting things away in the kitchen and found one of your tiny pink sandals randomly placed in a lower drawer. It dawned on me that this was the first of many little tangible reminders that there is now a little one afoot, mobile, making her presence known, mama's organization be damned, I've got my shoe in hand and think a good place for it would be this drawer. I love that. I can't wait for more like-minded surprises from you.

We have a walker! You took your first steps on July 21st (I will never, as long as I live, forget that moment) and have been getting bolder ever since. Tonight you even walked in the tub! You walk as though it's 3 am and the bar kicked you out, and when stumbling around your diaper butt has never looked so big. And that's just the view from behind; in front, your face is priceless. You are so proud when you walk, and it's usually followed by hand-clapping. It's like you know it's a big, big deal. You still love your wagon but are starting to abandon your vehicle during our walks. Bad soldier. And forget about pulling you in it--you stand while it's moving. Daredevil.

You now have 8 (8!) teeth and the dreaded molars are well on their way. I feel its swelling and see your hands in your mouth as you cry in pain. It breaks our hearts to see and only be able to provide minimal relief. We hope this part is swift.

I love you every second of every day. We are joined at the hip, you and I. My marvelous girl who waves at her shadow, waves at the neighbors, waves at the flowers as we go for our walks. Your smile is so big and toothy, it reminds me of Laura Ingalls. Your latest favorite is the high five; you intently observed the big kids doing it in music group a couple weeks ago and now have made it yours. Grinning, you raise your chubby arm with your shoulder hiked up, head cocked to one side, all five fingers spread. Your least favorite thing is when I have the nerve to leave the room. Even if your knee-deep in Papa playing you'll scamper away, doing an exaggerated crawl while wailing like a man lost in the desert, dying of thirst. MA-MA-MA-MA-MA-MA.

What else. You are really starting to love books. Finally! I've amassed a miniature library here and was starting to think I would never have an audience to appreciate my Once-ler whispering and shrieking pigeon voice (you know, the kind that wants a puppy). You clap your hands after drinking from the sippy cup, so proud of those independent gulps. Still nuts over those cats of yours. You thrust your jaw out the same way your uncle who was taken away from us too soon used to do. You are not a shrinking violet. A toddler walked over and snatched two toys out of your hand and without skipping a beat you coolly batted them out of her hands. You're already testing your boundaries in mischievous ways. You love to stick a nugget of cat food quickly in your mouth, pluck it out, and smile all while vigorously shaking your head. Stinker. How am I not gonna laugh when this gets to be important territory? You whisper, always whisper, the word Papa. You give your toys kisses and when I ask for one too, you touch your forehead to mine and hold it there. But never long enough, because I want our foreheads to touch forever. And I'm pretty sure that at some point between now and the time I drop you off to junior high school you're no longer going to let me. I'll understand.

I love you.

Now knitting

2011-07-28T21:16:00.000-07:00

I just cast on to make this sweater today (the bottom one), pattern from the lovely Purl Soho. Will it be done in time for Mila's birthday next month? Doubtful. I'm making a few things for her birthday but this is the most time-consuming by far. I was hoping for a cute cardi to take us into fall, but as long as it's done by October-ish I'll be happy--the pattern only goes up to 12 months so we'll just have to keep our fingers crossed that it will fit.

This will probably be the last thing I knit for Mila for awhile. For one thing, ever since she figured out how to pull off a hat she refuses to wear one. And secondly, I'm dying to make a big ole fluffy blanket for couch snuggling this winter, inspired by these two below. Then who are we kidding, I'm sure it will be back to the Mila Mila Mila show :)

image from iwwriteplays via ravelry via pinterest

via The Purl Bee

Summer?

2011-07-27T19:57:00.000-07:00

While the rest of the country is experiencing some really hot days, I can't help but feel a little cheated that Mila's first summer is being spent in this microclimate of northern California which is still. cold. We've gone to two lakes in the last two weeks and have only managed to get up to our belly buttons. The pool is hit or miss because it's so windy out (and they say it's heated but I beg to differ). Forget about the beach. I'm just grateful we took advantage of the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean when we were in Florida last month. Give me that sticky humidity any day, I'll know I'm home when the hairs on the back of my neck are matted down again.

Four Generations

2011-07-26T08:31:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I would have been pretty upset had we gone all the way to Italy without getting Mila, her mama, her nonna, and her bisnonna all in one very special picture. It kinda meant a lot to me.

Italy

2011-07-25T20:26:00.000-07:00

Italy was wonderful, of course. Who doesn't go to Italy and have anything but a wonderful time? Find me that person. My family had seen pictures upon pictures of Mila and we've been skyping since she was days old ...but in person, well, in person it's a different thing entirely. They may have seen her smiles and those big brown peepers, but now they were on the receiving end of those smiles and doe-eyed gazes.

A few other things I'll throw in there. If you go to Italy with your oh-so-squeezable bebe, be prepared for a lot of nothing-off-limits thigh-grabbing and cheek-pinching from complete strangers. If she's mastering how to pull up to stand, how to sit back down and how to cruise on those awfully hard marble floors (poor baby!)...for goshsakes bring along the traumeel and apply it generously and often. And pray that the skull does its job. Don't forget your bathing suit at home because Italian swimsuits are really just reinforced lingerie and quite unflattering on your postpartum I really hate doing sit-ups body. Don't leave the baby non-DEET bug spray at home because you assume it's not mosquito season yet (mosquitoes are always in season). And when you're frustrated because the baby wakes up for the 3rd time in an hour because this house is just so noisy--what with the TV blaring, dog barking, and so many voices that carry (they're not shouting, Italians just talk loudly)--remember that you will miss this when back home. Oh yes, yes you will.

Here are a few of my favorites from our trip. More to come I'm sure. xo

This was on Thursday.

2011-07-23T21:23:00.000-07:00

It was one of those unicorns-farting-rainbows sort of days. Mila had slept 11 hours straight the night before. Weather was glorious, warm but not hot. We had the park to ourselves. I got Mila to her potty on time. She was cracking up at my dancing to The Wanderer. There was another baby at the pool and Mila was showing off how much she loves the water. Dinner was easy and delicious to throw together in the crockpot. There was watermelon galore. And...this happened.

I just had a feeling that it was the moment, so I grabbed the video camera. God, thanks for telling me to do that!
*****

And. She's off.
First step in a lifetime of steps.

Music. And--dancing!

2011-07-06T22:55:00.001-07:00

Music group started up again today. I really love this outlet and am so happy to have found it. Wugs has graduated from the 'babies' class and is now together with kids of all ages (mostly 2- and 3-year oldsx), but I think she'll hold her own. Especially with moves like these.

I know, I know. Italy pictures. I have run out of excuses. Soon!

4th!

2011-07-04T12:09:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July! Last night we could hear a big fireworks show going on in the marina just a short walk from our house...but Wugs was already tucked in for the night, so we were housebound. Oh the life of a new parent! To everything there is a season, I know. For now our fireworks will consist of the glow sticks in Wugs' bath tonight (I wonder what her reaction will be when she walks in and sees the lights off!). Happy Independence Day.

Back home...sweetness for your Monday

2011-06-27T21:58:00.000-07:00

1. Mila put herself in high chair prison. Then she got indignant when she couldn't extricate herself.

2. Mila + Hoodes. Reunited and it feels so good (to Mila anyway, I think Hoodes would prefer to have his fur intact).

3. Okay. I could not resist one more. Look how my little girl has grown.

I have a billion posts to write. Italy adventures, Florida sunshine, and Wugs drunkenly toddling along while pushing her wagon. Be still my heart. xo

For her blessing book

2011-05-21T22:26:00.000-07:00

My dearest, most wonderful, light of my life Mila,

On the eve of your baptism I want to tell you the hopes and prayers I have for your long life ahead. I pray that you will be as beautiful on the inside as you are out. May you always be kind to others and lead by example. Kindness and gentleness with others are some of the best gifts you can offer to those around you. Try with all your might to keep your temper reigned in. Keep a sense of cheerfulness and optimism about you. Be able to break into a dance when a difficult situation hits you in the face, the way your Papa does. Be helpful but don't let people walk all over you. Let guilt go. Stop and smell the roses (right now you try to eat the roses, and that is okay too).
Your Papa and I love you more than we could have ever imagined, you are more than we ever dared hope for and day after day we still whisper to one another in near-disbelief that you are really ours. I thank God that He has entrusted you to me and I pray to be worthy of being your mother. To have the grace that only He can give me to guide and teach you with love and patience. To know when to lead you but also when to step back. I am yours forever, and here as long as you want me to be. No one will ever love you the way I do.

Love, your Mama.

Traveling again.

2011-05-09T04:24:00.000-07:00

Our girl

The flights went great. Mila was wonderful, totally engaged in everything. I felt like I had arrived as a mother as, in an effort to cheer her up, I sang This Little Piggy while hovering to pee over the toilet in the handicapped bathroom stall during our layover in Atlanta. It stopped her crying as she sat in the dreadful umbrella stroller, so that's all that matters.

We spent Mother's Day again in flight, on a plane Italy-bound (with my parents, thank goodness. No way am I that brave.) Now we're in Rome, one more flight to go. I can say quite certainly that my daughter's never been so dirty. There's even yuckiness in her neck folds, A few hours on a plane and she's feral. We're all exhausted (some more than others) and jet-lagged...but excited. Finally they get to meet her.

Deep breaths.

2011-05-05T08:10:00.000-07:00

Today the little missus and I are boarding a plane to Florida ALONE (poor Papa has to work). If you could please say a quick prayer that all goes smoothly. It's my first time flying alone with her and the thought of not having another adult there to have my back, help out if things get rough, etc. petrifies me just a little. On the flip side, how lucky am I that I get to spend the day with a Wugs?

More with the handknits.

2011-04-30T23:12:00.000-07:00

Mila finally fits into my 2nd and 3rd trimesters labor of love (remember this from the 1st tri?). Oh sure, along the way there were a few hats and a pair of booties done, but this took up most of my knitting time. This is from the book Baby Knits: 20 Handknit Designs for Babies 0-24 Months. It was my first time doing anything with sleeves or neckline or such and was actually not too bad. Marmousch helped with the tough parts and I finished it just a few days before the babe was welcomed into this great big world.

Since it did take nearly 6 months to complete, you can bet that Wugs will be wearing this. A lot. Expect to be seeing it skin-tight on her 15-month old self, big diaper butt and all.

Her Easter Sunday best

2011-04-27T09:34:00.000-07:00

Oh Woogus Mae Woo, this is what you wore your first Easter. A dress that I had worn when I was your age (or maybe a little older, it seems you got your Papa's height). I knitted with love the cream-colored shrug. It took me a little longer than planned but you should be able to get a few months' wear out of it at least. And on your feet--you can't tell in the photo but you had a pair of adorable knee-high cream socks crocheted by your Nonna. They weren't too good about staying on -- more than once I realized you were barefoot in church (enjoy it now). Of course I probably could have put a paper bag on you and people still would have been exclaiming, cooing, and smiling at the gorgeous baby in my lucky arms.

Wugs, meet Easter Bunny

2011-04-26T13:58:00.000-07:00

Easter Bunny, meet Wugs.

Easter picnic

2011-04-26T10:27:00.000-07:00

Some photos of our Easter picnic that we went on after church on Sunday. We went to Mt. Tamalpais, a place we had been to many times before when we lived here last time (but of course never with a Wugs). We hiked up a little hill and past a small clearing of trees that looked out onto the ocean and to the west was that gorgeous view of San Francisco. It was a stunning setting, one that Steve and I will always remember.

I made marmalade cake (I had completely forgotten that I had made it for Easter last year too! Silly mama brain.) and we brought pate from La Bedaine, smoked salmon, Cowgirl Creamery Mt. Tam cheese (very fitting), bread, hardboiled eggs, and lemonade. Mila nibbled on cantaloupe, carrots, the cheese, and a whole-wheat bagel. She was right at home. As we were packing up to go Steve said he could see something different in Mila--a new twinkle in her eye, sparked by this adventure. Who knows, but at any rate it's nice to think that the experiences she's having will help shape the wonderful woman she will become. Happy 1st Easter Baby Girl.

More Easter pictures to come. xo

Happy Easter!

2011-04-23T22:46:00.000-07:00

To think that a year ago, I was getting my belly painted. And now, she is here on the outside. Still perfect. God is so good. Have a wonderful Easter!

I love

2011-04-22T01:03:00.000-07:00

I love when Mila crawls up to me and I pretend to not see her, then turn around and act all surprised and excited. She goes wild for those shenanigans.

I love that I am that mom having a running dialogue with my baby in the office supplies aisle at Target. The 25 year-old me would have made fun but I could care less.

I love everything I've ever eaten at La Bedaine. Today I found a new favorite, ratatouille with pan-seared polenta.

I love that I have been able to spend all this time with my daughter during her first year of life. I am so blessed and grateful for this (and will never forget it).

I love that if we wanted to, we could go to a different farmer's market every day of the week here.

I love that my sister and her husby are going to be with my parents for Easter. Holidays without family are rough but it's so much nicer knowing your loved ones are taking care of each other.

I love that part of our bedtime routine now involves Mila and I taking a bath together (bubbles often included).

I love that Mila's interest in trying whatever WE are eating is making me re-examine our food choices.

I love that even the smallest homes here have gorgeous, lush landscaping. If it can be grown, it can be grown in California.

I love that our neighbors here don't have a firepit or play horseshoes on Sundays. Or any day.

I love Parenthood and will miss it on Tuesday nights this summer.

I love that Steve is such a hands-on papa. And that includes taking over at 4 am sometimes without my even asking. Thank you for that.

I love having someone little to make an Easter basket for.

I love having someone little to dress up for church on Easter Sunday.

I love that Steve's work schedule is about to change and hopefully that will mean more evenings together.

I love this song and think it was made to run to. Which I do.

I love that Steve has come to all of Wugs' music classes with us. Like I said, hands-on.

I love libraries more than ever now that I have a child. Children's books get expensive quickly and there are so many great ones out there.

I love The Office but especially these last couple episodes since Will Ferrell joined in. But will miss Steve Carell.

I love the summer that is in store for us.

I had my mind made up to buy cherry blossom branches for Easter.

2011-04-19T23:04:00.000-07:00

Until I saw the lilacs.

Codornices Park

2011-04-18T23:04:00.000-07:00

A papa and his Mila

looks innocent enough, right?

Another gem of a park. This one is more like a community park, but it has one huge thing going for it-- a concrete slide. I adore any and all concrete slides, but have to say these are the best ones yet. Better than the one in Golden Gate Park and even the Seward slides in San Francisco, because this one is steep. It's built into the side of a little hill in Codornices Park. Steve and I went down it (we didn't dare take Mila because DCFS would have swooped down and taken her away from us--and rightly so, it is that steep!) and both nearly flew off the thing.

Other things we love about Codornices Park: there's a gated toddler play area separate from the bigger kiddos (with bucket swings for the Wugs). It's below Euclid Avenue--you have to go down the stairs and through a tunnel to get to it, so it feels 'hidden' --plus there's lots of cozy picnicking areas further above the slides. And it's right across the street from the Berkeley Rose Garden, which is worth a visit all by itself. We'll be back.

Chubby fingers clutching the seat! I love this girl.

Firsts this week

2011-04-16T10:19:00.000-07:00

First redwood
First nanner
First mango
First walk on a college campus (UC Berkeley)
First hummus

Peep Roast 2011

2011-04-15T08:28:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday after Woogwamicus was safely tucked in her beddy-bye we held our 1st annual Peep Roast. All day long I had been running up to Steve and into his ear obnoxiously screaming PEEP ROAST 2011! It was quite delicious--the peeps' sugar coating caramelizes so it tastes like a junk food version of creme brulee. The only drawback is hearing the chicks' screams as they burn alive. Poor little peeps.

Music Class

2011-04-14T10:17:00.000-07:00

No Mila, you may NOT pull on her lip.

Steve coined a saying awhile back, music soothes the savage Wugs. So partly because of her fascination and budding interest...and partly out of my desperation to meet some other mamas out here--I signed us up for a babies' music class.

Well. Baby girl definitely has Steve's social tendencies. I spend half the time peeling her off the other babies. The rest of the time we sing, we dance, we hum, we bounce...Mila gets a kick out of the part where we dance around her with scarves to music. So far her favorite song is Biddy Biddy Bum which sounds like something straight out of Fiddler on the Roof. And I'm getting lots of ideas for incorporating music into our daily routine at home. Time and money well spent.

7 months (now 7 1/2)

2011-04-13T10:38:00.000-07:00

Between Marm's visit and I realize I forgot to post her 7 month picture.

I'll write more at 8 months but did I mention we have an ARMY CRAWLER on our hands now?! Her personality is coming out in full force...she is so many things and already larger than life. I love her entirely.

Tilden Park

2011-04-12T12:25:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we went back to Tilden Park again. I love it there. Between the animal farm, carousel, miles and miles of hiking trails, tons of picnicking nooks, botanical gardens, and the steam trains--it makes East Bay a good, good place to be.

at the animal farm last month

carouseling

My new favorite hat, crocheted by Marmousch

Wugs and mama on the train

just a girl, in her cowboy dress. Thank you Suebear!

Reason #837 why being a parent is so awesome: we finally get to join in on all the goofy kid stuff (riding carousels! kiddie steam trains! and soon Easter egg hunts!) without looking creepy and/or weird.

Marmousch was here

2011-04-11T22:25:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure if I dreamed it all up or not, but I think Marmousch spent last week with us. Wait--there's homemade pesto sauce, strawberry jam, banana bread, and chocolate chip cookies in our kitchen now, and I certainly didn't put them there. So I guess it wasn't a dream. She was here.

foraging for fennel

Her hat. I know. There are no words.

It's no secret that Mila and Marmousch are thick as thieves. Marmousch gets her and loves her--I mean loves her, the way Steve and I do. The two of them adore one another--when they see each other their eyes light up and one of them kicks her legs wildly (guess who).

Just having her here was such a tremendous recharge for me as well. Not just physically (although I did take naps and slept in) but it was wonderful laughing, talking, and taking care of Mila together. I feel like I got a fresh breath of air. Where Marmee is, sunshine follows. A few of the random things that went down:

-Marmousch pointed out edible, wild fennel along our walking trail and made fennel omelets and crepes out of it. Delicious. So if I'm at a loss on what to make for dinner I can just go for a walk.

-We got lost looking for taco trucks in Oakland but Mila ended up discovering flags and her life is forever changed because of it.

-We visited a beautiful chapel in the most bucolic setting. Mila loved the stained glass.

-We saw some lady walking through the Target parking lot with her tight tight jeans halfway down her behind (we were dying).

-The next day we saw a lady much too old to be wearing a tennis skirt if you get my drift.

See? Random. I miss her so much.