My rainbow

Between Franny and Cole's blogs, I know I've posted a variation of this same shot several times over the last few months. But with Cole changing so rapidly, each new set seems so different from the last. When I see pictures of Franny and Cole together, sometimes it's very different from experiencing the same situation first-hand. In real time, managing the two together takes so much focus, I frequently miss the reality taking place before me. Being able to later look back and see their love for each other, through these captured moments is both mesmerizing and overwhelming. It is then that I realize that those two amazing, little beings in the pictures are my children. And it is then that I regain my perspective and understand that while life can get difficult and frustrating, all that chaos is will eventually pass and be forgotten. In contrast, Franny and Cole are now and will always be a constant presence in my life. And when I slow down long enough, I realize that, with my family, I have everything that I could ever want or need. Those are the moments where I breath deeply, knowing I am truly experiencing the purest form of peace and thankfulness.

Somewhere, over the rainbow, skies are blue.
And the dreams that you dare to dream
really do come true.

The Story of the Fourteen Bears

Franny always has a favorite book that she insists on reading to herself and having us read to her over and over. But none to date has quite captured her attention as The Fourteen Bears in Summer and Winter, a new edition to the original, which was a favorite of both my sister and I when we were growing up. Unfortunately, the Winter addition pales in comparison to it's Summer counterpart, but Franny loves it nonetheless. We read two books of her choice to her at bedtime every evening. For nearly two weeks now, those two books have been The Fourteen Bears. I will be shocked when she finds a new favorite and I cease to hear "read it again!" During the day, I hear her chattering lines of it to herself, which I clearly recognize from having read it so many times: Every day the fourteen bears walked paw in paw through the forest. And the birds sang, and the breeze blew, and the sun beat on their ears. I find it amazing, the calming effect that fond childhood memories have on the soul, and this book evokes those feelings for me; I am extremely fortunate to be able to experience that nightly. It will be sad when The Fourteen Bears' time has past and Franny finds a new favorite book to love.

Reading The Fourteen Bears to Cole

Falling asleep to her favorite book at naptime

More and more the little girl

Morning in NW

We broke out for a walk in NW this morning--what a beautiful day! Although it's taking a little adjustment, I think Franny likes the new stroller; she can sit or stand, but best of all, she can get nose-to nose with her little brother. For us, it definitely beats packing Cole in the sling or persuading Franny to "take turns" with her stroller. Franny would prefer to ride in the front--when the carseat pulls out there is a front-facing seat--but she is very good about relinquishing the position to Cole. All in all, a very pleasant morning and a very pleasant walk.

Three cheers for Franny!

I didn't even realize it until Franny had gone to bed, but yesterday, I didn't need to change her "Elmo diaper" or "princess pull-up" all day. Even better, she used the "big potty" all day, so there was nothing for me to clean. Great job, Franny!!

Picture 10,000

This picture in Sunriver marked my 10,000th picture/video with our digital camera. It's hard to believe I've taken that many images in just over one year; we bought this camera in June of last year. In addition, we have even more pictures from our old camera and another camera that we borrowed. That's a lot of pictures!

Digital cameras are wonderful. When I look at past pictures of Franny, and think of all the memories we have been able to capture and retain, I am so thankful. Not to mention the advantage of being able to zoom, crop, and edit! Due to this technology, we have an incredible chronicle of her first 2 1/2 years--with many more years to come--that will be perfectly preserved.