I Love You the Most

Lately, around our home B has been more affectionate than ever. When they're smaller they wiggle out of your arms to crawl and discover their new world. Then, when they become mobile they do the same to proudly show off their new-found independence. At the age of 3, B wakes up at her usual early hour and barges into our bedroom with her pig pillow and blanket, climbs into our bed and says "I love you Mommy. I love you Daddy." What I've yet to mention here is that she is in absolute love with her daddy. Yes, she's a daddy's girl. She runs to him (at full speed) from the opposite end of the house when he arrives from work. She hugs him tighter and longer. She follows him around the house and sometimes she'll cry when he leaves. She wants to be climbing and playing with him all the time if she could.  Is there a bit of parent jealousy here? Perhaps. Can I understand it? Absolutely! I grew up one of four girls -- and we all fought for our Dad's attention. So, yes, I understand it and I find it endearing to see B love Chris so much. I remember when I was dating Chris that I'd watch him with his nieces and nephews and think that he'd make a wonderful father one day - and so he is.

Lately, their conversations go like this:
B: I love you Daddy.
Chris: I love you too.
B: I love you more.
Chris: I love you the most.

How could a daughter not love the first man in her life that sets the bar for how she should measure every other man that she will ever meet? Luckily for B and I, we have some incredibly high standards.

B and her Daddy

Me, my Dad and my sister

Top 10 Extraordinary Little Things I was Grateful for in 2010

The holidays came and went and 2010 ended as best as it could get for our family. I didn't get a chance to write a Thanksgiving post. I thought about it. Sure, we're all extremely grateful for family, friends, and good health but sometimes it's also a few of the little things that come to mean the most to us. Now we're in a new year and I think I have to pay written homage to the uncanny'things I was grateful for in 2010.  So, here is my list of the Top 10 Extraordinary Little Things that made my year.

1. Little Fingers and Toes: There is nothing like small hands that wrap around your neck in an embrace or small fingers that touch your face to explore (or innocently scratch or hit). Such small fingers and toes are a reminder of time and that they do not remain that way for long.
2. Noise: It is life. Sometimes, it is life on overdrive.
3. Silence: It is golden. I revel in it and enjoy it it in small doses. 
4. Being My Father's Daughter: My Dad lost his manufacturing job in mid to late 2009 at which he had been employed for more than 10 years; but he did not lose his optimism. He attended classes, learned new interviewing skills and compiled a resume. In February 2010, at age 60, he started a new career at a new company and I couldn't be prouder of him. He is the essence of poise.
5. The Science of Parenthood: Just when we thought we knew what were doing as parents of one child, Chris and I finally realized we were outnumbered with three this past year. It's a formula we're hoping to figure out.
6. The Art of Marriage: What began as a clean slate when Chris and I were first married five years ago has become a compilation of work in progress. It does require work and patience, but I wholeheartedly believe that this life - our life together - will be a beautiful masterpiece.
7. Our Own Supernanny: In February 2010 we hired K when I returned to work after my maternity leave. She loves our kids just as much as a supernanny can love children and it comforts me to know that they are in trustworthy care while I am away. She was the undeniably the right choice for us.
8. Wine: Merlot or Chardonnay? Why, yes, thank you.
9. Wine Accompaniments: The perfect pairing after 8:30/9 p.m. when all the kids were in bed were DVR'd shows like Dexter, Mad Men, Bravo marathon reality shows, AND yes, Jersey Shore. All mindless, guilty pleasures.
10. Lip Gloss, Haircuts and Color: I only get a few minutes to put on make-up, if at all. Thank goodness for Burt's Bees lip shimmers! And finally, ANY woman, especially a mom with kids, knows the feeling of going to get an overdue haircut and/or color and then stepping out of the salon feeling like a new woman. Which reminds me - to do: schedule appointment for 2011.

May your 2011 be full of extraordinary little things!