You made some pretty sweet memories.
This photo right here is how I'll always picture you the summer you were two. It's burned into my mind, and will live in my soul.
See yah next time, summer. It's never long.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Farewell
Today is the last day of August- it's like the end of summer. On Friday, you gave summer one heckuva farewell at the splash pad and park with some of your besties, Big T. and T2.
You made some pretty sweet memories.
This photo right here is how I'll always picture you the summer you were two. It's burned into my mind, and will live in my soul.
See yah next time, summer. It's never long.
You made some pretty sweet memories.
This photo right here is how I'll always picture you the summer you were two. It's burned into my mind, and will live in my soul.
See yah next time, summer. It's never long.
Monday, August 30, 2010
The Great MN Get-Together
Last week our little family made our annual pilgrimage to the State Fair- your third summer in a row. It's become a sweet, end of the summer tradition we look forward to. I'll let these photos do most the talking!
Being that you're over 36" tall, you experienced a great deal more freedom at the mini-midway this year. Much to your Mother's trepidation and fear ... and much to your Father's delight and pride.
Your knight in shining armor, Uncle D., joined us for lunch and a giant bucket of Sweet Martha's cookies.
On the carousel, you didn't need one of us to stand by your side. I only cried a little, I swear. Of course you chose Marty, an ode to your Madagascar-lovin' days.
You were excited to get down and dirty with all the livestock.
You're not even strapped into this little aquatic machine ... and don't think we didn't see you try to bail out when you were stuck in the corner. Good thing for those attentive carneys. Oh, my heart.
Your bestie E. was a happy surprise for you- you made her Daddy carry you around, and then push you in her stroller. The tiny diva of the fairgrounds.
You made me only cry a little bit, here, too. Just enough so that the tears didn't fall onto my actual face.
Here's the annual-in-the-parking-lot pose before boarding the shuttle. Your legs are like, 3 feet longer than they were last August. The rest is the same- hair, glasses, hoodie, sneakers, NaNa, flair.
We burned up 10 tickets on the Ferris wheel. I would have burned up 100 if it meant riding with you! Daddy's a bit of a wienie; he doesn't do rides. He waved and snapped photos while you made my knuckles turn white holding onto your waist. Have you no fear, child?
Since you were such a good girl- dealing with the heat, the masses of 120,000 people, staying in your stroller, and using the Porta-Potties like nobody's business, you were able to chose a souvenir. It was a toss-up between an inflatable Scooby Doo of epic proportions, or paying homage to your roots and the 5-piece John Deere playset. The latter of the two won out- look at how happy you were to revel in your prize.
Daddy's been teaching you to say anhydrous tank ever since.
So much fun ... on a stick!
Being that you're over 36" tall, you experienced a great deal more freedom at the mini-midway this year. Much to your Mother's trepidation and fear ... and much to your Father's delight and pride.
Your knight in shining armor, Uncle D., joined us for lunch and a giant bucket of Sweet Martha's cookies.
On the carousel, you didn't need one of us to stand by your side. I only cried a little, I swear. Of course you chose Marty, an ode to your Madagascar-lovin' days.
You were excited to get down and dirty with all the livestock.
You're not even strapped into this little aquatic machine ... and don't think we didn't see you try to bail out when you were stuck in the corner. Good thing for those attentive carneys. Oh, my heart.
Your bestie E. was a happy surprise for you- you made her Daddy carry you around, and then push you in her stroller. The tiny diva of the fairgrounds.
You made me only cry a little bit, here, too. Just enough so that the tears didn't fall onto my actual face.
Here's the annual-in-the-parking-lot pose before boarding the shuttle. Your legs are like, 3 feet longer than they were last August. The rest is the same- hair, glasses, hoodie, sneakers, NaNa, flair.
We burned up 10 tickets on the Ferris wheel. I would have burned up 100 if it meant riding with you! Daddy's a bit of a wienie; he doesn't do rides. He waved and snapped photos while you made my knuckles turn white holding onto your waist. Have you no fear, child?
Since you were such a good girl- dealing with the heat, the masses of 120,000 people, staying in your stroller, and using the Porta-Potties like nobody's business, you were able to chose a souvenir. It was a toss-up between an inflatable Scooby Doo of epic proportions, or paying homage to your roots and the 5-piece John Deere playset. The latter of the two won out- look at how happy you were to revel in your prize.
Daddy's been teaching you to say anhydrous tank ever since.
So much fun ... on a stick!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Lemming
You're the most easygoing child there ever was, and this story is proof.
Last night, Daddy, you, and I gathered around our patio and had a farewell to summer bonfire. It was dark, breezy, and just perfect. You had all your stuffed dogs on leashes and were content for the first half hour at the pit.
Mama? you asked. I wanna go in and play sisters (code for dollhouse).
"No, honey. We're going to stay outside by the fire right now," I replied.
OK, Mama.
I laughed- see how easygoing you are?
"Lil' dude, do you want to jump off a cliff with me?" I asked, laughing.
YEAH! you shouted.
Daddy shook his head. Then you asked him, where is the cliff, Daddy?
"Ask your Mom where the cliff is," he replied.
Last night, Daddy, you, and I gathered around our patio and had a farewell to summer bonfire. It was dark, breezy, and just perfect. You had all your stuffed dogs on leashes and were content for the first half hour at the pit.
Mama? you asked. I wanna go in and play sisters (code for dollhouse).
"No, honey. We're going to stay outside by the fire right now," I replied.
OK, Mama.
I laughed- see how easygoing you are?
"Lil' dude, do you want to jump off a cliff with me?" I asked, laughing.
YEAH! you shouted.
Daddy shook his head. Then you asked him, where is the cliff, Daddy?
"Ask your Mom where the cliff is," he replied.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Where You Sleep
Your bedroom is my favorite in the house. It's such a sweet, meaningful space. I put a lot of effort into constructing the nursery when you were still a bump. I remember shopping at an antique store with Grandma G. before I was even pregnant, and selecting items for my one-day nursery. Grandma, in all her wisdom, told me to worry about getting pregnant first! What can I say. I always knew there'd be a you.
This is your Minnesota Twins shelf, aptly named for the memoribilia Grandpa T. bestows upon you. The shelf was made for me by my Grandpa R. when I was a kid. It held my Precious Moments figurines I collected.
This summer, I went through the playroom at your great-Grandma S's and found this adorable sweater amongst the doll clothes- I had this spot on your shelf in mind. I wish it wasn't too small for you. It reminds me of Mary Poppins.
I love stars. I hung a star in each room of this house when we decorated it. This sits above your wooden name letters.
My favorite fixture in your room is the shelf that hangs above your changing table dresser. It was mine when I was younger, made again as a birthday gift by Grandpa R. I used to hang necklaces from the pegs, and used it to proudly display my troll collection. Oh, to be a teenager. I found these blocks at an antique store, and the wooden toys are from great-Grandma S's playroom. The Beatrice Potter book collection was also mine, given to me by Grandma G's Godmother after her retirement. She was an elementary school teacher, and the books bear the stamp and library card envelope from her old school.
These are your faithful sleeping companions- Gloworm, Curious George, Beagle, little Beagle, and Nana, your blanket.
This is your bookshelf. The vintage horse was a pregnancy gift from your buddy JW's daddy- he thought it belonged in your nursery immediately. The tiny vintage shoes I bought at an antique store after I had a daughter. The photo is you at six months gettin' some sugar from your first real friend, Big T. who was just over two at the time. It'll be in your room forever.
This is the sweetest, most nostalgic gift I received at your baby shower from your auntie SG. She took the photos of your homecoming that cold, Sunday afternoon, and acquired scraps of your bedding from Grandma G. to finish the frame. She wrote the sweetest words on the back, too. I hope this is always the centerpiece of your home.
Your handmade baptismal gown hangs right by your bed. It's Norwegian Hardanger, hand-stitched by Grandma G. All the old ladies at church were absolutely thrilled to see a traditional gown on a tiny baby girl. It's a forever family heirloom.
This is an antique doll cradle I bought you at a flea market last spring. It came with a hand crocheted baby blanket and I bought it from the sweetest couple who were tickled to hear it was for my daughter.
For your first birthday, Grandpa T. and Grandma S. gave you this Amish rocking chair which holds some of your dearest pals. You like to sit in it and rock your own babies to sleep.
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep,
Guard me while I sleep tonight,
And wake me safe at dawn's first light.
God bless Mommy; Daddy, too,
And help me to always be true to you.
Amen.
This is your Minnesota Twins shelf, aptly named for the memoribilia Grandpa T. bestows upon you. The shelf was made for me by my Grandpa R. when I was a kid. It held my Precious Moments figurines I collected.
This summer, I went through the playroom at your great-Grandma S's and found this adorable sweater amongst the doll clothes- I had this spot on your shelf in mind. I wish it wasn't too small for you. It reminds me of Mary Poppins.
I love stars. I hung a star in each room of this house when we decorated it. This sits above your wooden name letters.
My favorite fixture in your room is the shelf that hangs above your changing table dresser. It was mine when I was younger, made again as a birthday gift by Grandpa R. I used to hang necklaces from the pegs, and used it to proudly display my troll collection. Oh, to be a teenager. I found these blocks at an antique store, and the wooden toys are from great-Grandma S's playroom. The Beatrice Potter book collection was also mine, given to me by Grandma G's Godmother after her retirement. She was an elementary school teacher, and the books bear the stamp and library card envelope from her old school.
These are your faithful sleeping companions- Gloworm, Curious George, Beagle, little Beagle, and Nana, your blanket.
This is your bookshelf. The vintage horse was a pregnancy gift from your buddy JW's daddy- he thought it belonged in your nursery immediately. The tiny vintage shoes I bought at an antique store after I had a daughter. The photo is you at six months gettin' some sugar from your first real friend, Big T. who was just over two at the time. It'll be in your room forever.
This is the sweetest, most nostalgic gift I received at your baby shower from your auntie SG. She took the photos of your homecoming that cold, Sunday afternoon, and acquired scraps of your bedding from Grandma G. to finish the frame. She wrote the sweetest words on the back, too. I hope this is always the centerpiece of your home.
Your handmade baptismal gown hangs right by your bed. It's Norwegian Hardanger, hand-stitched by Grandma G. All the old ladies at church were absolutely thrilled to see a traditional gown on a tiny baby girl. It's a forever family heirloom.
This is an antique doll cradle I bought you at a flea market last spring. It came with a hand crocheted baby blanket and I bought it from the sweetest couple who were tickled to hear it was for my daughter.
For your first birthday, Grandpa T. and Grandma S. gave you this Amish rocking chair which holds some of your dearest pals. You like to sit in it and rock your own babies to sleep.
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep,
Guard me while I sleep tonight,
And wake me safe at dawn's first light.
God bless Mommy; Daddy, too,
And help me to always be true to you.
Amen.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
60
Meeting his first grandchild, 12/7/07, love at first sight!The lil' dude would like to wish her Grandpa T. a very special 60th birthday today!
To the man who loves coupons, plain hamburgers, sweets, the Minnesota Twins, and Coca-Cola Classic ... happy birthday, we love you!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Generational
I received an email from my Mama this morning that made my face crack into a huge grin. I'll back that up a bit first with some history:
As a little girl, my favorite thing about staying at my grandparents' was the new box of Lucky Charms they always had waiting for me. When my Grandma was preoccupied, Grandpa would open the box, pour the entire contents into a large glass measuring bowl, until the beloved prize came tumbling out. He would quickly pour every morsel of cereal back into the box and pretend nothing ever happened. His message to me, spoken or not, was why wait for the sweet things in life, when you can just get straight to them? That breakfast lesson has never left me, and it was the story I shared at his funeral in 2008. Grandpa would then pour us each a huge bowl of Lucky Charms and splash whipping cream over the top- it was the only way I knew how to eat that cereal for years.
Back to the email from my Mama:
May your day start better than mine. I just got home from an emergency visit to the dentist. Broke a tooth while eating cereal of all things. Tried to graduate to big girl Kashi brand healthy stuff (first bowl out of the damn box)...............will stick to Lucky Charms and whipping cream for another 49 years, may have rotted my teeth out but at least wasn’t an unexpected dentist visit when I would rather be sleeping. Hope the weather forecast is as good for you as is expected here. Love M
Her breaking her tooth is not what made me grin, but the parallel in our lives this week did. Here's the reply I sent her:
This is why I love you so much: (I'd call, but talking is likely hard for you right now)
The Dad came home Sunday with groceries (what a hubby) and his purchase included a 16oz. box of Lucky Charms (that's a huuuge box) and I had to really rearrange my pantry to get it to fit, sideways. Along with the arranging, I threw out a box of Kashi cereal because I let it go stale after I realized when I opened it, how nasty the stuff is.
Then, I sat down with the lil' dude, and we each had a huge bowl of Lucky Charms for lunch, mine with heavy whipping cream poured over the top- just as the good Lord (and Grandpa R.) intended.
Sorry you had to learn the hard way.
Here's to full sugar cereal for life.
Love, LDM
As a little girl, my favorite thing about staying at my grandparents' was the new box of Lucky Charms they always had waiting for me. When my Grandma was preoccupied, Grandpa would open the box, pour the entire contents into a large glass measuring bowl, until the beloved prize came tumbling out. He would quickly pour every morsel of cereal back into the box and pretend nothing ever happened. His message to me, spoken or not, was why wait for the sweet things in life, when you can just get straight to them? That breakfast lesson has never left me, and it was the story I shared at his funeral in 2008. Grandpa would then pour us each a huge bowl of Lucky Charms and splash whipping cream over the top- it was the only way I knew how to eat that cereal for years.
Back to the email from my Mama:
May your day start better than mine. I just got home from an emergency visit to the dentist. Broke a tooth while eating cereal of all things. Tried to graduate to big girl Kashi brand healthy stuff (first bowl out of the damn box)...............will stick to Lucky Charms and whipping cream for another 49 years, may have rotted my teeth out but at least wasn’t an unexpected dentist visit when I would rather be sleeping. Hope the weather forecast is as good for you as is expected here. Love M
Her breaking her tooth is not what made me grin, but the parallel in our lives this week did. Here's the reply I sent her:
This is why I love you so much: (I'd call, but talking is likely hard for you right now)
The Dad came home Sunday with groceries (what a hubby) and his purchase included a 16oz. box of Lucky Charms (that's a huuuge box) and I had to really rearrange my pantry to get it to fit, sideways. Along with the arranging, I threw out a box of Kashi cereal because I let it go stale after I realized when I opened it, how nasty the stuff is.
Then, I sat down with the lil' dude, and we each had a huge bowl of Lucky Charms for lunch, mine with heavy whipping cream poured over the top- just as the good Lord (and Grandpa R.) intended.
Sorry you had to learn the hard way.
Here's to full sugar cereal for life.
Love, LDM
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