avery at three and a half.

I put Avery to bed an hour ago. She got out twice. She got spanked once. She went into Christian's room once (hense the spank). She went to the bathroom twice. I yelled at her. I sang songs to her. I asked her nicely to suck her thumb and snuggle her blankies and close her eyes. I tucked all of her damn stuffed animals into bed....and kissed them goodnight...and sang songs to them. I bribed her with a trip to get icecream tomorrow. And, I turned on her favorite night light.

--20 mins later (when I'm thinking she must be asleep by now)--

On the video monitor:

Avery: "Mom? Oh, mom? Are you there?"

Me: "WHAT!?"

Avery: "Knock, knock"

Oh, dear Lord!

the playroom

The kids playroom is so chalked-full of toys that it is a bit overwhelming, but it at least serves the most important purpose of any room in the whole entire house: keeping the kids occupied, and out of mom's hair!

For a room tour, visit the playroom on Project Nursery. 

avery's big girl room tour.

I may need to get a new hobby. Or, check myself into some sort of twelve step program for design-aholics.

When tested, I can most always put down the thing that poses most harm to me, but when it comes to spray painted animal lamps or color-on wallpaper, or personalized tableware, you've lost me. It's pretty much the reason I want more kids...ya know, to have to design a space for them.

Here is a glimpse into Avery's big-girl room. I had way too much fun collecting pieces over the years: great-grandma Ginny's vintage drummer girl print, a glitter number 1 canvas from her 1st birthday party, newborn hand & foot molds, flying fairies from grandma Mary (Avery has so fittingly named Flora, Fauna, and Maryweather), fabulous designer teacups she collects every year from Godparents Dana & Tom, vintage (yes, vintage) birth announcement of her dads' circa 1975, and a lot of favorite Etsy shop finds.

I only hope she loves living in the space as much as I loved putting it together.

For more pics and info on her room, visit the room tour on Project Junior.

christian timothy, one point five.

Little man is now 1-1/2 years old. Can't quite believe it!

Here are his stats of the 'now':

a) running after Avery
b) giving people 'bumps'
c) laughing at his own burps
d) telling us when he's "done!" eating up to his highchair
e) pointing out other people's bellies out in public
f) reprimanding neighborhood dogs for barking.
g) letting you know that every object, should he want it, is "MINE!"
h) pointing out every single ball he ever sees. anywhere. even if its just a circle.

Christian Timothy 16 month photoshoot

And, here is Christian's annual report poster- only 6 months late. Better late than never.

Poor second-child-syndrome. Can't be helped.

Even if I don't take as many pictures of him, or don't take extra extra time to teach him mundane tasks, there will always be a special place in my heart for my first son. Those dimples. That smirk. His pouty lips. Those mesmerizing big blue eyes.

I guess you could say he got to me.

buongiorno!

Italy was everything I could have ever imagined a fantasy whirlwind European trip with kids to be and much much more. I don't even know where to start! The music- soothing and romantic. The architecture- bold, historic, picturesque, reverend. And, the food (oh, the food!) can only be laced with sweet garlic loveliness!

Top (L-R): San Gimignano, Vernazza in Cinque Terre, Trevi Fountain in Rome
Bottom (L-R): Rome, Sienna, Pisa

Whenever I look back at our travels with kids, I'm always so grateful that they have been able to go and see and experience such spectacular things - near and far. Even though they may be too young to remember most of this trip, they will most definitely remember the sense of travel and adventure that their parents (hopefully) have instilled in them. I want them to always have a curiosity for learning, a need to explore, and a passion for finding out how the rest of the world lives. It's so very exciting for me. And, I hope they grow to love it too. 

Avery fell in love with gelato - that which we found on every other street corner. Italians definitely know how to live. She perfected her order: 1 scoop of super pink (could be strawberry or red velvet or cinnamon, but as you can guess- it's the PINK part that is most important here, people.) And, in a baby waffle cone please!

Christian was a trooper! Having been at the tail-end of the awkward 'I know how to walk but I still trip on everything that isn't completely flat' stage, the ancient cobblestone streets where a hurdle. Exhibit A below is sufficient enough evidence - Christian at the Vatican with a bruised forehead. And, as a side-note to this pic: what a fantastic shirt I picked out for him to wear the day we visited one of the Holiest places in the world. Yep.

Top (L-R): Christian @ The Vatican in Rome, Avery @ The Colloseum in Rome
Bottom (L-R): Jonathan & Christian in Cinque Terre's Vernazza, Hannah & Christian in Florence

I will say that had we not had GPS on our phones, our marriage may have been over. Windy roads tended to make me car sick and street signs weren't so clearly marked. Thankfully- if you followed the GPS (even though you thought it looked like it would take you the wrong way), it proved to be a lifesaver! Made our entire trip so much less stressful. The kids were young enough and little enough, that at any one time they could both fall asleep in the stroller and/or backpack, and we could keep on keepin' on our way as tourists. Cars and trains and buses and cabs and airplanes....I have to say that Avery and Christian are absolutely fantastic little travelers. We made some great memories and can't wait for our next trip abroad.

Oh- and speaking of driving, you know the universal "Ummm, hellloooooo?!" that drivers say to other drivers when they're coming into their lane, or cutting them off? While in Italy, we made a point to say, "Ummm, buongiornoooo?!?" Hee.

For waaaaay too many pics of the whole Italy trip, click HERE. Password: Finch.