if i sat like that, i’m pretty sure i might not be able to get up

late fall

big shoes to fill

A few years ago, these were Ethan’s shoes. Charlie found them and insists on wearing them all the time. They are about two sizes too big, and she trips about every other step. But she still wants to wear them. After all, they were Ethan’s. And at this point, her brother is still all that. It’s worth a few bruises to be a bit more like him.

Trust me….I am making sure to enjoy this while it lasts.

autumn peace

halloween fun

Anakin

and his padawan, Elmo.

Not so sure what to call this?!?!? But I bet it makes you wish you could hang out with us, eh?

i’ve always encouraged him to shoot for the stars

“I am going to see if I can make it all day without ever getting out of my pajamas.”

the flu, fevers and clinging to every single morsel

With almost every kid we know experiencing a fever in the last few weeks, I knew it was only a matter of time before our house felt the heat. Charlie was the lucky first one, so I spent today at home with her.

To be honest, a significant chunk of the day was spent freaking out. Not by the virus, but by a crashing realization that she is growing up way too fast. My baby. And I can’t even call her that without being corrected point blank, “Charlie big girl.” On the outside, I smile and agree, proud that she understands. On the inside, I scream, “NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!”

Just look at these pictures from today.

Big girl hair all long and braided.

Big girl sitting all steady and relaxed in any position.

And this one. The picture every parent has and loves. The propping arms and dangling feet say baby. The fact that she is doing things for herself says big girl. Both phases are good and wonderful and amazing. And the fact that she is experiencing both right now (which means I get to have glimpses of both!) gives me such joy.

So while the flu and its fevers are no fun, the extra snuggle time with my baby….er, I mean big girl…..is being savored beyond words.

an autumn weekend outside

What a fun weekend! It started off on Saturday with Joel and I participating in our first official trail run: the North Face Endurance Challenge at Kettle Moraine State Park. We ran the half marathon, and the setting could not have been more beautiful. (And the hills and rocky terrain definitely lived up to their name!)

I think we are hooked….

And a visit to our favorite pumpkin patch on Sunday capped off this very perfect autumn weekend.

i’m constantly touched by his respect for me

Mom, did you want to be a ballerina when you were little?
No. Never.
Why not?
I don’t know. I just never did.
Well, what did you want to be when you were little?
A brain surgeon.
You wanted to be a brain surgeon???
Yeah. Why do you sound so surprised?
I can’t see that at all.
Why not?
I just can’t see you as a brain surgeon.
Well, what could you see me as?
I don’t know. Maybe a clown.

to be two