a bit of a break

Except for Wild, it's been more than a little bit quiet over here.  But, now that I am (finally) emerging from the tired fog and sickness (oh, the sickness) of that first part of pregnancy, I thought that I would post some sweet families.  We'll start with this one.  

you are my wild: week 28

It took us some time, a lot of disappointment, and a bit of luck to have Nora.  So, when we decided to try to expand our little family of three, we knew that it could mean, once again, having our hopes unavoidably soar with expectation and anticipation only to come crashing down month after month.  But, the second time, you are more prepared.  You have built-up sturdier defenses around your heart.  You are more insulated from the pain of letdown.  And, of course, you already have one beautiful baby that you love so much more than you ever knew was possible.  So, when it appeared that your luck may have run out, you tried, very sincerely to accept and enjoy everything that is good about being three.  And, there was a lot.  So much.  But, deep inside, you never gave up holding onto that hope.  Then, one morning, when you least expect it, you find out that you will soon be four.  Though, until that day arrives, it seems that Nora intends to take full advantage of being an only child by enjoying those baby toys herself.
 
 To see the rest of this week's Wild images, please click here.

you are my wild: week 27

That time we went to Nana's.  And, got lost driving to the wildlife preserve.  But, found it after our tenth u-turn.  And, spotted a fish.  Who we named Josie.  While Nana nearly had a heart attack.  That you were going to fall.  Into the nearly three inches of water.  

To see all of the other images from this week's Wild, please click here. 

the future is bright

This is Ioanna and she is amazing.  She watches Nora sometimes and together they build forts, make pancakes, defend castles from rainbow tigers, weave daisy chains, wrangle chickens, feed fish, and generally have a very good time.  In August, Ioanna is headed off for her first year of college. Though we are going to miss her terribly, we are even more excited for what awaits her. 

​

you are my wild: week 19

Last night, in light of the terrible tornado that tore through Oklahoma, our group discussed ​skipping this week's Wild.  Opinions were divided.  Maybe posting images of our happy, and most importantly, safe children was inappropriate given the grief and devastation facing so many others.  On the other hand, maybe posting these images that celebrate life and childhood was just what we should do.  
​
​In the end, we decided to go ahead, but please know that our thoughts are with you, Oklahoma.

you are my wild: week 16

After a few days of some tricky behavior, let's just say that this picture is deceptively sweet.   ​Soon enough, though, when I look back through these images and stop at this one, I probably won't remember her crankiness from being sick or the boundary testing that accompanies being at the threshold of three (fine, that one might be harder to forget).  Rather, I hope that I am reminded of just how much that kid loves to spot the birdies hopping around on the front lawn.

To see the rest of this week's Wild images, please click here.​

you are my wild: week 15

Nora is extremely fond of party hats.  And, being two (nearly three) she has the good fortune of often having the occasion to wear them.  You know, for parties or walks to the park.  ​I was extremely fond of this particular one.  ​

​​To see the rest of the images from this week's Wild, please click here.

petals

Spring in Washington, DC is pretty magical.  Too bad it is also pretty fleeting.  Fortunately, we timed this session just right.  

you are my wild: week 13

in

Nora has never been particularly attached to one special blanket or toy.  Instead, she rotates through her "friends" with a new one finding itself as her favorite every couple of weeks.  Right now, Nora is fully and completely smitten with "Sheepy."  Lucky little lamb. To see all of the other wonderful Wild images please click here.

52 Week Blog-55