The Unwilling Star

I have been taking a photography class with my sister, Jenn. She wrote up a great summary on what we have learned so far here. The class has inspired me and my head is spinning with all the possibilities.

Yesterday I was working on a special Valentines photography project. I think these shots give a good idea about how Macy felt about the whole thing.

Fowl Behavior

The warmish weather beckoned Macy and me to our neighborhood park a few times this week. This cute little park was one of the reasons I loved this neighborhood when we were searching for lots. And then I had to wait and wait (and wait) to have a little one to play there.

Last summer we spent hours there. And so it is with a sad heart that I tell you we are no longer welcome at this park. The bullies have taken over and they have spoken (loudly, may I add). How could they pick on a little lady with this sweet face, you ask?


They do not care. They are relentless, picking on the large and small. The discriminating factor: opposable thumbs. The gang's leader bit Macy's leg and then went back for more. He ended up with a beak full of diaper. Yes, a beak. The gang is a gaggle of geese and they are mean!

Now, JD (like you are thinking right now) thought I was being a little dramatic and believed we could return to the park. He was indignant that I would let the geese decide where we would play. He went with us on Saturday and it wasn't pretty. I saw fear in his eyes. They chased him around and around the playground and, despite kicked dirt, thrown apples, and collisions between K-Swiss and beaks, the Hitchcockeque birds hissed and lunged and pecked relentlessly. And in the end we fled to the safety of another park.

Geese 1, humans 0.

We Saw the Sun

I love St. George. We played outside for hours during the day and Scrabble for hours at night. I did not want to come home.


And the reigning Scrabble champion is . . .

Leslie Andrus.

Party #2

Despite all my best intentions, I failed to get a picture of all the kids. We love all our family. Thanks for helping us celebrate!

Party Number 1

We had the goodies
and the decorations,
and Pin the Bee on the Flower was ready to go (thanks to JD and PopPop),
and Macy couldn't wait for the excitement to begin.
We no longer attempt to get everyone smiling. Just getting seven out of the nine kids sitting by each other is a victory. (Coleman and Abby were here too.)
Here are all the birthday girls [Millie (1 on the 20th), Claire (1 on the 16th) and Macy (2 on the 20th)], texting and gossiping:
Thanks for coming to the party!

Two

Macy is two

and

very sweet

and

a little bit naughty

and

a little shy

and

a little bit wild.

She is joy

and

more joy.

I am blessed to be her Mama. Every day is so exciting at this stage. I get to wake to new words, new expressions and new abilities. I love watching her grow. I am blessed indeed.

While We Were Sleeping

Last night as we slept unsuspecting, Macy attended some sort of crash course on growing up. Today she had a conversation with JD on the phone. (She really missed him today after a whole week of having him home.)

She also warned me before each time she messed her diaper. I didn't believe her either time, but sure enough.

And then tonight she offered the prayer for dinner, repeating each statement JD made.

It is such a bittersweet experience for your baby to grow up and meet each new milestone.