Parent's Creed

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!

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.