^ we learned how to drink from a straw this weekend!! ^
^ introducing Birdie to my favorite animal - the elephant! ^
^ we are all about the bears in this family ;) ^
I got a little emotional looking at these photos... Birdie's very first trip to the zoo... These days as parents we take a million photos and videos of our kids every day. Some could possibly be deemed repetitive or unnecessary (blasphemy!!). And yet every once in a while you come across a couple dozen that just make you think - that's it. Those are the photos they will like to look at, that you will reminisce with, that they'll show their boyfriend one day. Some photos just capture a moment - a golden ray of happiness that you want to bottle up and keep forever.
I hope I do a good job here of showing a balanced picture of our life, of letting you know that not every day is flowers and sunshine. In fact, the daily grind wears us out like it does anyone - the messes, the lack of sleep, the work piling up, the endless errands, the sick days, the bad days, the long days... And there's not to say that there aren't little sparkles of joy even in those days - a piece of toast with an extra thick layer of Nutella, morning cuddles with a giggly chubby baby, a kiss that lingers... But I think we can all admit that monday through friday we're just trying to do our best and get it done. And it ain't always pretty.
And then there are days like Sunday. Days when the weather is glorious, the sun shines, the breeze blows... The baby naps on schedule. The hair gods grant you a good hair day. You laugh and smile so much your mouth is sore. You feel alive. And you feel happy but even more than happy, you feel at peace and grateful. You gather your family around you and you just melt into that embrace, into the comfort and love that oozes out around you until you're all one giant puddle of bliss.
I'm not living for a destination, for a moment when we will supposedly "have it all." I'm living for now. For days like Sunday that fill your cup until it overflows and make you realize how truly blessed you are and will burn inside of you and breath life into you when on wednesday the raccoons get into the trash (AGAIN), when you forget to wash the diapers, when you have a headache and the house is a wreck... You can reach inside and pull out that memory and live in a that blissful moment again.
I'm quite jealous of your zoo elephants. Our zoo (Philadelphia) had to get rid of their elephants a few years ago and I was so sad that my daughter did not get to see them. Hoping our trip to the Animal Kingdom at Disney this winter will suffice.
Oh no! That's too bad :(. Elephants are my favorite! They actually just finished building this massive "reserve" for them which gives them a lot more room to roam outside. It was super fun. I've never been to the Animal Kingdom but we did have dinner at one of their restaurants and from what I could see it looked incredible! I'm sure you'll have a blast! xo
Is that the National zoo? Such a treasure...we discovered it a few years ago and make the trek there as often as we can. Still can't believe you can just walk right in...no lines, no fee. Our baby is quite into goats and dogs these days. Saving a zoo trip for a crisp fall weekday (soon)!
It is!! We love it so too! It is phenomenal that they don't charge and if you can find street parking and bring your own lunch it's a completely free activity! We are very lucky to have that around our parts. Aww! Love babies who love animals :), it's the sweetest! You guys will have a wonderful time! Go soon! xo
awww. love this post. i spent many days of my childhood at the national zoo, it holds a special place in my heart. (also, that second picture - too funny!)
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I'm quite jealous of your zoo elephants. Our zoo (Philadelphia) had to get rid of their elephants a few years ago and I was so sad that my daughter did not get to see them. Hoping our trip to the Animal Kingdom at Disney this winter will suffice.
ReplyDeleteOh no! That's too bad :(. Elephants are my favorite! They actually just finished building this massive "reserve" for them which gives them a lot more room to roam outside. It was super fun. I've never been to the Animal Kingdom but we did have dinner at one of their restaurants and from what I could see it looked incredible! I'm sure you'll have a blast! xo
DeleteIs that the National zoo? Such a treasure...we discovered it a few years ago and make the trek there as often as we can. Still can't believe you can just walk right in...no lines, no fee. Our baby is quite into goats and dogs these days. Saving a zoo trip for a crisp fall weekday (soon)!
ReplyDeleteIt is!! We love it so too! It is phenomenal that they don't charge and if you can find street parking and bring your own lunch it's a completely free activity! We are very lucky to have that around our parts. Aww! Love babies who love animals :), it's the sweetest! You guys will have a wonderful time! Go soon! xo
DeleteI can't handle the cuteness. That first photo of her? Too cool for words.
ReplyDeletexxx
I'm kind of obsessed with it :). It's not your usual framer but I just don't think I can't have that in an 8 x 10 :)
DeleteThat first photo of V with the straw absolutely slays!!**
ReplyDeleteShe is too cute for words**
Thank you so much! She's quite the ham :)
Deleteawww. love this post. i spent many days of my childhood at the national zoo, it holds a special place in my heart. (also, that second picture - too funny!)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much sweetheart! We sure do love that zoo!! :) xo
DeleteLet's talk!