Twin Tales +1: The life and times of Ella and Aidan, and their baby sister, Lauren
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Where I've Been
I have been a terrible blogger lately.
I have not taken a single picture of my own children since I took their Christmas pictures three weeks ago.
And that is a new record for me.
Why the sudden drop in blogging and photo taking of the tots?
I have been busy as a bee over here....
http://firewifephotography.blogspot.com/
... taking pictures for everyone else under the sun for their own holiday cards and celebrations!
I published a little holiday special on my CMOMs board, and business has exploded. I know it is primarily just a holiday rush, but I have had so many people refer me to even more people outside of CMOMs that I literally have had every moment filled on each weekend and most days when Ella and Aidan are in school.
I am not much of one for trying to make excuses - but am a firm believer in apologies when they are due - I am sorry friends, family and loyal blog readers!
I promise to be back to the land of regular blogging soon!
I have not taken a single picture of my own children since I took their Christmas pictures three weeks ago.
And that is a new record for me.
Why the sudden drop in blogging and photo taking of the tots?
I have been busy as a bee over here....
http://firewifephotography.blogspot.com/
... taking pictures for everyone else under the sun for their own holiday cards and celebrations!
I published a little holiday special on my CMOMs board, and business has exploded. I know it is primarily just a holiday rush, but I have had so many people refer me to even more people outside of CMOMs that I literally have had every moment filled on each weekend and most days when Ella and Aidan are in school.
I am not much of one for trying to make excuses - but am a firm believer in apologies when they are due - I am sorry friends, family and loyal blog readers!
I promise to be back to the land of regular blogging soon!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Reflections
Each year I have written Ella and Aidan a letter for their Birthday. I’ve never been much of a card person - being a woman of far too many words, I figure there isn’t a hallmark on the block that could adequately express what is written on my heart.
Aside from that, the letters are a form of reflection as I pause and give thanks for the previous 365 days of joyful chaos. My hope is that they will also serve as a blessing to Ella and Aidan in the years ahead…words that will etch deep truths into their hearts over time.
The day will come… that dreaded day they will measure themselves against one another, against their peers, struggling to see themselves both through their own eyes and those of others.
If you know our children you know that they are different…gloriously different.
From the moment they drew first breaths… one cried… a piercing, shrill scream resembling less of a human and more of a wild feline. The other uttered a mottled cry and was whisked away for closer examination. One was near impossible to soothe, the other easily preoccupied by whatever was in their limited field of vision.
Aidan
Small in stature, mighty in spirit, your tiny legs propel you, effortlessly bounding off any surface in your path. If it is out of reach, then it is yours to be conquered - nothing is too out of reach for you. How you crave adventure – you love to grab my hand and lead me to your world of discoveries. “Look mommy, let me show you something! Do you want to see?”
You see life with eyes wide open. I love that you do not miss any of it. A butterfly flapping his wings on the windowpane. Streaks of jet fuel drawing white lines on blue canvas. You take pleasure in things old eyes have grown dull to.
I’m convinced your heart is twice the size of the average person. Your generosity astounds us daily. You commonly set yourself aside to meet the needs or wants of others. If someone is without, you joyfully open your hand - you delight in giving, in loving.
You feel deeply, tender to the bone. I can hardly stand to watch you cry without wanting to join in with you. Sorrow melts every inch of your face before melting mommy’s heart. I never knew eyes and ears could frown until meeting you. I love your tenderness and pray you always feel deeply.
And for as much as you feel, you giggle… the kind of joy that creeps up your throat & slips between a sheepish boy-grin. Unexpected and hearty…and always infectious.
Aidan, you are the apple of my eye, the boy after my heart. I love that I was chosen to be your mommy.
Ella
Fresh out of my womb, you forwent sleep…preferring to discover something, anything… to hold it in your gaze and take it in. You are a force to be reckoned with and your stubbornness is half your charm. You know what you want and how you want it. “Not that way, Mommy, this way”. Each day I actually see more and more of myself in you.
You have never met a stranger. Just this week you waved at a middle-aged woman drinking coffee as we walked into Target. “She’s my friend, Mommy! I love her. Bye-bye, friend!” you exclaimed with an energetic wave.
Your smile can light up a room and lights up our hearts each day - just another way you give… a physical expression of what is deep in your being, the love that you hold there.
You are generous and full of joy… as much as you are bright. You are a student of life… recording information, conversations, experiences.
A student of life, all right - you love life, my little party girl! Every day is a new adventure that you cannot wait to experience – “Mommy/Daddy! I LOVE you! “Where are we going next??!!” (with an irresistible smile) You are always ready for the next gathering, the next encounter, the next opportunity.
You have always been cautious, watching and learning before jumping in - it's a trait that comes with some limitations, but it also has its advantages.
Ella, my sweet one, you are a treasure… extending blessings at every turn. I am rich from mothering you.
Ella and Aidan
As the days pass like shadows, your toddlerhood slips further away and I see the young people you are becoming… the unique qualities that distinguish you from one another, from every other little person that surrounds you both.
As you grow, may you never define yourself by another’s estimation. You will always be too much and never enough all at the same time. My prayer is that you would instead receive value from within.
You are amazing little people and will always have each other to lean upon, laugh with, cry with, and celebrate with.
You are our dreams come true!
Aside from that, the letters are a form of reflection as I pause and give thanks for the previous 365 days of joyful chaos. My hope is that they will also serve as a blessing to Ella and Aidan in the years ahead…words that will etch deep truths into their hearts over time.
The day will come… that dreaded day they will measure themselves against one another, against their peers, struggling to see themselves both through their own eyes and those of others.
If you know our children you know that they are different…gloriously different.
From the moment they drew first breaths… one cried… a piercing, shrill scream resembling less of a human and more of a wild feline. The other uttered a mottled cry and was whisked away for closer examination. One was near impossible to soothe, the other easily preoccupied by whatever was in their limited field of vision.
Aidan
Small in stature, mighty in spirit, your tiny legs propel you, effortlessly bounding off any surface in your path. If it is out of reach, then it is yours to be conquered - nothing is too out of reach for you. How you crave adventure – you love to grab my hand and lead me to your world of discoveries. “Look mommy, let me show you something! Do you want to see?”
You see life with eyes wide open. I love that you do not miss any of it. A butterfly flapping his wings on the windowpane. Streaks of jet fuel drawing white lines on blue canvas. You take pleasure in things old eyes have grown dull to.
I’m convinced your heart is twice the size of the average person. Your generosity astounds us daily. You commonly set yourself aside to meet the needs or wants of others. If someone is without, you joyfully open your hand - you delight in giving, in loving.
You feel deeply, tender to the bone. I can hardly stand to watch you cry without wanting to join in with you. Sorrow melts every inch of your face before melting mommy’s heart. I never knew eyes and ears could frown until meeting you. I love your tenderness and pray you always feel deeply.
And for as much as you feel, you giggle… the kind of joy that creeps up your throat & slips between a sheepish boy-grin. Unexpected and hearty…and always infectious.
Aidan, you are the apple of my eye, the boy after my heart. I love that I was chosen to be your mommy.
Ella
Fresh out of my womb, you forwent sleep…preferring to discover something, anything… to hold it in your gaze and take it in. You are a force to be reckoned with and your stubbornness is half your charm. You know what you want and how you want it. “Not that way, Mommy, this way”. Each day I actually see more and more of myself in you.
You have never met a stranger. Just this week you waved at a middle-aged woman drinking coffee as we walked into Target. “She’s my friend, Mommy! I love her. Bye-bye, friend!” you exclaimed with an energetic wave.
Your smile can light up a room and lights up our hearts each day - just another way you give… a physical expression of what is deep in your being, the love that you hold there.
You are generous and full of joy… as much as you are bright. You are a student of life… recording information, conversations, experiences.
A student of life, all right - you love life, my little party girl! Every day is a new adventure that you cannot wait to experience – “Mommy/Daddy! I LOVE you! “Where are we going next??!!” (with an irresistible smile) You are always ready for the next gathering, the next encounter, the next opportunity.
You have always been cautious, watching and learning before jumping in - it's a trait that comes with some limitations, but it also has its advantages.
Ella, my sweet one, you are a treasure… extending blessings at every turn. I am rich from mothering you.
Ella and Aidan
As the days pass like shadows, your toddlerhood slips further away and I see the young people you are becoming… the unique qualities that distinguish you from one another, from every other little person that surrounds you both.
As you grow, may you never define yourself by another’s estimation. You will always be too much and never enough all at the same time. My prayer is that you would instead receive value from within.
You are amazing little people and will always have each other to lean upon, laugh with, cry with, and celebrate with.
You are our dreams come true!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Saturday Morning in the Park
What to do when you do not feel well, your husband is at work for the next 24 hours, and the kids are bouncing off the walls?
Let them burn off all the energy they possibly can by riding their bikes at the greenway!
Let them burn off all the energy they possibly can by riding their bikes at the greenway!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
3.5
Three and a half years old? Seriously?
Today is significant in many ways, but the one to note is that Ella and Aidan are officially halfway to four years old.
Wow - my little babies are now little people and continue to amaze me each day. They know all of the months and days of the week, and even know their birthday!
Someone please stop the clock - even for just one day!
Today is significant in many ways, but the one to note is that Ella and Aidan are officially halfway to four years old.
Wow - my little babies are now little people and continue to amaze me each day. They know all of the months and days of the week, and even know their birthday!
Someone please stop the clock - even for just one day!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Halloween 2010
After a wonderful night with Opa and Grandma Shushi, we woke up ready to explore and see some gorgeous mountain views!
We were not disappointed!
We even took a little hike down to an amazing waterfall where the kiddos had a total blast getting to go underneath and see it from the other side!
After an amazing lunch in Highlands, where literally everyone knows Opa and were so thrilled to meet Ella and Aidan, we let the kids burn off a bit more energy on the playground and then hit the road for home. Wearing them out worked like a charm and they were both passed out before we even left the town limits of Highlands and they slept for over 1/2 of the ride home!
We made it back right at 6 PM, just in time for a quick dinner and to change into their costumes for our final round of trick-or-treating!
What an amazing Halloween - filled with wonderful friends, loving family, perfect weather, plenty of sweets and treats, and memories to last a lifetime!
We were not disappointed!
We even took a little hike down to an amazing waterfall where the kiddos had a total blast getting to go underneath and see it from the other side!
After an amazing lunch in Highlands, where literally everyone knows Opa and were so thrilled to meet Ella and Aidan, we let the kids burn off a bit more energy on the playground and then hit the road for home. Wearing them out worked like a charm and they were both passed out before we even left the town limits of Highlands and they slept for over 1/2 of the ride home!
We made it back right at 6 PM, just in time for a quick dinner and to change into their costumes for our final round of trick-or-treating!
What an amazing Halloween - filled with wonderful friends, loving family, perfect weather, plenty of sweets and treats, and memories to last a lifetime!
Halloween Eve in Highlands
We decided to do something different this year and headed up to Highlands, North Carolina on Saturday (just for the night) to meet up with Opa and Grandma Shushi for the annual Trick-or-Treat bonanza.
It was a four hour ride - but the scenery was absolutely gorgeous! As usual, our little duo were great travellers!
We made one stop for lunch at a little place in Lake Toxaway that overlooked a pretty cool waterfall.
Once we arrived in Highlands....
....we did some shopping, had some ice cream, grabbed a quick BBQ dinner and headed to Opa's apartment so that the kids could change into their costumes.
Aidan loved every single minute, while Ella was a bit traumatized by most of the costumes. She was not a fan of the giant bunny, giant bear, or giant clown and spent most of the time in tears and asking us to walk away or hide her face. She did perk up towards the end of the evening and managed to do a little bit of trick-or treating.
As the evening came to an end, we wound down the mountain into Dillard, GA to check into our hotel for the night. Needless to say, it was well past Ella and Aidan's normal bedtime and we had quite the time convincing an overexcited little Aidan to take off his Buzz costume, as he was having too much fun "flying" on the bed.
Something tells me that the Buzz and Jessie costumes will not be a part of my inventory at next fall's CMOM's sale!
It was a four hour ride - but the scenery was absolutely gorgeous! As usual, our little duo were great travellers!
We made one stop for lunch at a little place in Lake Toxaway that overlooked a pretty cool waterfall.
Once we arrived in Highlands....
....we did some shopping, had some ice cream, grabbed a quick BBQ dinner and headed to Opa's apartment so that the kids could change into their costumes.
Aidan loved every single minute, while Ella was a bit traumatized by most of the costumes. She was not a fan of the giant bunny, giant bear, or giant clown and spent most of the time in tears and asking us to walk away or hide her face. She did perk up towards the end of the evening and managed to do a little bit of trick-or treating.
As the evening came to an end, we wound down the mountain into Dillard, GA to check into our hotel for the night. Needless to say, it was well past Ella and Aidan's normal bedtime and we had quite the time convincing an overexcited little Aidan to take off his Buzz costume, as he was having too much fun "flying" on the bed.
Something tells me that the Buzz and Jessie costumes will not be a part of my inventory at next fall's CMOM's sale!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)