We were in North Carolina this past weekend, and despite 15 hours in the car with 2 toddlers over 2 days, we had a great time. The kids were especially excited about their first hotel stay (that they remember). /1, 2/ morning cartoons
/3, 4, 5/ when in Rome
/6, 7, 8/ back in the car
/9, 10/ big kid cups are the best
Click here to check out Carri's stellar 10 on 10!
Dear Jonah,
Oh my guy... you must be the cutest, sweetest little wrecking ball that ever was. If it can be dumped out, poured out, crushed, mashed, or deconstructed in any way, you'll find a way to do it - with a huge smile on your face, of course.
Eating with you lately is particularly entertaining. You've become very opinionated about what you want, and even more so about what you don't want. Meals are a contact sport full of charm, equal parts laughing and yelling, and big messes.
But for all your Bam Bam ways, you still melt my heart every single day with that sweet smile, your huge hugs, and fierce love. You are adamant about the family all being together, Rocco included. If someone's not there, you say their name Stanley Kowalski-style until they appear (or you get distracted by food). Emma has become your partner in crime, your biggest annoyance, and very best friend. And Daddy? Daddy's your superhero, rockstar, apple of your eye, center of your universe, best dad in the history of all dads. There is no one on the planet you adore more than him, and getting to watch you two together is one of the great joys of my life.
Here's to a summer filled with grand adventures, long weekends, less Super Glue, more patience all around, and lots of snuggles and sloppy kisses. I love you to pieces and pieces and pieces, my JoJo.
Love,
Mama
Please head over to Melissa’s blog to read her letter, then continue around the circle until you land back here!
/1/ breakfast antics
/2/ riding the "bus" to school
/3/ a different perspective
/4/ who needs gymnastics when there's mama and daddy's bed?
/5/ school picnic face painting
/6/ Time to wake up!
/7/ waiting for her polish to dry
/8/ she named him John and brought him grass to eat
/9/ it's amazing how one tiny brownie can multiply in volume and mess making potential when in the hands of a toddler
/10/ story time
I'm joined in this project by a group of super talented photographer friends. Please head over to Jodie's blog to see her entry for this month, then follow the circle around until you end up back here!
Dear Emma,
My darling girl... my almost 4 year old. What a joy it is to be your mama. I get a front row seat to the sweet, hilarious, fierce, thoughtful, creative wonder that is YOU. Spring has brought on a new, more mature phase for you... morning goodbyes at school are easier, you're taking on new responsibilities, and you've become so observant and curious about the world and people around you. We even have a special time before bed dedicated to you asking me whatever questions you want. Which always leads to more questions, and more questions after that. I think you'd stay up all night asking me questions if you could.
Your obsession with all things princess continues to intensify, and I'm slowly coming around to being okay with it. I always try to remind you that what makes the princesses we learn about most special is how kind, brave, and caring they are - not how pretty they are or how fancy their outfits may be. I don't know how much of that is sticking, but a mama's gotta try.
More than anything, what's best about this phase is how incredibly sweet you are with your brother and what an awesome big sister you're becoming. You've always been a great big sister, but now that Jonah is bigger and you can really play together it's clear what an important role you're going to play in each other's lives. You are so quick to show him things, share your food and toys, and comfort him when he's sad. He's still learning and not always the best at reciprocating your desire to share, but you're pretty understanding.
Nearly every night at bedtime, you say goodnight to Jonah by singing a song you learned from Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood. You just randomly started singing it to him a few months ago and we had no idea that you even knew the words, but it was pretty much the sweetest thing we'd ever heard. It goes:
"The moment I first held you, you seemed to me / The most wonderful gift to our family / Goodnight, sleep tight / Dream dreams as sweet as you"
Emma's goodnight song for Jonah from Allison Shellaway on Vimeo.
He'll learn to love it. ;)
We love you so much, my sweet girl, and are always so proud to be your parents.
Love,
Mama
Please head over to Melissa’s blog to read her letter, then continue around the circle until you land back here!
Dear Jonah,
What an awesome couple of months it's been since I last wrote to you! You are becoming a little boy right before our eyes, cute as can be and keeping us on our toes. You are eating constantly and have recently discovered how to get into the pantry. We have to be super diligent about putting the child lock on so as not to find you arm deep in a container of puffs and about to move on to the raisins. (Not that that happened or anything.)
Your curiosity knows no limits these days, and you're rapidly discovering all the new places you can reach, things you can turn on and off, doors you can open and close. Daddy and I are trying to pacify this desire by putting more Jonah-friendly things within reach, but that stuff is apparently quite boring compared to everything else just out of reach.
What I love most about this stage with you is how much you're talking and how excited you get when you can say a new word. You've put a great priority on learning all the food words (shocker), but you've also started saying "love you!" which is the best thing ever to hear at the end of a long work day. Just this week you finally got a handle on "Emma" (you used to call her Mama, which was rather confusing for all of us), and have been saying her name constantly for the past several days. You two have your sibling moments, but I know she so loves hearing you saying her name and asking for her.
When all is said and done - or eaten in your case - you're still our ever sweet little Jo... a snuggle bug who gives the best sloppy kisses and has one of the world's truly great smiles. We love you so much and can't wait to see what the next couple of months have in store for you.
Love,
Mama
Please head over to my very sweet friend Ally’s blog to read her letter, then continue around the circle until you land back here!
We busted the Learning Tower back out last weekend and Jonah is a wee bit obsessed with it. As soon as he got up there we couldn't get him to come back down. Half an hour later, I had my 10 on 10 for this month...
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Please head over to Christine’s blog to see her 10 on 10 for this month!
Dear Emma,
I've been so drawn to taking portraits of you lately... You're growing into your personality more every day and I so love capturing all the many sides of you. You're oh so silly, and astoundingly smart, and most of all incredibly sweet and thoughtful. You're also emerging as a bit of an introvert, which isn't surprising since you hail from a looooong line of introverts. We're working on helping you be more social around people you don't know, but daddy and I are so proud of your maturity and independence. Even when you're in a new situation where you don't know the other kids, you happily find your own way.
In school news, you've been making awesome progress with your moveable alphabet, and just this week started writing words! With no help from me, you sounded out and spelled "hat" all by yourself. You were so proud and excited. "Mama! I spelled a real word!!" It's like it all clicked for you and after that you wanted to write every three letter word you know. Dad, cat, bat... You were on fire and it was truly awesome to watch. Not too shabby for three and a half. (Thanks, Montessori!)
We love you so much, bubba, and are so proud to be your parents.
Love,
Mama
Please head over to my very sweet friend Ally’s blog to read her letter, then continue around the circle until you land back here!
/1/ couch slide
/2/ Huggle Buggle's turn
/3/ love this kid
/4/ chomp
/5/ old tracks at Harper's Ferry
/6/ hold on to your hats!
/7/ road weary
/8/ daddy's got you
/9/ wheeeeee
/10/ time to head home
Now I encourage you to head over to Ann's blog to see her take on this month's 10 on 10!
My sweet Jonah,
What a wild ride this month has been with you! Injuries, illnesses, and your newfound desire to get into everything that isn't nailed down. There's no taking our eyes off of you right now, that's for sure. But for as mischievous as you've become, you're also getting sweeter - and smarter - by the day. You're at this awesome stage right now where every day you have a new word or a new trick and everything is starting to come together for you. As a parent, it's a pretty incredible thing to witness. I can see the baby in you diminishing by the day, so I'm trying to enjoy every single "wovey," "nnnack!," "tank you," and "buppy." I know all too soon they'll turn into "lovey," "snack," "thank you," and "up" and that bittersweet feeling of my baby turning into a toddler will wash over me. Not too fast, my sweet boy... not too fast.
Love,
Mama
Please head over to my immensely talented friend Ally's blog to read her letter, then continue around the circle until you land back here!
I'm thrilled to be back with the latest installment of 10 on 10! This has grown into one of my favorite projects and I'm teaming up with a truly awesome group of photographers on it this year. After you check out my 10, head on over to Christine's blog to see her 10!
/1/ peek-a-boo barn
/2/ lines
/3/ hanging at the art wall
/4/ sidle up
/5/ snack
/6/ well maybe if you hadn't dumped the bowl out on your head...
/7/ more please!
/8/ Freeze!
/9/ two can play at this game
/10/ old and new feet
Dear Emma and Jonah, What a fun-filled month we've had! Christmas prep, Mommy & Me Princess Tea Party, cookie making... all capped off with an awesome Christmas. I saw something a few weeks ago that said people always say the best feeling in the world is being a little kid at Christmas, but really the best feeling in the world is being the parent of a little kid at Christmas, and that couldn't be more true. Getting to experience the holidays through your eyes and seeing you love our family traditions as much as Daddy and I do filled me with more joy than I can adequately describe.
We kicked off Christmas Eve morning with a new tradition - Christmas donuts! Emma, you of course had your usual pink frosted with rainbow sprinkles, and Jonah had fruit because donuts don't exactly make for healthy baby food... so maybe one of those traditions that was better in theory. ;)
Next we had our annual bowling trip, and everyone had a great time. Jonah, you weren't quite big enough to roll the balls but you had a blast running around the bowling alley while Daddy and I chased after you to ensure you didn't stick carpet food in your mouth. 
The next morning it was time for the Big Show! Emma, you were so excited to see that Santa and his reindeer had eaten your cookies and carrots and even left you a little thank you note. Jonah, in true fashion, you were far more concerned with your blueberries than with opening presents but eventually got on board.
After a great morning just the 4 of us, it was time to head off to the grandparents' houses! First up was Papa's house, where you guys loved his train and got even more wonderful new toys.
Then we went to Nana's for more Christmas fun and the final batch of presents! We had a wonderful dinner together followed by some super yummy cake. 
The next day was of course spent playing with your new toys. Emma, you started to get the hang of your new big girl bike and continued your obsession with the Jack-in-the-box, while Jonah strutted around the neighborhood in his baby Carhartts.
All-in-all it was another great Christmas, the best part of which was spending time together as a family... without a doubt the greatest gift of all.
Love,
Mama
It's my last 10 on 10 post of the year! Instead of sharing my usual 10 photos from a single day, I thought I'd do a year-end recap of my 10 favorite photos from 2014. I'm a little relieved that these were much harder to narrow down than I thought - a sign that I should feel really happy with my photography this year. In past years I had many technically good photos, or photos that were personally meaningful, but not many that accomplished both. This year was different. I discovered my vision, I captured what I wanted to remember, I took photos that made my heart sing. So without further adieu, my top 10 for 2014 (in chronological order)...
/1/ Oh, this face. This photo is just so her... girly, but messy, sweet but a little mischievous. Every cup of hot cocoa after sledding was an event unto itself last winter, and I reveled in watching her enjoy every last drop.
/2/ This photo... this photo is every photographer mom's holy grail. Both kids smiling and looking at the camera in good light. It happens once in a blue moon, and I'm so happy it happened by chance because it makes this photo that much more meaningful for me. Both still in their PJs, Emma's hair a mess, Jonah snuggling with Emma's lovey. Had I tried to plan this, it wouldn't have worked nearly as well or meant nearly as much. I will love this photo forever and ever.
/3/ This photo makes my heart so happy... I hope I can always make her feel this content and secure.
/4/ This photo means so much more to me than meets the eye. This was taken at the cabin and it was one of her very first times having french braids. She looked so grown up. But just under the braid you can see the tick bite on her neck - a traumatic experience for all involved and juxtaposed with the braid it was a reminder to me that she's still so vulnerable. She was laying on her daddy's lap here and I remember feeling in that moment how this photo still makes me feel... in awe of her beauty, her fragility, the ache of a mama's heart who can't stop time.
/5/ As much as I want to remember the good stuff, it's important to remember the struggle, too. So many nights after work and daycare were spent just like this. All Jonah wanted was to be held by his mama, but dinner had to get made. I was already so tired, but couldn't say no to that face, those eyes. So this was our beautiful compromise.
/6/ My favorite shots of Emma are always the ones where I feel like I thoroughly capture her personality. This kid has energy for days and jumping on the bed is one of her all-time favorite things to do.
/7/ This is my second favorite image of the two of them. Every morning they would stand at that window and watch their dad walking Rocco. They'd knock and wave and it was the cutest thing ever. I just love their connection here.
/8/ I love this one for two reasons... 1) Jonah is just so stinking cute and I vividly remember this stage of constantly chewing on everything. And 2) because it reminds me of what an unsung hero my husband is.
/9/ This is probably one of the best photos I've ever taken and I'm so grateful I happened to be standing in the right place at the right time so I could capture this moment between Jonah and my dad.
/10/ Not the best photo from a technical standpoint, but one I love dearly because of my mom's expression. She's so silly with my kids, so free. She wasn't always like this and it makes me so happy to see her this way now. My kids are immensely lucky to have her for their Nana.
I encourage you to head over to Felicia's blog for some more 10 on 10 fun, then continue around the circle until you end up back here!
Oh, my little guy. What a couple months you've had since turning 1! You got your tubes in, your hearing vastly improved, and you decided you were done with this whole easy going, unflappable baby business. You are still the happiest, smiley little guy, but man - when you want something, you REALLY want it and you get quite frustrated when you don't get your way. In other words, you're a toddler now! I wasn't quite ready for that development, but along with the emotional roller coaster has come some pretty awesome stuff... like talking and walking! You took your first steps around 13 months, and have slowly but surely getting that whole balance thing down. Every day you walk out a little further, and your confident cruising has all but replaced crawling.
You have also become quite the little climber! We can't seem to keep you off the furniture, and while this makes me and Daddy pretty nervous, you're always so careful getting up and coming down.
I think my favorite thing about you at this age is how silly and playful you are. You love playing with your sister (even when she smothers you) and we're already getting glimpses of the trouble you two are going to get into when you get a little older. You still love playing peek-a-boo, and have found a new love in taking things apart while making as much noise as possible.
From toddler to teenager, and even when you're old like me and Daddy, we'll always love you no matter what. But, you know, if you could slow down time between now and then, that would be super. :)
I encourage you to head over to my dear friend Christine’s blog to read her letter to her children.
/1/ He's a climber, alright
/2/ Bounce house fun
/3/ Jonah was a big fan
/4/ Kicking back with Phonics Island
/5/ Always so happy when he wakes up from a nap
/6/ Rollin', rollin', rollin'...
/7/ Asleep at the wheel
/8/ Look at me, mama!
/9/ Love that smile
/10/ Golden girl
I’m joined in this project by a group of crazy talented photographers. I urge you to click over to Sherry’s blog to check out her 10 on 10.
Whew! What a month October was for us! We usually try to avoid throwing a ton of change at you all at once, but this month it was pretty unavoidable. We kicked off the month by moving into our new house, and while Daddy and I were super worried about how you'd react to the move, you handled everything with patience and understanding well beyond your 3 years. You really seem to love the new house, having more space, and you especially love having a playroom.
Only a few days after moving, we left for our long awaited beach vacation. You were SO excited to spend a whole week at the beach and couldn't wait to dig your toes into the sand. We ate lots of Kohr's ice cream and we even bought you your very own kite. You loved running with Daddy to get it up in the air, then you'd take over the string and fly it all by yourself!
You and Zachary ran each other ragged each day, laughing one minute and bickering the next (like typical toddlers!) And you got lots of special time with Nana and Grandpa Ed.
I'll never forget you feeding the seagulls on one of our last days there. You were completely fearless, holding up the bread and letting them snatch it out of your hand. You were in heaven and could have spent all afternoon running around feeding those birds.
Not long after we got home from the beach, you had a school closure and we got to spend a special day just the two of us. While it's often hard for me to manage work and play on those days, I always look forward to them because spending time with you is one of my all time favorite things to do!
We finally trekked out to the pumpkin patch at Gaver Farm, and you had a blast. I think you tried every single activity they had, but your favorite was the cow train. (Which of course I didn't get a picture of!) You also had a school field trip to Mayne's and got to pick out even more pumpkins. It was so fun getting to see you with all your little school friends. 
Lastly, the day you'd been waiting for most of all - HALLOWEEN! There is no article of clothing you've been more excited to wear than your Rapunzel dress. (Even now that Halloween is over you like to go into your closet and touch it, and your whole face lights up!) You looked perfect, and having Jonah as your Pascal made it even more fantastic. Once it was time for trick-or-treating you were super shy at first, but after a few houses you really got the hang of it and were running up ringing doorbells all by yourself. We were very proud of you, and it was impossible not to stand back and feel like you were growing up right before our eyes.
It was a month for the record books, my little love, filled with memories that I hope will last a lifetime. <3
I encourage you to head over to my super talented friend Renee’s blog to read her letter to her children.
We're at the beach this week and this has been one of my favorite days so far...
/1/ morning train
/2/ and she's off
/3/ races
/4/ practicing her "guh-mastics"
/5/ focused
/6/ wedgie
/7/ building Arendelle (of course)
/8/ hide and seek with Nana
/9/ found you!!
/10/ tickle time
I'm joined in this project by a group of crazy talented photographers. I urge you to click over to Felicia's blog to check out a day in her life.
Happy Birthday, sweet boy!!!!
I really can't believe it, but tomorrow you will be ONE. Holy moly. Where did this past year go? It has been remarkable to watch you grow from this teeny tiny squish into a sweet, boisterous little boy.
Over the past few months your personality has really started to emerge and while I know I'm completely biased, you are one awesome kid. You are so stinkin' sweet and funny and curious. You love nothing more than air drumming along to anything that even remotely sounds like music. I don't know if you're going to grow up to play an instrument, but you certainly love music - and that's something your dad and I hope never changes.
You also love making a big ol' mess. Whether it's taking all the toys off the shelves or trying to get into Rocco's food and water, it seems every time I turn around you're surrounded by a mess - looking up at me and smiling big as can be. It's a good thing you're so cute!
I'm so honored to get this front row seat to your childhood... it's pretty clear to everyone who meets you that you're a special little guy. And while this milestone is a bit bittersweet for your sappy mama, it's exciting to think about all the things this next year has in store for you. Walking, talking, climbing, chasing your sister around, and charming everyone with those huge blue eyes.
You light up my life, little boy of mine, and I feel blessed beyond belief that I get to be your mama - on your birthday and every day.
I encourage you to head over to my super talented friend Carrie’s blog (Seattle Family Photographer, YiLi Photography) to read her letter to her children.
Doing something a bit different this month... All of the previous month's I've documented an entire day, so I'm switching it up and documenting a single moment this month. These are from the cabin over Labor Day weekend. Emma had been fishing with her little toy fishing pole for the past year and this trip she was ready to fish for real... I'm so so grateful I had my camera with me as this all unfolded!
I’m joined in this project by a group of amazing photographers… head on over to Davina’s blog to see a day in her life, then continue around the circle until you end up back here!
