Motherhood

This is C.

10 months and 11 days before this photo was taken, she born two hours before Mother's Day.

4 days before this photo, we had just found out M was on his way (unexpectedly, unplanned *ahem*).

Poor thing didn't even realize we were about to force middle child-dom on her.

But, that's what motherhood is all about: taking the unexpected, the unplanned, and going with the flow. Making number 2 of 2 comfortable in her new position as 2 of 3. Making number 3 feel just as loved, just as wanted, just as expected as both 1 and 2.

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For more Mother's Day photos, visit An Island Life.

The New Year

Honestly, I don't often think about January 1st being a time to start over, make resolutions, make changes. Being married to a teacher (and having worked in a school for seven years before staying home with my kids), I tend to think of years in school years, with September being the start of a "new year."

But this year, January definitely marks the start of something new for me. After losing Mr. Einstein's grandfather on Monday, this January, this New Year, has made me realize just how important memories are.

And how even more important documenting those memories is.

This is Mr. Einstein's grandfather with M. It was taken just this last Christmas, the Christmas we weren't originally planning on going home for.

Mr. Einstein's grandparents have lots of great-grandchildren, but only two great-grandsons. Of those two great-grandsons, only one carries on the family name.

M.

So this photo? This memory? Is one I know I will treasure for this new year and for always.

Entered in An Island Life's January photo contest on The New Year.

Summer Fun Photo Contest

This is my entry into the Summer Fun Photo Contest being hosted by 5 Minutes for Mom.

The man in this picture, who may or may not be related to me genetically (hi, Dad!), will probably not be thrilled with this picture being posted on my blog.

However, I love this picture of him with Cinderella that I took two summers ago.

This was Cinderella's first experience with a Slip 'n Slide, and she loved every minute of it! Especially sliding into Grandpa at the end, if he couldn't get out fast enough.

This picture is of the two of them reveling in the glories of cool water on a warm summer afternoon.

Absolute bliss!