Take my license and all that jive...

Ok, so the title of my post has nothing to do with anything really, other than I was lucky enough to be driving around town while our local classic rock station was playing my FAVORITE Sammy Hagar hit. The lyrics are hilarious, my memory of the video is even funnier, and the funniest of all? Recalling Em, while driving a shift during our road trip to Florida sophomore year in college, yelling in frustration..."I can't drive 55!" Classic.

Thanks to a visit from Miss Alta I have taken up knitting again! Finally, something to do during Lila's nap that is not housework or sleeping (both make me feel crappy for different reasons). I'm dedicated to actually learning how to knit this time. I've already progressed to patterns, something that had completely baffled me in the past. It's a crazy code that you just have to memorize and learn. And thanks to youtube, this might work! I've almost finished my first scarf, and will soon start on some baby blankets for some expectant friends out there. What still kind of intimidates me is knitting in the round, but I plan on watching every video youtube has to offer. I WILL knit in the round, dammit!

My darling husband finally met his beautiful new neice last weekend:

He is clearly the smitten one.

In other news, Lila started her "Hands On Toddler Fun" class. She's not really been that much into crafts at home, so I was curious to see how she'd take to this. All in all, not bad. She was her show-off-i-est best, hamming it up for all that would dare glance her way. She made an adorable cat mask, and once I figure out how to get pictures off of my new phone, I'll post them asap. Unfortunately, I just figured out how to answer my new phone, so don't hold your breath on seeing the picture anytime soon.

I would go into a lenghty post about the fun times had by mothers-of-adorable-daughters-who-like-to-pull-poop-out-of-thier-diapers-and-play-with-it...but I'm just waaaay too tired from cleaning up poop. Seriously, my life seems to center around poop lately. It's a sad state of affairs. 

But I have several glorious birthdays to address, and that always puts a smile on my face. Tomorrow is Mimi and Susie's birthday, Friday is Em's, and Sunday is Kevin and Heidi's birthday. Phew! Perhaps there is come cake in my future? Mmmmm, stay tuned. 

And then there were three...

No pictures today, just a mention of my happiness that my beloved is home again. He's been working so hard lately. And to add insult to injury, has to spend time away from his darling little girl whilst doing all the hard working. I just know we can all take a giant-family-big-breath and have a relaxing, wonderful, stress-free weekend. Yep, I'm going to be uncharacteristically optimistic about this.

Welcome home, Daddy (aka, the yellow ghost)!

Not just a white little, tucked in tight little, nighty-night little bed...INSTEAD...

After months of talking about it, we finally put together Lila's big girl bed! It was a spur-of-the-moment decision (made shortly before all stores were closing on Sunday, natrually), but we found a great deal on a twin mattress, and Kevin went and picked up the ADORABLE bedding I had found at Target.

I'd been talking about it frequently with Lila, just putting the idea out there, but she never really seemed to care either way - so we really didn't know what to expect. We certainly did NOT expect her complete and absolute happiness/excitement/awe at the sight of her brand new bed. She kept whispering with reverence, "Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!" Here is a of Lila and the bed just after Kevin put it together:

Yep, she pretty much knew instinctively that her new bed would be PERFECT for jumping. Smart little one. Here are some pics of the bed with the adorable Target bedding:

And to cap off a truly lovely couple of days, my wonderful friend, Alta, came for a visit!! It was so so so great to see her again. And now all glowly and gorgeous with a baby on the way! I think Alta is one of the most creative, crafty, amazing people I know, so I was THRILLED that she was here to help me put the decals on the wall in Lila's room. It turned out just perfect, thanks to Alta. I can't wait to see what kinds of amazing crafty things she does with her son/daughter. So, here are the final pics of Lila's new big-girl room!

Truth be told, Kevin and I were a bit teary-eyed when all was said and done. You know they are growing so quickly, but to have such tangible evidence right before your eyes that she's not a baby anymore...sniff...don't get me started.

Lila the Lion - ROAR!

Behold! The King (or Queen, in our case) of the Jungle Grandey:

It's time for bed, little bird, little bird

Without further ado...

How perfectly beautiful is this child? I'm crossing all fingers and toes that she lets her mama get some sleep tonight.

There's a new girl in town

And her name is Kendall Grace. I was finally able to meet my GORGEOUS niece this afternoon. She is one of the prettiest newborns I have ever seen. Cute button nose, beautiful rosebud mouth, and the loveliest thatch of brown hair. Of course, I grabbed my camera whilst rushing out of the house forgetting that the battery was being charged. Yep, that sounds about right. Those jokes about motherhood are based in truth! I never used to lose my keys before having Lila. Now I lose them AT LEAST once each day. I've caught Lila mimiking me..."Where are my keys?"

But back to my niece. She is just as sweet as can be and I was almost overwhelmed with excitement knowing that I will get the great joy of waching her during the week. Lila was slightly disinterested, but still quite cute. As we were walking to the car she said, "Baby Kendall...SHHHHHHHHHHH!" And the proceeded to scream and laugh. So, we'll work on that.

Let the WIld Rumpus Start!

Well, not really.

Aw shucks, I just love this picture. Lila is a CHAMPION pouter.

We are both stuck inside with the sicks. Nothing major, but I just don't feel right letting her loose amongst other children what with the copious amounts of phlegm coming out of her wee nose. That means no community center, no library, no playgrounds. Were I a better mother, perhaps I would find amazing crafty things to do indoors. Sure, we've done some coloring, some playing, a short nature walk around the block (what will I do with all these sticks and leaves? No idea). Sadly, I have stooped to watching some movies to pass the time. The weather is lovely but quite cool, so snuggling down to enjoy a movie just feels good, you know?

Hopefully we'll both be in good enough shape to meet Kendall Grace tomorrow.

On the Day You Were Born, Kendall Grace

Welcome to the world, Kendall Grace! My new niece was born just moments ago, weighing in at 7.5lbs and measuring 20 inches. Given her fashionably late status, we were all expecting a gigantic baby! I hear she is adorable and perfect in every possible way, and that her mommy is doing well (I heard wall-shaking baby screams in the background as this information was being given...so I can only personally attest to a VERY healthy set of lungs).

Oh Kendall Grace, we are so glad you're here.

Peacocks and Zebus and Emus...oh my!

This weekend Autumn really began for our family. We headed up to Willard for a lovely weekend with Mimi and Papa. The leaves are reaching their peak right now, so even the rather boring stretch of I-71 was ablaze with fall colors.

On Saturday, we had a wonderful time at Iron Springs Farm - some good 'ol pumpkin picking was enjoyed by all. They also had a rather motley collection of exotic animals, so Lila was practically vibrating with excitement. The family that owns the farm was gracious and patient with my little one, even bringing out a baby bunny for her to pet. Those who know me well will be impressed at my close proximity to several animals of the feathered variety. Seriously, those emus are HUGE, and just stare at you. And make this weird clicking noise in their throats. Perhaps the clicking is their ability to smell and process my fear. Yep. I think that's it. So, enjoy some pics from our fabulous weekend!

Barn cat...very Halloween, no?

Mimi & Lila walking to Daddy & Papa

Iron Spring Farm

Lila with the ghosts & goblins

Lila in the pumpkin patch, and then in the wagon with her loot! The small pumpking she is holding (oh so proudly) was totally rotten, so we had to pull a switch-a-roo before leaving.

I bravely sucked it up for the perfect shot. Reminds me of the evil creatues in the movie, "The Dark Crystal."

Papa with a gen-u-ine Emu egg!

Our wagon ride out to the pumpkin patch. This was all Mimi's idea, so thank you, Mimi, for a wonderful weekend!

Animal Farm

This evening I put my shoes on to take the pooch outside and my little toes were greeted by a camel and seal. One in each shoe. For a while now Lila has used my shoes for general storage purposes. I love it. Makes life interesting when you never know what might greet your toes at any given moment, no?

Ok, a wee bit of potty humor. But I don't care, it was damn funny. Lila and I were watching Jeopardy (the perfect time for potty humor, I think) and, whilst on her back with feet high in the air, she, well, toots. And of course, that is funny in and of itself. But what really made it a memorable moment was when she patted her tush and declared, "Mommy! I'm hungry!"

It's not pasta-bowel...but it is!

Just recently Lila has been declaring, "It's not pasta-bowel!" Translation: it's not possible. I have absolutely no idea where she got this phrase...I cannot imagine it coming out of my mouth with regards to any of her shenanigans. In my opinion, ANYTHING is possible on any given day, and who am I to say otherwise? Right now my wee one is playing with her animals (currently a rhino, giraffe & hippo hiding under her placemat)and pointedly ignoring her yogurt and waffle. The weather is brisk and wonderfully autumn, and I assure you, anything is pasta-bowel today!