Gray Day

Six Weeks

Dear Didzette,

You're six weeks old today, and are soaking up your last cuddles and lullabies and dances with your grandparents. They leave tomorrow, and it will break my heart a little to see them go... and you might not know what's happening, but I know you'll miss them, too. You've had so much fun dancing with my dad and listening to his crazy made-up stories and songs about hunting hippopotamus. My mom has a magical touch that calms you down when you're fussy and she's been buying you the cutest little outfits (like our favorite green polka dot pjs). They've gotten to see you smile and cry and wiggle around and sleep so sweetly, and I know they'll miss you terribly. We'll be sure to chat with them over Skype as much as possible so you wouldn't forget them... and we'll plan to visit them as soon as we can.

You're such a sweet little bug. We're loving every minute with you - even the long, sleepless nights (though let's work on those, ok?)... now let's get back to snuggling.

xo,
Mama

Happy Thanksgiving!

Ina's Thanksgiving Dance *

This is our second Belgian Thanksgiving - so much has happened since last November, and we have SO much to be thankful for. This year, my parents and brother are in town celebrating with us. I am so happy to have them here. Our little turkey has been passed from one set of arms to the next... until it's time to change her diaper (somehow she always ends up back with her mama). But we've all been dancing and catching up and preparing this afternoon's feast together...

Thinking of all our friends and family back home, and wishing all of you a very 

Happy Thanksgiving!

*enjoy Ina's Thanksgiving boogie... (forgive my shoddy one-handed editing skills while holding a sleeping baby). 

Passport Pictures and Piano Man

Yesterday we took Ina to get passport pictures taken. It might have been one of the funnier experiences we've had as new parents... trying to hold her head up, while simultaneously trying to keep her arms (which tend to flail around with a mind of their own) out of the shot, while trying to listen to the instructions of the photographer to move over and hold her higher and keep her still... it was hilarious. I only wish we had ordered a whole set of photos including the outtakes instead of just the final shot. There were some gems in there, I'm sure.

When we left the photo shop, we came across the most amazing street musician who was playing a piano he had wheeled out onto the sidewalk. It made me feel like dancing on a cold, gray November day.

Have a wonderful weekend!

PS:

she totally looks like a threat to homeland security, amiright?

Happy Birthday, Dede Gug!

Happy Birthday, Gug!

We can't wait to celebrate with you when you get here next week... Ina can't wait to kick it with her uncle, and Didz can't wait to have a drinking buddy around (apparently I'm no fun anymore).  

See you soon! 

We love you!

Go Lakers!

PS our itty bitty Lakers fan loves her gear... Thanks! 

Lately

Two Weeks

Dear Didzette,

You're two weeks old today. It's such a tiny amount of time in the grand scheme of your life, but we're going to celebrate it anyway. I'm completely in awe of you, and how much you've changed in just two short weeks. I can spend hours staring at your perfectly teeny little features, threatening to eat every single one of your toes when you aren't looking.

You're so alert and awake and interested in the world around you, and you seem to be studying us as much as we're studying you. We're starting to figure you out, little bug. That is to say, we're figuring out that there is no way to figure you out - every day brings something new, and when we think we're getting the hang of this parenting gig you throw a curve ball at us. Some days you're attached to my boob incessantly, other days you nap so soundly I can hardly wake you to feed. There are moments when you yelp something quite vicious, but that's rare. Usually you're a happy, mellow baby.

You've been practicing your facial expressions lately - furrowing your brow, suspiciously giving us a sideways glance, puckering up your lips, and my personal favorite: your smile (yeah, sure, maybe it's just gas, but that little smile makes me *swoon*).

I hope you've been happy with us, bug. We're still learning... and we will be for years and years to come. Be patient with us, and we'll figure it all out along the way.

xo,
Mama