The photo that started it.

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I’m really going to try to get in more pictures this year. I’m starting off small.

“I’m reading about the peoples.” First swim lesson without me is in the books and not a tear was shed. In fact, she was so excited, she ran in without me and asked to go again today. My brave girl.

“I’m a striker! I’m a fearless fighter!” … If only this photo could convey the sound effects that Florence was making as she struck her various fearless fighter poses. {Actually…scroll to the bottom to hear just this!}

This baby…she keeps us tired. Demands to be held 24/7. Recently, Jason has taken over her bedtime while I do bedtime with the older two. Once Flo and Julia are in bed, I skip around the house doing all the things! Last night I did all the dishes, picked up the house, ran the vacuum and folded laundry! I never could have imagined how exciting that itinerary would be.

I’m in the photo!!! This is what weekday nap time prep for Julia looks like these days.

Most years, in January, I like to find a photography workshop to take. In the dead of winter, it’s sometimes hard to feel inspired and being in a classroom again with other talented photographers, even a virtual classroom, is a perfect way to start off the year. Right now, I’m taking The Magic of Light for the second time and it’s as inspiring as ever. Yesterday, Flo joined me on my light walk around town, looking for interesting light. The assignment this week was to take photos without people, but I couldn’t resist taking a few with Florence.

This was the first bath where Lou didn’t scream almost the entire time. She was just fascinated with the way the water hit her hands. What a delightful change!

Florence made an astronaut helmet and wanted to wear it to show the bus driver yesterday morning. She’s been making improvements on the helmet and started on her space ship last night. Stay tuned.

If you watched the Marie Kondo show on Netflix – like me, and most of the world it seems – then you might have an idea how beautiful all of our drawers have looked for the last month. Unfortunately, just last week, Julia learned how to dress herself. She has proceeded to put this skill to the test roughly 10 times each day – trying on not only her own clothes, but Florence’s. She also likes to pick out new outfits for Louisa so that they can match. It would seem that The KonMari method is no match for Julia.

As of today, 6 months of this sensitive, sweet girl turning everything upside down in our house. We love her so, in spite of her rather strong opinions on how things should be and her very, very loud protests when we don’t live up to her expectations.

I took a few pictures of Julia from outside like this and when I tried to come back in she said “awww…take more. I like it.” Someone is getting used to being documented at all times. I guess I should appreciate it while it lasts.

Last night I took some photos of Flo and Julia in that gorgeous sunset light. This one caught my eye immediately. That light and their two little hands. I hope they are always this close.

This is a bit late, but we’ve had a busy weekend with this girl turning SIX yesterday! She’s sweet, sensitive, friendly, caring and one of the best big sisters around. I am so lucky to be her mom.

Julia and a tiny, intricate lego house is like Godzilla in Tokyo. (And it certainly looked like Godzilla had struck after she was finished.)

Yesterday was my birthday and I meant to do a self portrait, but then I didn’t feel like it. Since it was my birthday I gave myself a pass. Plus, I’d already taken this cutie photo of Julia watching Jason leave for work on the snowy morning.

Snow day!

Puddles and clouds and a little Julia.

Heart day! Flo was eating this lollipop and I asked her to come stand in this pretty light for me. Right after I took this picture, she chomped her heart right up like the owl in the tootsie pop commercials. Glad I got this one shot!

Little Lou. I wanted to capture that red hair and blue eyes, in case either change.

…bouncing into Saturday.

For a couple of hours in the morning, there is a small, beautiful pocket of light that lit up Flo and Julia’s game of Picture Lotto just right yesterday.

Florence clearly got sick of my indecision about what to hang on our walls and has taken matters into her own hands. A small, hand-made plaque next to this gallery wall reads, “Florence and Julias art wall.”

When you don’t sleep at night…or at nap time…sometimes you just pass out wherever.

Snow day!

This baby has been less than thrilled with eating so far. Very on brand for her.

Post-nap rosy cheeked Julia.

When your cousins bring the party.

Three.

Yesterday was the sort of day that started out with me running up and down our street, in the wind, collecting our recycling that had blown all over our neighbors’ lawns. Which is to say, it wasn’t the greatest of days. It was also Lou’s first time riding in the front of the shopping cart and Julia’s first time walking free alongside of the shopping cart. If you know Julia, I need not say more.