Two years ago, today

Two years ago today, I found out I was pregnant.  I think my life changed more that day than it did the day Scarlett was born, or any day since.  It was the start of this really frenzied and amazing life that we have now. The reason I bought a pregnancy test in the first place was because we had happy hour plans two nights in a row, and my period was maybe a little late, though I hadn't been paying enough attention to it to know for sure.  I thought I'd take the test, just to be safe. I remember the pharmacist gave me a 10% discount and didn't speak to me at all.

And now, This!:

Cousin Cuddle

and Cooper too!

Friends

Scarlett and her good friend Ramona.

Bath Fail

Scarlett decided last week that she's done taking baths.  She's taken a bath every night before bed for 8 or 9 months.  It's part of our routine, a way for her to wind down, a nice transition between daytime and night time.  But for the past few baths, she's in there about two minutes and decides she's done.  She stands up and makes the 'all done' sign with her hands, and if we try to sit her down, she gets fussy.

I'm feeling sad, because I love bath time, I love sitting by the tub and reading to her, and pouring water on her back.  I'm also not sure how to handle the transition now.  She always goes to sleep so easily, and bedtime is so smooth, and I think it's because there's an activity to help her calm down, that signals sleep on the horizon.  But now what?  She won't sit still long enough for books, unless we're out in the living room. I've taken her into the shower to clean her off, but that's not very calming.  I feel like we've started going straight from high-energy daytime to lights-off night, and there's no middle activity to smooth it out.

My baby is getting so big. 

Ella Turning Two

This weekend we went to Tacoma for Ella's birthday party.  I remember the day she was born, getting a call from Johan and feeling all giddy with excitement.  I remember going up to visit, holding this tiny, dark-headed baby, having no idea that less than a week later I'd find out I was carrying my own baby.  Ella dear, I cannot believe you are already two!

15 month stats

22 pounds, 5.5 ounces
31 inches tall
17.5 inch head circumference

This makes Scarlett a little taller than average, a little skinnier than average, and with a smaller than average head.  When I see her though, I just think she's perfect.

Out Walkin' on a Sunny Day

Ladybug

My mom has always called my 'ladybug'.  So I tried out some different nicknames with Scarlett, including sweet potato, when she was tiny and all swaddled up and looking like a bursting potato, and baby bird, because she made these little 'meep meep' noises and always wanted to eat.  But the one that stuck was 'bug'.  And I like it, because it's sortof the next generation of the name my mom called me, and still calls me.  I call Scarlett baby bug, bug, and little bug.  And she happens to have these fantastic ladybug pjs from her auntie Polly.  Today, she is pretending to be a ladybug while wearing them.

15 months

Dear Scarlett,

A few months ago, your Grandma Diane told me that 15 months was her favorite age when Charlie and Sally were young.  I can understand why.  At 15 months you are a confident, happy, lively toddler.  You are very affectionate, always giving kisses to mom and dad, even new people you meet, dogs you see on the street, and your stuffed animals.

This month you:

• Started pretending to sleep on the floor.  Even on the sidewalk sometimes, when we're playing with the neighbor kids.  You just lay your head down, and smile.
• Could make dog, horse and sheep sounds
• Loved playing with baby dolls.  Oh, how you love your doll!  You refused to let go of her when we tried to take some family pictures on Easter so the baby is in all those pictures now.  Part of our family.
• Started doing Cheers with your cup
• Grew out of most your 12 month pajamas
• Said 'ya' all the time.  Ya ya.  Sometimes you answer questions with 'hummmmm' but mostly, it's 'ya'  Your voice is high and sweet.

I love you Scarlett Ray!
-Mama

Mother's Day

To have this happy, healthy, full-of-life baby is the best part about life.

Way Back When

Last night, Charlie and I were looking back at pictures of our niece, Hope, when she was Scarlett's age.  We found this picture:

And in the email string, I had written "Thanks for having a kid so cute we can never have our own, for fear of our child being 'the ugly cousin'"

Thankfully, that didn't turn out to be a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Safety first

Scarlett teaching charlie brown that it is good to wear your helmet.