A Sleigh Bell Rings

Jingle, jingle. Jing, jing, jingle.

The sound of sleigh bells is commonplace this time of year. Friends, family, and shops hang them on doors. The bells are equally warm greeting you, "So glad you're here!" as they are bidding you, "Farewell! Until next time."

It is the sound of a single sleigh bell that is the source of one of my favorite Christmas memories.

One snowy evening, Maile's first holiday season, I was stuck. Stuck in that hour or so before bath and bedtime when, as a new mom, you aren't quite sure what to do with your baby. Peek-a-boo'd out, every board book you own read a dozen times over, too cold and dark to go outside. So we sat. I plopped down with her in front of the Christmas tree. Maile's deep brown eyes were firmly fixed on the hundreds of twinkle lights in front of her. Satisfied, I allowed my mind to wander for the first time that day.

Our house was so silent, I could almost hear the heavy snowflakes falling outside, blanketing our semi-pastoral neighborhood in a thick, pillowy down. I imagined the cattle two blocks down grouped together -- fresh powder on their broad backs, their tails flicking from the huddle in nonsensical harmony. I thought about the local prairie dogs piled in their dens, warm and dry and sleepy. Prairie dogs have family units just like people, you know ... I mentally told no one in particular. The sweet, savory aroma of warming cider suspended in the heated air.

Jingle, jingle. Jing, jing, jingle.

I was gently brought back by a tiny girl's tiny hand grasping the dark green bough in front of her. 

Jingle, jingle. Jing, jing, jingle, it sang.

I remember feeling that I was exactly where I was meant to be, a sense that so often eludes people.

Like many best memories, there are no pictures to look back on, yet I can still see, hear, smell that moment in time, as if it was just last night.

Thanks so much to the artist Patience Brewster for inspiring this post. If you are looking for whimsical ornaments, full of wonder -- involving sleigh bells or otherwise -- I encourage you to visit her page.

I'd love to read about your Christmas memories, sweet or silly, in the comments!

iFavorite

My favorite iPhone pic from the past week:

Maile, in deep thought, looking almost upset. When I asked her if everything was okay, she replied, "Mom, I have a tough patient in my clinic, so I need you to be very quiet when I think of a diagnosis." Well okay, then!

Follow along on Instagram: mrskittymitch

Frolic

On the first day of spring, Maile and I met a fellow blogger and her sweet daughter, in Denver, for some good quality play time. The girls were kind of all over the place, so we didn't get to chat as much as I would've liked, but it is such a great feeling when someone you feel like you've gotten to know via the internet is just as nice in person! (It's not always that way.)

Maile and I spent the rest of our day running up and down the driveway in our bare feet, drawing "outsidewalk chalk" art in front of our home, drinking cold water "with ice cubes," and loving every bit of the beginning of a new season. I just wish this weather was supposed to last -- there's snow in the forecast for Saturday.

Keeping Calm in the Midst of a Storm

Our Friday can be described with the following words: Maile needed a nap.

Those close to us know that we plan appointments and outings around Maile's nap and bedtime schedules. Sure, there are times it isn't possible, but we do our darndest to make sure Baby Girl is getting the sleep she needs, when she needs it. Why? Because it makes all of our lives easier (and in this case, easier absolutely = happier). 

Except for we didn't have time for her to take a nap. You see, we returned home from Arizona late Tuesday night, a day later than we originally intended (family is fun ... and so is 75+ degree weather). And life has been one big delayed, rushed, trying-to-catch-up blur since then. So getting ready to go out for groceries, which should have taken us an hour, took three. There was a meltdown over thinking she wouldn't get to go. There were nearly inconsolable sobs over wanting me to snuggle, when all I really needed to do was find some pants. There was a sit-a-spell-on-Mama's-lap-even-though-I-still-wasn't-wearing-pants. There was an offer of snuggles with Dada. There were deep breaths, and a few rounds of Daniel Tiger songs. There were a few escaped harsh tones, which morphed into consoling words. 

Snacks help everyone. Not just little ones. A few slices of cheese and salami, and an apple and a pluot later, and we were all feeling a bit better. Hangry is definitely a legitimate mood.

We're hoping to get back to our regular schedule soon, and get Maile back to her usual, bright self. She was nothing but cuddles this weekend, and a new Elsa dress + doll, that she worked incredibly hard to get, helped a whole lot! I'm sure I'm crazy, but I've always liked Mondays because they provide a fresh start, so here's to today! 

10/52

"A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2014."

Maile: "Playing science," and utilizing the glass from her and Tim's rainbow-making experiment for a cool drink of water in the morning light.

Maile is fully into doing experiments with her dada; it's a new, special aspect of their relationship, and I love watching the excitement it fosters. 

Last week, I particularly enjoyed Jane Mabel, and Emma's photos. Please, pay their lovely portraits a visit.

If you haven't hopped over and said hello already, please extend a warm welcome to our newest sponsor, Alana; her blog is full of girly inspiration!

7/52

"A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2014."

Maile: A little Valentine's Day "princess picture".

Once again, I didn't take many photos this week. I think I have a case of the Februarys, which are much like the Mondays. I'm aching for spring, and I know Maile is too. We've been a little testy with each other, and I'm working extra hard to take deep breaths, count, recite mantras, pray, as we attempt to overcome our cabin fever, together.

I do love this picture, though. There are few things better to me than when I have an idea for a photo, and Maile is equally enthusiastic; we both had fun with her little Love Day photo shoot.

Last week, I particularly enjoyed Gone Tribal, and Lou's photos. Please, pay their lovely portraits a visit.

Maile's dress was made by the talented Jess, of Dream Catcher Baby. The felt heart banner Maile holds was a sweet, handcrafted gift from my sweet friend Cristin, half of the duo behind Camp Wolf.

6/52

"A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2014."

Maile: The 'mad' scientist. The picture of concentration.

This week, I have to admit, this project was not at the forefront of my mind. One snowy day, though, we were having a particularly slow afternoon, and Tim grabbed some old Coke bottles, some food coloring, and the two of them had great fun mixing colors.

Last week, I particularly enjoyed Visual Love Notes', and Dressing Ivana's photos. Please, pay their lovely portraits a visit.

Maile's "Wild & Brave" tee c/o Quarkbaby. Thank you, Lindsey!

5/52

"A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2014."

Maile: Taking a breath. Jumping on the big bed.

A little girl, full of energy. I encouraged Maile to get her sillies out by jumping on the bed. And jump she did, yelling happily, "Count my jumps, Mama!"

Last week, I particularly enjoyed Alia, and Jami's photos. Please, pay their lovely portraits a visit.

Maile's "Wild & Brave" tee c/o Quarkbaby. Thank you, Lindsey!

4/52

"A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2014."

Maile: That gaze. After 6 days of battling flu, we made it outside for one of her favorite activities -- feeding the ducks and geese at a Littleton park. The day wore her out, but it was well worth it to hear her chatter with enthusiasm again (not to mention soaking up some pure Vitamin D).

Part of Practising Simplicity's 52 project.

Last week, I particularly enjoyed Kristy, and Locus' photos. Please, pay their lovely portraits a visit.

Maile's sari trim hoodie c/o The Wishing Elephant. Thank you, as always, Carolyn.

3/52

"A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2014."

Maile: This week's portrait is about little details I'll remember about the day ... 

It's hardly noticeable here, but she asked me to curl her hair before our zoo outing. I curled the ends under just a smidgen, and she insisted that I leave her hair like that. "No bow, no bobby-pin. Just like Mama." 

I absolutely hate those silly pink sunglasses, but Maile loves them, and that's what matters; she also loves polka dots. 

The carousel is Maile's favorite thing. She will ask to ride it again, and again, and again ... carefully selecting a new animal she'd like to ride, with each turn. The thing is, you wouldn't know it. Once she's seated, she becomes lost in the experience. Her face stoic. Her eyes gone to another place. I cannot begin to tell you how overjoyed I was to capture this hint of a smile.

Part of Practising Simplicity's 52 project.

Last week, I particularly enjoyed Erica, and Kirsty's photos. Please, pay their lovely portraits a visit.

2/52

"A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2014."

Maile: Hot chocolate 'mustache' on her lip, helping Dada take down the Christmas lights, she exclaims, "I the light fairy!" (ISO 100, f5.6, 1/160th)

Part of Practising Simplicity's 52 project.

1/52

"A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2014."

Maile: Puzzling with the adults. (ISO 6400, f5.0, 1/125th)

Part of Practising Simplicity's 52 project.

One of my goals for this year's project is to take more nontraditional portraits, photos that may not include Maile's face, but still convey the mood of the moment.

For those who may not be familiar with Jodi's (formerly Che and Fidel) project, you can find out more through the link above. It truly is a precious gift to have a year of pictures of our children. Many creative bloggers also capture photos of their partners or pets. Please, join us!

Finally, a warm welcome to our newest sponsor, quarkbaby! Lindsey, owner and creator behind this adorable shop, makes baby and toddler wear with geeky flare. Pay her a visit, and tell her we sent you!

Have a Wonderful New Year's Eve!

Have a wonderful holiday, everyone! I leave you with this photo of Miss Maile sound asleep in her dada's arms after a long day of play yesterday. Oh, these two! They sure do make me happy. And speaking of happy ...

Happy New Year's Eve!

50/52

"A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Maile: Twirling. (ISO 100, f4.0, 1/400th)

Part of Che and Fidel's 52 project.

Last week, I particularly enjoyed the portraits posted by monkey + squirrel, and Lamb Loves Fox. Please, pay their beautiful pictures a visit.

It's a ...

boy!!!

We loved reading all of your guesses! Both here, and especially on Instagram.

So excited to meet this little dude in May!

* Thank you to my wonderful friend Sarah for the ombre cupcakes, and to my equally wonderful friend Kyna for Maile's beautiful dress.

A Movie with Dada

Long before we found out that I was pregnant with Maile, I dreamed of family movies. I couldn't wait for the day we'd pile in the car to go to the local theater, and I'd hand a tiny hand a ticket. We'd agonize over decisions like Junior Mints or Sour Patch Kids, order our popcorn with extra butter, and feel sneaky bringing a salt shaker into the theater with us. This summer, we took Maile to her very first movie theater movie (Monsters University), but she maybe wasn't quiiiiiiite old enough yet, and I've been looking forward to taking her to a movie she'll actually want to sit through. (Tim also took her to see Planes, which put her to sleep.)

So rewind to yesterday, when we showed Maile a trailer of Frozen, and she asked, "Dada take me to a movie?" and we got really excited.

She even ended up invited me too, which was good because I really wanted to watch Frozen. But the best part about this movie theater experience wasn't the movie, it was watching Maile -- she. was. entranced. And it was perfect.

This is What Happens When You Go on a Winter Walk with Ariel

We hope you had a happy Thanksgiving weekend!

Maile and I got to enjoy a meal with a friend's family. And even though Tim had to work, the camp he stayed in did cater a turkey dinner (though I can't vouch for how good it was or wasn't). ;)

47/52

"A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Maile: "I'm in the tree!" she exclaimed. (ISO 100, f5.6, 1/160th)

Part of Che and Fidel's 52 project.

Last week, I particularly enjoyed the portraits posted by Jane Mabel, and Preeti. Please, pay their beautiful pictures a visit.

Finally, I feel honored to have another portrait of Maile mentioned by Jodi, the creator of the 52 project. Thank you!

46/52

"A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Maile: Our serious girl. Those eyes. That piercing gaze. This photo is so quintessentially 'her.'

Part of Che and Fidel's 52 project.

Last week, I particularly enjoyed the portraits posted by Kate, and Dee. Please, pay their beautiful pictures a visit.

Maile's scarf c/o Bizzy B Crafts.

Autumn on Pearl

A day on Pearl Street, with a dear friend.

The weather was cool and crisp.

The trees were vibrantly hued. 

The aroma of freshly baked breads and pastries hung in the air ...

... and Pearl smelled of Autumn.