One of the true pleasures of being a stay-at-home Mom is the frequent opportunities I get to simply enjoy my child. Ella and I spent a very engaging morning watching the construction workers outside of her bedroom window. I loved that I could just push back everything on the list and live in that moment, totally thrilled with the chance to take advantage of Ella's limited vocabulary and have a very fulfilling conversation about trucks and dirt. We have a good life.

Write cute girls. Win Prizes.

My freshman year of college, my roommate and I realized the pure joy that could come with the arrival of a simple letter. So we took matters into our own hands and posted signs around campus-- complete with pictures of ourselves... and false names. But we put our real address.

Write cute girls!
Win Prizes!

It seemed like such a brilliant idea at the time. I am still shocked we didn't get a single letter.

Drinking Martinelli's tonight and watching the Olympics. Thinking of all the good times I had with my roomies. I never get the chance to be as wonderfully silly as I often was in those days. I still cherish the hope that I will one day find someone who brings the silliness out so thoroughly. Love you girls.

Bubbles

I didn't know if it would ever happen. But Ella has finally formed an attachment to an inanimate object. Her name (I can only assume that it is a she based on her coloring) is Bubbles. Pronounced "bubbm". Thankfully, Ella understands homonyms, because bubbm also refers to actual bubbles produced by hand and hair washing, which I am pleased to say Ella loves to do... If only because it creates those glorious bubbles. Luckily, it is pretty easy to contextually figure out which bubbles Ella is refering to, based on whether there is a sink or tub nearby. If a water source is not present, it is clear that Ella is calling for Bubbles the bunny. Usually because she thinks Bubbles might enjoy a snack or a walk in the stroller or a nap. That child loves putting Bubbles down for naps, then looking up at me and saying "shhhhh". Bubbles must take fifteen naps a day! If only I could get Ella on that schedule.
In any case, it has been fun to watch this blossoming romance. Happy Valentine's Day to all. Ours was wonderful. Two happy couples: Paul and Jess, Ella and Bubbles.

Remember when...

Remember when I swore I would avoid owning pink clothes for Ella? Sometimes you make goals and two years later you realize how dismally you have failed. I just folded an ENTIRE LOAD of pink. Yes, I know some people separate their laundry into lights and darks. Due to the two sweet girls for whom I am now washing clothes, I took "like colors" to a whole new level.

Dear Crock Pot,
Thank you for making split pea soup for us this afternoon so Ella and I could have fun at the Children's Museum instead of watching a pot.

Dear Bread Machine,
Thanks for the warm loaf goodness that will be waiting for me at home and will go so well with the soup.

Dear Dishwasher,
Thanks for doing my work for me last night after I went to bed. I owe you one.

Dear Washing Machine,
Thanks for washing all the new baby's clothes so I could fulfill my nesting urges with minimal effort on my part.

Dear Body,
Thanks for growing a perfect baby all day every day for the last eight months. I can't wait to meet your creation.

Life is good.

Love,
Jess