If I could freeze time...

... I would have picked a moment this morning to do it. It was one of those moments you want to last forever. I was putting my makeup on in my bathroom and Livi walked in and asked if she could help me. I kneeled down, handed her the brush, and closed my eyes. She was stroking my eyelids with the makeup brush and when she moved onto my cheeks, I opened my eyes. That's when it happened. I was staring at this round face with wide open, concentrated eyes. She was concentrating so hard that part of her tongue was sticking out the way I do when I am concentrating. It hit me that this is one of those times I am gonna look back on when I am teaching her to drive or put on her own makeup. I started tearing up as I watched her carefully cover my face with imaginary makeup. When she was done, she beamed with satisfaction. I gave her a big hug and tried hard to solidify the moment in my head so I could look back on it. And then it was over.

Bestees

The last couple of months have brought a welcome change in the way my two kids interact with each other. As each of them blossom into little people,  their relationship has begun to evolve. Livi is becoming less of a bother and more of a friend to Liam. It's the single greatest thing I have ever witnessed. They crack each other up and have their own  little inside jokes. They play this game called "Sha Sha" where they run after each other and yell.... well, Sha Sha. I don't personally see the appeal in it, but they can't get enough of it. The give more hugs and fight a little less. On the rare occasion one of us is with one of the kids and not the other, they spend that time wondering aloud when they will be back together. It's a welcome change and I'm hoping this lasts for a while.

Awesome Things Liam Draws

My favorite thing so far. Obviously, a portrait of our family where we are all holding our favorite things. Liam: his nutcracker, Livi: her doll, Mommy: her computer, Daddy: his tools (ha!). The house next to ours is Cameron's "because he lives so close" and the blue dots above is rain. I love how snug we are in our house and I especially love the big, full heart. ❤ 

My Princess

 It's no secret that Livi has grown to love all things princess. It's also no secret that I have not been so willing to oblige with this recent fascination. I suppose it's silly, but the feminist in me winces when I think about Barbie and her size 0 waist. If only there was such a thing as a Hillary Clinton doll. But I know that even if there was (and there probably is), she would still pick the frilly, pink Barbie. I do find solace in the fact that she calls her "Barbies" all by the name "Jessi". I have actually never heard her say the name Barbie.

I have a few friends with older daughters and I have asked all of them if their daughters were into princesses and girly things when they were younger. They almost all said yes and they almost all have independent, strong young women as daughters and so I decided that maybe it was ok to indulge in my daughters love for pink.. just a little. This Christmas, I gave my daughter a mermaid Barbie, some lip gloss and nail polish. I learned quickly there was no such thing as indulging just a little. Family quickly followed my lead and she soon had lots of pretty dresses and accessories. It's been a learning experience for me, but I know I just need to let it go and enjoy the ride. She is after all, a very cute princess.