Eskimos and Butterflies

Kisses, that is. I'm not saying I want another child. We are happy with two. BUT, I am really going to miss Eliana's unintentional butterfly kisses.  After a books and prayers, we turn the lights low, sing songs and snuggle, chest to chest. As if that's not as close as I can get, I bend my head down to hers each and every time so that I can inhale her baby smell and feel her long fluttering eyelashes on my cheek. They speak to me in the silence, saying, "I'm glad you're here Mommy. I'll see you in the morning. I love you. Good night."

There's going to be a time when this little light of mine won't let me this near; close enough to sit "nose to nose and share secrets." (stolen from "Bear of my Heart;" our book) I won't get close enough anymore for sweet little eskimo kisses and laughter shared with our faces inches apart.

Having a child that is your last is oh-so bittersweet. I'm not really the kind of mom that says to cherish every waking moment, because, well, some of those moment are not very cherish-able. I don't always have it all together. I don't always stay in the moment. I always feel like I could be doing more. But, in these little moments, I know I am doing everything right. I do the best I can. Some may say that being a parent brings lots of laughs and joy, but little reward or appreciation. I say, we have to see the big picture; the brief moments when all is well in the world. We have to remember that these little beings know nothing if they don't know our love. That is all I have to give, and these butterfly and eskimo kisses tell me I am appreciated. I am loved.

Ellie, I will always yearn to be close enough to feel those lashes, or tell you secrets nose to nose and look deep into those hypnotizing eyes. I don't care how old you are. You're my little light and I love you.

Her Hair!

The one consistent compliment I get when people see Eliana is, "She has the best hair!" or "I love her hair!" I usually reply with a grim, "Really? 'cuz I'm not quite sure what to do with it."

The back is so wavy/curly that it is kind of all over the place. Now that it's getting longer, it is a little easier. The color is gorgeous and I'm just awaiting summer so it can get natural highlights that I pay over $100 for!

Anyways, here's my smart, goofy, beautiful, and sassy little girl. Oh, and her hair:

 gorgeous color, right? 

Wrapped in Love

This is not a house. This is a home. We stepped in the door as newlyweds, and since then, this home has welcomed babies with warmth and care. This is a place where great friendships were made. This is a home that heard first laughs, hushed late night cries, and cushioned first steps. This home has written its memories and trapped them in its walls. When guests walk through the door, this home wraps them in love and invites them to be themselves, whoever they may be. This home has comforted the lonely, chatted with good friends, giggled and laughed, and outright burst out good times. 

"And a house is not a home
When there's no one there to hold you tight
And no one there you can kiss goodnight"

This house has been wrapped in love. It is wrapped in love, still, just waiting for the next goofy, silly, and happy family to enjoy it all. 

Where do we go from here? The completely honest answer is, "We do not know." Seriously, we don't. I see the raised eyebrows, hear the hesitant replies, and feel the judgement. We don't know if Boston is going to call us home, or if Charlotte , NC or Fort Mill, SC is waiting for us to keep building our life down here. You'll know when we know, I promise. For now, wherever we are as our sweet and silly family of four is where home will always be. 

xoxo,
dMr 

Christmas 2013

Yup, it's February. Yup, this is my Christmas blog. So be it...

The night before Christmas is my mom's birthday, so we usually go to their house for food, drinks, a present or two and a Christmas story before bed. But, this year, my parents had sold their house, so they came to ours instead! And, we got to take some pictures of the kids in their Christmas jammies in front of the tree. 

Then, it was lights and story time. I think Connor remembered doing this last year, and seemed excited to bring the lights out again. He even read Ellie a book. 

Every year, it has been a tradition to take a picture of the kids peeking down into the living room from our little triangle cut-out on the staircase. I usually run down the stairs quickly (as quickly as I can before my am coffee!) to grab my camera. 

Christmas was a ton of fun this year, as it is every year. With little ones, the magic is always evident. 

Santa brought Connor an awesome fire house and fire truck!

Ellie's first doll, from Santa

Christmas morning cinnamon buns (my favorite tradition!)

And after a long day of tearing paper, opening new toys, installing batteries, cooking, eating, laughing, playing, and sharing, bedtime called. 

 Another memory installment in the pages of Life. Another happy day. Another blessing. Another joy. 

Sleep well, my babies. We love you. Good night.