Big sister

When it comes to Cole, Franny's boisterous side is frequently accompanied by a very dear and sweet side.

Mommy time

We try very hard to make special, one-on-one time with Franny. But with a nursing newborn, too frequently I become sidelined, and it has become special "Daddy time". As a result, my quality time with Franny is usually limited to the 1 hour intervals while Cole is napping. Today, however, we had the rare opportunity to spend the morning together. With two others from Franny's playgroup, we went to the zoo to see the Thanksgiving feast prepared for the polar bears and sun bears. Despite the very cold weather, it was an extremely fun time for both of us. We branched off on our own for a short time and watched the feeding of the sea lions, which was, by far, the most entertaining thing I've ever seen at the zoo. Franny loved it too, which of course, was the best part. After we left, we stopped off at our neighborhood Starbucks for a hot chocolate and just a little more "Mommy time". It was reminiscent of the many adventures that Franny and I used to have when it was just the two of us--I miss those times. She is an amazing, sweet, and incredibly fun little girl, and I absolutely adore her. The days and weeks are passing much too quickly and she is changing and growing just as fast. I often wonder what our relationship will be like in five, ten, and twenty years from now. I hope we will still laugh and love each other like we do now. For that to happen, it is going to take a lot of "Mommy time". Lucky me!

Happy Halloween

This Halloween was one of those rare times where we had the chance to introduce Franny to something completely unknown to her and watch her joy and enthusiasm unfold. At first, she was very quiet and wouldn't say "trick or treat". But, she once she realized she was getting candy, she did muster a quiet "one for Cole" and "thank you". Clever girl! We started at our neighborhood community center and then proceeded to the blocks around our house. By the end of the night, she had a very enthusiastic "trick or treat!" and even was so bold as to try and open the door when the residents were too slow for her liking. Next year's Halloween will be fun, because she will be able to pick out her own costume and we'll be able to see her anticipation and excitement build for a night of trick or treating. But first-time joy is absolutely priceless. I wish I could capture the sweet look on her face and her first quiet whisper of "trick or treat" in a picture, but it is impossible. None of the "firsts" can be captured; they are reality mixed with her joy, mixed with our joy to create moments that can only be recalled in the memory. I'm not usually big on Halloween, but this one was really wonderful.