Busy

Little kids are very busy.

There's a lot of thinking to do, a lot of imagination to use, a lot of pretend baking, dancing, shows, running... And I thought that I had a lot on my plate! They're like little adults.

Maggie has the vast responsibility of emptying every box, basket, container, and cabinet in the house, then getting inside every one that could possibly fit her little feet, and then refilling each container with the things that were in the other. Then repeat. It's a LOT of work.

Sophie generally spends her days putting her babies to bed, having one or the other cry, reading books to them, and doing shows with them, and changing her own clothes about five times per day. When we're outside she needs to run everywhere, or hop like a bunny, and climb on every stoop she sees.

Makes what I do seem pretty relaxing.

THIRTY

Yes, it's true. I've officially graduated from the decade of beautiful 20-somethings and today I am 30. I thought it would feel much more painful to leave my youth behind (HA!), but instead I'm overwhelmingly grateful, happy, secure, and excited about my 30's. I'm looking forward to the new experiences, joys & challenges (ideally fewer of those than the others...) coming my way. At 30, I'm hoping I will learn what it means to:

Act justly, love mercy, walk humbly.

-Micah 6:8

LOVE,
Kate

Funny Little Bracelets

Kids should look like kids. They don't take themselves too seriously. They wear every color, they spill (a lot) and don't mind, and they love to collect sticks and rocks and leaves and bring them inside (along with little bugs!), and they are just so FUN.

We did a little craft that I think epitomizes the way little girls think. We mixed beads and puffs and bows and made some fun little bracelets. Sophie LOVES hers. It's perfectly imperfect.

Supplies

By the way, anytime I'm about to get rid of old jewelry, I look at the beads and see if they may work for a possible future craft. It saves me from having to buy beads in the future (which can be pricey!) and they're easily stored in recycled jam jars! 

Basic How-To:

- Thread your stretchy cord through a large needle.

- Pull to even and tie a knot at the end.

- Start threading beads or puffs or bows on your cord

- When it's the size of your little ones' wrist, cut and double knot!

Simplest fun. 

XO,

Kate

Time for Play

Some people may not say comfortable clothes = cute, but I disagree. There's nothing better than seeing a little kiddo in relaxed clothes having fun. Em likes leggings best (do all little girls?), so I kept her happy in neutral leggings and comfy tee, and let her make accessories picks. She obviously chose the brightest shoes she owns and an oversized acrylic necklace to brighten things... girly as always, and ready to be a social butterfly!

Photos by Pictilio.
(Love them, hire them! They travel!)

Emma is wearing: 

{white off the shoulder shirt from Target; leggings from J Crew; Necklace J Crew (similar); Ballet flats J Crew}

Keep those Ears Warm

I love winter hats on babies. Warm little baby heads allow us to go outside for walks, even when it gets cold. Here are my favorites:

One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six.

Sentimental Monday

Sometimes I kiss little Maggie and start to get sappy.

Before she came on the scene I was so apprehensive about it. Another little girl? How could I ever love another child the way I love my firstborn? Impossible.

Then she was born. And I did. I loved another little teeny tiny face just as much as her sister's. I was flooded with guilty feelings for Sophie... My attention for her was cut so drastically now that I had a newborn. Sophie was suddenly a big girl. How could I possibly show them both how dearly they are loved?

Today, I remembered those days... I remembered the vulnerable mother of two I was. I was so emotionally delicate and chemically imbalanced and every little thing in life just looked so BIG.

Then I smiled with such sweet relief to be where I am today. Maggie turned one in August and the girls are really starting to become best friends. They adore one another, they tackle each other, they swat and push and sometimes cry, but they LOVE. And I get to watch, and be a part, and feel no more guilt. I just get to enjoy it. It's a beautiful gift to have a sibling and I'm just so grateful about it today.