Thursday, May 28, 2009

No rest for the weary

Tassi and I went on a date this last weekend and a friend from Church babysat for us for the first time. We told her that Brooklyn knows the bedtime routine. Upon consulting Brooklyn, she came away a bit skeptical of the Smith's nightly activities.

She fully believed Brooklyn's claim to teeth-brushing and prayers. Even nighttime kisses and hugs accompanied with a very specific blanket layering procedure was plausible (although she suggested to Brooklyn that it was not appropriate to get kisses and hugs from her that evening).

Nevertheless, our babysitter did not buy into Brooklyn's assertion that she "clean the house because that's what mommies and daddies do after children go to bed."

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Who's that guy?

Today my new eyeglasses arrived in the mail. They are somewhat different. More bold. Plastic frames. Coincidentally, a haircut was due and it being a vacation day, I performed the errand. In the meantime Camden was taking her afternoon nap. When I got home, I could hear Camden moving around in her room, so I opened her door and she was playing behind a chair. Hearing me come into the room, she ran to me but then quickly did a double take and ran away with a frightened look. Camden cannot talk, but I know what thought went through her head... "Who's that guy?"

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Stumbling upon truth

Brooklyn (4) was mad at Tassi. "Brooklyn, don't be mad at Mom. She gave birth to you." A puzzled look came over Brooklyn's face and then looked up and asked, "Dad, did Heavenly Father create all of us?" "In a way, yes." "Then why didn't he just create the parents and let the parents create all the children?" Indeed, He did.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Playing Vacation

Tassi and I need to rethink our vacation budgets. Possibly shelling out a little extra money to get larger hotel rooms. At a minimum, our girls need better sleeping arrangements with a comfortable bed.

Today, while helping Brooklyn clean up her room, I noticed that between her and Camden's twin beds was several blankets stacked on each other and a pillow at the head of the makeshift bed. When I asked why her bed things were on the ground arranged between the beds like that, Brooklyn replied, "Oh, we were playing vacation."

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Sensitivity

Some time ago, Brooklyn watched Cast Away with us. If I remember correctly, she was just beginning to talk. So we think that she really was into the film because there is minimal dialogue; the plot if primarily driven by events that unfold on the screen. When Wilson, the ball, floated away, Brooklyn broke down crying.

Today we watched the film again. Initially she did not want to watch. But every time I asked if she wanted me to change the channel, she said that she wants to know what happens. I told her she has seen it before. When Tom Hanks' character begins to befriend Wilson the ball, Brooklyn began to ask a lot of questions. For instance, she wanted to know whether the man knew that the ball is not really a person. Also commenting that the man talks to Wilson like she talks to toys.

Thus, I began to wonder if when Wilson floats away would affect Brooklyn, now almost 5, like it did previously. When the scene came, she was laying on the couch with her head on my lap. The moment passed and, thinking that she made it through without tear, I told her that when she saw this movie before she had cried during that part. Brooklyn turned to look at me and laughed. And I kind of chuckled too.

And then she looked back at me, with a quivering lower lip, and asked why he is not going to get Wilson, why he would not just leave the raft and get his friend. She then stood up and asked her Mom for a hug.

Friday, May 22, 2009

More sleeping



I am sure every mom feels the same way about their sleeping kids as I do. Yes it is nice to have them quiet in one spot not terrorizing the whole entire house. However there is nothing sweeter to see your cute little one completely crashed out. In fact they are so sweet looking sometimes it makes me almost want to wake them up just so I can eat up their adorable cheeks.




Monday, May 11, 2009

Brooklyn's Thoughts About Her Mother

My mom's name is Tassi.
She is pretty as a princess.
She is 16 years old.
She likes to eat all fruits.
When my mom was a little girl she played games.
I can tell when my mom is happy because she plays with me.
My mom is really good at playing games.
I like for my mom to take me shopping.

I love these surveys. It is always fun to hear what your child thinks of you. Hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day.

You Are My Sunshine!!!!!!

Brooklyn has learned the song "You are my Sunshine" in preschool. She will walk around singing very very loud. I decided to document her beautiful singing voice or maybe yelling voice.

Friday, May 08, 2009

My Restless Sleeper

Within this past month Camden has graduated from her crib to a big girl bed. She was doing quite well until she realized that there were not the same restrictions. We now have found her like this on two separate nights. There will also be a plethora of toys out in the morning or during her nap time.

Camden-1258

Camden-1259

Friday, May 01, 2009

Most Recent Photoshoot

Here are just a few pics from a photo shoot last week. These two were sweeties. It was a lot of fun and a bit challenging. They love the sun so anytime they could catch a glimpse of light they would completely turn their heads toward the sun. Their mom was so wonderful with them. We did a lot of touching of different textures. I hope you enjoy.

Olivia and Evan-1241

Olivia and Evan-1238
I was happy I was able to get the girl to smile. Her mom said they have been working on her smile.
Olivia and Evan-1237

He was so proud for climbing up in the tree.
Olivia and Evan-1236