52 Weeks of 2013 - Week 27

He may not be mine, but he's pretty adorable. This little guy knows how to charm the ladies.

There's enough cuteness, the tiniest traces of babyhood left, yet the earnestness of a boy on a mission, to learn, to explore, to endear him to us all. Such a fun age!

Mine

I know I may be a little biased, but I think she is beautiful. That's all!

52 Weeks of 2013 - Week 14

Ah my baby girl. A true sweetheart, full of joy and generous to a fault. She is growing up so quickly. No child can ever be perfect, but she has my heart and I am so blessed to be her Mama.
 

52 Weeks of 2013 - Week 5

Remember that silly poem about what little girls are made of? Sugar and spice and everything nice? Well what I love about my daughter (and what sometimes drives me crazy, if I'm being honest) is that she is no pushover. She is wonderful and sweet and caring and kind but she is nobody's fool!

I am glad of it. I want her to be independent and strong, not swayed by popular opinion or peer pressure. I want her to stand up for herself and for what she believes in. Sometimes that means, as she tests our boundaries, that there is inappropriate behavior, but that is part of our role as parents; to teach her how to handle herself and be heard, without anger and spite. This is the safe training ground, surrounded by those who love her, who will never reject her or take revenge. This is her place to bloom.

She has a spark and a joy and the ability to laugh at herself and they will carry her far. She is determined and I know that will serve her well in life. She will be one who take risks, she will go for it when others are standing back. I pray that she will be bold and courageous, even though at times she feels afraid.

Right now she is my little girl and as much as I would like to keep her that way, I cannot wait to see the woman she will become and all that she will achieve!

52 Weeks of 2013 - Week 2

Ok - so I may be slightly biased, but I happen to think my son is incredibly handsome and he's a total sweetheart too!

Six and Sassy! {Marin Child Portrait Photographer}

She started kindergarten last year and after making friends with several little girls who had no fringe (or bangs) she promptly announced that she too wanted to grow hers out . So over the last year we have invested in countless headbands, Alice bands - anything really to make the process a little easier. As of last week what was left of her fringe was well below her chin and she came home asking me to cut it again! She didn't give a specific reason why, just said that she wanted to cut it...after all that work! I told her we would wait a week or so, to really make sure that was what she wanted to do, after all it would take a year to grow out again if this was just a rash decision. Well it appears it wasn't, she really wanted to do this, so yesterday was the day.

She looks so different again, but I do love it and so does she. Love this sweet girl with all her enthusiasm and zest for life, she is an inspiration and joy to our family.