a better day.

When the sun is shining, everyone has a better day. Avery can roam the neighborhood searching for sticks and flowers and puppies and water puddles, and bugs. And, I can walk closely behind to watch her experience life's fascinating things for the first time: A scrunched up forehead looking at a squirmy worm in a puddle, a giggle when the puppy down the street licks and tickles her hand, her eyes opening wide and starring at me as an airplane wooshes through the sky making a loud noise, or the attempt at a genuine "bauuk bauuk" sound when the chickens run over to her chubby bread-filled hands.

When the coffee pot is hot and full, everyone has a better day. Jonathan is awake enough to play with Avery while I check my email. The mornings are so so great with a hot mug against your hand. And, the brewing smell warms up the entire house.

When Avery takes good long naps, everyone has a better day. Baby is well rested and happy when awake. I have had an ample break from toys and bottles and "no's" and "don't do that!" and "get down from there," and "be nice to the kitty kitty," and pretend tea time, and diapers, and "where are your socks!?" and "go find your DAD!". Naptimes bring with them a magical piece of your old self, a time when you can make the lists, and organize said toys, and actually take a shower this week.

When you have a great husband, everyone has a better day. I love being a mom. I really do. But when you're at it 24-7, all you really need is a loving husband to give you a nice long kiss, tell you what an extraordinary mom and wife and best friend you are, and then go on and on about how good your cooked meal was. Then, it can't hurt to vacuum the living room without even asking him to. Jonathan has it down. He makes my every day better.

mother's day

Mother's Day was awesome this year. I have to say- the best out of...well...two years total. I was so surprised to come downstairs to a vase of gorgeous hot pink roses, glazed doughnuts, my favorite Starbucks blend, and a crayon-scribbled card informing me of a date night to the Broadway performance of Mary Poppins.

Exhibit A, The Loot:

Exhibit B, The Card:

Yea- I know!

Me: "Sweetie! How did you know all of those lines from Mary Poppins!?"
Jonathan: "I have to say, I looked them up."

Now, that's what ya call real love.