Secret Recipe

One of our special traditions before bedtime is to use holy water, which our friend Sr. Karen Marie brought us from Lourdes, to make the sign of the cross on our children's foreheads & ask God's blessing upon them while they rest.  We don't do it every night, just when someone is sick, has a hard day, celebrates something special, or simply requests it.  Tonight Rebecca was explaining the importance of it to us.

"It's funny because it feels just like regular water but it's special.  Jesus makes the holy water.  He just mixes water with LOVE."

Fancy Nancy

 I don't know if it's due to the fact we've been on a Fancy Nancy kick around here lately or just a further explosion of girliness in Teresa, but she has been getting seriously dolled up.

This is post-nap so some of it is missing, but pre-nap she had to "get ready".  She put in a ponytail, headband, bows, necklace, ring, bracelet, & these AWESOME fuzzy pink high heels.  (Thanks, Carmen!)  She even put this dress on her bear.  I'm amazed that she can sleep in all that!  Perhaps primping brings her peace. 

"Mommy, I soooOOO beaUtiful!"

Breaking Free

Teresa has recently found yet another way to exert her independence... climbing out of her crib. Yes, at 21 months she is a pro & does it both silently & without injury amazingly enough. Naptime still is rarely an issue; though she just shows up next to me all of the sudden when she's done! But bedtime & nighttime can be quite the adventure. At least she's given up slamming the door shut behind her when she leaves the room! I feel like this napping position just further displays her desire to break free even in her slumber. I guess that "big" bed is calling... but for the moment I'm keeping it on hold.

Post-bathtime fun

Why is it that as soon as they have on pajamas my kids always kick it up a notch? It seems like any leftover goofiness or craziness stored up for the day has to escape in those last few minutes. It's hilarious to witness (though not always at the moment!) this sudden

"explosion of kid".

Do you see that at your house?