Sweet way to start the day

Maybe you're like me, and you woke up to a baby who mysteriously ended up in bed with you. You'll later learn that you brought her to bed around 1 a.m. because you didn't have the presence of mind to get her to go back to sleep in her own bed. Anyway, you wake up because she's pulling your hair, clawing your face and kicking you in the back. So you bring her out into the living room and decide to set her down with some toys so you can use the restroom. You think you're safe.

You forget your husband left half of a Twix bar on top of the end table in the living room.

You come back out to see her relishing every moment with this candy bar. You remember all the work you and your husband have put into keeping foods like this out of the baby's mouth. But then you see the look of pure joy on her face. And you laugh.

And though she pretends to feel guilty for the camera, you know that your little family's battle between sugar and sanity has begun.

The best part of waking up

In case you don't know yet, naps are heaven sent. Of course I enjoy my hours of alone time (aka the only time I have to clean up before the next wave of crazy starts), but what's even better is that the baby always wakes up a different -- generally happier -- beast than she was when I put her down.

If you are in our house, you will most likely find her like this after a nap. I guarantee that you cannot stay frustrated when you walk in to the little face.

And while I would love to tell you that Penelope always wakes up all smiles and sunshine, that really isn't true. Sometimes she wakes up like this. Congested, runny nose, exhausted, miserable.

That's what happened in our house this week. But we spent the whole day like two little slugs, watching Gilmore Girls (the ultimate sick day TV programming. Penelope would back me up on this one), manually removing snot from a baby's nose, and comforting said child from the agony of her first head cold.

Sometimes, however, you put your child down for a nap just to get a break from her cranky, teething attitude. And after deciding you are slightly less exasperated, you might peek in to see her peeking right back at you.

And then you immediately take a photo to document her beautiful, raw silliness.

No matter what, it truly is the beginning to a new day (or afternoon, or two hours until the next nap).

NOW FOR SOMETHING ENTIRELY DIFFERENT

husband: What is that?

me: It's the Halloween costume I got for Penelope.

husband: Yeah, but what IS it?

me: It's a peacock.

husband: That's NOT a peacock.

me: Why not?

husband: When have you ever seen a peacock with a human face peeking out of its neck? It's terrifying!!!

Conclusion: Our difference of opinion wasn't resolved. However, we did agree on a new costume for the baby. Pictured peacock costume has been returned to the store. (But I still claim it is awesome.)

snapshots (sort of)

mothering through the generations

i am learning how to be a mother. unfortunately, there was no specialized training to prepare me for this venture (though aunthood certainly helped). this is unfortunate, because sometimes i think i make a better student than functioning adult.

yesterday, i was reminded that i come from a line of wonderful mothers. and not to be too biased, but i really think i am learning from the best.

(can you believe that my sweet mother is my age in this picture? what lovely young beauty! and how precious is little cameron?!?)

and sure, i may have accidentally dropped the remote on my baby's head while nursing her. or maybe i did call her a poo face angrily and (kind of ) meant it because she wouldn't stop crying. the good news is that while i am learning on the job, i get to learn on the best.

happy mothers' day to mothers (and aunts and sisters and friends and inspiring women) past, present and future.