Houdini

She...

Seriously freakin hate that bink in her face.

...is an escape artist (and a climber, and a runner). And has a strong desire to be nude. All the time.

We put her to bed, check on her a couple hours later and she's passed out, partially clothed in her older sister's wardrobe and partially naked. It's the partially naked part I dislike. I am not a fan of unnecessary laundry. Get my drift?

So being the ingenious (or maybe just desperate) mother that I am I grabbed a pair of footie jammies, hacked off the footies and put it on her backwards.

If she gets out of this I am doomed. Someone needs to invent a diaper lock.

Four

Four years ago today I was screaming bloody murder.
A Dr. (who wasn't actually my Dr.) overheard and was concerned. Who was this woman screaming at the top of her lungs?
Oh it was just me. Giving birth.
Apparently they don't get a lot of screamers. And I had greatly underestimated the pain of pushing. It sucked.

But it was worth it! I have this beautiful, intelligent, sassy, fiery little Diva who keeps me on my toes. She is clever, cunning, hilarious, mischievous, sneaky, athletic, artistic, silly and in love with life.

The relationship between Diva and I can be pretty volatile at times and one night after crying to my hubby about how hard it is to be her mother he told me, straight up, "It's because you two are exactly the same! You're too much alike!"

Crap. He was right. She's stubborn, bossy, demanding, crabby when she hasn't gotten enough sleep and bites her bottom lip when she's overwhelmingly frustrated. Just.like.me.

But oh how I love her! She is my Diva, my princess, my little "baby" girl!

Fairytopia

I have fairies visiting me today.
I love it when they come out to play.
They are my favorite.

Idiosyncrasies

Pen behind the ear: entering into full concentration.

If you happen to fall asleep with Diva in the room, prepare to be adorned like a Christmas Tree. "I'm protecting her, Mommy."

Orange you glad she said Banana?

Paria Canyon Hike

I had the opportunity to go on the coolest backpacking trip over the weekend. Paria Canyon on the Utah/Arizona border. It is a 38 mile trail. We hiked it in about 2 1/2 days.

End of the trail.

The whole crew except for our friend Greg. He helped us find natural spring water to drink.

One of the many canyons on the hike, we crossed the river around 400 times. The murky water made it tough because it was hard to tell how deep the water is.

Exiting the canyon, around mile 30 or so.

My favorite shot, the wife helped me improve the shot with our new photo program.

Modern Art

".... and this is baby Maya in the tummy!"

"Oh in Mommy's tummy? That's so cute!"

"No, that's Daddy."

Bink

Tears because I held my ground for so long. But obviously gave in.

I love the bink.

I hate the bink.

I love how it soothes her and unlike her thumb-sucking older sister, I can take it away.

I hate how she whines for it 24 hours a day. (Although early on I kicked the "in public" habit.)

I hate it when she tries to speak with it in her mouth.

I hate that I find them all over the place.

I hate that I can't find the energy, the courage, the will to take it away for good.

I hate that I'm addicted to it just as much as she is.

He Lives! Happy Easter!

Bad guy Tower

Dear Luke (cousin of Diva and Lil' Sis')

Diva made you a tower! She worked very hard on it and when I asked her what she was doing she told me she was, "Making a tower for Luke. It's a castle, no wait...it's a bad guy tower!"

I'm not sure what bad guys actually live there but I'm assuming they are made of play dough and live in the caps of markers.

Since we can't send this tower to you for fear that it might collapse I took a picture and I hope you like it!

Love,
Your aunt and cousins!

26

I am an April Fool and have been an April Fool for 26 years and guess what? Not once has anyone ever played a prank on me.

I only assume it's because everyone fears me.