50

Meeting his first grandchild, 12/7/07, love at first sight!

I would like to wish my Dad- the lil' dude's Papa, a very special 50th birthday today!
To the man who loves logical thinking, the woods, his animals, wine, music, and books ... happy birthday, we love you!

Wordless Wednesday

Portrait of Life: 3

Happy, happy 3rd birthday to you, Miss Lil' Dude!

Your birthday is finally here. You've been waiting and asking for weeks when your party would happen, when everyone would sing to you as you blew out your candles, how you wouldn't be shy in the spotlight. And you weren't. You were the most perfect little host ... and after you finished opening your mountain of gifts, you thanked everyone and told them they could all go home. That garnered many laughs. May you always be so practical and honest.

Again, we were positively overwhelmed with love and goodwill from your village. You are one very lucky and loved little girl. I hope you are always surrounded by people who cast you in the best light, and that you do the same for them. Relationships are what sustain us throughout life. Cherish them.

I emailed your aunties last night with a play-by-play of how we had spent your birthday together thus far and semi-jokingly told them I hadn't cried yet. I know, I know. I am hypersensitive. Daddy makes fun of me for my soft heart all the time. (Like he should talk!) I remember consoling your bestie E's mama when she turned three in October ... that there is no reason to lament this birthday. That we should be grateful in the day as we celebrate how big, smart, healthy, happy, and gracious our daughters are. That we should celebrate the anniversary of motherhood with anything but tears. True, it's easier said than done, but I managed to stay dry all day today. Even as you sat in my lap and we revisited your Birth Day photos from the hospital. What's that on my belly button? Uncle D. was there? I wore diapers. I had a hat on. That was my carseat. I remember everything from that day ... everything. It's tattooed on my heart.

Your auntie B. is preparing to become a first time Mama in a few weeks.

She mentioned in an email yesterday, "I love all things Christmas-related right now. I think it is an awesome time to have a baby. God thought so, too. Hah."

And I think she nailed it. December is beautiful. Everything is white- serene and sparkling. People make more room in their hearts for each other. Tradition is upheld. Miracles happen, and everyone wishes upon a star. I have always loved December, as I grew up celebrating all month long- Papa's birthday, great-auntie R.'s birthday, and Uncle W.'s birthday. You fit right into this fabulous month. December 7 was an awesome time to have a baby, and it will always be an awesome time to celebrate your life, one year at a time. We're so lucky today, and always.

Happy birthday, sweet girl.
Mama loves.

The End

Tomorrow when she wakes up, she'll be three.

Three years old.

On Four Legs

Our favorite photographer, the lovely & talented Auntie Mo. captured our family again this fall for holiday photos and the lil' dude's 3 year shots. It's fun to replace last year's framed pictures with the new ones, to marvel at what has changed over the past year.

And to revel in what hasn't.



The Beagle is still the apple of our daughter's eye ... her very best friend in the whole wide world.
The feeling is mutual. The dog doesn't even try to hide it anymore. Currently, the girl is snoozing in her bed, with the door shut tightly. The Beagle is just on the other side, stretched out in front of the barricade, biding his time until she wakes for the day.



This was last year. He has always been so patient and sweet with her. She now calls him Brown Dog, just like her Mama does.

I am tickled they share this relationship- that she hasn't known this home sans dog, ever. He's always been a part of her life just as her humans have. In my opinion, it's the way it should be. After all, I have been a lifelong dog person my self.


I grew up with a tiny mutt of a house dog at my grandparents', named Uffda. Yes, we're a very Norwegian family!













This was my childhood dog. She joined our family when I was 6. My brother was a baby. I named her Dolby, after Dolby Surround Sound, something I had seen on my aunt's stereo. True story. She lived to be 17 ... I was 23 when she died. That was my entire childhood, and then some. She was a mutt we got for free- in fact, she came with a rebate of sorts- some cash intended to buy her first bag of dog food! I will never, ever forget her, or how she helped form me into who I am today.

I'm grateful to see this in my daughter's life, too.

Winter Tradition

Last weekend we embarked on our annual family tradition of cutting our own Christmas tree, and decorating the house for two straight days post! You were a big help this year, and we actually had snow so it was perfect. You haven't missed as year at the tree farm, not even the year I was pregnant when the nice tree farm man asked as I trudged my 40-week belly over the river and through the woods if I wanted a ride on the sleigh. "No, thanks. It's late, and I am trying to walk It out." Didn't work! But, a fun memory nonetheless.



You kept pointing to and hugging the trees that were your size and smaller. This one! I want this one!



It takes me awhile to find The One. You were patient and sweet anyways.



Then came the very best part of your day! The Clydesdale-drawn sleigh ride. These guys, Rocky and Rusty, were gorgeous! You spent a good 10 minutes just petting their faces and talking sweet to them.



Right then, the sleigh's driver asked you if you wanted to sit on one of them ... you were so excited! The smile didn't leave your face until your turn was over. You're still talking about the horses and sleigh ride all these days later. I love creating lasting memories with you, lil' dude.

Wordless Wednesday