California has been in a heartbreaking state these last weeks, the smoke in the air is a constant reminder of how awful the fires have been. We are thankful things are beginning to clear a bit and praying the thanksgiving rain that’s forecast will stick, for the affected areas, the firefighters and so many families. I don’t think I’ve ever wanted it more 🙏
Tonight at bedtime, I had a sweet time watching Luke carefully put away all his animals into his bed, which don’t move too much except for cleaning days. He had a place for everything and the cutest, was wrapping up his snake stuffie in a little circle, as snakes do! He is so careful and thoughtful about certain things, and the things he’s picked up or simply knows always blow my mind.
I’m so ready for a thanksgiving feast this year! We are in charge of veggies, sweet potatoes and chose to add a baked pasta dish. The plan is: crispy bacon wrapped asparagus, sweet potatoes with crispy pecan topping and a four cheese baked mac (Gruyere, cheddar, jack and a little parm).
Kate is growing so much. While she won’t admit she’s turning 3 soon (“8” according to her!), she has shown her three-ness in all the ways. One one hand there is so much independence, there’s so much she can do all by herself and she loves to show us—hand washing, taking off clothes, putting on a bracelet, or backpack, or shoes, helping me in the kitchen, or raking, or getting into the bath. It her pure joy to see her satisfaction in these moments of accomplishment. And then again so much need is present too, in her little tasks and the adventure of doing things by yourself—opening a door, or turning off the water, or finding the stool so she can help, or actually helping to put things away (conceptually she’s in, ha), buckling up (though she can get *in* the van). And the emotion that comes when there’s something she can’t yet do is real (quite real, I tell you!). The ability and need is there, both at once, all together, and she’s growing right before our eyes!
Emma is so talkative these days and my favorite exchange is saying “hi” back-and-forth til one of us stops. She is standing so much right now, and takes steps with help but doesn’t seem too bothered about walking around. Every time she stands, she is so incredibly proud and smiles with a big open mouth, waiting for one of us to catch her eye and celebrate (which we do!).
I turned 31! It’s been a few years since my birthday fell on Election Day, which was definitely a focus of the day. Though my ultimate highlight was the beach time with the kids and an evening date with James. The weather was such a surprise, and was like a one-off summers day! The kids and I drove by all the beaches on our way home from breakfast and it was gorgeous, completely quiet and out of nowhere warm! We ran in the ankle deep waves together and stuck our feet in the sand til they disappeared. We all went home half soaked and I couldn’t have loved it more!
Everyone’s been a bit sick from smoky air, which is hard to complain about, so many have it much worse. The ushering in of the sick children season is always a jolt to me though. The switch from summer bedtimes and baths in the sunlight and minimal pjs to dark nights, decked in fleece wearable blankies, the nighttime juggle to lather and soothe sore throats and the endless sticky little bottles strewn across the counter (droppers, honey spoons, empty medicine capsule, the chest rub, etc). Once they’re actually to bed, total exhaustion always sets in!
I’ve been craving the funniest mix of things: eggs Benedict, broth and veggies with Ramen, soups in general, homemade cookies, sushi rolls or anything remotely close (rice, nori, etc) and holiday foods. I spent an embarrassing amount of time making Hollandaise sauce and poaching eggs last Sunday, while James was sick in bed and the kids ran amok. In the end of it it all, my sauce broke a little, though I still ate and scooped up every drop with a huge hunk of crusty bread. And before this post has anymore food in it, I’ll sign off!
Happy early thanksgiving to you!
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