Wordless Wednesday: Stroller Fun

Blueberry

Mia has a new word. For weeks now, she'd run around the house, playing with her tongue at breakfast time. It was only this week, as she picked blueberries off my plate, one by one, that we realized what she'd been "saying". The little munchkin sometimes gets a little carried away, saying something that must be "blue-ue-ue-blue-ber-ber-beries". Anyway, after much prodding, Mia finally said it on camera. Of course, she's much more interested in grabbing the camera but I'll take it! Enjoy.

Snuggle Bunny

Our little Ben-jamin has turned into quite a little after nap snuggler. It is quite a contrast with his sister, who, once she hands over her pacifier, is ready to completely tear! Ben's recent development is a happy one to all of us-- who minds some sweet snuggles? Grandma Ann seems to show up just in time to take full advantage of Sunday after nap snuggles, lucky grandma!

Happy Valentine's Day

It's been a busy couple of weeks around the TePastte household. The kids and I have been fighting colds and some of us have also been teething. With conferences coming up next week, I don't anticipate much of a reprieve!

We had a fantastic Valentine's Day though! Gary surprised me with a new camera, the one I'd been drooling over. Just last Saturday I was thinking of putting it on layaway but decided against it. I was shocked, to say the least. So, here are the first photos of the kids with the new camera. I anticipate great things once I'm actually able to read the manual!

Mia destroyed my Valentine flowers, but at least she had fun! She loved smelling them, and even inspired Ben to give it a try.

He wasn't nearly as enthusiastic!

Then, while shaking a carnation, she hurled the head right off of the flower!

She tried very hard to put the flower back on the stem. :)

*I can stand this*

For as many sweet, smiling moments as there are, there are just as many weekends like this one. If I didn't laugh, I'd surely cry! Two teething toddlers are enough to bring me to my knees. Add to that a blossoming cold, and Ben, in particular, was a mess. Between the drool, gnawing, and tears, the boy didn't know what to do with himself.

During nap time Sunday, I rediscovered a book, given to me before the birth of the babies by a well meaning relative, of Mommy Mantras. At the time, it seemed worthy of a little laugh. "Affirmations and Insights to Keep You from Losing Your Mind" the subtitle touted. With chapter titles like monotony, stress, fear, and letting go of negative moods, it ended up smooshed between other baby titles in the living room cabinet.

Yet now, looking over the text again, I'm struck by the simple truths within its pages. In a weekend full of tears and tantrums, forcing myself to remember "I CAN stand this" seemed helpful, refreshing even. What a simple reminder! But, with Mia's tantrums gearing up and her nose starting to run, you might hear me chanting this phrase all week!

PS- In looking for a picture, I found the author has her own blog. Check it out for your own mantra to make it through the week!

http://www.mommymantras.com/wordpress/