These eyes will melt you

This was from the All Saints Eve celebration we had on Monday. Susy was a butterfly :) Now I realized why I haven't been able to finish Vasi's uniforms! I spent all of Sunday (after church) and Monday making two little costumes! I don't have any better photos of their costumes at the moment, but Vasi was St. Katherine. I made dresses that could be re-used for normal wear (double bonus!). They were both made from cozy, thick knits and a simple, A-line, self-drafted pattern.

Now! To "cut off my will" and pick up this sweet little butterfly at school (ON TIME!). Gotta go rouse her sleeping brother first... I hate interrupting his nap. Oh well :)

P.S. Leave a comment on Art Around Midnight, and you could win some of my original greeting cards! I'll announce the winner at 5 pm. You still have time! (yes, as lousy as I am at blogging, I'm ever lousier at self-promotion. Give aways can seem so contrived and gimmicky.... BUT, I truly want to share what I've made with my blogging friends, so why not join in the fun? :D)

I wonder if I'm growing...

This boy is getting big! At 16 months, he's strong enough to stand on his own... but he still uses a wall or table to lean on. He just needs a little more confidence. It won't be long, though, and then he won't just be standing, but walking. Here he is, testing his courage at the top of the stairs. What can I say? This kid likes to take big risks. It's a good thing I found him before he took another step (literally).
And this one? She's a bona-fide preschooler now. It did feel a little strange, sending my 3 year old to preschool. I had never planned to do so, initially. Afterall, I listened to Dr. Laura solidly for the first half of my mothering years (I stopped because some of the content is, I believe, unsuitable for "little listeners," and I only listened to it in the car when I was with the kids). But we thought we'd give it a shot, knowing full-well that we can always change our mind. So far, though, so good. She only goes half-days, and she seems to like it, more or less (in other words, she doesn't throw a fit at drop-off in the morning). Fortunately she's in a great class, in a very familiar environment, with kids she's known just about all her life.


And THIS one! She's a big kindergartener now! Not only that, but she fearlessly decided to ride a pony recently, while visiting our koumbardes'. She did great, too! Job and I were very impressed, especially as she usually veers on the side caution with most new things. In addition to adjusting to full-day kindergarten (yikes! I know... another adjustment for "mama", too), she's growing so much. In fact, yesterday we realized she could reach the kitchen faucet all on her own! This is a huge, particularly sentimental milestone, especially since we've been fans of this Raffi song since she was a wee baby.


I'm so thankful for my three gifts from God! I can't believe they are growing so quickly.

Please excuse the poor-quality pictures! We're making do with our phone camera, but I'm hoping to acquire a better point-and-shoot very soon.

3!

Birthday morning today! Let's start it off with a banana.
Opening gifts!
The "Princess" keeps her game-face on!


Can't believe she's three! I thank God for this beautiful day, to celebrate my beautiful little Snicky. Yes, she's a middle child, but certainly not overlooked! Fortunately, she was blessed with a gorgeous day, good health (strep is gone... knock on more wood), and family who, freshly rejuvenated from Bright Week rest, were ready to PAAAARTY.

Cousins and aunties and uncles and Marmie came over to celebrate during the day. We brought our lunch outside on the front lawn and enjoyed the day to the fullest. I still feel a bit guilty that Vasi hasn't had an "official" birthday celebration, since she had been sick on her b-day (and it was Holy Thursday). I'm hoping to remedy that soon! (and I even feel guilty that I didn't do a write-up on her for her birthday... but I did spend just as much time drawing her "portrait"... hope that counts for something when she's in counseling one day). Well, at least Vasi had fun, too, today. We spent the evening going for a walk to a neighborhood restaurant, and then Uncle D. and Aunt C. came over with B. (lovin' the acronyms, here).

S. is a little more volatile than her older sister, but oddly, less complicated in other ways. She's equally content playing on her own, or with friends. She's our "rough and tumble" girl who has been known to wrestle in a tutu (no worries, she knows how to express her feminine side, too). Particular? Yes. But she also has a gentle spirit, a big heart, and an easy-going approach to life. She's also a flirt. *sigh*

When she was born, I felt so happy, joyful and thankful. I was so awestruck that she could arrive so unexpectedly (2.5 weeks early), and yet so swiftly! So easygoing... uncomplicated... joyful... just like her! We were going to name her Agape, but that didn't fly with Grandpa Larry (a fact that we laugh about and cherish, in retrospect, since he passed away just 6 weeks after she was born). So, Susannah it was! As long as we never, ever, ever called her "Suzy" (as I attempted to mandate). HA! Oh well. It just suits her now.

And tonight? She's sleeping like a rock. Just as one should after a day of adventures (or "wentures" as she likes to say).

We love you little Dooze! Happy Birthday, may God grant you Many Years!