In which Eliza never wants to leave (Part 2 of our Southern Tour)

Whew! Mother's Day has come and gone and I'm now in the throes of birthday party planning. Did I mention Miller and Eliza gave me a new iPhone? Mother's Day isn't about the gifts, but I have to say this one is pretty life-changing, because my old iPhone was essentially functioning on the same level as a 1992 Zack Morris model, and my new phone has Siri, who will be managing my sanity from here on out. She is my new bestie.

So, where were we? Ah yes, Birmingham! So, Eliza and I drove from Atlanta to Birmingham to visit my friend Caroline and her four kids. I had originally planned to come down for the day from Atlanta, because she just had her baby boy 8 weeks ago and I'm not usually one to intrude. I proposed the visit, she proposed I stay, and I gave her lots of outs, I swear. But she said, "No really, come stay in our nursery! It's not even being used right now and there's a bed in there! We'll drink coffee and wine and stay in our PJs and watch the kids play. The girls will LOVE Eliza!" So I said, "OK! I'm there!" And drink coffee and wine in our PJs we did. We had a lovely stay and such a good time catching up. She claims our visit was like a "vacation" for her. And in case you were wondering, those girls did love Eliza...

...and the feeling was mutual.
(Caroline, an excellent photographer, took this and many of the other pictures in this post)

Her girls, Julianne (5), Mary Margaret (4) and Leila (2.5) are some of the most precious sisters I've ever met. Little Jack, the first boy of the family, is just 8 weeks old and just about did me in with his sweetness. It's funny how you forget their early newbornisms. He's just really starting to coo and smile a lot, which of course comes with those sweet involuntary jerks they can't control. Oh goodness, he is perfect. We now interrupt this regularly scheduled blogpost for a little newborn baby ogling.

And he has four mamas doting on him at all times - lucky little man. Though of the four kids, I think he probably appreciated Eliza most of all - she took some of his sisters' attention off him for a bit!

Julianne and Mary Margaret decided to hold a birthday party for Eliza, which they sneakily planned during Eliza's much-needed, extra-long nap.

This sticker stayed on Julianne's forehead all day. I never asked where it came from but I feel very strongly that we should all wear more stickers without explanation.

There was lots of important decorating that needed to be done for the party. Actually, the house looked similar to how mine does currently. They were coloring pictures of fairies and mermaids and taping them to the wall, along with some of their own artwork, like Julianne's abstract sky. There was a banner of about 17 letters taped together (seen below, trailing down the wall) and when I asked what it said, Mary Margaret told me it said "Cake!" Of course!

As you can see, when I brought her into the room (still clad in her sleepsack), she was very, very excited about her party.

This picture is a little creepy/gross of me, who was taking "hang out in our PJs" pretty literally. I'm sure I scared all her friends in this makeup-free state. But so cute of the girls!

In case you hadn't already guessed, Caroline is one of those supermoms who cooks delicious, organic meals, has endless amounts of patience, and perfectly coiffed children at all times, but at the same time, makes it all look very easy and effortless, like they just rolled out of bed with bows in their hair (bows that she made, of course!) and smocked dresses on and that big breakfast just cooked itself. And, it was all just no big deal - "Coffee? Glass of wine? I'm having one, the bottle is open, help yourself!" It was quite a marvel to witness - she is an inspiration. Doesn't sweat that small stuff, yet her kids are so well-behaved and exuberant and creative all at once.

So, how does a mother of four kids 5 and under do it? Well, my friends, this picture pretty much says it all: Caroline taking pictures of the "party" while nursing baby Jack. Look, no hands!

Another sorority sister of ours, Fontaine, and her daughter Clara stopped by for a visit:

(we have been in a big necklace phase ever since she discovered these beautiful gold mardi gras beads at the Malatestas)

Every day around 4, all the kids on their block spill out of the houses with their mamas for a block party. How cool is that, Austin mamas? Let's all move onto the same street and be neighbors!

Rub-a-dub dub, 4 girls in the tub:

Both nights the girls joined us on the bed for storytime.

In Eliza's world, any time is a good time to put things on your head.

Being here was a bit of a glimpse into a crystal ball, in a way. It's reassuring to know the winding down time - storytime - will be my favorite time of day, even when she's five. And just as I take so much joy in her discoveries and spontaneous kisses now, there are so many happy, joyful moments to come in little girlhood, and as our family grows. I mean, of course you always know that, but it's a different thing to be inside of it instantly in this way. With each day that passes, baby Eliza is more of a little girl, and as we look ahead at toddlerhood, and maybe another baby down the road, seeing a home like this operate so happily instilled a confidence that I didn't quite have before. A wonderful thing to understand more deeply as I'm dragged reluctantly into my 7 lb., 8 oz. baby's first birthday. I think I'm finally ready to crawl out of my den of denial and allow time to march on, remembering this sweet family as she grows.

Thank you, wonderful Malatesta Clan, for having us - we loved EVERY minute in your warm and happy home!

Mom enough

This blog is rarely about anything besides motherhood, so there isn't much left to say. But simply put, there is nothing like spending your first Mother's Day with your grandmother, your mother, and the giggly baby girl who made you a mama. My cup runneth over.




I am so happy and very thankful for this day. Happy Mother's Day to our mamas, and the many wonderful mamas I am so honored to know. You are ALL mom enough to me! XO


- Posted from my iPhone

In which we do it up, Southern-style (part 1).

Whew! Andddd...we're back from our big Southern adventure. I am le tired. And le behind on le laundry, le cooking, le everything. Le birthday I have not really stopped to think about (and I'm pretty sure this was all part of my plan) but I'm sure that'll come together just fine...

So, where to start? Well, let's start in New Orleans, shall we? That's short and sweet, since the only picture I took there is of this, the most gorgeous, delicious, timely Bloody Mary I've ever had in my entire life. This is one of those that comes with its own little meal as a garnish. A wee appetizer, if you will.

Along with some knock your socks off, set you 5 pounds back shrimp and grits. With a flaky biscuit and jam on the side. I was too busy eating to be bothered with pictures by that point. And that, my friends, is how you kick off a tour of the South.

 

Though hatched one year ago in Fredericksburg, it was a very last-minute trip, but we never thought we'd actually be able to do it. The sliver of time Miller had between jobs was perfect, as was the price for such a last-minute trip, and it was a great little getaway for us both. Using our good friends Chip and Katherine's beautiful home off Magazine Street as a base, we did a bit of window shopping, a good dose of fine New Orleans eating, and, of course, spent plenty of time on Bourbon Street despite my insistence before leaving Austin that "this time will be different." We also spent a perfect Sunday sunburning, sipping beers and eating the most delicious food in the world at Jazzfest. Bruce - the big draw initially, other than seeing some old friends - was the cherry on top. He was, in a word, awesome. Even my anti-Boss husband is a convert. Love, love, love me some Bruce.

Here we are, festing and being 25 again - which was the last time we did Jazz Fest. That sunburn wasn't QUITE as bad as it appears.

The drive home was not awesome. Apparently we Millers only know one way to get home from New Orleans, and it's a crawl we've perfected over many years of good timing in the Big Easy. This time at least, we were crawling home to our little love. And this time at least, I wasn't worried they'd start making me pay a fee for time spent in the Houston Hobby Airport bathroom (thanks, Chip and Katherine, for that MOST memorable wedding weekend).

So, we returned home Monday night, and I basically dumped our suitcases into the washing machine and filled them up again so Eliza and I could go to Atlanta and see our dear Miss MJ on Thursday morning. She came to visit during a bit of a dark period, when E. was 8 weeks (a time we now just refer to as the "blackout time") and it was, well, just the most wonderful thing. I shed a tear or two dropping her off, because I was still a hormonal mess, and because these wonderful old college friends of mine - the ones who don't come along every day - are spread all over the country (and primarily the South). This was such a good little window of time to repay the visit - Eliza is so easy right now, I'm not pregnant, and we had a good reason to celebrate. Miss MJ's family was having a graduation party to celebrate getting her Masters in Education, and Eliza and I were invited!

Camera went into blinking error message mode until about halfway through the trip, when I sat down with it for an hour and jimmied with the lens until it gave in and let me take pictures again. I didn't get a single picture of her with Mary Jacob which I'm totally kicking myself for now. So here's one from her last visit:

Eliza and I were kind of nomadic; we stayed primarily with MJ's wonderful parents, but it made the most sense to stay at her sis Lucy's house the night of the party. Lucy, who is also a friend/sorority sister of mine, has the cuuuuutest baby Charlie, who is 7.5 months, so Eliza was happy to come over and play with all his toys.

(Heeeeeeeere's Charlie! Can you even stand that smile?)

My little miss was a DREAM baby on the airplane - and really the whole trip. I came prepared with all sorts of toys, books, and snacks for the flight, and I was so proud of how well she did. Not to say it wasn't exhausting, but about as easy as it gets solo with a baby. On the way there, all she really cared about was that BunBun, the bunny she loves who never leaves the crib, had magically joined us on this big adventure.

(BunBun)

With all the changes I threw at her, she continued to nap and sleep easily wherever I put her down, thanks (I think) in part to the good sleep routine and we've established. It works anywhere! It ended up being three different Pack and Plays in five nights. She never was unsettled or out of sorts; on the contrary, she was genuinely energized by all the new people and unfamiliar places, remaining happy, talkative, and outgoing until the end of our trip. To her, it was all one big exciting party. In fact, she welcomed every passenger off the plane in Austin with an enthusiastic wave while we waited on the jetway for our stroller. It all went so smoothly, and in the end, it was such a good thing for us to do together. So many new, positive experiences for us both. We sure did miss her Dada though!

(E. has started playing "peekaboo" with herself.)

Someday when Eliza and Charlie get married, this is the picture we'll put in their wedding slideshow.

Charlie and "Captain." MJ's parents are his "Captain" and "Lovey."

Sums up nicely why we never wear shoes. 

Charles with his mama, Lucy

Showing Charlie how to crawl

This was not the trip where I showed our daughter how easy it is to eat healthy anywhere. Eliza ate her first peanut butter and jelly sandwich and her first chocolate chip cookie at Souper Jenny's, a delicious Atlanta lunch place. I know this may come as a shock, but she is a HUGE chocolate chip cookie fan. Our low moment of the whole trip was when she woke up upset on the way to Birmingham, and a few bites of a Wendy's Frosty took care of that. She eats so healthy at home that it doesn't bother me a bit to let her have a little junk while we are on vacation. A month ago, this trip would have been much more difficult as we were still bringing her finger foods to restaurants and only introducing outside foods here and there. She is so adaptable now, and game for anything.

Anyway, my pictures on this leg are super spotty due to the camera malfunction, but we had the best time with Mary Jacob and her family, who were all so kind to have us come to stay. Eliza sincerely loves Miss MJ, Lovey and Captain, and I'm pretty sure there is a romance blooming with little man Charlie. Maybe one day the Atkinsons and Millers will be inlaws! Thank you, Rankin and Atkinson family, for having us - we had a wonderful time!

Up next: Part 2 of our Southern tour - Birmingham with the Malatesta family!

This one goes to eleven.

Eleven. I'd be lying if I said I'm not getting a little emotional about it, but I have to remind myself how wonderful this time is too. Such a breeze compared to those early days. We connect and communicate and are in a perfect rhythm. I have not one complaint about this stage. Two good naps (most days), all kinds of personality, not quite walking but plenty mobile, and very self-assured. It's a good age. All the stages are wonderful in their own way, but some are harder than others. But overall it seems like it just gets better and better. You're like a fine wine, Eliza, more delicious and delightful with each passing month. We love you ever so much.





This shoot was, unsurprisingly, the most difficult yet, as all she wanted to do was stand up in the chair and bang on the window. So, we let her (supervised, of course), as it sums up nicely where she is these days. A cruising, crawling, curious, busy little thing.



(This is after she'd tossed all the animals over the chair.)











I know I say it every month. But she is just incredibly sweet. This is how she hugs her stuffed animals when you ask her to, with them up by her ear. What else do you call it?





She gives us tight hugs and kisses too whenever we ask for them; spontaneously too. I am here to tell you, my new mothers and mothers-to-be, there is nothing on this earth that compares to a spontaneous, slobbery kiss from your baby girl as you peruse paper towel offerings at Randalls. She'll pull your face in and plant one on you. Followed of course, by a toothy, delighted-with-herself grin.


(Here's a kiss for Josephine)



She is still a big sharer, probably because I encouraged this inclination with lots of "thank you!"'s and now it's kind of all she does. She shares books and toys with her precious little friends. MOST things she finds on the ground at the park or at home now are offered to me ("Dis?") rather than heading into the mouth. Like dis rock. Why, thank you, Eliza.



She feels very helpful when she hands me things, so we've been finding things around the house that she can "help" with, like handing me laundry to fold.  Her job in the morning is to hand Dada his socks and undershirt when he's getting dressed. She has also been big on putting things away, so she helps me drop certain things into the trashcan, the dishwasher. I save Dada's socks for her so she can "help" me drop them in the drawer. She turns off the light in the nursery at naptime/bedtime. Chooses the story we read. "Holds" my keys and excitedly takes receipts from the cashier for me. When you're 11 months, chores are awesome. And, while more time-consuming on my end, they are a little more awesome for me too with my busy helper by my side.

The other day we unloaded toilet paper together, with her taking them from the bag and handing them to me, and me putting it away in the cabinets. She clapped every time she handed me a roll, so proud of her little self. She is so happy to be actively participating in our family.



Little Eliza Lou, you are TOO much.

(another hug)

And I hate to tell you this, Liz, but I really love this precious lip you've given us since the day you were born. It has the opposite of its intended effect.





Her language is developing so rapidly, but in an unexpected way. Lately she has completely dropped many of the words she was saying in favor of richer, more complex sound combinations, which sound like full sentences but in another language. Ever-curious about such things (and not out of concern, as I am well aware that this child is doing just great from a developmental standpoint), I asked her doctor about why this is last time we were in, and apparently it's very typical; they often master words and move on, rather than incorporating them into their language and using them. She said those words will probably just reappear one day, along with others she understands but doesn't say. I've found her language development completely fascinating. Some days she works on words and others it's just jabber all day long. She continues to be QUITE the chatterbox.

When we read books together now, we ask her if she can find the butterfly or the duck, or the bunny, and she points to them - "Dat." "Dat." She gets them right most of the time, though not always of course, but it's so neat to see how much she already knows. 11 months! A little person, she is.



Other things I want to remember: She communicates her needs now with pointing, along with just pointing at everything in sight as she has been doing for awhile now. The other day I saw her in the carseat mirror pointing at everything we passed by "Dat! (a tree) Dat! (a car) Dat! (a tree)". Also, the rocking and waving her hands in the air (like she just don't care) any time music plays. And girlfriend freaks when Sesame Street comes on - we watch it on Saturday mornings. I mean, FREAKS. Bobbing, rocking, waving her hands. How do they know??

Anyway, when I asked Miller what he wanted to remember about this month, he said, "Oh, everything." Me too. Well said, my man of much fewer words.



We head to New Orleans tomorrow (driving). We've been talking about making it to Jazzfest this year since I was pregnant, so we are seizing this perfect moment and taking off for a weekend. It never gets any easier to leave her, but it's so good for the two of us to get away for a bit. And next week, I head to Atlanta on my first real solo trip with E! I know she is very excited to be reunited with Miss MJ and meet some of our college friends, along with the Malatesta Clan, who I have no doubt will show her a GREAT time. Pray for my liver first, and then my sanity as I brave the airlines alone with my spunky little lady. Love y'all.