October 21, 2013

Details B10.01

making birthday cakes for daddy morning tea (wondering if it's time to find love for coffee) red leaf and red wall driveway sleeping in his beloved pumpkin building the daily 'train' baby hat in the works evening walk happy birthday to james

We went to the library last week and when they told me our books were due in November I was startled. We've had perfect weather this fall and I'm thankful, but also nowhere near prepared for the short winter days ahead. I won't let my thoughts drift to the snow and clanging radiators just yet, for now I will look forward to carving pumpkins, a few more cider doughnuts, and seeing what Little Smith thinks of the spectacle of Halloween. Sadly no hand made costumes this year. I've been trying hard to pick my battles these days, and pulling an all-nighter to sew felt just didn't seem worth it. Next year!

James turned 35 this week and we celebrated by making him a pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting. Little Smith picked out his very own gift for pop, a Matchbox Jeep (wasn't that thoughtful?). He was so excited to give it to him that he was nearly trembling by the end of the day.

He has been loving preschool (twice a week), loving the changing leaves, and also driving me completely nuts almost every day. I know that three is supposed to be rough and we're seeing the signs of a challenging year already. He is so smart and funny and charms me to pieces, but boy can he scream and throw a tantrum when he doesn't get his way or is just plain tired. I'm hoping some of this is short lived... ready for an easy cycle here. He is adorable with his sister and so far hasn't directed any of his frustrations towards her, which is a relief.

Our baby girl is such a dream. I'm always hesitant to say what a pleasure she is because I don't want to jinx it, but truly she is full of smiles, sleeps well, rarely cries... the kind of baby that makes people want to have babies. She spits up constantly (Little Smith never spit up once), so lots of laundry is my one and only complaint. We are so crazy lucky! 

I am still feeling a little run down, a little behind on everything, and a little chubby in all my clothes... but so very content and grateful to be exactly where I am right now. 

12 comments:

  1. These captured moments look so peaceful and serene. I hope you had the happiest of birthday celebrations with your beautiful family.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I just swoon over your details posts, Lilly. The colors, the lighting, the way you decorate your house, everything! I love the white kids' room and how the shelves are stocked. So perfect! And yum, a pumpkin cake? Sounds right up our alley!

    The picture of R sleeping melted my heart a little... I do miss aspects of having a wee one around the house... especially a dream of a baby like you describe! Happy Monday, Lilly.

    P.s.- Even though I get the feeling chubby after having a baby bit, you look absolutely beautiful, and not chubby at all!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Lauren! And it is fun to have an itty bitty baby around. Challenging, but there's nothing quite like it.

      Delete
  3. love the bit about the birthday gift, what a sweetheart.

    http://semiweeklyeats.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-best-kind-of-date-night.html

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oddly enough your note on the challenging 2 and 3 yr old tantrum stage is strangely comforting. My 2 1/2 yr old is operating very similar right now 1 part sweet, smart and amazing and 1 part crazy irrational kid. And of course is a perfect angel who listens to his daycare provider all the time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And it makes me feel better to hear you say that too :) I guess it's just good to know you aren't alone, and they are so darn cute that it makes it worth it... luckily!

      Delete
  5. Aaaawwww the last photo is too precious.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Happiest of Birthdays to Daddy Smith! The 3's are ... interesting to be sure, but they will pass quickly (just like the seasons)-- hang in there & try not to be too hard on yourself. You are a wonderful Mamma, truly, and while not everything feels just right at present, it will get there!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Lovely pictures in these lasts posts! Your kids are so-oooo incredibly cute. It makes me long so much for another baby... but it won't happen, we are complete as a family :-)

    Over here in Belgium pre-/nusery school starts at 2.5 year and includes full days (8.45 am til 3.30pm). That would make your days a little bit easier, no ?
    My girl (2yr8 months) is having tantrums several times a day. Whenever something is not the way she wants it, she starts to cry and scream. We keep trying to explain to her that she only has to speak up. She speaks pretty well so that shouldn't cause the crying. From time to time the screaming drives us crazy, especially in the morning or after a tiring day. We also try not to give her too much attention when she does. Good luck there!

    It took me a year to be able to cope with the piles of laundry that a 2nd kid was bringing. I cut down on my ironing, I try to fold as much as I can and only iron what really needs to be ironed.

    Enjoy these precious moments and take also care of yourself !
    Natalie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes! We keep asking him to 'use his words ' to tell us what he wants instead of whining and screaming. So far no luck though. And I am beyond impressed that you iron! It's rare for me to iron anything- laundry is definitely not my strength :)

      Delete
  8. Happy birthday to James! So glad your little girl is treating you well.

    I definitely found age 3 more difficult than 2...and so on...and so on. Just kidding, my youngest is getting better now (at 9 years old!) ;)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oh my goodness -- Lilly! It has been ages since I visited your blog, so imagine my surprise when a sweet little baby girl showed up here. :) I'm so glad to hear that she's a breezy baby! Everyone looks happy and adorable, as usual. Hope you are doing well.

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.