My babies. Elliot and Maisie.
They're killing me with cute and sweet.
I mean, how much can you possibly kiss two small people. I do it constantly. I can't help it. And, I smell them... their little heads, all day long. They smell like something divine to me, something so terribly familiar. They smell like perfection. Is that weird? I don't care. I just can't seem to soak them in as much as I feel like I should, or I want to. I'm a sucker for beautiful moments... and a childhood, if done properly, is full of them.
I love the way she pretends she's not listening and then she repeats something I've said a few minutes later. I love the way he can be crying hysterically... then you start baby talking to him or singing.... and he immediately stops crying and flashes the biggest, best grin. I love the way they are mine. Ours. I love that Maisie says we are "best friends together" and then she adds "and daddy and baby Elliot and Frankie too". I love her belly laugh. I love his chubby legs, and his perfect cheeks.
Her preschool tea party was today and besides crying the entire time, because of sweetness overload... I just couldn't stop thinking about memories and that every moment is a memory in the making. How do you soak it all in though? How is it possible? I have constant conversations with other moms about soaking in moments... and how we race around doing 'things' and suddenly think... "I'm missing moments" and then stop and soak in some sweetness. We do what we can. As present as we try to be it is difficult, or tricky to balance it all. Mainly because if we stop doing things... no one would eat anything but take out pizza, as there wouldn't be groceries... everyone would be covered in dirty clothes and not smell quite as sweet. You just do your best. You do your best to live as presently with these sweet, precious beings as possible and you try and feed them well, and teach them good values and lessons and inspire them to be amazing. You try and share a love of adventure, art and books. You try and show them that anything is possible. You just keep pushing yourself to be a better parent, and you try and figure it all out as you go. There are no rules on how to raise a small person really. But, we are all our own worst critics and I think thats a good thing to a certain extent... but, there comes a time when you just have to sit back, take a deep breath and watch these babies turn into people. Let go of their little hand so they can run to their classmates to sing their rainbow song. Watch as they can stand up on the stage bravely... looking out onto a sea of people and sing their little hearts out. They look out into the crowd... until they find your face.
I'm often reminded of a quote I heard at an amazing wedding, the brides father was talking about raising children so eloquently and said it was all about giving your children "roots and wings". It's a quote from Hodding Carter... "There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots, the other, wings."
If they have good roots.. they'll be sure to always come back. I know I did.
ox
I'm still here.
Just soaking in these precious marvels.
They both must be sick of me kissing their little faces.
But I just can't stop.
My babies. My little treasures.
I'll be back shooting soon... but for now...
kissing my babies.
oxxo
In keeping with tradition, 
Dear Maisie lu,
It's been a while since I've written but believe me... I've thought about it daily. I can barely find the words even now.
I sit here typing away and you are on the couch eating yoghurt. Your brother (you have a 6 week old baby brother) is napping in his room (your old room) and I can't believe that we have known your sweet face for three years.
Our son is here.Elliot Patrick arrived safely February 15th 2013 at 9:16am. He weighed 10 pounds 8 ounces and measured 23 inches long.
Today he is 11 days new.
So loved. So precious.
I've heard a lot about "isn't the second one so much easier". To be honest... not really. I don't find it easy. I find it sweet. I find it challenging, just like the first time (in different ways). I feel just as raw, exposed and vulnerable. I feel like it may not be so much "unknown" as with Maisie... but I'm miles from SuperMom. I was so grateful to have Bryce home for the first week, and now with him back at work, we're working at settling into our own rhythms as a family and getting to know how it all works as a family of four.
Here are a few images of our newly complete family of 4 (well Frank is 5, but my anxiety levels weren't ready for him in the photo shoot too). However, don't let the following images deceive you..... I actually still look 3-5 months pregnant (well hidden here). Feeling fragile, feeling like my body has just been through a battle. Feeling a little on the tender side (emotionally and physically). I cry at any and everything. Seriously. Tears galore. Of course, throughout it all... I am still, always, incredibly grateful. Just felt the need to add a disclaimer to all. The photos reflect the deep satisfaction and love I feel... even when we all don't look like this all the time.
Beyond words, beyond expectations, just really feeling the deepest sense of gratitude for my little precious beings.
Thank you all for the kind words and support and love.
Some times... even in the middle of the night, while smelling my sweet baby boys little head of blonde hair... I just can't believe how beautiful life is.