The Real Deal.

Did anyone hear something about a blizzard?

The storm started in the middle afternoon and lasted through the next morning. We had high winds, low visibility, lots of accumulations, and even some thunder snow. It's hard to say how much we actually got because of the winds; our backyard seemed to be about 2 feet deep throughout, and there were a number of drifts that were quite a bit deeper than even that. Luckily, we were just able to hunker down and ride it out. My main concern was that we would lose power, but thank God we held onto that. I wasn't looking forward to trying to figure out a way to keep the little ones warm with no heat and no fireplace. Anyway, here are the pictures:

Our Street. But where?

Did I mention that we got a lot of snow?

My boys. The little one doesn't really enjoy this yet.


Shoveling. He was in hog heaven. I think he's the only person in Chicago that enjoys this.
Not so happy about the snowsuit.


The tunnel.

The fam. Minus the little one, who was inside asleep.

Beautiful Ava. This was taken in Daniel's truck when we went out to explore Wednesday afternoon.
I don't think we'll be using this door for a while.

Die Hard

We have been reading through Proverbs as a family after dinner. We call it our dessert. A couple of nights ago, we arrived at Proverbs 21:30: "No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the Lord."

Daniel, trying to explain it in a way our two-and-a-half year old daughter could understand, said, "It means God always wins. Can you say 'God always wins'?"

Ava parroted back: "God always wins."

Checking for understanding, Daniel asked: "Who always wins?"

To which Ava replied: "The Bears!"

Die hard, she is.

10 Months

As we near your first birthday, I see an intelligence in your eyes that betrays the fact that you are no longer a baby. I love watching you play. You bang drums, unload cabinets, play with blocks, shake maracas, look at books. You think, decide, study. I can see it on your face.

Speaking of, I love your little face. You are a handsome boy. Big brown eyes, long, dark eye lashes, a winning smile, and dimples to boot. You smile a lot, and giggles punctuate nearly every expression. Your daddy and your sister like to giggle at you because they know that you will giggle back. We really can't resist an opportunity to hear your baby laughs.

You're not all giggles though. You have gotten 4 teeth on top in the last month. It's been a little rough on you.

In addition to (and perhaps because of) this, you have decided that your preferred perch is Mama's hip. You will play contentedly until you catch sight of me, then you march (or, the crawling equivalent) over to me, use my pant legs to pull yourself up and scream at me to pick you up.
When I can't hold onto you anymore, I put you in the high chair and give you food. You love food. We started giving you finger food this month. You like anything we give you: tacos, spaghetti, pot roast, vegetables, grapes, bananas, cheerios, anything. When you are done with what's on your tray, you turn to the pocket of your bib. You already eat as much as your sister.

Other new things: getting into drawers and cabinets (giggle), pushing buttons on the phone (giggle), dumping out all the toys at once (giggle), climbing the stairs (giggle).

You are having so much fun. Everything is an adventure for you. I love it. And I love you.

~Mama

Fresh from Heaven

Ava and I had the following conversation as we snuggled together in her bed tonight:

Me: Am I a lucky Mama?
Ava: Yeah...
Me: Why am I a lucky mama?
Ava: Because I love you!

As Tony Woodlief observed in his book, Somewhere More Holy, "It is no small thing to be loved by those so fresh from heaven."***

***My apologies to Mr. Woodlief if this is not the exact quote. I couldn't find our copy of the book, which probably means we should buy another. The thought was just too beautiful not to use.

When Screaming Doesn't Work

We decided last night to revoke Ava's pacifier privileges. We probably should have done it sooner, but honestly, with Timmy around, there have been times when I just needed her to be quiet. And I knew it would be painful, so we have been putting it off.

But starting last week, she's been doing this to every pacifier we gave her:

We figured it's not safe for her to be sucking on something that could potentially come apart in her sleep. In addition, we can't afford to buy her a new one every day. So, we decided to do the deed.

Screaming ensued. I am thankful I am married to a man who is willing to be tough in the face of screaming. He spared me most of the pain by staying with Ava in her room while she pitched her fit. But she was calling for me. Loudly.

"Mom! I want my Mom! MOMMMMM!" When I didn't respond (for fear of making things worse), she turned to Daniel and demanded, "Text Mom for me!"

The girl knows how to reach me.

More Hawaii

So, we're back from Hawaii. We had a great trip despite the stomach flu, which made it's rounds through our rental (Daniel was the only one who escaped) and pretty heavy rain. We still had a few pretty days to enjoy and lots of friends to catch up with. I took a ton of pictures. So, for those who are interested, a pictoral history of our trip:

Saturday circle island tour

Pali Lookout


Arizona memorial

Halona Blowhole

Not sure what this expression is. Caption contest?

Pre-church trip to the beach. Celebrating our family being well.

Sunday afternoon trip to the North Shore

Playdate/Photography pow-wow with my friend, Steph.

Dinner with Drew and Sarah. Olivia and Ava were fast friends.


Our day with Ellie

The upside to heavy rain on your Hawaii vacation: Ko'olau Waterfalls

Morning at Kailua Beach.

Evening at Kailua Beach. Have I mentioned how much I love Kailua Beach?

A classic Ava face.



Makapu'u.

Daniel doing his usual.

Hanging out with our old landlords Jill and Trigg

Well, at least she's honest

Day before yesterday, Ava and Tim were playing happily in the living room with a pair of wooden maracas. They were smiling and giggling.

I walked into the kitchen to get something, leaving them alone. Just a few seconds later, I heard Timmy crying.

Walking back into the room, I asked, "Ava, why is Timmy crying?"

She replied sweetly, but matter-of-factly, "Because I bonked him on the head!"

Wonderful.

Back to Hawaii Nei

Love those curls!

Fun in the sand

Good friends


Sand!

Tim's first trip to da beach

Beautiful boy

"Ava come here!"

"Oh well."

"Why do I try?

Chunky Monkey

A long (but good!) day