Sunday, June 21, 2009

I HEART DAD


The kids "tatted" up for Dad's day.

I've been thinking this morning about how lucky I am to have two wonderful Dads in my life. My Dad, Opa to Bean and Squeaker, and husband, Dad to Bean and Squeaks.

My Dad has always been the most available, patient, and uncomplaining Dad I know. He was also involved: changing diapers, cooking dinner, washing dishes, taking us camping, helping us with homework. You name it. My sisters and I were, and still feel like, his number one priority. With my Mom, he raised three independent daughters to be capable and confident. He set the bar very high as a father and a husband.

Husband is my partner in parenting. I learn how to be a better Mom from him every day. No matter what's going on outside of our house, he always saves his very best for the kids and me. The girls light up when they see him because they know he'll give them smiles and on-the-floor play with 100% of his attention.

His instincts about the kids are often better than mine. He can sense when Squeaks has an ear infection or Bean is about to hurl. And when she does hurl, he jumps into instant fix-it mode while I tend towards self protection (I have been known to rip my clothes off--I think in fear of getting puke on them).

He tells Bean that she's "interesting" and "funny." Not just "cute" and "pretty." My Dad did this, too.

Dads and Opas, we love you!



Thursday, June 18, 2009

OMG, Squeaker!

Squeaker is into everything these days. When she hears the fridge door open, she crawls as fast as she can, stands up inside the door and enjoys the cool air and cold beers. Her sister's latest favorite saying is "OMG." For those of you who didn't grow up in the world of texting and instant messaging, "OMG" stands for "Oh my gosh." Used in context, Bean's Dad would say "OMG, Squeaker. Don't drink my beer!"





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Sunday, June 14, 2009

Chocolate Blackout

Bean and I made a Chocolate Blackout Cake for our friend, Julie's, birthday on Saturday. Bean helped pour dry and wet ingredients into the mixing bowl, and did her best work cleaning up (as you can see in the photo below). We used the stand mixer. At first she was scared of the loud noise... "No, Mommy! Bean go hide!" But then I convinced her to look into the bowl and watch it mix. After about 15 seconds, she requested I turn it up a notch: "Super fast, Mommy!!"

The cake was fantastic. I hope this is the first of many cakes Bean and I will make together.

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