(Lov) // Lydia's "Tea-f" Party

On Tuesday afternoon I thought it high time that Lydia experience her first real Tea Party!  When she was just about 6 months old, her Essie bought her this lovely porcelain tea set during a trip to Fredericksburg that we made while she and Brendan's Father were visiting us in Austin. It has sat high upon a shelf waiting for Lydia to grow old enough to partake in this little girl ritual.  

If there is anything that Lydia loves... it's a party. I asked her if she wanted to have a tea party and she said "Teaf Party? Let's do it!" I told her she needed to pick 3 friends to invite to her party and she immediately gathered Big-Eyed Kitty (favorite), Bear (protector and confidant) and Rudolph (newest). She carefully chose where everyone would sit and then watched as I unpacked all the elements.  "Oh Mama, SO pretty! Uh oh! Only two cups. What do Mama?" I showed her how we could use the sugar and cream holders as cups for Kitty and Bear. "Oh yes Mama, Bear needs a BIG cup."  

She loved pouring the tea and we had a few spills. Usually she is quite the clean freak and would have demanded that we "clean up" right away... but she was having so much fun she just asked for a towel to keep in her lap. The party was in full swing when Daddy came home. When she saw him, she immediately kicked Rudolph to the curb and asked if he would join. Cuteset thing I ever did see. 


(Lov)e,

-k.

(Lov) // TWO.

Dear Lydia,


Two years ago you came into this world and made us a family.  Your Daddy and I have loved being your parents in a way that you probably won't appreciate until you have little ones of your own.  But that's ok... the best part about growing up is learning to love and be loved. You are such a delight to know with your sweet smile and your "OK!" spirit. 


You remind me of your Daddy in so many ways.  You do so enjoy being around people; their energy gets you really excited and no one remains a stranger for long.  Music is something else I believe you two will have in common...you light up when you hear it.  Just like Dada, you like sleeping on your face and you're a chatter box. You also like to take showers with your back to the water and just stand there...forever.  You are amenable, kind, with a very happy and sweet disposition.


You also remind me of myself in many ways.  Just like you Mama you are very particular and strong willed.  I'm hoping that coupled with your father's disposition this will be one of your greatest strengths.  You have such an attention for detail...truly, you don't miss a thing.  You also enjoy cleaning and arranging... your things, toys and shoes.  You love color... using it to paint, when you dress, and observing it out in the world. You are a sensitive thinker and observer.


Ten things about you:


1.  You say "hi" and "bye" to everything:  "Hi tree!"  "Bye Mickey!" (on your diaper as we pull up your pants).


2.  You LOVE water.  Bathes, showers, pools, sprinklers... you name it. 


3.  You could spend hours outside...playing with sticks, in the dirt and especially with bubbles.


4.  You enjoy helping:  making the bed, doing laundry, and unloading the dishwasher. You are especially skilled at using the hand vacuum. 


5.  You break out in hives and turn BRIGHT red when you get upset.  It's sad and adorable at the same time.


6.  You dance to anything with a beat.  You will literally drop whatever you are doing and get after it.  This entertains your Mom and Dad to no end. 


7.  When you really like what you are eating... you hum, sing,  and do a little wiggle dance.  


8.  Your favorite musicians/singers are James Brown and Johnny Cash.


9.  You love books, especially anything by  Dr. Seuss.  "Ham?, Ham?, Ham!"


10.  You seem to really like accessories: hats, jewelry, and gloves. But, to your Mother's dismay, you will not tolerate hair bows and headbands.  


You are our pride and joy.  We love you and thank God for you everyday.  Lord willing, we look forward to many more years loving you and watching you grow. Happy 2nd Birthday, Ditty! 


~ Mama and Dada

(Lov) // Water Babies

This past weekend, my Brother, Sister-in-Law, and Nephew came to Austin (from Dallas) for a quick visit.  We spent most of Saturday in my Father's backyard watching the kids have an absolute blast! When it was time to water the lawn, we found out that the real fun had just gotten started...

I think this was the first time either of them had ever played in a sprinkler.  Lydia LOVED it, while Samuel was a bit unsure.  It was such a sweet day with lots of laughter, baby hugs, and kisses.  We are very grateful that Lydia has a cousin so close in age (Samuel is only 10 days younger).  We all look forward to many more fun times at my Dad's house and are already thinking about the next visit... SLIP AND SLIDE! 

(Lov)e,

-k.

(Lov) // Ladybug in the Pumpkin Patch

Flying through the pumpkin patch, Ladybug - you're hard to catch! We are so blessed to have a daughter like you - who brings joy and laughter to all we do. With your big black spots and your tiny gauze wings, you are the cutest little bug we ever did see.  ~  Happy Halloween everyone!  

(Lov)e,

-k.

(Lov) // A Bug's Life

It's time for a DITL (day in the life) blog of Lydia Clementine! Her nickname around here is Bug (short for Lady Bug) hence the title. If you've checked out my Instagram, you know that this little girl is often the subject of my photos. She is getting harder to shoot with my iPhone because she is now walking and always on the go. So I am grateful for days like yesterday when she's a little more subdued (she is getting over a cold) and I am able to get clear shots. Enjoy!

Good Morning!

Breakfast: banana, strawberry and pineapple smoothie with Rice Chex and Cheerios

Gotta brush those teeth!

She handed her Dad his Bible... so they read for a bit.

Snack Time/Lunch: Cheddar Bunnies, raspberry&fig whole wheat bar, grapes, water

Reading her book  and having a discussion with Sock Monkey.

Going to Lunch with Mom and Dad. She's wearing jeans for the first time (rolled up like a hipster)!

Checking out the Austin Chronicle while we wait for a table at "24".

Her latest face...to show off her new teeth. 

At Waterloo Records.

Once back at home, Daddy wasn't feeling well (caught Lydia's cold) so she played nurse while I made her dinner.

Dinner: Shells and cheese with chicken, sweet potatoes and peas.

Bath time! (notice the fabulous bubble beard)

Sweet dreams, my darling.

(Lov)e,

-k.

(Be) // Playing in the Rain

As most of you know, it's been a very hot and dry summer here in Texas.  Today around noon Lydia had just finished her snack when the clouds opened up and it began to rain!  I quickly scooped her up and took her outside to enjoy this rare and beautiful event. 

What a glorious way to spend an afternoon.

(Lov)e,

-k.

(Lov) // Bits and Pieces

Life has gotten so unbelievably busy since I started my blog.  Of course.  I do something creative and it leads to more creative "stuff".  I am not complaining, as it is all good "stuff" that I am very excited about...it's just more.  I'm saying this even in the middle of a Texas drought... when it rains it pours.

Busy being a Mama and Wife. Busy with design projects. Busy with clients and the salon. Busy with life and all it's living.  I keep having all of these great blog ideas only to have them pushed out by an email I need to return or a diaper that needs to be changed. Trying to find balance when you work for yourself is always a difficult task.

As far as blogs go, I need to remember that they are whatever we make them.  If I only have time to post bits and pieces just to stay connected... so be it. I conclude that it's better to blog a little than nothing at all. With that being said, here is a bit from today... we ate watermelon.

 We like watermelon. Happy Tuesday.

(Lov)e,

-k.

(Lov) // Procreation epicenter

My husband sent me this picture in an email on Sunday.  He had forgotten that he took it when he went back to Colorado a few weeks ago for the funeral of his Grandfather, Norm.  What's so special about this extra frilly and floral bed at his Grandparents house?  We believe that it was in this very bed that we conceived our lovely daughter Lydia while on a trip the summer after we were married.  Hence, the email (and blog) title. :)

Apparently it take 14 hours on the road and having sex in a garden of lace to make a baby. Who knew?

(Lov)e,

-k.