It's Raining, It's Pouring...

...this weather is boring.

According to the powers-that-be, Seattle has had only 26 dry days since we rang in 2011. That has made for a wet, wet winter and spring. Sophie, Mommy, and Daddy are tired of this weather and ready for outdoor, dry adventures.

How does a toddler pass the time when she's stuck inside?? She...

A. Eats ice cream cones

B. Paints masterpieces

C. Jumps in puddles in pajamas

D. Shucks peas

"Sophie, how do you feel about the amount of rainy days this year?"

"Sophie, how do you feel about more sunny days spent playing outside?"

...most this Amazing day...

i thank You God for most this amazing

day: for the leeping greenly spirits of trees




and a blue true dream of sky; and for everything

which is natural which is infinite which is yes





(e. e. cummings)

Thankful

I am thankful for my wonderful mom who modeled the characteristics of grace, love, and selflessness that I try to emulate with my own daughter.

I am thankful for my mother-in-law whose wisdom and strength helped to create the generous, patient, and compassionate father of my daughter.

I am thankful for my two grandmothers who continue to nurture their families with love, with perspective, and with joy.

I am thankful for Sophie who blessed me with the role of mom. It is the greatest gift I've received in my life. Her toothy smile, her soft, little hands, and her cuddling hugs and kisses seemed extra special today. Today was a fabulous Mother's Day that included fresh flowers from the market (a Mother's Day tradition--see May 2009 and May 2010), yummy meals and treats all day long, a nap, and a professional clean of my car and the stroller, courtesy of Doug.

I feel loved.

Sophie and the guys....

Rest assured, world, standards of beauty are changing! Boys of our youngest generation prefer a girl with a Buddha-belly and a "mullhawk" (when a mullet meets a mohawk on a semi-bald toddler).

(Once Sophie realized how her Dad had styled her hair with sunscreen, she finally conceded and wore her big, floppy hat as a nod to the fashion of The Royal Wedding.)

In spite of....or because of...her fashion-forward persona and new definition of beauty, Sophie has more boyfriends than she knows what to do with.

Here she enjoyed a brunch in our backyard with Quinn and Levi. (All three of these children are heirs to The Dining Club, a group of 4 couples who gather monthly to eat and drink! We used to go out to restaurants and cook gourmet meals at our houses. Now, we keep it simple!)

(If you look carefully at the center of Sophie's head, you can see the mohawk... eat your heart out boys.)

Sophie and Quinn even sat at their own table during dining club brunch. Please note that tuft of hair shooting up and Quinn's frightened reaction ("oh my!") upon seeing the back of Sophie's head...

Sophie's #1 squeeze continues to be Connor. Connor's mama is due with her 2nd baby in a few short weeks, so Sophie's mornings with Connor will soon end. She is getting in as many hugs as possible to enjoy their limited time together. It's so hard to say goodbye to your first love.

I love these two together!

The list of boyfriends continues. Sophie went to a sheep shearing festival with BOTH Ben and Ty Heidergott. A date to a farm to see piglets and crying sheep + 2 brothers = every girl's dream!!

D and I are holding auditions for new friends who have girls. All of our friends have been blessed with beautiful baby boys. While it's fun now, Doug is NOT looking forward to Sophie and the guys as teenagers...